Akatsuki Translations

Outside the City of Sin; Magika’s Manor

“Well, well, long time no see, young Ur.” -Magika.

“It’s been a few days, Magika.” -Ur

Ur had come to visit Magika, an engineer of magical mechanics who lived within a dungeon. She seemed engrossed in adjusting her golems, as she fiddled with a magical core she had extracted from a clay golem, tinkering with delicate metal instruments that Ur couldn’t comprehend.

” I was saved thanks to the Dragonfang Spear I purchased from you.” -Ur

“All gooood, all gooood. I also managed to gather some rare data and information from it after all~.” -Magika

“I’ll never forgive you for keeping silent about plummeting the value of that information.” -Ur

“Oh noooo, so scaaary~~.” -Magika

Ur had his reservations about Magika’s nonchalant attitude, but in the end, it was a valuable learning experience. She had simply responded to his request to “Tell me the objective of the crystal golem’s actions.” She hadn’t lied at all. How one used that information was up to them. And since he had utilized that information, it was a fair trade. Holding a grudge over it would be pitiful.

“I actually have a favor to ask.” -Ur

“A new Dragonfang Spear, riiight? Suure~, but it’ll cost ya~.” -Magika

Before Ur could clarify, Magika pointed sharply to the wall. There stood a spear, not quite identical but similar to the one Ur had used in his battle with the crystal golem.

“It’s been stabilized based on the combat data from your fight with the crystal golem~.”  -Magika

Ur tested it out a bit, moving it here and there. The cannon’s opening moved smoothly without any problem. He even tested its 【Roar】ability weakly within the dungeon, and it landed with a swift flash of light. Satisfied with its performance, Ur bowed his head to Magika in gratitude.

“This’ll help a lot.” -Ur

“Just so you know, the ones circulating in the city are more stable, okay?” -Magika

The Dragonfang Spear was not an item exclusively handled by Magika. It was also evaluated in the market as an armament to supplement the firepower needed for monster extermination. If one could reach a city, there would likely be at least one craftsman who could repair both the magical core and the tip of the spear.

However, the fact that it required different craftsmen for the magical core and the tip made it more laborious, and there was also the drawback that the owner needed at least some basic knowledge. Because of these reasons, it wasn’t very popular. Nevertheless, Ur chose this one.

“When it comes to firepower within my current reach, yours is undoubtedly the best.” -Ur

With the goal of defeating bounties set, Ur’s future enemies would be those bounties. Powerful weapons were essential. No matter the effort required, one couldn’t skimp on the necessities.

Ur placed one gold coin and one silver coin on the table as payment. Magika tilted her head in confusion.

“Arya? What’s the silver coin for?” -Magika

“I’d like to learn how to maintain the Dragonfang Spear, if possible.” -Ur

“If you’d shown me Akane-chan, I would’ve taught you for free~.” -Magika

“She’s currently entrusted to Diz.” -Ur

Borrowing Akane frequently from Diz and attempting to earn rewards in return would indeed be problematic. Last time, Diz had given permission because it was urgent. But if Ur acted as though he could always rely on and borrow from Diz, she’d likely prepare a harsh retaliation. She was that kind of woman.

“That being said, if you can teach me for this price, please do.” -Ur

“Weeeell, okay~~. Since it’s becoming popular as a weapon against monsters, it’s designed to be easy to maintain. You’ll pick it up quickly~.” -Magika

“Thank you.” -Ur

“By the way, where’s Shizuku-chan~?” -Magika

“She’s at the Magic Guild where she’s been getting help from time to time, stocking up on new magic spells.” -Ur

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One of the members of the Magic Guild, Kokoro, was sequestered in her laboratory that day, engrossed in her research on magic.

She was a magician skilled in the elements of wind and water, and played a significant role in managing the city’s water supply and sewage systems.

For humans living in the confined spaces of a city, much of which had been taken over by monsters, obtaining clean water and processing wastewater was the lifeline of urban life. Kokoro deeply understood the importance of her research and took great pride in it. She even felt a sense of self-importance, believing she played a vital role in keeping the city running.

That’s why she often stayed cooped up in her lab. However, it wasn’t because she disliked people.

She often talked with others and would give advice to those in the Magic Guild who sought instruction in magic whenever she had the time. Sometimes, people would tell her, “You don’t have to do everything,” but she found such basic guidance stimulating.

“Speaking of which, water is readily available everywhere in Greed, isn’t it?” -Shizuku

“Well, not just in Greed, but most of the Sin Cities typically have a well-established water system.” -Kokoro

The silver-haired girl in front of her, Shizuku, was one of the people Kokoro has instructed. The relationship between the Adventurer’s Guild and the Magic Guild was not bad. It was common for the Magic Guild to provide magical training to novice adventurers. Hence, instructing her was part of that. In that sense, Shizuku wasn’t particularly special to Kokoro, though she did stand out for her rapid comprehension.

However,

“Congrats, Shizuku-san. To think you’d really beat that crystal golem.” -Kokoro

It’s a different story if it’s someone who managed to defeat a bounty in a month and on top of that acquired a copper ring.

“Thank you. I’m grateful for your help, Kokoro. I survived thanks to you.” -Shizuku

“I only taught you the basics, really.” -Kokoro

Kokoro wasn’t particularly surprised that Shizuku had claimed a bounty and acquired an adventurer’s ring in record time. She had taught her several spells and knew her capabilities. It was if she would hear one thing and learn ten. With that sort of learning speed, Shizuku was undeniably a genius. So, it wasn’t surprising she achieved what she did.

Perhaps she should ask the branch chief to formally invite her to join the Magic Guild?

“So, what kind of magic would you like to learn today?” -Kokoro

While considering making the invitation herself, Kokoro asked, and Shizuku nodded.

“Actually, I’ll be leaving Greed soon, so I was hoping to learn some useful magic for my journey.” -Shizuku

That wasn’t what Kokoro expected. Nowadays, adventurers typically settle in one dungeon city and establish their footing.

“Won’t you stay in this city? Your name is known now, and good jobs are coming in.” -Kokoro

“I can’t.” -Shizuku

Her response was immediate. Unyielding determination was evident. Such strong willpower might be why she could fully utilize her genius, but it was a pity.

“…Well, can’t be helped.” -Kokoro

Kokoro thought she’d found a good assistant, but she quickly shifted her mindset. There was no point in dwelling on it. She had to get back to her main job.

“So, considering you’re setting out, what magic do you want?” -Kokoro

“I’d like to exclude anything that can be covered by magical tools.” -Shizuku

“Then, I’d recommend 【Barrier】 and 【Detoxify】. There are magical tools, but they’re basically consumables and can be costly. Also, 【Purify】is simple and handy.” -Kokoro

“Do you think my companions can also learn them by learning them from me?” -Shizuku

“Once you get the hang of it, even a child can do it. It’s really useful.” -Kokoro

“Then, those will do,” Shizuku nodded, and the instruction began.

However, what Kokoro had to do was really brief. Once the magic was demonstrated in front of her, Shizuku would master it in an instant. Moreover, she would customize the incantations, turning them into song-like chants.

“It’s quite impressive to go to the trouble of rearranging it. Isn’t it a lot of work?” -Kokoro

After mastering the basics, Shizuku repeated her own chants. To this, Kokoro asked.

“I feel it’s more compatible when I do it this way.” -Shizuku

“Hmm, you’re certainly skilled at it, Shizuku-san. I’m tone-deaf, so I can’t.” -Kokoro

Of course, magic doesn’t simply arise from singing. One must properly fit words and songs into a spell’s formula. Her chant did exactly that, and at a pace faster than normal.

There are countless unique ways to chant in the world. Even Kokoro has mastered one or two, and slight changes due to individual “habits” in standard chants are common.

However, to perform chants with speed and accuracy equal to or surpassing those honed by the Magic Guild is quite astonishing.

“Did you learn it somewhere? I’d love to be taught if possible.” -Kokoro

“That might be difficult.” -Shizuku

Shizuku’s response to Kokoro’s probing question was vague. It was so ambiguous that, as Kokoro was about to ask what she meant, she saw Shizuku’s smiling face and held her tongue.

It seemed best not to pry. Understanding this, Kokoro refrained from pushing further. She had no interest in delving into troublesome matters.

“Where are you headed next, Shizuku-san?” -Kokoro

It was a clumsy change of topic, but Shizuku, perhaps understanding the intent, smiled.

“I’m heading to Proudia, going around the Apas Mountains.” -Shizuku

“Oh, that’s a long journey. Are you using a mobile fortress?” -Kokoro

“By the wishes of my employer who provides the travel expenses, it’s a horse-drawn carriage.” -Shizuku

“That sounds even more challenging. I wish you a safe journey.” -Kokoro

“Thank you very much, Kokoro-sama.” -Shizuku

They continued their conversation while teaching magic.

Watching Shizuku, who absorbed everything like sand soaking up water, Kokoro felt a mix of awe and curiosity about the incredible journey this prodigy would undertake.

Little did Kokoro know that Shizuku’s journey would surpass even her wildest imagination.