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Sekai no Owari no Encore:Volume 1 Prologue

2014-08-03T13:28:06Z

Mane:

Sword Emperor Elline

He halted the “End War” that nearly annihilated the world.

The strongest swordsman in history and the only one in history to be given the title of the “Brave Hero.”

''' “—We will award the title and honour of becoming the second “Brave Hero” in history to the one that finds the Encore.” '''

<center>From the Chairman of the World Alliance Conference</center>

==Prologue: The Sealed Girl==

The land at the end of the world.

There is nothing but wasteland as far as the eyes can see.

There wasn’t a trace of life and there wasn’t even a single blade of grass on the dried soil.

Even within the vast land of uninhabited deserts, you might find a few signs of life and a few blades of grass growing, if you looked for them. If you were to search for it, you could even find an oasis.

Then, what about this land?

The sky was covered with dim clouds and the land didn’t have any signs of life. Simply vast wasteland littered with gravel. Except, there was one person—

Except for a naked girl whose flowing silver hair shined like pearls.

“…………”

She was a mysterious girl.

Her silver hair that naturally glowed even within the cloudy weather that turned day into night. And her emerald green eyes that had a deeper, yet, clearer colour than any deep ocean.

That also included her gorgeous naked body.

The surface of her skin was clean like that of a new born baby. Her white skin was almost transparent. Her gorgeous body came with slim arms and legs. She also had a curve fitting for her age.

Her appearance was that of a fifteen or sixteen year-old girl.

However, her body is nothing next to the overwhelmingly prideful and divine impression she exudes.

“Where is this place……?”

The girl used her hand to stop her side hairs from being blown away by the wind.

The clouds that covered the sky.

The cold earth that she could feel at her feet. And the endless grey horizon.

The girl looked around her mindlessly, and then—

“……Ah choo!”

—sneezed adorably.

“It’s cold! My legs are freezing, and the wind is cold! More importantly, what’s going on here? Why am I standing here naked? ……No wait, I need to calm myself and try to remember.”

[[Image:Sekai_no_Owari_no_Encore_V1_Non-colour_001.jpg|thumb]]

The girl crossed her arm while revealing her naked body within the wasteland.

However, even if she wanted to calm herself and analyze her situation, the wind blowing around her was so noisy and strong, so cold the breeze took away her body's warmth—

“Quiet.”

The wind stopped, immediately and completely.

It stopped with the girl’s single word. The whirlwind that swirled like a bomb blast settled down as though it feared the girl.

On the other hand, the girl didn’t show any sign of being surprised by the sudden change.

She took this as though it were a natural occurrence. She scooped the back of her hair while behaving as if the violent wind settling down with her single roar was normal. She looked up, trying to recollect her memories.

“…………Ah. Oh yeah. I remember now.”

She sighed with her beautiful lips.

“During that battle……hmm, oh yeah, I……was sealed……”

The girl continued to look high up the sky after she muttered those words out.

However—

“If I remember now……the promise with Elline……”

Her adorable face started turning red as if she was becoming excited.

While swinging her slim fist that was being gripped.

At the end.

“That Elline……h……he and his promise to save me from the seal.”

The girl shouted towards the sky as loud as she could.

“I ended up escaping on my own since he hasn’t come to save me even after three-hundred years, that liaaaaaaaaaaaar!”

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Sekai no Owari no Encore:Volume 1 Record.1

2014-08-03T13:26:52Z

Mane:

==Record.1: The Fake Brave Hero Doesn’t Have Any Comrades==

===1===

There was a term called the “Brave Hero.”

The one who made a greater achievement than the Heroes and the Braves. Due to its exaggerated meaning, it was a title no one held for a long time.

The Sword Emperor Elline.

Until the day a man who had enough calibre to receive that title within the whole history showed up.

Unequally invincible. So powerful that he’s unparalleled. The strongest in all of history. Or he was not even human. Even though there were many words to describe the strength of humans, there sure weren’t many words that could describe the Sword Emperor Elline’s strength.

If you had to describe him, then it would be that he was “impossible to understand.”

He was undefeated not only against the obvious human foes, but also in hundreds of intense battle against those three superior beings—the Dragons of the Earth, the Angels of the Heaven, and the Demons of the Underworld. Even after that, he easily stopped the Great War that nearly ended the world.

That happened three-hundred years ago.

It was said that there could be no one, in both the past and the future, who would make a greater achievement than his great achievements.

No, that was what it was said in the past.

“Congrats. All of you were chosen and given the chance.”

Union ceremony of the Holy Fiora Journey Academy.

On the day of the entrance ceremony for the Academy for general education, that was what the principal said to the new students, including Ren that had just enrolled, the III-Grade {{Furigana|Knight|MASTER}} students.

“In all of history, the title of “Brave Hero” was attained only by the Sword Emperor Elline. Now the chance has come for all of you to attain it. I will anticipate your achievements where all of you will devote yourself to your studies in this Academy, to find comrades who you could trust, and to find the “Encore”.”

''—That was two years ago. Back then, I also thought that people expected even a bit from me.''

''—As a new student that passed the strict examination.''

''But—.''

“Ren, you were ranked fifth in your class again, huh.”

''……Leaving aside my good or bad grades. ''

''……Why did he have to announce my result in such a loud voice? ''

Ren kept that to himself and received the sheet in silence.

“I won’t tell you to get ranked first in the whole year-level, but I would at least want you to get ranked third in your class.”

The instructor sighed purposely behind him.

“Or was your appearance the only similarity you have with the Brave Hero?”

“……!”

''—My appearance has nothing to do with this. I return back to my seat while keeping the words in my throat. There were approximately ten metres to my desk, but during my way—.''

“Ren-chan was almost close. He got ranked fifth again, right?”

“But there are thirty-six students per classroom, so being ranked fifth should be quite good, shouldn’t it?”

“What are you saying? He failed a year despite that. Normally, he would have moved up to the II-Grade {{Furigana|Knight|MASTER}} and became our senior. He’s a year older than us, you know?”

“Looks like he hasn’t changed. For a guy who works so hard.”

“Shhh, Ren will hear you. Speak quietly.”

''—I can hear even if all of you were to speak quietly. ''

''—They are whispering on purpose. Except, their voice is high enough for me to hear. The whisper and laughter I could hear from all over the room. At the end, this is what they all say. ''

''—The fake Brave Hero that only looked like the legendary Brave Hero. ''

Ren E Maxwell.

His light-brown hair that was cut messily and his deep-blue eyes.

His moderately handsome face which has a simple innocent expression.

His height was average among his seventeen year-old peers, though he might have a small build among the {{Furigana|Knight|MASTER}} students gathered at the Holy Fiora Journey Academy.

He didn’t stand out appearance-wise. But, if you were to be asked to give a single description of his trait—

The Sword Emperor Elline.

'''His appearance''' was the only thing which resembled the famous Brave Hero.

After all, students who had seen the statute of Elline located at the main gate would compare its appearance with that of Ren who would be walking near them.

“That’s it for last semester’s results. Any question?”

None of the thirty-six students raised their hands at the instructor’s question.

“Good. As all of you middle-rank students know, this was merely a mock battle. You can say that the promotion test taking place this winter will be your main concern.”

The instructor made a loud noise with his shoes.

“It has been two years since all of you enrolled in our Academy. Though there is one person who has been here for three years—”

''—The gazes gathered at me from people around me.''

''……I’m already used to it. It happens all the time, after all.''

Ren acted as though he hadn’t notice their gaze and looked at the textbook in his hands.

“All of you will finally be able to move onto becoming a high-rank students by passing the promotion test this winter. All of you first started as a beginning-rank students last year and were middle-rank students this year. Now you will become high-rank students and then highest-rank students, which is the final grade to graduate. Within these four years, high-rank students are the ones who can actually join a “party” and start your actual training. That will indeed be a year you cannot afford to miss in order to go out to the world to seek for the Encore. —Ren!”

“Yes.”

“The last item left behind by the Brave Hero '''who happens to be your ancestor'''. You obviously do remember when the existence of the Encore was revealed to the world, right?”

“During the autumn of the World-Age 798.”

He expected that he would be asked a question.

There wasn’t a flaw in his answer since he predicted and prepared for it.

“Two-hundred years after the death of Elline at the young age of 26. The research team of the Royal History Laboratory announced the possibility of the existence of the Encore—the record of the war hand written by Elline himself. Later that year, a search team of mass-scale was formed, but they failed to find the Encore. This search-team became the model for the current “parties,” and this led to the Era of Great War for the possession of Encore which also involved the three worlds of the Heaven, the Underworld, and the Earth.”

“……Hmm.”

The instructor didn’t know what to say to Ren’s answer for a moment.

Ren then used that short time of silence to speak out his mind.

“I would also like to make one correction. This is something I have been asking for quite a while—”

Ren stood up from his chair and looked at the instructor.

“Elline had no descendent. He traveled the world til he died from sickness at the age of 26. Not only did he not have children, he also didn’t have any siblings. I don’t belong to a family which is the direct descendent of Elline. Even if we looked back to our family tree, our ancestor from elven generation back in the past was merely a distant relative of his.”

“It doesn’t change the fact that he was your distant ancestor, right?”

“I’m asking you to please refrain from saying things which would cause a misunderstanding. If you say “your ancestor,” that would sound like I am Elline’s direct descendant.”

There were two misfortune the boy called Ren had.

The first is that he was born as the mirror image of the great Brave Hero.

And the second is that even though it would be considered as a distant relative of Elline, Ren’s mother’s household was actually the distant relative of Elline.

He was indeed a reincarnation of the Brave Hero. People around him expected a lot from him, but the reality was cruel.

''—His sword-skills wasn’t even comparable to the Sword Emperor, and was even inferior to his peers. ''

''—The only similarity he had was his appearance. ''

That was what his instructor and his classmates said to him. He had been told that even before he enrolled in the Holy Fiora Journey Academy.

The Fake Brave Hero.

That was the insulting title Ren was given since childhood.

“The true history is that there wasn’t a single individual who could be considered Elline’s descendent. I wasn’t born from a legitimate household that could even be compared to that Brave Hero.”

“—”

The instructor became silent and he simply twitched his eyebrows.

“Are you done? Then sit.”

“……!”

He acted as if nothing happened, so Ren sat on his chair while crunching his fist.

“Time’s up. The class is dismissed for today.”

The instructor took a glance at his golden pocket watch.

“Those who didn’t get a satisfying result for the previous test shouldn’t forget about their training. The actual thing will be a pass or fail. You will repeat a year if you can’t show your result here. Though I’m sure that all of you are aware of that.”

<center>==========</center>

The End War—

Even after three-hundred years, the investigation to find out the whole story of the War hadn’t progressed at all.

The only known fact was that an unknown something entered the world. It wasn’t just the humans. The Dragons, the Angels, and the Demons were also threatened by the ominous invaders. The horror of war spread everywhere including the Earth, the Heaven, and the Underworld.

The ones who stopped the invasion were the Sword Emperor Elline and the legendary Three Great Princesses serving under him.

From the Heaven came Phia, the Angel from the highest class who received the command of the Goddess.

From the Underworld came Elise, the Demon-Lord herself who was the master of the world deep under the ground.

From the Earth came Kyelse, the strongest Dragon-Princess who was feared by both the Heaven and the Underworld.

''—The Angel, the Demon, and the Dragon. ''

The three superior beings who represented the three world respectively. It was said that such strongest force gathered under the Sword Emperor.

From the history book Ren read, it was written that each of them had an appearance of a human and that all three of them was described as beautiful girls.

“……I’m sure this was written by a man. On top of that, it’s completely his taste.”

Ren even remembered til this day when he muttered that while he read the history book.

''—Though I don’t know how much of the history was simply imagination—''

Except, the fact about the Three Great Princesses who represented the three world gathered under Elline, and that the four of them including Elline challenged and won after an intensive battle against “something” that was invading the world was a true incident.

That victory itself was the greatest achievement of the Sword Emperor Elline and the reason he was hailed as the Brave Hero.

……However, Elline was no immortal.

It was said that he passed away in one of the rooms in an inn at the young age of 26 without having any children, family, or close friends. His anecdote would have ended while he had his name remained in the history as an historical person if his life ended in such a way.

The problem arose approximately two-hundred years after his death. In other words, the event that unfolded one-hundred years before the present time.

“The Encore……huh.”

Ren repeated that word vaguely as he walked through the Academy’s corridor.

''—They couldn’t find it. ''

Among Elline’s belongings, his belongings such as his sword, his clothing he wore for his journey, and his other belongings were found. Except, there was one thing which was supposed to be there but could never be found.

Elline’s memoir, the “Encore.”

The memoir of the man who traveled the whole Earth including the unexplored regions and sacred precincts as well as the Heaven and the Underworld.

Its value couldn’t simply be categorised as the relic left behind by the Brave Hero.

The only original texts that recorded the whole history of the End War. The sword-technique manual that was written by the Sword Emperor himself. And it was also a world map that recorded many of the ancient ruins and the habitat of the spirits.

For example, you could salvage the rare {{Furigana|“the lost spells”|ANCIENTS}} from the ancient ruins and you could also get a blessing from the powerful spirits within the sanctuary of the spirits. Most of the areas that were considered unexplored regions and sacred precincts since ancient times were also mining areas where you could find rare metals which would become the materials to create powerful weapons.

On top of that, it had a detailed battle record against other being, such as Angels, Demons, Dragons, and gigantic monsters.

''—If the proper individual attains the Encore.''

''—The value of the information recorded within would lead that individual to seize sovereignty. ''

“That’s why you would become the Brave Hero if you were to find it, huh……”

He went down the stairs to come out the first floor’s corridor of the building.

“The one who finds the Encore would be given the title of “Brave Hero” and become the second person in history to receive that title.”

It was officially proposed by the World Alliance Conference.

The content of the memoir recorded by Elline would become a great treasure for humanity, and the achievement of the one who finds it would be befitting to be called the Brave Hero of the future generations.

The era when all of the world would seek to become the new Brave Hero.

Elline’s memoir itself became acknowledged as an existence that was awaiting for the coming of the new Brave Hero, and before anyone knew it, the memoir became the {{Furigana|“the record of the world”|ENCORE}}.

“……Though I would need to think about advancing to the next grade first.”

Ren took out the grading report he was given back at the classroom from his pocket and then sighed.

He was ranked “fifth” overall within the class. Among it, he received “first” for the written criteria and “eighth” for the practical criteria.

“I haven’t have any troubles with the written criteria since last year, but the practical criteria would be a problem.”

The promotion test would be judged based on the mock battles between the students that were majoring in the {{Furigana|Knight|MASTER}} degree. You would become a high-rank student if you were to pass it. Your rank as a {{Furigana|Knight|MASTER}} will also be promoted from III-Grade {{Furigana|Knight|MASTER}} to II-Grade {{Furigana|Knight|MASTER}}.

And the graduation test would also be a promotion test to become an I-Grade {{Furigana|Knight|MASTER}}.

You would successfully graduate by passing that test. You could create a new party from scratch or you could take the test to join a well-known party.

Then—

“Ren, are you done with your lecturer?”

A gentle voice.

Someone who approached quietly from behind him suddenly hugs him from his back.

“H-Hey!? What are you doing, Senpai!?”

“Fufu. Guess who?”

“……Well, even if you ask me that.”

Her teasing voice.

The two soft things squashed onto his back, and its incredible sensation—.

“Rather, the only one who would do this to me is you, Phia-senpai……”

“Oh my, so you knew it was me?”

She loosens the arms wrapped around him. The blonde highest-grade student comes around in front of him.

“I was worried since you were walking with a gloomy face.”

“……I was?”

“Is there anyone else here besides you?”

The girl chuckled after she said that. Seeing her cute smile—

“I see. I’m sorry for making you worry about me. Was I putting on such expression?”

Ren couldn’t help but also smile to it.

''……She’s probably the only one. ''

''……Who interacts with me without making a fool out of me. ''

Phia Nesferia.

A girl whose distinctive features were her deep blue irises and her blonde-hair with silver lines.

She was eighteen years old and one year his senior. Her calm personality and soft smile showed that she was more mature atmosphere than he was.

“But, you know……having you press it……against me like before is……”

“Press it against you? Oh, did I press something against you?”

She bend her body forward while putting on a teasing smile.

In a posture where she forces forward her bosom, which is so dense that it would fall out from her blouse.

The one and only concern Ren had towards her was her overwhelming bosom, which was lifted up with her blouse made from thin cloth. That’s because the cloth of her blouse had a shape of two mountains, and it was so large that her buttons might pop in any second.

''—The truth is, I’m troubled to keep my eye away.''

Unlike her graceful smile, her body was too stimulating.

''……The problem was that she does realise it.''

''……And she does it to me on purpose as a tease.''

The record she made last summer where dozens of pure boys fainted after seeing her in her swimsuits wouldn’t be broken in eternity.

“No, let’s stop talking about it. By the way, it’s rare to see you here, Senpai.”

“What do you mean?”

“For you to come down to the first floor of this building during this time. You are always inside the conference room. You are also the vice-president of the council and you always look busy with your council work.”

“I came to check my results.”

[[Image:Sekai_no_Owari_no_Encore_V1_Non-colour_002.jpg|thumb]]

The direction she pointed towards after she said that was the front exit of the building’s first floor.

“If you become a highest-grade student, your result would be put out for everyone to see, whether you like it or not.”

“Ah, the public execution—”

He stopped his words there.

His senior front of him still had a smile on her face. So did means that—

“Is it okay for me to ask? Senpai, what was your result?”

“Like usual.”

“Ranked first again!? It can’t be! It’s unbelievable to think that you ranked first for all three of “{{Furigana|Curer|HEALER}}”, “{{Furigana|Knight|MASTER}}”, and “{{Furigana|Spellcaster|ARIA}}”!

“I was simply lucky. My body was in good condition during the day of the test.”

The senior-girl narrowed her eyes as if she was blushing.

''—I really can’t beat this person. ''

Educational written test, ranked first among her grades.

Practical battle test, ranked first among her grades.

''—I can understand if she is good at the written test. That’s because your daily load of hard work gets reflected onto your result.''

''—What needs to be mentioned is the practical which is the battle test. ''

Within the practical test where the boys and girls would be tested together, her sword-play overwhelmed boys who were majoring in the {{Furigana|Knight|MASTER}}’s degree, and her spell-work overwhelmed students majoring in the {{Furigana|Spellcaster|ARIA}}’s degree.

Even though she was a {{Furigana|Curer|HEALER}} that specialises in healing and regeneration.

The almighty genius. It must be the reason why she was called the first genius since the establishment of Holy Fiora Journey Academy.

“Senpai, you sure are amazing……”

Ren honestly spoke out his thought and praised her while scratching the back of his head.

“Senpai, you would finally graduate this winter, so you are also thinking about who you will form a party with after you become a highest-graduate student, right? Senpai, I’m sure you have received offers from famous parties, right?”

“Yes, I have received several invitation. From the principal’s connection.”

“I thought so! That’s amazing!”

Party—that’s the “expeditionary force made up of courageous warriors.”

Their main missions were to travel through different locations of the world to investigate the sacred precincts and ancient ruins as well as searching for the spirits habitats. There were wide-range of tasks, since there were also missions like hunting down dangerous monsters. Discovering the spirits and hunting down monsters would lead to strengthening a specific city’s forces. Investigating ancient ruins would lead to discovering {{Furigana|“the lost spells”|ANCIENTS}} and {{Furigana|“the lost technologies”|O-PARTS}}. Therefore the cities throughout the world supported and nurtured these parties.

This Holy Fiora Journey Academy was also one of them. It was built as a special institute to train boys and girls who were aiming to create parties. It was a prestigious school that produced many potential individuals.

“Then are you also after the Encore, Senpai?”

“I certainly am. That is the one thing I cannot give up in.”

She nodded while she had the same smile on her face.

“Though I haven’t been thinking about making a party yet.”

“……Eh?”

“This is a good opportunity. Ren, there was something I wanted to talk to you about for a while. The truth is, I will be leaving this Academy soon.”

“You’re leaving the Academy!? Eh, isn’t the graduation in winter!?”

“The results from the previous semester could be used as a quick graduation certificate. I have already submitted my withdrawal application form.”

“……You’re going to withdraw? You must be joking, Senpai.”

Even though Ren didn’t have such intention, his true feelings came out from his mouth.

Withdrawing when the graduation was just ahead wasn’t normal.

You would become an I-Grade {{Furigana|Curer|HEALER}} after taking the graduation test and then you would either make your own party or take an entrance test to join the party you desired.

“Why? The graduation test is just right ahead.”

“It’s exactly due to the reason I explained before. Leaving the Academy even a day earlier to find the Encore would definitely be better.”

“……Do you have any comrades? Did you receive an unofficial offer from a famous party?”

“I don’t have any.”

She waved her blonde hair and shook her head.

“It would be just me and a girl who is an old friend of mine. She was finally able to break out of her seal.”

“Seal?”

“Oh, I’m sorry. You can……simply ignore what I just said.”

Phia showed her rare side where she had a bitter smile and waved her hand.

She looked up the ceiling as if she were yearning—

“The truth is, I have a friend in mind for a while who would look for the Encore together with me. She was finally able to come. It would be better to strike while the iron is hot.”

“Your friend…… So it really wasn’t a scout from a famous party then?”

“Yes. There wasn’t a party I wished to join. I certainly had the principal talk to me so long about it, but every one of them didn't satisfy me—”

“H-Hey, Senpai!? Stop!”

Ren used his hand to interrupt his senior’s words.

''……That was close. ''

''……Wouldn’t her words just now became a serious issue if someone had heard it? ''

The two instructors and a group of students that walked behind them. Ren waited till he couldn’t see them and breathed out.

“Hey, that was dangerous Senpai. What you just said.”

“Is it?”

“It’s because……”

The world famous parties that had made great achievements. While the highest-grade student around her were desperately working hard to take the entrance test to join them, she said that those famous parties didn't satisfy her.

“I know your results, Senpai……so I do admire you. I’m not in a position where I could say anything about it and I don’t know much about your friend either. But I do think gaining experience by joining a proper party first is also important. You know, the world outside is dangerous after all.”

The End War was halted by Elline.

However, this world doesn’t just belong to the humans.

The danger level of encountering huge monsters when you enter the ancient ruins and sacred precincts.

The Angels of the Heavens, the Demons of the Underworld, and the Dragons that were the supreme ruler of the Earth, would try to eliminate the humans without mercy. The humans of this world were a weak species.

“Even that Brave Hero formed a party.”

“The Brave Hero?”

“I’m talking about the Sword Emperor Elline.”

“……Oh yes, him.”

Phia made a gesture with her hand as if she just remembered.

“Oh yes, he’s called the Brave Hero now. The humans sure do act conveniently. Back then, the whole world treated him like an pariah swordsman.”

“Eh?”

“Oh no, please ignore that.”

The blonde girl shook her hand in panic which was a rare sight. But her gesture ended there since she looked towards Ren with yearning eyes.

“Let me make one correction. About my case regarding the party. Yes, if I find a party which could even rival the famous Elline’s party, then I may want to join them.”

“? Well, that’s asking for a lot……I mean, you are talking about the legendary party right?”

Elline Sword Emperor Brigade.

The bright and pure-white Angel—the Seraph Phia from the Heaven who was said to have a power that surpassed even the Goddess.

The dark and cloaked Empress—the Demon-Lord Elise who was the master of the Underworld.

The girl with a shining silver hair—the strongest Dragon-Princess, Kyelse, who was even feared by the Heaven and the Underworld.

The Three Great Princesses who represented the three worlds and Elline who led such party. They stopped the End War with just the four of them. They were indeed the strongest party and was considered the best in history.

“Besides. They do say stories from the past comes with false details. We don’t know just how much of the actual story had been exaggerated.”

There were also a theory that the human {{Furigana|Knight|MASTER}} and {{Furigana|Spellcaster|ARIA}} gradually were replaced with an Angel, an Demon, and an Dragon-Princess as the story was retold to people.

That was because it would make the story even more interesting.

“By the way, what do you personally think about it? Do you think the legend of Elline was a fictional story?”

Her eyes that looked right into Ren’s eyes.

The girl called Phia.

From the girl who had the same name as the legendary Angel by coincidence.

“My honest impression is that I hope it would be true.”

Ren nodded while feeling reserved.

“When I heard that story when I was a kid, I honestly thought it was amazing.”

He innocently admired the story.

Even though he was continued to be called the fake Brave Hero, the reason Ren was receiving guidance at Holy Fiora Journey Academy as a {{Furigana|Knight|MASTER}} was due to being charmed by the tales of his adventurers.

“It had an interesting story. There was the strongest swordsman where the Seraph, the Demon-Lord, and the strongest Dragon-Princess traveled with him. Anyone would want to see a party like that if they did really exist. What kind of journey they had while traveling the world, just thinking about it gets me excited.”

“……I see.”

“Phia-senpai?”

“Ren, you are wonderful. You are very honest, very pure, and……”

She had a smile exactly like that of an Angel.

The girl called Phia said that with a tone of a calm adult.

“If it was a human like you—”

The alarming bell.

The one that interrupted her words was the bell that echoed throughout the Academy.

“Ah, it’s already this time? Senpai, don’t you have your usual council work?”

“It’s cancelled for today. I asked everyone since I wanted to use the conference room for my business.”

“For your personal use? So the instructor gave you permission?”

“I was ranked first in my grade for this reason.”

The vice-president of the council who made a naughty smile.

She replied as if this was all in her plan, but what was freighting was that it sounded real when it was coming from her.

“By the way, Ren. This may have been a fate that we met here, so would you please do an errand for me?”

“Huh? To where?”

“When you exit the Academy from the main gate, there’s a cake shop if you walk straight through the town. I placed ordered in advance, so what’s left is for you to pick it up. I will be cleaning up the conference room during that time. I wanted to have a bit of a snack-party with my friend.”

“Sure, but I thought you couldn’t eat inside the conference room? I’m sure the instructors would snap if they caught you.”

“You don’t have to worry about that. Oh yes, and—”

Phia shook her hand.

But her eyes looked like she was teasing him and for some reason it also looked seductive.

“How about having a study session together next time as my thanks for having you do my errand? Before I leave the Academy, instead of using the classroom, let's use my room at the girl’s dormitory, okay? Your big sister would teach you many things from the basic—”

“N-No……let’s do that for another occasion!”

''—It’s simply studying, so what’s with her teaching me from the basic? ''

Ren kept his scream inside his mouth and left the scene as if he ran away.

===2===

Student’s town, Mstier.

The town was structured in a way such that the party raising institute, Holy Fiora Journey Academy, was located at its centre.

There were food and beverage stores as well as clothing stores that were used by students, including Ren. Not only was there a blacksmith factory that manufactures swords and spears, there were also a large bookstore which has all the line-ups such as the world map and monster encyclopaedia.

Near the southern-gate of the town—

“……She ordered too much.”

Ren walked through the main road while carrying the loads of bags filled with snacks with both hands.

“Eighteen puddings, three whole cake, twenty-five profiterole, and also thirty-seven baked sweets. That Phia-senpai, what kind of big party is she planning to do……?”

When Ren saw these bags back at the shop, he felt uneasy since he didn’t know if he could carry all of them.

“Oh yeah, I heard it was going to rain from the afternoon. If it started raining right now—”

His words were interrupted.

Many screams echoed from far behind him.

“……What!?”

Ren discarded his shopping bag and turned around.

“Make your life and comrades’ life as your first priority. Anything else can easily be replaced.”

This was the first time Ren thanked those three years’ worth of guidance of his instructor. If he was even a second slow at throwing away the shopping bag, he would have been on the ground covered in blood.

A giant green Dragon was flapping its wings.

“A wyvern!? Why is it in the middle of town!?”

The Dragon-species that was known as the absolute ruler of the Earth.

The one that just grazed Ren’s head and landed clearly belonged to that species.

''……That was close.''

''……If I was slow in turning around, I may have had my head sliced by those claws.''

The training he received as a {{Furigana|Knight|MASTER}}. No, rather than the training, it was more like his luck. That was how unexpected this assault was.

“Is that thing about five metres in length?”

It depends on each wyvern, but a mature wyvern is usually seven metres long.

Even though it would be considered small among the Dragon-species, what needed to be specially noted about it was its flight speed. A wyvern that was using its maximum velocity would be so fast that even the best sniper would have a hard time shooting it.

“But why is it here? Did it stray away from its herd and wandered in here!?”

If that was the case, its wariness would increase due to being strayed from its herd. There were many cases where its aggressive behaviour became even worse. And it broke through the town walls and entered the town.

A situation like this was rare, and the level of danger was also high.

“Who can even stop this thing……?”

Ren looked up towards the monster in front of him while muttering in astonishment.

''—Just how many highest-grade student and instructors would you need to take it down?''

''—No, the opponent isn’t that simple.''

Even if the highest-grade students came to the scene, they were merely students. They merely had experience in fighting small monsters, so the number of students that had experience in fighting a Dragon is close to none. The instructors have already retired from the parties. So you couldn’t think of a plan to defeat it.

The only thing they could do was to buy time and pray for it to leave after it gets bored.

“Even so, buying time would be……”

Even though Ren looked around him, there weren’t any parties that looked reliable.

Even though it was called a student town, a town was still a town. Most of them were civilians. The only people he could see were merchants, families of the civilians, and tourists running away.

“Dammit! Of all times, I’m the only one who had to be here!”

He drew out a dagger that was for self-defense from the attached to his belt.

The length of the blade was that of a knife. It was a weapon you didn’t need to go all the way to the weapon factory to buy it since it was purchasable in the business district, even for a civilian.

''……This would only seem like a toothpick to that Dragon.''

He shouldn’t think about winning or losing.

He only had to think about buying time. Until the people around him had evacuated—

“Oh, I have found a delicious looking snack at a place like this.”

It was at this time when Ren heard a dignified voice from right beside him.

“I sure am lucky to find a snack which is basically new at a place like this. Maybe this would be a good gift for Phia?”

''—The bags of snacks I threw away.''

''—There is a silver hair girl who is standing right beside me and is staring down at the snacks. ''

“Hey, those are my snacks……no, that isn’t it, hey idiot, hurry and run!”

“Your snack?”

The girl turned around—

“What are you saying? The one who found these first was me. Isn’t it first come first serve?”

Emerald green eyes that had a darker colour than the sea, and her long silver hair that sparkled like a pearl.

On top of her fantasy-like colours, her face was also adorable like that of a fairy that would appear in a fairy-tale. Even though she was dressed as an adventurer, her slender body could only be described as being lovely.

But Ren was only fascinated by the girl’s appearance for just that slight moment.

“A-Anyway, you need to run! This isn’t the time for talking such thing!”

“Run? Why is there a need for me to run?”

The silver hair girl looked up at Ren while feeling unpleasant.

“To begin with, human, you called me an idiot. Who do you think I am……eh…………”

That moment, the girl stopped breathing and opened her eyes wide.

Then her small hand started shaking.

“Eh, ……eh, ……El……Elli…………”

“Pardon me?”

“Elline, you were alive!”

The girl raised her voice and jumped towards him.

“I wanted to see you! I was looking for you this whole time! Yeah, even if you are a human, you are special. There was no way you would die simply after three-hundred years—”

“I’m saying that I don’t understand what you’re saying!”

Ren jumped while carrying the girl.

He used his whole body to prevent the girl from touching the ground and then rolled on the ground backwards.

'''—ROAR!'''

That instant, the Dragon swung down its tail and obliterated bricks of walls.

“Hurry up and run! You saw it for yourself just now. That wyvern is too dangerous!”

“Defeat it.”

“……Huh?”

“I’m saying that you have the permission to defeat it. As long as you don’t kill it, you don’t need to hold back against my kind. That guy is an arrogant prick who had been following me this whole time even before I got here. He’s an eyesore so take it down with a single punch to his head.”

“It followed you? What does that mean—”

The meaning behind the words of the girl with the silver hair.

Before Ren could even comprehend the meaning of her words, the sound of the wyvern stepping on the ground made Ren’s eardrum shiver.

''—He’s going to step on me!''

The black shadow which was above Ren’s head. The wyvern came down at them without losing sights of its target. The moment Ren realised that, he pushed away the girl who was clinging onto him.

“You idiot, don’t just stand there, run!”

The shadow of the huge Dragon’s shadow that was coming down at him.

''……I need to make it in time!''

He brought out his dagger with a faint hope and also jumped to the back—

[[Image:Sekai_no_Owari_no_Encore_V1_Non-colour_003.jpg|thumb]]

Then the impact.

Ren was overwhelmed by the merciless impact which was so strong that he couldn’t breathe. Ren was sent flying far to the rear.

“……! ……Gah! ……”

He couldn’t breathe due to the impact to his back. The reason why his vision turned red must be due to the blood pouring from his forehead. It was the cut he received when the tip of the Dragon’s claw grazed him.

''……I guess……it’s alright since I’m alive, right?''

''……No……it doesn’t make any difference……I guess.''

The dagger that was shattered from the core of the blade. His weapon that was violently shattered with ease.

He gripped his weapon where only the handle remained.

“………………Bring it, '''you worthless Dragon'''.”

Ren stood up with his body that was covered in sand.

“An……attack……like that……doesn’t work on me……even in the slightest.”

The words that was just able to come out of his throat.

He used his hand as if he was provoking the wyvern that had its wing spread wide.

''—Fake Brave Hero.''

''—I’m not a Brave Hero nor am I the strongest knight that can take down a Dragon by myself.''

''—But I can’t give in.''

''—I need to buy time. Until there are reinforcements from the Academy. More importantly, I need to buy enough time so the silver hair girl in front of me could escape.''

“……I been telling you to……run”

His sight was covered in blood, but he could still see the silver hair girl who hadn’t ran or hid yet.

“Hurry up……I’m seriously……at my limit……”

“I got it.”

That was the time when the girl nodded as if she finally understood something.

“Don’t tell me you have a stomach ache because you ate something bad?”

“……Huh?”

“Fine then. I don’t feel good in laying hand on my kind, but I’ll take care of this.”

Right after she said that.

The silver girl approached the wyvern from the front carelessly for all things.

“……!? H-Hey, stop—”

“There’s no way that I, the Dragon-Princess Kyelse, will be beaten by this weakling.”

Ren could see the girl’s face from the side where she was putting on a fearless smile.

Ren listened to the girl’s word as if he was dreaming.

''……Dragon-Princess Kyelse?''

''……No, wait……it can’t be. That name belongs to '''the one from that legendary party'''……''

“A Dragon’s child that doesn’t even know who I am. I wonder from which valley it came from.”

The wyvern which was spreading his wings wide.

The small girl faced the giant monster by herself where she had to tilt her head up to look at it.

“And did he just make a threat right in front of me? I see, so you followed me all the way to this town because I entered your territory. Looks like your pride is the only thing that is remarkable.”

“S-Stop—”

He couldn’t say any more than that. He was losing consciousness. He had his hand full just standing there, and his hand couldn’t reach the girl’s back—

The next moment, Ren would witness a scene he wouldn’t be able to forget for the rest for his life.

“Imbecile.”

The girl leaped.

She didn’t jump. It would be more accurate to say that what she did was a flight. Altitude of ten metres high. The girl who reached even higher than the wyvern with the wing simply said—

“Bow unsightly before me.”

The powerful gravitational field.

The intense gravity which could even compress the paved surface road made a cavity in it instantly.

—Not only didn’t she allow the wyvern to resist, she didn’t allow it respond either.

If humans were to activate a spell of the same calibre as hers, they would require longer and more complex spell ceremony as well as mental concentration. But she did it with a few words.

Power of language.

The words that were said come to this world and take a physical form. A human like Ren couldn’t even imagine just how powerful and high level the spell was.

“Hmph, cool your head for a bit down there.”

The girl who soared up the sky landed splendidly on the ground after doing a spin in mid-air.

The giant crater which was drilled on the ground. After she took a glance at the wyvern that was unconscious at the deepest part of the crater, she jumped into Ren’s arm once again.

“Elline!”

“Again!? ……More importantly, what was that power……?”

The silver hair girl was hugging tightly onto Ren. Even if Ren tried to push her away, she doesn’t even budge an inch. Her physical strength was so strong that you couldn’t imagine it was coming from such slender body.

“Haha, you. You were alive after all! I thought it was some kind of joke when I heard that you died due to illness five years after I was sealed. Yeah, there was no way you would simply die from sickness—”

“I-I can’t breathe…… ……I’ll die……you are suffocating me……”

“……H-Hey? What’s wrong Elline? You haven’t been acting like yourself for a while.”

The girl who had a blank face weakens the strength in her arm.

“Cough, cough……s-seriously……”

Ren answered to the girl who was looking up at him while he coughed violently.

“I’m not Elline. Though I do get mistaken as him quite a lot. To begin with, Elline was the Brave Hero from three-hundred years ago. A human can’t live that long.”

“? Elline, did you……forget about me?”

“I didn’t know you to begin with.”

“……It can’t be.”

After the silver hair girl made a gesture where she was in thoughts, she approached Ren. This time, she put her face on his chest. She started sniffing him like a dog.

“!? What are you doing!?”

“See? It’s Elline’s smell. There’s no way I would mistake you.”

“……E-Either way, get away from me!”

He couldn’t help but be embarrassed since a girl that could be considered an absolute beauty hugged him and then started sniffing his smell.

“I’m sorry to say this even though you seem to be confident about it, but I really am a different person.”

“……What!?”

“My name is Ren. Well, if you go up my family tree, Elline would be my ancestor’s distant relative, but he never had any children so I’m not his direct descendant or anything. I’m merely a distant relative of his. A distant descendant.”

“His descendant……you? ……Then Elline is…………”

The girl muttered vaguely. Her expression started to get gloomy.

''……Why are you looking up at me with such sad eyes?''

''……I haven’t done anything wrong, but it pains me.''

“I’m telling you that Elline……isn’t here anymore.”

The Brave Hero died.

He couldn’t say those words. The best he could say was “he isn’t here.”

“…………”

The light disappeared from the emerald-green eyes.

The girl turned around slowly while biting her lips.

“H-Hey!”

Kyelse took a glance at Ren and simply said this.

“……Just his appearance, huh…………”

A total stranger who had the appearance of the Brave Hero but not his strength.

''……Except.''

Even though he received those words, Ren realised that he was so calm that it shocked him.

A total stranger. Fake Brave Hero. He received different kind of taunts when he was compared to the legendary Brave Hero, and there was always mockery within those taunts where people were making a fool out of him.

But he couldn’t sense a slight sign of those emotions in her words.

Elline was no longer here. The sad persuasion where she was telling herself that.

''……It’s like she said it in such way.''

The silver hair girl who defeated the wyvern with ease. The back of the girl who had such overwhelming power now looked small, weak, and sad.

“H-Hey……umm…………”

He wanted to call out to her. But he couldn’t find the right words to say to her.

What Ren, who was thinking as such, witnessed was—

The girl who was dragging a giant bag full of snacks.

“Hey!? That’s mine! Are you trying to take it away while acting sad!?”

“I defeated the wyvern on your behalf, right?”

“……Gu.”

He didn’t know how to reply back to her words.

It was certain that the safety of the residents as well as Ren still being alive was her achievement.

“……Fine. Alright, take that with you.”

He was half convinced, but he gave up for the other half. His sighed carried those two emotions. Ren shrugged his shoulder.

''......I can just buy what Phia-senpai asked me to bring with my own money.''

''……Also, I can’t stand to look at her sad eyes.''

“I’m sure it would be delicious since those snacks are from the most famous shop around here.”

“You sure are reasonable for a human.”

The smile the girl made for a slight moment.

There was a faint smile in her sad face.

The girl called Kyelse disappeared in front of Ren.

—That was the beginning.

—The beginning of the story of the boy that was called the fake Brave Hero and the legendary Dragon-Princess.

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Sekai no Owari no Encore:Volume 1 Record.2

2014-08-03T01:41:02Z

Mane: Let's see if this makes the text flow more smoothly!

==Record.2: The Dragon, the Angel, and the {{Furigana|Knight|MASTER}} Student==

===1===

Black clouds covered the sky. The dark clouds that were just above the horizon at noon have now covered the sky above.

The light rain where the raindrops fell bit by bit.

“That was close. It started raining after all.”

It was around the time when Ren returned to the Holy Fiora Journey Academy while carrying a bag of snacks.

''……An hour passed since I went for shopping.''

''……I’m absolutely sure Phia-senpai is waiting for me. ''

This all started when a wyvern wandered into town. Luckily the wound Ren received on his forehead was minor. But his back was smashed into a wall and was crying out in intense pain.

Then—

“Yo Ren, what are those snacks for? Are you going to have a party?”

“Don’t tell me it’s a reward you are giving to yourself? A reward for getting ranked fifth within the class huh.”

On the pathway of the Academy building’s first floor. The ones standing there when Ren turned around were three of his classmates.

Ebert who was majoring in {{Furigana|Knight|MASTER}}.

And Shen who was majoring in {{Furigana|Spellcaster|ARIA}}.

“Oh, then I would also like one. I was ranked fourth so give some to me as well. Okay?”

The black hair girl called Mion who was standing between the two boys and was putting her hands forward. She was majoring in {{Furigana|Curer|HEALER}}, but she tilted her head when she saw Ren.

“Huh? Hey Ren, what’s with that wound? More importantly, your jacket is all torn.”

She pointed at the traces of blood on his forehead. His wound should have been easily missed since his bangs were covering it, but she must have high awareness due to majoring in {{Furigana|Curer|HEALER}} degree.

“Yeah, a lot happened. It isn’t a serious wound.”

''I fought a wyvern.'' Ren kept the words inside his throat.

''There’s no point in telling them.''

''There were many witnesses who saw the wyvern, but there’s no guarantee that they would believe me if I tell them that I fought a wyvern. Though I was utterly defeated by it.''

“Hmm? Do you need my healing spell? If it’s now, I can do it if for five of your snacks, so how about it?”

“No, these snacks are……”

“Don’t bother Mion. He probably got miserably defeated after someone challenged him to a duel again.”

Ebert rested his hand on Mion’s shoulder.

He’s the {{Furigana|Knight|MASTER}} student who was ranked first within the overall result of the test.

He was a head taller than Ren. The reach of his sword that relied on his huge body and the speed of his slashes. There would be only few high-grade students that could keep up with his sword.

As a {{Furigana|Knight|MASTER}} student, he was a student that would be ranked in the top ten of this Academy.

“It happens all the time. Ren losing in a mock-battle that is.”

Shen who was majoring in {{Furigana|Spellcaster|ARIA}} degree.

After Ebert, he was ranked second for the test. He ranked second for the written test after Ren. He also succeeded in using a high level spell for his practical which shocked even the instructors.

And the {{Furigana|Curer|HEALER}} Mion.

“Or were you planning to get on the instructor’s good side by handing that to him so he would give you a pass for the promotion test in winter.”

“…No.”

“What’s wrong?”

“Sorry, but——”

Ren put on a self-mockery smile while he carried the bag full of snacks.

“Leave me alone for today. I’m seriously tired. Rather, there’s no point for you guys to waste your time on me, right? The three of you are an excellent student. I honestly think so.”

“?”

He would either ignore them or respond back at them. Ebert and Shen who thought Ren would react in such way became speechless and were dumbfounded. Using that moment of silence—

“See ya. I have some business I need to take care of.”

Ren climbed up the stairs towards the second floor.

He didn’t care what the three of them who came back into their senses would be talking about. That was because there was something else going through Ren’s mind.

''……Even if I tried to put the shock I had at that time into words, my brain goes blank so nothing would come out of my mouth.''

''……This is the first time I’m having such experience.''

“That girl was really amazing……”

The girl whose strong impression was her sparkling silver hair and artistic sweet appearance.

The Dragon-species. The superior beings that were called the supreme rulers of the Earth. She defeated a wyvern, even if it wasn’t matured, without allowing it to make a single resistance.

''I’m sure it was a spell to control the gravitational field, but I have no clue what technique she used.''

Spells—

The foundation of it came from the wave-motion of the power used by the high-level beings, the Demons and the Angels. That was what the humans copied it from.

Strictly speaking, only the techniques used by the humans were called “spells.” The powers of the Demons and the Angels would be categorised as “miracles” and “mysteries” that would directly affect natural phenomenon.

It was said that the Demons and the Angels started calling their powers “spells” after that as well, possibly due to finding the word amusing or finding it convenient.

“But was there even a spell like that? Not only that, it seemed like she was holding back as well......”

''If I think about it now, her unflinching attitude in front of a Dragon-species was a sure sign of her confidence.''

''The world’s best {{Furigana|Spellcaster|ARIA}}?''

If that was the case, the party she was affiliated with must be one of the best in the world.

“If it’s a famous party, then is it the Sword Saint Shion’s “Investigation of the Spirits?” Another party I can think of would be the “Hermekia Dusk” from the supreme metropolitan of Hermekia or the “Canaan Pilgrim, the Boat of the Sacred Teaching” if she is the highest-level of {{Furigana|Spellcaster|ARIA}}. If someone from such a famous party would come to this town, there would have been rumours about her before her arrival. Rather, someone from such amazing parties wouldn’t want snacks that were on the street……”

The girl with the magical atmosphere.

She didn’t look like a member of any party. That was why Ren presumed she was a civilian and tried to protect her from the wyvern with his life.

“The beginning of Elline’s adventure was the only one. To journey through the world alone.”

The Sword Emperor who was so strong that he didn’t need to form a party. It stayed that way til the legendary Three Great Princesses gathered under him during the End War. Until then, not a single person showed up who wanted to form a party with him.

Ren thought about the legend—

“But that girl. I’m sure she said a weird thing……”

Ren vaguely muttered as he walked up the stairs.

''“Elline, did you……forget about me?”''

Brave Hero lookalike.

He couldn’t remember how many times people said that to him in the past seventeen years, but all of those were said knowing that “Ren and the Brave Hero were two different person.”

But that girl was different.

She thought Ren and Elline were the same person.

To be more precise, '''she didn’t understand properly that Elline had passed away.''' Or else she wouldn’t have said it in such a different way.

On top of that, she spoke as if she really knew the Brave Hero.

''……Also, the name she used to introduce herself.''

''“There’s no way that I, the Dragon-Princess Kyelse, will be beaten by this weakling”''

Dragon-Princess Kyelse.

What you would imagine with that name would be the girl who was one of the members of the Sword Emperor Elline’s party. The Princess of the “Heavenly Silver Dragons” which was the oldest Dragon-species. She was so strong that she was thought to be a mutation of her Dragon-species. The strongest monster in history that was feared by the Goddess from the Heaven and the Demon-Lord from the Underworld.

The only opponent the Sword Emperor Elline struggled in his battle against. On the other hand, she demonstrated her incredible strength after she joined the party led by Elline where she contributed by using her unmeasurable power to stop the End War.

“It......can’t be.”

Her unmeasurable strength.

And her meaningful words she said when she mistook Ren as Elline.

“No, it simply can’t be. ……For that girl......to be the legendary Dragon-Princess.”

It was said that all of the Three Great Princesses died in battle during the End War.

And the truth was, there wasn’t a single person who saw them after the End War. Elline who was the only survivor continued to travel the world and passed away without anyone seeing it.

“If that’s the case, maybe she is a member of a famous party after all? Though she looked like she was about my age.”

He headed to the fourth floor of the Academy building as he muttered.

“Ah, so no one is around here anymore.”

Unlike noon, there were basically no one present at the Academy building of the Holy Firoa Journey Academy during after-school hours.

The beginning-rank students would return home immediately to study their educational subjects.

If you become middle-rank and high-rank students, you would polish your battle skills such as swordsmanship or spells with your club.

The highest-rank student would be busy finding partners whom they could form a party with. Those with high grades would be scouted by famous parties, and there would be times when they would leave the student town in order to take the test.

“Umm, Phia-senpai’s conference room is—”

The council—

The committee that handled all of the Academy’s event throughout the year as well as protecting the public moral and rules of the Academy.

You could only be a member through the recommendation of an instructor. Though the members were always the ones who had good grades at the Academy. You could say it was natural for Phia to be chosen.

“……Ah, these are heavy. I don’t have any strength left in my arm.”

He turned left onto the passage at the fourth floor and walked ahead.

He observed through the window to see the dull weather outside where it was still raining outside. He walked towards the room at the end—

“Kyelse, I see that you are also planning to find the Encore.”

It was around then when Ren heard a familiar voice from the other side of the door.

''……Phia-senpai?''

“The last item he left behind. Do you happen to know its whereabouts?”

“I do have several clues.”

The one who answered her question had a younger voice compared to Phia. The voice which sounded beautiful like a ringed bell also carried her strong will—

''……Is it the girl from earlier!?''

The silver hair girl who defeated the wyvern with a single attack. It was a sound he heard just before so there was no way he would mistake it.

“Nevertheless, what is your thought on whether it really exists in the first place?”

Phia’s calmed voice.

“You, me, and even Elise. None of us that saw Elline taking notes during our journey. It may be a story that the humans made up.”

“That man certainly had time to write the Encore. It was when we were absent.”

The voice that was filled with strength belonged to the silver hair girl.

“The five years void. ……Between the time when the End War ended and Elline’s death. We certainly don’t know what he was doing during that time. All three of us received fatal wounds so we had our hands full trying to maintain our existence.”

“By the way, are we considered dead among the humans?”

“We sure are. It was just a month ago when you broke free from the seal. We didn’t appear here on Earth since both Elise and I were at the Heaven and the Underworld respectively to heal ourselves. I think it was natural for them to think so.”

The one who said it with bitterness was Phia.

“Kyelse, just how much of it do you remember?”

“Me? Well, I remember til the part where you first had your right leg and left shoulder blown off and then received an attack to your torso which was so serious that it could have destroyed your existence. Did you exchange fatal blows with the enemy?”

“Yes. Also, Elise had her whole body disassembled after being dragged into the enemy’s technique. In her case, she chose the right choice to give up in repairing her body and instead choosing the option to use the reincarnation spell.”

“I heard Elise succeeded in reincarnating herself.”

“That’s correct. She was finally able to do it ten years ago. The former Demon-Lord would be exactly ten years old this year.”

“Pathetic. And both of you call yourselves the strongest Archangel in Heaven and the Demon-Lord of that time respectively huh. I was basically unscratched til I had myself sealed away.”

“You were just too powerful. You are basically invincible with just your breath.”

Phia sighed along with her smile where she had an astonished face.

Ren listened to the conversation of the two from behind the door.

“…………It can’t be……”

Ren was about to drop the bag of snacks he was carrying on the floor by accident.

He realised that he could feel chills on his back due to the shock.

''……It can’t……be……''

''……Phia-senpai……is actually that legendary……''

Ren could still remember clearly the day when she spoke to him who was isolated from his class.

''“What do you personally think about it? Do you think the legend of Elline was a fictional story?”''

The Archangel Phia.

In one legend, it is said that she was the strongest Angel in Heaven whose power even surpassed that of the Goddess Lesfrese.

However, this explained everything.

Despite being a {{Furigana|Curer|HEALER}}, she demonstrated better swordsmanship than the {{Furigana|Knight|MASTER}} student boys. Even with her offensive spells, she showed great performance where not only the {{Furigana|Spellcaster|ARIA}} students, but even the instructor became speechless. If her true identity was the legendary Archangel, then she must have displayed this much result while holding back.

''—To begin with, her name Phia also explains it.''

''—She had no intention of hiding it. She had been revealing her true identity to everyone from the start.''

Was it excitement or nervousness?

Ren himself didn’t know the reason for the chills he could feel on his whole body.

“……They weren’t dead. Both the Archangel Phia and Dragon-Princess Kyelse……”

''The proper meaning of the term reincarnated was still vague, but at this rate, the chances of Elise who was the Demon-Lord at that time being alive was high. Obviously the chances of their discussion being misheard was high as well. For example, if other student than myself heard this, they wouldn’t believe it so easily. Their discussions were too hard to believe.''

''……Except for myself.''

''……That’s because I saw that girl called Kyelse defeating the wyvern the closest.''

''The appearance of her back then was so lovely and magical. And also—''

''“So you followed me all the way to this town because I entered your territory.”''

If the girl called Kyelse was actually the legendary Dragon-Princess, it could explain why the wyvern assaulted this town.

Kyelse who entered its territory while she was on her way here.

The wyvern must had been enraged and followed her.

To sum it up——

If both of them were the Archangel Phia and Dragon-Princess Kyelse respectively, it would explain their inhuman strength and all of their mysterious words.

“Either way, I am still interested in the so-called Encore.”

Phia’s voice.

Her voice which would make you imagine the murmuring of the brook, yet it also sounded simple.

“Just what did Elline seek by traveling through the world after the End War? The five years before he passed away from sickness. Maybe there was something he wanted to tell us who were his comrades.”

The lonely Sword Emperor. Even after he ended the End War while having the Three Great Princesses from the Heaven, the Underworld, and the Earth serve with him, it was said that he continued to journey even by himself.

Despite the fact that he carried a disease which would kill him. He continued his journey for a reason.

“That’s why I will find the Encore, before the rest of the people in this world.”

The silver hair girl’s voice.

Even though her voice was weak, it was full with purity that would never be tainted.

''—The importance for the reason for her to seek for the Encore was on another level. ''

All the parties in the world as well as the students in this Academy only saw the Encore as a tool which would allow them to attain the title of the “Brave Hero.”

But these girls are different. For them who traveled with the famous Brave Hero, the Encore was genuinely the last thing left by the now deceased Elline, and it was also an important memory of him. And they believe that finding it would be the last parting gift they could do as his former comrades.

The imagine of those two searching for the Encore was simply pure and beautiful.

“…………”

Ren had been gripping his hand tightly without realising it.

''……So that’s how it was.''

''……What Phia-senpai said about leaving the Academy before her graduation to find the Encore.''

Her former comrade, the Dragon-Princess Kyelse, woke up from her seal.

That was why she no longer had to remain at this Academy. She certainly didn’t. That was because the girl called Phia already had a comrade who she would journey with from a long time ago.

“Well, let’s end the serious discussion here.”

The sound of the chair that had been moved.

Phia must had moved the big conference desk and the chair inside the conference room.

“Let’s stop talking while standing. Let’s calm ourselves by sitting down and talking about the current circumstances.”

The sound of the bag of snacks which had been placed on the table followed.

“And that is?”

“I picked it up from the street. I was about to fight over this with a human, but he was a nice fellow who decided to give all of this to me.”

''Lies!''

''You tried to take it without talking about it''—Ren kept the words from coming out of his mouth and stayed quiet.

“……Excuse me but isn’t that the snacks I asked Ren to bring?”

“Ren?”

“It isn’t my mistake if there are eighteen puddings, three whole cakes, twenty-five profiterole, and thirty-seven baked sweets inside it. I decided to prepare it for today.”

“The quantity is exact.”

“I knew it. No wonder Ren is late. He might have returned to buy the same snacks again. I need to apologise to him afterwards.”

“……Ren? Who is this person you have been mentioning since earlier?”

After several pauses.

The silver hair girl then released a shocked voice.

“Oh yeah. Putting someone who I don’t even know aside. Listen up Phia! I mentioned it before, but I saw a human who looks exactly like Elline that I mistook him for Elline!”

“That’s why I’m saying that the person you are talking about is Ren.”

Phia then chuckled.

“He’s the same student at this Academy as I am. He’s a seventeen years old middle-rank student who is majoring in {{Furigana|Knight|MASTER}} degree.”

“A {{Furigana|Knight|MASTER}} huh. Then he’s starting to resemble Elline even more.”

—HEARTBEAT

The words that came out of the two girls without meaning it. ''He resembles Elline''——even though it was words Ren had heard many times, he realised that his heart skipped a beat that it hurts so much when the girls said that.

''……No. I’m not anything like him.''

''……I’m not someone so great who could be compared to the Brave Hero.''

He hadn’t passed the promotion test and even repeated a year as an III-Grade {{Furigana|Knight|MASTER}}.

Even with the wyvern before, Ren couldn’t even graze him, though it could be said the wyvern was out of his league.

“That human called Ren had the same smell as Elline……”

The silver hair girl’s voice echoed.

“In cases where humans have resembling appearance and figure, then it could be thought that the human’s biological structure and functions are similar as well.”

“It’s different.”

She denied it by shaking her head to the side—and Ren could easily imagine such scene happening from the other side of the door.

“I’m not talking about a simple features such as his appearance and smell. It was deeper……there was a certain something he resembled him in. Or else I wouldn’t have mistaken him as Elline.”

“Indeed. Well, the truth is, I came down to Earth because I became curious about him.”

“……Is that why you entered the human’s Academy?”

“Yes. I wanted to ‘observe’ Ren from up-close. I enrolled in this Academy as one-year his senior, but Ren repeated a year and failed to become a high-rank student and remained as a middle-rank student. I’m a highest-rank student so I’m currently two years his senior.”

“He repeated a year?”

Kyelse responded with a puzzled tone.

“He was marked with a stamp of lacking in strength as a {{Furigana|Knight|MASTER}} student. Ren enrolled as a student who wanted to major in {{Furigana|Knight|MASTER}} degree, but he failed in his promotion test. There are obviously several students who fails the test every year, but it’s still rare if you see it with a broad perspective.”

“I see. That’s why he panicked so much in front of the wyvern's strength huh.”

“So then, what is your opinion after seeing Ren up-close?”

“……I don’t know. Except, it felt as if I was thrown into reality. It felt like I woke up from a dream after knowing that Elline is no longer here.”

It was clearly the legendary Dragon-Princess’ true feeling that was expressed with a weak voice.

“Was it because Ren is weak?”

“No, it’s because Elline was too strong. That man was truly an embodiment of absolute strength. I learned that a human like him won’t appear ever again in this world. That’s how I felt.”

“……I’m sure Ren has potential. At least from my perspective.”

Phia continued with a calm and gentle tone.

“I mentioned it before, but my reason for descending down to Earth was simple. Since the damage I received in '''that battle''' had been healed for the time being, I noticed there was a human down on Earth who resembled Elline. So I became interested in him. And I decided to check up on him.”

“……The possibility for him being Elline’s reincarnation?”

“No. Strictly speaking, ‘reincarnation’ is a hidden technique that only Demons are capable of using. Except, there was a chance for Ren to unleash a trait similar to Elline if we talk in terms of heredity. In other words, inheriting Elline’s unpredictable strength. ……But that wasn’t the case. The power didn't appearing in Ren the way I hypothesised and Ren’s resemblance to Elline was really a coincidence.”

“I thought so. If he really did inherit Elline’s power, he wouldn’t struggle against a wyvern.”

“But—”

After she took a deep breath.

After she ended her words as if there was more to it, Phia’s voice echoed once again.

“I actually could have returned to the Heaven after my observation of him ended. Except, ……this was something which I also didn’t expect, but I thought it won’t be a bad idea to stay in this Academy a bit longer.”

“For what reason?”

“I wanted to continue watching Ren a bit longer. Maybe I should say that I wanted to cheer him on. If I didn’t find out about you breaking from the seal, I would have stayed with him til my graduation.”

“Cheer him on? For what reason?”

“His earnest desire to improve himself more than anyone.”

There was an emotion of affection within the voice of the girl who gave that answer.

“He and Elline are different. I’m sure Ren is the one who understands that the most. His talent in using sword is poor and he wasn’t really born with a blessed body. But his heart doesn’t break from the laughter of those around him and I have seen him working harder than anyone every day. As an Angel, the ‘virtues’ of such human makes us want to cheer them on.”

“Seriously. Someone who happens to be an Archangel is acting like a human?”

“There are many Angels who takes a liking to humans, and since I’m one of them, it isn’t difficult living on Earth you know? Instead I can’t help but enjoy it. Just how far the boy who has been called the fake Brave Hero would go? I started to wish to watch over him.”

“…………!”

The bag of snacks that gets dropped from Ren’s arms.

Ren discarded the instinct to pick them up and instead ran through the passage in a daze.

''—Due to the impulse.''

''—Even before I can become aware of it, my body couldn’t stop moving.''

“What am I doing!?”

He couldn’t speak.

It felt like I had a lot of cold water splashed on my pattern of thoughts that had heated up.

''……Yeah, it’s exactly what Phia-senpai said.''

''……It’s not the time for me to stay here and listen to their discussion. There’s so much things I need to do.''

''I’m no Brave Hero. What I share in common is simply my appearance. I did get looked down by my seniors and juniors, but I still continued to do my best.''

''That’s because I also wanted to journey into the outside world.''

''One day, I want to look at the horizon of this world that the famous Elline and the legendary Three Great Princesses once arrived at.''

“If that’s the case, it’s obvious what I need to do!”

''What I should be doing isn’t just standing here. In order to catch up to my peers even a day earlier, I must continue working hard.''

''That’s why the place I was heading toward is—''

<center>==========</center>

The footsteps that was getting further away.

“……So, who was the one who had been there since earlier? The one who was eavesdropping on us.”

She held a fork in her hand and a single whole cake was in front of her. The silver hair Dragon-Princess—Kyelse, looked towards the door which was connected to the pathway.

There was one human who was listening to them.

She sensed his presence but she decided to ignore him since she thought she didn’t need to go to the extent to chase him away.

There wouldn’t be any human who would believe their story since it would be an astounding story to them. Kyelse also wouldn’t be troubled by it even if someone were to cause a stir. Likewise for Phia who was sitting on the sofa opposite to Kyelse. Phia was putting on her usual smile while pouring tea inside the cups.

“Does it bother you?”

Phia said it while handing the tea-cup with steam arising to Kyelse.

“This is rare. For you to be curious about a human’s movement.”

“Are you okay with it as well? As far as it goes, you are living here while acting like a human.”

“I’m okay with it. You woke up from the seal, and you have also decided to find the Encore with me. I have already sent the application to withdraw from the Academy.”

“Well, I don’t mind if you are okay with it.”

Kyelse didn’t move while she held a fork in her hand and while having the cake in front of her.

—The uncomfortable feeling.

Kyelse became curious right at the time when the presence of someone behind the door was getting further away.

The one who was there should have left right away if he wasn’t interested in their discussion. Listening to their discussion til here means that he was interested about their discussion.

Then why did he leave without listening till the end?

He was eavesdropping on their discussion, but he ran with all his might while he forgot to get rid of the sound of his footsteps. He basically ran as if he was asking to be found out by them.

……And the smell of this human?

“Phia.”

“Very well. If you are really curious, Kyelse, let’s have a look.”

The blonde Archangel walked to the door of the conference room.

Kyelse followed right after her. She peeked outside from the door Phia opened—

“……Isn’t that the guy from earlier?”

Exactly at that time, she saw a boy with light-brown hair climbing down the stairs at the corner of the passage. She only saw him for an instant, but there was no mistake it was him.

“It was Ren after all. Look, these snacks. He bought them again. I feel bad for having him buy them again.”

Phia picked up the bag of snacks that had been left at the pathway.

“…………”

“Kyelse? What’s wrong? Why are you so quiet?”

“I’ve been bothered about it since earlier.”

In the pathway, there wasn’t a single person.

Kyelse continued while pointing towards the direction the boy disappeared to.

“You said that the guy earlier was the fake Brave Hero. What’s the meaning of that?”

“It’s basically Ren’s nickname at this Academy. Though it isn’t used in a good way.”

Phia sighed along with her breath.

“Ren is famous for being identical to the {{Furigana|Brave Hero|Elline}}. Did you see the bronze statue of Elline which is placed at the main-gate of this Academy?”

“I did. There was a similar bronze statue at the gate of this town.”

“Yes. Since Ren resembles him so much, it’s common for people who walk past him to turn around and look at him. The portrait of Elline is printed on the humans’ history textbook.”

“And?”

“He always gets compared to the Brave Hero because of that. His strength as a {{Furigana|Knight|MASTER}} is enough to be awarded with a passing mark, and his educational knowledge is splendid. Except, the person who he is getting compared to is extraordinary so he gets rated low with injustice.”

“……To be compared to an extraordinary great man, huh.”

Kyelse herself also mistook Ren for the Brave Hero, and it was also true that she doubted Ren’s strength.

But that was because she mistook him as the real Elline. She wouldn’t have thought so even in the slightest if she knew they were different people.

The individual difference.

It definitely exists even among Angels, Dragons, and Demons. There certainly were different roles for each individual depending on what they were good at and what they were bad at. But you wouldn’t get shunned simply for that reason.

“You say that he’s being called the fake Brave Hero, but does Ren have a problem where people would have to insult him as such?”

“No.”

Phia’s voice was clear and there wasn’t even a slight hesitation in her words.

“Ren works hard. He certainly was ranked basically the lowest among the {{Furigana|Knight|MASTER}} students back when he just enrolled into this Academy for his stamina and swordsmanship. He could have climbed up to be ranked between the mid-tier and top-tier in his class in a matter of a year.”

“Yet he still couldn’t advance?”

“The promotion test would be a mock-battle between students that majors in the {{Furigana|Knight|MASTER}} degree. And his opponent ended up being the {{Furigana|Knight|MASTER}} student who was the strongest in his year-level. As a result, Ren lost without being able to do anything last year which led him to failing it.”

You couldn’t use the excuse that your opponent was out of your league nor was there such thing like a retest.

When you form a party to travel the world, you would need to be prepared that you might have to face gigantic monsters, Dragons, and Demons. It wasn’t a world where you could survive simply because you had to face a strong opponent. The failing procedure of the promotion test was organised to have you experience such cruel reality.

“However, Ren challenged the same opponent again this summer. It was simply an unofficial duel, but he wanted to do it to see the result of his hard work.”

“And the result?”

“Ren’s consecutive defeat. However, this time he was defeated in a battle where you had to win three times first and Ren managed to win twice before losing. I was there to watch that match back then and Ren showed a rare sight of being happy about it. He had been practicing his swordsmanship the whole time. He remained at the training area til late at night when everyone had went to sleep.”

“…………”

“But the opinions of those around him still isn’t that positive. The result of his match was defeat so he wasn’t able to get rid of the disgraceful title of fake Brave Hero. As a result, he’s still isolated in his class.”

“……Then won’t he have a hard time finding the people who he wants to form a party with?”

“Exactly. He probably won’t find one. At least in this Academy, that will be quite hard. Since he’s still an III-Grade {{Furigana|Knight|MASTER}}, you won’t be able to find any parties that will welcome him into their midst. ……Speaking of which, this sure isn’t the topic we should be discussing about at the corridor. Let’s return to the conference room.”

Phia turned back after picking up the bag of snacks with ease. Kyelse also followed her who entered the room which had the door still opened.

“Are you thinking?”

“I remembered when I first met Elline.”

Kyelse looked up the ceiling while she was leaning against the door.

''……He was the only one.''

''……The only one who confronted me when not just humans, but even Angels and Demons feared me.''

Since the day she was born, Kyelse surpassed all kinds of Dragons and became the strongest.

She was so strong that her fellow Dragon-species feared her and thought she was a mutation. She was feared that she might break the power-balance between the three sides of Angels, Demons, and Dragons. Even the Goddess from the Heaven and the Demon-Lord of the Underworld regarded her as a threat.

Even though she was regarded as a threat, Kyelse didn’t care about it.

She didn’t care. She realised that even the forces of the Heaven and the Underworld wouldn’t be a threat to her.

For the Dragon-Princess—

The only one who understood her who was isolated from others due to being too powerful wasn’t her fellow Dragons nor the Angels and Demons that were also called the superior beings.

“Elline. Elline E Maxwell.”

The first person she ever met who was her equal.

The one and the only person who talked to her like a friend instead of being afraid of her was a human swordsman who she thought were beings she could simply ignore.

“The population of humans is high in exchange for their fragile body. I also know that there are a variety of individuals.”

Her small fist.

Kyelse stared at her hand that she made it appear like a human’s and then chuckled.

“Phia, I don’t know much about humans as you do, but it’s natural for humans to be weak from birth. Elline was just an exception and Ren’s strength is closer to that of actual humans, right?”

“It sure is. That is one truth which hasn’t changed while you were sealed for three-hundred years. And I mentioned it before, but Ren is clearly getting stronger. It’s just that those around him aren’t trying to acknowledge it.”

The silver hair girl closed her lips and became silent.

After a while, the princess of the Dragons stared at Phia’s face with an angry expression.

“……So they don’t want to acknowledge him?”

“That may be the part of it. Rejecting others would lead to having yourself rated relatively higher in comparison. In that regard, Ren would be a good target, due to his appearance and his blood that makes him a distant relative of the Brave Hero.”

“And this is happening even now?”

“Yes. There are numerous students every year who are sent out from this Academy to join worldwide famous parties. Those who are related to royal bloodlines and has excellent students as their friends already have their own faction within this Academy which is full of such excellent students. So the more powerful such groups are, the more they tend to be harsh to Ren. You could even see how bad he was treated when he just enrolled when he received unfair reputations and false rumours. To be honest, I’m amazed Ren endured it for the past three years.”

“So that’s why there aren’t those who would form a party with him……”

The mountains of snacks placed on the table in front of her.

Kyelse chucked one of the baked sweets inside her mouth and then puts on a disgusted expression.

''……It’s so sweet inside my mouth.''

''……But why is such bitter emotion piling inside me?''

The girl who was alone because she was feared as the strongest Dragon.

And there was another individual here, a boy who was isolated from others by being called the fake Brave Hero due to having a strong resemblance to the great Brave Hero.

''……I……''

''……Am I seeing my past self……in Ren’s present……?''

“Yes. That’s why—”

Phia touched the glass window with her finger. While she stared at the scenery where there were many raindrops falling, this was what the blonde girl said with a calm voice.

“We would need someone who would accept Ren from the bottom from their heart.”

“……Accept him?”

“Yes. Kyelse, this is what you told me. That the wyvern entered the town and that Ren protected you back then."

“And?”

“At that time, do you think he protected you while thinking he could defeat it?”

''“……………………Bring it, '''you worthless Dragon'''.”

At first, Kyelse completely mistook Ren as Elline.

That was why she didn’t doubt those words Ren said back then. She didn’t think that man who had great and unrivaled strength would receive any damage from the wyvern’s attack.

But now she realised it was her mistake.

''—The desperate threat.''

''—It was indeed a provocation which the weak would say to the strong when they prepare for death.''

“You are telling me he was protecting me while preparing for death……!?”

“Humans are weak beings. It’s not like they have a strong life force, and their life-span is roughly about dozens of years long. Even that Elline died with sickness without reaching the age of thirty. For a weak human to confront the wyvern, just imagine how much resolution he had back then.”

“…………”

“Kyelse, don’t you feel like you want to put yourself on the line for this fated meeting we had once again?”

“Fated meeting?”

“In the past, you were alone due to being too powerful, but later you became a member of the legendary party which was led by a human who would later be known as the Brave Hero.”

The blonde girl stared at the pouring rain and said it while showing her back.

“For that reason, this will be your turn. Don’t you think it should be your turn to lead the lonely fake Brave Hero?”

“! Are you suggesting me to form a party with Ren……?”

The Dragon-Princess who was once saved by the Brave Hero would this time create a party and lead the fake Brave Hero.

The time to invite him on the journey to find the Encore.

“Phia, was the reason why you chose this place for our long reunion was to……”

“Though the wyvern assaulting Ren wasn’t part of my plan.”

She chuckled and showed a beautiful smile.

“Kyelse, there’s something I want to show you. What the boy called Ren looks like—”

And then.

The blonde Archangel pointed towards the other side of the pouring rain.

<center>==========</center>

Heavy rain.

The sky was covered in black storm clouds, and the wind that it blew was also cold. The poured down to the Earth together with the many raindrops.

While he was getting soaked by freezing cold water—

“One more time……”

Ren simply continued to swing his thin sword.

He couldn’t feel the tip of his fingers anymore. Due to the coldness of the heavy rain and the weight of the sword he had been gripping on to, his fingers had turned numb and cold.

It wasn’t the result of talent or training. It was something possible only through his pure tenacity.

—The training area at night.

There wasn’t a roof that would block the wind and the rain, nor was there any lights to aid his sight.

This was done assuming the time when you would travel to the world as a party. There might be a time when you would encounter a monster on the street at night, and there might also be a situation where you would get assaulted by a Dragon in the rain. The practice area that was made to prepare for the worst situation.

……However, that simply meant that you could “also do those sorts of training.”

If it started raining, it would be important to go home and build your knowledge by reading textbooks.

You could also say that a battle training under the rain or snow were done quite commonly under the training supervised by the instructors. So it wasn’t necessary to do your own training under such situation.

Pouring rain.

It was late at night when everyone should have been asleep. He continued to swing his sword without taking any break, so he was soaked wet by the cold water. It was more than tenacity; you could even call it madness.

“Even so!”

Many rain drops were pouring.

He swung his sword while staring at one drop of rain.

“I won’t be able to catch up to anyone if I don’t do this!”

Flash. The tip of the sword he had just swung takes down the raindrop.

“……Haa......h……a......h……”

He stabbed the sword into the ground.

He bended his body in a right-angle shape due to the total exhaustion.

''……I, I cannot become anyone other than myself.''

''……What’s wrong with being weak right now? I simply have to get stronger for that loss.''

“I……”

''I didn’t want to die while continued to be called the fake Brave Hero.''

''But I also don’t have any desire to become the Brave Hero just in order to make everyone recognise me.''

“I simply admired it. A simple reason like that should be alright. I’m a man after all……”

The legend of Elline—

''How I admired his story when I was told about it as a kid.''

''I also want to find comrades whom I can trust and travel around the world with as I desire.''

''I want to see the horizon of the new world I have yet to see. I enrolled in the Holy Fiora Journey Academy which was far away from home by begging my parents because I had such dreams.''

“The three years were painful. But I’m glad I came here.”

He stood up by using the sword to support himself. Ren had a slight smile on his expression.

“So the legend was real……”

Elline Sword Emperor Brigade. The Brave Hero and the Three Great Princesses who supported him.

''……So they really did exist.''

Ren himself also had some suspicions as to whether the legend from three-hundred years ago was real. That the legend might be an anecdote from the past that had been exaggerated. That the legend was a story made due to the strong desire of wanting to become the Brave Hero.

But he certainly saw it.

Dragon-Princess Kyelse’s overwhelmingly strong and lovely action.

“Amazing. Truly amazing is the only word I can say.”

Will I reach that height if I continue to work hard?

Will I be able to form a party with a comrade like her if I continue to work hard?

Then—

Suddenly there was light lit on Ren’s shoulder which was wet by the rain.

“You……”

The small spirit of fire. It had the size of a firefly. It appeared like a luminous body which simply gave faint red light, but it was no doubt a type of spirit.

[—————]

The nameless small spirit of fire gave a strong light for an instant.

That moment, the area around Ren’s shoulder which was supposed to be wet gets enveloped by a warm wind.

“Are you……worried about me?”

The luminous body which lightly floated in the air.

Spirits were rare species which was full of mysteries.

They usually hid themselves away from humans at the sacred precincts, but this spirit had been attached to Ren since some time ago. For Ren, it felt like a kitten he found by chance was being emotionally attached to him.

''……Maybe this guy is also alone? ''

''……As if he could answer even if I asked.''

It appeared without any warning and starts to float around Ren where it would eventually disappear.

“Alright, I get it. Thanks, but I’m alright. You would catch a cold if you stay here under such cold rain.”

He didn’t even know if his words got through to the spirit.

But soon as Ren said that, the luminous body stopped flashing. It froze in mid-air and then disappeared with the night sky after it released a glow. After he sent the spirit off,

“……The one who catches a cold would be enough with just me.”

Ren pulled the sword from the ground while he had a faint smile on his face.

''I can still move. I can’t feel my hands anymore but I have enough strength to hold my sword.''

“One more time!”

The empty space where there was nothing ahead was Ren’s sparring partner. Simply by using the pouring rain that made some trail as his opponent, Ren just kept on swinging his sword. He pierced with his sword. He swung with his sword. Just how long had Ren been doing this?

“…………A…………”

Ren’s knee lost its balance so he knelt on the spot.

He tried to put his hand on the ground.

But he didn’t have the energy to even do that. So Ren fell to the ground on his head.

“Ha, haha……”

As he felt the cold mud on him, what came out from his mouth was dry laughter directed to himself.

''……I sure look pathetic.''

''……It couldn’t be helped if I continue to get called the fake Brave Hero no matter what at this rate.''

He used all of the strength in his body to get on his knee.

But his body couldn’t move more than that. He couldn’t stand or hold the sword, so he simply got wet by the rain in a daze—

“Stand up.”

It was that time when he heard the girl’s voice.

“!?”

She stood at a distance where he could reach out to her.

Ren forgot to breathe when he saw the girl’s beautiful appearance. He simply opened his eyes wide.

''……It can’t be.''

''……Why……is this girl in front of me?''

The girl who had her shining silver hair flowing.

Her mysterious emerald-green eyes. Her eyes which gave a noble and lovely impression despite her having a small body.

“Ren.”

“! Why do you know my name?”

“I heard it from Phia. I heard that you trained hard every night over here.”

The Dragon-Princess Kyelse.

One of the members of the party which was led by Elline and also the strongest Dragon on Earth. Why was a girl like here—

“……I’m sorry for what happened at noon.”

She bowed her head.

Even though she wasn’t used to doing this, this was clearly a proof of her showing her apology.

“You looked too much like Elline……so I was confused. Forgive me. You certainly look like him appearance-wise, but I tried my best to understand that you and Elline are different persons.”

She bent her body casually. She didn’t even care if her hand was covered in mud. What she picked up was the sword Ren dropped on the ground.

“Do you want to come with me?”

Just that one phrase.

Ren wasn’t able to comprehend that one phrase right away.

“……Eh? H-Hey……what do you mean?”

The girl who looked straight at him.

She looked at him with her jade-coloured eyes which had strong will in them——

“You are you. I won’t tell you to be strong from the beginning like Elline. However, if you desire it, then I can teach you all of the Sword Emperor’s sword techniques I can remember.”

“H-Hold on a sec! What—”

“I won’t tell you to be strong from the beginning, nor will I tell you to suddenly become strong. But don’t forget the strong spirit you showed when you protected me and challenged the wyvern. That is the only requirement I ask from you to form a party with me.”

Party.

Hearing that word, Ren finally realised what the girl was trying to say.

“……Me and you? But isn’t it decided that you are……going to search for the Encore together with Phia-senpai—?”

“Yeah. That’s why you have to decide. Will you stay in this Academy or will you travel the world with me?”

Under the pouring rain, the girl stood slowly.

Just one word—

“How long are you planning to make me wait?”

The girl showed a fearless smile to Ren who was kneeling on the ground.

“!”

“Or do you need my help in standing up?”

The question from the Dragon-Princess Kyelse.

To her words which could be taken as provocation, the answer the boy who was called the fake Brave Hero was simple.

“……No.”

“Hmm?”

“I’m……telling to……shut up……and watch……”

He put strength in his leg which was shaking. He bit down hard enough to crack his molars. He put so much strength into his fist that his nail dug into his skin. Ren stood up slowly.

—In desperation.

—Instead of his stamina which had already ran out, what moved Ren was exaltation which heated up his whole body.

''It was the first time.''

''That anyone spoke to someone like me.''

''If this came from the students around me, I would have thought that they were joking. But the eyes of the silver hair girl had a light filled with strong will that didn’t make me think that she was joking.''

“…………I will go.”

Even though he was breathing heavily, Ren certainly did say that.

“I will also go to the world outside together with you. ……Though it won’t sound cool while I’m covered in mud like this, I had always dreamed about it. I want to travel and see the world outside til the end.”

“Seriously. Your appearance sure is unsightly.”

The girl front of him made a deep sigh.

However, in her eyes, there was charm that she didn’t show before.

“……But being covered in mud really suits you. Here.”

The sword covered in mud. The girl handed the sword to Ren.

Seeing her action up-close, Ren noticed the subtle change in the girl.

“……Umm, are you cold? Your hand is shaking.”

Kyelse’s hand which was holding onto the sword was shaking.

When Ren looked carefully, he realised that the face of the girl looking up to him was a bit red.

“Or did you catch a cold—”

“I-Idiot! It’s your fault! ……It’s because you look……too much like Elline……”

“What was that?”

“I-I’m telling you to……take the sword right now!”

The Dragon-Princess who was trying so hard to hand the sword.

She looked so innocent like a girl who was handing out a love-letter to her first love—

“Y-You should be honoured! I, who am the strongest Dragon in history as well as the princess of the Dragons…… This is my first time, you know? For me to scout a human to the party. This is my first time!”

“Well, I don’t know how to react even if you emphasise that it was your first time……”

“<nowiki>~~~~~~</nowiki>I-It’s your fault for making me do something I’m not used to. Anyway! I will train you to the fullest since you are going to form a party with me. You should be prepared! Or else, you—”

Right before Kyelse was about to end her sentence.

“Oh my, I will be troubled if you forget about me.”

“……Phia-senpai?”

The blonde girl who had her umbrella up in elegance.

As Ren watched her, she walked slowly to him while putting up a smile.

“Hey, Ren?”

The umbrella she had put up gets thrown up high in the air.

Then.

“'''How do you do?'''”

The golden light that was released. A bright light so strong it could burn your eyes appeared within the training area. It pierced through the dark clouds high up in the air and make the sky bright.

“Let me reintroduce myself. Ren, this is my first time meeting you.”

The Archangel that would represent the Heaven—

An Angel was standing there who had a golden hair and a pair of white wings.

“My name is Phia, the Archangel. My rank in Heaven is second after the Goddess Lesfrese. I may be incompetent, but I’m here because I would like to join your party.”

[[Image:Sekai_no_Owari_no_Encore_V1_Non-colour_004.jpg|thumb]]

“……Eh……a…..Umm.”

“To be honest, I was planning to ask this from the beginning, you know?”

The Archangel who had on a smile as if she showed her greatest revelation.

“It all depended on you. I was planning to reveal my identity to only you before I leave the Academy to find out whether or not you would come with me. I wanted to find out about your thought.”

“…………”

''……This isn’t a dream, right?''

He was speechless.

The Archangel and the princess of the Dragons he had been taught about since he was young.

Two of the girls who were the members of the legendary Elline Sword Emperor Brigade were standing in front of Ren, and they were trying to lead him to the world outside.

“Oh, and I would prefer to be called ‘Phia-senpai’ like you have been calling me til now. I have become used to being called by the name people called me at the Academy, so it would feel like we are close to each other.”

The Archangel who was smiling and was flapping her large wings that were glowing with bright.

On the other hand, Kyelse said this with a fed up face.

“Hmph, you attention seeker. It’s not my problem if humans saw your appearance with such high colours.”

“It’s fine. We are going to leave the Academy right away after all. Right, Ren?”

“……Eh?”

He couldn’t help but drop his jaw open.

The one staring at him was Kyelse.

“Haven’t you understood our discussion yet? Tomorrow. We will be leaving by tomorrow morning to find the Encore.”

“…………Hold on a sec!? Tomorrow!? No matter how I think about it, that’s too quick!”

“Remember how I told you that I have submitted my withdrawal application form? Ren, please fill in your withdrawal form by tonight. They do say that you have to strike while the iron is hot.”

Ren had his left arm embraced by the Archangel to her breast.

“Wait, I need to do things like preparing for the journey, and I would also need to be mentally prepared and such—”

“Let’s go. If we are not quick, other parties might find the Encore first.”

Ren had his right arm embraced by the Dragon-Princess without any warning.

“I sure am looking forward to it. It has been a while since I have searched throughout the world.”

Phia who was smiling while putting her developed breasts against him.

Kyelse on the other hand stared at the Angel with an astonished face.

“You foolish erotic Angel, let go of his hand already. I’m the one who is going to train Ren.”

“Eh? Then Kyelse will be in charge of him at noon and I will be in charge of him at night.”

“No. I’m sure what you are trying to do is......”

“Enough, so will the two of you let go of my hands noooooow—!”

He had both his arms grabbed by the legendary Dragon-Princess and the Archangel.

The fake Brave Hero boy had himself dragged from the spot.

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Sekai no Owari no Encore:Volume 1 Record.1

2014-08-02T23:02:40Z

Mane: Let's see if this makes the text flow more smoothly!

==Record.1: The Fake Brave Hero Doesn’t Have Any Comrades==

===1===

There was a term called the “Brave Hero.”

The one who made a greater achievement than the Heroes and the Braves. Due to its exaggerated meaning, it was a title no one held for a long time.

The Sword Emperor Elline.

Until the day a man who had enough calibre to receive that title within the whole history showed up.

Unequally invincible. So powerful that he’s unparalleled. The strongest in all of history. Or he was not even human. Even though there were many words to describe the strength of humans, there sure weren’t many words that could describe the Sword Emperor Elline’s strength.

If you had to describe him, then it would be that he was “impossible to understand.”

He was undefeated not only against the obvious human foes, but also in hundreds of intense battle against those three superior beings—the Dragons of the Earth, the Angels of the Heaven, and the Demons of the Underworld. Even after that, he easily stopped the Great War that nearly ended the world.

That happened three-hundred years ago.

It was said that there could be no one, in both the past and the future, who would make a greater achievement than his great achievements.

No, that was what it was said in the past.

“Congrats. All of you were chosen and given the chance.”

Union ceremony of the Holy Fiora Journey Academy.

On the day of the entrance ceremony for the Academy for general education, that was what the principal said to the new students, including Ren that had just enrolled, the III-Grade {{Furigana|Knight|MASTER}} students.

“In all of history, the title of “Brave Hero” was attained only by the Sword Emperor Elline. Now the chance has come for all of you to attain it. I will anticipate your achievements where all of you will devote yourself to your studies in this Academy, to find comrades who you could trust, and to find the “Encore”.”

''—That was two years ago. Back then, I also thought that people expected even a bit from me.''

''—As a new student that passed the strict examination.''

''But—.''

“Ren, you were ranked fifth in your class again, huh.”

''……Leaving aside my good or bad grades. ''

''……Why did he have to announce my result in such a loud voice? ''

Ren kept that to himself and received the sheet in silence.

“I won’t tell you to get ranked first in the whole year-level, but I would at least want you to get ranked third in your class.”

The instructor sighed purposely behind him.

“Or was your appearance the only similarity you have with the Brave Hero?”

“……!”

''—My appearance has nothing to do with this. I return back to my seat while keeping the words in my throat. There were approximately ten metres to my desk, but during my way—.''

“Ren-chan was almost close. He got ranked fifth again, right?”

“But there are thirty-six students per classroom, so being ranked fifth should be quite good, shouldn’t it?”

“What are you saying? He failed a year despite that. Normally, he would have moved up to the II-Grade {{Furigana|Knight|MASTER}} and became our senior. He’s a year older than us, you know?”

“Looks like he hasn’t changed. For a guy who works so hard.”

“Shhh, Ren will hear you. Speak quietly.”

''—I can hear even if all of you were to speak quietly. ''

''—They are whispering on purpose. Except, their voice is high enough for me to hear. The whisper and laughter I could hear from all over the room. At the end, this is what they all say. ''

''—The fake Brave Hero that only looked like the legendary Brave Hero. ''

Ren E Maxwell.

His light-brown hair that was cut messily and his deep-blue eyes.

His moderately handsome face which has a simple innocent expression.

His height was average among his seventeen year-old peers, though he might have a small build among the {{Furigana|Knight|MASTER}} students gathered at the Holy Fiora Journey Academy.

He didn’t stand out appearance-wise. But, if you were to be asked to give a single description of his trait—

The Sword Emperor Elline.

'''His appearance''' was the only thing which resembled the famous Brave Hero.

After all, students who had seen the statute of Elline located at the main gate would compare its appearance with that of Ren who would be walking near them.

“That’s it for last semester’s results. Any question?”

None of the thirty-six students raised their hands at the instructor’s question.

“Good. As all of you middle-rank students know, this was merely a mock battle. You can say that the promotion test taking place this winter will be your main concern.”

The instructor made a loud noise with his shoes.

“It has been two years since all of you enrolled in our Academy. Though there is one person who has been here for three years—”

''—The gazes gathered at me from people around me.''

''……I’m already used to it. It happens all the time, after all.''

Ren acted as though he hadn’t notice their gaze and looked at the textbook in his hands.

“All of you will finally be able to move onto becoming a high-rank students by passing the promotion test this winter. All of you first started as a beginning-rank students last year and were middle-rank students this year. Now you will become high-rank students and then highest-rank students, which is the final grade to graduate. Within these four years, high-rank students are the ones who can actually join a “party” and start your actual training. That will indeed be a year you cannot afford to miss in order to go out to the world to seek for the Encore. —Ren!”

“Yes.”

“The last item left behind by the Brave Hero '''who happens to be your ancestor'''. You obviously do remember when the existence of the Encore was revealed to the world, right?”

“During the autumn of the World-Age 798.”

He expected that he would be asked a question.

There wasn’t a flaw in his answer since he predicted and prepared for it.

“Two-hundred years after the death of Elline at the young age of 26. The research team of the Royal History Laboratory announced the possibility of the existence of the Encore—the record of the war hand written by Elline himself. Later that year, a search team of mass-scale was formed, but they failed to find the Encore. This search-team became the model for the current “parties,” and this led to the Era of Great War for the possession of Encore which also involved the three worlds of the Heaven, the Underworld, and the Earth.”

“……Hmm.”

The instructor didn’t know what to say to Ren’s answer for a moment.

Ren then used that short time of silence to speak out his mind.

“I would also like to make one correction. This is something I have been asking for quite a while—”

Ren stood up from his chair and looked at the instructor.

“Elline had no descendent. He traveled the world til he died from sickness at the age of 26. Not only did he not have children, he also didn’t have any siblings. I don’t belong to a family which is the direct descendent of Elline. Even if we looked back to our family tree, our ancestor from elven generation back in the past was merely a distant relative of his.”

“It doesn’t change the fact that he was your distant ancestor, right?”

“I’m asking you to please refrain from saying things which would cause a misunderstanding. If you say “your ancestor,” that would sound like I am Elline’s direct descendant.”

There were two misfortune the boy called Ren had.

The first is that he was born as the mirror image of the great Brave Hero.

And the second is that even though it would be considered as a distant relative of Elline, Ren’s mother’s household was actually the distant relative of Elline.

He was indeed a reincarnation of the Brave Hero. People around him expected a lot from him, but the reality was cruel.

''—His sword-skills wasn’t even comparable to the Sword Emperor, and was even inferior to his peers. ''

''—The only similarity he had was his appearance. ''

That was what his instructor and his classmates said to him. He had been told that even before he enrolled in the Holy Fiora Journey Academy.

The Fake Brave Hero.

That was the insulting title Ren was given since childhood.

“The true history is that there wasn’t a single individual who could be considered Elline’s descendent. I wasn’t born from a legitimate household that could even be compared to that Brave Hero.”

“—”

The instructor became silent and he simply twitched his eyebrows.

“Are you done? Then sit.”

“……!”

He acted as if nothing happened, so Ren sat on his chair while crunching his fist.

“Time’s up. The class is dismissed for today.”

The instructor took a glance at his golden pocket watch.

“Those who didn’t get a satisfying result for the previous test shouldn’t forget about their training. The actual thing will be a pass or fail. You will repeat a year if you can’t show your result here. Though I’m sure that all of you are aware of that.”

<center>==========</center>

The End War—

Even after three-hundred years, the investigation to find out the whole story of the War hadn’t progressed at all.

The only known fact was that an unknown something entered the world. It wasn’t just the humans. The Dragons, the Angels, and the Demons were also threatened by the ominous invaders. The horror of war spread everywhere including the Earth, the Heaven, and the Underworld.

The ones who stopped the invasion were the Sword Emperor Elline and the legendary Three Great Princesses serving under him.

From the Heaven came Phia, the Angel from the highest class who received the command of the Goddess.

From the Underworld came Elise, the Demon-Lord herself who was the master of the world deep under the ground.

From the Earth came Kyelse, the strongest Dragon-Princess who was feared by both the Heaven and the Underworld.

''—The Angel, the Demon, and the Dragon. ''

The three superior beings who represented the three world respectively. It was said that such strongest force gathered under the Sword Emperor.

From the history book Ren read, it was written that each of them had an appearance of a human and that all three of them was described as beautiful girls.

“……I’m sure this was written by a man. On top of that, it’s completely his taste.”

Ren even remembered til this day when he muttered that while he read the history book.

''—Though I don’t know how much of the history was simply imagination—''

Except, the fact about the Three Great Princesses who represented the three world gathered under Elline, and that the four of them including Elline challenged and won after an intensive battle against “something” that was invading the world was a true incident.

That victory itself was the greatest achievement of the Sword Emperor Elline and the reason he was hailed as the Brave Hero.

……However, Elline was no immortal.

It was said that he passed away in one of the rooms in an inn at the young age of 26 without having any children, family, or close friends. His anecdote would have ended while he had his name remained in the history as an historical person if his life ended in such a way.

The problem arose approximately two-hundred years after his death. In other words, the event that unfolded one-hundred years before the present time.

“The Encore……huh.”

Ren repeated that word vaguely as he walked through the Academy’s corridor.

''—They couldn’t find it. ''

Among Elline’s belongings, his belongings such as his sword, his clothing he wore for his journey, and his other belongings were found. Except, there was one thing which was supposed to be there but could never be found.

Elline’s memoir, the “Encore.”

The memoir of the man who traveled the whole Earth including the unexplored regions and sacred precincts as well as the Heaven and the Underworld.

Its value couldn’t simply be categorised as the relic left behind by the Brave Hero.

The only original texts that recorded the whole history of the End War. The sword-technique manual that was written by the Sword Emperor himself. And it was also a world map that recorded many of the ancient ruins and the habitat of the spirits.

For example, you could salvage the rare {{Furigana|“the lost spells”|ANCIENTS}} from the ancient ruins and you could also get a blessing from the powerful spirits within the sanctuary of the spirits. Most of the areas that were considered unexplored regions and sacred precincts since ancient times were also mining areas where you could find rare metals which would become the materials to create powerful weapons.

On top of that, it had a detailed battle record against other being, such as Angels, Demons, Dragons, and gigantic monsters.

''—If the proper individual attains the Encore.''

''—The value of the information recorded within would lead that individual to seize sovereignty. ''

“That’s why you would become the Brave Hero if you were to find it, huh……”

He went down the stairs to come out the first floor’s corridor of the building.

“The one who finds the Encore would be given the title of “Brave Hero” and become the second person in history to receive that title.”

It was officially proposed by the World Alliance Conference.

The content of the memoir recorded by Elline would become a great treasure for humanity, and the achievement of the one who finds it would be befitting to be called the Brave Hero of the future generations.

The era when all of the world would seek to become the new Brave Hero.

Elline’s memoir itself became acknowledged as an existence that was awaiting for the coming of the new Brave Hero, and before anyone knew it, the memoir became the {{Furigana|“the record of the world”|ENCORE}}.

“……Though I would need to think about advancing to the next grade first.”

Ren took out the grading report he was given back at the classroom from his pocket and then sighed.

He was ranked “fifth” overall within the class. Among it, he received “first” for the written criteria and “eighth” for the practical criteria.

“I haven’t have any troubles with the written criteria since last year, but the practical criteria would be a problem.”

The promotion test would be judged based on the mock battles between the students that were majoring in the {{Furigana|Knight|MASTER}} degree. You would become a high-rank student if you were to pass it. Your rank as a {{Furigana|Knight|MASTER}} will also be promoted from III-Grade {{Furigana|Knight|MASTER}} to II-Grade {{Furigana|Knight|MASTER}}.

And the graduation test would also be a promotion test to become an I-Grade {{Furigana|Knight|MASTER}}.

You would successfully graduate by passing that test. You could create a new party from scratch or you could take the test to join a well-known party.

Then—

“Ren, are you done with your lecturer?”

A gentle voice.

Someone who approached quietly from behind him suddenly hugs him from his back.

“H-Hey!? What are you doing, Senpai!?”

“Fufu. Guess who?”

“……Well, even if you ask me that.”

Her teasing voice.

The two soft things squashed onto his back, and its incredible sensation—.

“Rather, the only one who would do this to me is you, Phia-senpai……”

“Oh my, so you knew it was me?”

She loosens the arms wrapped around him. The blonde highest-grade student comes around in front of him.

“I was worried since you were walking with a gloomy face.”

“……I was?”

“Is there anyone else here besides you?”

The girl chuckled after she said that. Seeing her cute smile—

“I see. I’m sorry for making you worry about me. Was I putting on such expression?”

Ren couldn’t help but also smile to it.

''……She’s probably the only one. ''

''……Who interacts with me without making a fool out of me. ''

Phia Nesferia.

A girl whose distinctive features were her deep blue irises and her blonde-hair with silver lines.

She was eighteen years old and one year his senior. Her calm personality and soft smile showed that she was more mature atmosphere than he was.

“But, you know……having you press it……against me like before is……”

“Press it against you? Oh, did I press something against you?”

She bend her body forward while putting on a teasing smile.

In a posture where she forces forward her bosom, which is so dense that it would fall out from her blouse.

The one and only concern Ren had towards her was her overwhelming bosom, which was lifted up with her blouse made from thin cloth. That’s because the cloth of her blouse had a shape of two mountains, and it was so large that her buttons might pop in any second.

''—The truth is, I’m troubled to keep my eye away.''

Unlike her graceful smile, her body was too stimulating.

''……The problem was that she does realise it.''

''……And she does it to me on purpose as a tease.''

The record she made last summer where dozens of pure boys fainted after seeing her in her swimsuits wouldn’t be broken in eternity.

“No, let’s stop talking about it. By the way, it’s rare to see you here, Senpai.”

“What do you mean?”

“For you to come down to the first floor of this building during this time. You are always inside the conference room. You are also the vice-president of the council and you always look busy with your council work.”

“I came to check my results.”

[[Image:Sekai_no_Owari_no_Encore_V1_Non-colour_002.jpg|thumb]]

The direction she pointed towards after she said that was the front exit of the building’s first floor.

“If you become a highest-grade student, your result would be put out for everyone to see, whether you like it or not.”

“Ah, the public execution—”

He stopped his words there.

His senior front of him still had a smile on her face. So did means that—

“Is it okay for me to ask? Senpai, what was your result?”

“Like usual.”

“Ranked first again!? It can’t be! It’s unbelievable to think that you ranked first for all three of “{{Furigana|Curer|HEALER}}”, “{{Furigana|Knight|MASTER}}”, and “{{Furigana|Spellcaster|ARIA}}”!

“I was simply lucky. My body was in good condition during the day of the test.”

The senior-girl narrowed her eyes as if she was blushing.

''—I really can’t beat this person. ''

Educational written test, ranked first among her grades.

Practical battle test, ranked first among her grades.

''—I can understand if she is good at the written test. That’s because your daily load of hard work gets reflected onto your result.''

''—What needs to be mentioned is the practical which is the battle test. ''

Within the practical test where the boys and girls would be tested together, her sword-play overwhelmed boys who were majoring in the {{Furigana|Knight|MASTER}}’s degree, and her spell-work overwhelmed students majoring in the {{Furigana|Spellcaster|ARIA}}’s degree.

Even though she was a {{Furigana|Curer|HEALER}} that specialises in healing and regeneration.

The almighty genius. It must be the reason why she was called the first genius since the establishment of Holy Fiora Journey Academy.

“Senpai, you sure are amazing……”

Ren honestly spoke out his thought and praised her while scratching the back of his head.

“Senpai, you would finally graduate this winter, so you are also thinking about who you will form a party with after you become a highest-graduate student, right? Senpai, I’m sure you have received offers from famous parties, right?”

“Yes, I have received several invitation. From the principal’s connection.”

“I thought so! That’s amazing!”

Party—that’s the “expeditionary force made up of courageous warriors.”

Their main missions were to travel through different locations of the world to investigate the sacred precincts and ancient ruins as well as searching for the spirits habitats. There were wide-range of tasks, since there were also missions like hunting down dangerous monsters. Discovering the spirits and hunting down monsters would lead to strengthening a specific city’s forces. Investigating ancient ruins would lead to discovering {{Furigana|“the lost spells”|ANCIENTS}} and {{Furigana|“the lost technologies”|O-PARTS}}. Therefore the cities throughout the world supported and nurtured these parties.

This Holy Fiora Journey Academy was also one of them. It was built as a special institute to train boys and girls who were aiming to create parties. It was a prestigious school that produced many potential individuals.

“Then are you also after the Encore, Senpai?”

“I certainly am. That is the one thing I cannot give up in.”

She nodded while she had the same smile on her face.

“Though I haven’t been thinking about making a party yet.”

“……Eh?”

“This is a good opportunity. Ren, there was something I wanted to talk to you about for a while. The truth is, I will be leaving this Academy soon.”

“You’re leaving the Academy!? Eh, isn’t the graduation in winter!?”

“The results from the previous semester could be used as a quick graduation certificate. I have already submitted my withdrawal application form.”

“……You’re going to withdraw? You must be joking, Senpai.”

Even though Ren didn’t have such intention, his true feelings came out from his mouth.

Withdrawing when the graduation was just ahead wasn’t normal.

You would become an I-Grade {{Furigana|Curer|HEALER}} after taking the graduation test and then you would either make your own party or take an entrance test to join the party you desired.

“Why? The graduation test is just right ahead.”

“It’s exactly due to the reason I explained before. Leaving the Academy even a day earlier to find the Encore would definitely be better.”

“……Do you have any comrades? Did you receive an unofficial offer from a famous party?”

“I don’t have any.”

She waved her blonde hair and shook her head.

“It would be just me and a girl who is an old friend of mine. She was finally able to break out of her seal.”

“Seal?”

“Oh, I’m sorry. You can……simply ignore what I just said.”

Phia showed her rare side where she had a bitter smile and waved her hand.

She looked up the ceiling as if she were yearning—

“The truth is, I have a friend in mind for a while who would look for the Encore together with me. She was finally able to come. It would be better to strike while the iron is hot.”

“Your friend…… So it really wasn’t a scout from a famous party then?”

“Yes. There wasn’t a party I wished to join. I certainly had the principal talk to me so long about it, but every one of them didn't satisfy me—”

“H-Hey, Senpai!? Stop!”

Ren used his hand to interrupt his senior’s words.

''……That was close. ''

''……Wouldn’t her words just now became a serious issue if someone had heard it? ''

The two instructors and a group of students that walked behind them. Ren waited till he couldn’t see them and breathed out.

“Hey, that was dangerous Senpai. What you just said.”

“Is it?”

“It’s because……”

The world famous parties that had made great achievements. While the highest-grade student around her were desperately working hard to take the entrance test to join them, she said that those famous parties didn't satisfy her.

“I know your results, Senpai……so I do admire you. I’m not in a position where I could say anything about it and I don’t know much about your friend either. But I do think gaining experience by joining a proper party first is also important. You know, the world outside is dangerous after all.”

The End War was halted by Elline.

However, this world doesn’t just belong to the humans.

The danger level of encountering huge monsters when you enter the ancient ruins and sacred precincts.

The Angels of the Heavens, the Demons of the Underworld, and the Dragons that were the supreme ruler of the Earth, would try to eliminate the humans without mercy. The humans of this world were a weak species.

“Even that Brave Hero formed a party.”

“The Brave Hero?”

“I’m talking about the Sword Emperor Elline.”

“……Oh yes, him.”

Phia made a gesture with her hand as if she just remembered.

“Oh yes, he’s called the Brave Hero now. The humans sure do act conveniently. Back then, the whole world treated him like an pariah swordsman.”

“Eh?”

“Oh no, please ignore that.”

The blonde girl shook her hand in panic which was a rare sight. But her gesture ended there since she looked towards Ren with yearning eyes.

“Let me make one correction. About my case regarding the party. Yes, if I find a party which could even rival the famous Elline’s party, then I may want to join them.”

“? Well, that’s asking for a lot……I mean, you are talking about the legendary party right?”

Elline Sword Emperor Brigade.

The bright and pure-white Angel—the Seraph Phia from the Heaven who was said to have a power that surpassed even the Goddess.

The dark and cloaked Empress—the Demon-Lord Elise who was the master of the Underworld.

The girl with a shining silver hair—the strongest Dragon-Princess, Kyelse, who was even feared by the Heaven and the Underworld.

The Three Great Princesses who represented the three worlds and Elline who led such party. They stopped the End War with just the four of them. They were indeed the strongest party and was considered the best in history.

“Besides. They do say stories from the past comes with false details. We don’t know just how much of the actual story had been exaggerated.”

There were also a theory that the human {{Furigana|Knight|MASTER}} and {{Furigana|Spellcaster|ARIA}} gradually were replaced with an Angel, an Demon, and an Dragon-Princess as the story was retold to people.

That was because it would make the story even more interesting.

“By the way, what do you personally think about it? Do you think the legend of Elline was a fictional story?”

Her eyes that looked right into Ren’s eyes.

The girl called Phia.

From the girl who had the same name as the legendary Angel by coincidence.

“My honest impression is that I hope it would be true.”

Ren nodded while feeling reserved.

“When I heard that story when I was a kid, I honestly thought it was amazing.”

He innocently admired the story.

Even though he was continued to be called the fake Brave Hero, the reason Ren was receiving guidance at Holy Fiora Journey Academy as a {{Furigana|Knight|MASTER}} was due to being charmed by the tales of his adventurers.

“It had an interesting story. There was the strongest swordsman where the Seraph, the Demon-Lord, and the strongest Dragon-Princess traveled with him. Anyone would want to see a party like that if they did really exist. What kind of journey they had while traveling the world, just thinking about it gets me excited.”

“……I see.”

“Phia-senpai?”

“Ren, you are wonderful. You are very honest, very pure, and……”

She had a smile exactly like that of an Angel.

The girl called Phia said that with a tone of a calm adult.

“If it was a human like you—”

The alarming bell.

The one that interrupted her words was the bell that echoed throughout the Academy.

“Ah, it’s already this time? Senpai, don’t you have your usual council work?”

“It’s cancelled for today. I asked everyone since I wanted to use the conference room for my business.”

“For your personal use? So the instructor gave you permission?”

“I was ranked first in my grade for this reason.”

The vice-president of the council who made a naughty smile.

She replied as if this was all in her plan, but what was freighting was that it sounded real when it was coming from her.

“By the way, Ren. This may have been a fate that we met here, so would you please do an errand for me?”

“Huh? To where?”

“When you exit the Academy from the main gate, there’s a cake shop if you walk straight through the town. I placed ordered in advance, so what’s left is for you to pick it up. I will be cleaning up the conference room during that time. I wanted to have a bit of a snack-party with my friend.”

“Sure, but I thought you couldn’t eat inside the conference room? I’m sure the instructors would snap if they caught you.”

“You don’t have to worry about that. Oh yes, and—”

Phia shook her hand.

But her eyes looked like she was teasing him and for some reason it also looked seductive.

“How about having a study session together next time as my thanks for having you do my errand? Before I leave the Academy, instead of using the classroom, let's use my room at the girl’s dormitory, okay? Your big sister would teach you many things from the basic—”

“N-No……let’s do that for another occasion!”

''—It’s simply studying, so what’s with her teaching me from the basic? ''

Ren kept his scream inside his mouth and left the scene as if he ran away.

===2===

Student’s town, Mstier.

The town was structured in a way such that the party raising institute, Holy Fiora Journey Academy, was located at its centre.

There were food and beverage stores as well as clothing stores that were used by students, including Ren. Not only was there a blacksmith factory that manufactures swords and spears, there were also a large bookstore which has all the line-ups such as the world map and monster encyclopaedia.

Near the southern-gate of the town—

“……She ordered too much.”

Ren walked through the main road while carrying the loads of bags filled with snacks with both hands.

“Eighteen puddings, three whole cake, twenty-five profiterole, and also thirty-seven baked sweets. That Phia-senpai, what kind of big party is she planning to do……?”

When Ren saw these bags back at the shop, he felt uneasy since he didn’t know if he could carry all of them.

“Oh yeah, I heard it was going to rain from the afternoon. If it started raining right now—”

His words were interrupted.

Many screams echoed from far behind him.

“……What!?”

Ren discarded his shopping bag and turned around.

“Make your life and comrades’ life as your first priority. Anything else can easily be replaced.”

This was the first time Ren thanked those three years’ worth of guidance of his instructor. If he was even a second slow at throwing away the shopping bag, he would have been on the ground covered in blood.

A giant green Dragon was flapping its wings.

“A wyvern!? Why is it in the middle of town!?”

The Dragon-species that was known as the absolute ruler of the Earth.

The one that just grazed Ren’s head and landed clearly belonged to that species.

''……That was close.''

''……If I was slow in turning around, I may have had my head sliced by those claws.''

The training he received as a {{Furigana|Knight|MASTER}}. No, rather than the training, it was more like his luck. That was how unexpected this assault was.

“Is that thing about five metres in length?”

It depends on each wyvern, but a mature wyvern is usually seven metres long.

Even though it would be considered small among the Dragon-species, what needed to be specially noted about it was its flight speed. A wyvern that was using its maximum velocity would be so fast that even the best sniper would have a hard time shooting it.

“But why is it here? Did it stray away from its herd and wandered in here!?”

If that was the case, its wariness would increase due to being strayed from its herd. There were many cases where its aggressive behaviour became even worse. And it broke through the town walls and entered the town.

A situation like this was rare, and the level of danger was also high.

“Who can even stop this thing……?”

Ren looked up towards the monster in front of him while muttering in astonishment.

''—Just how many highest-grade student and instructors would you need to take it down?''

''—No, the opponent isn’t that simple.''

Even if the highest-grade students came to the scene, they were merely students. They merely had experience in fighting small monsters, so the number of students that had experience in fighting a Dragon is close to none. The instructors have already retired from the parties. So you couldn’t think of a plan to defeat it.

The only thing they could do was to buy time and pray for it to leave after it gets bored.

“Even so, buying time would be……”

Even though Ren looked around him, there weren’t any parties that looked reliable.

Even though it was called a student town, a town was still a town. Most of them were civilians. The only people he could see were merchants, families of the civilians, and tourists running away.

“Dammit! Of all times, I’m the only one who had to be here!”

He drew out a dagger that was for self-defense from the attached to his belt.

The length of the blade was that of a knife. It was a weapon you didn’t need to go all the way to the weapon factory to buy it since it was purchasable in the business district, even for a civilian.

''……This would only seem like a toothpick to that Dragon.''

He shouldn’t think about winning or losing.

He only had to think about buying time. Until the people around him had evacuated—

“Oh, I have found a delicious looking snack at a place like this.”

It was at this time when Ren heard a dignified voice from right beside him.

“I sure am lucky to find a snack which is basically new at a place like this. Maybe this would be a good gift for Phia?”

''—The bags of snacks I threw away.''

''—There is a silver hair girl who is standing right beside me and is staring down at the snacks. ''

“Hey, those are my snacks……no, that isn’t it, hey idiot, hurry and run!”

“Your snack?”

The girl turned around—

“What are you saying? The one who found these first was me. Isn’t it first come first serve?”

Emerald green eyes that had a darker colour than the sea, and her long silver hair that sparkled like a pearl.

On top of her fantasy-like colours, her face was also adorable like that of a fairy that would appear in a fairy-tale. Even though she was dressed as an adventurer, her slender body could only be described as being lovely.

But Ren was only fascinated by the girl’s appearance for just that slight moment.

“A-Anyway, you need to run! This isn’t the time for talking such thing!”

“Run? Why is there a need for me to run?”

The silver hair girl looked up at Ren while feeling unpleasant.

“To begin with, human, you called me an idiot. Who do you think I am……eh…………”

That moment, the girl stopped breathing and opened her eyes wide.

Then her small hand started shaking.

“Eh, ……eh, ……El……Elli…………”

“Pardon me?”

“Elline, you were alive!”

The girl raised her voice and jumped towards him.

“I wanted to see you! I was looking for you this whole time! Yeah, even if you are a human, you are special. There was no way you would die simply after three-hundred years—”

“I’m saying that I don’t understand what you’re saying!”

Ren jumped while carrying the girl.

He used his whole body to prevent the girl from touching the ground and then rolled on the ground backwards.

'''——ROAR!'''

That instant, the Dragon swung down its tail and obliterated bricks of walls.

“Hurry up and run! You saw it for yourself just now. That wyvern is too dangerous!”

“Defeat it.”

“……Huh?”

“I’m saying that you have the permission to defeat it. As long as you don’t kill it, you don’t need to hold back against my kind. That guy is an arrogant prick who had been following me this whole time even before I got here. He’s an eyesore so take it down with a single punch to his head.”

“It followed you? What does that mean—”

The meaning behind the words of the girl with the silver hair.

Before Ren could even comprehend the meaning of her words, the sound of the wyvern stepping on the ground made Ren’s eardrum shiver.

''—He’s going to step on me!''

The black shadow which was above Ren’s head. The wyvern came down at them without losing sights of its target. The moment Ren realised that, he pushed away the girl who was clinging onto him.

“You idiot, don’t just stand there, run!”

The shadow of the huge Dragon’s shadow that was coming down at him.

''……I need to make it in time!''

He brought out his dagger with a faint hope and also jumped to the back———

[[Image:Sekai_no_Owari_no_Encore_V1_Non-colour_003.jpg|thumb]]

Then the impact.

Ren was overwhelmed by the merciless impact which was so strong that he couldn’t breathe. Ren was sent flying far to the rear.

“……! ……Gah! ……”

He couldn’t breathe due to the impact to his back. The reason why his vision turned red must be due to the blood pouring from his forehead. It was the cut he received when the tip of the Dragon’s claw grazed him.

''……I guess……it’s alright since I’m alive, right?''

''……No……it doesn’t make any difference……I guess.''

The dagger that was shattered from the core of the blade. His weapon that was violently shattered with ease.

He gripped his weapon where only the handle remained.

“………………Bring it, '''you worthless Dragon'''.”

Ren stood up with his body that was covered in sand.

“An……attack……like that……doesn’t work on me……even in the slightest.”

The words that was just able to come out of his throat.

He used his hand as if he was provoking the wyvern that had its wing spread wide.

''—Fake Brave Hero.''

''—I’m not a Brave Hero nor am I the strongest knight that can take down a Dragon by myself.''

''—But I can’t give in.''

''—I need to buy time. Until there are reinforcements from the Academy. More importantly, I need to buy enough time so the silver hair girl in front of me could escape.''

“……I been telling you to……run”

His sight was covered in blood, but he could still see the silver hair girl who hadn’t ran or hid yet.

“Hurry up……I’m seriously……at my limit……”

“I got it.”

That was the time when the girl nodded as if she finally understood something.

“Don’t tell me you have a stomach ache because you ate something bad?”

“……Huh?”

“Fine then. I don’t feel good in laying hand on my kind, but I’ll take care of this.”

Right after she said that.

The silver girl approached the wyvern from the front carelessly for all things.

“……!? H-Hey, stop—”

“There’s no way that I, the Dragon-Princess Kyelse, will be beaten by this weakling.”

Ren could see the girl’s face from the side where she was putting on a fearless smile.

Ren listened to the girl’s word as if he was dreaming.

''……Dragon-Princess Kyelse?''

''……No, wait……it can’t be. That name belongs to '''the one from that legendary party'''……''

“A Dragon’s child that doesn’t even know who I am. I wonder from which valley it came from.”

The wyvern which was spreading his wings wide.

The small girl faced the giant monster by herself where she had to tilt her head up to look at it.

“And did he just make a threat right in front of me? I see, so you followed me all the way to this town because I entered your territory. Looks like your pride is the only thing that is remarkable.”

“S-Stop—”

He couldn’t say any more than that. He was losing consciousness. He had his hand full just standing there, and his hand couldn’t reach the girl’s back—

The next moment, Ren would witness a scene he wouldn’t be able to forget for the rest for his life.

“Imbecile.”

The girl leaped.

She didn’t jump. It would be more accurate to say that what she did was a flight. Altitude of ten metres high. The girl who reached even higher than the wyvern with the wing simply said—

“Bow unsightly before me.”

The powerful gravitational field.

The intense gravity which could even compress the paved surface road made a cavity in it instantly.

—Not only didn’t she allow the wyvern to resist, she didn’t allow it respond either.

If humans were to activate a spell of the same calibre as hers, they would require longer and more complex spell ceremony as well as mental concentration. But she did it with a few words.

Power of language.

The words that were said come to this world and take a physical form. A human like Ren couldn’t even imagine just how powerful and high level the spell was.

“Hmph, cool your head for a bit down there.”

The girl who soared up the sky landed splendidly on the ground after doing a spin in mid-air.

The giant crater which was drilled on the ground. After she took a glance at the wyvern that was unconscious at the deepest part of the crater, she jumped into Ren’s arm once again.

“Elline!”

“Again!? ……More importantly, what was that power……?”

The silver hair girl was hugging tightly onto Ren. Even if Ren tried to push her away, she doesn’t even budge an inch. Her physical strength was so strong that you couldn’t imagine it was coming from such slender body.

“Haha, you. You were alive after all! I thought it was some kind of joke when I heard that you died due to illness five years after I was sealed. Yeah, there was no way you would simply die from sickness—”

“I-I can’t breathe…… ……I’ll die……you are suffocating me……”

“……H-Hey? What’s wrong Elline? You haven’t been acting like yourself for a while.”

The girl who had a blank face weakens the strength in her arm.

“Cough, cough……s-seriously……”

Ren answered to the girl who was looking up at him while he coughed violently.

“I’m not Elline. Though I do get mistaken as him quite a lot. To begin with, Elline was the Brave Hero from three-hundred years ago. A human can’t live that long.”

“? Elline, did you……forget about me?”

“I didn’t know you to begin with.”

“……It can’t be.”

After the silver hair girl made a gesture where she was in thoughts, she approached Ren. This time, she put her face on his chest. She started sniffing him like a dog.

“!? What are you doing!?”

“See? It’s Elline’s smell. There’s no way I would mistake you.”

“……E-Either way, get away from me!”

He couldn’t help but be embarrassed since a girl that could be considered an absolute beauty hugged him and then started sniffing his smell.

“I’m sorry to say this even though you seem to be confident about it, but I really am a different person.”

“……What!?”

“My name is Ren. Well, if you go up my family tree, Elline would be my ancestor’s distant relative, but he never had any children so I’m not his direct descendant or anything. I’m merely a distant relative of his. A distant descendant.”

“His descendant……you? ……Then Elline is…………”

The girl muttered vaguely. Her expression started to get gloomy.

''……Why are you looking up at me with such sad eyes?''

''……I haven’t done anything wrong, but it pains me.''

“I’m telling you that Elline……isn’t here anymore.”

The Brave Hero died.

He couldn’t say those words. The best he could say was “he isn’t here.”

“…………”

The light disappeared from the emerald-green eyes.

The girl turned around slowly while biting her lips.

“H-Hey!”

Kyelse took a glance at Ren and simply said this.

“……Just his appearance, huh…………”

A total stranger who had the appearance of the Brave Hero but not his strength.

''……Except.''

Even though he received those words, Ren realised that he was so calm that it shocked him.

A total stranger. Fake Brave Hero. He received different kind of taunts when he was compared to the legendary Brave Hero, and there was always mockery within those taunts where people were making a fool out of him.

But he couldn’t sense a slight sign of those emotions in her words.

Elline was no longer here. The sad persuasion where she was telling herself that.

''……It’s like she said it in such way.''

The silver hair girl who defeated the wyvern with ease. The back of the girl who had such overwhelming power now looked small, weak, and sad.

“H-Hey……umm…………”

He wanted to call out to her. But he couldn’t find the right words to say to her.

What Ren, who was thinking as such, witnessed was—

The girl who was dragging a giant bag full of snacks.

“Hey!? That’s mine! Are you trying to take it away while acting sad!?”

“I defeated the wyvern on your behalf, right?”

“……Gu.”

He didn’t know how to reply back to her words.

It was certain that the safety of the residents as well as Ren still being alive was her achievement.

“……Fine. Alright, take that with you.”

He was half convinced, but he gave up for the other half. His sighed carried those two emotions. Ren shrugged his shoulder.

''......I can just buy what Phia-senpai asked me to bring with my own money.''

''……Also, I can’t stand to look at her sad eyes.''

“I’m sure it would be delicious since those snacks are from the most famous shop around here.”

“You sure are reasonable for a human.”

The smile the girl made for a slight moment.

There was a faint smile in her sad face.

The girl called Kyelse disappeared in front of Ren.

——That was the beginning.

——The beginning of the story of the boy that was called the fake Brave Hero and the legendary Dragon-Princess.

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Sekai no Owari no Encore:Volume 1 Prologue

2014-08-02T20:45:31Z

Mane: Let's see if this makes the text flow more smoothly!

Sword Emperor Elline

He halted the “End War” that nearly annihilated the world.

The strongest swordsman in history and the only one in history to be given the title of the “Brave Hero.”

''' “———We will award the title and honour of becoming the second “Brave Hero” in history to the one that finds the Encore.” '''

<center>From the Chairman of the World Alliance Conference</center>

==Prologue: The Sealed Girl==

The land at the end of the world.

There is nothing but wasteland as far as the eyes can see.

There wasn’t a trace of life and there wasn’t even a single blade of grass on the dried soil.

Even within the vast land of uninhabited deserts, you might find a few signs of life and a few blades of grass growing, if you looked for them. If you were to search for it, you could even find an oasis.

Then, what about this land?

The sky was covered with dim clouds and the land didn’t have any signs of life. Simply vast wasteland littered with gravel. Except, there was one person—

Except for a naked girl whose flowing silver hair shined like pearls.

“…………”

She was a mysterious girl.

Her silver hair that naturally glowed even within the cloudy weather that turned day into night. And her emerald green eyes that had a deeper, yet, clearer colour than any deep ocean.

That also included her gorgeous naked body.

The surface of her skin was clean like that of a new born baby. Her white skin was almost transparent. Her gorgeous body came with slim arms and legs. She also had a curve fitting for her age.

Her appearance was that of a fifteen or sixteen year-old girl.

However, her body is nothing next to the overwhelmingly prideful and divine impression she exudes.

“Where is this place……?”

The girl used her hand to stop her side hairs from being blown away by the wind.

The clouds that covered the sky.

The cold earth that she could feel at her feet. And the endless grey horizon.

The girl looked around her mindlessly, and then—

“……Ah choo!”

—sneezed adorably.

“It’s cold! My legs are freezing, and the wind is cold! More importantly, what’s going on here? Why am I standing here naked? ……No wait, I need to calm myself and try to remember.”

[[Image:Sekai_no_Owari_no_Encore_V1_Non-colour_001.jpg|thumb]]

The girl crossed her arm while revealing her naked body within the wasteland.

However, even if she wanted to calm herself and analyze her situation, the wind blowing around her was so noisy and strong, so cold the breeze took away her body's warmth—

“Quiet.”

The wind stopped, immediately and completely.

It stopped with the girl’s single word. The whirlwind that swirled like a bomb blast settled down as though it feared the girl.

On the other hand, the girl didn’t show any sign of being surprised by the sudden change.

She took this as though it were a natural occurrence. She scooped the back of her hair while behaving as if the violent wind settling down with her single roar was normal. She looked up, trying to recollect her memories.

“…………Ah. Oh yeah. I remember now.”

She sighed with her beautiful lips.

“During that battle……hmm, oh yeah, I……was sealed……”

The girl continued to look high up the sky after she muttered those words out.

However—

“If I remember now……the promise with Elline……”

Her adorable face started turning red as if she was becoming excited.

While swinging her slim fist that was being gripped.

At the end.

“That Elline……h……he and his promise to save me from the seal.”

The girl shouted towards the sky as loud as she could.

“I ended up escaping on my own since he hasn’t come to save me even after three-hundred years, that liaaaaaaaaaaaar!”

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Gekkou:Volume 1 Live

2013-12-02T00:50:51Z

Mane: Word use

==[Live]==

The first lesson was English, but I don’t remember anything of it. I was pondering the accident of Youko Tsukimori’s father.

I also played with the thought of browsing some news sites on my mobile phone—hidden from the eyes of the teacher, of course—but I decided against it because I was known as a fairly well-behaving student. I kept telling myself that I was keeping the best for last and spent a painful hour like this.

The very moment the English lesson ended, I rushed out of the classroom, fired up for details about the accident, and headed straight to the library room.

It should have today’s newspaper, and since there was a casualty, there had to be an article about it.

And just as I had expected, there was an article that dealt with the accident in question. I was a bit disappointed when I started reading; there was an article, sure, but it was a short one and written very briefly in a corner of the local news page.

However, as I read on, my heartbeat became faster. In the text I found some of the keywords I was looking for.

“…on his way home on a mountain pass…”

“…a sharp curve with poor sight distance…”

“…there have been casualties before…”

“…too much speed due to the slope…”

There were several text passages that reminded me of the “Feigned Traffic Accident Murder Recipe” as noted in the murder recipe. I couldn’t help getting excited at the thought that “Youko Tsukimori had executed her murder plan.”

…and also, I couldn’t help feeling a chill run down my spine when I imagined the accident with that thought in mind.

Just as important were the unwritten facts.

The article wouldn’t have been this tiny if the Police had considered the possibility of murder. Similarly, I wouldn’t have remained oblivious until arriving at school.

Had I gotten something fatally wrong?

The plan looked childish at first glance, like an uncertain trick that relied on several shaky elements.

But maybe she executed that plan exactly because of those flaws?

Who would presume the existence of such a clumsy murder plan?

Who would see a schemed murder in something that looked like nothing but an accident?

And as the facts showed, the police were convinced that it was simply a traffic accident. The same applied to my classmates; everyone considered Tsukimori a poor girl who had lost her father in an accident.

I bet even the victim himself wouldn't have dreamed of her being a murderer.

Nor would I have, if I hadn’t known of the murder recipe.

Probably it wouldn’t even have been much of a problem if the plan had failed. It was based on luck anyway; if you look only at the probability, it was unlikely to succeed in the first place.

But exactly that aspect was the point of the murder recipe.

There were multiple plans written in it that were all dependent on random external circumstances. So wasn’t she expecting them to fail from the very beginning?

Tsukimori’s target was her father—someone who was always close to her and, hence, gave her countless opportunities to kill him. It may be a coarse expression, but you could say that “even a bad shot hits the mark given enough tries.”

Tsukimori certainly did not intend to just pull it off as fast as possible. She merely wanted him to die sooner or later. I guess that’s how she felt about it.

She did not, however, want to get busted for it.

I had noticed from the time I had first read the recipe that the plan was not designed chiefly for killing, but rather for living on normally after executing it.

In that case, the results made it evident. Tsukimori had done it—

—the perfect murder.

I couldn’t help thinking so.

Of course, this was all just a product of my mind and far too baseless to be considered certain.

I knew her no better than my classmates. When it came to her, Kamogawa was actually much more knowledgeable than I. These thoughts were merely an extension to my usual “imagine and enjoy” pastime and not something upright like “solving a case”.

However, for some reason I just couldn't call my guess a cheap delusion and call it quits.

The homeroom after that day’s classes was about Tsukimori’s father’s death.

“I think everyone knows of the passing of Tsukimori’s father. A funeral is being held tomorrow afternoon, which I am going to attend. Thus, the fifth lesson, biology, is going to be self-study.”

When the word “self-study” left our class teacher Ukai’s mouth, a wave of joy went through the ranks of my classmates.

“Hey, that's called ''tactless,'' you know? Empathize a little with Tsukimori who has just lost one of her parents!” Ukai rebuked us—not with an especially strong tone, but the classroom became silent. It was a heavy silence.

Apparently content with the unexpected contemplation of his students, he closed this matter.

“Moreover, the class officers are required to come along to the funeral as the representatives of the class. I’m counting on you. Okay, homeroom’s closed.”

Right when Ukai was about to finish: “Sensei!” Usami raised her hand, “The female class officer is Youko herself.”

“Aah, you’re right. Well then, Usami, may I ask you?”

“Ah, yes.”

“The other one was you, Nonomiya, right? I expect you to be there.”

“Yes.”

I nodded calmly and secretly grinned to myself.

It was exactly what I had wished for. I had not even dreamed that I would have the chance to attend the funeral officially like this.

Actually, after reading the article in the library I had pondered about how I might be able to go to the funeral, because I had wanted to obtain more information on Tsukimori. While I had reckoned that the ceremonies would be beyond reach, I had thought that I could at least attend the wake of the deceased.

“Only the two of you?! That’s not fair!”

After making sure that Ukai had left, Kamogawa scowled alternately at Usami and me.

“Who was the irresponsible guy that nominated me for class officer at the beginning of the term again?”

Just this once I was grateful for that irresponsible personality of his, though.

“Dunno? I’m a man who doesn’t look back at times gone past.”

“Your irresponsibility deserves admiration. In a bad sense.”

“It’s an honor!!”

I could only smile wryly at Kamogawa’s haughty answer.

“Kamogawa, you brute! Didn’t you listen to Ukai-sensei? You’re being tactless…” pouted a serious Usami on noticing his easy-going attitude.

“This is a misunderstanding, Usami. I am merely worried about a fellow classmate who has lost a dear one, you know?” Kamogawa assured us with a meek expression.

“That’s a lie. It’s clear that you only want to meet Youko-san because of your ulterior motives!” claimed Usami.

“No, idiot! I would never have ulterior motives! I simply wish to soothe Tsukimori in these hard times,” he objected instantly, “Well, but sure, I would not be averse to her falling in love with me in the process, heh!”

“You really are a brute, Kamogawa!” Usami seemed completely dumbfounded.

As was I: “Kamogawa, perk your ears: that’s what we call an ulterior motive.”

“Ahaa, I see! You never stop learning, do you?” Kamogawa evaded my remark with feigned ignorance. There’s no cure for a Kamogawa.

“…I hope you don’t have an ulterior motive too, Nonomiya?”

She realized that Kamogawa was beyond hope and set me as her new target.

“Of course not. I am going to the funeral ceremony because I’m a class officer, not because I wish for it myself,” I put on a powerless smile. “Also, I don’t like the gloomy air at funerals. To be honest, I would rather not go.”

“Right? I knew you weren’t like Kamogawa!”

Usami flashed a brilliant smile as if she herself had been praised.

“Your attitudes towards me and Nonomiya are way too different! I sense discrimination! If I were from America, I would take you to court right now!”

“But you’re Japanese from head to toe. And it’s the difference between your daily behaviors that distinguishes you from Nonomiya. Blame yourself?”

While of a completely different nature, I had an ulterior motive too. To tell the truth, I loved funerals. Especially because you could sneak a peek at all kinds of humans.

I was looking forward to the next day’s funeral with the same sentiments as going to a concert of my favorite artist.

After ending the third lesson, Usami and I were brought to the funeral home in Ukai’s car. There was not one cloud in the broad blue sky outside the window.

During the ride I was able to gather some details about Tsukimori’s family environment from Ukai.

Her family consisted of her two parents and herself, their only child. This was actually quite surprising to me because her mature behavior had led me to believe that she’d have someone to look after, such as a younger sibling.

Apparently her father had been the head of a construction design company. Since my own father worked at a bank near that company, I planned on asking him about it afterward.

As soon as we had arrived at the funeral home and had gone through the formalities at the entrance, we proceeded to the hall that was marked with a sign reading “Tsukimori.”

A lot of flower offerings were being made, so that the line led out of the hall. It was as though I was watching the scene of an arcade that had installed a new game machine.

The dim, wide room was packed with people in mourning clothes. The altar seemed much more magnificent to me than the ones in any past funerals I had attended.

We sat down in the seats that had been prepared for common attendants and waited patiently for the beginning of the ceremony.

My eyes searched for Tsukimori and found her sitting near the altar where the relatives had gathered. She was comforting the woman beside her who hung her head, supporting her and stroking her back.

From the looks of it, I suspected it could be her mother. She was a beautiful lady who resembled Tsukimori.

I was, however, surprised at how composed Tsukimori apparently was.

It was then that I recalled that I had once asked Usami why all the girls called Tsukimori with a “-san” added to her name. Her answer had been: “Youko-san may be the same age as us, but doesn’t she kind of look and behave very maturely? So basically, someone started calling her Youko-san, which then led to the current state.”

Indeed. I was almost unsure of who the mother and who the daughter was.

“…I’m so sorry for Youko-san.” 

I looked to my side and found Usami with watery eyes. She not only gave the feeling of “born to be a little sister,” but actually had an elder brother.

“Come on, don't cry,” I said as I produced a handkerchief.

“Just look at how she’s keeping calm though she’s bound to be sad in reality! If it was me, I wouldn’t be able to…”

Usami seized the handkerchief from my hands and rubbed her eyes with it. Certainly, Usami would probably cry her lungs out.

But I was reluctant to agree with her that Tsukimori was saddened about her father’s death.

If I was right on Tsukimori wishing for his death…then she was pleased rather than sorrowful, because in that case this funeral was actually an event to celebrate the success of her murder plan.

As time went by, the seats of the hall gradually filled and before I knew it, the whole hall was painted black.

From every direction I could hear whispers that had been lowered in respect of the solemn mood that accompanied funeral homes. I decided to listen attentively to that chattering as a combined means of killing time and gathering information.

I focused on the conversation of two women that were meekly talking in the row right before me. I would have loved to jot it down!

Their chatter was interrupted midways. I would have preferred to listen a little longer, but there was no helping it since the ceremony had begun.

The sutra conducted by the priest resounded clearly throughout the hall.

The solemn mood set my mind at rest and thus produced the perfect environment for indulging myself in my thoughts. I chose to replay the conversation I had just heard in my mind and put the data in order:

Her father’s reputation was extremely good.

First they had talked about his looks, which wasn’t too surprising, considering he was Tsukimori’s father. A glance at the picture on the altar showed that he had looked like some performer and made me comprehend why he was popular with them.

Then, they continued with his company’s and his family’s economic situation. While it was a S.M.E., the business went smoothly and their private living standard was quite high as well. Apparently, their home had been newly built two years ago, with a complex design as one would expect from the director of a construction design business.

Lastly, they had talked about his family itself. Both father and mother had been fairly sociable and on good terms with their neighbors. The women had also raised the subject of Tsukimori. She was valued as a beautiful daughter with good manners.

I let out a sigh.

Admittedly, I was happy that I could get my hands on new information, but there had been nothing that could ignite my fantasies. The newspaper had gotten me too excited and caused me to have too high expectations of the funeral.

I breathed in the silent air of the hall.

Pulling myself together, I decided to give myself over to the tranquil mood of the room again. It was a promising funeral, after all! It would be a waste not to take advantage of the occasion and spy on some human relationships.

No need to rush things. The longer this game of ours lasted, the better.

When I turned my gaze towards the area near the altar, I noticed that Tsukimori’s mother had broken down in tears.

Her wailing was apparently also the reason why the women in my surroundings provided me with a background of sobbing voices. By the way, Usami was still crying as well.

However, there were no tears in Tsukimori’s eyes.

Her gaze was captivatingly fixed on the altar.

Because her black mourning dress emphasized the brightness of her skin, it almost seemed as though Tsukimori herself was gleaming. More than the deceased man himself, more than the richly decorated altar or the whining mother or everyone else in the room, it was Tsukimori and her silent appearance that stood out.

To me, Tsukimori appeared like the moon late at night.

Stunningly beautiful.

It was time for the coffin’s departure. While sounding its loud and sober horn, the hearse departed before the eyes of the people in black.

The relatives of the deceased, Tsukimori among them, left the hall temporarily and headed to the crematory. The three of us decided that we would wait for her return so that we could at least exchange a few words with her.

“You two must be hungry, right? Let me treat you to lunch today. But keep it a secret from the others, okay?”

“Yay! You hear this, Nonomiya?” Usami rejoiced without any restraint. This must be one of those infamous mood swings.

Well, being fond of the word “secret”, I also gladly accepted his offer.

Moments later, we were slurping ramen in a shop near the funeral home.

“—You two may not be quite aware of it yet, but death is an inescapable part of life,” Ukai said suddenly, his glasses fogged by the steam of his soup. “Saying this may be tactless towards Tsukimori, but still I would like you to treasure the impressions of this very uncommon and sad happening: the passing of a comrade’s father.”

Usami nodded earnestly, her mouth stuffed with noodles like a squirrel.

“Indeed. I was reminded that there is a limit to our lives—and also that this makes life all the more valuable.” Being in my class teacher’s company, I chose my words carefully when relaying my impressions.

“You’re amazing, Nonomiya,” Usami praised me with wide eyes after gulping down her noodles.

“Of course. Unlike you, I wasn’t crying all the way through the ceremony.”

“I-I had lots of thoughts crossing my mind, too!”

“For instance?”

“Eh? Ah, um, that I’m sorry for her…”

“What else?”

“…T-That I’m sorry for her?”

“I heard that already.”

“N-No, don’t get me wrong! In truth I have been thinking about much more than this, it’s just that I can’t put it into words as well as you!”

Ukai laughed from listening to our conversation.

“Well, well, let’s settle down with the conclusion that both of you had your respective thoughts, okay? Nonomiya was more analytical and Usami more emotional.” Ukai went between and solved it like a teacher.

–Life’s interesting because there’s a limit to it. The thrill of not knowing when it ends is what gives you the awareness of being alive.

At first glance it might seem contradictory that death, the antithesis of life, highlights the value of life, but it actually makes sense. I even conceived the idea that most things in the world might work in a similar way.

At that very moment, enthralled by the risky murder recipe—I was most definitely living.

We greeted Tsukimori when she came back to the hall.

Ukai first expressed his deepest sympathy before assuring her: “Don’t be concerned about school. Take your time and return when you’re comfortable.”

“Thank you very much for your thoughtfulness. However, I have it in mind to attend school normally from the day after tomorrow because I think it will help me to distract myself.” She smiled weakly. “…I am a little anxious about leaving my mother alone at home, as she has been hit especially hard, but her siblings and my father's siblings both assured me that they will be supporting her for a while.”

Tsukimori seemed exhausted. From the looks of it, she hadn’t been sleeping properly.

But while knowing it was pretty tactless, I couldn’t help being under the impression that her white face, now accentuated by her mourning dress, looked even more sensual than at school.

“I see. At any rate, be sure not to over-strain yourself and feel free to consult me anytime.” Ukai patted her on the shoulder.

“Thank you for coming as well, Chizuru, Nonomiya-kun.”

“Everyone in the class is worried about you.”

“I feel blessed.”

“Youko-san…”

Usami was on the verge of tears again, apparently moved by Tsukimori’s brave behavior.

I poked her head and said: “Shouldn’t you calm down a bit? You wanted to express your condolences properly, right?”

“…Yeah,” Usami nodded teary-eyed. “Um…Youko-san, it will be hard on you, but…i-it will whe hard on yhew, but…”

Usami began weeping mid-sentence because she couldn’t bear it anymore.

Tsukimori didn’t hesitate to embrace Usami’s round head and comforted her, “Thank you, Chizuru. I’m very happy that you are so worried about me.” While stroking her head like a loving sister, she murmured, “…I think you can consider yourself happy if you have someone that worries about you.” After that, she whispered her thanks to Usami again and again.

The gentle and fragile girl at that moment did not look in the least like someone who would plan a murder to me.

<noinclude>
{{GekkouNavbar
| [[Gekkou:Volume 1 Murder Recipe|Murder Recipe]]
| [[Gekkou:Volume 1 Confession|Confession]]
}}
</noinclude>

[[Category:Gekkou]]

Gekkou:Volume 1 Bye-Bye

2013-12-02T00:32:18Z

Mane: Apostrophe

==[Bye-Bye]==

Every now and then a train crossed the railway bridge. Each time that happened, the white railing I was sitting on started vibrating and an ear-shattering noise filled the tunnel.

I was under a railway overpass at the edge of a residential area close to my school, which I had chosen because there would be no passers-by even during the day, and was waiting for the time.

I didn't want to be interrupted by anyone.

Under the railway, where no sun reached, even the concrete's gray looked darker and more inorganic than usual. I shuddered even though it was still afternoon.

Probably due to the sound insulation of the concrete, the sounds of the vicinity seemed extremely far. When I silently held my breath, I was under the impression that I was in an isolated institution far away in no-man's-land.

That might be the reason why I didn't notice him until he was nearby.

On the boundary separating light and darkness, a tall man with the appearance of a gigolo grinned daringly, a cigarette dangling from his mouth.

"Ya! Quite unexpected to have you call me out. What happened?"

His voice resounded from the concrete all around us.

"Oh, have you by any chance ''recalled'' some good piece of information concerning Youko-chan?"

He flicked the cigarette away, which then traversed a parabola before hitting the asphalt.

"But whew," he began while cracking his neck, "you sure have chosen quite a desolate place. Are you out for a duel with me today or what?" He crushed the cigarette with his caramel-brown shoes.

"Weak as I am, I would never feel inclined to a duel," I shook my head, "But I ''do'' want to settle things with you."

I restfully stood up and fixedly stared at the man a few meters from me.

"Let's put an end to it," I smiled.

"That's my line!" He closed one eye and grinned broadly, "Since you are the host, I'll let you have your say first."

Konan leaned on the wall and crossed his arms.

"I would like to start not with a statement but with a question."

"Oh, sure, sure. As many as you want, no need to be shy with me," he nodded easygoingly.

"Why did you become a detective?"

The next moment, he narrowed his eyes full of interest while stroking his chin.

"I don't want to be rude, but you aren't the type that acts out of a sense of justice."

"That sure ''is'' rude, whoa. Actually, I've taken to answering such questions with 'It's to save the day!' while flashing a cool smile."

Upon seeing my dumbfounded face, he laughed dryly.

"Being a detective is what I live for!" he suddenly made a serious face, "I chose a job where it's work and work throughout the year, all day long, and where I may lose my life due to a slight mistake. Because I'm still a civil servant, people insult me, calling me a tax parasite despite my poor salary. So why did I sign up for such a thankless job? You know, it's to see all kinds of people and their relationships in all kinds of situations, whether they're joyous or grieving!"

Konan stared into the air with an odd light in his eyes, originating from ecstasy.

"It's such a tremulous excitement when their masks crumble! It feels as if I were able to sneak a peek at the true nature of us humans. Bare emotions tell the truth much more eloquently than any justification."

When he finished, I couldn't suppress a sneer anymore.

"Oh that's cruel, Nonomiya-kun. Now that I've answered seriously for once because you looked so stern! I bet you're thinking of me as some psycho now, aren't you?"

I immediately answered his scowl by shaking my head.

"By no means. Rather I was relieved to hear so much nonsense. It suits you, you know?"

"Oho, now that's an unconventional evaluation."

"I guess. After all, I am, too, a good-for-nothing like you."

"I know," this time he sneered, "Since the moment I've first seen you."

The second I saw his grin, I was convinced: as Tsukimori had assessed, we really were similar.

"So, anything else you want to tell me?" he crossed his arms.

"There's nothing I would need to tell you!"

"Oh? You acknowledge it just like that? What I've said until now about Youko-chan, I mean?"

Konan doubtfully raised an eyebrow.

"You're getting me wrong. I'm saying that my opinion hasn't changed in the first place."

"Despite all I told you?"

"Yes, despite all that."

"Oh you're a trip! You're joking, right? Didn't you agree quite a lot to my doubts?"

"Indeed, I did agree. Insofar that the case could also be viewed in such an interesting light. Thanks to you I could catch a glimpse of how professional detectives deduce things by drawing one logical conclusion upon another. But that's all. My confidence in Tsukimori won't be swayed just by your assumptions."

When I smiled, he glared at me for just a split-second.

"Those are all just your assumptions. Frankly speaking, they're just baseless products of your over-creative fantasy."

Konan stared at me expressionlessly.

"Didn't you say yourself that the rest of the police are treating this case as an accident? In other words, you are suspecting her on a personal basis, right? I don't know how excellent a detective you are or how high-ranked you are within the police, but that's what we call a 'grandstand play', you know?"

Since he did not react, I proceeded even further.

"As you have told me earlier, too, even in a small town like ours there are incidents every day, so is it not rather suboptimal for an 'official' to bother with Tsukimori and me? If you still insist on associating with us, you'll deserve the labeling as a tax parasite."

Of course I had a reason for getting that offensive.

"It's not in the interest of either of us to waste any more time on this. If you recalled what your original job is, I could carefreely return to my peaceful student life as well."

I was confident that he had no irrefutable proof. In other words, he had still not arrived at the "murder recipe". And without it, it was not possible to reasonably entertain suspicions concerning Tsukimori.

"You've done your best. But there are other things you ought to do. So, let's put an end to this already."

There was one more thing that backed me up.

No one would blame him for backing out of this case. The police were considering it an accident; nothing hindered Konan from letting go. Konan had been free to proceed or withdraw from the very beginning. That's what I figured out.

"...you've got me there. You're completely right. Can't counter that," he pulled a new cigarette from the pocket of his jacket while smiling lopsidedly and put it into his mouth, "To tell the truth, the department chief and the station chief, well, let's just say the bigwigs, are bugging me all the time because they want me to do my work properly. My colleagues have already given up though, since it's nothing new for them, heh!"

A small light flared up in the darkness. Konan had lit the cigarette with a lighter advertising some sleazy product.

"...Can you figure out why they still let me grandstand?"

He blew out a puff of smoke.

"It's because I'm capable!" he claimed confidently, "And do you know what makes me capable?"

He tapped on his forehead.

"My sharp intuition."

The next moment, his loud voice resounded through the entire tunnel.

"To get to the point! This ''excellent'' and sharp master detective ''Konan'' says this is fishy! You have to realize that a high school brat like you has no say in that whatsoever!"

His voice was reflected by the walls, by the ceiling, and rained down heavily on me. I felt as if I had been thrown into a bustling crowd.

"The point is! No matter what everyone else says, no matter if she herself denies it, ''I'' say she committed murder! So, Youko Tsukimori ''has'' killed her mother!" he finished, sucked in some smoke and blew it out contentedly.

"That's so unreasonable..." I managed to say, overwhelmed by his attitude.

"Unreasonable, indeed. But tell me, does the world work a different way? It doesn't matter what's right and what's not; the stronger one gets his way, right?" A puff of smoke was blown out of his bent mouth. "''Because'' I believed in myself and my intuition, and ''because'' I stayed true to myself, I was able to get remarkable results, you know. And ''because'' of those results, nobody can object to what I'm doing."

He showed a "grin".

"So, I'm sorry Nonomiya-kun, but I'm gonna do it the way I want—"

But it was his peculiar kind of grin that looked dead serious.

"—Because that's how I've chosen to live my life."

When I took another glance at his "grin", I came to think that that way of smiling must be the embodiment of his nature.

Put crudely, Konan was a lunatic in a clown's disguise.

It's not easy to get by with an uncommon sense put to show. Therefore, he probably adapted to our society by acting frivolous most of the time.

That "grin" must have been a remnant of that madness which he could not conceal.

"Okay, it's my turn now," Konan crushed his cigarette with his heel.

He thrust his hands into the pockets of his tight slacks.

"Why are you so eager to defend Youko-chan?"

With a slow and firm pace, he drew closer on his long legs. Step by step, his leather shoes produced a reverberating creak that filled the passage.

"Don't you agree that it must be quite hard to believe so firmly in her without ''a lot'' of personal sympathy?"

I felt my stomach knot tighter and tighter at the sound of his steadily approaching footsteps. 

"I'm not deliberately defending her, really! But it's simply absurd to expect me to believe that a classmate of mine is a killer. Isn't it normal that I can't, and don't want to, believe your doubts?"

"Yeah, completely normal," he admitted casually. That was, however, only a preface to what was to come. "But come on, in spite of everything I'm still a detective, if I may say so myself. It's not absurd in any way if you were a little more doubtful of her, right? I mean, hey, ''the police'' are suspecting her, so there might be something to it! I think it wouldn't do you any harm if you agreed a little more with me, you know, admitting that I have some points that make her suspicious. There's no need be so dismissive about it, is there? Well, that's the opinion of an experienced detective who has witnessed all kinds of incidents, anyway. Now, what do you say?" said the experienced speaker Konan in a torrent of words with a peculiar intonation, giving the atmosphere around us his own touch.

"...I'm a cross-grained person, you know. I'm also a little contrary on top of that. Therefore, I don't want to simply nod to something that doesn't make perfect sense to me!"

As a natural consequence, my hands became sweaty and my voice became tense.

"I guess so. It's already an established fact within me that you're that type of person."

I registered that his smile seemed very content.

"But while you sure are a cross-grained lad, Nonomiya-kun, you are ''not'' an idiot, and you don't lack common sense either. So I can't understand why you are so understanding to her. With that personality of yours, shouldn't you rather search for Youko-chan's flaws the more perfect she is? At least the Nonomiya I know is someone who doesn't believe anything he hasn't seen with his own eyes."

It's agreeable if you are understood because the other party shows interest in yourself by doing so. If it's interest from a capable person like Konan on top of that, it can't be a bad feeling.

However, I couldn't help feeling uncomfortable, for his assessment was just too spot-on. That nasty feeling of having my whole body closely scrutinized, from tip to toe, gave me a chill.

Before I knew it, Konan was standing right before me.

"In short, you know, I've already concluded that your unconditional support of Youko-chan is due to special feelings towards her. And well, because you love her so much that whether she's guilty or not, you just don't care. You're like, 'I shall believe in her even when the rest of the world turns against us!', you see. Oh how great is the power of love. Whoa there, don't look at me like that! I'm not messing with you here. Actually, I quite like that way of thinking. No, make that 'I love it'!"

What a talkative man. It's not like I was dumbfounded; I was taking my hat off to him. I wondered if there was even a single person who didn't talk after being targeted by Konan.

"You are gifted with a superb imagination indeed."

"Well, it's a job that requires a good imagination."

A smile was on his mouth, a truly amused one.

"But there's one more. One more possibility why you could be protecting Youko-chan," his smile disappeared. "Namely, if you have certain proof that Youko Tsukimori has not killed anyone."

My consciousness was immediately drawn to the murder recipe.

"So... do you?"

"By no means."

"Too bad," he replied not regretfully in the least.

While my whole body was becoming stiff, he continued. In a most casual tone.

"By the way, I've been wondering—what's in that left breast pocket?"

My right hand reflexively grabbed at my left breast pocket.

Konan reacted on the spot.

He quickly pulled his hands out of his pockets as if drawing a sword and grabbed my chest the very next moment. After he had taken a large step towards me, my field of vision made a sudden turn.

I felt a blow on my back the next instant which then turned into pain that flashed through my entire body. The fierce pain caused me to heave one deep groan. My head started spinning and I became unable to move. However, despite the dull pain, I could hardly breath and couldn't even groan anymore.

It all happened so fast I had no clue what had just occurred to me.

By now I assume that he had thrown me down on the hard asphalt by using some technique similar to Haraigoshi, as it's called in Judo.

"I'm quite the feminist, you know, I don't want to be rough to the ladies. But on the other hand, I'm pretty much merciless towards guys!" he said casually as he sat astride me.

"...Ugh...you will get into trouble for this," I managed to squeeze out and scowled at Konan.

"No worries, no worries! As long as no one gets wind of it I'm safe!"

He didn't care in the least.

"Well, shall we take a look at what you're hiding there in that inside pocket?"

I firmly grabbed my jacket with both my hands.

"Oh? From your stubborn resistance I gather that there's really something in there that is related to Youko-chan?"

I shouldn't have averted my eyes when he came peeking deep into them.

"Ha! Bull's eye? My intuition sure is something! It's getting fun!" he laughed with an odd light in his eyes.

Konan tried to break my grip, which I, still stuck below him, frantically warded off with all my might.

"Whoa, whoa. You don't know when to give up!"

Konan scratched his head in a baffled way.

"Hah, there's no way around this," he then muttered. "Believe it or not, but I was in high school once, too. Back then I was actually quite the naughty boy, you know?"

He suddenly started talking of his past for some reason.

"And well, the place naughty boys like us used to select for deepening our friendship with our fists was, oh surprise, desolate passages below railways like this one! Maybe you get now why I asked you right in the beginning if you wanted to have a duel with me."

I failed to see what he was getting at, which was exactly what unsettled me.

"Can you guess why we usually selected somewhere under a railway?"

That moment, the ground started shaking slightly. I felt with my back that apparently a train was coming our way.

"The reason is—screams get drowned out in the noise of passing trains."

As he revealed that fact, a thunderous sound burst through the air, killing all other sounds.

"...you're joking... right?"

My words of shock were naturally drowned out as well.

The rattling of the train passing by above us shook my body. No, perhaps I was just trembling myself.

I felt the cold sensation of metal on my forehead.

Still utterly confused, I looked at what was in front of my eyes with a fixed gaze.

In his stretched out arm Konan was holding a black object. The cylindrical tip of that hard, black object was put on my forehead.

As soon as the thundering noise receded, giving way to the normal sounds, the man expressionlessly said, "If timed properly, that noise can even drown out a gunshot."

I gulped down without knowing.

[[Image:Gekkou-261.jpg|thumb]]

''...no way. He may have a tendency to lunacy, but he wouldn't possibly pull that trigger. This is bound to be a foolish performance to threaten me.''

That's what my mind told me anyway.

My hair, however, stuck to my forehead. My heart was pounding and my breath was running wild. In contrast to my logical thinking, my body was so tense that I couldn't even blink.

"Now let go."

I put all the power I still had into my fingers.

"That's the spirit. Good boy."

My arms, however, were shaken off easily. Unfortunately, there had not been enough power left in me to resist him.

Konan skillfully undid the first two buttons with one hand and slid that hand into my inside pocket.

When he pulled it out again, he was holding a small folded scrap of paper between his fingers.

"...a scrap of paper, huh. What will I find on here, I wonder?"

He concluded that I had entirely lost the will to resist and removed the handgun from my forehead, and unfolded the sheet with both his hands.

Konan skimmed through it with a serious mien.

As he was still sitting on me, I couldn't move while he was reading the letter, thus I was forced to keep on looking at the concrete ceiling, which was not exactly interesting.

"Oh time! Go by!" I wished silently.

"Let me confirm one thing... who has written this 'recipe'?"

He thrust out the sheet before my eyes.

"I don't know," I hissed and looked away.

"...So my hunch didn't fail me," he said with a convinced tone. "Judging by your reaction, '''you''' have written this, huh."

I kept silent.

"At the very first glance I thought that the letters looked very, you know, 'boyish', so I did consider the possibility! But I mean, what's written there just doesn't match the image I have of you, you know? ''You'' and this, huh... What did your face look like when you wrote it? Oh, please don't tell me you wrote it with that poker face of yours!"

It was probably the poker face I had maintained that caused him to suddenly embrace his stomach and start trembling with tears in his eyes. He chuckled as the intensity of his tremble increased like the speed of plane that was rolling on a runway. And then,

"HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA!"

He burst into a grand laughter. The plane had just soared into the sky.

His guffawing resounded through the tunnel. Laughter rained down on me from all sides with no mercy. I experienced the humiliation of being made a fool by a great mass.

"...aah, stop it, aah, I'm dying! I'm dying laughing! Aah, I haven't laughed like this in ages... I think for a while I'm gonna break out into a laughter just by recalling this," he said while still laughing with groans mixed in. "Aaa... I have to admit that that contrast got even me by surprise. Now that was something new. Never thought that you, our grouchy Nonomiya-kun, would write such an oh-so-sweet letter that would startle even the purest girl in love..."

Again, he was unable to suppress it and laughed out loud.

The title on the sheet he had thrust in front of me was—

—"Love Recipe"

The "Love Recipe" contained all kinds of flirt phrases and methods to win over a girl's heart. Words so sickeningly sweet that they didn't even lose to the taste of pancakes accidentally covered with a bottle of maple syrup, filled the whole page without leaving any gaps.

It was a sinister item indeed, of which a single bite would certainly cause nausea to any man like me without physical defense against sweet words.

If you write such a dangerous thing with your very own hands, with all your wit can offer, during an entire long night, then your life cannot be assured anymore. Even if you survived it, you would be scarred for life with a horrendous trauma.

An actual survivor states that living became hard just a few minutes after starting to write.

At last, satisfied with laughing, Konan asked me with a meek expression, "So? Do you want me to retire from the case now because of this?"

"It would be very much appreciated."

He grabbed my head with his hands and leaned over me. My dark field of vision became even darker.

"There's no way I could retire at such a half-baked state!" he declared from straight above with forceful eyes.

"But that's," I began and put on a confident smile. "That's only your view as a detective, right?"

"...What do you mean?"

A question mark appeared above him. Therefore, I grinned while answering his question.

"Right now you look extremely fulfilled!"

He could say what he wanted, but his eyes were sparkling like the eyes of a kid that had just arrived at an amusement park. To me Konan looked as though he was bursting with amusement.

"Haven't you had enough fun by now?"

Konan pondered over my words while stroking his chin.

He hadn't denied it when I said that it was not a sense of justice that made him choose the job as a detective.

What he had asserted, however, was that he wanted to enjoy humans and their relationships.

In short, Konan himself didn't care much if Tsukimori had killed her mother or not. Though finding out the truth was surely part of that hobby of his, it was by no means his personal goal.

So I thought about what his goal ''really'' was. The conclusion I came to was this:

From the moment I had realized that we resembled each other, I had felt that such an end was inevitable.

"...oh well, you got me!"

Konan spun his gun around his finger and stowed it away in the holster that was hidden under his jacket.

"My loss was decided the instant I laughed. After laughing badly like that I can't claim that I wasn't amused anymore."

When he stood up, he reached out his hand to me. I took it.

"Okay! I'll drop the case."

He then pulled me up onto my feet.

"...Thank you."

Words of appreciation automatically slipped out of my mouth. Apparently, I happened to be relieved.

Considering that we were similar, it wasn't hard to comprehend the principle of his actions, but I had no prospects of victory in terms of persuading him, an experienced speaker, into dropping the case. As a matter of fact, my first attempt had been beaten down by his overwhelming pressure.

Since the odds had been against me, I had prepared the "Love Recipe" as a trump card.

The main reason I had written it was to create unforeseeability. To surprise Konan with something that he would definitely not expect me to ever write. And finally, to take the wind out of his sails with that unforeseeability.

My vigorous resistance had not been played at all; I had wanted to keep my trump card for last, yes, I had even wanted to take it to the grave.

What I can say now is that I probably would have failed if I hadn't taken the bullet.

"Oh well, it was about time anyway, " Konan said while wiping off the dust on his suit with one hand. "Keep in mind that to the bigwigs this case is only a trifling incident that wouldn't even get into the news. Organizations, not only the police, have a tendency to avoid using time, money and workforce for trivial things, you know. After all, they wouldn't gain much for solving an incident no one cares about."

"Quite business-like, isn't it?" I followed his example and dusted off my uniform with both my hands.

"Indeed. If you think of it like that, maybe I'm actually something like an office worker," he nodded full of agreement. "Well, the point is that even I can't always keep running after every small incident, no matter how much everyone accepts it implicitly! I mean, come on, I'm capable, right? They want me on the big cases!"

He then folded the recipe and unaffectedly put it into the pocket of his suit.

"Hey, don't just stow that away in your pocket!" I hurriedly stopped him.

"Mh? What do you mean? That's ''mine'', isn't it?"

"No, it's ''mine''. Please return it to me."

"No chance."

"But there's no point if you have it, is there?"

"It's the treasure I dug up this time. It's an irreplaceable memento of you. I'm going to reread this recipe from time to time and remember you and the happy days we spent together."

"That's a lie. You're definitely going to make a fool of me!"

"Oh? I'm busted."

I could not help sighing, seeing he was as undaunted as always.

"Come on, isn't that quite a good deal? For just a mere scrap of paper I'll withdraw from this case! Now if that's not some outstanding treatment!"

"It's not a physical problem, but a very psychological one."

"Well, you should be able to take some scars as a boy."

Konan put on a wry smile as he lit on a cigarette.

"...even I think once in a while, you know, that I've got a bothersome personality. But we can't just change our hobbies or our values, right?"

I found myself agreeing with the musing Konan before me.

"They say it's possible to select one's way of life, but I think that's just a flowery lie. At least I could ''not'' choose another one. Choosing another way of life means throwing away all you've done so far and becoming a new self, don't you agree? I like myself the way I am now. So I have no choice but to stick to my current principles!"

Then he showed the grin that truly suited him.

"An acquaintance of mine said something similar. Something along the lines of the world's very setup being 'shit', so one should live by one's own rules."

"Oho. We would surely get on well."

"Yes, indeed. I don't know about her, but you would surely like her."

"So it's a woman?"

"Yes."

"Woho, definitely introduce me to her one of these days."

"If I find some time."

"By the way..."

"Yes?"

"—What was it really? What have you been hiding?"

I was unable to answer him right away.

Konan had assured me he'd drop this case. And he was surely not someone who broke promises.

But still I just couldn't bring myself to let anyone else know about the murder recipe.

However, Konan suddenly tousled my hair with his sinewy hand.

"Sorry. Forget that. That question was 'thoughtless' as you would call it, right?"

He blew some smoke toward the asphalt.

The railway started to creak, causing the entire tunnel to vibrate, and erased all other sounds around us.

During the time that allowed no other sounds, Konan made himself at home and enjoyed his cigarette, whereas I had my gaze fixed on the far away blue sky as if enjoying a nightly read.

At last, the train passed by and took its thunderous sound with it.

"Good luck, Nonomiya-kun. It was a short time with you, but I really enjoyed it!"

That was the first thing I heard again.

"I too... relatively enjoyed those days."

"Relatively?! Oh boy...," he said and leisurely walked towards the exit, his shoes squeaking. I silently gazed at his back as he waved his hand extravagantly.

"...Ah, let me correct one thing at the end." The footsteps stopped near the entrance of the passage. "Satisfied, my ass! Just so you know! I am not at all satisfied! I wanted to play much more with you and Youko-chan!"

He resembled a brat that didn't want his summer holidays to end so much that I had to laugh, "Oh boy...!"

"Goodbye."

"Yes!"

It was not farewell forever, but we weren't going to see each other for quite a while. We may live in the same town, but there wouldn't be many occasions to meet each other. Our separate ways had merely happened to cross by chance this time. That was the relationship between us, between Konan and me, two persons of different ages and positions.

"Right! I almost forgot—"

He quickly turned around and skillfully squinted one eye.

"Actually, I fancy women and men all the same!"

"......eh?"

He gave me a wave with his flat hand, "''Byeee!''" and disappeared into the light, leaving me behind dumbfounded.

"...'Bi'? Don't mess with me!"

I was sure it had to be another special bad joke of his and that he was having his fun with me.

"How stupid," I shook my head.

I frantically tried to make myself believe that it ''was'' a joke, but I just couldn't do anything about the goosebumps I had gotten all over.

Geez, Konan remained a good-for-nothing to the bitter end. I had never met such a good-for-nothing in my entire life. There can't be many absurd people like him in the world. I figured that I may not meet someone like him again.

Therefore, it was a relatively regrettable farewell for me.

After raising my hand once, I turned around and walked towards the exit on the opposite side.

By the time I left the tunnel, my mind was occupied with only her and no one else.

<noinclude>
{{GekkouNavbar
| [[Gekkou:Volume 1 Hesitation|Hesitation]]
| [[Gekkou:Volume 1 Moonlight|Moonlight]]
}}
</noinclude>

[[Category:Gekkou]]

Talk:Campione!:Volume 5 Chapter5

2012-11-13T15:12:28Z

Mane:

After leaving JR and Ameyoko, Erica advanced towards the direction of nearby Yushima, with Godou trailing after her.
Assuming JR is some sort of train/station, I think this should be changed to "After leaving the JR at Ameyoko, Erica advanced towards the direction of nearby Yushima, with Godou trailing after her." No idea about the geography around Japan so I could be completely wrong --[[User:Drowzycow|Drowzycow]] ([[User talk:Drowzycow|talk]]) 18:45, 9 September 2012 (CDT)

JR and Ameyoko are separate items of an nonexhaustive list, but I agree it can be reworded clearer. Thanks for pointing it out. --[[User:Zzhk|Zzhk]] ([[User talk:Zzhk|talk]]) 04:37, 10 September 2012 (CDT)

===Amnesty vs Pardon===
Why "amnesty?" The usage is really odd here. It's as if practice were a punishment. In that case, wouldn't "pardon" be better?

The author deliberately used a legal term: 恩赦 (http://ja.wikipedia.org/wiki/%E6%81%A9%E8%B5%A6)
I guess it's just high school boys using hyperbole to be melodramatic.

Let's go with pardon. The online dictionaries say that it could have either definition, and pardon definitely fits better. (http://jisho.org/words?jap=%E6%81%A9%E8%B5%A6&eng=&dict=edict)

But there is no past crime nor is there punishment. It's simply a strict training schedule.
The idea here is that the players are granted a period (one day) that they will not be prosecuted for breaking the law (skipping practice).

I thought of the practice as punishment in itself (because it seems to be unpleasant), and the reprieve is the "pardon." I can see why the author might have used this vague word intentionally. At common law (note that I use "common law" from an American perspective, which means, in criminal law, the law as it was before independence from the Crown), an amnesty is obliteration of the legal remembrance of a bad act rather than simply non-prosecution. It is more expansive an act than a pardon because a pardon is merely forgiveness for some bad act; a pardon does not erase guilt (moral culpability, condemnation of the community, etc.). In this context, amnesty would imply the coach would act as though the players actually went to practice. Under pardon, the couch would excuse the player from any punishment flowing from not practicing. Pardon is more reasonable because amnesty would require the couch (like a government) to actually believe that the players (like the violator) actually went to practice (obeyed the law), thus requiring no further action (prosecution). Pardon allows, but does not require, the couch to believe that the players did not go to practice but that their absence does not require punishment even if such absence would ordinarily merit the dispensation of punishment. The lay usage of these words often depart from their legal meaning (which I summarized above).

Constitution of Japan (1947), Chapter 1 Article 7:

大赦、特赦、減刑、刑の執行の免除及び復権を認証すること。
Attestation of general and special amnesty, commutation of punishment, reprieve, and restoration of rights.

If you insist, "special amnesty" could be used to be completely specific.

I suppose I am biased due to the Chinese translation's use of 特赦 and the fact that pardon has too many general meanings.
--[[User:Zzhk|Zzhk]] ([[User talk:Zzhk|talk]]) 16:38, 12 November 2012 (CST)

The usage of legal terms may be different between the two (or is it three?) languages; I have not studied comparative international law, only American criminal law. Unless there is also erasure of the record of wrongdoing, what you cited would be called (or at least more analogous to) "pardon" in most common law jurisdictions. I think the real question here is whether the meaning is more important than the word. Most readers probably are not lawyers (it would bug us lawyers), so it's probably okay to leave it be. Only, amnesty and pardon grant reprieve from punishment for <i>past</i> acts, so that sentence should be in future tense. After all, the contemplated wrongdoing will occur in the future.
--[[User:Mane|Mane]] ([[User talk:Mane|talk]]) 08:46, 13 November 2012 (CST)

Talk:Campione!:Volume 5 Chapter5

2012-11-13T15:01:40Z

Mane:

After leaving JR and Ameyoko, Erica advanced towards the direction of nearby Yushima, with Godou trailing after her.
Assuming JR is some sort of train/station, I think this should be changed to "After leaving the JR at Ameyoko, Erica advanced towards the direction of nearby Yushima, with Godou trailing after her." No idea about the geography around Japan so I could be completely wrong --[[User:Drowzycow|Drowzycow]] ([[User talk:Drowzycow|talk]]) 18:45, 9 September 2012 (CDT)

JR and Ameyoko are separate items of an nonexhaustive list, but I agree it can be reworded clearer. Thanks for pointing it out. --[[User:Zzhk|Zzhk]] ([[User talk:Zzhk|talk]]) 04:37, 10 September 2012 (CDT)

===Amnesty vs Pardon===
Why "amnesty?" The usage is really odd here. It's as if practice were a punishment. In that case, wouldn't "pardon" be better?

The author deliberately used a legal term: 恩赦 (http://ja.wikipedia.org/wiki/%E6%81%A9%E8%B5%A6)
I guess it's just high school boys using hyperbole to be melodramatic.

Let's go with pardon. The online dictionaries say that it could have either definition, and pardon definitely fits better. (http://jisho.org/words?jap=%E6%81%A9%E8%B5%A6&eng=&dict=edict)

But there is no past crime nor is there punishment. It's simply a strict training schedule.
The idea here is that the players are granted a period (one day) that they will not be prosecuted for breaking the law (skipping practice).

I thought of the practice as punishment in itself (because it seems to be unpleasant), and the reprieve is the "pardon." I can see why the author might have used this vague word intentionally. At common law (note that I use "common law" from an American perspective, which means, in criminal law, the law as it was before independence from the Crown), an amnesty is obliteration of the legal remembrance of a bad act rather than simply non-prosecution. It is more expansive an act than a pardon because a pardon is merely forgiveness for some bad act; a pardon does not erase guilt (moral culpability, condemnation of the community, etc.). In this context, amnesty would imply the coach would act as though the players actually went to practice. Under pardon, the couch would excuse the player from any punishment flowing from not practicing. Pardon is more reasonable because amnesty would require the couch (like a government) to actually believe that the players (like the violator) actually went to practice (obeyed the law), thus requiring no further action (prosecution). Pardon allows, but does not require, the couch to believe that the players did not go to practice but that their absence does not require punishment even if such absence would ordinarily merit the dispensation of punishment. The lay usage of these words often depart from their legal meaning (which I summarized above).

Constitution of Japan (1947), Chapter 1 Article 7:

大赦、特赦、減刑、刑の執行の免除及び復権を認証すること。
Attestation of general and special amnesty, commutation of punishment, reprieve, and restoration of rights.

If you insist, "special amnesty" could be used to be completely specific.

I suppose I am biased due to the Chinese translation's use of 特赦 and the fact that pardon has too many general meanings.
--[[User:Zzhk|Zzhk]] ([[User talk:Zzhk|talk]]) 16:38, 12 November 2012 (CST)

The usage of legal terms may be different between the two (or is it three?) languages; I have not studied comparative international law, only American criminal law. Unless there is also erasure of the record of wrongdoing, what you cited would be called (or at least more analogous to) "pardon" in most common law jurisdictions. I think the real question here is whether the meaning is more important than the word. Most readers probably are not lawyers (it would bug us lawyers), so I it's probably okay to leave it be. Only: amnesty and pardon grant reprieve from punishment for <i>past</i> acts, so that sentence must be in future tense. After all, the contemplated wrongdoing will occur in the future.
--[[User:Mane|Mane]] ([[User talk:Mane|talk]]) 08:46, 13 November 2012 (CST)

Talk:Campione!:Volume 5 Chapter5

2012-11-13T14:46:26Z

Mane:

After leaving JR and Ameyoko, Erica advanced towards the direction of nearby Yushima, with Godou trailing after her.
Assuming JR is some sort of train/station, I think this should be changed to "After leaving the JR at Ameyoko, Erica advanced towards the direction of nearby Yushima, with Godou trailing after her." No idea about the geography around Japan so I could be completely wrong --[[User:Drowzycow|Drowzycow]] ([[User talk:Drowzycow|talk]]) 18:45, 9 September 2012 (CDT)

JR and Ameyoko are separate items of an nonexhaustive list, but I agree it can be reworded clearer. Thanks for pointing it out. --[[User:Zzhk|Zzhk]] ([[User talk:Zzhk|talk]]) 04:37, 10 September 2012 (CDT)

===Amnesty vs Pardon===
Why "amnesty?" The usage is really odd here. It's as if practice were a punishment. In that case, wouldn't "pardon" be better?

The author deliberately used a legal term: 恩赦 (http://ja.wikipedia.org/wiki/%E6%81%A9%E8%B5%A6)
I guess it's just high school boys using hyperbole to be melodramatic.

Let's go with pardon. The online dictionaries say that it could have either definition, and pardon definitely fits better. (http://jisho.org/words?jap=%E6%81%A9%E8%B5%A6&eng=&dict=edict)

But there is no past crime nor is there punishment. It's simply a strict training schedule.
The idea here is that the players are granted a period (one day) that they will not be prosecuted for breaking the law (skipping practice).

I thought of the practice as punishment in itself (because it seems to be unpleasant), and the reprieve is the "pardon." I can see why the author might have used this vague word intentionally. At common law (note that I use "common law" from an American perspective, which means, in criminal law, the law as it was before independence from the Crown), an amnesty is obliteration of the legal remembrance of a bad act rather than simply non-prosecution. It is more expansive an act than a pardon because a pardon is merely forgiveness for some bad act; a pardon does not erase guilt (moral culpability, condemnation of the community, etc.). In this context, amnesty would imply the coach would act as though the players actually went to practice. Under pardon, the couch would excuse the player from any punishment flowing from not practicing. Pardon is more reasonable because amnesty would require the couch (like a government) to actually believe that the players (like the violator) actually went to practice (obeyed the law), thus requiring no further action (prosecution). Pardon allows, but does not require, the couch to believe that the players did not go to practice but that their absence does not require punishment even if such absence would ordinarily merit the dispensation of punishment. The lay usage of these words often depart from their legal meaning (which I summarized above).

Constitution of Japan (1947), Chapter 1 Article 7:

大赦、特赦、減刑、刑の執行の免除及び復権を認証すること。
Attestation of general and special amnesty, commutation of punishment, reprieve, and restoration of rights.

If you insist, "special amnesty" could be used to be completely specific.

I suppose I am biased due to the Chinese translation's use of 特赦 and the fact that pardon has too many general meanings.
--[[User:Zzhk|Zzhk]] ([[User talk:Zzhk|talk]]) 16:38, 12 November 2012 (CST)

The usage of legal terms may be different between the two (or is it three?) languages; I have not studied comparative international law, only American criminal law. Unless there is also erasure of the record of wrongdoing, what you cited would be called (or at least more analogous to) "pardon" in most common law jurisdictions. I think the real question here is whether the meaning is more important than the word. Most readers probably are not lawyers (it would bug us lawyers), so I it's probably okay to leave it be. Only: amnesty and pardon grant reprieve from punishment for <i>past</i> wrongdoing, so that sentence must be in future tense. After all, the supposed wrongdoing will occur in the future.
--[[User:Mane|Mane]] ([[User talk:Mane|talk]]) 08:46, 13 November 2012 (CST)

Talk:Campione!:Volume 5 Chapter4

2012-09-22T01:04:32Z

Mane:

==Mane's Edits==
"A number of desks lined the office, which occupied an entire floor of a residential and commercial building.": I don't see the point in changing the subject of the sentence to "desks" from "office", which also creates ambiguity since your "which" after the comma can be interpreted to apply to "desks" instead of "office."

"Piled high on the desks were all sorts of computers and documents, all kinds of books (including manga) as well as an assorted array of snacks and junk food, health equipment such as pressure point massage tools, and toys targeted towards infants and older children.": clearly the writer is setting up 3 distinct categories.

"Speaking of current events": come on, you read Volume 4 which took place in the former half of summer. It is now the fall term. Events that already happened a month or two ago isn't "current" but "recent."

[http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Teaware Teaware]. If you don't accept wiki's choice of spelling it as one word, then use two.

Nations are homogeneous groups of people, so saying "people and nation" is redundant.

"To this fellow Kusanagi, divine justice must be served": note that "serve" is the verb here. Serving justice ON someone? Wrong preposition.

"Trash like you, I can easily handle three hundred.": note that the verb is "handle." Handle AGAINST? Wrong preposition.

I don't see any point in eliminating contractions from lines in the narration which are clearly interjected thoughts.

Despair is not the same as frustration.

Just out of curiosity, what do you have against expressions like "having confidence in someone", "fellow", or constructions like "that's right, ...", "you know, XXX, ...", or "could not help" + gerund?

--[[User:Zzhk|Zzhk]] ([[User talk:Zzhk|talk]]) 11:09, 21 September 2012 (CDT)

The "which..." modifier can only apply to office. If the sentence were in passive, it would apply to desk. A comma ensures the "which..." portion only applies to the last word before the comma. Generally, "which" requires a comma before it, and (correct) use of "which" without a comma generally indicates poor sentence construction. It's really another flow issue because a passive sentence is more difficult to read.

The term "current events" does not necessarily mean "news." It simply means the topic (loosely defined) everyone is discussing. I assumed that the relevant circles discussed the referenced event often, but recent would be correct if no one else is discussing the topic.

Regarding teaware, I do not consider Wikipedia a substitute for a dictionary. I prefer <dictionary.com>, but I will defer to you on this.

I use nation in its ordinary meaning, that is: "nation state," which can include ethnic minorities.

Dialogue text need not be grammatically perfect. These changes were just efforts to improve the flow of the text. Most of those are far from perfect, since the first is wrong even when using "to." The correct usage is "upon." The second sentence would be wrong regardless of the preposition because "trash" is an amorphous term that needs a unit (bags, cans, etc.) for accounting purposes. She seems to be saying "I can easily handle three hundred of you, because you're nothing more than trash in my eyes." I didn't want to make that kind of change; I didn't know what the original text said.

I thought the use of contractions would be a good signal that the text is character thought, not narration. I can't differentiate narration from character thoughts with certainty. No offense, but sometimes the narration is colloquial enough that it presents a real line drawing problem (without the italics). Please "add" the contractions back if I removed them from character thought.

The context for that portion of text does not seem to match well with "despair" or "hopelessness." He is a little too active for "despair." Despair usually deprives a person of motivation and, generally, emotion. Of course, it could just be a cultural barrier issue. I though frustration fit the context better.

The expression "have confidence in..." can also mean something along the lines of "confided in," and the common usage is "confident in." I changed "confidence" to "faith" to eliminate any potential confusion. The last few might not be wrong; I simply changed them to the more common ways of expressing the same thing. As for "could not help xyz-ing," I have never seen that particular usage before (outside of fan translation). I know what it should mean, but the usage is awkward. The common usage is "she could not help but..." (Ancillary point: gerunds ruin the flow of the text because a more concise, active usage always exists.)

The "fellows" seems to be there purely to give a sense of number (does the original text use a specifically plural form of "you?"), but it is unnecessary because "you" can be either singular or plural. We don't need to preserve the specifically plural "you" in the original text because we don't attempt to preserve the different kinds of "I" the text undoubted uses. In both instances, some meaning is lost. However, the gain in conciseness and readability, I think, is worth that loss.

I like to eliminate passive sentence. Those tend to distance the actor from his actions; they might hinder the establishment of rapport between the reader and the character.

Sometimes it's difficult to get out of the mindset I have in my day job, so I would really appreciate any feedback you can give.

On some of my edits:

1. "Just" v. "completely" slacking off: the issue is whether the web surfing activities are incidental to his intelligence gathering. If they are, then "completely" would be wrong because that word implies that Amakasu devotes a portion of his working day to non-work activities. "Just" is more vague on this distinction, and that is desirable because the subsequent dialogue does not clearly settle the matter.

2. "Sure enough" usually goes with events that occur in the present; it conveys movement in time. Erica's observation that Amakasu is observant must occur <i>before</i> she smiles. Otherwise, the smile would not be expressed. Similar, Ena's use of "sure enough" would be incorrect because she does not mean to convey that some event is occurring.

3. I interpreted "love communism" as "[verb] [noun]," so it was unintelligible to me. It was obvious to read words in their plausible meaning before making up new words. The hyphen really helps to clear out any confusion.

4. "But the first requirement is that they accept Erica's superior position." "They" should be "she" because the previous sentence refers to "some<i>one</i>" (singular, emphasis added).

--[[User:Mane|Mane]] ([[User talk:Mane|talk]]) 20:01, 21 September 2012 (CDT)

===Despair vs Frustration===
He is a little too active for "despair."

Committing suicide out of despair doesn't seem very farfetched. He sees no hope in his own future. Of course, feel free to suggest a better alternative that covers the meaning of hopelessness. --[[User:Zzhk|Zzhk]] ([[User talk:Zzhk|talk]]) 19:06, 21 September 2012 (CDT)

I see your point. Active is not the right word. It should be "affective" (yes, "a" not "e"). People who commit suicide in despair usually do not involve other people (why bother?). It just bothers me that the context implies both frustration and hopelessness...may be "frustratingly hopeless?"
--[[User:Mane|Mane]] ([[User talk:Mane|talk]]) 20:01, 21 September 2012 (CDT)

Talk:Campione!:Volume 5 Chapter4

2012-09-22T01:01:18Z

Mane:

==Mane's Edits==
"A number of desks lined the office, which occupied an entire floor of a residential and commercial building.": I don't see the point in changing the subject of the sentence to "desks" from "office", which also creates ambiguity since your "which" after the comma can be interpreted to apply to "desks" instead of "office."

"Piled high on the desks were all sorts of computers and documents, all kinds of books (including manga) as well as an assorted array of snacks and junk food, health equipment such as pressure point massage tools, and toys targeted towards infants and older children.": clearly the writer is setting up 3 distinct categories.

"Speaking of current events": come on, you read Volume 4 which took place in the former half of summer. It is now the fall term. Events that already happened a month or two ago isn't "current" but "recent."

[http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Teaware Teaware]. If you don't accept wiki's choice of spelling it as one word, then use two.

Nations are homogeneous groups of people, so saying "people and nation" is redundant.

"To this fellow Kusanagi, divine justice must be served": note that "serve" is the verb here. Serving justice ON someone? Wrong preposition.

"Trash like you, I can easily handle three hundred.": note that the verb is "handle." Handle AGAINST? Wrong preposition.

I don't see any point in eliminating contractions from lines in the narration which are clearly interjected thoughts.

Despair is not the same as frustration.

Just out of curiosity, what do you have against expressions like "having confidence in someone", "fellow", or constructions like "that's right, ...", "you know, XXX, ...", or "could not help" + gerund?

--[[User:Zzhk|Zzhk]] ([[User talk:Zzhk|talk]]) 11:09, 21 September 2012 (CDT)

The "which..." modifier can only apply to office. If the sentence were in passive, it would apply to desk. A comma ensures the "which..." portion only applies to the last word before the comma. Generally, "which" requires a comma before it, and (correct) use of "which" without a comma generally indicates poor sentence construction. It's really another flow issue because a passive sentence is more difficult to read.

The term "current events" does not necessarily mean "news." It simply means the topic (loosely defined) everyone is discussing. I assumed that the relevant circles discussed the referenced event often, but recent would be correct if no one else is discussing the topic.

Regarding teaware, I do not consider Wikipedia a substitute for a dictionary. I prefer <dictionary.com>, but I will defer to you on this.

I use nation in its ordinary meaning, that is: "nation state," which can include ethnic minorities.

Dialogue text need not be grammatically perfect. These changes were just efforts to improve the flow of the text. Most of those are far from perfect, since the first is wrong even when using "to." The correct usage is "upon." The second sentence would be wrong regardless of the preposition because "trash" is an amorphous term that needs a unit (bags, cans, etc.) for accounting purposes. She seems to be saying "I can easily handle three hundred of you, because you're nothing more than trash in my eyes." I didn't want to make that kind of change; I didn't know what the original text said.

I thought the use of contractions would be a good signal that the text is character thought, not narration. I can't differentiate narration from character thoughts with certainty. No offense, but sometimes the narration is colloquial enough that it presents a real line drawing problem (without the italics). Please "add" the contractions back if I removed them from character thought.

The context for that portion of text does not seem to match well with "despair" or "hopelessness." He is a little too active for "despair." Despair usually deprives a person of motivation and, generally, emotion. Of course, it could just be a cultural barrier issue. I though frustration fit the context better.

The expression "have confidence in..." can also mean something along the lines of "confided in," and the common usage is "confident in." I changed "confidence" to "faith" to eliminate any potential confusion. The last few might not be wrong; I simply changed them to the more common ways of expressing the same thing. As for "could not help xyz-ing," I have never seen that particular usage before (outside of fan translation). I know what it should mean, but the usage is awkward. The common usage is "she could not help but..." (Ancillary point: gerunds ruin the flow of the text because a more concise, active usage always exists.)

The "fellows" seems to be there purely to give a sense of number (does the original text use a specifically plural form of "you?"), but it is unnecessary because "you" can be either singular or plural. We don't need to preserve the specifically plural "you" in the original text because we don't attempt to preserve the different kinds of "I" the text undoubted uses. In both instances, some meaning is lost. However, the gain in conciseness and readability, I think, is worth that loss.

I like to eliminate passive sentence. Those tend to distance the actor from his actions; they might hinder the establishment of rapport between the reader and the character.

Sometimes it's difficult to get out of the mindset I have in my day job, so I would really appreciate any feedback you can give.

On some of my edits:
1. "Just" v. "completely" slacking off: the issue is whether the web surfing activities are incidental to his intelligence gathering. If they are, then "completely" would be wrong because that word implies that Amakasu devotes a portion of his working day to non-work activities. "Just" is more vague on this distinction, and that is desirable because the subsequent dialogue does not clearly settle the matter.
2. "Sure enough" usually goes with events that occur in the present; it conveys movement in time. Erica's observation that Amakasu is observant must occur <i>before</i> she smiles. Otherwise, the smile would not be expressed. Similar, Ena's use of "sure enough" would be incorrect because she does not mean to convey that some event is occurring.
3. I interpreted "love communism" as "[verb] [noun]," so it was unintelligible to me. It was obvious to read words in their plausible meaning before making up new words. The hyphen really helps to clear out any confusion.
4. "But the first requirement is that they accept Erica's superior position." "They" should be "she" because the previous sentence refers to "some<i>one</i>" (singular, emphasis added).

--[[User:Mane|Mane]] ([[User talk:Mane|talk]]) 20:01, 21 September 2012 (CDT)

===Despair vs Frustration===
He is a little too active for "despair."

Committing suicide out of despair doesn't seem very farfetched. He sees no hope in his own future. Of course, feel free to suggest a better alternative that covers the meaning of hopelessness. --[[User:Zzhk|Zzhk]] ([[User talk:Zzhk|talk]]) 19:06, 21 September 2012 (CDT)

I see your point. Active is not the right word. It should be "affective" (yes, "a" not "e"). People who commit suicide in despair usually do not involve other people (why bother?). It just bothers me that the context implies both frustration and hopelessness...may be "frustratingly hopeless?"
--[[User:Mane|Mane]] ([[User talk:Mane|talk]]) 20:01, 21 September 2012 (CDT)

Talk:Campione!:Volume 5 Chapter4

2012-09-21T23:14:28Z

Mane:

Talk:Campione!:Volume 5 Chapter4

2012-09-21T23:09:56Z

Mane:

Talk:Campione!:Volume 5 Chapter3

2012-09-18T14:05:54Z

Mane:

===To Mane:===

Thank you for your efforts in editing. I like the way you prioritize conciseness.

Comments:

Try not to alter styles of speech. If Ena likes to call Yuri "that child," you don't have to change it to "girl."

Furthermore, semicolons are cool and all, but they seem a bit out of place in spoken dialogue. Especially someone unsophisticated like Ena. In fact, it would not be wrong to leave some errors and awkwardness in Ena's speech to reflect the rhythm and strangeness of her speech.

If you feel strongly against "Don't worry, ..." constructions (i.e. the use of a comma after "worry"), I'd prefer if you use a fullstop instead of a semicolon.

Try not to eliminate or alter similes and metaphors unless they really don't work in English. I may not like Godou comparing Erica's breasts to cantaloupes or rubber balls, but I keep them anyway because the author wrote them. (Not that you changed these in particular, those two are just examples of descriptions that clearly could be improved.)

curtain of hair: I have to reject this... The word curtain conjures images of hair draped over the face in the manner of Sadako (The Ring).

If you don't know the specifics of the tea ceremony, don't go changing utensil or container into cup. It's more of a bowl, but I don't see a need to change the author's wording.

Italicizing thoughts. I'm going to veto this on my own translations unless Kadi mandates the practice across the board. Since Campione is written using third person limited narration, it is always clear from the beginning of a scene which character is the focus and whose thoughts are interjected from time to time. Sometimes it's obvious (especially emotional outbursts), but these thoughts are not identified in any special way in the original text. I'd rather give readers the credit of deciding for themselves which are thoughts and which is narration from the perspective of the same character anyway. Furthermore, the distinction can be ambiguous when the focus character is not involved in the sentence. And then you have characters like Ena who randomly refers to herself in the third person. Hence, I'd say keep it the same as the other narration, just like the way it is in the original text.

I'm not sure, but are you actually putting back in the doublespaces separating sentences? I know there are editors who change doublespaces to single (because it has no effect on HTML) so it's best to avoid this type of back and forth editing.

-[[User:Zzhk|Zzhk]] ([[User talk:Zzhk|talk]]) 08:36, 18 September 2012 (CDT)

Got it. I wasn't sure how far I can take some things, so it's great that you've set some boundaries. MS word on my pc is set to flag single spaces after sentences. This has more to do with style rules at my workplace, so feel free to change those back. The cup thing confused me because the next few sentences kept swapping between (not obviously synonymous) nouns when describing the same object. I felt consistency was needed to avoid confusion, so I went with one of the nouns. I didn't know if the italics were in or out. Since past chapters had italics, I tried to conform to that for consistency's sake. I used semicolons to avoid changing the sentence structure where their absence would create sentence fragments.--[[User:Mane|Mane]] ([[User talk:Mane|talk]]) 09:05, 18 September 2012 (CDT)

User talk:Zzhk

2012-09-10T12:13:03Z

Mane:

==Feedback==

===General===
Hey zzhk! Really wanted to thank you for the Campione! translations and the DxD summaries. Keep it up and have fun! [[User:Kira0802|Kira]] ([[User_talk:Kira0802|Talk]]) 05:24, 19 April 2012 (CDT)

Yo Zzhk thank for translating Highschool DxD and Campione!, hopefully after completing of vol6 of Campione! you would do vols 3 and 4 :)

===Campione!===

Thanks a lot for translating ''Campione!''. It's a very interesting series and I have a lot of fun reading it. --[[User:MaerisCrisis|MaerisCrisis]] 10:10, 30 April 2012 (CDT)

Good job on volume 2, hope to be able to cooperate with you on more volumes haha, anyway your english is good, as far as i can tell there is little for us editors to fix.[[User:Fallen3dge|Fallen3dge]] 19:36, 2 May 2012 (CDT)

Hi! I really enjoy Campione. Thank you for the fast translation! [[User:Xenocross|Xenocross]] 20:52, 2 May 2012 (CDT)
Hey there i '''Zzhk''' was just wondering if you could give me a summary on the series and if its anything similar to "High School DxD"? --[[User:Angels Requiem|Angels Requiem]] 15:45, 3 May 2012 (CDT)

Well, it's a harem-like story with a mixed mythological setting plus a protagonist who isn't useless. There is an overview on the main page, and I suggest just reading the first two translated volumes to see if you like the feel. --[[User:Zzhk|Zzhk]] 21:48, 3 May 2012 (CDT)

Thank you for your efforts on translating Campione.. I really enjoy it... :)

Thanks for the hard work on Campione! Any chance of vol 6? :P [[Special:Contributions/218.186.17.241|218.186.17.241]] 22:29, 12 May 2012 (CDT)

Eventually, probably... --[[User:Zzhk|Zzhk]] 21:17, 13 May 2012 (CDT)

+1 to the list of people who appreciate your work. Thanks for the efforts. --[[User:Lighthalzen|Lighthalzen]] 03:27, 28 June 2012 (CDT)

Awesome man! I hope you do Volume 6 too. Thanks for the hard work!

Thank you again for your translations on Campione. Any chance on going back and doing the missing parts for Vol 4?.. thanks

Well, Volume 4 is already summarized on jCafe by Kadi so it's not really a priority. I'd be more inclined to do 6 and 7 first. --[[User:Zzhk|Zzhk]] 09:30, 2 July 2012 (CDT)

Wow thanks for Raptor form speed in translating volume 5. And I'm happy that you register vol6. [[User:Xenocross|Xenocross]] 09:42, 2 July 2012 (CDT)

Thank you for your speed translations on Campione!. I hope you will keep translating it ^^--[[User:LSwRl|LSwRl]] 16:56, 23 July 2012 (CDT)

THANKS A LOOOOT You are my hero! You, [8th King]-sama !!! PLease finish this 4 ASAP, then please do Vol 6 like blitzkrieg wirting!! I am deeply attached for these series! [[User:Sylkud]] 12:13, 25 Jul

vol.4 is being translated by florza. And, don't rush the translator. --[[User:Rock96|Rock96]] 11:54, 25 July 2012 (CDT)

Thank you very much for translations I really enjoy them KEEP UP THE GOOD WORK

Hi zzhk! Thank you for your Campione translations. Thanks for your hard work! I made an account just to say, thanks. Also, Great job on v7 ch 5 part 4. Your translations make my day. Mokata

Zzhk! Amazing job! Question/comment - In V7C6 Part 3, there's two things that are confusing: 1) "Then Godou proceeded to compose spell words caused strong wind to blow. The destructive gales pinned down the giant monkeys, immobilizing them." -> Is it Godou or is it Ena that is doing that? Godou at this point already appears to be using 2 incarnations and is also using some wind spell? and 2) This and the very next section also mentions 6 giant monkeys they are also fighting.. but there has been no mention of Sun Wukong summoning any monkeys at all at this point - 10:24, 7 September, 2012 (EST) Wilhelmson

On further inspection, there was a typo: mismatched comment tags which hid away a fair chunk of text. It should make a lot more sense now. Thanks for pointing it out! --[[User:Zzhk|Zzhk]] ([[User talk:Zzhk#top|talk]]) 09:51, 7 September 2012 (CDT)

===High School DxD===
r u still translating hs dxd?

Yes, as stated [[User:Zzhk|on the user page]], I am currently working on Volume 9. --[[User:Zzhk|Zzhk]] 21:15, 13 May 2012 (CDT)

I wanna know if you´ll continue with volume 9????

Life.1 is done --[[User:Zzhk|Zzhk]] 08:29, 2 July 2012 (CDT)

You absolutely rule man. Thanx for Vol 9 XD

==Editing==

===Rollback===

Sorry, was an accident. Probably clicked on the wrong place with my iPod touch at some moment. [[User:Kira0802|Kira]] ([[User_talk:Kira0802|Talk]]) 10:58, 2 July 2012 (CDT)

No worries. It was too strange not to have been an accident. --[[User:Zzhk|Zzhk]] 11:10, 2 July 2012 (CDT)

===Campione===

Hi, sorry about the edit for "just deserts" :p, I would like to express my thanks for your efforts to translate Campione. I wish you all the best in your future efforts at translating and of course, other stuff XD.

Don't worry about it, it's just that if more than one person was confused enough to edit it, there must have been many more who just didn't act on it. --[[User:Zzhk|Zzhk]] 17:33, 10 May 2012 (CDT)

I changed the 'impotence' in 'Anger at the circumstances taking her away from him, and anger at his own impotence.' from volume 5, chapter 6 to 'incompetence', just an fyi in case it was a TL error. --[[User:Florza|Florza]]

It's fine, I saw it already, no objections. Impotence, incompetence, inability to do anything, powerlessness, it's all the same to me. --[[User:Zzhk|Zzhk]] 01:50, 4 August 2012 (CDT)

To most people it has a very different meaning though :P Also, '"Don't be bound by hierarchy, and devote myself to onii-sama... Yes, that's idea."' from Volume 6 Chapter 4, is it meant to be 'idea'? -- [[User:Florza|Florza]]

haha, you mean the sexual connotation? Anyway, would you prefer concept or principle instead of idea? --[[User:Zzhk|Zzhk]] 22:24, 4 August 2012 (CDT)

Yeah. I reread it once or twice thinking, 'wtf? why is Godou worried about his ED at this time? does he have ED?'. But about the 'idea' thing, I think it's a grammar thing. 'that's' doesn't go with 'idea' at least for normal speech. not sure about the original meaning though. -- [[User:Florza|Florza]]

Actually, looking more closely, I see what's missing, it's just a typo. It should be "that's ''the'' idea." --[[User:Zzhk|Zzhk]] 00:17, 5 August 2012 (CDT)

Hi there. While editing I am having some confusion regarding what to keep in caps and all. For example: "king", "lord", "god", "cult lord" and such. I believe that since all of them represents some position in this world's society they should be in caps. Just as same to ours "President/Prime Minister/Minister" and such. Please suggest further on this matter. --[[User:Chancs|Chancs]] ([[User talk:Chancs|talk]]) 16:52, 11 August 2012 (CDT)

They should be in lower case when used as a noun, capitalized when used as a term of address. Lord and God are only capitalized for God from the Bible, so there is no need to capitalize phrases like "my lord" or "abc is a god" though "Lord XYZ" would need to be capitalized since it's a term of address. Similarly, king should only be capitalized when it is a specific title, such as "King Kusanagi." Stuff like "as a king you should blah blah blah..." or "the king jumped up and down" should not be capitalized. It does get a bit subtle with statements like "George V is one of the kings of Britain" where "kings" is being used as a general noun, versus "George V is King of Britain" where "King of Britain" is a specific title. As for "cult leader," it would follow the same pattern as for "king" though I wouldn't be opposed to capitalizing all intances of it since it's not that usual a term. --[[User:Zzhk|Zzhk]] ([[User talk:Zzhk#top|talk]]) 19:28, 11 August 2012 (CDT)

Actually that was me who edited the terminology page. The furigana is indeed Ocelot for 'Jaguar'. - [[User:Florza|Florza]]

Which volume did you see it? Volume 6 Page 42 is unambiguously ジャガー -[[User:Zzhk|Zzhk]] ([[User talk:Zzhk#top|talk]]) 06:10, 1 September 2012 (CDT)

V7 Page 163. - [[User:Florza|Florza]]

Ah, so it's the author who changed his mind. Anyway, I'll bring it up in the Terminology thread. --[[User:Zzhk|Zzhk]] ([[User talk:Zzhk#top|talk]]) 06:32, 1 September 2012 (CDT)

Sorry. Was not knowing about the original texts. But how to know that those were the original thoughts? I simply took those as a remark on Erica's strength. --[[User:Chancs|Chancs]] ([[User talk:Chancs|talk]]) 02:43, 4 September 2012 (CDT)

Florza uses italics, but I find it unnecessary... After all, there is no such formatting in the original text, and certain lines can be interpreted as either thoughts or third person narration because there is no explicit subject. Unless you have doubts about a translator's ability to use English pronouns properly, I'd suggest refraining from making these sorts of changes directly, and raise the issue on Talk pages instead. --[[User:Zzhk|Zzhk]] ([[User talk:Zzhk#top|talk]]) 02:54, 4 September 2012 (CDT)

Spirit body is correct for that kanji. However, naming issues arise when connected with other kanji. - [[User:Florza|Florza]]

Well, it's not like the combination arose by coincidence. It's highly unsatisfactory for the translation to change completely when the subject is still the same thing. Could you elaborate on what you consider to be naming issues? --[[User:Zzhk|Zzhk]] ([[User talk:Zzhk#top|talk]]) 23:35, 6 September 2012 (CDT)

I'm sure that if you found 'God and Godslayer' to be awkward, 'spirit power of spirit body separation' would seem pretty awkward as well, right? Wait, has the term been translated in previous volumes yet? - [[User:Florza|Florza]]

Where does that phrase occur? In that particular case, it could be simplified to "power of spirit body separation" without much loss in meaning. "Spirit body" and its separation and detachment already appeared in Volume 6 with Princess Alice's introduction. Personally, I don't think they're actual terms per se since detachment and separation seem to be used as synonyms for the same phenomenon. --[[User:Zzhk|Zzhk]] ([[User talk:Zzhk#top|talk]]) 00:18, 7 September 2012 (CDT)

Think I'll go with the horizontal stare decisis here for now. Although, as 幽体分離 and other 4 character kanjis are usually move names (Even without brackets), I feel that 'spirit body separation' is somewhat lacking. - [[User:Florza|Florza]]

Sorry, didn't know if those tense change would significantly alter the meaning. Since everything was in past tense, I couldn't tell from just reading the order of occurrence for some of the events.--[[User:Mane|Mane]] ([[User talk:Mane|talk]]) 10:41, 8 September 2012 (CDT)

I got permission to change the text aside from the tenses. Can I reverse your undo so I can change the tense back to past tense? I don't have a copy of my past changes to work with.--[[User:Mane|Mane]] ([[User talk:Mane|talk]]) 11:27, 8 September 2012 (CDT)

[http://www.baka-tsuki.org/project/index.php?title=Campione!%3AVolume_5_Prologue&diff=186740&oldid=174273 Here] are all your changes, highlighted. --[[User:Zzhk|Zzhk]] ([[User talk:Zzhk#top|talk]]) 12:02, 8 September 2012 (CDT)

I make my ePUBs manually; the use of <nowiki><b></nowiki> rather than triple apostrophes makes it easier (for me, and maybe others) to convert the text into html/xhtml. The same would be true of double apostrophes and the <nowiki><i></nowiki> tag. I've made the mistake of equating double apostrophes with quotation marks (and then replacing all of them). I have a question about line 65 in volume 5 chapter 2. There is a line break between two sentences that appears to be spoken by the same character, and there is no quotation marks around the second "part." Could you check if there is a typo in that line?--[[User:Mane|Mane]] ([[User talk:Mane|talk]]) 07:07, 10 September 2012 (CDT)

===High School DxD===
I've posted a suggestion, not sure if you've seen it. [[Talk:High School DxD:Volume 9 Life 4|Talk Page]] --[[User:KuroiHikari|KuroiHikari]] ([[User_talk:KuroiHikari|Talk]] | ) 21:23, 22 August 2012 (CDT)

Thanks for the input. Yeah, I've read it but I think the entire paragraph needs to be restructured to make the meaning clearer. I'll think about it later. Of course, anyone is free to provide suggestions in the mean time. --[[User:Zzhk|Zzhk]] ([[User talk:Zzhk#top|talk]]) 05:14, 23 August 2012 (CDT)

User talk:Zzhk

2012-09-10T12:08:28Z

Mane:

==Feedback==

===General===
Hey zzhk! Really wanted to thank you for the Campione! translations and the DxD summaries. Keep it up and have fun! [[User:Kira0802|Kira]] ([[User_talk:Kira0802|Talk]]) 05:24, 19 April 2012 (CDT)

Yo Zzhk thank for translating Highschool DxD and Campione!, hopefully after completing of vol6 of Campione! you would do vols 3 and 4 :)

===Campione!===

Thanks a lot for translating ''Campione!''. It's a very interesting series and I have a lot of fun reading it. --[[User:MaerisCrisis|MaerisCrisis]] 10:10, 30 April 2012 (CDT)

Good job on volume 2, hope to be able to cooperate with you on more volumes haha, anyway your english is good, as far as i can tell there is little for us editors to fix.[[User:Fallen3dge|Fallen3dge]] 19:36, 2 May 2012 (CDT)

Hi! I really enjoy Campione. Thank you for the fast translation! [[User:Xenocross|Xenocross]] 20:52, 2 May 2012 (CDT)
Hey there i '''Zzhk''' was just wondering if you could give me a summary on the series and if its anything similar to "High School DxD"? --[[User:Angels Requiem|Angels Requiem]] 15:45, 3 May 2012 (CDT)

Well, it's a harem-like story with a mixed mythological setting plus a protagonist who isn't useless. There is an overview on the main page, and I suggest just reading the first two translated volumes to see if you like the feel. --[[User:Zzhk|Zzhk]] 21:48, 3 May 2012 (CDT)

Thank you for your efforts on translating Campione.. I really enjoy it... :)

Thanks for the hard work on Campione! Any chance of vol 6? :P [[Special:Contributions/218.186.17.241|218.186.17.241]] 22:29, 12 May 2012 (CDT)

Eventually, probably... --[[User:Zzhk|Zzhk]] 21:17, 13 May 2012 (CDT)

+1 to the list of people who appreciate your work. Thanks for the efforts. --[[User:Lighthalzen|Lighthalzen]] 03:27, 28 June 2012 (CDT)

Awesome man! I hope you do Volume 6 too. Thanks for the hard work!

Thank you again for your translations on Campione. Any chance on going back and doing the missing parts for Vol 4?.. thanks

Well, Volume 4 is already summarized on jCafe by Kadi so it's not really a priority. I'd be more inclined to do 6 and 7 first. --[[User:Zzhk|Zzhk]] 09:30, 2 July 2012 (CDT)

Wow thanks for Raptor form speed in translating volume 5. And I'm happy that you register vol6. [[User:Xenocross|Xenocross]] 09:42, 2 July 2012 (CDT)

Thank you for your speed translations on Campione!. I hope you will keep translating it ^^--[[User:LSwRl|LSwRl]] 16:56, 23 July 2012 (CDT)

THANKS A LOOOOT You are my hero! You, [8th King]-sama !!! PLease finish this 4 ASAP, then please do Vol 6 like blitzkrieg wirting!! I am deeply attached for these series! [[User:Sylkud]] 12:13, 25 Jul

vol.4 is being translated by florza. And, don't rush the translator. --[[User:Rock96|Rock96]] 11:54, 25 July 2012 (CDT)

Thank you very much for translations I really enjoy them KEEP UP THE GOOD WORK

Hi zzhk! Thank you for your Campione translations. Thanks for your hard work! I made an account just to say, thanks. Also, Great job on v7 ch 5 part 4. Your translations make my day. Mokata

Zzhk! Amazing job! Question/comment - In V7C6 Part 3, there's two things that are confusing: 1) "Then Godou proceeded to compose spell words caused strong wind to blow. The destructive gales pinned down the giant monkeys, immobilizing them." -> Is it Godou or is it Ena that is doing that? Godou at this point already appears to be using 2 incarnations and is also using some wind spell? and 2) This and the very next section also mentions 6 giant monkeys they are also fighting.. but there has been no mention of Sun Wukong summoning any monkeys at all at this point - 10:24, 7 September, 2012 (EST) Wilhelmson

On further inspection, there was a typo: mismatched comment tags which hid away a fair chunk of text. It should make a lot more sense now. Thanks for pointing it out! --[[User:Zzhk|Zzhk]] ([[User talk:Zzhk#top|talk]]) 09:51, 7 September 2012 (CDT)

===High School DxD===
r u still translating hs dxd?

Yes, as stated [[User:Zzhk|on the user page]], I am currently working on Volume 9. --[[User:Zzhk|Zzhk]] 21:15, 13 May 2012 (CDT)

I wanna know if you´ll continue with volume 9????

Life.1 is done --[[User:Zzhk|Zzhk]] 08:29, 2 July 2012 (CDT)

You absolutely rule man. Thanx for Vol 9 XD

==Editing==

===Rollback===

Sorry, was an accident. Probably clicked on the wrong place with my iPod touch at some moment. [[User:Kira0802|Kira]] ([[User_talk:Kira0802|Talk]]) 10:58, 2 July 2012 (CDT)

No worries. It was too strange not to have been an accident. --[[User:Zzhk|Zzhk]] 11:10, 2 July 2012 (CDT)

===Campione===

Hi, sorry about the edit for "just deserts" :p, I would like to express my thanks for your efforts to translate Campione. I wish you all the best in your future efforts at translating and of course, other stuff XD.

Don't worry about it, it's just that if more than one person was confused enough to edit it, there must have been many more who just didn't act on it. --[[User:Zzhk|Zzhk]] 17:33, 10 May 2012 (CDT)

I changed the 'impotence' in 'Anger at the circumstances taking her away from him, and anger at his own impotence.' from volume 5, chapter 6 to 'incompetence', just an fyi in case it was a TL error. --[[User:Florza|Florza]]

It's fine, I saw it already, no objections. Impotence, incompetence, inability to do anything, powerlessness, it's all the same to me. --[[User:Zzhk|Zzhk]] 01:50, 4 August 2012 (CDT)

To most people it has a very different meaning though :P Also, '"Don't be bound by hierarchy, and devote myself to onii-sama... Yes, that's idea."' from Volume 6 Chapter 4, is it meant to be 'idea'? -- [[User:Florza|Florza]]

haha, you mean the sexual connotation? Anyway, would you prefer concept or principle instead of idea? --[[User:Zzhk|Zzhk]] 22:24, 4 August 2012 (CDT)

Yeah. I reread it once or twice thinking, 'wtf? why is Godou worried about his ED at this time? does he have ED?'. But about the 'idea' thing, I think it's a grammar thing. 'that's' doesn't go with 'idea' at least for normal speech. not sure about the original meaning though. -- [[User:Florza|Florza]]

Actually, looking more closely, I see what's missing, it's just a typo. It should be "that's ''the'' idea." --[[User:Zzhk|Zzhk]] 00:17, 5 August 2012 (CDT)

Hi there. While editing I am having some confusion regarding what to keep in caps and all. For example: "king", "lord", "god", "cult lord" and such. I believe that since all of them represents some position in this world's society they should be in caps. Just as same to ours "President/Prime Minister/Minister" and such. Please suggest further on this matter. --[[User:Chancs|Chancs]] ([[User talk:Chancs|talk]]) 16:52, 11 August 2012 (CDT)

They should be in lower case when used as a noun, capitalized when used as a term of address. Lord and God are only capitalized for God from the Bible, so there is no need to capitalize phrases like "my lord" or "abc is a god" though "Lord XYZ" would need to be capitalized since it's a term of address. Similarly, king should only be capitalized when it is a specific title, such as "King Kusanagi." Stuff like "as a king you should blah blah blah..." or "the king jumped up and down" should not be capitalized. It does get a bit subtle with statements like "George V is one of the kings of Britain" where "kings" is being used as a general noun, versus "George V is King of Britain" where "King of Britain" is a specific title. As for "cult leader," it would follow the same pattern as for "king" though I wouldn't be opposed to capitalizing all intances of it since it's not that usual a term. --[[User:Zzhk|Zzhk]] ([[User talk:Zzhk#top|talk]]) 19:28, 11 August 2012 (CDT)

Actually that was me who edited the terminology page. The furigana is indeed Ocelot for 'Jaguar'. - [[User:Florza|Florza]]

Which volume did you see it? Volume 6 Page 42 is unambiguously ジャガー -[[User:Zzhk|Zzhk]] ([[User talk:Zzhk#top|talk]]) 06:10, 1 September 2012 (CDT)

V7 Page 163. - [[User:Florza|Florza]]

Ah, so it's the author who changed his mind. Anyway, I'll bring it up in the Terminology thread. --[[User:Zzhk|Zzhk]] ([[User talk:Zzhk#top|talk]]) 06:32, 1 September 2012 (CDT)

Sorry. Was not knowing about the original texts. But how to know that those were the original thoughts? I simply took those as a remark on Erica's strength. --[[User:Chancs|Chancs]] ([[User talk:Chancs|talk]]) 02:43, 4 September 2012 (CDT)

Florza uses italics, but I find it unnecessary... After all, there is no such formatting in the original text, and certain lines can be interpreted as either thoughts or third person narration because there is no explicit subject. Unless you have doubts about a translator's ability to use English pronouns properly, I'd suggest refraining from making these sorts of changes directly, and raise the issue on Talk pages instead. --[[User:Zzhk|Zzhk]] ([[User talk:Zzhk#top|talk]]) 02:54, 4 September 2012 (CDT)

Spirit body is correct for that kanji. However, naming issues arise when connected with other kanji. - [[User:Florza|Florza]]

Well, it's not like the combination arose by coincidence. It's highly unsatisfactory for the translation to change completely when the subject is still the same thing. Could you elaborate on what you consider to be naming issues? --[[User:Zzhk|Zzhk]] ([[User talk:Zzhk#top|talk]]) 23:35, 6 September 2012 (CDT)

I'm sure that if you found 'God and Godslayer' to be awkward, 'spirit power of spirit body separation' would seem pretty awkward as well, right? Wait, has the term been translated in previous volumes yet? - [[User:Florza|Florza]]

Where does that phrase occur? In that particular case, it could be simplified to "power of spirit body separation" without much loss in meaning. "Spirit body" and its separation and detachment already appeared in Volume 6 with Princess Alice's introduction. Personally, I don't think they're actual terms per se since detachment and separation seem to be used as synonyms for the same phenomenon. --[[User:Zzhk|Zzhk]] ([[User talk:Zzhk#top|talk]]) 00:18, 7 September 2012 (CDT)

Think I'll go with the horizontal stare decisis here for now. Although, as 幽体分離 and other 4 character kanjis are usually move names (Even without brackets), I feel that 'spirit body separation' is somewhat lacking. - [[User:Florza|Florza]]

Sorry, didn't know if those tense change would significantly alter the meaning. Since everything was in past tense, I couldn't tell from just reading the order of occurrence for some of the events.--[[User:Mane|Mane]] ([[User talk:Mane|talk]]) 10:41, 8 September 2012 (CDT)

I got permission to change the text aside from the tenses. Can I reverse your undo so I can change the tense back to past tense? I don't have a copy of my past changes to work with.--[[User:Mane|Mane]] ([[User talk:Mane|talk]]) 11:27, 8 September 2012 (CDT)

[http://www.baka-tsuki.org/project/index.php?title=Campione!%3AVolume_5_Prologue&diff=186740&oldid=174273 Here] are all your changes, highlighted. --[[User:Zzhk|Zzhk]] ([[User talk:Zzhk#top|talk]]) 12:02, 8 September 2012 (CDT)

I make my ePUBs manually; the use of <nowiki><b></nowiki> rather than triple apostrophes makes it easier (for me, and maybe others) to convert the text into html/xhtml. The same would be true of double apostrophes and the <nowiki><i></nowiki> tag. I've made the mistake of equating double apostrophes with quotation marks (and then replacing all of them).--[[User:Mane|Mane]] ([[User talk:Mane|talk]]) 07:07, 10 September 2012 (CDT)

===High School DxD===
I've posted a suggestion, not sure if you've seen it. [[Talk:High School DxD:Volume 9 Life 4|Talk Page]] --[[User:KuroiHikari|KuroiHikari]] ([[User_talk:KuroiHikari|Talk]] | ) 21:23, 22 August 2012 (CDT)

Thanks for the input. Yeah, I've read it but I think the entire paragraph needs to be restructured to make the meaning clearer. I'll think about it later. Of course, anyone is free to provide suggestions in the mean time. --[[User:Zzhk|Zzhk]] ([[User talk:Zzhk#top|talk]]) 05:14, 23 August 2012 (CDT)

User talk:Zzhk

2012-09-10T12:07:19Z

Mane:

==Feedback==

===General===
Hey zzhk! Really wanted to thank you for the Campione! translations and the DxD summaries. Keep it up and have fun! [[User:Kira0802|Kira]] ([[User_talk:Kira0802|Talk]]) 05:24, 19 April 2012 (CDT)

Yo Zzhk thank for translating Highschool DxD and Campione!, hopefully after completing of vol6 of Campione! you would do vols 3 and 4 :)

===Campione!===

Thanks a lot for translating ''Campione!''. It's a very interesting series and I have a lot of fun reading it. --[[User:MaerisCrisis|MaerisCrisis]] 10:10, 30 April 2012 (CDT)

Good job on volume 2, hope to be able to cooperate with you on more volumes haha, anyway your english is good, as far as i can tell there is little for us editors to fix.[[User:Fallen3dge|Fallen3dge]] 19:36, 2 May 2012 (CDT)

Hi! I really enjoy Campione. Thank you for the fast translation! [[User:Xenocross|Xenocross]] 20:52, 2 May 2012 (CDT)
Hey there i '''Zzhk''' was just wondering if you could give me a summary on the series and if its anything similar to "High School DxD"? --[[User:Angels Requiem|Angels Requiem]] 15:45, 3 May 2012 (CDT)

Well, it's a harem-like story with a mixed mythological setting plus a protagonist who isn't useless. There is an overview on the main page, and I suggest just reading the first two translated volumes to see if you like the feel. --[[User:Zzhk|Zzhk]] 21:48, 3 May 2012 (CDT)

Thank you for your efforts on translating Campione.. I really enjoy it... :)

Thanks for the hard work on Campione! Any chance of vol 6? :P [[Special:Contributions/218.186.17.241|218.186.17.241]] 22:29, 12 May 2012 (CDT)

Eventually, probably... --[[User:Zzhk|Zzhk]] 21:17, 13 May 2012 (CDT)

+1 to the list of people who appreciate your work. Thanks for the efforts. --[[User:Lighthalzen|Lighthalzen]] 03:27, 28 June 2012 (CDT)

Awesome man! I hope you do Volume 6 too. Thanks for the hard work!

Thank you again for your translations on Campione. Any chance on going back and doing the missing parts for Vol 4?.. thanks

Well, Volume 4 is already summarized on jCafe by Kadi so it's not really a priority. I'd be more inclined to do 6 and 7 first. --[[User:Zzhk|Zzhk]] 09:30, 2 July 2012 (CDT)

Wow thanks for Raptor form speed in translating volume 5. And I'm happy that you register vol6. [[User:Xenocross|Xenocross]] 09:42, 2 July 2012 (CDT)

Thank you for your speed translations on Campione!. I hope you will keep translating it ^^--[[User:LSwRl|LSwRl]] 16:56, 23 July 2012 (CDT)

THANKS A LOOOOT You are my hero! You, [8th King]-sama !!! PLease finish this 4 ASAP, then please do Vol 6 like blitzkrieg wirting!! I am deeply attached for these series! [[User:Sylkud]] 12:13, 25 Jul

vol.4 is being translated by florza. And, don't rush the translator. --[[User:Rock96|Rock96]] 11:54, 25 July 2012 (CDT)

Thank you very much for translations I really enjoy them KEEP UP THE GOOD WORK

Hi zzhk! Thank you for your Campione translations. Thanks for your hard work! I made an account just to say, thanks. Also, Great job on v7 ch 5 part 4. Your translations make my day. Mokata

Zzhk! Amazing job! Question/comment - In V7C6 Part 3, there's two things that are confusing: 1) "Then Godou proceeded to compose spell words caused strong wind to blow. The destructive gales pinned down the giant monkeys, immobilizing them." -> Is it Godou or is it Ena that is doing that? Godou at this point already appears to be using 2 incarnations and is also using some wind spell? and 2) This and the very next section also mentions 6 giant monkeys they are also fighting.. but there has been no mention of Sun Wukong summoning any monkeys at all at this point - 10:24, 7 September, 2012 (EST) Wilhelmson

On further inspection, there was a typo: mismatched comment tags which hid away a fair chunk of text. It should make a lot more sense now. Thanks for pointing it out! --[[User:Zzhk|Zzhk]] ([[User talk:Zzhk#top|talk]]) 09:51, 7 September 2012 (CDT)

===High School DxD===
r u still translating hs dxd?

Yes, as stated [[User:Zzhk|on the user page]], I am currently working on Volume 9. --[[User:Zzhk|Zzhk]] 21:15, 13 May 2012 (CDT)

I wanna know if you´ll continue with volume 9????

Life.1 is done --[[User:Zzhk|Zzhk]] 08:29, 2 July 2012 (CDT)

You absolutely rule man. Thanx for Vol 9 XD

==Editing==

===Rollback===

Sorry, was an accident. Probably clicked on the wrong place with my iPod touch at some moment. [[User:Kira0802|Kira]] ([[User_talk:Kira0802|Talk]]) 10:58, 2 July 2012 (CDT)

No worries. It was too strange not to have been an accident. --[[User:Zzhk|Zzhk]] 11:10, 2 July 2012 (CDT)

===Campione===

Hi, sorry about the edit for "just deserts" :p, I would like to express my thanks for your efforts to translate Campione. I wish you all the best in your future efforts at translating and of course, other stuff XD.

Don't worry about it, it's just that if more than one person was confused enough to edit it, there must have been many more who just didn't act on it. --[[User:Zzhk|Zzhk]] 17:33, 10 May 2012 (CDT)

I changed the 'impotence' in 'Anger at the circumstances taking her away from him, and anger at his own impotence.' from volume 5, chapter 6 to 'incompetence', just an fyi in case it was a TL error. --[[User:Florza|Florza]]

It's fine, I saw it already, no objections. Impotence, incompetence, inability to do anything, powerlessness, it's all the same to me. --[[User:Zzhk|Zzhk]] 01:50, 4 August 2012 (CDT)

To most people it has a very different meaning though :P Also, '"Don't be bound by hierarchy, and devote myself to onii-sama... Yes, that's idea."' from Volume 6 Chapter 4, is it meant to be 'idea'? -- [[User:Florza|Florza]]

haha, you mean the sexual connotation? Anyway, would you prefer concept or principle instead of idea? --[[User:Zzhk|Zzhk]] 22:24, 4 August 2012 (CDT)

Yeah. I reread it once or twice thinking, 'wtf? why is Godou worried about his ED at this time? does he have ED?'. But about the 'idea' thing, I think it's a grammar thing. 'that's' doesn't go with 'idea' at least for normal speech. not sure about the original meaning though. -- [[User:Florza|Florza]]

Actually, looking more closely, I see what's missing, it's just a typo. It should be "that's ''the'' idea." --[[User:Zzhk|Zzhk]] 00:17, 5 August 2012 (CDT)

Hi there. While editing I am having some confusion regarding what to keep in caps and all. For example: "king", "lord", "god", "cult lord" and such. I believe that since all of them represents some position in this world's society they should be in caps. Just as same to ours "President/Prime Minister/Minister" and such. Please suggest further on this matter. --[[User:Chancs|Chancs]] ([[User talk:Chancs|talk]]) 16:52, 11 August 2012 (CDT)

They should be in lower case when used as a noun, capitalized when used as a term of address. Lord and God are only capitalized for God from the Bible, so there is no need to capitalize phrases like "my lord" or "abc is a god" though "Lord XYZ" would need to be capitalized since it's a term of address. Similarly, king should only be capitalized when it is a specific title, such as "King Kusanagi." Stuff like "as a king you should blah blah blah..." or "the king jumped up and down" should not be capitalized. It does get a bit subtle with statements like "George V is one of the kings of Britain" where "kings" is being used as a general noun, versus "George V is King of Britain" where "King of Britain" is a specific title. As for "cult leader," it would follow the same pattern as for "king" though I wouldn't be opposed to capitalizing all intances of it since it's not that usual a term. --[[User:Zzhk|Zzhk]] ([[User talk:Zzhk#top|talk]]) 19:28, 11 August 2012 (CDT)

Actually that was me who edited the terminology page. The furigana is indeed Ocelot for 'Jaguar'. - [[User:Florza|Florza]]

Which volume did you see it? Volume 6 Page 42 is unambiguously ジャガー -[[User:Zzhk|Zzhk]] ([[User talk:Zzhk#top|talk]]) 06:10, 1 September 2012 (CDT)

V7 Page 163. - [[User:Florza|Florza]]

Ah, so it's the author who changed his mind. Anyway, I'll bring it up in the Terminology thread. --[[User:Zzhk|Zzhk]] ([[User talk:Zzhk#top|talk]]) 06:32, 1 September 2012 (CDT)

Sorry. Was not knowing about the original texts. But how to know that those were the original thoughts? I simply took those as a remark on Erica's strength. --[[User:Chancs|Chancs]] ([[User talk:Chancs|talk]]) 02:43, 4 September 2012 (CDT)

Florza uses italics, but I find it unnecessary... After all, there is no such formatting in the original text, and certain lines can be interpreted as either thoughts or third person narration because there is no explicit subject. Unless you have doubts about a translator's ability to use English pronouns properly, I'd suggest refraining from making these sorts of changes directly, and raise the issue on Talk pages instead. --[[User:Zzhk|Zzhk]] ([[User talk:Zzhk#top|talk]]) 02:54, 4 September 2012 (CDT)

Spirit body is correct for that kanji. However, naming issues arise when connected with other kanji. - [[User:Florza|Florza]]

Well, it's not like the combination arose by coincidence. It's highly unsatisfactory for the translation to change completely when the subject is still the same thing. Could you elaborate on what you consider to be naming issues? --[[User:Zzhk|Zzhk]] ([[User talk:Zzhk#top|talk]]) 23:35, 6 September 2012 (CDT)

I'm sure that if you found 'God and Godslayer' to be awkward, 'spirit power of spirit body separation' would seem pretty awkward as well, right? Wait, has the term been translated in previous volumes yet? - [[User:Florza|Florza]]

Where does that phrase occur? In that particular case, it could be simplified to "power of spirit body separation" without much loss in meaning. "Spirit body" and its separation and detachment already appeared in Volume 6 with Princess Alice's introduction. Personally, I don't think they're actual terms per se since detachment and separation seem to be used as synonyms for the same phenomenon. --[[User:Zzhk|Zzhk]] ([[User talk:Zzhk#top|talk]]) 00:18, 7 September 2012 (CDT)

Think I'll go with the horizontal stare decisis here for now. Although, as 幽体分離 and other 4 character kanjis are usually move names (Even without brackets), I feel that 'spirit body separation' is somewhat lacking. - [[User:Florza|Florza]]

Sorry, didn't know if those tense change would significantly alter the meaning. Since everything was in past tense, I couldn't tell from just reading the order of occurrence for some of the events.--[[User:Mane|Mane]] ([[User talk:Mane|talk]]) 10:41, 8 September 2012 (CDT)

I got permission to change the text aside from the tenses. Can I reverse your undo so I can change the tense back to past tense? I don't have a copy of my past changes to work with.--[[User:Mane|Mane]] ([[User talk:Mane|talk]]) 11:27, 8 September 2012 (CDT)

[http://www.baka-tsuki.org/project/index.php?title=Campione!%3AVolume_5_Prologue&diff=186740&oldid=174273 Here] are all your changes, highlighted. --[[User:Zzhk|Zzhk]] ([[User talk:Zzhk#top|talk]]) 12:02, 8 September 2012 (CDT)

I make my ePUBs manually; the use of <b> rather than triple apostrophes makes it easier (for me, and maybe others) to convert the text into html/xhtml. The same would be true of double apostrophes and the <i> tag. I've made the mistake of equating double apostrophes with quotation marks (and then replacing all of them).--[[User:Mane|Mane]] ([[User talk:Mane|talk]]) 07:07, 10 September 2012 (CDT)

===High School DxD===
I've posted a suggestion, not sure if you've seen it. [[Talk:High School DxD:Volume 9 Life 4|Talk Page]] --[[User:KuroiHikari|KuroiHikari]] ([[User_talk:KuroiHikari|Talk]] | ) 21:23, 22 August 2012 (CDT)

Thanks for the input. Yeah, I've read it but I think the entire paragraph needs to be restructured to make the meaning clearer. I'll think about it later. Of course, anyone is free to provide suggestions in the mean time. --[[User:Zzhk|Zzhk]] ([[User talk:Zzhk#top|talk]]) 05:14, 23 August 2012 (CDT)

User talk:Zzhk

2012-09-08T16:27:03Z

Mane:

==Feedback==

===General===
Hey zzhk! Really wanted to thank you for the Campione! translations and the DxD summaries. Keep it up and have fun! [[User:Kira0802|Kira]] ([[User_talk:Kira0802|Talk]]) 05:24, 19 April 2012 (CDT)

Yo Zzhk thank for translating Highschool DxD and Campione!, hopefully after completing of vol6 of Campione! you would do vols 3 and 4 :)

===Campione!===

Thanks a lot for translating ''Campione!''. It's a very interesting series and I have a lot of fun reading it. --[[User:MaerisCrisis|MaerisCrisis]] 10:10, 30 April 2012 (CDT)

Good job on volume 2, hope to be able to cooperate with you on more volumes haha, anyway your english is good, as far as i can tell there is little for us editors to fix.[[User:Fallen3dge|Fallen3dge]] 19:36, 2 May 2012 (CDT)

Hi! I really enjoy Campione. Thank you for the fast translation! [[User:Xenocross|Xenocross]] 20:52, 2 May 2012 (CDT)
Hey there i '''Zzhk''' was just wondering if you could give me a summary on the series and if its anything similar to "High School DxD"? --[[User:Angels Requiem|Angels Requiem]] 15:45, 3 May 2012 (CDT)

Well, it's a harem-like story with a mixed mythological setting plus a protagonist who isn't useless. There is an overview on the main page, and I suggest just reading the first two translated volumes to see if you like the feel. --[[User:Zzhk|Zzhk]] 21:48, 3 May 2012 (CDT)

Thank you for your efforts on translating Campione.. I really enjoy it... :)

Thanks for the hard work on Campione! Any chance of vol 6? :P [[Special:Contributions/218.186.17.241|218.186.17.241]] 22:29, 12 May 2012 (CDT)

Eventually, probably... --[[User:Zzhk|Zzhk]] 21:17, 13 May 2012 (CDT)

+1 to the list of people who appreciate your work. Thanks for the efforts. --[[User:Lighthalzen|Lighthalzen]] 03:27, 28 June 2012 (CDT)

Awesome man! I hope you do Volume 6 too. Thanks for the hard work!

Thank you again for your translations on Campione. Any chance on going back and doing the missing parts for Vol 4?.. thanks

Well, Volume 4 is already summarized on jCafe by Kadi so it's not really a priority. I'd be more inclined to do 6 and 7 first. --[[User:Zzhk|Zzhk]] 09:30, 2 July 2012 (CDT)

Wow thanks for Raptor form speed in translating volume 5. And I'm happy that you register vol6. [[User:Xenocross|Xenocross]] 09:42, 2 July 2012 (CDT)

Thank you for your speed translations on Campione!. I hope you will keep translating it ^^--[[User:LSwRl|LSwRl]] 16:56, 23 July 2012 (CDT)

THANKS A LOOOOT You are my hero! You, [8th King]-sama !!! PLease finish this 4 ASAP, then please do Vol 6 like blitzkrieg wirting!! I am deeply attached for these series! [[User:Sylkud]] 12:13, 25 Jul

vol.4 is being translated by florza. And, don't rush the translator. --[[User:Rock96|Rock96]] 11:54, 25 July 2012 (CDT)

Thank you very much for translations I really enjoy them KEEP UP THE GOOD WORK

Hi zzhk! Thank you for your Campione translations. Thanks for your hard work! I made an account just to say, thanks. Also, Great job on v7 ch 5 part 4. Your translations make my day. Mokata

Zzhk! Amazing job! Question/comment - In V7C6 Part 3, there's two things that are confusing: 1) "Then Godou proceeded to compose spell words caused strong wind to blow. The destructive gales pinned down the giant monkeys, immobilizing them." -> Is it Godou or is it Ena that is doing that? Godou at this point already appears to be using 2 incarnations and is also using some wind spell? and 2) This and the very next section also mentions 6 giant monkeys they are also fighting.. but there has been no mention of Sun Wukong summoning any monkeys at all at this point - 10:24, 7 September, 2012 (EST) Wilhelmson

On further inspection, there was a typo: mismatched comment tags which hid away a fair chunk of text. It should make a lot more sense now. Thanks for pointing it out! --[[User:Zzhk|Zzhk]] ([[User talk:Zzhk#top|talk]]) 09:51, 7 September 2012 (CDT)

===High School DxD===
r u still translating hs dxd?

Yes, as stated [[User:Zzhk|on the user page]], I am currently working on Volume 9. --[[User:Zzhk|Zzhk]] 21:15, 13 May 2012 (CDT)

I wanna know if you´ll continue with volume 9????

Life.1 is done --[[User:Zzhk|Zzhk]] 08:29, 2 July 2012 (CDT)

You absolutely rule man. Thanx for Vol 9 XD

==Editing==

===Rollback===

Sorry, was an accident. Probably clicked on the wrong place with my iPod touch at some moment. [[User:Kira0802|Kira]] ([[User_talk:Kira0802|Talk]]) 10:58, 2 July 2012 (CDT)

No worries. It was too strange not to have been an accident. --[[User:Zzhk|Zzhk]] 11:10, 2 July 2012 (CDT)

===Campione===

Hi, sorry about the edit for "just deserts" :p, I would like to express my thanks for your efforts to translate Campione. I wish you all the best in your future efforts at translating and of course, other stuff XD.

Don't worry about it, it's just that if more than one person was confused enough to edit it, there must have been many more who just didn't act on it. --[[User:Zzhk|Zzhk]] 17:33, 10 May 2012 (CDT)

I changed the 'impotence' in 'Anger at the circumstances taking her away from him, and anger at his own impotence.' from volume 5, chapter 6 to 'incompetence', just an fyi in case it was a TL error. --[[User:Florza|Florza]]

It's fine, I saw it already, no objections. Impotence, incompetence, inability to do anything, powerlessness, it's all the same to me. --[[User:Zzhk|Zzhk]] 01:50, 4 August 2012 (CDT)

To most people it has a very different meaning though :P Also, '"Don't be bound by hierarchy, and devote myself to onii-sama... Yes, that's idea."' from Volume 6 Chapter 4, is it meant to be 'idea'? -- [[User:Florza|Florza]]

haha, you mean the sexual connotation? Anyway, would you prefer concept or principle instead of idea? --[[User:Zzhk|Zzhk]] 22:24, 4 August 2012 (CDT)

Yeah. I reread it once or twice thinking, 'wtf? why is Godou worried about his ED at this time? does he have ED?'. But about the 'idea' thing, I think it's a grammar thing. 'that's' doesn't go with 'idea' at least for normal speech. not sure about the original meaning though. -- [[User:Florza|Florza]]

Actually, looking more closely, I see what's missing, it's just a typo. It should be "that's ''the'' idea." --[[User:Zzhk|Zzhk]] 00:17, 5 August 2012 (CDT)

Hi there. While editing I am having some confusion regarding what to keep in caps and all. For example: "king", "lord", "god", "cult lord" and such. I believe that since all of them represents some position in this world's society they should be in caps. Just as same to ours "President/Prime Minister/Minister" and such. Please suggest further on this matter. --[[User:Chancs|Chancs]] ([[User talk:Chancs|talk]]) 16:52, 11 August 2012 (CDT)

They should be in lower case when used as a noun, capitalized when used as a term of address. Lord and God are only capitalized for God from the Bible, so there is no need to capitalize phrases like "my lord" or "abc is a god" though "Lord XYZ" would need to be capitalized since it's a term of address. Similarly, king should only be capitalized when it is a specific title, such as "King Kusanagi." Stuff like "as a king you should blah blah blah..." or "the king jumped up and down" should not be capitalized. It does get a bit subtle with statements like "George V is one of the kings of Britain" where "kings" is being used as a general noun, versus "George V is King of Britain" where "King of Britain" is a specific title. As for "cult leader," it would follow the same pattern as for "king" though I wouldn't be opposed to capitalizing all intances of it since it's not that usual a term. --[[User:Zzhk|Zzhk]] ([[User talk:Zzhk#top|talk]]) 19:28, 11 August 2012 (CDT)

Actually that was me who edited the terminology page. The furigana is indeed Ocelot for 'Jaguar'. - [[User:Florza|Florza]]

Which volume did you see it? Volume 6 Page 42 is unambiguously ジャガー -[[User:Zzhk|Zzhk]] ([[User talk:Zzhk#top|talk]]) 06:10, 1 September 2012 (CDT)

V7 Page 163. - [[User:Florza|Florza]]

Ah, so it's the author who changed his mind. Anyway, I'll bring it up in the Terminology thread. --[[User:Zzhk|Zzhk]] ([[User talk:Zzhk#top|talk]]) 06:32, 1 September 2012 (CDT)

Sorry. Was not knowing about the original texts. But how to know that those were the original thoughts? I simply took those as a remark on Erica's strength. --[[User:Chancs|Chancs]] ([[User talk:Chancs|talk]]) 02:43, 4 September 2012 (CDT)

Florza uses italics, but I find it unnecessary... After all, there is no such formatting in the original text, and certain lines can be interpreted as either thoughts or third person narration because there is no explicit subject. Unless you have doubts about a translator's ability to use English pronouns properly, I'd suggest refraining from making these sorts of changes directly, and raise the issue on Talk pages instead. --[[User:Zzhk|Zzhk]] ([[User talk:Zzhk#top|talk]]) 02:54, 4 September 2012 (CDT)

Spirit body is correct for that kanji. However, naming issues arise when connected with other kanji. - [[User:Florza|Florza]]

Well, it's not like the combination arose by coincidence. It's highly unsatisfactory for the translation to change completely when the subject is still the same thing. Could you elaborate on what you consider to be naming issues? --[[User:Zzhk|Zzhk]] ([[User talk:Zzhk#top|talk]]) 23:35, 6 September 2012 (CDT)

I'm sure that if you found 'God and Godslayer' to be awkward, 'spirit power of spirit body separation' would seem pretty awkward as well, right? Wait, has the term been translated in previous volumes yet? - [[User:Florza|Florza]]

Where does that phrase occur? In that particular case, it could be simplified to "power of spirit body separation" without much loss in meaning. "Spirit body" and its separation and detachment already appeared in Volume 6 with Princess Alice's introduction. Personally, I don't think they're actual terms per se since detachment and separation seem to be used as synonyms for the same phenomenon. --[[User:Zzhk|Zzhk]] ([[User talk:Zzhk#top|talk]]) 00:18, 7 September 2012 (CDT)

Think I'll go with the horizontal stare decisis here for now. Although, as 幽体分離 and other 4 character kanjis are usually move names (Even without brackets), I feel that 'spirit body separation' is somewhat lacking. - [[User:Florza|Florza]]

Sorry, didn't know if those tense change would significantly alter the meaning. Since everything was in past tense, I couldn't tell from just reading the order of occurrence for some of the events.--[[User:Mane|Mane]] ([[User talk:Mane|talk]]) 10:41, 8 September 2012 (CDT)

I got permission to change the text aside from the tenses. Can I reverse your undo so I can change the tense back to past tense? I don't have a copy of my past changes to work with.--[[User:Mane|Mane]] ([[User talk:Mane|talk]]) 11:27, 8 September 2012 (CDT)

===High School DxD===
I've posted a suggestion, not sure if you've seen it. [[Talk:High School DxD:Volume 9 Life 4|Talk Page]] --[[User:KuroiHikari|KuroiHikari]] ([[User_talk:KuroiHikari|Talk]] | ) 21:23, 22 August 2012 (CDT)

Thanks for the input. Yeah, I've read it but I think the entire paragraph needs to be restructured to make the meaning clearer. I'll think about it later. Of course, anyone is free to provide suggestions in the mean time. --[[User:Zzhk|Zzhk]] ([[User talk:Zzhk#top|talk]]) 05:14, 23 August 2012 (CDT)

User:Mane

2012-09-08T16:24:32Z

Mane:

Apparently, adding text here turns my username blue. I like blue.

Mane is an American tax lawyer; his online presence depends heavily on his current caseload.

User:Mane

2012-09-08T16:14:14Z

Mane: Created page with "Apparently, adding text here turns my username blue. I like blue. Mane is an American tax lawyer; his presence depends heavily on his current real life caseload."

Apparently, adding text here turns my username blue. I like blue.

Mane is an American tax lawyer; his presence depends heavily on his current real life caseload.

User talk:Kadi

2012-09-08T16:09:54Z

Mane:

Multiple edits? What do you mean? Do you mean doing it by chapter by chapter, instead of parts? Most of the editing I'm doing today is just conforming certain character names to the guidelines, sometimes I'm doing it once or twice on a single chapter or part because I overlooked something. Well Toaru recently had a few name changes over the last few days, so i needed to change them in numerous volumes. You can also use use Hide minor edits function near the top of recent changes. -[[User:Hiro Hayase|Hiro Hayase]] 12:59, 29 August 2011 (CDT)

All's well that ends well. -[[User:Hiro Hayase|Hiro Hayase]] 15:52, 29 August 2011 (CDT)

Apparently you translated the first Champione! short story? Can you confirm please. --[[User:Mufarasu|Mufarasu]] 10:47, 4 August 2012 (CDT)

== Campione edit - American/British ==

Which is the general English format for the translations? I believe it is British English. I just saw some edits converting to American language so 'just needed to confirm it. --[[User:Chancs|Chancs]] ([[User talk:Chancs|talk]]) 05:28, 3 September 2012 (CDT)

In general, the default is American unless otherwise stated. Kadi has also confirmed American spelling for Campione in the Terminology thread. There are a few editors who are used to British usage, but just remind them gently so that a spelling war is averted. --[[User:Zzhk|Zzhk]] ([[User talk:Zzhk|talk]]) 05:33, 3 September 2012 (CDT)

K. Thanks for the update. --[[User:Chancs|Chancs]] ([[User talk:Chancs|talk]]) 06:00, 3 September 2012 (CDT)

Erm hi... Just wondering if you need any more editors... :D --[[User:Magykalman|Magykalman]] ([[User talk:Magykalman|talk]]) 10:00, 6 September 2012 (UTC)

== Campione Editing ==
Erm hi. Magykalman here. Requiring permission to change sentence. Extract: "Furthermore, Kusanagi Godou, whether it's then or now, is without any knowledge of magic or spells." I think it sounds a little bit awkward, so can it be changed into "Furthermore, Kusanagi Godou has zero knowledge of magic or spells, whether it's now or then." or sth like that. Thanks boss. Quite a major change so decided to tell you beforehand.
--[[User:Magykalman|Magykalman]] ([[User talk:Magykalman|talk]]) 14:00, 7 September 2012 (CDT)

Hmmm. After reading quite a few chapters, I think that your works are well edited enough and is almost close to perfect, so I think I'll just take my leave and be a drive-by editor. :) --[[User:Magykalman|Magykalman]] ([[User talk:Magykalman|talk]]) 17:35, 7 September 2012 (CDT)

Ah Boss. Sorry to disturb you but mind explaining what this sentence means to me? Thanks. Extract Campione Volume 2 Prologue: "He was one of the campione whom magi throughout the world feared as kings, devil kings." --[[User:Magykalman|Magykalman]] ([[User talk:Magykalman|talk]]) 18:00, 7 September 2012 (CDT)

Mane. Requesting permission to make "extensive changes" (now reversed) in volume 5 prologue. These include (but are not limited to) changing past tense to present tense and changing sentence structure to avoid sentence fragments.--[[User:Mane|Mane]] ([[User talk:Mane|talk]]) 11:09, 8 September 2012 (CDT)

User talk:Zzhk

2012-09-08T15:41:57Z

Mane:

==Feedback==

===General===
Hey zzhk! Really wanted to thank you for the Campione! translations and the DxD summaries. Keep it up and have fun! [[User:Kira0802|Kira]] ([[User_talk:Kira0802|Talk]]) 05:24, 19 April 2012 (CDT)

Yo Zzhk thank for translating Highschool DxD and Campione!, hopefully after completing of vol6 of Campione! you would do vols 3 and 4 :)

===Campione!===

Thanks a lot for translating ''Campione!''. It's a very interesting series and I have a lot of fun reading it. --[[User:MaerisCrisis|MaerisCrisis]] 10:10, 30 April 2012 (CDT)

Good job on volume 2, hope to be able to cooperate with you on more volumes haha, anyway your english is good, as far as i can tell there is little for us editors to fix.[[User:Fallen3dge|Fallen3dge]] 19:36, 2 May 2012 (CDT)

Hi! I really enjoy Campione. Thank you for the fast translation! [[User:Xenocross|Xenocross]] 20:52, 2 May 2012 (CDT)
Hey there i '''Zzhk''' was just wondering if you could give me a summary on the series and if its anything similar to "High School DxD"? --[[User:Angels Requiem|Angels Requiem]] 15:45, 3 May 2012 (CDT)

Well, it's a harem-like story with a mixed mythological setting plus a protagonist who isn't useless. There is an overview on the main page, and I suggest just reading the first two translated volumes to see if you like the feel. --[[User:Zzhk|Zzhk]] 21:48, 3 May 2012 (CDT)

Thank you for your efforts on translating Campione.. I really enjoy it... :)

Thanks for the hard work on Campione! Any chance of vol 6? :P [[Special:Contributions/218.186.17.241|218.186.17.241]] 22:29, 12 May 2012 (CDT)

Eventually, probably... --[[User:Zzhk|Zzhk]] 21:17, 13 May 2012 (CDT)

+1 to the list of people who appreciate your work. Thanks for the efforts. --[[User:Lighthalzen|Lighthalzen]] 03:27, 28 June 2012 (CDT)

Awesome man! I hope you do Volume 6 too. Thanks for the hard work!

Thank you again for your translations on Campione. Any chance on going back and doing the missing parts for Vol 4?.. thanks

Well, Volume 4 is already summarized on jCafe by Kadi so it's not really a priority. I'd be more inclined to do 6 and 7 first. --[[User:Zzhk|Zzhk]] 09:30, 2 July 2012 (CDT)

Wow thanks for Raptor form speed in translating volume 5. And I'm happy that you register vol6. [[User:Xenocross|Xenocross]] 09:42, 2 July 2012 (CDT)

Thank you for your speed translations on Campione!. I hope you will keep translating it ^^--[[User:LSwRl|LSwRl]] 16:56, 23 July 2012 (CDT)

THANKS A LOOOOT You are my hero! You, [8th King]-sama !!! PLease finish this 4 ASAP, then please do Vol 6 like blitzkrieg wirting!! I am deeply attached for these series! [[User:Sylkud]] 12:13, 25 Jul

vol.4 is being translated by florza. And, don't rush the translator. --[[User:Rock96|Rock96]] 11:54, 25 July 2012 (CDT)

Thank you very much for translations I really enjoy them KEEP UP THE GOOD WORK

Hi zzhk! Thank you for your Campione translations. Thanks for your hard work! I made an account just to say, thanks. Also, Great job on v7 ch 5 part 4. Your translations make my day. Mokata

Zzhk! Amazing job! Question/comment - In V7C6 Part 3, there's two things that are confusing: 1) "Then Godou proceeded to compose spell words caused strong wind to blow. The destructive gales pinned down the giant monkeys, immobilizing them." -> Is it Godou or is it Ena that is doing that? Godou at this point already appears to be using 2 incarnations and is also using some wind spell? and 2) This and the very next section also mentions 6 giant monkeys they are also fighting.. but there has been no mention of Sun Wukong summoning any monkeys at all at this point - 10:24, 7 September, 2012 (EST) Wilhelmson

On further inspection, there was a typo: mismatched comment tags which hid away a fair chunk of text. It should make a lot more sense now. Thanks for pointing it out! --[[User:Zzhk|Zzhk]] ([[User talk:Zzhk#top|talk]]) 09:51, 7 September 2012 (CDT)

===High School DxD===
r u still translating hs dxd?

Yes, as stated [[User:Zzhk|on the user page]], I am currently working on Volume 9. --[[User:Zzhk|Zzhk]] 21:15, 13 May 2012 (CDT)

I wanna know if you´ll continue with volume 9????

Life.1 is done --[[User:Zzhk|Zzhk]] 08:29, 2 July 2012 (CDT)

You absolutely rule man. Thanx for Vol 9 XD

==Editing==

===Rollback===

Sorry, was an accident. Probably clicked on the wrong place with my iPod touch at some moment. [[User:Kira0802|Kira]] ([[User_talk:Kira0802|Talk]]) 10:58, 2 July 2012 (CDT)

No worries. It was too strange not to have been an accident. --[[User:Zzhk|Zzhk]] 11:10, 2 July 2012 (CDT)

===Campione===

Hi, sorry about the edit for "just deserts" :p, I would like to express my thanks for your efforts to translate Campione. I wish you all the best in your future efforts at translating and of course, other stuff XD.

Don't worry about it, it's just that if more than one person was confused enough to edit it, there must have been many more who just didn't act on it. --[[User:Zzhk|Zzhk]] 17:33, 10 May 2012 (CDT)

I changed the 'impotence' in 'Anger at the circumstances taking her away from him, and anger at his own impotence.' from volume 5, chapter 6 to 'incompetence', just an fyi in case it was a TL error. --[[User:Florza|Florza]]

It's fine, I saw it already, no objections. Impotence, incompetence, inability to do anything, powerlessness, it's all the same to me. --[[User:Zzhk|Zzhk]] 01:50, 4 August 2012 (CDT)

To most people it has a very different meaning though :P Also, '"Don't be bound by hierarchy, and devote myself to onii-sama... Yes, that's idea."' from Volume 6 Chapter 4, is it meant to be 'idea'? -- [[User:Florza|Florza]]

haha, you mean the sexual connotation? Anyway, would you prefer concept or principle instead of idea? --[[User:Zzhk|Zzhk]] 22:24, 4 August 2012 (CDT)

Yeah. I reread it once or twice thinking, 'wtf? why is Godou worried about his ED at this time? does he have ED?'. But about the 'idea' thing, I think it's a grammar thing. 'that's' doesn't go with 'idea' at least for normal speech. not sure about the original meaning though. -- [[User:Florza|Florza]]

Actually, looking more closely, I see what's missing, it's just a typo. It should be "that's ''the'' idea." --[[User:Zzhk|Zzhk]] 00:17, 5 August 2012 (CDT)

Hi there. While editing I am having some confusion regarding what to keep in caps and all. For example: "king", "lord", "god", "cult lord" and such. I believe that since all of them represents some position in this world's society they should be in caps. Just as same to ours "President/Prime Minister/Minister" and such. Please suggest further on this matter. --[[User:Chancs|Chancs]] ([[User talk:Chancs|talk]]) 16:52, 11 August 2012 (CDT)

They should be in lower case when used as a noun, capitalized when used as a term of address. Lord and God are only capitalized for God from the Bible, so there is no need to capitalize phrases like "my lord" or "abc is a god" though "Lord XYZ" would need to be capitalized since it's a term of address. Similarly, king should only be capitalized when it is a specific title, such as "King Kusanagi." Stuff like "as a king you should blah blah blah..." or "the king jumped up and down" should not be capitalized. It does get a bit subtle with statements like "George V is one of the kings of Britain" where "kings" is being used as a general noun, versus "George V is King of Britain" where "King of Britain" is a specific title. As for "cult leader," it would follow the same pattern as for "king" though I wouldn't be opposed to capitalizing all intances of it since it's not that usual a term. --[[User:Zzhk|Zzhk]] ([[User talk:Zzhk#top|talk]]) 19:28, 11 August 2012 (CDT)

Actually that was me who edited the terminology page. The furigana is indeed Ocelot for 'Jaguar'. - [[User:Florza|Florza]]

Which volume did you see it? Volume 6 Page 42 is unambiguously ジャガー -[[User:Zzhk|Zzhk]] ([[User talk:Zzhk#top|talk]]) 06:10, 1 September 2012 (CDT)

V7 Page 163. - [[User:Florza|Florza]]

Ah, so it's the author who changed his mind. Anyway, I'll bring it up in the Terminology thread. --[[User:Zzhk|Zzhk]] ([[User talk:Zzhk#top|talk]]) 06:32, 1 September 2012 (CDT)

Sorry. Was not knowing about the original texts. But how to know that those were the original thoughts? I simply took those as a remark on Erica's strength. --[[User:Chancs|Chancs]] ([[User talk:Chancs|talk]]) 02:43, 4 September 2012 (CDT)

Florza uses italics, but I find it unnecessary... After all, there is no such formatting in the original text, and certain lines can be interpreted as either thoughts or third person narration because there is no explicit subject. Unless you have doubts about a translator's ability to use English pronouns properly, I'd suggest refraining from making these sorts of changes directly, and raise the issue on Talk pages instead. --[[User:Zzhk|Zzhk]] ([[User talk:Zzhk#top|talk]]) 02:54, 4 September 2012 (CDT)

Spirit body is correct for that kanji. However, naming issues arise when connected with other kanji. - [[User:Florza|Florza]]

Well, it's not like the combination arose by coincidence. It's highly unsatisfactory for the translation to change completely when the subject is still the same thing. Could you elaborate on what you consider to be naming issues? --[[User:Zzhk|Zzhk]] ([[User talk:Zzhk#top|talk]]) 23:35, 6 September 2012 (CDT)

I'm sure that if you found 'God and Godslayer' to be awkward, 'spirit power of spirit body separation' would seem pretty awkward as well, right? Wait, has the term been translated in previous volumes yet? - [[User:Florza|Florza]]

Where does that phrase occur? In that particular case, it could be simplified to "power of spirit body separation" without much loss in meaning. "Spirit body" and its separation and detachment already appeared in Volume 6 with Princess Alice's introduction. Personally, I don't think they're actual terms per se since detachment and separation seem to be used as synonyms for the same phenomenon. --[[User:Zzhk|Zzhk]] ([[User talk:Zzhk#top|talk]]) 00:18, 7 September 2012 (CDT)

Think I'll go with the horizontal stare decisis here for now. Although, as 幽体分離 and other 4 character kanjis are usually move names (Even without brackets), I feel that 'spirit body separation' is somewhat lacking. - [[User:Florza|Florza]]

Sorry, didn't know if those tense change would significantly alter the meaning. Since everything was in past tense, I couldn't tell from just reading the order of occurrence for some of the events.--[[User:Mane|Mane]] ([[User talk:Mane|talk]]) 10:41, 8 September 2012 (CDT)

===High School DxD===
I've posted a suggestion, not sure if you've seen it. [[Talk:High School DxD:Volume 9 Life 4|Talk Page]] --[[User:KuroiHikari|KuroiHikari]] ([[User_talk:KuroiHikari|Talk]] | ) 21:23, 22 August 2012 (CDT)

Thanks for the input. Yeah, I've read it but I think the entire paragraph needs to be restructured to make the meaning clearer. I'll think about it later. Of course, anyone is free to provide suggestions in the mean time. --[[User:Zzhk|Zzhk]] ([[User talk:Zzhk#top|talk]]) 05:14, 23 August 2012 (CDT)

Seirei Tsukai no Blade Dance:Volume1 Chapter1

2012-04-08T00:48:31Z

Mane:

==Chapter 1: You are my contracted spirit==

=== Part 1 ===

In a quiet forest where the sun rays were shining through leaves.

"Paa--"

Suddenly, the rippling sound of water resounded in the air.

Kamito, he--opened his mouth wide and just stood there.

A girl...In front of his eyes was a fully naked girl.

She was cute, extraordinarily cute. Her eyes were big and red like rubies, her cherry-red lips were wet and lustrous, her dazzling white flesh was as silky as milk, and on the surface of the water, her beautiful legs were slender and fine. Also, what caught his eyes more than anything was--

The hair that clings on her gorgeous fine glass work like body, crimson red like burning fire.

Of course, she was naked. Stark naked.

"......"

Kamito felt cold sweat on his back.

Not good.

It's really not good that she is seen naked.

......I should really run away quickly. Even though he gave that rational advice to himself, his body wouldn't move. Actually, he was ''charmed''. The scene was so surreal that Kamito felt a bit detached from reality.

And at that time, the girl--

[[Image:STnBD V01 013.jpg|thumb]]

Her moist and beautiful eyes blinked, having found the unexpected intruder.
Staring blankly, she seemed yet to have fully grasped the situation.
She didn't even try to cover her still developing small breasts.

Tick.

The water drops fell from the young girl's bangs. Kamito's consciousness came back at the sound of the water.

"Ah-that......"

Kamito coughed once, and removed his glance from the naked girl　who was standing motionlessly.

"How can I say it......it looks like an accident, right? It is an unfortunate accident for both of us..."

At that time, Kamito made two fatal errors. The first, of course, was that he started to make futile explanations. The best choice was to take advantage of the fact that the girl was dazed, and run away from the trouble immediately.

And the other error was--

"Even though it was an accident, I have seen you in such a situation. Sorry, my apologies."

Until here it was still fine, but the last part......

"Though, don't worry. I'm still a healthy boy, so I don't have ''that kind of interest''. I......"

Looking at the young girl's ''still developing small chest''--

"I have no interest towards a kid's body."

Looks like he stepped on a gigantic landmine.

"......"

A frozen silence fell.

Silently, the girl raises her arm with red hair coiled around. Her shoulders were slightly shaking. However the reason wasn't because of the cold, but Kamito was oblivious to that fact.

"Sixteen--"

"Eh?"

The girl's delicate lips were mumbling something, and Kamito lifted his eyebrows.

"I-I-I AM ALREADY SIXTEEN-YEARS OLD!!!"

At the instant when she screamed that out, the young girl's red hair stood on its end.

"Haa!?"

As Kamito opened his eyes wide in surprise--

"Sixteen!? For real? How can you have such a pitiful chest--"

He quickly covered his mouth. But it was already too late.

"......Unforgivable."

The young girl said that in a low, cold voice.

"D-Definitely unforgivable......you, you, you, you peeping demon, pervert, lewd beast!"

"You know it well, words like lewd beast." 

Kamito said that in a low voice with narrowed eyes.

"Hn?"

......At that time, he noted that the forest's trees were making a low whisper-like rustle.

(Is that the wind? No, that's--)

--- Guardian of Crimson’s blaze, Keeper of the Sleepless furnace!

--- Now is the time to abide the contract of blood, hasten to my side as commanded!

From the young girl's cute lips came a smooth incantation in spirits’ language. At that instant, accompanied by the sound of an air blast, a scourging flame whip appeared in the hand of the girl.

(.....a Spirit Contractor!)

Kamito shouted in his head.

Spirit Contractor --- another dimensional layer of this world, the “Astral Zero”.

Witches who had signed a contract with a fierce spirit from that place are called “Spirit Contractors”.

The Spirit Contractor can use different types of spirits, wielding its powers freely.

It seemed that the girl in front of him had a contract with a flame type spirit.

The young girl is a Spirit Contractor. It isn't something to be surprised about.

After all, this is the place where the country's excellent Spirit Contractors are gathered together.

(.....However, surprisingly she is even capable of using Elemental Waffe.)

The natures of the spirits summoned into this world from the Astral Zero can be roughly divided into two types.

The first type is a massless, shapeless type that appears in its original state as a ‘Divine Core’. This is purely the summoning of a spirit's power, and is used as a vault of magical power for the spirit magic.

There is another type, the pure state of summoning a part of the spirit’s existence as it is. Because of the tremendous amount of power required and the difficulty to control it, it is said that only a tiny portion of the spirit contractors can do it to this extent.

Even so, the girl before his eyes is not just using a spirit, but could use it to the extent of using the spirit as a highly optimized elemental buff.

(.... it means that, eh? – Am I now in a life or death situation?)

As the thought suddenly hits him, Kamito was stunned.

At the place where the flame whip touched the water's surface, a gush of white steam was rising from it.

"You, you have the guts..... "

The girl murmured with a trembling voice. Her face was red. Was it due to her anger, or her embarrassment?

"Rea-really, you have some nerve, to p-peek , while I, Claire Rouge, am taking my bath....."

“W-Wait, that's a misunderstanding! Let me explain it first!"

Kamito shook his head in panic.

"I will not listen to your excuses. Please turn into ashes, PERVERT!"

The flame whip ignited furiously in the wielder’s hand and was moving as if it was licking the water surface.

"Oooooh..!?"

Kamito threw his body, and quickly jumped into the dense brushes at proximity.

Nearly at the same time, the flame whip brushed its way over his head.

The idle red residue remained on the trees, which were cut off like a complete joke. The cut surface of the tree trunks' remains were surprisingly clean, without any trace of burn. The attack was so quick that the flames didn't even have the time to ignite the trees.

The hair on Kamito's forehead was fluttering down on his mouth while cold sweat appeared on his forehead.

(.....Um, that's a joke, right? I'm not going to die like that, will I?)

Zing, biyutsu – there was like an endless dance of crimson flash cutting horizontally and vertically in the forest. The bush was mowed down in a blink of eye and losing his place of hiding, Kamito hurriedly dashed out.

“You wild beast, stay still and let me hit you!“

“That's nonsense, I’m not a pervert!“

Kamito screamed out and at the same time, the whip swung downwards on his feet, causing a violent spark to scatter. Rising from the ground, the whip immediately sprang up in the direction of the forest woods, which got ruthlessly severed. But fortunately among all the unluckiness, the girl - Claire's aim wasn't quite accurate. After all, one hand was hiding her pitiful chest from being revealed, and in order to conceal her most important part, she squatted down in the pond. However, considering how she handled her whip in such a position, she should be normally talented at using it.

“How conceited despite being a pervert, please obediently turn into charcoal!“

“As I am saying, I’m not a pervert!“

Kamito stopped and turned around. He pointed out something that he had been mindful for sometime.

“Hey, are you sure that you're hiding it properly? Between the gaps of your finger, you can’t hide it delicately.”

“......eh?”

Instantly, Claire’s facial expression froze. And-

“Kyaaaaaaaaaah!”

Blushing deeply and screaming strangely in a cute voice - she quickly hid her chest with both of her hands.

“Ah, idiot!”

Kamito involuntarily exclaimed.

Claire let go and lost control of the flame whip, and it severed the trees behind the girl. Slowly, the huge trees came falling down right at her. However, Claire didn’t notice it since her eyes were closed in embarrassment while embracing her naked chest with both hands. 

(Damn--)

At this instant, Kamito kicked the ground. Running with his whole strength towards the pond, he then jumped while grabbing Claire’s shoulders.

“Wha-!?”

Claire’s red pupils dilated widely. Kamito ignored it and aggressively pressed her down in the water. The moment Claire’s hand touched the water, a gush of steam rose, and the flame whip disappeared. Immediately after, the trees　nearby fell down, and giant tree trunks collapsed down on them.

Duuuun!

Deafening sound almost broke the ears, and magnificent large water columns rose.

Absorbing the heat of the burning flame, the warm pond water poured down like heavy rain.

.....A few seconds later.

“Um......“

With a seductive rising voice, Claire slowly opened her eyes. She had an expression of shock, and her eyes blinked in wonder. Kamito was lying on top of Claire, and briefly he found himself staring into her eyes. Their faces were so close that if someone was to push his back lightly, their lips would likely touch. The crimson red hair clung closely to her nape. Her moist lips were cherry red. Delicate glass doll like perfect face was in front of Kamito's eyes. For a short moment it looked like he had involuntarily fallen for her. Kamito quickly shook his head.

“......Um, are you alright? Are you hurt..”

Claire nodded. Somehow, it seemed she had not fully absorbed the situation yet. Kamito sighed, then tried to stand up.

Funyuu.

His hand under the water had touched something soft.

“Hwaaah!”

(What is that? Mud?--)

Funyu. Munyu (touch, touch).

“Hm, ya, hwaaa”

From her moist lips came a shallow sweet voice. Claire's submerged naked body twitched for some reason.

“Um ..this is?”

Having come this far, Kimito finally arrived in a certain conclusion. A certain......awfully frightening conclusion.

(No, wait, calm down, maybe --- could I have mistaken)

It can’t be. There was no such thing. While letting a flow of cold sweat, he desperately tried to deny such a possibility.

"When I looked it earlier, it wasn't so..."

“Wh..wha.. wha..whattt .... are..you...do..ing”

Claire’s lip trembled, shaking involuntarily. She was blushing with tears in her eyes.

Apparently, it probably wasn't.....a lump of mud that he touched.

“You, PERVERT----!”

“Gwah!”

Because he got hit hard by a knee in the stomach, Kamito collapsed into the pond's water.

Gugugugugu....!

With rising wobbling heat haze behind her, Claire slowly stood up. Before one knows, the flame whip materialized by the flame spirit was again grasped in her hand. The water in the pond instantaneously started to boil, and bubbles began to show here and there.

“No..No, it’s a misunderstanding! Wait, I’m really gonna die.....”

“Sh..Shut up pervert, you will die here!”

Together with an almost ear breaking deafening sound, Kamito’s body whirled highly into the air.

=== Part 2 ===

“.....Un”

Few minutes later. Kamito starts to recover his consciousness, before his eyes, trees within the forest unfold.

He tried to rise---

Suddenly, he noticed something which was coiled around his neck.

It was a leather black whip for torturing. (What is this thing…), Kamito tried to remove it,

“Finally woke up, You Peeping Tom Pervert”

The thing on his neck tightens.

“Gweh!? Release me....”

Kamito coughed then looked upward-

Scarlet haired young girl – Claire, stood with her hands at her waist. Keeping her slim eyebrow arc raised, she gazed sharply down at Kamito.

This time she was not naked. The girl has changed into an adorable uniform. It has the pattern of black line within the pure white, Areishia Spirit Academy’s uniform.

A ribbon tie decorated the front of her chest. Instead of a button, a talisman was sewn on it. Between the gap of knee sock stockings and a pleated skirt, her slender beautiful legs stuck out brilliantly. The tiny ribbons tied her blazing crimson hair on both sides. This was the so called twin tail hair style. Judging from her still wet hair, it seems that he hadn’t lost consciousness for that long.

Keeping the neck of Kamito bound tightly, Claire puffed up her small chest.

“Well, be grateful. I went easy and didn’t kill you”

“That has to be lying. You definitely intended to kill me. ”

“What are you talking about? If I was serious, you would've been cinders by now. ”

..... She just said something terribly frightening in a calm manner.

By the way, cinders are the soft ash residue left from incinerated firewood.

“I beg your forgiveness to spare me from becoming cinders. After all, I helped you.”

“Yeah, I’m a fair noble, I’ll give you credit for that. You are of a higher grade than an average pervert, so you are a high grade pervert.”

“In the end the pervert designation doesn't change. By the way, isn't a high grade pervert even worse than an average pervert?”

“Wh.. What.....pretending to help, you ...you touched, my breast!”

Recalling what happened earlier, Claire's shy face suddenly turns red.

(Hmm?)

Seeing such a reaction from her, Kamito had an idea.

.....This girl, could it be that she is that kind of person?

“So it seems, that my lady is a pervert that has a hobby of whipping man.”

Kamito teased her nonchalantly -

“What!? Wr, Wro, Wrong, I’m not!”

The response was immediate as expected. Claire shook her head, and her cheeks instantly became bright red all the way to her ears.

“Then do you enjoy being whipped?”

“.....m! Wha... What.. are...you..sayi..ng?”

Claire's eyes twirled, as a steam puff rose out from her head. She is surprisingly flustered.

(Oh, as I expected....)

Kamito smiled bitterly in his heart.

(This girl, is really really innocent.)

Perhaps, this girl is not that special. After all, this is the Areishiya Spirit academy, where witch princesses who have made contracts with spirits are gathered.

Only pure maidens are capable of communicating with the spirits
from Astral Zero. Among them, those who retain enough divine
power so that they can command a contracted spirit, are noble girls
from the family of kings or lords of ancient and honorable
lineage, whose spirit contractor blood was strengthened through
marriage of many generations.

To maintain the purity of their body and heart, these girls are
raised in an environment that's completely separated from the
males since childhood: the so called elite education for
spirit contractors. Therefore, all the girls attending the
academy are super boxed-in princesses who are unaccustomed to
men.

Finding the unexpected weak point of the girl, Kamito had the
slight desire to play a prank on her.

Keeping a kneeling position, Kamito looked up at the embarrassed
bright red face of Claire.

"ah, then, there is something I have meant to say since earlier."

"wh...what, you pervert!"

"I can see your panties from this angle."

"Fuwah!" 

Tears begun to float in her crimson eyes, Claire hastily pressed down the fringe of her skirt with both hands.

“you... you saw it?”

“Only a glance, you are unexpectedly quite daring. It has the same color as your hair.”

"You... you lie! It is not red! It’s white, white!" 

“So, it’s white.”

“......ha!?”

Realizing that she was tricked, Claire bit her lips-

“U, uuuuuuuuuh~”

..... Somehow she started to cry.

At this sudden unexpected reaction, Kamito panicked. “What a slutty unladylike person, to confess the color of her own panties,” he had planned to tease her more with such words..... but he felt pity seeing her like this. 

Taking the chance while Claire was still in disarray, Kamito removed the the whip coiled around his neck.

“My bad, I went a bit too far with my prank. Sorry.”

Kamito stood up and placed his hand on Claire's head. Claire stopped crying, and looked puzzled.

“My bad that I have seen your naked body while bathing, and I have .... have touched your breast as well. But they were not intentional. Please believe me.”

“Wha, What.....”

Seeing the truthfulness in Kamito’s eye, Claire can not help but to avert her eyes.

“....What, What is this? If you are not a pervert, then '''why are you here?'''”

A question of matter of course. This forest is under the jurisdiction of Areishia Spirit Academy, known as the “Spirit Forest”. There is no reason for the presence of a man in the academy where pure witch princesses are gathered.

Even if he is not a pervert, there is little doubt that he is someone suspicious. 

“I was, summoned here by Greyworth.”

“Greyworth..... the academy director!?”

Claire suspiciously questioned. Indeed, it is only natural to doubt.

“I’m not lying. Look, here’s the evidence.”

Kamito shrugged his shoulders, and took out a letter from his burned coat’s inside pocket. The letter was signed by the renowned academy director. Also, it was stamped with the emblem seal that symbolizes the five great elemental lords.

“Is....that, the first rank emblem seal of the empire!?”

Claire let out voice of dismay from her lips. The first rank emblem seal is produced by sealing spirits with a special technique. It is rated as the highest among the emblem seals issued by the empire, and is said to be completely impossible to counterfeit. Of course, it is something that is rarely seen, but as a spirit contractor, Claire could certainly tell its authenticity. 

“.....It seems to be the real thing. But, why would the academy director call a man here?”

“Well, for that you have to ask Greyworth, that old hag. It was troublesome for me, too.”

“That.. that old hag!?”

Instantly, Claire's face stiffened.

The Dusk Witch, Greyworth is greatly respected by the witch princesses who aim to become spirit knights. It was said that her popularity in the Orudesia Empire is neck and neck with the Strongest Sword Dancer Ren Ashbell. Even after a decade since she retired from the squad of the twelve knight generals, the most elite force of the spirit knights known as the <Numbers>, her legendary name as a witch is still being feared and revered to the highest degree. 

(Well, for me, she is nothing but a nightmare....)

Tucking away the letter in his pocket, Kamito shrugged his shoulders.

“Greyworth is an old acquaintance of mine. I came all the way here, but the academy ground is very large, so I have lost my way”

Areishia Spirit Academy ground is incredibly vast. After all, beside the academic town at the foot of the hill, it also includes the entire spirit forest that spreads around it.

“Could it be, that you were misled by the spirits in the forest. That's so lame.”

“.....Yeah, that’s how it is”

Claire chuckled, while Kamito nodded, feeling a bit dejected.

Existing in various location of the continent, the spirit forests are connected with Astral Zero through the GATE, and are inhabited by the spirits that have gone astray to this world. Most of the spirits have no interest in the humankind so they are harmless. But there are also spirits who enjoy playing pranks, and they deliberately mislead the travelers who stray into the forest. As he was guided by the spirits'　whispers and went deeper and deeper in the forest, he must have lost the way to the academy.

“Anyway, I’m really glad that I met a person. It is not very appealing to become a victim of the forest. From here onward, which direction should I follow to get to the academy?”

“Which direction.....for your own information, I shall tell you, that it takes two hours to get to the academy from here on foot.”

“What, that far!?”

If he was to walk for such long distance, most likely he would be once again tricked by the spirits. Since a student of the academy was here, he had thought that the academy was much nearer than it was. 

(.....hmm? Why was this girl taking a bath at this kind of place?)

A plain question suddenly arises. Today is indeed a bit hot, nonetheless instead of coming all the way here, there should be showering facilities inside of the academy no matter what. Anyhow there are only girls in the school, there is nothing to be embarrassed about.

Being asked, Claire dug her hands into her wet twin tail hair and tried to comb it.

“I was here for the purification ritual for a spirit contract. Being a spring next to a shrine, the water here has the highest holy quality. Do you at least know that spirits like a woman which has a pure mind and body?”

“Spirit Contract?”

The moment he hears those words, a throbbing pain came from the back of his left hand covered in leather gloves. Kamito grimaced from the burning sharp pain.

“A bit further from here, there is an ancient holy sword in a historical shrine. Rumor has it that a powerful “Sealed Spirit” is inhabited there. Since the foundation of the academy, not a single witch princess has successfully formed a contract with it. It surely sounds like a very proud spirit."

Sealed Spirits – are not the spirits that reside in Astral Zero.

Among the spirits, there are those who were sealed into weapons or armors by powerful ancient spirit contractors. Most of them have brought about terrible disasters to the humans, and are dreadful beings called djinn or efreet by ancient societies. 

Of course, they are not meant to be employed by the human spirit contractors. For that purpose, the ancient great spirit contractors sealed them in weapons or armors so that they will never be summoned again.

“You, do you plan to form a contract with a sealed spirit?”

“That's right! Do you have a problem with it?”

“Stop, it’s too dangerous.”

“Hmm, you seem to know it quite well, even though you are not a spirit contractor. I’m quite aware of the danger, but I need a powerful spirit no matter what.”

Claire muttered, biting her tightly close lips.

Seeing her serious facial expression, Kamito involuntarily shuts his mouth.

“But, don't you already have a contract with the flame spirit from earlier? That is also a quite powerful spirit, won't it be fine if you raise it up?”

For its tribute, a flame spirit is not very rare. But, there are only a handful spirit contractors who can control a spirit of such rank and even capable of <elemental waffe> in the whole empire. Besides, spirit contractors that have formed a contract with multiple spirits are so rare that they almost don't exist. Discordance between the spirits can cause deterioration of the balance of divine power. Without enough talent one can't control them.

“'''Scarlett''' is an important partner. But-”

I need more power-- Claire calmly shook her head.

“I have a goal. To achieve it, I must have a strong spirit.”

=== Part 3 ===

Chasing the back of Claire on which her fluffily crimson twin tails swung, Kamito followed her inside the forest. Although Claire's leather loafers looked quite difficult to walk in,　Claire was a well trained spirit contractor after all, and her steps were light and frivolous.

“Here”

Then, suddenly her well proportioned feet stopped walking.

With her hands on her hips, she looked back with a half eye glare towards Kamito.

“Why are you following me? You pervert peeping maniac. ”

“Without you, I don’t know the way towards the academy. As I have said several times, I am not a pervert peeping maniac. It’s Kamito, Kamito Kazehaya”

“Fufu, what a weird name. Kuina’s origin?”

Kuina is an empire in the eastern region of the continent. It is said that its language, culture and the relationship of people with spirits largely differed from Orudeshia.

“No, It’s not from Kuina. I was born in a far remote island minority group village.”

Kamito intentionally obscures his own statement. Certainly, he was born in an island country in the east, but the larger half of his childhood life wasn't spent there.

“Your name also has quite a rare taste, Claire Rouge”

“Don’t call my name in a friendly manner. Anyway it’s a strange name.”

“Really? But, I consider it a nice name”

“Wha, What are you saying, stu, stupid!”

Claire's face blushed, then she suddenly changed back to her former direction, and briskly walked faster than usual.

Claire Rouge ---- obviously a Pseudonym.

Most of the students attending the Areshia spirit academy are surely young ladies of noble families who has been trained as spirit contractors since childhood. But Kamito has never heard of the Rouge residence. For hiding a noble family name, she must have some reason for it, but Kamito had no intention to delve more.

(.....Everyone has some secrete to hide. )

Kamito glanced in the direction of his left hand covered by a leather glove.

Even I have mine, too -

Claire keeps advancing steadily. Kamito hastily chased after her back where the twin tail were swaying. Now, losing sight of Claire inside the forest will bring only trouble for him. Kamito was well aware of the dangers of spending one night inside the “Spirit Forest”.

“Is that dress the academy's uniform?”

“Yah”

Claire nods in a cold manner while walking.

Areishia Spirit Academy Uniform is pretty sturdy and also served as a protective garment, which has undergone spirit’s blessing, and it had the effect of raising the sacred attributes. It could also function nicely as a high ceremonial dress for contracting with spirits.

“What, are you saying that it doesn't suite me?”

“No, it suite you gorgeously. Honestly speaking, I am charmed.”

Kamito shrugged his shoulder, and then answered it honestly. 　Fine feathers make fine birds, Kamito planed to mock her with some caustic words, but it did fit her perfectly that Kamito couldn't help but to compliment her.

“Wha, Whatt, What are you saying! Aren't you an idiot!”

(Kaatsu) Claire blushes in deep red, while (Pyun-Pyun) waving her whip.

“Uwahh, Calm down!”

“Wasn't it because that you said some weird thing?”

“''Me saying a weird thing?, I simply speak the truth - *in pain*, I got it, I got it, please stop waving your whip for every little thing.''”

(....phew, I need her as a guide, but what a bothersome princess.)

Dodging the whip which was swung downward at a paper thin distance, Kamito sighed in his mind.

The shrine that held the holy blade stood quietly　in a clearing in the forest.

Claire easily removed the entry forbidding ward, then stopped her steps, and turned to Kamito.

“From here onwards, it will be really dangerous, so, as a commoner you should stay away.”

“If you know that it’s dangerous, why not stop?”

“As am I saying, ''I need to have a strong spirit''.”

Claire calmly shook her head, and stepped into the shrine.

Disregarding her warnings, Kamito followed her. As for coming all the way, it was true that he needed a guide, moreover he was just worried about Claire.

After all “Sealed Spirits” are strong and in the same time have a wild nature. They prefer destruction and chaos, given the chance they would also murder the spirit contractor that employs them.

They are not something that can be managed by humans --- that's why they have been sealed.

Sixteen years of age, with such an innate talent of wielding a spirit, Claire might as well be called a prodigy. However, if by any chance, she was to release a sealed spirit and fail to control it, what would happen?

Although she was just a girl he met by chance, Kamito couldn't let her alone.

“Why did you follow me? I can't guarantee what will happen to you.”

“Don't you have the absolute confidence to tame it?”

“Of, of course I do!”

“Then there’s no problem that I come along. ”

Kamito shrugged his shoulder and Claire turned away from him.

“....Suit yourself”

Inside the shrine is a dark gloomy misty atmosphere. Claire frowned slightly at the mold smells mingled inside the air.

“......Flames, let there be light.”

A tiny fire ball immediately starts to glow from Claire's fingertips, a basic spirit spell drawing on the power of Flame Spirit. The flickering light of the fire ball dimly illuminates the walls of the shrine which looked like a stalactites cavern.

The sword was at the innermost of the shrine.

“That..... is the sword that the sealed spirit resides in?”

Kamito muttered, while Claire nodded quietly.

A naked sword was stabbed standing in a huge stone. Although without doubt it was an antique of hundreds years old,　it has no rust in its body or dent of its edge. Delicate ancient runes were engrossed on its belly, radiating a dimly blue light.

“Existing here even before the academy was found, <the holy sword of Severian>.”

“The holy sword of Severian? The one that slayed Demon King Solomon?”

Demon King Solomon --- commanding seventy two powerful spirits, brought chaos and destruction to the continent, and '''the only male spirit contractor in history'''.

It was said that the one that slayed the demon king was the sword of Severian.

“Idiot, there’s no way that’s the real thing.”

Claire stated like she was amazed.

“Holy sword of Severian stabbed in a stone can be found everywhere in the empire. Some remote villages even has one for the revitalization the village. Anyhow, even if it is not the real deal, since it is a rune sword, there might be a powerful spirit sealed in itself. ”

“.....Indeed. Certainly, the real thing will not be at such a place...”

Claire walked toward the sword determinedly.

“Hey....”

“You stay back.”

Gesturing to Kamito who was coming close, Claire clenched the hilt of the holy blade.

“Don’t strain yourself ”

“....Got it”

Kamito decided to watch over Claire at the edge where the light barely reached. The sealed spirit might be provoked by the presence of other people. A heavy silence filled the surroundings.

“.....Let's do this, Claire Rouge.”

Breathing deeply, Claire murmured to herself. Her voice trembled a bit: it seemed that she was nervous after all.

--- Oh Noble Spirit Sealed in Ancient Holy Sword!

--- Thou Shall Accept Me As Thy Master, And I Shall Be Thy Sheath!

From her cherry red lips flew a fluent incantation for contract ritual in spirit language. Her crimson hair stands on its ends. A crashing wind started to swirl inside the shrine.

Holding his breath, Kamito watched her intensively. Once the contracts had been exchanged and the spirit recognized Clair as its master, a spirit seal would be engraved somewhere on her body. The contract vows entered its conclusion. In this moment, a dreadful gust of wind swept inside the shrine.

“......eh?”

But, Claire is unfazed. She calmly recites her contract vow.

---And, dazzling light radiated from Severian’s holy blade in her hand.

(I can’t....believe it, She was exchanging a contract with the sealed spirit!?)

Preventing being swept by the wind, astonished Kamito raised his voice.

From the holy blade stabbed in the stone　came overwhelming tremendous divine energy. If it was an average spirit contractor, she would have already passed out.

“---Thrice I Command Thee, Exchange Vows With Me!”

And, Claire’s vow reverberates inside the shrine --- in that instant.

Clink!

“Pulled, pulled out. I pulled it out.”

“.....What, seriously!?”

Brandishing overhead the sword pulled out from the stone, Claire exclaimed with joy. In the next second---

The ancient runes engraved in its belly suddenly shined violently!

“......ha!?”

Claire involuntarily releases the blade from her hand ---

The holy blade thrust into the ground. With a flash it blasted into bits.

“Kyaaaaah!”

A short shriek flew, then Claire collapses into the ground.

“Hey, are you okay!”

Kamito quickly runs towards Claire.

“Wha, What? What exactly has....”

Claire held her temple and got up, then looked around restlessly.

“My, My sealed spirit?”

“No, I....can sense something terrible.”

Sweat is flowing intensely from the back of Kamito's neck. Wearing a terrified facial expression,　he looked up at the shrine’s ceiling. In that place, '''swinging while floating in the air was the blade'''.

It's not the shattered holy sword. But, It was a rough steel blade that looked very sharp.

“Is that.....the sealed spirit in the sword!?”

“So it was of the <sword spirit> class. Looks it is rather irritated.”

“How do you know so much? You are not even a spirit contractor!”

“It is plain to see. No matter how you look at it, that doesn't seem to be someone who pledges his allegiance to his matter.”

“.....umm, indeed so.”

Claire unusual meekly nodded.

The floating sword slants pointing its tip in a downward direction, suddenly it become motionless.

Then ---

“.....Get Down!”

Kamito in that instant, pushes down Claire to the ground. A buzzing sound of an insect grazed the ear, in a flash it went far away.

“Wai, Waa, Wait, where are you touching me, I will turn you into cinders!”

With her face deeply red, Claire beat on Kamito's chest repeatedly.

“Idiot, stop rampaging!”

Kamito quickly moved his body away, and looked in the direct that the sword spirit had flown to.

Fragments of rocks fall down with clattering sounds. The shrine’s ceiling was completely sliced off cleanly.

“It is remarkable to release spirit of such rank ---”

Kamito glared with half opened eye towards　Claire .

“......but the spirit has completely gone berserk.”

“Shu. shut up. The, the taming of it starts now.”

“YOU....”

Kamito was stupefied, but he was in no situation to quarrel with her.

The spirit sword releases a chattering noise while approaching them. Inside the shrine, they can't move freely, and even the eye sight was restricted.

Kamito grabbed Claire’s hand and stood up. Touching each others soft skin, (Doki) a heart beat, but he showed no vexed expression 

“Hwaah”

“Stopping making cute reaction at every little thing. Let's flee.”

“Wha.. whaa. whatt.. Cute.. what me, Kyaa!”

“Let’s run outside!”

Pulling Claire’s hand, while running towards the direction of the shrine’s exit that was basking with sunshine.

The spirit sword did no immediately chases after them. Maybe as of now it has not yet completely awakened. With this opportunity they might be able to run away.

The moment they are out of the shrine, the flash of the sword grazed in front of his eyes. Kamito's forelocks fell while dancing in the air. The spirit sword lets out a tremendous roar, decisively knocking domn the surrounding trees in succession.

“Crazy, What a wild Spirit, just like a certain princess.”

“Alwa, always, you’re noisy...”

Feeling slightly awkward, and Claire fake coughed, then stood up.

“What a rebellious child.....I will give you some proper training”

Her pair of crimson eyes which where burning with a fierce determination, somehow she said some line provocative. Rolling up the fringe of her skirt, she then took out the leather whip which was coiled in her thigh, hitting it hard in the ground. Kamito's heart beat for the brief sight of her white underwear, but he said -

“Are you insane!? You’re opponent is a high rank sealed spirit!”

“Easy victory. Amateur like you please stay back!”

“Where are you getting all of your confidence? Whatever, let's run away!”

Claire shook off Kamito's hand that was grabbing her wrist.

“No, you escape yourself. I will absolutely make this spirit mine.”

“You, for what reason --- do you need a strong spirit that badly?”

“.....You will never understand”

At the same time Clair averts her eyes.

“I need...power, I need a unbeatable powerful spirit that will not lose to any other spirit!”

--- Guardian of Crimson’s blaze, Keeper of the Sleepless furnace!

--- Now is the time to abide the contract of blood, hasten to my side as commanded!

Claire recited the summoning spell of her “Flame Spirit”. A crimson flame surges and she was engulfed by intense heat.

“The hunting begins, Scarlett!”

Together with scorching flame – a Scarlet Red Hell Cat appeared. Instead of a fur, it was blazing scarlet red colored flame that was wrapped around the beast's body.

(Is that the real form of her flame spirit!?)

Indeed, she was not all talk. To manifested in beast form is a proof that it is a high rank spirit. "Scarlett" might just be as a name of affection, perhaps it was not the true name of the spirit. Without doubt it is a high rank spirit that carries a true name. 

Claire wields her whip, and the hell cat growls with a frightful roar, then rushed towards the sword spirit. Dancing sparks scattered. The atmosphere trembled at the roar of the beast. The floating spirit sword went against them, cutting all the trees in its way.

“Scarlett, go get it!”

In response to Claire’s shout, the hell cat leaped.　High above the floating sword it went, and sharp blazing claws swung down at the sword. With a high pitched shrill sound, intense sparks sprinkled down, and the spirit sword dropped to the ground.

Claire ran at the same time. It was not a fatal hit. The spirit sword rose and flew in a split second, rolling over while drawing an arc in the air.

The flame spirit chased after it, trying not to loose it from its hands. Roaring loudly, it made a great leap again.

Violent sparks scattered once again. Clare strikes hard at the ground with her leather whip, slowly pressing forward against the sword spirit. It looked like that the leather whip was not meant for battle, rather for signaling instructions to the spirit.

At the fiercely attacks of Scarlett, the spirit sword's movement stopped --- At this instant,

“Eat this, searing fire ball!”

Clair releases a huge fire ball from her palm.

Fire Ball is a high level spirit magic which use ultra hot flames and can terribly burn up any of its target, leaving it traceless. The spirit magic’s power is determined by the spirit contractor’s own divine spiritual energy and the contracted spirit’s strength as a whole.

The released fire ball drew an arch in the air, then exploded in a blast that even scarlet was caught in. The shock wave of the explosion knocked down the trees in the surrounding and fallen tree trunks radiate from the explosion center.

(What Terrible Power......)

Shielding himself from the flying stones coming at his head, Kamito wrapped his tongue and marveled.

Such power was nothing like a sixteen years old girl was capable of.

Inside the swirling fire the hell cat's figure shows up. Naturally, the hell cat can’t possibly be harmed by the blazing fire because of its fire nature.

The spirit sword float motionlessly in the air. It seemed that it had not received any damage either. Naturally, Claire didn't think that she would bring down a high rank spirit with spirit magic. But she should be able to get its attention.

“Scarlett!”

Claire exclaimed. The flame spirit's claws attacked at the spirit sword again. Its scourging hot claws could melt the iron steel. If its opponent was an average spirit, it would be instantly eradicated. But, the spirit sword quickly turned around, and the attack was stopped by the steel edge of the blade.

In an instant, the strange sound of metal scratching each other reverberated in the trembling atmosphere.

“Wh...What?....”

Kamito suppressed both his ears with his hands.

Receiving the full impact of the sound, Claire's face distorted from pain and she crouched down there.

The spirit sword released a weird sound - and then, transformed. Its shape changed from an average long sword to that of a huge bastard sword.

In a flash.

“What!?”

Claire’s flame spirit took the unexpected strike and couldn't avoid the big swing. The body was severely into two, and it vanished into the void together with the flames wrapped around its body.

With only one hit, it had lost the strength to manifest in this world.

(....Damn! Isn't it in a completely different league? It seemed that it has completely awakened.)

Kamito cursed, then took a glance at Claire -

Claire had collapsed on the ground, and her stunned blank eyes were fixed upward at the void where the flame spirit has disappeared.

Having finished off the flame spirit in one swing, the spirit sword aimed its next attack at Claire. 

The huge bastard sword flew with a bursting sound -

“Claire!”

Kamito shouted, and started to run. Without reason, his own body just moved before he known it.

“Aaaaaaaaaaaaaaah!”

Diving in front of Clair, he thrust his palm toward the bastard sword. Not his left hand enclosed by the leather glove – it was his right hand.

(……No choice but to do this! )

--- Oh Noble Spirit Sealed in Ancient Holy Sword!

--- Thou Shall Accept Me As Thy Master, And I Shall Be Thy Sheath!

Sweats rushed down from his forehead, he started to recite the incantation for spirit contract ''that he had sworn to never utter again''. The spinning tip of the sword pierced the skin of his palm. Red blood gushed intensely from it.

(.....Gwaah, Gah!)

Crushing amount of divine energy knocked on him, the soil and sands surrounding them are whirling up from the wind pressure. He almost lost his consciousness from the sharp pain. But if Kamito fainted here, Claire protected behind him would surely be cut in half.

--- Thrice I Command Thee!

“.....No way, a Spirit Contract!?”

A surprised sound came from Claire’s throat.

Kamito's heels sunk into the ground. And, the sound of his breaking bones resounds underneath his scalp.

--- Exchange Vows With Me!

Withstanding the terrible sharp pain, Kamito finished his last word of the contract ritual.

Instantly, the body of spirit sword radiated a pale blue light.

(What!?)

Intense flashes and thunderous sounds filled his consciousness.

=== Part 4 ===

He opened his eyes, and Claire Rouge’s face was there. Hanging lower onto his face was her twin tailed hair tickling his face.

It seemed that she shouted something, but he can't hear it clearly. Probably the sound blast had messed up his ears.

(.....Looks like I’m alive)

Weary lying on the ground, Kamito let out a breath of relief. The chance of success against a spirit of such rank was very low, but it looked like his gamble had paid off.

Raising his eyebrow, he grimaced from the torment of pain from all of his body and raised his right hand slowly.

In his right hand where was stabbed -

Instead of a wound, an emblem of two swords crossing each other was engraved on it.

It was the proof of the spirit contract - The spirit seal.

(Aah, I did it....)

Staring at the carved seal on the back of his hand, Kamito mumured.

A sharp sense of guilt bit his heart.

He has broken the promise with ''her'' ---

But, to save Claire under such a situation, that was the only method.

Claire noticed that Kamito has woken up, with her hands in his nape and her face approaching him. So close that he could feel her breath. With her clear crimson eyes, she stared at Kamito. Her cherry colored lips weakly trembled.

“......Why ”

"''Why, you’re a male, how can you contract a spirit!''”

“......”

Kamito does not answer and slowly rises up. Being ignored, the annoyed Claire raised her eyebrows.

“My, My Sword Spirit!?”

“My bad. Just a moment ago, I had contracted it”

Kamito sighes and at the same time he shows her the back of his right hand where the spirit seal is engraved.

“Wha, Whaa, Wha, Whaaaat!”

Claire wore a stunned expression with her mouth wide open.

(Well, A natural reaction....)

A long sigh --- Kamito felt a faint ache in his heart. Of course, he could clearly understand such response. Originally, a privilege that was granted to no one except pure maidens --- the spirit contract.

The existence of a man which could contract a spirit, throughout the history, belonged solely to one person. And the one who brought chaos and destruction in the world, the so called Demon King spirit contractor.

It is natural to fear him, who carried the same power of spirit contracts as the Demon King.

Kamito stands up and quietly turns around.

He does not regret. To save the girl, this is the only way he could think of.

“Wait, as am I saying Wait!”

Kamito was about to leave, but a voice called him from the back.

Turning around, he saw that Claire with her hands in her hips intensely glared at him.

"You stole...my spirit...take responsibility for it!"

“Huh?”

Kamito frowned. ....It doesn't make any sense to him.

At such reaction of Kamito, Claire impatient　brushed her twin tailed.

“I should have been the one who had obtained that spirit, as am I saying, you have to take responsibility for it”

“Re..sponsibility?”

Because of that unexpected word, Kamito had become even more confused.

....What was the girl saying.

“Therefore....”

Claire snapped her whip, then she points her index finger toward Kamito.

"You have to become my contracted spirit!"

<noinclude>
{| border="1" cellpadding="5" cellspacing="0" style="margin: 1em 1em 1em 0; background: #f9f9f9; border: 1px #aaaaaa solid; padding: 0.2em; border-collapse: collapse;"
|-
| Back to [[Seirei Tsukai no Blade Dance:Volume1 Illustrations|Illustrations]]
| Return to [[Seirei Tsukai no Blade Dance|Main Page]]
| Forward to [[Seirei Tsukai no Blade Dance:Volume1 Chapter2|Chapter 2]]
|-
|}

File:UtsuroNoHako3 6.jpg

2012-04-02T21:25:59Z

Mane:

A man trapped by boredom can use the 'box' merely to stave off boredom.

Therefore—Let's have a meaningless death match.

File:UtsuroNoHako3 5.jpg

2012-04-02T21:18:14Z

Mane:

<div style="width: 40%; float: left; padding: 0 20px;">
"......"

Isn't that Oomine-senpai who's famous because of all the bad rumours about him?

Didn't expect him to be such a glamour boy. Well, but not as much as me, though!</div>
<div>
"......"

Isn't that guy Koudai Kamiuchi who's been in the same middle school...?

He still has the same unpleasant atmosphere around him.
</div>
<br style="clear: both;" />

File:UtsuroNoHako3 3.jpg

2012-04-02T21:11:49Z

Mane:

"Hmpf, that's what you get when you humiliate me by making me wear such clothes."

N-No... wasn't it almost entirely you who decided to put on that dress?!

"But still, Kazuki, this looks surprisingly... pathetic."

"What's with that attitude?! You were the one who forced me to wear this!"

"It may look pathetic, but whatever... I'll set the photo I just took as my standby background."

"Why?!"

"Because you don't want that, of course. Don't make me explain the obvious."

That's way too sadistic!

File:UtsuroNoHako3 4.jpg

2012-04-02T21:08:48Z

Mane:

"What makes you learn even during the break? Yuuri!"

"Hyah! I-Iroha, h-hello."

"You're greeting me now?! And you didn't answer my question, by the way."

"Umm... Unlike you I'm an idiot, so I have to work hard."

"To hear that from the class' number one sounds pretty hypocritical... You’ve just made enemies of all the classmates who have overheard that statement!"

"R-Really? I-I'm sorry..."

"To apologize obediently to a joke; you're so cuute, Yuuri."

"...Uuh, you're making fun of me, aren't you...?"

File:UtsuroNoHako3 3.jpg

2012-04-02T21:05:06Z

Mane: "S" > "sadistic"

"Hmpf, that's what you get when you humiliate me by making me wear such clothes."

N-No... wasn't it almost entirely you who decided to put on that dress?!

"But still, Kazuki, this looks surprisingly... pathetic."

"What's with that attitude?! You were the one who forced me to wear this!"

"It may look pathetic, but whatever... I'll set the photo I just took as standby background."

"Why?!"

"Because you don't want that, of course. Don't make me explain the obvious."

That's way too sadistic!

Talk:Utsuro no Hako:Volume2 Prologue

2012-03-27T03:23:26Z

Mane:

Quick question:
What does this mean "But since I haven't accepted the 'box', I cannot recall this scenery deliberately except in my dreams. I don't know when we had this conversation, either."
Also "You also include not minding to lose something" why did you change it from "You include things that you don't mind losing" [[User:Almanik|almanik]] 22:33, 23 May 2010 (UTC)
:# He is only able to remember that scene in his dreams because he didn't accept the 'box' from '0'.
:# Because it didn't really make sense to me at the time I translated it. But you can change it. I believe '0' wants to say something along the lines of: "You don't consider everything in your everyday life indispensable". [[User:EusthEnoptEron|EusthEnoptEron]] 23:29, 23 May 2010 (UTC)

== Need clarification ==

<i>And if you know something is distorted, it's only fair enough that you cannot accept it.</i>

What does "it's only fair enough" mean in this sentence? From the context then sentence seems say something along the lines of "And once you know something is distorted, you refuse to accept it."

<i>But those abilities...</i>

Should this be singular or plural? "0" seems to be referring to Kazuki's ability to detect distortions. If that is the case, the words should be singular.--[[User:Mane|Mane]] 22:23, 26 March 2012 (CDT)

Talk:Utsuro no Hako:Volume2 April 30

2012-03-27T02:53:19Z

Mane:

== "Timestamps"? ==
I changed "The begin of the second day." to "The beginning of the second day.", however I was wondering if it should be "The second day begins." instead. This seems to fit better with the rest of this chapter, but how does it relate with the rest of the book? I do not know the purpose of those timestamps yet after all... --[[User:Spiller|Spiller]] 23:09, 26 February 2010 (UTC)

:You're right. It doesn't influence the story, but it's written in the same pattern as at the previous day. Thanks :D [[User:EusthEnoptEron|EusthEnoptEron]] 00:03, 27 February 2010 (UTC)

"The date of the mail is March 30. In other words, 02:23 this morning." at april 30??? I'm confused.
:That happens when you try to translate when you haven't slept enough recently. Thanks [[User:EusthEnoptEron|EusthEnoptEron]] 09:06, 27 February 2010 (UTC)

== War Proclamation ==

<i>«War Proclamation»</i>

Since this is an event they specifically refer to, I capitalized the word. But I was wondering if it should not be «Declaration of War» instead. War is declared rather than proclaimed in the United States. U.S. C<small>ONST</small>. art. I, § 8, cl. 11 ("The Congress shall have Power . . . To <i>declare</i> War . . ." (emphasis added)).
--[[User:Mane|Mane]] 21:53, 26 March 2012 (CDT)
== Resolute ==

<i>I have yet to get used to her resolute personality and stunning looks</i>.

I think the synonyms unyielding or unwavering might be better adjectives than resolute (or firm, which was used in "April 7- Announcement").
--[[User:Mane|Mane]] 21:53, 26 March 2012 (CDT)
== Mail ==

<i>"I received a mail late at night yesterday."</i>

Does she mean email or text message. Since this is a phone, I am inclined to think text message. Mail is insufficient, since that word, in plain English, implies something one physically receives from the postal service.
--[[User:Mane|Mane]] 21:53, 26 March 2012 (CDT)

Talk:Utsuro no Hako:Volume2 April 30

2012-03-27T02:48:45Z

Mane:

== "Timestamps"? ==
I changed "The begin of the second day." to "The beginning of the second day.", however I was wondering if it should be "The second day begins." instead. This seems to fit better with the rest of this chapter, but how does it relate with the rest of the book? I do not know the purpose of those timestamps yet after all... --[[User:Spiller|Spiller]] 23:09, 26 February 2010 (UTC)

:You're right. It doesn't influence the story, but it's written in the same pattern as at the previous day. Thanks :D [[User:EusthEnoptEron|EusthEnoptEron]] 00:03, 27 February 2010 (UTC)

"The date of the mail is March 30. In other words, 02:23 this morning." at april 30??? I'm confused.
:That happens when you try to translate when you haven't slept enough recently. Thanks [[User:EusthEnoptEron|EusthEnoptEron]] 09:06, 27 February 2010 (UTC)

== War Proclamation ==

<i>«War Proclamation»</i>

Since this is an event they specifically refer to, I capitalized the word. But I was wondering if it should not be «Declaration of War» instead. War is declared rather than proclaimed in the United States. U.S. C<small>ONST</small>. art. I, § 8, cl. 11 ("The Congress shall have Power . . . To <i>declare</i> War . . ." (emphasis added)).
--[[User:Mane|Mane]] 21:48, 26 March 2012 (CDT)
== Resolute ==

<i>I have yet to get used to her resolute personality and stunning looks</i>.

I think the synonyms unyielding or unwavering might be better adjectives than resolute (or firm, which was used in "April 7- Announcement").
--[[User:Mane|Mane]] 21:48, 26 March 2012 (CDT)
== Mail ==

<i>"I received a mail late at night yesterday."</i>

Does she mean email or text message. Since this is a phone, I am inclined to think text message. Mail is insufficient, since that word, in plain English, implies something one physically receives from the postal service.
--[[User:Mane|Mane]] 21:48, 26 March 2012 (CDT)

Talk:Utsuro no Hako:Volume2 April 30

2012-03-27T02:47:11Z

Mane: /* Mail */ new section

== "Timestamps"? ==
I changed "The begin of the second day." to "The beginning of the second day.", however I was wondering if it should be "The second day begins." instead. This seems to fit better with the rest of this chapter, but how does it relate with the rest of the book? I do not know the purpose of those timestamps yet after all... --[[User:Spiller|Spiller]] 23:09, 26 February 2010 (UTC)

:You're right. It doesn't influence the story, but it's written in the same pattern as at the previous day. Thanks :D [[User:EusthEnoptEron|EusthEnoptEron]] 00:03, 27 February 2010 (UTC)

"The date of the mail is March 30. In other words, 02:23 this morning." at april 30??? I'm confused.
:That happens when you try to translate when you haven't slept enough recently. Thanks [[User:EusthEnoptEron|EusthEnoptEron]] 09:06, 27 February 2010 (UTC)

== War Proclamation ==

<i>«War Proclamation»</i>

Since this is an event they specifically refer to, I capitalized the word. But I was wondering if it should not be «Declaration of War» instead. War is declared rather than proclaimed in the United States. U.S. C<small>ONST</small>. art. I, § 8, cl. 11 ("The Congress shall have Power . . . To <i>declare</i> War . . ." (emphasis added)).

== Resolute ==

<i>I have yet to get used to her resolute personality and stunning looks</i>.

I think the synonyms unyielding or unwavering might be better adjectives than resolute (or firm, which was used in "April 7- Announcement").

== Mail ==

<i>"I received a mail late at night yesterday."</i>

Does she mean email or text message. Since this is a phone, I am inclined to think text message. Mail is insufficient, since that word, in plain English, implies something one physically receives from the postal service.

Talk:Utsuro no Hako:Volume2 April 30

2012-03-27T02:13:11Z

Mane:

== "Timestamps"? ==
I changed "The begin of the second day." to "The beginning of the second day.", however I was wondering if it should be "The second day begins." instead. This seems to fit better with the rest of this chapter, but how does it relate with the rest of the book? I do not know the purpose of those timestamps yet after all... --[[User:Spiller|Spiller]] 23:09, 26 February 2010 (UTC)

:You're right. It doesn't influence the story, but it's written in the same pattern as at the previous day. Thanks :D [[User:EusthEnoptEron|EusthEnoptEron]] 00:03, 27 February 2010 (UTC)

"The date of the mail is March 30. In other words, 02:23 this morning." at april 30??? I'm confused.
:That happens when you try to translate when you haven't slept enough recently. Thanks [[User:EusthEnoptEron|EusthEnoptEron]] 09:06, 27 February 2010 (UTC)

== War Proclamation ==

<i>«War Proclamation»</i>

Since this is an event they specifically refer to, I capitalized the word. But I was wondering if it should not be «Declaration of War» instead. War is declared rather than proclaimed in the United States. U.S. C<small>ONST</small>. art. I, § 8, cl. 11 ("The Congress shall have Power . . . To <i>declare</i> War . . ." (emphasis added)).

== Resolute ==

<i>I have yet to get used to her resolute personality and stunning looks</i>.

I think the synonyms unyielding or unwavering might be better adjectives than resolute (or firm, which was used in "April 7- Announcement").

Talk:Utsuro no Hako:Volume2 April 30

2012-03-27T02:12:40Z

Mane: /* Resolute */ new section

== "Timestamps"? ==
I changed "The begin of the second day." to "The beginning of the second day.", however I was wondering if it should be "The second day begins." instead. This seems to fit better with the rest of this chapter, but how does it relate with the rest of the book? I do not know the purpose of those timestamps yet after all... --[[User:Spiller|Spiller]] 23:09, 26 February 2010 (UTC)

:You're right. It doesn't influence the story, but it's written in the same pattern as at the previous day. Thanks :D [[User:EusthEnoptEron|EusthEnoptEron]] 00:03, 27 February 2010 (UTC)

"The date of the mail is March 30. In other words, 02:23 this morning." at april 30??? I'm confused.
:That happens when you try to translate when you haven't slept enough recently. Thanks [[User:EusthEnoptEron|EusthEnoptEron]] 09:06, 27 February 2010 (UTC)

== War Proclamation ==

«War Proclamation»

Since this is an event they specifically refer to, I capitalized the word. But I was wondering if it should not be «Declaration of War» instead. War is declared rather than proclaimed in the United States. U.S. C<small>ONST</small>. art. I, § 8, cl. 11 ("The Congress shall have Power . . . To <i>declare</i> War . . ." (emphasis added)).

== Resolute ==

<u>I have yet to get used to her resolute personality and stunning looks</u>.

I think the synonyms unyielding or unwavering might be better adjectives than resolute (or firm, which was used in "April 7- Announcement").

Talk:Utsuro no Hako:Volume2 April 30

2012-03-27T02:04:39Z

Mane:

Talk:Utsuro no Hako:Volume2 April 30

2012-03-27T02:03:01Z

Mane: /* War Proclamation */ new section

Talk:Utsuro no Hako:Volume2 Prologue

2012-03-27T01:32:15Z

Mane:

Talk:Utsuro no Hako:Volume2 Prologue

2012-03-27T01:31:56Z

Mane:

Quick question:
What does this mean "But since I haven't accepted the 'box', I cannot recall this scenery deliberately except in my dreams. I don't know when we had this conversation, either."
Also "You also include not minding to lose something" why did you change it from "You include things that you don't mind losing" [[User:Almanik|almanik]] 22:33, 23 May 2010 (UTC)
:# He is only able to remember that scene in his dreams because he didn't accept the 'box' from '0'.
:# Because it didn't really make sense to me at the time I translated it. But you can change it. I believe '0' wants to say something along the lines of: "You don't consider everything in your everyday life indispensable". [[User:EusthEnoptEron|EusthEnoptEron]] 23:29, 23 May 2010 (UTC)

== Need clarification ==

<i>And if you know something is distorted, it's only fair enough that you cannot accept it.</i>

What does "it's only fair enough" mean in this sentence? From the context it seems say something along the lines of "And once you know something is distorted, you refuse to accept it."

<i>But those abilities...</i>

Should this be singular or plural? "0" seems to be referring to Kazuki's ability to detect distortions. If that is the case, the words should be singular.

Talk:Utsuro no Hako:Volume2 Prologue

2012-03-27T01:25:00Z

Mane: /* Need clarification */ new section

Quick question:
What does this mean "But since I haven't accepted the 'box', I cannot recall this scenery deliberately except in my dreams. I don't know when we had this conversation, either."
Also "You also include not minding to lose something" why did you change it from "You include things that you don't mind losing" [[User:Almanik|almanik]] 22:33, 23 May 2010 (UTC)
:# He is only able to remember that scene in his dreams because he didn't accept the 'box' from '0'.
:# Because it didn't really make sense to me at the time I translated it. But you can change it. I believe '0' wants to say something along the lines of: "You don't consider everything in your everyday life indispensable". [[User:EusthEnoptEron|EusthEnoptEron]] 23:29, 23 May 2010 (UTC)

== Need clarification ==

<i>And if you know something is distorted, it's only fair enough that you cannot accept it.</i>

What does "it's only fair enough" mean in this sentence? From the context it seems say something along the lines of "without doubt."

<i>But those abilities...</i>

Should this be singular or plural? "0" seems to be referring to Kazuki's ability to detect distortions. If that is the case, the words should be singular.

File:UtsuroNoHako2 4.jpg

2012-03-26T21:42:07Z

Mane: Made sentence slightly more concise

"I can learn ''so much'' from watching a certain someone. For example, there's nothing as sickening as egocentric obstinacy," Daiya says without flinching while looking into Asami's eyes.

"...are you picking a fight with me?"

"You think that I'm talking about you? Does that mean that you were aware of your self-centered behavior? Looks like you're beyond hope, huh."

"How... How dare you...!"

I wonder why Daiya has to be like this to each and every person...

"Hahaha! He just wants to give you a piece of advice because hovering over Maria-chan might put you out of her favor!" Haruaki goes to Daiya's rescue, though it's questionable whether that effect was achieved.

"Hands off! And stop calling her with that over-friendly 'chan,' you idiot!" Asami-san roars when Haruaki puts on a strangely soft smile and starts patting her head, "Don't treat me like a child just because I'm short! And stop touching me!"

Haruaki, however, ignores her protests and continues patting her hair.

"Hah... this guy just won't listen..."

"Yeah, I won't listen no matter what you say!"

"That's nothing to brag about..."

Suddenly, I notice that someone is gazing at those three. Miyazawa-kun, our class committee chairman, is watching them with a sour face.

He moves his gaze to me and says expressionlessly, "Always having a lot of fun, aren't you guys? Good for you."

File:UtsuroNoHako2 4.jpg

2012-03-26T21:39:43Z

Mane: Fix grammar error made in a previous change

"I can learn ''so much'' from watching a certain someone. For example, there's nothing as sickening as egocentric obstinacy," Daiya says without flinching while looking into Asami's eyes.

"...are you picking a fight with me?"

"You think that I'm talking about you? Does that mean that you were aware of your self-centered behavior? Looks like you're beyond hope, huh."

"How... How dare you...!"

I wonder why Daiya has to be like this to each and every person...

"Hahaha! He just wants to give you a piece of advice because hovering over Maria-chan might put you out of favor with her!" Haruaki goes to Daiya's rescue, though it's questionable whether that effect was achieved.

"Hands off! And stop calling her with that over-friendly 'chan,' you idiot!" Asami-san roars when Haruaki puts on a strangely soft smile and starts patting her head, "Don't treat me like a child just because I'm short! And stop touching me!"

Haruaki, however, ignores her protests and continues patting her hair.

"Hah... this guy just won't listen..."

"Yeah, I won't listen no matter what you say!"

"That's nothing to brag about..."

Suddenly, I notice that someone is gazing at those three. Miyazawa-kun, our class committee chairman, is watching them with a sour face.

He moves his gaze to me and says expressionlessly, "Always having a lot of fun, aren't you guys? Good for you."

File:UtsuroNoHako2 3.jpg

2012-03-26T21:34:37Z

Mane: Revert a previous change to preserve parallelism.

"I'll always be by your side no matter how much time passes――that is how I once declared war on you. But this is still going to continue, it seems."

She said so to me, standing in an empty space that was made free by the other students and that almost seemed like the eye of a cyclone.

"I am 『Maria Otonashi』. Pleased to meet you."

She no longer calls herself 『Aya Otonashi』 anymore like she did in this repeating world.

Fair enough. There's no need for her to maintain the illusion of 『Aya Otonashi』 anymore.

However――a certain thought crossed my mind.

"But I am not strong."

I wonder, where is the girl who once said this to me?

I wonder, where is the girl who lamented her first "School Transfer?"

No one knows her. No one can meet her.

Therefore, I don't know how I should address the 『Maria Otonashi』 who's standing in front of me.

<div style="float: right; border: 2px solid #330000; background: #990000; padding: 3px; color: #EE0; width: 200px; font-family: 'Times New Roman';"><span style="font-size: 1.5em;">Maria Otonashi</span><br />
A firm beauty who has spent a long time together with Kazuki inside the box―"Rejecting Classroom"―that created a repeating world. She is seeking the "boxes" for a certain goal.
</div>
<div style="border: 2px solid #20586F; background: #558091; padding: 3px; color: #EE0; width: 200px; font-family: 'Times New Roman';"><span style="font-size: 1.5em;">Kazuki Hoshino</span><br />
A boy who loves everyday life to an abnormal degree. He got elected as object of observation by the distributor of the 「Box That Grants Any Wish」―'0'.
</div>

File:UtsuroNoHako2 5.jpg

2012-03-26T20:47:22Z

Mane: "But" and "nonetheless" are redundant in the same sentence.

<div style="float:left; width: 50%; padding: 10px;">
The phone disconnected.

My heart beat didn't seem to calm down a bit, so I dived into my bed and buried my head in the pillow.

"What should I do... What should I do what should I do!!"

I talked into the pillow and shook around.

It's not like I don't like him. If I didn't, then I wouldn't be troubled to begin with.

But I considered him a friend. In my mind I had already drawn a distinct line.

So Kazu-kun won't allow this anymore...?

In that case, he should have said it earlier. He should have said it before our current relationship breaks and gets bitter.

Why does he say it so late...?

To say he'd love me.
</div>
<div style="padding: 10px;">
The phone disconnected.

I sat on the cushion and held my head.

I have no idea how I should react.

"......gh!"

It's not like I didn't consider this possibility, since we're male and female.

Nonetheless, I held a baseless conviction that this wouldn't happen with Kazuki.

This lack of consideration might have hurt him.

Why? It would be the best to feel nothing for me at all.

Despite this, why of all things did he get captured by this foolish feeling?

To say he'd love me.
</div>

<div style="border: 2px solid #220022; z-index: 2;background: #660066; padding: 3px; color: #EE0; width: 200px; font-family: 'Times New Roman';"><span style="font-size: 1.5em;">Kokone Kirino</span><br />
One of Kazuki's friends; bright, social and popular with the class. She is childhood friend of Daiya Oomine since kindergarten, and...?
</div>

File:UtsuroNoHako2 5.jpg

2012-03-26T20:46:41Z

Mane: Fixed incorrect semi-colon use and improved readability

<div style="float:left; width: 50%; padding: 10px;">
The phone disconnected.

My heart beat didn't seem to calm down a bit, so I dived into my bed and buried my head in the pillow.

"What should I do... What should I do what should I do!!"

I talked into the pillow and shook around.

It's not like I don't like him. If I didn't, then I wouldn't be troubled to begin with.

But I considered him a friend. In my mind I had already drawn a distinct line.

So Kazu-kun won't allow this anymore...?

In that case, he should have said it earlier. He should have said it before our current relationship breaks and gets bitter.

Why does he say it so late...?

To say he'd love me.
</div>
<div style="padding: 10px;">
The phone disconnected.

I sat on the cushion and held my head.

I have no idea how I should react.

"......gh!"

It's not like I didn't consider this possibility, since we're male and female.

But nonetheless, I held a baseless conviction that this wouldn't happen with Kazuki.

This lack of consideration might have hurt him.

Why? It would be the best to feel nothing for me at all.

Despite this, why of all things did he get captured by this foolish feeling?

To say he'd love me.
</div>

<div style="border: 2px solid #220022; z-index: 2;background: #660066; padding: 3px; color: #EE0; width: 200px; font-family: 'Times New Roman';"><span style="font-size: 1.5em;">Kokone Kirino</span><br />
One of Kazuki's friends; bright, social and popular with the class. She is childhood friend of Daiya Oomine since kindergarten, and...?
</div>

File:UtsuroNoHako2 4.jpg

2012-03-26T20:24:07Z

Mane: Grammar changes to improve both correctness and readability

"I can learn ''so much'' from watching a certain someone. For example, there's nothing as sickening as egocentric obstinacy," Daiya says without flinching while looking into Asami's eyes.

"...are you picking a fight with me?"

"You think that I'm talking about you? Does that mean that you were aware of your self-centered behavior? Looks like you're beyond hope, huh."

"How... How dare you...!"

I wonder why Daiya has to be like this to each and every person...

"Hahaha! He's just wants to give you a piece of advice because hovering over Maria-chan might put you out of favor with her!" Haruaki goes to Daiya's rescue, though it's questionable whether that effect was achieved.

"Hands off! And stop calling her with that over-friendly 'chan,' you idiot!" Asami-san roars when Haruaki puts on a strangely soft smile and starts patting her head, "Don't treat me like a child just because I'm short! And stop touching me!"

Haruaki, however, ignores her protests and continues patting her hair.

"Hah... this guy just won't listen..."

"Yeah, I won't listen no matter what you say!"

"That's nothing to brag about..."

Suddenly, I notice that someone is gazing at those three. Miyazawa-kun, our class committee chairman, is watching them with a sour face.

He moves his gaze to me and says expressionlessly, "Always having a lot of fun, aren't you guys? Good for you."

File:UtsuroNoHako2 3.jpg

2012-03-26T20:18:55Z

Mane: Grammar change to improve readability

"I'll always be by your side no matter how much time passes――that is how I once declared war on you. But this is still going to continue, it seems."

She said so to me, standing in an empty space that the other students made free and that almost seemed like the eye of a cyclone.

"I am 『Maria Otonashi』. Pleased to meet you."

She no longer calls herself 『Aya Otonashi』 anymore like she did in this repeating world.

Fair enough. There's no need for her to maintain the illusion of 『Aya Otonashi』 anymore.

However――a certain thought crossed my mind.

"But I am not strong."

I wonder, where is the girl who once said this to me?

I wonder, where is the girl who lamented her first "School Transfer?"

No one knows her. No one can meet her.

Therefore, I don't know how I should address the 『Maria Otonashi』 who's standing in front of me.

<div style="float: right; border: 2px solid #330000; background: #990000; padding: 3px; color: #EE0; width: 200px; font-family: 'Times New Roman';"><span style="font-size: 1.5em;">Maria Otonashi</span><br />
A firm beauty who has spent a long time together with Kazuki inside the box―"Rejecting Classroom"―that created a repeating world. She is seeking the "boxes" for a certain goal.
</div>
<div style="border: 2px solid #20586F; background: #558091; padding: 3px; color: #EE0; width: 200px; font-family: 'Times New Roman';"><span style="font-size: 1.5em;">Kazuki Hoshino</span><br />
A boy who loves everyday life to an abnormal degree. He got elected as object of observation by the distributor of the 「Box That Grants Any Wish」―'0'.
</div>