Akatsuki Translations

Observation Day 12

Memo

・ Poison Omen Bird, Has a habit of escaping

・ Is the escape route random? Doesn’t it go straight to the 【Poisonous Mushroom Spring】?

・There is a discrepancy in perception between adventurers coming from outside and those who use the dungeon as their base←Important

Continuing. Today as well, I am observing for the purpose of subjugating the Poison Omen Bird. Lynne is accompanying me. Honestly, I was prepared for her to lose heart after the first day and not come anymore, but she has continued until today. She’s seriously dedicated, coming to the Adventurer’s Guild after her school lessons at the academy.

In the mornings when she isn’t around, it’s observing the Poison Omen Bird with Rock. As expected, the damage inflicted the other day had healed within a few days.

→At least, no visible damage can be seen.

And its habitat remains unchanged, the route to the middle layer, the 【Poisonous Mushroom Spring】. Despite having fled so desperately, the fact that its habitat hasn’t changed is troublesome.

・ Right, it runs, didn’t I tell you? → No, you didn’t

・ Big ones have a high will to survive, which is troublesome. Everyone leaves them alone because it’s not worth the effort chasing them around. Is it different in other dungeons? → Probably different

I confirmed again at the Adventurer’s Guild, and it seems it was indeed common knowledge. Next time I collect information, I must thoroughly confirm everything, including the characteristics of the dungeon. It’s good that we noticed before any damage occurred.

I must think of countermeasures.

My current hand. Excluding Shizuku for now, as it’s unclear what knowledge she can provide.

・Me: Warrior, Dragonfang Spear, throwing, capable of long-range attacks

・ Rock: Warrior, Undead Soldier, Undead

・Lynne: Magician, Magic Circle → Extremely powerful

Laying it out like this, it seems we can do quite a bit.

But, the main issue is whether Lynne will actually join us properly. She’s full of enthusiasm, but I can’t see why she is so eager.

For now, I’ll ask about Lynne at the Guild while she’s at the academy tomorrow.

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The Next Day, Poison Omen Bird Subjugation Day 13

In the Adventurer’s Guild, Guild Master’s Office

“……Uh…” -Ur

“Did you get it? Kid Ur.” -Aransa

At the Adventurer’s Guild, while Ur was trying to inquire about Lynne, for some reason, he now found himself in the office of the Guild Master of the Lust Branch of the Adventurer’s Guild. He was trying to digest the information he had heard from Guild Master Aransa.

“New protective laws are about to be born for magicians, especially those who’ve inherited the magic of the White Witch.”  -Aransa

In itself, this was nothing particularly surprising. It wasn’t anything to be shocked about.

This is a land of magic. It was only natural for the Temple to move to protect its practitioners as much as possible. At least, that’s how it should have been…

“The practitioners of the Lineage of White will, in return for receiving the benefits of the law, ‘incur the obligation to protect their techniques’… It’s all jumbled up, but this basically means…” -Ur

“It means they’re prohibited from taking on dangerous jobs, like adventuring.” -Aransa

Ur nodded slowly, as if understanding, then suddenly buried his face in his hands on the desk.

“Let me focus on the omen bird extermination…!!” -Ur

Ur exclaimed desperately.

He already had a headache dealing with the omen bird alone, and he wanted at least the gathering of companions to proceed smoothly.

He had heard about Lynne’s background from her. He knew she was a disciple of the White Witch, a part of that lineage. If so, she might be affected by this new law set by the Temple.

“But what kind of pinpointed… It’s like they’re targeting her?” -Ur

“It might actually be the case.” -Aransa

“Wha?”  -Ur

When Ur asked again, Aransa shrugged their shoulders.

“I’ve heard about you physically smashing the face of that son of Lustania.” -Aransa

“It was an accident.” -Ur

“Whether it was an accident or not doesn’t matter. And the one who proposed this law was his mother.” -Aransa

Ur frowned. He couldn’t believe it.

“So, you’re saying Medal asked his mother to harass us?” -Ur

“What if he did?” -Aransa

“I should have hit him with another ball.”  -Ur

Ur said with a serious face.

Although Ur was saying something quite dangerous, Aransa laughed as if amused.

“Well, it’s a joke. No matter how much of a child-doting, adventurer-hating woman she is, she’s not crazy enough to move the law just because her child pestered her.” -Aransa

“That’s a relief.” -Ur

“But it’s true that the proposal I just mentioned is likely to pass.” -Aransa

“That’s not good at all.” -Ur

Truly, nothing was good. The fact that the situation around the newly hired novice had become incredibly complicated hadn’t changed at all.

“What could be the reason for such a rule?” -Ur

“The pretext is probably to protect the magical technology of the magic superpower, Lust, but the real intention is most likely ‘harassment’ directed at us.” -Aransa

As Aransa said this, her mouth twisted bitterly. More than her words, it conveyed her dislike for that medal’s mother.

“That old hag is a typical magician supremacist. She looks down on adventurers, insists that magicians shouldn’t stoop to being mere magic stone miners, and uses her position to frequently exert pressure.” -Aransa

“Such an outdated mindset.” -Ur

In other countries, the idea of magicians ruling everything would be dismissed as an extreme view.

But this is the witches’ country. In Lust, magicians are present everywhere, in every constituent part of the nation. They’re in the Adventurer’s Guild and, of course, inside the 【Temple】 as well. In short, the extreme view of magician supremacy “is somewhat tolerated.”

“And so, magicians, especially those from Lautaro, are vehemently opposed to becoming adventurers. They probably tried to push that opinion through. Just when I thought they were quieting down, they’re at it again…menopausal, much?” -Aransa

“I see… So, what will happen to Lynne now?” -Ur

As for the conflict between the temple priests and adventurers, he didn’t intend to get too involved, but what concerns Ur is still the matter of Lynne. It’s not yet clear whether she will truly become one of them, but it would be too much if her wishes are crushed due to factors completely unrelated to her will.

“If she were just a commoner, maybe she would have gotten away with just swearing some troublesome oaths… But Lynne is the Fifth Rank, Nuu. Moreover, she’s a ‘disciple of the White Witch.’” -Aransa

“Of the founder of this nation… And that’s a problem?” -Ur

“An able magician, especially of the Lineage of White, should not be allowed to leave. That’s the old hag’s view. And it seems like this opinion might actually prevail.” -Aransa

Lynne’s Leyline family is the weakest in terms of power among the Lineage of White.

However, the title of her magic, “The Technique of the White Witch,” is still revered in Lust. It’s unlikely that they would allow anything to tarnish it.

“So, she won’t be able to become an adventurer?” -Ur

“It’s not like there aren’t any options, but…” -Aransa

She hesitated, then sighed as if resigned.

“She might be allowed if she renounces her 【Citizenship】.” -Aransa

In other words, she would lose her right to reside in the city. She would be cast out of this city, becoming a rootless wanderer like Ur.

“……That’s a bit too much.” -Ur

As someone in his position, Ur voiced his criticism. He understood the hardships of those who weren’t city residents. Generally, the situation for non-city residents, the “Nameless,” is harsh.

Although they are seldom outright denied entry into the city, there is no place for non-city residents within the city. The city is for the city residents. The law is the same. The “Nameless” can’t use many facilities and are not protected by the law either. They sometimes face blatant rejection or discrimination. The disadvantages are too numerous to list.

If one obtains the ring of an adventurer, they can gain rights similar to those of city residents in all cities where an Adventurer’s Guild exists, but still, there are many restrictions.

But above all, it’s simply harsh. Outside the city.

No stable food supply. No comfortable bed to sleep in. All kinds of weather bare their fangs, and a minor injury could be fatal. That’s what life is like for the Nameless.

“Well, yeah. Normally, to become an adventurer, one wouldn’t just abandon their name. Especially not the name of a family that holds an official rank…”  -Aransa

“…She might abandon it. Lynne.” -Ur

If it were her, with her headstrong and impulsive manner, she might just do it. She doesn’t seem to hesitate.

But, Ur certainly wants to stop her. He doesn’t yet know the circumstances, but there’s no need to willingly throw oneself into the harsh position of being Nameless.

“It’s convenient for you, isn’t it?” -Aransa

“Just because it’s convenient doesn’t mean I don’t care if her life falls apart.” -Ur

“I see.” -Aransa

Aransa nodded contentedly. She seemed pleased with Ur’s answer.

“By any chance, Aransa-san, are you concerned about Lynne?” -Ur

“Well, yeah. That’s why I’m talking directly to you.”  -Aransa

Lynne was from a family with an official rank, belonging to the Lineage of White, albeit at the lowest seat, a privileged class of the City of Sin, Lust. Aransa was aware that Lynne was frequenting the Adventurer’s Guild. She was also aware that Lynne, with her unapproachable expression, was being rejected by various adventurers she approached. It seemed she had been worried about her for quite some time.

“Moreover,” Aransa continued.

“I was acquainted with the previous Leylines. So, I was particularly worried about that child.” -Aransa

“The previous ones… Lynne’s parents?” -Ur

“No, her grandmother… and well, this grandmother was quite ‘feisty,’ you know.” -Aransa

‘Feisty.’ The word with its implications did not carry a good connotation.

“Was she not a good grandmother?” -Ur

“In the eyes of society, no. Stubborn, eccentric, obsessive, the Leyline family Lineage and the intense dedication to inheriting its techniques. It would be fair to say she was possessed by delusions.” -Aransa

What Aransa had seen was an incident from the time of the previous Leyline, who had been working on improving the magical formations in the main parts of the city. There had been a large-scale monster invasion, and the shock had caused distortions in some of the magical formations, so Leyline, a specialist in magic circles, was called upon.

At that time, Lynne was at the site with her grandmother. However, the way her grandmother treated her was far from what one would expect towards a family member. It must have been for the sake of instruction. To put it bluntly, the way the grandmother taught Lynne when she let her handle part of the work was, frankly, demonic.

“If she opened her mouth, it was to scream abuse, and if there was even a slight mistake, there was physical punishment. Her glare was as if she could shoot you dead, really, no harm in calling her a demon grandma. No matter how strict the training, it was abnormal.” -Aransa

“Didn’t anyone try to stop her?” -Ur

“They did. Or rather, I did. I got hit by her staff, but it pissed me off, so I slapped her back.” -Aransa

“Wow,” exclaimed Ur, his face contorting. The grandmother who struck the head of the adventurer’s guild branch with a staff was intense, but Aransa, who retaliated against someone with a staff, was also quite formidable.

“Is the Leyline’s magic that difficult?” -Ur

“The ability to create ultimate magic alone is an incredible skill. Normally, one’s concentration would break before forming the necessary formations to receive such complex magical patterns.” -Aransa

Ultimate magic is not something to be handled by a single individual. It’s meant to be activated by several, if not dozens, of skilled magicians. And its operation is mainly used for city defense when dangerous monsters appear.

“During the 【Great Dungeon Flood, 】 it must have been an indispensable technology, used by a limited number of people to defeat enemies that were normally impossible to overcome.” -Aransa

The technique of the Leylines, refined to make the impossible possible, is no ordinary feat. The construction of the magic patterns, their expansion, strengthening, all are intricately balanced. To even maintain these for several hours is no ordinary feat. There might have been reasons why Lynne’s grandmother’s training was so necessary for the acquisition of these skills.

Still, that doesn’t excuse hitting your granddaughter with a staff, muttered Aransa.

“Given the circumstances, pretending not to care was rather difficult. Besides, that girl has already registered with the Adventurer’s Guild, so she’s one of our own. I can’t just leave her be.”  -Aransa

“I see… But why does she want to become an adventurer so badly?” -Ur

Ur asked the main question.

The reason why Lynne aspired to be an adventurer. The reason she was so unabashedly determined. Although he intended to hear it from her directly, he wanted to confirm it beforehand.

“It seems to be about the ‘Restoration of the Leylines.’” -Aransa

“Restoration?” -Ur

“Do you know that the position of Leylines is weak within the Lineage of White?” -Aransa

Ur nodded. He had also heard about it from that boy named Medal.

He could understand it. The ability to create incredibly powerful magic alone, but at the cost of severe restrictions. A technique at the opposite end of versatility. He could see why it would decline in an era where city management has begun to stabilize. But still, the connection to becoming an adventurer didn’t quite make sense.

“Then shouldn’t she be striving harder in the Magic Guild…?” -Ur

“I said that too, but apparently, the other members of the Lineage of White have it locked down tight.” -Aransa

As a matter of guild politics, it seems extremely unlikely that Leylines could regain authority in the Magic Guild’s Lust branch.

“So she’s shifting to the Adventurer’s Guild… That’s extreme.” -Ur

“Well, ask Lynne for the details. I haven’t heard everything myself.” -Aransa

“I will.” -Ur

“…But you,” -Aransa

Aransa peered into Ur’s eyes intently.

It was a casual gesture, but her eyes seemed to peer right into the depths of his soul, causing Ur to straighten up. No matter how relaxed or rough she seemed, he was reminded that she was the Guild Master of the Adventurer’s Guild branch, and thus, a seasoned adventurer.

“Let’s confirm this here and now. Do you intend to make Lynne a part of your team? I don’t mind whether it’s a yes or a no—but don’t lie, alright?” -Aransa

At this point, even if he said he had no intention of making her a part of his team, Aransa probably wouldn’t get angry. He understood, even from this brief conversation, that she wasn’t the kind of person to play favorites with just one individual and burden the other adventurers. What she was looking for was sincerity towards both her and Lynne.

“I do intend to make her a part of our party. She’s necessary.” -Ur

Therefore, Ur spoke honestly, without deceit or concealment.

“Is that not just out of sympathy?” -Aransa

“Sympathy is what I’d rather have. I can’t afford that luxury. She is ‘useful’.” -Ur

That was Ur’s conclusion. Her skills were useful. Her magic held value that was worth the immense time cost and risk involved.

Her ability to turn the impossible into the possible was precisely what Ur needed.

Hearing Ur’s response, Aransa smiled contentedly.

“Then I’ll do my best on my end too. I’ll try to negotiate so that she doesn’t have to become ‘Nameless’, so she can have a place to return to.” -Aransa

“If you can do that, it would put me at ease.” -Ur

Even if she truly became a part of their group, and even if it led to leaving the city on a journey, having a place to return to was indeed different. Or so it seemed. Ur didn’t understand. He didn’t understand, but he always thought he wanted a place to return to. A place to return to with Akane.

He didn’t want that for Lynne.

“Well, all this talk is pointless if she’s already fed up with us.” -Ur

“Did you do something to make her lose patience with you?” -Aransa

“Running around every day, covered in sweat, mud, and bug bites.” -Ur

“What on earth are you doing in the dungeon?” -Aransa

As Aransa looked at him in disbelief, Ur kept Lynne’s circumstances in mind. He planned to go into the dungeon with her that afternoon. If there was time, he thought it would be good to ask about her situation.

However, on that day, Ur was not destined to encounter her.

It wasn’t that she had given up on the path of an adventurer, nor was it due to school commitments. It was an entirely different, yet urgent matter that had come up.

It was the news of her grandmother, Rainkami Nuu Leyline’s critical condition.