Akatsuki Translations

The spectating crowd, who had been watching the intense clash between the crystal beast and Ur’s group, were left dumbstruck. 

Just moments ago, Ur seemed to be fighting on equal footing, perhaps even more valiantly. But in an instant, he was sent flying like a piece of paper and slammed into the wall. 

“Ur!!” 

Nana couldn’t help but scream out. The scene was so shocking that everyone, from the other spectators to those who were hoping to seize Ur’s spoils, were left breathless. The worst possible scenario flashed through everyone’s minds. 

“See, look, he still needs more mental training” -Glen  

“You’re too carefree! Your apprentice just got turned into ground meat you know!?” -Nana 

From Nana’s perspective, the counterattack that hit Ur directly was clearly a fatal blow. His body was embedded in the dungeon’s wall, and she didn’t want to imagine what state he was in. 

Still, Glen remained calm. 

“That was a single blow, dealt with the monster’s remaining left arm after his right arm had been shattered. He’s wearing the Anti-Impact Necklace and has layered defensive magic, so he shouldn’t die.” 

Anticipating such accidents, Ur and Shizuku had taken as many precautions as possible. Ur wouldn’t die instantly. Of course, it wouldn’t be surprising if a bone or two were broken, and his consciousness was questionable. 

“It’s already over! I gonna go save him! Let’s go, everyo-Ah-!!” -Nana 

Pulling her companions along, Nana and the others rushed forward to aid Ur. However, just as they were about to leap into action, Glen grabbed her by the collar, forcibly stopping her. 

“What do you think you’re doing!?” -Nana 

“It’s ain’t over yet.” -Glen 

Glen pointed, and in the direction of his finger was Shizuku, who had been providing rear support for Ur. 

　　　　　　　　　　　◆◆◆◆◆◆◆◆◆◆ 

The moment Ur was flung against the wall, Shizuku’s decision was made with a swiftness that could only be described as lightning-fast. 

“…!!!” 

『GAYHAAHAHAHA, GA?! 』 

First, she hurled the remaining three magic-sealing orbs she’d prepared at the crystal beast. The creature, which had been laughing heartily after crushing one of the pesky flies, reeled back from the sudden explosion, dust, and flames that erupted before it. 

“【Sing, O Winds, and Envelop Them】.” -Shizuku 

The beast swung its remaining left arm as if to brush away the dust and flames created by the magic, but they clung stubbornly to it. Without its right arm, the creature struggled to shake off the magic, its balance disrupted. 

In that moment of respite, Shizuku darted to where Ur should be, amidst the shattered walls of the dungeon. 

There, in the dented wall, was Ur. At least he wasn’t minced meat. His armor and helmet were mostly crushed, but at least he still retained the form of a person. 

Swiftly, she checked his pulse at his neck. His heart was beating. He was breathing. 

“Ur-sama.” -Shizuku 

She called out to him, but he didn’t wake up. 

Careful not to shock him further, she pulled out a healing potion from her waist. It was cracked from the impact, spilling the potion. Shizuku quickly poured it into her mouth to prevent it from spilling further, then transferred it to Ur through a kiss, holding his jaw to make sure he swallowed. 

“Ur-sama.” -Shizuku 

He still didn’t wake up. 

Hmm? Shizuku was about to slap his cheek to wake him up, but turned around first. 

“…” -Shizuku 

『GAGYAGYAGYAGYAGYAGYAGYAGYAGYAGYAGYAGYAGYA!!! 』 

The crystal beast had shaken off the magic of the orbs, and its face was now closer, laughing. Laughing. Clearly, it was delighted. Perhaps it couldn’t help but be thrilled at having defeated its adversary. Its laughter was pure like a child’s, yet wicked. And then, 

『GAGGYAY—–!!!』 

It raised its fist. Its remaining left arm swung back, poised to crush both Shizuku and Ur. 

Shizuku tried to pull Ur’s body free. It wouldn’t budge. The distorted armor was embedded into the wall. She could see they would be crushed before she could pull him out. 

She was left with two choices: abandon Ur and escape, or stay and protect him. 

Her highest priority was her “mission.” 

Ur was important for the mission, but not indispensable. 

Even without him, the mission could still be accomplished. There was no need to risk failing the mission just to save him here. 

— You belong to me. 

“…Ah, that’s right.” -Shizuku 

The promise etched in her heart discarded the choice she had just considered. 

“I will protect you.” -Shizuku 

Turning her back on Ur, she faced the crystal beast, glaring at the fist that was about to strike. 

“【O Winds, Sing and Play with Me】” -Shizuku 

Planting her feet firmly on the ground, she held her staff in both hands to shield Ur. 

She chose to confront the imminent death. 

『GAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAA!!! 』 

“【Envelope us in an impregnable shield that keeps wickedness at bay】.” -Shizuku 

The fist was raised and then brought down. Her enchantment, which sounded almost like a song in the face of the certainly lethal blow, was so beautiful, clear, and unwavering that one might be captivated. 

“【Cloak of the Wind King】.” -Shizuku 

Then, the magic manifested. 

Shizuku and Ur were enveloped by a magic more advanced than the wind armor she had created to protect Ur. A fierce wind that should not have existed within the dungeon engulfed the shattered walls of the dungeon, lifting them up and forming a wall. It didn’t just protect its masters from the incoming fist, it also “repelled” the crystal beast’s blow. 

『GA?!! 』 

“Expansion magic… in the midst of battle?!” 

A voice filled with astonishment echoed from somewhere, but Shizuku couldn’t hear it. 

She was concentrating to the utmost. The maintenance of the powerful wind protecting them all depended on her concentration. Naturally, the fist that was raining down was not just a single blow. 

『GAGAGAGAGAGAGAGAGAGAGAGAAAAA!!! 』 

“…………!!!” -Shizuku 

The lethal blow was repeatedly slammed down on Shizuku. Each time, a storm raged, repelling the fist with its wind pressure. Its fist was sent flying in all directions, hitting the walls, the ground, the ceiling, and even the beast itself, but it did not harm Shizuku. 

The invincible barrier of wind, but the one maintaining it, was gradually being worn down. 

“Ah…!!” -Shizuku 

『GUGAAAAAAAAAAAAA!!! 』 

Shizuku was seized by a dreadful sensation. 

It was like drowning alone in a raging sea. To control a powerful magic that normally required adequate preparation and multiple magicians all by herself was extremely difficult. In that state, she had to maintain the “wind armor.” 

Between the concentration required amidst her fading consciousness and the crystal beast’s attacks that struck her, she felt as if she was being torn apart from both ends. Still, she didn’t stop casting the magic. 

She was determined to protect Ur. That single-mindedness was what kept her consciousness connected. 

『GAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAA!!! 』 

“…ka.” -Shizuku 

It was strange. Living for the sake of others was a part of Shizuku’s daily life. She was the embodiment of selflessness, putting others before herself. That was normal, and so, it was also normal for her to exert all her strength for someone else. 

Yet, why was she surging with this much power? Why was she so desperate? 

In her hazy consciousness, she asked herself why, and the answer was the warmth she felt that night. Despite the exhaustion of her magic power making her fingertips cold, the center of her chest was filled with warmth. That warmth encouraged Shizuku. 

This warmth, this emotion, what is it?… 

“…………gu.” -Ur 

Behind her, she heard Ur groan. Had he woken up, or was he just stirring without consciousness? Shizuku, who didn’t have a moment to spare to look back, didn’t know. But without turning back, an arm stretched out from behind her, firmly grabbing and supporting Shizuku. 

“…Shi…zuku.” -Ur 

It wasn’t a plea for help. 

It was an arm extended in concern, offering assistance. It was a gesture of someone exerting all their strength to help and support her. The moment she realized this, the warmth in her chest spread throughout Shizuku’s body as if fanning a flame, restoring her energy. 

Simultaneously, she realized the true nature of this warmth. 

“Ah… I was happy, wasn’t I?” -Shizuku 

She was happy. She was happy to be told that she was precious, that she would be protected. 

(I was happy, despite it being something sinful, something unforgivable.) 

 Despite thinking it was beyond her, she couldn’t help but feel this way. 

“I don’t want to lose this warmth,” she realized. Foolish. Sinful. But now… 

“I won’t let you die.” -Shizuku 

With determination in her voice, she concentrated all of her consciousness on maintaining her magic. Tiny sparks scattered inside her head, making her feel as if she was about to burn. Yet, she never ceased her magic. 

“……!!!” -Shizuku 

『GAH!? 』 

And it was the crystal beast that gave up first. 

The left arm, just as the right arm of the crystal was beginning to crack as it continued to swing it around. It wasn’t just due to Shizuku’s magic. It was the result of swinging without considering the burden on itself. The crystal beast growled at its crumbling left arm, moaning. It wasn’t a voice of pain, but a voice radiating boiling anger. 

Her wind cloak still towered before the crystal beast. It had weakened to the point that it would shatter after a few more beatings, but it was uncertain whether it or the beast’s left arm would break first. 

Whether it made that judgment or simply became annoyed, the crystal beast resorted to a quick solution. 

『GAAAAAAAAAAAAAH!! 』 

That is, it prepared the destructive thermal energy of its magic core. 

Activating its own heart, the magic core, it produced a light of destruction. The explosive heat and light reflected off its body, making the crystal beast itself seem to shine. The heat, enough to cause burns just by getting close, signified the destructive power about to be unleashed. 

In contrast, Shizuku who was about to face it, 

“…not yet.” -Shizuku 

She uttered, having already exhausted all her magic power. Her consciousness focused on magic was a desperate defense that had exhausted everything, but it had already ceased. 

Without the energy left even to support her body, she staggered, dropping her staff, her strength draining from her body. 

“So, you’ve finally exposed your weak point, puppet.” -Ur 

Catching her in his arms, Ur rose to his feet.