Akatsuki Translations

The usurpation of the Dragon-Devoured City of Uuga had succeeded.

“…We did it—” -Echelle

Echelle unsteadily raised the control formula engraved on her hand. The source of everything that had troubled her, made her suffer, and continued to manipulate her. Echelle laughed at Aesula, who was glaring at her while his hand was bloodied, as if to vent the sense of accomplishment of having stolen it from her hateful younger brother and the still-unending anger.

“Serves you right, Aesula—” -Echelle

Having said that, she must have been completely exhausted. She collapsed face down on the ground and remained motionless as if she had died. Miralphyne, who had manifested behind her also scattered its form as if it had been a stone statue made of sand.

“Echelle-sama!!” -Kalkara

Kalkara cried out in anguish and embraced her. Ur and the others also wanted to tend to her, but they couldn’t.

The operation to recapture the city was not yet complete.

“…!!” -Aesula

At the end of Ur and the others’ gaze was Aesula, glaring at Echelle with a hole in his palm, bleeding, and with a furious expression. There was a hole in his body. Despite the pain that must have been agonizing, even that pain seemed unable to overwrite his anger.

Would he attack? Ur and the others braced themselves. However, he suddenly erased the anger from his expression. He reached into his pocket and poured a recovery potion onto his palm. Immediately, a pure magical light enveloped his palm.

“It’s an elixir. As expected of a Shinra.” -Diz

By the time Diz explained, Aesula’s wound had completely closed. However, the control seal was lost from there. He clenched his palm several times to check the condition of the injury, and then glared at Diz.

“You’ve done well, 【Hero】. To do such an atrocious thing as turning the city into a familiar.” -Aesula

“…Huh?” -Kalkara

Perhaps not understanding the meaning of his words, Kalkara asked back. Diz must have been different. She shook her head in exasperation and contempt.

“Is that the scenario you’re planning to go with?” -Diz

“From the beginning, we were a purification unit to lift the curse of the dragon. However, to think that the lowest-ranking member of the Seven Heavens would be involved in that, the Wise Heavenly King’s eyes have indeed rotted.” -Aesula

“The transformation of the Nameless people into monstrosities is also my fault?”

“Of course. Using the people of Gradol as materials for human experiments is unforgivable.” -Aesula

With a theatrical gesture, he confidently attributed all of his own sins to the Hero. Ur was involuntarily impressed by his brazen attitude. He was proclaiming that his own inhumane acts were all her fault without any shame.

It was madness. Ur found himself listening.

“Don’t be ridiculous!! There’s no way such a thing would work, Aesula!!” -Kalkara

Perhaps unable to endure that madness, Kalkara shouted while holding the unconscious Echelle. As if venting her unbearable disgust, she denounced Aesula.

“I will report everything about this incident to the knights’ council! Don’t think that you’ll be forgiven just because you’re a Shinra!” -Kalkara

“The one who won’t be forgiven is you. You traitorous priestess. How terrifying to be connected with heretics.” -Aesula

“Wha—!?”  -Kalkara

Upon that rebuttal, Kalkara was once again rendered speechless.

It wasn’t that she couldn’t retort. There were too many things she wanted to retort. As proof, her mouth was opening and closing like a fish out of water. However, she shook her head and shouted again.

“How much evidence do you think is left?! Your evil deeds are more numerous than the stars!! I will report everything to the city knights!”  -Kalkara

“Evidence? Tell me. Where is it left? Where is the evidence that I’m connected to a cult, that I turned the city into a familiar, and that I tried to wage war against the City of Sin, Proudia? Even the knights protecting the city would surely laugh it off.” -Aesula

Kalkara tried to retort immediately. But her words stopped right there. She noticed the confidence in Aesula’s gaze as she glared at him.

This man had left no evidence connecting him to this matter. Even if there was any left, even if someone knew about it, he had reduced it all to ashes. Or he intended to do so from now on.

“On the contrary, I have all the evidence of your connection to the cult. You better be prepared.” -Aesula

“You’re the one who forced it!!!” -Kalkara

“Your delusions are too much.” -Aesula

Ur finally felt like he had caught a glimpse of the true nature of the person he was facing.

The opponent was a Shinra. The top of the country, the king.

If he says white, even black becomes white. He’s not the one being judged by the law, but the one creating the law.

“Even if you try to pass that off! There’s no way the Wise Heavenly King will allow it!!” -Kalkara

The only one who could correct that, if anyone, would be the Wise Heavenly King, the lord of all temples. However, Aesula laughed. He laughed loudly and mockingly.

“Over a mere trifling matter of crushing just one satellite city and a few hundred Nameless people?” -Aesula

“Human trafficking, human experimentation, connections with heretics, betrayal against the Wise Heavenly King, and countless acts of corruption within the Temple. If you count them, there are far too many charges to fit on both hands, and you call that a trifling matter?” -Diz

Diz’s gaze turned to the giant lump of flesh rolling on the ground. Various parts of human bodies protruded from the mass of flesh. Small hands and feet like those of children, thin arms of the elderly, and even the hands of infants. If one were sane, it would be enough to make one feel sick just by looking directly at it, the result of numerous evil deeds.

However, Aesula showed no emotion towards it. Even though the giant mass of flesh must have been reflected in his eyes, there was not a shred of guilt. It was doubtful if he even recognized it as something he had caused.

“But I’m not the only one who thinks it’s a trifling matter. The Wise Heavenly King would probably think the same, right?” -Aesula

“…Well, I suppose so.” -Diz

Diz shrugged her shoulders. Kalkara looked at her in surprise and reproach, but Diz’s response was cold.

“As long as the current faith system in the One and Only God, Zerudia doesn’t collapse, he won’t intervene. He doesn’t allow the existence of irregularities that go beyond the framework,

―――― he doesn’t act on rough matters within the framework—he’s not a person with bad taste who enjoys vice, he’s simply busy.”  -Diz

“To him, it’s like insects killing each other inside an insect cage. There’s no reason for him to act.” -Aesula

There was disgust and conviction in every word Aesula spoke. There was no doubt that it was born from his experience of facing the Wise Heavenly King as the king of the country. He wasn’t speaking lies or bluffs for the sake of the moment. That was evident from Diz’s reaction as well. Of course, that was not at all desirable for Ur and the others.

“It’s been several hundred years since the dungeons overflowed. Apart from the borders being separated, the coming and going of mobile fortresses, and the wandering of the Nameless, the connections between countries have become extremely thin. How much interference can be made?” -Aesula

“Do you understand that’s what the Seven Heavens are for?” -Diz

“If you want, why don’t you arrest me right now? Of course, Gradol will protest to Proudia with all its might. We will denounce you by any means necessary, ‘involving everything and everyone.’ I wonder how much chaos it will cause.” -Aesula

It was a clear threat. But it probably wasn’t a bluff. The smile on Aesula’s face was filled with madness. He was implying that he didn’t care about formalities.

“And you, Hero, and those who sided with you. My foolish sister.” -Aesula

Once again, he pointed at Ur and the others. Again, with an exaggerated gesture as if performing in a play. However, what resided in his expression was not a hypocritical smile.

“Regret it.” -Aesula

What was there was a burning malice that was so intense it was terrifying.

“An impurity, a piece of garbage, a sinner whose very existence is unforgivable, dares to interfere with me? What is that? Such a thing shouldn’t be allowed.” -Aesula

His voice trembled slightly. He might have been trying to laugh. But his face was distortedly contorted, and the wrinkles on his cheeks twitched spasmodically.

“I will definitely kill you! But I won’t kill you easily! I’ll inflict and make you suffer all kinds of pain to the point where you’ll regret how much of a sin you committed on this day! I won’t let even a fragment of your soul return to the Sun God, but I’ll feed it to the filthy evil dragon! I swear it!” -Aesula

Aesula’s anger and hatred overflowed. He ranted and raved with a contorted voice, foaming at the mouth. Unable to control his rising anger, his arms and legs flailed about like separate creatures.

It was a child’s tantrum. If there was no one to be crushed by that tantrum, it might have been laughable as something ridiculous. Of course, Ur and the others couldn’t laugh.

“You think I’ll let you do that?” -Diz

“No matter how strong you are, do you think you can protect everything to the very end? With those thin arms and small palms! While bearing the responsibility of protecting the order of the entire world!” -Aesula

Aesula’s eyes glowed fiercely. They were filled with the joy of hurting and tormenting others.

“I can do it. My hands reach across the continent! My soldiers are in any country, any place. Even in the inn where you might stay tomorrow!” -Aesula

He was making full use of his position and power as the Shinra of a City of Sin. He had made all sorts of arrangements for the birth of the supergiant-class familiar on this day. He declared that he would direct all of that towards the Hero, Diz, and the others.

“Know that a day when you can sleep with peace of mind will never come again! At the end of the incessant torment, continue to weaken! Fall out with each other, lose trust, lose strength, and at the end of your exhaustion, I’ll inflict the greatest pain on you! Ha! Hahaha! Hahahahahahaha!” -Aesula

Mad laughter echoed across the plains.

Everyone except him fell silent. Some were exasperated, some were speechless, some were angry, but everyone was intimidated. They trembled at the monster who could hate others to this extent, disregarding everything for his own sake.

“…The City of Gluttony, to think it would nurture such a thing.” -Diz

However, Diz, who received that hatred head-on, did not falter. Her eyes kept staring at Aesula. She seemed to be considering how to fight the monster in front of her, just as when she fought against a terrifying threat.

“Diz, Akane.” -Ur

Ur called out to her and her younger sister.

“Ur? What is it?”  -Diz

《Nii-tan? 》-Akane

Diz responded without taking her gaze off Aesula for a moment. Akane, who was held by her, also did not release her sword form. To the two of them who had not yet released their combat stance, Ur continued to speak while maintaining the same state.

“Take Echelle and Kalkara and escape to Uuga.” -Ur

” ―――― What did you say?” -Diz

Even Diz lost her focus at Ur’s words and turned around. Ur’s expression was unchanged from usual. He maintained his composure and pointed his chin behind him.

“I’m worried about Echelle’s condition, and I’m also concerned about the attendants we left behind. This place is also outside the city where we don’t know when or where monsters might attack. We need to return as soon as possible.” -Ur

Echelle, who had been tended to by Kalkara, also had a pale face. Lynne had also collapsed from exhaustion inside the Rock ‘n’ Roll. It was unclear how long the attendants they had left behind at a distance from Uuga would remain obedient. If they got confused and went outside, they would become prey for the monsters.

It was nothing short of being in a state of complete exhaustion. There were fewer unharmed people.

“In our exhausted state, we can’t gather and evacuate everyone together. That’s why I want to ask you and Akane. Rock will tell you the location of the attendants. Shizuku and I will cover the rear.” -Ur

“Yes, leave it to us, Diz-sama.” -Shizuku

There was reason in Ur and Shizuku’s words.

At least here, it was much more important and necessary instructions than watching Aesula’s frenzy. That should have been the case. However, Diz’s expression didn’t clear up at all. She directed an even sharper gaze at Ur than the one she had directed at Aesula earlier.

Akane, who was puzzled, released her sword form and ran up to Ur with a worried look, that’s how much tension there was.

《Nii-tan? 》-Akane

“Akane, help Diz.” -Ur

《Should I come over there too? 》-Akane

“No, you can’t.” -Ur

In response to Akane’s words, Ur declared firmly. It was a clear order. Akane was a little surprised, a little sad, and her face showed a little anger. Diz’s gaze became even sharper as she saw Ur clearly rejecting his sister.

However, she didn’t say anything more than that. Instead, as if to comfort him, she touched Ur’s cheek.

“Ur.” -Diz

“What is it, Diz?” -Ur

“Be careful.” -Diz

With just those words, she turned towards the Rock ‘n’ Roll with Akane. She repeated short chants. At the same time, Akane stretched her body thinly and widely, becoming like a giant wrapping cloth, and enveloped Kalkara, Echelle, and the “giant lump of flesh-like creature” that had been sunk into the ground the whole time. Diz chanted several times, then lifted it up lightly as if the contents were air, jumping onto Rock just like that.

『Hero! Hold on tight! Don’t get shaken off! 』-Rock

“Understood. I’m counting on you to get to the attendants. Then board Uuga.” -Diz

“Rock-sama. Please protect everyone so they don’t fall off.” -Shizuku

『Understood, my master. You be careful too, HAHA! 』-Rock

《Let’s go!!! 》-Akane

As Akane raised her voice, Rock drove off. Leaving Ur and Shizuku behind, he went off at full speed.

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《Let’s go!!! 》-Akane

With the voice of the strange familiar, the Hero retreated from Aesula’s sight.

“Hmph…” -Aesula

Aesula felt irritation and a slight sense of relief at the result.

The Hero who was thought to be the ringleader had thoroughly interfered with his plan.

And his foolish older sister who had shamelessly stolen the control formula, which could be called the proof of the throne, from him.

There was no doubt that his anger towards them was still boiling in his heart. However, it was a fact that the Hero was a threat even to himself, who was loved by the Earth Spirit. It was extremely unpleasant, but he had to admit it.

Anger at the pests who had turned against him escaping from his sight without suffering any wounds, but also relief at being able to drive away the Hero without being captured as a result. These two emotions were occupying his mind right now.

Of course, the Nameless people who were left alone in front of him were not in his thoughts at all.

“I must hurry and revise the plan…” -Aesula

Of course, he had also formulated a plan in case of failure. No matter how much they struggled, he had made sure that the position of Gradol and himself would not be shaken. Since the main objective had failed, the number of people whose mouths needed to be shut had increased, but everything was within the expected range.

He was about to activate a 【Scroll of Teleportation】 to return to the City of Sin, Gradol, in order to organize his future plans.

“Ah, sorry. Could you wait a moment?” -Ur

“…What?” -Aesula

Just then, he was surprised that the Nameless person he hadn’t even noticed had spoken to him. If an insect squirming on the side of the road suddenly spoke to you, anyone would be surprised.

“What do you want, you?” -Aesula

“Well, I have a little business with you.” -Ur

As soon as Aesula heard Ur’s words, he lightly waved his right arm. The next moment, the earth bulged and flew out like a spear. The Nameless man leaped back, but if he had been a little slower, his head would have been miserably shattered.

“What kind of misunderstanding do you have? Business? A Nameless? With me? It’s presumptuous for such a foolish creature to even speak to me.” -Aesula

Aesula’s anger was natural considering his values and the power dynamics within the city-state. He was the Shinra of a City of Sin and one of the most powerful figures on the continent.

Even the citizens living in the city would hesitate to even make eye contact with him, let alone speak to him. If by any chance they committed any disrespect, they would be exiled from the city at best. At worst, they would be executed.

There was a difference in power between him and others as great as the difference between heaven and earth. Moreover, for a Nameless person who wasn’t even allowed to live in the city to casually say “I have business with you” was an impertinence that deserved to have their head physically removed on the spot.

“If you want to die so badly, I’ll kill you.” -Aesula

“I don’t want to die, but I want you to hear me out.” -Ur

“You bastard.” -Aesula

“I’m the one who instigated Echelle.” -Ur

The moment the Nameless person said that nonchalantly, new fuel was added to Aesula’s soul that was burning with anger. He sharply thrust out one hand. The next moment, the earth bulged again and became a giant hammer, smashing down on the Nameless person. It seemed he couldn’t escape this time, as he was blown away along with the shield he had in front of him and rolled miserably on the ground.

“Ugh…” -Ur

“You instigated that foolish sister of mine? You’re the cause of this ridiculous situation?” -Aesula

“Gah!” -Ur

“A mere Nameless! Interfered with me!!!” -Aesula

“…!!” -Ur

Every time Aesula waved his hand, the earth bulged. Without any chanting, the earth burst, and each time, the Nameless man rolled on the ground. It was a truly insignificant and miserable sight. The fact that such scum had interfered with him made him even angrier.

“So? What business does this great sinner have with me? Tell me. Huh?” -Aesula

Hatred overflowed and couldn’t be contained. However, as a result, for Aesula, the Nameless man had changed from a piece of trash on the roadside to an annoying pest squirming in front of him. It had given meaning to at least listen to what he was going to scream about.

The Nameless man, who had already become tattered, stood up. After checking the condition of his injuries, he began to speak in a relaxed tone as if he were having a casual conversation with a friend.

“…Since becoming an adventurer, I’ve learned. This profession often involves dealing with the same Nameless. Criminals who engage in banditry outside the city or rob in dungeons.” -Ur

As an adventurer, it wasn’t uncommon to accept requests from someone and defeat criminals. Even without a request, it wasn’t uncommon to end up in a fight to the death with them for self-defense. The Nameless man began to talk about such obvious things for some reason.

“Those guys are not good people. They’re scum who have killed many people. No matter what saint tries to persuade them, they won’t reflect on or regret their actions. The only options are to capture them or kill them if you can’t… and most of the time, it’s the latter.” -Ur

Keeping criminals alive and capturing them. Even that alone costs money. The land and food in the city are limited. There is no merit for the city to deliberately keep alive and capture Nameless people, especially criminals, who cannot pay the price of “prayer.”

Therefore, in most cases when requests are made, it results in the “physical elimination” of criminals. No one considers that cruel. It is the responsibility of the individuals themselves for straying from the path, committing crimes, and being ostracized.

“However, I have something to think about. The reason why many Nameless criminals stray from the path is to ‘survive.’ Many of them were forced by their parents, got tired of living on a tightrope, got involved in something, and as a result, ‘couldn’t live righteously even if they wanted to.’” -Ur

Although people are born with aptitude, the majority of what makes a person is the environment. It is difficult to acquire social order in a poor environment. It can be said that it is inevitable for there to be many criminals among the Nameless.

After all, most of them can’t even sleep safely in their own homes.

“That’s why it hurts so much to kill such people. Killing Nameless who were not given the opportunity or education to live righteously, who struggled and struggled only to sink.” -Ur

“So? What are you trying to say?” -Aesula

Finally, at that point, Aesula’s patience reached its limit.

“Nameless criminals? Why do I have to listen to a story about the most worthless trash among the scum? What a waste of time.” -Aesula

“That’s—” -Ur

“Ur-sama.” -Shizuku

Then, the other Nameless, the woman who had whispered to Aesula earlier and led him to defeat, called out to the Nameless man. She said with a slightly sad smile.

“The preparations are complete.” -Shizuku

“Understood. It seems difficult to go further than this… So, the reason I told this story is…” -Ur

The Nameless man checked the movement of his mythril armor and adjusted the position of his helmet. He held the long, large dragonfang spear he had been carrying on his back in his right hand.

“You are a Shinra, the king of a City of Sin. You are the man in the most privileged environment, who will eventually become the head of that bloodline.” -Ur

The Nameless man slowly approached. Aesula was barely listening to what he was saying. However, he wasn’t taking his attention away from the Nameless man.

“Of course, you must have your own struggles, but at least you won’t die from eating weeds because you can’t afford food, get your stomach upset, and die covered in shit. You won’t be betrayed by your family or comrades, abandoned to become a beggar and die. You won’t grasp a makeshift knife, enter a dungeon, and die.” -Ur

There was no way he could divert his attention.

The ominous chill clinging to his neck refused to let him take his eyes off the man in front of him.

The unchanging, expressionless face like a mask. The piercing, sharp gaze. The posture leaning forward like a beast. Each of the man’s behaviors conveyed a clear intention.

Murderous intent, as if boiled down in the pot of hell, scorching to the touch.

“There’s little reason to hesitate in killing you, who had it all but strayed from the path.”

“【O Shadows, Sing and Play with Me ・ Black Chain Barrier】.” -Shizuku

On the plains a tall, pitch-black wall of magic suddenly rose high, surrounding Aesula. Strong, powerful, and large-scale magic. Moreover, it wasn’t a type of barrier for protection, but a prison to confine the target inside.

As it was activated, the man spoke alongside the woman who continued to chant as if singing.

“Die, Your Majesty.” -Ur

As if reflecting the user’s will, the violet dragonfang spear glowed dully.

TL Note(s)

Just found out that KakuKake has gotten a light novel adaptation!! https://www.kadokawa.co.jp/product/322312001094/

According to the Amazon page, it should come out on May 24th.

Here are some images that were posted on Twitter: