Akatsuki Translations

Since the occurrence of the Great Dungeon Flood, the human sphere of existence has contracted, people being pushed into confines protected by defensive walls.

There is no human activity between cities; all has been concealed and consumed by the flourishing foliage. But if asked whether all was entirely lost, the answer would be no. There were things that remained, created by the hands of the Nameless who travel between cities.

Roads for carriages and humans to pass through, resting places to relieve weary bodies at key points.

Such places existed between Greed and other cities as well.

“The forms vary, but everyone calls them ‘Roosts.’ Well, they’re not exactly perfectly safe.” -Diz

The time is high noon, with the One and Only God, the Sun, ascending high in the sky.

Holding a bundle of dry branches gathered from a nearby forest, Ur stepped into the clearing. It was a small square, about ten meters on each side, enclosed by a fence, with no roof. Carriages were parked inside, and Ur and the others were taking a break, sitting and having a meal.

The horses, Dāru and Sūru were set free, leisurely grazing on the nearby grass. Despite walking since sunrise, there was no apparent sign of exhaustion.

” Dāru can run non-stop for three days without getting tired. They’re a mixed breed with monsters, you know.” -Diz

“Monsters? Is that even possible?” -Ur

“It’s the selective breeding technology of the City of Sin, Gradol.” -Diz

“Guess next time I have a chance to visit, I’ll have to take a closer look around the city…. Akane, become a knife. I need to whittle these twigs.” -Ur

《Aye-aye! 》-Akane

With Akane’s assistance, Ur prepared by breaking the small branches he had gathered from the nearby woods into suitable sizes. He stacked the branches on the stone-made rudimentary stove that the previous visitors had used, igniting them with the split wood and kindling a fire.

“We’ll purify and boil the water from the reservoir. Then it’s an easy meal.” -Ur

“There’s cheese and dried Tabuta meat. And there’s also oil-dressed cabbage and such. We have enough for three days of travel~.” -Diz

“It’s great that there’s no limit to carrying food in the carriage.” -Ur

“One piece of dried meat costs one silver coin~!” -Diz

“Don’t make me cry.” -Ur

《Stingy! 》-Akane

“Just kidding. Just make sure you don’t eat too much or leave too much. Consume wisely.” -Diz

Before Ur came here, he had been scraping by on a minimal amount of preserved food, enough not to be in the way, so the fact that he doesn’t have to worry about that alone made him feel fortunate to have been hired as her bodyguard.

“Speaking of which, for a place outside the city, it doesn’t seem neglected. Who maintains it?” -Shizuku

“We do. Basically, those who travel between cities each take care of the ‘roosts.’ If something’s broken, we fix it ourselves, and if someone’s working on something, we help.” -Ur

The stone stove, and the water reservoir, were all prepared by different people. Originally, this was just an empty square. But the slightly elevated location, easy to observe, without nearby “wild dungeons,” and with convenient access to wood and food in the nearby forest, led people to naturally begin enhancing this place, resulting in this “roost.”

“If something’s broken, we fix it. If it’s dirty, we clean it.” -Ur

“That’s wonderful.” -Shizuku

“It’s necessary. We don’t want to be resented for doing something careless, especially outside the city.” -Ur

Within the city, the safeguard of law existed. However, this was beyond the city limits. Just as there were no protective walls guarding against monsters, there was no law to govern the people themselves. The absence of such laws lead to a heightened sensitivity towards consideration for one another. Without the rules that would defend when someone steps on another’s toes, everyone avoided bearing needless risks.

Yet, still, there were those who act rudely or thoughtlessly, but the outcome of such actions was unknown. Because it was unknown, Ur avoided that type of behavior.

“So, Shizuku, I’m counting on you for the cleaning.” -Ur

“I’m already doing it… but what about this pillar?” -Shizuku

Shizuku pointed to a single column thrust into the center of the square. It wasn’t illuminated, and at first glance, it was unclear why it was there. However, as one approached and looked at its surface, strange characters were engraved upon it.

“It’s an incantation representing the 【Guardian Spirit of Travel, Roadar】. A substitute for a temple.” -Ur

In this world, various spirits existed. There were numerous beliefs directed towards them And in return for that faith, a “gift” appropriate to that belief is granted by the world. Therefore, everyone offers prayers to their guardian spirits, which guide them towardw the actions they seek to accomplish.

In a resting place between cities, the wish to pray would naturally be for safe travel, as Roadar was a wind spirit that governed travel.

“Well, Roadar is capricious. Sometimes they grant protection, sometimes not.” -Diz

“Besides, most of those outside the city are Nameless. Even those who use this place.” -Ur

Nameless were those who had been driven out of the city because they were distant from the spirits.

In simple terms, it was difficult for their prayers to reach, which meant blessings were also hard to receive.

“Have you ever been helped by Roadar, Ur-sama?” -Shizuku

“Maybe the time when I was preparing a meal and the pot almost flipped over…” -Ur

Nevertheless, help was help.

One should cling to what one can. Praying costs nothing.

“What shall we do? Shall we pray?” -Diz

“Let’s pray. I won’t feel right if we don’t.” -Ur

《Thaaaaank you~~, Roadar-tan~》-Akane

“””Thank you.”””

Thus, Ur and his four companions put their hands together and offered prayers to the spirit.

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After a simple meal and a sip of tea, Diz clapped her hands, gathering the attention of Ur and the others

“Alright, let’s go over our plans again.”  -Diz

“True, with all the commotion around the Island-Eating Turtle, we didn’t get to discuss much.” -Shizuku

Of course, they had held brief meetings before, but it was always better to confirm things. Ur and Shizuku straightened their postures, ready to listen. Next to them, Akane did the same.

“The next destination for us is the ‘Satellite City of Aruto.’ It’s a satellite city of the City of Sin, Greed. If I were to highlight a special feature… they possess a mass-production technique for high-quality paper, which they trade with Greed.” -Diz

Due to limitations in interactions between cities and the subsequent stagnation in technological sharing, each city had developed its unique technologies and specialties. The most prominent of which were the dungeons of the Sin Cities.

“We’ll reach Aruto in about two days. However, if we encounter monsters, it might delay us by a day. Any questions?” -Diz

Shizuku raised her hand.

“Yes.” -Shizuku

“Go ahead, Shizuku” -Diz

“What, specifically, will be our task during our stay?” -Shizuku

“None, really. If you want to hunt bounties, feel free.” -Diz

“Our primary job is just moving between cities.” -Ur

“That’s right. But in emergencies, you’ll follow my instructions. Additional rewards will be negotiated as needed.” -Diz

It was impossible for Ur and Shizuku to earn bounties if they were constantly attached to her. Diz was well aware of this, and it was part of their prior negotiations.

“If nothing else comes up, we’ll head straight to Lust after this. Our stay in Aruto won’t be long.” -Diz

“Guess we won’t get many opportunities to hunt bounties in Aruto.” -Ur

“There is probably an Adventurers’ Guild, though. We should gather information about the Lust region there.” -Shizuku

They might also find bounties worth hunting. However, in the Greed territory, there probably weren’t any notable bounties left. At least none that Ur and his companion could handle. They had checked in the Greed Adventurers’ Guild already.

Their real work would begin once they entered the region of Lust. For now, they should be free of problems.

“Any other questions?” -Diz

“None.” -Ur

“None from me.” -Shizuku

《Noooo. 》-Akane

“Alright, then.” -Diz

Diz chuckled and crawled back into the carriage, saying, “I’m going to sleep. Before the sun sets, let’s move to our next stop and prepare camp.”

And she dozed off, without even pulling up her cloak.

“She really does fall asleep easily, doesn’t she? I wonder if Diz-sama is tired.” -Shizuku

“Akane, why don’t you sleep next to Diz? Turn into a cloak for her.” -Ur

《Goodnight. 》-Akane

They didn’t want their employer catching a cold.

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Indeed, Diz was exhausted.

She continued to sleep, embracing Akane, who lay nestled against her in a form reminiscent of soft fabric.

Diz was weary.

Located in the vast city of Greed, which possesses one of the seven Dungeons of Sin in the world, it is situated at the southeastern edge of the Isralia continent. Due to its location circumventing the Apas mountain range, it’s often referred to as “the end of the continent.” As a result, commuting there took time. Upon inquiry, she found tasks that no one but her could handle had piled up.

During her stay, she had been extremely busy, having to address all the accumulated work, to the point she barely had time to sleep.

That’s why she was now focused entirely on recovering her strength. Ideally, she would have loved to relax atop the safe and comfortable Island-Eating Turtle, but unfortunately, that wasn’t possible. Hence, she hired Ur and Shizuku for miscellaneous tasks and protection.

The servants who would typically support Diz were currently away on business. While entrusting her safety to the two was a bit unsettling, they both tried their best to assist her. Entrusting herself to their protection, Diz continued to sleep deeply.

“…Hmm?” -Diz

Her sleep was abruptly interrupted when Shizuku gave her cheek a firm pinch.

“…Shizuku?” -Diz

“Yes.” -Shizuku

《…Mm》-Akane

Shizuku was looking down at her, even using her lap as a pillow for Diz. Raising herself slightly, Diz gently moved Akane off of her and turned her face to Shizuku.

“What are you doing right now?” -Diz

“I was pinching your cheek, Diz-sama.” -Shizuku

“Is that so?” -Diz

“Yes.” -Shizuku

While Shizuku calmly explained the situation, it was quite clear to Diz what she was doing even without the explanation.

“So, why did you do that?” -Diz

“Yes, well,” -Shizuku

Nodding, Shizuku began with a serious look.

“It’s serious, Diz-sama.” -Shizuku

“Is it?” -Diz

“Yes.” -Shizuku

Shizuku informed her earnestly. Despite the grave news, Shizuku’s demeanor made it seem rather laid-back. There was no sense of urgency. Slowly sitting up and stretching, Diz sought confirmation from Shizuku.

“So, what happened?” -Diz

“I detected the presence of what seems to be 【Undead Soldiers】atop the Island-Eating Turtle we were traveling with. Additionally, I’ve observed signs of bandits, likely working with these undead, boarding the turtle. Currently, the Island-Eating Turtle has ceased movement. It’s likely being occupied.”

“…”

“…”

“That’s serious, isn’t it?” -Diz

“Yes, it’s very serious.” -Shizuku

It was a serious situation.