Akatsuki Translations

In the depths of an exhausting darkness where even stirring was difficult, a pain like hot needles pierced all over his body. Even if he tried to escape, he couldn’t move an inch and just groaned. It wasn’t just his body; his left eye was burning too. His pupils felt like they were being scorched by the heat. Though it would probably feel nice to gouge them out and soak them in water, of course, he couldn’t do that.

Suffering from the pain, struggling, utterly exhausted, he fell back into a doze. That was the cycle.

Finally, his consciousness awakened when the pain and heat enveloping his body had slightly subsided.

“…I’m alive.” -Ur

That was the first thing Ur said when he woke up.

In a bed under the sunlight from a window, wrapped in bandages, Ur realized he had returned alive from that hell. Honestly, he couldn’t believe he had survived. But the heat throughout his body and the stabbing pain in his arm and eye clearly indicated his return.

“Ur.” -Lynne

Hearing his name called, Ur turned his head while still lying down. The hobbit girl, Lynne, was looking at him worriedly.

“You’re awake.” -Lynne

“…So you were safe.” -Ur

“That’s my line. Really. I thought my first party was about to be immediately destroyed.” -Lynne

“I thought so too.” -Ur

“I replenished Rock’s magical power and returned to the dungeon entrance. Fortunately, I only had a few encounters with any monsters.” -Lynne

“How long have I been out?” -Ur

“It’s only been half a day, the sun hasn’t even set yet.” -Lynne

Saying that, she poured water from a nearby pitcher and brought it to his mouth. Ur silently drank it. The cold water filled his parched mouth and quenched his throat. It was easier to talk than before.

“Where does your body hurt?” -Lynne

“My entire body, my arm, and my eye. But it’s not unbearable.” -Ur

“Okay, I’ll call a healer. Sleep a little more.” -Lynne

“What about Shizuku?” -Ur

“Next to you.” -Lynne

He turned his head. Shizuku was sleeping soundly in the bed next to him. She seemed to be in a much better state than Ur, but her face was pale.

“She seems to have used a lot of magic.”  -Lynne

“I see.” -Ur

“Not as much as you, though.” -Lynne

“I see…” -Ur

In short, everyone was safe. Knowing this, he quickly became sleepy again. Relief, fatigue, and injuries invited drowsiness. There were still many things to confirm, but the concerns melted away before they could be put into words.

Sensing this, Lynne stroked Ur’s forehead and then laid him back down on the bed.

“Sleep.” -Lynne

Ur couldn’t resist her hand. As he buried his head in the soft pillow, his eyelids involuntarily began to close. But just before falling asleep, Ur resisted and raised his head slightly.

“Lynne.” -Ur

“What?” -Lynne

“Thank you. I survived because of you.” -Ur

After saying just that, his limit was reached. His head swayed, and his eyelids closed. The moment his head hit the pillow, he lost consciousness.

　　　　　　　　　　◆◆◆◆◆◆◆◆◆◆

“Is the Nameless boy here?!”

Ur woke up again to a voice ringing in his head like a noisy gong.

The heat and pain in his body had further subsided. His body felt comfortable. The healer’s skills were remarkable. For now, he forgot about the concern of how much gold it would cost. The pain in his arm had subsided. However, the stabbing pain in his left eye still persisted. Perhaps the modification of the “Magic Eye” was the most serious injury.

“Please wait! This is a place for healing the mind and body, please be considerate!!” -Healer

“I will be considerate, but this is urgent!! Step aside, healing maidens!”

There was the sound of heavy footsteps and a voice like a woman’s scream. Clearly, it was heading this way. Ur directed his gaze towards the room’s door.

“Boy! Are you here?!”

The one who burst through the door with great force was the muscle-bound giant man Ur had seen in the deeper levels of the dungeon. In this ordinary-sized room, the man, named Gronzon Seira Dylan, a member of the 【Seven Heavens】, bearing the title 【Heavenly Fist】,  made the space feel suddenly cramped.

Ur knew of the name 【Heavenly Fist】. It belonged to a famous man. That famous man was now approaching him.

“Thank you for helping me back then.” -Ur

“Yes!! But give your thanks to the Wise Heavenly King and the Sun God! Social standing does not matter. Even a Nameless’ prayer is fine!!” -Gronzon

As told, Ur offered a prayer to the Sun God. Gronzon nodded in satisfaction.

“Now boy!! Why did the dragon make contact with you all? Answer me!!!” -Gronzon

“I don’t know.” -Ur

“Why don’t you know!!!” -Gronzon

“I just don’t.” -Ur

Ur genuinely didn’t know. At least, he was just an ordinary adventurer, albeit one who was doing something quite reckless by current adventurer standards, like targeting bounties. His background wasn’t special; he was just a “Nameless” adventurer.

“Gronzon-sama, he’s just recovered from an illness. Please, don’t be too harsh…” -Lynne

Lynne appeared again. She seemed to have been continuing her visit. Standing next to the giant man Gronzon, the hobbit girl Lynne made him look even more like a giant.

“Hmm, your name?” -Gronzon

“I am Lynne Nuu Leyline.”  -Lynne

“Nuu, is it! Then I allow your protest!! But do not obstruct me! This is a mission from the Sun God!” -Gronzon

Gronzon growled. Ur wished they could be a bit quieter, as Shizuku was still sleeping. However, this Heavenly Fist seemed very insistent. It didn’t look like he would back down easily. What to do?

“Boy, you are obliged to answer my question! Answer me!!!” -Gronzon

“I just don’t know.” -Ur

Ur was at a loss. Currently, he was facing a member of the “Seven Heavens,” a 【Seira】, meaning a person of the second-highest rank in the【Temple】. He had no intention of opposing them, but unfortunately, he didn’t have a satisfying answer for Gronzon.

“If the dragon becomes active, entire cities could be destroyed!!! If it bursts from the dungeon’s abyss, we must identify the cause! It’s the duty of the Seven Heavens!” -Gronzon

“Seven Heavens. I have no intention of opposing them. I owe Diz a lot.” -Ur

He chose not to say that Diz was also the root of many problems. He didn’t want his words to be taken as an insult.

“That girl has a hobby of helping people, it seems!! Truly a pity!” -Gronzon

“A pity?” -Ur

Ur found the remark strange. Seeing Ur’s puzzled look, Gronzon seemed to understand his thoughts and nodded, “Ah.”

“The hero is the weakest among the Seven Heavens. I think her spirituality is the most noble, but it’s a pity.” -Gronzon

“Weak… she herself said that.” -Ur

However, hearing it from another colleague made it seem surprising. Regardless of what others said, Ur believed Diz’s abilities were far beyond his reach. Of course, Gronzon in front of him was also incredibly powerful, but he hadn’t thought the difference was so decisive.

Of course, Ur might not be able to gauge such things, but as he thought this, Gronzon nodded as if reading his mind.

“It’s not a matter of skill. She has not been bestowed the 【Blessing of the Sun God. 】”-Gronzon

“…. 【Blessing】.” -Ur

The power of the priests who receive 【Blessings】from spirits and wield them at will. Ur was familiar with this. But the 【Blessing of the Sun God】 was different. It wasn’t the same as the powers exercised by the priests of the temple.

Ur glanced at Gronzon’s hands. The golden gauntlets he had brandished, were they the so-called 【Blessing of the Sun God】?

“The 【Hero】is the only one among the Seven Heavens who has not been given a 【Blessing】. Therefore, she cannot fulfill the original duty of the Seven Heavens to oppose the sin dragons. That’s why it’s a pity.” -Gronzon

“Why hasn’t she been given a blessing?” -Ur

As soon as Ur blurted this out, he realized his voice carried a tinge of anger, perhaps because he had been narrowly saved by Diz and Akane just before. He seemed to feel more indebted than he thought.

But Gronzon returned his words with a strong gaze.

“The decision to bestow the Sun’s blessing or not is at the discretion of our Wise Heavenly King. We have no right to interfere. Of course, neither do you, boy.” -Gronzon

He said it sternly, almost reproachfully. Ur bowed his head in acknowledgment.

“I apologize. I spoke out of turn.” -Ur

Then Gronzon laughed heartily.

“Good! It seems you’ve been well taken care of!” -Gronzon

It seemed Ur hadn’t offended him or damaged his mood. It appeared to be a warning considering Ur’s position. Gronzon was boisterous and forceful, but he was more than just that.

“Now, let’s get back to the topic. Tell me what happened at that ti—” -Gronzon

“Oh my, 【Heavenly Fist】-sama, what are you doing in a place like this?”

“Hmm.” -Gronzon

A new figure appeared. A white-haired, elderly woman. However, the clothes she wore were elegant, and her lightly applied makeup gave her a genteel and kind appearance.

“Headmistress Neite…”  -Lynne

Lynne whispered in surprise.

Since Lynne called her “Headmistress”, she must be the head of Lautaro Magic Academy. Why she was here was another question, but putting aside Ur’s confusion, Neite approached Gronzon fearlessly, smiling brightly.

“Neite Loine Arnaude. It’s been a while!” -Gronzon

“It has indeed. You look as robust as ever, which is good to see.”  -Neite

“Of course, I am the proxy of the Sun God!” -Gronzon

“But there are many here who are not.” -Neite

“Hmm.” -Gronzon

“There are those who are fighting injury and illness, lying exhausted.” -Neite

“Hmm… but still.” -Gronzon

“Then, let me help in my modest way. I will reach out to the Adventurer’s Guild and request to hear their stories. That would be less inconvenient for them.” -Neite

“Hmm.” -Gronzon

“Rather than hear from them, there must be things that only you can do. Let an old lady like me help with what I can.” -Neite

Against Gronzon’s intense demeanor, Neite responded leisurely, with a constant smile. Each of her responses seemed to diminish Gronzon’s fervor. Finally, he hummed thoughtfully and then nodded calmly.

“Then I’ll leave it to you. I’m counting on you.” -Gronzon

“Yes, of course.” -Neite

“Nameless boy, you too must answer properly! The restraint of the dragon is directly connected to the survival of all people! Don’t forget it’s not just about the city!” -Gronzon

“I won’t forget.” -Ur

Satisfied with Ur’s response, Gronzon roughly patted his head, a gesture Ur had only experienced from the old man at the orphanage. As Ur was still puzzled by this, Gronzon suddenly raised his arms.

What is it? Ur wondered. For a moment, his arms shimmered golden. The image of the golden gauntlets he had used in the deep layers of the Dungeon of Sin flashed briefly. Then,

“【Heavenly Fist of Purification】.” -Gronzon

A bell-like sound, surprisingly serene coming from the mighty Gronzon’s fists, echoed. Before surprise could set in, the beautiful sound captivated Ur, and soon exclamations of amazement started from the surrounding sickrooms.

“What’s this, suddenly feeling better…?”

“Wow! My back pain that’s been bothering me is gone!!”

“Doctor! The patient who’s been bedridden woke up!!”

While hearing the commotion, Ur also felt the pain that had persisted throughout the conversation receding. Gronzon, having demonstrated the power of the 【Blessing of the Sun God】, laughed as if it was nothing.

“Yes!! I’ve caused some trouble!! Well then!!” -Gronzon

Saying that, he left the room in the same manner he had entered.

“…Really, he was like a storm.” -Lynne

“He’s not a bad person. He’s just a little too passionate about his work.” -Neite

Responding to Lynne’s stunned comment, Headmistress Neite gently smiled and added her thoughts. Then, she turned her attention back to Ur.

“Nice to meet you, Ur. I’m Neite, the headmistress of the academy. Although it’s not the first time I’ve met Lynne.” -Neite

The headmistress of Lautaro Magic Academy. One would imagine someone formidable, but she appeared as an elderly woman with a gentle and elegant demeanor. Ur also bowed his head in response.

“I’m Ur… Thank you for helping me.” -Ur

“I’d like to thank you as well. But Headmistress, why are you here?”  -Lynne

Lynne asked, clearly puzzled. Indeed, it seemed odd for the headmistress to be in a healing facility. Was she ill? But she looked healthy and well.

“I called her here. And since 【Heavenly Fist】 was getting involved with Ur, I asked for her help. If I had shown up, things would have heated up even more.” -Diz

Before Neite could answer Lynne’s question, Diz appeared suddenly, as if she had been hiding. At the same time,

《I’m here too!!! 》-Akane

Akane transformed into her young girl form and leapt at Ur. Ur, lacking the strength to brace himself, helplessly took the impact with his face.

“Akane, are you hurt?” -Ur

《T-h-a-t-’s m-y l-i-n-e~~!!! 》-Akane

While biting Ur’s head, Akane pouted angrily. Adorable, but Ur knew he should acknowledge her anger. Indeed, he had thought he was going to die this time. Diz too leaned in to check on Ur, who was lying on the bed.

“Ur, it’s good to see you’re well.” -Diz

“Do I look well?” -Ur

“Surviving a confrontation with a dragon and being able to talk normally is pretty miraculous.” -Diz

“I think so too… How about you?” -Ur

Ur scrutinized Diz from head to toe. She, dressed in plain, light attire resembling loungewear, didn’t appear to be injured. She looked completely relaxed and normal.

However, Ur remembered seeing her getting brutally attacked by the dragon. Logically, she should have been more severely injured than him. But now she seemed perfectly fine.

“I’m physically stronger than you, so don’t worry.” -Diz

“You’re not shortening your lifespan or anything, right? You’re okay?” -Ur

“Are you worried about me?” -Diz

“Of course, I am. What do you think I am?” -Ur

Upon hearing this, Diz let out a weird laugh, an odd woman indeed.

Well, she didn’t seem to be lying. That meant, in the end, Ur was the one most seriously injured. Realizing this, he felt suddenly exhausted again.

“Hero-sama, what did you need from me?” -Neite

“Just a favor. It’s done now. Sorry, grandma, for making you come all this way.” -Diz

“It’s okay. I enjoyed it.” -Neite

Saying this leisurely, she then turned her gaze back to Ur.

“Lynne’s request to leave the city as an adventurer has been approved. Please take good care of her from now on, Ur.” -Neite

Ur couldn’t quite grasp what she was saying at first. However, Lynne’s situation and whether she could live as an adventurer was indeed a significant objective of their recent mission. It seemed that the issue had been resolved.

Lynne, who was listening next to him, reacted immediately.

“Really…!?” -Lynne

“The bounty you defeated is sufficient as a merit. It’s been judged that you have at least the basic self-defense skills.” -Neite

“That’s great…” -Lynne

Lynne sighed in relief. Defeating the bounty was merely a means to an end, not the end itself for her. Hearing Headmistress Neite’s words, she finally felt reassured. Watching Lynne’s reaction, Headmistress Neite maintained her gentle smile and posed a question.

“Lynne, do you plan to continue being an adventurer?” -Neite

Asked this, Lynne blinked in surprise, then with a slightly cautious look, responded.

“…Yes, of course that’s my intention.” -Lynne

“Ah, I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to imply that I want to stop you.” -Neite

Neite chuckled softly. Her manner alone seemed to alleviate any anxiety. Ur was reminded, just a little, of Shizuku who was sleeping next to him.

“I’ve heard about it from your family. The White King Formation, the power that has protected this city, you want to restore its honor and raise its name, right?” -Neite

“Yes.” -Lynne

“That’s very admirable.” -Neite

Neite sincerely praised her. Then she added,

“But, the means to restore honor doesn’t have to be limited to being an adventurer, right? There are ways to settle in this city and work towards that goal. Do you still want to be an adventurer?” -Neite

This seemed like a question to confirm Lynne’s resolve, a query to check her determination. Sensing the intent behind the question, Lynne closed her eyes as if searching for the right words. Then, after looking at Ur, she faced the headmistress again.

“Yes. I intend to venture out as an adventurer, as a Leyline, to fight outside.” -Lynne

“So, you think joining them is the best way for this?” -Neite

“They, for their own purposes, don’t focus solely on magic stone mining but aim to hunt bounties that are harmful to people. If I can contribute to defeating evils that harm people but are unchallenged, it aligns with the will of the former White Witch.” -Lynne

And there’s one more reason, she said as she glanced at Ur again.

“They need me and the magic of the Leylines. I want to respond to that.” -Lynne

Saying this, probably for the first time, Lynne smiled happily in front of Ur.

---

Hope y’all have a merry Christmas! Enjoy the early release!

Artist: https://twitter.com/MzNo32