Akatsuki Translations

Lynne was focused, continuously drawing the magic circle.

She was desperate. Probably even more concentrated than during the academy exams. This was an unexpected and probably once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for her. Initially, she was afraid that he might leave as soon as she explained the shortcomings of her magic.

However, Ur didn’t leave. Though he said he would “kill time until it’s completed,” he also declared that he would see it through. Although she had the chance to show her magic to several people at the adventurers’ guild before, he was the only one who had said he would see it to the end.

That’s why she was desperate. Activating her special ability, 【Concentrate】, acquired when inheriting the magic of the Leyline’s, she continued to draw the magic circle single-mindedly. Still, the construction time was by no means short. But without hurrying, she kept on drawing the lines of light, one by one, to reach completion.

“Yo… you bastard! Y-you bastaaaaaaard!!” -Medal

Because of that, she was completely unaware of the commotion happening behind her.

“…………It’s a misunderstanding.” -Ur

“What the hell is this guy talking about?” Ur thought to himself, hearing the words that slipped from his own mouth.

There was no misunderstanding. Ur was the one who had slammed a ball full force into the face of the man who was now spewing a nosebleed. It was a throw with all his might. The ball speed was good. It felt somewhat refreshing.

Fortunately, due to the choice of using a soft ball meant for training purposes, which wouldn’t break anything, it seemed that no bones were broken despite the dramatic nosebleed. Injuries were also quickly healed by Shizuku’s recovery magic. The blood would likely stop soon.

However, of course, Medal’s anger was not going to subside that easily.

“【Come forth, O Magic, Harbor the (Fire/Wind), and Pierce!!!】” -Medal

“Whoa!” -Ur

Ur dodged the magic released from the wand with a sideways leap. He thought it was a fireball, but it was different. The power was simply on another level. There’s a limit to how much one can enhance the power of basic magic. While the method of construction and precision do appropriately influence power, “this” was clearly different.

“What the!?” -Ur

Ur felt a piercing pain in his grazed arm. It was familiar. It was similar to the sensation of lightning magic used by Shizuku during their training. But, two types of magic at the same time?

“【Come forth, O Magic, Harbor the (Earth/Ice), and Stab Through!!!】” -Medal

The chant overlapped, and the released magic was of a power impossible for beginner magic. Two spells were activated at the same time. “That’s convenient,” Ur thought, impressed, yet still fleeing.

The opponent’s magic was very flashy, but it was relatively easy to dodge.

Despite everything, Ur had faced several brushes with death up to this day. He had continuously avoided blows filled with genuine killing intent. In his regular training, he also practiced receiving and dodging blows as close to real combat as possible.

And now, regardless of how competent a magician the opponent was, they were a student with no experience in direct combat, with their blood boiling in rage. Their attacks were predictable, and for Ur now, they were easy to avoid.

“This!! This!!! This!!!!!!!!” -Medal

Naturally, this was not at all amusing for Medal.

Whether it was because of the soft ball hitting him directly or because his blood was boiling, he barked with his face turning bright red. The fact that he had completely forgotten about Akane in his rage against Ur was fortunate, but now what to do?

“Don’t think you can stay in this city! You!! Outsider!!! I’ll have you driven out immediately and marked for exile!!!” -Medal

Medal’s insults, wedged between the incantations of his magic, were now utterly incoherent. It even seemed possible that the blood vessels in his head might burst. Ur internally prayed that at least the surrounding female students would somehow calm him down.

“Medal-sama.” -Shizuku

Then, Shizuku’s voice, clear and penetrating, resonated. She gently embraced the furiously raging Medal from behind.

“Calm your heart, Medal-sama. Your heart should not be disturbed by the likes of such riffraff.” -Shizuku

Being called riffraff, Ur silently responded, “Well, I guess I’m riffraff,” and played along.

Shizuku’s voice was calm, yet it seemed to seep into the heart, resonating deeply. It reminded Ur of the technique of winning people’s hearts during the hostage situation in the Aruto incident. It was the same tone that smoothly slid into people’s hearts.

“A man such as that. A personage such as yourself could handle him in any way you see fit. Even if inept, with time, he will understand how sinful his actions are. First, we must make that man understand his sins before we can judge him.” -Shizuku

Shizuku, with a smile that seemed to lead one astray, was truly the epitome of a villainess. And with her words, Medal’s face, which was distorted by his heavy breathing, gradually regained its composure.

However, his expression still bore deep hatred. He had no intention of forgiving the humiliation he had never expected to experience in his school life.

“Remember well who you dared to cross. And wait trembling for the punishment that awaits you!!!” -Medal

Saying so, supported by the women, Medal left.

“…I have to report to Diz about Akane… that she was snatched.” -Ur

After they left, Ur muttered as if to escape from reality and let out a deep sigh.

　　　　　　　　　　◆◆◆◆◆◆◆◆◆◆

“…I-it’s done.” -Lynne

Lynne raised her voice upon completing her magic, and then collapsed. Pouring magical power continuously without pause and maintaining the formation of the magic circle had exhausted her greatly. It was the backlash from the skill 【Concentrate】. She wanted to fall over, but, not wanting to look too undignified, she gathered her strength and stood firm on both feet.

“It’s done.” -Lynne

She repeated, turning around. The possibility that the young boy, Ur, had already left crossed her mind for a moment, and she felt a bit frightened.

“…I see, well done.” -Ur

But her fear was unfounded. Ur was indeed there, although he looked quite unwell, as if he was extremely tired.

“…Tired of waiting?” -Lynne

“No, that’s a completely different matter. By the way, do you know someone named Medal?” -Ur

“I don’t like him.” -Lynne

“I see, I’ve come to dislike him too. Probably the feeling is mutual.” -Ur

Ur sighed deeply. Lynne didn’t grasp the full situation, but it was clear that something had happened involving that man.

Generally, Medal always meddled with Lynne, and it was an interference that went beyond just being a nuisance. He probably still misunderstood that the descendants of Leyline, who were once slaves, were his property and slaves.

Lynne wanted to say she didn’t care what he thought, but she didn’t want to be disturbed right now.

“So, you said it’s done. Can I finally see your magic?” -Ur

“Yes, you can.” -Lynne

Understanding, Ur first showed Lynne a pocket watch.

“As you yourself predicted, an hour has passed since you began drawing your magic. This was in an environment with no obstacles, no disturbances. In other words, if you were to activate this in a dungeon, to use this magic even once, you would need protection from the numerous monsters that would attack you in the same place.” -Ur

“Is that why it’s difficult to hire me?”  -Lynne

“If you can’t show me something that outweighs this significant disadvantage, then yes.” -Ur

Ur stated clearly. His expression wasn’t one of testing her or indirectly declaring her failure, but one of sincerity. It was a clumsy act of consideration, making sure to say what needed to be said beforehand.

Lynne, still not abandoned and taken seriously by Ur, took a deep breath in gratitude. There was no escaping or hiding now. All that was left was to show the culmination of the techniques her grandmother, and the ancestors of Leyline had silently cultivated.

Lynne, having taken ample distance from the magic circle with Ur, taps the ground with her staff.

“【Open】” -Lynne

Instantly, the distant magic circle emits an intense light. Magical power had converged into the accumulated magic circle. In the blink of an eye, it swelled up, layered with multiple spells of 【Amplification】【Enhancement】【Expansion】, yet it continued to refine itself without breaking the mold of the spell pattern.

This process was repeated countless times within an instant inside the spell pattern, and then it activated. The magic Lynne chose was the magic of 【Lightning】, a kind of magic that is a superior form of wind attribute magic and very difficult to handle.

“【Divine Lightning’s Judgment ・ White King Formation】” -Lynne

It was Ultimate Magic, Third.

Suddenly, centered on the magic circle, a massive flash and sound were emitted, and blades of lightning that reached even the vast underground ceiling stood tall. The lightning, which burnt everything except the magician, seared the surroundings of the magic circle in just a brief moment, burning the air. Furthermore, the blades that remained in place continued to emit lightning, persistently destroying the surroundings.

Had it not been for the White Barrier, the destruction would have easily reached the entirety of this underground training facility.

Then, after emitting light and destruction for a full minute, the ultimate magic completed its task and vanished. The magic circle that took so much time to create also disappeared after fulfilling its purpose.

Just a single time, considering the time taken to construct the spell it was a very brief moment, yet it was an unaided activation of the highest level of magic possible for a human. That was the magic of the Leylines.

“How is it?” -Lynne

Tentatively, Lynne asked Ur for his impression. However, Ur, who had been standing beside her until a moment ago, was no longer there. Surprised, she looked around and found Ur lying on the ground, curled up with his hands covering his ears and his head bowed.

Upon reflection, even if they had taken a distance, it was inevitable that anyone other than the spellcaster would be affected by the power of the ultimate magic. Lynne had forgotten this fact.

“… Are you okay?” -Lynne

Having been asked this, Ur staggered to his feet. With a tense expression, he opened his mouth.

“… On a provisional basis.” -Ur

Lynne’s employment was tentatively decided.