Akatsuki Translations

Within the headquarters of the Adventurer’s Guild, there existed not just a dining hall, but rather a bar. 

It served as the guild members’ cafeteria and also as a place of respite for adventurers returning from the dungeon. 

The bar had always been an important place for the residents of the city. Not only was it a space for enjoying meals and drinks, but it also naturally functioned as a gathering place and a hub of information. Therefore, adventurers, who often required diverse information as “jacks-of-all-trades,” inevitably frequented the bar. 

As a result, the bar became a gathering place for adventurers, establishing its presence within the Adventurer’s Guild. 

“Another refill, and some appetizers. One portion of smoked meat.” -Glen 

“Hey, Glen-san, aren’t you supposed to be working? Did you get fired?” 

“I’m on break. Just hurry up.” 

Among the bar’s patrons, there was one man—Glen—who sat at the counter, lazily getting drunk. The sight of a scruffy-bearded old man drinking during the daytime evoked nothing but disapproval. However, the gazes of the adventurers who observed his back were filled with awe. 

Many of the Greed’s adventurers had received guidance from Glen. Some were even first-rate, Silver Rank adventurers, but the sense of fear conveyed through their gazes was no different from that of the newcomers. 

That was why Glen went undisturbed, spending his day drinking since noon. But then, a visitor arrived. 

“…So, what are you doing, Glen?”  

“Huh? Jiiro, what brings ya’ here? Got nothin’ to do?” -Glen 

“At the very least, I’m busier than you, who gets drunk during the day.” -Jiiro 

Jiiro, the leader of the Adventurer’s Guild’s Greed Branch, addressed him with an exasperated tone. Glen’s attitude toward him remained unchanged, familiar and impudent, yet Jiiro didn’t seem bothered by it. He appeared accustomed to Glen’s demeanor. 

“What about the training facility?” -Jiiro 

“Right now, all the trainees are in the dungeon. They’ll probably be back by noon.” -Glen 

“As usual, your teaching methods are sloppy.” -Jiiro 

“Well, we’re just adventurers after all. It’s my consideration to get ‘em used to rough treatment.” -Glen 

With a sigh, Jiiro took a seat beside Glen. He placed an order as a substitute for lunch. 

Glen continued sipping his beer, showing no signs of concern for the man sitting next to him. 

“It’s been about three weeks. What happened to the boy and girl I sent to you?” -Jiiro 

“They are currently attempting to defeat the crystal golem,” -Glen 

“Again, that’s… another ridiculous thing. What are their chances of success?” -Jiiro 

“There’s a chance, but I don’t know how it’ll turn out.” -Glen 

“Your ‘intuition’ isn’t telling you anything?” -Jiiro 

“My ‘instinct’ isn’t fortune-telling ya’ know.” -Glen  

Those who ventured into the dungeon and acquired various magical powers sometimes developed supernatural abilities. Their senses could be heightened, such as having a magic eye, or awakening a sixth sense like intuition or spiritual perception. 

Glen was an accomplished adventurer who had reached gold rank. His instinct was rumored to predict the future with astonishing accuracy. However, from Glen’s perspective, it was nothing more than excessive praise. 

“It’s only a vague feeling. There’s no way I could describe it concretely.” -Glen 

“You’re still serious in strange ways. So, as an instructor, what do you think of their potential?” -Jiiro 

When asked, Glen took a breath, exhaled, and said firmly, “It’s impossible.” 

Hearing Glen’s response, Jiiro slightly furrowed his brows. 

“Why is that?” -Jiiro 

“The girl is good, but the boy is too timid. He lacks the determination to throw his life into the abyss. He falls short,” Glen replied, poking at his smoked meat. 

“The resolve to throw his life into the abyss of madness. He lack’s that crucial step. That won’t do,” he continued. 

Only, decisiveness was utterly unnecessary in everyday life. Even as an adventurer, it was difficult to argue that it was essential. True adventurers needed the courage to pause in the face of risks. But what Ur, aiming for the realm of gold rank, with its absurd and outlandish nature, required was not courage. It demanded madness—swallowing the fear that even sacrificing one’s life might yield no results and recklessly throwing oneself into the fray. 

If he were to step into that realm, a domain inhabited by beings beyond human, that essential madness was indispensable. And he lacked it. 

“I see, then won’t you guide him?” -Jiiro 

“You mean, ‘Make them crazy’?” Glen retorted. “No, it’s impossible. It’s not something you can teach.” 

Glen bit into his meat and spat out his words as if he were disgusted. Deeply and strongly. 

“You don’t want to make someone feel the same as you?” -Jiiro. 

“Exactly. It ain’t fun, ya’ know? The path to gold rank. You wouldn’t understand.” -Glen 

“You’re hitting me where it hurts.” -Jiiro 

Jiiro, a seasoned adventurer who had achieved great feats and commanded respect among the adventures of Greed, was still only Silver Rank. Of course, Jiiro’s journey as an adventurer had not been easy. He reached Silver Rank because he was recognized for his remarkable achievements. 

Yet, the unreachable summit was the rank of gold. Jiiro had never imagined the anguish that came with reaching that level. 

“But you can’t stop someone who desires it. Even if you tell them it’s impossible.” -JIiro 

“Well, that’s true. But at this point, it’s up to them… if I were to have any expectations, it would be for that girl.” -Glen 

“Expectations? You mean that girl named Shizuku? What are you expecting from her?” -Jiiro  

“Well, ain’t it obvious?” Glen grinned, his face seemingly filled with malicious intent. 

“To push the pitiful coward who hesitates on the edge of the cliff and plunge him into hell.” -Glen 

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Day 20 

Meanwhile, Ur and Shizuku were currently… 

《Ur-sama, the crystal golem has been located. 》 

《Roger. 》 

They had been searching for the aforementioned mouse, following the trail of the crystal golem, for several days now. 

Regarding the vital point of the crystal golem that had been discussed earlier, they couldn’t reach a decision through their conversations. However, they didn’t have time to continue debating. As a result, they settled for a compromise: they would secure the creature that appeared to be the mouse before making a final judgment. 

However, capturing it wouldn’t be easy. 

The information from Magika was correct: the crystal golem was always chasing after and protecting the mouse. Even if the movements of the crystal golem were slow, it was still quite difficult to locate the mouse that always stayed close to its enormous body. 

Moreover, there was the question of what to do after capturing it. 

“Should we bring it back and keep it as a pet until the Subjugation Festival?” -Shizuku 

“If the crystal golem escapes from the dungeon, it would be a disaster…” -Ur 

As Glen had mentioned, intentionally bringing monsters outside of the dungeon was not only against the rules but also a crime. It was not only risking the chance of obtaining the ring but also the possibility of getting caught. That was not an option. Therefore, the mouse had to stay within the dungeon. 

Thus, even if they were to capture it, it had to be done inside the dungeon. 

Considering these conditions, the duo devised a plan that utilized the dungeon’s terrain for guiding the mouse. Naturally, they couldn’t seal the crystal golem, but it should be possible to manipulate the mouse’s movements using the dungeon’s structure. 

For example, cornering it in a dead-end with only one exit and setting up a mechanism to prevent the mouse from entering or leaving, or preparing a guard. By doing so, they could contain it. 

Currently, they were making preparations for that. 

“Today marks day three, huh…” -Ur 

It was late at night. The reason for choosing this time period was to avoid the gaze of other adventurers. It was a necessary but difficult choice as spreading this strategy, which many adventurers would imitate once they realized, would be impossible. 

However, after three days, fatigue started to accumulate. Due to time constraints, they were also conducting their usual training alongside this plan (although Glen, who knew the circumstances, made some allowances). Frankly speaking, it was tough. 

What Ur and Shizuku were currently doing was creating favorable conditions to corner the crystal golem. However, getting too close would result in an attack, so careless manipulation was too dangerous. 

As a result, they decided to “wait.” 

It was a method that could be considered the basic approach in hunting—waiting patiently until the desired monster came to the desired location. However, despite having no other choices, it still took a toll on their spirits. The approaching deadline for the Subjugation Festival only added to Ur’s anxiety. 

However, even more than that, Ur was frustrated with himself for still hesitating at this point. 

After securing the mouse, he had postponed making a decision. But capturing it took time, further delaying his judgment. This was not good. The sooner the decision was made, the better. They could adequately prepare, and it would bring more peace of mind than being left hanging in the air. They couldn’t afford to risk their lives while being undecided. 

And now, Ur was left hanging in the air. 

“…Damn.” -Ur 

At times like this, he was reminded that he was just an ordinary person. He was slow in making decisions. His judgment was dull. Knowing that these things could make a significant difference, he still couldn’t take the first step. 

Should he decide after finding the mouse and discovering the crystal golem’s weakness? Really? 

If he still hesitated even after finding it, then at that moment… 

“Ur-sama, the crystal golem is approaching the designated point.” -Shizuku 

“…Understood.” -Ur 

As if perfectly timed to coincide with his contemplation, the opportunity presented itself. 

Following the instructions transmitted from Shizuku through wind magic, Ur positioned himself along the path of the crystal golem’s progress. In his hand, he held not a weapon, “Magic Storing Orb,” filled with flash magic. 

When activated, it emitted sound and light, but its power was feeble, reduced to the level of a child’s toy. To a crystal golem devoid of ears and eyes, it held no meaning whatsoever. However, when it came to the mouse he believed it was protecting, the situation was different—or so it should have been. 

“Having the mouse turn out to be a golem as well would be no laughing matter… Now then” -Ur. 

The echoing footsteps of the crystal golem drew near. Ur cautiously positioned himself in the shadow of a corner, making sure not to be detected by the golem. With a gentle toss from the darkness of the bend, he released the magic orb. The orb rolled on the ground, and in the next instant, it burst into a cacophony of explosions and scattered light. 

『OOOOOOO… 』 

The crystal golem showed no reaction to this light and sound. It was only natural since the golem had neither eyes nor ears—just hollowness. However, the mouse the golem was protecting should be different. And if that were the case… 

『…OOOOO. 』 

After a while, the crystal golem changed direction and began walking in the opposite way. At first glance, it appeared to be aimlessly wandering, but that was not the case. It was pursuing the mouse that had fled in surprise from the light, sound, and impact. 

“Alright, 《Shizuku, go that way. 》” -Ur 

《Understood. 》-Shizuku 

Ur contacted Shizuku and took out another magic orb. Currently, Ur and Shizuku were on opposite sides of the crystal golem, with the golem positioned between them. There was only one passage, and there was a single side path within that passage. 

“Now, one more time.” -Ur 

【”Sing, O Light, and tear through the darkness.” 】-Shizuku 

Light emanated from both ends, and if they cornered it, there should be only one place for it to escape to. Ur had reexamined the habits of both monsters and crystal golems, but he had no knowledge of a mere mouse’s behavior. He hadn’t even directly confirmed the mouse’s presence. 

“Go…” -Ur 

He pleaded, his heart urging them forward. The crystal golem paused in response to the light from both ends. Since the golem considered the danger of attacking them head-on, Ur couldn’t observe the mouse’s actions. The golem’s movements served as his only guide. 

『…OOOO. 』 

Seconds turned into minutes as the crystal golem stood frozen in place. Had Ur failed? Just as he was about to take out another magic orb, the golem started moving, but not toward Ur or Shizuku—toward the remaining path. 

“…Success.” -Ur 

Whispering to himself, trying to suppress his pounding heart, Ur celebrated silently. The golem had been successfully guided to the large room at the dead-end. 

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“…Do you think this will be effective?”  -Ur 

“I’ve heard that it’s highly effective against the mice inside the house, according to the merchants.” -Shizuku 

“But what about in this dungeon…” -Ur 

In a grand chamber of the dungeon, where the jewel golem had infiltrated, Ur and Shizuku had set up traps to deter mice along the only passage, which served as the sole entrance and exit. It seemed to be a dubious mouse deterrent fragrance sold by the merchant in the great hall. 

It was uncertain how effective the indoor version would be in this dungeon. However, the jewel golem and the mouse had not emerged from that large chamber. 

It had already been an hour since they had lured them into the grand chamber. During that time, the jewel golem roamed around the room but made no attempt to leave. This was likely because the mouse either couldn’t or wouldn’t leave. 

Direct capture was difficult due to constant interference from the jewel golem. However, it could be said that containment had been successful through this method. 

“We’ve struggled, but the result is underwhelming.” -Ur 

“Indeed, we still don’t know if we can keep it contained.” -Shizuku 

“We’ll need to keep a watchful eye…” -Ur 

While saying this, Ur felt the impending decision in front of him. 

That decision was whether they should utilize the captured mouse or not. The decision was imminent. 

“It’s a dilemma. Should we entrust ourselves to the judgment of others or seize it for ourselves?” -Ur 

The former would largely depend on luck. There were virtually no elements that they could control themselves, and experts in the field unanimously declared it “challenging.” The latter, on the other hand, had no element of luck, but with their current strength, there was no other way to describe it than “reckless.” Even the most skilled of adventurers, a gold-rank had declared them to be “insufficient.” 

What a frustrating dilemma it was. If possible, Ur didn’t want to choose either. 

But they had to choose. The extermination festival was already upon them. They had long run out of time. Considering the preparations for the festival two days later, it was already too late to decide here and now. 

“I…,” -Ur 

With hesitation and a pang in his stomach, Ur tried to summon the answer from the depths of his gut. It was just before that answer would be uttered. 

“Ur-sama.” -Shizuku 

However, Shizuku’s voice interrupted him. 

“Shizuku?” -Ur 

“Ur-sama, ‘There are not just two choices.’” -Shizuku 

Unable to comprehend the meaning of those words, Ur turned back to Shizuku, intending to ask again. 

And then, he realized. 

He felt a presence. A presence other than themselves. Moreover, it wasn’t the presence of monsters or jewel golems. 

In other words… 

“Ohh~, good work, boys. Thanks for doing it for us.” 

The presence of multiple adventurers. Armed men lined up, blocking the exit of the passage, wearing smiles that oozed clear hostility and malice. 

Ur felt a cold sweat seeping from his entire body. 

“…You guys are…” -Ur 

“We’re tha’ ‘Red Ogre.’ But it don’t really matter who we are, does it? Not in this situation. Or are you too dense to sense it?” -Red Ogre Member 

A bald-headed man with a beard. Ur presumed him to be their leader as he threw the question at him. 

Of course, Ur understood. He knew why they had come here. Moreover, the current situation, the fact that they had captured the mouse, was not supposed to be known to anyone. Yet, people who likely knew were standing before Ur and Shizuku. Furthermore, they were armed and had completely surrounded them. 

There was no need to ponder. The plan with the mouse had been exposed, and at the moment Ur and Shizuku had secured the mouse, these people intended to seize them. 

It was the worst.  

There was no doubt about it, it was the worst-case scenario. The enemy consisted of five individuals, well-armed and prepared. They were only two. That alone put them at a disadvantage. No, from the start, the mission was already on the verge of failure the moment they discovered this place. If they were to strike first on the day of the subjugation festival, killing the mouse and destroying the jewel golem, it would all be over. 

What should they do? What could they possibly do? Should they let the mouse escape and reset the situation? But it took them three days to get this far, and there’s no guarantee they’d it back in time for the subjugation festival after resetting the situation. Is silencing them here the only option? Is it even possible? 

In Ur’s mind, a whirlwind of crisis and impatience spun, even entertaining extreme choices. However, all that confusion vanished in an instant when a single question passed through his thoughts. 

Wait, why do they even know about the mouse? 

It was right after that realization. An impact ran through his head “from behind.” 

“Gah-?!” -Ur  

What?! No, who?! 

Unable to withstand the unbearable impact, Ur fell to the ground, writhing, while pondering the question. It was foolish in itself. There was only one person here who could meticulously strike the gap in Ur’s helmet as he protected his head. 

“Shiz…!” -Ur 

“Is this satisfactory?” -Shizuku 

“She struck without hesitation. What a terrifying woman.” -Red Ogre Member 

Shizuku stepped forward from behind Ur, gripping the staff that she used to strike him by surprise. Before Ur could even process this fact or find an answer, his consciousness rapidly darkened. It wasn’t just from the blow, but most likely some form of magic. And it was magic set in motion by Shizuku, no less. 

Amidst the chaos and questions, Ur’s consciousness descended into darkness.