Akatsuki Translations

The spirit of the wind frolics in the field of Oohiruga flowers, dancing with the flower spirits as the sun shines brightly upon them.

The continent of Isralia was entering summer.

The 【Spirit of Spring, Spriggal】 had departed, and the 【Spirit of Summer, Sami】 had appeared. Although the change of seasons in the continent of Isralia is gentle, the sunlight poured by the Sun God during the day burns the skin. Naturally, sweat beads on the forehead when walking outside.

The priests in the temples inhabited by spirits will begin preparations for the 【Sun Festival】 to celebrate the peak period of the Sun God, recognizing the arrival of summer by the scent of flowers brought by the Spirit of the Wind, Fynellian. The city dwellers will offer prayers of gratitude for the heat descending through the Sun Barrier and rejoice at the arrival of summer.

And then, the Nameless ones, cast out of the city, extend their feet to reach the next city, or perhaps, while being scorched by the blazing heat…

“Here it comes! Here it comes!! It’s coming! A monster, there!! Shizuku!” -Ur

“We still haven’t set up Lynne-sama’s formation!! Rock-sama!” -Shizuku

『HA, Busy, aren’t we!! 』-Rock

In the damp, dark dungeon, they seem to be playing a game of chase with monsters.

Ur and his group were the latter.

Northwest of the City of Sin, Lust, in the administrative region of the City of Sin, Gradol, lies a small dungeon. Currently, Ur and his party are exploring its 8th floor.

Generally, small dungeons end between 3 to 8 layers. At the deepest part lies the 【True Magic Core】, The power source of the dungeon, protected by an 【Owner】. That’s the norm.

And that’s exactly where Ur and his party currently are. In other words,

『ＳＩＩＩＩＩＩＩＩＩＩＩＩＡＡＡＡＡＡＡＡＡＡ！！！』

Right now, Ur and his companions are in the midst of confronting the Owner.

The adversary is a Soul-Devouring Tiger. Though it is called a tiger, its abnormally elongated claws, fangs, a giant single eye in the center of its head, and the miasma it exhales are all grotesquely un-tiger-like.

The creature classifies as a tenth-rank monster, considered as formidable as a crystal golem.

Its fangs pierce armor, its claws slice skin, its miasmic breath rots lungs, and it moves with terrifying agility. In terms of difficulty to defeat, while the crystal golem is at the tenth rank, the Soul-Devouring Tiger represents pure danger. The confrontation is undoubtedly perilous for them.

However, Ur and his party are not the same as when they confronted the crystal golem.

“Rock!!” -Ur

『Here we go!! 』-Rock

As Ur and Shizuku retreat from the pursuing Soul-Devouring Tiger in the underground corridor, Rock bursts forth. More precisely, the chariot known as “Rock’n’Roll,” enveloping and moving his physical body, dashes forward. Simultaneously, his skeletal body emits a glow of magical power.

『Bone Core Transformation!! 』-Rock

In an instant, the bone at the front of the chariot detaches, forming an impromptu wall in the dungeon’s corridor. The blade extends, piercing through the charging Soul-Devouring Tiger’s body.

『ＧＡＡＡＡＡＡＡＡＡＡ！！！』

Yet, even so, it did not cease its charge in the slightest. While its body was riddled with holes, it continued to claw and swing wildly, attempting to break through the bone wall. Its frenzied attack was, however, assuredly weakening the wall.

『Don’t think it’ll hold!! 』-Rock

“【Smash】” -Shizuku

“【Piercing Thrust!!】” -Ur

Shizuku strikes the top of the head with a rod manipulated by material manipulation, and Ur smashes the dragonfang spear into the body. An eerie, bluish-purple blood spurts out, but still, the Soul-Devouring Tiger does not stop. It rams into the bone wall, trying desperately to get over it.

So desperately…

“Is it not ready yet, Lynne!?” -Ur

“……!…………!!” -Lynne

The reason is clear. It’s to eliminate Lynne on the other side of that wall.

Due to the threat of the 【Ultimate Magic】produced by the 【White King Formation】, it senses that. It knows they must be eliminated, or it will be destroyed. Hence, the desperation.

『Hey Ur! That thing, isn’t it about to burst out like ‘Buaaa’? 』-Rock

“If you mean 【Roar】, I’ve already used it all up! Recharging!” -Ur

『Is the enemy still kicking!? 』-Rock

“It didn’t hit!!” -Ur

『Is that grandiose magic eye just for show!? 』-Rock

“It’s just fuckin’ hard to use! Just a decoration, damn it!” -Ur

As Ur retorts to Rock’s scolding, he repeatedly stabs the dragonfang spear into the tiger’s body. But it doesn’t flinch in the slightest. On the contrary, its pitch-black fur seemed to extend like needles, flying towards them to tear them to shreds.

Monsters are, as most are, overly enthusiastic about killing living things. Deviating from the rationale of normal creatures, is what defines a true monster.

『The wall, it’s about to be breached! 』-Rock

“gh…!!” -Ur

Ur groans and concentrates strength in his right arm. His arm, wrapped in a black sleep patch, bulges. The dragon’s curse-induced frenzy, coupled with the magic power acquired from defeating numerous bounties, has enhanced Ur’s body. He gathers all the surging power into his right arm, slams his left foot down, and lunges forward in a straight line.

” uuURAAAAAAAAAAAH!!!” -Ur

『ＧＡＡＡＡＡＡＡＡＡＡ！！！？』

The blood spray from the thrust spear becomes even larger. Ur clenches his teeth harder, gouging further, penetrating the entrails.

『ＧＡ！！！』

The Soul-Devouring Tiger’s paw rises, swinging down towards Ur. Apparently recognized as an annoying foreign enemy that must be eliminated in the face of the White King Formation’s threat. That’s good. The goal is to divert the enemy’s attack from the White King Formation.

The problem is that he would die at this rate.

“Ur-sama!” -Shizuku

In the moment the claw swings down, Shizuku’s rod intervenes. The slender rod, controlled by material manipulation magic, seemed flimsy enough to be broken easily by the Soul-Devouring Tiger’s blow. However, it catches the descending claw with a pale blue light and even repels it.

『ＧＡＡＡ！？』

“【【【Sing, O Flames, and Coat Mine Sword】】】” -Shizuku

Furthermore, with the chant, a crimson flame wraps around it. Moreover, “three times”. The rod, now imbued with layered magic, looked like a huge pillar of fire. It then wavers in the air and shoots straight towards the Soul-Devouring Tiger like an arrow.

『ＧＵＵＵＵＵＵＵＵＵＵＵＡＡＡＡＡＡＡＡＡＡＡ！！！』

The rod, enveloped in flames upon impact, scorched the tiger with explosive firepower. Perhaps unable to withstand it, the Soul-Devouring Tiger retreated significantly—however,

『ＧＡＡＡＡＡＡＡＡ………！！』

Even with its viscera spilling out and its body charred, the killing intent and fighting spirit of the Soul-Devouring Tiger did not seem to wane at all. Its whole body’s black fur bristled menacingly. It wasn’t just a show of anger but a targeted arrow aimed directly at them.

It lunged. Ur, sensing this instinctively, took preemptive action.

“Rock! The spear!!” -Ur

『Bone Core Transformation!! 』-Rock

“【【【Sing in Chorus, O Flames, and Vanquish Mine Enemies】】】” -Shizuku

As soon as Rock produced a sharp spear from the shattered bone wall, Ur grabbed it, swung back, and hurled it straight. At the same time, Shizuku chanted the fire magic, making it “resonate”. Three giant balls of fire formed in the void and slammed straight into the Soul-Devouring Tiger.

『ＧＡＡＡＡＡＡＡＡＡＡＡＡＡＡＡＡＡ！！！』

The bone spear hit right in the eye, and the balls of fire scorched the flesh. Yet, even so, the Soul-Devouring Tiger continued to fight, instantly shooting black fur arrows as a counterattack. Ur braced with his shield, and Shizuku retreated behind him. Despite their defenses, the armor was torn, and the skin was lacerated.

“Ugh…!! Seriously, it’s not flinching at all!!” -Ur

“Healing!!” -Shizuku

“No… rather than that,” -Ur

Ur felt a presence behind him. His engraved experiences made him sensitive to this overwhelming presence, a sense of something like an overwhelming lump of destruction.

Perhaps the Soul-Devouring Tiger sensed it too. The beast, which had been relentlessly attacking like mad, restrained its arrow-like fur, hesitatingly taking a step back.

But it was too late.

“【Open】【Demon Slaying Celestial Wind・ White King Formation】” -Lynne

Just after Lynne, who had been continuously drawing the White King Formation behind the chariot, chanted this, a tornado-like roaring wind erupted within the dungeon, and in a blink, the Soul-Devouring Tiger was bisected at its center.

『………ＧＡ』

The Owner of the dungeon died instantly, without even understanding what happened.

【Composite Dungeon, Sora Valley】【Small Dungeon Iza】conquered.

　　　　　　　　　　　　　　◆◆◆◆◆◆◆◆◆◆

Heading northwest from the City of Sin, Lust, one encounters a large valley. Originally it was a large river flowing from Sora Lake, located beside the Apas Mountain Range, but the emergence of a dungeon changed its structure significantly.

The river twisted like a snake, deepening like a valley, and its current became rapid. Around the valley that became the gorge, numerous dungeons emerged, intertwining complexly into one giant maze.

That is the 【Composite Dungeon, Sora Valley】.

All the land routes heading northwest to 【City of Sin, Gradol】 or directly west to 【City of Sin, Proudia】 from 【City of Sin, Lust】 are obstructed by this composite dungeon. One inevitably collides with some part of the valley’s belly when attempting the land route.

Therefore, Ur and his companions inevitably had to breach this dungeon in their journey towards 【City of Sin, Gradol】.

“Ah, tired.” -Ur

Having breached the dungeon and emerged from the exit, Ur removed his helmet and wiped off his sweat. Shizuku, Rock in the form of a carriage, and Lynne being transported inside Rock, all followed suit, equally exhausted.

“…Hey, maybe we should have taken an easier route?” -Lynne

Lynne, showing her face from the upper entrance of the “Rock’n’Roll”, slumped from the depletion of her magic power, inquired. It was too late to say this after having already conquered the dungeon, but the sentiment was understandable. The 【Small Dungeon, Iza】 was quite tough for what was supposed to be a simple passage. It might be a small dungeon in scale, but the monsters were considerably challenging.

“There are stable routes with lower difficulty dungeons… but they’re too far. Compared to this route, it might take a month longer. Plus, there are tolls.” -Ur

“We wouldn’t meet Echelle-sama of the Sun Knights’ deadline either, then.” -Shizuku

『It doesn’t suit the intentions of the【Hero】 either. Here it comes. 』-Rock

After a while, another “carriage” showed up from the exit. Normally difficult for carriages to enter dungeons, but there they were, breezing through with Dāru and Sūru, and then,

《Nii-tan! You’re not dead, are you?!》-Akane

The spirit-bound Akane jumped onto Ur’s face. Ur, as usual, caught her and then peeled her off his face. The fairy-like girl, always fluttering in the air, laughed upon seeing Ur safe and sound.

“I’m not dead, Akane, Jenna. How about you guys? Were you okay?” -Ur

《Dāru and Sūru are super smart. 》-Akane

“With these two, conquering a small dungeon is no problem at all, so rest assured. “ -Jenna

Jenna, the attendant of Diz who was handling the two beasts, smiled.

Praised by Akane, Sūru cozily rubbed against the flying Akane, while Dāru snorted as if to say, “Of course.” These two were truly intelligent and strong, nonchalantly traversing the dungeon that posed a challenge for the Rock ‘n’ Roll.

And as for their Owner, Diz,

“How about Diz?” -Ur

《Sleeping. 》-Akane

“Still?” -Ur

“I believe she can sleep for another week.” -Jenna

《She overdid it. 》-Akane

Inside the carriage, the blonde and beautiful hero lies soundly asleep in a makeshift bed, not stirring at all. She’s been in this state of deep sleep for over five days already.

“Hey, Diz, we’ve made it through the dungeon, you get that?” -Ur

“……Mmm…nah…” -Diz

“No use.” -Ur

As she had previously warned, Diz is currently resting her body to heal the damage inflicted by the Dragon of Sin, Lust. It’s almost like hibernation for beasts.

Anyway, it’s clear that Diz is currently incapacitated. In other words, the responsibility as her escorts is significant. More often than not, they had been protected rather than protecting, but at least when she’s truly resting her body, they need to do their job properly. Ur slapped his cheeks to psych himself up.

“…Well then,” -Ur

Ur looked around. This place was the lowest level of the Sora Valley they had descended through the small dungeon. In the center flowed a river. At first glance, it seemed small, but looking around, there were several places where the swollen river had left marks.

From what could be seen, the water had flowed at a height surpassing their stature. Rock, confirming this, made a dubious sound in his chariot form.

『…Is this place safe? 』-Rock

“Dangerous. The water is low now, but no telling when it might rise. We need to cross quickly.” -Ur

According to information from the Lust Adventurers’ Guild, after descending the valley, there is a special “bridge” downstream to cross to the other side. They are already heading in that direction.

“Shizuku, Footprints… are you on it?” -Ur

When Ur looked back, she was already tracing Footprints in Fresh Snow, singing an aria. Her clear voice echoed and resonated through the valleys. The mysterious melody was somewhat soothing to listen to, but of course, they weren’t listening to relax. After a while, she opened her eyes and a grimoire.

“Ur-sama, if we walk a little further, we should see ‘that bridge’.” -Shizuku

“Got it, thanks.” -Ur

“And there’s a flash flood coming down from upstream at an incredible speed.” -Shizuku

“Got it, not so thankful, HURRY ROOOCK! JENNA!!!” -Ur

『HA! You really have no luck, lad! 』-Rock

“Leave it to me.” -Jenna

Rock began to sprint with its wheels turning, and Jenna adeptly had Dāru and Sūru run in response to Ur’s call. Ur and Shizuku jumped onto the Rock ‘n’ Roll, and Akane returned to Dāru and Sūru’s carriage.

“How much magic power is left?” -Ur

『Just a bit! Should I eat the Soul-Devouring Tiger’s magic stone!? 』-Rock

“When it’s do-or-die, eat it! First, rush to the ‘bridge’!” -Ur

Inside the violently shaking carriage, Ur felt another vibration. A sound like the entire valley trembling, undoubtedly the noise of an approaching massive water flow. They didn’t have time.

“I see something! The bridge… wait, that’s not it! What’s that?!” -Lynne

A shocked voice came from Lynne on top. Ur also saw it, a huge gray object suddenly appeared in the middle of the river. At first glance, it looked like a large rock, but on closer inspection, it was moving slightly.

『What in the blazes is that!? A huge monster!? 』-Rock

“That’s it! The【Great King Elephant】!! Climb, Rock!” -Ur

『You’re asking the impossible! 【Bone Core Transformation】! 』-Rock

《I’ll help too! 》-Akane

In an instant, bones shot out in front of the speeding Rock ‘n’ Roll, forming a makeshift rail track extending towards the gray hill. Simultaneously, Akane’s crimson-gold body connected the Rock ‘n’ Roll and Dāru and Sūru, further reinforcing the tracks. The two carriages climbed the impromptu tracks with great momentum.

“Here it comes!” -Shizuku

And the next moment, a burst-like sound accompanied the flash flood rushing in.

『Whoa!? 』-Rock

Muddy water and a large amount of debris flowed in, splitting into two forks around the gray mountain and passing on the right. The ferocity of nature, more frightening than any ill-tempered monster, chilled Ur to the core.

“We were close to dying there.” -Shizuku

『Really making a mess, aren’t they? 』-Rock

《That’s scary. 》-Akane

“Wood debris… Maybe there was a natural dam somewhere.” -Lynne

“It seems you all are quite beloved by trouble, more than I heard.” -Jenna

“Shut it.” -Ur

“Zzzz…” -Diz

Each expressed their thoughts while catching their breath. But as a result, they were immobilized. Although they were saved, the river had completely swollen, and the land they had been walking on was now submerged.

『So, what do we do from here? 』-Rock

“…I believe we need to get the bridge to move, if I remember correctly.” -Ur

“Bridge… you mean, thi… this thing?” -Lynne

Lynne pointed to the gray, mound-like lump at their feet that had just saved them. On closer inspection, it was a creature covered in coarse, gray fur. Its massive body, currently being bombarded by the flash flood, didn’t budge an inch. Its back (or what seemed to be) was wide and large enough to hold two carriages without any issue.

“It’s a 【Great King Elephant】, from what I’ve heard.” -Shizuku

“A monster?” -Ur

“No. It’s a beast native to this region. It doesn’t attack humans, apparently.” -Shizuku  

As Shizuku explained this, the ground beneath them shook. Meaning the Great King Elephant had started to move. Slowly, it probably stood up. The viewpoint of Ur and his companions elevated further.

“Should we stay on it? Won’t we be thrown off?” -Lynne

“No, the 【Great King Elephant】is intelligent. It should be aware of our presence. So…” -Ur

As Ur was explaining, a shadow fell over them. Looking up, the gray snake… no, the trunk of the Great King Elephant had extended and was reaching towards them.

《Such a big nose. 》-Akane

“Indeed it is.” -Shizuku

『HAHAH! What a creature! 』-Rock

Akane, Shizuku, and Rock expressed their relaxed observations,

“…Hey, this trunk looks big enough to swallow a carriage, aren’t we going to get eaten?” -Lynne

“I really hope we don’t get eaten…” -Ur

Ur and Lynne were genuinely frightened.

However, to their relief, the trunk didn’t attempt to eat them. It swayed, as if searching for the creatures that had climbed onto its head, bringing its tip closer to Ur and the others. Warm breath blew strongly at them. And then,

“…Alright, Shizuku.” -Ur

“Yes, Ur-sama.” -Shizuku

Following Ur’s instruction, Shizuku took out one of the cargo attached to the Rock ‘n’ Roll. It was a considerably large wooden box, and when opened, it was packed with a large amount of Lily fruit.

“Are you going to feed it the Lily fruit?” -Lynne

“It’s omnivorous but apparently it likes them. So, we’re going to use these to negotiate.” -Ur

Ur pushed the box of Lily fruit in front of the elephant’s trunk. The Great King Elephant touched the Lily fruits with its trunk tip, skillfully picked them up along with the wooden box, and carried them away. After a while, they heard the sound of both the wooden box and the Lily fruits being crunched.

“Is it eating the whole box?” -Lynne

“Let’s make sure we don’t get eaten too.” -Ur

As they spoke, the trunk returned. It exhaled warm breath and seemed content. And then,

『Will carry. 』

“Did it just speak?!” -Lynne

“It’s intelligent, I told you. Everyone, back to the carriage.” -Ur

As they were talking, the Great King Elephant’s trunk began to move. It extended around the Rock ‘n’ Roll and Diz’s carriage, slowly closing the distance.

“Is it really okay? Both carriages at once?” -Lynne

Typically, carriages don’t pass through dungeons. It’s almost unprecedented to have a Great King Elephant carry two carriages. Even with the elephant’s massive body easily bearing two carriages, Lynne looked worried.

“If it can’t manage both, it’ll apparently carry them one at a time.” -Ur

As they spoke, the trunk approached. It was incredibly long and skillfully, yet gently, grasped both carriages, as well as Dāru and Sūru. Both Rock and Dāru and Sūru stayed calm and were held securely. Then the trunk lifted them up, higher and higher.

『Whoooooaa!? 』-Rock

《Wahaha! Amaaaazing!!! 》-Akane

“……!!!” -Ur

As the trunk extended up, lifting them across the deep valley, Ur nearly screamed. The ascent was so sudden and steep. But before he could yell, they were lifted up with the carriages, and then with a thud, they landed on solid ground.

When they looked up, they were already above the valley, on the west side of the valley, on the road to the City of Sin, Gradol.

『Carried. 』-Great King Elephant

“A-ah, thank you… that was helpful.” -Ur

There was no need to worry about being mistakenly taken back towards Last. Ur thanked the Great King Elephant as its trunk exhaled. And then,

『Be careful. 』-Great King Elephant

“Eh?” -Ur

As they thought they were parting, the Great King Elephant spoke again. They hadn’t been told by the adventurers’ guild that it would talk to them. As they puzzled over this, the trunk continued,

『Same scent as your right hand, from ahead. 』-Great King Elephant

With that, the long trunk of the Great King Elephant descended back down into the depths of the valley.

By “right hand,” it referred to Ur, specifically his dragon-cursed right hand wrapped in black bands. The same scent ahead meant the presence of dragons coming from Gradol.

“…Well, that confirms the ‘dragon calamity’ a bit more…” -Ur

Ur had been skeptical about the reports of damage done by a dragon.

Dragons aren’t supposed to appear so easily. If they did, no city would be safe enough. Even the “Nameless” who wander the cities rarely encounter dragons. They are considered legendary beings within the cities.

So, the hope that dragons wouldn’t so easily appear was quickly dashed by the Great King Elephant.

“……I really don’t want to go” -Ur

“I’m sorry, Ur-sama, but—” -Shizuku

“I know. I don’t intend to let the Sun Knights take all the initiative.” -Ur

No use in whining forever. As the leader of the guild, the 【Walkers】, he readjusted his resolve, slapped his cheek, and looked around at everyone. They nodded back in response.

And so, they stepped into the territory of the City of Sin, Gradol.