Akatsuki Translations

“What… what is THAT!?” -Laura

While listening to the scream filled with astonishment from the magician named Laura, Shizuku calmly assessed the situation. She had also heard the communication between Ur and Diz. She understood the situation: they had to destroy the magical stone inside that giant Gashadokuro.

Currently, thanks to the barrier Shizuku had set up, the Gashadokuro wasn’t aware of their presence. It was wandering around the courtyard, swinging its enormous fists up and down as if chasing something, smashing the fortress. Ur was likely its target.

First, they had to regroup with Ur. Shizuku contacted Ur through her magic communication device.

“Ur-sama, I’m on the 1st floor of the fortress pathway to the left of the main command tower, exiting the courtyard. Can you meet up?” -Shizuku

《Going… now… 》-Ur

There was interference, and heavy breathing reached Shizuku’s ears. It seemed Ur was in a tight spot. Shizuku checked 『Footprints』. Ur was running at full speed just beyond the point where the Gashadokuro had swung its fists a moment ago. He would be here soon. But something else was chasing Ur at the same speed.

She needed to prepare. Shizuku turned to Laura.

“Laura-sama, you said you can use attack magic, right?” -Shizuku

“Ah, I can use Ice Needle, Fireball, and Wind Blade – the basics!” -Laura

“Then release the Ice Needle towards the corridor over there on my signal. Nina, you handle the defense.” -Shizuku

“Got it!” -Nina

As Nina dealt with the still-present ghoul soldiers that the Gashadokuro hadn’t fully absorbed, Laura began her magical chant, creating the Ice Needle. However, she didn’t release it immediately, letting it float in mid-air.

Shizuku timed her command by watching Footprints. Ur was nearing them, occasionally stopping, probably due to some engagements. Just before Ur emerged from around the corner, she gave the signal.

“Now!” -Shizuku

“【Pierce】” -Laura

“Shiz- WHOA?!” -Ur

『GA!? 』-Skeleton Knight

As Ur emerged from the corridor, he saw the approaching Ice Needle and screamed, collapsing to the ground. The Ice Needle, released by Laura, almost hit the boy, turning her face pale. At the same time, the Skeleton Knight that had been chasing Ur was directly hit by the attack.

Catching Laura’s apologetic glance, Shizuku broadly grinned.

“It’s okay. Ur-sama’s armor is sturdy. It can handle at least one hit.” -Shizuku

So she had intended for the attack to hit Ur too. Laura and Nina thought Shizuku was dangerous. Ur already seemed to have given up on her.

『Do all of your comrades always do such reckless things, lad? 』-Skeleton Knight

The Skeleton Knight deflected the oncoming magic with a swing of his sword. His armor and body appeared partially shattered, but with a brief pause, the broken armor and sword regenerated.

” Even your armor is made of bones?… Bad taste.” -Ur

『Blame that sorcerer for it. 』-Skeleton Knight

The Skeleton Knight glanced briefly at the central figure of the Gashadokuro among the undead. The necromancer, who had turned into a pitiful specter of his previous self (though he knew little of the necromancer’s true form), raised his fist toward the location where Ur and his companions stood.

“Get down!!!” -Ur

In the blink of an eye, Ur and his companions dropped to the ground, as if bowing to an unstoppable force that swept everything aside. What had already been partially crumbling was now reduced to complete ruin, as a corner of the fortress gave way entirely. Several pillars shattered, and the remaining ceiling came crashing down.

“Move away! Towards the opposite side of the courtyard…!” -Ur

『ＫＡＫＡＫＡＡＫＡＡ！！！』

“…!?” -Ur

Veiled by the swirling dust, obstructing their view, Ur sensed an unwanted, bone-chilling clash echoing from the side. With a cautious readiness, Ur positioned his shield toward the source of the sound, only to be met with..

『ＫＫＡＫＡＫＡＫＡＫＡＫＡ！！』

With a sudden clang against his shield, three undead soldiers lunged at Ur. He instinctively pulled the shield back and swung it forward with a forceful strike, shattering the skulls of the undead soldiers.

『GAh』

The broken-skulled undead soldiers collapsed onto the ground. Yet, there was still a sense of movement emanating from the surroundings. It wasn’t from Shizuku and the two others. A disconcerting chorus of clashing bones echoed amidst the dust cloud, reverberating through the forest.

“Were they scattered because of the swiped arm…?” -Ur

The Gashadokuro, made up of these undead soldiers, would revert to its original form when dispersed. Each individual might be weaker than a mere goblin, but in this situation with the Skeleton Knight and the Gashadokuro, a simultaneous attack by multiple entities would be…

“Gaah!” -Ur

In the fleeting moment after consciousness began to return, a jolt coursed through Ur’s arm, as if struck by a blunt instrument. It was his gauntlet that had deflected the blow from the sword. With gritted teeth, Ur endured the pain and immediately swung his spear in the direction from which the sword had come.

The clang of metal resounded through the air. The Dragonfang Spear, wielded with a force distinct from that of the undead soldiers, pushed back against the assailant. It was no ordinary foe; it was the Skeleton Knight.

“Guuh…” -Ur

『I aimed for the joint, but it seems I can’t discern the armor’s structure with just my senses, 』 the Skeleton Knight said, chuckling

Around them, the presence of more undead soldiers grew stronger. The living dead were closing in as well.

Desperation loomed.

Both the Gashadokuro and the Skeleton Knight seemed to be too much for Ur and his companions to handle. They were barely managing to fend off the relentless assaults. The question of why Diz had attempted to get them to escape became clear to him.

In the face of multiple cities’ survival hanging in the balance, there was no choice but to confront the enemy. Running away with their tails between their legs was not an option. But how could they turn the tide? They had to act quickly, or they would be overwhelmed.

As the dust settled, the Skeleton Knight engaged them in a standoff, flanked by two undead soldiers approaching with gaping maws. Another lurked behind. Ur made a fateful decision.

“Shizuku! Use the exorcism talismans!! All at once!!” -Ur

“Yes!” -Shizuku

With a voice that carried a sense of urgency, Ur issued the command and Shizuku swiftly retrieved the exorcism talismans from her portable bag. The talismans, bound by strings, came undone and scattered around her, activating their effects. Through a complex pattern of magic, it dispersed the surrounding magical energy like a mist.

『ＫＡ……』

The undead soldiers lost their momentum, their movements ceased, and they crumbled to the ground. Except for one, the Skeleton Knight who had quickly distanced itself from the scene.

“Ur-sama, that undead soldier…” -Shizuku

“It’s a special one. It seems they used the souls of skilled knights from the past. The two over there are…” -Ur

“This is Nina, and the other is Laura, a warrior and a magician.” -Shizuku

While appreciating the brief introduction, Ur glares at the Skeleton Knight. Its strength has increased. They’ve repelled the undead soldiers. However, the situation doesn’t seem to be improving at all.

『Those a troublesome. The talismans. Are there any of them left? 』-Skeleton Knight

The Skeleton Knight chuckles. Bullseye. There are no more talismans left. They’re all out of stock. And the undead soldiers, whose magic was dispelled by the talismans, haven’t been destroyed down to their vessel’s structure. They would probably regain their strength along with the necromancer’s pulse.

But if they leisurely tried to destroy the vessels, they’d be slashed from behind by the Knight.

Fighting these guys would be endless. However, ignoring them is too risky.

Somehow, they need to do something…

“Excuse me,  ‘Bones’-sama?” -Shizuku

The one who broke the tense and desperate atmosphere was Shizuku’s seemingly leisurely voice.

『Are you talking to me, big-breasted girl? 』-Skeleton Knight

Reacting to Shizuku’s voice, the Skeleton Knight tilts his head, making a clattering sound. Shizuku affirms with a calm smile, facing the skeletal knight.

“I want to clarify something. You seem to have a clear consciousness, so why are you cooperating with ‘him’?” -Shizuku

『Well, it’s not like I’m willingly serving, but resisting brings immense pain. 』-Skeleton Knight

Saying so, his body clatters.

『Just having this conversation is quite an effort, you know? 』-Skeleton Knight

Indeed, the tip of the sword the Skeleton Knight pointed at Ur’s group was trembling. It seemed pretty difficult for him to resist slashing at them right now.

『I can’t resist completely. After all, I’m no longer human. Even if I don’t want to die a second time, I’m bound to be buried. So, that said… 』-Skeleton Knight

His bones clatter once more. His sword was no longer trembling. The teeth of the Skeleton Knight were chattering in laughter. With a clickety-click and a wickedness that matched its appearance.

『—Well, I’ve started to think it might be amusing to fight the young ones. Even if I had family or friends in my past life, they’re surely dead by now, right?”  -Skeleton Knight

The atmosphere grows heavy. The swirling red-black magic pulses as the knight’s blade turns towards them. The previously indifferent impression is now overshadowed by a dense murderous intent.

Ur instinctively backs away. They couldn’t even handle a single Skeleton Knight right now. If the ghastly skull becomes more violent and more undead soldiers appear, they’d be overwhelmed if the knight gets serious…

“So, you don’t necessarily want to die, right?” -Shizuku

However, Shizuku remained completely still, her nonchalant demeanor unwavering as she sought confirmation. And then,

“Then, I have a proposal. I’ll make arrangements for you to become one of our companions as a familiar after this battle is over. So, please resist the control with all your might now.” -Shizuku

A momentary silence ensued. Everyone took some time to digest her statement. Then,

『Hah? 』-Skeleton Knight

“Eh?” -Ur

“What did you say?” -Laura

Ur, Nina, and the Skeleton Knight all exclaim in disbelief. But Shizuku remains unbothered.

“You don’t wish to die twice, do you?” -Shizuku

『Well, I suppose not』  -Skeleton Knight

“And it’s not as if you’re willingly indulging in villainy, is it?” -Shizuku

『Um, no, not really』-Skeleton Knight

“In that case, as compensation, we’ll ensure that after this battle, you can fully enjoy a second chance at life. We ask for your cooperation.” -Shizuku

Silence fell once more, casting its shadow upon the scene. The only sound that resonated in the eerie stillness was the pulsating, crimson-black energy coursing through the skeletal remains, supplying them with unholy power.

『A-ah, but, dear lady with the ample bosom, resisting is quite the ordeal you know? Even now, it feels like an intense hunger, as if I must endure the sight of meat offered before me for a whole week without partaking. 』-Skeleton Knight

“I appreciate your efforts. Please, do your best.”  -Shizuku

『Even if I resist, in the end, I’ll be compelled to come for you all. 』-Skeleton Knight

“As long as you can make a sound, signal us when you draw near. Shout or make any loud noise.” -Shizuku

『I must say, I’m more inclined to be a warrior type, you see… 』-Skeleton Knight

“Should you detect any movement from the Gashadokuro, please signal us as well. Use the loudest voice you can muster.” -Shizuku

『I see I will be quite busy… 』-Skeleton Knight

“Very well, then.” -Shizuku

Suddenly, Shizuku points her palm to the sky. Everyone, puzzled by her gesture, notices a large ice magic formation glowing in the starry night sky.

“【Sing, O Ice,  Fall, O Tears. 】” -Shizuku

Along with Shizuku’s chant, the huge ice mass she’d been secretly preparing dropped straight onto the Skeleton Knight and the scattered undead soldiers.

『Wha! 』-Skeleton Knight

The Skeleton Knight was slightly delayed in its response, but it soon noticed. With the same agility as before, it prepared to evade the oncoming attack.

“Do not dodge, please.” -Shizuku

『Ah!? 』-Skeleton Knight

In an instant, the Skeleton Knight froze in its tracks, its movements halted.

“【Icefall】!” -Shizuku

『AHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH! 』-Skeleton Knight

『KAKAAAAAAAAAAAAAAA！？』

A massive chunk of ice plummeted from the heavens, crashing down upon the Skeleton Knight and the undead soldiers who were on the verge of resurrection nearby. The colossal mass pulverized bones and shattered the earth, sending the remains of the knight plummeting into the underground dungeon.

“Now is the time, Ur-sama. Let’s strategize.” -Shizuku

In the midst of her conversation with the knight, Shizuku continued to chant her magic, with a hidden intention to crush the Skeleton Knight with magic, no matter the outcome. She turned her smiling face towards Ur, uttering these words. Both Nina and Laura fixed their eyes on Ur with a gaze that seemed to plead for something.

“Very well, let’s do it. This is our moment to stand strong. Let’s give it our all.” -Ur

Ur chose to ignore the gazes of the two.