Akatsuki Translations

Temporary City

The gathering of refugees from the satellite city of Uuga has come to be known as the “Temporary City.” Naturally, it doesn’t house a population large enough to be called a city. After all, it is located outside the human living zone, not protected by the 【Sun Barrier】 like a formal city.

However, a considerable number of Nameless, who don’t stay overnight, do stop by.

Originally, Uuga was a satellite city built between other cities, making it a convenient location for the Nameless who travel frequently between cities. Therefore, even those unrelated to the construction of Uuga stopped by and used the place, resulting in an odd bustling atmosphere.

The 【Great Eagle of Dawn】[1],  Isralia continent’s leading trade guild, is also one of the guilds utilizing this relay point.

Initially, they were in charge of preparing materials for the construction of Uuga before it became “cursed.” However, when Uuga fell into chaos, the guild essentially led the evacuation of the residents and the construction of the temporary city, in place of the overwhelmed Sun Knight in command. Consequently, many of the Nameless refugees in the temporary city are grateful to the 【Great Eagle of Dawn】.

“It’s a bit of a bother being revered so much. It makes the temple folks glare at us,” lamented Sousan, the elderly beastwoman who is the guild leader of the 【Great Eagle of Dawn】. While visiting the temporary city for material trading, she was in her tent with another visitor.

“Ya’ exploit yer reputation to make a fortune and then complain, old hag,” Jain of the 【White Serpent】retorted disdainfully. The old woman, unfazed by the glaring man twice her size, sipped from a cup brought by a subordinate and mumbled her dissatisfaction.

“I ordered this ‘cuz it’s popular among the priests in Proudia, but it ain’t to my taste. The smell’s a bit too strong.” -Jain

“Perhaps too sweet for a beastperson. It does have a floral scent that Proudia’s priests would prefer.” -Sousan

“Ah, there’s a lotta humans among Proudia’s priests. Makes sense.” -Jain

Putting down her cup, she turned her gaze to the large man in front of her.

“How far has the 【White Serpent】gotten in the conquest?” -Sousan

“Up to the third layer. I’m not plannin’ to go any deeper. Though there aren’t many layers since it was an under-construction satellite city, but each layer is pretty complicated. Going deeper is just asking fer trouble.” -Jain

“Oh, you sound cautious. That poor Sun Knight girl might cry, you know?” -Sousan

“Don’t talk nonsense, old hag.” -Jain

Jain’s comment elicited hearty laughter from Sousan. She was known for her cunning and manipulative nature, despite her seemingly kind appearance. She put on an act in front of Sun Knight Echelle but was ruthless in extracting rewards during both the construction of Uuga and the establishment of the temporary city after the accident. Jain knew her well enough not to be deceived by her pretense of sympathy.

“Well, it’s okay. So, you’re saying you no longer have exclusive access to the lucrative hunting grounds? You must have made quite a profit while it lasted,” Sousan inquired.

Jain snorted in response, “Unfortunately, it’s no longer exclusive. It was a short-lived bonus time.”

“Oh? Did some adventurers catch wind and come over? They were quick.”  -Sousan

“Nah, that Sun Knight dragged ‘em in. Hired ‘em in our place.”  -Jain

Sousan narrowed her eyes in mild surprise, “I didn’t think that young lady had such connections.”

“Most likely, she just used her position as a Sun Knight to forcibly bring ‘em in.” -Jain

“That sounds plausible. Poor adventurers. What’s their name?” -Sousan

“The 【Walkers】 led by a guy named Ur. He had a copper ring, never heard of him.” -Jain

Hearing this, Sousan’s expression turned to one of interest, causing Jain to frown. Sousan often showed this reaction when she found something amusing.

“You know about ‘em?” -Jain

“They’re quite famous, well, they’ve become famous recently. It’s understandable you wouldn’t know, given you’ve been dungeon diving for profit. They’ve only come up in the past few months.” -Sousan

“What’d those brats do?” -Jain

“They’re bounty hunters, they do giant killing.” -Sousan

Jain’s brows furrowed upon hearing this.

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The reason Ur and his group ended up at the 【Great Eagle of Dawn’s】 base was simple. They were informed by other guild members that Jain, the leader of the “White Serpent,” was there.

　――Jain-san? He went that way. You have business? I dunno.

Following the incredibly vague directions of a nonchalant rabbit beastperson, they finally arrived.

“It’s amazing how much has changed here in just a day,” Shizuku remarked in awe.

Ur silently nodded in agreement. The spot they were in, at the very southern part of the temporary city, was just an open field within the magic barrier. But now, it had transformed. Numerous makeshift residences had sprung up, with merchants shouting and displaying goods likely sourced from other cities.

A market street has sprung up overnight. Residents of the temporary city, travelers who utilized this place as a resting point, and adventurers alike came out to take advantage of it

“All thanks to the 【Great Eagle of Dawn】….”  -Ur

“You’re familiar with them?” -Shizuku

“They’ve been… no, they were a nuisance, not to me, but to my father.” -Ur

The Great Eagle of Dawn was one of the largest trade guilds on the continent, renowned for its size and history. Its longevity, stretching back to the early days of the current world order, spoke volumes about its significance.

Most of its members were Nameless, traversing cities to buy and sell goods. Considering the guild’s origins lay in the movement of the Nameless between cities, their gathering at such a place seemed only natural.

Perhaps because of these circumstances, many of the Nameless who did not become monster-hunting adventurers often joined trade guilds. Among these, the “Great Eagle of Dawn” was famous for its open doors, and many Nameless who couldn’t extend their stay in the cities and had to leave often relied on them.

Ur’s father was one of them. He had obtained some work and assistance for his travels through them, so they were not unrelated.

“Well, he carelessly went off on some adventure and got himself kicked out immediately, the dumbass.” -Ur

“Sounds like an unfortunate memory.” -Shizuku

“The worst part was the members of the 【Great Eagle of Dawn】 taking pity on us and treating us kindly.” -Ur

“Sounds like a bittersweet memory.” -Shizuku

Ur pushed aside these unhelpful memories and focused on reaching their destination. They moved slightly off the bustling market street and stepped into the area where the 【Great Eagle of Dawn】 guild members gathered. As they did, a guild member approached them.

“What do you want, kid? Got business here?”  -Guild Member

The guild member had a smile on his face but was clearly cautious, probably mistaking them for thieves. This was outside the city, after all, where it was wise to be cautious about everything.

Ur raised his right hand, showing his adventurer’s ring. The guild member seemed a bit surprised and then visibly relaxed. Ur was once again impressed by the power of the adventurer’s ring.

“I’m Ur from the Adventurer’s Guild, the 【Walkers】. I’m looking for Jain-sama of the 【White Serpent】. I heard he was here.” -Ur

“Oh, Jain-san is currently talking with our guild leader.” -Guild Member

Ur hadn’t seen him in the market street, so he must have forgotten about their appointment or remembered and was deliberately making them wait to take the initiative. Considering Jain’s reaction when they met in the dungeon, the latter seemed more likely.

“Well, then I guess we’ll kill some time.” -Ur

“Hmm, but that guy, once he starts talking, it can go on forever… Wait here a moment.” -Guild Member

Saying this, the guild member went inside a makeshift dwelling at the back and then returned after a while.

“You can come in. Our guild leader wants to hear from you too.” -Guild Member

Ur and Shizuku exchanged glances. Their original plan was just to hand over the money and buy information from Jain, but it seemed like things were about to get a bit more complicated.

“No point in just standing around.” -Shizuku

“Nothing ventured, nothing gained… guess that’s a bit rude, huh?” -Ur

With that, Ur steeled himself, taking Shizuku with him as they walked towards the makeshift dwelling where the guild leader awaited.

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TL Note(s)

[1] Fun fact, the Great Eagle of Dawn’s name in Japanese (暁の大鷲) is read as Akatsuki no Oowashi, and uses the same character as this website.

（1/26/24) Apologies for the site being down. The problem might have been a plugin or something.