Akatsuki Translations

【Sacred Relic】

A “special tool” granted directly by the spirits, distinct from the 【Blessing】 that is obtained through continuous communication and training with the spirits. While only trained priests can use blessings, a sacred relic is a tool. Anyone, not just priests, can use it. Whether it’s a crystal that heals with a mere touch or a staff that eradicates monsters in its vicinity with a simple swing, the variety is vast. And the 【Blazing Sword】that existed in the Luckbird family was one of them.

“You stole it?” -Ur

“Yeah. It was confiscated~.” -Diz

Currently, Ur and the others were packing a little away from the Island-Eating Turtle.

“The Luckbird family has been a merchant family for a long time. They opened thriving shops across multiple cities. If you’ve traveled, Ur, you might know of them.” -Diz

Ur nodded. Indeed, he recognized the name of the Luckbird business. As a wanderer constantly drifting from unfamiliar land to unfamiliar land, the frequently seen name was etched in his memory.

“But about three years ago, while moving between cities, they were attacked by monsters. Her parents, who were away on business, were unfortunately caught up and killed.” -Diz

“Well…” -Ur

“Moreover, they were in the middle of a transaction. All the goods they had prepared were lost. As a result, Rose lost her parents and was burdened with a massive debt.” -Diz

Luckbird was what the now orphaned Rose had to take over. She already possessed the knowledge, skills, and talent of a merchant she learned from her parents. However, having lost her beloved parents and not even having the time to grieve, managing a guild burdened with such a huge debt was too cruel.

Out of desperation, she sought aid. From the “Golden Phoenix.”

“At that time, there weren’t many guilds willing to lend money to the visibly collapsing Luckbird family. Except for us.” -Diz

“Diz lent her money?” -Ur

“Well, yeah. After all, we knew that Luckbird possessed the ‘Blazing Sword’.”

A miraculous sword that produces light and heat, a sacred relic of one of the Four Great Spirits, “【Faranan】 of the Flame”. A family treasure that had been passed down from the founder of the Luckbird family.

One can only imagine how Rose felt when asked to use it as collateral. After losing her parents, she was now being told to hand over her family’s heirloom. But she had a guild and subordinates to look after. With a heavy heart, she accepted the terms and worked tirelessly. With her exceptional business acumen, she quickly repaid her debts.

However, she couldn’t get back the collateral. She didn’t meet the stipulated deadline.

“Well, I knew she wouldn’t make it. That’s why I set an impossible deadline.” -Diz

“Like with me?” -Ur

“In your case, it was your own proposal, wasn’t it?” -Diz

He couldn’t argue back.

“But she did push it to the very limit.” -Diz

“So, in the end, you took the family treasure and made an enemy. Won’t you let her buy it back?” -Ur

“We’ve long since ‘disassembled’ it.” -Diz

At Diz’s merciless words, Uru fell silent.

“…Don’t tell her.” -Ur

With the hatred she already bore, he didn’t want to imagine her reaction upon learning her family’s heirloom was destroyed. Diz seemed to understand, merely shrugging in silence.

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“Since you’ll probably be together for a while, let me introduce you. The black one is Dāru, the white one is Sūru. They’re male and female.” -Diz

The ones Diz gestured to as she introduced them were the horses hitched to the carriage.

Two of them, one with black fur and the other with white. Both were large. Generally, horses that roam outside the city need to be big enough to flee from the chasing monsters or occasionally kick them away. Yet, even when compared to other horses, these two were notably magnificent.

“Nice to meet you, Dāru, Sūru.” -Ur

“Please take care of us from here on.” -Shizuku

As Ur and Shizuku bowed their heads, it was unclear whether the horses understood the greeting or not. The black one snorted loudly, while the white one let out a small neigh and pressed its head slightly against Shizuku.

“They’re greeting us back.” -Ur

“They are indeed smart.” -Shizuku

《Cuuuute. 》-Akane

Shizuku and Akane were playfully interacting with the white horse. The black one was staring intently at Ur. Or rather, glaring. It was as if the horse was assessing him, thinking, “Is this guy okay?” When Ur averted his gaze, the horse snorted.

“Dāru is quite prideful, but if you treat him right, he’s a good boy, so don’t worry.” -Diz

“Why do I feel like I’m being looked down upon?” -Ur

“Try your best to gain his approval.” -Diz

“So I am being looked down upon.” -Ur

It was saddening. But it couldn’t be helped.

Ur understood that animals can be quite temperamental. If one belittles them thinking they’re just dumb beasts, they could literally get hurt. Especially, if bitten by one of these two horses, his head might get crushed.

He decided to do his best to gain their approval as much as possible.

“So, are you two ready?” -Diz

“We can depart anytime.” -Ur

“Yes, I’m ready too.” -Shizuku

《We’re all set~~.》-Akane

“Very well. Then, it would be good to say your final goodbyes.” -Diz

Diz pointed to the main gate of Greed. There, a familiar face, Glen, could be seen.

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Just before leaving the city of Greed, Ur and Shizuku made their rounds, saying their goodbyes to the people who had taken care of them during their stay. It had been a brief month, but they had been helped by many.

However, the one who had assisted them the most was the instructor for adventurers. When the pair approached him, the instructor made a deeply exasperated face.

“Why the long face, Glen? We came all this way to thank you.” -Ur

“I’m just here to mock you sorry bunch’s final moments. And weren’t y’all supposed to be riding on that Island-Eating Turtle?” -Glen

“We couldn’t because of our employer’s behavior.” -Ur

“Heh, dumbass.” -Glen

“Stop with the low-level insults, act your age.” -Ur

Glen, with his unkempt beard and disheveled appearance, was as usual.

Consistent to the very end. Any sentimentality Ur might have felt was blown away. Yet, Shizuku remained unswayed by him. She bowed deeply to Glen and smiled.

“Glen-sama, we are deeply grateful for everything you’ve done for us.” -Shizuku

“I didn’t have any trouble with you. It’s the simpleton next to you.” -Glen

“I wish you could end our last conversation without insults… I’m grateful too.” -Ur

“You really were a pain-in-the-ass, ordinary one. Prostrate and worship me.” -Glen

“I really wish you’d let us thank you sincerely, Master.” -Ur

Such a twisted personality.

“If you have time to be thankful, worry about what’s ahead. Aspiring for Gold Rank, your path is gonna be hell.” -Glen

“Then give us some advice, former Gold Rank.” -Ur

“Advice, huh…” -Glen

Glen looked bored and tilted his head.

“When I reached Gold Rank, both my wife and comrades were dead, remember?” -Glen

“That’s a harsh start… So, if we’re aiming for the Gold Rank, we should be prepared for something like that?” -Ur

Glen shook his head, “No.”

“Don’t let that happen to you guys. It’s boring.” -Glen

Ur couldn’t understand the emotion in Glen’s words at that moment. However, he knew they were words of concern for their future.

They were the final guiding words from their instructor.

And so, both Ur and Shizuku nodded in agreement.

“We’ll be off.” -Ur

“We’ll be on our way.” -Shizuku

Without saying anything more, Glen, with his usual bored expression, waved them off.

Author’s Note

End of the City of Sin, Greed Arc

As it is just the early stages of the story, careful and deliberate development was necessary. Nevertheless, I would like to express my heartfelt gratitude to all the readers who have read this far!

From now on, Ur will face increasingly harsh challenges and struggles, but I would be delighted if you continue to support and cheer for him with unwavering determination!