Akatsuki Translations

Day 21 

Ur experienced the worst awakening of his life. 

His head throbbed with pain, swirling and spinning from the effects of magic, accompanied by a nauseating feeling. 

But the pain and discomfort were the least of his concerns. 

He remembered clearly what had happened before losing consciousness. The mouse was stolen. His ultimate and final opportunity had been betrayed by his comrade and seized by his rivals. The harsh reality came crashing down upon Ur. 

He had failed. 

Shizuku had betrayed him. 

Why did she do such a thing? Ur couldn’t comprehend it, it was a sign that he never truly understood her. She had never revealed her true identity, and Ur had accepted that. He had taken the risk, trusted her with his back, only for it to be stabbed. This time, it was just that simple. 

It was over. Akane couldn’t be saved anymore. 

Doubts and regrets plagued his mind. He couldn’t bring himself to look forward. Even if he wanted to, all the means to do so were already lost… 

“Hey, don’t ignore me like that. Even though I’m here takin’ care of ya.” -Glen 

“…Glen?” -Ur 

It was then that Ur realized he was in the infirmary of the training facility, as he heard Glen’s voice reading a book by the bed next to him. 

“…The subjugation festival…” -Ur 

“You’ve been asleep for a whole day, so it’s four days from now.” -Glen 

At least he hadn’t slept through the subjugation festival. Still, that didn’t change the current situation, and Ur couldn’t help but feel a bitter sense of resignation. 

“…Where’s Shizuku?” -Ur 

As soon as he voiced the question, a pained expression appeared on his face. There was no way she would be here. No way… 

“Oh, she’s in the lecture room. She said she wanted to offer prayers to the guardian spirits.” -Glen 

“I see… Wait, what?” -Ur 

“Yeah, I told ya she’s in the lecture hall. Shizuku.” -Glen 

“Now?” -Ur 

“Right now.” -Glen 

“…” 

“…” 

“Huh? Why?” -Ur 

“Are you playing dumb?” -Glen 

Ur received a punch from Glen. 

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Lecture Room. 

Normally, one wouldn’t even notice it, or rather, it wasn’t something you could anticipate when Glen’s fist would come flying, so people didn’t even pay attention to it. But upon entering the room, one couldn’t help but notice the front lectern, adorned with a single design engraved on its surface. It depicted the emblem of the divine and absolute deity, Zerudia, and their attendant spirits—the “Crest of the Spirits.” It was a symbol ubiquitous throughout this world. 

“…” 

Before that emblem, Shizuku offered fervent prayers. With her hands clasped together, bowing deeply, she prayed strongly and deeply. Even in the temple, there would be no one as devoted to praying to the spirits as she was. 

For a while, Ur stayed still, so as not to disturb her. As soon as she noticed that Shizuku had stopped clasping her hands, Ur entered the room. 

“If you’re praying so fervently, shouldn’t you at least go to the ‘temple’?” Ur spoke from behind. 

Shizuku slowly lifted her face, showing no particular surprise, and smiled softly. 

“No, this place is sufficient for me.” -Shizuku 

“Is that so?” -Ur 

“Yes, it is.” -Shizuku 

Ur responded leisurely, swayed by Shizuku’s relaxed words. She sat on a nearby chair, and Shizuku quietly sat back next to Ur. After a brief silence, it was Shizuku who spoke first. 

“I am a priestess of a group that worships a certain ‘evil spirit.’” -Shizuku 

“Evil spirit?” -Ur 

“It is a type of spirit. We refer to these detestable existences that have been deemed ‘unnecessary’ to human existence by the sole god Zerudia as such.” -Shizuku 

Shizuku stated matter-of-factly. 

Ur couldn’t quite grasp the concept of an evil spirit. As she said, this was the first time he had heard of such an existence. He didn’t understand why Shizuku had taken on that mission. However, 

“So, that’s why Shizuku became an adventurer and aims to slay a dragon.” -Ur 

“Yes. My goal is the restoration of that evil spirit. As a priestess, it is my duty to defeat the dragons, the enemies of the world, and demonstrate that our evil spirits were not a mistake to the entire Isralia continent.” -Shizuku 

There was no flicker in her eyes. Neither anxiety, fear, nor, conversely, the burning pride and passion reflected in her gaze. There was only a resolute will to accomplish what must be done. 

“I apologize for not speaking up until now. The existence of evil spirits itself couldn’t be widely known.” -Shizuku 

Shizuku said, bowing deeply. 

“Why now?” -Ur 

“I couldn’t continue hiding my circumstances from you any longer. I would lose your complete trust. So, I decided to tell you the truth as much as I can.” -Shizuku 

“What happens from now on?” -Ur 

“What happens from now on…” -Shizuku 

Yes, the main point. Shizuku’s intentional divulgence of vital information, the weak point of the crystal golem, her clear betrayal, and yet she stood before Ur even now, her reason for doing so. 

“If you’re willing to explain, I want to know. Why did you do that and why are you still here in front of me?” -Ur 

“Yes, that is—” -Shizuku 

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Shizuku’s explanation was by no means long. When spoken, it was extremely simple and clear. And precisely because of that… 

“…” -Ur 

Ur’s face turned slightly pale as he fell silent. 

“…That’s all.” -Shizuku 

“…Shizuku.” -Ur 

“Yes.” -Shizuku 

“Isn’t this dangerous?” -Ur 

“Yes.” -Shizuku 

Ur remained silent, having heard everything about what Shizuku had done. Why did she leak information about the Mouse to those members of the Crimson Oni? He understood it all. He understood her intentions. 

And he understood. Her actions were very “dangerous.” They carried numerous risks and the results were uncertain. However, what was clear was… 

“Regarding our options to increase our chances of defeating the crystal golem, this is the only choice we have.” -Shizuku 

What was clear was that she still had the intention to fight the crystal golem together with Ur. In that aspect, she had not wavered at all. Ur’s situation was not yet a “checkmate.” 

“…But to do something like that on your own…” -Ur 

However, even so, he couldn’t simply say, “Oh well, that’s fine.” Her actions and decisions completely ignored Ur’s will. It was an excessive act of unilateralism. Even if it would be beneficial to Ur in the end, it was not something that could be forgiven. 

Shizuku nodded in agreement with Ur’s hesitant criticism. 

“I understand that point. I must make amends. That’s why…” -Shizuku 

“That’s why?” -Ut 

“Please, go ahead.” -Shizuku 

Shizuku opened her arms wide. Ur, unable to comprehend, questioned her. 

“Go ahead?” -Ur 

“Yes, please do as you desire with me.” -Shizuku 

Ur was speechless.