Akatsuki Translations

【Shade’s Rest】Inn, 10th Floor VIP Room

“Alright, it’s strategy time. Everyone, clap.” -Diz

In response to the declaration from their employer, Ur gave a half-hearted clap, Shizuku clapped earnestly, and Akane clapped with enthusiasm. The three of them were currently gathered in a room at the inn.

When one mentions an adventurer’s inn, it almost always means someplace cheap. However, the room where the three of them were staying was spacious, equipped not only with bedrooms but also a large living area.

“You know, we’re pretty lucky to get a room this big, though it might be a bit imprudent to say.” -Diz

“Just so you know, I ain’t paying for it.”-Ur

“Don’t worry. As per our initial agreement, I’ll cover the lodging and meal expenses. The necessary expenses for protection are on me.” -Diz

The inn, 【Shade’s Rest】, located a short distance from the main gate of the satellite city of Aruto, has a bar and dining area on the first floor. The floors up to the tenth are all lodging facilities. It’s a massive inn, even compared to the ones in the big cities.

While Aruto is a satellite city, it’s close to the major city of Greed, and many people use Aruto as a transit point. Thus, there’s a high demand for accommodation. Under normal circumstances, “Shade’s Rest” would be bustling.

However, the attack on the Island-Eating Turtle also affected this inn. Due to the attack, guests who were originally scheduled to stay had returned to Greed en masse, leaving the inn unusually empty.

Of course, this situation was problematic for the inn. After Diz offered to rent a room, they negotiated a deal, and she ended up contracting a room that was a tier higher than the one she originally intended to rent.

“The room is so nice that it feels a bit unsettling.” -Ur

“Would you have preferred a stable?” -Diz

《Stables’re stinky and prickly. 》-Akane

“I’ll pass.” -Ur

While they had to economize where necessary, they couldn’t forget to take care of themselves, especially since their physical well-being was their capital in their line of work. It’s best to take what you can get.

“Well, this room even comes with its own plumbing and a bath, so relax. Now, to the main topic.” -Diz

With that, Diz placed a large book on the table. Its cover read “Surrounding Area Mapbook.”

“A map?” -Ur

“Yeah, but it’s from before the Great Dungeon Flood.” -Diz

“A map from hundreds of years ago? It’s surprising you found something like that.” -Ur

“It’s a reproduction, but it’s still quite old. It’s good that this place is known as the City of Books; they have a high regard for their libraries.” -Diz

“When you disappeared after getting the room, I wondered where you went…” -Ur

“It’s a convenient place, you should visit sometime,” Diz said as she opened the book.

The map, accompanied by the unique musty smell of old books, displayed the former Aruto and its surroundings. With various detailed drawings and faint outlines, the entirety of the city and its surroundings became clear.

“It seems cities were much “larger” back in the day.” -Ur

“Before the dungeons appeared, there wasn’t a threat from monsters. The main threats were conflicts between humans. So, their dwellings were made with that in mind.” -Diz

Diz then pointed to a fortress located to the north of Aruto. The name, written in tiny, almost crushed letters, was:

“…Canaan Fortress?” -Ur

“It seems it was a fortress prepared for wars with neighboring countries. Due to the Dungeon Flood and subsequent tectonic movements, it’s now located at the base of the Apas Mountains. Furthermore, it was abandoned after being attacked by monsters from a nearby dungeon.” -Diz

And now, that abandoned fortress is where the bandits are believed to be. The distance from here is about a full day’s journey by carriage.

“If we use the horses, we can get there in half a day. If we hurry them, even faster. Distance isn’t the issue. However, the problem lies with the fortress.” -Diz

“Problem? Given that it’s from before the Dungeon Flood, isn’t it basically a ruin now?” -Ur

It was doubtful whether the structure had retained its shape. At the very least, its functionality as a fortress was likely gone. But Diz traced the perimeter of the fortress on the map with her finger.

“Information confirmed by magicians of Aruto’s Knight Order who were investigating the bandits’ whereabouts suggests that a powerful barrier has been set up around the entire fortress.” -Diz

“Is it the work of the necromancer? Setting up a barrier around the entire fortress is quite a large-scale task.” -Shizuku

“Can they even maintain something like that… Ah, I see, with the magic stones.” -Ur

The immense quantity of magic stones stolen from the Island-Eating Turtle – while it’s uncertain how they were used, it’s hard to believe they used up all the magic stones meant for operating several cities. The surplus might have been used to maintain the barrier.

“It’s through a familiar, so I can’t accurately analyze it, but it’s a solid barrier. Normally, it wouldn’t last a day… but, as you said, Ur, they have the magic stones. It might last a few days.” -Diz

“Are they planning on just sitting and waiting…?” -Ur

Ur tilted his head upon hearing about the barrier’s state.

Attacking the Island-Eating Turtle means courting death. If Ur were in their position, he would think they should flee immediately (even though he didn’t believe they would be able to escape successfully). However, they haven’t moved from what seems to be their base. Instead, they seem to be hunkering down and preparing.

“Even the magic stones aren’t infinite. Such a powerful barrier can’t last forever.” -Ur

“Right, it only lasts a few days. From the perspective of the knights, they could simply win by surrounding and starving them out. Yet they wait, even extending their barrier. Now, why?” -Diz

As Diz spoke, she turned her gaze to Ur and spread her arms wide.

“Why do you think they’re doing this? Share your thoughts.” -Diz

Ur and Shizuku exchanged glances. Diz waited silently for them to speak.

“… A siege?” -Ur

“Outside the cities, they can’t obtain a stable food supply. We can assume they don’t have the stamina to keep fighting for long.” -Diz

“The barrier might be a decoy. Maybe they’re planning to escape while holding the knights at bay?” -Shizuku

“If they can escape while the knights from all nations are vigilantly watching with their familiars, then it’s a viable strategy.” -Diz

《They’re scared! 》-Akane

“They might be in a panic and made a mistake? It seems possible, but would such careful people do that?” -Ur

Ur paused to think.

As far as he had heard, the barrier was strong. It was set up so meticulously that it wouldn’t let anything through, regardless of how much time passed…How much time passed?

“… Are they just buying time? Not a barrier to defend, but to gain time. Perhaps for something they planned since they attacked the Island-Eating Turtle and stole the magic stones?” -Ur

Diz nodded in agreement.

“Probably. The way they’ve set up such an intimidating barrier without any intention of hiding or escaping makes me think that’s their only aim. Personally, I’d be happier if there was another reason though.” -Diz

“It’s becoming increasingly more ominous, isn’t it?” -Shizuku

Whatever it is that compelled them to attack the Island-Eating Turtle, anger nations, fend off knights with such a robust barrier, and still think it’s worth all the trouble remains unknown. But the ominous feeling only grew.

“We should urge the knights to hurry, right? To subjugate them.” -Ur

“I’ve already urged them. I’ve accurately relayed the items stolen by the bandits on the Island-Eating Turtle. The head of the Aruto Knights Order is flexible. Even if the subjugation force is incomplete, he decided to set out tomorrow.” -Diz

“Tomorrow…” -Ur

That’s fast. The news was conveyed only today when Ur and his party arrived. Departing the next day is a swift decision. The knights are primarily city defenders. It’s commendable that the temple entrusted with city management allowed them to leave. It seems this incident is taken very seriously.

But still…

“Do you think the knights will make it in time? To rescue Rose and against whatever the necromancer is planning?” -Ur

“The departure is quick, but it’s tough. While the knights excel at defending cities, they’re not accustomed to venturing outside. They’ll need a sizable force to ensure the necromancer’s defeat, which will slow them down.” -Diz

So, we need to hurry, she continued.

“We’re a small group, but we have exceptional horses. We can reach the fortress much faster than the knights if we give it our all.” -Diz

“Even if we make it in time, what about the barrier?” -Ur

“I can’t guarantee it being foolproof, but I have a plan. Akane~” -Diz

《Yeaaah》-Akane

Akane handed over another book. Unlike the one spread on the desk, this looked like a regular book. Its title was simple: 【History of Aruto. 】

“A history book? Why?” -Ur

“It contains records even before Aruto was founded. Details about the abandonment of Canaan Fortress are on page 63.” -Diz

Following the instruction, Akane turned to the specified page. The text was intricate and formal, making it a bit challenging to read. It detailed the damage caused during the age of the Great Dungeon Flood. Reading on…

“…Ehh, [The northern section of the Fortress of Canaan also suffered devastating damage. The appearance of a dungeon nearby and the monsters emanating from it were unexpected disasters for Canaan, which was always on the lookout against the major nation of Proudia. Not only did the emerging dungeon spawn monsters, it also gradually expanded into the underground tunnels of the fortress]… huh?” -Ur

Ur realized the connection between the contents and the method Diz suggested to breach the barrier.

“You really mean we infiltrate the fortress through the dungeon?” -Ur

“If we can find it.” -Diz

“Even if we find it, what if the barrier extends underground?” -Ur

“It’s unlikely they’ve spread the barrier that deep, considering the finite nature of magic stones.” -Diz

So, the way in is underground, through the dungeon.

“But wait, if it’s connected to the dungeon, how could the bandits make the fortress their stronghold? Monsters come out, right?” -Ur

Ur’s question was valid. The outside is dangerous due to roaming monsters, making it nearly uninhabitable. Especially a fortress connected to a dungeon.

“There are a few possibilities. 1) The dungeon was conquered, and its core was destroyed, stopping the monster spawns. 2) The part of the fortress connected to the dungeon was sealed off. 3) The fortress and the dungeon fully integrated, resulting in a semi-symbiotic relationship.” -Diz

“Is a coexistence even possible?” -Ur

“There are various patterns, but yeah. It’s not easy, and it might not be the case here.” -Diz

If the dungeon was conquered and pacified, it would be easier for Ur and his group to infiltrate. However, in that case, the bandits would have also occupied the dungeon, so they’d need to be more cautious. If it’s sealed off, the dungeon would remain untouched, and naturally, monsters would appear from it. Ur and his group would have to deal with them.

Moreover, there was another issue…

“If it’s sealed off, how do we break in? The scale of the seal must be significant to keep monsters out, right? It can’t be half-hearted, can it?” -Ur

“What do you think your dragonfang spear is for?” -Diz

“I don’t think it’s for excavation work, at least…” -Ur

It seems the implication is to blast through. Well, there’s no particular reason to hesitate. The risk of a collapse must be considered.

“Of course, there are several possibilities to consider. To start, it might not even be possible to infiltrate the dungeon. In that case, we must consider forcibly breaking through the barrier.” -Diz

“Can you do that?” -Ur

“Considering the strain, it’s a last resort.” -Diz

She continued to speak, laying out various considerations.

The types of monsters that would likely appear if they managed to infiltrate the dungeon, measures to prevent exhaustion before entering the fortress, the current state of the fortress of Canaan now occupied by bandits, the number, equipment, and strength of these bandits, and various other considerations. She was planning for every conceivable situation.

“How far are you planning to go with these preparations?” -Ur

Ur interjected, his head nearly bursting from information overload.

“Of course, as far as possible.” -Diz

The playful smile that usually adorned Diz’s face was absent. She looked dead serious.

“You two learned the hard way with the crystal golem, right? In most things, 90% of the outcome depends on the preparation. There’s no such thing as being too prepared.” -Diz

“That’s… true.” -Ur

Ur tried to argue but found no room for rebuttal.

In their battle with the crystal golem, Ur and Shizuku emerged victorious. If someone said they were just lucky, Ur would readily agree. However, if asked what other factors contributed, the answer would undoubtedly be the preparations Diz mentioned. Preparing to fight the crystal golem, coordinating with many participants, securing equipment and items. Without even one of these components, the outcome would have been different.

“I understand the need for this discussion. But we don’t have much time.” -Ur

Money wasn’t the primary concern. Diz had agreed to cover the basic consumables, and Ur and his team had some financial flexibility now. They didn’t have to scramble for funds like during the crystal golem incident.

However, even if they wanted to buy something, there weren’t many options available in Aruto. After all, Aruto was the country that bore the brunt of the effect of the attack on the Island-Eating Turtle. The chaos at the Luckbird store they visited earlier was evidence enough. Even with money, there wasn’t much available.

Above all,

“We need to rest soon, or we’re going to be in bad shape.” -Ur

They couldn’t keep going without sleep. From their arrival in Aruto up to now, they’d been going non-stop. They might run out of energy before even confronting the bandits.

“We can’t do much about the supplies. We’ll get as much as we can without worrying about the cost. As for stamina, there’s a technique I want you to learn urgently.” -Diz

“What’s that?” -Ur

With a stern look, she pointed at a large, fluffy bed.

“The art of sleeping comfortably.” -Diz