Akatsuki Translations

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Observation Day 3

Upon inquiring at the guild about bug repellent measures, I was introduced to a certain insect-repelling balm. Upon application, it provided an amazing cooling sensation, proving its effectiveness (10 copper coins).

Today, we transitioned into practical application. Though the one to engage in battle was not me, but Rock.

Is this not elder abuse? (←Rock)

Given his lack of flesh and blood, poison doesn’t circulate through him, and most reassuringly, already being dead, being killed once more doesn’t pose a problem. It made him optimal for experimentation. Albeit, Rock was quite enthusiastic about it. As I noticed even at the fortress, this man is quite cheerful and aggressive. If it can be defeated, he wants it defeated. Part of the investigation was also to see whether that omen bird would even recognize Rock as an enemy.

If a surprise attack could kill that omen bird, all the better.

Conclusion: It was futile.

Approaching both the poison claw birds and that omen bird at the same time proved challenging. We approached during a patrol around the marsh, but as Rock neared, the omen bird instantly switched to alert mode. Upon getting even closer, it attacked, emitting a sound resembling “Mokekee–.”

・Deception with Rock is impossible.

And as the omen bird attacked, the surrounding poison claw birds, fluttering their wings, swarmed towards Rock as well.

・Yup, The Poison Omen Bird and claw birds definitely are consciousness of each other as a group. (several dozen).

Later, Rock fought quite well against the omen bird and the poison claw birds. One could say it was expected of him. He slashed through birds coming from all directions, while also parrying the attacks from the omen bird. Being immune to poison even when scratched with claws proved to be advantageous. At least, up to a certain point.

When the omen bird got angry and began moving in earnest, nothing could be done.

With its immense body, it leapt with terrifying agility, swinging its long legs about. A complete rampage.

Conversely, Rock’s attacks were ineffective. Even slashing at its torso and wings, it seemed like the blade didn’t penetrate at all.

Later, he would describe the sensation as akin to striking steel with a sword.

・The wings possess substantial defensive power.

Eventually, with no other option, targeting its neck for a strike, that neck coiled like a whip, striking Rock and sending him flying more than ten meters.

He flew real far.

・That neck is also incredibly strong. A muscle whip?

Rock was insistent on a rematch, but due to the limits of regeneration imposed by magical power, this was the end for now.

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The following was the outcome of the three-day investigation into the Dungeon of Sin, Lust.

『It uses its own weak point as a weapon and swings it around? That’s cheating! 』-Rock

“Its neck twisted like crazy, didn’t it?” -Ur

In the Adventurer’s Guild tavern, Ur and Rock were holding a reflection meeting while having a meal. However, only Ur was eating a meal, while Rock, instead of eating, was just putting magic stones, plucked from monsters, into his mouth.

He slightly opened the visor of his helmet, casually tossing the unexchanged portion of the magic stones inside in a surreal manner. How he dealt with them inside was completely unknown.

Witnessing this, a silver-ranked adventurer seated with them, “Mountain Raising Garralda,” watched with a puzzled expression.

“…Is it tasty, that?” -Garralda

『Well, rather than tasty… it’s fulfilling? I do miss alcohol though. 』 -Rock

“Hmm… I’ve never seen an undead soldier familiar, it’s interesting.” -Garralda

“He has official permission from the guild.” -Ur

“I got that. I have no intention of recklessly spreading word of his existence.” -Garralda

He scratched his chin intriguedly, gazing at Rock with keen interest.

He was silver-ranked and a high-ranking magician. Though apparently not a graduate of Lautaro Magic Academy, he seemed drawn to Rock’s presence.

However, it was troubling to have him only focused on Rock. There was something he wanted to ask him.

“So, is it true? That you attacked that omen bird with the Dragonfang Spear?” -Ur

Upon being questioned, Garralda nodded.

“Yes, because that omen bird takes position on the shortest route to the middle layer, it’s a thorn in our side, so we attempted to eliminate it.” -Garralda

The Dragonfang Spear, which can unleash high firepower more simply than magic, is an effective armament if one can afford it financially. It’s easy for them, being silver-ranked, to equip it. They gathered members, gave one to each of the five people, the limit for a dungeon party, and fired them all at the same time.

The outcome was, needless to say, quite evident. The omen bird was still alive and well.

『Those wings, huh.』 -Rock

Rock pointed out, laying his finger upon the depiction of the omen bird in Ur’s open notebook on the table, particularly emphasizing its wings. Garralda gave a nod in agreement.

“Yes. Astonishingly, those wings, they deflect even the 【Roar】 of the Dragonfang Spear. It’s not that they were undamaged… Even though the magic core of the Dragonfang Spear we prepared was a hastily made ‘immature substitute’, that defensive power is a threat.” -Garralda

And so, the assaulted omen bird, in a frenzied rage, counterattacked along with the poison claw birds. Of course, they had proceeded with preparations for interception in anticipation of failure. However, they were caught off guard, subjected to a fierce attack, and, judging the situation to be against them, they retreated. Even after altering their strategy several times thereafter, the outcome remained unchanged.

“At night, it remains utterly still, always covering its entire body with its wings. It’s virtually impossible to aim from a safe distance, avoiding the wings without being noticed by the poison claw birds. You’d best assume so.” -Garralda

『That creature, its head was cleverly buried in its wings while it slept.』 -Rock

Garralda, supplementing the information that Ur and his team had acquired, generously shared his own experiences as well. He even went as far as providing information about the Dungeon of Lust. Ur, who jotted down the information given by him in his notes while neglecting his meal, bowed his head deeply to Garralda.

“I see… I’m grateful for the advice. Here’s the payment.” -Ur

“No need, this is the duty of a predecessor. Besides, it’s a favor if you’ll defeat that omen bird. Give it your best, young one.” -Garralda

With a troubled expression, Ur was met with Garralda’s hearty laughter. Garralda returned to his guild’s table. Ur, facing the verified information before him, heaved a great sigh.

“No chance for a night raid, huh…” -Ur

『Not just the night attack, we need to do something about those wings, or avoid them somehow. Otherwise, we’re stuck. 』-Rock

“Hmmmm…” -Ur

Ur was troubled, his adversary proving more problematic than anticipated. He was aware, of course. Being a bounty target meant dealing with complex challenges. However, the issues at hand were all too clear.

The obstacle to be overcome was not just the wings. Beyond them, after sneaking past, the “poisonous claws” presented a terrifying threat. This very thing was the root cause of the distress not only for Ur and his team but even  for other silver-ranked adventurers as well.

“Some of the other adventurers might have tried to approach and challenge it by sneaking past its wings if it weren’t for the claws.” -Ur

『Even without the poison, those legs are a threat, but with it, merely being scratched can be fatal』-Rock

The strategy of long-range attacks, aiming for a night attack, also ultimately led there. The powerful attacks, accompanied by poisonous claws, made even getting close a hesitant affair. Charging in without a plan would result in consequences far worse than mere injury.

“Rock, who is immune to the poison, is reliable in that regard, but…” -Ur

『It’s a tough one, even for me alone. It’s infuriating, but that creature isn’t something one can handle solo.』-Rock

“Can’t you control some undead soldiers or something, you old sack of bones?” -Ur

『Place your faith in master. My power has waned considerably since leaving that heretic’s side』-Rock

The necromancer had been a heretic, but his skills were top-tier. Moreover, because he gathered magical power through considerably dangerous means, he had been able to control that many undead soldiers.

Now, Rock’s power had significantly diminished compared to during the time at Canaan Fortress. His current regenerative ability had a limit to its uses, unlike during the time at the fortress. This was due to no longer being supplied with inexhaustible magical power.

Even so, an immortal skilled warrior is reliable. However, he alone is not enough.

“Even if I’m all geared up in protective equipment, it doesn’t solve everything…” -Ur

『Adding one more to our numbers will still result in a fierce battle.』-Rock

Ur keenly felt the insufficiency of his hand.

The augmentation of their fighting power, symbolized by Rock, was indeed significant to Ur and his comrades. It was substantial, yet still not enough. Their options were limited, and it was this realization that drove Shizuku to seek out new spells.

However, they could not merely wait, mouths agape, for her to return with results. Ur, too, needed to think of something.

The quickest solution seemed to be…

“… Maybe we should increase our allies after all.” -Ur

Numbers are power. Adding just one person with skills they lacked would significantly expand their hand. It would broaden the scope of their available means, and depending on the combination, possibly even more. The maximum number of people in a dungeon raiding party was five. At the very least, they needed to fill that roster or it would be a waste.

『But that won’t be easy, will it? When you say allies, you mean those who will follow you into your reckless endeavors, right? 』-Rock

“…” -Ur

Ur fell silent at Rock’s words.

He had a point. Ur and Shizuku were planning something reckless: targeting bounty heads that one would normally avoid and bypass without fighting, battling them, and aiming straight for gold rank in the shortest time possible.

Finding allies who would approve of this audacity would surely be difficult.

This was probably why Shizuku had somewhat forcefully persuaded Rock. While they might collaborate with other adventurers temporarily, as they had during the necromancer subjugation, would there really be any eccentrics who would accompany them on their journey consistently?

『Shall we put out a recruitment ad? 』-Rock

“A rewarding, at-home workplace. Commission-based pay.” -Ur

『Would you want to work there? 』-Rock

“I’m considering a career change.” -Ur

Deep down, it was Ur himself who genuinely wanted to quit being an adventurer.

『What about that girl, was her name Diz?』-Rock

“That’s impossible. She seems busy with work we probably can’t even imagine, and even if she did help us, we’d just be in the way.” -Ur

It was only because of the abnormal situation with the dragon disturbance that she had helped them.

She wouldn’t get involved in troubles that merely posed a minor hindrance to adventurers’ activities.

Furthermore, becoming completely dependent on her was not something she herself would appreciate. If Ur showed such an attitude, she would sternly reject him. That’s the kind of woman she was. Ur didn’t want to do that either.

“In other words, we want a companion who is reasonably strong, yet not so powerful as to make us unnecessary. Someone who can do the things we can’t, and moreover, will willingly fight bounties time and again, indulging in audacious chaos without issue!” -Ur

『Alrighty, shall we try recruiting then!! 』-Rock

“If we get a mountain of applications, that’ll be a problem…” -Ur

The two of them shared a hearty laugh. Ur sighed heavily while Rock nonchalantly tossed a magic stone into his helmet.

『Isn’t there a place where we can gather companions around here? This is an adventurers’ support guild, ain’t it? 』-Rock

“Well, there is something…” -Ur

Where Ur pointed, aside from the dungeon explorations, there was a “Request Board” where various tasks for adventurers were posted. But no, it was beside that.

『…Look at this mess. 』-Rock

“Unlike the request board from the city folks, many adventurers are Nameless. The quality isn’t too great.” -Ur

Labelled “Traveler’s Board”, it was a bulletin board installed for adventurers.

It served as a communication board for adventurers to mutually cooperate. The Adventurers Guild hadn’t set it up; it began when adventurers started using a wall on their own accord for exchanging opinions, trading items, and even calling out to gather companions.

“…Dungeon of Sin, Lust exploration, scout recruitment, reward will be equally distributed.” -Ur

『There’s a lot of recruitment for vanguard… close-combat jobs. 』-Rock

“That’s because this is the City of Witches; we won’t be lacking in rearguard jobs.” -Ur

『But can you read any of this? Have the letters changed while I was dead? 』-Rock

“No, it’s just that the handwriting is too messy to read. They probably didn’t study at the temple.” -Ur

The house of God, where Zerudia and his subordinate spirits’ believers gathered, the Temple, exists in every city, providing all people with a place to learn. The right to learn at least the basics of reading and writing is given to everyone, and its doors are open even to the Nameless.

The poor quality of this writing is due to the individual’s lack of effort. Even Ur’s writing is a bit cleaner.

『Anyway, the stuff posted here is, after all, only for temporary companionship. 』-Rock

“…So it seems.” -Ur

Ur gazed towards the guild’s reception. The main tasks there were accepting requests and handling bounty payments, but counseling adventurers with their troubles was also part of the job.

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“Hmm… Considering such conditions… it’s a bit too…” -Receptionist

“Right?” -Ur

The consultation had yielded nothing. The young guild staff at the reception twisted his neck with an indescribable expression. He casually glanced through the ledger, but finding conditions that matched Ur’s seemed to be a challenge.

“Basically, it’s not very common to recruit equivalent companions after reaching the level to acquire a copper ring. Most solidify their party to some degree while they have a chalk ring.” -Receptionist

“It took us a month… to get the copper ring.” -Ur

Their rise had been too rapid. Depending on how you heard it, it might sound like a brag, but this was a disadvantage arising from hastening too much. The path taken by adventurers who followed proper steps to acquire a copper ring was entirely absent for Ur and Shizuku.

There were ring holders who operated solo… but forming a party early is preferable. Once capabilities are established, aligning battle styles, policies, personalities, and various other elements becomes difficult.

Whether Ur and Shizuku would have gathered companions if they had taken more time was a delicate matter. However, the reality was that the conditions had become more difficult at present.

“There’s a training facility here too, and there are trainees, right? Are there no notable talents?” -Ur

“Ur-san, as a holder of a copper ring, you are a capable adventurer. Especially if you’re trying to take down a rank nine bounty, taking along someone with a chalk ring, who is still unsteady with dungeon exploration, is…” -Receptionist

“…Hmm.” -Ur

Ur groaned. This was an unexpected life-and-death issue. And likely, this problem would only grow with time. He wanted to add at least one more companion as soon as possible. So,

“Should we try recruiting students from the Lautaro Magic Academy after all?” -Ur

Saying so, however, the receptionist twisted his neck in difficulty.

“There are students who entered hoping for such things… but…” -Receptionist

Originally, tracing back its history, Lautaro Magic Academy was a learning institution born to counteract the dungeon. It wouldn’t be wrong to say it was once a large-scale adventurer training facility.

However, that was a story of the past.

Over many years, history and achievements have accumulated, becoming the “status” of the academy. Lautaro Academy had become the center of the City of Sin, Lust. And when that happens, the narrative shifts once again.

“Those who gain knowledge at the academy seldom desire to become adventurers deliberately.” -Receptionist

“Are there no ones who initially aimed to be adventurers?” -Ur

“Once they enroll and their horizons and options expand, invariably…” -Receptionist

Well, that makes sense, Ur sighed internally.

Even Ur, if not for the situation of his sister being sold, if there was a path to stable employment, would never choose to take up the hazardous occupation of an adventurer. Certainly, now Ur is earning money that would have been unthinkable a short while ago, but if asked whether he wants to undergo near-death experiences to do so, the answer is an absolute no.

『HAHA, Master might quit being an adventurer, you know. Are you alright with that? 』-Rock

“Maybe so.” -Ur

『What a boring answer. 』-Rock

“If that woman goes back on her word and discards me, there’s nothing more I can do. And yet, there’s no guarantee that such a situation won’t occur.” -Ur

Ur understood through the matter with Akane that a situation could arise, unforeseen and flipping his life upside down. And worrying about it wouldn’t change anything.

Worrying about whether the sky might fall tomorrow is futile.

His thoughts wandered. Ur redirected his attention back to the man at the reception.

“In essence, there are no students at Lautaro who aspire to be adventurers, correct?” -Ur

If so, that’s unavoidable. They’d have to find companions from a different angle. It might be difficult to search for companions in this city, but considering trying again in a different city or country…

“…No.” -Receptionist

“Huh?” -Ur

『Wha? 』-Rock

For some reason, the man at the reception spoke words contrary to his previous statements, albeit with a still troubled expression.

“…Is there someone?” -Ur

“…Yes, there is.” -Receptionist

『Why did you go to the trouble of hiding it? So roundabout. 』-Rock

“I wasn’t exactly hiding it, but…well, you see…” -Receptionist

With that, he pulled out a single document. Upon inspection, it was a record sheet detailing the history of one individual.

“When an aspiring adventurer appears, the academy sends us their application documents. Recently, there’s been one person who has expressed such a desire in this manner.” -Receptionist

“To enroll in the continent’s premier magic academy, and then to willingly choose to become an adventurer… And your reason for hiding this?” -Ur

It wasn’t as if he was maliciously keeping it a secret. Therefore, there must be a reasonably appropriate reason. To that inquiry, he hesitated slightly before responding.

“…They have a bit of a problem.” -Receptionist

“…” -Ur

『How do I put it… It seems our party’s full of those types as well, ya know. 』-Rock

Ur, exasperated, smacked Rock’s helmet. The bones rattled with a clatter.