Akatsuki Translations

Ever since the Great Dungeon Flood occurred and the areas of human habitation became limited to areas enclosed by city walls and the 【Barrier of the Sun, 】 the world outside the cities lost its light.

Legend has it that before the appearance of the dungeons, the entire continent was filled with artificial light, but now there’s no trace of it. As witnessed during the journey to the satellite city of Aruto, there are no remnants of human-made structures outside the cities, save for the occasional “Roosts” set up by the Nameless.

Therefore, the world outside the cities during the night, when the Sun God rests, is covered in pitch-black darkness.

It’s said that spirits who watch over the land in place of the Sun God become stars that illuminate the earth. However, their light is so faint that it can’t be compared to the brilliance of the Sun God.

Outside the city at night, the darkness is so thick that one can’t even see a step ahead.

“So, we ready? Ur, Shizuku, Akane.” -Diz

Heading out there now would be sheer madness.

《Ready~!!》-Akane

“We are… but” -Shizuku

“…Seriously, are we really going?” -Ur

Ur was well aware of the hesitancy in his voice. As pathetic as it felt, he couldn’t help it. He understood all too well the dangers of venturing outside the human survival zones at night.

“…This is insane. What you guys are about to do is suicide.” -Guard

The knight guarding the gate seemed to share Ur’s sentiment. He looked deeply troubled.

Right now, they were still at the city gate, where some light spilled out. But venture just a bit further, and one would be in complete darkness, unable to even see their own hand.

There’s a limit to how much light magic can provide, and it consumes energy. Moreover, monsters are drawn to the light, attacking en masse.

It is quite literally hell.

“Weren’t you the one who decided against nighttime pursuits during the Island-Eating Turtle incident because it was too dangerous?” -Ur

“Back then, we had no idea about our enemy’s base or anything else. But now it’s different. Dāru, Sūru.” -Diz

Diz approached her two beloved horses. The horses nuzzled their owner as she whispered something into their ears.

“We’re heading to the foothills of the northeastern mountains, to the ruins of the old fortress. Can you make it?” -Diz

The horses neighed softly in response, their eyes fixed on their destination.

“These two can navigate the darkness effortlessly. I don’t even need to steer them.” -Diz

《They’re so sma~~rt! 》-Akane

“They have the blood of night monsters. This is their domain.” -Diz

In other words, they were entrusting the route entirely to these two horses. Ur felt somewhat relieved. The idea of navigating the horse-drawn carriage in the dark was daunting, especially when the roads outside the city weren’t paved.

However, Diz’s smile hinted at something more, causing an uneasy feeling in Ur.

“I’m sorry to dampen your spirits, but you sorta need to be prepared.” -Diz

“…For what, exactly?” -Ur

“The fact that Dāru and Sūru can move without any issue at night. Given the situation, I intend to have them run at full speed outside the city during the night.” -Diz

“In other words?” -Ur

“It’s gonna be super scary.” -Diz

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To skip the details of the journey:

Simply put, Dāru and Sūru were extraordinary, almost supernatural horses. The moment they began their nocturnal sprint, their muscles bulged, horns grew from their foreheads, and their neighs echoed under the starry sky.

They raced through the pitch-black darkness at breakneck speed, leaving even the monsters in their wake.

As for the passengers inside the carriage during this time:

“……….!!!!!!!!” -Ur

“Ahahahaha-” -Diz

《So faaaast!!! 》-Akane

“Yes, quite impressive.” -Shizuku

That’s about it.

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An Hour Later

“…I thought, I was, gonna die.” -Ur

“Are you okay, Ur-sama?” -Shizuku

《You alri~ght? 》-Akane

Ur, with his spinning eyes, lowered his gaze as Shizuku and Akane rubbed his back.

Although it was just the shaking inside the carriage, the intense speed and jolts, combined with the pitch-black darkness outside where nothing could be seen, were both painful and terrifying. It was a different kind of fear from when they battled the crystal golem.

“Well, once you get used to it, it can be quite fun.” -Diz

Diz casually commented while holding up a magic light.

“How is it before you get used to it?” -Ur

“It’s hell.” -Diz

“I pray there’s no second time.” -Ur

Dāru and Sūru, who had gifted them this brief yet terrifying high-speed journey, were evidently exhausted. They sat on the ground, catching their ragged breaths. In the darkness, the glints from their four eyes reflected the light from the magical lamp.

Upon caressing their necks in appreciation, Sūru affectionately nudged closer, while Dāru snorted dismissively, as if suggesting that the rest was their job.

Thanks to these two, they had managed to reach “here”.

“It’s mesmerizing.”-Shizuku

《It’s round. 》-Akane

What Shizuku and Akane were staring at was a “hemisphere” deep in the mountains. It was the remnants of a man-made structure, likely a barrier meant to cover Canaan Fortress. It glowed, illuminating the inside. Although the light seemed mystical, it was a barrier made using the magic stones forcibly taken from the Island-Eating Turtle.

“We really got here in the blink of an eye.” -Ur

“Now, it should be around here…” -Diz

Diz, squinting and using a small lantern, began searching the vicinity. She moved delicately through the wildly grown trees. Suddenly, there was a sensation of something moving in the darkness ahead.

“…Is it a monster?” -Ur

Ur was on guard, but Diz gestured for him to stay calm. She turned toward the source of the noise and spoke.

“Fire.” -Diz

《Water―――To think you’d really come during the night. 》

What appeared was a small bird, with yellow feathers. However, from its cute beak, a man’s voice could be heard.

“This is…” -Ur

《I am the magician Lano from the Aruto Knight Order. I’m communicating through my familiar. 》-Lano

The bird continued speaking in the man’s voice. Diz had mentioned the Knights sending out familiars to track down the bandits and locate their base. It seemed this was that magician. Ur relaxed his guard.

“Did you find what I asked for?” -Diz

《…It’s this way. 》-Lano

The bird spread its wings and flew, seemingly guiding them somewhere, slightly deviating from the direction of the fortress’s barrier. As they cautiously proceeded, wary of encountering monsters, the bird soon perched on a twig.

《Here. 》-Lano

“…A dungeon, huh?” -Diz

The mountainside revealed an area stripped bare, exposing a clearly differently colored, hard, stone-made structure. The remains of a dungeon that had once corroded the underground of the【Fortress  of Canaan】 during a peaceful era, now teeming with monsters.

《The signs of monsters are few, but not zero. 》-Lano

“Is it connected to the fortress? What about the barrier’s influence?” -Diz

《There’s no barrier. I’ve marked the path leading to the bottom of the fortress, but the way is completely blocked by debris, and no exit can be found. 》-Lano

“That’s fine; we’re prepared. Thanks for the exploration.” -Diz

Upon Diz’s gratitude, the voice from the bird, or rather the magician, though the facial expression couldn’t be seen, sounded slightly strained.

《”They seem to have killed those they deemed problematic from among the hostages taken from the giant skeleton on the spot. Fresh corpses were found, partially consumed by monsters. 》-Lano

The voice was devoid of emotion, but it was clear that it was being consciously restrained. The surging anger was palpable through the familiar.

《Please defeat them. We’re also quickly preparing and will head there. 》-Lano

With that, the bird flew back into the night. Ur felt a lingering sense of regret from just that small bird, that mere familiar.

“The Knights helped you find the location of the dungeon?” -Shizuku

“I got the information as a favor. They cooperated.” -Diz

“…You’re very efficient.” -Ur

When Diz initially proposed the route into the fortress, it seemed far-fetched.

However, by the time she proposed it at the inn, she had already gathered information about the bandits’ hideout, gathered the necessary documents at the Aruto library, presented a strategy to the Knights, expedited the army’s formation, and solidified the plan with their cooperation.

It was a capability distinct from combat ability: the power to “handle” problems.

“I should learn from this,” Ur thought. In some cases, it might be even more powerful than wielding a sword, spear, or casting magic. Regardless of Ur’s resolve, Diz, standing next to the entrance of the dungeon, turned back to Ur and Shizuku.

“So, from here we’re going to storm in and eradicate the bandits. Are you mentally prepared?” -Diz

“After coming this far, isn’t it a bit late?” -Ur

“Resolutions made in safety are meaningless. What one truly thinks only emerges when faced with immediate challenges, especially now since this isn’t a regular dungeon exploration or monster extermination. In other words—” -Diz

Swiftly, Diz traced her finger lightly across her neck. For a moment, Ur was reminded of the bearded bandit whose head Diz had cut off during the Island-Eating Turtle incident.

“You will kill people. Almost certainly. Are you prepared for that?” -Diz

“The enemies are bandits, villains.” -Ur

“So? Whether they’re villains or not, they’re still people. Killing brings a certain “burden” with it, no matter the victim.” -Diz

One would hope that no one could kill their own kind without feeling something, she added. In any case, taking a life is a “heavy” act, so it’s necessary to confirm one’s readiness to do so.

“I can do it.” -Shizuku

It was Shizuku who responded first to Diz’s question.

“That was quick. If you’re just convincing yourself, it’s dangerous, you know?” -Diz

“No――I’m certain.” -Shizuku

There was no hesitation in Shizuku’s voice or eyes. Like a calm water’s surface, she simply stated a fact.

“Even if it’s a grave sin, I can kill.” -Shizuku

Diz seemed satisfied with the answer, nodding. She then looked at Ur. He had been deep in thought while Shizuku was speaking, and he had come to a conclusion.

“To be honest, until I’m in that situation, I don’t know.” -Ur

Since there’s no point in bluffing, he answered truthfully. Diz didn’t seem angry at the vague response; she just nodded, saying that it’s rare for someone to be sure about something they’ve never done.

“Well, it’s not entirely true that I haven’t experienced it.” -Ur

“Oh really?” When questioned this, Ur nodded. He had nothing to hide.

“A long time ago, I killed a bandit in self-defense, probably.” -Ur

It’s a common occurrence outside the city. Ur had been attacked by bandits during his travels. In the heat of the moment, he managed to disarm them and retaliated.

The bandit collapsed, clutching the wound on his neck. Ur didn’t know what happened after that; he fled the scene with Akane. The bandit probably died. But that was the result of self-defense.

“I don’t feel guilty about it. But I’ve never actively sought to kill. So, I don’t know what emotions would arise from that… However,” -Ur

“However?” -Diz

Ur reconsidered his values and responded.

“I have no intention of misjudging the balance between “my” life and the life of an “enemy” I don’t even know.” -Ur

For Ur, there’s no hesitation in weighing the lives of himself, his sister, and his friends against that of a debased villain.

He’s already decided to fight for his life, and Diz seemed satisfied with this answer, nodding as she did with Shizuku. Finally, she turned to Akane, who was fluttering around her, with a smile.

“Unfortunately, Akane doesn’t have a choice. You’re coming with me.” -Diz

《That’s me~an! 》-Akane

“You’re my property. Do your job properly. If not, people will die.” -Diz

《Diz will? 》-Akane

“Nope, Ur will.” -Diz

《Guess there’s no choice~, Nii-tan. 》-Akane

“Sorry.” -Ur

Shrinking, Akane transformed from a fairy figure. In response, Diz quickly shed the thin dress she was wearing. Ur turned his gaze away, but in no time, Akane, now in a spherical form, “fell” onto Diz’s body.

With a soft pop, Akane enveloped her. In an instant, Akane covered her entirely, making it look like she had an additional layer of crimson skin adorned with golden patterns. The appearance was both alien and beautiful.

“…Is that armor?” -Ur

Diz nodded. Her head was also protected by Akane, resembling a streamlined helmet. The eyes and mouth that peeked out were smiling as usual.

“I’ve tried various things with Akane, but I think this armor is the best. Aren’t you more familiar with this?” -Diz

“There were times when I had Akane stick to my face and transformed into an old man to escape trouble.” -Ur

“That sounds fun.” -Diz

With a smile, Diz turned her gaze first to the fortress’s barrier and then to the entrance of the dungeon.

“The dungeon likely spans the underground of this area. Because it’s merged with nature, the roots of the trees here should have eroded parts of it. We’ll find an easy point of entry and infiltrate the dungeon from there. Sounds good?” -Diz

“Yes.” -Shizuku                                

“Got it.” -Ur

《Aye Aye~!》-Akane

Thus, the operation to conquer Canaan Fortress began.