Akatsuki Translations

“Here you go! Butter sauté of white mushrooms and shii leaves! And red flower bird’s wings! A soft and flaky potpie full of nemaimo potatoes! Ale! Grape wine!! Lily juice!!”

A multitude of dishes, each more massive than the last, were brought to the table in quick succession. The plates, nearly overflowing with food, were skillfully carried over, filling the air with an intoxicating, almost violent aroma. Ur’s mouth watered, and he swallowed audibly.

“…This is irresistible.” -Ur

“The meals at the healing sanctuary weren’t very tasty.” -Shizuku

“Even more so, it’s been a while since we had a proper meal without any worries.” -Ur

Shizuku nodded in agreement with Ur’s words. Even before their recent quest to subdue an omen bird, they hadn’t neglected their meals for bodybuilding purposes, but there was always an underlying tension. There were doubts about whether they could defeat the omen bird within the time Diz had set. The cost of failure loomed large, often forcing them to eat despite their protesting stomachs.

But now was different. While they still faced plenty of concerning issues, they could afford to enjoy the meal before them.

“Alright…” -Ur

Ur picked up the jug in front of him and stood up. The whole tavern, not just Shizuku and their group, watched him. Ur cleared his throat exaggeratedly and raised his jug.

“TO OUR VICTORY OVER THE POISON OMEN BIRD!!! DRINK, EVERYONE!!” -Ur

At Ur’s roar, the adventurers raised their drinks and shouted, marking the start of the feast. Ur sighed in relief at the unfolding revelry, then returned to his seat, turning to address his companions: Shizuku, Rock, Lynne, Diz, and Akane.

“…So, congrats on defeating the omen bird and thanks for helping with the dragon and thanks for joining, Lynne. That said, cheers.” -Ur

『Quite the mood shift from before. 』-Rock

“Shut up, cheers, cheers.” -Ur

《Yaaaaay, cheers!! 》-Akane

Akane, looking like a 5-year-old child, joyfully raised her glass, followed by everyone else.

“Ah, this ale is good. Has a bit of a nutty aroma.” -Ur

“The wine is quite nice too.” -Shizuku

『Kah~! This drink is why I live! !』-Rock

“You’re already dead. And is that even tasty? It’s just liquor with a magic stone in it.” -Ur

『Nah, the magic stone infuses into the alcohol, altering the flavor. I’m a genius for coming up with it! 』-Rock

《The juice is tasty too!! 》-Akane

“The milk is chilled nicely. Good use of freezing magic.” -Lynne

The chatter began. “We’ve increased in number,” Ur thought, biting into a wing. The juices flooded his mouth, enveloping his taste buds in delight. He was glad to be alive.

“I really thought we were done for this time.” -Ur

『Well, we didn’t get through completely unscathed, but… ha… well… 』-Rock

“What?” -Ur

『HAHAHA! The eyepatch on your magic eye and bandages on your right hand are so cool! Hey, say something like ‘My magic eye trembles…!’』-Rock

“Ugh…! This sealed evil eye of mine doth tremble…!!” -Ur

『!…!!…!!! 』-Rock

Attempting the line got a good laugh. Ur didn’t understand why it was funny.

“I wish jokes or bravado could have solved everything. Is your right hand okay?” -Diz

“For now.” -Ur

Responding to Diz’s query, Ur skillfully gripped a fork with his enlarged right hand and speared a lettuce from the salad in front of him. For the time being, his hand moved according to his will, not randomly lashing out or trying to kill anyone. The only downside was…

“It hurts to wash my body; the claws poke me.” -Ur

“A very mundane problem.” -Shizuku

“Do you need a nail file?” -Diz

“A fi… right, I can just file them down. You’re a genius.” -Ur

He had been concerned about the curse, thinking he might have to live with dragon claws forever, but there was no rule against filing down dragon claws. Although a dragon hand with rounded nails might be an odd sight, practicality was the priority.

“I’ve had enough with dragons.” -Ur

“But aren’t you supposed to slay them?” -Shizuku

“Yeah, about that… Diz, any dragons that are easy to defeat?” -Ur

As Ur asked half-jokingly, Diz smiled brightly.

“The underling dragons of the Dragon of Sloth usually sleep all the time and rarely wake up.”

“Really… then” -Ur

“They emit a gas periodically that slows biological functions, causing any nearby living being to fall asleep and eventually stop all life functions without proper precautions.” -Diz

“That’s hell.” -Ur

“The ground around the Dragon of Sloth assimilates with it, and dead organisms decompose at an accelerated rate, becoming nutrients for the ground. The area around the dragon becomes a land of decay, devoid of life, often infested with the undead.” -Diz

“Sorry for asking a dumb question.” -Ur

There are no easy paths, it seems.

『HA, you’re not even silver rank yet, much less gold. 』-Rock

“… Well, yeah. Haven’t even reached silver yet.” -Ur

“Wow, aren’t we eager?”

As they were conversing, a new voice emerged. Before Ur could turn around, a soft presence pressed against him from behind. The voice was familiar to him. It was Aransa, the guild master.

“fufu, I never thought you’d not only defeat the omen bird but also face a dragon and return alive. Quite the rising star.” -Aransa

“You seem pretty drunk already, are you?” -Ur

“Maybe.” Aransa drank deeply from her jug with a manly gulp.

“You guys really made it back alive, which made me happy. I never expected you’d then face a dragon, and on top of that, deal with a Sun Knight.” -Aransa

“We apologize for worrying you.” -Shizuku

“Indeed.” -Aransa

Aransa patted Shizuku’s head as she bowed and then turned her attention to Lynne, her expression softening.

“It’s good for you too, Lynne, to have found companions.” -Aransa

“You can drop the formalities. My father is currently acting as the head of Leyline.” -Lynne

“No, it’s important to maintain certain formalities, even among guild members. But I’m really happy for you. It’s great that you’ve found your path.” -Aransa

Aransa expressed genuine joy, having been quite worried about her.

“But you guys be careful, okay? Don’t misjudge your distance with a priest, Lynne is special after all.” -Aransa

“We’ll try, but… you know, I’m not exactly brought up with that kind of etiquette.” -Ur

Ur grumbled as he bit into a thick slice of ham. The connection between priests and city dwellers is deep and significant, but for nomadic Nameless like him, it’s shallow. They don’t depend on the city to live (rather, they can’t) therefore, they lack the necessary feelings of awe toward them.

But that’s about to change for Ur.

“If you’re aiming to be a silver or gold ranked adventurer, you’ll inevitably interact more with priests.” -Aransa

“Is that how it works?” -Ur

“Priests closely interact with city management and communicate with spirits. Strong adventurers who earn lots of magic stones will naturally connect with priests. It’s rare for priests to become adventurers like Lynne.” -Aransa

“Well, my family doesn’t have that deep a connection with spirits. The higher ranks are different, I guess.” -Lynne

“I see… but can we really make it to silver?” -Ur

Ur understood that more responsibilities would come with higher ranks, but all that was moot if they didn’t actually advance. Aransa frowned slightly as she pondered.

“Well, that’s… a bit tricky for me to say…” -Aransa

“I can’t give any details, but,” she said as she indicated that their contribution to defeating the bounty was undeniably significant. After all, they took down a monster that everyone else hesitated to approach. However, Ur and the group had only been active as adventurers for three months. Both their experience and abilities were still relatively untested.

“Getting silver comes with a lot of responsibility. Recognizing contribution and entrusting someone with significant duties are two different matters.” -Aransa

“I get what you’re saying, but.” -Ur

In any other situation, Ur would prefer to gain more experience and build a solid track record before advancing. He didn’t want responsibilities and tasks beyond his capabilities. But circumstances didn’t allow for such luxury.

“Still, you won’t remain the ‘Fourth rank, Copper’ forever, I don’t think. I’ll let you know the details once everything’s settled, so just wait until then~.” -Aransa

With that, Aransa waved her hand flippantly and left, saying it was time for the younger ones to take over.

“Hopefully, it gets decided soon…” -Ur

《Don’t rush it~. 》-Akane

“Can’t help it. You’re on the verge of being dismantled.” -Ur

《I tried my best too, but Diz… 》-Akane

“If Akane could try a little harder, that would help me too.”  

Diz playfully pinched Akane’s cheek, making her squint with ticklish laughter. To an outsider, they might seem like close sisters, but in reality, it was a girl who might kill and another who might be killed for research—a strange kind of friendship.

“So, how did the search for the dragon worshipers go? Not well?” -Ur

“Yeah, we thoroughly searched the city and the Dungeon of Sin, but found nothing. There are traces around here, but… hmm.” -Diz

《Let goooo, Dizzz. 》-Akane

As Diz pondered while pinching Akane’s cheek, Akane’s protest went unheard. Ur gently freed Akane from Diz’s grip, and she happily cuddled up to him, so he patted her head affectionately. Very cute.

“Looks like we’ll have to change locations, given that we didn’t find anything.” -Diz

“And that’s where the Sun Knight’s destination overlaps?” -Ur

During the discussion with the Sun Knight, Echelle, Diz anticipated that the request from the Sun Knight coincides with their destination.

“Echelle, that Sun Knight, has some issues to deal with in the【Gradol territory】. I also have some business there. It’s likely the request she’ll make to you will also be there.” -Diz

“Gradol, huh…” -Ur

As Ur cradled Akane, his expression turned slightly sour.

『What’s with that face? Do you have bad memories associated with that country?』-Rock

“…Well, that country is aggressively expanding its satellite cities, focusing on expanding the human survival zone. It’s a major country on this continent, second only to Proudia. But…” -Ur

“But what?” -Lynne

“The way they treat ‘Nameless’ people in and around Gradol is… not so good.” -Ur

The king, a Shinra, of the City of Sin, Gradol, has been aiming to turn the entire continent into a “survival zone” for several generations. They’re advancing the construction of 【production cities】 and【satellite cities】. But, of course, construction outside the human survival zone is no ordinary task. Frequent monster attacks are common.

Understandably, few city dwellers volunteer for such dangerous work (although not entirely absent, considering the hefty rewards). Most of the labor force for these ventures consists of “Nameless” people without the right to dwell in the cities.

“They’re treated almost like slaves in the pioneering cities… The ‘Nameless’.” -Ur

“I knew Gradol had strict social classes but…” -Lynne

Lynne frowned. In the City of Sin, Lust, where magic is more valued, there isn’t as stark a difference between the treatment of priests, citizens, and Nameless. Shizuku, despite being a Nameless, was respected for her exceptional magical talents. Gradol’s approach is entirely different.

『Why don’t they just run away? 』-Rock

“…Well, there are various reasons, but one is the promise of ‘permanent residence rights after city development’ as a reward. Many people work desperately for that.” -Ur

“Is that true?” -Lynne

“There are rumors that once they’re no longer needed, they’re disposed of in the dungeons. Just rumors, though.” -Ur

Lynne became more anxious. Diz did not refute Ur’s words, implying a certain truth to the unsettling nature of that region.

Ur himself had nearly been recruited for labor in his wandering days and had to hastily flee. But this time, they can’t afford to run away. They have to prove Shizuku’s worth and deal with Diz’s tasks.

『HAHAHA, worrying now won’t change anything. It’ll only make the drink taste worse! 』-Rock

《Oraaa! Drink up~!!! 》-Akane

Rock laughed, breaking the slightly heavy mood, and Akane joined in. Ur relaxed his shoulders. They were right. They had just overcome a significant hurdle; there was no need to dampen the celebratory mood.

“Lynne, Now that we’re here. What’s the local specialty here?” -Ur

“Grilled Amochi.” -Lynne

“I’ve had enough of that.” -Ur

“Then… how about—” -Lynne

And so, the joyful feast continued, filled with casual, light-hearted conversation.

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『HA haa… ca n,t drink no more. 』-Rock

“It’s surreal that a skeleton gets drunk.” -Ur

《Cyaant dwinkkkkk no moree. 》-Akane

“Akane isn’t even drinking alcohol, though.” -Ur

“……….” -Lynne

“Sleeping with your eyes open…?” -Ur

The feast was entering its final stages. Ur and his companions, as well as the other adventurers, were thoroughly enjoying their drinks and songs, savoring the pleasantness of alcohol. The tavern staff had begun collecting the dishes. It was about time for things to wind down.

Diz had left the table at an appropriate time saying she had work to do. Ur thought she was about to take Akane with her, but today was alright, she said nonchalantly and left briskly. The three people remaining at the table were already nearly passed out.

The only ones who were fine were Ur and another.

“Are you alright?” -Ur

“The drinks here are delicious~~.” -Shizuku

“Right… I wonder if there’s a connection between magic and brewing.” -Ur

It seems only Shizuku was fine. She’s a bit fluffy but at least able to carry on a conversation. She’s sipping her wine happily. With a full belly and moderately drunk, Ur also felt good.

He wished this time would continue. What was this feeling?

“Ur-sama, are you feeling good?” -Shizuku

“Yeah.” -Ur

“Then, that’s fortunate.” -Shizuku

“Yeah…” -Ur

Shizuku said so. Fortunate, happy. Ah, right. It’s happiness. Ur realized. This feeling was happiness. Before becoming an adventurer, he had always been desperately struggling to survive. This might be the first time he has thought that he was currently fortunate and that he wanted that fortune to continue.

Originally, everything, including protecting Akane’s life as an adventurer and struggling day by day, was for happiness, but this was the first time he deeply realized that happiness.

Of course, this moment wouldn’t last forever, and there were many things that needed to be done, but…

“By the way, Ur-sama. I forgot to mention.” -Shizuku

“Hmm?” -Ur

“Shall I embrace you again?” -Shizuku

What is she saying? He thought, but then she was smiling at him with her arms wide open. Again, Ur thought hard while drunk, then he remembered at the party in Greed, he had lifted her up and declared victory.

“Shall I?” -Shizuku

“No, it’s not like you have to do it.” -Ur

“Shall I?” -Shizuku

“Don’t.” -Ur

“Shall I not?” -Shizuku

Shizuku looked sad.

“…Should you?” -Ur

“Shall I?” -Shizuku

Shizuku looked happy.

“…Do you show your feelings more when you’re drunk?” -Ur

“Is that so?” -Shizuku

Well, whatever, Ur thought and entrusted his body to Shizuku’s arms. It was soft and smelled nice. There was a smell of alcohol, but that was the same for Ur too. It was comfortable. He felt the urge to fall asleep like this.

“Ur-sama, are you feeling good?” -Shizuku

“Yeah.” -Ur

“Then that’s fortunate.” -Shizuku

“What about you?” -Ur

“…I don’t really know.” -Shizuku

Ur slightly raised his body and looked at Shizuku’s face. Her face was flushed with drunkenness, and while she had a pitifully loose smile, it was different from her usual, unbreakable saintly smile. It was a pitiful smile, but Ur preferred this one.

“Shizuku.” -Ur

“Yes?” -Shizuku

“We’ll win again next time.” -Ur

“Yes.” -Shizuku

Ur decided to keep moving forward to attain this happiness again.

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【Poison Omen Bird Subjugation Battle: Result】

• Poison Omen Bird Defeat Reward: 30 gold coins
• Poison Omen Bird Magic Stone Acquisition: Equivalent to 3 gold coins
• Magic stones Obtained from Poison Claw Birds, Other Monsters: Equivalent 1 gold coin (half consumed by Rock)
• Drop Item: Poison Omen Bird’s Talon
• Manufacture of the Combat Chariot, “Rock ‘n’ Roll”, for Dungeon Exploration and Combat
• Entry of【Heir of the White King】 Lynne Nuu Leyline
• 【Skill Acquisition】: ” Unerring Magic Eye “
• Absorption of the Omen Bird’s Magic Fragment

【Encounter with the Sin Dragon: Result】

• Blessing of the Seven Heavens: Magic Eye Modification “Magic Eye of Future Vision”

              → Route Reduction; Hardness X Route Confirmation

    Necessary Years of Study for Next Ascension: 150 years

• Curse Mark of Sin: Right arm draconified; Assimilation of the Tendril Wings of the Sin of Lust

     → 【Taboo】

• Sin Dragon ・ Magic Soul of Lust, (Fragment) Parasitic

       → 【Taboo】

    【Fragment of ■■■■■■■■】

    【Break Through of the Lower Limit of the Lowest Rank ＜E＞ for Spirit Communication Aptitude】

    【Current Aptitude E- ⇒ Ω-】

I love seeing the results section.

I was also considering making a Discord server for novel discussion. Is that something anyone would be interested in?