Akatsuki Translations

Small Dungeon 【Al】: Entrance 

“…Ah, we’re outside.” -Ur 

“It’s quite bright…” -Shizuku 

After defeating the Great Tusked Boar, Ur, and the mysterious beauty Shizuku emerged from the dungeon a few hours later. With the core of the dungeon destroyed and the appearance of monsters subsequently having ceased, the journey back was not too difficult. However, it would take some time for their injuries and fatigue from the battle with the Great Tusked Boar to heal. It was finally time to return home. 

However, Ur’s mood remained gloomy. His plan to clear his sister’s debt had fallen through. Moreover, if the 「True Magic Core」 was lost, he knew that bald guy would be furious. And there was an exceptionally beautiful girl basking leisurely in the sun beside him. 

Well, it wasn’t like he and Shizuku had any connection, but if he left this poorly dressed girl unattended, she might be attacked by debt collectors starved for women. 

At the very least, he had to find a place to shelter this girl outside the city, but where in the dungeon mining site…? 

Lost in his thoughts due to his exhaustion, Ur was a beat late in noticing the commotion happening in front of him. 

“It seems quite bustling here, doesn’t it?” -Shizuku 

“Hmm…?” -Ur 

Raising his head, as the girl had pointed out, the mining site seemed busier than when Ur had entered the dungeon. There should have only been debtors resembling slaves who couldn’t repay their debts and overseers keeping an eye on them. But now, people clad in armor were busily moving around in every direction. 

“The knights… Why are they here?” 

The armed organization that protected the city-state where humanity lived, defending it from the threat of monsters and maintaining public order—the Knights. Due to their nature, they rarely ventured outside the city. Yet, here they were, swarming about in this area beyond the city walls. It was a strange sight. 

Judging by the design of the armor they wore, they were undoubtedly knights from Greed,  responsible for managing one of the seven 【Dungeons of Sin】 in the nearby vicinity. But why were they here? 

“Why?! Why? Did you betray me?! Was this your plan from the beginning?!” 

Amidst the unfamiliar scene, Ur heard a familiar voice. It was Zaza, the overseer of this dungeon mine. He was being held by the knights; his arms restrained. It seemed he had been accused of some crime. Despite his desperate situation, he was desperately shouting at the blonde girl standing before him. 

The girl, now displaying a fearsome demeanor, calmly responded to Zaza. 

“You’re the one who betrayed us, right? We turned a blind eye to your slave-like contracts, but stealing the magic stones meant for the city is a definite violation. We have no choice but to cut you loose.” -Girl 

“Return the ‘spirit-bound’! It’s mine!” -Zaza 

“It’s not yours, it belongs to the Golden Phoenix. And you are no longer a guild member.” -Girl 

There was some back-and-forth, but the knights did not loosen their grip on Zaza. It was clear to even Ur that his struggles were in vain. Facing Zaza, the girl lets out a small sigh. 

“It’s sad. You had so much ambition, but you got caught up in the desires before your eyes and lost your virtue.” -Girl 

As she said that, Zaza, who had been in a state of rage, seemed to want to say something as his mouth moved repeatedly, but in the end, he slumped down. The knights took him away. Ur didn’t understand what was happening, but it seemed that Zaza had fallen from grace. 

Well, that itself didn’t matter to him in the least. 

The problem was the single phrase Zaza shouted out in desperation. Ur approached the blonde girl he had spoken to earlier, while the knights were still conversing. 

“Well then, I appreciate your help, Fenex-dono.”   -Knight 

“I caused trouble with my own actions. As compensation… Oh?” -Girl 

The girl with short, neatly trimmed golden hair seemed surprised by the heavily tattered appearance of the boy who had suddenly approached her. Ur took a closer look at her. 

Her golden hair shone so brightly it was dazzling, and her clothes were made of beautiful fabric akin to those worn by the city’s “Priests.” Her body had graceful lines and was well-proportioned. Above all, her face held a smile that seemed eternally serene. Though lightly made up, she appeared mature, but her actual age seemed a bit younger than her appearance. 

“What’s wrong? You two seem injured. We can treat you here.” -Girl 

“No, I’m sorry, but before that…” -Ur 

Surprised by the ragged appearance of Ur, the knight attempted to intervene, but Ur cut him off and faced the girl. 

“I’m sorry to bother you, but you mentioned a ‘spirit-bound,’ right?” -Ur 

“I did.” -Girl 

“She’s my sister.” -Ur 

“Huh?” -Girl 

“The ‘spirit-bound’ you mentioned is my sister.” -Ur 

Understanding this, the girl clapped her hands, as if she had just realized something. Then, she reached into her pocket and pulled out something small. It was a tiny doll-like figure, something that Ur was very familiar with. There was no way he wouldn’t. It was… 

《Nii-tan!!!》 

“Akane, are you okay?” -Ur 

It was Ur’s little sister, Akane. 

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Spirit-Bound

A person possessed by a spirit, or an intermediate being between humans and spirits. There are not many who are aware of their existence. After all, there are very few actual examples. Spirits are superior beings to humans. They are the servants of the gods who are revered, worshipped, and bestowed with their blessings in the 【Temple】. 

It is unthinkable for them to mingle with humans. Some priests who serve the spirits outright deny their existence. Others believe they are emissaries of gods who have descended upon the human world. Various debates have been held regarding their treatment, but no conclusive resolution has been reached. 

This is mainly because there are hardly any occurrences of being spirit-bound. 

Rare and even considered non-existent if they do exist. Such is the status of 「spirit-bound」 in this world. 

And unfortunately, Ur’s sister is one such spirit-bound. 

《Ni-tan, you okay? Why are you so dirty? 》-Akane 

“I’m fine. I received treatment just in case. And stop spinning around, it’s making me dizzy.” -Ur 

Her name is Akane. She is Ur’s sister. His sister as well as a「spirit-bound」 When she was born, she was a normal human, just like Ur. A genuine human being. However, due to their foolish father accidentally acquiring an object called the “Spirit Egg” without realizing it and using it as a toy, Akane ended up being “swallowed” by the egg. 

《Don’t overdo it, Nii-tan. 》-Akane 

With a body of intersecting crimson and golden, her hair shines with the same color even at the tips. While possessing a hardness akin to minerals, its shape is ever-changing. She can take the form of a small doll, fly through the air with its wings, or transform into an animal. 

Actually, she’s changing right now. Currently, she has turned into a snake and is coiling around Ur’s body. She’s not heavy, but the scratches are painful. 

—-Most likely, your sister has merged and become one with a spirit of the earth lineage. Conceal her. Before she gets erased. 

After she became like this, a man who learned of her existence quietly informed Ur about it, and since then, he has been protecting and hiding her. Despite her appearance changing drastically, she is still Ur’s sister. She is adorable, mischievous, and sometimes appears innocent but is occasionally wise. A sister to protect. 

That hasn’t changed at all even now. It hadn’t, but… 

“Um, I apologize for the emotional reunion, but this girl is legally mine according to the documents. Sorry?” -Girl 

However, unfortunately, Ur’s efforts to protect her and what he can actually achieve differ. 

In the management room of a magic stone mining base outside the city, 

Zaza, who originally ruled here, is no longer present. Instead, a golden-haired girl sits on a slightly small chair meant for dwarfs, facing Ur. 

《Muuu… 》-Akane 

While petting his growling sister’s head, Ur turned his tired head, searching for words to escape from this situation. 

“…Isn’t human trafficking illegal?” -Ur 

“This world does not recognize her existence as a human. She was put up as collateral by your father and became the property of the Golden Phoenix through a formal contract.” -Girl 

Ur stared at the documents that were handed to him. He searched for any possible flaws in the contract. 

There were none. 

“Just to clarify, this is a 「Blood Contract」, established through a magical tool that enforces contract fulfillment. It would be in your best interest not to think you can escape. If you break it, you’ll die.” -Girl 

“Die?” -Ur 

“You, specifically.” -Girl 

“Me?” -Ur 

“You are a co-guarantor after all.” -Girl 

Ur looked at the bottom of the documents. His name was written below his father’s name. Naturally, he had no recollection of filling it out. Ur cursed under his breath a hundred times. 

“That old man, doing as he pleases…” -Ur 

Seeing Ur’s expression, she shrugged her shoulders. 

“I sympathize with you, and it’s certainly problematic as a contract, but the 「Blood Contract」 was used and the transfer has been completed, so the spell has ‘activated.’ Breaking the curse will be difficult. This contract itself is a powerful magical tool worth a gold coin.” -Girl 

“Why would something like this happen with my father…. a mere adventurer-wannabe “Nameless” -Ur 

“A spirit-bound is a rare thing. Zaza undoubtedly had a keen sense for gold.” -Girl 

It was a pity to lose such a talented individual, she said. Ur had no time to pay attention to the sentimental musings of the golden-haired girl. It seemed inevitable that his sister would become the possession of the great gold-lending guild. 

For Ur, who had lived as a “Nameless”, injustice was a part of daily life. He was used to facing unreasonable situations. But when it came to his sister, it was a different story. Selling her as merchandise was just too much. 

“What do you plan to do to my sister once she’s yours? What will happen to her?” -Ur 

“You’re better off not asking.” -Girl 

“What will happen?” -Ur 

Hmm, seeing Ur’s stubborn attitude, the golden-haired girl nodded. Then she wiped away her previous carefree demeanor, her eyes turned cold and emotionless, and she spoke sharply. 

“I will investigate and acquire. It’s an extremely rare opportunity to have even a slight understanding of the mysteries of spirits.” -Girl 

No matter what would happen to the subject, she seemed to imply that she wouldn’t care. 

《Nuuu… 》-Akane 

Ur let out a deep breath as he looked at Akane, who clung to him and growled. And then he made up his mind. 

“I want to buy back my sister. How much would that cost?” -Ur 

“A thousand gold coins.” -Girl 

Ur was speechless. 

“…The initial contract was supposed to be ten gold coins.” -Ur 

“Your transaction with your father has already been completed. This transaction is solely about buying the possession of the Golden Phoenix. If we were to evaluate the ‘spirit-bound,’ this would be the price.” -Girl 

“…Even though it was a contract made without the person’s consent.” -Ur 

“That’s why I’m seriously answering your proposal. Normally, we would reject it no matter how much gold was offered, not to mention a thousand gold coins.” -Girl 

A thousand gold coins was an amount that, if one had any sense of proper monetary value, would be laughed off as a joke. Even those recognized as “city dwellers,” allowed to live within the city, would never earn that amount in their lifetime. 

And especially for Ur, “Nameless,” it was incredibly harsh. There were no decent jobs outside the city, nor were there any within the city. In the first place, he couldn’t stay in the city for long. Being a “Nameless” came with expenses just to stay long-term. 

Being a “Nameless” meant being abandoned by the world, with no value in one’s bloodline. 

Therefore, Ur had no means of earning money. At least, not through honest methods. 

“……” -Ur 

Ur gazed into the distance and went through a complex range of expressions for a while. Then, after letting out a deep, heavy sigh, he announced his decision. 

“…I’ll become an ‘adventurer’ and earn a thousand gold coins.” -Ur 

Following in his deadbeat father’s footsteps was a bitter decision for him. 

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Adventurers 

Adventurers, a general term for humans engaged primarily in dungeon exploration, but originally referring to versatile individuals involved in various activities such as monster extermination, essentially “jack-of-all-trades” or mercenaries. Since the “Great Dungeon Flood” 600 years ago, the meaning has shifted to its current context. 

Currently, there are a great number of individuals who primarily focus on dungeon exploration and magic stone excavation, but their job descriptions extend beyond that. They undertake tasks such as combating powerful monsters, exploring regions outside of human habitation, and escorting goods, among many others. 

Gold Class 

The top rank in the adventurer classification system, established by the Adventurer’s Guild. Only those who have demonstrated a certain level of contribution to the guild, defeated a “Class 2” bounty target, and passed numerous evaluations are bestowed with this title. 

Given its exclusivity, the privileges granted to those of the Gold Class are abundant. 

– Authorization to accept requests to subjugate rank one bounty targets 

– Permission to possess and use ancient relics 

– Free and preferential use of many public facilities 

– Official rank of “Seira,” second within the ranks of priests 

– Financial support from the 【Grand Federation】, amounting to at least 1000 gold coins 

The privileges listed here are merely a fraction of what is granted. The value placed on these privileges is a testament to the worthiness of a gold-ranked adventurer. In fact, they swiftly produce results that are no less impressive than these privileges, guarding humanity against the overflowing menace of demonic threats that emerge from the depths of the earth. It can be said that the existence of these individuals is the world’s greatest asset. 

However, in this world where countless adventurers abound, their initial goal is usually to reach the Silver Class, and few aim for Gold. Because… 

～True Chronicles! The World of Adventurers!!～ 

“So, if I become an adventurer and climb the ranks, I can buy back Akane.” -Ur 

“What a splendid plan. If you overlook the question of feasibility.” -Girl 

The golden-haired woman smiled cheerfully. 

But Ur didn’t mean it as a joke. He didn’t appreciate being laughed at. 

“I’ll reach Gold Class. I’ll definitely earn 1000 gold coins. So, please hold off on Akane’s ‘investigation’.” -Ur 

“Those burdened with debt usually toss around words like ‘definitely’ quite easily, but ‘definitely’ is not an easy word, you know?” -Girl 

Without shouting like Zaza or using intimidation, the golden-haired woman calmly delivered her message. However, each word felt like a heavy stone weighing on Ur’s shoulders. She continued speaking. 

“You’re just a wandering “Nameless.” I don’t sense any special skills or talent from you. There is no trust in your words that promise the acquisition of an extraordinary sum like 1000 gold coins. If you want to prove otherwise, then you must offer something in return.” -Girl 

“Offer something?” -Ur 

“Your father traded his daughter for a sum of money. What will you offer?” -Girl 

What could he offer? Even if she asked, Ur knew she was aware that he had nothing to give. A wandering “Nameless”,’ a powerless “Nameless,” a child with no power. If he had something he could offer, he wouldn’t be caught up in the exploitative world of dungeon exploration. 

Nothing. He had nothing. Except for his life. 

Therefore… 

“…I’ll stake my life.” -Ur 

“Huh? Just so you know, that’s not a joke.” -Girl 

“I understand. There’s that blood contract, right? I’m willing to use it.” -Ur 

Ur was well aware of how foolish his words sounded as he continued the conversation. It was agonizing to foolishly speak such foolish words, but there was no other way to save his sister’s life. 

《Waaait just a moment, Nii-tan! 》-Akane 

“Give me time in exchange for my life. During that time, I’ll reach the Gold Class and buy back my sister.” -Ur 

“Hmm…” -Girl 

She leaned in, closing the distance between them. From below, she gazed into Ur’s eyes as if peering inside. Ur met her piercing gaze head-on. He felt cold sweat trickling down his back. The power emanating from her golden eyes was far beyond what one would expect from a girl of the same age. 

Seconds or perhaps minutes passed. Throughout that time, Ur never once averted his gaze from her eyes. And then… 

“Well then, let me think about it for a little while,” -Girl. 

“A little while?” -Ur. 

“To be honest, your life is not a guarantee for anything. I can freely manipulate the life of someone far more capable than you. You are worthless,” -Girl. 

“That’s cruel,” -Ur. 

Because of that, she pointed her finger toward Ur’s chest. 

“If you can prove your worth, I will consider your proposal.” -Girl 

“And how am I supposed to prove it?” -Ur 

“Well, let’s decide that another time. You seem to have reached your limit, haven’t you?” -Girl. 

Upon hearing those words, Ur felt his head sway. The moment she pointed it out, a wave of pain and fatigue, which he had been ignoring, surged through his entire body. The morning’s work of excavating magic stones, followed by a solo exploration of the mini-dungeon, the confrontation with the Great Tusked Boar, and now a negotiation that risked the lives of both him and his sister with this mysterious woman. 

It had clearly exceeded Ur’s physical limits by a large margin. Until just a moment ago, he had managed to stay on his feet due to the sense of crisis surrounding his sister’s life. And now, that tension had suddenly snapped. 

“At least until your worth is determined, I will wait to decide Akane’s fate. For now, focus on being an adventurer. Do your best, okay?” -Girl 

With a faint sense of relief from those final words, Ur’s consciousness began to fade away.