Akatsuki Translations

Lautaro Magic Academy, Headmaster’s Office

As the name implies, this is where the highest authority of the academy resides. That is, it’s the place where the greatest magician on this continent resides… although that’s not exactly accurate.

The lady who owns this room, Neite Loine Arnaude, does not think of herself as such a grand magician.

She is over 70 years old, and considering she’s a mere human, she’s an elderly woman. Compared to her younger years, her body has filled out, and her movements have slowed a bit. Wearing reading glasses and diligently sewing, she looks like nothing more than a kind, ordinary old lady, and she herself thinks she is just that.

Her knowledge of magic is not outstanding. At least when she was a student at this academy, she never felt she stood out among her classmates. However, she was just a little good at mediating between people. Before she knew it, she was in a leadership position.

To be honest, she feels somewhat guilty about being above better magicians than herself. However, since they support her, it can’t be helped. Even if what is demanded of her is to be a puppet or an accessory, she will do what she can. That’s what she thinks.

Today, she had a visitor. Or rather, a visitor is coming now. Footsteps have been echoing from the unnecessarily long hallway leading to the headmaster’s office for a while now. “I’ll come to greet you,” said a letter just received yesterday. It’s quick. The door opens, and the person appears.

She directed a warm smile here. Neite returns it.

“It’s so nice to see you again, Diz.” -Neite

“Me too. Grandma Neite.” -Diz

Diz Gran Fenex. One of the 【Seven Heavens】 of Proudia, the principal country of this continent’s Grand Federation, is such a girl – surely no one would believe it. Especially since the name 【Hero】 is not widely known outside of Proudia, the head temple.

However, Neite didn’t care about such ostentatious facts. She was just one of her close friends who told her various stories from outside the city.

“Calling me grandma…” -Neite

“Was it rude?” -Diz

“It makes me happy, like I’ve gained a cute granddaughter.” -Neite

Neite smiles broadly, and Diz also smiles happily. Then Neite turned her thinning eyes to the girl who was floating and dancing in the air beside her.

“So, what’s your name?” -Neite

《Akane is Akane. 》-Akane

“Oh, Akane-chan. Are you friends with Diz?” -Neite

《Friends because of debt? 》-Akane

“Diz, not very admirable of you, is it?” -Neite

“She’s a spirit-bound, the situation can’t be helped, grandma~.” -Diz

Diz shrugs her shoulders, and Neite smiles at her with a troubled expression.

It’s easy to blame, but it would be cruel to criticize this clever yet oddly naive girl. She is a person who can think properly. If taking Akane was a well-considered decision, it’s too late to interject now.

“But then, I wonder if ‘the student you brought along’ is also related to Akane-chan?” -Neite

“Shizuku? She’s a member of the party led by Akane’s older brother.” -Diz

《Shizuku is a friend》-Akane

“My, how wonderful.” -Neite

Diz had brought along an adventurer this time.

A beautiful young girl named Shizuku, who might make you question whether she truly was an adventurer. This was something unusual. Basically, the girl named Diz, preferred to act alone. (More accurately, no one could keep up with her reckless schedule.) It was quite rare for her to bring along anyone other than her own servants.

“Well, as for Shizuku, it’s not like I did something special. She wanted to know about this academy. She wished for it, and I just utilized the authority I have.” -Diz

“If she’s a guest from the Adventurers’ Guild, we have no reason to refuse, do we?” -Neite

Even a copper ​【Adventurer’s Ring】​, distributed by the Adventurers’ Guild, allows its holder to be permitted short-term enrollment of about a month at Lautaro Magic Academy, free of charge. It’s one of the privileges of the ring, a special right born from the agreement between the Adventurers’ Guild and the Magic Guild.

However, there is a condition that if excellent results are not achieved, remaining after that period is not allowed.

If you can demonstrate value, you gain the right to remain and receive a grant, but showing that in one month is difficult. Even with how skilled the instructors who teach at this academy are, most of it ends while you’re desperately running around trying to get used to everything.

“I wonder what will happen with that girl, Shizuku-san?” -Neite

“She’s decided to enroll for just one month from the start. I have my escort mission as well, after all.” -Diz

“So, she just wanted to experience what the academy is like, to the end?” -Neite

“No, she intends to absorb the wisdom here. And quite greedily at that.” -Diz

At Diz’s somewhat confident way of speaking, Neite tilted her head, puzzled.

Even Diz, if she were to enroll, would know that doing anything significant in just one month would not be easy. Nevertheless, speaking in such a manner meant, in other words,

“Is she a talented girl?” -Neite

“She’s a genius. She has much more talent than I do.” -Diz

She stated decisively. At those words, Neite expressed surprise with a “my, my,” but then, covering her mouth in an amused manner, she let out a soft chuckle.

“But compared to you, even I would be considered talented.” -Neite

“That’s a cruel thing to say, grandma.” -Diz

“I’m sorry. But that’s why I respect you so much. I am…” -Neite

Saying this, Neite pulled out the knitting she had been mending until a moment ago. It was a beautiful cloak, with a clinging crimson fabric adorned with golden embroidery.

“The 【Astral Cloak】 has been mended. Repairing top-tier magical items is quite the ordeal, isn’t it?” -Neite

“Thanks, I can only rely on you for this,” Diz said, draping it around herself. The crimson cloak, now returned to its master, seemed to rejoice, faintly and brightly twinkling. Not reflecting the sunlight, but glowing as if it possessed a will, as if it were alive.

Then Akane, who was flying nearby, approached the cloak and gently touched it with her tiny body.

《Warm》-Akane

“It has a nature close to the 【Star Ocean】 where spirits dwell, so it might feel pleasant.”  -Diz

《…Sleepy》-Akane

“You’re still not fully recovered, are you? Assimilate with the cloak and sleep.” -Diz

《Nii-tan… 》-Akane

“I’ll wake you up when Ur comes. Good night.” -Diz

With that, she melted into the red fabric with a soft ‘plop’. Diz gently stroked the integrated cloak, and it twinkled faintly again, warming her body.

“The mysterious cloak that protects its master from calamities, you probably know its power best…” -Neite

“Mm, I’ll be careful.” -Diz

She turned a nonchalant smile toward Neite. However, Neite knew that she would have to undertake numerous difficult tasks from here on. Neite felt a pang of guilt, dealing only with miscellaneous tasks in this sunny room while she faced such challenges.

But telling her that would only make her laugh. So, Neite decided to help her as much as possible, to do whatever little could be done.

“If you run into any trouble, let me know, Diz.” -Neite

“Thanks, Grandma.” -Diz

Whether she knew of Neite’s determination or not, Diz seemed pleased with the words. She looked just like the young girl she appeared to be. Neite wished that there could be more people to assist her.

“I wonder if Shizuku-san is alright…” -Neite

Thus, Neite’s thoughts drifted to Diz’s companion, Shizuku. The girl who had become a member of their academy, even if temporarily. Unrelated to Diz’s matter, Neite wanted her to do her best as well.

If one faces it seriously, there should be something to gain. After all, it is supposed to be that kind of place.

　　　　　　　　　　◆◆◆◆◆◆◆◆◆◆

 Days at Lautaro Magic Academy were incessantly bustling.

Magic, as a field of study, is profoundly vast and broad. Techniques that interfere with every phenomenon in this world, manipulating them freely. Since it forms the backbone of the current world of humanity through the study of this technology, it is only natural. One can only stand at the entrance of this study after knowing much, learning, acquiring, and making it their own.

Students, therefore, seek the teachings of their predecessors and visit their classrooms. For a set amount of time, they absorb their teachings, and without even having time to understand, the period ends and it’s onto the next class. Moving, preparing, learning, and onto the next, half a day passes quickly while repeating this cycle. A long-awaited break finally arrives for the students who have been studying since the morning. It is lunchtime.

In a massive cafeteria that accommodates a large number of students, all of them have their lunch. The contents of the meals are not extravagantly luxurious, but the plentiful dishes born from the food supplied from the satellite cities are unique to this City of Sin.

While enjoying the dishes, the students feel at ease. Then, during the time until the next class, they interact with each other.

In essence, this moment also provides an excellent opportunity to make contact with the rumored transfer student.

“I wonder, is this a steamed dish, where the generously cut meat is wrapped in vegetable leaves…?” -Shizuku

A girl, the silver-haired transfer student, observes the dish she picked up with keen interest. An adventurer who doesn’t quite seem to be an adventurer, Shizuku. She brings the fragrant leaf-wrapped marsh bird meat to her mouth and relaxes her cheeks deliciously, while the other students sneak peeks at her.

 Transfer students themselves are not particularly rare. Meiya’s Magic Academy is the number one learning institution on the continent. It is only natural for adventurers to eagerly wish to study here.

However, indeed, her appearance was exceptionally, conspicuous.

“Ah, this is pasta, isn’t it? But the sauce on it… it’s black?” -Shizuku

Even though being drawn to something for its aesthetic appeal might be a matter to scoff at when considering that they are apprentices of sorcery, researchers of truth and the abyss, her beauty was so compelling that it effortlessly captivated their gazes, making it somewhat excusable. Arguing that one shouldn’t be intrigued would be unreasonable.

Thus, the budding magicians quietly, and from a distance, bided their time. Someone, speak to her, they thought, trying to seize an opportunity, yet unable to take that initial step. In such a moment,

“Hey, hello, newcomer. May I sit next to you?” -Medal

A young boy with deep navy hair spoke to her. His looks were quite attractive, but his actions somewhat theatrical – Medal Seira Lustania had addressed her. Students familiar with him frowned or sighed in exasperation.

As could be inferred from their demeanor, he was a man who quite often presented a problem.

“Oh, of course, you may.” -Shizuku

Unaware, or perhaps indifferent, to the other students’ attitudes, the beautiful transfer student Shizuku accepted his offer with a smile. Medal sat next to her, chatting with her in a casual manner.

“I’m Medal. Nice to meet you. You’re Shizuku, right?” -Medal

“Yes. Medal-sama, it’s a pleasure.” -Shizuku

Medal Seira Lustania, a 【Second Rank】 (Seira)[1], which is to say, a “Temple Rank Holder,” and an eligible voter in this city. Furthermore, Lustania was also a household of the disciples of the White Witch.

Having inherited the art of 【Double Casting】 from the White Witch, and being talented as well, he was destined to become one of the representative magicians of the City of Sin, Lust, sooner or later.

However, there was a problem.

“Is there still much you don’t know about what school life is like? What do you think? Shall I guide you? I think I can be quite flexible.” -Medal

“Is that so?” -Shizuku

“I am, after all, an excellent student, you know? I have some pull with the teachers, too.” -Medal

“My, how impressive!” -Shizuku

His skills as a magician were acknowledged by many. He was from a prominent family in the【Temple】. Everyone would think of him as one of the chosen ones. However, his position had made him arrogant.

He would show a reasonably good face to teachers, but his attitude towards fellow students was utterly haughty. He made advances on numerous female students and treated the school facilities as if they were his own. His parents, working in the temple as 【Seira】 priests, coupled with these facts, meant that there were no checks on his behavior.

Everyone knew that the reason he was speaking to the new student like this was probably to make her his prey, as he always did. However, nobody could outrightly point that out.

“May I ask for your guidance, then?” -Shizuku

“Ah, of course!” -Medal

“Much appreciated!” -Shizuku

With that, as the transfer student took Medal’s hand with joy, the other students who had been watching slumped in disappointment. Ah, once again, she will be toyed with by that man, they thought.

Medal deepened his smile in response to her gratitude. His eyes were clouded, darkened by a base desire. The transfer student showed no signs of noticing this.

However, no one noticed what was dwelling in the depths of the transfer student’s beautiful silver eyes either.

　　　　　　　　　　　◆◆◆◆◆◆◆◆◆◆

Lautaro Magic Academy sprawled expansively.

Research into magic fragmented into an immense number of disciplines. Because magic permeates all things in the universe, attempting to unravel all its secrets is synonymous with examining the entire world. A single research institute is by no means sufficient. Numerous institutes overlap, build upon one another, change locations, and cooperate in various forms. That’s why it’s so vast. Its boundaries do not confine it within the premises of the academy. It wouldn’t be an exaggeration to say that the entire City of Sin, Lust, is this academy.

Even if one were to meticulously introduce only what’s within the premises, it would likely take until sundown, far outlasting a lunch break.

Hence, necessarily, the places to guide one through are limited.

In the Magic Academy’s “West Tower” basement, there was the 【Garden of Phantasmal Night】, where magic plants that grew and transformed under all conditions were cultivated. On the “North Tower” rooftop was the 【Star-Gazing Tower】, used to observe the twinkling life of stars and spirits and their movements. The 【White Garden】 could seal off the effects of all kinds of magic within its space, making it possible to test any magic without leaking its influence outside.

Each and every one of these, unique to this academy, were esoteric arts that one would likely never encounter outside. Medal guided Shizuku through each of these in turn.

“What a magnificent academy.” -Shizuku

As the lunch break neared its end and Medal moved towards the next class, Shizuku gently voiced her admiration. Medal, perhaps his pride tickled, deepened his boastful smile.

“‘Our academy’ is, without exaggeration, the continent’s premier institution for learning magic.” -Medal

With that, he spoke effusively about Lautaro Magic Academy. How the academy, and the city, came to be born, the many glorious histories built up from there, the numerous great achievements established, and how many cities have developed through this.

He spoke of them as if they were his own affairs, or rather, as if they were “his things.” In fact, he thought of this academy as something of his own. He was the eldest son of the Lustania family, who, while being the disciples of the White Witch, excelled in versatility and secured a strong position even in the City of Sin, Lust. The notion of him becoming the head of this academy one day wasn’t merely a pipe dream. He was convinced of it.

Although other students might grimace at such arrogance, Shizuku listened to Medal’s boasting with a smile, nodding along. Encouraged, Medal, feeling even better, was about to raise his voltage even further—

“—eh.” -Medal

Just before entering the classroom, an unexpected encounter occurred with a girl coming from the opposite corridor. A girl with orange hair braided into three parts, named Lynne. She and Medal had a subtle “history” between them, and on numerous occasions, Medal had pestered her, even subjecting her to a lynching under the name of a duel just yesterday.

The moment she stood before him, Medal’s face transformed into something cruel.

“Lynne. You’ve got some nerve showing your face after your disgrace yesterday,” he spoke with a malicious demeanor that was a stark contrast to the friendly facade he had shown to Shizuku moments earlier. His lack of effort to hide it was likely a manifestation of his confidence that there was no need to sneak around and plot in the shadows.

Or perhaps he thought it a fitting example to show what becomes of those who find themselves in his sights. Medal turned back to Shizuku, his face alight with sadistic delight.

“Shizuku, let me introduce you. This is Lynne Nuu Leyline, one of the witches who inherited the techniques of the great White Witch who founded this academy. Her skills, most notabl—” -Medal

“Lynne-sama has already entered the classroom, however?” -Shizuku

Before Medal could finish his introduction, Lynne had swiftly escaped into the classroom. She was agile.

“Wha… this woman!!” -Medal

Medal barked, chasing after her as she tried to take a seat in the classroom, and roughly grabbed her arm. The geniality he had displayed in front of the new transfer student was now completely gone. Even while being forcefully pulled by her arm, Lynne glared at Medal with calm composure.

“That hurts.” -Lynne

“Ignoring me takes some nerve, doesn’t it, Leyline!” -Medal

“I’m not interested. In you.” -Lynne

Lynne’s indifferent words inflamed Medal even further, his face growing increasingly red. The other students in the classroom watched the confrontation with a mixture of fear towards Medal and a rubbernecker’s curiosity. Medal shoved Lynne away and then raised his voice.

A stain on the “Lineage of White.” I could easily strip you of your rank, the fifth rank, 【Nuu】 that you were granted as a mere scrap from Lustania, using my auth ――,”

“How audacious, to threaten in my classroom. Medal.” -Krolow

A quiet yet trembling voice permeated throughout the classroom. The master of this room, Professor Krolow, an elf, had revealed himself. His presence had been so unnoticeable until his voice echoed. The moment he spoke, the dense magical power he emitted dominated the classroom.

The chaotic heat from moments ago was swiftly quelled by his magic.

“Professor, Krolow.” -Medal

Even Medal, who had been conducting himself as if he were a king, showed a slight trace of fear in his presence.

“Take your seat. You know I despise wastefulness.” -Krolow

When Krolow glared in a way that suggested no arguments would be tolerated, Medal seemed about to say something, but no words actually came out. After glaring at Lynne once, he headed towards his waiting followers and the students.

Watching this, Professor Krolow sighed in apparent annoyance and, without glancing at Lynne, proceeded to his desk to begin preparing for the lesson. It seemed to say that he had no more use for them. Shizuku also began to return to Medal’s side.

“Wait.” -Lynne

Lynne stopped her with a soft voice.

“Yes?” -Shizuku

“You’d do well to stay away from that man. He may be skilled in magic, but frankly, he’s scum.” -Lynne

Lynne’s words weren’t intended as a sarcastic retort towards the boy named Medal. Despite her unfriendly expression, she was expressing concern for Shizuku, the transfer student, a girl she had never met before.

Receiving that advice, the girl named Shizuku somehow smiled, and then,

“My, isn’t that lovely.” -Shizuku

She openly declared.

“What is it with this woman?” -Lynne

That thought, unshielded, painted a perplexed expression across Lynne’s face. Shizuku lowered her head in response, and without altering her course, continued walking toward the area beneath the medal.

　　　　　　　　　　　◆◆◆◆◆◆◆◆◆◆

“That woman is the epitome of incompetence in this academy! If you want to achieve good results in this academy, it’s prudent to stay away from her, Shizuku.”

Surrounded by female students and occupying a corner of the classroom, Medal, while being fawned over, nonchalantly dispensed this advice to Shizuku. In response, all Shizuku did was to return a smile and softly say, “Is that so?”

Medal did not take much notice of her attitude. To him, Shizuku, or rather all beautiful women in general, were something akin to trophies. Her personality per se did not hold much significance to him.

However, the female students encircling him felt differently.

“…”

A young girl named Mehmin was one of Medal’s entourage. To her, and perhaps to all the girls surrounding him, Medal was a man who could influence their future. They, too, were promising magicians who had enrolled in Lautaro Magic Academy. If they could graduate successfully, they would acquire knowledge and skills that would set them apart from average magicians.

However, being a skilled magician is not particularly rare in this country of witches.

Even if they were given preferential treatment, it was not special. In this country, where many magicians are constantly striving to improve, there is no guarantee of a comfortable life after graduation. And yet, the decision to abandon this city, the country, and their families to go to another city was too heavy for the girls.

That’s where Medal comes in. He is a man who will eventually inherit the leadership of the Lustania family, which holds an official position of 【Seira】 that even has the authority to expand the “Barrier of Zerudia” within the temple that runs the nation. If they could gain his favor, securing one of the few influential positions within the narrow confines of the city would not be a dream.

In essence, these girls had given up on achieving something based on their own merits.

Therefore, one must be cautious of those seeking to usurp that position.

“Oh, Professor Krolow is indeed a handful. I hold respect for him as a magnificent elf, but he doesn’t seem to grasp that he is a mere instructor here.” -Medal

“Well, that seems to be the case.” -Shizuku

A girl named Shizuku, who listened to Medal “sama” with an air of enjoyment, was beautiful. It was typical that many of Medal’s entourage were exceptionally attractive—in fact, all of them were. It was only natural since Medal chose them solely on that criterion.

Yet, even among them, Shizuku’s beauty was notably outstanding. It was hard to believe she came from beyond the city, from the “outside of the human survival zone” where monsters roam freely. Her beauty was otherworldly.

Well, her extraordinary beauty was not an issue. The problem was whether Medal would take a liking to her and cast the rest of them aside.

“Hey, Shizuku-san, why did you enroll in this academy?” -Mehmin

Timing her question as Medal began conversing with the other followers, Mehmin casually threw her question at Shizuku. While her query seemed casual, in truth, everyone present, including the girls chatting with Medal, perked up their ears, listening intently.

A harmless reason wouldn’t matter. But if her purpose was to usurp their positions, then—

“Um, well,” -Shizuku

Aware or unaware of their speculations, Shizuku simply answered with a gentle smile.

“I have to kill a creature that is big, fluffy, and makes a strange, eerie noise, and I intend to study how to do it.” -Shizuku

“…Is that so?” -Mehmin

Mehmin nodded slowly.

What is she talking about, this woman?

That was the expression she wore. The other girls who were eavesdropping wore similar faces. But before the question could be pursued further, the bell signaling the start of class rang. Professor Krolow began his lecture, and the question drifted away, leaving their doubts unanswered.

However, her explanation, as it turned out, was entirely, undeniably, her true intention. The sole reason she enrolled in this academy was to defeat the “Pink Mokemoke.”

And so, to fulfill their purpose, her companions continue to remain active.

Not within the academy, but in the dungeon, namely, the Dungeon of Sin, Lust.

---

TL Note(s)

[1] The reading provided for Second rank is “Seira” therefore I put it in parentheses, though in the future, I’ll just continue to use the official names such as Seira or Gran