Akatsuki Translations

In the plains of the northern part of the Isralia continent, there lies a gigantic city and its surrounding satellite cities, which are under the dominion of the City of Sin, Gradol.

One of the significant features of this city, or rather the dominion of Gradol, is its “low appearance rate of monsters”. There are very few dungeons, meaning the appearance rate of monsters is also low. As a result, there is active development of areas beyond the 【Human Survival Zone】 in this land.

Therefore, there are many satellite cities, including those still “under construction”.

The place where Ur and the others are heading is one of these satellite cities under construction: 【Satellite City, Uuga】.

“There it is. The appointed ‘roost’.” -Ur

As they approached the hill ahead, they entered a resting area outside the city built by the “Nameless”. Soon they found the person they were supposed to meet. The Sun Knight, Echelle, greeted Ur and the others with a scowl and an angry face as soon as she saw them.

“You are late, damn you!” -Echelle

“We did come here at full speed by the shortest route, but sorry.” -Ur

Ur apologized. Echelle was visibly angry. Behind her, there was some large magical mechanical device. Mechanical wings, modeled after a bird’s, were extended. That must be the reason she got here faster than Ur and the others.

“Is that the ‘Flying Mobile Fortress’ exclusive to Sun Knights?” -Lynne

Lynne looked at it with interest. Ur approached as well. It was a finely crafted magic-driven machine. And considering its size, there seemed to be only about enough space for one person to board. Thus, it might be difficult for Ur and his group to use it.

Considering the difficulties they had faced on their journey, it would have been exhilarating to fly through the sky like a bird, easily overcoming obstacles, but alas.

“It’s not a showpiece.” -Echelle

With that, she waved her hand, and the flying mobile fortress began to move. It transformed with the glow of magic, quickly shrinking down, and before they knew it, it had become cube-shaped and fit into Echelle’s palm.

“That’s amazing.” -Ur

“Is this the work of spirits, or a trick of the magical machine?” -Shizuku

“Quiet… Where is the 【Hero】?” -Echelle

“She’s sleeping.” -Ur

Ur pointed to the carriage. Diz was still soundly sleeping inside the carriage. Akane also, to hide from Echelle, had turned into a cloak and was sleeping with Diz. Jenna simply bowed her head silently in front of Echelle, not interjecting anything.

“Even if they are the of the lowest seat, it’s disgraceful for someone who is supposed to be a guardian of the world.” -Echelle

From outside the carriage, Echelle saw Diz’s state and taunted her with those words.

“She fought desperately to save us, please forgive her.” -Ur

“Silence, I’m not interested in your opinions. We are leaving now. Follow me.” -Echelle

Ignoring Ur’s faint protest, Echelle mounted her horse nearby and left the roost. Ur and the others followed her.

“This place, 【 Uuga】, it’s ahead of us, right?” -Shizuku

“Yes.” -Echelle

“Then why was the meeting point here?”  -Shizuku

While riding on the back of Rock, who had become an undead horse, Shizuku questioned Echelle. Indeed, it would seem more straightforward to meet directly in Uuga. Echelle, usually quick to anger, paused at the question, then looked down.

“Echelle-sama?” -Shizuku

“…You’ll understand once we get there.” -Echelle

Ur wasn’t the only one who felt a sense of foreboding from her words.

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Afterward, the number of monsters they encountered was extremely few, and Ur and the others traveled along a very stable path. The plains with little elevation were peaceful. Occasionally, the calls of large birds flying high in the sky echoed far and wide.

After about an hour of uneventful travel, the destination finally came into their view.

“Is that the satellite city Uu……….ga…………..?” -Lynne

Lynne made an odd intonation when she visually confirmed “it”. But Ur understood why she felt that way. When he saw it, his head tilted significantly with doubt.

“It’s round?” -Shizuku

Shizuku’s comment was quite succinct, yet accurate.

A giant, pitch-black dome.

That was what appeared right in the middle of the plain. It was a strange sight that one would rarely see even inside a dungeon, leaving Ur at a loss for words. It was definitely not a 【Barrier of the Sun God】. That ominous black sphere felt entirely opposite to the sense of security provided by the sun’s barrier. What it was exactly was beyond anyone’s guess, but one thing was clear.

At least, that thing was not a “city.”

“…That is the 【Satellite City Uuga】.” -Echelle

However, contrary to Ur’s perception, Echelle called the mysterious sphere a city with a bitter tone. Ur nearly voiced his disbelief.

A city, by definition, is the last bastion for human activities, the only “inhabitable zone” in a world overrun by monsters. Certainly not such a suspicious, pitch-black sphere.

“Last month, the under-construction 【Satellite City, Uuga】 suddenly received a ‘dragon’s curse.’” -Echelle

“Dragon…” -Ur

“A ‘mysterious magical barrier’ covered the area up to several hundred meters radius from the central temple. As a result, the construction has been halted.” -Echelle

“That’s tough.” -Shizuku

Ignoring Shizuku’s nonchalant response, Ur was engulfed in a very unpleasant premonition. Or rather, a conviction. Why Echelle had forcefully recruited Shizuku, who possessed the uncertain power of being an “anti-dragon weapon,” was now clear from the explanation.

“Liberation of the curse is your quest.” -Echelle

“……………………………………………Understood.” -Ur

Without hurling any insults or cries of refusal, Ur barely nodded, almost commending himself.

Quest: Liberate the 【Dragon-Devoured City・Uuga】.

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『…Huh. This is quite a sight. 』-Rock

Rock muttered quietly, so Echelle wouldn’t hear, his comment sounding like that of a bystander. Without the fact that they were about to become involved, his remark could generally have been agreed upon. A vast, pitch-black wall spread before them. From afar, it had seemed like a dome, but up close, it looked nothing but a wall. It wavered uncertainly compared to a real wall, yet it reflected absolutely nothing of what was inside. This place was supposedly the “main gate” of the original Satellite City, Uuga, but it was completely opaque.

The barrier seemed similar to those caused by magic, but frankly, it was ominous.

“…So, liberate the city, you say?” -Ur

“Exactly. Return this place to its original state.” -Echelle

“Is there a specific plan for that?” -Ur

“Figure it out yourselves.” -Echelle

No plan, damn it. Ur glared back at Echelle, who seemed a bit flustered by his gaze and continued her words somewhat hastily.

“I-it can’t be helped! After Uuga’s collapse, we’ve been too busy evacuating the workers and stabilizing their lives!” -Echelle

“Evacuating… outside the city? Is that safe?” -Ur

“We’ve made a temporary base nearby… this way.” -Echelle

They began walking along the “pitch-black barrier”, and there was the temporary base Echelle mentioned. But, far from being temporary, it greatly exceeded Ur’s expectations.

“This is… more of a settlement than a roost, isn’t it? Outside the city?” -Ur

“There’s a defense wall too.” -Echelle

What they had anticipated to be makeshift was actually far more substantial, resembling a “pseudo-city”.

A rock defense wall surrounded the area, with an improvised gate constructed. Passing through the gate, there were numerous tents, likely housing many residents. Furthermore, in the center stood a massive structure made of the same material as the surrounding defense wall.

It was indeed a settlement, but that brought up questions.

“Aren’t they attacked by monsters? With so many people gathered here.” -Ur

“The land of Gradol has fewer dungeons, and the points where monsters appear are limited. It was originally the planned construction site for 【Uuga】. Such places are chosen.” -Echelle

“But…” -Ur

“I know, this is just a temporary solution. That’s why we called you.” -Echelle

There was no Barrier of the Sun here.

While small monsters that could be fended off by the barrier were manageable, the settlement would collapse the moment a larger monster capable of breaking through attacked. It might seem peaceful at first glance, but apparently, there wasn’t much leeway.

“Let’s head to the ‘temporary’ temple.” -Echelle

Following the directive, they moved through the “temporary city,” feeling several gazes upon them.

Half of those gazes directed at Ur and his party were out of caution and curiosity towards the newcomers, especially towards the Rock ‘n’ Roll. However, there was no malice in these gazes. At least, the residents did not seem overly wary of them, who had suddenly arrived.

The other half of the gazes was directed at Echelle. Several people noticed and approached them, calling out.

“Oh, isn’t that Echelle-sama? Have you returned?”

“Ah, Echelle-sama! What are you doing?”

“Echelle, let’s play~!”

“Silence, you lot! Get back to your work!!” -Echelle

Echelle was indignant against the overly familiar “Nameless” residents. The Nameless residents, used to such fury from the clergy, casually brushed it off and departed.

Shizuku nodded, observing the situation and whispered to Ur.

“She’s well-loved, isn’t she?” -Shizuku

“Feels more like she’s being taken lightly, but it’s not a bad impression.” -Ur

Ur understood the meaning behind the words “Even here?” that she had muttered in the City of Sin, Lust. It seemed that even here, she was not treated with the reverence typically afforded to a clergy. Whether that was good or bad, he couldn’t tell, but,

“Why do they always, always…!!” -Echelle

At least, Echelle seemed to want to change the situation. Her voice was irate and frustrated.

“Is it because you did something that made them fond of you?” -Ur

“I did not! I only blessed the birth of a child because they pleaded for it! Then, one after another…” -Echelle

“Ah, I see.” -Ur

In the city, newborns usually receive a blessing ceremony from the clergy at the temple. Although it’s merely a formality without any special protection from spirits, many still cherish it.

However, the “Nameless” usually do not receive it. Those without the right to permanently reside in the city rarely get direct blessings from the clergy.

Whether she knew it or not—likely not—Echelle freely provided blessings to the children of the Nameless. Even being a Sun Knight and a holder of an official Temple rank, a blessing from her was extraordinary. For the Nameless, such an act was enough to be deeply grateful for.

“Well, whatever. Let’s go.”  -Echelle

And with that, they were led by her to the building that could be seen from outside, situated at the center of the settlement.

The building, made of stone, was far more impressive than the surrounding tents. It was made without any visible signs of assembled stone materials, immediately revealing it to be the work of a 【priest】.

And residents, presumably of the “temporary temple,” were looking at them from the entrance.

Men clad in white robes engraved with the temple’s emblem. They weren’t clergy due to the difference in attire, but they were undoubtedly temple affiliates. In other words, colleagues of Sun Knight Echelle, but…

“…, …………”

“………”

“…………”

The atmosphere was tense, especially when compared to the Nameless ones from earlier.

Even though Echelle had supposedly brought them here for help from another City of Sin’s domain, the gazes from these men were chilly. There was no impression of welcoming. As Echelle looked at them, they seemed to flee into the temple.

“What the hell’s that…” -Ur

Ur let out his doubt, but Echelle didn’t answer. Her mood seemed to worsen even more. The atmosphere was terrible. He wanted to leave.

“Echelle-sama! Have you returned?”

However, cutting through the heavy air, a voice echoed.

As if replacing the men who had fled into the temple, a woman with tanned skin and orange hair burst out from the “temporary” temple. Seeing her, Echelle’s demeanor seemed to relax slightly.

“Kalkara, I just got back. How are things here?” -Echelle

“No change. Uuga is still in that state… And who are these people behind you?” -Kalkara

“The previously mentioned bunch.” -Echelle

Introduced as such, the woman looked over at them, her eyes flickering with various emotions. But before Ur and his companions could say anything, she bowed her head.

“I am Kalkara Nuu Sheila, the 【Priest of Stone】. Please come inside.” -Kalkara