https://www.baka-tsuki.org/project/api.php?action=feedcontributions&feedformat=atom&user=Black+Ice+PrinceBaka-Tsuki - User contributions [en]2026-05-01T08:49:37ZUser contributionsMediaWiki 1.43.1https://www.baka-tsuki.org/project/index.php?title=Clockwork_Planet&diff=491704Clockwork Planet2016-05-28T19:21:56Z<p>Black Ice Prince: </p>
<hr />
<div>[[Image:Clockwork Planet Cover Vol01.jpg|300px|thumb|Volume 01 cover.]]<br />
<br />
'''Clockwork Planet'''(クロックワーク・プラネット) is a light novel series by author [[:Category:Yuu Kamiya|Yuu Kamiya]] and [[:Category:Tsubaki Himana|Tsubaki Himana]] and illustrated by Shino. It has an ongoing manga adaptation illustrated by Kuro.<br />
<br />
The series is ongoing, and currently has 3 volumes<br />
<br />
==Story Synopsis==<br />
<br />
The Earth had died a thousand years ago. It was rebuilt using gears by a mysterious man named "Y". In the present, while Naoto Miura is living his life as a high school student and a gear enthusiast, a box crashed into his home. In the box, is an beautiful automata girl, RyuZU. This encounter would then have a profound effect on both Naoto and Society itself.<br />
<br />
==Translation==<br />
<br />
==='''[[Clockwork Planet:Registration|Registration]]'''===<br />
<br />
To avoid overlapping work, please use the registration page to claim the chapters you would like to translate<br />
<br />
===Format Standards===<br />
'''Every Chapter (after editing) must confirm to the general format guidelines.'''<br />
*[[Format_guideline|General Format/Style Guideline]]<br />
*[[Clockwork Planet:Names|Names]] - Standard translations for the characters' names.<br />
*If units are encountered, please keep them in the SI units. Please keep monetary units in Yen.<br />
<br />
==Updates==<br />
<br />
*June 25th Volume 3 Prologue Pt1(unedited) added<br />
*June 26th Volume 3 Prologue Pt2(unedited) added<br />
*July 4th Volume 3 Prologue Pt3(unedited) added<br />
<br />
==The ''Clockwork Planet'' series by Tsubaki Himana and Yuu Kamiya==<br />
The <span class="plainlinks">[http://myanimelist.net/manga/55887/Clockwork_Planet ''Clockwork Planet''] series by [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Yuu_Kamiya Yuu Kamiya] and Tsubaki Himana</span><br />
<br />
<br />
[https://rektnovelcompilations.wordpress.com/clockwork-planet/ PDF/Epubs]<br />
{| class="wikitable" style="width: 750px; height: 350px; float: left;"<br />
|-<br />
|-<br />
| style="width:180px;" | [[Image:Clockwork Planet Cover Vol01.jpg|thumb|200px|text-top|Vol1 Cover]] <br> <br />
<div style="float: left;"><br />
| valign="top" |<br />
<div style="margin: 10px; margin-top: -5px;"><br />
<br />
==='''Volume 1''' ([[Clockwork Planet:Volume1|Full Text]])===<br />
::*[[Clockwork Planet:Volume1 Illustrations|Novel Illustrations]]<br />
::*[[Clockwork Planet:Volume1 Prologue|Prologue - Re-Construct]] <span style=float:right;margin-right:25px;>Also read it on [http://hellping.org/clockwork-planet-v1/clockwork-planet-v1-prologue/ HELLPING]</span><br />
::*[[Clockwork Planet:Volume1 Chapter 1|Chapter 1 - Coincidence (00:30)]] <span style=float:right;margin-right:25px;>Also read it on [http://hellping.org/clockwork-planet-v1/clockwork-planet-v1-chapter-1-coincidence-0030/ HELLPING]</span><br />
::*[[Clockwork Planet:Volume1 Chapter 2|Chapter 2 - Complication (03:18)]] <span style=float:right;margin-right:25px;>Also read it on [http://hellping.org/clockwork-planet-v1/clockwork-planet-v1-chapter-2-complication-0318/ HELLPING]</span><br />
::*[[Clockwork Planet:Volume1 Chapter 3|Chapter 3 - Conflict (11:45)]] <span style=float:right;margin-right:25px;>Also read it on [http://hellping.org/clockwork-planet-v1/clockwork-planet-v1-chapter-3-conflict-1145/ HELLPING]</span><br />
::*[[Clockwork Planet:Volume1 Chapter 4|Chapter 4 - Conquistador (19:30)]] <span style=float:right;margin-right:25px;>Also read it on [http://hellping.org/clockwork-planet-v1/clockwork-planet-v1-chapter-4-conquistador-1930/ HELLPING]</span><br />
::*[[Clockwork Planet:Volume1 Epilogue|Epilogue - 00:00]] <span style=float:right;margin-right:25px;>Also read it on [http://hellping.org/clockwork-planet-v1/clockwork-planet-v1-epilogue-0000/ HELLPING]</span><br />
::*[[Clockwork Planet:Volume1 Afterword|Afterword]] <span style=float:right;margin-right:25px;>Also read it on [http://hellping.org/clockwork-planet-v1/clockwork-planet-v1-afterword/ HELLPING]</span><br />
</div><br />
</div><br />
|}<br />
<br />
{| class="wikitable" style="width: 750px; height: 350px; float: left;"<br />
|-<br />
|-<br />
| style="width:180px;" | [[Image:Clockwork Planet Cover Vol02.jpg|thumb|200px|text-top|Vol2 Cover]] <br> <br />
<div style="float: left;"><br />
| valign="top" |<br />
<div style="margin: 10px; margin-top: -5px;"><br />
<br />
==='''Volume 2''' ([[Clockwork Planet:Volume2|Full Text]])===<br />
<br />
::*[[Clockwork Planet:Volume2 Illustrations|Novel Illustrations]]<br />
::*[[Clockwork Planet:Volume2 Prologue|Prologue - Back Sweeper]] <span style=float:right;margin-right:25px;>Also read it on [http://hellping.org/clockwork-planet-v2/clockwork-planet-v2-prologue-back-sweeper/ HELLPING]</span><br />
::*[[Clockwork Planet:Volume2 Chapter 1|Chapter 1 - 14:30 – Goober]] <span style=float:right;margin-right:25px;>Also read it on [http://hellping.org/clockwork-planet-v2/clockwork-planet-v2-chapter-1-1430-goober/ HELLPING]</span><br />
::*[[Clockwork Planet:Volume2 Chapter 2|Chapter 2 - 18:10 – Searcher]] <span style=float:right;margin-right:25px;>Also read it on [http://hellping.org/clockwork-planet-v2/clockwork-planet-v2-1810-searcher/ HELLPING]</span><br />
::*[[Clockwork Planet:Volume2 Chapter 3|Chapter 3 - 23:20 Avenger]] <span style=float:right;margin-right:25px;>Also read it on [http://hellping.org/clockwork-planet-v2/clockwork-planet-v2-chapter-3-2320-avenger/ HELLPING]</span><br />
::*[[Clockwork Planet:Volume2 Chapter 4|Chapter 4 - 00:00 Returner]] <span style=float:right;margin-right:25px;>Also read it on [http://hellping.org/clockwork-planet-v2/clockwork-planet-v2-chapter-4-0000-returner/ HELLPING]</span><br />
::*[[Clockwork Planet:Volume2 Interlude|Interlude - Out-breaker]] <span style=float:right;margin-right:25px;>Also read it on [http://hellping.org/clockwork-planet-v2/clockwork-planet-v2-interlude-0430-out-breaker/ HELLPING]</span><br />
::*[[Clockwork Planet:Volume2 Afterword|Afterword]] <span style=float:right;margin-right:25px;>Also read it on [http://hellping.org/clockwork-planet-v2/clockwork-planet-v2-afterword-collab/ HELLPING]</span><br />
</div><br />
</div><br />
|}<br />
<br />
{| class="wikitable" style="width: 750px; height: 350px; float: left;"<br />
|-<br />
|-<br />
| style="width:180px;" | [[Image:Clockwork Planet Cover Vol03.jpg|thumb|200px|text-top|Vol3 Cover]] <br> <br />
<div style="float: left;"><br />
| valign="top" |<br />
<div style="margin: 10px; margin-top: -5px;"><br />
<br />
==='''Volume 3'''===<br />
<br />
::*[http://hellping.org/clockwork-planet-v3/ Novel Illustrations]<br />
::*[http://hellping.org/?p=1671 Prologue - 06:05 - Reviver]<br />
::*[http://hellping.org/?p=1935 Chapter 1 - 07:20 - Explorer]<br />
::*[http://hellping.org/?p=2017 Chapter 2 - 05:17 - Disaster]<br />
::*[http://hellping.org/?p=2026 Chapter 3 - 07:15 - Liberator]<br />
::*[[Clockwork_Planet:Volume3_Chapter 4|Chapter 4 - 07:35 - Progressor]]<br />
::*[[Clockwork_Planet:Volume3_Epilogue|Epilogue - 00:00 - Saver]]<br />
::*[http://hellping.org/clockwork-planet-v3//clockwork-planet-v3-afterword/ Afterword]<br />
</div><br />
</div><br />
|}<br />
<br />
<br />
<br style="clear:both"/><br />
<br />
=='''Staff'''==<br />
<br />
'''Project Manager'''<br />
*[[User:Teh Ping|Teh Ping]] <span style=float:right;margin-right:25px;>Main site: [http://hellping.org/clockwork-planet/HELLPING]</span><br />
<br />
==='''Translators'''===<br />
*[[User:Teh Ping|Teh Ping]]<br />
<br />
[[Category:Light novel (English)]]</div>Black Ice Princehttps://www.baka-tsuki.org/project/index.php?title=User:Black_Ice_Prince&diff=455548User:Black Ice Prince2015-08-04T07:13:45Z<p>Black Ice Prince: </p>
<hr />
<div>Welcome....<br />
<br />
===A===<br />
<br />
[[Absolute Duo]]<br />
<br />
[[Alice and Masayoshi are Indifferent]]<br />
<br />
[[Antimagic Academy 35th Test Platoon]]<br />
<br />
===B===<br />
<br />
[[Boku to Kanojo ni Furu Yoru]]<br />
<br />
[[Boku to Kanojo no Game Sensou]]<br />
<br />
[[Boku wa Tomodachi ga Sukunai]]<br />
<br />
===C===<br />
<br />
[[Campione!]]<br />
<br />
[[Chrome Shelled Regios]]<br />
<br />
[[Cross x Regalia]]<br />
<br />
[[CubexCursedxCurious]]<br />
<br />
===D===<br />
<br />
[[Date A Live]]<br />
<br />
[[Dakara Boku wa, H ga Dekinai.]]<br />
<br />
[[Denpa Onna to Seishun Otoko]]<br />
<br />
===E===<br />
<br />
[[ELYSION virtual region]]<br />
<br />
===F===<br />
<br />
[[Fuyuu Gakuen no Alice and Shirley]]<br />
<br />
===G===<br />
<br />
[[Gakusen Toshi Asterisk]]<br />
<br />
[[Gekka no Utahime to Magi no Ou]]<br />
<br />
===H===<br />
<br />
[[Hagure Yuusha no Aesthetica]]<br />
<br />
[[Haken no Kouki Altina]]<br />
<br />
[[Hataraku Maou-sama!]]<br />
<br />
[[HEAVY OBJECT]]<br />
<br />
[[Hentai Ouji to Warawanai Neko]]<br />
<br />
[[High School DxD]]<br />
<br />
[[Hitsugi no Chaika]]<br />
<br />
[[HUNDRED]]<br />
<br />
[[Hyakka Ryouran Samurai Girls]]<br />
<br />
===I===<br />
<br />
[[Ichiban Ushiro no Daimaou]]<br />
<br />
[[Infinite Stratos]]<br />
<br />
===K===<br />
<br />
[[Kämpfer]]<br />
<br />
[[Kaze no Stigma]]<br />
<br />
[[Kenkoku no Jungfrau]]<br />
<br />
[[Kenshin no Keishousha]]<br />
<br />
[[Kokoro Connect]]<br />
<br />
[[Kore wa Zombie desu ka?]]<br />
<br />
===L===<br />
<br />
[[Last Savior]]<br />
<br />
[[Log Horizon]]<br />
<br />
===M===<br />
<br />
[[Madan no Ou to Vanadis]]<br />
<br />
[[Magika No Kenshi To Shoukan Maou]]<br />
<br />
[[Mahouka Koukou no Rettousei]]<br />
<br />
[[Maou na Ore to Fushihime no Yubiwa]]<br />
<br />
[[Mondaiji-tachi ga isekai kara kuru soudesu yo]]<br />
<br />
[[Mokushiroku Arisu]]<br />
<br />
[[Mushoku Tensei]]<br />
<br />
===N===<br />
<br />
[[Nareru SE]]<br />
<br />
[[No Game No Life]]<br />
<br />
===O===<br />
<br />
[[Oda Nobuna no Yabou]]<br />
<br />
[[Ore no Kanojo to Osananajimi ga Shuraba Sugiru]]<br />
<br />
[[Overlord]]<br />
<br />
===P===<br />
<br />
[[Psycho Love Comedy]]<br />
<br />
===R===<br />
<br />
[[R-15]]<br />
<br />
[[Rakudai Kishi no Eiyuutan]]<br />
<br />
[[Ryuu to Aitsu to Kawaige no Nai Watashi]]<br />
<br />
===S===<br />
<br />
[[Saijaku Muhai no Bahamut]]<br />
<br />
[[Sakurasou no Pet na Kanojo]]<br />
<br />
[[Seikoku no Ryuu Kishi]]<br />
<br />
[[Seirei Tsukai no Blade Dance]]<br />
<br />
[[Sekai no Kiki Hamekurumeku!]]<br />
<br />
[[Sekai no Owari no Encore]]<br />
<br />
[[Shinmai Maou no Keiyakusha]]<br />
<br />
[[Shippai Kinshi!]]<br />
<br />
[[Silver Cross and Draculea]]<br />
<br />
[[Sword Art Online]]<br />
<br />
===T===<br />
<br />
[[The Circumstances Leading to Waltraute's Marriage]]<br />
<br />
[[The Sovereign of Omnia]]<br />
<br />
[[Toaru Majutsu no Index]]<br />
<br />
[[Toradora!]]<br />
<br />
[[Tsurugi no Hime to Aldebaran]]<br />
<br />
[[Tsurugi no Joou to Rakuin no Ko]]<br />
<br />
===U===<br />
<br />
[[Unlimited Fafnir]]<br />
<br />
===W===<br />
<br />
[[World Teacher]]<br />
<br />
===Y===<br />
<br />
[[Yuusha ni Narenakatta Ore wa Shibushibu Shuushoku o Ketsui Shimashita.]]<br />
<br />
===Z===<br />
<br />
[[Zero no Tsukaima]]<br />
<br />
<br />
Come again.</div>Black Ice Princehttps://www.baka-tsuki.org/project/index.php?title=User:Black_Ice_Prince&diff=453521User:Black Ice Prince2015-07-24T17:06:57Z<p>Black Ice Prince: </p>
<hr />
<div>Welcome....<br />
<br />
===A===<br />
<br />
[[Absolute Duo]]<br />
<br />
[[Alice and Masayoshi are Indifferent]]<br />
<br />
[[Antimagic Academy 35th Test Platoon]]<br />
<br />
===B===<br />
<br />
[[Boku to Kanojo ni Furu Yoru]]<br />
<br />
[[Boku to Kanojo no Game Sensou]]<br />
<br />
[[Boku wa Tomodachi ga Sukunai]]<br />
<br />
===C===<br />
<br />
[[Campione!]]<br />
<br />
[[Chrome Shelled Regios]]<br />
<br />
[[Cross x Regalia]]<br />
<br />
[[CubexCursedxCurious]]<br />
<br />
===D===<br />
<br />
[[Date A Live]]<br />
<br />
[[Dakara Boku wa, H ga Dekinai.]]<br />
<br />
[[Denpa Onna to Seishun Otoko]]<br />
<br />
===E===<br />
<br />
[[ELYSION virtual region]]<br />
<br />
===F===<br />
<br />
[[Fuyuu Gakuen no Alice and Shirley]]<br />
<br />
===G===<br />
<br />
[[Gakusen Toshi Asterisk]]<br />
<br />
[[Gekka no Utahime to Magi no Ou]]<br />
<br />
===H===<br />
<br />
[[Hagure Yuusha no Aesthetica]]<br />
<br />
[[Haken no Kouki Altina]]<br />
<br />
[[Hataraku Maou-sama!]]<br />
<br />
[[HEAVY OBJECT]]<br />
<br />
[[Hentai Ouji to Warawanai Neko]]<br />
<br />
[[High School DxD]]<br />
<br />
[[Hitsugi no Chaika]]<br />
<br />
[[HUNDRED]]<br />
<br />
[[Hyakka Ryouran Samurai Girls]]<br />
<br />
===I===<br />
<br />
[[Ichiban Ushiro no Daimaou]]<br />
<br />
[[Infinite Stratos]]<br />
<br />
===K===<br />
<br />
[[Kämpfer]]<br />
<br />
[[Kaze no Stigma]]<br />
<br />
[[Kenkoku no Jungfrau]]<br />
<br />
[[Kenshin no Keishousha]]<br />
<br />
[[Kokoro Connect]]<br />
<br />
[[Kore wa Zombie desu ka?]]<br />
<br />
===L===<br />
<br />
[[Last Savior]]<br />
<br />
[[Log Horizon]]<br />
<br />
===M===<br />
<br />
[[Madan no Ou to Vanadis]]<br />
<br />
[[Magika No Kenshi To Shoukan Maou]]<br />
<br />
[[Mahouka Koukou no Rettousei]]<br />
<br />
[[Maou na Ore to Fushihime no Yubiwa]]<br />
<br />
[[Mondaiji-tachi ga isekai kara kuru soudesu yo]]<br />
<br />
[[Mokushiroku Arisu]]<br />
<br />
[[Mushoku Tensei]]<br />
<br />
===N===<br />
<br />
[[Nareru SE]]<br />
<br />
[[No Game No Life]]<br />
<br />
===O===<br />
<br />
[[Oda Nobuna no Yabou]]<br />
<br />
[[Ore no Kanojo to Osananajimi ga Shuraba Sugiru]]<br />
<br />
===P===<br />
<br />
[[Psycho Love Comedy]]<br />
<br />
===R===<br />
<br />
[[R-15]]<br />
<br />
[[Rakudai Kishi no Eiyuutan]]<br />
<br />
[[Ryuu to Aitsu to Kawaige no Nai Watashi]]<br />
<br />
===S===<br />
<br />
[[Saijaku Muhai no Bahamut]]<br />
<br />
[[Sakurasou no Pet na Kanojo]]<br />
<br />
[[Seikoku no Ryuu Kishi]]<br />
<br />
[[Seirei Tsukai no Blade Dance]]<br />
<br />
[[Sekai no Kiki Hamekurumeku!]]<br />
<br />
[[Sekai no Owari no Encore]]<br />
<br />
[[Shinmai Maou no Keiyakusha]]<br />
<br />
[[Shippai Kinshi!]]<br />
<br />
[[Silver Cross and Draculea]]<br />
<br />
[[Sword Art Online]]<br />
<br />
===T===<br />
<br />
[[The Circumstances Leading to Waltraute's Marriage]]<br />
<br />
[[The Sovereign of Omnia]]<br />
<br />
[[Toaru Majutsu no Index]]<br />
<br />
[[Toradora!]]<br />
<br />
[[Tsurugi no Hime to Aldebaran]]<br />
<br />
[[Tsurugi no Joou to Rakuin no Ko]]<br />
<br />
===U===<br />
<br />
[[Unlimited Fafnir]]<br />
<br />
===Y===<br />
<br />
[[Yuusha ni Narenakatta Ore wa Shibushibu Shuushoku o Ketsui Shimashita.]]<br />
<br />
===Z===<br />
<br />
[[Zero no Tsukaima]]<br />
<br />
<br />
Come again.</div>Black Ice Princehttps://www.baka-tsuki.org/project/index.php?title=User:Black_Ice_Prince&diff=435730User:Black Ice Prince2015-04-05T18:21:37Z<p>Black Ice Prince: </p>
<hr />
<div>Welcome....<br />
<br />
===A===<br />
<br />
[[Absolute Duo]]<br />
<br />
[[Alice and Masayoshi are Indifferent]]<br />
<br />
[[Antimagic Academy 35th Test Platoon]]<br />
<br />
===B===<br />
<br />
[[Boku to Kanojo ni Furu Yoru]]<br />
<br />
[[Boku to Kanojo no Game Sensou]]<br />
<br />
[[Boku wa Tomodachi ga Sukunai]]<br />
<br />
===C===<br />
<br />
[[Campione!]]<br />
<br />
[[Chrome Shelled Regios]]<br />
<br />
[[Cross x Regalia]]<br />
<br />
[[CubexCursedxCurious]]<br />
<br />
===D===<br />
<br />
[[Date A Live]]<br />
<br />
[[Dakara Boku wa, H ga Dekinai.]]<br />
<br />
[[Denpa Onna to Seishun Otoko]]<br />
<br />
===E===<br />
<br />
[[ELYSION virtual region]]<br />
<br />
===F===<br />
<br />
[[Fuyuu Gakuen no Alice and Shirley]]<br />
<br />
===G===<br />
<br />
[[Gakusen Toshi Asterisk]]<br />
<br />
[[Gekka no Utahime to Magi no Ou]]<br />
<br />
===H===<br />
<br />
[[Hagure Yuusha no Aesthetica]]<br />
<br />
[[Haken no Kouki Altina]]<br />
<br />
[[Hataraku Maou-sama!]]<br />
<br />
[[HEAVY OBJECT]]<br />
<br />
[[Hentai Ouji to Warawanai Neko]]<br />
<br />
[[High School DxD]]<br />
<br />
[[Hitsugi no Chaika]]<br />
<br />
[[HUNDRED]]<br />
<br />
[[Hyakka Ryouran Samurai Girls]]<br />
<br />
===I===<br />
<br />
[[Ichiban Ushiro no Daimaou]]<br />
<br />
[[Infinite Stratos]]<br />
<br />
===K===<br />
<br />
[[Kämpfer]]<br />
<br />
[[Kaze no Stigma]]<br />
<br />
[[Kenkoku no Jungfrau]]<br />
<br />
[[Kenshin no Keishousha]]<br />
<br />
[[Kokoro Connect]]<br />
<br />
[[Kore wa Zombie desu ka?]]<br />
<br />
===L===<br />
<br />
[[Last Savior]]<br />
<br />
[[Log Horizon]]<br />
<br />
===M===<br />
<br />
[[Madan no Ou to Vanadis]]<br />
<br />
[[Magika No Kenshi To Shoukan Maou]]<br />
<br />
[[Mahouka Koukou no Rettousei]]<br />
<br />
[[Maou na Ore to Fushihime no Yubiwa]]<br />
<br />
[[Mondaiji-tachi ga isekai kara kuru soudesu yo]]<br />
<br />
[[Mokushiroku Arisu]]<br />
<br />
===N===<br />
<br />
[[Nareru SE]]<br />
<br />
[[No Game No Life]]<br />
<br />
===O===<br />
<br />
[[Oda Nobuna no Yabou]]<br />
<br />
[[Ore no Kanojo to Osananajimi ga Shuraba Sugiru]]<br />
<br />
===P===<br />
<br />
[[Psycho Love Comedy]]<br />
<br />
===R===<br />
<br />
[[R-15]]<br />
<br />
[[Rakudai Kishi no Eiyuutan]]<br />
<br />
[[Ryuu to Aitsu to Kawaige no Nai Watashi]]<br />
<br />
===S===<br />
<br />
[[Saijaku Muhai no Bahamut]]<br />
<br />
[[Sakurasou no Pet na Kanojo]]<br />
<br />
[[Seikoku no Ryuu Kishi]]<br />
<br />
[[Seirei Tsukai no Blade Dance]]<br />
<br />
[[Sekai no Kiki Hamekurumeku!]]<br />
<br />
[[Sekai no Owari no Encore]]<br />
<br />
[[Shinmai Maou no Keiyakusha]]<br />
<br />
[[Shippai Kinshi!]]<br />
<br />
[[Silver Cross and Draculea]]<br />
<br />
[[Sword Art Online]]<br />
<br />
===T===<br />
<br />
[[The Circumstances Leading to Waltraute's Marriage]]<br />
<br />
[[The Sovereign of Omnia]]<br />
<br />
[[Toaru Majutsu no Index]]<br />
<br />
[[Toradora!]]<br />
<br />
[[Tsurugi no Hime to Aldebaran]]<br />
<br />
[[Tsurugi no Joou to Rakuin no Ko]]<br />
<br />
===U===<br />
<br />
[[Unlimited Fafnir]]<br />
<br />
===Y===<br />
<br />
[[Yuusha ni Narenakatta Ore wa Shibushibu Shuushoku o Ketsui Shimashita.]]<br />
<br />
===Z===<br />
<br />
[[Zero no Tsukaima]]<br />
<br />
<br />
Come again.</div>Black Ice Princehttps://www.baka-tsuki.org/project/index.php?title=User:Black_Ice_Prince&diff=430739User:Black Ice Prince2015-03-23T06:58:38Z<p>Black Ice Prince: </p>
<hr />
<div>Welcome....<br />
<br />
===A===<br />
<br />
[[Absolute Duo]]<br />
<br />
[[Alice and Masayoshi are Indifferent]]<br />
<br />
[[Antimagic Academy 35th Test Platoon]]<br />
<br />
===B===<br />
<br />
[[Boku to Kanojo ni Furu Yoru]]<br />
<br />
[[Boku to Kanojo no Game Sensou]]<br />
<br />
[[Boku wa Tomodachi ga Sukunai]]<br />
<br />
===C===<br />
<br />
[[Campione!]]<br />
<br />
[[Chrome Shelled Regios]]<br />
<br />
[[Cross x Regalia]]<br />
<br />
[[CubexCursedxCurious]]<br />
<br />
===D===<br />
<br />
[[Date A Live]]<br />
<br />
[[Dakara Boku wa, H ga Dekinai.]]<br />
<br />
[[Denpa Onna to Seishun Otoko]]<br />
<br />
===E===<br />
<br />
[[ELYSION virtual region]]<br />
<br />
===F===<br />
<br />
[[Fuyuu Gakuen no Alice and Shirley]]<br />
<br />
===G===<br />
<br />
[[Gakusen Toshi Asterisk]]<br />
<br />
[[Gekka no Utahime to Magi no Ou]]<br />
<br />
===H===<br />
<br />
[[Hagure Yuusha no Aesthetica]]<br />
<br />
[[Haken no Kouki Altina]]<br />
<br />
[[Hataraku Maou-sama!]]<br />
<br />
[[HEAVY OBJECT]]<br />
<br />
[[Hentai Ouji to Warawanai Neko]]<br />
<br />
[[High School DxD]]<br />
<br />
[[Hitsugi no Chaika]]<br />
<br />
[[HUNDRED]]<br />
<br />
[[Hyakka Ryouran Samurai Girls]]<br />
<br />
===I===<br />
<br />
[[Ichiban Ushiro no Daimaou]]<br />
<br />
[[Infinite Stratos]]<br />
<br />
===K===<br />
<br />
[[Kämpfer]]<br />
<br />
[[Kaze no Stigma]]<br />
<br />
[[Kenkoku no Jungfrau]]<br />
<br />
[[Kenshin no Keishousha]]<br />
<br />
[[Kokoro Connect]]<br />
<br />
[[Kore wa Zombie desu ka?]]<br />
<br />
===L===<br />
<br />
[[Last Savior]]<br />
<br />
[[Log Horizon]]<br />
<br />
===M===<br />
<br />
[[Madan no Ou to Vanadis]]<br />
<br />
[[Magika No Kenshi To Shoukan Maou]]<br />
<br />
[[Mahouka Koukou no Rettousei]]<br />
<br />
[[Maou na Ore to Fushihime no Yubiwa]]<br />
<br />
[[Mondaiji-tachi ga isekai kara kuru soudesu yo]]<br />
<br />
[[Mokushiroku Arisu]]<br />
<br />
===N===<br />
<br />
[[Nareru SE]]<br />
<br />
[[No Game No Life]]<br />
<br />
===O===<br />
<br />
[[Oda Nobuna no Yabou]]<br />
<br />
[[Ore no Kanojo to Osananajimi ga Shuraba Sugiru]]<br />
<br />
===P===<br />
<br />
[[Psycho Love Comedy]]<br />
<br />
===R===<br />
<br />
[[R-15]]<br />
<br />
[[Rakudai Kishi no Eiyuutan]]<br />
<br />
[[Ryuu to Aitsu to Kawaige no Nai Watashi]]<br />
<br />
===S===<br />
<br />
[[Saijaku Muhai no Bahamut]]<br />
<br />
[[Sakurasou no Pet na Kanojo]]<br />
<br />
[[Seikoku no Ryuu Kishi]]<br />
<br />
[[Seirei Tsukai no Blade Dance]]<br />
<br />
[[Sekai no Kiki Hamekurumeku!]]<br />
<br />
[[Shinmai Maou no Keiyakusha]]<br />
<br />
[[Shippai Kinshi!]]<br />
<br />
[[Silver Cross and Draculea]]<br />
<br />
[[Sword Art Online]]<br />
<br />
===T===<br />
<br />
[[The Circumstances Leading to Waltraute's Marriage]]<br />
<br />
[[The Sovereign of Omnia]]<br />
<br />
[[Toaru Majutsu no Index]]<br />
<br />
[[Toradora!]]<br />
<br />
[[Tsurugi no Hime to Aldebaran]]<br />
<br />
[[Tsurugi no Joou to Rakuin no Ko]]<br />
<br />
===U===<br />
<br />
[[Unlimited Fafnir]]<br />
<br />
===Y===<br />
<br />
[[Yuusha ni Narenakatta Ore wa Shibushibu Shuushoku o Ketsui Shimashita.]]<br />
<br />
===Z===<br />
<br />
[[Zero no Tsukaima]]<br />
<br />
<br />
Come again.</div>Black Ice Princehttps://www.baka-tsuki.org/project/index.php?title=User:Black_Ice_Prince&diff=348380User:Black Ice Prince2014-04-24T15:27:21Z<p>Black Ice Prince: </p>
<hr />
<div>Welcome....<br />
<br />
===A===<br />
<br />
[[Absolute Duo]]<br />
<br />
[[Alice and Masayoshi are Indifferent]]<br />
<br />
[[Antimagic Academy 35th Test Platoon]]<br />
<br />
===B===<br />
<br />
[[Boku to Kanojo ni Furu Yoru]]<br />
<br />
[[Boku to Kanojo no Game Sensou]]<br />
<br />
[[Boku wa Tomodachi ga Sukunai]]<br />
<br />
===C===<br />
<br />
[[Campione!]]<br />
<br />
[[Chrome Shelled Regios]]<br />
<br />
[[Cross x Regalia]]<br />
<br />
[[CubexCursedxCurious]]<br />
<br />
===D===<br />
<br />
[[Date A Live]]<br />
<br />
[[Dakara Boku wa, H ga Dekinai.]]<br />
<br />
[[Denpa Onna to Seishun Otoko]]<br />
<br />
===E===<br />
<br />
[[ELYSION virtual region]]<br />
<br />
===F===<br />
<br />
[[Fuyuu Gakuen no Alice and Shirley]]<br />
<br />
===G===<br />
<br />
[[Gakusen Toshi Asterisk]]<br />
<br />
[[Gekka no Utahime to Magi no Ou]]<br />
<br />
===H===<br />
<br />
[[Hagure Yuusha no Aesthetica]]<br />
<br />
[[Haken no Kouki Altina]]<br />
<br />
[[Hataraku Maou-sama!]]<br />
<br />
[[HEAVY OBJECT]]<br />
<br />
[[Hentai Ouji to Warawanai Neko]]<br />
<br />
[[High School DxD]]<br />
<br />
[[Hitsugi no Chaika]]<br />
<br />
[[HUNDRED]]<br />
<br />
[[Hyakka Ryouran Samurai Girls]]<br />
<br />
===I===<br />
<br />
[[Ichiban Ushiro no Daimaou]]<br />
<br />
[[Infinite Stratos]]<br />
<br />
===K===<br />
<br />
[[Kämpfer]]<br />
<br />
[[Kaze no Stigma]]<br />
<br />
[[Kenkoku no Jungfrau]]<br />
<br />
[[Kenshin no Keishousha]]<br />
<br />
[[Kokoro Connect]]<br />
<br />
[[Kore wa Zombie desu ka?]]<br />
<br />
===L===<br />
<br />
[[Last Savior]]<br />
<br />
[[Log Horizon]]<br />
<br />
===M===<br />
<br />
[[Madan no Ou to Vanadis]]<br />
<br />
[[Mahouka Koukou no Rettousei]]<br />
<br />
[[Maou na Ore to Fushihime no Yubiwa]]<br />
<br />
[[Mondaiji-tachi ga isekai kara kuru soudesu yo]]<br />
<br />
[[Mokushiroku Arisu]]<br />
<br />
===N===<br />
<br />
[[Nareru SE]]<br />
<br />
[[No Game No Life]]<br />
<br />
===O===<br />
<br />
[[Oda Nobuna no Yabou]]<br />
<br />
[[Ore no Kanojo to Osananajimi ga Shuraba Sugiru]]<br />
<br />
===P===<br />
<br />
[[Psycho Love Comedy]]<br />
<br />
===R===<br />
<br />
[[R-15]]<br />
<br />
[[Rakudai Kishi no Eiyuutan]]<br />
<br />
[[Ryuu to Aitsu to Kawaige no Nai Watashi]]<br />
<br />
===S===<br />
<br />
[[Saijaku Muhai no Bahamut]]<br />
<br />
[[Sakurasou no Pet na Kanojo]]<br />
<br />
[[Seikoku no Ryuu Kishi]]<br />
<br />
[[Seirei Tsukai no Blade Dance]]<br />
<br />
[[Sekai no Kiki Hamekurumeku!]]<br />
<br />
[[Shinmai Maou no Keiyakusha]]<br />
<br />
[[Shippai Kinshi!]]<br />
<br />
[[Silver Cross and Draculea]]<br />
<br />
[[Sword Art Online]]<br />
<br />
===T===<br />
<br />
[[The Circumstances Leading to Waltraute's Marriage]]<br />
<br />
[[The Sovereign of Omnia]]<br />
<br />
[[Toaru Majutsu no Index]]<br />
<br />
[[Toradora!]]<br />
<br />
[[Tsurugi no Hime to Aldebaran]]<br />
<br />
[[Tsurugi no Joou to Rakuin no Ko]]<br />
<br />
===U===<br />
<br />
[[Unlimited Fafnir]]<br />
<br />
===Y===<br />
<br />
[[Yuusha ni Narenakatta Ore wa Shibushibu Shuushoku o Ketsui Shimashita.]]<br />
<br />
===Z===<br />
<br />
[[Zero no Tsukaima]]<br />
<br />
<br />
Come again.</div>Black Ice Princehttps://www.baka-tsuki.org/project/index.php?title=User:Black_Ice_Prince&diff=345282User:Black Ice Prince2014-04-14T11:55:32Z<p>Black Ice Prince: </p>
<hr />
<div>Welcome....<br />
<br />
===A===<br />
<br />
[[Absolute Duo]]<br />
<br />
[[Alice and Masayoshi are Indifferent]]<br />
<br />
[[Antimagic Academy 35th Test Platoon]]<br />
<br />
===B===<br />
<br />
[[Boku to Kanojo ni Furu Yoru]]<br />
<br />
[[Boku to Kanojo no Game Sensou]]<br />
<br />
[[Boku wa Tomodachi ga Sukunai]]<br />
<br />
===C===<br />
<br />
[[Campione!]]<br />
<br />
[[Chrome Shelled Regios]]<br />
<br />
[[Cross x Regalia]]<br />
<br />
[[CubexCursedxCurious]]<br />
<br />
===D===<br />
<br />
[[Date A Live]]<br />
<br />
[[Dakara Boku wa, H ga Dekinai.]]<br />
<br />
[[Denpa Onna to Seishun Otoko]]<br />
<br />
===E===<br />
<br />
[[ELYSION virtual region]]<br />
<br />
===F===<br />
<br />
[[Fuyuu Gakuen no Alice and Shirley]]<br />
<br />
===G===<br />
<br />
[[Gakusen Toshi Asterisk]]<br />
<br />
[[Gekka no Utahime to Magi no Ou]]<br />
<br />
===H===<br />
<br />
[[Hagure Yuusha no Aesthetica]]<br />
<br />
[[Haken no Kouki Altina]]<br />
<br />
[[Hataraku Maou-sama!]]<br />
<br />
[[HEAVY OBJECT]]<br />
<br />
[[Hentai Ouji to Warawanai Neko]]<br />
<br />
[[High School DxD]]<br />
<br />
[[Hitsugi no Chaika]]<br />
<br />
[[HUNDRED]]<br />
<br />
[[Hyakka Ryouran Samurai Girls]]<br />
<br />
===I===<br />
<br />
[[Ichiban Ushiro no Daimaou]]<br />
<br />
[[Infinite Stratos]]<br />
<br />
===K===<br />
<br />
[[Kämpfer]]<br />
<br />
[[Kaze no Stigma]]<br />
<br />
[[Kenkoku no Jungfrau]]<br />
<br />
[[Kenshin no Keishousha]]<br />
<br />
[[Kokoro Connect]]<br />
<br />
[[Kore wa Zombie desu ka?]]<br />
<br />
===L===<br />
<br />
[[Last Savior]]<br />
<br />
[[Log Horizon]]<br />
<br />
===M===<br />
<br />
[[Madan no Ou to Vanadis]]<br />
<br />
[[Mahouka Koukou no Rettousei]]<br />
<br />
[[Maou na Ore to Fushihime no Yubiwa]]<br />
<br />
[[Mondaiji-tachi ga isekai kara kuru soudesu yo]]<br />
<br />
[[Mokushiroku Arisu]]<br />
<br />
===N===<br />
<br />
[[Nareru SE]]<br />
<br />
[[No Game No Life]]<br />
<br />
===O===<br />
<br />
[[Oda Nobuna no Yabou]]<br />
<br />
[[Ore no Kanojo to Osananajimi ga Shuraba Sugiru]]<br />
<br />
===P===<br />
<br />
[[Psycho Love Comedy]]<br />
<br />
===R===<br />
<br />
[[R-15]]<br />
<br />
[[Ryuu to Aitsu to Kawaige no Nai Watashi]]<br />
<br />
===S===<br />
<br />
[[Saijaku Muhai no Bahamut]]<br />
<br />
[[Sakurasou no Pet na Kanojo]]<br />
<br />
[[Seikoku no Ryuu Kishi]]<br />
<br />
[[Seirei Tsukai no Blade Dance]]<br />
<br />
[[Sekai no Kiki Hamekurumeku!]]<br />
<br />
[[Shinmai Maou no Keiyakusha]]<br />
<br />
[[Shippai Kinshi!]]<br />
<br />
[[Silver Cross and Draculea]]<br />
<br />
[[Sword Art Online]]<br />
<br />
===T===<br />
<br />
[[The Circumstances Leading to Waltraute's Marriage]]<br />
<br />
[[The Sovereign of Omnia]]<br />
<br />
[[Toaru Majutsu no Index]]<br />
<br />
[[Toradora!]]<br />
<br />
[[Tsurugi no Hime to Aldebaran]]<br />
<br />
[[Tsurugi no Joou to Rakuin no Ko]]<br />
<br />
===U===<br />
<br />
[[Unlimited Fafnir]]<br />
<br />
===Y===<br />
<br />
[[Yuusha ni Narenakatta Ore wa Shibushibu Shuushoku o Ketsui Shimashita.]]<br />
<br />
===Z===<br />
<br />
[[Zero no Tsukaima]]<br />
<br />
<br />
Come again.</div>Black Ice Princehttps://www.baka-tsuki.org/project/index.php?title=No_Game_No_Life&diff=344668No Game No Life2014-04-12T03:05:05Z<p>Black Ice Prince: </p>
<hr />
<div>[[Image:NGNL Volume 1 cover page.jpg|thumb|300px|No Game No Life Volume 1 Cover]]<br />
<b><i>No Game No Life</i></b> (ノーゲーム．ノーライフ) is a light novel series written and illustrated by Kamiya Yuu (榎宫祐) and published in MF Bunko J. The series currently has 5 volumes published. <br />
An anime adaptation has been announced and it will begin starting on April 2014.<br />
<br />
This series is also available in the following languages:<br />
<br />
:*[[No_Game_No_Life~Brazilian_Portuguese~|Brazilian Portuguese (Português Brasileiro)]]<br />
<br />
==Story Synopsis==<br />
<br />
There was an urban legend that there was a legendary, undefeated gamer called [ ], but in reality he was just a NEET brother and sister called 空 (Sora) and 白 (Shiro). These hikikomori siblings who both refer to the real world as a worthless "Kuso Game" are one day summoned to a different world by a boy calling himself "God". In this world, war is prohibited by God and everything is instead decided by a game...that's right, even country borders. Can the two NEET brother and sister save the last of the human race <Imanity>, which only has one city left?<br />
<br />
"Now...let the game begin!"<br />
<br />
== Translation ==<br />
<br />
===Format Standards===<br />
'''Every Chapter (after editing) must conform to the general format guidelines.'''<br />
*[[Format_guideline|General Format/Style Guideline]]<br />
*[[No_Game_No_Life:Names and Terminology Guideline|Project specific Guidelines: Names and Terminology]]<br />
<br />
=== [[No Game No Life:Registration Page|Registration]] ===<br />
<br />
'''Translators are asked to [[No Game No Life:Registration Page|register]] which chapters they're working on'''<br />
<br />
=== Feedback ===<br />
'''If you enjoyed the translation, why don't you tell us in the [http://www.baka-tsuki.org/forums/viewtopic.php?f=23&t=5520 Feedback thread] or discuss it in the [http://www.baka-tsuki.org/forums/viewtopic.php?f=15&t=5444&p forum] '''<br />
<br />
==Updates==<br />
*March 23, 2014<br />
**Volume 2 epilogue completed<br />
*March 5, 2014<br />
**Volume 2 chapter 4 completed<br />
*January 5, 2014<br />
**Volume 2 chapter 3 completed<br />
*November 28, 2013<br />
**Volume 2 chapter 2 completed<br />
*September 13, 2013<br />
**Volume 3 Prologue completed.<br />
<br />
[[No Game No Life:Past Updates|Past Updates can be found here.]]<br />
<br />
== No Game No Life by Kamiya Yuu ==<br />
<br />
This series also being translated by Eternal Dreamer on [http://ngnlthetranslation.wordpress.com/ NanoDesu Translations.]<br />
<br />
===Volume 1 - It Seems Gamer Siblings Will Conquer a Fantasy World ([[No Game No Life:Volume 1|Full Text]])===<br />
[[File:NGNL Volume 1 cover page.jpg|thumb|x175px]] <br />
::*[[No Game No Life:Volume 1 Illustrations|Novel Illustrations]] ('''Also on [http://ngnlthetranslation.wordpress.com/volume-1/color-illustrations/ NanoDesu]''')<br />
::*[[No Game No Life:Volume 1 Prologue|Prologue]] ('''Also on [http://ngnlthetranslation.wordpress.com/volume-1/prologue/ NanoDesu]''')<br />
::*[[No Game No Life:Volume 1 Chapter 1|Chapter 1 - Beginner/Amateur]] ('''Also on [http://ngnlthetranslation.wordpress.com/volume-1/chapter-1/ NanoDesu]''')<br />
::*[[No Game No Life:Volume 1 Chapter 2|Chapter 2 - Challenger/Challenger]] ('''Also on [http://ngnlthetranslation.wordpress.com/volume-1/chapter-2/ NanoDesu]''')<br />
::*[[No Game No Life:Volume 1 Chapter 3|Chapter 3 - Expert/Expert]]<br />
::*[[No Game No Life:Volume 1 Chapter 4|Chapter 4 - Grandmaster/The King]]<br />
::*[[No Game No Life:Volume 1 Epilogue|Epilogue]]<br />
::*[[No Game No Life:Volume 1 Afterwords|Afterwords]]<br />
<br style="clear:both"/><br />
<br />
===Volume 2 - The Gamer Siblings Seem to Have Their Sights on the Land of Kemonomimi ([[No Game No Life:Volume 2|Full Text]])===<br />
[[File:NGNL V2 Cover Page.jpg|thumb|x175px]]<br />
::*[[No Game No Life:Volume 2 Illustrations|Novel Illustrations]]<br />
::*[[No Game No Life:Volume 2 Prologue|Opening]] <br />
::*[[No Game No Life:Volume 2 Chapter 1|Chapter 1 - Weak Square/Setting the Board]]<br />
::*[[No Game No Life:Volume 2 Chapter 2|Chapter 2 - Unexpected Move/One Move]]<br />
::*[[No Game No Life:Volume 2 Chapter 3|Chapter 3 - Sacrifice/Sacrificial Move]]<br />
::*[[No Game No Life:Volume 2 Chapter 4|Chapter 4 - Checkmate/Checkmate]]<br />
::*[[No Game No Life:Volume 2 Epilogue|Fake End]]<br />
::*[[No Game No Life:Volume 2 Afterwords|Afterwords]]<br />
<br />
<br style="clear:both"/><br />
<br />
===Volume 3 - A Half of the Gamer Siblings Seems to Have Disappeared...?===<br />
[[File:NGNL V3 Cover Page.jpg|thumb|x175px]]<br />
::*[[No Game No Life:Volume 3 Illustrations|Novel Illustrations]]<br />
::*[[No Game No Life:Volume 3 Prologue|Data Load]]<br />
::*[[No Game No Life:Volume 3 Chapter 1|Chapter 1 - Sky Walk/Disassociation Method]]<br />
::*[[No Game No Life:Volume 3 Chapter 2|Chapter 2 - Blue Rose/Directional Method]]<br />
::*[[No Game No Life:Volume 3 Chapter 3|Chapter 3 - Killing Giant/Guiding Method]]<br />
::*[[No Game No Life:Volume 3 Chapter 4|Chapter 4 - Rule Number 10/Convergence Method]]<br />
::*[[No Game No Life:Volume 3 Epilogue|True End]]<br />
::*[[No Game No Life:Volume 3 Afterwords|Afterwords]]<br />
<br />
<br style="clear:both"/><br />
<br />
===Volume 4 - The Gamer Siblings Have Run Away From a Realistic Romance Game===<br />
[[File:NGNL V4 Cover Page.jpg|thumb|x175px]]<br />
::*[[No Game No Life:Volume 4 Illustrations|Novel Illustrations]]<br />
::*[[No Game No Life:Volume 4 Prologue|Easy Start]]<br />
::*[[No Game No Life:Volume 4 Chapter 1|Chapter 1 - Encounter/The Devil]]<br />
::*[[No Game No Life:Volume 4 Chapter 2|Chapter 2 - Strategist/The Sun]]<br />
::*[[No Game No Life:Volume 4 Chapter 3|Chapter 3 - Charmer/The Empress]]<br />
::*[[No Game No Life:Volume 4 Chapter 4|Chapter 4 - Wild Card/The Fool]]<br />
::*[[No Game No Life:Volume 4 Epilogue|Interrupt End]]<br />
::*[[No Game No Life:Volume 5 Afterwords|Afterwords]]<br />
<br />
<br style="clear:both"/><br />
<br />
===Volume 5 - It Appears the Gamer Siblings Hate New Game Plus===<br />
[[File:NGNL V5 Cover Page.jpg|thumb|x175px]]<br />
::*[[No Game No Life:Volume 5 Illustrations|Novel Illustrations]]<br />
<br />
<br style="clear:both"/><br />
<br />
''Courtesy of [[User:jonathanasdf|jonathanasdf]] for the teaser of vol. 1 chapter 3''<br />
<br />
''Courtesy of [[User:Teh Ping|Teh Ping]] for the teaser of vol. 1 chapter 1'' as part of the "a translation a day" initiative<br />
<br />
==Project Staff==<br />
* Supervisor:<br />
* Project Manager:<br />
<br />
===Translators===<br />
:*[http://ngnlthetranslation.wordpress.com/ NanoDesu Translations (external)]<br />
:*[[User:Drinkingwater|Drinkingwater]] (CL translator)<br />
:*[[User:Seitsuki|Seitsuki]]<br />
<br />
===Editors===<br />
<br />
:*[[User:神|神]]<br />
<br />
== Series Overview ==<br />
<br />
*ノーゲーム・ノーライフ1 ゲーマー兄妹がファンタジー世界を征服するそうです (MF文庫J) (April 23, 2012) - ISBN: 978-4-8401-4546-6<br />
*ノーゲーム・ノーライフ2 ゲーマー兄妹が獣耳っ子の国に目をつけたようです (MF文庫J) (September 22, 2012) - ISBN: 978-4-8401-4819-1<br />
*ノーゲーム・ノーライフ3 ゲーマー兄妹の片割れが消えたようですが……？ (MF文庫J) (January 25, 2013) - ISBN: 978-4-8401-4958-7<br />
*ノーゲーム・ノーライフ4 ゲーマー兄妹はリアル恋愛ゲームから逃げ出しました (MF文庫J) (June 25, 2013) - ISBN: 978-4-8401-5185-6<br />
*ノーゲーム・ノーライフ5 ゲーマー兄妹は強くてニューゲームがお嫌いなようです (MF文庫J) (November 25, 2013) - ISBN: 978-4-04-066080-6<br />
*ノーゲーム・ノーライフ6 (MF文庫J) (April 25, 2014) - ISBN978-4-04-066382-1<br />
<br />
[[Category:MF_Bunko_J]]<br />
[[Category:Hosted Projects]]<br />
[[Category:NanoDesu Translations]]<br />
[[Category:Light novel (English)]]<br />
[[Category:Yuu Kamiya]]</div>Black Ice Princehttps://www.baka-tsuki.org/project/index.php?title=User:Black_Ice_Prince&diff=341035User:Black Ice Prince2014-03-30T08:08:24Z<p>Black Ice Prince: </p>
<hr />
<div>Welcome....<br />
<br />
===A===<br />
<br />
[[Absolute Duo]]<br />
<br />
[[Alice and Masayoshi are Indifferent]]<br />
<br />
[[Antimagic Academy 35th Test Platoon]]<br />
<br />
===B===<br />
<br />
[[Boku to Kanojo ni Furu Yoru]]<br />
<br />
[[Boku to Kanojo no Game Sensou]]<br />
<br />
[[Boku wa Tomodachi ga Sukunai]]<br />
<br />
===C===<br />
<br />
[[Campione!]]<br />
<br />
[[Chrome Shelled Regios]]<br />
<br />
[[Cross x Regalia]]<br />
<br />
[[CubexCursedxCurious]]<br />
<br />
===D===<br />
<br />
[[Date A Live]]<br />
<br />
[[Dakara Boku wa, H ga Dekinai.]]<br />
<br />
[[Denpa Onna to Seishun Otoko]]<br />
<br />
===E===<br />
<br />
[[ELYSION virtual region]]<br />
<br />
===F===<br />
<br />
[[Fuyuu Gakuen no Alice and Shirley]]<br />
<br />
===G===<br />
<br />
[[Gakusen Toshi Asterisk]]<br />
<br />
[[Gekka no Utahime to Magi no Ou]]<br />
<br />
===H===<br />
<br />
[[Hagure Yuusha no Aesthetica]]<br />
<br />
[[Haken no Kouki Altina]]<br />
<br />
[[Hataraku Maou-sama!]]<br />
<br />
[[HEAVY OBJECT]]<br />
<br />
[[Hentai Ouji to Warawanai Neko]]<br />
<br />
[[High School DxD]]<br />
<br />
[[Hitsugi no Chaika]]<br />
<br />
[[HUNDRED]]<br />
<br />
[[Hyakka Ryouran Samurai Girls]]<br />
<br />
===I===<br />
<br />
[[Ichiban Ushiro no Daimaou]]<br />
<br />
[[Infinite Stratos]]<br />
<br />
===K===<br />
<br />
[[Kämpfer]]<br />
<br />
[[Kaze no Stigma]]<br />
<br />
[[Kenkoku no Jungfrau]]<br />
<br />
[[Kenshin no Keishousha]]<br />
<br />
[[Kokoro Connect]]<br />
<br />
[[Kore wa Zombie desu ka?]]<br />
<br />
===L===<br />
<br />
[[Last Savior]]<br />
<br />
[[Log Horizon]]<br />
<br />
===M===<br />
<br />
[[Madan no Ou to Vanadis]]<br />
<br />
[[Mahouka Koukou no Rettousei]]<br />
<br />
[[Maou na Ore to Fushihime no Yubiwa]]<br />
<br />
[[Mondaiji-tachi ga isekai kara kuru soudesu yo]]<br />
<br />
[[Mokushiroku Arisu]]<br />
<br />
===N===<br />
<br />
[[Nareru SE]]<br />
<br />
[[No Game No Life]]<br />
<br />
===O===<br />
<br />
[[Oda Nobuna no Yabou]]<br />
<br />
[[Ore no Kanojo to Osananajimi ga Shuraba Sugiru]]<br />
<br />
===P===<br />
<br />
[[Psycho Love Comedy]]<br />
<br />
===R===<br />
<br />
[[R-15]]<br />
<br />
[[Ryuu to Aitsu to Kawaige no Nai Watashi]]<br />
<br />
===S===<br />
<br />
[[Saijaku Muhai no Bahamut]]<br />
<br />
[[Sakurasou no Pet na Kanojo]]<br />
<br />
[[Seikoku no Ryuu Kishi]]<br />
<br />
[[Seirei Tsukai no Blade Dance]]<br />
<br />
[[Sekai no Kiki Hamekurumeku!]]<br />
<br />
[[Shinmai Maou no Keiyakusha]]<br />
<br />
[[Shippai Kinshi!]]<br />
<br />
[[Silver Cross and Draculea]]<br />
<br />
[[Sword Art Online]]<br />
<br />
===T===<br />
<br />
[[The Circumstances Leading to Waltraute's Marriage]]<br />
<br />
[[The Sovereign of Omnia]]<br />
<br />
[[Toaru Majutsu no Index]]<br />
<br />
[[Toradora!]]<br />
<br />
[[Tsurugi no Hime to Aldebaran]]<br />
<br />
[[Tsurugi no Joou to Rakuin no Ko]]<br />
<br />
===U===<br />
<br />
[[Unlimited Fafnir]]<br />
<br />
===Z===<br />
<br />
[[Zero no Tsukaima]]<br />
<br />
<br />
Come again.</div>Black Ice Princehttps://www.baka-tsuki.org/project/index.php?title=User:Black_Ice_Prince&diff=338614User:Black Ice Prince2014-03-17T10:06:24Z<p>Black Ice Prince: </p>
<hr />
<div>Welcome....<br />
<br />
===A===<br />
<br />
[[Absolute Duo]]<br />
<br />
[[Alice and Masayoshi are Indifferent]]<br />
<br />
[[Antimagic Academy 35th Test Platoon]]<br />
<br />
===B===<br />
<br />
[[Boku to Kanojo ni Furu Yoru]]<br />
<br />
[[Boku to Kanojo no Game Sensou]]<br />
<br />
[[Boku wa Tomodachi ga Sukunai]]<br />
<br />
===C===<br />
<br />
[[Campione!]]<br />
<br />
[[Chrome Shelled Regios]]<br />
<br />
[[Cross x Regalia]]<br />
<br />
[[CubexCursedxCurious]]<br />
<br />
===D===<br />
<br />
[[Date A Live]]<br />
<br />
[[Dakara Boku wa, H ga Dekinai.]]<br />
<br />
[[Denpa Onna to Seishun Otoko]]<br />
<br />
===E===<br />
<br />
[[ELYSION virtual region]]<br />
<br />
===F===<br />
<br />
[[Fuyuu Gakuen no Alice and Shirley]]<br />
<br />
===G===<br />
<br />
[[Gakusen Toshi Asterisk]]<br />
<br />
[[Gekka no Utahime to Magi no Ou]]<br />
<br />
===H===<br />
<br />
[[Hagure Yuusha no Aesthetica]]<br />
<br />
[[Haken no Kouki Altina]]<br />
<br />
[[Hataraku Maou-sama!]]<br />
<br />
[[HEAVY OBJECT]]<br />
<br />
[[Hentai Ouji to Warawanai Neko]]<br />
<br />
[[High School DxD]]<br />
<br />
[[Hitsugi no Chaika]]<br />
<br />
[[HUNDRED]]<br />
<br />
[[Hyakka Ryouran Samurai Girls]]<br />
<br />
===I===<br />
<br />
[[Ichiban Ushiro no Daimaou]]<br />
<br />
[[Infinite Stratos]]<br />
<br />
===K===<br />
<br />
[[Kämpfer]]<br />
<br />
[[Kaze no Stigma]]<br />
<br />
[[Kenkoku no Jungfrau]]<br />
<br />
[[Kenshin no Keishousha]]<br />
<br />
[[Kokoro Connect]]<br />
<br />
[[Kore wa Zombie desu ka?]]<br />
<br />
===L===<br />
<br />
[[Last Savior]]<br />
<br />
[[Log Horizon]]<br />
<br />
===M===<br />
<br />
[[Madan no Ou to Vanadis]]<br />
<br />
[[Mahouka Koukou no Rettousei]]<br />
<br />
[[Maou na Ore to Fushihime no Yubiwa]]<br />
<br />
[[Mondaiji-tachi ga isekai kara kuru soudesu yo]]<br />
<br />
[[Mokushiroku Arisu]]<br />
<br />
===N===<br />
<br />
[[Nareru SE]]<br />
<br />
[[No Game No Life]]<br />
<br />
===O===<br />
<br />
[[Oda Nobuna no Yabou]]<br />
<br />
[[Ore no Kanojo to Osananajimi ga Shuraba Sugiru]]<br />
<br />
===P===<br />
<br />
[[Psycho Love Comedy]]<br />
<br />
===R===<br />
<br />
[[R-15]]<br />
<br />
[[Ryuu to Aitsu to Kawaige no Nai Watashi]]<br />
<br />
===S===<br />
<br />
[[Sakurasou no Pet na Kanojo]]<br />
<br />
[[Seikoku no Ryuu Kishi]]<br />
<br />
[[Seirei Tsukai no Blade Dance]]<br />
<br />
[[Sekai no Kiki Hamekurumeku!]]<br />
<br />
[[Shinmai Maou no Keiyakusha]]<br />
<br />
[[Shippai Kinshi!]]<br />
<br />
[[Silver Cross and Draculea]]<br />
<br />
[[Sword Art Online]]<br />
<br />
===T===<br />
<br />
[[The Circumstances Leading to Waltraute's Marriage]]<br />
<br />
[[The Sovereign of Omnia]]<br />
<br />
[[Toaru Majutsu no Index]]<br />
<br />
[[Toradora!]]<br />
<br />
[[Tsurugi no Hime to Aldebaran]]<br />
<br />
[[Tsurugi no Joou to Rakuin no Ko]]<br />
<br />
===U===<br />
<br />
[[Unlimited Fafnir]]<br />
<br />
===Z===<br />
<br />
[[Zero no Tsukaima]]<br />
<br />
<br />
Come again.</div>Black Ice Princehttps://www.baka-tsuki.org/project/index.php?title=High_School_DxD:Registration_Page&diff=334175High School DxD:Registration Page2014-02-27T14:48:53Z<p>Black Ice Prince: </p>
<hr />
<div>To re-iterate the registration procedure:<br />
<br />
*You are required to register which chapters you wish to work on. One portion of text per translator, please. But it will be good not to register if you are only going to translate one or two chapter and drop it or if you are not confident at translating.<br />
<br />
*The Registration page is not a binding contract, and translators are encouraged to negotiate between themselves which portions to register for.<br />
<br />
*Portions that are not updated for a significant time may be taken over by another translator after getting permission from the Project Supervisor. The new translator is encouraged to start over to maintain consistency, but the old translation will not be deleted at least until the new translation is finished (and probably not for some time after that). More information is available [http://www.baka-tsuki.org/forums/viewtopic.php?t=1433 here].<br />
<br />
<br />
==''High School DxD'' series ==<br />
<br />
===Volume 1===<br />
<br />
::*Life.0 [[User:Code-Zero|Code-Zero]] '''Completed'''<br />
::*Life.1 [[User:Code-Zero|Code-Zero]] '''Completed'''<br />
::*Life.2 [[User:Code-Zero|Code-Zero]] '''Completed'''<br />
::*Life.3 [[User:Code-Zero|Code-Zero]] '''Completed'''<br />
::*Life.4 [[User:Code-Zero|Code-Zero]] '''Completed'''<br />
::*New Life [[User:Code-Zero|Code-Zero]] '''Completed'''<br />
::*Afterword [[User:Code-Zero|Code-Zero]] '''Completed'''<br />
<br />
===Volume 2===<br />
<br />
::*Life.0 [[User:Code-Zero|Code-Zero]] '''Completed'''<br />
::*Life.1 [[User:Code-Zero|Code-Zero]] '''Completed'''<br />
::*Life.2 [[User:Code-Zero|Code-Zero]] '''Completed'''<br />
::*Life.3 [[User:Code-Zero|Code-Zero]] '''Completed'''<br />
::*Life.4 [[User:Code-Zero|Code-Zero]] '''Completed'''<br />
::*Life.5 [[User:Code-Zero|Code-Zero]] '''Completed'''<br />
::*Checkmate [[User:Code-Zero|Code-Zero]] '''Completed'''<br />
::*End Game [[User:Code-Zero|Code-Zero]] '''Completed'''<br />
::*Life. ∞ vs Power [[User:Code-Zero|Code-Zero]] '''Completed'''<br />
::*fatherxfather [[User:Code-Zero|Code-Zero]] '''Completed'''<br />
::*Last kiss [[User:Code-Zero|Code-Zero]] '''Completed'''<br />
::*New Life [[User:Code-Zero|Code-Zero]] '''Completed'''<br />
::*Afterword [[User:Code-Zero|Code-Zero]] '''Completed'''<br />
<br />
===Volume 3===<br />
<br />
::*Life.0 [[User:Code-Zero|Code-Zero]] '''Completed'''<br />
::*Life.1 [[User:Code-Zero|Code-Zero]] '''Completed'''<br />
::*Revenge Knight [[User:Code-Zero|Code-Zero]] '''Completed'''<br />
::*Life.2 [[User:Code-Zero|Code-Zero]] '''Completed'''<br />
::*Life.3 [[User:Code-Zero|Code-Zero]] '''Completed'''<br />
::*Life.4 [[User:Code-Zero|Code-Zero]] '''Completed'''<br />
::*New Knight & New Rival [[User:Code-Zero|Code-Zero]] '''Completed''' <br />
::*New Life [[User:Code-Zero|Code-Zero]] '''Completed''' <br />
::*Friends [[User:Code-Zero|Code-Zero]] '''Completed''' <br />
::*Afterword [[User:Code-Zero|Code-Zero]] '''Completed'''<br />
<br />
===Volume 4===<br />
<br />
::*Life.0 [[User:Akuma|Akuma]] '''Completed''' <br />
::*Life.1 [[User:Akuma|Akuma]] '''Completed''' <br />
::*Life.2 [[User:Akuma|Akuma]] '''Completed'''<br />
::*Life.3 [[User:Akuma|Akuma]] '''Completed'''<br />
::*Grigori.1 [[User:Akuma|Akuma]] '''Completed'''<br />
::*Life.4 Parts 1-3:[[User:Akuma|Akuma]]. Part 4: [[User:Eternal Dreamer|Eternal Dreamer]] '''Completed'''<br />
::*Khaos Brigade [[User:Eternal Dreamer|Eternal Dreamer]] '''Completed'''<br />
::*Life.5 [[User:Eternal Dreamer|Eternal Dreamer]] '''Completed'''<br />
::*The Festival Ends [[User:Eternal Dreamer|Eternal Dreamer]] '''Completed'''<br />
::*New Life [[User:Eternal Dreamer|Eternal Dreamer]] '''Completed'''<br />
::*Grigori.2 [[User:Eternal Dreamer|Eternal Dreamer]] '''Completed'''<br />
::*Valhalla [[User:Eternal Dreamer|Eternal Dreamer]] '''Completed'''<br />
::*Special Life [[User:Eternal Dreamer|Eternal Dreamer]] '''Completed'''<br />
::*Afterword [[User:Eternal Dreamer|Eternal Dreamer]] '''Completed'''<br />
<br />
===Volume 5===<br />
<br />
::*Life.0 [[user:Eternal Dreamer|Eternal Dreamer]] '''Completed'''<br />
::*Life.1 [[user:Eternal Dreamer|Eternal Dreamer]] '''Completed'''<br />
::*Life.2 [[user:Eternal Dreamer|Eternal Dreamer]] '''Completed'''<br />
::*Life.3 [[user:Eternal Dreamer|Eternal Dreamer]] '''Completed'''<br />
::*Odin [[user:Eternal Dreamer|Eternal Dreamer]] '''Completed'''<br />
::*Life.4 [[user:Eternal Dreamer|Eternal Dreamer]] '''Completed'''<br />
::*Waltz [[user:Eternal Dreamer|Eternal Dreamer]] '''Completed'''<br />
::*Life.5 [[user:Eternal Dreamer|Eternal Dreamer]] '''Completed'''<br />
::*VIP [[user:Eternal Dreamer|Eternal Dreamer]] '''Completed'''<br />
::*End Game [[user:Eternal Dreamer|Eternal Dreamer]] '''Completed'''<br />
::*WINNER [[user:Eternal Dreamer|Eternal Dreamer]] '''Completed'''<br />
::*Reunion [[user:Eternal Dreamer|Eternal Dreamer]] '''Completed'''<br />
::*Afterword [[user:Eternal Dreamer|Eternal Dreamer]] '''Completed'''<br />
<br />
===Volume 6=== <br />
<br />
::*Life.0 [[User:Code-Zero|Code-Zero]] '''Completed''' <br />
::*Life.1 [[User:Code-Zero|Code-Zero]] '''Completed'''<br />
::*Life.2 [[User:Code-Zero|Code-Zero]] '''Completed'''<br />
::*Asia. [[User:Code-Zero|Code-Zero]] '''Completed'''<br />
::*BossXBoss. [[User:Code-Zero|Code-Zero]] '''Completed'''<br />
::*Life.3 [[User:Code-Zero|Code-Zero]] '''Completed'''<br />
::*Uroboros. [[User:Code-Zero|Code-Zero]] '''Completed'''<br />
::*Life.4 [[User:Code-Zero|Code-Zero]] '''Completed'''<br />
::*Juggernaut Drive. [[User:Code-Zero|Code-Zero]] '''Completed'''<br />
::*Life.5 [[User:Code-Zero|Code-Zero]] '''Completed'''<br />
::*Vali Lucifer. [[User:Code-Zero|Code-Zero]] '''Completed'''<br />
::*Heroes. [[User:Code-Zero|Code-Zero]] '''Completed'''<br />
::*New Life [[User:Code-Zero|Code-Zero]] '''Completed'''<br />
::*Afterword [[User:Code-Zero|Code-Zero]] '''Completed'''<br />
<br />
===Volume 7=== <br />
<br />
::*Life.0 [[User:Code-Zero|Code-Zero]] '''Completed'''<br />
::*Life.1 [[User:Code-Zero|Code-Zero]] '''Completed'''<br />
::*Life.2 [[User:Code-Zero|Code-Zero]] '''Completed'''<br />
::*Life.3 [[User:Code-Zero|Code-Zero]] '''Completed'''<br />
::*Odin [[User:Code-Zero|Code-Zero]] '''Completed'''<br />
::*Life.4 [[User:Code-Zero|Code-Zero]] '''Completed'''<br />
::*Surveillant. [[User:Code-Zero|Code-Zero]] '''Completed'''<br />
::*Vali Lucifer. [[User:Code-Zero|Code-Zero]] '''Completed'''<br />
::*Boss X Boss. [[User:Code-Zero|Code-Zero]] '''Completed'''<br />
::*New Life [[User:Code-Zero|Code-Zero]] '''Completed'''<br />
::*Dad. [[User:Code-Zero|Code-Zero]] '''Completed'''<br />
::*Heroes. [[User:Code-Zero|Code-Zero]] '''Completed'''<br />
::*Afterword [[User:Code-Zero|Code-Zero]] '''Completed'''<br />
<br />
===Volume 8===<br />
<br />
::*Life.1 [[User:Code-Zero|Code-Zero]] '''Completed'''<br />
::*Life.2 [[User:Code-Zero|Code-Zero]] '''Completed'''<br />
::*Life.3 [[User:Code-Zero|Code-Zero]] '''Completed'''<br />
::*Life.4 [[User:Code-Zero|Code-Zero]] '''Completed'''<br />
::*Life.5 [[User:Code-Zero|Code-Zero]] '''Completed'''<br />
::*Life.6 [[User:Code-Zero|Code-Zero]] '''Completed'''<br />
::*Extra Life [[User:Code-Zero|Code-Zero]] '''Completed'''<br />
::*Afterword [[User:Code-Zero|Code-Zero]] '''Completed'''<br />
<br />
===Volume 9===<br />
<br />
::*Life.0 [[User:Zzhk|zzhk]] '''Completed'''<br />
::*Life.1 [[User:Zzhk|zzhk]] '''Completed'''<br />
::*Life.2 [[User:Zzhk|zzhk]] '''Completed'''<br />
::*Life.3 [[User:Zzhk|zzhk]] '''Completed'''<br />
::*Life.4 [[User:Zzhk|zzhk]] '''Completed'''<br />
::*Maven [[User:Zzhk|zzhk]] '''Completed'''<br />
::*New Life [[User:Zzhk|zzhk]] '''Completed'''<br />
::*Boss X Boss [[User:Zzhk|zzhk]] '''Completed'''<br />
::*Vali Lucifer [[User:Zzhk|zzhk]] '''Completed'''<br />
::*Bael [[User:Zzhk|zzhk]] '''Completed'''<br />
::*Heroes [[User:Zzhk|zzhk]] '''Completed'''<br />
::*Afterword [[User:Zzhk|zzhk]] '''Completed'''<br />
<br />
===Volume 10===<br />
<br />
::*Life.0 [[User:Code-Zero|Code-Zero]] '''Completed'''<br />
::*Life.1 [[User:Code-Zero|Code-Zero]] '''Completed'''<br />
::*Life.2 [[User:Code-Zero|Code-Zero]] '''Completed'''<br />
::*Life.3 [[User:Code-Zero|Code-Zero]] '''Completed'''<br />
::*King [[User:Code-Zero|Code-Zero]] '''Completed'''<br />
::*Life.4 [[User:Code-Zero|Code-Zero]] '''Completed'''<br />
::*Pawn [[User:Code-Zero|Code-Zero]] '''Completed'''<br />
::*Life. MAX VS Power [[User:Code-Zero|Code-Zero]] '''Completed'''<br />
::*Life. MAXIMAM VS Power [[User:Code-Zero|Code-Zero]] '''Completed'''<br />
::*Emperor [[User:Code-Zero|Code-Zero]] '''Completed'''<br />
::*LIONHEART [[User:Code-Zero|Code-Zero]] '''Completed'''<br />
::*Indra [[User:Code-Zero|Code-Zero]] '''Completed'''<br />
::*New Life [[User:Code-Zero|Code-Zero]] '''Completed'''<br />
::*Extra Life [[User:Code-Zero|Code-Zero]] '''Completed'''<br />
::*Afterword [[User:Code-Zero|Code-Zero]] '''Completed'''<br />
<br />
===Volume 11===<br />
<br />
::*Life.0 [[User:Code-Zero|Code-Zero]] '''Completed'''<br />
::*Life.1 [[User:Code-Zero|Code-Zero]] '''Completed'''<br />
::*Life.2 [[User:Code-Zero|Code-Zero]] '''Completed'''<br />
::*Life.3 [[User:Code-Zero|Code-Zero]] '''Completed'''<br />
::*Life.4 [[User:Code-Zero|Code-Zero]] '''Completed'''<br />
::*Life... [[User:Code-Zero|Code-Zero]] '''Completed'''<br />
::*Lost Life. [[User:Code-Zero|Code-Zero]] '''Completed'''<br />
::*Afterword [[User:Code-Zero|Code-Zero]] '''Completed'''<br />
<br />
===Volume 12===<br />
<br />
::*Life.-3 [[User:Code-Zero|Code-Zero]] '''Completed'''<br />
::*Life.-2 [[User:Code-Zero|Code-Zero]] '''Completed'''<br />
::*Dimensional Boundary. [[User:Code-Zero|Code-Zero]] '''Completed'''<br />
::*Satan [[User:Code-Zero|Code-Zero]] '''Completed'''<br />
::*Life.-1 [[User:Code-Zero|Code-Zero]] '''Completed'''<br />
::*Life.0 [[User:Code-Zero|Code-Zero]] '''Completed'''<br />
::*Life.1 [[User:Code-Zero|Code-Zero]] '''Completed'''<br />
::*Azazel [[User:Code-Zero|Code-Zero]] '''Completed'''<br />
::*Hero...? [[User:Code-Zero|Code-Zero]] '''Completed'''<br />
::*New Life [[User:Code-Zero|Code-Zero]] '''Completed'''<br />
::*Afterword [[User:Code-Zero|Code-Zero]] '''Completed'''<br />
<br />
===Volume 13===<br />
<br />
::*Life.1 [[User:Code-Zero|Code-Zero]] '''Completed'''<br />
::*Life.2 [[User:Code-Zero|Code-Zero]] '''Completed'''<br />
::*Life.3 [[User:Code-Zero|Code-Zero]] '''Completed'''<br />
::*Life.4 [[User:Code-Zero|Code-Zero]] '''Completed'''<br />
::*Life.5 [[User:Code-Zero|Code-Zero]] '''Completed'''<br />
::*Extra Life [[User:Code-Zero|Code-Zero]] '''Completed'''<br />
::*Afterword [[User:Code-Zero|Code-Zero]] '''Completed'''<br />
<br />
===Volume 14===<br />
<br />
::*Life.0 [[User:Code-Zero|Code-Zero]] '''Completed'''<br />
::*Life.1 [[User:Code-Zero|Code-Zero]] '''Completed'''<br />
::*MaveRick Wizard [[User:Code-Zero|Code-Zero]] '''Completed'''<br />
::*Life.2 [[User:Code-Zero|Code-Zero]] '''Completed'''<br />
::*Wizard for Khaos Brigade [[User:Code-Zero|Code-Zero]] '''Completed'''<br />
::*Life.3 [[User:Code-Zero|Code-Zero]] '''Completed'''<br />
::*Life.4 [[User:Code-Zero|Code-Zero]] '''Completed'''<br />
::*New Life [[User:Code-Zero|Code-Zero]] '''Completed'''<br />
::*Afterword [[User:Code-Zero|Code-Zero]] '''Completed'''<br />
<br />
===Volume 15===<br />
<br />
::*Episode Issei.1 [[User:Code-Zero|Code-Zero]] '''Completed'''<br />
::*Life.1 [[User:Code-Zero|Code-Zero]] '''Completed'''<br />
::*Episode Issei.2 [[User:Code-Zero|Code-Zero]] '''Completed'''<br />
::*Life.2 [[User:Code-Zero|Code-Zero]] '''Completed'''<br />
::*Episode Issei.3 [[User:Code-Zero|Code-Zero]] '''Completed'''<br />
::*Life.3 [[User:Code-Zero|Code-Zero]] '''Completed'''<br />
::*Episode Issei.4 [[User:Code-Zero|Code-Zero]] '''Completed'''<br />
::*Life.4 [[User:Code-Zero|Code-Zero]] '''Completed'''<br />
::*Episode Issei.5 [[User:Code-Zero|Code-Zero]] '''Completed'''<br />
::*Episode Azazel.1 [[User:Code-Zero|Code-Zero]] '''Completed'''<br />
::*Life.5 [[User:Code-Zero|Code-Zero]] '''Completed'''<br />
::*Episode Azazel.2 [[User:Code-Zero|Code-Zero]] '''Completed'''<br />
::*Episode Yuuto.1 [[User:Code-Zero|Code-Zero]] '''Completed'''<br />
::*Life.6 [[User:Code-Zero|Code-Zero]] '''Completed'''<br />
::*Episode Yuuto.2[[User:Code-Zero|Code-Zero]] '''Completed'''<br />
::*Afterword [[User:Code-Zero|Code-Zero]] '''Completed'''<br />
<br />
===Volume 16===<br />
<br />
::*Life.0 [[User:Code-Zero|Code-Zero]] '''Completed'''<br />
::*Life.1 [[User:Code-Zero|Code-Zero]] '''Completed'''<br />
::*Life.2 [[User:Code-Zero|Code-Zero]] '''Completed'''<br />
::*Life.3 [[User:Code-Zero|Code-Zero]] '''Completed'''<br />
::*Life.4 [[User:Code-Zero|Code-Zero]] '''Completed'''<br />
::*Gasper Balor. [[User:Code-Zero|Code-Zero]] '''Completed'''<br />
::*Life.DxD [[User:Code-Zero|Code-Zero]] '''Completed'''<br />
::*New Life [[User:Code-Zero|Code-Zero]] '''Completed'''<br />
::*True Longinus. [[User:Code-Zero|Code-Zero]] '''Completed'''<br />
::*Afterword [[User:Code-Zero|Code-Zero]] '''Completed'''<br />
<br />
===Volume 17===<br />
<br />
::*Life.0<br />
::*Life.1 Praises During the Training!<br />
::*Life.2 The School of the Underworld!<br />
::*Life.3 The Direction of the Evil Intent<br />
::*Life.4 The Youth Devil<br />
::*New Life.<br />
::*Brother?<br />
::*Emperor.<br />
<br />
===Dragon Magazine===<br />
<br />
::*Abduction ERO!<br />
::*Oppai is the Sun!<br />
::*Chichiryuutei’s Pleasured Adventure<br />
::*The Student Council’s Decision<br />
::*Let’s Go For an Adventure!<br />
::*Love Song to the Reincarnated Angel<br />
::*Worship ☆Dragon-God Girl<br />
::*Precious of Asia<br />
::*The Ordinary Days of Sekiryuutei<br />
::*Nekomata☆Ninja Scroll<br />
::*Lets Go with Training! ~Mascot Chapter~<br />
<br />
===Dragon Magazine Special===<br />
<br />
::*Pawn's Identity<br />
::*EROKOME(Erotic Comedy) Anthology<br />
::*My First Errand [Ophis Chapter] [[User:Akuma|Akuma]] '''Completed'''<br />
::*25(Twenty Five) at the Clubroom with Rias-buchou! [[User:Code-Zero|Code-Zero]] '''Completed'''<br />
::*Stop!! Yuuto-kun!<br />
::*Having a Mad Tea Party!<br />
<br />
===Fantasia Bunko 25th Anniversary Book===<br />
::*Rias In Wonderland [[User:Code-Zero|Code-Zero]] '''Completed'''<br />
<br />
===Oppai BOOST BOX===<br />
<br />
::*BOOST BOX<br />
::*BOOST BOX Okawari<br />
<br />
<noinclude><br />
{| border="1" cellpadding="5" cellspacing="0" style="margin: 1em 1em 1em 0; background: #f9f9f9; border: 1px #aaaaaa solid; padding: 0.2em; border-collapse: collapse;"<br />
|-<br />
| Return to [[High School DxD|Main Page]]<br />
|-<br />
|}<br />
</noinclude><br />
<br />
<br />
[[Category:Registration Page]]</div>Black Ice Princehttps://www.baka-tsuki.org/project/index.php?title=AntiMagic_Academy_%22The_35th_Test_Platoon%22:Volume_2&diff=332836AntiMagic Academy "The 35th Test Platoon":Volume 22014-02-21T08:18:56Z<p>Black Ice Prince: Created page with "{{:AntiMagic Academy "The 35th Test Platoon":Volume 2 Illustrations|Novel Illustrations}} {{:AntiMagic Academy "The 35th Test Platoon":Volume 2 Prologue|Prologue}} {{:AntiMag..."</p>
<hr />
<div>{{:AntiMagic Academy "The 35th Test Platoon":Volume 2 Illustrations|Novel Illustrations}} <br />
{{:AntiMagic Academy "The 35th Test Platoon":Volume 2 Prologue|Prologue}}<br />
{{:AntiMagic Academy "The 35th Test Platoon":Volume 2 Chapter 1|Chapter 1}}<br />
{{:AntiMagic Academy "The 35th Test Platoon":Volume 2 Chapter 2|Chapter 2}}<br />
{{:AntiMagic Academy "The 35th Test Platoon":Volume 2 Chapter 3|Chapter 3}}<br />
{{:AntiMagic Academy "The 35th Test Platoon":Volume 2 Chapter 4|Chapter 4}}<br />
{{:AntiMagic Academy "The 35th Test Platoon":Volume 2 Chapter 5|Chapter 5}}<br />
{{:AntiMagic Academy "The 35th Test Platoon":Volume 2 Chapter 6|Chapter 6}}<br />
{{:AntiMagic Academy "The 35th Test Platoon":Volume 2 Epilogue|Epilogue}}<br />
{{:AntiMagic Academy "The 35th Test Platoon":Volume 2 Afterword|Afterword}}<br />
<br />
==Translator's Notes and References==<br />
'''Chapter 4'''<br />
<references group="4A"/><br />
'''Chapter 6''''<br />
<references group="6A"/><br />
<br />
<noinclude><br />
{| border="1" cellpadding="5" cellspacing="0" style="margin: 1em 1em 1em 0; background: #f9f9f9; border: 1px #aaaaaa solid; padding: 0.2em; border-collapse: collapse;"<br />
|-<br />
| Back to [[AntiMagic Academy "The 35th Test Platoon":Volume 1|Volume 1]]<br />
| Return to [[AntiMagic Academy "The 35th Test Platoon"|Main Page]]<br />
{{#ifexist: AntiMagic Academy "The 35th Test Platoon:Volume_3 | {{!}} Forward to [[AntiMagic Academy "The 35th Test Platoon":Volume 3|Volume 3]] }}<br />
|-<br />
|}<br />
</noinclude></div>Black Ice Princehttps://www.baka-tsuki.org/project/index.php?title=AntiMagic_Academy_%22The_35th_Test_Platoon%22:Volume_1&diff=331918AntiMagic Academy "The 35th Test Platoon":Volume 12014-02-18T14:56:44Z<p>Black Ice Prince: </p>
<hr />
<div>{{:AntiMagic Academy "The 35th Test Platoon":Volume 1 Illustrations|Novel Illustrations}} <br />
{{:AntiMagic Academy "The 35th Test Platoon":Volume 1 Prologue|Prologue}}<br />
{{:AntiMagic Academy "The 35th Test Platoon":Volume 1 Chapter 1|Chapter 1}}<br />
{{:AntiMagic Academy "The 35th Test Platoon":Volume 1 Chapter 2|Chapter 2}}<br />
{{:AntiMagic Academy "The 35th Test Platoon":Volume 1 Chapter 3|Chapter 3}}<br />
{{:AntiMagic Academy "The 35th Test Platoon":Volume 1 Chapter 4|Chapter 4}}<br />
{{:AntiMagic Academy "The 35th Test Platoon":Volume 1 Chapter 5|Chapter 5}}<br />
{{:AntiMagic Academy "The 35th Test Platoon":Volume 1 Epilogue|Epilogue}}<br />
{{:AntiMagic Academy "The 35th Test Platoon":Volume 1 Afterword|Afterword}}<br />
<br />
==Translator's Notes and References==<br />
'''Chapter 1'''<br />
<references group="1B" /><br />
'''Chapter 2'''<br />
<references group="2B" /><br />
'''Chapter 3'''<br />
<references group="3B"/><br />
'''Chapter 4'''<br />
<references group="4B" /><br />
'''Chapter 5'''<br />
<references group="5B" /><br />
<noinclude><br />
{| border="1" cellpadding="5" cellspacing="0" style="margin: 1em 1em 1em 0; background: #f9f9f9; border: 1px #aaaaaa solid; padding: 0.2em; border-collapse: collapse;"<br />
|-<br />
| Return to [[AntiMagic Academy "The 35th Test Platoon"|Main Page]]<br />
{{#ifexist: AntiMagic Academy "The 35th Test Platoon:Volume_2 | {{!}} Forward to [[AntiMagic Academy "The 35th Test Platoon":Volume 2|Volume 2]] }}<br />
|-<br />
|}<br />
</noinclude></div>Black Ice Princehttps://www.baka-tsuki.org/project/index.php?title=Shinmai_Maou_no_Keiyakusha:Volume_2_Chapter_1&diff=331582Shinmai Maou no Keiyakusha:Volume 2 Chapter 12014-02-17T03:41:36Z<p>Black Ice Prince: </p>
<hr />
<div>==Chapter 01: Yakiniku and Youth Special Edition==<br />
<br />
===Part 1===<br />
<br />
A sight that was worth being called a masterpiece.<br />
<br />
A contrast of white and red, stimulating the appetite of the watcher. A brilliant colourfulness that covered the whole of the big table. It was beef that was cut so that it looked extremely delicious from any angle.<br />
Yakiniku. In the restaurant, which was like an everlasting absolute justice for him, Toujou Basara sat at the table across his classmate Takigawa Yahiro.<br />
<br />
“Wh- What’s with these beef tongues that look like they‘re laying sideways… They’re at least 1cm thick, Basacchi.”<br />
<br />
“Yeah, let’s grill them quickly and eat… There’s still lot of other meat too.”<br />
<br />
“O- Okay… Then here I go.”<br />
<br />
Making his resolve, Takigawa threw the beef tongues on the field called charcoal grill.<br />
<br />
Along with a sizzling sound, the delicious smell of grilling meat instantly hung in the air.<br />
<br />
“Th- Then I’ll help myself first.”<br />
<br />
With a gulp, Takigawa nervously carried the beef tongue towards his mouth--- In the next moment,<br />
<br />
“S- So, gooood. What’s this!? This is no longer just beef!”<br />
<br />
He widened his eyes and shouted. Basara inadvertently made a wry smile.<br />
<br />
“No, it’s beef alright.”<br />
<br />
“Watcha doing, Basacchi, eat up! Sweet… This meat’s so damn good.”<br />
<br />
“Yeah, I’ll. But don’t hold yourself back, Takigawa. The fine meat will burn if it grills too much.”<br />
<br />
Basara said so to Takigawa, who started to put the beef one piece after another on the grill.<br />
<br />
“Pfft, like I would let them get burned. I’ll nicely eat them all!”<br />
<br />
Welcoming the peek of joy and excitement, the hands controlling the chopsticks and the mouths eating the meat didn’t stand still.<br />
<br />
Basara and Takigawa’s meal started for real.<br />
<br />
“---But is it okay, Basacchi? Treating me at such an expensive restaurant.”<br />
<br />
Takigawa asked without stopping his eating hand, whereas Basara nodded with “Yeah”.<br />
<br />
Basara had taken Takigawa to a Yakiniku restaurant called “Akagi”.<br />
<br />
“I told you, this restaurant has an all-you-can-eat only for students… and even at a student charge.”<br />
<br />
“But together with my share, it’s 5000 yen. That’s quite the sum.”<br />
<br />
Considering it was a high schooler repaying a small favour, 2500 yen per person was certainly expensive. However Basara had a different reason for bringing Takigawa here.<br />
<br />
---The devils were currently divided into two big forces. Into the “Current Devil Lord Faction” which was a hardliner faction that wanted to resume the invasion of the human world, and into the “Moderate Faction” which followed the will of the previous Devil <br />
<br />
Lord Wilbert, who wanted to avoid conflicts with humans as much as possible. Nonetheless, after Wilbert’s death, the once the powerful moderate faction quickly lost their influence. And Mio was chased by the current Devil Lord faction, since she unwittingly inherited the Devil Lord’s power from her father.<br />
<br />
Furthermore--- Takigawa Yahiro’s real identity was an observer for Mio, sent by the current Devil Lord faction.<br />
<br />
Basara had fought with him due to some development. In fact, that was just the other day.<br />
<br />
And now, Basara had formed a secret alliance with him under the mutual conditions that Basara wouldn’t spread the news about <br />
Takigawa’s failure to the current Devil Lord faction<br />
<br />
…And<br />
that Takigawa implicit admitted to be a secret spy from the moderate faction, which worked on protecting Mio like Maria does, in the current Devil Lord Faction, which was after Mio.<br />
<br />
It was an alliance on equal grounds. Even so, Takigawa gave Basara an important information.<br />
<br />
About the true identity of the culprit, who killed Mio’s faster parents and thus drove her to fight the Devils that came after her.<br />
<br />
But Basara hadn’t told Mio about that yet. Mio’s reason to fight stemmed from taking revenge for her killed foster parents. It would be bad if she were to emotionally go out of control when he carelessly told her, and the situation wasn’t all too clear anyway. Thus it was better when only Basara knew about it for now.<br />
<br />
Because of that he owed Takigawa big time. Of course he didn’t think that treating him to Yakiniku would make them even, but<br />
<br />
“Don’t worry about that. I still have my savings from each month.”<br />
<br />
“Okay then. But your dad is away these days, right? Didn’t you get some money for living expenses? And this here practically falls <br />
under necessary expenses.”<br />
<br />
“You sure know your stuff… But I can’t use my dad’s money to treat you.”<br />
<br />
Currently he had gotten Jin’s credit card. But Basara formed the alliance with Takigawa on his own judgement. So he couldn’t use the card for it.<br />
<br />
“Mhm, I see…”<br />
<br />
Takigawa had finished eating all the meat on the grill and said so like he was seeing through Basara’s intention.<br />
<br />
“I thought for sure you were going to ask something of me again in exchange for the Yakiniku.”<br />
<br />
“I’m not so dauntless that I could demand valuable information or assistance just because I treated you once. Today’s under the <br />
motto ‘Let’s get along from now on’, that’s all.”<br />
<br />
Therefore,<br />
<br />
“I’ll repay you for taking over my task from Sakasaki-sensei another time and the debt for telling me about Zolgear--- the murder of Mio’s foster parents, I’ll pay back from now on as best I can.”<br />
<br />
“Jeez, why so serious, Basacchi~ All the stories I heard about Toujo Jin were epochal--- Are you really his son?”<br />
<br />
Jin once was a Hero that hogged the title of the strongest Hero in the <village> all to himself. The stories Basara had heard were <br />
all unbelievable battle legends of Jin during the great war. According to the stories he had heard in the <village> from all those that knew the past Jin, Jin had apparently become quite pacific now, but<br />
<br />
“…Guess he’s famous in the demon realm too?”<br />
<br />
“Well, duh. He killed quite the number of our high class devils in the great war. Amongst us devils, Toujo Jin is feared as our strongest enemy--- like a war god. When the previous Devil Lord Wilbert ordered the retreat, there were two reason why the guys, who wanted to keep fighting, reluctantly obeyed. One was Wilbert’s clout, who was the strongest devil back then even as a centrist, the other was the fear of Toujou Jin’s monstrous fighting strength.”<br />
<br />
As except Jin was such an outstanding man that Tokigawa, a devil, told him the same again. As his son, it didn’t feel bad to have <br />
his father praised and he was proud of him.<br />
<br />
And then--- their conversation temporarily came to a halt and they nicely ate the Yakiniku with relish for a while.<br />
<br />
Continuing to eat even more silent than at a crab meal, they were about to get to the last plate of their first order.<br />
<br />
“Oh, right, reminds me, I have some information I better tell you, Basacchi.”<br />
<br />
“Information? …You sure?”<br />
<br />
“Well, seems like I can trust you. Besides now that we teamed up, it would be bad for me too in various ways when you’re at a disadvantage.”<br />
<br />
With that, Takigawa wearily made a wry smile, then suddenly only turned his eyes serious.<br />
<br />
“---During that incident at the park before, Naruse Mio let her power go out of control, right? It was quite devastating. I secretly patched it up afterwards with magic, but the news of it reached of course the current Devil Lord faction, but also the moderate faction. I don’t know yet how the moderate faction will make their move, but--- at least the current Devil Faction decided to appoint a new observer, since they judged that Naruse Mio awakened the inherited power from Wilbert.”<br />
<br />
Basara froze up on these words.<br />
<br />
“A new observer… Don’t tell me, you’re replaced and will return to the demon realm?”<br />
He had no plans to fully rely on Takigawa, but right now Basara and the girls overwhelmingly lacked battle strength compared with the current Devil Lord faction. Thus he wanted to borrow Takigawa’s strength until he could read the situation a bit better, and counted on it. When Takigawa went back to the demon realm now---<br />
<br />
“---No. My surveillance mission continues. The point is, it feels like they’re sending in reinforcement just in case, since there’s been development. I mean, the top brass have always been after the power Naruse Mio inherited.”<br />
<br />
“I see… I got cold feet, thinking you would leave.”<br />
<br />
“Still, don’t let your guard down. With another observer, it surely will be harder for me to cooperate. And while I said reinforcement, it isn’t necessarily someone weaker than me. Besides, the Master and Servant Contract between Naruse Mio and you is <br />
still new, right?”<br />
<br />
“? What do you mean?”<br />
<br />
Was there something with the Master and Servant Contract that he had to be careful about?<br />
<br />
“That magic has a long history… Since long ago, it has been used quite often and was improved on various occasions. At first it only made you able to localize each other and activated the curse on betrayal, but now it can even amplify the power of the Master and Servant, when they share a strong loyalty and trust. The master powers up for his servant and the servant for his master. That’s why high-class Devils have a lot of servants with the Master and Servant Contract to increase their own strength.”<br />
<br />
“Is that so…?”<br />
<br />
Maria didn’t explain it to him to that extent. Most likely the important part for Maria was that it was a countermeasure that allowed them to localize Mio when she was in danger.<br />
<br />
“---And on the other hand, it also serves the purpose to prevent information leaks, should the servant be caught by the enemy. <br />
<br />
Because being caught by the enemy and thus becoming a burden to the master is the biggest betrayal towards the master.”<br />
said Takigawa.<br />
<br />
“Regardless of the characteristic, the servant won’t be able to survive when the curse activates at maximum.”<br />
<br />
“…Seems so.”<br />
<br />
The characteristic of the curse from the contract between Basara and Mio came from Maria, since she lent her power for the chanting of the contract spell, and was thus the succubus’ “aphrodisiac”. But Maria had said that when the curse activated at maximum, the brain nerves would fry from the intense pleasure. She was being half-serious, but it surely was the truth. It was quite a well-made contract magic, considering it even prevented information leaks from prisoners.<br />
<br />
“So you better be careful. You guys made the characteristic from the succubus, since the one from Mio’s inherited power would be dangerous, right?”<br />
<br />
“Yeah… Guess so.”<br />
<br />
“This isn’t an all too pleasant story--- High-class Devils live a long time and some of them purposefully make a Master and <br />
Servant Contract with the succubus’ characteristic instead of their own. Living a long life makes them crave for some amusement.”<br />
<br />
“Amusement…?”<br />
<br />
“For sex plays. Just like drugging a woman, the ‘aphrodisiac’ chains her with pleasure.”<br />
<br />
“…I see. Really not pleasant.”<br />
<br />
“Nah, that’s still innocent. The real assholes switch servants amongst themselves and play around by purposefully letting the curse activate.”<br />
<br />
“Play around… wait, don’t tell me they’re meaningless killing their own servants?”<br />
<br />
“Nah, not like that… Well, since you’re so sincere, it’s an unknown world to you.”<br />
said Takigawa with a wry smile.<br />
<br />
“The servant devotes his soul and body to his master and when someone else does something to the servant, it will be a perfect betrayal against the master. Because the servant couldn’t protect his chastity--- What do you think will happen then?”<br />
Ah, Basara changed his expression on finally realizing it, whereas Takigawa nodded.<br />
<br />
“Yeah. Being done by someone else than the master--- That immoral feeling activates the curse. If you’re lucky, the curse is too strong and you can die, but at worst you lose your sanity and can’t even feel the immorality anymore. But they have no use for a broken toy. They dispose of them, get a new toy--- and repeat everything.”<br />
<br />
And,<br />
<br />
“Incidentally, the deviser of this sick play was--- the murderer of Naruse Mio’s foster parents, Zolgear.”<br />
Basara swallowed down his breath with a gulp.<br />
<br />
“Th- Then… the reason you relieved him on the observation.”<br />
<br />
“Exactly. There’s a possibility that Mio’s inherited power will disappear should she dies from a weird stunt from Zolgear. The top brass judged that there was a risk that Zolgear, after killing her foster parents who belonged to the moderate faction, would lay his hands on Mio as well.”<br />
<br />
Basara was at a loss for words from the shocking story.<br />
<br />
“So be careful. Zolgear can easily tell that Naruse’s under the Master and Servant contract. Should she ever fall into his hands, she would never be sane again when he does something to her, since he’s the all so hateful enemy that killed her foster parents. Well considering her personality, she would bite off her own tongue before someone does anything to her--- But you would like to avoid that, wouldn’t you, Basacchi?”<br />
<br />
“Obviously…!”<br />
<br />
That alone he would never let happen. Looking down, Basara tightly clenched his teeth.<br />
<br />
“Well, the top brass won’t let Zolgear near Naruse anymore and I don’t believe they would do anything strange, since they don’t <br />
want Wilbert’s power to disappear when Mio dies from the curse after it’s known that she’s under the Master and Servant contract.”<br />
<br />
That certainly was a big advantage. Quite big, but<br />
<br />
“…But, they aren’t the only enemies going after Wilbert’s power.”<br />
<br />
Besides the moderate faction that tried to protect Mio, there were other forces that opposed the current Devil Lord faction. From their point of view, they could deal damage to the current Devil Lord faction by killing Mio.<br />
<br />
The enemy of their enemy wasn’t necessarily their ally.<br />
Once again noticing how difficult it was to protect Mio, Basara made a serious expression, whereupon Takigawa suddenly said quietly.<br />
<br />
“---Well, it’s not like I‘m not of plans.” “Really?”<br />
<br />
Basara raised his head in a flash.<br />
<br />
“There are two ways to cancel the contract. The first is to annul it with the same spell in agreement with both parties. The other way is to ‘change it into a vow’.”<br />
said Takigawa.<br />
<br />
“As a symbol for the contract, a mark like a collar appears around the neck. It’s colour changes depending on the level of loyalty. With a low loyalty level the mark is blue, but with rising levels it gets violet-blue, then violet-red and lastly crimson red.”<br />
<br />
And,<br />
<br />
“When it then raises another level--- gets to the maximum loyalty, the mark disappears and the curse won’t activate anymore. After all, the servant won’t ever betray the master at this point. That’s the phenomena where the ‘contract’ sublimates into a ‘vow’. Though there are not many cases of reaching that state, even from the past. But it’s said that no one was able to win against a master and his servant in that state.”<br />
<br />
“In other words, when Mio and I get a loyalty on that vow level, we’ll become as strong as the former examples… But Mio and I only know each other for a little while, you know.”<br />
It surely was possible precisely because Devils had a long lifespan.<br />
<br />
“Guess so. But even if the vow level is impossible, it’s worth to deepen the trust and loyalty between you two. I mean, the contract magic changes your feelings for each other into strength… That said, if you give up before even trying, it certainly will impossible for you.”<br />
<br />
Being told with a sharp cynicism, Basara inadvertently fell silent, whereas Takigawa said “Well,”.<br />
<br />
“You can’t decide it by yourself. Discuss what to do with Naruse.”<br />
<br />
“…Yeah, I’ll.”<br />
<br />
In regards, Basara said just that with a low voice.<br />
<br />
---It wasn’t like he couldn’t trust Mio. Basara had no confidence in himself.<br />
<br />
He was not a person that could ever get Mio to trust him.<br />
<br />
Toujou Basara could not believe in Toujou Basara.<br />
<br />
In himself, who once committed a sin and banished a lot of comrades.<br />
<br />
He couldn’t tell her to trust him as he was, even if it ripped his mouth.<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
Basara once again recognized the grave situation they were in and fell silent, whereupon<br />
<br />
“We have fine meat here, so let’s stop the gloomy talk now… To begin with, you can’t do anything about worst case scenarios, no matter how hard to think.”<br />
<br />
“……Yeah.”<br />
<br />
“I mean, this is an all-you-can-eat, right? Then we gotta order more for our money.”<br />
<br />
He felt Takigawa’s kindness from the topic change.<br />
<br />
“You’re right… Okay, let’s stuff ourselves!”<br />
<br />
Basara temporarily got his spirit back and called the waitstaff with “Excuse me~”. While looking at the menu with Takigawa, they discussed if they should get beef rips, pork loins or guts, and ordered.<br />
<br />
Then they watched off the waitstaff leaving and wetted their throats with the soft drink cola. At that time.<br />
<br />
“---Oh. I thought it were familiar voices for a while now and it was indeed you guys.”<br />
<br />
The boys looked up to the sexy female voice coming from the side.<br />
<br />
“Hasegawa-sensei…”<br />
<br />
There stood the school nurse of the Hijirigasaka Academy that Basara and Takigawa attended--- Hasegawa Chisato.<br />
<br />
Hasegawa spoke like a man, but with her pretty features and overly glamorous breasts--- she had a sex-appeal and beauty that were <br />
not appropriate for pubertal high school boys.<br />
<br />
“Toujou and Takigawa… It’s just the two of you?”<br />
<br />
“Eh? Yes, that’s right.”<br />
<br />
“Great. Sorry, but could you let me sit at your table? Actually I was supposed to met a friend, but I just got a call that some <br />
urgent business came up.”<br />
said Hasegawa.<br />
<br />
“Since I’m here anyway, I wanted to eat alone, but guys from other tables keep calling out to me with ‘Wanna eat with us?’. Is it <br />
that such a lonely thing for a woman to eat Yakiniku alone?”<br />
<br />
“Well, probably…” “Ahh, not at all, Sensei.”<br />
<br />
Basara and Takigawa looked at each other and told her.<br />
<br />
[[Image:Shinmai v02 049.jpg|thumb]]<br />
<br />
“Anyway, they were just so persistent that I considered giving up on my meal and going home, but I always wanted to try the food here. As students you might be opposed to eat together with a teacher, but I would be grateful if you let me join you.”<br />
<br />
“Hah… If it’s like that, I don’t mind.”<br />
<br />
That said, if Takigawa was against it, he could only apologetic turn her down. Today they were here for their formed alliance. <br />
Basara asked Takigawa with a look that said “What about you?”.<br />
<br />
“Nah, I’m okay with it too, of course. There are a lot of people, students and teachers alike, who want to eat together with you, <br />
Hasegawa-sensei.”<br />
<br />
“…So he says.”<br />
<br />
“I see. Then allow me to take a seat.”<br />
<br />
“Okay Sensei, since it’s decided, next to me is free.”<br />
<br />
Takigawa grinned and offered Hasegawa the seat next him, but the Hasegawa in question readily sat down next to Basara with “Excuse <br />
me”.<br />
<br />
“Ah, but we’re having the student all-you-can-eat, so sharing a table would be---”<br />
<br />
“Don’t worry about that. The shop isn’t at fault, but they don’t want to have me troubled. I’m sure they’ll comply with it.”<br />
<br />
Just like she had said, the waitstaff came with a cold and wet towel and bowed with “We’re sorry” right after Hasegawa sat down at <br />
the table. Apparently the staff felt sorry for not being able to keep the other customers in check. Hasegawa ordered a drink and a <br />
few kinds of meat at the waitstaff.<br />
<br />
“But I must say, I didn’t know this restaurant had an all-you-can-eat for students. Could it be our students often come here?”<br />
<br />
“I doubt it. Because it’s quite a distance from school, with the station in-between. And while it’s cheap considering the taste, <br />
it’s still a bit expensive for a student to casually come here.”<br />
<br />
“Right. I didn’t know of it either until Basacchi took me here today.”<br />
<br />
“So you knew about this restaurant beforehand, Toujou. Do you come here often?”<br />
<br />
“No, it’s my second time today. I only moved here during summer vacation… But I once came here with my father.”<br />
said Basara.<br />
<br />
“My father is a professional photographer and the owner here is apparently a fan of my father. He once requested a photo and the landscape photo at the entrance--- That’s taken by my father.”<br />
And additionally to the fee of the photo, we were invited here and treated to a meal.<br />
<br />
“Hoo… To think this restaurant had a fan of ‘JIN’ too.”<br />
<br />
<br />
“You know my father?”<br />
<br />
“Surprised? I’m not a passionate fan, but I like his photos. A critic said in a magazine or so that his photos capture the <br />
original charm of the subject--- a moment that no one else can capture. It can be called an art. Even an amateur like me gets fascinated by it.”<br />
<br />
“Thanks… I’ll tell my father that you said that next time.”<br />
with that, Basara lowered his head embarrassed, whereupon the ordered meat and drink arrived.<br />
Since Basara and Takigawa’s additional order and Hasegawa’s order arrived together, the table was filled with plates at once.<br />
<br />
“Well then, time to eat.” “Okay, we better get serious too.”<br />
<br />
Along with their words, the various meat started to dance on the grill and giving off a delicious smell.<br />
<br />
---Amidst that, Basara remembered Hasegawa’s earlier words.<br />
<br />
Jin had left the village along with Basara to protect him. The new path Jin chose to make a new living was the camera. Basara had a suffered deep mental wound from the tragedy five years ago, and seeing Jin’s photo that stirred up one’s emotions from the bottom of the heart, saved him numerous times.<br />
<br />
At that time, Jin had no longer been the Hero that saved the world, but even so, for Basara he was the Hero that saved him. <br />
<br />
Precisely because he saw Jin like that, Basara could honestly think now that he wanted to protect Mio and Maria.<br />
<br />
===Part 2===<br />
<br />
Basara and Takigawa kept eating until the time limit and this Yakiniku day ended full of satisfaction.<br />
<br />
Since their house were in the opposite direction, he split up with Takigawa right after leaving the restaurant.<br />
<br />
And currently--- Basara walked home together with Hasegawa.<br />
<br />
“But you really don’t mind, Toujou?”<br />
<br />
Hasegawa next to him asked.<br />
<br />
<br />
“I asked you to let me sit with you, so I could have paid your bill.”<br />
<br />
“No, it’s alright, really. I had to pay for it today.”<br />
<br />
It would have been meaningless if Basara hadn’t paid for Takigawa’s share. However,<br />
<br />
“Still…”<br />
<br />
As Hasegawa still couldn’t agree, Basara made a wry smile, thinking what a duteous person she was.<br />
<br />
“Then please treat me on the next occasion, at the restaurant of your choice.”<br />
<br />
“Mhm… Okay. If you’re fine with that, I’ll invite you another time.”<br />
<br />
Huh, she won’t invite Takigawa. Well, I did pay for his share.<br />
<br />
“But I must say… All this about ‘Devils’ and ‘Loyalty’, you two sure talk about strange things. I don’t know if it’s a game or <br />
manga, but is it popular these days?”<br />
<br />
Apparently she had heard their conversation. Even so, Basara did not panic. Even if they were overheard, most people would mistake it for a game or something on their own, like Hasegawa did. In fact, when you openly responded, it would be no problem. Thus,<br />
<br />
“Well, yeah… It’s a game.”<br />
<br />
“I see. I have no clues about these, so I don’t understand their fun, but youngsters sure get hyped up on it. Is it that fun?”<br />
<br />
“Well, depends on the person. Everyone has his own enjoyment.”<br />
<br />
“I guess so. But at least it seems like you’re quite hooked on it, Toujou.”<br />
<br />
“What makes you say that…?”<br />
<br />
“Because you sounded so serious when you talked about it with Takigawa.”<br />
<br />
Hasegawa pointed out with a teasing tone.<br />
<br />
“…Yeah, you might be right.”<br />
<br />
While dropping his gaze a little bit, Basara declared.<br />
<br />
“Even if it’s a game--- I definitely can’t afford to lose.”<br />
<br />
It wasn’t like he was optimistic. The situation they were in was indeed severe. The new dispatched observer. The existence of <br />
Zolgear, who killed Mio’s foster parents. The advantages and problems of the Master and Servant Contract. There were a lot of things he had to consider dealing with. There,<br />
<br />
“---Eh?”<br />
<br />
Suddenly Basara was enveloped by a soft warmth. Then he noticed in what kind of situation he was.<br />
<br />
Hasegawa, who had walked next to him, had entwined her arms around his neck and embraced him.<br />
<br />
Her big breasts enveloped his face like burying it.<br />
<br />
“S- Sensei…!?”<br />
<br />
Not knowing how to respond to the sudden happening, Basara was in a flutter.<br />
<br />
“Don‘t move. It’s okay, so stay still.”<br />
<br />
Hasegawa said with a rebuking tone.<br />
<br />
“Geez… Out of the blue you fall silent, only to make such a worried face then. Think about how a teacher feels when her student makes such a face in front of her.”<br />
<br />
He thought he had suppressed it, but his irritation and impatience must have shown on his face.<br />
<br />
“…….Sorry.”<br />
<br />
“There’s no need to apologize. Worries are a part of life. Specially for a boy your age. But remember that there are people, who <br />
can’t leave you alone when you’re like that.”<br />
<br />
Basara nodded lightly, then allowed himself to rely on Hasegawa’s attention a little bit.<br />
<br />
When he closed his eyes, he could feel her kindness and softness much better.<br />
<br />
“……..Thank you. I’m fine now.”<br />
<br />
Before long, he declared his gratitude, whereupon Hasegawa released Basara’s head. But even though Hasegawa pulled away both her <br />
hands from around his neck, she now entwined them around his waist.<br />
<br />
“Ehm, what… Sensei?”<br />
<br />
“I told you that I can’t leave you alone. You can consult with me now for as much as you can tell me.”<br />
<br />
“Well, but…”<br />
<br />
Basara inadvertently uttered hesitation, whereas Hasegawa slowly brought her face closer.<br />
<br />
“Or--- are you against talking with me, Toujou?”<br />
<br />
He couldn’t say no. It was none other than Basara, who made Hasegawa worried. Therefore,<br />
<br />
“Actually… my father’s currently out of the house.”<br />
<br />
Basara spoke own his own worries as much as he could afford to.<br />
<br />
The feelings he couldn’t speak out because he didn’t want to worry Mio and Maria, or because it would be complaints towards <br />
<br />
Takigawa--- Toujou Basara’s distress.<br />
<br />
“I’m the only man in the house, so when something happens, I want to protect Mio and Maria--- Ah, Maria is Mio’s little sister.”<br />
<br />
“Okay…”<br />
<br />
Hasegawa’s gentle nod urged him to continue, so Basara made a wry smile.<br />
<br />
“But it’s not that easy… to truly protect something. People are faced with all kinds of worries in life and some of them can’t be <br />
told to others. When you want to protect them despite that, you also have to keep secrets… But I seems impossible to do everything by myself.”<br />
<br />
He bit down on his lips and tightly clenched his fists.<br />
<br />
“I want to protect them. Whatever may be, I definitely want to protect them… But I once again realized how hard it is to properly protect something you want to protect. My own strength and existence may be actually really small and unreliable.”<br />
<br />
He didn’t really think he could pull off everything just fine. If he managed to protect them, even in whatever unsightly shape, he <br />
wouldn’t complain. Because whatever might happen, he would just exert all of his strength.<br />
<br />
…But.<br />
<br />
<br />
If he should be unable to protect them--- When he thought like that, Basara felt like going crazy. He never wanted to lose something precious again, never repeat the regret and pain from five years again. There,<br />
<br />
“……You’re taking too much upon yourself.”<br />
<br />
Hasagawa, who had silently listened so far, opened her mouth.<br />
<br />
“I somewhat could understand your worry. And also that you don’t want to worry Naruse and her younger sister because of it… But, <br />
when you’re treasuring your new family, your little sisters, then you should properly communicate with them.”<br />
After all,<br />
<br />
“If it’s something you absolutely don’t want to lose, you need to properly grasp and understand the situation and position you’re in. The most important thing for that is the cooperation and mutual trust between the protector and protected. Once you have that, you can start to come up with an actual counter-measure. But you know--- It’s mostly impossible to accomplish everything perfectly. So you set your priorities and draw a line from where you won’t back off at all costs, and just protect that no matter what.”<br />
<br />
“A line from where I won’t back off at all costs…”<br />
<br />
“Yes. For example, you certainly have to keep secrets, but it’s not the secret you’re supposed to protect. Toujou--- closely think <br />
about what it is that you truly want to protect, once again.”<br />
What he truly wanted to protect--- He ruminated the words that Hasegawa spoke out in his heart.<br />
<br />
“……..I understand. I’ll do so.”<br />
<br />
When Basara affirmed, Hasegawa nodded satisfied with a “Good”.<br />
<br />
---In the next moment, Toujou Basara was kissed on the cheek.<br />
<br />
“Eh---?”<br />
<br />
When his thoughts stopped on the sudden happening,<br />
<br />
“…blessing and guidance…for the future of…“<br />
<br />
Hasegawa removed her lips from his cheek and he heard her mumbling something. He inadvertently became dumbfounded.<br />
<br />
“S- Sensei…?”<br />
<br />
“Ah, sorry, it was a reflex… It’s a little charm in the countryside I‘m from.”<br />
<br />
Don’t worry about it--- smiling with that, Hasegawa removed her hands from Basara and started to walk.<br />
<br />
Even if it was on the cheek, a kiss was a kiss. He had thought for sure that there was something behind it, but apparently there really was no deep meaning to it, judging by how relieved he felt.<br />
<br />
Therefore, Basara went after Hasegawa and walked next to her, matching her pace.<br />
<br />
While thinking about--- what he truly wanted to protect and the line from where he wouldn’t back off at all costs.<br />
<br />
<br />
===Part 3===<br />
<br />
After parting with Basara and Hasegawa, Takigawa Yahiro headed in a different direction than his house.<br />
<br />
It was a sport grounds in a somewhat tasteless area between a sewage plant and an industrial waste treatment plant.<br />
<br />
In the middle of the lawn on the grounds--- Takigawa stood still all alone.<br />
<br />
The grounds were dark, since the opening hours were long over, and no one else was there. However,<br />
<br />
“…Took you long enough.”<br />
<br />
Suddenly a throaty voice called out to him from behind.<br />
<br />
“My bad. There are a lot of customs I have to follow when acting like a human.”<br />
<br />
Takigawa turned around to the voice. Upon that, there stood a devil in front of him that was so big that he had to look up. Just the presence of this huge stature gave off an intimidating air.<br />
<br />
“To think the reinforcement would be you--- Vargar.”<br />
<br />
“What do you mean by that, Lars? Got a problem with me?”<br />
<br />
Takigawa, called by his devil name, shrugged his shoulders with “Not really…”.<br />
<br />
---The other day Takigawa had filed a report about the incident with Mio letting Wilbert’s power go out of control, to the current <br />
<br />
Devil Lord faction. It had three main points.<br />
<br />
First, Mio temporarily released Wilbert’s power, but it didn’t awaken fully.<br />
<br />
Second, the surveillance from the Hero Tribe through Yuki.<br />
<br />
And third--- The previous Hero Basara had become Mio’s current family.<br />
<br />
It would be troublesome when the Hero Tribe interfered at worst. Takigawa had thought for sure that the top brass would peacefully advance things by observing the situation for a while, but of all things, they sent over the aggressive fighter Valgar. It seemed the top brass only saw that Wilbert’s power sleeping in Mio started to awaken. And as expected,<br />
<br />
“---Now then, I shall have a look at the target.”<br />
<br />
Valgar tried to make a move at once.<br />
<br />
“Hey, hey. Selfishly going out all of a sudden, you must be joking. You just got here and don’t even know what’s going on, so <br />
where do you think you’re going so nonchalant?”<br />
<br />
“Huh? That’s why I’m going to check on the situation. Got a problem?”<br />
<br />
“I’m telling you to not act on your own. You’re just additional staff, a support to my mission. It’s only natural you listen to me, your superior.”<br />
<br />
“I don’t give a poke. The higher-ups sent me here, knowing my personality. That basically means I can do what I want.”<br />
<br />
Heh, Valgar smiled.<br />
<br />
“You’re so positive… I could do without that manliness of yours though.”<br />
<br />
There Takigawa suddenly turned his expression into a serious one.<br />
<br />
“You should have read the report. The Hero Tribe is already on the move. If you carelessly agitate them, they start to mobilize full-blown and something happens to Naruse Mio--- the top brass will kill you.”<br />
<br />
“Hey, hey. Don’t be so scary, Lars. It’s not like I wanna pull something right off the bat. But a former Hero became family with <br />
Naruse Mio and took her side, right? Then I ought to know the situation accurately.”<br />
Saying so, Valgar disappeared along with the wind.<br />
<br />
“Geez…”<br />
<br />
With Valgar’s personality, it wouldn’t end with only checking upon her. Takigawa considered going after him, whereupon<br />
<br />
“---Please wait.”<br />
<br />
Suddenly a new voice came from the side. When Takigawa shifted his gaze there, the airspace bended and a beautiful female devil appeared from the empty space. Takagiwa offhanded stiffened his expression on her appearance.<br />
<br />
“…I only know of one reinforcement.”<br />
<br />
“Indeed. After all, I am not your reinforcement.”<br />
<br />
“Then--- what’s the reason for Sir Zolgear’s right hand itself to appear here?”<br />
<br />
Yes. In front of Takigawa stood the subordinate of Zolgear--- the high-class devil that had observed Mio. Her name was Zest. The one Zolgear had the most trust in, both in intelligence and strength.<br />
<br />
“Sir Zolgear was already relieved off his duty to observe Naruse Mio. Even if you’re just his subordinate, you didn’t selfishly approach the target without the Lord’s approval, did you?”<br />
<br />
“Of course not. Before the Lord relieved him off his surveillance duties, my master Zolgear had already done his preparations. <br />
You, Lars… should know of that.”<br />
<br />
Indeed. When Zolgear was relieved of his duty, he set up a trap for Naruse Mio.<br />
<br />
And--- this trap was still existent. Takigawa still hadn’t told Basara about this fact.<br />
<br />
It was a circumstances he couldn’t talk about carelessly.<br />
<br />
“It has been more than half a year in this world since then, and I came here to check if the arrangements are still in effect now-<br />
<br />
--- I properly got the permission from the Lord.”<br />
<br />
Therefore, Zest said.<br />
<br />
“For that, I need to accurately confirm the situation from when my master Zolgear was relieved off his duty until now. You will assist me, right Lars?”<br />
<br />
Takigawa clicked his tongue on her cold eyes.<br />
<br />
…Not good.<br />
<br />
When she investigated, at worst he wouldn’t just get under suspicion, he would be totally exposed. He had carefully taken precautionary measures so that a third party wouldn’t find about him teaming up with Basara, but this was different than with a simple guy like Zogear. Zest wasn’t Zolgear’s right hand just for show.<br />
<br />
Moreover--- Takigawa didn’t mention Basasa’s <Banishing Shift> in his report. If that were to get known, Basara’s existence would surely be deemed dangerous. Because there was no guarantee that a skill that could banish everything, wouldn’t banish Wilbert’s power sleeping inside Mio.<br />
<br />
Due to that, Takigawa didn’t tell that to the other side he was working for either. There were still many parts about Basara’s <br />
skill that Takigawa himself didn’t know. If he reported carelessly, it would complicate the situation instead. Above all, he <br />
couldn’t let Basara die just yet. Therefore,<br />
<br />
“My mission is just to observe Naruse Mio… I have no reason, nor obligation to work for Sir Zolgear.”<br />
Takigawa tried to play dumb.<br />
<br />
“I did not come on Sir Zolgear’s instructions. I am here by his Lord’s order. So I believe you have a reason and obligation to comply.”<br />
<br />
Or, said Zest, suddenly narrowing her eyes.<br />
<br />
“---Do you have some kind of reason that keeps you from assisting me?”<br />
<br />
So that was how she was going to play. If that was the case. Takigawa changed his plan.<br />
<br />
“Nah, no way. I will gladly offer my assistance in that case.”<br />
<br />
He grinned at Zest. No matter how much he complained, Zest would surely act on her own anyway. Instead of having her get closer to the truth, it was better to be the guide himself and keep her away from the troublesome truth. He was also concerned about Valgar’s actions, but<br />
<br />
…Well, good luck, Basacchi.<br />
<br />
After all--- he had to take care of an even more troublesome fellow now.<br />
<br />
===Part 4===<br />
<br />
Basara arrived at home around ten in the night.<br />
<br />
Since the stuff in the bath happened with Mio, Basara headed to his own room only with Maria for now.<br />
<br />
And then they conducted a discussion about what to do from now on, including his newly surfaced worries.<br />
<br />
First he asked about the merits and demerits of the Master and Servant Contract. Upon that,<br />
<br />
“Indeed--- Like you have said, the Master and Servant Contract has both it’s advantages and risks.”<br />
<br />
While facing each other with the table in-between them, Maria, sitting on a cushion, made a diligent expression.<br />
<br />
“But the current Devil Lord faction is not after Mio-sama’s life, but after Wilbert-sama’s power itself. Since it would trouble <br />
them when Mio-sama dies, the thing we have to be cautious about it---”<br />
<br />
“---A kidnapping.”<br />
<br />
Even if they couldn’t kill her, it was possible that they abducted her and forcefully awakened her power by using magic or magic tools. Maria nodded with “Yes”.<br />
<br />
“However the Master and Servant Contract allows the Master and Servant, who have linked their souls, to localize each other when they want, so it is easier to guard, but it also makes it possible to come to one’s rescue when abducted. The reason I had you two form the contract was to have a precautionary measure for such kidnappings.”<br />
<br />
The enemy certainly couldn’t afford to let Mio die, so more importantly than the risk of having something happen to Mio because her curse activates from the guilt of being kidnapped, it was to not have her get abducted at all. And even if she were to get <br />
kidnapped, they ought to think how to save her.<br />
<br />
---In fact, Mio tried to solve things all by herself the other day, as to not drag anyone else into it, when Basara suffered a severe wound in the fight with the masked Takigawa on the rooftop of the school.<br />
<br />
And the reason Basara somehow could make it in time for Mio’s dilemma was that he could localize Mio due to the Master and Servant <br />
Contract. Of course Takigawa had anticipated Basara’s arrival back then and purposefully took his time, so that Basara would make it in time. ---However, from now on, it wouldn’t go like that. According to Takigawa, a new observer for Mio was dispatched.<br />
<br />
“I get it… But Maria, why didn’t you tell us so then?”<br />
<br />
Including the case of hiding the matter with the curse, she was being way too secretive. Upon that,<br />
<br />
“I am sorry… Considering Mio-sama’s personality, I believed it was wiser not to mention it.”<br />
said Maria.<br />
<br />
“Mio-sama may not be all that honest, but she is genuinely kind and above all, very earnest. The instant effective merit of being able to localize each other aside, if I had told her that both your powers would level up when her trust in you increases, she would have unreasonably tried to do something about it and thus screwed it up instead.”<br />
<br />
“…Sounds plausible.”<br />
<br />
Mio was different from Basara, who had trained as a Hero from a young age on. Until her foster parents were killed half a year ago, she lived as a normal girl. To tell Mio to handle her emotions objectively was absurd and impossible. So instead of carelessly telling her the truth, Maria must have thought that it was wiser to wait for her trust to develop naturally. But,<br />
<br />
“Then you could have at least told me… Well, we haven’t been together for long, so it might be difficult to blindly trust me.”<br />
<br />
“Oh no, I perfectly trust you, Basara-san.”<br />
But, said Maria.<br />
<br />
“If Mio-sama were to find out later that only we two knew about it while she was left out, it is possible that she would lose all trust in both you and me.”<br />
<br />
Before, when the living together with Mio and Maria was decided, Jin knew all about their true identities and aims, but stayed quiet and pretended to be deceived. Precisely because of that--- Basara and the girls could repair their once broken relationship after finding out that fact. The reason Maria kept quiet about all kind of facts regarding the contract was surely out of her consideration for Basara and even more so, for Mio.<br />
<br />
“Therefore I would have liked to keep it hidden from you two, but… I never expected that you would investigate about the contract, <br />
Basara-san.”<br />
<br />
A miscalculation, said Maria.<br />
<br />
“Either way, where did you hear this from, Basara-san? The power enhancement from a deepening trust aside, the information about some high-class devils using the succubus characteristic in the contract for fun should be only known to very few devils.”<br />
<br />
“Well, I have my ways… I’m a former Hero after all. Even if I was chased out of the <village>, I still have one contact or the other.”<br />
<br />
Since he couldn’t tell her about Takigawa, Basara said in a roundabout way to hide the truth.<br />
<br />
“But I guess it’s better to keep the contract for now then… We have to make our plans with that in mind.”<br />
<br />
“---Please leave it to me, Basara-san. This may sound pretentious, but I came up with the best plan for this situation.”<br />
Maria expressed her approval.<br />
<br />
“Please come this way.”<br />
<br />
Saying so, she invited Basara over to the back of the room--- to in front of the computer. He sat down on the chair and naturally faced the PC monitor on the desk, whereupon<br />
<br />
“Now excuse me.” “H- Hey, what are you…!”<br />
<br />
Maria lowered her waist onto Basara’s lap, who was bewildered. She must have taken her bath already. Maria wore a defenceless <br />
attire of just a pyjama at the top and shorts below. Basara regretted his own decision to change into a T-shirt with matching shorts when he came home and anticipated their discussion to be long. The supple material of the shorts Maria was wearing and her smooth thighs--- Both of these were strongly emphasizing that Maria was a girl. Her body washed with body soap gave off a sweet fragrance, which only her body could produce with her body temperature.<br />
<br />
“Do you like it? The smell of a girl fresh out of the bath.”<br />
<br />
Like she had seen through his inner turmoil, Maria turned around in his lap. Maria pressed her bottom onto his groin area and <br />
fidgeted around.<br />
<br />
“N- Not really… Anyway, get off!”<br />
<br />
“No. What we will do now is something necessary for Mio-sama and you.”<br />
<br />
Saying so, Maria started up Basara’s computer.<br />
<br />
“Hey, don’t---”<br />
<br />
Maria skilfully operated the mouse and opened a folder on the hard drive, starting a program that Basara had never seen before. <br />
<br />
The started software first showed the designer logo in English. And as soon as he saw the next scene, Basara inadvertently widened his eyes. He had only seen it for a moment, but<br />
<br />
“Maria… Are my eyes playing a trick on me? I think I just saw ‘This game is a product of fiction’ written there.”<br />
<br />
“Oh please, Basara-san. All game software are basically a product of fiction.”<br />
<br />
Yeah, right. He wouldn’t deny that.<br />
<br />
“But the next line saying ‘Scenes of the game re-enacted in reality are punishable by law’----”<br />
<br />
Basara said along with a bad feeling, whereupon it was finally displayed in front of his eyes.<br />
<br />
It was a cute girl. But regretfully there were a lot of instances, where he wanted to retort to the girl.<br />
<br />
First, why was she wearing a leather collar with a chain?<br />
<br />
Second, why was she wearing no clothes, except suggestive underwear?<br />
<br />
Third, why was she embraced by a man from behind?<br />
<br />
And above all, why was the girl looking at him with wet eyes from ecstasy, even though she was in such a situation?<br />
<br />
All these questions were resolved right away. Because the displayed title taught him.<br />
<br />
“Youth Special Edition: My real little stepsister and I”--- It was an erotic game.<br />
<br />
“The heck are you installing on my computer without my permission!”<br />
<br />
Are you stupid? Or rather, that’s the game that was snuck into my bed without my knowledge for a supposedly moving gift. The <br />
morning of that day was the worst day of my life in the ranking in my head. Basara cursed in his mind.<br />
<br />
“I understand your resentment towards this game, Basara-san. However, please bear with it. This is also for Mio-sama’s sake.”<br />
<br />
“No, I don’t really have any grudges with this game.”<br />
<br />
Only with the criminal, namely you, who placed a landmine in my bed.<br />
<br />
“Actually, how is this game for Mio’s sake…”<br />
<br />
“I told you that considering the future, it takes priority to deepen the trust between Mio-sama and you. If that happens <br />
naturally, it would be ideal, but the enemy will not wait and you ended up knowing various things about the contract. So we can <br />
only try for the best in this situation.”<br />
In other words,<br />
<br />
“We will increase Mio-sama’s trust in you so much that it will not cause any problems when she later finds out about the <br />
circumstances--- That is to say, you will become an absolute Master to her. An existence Mio-sama would never oppose, not even <br />
consider opposing and vowed her loyalty to from the bottom of her heart. For an obstinate girl like Mio-sama, there is a limit to how much you can make her open up her heart with just kindness. This software serves as a reference to how you can discipline Mio-sama.”<br />
<br />
“…Sorry. This is a good occasion, so I’ll tell you something I thought for a while now--- You’re an idiot, right?”<br />
<br />
“Oh my. We have to fight the current Devil Lord faction, even though we lack in battle strength, so I get the feeling that trying <br />
to resolve the situation with a pretty frontal attack is far more stupid. You do not mean to say that we have the leisure to choose our methods, do you, Basara-san?”<br />
<br />
“No… But, we can’t forget about Mio. Her feelings are important in the matter.”<br />
<br />
“Indeed, they are. However, if you had to choose between Mio-sama’s feelings or her life--- I am sure the answer is obvious.”<br />
<br />
“That’s… But what about laws and morals?”<br />
<br />
“Will Mio-sama be protected when you tell the country or laws--- the police or court ‘Please help us, we are being chased by the Devil Lord’? Please do not forget, the only ones that can protect Mio-sama right now are you and me. Only us two.”<br />
<br />
“……Yeah. Sorry.”<br />
<br />
Basara said with a low tone.<br />
<br />
“But even so, I’m doubtful about using a game as a reference…Disciplining Mio isn’t the only option to deepen the trust, is it?”<br />
<br />
“It is not like there is no other, but the curse is an aphrodisiac. Would you not say it is wiser to make use of that? Besides, I <br />
am not telling you to do it exactly like in the game. At best, we are just looking for hints to deepen your relationship with Mio-<br />
sama.”<br />
<br />
Saying so, Maria handed him the manual of the game. Basara somehow read out the outline of what was written in there.<br />
<br />
“’Your little stepsister got a sex up curse from a devil. Her new cuteness makes her the target of the guys around her. To protect <br />
her, you, the protagonist, have to change her into your ideal girl. When the bonds between you two deepen, you should be able to <br />
overcome all kind of obstacles. That is the ultimate form of familial love. Let’s discipline the little stepsister~’… What has the <br />
world come to!”<br />
<br />
“Here, Basara-san, earphones. Because the same sentence can have a different meaning depending on the tone and expression. I want <br />
to assist you, so I will take one earphone.”<br />
<br />
“Eh? I’m going to play this game while I share the earphones with you on my lap?”<br />
<br />
Seriously? Literally and imaginary, that was the worst state.<br />
<br />
“Please bear with it. It is for Mio-sama.”<br />
<br />
“……Fine, whatever.”<br />
<br />
And then the lesson started with Maria on his lap. The prologue of the game alone took 30 minutes and main characters’ upbringing, current circumstances and feelings for each other were not explained by simple narration, but was properly portrayed through a drama of their life. At the end of the prologue--- An anime part with the theme song played, where the little stepsister got cursed and the protagonist and heroine decided to go down the forbidden path, because even though it was wrong, they had no other choice.<br />
<br />
But the main part started now. Finally welcoming their first night, the two were having an awkward conversation, then the first option screen was already shown.<br />
<br />
1/ Relief her nervousness by behaving like always<br />
<br />
2/ Be a really nice gentleman<br />
<br />
3/ You won’t be half-assed, since you know your sister’s resolve. To respond to her feelings, you’ll be rough and forcefully with <br />
your love. You have no regrets. Because you believe---- that it’s your responsibility as her family, as her older stepbrother.<br />
<br />
“…The heck’s up with #3. Instead of an option, I only see it as a joke.”<br />
<br />
Were the staff all idiots?<br />
<br />
“Now then, please choose the option you deem fitting. Show me your skills, Basara-san. Ah, but please save just in case. We might <br />
have to load later on.”<br />
<br />
Maria on his lap said so, totally used to erotic games even though she was a devil.<br />
<br />
…But showing his skills was easier said than done.<br />
<br />
Thinking rationally, the answer was already decided. Basara chose number 1. At that moment,<br />
<br />
“Ah, I knew it.” “What? Got a problem?”<br />
<br />
Maria said disappointed, whereas Basara asked.<br />
<br />
“Ah, I am sorry. Just a reflex… P- Please continue.”<br />
<br />
While he felt that she wasn’t satisfied with his choice, Basara started to go through the text. The heroine nodded approving to <br />
the protagonist, who wanted to take things slowly and in order. I won’t do anything, but let’s sleep together tonight. It’s been a <br />
while. While such a conversation unfolded, the scene ended. And on the next day,<br />
<br />
“…Huh?”<br />
<br />
When the protagonist woke up, the heroine was gone. Instead there was a letter. In the letter it was noted that the heroine apparently had made a bet with the devil to see if the protagonist would show courage, and she lost that bet, so she was going to be the plaything for the devils in hell now, but she was happy to be treated so kindly by the protagonist until the end.<br />
<br />
Then the screen turned black. The words BAD END were displayed.<br />
<br />
“…What kind of development is that?”<br />
<br />
“You cannot tell? This is a tragedy caused by your kindness, Basara-san. It means a man cannot protect a woman with only kindness. <br />
Good grief… You are so deplorable that I am going to cry.”<br />
<br />
“I don’t want to be called that just because of a single choice in an erotic game--- Actually, when 1 is already no good for kindness, then 2 as well?”<br />
<br />
“Obviously! Do you want to kill the heroine that bad? I did not expect you to push on this all too grotesque option. Were your <br />
parents killed by her in your previous life, or something?”<br />
<br />
“Wait. How are you imagining my previous life?”<br />
<br />
A previous life, where the heroine of an erotic game killed my parents, was just too miserable.<br />
<br />
“Geez, you are so hopeless…”<br />
<br />
Maria sighed, then overlapped her small hand with Basara’s, which was grabbing the mouse.<br />
<br />
“---Now then, let us save her.”<br />
<br />
Saying so, she loaded the earlier save data. Through exclusion, Basara chose option 3 and resumed the game. However, even though <br />
Maria had been so confident, the heroine in the game was bewildered by the protagonist, whose attitude had suddenly changed, and resisted heavily.<br />
<br />
“See. It wasn’t 3 after all.”<br />
<br />
“Come again? Please take a closer look.”<br />
<br />
When he looked at the text window on the screen like he was told, the supposedly resisting heroine had suddenly become submissive and accepted the discipline from the protagonist. Not just that, she somewhat felt pleasure and happiness from being treated <br />
forcefully.<br />
<br />
“Listen, Basara-san. This heroine included--- All obstinate girls are basically hardcore masochists when you bring them out of <br />
their shells.”<br />
<br />
“What nonsense are you saying out of the blue!?”<br />
<br />
“No, it is a fact. Therefore, please forcefully bring Mio-sama out of her shell. You have nothing to worry about. She will only resist in the beginning. After all, Mio-sama is actually quite the masochists, according to my evaluation. She is the type that feels happiness from being treated forcefully by the one she devoted herself to and draws pleasure from submitting to that person despite that.”<br />
<br />
“What’s with that harsh analysis!? Are you really her retainer?”<br />
<br />
“Precisely because I am her retainer, I want Mio-sama to be true to herself without putting on a front.”<br />
<br />
Maria proudly puffed up her chest.<br />
<br />
“Well then, Basara-san, let us continue. You are going to learn the right way to discipline your little stepsister, so that you can knot an unshakable bond with Mio-sama as fast as possible.”<br />
<br />
Saying so, Maria faced her head towards the monitor again--- where it was grabbed by an extended hand over Basara’s shoulder. <br />
<br />
Basara froze up and looked up, whereupon there stood, unknown since when, Mio with a cold smile.<br />
<br />
[[Image:Shinmai v02 079.jpg|thumb]]<br />
<br />
“I wondered why there was no reply when I knocked numerous times… But it seems you had quite the interesting conversation.”<br />
<br />
Maria’s body went rigid on the uttered chilly voice.<br />
<br />
And she turned around while instantly breaking out a cold sweat,<br />
<br />
“Mio-sama…” “…Yes?” “Let… Let me explain.” “Yeah, go on. I’m curious what you’ll tell me.”<br />
<br />
But,<br />
<br />
“Do you have a minute before that, Maria? Don’t worry, it won’t take long.”<br />
<br />
Mio said so and walked away, dragging Maria along at her head.<br />
<br />
“Wh- What are you doing, Basara-san… Stop looking and please help me. Did I not teach you? To be forcefully. Now is the time to forcefully take Mio-samoww, ouch, it hurts, Mio-sama.”<br />
<br />
Maria struggled when the pressure in the hold on her head was increased, whereas Basara put his hands together in a prayer.<br />
<br />
“Forgive me. It’s just impossible. Sorry, but rest in peace.”<br />
<br />
He sighed with “Phew, saved”, but Mio turned around to him at the door.<br />
<br />
“Basara… Just to tell you, you’re the next one.”<br />
<br />
Glared at with sharp eyes that could only be labelled as super sadistic, Basara could only nod.<br />
<br />
And afterwards, it took quite some time to explain the circumstances to Mio and have her understand, after she finished her lecture with Maria. It were difficult hours that reminded them of the value of life.<br />
<br />
===Part 5===<br />
<br />
There was something that gradually became darker proportional to the night.<br />
<br />
A place all the moonlight or streetlights of the world would never reach.<br />
<br />
Darkness. People avoided the pitch-black darkness, where they couldn’t see ahead and seemed to get sucked in. Because they <br />
instinctively understood that danger lurked there.<br />
<br />
---However, there were those that loved the darkness, in contrast to humans. They, who tried to make the dark abyss their habitat, <br />
the low-class stray devils. Even amongst the devils, low-class devils had no ego. It was said that because of that they had no considerable powers, but instead an ill-nature.<br />
<br />
To avoid an all-out-war with the Heroes, the devils didn’t excessively attacked humans in the human world, but the low-class devils lacked the intelligence to process that. They only had a desire loyal to their instincts.<br />
<br />
And in this night, when everything except convenience stores, family restaurants or fast-food stores had closing time.<br />
<br />
Something arose from the darkness in a back alley in the corner of the shopping district. <br />
<br />
That “something” blended in with the darkness and kept staring at the main street from the dark back alley. Just like it was waiting for it’s prey to pass by. And then--- The moment when a young woman passed by before it.<br />
<br />
The stray devil merciless attacked the woman. A human without any special abilities could not see a devil. And while a stray devils was weak compared to devils, it was far superior to an average human.<br />
<br />
Thus the woman had no way to oppose and became the stray devil’s prey just like that--- or was supposed to.<br />
<br />
---However, in the next moment, a suddenly released slash cut off the stray devil life and existence itself. It most likely it didn’t even realize that it was erased. The remains of the stray devil vanished into empty space.<br />
<br />
“---I knew it, a lot are attracted.”<br />
<br />
A voice said so by spitting out a Heh. At the same time, three silhouette emerged from the darkness in the back alley--- from <br />
behind were the stray devil had been. It were two young men and one girl.<br />
<br />
“Was that wise, Takashi? With a victim, we would have gotten a reason to terminate the ‘target’.”<br />
<br />
To the right young man who said with a casual tone, the young man called Takashi---- The one, who slayed the stray devil, said with a displeased low tone.<br />
<br />
“There’s no need to unnecessarily increase the victims. Shiba-san, the <village> has already made their decision.”<br />
<br />
One breath,<br />
<br />
“To change the ’target’--- Naruse Mio from a surveillance target into a termination target.”<br />
<br />
That was the decision of the Hero Tribe, who received Yuki’s report the other day. In light of the danger of the possible awaken <br />
of the power of the previous Devil Lord, they concluded so.<br />
<br />
In other words, the daughter of the previous Devil Lord--- Naruse Mio was to be terminated.<br />
<br />
“…Besides, how could we allow a victim to fall before us? We are from the Hero Tribe.”<br />
<br />
“You’re so earnest, Takashi… Geez, working for justice is such a pain.”<br />
<br />
Shiba shrugged his shoulders jokingly.<br />
<br />
“---Don’t you agree, Kurumi-chan?”<br />
<br />
He called out to the girl, who stood on the opposite side of him with Takashi in-between them and wordlessly stared at the empty space into which the stray devil had disappeared.<br />
<br />
“…No. It’s our mission.”<br />
<br />
In regards, the girl called Kurumi answered bluntly.<br />
<br />
“How rare… for the two of you to make a stiff expression.”<br />
<br />
While Shiba made a wry smile,<br />
<br />
<br />
“Are you that bothered by it? That he--- Basara is involved with this case?<br />
<br />
Takashi and Kurumi remained silent to these uttered words for a while. Directed at them,<br />
<br />
“Well, you’re a childhood friends with him, close in age. Before the incident five years ago, you have always been together. I’m <br />
sure you have special feelings for it and it’ll be tough for you in all kind of ways.”<br />
<br />
But,<br />
<br />
“We volunteered for this mission despite having heard the report from Yuki-chan. Please don’t ruin the mission by getting swayed from some weird attachment.”<br />
<br />
“…You don’t need to tell me.”<br />
<br />
said Takashi.<br />
<br />
“I’ll kill Naruse Mio and show no mercy to those who interfere. Even if it’s Basara.”<br />
<br />
“…Same for me. I no longer have a reason to hesitate about Basara.”<br />
<br />
There was no doubt in Kurumi’s utterance. Because she already had taken an influential different path than Basara--- Ever since <br />
the day “five years ago”. Toward these two,<br />
<br />
“Good. Your emotions are your own. I’m not going to pry into them. Because I’m just a supervisor this time. You two will do the <br />
job. I’ll just watch.”<br />
<br />
While smiling a “It’s up to you”,<br />
<br />
“Well then, let’s go. To fulfil our duty as Heroes, the protectors of the world---”<br />
Shiba Kyouichi declared.<br />
<br />
“---To kill the one that might become the next Devil Lord.”<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
==Translator Note==<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<noinclude><br />
{| border="1" cellpadding="5" cellspacing="0" style="margin: 1em 1em 1em 0; background: #f9f9f9; border: 1px #aaaaaa solid; padding: 0.2em; border-collapse: collapse;"<br />
|-<br />
| Back to [[Shinmai Maou no Keiyakusha:Volume 2 Prologue|Prologue]]<br />
| Return to [[Shinmai Maou no Keiyakusha|Main Page]]<br />
| Forward to [[Shinmai Maou no Keiyakusha:Volume 2 Chapter 2|Chapter 2]]<br />
|-<br />
|}<br />
</noinclude></div>Black Ice Princehttps://www.baka-tsuki.org/project/index.php?title=Shinmai_Maou_no_Keiyakusha:Volume_2_Chapter_1&diff=331581Shinmai Maou no Keiyakusha:Volume 2 Chapter 12014-02-17T03:40:48Z<p>Black Ice Prince: </p>
<hr />
<div>==Chapter 01: Yakiniku and Youth Special Edition==<br />
<br />
===PART 1===<br />
<br />
A sight that was worth being called a masterpiece.<br />
<br />
A contrast of white and red, stimulating the appetite of the watcher. A brilliant colourfulness that covered the whole of the big table. It was beef that was cut so that it looked extremely delicious from any angle.<br />
Yakiniku. In the restaurant, which was like an everlasting absolute justice for him, Toujou Basara sat at the table across his classmate Takigawa Yahiro.<br />
<br />
“Wh- What’s with these beef tongues that look like they‘re laying sideways… They’re at least 1cm thick, Basacchi.”<br />
<br />
“Yeah, let’s grill them quickly and eat… There’s still lot of other meat too.”<br />
<br />
“O- Okay… Then here I go.”<br />
<br />
Making his resolve, Takigawa threw the beef tongues on the field called charcoal grill.<br />
<br />
Along with a sizzling sound, the delicious smell of grilling meat instantly hung in the air.<br />
<br />
“Th- Then I’ll help myself first.”<br />
<br />
With a gulp, Takigawa nervously carried the beef tongue towards his mouth--- In the next moment,<br />
<br />
“S- So, gooood. What’s this!? This is no longer just beef!”<br />
<br />
He widened his eyes and shouted. Basara inadvertently made a wry smile.<br />
<br />
“No, it’s beef alright.”<br />
<br />
“Watcha doing, Basacchi, eat up! Sweet… This meat’s so damn good.”<br />
<br />
“Yeah, I’ll. But don’t hold yourself back, Takigawa. The fine meat will burn if it grills too much.”<br />
<br />
Basara said so to Takigawa, who started to put the beef one piece after another on the grill.<br />
<br />
“Pfft, like I would let them get burned. I’ll nicely eat them all!”<br />
<br />
Welcoming the peek of joy and excitement, the hands controlling the chopsticks and the mouths eating the meat didn’t stand still.<br />
<br />
Basara and Takigawa’s meal started for real.<br />
<br />
“---But is it okay, Basacchi? Treating me at such an expensive restaurant.”<br />
<br />
Takigawa asked without stopping his eating hand, whereas Basara nodded with “Yeah”.<br />
<br />
Basara had taken Takigawa to a Yakiniku restaurant called “Akagi”.<br />
<br />
“I told you, this restaurant has an all-you-can-eat only for students… and even at a student charge.”<br />
<br />
“But together with my share, it’s 5000 yen. That’s quite the sum.”<br />
<br />
Considering it was a high schooler repaying a small favour, 2500 yen per person was certainly expensive. However Basara had a different reason for bringing Takigawa here.<br />
<br />
---The devils were currently divided into two big forces. Into the “Current Devil Lord Faction” which was a hardliner faction that wanted to resume the invasion of the human world, and into the “Moderate Faction” which followed the will of the previous Devil <br />
<br />
Lord Wilbert, who wanted to avoid conflicts with humans as much as possible. Nonetheless, after Wilbert’s death, the once the powerful moderate faction quickly lost their influence. And Mio was chased by the current Devil Lord faction, since she unwittingly inherited the Devil Lord’s power from her father.<br />
<br />
Furthermore--- Takigawa Yahiro’s real identity was an observer for Mio, sent by the current Devil Lord faction.<br />
<br />
Basara had fought with him due to some development. In fact, that was just the other day.<br />
<br />
And now, Basara had formed a secret alliance with him under the mutual conditions that Basara wouldn’t spread the news about <br />
Takigawa’s failure to the current Devil Lord faction<br />
<br />
…And<br />
that Takigawa implicit admitted to be a secret spy from the moderate faction, which worked on protecting Mio like Maria does, in the current Devil Lord Faction, which was after Mio.<br />
<br />
It was an alliance on equal grounds. Even so, Takigawa gave Basara an important information.<br />
<br />
About the true identity of the culprit, who killed Mio’s faster parents and thus drove her to fight the Devils that came after her.<br />
<br />
But Basara hadn’t told Mio about that yet. Mio’s reason to fight stemmed from taking revenge for her killed foster parents. It would be bad if she were to emotionally go out of control when he carelessly told her, and the situation wasn’t all too clear anyway. Thus it was better when only Basara knew about it for now.<br />
<br />
Because of that he owed Takigawa big time. Of course he didn’t think that treating him to Yakiniku would make them even, but<br />
<br />
“Don’t worry about that. I still have my savings from each month.”<br />
<br />
“Okay then. But your dad is away these days, right? Didn’t you get some money for living expenses? And this here practically falls <br />
under necessary expenses.”<br />
<br />
“You sure know your stuff… But I can’t use my dad’s money to treat you.”<br />
<br />
Currently he had gotten Jin’s credit card. But Basara formed the alliance with Takigawa on his own judgement. So he couldn’t use the card for it.<br />
<br />
“Mhm, I see…”<br />
<br />
Takigawa had finished eating all the meat on the grill and said so like he was seeing through Basara’s intention.<br />
<br />
“I thought for sure you were going to ask something of me again in exchange for the Yakiniku.”<br />
<br />
“I’m not so dauntless that I could demand valuable information or assistance just because I treated you once. Today’s under the <br />
motto ‘Let’s get along from now on’, that’s all.”<br />
<br />
Therefore,<br />
<br />
“I’ll repay you for taking over my task from Sakasaki-sensei another time and the debt for telling me about Zolgear--- the murder of Mio’s foster parents, I’ll pay back from now on as best I can.”<br />
<br />
“Jeez, why so serious, Basacchi~ All the stories I heard about Toujo Jin were epochal--- Are you really his son?”<br />
<br />
Jin once was a Hero that hogged the title of the strongest Hero in the <village> all to himself. The stories Basara had heard were <br />
all unbelievable battle legends of Jin during the great war. According to the stories he had heard in the <village> from all those that knew the past Jin, Jin had apparently become quite pacific now, but<br />
<br />
“…Guess he’s famous in the demon realm too?”<br />
<br />
“Well, duh. He killed quite the number of our high class devils in the great war. Amongst us devils, Toujo Jin is feared as our strongest enemy--- like a war god. When the previous Devil Lord Wilbert ordered the retreat, there were two reason why the guys, who wanted to keep fighting, reluctantly obeyed. One was Wilbert’s clout, who was the strongest devil back then even as a centrist, the other was the fear of Toujou Jin’s monstrous fighting strength.”<br />
<br />
As except Jin was such an outstanding man that Tokigawa, a devil, told him the same again. As his son, it didn’t feel bad to have <br />
his father praised and he was proud of him.<br />
<br />
And then--- their conversation temporarily came to a halt and they nicely ate the Yakiniku with relish for a while.<br />
<br />
Continuing to eat even more silent than at a crab meal, they were about to get to the last plate of their first order.<br />
<br />
“Oh, right, reminds me, I have some information I better tell you, Basacchi.”<br />
<br />
“Information? …You sure?”<br />
<br />
“Well, seems like I can trust you. Besides now that we teamed up, it would be bad for me too in various ways when you’re at a disadvantage.”<br />
<br />
With that, Takigawa wearily made a wry smile, then suddenly only turned his eyes serious.<br />
<br />
“---During that incident at the park before, Naruse Mio let her power go out of control, right? It was quite devastating. I secretly patched it up afterwards with magic, but the news of it reached of course the current Devil Lord faction, but also the moderate faction. I don’t know yet how the moderate faction will make their move, but--- at least the current Devil Faction decided to appoint a new observer, since they judged that Naruse Mio awakened the inherited power from Wilbert.”<br />
<br />
Basara froze up on these words.<br />
<br />
“A new observer… Don’t tell me, you’re replaced and will return to the demon realm?”<br />
He had no plans to fully rely on Takigawa, but right now Basara and the girls overwhelmingly lacked battle strength compared with the current Devil Lord faction. Thus he wanted to borrow Takigawa’s strength until he could read the situation a bit better, and counted on it. When Takigawa went back to the demon realm now---<br />
<br />
“---No. My surveillance mission continues. The point is, it feels like they’re sending in reinforcement just in case, since there’s been development. I mean, the top brass have always been after the power Naruse Mio inherited.”<br />
<br />
“I see… I got cold feet, thinking you would leave.”<br />
<br />
“Still, don’t let your guard down. With another observer, it surely will be harder for me to cooperate. And while I said reinforcement, it isn’t necessarily someone weaker than me. Besides, the Master and Servant Contract between Naruse Mio and you is <br />
still new, right?”<br />
<br />
“? What do you mean?”<br />
<br />
Was there something with the Master and Servant Contract that he had to be careful about?<br />
<br />
“That magic has a long history… Since long ago, it has been used quite often and was improved on various occasions. At first it only made you able to localize each other and activated the curse on betrayal, but now it can even amplify the power of the Master and Servant, when they share a strong loyalty and trust. The master powers up for his servant and the servant for his master. That’s why high-class Devils have a lot of servants with the Master and Servant Contract to increase their own strength.”<br />
<br />
“Is that so…?”<br />
<br />
Maria didn’t explain it to him to that extent. Most likely the important part for Maria was that it was a countermeasure that allowed them to localize Mio when she was in danger.<br />
<br />
“---And on the other hand, it also serves the purpose to prevent information leaks, should the servant be caught by the enemy. <br />
<br />
Because being caught by the enemy and thus becoming a burden to the master is the biggest betrayal towards the master.”<br />
said Takigawa.<br />
<br />
“Regardless of the characteristic, the servant won’t be able to survive when the curse activates at maximum.”<br />
<br />
“…Seems so.”<br />
<br />
The characteristic of the curse from the contract between Basara and Mio came from Maria, since she lent her power for the chanting of the contract spell, and was thus the succubus’ “aphrodisiac”. But Maria had said that when the curse activated at maximum, the brain nerves would fry from the intense pleasure. She was being half-serious, but it surely was the truth. It was quite a well-made contract magic, considering it even prevented information leaks from prisoners.<br />
<br />
“So you better be careful. You guys made the characteristic from the succubus, since the one from Mio’s inherited power would be dangerous, right?”<br />
<br />
“Yeah… Guess so.”<br />
<br />
“This isn’t an all too pleasant story--- High-class Devils live a long time and some of them purposefully make a Master and <br />
Servant Contract with the succubus’ characteristic instead of their own. Living a long life makes them crave for some amusement.”<br />
<br />
“Amusement…?”<br />
<br />
“For sex plays. Just like drugging a woman, the ‘aphrodisiac’ chains her with pleasure.”<br />
<br />
“…I see. Really not pleasant.”<br />
<br />
“Nah, that’s still innocent. The real assholes switch servants amongst themselves and play around by purposefully letting the curse activate.”<br />
<br />
“Play around… wait, don’t tell me they’re meaningless killing their own servants?”<br />
<br />
“Nah, not like that… Well, since you’re so sincere, it’s an unknown world to you.”<br />
said Takigawa with a wry smile.<br />
<br />
“The servant devotes his soul and body to his master and when someone else does something to the servant, it will be a perfect betrayal against the master. Because the servant couldn’t protect his chastity--- What do you think will happen then?”<br />
Ah, Basara changed his expression on finally realizing it, whereas Takigawa nodded.<br />
<br />
“Yeah. Being done by someone else than the master--- That immoral feeling activates the curse. If you’re lucky, the curse is too strong and you can die, but at worst you lose your sanity and can’t even feel the immorality anymore. But they have no use for a broken toy. They dispose of them, get a new toy--- and repeat everything.”<br />
<br />
And,<br />
<br />
“Incidentally, the deviser of this sick play was--- the murderer of Naruse Mio’s foster parents, Zolgear.”<br />
Basara swallowed down his breath with a gulp.<br />
<br />
“Th- Then… the reason you relieved him on the observation.”<br />
<br />
“Exactly. There’s a possibility that Mio’s inherited power will disappear should she dies from a weird stunt from Zolgear. The top brass judged that there was a risk that Zolgear, after killing her foster parents who belonged to the moderate faction, would lay his hands on Mio as well.”<br />
<br />
Basara was at a loss for words from the shocking story.<br />
<br />
“So be careful. Zolgear can easily tell that Naruse’s under the Master and Servant contract. Should she ever fall into his hands, she would never be sane again when he does something to her, since he’s the all so hateful enemy that killed her foster parents. Well considering her personality, she would bite off her own tongue before someone does anything to her--- But you would like to avoid that, wouldn’t you, Basacchi?”<br />
<br />
“Obviously…!”<br />
<br />
That alone he would never let happen. Looking down, Basara tightly clenched his teeth.<br />
<br />
“Well, the top brass won’t let Zolgear near Naruse anymore and I don’t believe they would do anything strange, since they don’t <br />
want Wilbert’s power to disappear when Mio dies from the curse after it’s known that she’s under the Master and Servant contract.”<br />
<br />
That certainly was a big advantage. Quite big, but<br />
<br />
“…But, they aren’t the only enemies going after Wilbert’s power.”<br />
<br />
Besides the moderate faction that tried to protect Mio, there were other forces that opposed the current Devil Lord faction. From their point of view, they could deal damage to the current Devil Lord faction by killing Mio.<br />
<br />
The enemy of their enemy wasn’t necessarily their ally.<br />
Once again noticing how difficult it was to protect Mio, Basara made a serious expression, whereupon Takigawa suddenly said quietly.<br />
<br />
“---Well, it’s not like I‘m not of plans.” “Really?”<br />
<br />
Basara raised his head in a flash.<br />
<br />
“There are two ways to cancel the contract. The first is to annul it with the same spell in agreement with both parties. The other way is to ‘change it into a vow’.”<br />
said Takigawa.<br />
<br />
“As a symbol for the contract, a mark like a collar appears around the neck. It’s colour changes depending on the level of loyalty. With a low loyalty level the mark is blue, but with rising levels it gets violet-blue, then violet-red and lastly crimson red.”<br />
<br />
And,<br />
<br />
“When it then raises another level--- gets to the maximum loyalty, the mark disappears and the curse won’t activate anymore. After all, the servant won’t ever betray the master at this point. That’s the phenomena where the ‘contract’ sublimates into a ‘vow’. Though there are not many cases of reaching that state, even from the past. But it’s said that no one was able to win against a master and his servant in that state.”<br />
<br />
“In other words, when Mio and I get a loyalty on that vow level, we’ll become as strong as the former examples… But Mio and I only know each other for a little while, you know.”<br />
It surely was possible precisely because Devils had a long lifespan.<br />
<br />
“Guess so. But even if the vow level is impossible, it’s worth to deepen the trust and loyalty between you two. I mean, the contract magic changes your feelings for each other into strength… That said, if you give up before even trying, it certainly will impossible for you.”<br />
<br />
Being told with a sharp cynicism, Basara inadvertently fell silent, whereas Takigawa said “Well,”.<br />
<br />
“You can’t decide it by yourself. Discuss what to do with Naruse.”<br />
<br />
“…Yeah, I’ll.”<br />
<br />
In regards, Basara said just that with a low voice.<br />
<br />
---It wasn’t like he couldn’t trust Mio. Basara had no confidence in himself.<br />
<br />
He was not a person that could ever get Mio to trust him.<br />
<br />
Toujou Basara could not believe in Toujou Basara.<br />
<br />
In himself, who once committed a sin and banished a lot of comrades.<br />
<br />
He couldn’t tell her to trust him as he was, even if it ripped his mouth.<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
Basara once again recognized the grave situation they were in and fell silent, whereupon<br />
<br />
“We have fine meat here, so let’s stop the gloomy talk now… To begin with, you can’t do anything about worst case scenarios, no matter how hard to think.”<br />
<br />
“……Yeah.”<br />
<br />
“I mean, this is an all-you-can-eat, right? Then we gotta order more for our money.”<br />
<br />
He felt Takigawa’s kindness from the topic change.<br />
<br />
“You’re right… Okay, let’s stuff ourselves!”<br />
<br />
Basara temporarily got his spirit back and called the waitstaff with “Excuse me~”. While looking at the menu with Takigawa, they discussed if they should get beef rips, pork loins or guts, and ordered.<br />
<br />
Then they watched off the waitstaff leaving and wetted their throats with the soft drink cola. At that time.<br />
<br />
“---Oh. I thought it were familiar voices for a while now and it was indeed you guys.”<br />
<br />
The boys looked up to the sexy female voice coming from the side.<br />
<br />
“Hasegawa-sensei…”<br />
<br />
There stood the school nurse of the Hijirigasaka Academy that Basara and Takigawa attended--- Hasegawa Chisato.<br />
<br />
Hasegawa spoke like a man, but with her pretty features and overly glamorous breasts--- she had a sex-appeal and beauty that were <br />
not appropriate for pubertal high school boys.<br />
<br />
“Toujou and Takigawa… It’s just the two of you?”<br />
<br />
“Eh? Yes, that’s right.”<br />
<br />
“Great. Sorry, but could you let me sit at your table? Actually I was supposed to met a friend, but I just got a call that some <br />
urgent business came up.”<br />
said Hasegawa.<br />
<br />
“Since I’m here anyway, I wanted to eat alone, but guys from other tables keep calling out to me with ‘Wanna eat with us?’. Is it <br />
that such a lonely thing for a woman to eat Yakiniku alone?”<br />
<br />
“Well, probably…” “Ahh, not at all, Sensei.”<br />
<br />
Basara and Takigawa looked at each other and told her.<br />
<br />
[[Image:Shinmai v02 049.jpg|thumb]]<br />
<br />
“Anyway, they were just so persistent that I considered giving up on my meal and going home, but I always wanted to try the food here. As students you might be opposed to eat together with a teacher, but I would be grateful if you let me join you.”<br />
<br />
“Hah… If it’s like that, I don’t mind.”<br />
<br />
That said, if Takigawa was against it, he could only apologetic turn her down. Today they were here for their formed alliance. <br />
Basara asked Takigawa with a look that said “What about you?”.<br />
<br />
“Nah, I’m okay with it too, of course. There are a lot of people, students and teachers alike, who want to eat together with you, <br />
Hasegawa-sensei.”<br />
<br />
“…So he says.”<br />
<br />
“I see. Then allow me to take a seat.”<br />
<br />
“Okay Sensei, since it’s decided, next to me is free.”<br />
<br />
Takigawa grinned and offered Hasegawa the seat next him, but the Hasegawa in question readily sat down next to Basara with “Excuse <br />
me”.<br />
<br />
“Ah, but we’re having the student all-you-can-eat, so sharing a table would be---”<br />
<br />
“Don’t worry about that. The shop isn’t at fault, but they don’t want to have me troubled. I’m sure they’ll comply with it.”<br />
<br />
Just like she had said, the waitstaff came with a cold and wet towel and bowed with “We’re sorry” right after Hasegawa sat down at <br />
the table. Apparently the staff felt sorry for not being able to keep the other customers in check. Hasegawa ordered a drink and a <br />
few kinds of meat at the waitstaff.<br />
<br />
“But I must say, I didn’t know this restaurant had an all-you-can-eat for students. Could it be our students often come here?”<br />
<br />
“I doubt it. Because it’s quite a distance from school, with the station in-between. And while it’s cheap considering the taste, <br />
it’s still a bit expensive for a student to casually come here.”<br />
<br />
“Right. I didn’t know of it either until Basacchi took me here today.”<br />
<br />
“So you knew about this restaurant beforehand, Toujou. Do you come here often?”<br />
<br />
“No, it’s my second time today. I only moved here during summer vacation… But I once came here with my father.”<br />
said Basara.<br />
<br />
“My father is a professional photographer and the owner here is apparently a fan of my father. He once requested a photo and the landscape photo at the entrance--- That’s taken by my father.”<br />
And additionally to the fee of the photo, we were invited here and treated to a meal.<br />
<br />
“Hoo… To think this restaurant had a fan of ‘JIN’ too.”<br />
<br />
<br />
“You know my father?”<br />
<br />
“Surprised? I’m not a passionate fan, but I like his photos. A critic said in a magazine or so that his photos capture the <br />
original charm of the subject--- a moment that no one else can capture. It can be called an art. Even an amateur like me gets fascinated by it.”<br />
<br />
“Thanks… I’ll tell my father that you said that next time.”<br />
with that, Basara lowered his head embarrassed, whereupon the ordered meat and drink arrived.<br />
Since Basara and Takigawa’s additional order and Hasegawa’s order arrived together, the table was filled with plates at once.<br />
<br />
“Well then, time to eat.” “Okay, we better get serious too.”<br />
<br />
Along with their words, the various meat started to dance on the grill and giving off a delicious smell.<br />
<br />
---Amidst that, Basara remembered Hasegawa’s earlier words.<br />
<br />
Jin had left the village along with Basara to protect him. The new path Jin chose to make a new living was the camera. Basara had a suffered deep mental wound from the tragedy five years ago, and seeing Jin’s photo that stirred up one’s emotions from the bottom of the heart, saved him numerous times.<br />
<br />
At that time, Jin had no longer been the Hero that saved the world, but even so, for Basara he was the Hero that saved him. <br />
<br />
Precisely because he saw Jin like that, Basara could honestly think now that he wanted to protect Mio and Maria.<br />
<br />
===Part 2===<br />
<br />
Basara and Takigawa kept eating until the time limit and this Yakiniku day ended full of satisfaction.<br />
<br />
Since their house were in the opposite direction, he split up with Takigawa right after leaving the restaurant.<br />
<br />
And currently--- Basara walked home together with Hasegawa.<br />
<br />
“But you really don’t mind, Toujou?”<br />
<br />
Hasegawa next to him asked.<br />
<br />
<br />
“I asked you to let me sit with you, so I could have paid your bill.”<br />
<br />
“No, it’s alright, really. I had to pay for it today.”<br />
<br />
It would have been meaningless if Basara hadn’t paid for Takigawa’s share. However,<br />
<br />
“Still…”<br />
<br />
As Hasegawa still couldn’t agree, Basara made a wry smile, thinking what a duteous person she was.<br />
<br />
“Then please treat me on the next occasion, at the restaurant of your choice.”<br />
<br />
“Mhm… Okay. If you’re fine with that, I’ll invite you another time.”<br />
<br />
Huh, she won’t invite Takigawa. Well, I did pay for his share.<br />
<br />
“But I must say… All this about ‘Devils’ and ‘Loyalty’, you two sure talk about strange things. I don’t know if it’s a game or <br />
manga, but is it popular these days?”<br />
<br />
Apparently she had heard their conversation. Even so, Basara did not panic. Even if they were overheard, most people would mistake it for a game or something on their own, like Hasegawa did. In fact, when you openly responded, it would be no problem. Thus,<br />
<br />
“Well, yeah… It’s a game.”<br />
<br />
“I see. I have no clues about these, so I don’t understand their fun, but youngsters sure get hyped up on it. Is it that fun?”<br />
<br />
“Well, depends on the person. Everyone has his own enjoyment.”<br />
<br />
“I guess so. But at least it seems like you’re quite hooked on it, Toujou.”<br />
<br />
“What makes you say that…?”<br />
<br />
“Because you sounded so serious when you talked about it with Takigawa.”<br />
<br />
Hasegawa pointed out with a teasing tone.<br />
<br />
“…Yeah, you might be right.”<br />
<br />
While dropping his gaze a little bit, Basara declared.<br />
<br />
“Even if it’s a game--- I definitely can’t afford to lose.”<br />
<br />
It wasn’t like he was optimistic. The situation they were in was indeed severe. The new dispatched observer. The existence of <br />
Zolgear, who killed Mio’s foster parents. The advantages and problems of the Master and Servant Contract. There were a lot of things he had to consider dealing with. There,<br />
<br />
“---Eh?”<br />
<br />
Suddenly Basara was enveloped by a soft warmth. Then he noticed in what kind of situation he was.<br />
<br />
Hasegawa, who had walked next to him, had entwined her arms around his neck and embraced him.<br />
<br />
Her big breasts enveloped his face like burying it.<br />
<br />
“S- Sensei…!?”<br />
<br />
Not knowing how to respond to the sudden happening, Basara was in a flutter.<br />
<br />
“Don‘t move. It’s okay, so stay still.”<br />
<br />
Hasegawa said with a rebuking tone.<br />
<br />
“Geez… Out of the blue you fall silent, only to make such a worried face then. Think about how a teacher feels when her student makes such a face in front of her.”<br />
<br />
He thought he had suppressed it, but his irritation and impatience must have shown on his face.<br />
<br />
“…….Sorry.”<br />
<br />
“There’s no need to apologize. Worries are a part of life. Specially for a boy your age. But remember that there are people, who <br />
can’t leave you alone when you’re like that.”<br />
<br />
Basara nodded lightly, then allowed himself to rely on Hasegawa’s attention a little bit.<br />
<br />
When he closed his eyes, he could feel her kindness and softness much better.<br />
<br />
“……..Thank you. I’m fine now.”<br />
<br />
Before long, he declared his gratitude, whereupon Hasegawa released Basara’s head. But even though Hasegawa pulled away both her <br />
hands from around his neck, she now entwined them around his waist.<br />
<br />
“Ehm, what… Sensei?”<br />
<br />
“I told you that I can’t leave you alone. You can consult with me now for as much as you can tell me.”<br />
<br />
“Well, but…”<br />
<br />
Basara inadvertently uttered hesitation, whereas Hasegawa slowly brought her face closer.<br />
<br />
“Or--- are you against talking with me, Toujou?”<br />
<br />
He couldn’t say no. It was none other than Basara, who made Hasegawa worried. Therefore,<br />
<br />
“Actually… my father’s currently out of the house.”<br />
<br />
Basara spoke own his own worries as much as he could afford to.<br />
<br />
The feelings he couldn’t speak out because he didn’t want to worry Mio and Maria, or because it would be complaints towards <br />
<br />
Takigawa--- Toujou Basara’s distress.<br />
<br />
“I’m the only man in the house, so when something happens, I want to protect Mio and Maria--- Ah, Maria is Mio’s little sister.”<br />
<br />
“Okay…”<br />
<br />
Hasegawa’s gentle nod urged him to continue, so Basara made a wry smile.<br />
<br />
“But it’s not that easy… to truly protect something. People are faced with all kinds of worries in life and some of them can’t be <br />
told to others. When you want to protect them despite that, you also have to keep secrets… But I seems impossible to do everything by myself.”<br />
<br />
He bit down on his lips and tightly clenched his fists.<br />
<br />
“I want to protect them. Whatever may be, I definitely want to protect them… But I once again realized how hard it is to properly protect something you want to protect. My own strength and existence may be actually really small and unreliable.”<br />
<br />
He didn’t really think he could pull off everything just fine. If he managed to protect them, even in whatever unsightly shape, he <br />
wouldn’t complain. Because whatever might happen, he would just exert all of his strength.<br />
<br />
…But.<br />
<br />
<br />
If he should be unable to protect them--- When he thought like that, Basara felt like going crazy. He never wanted to lose something precious again, never repeat the regret and pain from five years again. There,<br />
<br />
“……You’re taking too much upon yourself.”<br />
<br />
Hasagawa, who had silently listened so far, opened her mouth.<br />
<br />
“I somewhat could understand your worry. And also that you don’t want to worry Naruse and her younger sister because of it… But, <br />
when you’re treasuring your new family, your little sisters, then you should properly communicate with them.”<br />
After all,<br />
<br />
“If it’s something you absolutely don’t want to lose, you need to properly grasp and understand the situation and position you’re in. The most important thing for that is the cooperation and mutual trust between the protector and protected. Once you have that, you can start to come up with an actual counter-measure. But you know--- It’s mostly impossible to accomplish everything perfectly. So you set your priorities and draw a line from where you won’t back off at all costs, and just protect that no matter what.”<br />
<br />
“A line from where I won’t back off at all costs…”<br />
<br />
“Yes. For example, you certainly have to keep secrets, but it’s not the secret you’re supposed to protect. Toujou--- closely think <br />
about what it is that you truly want to protect, once again.”<br />
What he truly wanted to protect--- He ruminated the words that Hasegawa spoke out in his heart.<br />
<br />
“……..I understand. I’ll do so.”<br />
<br />
When Basara affirmed, Hasegawa nodded satisfied with a “Good”.<br />
<br />
---In the next moment, Toujou Basara was kissed on the cheek.<br />
<br />
“Eh---?”<br />
<br />
When his thoughts stopped on the sudden happening,<br />
<br />
“…blessing and guidance…for the future of…“<br />
<br />
Hasegawa removed her lips from his cheek and he heard her mumbling something. He inadvertently became dumbfounded.<br />
<br />
“S- Sensei…?”<br />
<br />
“Ah, sorry, it was a reflex… It’s a little charm in the countryside I‘m from.”<br />
<br />
Don’t worry about it--- smiling with that, Hasegawa removed her hands from Basara and started to walk.<br />
<br />
Even if it was on the cheek, a kiss was a kiss. He had thought for sure that there was something behind it, but apparently there really was no deep meaning to it, judging by how relieved he felt.<br />
<br />
Therefore, Basara went after Hasegawa and walked next to her, matching her pace.<br />
<br />
While thinking about--- what he truly wanted to protect and the line from where he wouldn’t back off at all costs.<br />
<br />
<br />
===Part 3===<br />
<br />
After parting with Basara and Hasegawa, Takigawa Yahiro headed in a different direction than his house.<br />
<br />
It was a sport grounds in a somewhat tasteless area between a sewage plant and an industrial waste treatment plant.<br />
<br />
In the middle of the lawn on the grounds--- Takigawa stood still all alone.<br />
<br />
The grounds were dark, since the opening hours were long over, and no one else was there. However,<br />
<br />
“…Took you long enough.”<br />
<br />
Suddenly a throaty voice called out to him from behind.<br />
<br />
“My bad. There are a lot of customs I have to follow when acting like a human.”<br />
<br />
Takigawa turned around to the voice. Upon that, there stood a devil in front of him that was so big that he had to look up. Just the presence of this huge stature gave off an intimidating air.<br />
<br />
“To think the reinforcement would be you--- Vargar.”<br />
<br />
“What do you mean by that, Lars? Got a problem with me?”<br />
<br />
Takigawa, called by his devil name, shrugged his shoulders with “Not really…”.<br />
<br />
---The other day Takigawa had filed a report about the incident with Mio letting Wilbert’s power go out of control, to the current <br />
<br />
Devil Lord faction. It had three main points.<br />
<br />
First, Mio temporarily released Wilbert’s power, but it didn’t awaken fully.<br />
<br />
Second, the surveillance from the Hero Tribe through Yuki.<br />
<br />
And third--- The previous Hero Basara had become Mio’s current family.<br />
<br />
It would be troublesome when the Hero Tribe interfered at worst. Takigawa had thought for sure that the top brass would peacefully advance things by observing the situation for a while, but of all things, they sent over the aggressive fighter Valgar. It seemed the top brass only saw that Wilbert’s power sleeping in Mio started to awaken. And as expected,<br />
<br />
“---Now then, I shall have a look at the target.”<br />
<br />
Valgar tried to make a move at once.<br />
<br />
“Hey, hey. Selfishly going out all of a sudden, you must be joking. You just got here and don’t even know what’s going on, so <br />
where do you think you’re going so nonchalant?”<br />
<br />
“Huh? That’s why I’m going to check on the situation. Got a problem?”<br />
<br />
“I’m telling you to not act on your own. You’re just additional staff, a support to my mission. It’s only natural you listen to me, your superior.”<br />
<br />
“I don’t give a poke. The higher-ups sent me here, knowing my personality. That basically means I can do what I want.”<br />
<br />
Heh, Valgar smiled.<br />
<br />
“You’re so positive… I could do without that manliness of yours though.”<br />
<br />
There Takigawa suddenly turned his expression into a serious one.<br />
<br />
“You should have read the report. The Hero Tribe is already on the move. If you carelessly agitate them, they start to mobilize full-blown and something happens to Naruse Mio--- the top brass will kill you.”<br />
<br />
“Hey, hey. Don’t be so scary, Lars. It’s not like I wanna pull something right off the bat. But a former Hero became family with <br />
Naruse Mio and took her side, right? Then I ought to know the situation accurately.”<br />
Saying so, Valgar disappeared along with the wind.<br />
<br />
“Geez…”<br />
<br />
With Valgar’s personality, it wouldn’t end with only checking upon her. Takigawa considered going after him, whereupon<br />
<br />
“---Please wait.”<br />
<br />
Suddenly a new voice came from the side. When Takigawa shifted his gaze there, the airspace bended and a beautiful female devil appeared from the empty space. Takagiwa offhanded stiffened his expression on her appearance.<br />
<br />
“…I only know of one reinforcement.”<br />
<br />
“Indeed. After all, I am not your reinforcement.”<br />
<br />
“Then--- what’s the reason for Sir Zolgear’s right hand itself to appear here?”<br />
<br />
Yes. In front of Takigawa stood the subordinate of Zolgear--- the high-class devil that had observed Mio. Her name was Zest. The one Zolgear had the most trust in, both in intelligence and strength.<br />
<br />
“Sir Zolgear was already relieved off his duty to observe Naruse Mio. Even if you’re just his subordinate, you didn’t selfishly approach the target without the Lord’s approval, did you?”<br />
<br />
“Of course not. Before the Lord relieved him off his surveillance duties, my master Zolgear had already done his preparations. <br />
You, Lars… should know of that.”<br />
<br />
Indeed. When Zolgear was relieved of his duty, he set up a trap for Naruse Mio.<br />
<br />
And--- this trap was still existent. Takigawa still hadn’t told Basara about this fact.<br />
<br />
It was a circumstances he couldn’t talk about carelessly.<br />
<br />
“It has been more than half a year in this world since then, and I came here to check if the arrangements are still in effect now-<br />
<br />
--- I properly got the permission from the Lord.”<br />
<br />
Therefore, Zest said.<br />
<br />
“For that, I need to accurately confirm the situation from when my master Zolgear was relieved off his duty until now. You will assist me, right Lars?”<br />
<br />
Takigawa clicked his tongue on her cold eyes.<br />
<br />
…Not good.<br />
<br />
When she investigated, at worst he wouldn’t just get under suspicion, he would be totally exposed. He had carefully taken precautionary measures so that a third party wouldn’t find about him teaming up with Basara, but this was different than with a simple guy like Zogear. Zest wasn’t Zolgear’s right hand just for show.<br />
<br />
Moreover--- Takigawa didn’t mention Basasa’s <Banishing Shift> in his report. If that were to get known, Basara’s existence would surely be deemed dangerous. Because there was no guarantee that a skill that could banish everything, wouldn’t banish Wilbert’s power sleeping inside Mio.<br />
<br />
Due to that, Takigawa didn’t tell that to the other side he was working for either. There were still many parts about Basara’s <br />
skill that Takigawa himself didn’t know. If he reported carelessly, it would complicate the situation instead. Above all, he <br />
couldn’t let Basara die just yet. Therefore,<br />
<br />
“My mission is just to observe Naruse Mio… I have no reason, nor obligation to work for Sir Zolgear.”<br />
Takigawa tried to play dumb.<br />
<br />
“I did not come on Sir Zolgear’s instructions. I am here by his Lord’s order. So I believe you have a reason and obligation to comply.”<br />
<br />
Or, said Zest, suddenly narrowing her eyes.<br />
<br />
“---Do you have some kind of reason that keeps you from assisting me?”<br />
<br />
So that was how she was going to play. If that was the case. Takigawa changed his plan.<br />
<br />
“Nah, no way. I will gladly offer my assistance in that case.”<br />
<br />
He grinned at Zest. No matter how much he complained, Zest would surely act on her own anyway. Instead of having her get closer to the truth, it was better to be the guide himself and keep her away from the troublesome truth. He was also concerned about Valgar’s actions, but<br />
<br />
…Well, good luck, Basacchi.<br />
<br />
After all--- he had to take care of an even more troublesome fellow now.<br />
<br />
===Part 4===<br />
<br />
Basara arrived at home around ten in the night.<br />
<br />
Since the stuff in the bath happened with Mio, Basara headed to his own room only with Maria for now.<br />
<br />
And then they conducted a discussion about what to do from now on, including his newly surfaced worries.<br />
<br />
First he asked about the merits and demerits of the Master and Servant Contract. Upon that,<br />
<br />
“Indeed--- Like you have said, the Master and Servant Contract has both it’s advantages and risks.”<br />
<br />
While facing each other with the table in-between them, Maria, sitting on a cushion, made a diligent expression.<br />
<br />
“But the current Devil Lord faction is not after Mio-sama’s life, but after Wilbert-sama’s power itself. Since it would trouble <br />
them when Mio-sama dies, the thing we have to be cautious about it---”<br />
<br />
“---A kidnapping.”<br />
<br />
Even if they couldn’t kill her, it was possible that they abducted her and forcefully awakened her power by using magic or magic tools. Maria nodded with “Yes”.<br />
<br />
“However the Master and Servant Contract allows the Master and Servant, who have linked their souls, to localize each other when they want, so it is easier to guard, but it also makes it possible to come to one’s rescue when abducted. The reason I had you two form the contract was to have a precautionary measure for such kidnappings.”<br />
<br />
The enemy certainly couldn’t afford to let Mio die, so more importantly than the risk of having something happen to Mio because her curse activates from the guilt of being kidnapped, it was to not have her get abducted at all. And even if she were to get <br />
kidnapped, they ought to think how to save her.<br />
<br />
---In fact, Mio tried to solve things all by herself the other day, as to not drag anyone else into it, when Basara suffered a severe wound in the fight with the masked Takigawa on the rooftop of the school.<br />
<br />
And the reason Basara somehow could make it in time for Mio’s dilemma was that he could localize Mio due to the Master and Servant <br />
Contract. Of course Takigawa had anticipated Basara’s arrival back then and purposefully took his time, so that Basara would make it in time. ---However, from now on, it wouldn’t go like that. According to Takigawa, a new observer for Mio was dispatched.<br />
<br />
“I get it… But Maria, why didn’t you tell us so then?”<br />
<br />
Including the case of hiding the matter with the curse, she was being way too secretive. Upon that,<br />
<br />
“I am sorry… Considering Mio-sama’s personality, I believed it was wiser not to mention it.”<br />
said Maria.<br />
<br />
“Mio-sama may not be all that honest, but she is genuinely kind and above all, very earnest. The instant effective merit of being able to localize each other aside, if I had told her that both your powers would level up when her trust in you increases, she would have unreasonably tried to do something about it and thus screwed it up instead.”<br />
<br />
“…Sounds plausible.”<br />
<br />
Mio was different from Basara, who had trained as a Hero from a young age on. Until her foster parents were killed half a year ago, she lived as a normal girl. To tell Mio to handle her emotions objectively was absurd and impossible. So instead of carelessly telling her the truth, Maria must have thought that it was wiser to wait for her trust to develop naturally. But,<br />
<br />
“Then you could have at least told me… Well, we haven’t been together for long, so it might be difficult to blindly trust me.”<br />
<br />
“Oh no, I perfectly trust you, Basara-san.”<br />
But, said Maria.<br />
<br />
“If Mio-sama were to find out later that only we two knew about it while she was left out, it is possible that she would lose all trust in both you and me.”<br />
<br />
Before, when the living together with Mio and Maria was decided, Jin knew all about their true identities and aims, but stayed quiet and pretended to be deceived. Precisely because of that--- Basara and the girls could repair their once broken relationship after finding out that fact. The reason Maria kept quiet about all kind of facts regarding the contract was surely out of her consideration for Basara and even more so, for Mio.<br />
<br />
“Therefore I would have liked to keep it hidden from you two, but… I never expected that you would investigate about the contract, <br />
Basara-san.”<br />
<br />
A miscalculation, said Maria.<br />
<br />
“Either way, where did you hear this from, Basara-san? The power enhancement from a deepening trust aside, the information about some high-class devils using the succubus characteristic in the contract for fun should be only known to very few devils.”<br />
<br />
“Well, I have my ways… I’m a former Hero after all. Even if I was chased out of the <village>, I still have one contact or the other.”<br />
<br />
Since he couldn’t tell her about Takigawa, Basara said in a roundabout way to hide the truth.<br />
<br />
“But I guess it’s better to keep the contract for now then… We have to make our plans with that in mind.”<br />
<br />
“---Please leave it to me, Basara-san. This may sound pretentious, but I came up with the best plan for this situation.”<br />
Maria expressed her approval.<br />
<br />
“Please come this way.”<br />
<br />
Saying so, she invited Basara over to the back of the room--- to in front of the computer. He sat down on the chair and naturally faced the PC monitor on the desk, whereupon<br />
<br />
“Now excuse me.” “H- Hey, what are you…!”<br />
<br />
Maria lowered her waist onto Basara’s lap, who was bewildered. She must have taken her bath already. Maria wore a defenceless <br />
attire of just a pyjama at the top and shorts below. Basara regretted his own decision to change into a T-shirt with matching shorts when he came home and anticipated their discussion to be long. The supple material of the shorts Maria was wearing and her smooth thighs--- Both of these were strongly emphasizing that Maria was a girl. Her body washed with body soap gave off a sweet fragrance, which only her body could produce with her body temperature.<br />
<br />
“Do you like it? The smell of a girl fresh out of the bath.”<br />
<br />
Like she had seen through his inner turmoil, Maria turned around in his lap. Maria pressed her bottom onto his groin area and <br />
fidgeted around.<br />
<br />
“N- Not really… Anyway, get off!”<br />
<br />
“No. What we will do now is something necessary for Mio-sama and you.”<br />
<br />
Saying so, Maria started up Basara’s computer.<br />
<br />
“Hey, don’t---”<br />
<br />
Maria skilfully operated the mouse and opened a folder on the hard drive, starting a program that Basara had never seen before. <br />
<br />
The started software first showed the designer logo in English. And as soon as he saw the next scene, Basara inadvertently widened his eyes. He had only seen it for a moment, but<br />
<br />
“Maria… Are my eyes playing a trick on me? I think I just saw ‘This game is a product of fiction’ written there.”<br />
<br />
“Oh please, Basara-san. All game software are basically a product of fiction.”<br />
<br />
Yeah, right. He wouldn’t deny that.<br />
<br />
“But the next line saying ‘Scenes of the game re-enacted in reality are punishable by law’----”<br />
<br />
Basara said along with a bad feeling, whereupon it was finally displayed in front of his eyes.<br />
<br />
It was a cute girl. But regretfully there were a lot of instances, where he wanted to retort to the girl.<br />
<br />
First, why was she wearing a leather collar with a chain?<br />
<br />
Second, why was she wearing no clothes, except suggestive underwear?<br />
<br />
Third, why was she embraced by a man from behind?<br />
<br />
And above all, why was the girl looking at him with wet eyes from ecstasy, even though she was in such a situation?<br />
<br />
All these questions were resolved right away. Because the displayed title taught him.<br />
<br />
“Youth Special Edition: My real little stepsister and I”--- It was an erotic game.<br />
<br />
“The heck are you installing on my computer without my permission!”<br />
<br />
Are you stupid? Or rather, that’s the game that was snuck into my bed without my knowledge for a supposedly moving gift. The <br />
morning of that day was the worst day of my life in the ranking in my head. Basara cursed in his mind.<br />
<br />
“I understand your resentment towards this game, Basara-san. However, please bear with it. This is also for Mio-sama’s sake.”<br />
<br />
“No, I don’t really have any grudges with this game.”<br />
<br />
Only with the criminal, namely you, who placed a landmine in my bed.<br />
<br />
“Actually, how is this game for Mio’s sake…”<br />
<br />
“I told you that considering the future, it takes priority to deepen the trust between Mio-sama and you. If that happens <br />
naturally, it would be ideal, but the enemy will not wait and you ended up knowing various things about the contract. So we can <br />
only try for the best in this situation.”<br />
In other words,<br />
<br />
“We will increase Mio-sama’s trust in you so much that it will not cause any problems when she later finds out about the <br />
circumstances--- That is to say, you will become an absolute Master to her. An existence Mio-sama would never oppose, not even <br />
consider opposing and vowed her loyalty to from the bottom of her heart. For an obstinate girl like Mio-sama, there is a limit to how much you can make her open up her heart with just kindness. This software serves as a reference to how you can discipline Mio-sama.”<br />
<br />
“…Sorry. This is a good occasion, so I’ll tell you something I thought for a while now--- You’re an idiot, right?”<br />
<br />
“Oh my. We have to fight the current Devil Lord faction, even though we lack in battle strength, so I get the feeling that trying <br />
to resolve the situation with a pretty frontal attack is far more stupid. You do not mean to say that we have the leisure to choose our methods, do you, Basara-san?”<br />
<br />
“No… But, we can’t forget about Mio. Her feelings are important in the matter.”<br />
<br />
“Indeed, they are. However, if you had to choose between Mio-sama’s feelings or her life--- I am sure the answer is obvious.”<br />
<br />
“That’s… But what about laws and morals?”<br />
<br />
“Will Mio-sama be protected when you tell the country or laws--- the police or court ‘Please help us, we are being chased by the Devil Lord’? Please do not forget, the only ones that can protect Mio-sama right now are you and me. Only us two.”<br />
<br />
“……Yeah. Sorry.”<br />
<br />
Basara said with a low tone.<br />
<br />
“But even so, I’m doubtful about using a game as a reference…Disciplining Mio isn’t the only option to deepen the trust, is it?”<br />
<br />
“It is not like there is no other, but the curse is an aphrodisiac. Would you not say it is wiser to make use of that? Besides, I <br />
am not telling you to do it exactly like in the game. At best, we are just looking for hints to deepen your relationship with Mio-<br />
sama.”<br />
<br />
Saying so, Maria handed him the manual of the game. Basara somehow read out the outline of what was written in there.<br />
<br />
“’Your little stepsister got a sex up curse from a devil. Her new cuteness makes her the target of the guys around her. To protect <br />
her, you, the protagonist, have to change her into your ideal girl. When the bonds between you two deepen, you should be able to <br />
overcome all kind of obstacles. That is the ultimate form of familial love. Let’s discipline the little stepsister~’… What has the <br />
world come to!”<br />
<br />
“Here, Basara-san, earphones. Because the same sentence can have a different meaning depending on the tone and expression. I want <br />
to assist you, so I will take one earphone.”<br />
<br />
“Eh? I’m going to play this game while I share the earphones with you on my lap?”<br />
<br />
Seriously? Literally and imaginary, that was the worst state.<br />
<br />
“Please bear with it. It is for Mio-sama.”<br />
<br />
“……Fine, whatever.”<br />
<br />
And then the lesson started with Maria on his lap. The prologue of the game alone took 30 minutes and main characters’ upbringing, current circumstances and feelings for each other were not explained by simple narration, but was properly portrayed through a drama of their life. At the end of the prologue--- An anime part with the theme song played, where the little stepsister got cursed and the protagonist and heroine decided to go down the forbidden path, because even though it was wrong, they had no other choice.<br />
<br />
But the main part started now. Finally welcoming their first night, the two were having an awkward conversation, then the first option screen was already shown.<br />
<br />
1/ Relief her nervousness by behaving like always<br />
<br />
2/ Be a really nice gentleman<br />
<br />
3/ You won’t be half-assed, since you know your sister’s resolve. To respond to her feelings, you’ll be rough and forcefully with <br />
your love. You have no regrets. Because you believe---- that it’s your responsibility as her family, as her older stepbrother.<br />
<br />
“…The heck’s up with #3. Instead of an option, I only see it as a joke.”<br />
<br />
Were the staff all idiots?<br />
<br />
“Now then, please choose the option you deem fitting. Show me your skills, Basara-san. Ah, but please save just in case. We might <br />
have to load later on.”<br />
<br />
Maria on his lap said so, totally used to erotic games even though she was a devil.<br />
<br />
…But showing his skills was easier said than done.<br />
<br />
Thinking rationally, the answer was already decided. Basara chose number 1. At that moment,<br />
<br />
“Ah, I knew it.” “What? Got a problem?”<br />
<br />
Maria said disappointed, whereas Basara asked.<br />
<br />
“Ah, I am sorry. Just a reflex… P- Please continue.”<br />
<br />
While he felt that she wasn’t satisfied with his choice, Basara started to go through the text. The heroine nodded approving to <br />
the protagonist, who wanted to take things slowly and in order. I won’t do anything, but let’s sleep together tonight. It’s been a <br />
while. While such a conversation unfolded, the scene ended. And on the next day,<br />
<br />
“…Huh?”<br />
<br />
When the protagonist woke up, the heroine was gone. Instead there was a letter. In the letter it was noted that the heroine apparently had made a bet with the devil to see if the protagonist would show courage, and she lost that bet, so she was going to be the plaything for the devils in hell now, but she was happy to be treated so kindly by the protagonist until the end.<br />
<br />
Then the screen turned black. The words BAD END were displayed.<br />
<br />
“…What kind of development is that?”<br />
<br />
“You cannot tell? This is a tragedy caused by your kindness, Basara-san. It means a man cannot protect a woman with only kindness. <br />
Good grief… You are so deplorable that I am going to cry.”<br />
<br />
“I don’t want to be called that just because of a single choice in an erotic game--- Actually, when 1 is already no good for kindness, then 2 as well?”<br />
<br />
“Obviously! Do you want to kill the heroine that bad? I did not expect you to push on this all too grotesque option. Were your <br />
parents killed by her in your previous life, or something?”<br />
<br />
“Wait. How are you imagining my previous life?”<br />
<br />
A previous life, where the heroine of an erotic game killed my parents, was just too miserable.<br />
<br />
“Geez, you are so hopeless…”<br />
<br />
Maria sighed, then overlapped her small hand with Basara’s, which was grabbing the mouse.<br />
<br />
“---Now then, let us save her.”<br />
<br />
Saying so, she loaded the earlier save data. Through exclusion, Basara chose option 3 and resumed the game. However, even though <br />
Maria had been so confident, the heroine in the game was bewildered by the protagonist, whose attitude had suddenly changed, and resisted heavily.<br />
<br />
“See. It wasn’t 3 after all.”<br />
<br />
“Come again? Please take a closer look.”<br />
<br />
When he looked at the text window on the screen like he was told, the supposedly resisting heroine had suddenly become submissive and accepted the discipline from the protagonist. Not just that, she somewhat felt pleasure and happiness from being treated <br />
forcefully.<br />
<br />
“Listen, Basara-san. This heroine included--- All obstinate girls are basically hardcore masochists when you bring them out of <br />
their shells.”<br />
<br />
“What nonsense are you saying out of the blue!?”<br />
<br />
“No, it is a fact. Therefore, please forcefully bring Mio-sama out of her shell. You have nothing to worry about. She will only resist in the beginning. After all, Mio-sama is actually quite the masochists, according to my evaluation. She is the type that feels happiness from being treated forcefully by the one she devoted herself to and draws pleasure from submitting to that person despite that.”<br />
<br />
“What’s with that harsh analysis!? Are you really her retainer?”<br />
<br />
“Precisely because I am her retainer, I want Mio-sama to be true to herself without putting on a front.”<br />
<br />
Maria proudly puffed up her chest.<br />
<br />
“Well then, Basara-san, let us continue. You are going to learn the right way to discipline your little stepsister, so that you can knot an unshakable bond with Mio-sama as fast as possible.”<br />
<br />
Saying so, Maria faced her head towards the monitor again--- where it was grabbed by an extended hand over Basara’s shoulder. <br />
<br />
Basara froze up and looked up, whereupon there stood, unknown since when, Mio with a cold smile.<br />
<br />
[[Image:Shinmai v02 079.jpg|thumb]]<br />
<br />
“I wondered why there was no reply when I knocked numerous times… But it seems you had quite the interesting conversation.”<br />
<br />
Maria’s body went rigid on the uttered chilly voice.<br />
<br />
And she turned around while instantly breaking out a cold sweat,<br />
<br />
“Mio-sama…” “…Yes?” “Let… Let me explain.” “Yeah, go on. I’m curious what you’ll tell me.”<br />
<br />
But,<br />
<br />
“Do you have a minute before that, Maria? Don’t worry, it won’t take long.”<br />
<br />
Mio said so and walked away, dragging Maria along at her head.<br />
<br />
“Wh- What are you doing, Basara-san… Stop looking and please help me. Did I not teach you? To be forcefully. Now is the time to forcefully take Mio-samoww, ouch, it hurts, Mio-sama.”<br />
<br />
Maria struggled when the pressure in the hold on her head was increased, whereas Basara put his hands together in a prayer.<br />
<br />
“Forgive me. It’s just impossible. Sorry, but rest in peace.”<br />
<br />
He sighed with “Phew, saved”, but Mio turned around to him at the door.<br />
<br />
“Basara… Just to tell you, you’re the next one.”<br />
<br />
Glared at with sharp eyes that could only be labelled as super sadistic, Basara could only nod.<br />
<br />
And afterwards, it took quite some time to explain the circumstances to Mio and have her understand, after she finished her lecture with Maria. It were difficult hours that reminded them of the value of life.<br />
<br />
===Part 5===<br />
<br />
There was something that gradually became darker proportional to the night.<br />
<br />
A place all the moonlight or streetlights of the world would never reach.<br />
<br />
Darkness. People avoided the pitch-black darkness, where they couldn’t see ahead and seemed to get sucked in. Because they <br />
instinctively understood that danger lurked there.<br />
<br />
---However, there were those that loved the darkness, in contrast to humans. They, who tried to make the dark abyss their habitat, <br />
the low-class stray devils. Even amongst the devils, low-class devils had no ego. It was said that because of that they had no considerable powers, but instead an ill-nature.<br />
<br />
To avoid an all-out-war with the Heroes, the devils didn’t excessively attacked humans in the human world, but the low-class devils lacked the intelligence to process that. They only had a desire loyal to their instincts.<br />
<br />
And in this night, when everything except convenience stores, family restaurants or fast-food stores had closing time.<br />
<br />
Something arose from the darkness in a back alley in the corner of the shopping district. <br />
<br />
That “something” blended in with the darkness and kept staring at the main street from the dark back alley. Just like it was waiting for it’s prey to pass by. And then--- The moment when a young woman passed by before it.<br />
<br />
The stray devil merciless attacked the woman. A human without any special abilities could not see a devil. And while a stray devils was weak compared to devils, it was far superior to an average human.<br />
<br />
Thus the woman had no way to oppose and became the stray devil’s prey just like that--- or was supposed to.<br />
<br />
---However, in the next moment, a suddenly released slash cut off the stray devil life and existence itself. It most likely it didn’t even realize that it was erased. The remains of the stray devil vanished into empty space.<br />
<br />
“---I knew it, a lot are attracted.”<br />
<br />
A voice said so by spitting out a Heh. At the same time, three silhouette emerged from the darkness in the back alley--- from <br />
behind were the stray devil had been. It were two young men and one girl.<br />
<br />
“Was that wise, Takashi? With a victim, we would have gotten a reason to terminate the ‘target’.”<br />
<br />
To the right young man who said with a casual tone, the young man called Takashi---- The one, who slayed the stray devil, said with a displeased low tone.<br />
<br />
“There’s no need to unnecessarily increase the victims. Shiba-san, the <village> has already made their decision.”<br />
<br />
One breath,<br />
<br />
“To change the ’target’--- Naruse Mio from a surveillance target into a termination target.”<br />
<br />
That was the decision of the Hero Tribe, who received Yuki’s report the other day. In light of the danger of the possible awaken <br />
of the power of the previous Devil Lord, they concluded so.<br />
<br />
In other words, the daughter of the previous Devil Lord--- Naruse Mio was to be terminated.<br />
<br />
“…Besides, how could we allow a victim to fall before us? We are from the Hero Tribe.”<br />
<br />
“You’re so earnest, Takashi… Geez, working for justice is such a pain.”<br />
<br />
Shiba shrugged his shoulders jokingly.<br />
<br />
“---Don’t you agree, Kurumi-chan?”<br />
<br />
He called out to the girl, who stood on the opposite side of him with Takashi in-between them and wordlessly stared at the empty space into which the stray devil had disappeared.<br />
<br />
“…No. It’s our mission.”<br />
<br />
In regards, the girl called Kurumi answered bluntly.<br />
<br />
“How rare… for the two of you to make a stiff expression.”<br />
<br />
While Shiba made a wry smile,<br />
<br />
<br />
“Are you that bothered by it? That he--- Basara is involved with this case?<br />
<br />
Takashi and Kurumi remained silent to these uttered words for a while. Directed at them,<br />
<br />
“Well, you’re a childhood friends with him, close in age. Before the incident five years ago, you have always been together. I’m <br />
sure you have special feelings for it and it’ll be tough for you in all kind of ways.”<br />
<br />
But,<br />
<br />
“We volunteered for this mission despite having heard the report from Yuki-chan. Please don’t ruin the mission by getting swayed from some weird attachment.”<br />
<br />
“…You don’t need to tell me.”<br />
<br />
said Takashi.<br />
<br />
“I’ll kill Naruse Mio and show no mercy to those who interfere. Even if it’s Basara.”<br />
<br />
“…Same for me. I no longer have a reason to hesitate about Basara.”<br />
<br />
There was no doubt in Kurumi’s utterance. Because she already had taken an influential different path than Basara--- Ever since <br />
the day “five years ago”. Toward these two,<br />
<br />
“Good. Your emotions are your own. I’m not going to pry into them. Because I’m just a supervisor this time. You two will do the <br />
job. I’ll just watch.”<br />
<br />
While smiling a “It’s up to you”,<br />
<br />
“Well then, let’s go. To fulfil our duty as Heroes, the protectors of the world---”<br />
Shiba Kyouichi declared.<br />
<br />
“---To kill the one that might become the next Devil Lord.”<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
==Translator Note==<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<noinclude><br />
{| border="1" cellpadding="5" cellspacing="0" style="margin: 1em 1em 1em 0; background: #f9f9f9; border: 1px #aaaaaa solid; padding: 0.2em; border-collapse: collapse;"<br />
|-<br />
| Back to [[Shinmai Maou no Keiyakusha:Volume 2 Prologue|Prologue]]<br />
| Return to [[Shinmai Maou no Keiyakusha|Main Page]]<br />
| Forward to [[Shinmai Maou no Keiyakusha:Volume 2 Chapter 2|Chapter 2]]<br />
|-<br />
|}<br />
</noinclude></div>Black Ice Princehttps://www.baka-tsuki.org/project/index.php?title=User:Black_Ice_Prince&diff=330672User:Black Ice Prince2014-02-13T14:27:12Z<p>Black Ice Prince: </p>
<hr />
<div>Welcome....<br />
<br />
===A===<br />
<br />
[[Absolute Duo]]<br />
<br />
[[Alice and Masayoshi are Indifferent]]<br />
<br />
[[Antimagic Academy 35th Test Platoon]]<br />
<br />
===B===<br />
<br />
[[Boku to Kanojo ni Furu Yoru]]<br />
<br />
[[Boku to Kanojo no Game Sensou]]<br />
<br />
[[Boku wa Tomodachi ga Sukunai]]<br />
<br />
===C===<br />
<br />
[[Campione!]]<br />
<br />
[[Chrome Shelled Regios]]<br />
<br />
[[Cross x Regalia]]<br />
<br />
[[CubexCursedxCurious]]<br />
<br />
===D===<br />
<br />
[[Date A Live]]<br />
<br />
[[Dakara Boku wa, H ga Dekinai.]]<br />
<br />
[[Denpa Onna to Seishun Otoko]]<br />
<br />
===E===<br />
<br />
[[ELYSION virtual region]]<br />
<br />
===F===<br />
<br />
[[Fuyuu Gakuen no Alice and Shirley]]<br />
<br />
===G===<br />
<br />
[[Gakusen Toshi Asterisk]]<br />
<br />
[[Gekka no Utahime to Magi no Ou]]<br />
<br />
===H===<br />
<br />
[[Hagure Yuusha no Aesthetica]]<br />
<br />
[[Haken no Kouki Altina]]<br />
<br />
[[Hataraku Maou-sama!]]<br />
<br />
[[HEAVY OBJECT]]<br />
<br />
[[Hentai Ouji to Warawanai Neko]]<br />
<br />
[[High School DxD]]<br />
<br />
[[Hitsugi no Chaika]]<br />
<br />
[[HUNDRED]]<br />
<br />
[[Hyakka Ryouran Samurai Girls]]<br />
<br />
===I===<br />
<br />
[[Ichiban Ushiro no Daimaou]]<br />
<br />
[[Infinite Stratos]]<br />
<br />
===K===<br />
<br />
[[Kämpfer]]<br />
<br />
[[Kaze no Stigma]]<br />
<br />
[[Kenkoku no Jungfrau]]<br />
<br />
[[Kenshin no Keishousha]]<br />
<br />
[[Kokoro Connect]]<br />
<br />
[[Kore wa Zombie desu ka?]]<br />
<br />
===L===<br />
<br />
[[Last Savior]]<br />
<br />
[[Log Horizon]]<br />
<br />
===M===<br />
<br />
[[Madan no Ou to Vanadis]]<br />
<br />
[[Mahouka Koukou no Rettousei]]<br />
<br />
[[Maou na Ore to Fushihime no Yubiwa]]<br />
<br />
[[Mondaiji-tachi ga isekai kara kuru soudesu yo]]<br />
<br />
===N===<br />
<br />
[[Nareru SE]]<br />
<br />
[[No Game No Life]]<br />
<br />
===O===<br />
<br />
[[Oda Nobuna no Yabou]]<br />
<br />
[[Ore no Kanojo to Osananajimi ga Shuraba Sugiru]]<br />
<br />
===P===<br />
<br />
[[Psycho Love Comedy]]<br />
<br />
===R===<br />
<br />
[[R-15]]<br />
<br />
[[Ryuu to Aitsu to Kawaige no Nai Watashi]]<br />
<br />
===S===<br />
<br />
[[Sakurasou no Pet na Kanojo]]<br />
<br />
[[Seikoku no Ryuu Kishi]]<br />
<br />
[[Seirei Tsukai no Blade Dance]]<br />
<br />
[[Sekai no Kiki Hamekurumeku!]]<br />
<br />
[[Shinmai Maou no Keiyakusha]]<br />
<br />
[[Shippai Kinshi!]]<br />
<br />
[[Silver Cross and Draculea]]<br />
<br />
[[Sword Art Online]]<br />
<br />
===T===<br />
<br />
[[The Circumstances Leading to Waltraute's Marriage]]<br />
<br />
[[Toaru Majutsu no Index]]<br />
<br />
[[Toradora!]]<br />
<br />
[[Tsurugi no Hime to Aldebaran]]<br />
<br />
[[Tsurugi no Joou to Rakuin no Ko]]<br />
<br />
===U===<br />
<br />
[[Unlimited Fafnir]]<br />
<br />
===Z===<br />
<br />
[[Zero no Tsukaima]]<br />
<br />
<br />
Come again.</div>Black Ice Princehttps://www.baka-tsuki.org/project/index.php?title=Boku_wa_Tomodachi_ga_Sukunai:_CONNECT_The_Wings_of_Beginning&diff=327456Boku wa Tomodachi ga Sukunai: CONNECT The Wings of Beginning2014-02-02T17:46:04Z<p>Black Ice Prince: </p>
<hr />
<div>==The Wings of Beginning==<br />
<br />
<p>Uguisuyama private high school<span style="letter-spacing:-2px">——</span> The best college-focused school in the prefecture, and known for its strict school rules.</p><br />
<br />
<p>At this school filled with academically gifted students, there was one boy who attracted more attention from those around him than most.</p><br />
<br />
<p>His name was Pegasus Kashiwazaki, the oldest son of and the heir to the Kashiwazaki family, a family so famous everyone in the surrounding area had heard of them.</p><br />
<br />
<p>He was a member of class 2-4, and was a prodigy among prodigies, having secured the highest score on every test in every subject since his enrollment.</p><br />
<br />
<p>He was also skilled in sports, and left an impressive record as a short-distance runner in a national tournament back in middle school. He ran as though he had wings on his back that made him light as a feather, and that style of his that charmed all who saw it was known as the "Pegasus Fantasy". Even now that he had entered high school, people still spoke of him as a legend.</p><br />
<br />
<p>He was also blessed in appearances as well, with a dignified face and tall stature. His beauty was such that he would inevitably attract people's attention simply by walking normally.</p><br />
<br />
<p>Of course, he was also incredibly popular with the girls, and had been asked out by several tens of girls in middle school, but turned them all down on account of him already having a fiancée.</p><br />
<br />
<p>The reason Pegasus chose Uguisuyama high school was partially because of its high standards and high college acceptance rate, but more than anything he picked it <em>because it was a boys school</em>.</p><br />
<br />
<p>To Pegasus, having girls swarm all over him was nothing but a nuisance.</p><br />
<br />
<p>However, that very same Pegasus Kashiwazaki was currently worried about a certain something.</p><br />
<br />
<p>Kapo~n</p><br />
<br />
<p>"Man, I was reading this manga the other day and it had this 'kapo~n' sound effect in it. What sound do you think that even is?"</p><br />
<br />
<p>That certain something, or rather, certain someone worrying him suddenly asked that random question. Completely naked.</p><br />
<br />
<p>"How should I know?"</p><br />
<br />
<p>Pegasus briefly replied with a frown on his face. Completely naked.</p><br />
<br />
<p>"'Kapo~n'... No idea what sound that's supposed to be, but for some reason it fits perfectly... I guess coming to the baths <em>does</em> have this 'kapo~n' feel to it."</p><br />
<br />
<p>Pegasus sighed as he watched the boy next to him seriously ponder this question.</p><br />
<br />
<p>Pegasus didn't read much manga, hence he wasn't very well-versed in sound effects and the like.</p><br />
<br />
<p>More importantly, why am I sitting here soaking in the bath next to this guy, Pegasus wondered to himself. Completely naked.</p><br />
<br />
<p>That was a much more important issue to him than this 'kapo~n' nonsense.</p><br />
<br />
<p>"...Well, the completely naked part is normal, I guess."</p><br />
<br />
<p>"Hm? What'd you say?"</p><br />
<br />
<p>"N-nothing."</p><br />
<br />
<p>"Oh, alright."</p><br />
<br />
<p>Pegasus quickly covered up the fact he'd let his thoughts slip out of his mouth, however the boy next to him didn't seem to care at all as he went back to pondering the mysteries of the 'kapo~n' sound.</p><br />
<br />
<p>The name of the boy causing Pegasus Kashiwazaki's worries was Hayato Hasegawa.</p><br />
<br />
<p>He had a stern face and sharp-looking eyes, but strangely enough he had a friendly air about him as well, possibly because of the way he talked and how he often changed expressions.</p><br />
<br />
<p>Pegasus had started talking with him occasionally after ending up sitting next to him when their class changed seats.</p><br />
<br />
<p>That said, it was mostly Hayato who did all the talking with Pegasus only offering a "...Yep." or an "...Uh-huh." every now and then.</p><br />
<br />
<p>However Hayato didn't seem to take any offense at Pegasus' anti-social attitude, in fact, it seemed to make Hayato want to talk to Pegasus even more.</p><br />
<br />
<p>Pegasus believed that it was <em>not</em> that he simply couldn't take a hint.</p><br />
<br />
<p>Unlike Pegasus, he seemed to be quite popular with many friends inside and outside of school.</p><br />
<br />
<p>He once even jumped in-between two students who were about to fight each other and calmed them down.</p><br />
<br />
<p>At first Pegasus thought he was a busybody, but he'd nimbly evade having to do any annoying work in class, and would never butt in to any serious problems like someone's parents getting divorced and such.</p><br />
<br />
<p>Pegasus was unsure why Hayato was so aggressive in trying to get close to him when it was clear that Pegasus wasn't being bullied, but instead chose to be alone.</p><br />
<br />
<p>Pegasus had intended on breaking off relations with Hayato if he was only thinking about "making some friends for the lonely honors student", but any time they went out to the baths like this it was always just the two of them, and although Hayato's friends would sometimes join them for lunch, Hayato would never go out of his way to try and make Pegasus be friends with them.</p><br />
<br />
<p>Incidentally, as for why they would go to the baths, it's because the school rules forbid going to any recreational establishments or restaurants.</p><br />
<br />
<p>"Anyway, I so wanna go peek at the women's bath."</p><br />
<br />
<p>"Bft-"</p><br />
<br />
<p>Pegasus couldn't help but spout out some saliva at Hayato's sudden announcement.</p><br />
<br />
<p>"W-what do you mean 'anyway'!? That's got nothing to do with what you were talking about! What happened to 'kapo~n'!? Where did 'kapo~n' go!?"</p><br />
<br />
<p>In response to Pegasus' sudden outburst, Hayato replied with a mellow look on his face,</p><br />
<br />
<p>"Ah, yeah, don't really care about 'kapo~n' anymore. I'm all about the women's bath now. I wonder, just what kind of paradise lays on the other side of this wall?"</p><br />
<br />
<p>"...I'm pretty sure it's full of old people just like our side is."</p><br />
<br />
<p>Pegasus replied, giving a perfectly rational point of view.</p><br />
<br />
<p>It was all old people at the baths this time of day except for Pegasus and Hayato, and neither of them had ever seen a young girl here, even outside by the entrance.</p><br />
<br />
<p>"Hey man, you never know. There might be a whole group of sexy chicks like Youko-chan from 'Urusai Katsura' over there."</p><br />
<br />
<p>In response to Hayato's latest delusion, Pegasus gave yet another logical reply.</p><br />
<br />
<p>"I have no idea what that Youko-chan or whoever is like, but... I'm pretty sure those kinds of customers all go <em>over there</em>."</p><br />
<br />
<p>"Oh yeah, that's right... They would go over there, huh."</p><br />
<br />
<p>"Over there" refers to the new super baths that opened up nearby recently, and which are currently enjoying a lot of business due to people coming to check it out.</p><br />
<br />
<p>Pegasus had never gone to one before, but his father told him such places were rapidly becoming popular across the country.</p><br />
<br />
<p>"I actually went there once~ It did have a lot of stuff and there was a bunch of cool food to try out too, but I dunno, it didn't really feel like a bath and I wasn't a big fan of it."</p><br />
<br />
<p>"...Well yeah... That's why they call it a super bath..."</p><br />
<br />
<p>"Yeah, that super bath's definitely got a super feel to it."</p><br />
<br />
<p>Hayato began nodding his head, seemingly convinced by Pegasus' random comment for some reason.</p><br />
<br />
<p>"Lots of couples over there too man, I swear. There's this mixed bath spot where you can go in with a swimsuit on, and it was loaded with couples. There were tons of people our age there making me jealous."</p><br />
<br />
<p>"...I see."</p><br />
<br />
<p>"Ahh~ Man I want a girlfriend~"</p><br />
<br />
<p>Seeing Hayato flip his head back and look up at the ceiling while letting out a deep sigh, Pegasus went "Hmph..." and let out a tiny mocking laugh.</p><br />
<br />
<p>Hah, whining about wanting a boyfriend or a girlfriend or whatever. I guess this man is no different than all the other foolish commoners that constantly pestered me in middle school, Pegasus thought to himself.</p><br />
<br />
<p>"If you want to fall in love you should've gone to a co-ed school. Why the heck would you pick a boys school like Uguisuyama?"</p><br />
<br />
<p style="margin:32px 0;">"Ahh, it's 'cause our school's got a referral program for the college I wanna go to."</p><br />
<br />
<p>Pegasus had meant it as a rhetorical question, but Hayato casually gave him an answer anyway.</p><br />
<br />
<p>"!?"</p><br />
<br />
<p>Pegasus took a good long stare at the side of Hayato's face.</p><br />
<br />
<p>Hayato however failed to notice Pegasus' stare, and simply continued speaking in his usual carefree tone, albeit more disjointed than usual.</p><br />
<br />
<p>"Yeah~ I wanna be an archaeologist when I grow up. But, it's like, it's hard to make a living in archaeology, get me? Can't really use what you learn in any other fields either. Basically, it's like, you need to have good connections and stuff. Which means that, like, the colleges I can pick from gets narrowed down a lot. And, after I did a bunch of research and thinking and picked out a college to go to, I realized going to this high school was like a shortcut to gettin' there."</p><br />
<br />
<p>Pegasus blankly stared at Hayato, who spoke of both his dream and his plan to get there like it was nothing.</p><br />
<br />
<p>"Ah, that said, it's not like you can get by on connections alone, and it's possible I might not get a referral either, so I gotta think about that, and... Hey, what's wrong Kashiwazaki?"</p><br />
<br />
<p>Try as he might to hide it, Pegasus' was visibly shaken.</p><br />
<br />
<p>Honestly speaking, part of Pegasus had always looked down on his peers, including Hayato.</p><br />
<br />
<p>He assumed none of them had a vision for their future, and would simply move on to college and then eventually settle into a position in life befitting their abilities.</p><br />
<br />
<p>After a spending a year at Uguisuyama, he had felt that even this, one of the best schools in the prefecture, was not significantly different than any other high school.</p><br />
<br />
<p>In fact, he even thought that this school was inferior to other schools with lower grades, because there was no variety and almost everyone did nothing but study.</p><br />
<br />
<p>That said, Pegasus didn't see that as necessarily a bad thing. In a prosperous time like this, anyone can achieve a happy life by cruising along through school and finding a simple job.</p><br />
<br />
<p>It wouldn't be an overstatement to say it was utterly foolish to willingly pursue a job like archaeology, filled with risk and little money.</p><br />
<br />
<p>When one is aware they are chasing a difficult dream, most find themselves just recklessly chasing said dream. Not many are able to stay the course after considering the more realistic aspects of it, such as income and lifestyle, and to be fair, there is no need to walk such a difficult path in the first place.</p><br />
<br />
<p>Not to mention starting from what high school one goes to<span style="letter-spacing:-2px">——</span> In this day and age, just how few middle schoolers are able to not only plan their future, but carry out that plan?</p><br />
<br />
<p>Pegasus revised his opinion of Hayato Hasegawa to the following:</p><br />
<br />
<p>This guy<span style="letter-spacing:-2px">——</span> is certainly a weird one.</p><br />
<br />
<p>Pegasus' young heart bundled up the complicated feeling resembling defeat he felt towards his classmate in the seat next to him, and expressed it in the single word "weird".</p><br />
<br />
<p>Hayato then donned a brazen smile, and said,</p><br />
<br />
<p>"I'm not exactly a genius or anything though, so I can't afford to mess around too much. But still, that aside, there's a lotta stuff you can only do in high school, and I wanna do as much of that as I can. Specifically, I wanna enjoy my youth. Enjoy my youth, <span style="font-weight:bold"><em>too</em></span>."</p><br />
<br />
<p>"...That doesn't sound the least bit specific to me, but anyway, so that's why you want to fall in love?"</p><br />
<br />
<p>"You got it! Youth and love go hand in hand my man."</p><br />
<br />
<p>Pegasus made a wry smile at how vague he was when it came to this as compared to his vision for the future.</p><br />
<br />
<p>"By the way, just so you know, impure sexual relations are against school rules."</p><br />
<br />
<p>"I ain't gonna have any impure relations. I'm as pure as they come."</p><br />
<br />
<p>Hayato said with a childish grin on his face.</p><br />
<br />
<p>I can't tell if this guy's sincere or just bold, calculating or just an idiot... Pegasus thought to himself.</p><br />
<br />
<p>"Although, you've got a good point about going to a co-ed school if you wanna fall in love. I know this is a boys school, but still, there are way too few chicks around here."</p><br />
<br />
<p>Hayato said and then let out a big sigh.</p><br />
<br />
<p>"Maybe I should have a mixer with my buddies from middle school~ Ah, hey, you know any cute girls Kashiwazaki? Like a rich family's daughter or something."</p><br />
<br />
<p>"...I do."</p><br />
<br />
<p>"Yeah~ Of course it wouldn't be that ea... Wait, you do!?"</p><br />
<br />
<p>Hayato said, realizing what Pegasus said halfway through his sentence.</p><br />
<br />
<p>Pegasus answered honestly without really thinking about it much, but soon after he thought that maybe he shouldn't have told him.</p><br />
<br />
<p>"What school's she from!?"</p><br />
<br />
<p>"...St. Chronica Academy."</p><br />
<br />
<p>"St. Chronica... You mean that girls middle and high school!? Why do you know a girl there!?"</p><br />
<br />
<p>Hayato's overzealous response made Pegasus think to himself, "I knew I shouldn't have told him," as he regretted his actions.</p><br />
<br />
<p>Pegasus' acquaintance was a senior girl attending St. Chronica Academy.</p><br />
<br />
<p>She was an exchange student from England, gifted in both academics and athletics, and was also quite popular due to how often she helped others out. In fact, she was so popular that she was chosen to be the Student Council president despite being an exchange student.</p><br />
<br />
<p>Pegasus' great-grandfather was the founder of St. Chronica Academy, and the position of chairman was always handed down to the next head of the Kashiwazaki family, meaning that it was almost certain Pegasus would succeed his father as chairman in the future. Thanks to that, he had visited the academy a number of times, and got to know her there.</p><br />
<br />
<p>She was a tad too energetic for the daughter of a famous family attending an all girls school though, so Pegasus generally tried to avoid her if possible.</p><br />
<br />
<p>However, he did think that Hayato would like her. Mainly because of her big chest.</p><br />
<br />
<p>"Is she cute!?"</p><br />
<br />
<p>"...Well, yeah, I think she's pretty, objectively speaking."</p><br />
<br />
<p>"What about her boobs!?"</p><br />
<br />
<p>"......I don't remember that well, but I think hers were bigger than average."</p><br />
<br />
<p>"Bravooooooooooooo!!"</p><br />
<br />
<p>"Shut up. ...Just so you know, she's English."</p><br />
<br />
<p>"English! So wait, is she blond!?"</p><br />
<br />
<p>"...Yeah."</p><br />
<br />
<p>"I'm in love already my good sir!"</p><br />
<br />
<p>"Why are you calling me sir now..."</p><br />
<br />
<p>"Please, let me meet her, Kashiwazaki! No, let me meet her, Lord Pegasus!"</p><br />
<br />
<p style="margin:8px 0px 5px;"><span style="font-size:250%">"DO NOT CALL ME BY THAT NAME!"</span></p><br />
<br />
<p>Pegasus got up by reflex and yelled in a voice full of anger louder than Hayato's bravo a few moments ago. With his dick hanging out.</p><br />
<br />
<p>The other customers' gazes were painful.</p><br />
<br />
<p>...Pegasus respected his father, but each time someone calls him by that name, it makes him want to go back in time and punch his father in the face.</p><br />
<br />
[[Image:Boku_wa_Tomodachi_ga_Sukunai_CONNECT_Ch03_Img01(Vexed).jpg|thumb]]<br />
<br />
<p>The reason Pegasus, who was a national-level runner, gave up on track and field was because constantly having his full name called at tournaments and having it spelled out "PEGASUS KASHIWAZAKI" in big bold letters in the newspaper traumatized him.</p><br />
<br />
<p>Pegasus swore to himself that if he ever had a child, he would be sure to give him/her a name that he/she would not be ashamed of.</p><br />
<br />
<p>"...A-anyway, I'll ask and see if she's OK with meeting you."</p><br />
<br />
<p>Pegasus said as he slowly sat down, trying to brush over his yell just now.</p><br />
<br />
<p style="margin: 32px 0; font-size:300%; text-align:center;">☺</p><br />
<br />
<p>Later that night, Pegasus kept his promise with Hayato and called the St. Chronica Academy dorms and got his acquaintance on the line.</p><br />
<br />
<p>Normally a boy from another school calling would be a problem, however the dorm mother accepted Pegasus' request without issue, on account of him being the chairman's son as well as next in line to be chairman.</p><br />
<br />
<p>Still, Pegasus found it awkward having to go through a parent-figure in order to reach the person he was after.</p><br />
<br />
<p>This wouldn't have been a problem if his acquaintance had a "cellphone" like the one his father had started using recently, but there was no way a regular student could afford such an expensive luxury item. They're crazy heavy, too.</p><br />
<br />
<p>Pegasus surmised that the cellphone would forever reign as a status symbol for the busy elites of the world. The weight of it represents the weight of the responsibility one carries.</p><br />
<br />
<p>As he was pondering such thoughts, he heard her voice through the receiver.</p><br />
<br />
<p>She spoke such fluent Japanese it was hard to believe she was an exchange student.</p><br />
<br />
<p>Just as he had gone over in his head several times before, Pegasus explained to her in a serious tone that he wished to hold a productive meeting wherein his friend, who wanted to meet her, could spend some time with her and get to know her better.</p><br />
<br />
<p style="margin:32px 0;">"So you wanna have a mixer, right? OK!"</p><br />
<br />
<p>"Mixe-!?"</p><br />
<br />
<p>As Pegasus remained at a loss for words, she then asked what day and time would be good, and where they should meet. However, Pegasus had no idea how to answer her, which led to her making suggestions while he simply replied, "...OK", "...OK.", "Ah, yes, that's fine.", "Yes, you're right.", "OK, see you there." and agreed to each idea in a lifeless tone of voice.</p><br />
<br />
<p>"Alright, this is gonna be fun! Nighty night!"</p><br />
<br />
<p>"Ah, yes... N-nighty night..."</p><br />
<br />
<p>And thus, their call ended.</p><br />
<br />
<p>Pegasus placed the receiver back down and let out a deep breath.</p><br />
<br />
<p>He did not have the strength left to call Hayato as well, and let him know what was going on. Hence, he decided to tell him tomorrow at school.</p><br />
<br />
<p style="margin: 32px 0; font-size:300%; text-align:center;">☺</p><br />
<br />
<p>It was now Sunday, three days later.</p><br />
<br />
<p>Pegasus and Hayato had both arrived at the stylish cafe where they'd agreed to meet at an hour ahead of schedule.</p><br />
<br />
<p>Up until yesterday Hayato was full of life, singing "A blond busty babe, a blonde busty babe~♪", however today he was a nervous wreck. God only knows how many times said, "H-how am I? Do I look OK? I-I'm gonna go check in the bathroom mirror," before running off to the bathroom.</p><br />
<br />
<p>His short hair was combed over with far more gel than he needed, and he was also wearing a fancy suit and bowtie he'd borrowed from his dad, which made him look exactly like your stereotypical shady guy.</p><br />
<br />
<p>Normally Hayato acted like an older brother who wasn't afraid of anything, but apparently he has some foolish parts to him too, Pegasus thought.</p><br />
<br />
<p>In the baths he'd said "I'm as pure as they come," but who would've thought it was actually true.</p><br />
<br />
<p>"...H-how do I look? How's my bowtie... Is it just me, or is it crooked?"</p><br />
<br />
<p>"For God's sake calm down already, you imbecile."</p><br />
<br />
<p>Pegasus said with an annoyed look on his face.</p><br />
<br />
<p>However, Pegasus was only able to act calm thanks to how ridiculously nervous the man next to him was, and was actually just as nervous on the inside.</p><br />
<br />
<p>Even though she is an acquaintance, this was the first time Pegasus had ever agreed to meet up with a girl at a cafe like this.</p><br />
<br />
<p>After all, his fiancée lives in England, and he'd never met her in person before.</p><br />
<br />
<p>The stylish cafe they were in was full of girls and couples as well, and it was extremely awkward for two short-haired high school boys (school rules say their hair has to be short) to be sitting in there alone together.</p><br />
<br />
<p>The two boys spent an anxious hour waiting for Pegasus' acquaintance to arrive.</p><br />
<br />
<p>Then, a few minutes past the designated meeting time, she finally arrived.</p><br />
<br />
<p style="margin:32px 0;">"Hey guys! Sorry 'bout the wait!"</p><br />
<br />
<p>She told them in a lively voice along with an energetic bow.</p><br />
<br />
<p>"I-it's OK, we just got here too!"</p><br />
<br />
<p>Hayato replied in a high-pitched voice.</p><br />
<br />
<p>St. Chronica Academy Student Council President, Noel Redfield, 18 years old.</p><br />
<br />
<p>A beautiful and dignified young girl with short blond hair and narrow blue eyes.</p><br />
<br />
<p>She was wearing a highly revealing blood red mini one piece dress that tightly hugged her body.</p><br />
<br />
<p>This must be that new fashion style that emphasizes the body lines, Pegasus pondered to himself.</p><br />
<br />
<p>Pegasus had never seen her in anything other than the St. Chronica Academy uniform, so it was quite striking to see her in this kind of trendy outfit; so much so, that Pegasus found himself even more flustered than before.</p><br />
<br />
<p>He was unsure of where to look, now that the cleavage formed by her already large chest was further emphasized by her dress.</p><br />
<br />
<p>"Yeah, I got held up 'cause this girl here said she changed her mind and wasn't gonna come at the last minute."</p><br />
<br />
<p>Noel said as she sat down at the table across from Pegasus.</p><br />
<br />
<p>"This girl?"</p><br />
<br />
<p>Pegasus at last noticed the other girl who'd been hiding behind Noel's back.</p><br />
<br />
<p>She was, like Noel, a beautiful white girl with blond hair and blue eyes, and when coupled with her seemingly timid attitude made "adorable" the perfect way to describe her.</p><br />
<br />
<p>She appeared to be either their age or a bit younger... Foreigners tend to look older than they actually are, so it was hard to tell.</p><br />
<br />
<p>She was wearing a mature-looking long dress with a black base. It didn't quite match her younger looks though, making it appear as though she were a child trying to wear clothes too big for her.</p><br />
<br />
<p>However, rather than her clothes, it was her face<span style="letter-spacing:-2px">——</span> Specifically, the eye patch on her left eye that attracted the most attention.</p><br />
<br />
<p>Perhaps she was injured or has some sickness... In any case, it wouldn't be proper of me to stare, Pegasus concluded.</p><br />
<br />
<p>The girl timidly sat down at the table next to Noel, practically sitting on top of her.</p><br />
<br />
<p>Noel then introduced this second girl.</p><br />
<br />
<p>"This girl here is Airi Aaron. She's a year younger than me, so the same age as Kashiwazaki I guess. I brought her since I figured if we were gonna have a mixer it'd be better to have an even number of guys and girls."</p><br />
<br />
<p>"I told you, this isn't a mixer or anyth..."</p><br />
<br />
<p>Pegasus began to say, but then cut himself off, telling himself she wouldn't listen to him anyway.</p><br />
<br />
<p>He then glanced at Hayato, and figured he should introduce him as well.</p><br />
<br />
<p>As for Hayato himself, he was frozen solid staring at the face of the girl named Airi.</p><br />
<br />
<p>His mouth was hanging half-open, and his eyes were both wide open as gazed at her.</p><br />
<br />
<p>His face was so red it was obvious even from the side.</p><br />
<br />
<p style="margin:32px 0;">...It's pretty easy to tell when somebody falls in love at first sight, huh... Pegasus realized.</p><br />
<br />
<p style="margin:32px 0 0;">"A-Airi... is it...?"</p><br />
<br />
<p>Hayato said, barely choking out the words.</p><br />
<br />
<p style="margin:8px 0px 5px;"><span style="font-size:250%">"T-that's a wonderful eyepatch you have there!!"</span></p><br />
<br />
<p>"Wha...!?"</p><br />
<br />
<p>T-this guy... is he an idiot...!?</p><br />
<br />
<p>Pegasus looked at Hayato, stupefied, after hearing what he just said in that high-pitched voice of his.</p><br />
<br />
<p>On what planet would a girl willingly wear an eyepatch like that?</p><br />
<br />
<p>Whether it's a sickness or an injury, you're supposed to be sensitive with these kinds of things and do your best to ignore them.</p><br />
<br />
<p>Pegasus, now at wit's end, couldn't help but grimace.</p><br />
<br />
<p>As for Airi, she looked down at the ground as though fleeing from Hayato's straightforward gaze, and then began to speak.</p><br />
<br />
<p style="margin:32px 0;">"......Y-you think so? ...T-thanks..."</p><br />
<br />
<p>Her cheeks were faintly red, and for some reason... she seemed to smiling quite happily.</p><br />
<br />
[[Image:Boku_wa_Tomodachi_ga_Sukunai_CONNECT_Ch03_Img02(Vexed).jpg|thumb]]<br />
<br />
<p>...Huh?</p><br />
<br />
<p>Anyone could see that that adorable smile of hers had just further strengthened her grasp of Hayato's heart.</p><br />
<br />
<p>Airi, still acting shy, then said in a solemn tone of voice, as if to hide her smile,</p><br />
<br />
<p style="margin:32px 0;">"Hmph... Airi is but a mere alias... My true name is Xiàhóu Fan... An ancient warrior of 2000 years past reborn in the present..."</p><br />
<br />
<p style="margin:32px 0 0;">"S-shaho...?"</p><br />
<br />
<p>Noel smiled wryly after seeing Pegasus' confusion, and explained,</p><br />
<br />
<p>"Ahh, you can ignore that. It's just some stuff she made up."</p><br />
<br />
<p>"Made up?"</p><br />
<br />
<p>"I-it's not made up!"</p><br />
<br />
<p>Airi yelled, her face beet red.</p><br />
<br />
<p>Apparently Hayato loved her angry reaction too, as his expression became even more lovestruck.</p><br />
<br />
<p>"You know the 'Romance of the Three Kingdoms'?" Noel asked all of a sudden.</p><br />
<br />
<p>"Huh? Yeah, sort of."</p><br />
<br />
<p>"Airi here's been really into it lately. She especially likes this one-eyed general named Xiàhóu Dūn, and she started saying that she's his reincarnation. Don't worry about her eyepatch either, it's not because she's sick or anything, she's just copying Xiàhóu Dūn."</p><br />
<br />
<p>"Uh-huh..." Pegasus vaguely replied.</p><br />
<br />
<p>What a bunch of incomprehensible nonsense.</p><br />
<br />
<p>"Is she an <span style="font-weight:bold;">idiot</span>?"</p><br />
<br />
<p>Pegasus said, accidentally letting his honest opinion slip out.</p><br />
<br />
<p>"H-hey! Kashiwazaki!"</p><br />
<br />
<p>Hayato hurriedly yelled at Pegasus for his rude comment.</p><br />
<br />
<p>"Ah! N-no, umm, I..."</p><br />
<br />
<p>"Ahaha, don't pull any punches, do ya? Kashiwazaki."</p><br />
<br />
<p>Noel cheerfully laughed at the now flustered Pegasus.</p><br />
<br />
<p>Airi, on the other hand,</p><br />
<br />
<p>"I-I'm not an idiot~ People who call others idiots are the real idiots~"</p><br />
<br />
<p>Airi said to Pegasus with tears in the corners of her eyes and a hostile expression on her face.</p><br />
<br />
<p>What are you, 12...? Pegasus thought to himself, irritated, just before Hayato lightly jabbed him on the head.</p><br />
<br />
<p>"S-sorry Airi, you're exactly right, this guy's a total idiot! In fact, he's such an idiot that just the other day he stood up in front of a bunch old guys completely naked and yelled at the top of his lungs while showing off his dick to them!"</p><br />
<br />
<p>"Wha...!?"</p><br />
<br />
<p>Pegasus gasped at Hayato's shocking reveal.</p><br />
<br />
<p>"You did that?"</p><br />
<br />
<p>Noel asked with a surprised look on her face.</p><br />
<br />
<p>"I-I did not! ...I mean, it's not completely untrue, but that was just me making a ruckus in the baths. It's not like I was showing off anything to anybody...!"</p><br />
<br />
<p>Noel smiled at Pegasus as he desperately tried to explain himself, and then said,</p><br />
<br />
<p>"Ahaha, you're pretty wild, huh Kashiwazaki~"</p><br />
<br />
<p>"L-like I said..."</p><br />
<br />
<p>Pegasus' face went red with embarrassment as Airi looked at him with a triumphant expression, and murmured,</p><br />
<br />
<p>"<span style="font-size:65%">...See, you <em>are</em> a total idiot. Idiot, big fat idiot!</span>"</p><br />
<br />
<p>"What was that!?"</p><br />
<br />
<p>"Hyau!?"</p><br />
<br />
<p>Airi twitched and latched onto Noel's arm after getting an angry glare from Pegasus.</p><br />
<br />
<p>Which, of course, prompted another jab from Hayato.</p><br />
<br />
<p>"Stop making that scary face, Pegamoron! Sorry about this guy, Airi, he's just such an idiot..."</p><br />
<br />
<p>"P-Pegamoron... you say...!?"</p><br />
<br />
<p>Pegasus began to shiver from the humiliation.</p><br />
<br />
<p>"<span style="font-size:65%">"H... Hmph... What a fool... You~ got~ yelled~ at~ Hehe...</span>"</p><br />
<br />
<p>"Don't get carried away, Airimoron."</p><br />
<br />
<p>Noel made a troubled look on her face as she jabbed Airi for making fun of Pegasus.</p><br />
<br />
<p style="margin: 32px 0; font-size:300%; text-align:center;">☺</p><br />
<br />
<p>And so, after everyone introduced themselves and ordered some cake and tea and such to eat, the "mixer" as Noel called it officially began.</p><br />
<br />
<p>Unlike Noel, Airi was not an exchange student, but rather the daughter of an English couple that has lived in Japan for over 20 years.</p><br />
<br />
<p>She was born and raised in Japan, apparently having only returned to England to visit her parents' families every once in a while.</p><br />
<br />
<p>Airi and Noel became friends due to them sharing similar heritages, however while Noel quickly became popular at school, the incredibly shy Airi had a hard time making any friends.</p><br />
<br />
<p>According to Noel, she brought Airi along today precisely because of her shyness. Noel had hoped that by interacting with students from another school that Airi would be able to overcome her shyness.</p><br />
<br />
<p>Pegasus was impressed by her caring attitude, noting to himself that it's no wonder she was chosen to be the Student Council President despite being an exchange student.</p><br />
<br />
<p>Hayato on the other hand did nothing but fawn over Airi<span style="letter-spacing:-2px">——</span> he wasn't just flattering her either, he seemed to honestly agree with her on everything<span style="letter-spacing:-2px">——</span> and Airi seemed to have opened up considerably to Hayato as well.</p><br />
<br />
<p>Pegasus and Airi remained angry with each other. It's only natural though, seeing as how neither of them attempted to compromise with the other.</p><br />
<br />
<p>"Man~ That Airi girl is such a cutie~"</p><br />
<br />
<p>Hayato said to Pegasus as soon as they'd entered the men's bathroom together with a big fat grin on his face.</p><br />
<br />
<p>Pegasus frowned at this, and said,</p><br />
<br />
<p>"Hasegawa... Do you seriously like <em>that thing</em>?"</p><br />
<br />
<p>"Don't call her 'that thing' man. Either Airi or Fan, pick one."</p><br />
<br />
<p>"In your dreams. ...That woman... she's, how to put it... just off. Just way too off."</p><br />
<br />
<p>"Yeah, I know what you mean! The way she's kinda weird is part of what makes her so great~"</p><br />
<br />
<p>Pegasus grew even more irritated at the now completely blind Hayato.</p><br />
<br />
<p>"...Besides, I thought you only liked girls with big chests."</p><br />
<br />
<p>Pegasus had gone and found the exact kind of girl Hayato wanted, and yet he'd almost completely ignored Noel.</p><br />
<br />
<p>...Pegasus felt that he was being rude to her.</p><br />
<br />
<p>"Kashiwazaki... You shouldn't go judging a girl by the size of her chest man."</p><br />
<br />
<p>"...I am going to fucking kill you."</p><br />
<br />
<p>Pegasus was about to completely snap after having Hayato tell him that in all seriousness.</p><br />
<br />
<p>"No, I get it. To tell you the truth, I'm kinda surprised too. I guess the kinda girl you think is sexy isn't necessarily the kinda girl you fall in love with, ya' know what I mean...?"</p><br />
<br />
<p>Hayato explained, as though he'd suddenly attained enlightenment.</p><br />
<br />
<p>"No, I don't 'know what you mean', you idiot. ...Look, I won't say anything bad, but if you're gonna go out with someone go out with Noel. If you do, then I can honestly give you my suppor<span style="letter-spacing:-2px">——</span>"</p><br />
<br />
<p>"G-go out with? Man, y-you idiot, Kashiwazaki you idiot, it's way too soon for that man!"</p><br />
<br />
<p>Hayato began pounding Pegasus on the back with a pair of bright red cheeks.</p><br />
<br />
<p>...This guy's hopeless, nothing I say can stop him now.</p><br />
<br />
<p>Pegasus let out a big sigh and murmured "Whatever happens happens..." under his breath as he left the bathroom, having given up on trying to change Hayato's mind.</p><br />
<br />
<p style="margin: 32px 0; font-size:300%; text-align:center;">☺</p><br />
<br />
<p>Afterwards, the four of them spent about an hour chatting together and agreed to all meet up again another day before going their separate ways.</p><br />
<br />
<p>Hayato spent the rest of the day on cloud nine, even after Airi and Noel had left them.</p><br />
<br />
<p style="margin:32px 0 0;">Pegasus, Hayato, Airi and Noel continued to meet up with each other at a pace of about once every two weeks, and on their 10th "something resembling a double date" Hayato and Airi finally, at long last, officially began dating one another.</p><br />
<br />
<p>As for who asked who out, well, that depends on how you look at it.</p><br />
<br />
<p>By their 10th get-together, Airi no longer wore her eyepatch and Xiàhóu Fan had completely stopped appearing (although she appeared to still like 'Romance of the Three Kingdoms'). Also, while she remained an introvert, she was clearly much more cheerful than before, and had even started having friendly conversations with Pegasus every now and then.</p><br />
<br />
<p>The event in question happened as everyone was saying their goodbyes as usual.</p><br />
<br />
<p>It was obvious Hayato and Airi loved each other, and yet they showed no signs of progress with each other whatsoever. There was even something resembling a hope that the four of them would be like this for the rest of their lives inside Pegasus as everyone said their usual goodbyes.</p><br />
<br />
<div style="line-height:2.1em"><p style="margin:32px 0 0;">Then all of a sudden, Airi, who seemed less energetic than usual, suddenly formed an angry look on her face and yelled at Hayato, <span style="font-size:250%">"Say ya' love me already!!"</span> This in turn caused Hayato to reflexively yell back in return, <span style="font-size:250%">"O-OK! I love you!!"</span></p><br />
<br />
<p style="margin:8px 0px 5px;">Airi then yelled, <span style="font-size:250%">"Then say 'Please go out with me' already!!"</span> to which Hayato yelled back, <span style="font-size:250%">"Ah, OK! Please go out with me!!"</span></p></div><br />
<br />
<p>Upon hearing those words Airi's face turned a bright red, after which she murmured quiet as a mouse,</p><br />
<br />
<p>"<span style="font-size:60%">............OK.</span>"</p><br />
<br />
<p>Shortly after, Pegasus and Noel burst into laughter on account of having had front row seats to that all too sudden, ridiculous confession of love that had not so much as a hint of romance to it.</p><br />
<br />
<p>Thus came the swift and unexpected end to the time the four of them spent together.</p><br />
<br />
<p style="margin:32px 0 0;">After Hayato and Airi started going out, Pegasus and Noel figured it wouldn't be polite to join them and barge in on their dates, and given that they no longer had the common goal of "supporting their best friend's love", they no longer had a reason to see each other.</p><br />
<br />
<p>Pegasus' relationship with Hayato didn't change much afterwards, although their trips to the baths together after school became much more infrequent.</p><br />
<br />
<p style="margin: 32px 0; font-size:300%; text-align:center;">☺</p><br />
<br />
<p>Then one day, about two months later, as Pegasus was on his way back from handling some business with his father at St. Chronica Academy,</p><br />
<br />
<p>"Long time no see, Kashiwazaki!"</p><br />
<br />
<p>He ran into Noel near the academy's gates.</p><br />
<br />
<p>After exchanging a quick greeting and seeing what each other had been up to lately, Noel asked, "Hey, it's pretty cold out here. Wanna go warm up in my room?"</p><br />
<br />
<p>Much like Uguisuyama high school, St. Chronica Academy also forbid its students from stopping at restaurants and the like on the way home from school<span style="letter-spacing:-2px">——</span> That was the excuse she used for inviting him, a rule that their two friends were constantly breaking.</p><br />
<br />
<p style="margin:32px 0 0;">Only relatives of students and school faculty were allowed into the dorms, however using his status as "the next chairman" Pegasus boldly entered Noel's room, <em>acting</em> as though he had only the purest of intentions.</p><br />
<br />
<p>Noel's room was one she'd obtained as a perk for being the Student Council President, and it was rather large and well-made for such an old dorm, with a fairly high quality desk, chairs, bed, and other furnishings.</p><br />
<br />
<p>The two of them sat down on a cushion on the floor, drinking tea Noel had brewed while enjoying small talk that neither in particular had initiated.</p><br />
<br />
<p>Their main topic of discussion was Hayato and Airi, complaining about how the newly formed couple would always brag about each other to them at school.</p><br />
<br />
<p>They also talked a bit about their life at school, dreams for the future, and such.</p><br />
<br />
<p>Pegasus was going to succeed his father as chairman of St. Chronica Academy after graduating from college. He would also likely be married to his fiancée whom he'd yet to meet by then as well.</p><br />
<br />
<p>Noel was going to attend a college back home in England, and said her dream was to become a diplomat.</p><br />
<br />
<p>"I haven't even told Airi this, actually," she added with an embarrassed smile.</p><br />
<br />
<p>"What kind of school are you gonna turn St. Chronica into Pegasus?"</p><br />
<br />
<p>The answer to that question was not one Pegasus had on hand.</p><br />
<br />
<p>His future of succeeding his father's place had been prepared since his birth, and he did not think there was any room for his own will to interfere with said future.</p><br />
<br />
<p>In short, he'd never thought about what kind of school he wanted to make.</p><br />
<br />
<p>"...What kind of school would you make?"</p><br />
<br />
<p>Pegasus asked back, to which Noel replied after a brief contemplation,</p><br />
<br />
<p>"...A fun school, I guess. Ah, that's not to say I'm not having fun now, because I am. I've got Airi, and I got to know you and Hayato, too. I enjoy doing the Student Council President work too. But it'd be nice, if like... it was the kind of school where every single student attending it was able to live out a wonderful youth."</p><br />
<br />
<p>"A fun school, huh..."</p><br />
<br />
<p>Her words would one day become a great guiding light for Pegasus.</p><br />
<br />
<p>It was unclear which of them began the kiss they shared.</p><br />
<br />
<p>The mood simply took them there, as they both leaned in towards each other and pressed their lips together.</p><br />
<br />
<p>They then continued<span style="letter-spacing:-2px">——</span> as the mood led to them sharing their bodies with one another.</p><br />
<br />
<p>Come to think of it, apparently Hayato and Airi held hands for the first time just the other day.</p><br />
<br />
<p>That bit of trivia ran through Pegasus' mind as he felt the warmth coming from Noel with his whole body.</p><br />
<br />
<p style="margin:32px 0 0;">From that day on, Pegasus and Noel would occasionally meet up and go on secret dates.</p><br />
<br />
<p>Their secret relationship, hidden from even their best friends, continued for the next three months until the end of Noel's exchange student program, after which she returned home to England.</p><br />
<br />
<p style="margin:32px 0;">In the end, neither of them ever clearly stated they liked or loved the other.</p><br />
<br />
<p>Thus ended Pegasus' love with Noel Redfield<span style="letter-spacing:-2px">——</span> the only person besides his parents who he allowed to call him "Pegasus".</p><br />
<br />
<p style="margin: 32px 0; font-size:300%; text-align:center;">☺</p><br />
<br />
<p>Though he may have parted ways with Noel, many turbulent stories continued to fill Pegasus Kashiwazaki's life.</p><br />
<br />
<p>It was a very strange thing for him, especially considering that he'd always thought his life was one meant to be walked on a path already laid out for him.</p><br />
<br />
<p style="margin:32px 0;">One time, he helped Hayato and Airi make up after a big fight.</p><br />
<br />
<p>Another time, a large uproar that shook the entire school occurred after the school discovered Hayato and Airi were dating, which Pegasus solved with his authority far beyond any normal high schooler's.</p><br />
<br />
<p>Hayato likely wouldn't have been able to graduate from high school were it not for Pegasus. It may have be around this time that Hayato and Pegasus became true best friends for life.</p><br />
<br />
<p>After the incident had been handled, Hayato made an embarrassing confession.</p><br />
<br />
<p>"...Last year, the reason I got so close to you when we ended up in the same class... It was because I thought it'd benefit me to be friends with you, since you were an honor student with the best grades in school and the only son of a rich family."</p><br />
<br />
<p>In response, Pegasus simply wryly smiled and said,</p><br />
<br />
<p>"In that case, I'd have to say you made the right decision back then. You wouldn't have been able to stay at this school if it weren't for me."</p><br />
<br />
<p>"Yeah, you're right. ...But you know, I kinda regret it now. I'd rather have become friends with you the normal way, no strings attached."</p><br />
<br />
<p>Pegasus thought to himself<span style="letter-spacing:-2px">——</span> Hayato Hasegawa hides a certain slyness behind his carefree attitude, and yet is still pure and a bit of a coward at heart. He's usually bold, but oddly sensitive at times too, and it's all those traits of his that make me like him so much.</p><br />
<br />
<p>"Who cares how or why we got to know each other? Or what, is that still the only reason you're friends with me?"</p><br />
<br />
<p>"N-no! 'Course it's not! ...Man, you know, you're pretty indifferent about this kinda stuff."</p><br />
<br />
<p>"I-indifferent...!? No I'm not, I'm just big-hearted!"</p><br />
<br />
<p>"Yeah yeah, fine. You're as big as they come, big shot Pegasus."</p><br />
<br />
<p>"Do not call me by that name!!"</p><br />
<br />
<p style="margin:32px 0 0;">They then graduated high school, having lived a rowdy youth.</p><br />
<br />
<p>Upon first meeting his fiancée, Pegasus swore to himself that he must not ever let her find out about Noel. She'd probably kill him if he did.</p><br />
<br />
<p style="margin:32px 0 0;">One time he got caught up in a big uproar about Hayato and Airi getting married while still in school, causing Pegasus to end up getting married sooner than he'd planned as well.</p> <p style="margin:32px 0 0;">He then had a child at the same time as Hayato, almost as if it were a competition.</p><br />
<br />
<p>Hayato's son's name was Kodaka.</p><br />
<br />
<p>Pegasus' daughter's name was Sena<span style="letter-spacing:-2px">——</span> Pegasus thought it was a fine name she would never have to be embarrassed about, if he did say so himself. He got into a big fight with his father as a result of it though.</p><br />
<br />
<p style="margin:32px 0 0;">Another time, he set up an arranged marriage between Kodaka and Sena.</p><br />
<br />
<p>Pegasus was well aware that the existence of a fiancée could become a shackle in one's youth, and yet he still arranged their marriage anyway<span style="letter-spacing:-2px">——</span> hoping that one day he could be not just best friends, but real family with Hayato and Airi.</p><br />
<br />
<p>Besides, Kodaka and Sena didn't live far away with no chances to meet each other like Pegasus and his wife did before. Pegasus and Hayato eventually became busier and had less chances to meet, but they still lived in the same town. On top of that, they were their children, he was sure they would get along fine.</p><br />
<br />
<p>Of course, he wouldn't force the two of them to marry or anything like that. If they weren't interested in each other, they could just ignore the whole thing entirely.</p><br />
<br />
<p>It truly was meant to be a small promise... A small promise on the level of a pinky promise between two children.</p><br />
<br />
<p>Pegasus never imagined this small promise would one day deeply wound a young girl's heart.</p><br />
<br />
<p style="margin:32px 0 0;">Time passed, and Pegasus became chairman of St. Chronica Academy.</p><br />
<br />
<p>Soon after his appointment as chairman, he began a large change that would turn St. Chronica into a co-ed school.</p><br />
<br />
<p>He had but a single goal:</p><br />
<br />
<p>Please, let all students who enroll at this school live out a splendid youth.</p><br />
<br />
<p>He enacted many daring changes that were close to acts of tyranny, such as greatly loosening the famously strict school rules, and allowing many more students from other schools apply to the high school division. This revolution, however, did not produce any significant changes in the short term.</p><br />
<br />
<p>St. Chronica's reputation as a "100-year-old missionary school, and one of the best college-prep schools in the prefecture", was firmly entrenched and would not be moved so easily.</p><br />
<br />
<p>Still, thanks to those changes, the story of a boy reuniting with a girl he was friends with in his childhood was able to begin 14 years later.</p><br />
<br />
<p style="margin:32px 0 0;">And then<span style="letter-spacing:-2px">——</span> the worst day of Pegasus' life came.</p><br />
<br />
<p>Hayato Hasegawa's beloved wife and a dear friend Pegasus had spent his youth with,</p><br />
<br />
<p>Airi Hasegawa, died.</p><br />
<br />
<p>Her body was so beautiful it was impossible to believe she'd been in an accident as she lay there surrounded by flowers, almost as if she were sleeping, and upon seeing her body, Pegasus began crying and screaming, ignoring the people around him.</p><br />
<br />
<p>Hayato, who stood next to him, bit into his lip without shedding a single tear.</p><br />
<br />
<p>"...Don't yell so loud, Zaki. You're gonna wake up Kobato."</p><br />
<br />
<p>In Hayato's arms lay his daughter, still just a young baby.</p><br />
<br />
<p>"...Aren't you... going to cry?"</p><br />
<br />
<p>Pegasus asked, unable to hold himself back.</p><br />
<br />
<p>"...I don't have time to cry. I've gotta protect... what she left behind."</p><br />
<br />
<p>A strong determination rested within Hayato's eyes.</p><br />
<br />
<p>Beside him was a young child curiously looking up at Pegasus<span style="letter-spacing:-2px">——</span> that child was Kodaka.</p><br />
<br />
<p>"...Let me know if there's anything I can do."</p><br />
<br />
<p>Hayato looked at Pegasus and made a tiny smile.</p><br />
<br />
<p>"Sorry for all the trouble, Zaki."</p><br />
<br />
<p>"...Don't be such a stranger with me."</p><br />
<br />
<p>Pegasus forced his disheveled teary-eyed face into a smile, and said,</p><br />
<br />
<p style="margin:32px 0 0;">"We're friends for crying out loud. All three of us."</p><br />
<br />
<p style="margin: 32px 0; font-size:300%; text-align:center;">☺</p><br />
<br />
<p>A lot happened after that day.</p><br />
<br />
<p>Then one night, after 15 years of time had passed since parting ways with Noel, a visitor came.</p><br />
<br />
<p>As Pegasus was busy working in his mansion's study, an old stewardess with a bewildered expression told Pegasus that there was a girl here asking to see him.</p><br />
<br />
<p>"A girl...? At this time of night? Who is it?"</p><br />
<br />
<p>"I don't know... All she would tell me is that 'telling my name to anyone else would cause problems for your boss'..."</p><br />
<br />
<p>"Huh? What's that about...?"</p><br />
<br />
<p>It's probably a student from the academy, Pegasus guessed, as he opened the door to greet the girl.</p><br />
<br />
<p>She was a beautiful girl with blond hair and blue eyes wearing a coat and carrying a small travel bag likely filled with only the bare essentials.</p><br />
<br />
<p>Based on her appearances<span style="letter-spacing:-2px">——</span> she was probably about 14 years old.</p><br />
<br />
<p>Her face still gave an innocent appearance, but she was rather expressionless, and had a very cold pair of eyes.</p><br />
<br />
<p>Her hair, eyes, and the color of her skin came from "her".</p><br />
<br />
<p>Her dignified looks<span style="letter-spacing:-2px">——</span> especially the area around her eyes, seemed to resemble both his and "hers".</p><br />
<br />
<p>The quality of her voice resembled "hers", but the tone of voice she produced was a mechanical one he had not once heard from "her".</p><br />
<br />
<p style="margin:32px 0;">"My name is Stella Redfield. It's nice to meet you, <span style="font-weight:bold"><em>Dad</em></span>."</p><br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<noinclude><br />
{| border="1" cellpadding="5" cellspacing="0" style="margin: 1em 1em 1em 0; background: #f9f9f9; border: 1px #aaaaaa solid; padding: 0.2em; border-collapse: collapse;"<br />
|-<br />
| Back to [[Boku_wa_Tomodachi_ga_Sukunai:_CONNECT_Riddle|Riddle]]<br />
| Return to [[Boku_wa_tomodachi_ga_sukunai|Main Page]]<br />
| Forward to [[Boku_wa_Tomodachi_ga_Sukunai:_CONNECT_Two Stars|Two Stars]]<br />
|-<br />
|}</div>Black Ice Princehttps://www.baka-tsuki.org/project/index.php?title=Boku_wa_Tomodachi_ga_Sukunai:_CONNECT_Riddle&diff=327455Boku wa Tomodachi ga Sukunai: CONNECT Riddle2014-02-02T17:45:13Z<p>Black Ice Prince: </p>
<hr />
<div>==Riddle==<br />
<br />
<p>"Hey, hey~ Yozora, Yozora! I'll do your homework for you if you gimmie some potato chips!"</p><br />
<br />
<p>One day after school, Yozora and Maria were alone together in the Neighbors Club room.</p><br />
<br />
<p>Maria had already wolfed down three bags of potato chips while murmuring complaints about her older sister under her breath, on account of having been yelled at by said older sister earlier in the day.</p><br />
<br />
<p>"I don't have any homework today."</p><br />
<br />
<p>Yozora curtly replied to Maria, who had just come back begging for more potato chips.</p><br />
<br />
<p>Every once in a while, Yozora would have Maria do her homework and other miscellaneous chores in exchange for potato chips.</p><br />
<br />
<p>As for why Yozora gave her potato chips, it was because the owner of the store Yozora worked part-time at would occasionally give Yozora huge bundles of potato chips she won at the pachinko parlor. Apparently the owner was under the impression that she liked them. Seeing as how she got them for free, Yozora could have simply passed the chips along to Maria, but she figured she might as well use this chance to train her instead.</p><br />
<br />
<p>"Oh, okay... So no more potato chips today (´･ω･`)"</p><br />
<br />
<p>Yozora let out a sigh after seeing Maria's sad reaction, and said,</p><br />
<br />
<p>"...Fine, if you can answer this question I'll give you some potato chips."</p><br />
<br />
<p>Maria's face lit up like a light bulb.</p><br />
<br />
<p>"Really!? What kinda question!? Don't worry, I'm a genius, even if it's a hard question you can't figure out, I can solve it in a flash!"</p><br />
<br />
<p>"...I see. Here goes then... What can't you eat for breakfast?"</p><br />
<br />
<p>Yozora's plan was to just give Maria the chips to quiet her down, so she gave her a simple riddle to solve.</p><br />
<br />
<p>"Something you can't eat for breakfast!? What kinda food is that!?"</p><br />
<br />
<p>Maria's eyes bulged out in surprise.</p><br />
<br />
<p>"Hrmm... This <em>is</em> a hard problem to solve..."</p><br />
<br />
<p>After seeing Maria fold her arms and start thinking with a pensive look on her face, Yozora thought to herself, amused, that this girl really is an idiot.</p><br />
<br />
<p>"Something you can't eat for breakfast... Hrmm... A-a rotten breakfa<span style="letter-spacing:-2px">——</span>"</p><br />
<br />
<p>Wanting to simply end this little game already, Yozora decided to just tell her that was the right answer.</p><br />
<br />
<p>"Corr<span style="letter-spacing:-2px">——</span></p><br />
<br />
<p>"<span style="letter-spacing:-2px">——</span>No, that's not it..."</p><br />
<br />
<p>"Eh?"</p><br />
<br />
<p>"...Even if it's rotten and has mold growing on it, sometimes you just have to eat what's on your plate... Otherwise you'll starve... That's just reality... Hrm... This is hard..."</p><br />
<br />
<p>...What do I do, I don't know if I can tell her that the answer is just "lunch and dinner" now, Yozora thought to herself.</p><br />
<br />
<p>Maria continued to moan while twisting her neck around until...</p><br />
<br />
<p>"I got it!"</p><br />
<br />
<p>She raised her hand all of a sudden.</p><br />
<br />
<p>"W-what is it?"</p><br />
<br />
<p>"I think we all need to work together to make a peaceful world abundant with food where everyone can afford to throw away their rotten breakfast with mold on it and buy some other safe and tasty food, rather than have to risk getting sick eating old food just to survive!"</p><br />
<br />
<p>"Y-yeah... S-sure...?"</p><br />
<br />
<p>Why does she have to be smart only at times like this... Yozora thought to herself as a cold sweat formed on her brow.</p><br />
<br />
<p>"Is that the right answer!?" Maria asked with a pair of sparkling eyes.</p><br />
<br />
<p>Her answer wasn't even close to the correct one, but Yozora still went, "...Hmph." and reached into her bag.</p><br />
<br />
<p>"Ohh!?" exclaimed Maria with a look of pure joy on her face.</p><br />
<br />
<p>The item Yozora had grabbed from her bag was <em>not</em> a bag of potato chips, but instead a bar of chocolate she'd bought for herself earlier.</p><br />
<br />
<p>She broke it in half, and gave one piece to Maria.</p><br />
<br />
<p>"You can have this, since I'm feeling nice today. Be thankful."</p><br />
<br />
<p>"Ohhh!?" Maria's eyes opened wide as she looked back and forth at the chocolate and Yozora's face.</p><br />
<br />
<p>"What's going on Yozora!? Have you finally seen the error of your ways!?"</p><br />
<br />
<p>"Be quiet and take it already."</p><br />
<br />
<p>"Okay! <span style="letter-spacing:-2px">——</span>Agya......!? Aghh..."</p><br />
<br />
<p>Maria had a huge smile plastered on her face as she reached out for the chocolate, but all of a sudden it changed to a look of pain.</p><br />
<br />
<p>"Hm? What's wrong?"</p><br />
<br />
<p>"..................M-my tummy hurts... I need to... g-go poop..."</p><br />
<br />
<p>"Idiot, that's what you get for eating all those potato chips like a madman..."</p><br />
<br />
<p>Yozora watched as Maria staggered her way out of the clubroom with a look of pity in her eyes.</p><br />
<br />
<p>Maria returned 10 minutes later, however it was neither potato chips nor chocolate, but stomach medicine that Yozora gave her. </p><br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<noinclude><br />
{| border="1" cellpadding="5" cellspacing="0" style="margin: 1em 1em 1em 0; background: #f9f9f9; border: 1px #aaaaaa solid; padding: 0.2em; border-collapse: collapse;"<br />
|-<br />
| Back to [[Boku_wa_Tomodachi_ga_Sukunai:_CONNECT_When It All Began|When It All Began]]<br />
| Return to [[Boku_wa_tomodachi_ga_sukunai|Main Page]]<br />
| Forward to [[Boku_wa_Tomodachi_ga_Sukunai:_CONNECT_The Wings of Beginning|The Wings of Beginning]]<br />
|-<br />
|}</div>Black Ice Princehttps://www.baka-tsuki.org/project/index.php?title=User:Black_Ice_Prince&diff=322597User:Black Ice Prince2014-01-24T16:08:39Z<p>Black Ice Prince: </p>
<hr />
<div>Welcome....<br />
<br />
===A===<br />
<br />
[[Absolute Duo]]<br />
<br />
[[Alice and Masayoshi are Indifferent]]<br />
<br />
[[Antimagic Academy 35th Test Platoon]]<br />
<br />
===B===<br />
<br />
[[Boku to Kanojo ni Furu Yoru]]<br />
<br />
[[Boku to Kanojo no Game Sensou]]<br />
<br />
[[Boku wa Tomodachi ga Sukunai]]<br />
<br />
===C===<br />
<br />
[[Campione!]]<br />
<br />
[[Chrome Shelled Regios]]<br />
<br />
[[Cross x Regalia]]<br />
<br />
[[CubexCursedxCurious]]<br />
<br />
===D===<br />
<br />
[[Date A Live]]<br />
<br />
[[Dakara Boku wa, H ga Dekinai.]]<br />
<br />
[[Denpa Onna to Seishun Otoko]]<br />
<br />
===E===<br />
<br />
[[ELYSION virtual region]]<br />
<br />
===F===<br />
<br />
[[Fuyuu Gakuen no Alice and Shirley]]<br />
<br />
===G===<br />
<br />
[[Gakusen Toshi Asterisk]]<br />
<br />
[[Gekka no Utahime to Magi no Ou]]<br />
<br />
===H===<br />
<br />
[[Hagure Yuusha no Aesthetica]]<br />
<br />
[[Haken no Kouki Altina]]<br />
<br />
[[Hataraku Maou-sama!]]<br />
<br />
[[HEAVY OBJECT]]<br />
<br />
[[Hentai Ouji to Warawanai Neko]]<br />
<br />
[[High School DxD]]<br />
<br />
[[Hitsugi no Chaika]]<br />
<br />
[[HUNDRED]]<br />
<br />
[[Hyakka Ryouran Samurai Girls]]<br />
<br />
===I===<br />
<br />
[[Ichiban Ushiro no Daimaou]]<br />
<br />
[[Infinite Stratos]]<br />
<br />
===K===<br />
<br />
[[Kämpfer]]<br />
<br />
[[Kaze no Stigma]]<br />
<br />
[[Kenkoku no Jungfrau]]<br />
<br />
[[Kenshin no Keishousha]]<br />
<br />
[[Kokoro Connect]]<br />
<br />
[[Kore wa Zombie desu ka?]]<br />
<br />
===L===<br />
<br />
[[Last Savior]]<br />
<br />
[[Log Horizon]]<br />
<br />
===M===<br />
<br />
[[Madan no Ou to Vanadis]]<br />
<br />
[[Mahouka Koukou no Rettousei]]<br />
<br />
[[Maou na Ore to Fushihime no Yubiwa]]<br />
<br />
[[Mondaiji-tachi ga isekai kara kuru soudesu yo]]<br />
<br />
===N===<br />
<br />
[[Nareru SE]]<br />
<br />
[[No Game No Life]]<br />
<br />
===O===<br />
<br />
[[Oda Nobuna no Yabou]]<br />
<br />
[[Ore no Kanojo to Osananajimi ga Shuraba Sugiru]]<br />
<br />
===R===<br />
<br />
[[R-15]]<br />
<br />
[[Ryuu to Aitsu to Kawaige no Nai Watashi]]<br />
<br />
===S===<br />
<br />
[[Sakurasou no Pet na Kanojo]]<br />
<br />
[[Seikoku no Ryuu Kishi]]<br />
<br />
[[Seirei Tsukai no Blade Dance]]<br />
<br />
[[Sekai no Kiki Hamekurumeku!]]<br />
<br />
[[Shinmai Maou no Keiyakusha]]<br />
<br />
[[Shippai Kinshi!]]<br />
<br />
[[Silver Cross and Draculea]]<br />
<br />
[[Sword Art Online]]<br />
<br />
===T===<br />
<br />
[[The Circumstances Leading to Waltraute's Marriage]]<br />
<br />
[[Toaru Majutsu no Index]]<br />
<br />
[[Toradora!]]<br />
<br />
[[Tsurugi no Hime to Aldebaran]]<br />
<br />
[[Tsurugi no Joou to Rakuin no Ko]]<br />
<br />
===U===<br />
<br />
[[Unlimited Fafnir]]<br />
<br />
===Z===<br />
<br />
[[Zero no Tsukaima]]<br />
<br />
<br />
Come again.</div>Black Ice Princehttps://www.baka-tsuki.org/project/index.php?title=HEAVY_OBJECT&diff=320727HEAVY OBJECT2014-01-20T04:53:24Z<p>Black Ice Prince: </p>
<hr />
<div>[[Image:Heavy Object v01 cover.jpg|thumb|300px|right|''The cover art of volume 1'']]"HEAVY OBJECT" (ヘヴィーオブジェクト) is a science fiction series by Kazuma Kamachi (鎌池 和馬) and illustrated by Ryou Nagi(凪良) published under the Dengeki light novel label. Currently seven volumes have been published. There is also a manga adaptation previously serialized in the monthly magazine of Dengeki Maou. <br />
<br />
<br />
The Heavy Object series is also available in the following languages:<br />
*[[Heavy Object ~ (Spanish)|Español (Spanish)]]<br />
<br />
<br />
== Story Synopsis ==<br />
In the end, war couldn't be extinguished. But, there was a transformation. Even in the heart of a worthless accomplice in murder who was indifferently continuing his task, there was a transformation. The massive weapon "Object". This was a weapon that changed the whole definition of war. An exchange student named Quenser, who was dispatched to the battlefield, met at the base a girl with a strange aura. The girl, dubbed "Elite", is the pilot of "Object". The near future. This diminutive boy had come to take on the role of standing up against the strongest weapon "Object" for the sake of the girl. This was the motive for their first meeting.<br />
<br />
== Translation ==<br />
<br />
=== [[HEAVY OBJECT:Registration Page|Registration]] ===<br />
<br />
'''Translators are asked to [[HEAVY OBJECT:Registration Page|register]] which chapters they are working on''' <br />
<br />
===Format Standards===<br />
'''Every Chapter (after editing) must conform to the general format guidelines''' <br />
*[[Format_guideline|General Format/Style Guideline]]<br />
<br />
===Feedback===<br />
'''If you enjoyed the series, why don't you tell us in the [http://www.baka-tsuki.org/forums/viewtopic.php?f=44&t=4660 Discussion Thread] and give the project a vote'''<br />
<br />
==Updates==<br />
*February 5, 2013 Heavy Object Vol.6 '''completed'''.<br />
*December 12, 2012 Heavy Object Vol.5 '''completed'''.<br />
*September 19, 2012 Heavy Object Vol.4 '''completed'''.<br />
*August 22, 2012 Heavy Object Vol.3 '''completed'''.<br />
*July 2, 2012 Heavy Object Vol.2 '''completed'''.<br />
*February 22, 2012 Heavy Object Vol.1 '''completed'''.<br />
*July 23, 2011: Project Page Created. Forum translations by DNK uploaded.<br />
<br />
== The "HEAVY OBJECT" Series ==<br />
<br />
=== Volume 1 ([[HEAVY_OBJECT:Volume_1|Full Text]] - [http://www.mediafire.com/?8lte9b4umh91gta PDF] - [http://www.baka-tsuki.org/forums/viewtopic.php?f=44&t=4889 ePUB/MOBI]) ===<br />
:*[[HEAVY OBJECT:Volume1 Illustrations|Novel Illustrations]] <br />
:*[[HEAVY OBJECT:Volume1 Prologue|Prologue]]<br />
:*[[HEAVY OBJECT:Volume1 Chapter 1|Chapter 1 - The Rank and File Soldiers that Tie Up Gulliver >> Battle on the Freezing Alaskan Snow]]<br />
:*[[HEAVY OBJECT:Volume1 Chapter 2|Chapter 2 - Tom Thumb Runs through the Oil Field >> Battle to Prevent Passage through Gibraltar]]<br />
:*[[HEAVY OBJECT:Volume1 Chapter 3|Chapter 3 - War of the Ant and the Grasshopper >> Battle to Defeat an Oceanian Military Nation]]<br />
:*[[HEAVY OBJECT:Volume1 Epilogue|Epilogue]]<br />
:*[[HEAVY OBJECT:Volume1 Afterword|Afterword]]<br />
<br />
=== Volume 2: Adoption War — ''An Audition War'' ([[HEAVY_OBJECT:Volume_2|Full Text]] - [http://www.mediafire.com/?hapktwc4xd9rtf2 PDF])===<br />
:*[[HEAVY OBJECT:Volume2 Illustrations|Novel Illustrations]]<br />
:*[[HEAVY OBJECT:Volume2 Prologue|Prologue]]<br />
:*[[HEAVY OBJECT:Volume2 Chapter 1|Chapter 1 - It is Only Natural to get Muddy in an Obstacle Course >> Battle to Control Antarctica]]<br />
:*[[HEAVY OBJECT:Volume2 Chapter 2|Chapter 2 - A Three Legged Race Up a Mountain is a Matter of Life and Death >> Battle of Shells in the Iguazu Mountains]]<br />
:*[[HEAVY OBJECT:Volume2 Chapter 3|Chapter 3 - In a Cavalry Battle, Destroy Your Opponent’s Footing >> Total War in Amazon City]]<br />
:*[[HEAVY OBJECT:Volume2 Epilogue|Epilogue]]<br />
:*[[HEAVY OBJECT:Volume2 Afterword|Afterword]]<br />
<br />
=== Volume 3: Shadow of the Giants — ''Global Shadow'' ([[HEAVY_OBJECT:Volume_3|Full Text]] - [http://www.mediafire.com/?4e48a34fu12xneu PDF])===<br />
:*[[HEAVY OBJECT:Volume3 Illustrations|Novel Illustrations]] <br />
:*[[HEAVY OBJECT:Volume3 Prologue|Prologue]]<br />
:*[[HEAVY OBJECT:Volume3 Chapter 1|Chapter 1 - A Grave of Junk is a Mountain of Rare Metals >> Interception at the Remains of the Alaska Battlefield]]<br />
:*[[HEAVY OBJECT:Volume3 Chapter 2|Chapter 2 - A Coal Mine that Scatters Stacks of Cash >> Nighttime Surprise Blitzkrieg on the Kamchatka Peninsula]]<br />
:*[[HEAVY OBJECT:Volume3 Chapter 3|Chapter 3 - Honor is Priceless >> Emergency Interception at Victoria Island]]<br />
:*[[HEAVY OBJECT:Volume3 Epilogue|Epilogue]]<br />
:*[[HEAVY OBJECT:Volume3 Afterword|Afterword]]<br />
<br />
=== Volume 4: Treasure of Electron Mathematics — ''Theoretical Vein'' ([[HEAVY_OBJECT:Volume_4|Full Text]] - [http://www.mediafire.com/?mq8diobbijo9r8r PDF]) ===<br />
:*[[HEAVY OBJECT:Volume4 Illustrations|Novel Illustrations]]<br />
:*[[HEAVY OBJECT:Volume4 Prologue|Prologue]]<br />
:*[[HEAVY OBJECT:Volume4 Chapter 1|Chapter 1 - What Should Have Been a Pure Blue Ocean >> Unofficial Battle in the Loyauté District]]<br />
:*[[HEAVY OBJECT:Volume4 Chapter 2|Chapter 2 - Christmas on a White Sand Beach >> Furlough Garrison Battle (?) in the Oceania District]]<br />
:*[[HEAVY OBJECT:Volume4 Chapter 3|Chapter 3 - The Treasure of the Sea Dyed Deep Red >> Defensive Battle in the Solomon District]]<br />
:*[[HEAVY OBJECT:Volume4 Epilogue|Epilogue]]<br />
:*[[HEAVY OBJECT:Volume4 Afterword|Afterword]]<br />
<br />
=== Volume 5: Festival of Death — ''Purge of Technopics'' ([[HEAVY_OBJECT:Volume_5|Full Text]] - [http://www.mediafire.com/?eqfja9yro4jmgkb PDF] - [http://www.mediafire.com/download/wd52u7b9w4abm2f/ Mobi]) ===<br />
:*[[HEAVY OBJECT:Volume5 Illustrations|Novel Illustrations]]<br />
:*[[HEAVY OBJECT:Volume5 Prologue|Prologue]]<br />
:*[[HEAVY OBJECT:Volume5 Chapter 1|Chapter 1]]<br />
:*[[HEAVY OBJECT:Volume5 Chapter 2|Chapter 2]]<br />
:*[[HEAVY OBJECT:Volume5 Chapter 3|Chapter 3]]<br />
:*[[HEAVY OBJECT:Volume5 Chapter 4|Chapter 4]]<br />
:*[[HEAVY OBJECT:Volume5 Chapter 5|Chapter 5]]<br />
:*[[HEAVY OBJECT:Volume5 Epilogue|Epilogue]]<br />
:*[[HEAVY OBJECT:Volume5 Afterword|Afterword]]<br />
<br />
=== Volume 6: Path to the Third Generation — ''The Coming of Third Generation'' ([[HEAVY_OBJECT:Volume_6|Full Text]] - [http://www.mediafire.com/?9yilz1037r7m8b6 PDF] - [http://www.mediafire.com/download/5olrh4u6p4p9kj5/ MOBI] ) ===<br />
:*[[HEAVY OBJECT:Volume6 Illustrations|Novel Illustrations]]<br />
:*[[HEAVY OBJECT:Volume6 Prologue|Prologue]]<br />
:*[[HEAVY OBJECT:Volume6 Chapter 1|Chapter 1 - The War Broker Closest to Heaven >> Intelligence Battle in the Cook District]]<br />
:*[[HEAVY OBJECT:Volume6 Chapter 2|Chapter 2 - The Team that Carries Out Dirty Jobs More Painful than Hell >> Transportation Battle in the Athabasca District]]<br />
:*[[HEAVY OBJECT:Volume6 Chapter 3|Chapter 3 - The Conspiracy Bank that Motivates Human Greed >> Bombardment Battle in the Amazon District]]<br />
:*[[HEAVY OBJECT:Volume6 Epilogue|Epilogue]]<br />
:*[[HEAVY OBJECT:Volume6 Afterword|Afterword]]<br />
<br />
=== Volume 7: ''The Police of Ghosts'' ([[HEAVY_OBJECT:Volume_7|Full Text]]) ===<br />
:*[[HEAVY OBJECT:Volume7 Illustrations|Novel Illustrations]]<br />
:*[[HEAVY OBJECT:Volume7 Prologue|Prologue]]<br />
:*[[HEAVY OBJECT:Volume7 Chapter 1|Chapter 1: A Deadly Firefight between Two Idiots >> Mock Battle in Oceania]]<br />
:*[[HEAVY OBJECT:Volume7 Chapter 2|Chapter 2: My Job is to Transport Paint >> Intelligence Battle in Oceania]]<br />
:*[[HEAVY OBJECT:Volume7 Chapter 3|Chapter 3: Police are a Means of Stopping War >> Liberation Battle in Oceania]]<br />
:*[[HEAVY OBJECT:Volume7 Epilogue|Epilogue]]<br />
:*[[HEAVY OBJECT:Volume7 Afterword|Afterword]]<br />
<br />
===Short Story===<br />
This short story was published shortly after the release of the first Heavy Object novel.<br />
<br />
:*[[HEAVY OBJECT:ShortStory1|Sandy Short Program >> Second Oceanian Struggle]]<br />
<br />
==Project Staff==<br />
<br />
*Project Administrator: N/A<br />
*Project Supervisor: N/A<br />
<br />
===Translators===<br />
ACTIVE<br />
*[[user:Js06|Js06]]<br />
<br />
===Editors===<br />
All editors who speak English proficiently are welcomed.<br />
*[[User:Zero2001|Zero2001]] (Proofreader and Formatting)<br />
<br />
*Page Checkers<br />
:*[[User:Wilfriback|Wilfriback]]<br />
*Proofreaders<br />
:*[[User:Hiro Hayase|Hiro Hayase]]<br />
<br />
== Series Overview ==<br />
*ヘヴィーオブジェクト / HEAVY OBJECT (10 OCT 2009, ISBN 978-4-04-868069-1)<br />
*ヘヴィーオブジェクト 採用戦争 / HEAVY OBJECT Saiyou Sensou (10 JUN 2010, ISBN 978-4-04-868594-8)<br />
*ヘヴィーオブジェクト 巨人達の影 / HEAVY OBJECT Kyojin tachi no Kage (10 NOV 2010, ISBN 978-4-04-870051-1)<br />
*ヘヴィーオブジェクト 電子数学の財宝 / HEAVY OBJECT Denshi Suugaku no Zaihou (10 SEP 2011, ISBN 978-4-04-870549-3)<br />
*ヘヴィーオブジェクト 死の祭典 / HEAVY OBJECT Shi no Saiten (10 NOV 2011, ISBN 978-4-04-870997-2)<br />
*ヘヴィーオブジェクト 第三世代への道 / HEAVY OBJECT Daisansedai e no Michi (10 JUN 2012, ISBN 978-4-04-886624-8)<br />
*ヘヴィーオブジェクト 亡霊達の警察 / HEAVY OBJECT Bourei tachi no Keisatsu (9 NOV 2013, ISBN 978-4-04-866080-8)<br />
[[Category:Dengeki Bunko]]<br />
[[Category:Genre - Harem]]<br />
[[Category:Genre - Action]]</div>Black Ice Princehttps://www.baka-tsuki.org/project/index.php?title=HEAVY_OBJECT:Volume_7&diff=320724HEAVY OBJECT:Volume 72014-01-20T04:51:42Z<p>Black Ice Prince: Created page with "==Novel Illustrations== {{:HEAVY OBJECT:Volume7 Illustrations}} {{:HEAVY OBJECT:Volume7 Prologue}} {{:HEAVY OBJECT:Volume7 Chapter 1}} {{:HEAVY OBJECT:Volume7 Chapter 2}} {{:H..."</p>
<hr />
<div>==Novel Illustrations==<br />
{{:HEAVY OBJECT:Volume7 Illustrations}}<br />
{{:HEAVY OBJECT:Volume7 Prologue}}<br />
{{:HEAVY OBJECT:Volume7 Chapter 1}}<br />
{{:HEAVY OBJECT:Volume7 Chapter 2}}<br />
{{:HEAVY OBJECT:Volume7 Chapter 3}}<br />
{{:HEAVY OBJECT:Volume7 Epilogue}}<br />
{{:HEAVY OBJECT:Volume7 Afterword}}<br />
<br />
<noinclude>{{HEAVYOBJECT Nav|prev=HEAVY OBJECT:Volume 6|next=HEAVY OBJECT:Volume 8}}</noinclude></div>Black Ice Princehttps://www.baka-tsuki.org/project/index.php?title=HEAVY_OBJECT:Volume4_Chapter_2&diff=319986HEAVY OBJECT:Volume4 Chapter 22014-01-16T09:23:01Z<p>Black Ice Prince: </p>
<hr />
<div>==Chapter 2: Christmas on a White Sand Beach >> Furlough Garrison Battle (?) in Oceania==<br />
<br />
===Part 1===<br />
<br />
The Oceania district.<br />
<br />
With the dictatorship that had held a tyrannical rule over that land destroyed, the coalition-led restoration had accelerated.<br />
<br />
The Legitimacy Kingdom's 37th Mobile Maintenance Battalion's convoy made up of over 100 large vehicles was stationed there and a "cityscape" had cropped up around it.<br />
<br />
"We can't have everything spreading out like this," said Froleytia Capistrano as sweet-smelling smoke drifted up from her narrow kiseru.<br />
<br />
She was speaking with the old lady who led maintenance on the Baby Magnum.<br />
<br />
"Yes, but it is only natural for shops to set up in areas where money is likely to change hands."<br />
<br />
"We purposefully distanced ourselves from the urban areas to keep the civilians out of any unforeseen dangers, but we can't stop them from setting up a market made up of tents and RVs. Someone could easily use this to sneak in close and fire a shell at the base."<br />
<br />
"Even if we move the convoy away, they will simply follow us. That is probably why they are using shops that are so easy to set up and take apart. If they make money, they will be happy. And this will prevent the conspiracy theories surrounding the secrecy over Object technology. Just think of this as an advertisement in that fashion."<br />
<br />
Froleytia and the old lady were sitting on a sheet spread across the sandy ground within the maintenance base with a parasol stuck into the ground next to them.<br />
<br />
However, a hellish scene of sweat and tears existed just 3 meters away from their vacation mood.<br />
<br />
"Quenser, the water filtration devices come in sets of 15 boxes. Once you have confirmed their arrival, make an entry in the database and carry them all to storage."<br />
<br />
"...O...kay..."<br />
<br />
"Quenser, that box is full of champagne bottles. You can use the dolly if you like, but I will kill you if they get shaken up. Also, make sure you do not leave the cold room's door open."<br />
<br />
"...Pant...pant..."<br />
<br />
"Queeeeennnnsssseeerrrr, that one is my Japanese sword and that one is my Japanese armor and helmet. That one is my set of Japanese dolls and that is my Japanese furisode. Be careful as you carry them. We aren't often part of a coalition force. I need to find all the best deals while the market is in chaos."<br />
<br />
Quenser Barbotage collapsed in the middle of the sandy ground.<br />
<br />
"...I-I can't. I can't go on. I've been doing nothing but physical labor for three days now... I thought this was supposed to be paid leave. We finally managed to get back, so what happened to the swimsuits?"<br />
<br />
"What? Was Quenser, the boy who ignored several war treaties to go off to fight the Capitalist Corporations' Second Generation Object, just saying something to me, the one who had to write report after report frantically emphasizing the damage to the Deep Optical and forcing a smile as I put up with the jokes of those old men higher up the ranks that are at least borderline sexual harassment to somehow avoid having you court martialed?"<br />
<br />
"Gyahhh!! I'll do anything! I'll go along with whatever you say for the rest of my life, commander!!"<br />
<br />
Quenser raised his sand-covered face and screamed.<br />
<br />
"...It almost looks like he's enjoying this," muttered the old lady, but it seemed no one heard her.<br />
<br />
As Quenser wiped the sand from his body, he asked, "B-By the way, where is Heivia?"<br />
<br />
"Cleaning the bathrooms, cleaning the bath pipes, cleaning the washing machine drums, and cleaning the convoy's engine rooms. And that's for every single one of the base's over 100 vehicles."<br />
<br />
"Y-You're kidding! Nothing but cleaning!?"<br />
<br />
Quenser could only raise a prayer for the different sort of hell Heivia had been sent to as he still had to deal with his own hell.<br />
<br />
Froleytia paid him no heed and said, "Once you finish that...Oh, I know. The Japanese paulownia wood chest I bought yesterday should be delivered to the base soon. The civilian deliveryman won't be able to get inside the base, so bring it to my room after its security check at the gate."<br />
<br />
"I want a powered suit for this!!"<br />
<br />
"After that...Oh, right. There is that other important matter."<br />
<br />
"I'll die. I'm really going to die!! Wait, I get it. The final boss this time is my huge-breasted commander!!""<br />
<br />
"What, is it really that bad?" Froleytia calmly breathed out some smoke. "The princess wants to go swimming at the Great Barrier Reef, so she needs some bodyguards. But if you would really prefer to stick around the convoy and its stench of oil and exhaust, suit yourself."<br />
<br />
"Please let me go!!"<br />
<br />
===Part 2===<br />
<br />
Meanwhile, Heivia was also finally released from his hell. He was currently relaxing outside the maintenance base zone.<br />
<br />
"God dammit. Everyone knew I was being used as that huge-breasted commander's toy, so they all forced their ridiculous demands on me too."<br />
<br />
At a coffee shop made out of an RV, Heivia sipped at an iced coffee that did not seem the type of thing a noble would drink. With the double punch of heat caused by the roasting sun above and the reflected sunlight coming from the sand below, he could hardly order a hot drink.<br />
<br />
The "cityscapes" that developed around a maintenance base zone during times like that were quite a different thing from a standard safe country city or an Oceanian city.<br />
<br />
Not a single concrete building could be seen.<br />
<br />
Everything was made to be set up or broken down within half an hour. The Object and its maintenance base zone could set up or move out immediately to match the military situation, and those making up the "cityscape" were hardly going to let any chance to make money slip by.<br />
<br />
As Heivia sipped at the iced coffee that no longer had any ice in it, he heard a high-pitched girl's voice.<br />
<br />
"Welcome, internet viewers!! Welcome to the Oceanian Live – Class A!! Oh ho ho ho ho!!"<br />
<br />
He looked over and saw a 3D projector set up in the store displaying an Information Alliance idol concert that had been held a few days prior. It was free to watch for a week after the event, but would it really draw in any customers?<br />
<br />
(Well, it looks more like the guy running the store is the only one watching.)<br />
<br />
The 3D image was not displayed on a screen. Instead, the it appeared directly in empty space. Quenser likely could have excitedly explained exactly how it worked, but Heivia did not know. He had a feeling it was something along the lines of sending out light waves from multiple directions to display the image with the increase and decrease of the light waves' amplitudes.<br />
<br />
The image only appeared 3D from head on. When viewed from the side, the images for the right eye and left eye were out of sync which made for a dizzying sight.<br />
<br />
"Diffracted waves are used to create the separate images. This is the latest model," explained the shop owner who must have been bored.<br />
<br />
He seemed more proud of the projector than the idol who was passionately singing a popular song.<br />
<br />
(Why can't it just be the students who are proud of their machines?)<br />
<br />
With that thought, Heivia changed the subject.<br />
<br />
"Do you like idols?"<br />
<br />
"Better than other Elites at least. The Information Alliance's idols seem friendlier than the patriotic heroes and the million dollar players."<br />
<br />
The idol dancing in the 3D image was tall, had ringlet curls, and had G-cup breasts. As Heivia watched, he decided the dance moves were definitely designed to make her breasts jiggle.<br />
<br />
Meanwhile, the shop owner stealthily added one last thing to his comment.<br />
<br />
"...And this one has big breasts."<br />
<br />
"So that really is your reason!! Well, I can't deny that I wish our princess would do this kind of thing."<br />
<br />
As Heivia spoke, the writing and patterns on the dancing G-cup idol's special suit changed in real time.<br />
<br />
No normal material could do that.<br />
<br />
A musical score made of ribbons appeared in midair and wrapped around the G-cup idol's bewitching body in sync to her singing.<br />
<br />
"Class A sure is showy," said the shop owner. "The A stands for 'augmented reality'. Most likely, the actual idol is dancing in all blue or all green tights, but it sure does look nice like this. Then again, the completely fictitious Class V takes it a step further."<br />
<br />
"I prefer R for reality. All of Class A's panty shots are prearranged, right?"<br />
<br />
"You say that, but you can't seem to take your eyes off her thighs."<br />
<br />
[[Image:HO_v04_09.jpg|thumb]]<br />
<br />
"Sorry, but I prefer tits," said Heivia with a perfectly serious expression.<br />
<br />
The fact that the writing and patterns of the idol's outfit could be freely altered also meant the figure of the idol could be directly altered in the footage, but Heivia's imagination did not seem to reach that far.<br />
<br />
Heivia brought the cheap iced coffee back to his lips as his gaze was drawn to the chest of the 3D image, but then...<br />
<br />
"Oh, it's Heivia. If it isn't Heivia."<br />
<br />
"Bff!?"<br />
<br />
Heivia very nearly spat out the iced coffee because he recognized the girl who had called out to him. She was the daughter of the Vanderbilt family as well as Heivia's fiancée. However, she was only unofficially his fiancée for the moment due to various circumstances. Normally, she would never be seen outside of an inner room of a mansion within the Legitimacy Kingdom's home country.<br />
<br />
Heivia began to tremble when he saw that girl wearing a dress covered in jewels that did not suit that market that had a mixed and gray atmosphere.<br />
<br />
"Y-You...? Why are you here...?"<br />
<br />
"Why do you find it so odd? Oceania's military regime was destroyed and the coalition invasion has come to an end. This is a safe country now. There is no problem with civilians coming here."<br />
<br />
"(The resolution of the issue with the military nation is now leading to skirmishes between the members of the coalition to see who gains the most power here, so things are actually more strained here than ever.)"<br />
<br />
"Did you say something?"<br />
<br />
Heivia shook his head.<br />
<br />
"Wait, where are your bodyguards? Don't tell me you came here on your own."<br />
<br />
"My family would not stop complaining about how I was acting, so I gave them the slip."<br />
<br />
"That just makes this worse!! Now I can't just get back to my military work after chatting with you!!"<br />
<br />
"Oh, but isn't it only because I slipped away from them that we can have such an elegant chat? Right, Heivia...or should I say Romeo?"<br />
<br />
"Well, 'Juliet', I get the feeling your guards are going to track you down and then shoot me when they find me with you."<br />
<br />
"Oh, dear. You do not seem very moved over a chance meeting with your fiancée." The girl frowned slightly. "I sincerely hope some horrible woman has not gotten to you while I have been away."<br />
<br />
"Absolutely not!! In fact, every time a good opportunity comes up the useless guy who is always with me gets it!!"<br />
<br />
"So you admit that some 'good opportunities' have occurred."<br />
<br />
"..."<br />
<br />
Heivia's eyes swam to the side like two synchronized swimmers.<br />
<br />
The daughter of the Vanderbilt family gave a gentle smile.<br />
<br />
"Heivia, I am not an intolerant woman. You are a noble man. You are free to have mistresses. That is merely a type of status symbol." After a short pause, the girl's voice grew cold. "However, if you put anyone above me even for an instant...you know what will happen, don't you?"<br />
<br />
"Y-Y-Yes, I know very well. You don't have to specify. Really, you don't."<br />
<br />
"I will have to use the tower collection☆"<br />
<br />
"But that's nothing but the whips, wooden horses, and the like that tyrannical relative of yours used!! Your family claims to only keep them around to make sure you never forget the past that destroyed your family!!"<br />
<br />
A sense of intimidation of a different sort than that given off by his large-breasted commander caused a chill to run down Heivia's back.<br />
<br />
His fiancée was a cute girl, but she unfortunately seemed to have some "tsun"<ref>Tsun from [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tsundere|'''Tsun'''dere.]</ref> and "yan"<ref>Yan from [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Yandere#Y|'''Yan'''dere]</ref> to her.<br />
<br />
===Part 3===<br />
<br />
The princess swimming in the ocean.<br />
<br />
The princess in a plain but lovely swimsuit.<br />
<br />
From the moment Froleytia ordered him to join the pilot Elite's bodyguard unit, the driving force running Quenser had entered an odd mode. It was similar to running a gasoline engine on rocket fuel. He had not slept for three days, but his sleepiness gauge had circled all the way around and he no longer felt like sleeping at all and felt a bit uneasy. With his good fortune having finally reached its peak, he may have subconsciously wanted to burn every last instant of it into his mind.<br />
<br />
"...Quenser, you are joining my bodyguards?" asked the princess.<br />
<br />
"Seems that way, miss swimsuit!!"<br />
<br />
"?"<br />
<br />
"Let's go let's go let's go! The beach the beach the beach! You know what is expected of you, right, miss swimsuit!?"<br />
<br />
Quenser eagerly pushed at the princess from behind to get her into the backseat of the military 4WD vehicle.<br />
<br />
While the beach was close to the base, it was still outside of its defensive range. Their 4WD vehicle was at the center and two more were placed to the front and to the back. Also, an armored vehicle protected them on either side. This was commonly known as a sabre formation.<br />
<br />
The formation could only be used in the desert where, unlike an urban area, the width of the road could be ignored. While it would stand up to a sudden attack from an anti-tank missile, it would be of no use against an Object.<br />
<br />
"So you wanted to go to the Great Barrier Reef? That's the world's largest coral reef, right?"<br />
<br />
"I do not care where. I just want to swim in something other than a bathtub."<br />
<br />
The princess pinched at the special suit clinging to her body and tugged as she spoke. The suit was supposed to be perfectly air conditioned, but it seemed she still found it somewhat uncomfortable.<br />
<br />
The small convoy reached the beach without coming under attack.<br />
<br />
The beach was covered in smooth, white sand that was clearly different from earthen color of the desert. Just looking out at the sea that looked like blue and green dissolved together was a wonderful sight and the richly-colored tropical fish below the surface would be yet another type of heaven.<br />
<br />
However, Quenser ignored it all.<br />
<br />
"Okay, miss swimsuit!! The time has come for you to show us your majestic form!! If you're going with the standard, it will be a plain but lovely one piece swimsuit. But if you want to push the unexpected angle, it could be a revealing bikini! Or even a custom-made one-of-a-kind sexy swimsuit!! So what is your answer, princess!? Give me your answer!!"<br />
<br />
He may have been there in the name of protecting the princess, but Quenser's muscle tone and level of equipment was clearly lacking compared to the other bodyguards. Heaven had answered his prayers and he had been rewarded with the duty of looking at a slender girl in a swimsuit, so he had no intention of focusing on anything else. If an Object attacked right that instant, he would likely have completely ignored it.<br />
<br />
Meanwhile, the princess was completely oblivious to his expectations.<br />
<br />
"?"<br />
<br />
"Oh!! But this isn't a properly maintained beach! There are no motels around here, so there is no safe place to change! I guess you'll have to hide behind the 4WD vehicle and blush with embarrassment as you use it as a changing area! What is this? Just the swimsuit would have been more than enough of a reward, but it seems the feast begins even before that!!"<br />
<br />
Quenser's seemingly endless excitement was partially fueled by the princess's normal outfit.<br />
<br />
The special suit was completely skintight, so it was not all that bad. However, its defenses were too tight and he never had a chance to see her soft skin. And it was her uniform, so she wore it year round. That ultra-perfect wholesome defense ensured that Quenser never saw anything even remotely approaching a glimpse of her panties. With the thought "Isn't it about time you moved on to the next step, boy?" in his mind, Quenser's brain had gone a bit crazy at the chance to see her in a swimsuit where various odds were greatly changed. However, the way he was acting could all be filed under the category of "it can't be helped".<br />
<br />
"Okay, miss swimsuit!! Your answer! It's time for your answer!! I'm ready. Right now, I'm willing to accept pretty much anything. Nothing but large bandages would be fine. So what is your answer, miss swimsuit!? Please give me your answer!!"<br />
<br />
"What is a swimsuit?"<br />
<br />
.........................................................................................................................................................................................................<br />
<br />
In that instant, it was not just Quenser who froze in place. The bodyguards who were spread around the area seriously carrying out their duties secretly did as well.<br />
<br />
That was a bad start.<br />
<br />
With that thought, Quenser frantically tried to keep the situation from switching over to a different set of rails.<br />
<br />
"P-Princess...? You shouldn't answer a question with a question."<br />
<br />
"I did not bring whatever a swimsuit is with me."<br />
<br />
Hearing that response, Quenser's eyes opened up wide.<br />
<br />
He was intent on keeping things pointed in the direction of bare skin even if he had to force it.<br />
<br />
"So you're going nude!? I see, I see. I certainly did not expect your answer to go that far!!"<br />
<br />
"I am going to swim like this. An Elite's special suit is made to withstand any environment, so there is no problem with swimming in it."<br />
<br />
"No!!!!!" Due to the Japanese comedy routines he had seen in Froleytia's officer room, Quenser's shout had an odd intonation to it. "You, um...can't do that!! That special suit is wonderful. I can't deny that! But wonderful though it is...this isn't the place for it!! This is a scene for something out of the ordinary!! Just as we would be really pissed if an Object showed up now, you simply can't choose the special suit here!!"<br />
<br />
"?"<br />
<br />
"No, don't tilt your cute little head to the side like that!! Wait, it's not too late! If we head back to the market around the base, we can find all sorts of cute swimsuits, sexy swimsuits, and even sexier swimsuits!! Let's go, princess. I am perfectly fine with having to start from the stage of you blushing in embarrassment as you choose a swimsuit!!"<br />
<br />
But as soon as Quenser grabbed the princess's hand and tried to run off, the entire bodyguard unit aimed their guns at him.<br />
<br />
They seemed intent on preserving the initial time schedule.<br />
<br />
"...I really don't think there's anything wrong with wanting to at least get a school swimsuit here."<br />
<br />
The bodyguards agreed with him there.<br />
<br />
===Part 4===<br />
<br />
"Oh, ladies, are you from the Faith Organization? If you have any dietary restrictions, tell me now," said the owner of a restaurant of the type that could be found anywhere in Oceania those days.<br />
<br />
A tent made of waterproof cloth created a simple roof under which a large metal plate, a few chairs, and a cooler full of seafood were set up.<br />
<br />
One of the customers showed a thin smile that completely failed as a polite smile.<br />
<br />
She was Sarasa Gleamshifter of Valkyrie.<br />
<br />
"No, our doctrines require no such restrictions."<br />
<br />
"We can chow down on octopus and squid."<br />
<br />
"We're more used to wild boar, though."<br />
<br />
Her subordinates, Rachel and Maria gave their own opinions. Maria's response was more halfhearted as she was watching a 3D image of an Information Alliance idol Elite.<br />
<br />
The restaurant owner smiled and said, "Then I don't have to hold back. Since you've come down to the southern hemisphere, you might as well make some memories by choosing something more unusual."<br />
<br />
"We will be paying in the Faith Organization method. Is that okay?"<br />
<br />
"Let's see, the Faith Organization puts more focus on precious metals than paper money, correct? The exchange rate with foreign currencies is set using platinum and diamonds as their value is more fixed, I believe. I'll have to call in an appraiser which will make this take longer, but I can manage."<br />
<br />
"No, we will be using Faith Organization paper money," replied Sarasa. "Unfortunately, we cannot rely on platinum at the moment."<br />
<br />
Sarasa paused briefly before that last comment, but the restaurant owner did not seem to notice.<br />
<br />
"Well, the conclusions of an appraiser can easily be argued with. Real money that is accepted around the world is best."<br />
<br />
The man prepared some small fish of a coloration Sarasa had never before seen and then placed them atop the heated metal plate. She had no idea what he intended to do with them, but he did not gut them. He placed them in a small bowl with some strong seasonings and mixed it all together.<br />
<br />
Cooking on a metal plate like that was a type of show.<br />
<br />
As the restaurant owner cooked the tropical fish in a skillful manner that functioned as a form of entertainment, he gave a bitter smile and said, "I would have a wider variation of dishes if I had beef, but it's just too expensive."<br />
<br />
"Come to think of it, the natural balance in Oceania has yet to be restored," commented Rachel as she was caught up in watching the food dance across the metal plate. "The dictatorship was pushing the extreme forestation while the local tribes resisted it in favor of the original desert. Because the environment was so radically changed again and again in some areas, the coalition has to carefully regulate the quality of the soil. There are a lot of restrictions on grazing land to prevent the balance between vegetation and desert from collapsing."<br />
<br />
"Yes. Thanks to that we have to rely on importation despite how large the country is. But lately platinum mining has really grown. Rumor has it the Information Alliance is bringing in tons of domed livestock facilities and container-shaped animal feed factories. If they can do that, it doesn't matter if the entire area's a desert. The local tribes won't like the imported feed, but it shouldn't be too much of an issue as long as it all stays isolated within the containers. If it all works out, solar power generation can be used to create a huge sterilized farm in the middle of the desert. The food shortage will be resolved in no time at all." After delightedly explaining all that, the restaurant owner suddenly realized something and added an additional comment. "Oh, do people from the Faith Organization oppose that kind of technology that creates manmade food sources? Y'know, genetically altered crops and the like."<br />
<br />
After all, the Faith Organization was well known for accepting the theories of evolution and the big bang yet insisting that a nonhuman supernatural trigger had to have caused those scientific coincidences.<br />
<br />
It was true that they were not fond of manmade recreations of natural works.<br />
<br />
But Sarasa readily shook her head.<br />
<br />
"The Central Religious Assembly's conclusion on the 89th issue regarding food sources resolved any such issues. Also, the Faith Organization is not as unyielding as others seem to think."<br />
<br />
"Is that so?" muttered the man vaguely as he continued to move his hands over the metal plate.<br />
<br />
Sarasa went on to say, "For example, let us say man has created a material that does not exist at all in the natural world. Do you think the Faith Organization would find fault in this?"<br />
<br />
"...Well, yeah. Don't you say that denies god's providence, or brings an impurity into the world god created, or something like that?"<br />
<br />
"We are not so sensitive as to take up arms over the creation of plastic." Sarasa smiled lightly. "We compromise. If you use oxygen and hydrogen to create water, the materials you have used were taken from the world that god originally created. For that reason, the water you have created is nothing more than a derivation of what god has created. You have not brought an impurity into the world god created. The same reasoning can be used to permit plastics and carbon nanotubes."<br />
<br />
"I see."<br />
<br />
"We do not start conflicts because we wish to. If we are able to compromise, we will do so to avoid needless conflict."<br />
<br />
At that point, all expression suddenly disappeared from Sarasa's face and she muttered something under her breath.<br />
<br />
"(But when people set foot into a territory that allows for no compromise like that old man, we will assassinate them no matter what.)"<br />
<br />
"?"<br />
<br />
The restaurant owner did not seem able to hear what she had said.<br />
<br />
With the conversation ended but the man's focus still on them, Sarasa changed the subject and asked a question.<br />
<br />
"How about by boat?"<br />
<br />
With that alone, it was hard to tell what she meant.<br />
<br />
However, the man immediately replied.<br />
<br />
"I wouldn't count on it. Recently, you probably could have gotten away with poaching fish, but there aren't many boats now. Of course, that means I have plenty of customers from those large groups, so I'm not complaining."<br />
<br />
"...How about by air?"<br />
<br />
"Are you trying to transport people or goods rather than fish? That could be tough. This is Oceania. Multiple world powers have Objects here. If you send out a helicopter of unknown affiliation, it will be shot down by anti-air laser. And if you get one world power to allow you through, a different one might not allow you through."<br />
<br />
After thinly slicing the cooked fish, the man added a sauce that smelled strongly of blood. Sarasa stabbed her fork into the slices and asked a question.<br />
<br />
"You said a boat would have worked recently. What changed?"<br />
<br />
"The Legitimacy Kingdom," replied the restaurant owner as he pulled a sea cucumber out of the cooler and sliced it up with his knife. "An Object of theirs...the Baby Magnum I think it's called...is on leave near the beach, so the layout of their surveillance network has changed a lot. From what I hear, the routes connecting Oceania with nearby islands are cut off. But as I said, the military brings in a large group of customers, so I'm welcoming them with open arms."<br />
<br />
"So cargo from the Loyauté district cannot get here?"<br />
<br />
"Exactly. Honestly, it's scary how quickly Objects can be deployed. An area that was completely safe yesterday can be the front lines today."<br />
<br />
"..."<br />
<br />
Sarasa narrowed her eyes slightly as she watched the metal spatula dance in front of her.<br />
<br />
They had failed on that island.<br />
<br />
That meant her target was now...<br />
<br />
===Part 5===<br />
<br />
It had been one hell of a day.<br />
<br />
By the time Quenser and Heivia met up near the maintenance base zone, it was nearing evening.<br />
<br />
"...How'd things go for you?"<br />
<br />
"...How about for you?"<br />
<br />
From that exchange, it was clear they had both had a large catch get away from them.<br />
<br />
Quenser sighed and said, "Where did I go wrong? The setting should have been perfect. So what was it...? What went wrong...?"<br />
<br />
"After returning a rich girl ignorant of how the world works back to her guards, I had those same guards chase me around with handguns for 3 hours..."<br />
<br />
Those two weary souls suddenly felt their handheld devices vibrate as they received an email.<br />
<br />
"I don't want to read it!! That has got to be the sign that Froleytia's ridiculous demands have begun anew!!"<br />
<br />
"Quenser, I'll lend you my handgun, so will you please shoot me in the leg?"<br />
<br />
That was how far they were ready to go in order to get out of more work, but they found something else entirely when they actually read the email.<br />
<br />
::<span style="font-family:Calibri; font-size:115%">I want to have a Christmas party to give us all a break, but I can't let a civilian bartender into the maintenance base.<br>For that reason, all but the bare minimum required for the current shift are to meet up at point YI.<br>Let's go nuts drinking tonight.</span><br />
<br />
"..."<br />
<br />
"..."<br />
<br />
Quenser and Heivia exchanged a wordless glance.<br />
<br />
They then silently but strongly clenched their fists.<br />
<br />
"We still have a chance!!"<br />
<br />
"Wait, wait, wait!! This is a Christmas party with the princess and our huge-breasted commander. And December is summertime in Australia!! We'll never see a normal Santa Claus here!! This'll have bare skin, miniskirts, bare thighs, and bouncing breasts!!"<br />
<br />
Point YI was not far away.<br />
<br />
There was no way congested traffic would make them miss it.<br />
<br />
They may have missed out on any swimsuits, but the chance still remained for a sexy Santa.<br />
<br />
The two idiots named Quenser and Heivia immediately took action to get to that heaven of changed odds.<br />
<br />
A bright red bus and a blue taxi stood before them.<br />
<br />
"I'll take the red bus!!" said Quenser.<br />
<br />
"Then just for fun, I'll take the blue taxi!!"<br />
<br />
And thus their fates were divided...<br />
<br />
===Part 6===<br />
<br />
When Quenser arrived at point YI where the party was located, he glanced around.<br />
<br />
He was not inside some shop.<br />
<br />
Due to the "cityscape" being made up of mostly tents and RVs, there were no shops in which one could leisurely sit around.<br />
<br />
A portion of the market was opened up into a plaza and a large number of tables covered in food had been carried in. The free mobility of the shops making up the "cityscape" was a major advantage. They had likely opened up the space to accommodate such important customers.<br />
<br />
(Looks like Heivia hasn't arrived yet.)<br />
<br />
Soldiers wearing the same uniform as Quenser had already begun to partake in the food and alcohol, but Heivia was nowhere to be seen.<br />
<br />
"Oh, there's the old lady."<br />
<br />
"What? Shouldn't you be speaking with someone younger at a party like this?"<br />
<br />
"I thought you would be on standby in the maintenance area in case the Object had to be scrambled."<br />
<br />
"The princess is off duty, so there wouldn't be much point. This is a coalition force, so other Objects are taking care of defense. ...But wouldn't this be a perfect opportunity for you to observe the Object?"<br />
<br />
"There isn't much to learn when no one is working on it. I need to see it when it's actually fighting. If I'm just going to stare at its surface, I might as well just go to a military magazine site."<br />
<br />
"What a boring person. Your ideas lack style. You're the type of person that wouldn't ask for a souvenir from someone heading overseas."<br />
<br />
"I'd take some platinum as a souvenir of Oceania. I hear they've been mining a bunch of it lately."<br />
<br />
"I see you're pretending to be some wealthy merchant again. And platinum is old news. The days of it having a stable value are over. Research is progressing in ways to mass produce industrial platinum."<br />
<br />
"Eh? They're using the platinum for industrial uses?"<br />
<br />
"It's used in Objects, too. You need to study some more, student."<br />
<br />
As the two spoke, Froleytia approached them from behind with a cocktail glass in hand.<br />
<br />
"Oh, you two haven't started eating yet? Who knows when we'll have another chance to eat anything but those flavorless rations. You should eat some while you can."<br />
<br />
"Then can't you do something about those ratio—...bfh!?"<br />
<br />
Quenser had a good reason for freezing in place the instant he turned around.<br />
<br />
Major Froleytia Capistrano had become a miniskirt Santa. Also, her upper body was covered in nothing but a bikini-style piece of clothing that had very little surface area. Her cleavage and midriff were on full display.<br />
<br />
After facing postponement after postponement with the princess's swimsuit feint, Quenser very nearly lost control of his emotions at all that bare skin.<br />
<br />
"A surprise projectile attack!?"<br />
<br />
"I have no idea what you mean, but those military uniforms are hardly suited for the desert."<br />
<br />
"Honestly, it's going to get cold once the sun sets. You have no one to blame but yourself when you catch a cold after dressing like that," said the old lady in exasperation, but there was a hint of amusement on her face.<br />
<br />
With a confused look, Froleytia asked, "Wait, where is Heivia? Is he not here yet?"<br />
<br />
"That's the thing..."<br />
<br />
Just as Quenser started to respond, a small electronic tone came from his radio.<br />
<br />
(Who could that be? Someone from the maintenance base?)<br />
<br />
Quenser moved away from his commander and hit the switch on the radio.<br />
<br />
"It's me!! It's me!! It's Heivia!!"<br />
<br />
"Where did you get off to? I'm already at the party. You should have chosen the red bus..."<br />
<br />
"I've gotten caught up in some kind of incident!! Tonight, I'm gonna be the hero!! But I have one request for you!"<br />
<br />
"If you want help, you can forget it!! I'm not taking a step away from this party!! And if you want to know why, it's because there's a well-endowed Santa right in front of me!!"<br />
<br />
"That's fine, that's fine!!"<br />
<br />
"?"<br />
<br />
"I don't see how I can avoid a firefight in the middle of the city. But we aren't in a battle right now, so this is technically a job for the police. ...To be blunt, we could be in trouble if that huge-breasted commander catches wind of this!!"<br />
<br />
"No, not 'we'. I'm not part of it this time!!"<br />
<br />
"After what happened in the Loyauté district, this would be a third yellow card!!"<br />
<br />
"Have we really gotten that many yellow cards?"<br />
<br />
"At any rate, we'll be in real trouble if we get any more!! I'll take care of this issue on my own, but you need to buy me some time!!"<br />
<br />
"...Hm? It's rare for you to be so motivated. The problem is that your motivation isn't always a good thing."<br />
<br />
Quenser's long radio conversation must have seemed suspicious because the Santa that was likely going to give him some wet dreams frowned and asked, "Quenser, who are you speaking with? Almost everyone is here."<br />
<br />
"Eh? O-Oh, um..."<br />
<br />
"Just distract that huge-breasted commander!! Don't let her realize I'm not there!! We're in real trouble otherwise. If I don't deal with this, the Oceanian civilians will be the ones in danger!!"<br />
<br />
(Wait. If Heivia is enthusiastically working at something rather than coming to the party, this must be a major issue on an unprecedented level. If an Object shows up, I really am just going to ignore it.)<br />
<br />
At any rate, the situation had gotten troublesome.<br />
<br />
For one thing, Quenser did not see how he could defeat Froleytia Capistrano via any ordinary means.<br />
<br />
"Quenser, answer my question. Who have you been speaking wi—...cough."<br />
<br />
Some sand must have been blown in by the wind because Froleytia held her throat.<br />
<br />
(This is my chance!!)<br />
<br />
Quenser grabbed a glass filled with a clear liquid from a tray held by a civilian waiter passing by.<br />
<br />
"Are you okay, Froleytia? Here, have some water."<br />
<br />
"Oh. Thanks, Quen—...bbhhh!!!???"<br />
<br />
When the miniskirt bikini Santa gulped down the contents of the glass all at once, she let out a noise that Quenser had never thought he would hear from her.<br />
<br />
The reason was simple.<br />
<br />
"Que—... You!! This is vodka! And straight vodka at that!!"<br />
<br />
"I'm sorry, Froleytia!! I must have grabbed the wrong glass! Here, this one is oolong tea!!"<br />
<br />
"Honestly I can't believe you—...ugbh!? Th-That was malt whisky!!"<br />
<br />
"Oh, no!! Froleytia, I won't get it wrong again! This time, it's mineral water!!" said Quenser as he handed her a cup filled to the brim with tequila.<br />
<br />
(C'mon, get drunk!! Get dead drunk!! If she keeps drinking these drinks with such high alcoholic content at such a high rate, even a heavy drinker like her has to get drunk!!)<br />
<br />
"...Hic."<br />
<br />
After a few more cups, Froleytia was silently hanging her head. Beads of sweat were trailing down her bikinied chest and her skin had grown rather red. The core of her body had grown limp and she was swaying back and forth even while standing still.<br />
<br />
(Was the plan a success!?)<br />
<br />
Quenser was celebratory at first, but another thought then entered his mind.<br />
<br />
(Wait, what happens once she's drunk?)<br />
<br />
That question then started eating into the boy's mind.<br />
<br />
(This is bad. This might be really, really bad! Froleytia is a complete tyrant when sober, so what's going to happen now that all her limiters have been removed by alcohol!?)<br />
<br />
"...Qwensher..."<br />
<br />
The low tone and drawn out way that she called his name frightened him.<br />
<br />
As an unpleasant sweat began flowing down Quenser's entire body, he could do nothing but stand at attention.<br />
<br />
"Y-Yes!? What is it, commander!?"<br />
<br />
For a while, Froleytia said nothing.<br />
<br />
She was already quite close to Quenser, but she silently yet unsteadily drew even closer to him.<br />
<br />
He seriously thought she was going to grab his collar.<br />
<br />
And then...<br />
<br />
Right in front of him...<br />
<br />
Froleytia Capistrano opened her mouth to speak.<br />
<br />
"Sob. Why are you always so mean to me, Quenser?"<br />
<br />
"?????"<br />
<br />
Quenser's thoughts completely stopped for an instant.<br />
<br />
That was not the role of the cruel commander known as Froleytia. That was a line suited for a timid childhood friend who always carries around a stuffed animal.<br />
<br />
But he realized what was happening shortly thereafter.<br />
<br />
"I-Is she the type that gets sad when she drinks!?"<br />
<br />
"Are you mad, Quenser? Are you? I'm so sorry I'm such a terrible commander. I'm sorry I always need you to save me. I know it isn't right. If I did a better job and used the princess to her full potential..."<br />
<br />
[[Image:HO_v04_10.jpg|thumb]]<br />
<br />
"Wait, wait!! You can't get like this in front of people!! This is where people will half-jokingly take cell phone pictures, so you need to have some self-control!!"<br />
<br />
"...Are you mad, Quenser?"<br />
<br />
"Gyaahhh!! Don't press up against me like that!! Don't wrap your arms around my neck!! Have you forgotten how you're dressed!?"<br />
<br />
"...You're mad..."<br />
<br />
"I'm not!! I'm not mad!! Dammit, I have no other option while in public like this! I wouldn't really, but if we were alone I could probably get away with all sorts of things!!"<br />
<br />
"You really aren't mad?"<br />
<br />
"I'm not!! Really! Trust me!!"<br />
<br />
"..."<br />
<br />
Froleytia pressed her large breasts forcefully against him and brought her face in so close he probably could have kissed her had he simply pursed his lips, but she fell silent and did nothing further.<br />
<br />
This all placed a tremendous mental burden on Quenser, but Froleytia finally spoke once she had worked something out in her mind.<br />
<br />
"Quenser...you're something like a big brother to me."<br />
<br />
"You're a little sister character now!?"<br />
<br />
===Part 7===<br />
<br />
Meanwhile, Heivia Winchell was running through the "city" as the sun began to set.<br />
<br />
The situation was as follows:<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
While the blue taxi waited at a simple traffic signal of the sort used at construction sites, a middle-aged man dove in from the side with enough force to break the window.<br />
<br />
"What the hell? Why do things like this always have to happen to me!?"<br />
<br />
Thinking the man might be a robber, Heivia pulled out a large handgun from the holster at his waist, but then the man spoke while bleeding from the face.<br />
<br />
"You're a Legitimacy Kingdom soldier, right!?"<br />
<br />
"What?"<br />
<br />
"I have something to report! I've run across some terrible information. You need to do something!!"<br />
<br />
"Wait, wait, wait. No!! The peace of Oceania is for police special forces to deal with, not the military. This isn't my job! And more importantly, I'm on my way to see a huge-breasted Santa!! This is no time to be dealing with—...!!"<br />
<br />
"The Legitimacy Kingdom is their target!!"<br />
<br />
"Seriously!? But it's still not my jo—..."<br />
<br />
"And the ones chasing me will be here soon."<br />
<br />
"Tell me that part first!!"<br />
<br />
Heivia frantically pulled the middle-aged man out of the taxi and fled into the congested traffic. Just as he did, the blue taxi was turned to Swiss cheese by gunfire from multiple submachine guns. The driver had fled the instant the middle-aged man had jumped in so he was not hurt, but Heivia still did not like it.<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
As they ran, the middle-aged man said, "You can call me Royce. I'm an Information Alliance journalist."<br />
<br />
"No, don't introduce yourself!! That almost guarantees I'll be forced into getting involved in this!! Also, I don't want to be on a first name basis with someone I just met when it's a guy!"<br />
<br />
"I would like to hand this off to you and get back to my normal life."<br />
<br />
"If you try to force this onto me and run off, I will ignore all war treaties and shoot you in the back!!"<br />
<br />
It seemed Royce's pursuers were following him in a vehicle. That gave them speed, but prevented them from making tight turns among the crowds of people and impromptu buildings. They realized the disadvantage the vehicle gave them and got out, but Heivia and Royce had gotten quite a ways away by then.<br />
<br />
The two decided they had lost the enemy for the moment, so they exchanged information.<br />
<br />
"So why is an Information Alliance journalist here?"<br />
<br />
"Both for business and private reasons." As he spoke, Royce lightly touched the cell phone hanging from a strap around his neck. "My daughter was deployed here. I wanted to see what kind of place it was for myself."<br />
<br />
"Deployed? So is she in the military?"<br />
<br />
Heivia looked skeptical, but he then recalled that he himself was a minor out on the battlefield due to the situation in his noble family. The average age of those in the military had dropped, so it was not too surprising.<br />
<br />
The reason Royce was subconsciously toying with his cell phone may have been because he had its background set to a photo of his daughter.<br />
<br />
"Yes, and she hasn't even entered junior high school yet. She may be a bit too skilled," said the self-proclaimed journalist. "At her age, she should still be dreaming of being a princess of the Legitimacy Kingdom... The adults around her egg her on just for fun which has led to her domineering speech patterns and laugh. The way things are going, she will keep laughing loudly on top of the stage forever. I have no idea how she acts within her unit, though."<br />
<br />
"Does that have anything to do with why you are being chased?"<br />
<br />
"No, the current situation has to do with my job."<br />
<br />
"What were you doing?"<br />
<br />
"My original goal was to do some civilian level research into whether the Information Alliance military is performing its duties suitably. That said, all I can really do is intercept radio transmissions."<br />
<br />
Hearing that, a bitter look appeared on Heivia's face.<br />
<br />
"Did you pick up someone else's transmission?"<br />
<br />
"It wasn't from any of the world powers. It was from an anti-establishment group. It seems they are opposed to the overwhelming firepower of Objects, and my curiosity got the better of me. I analyzed the signal and located a base of theirs. They noticed me when I was observing it from afar. And you can see where that got me."<br />
<br />
"An anti-Object group," muttered Heivia in annoyance.<br />
<br />
He knew people with those views existed all around the world and he could hardly deny that the destruction of the Oceanian military nation had caused such sentiments to spread. Also, Quenser and Heivia...or rather, the stories of them destroying Objects had pumped vitality into the anti-Object groups whether the two boys wanted it or not.<br />
<br />
"So these people want to destroy an Object, and they just so happened to choose our Legitimacy Kingdom Object as their target?"<br />
<br />
"If the information I intercepted is correct, yes."<br />
<br />
"How do they plan to do it?" asked Heivia. "Destroying an Object is easier said than done. Even if they attack it while it sits motionlessly in the maintenance area, they aren't likely to even damage it. Even if they hit it directly with a large H-bomb, they can't get through that armor. How are they going to destroy that monstrous weapon?"<br />
<br />
"There is a way," cut in Royce. "If there wasn't, I would not be working this hard to stop them...and they would not bother hunting me down to stop me."<br />
<br />
===Part 8===<br />
<br />
While wearing her usual special suit, the princess had headed to an impromptu arcade a bit away from where the party was being held. A tent had been set up to create a roof and several arcade machines were lined up underneath.<br />
<br />
She had intended to spend only 10 or 20 minutes there to kill time until the party began.<br />
<br />
However, the game she had chosen turned out to be a one-on-one multiplayer action game with an Object theme. Among all the Objects of various affiliations, the Baby Magnum had unfairly (or so she felt) low parameters in the game. Also, there was something about her opponent sitting at the machine opposite hers that bugged her. As such, the princess was unable to stop playing.<br />
<br />
Because the two competing machines were facing each other, she could not see her opponent's face.<br />
<br />
That meant her opponent could not see her either.<br />
<br />
However...<br />
<br />
"Oh ho ho!! Oh ho ho ho ho ho!! It seems you truly cannot stand up to the Gatling 033!! The specs of the original model and – more importantly – the view the people hold of it are simply that much greater!!"<br />
<br />
"This game was made by the Information Alliance, so it is not surprising that the parameters would be skewed in their favor!! In fact, you should be ashamed of being unable to step into the ring without such handicaps!!"<br />
<br />
"Oh? I have no idea who you are, but you must be truly unrefined to support that unrefined Legitimacy Kingdom Elite! Oh ho ho!!"<br />
<br />
"I have no clue who you are, but no sane person would give any praise to that Information Alliance Elite!!"<br />
<br />
The Legitimacy Kingdom and Information Alliance bodyguards hiding around the area using the two arcade machines as their defensive lines sensed that a firefight could break out at any moment. Nevertheless, both sides had the same thought in almost perfect unison.<br />
<br />
''...I don't care who wins this game, but please end it so we can be freed from this job.<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
At the same time, Lieutenant Colonel Lendy Farolito of the Information Alliance held a video camera in one hand as she filmed the back of her unit's Elite who was giving that arcade game her all.<br />
<br />
The silver-haired, brown-skinned woman had completely lost her usual look of a formidable tactician.<br />
<br />
"Oh, dear. 50 wins and 53 losses. Is she finally losing her focus? Ah. It looks like she lost interest in the game and is walking off. No, stop shaking that cute butt like you're a baby duck. You're going to fall, you're going to fall. Ah! You fell. Oh, dear..."<br />
<br />
A female subordinate of Lieutenant Colonel Lendy's cut in with some advice while making sure to stay out of the frame of the video camera footage. (She knew getting caught in frame would lead to a truly horrible fate.)<br />
<br />
"Umm, I know this is something like being a doting parent, but you should not be filming her even if you are her commander. The Elite herself is considered valuable information by the military."<br />
<br />
"What are you saying? Looking after the pilot Elite's mental health is part of our job. We cannot peer into people's hearts, so we have to gather that information from their everyday casual behavior," replied Lendy without hesitation. "By the way, why are you wearing a maid uniform?"<br />
<br />
"Because I am a Capitalist Corporations mercenary. I do not want to have to carry around a sign all the time."<br />
<br />
The blonde-haired, brown-skinned "mercenary" girl also had cat ears on her head.<br />
<br />
However, Lendy was too focused on filming the Elite to look over at the "mercenary".<br />
<br />
When the target of her filming headed off and hid behind something, she finally stopped filming.<br />
<br />
"Huh? Where are you headed?" asked the "mercenary".<br />
<br />
"Somewhere where maids and mercenaries are not needed."<br />
<br />
Lendy Farolito pouted her lips, but still acted based on the information she had collected beforehand like anyone from the Information Alliance would.<br />
<br />
"I am a bit upset with that Legitimacy Kingdom unit that keeps taking advantage of that poor girl."<br />
<br />
===Part 9===<br />
<br />
Three men carrying submachine guns with a caliber of over 5mm came to one section of the "cityscape". They were there to eliminate Heivia and Royce who had fled.<br />
<br />
The "cityscape" was primarily a collection of tents and RVs, so it contained little that was sturdy enough to use as a shield in a firefight.<br />
<br />
However, there were some exceptions.<br />
<br />
For example, the area the trash was collected in.<br />
<br />
A number of mining dump trucks made of steel were parked on the outskirts. For a fee, the trash from the area was gathered there. Afterwards, it was taken to a proper incinerator in one of the actual cities.<br />
<br />
As the dump trucks were the type usually used for mining, they were as tall as a three story building. The tires were taller than a person and a twisting staircase was needed to reach the driver's seat. With a number of them lined up, the area was essentially surrounded by steel.<br />
<br />
In the midst of it all, repeated short gunshots rang out.<br />
<br />
The garbage men ran off, but the three men paid them no heed.<br />
<br />
"(Kicker, Nexa. We need to escape afterwards, so we can't spend more than 5 minutes here. We need to finish this!!)"<br />
<br />
"(But that guy has a rifle. His range is too great!)"<br />
<br />
"(I'll fire like crazy to keep him in place. You two circle around behind the dump truck and shoot him!!)"<br />
<br />
Suddenly, the sound of the gunshots coming from behind the dump truck changed. The noise was much higher-pitched and more cheap-sounding than before.<br />
<br />
(He switched from his rifle to his side arm?)<br />
<br />
As soon as they came to that conclusion, the three men moved forward to take the offensive.<br />
<br />
"(He's out of ammo! We can overwhelm him now...)"<br />
<br />
A strong, deep gunshot rang out and Nexa's head was smashed to pieces.<br />
<br />
"Wha—...?"<br />
<br />
While still in shock, two more bullets blasted into Kicker's gut and chest, knocking him to the ground.<br />
<br />
The gunshots had most certainly not belonged to a handgun.<br />
<br />
They had been the louder gunshots of the rifle that had supposedly run out of ammo.<br />
<br />
(Shit! Did he purposefully switch over to his handgun despite having rifle ammo left to throw us off our guard!?)<br />
<br />
The last remaining man tried to fall back, but it was too late.<br />
<br />
With the advantage of numbers lost, the range and power difference between an assault rifle and a submachine gun was just too great.<br />
<br />
Heivia Winchell silently drew closer without allowing even the slightest chance of a counterattack.<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
"You were right," said Heivia to Royce as he looked through the contents of the handheld device he had found in the armed men's belongings. "They've prepared a chemical combustion warhead. It's a bomb that mixes together naphtha, various fuels, and some chemicals to create flames that cannot be put out with water and spreads those flames 3 to 5 kilometers in every direction."<br />
<br />
"It's basically the same thing as a Molotov cocktail. I've seen videos of it online."<br />
<br />
"The warhead appears to be handmade, but the cruise missile it's loaded in and the mobile launcher are both Oceanian. The military regime had tanks and fighters deployed to areas around the country excluding where they had the Generation 0.5, so there was no lack of such items."<br />
<br />
"The Craft Salamander III?"<br />
<br />
"Sounds like some bland convenience store cream pasta, doesn't it? Well, weapon names have to be brought down to a level where even an idiot gets it. The point is to show off your obvious hostility," said Heivia as a cruel smile came to his lips. "The maximum range should be 1500 km. I believe it has a terrain calculation guidance system."<br />
<br />
The one remaining question was how they planned to destroy an Object with it.<br />
<br />
Even a direct hit from a large hydrogen bomb would not destroy an Object's armor. Also, chemical combustion warheads were anti-personnel weapons. Heivia did not see how one could destroy an Object.<br />
<br />
Royce answered that question.<br />
<br />
"Most likely, their target is not the Object itself."<br />
<br />
"What?"<br />
<br />
"Basically, they just have to make the Object unusable. And they can do that without attacking the thick armor of the Object. They can accomplish their goal by targeting the much more vulnerable human beings."<br />
<br />
"...Are they after the Elite?"<br />
<br />
It was not entirely impossible, but Heivia was still skeptical.<br />
<br />
Anyone could tell there was a danger of an Elite being targeted when outside of the Object. That was why they always had a special unit of bodyguards with them and were constantly accompanied by an armored vehicle with a perfectly air tight interior in case of firefights, explosives, or chemical and biological weapons.<br />
<br />
Even if a cruise missile loaded with a chemical combustion warhead was headed straight for the Elite, she simply had to climb aboard that armored vehicle the instant it was detected. That would negate any damage from heat or smoke.<br />
<br />
"No," replied Royce. "Their target is the maintenance soldiers. It does not matter if they do not have any particularly important duties or information. The chemical combustion warhead can cover several kilometers in every direction with flames. If the maintenance soldiers are gathered in a single place, a large majority can be eliminated. If hundreds of maintenance soldiers are lost all at once, the Object can no longer function. Even if it still has a pilot and a commander, the Object cannot function without those at the bottom who keep it running."<br />
<br />
"So they're stopping it by destroying the Object's surroundings rather than the Object itself, hm?"<br />
<br />
However, something bothered Heivia about that.<br />
<br />
(That isn't too different from our idea to destroy that computer in the Loyauté district.)<br />
<br />
That gave Heivia a bad feeling, but he continued the conversation.<br />
<br />
"The crucial Elite and commander are one thing, but the unit can hardly have bodyguards for every single maintenance soldier. They might actually have a chance if they really are trying to crush them all at once." Heivia thought for a bit and then changed the subject slightly. "Since they prepared the mobile launcher and cruise missile, they are probably planning to detonate it in midair."<br />
<br />
"I would assume so. If it is not detonated in midair, its effects would not spread as far. ...But I only know what I was able to find on military websites."<br />
<br />
"The Craft Salamander III," said Heivia. "From the range of the missile, and the locations of the city and the maintenance base, they will most likely be targeting the maintenance base zone and the cityscape spread out around it. ...Hah. It seems they aren't directly targeting anyone from your Information Alliance."<br />
<br />
"So? What I must do remains the same."<br />
<br />
"Why would you help protect a Legitimacy Kingdom military facility?"<br />
<br />
"I have both business and private reasons for that." Royce wiped sweat from his face. "As a journalist, I cannot simply sit by doing nothing as a threat like this approaches the people of Oceania. If spreading information would increase the danger, temporarily holding it back is good manners, but that does apply here. However, spreading the information now would not give people enough time to evacuate, so I feel I should use the information I have received in a different way in order to avert this catastrophe."<br />
<br />
"And what is your private reason?"<br />
<br />
"I told you my daughter has been deployed to Oceania, remember? Preserving the concept of the clean battlefield will help preserve the safety of my daughter. I cannot have that concept lost due to some terrorist attack."<br />
<br />
"I see," muttered Heivia.<br />
<br />
He could trust a real reason like that much more than some sterilized "for the greater good" reason.<br />
<br />
"We need to find out where the launcher is located," said Heivia in a low voice. "If we know that, we can try to attack before the missile is launched or intercept it if it has already launched."<br />
<br />
"Fine, but we have no time," said Royce to make sure Heivia understood. "From the fragments of information I picked up over the radio, their attack is going to begin soon. It is probably because the majority of the group is preparing the attack that we had so few pursuers."<br />
<br />
===Part 10===<br />
<br />
After wasting more time than she had expected at the arcade, the princess walked along the tent-filled "cityscape" on the way to the Legitimacy Kingdom party.<br />
<br />
The Legitimacy Kingdom bodyguards were still spread out around her and an armored vehicle also accompanied her, but she still decided to travel on foot.<br />
<br />
The unorganized layout of the tents and forceful flow of pedestrian traffic prevented the smooth travel of the vehicle. She felt she would make better time on foot.<br />
<br />
The princess recalled the exchange she had had back in the arcade.<br />
<br />
To the very end, she had never seen her opponent's face.<br />
<br />
(Honestly. I do not know if that was some sightseer from the Information Alliance or what, but the way they control all information about Elites and treat them like idols is like some kind of creepy brainwashing.)<br />
<br />
The Legitimacy Kingdom treated their own Elites like patriotic heroes and rallied support from the people by spreading doubtful stories about them being part of legendary bloodlines that stretch hundreds of years into the past. Both were completely ridiculous ways to treat them, but it is hard to notice how odd the environment one has been immersed in all one's life is. It was similar to not noticing the smell of one's own house.<br />
<br />
As the princess walked among all the tents and RVs, she suddenly stopped.<br />
<br />
Her bodyguards all thought "Don't tell me there's something else!?", but the target of their protection had the right to choose what she did.<br />
<br />
The princess looked over at a store filled with joke goods.<br />
<br />
Due to the season, it contained a lot of Christmas-themed trees, wreaths, and red boots. It also had some Santa Claus costumes for sale.<br />
<br />
(...)<br />
<br />
When she had gone swimming earlier that day, Quenser had seemed incredibly disappointed for some reason.<br />
<br />
She still had no idea what he had been hoping for, but it seemed wearing her work outfit while on leave was not the right thing to do.<br />
<br />
She guessed it had something to do with everything having a proper time and place.<br />
<br />
"Santa Claus... Santa Claus," muttered the princess as she headed into the store.<br />
<br />
The tanned shop owner seemed especially courteous because she was wearing the special suit of an Elite. That meant she was the representative of a nation which in turn meant she would have a lot of money.<br />
<br />
He was not wrong in that line of thinking, but the princess had no interest in money and so she had no idea how much money she had in her bank account.<br />
<br />
The princess's bodyguards starting showing an interest in her actions as they secretly began to wonder, "Oh, is our princess finally awakening to her sex appeal?"<br />
<br />
"Could you put together a Santa Claus outfit for me?" she asked.<br />
<br />
What she got in return was an overly standard Santa Claus outfit made up of a baggy red shirt, pants of the same color, and a fake white beard.<br />
<br />
"Don't go with that boring thing!!" shouted the bodyguards in their hearts, but that expressionless girl was not going to absorb the ideas of Japanese moe so quickly.<br />
<br />
However, the look in the princess's eyes changed when she glanced over at a 3D monitor that used diffraction sitting in a corner of the tent.<br />
<br />
It was playing footage from an Information Alliance idol Elite's concert from a few days ago.<br />
<br />
"Yayyy!! This may be a bit early, but I think I will give you the gift of a night of dreams about a sexy miniskirt Santa!! Oh ho ho!!"<br />
<br />
It was unclear how much of the footage was real and how much was VFX, but the image underwent a dazzling change. The blonde ringlet curl, G-cup idol shook her body while wearing a red and white Santa costume that appeared to be a modified Elite special suit.<br />
<br />
For a while, the princess's expression grew even more expressionless than usual, but she finally pointed at the screen and spoke to the shop owner.<br />
<br />
"Give me something that outdoes that."<br />
<br />
After being transformed into a miniskirt Santa for the tropical southern hemisphere, the princess headed to the Legitimacy Kingdom party.<br />
<br />
(This does not seem like a very practical outfit.)<br />
<br />
The princess looked down at her clothes.<br />
<br />
(Well, as long as Quenser likes it. But will he really like this???)<br />
<br />
The party seemed to have already begun. The Legitimacy Kingdom soldiers had divided up into groups where they chatted as they drank and ate. Everyone's eyes turned toward the princess and they subsequently did nothing but stare at her. The princess could not tell if it was a good thing or a bad thing that they were acting like they had seen something they could not believe.<br />
<br />
(Where is Quenser?)<br />
<br />
After glancing around, the princess spotted the person she was looking for at one end of the party.<br />
<br />
However...<br />
<br />
"It's not the same!! My actual siblings may try not to hurt my feelings, but they never say anything against how my family treats me!! You're the only one that does, Quenser!! I was saying that you're the most like a big brother to me!!"<br />
<br />
The princess froze in place when she spotted Froleytia dead drunk and Quenser being held tightly by that large-breasted commander.<br />
<br />
Also...<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
At that time, Lendy Farolito arrived at the party.<br />
<br />
The mood of the Legitimacy Kingdom party was naturally ruined at the arrival of an enemy officer accompanied by Information Alliance soldiers. It was a potentially explosive situation, but they were in a cooperative relationship due to the coalition and the party was not located within the Legitimacy Kingdom base.<br />
<br />
They had no legitimate reason to turn her away.<br />
<br />
Lendy herself had not hesitated to head into the party because she was well aware of that.<br />
<br />
An Information Alliance commander had arrived.<br />
<br />
How would the Legitimacy Kingdom commander react?<br />
<br />
Naturally, everyone's attention turned to Froleytia.<br />
<br />
[[Image:HO_v04_11.jpg|thumb]]<br />
<br />
"I won't let you have him!! Quenser is my big brother and I won't let anyone else have him!!"<br />
<br />
"Remember your position here. I'm the small, cute one."<br />
<br />
A large-breasted miniskirt bikini Santa and an expressionless miniskirt Santa were fighting over a single boy. Lendy Farolito froze in place when she saw the Legitimacy Kingdom major who was otherwise occupied.<br />
<br />
And then...<br />
<br />
"Outta the way!!"<br />
<br />
"Oh, man. This catfight will make an excellent gamble!!"<br />
<br />
"Yeah, it's not like any of us would ever have a chance with beauties whose positions and ranks are so much higher than ours."<br />
<br />
A portion of the Legitimacy Kingdom soldiers who saw the fight as a chance to make some money quickly moved to the center of the disturbance and circled them. Lendy's path to the other commander was lost.<br />
<br />
(I took a risk and tried to contact her in a way that would garner as much attention as possible, but they aren't paying any attention to me!!)<br />
<br />
The Information Alliance found value in the authenticity of information and in the methods used to disseminate and acquire such information, so that was a regretful turn of events.<br />
<br />
When Lendy realized the person Froleytia had both her arms latched onto was the very same combat engineer boy that had secretly drawn the attention of a certain Information Alliance Elite, Lendy's emotions quickly reached their limit.<br />
<br />
"Y-You womanizer!!"<br />
<br />
"Now someone I don't even know is giving me an incredible title!! If I ever get business cards made, I'm definitely putting that one on there!!"<br />
<br />
Froleytia then realized Quenser's attention had turned toward someone other than herself.<br />
<br />
"Who the hell are you? ...I won't let you have Quenser! He's my big brother!!"<br />
<br />
"I do not wish to have him!!" shouted Lendy while just barely managing to remain civil. "One of your men has been taking advantage of our Elite, so I thought I would stop by in the name of scouting him while actually having some fun throwing your human relations out of order. I never thought he was this dangerous, though... I must report this. I need to have a family meeting with that girl tonigh—...cough cough!!"<br />
<br />
Lendy started choking a bit from yelling too much and reached over for a drink, but no civilian waiter was walking nearby.<br />
<br />
Froleytia grabbed a glass filled with a clear liquid.<br />
<br />
"Here, have some water. Honestly, can't you do anything for yourself?" she grumbled.<br />
<br />
"Hm? That glass..."<br />
<br />
The combat engineer boy being held by Froleytia seemed to realize something, but Lendy had already gulped down the contents of the glass.<br />
<br />
And...<br />
<br />
"Cough!? Cough cough!! Th-This isn't water! It's vodka!!"<br />
<br />
"What!? How dare you refuse to drink the water my big brother prepared!"<br />
<br />
"Damn you. You have some nerve to do this to an officer from the Information Alliance where the truth and untruth of information is directly linked to right and wrong..."<br />
<br />
The expressionless miniskirt Santa then passed her another drink.<br />
<br />
"Calm down. Have another glass to wash the bad taste out of your mouth."<br />
<br />
"Oh, excellent idea. I think I can actually trust yo—...bbhh!! Th-Th-This one is shochu!? Hic."<br />
<br />
Her complaint suddenly trailed off.<br />
<br />
Just as Quenser started to get a very bad feeling about what was to come...<br />
<br />
"And another thing!!" shouted Lendy.<br />
<br />
"Wah!?"<br />
<br />
"What are you thinking!? You're tearing down the framework of the Information Alliance and Legitimacy Kingdom for that poor girl!! Do you understand how much of an incredible tragedy this is for her!?"<br />
<br />
As Lendy Farolito approached with long strides, Froleytia seemed to sense some kind of danger.<br />
<br />
She squeezed herself against Quenser even harder than before.<br />
<br />
"I won't let you have my big brother!!"<br />
<br />
"I didn't say anything to you!! I was clearly speaking to that womanizer!"<br />
<br />
"Don't look at her, Quenser! Look at me!!"<br />
<br />
"Out of the way, drunk!! I need to lecture that womanizer!!"<br />
<br />
Despite their words being directed at Quenser, the two drunks were looking only at each other.<br />
<br />
"..."<br />
<br />
All the while, the princess increased her wordless and expressionless intimidating presence.<br />
<br />
A veritable storm was brewing.<br />
<br />
Quenser could clearly feel it coming, so he tried to come up with a way to have the situation settle down. With how the princess looked subtly displeased while secretly entering dangerous territory, Quenser doubted she fit into any existing category of Japanese moe, but he had to do something about the danger before his eyes instead of focusing on that.<br />
<br />
"W-Wait, you two. Why don't you calm dow—..."<br />
<br />
"I hope you're prepared to fight!!"<br />
<br />
"If it's a fight you want, it's a fight you'll get!!"<br />
<br />
With that exchange that seemed more a form of a greeting than the beginning of a fight, Froleytia Capistrano and Lendy Farolito began glaring at each other at extremely close range.<br />
<br />
That was when the soldiers of the Legitimacy Kingdom and Information Alliance witnessed a bizarre phenomenon.<br />
<br />
They could not explain it with any standard means.<br />
<br />
The boy who had come to the battlefield to study Object design had his head disappear.<br />
<br />
Or to be more accurate...<br />
<br />
His head was completely buried in the large breasts of the two women grabbing at him.<br />
<br />
===Part 11===<br />
<br />
Given the situation, Heivia and Royce had to act on their own, but they had no real reason to keep the information to themselves.<br />
<br />
As they took action, they contacted the police special forces and a Legitimacy Kingdom Object other than the Baby Magnum and its Mobile Maintenance Battalion. They made a request for the Object to prepare its anti-air lasers. If Heivia had gotten Froleytia to do that, it probably would have gone a lot smoother though.<br />
<br />
And then...<br />
<br />
They heard a major change to the situation come in via a radio transmission.<br />
<br />
"Speed Killer is ready. We can use the anti-air lasers at any time. Even if a cruise missile is fired at the city, we can intercept it with 97% accuracy."<br />
<br />
"Wait, wait!!"<br />
<br />
"According to the satellite, the mobile launcher is located 20 kilometers northwest of where the 37th Mobile Maintenance Battalion is stationed. If we know the starting point and ending point, we know its flight path. There is no way it will slip past us."<br />
<br />
"Is this information correct!? Are you sure their cruise missile is targeting that convoy of some VIPs travelling 30 kilometers southeast of here and not the maintenance soldiers scattered throughout the impromptu cityscape!?"<br />
<br />
"It seems they are conversing over cell phones that use a civilian satellite as well as via normal radio. However, we have people with special devices to intercept those signals. We got the information from there. There is no mistaking this."<br />
<br />
"And..." Heivia chose his words carefully. "Is there also no mistaking the fact that the Object's anti-air laser defense is set to shoot down the cruise missile halfway through its flight?"<br />
<br />
"Halfway? ...That would mean it's right above the impromptu cityscape!" shouted Royce, but Heivia had already figured out what they were after when he had asked the question.<br />
<br />
The commander in charge of the Speed Killer replied, "The convoy being targeted is carrying a lieutenant general and a brigadier general. That chemical combustion warhead must be shot down."<br />
<br />
"..."<br />
<br />
"A chemical combustion warhead only has its intended effects when the proper materials are mixed together and mixed with the air upon detonation at the proper altitude. If it is shot down by an anti-air laser, there is almost no chance of a large, several kilometer explosion occurring."<br />
<br />
"But there is still some chance, right?"<br />
<br />
"Even so," immediately replied the commander. "The Elite and commander will have airtight armored vehicles accompanying them that can withstand biological and chemical weapons. As long as the bare minimum is protected, that is all that matters. And of course the Object itself will not be destroyed by anything of that level. Also, I am putting you under a gag order to prevent a panic. Any further communications are—..."<br />
<br />
Heivia clicked his tongue and switched off his radio.<br />
<br />
Royce then shouted at him with such force that he almost grabbed at the boy.<br />
<br />
"What is going on!? Are they planning to let everyone in this city die? And if those airtight armored vehicles can withstand the heat and flames, what does it matter if the cruise missile directly hits that convoy!?"<br />
<br />
"Don't ask me. He was probably forced into this decision by those higher officers. ...And I get the feeling this is exactly what the ones using the chemical combustion warhead want."<br />
<br />
"?"<br />
<br />
"They used the satellite cell phones to purposefully allow the military to intercept the transmissions. As they expected, the military plans to set up a defensive line to shoot the missile down halfway through its flight. ...And that is in the perfect spot to roast all the maintenance soldiers in my unit as you predicted."<br />
<br />
"It can't be...But that means..."<br />
<br />
"If you simply shoot a cruise missile in Oceania, one of the many Objects will shoot it down before it reaches its target. But that just means you have to create a plan based on the assumption it will get shot down."<br />
<br />
"But that horrible commander said the odds are low a large explosion will occur if the cruise missile is shot down with an anti-air laser!"<br />
<br />
"If they know it will be shot down, they can change those odds," Heivia searched through the handheld device belonging to one of the armed men he had shot. "I saw this diagram of the warhead before, but now that I look closer, something is off about it. The different chemicals are packaged separately. If it reached its target like this, nothing would happen."<br />
<br />
"Wait, you mean the chemicals will only be mixed together in midair if it it's shot down?"<br />
<br />
"From this design, I'd say they want it shot down. The chemicals are stored under high pressure which I guess is to ensure they scatter everywhere when the container bursts. If we leave this to the Object's anti-air lasers, this city will be swallowed up in a sea of flames!!"<br />
<br />
They knew where the enemy's mobile launcher was.<br />
<br />
Without getting permission, Heivia borrowed a Legitimacy Kingdom off-road vehicle that was parked on the road with the key in the ignition.<br />
<br />
Royce shouted, "What are you going to do!?"<br />
<br />
"Isn't it obvious? We came this far on our own, so we just have to finish it that way!! Royce, if you want to help, fill that drum up with gasoline!!"<br />
<br />
Royce followed Heivia's instructions, but he still had questions.<br />
<br />
He climbed into the passenger seat of the off-road vehicle and they drove out of the impromptu city.<br />
<br />
"I know we have to stop this, but do you really think we can destroy that mobile launcher!? We had enough trouble with just those 3 pursuers. Their main force is going to be concentrated around that launcher!!"<br />
<br />
"Shut up! We don't have time!!"<br />
<br />
A cloud of sand blew into the air as the off-road vehicle drove off into a dry wasteland.<br />
<br />
They were still 20 kilometers from the mobile launcher.<br />
<br />
The armed group would have its firepower concentrated around that launcher. Also, they had no reason to wait. They would be launching the cruise missile as soon as possible.<br />
<br />
"Shit! That light!!" shouted Royce.<br />
<br />
A bright flash of light could be seen beyond the horizon and a signal flare-like point of light shot up into the night sky. However, the distances were simply too great. A signal flare would not produce enough light.<br />
<br />
"They fired it!! That was the cruise missile loaded with the chemical combustion warhead!!"<br />
<br />
"Tch. Can we make it in time!?"<br />
<br />
Heivia slammed on the brakes and drove in an S-pattern as the tires slid. In the end, he finally managed to stop the off-road vehicle safely.<br />
<br />
He then jumped down onto the sandy ground.<br />
<br />
"We weren't on our way to attack the armed group and destroy the launcher!?"<br />
<br />
"I never thought we would make it in time for that!!" shouted back Heivia, bringing a look of shock to Royce's face.<br />
<br />
Royce then thought Heivia must have been running away before the explosion to save himself, but Heivia headed to the back of the off-road vehicle.<br />
<br />
"As long as we keep the missile from continuing on its intended course, we can prevent the impromptu cityscape and the maintenance soldiers from being sacrificed! If it flies off in some other direction, their plan involving the anti-air laser will fail!!"<br />
<br />
"Are you planning to jam it?"<br />
<br />
"The Craft Salamander III's guidance system uses terrain calculations. It measures the ups and downs of the terrain it passes over to determine what corrections need to be made to its course. As long as it has 3-5 pages of documentation on the terrain between the launch point and the arrival point, it can aim itself quite accurately."<br />
<br />
"Does that documentation come from satellite photos?"<br />
<br />
"Normally. Simple aerial photos should work just as well. But in that case, the documentation cannot be updated in real time, so it all has to be researched beforehand and the launch location cannot be changed," explained Heivia. "Naturally, if aerial photos to determine its course are inputted, no communication is needed after launch. While GPS navigation requires a constant exchange of information with the satellite, this method has no risk of being stopped with jamming."<br />
<br />
"Then what can we do!? How are we supposed to oppose a cruise missile flying at supersonic speeds!? Don't tell me you plan to aim your rifle into the air and shoot it down!!"<br />
<br />
"I'll be doing something a little flashier than that."<br />
<br />
Heivia used both hands to pick up the drum filled with gasoline that had been loaded in the off-road vehicle.<br />
<br />
He opened the large metal container, tipped it over, and spread the gasoline around the wasteland.<br />
<br />
"Be mindful of the wind. It can carry vaporized gasoline."<br />
<br />
"What are you doing? The cruise missile is already in the air!! It will pass by overhead before too long!!"<br />
<br />
"As I said, the Craft Salamander III's guidance system uses terrain calculations. It periodically compares the data held in its chips to the actual ups and downs of the terrain below it to correct its course." After the last of the gasoline had left the drum, Heivia casually threw the empty container to the side. "That just means we have to make sure it can't compare the two sets of data."<br />
<br />
He then pulled out a cigar lighter from the driver's seat of the off-road vehicle.<br />
<br />
He glanced out at the hot, red ground.<br />
<br />
"We just have to do something like this!!"<br />
<br />
The instant after Heivia threw the cigar lighter, a giant explosion filled a portion of the wasteland.<br />
<br />
In an instant, a massive amount of light and heat was produced along with a shockwave.<br />
<br />
Afterwards, black smoke rose up into the night sky. The black smoke filled the entire area the explosion had encompassed.<br />
<br />
A white point of light shot by above their heads with tremendous speed.<br />
<br />
"What? That isn't the right direction."<br />
<br />
"The flash of light and the smoke prevented it from checking on the terrain," said Heivia as he held a hand in front of his face to protect his eyes from the orange light. "If it can't correct its course, there's nothing to worry about. Now we just have to wait for the Speed Killer to deal with it. It doesn't matter if the anti-air laser brings the chemical combustion warhead down over empty desert." He collapsed into a sitting position and wiped sweat from his brow. "I can get things done too when I don't have to face one of those monstrous weapons."<br />
<br />
===Part 12===<br />
<br />
After saving the Oceanian people and the rest of his mobile maintenance battalion, Private First Class Heivia Winchell finally made it to the Christmas party.<br />
<br />
"I made it...I finally made it to utopia!! Thank you, me!! The great Heivia is simply too powerful!! Now, time to eat, drink, and enjoy the view of a huge-breasted Santa!! We're gonna have some fun tonight and maybe have some enjoyable incidents to keep as memories!!"<br />
<br />
But...<br />
<br />
The large table that should have had plenty of food lined up on it was covered in nothing but large, empty plates. The plates had a bit of red sauce on them, but the waiters were in the process of removing them from the table.<br />
<br />
No food or drink could be found.<br />
<br />
Heivia refused to accept that truth and shook his head.<br />
<br />
"Don't tell me it's already ov—...No, no, not yet!! The most important part is still left! Santa's time to shine is after all the good children have gone to bed!! There has to be one around here somewhere. After overcoming all that danger, there has to be some reward for me!!"<br />
<br />
Heivia searched around the party area with his eyes as wide as plates, but he found nothing but waiters cleaning up. Every single one of the soldiers who had surely been celebrating there had left and a huge-breasted Santa was nothing but a dream within a dream. Heivia could not even spot a single waitress.<br />
<br />
For an instant, Heivia's face lost all expression.<br />
<br />
But in the next instant, his face twisted as if he was about to cry tears of blood and he shouted, "This is a desert!! This is nothing but a dried-up desert!!"<br />
<br />
It was at that moment that Heivia spotted Quenser Barbotage trudging toward him with legs just as unsteady as Heivia's. Seeing his companion's face, Heivia brought up his guard.<br />
<br />
"Don't tell me you had to head through a battlefield of your own. No, wait!! I was the hero tonight! I'm the most exhausted! And that's why the biggest reward should go to me!! I won't give any of it up even to you!!"<br />
<br />
However, Quenser was too far gone to hear him.<br />
<br />
Before he made it over to Heivia, Quenser collapsed down onto the hardened sand of the ground. Heivia approached in confusion and Quenser tried to speak with his mouth moving open and closed.<br />
<br />
"Ti..."<br />
<br />
"What is it, Quenser? 'Ti'? What do you mean 'ti'!?"<br />
<br />
"...Tits village..."<br />
<br />
All strength left Quenser's body and his face grew even paler. Heivia let out a cry of lamentation.<br />
<br />
"What kind of dying message is that!? There's too much deep meaning there!! What happened? Hey, Quenser! Quenseeeeeeeeeeeeeeerrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrr!!"<br />
<br />
<br />
<noinclude><br />
==References and Translation Notes==<br />
<references /><br />
<br />
{{HEAVYOBJECT Nav|prev=HEAVY OBJECT:Volume4 Chapter 1|next=HEAVY OBJECT:Volume4 Chapter 3}}</noinclude></div>Black Ice Princehttps://www.baka-tsuki.org/project/index.php?title=HEAVY_OBJECT:Volume7_Chapter_3&diff=319835HEAVY OBJECT:Volume7 Chapter 32014-01-15T15:02:31Z<p>Black Ice Prince: </p>
<hr />
<div>{{Incomplete|parts=10|tparts=17}}<br />
==Chapter 3: Police are a Means of Stopping War >> Liberation Battle in Oceania==<br />
<br />
===Part 1===<br />
<br />
“The military scandal shows no sign of ending. The council has made the rare decision to treat the plan to use an Object for a military assassination as attempted murder. The brigadier general thought to be the primary individual behind the plan has been called back from Oceania for…”<br />
<br />
The princess sat on a metal staircase of a building near the Object maintenance area. She may have been bored because she was staring blankly at a 1seg TV program on her handheld device. The maintenance base zone was made up of over one hundred large vehicles and their tires measured over two meters in diameter. Stairs were needed simply to enter them.<br />
<br />
In the dry desert, merely stepping into the shade felt much cooler. The princess had the front of her special suit open so the wind could reach her skin. As someone who spent long periods of time in an air-conditioned cockpit, her upper limit for heat appeared to be rather low.<br />
<br />
A short distance away, the two idiots were using shovels to dig everywhere they could in the hot sand.<br />
<br />
“Quenser, you idiot! You don’t remember where you buried them, do you!?”<br />
<br />
“I marked it last night! I secretly stuck a stick into the ground.”<br />
<br />
“When Myonri dug there, she found a ton of dead cicadas and almost passed out! Damn… What is going on? Where did we dig the canned foods and packaged foods leftover from the victory party!? I thought we were going to be freed from those eraser-like rations for a while!!”<br />
<br />
“Hurry, hurry! This maintenance base is mobile, remember? If the entire unit decides to move, we’ll lose all those cans! There was beef stew in there. If we lose that, it’ll traumatize me!!”<br />
<br />
“What are those two doing?”<br />
<br />
An old woman stuck her head out of the Object maintenance area and spoke to the princess.<br />
<br />
The princess looked up from the screen and toward the old woman.<br />
<br />
“It looks like a treasure hunt.”<br />
<br />
“You aren’t going to join them?”<br />
<br />
“I’m not in the mood for food. And I just finished building a cicada grave.”<br />
<br />
“???”<br />
<br />
The old maintenance woman did not quite understand, so she decided to ask them directly.<br />
<br />
“Hey, slacking student.”<br />
<br />
“Eeee!! One of the lecturers has locked onto us!”<br />
<br />
“As long as she doesn’t tell that huge-breasted commander, we’re fine! Seduce her or something to bring her onto our side!! I’ll go dig over there!!”<br />
<br />
“No fair! Don’t run off on your own!!”<br />
<br />
“What are you doing out here?”<br />
<br />
The old woman’s words seemed to nail Quenser to the ground.<br />
<br />
She was asking what he was doing “out here” because he was not in the Object maintenance area.<br />
<br />
He slowly and stiffly turned toward her.<br />
<br />
“W-would two cans of lunchmeat be enough for us to come to an understanding? Or maybe peaches or pineapple!?”<br />
<br />
“I’m not asking about that. Have you forgotten why you came out to the battlefield in the first place? I thought it was to spend as much time observing the Object as possible so you could learn as much as possible.”<br />
<br />
“Are you seriously saying that?” Quenser sounded surprised as he continued digging around randomly. “They’re repainting the Object in there. They’re using tons of organic solvent in a closed space and I didn’t dodge bullets to end up high on paint thinner.”<br />
<br />
“It is true painting an Object does not use any specialized technology. I admit that.”<br />
<br />
“It’s the same as a normal warship. The Object’s onion armor is made from special metal plates that have high-heat resistant and reactive elements mixed in like a katana, but that also means the armor will rust when exposed to the elements. We can’t have the pride of our nation rusting, so they’re careful to use techniques of keeping it from rusting, right? They’re not mixing in ferrite to give it high-level stealth ability and they’re not using camouflage patterns based on psychology and research into human cognizance to hide it from the human brain. There’s nothing in it for a student like me.”<br />
<br />
Those sorts of techniques had been used for the fighters and tanks of the previous age.<br />
<br />
This had been due to the high risk of being shot down or destroyed. But that effort was unnecessary with the colossal Objects which could withstand a direct hit from a nuclear weapon.<br />
<br />
Also, it would be exceedingly difficult to hide a 50+ meter armored weapon from radar or the naked eye.<br />
<br />
“The technical issues are a factor, but the paint job has more to do with the desires of the higher ups in the military and government.”<br />
<br />
“They don’t want their hero sneaking around?”<br />
<br />
“When sending an obviously overpowered weapon into battle, they need a tricky argument to silence the pacifists. That’s why they like the symbolism of a hero that defeats an abominable enemy in a fair fight. The Objects brought an end to the nuclear age by force, so they want to maintain the freshness of that impression for as long as possible. Letting it fade into history would be a waste.”<br />
<br />
“I suppose they need a simple commercial to gain the massive military budget they need for them. That’s why they want the Objects to always be polished up bright like an exhibit at a motor show. They even have a lovely pilot Elite by its side to play the role of the companion girl. …But none of that is a job for the designer I want to be. Get a PR guy for that.”<br />
<br />
Quenser shrugged.<br />
<br />
“Let me touch the more…well…sensitive parts at the core. Like the JPlevelMHD reactor or the targeting sensor control system.”<br />
<br />
“Don’t be silly. You aren’t touching those. Before you even think about it, you need to pass at least fifteen international exams.”<br />
<br />
As the princess sat on the metal staircase and stared blankly up into the blue sky, she called out to Quenser.<br />
<br />
“Qu-Quenser?”<br />
<br />
“??? What is it?”<br />
<br />
“Did something happen with that Information Alliance Elite? She said something I didn’t like about what she was going to do with you.”<br />
<br />
“Um, that could apply to a lot of Elites. Which one are we talking about?”<br />
<br />
“…There are a lot of them?”<br />
<br />
The princess’s expression made it clear he had stirred up unnecessary trouble.<br />
<br />
Quenser, however, did not understand what she had been trying to ask.<br />
<br />
“Anyway, princess, I hope you haven’t forgotten about the karaoke!! During the battle with the Simple Is Best and the Hornet Storm, you had the nerve to say idols were worthless because anyone can sing!!”<br />
<br />
“Uuh… I-I remember.”<br />
<br />
“Good. These days, you can run a karaoke place anywhere using internet download services. There are even some here in Oceania. During our next day off, I demand to see if you have the skills to back up your bragging!!”<br />
<br />
The old maintenance women let out a quiet sigh.<br />
<br />
This arrangement was actually almost exactly what the princess had expected to happen and wanted to happen, but she did not seem to know what to do now that things were going more smoothly than expected.<br />
<br />
It was an example of a plan coming back to bite her.<br />
<br />
The two youths compared their schedules to set up a date and Quenser suddenly spoke up once they had finished.<br />
<br />
In that instant, he became a true idiotic designer.<br />
<br />
“Oh, right. I need to ask you too, princess. The reactor may be too dangerous, but can I check out the targeting sensor control system or somewhere else that will help me study Object design?”<br />
<br />
“…………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………”<br />
<br />
“Do you not trust me at all?”<br />
<br />
“It’s not an issue of your skill,” said the old woman in exasperation. “There are different types of people who work with Object design. There are those who build up virtual models based on theory, there are the academic types that materialize and realize those models, there are the inventor types who have a single idea and go beyond their primary field to gather everything they need to realize it, and there are the craftsmen who use their experience and the unexplainable instincts in their fingertips to produce results greater than precision manufacturing equipment. The targeting sensor control system you’re talking about is a black box that complexly combines all of those together. Not even the princess or I will touch it without reason.”<br />
<br />
“So you entrust your life to something no one touches?”<br />
<br />
“That is not what she meant,” said the princess. “It is maintained in sessions including more than fifty people. You can think of it like exchanging our opinions to find the right flavor for a cocktail we do not know the recipe to. Bringing in someone who doesn’t know the flavor would distort our opinions and raise the likelihood of the final drink not matching the perfect flavor.”<br />
<br />
“An Object has over one hundred cannons, both big and small,” continued the old woman. “Each of those has multiple sensors and the entire Object has its primary radars and sensors. Coordinating all of those is beyond human ability. Most of it is handled by computers, but there are some situations where that doesn’t cut it. Do you know what I’m talking about?”<br />
<br />
“Laser weapons?”<br />
<br />
“That’s right. Those move at the speed of light, so they can’t be avoided after seeing them fired. What matters is predicting the attack by observing the minute movements of the enemy’s cannons and sensor lenses. You can’t leave that to a computer both when attacking and when defending.”<br />
<br />
In a battle between Objects, one could not simply continue to evade. One had to attack and hit.<br />
<br />
If an enemy would predict the attack before it was fired, one had to predict where they would evade to and fire there instead.<br />
<br />
“Ultimately, the whole system only works when you combine the precise sensors, the high-spec computers, and the fearful fingertips of a human. It seems the Information Alliance is researching completely automated targeting algorithms, but they have a long way to go towards making it practical. Then again, they’re more skilled than anyone when it comes to using information, so who knows how much we can trust what our intelligence division has gathered on them.”<br />
<br />
“I won’t lose to something like that.”<br />
<br />
This seemed to have worked up an odd sense of competition in the princess because she pouted her lips and took a sip from her drink’s straw.<br />
<br />
Quenser then heard an electronic tone from the small radio in his uniform.<br />
<br />
When he pulled it out and brought it to his mouth, Froleytia’s voice spoke to him.<br />
<br />
“Study time is over for the moment, Quenser. Head over to the briefing room with the others. A pre-mission briefing is about to begin.”<br />
<br />
“What do we have to do now?”<br />
<br />
“That’s what I will explain to you. But it’s a simple mission. I’m not asking you to make a charge at a cutting-edge Object or anything.”<br />
<br />
“I beg you to never ask me to do that!! I haven’t been doing it because I want to!!”<br />
<br />
“Toward the end of the incident with the Simple Is Best and the Hornet Storm, a large underground structure was discovered when the ground collapsed. That was from your report, Quenser.”<br />
<br />
“W-well, yes.”<br />
<br />
“Today, you will be investigating the abandoned facility. This is simple post-battle cleanup. I suppose the police would call it a crime scene inspection. I honestly doubt it has anything to do with the war, but we have to control everything in the vicinity of the battle. I will be the one writing the annoying report to the higher ups, so you all can help me out a little.”<br />
<br />
“So no other military is involved this time? There aren’t going to be any firefights?”<br />
<br />
“That’s right. Unless you’ve heard reports of the Capitalist Corporations or the Information Alliance living in holes.”<br />
<br />
“Wait. Wait just a minute. Are you saying you want us to carefully check over this place, but nothing – nothing at all – is going to happen? We just have to drive across the desert as if having a picnic, snap a few photos of these strange ruins, and that’s it? You promise?”<br />
<br />
“And surprisingly, you actually get paid. With the people’s tax money, no less.”<br />
<br />
“Woo hoo!! Oh, god! I can’t wait!! Please fill my team with a ton of female soldiers! This is perfect for Operation North Wind and the Sun. Partway through, our tension is sure to drop and then they’ll strip down to their thin inner clothing!! Hooray! Hooray!!”<br />
<br />
“Yes, yes. I get it. You will be in your usual filthy guy team with Heivia. Have fun in your sweaty world of little clothing.”<br />
<br />
“Hah hah hah. If you really do that, I’m starting a coup.”<br />
<br />
“Hah hah hah!! Do you really think I’m the type to joke about this?”<br />
<br />
The transmission ended with a click.<br />
<br />
Since Froleytia said it, there was no doubting that he would end up surrounded by men. However, Quenser was not about to give up. He still had hope.<br />
<br />
“On a boring investigation, the investigation team, guard team, and transport team will all move as one big group. Even if my team looks like a boys’ school, there’s still a chance of cute young girls in the other teams!! I haven’t lost yet!!”<br />
<br />
“Sigh. Are you sure it will turn out that well?” asked the old woman.<br />
<br />
“I am!! After all, the end of February is getting towards the end of the fiscal year!! The top levels of the military need to use up their extra budget or the defense budget will be lowered next year. Sending out tons of unnecessary soldiers for a boring mission could easily happen now!!”<br />
<br />
“Why are you only this good at calculations at times like this?”<br />
<br />
That was of course because this topic was the most compatible with the pink brain cells of adolescence.<br />
<br />
At any rate, Quenser raised his hands in an expression of joy.<br />
<br />
“Fwa ha ha ha ha ha!! I won’t let our commander win this time! The amount of girls in skimpy, wet, and see-through clothes would surprise a soft drink commercial! Paradise awaits me!!”<br />
<br />
===Part 2===<br />
<br />
[[Image:HO_v07_260.png|thumb]]<br />
“…Ah!?”<br />
<br />
Quenser’s suddenly opened his eyes.<br />
<br />
His recent memories were fuzzy. He could not see anything properly. The blue sky of the desert spread out before his eyes. He seemed to be lying on his back, but he could not feel the burning of the hot sand.<br />
<br />
He felt an unpleasantly cold sweat as if he had anemia.<br />
<br />
He detected a burning smell mixed with a rusty metallic smell.<br />
<br />
…A rusty metallic smell?<br />
<br />
“Gah!? Gfh! D-dammit. I just remembered. Our helicopter crashed. Then what was that dream I just had…? Don’t tell me my life was flashing before my eyes! Cough cough!!”<br />
<br />
The surface of the desert was not flat. It had large undulations similar to a stormy sea and some areas had height differences of several meters. He was lying in a position to use one of those sand dunes as a shield.<br />
<br />
But what was he being shielded from?<br />
<br />
The answer was obviously the attacks being fired their way.<br />
<br />
Seemingly never-ending sounds of bursting gunfire made him think of a fireworks show gone wrong. Quenser’s group was not on the attack. They were unilaterally being fired upon. The storm of steel was so great they would have been torn to pieces in just a few seconds if not for the dune.<br />
<br />
Heivia had his back pressed against the dune while sticking just his rifle’s sensors up over it.<br />
<br />
“Are you finally awake, you bastard!? I was beginning to think I wasted an adrenaline cartridge!!”<br />
<br />
“Seriously? You mean one of those thick needles you stab directly into the heart!? I was in that bad a state!?”<br />
<br />
“I thought this would be best. If you were hitting on an angel, I apologize.”<br />
<br />
“Oh, right! I saw my life flash before my eyes! It seemed so real!! Um…huh? I can’t quite remember what happened. I remember seeing the princess, Froleytia, and the old maintenance woman.”<br />
<br />
“Right, right. I already knew how little fidelity you had, but it’s good to know you’re the same as ever!”<br />
<br />
As his blood flow returned to normal, the data in Quenser’s head gradually fell into the proper order.<br />
<br />
(Oh, that’s right.)<br />
<br />
He had been sent on a mission by Froleytia.<br />
<br />
They were to investigate the underground structure he had come across during the battle with the Simple Is Best and Hornet Storm. Even if it was not a very important building, she had needed detailed information on anything in the combat zone for a report to the higher ups.<br />
<br />
Quenser and the others had been loaded onto large transport helicopters and sent to the area of desert in question.<br />
<br />
Nothing but cream-colored sand had continued in every direction, so it had been a frightening sight to look down on. He had wanted to avoid getting lost here. Even a South American jungle would have more opportunities for survival techniques.<br />
<br />
The only landmarks were the remains of the rusty pipelines that travelled here and there like blood vessels of the planet. But if one was stranded, it would probably be impossible to tell a rescue team where one was using them. After all, they would continue in a straight line for 100 or even 1000 kilometers.<br />
<br />
“It doesn’t matter how intently you stare down there, you aren’t going to find an oasis or a girl in a micro bikini,” Heivia had said. “More importantly, can you believe we’re travelling over a battlefield in a helicopter? Sure, we aren’t directly dealing with an Object, but one of them might suddenly decide to go on a hunt.”<br />
<br />
But if they had been crammed into military trucks to travel along the rough desert under the hot sun, they would have been struck by the double-punch of heat stroke and motion sickness before even arriving at the site.<br />
<br />
After the formation of large helicopters had travelled for a while, they had spotted the remains of the terminal facility where several old pipelines gathered. That facility had been used to gather water from deep underground rather than oil.<br />
<br />
But they had soon spotted a few trucks with canopies parked near the old facility.<br />
<br />
Quenser had frowned.<br />
<br />
“Are those scavengers trying to gather anything of value?”<br />
<br />
“There can’t be any proper machinery left. And look at the canopies. That’s the Blue Cross. They’re the world’s largest medical humanitarian organization. They head to Antarctic and the jungle to find samples of deadly bacteria, they give money to groups researching nanotech medicine, and all sorts of other things. They’re probably providing food.”<br />
<br />
“Nanotech? Oh, you mean the techniques taken from military science where it could be used as a new method for regulating Elite’s bodies? They place drops of medicine in a membrane like it’s a small bubble, get that bubble past the filters to the brain or kidneys, and provide the medicine directly to the target. They use ultrasonic waves to break the outer shell at the desired point, right?”<br />
<br />
“You get excited about anything that has even the slightest connection to Objects, don’t you? Could you stop breathing so heavily? It’s creepy.”<br />
<br />
“Anyway, what’s the Blue Cross doing at these abandoned ruins?”<br />
<br />
At that point, Quenser’s memories suddenly lost coherency.<br />
<br />
As he lay on his back with a hand on his sweaty brow, he let out a groan.<br />
<br />
“That’s right. Those bastards weren’t the Blue Cross at all. Someone painted up their trucks to trick us. They removed the canopies and there were missiles inside.”<br />
<br />
“Are you the type that needs coffee and toast to wake up in the morning? If not, get moving!! We’re gonna be surrounded!!”<br />
<br />
The burnt smell was coming from the remains of their crashed helicopter.<br />
<br />
The whirl of bullets was not coming from just one direction. They were partially surrounded by a C-shape.<br />
<br />
It was unclear who the enemy was or how many of them there were.<br />
<br />
Their group had to be at least two or three sizes larger than Quenser and Heivia’s group. More than twenty people were lying behind the sand dune like Quenser. They all had their arms or legs bound with bandages to stop their bleeding, some had the removed stock of a carbine used to set a broken bone, and a lot of them were unconscious. The area had become a makeshift field hospital.<br />
<br />
Quenser looked up at the blue sky that seemed to continue forever.<br />
<br />
“Where are the other helicopters? Where’s our way out!? We’ll just be worn down bit by bit like this. We can’t fight in the desert without a means of mobility!”<br />
<br />
“All of the functioning helicopters have temporarily withdrawn! We can’t exactly overcome their surface-to-air missiles with the power of friendship. If they hovered around here to pick us up, they’d be shot down! No help is coming until we silence those!!”<br />
<br />
“They may be transport helicopters, but they have machineguns attached to the door, right? Firing down with those would make a huge difference!!”<br />
<br />
“In this clean age, no one wants to start a Western-style quick draw using heavy weaponry. We won’t get anywhere wishing for something that isn’t coming. Focus on reality!!”<br />
<br />
Nothing but sand as far as the eye could see lay in every direction.<br />
<br />
There was no escape without some kind of vehicle. Even if they began to flee on foot, they would be quickly overtaken and riddled with holes. Falling back would not improve their situation and most of those injured in the crash were in no state to walk on their own.<br />
<br />
The enemy was advancing.<br />
<br />
Once the enemy surpassed the sand dune, they would only sink into a puddle of blood.<br />
<br />
“Screw this. You’ve gotta be kidding me. I thought this was supposed to be an easy mission.”<br />
<br />
As Quenser complained, he rolled over onto his stomach. He then climbed up the dune and stopped next to Heivia.<br />
<br />
“How many are there?”<br />
<br />
“Somewhere between 50 and 60. Only a samurai or ninja could defeat that many in a straight fight. It would be a different story if we had support from the helicopters, but we need to silence those armored vehicles to do that.”<br />
<br />
“Who are they anyway?”<br />
<br />
“I don’t know. But knowing that they’re bastards who don’t deserve to live is good enough for me,” spat out Heivia. “But their equipment is relatively new. It looks like they gathered downgraded weapons that the Capitalist Corporations and the Information Alliance sell to gather foreign currency. Their ability may be intentionally lowered, but they’re expensive. I doubt a gang or slum residents who are strapped for cash could get their hands on this stuff.”<br />
<br />
The repeated sounds of gunfire caused Quenser to grimace.<br />
<br />
“Are you saying those are trained soldiers? They’re firing around almost at random. If they were aiming each shot, we would have already been filled with bullets.”<br />
<br />
“Listen, skinny boy. Have you never heard of sounding out your enemy? When you don’t know where they are, you fire all over the place and wait for them to react. …It’s all over once they find out where exactly we are. They have tons of machineguns and missiles on their trucks. Specifically, they have more than ten trucks. This shield of sand is meaningless. They may be surface-to-air, but a few of those missiles will blow the terrain to smithereens.”<br />
<br />
Quenser let out a long, slow breath.<br />
<br />
And then he asked another question.<br />
<br />
“Then what exactly are we supposed to do?”<br />
<br />
“Well done getting your mind in gear.”<br />
<br />
Heivia pulled back the rifle sensors he had peering over the dune and used the sand to write out the information he had risked his life to collect.<br />
<br />
“They have their machinegun and surface-to-air missile equipped trucks set up to protect the terminal facility that pumps water up from underground. They’re between five and six hundred meters away. Their rifles and machineguns can reach us from there, but fifty or sixty soldiers armed with carbines and light machineguns are slowly approaching. Once they cross a certain line, we’ll be slaughtered. We need to do something before they can manage that.”<br />
<br />
“We can’t win if we fight? Are there too many of them?”<br />
<br />
“As I said, we could annihilate their infantry with our helicopter machineguns, but those helicopters can’t approach right now. We need to silence those surface-to-air missile containers sitting up on their trucks.”<br />
<br />
“But…”<br />
<br />
Quenser glanced over at Heivia.<br />
<br />
He carried a shoulder-fired missile launcher over his back. That could be used to blow up the armored trucks, but there was one major problem.<br />
<br />
“That’s right. I only have one shot and there are over ten of them. This isn’t going to work.”<br />
<br />
“…”<br />
<br />
Quenser remained silent for a moment.<br />
<br />
He stared at the rough map his friend had drawn on the sand.<br />
<br />
“Heivia, my memories aren’t perfect due to the shock, so I need to ask you something.”<br />
<br />
“I’m not your fiancé from before your memory loss if that’s what you’re wondering.”<br />
<br />
“It’s about when they attacked our helicopter with their missiles. I know I can’t expect a large transport helicopter to evade, but we weren’t shot down without putting up any kind of fight, right?”<br />
<br />
“What? Well, I remember a siren blaring as it scattered chaff and flares to trick their radar. I think we might have activated an infrared jammer as well, but you can see how well all that worked. We were shot down and the other helicopters were forced to withdraw.”<br />
<br />
“In other words, we had countermeasures, but they were completely ineffective,” said Quenser while emphasizing each word. “They have some large radar equipment supporting their targeting. That’s how they saw through our deceptions and shot us down. But what if all of their anti-air weaponry is reliant on it? We could take out their ‘net in the sky’ by destroying just the one piece of equipment. Guns and missiles are essentially the same. Without a means of aiming them, they won’t cause any damage.”<br />
<br />
“It does make sense,” groaned Heivia. “All of the trucks have oddly large antennae attached. It’s definitely possible they’re using accurate data from a command vehicle that specializes in gathering intelligence. But…”<br />
<br />
“But?”<br />
<br />
“Where is it?” Heivia stabbed his rifle’s stock into the center of his map on the sand. “You heard me, right? There are more than ten of their armored trucks and we only have one missile. If we don’t hit the command vehicle on the first shot, it’s all over. Once we lose our trump card, we have nothing left!! Is there any way to tell which one it is!?”<br />
<br />
“That’s a good question.”<br />
<br />
Quenser folded his arms lightly and traced his index finger over his mouth.<br />
<br />
He looked like he was contemplating the dinner menu.<br />
<br />
“Heivia, how many assault rifle and handgun bullets do you have left?”<br />
<br />
“What?”<br />
<br />
“If it isn’t enough, gather some more from those too injured to move. They won’t do them any good anyway.”<br />
<br />
“Wait, wait! They may have been disguised as the Blue Cross, but their trucks probably still have handmade plate inside. You can’t fight armored trucks with normal bullets!!”<br />
<br />
“I’m not trying to destroy the trucks. I have no interest in the bullets themselves.”<br />
<br />
“???”<br />
<br />
Quenser ignored Heivia’s confused look and gathered a few assault rifles and carbines.<br />
<br />
He disassembled them without any tools and removed the barrel which resembled a long, narrow pipe.<br />
<br />
“What are you trying to do?”<br />
<br />
“Make some giant fireworks.”<br />
<br />
Quenser bent and crushed one end of the long, narrow tubes, removed the rifle bullets from the magazines, and scattered them across the sand.<br />
<br />
“A long time ago, they would actually use this kind of simple rocket weapon in Asia. They were meant to set fire to castles or ships. …You said the distance is five or six hundred meters? Cramming in this much intelligent military powder should reach. Even if I attach a plastic explosive and fuse to the front.”<br />
<br />
“Are you saying we can oppose all those armored trucks if we go to this extra trouble?” Heivia looked displeased. “Have you forgotten what matters most with weapons, Quenser? Targeting. Reaching them and hitting them are two very different things! A simple fireworks rocket made by stuffing powder into a tube and attaching it to a stick for stability isn’t going to hit!!”<br />
<br />
“It doesn’t have to hit.” Quenser readily overturned Heivia’s assumption. “They think they’re perfectly safe over there, so if bombs start bursting too far away to have been thrown, they’ll definitely panic. They’ll try to evacuate the most important thing first. I don’t know how stupid they are, but they should be smart enough to know they can’t afford to have their radar vehicle destroyed. While they’re busy secretly moving their most important card away, you just have to blow it up with your missile.”<br />
<br />
Heivia was dumbfounded, but Quenser continued his cunning explanation.<br />
<br />
“You mentioned sounding out your enemy, remember? Let’s show them how it’s really done.”<br />
<br />
===Part 3===<br />
<br />
As planned, the makeshift rockets were fired into the Oceanian sky.<br />
<br />
Heivia fired his shoulder-fired missile into the command truck with the large-scale radar antenna attached and the Legitimacy Kingdom’s unilateral counterattack began.<br />
<br />
Once the threat of anti-air weapons was removed, the large transport helicopters were able to return.<br />
<br />
They had large caliber machineguns bolted directly to the floor near the door.<br />
<br />
As the sound of those firing exploded overhead, Quenser covered his mouth with one hand.<br />
<br />
“Why do people like to root for the underdog? Where did my hatred for them go?”<br />
<br />
“I think you’re actually looking down on them with a sense of superiority. But don’t worry. You’re enjoying your life well enough.”<br />
<br />
Quenser and Heivia lay face down on the slope of the sand dune while the sounds of destruction continued.<br />
<br />
The handmade armored trucks had been relatively well modified, but they were filled with holes, their gasoline tanks and weaponry ignited, and they violently exploded. The intense destruction of the machineguns rained down evenly on the group of infantry who had tried to corner Quenser and the others. There were no screams. Instead, a dark red sauce was splattered across the giant frying pan of the desert.<br />
<br />
Quenser entered a philosophic mood.<br />
<br />
“What is peace?”<br />
<br />
Heivia picked his nose with his little finger.<br />
<br />
“It’s when we’re still alive.”<br />
<br />
After about ten minutes, the sounds of gunfire completely stopped.<br />
<br />
A few of the transport helicopters remained at the ready in the air while a few others slowly descended to collect the injured.<br />
<br />
One soldier who stepped out of a helicopter shouted over the noise of the rotors.<br />
<br />
“Thanks for your work!! We have permission to bring back all of your injured. Leave them with us and they can recover in a bed that reeks of disinfectant!!”<br />
<br />
“Yeah, yeah. We get it! But take a look behind you before you say that. The helicopters aren’t at all ready to leave. We can’t leave until the investigation is done!!”<br />
<br />
Quenser and Heivia watched as the investigation team and their guards started for the pump facility that connected to the giant underground structure.<br />
<br />
The ceiling of the underground structure had collapsed during the previous battle, so it was open to the surface. However, no one would rappel down a ten meter cliff when a perfectly safe staircase was available.<br />
<br />
Quenser used his uniform’s sleeve to wipe sweat from his brow and looked up at the roasting sun that felt like the end of the world.<br />
<br />
“What do we do now? I don’t want to sit around here. We would dry up before they finished.”<br />
<br />
“There’s a pipeline over there. It’s rusted and falling apart, but we can rest behind it. The humidity should be lower and it’ll block the sun.”<br />
<br />
The pipeline was a tube with a diameter of over two meters, so it produced enough of a shadow to sit in. The two boys walked over and found most of the other soldiers already leaning up against the rusted metal pipe like a line of ants.<br />
<br />
“This is awful.”<br />
<br />
“Are you sure it’s cooler here? I feel like gathering together would concentrate the heat.”<br />
<br />
Quenser pulled out the water bottle attached to his uniform and took a gulp. It had been warmed by the sun and his body temperature, so he spat it back out.<br />
<br />
“Yuck! It feels like I’m drinking my own sweat!!”<br />
<br />
“Use your head, student. You need to cool the water bottle with the icing spray used for machineguns. Medic!!”<br />
<br />
Heivia’s joking shout let Quenser know the danger had truly passed.<br />
<br />
“So what was that? This pump facility is in ruins and all the usable equipment was removed. Missiles cost 10,000 euros each. Why would they defend this place with their lives?”<br />
<br />
“Look over here, Quenser.”<br />
<br />
Heivia peered inside a broken portion of the pipeline. The pipe was over two meters wide, so it looked more like a metal tunnel.<br />
<br />
In fact, it was one.<br />
<br />
“There’s sand gathered at the bottom and there’s a thick line down the middle. It looks like a tire track. From the width, I’d say a motorcycle.”<br />
<br />
“A tire track?”<br />
<br />
With a confused look, Quenser peered inside the broken pipe.<br />
<br />
And then it hit him.<br />
<br />
“This abandoned pipeline network stretches across the entire desert. No water or oil is being sent through it, so it’s a safe empty space. You don’t mean…”<br />
<br />
“When the military government ruled Oceania, secret funds, weapons, and drugs travelled across the country like ghosts were transporting them. They slipped right past the military checkpoints and satellite surveillance. It was said they did it by bribing or threatening the local soldiers, but this might be it.”<br />
<br />
“A secret tunnel? So as easily as heading underground through a manhole, they could freely move across Oceania without being checked?”<br />
<br />
It was not the pump facility or the giant underground structure that mattered.<br />
<br />
Someone was trying to hide the large-scale smuggling network that used the pipelines.<br />
<br />
“People armed with the latest military equipment were fighting to protect a smuggling network? That smells fishy to me. Is it an intelligence agency raising funds by selling drugs or something?”<br />
<br />
“But who exactly were they?” Heivia looked annoyed as he glanced over at the corpses which had been almost completely destroyed. “Their equipment looks like a collection of Capitalist Corporations and Information Alliance stuff. And it’s the downgraded versions sold for foreign currency rather than the official military equipment. They announce they’re lowering the quality, but still keep the price high. I doubt a local gang or mafia would want to use them.”<br />
<br />
“What do you mean?”<br />
<br />
“I’m not sure. Were they soldiers or were they people hired to help out? Well, either way they would mix in a few pros to take command.”<br />
<br />
Suddenly, an infantryman guarding the exterior of the pump facility spoke to Quenser and Heivia.<br />
<br />
“If you’re discussing conspiracy theories, you might want to check this out.”<br />
<br />
“What?”<br />
<br />
Heivia sounded puzzled as the man tossed him a small rectangular handheld device.<br />
<br />
However, this was not the type issued to Legitimacy Kingdom soldiers. It also had dark red stains in places.<br />
<br />
The soldier shrugged.<br />
<br />
“I was scavenging. Those thugs out front were splattered everywhere, so I gathered whatever I thought I could sell.”<br />
<br />
“Seriously? You really set foot in that poisonous swamp?”<br />
<br />
“And in exchange, I found some interesting data. It looks less like official data and more like someone at the bottom gathered some data to figure out what he was involved in.”<br />
<br />
“…”<br />
<br />
Quenser turned on the device and it was not even locked with a password.<br />
<br />
Some of the data files were filled with numbers about ten digits long. He could not read hexadecimal off the top of his head, so he could not tell anything from just that.<br />
<br />
“Wait a second,” said Heivia as he peered in from the side. “The first four digits are all the same. I thought these looked familiar. They’re bank account numbers, aren’t they? I think these belong to a major Information Alliance one.”<br />
<br />
“Why does a Legitimacy Kingdom noble know that?”<br />
<br />
“Don’t be stupid. In this age of wars, you never know what levies will be imposed. Do you really think a greedy noble is going to keep all his money in a single account? We have tons of ways of spreading out our assets. My family has a group of specialist accountants working for us.”<br />
<br />
Quenser tilted his head as he scrolled through the iron-smelling device.<br />
<br />
There appeared to be over one hundred bank account numbers.<br />
<br />
“So what is this list of bank accounts?”<br />
<br />
“Probably a deposit list. In other words, these connect to the names of the people cooperating with the people running things from the shadows. Look, the numbers at the end of the account numbers are the same too. That probably refers to a branch in a tropical island tax haven. They’re probably using secret accounts to launder their money.”<br />
<br />
“The people running things from the shadows? We still don’t know if this is really a conspiracy.”<br />
<br />
“If we dig up the names and identities of this week’s MVPs here, we might find a connection. They disguised their trucks as the Blue Cross and loaded them with machineguns and missiles to hide the secret passageway through the pipeline. They’re definitely up to no good.”<br />
<br />
The mischievous infantryman shrugged in utter exhaustion.<br />
<br />
“These are secret accounts in the Information Alliance. They aren’t going to give us the information if we ask.”<br />
<br />
“Quenser.”<br />
<br />
“Do I look that smart to you? Do you think you can just throw any problem my way?”<br />
<br />
Quenser looked irritated, but he begrudgingly agreed after the soldiers around him tossed some icing spray his way.<br />
<br />
He sprayed it across his water bottle and spoke.<br />
<br />
“Knowing the account numbers is a start. How about we leak the entire list onto the internet while making it look like they were hacked? With secret tax haven accounts, trust matters most. If information has been taken straight from the servers, the clients and managers will both panic.”<br />
<br />
“Yes, but will that accomplish anything other than causing a commotion?”<br />
<br />
“We can quickly open a fake website claiming to check whether your account number was stolen. If we add in some spyware to snatch the IP of anyone entering their number, we should be able to determine who entered what number. And the shadier the person, the sooner they’ll respond.”<br />
<br />
In that instant, everyone resting in the shade of the pipeline stared silently at Quenser.<br />
<br />
He squirmed under the pressure of the strange silence.<br />
<br />
“Um, what is this? Is this any way to react after I give you what you want?”<br />
<br />
“This settles it. Nothing good would come of letting him leave the military.”<br />
<br />
They contacted the maintenance base zone’s intelligence division via radio, but they said it would take several days to create a proper fake website.<br />
<br />
Heivia stuck out his tongue.<br />
<br />
“Damn those desk workers. Do clocks move at a different speed over there? Are they using a vacation clock or something?”<br />
<br />
“Either way, I’m jealous.”<br />
<br />
“They aren’t on board with this. It’s a pain, but you heard them. Everyone, give any idea we can use to steal the credit from the intelligence department since they refuse to play along.”<br />
<br />
Long story short, they ended up with the following ideas: “Different computer viruses are compressed and saved on a certain foreign server”, “I know a collection of templates for scam sites”, and “As long as you have the basic template for the site, you can use a cloud service to edit the details and create a false site in only a few minutes.”<br />
<br />
“Why do all of you know about this kind of thing?”<br />
<br />
“As a future engineer, I think you should gladly welcome useful nerds. Otherwise, your organization will end up as a dinosaur fossil.”<br />
<br />
As they had announced, the bored helpers completed the false website in only a few minutes. Rather than building it from the ground up, they chose a template from a database containing thousands of templates for scam sites and added the necessary decorations. They did the same for the spyware.<br />
<br />
“Where should we spread the address? Just on any major message board?”<br />
<br />
“For the Legitimacy Kingdom, there’s Blue Blood which only nobles with bloodlines continuing back for 300 years can enter. For the Information Alliance, there’s Rank Literacy which can only be used by people who run sites with over half a million hits a day. There are sites for elitist people from the other two world powers as well.”<br />
<br />
“Those are all closed SNSs. We can probably manage with Blue Blood, but you aren’t using my ID.”<br />
<br />
“I don’t need to. Everyone uses different identities online. A refined noble will let off some steam by shouting insults on anonymous message boards like it’s a masquerade party. If we spread the information there, the tainted information will make its way into the closed SNSs. They’ll ruin their own attempts to seal it off.”<br />
<br />
“It sounds like the insecticide used for roaches. It’s made to look like delicious food so they’ll take it back to their nest where it kills all of them.”<br />
<br />
A male soldier had been curled up and fiddling with a handheld device, but he now made an OK sign with his hand.<br />
<br />
The others peered curiously at the small screen.<br />
<br />
“This virus site is a lot like creating a robot from an empty box and tape, isn’t it?”<br />
<br />
“Yes, but it’s already gotten a few pieces of personal information.”<br />
<br />
First, they had leaked the list online and let the emergency information spread. Once the clients grew uneasy, they were lured to the false site where they entered their account number. It was unclear when exactly the different waves of attack began.<br />
<br />
“We have a few names and identities to go with numbers on our list. About ten so far. Let’s try to find a link between them.”<br />
<br />
“Wait.” Heivia pointed at one of the names. “This is an international satellite TV executive. He claims to bring laughter and the truth to the blank regions and dictatorships where information is being controlled. Oceania’s mass media has begun to recover, but it’s still unstable. Satellite TV still has a lot of credibility and influence here.”<br />
<br />
He pointed at another name.<br />
<br />
“This is a blog king. He’s known as Oceania’s leading source of sarcasm.”<br />
<br />
He pointed at another.<br />
<br />
“This is an entertainer famous for volunteer work.”<br />
<br />
And another.<br />
<br />
“An executive for an international canned drink maker. They have ads during all sorts of shows.”<br />
<br />
As each name was described, Quenser saw a common theme.<br />
<br />
“Are they using the media to influence people’s impressions?”<br />
<br />
“Their impressions of what?”<br />
<br />
“No matter how much they’re being paid, I doubt they would say something that strays too far from their ideologies and beliefs. The money is nothing but the trigger giving them the final push. In that case, what do these people believe in?”<br />
<br />
Heivia grimaced when he heard that.<br />
<br />
He had been the one describing the names, so he had a general understanding of the people.<br />
<br />
“This might be a major headache for us.”<br />
<br />
“Why?”<br />
<br />
“They want true independence for Oceania by having the ‘thugs’ leave. They’re a bunch of people who refuse to do any real work while pretending to be pacifists. They think they’re the most important no matter what.”<br />
<br />
“Even the corporate executives?”<br />
<br />
“Sitting arrogantly in a leather chair isn’t normally referred to as ‘work’.”<br />
<br />
A mysterious group in Oceania was spreading intentionally biased information to create a tendency toward hating the coalition military.<br />
<br />
The current problem was the pipeline they were using to secretly transport something across the desert. They had even started a firefight with the Legitimacy Kingdom in order to hide it.<br />
<br />
This was more than a newspaper editorial.<br />
<br />
This mysterious group was prepared to use legitimate violence.<br />
<br />
“This pipeline is being used as a secret transportation network and massive amounts of money are being given to influential people to manipulate the opinions of the Oceanian people. What are they trying to do here?”<br />
<br />
“Hey,” spoke up the soldiers who had helped them earlier. “I checked a few more of their handheld devices and there’s a net storage site they access frequently. They may keep their larger data there.”<br />
<br />
“Does it have a password?”<br />
<br />
“Just like online banks, it uses a one-time password. …But this was outsourced and the company in charge of security has slipped past the firewall a few times. We might be able to use the maintenance master key.”<br />
<br />
“Would they really use the same key for several weeks or months?”<br />
<br />
“No, but if we find a pattern to the changes in the periodically updated alphanumeric key, it might be possible to determine what the current key is. It will take some time, though.”<br />
<br />
“Try working on it,” said Quenser as his radio emitted an electronic tone.<br />
<br />
Froleytia was calling them.<br />
<br />
“I have a question for all of you. You aren’t performing unauthorized electronic warfare against an Information Alliance tax haven bank, are you? The intelligence department has detected a fascinating flow of data.”<br />
<br />
(Shit!!)<br />
<br />
Everyone there straightened their spines.<br />
<br />
The Legitimacy Kingdom and Information Alliance were at war, but wars had rules known as treaties. And as Heivia had said, secret tax haven accounts were unofficially used by nobles and royals so they could secretly divide their assets up between false names and dummy corporations. Even if this was an enemy nation, some higher ups might not want them messing with it. Someone might be placing pressure on Froleytia.<br />
<br />
But when no amount of apology would fix the situation, Quenser did not want to continue speaking for long.<br />
<br />
He responded casually while looking around for help.<br />
<br />
Heivia pointed toward the pump facility with his thumb.<br />
<br />
“(That thick concrete might cut off the signal!!)”<br />
<br />
“Okay, okay. Eh? What!? No, no. That isn’t what we’re doing!!”<br />
<br />
While Quenser stalled for time, he and Heivia ran toward the remains of the pump facility.<br />
<br />
They circled around the lake of dark red sauce and continued toward the building which contained stairs leading underground.<br />
<br />
The armored trucks disguised as the Blue Cross were still burning and smoking. They would no longer function, but the two idiots circled well away from them because the bombs or missiles could suddenly burst.<br />
<br />
The inside of the building was a large space.<br />
<br />
It had originally been a facility to draw up unused water from underground and send it to grain-producing land, but all of the equipment had been removed when it was abandoned. It was now a movie theater-sized space made of reinforced concrete. It was essentially empty. Broken metal stairways and passageways could be found here and there and they appeared to be built around large machinery that was no longer present.<br />
<br />
But that did not matter.<br />
<br />
“(Heivia! The signal’s still going strong!! Froleytia’s completely pissed!! We can’t escape like this!!)”<br />
<br />
“(Let’s head down the spiral staircase and underground!!)”<br />
<br />
The two idiots descended the spiral staircase and ran out into a narrow tunnel. Static finally began to fill the radio signal.<br />
<br />
This was the moment they had been waiting for.<br />
<br />
“Ksshhh. Wait, what is… Explain yourse-…kssssshhhhh!!”<br />
<br />
“Eh? What? I can’t hear you! I can’t hear you at all!! Over!!”<br />
<br />
With that, he ended the transmission and switched off the radio altogether.<br />
<br />
Heivia leaned up against the concrete wall.<br />
<br />
“If we hang around here, the investigation team will see us and force odd jobs on us. Let’s go pretend to be working.”<br />
<br />
They were doing nothing more than extending their suffering, but they took an extremely positive stance and viewed it as a chance to arrange the excuses they needed to weasel out of it.<br />
<br />
They passed through a straight corridor and arrived at the underground structure.<br />
<br />
However…<br />
<br />
“Wow. There really isn’t a ceiling. It feels like the world’s biggest convertible.”<br />
<br />
The ground above had completely collapsed during the previous battle, so the blue sky was perfectly visible even in the “underground” structure. They were over ten meters down, so they were not about to climb up or down rather than using the stairs.<br />
<br />
A lot of sand had poured in, so it looked a lot more cluttered than the pump facility.<br />
<br />
The piles of wooden boxes may have added to that impression.<br />
<br />
“It looks like they’ve finished investigating here. Otherwise, we never would have been allowed in.”<br />
<br />
“What are these boxes? Surely they aren’t empty.”<br />
<br />
After receiving permission from a man on the investigation team who was taking photographs, Quenser and Heivia removed the nails from one wooden box and opened it.<br />
<br />
“There’s some kind of powder packed in plastic.”<br />
<br />
“But it doesn’t look like something with a high street price.”<br />
<br />
The bags had some kind of label, so Quenser used his handheld device to snap a photo.<br />
<br />
They opened a few more boxes and found reels of fiber optic cable as well as nuts and bolts packaged by size.<br />
<br />
“Did someone’s father make a secret base for his home improvement projects?”<br />
<br />
“Wait. I think I know what that powder was,” muttered Quenser.<br />
<br />
Suddenly, the two idiots heard the noise of something falling over.<br />
<br />
And when they turned toward the noise…<br />
<br />
===Part 4===<br />
<br />
In the name of war recovery, many different types of construction had begun at a fevered pitch across Oceania: houses, shops, roads, water and sewage, etc. The coalition of the four world powers claimed bringing order to the country was their top priority, but they could not utterly eliminate anyone who was even slightly suspicious. Specialists who did not look right in a suit or work uniform and guards who carried guns could not be distinguished from actual bad guys.<br />
<br />
If those suspicious-looking people were let into the same space as rich foreign tourists, it could lead to a situation similar to a hamster that mistook another hamster’s sex.<br />
<br />
To keep some separation, a hidden side to the city was created for those suspicious-looking people. Drawn by the flow of money, violent restaurants, marriage scam artists who were always crying in a bar, and people from various other occupations would gather there. These were the people who had gone too far in their original country. Like a snowball rolling down a snowy mountain, the strength of these dark cities slowly but steadily grew.<br />
<br />
A certain bar in one such place was quite cheap but it was best not to think about what corners were cut to make it that cheap. In a dimly lit corner of that bar, a small group sat around a table cut off from the rest of the bar by curtains.<br />
<br />
“They have failed.”<br />
<br />
A young man wore a black suit and hat that looked out of place in the summertime desert. His sunglasses looked more like they were hiding his face than protecting his eyes from the sun.<br />
<br />
“Terminal 52 has been taken by the Legitimacy Kingdom. The men we hired were wiped out.”<br />
<br />
“We knew they would lose from the beginning.”<br />
<br />
He was not the only one in such a conspicuous outfit.<br />
<br />
A woman sitting at the same table wore all black, down to her necktie.<br />
<br />
“Even if they could temporarily drive them back, they are a world power and thus they have an Object. If the problem grew too large, they would have sent it in. Those men were doomed to lose.”<br />
<br />
But it was not just the two of them. Everyone at the table was wearing all black.<br />
<br />
“Their loss was planned for. We all understand that. In that case, could you tell us one thing? Did they die before or after achieving their goal?”<br />
<br />
“If not, I would be a little more concerned.”<br />
<br />
“Whatever gets in the way, no one can reach us as long as all evidence is destroyed in the end.”<br />
<br />
Everyone turned toward the young man who had spoken first.<br />
<br />
No, they were technically looking behind him.<br />
<br />
A blonde woman stood there wearing the exact same suit and sunglasses. She also held the same type of handgun the rest of them possessed.<br />
<br />
“Are you saying the objective was achieved?”<br />
<br />
The young man slowly raised his hands in response.<br />
<br />
The tip of the silencer was already pressed against the back of his head.<br />
<br />
He smiled thinly and responded quietly.<br />
<br />
“Yes. And let me add this: it was nice knowing-…”<br />
<br />
A muffled gunshot interrupted his words.<br />
<br />
He collapsed face-first onto the round table. The others slowly stood up and took the necessary measures. They gathered the empty shell casing from the ground, used a rag wet with alcohol to wipe down anything that might have their fingerprints or saliva on it, and cleaned up the floor with a roller of sticky tape to pick up any fallen hair.<br />
<br />
They made sure it was the same as if nothing had happened.<br />
<br />
“Case #022 complete. Supervisor Alaska 49’s death has cut off the trail. Case #023 will now begin. The supervisor will be me, Texas 28.”<br />
<br />
The blonde woman spoke quietly while pulling a brand new tablet computer from her bag. The others all focused on her.<br />
<br />
They did so exactly as they had focused on the young man who had just been killed.<br />
<br />
It was as if it were a ritual that had begun long before that young man.<br />
<br />
“Fortunately, Case #022’s objective was fulfilled. A link with the scene has been secured. As planned, we shall continue to the next situation.”<br />
<br />
“In other words?”<br />
<br />
“We shall bury it in an explosion.”<br />
<br />
They remained in the shadows.<br />
<br />
Even when they won and when they were superior, they would kill their allies to suppress all information.<br />
<br />
In that case, they were not going to hesitate to kill their enemies.<br />
<br />
===Part 5===<br />
<br />
“Not good,” muttered Quenser.<br />
<br />
He had seen what some kind of impact had knocked over within the underground structure.<br />
<br />
“Not good!! Heivia, everyone else! Get out of here now!!”<br />
<br />
“What’s the matter, Quenser?”<br />
<br />
A 1.5 meter cylindrical container similar to a propane tank lay before them. However, it was made of transparent reinforced glass and it was filled with some kind of liquid. The center of the cylinder had a donut-like hollow area which was filled with an explosive.<br />
<br />
“That’s an acid bomb. Militaries use it to destroy evidence!! When the explosive detonates, it destroys the container and the blast sends a thorough shower of powerful acid in every direction. In just a few seconds, it reacts with the air and a vaporized acid cloud expands out. It’ll swallow up five hundred to eight hundred meters in no time! If you get caught in that, you’ll end up in a photograph at an exhibit on the horrors of war!!”<br />
<br />
“Seriously? Are you kidding me!? Then were those guys here to set this thing up!? There might be something hidden here!!”<br />
<br />
“With something that large and heavy, they couldn’t transport it by motorcycle, so they couldn’t use their secret pipeline. They were forced to use a truck and that’s when we ran across them.”<br />
<br />
“But it’s just a bomb, right? Can’t you defuse it!? Bombs are your specialty!”<br />
<br />
“There’s no time. There’s only ten minutes left! It’s waiting for a passcode in case it was accidentally activated, but that isn’t enough time to analyze it!! If you want to live, start running! We need to get back to the helicopters!!”<br />
<br />
Quenser and Heivia did not hesitate to flee the underground structure and they made sure to bring the investigation team and their guards with them.<br />
<br />
As they ran through the long, narrow corridor, Quenser turned his radio back on, hit the switch, and explained the situation to the helicopters so they could leave immediately.<br />
<br />
But that might have been a mistake.<br />
<br />
“Ahhhhhh!! Shit!!”<br />
<br />
As soon as they ran up the spiral staircase and out of the pump facility, Heivia swore.<br />
<br />
They could see multiple helicopters taking off.<br />
<br />
“Wait, dammit! Wait!! If we hadn’t told you, you would’ve been surrounded by the acid cloud! We saved your lives!!”<br />
<br />
“Sorry, but rescuing the injured takes precedence! Can you steal one of the enemy’s trucks and escape on your own!?”<br />
<br />
“Do you really think any of them are still running!? You were the ones that blew them up!!”<br />
<br />
“Heivia, they aren’t coming back! More importantly, everyone who’s left needs to gather here. Anyone who makes a mistake here will be melted by acid!!”<br />
<br />
Quenser heard a deafening sound resembling an amplified version of a shaken can of beer being opened.<br />
<br />
A strange white cloud began to spread out not far away. It grew to the size of an Object in no time.<br />
<br />
“That’s the acid cloud,” said Heivia as his face paled.<br />
<br />
The giant cloud burst up from the underground structure like cotton candy. It exited the hole from the collapse and spread out across the desert. At the same time, it was likely entering the pump facility through the stairway leading up. That death had no gaps. Everyone would be wiped out.<br />
<br />
“That thing spreads faster than a forest fire. Sixty kph was it!? It’ll overtake us if we try to escape on foot!!”<br />
<br />
“We can escape.”<br />
<br />
“How?”<br />
<br />
“Through the pipeline! The thick metal should hold it off temporarily! If we can escape beyond its effective range of several hundred meters before it dissolves the metal pipe, we can survive. It’s a chance at least!!”<br />
<br />
Quenser began running as he shouted his instructions to Heivia and the others using his radio.<br />
<br />
“Wait, Quenser! That pipeline is falling apart. What if the pipe is completely broken partway down? The acid cloud will enter there and trap us!!”<br />
<br />
“Would you rather stay here? Bye bye, Heivia. You can stick with 0%, but I’m going to bet on 1%. Even your dog tags will probably be dissolved, so we won’t gather your remains!!”<br />
<br />
“I get it! I get it, goddammit!!”<br />
<br />
The pipe was rusty and falling apart. Cracks and large holes existed in places.<br />
<br />
Quenser and the others ran inside that empty and sandy tube as quickly as they could.<br />
<br />
“You’ve gotta be kidding me. You’ve gotta be fucking kidding me!!”<br />
<br />
The acid cloud will hit in less than thirty seconds! Seal up the holes as best you can!! Use body bags or whatever to cover them and keep the acid cloud out!”<br />
<br />
[[Image:HO_v07_300.png|thumb]]<br />
<br />
They knew it was not going to be perfect.<br />
<br />
After some quick work, they ran down the two meter tunnel with all their strength.<br />
<br />
They were soon surrounded by a sound resembling stir-frying.<br />
<br />
“The acid cloud has caught up!!”<br />
<br />
“It won’t break through the pipe right away! Keep running!!”<br />
<br />
The pipeline had been created to carry over ten tons of liquid every second, so it had been built quite thick to withstand the internal pressure. But the sound of the metal being eaten away still squeezed at their hearts so much they forgot how thick it was.<br />
<br />
“It’s only going to last two or three minutes.”<br />
<br />
“We just have to make it a few hundred meters. That isn’t a marathon. We can escape to safety if we run as quickly as we can!!”<br />
<br />
“Damn them, whoever they are! What do they want to hide so badly that they’re willing to ruin the environment like this!?”<br />
<br />
“We can think about it after we survive!!”<br />
<br />
Strange sparks seemed to explode in their heads and it became impossible to think about anything unnecessary.<br />
<br />
They just ran and ran and ran and ran.<br />
<br />
As they ran, the outside world had long since vanished from their minds. They began to feel like their goal had been filled with the acid and that the acid cloud had covered the entire world.<br />
<br />
“Hot!?”<br />
<br />
“There are cracks here and there. Keep running while covering your head with some kind of cloth! Stopping will only eat away at our skin!!”<br />
<br />
Fortunately, the cracks were small and not much of the acid cloud seemed to be getting in.<br />
<br />
But Quenser and the others did not have time to objectively evaluate the situation.<br />
<br />
They could not tell if the dampness inside their uniforms was their sweat or their melted skin.<br />
<br />
Even so, they continued running.<br />
<br />
It was not exactly out of stubbornness. They were simply losing themselves in the simple action of running so they could avert their gaze from the certain death closing in on them.<br />
<br />
“Quenser,” Heivia finally called out.<br />
<br />
Quenser could not imagine why he was calling out to him.<br />
<br />
“Quenser! It’s over. The sizzling sound is gone. We’ve left the range of the acid cloud.”<br />
<br />
“Ah? Eh?”<br />
<br />
“We survived! We don’t need to run any further. Do you want to destroy your own heart!?”<br />
<br />
It took him a while to truly realize he had survived.<br />
<br />
He eventually collapsed to a sitting position and could tell his lips were twitching.<br />
<br />
After a few seconds, he finally realized he was smiling.<br />
<br />
===Part 6===<br />
<br />
Somewhere in Oceania, the muffled sound of a gun with a silencer could be heard.<br />
<br />
Another young man looked down at a blonde woman with a bullet hole in her forehead.<br />
<br />
“Case #023 complete. The objective was not achieved and it has been deemed a failure. To recover, Case #024 will now begin.”<br />
<br />
===Part 7===<br />
<br />
Quenser worked hard to calm down Heivia who was seriously planning to punch the pilot of the slowly descending helicopter. Surprisingly, the intellectual-looking investigation team seemed to agree with Heivia. They were only human and anyone would be angry when their supposed comrades unreasonably abandoned them in an acid cloud.<br />
<br />
“Calm down. If we all flip them off, they might fly away without us. We need to give them a smile with the kindness of a younger sister and the dependability of an older sister.”<br />
<br />
“Got it, Quenser. You’re saying we act like a carnivorous plant, right? Once they open the helicopter door, their life is over.”<br />
<br />
The helicopter team must have felt bad because, when they opened the door, they handed out bottles of carbonated drinks they had found somewhere. The bottles were ice cold thanks to the icing spray for machineguns. There were some enticements one’s senses could not resist. After running around in the 50 degree desert, this was more than enough to quiet them down.<br />
<br />
The middle-aged male pilot explained the situation.<br />
<br />
“The acid cloud is spreading out higher in the sky like a cumulonimbus cloud. We checked the weather map for the wind and there is a danger of running into it on our way back to the maintenance base. We want more accurate information if possible.”<br />
<br />
“If that’s the only reason you picked us up, I really will shove you out.”<br />
<br />
Growing stubborn was not going to accomplish anything.<br />
<br />
The helicopter team’s decision had not been wrong given all the injured they had and Quenser’s group had indeed managed to hold on to their lives.<br />
<br />
In that case, they needed to use their brains for something more important.<br />
<br />
“So what do you think they were trying to destroy?” asked Quenser as the movements of the helicopter shook him. “Do you think it was those wooden boxes in the underground structure? Y’know, those fiber optic cables, the bolts, the nuts, and that strange powder.”<br />
<br />
Quenser stared at the photographs he had taken on his handheld device, but then he heard someone give a sudden cry of surprise.<br />
<br />
It came from one of the intellectual infantryman who had helped them create the fake site for the bank account numbers.<br />
<br />
“What is it?”<br />
<br />
“I was searching for the master key to the net storage we discovered using those thugs’ devices, remember? Well, I think I found something bad.”<br />
<br />
Everyone gathered around the slender infantryman.<br />
<br />
All of the stern men stared at the small screen.<br />
<br />
It had recorded phone calls, graphs showing the exchange of money, and documents on the group’s projects and external cooperators. The infantryman displayed a summary file that looked like the minutes of a meeting.<br />
<br />
'''“Concerning war recovery in Oceania and the influence that recovery provides within the country. A list of important infrastructure and how to drive a wedge into the provisional rule using the foundation of that infrastructure.”<br />
<br />
“Wait, wait, wait. This contractor, this one, and this one are all major construction companies doing a lot of work toward Oceania’s recovery. Does this mean they’re all helping out this group or being unwittingly used by them?”<br />
<br />
“Well, even the large contractors are using local people to pave roads and lay pipes. To promote employment, they’re actively seeking Oceanian personnel. These shady thugs could probably slip in there.”<br />
<br />
“No matter what plans those at the top make, the project will be delayed if the people at the bottom secretly don’t do their job.”<br />
<br />
“Electricity, gas, water, schools, hospitals, phones, and internet. All of them are vital pieces of infrastructure.”<br />
<br />
“Delaying them will do a lot of damage to the provisional rule here. After all, that rule is really nothing more than a verbal promise. The people will lose faith if those promises aren’t met.”<br />
<br />
“So either this group is actually causing this damage or they’re using it as a threat.”<br />
<br />
“Either way, someone is definitely gaining great influence over the rulers of Oceania.”<br />
<br />
'''“It is necessary to remove the coalition made up of the four world powers and it is necessary that we then intervene as rulers.”<br />
<br />
“Someone’s trying to secretly shake up the provisional rule until it’s powerless. They want to swap out the structure of the nation so they can bring their interests to the forefront.”<br />
<br />
“Does that mean it’s us, the coalition force, that’s in the way?”<br />
<br />
“Dammit. That must be why they’re paying off that international satellite TV executive, that blog king, and the others! They’ve brought the Oceanian people’s anger to just under the boiling point using the failed infrastructure maintenance. What if they now release baseless rumors about the coalition from multiple influential sources? That will create an outlet for their pent up anger and large-scale riots will begin!!”<br />
<br />
“We’re stationed here in Oceania in the name of preserving order, so they’re trying to guide international opinion to believe our presence is causing frequent riots that hurt or kill innocent people.”<br />
<br />
“Then they can do whatever they want. Our higher ups are only spending the military budget on this because the image of a savior hero is useful in politics and diplomacy. Once it isn’t worth it anymore, the military might really leave.”<br />
<br />
“And then a new oppressive dictatorship will begin. This group will be able to hide behind a puppet leader.”<br />
<br />
'''“How to freely rearrange the national structure in the name of creating a modern justice system.”<br />
<br />
“The Oceanian military nation had the country working on a completely flawed rulebook. Giving the country proper laws will definitely be necessary.”<br />
<br />
“But when you remake the country’s rules from the ground up, it’s a lot easier for black-hearted people to work in loopholes than if they have to rearrange the system bit by bit.”<br />
<br />
“Is that like how it’s easier for a baby than an adult to learn a foreign language?”<br />
<br />
'''“Regarding the basic geographic conditions for a powerful nation.”<br />
<br />
“Oceania has massive amounts of land and underground resources. If they can secure the water resources needed for large-scale agriculture, they don’t have to worry about food. Simply put, they have what it takes for an advantage in a long, difficult war.”<br />
<br />
“Almost the entire continent is made up of a single power and they’re surrounded by ocean. Compared to countries that directly border a lot of other countries, they’re a lot harder to invade. The conditions are similar to what North America once was and a nation known as the world police once existed there.”<br />
<br />
“If they create something similar here, it will cause problems in the world’s military balance. Of course, that’s what this group is probably trying to do.”<br />
<br />
Quenser and the others read the document while discussing its contents, but a fundamental question caused Quenser to frown.<br />
<br />
“But what are they going to do with this new dictatorship? The Oceanian military nation did something similar, but they were stopped by the combined attack of the coalition force. No matter how many conspiracies they weave together, they’ll be broken up as soon as the coalition notices them.”<br />
<br />
“The military nation is a great example of that. I doubt any conspirator would want to meet the same fate as the leader there.”<br />
<br />
“And the people here have to be the same. No one is going to think a riot can push back a fifty meter Object. Even a child would know that. Riots are meant to push with great numbers. If their front lines would be mowed down the instant they gathered, no one would gather.”<br />
<br />
“They need some kind of symbol of rebellion. But what possible symbol would people think could defeat more than twenty Objects?”<br />
<br />
“…”<br />
<br />
Quenser glanced down at a handheld device.<br />
<br />
This was not the one from the thugs. It was Quenser’s own that the Legitimacy Kingdom military had issued him.<br />
<br />
It contained a few photographs he had taken in the underground structure attached the remains of the pump facility.<br />
<br />
The photos were primarily of the wooden boxes’ contents.<br />
<br />
One photo showed nuts and bolts divided by size.<br />
<br />
One showed reels of fiber optic cable.<br />
<br />
One showed bags of powder.<br />
<br />
“Don’t tell me…”<br />
<br />
“What’s wrong with a photo of nuts and bolts? You can buy those at home improvement stores the world over.”<br />
<br />
“But not the fiber optic cable. This is the type that greatly raises signal stability by injecting argon gas into the tube. The price per meter is ridiculous, so it isn’t used in normal homes. It’s a military product that’s known as the nervous system of certain colossal weapons.”<br />
<br />
“Wait… A military product? The nervous system of colossal weapons? You don’t mean…”<br />
<br />
“And there’s this powder.”<br />
<br />
Quenser gulped, zoomed in on the photo, and repeatedly read the bag’s label. No matter how many times he read it, it still said the same thing.<br />
<br />
“This is the substance that gives Object armor its high-heat resistance and reactive ability. It isn’t used in anything else.”<br />
<br />
“Then that’s the symbol of rebellion this group has built?”<br />
<br />
When they thought about it, it was obvious.<br />
<br />
Only one thing could pick a fight with the monstrous weapons that could withstand a direct hit with a nuclear missile.<br />
<br />
They were synonymous with war.<br />
<br />
They were 50+ meter masses of overwhelming military might.<br />
<br />
“Were they using the pipelines spread out across Oceania’s desert to slowly gather the parts for an Object!?”<br />
<br />
===Part 8===<br />
<br />
The group of helicopters taking Quenser and the others back to the maintenance base zone was not far from arriving.<br />
<br />
But they could barely stand to wait even that long.<br />
<br />
“We don’t actually know when the Oceanian military government’s 0.5 generation Object was built. If it was built by smuggling the parts through this network of pipes and this group took over all that, it’s perfectly realistic to think they’ve completed an Object!!”<br />
<br />
“Quit analyzing and report this, Quenser! Damn, I bet our huge-breasted commander is still mad. I just hope she’s willing to listen!!”<br />
<br />
After they explained their thoughts over the radio, Froleytia responded bitterly.<br />
<br />
“I have not forgotten about dealing with you two, but this isn’t good. It explains why things have been getting noisy outside.”<br />
<br />
“What do you mean?”<br />
<br />
“I have received a few troubling reports from the base’s sentries. It seems a two or three thousand of the local people have gathered. They’re only shaking the fence around the base and throwing small rocks, but we will have to forcibly make them leave if they do anything more. I want to avoid that while the journalists’ cameras are here. Also, I didn’t know what caused the commotion.”<br />
<br />
People’s opinions varied, but the Legitimacy Kingdom military had not been all that hated by the Oceanian people.<br />
<br />
“So they’ve already started delaying the infrastructure maintenance and pointing the people’s anger our way.”<br />
<br />
“If they’ve already begun, that means it’s really damn likely they’ve finished their new Object! I don’t even feel like joking about this!!”<br />
<br />
“But it takes nearly three years to build an Object from the ground up,” said Froleytia. “There hasn’t been enough time for a conspiracy thought up after seeing news of the Oceanian military nation’s collapse.”<br />
<br />
“Wait a minute. Froleytia, you can’t mean what I think you mean!!”<br />
<br />
“We just have to calculate backwards. If they started this project three years ago, it started before…ksshhh…military nation’s destruction…ksshh. That ridiculo-…ksshh…also part of their plan…ksssssshhhhhh!!”<br />
<br />
“Froleytia? Hey, Froleytia!? Can you hear me!?”<br />
<br />
“You’ve gotta be kidding me. The military line has been jammed? By who? That alone qualifies as opposing us!!”<br />
<br />
Quenser and Heivia exchanged a glance.<br />
<br />
Suddenly, a new voice came over the staticky radio.<br />
<br />
It was a young man’s voice.<br />
<br />
“Welcome to our nation of Oceania.”<br />
<br />
“Really? We have to deal with this? I don’t see how this could lead to anything good.”<br />
<br />
“I hear you have stubbornly survived the acid bomb and thus approached quite close to the truth. Even so, it is too late to do anything about it.”<br />
<br />
“We at least know you were involved behind the scenes of the military nation and their 0.5 generation Object.’<br />
<br />
“Yes. They never had the money and technology needed to construct an Object on their own. As you probably know, that was built based on a downgraded version of the design data for an Information Alliance model known as the Gatling 033...no, I suppose you refer to it by the codename of Rush.”<br />
<br />
“Rush?”<br />
<br />
Quenser frowned and recalled the “oh ho ho” laughter of that Information Alliance pilot Elite.<br />
<br />
“But why did all of you so innocently believe that they had only constructed that one? If they can build one, they can build two. With the pipeline spread out across the entire desert and the one hundred terminal facilities connected to it, anything is possible. Our project had begun years and years before the fall of the military nation, so how many Objects do you think we have stocked up in that ant’s nest?”<br />
<br />
He used the plural.<br />
<br />
That was enough for a chill to run down the spines of everyone in the helicopter.<br />
<br />
Just one of those monsters was more than enough.<br />
<br />
“You’re lying. Objects are brand-name items that cost a billion dollars each. A single group can’t build that many!!”<br />
<br />
“Money can buy something even better. Money is meant to be spent, so there is no reason to hold back. Am I wrong?”<br />
<br />
“Something even better?”<br />
<br />
“The world police,” said the young man over the radio.<br />
<br />
That term was the symbol of an era.<br />
<br />
“The world may have changed, but a North American superpower once had complete control of the world’s military balance. That was an era of peace. But that exemplary nation was smashed to pieces by the flow of time! The home countries of the Capitalist Corporations and Information Alliance now exist there. It is not realistic to resurrect a single superpower there.”<br />
<br />
“You can’t mean…”<br />
<br />
“In that case, the only option is to find another area with similar conditions. A vast land surrounded by ocean. A single nation with plenty of food, underground resources, and population. All we need to do is supply information on high-level technology. …And there was only one candidate.”<br />
<br />
“Are you saying your goal is to remake Oceania into a second ‘world police’!?”<br />
<br />
“Is there any better way to recover from a war? If we succeed, we will put an end to the ‘clean wars’ spreading throughout the world. We will combine the different world powers into a single world power. And Oceania will rule at the center of it all. This continent was overrun with unreasonable war and then crushed by the different world powers afterwards, so it is the perfect symbol for the new world police.”<br />
<br />
“This is ridiculous,” spat out Heivia. “All the dark history from the creation of the Oceanian military nation was your doing, wasn’t it!? The new world police? An era truly without war? A world created by people as heartless as you would be a horrible place! You just want to create a world where you can kill as many people as you want!!”<br />
<br />
“I have only one thing to say to that: are you aware that history is something created by someone and recorded by someone?”<br />
<br />
The young man’s voice remained calm.<br />
<br />
He was used to being accused of doing horrible things.<br />
<br />
“And no matter how much of a commotion you cause, you can no longer change the current course of events. Look at the city below you. The angry cries of the crowd should reach you up in the sky. Do you know what that rumbling noise is? Those are the footsteps of the rioters marching through the streets. Can you pacify all of those people?”<br />
<br />
“…”<br />
<br />
Quenser stopped breathing for a moment.<br />
<br />
He could hear a low, low sound resembling distant thunder. He peered down from the helicopter’s open door and saw something filling the desert city. The sight of countless human heads filling every inch not taken up by buildings was quite chilling.<br />
<br />
He saw something white here and there.<br />
<br />
They looked like placards or banners, so Quenser naturally reached for his binoculars.<br />
<br />
But Heivia grabbed his wrist before he could look through them.<br />
<br />
“You should stop.”<br />
<br />
Heivia was looking up from his rifle’s scope.<br />
<br />
It seemed he had just looked through it.<br />
<br />
“It’s better to not see that. It’s like a fishing hook. You’ll try to pretend it’s nothing at first, but you’ll realize the small hook won’t come out. It’ll leave a wound.”<br />
<br />
Quenser could not imagine what would cause such a negative reaction.<br />
<br />
Earlier that day, he had seen true enemy soldiers shot to pieces by helicopters and he had almost been killed by an acid bomb. Compared to that, what could words do? Thinking that, Quenser’s curiosity led him to look through the binoculars.<br />
<br />
And…<br />
<br />
“…………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………”<br />
<br />
He felt like he heard the words “I told you so” coming from a long distance away.<br />
<br />
His arms hung limply down and the magnification left his vision, but what he saw left a hole in his chest.<br />
<br />
He felt as if all the bloody vomit and crawling through the mud in Oceania had been made meaningless in a single moment.<br />
<br />
This was not something one or two people could easily cause.<br />
<br />
This was a powerful current.<br />
<br />
Like a fad or a trend, something unseen was influencing people’s lives.<br />
<br />
Normally, only the advertising firms that created commercials were aware of that current, but it now created an obvious wall before Quenser and the others.<br />
<br />
“What is this commotion?” asked Quenser as he stared blankly down at the city from the sliding door.<br />
<br />
He received an answer from the young soldier messing with a handheld device they had received from the enemies.<br />
<br />
“Wait. This isn’t good. This is really bad!!”<br />
<br />
“Did you find another document?”<br />
<br />
Quenser turned around and the soldier tossed him the device.<br />
<br />
He caught it in both hands and finally realized what the small screen showed.<br />
<br />
It was a completely normal video sharing site.<br />
<br />
However…<br />
<br />
“Ha ha ha. Have you discovered what everyone’s talking about?” laughed the person on the radio.<br />
<br />
But Quenser was not listening.<br />
<br />
His mind had left reality as his eyes focused on the video playing on the screen.<br />
<br />
It showed a few minutes of a human trafficking incident that had occurred at an international harbor in Oceania.<br />
<br />
It had been uploaded only half an hour earlier.<br />
<br />
The view count had already reached ten million. It was on a site used worldwide, but the video was a bit choppy as if it was having difficulty loading.<br />
<br />
“The news is nothing but entertainment. They complain about the depressing incidents, but that does not stop people from searching for them. TV and newspapers used to have a lot of influence, but nowadays one will never learn anything without searching for themselves. And that gives people a certain enthusiasm.”<br />
<br />
The incidents and battles that were supposedly resolved were now being used for something else.<br />
<br />
“And in Oceania where their infrastructure is being rebuilt, they lack the resources for entertainment. The people are starving for entertainment. Yes, they want to enjoy themselves. Merely opening a small hole in the dam leads to the result before you. The overwhelming deluge will sweep across the continent.”<br />
<br />
The young man on the radio spoke as if singing a lullaby that hid a cruel origin.<br />
<br />
“The night sky. This world is a night sky.”<br />
<br />
It almost sounded like the lyrics to a song.<br />
<br />
It sounded nice, but it seemed removed from reality.<br />
<br />
“The starless night sky presses down on everyone from above and prevents them from seeing ahead. Someone must change this. Fortunately, that is not hard to do. Those who rule this dark era have merely convinced everyone that it is difficult.”<br />
<br />
The one who made it had to know that.<br />
<br />
And the ones listening most likely knew it deep down.<br />
<br />
“By raising stars onto the starless night sky, we can make a single flag. At first, our symbol will be pure indigo like the night sky. A single star is enough. If a single star can shine in the starless indigo night sky, we can begin to gently guide this dark era. Will you stand here in the center of the world or will you be forever driven to the edges of the world? Decide for yourself.”<br />
<br />
Even so, they would fall for it.<br />
<br />
But why?<br />
<br />
Was someone simply using the dissatisfaction of the Oceanian people?<br />
<br />
Or was even that initial dissatisfaction something someone had input within them?<br />
<br />
The video showed a few minutes of a large-scale clash between Objects in the desert night which had all been meant to kill a single soldier.<br />
<br />
“Thank you. We put together many different plans and you ruined a few of them, but you provided us with an even greater tool,” said the voice. “Truth Theater. That is the name of the video. When you take something formless, give it a name, and place it within a frame of your choosing, it provides a certain impression. That is the basic method of influencing people’s impressions. After that, you only need to provide them with a specific direction. For example, you can create a flag that they take as their own symbol without anyone forcing them. They will then spread the word of their existence around the world. The trick is to skillfully mix in the proper ideals and desires. The night sky flag is pure indigo, so it can easily be made by throwing a can of paint on a curtain. If you create a complex and cool-looking symbol, no one can create it for themselves. This is an application of influencing people’s impressions.”<br />
<br />
There were no lies in the materials they had used.<br />
<br />
However, the timing of the editing was extremely malicious. By showing only a few minutes in the video, it only showed the beginning of the problem and the growth of the chaos it produced. There were likely people watching it who did not even know these problems had been resolved.<br />
<br />
“The stage has already been set. If it had not, I would not have so calmly contacted you. The indigo flag of the night sky could cover the entire continent at any time. When faced with this overwhelming maelstrom of people, both military and civilian, the military officials who are obsessed with clean wars will hesitate. That time lag will prevent you from ever catching up. Farewell. You have lost. Once only our victory remains, the world will greatly benefit and rejoice in its newfound peace.”<br />
<br />
“Tell me your name.”<br />
<br />
“Why?”<br />
<br />
“I need something to write on your gravestone.”<br />
<br />
A short silence came from the radio.<br />
<br />
The young man may have been laughing.<br />
<br />
“You may call us the Company, Langley, or the Pentagon. When the former world police was lost, our true name lost its power and meaning.”<br />
<br />
“Do you mean…?”<br />
<br />
“We are the ghosts of a bygone era. But if you wish to refer to us, there is a name you can use. We are the strange shadows dressed in black who are whispered of in every corner of the world. We are MIB.”<br />
<br />
At that moment, the transmission ended.<br />
<br />
But not because Quenser or the MIB man had switched off their radio.<br />
<br />
The transport helicopter shook violently as it was enveloped in an explosion.<br />
<br />
“Wah!?”<br />
<br />
“What is it, pilot!? What happened!?”<br />
<br />
The helicopter’s door was open, so Quenser had to cling to the handrail on the inner wall with all his might so as not to be thrown out.<br />
<br />
The pilot’s reply was tense.<br />
<br />
“We were attacked from the surface! It was probably a cheap mortar.”<br />
<br />
“A mortar!? Those are used to fire shells farther than a grenade can be thrown. How are they using it for an anti-air attack!?”<br />
<br />
“I don’t know, but one just hit us! They forcibly used it beyond its intended use. Unlike a missile, it isn’t guided, so they won’t be able to reliably hit us!!”<br />
<br />
“This is the hatred of the people,” said the young man on the radio. “Those shells cost twenty dollars each. There is a reason they have long been a best seller in this world of never-ending wars.”<br />
<br />
“Here it comes! I just heard one being fired on the surface!! Avoid it, dammit! Move to the right!!”<br />
<br />
“I don’t have proper control after that last explosion!”<br />
<br />
They did not escape in time.<br />
<br />
As the helicopter shook, Quenser worked to close the door.<br />
<br />
As soon as he did, the next explosion hit.<br />
<br />
The steel door bent in and stabbed into the opposite wall. However, closing the door had not been meaningless. Without the door acting as a cushion, the blast and small pieces of shrapnel would have filled the helicopter.<br />
<br />
Nevertheless, that blast settled it.<br />
<br />
The helicopter did not break apart in midair, but it began to spin as it lost control. Their altitude was clearly lowering. The mass of steel was obviously falling toward the ground.<br />
<br />
“What do we do!? Hey, what do we do!? I don’t want to crash twice in one day! Can’t you recover!?’<br />
<br />
“I’m trying! But does it look like it’s going well!?” shouted back the pilot.<br />
<br />
Quenser felt dizzy as he braced himself so he was not thrown out of the reopened door.<br />
<br />
The young man spoke from the radio as if to provide the finishing blow.<br />
<br />
“Ha ha ha. Soldiers surrounded by a bloodthirsty mob. A tragedy like this might work as another symbol to drive out the coalition.”<br />
<br />
“Is this it!?”<br />
<br />
Heivia forcibly switched off the radio and looked out the door.<br />
<br />
He then shouted toward the cockpit.<br />
<br />
“Hey, which way are we pointed!? I hope it’s somewhere without any people!”<br />
<br />
“It is! We’re headed for a trash dump. The trash is piled up in hills and my sensors aren’t picking up anyone!!”<br />
<br />
“Good.”<br />
<br />
Heivia seemed to have made up his mind about something, so Quenser spoke to him.<br />
<br />
“What are we going to do now?”<br />
<br />
“Isn’t it obvious?”<br />
<br />
The helicopter continued to fall while almost scraping the roof of a crude five-story building.<br />
<br />
Heivia leaned into the cockpit, used his knife to cut the seatbelt of the pilot who was still intently focused on the controls, and dragged him away.<br />
<br />
“We jump out.”<br />
<br />
The screaming would not stop.<br />
<br />
As if they were jumping out of a car headed for a cliff, Quenser and the others jumped out onto the flat building roof. The drop was only a few meters.<br />
<br />
After a few seconds, the helicopter crashed into a giant pile of garbage and exploded.<br />
<br />
They no longer had a means of returning to the base.<br />
<br />
===Part 9===<br />
<br />
The transport helicopter crashed into a city garbage dump. After a giant explosion, toxic-looking black smoke rose toward the heavens. Quenser stared at the sight as he rolled along the old concrete rooftop of a five-story building.<br />
<br />
“Damn this hurts!! I didn’t break any bones, did I!?”<br />
<br />
“If you broke one or even cracked one, you’d be crying in pain, student! Quit giving in to the placebo effect and stand up. We need to get out of here!!”<br />
<br />
“Is this place that bad?”<br />
<br />
“Who do you think shot us down? It wasn’t trained soldiers. Remember when we discussed this chaotic period of recovery in Oceania? Things are so bad people carry around weapons for self-…”<br />
<br />
Heivia suddenly stopped speaking.<br />
<br />
They heard a rumbling noise. It sounded like the cheers in a stadium after a hat trick. They worriedly looked down and saw a gold-colored tsunami rushing toward the helicopter which was still spewing black smoke.<br />
<br />
The wave was made of people.<br />
<br />
The gold was their hair. A group of hundreds or even thousands was approaching to drag out the crew of the helicopter. They were all waving indigo flags. They must have painted or dyed something on hand because they were all bright and not entirely dried.<br />
<br />
That starless night sky was the symbol of their dissatisfaction toward this dark era.<br />
<br />
“Handguns, assault rifles, rockets, mortars, and more. If we don’t leave while they’re focused on the helicopter, we’ll have nowhere to run,” complained Heivia. “They’re worked up enough that there’s a real possibility of being dragged out and publicly executed.” <br />
<br />
Quenser gulped when he saw the other boy prepare his assault rifle.<br />
<br />
“Wait, Heivia. Why are you preparing that?”<br />
<br />
“This is no time to be idealistic!! Battle regulations mean nothing here. Order hasn’t been restored in Oceania yet, so even housewives and office workers walk around with guns for self-defense. Those people with their night sky flag could start shooting at any time, so we need to defend ourselves!!”<br />
<br />
“You can’t. You can’t do that!!”<br />
<br />
Despite the danger of a secondary explosion from ammunition or fuel, the enraged crowd surrounded the helicopter and peered inside. They resembled ants crowding around a sugar cube. If they noticed Quenser and the others on the rooftop, they would obviously surround the building.<br />
<br />
Quenser understood that.<br />
<br />
He really did.<br />
<br />
“There are hundreds if not thousands of them with the flags!! With that much of a difference, it doesn’t matter if they’re pros or amateurs. They’ll ignore all their allies in every direction and fire on us. If that happens, we’ll be more than just riddled with holes!!”<br />
<br />
“But…!”<br />
<br />
“But some of them aren’t armed? We’ll still meet a tragic end even if they catch us. In fact, the lack of deadly weapons will just make our grotesque fate last longer! Do you really think these people will be able to stop at just almost killing us!?”<br />
<br />
They then heard a scraping noise.<br />
<br />
Quenser looked over and saw the helicopter pilot scraping at the inside of a ring with a metal rod. The rod may have originally been a television antenna.<br />
<br />
“What are you doing?”<br />
<br />
“My wife’s name is engraved in my ring. I am prepared to do what it takes no matter what happens, but I don’t want to cause any trouble for my family!!”<br />
<br />
The atmosphere was not normal.<br />
<br />
Quenser was suggesting the obvious choice of “not fighting”, but the others were treating that as strange.<br />
<br />
They were being affected by the state of the nation.<br />
<br />
If one side had guns, the other side had to have guns as well. That logic could only lead to a negative chain reaction, but it had begun to affect non-Oceanians like Quenser and the others.<br />
<br />
Truth Theater.<br />
<br />
They were being sucked into the world of that video.<br />
<br />
The night sky.<br />
<br />
That dark and hopeless era that the MIB had created was eating into Quenser and the others.<br />
<br />
Heivia and the others who could use rifles took the lead as they moved from the rooftop and into the building. The stairway and corridors were deserted. The glass was covered in dust and sand, so the inside was dim. Several symbols had been left on the walls, so it may have been an abandoned building which was scheduled to be demolished.<br />
<br />
What would happen if they ran across someone here?<br />
<br />
What if someone lived here to escape the sand and rain? What if someone who lived nearby used it as storage space?<br />
<br />
Quenser found it hard to breathe as he saw Heivia and the others unhesitatingly pointing their rifles around.<br />
<br />
There was something wrong with it all.<br />
<br />
Their enemy was not the people of Oceania. It was the “ghosts of a bygone era” known as the MIB who were laughing as they manipulated everyone. Getting into a firefight here would only delight them. They could use it to bring about their desire to drive out the coalition which was seen as the enemy of the Oceanian people.<br />
<br />
Quenser understood the situation, but he could not suppress his instinctual fear.<br />
<br />
The high-pitched sound of audio feedback struck his eardrums from outside the building.<br />
<br />
It came from a cheap megaphone.<br />
<br />
“Drive them away!! Don’t allow their oppression any longer! The Legitimacy Kingdom helicopter crashed right next to a hospital. They are only thinking about their own interests! They don’t care about our lives!!”<br />
<br />
“Goddamn them! They’re the ones who shot mortars at us!! And we went out of the way to crash into a garbage dump!!”<br />
<br />
“Don’t respond!! It won’t solve anything if we get angry too!!”<br />
<br />
“Then what are we supposed to do!? Do you think the cavalry is going to show up if we sit around long enough!?”<br />
<br />
Suddenly, something else happened.<br />
<br />
They heard a distant rumbling cheer similar to when a decisive goal was made in an international soccer match.<br />
<br />
Quenser could not check outside the window.<br />
<br />
There was a risk of being spotted, but it had more to do with his own fear.<br />
<br />
He and the other seven continued running down the stairs.<br />
<br />
Once they reached the first floor, Heivia reached for the back door near the stairway. He slowly turned the knob and cracked the door open.<br />
<br />
The wall of people had already reached about thirty centimeters away.<br />
<br />
They were so close that Heivia could almost smell their breathing and sweat.<br />
<br />
The scent of the paint used to make the indigo flags was mixed in.<br />
<br />
He desperately suppressed a groan.<br />
<br />
They were almost all focused on the person speaking through the megaphone, so they were not facing toward the building.<br />
<br />
With the delicacy of defusing a landmine, he took plenty of time to close the door that was only opened a few centimeters. He instinctually wanted to lock the door too, but that would make too much noise. He used his reason to desperately fight that temptation.<br />
<br />
“It’s no good. They’re everywhere outside.”<br />
<br />
“You mean we can’t escape?”<br />
<br />
Meanwhile, the megaphone voice continued.<br />
<br />
“The cavalry is here! Our cavalry has arrived!! Open a path for the grim reaper to reach them!! Once this vehicle enters the plaza, they are done for!!”<br />
<br />
Unpleasant sweat began to pour from Quenser’s back.<br />
<br />
If that was not a bluff…<br />
<br />
“We will pursue our enemy no matter where they run! The sensors equipped on this .50 caliber heavy machinegun will ensure that! Whether it’s wood or concrete, no shield will protect them!! We will search for them, find them, and then destroy them!! …What did you see in the Truth Theater? What did you feel as you waved the night sky flag? That is the truth!! That is the information that has not been altered by the media!!”<br />
<br />
As Quenser stepped back from the back door, he frantically made use of his nearly panicking mind.<br />
<br />
“(This is bad. Something different is approaching!)”<br />
<br />
“(Has the MIB arrived after allying with the people? Now this interesting! We just have to destroy this machinegun-equipped off-road vehicle or whatever it is!!)”<br />
<br />
“(But the people watching won’t know where the line between pro and amateur is drawn! Once a single gunshot is fired, the people will attack us without end!!)”<br />
<br />
Fortunately, the vehicle in question was apparently having difficulty approaching due to all the people filling every inch of the roads. It would not arrive immediately, but it was only a matter of time. This did not actually solve the problem.<br />
<br />
Would they remain and fight?<br />
<br />
Or would they leave and hide somewhere?<br />
<br />
They had to make up their minds.<br />
<br />
“(We can’t run, Quenser! They said the heavy machinegun can shoot through building walls and it has sensors. No matter where we hide, we’ll be killed. And the weapon’s great penetrative power will bloody the angry mob as well!! We have to fight!!)”<br />
<br />
“(But we can’t survive if we fight! Also, there’s no reason to fight!! Once a fight begins, it means we’ve lost!!)”<br />
<br />
“(Then you can go run off on your own. Make a bet with me if you want, but I guarantee you I’ll survive longer than you!!)”<br />
<br />
Ultimately, there was no right answer.<br />
<br />
No matter what they chose, they could not defeat the MIB. Eventually, the building would be surrounded and they would be filled with holes or torn limb from limb.<br />
<br />
Reinforcements from the maintenance base zone would not arrive in time.<br />
<br />
They were completely surrounded, so they would not find a convenient opening.<br />
<br />
Once a single shot was fired, it was all over.<br />
<br />
But was there any chance left of convincing these people without force?<br />
<br />
“…”<br />
<br />
The tension had made Quenser’s breathing extremely shallow and he felt as if he would die from dizziness before the actual threat even arrived.<br />
<br />
And…<br />
<br />
And…<br />
<br />
And…<br />
<br />
The situation took a decisive turn.<br />
<br />
A change that affected their survival occurred without them even knowing it.<br />
<br />
===Part 10===<br />
<br />
At that time, a certain girl looked up at the instigator mixed in with the crowd. The man stood on the roof of a European van parked on the road. He was making a loud announcement with the kind of cheap megaphone used at construction sites.<br />
<br />
“Drive out the Legitimacy Kingdom! Get rid of the entire coalition!! They create nothing. They protect no one! Good citizens should take up arms and fight against these invaders!! Let the cavalry into the plaza so we can begin the bloodbath!! With its sensors, we can find them wherever they hide!!”<br />
<br />
The girl was not caught up in what the man was saying.<br />
<br />
Quite the opposite.<br />
<br />
She knew that there were lies in the speech given by this man standing on the van and holding up an indigo flag. She had seen “them” firsthand, so she knew the rumors spreading through the city had definite malicious intent.<br />
<br />
And so…<br />
<br />
“…?”<br />
<br />
A pause came in the enthralling speech.<br />
<br />
This was because a small stone had flown at the man.<br />
<br />
Everyone there turned from the man with the megaphone to the girl.<br />
<br />
“I know the truth,” said the girl. “I know it isn’t true that they don’t protect anyone!! They saved me. I was taken by bad people, but they came and saved me!! There wasn’t any chaos like in Truth Theater!! There was more to it than that!!”<br />
<br />
“Do not make such baseless claims!!”<br />
<br />
Triggered by the man’s angry shout, several nearby people grabbed at the girl’s hair and began to drag her away.<br />
<br />
She let out a high-pitched scream.<br />
<br />
Some of the people accepted this as natural.<br />
<br />
But some did not.<br />
<br />
“Hey…”<br />
<br />
“Yeah.”<br />
<br />
It started with a few young men.<br />
<br />
They stood in the way of the men trying to carry away the girl.<br />
<br />
One of the men holding her hair spoke.<br />
<br />
“What do you think you are doing?”<br />
<br />
“Y’see, I don’t really understand all this complicated stuff about good and evil or the coalition and invaders.” The main young man shrugged. He moved his face in and spoke from close range. “But is this justice of yours something that lets bastards like you drag crying little girls around by the hair? If so, I can’t go along with it.”<br />
<br />
The men holding the girl’s hair prepared to silence this minority with their fists.<br />
<br />
But then they realized the overwhelming majority was staring intently at their backs.<br />
<br />
Which side had the backing of the majority was beginning to change.<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
At that time, an old woman named Dorothy opened an outdated laptop computer on a luxurious passenger ship away from Oceania. She logged in to an SNS site her grandchild had insisted she sign up for but she had not used since then.<br />
<br />
She had noticed a commotion.<br />
<br />
She had noticed great enthusiasm.<br />
<br />
The short anonymously-uploaded video named Truth Theater had already been picked up by TV stations around the world. They seemed to have lost the pride in taking footage with their own cameras because the grainy video was being used as-is with the newscaster’s voice playing over it.<br />
<br />
On the internet, people could not see each other’s faces or grab at their collars when they were angry, so it was filled with more extreme and hostile words than reality. One side supported Oceania slaughtering the coalition and declaring themselves independent. The other side said the riots would bring about oppression in their own lives, so they supported immediate military intervention.<br />
<br />
But none of them knew the truth of Oceania.<br />
<br />
They only knew what the few minutes of Truth Theater had showed them.<br />
<br />
“I know the truth.”<br />
<br />
After giving it some thought, the old woman began slowly typing on the unfamiliar keyboard.<br />
<br />
She was acting to protect the honor of the youths who had saved her.<br />
<br />
She was beginning to fight back.<br />
<br />
“I know the good and the bad of that country. You daydreamers want a convenient villain that lets you feel like you are watching a movie, but rethink what you say once you hear what I have to say. I promise that you will be ashamed of yourselves.”<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
At that time, Sewax the battlefield cameraman sat within a box-shaped metal tent in arctic Siberia. He was checking over the photos he had just taken with his single-lens reflex camera. Just like heat, extreme cold could cause malfunctions in precision equipment. Before his hard-won images could be lost, he began sending a backup to his online storage via a small satellite communications device.<br />
<br />
His guide, who was closer to being a child then a youth, stared interestedly at the device.<br />
<br />
“Hey, can you use that internet thing on there? No one bothers running lines out here. If they did lay hundreds of kilometers of fiber optic cable, a bear would just dig it up. And power lines would collapse under the weight of the snow.”<br />
<br />
Sewax had a sudden thought as he worked.<br />
<br />
He had just trapped a piece of the truth in a rectangular frame and sent it out to the world, but how many people would it reach? And would that truth reach them accurately without someone twisting it?<br />
<br />
Some intentionally twisted information was currently causing a frenzy on the internet, that information network the guide wished he had. As a professional photographer, Sewax had immediately noticed how much malice was contained within the few minutes of Truth Theater. A film specialist would likely have found two or three times as much as he had.<br />
<br />
The truth could easily be twisted.<br />
<br />
Rather than adding in lies, one only had to maliciously edit footage to give a certain impression.<br />
<br />
But an athlete cheating with steroids was overwhelmingly powerful. Setting aside the ethical issues, that power was an objective fact. In the same way, the impact of manufactured footage could easily blow away a photograph showing the actual truth. In the end, the people wanted stimulation. The truth was but a single means of acquiring that stimulation and the original purpose of the truth had been done away with.<br />
<br />
How much meaning did the world see in being “correct”?<br />
<br />
The metal tent’s walls had two layers so the air between could insulate it, but Sewax still felt a chill run down his spine.<br />
<br />
It was then that the guide asked an innocent question.<br />
<br />
“Hey, where were you before? You haven’t been here for long, right?”<br />
<br />
The question brought a slight smile to Sewax’s face.<br />
<br />
Because of the state of the world, there was something he could not easily give up on.<br />
<br />
Little by little, he would sow the seeds of truth. They would outlast the long winter and eventually bud. It was true people sought simple stimulation, but the ring of truth was another form of stimulation.<br />
<br />
People were cruelly honest.<br />
<br />
Even if hundreds of thousands of lives were dependent on a photograph, people would look right past it if it was boring. If it seemed preachy, some would even insult it. At the same time, people from all over the world would view a video of someone’s perfectly normal pet.<br />
<br />
But the people also loved fairness to a surprising extent.<br />
<br />
If it was an interesting story, they would flock to it whether it was true or not. And so Sewax decided he would aim for that. Simply saying one had the truth was not enough. The proper way to compete was to present an overwhelming true story that had enough interest and appeal to break past the empty entertainment.<br />
<br />
No matter what anyone said, the more interesting story would win in the end.<br />
<br />
He swapped out the micro memory for his digital single-lens reflex camera and slowly spoke as he displayed photos of the previous battlefield he had traversed.<br />
<br />
“These photos are from the country of Oceania. What do you think happened there?”<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
At that time, a female soldier missing an arm appeared at a court martial in a European safe country. The court martial had entered a short recess, but the media’s cameras would not leave her.<br />
<br />
These cameras did not merely belong to this one safe country. Large news stations were broadcasting this to many different countries and regions.<br />
<br />
“A hero? You may say I exposed corruption, but I was closer to being someone who carried out dirty work for the military. I believe the title of hero should be given to someone else.”<br />
<br />
She used the accurate movements of her prosthetic arm to pick up a paper cup of iced coffee and smiled thinly on a bench in the corridor outside the court room.<br />
<br />
“Setting aside issues of good and evil, I was certainly a nuisance within the military. In fact, I may still be. But even amid a conspiracy to assassinate a nuisance like me, someone still jumped into the line of fire to save me. In the end, he even stood before an Object. People like that are what soldiers should be. My way of returning the favor is to guide the military toward accepting people like that.”<br />
<br />
She spoke slowly as if recalling something.<br />
<br />
“There are definitely people who should be called heroes. But unfortunately, those people rarely refer to themselves that way. I wish to show my respect for all the soldiers working in Oceania. Even if they will not name themselves heroes, I hope the day will come when everyone else will.”<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
At that time, an Information Alliance pilot Elite, who the two idiots referred to as the “oh ho ho”, was speaking to the world via a large-scale internet concert.<br />
<br />
“The Information Alliance fights for the proper use of information and for a better future, so we have received some unwelcome news. The MIB? The world police? World domination using an unknown Object made with new technology?”<br />
<br />
By usurping the continent of Oceania, they would begin to change the world’s military balance.<br />
<br />
“Normally, I would manipulate your impression of this incident by reading off a predetermined script with a perfect smile.”<br />
<br />
[[Image:HO_v07_347.png|thumb]]<br />
<br />
But that did not mean only someone at the center could have an influence.<br />
<br />
The world had grown smaller.<br />
<br />
The overwhelming electronic network allowed people to influence the other side of the globe in real time.<br />
<br />
“Who is right and what is accurate? Try thinking for yourselves for once☆ Oh ho ho.”<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
It started as a small wave.<br />
<br />
But it slowly worked its way deep into the hearts of the people whose impressions had been manipulated.<br />
<br />
It was similar to the difference between a natural diamond and an artificial one.<br />
<br />
Which one would draw people in the most?<br />
<br />
The answer was revealed by their actions.<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
“What?”<br />
<br />
As they glanced around from within the abandoned building, Quenser and the others quickly picked up on that difference.<br />
<br />
“The atmosphere has changed. The burning anger is being directed elsewhere.”<br />
<br />
The powerful emotions of anger and intent to kill would stab into one’s heart. Some martial arts had honed it into an actual technique to throw of an opponent’s timing, Quenser and Heivia were not martial arts experts, but the level of emotion surrounding them was on a tremendous scale. Despite being used to clean wars, they could detect the change in the situation.<br />
<br />
The crowd never broke down the door and rushed in. The MIB vehicle equipped with a machinegun was stopped as if something blocked its way.<br />
<br />
“How odd… Something isn’t right outside.” The windows were boarded up, but Heivia peered through the gaps between boards. “I don’t see any of those indigo night sky flags. Did everyone throw them away?”<br />
<br />
That was when a slender hand poked out from a corner of the corridor.<br />
<br />
It was beckoning to them.<br />
<br />
“You can escape this way,” whispered a female voice.<br />
<br />
At first, no one moved.<br />
<br />
They thought it was a trap.<br />
<br />
If they approached, they suspected they would have a bag placed over their head and be taken away.<br />
<br />
But doing nothing would not improve their situation.<br />
<br />
Quenser was the first to step forward.<br />
<br />
“Wait, Quenser! Are you really trusting her!?”<br />
<br />
“Something happened while we waited here without firing a shot, so we need to go with this change. It can’t hurt to take advantage of the opportunity we won for ourselves!!”<br />
<br />
Heivia glanced down at the assault rifle in his hands.<br />
<br />
He uncomfortably clicked his tongue as if he had only just remembered what it was and who he was aiming it at.<br />
<br />
“Damn, I can’t believe Heivia, the transcendently handsome, genius, and rich noble, lost track of what he was doing. When a lady calls out to you, you don’t point this at her!!”<br />
<br />
The overall atmosphere changed once Quenser and Heivia approached the door.<br />
<br />
Heivia was a private and Quenser was a student while most of the other surviving soldiers were ranked higher. There was no reason for them to follow.<br />
<br />
But the helicopter pilot spoke up.<br />
<br />
“I was told to follow the infantrymen’s lead if I crashed, so I’ll leave it to you. Anything’s fine as long as we make it back to the maintenance base alive!”<br />
<br />
One of the middle-aged soldiers who had to be ranked higher than Heivia shrugged as well.<br />
<br />
“As the ranking officer here, I’ll say I made the decision based on a suggestion from a soldier under my command. This situation is so far outside the norm, I can’t keep up! You can take the lead!!”<br />
<br />
All of the soldiers, including the injured, ran toward the corner of the corridor.<br />
<br />
A brunette woman was waiting for them and she led them through the building. They arrived at what looked like a dead end due to large piece of trash, but she found gaps leading through it and to a small door. The door led to a narrow back road that the crowd did not cover.<br />
<br />
“Is this a shopping district?”<br />
<br />
“All of them are old stores that sell tools for craftsmen. They all have trash filling the front like that, so only the regular customers ever visit.”<br />
<br />
They thanked the woman and cautiously continued along the road. As they did, the owners of the various small shops called out to them.<br />
<br />
“I only have ointment and bandages, but do you want some?”<br />
<br />
“I was just watching TV and it looks like you’re doing some cool stuff. If we help you, you’ll crush that conspiracy, right? I don’t really understand, but do what you have to!”<br />
<br />
“Don’t make yourself ill by drinking old water! Here, have these sports drinks!!”<br />
<br />
“Do you have enough ammo? If you can use 5.5mm, take as much as you want!!”<br />
<br />
Some of the offers were rather dangerous, but Quenser and the others did not hesitate to accept. They had yet to resupply after an unexpected battle, so they had no reason to refuse if they could replenish their ammunition here.<br />
<br />
“Hey, Quenser, where do we go now!? Do we return to the maintenance base!?”<br />
<br />
“They’re surrounded by their own mob, remember? And we don’t know how far this miracle has spread. We should defeat the MIB behind all this and return once everything has calmed down!”<br />
<br />
“I agree with that, but do you know where their secret base is? They’ve set up their conspiracy all across Oceania!! I doubt they’ll conveniently show up right in front of us!!”<br />
<br />
“I disagree,” declared Quenser. “If you think about it, it doesn’t make sense. Our helicopter was a top-priority target, so would they really leave its destruction to an angry mob? It would be safer to mix in with the crowd and fire the mortar themselves. Also, mortars fire a shell in a long arc toward their target. No amateur could do anything as tricky as hitting a flying helicopter with one. And don’t forget the heavily armed vehicle that was on its way to the plaza.”<br />
<br />
“Are you saying the MIB’s headquarters are nearby?”<br />
<br />
“They used the desert pipeline and the terminal facilities it connected. Heivia, where’s the closest facility? It can be for oil, underground water, or whatever else.”<br />
<br />
“It’s nearby. It’s less than three kilometers away! No one felt any need to pay attention to some old ruins.”<br />
<br />
“That must be it. And their headquarters are probably where their Object is!”<br />
<br />
Heivia’s expression stiffened.<br />
<br />
“Wait. Are you suggesting we battle that monstrous weapon in a group with lots of injured!? I doubt we could win and it’s pointless anyway. The MIB have more than one Object, remember? What good is it to risk our lives to destroy just one!?”<br />
<br />
“Do they really have that many?” Quenser grinned. “They are an ideological group that came from a spy organization of a former superpower. They must be experts at manipulating information. Would they really reveal the entirety of their plan like that? Would they really just brag about everything? Not a chance. They wouldn’t make a mistake like that.”<br />
<br />
“Then…”<br />
<br />
“Once the acid bomb failed to kill us and part of their plan was about to leak out, they panicked. Completely erasing leaked information is hard, but that’s why they chose to distort it by overwriting it with new information. That allows them to hide the overall outline of their plan.”<br />
<br />
The mortar attack had shot down their helicopter immediately after the chat with the MIB.<br />
<br />
Quenser and the others’ first action would be to contact their maintenance base by radio. They would be afraid of dying without passing on the information they had gained, so they would report everything without thinking about its veracity.<br />
<br />
As a result, the decoy information would be passed to their superior officer.<br />
<br />
That false fear would spread from Quenser’s group and to the entire military.<br />
<br />
“It may be true they are developing Objects, but they can’t use that many at once! Hell, if they did have that great a fighting force, they wouldn’t be sneaking around! They could just challenge the coalition to a direct fight!! This is the age of numbers. In a one-against-three battle, a unit will not hesitate to send out the white flag signal and withdraw. Those are the rules yet they didn’t do that. That means they lose when it comes to numbers!!”<br />
<br />
Quenser was guessing the MIB had only one or two functioning Objects at present. If the coalition’s ten or more Objects surrounded them, they would be destroyed in the blink of an eye.<br />
<br />
“But they’re trying to become the world police! Their plan is to take over Oceania because it has the ideal geographical position. They need more than one Object to protect such a vast area of land. They want to conquer, rule, and control the world, so they need a ton of Objects!!”<br />
<br />
“Their preparations aren’t ready yet. That’s why they tried to make us believe they can readily attack with several Objects. They’re trying to buy time! Once the time comes, tons of new Objects really will appear across Oceania!!”<br />
<br />
“If you’re right, the first thing they’ll want to do is give credibility to their claim. Will they use their one Object to provide an effective demonstration? Even if that one is destroyed, they can buy the time they need as long as it scares the coalition enough. Then they can finish preparing the rest.”<br />
<br />
“I don’t know what scale their plan is on, but they won’t have gone this far if they knew they would lose. Whether it’s through sheer numbers or some kind of trick, they definitely have something we can’t let them finish.”<br />
<br />
“Wait a second. The coalition has over ten Objects stationed here. Are you saying they’re preparing something that can defeat that?”<br />
<br />
Battles without Objects tended to become long and drawn out.<br />
<br />
But this was different.<br />
<br />
This would become a long, drawn out battle between Objects.<br />
<br />
If that happened, it was impossible to say just how much apocalyptic destruction would spread across Oceania. The distinction between battlefield and city would vanish. The combatants would not have the leeway to make the distinction. It was possible that all life on the continent could be wiped out.<br />
<br />
“That’s why we need to crush it,” said Quenser. “We’ll make the MIB’s demonstration completely fail and nip this problem in the bud. There’s no other way to save everyone.”<br />
<br />
===Part 11===<br />
<br />
===Part 12===<br />
<br />
===Part 13===<br />
<br />
===Part 14===<br />
<br />
===Part 15===<br />
<br />
===Part 16===<br />
<br />
===Part 17===<br />
<br />
<noinclude>{{HEAVYOBJECT Nav|prev=HEAVY OBJECT:Volume7 Chapter 2|next=HEAVY OBJECT:Volume7 Epilogue}}</noinclude></div>Black Ice Princehttps://www.baka-tsuki.org/project/index.php?title=Shinmai_Maou_no_Keiyakusha:Volume_1_Chapter_4&diff=319142Shinmai Maou no Keiyakusha:Volume 1 Chapter 42014-01-12T04:11:49Z<p>Black Ice Prince: </p>
<hr />
<div>==Until your Sadness becomes Nil==<br />
<br />
===Part 1===<br />
<br />
<br />
Around the time when Basara engaged the enemy--- Naruse Mio had already left the infirmary.<br />
<br />
Right now, she was at the place closest to sky on the school grounds.<br />
<br />
The rooftop.<br />
<br />
Under the pale moonlight, Mio confronted a single girl.<br />
<br />
It was her classmate and the Hero in charge of observing her--- Nonaka Yuki.<br />
<br />
"---So, what's up?"<br />
<br />
When Mio woke up in the nighttime infirmary, Basara was gone, as he had left his seat. The one that entered through the door of the infirmary a little bit later was not Basara, but Yuki. And,<br />
<br />
"…I need to talk to you."<br />
<br />
Following Yuki, who had told her so with a cold expression, Mio had come to the rooftop.<br />
<br />
To Mio's uttered question, Yuki answered quietly--- yet clearly.<br />
<br />
"Basara should have told you… about why I'm here."<br />
<br />
"Yeah, he certainly told me."<br />
<br />
said Mio.<br />
<br />
"About who you are--- and your relation to him."<br />
<br />
Mio, the inheritor of the previous Devil Lord's power, and Yuki, a Hero. Originally, their relationship should be that of archenemies. Still, so far they had avoided to get on that topic.<br />
<br />
Mio wanted revenge on the current Demon Lord, so it wasn't wise to clash with Yuki and make the Hero Tribe her enemy. As for Yuki, she surely just acted out her duty as an observer of Mio. But there was something she understood one week ago--- when Basara transferred in at the beginning of the new term.<br />
<br />
"So? I know about you, but so what?"<br />
<br />
When she glumly told her "Get to the point", Yuki straightforwardly gazed at her.<br />
<br />
"---Leave Basara. He'll suffer when he stays with you… Therefore, leave him."<br />
<br />
"….. I figured it would be about that."<br />
<br />
Mio knew, Yuki didn't consider Basara a simple childhood friend, she harbored a greater feeling for him. From Yuki's standpoint, the warning was more than warrantable.<br />
<br />
Mio could relate to it. But… despite that,<br />
<br />
"---Nope."<br />
<br />
Mio denied outright, whereas Yuki narrowed her eyes. But, Mio didn't back off.<br />
<br />
"Even without you telling me, I was quite worried about that fact. I pondered a lot about what to do. I even tried to chase him out of the house once, to prevent him from getting any more involved with my matters and dangers."<br />
<br />
Yes. At first, Mio didn't want to get him involved either.<br />
<br />
"…But you know, after knowing my circumstances, he still said he would protect me. That it's no troubles and that we're family. Therefore I thought about what I should do for him, since he said all that."<br />
<br />
And she came up with an answer.<br />
<br />
"When he's trying to protect me and fighting together with me, even though I don't want to involve him--- Then at least, I won't waste even the slightest bit of his sentiments."<br />
<br />
Because,<br />
<br />
"What I can do right now is to live up to his feelings."<br />
<br />
If she were to obey Yuki's words here and leave him, that surely would be a betrayal towards him.<br />
<br />
Mio spoke out her unwavering feelings. In regards,<br />
<br />
"………I see."<br />
<br />
Yuki muttered only that. At that time.<br />
<br />
Along with a shrill SCREECH sound, a shock wave struck Mio. However--- before hitting Mio, it crashed into an invisible wall and dispersed. Mio had set it up beforehand. A magic barrier.<br />
<br />
Mio gazed in front--- at Yuki, who emitted a green aura on her hand with the materialized sword.<br />
<br />
"---Using force when words don't work?"<br />
<br />
Right after saying so, she raised the corners of her mouth.<br />
<br />
"Then--- I won't show any reservation either."<br />
<br />
She didn't want to make the Hero Tribe an enemy on her initiative, but she would respond when someone picked a fight with her.<br />
<br />
Kill her a hundred times. When Mio released her wind magic, the strong sweeping wind pressed Yuki.<br />
<br />
"----"<br />
<br />
However, a few lines of white sword flashes sparkled and the wind magic was cut off.<br />
<br />
Seeing that, Mio clicked her tongue in her mind on her battle affinity with Yuki.<br />
<br />
''…She isn't a Hero just for show…''<br />
<br />
The parameter for battle strength could roughly be divided into four classes: "Power", "Speed", "Skill" and "Mana". In short, like the stats in RPG or simulation games, so she was taught by Maria. An omnipotent type would be the ideal, but basically one would strengthen the class he's compatible with. This meant power for Maria and magic for Mio, so they each chose a battle style most suited to their abilities. For Maria that would be a Hard Striker that utilized her abnormal strength, for Mio a High Wizard that released powerful magic at the enemy from a safe distance.<br />
<br />
And--- most likely Yuki's type was Skill. Inferior to the Power type at close range and the Mana type at long range, but a class that utilized it's strength to the fullest at all kind of ranges.<br />
<br />
Above all. Yuki most likely had real battle experiences that Mio could only dream of. But,<br />
<br />
''…That's not a reason for me to pull back here!''<br />
<br />
When Mio glared at her straightforward, Yuki said with her cold expression.<br />
<br />
"You want to exploit Basara's kindness so bad that you would go this far?"<br />
<br />
"If I'm exploiting his kindness, then what're you doing? Your ignoring his will and forcing your own selfish kindness onto him!"<br />
<br />
"! I…"<br />
<br />
Yuki inadvertently stiffened her expression, whereas Mio shouted.<br />
<br />
"I won't make excuses--- Nor will I regret it! Apologizing to him about involving him at this point would be rude to him! That's why I'll fight together with him unreserved!"<br />
<br />
Mio exclaimed with a decisive tone. What she spoke out was her own answer towards Basara's sentiments. This genuine feeling towards him--- She trusted it without a shred of doubt. But,<br />
<br />
"….once more."<br />
<br />
A chilling voice came out of Yuki's mouth. Inadvertently overwhelmed, Mio gulped.<br />
<br />
"If you say that once more, I won't forgive you… You don't even know Basara in the slightest."<br />
<br />
"That's…"<br />
<br />
It hadn't even been a month since they met. There were things they were hiding from each other or couldn't speak about. But,<br />
<br />
"Sure, I don't know him as long as you… Nor do I know anything about his past. But you see, I believe I know his current self!"<br />
<br />
She knew more about the current Basara than Yuki, who only reunited with him a week ago after a long separation. How kind he was, how much he was thinking of Mio and Maria. But,<br />
<br />
"…That's not true. If you properly knew him, you wouldn't drag him into battles to begin with."<br />
<br />
Because, said Yuki.<br />
<br />
"He can't fight like in the past anymore… actually, it should be painful for him to even wield a sword."<br />
<br />
"What the… What do you mean…?"<br />
<br />
Mio inadvertently asked back, whereas Yuki said. The truth about Toujou Basara--- to make Mio give up.<br />
<br />
"Five years ago, to save us, he---…"<br />
<br />
One breath,<br />
<br />
"-----------"<br />
<br />
These words from Yuki<br />
<br />
"…..Eh?"<br />
<br />
made Mio asked back dumbfounded. For a moment, she didn't comprehend what Yuki had said.<br />
<br />
---It was the reason why Basara was chased out of the Hero village.<br />
<br />
Toujou Basara's sin, and the wound in his heart that plagued him even now. And like Yuki had said, Mio knew nothing of it. Thus, her thoughts couldn't keep up with it right away. But,<br />
<br />
"That's why Basara and Jin left the village… they lost their Hero qualifications."<br />
<br />
added Yuki.<br />
<br />
"You must have found it strange too. As to why two Heroes were living as normal humans."<br />
<br />
"Ye… ah…"<br />
<br />
Naruse Mio realized. Why Yuki was so angry at her. And above all--- How cruel she had been to Basara. Then Mio remembered Basara's words.<br />
<br />
'In the past… when I lived in the country-side, some stuff happened. Guess you can call it a trauma… Even now, I sometimes dream of that time.'<br />
<br />
''…No way…''<br />
<br />
Mio was in a daze from her ignorance--- Suddenly the door to the rooftop opened.<br />
<br />
Rushing in came Basara with a haunted look.<br />
<br />
"Here after all…"<br />
<br />
He must had run at full speed. All out of breath, his forehead was covered in sweat.<br />
<br />
And seeing the traces of their battle and the sword in Yuki's hand, he frowned.<br />
<br />
"What's going on, Yuki… She's still supposed to be an observation target. So why are you, the observer, drawing your spirit sword?"<br />
<br />
When Yuki averted her eyes by looking down without a word, Basara faced Mio next.<br />
<br />
"Mio, same for you… I told you not to fight with the Hero Tribe. Yet---"<br />
<br />
At that point, his expression suddenly changed into a doubtful one. He must have noticed the look on her face.<br />
<br />
"I, I'm…"<br />
<br />
Mio tried to say something right away, but she couldn't speak well.<br />
<br />
Because she was scatterbrained. Therefore,<br />
<br />
"What's up? Why do you…"<br />
<br />
Saying so, Basara tried to come over to her. As to stop him,<br />
<br />
"---Well, she just heard about your past."<br />
<br />
A smiling voice came at them from a different direction.<br />
<br />
<br />
Toujou Basara looked. Apart from the rooftop they were on--- there was someone standing still.<br />
<br />
A white mask and a black tuxedo. It looked human, but his other senses felt a ominous and overwhelming negative aura from it. He could tell by just confronting it. It was a devil with a considerably power.<br />
<br />
''…Not good.''<br />
<br />
Basara changed his expression into a stern one. It likely was the wire-puller here, but it was unexpectedly strong. He didn't know it's type yet, but it most likely had an A Rank power.<br />
<br />
Mio was set as a S- Rank, but only in consideration for the possibility that she kept the previous Devil Lord Wilbert's power in her. By the normal standards of the village, she would probably be a B Rank. Yuki was a B+ Rank. It would be one thing if the opponent were an A- Rank, but at A or above, it might become a severe fight even with Basara's assistance, let alone Yuki by herself.<br />
<br />
Currently it looked like it was standing there easy-going, but there was not a single opening for an attack.<br />
<br />
Mio and Yuki must have comprehended the opponent's strength too, as they remained still like Basara, whereupon<br />
<br />
"---Well, well, that was an really intriguing story. I knew there was an odd interference before, but to think the exiled Hero had shown up again. What's more, it's the son of the War Hero Toujou Jin. Quite the surprise."<br />
<br />
Hearing the white mask say it so happily, Basara narrowed his eyes.<br />
<br />
"The attack in the park before was your doing as well, huh…"<br />
<br />
"Yeah. I had my eyes on you for a while. I thought for sure you were a normal human, but it turned out you were an ability user--- and even siding with the orphan of the previous Devil Lord. Moreover, you are quite skilled. It appears you also took out the other guys earlier."<br />
<br />
"------!?"<br />
<br />
On the white mask's words, Mio gulped next to Basara.<br />
<br />
She must have been surprised that only Basara was attacked while they were separated. Furthermore,<br />
<br />
''…My past, huh…''<br />
<br />
Without a doubt, Yuki had talked about the incident five years ago to separate Mio from him.<br />
<br />
Then Mio already knew about it, though he didn't know how much.<br />
<br />
About the sin that Toujou Basara committed--- and that his sword was hesitant because of that. There,<br />
<br />
"---Oh my? Why the long face?"<br />
<br />
The white mask told Mio, whose expression was pale.<br />
<br />
"Could you be regretting involving him now? If so, it's too late. It wasn't just at the park or today. The past few days, he swung his sword and fought numerous times without you knowing about it--- After you went to sleep, he kept fighting until dawn."<br />
<br />
"Eh---?" "---Shut up!"<br />
<br />
When Mio widened her eyes in surprise, Basara dashed toward the white mask at the same time.<br />
<br />
Materializing Brynhildr, he swung it down on the white mask. But,<br />
<br />
"Whoops."<br />
<br />
The moment the white mask said so, the sword that came down with a SCREECH! was repelled by an invisible power.<br />
<br />
Thrown backwards, Basara twisted his body at once and somehow landed on his feet.<br />
<br />
''…I knew it, he's strong…!''<br />
<br />
It was just a spontaneous attack to seal his loose mouth, but he firmly put his strength into it. It should have sliced the likes of these "Shadows" that appeared in the park and school store in two easily. That very attack was completely blocked and repelled. <br />
<br />
Above all, it measured up to the speed of Basara, who was a "Speed Type".<br />
<br />
"….Basara."<br />
<br />
Basara nodded a "Yeah" to Yuki, who came running over to him. Yuki most likely had made the same judgment.<br />
<br />
''…It's an A-… No, A Rank.''<br />
<br />
The strength of the white mask surpassed his expectations. But, he realized something else as well.<br />
<br />
He didn't comprehend the full theory behind it, but the defence just now was either a skill or magic type.<br />
<br />
If he knew the opponent's type, he could come up with a tactic. But,<br />
<br />
''…Damn, if only Maria were here…''<br />
<br />
Unlike Basara's speed or Yuki's skills, Maria's power could break the white mask's barrier with a direct attack. However, it would still take a bit of time until she came here. Basara and Yuki could buy some time while Mio attacked with powerful magic, but should the enemy be a magic type, his barrier wouldn't break from Mio's magic. Then, they would in a stalemate.<br />
<br />
''…What do I do?''<br />
<br />
When Basara tried to somehow work out a tactic,<br />
<br />
"H- Hey… Is it true what that guy just said?"<br />
<br />
From a bit apart, a doubtful voice called out to Basara.<br />
<br />
Basara remained silent and made a bitter expression. Looking at him,<br />
<br />
"…Really? Basara… you were fighting the enemy without my knowledge….?"<br />
<br />
"Why"--- mumbled Mio.<br />
<br />
"Isn't it obvious. For your sake…"<br />
<br />
said the white mask while smiling.<br />
<br />
"The power of the previous Devil Lord sleeping inside you--- even if it isn't fully awakened, it's leaking strong power surges and attracts low class Stray Devils by it. If any of these low class devils were to harm a human, your existence would be the reason for it. Naturally, the Hero Tribe would deem you harmful then and changed you from an observation target to a termination one."<br />
<br />
On these words, Yuki remained silent. It was a silence of affirmation.<br />
<br />
"If he were to protect you, a termination target, he would become a traitor to this world. The Hero Tribe wouldn't be able to overlook it… Thus, the girl over there told you to leave him."<br />
<br />
"Well," said the white mask.<br />
<br />
"To prevent that from happening, that boy and your retainer Succubus have been desperately patrolling the city and hunting low class Stay Devils in the past few days… They worked quite hard, really."<br />
<br />
"Th- Then the reason Maria didn't come to pick us up at school was also the patrol…?"<br />
<br />
On Mio's question, Basara replied with a nod. Unfortunately, he couldn't hide it anymore.<br />
<br />
If he were to keep lying now, he would completely lose Mio's trust.<br />
<br />
"Sorry… If I had told you, you surely would have blamed yourself."<br />
<br />
At night of the day with the bath incident--- Basara had told Maria, who had snuck into his bed, the circumstances and acted behind the scenes to prevent the Stay Devils that were attracted to Mio's power from doing any harm.<br />
<br />
So far he avoided telling that to Mio because of the mental burden she already had from the curse, but had decided to do so after at least a month--- when they cancelled the Master and Servant Contract and harmonized her mental state.<br />
<br />
"No way…"<br />
<br />
Mumbling dumbfounded, Mio just stood there. Then,<br />
<br />
"If it shocks you this much, how about you hand over that 'Power' which is the reason for all this."<br />
<br />
The white mask declared. At the same time, a "Shadow" appeared behind Mio.<br />
<br />
It was already swinging down it's large scythe. But, Mio didn't notice it. Instead,<br />
<br />
"Kuh-----!?"<br />
<br />
Basara reacted at once. With one leap, he tried to slash at the "Shadow",<br />
<br />
"Hee--- Now you're going to erase even her?"<br />
<br />
There, the white mask called out to him with a teasing voice. The result was grave.<br />
<br />
"----"<br />
<br />
The wound in his heart was exploited. Brynhildr vanished from the hand of the agitated Basara. But,<br />
<br />
"---UUOOOOOOOH!"<br />
<br />
Even so, Toujou Basara clenched his teeth--- and kicked the floor for a forward leap.<br />
<br />
<br />
At first--- Naruse Mio didn't know what was going on.<br />
<br />
"Eh…?"<br />
<br />
Before she noticed it, she was looking up to the sky. She had collapsed onto the ground of the rooftop.<br />
<br />
''….Just what happened?''<br />
<br />
Thinking so, Mio tried to stand up--- but she couldn't. And she finally noticed.<br />
<br />
That a weight was pressing onto her. That someone was lying on top of her.<br />
<br />
She looked.<br />
<br />
"…Basara…?"<br />
<br />
Basara didn't respond to Mio's dumbfounded mumbling.<br />
<br />
He didn't move. Therefore she tried calling out to him--- Her hand that touched his shoulder was wet.<br />
<br />
It was blood.<br />
<br />
"-------!?"<br />
<br />
Mio's consciousness fully awakened and she remembered the moment like a flashback.<br />
<br />
A "Shadow" had appeared behind her--- And Basara had protected her from it's weapon.<br />
<br />
By doing so, he ended up being cut on the back.<br />
<br />
"You might be from the Hero Tribe, but you're only a shadow of your former self… Surprisingly fragile."<br />
<br />
She could hear the disappointed voice of the white mask.<br />
<br />
"No… Get a grip, hey!"<br />
<br />
When Mio raised an aggrieved scream, something moved in the corner of her vision--- right next to her.<br />
<br />
It most likely Yuki, who defeated the "Shadow" that cut Basara.<br />
<br />
"…Unforgivable… How dare you!"<br />
<br />
Yuki draw her spirit sword and swung it down at empty space.<br />
<br />
"Hoh… That's quite some power."<br />
<br />
While saying so kind of impressed, the white mask easily jumped aside and dodged it.<br />
<br />
But--- Yuki was already waiting for him there.<br />
<br />
As she predicted his evasion, she rushed ahead in anticipation of his movements at the same time as she released her attack.<br />
<br />
From a half-sitting stance, she unleashed a sideways sweep with her sword.<br />
<br />
It cut through.<br />
<br />
But only through air. The white mask dodged to the top--- into midair.<br />
<br />
"You sure you should be attacking me? His wound is deep. You need to treat it quickly--- or it'll be too late, you know?"<br />
<br />
"……"<br />
<br />
The white mask shifted his gaze away from Yuki, who bit down onto her lips frustrated, to Mio. To Mio, who stood up while holding the wounded Basara. And then he declared with a smiling voice.<br />
<br />
"Get it? This is the result of your own decision."<br />
<br />
"My, own…"<br />
<br />
In front of Mio, who became dumbfounded from the result that her decision brought about, the white mask erased his appearance like melting with the air. The night wind carried only his voice over.<br />
<br />
"I'll pull back for now. Give it some thought. What that girl said is the truth… You involve others, involved him and got him hurt. Are you still going to continue to fight a lost battle? You should reconsider about who you want to sacrifice for your revenge, others or yourself, and make your decision."<br />
<br />
And lastly, Mio heard him add this.<br />
<br />
"But--- Depending on your choice, you can end all of this at once."<br />
<br />
===Part 2===<br />
<br />
<br />
---In the past, when he was at the Hero Village.<br />
<br />
Toujou Basara already had a promising future at a young age.<br />
<br />
He was the only son of Jin, the Hero of the Great War, and as he inherited his father's talent, his strength surpassed that of the other boys and girls his age. Moreover, the reason lot of people set their hopes on him was that Basara could use a special skill that no one else could imitate.<br />
<br />
<Banishing Shift>. That skill, which could only be unleashed as a counter of an opponent's attack, could repel or disperse any kind of attack, physical or magical.<br />
<br />
Moreover--- When he could feel out the <Heavenly Energy>, the "Source of Existence", and cut it, he could banish the existence - the matter of the opponent's attack itself into zero-dimensional space.<br />
<br />
Thus Basara was raised with Yuki and the other kids his age, as the hope for the next generation.<br />
<br />
---But, these happy days suddenly came to an end one day.<br />
<br />
A certain boy from the village, who complained that the already retreated Devils should be tracked down and killed, was fed up with the elders, who wouldn't give their approval, and all by himself… resorted to forcible means. He drew the powerful magical sword Brynhildr that was sealing a S Rank Evil Spirit in the recesses of the mountains near the village.<br />
<br />
Devils were supposed to be tracked down and killed. Needless to say, the boy was confident in his own power. Everyone else acknowledge it too. Jin excluded, he was undoubtedly the number one. So he intended to defeat the released Evil Spirit with the magic sword Brynhildr.<br />
<br />
However--- it didn't turn out like that. The Evil Spirit took over the boy's mind and body.<br />
<br />
And it attacked the detested existence that sealed it---- the Hero Tribe Village.<br />
<br />
---To make matters worse, the incident happened when Jin was away from the Village.<br />
<br />
Still, it was the Hero Tribe. There were a lot that could fight. They desperately fought and tried to put an end to the tragedy. But, the S Rank Evil Spirit's power resided in the body of someone that was nearly unrivaled in the village. The tragedy couldn't be stopped and claimed more and more victims.<br />
<br />
And then--- The Evil Spirit was defeated by Basara. But it happened by Basara losing his mind on the sight of his friends getting killed before him and Yuki getting attacked, thus letting the <Banishing Shift> go out of control. When he woke up, Basara was lying in a hospital bed. And he was told. That the crisis was over. By the hands of none other than himself.<br />
<br />
Proof for that was that the magical sword Brynhildr, who didn't even allow Jin to use it, chose Basara as it's master. Thanks to Basara, a lot of people were saved. Yuki was one of them.<br />
<br />
---But, it couldn't save the hearts of the survivors.<br />
<br />
Basara's <Banishing Shift> merciless annihilated the surrounding area to oblivion.<br />
<br />
The possessed boy, the Evil Spirit and even some limbs from the victims--- All of it was erased.<br />
<br />
Accordingly, it was discussed in no time that <Banishing Shift> was too dangerous and that Basara should be locked away along with Brynhildr to prevent such a tragedy from happening again.<br />
<br />
Regardless of the fact that Basara no longer could use <Banishing Shift> due to the shock from the incident.<br />
<br />
But--- Basara didn't really care. Basara himself couldn't bear the burden of having erased his precious friend and became like an empty shell. However--- Jin, returning to the village, stood up for Basara. Others too, like one of the elders or Yuki's Nonaka Family, eagerly took Basara under their wings. And then a conclusion was made. Basara was stripped off his Hero qualifications and chased out of the Village along with his utilized magic sword Brynhildr. And Jin should go with him to oversee that his ability wouldn't go out of control again.<br />
<br />
Basara obediently obeyed that decision. But Jin gave a straightforward objection.<br />
<br />
"If being a Hero prevents me from protecting Basara--- Then I'll quit being a Hero as well."<br />
Saying so, he left the village together with Basara.<br />
<br />
<br />
And then--- Five years passed since then.<br />
<br />
The memory of that tragedy was still vivid and kept plaguing Basara in his dreams even now.<br />
<br />
He couldn't discover an atonement for his sin, nor how to face it.<br />
<br />
Like proof for it, he still couldn't use <Banishing Shift>.<br />
<br />
Not counting the one time he erased Maria's wind magic as a fluke.<br />
<br />
''…But.''<br />
<br />
While his consciousness was clouded in darkness, Touju Basara thought.<br />
<br />
That even his half-hearted self found something he wanted to protect. That he made a new family.<br />
<br />
At first, he wanted to protect her as her older brother. But their relationship was a fabrication. The girl he considered a little sister actually inherited the Devil Lord's power. But, she didn't ask for that. Yet--- her life was in danger.<br />
<br />
Despite that, she desperately tried to live on positively. Trying to fight against it.<br />
<br />
--- In the past, Jin gave up being a Hero to protect Basara. Basara already lost his qualification as a Hero.<br />
<br />
But right now, there was a girl that obviously wasn't protected by the Hero Tribe, but neither by her own Devil kin.<br />
<br />
So the one to protect her--- to protect Naruse Mio must be himself.<br />
<br />
Basara no longer had his previous strength.<br />
<br />
Still, Brynhildr reacted to him. His arms and legs moved. And he had a will.<br />
<br />
"Therefore---…"<br />
<br />
Saying so mumbling, Basara then opened his eyes.<br />
<br />
Light pierced through the darkness. Upon that, there was a familiar ceiling before his eyes.<br />
<br />
"Good… Do you know me?"<br />
<br />
On a look, a young girl was peeking at up relieved.<br />
"Mar, ia…?"<br />
<br />
"Yes. Please rest assured. We are at home. In your room, Basara-san."<br />
<br />
"My---"<br />
<br />
Basara frowned on his mental blank--- and then remembered.<br />
<br />
Suddenly a dull pain run through his torso and he scowled.<br />
<br />
"I see… At the rooftop, the enemy…"<br />
<br />
"I am sorry… If I had only arrived a bit earlier."<br />
<br />
Maria said apologetic.<br />
<br />
"I took the bandages from the infirmary and gave you first aid on the spot, but it would attract attention at school, so I carried you here."<br />
<br />
"I see… Thanks, really."<br />
<br />
That he was home with Maria by his side meant that Yuki pulled back for now? A look at the clock revealed that it was already half past three in the night. Apparently he was sleeping for around seven hours.<br />
<br />
"Uhm---"<br />
<br />
said Maria.<br />
<br />
"''I did as you said, but''--- do you really not need to go to the hospital?"<br />
<br />
"Yeah… This is fine."<br />
<br />
If anything happens to me, don't take me to the hospital--- That was what he asked of Maria after the fight in the park. Sure, he would get treated at a hospital. But the medicines for treatment and recovery influenced one's senses and ability to think. It easily created an opening for the enemy.<br />
<br />
"Kuh---…"<br />
<br />
Basara slowly raised his body. And then, he tightly clenched his fist.<br />
<br />
''…Good.''<br />
<br />
It still hurt, but he could move. His thoughts were clear too.<br />
<br />
"Amazing… To think you already regained consciousness from such a deep wound. It would not be strange for a normal person to be unconscious for a few days."<br />
<br />
"Our tribe gives special training to our bodies from a young age on… So we recovery faster and have better self-healing powers than normal people."<br />
<br />
Yuki left his nursing to Mio and Maria specially because she knew of this.<br />
<br />
It was an ability that was acquired for fights, to win fights.<br />
<br />
Yes--- They had to be victorious. On the rooftop he was overpowered. By that Devil.<br />
<br />
"Right, how's Mio---… Maria?"<br />
<br />
Basara spoke the name, whereupon Maria reacted by shivering her small body.<br />
<br />
Her so far sad expression turned even more bitter.<br />
<br />
"…Seeing you wounded made her remember the time when her foster parents were killed. By the time I arrived on the rooftop, Mio-sama was gravely agitated. She was partly in a panic, yet she tried to treat your wounds by herself… I made her rest a bit to let her calm down a bit. And about an hour ago, I told her that you are over the worst, but then"<br />
<br />
"Hey, don't tell me----"<br />
<br />
"Yes… The next time I checked upon Mio-sama, she was no longer in her room…"<br />
<br />
"That idiot…!"<br />
<br />
She must have felt a strange responsibility and went to settle it by herself!<br />
<br />
"---Basara-san!"<br />
<br />
Maria put her hands on knees on the floor and lowered her head as much as possible.<br />
<br />
"I am aware that you are greatly injured… But right now, you are the only one who can pinpoint Mio-sama's whereabouts with the Master and Servant Contract! I will not ask you to fight. But at least please tell me where Mio-sama is…please…"<br />
<br />
A desperate plead with her body shivering. Therefore,<br />
<br />
"---This isn't funny."<br />
<br />
Saying so, Tojou Basara pushed aside the blanket and got off the bed.<br />
<br />
He didn't mind the scorching pain that ran through his whole body.<br />
<br />
"Obviously I'm going too--- I don't want to be a pathetic older brother that sleeps while his little sister is in danger."<br />
<br />
<br />
===Part 3===<br />
<br />
<br />
Leaving the room and house, Mio headed for that park on the hill.<br />
<br />
It was a famous spot in the city and normally even at night people came by now and then, but on the vast grounds expanded a thick mixed forest with all kinds of trees and people didn't come to it's deepest part.<br />
<br />
"…Good."<br />
Inside the mixed forest, Mio used a magic to keep humans away just in case and cast down her eyes after a deep breath. Preparations to wait for the enemy were done.<br />
<br />
''…Sorry, you two…''<br />
<br />
In her heart, Mio apologized to Basara and Maria. By now they must have noticed that she left. She knew that she was being reckless. But Mio couldn't of any other plan.<br />
<br />
---Naruse Mio did not know anything.<br />
<br />
Dragging them into her fight, they fought for her unknown to her.<br />
<br />
And Basara was gravely injured by protecting Mio.<br />
<br />
At that time--- The image of the bleeding Basara overlapped with that of her killed parents.<br />
<br />
Her heart was unsettled. So much that she fell into a pathetic trembling, even though the enemy was still around.<br />
<br />
Therefore--- Maria had told her that she had to calm down first if she wanted to treat Basara. While she trembled alone in her own room, she kept thinking.<br />
<br />
The words of the white mask spun around inside Mio's head. You involve others, involved him and got him hurt. Are you still going to continue to fight a lost battle?<br />
<br />
Who do you want to sacrifice for your revenge, others or yourself?<br />
<br />
---And the answer Mio finally came up with was this.<br />
<br />
Still, while stood here like this, she could only think about one thing.<br />
<br />
''…Please be safe, Basara…''<br />
<br />
Mio tightly closed her eyes like for a prayer. Maria had said he was over the worst, but it was still a precarious situation. She could watch over him while praying for his recovery.<br />
<br />
But to put it another way, she could only watch over him while praying for his recovery.<br />
<br />
''…If so.''<br />
<br />
Mio thought while opening her eyes. She should do the thing only she is capable of. Upon that,<br />
<br />
"---Seems like you made your decision."<br />
<br />
Suddenly a voice called out from behind. Mio turned around with "Yes".<br />
<br />
There in the forest--- in her vision stood the white mask.<br />
<br />
Mio fixed her glare wordless onto the white mask. When he left the rooftop, he had said "Depending your choice, you can end all of this at once". Naruse Mio perfectly understood the meaning behind these words. There, just as if he was reading her mind,<br />
<br />
"Hee… You're more honest than I thought. But, I believe this is the correct choice."<br />
<br />
The white mask said.<br />
<br />
"If you were to keep fighting, it would claim more victims. But if you were the only victim, everything would come to an end."<br />
<br />
"….Yeah."<br />
<br />
Mio nodded. She agreed from the bottom of her heart.<br />
<br />
''"I alone will be enough for a victim--- for a fight."''<br />
<br />
The next moment. The white mask was enveloped by a huge flame pillar. She had released Hellfire--- the strongest fire magic Mio was capable of at the moment. With it on stand-by, she had waited.<br />
<br />
All for the sake of a perfectly timed surprise attack. Furthermore,<br />
<br />
"That's not all!"<br />
<br />
Mio released attack magic one after another. Without ceasing her attacks, she released two consecutive lighting attacks, wind blades from eight directions and countless ice spears. These hit into the white mask in succession.<br />
<br />
All of them were at full power. An absolutely annihilating preemptive strike that used up all of her magic and mental power.<br />
<br />
Lastly she used a blazing explosion magic and while she watched the brightly flames,<br />
<br />
"Hah… Hah… N- Now…"<br />
<br />
Mio was breathing heavily.<br />
<br />
A voice sounded.<br />
<br />
"---Now you're satisfied?"<br />
<br />
Along with a WHOOSH wind sound, the flames were erased. And the white mask stood easy-going on the same spot, as he didn't receive any damage.<br />
<br />
"No way…"<br />
<br />
"What are you surprised about? There's no way I would face a waiting opponent unprepared. Don't tell me, you really thought this could finish me off?"<br />
<br />
"Kuh…!"<br />
<br />
Retreating backwards like pushed back, Mio tried to chant a new magic, whereas the white mask laughed.<br />
<br />
"Oh right, it's a wonderful house, where you're living with that former Hero boy---''Looks like it would burn easily.''"<br />
<br />
"----!?"<br />
<br />
"Maybe I should order my subordinators? To see which brings out a prettier flame, your magic or that house."<br />
<br />
"Coward…"<br />
<br />
The wounded Basara was in there. With Maria around, they might not get burned by the flames, but most likely it would take their everything just to escape. They couldn't stop the flames. There,<br />
<br />
"Coward or not, it was you who involved him… If you want to blame someone, blame yourself."<br />
<br />
"……."<br />
<br />
Mio bit down on her lips. Yielding to such a threat and giving up wasn't funny.<br />
<br />
But what Mio tried to chant at the moment was only a filler magic to keep the fight going.<br />
<br />
Something like that wouldn't defeat him, since the consecutive attacks earlier didn't work.<br />
<br />
Still--- For starters she could resume the fight with it. She had planned it out in her head.<br />
<br />
However, Mio slowly relaxed her stance and halted the chanting for the magic.<br />
<br />
"…You're after me, right. Please, don't lay hands on Basara anymore."<br />
<br />
But,<br />
<br />
"If you were to hurt him any further--- I'll never forgive you. No matter what I have to do, I'll kill you a hundred times."<br />
<br />
"I don't mind. If it doesn't cause me any more unnecessary trouble, that is."<br />
<br />
The white mask showed a serene smile at the end of his words.<br />
<br />
She was disgusted. Her own fight had only just started. It would get serious from now on.<br />
<br />
She would rather die than yield to the enemy here.<br />
<br />
''…But…''<br />
<br />
Still, she would rather die twice than endangering Basara's life. Then there was only one way.<br />
<br />
In front of Mio, who stood there silent, the white mask came over like gliding on air.<br />
<br />
"Your hand---"<br />
<br />
When she held out both her hands on his request, a purple rope wrapped around Mio's wrists.<br />
<br />
"This is…"<br />
<br />
"A binding magical tool that seals your magical power. From your earlier attacks I don't think there'll be any problems, but I'll seal it just in case. Now then--- Let us go."<br />
<br />
"….Where to?"<br />
<br />
Mio had given up on fighting, but not on her hostility. The white mask answered.<br />
<br />
"You need to ask?… To the demon realm. My Master is waiting for---"<br />
<br />
The moment he said all that, the white mask suddenly jumped back widely to take a distance from Mio.<br />
<br />
At the same time. The space where the white mask had been so far was cut through by a wind blade.<br />
<br />
"Don't tell me…!"<br />
<br />
Like looking up, Mio tried to look behind her--- the direction from where the attack came, whereupon a human silhouette swiftly rushed past her at the same time.<br />
<br />
It was a girl that wore the same Hijirigasaka Academy uniform as Mio and carried a spirit sword in her right hand.<br />
<br />
It was Nonaka Yuki.<br />
<br />
"---Why!?"<br />
<br />
While hearing this question from Mio behind her back, Nonaka Yuki didn't slow down on her dash.<br />
<br />
Regardless of the unsteady foothold in the mixed forest, she attacked the white mask at once.<br />
<br />
However, Yuki's slash was easily warded off by the barrier that the white mask had erected.<br />
<br />
"What a surprise, that you would take her side… Is that the judgement of the Hero Tribe?"<br />
<br />
"…I'm, not really taking her side."<br />
<br />
Yuki indifferently told the white mask, who spoke with a carefree voice.<br />
<br />
---Yes. At first, Yuki didn't had any intentions to help Mio.<br />
<br />
The dispute about the Devil Lord's power that Mio inherited was something to be settled amongst devils.<br />
<br />
Thus, the Hero Tribe didn't plan to intervene actively.<br />
<br />
Yuki, an observer, had no objections to that either. She only felt resentment towards Mio, who disturbed Basara peaceful lifestyle, and wouldn't have really minded if she sacrifices herself.<br />
<br />
''…But.''<br />
<br />
Basara still tried to protect Mio. When she watched Basara at school, he was looking Mio without her finding out about it. At any time, he was concerned about her. And unknown to her, he fought for her. Yuki couldn't understand if Mio was worth it. That was why she told her on the rooftop of the school. To leave Basara. To not involve him. And after Basara collapsed from the enemy's attack and the white mask was gone.<br />
<br />
Nonaka Yuki tried to vent her fury at Mio.<br />
<br />
---It's all your fault. Because you dragged Basara into this.<br />
<br />
But she couldn't say it. Because Mio was even more shaken in front of the collapsed Basara than Yuki.<br />
<br />
Gravely flustered and agitated, she was still worried over Basara. I'm sorry, I'm sorry… She repeated numerous times while crying. Yuki ended up hearting that grief-stricken scream. That was the reason she left Basara's treatment for now to them when Maria showed up. And then she saw how Mio tried to fight alone and gave up on it again for Basara's sake.<br />
<br />
Yuki got the feeling that she understood a bit now why Basara tried to protect Mio.<br />
<br />
Besides, there was another reason to why Yuki came here. Yes--- an important reason.<br />
<br />
"I believe I clearly told you--- That I won't forgive you for hurting Basara."<br />
<br />
So, at the same time she declared these words filled with killing intent, Yuki's whole body was enveloped by light.<br />
<br />
Together with the materialization of her spirit sword "Sakuya", her clothes changed into a battle wear.<br />
<br />
Nonaka Yuki's resolve. An embodiment of her will to slay the devil in front of her as a Hero.<br />
<br />
Then the battle started. In light of Yuki's consecutive repeated attacks,<br />
<br />
"Your sword or skill can't defeat me… You should have realized that on the previous battle on the rooftop."<br />
<br />
Behind his barrier, the white mask sighed in disappointment. But, Yuki showed no impatience.<br />
<br />
"…Yeah? Then--- take this!"<br />
<br />
She launched a counterattack. It--- broke through his supposedly impregnable barrier.<br />
<br />
"Wha…?"<br />
<br />
Yuki lunged a slash in no time at the surprised white mask.<br />
<br />
Instantly jumping backwards and barely dodging her sword, the white mask was puzzled.<br />
<br />
"My barrier, how…"<br />
<br />
"It won't break with one strike. ''Therefore I continued until it did…'' that's all."<br />
<br />
said Yuki.<br />
<br />
"Wait… You accurately kept attacking the same spot…?"<br />
<br />
"If it brings you down, I'll do so."<br />
<br />
Yuki declared without hesitation. It was a feat that even only a few skill type fighters could pull off.<br />
<br />
In the five years apart from Basara, Yuki excessively trained with the sword.<br />
<br />
"---Don't underestimate a Hero."<br />
<br />
Then Yuki approached forward again. For a moment she dared to sheathe her spirit sword, then she drew it with Godspeed. The cutting edge of quick-draw technique that came from making use of the slip of the sword out of the sheath, was several times greater than normal. In one attack she cut through the oppenent's barrier, and it didn't end with that. Combined with the quick-draw attack, Yuki kept spreading out her attacks.<br />
<br />
The white mask couldn't help but to jump backwards widely to distance himself from her.<br />
<br />
"Okay… I'll play with you for a bit."<br />
<br />
Saying so, he held out his palm towards her--- In the next moment, a black darkness came flying over.<br />
<br />
"-------?"<br />
<br />
Yuki jumped to the side at once. It was a reflexive movement that didn't consider her landing at all.<br />
<br />
[[Image:Shinmai Vol1 0143.jpg|thumb]]<br />
<br />
Right afterwards. Along with a roaring sound, the ground trembled. Yuki, tumbled on the ground, looked. The place where she was at a moment ago--- The ground of the forest was completely hollow out by an explosion.<br />
<br />
"Hee, you dodged that…"<br />
<br />
The white mask said in admiration. And then,<br />
<br />
"Then--- how about this?"<br />
<br />
At the same time he said that, numerous dark spheres appeared around him.<br />
<br />
''…Not good…!''<br />
<br />
It was impossible to dodge all these. Defending against them too. What to do--- That short hesitation completely deprived Yuki of her chance to evade. When she noticed it, she was already swallowed up by a fierce impact and blown backwards--- Right afterwards, the roaring sound of explosions sounded. The force of it threw Yuki against a huge tree trunk and the impact made her lose her breath.<br />
<br />
"---Nonaka!"<br />
<br />
Mio's scream sounded distant. But, Yuki couldn't respond. Her body wobblingly inclined forward.<br />
<br />
"---…!"<br />
<br />
Even so, she thrust her spirit sword into the ground and refused at least to collapse.<br />
<br />
Yes, not yet. She could still fight. Because her life was saved by him--- by Basara.<br />
<br />
Five years since that tragedy. What did she become strong for?<br />
<br />
''…That's, obvious…''<br />
<br />
Basara sacrificed his own future and saved her. Therefore. This time, she would protect him and those he wanted to protect. She would protect the world Basara lived in--- his every day life.<br />
<br />
For that she underwent harsh training and became strong, didn't she.<br />
<br />
"Run… quickly, Nonaka!"<br />
<br />
Yuki ignored Mio's shouting. Giving up here? Nothing of the sort!<br />
<br />
"…Uh…"<br />
<br />
Yuki frantically clenched her teeth and slowly raised her head.<br />
<br />
And she realized. Why Mio told her to run.<br />
<br />
Nonaka Yuki looked. At the huge sphere of darkness that the white mask created over his head.<br />
<br />
<br />
At this rate, Yuki would die--- Thinking so, Mio acted quickly.<br />
<br />
"….Enough---!"<br />
<br />
With her hands tied, she still tried to ram the white mask with her shoulders. But,<br />
<br />
"---You're in the way."<br />
<br />
In response, the white mask casually launched a shock wave at her.<br />
<br />
"Kyaaaaaa---!"<br />
<br />
Mio, who had her magical power sealed by the binding magic tool, had no way to defend against it. Taking a direct hit, Mio was sent flying to the ground.<br />
<br />
"…Kuh… Uh…"<br />
<br />
Even so, Mio desperately tried to stand up.<br />
<br />
''…Like I, would let him…''<br />
<br />
There was no way she would let get anyone else get dragged into her fate.<br />
<br />
She wouldn't sacrifice anyone. Not even Yuki, a Hero.<br />
<br />
But--- Emotions alone couldn't stop a tragedy.<br />
<br />
"This is the end."<br />
<br />
The white mask declared so. At the same time, the huge sphere of darkness was released towards Yuki.<br />
<br />
"No… STOOOOOOOP---!"<br />
<br />
Mio shouted at once. But the white mask ignored her. And the sphere of darkness heading for Yuki, as well as the cruel reality ignored her too. No matter how much Mio shouted, she couldn't help Yuki.<br />
<br />
Therefore, Yuki's death was inevitable--- ''Or it was supposed to be''.<br />
<br />
---However. There was still one person responding to Mio.<br />
<br />
"…Eh?"<br />
<br />
She heard the blowing wind. And then,<br />
<br />
"---Leave it to me."<br />
<br />
Together with that short mumbling.<br />
<br />
Faster than the wind--- A boy got in between the sphere and Yuki.<br />
<br />
<br />
Toujou Basara arrived at the battle in the moment when the white mask released the huge sphere of darkness.<br />
<br />
Basara, standing protective in front of Yuki, was immediately pressed for a decision.<br />
<br />
It was impossible to evade while carrying a wounded Yuki. That left only one choice. He chose that sole possibility without hesitation. It wasn't like he couldn't use it at all. But,<br />
<br />
"Here I go… <Banishing Shift>!"<br />
<br />
Toujou Basara struck his magic sword Brynhildr into the pale sphere.<br />
<br />
''…Even if I can't erase it completely…''<br />
<br />
Even if he was still trapped by his past. He should be able to repel or disperse it. Therefore,<br />
<br />
"OOOOOOOHHHHHHHH!"<br />
<br />
Steadying himself on the ground, Basara put all his strength into his arms and pulled Brynhildr through the sphere.<br />
<br />
At the same time he felt it's resistance--- the pale sphere broke up and passed by Basara and Yuki's right and left.<br />
<br />
An explosion arose. But, only the ground of the forest was destroyed. Basara and Yuki were safe.<br />
<br />
"Wha… Just what was that?"<br />
<br />
"…Basara…"<br />
<br />
In front of the dumbfounded white mask, Yuki called from behind his back. Basara only turned around his head.<br />
<br />
"Everything's alright now, Yuki… I'll take care of the rest."<br />
<br />
When he said just that with a smile, he faced forward again.<br />
<br />
And then, he scowled a bit. He felt a burning pain on his back.<br />
<br />
''…My wound reopened from that.''<br />
<br />
He could endure the pain, but if he kept losing blood, he wouldn't be able to move anymore. He had to settle it quickly.<br />
<br />
"-----"<br />
<br />
Therefore, Basara kicked the ground and leaped forward. That resulted in the Godspeed of a Speed Type.<br />
<br />
Moreover, the speed was close to one in his genius childhood, where he was noted for his talent that surpassed even his father, the hero of the great war.<br />
<br />
In an instant the distance between them was closed. The Godspeed attack went straight for the white mask's torso. SCREEEECH! But with a shrill metallic noise, Basara's hand that held Brynhildr got numb. The attack was repelled.<br />
<br />
"I'm impressed. That's some excellent swordsmanship. With a normal barrier, even I might have gotten split into two."<br />
<br />
The white mask raised a praising voice and continued with "But".<br />
<br />
"Unfortunately for you, I strengthened my barrier after that girl broke it…Too bad."<br />
<br />
"…Yeah, too bad."<br />
<br />
Basara nodded.<br />
<br />
''"For you, that is---"''<br />
<br />
And then he shouted.<br />
<br />
"---MARIA!" "Roger!"<br />
<br />
A young girl jumped up from behind Basara. Her small body was swinging it's right fist.<br />
<br />
She, a succubus, was their "Power Type" ally that was lacking on the rooftop.<br />
<br />
Her one attack--- smashed the white mask's barrier, weakened by Basara's attack, into small pieces.<br />
<br />
"Wha---!"<br />
<br />
The shocked white mask tried to re-erect his barrier at once.<br />
<br />
"---Too slow!"<br />
<br />
Basara was faster than that.<br />
<br />
Basara's fighting style that utilized the characteristic of the speed type to the maximum was Infinite Slayer.<br />
<br />
Furthermore, his Godspeed sword flashes that looked like thin lines continued a series of attacks.<br />
<br />
Kill! That kind of sound started.<br />
<br />
Kill, Kill, Kill, Kill, Kill, Kill, Kill, Kill, KillKillKillKillKillKillKillKillKillKillKillKillKill KillKillKillKillKillKillKillKillKillKillKillKillKill KillKillKillKillKillKillKillKillKillKillKillKillKill KillKillKillKillKillKillKillKillKillKillKillKillKill KillKillKillKillKillKillKillKillKillKillKillKillKill<br />
KillKillKillKillKillKillKillKillKillKillKillKillKill<br />
KillKillKillKillKillKillKillKillKillKillKillKillKill<br />
KillKillKillKillKillKillKillKillKillKillKillKillKill<br />
<br />
The speed transcended power, as well as magic, skill and all kind of strengths.<br />
<br />
"OOOOOOOOOAAAAAAAHHHH!"<br />
<br />
And then--- The last hit struck.<br />
<br />
It was an attack with all his might that perfectly cut up the white mask's torso and banished him into the empty darkness.<br />
<br />
Mio witnessed that moment.<br />
<br />
Basara, having defeated the white mask, stopped moving for a moment, but before long,<br />
<br />
"…..Fuh."<br />
<br />
When he made a breath of exhaustion, he first confirmed Yuki's well-being behind him.<br />
<br />
After exchanging a few words with her, he came slowly over to Mio.<br />
<br />
--- But, somehow Mio still couldn't believe it.<br />
<br />
However--- Basara's face, looking at her, was showing a gentle smile.<br />
<br />
"Ah…"<br />
<br />
She finally realized. That she was saved. That Basara came to her aid. Therefore,<br />
<br />
''…I- I…''<br />
<br />
What to do, Mio panicked at heart. She didn't know what to say. She knew she had to thank him. But she still hadn't apologized for getting him hurt. When she was puzzled about what to say,<br />
<br />
"Mio-samaaaaaaaa---!"<br />
<br />
Passing by Basara, Maria clung to her with a dive.<br />
<br />
Maria didn't criticize Mio for trying to settle it all by herself.<br />
<br />
"I was worried… So worried… Waaaaaah."<br />
<br />
Looked like she was really worried. Maria sobbed, like all the worry she had desperately suppressed suddenly exploded. Mio's surprise changed into gratitude before long. She finally realized what she should say first. Therefore she shifted her gaze down to Maria at her waist.<br />
<br />
"Sorry… I'm sorry…"<br />
<br />
For her selfish act. Mio apologized for making Maria worry. Upon that,<br />
<br />
"…Looks like you're okay."<br />
<br />
Mio heard Basara's relieved voice. So she raised her head with "Yes".<br />
<br />
Her expression froze up.<br />
<br />
"What's up…?"<br />
<br />
Basara was puzzled--- and right behind him stood a "Shadow".<br />
<br />
She had no time to call out.<br />
<br />
A short sword pierced Basara's body from behind. The tip of the sword came out of Basara's stomach.<br />
<br />
"---?"<br />
<br />
At the same time as Basara looked down at his own torso, the short sword was pulled out.<br />
<br />
Basara's body collapsed like a loose string.<br />
<br />
"No… NOOOOOOOOOOOO."<br />
<br />
Yuki, standing apart, raised a mad scream.<br />
<br />
The red of blood spread over Basara's clothes on the back. Therefore,<br />
<br />
"A, Aw…"<br />
<br />
The moment she let out a dumbfounded voice--- Mio's reasoning snapped.<br />
<br />
"AWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWW------!!"<br />
<br />
She raised a screaming shriek and at the same time, a red surge was set free in Mio's heart.<br />
<br />
===Part 4===<br />
<br />
<br />
The wind howled in the distant. A wind that brought with it a low and heavy ring like a coming storm.<br />
<br />
The wind at his cheeks was still balmy. But before long a downpour would surely come.<br />
<br />
Then he had to go home quickly.<br />
<br />
---With whom?<br />
<br />
He immediately got an answer for the sudden question. It was obvious. Together with Mio and Maria.<br />
<br />
And they should bring Yuki too. Yes--- They all had to return together. Therefore,<br />
<br />
"…Uh…?"<br />
<br />
Basara opened his eyes. But even though he tried to straightened up his body, he couldn't muster his strength well.<br />
<br />
Even so, he somehow raised his head. And then Toujou Basara saw it.<br />
<br />
"This…"<br />
<br />
The surrounding space was colored red and rumbled like a from a tremor. Like a tornado, the wind beat furiously. A bit apart, he saw the collapsed Maria. On a different spot, Yuki had collapsed too. Looked like they received some kind of impact and lost consciousness.<br />
<br />
And then. In the center of the torrent of red surges that shook everything--- there was Mio.<br />
<br />
The color of her long hair had changed into a deep crimson which gave the impression of a blaze--- and on her back grew small wings.<br />
<br />
Basara understood right away that Mio's own power was out of control.<br />
<br />
And that precisely this was the inherited power of the previous Devil Lord.<br />
<br />
Most likely the trigger for it was,<br />
<br />
''…me, huh.''<br />
<br />
Just when she was saved and relaxed, Basara collapsed in front of her eyes from an ambush.<br />
<br />
She must have felt responsible for it and couldn't forgive herself.<br />
<br />
"…I- Idiot… I'm just fine… Hey, Mio!"<br />
<br />
"B- Basara…?"<br />
<br />
On his outcall, Mio, bewildered, met his eyes.<br />
<br />
Apparently she had her senses.<br />
<br />
''…Good…''<br />
<br />
There was a ray of hope in the worst situation. With that, the situation might still somehow be saved. With no sign of the enemy, it must have retreated for good now.<br />
<br />
Or it was destroyed. Either way, it should be safe to assume that there was no more danger from them.<br />
<br />
"Calm down… I'm fine… Everything is over… Okay?"<br />
<br />
"I, I'm trying… but it's no good…!"<br />
<br />
Mio shouted and shook her head.<br />
<br />
"I can barely restrain my power. I, I can't subdue it all. It's not working… Wh- Why?"<br />
<br />
The flustered Mio was partly in a panic and Basara changed his expression into a bitter one.<br />
<br />
''…Damn, she can't calm it down after all…!''<br />
<br />
But--- that said, he couldn't leave it at that.<br />
<br />
''…Wilbert had the power to control gravity.''<br />
<br />
Then, what would happened if it went out of control? --- Before long, that took place.<br />
<br />
"Eh…?"<br />
<br />
Mio raised a surprised voice. The space around her started to flicker like a heat haze.<br />
<br />
"…Here it comes, huh."<br />
<br />
Basara clicked his tongue. An excessive mass that couldn‘t be controlled ended up--- at the singular point of gravity.<br />
<br />
At this rate, a black hole would form around Mio and suck in the surroundings.<br />
<br />
---Naturally, as Mio was the source of it, the singularity would disappear if Mio were to be erased.<br />
<br />
It certainly wouldn't cause the destruction of the world, but even so the vicinity space would get completely wiped out. Most likely it couldn't be prevented that part of the town within the radius of several kilometre would get erased.<br />
<br />
However--- that was only Basara's guess. The mass of energy from the rampage was an unknown quantity. It might cause even less causalities, or even more. Thereupon,<br />
<br />
"P- Please, Basara… I can't, restrain it any longer… So"<br />
<br />
Knowing what Mio was trying to say with her trembling voice, Basara raised his voice.<br />
<br />
"Wait! I'll think of a solution now! I'll come up with some kind of---"<br />
<br />
"---Listen! There's no more time. Before I destroy the world like this, before I drag you and others into it,"<br />
<br />
With a grim voice, Naruse Mio stated her last request.<br />
<br />
<br />
"Please--- hurry up and kill me…"<br />
<br />
<br />
It certainly would solve the problem. The fastest solution.<br />
<br />
If Mio was sacrificed, the town, Basara and the others, everyone would be saved. But,<br />
<br />
"……I refuse."<br />
<br />
Saying so, Basara slowly stood up, whereas Mio shouted flustered.<br />
<br />
"I, Idiot… Between the world and me, it's obvious which is more important!!"<br />
<br />
"Like I care… Tell that the oh so great Heroes. I'm afraid I'm no longer one of them. I neither plan, nor have the power to do something about something as large-scaled as world peace."<br />
<br />
But--- He had the power to save Mio. Toujou Basara knew of the one and only way for that.<br />
<br />
In the past he could use it, but not anymore. The unique power in the world that was just his.<br />
<br />
''…Yeah, right.''<br />
<br />
It was easy. The situation called for it. For the sake of the future, right now--- he had to overcome his past.<br />
<br />
Therefore, Toujou Basara slowly advanced forward.<br />
<br />
"…I'm no longer a Hero. But you know, I'm your family. Your older brother. Even if it's only temporarily for you, I seriously believe so. And, as your brother--- I'll protect my little sister, even if it turns the whole world against me!"<br />
<br />
Basara threw out the words yelling. To convince not Mio, but himself.<br />
<br />
"…I'll bring you back home."<br />
<br />
"Eh---…?"<br />
<br />
On his mumbled words, Mio asked back.<br />
<br />
"I'll definitely bring you home… You'll go back, with me, to our house! As a little sister, shut up and let yourself protected by your brother at a time like this--- Got it!"<br />
<br />
Basara threw his own feelings at her. It wasn't about logic or reasoning, just pure emotion.<br />
<br />
But, precisely because of that, it was conveyed.<br />
<br />
<br />
It reached her.<br />
<br />
"…Okay."<br />
<br />
While looking close to tears, Mio nodded. Over and over again. And then,<br />
<br />
"Please--- save me, Brother."<br />
<br />
Mio said. She certainly said it. Therefore, Basara nodded with "Yeah".<br />
<br />
"Just you wait. I'll erase it now. Your pain, your sadness, all of it--- I'll make it Nil."<br />
<br />
There he halted. It was as close as he could get to Mio, who rampaged her power.<br />
<br />
While the gravity urges shook the atmosphere, Toujou Basara took a deep breath and relaxed his whole body.<br />
<br />
He started the preparation for a perfect <Banishing Shift>.<br />
<br />
He had to feel out Mio's rampaging power--- It's source of existence, the "Heavenly Energy".<br />
<br />
But all kind of matters - substances were faintly swaying it's existence.<br />
<br />
Naturally, the position of the Heavenly Energy constantly changed. Furthermore, Basara tried to erase the torrent of a raging power. The Heavenly Energy was moving irregularly around at apex speed. If he missed, it was all over. Moreover, even if he cut the Heavenly Energy, he couldn't afford to harm Mio. Not to mention, erase her with it. Not the slightest mistake was allowed. Only 100% success was valid.<br />
<br />
From the great blood loss, his vision was hazy--- That alone made it harsh already,<br />
<br />
"----"<br />
<br />
yet Basara felt his own heartbeat jump up. And his hand started to shake.<br />
<br />
''…Damn…!''<br />
<br />
It happened because he factored in a failure. The words of the white mask resurfaced at the back of his brain.<br />
<br />
‘---Now you're going to erase even her?'<br />
<br />
He remembered the tragedy from five years ago. The never healing wound in his heart and his guilty conscious over his past mercilessly trying to swallow his heart. Therefore,<br />
<br />
''…I can't do it after all…''<br />
<br />
Toujou Basara thought. That he absolutely couldn't do it--- Yeah, right.<br />
<br />
''He definitely couldn't do something like let Mio learn the same pain as him.''<br />
<br />
When he suddenly looked, Mio was watching him with gentle eyes.<br />
<br />
When he met her eyes, she closed them.<br />
<br />
Her mouth formed a--- "I believe in you".<br />
<br />
In that moment, Toujou Basara made his resolve. Like Mio, he closed his eyes.<br />
<br />
"------"<br />
<br />
Basara entrusted his body to the fiercely blowing wind, the torrent of the raging power.<br />
<br />
On top of that, he sharpened all his senses, his mind and soul--- to feel it.<br />
<br />
The one and only possibility for Toujou Basara to save Naruse Mio.<br />
<br />
And then--- In the next moment, all noise vanished from the world. The rampage of Mio's power had gone up in one go.<br />
<br />
The spreading destruction and surges of nothingness.<br />
<br />
Toujou Basara just--- quietly swung down Brynhildr.<br />
<br />
[[Image:Shinmai Vol1 0153.jpg|thumbnail|right]]<br />
<br />
<br />
===Part 5===<br />
<br />
<br />
---Right afterwards, Basara's world turn snow-white.<br />
<br />
He didn't know if it was from activating <Banishing Shift> or from being swallowed up by the black hole. He didn't even know if his eyes were closed or open.<br />
<br />
Just that he used all of his power.<br />
<br />
"----"<br />
<br />
Basara slowly collapsed forward. Suddenly--- a soft warmth enveloped him.<br />
<br />
That pleasantness made him smile inadvertently.<br />
<br />
Because he was convinced.<br />
<br />
Then he slowly moved his mouth. Even now, he had barely any strength left.<br />
<br />
Even so, just one sentence. Basara spoke just one sentence. It was something he absolutely wanted to say.<br />
<br />
So he quietly prayed that his voice would somehow come out.<br />
<br />
Toujou Basara mumbled quietly.<br />
<br />
<br />
"---Let's go home."<br />
<br />
<br />
<noinclude><br />
<br />
{| border="1" cellpadding="5" cellspacing="0" style="margin: 1em 1em 1em 0; background: #f9f9f9; border: 1px #aaaaaa solid; padding: 0.2em; border-collapse: collapse;"<br />
|-<br />
| Back to [[Shinmai Maou no Keiyakusha:Volume 1 Chapter 3|Chapter 3]]<br />
| Return to [[Shinmai Maou no Keiyakusha|Main Page]]<br />
| Forward to [[Shinmai Maou no Keiyakusha:Volume 1 Epilogue|Epilogue]]<br />
|-<br />
|}<br />
</noinclude></div>Black Ice Princehttps://www.baka-tsuki.org/project/index.php?title=Log_Horizon&diff=318789Log Horizon2014-01-10T10:37:28Z<p>Black Ice Prince: </p>
<hr />
<div>[[Image: Log Horizon manga vol.01.jpg|420px|thumb|right|Log Horizon manga cover volume one]]<br />
The light-novel series '''Log Horizon''' (ログ・ホライズン, romanji "Rogu Horaizun") is written by Mamare Touno, illustrated by Kazuhiro Hara and published by Enterbrain. It was initially posted on the user-generated content site Shōsetsuka ni Narō in 2010 and subsequently published by Enterbrain since March 2011. The series follows the strategist Shiroe and the other players of the long-lived MMORPG Elder Tale after they find themselves whisked away into the game world following a game update. Log Horizon is an ongoing serial with seven light online novel releases. The online versions serve as the source for commercial adaptations of commercially printed light novels, a manga series, and an anime adaptation airing on NHK Educational TV starting on October 5, 2013. The author also wrote the [[Maoyuu_Maou_Yuusha|Maoyuu Maou Yuusha]] series before this series.<br />
<br />
==Alternative Languages==<br />
The Log Horizon series is also available in the following languages:<br />
*[[Log Horizon_(Indonesia)|Bahasa Indonesia (Indonesian)]]<br />
*[[Log Horizon_(German)|Deutsch (German)]]<br />
<br />
(Note: Translation progress varies for each version.)<br />
----<br />
Visit the [http://www.baka-tsuki.org/forums/index.php Baka-Tsuki Project Forum] to discuss this series and other information from Baka-Tsuki.<br />
<br />
==Story Synopsis==<br />
By its eleventh expansion pack, the massively multiplayer online role-playing game (MMORPG) Elder Tale (エルダー・テイル Erudā Teiru) has become a global success, having a following of millions of players. However, during the release of its twelfth expansion pack: Novasphere Pioneers (ノウアスフィアの開墾 Nōasufia no Kaikon), thirty thousand Japanese gamers who are all logged on at the time of the update, suddenly find themselves transported inside the game world and donning their in-game avatars. In the midst of the event, a socially awkward gamer called Shiroe along with his friends Naotsugu and Akatsuki decide to team up so that they may face this world which has now become their reality along with the challenges which lie ahead.<br />
<br />
==Translation & Editing==<br />
<br />
===Registration===<br />
<br />
Those who wish to contribute are asked to first notify a supervisor beforehand.<br />
<br />
'''Translators are asked to [[Log Horizon Registration Page|register]] which chapters they're working on.'''<br />
<br />
::* '''[[Log Horizon Registration Page|Registration Page]]'''<br />
<br />
<br />
===Format Standards===<br />
<br />
'''Every edited chapter must conform to not only the general format guidelines, but also this project's own guidelines.'''<br />
<br />
::*[[Format_guideline|General Format/Style Guideline]]<br />
::*[[Log Horizon Specific Guidelines|Log Horizon Specific Translating/Editing Guidelines]]<br />
<br />
'''All narrative in edited translations are to be in Past Tense American English'''<br><br />
'''All dialogue in edited translations are to be in Present Tense American English'''<br />
<br />
<br />
===Feedback===<br />
<br />
If you enjoyed the story and want to discuss this series, why don't you tell us in the [http://www.baka-tsuki.org/forums/viewtopic.php?f=15&t=6001 Log Horizon Feedback Thread]?<br />
<br />
==Updates==<br />
{| class="collapsible collapsed" style="text-align:left; margin:5px 20px clear:both; font-size:100%; background:transparent; width:420px;"<br />
! style="background:#cee0f2;" align="center"| '''Updates'''<br />
|-<br />
|<br />
{{:Log Horizon:Updates}}<br />
|-<br />
|}<br />
: '''Older Updates''' can be found on '''[[Log Horizon:Updates|Log Horizon updates page]]'''.<br />
: '''More updates''' and the '''original translation''' of '''''skythewood''''' - translator outside of BT community - can be found '''[[http://pastebin.com/u/skythewood here]]'''.<br />
<br />
==The "''[http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Log_Horizon Log Horizon]''" series by Mamare Touno==<br />
<br />
<div style="float: left; width:100%;"><br />
<div style="float: left; margin: 5px 20px"><br />
===Volume 1: The Beginning of a Different World (Isekai no Hajimari, 異世界のはじまり) ([[Log Horizon: Volume 1|Full Text]])===<br />
<div style="float: left; width:400px;"><br />
:* [[Log Horizon: Volume 1 Illustrations|Illustrations]]<br />
:* [[Log Horizon: Volume 1 Prologue|Prologue]]<br />
:* [[Log Horizon: Volume 1 Chapter 1|Chapter 1: Catastrophe]]<br />
:* [[Log Horizon: Volume 1 Chapter 2|Chapter 2: Small Assassin]]<br />
:* [[Log Horizon: Volume 1 Chapter 3|Chapter 3: Battle of Roka]]<br />
:* [[Log Horizon: Volume 1 Chapter 4|Chapter 4: Deep in Palm]] <br />
:* [[Log Horizon: Volume 1 Chapter 5|Chapter 5: Escape]] <br />
:* [[Log Horizon: Volume 1 Appendix|Appendix]] <br />
:* [[Log Horizon: Volume 1 Afterword|Afterword]]<br />
</div><br />
<div style="float: left; width:200px;"><br />
[[Image: Log Horizon light novel vol.01.jpg|right|thumb|x200px|Volume 1]]<br />
</div><br />
</div><br />
</div><br />
<br style="clear: both;" /><br />
<br />
<br/><br />
<div style="float: left; width:100%;"><br />
<div style="float: left; margin: 5px 20px"><br />
<br />
===Volume 2: Knights of Camelot (Kyamerotto no Kishi-tachi, キャメロットの騎士たち) ([[Log Horizon: Volume 2|Full Text]])===<br />
<div style="float: left; width:400px;"><br />
:* [[Log Horizon: Volume 2 Illustrations|Illustrations]]<br />
:* [[Log Horizon: Volume 2 Chapter 1|Chapter 1: Return to Akihabara]]<br />
:* [[Log Horizon: Volume 2 Chapter 2|Chapter 2: Determination]]<br />
:* [[Log Horizon: Volume 2 Chapter 3|Chapter 3: Sunflower and Lily of the Valley]]<br />
:* [[Log Horizon: Volume 2 Chapter 4|Chapter 4: Knights of Camelot]]<br />
:* [[Log Horizon: Volume 2 Chapter 5|Chapter 5: Grab Your Future]]<br />
:* [[Log Horizon: Volume 2 Appendix|Appendix]]<br />
:* [[Log Horizon: Volume 2 Afterword|Afterword]]<br />
</div><br />
<div style="float: left; width:200px;"><br />
[[Image: Log Horizon light novel vol.02.jpg|right|thumb|x200px|Volume 2]]<br />
</div><br />
</div><br />
</div><br />
<br style="clear: both;" /><br />
<br />
<br/><br />
<div style="float: left; width:100%;"><br />
<div style="float: left; margin: 5px 20px"><br />
<br />
===Volume 3: The End of the Game 'Part I' (Gēmu no Owari [Jō], ゲームの終わり【上】) ([[Log Horizon: Volume 3|Full Text]])===<br />
<div style="float: left; width:400px;"><br />
:* [[Log Horizon: Volume 3 Illustrations|Illustrations]]<br />
:* [[Log Horizon: Volume 3 Prologue|Prologue]]<br />
:* [[Log Horizon: Volume 3 Chapter 1|Chapter 1: To Summer Camp]]<br />
:* [[Log Horizon: Volume 3 Chapter 2|Chapter 2: Forest Ragranda]]<br />
:* [[Log Horizon: Volume 3 Chapter 3|Chapter 3: Negotiation in the Ancient Court]]<br />
:* [[Log Horizon: Volume 3 Chapter 4|Chapter 4: World Fraction]]<br />
:* [[Log Horizon: Volume 3 Chapter 5|Chapter 5: Attack]] <br />
:* [[Log Horizon: Volume 3 Appendix 1|Appendix 1]]<br />
:* [[Log Horizon: Volume 3 Appendix 2|Appendix 2]]<br />
:* [[Log Horizon: Volume 3 Afterword|Afterword]]<br />
</div><br />
<div style="float: left; width:200px;"><br />
[[Image: Log Horizon light novel vol.03.jpg|right|thumb|x200px|Volume 3]]<br />
</div><br />
</div><br />
</div><br />
<br style="clear: both;" /><br />
<br />
<br/><br />
<div style="float: left; width:100%;"><br />
<div style="float: left; margin: 5px 20px"><br />
<br />
===Volume 4: The End of the Game 'Part II' (Gēmu no Owari [Ge], ゲームの終わり【下】) ([[Log Horizon: Volume 4|Full Text]])===<br />
<div style="float: left; width:400px;"><br />
:* [[Log Horizon: Volume 4 Illustrations|Illustrations]]<br />
:* [[Log Horizon: Volume 4 Chapter 1|Chapter 1: The Return of The Goblin King]]<br />
:* [[Log Horizon: Volume 4 Chapter 2|Chapter 2: A Lazy, Coward Princess]]<br />
:* [[Log Horizon: Volume 4 Chapter 3|Chapter 3: Expeditionary Force]]<br />
:* [[Log Horizon: Volume 4 Chapter 4|Chapter 4: Chase that back]] <br />
:* [[Log Horizon: Volume 4 Chapter 5|Chapter 5: Contract]]<br />
:* [[Log Horizon: Volume 4 Appendix 1|Appendix 1]]<br />
:* [[Log Horizon: Volume 4 Appendix 2|Appendix 2]]<br />
:* [[Log Horizon: Volume 4 Appendix 3|Appendix 3]] <br />
:* [[Log Horizon: Volume 4 Afterword|Afterword]]<br />
</div><br />
<div style="float: left; width:200px;"><br />
[[Image: Log Horizon light novel vol.04.jpg|right|thumb|x200px|Volume 4]]<br />
</div><br />
</div><br />
</div><br />
<br style="clear: both;" /><br />
<br />
<br/><br />
<div style="float: left; width:100%;"><br />
<div style="float: left; margin: 5px 20px"><br />
<br />
===Volume 5: Sunday in the District of Akiba (Akiba no Machi no Nichiyōbi, アキバの街の日曜日) ([[Log Horizon: Volume 5|Full Text]])===<br />
<div style="float: left; width:400px;"><br />
:* [[Log Horizon: Volume 5 Illustrations|Illustrations]]<br />
:* [[Log Horizon: Volume 5 Chapter 1|Chapter 1: Everyday life of Shiroe]]<br />
:* [[Log Horizon: Volume 5 Chapter 2|Chapter 2: Swallow and Starling]]<br />
:* [[Log Horizon: Volume 5 Chapter 3|Chapter 3: The Sorcerer's Apprentice]]<br />
:* [[Log Horizon: Volume 5 Chapter 4|Chapter 4: Confusion]] - '''Pending Edit'''<br />
:* [[Log Horizon: Volume 5 Chapter 5|Chapter 5: Libra Festival]]<br />
:* [[Log Horizon: Volume 5 Interlude|Interlude]]<br />
:* [[Log Horizon: Volume 5 Appendix 1|Appendix 1]]<br />
:* [[Log Horizon: Volume 5 Appendix 2|Appendix 2]] <br />
:* [[Log Horizon: Volume 5 Appendix 3|Appendix 3]]<br />
:* [[Log Horizon: Volume 5 Appendix 4|Appendix 4]]<br />
:* [[Log Horizon: Volume 5 Afterword|Afterword]]<br />
</div><br />
<div style="float: left; width:200px;"><br />
[[Image: Log Horizon light novel vol.05.jpg|right|thumb|x200px|Volume 5]]<br />
</div><br />
</div><br />
</div><br />
<br style="clear: both;" /><br />
<br />
<br/><br />
<div style="float: left; width:100%;"><br />
<div style="float: left; margin: 5px 20px"><br />
<br />
===Volume 6: The Stray Child of Daybreak (Yoake no Mayoigo, 夜明けの迷い子)===<br />
<div style="float: left; width:400px;"><br />
:* [[Log Horizon: Volume 6 Illustrations|Illustrations]]<br />
:* [[Log Horizon: Volume 6 Chapter 1|Chapter 1: Murderer]]<br />
:* [[Log Horizon: Volume 6 Chapter 2|Chapter 2: Craced Wing]]<br />
:* [[Log Horizon: Volume 6 Chapter 3|Chapter 3: Fallen Guardian]]<br />
:* [[Log Horizon: Volume 6 Chapter 4|Chapter 4: Mare Tranquillitatis]] <br />
:* [[Log Horizon: Volume 6 Chapter 5|Chapter 5: Raid Battle]]<br />
:* [[Log Horizon: Volume 6 Appendix 1|Appendix 1]]<br />
:* [[Log Horizon: Volume 6 Appendix 2|Appendix 2]] <br />
:* [[Log Horizon: Volume 6 Appendix 3|Appendix 3]]<br />
:* [[Log Horizon: Volume 6 Afterword|Afterword]]<br />
</div><br />
<div style="float: left; width:200px;"><br />
[[Image: Log Horizon light novel vol.06.jpg|right|thumb|x200px|Volume 6]]<br />
</div><br />
</div><br />
</div><br />
<br style="clear: both;" /><br />
<br/><br />
<br />
<br />
<br/><br />
<div style="float: left; width:100%;"><br />
<div style="float: left; margin: 5px 20px"><br />
<br />
===Volume 7 Gold of the Kunie (Kunie no Ougon, 供贄の黄金)===<br />
<div style="float: left; width:400px;"><br />
:* [[Log Horizon: Volume 7 Illustrations|Illustrations]]<br />
:* [[Log Horizon: Volume 7 Chapter 1|Chapter 1: Shiroe in the North]]<br />
:* [[Log Horizon: Volume 7 Chapter 2|Chapter 2: Palm Again]]<br />
:* [[Log Horizon: Volume 7 Chapter 3|Chapter 3: The Changing Battlefield]]<br />
:* [[Log Horizon: Volume 7 Chapter 4|Chapter 4: Guild Master]] <br />
:* [[Log Horizon: Volume 7 Chapter 5|Chapter 5: Consideration of Friendship]]<br />
:* [[Log Horizon: Volume 7 Appendix 1|Appendix 1]]<br />
:* [[Log Horizon: Volume 7 Appendix 2|Appendix 2]]<br />
:* [[Log Horizon: Volume 7 Appendix 3|Appendix 3]] <br />
:* [[Log Horizon: Volume 7 Afterword|Afterword]]<br />
</div><br />
<div style="float: left; width:200px;"><br />
[[Image: Log Horizon light novel vol.07.png|right|thumb|x200px|Volume 7]]<br />
</div><br />
</div><br />
</div><br />
<br style="clear: both;" /><br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<!--<br />
==Web Version==<br />
<br />
===The Beginning of a Different World Part 1 (Isekai no Hajimari[Jō], 異世界のはじまり（上）)===<br />
:* [[Log Horizon: Web Chapter 1|Chapter 1]]<br />
:* [[Log Horizon: Web Chapter 2|Chapter 2]]<br />
:* [[Log Horizon: Web Chapter 3|Chapter 3]]<br />
:* [[Log Horizon: Web Chapter 4|Chapter 4]] <br />
:* [[Log Horizon: Web Chapter 5|Chapter 5]]<br />
:* [[Log Horizon: Web Chapter 6|Chapter 6]]<br />
:* [[Log Horizon: Web Chapter 7|Chapter 7]] <br />
:* [[Log Horizon: Web Chapter 8|Chapter 8]]<br />
:* [[Log Horizon: Web Chapter 9|Chapter 9]]<br />
<br />
===The Beginning of a Different World Part 2 (Isekai no Hajimari[Ge], 異世界のはじまり（下）)===<br />
:* [[Log Horizon: Web Chapter 10|Chapter 10]]<br />
:* [[Log Horizon: Web Chapter 11|Chapter 11]]<br />
:* [[Log Horizon: Web Chapter 12|Chapter 12]]<br />
:* [[Log Horizon: Web Chapter 13|Chapter 13]] <br />
:* [[Log Horizon: Web Chapter 14|Chapter 14]]<br />
:* [[Log Horizon: Web Chapter 15|Chapter 15]]<br />
:* [[Log Horizon: Web Chapter 16|Chapter 16]] <br />
:* [[Log Horizon: Web Chapter 17|Chapter 17]]<br />
:* [[Log Horizon: Web Chapter 18|Chapter 18]]<br />
<br />
===The End of the Game 'Part I' (Gēmu no Owari [Jō], ゲームの終わり【上】)===<br />
:* [[Log Horizon: Web Chapter 19|Chapter 19]]<br />
:* [[Log Horizon: Web Chapter 20|Chapter 20]]<br />
:* [[Log Horizon: Web Chapter 21|Chapter 21]]<br />
:* [[Log Horizon: Web Chapter 22|Chapter 22]] <br />
:* [[Log Horizon: Web Chapter 23|Chapter 23]]<br />
:* [[Log Horizon: Web Chapter 24|Chapter 24]]<br />
:* [[Log Horizon: Web Chapter 25|Chapter 25]] <br />
:* [[Log Horizon: Web Chapter 26|Chapter 26]]<br />
:* [[Log Horizon: Web Chapter 27|Chapter 27]]<br />
<br />
===The End of the Game 'Part II' (Gēmu no Owari [Ge], ゲームの終わり【下】)===<br />
:* [[Log Horizon: Web Chapter 28|Chapter 28]]<br />
:* [[Log Horizon: Web Chapter 29|Chapter 29]]<br />
:* [[Log Horizon: Web Chapter 30|Chapter 30]]<br />
:* [[Log Horizon: Web Chapter 31|Chapter 31]] <br />
:* [[Log Horizon: Web Chapter 32|Chapter 32]]<br />
:* [[Log Horizon: Web Chapter 33|Chapter 33]]<br />
:* [[Log Horizon: Web Chapter 34|Chapter 34]] <br />
:* [[Log Horizon: Web Chapter 35|Chapter 35]]<br />
:* [[Log Horizon: Web Chapter 36|Chapter 36]]<br />
<br />
===Sunday in the District of Akiba (Akiba no Machi no Nichiyōbi, アキバの街の日曜日)===<br />
:* [[Log Horizon: Web Chapter 37|Chapter 37]]<br />
:* [[Log Horizon: Web Chapter 38|Chapter 38]]<br />
:* [[Log Horizon: Web Chapter 39|Chapter 39]]<br />
:* [[Log Horizon: Web Chapter 40|Chapter 40]] <br />
:* [[Log Horizon: Web Chapter 41|Chapter 41]]<br />
:* [[Log Horizon: Web Chapter 42|Chapter 42]]<br />
:* [[Log Horizon: Web Chapter 43|Chapter 43]] <br />
:* [[Log Horizon: Web Chapter 44|Chapter 44]]<br />
:* [[Log Horizon: Web Chapter 45|Chapter 45]]<br />
<br />
===The Stray Child of Daybreak (Yoake no Mayoigo, 夜明けの迷い子)===<br />
:* [[Log Horizon: Web Chapter 46|Chapter 46]]<br />
:* [[Log Horizon: Web Chapter 47|Chapter 47]]<br />
:* [[Log Horizon: Web Chapter 48|Chapter 48]]<br />
:* [[Log Horizon: Web Chapter 49|Chapter 49]] <br />
:* [[Log Horizon: Web Chapter 50|Chapter 50]]<br />
:* [[Log Horizon: Web Chapter 51|Chapter 51]]<br />
:* [[Log Horizon: Web Chapter 52|Chapter 52]] <br />
:* [[Log Horizon: Web Chapter 53|Chapter 53]]<br />
:* [[Log Horizon: Web Chapter 54|Chapter 54]]<br />
--><br />
<br />
==Project Staff==<br />
*Project Administrator: [[User:LiTTleDRAgo|LiTTleDRAgo]]<br />
*Project Supervisor: [[User:LiTTleDRAgo|LiTTleDRAgo]]<br />
<br />
===Translators===<br />
<br />
'''ACTIVE'''<br />
:* [http://pastebin.com/u/skythewood skythewood]<br />
:* hayashi_san -gdocs<br />
<br />
<br />
'''INACTIVE'''<br />
:* [[User:Rozenbach|Rozenbach]]<br />
<br />
===Editors===<br />
:* [[User:Rozenbach|Rozenbach]]<br />
:* [[User:Shido|Shido]]<br />
:* [[User:X-Rates|X-Rates]]<br />
:* [[User:Rasen|Rasen]]<br />
:* [[User:Drowzycow|Drowzycow]]<br />
:* Queenie Beatrice<br />
:* [[User:Ddadain|Ddadain]]<br />
:* Various anonymous users<br />
<!--:* [[User:Mosswind|Mosswind]]--><br />
:* [[User:Rockmosis|Rockmosis]]<br />
:* [[User:Madoka2029|Madoka2029]]<br />
:* [[User:Azurue|Azurue]]<br />
<br />
==Commercial Light Novel Series Overview==<br />
*Log Horizon 1 ログ・ホライズン1 異世界のはじまり 343 pages (March 31, 2011) ISBN 978-4047271456 <br />
*Log Horizon 2 ログ・ホライズン2 キャメロットの騎士たち 344 pages (May 30, 2011) ISBN 978-4047272989<br />
*Log Horizon 3 ログ・ホライズン3 ゲームの終わり（上） 335 pages (August 31, 2011) ISBN 978-4047274136 <br />
*Log Horizon 4 ログ・ホライズン4 ゲームの終わり（下） 363 pages (September 30, 2011) ISBN 978-4047275430<br />
*Log Horizon 5 ログ・ホライズン5 アキバの街の日曜日 371 pages (November 30, 2011) ISBN 978-4047276697 <br />
*Log Horizon 6 ログ・ホライズン6 夜明けの迷い子 318 pages (March 30, 2013) ISBN 978-4047282353<br />
*Log Horizon 7 ログ・ホライズン7 供贄の黄金 369 pages (December 20, 2013) ISBN 978-4047291751<br />
<br />
==More Information==<br />
===Wikis===<br />
* [http://www26.atwiki.jp/loghorizon/ Log Horizon Info & Database (Japanese)]<br />
* [http://lh.oksub.me/wiki/Main_Page Log Horizon fan wiki (English)]<br />
<br />
===Wikipedia Articles===<br />
* [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Log_Horizon Log Horizon main Wikipedia article]<br />
* [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_Log_Horizon_episodes Log Horizon anime episodes] <br />
* [http://ja.wikipedia.org/wiki/%E3%83%AD%E3%82%B0%E3%83%BB%E3%83%9B%E3%83%A9%E3%82%A4%E3%82%BA%E3%83%B3 Japanese Log Horizon Wikipedia article]<br />
<br />
===Other Info===<br />
* [http://mamare.net/works/loghorizon/ Author Mamare Touno's personal website] <br />
* [http://ncode.syosetu.com/n8725k/ Author's publicly released web novels (japanese) from which the light novels are adapted] <br />
* [http://www9.nhk.or.jp/anime/loghorizon/index.html Official Log Horizon anime website] <br />
* [http://www.animecharactersdatabase.com/source.php?id=102804 Log Horizon character database WOW WOW]<br />
* [http://www.animenewsnetwork.com/encyclopedia/anime.php?id=15118 Log Horizon entry at ANN's encyclopedia]<br />
<br />
[[Category:Genre - Action]]</div>Black Ice Princehttps://www.baka-tsuki.org/project/index.php?title=File_talk:SMnK_v04_005-006.jpg&diff=318773File talk:SMnK v04 005-006.jpg2014-01-10T07:23:17Z<p>Black Ice Prince: Created page with "Is this even [ecchi] ?? It's more like a [hentai] novel .. --~~~~"</p>
<hr />
<div>Is this even [ecchi] ?? It's more like a [hentai] novel .. --[[User:Black Ice Prince|Black Ice Prince]] ([[User talk:Black Ice Prince|talk]]) 01:23, 10 January 2014 (CST)</div>Black Ice Princehttps://www.baka-tsuki.org/project/index.php?title=Talk:Sword_Art_Online&diff=317622Talk:Sword Art Online2014-01-06T14:48:26Z<p>Black Ice Prince: /* Licensing */</p>
<hr />
<div>==Picture Translation==<br />
====Volume 1====<br />
They are the ones at the beginning of the first book. Here are the links:<br />
<br />
<gallery><br />
Image:Sword_Art_Online_Vol_01_-_002-003.jpg|Kirito: "''Strange, Asuna. Why are you showing your face in a place like this?''."<br /><br />''A [Solo Player] swordsman aiming to reach Aincrad's topmost level.''<br /><br />Egil: "''Our shop's motto is to buy cheap and sell cheap''."<br /><br />''A merchant stationed at city [Algate], located at Level 50 of Aincrad.''<br /><br />Asuna: "''Kirito-kun...''"<br /><br />''Of an acquired alias of "The Flash", the sub-leader of the guild "Blood Knights"''<br />
Image:Sword_Art_Online_Vol_01_-_004.jpg|Kirito: "''Better than you can, most likely''."<br /><br />Cradil: "...''I'm going to kill you... I'll definitely kill you.... Do you think a pathetic player like you can protect Asuna-sama!!''"<br /><br />''A member of the "Blood Knights", serving as Asuna's escort.''<br />
Image:Sword_Art_Online_Vol_01_-_005.jpg|Heathcliff: "''Fight with me, if you win, Asuna can go with you but if you lose, then you will have to join the Knights of Blood''."<br /><br />''A cross-shield user, the leader of the "Blood Knights" and their strongest.''<br />
Image:Sword_Art_Online_Vol_01_-_006-007.jpg|Asuna: "''D, don't...look over here...''"<br />
Image:Sword_Art_Online_Vol_01_-_008.jpg|Gargantuan Game Castle "Aincrad"<br /><br />An iron-and-stone made castle consisting of 100 floors. Inside it are numerous cities, small towns and villages, forests, grasslands, and lakes. One stairway connects each floor to the previous and succeeding floor, and all of them are in dangerous labyrinth zones where monsters wander about. Players in this world rely on one weapon as they run past them, find the way to the upper floors, and take down strong guardian monsters, single-mindedly aiming for the top of the castle. Aside from battling with monsters, there are many scopes of play from manufacturing like smithing, leathercraft and sewing, to hunting and cuisine, to music. This is not merely adventuring in a vast field, [Life] is literally possible here.<br /><br />"Aincrad" is the world set as the stage for "Sword Art Online", declared as the world's first in the VRMMO game genre.<br />
</gallery><br />
<br />
Thanks!!<br />
<br />
----<br />
<br />
I'll use Sharramon's translations for these... Well, for the most part. Lines may be wrong as well. They're just quotes from the story and descriptions anyway.<br><br />
<br />
----<br />
<br />
Could you translate those sometime too please? --[[User:Darklor|Darklor]] 23:16, 7. Feb. 2010 (UTC)=<br />
:We should probably put the illustration translations in the discussion pages of the novel images, and perhaps just put a link here to them as a reminder.<br />
::That was the idea. Or to be precise I would add the translations to the image pages in the image discription. And for those, where it work in the illustration pages, too. I did add they here only to show which images I meant --[[User:Darklor|Darklor]] 07:24, 8 February 2010 (UTC)<br />
<br />
For Vol2 Img7, do I see....a love interest? XDDD On a more on-topic note, I think I put the translation for that page in the right section (the discussion tab right?), care to check?<br />
<br />
-Kenena<br />
====Volume 2====<br />
<gallery><br />
Image:Sword Art Online Vol 02 - 002-003.jpg|Kirito:<I>"...I'm sorry. I couldn't save your friend..."<br>A [Solo Player] swordsman aiming to reach Aincrad's topmost level.<br></I>Shrika:<I> "...No... Thank you...for coming to help..."<br>A [beast tamer] girl possessing the familiar monster [Feather Ridora].</I><!--使い魔モンスター《フェザーリドラ》を持つ《ビーストテイマー》の少女--><br />
Image:Sword Art Online Vol 02 - 004-005.jpg|Lizabeth:<I>"Err, the dragon's attack pattern is a left right claw, and a water blast and a sudden gust attack! Be careful, okay?<!--...き、気をつけてね!-->"<br> A girl running the blacksmith shop at Aincrad's 48th floor main district, [Lindaas Street].</I><br>Kirito:<I> "Idiot!! Don't come out yet!!"<br />
Image:Sword Art Online Vol 02 - 006.jpg|Yui:<I> "Wah~ Papa, carry me~!"<br>A mysterious girl found collapsed in Aincrad's 22nd floor's forest.</I><!--アインクラッド二十二層の森で倒れていた謎の少女--><br />
Image:Sword Art Online Vol 02 - 007.jpg|Sachi: <I>''Hey, Kirito. Let's go run away somewhere.''</I><br>A member in the guild «Black Cats of the Full Moon» in Aincrad.<br />
</gallery><br />
<br />
====Volume 3====<br />
<gallery><br />
Image:Sword Art Online Vol 03 - 002-003.jpg|Asuna:<I> "Quickly...quickly come and save me, Kirito-kun..."<br>A captured girl inside the high specification VRMMO [ALfheim Online].</I><br />
Image:Sword Art Online Vol 03 - 004-005.jpg|Lyfa: <I>"Come, hurry! On to Yggdrasil!"<br>A girl Kirito met in «ALO». The race of her fairy avatar is «Sylph».</I><br>Yui:<I>"Papa is carefree as usual."<br>A young girl AI who adores Kirito as her papa. Supports Kirito as a «Navigation Pixie» in «ALO».</I><br>Kirito:<I>"Oh...how exciting. At this rate I want to fly all the way."<br>The strongest «Solo Player» in «SAO». Turns to a «Spriggan» swordsman in «ALO».</I><br />
Image:Sword Art Online Vol 03 - 006.jpg|Kirigaya Suguha: <I> "...I'm so stupidstupidstupid!"<br>Kirito's (Kirigaya Kazuto's) younger sister. She's a third-year in junior high school and is a part of the Kendo club.</I><!--キリト＝桐ヶ谷和人[かずと]の妹。<br />
中学三年生で剣道部に所属している--><br />
Image:Sword Art Online Vol 03 - 007.jpg|Eugene: <I>"If you can withstand my attacks for 30 seconds, I'll trust you as an ambassador."<br>The strongest knight among all fairy avatars. His race is «Salamander». Possesses the legendary weapon «Magic Sword Gram».</I><br>Kirito: <I>You're so generous, aren't you.</I><br />
Image:Sword Art Online Vol 03 - 008.jpg|<b>Yggdrasil.</b> The destination of all players who log in to «ALfheim Online».<br>The tribe who reaches the legendary floating city above <Yggdrasil> and has an audience with the <Fairy King Oberon>, who lives there, is able to be reborn as a high-class race, the <Alf>. By being reborn into true fairies, the <Alf>, the hover limit imposed on the system is eliminated and unlimited flight is possible. And along with it, they are capable to become the rulers of this infinite sky. It's possible to enter this floating city through a dome at the root of <Yggdrasil>. However, guardian knights who boast of overwhelming strength guard the entrance. One year has passed since the opening of «ALO», and that quest has yet to be cleared.<br />
</gallery><br />
<br />
Quick comment on your translation for ALO. While I haven't seen any official English translation for its name, the Japanese Wikipedia calls it Alfheim Online. Personally, I agree with it since it follows the Mythology theme, with Álfar meaning elves in Norse Mythology, making Alfheim mean Elves' (Alf) Home (Heim). The reason I think it follows the Mythology theme is that I believe Yggdrasil makes an appearance (I couldn't find where I read this, and I have bad memory at best, so possibly wrong), Kirito's class becomes a [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Spriggan Spriggan], Lyfa (or whatever it ends up being) is a [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sylph Sylph], and Yui is a Navigation Pixie<!--Quite the specific race if you ask me-->. Hope this helps. ~EnigmaticRepose<br />
<br />
:In the Japanese raws of volume 3 (page 61), the name is written in English: "ALfheim Online"<br />
<br />
:[[User:Vaelis|Vaelis]] 11:13, 8 February 2010 (UTC)<br />
<br />
::<nowiki>*changes my translation from whatever it was before to spriggan on the img 4~5 discussion page*</nowiki> -Kenena<br />
<!--Yeah, REALLY specific, although I guess ALO's like that. I wonder if thats the same Yui from vol 2. I wonder what she was doing in there. *hint hint* lol.--><br />
<br />
I wouldn't have known that I haven't read much and I know nothing about the Mythology theme, anyway Vaelis has indicted its proper English name. Mind putting the link of the jap wiki here? - --[[User:KuroiHikari|KuroiHikari]] 12:11, 8 February 2010 (UTC)<br />
<br />
:Japanese wiki: http://ja.wikipedia.org/wiki/%E3%82%BD%E3%83%BC%E3%83%89%E3%82%A2%E3%83%BC%E3%83%88%E3%83%BB%E3%82%AA%E3%83%B3%E3%83%A9%E3%82%A4%E3%83%B3<br />
<br />
:[[User:Vaelis|Vaelis]] 13:01, 8 February 2010 (UTC)<br />
<br />
:::With the last pic vol 3 pics are done. So can someone please translate the pics below so that I can photoshop the pics? [[User:Zero2001|Zero2001]] - [[User_talk:Zero2001|Talk]] - 04:13, 20 January 2012 (CST)<br />
<br />
==== Volume 4 ====<br />
<br />
<gallery><br />
Image:Sword Art Online 4 - 002-3.jpg|「G'morning Sugu. You seem awfully sleepy. What in the world were you doing last night?」<br /><br />Kirigaya Kazuto: The Black swordsman that led the game clear of the nightmare game <SAO>. Other name "Kirito".<br /><br />「Morning, brother.U--mm......[Oh,] on the internet.....」.<br /><br />Kirigaya Suguha: Kazuto = Kirito's sister, in her third year of junior high, as well as a member of the Kendo club.<br />
Image:Sword Art Online 4 - 004-5.jpg|「Ki, Kirito-kun!! Wa, Wait......alone, it's impossible!」<br /><br />Lyfa: The young girl Kirito met in «ALO». The race of her fairy avatar is a «Sylph».<br /><br />「That might be true...... <br />But, I, have to get there.....!!」<br /><br />Kirito: The strongest «Solo Player» in «SAO». Becomes a Spriggan swordsman in «ALO».<br />
Image:Sword Art Online 4 - 006.jpg|「"I'm here...! Yui-chan, Kirito-kun!"」<br /><br />Asuna - A captive girl in a high specification VRMMO, ALfheim Online.<br /><br />「"--But Kirigaya-kun, no, perhaps it is better to call you Kirito-kun. To think that you would come all the way here. I cannot decide whether you are brave or stupid".」<br /><br />Oberon, the fairy king - Sugou Nobuyuki in the real world. Ploting on using the trust from the father of Asuna, aka Yuuki Asuna, to force against Asuna's will for a marriage of convenience.<br />
Image:Sword Art Online 4 - 007.jpg|「......You're......Onii-chan......?」<br /><br />「Eh......? ----Sugu......Suguha......?」<br />
Image:Sword Art Online 4 - 008.jpg|Is already edited by BeginnerXP<br />
</gallery><br />
<br />
Please translate these too ..::[[User:Gradient|Gradient]]::.. 04:21, 7 January 2012 (CST)<br />
<br />
:I'll start doing the remaining three now. One per day. I've already done the two-page spread. BTW I used the font '''Anime Ace 2.0''' which is the default for Manga. Plus I intend to continue doing so. If anyone wants this font then all they have to do is google '''Anime Ace font'''. I got it for free that way. [[User:Zero2001|Zero2001]] - [[User_talk:Zero2001|Talk]] - 10:25, 20 April 2012 (CDT)<br />
<br />
:Done. [[User:Zero2001|Zero2001]] - [[User_talk:Zero2001|Talk]] - 13:33, 1 May 2012 (CDT)<br />
<br />
==== Volume 5 ====<br />
<gallery><br />
Image:Sword Art Online Vol 05 -002-3.jpg|<br />
Image:Sword Art Online Vol 05 -004-5.jpg|<br />
Image:Sword Art Online Vol 05 -006.jpg|<br />
Image:Sword Art Online Vol 05 -007.jpg|<br />
Image:Sword Art Online Vol 05 -008.jpeg|<br />
</gallery><br />
<br />
I'd like to request a re-translation of the fourth pic above. I think there is some problem in the description of Death Pistol. [[User:Zero2001|Zero2001]] - [[User_talk:Zero2001|Talk]] - 02:11, 19 August 2012 (CDT)<br />
<br />
:I've corrected the dialogue by matching it to the chapter translation. But it wouldn't hurt to recheck that too. [[User:Zero2001|Zero2001]] - [[User_talk:Zero2001|Talk]] - 02:13, 19 August 2012 (CDT)<br />
<br />
:Please check the name too. Isn't it supposed to be Death Gun not Death Pistol? I think the previous translator got it mixed up. The raw can be found in the file history. [[User:Zero2001|Zero2001]] - [[User_talk:Zero2001|Talk]] - 02:20, 19 August 2012 (CDT)<br />
<br />
:I've finished cleaning. Waiting for someone to correct. (It'd be a shame if it keeps sitting on my hard drive, cleaned but not translated.) [[User:Zero2001|Zero2001]] - [[User_talk:Zero2001|Talk]] - 03:02, 19 August 2012 (CDT)<br />
<br />
"An unknown virtual image in <<GGO>> battles." => "A mysterious avatar who PKs (kills other players) in <<GGO>>." And yes, the name is Death Gun, not Death Pistol. The rest is correct. [[User:Dammitt|Dammitt]] ([[User talk:Dammitt|talk]]) 03:26, 19 August 2012 (CDT)<br />
<br />
:It should be Death Gun in the character description, but in dialog, he said Shijuu then repeated it with English meaning - 'Death Gun', so either remove Shijuu or translate it using synonym word like Pistol of Death or something. -- [[User:BeginnerXP|BeginnerXP]] ([[User_talk:BeginnerXP|Talk]]) 04:23, 19 August 2012 (CDT)<br />
<br />
::The translation version is Death Gun and Death Pistol. So I'll stick with that. [[User:Zero2001|Zero2001]] - [[User_talk:Zero2001|Talk]] - 04:51, 19 August 2012 (CDT)<br />
<br />
::Done. [[User:Zero2001|Zero2001]] - [[User_talk:Zero2001|Talk]] - 05:22, 19 August 2012 (CDT)<br />
<br />
The info page for the PGM Hécate II may need to be re-done. I see some potentially wacky wording, and some improper terminology. For example the original text clearly says "anti-materiel rifle", and "anti-materiel" is an actual term. I'll submit a draft within a few days.--[[User:HashiriyaR32|HashiriyaR32]] ([[User talk:HashiriyaR32|talk]]) 21:27, 17 October 2012 (CDT)<br />
<br />
==== Volume 6 ====<br />
<br />
<gallery><br />
Image:Sword Art Online Vol 06 -002-003.jpg|「I......don't want to believe it. There can't be a VRMMO player who doesn't PK but truly kills.」<br /><br />Sinon : A female player in the MMO of guns and steel «Gun Gale Online». A sniper wielding the large rifle «Hecate II»<br /><br />「I am going to fight him...... the «Death Gun». I can't let him shoot anyone with that gun any further.」<br /><br />Kirito: A boy who, in order to come in contact with the «Death Gun», entered «GGO». The only «Sword» user within the MMO of guns and steel.<br />
Image:Sword Art Online Vol 06 -004-005.jpg|「Even if it is Kirito, he wouldn't go that far. ......well, I don't think he would.」<br /><br />Asuna: Kirito's lover. An Undine sorceress in «ALO»<br /><br />「Ahaha, well that could be true too. Plus, with a sword instead of a gun, in a shooting game.」<br /><br />Lizbeth : The girl who created Kirito's sword in «SAO». In «ALO», a Leprechaun blacksmith.<br /><br />「Really......it's a surprise isn't it. Since it's about Kirito-san, I expected him to go guns-ablaze from the start or something.」<br /><br />Scilica: A girl saved by Kirito in «SAO» Within «ALO», she takes the form of a Cait Sith, capable of Taming.<br /><br />「Brother isn't shown on the screen much--」<br /><br />Lyfa: Kirito's sister, Suguha. In «ALO», she acts as a Sylph magical warrior.<br />
Image:Sword Art Online Vol 06 -006.jpg|Sinon: 「Whenever it is, always check six.」<br />
Image:Sword Art Online Vol 06 -007.jpg|(Kirito) 「--------!!」<br /><br />(Death Gun) 「You can't do anything. You will be defeated here by me, on the ground helplessly while I kill that girl, being able to only watch.」<br />
Image:Sword Art Online Vol 06 -008.jpeg|Translated and edited by BeginnerXP<br />
</gallery><br />
<br />
Please translate these too ..::[[User:Gradient|Gradient]]::.. 04:21, 7 January 2012 (CST)<br />
<br />
:Only one left. Can somebody translate the last one so I can photoshop it? [[User:Zero2001|Zero2001]] - [[User_talk:Zero2001|Talk]] - 13:33, 1 May 2012 (CDT)<br />
<br />
:Done. I still have the PSD files so if you want any changes just let me know. [[User:Zero2001|Zero2001]] - [[User_talk:Zero2001|Talk]] - 09:46, 3 May 2012 (CDT)<br />
<br />
==== Volume 7 ====<br />
<br />
<gallery><br />
Image:Sword Art Online Vol 07 -002-003.jpg|'''(top)'''<br /><br />"......uah..."<br /><br />Kirito: A player called the «Black Swordsman» by other players trapped in the death game «SAO». Real name is Kirigaya Kazuto. Chooses a Spriggan avatar in «ALO».<br /><br /><br />'''(following is from right to left)'''<br /><br />"I think the reason why Scilica-chan is sleepy, is due to that."<br /><br />Lyfa: Kirito's sister, Suguha. In «ALO», she acts as a Sylph magical warrior.<br /><br /><br />"...Ah, I see..."<br /><br />Asuna: Kirito's lover. An Undine sorceress in «ALO»<br /><br /><br />"U... Uu... I'm sleepy."<br /><br />Scilica: A girl saved by Kirito in «SAO» Within «ALO», she takes the form of a Cait Sith, capable of Taming.<br /><br /><br />"I wonder why looking at that causes sleepiness... Maybe it's the illusion-type magic that Spriggan are good at or something?"<br /><br />Lizbeth : The girl who created Kirito's sword in «SAO». In «ALO», a Leprechaun blacksmith.<br />
Image:Sword Art Online Vol 07 -004.jpg|"It's alright, as long as he matches you, anyone who is outstanding is fine. However I'm saying this in advance, that kind of kid -- students from that type of facility are not included." <br /><br />Yuuki Kyouko - Asuna's mother. A university lecturer who's very strict about her daughter's education. Tries to get Asuna, who attends the same school as Kirito, to change schools.<br /><br /> "... Could it be... You investigated? About him..." <br /><br /> Asuna - The daughter of Yuuki Shouzou, CEO of RECTO, a large electronics company. In the past she was trapped in the VRMMO 《SAO》 that her brother Kouichirou bought.<br /><br /><br />
Image:Sword Art Online Vol 07 -005.jpg|(from right to left) Nochi - Male Gnome <br /><br /> " ... How about it? Our, Sleeping Knights, request, won't you do it?" Shiune - Member of the «Sleeping Knights» guild lead by «Absolute Sword»(Zekken). Female Undine.<br /><br /> Taruken - Leprechaun youth <br /><br /> Jun - Salamander youth <br /><br /> Nori - Spriggan girl<br />
Image:Sword Art Online Vol 07 -006-007.jpg|(left)<br /><br />"We're almost there! Keep going, Asuna!"<br /><br />Yuuki: A mysterious girl who came to be known as the «Absolute Sword» after her incredibly powerful and fast sword style. Invites Asuna to join her party after a duel.<br /><br /><br />(right)<br /><br />"Somehow... Did you really, need me at all? I don't feel like there's anywhere where I could help you all out with..."<br />
Image:Sword Art Online Vol 07 -008.jpg|OSS <br /><br />Its formal name is 《Original Sword Skills》. An improved version of the 《Sword Skills》 system of the now defunct Sword Art Online, implemented in 《Alfheim Online》. Each weapon has its own 《Skill Tree》. Brought forth drastic change to 《ALO》 which was previously dominated by long-range 《Magic》.<br /><br />Different from the 《Sword Skills》 in 《SAO》, OSS are not skills predefined by the system but rather skills that can be invented and registered by the player. However, in order to register such skills, players are required to perform them "without system support at a speed normally impossible without system assist". This somewhat contradictory strict requirement is the main reason why there's only few players who posses OSS.<br /><br />The OSS system supports a function known as 《Sword Skill Inheritance》. Players who successfully register an OSS are able to pass down a single-use 《Skill Manual》 to other players. Because the development of an OSS is extremely difficult, 《Skill Manuals》 for OSS, especially those that contain over-5-hits special moves, are currently the most expensive items in ALO.<br /><br /><br />
</gallery><br />
<br />
Please translate these too ..::[[User:Gradient|Gradient]]::.. 04:21, 7 January 2012 (CST)<br />
<br />
:I'd like to scanlate them all '''after''' their text has been translated. So can someone please add the translated text? [[User:Zero2001|Zero2001]] - [[User_talk:Zero2001|Talk]] - 08:45, 1 June 2012 (CDT)<br />
<br />
:I'm doing the first one, currently. [[User:Zero2001|Zero2001]] - [[User_talk:Zero2001|Talk]] - 11:07, 1 June 2012 (CDT)<br />
<br />
:Done first one. Can someone provide me with the translations for the rest? Then I can photoshop it into them them too. [[User:Zero2001|Zero2001]] - [[User_talk:Zero2001|Talk]] - 14:02, 7 June 2012 (CDT)<br />
<br />
::Done these too :D --[[User:HolyCow|HolyCow]] 08:09, 23 July 2012 (CDT)<br />
<br />
I'll get to work on these. It'll take some time though. [[User:Zero2001|Zero2001]] - [[User_talk:Zero2001|Talk]] - 08:45, 23 July 2012 (CDT)<br />
<br />
:Second one done. Will do the rest soon. [[User:Zero2001|Zero2001]] - [[User_talk:Zero2001|Talk]] - 14:43, 28 July 2012 (CDT)<br />
<br />
:Third done. Working on fourth now (Progress: 60%). If possible, I will upload it today as well. [[User:Zero2001|Zero2001]] - [[User_talk:Zero2001|Talk]] - 07:08, 30 July 2012 (CDT)<br />
<br />
:There. Now there is only the toughest one left in this volume. Re-building the whole cloud thing will be time-consuming and difficult. Wish I had Photoshop CS5 or above. It would have been easier with CS5's Content Aware Healing Brush. [[User:Zero2001|Zero2001]] - [[User_talk:Zero2001|Talk]] - 08:32, 30 July 2012 (CDT)<br />
<br />
Nochi? It should be Tecchi or Thatch right? [[User:Arczyx|Arczyx]] - [[User_talk:Arczyx|Talk]] 05:40, 31 July 2012 (CDT)<br />
<br />
:Yes. No idea how the translator got nochi --[[User:Pryun|Pryun]] - [[User_talk:Pryun|Talk]] 06:14, 31 July 2012 (CDT)<br />
<br />
::Then you should have told me that! This is why ''grumble grumble''. Just kidding! :P Thanks for telling. Could you also go over the others and double-check them as well, Pryun. Vol 8 (below) as well. I'll temporarily halt work on them. So tell me when you've completed the double check. The faster you do it the faster I finish them. [[User:Zero2001|Zero2001]] - [[User_talk:Zero2001|Talk]] - 06:28, 31 July 2012 (CDT)<br />
<br />
:::I'm gonna start up again. Since there have been no responses I must assume there are no more errors. [[User:Zero2001|Zero2001]] - [[User_talk:Zero2001|Talk]] - 04:36, 3 August 2012 (CDT)<br />
<br />
:::"In the end... there can be only One" Hahahaha. Sorry couldn't resist mentioning [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Highlander_%28franchise%29 The Highlander]. Old but gold. Anyways, only one pic left. And the toughest one to boot! [[User:Zero2001|Zero2001]] - [[User_talk:Zero2001|Talk]] - 00:57, 6 August 2012 (CDT)<br />
<br />
:::You guys said Nochi was wrong? You need to '''clearly''' tell me the mistake and it's '''proper''' correction before I can fix it. So which one is it? Tecchi or Thatch? Vol 7 chapters have both, one in the earlier chapters and the other in later ones. So which one is it? [[User:Zero2001|Zero2001]] - [[User_talk:Zero2001|Talk]] - 14:50, 6 August 2012 (CDT)<br />
<br />
::::Nah, ask the translators themselves for that. Literally, it is read as Tecchi, which is the one Aiko used. Meanwhile Teh Ping interpreted it as Thatch in english. I don't have any experience translating JP->EN so I don't know for sure. I'm sure it's not Nochi though. [[User:Arczyx|Arczyx]] - [[User_talk:Arczyx|Talk]] 21:57, 6 August 2012 (CDT)<br />
<br />
Then I'll have to wait until they decide which one is correct. [[User:Zero2001|Zero2001]] - [[User_talk:Zero2001|Talk]] - 23:23, 6 August 2012 (CDT)<br />
<br />
:Stick with Tecchi, those 3 Thatch in volume 7 slipped pass the term check, which was my duty back then. -- [[User:BeginnerXP|BeginnerXP]] - [[User_talk:BeginnerXP|Talk]] 01:59, 7 August 2012 (CDT)<br />
<br />
::Understood. [[User:Zero2001|Zero2001]] - [[User_talk:Zero2001|Talk]] - 08:44, 7 August 2012 (CDT)<br />
<br />
:One...last...page.... [[User:Castor212|Castor212]] ([[User talk:Castor212|talk]]) 04:52, 11 August 2012 (CDT)<br />
<br />
::I need someone to check the last pic. I think there might be a few small things missing. Or absense of «» somewhere. Please check. [[User:Zero2001|Zero2001]] - [[User_talk:Zero2001|Talk]] - 23:54, 13 August 2012 (CDT)<br />
<br />
::Alright the final pic is ready to roll. I just need confirmation that the translation is all good. So please? BeginnerXP? Pryun? [[User:Zero2001|Zero2001]] - [[User_talk:Zero2001|Talk]] - 01:05, 14 August 2012 (CDT)<br />
<br />
:::It looks fine to me, I wouldn't be able to translate this image anyway, as the quality is so low many kanji aren't even readable (at least to me). -- [[User:BeginnerXP|BeginnerXP]] ([[User_talk:BeginnerXP|Talk]]) 01:19, 14 August 2012 (CDT)<br />
<br />
::::Click on the pic to go to the image page. Click on the pic there to go to an image only page. And then zoom in. I hope your browser has that capability. Zoom in to actual size. It's big enough to read. [[User:Zero2001|Zero2001]] - [[User_talk:Zero2001|Talk]] - 01:35, 14 August 2012 (CDT)<br />
<br />
::::Well, some of the kanji are smudged even when zoomed. In that case, The first line: '''Original Sword Skills'''; is it encapsulated with «»? I think it is but I need you to make sure. [[User:Zero2001|Zero2001]] - [[User_talk:Zero2001|Talk]] - 01:54, 14 August 2012 (CDT)<br />
<br />
::::Oh I see [[User:Dammitt|Dammitt]] made a few adjustments. I guess they're alright with BeginnerXP since he posted after him. I'll make the changes. [[User:Zero2001|Zero2001]] - [[User_talk:Zero2001|Talk]] - 01:57, 14 August 2012 (CDT)<br />
<br />
::::Done. [[User:Zero2001|Zero2001]] - [[User_talk:Zero2001|Talk]] - 03:25, 14 August 2012 (CDT)<br />
<br />
==== Volume 8 ====<br />
<br />
<gallery><br />
Image:Sword Art Online Vol 08 - 002-003.jpg|Kirito:「......で,团長どのは,何か閃いたことはあるい?」<br /><br />Romaji = (......De, danchou-dono wa, nanika hirameita koto wa aru I?)<br /><br />Translation = "......So, Guild Leader, do you have any clues?"<br /><br />Kirito - A player trying to save everyone in the VRMMO Death game «SAO» nicknamed the «Black Swordsman». A «Solo Player» who possesses the unique «Dual Blades» skill.<br /><br />Asuna:「......なんなの,この料理?ラーメン?」<br /><br />Romaji = (......Nan'na no, kono ryōri? Rāmen?<br /><br />Translation = "...... What is this dish? Ramen?"<br /><br />Asuna - Sub-Leader of the «Knights of Blood» Guild. A rapier master nicknamed the «Flash».<br /><br />Healthcliff:「では`この偽ラーメンの味のぶんだけ答えよう」<br /><br />Romaji = (Dewa `kono nise rāmen no aji no bun dake kotaeyou)<br /><br />Translation = "Then, I'll give you an answer of equal value to this bowl of fake ramen." <br /><br />Healthcliff - Guild Leader of the strongest guild «Knights of Blood». Possesses the unique skill «Holy Sword», known for his overwhelming power. Does not get along very well with Kirito.<br /><br /><br />
Image:Sword Art Online Vol 08 - 004-005.jpg|Text on top right corner: 「Alright, all the weapons have been fully repaired!!」「Great job!」「Thanks for coming everyone after my sudden notice. I'll be sure to repay everyone, moral-wise! Let's work hard and achieve our goal of obtaining the «Holy Sword Excalibur»!」「Yeah!」 <br /><br /> Asuna - Kirito's girlfriend. In «ALO», she plays an Undine spellcaster. <br /><br /> Lyfa - Kirito's cousin, real name Suguha. In «ALO», she lives as a free-spirited Slyph Magic Swordswoman. <br /><br /> Cline - Kirito's unasked yet inevitable acquaintance. In «ALO» he is a Salamander Swordsman. <br /><br /> Yui - A female-type AI Kirito encountered in SAO. In «ALO» she materializes as a navigation pixie, assisting the party <br /><br /> Lizbeth - A girl who forged Kirito's sword in SAO. In «ALO», she runs a weapons shop as a Leprechaun. <br /><br /> Scilica - A girl whom Kirito helped in SAO. In «ALO» she appears as a Beast Tamer Cait Sith. <br /><br /> Sinon - A girl whom Kirito helped in GGO. In «ALO» she plays a Cait Sith Archer.<br /><br /><br />
Image:Sword Art Online Vol 08 - 006-007.jpg|「—Let's go. I'll draw the «one with the seed»'s attention, please finish off the «one with the flower» quick.」 Coper - The first person Kirito met after playing SAO. <br /><br /> 「...... Understood!」 Kirito - A young boy dragged into the "Death Game" SAO. Also a β tester.<br />
Image:Sword Art Online Vol 08 - 008.jpg|Already translated in the image<br />
</gallery><br />
<br />
Please translate these too ..::[[User:Gradient|Gradient]]::.. 04:21, 7 January 2012 (CST)<br />
<br />
:If you guys would add the translations here I can photoshop the text into the pics. So please. [[User:Zero2001|Zero2001]] - [[User_talk:Zero2001|Talk]] - 22:20, 19 January 2012 (CST)<br />
<br />
::You guys realize that all those color pics are in the book like the black and white pics? Well except for some of the explanation ones. If you are bored, go and find where they belong. By the way, some of the pics are translated at the pic location. [[User:Xplorer30|Xplorer30]] - [[User_talk:Xplorer30|Talk]] 04:21, 23 January 2012 (CST)<br />
<br />
Added translation for the first pics, I cannot make out what healthcliff is saying, I am not a translator nor proficient in japanese. --[[User:Kyo171|Kyo171]] 12:48, 26 April 2012 (CDT)<br />
<br />
:Got the translation for what healthcliff is saying from reading the chinese translated version, it might not make sense juz by looking at the pic coz it refers to the story. --[[User:Kyo171|Kyo171]] 01:05, 4 May 2012 (CDT)<br />
<br />
::Double translation can be problematic. Unlike chapter translation, picture editing takes more effort. To the point where editing is more work than translating. I'd like someone to double check. [[User:Zero2001|Zero2001]] - [[User_talk:Zero2001|Talk]] - 01:47, 4 May 2012 (CDT)<br />
<br />
::I corrected the Romaji. Cross-checked with Google translate's phonetic typing function. It's translation capabilities might suck but the phonetic speech and typing functions are the real deal. [[User:Zero2001|Zero2001]] - [[User_talk:Zero2001|Talk]] - 01:54, 4 May 2012 (CDT)<br />
<br />
:::oh, what I meant was I got what healthcliff was saying in japanese but since it did not make sense juz solely based only from the context of the picture I did not put it in. So I was reading the chinese translated version of vol 8, and I got to this particular scene of the story so I could translate it more effectively.It should be correct but I could be wrong. --[[User:Kyo171|Kyo171]] 02:20, 4 May 2012 (CDT)<br />
<br />
::::I'd like to scanlate them all '''after''' their text has been translated. So can someone please add the translated text? [[User:Zero2001|Zero2001]] - [[User_talk:Zero2001|Talk]] - 08:46, 1 June 2012 (CDT)<br />
<br />
Translated the remaining images. --[[User:HolyCow|HolyCow]] 07:00, 23 July 2012 (CDT)<br />
<br />
:I'll get to work on these as well. It'll take some time though. [[User:Zero2001|Zero2001]] - [[User_talk:Zero2001|Talk]] - 08:45, 23 July 2012 (CDT)<br />
<br />
:Okay these are complete. [[User:Zero2001|Zero2001]] - [[User_talk:Zero2001|Talk]] - 00:53, 6 August 2012 (CDT)<br />
<br />
::"Lyfa - Kirito's cousin, real name Suguha." The raw says, Lyfa - Kirito's '''little sister''', real name Suguha.<br />
<br />
:::I'll fix it. [[User:Zero2001|Zero2001]] - [[User_talk:Zero2001|Talk]] - 13:44, 6 August 2012 (CDT)<br />
<br />
:::There. I chose to make it '''"little sister" (cousin)''' Since imouto, in these circumstances, can be used to refer to both. [[User:Zero2001|Zero2001]] - [[User_talk:Zero2001|Talk]] - 14:46, 6 August 2012 (CDT)<br />
<br />
::::Imouto has only single meaning, and it's little sister, if cousin, it's itoko, both are not interchangeable. Yes, I do know she really is his cousin, but what written in the image is what we should stick to. -- [[User:BeginnerXP|BeginnerXP]] - [[User_talk:BeginnerXP|Talk]] 14:54, 6 August 2012 (CDT)<br />
<br />
The circumstances are different, he's adopted into the family thus it's okay. I'm aware the normal is Itoko. Besides, I put cousin in brackets so it's fine, no? [[User:Zero2001|Zero2001]] - [[User_talk:Zero2001|Talk]] - 14:58, 6 August 2012 (CDT)<br />
<br />
:It's fine if your goal is to describe her using your own words, but it's not fine if your goal is to put the correct translation of the given Japanese text in the image. -- [[User:BeginnerXP|BeginnerXP]] - [[User_talk:BeginnerXP|Talk]] 15:03, 6 August 2012 (CDT)<br />
<br />
::Ah I was interrupted before I could write the following. Still... if you '''''strongly''''' feel we should remove it then I'll do so. But then I request the quote marks remain on '''little sister''' as a subtle reference/hint. [[User:Zero2001|Zero2001]] - [[User_talk:Zero2001|Talk]] - 15:06, 6 August 2012 (CDT)<br />
<br />
::Otherwise, I foresee a future where the readers begin asking us: "I thought she was his cousin." "What's going on?" "Mistake?", etc, etc. [[User:Zero2001|Zero2001]] - [[User_talk:Zero2001|Talk]] - 15:10, 6 August 2012 (CDT)<br />
<br />
:::I have no authority nor desire to force you to change it. I just want to point out that imouto can't mean cousin, that's all. -- [[User:BeginnerXP|BeginnerXP]] - [[User_talk:BeginnerXP|Talk]] 15:17, 6 August 2012 (CDT)<br />
<br />
Okay. I do understand your point. That's why I put the cousin in brackets in the first place. And don't mind, I respect your input. So don't hold back and help me out by revising the translations given above. I need and welcome all the help you give me. [[User:Zero2001|Zero2001]] - [[User_talk:Zero2001|Talk]] - 15:26, 6 August 2012 (CDT)<br />
<br />
:Regarding the "color tweak", I don't think it was necessary, the colors look out of place. IMHO, translations should stick to giving the same experience as the native speaker would have, which includes not changing the illustrations beyond replacing the text. I think the readers should be able to figure out who is saying what by themselves. - anon (for now) - 00:25, 30 September 2012 (GMT+2)<br />
<br />
::Sorry, but I'd like to help the readers as much as I can, ''without changing too much''. The text was too closely written and because of this it could cause confusion for ''some'' readers. In order to avoid that, I decided to make a <small>small</small> exception to make things a <small>bit</small> clearer for the readers. It's only done so for this pic though. I do hope you understand and overlook this as an exception. [[User:Zero2001|Zero2001]] - [[User_talk:Zero2001|Talk]] - 18:41, 29 September 2012 (CDT)<br />
<br />
:::The fact you only did it for this picture is what makes it look out of place ^^; As a suggestion, maybe you could make the colors less saturated? Like #a82f38 for Liz and #734669 for Kirito? That way it shouldn't stick out too much, but still help people distinguish between the different people. Thank you for your work so far, everyone. - anon (for now) - 02:53, 30 September 2012 (GMT+2)<br />
<br />
==== Volume 9 ====<br />
<br />
<gallery><br />
File:Sword Art Online Vol 09 - 002-003.jpg|<br />
File:Sword Art Online Vol 09 - 004-005.jpg|<br />
File:Sword Art Online Vol 09 - 006-007.jpg|<br />
File:Sword Art Online Vol 09 - 008.jpg|<br />
</gallery><br />
<br />
[[Sword_Art_Online:Volume_9_Illustrations|Volume 9 Illustrations]]. I cleaned all of the volume 9 images and have edited one of the color pics to be english translated. Will do the remaining two as well soon. [[User:Zero2001|Zero2001]] - [[User_talk:Zero2001|Talk]] - 20:47, 6 May 2012 (CDT)<br />
<br />
Done last two. All color pics now have their levels corrected and also are English translated. [[User:Zero2001|Zero2001]] - [[User_talk:Zero2001|Talk]] - 12:38, 20 May 2012 (CDT)<br />
<br />
:Has anyone noticed that most of the pages/links are missing from this volume? [[User:Zeru|Zeru]] ([[User talk:Zeru|talk]]) 19:40, 14 December 2012 (CST)<br />
<br />
yes, what on earth happened? this was fine the last I checked... <br />
[[User:AkaSora|AkaSora]] ([[User talk:AkaSora|talk]]) 20:24, 14 December 2012 (CST)<br />
<br />
All that needs to be said is that the translator withdrew his translations, but they can still be read via the PDFs on the forums or from [http://dreadfuldecoding.blogspot.ca/ this blog]. -[[User:AKAAkira|Akira]] ([[User talk:AKAAkira|talk]]) 20:33, 14 December 2012 (CST)<br />
<br />
==== Volume 10 ====<br />
<br />
<gallery><br />
Image:Sword Art Online Vol 10 - 002-003.jpg<br />
Image:Sword Art Online Vol 10 - 004.jpg<br />
Image:Sword Art Online Vol 10 - 005.jpg<br />
Image:Sword Art Online Vol 10 - 006-007.jpg<br />
Image:Sword Art Online Vol 10 - 008.jpg<br />
</gallery><br />
<br />
Please Translate these. [[User:Zero2001|Zero2001]] - [[User_talk:Zero2001|Talk]] - 13:48, 11 July 2012 (CDT)<br />
<br />
:And can you translate '''all''' the untranslated ones above? You merely have to translate the text and post it, leave the photoshop-ing to me. It's a shame that they're left like that when they can be done quickly. [[User:Zero2001|Zero2001]] - [[User_talk:Zero2001|Talk]] - 13:48, 11 July 2012 (CDT)<br />
<br />
::Wow, I am almost scared to see these translated, they look like major spoilers. Does Teh_Ping have the raws yet? [[User:Draeke|Draeke]] - [[User_talk:Draeke|Talk]] - 00:42, 12 July 2012 (CDT)<br />
<br />
:::If he doesn't, there are copies in picture format at http://www.manga-zone.org/archives/2468.html <br />
<br />
::::Vaelis was the one who uploaded these. Hats off dude. But I'd ''reeeeally'' appreciate it if, at the very least, someone translated the vol 7 & 8 pics above. So I can photoshop them. [[User:Zero2001|Zero2001]] - [[User_talk:Zero2001|Talk]] - 04:01, 12 July 2012 (CDT)<br />
<br />
:::::It would definitely be amazing, but seeing as how I can not understand Japanese, I am not really in much of a position to go harassing translators for them. [[User:Draeke|Draeke]] - [[User_talk:Draeke|Talk]] - 09:01, 12 July 2012 (CDT)<br />
<br />
i would go photoshop-ing too, if there were some translations. i already leveled the B&W images, not much cleaning to do afterwards. ..::[[User:Gradient|Gradient]]::.. 09:36, 27 July 2012 (CDT)<br />
<br />
:Umm. I kinda have dibs on photoshopping the color ones. And I'm currently in the middle of doing the other volumes' color and dialogue ones as well. I'll register myself for them. [[User:Zero2001|Zero2001]] - [[User_talk:Zero2001|Talk]] - 11:40, 27 July 2012 (CDT)<br />
<br />
:Here's a teaser for all you hungry guys and gals out there. Enjoy! [[User:Zero2001|Zero2001]] - [[User_talk:Zero2001|Talk]] - 14:30, 27 July 2012 (CDT)<br />
<br />
Is it Tactics Guide or Tactical Guide? I need someone I am familiar with to recheck the second pic and onwards' translations especially the names (preferably BeginnerXP or Pryun or Teh Ping, well if you don't have it checked by the time I'm awake I'm gonna put it in mistakes or not, I'll have the PSD file so correcting will be a cinch). I'm almost done cleaning all the pictures though, but I gotta sleep now. Will do the small remaining portion after I awake around about 6-8 hrs in the future. Also is '''a senior and Xth seat''' meaning a '''senior (aka senpai) as well as a Xth seat''' or a '''senior Xth seat'''? I can't tell for sure. [[User:Zero2001|Zero2001]] - [[User_talk:Zero2001|Talk]] - 17:40, 27 July 2012 (CDT)<br />
<br />
:It's senior as in Senpai.<br />
<br />
::I've finished the second one. I'll wait a few hours in-case anyone wants to recheck the names, etc. [[User:Zero2001|Zero2001]] - [[User_talk:Zero2001|Talk]] - 04:02, 28 July 2012 (CDT)<br />
<br />
::Third one also finished and ready. Waiting for final seal of approval of translations. [[User:Zero2001|Zero2001]] - [[User_talk:Zero2001|Talk]] - 04:27, 28 July 2012 (CDT)<br />
<br />
::By ready I mean I've cleaned the pictures as well as inserted the text. All I'm waiting for is the final seal of approval on Median's translations of the pics. [[User:Zero2001|Zero2001]] - [[User_talk:Zero2001|Talk]] - 04:30, 28 July 2012 (CDT)<br />
<br />
Hmm. I carefully romanized the names 1 katakana at a time. Is it Uoro or Ouro? Cause the katagana are arranged as Uoro, yet Median translated it as Ouro. Unless there is some special reason? And you still haven't answered whether it's Tactics Guide or Tactical Guide. I just need someone I know to go over this. Other than that I have the PSDs ready to convert to JPG and then upload. [[User:Zero2001|Zero2001]] - [[User_talk:Zero2001|Talk]] - 08:35, 28 July 2012 (CDT)<br />
<br />
:If you don't answer soon then I'll modify the names in question to their closest counterparts ie: Solterina Selruto/Sellto/Cellto/etc and Euro Libantein (Don't worry I'll keep the PSDs for later modifications) and choose Tactical since it's more correct. I'll give you guys an hour. [[User:Zero2001|Zero2001]] - [[User_talk:Zero2001|Talk]] - 08:55, 28 July 2012 (CDT)<br />
<br />
::I saw your reply in Tomtkp's talk page so I thought you read my answer, but apparently not so let me repeat it again: Terms/Names in these images need to be consistent with the content of the volume 10, which has yet to be translated, you can go ahead and upload images with your version of terms/names, but please be prepared to fix it once the actual content had been posted. Btw, Rinko family name is wrong. -- [[User:BeginnerXP|BeginnerXP]] - [[User_talk:BeginnerXP|Talk]] 09:14, 28 July 2012 (CDT)<br />
<br />
:::I intend to keep the PSDs for that purpose. I'll just leave Solterina Seruruto as it is and change the other to Uoro Livantein. [[User:Zero2001|Zero2001]] - [[User_talk:Zero2001|Talk]] - 10:05, 28 July 2012 (CDT)<br />
<br />
:::There we go. Do you think [[:Image:Sword Art Online Vol 10 - 004.jpg]] is a little too bright? If so I could redo it. [[User:Zero2001|Zero2001]] - [[User_talk:Zero2001|Talk]] - 10:20, 28 July 2012 (CDT)<br />
<br />
...Just looked at one of the images: "I'm just getting started" Makes absolutely no sense. What is the original JP? my guess is I still have a long way to go(if I remember it correctly), or something like that based on the context----[[User:Pryun|Pryun]] - [[User_talk:Pryun|Talk]] 11:46, 28 July 2012 (CDT)<br />
<br />
:For each Image page if you scroll to the bottom you will see the '''File History'''. There, click on a lower pic to view a previous version. That's how you can still get the japanese version. I asked over and over again for re-checking... well, I still have the PSD files so just tell me what's wrong and the correct version and I'll fix the problem in a snap. [[User:Zero2001|Zero2001]] - [[User_talk:Zero2001|Talk]] - 12:02, 28 July 2012 (CDT)<br />
<br />
::Why so rush with volume 10 anyway? HolyCow already gave you all translations for volume 7&8, shouldn't those have higher priority? Yes, I could translate all those images, but volume 10 isn't mine, I did all translations of image in volume 9 because it was the volume I worked on, I don't want to overstepping my responsibility here.<br />
<br />
:::For the feedback, I'd like it more if font choices are closer to original JP version, like Brownsheep's version in volume2/3, or over at Toaru Index project which is very impressive. -- [[User:BeginnerXP|BeginnerXP]] - [[User_talk:BeginnerXP|Talk]] 12:36, 28 July 2012 (CDT)<br />
<br />
::::Anime Ace 2.0 is the default. That's why I'm using it. Sorry I don't share the idea that that font is closer to the original JP version. I am doing vol 7&8 as well. They'll be up in the next few days. [[User:Zero2001|Zero2001]] - [[User_talk:Zero2001|Talk]] - 13:33, 28 July 2012 (CDT)<br />
<br />
Where have you asked over and over for rechecking? I must be getting old, as I can't see it. Besides, not all translators are so free as to be on this website all the time. I do see you giving "an hour", and I assume that you think that we are all on the same timezone as you or something. --[[User:Pryun|Pryun]] - [[User_talk:Pryun|Talk]] 03:47, 29 July 2012 (CDT)<br />
<br />
:Hour? I started asking for rechecks nearly 18 hours in advance: ''Is it Tactics Guide or Tactical Guide? I need someone I am familiar with to recheck the second pic and onwards' translations especially the names (preferably BeginnerXP or Pryun or Teh Ping) -- 17:40, 27 July 2012 (CDT)''. Oh well I guess it wasn't enough time, my bad. So just check and correct the mistakes now and I'll fix it and upload in a jiffy. I still have the PSDs. [[User:Zero2001|Zero2001]] - [[User_talk:Zero2001|Talk]] - 07:11, 29 July 2012 (CDT)<br />
<br />
::First of all I don't get why you're so impatient about this. I doubt many people really care if the images get photoshopped immediately, especially the translators who you keep hounding. The way you're asking has a very demanding and spoiled tone. Second, from what I've read on here I thought you understood Japanese at least somewhat as you said you watched stuff raw, so I'm surprised you wouldn't get a set phrase like まだまだ. [[Special:Contributions/74.133.8.182|74.133.8.182]] 11:54, 3 August 2012 (CDT)<br />
<br />
:::Dude, I said I understand '''verbal''' japanese, not written. For written I need to run the text through a romanjifier like google translate's phonetic reader. But I can't do that with pictures now, can I? Anyways thanks for the j-text. I just put it through and found that it was "mada mada". But it can actually be translated both ways, as in "I've still got a long way to go" and "I'm just getting started/This isn't all I have/Not yet/etc" But the word that translates to "No" before the term points to "I've still got a long way to go". I know that but it seems the translator didn't and since I couldn't extract the j-text and run it through a romanjification program, thus I missed the error. But now I got it, so... I'll fix it now. [[User:Zero2001|Zero2001]] - [[User_talk:Zero2001|Talk]] - 01:14, 6 August 2012 (CDT)<br />
<br />
'Cuse me, but it's Koujiro, not Koujirou [[:File:Sword Art Online Vol 10 - 002-003.jpg|here]]. Thank you very much.—[[User:Teh Ping|Teh Ping]] 10:10, 6 August 2012 (CDT)<br />
<br />
:Thanks. It's a teaser anyways. We plan on using your translations when you start on Vol 10 (Please begin. This loyal fan awaits your superb translation skills). [[User:Zero2001|Zero2001]] - [[User_talk:Zero2001|Talk]] - 11:52, 6 August 2012 (CDT)<br />
<br />
::I meant that I would have expected someone familiar with Japanese to recognize the phrase from one of its common translations and, based off the context, realize there might be a more appropriate choice in a similar way to how Pryun was thinking. This would be independent of knowing what the original text was. Being able to recognize this sort of thing can really improve your effectiveness as an editor as you would be better able to let the translators know of a possible mistake. [[Special:Contributions/74.133.8.182|74.133.8.182]] 03:54, 7 August 2012 (CDT)<br />
<br />
:::How could I when I need to romanjify in order to understand? I guess you overestimated my abilities. The phrase fit the circumstances, even if it was wrong. And whenever I sense a mistake I immediately ask for the j-text, run it through google translate, check both the romanji and the translation (Just checking the translation isn't good enough but the romanji helps a lot), examine the sentence in both languages and then give suggestions. I've helped translators a lot via this method. I do intend to learn written Japanese as well. But pretty soon I'll probably be starting my Masters. So it'll have to be delayed. Anyways, I can't use an OCR (like Capture2Text) on color pictures so I '''must''' rely on translators for that. [[User:Zero2001|Zero2001]] - [[User_talk:Zero2001|Talk]] - 09:03, 7 August 2012 (CDT)<br />
<br />
::::Then I recommend you to spend a bit of time to learn Hiragana & Katakana, since you like anime & manga, knowing how to read both kana helps greatly. I learnt how to read them by myself when I was in elementary school to play some jRPG, so it should be a cake for you, I think about a week is all average adults need in order to remember all kana. -- [[User:BeginnerXP|BeginnerXP]] - [[User_talk:BeginnerXP|Talk]] 09:17, 7 August 2012 (CDT)<br />
<br />
I've already downloaded a sheet of both. But what of kanji? [[User:Zero2001|Zero2001]] - [[User_talk:Zero2001|Talk]] - 10:29, 7 August 2012 (CDT)<br />
<br />
:If you read manga, especially those shounen manga, all kanji will have hirakana characters (furigana) telling readers how it's read, it helps a lot to use that reading to look up the kanji, rather than tracking the kanji via radicals or stroke counts. Learning kanji properly would require a large amount of time (years), so it's entirely down to each person's determination. But kana is simple enough like A-B-C, so it should be a good foundation to have for anyone who enjoys Japanese media. -- [[User:BeginnerXP|BeginnerXP]] - [[User_talk:BeginnerXP|Talk]] 10:44, 7 August 2012 (CDT)<br />
<br />
::Unfortunately. I don't live in a country where I can get my hands on the raw shounen or any other kind of manga. In fact I have yet to see manga of any kind in any book store, raw or translated. I watch anime and read manga online. And I don't quite like the idea of downloading gigs of raws only to delete them after reading. But I'll think of something, don't worry. [[User:Zero2001|Zero2001]] - [[User_talk:Zero2001|Talk]] - 14:06, 7 August 2012 (CDT)<br />
<br />
::There is a program on sourceforge called zkanji. It's still in it's beta stage but it seems to work well as far as I've seen. It can be used to learn Hiragana, Katakana and Kanji (both reading and writing). I've started using it to learn how to read Hiragana. When that's done, I'll move onto Katakana. And after that finally Kanji. [[User:Zero2001|Zero2001]] - [[User_talk:Zero2001|Talk]] - 22:20, 7 August 2012 (CDT)<br />
<br />
::Waiting for the "Totemo shinsetsu hito-tachi" who will translate the last two pics for me, so that I can photoshop them. XD. [[User:Zero2001|Zero2001]] - [[User_talk:Zero2001|Talk]] - 03:27, 14 August 2012 (CDT)<br />
<br />
::Teh Ping, could you please re-translate these. Now that you are doing the volume your translations should be used. [[User:Zero2001|Zero2001]] - [[User_talk:Zero2001|Talk]] - 19:04, 18 September 2012 (CDT)<br />
<br />
:::Well, the only one left the translate, is the one with Kirito, Eugeo, Ronie (Tea haired) and Teiza (Red Haired). Judging by everything, it should be the scene in Interlude II, where Kirito hands the bag of pies to Ronie, and tells her to share it with her class mates. If you can't translate the whole thing, try translating bits and pieces to get an idea of where in the text this is. I might do it though, if you don't want to xD But either way, it's ineffective, as it could just be wrong all together.. haha...<br />
[[User:Rage|Rage]] ([[User talk:Rage|talk]]) 17:07, 30 September 2012 (CDT)<br />
<br />
::::Sorry, but I had already decided that the previous translations would only be teasers until Teh Ping did vol 10. It, preferably, has to be his translations since he's TLing the relevant chapters. So please Teh Ping, TL the color pics as soon as you've finished v10c4. Then I'll photoshop them.<!--Just to make things clear to others.--> [[User:Zero2001|Zero2001]] - [[User_talk:Zero2001|Talk]] - 13:38, 2 October 2012 (CDT)<br />
<br />
::::Okay so I've downloaded BeginnerXP's PDF and am going to photoshop using the pic translation there. I should be done in the next 24 hrs. Of course I'll be editing it and the others to be more in line with the volume text translation by Teh Ping (names, etc). [[User:Zero2001|Zero2001]] - [[User_talk:Zero2001|Talk]] - 11:39, 10 October 2012 (CDT)<br />
<br />
::::There we go. Now all that's left are the small mistakes in the other ones. [[User:Zero2001|Zero2001]] - [[User_talk:Zero2001|Talk]] - 14:47, 10 October 2012 (CDT)<br />
<br />
::::Okay, I've fixed the names in the remaining v10 pics. [[User:Zero2001|Zero2001]] - [[User_talk:Zero2001|Talk]] - 14:58, 10 October 2012 (CDT)<br />
<br />
I don't think it's nice to use someone else's translations, but change the names. Unless you had permission? Still, It would be nice to just have linked to the pdf for those that wanted it, since it was already done and all, instead of taking it up upon yourself to, uh, horriblify the text. I liked BeginnerXP's names and terminology far better than the ones you used... As to who translated those pictures... Uhh, you DLed BeginnerXP's pdfs, who do you think translated them? [[Special:Contributions/124.13.216.92|124.13.216.92]] 02:11, 11 October 2012 (CDT)<br />
<br />
:Umm. Listen I know you're trying to be helpful and all but [[Sword Art Online:Volume 10 Interlude II|Teh Ping's chosen translation and naming]] takes priority, since that's what's being read (if BeginnerXP had done it then his would take prority). So it's '''not''' horriblifying. I've been working with both BeginnerXP and Teh Ping for a while now. If they find errors they'll tell me. And since I keep the PSDs thus I can change the text in a few seconds. Thanks for your input. [[User:Zero2001|Zero2001]] - [[User_talk:Zero2001|Talk]] - 05:27, 11 October 2012 (CDT)<br />
<br />
::Don't know if my eyes are playing tricks on me or not, but 'Teiza' seems more like Tize to me. Ah, also, Interlude II was done by Melannis, not Teh Ping. [[User:Florza|Florza]] ([[User talk:Florza|talk]]) 05:37, 11 October 2012 (CDT)<br />
<br />
:::Yes, It's pronounced Tize. I can see anon's point too, using Beginner's translated pics as reference would be... unfair considering it is his translations, unless you have permission, which I doubt: as he has his own terminology, I assume he prefers his own.--[[User:Pryun|Pryun]] - [[User_talk:Pryun|Talk]] 06:11, 11 October 2012 (CDT)<br />
<br />
Quoting: ''If you mean the text in volume 7, the image quality is too poor for me to want to spend my time on. But for volume 8, I already did all of them, just I didn't add them to wiki, you can get the text from my SAO8 PDF I post in forums and edit the images accordingly, you also might need to correct some mistakes as I didn't want to bother Pryun to look at them with his busy schedule. -- BeginnerXP - Talk 05:22, 7 June 2012 (CDT)'' ([[User_talk:Zero2001/Archive_1#SAO_Pics|Thank God I archive my talk page discussions]]). So I do kinda have an okay to at least cross-check and edit. Besides, considering the amount of work done during scanlation, other than text translation (ie: cleaning, leveling, cloning, etc) I don't think it's unfair especially since I'm not taking the credit for the translation, only the editing and photoshopping. Anyways, Teh Ping said this in the history comments: ''Note, this is done by a person called Melannis. I'm really grateful for the help here. (received this through twitter lol)'', therefore it's approved by him and that's good enough for me. But if a proper namer change is decided (forums SAO Names and terminology discussion) then I'll edit it accordingly as soon as I'm informed of it. I have the PSDs after all so it'll be a snap. [[User:Zero2001|Zero2001]] - [[User_talk:Zero2001|Talk]] - 13:22, 11 October 2012 (CDT)<br />
<br />
:Other than that, if the translators find an error in the pics then please let me know. I'll fix it at once. [[User:Zero2001|Zero2001]] - [[User_talk:Zero2001|Talk]] - 13:28, 11 October 2012 (CDT)<br />
<br />
::I think teh_ping said something about the Tize vs Teiza issue a couple of days ago on twitter but his twitter page is down at the moment, you could try looking there later. I'll probably copy and paste it here if I get to it first. --[[User:Drowzycow|Drowzycow]] ([[User talk:Drowzycow|talk]]) 15:15, 11 October 2012 (CDT)<br />
<br />
:::Look... I don't really care about the names (unless they're obviously wrong), but there is a set procedure. Please discuss and decide on the [http://www.baka-tsuki.org/forums/viewtopic.php?f=59&t=3592&sid=b5447c9c8bc496b3f50d16797fa77b6a&start=420 SAO Names and Terminology discussion forum] once you have done so and reached a decision just inform me along with a link to the part of the thread with the decision. I'll immediately make the changes in my PSDs, save them as JPGs and then upload them. Okay? [[User:Zero2001|Zero2001]] - [[User_talk:Zero2001|Talk]] - 16:20, 11 October 2012 (CDT)<br />
<br />
::::@Zero2001: At first, I wanted to just ignore this double offensive actions from you (one is taking my translation and change the terms without permission, second is asking in Ping's talk page if there is any error in my translation, as if you picked up something from the street and asked if it's genuine). But I guess I should make it clear as you quote what I said regarding to my image translations in volume 8. I don't mind at all if you use my translation and I also don't mind for grammar corrections that might be needed, but I will never allow anyone to mess with the terms/names I use. Since it's already this late, I won't ask you to take the image down or anything, just please be careful next time.<br />
<br />
:::@Drowzycow: Teiza is sure completely wrong, while Tize works, but I think many would read it as "Taiz", that's why I use Tizay, less confusion this way. Please look [http://dreadfuldecoding.blogspot.com/p/pronunciation-guide.html here] for audio samples on how to pronounce both girl names in Interlude II. Also note that we're still trying to fix the issue that it doesn't work on some mobile browsers, so please use desktop browsers for the time being. -- [[User:BeginnerXP|BeginnerXP]] ([[User_talk:BeginnerXP|Talk]]) 20:03, 11 October 2012 (CDT)<br />
<br />
::::Ah sorry. I just matched the terms to the text translation. About taking your translation, it seems I mistakenly thought your permission on pic translations would automatically extend to the latest volume. That's my mistake. I sincerely apologise for that. As for my request for correction. Plenty of times in the past it's happened that after I photoshopped the pics, then and ''only then'' people started pointing out the mistakes. So that's why I asked. You should know me well enough BeginnerXP, I hold no ill will in such matters. My apologies. I'll be more careful next time. It seems as you're still conflicted on the issue, so when you guys decide on the spelling of the names then please tell me. I'll change them on the double. [[User:Zero2001|Zero2001]] - [[User_talk:Zero2001|Talk]] - 21:04, 11 October 2012 (CDT)<br />
<br />
::::I followed the link and heard the pronounciation. Here's my two chips: Indeed it sounds like Tiz'''ay''' or Tiz'''ei'''. Google translate types ティゼー phonetically as Tizē therefore Tizei would be closer in my opinion. Also, Tizay is short form of "It is ay" (ie: Acting as a confirmation to someone Else's question.) [http://lastnames.myheritage.com/last-name/Tizei Tizei], on the other hand is a name. But I'll leave the choice to you guys. [[User:Zero2001|Zero2001]] - [[User_talk:Zero2001|Talk]] - 21:11, 11 October 2012 (CDT)<br />
<br />
==== Volume 11 ====<br />
<br />
<gallery><br />
Image:Sword Art Online Vol 11 - 002-003.jpg|Kirito: These are good. It tastes better than the stuff at the Prancing Deer Inn, Ronye, Tiese.<br>''A young boy lost within the mysterious «Undersworld». In order to escape from here, he is searching for a «System Console».''<br><br>Ronye: Wah, really?!<br>''A «Valet Trainee» that aims to become an «Integrity Knight» and serves as Kirito's assistant.''<br><br>Tiese: Erm, we were the ones who made it, so whether it fits your tastes or not...<br>''A «Valet Trainee» that aims to become an «Integrity Knight» and serves as Eugeo's assistant.''<br><br>Eugeo: Kirito, if you already helped out that much, stop trying to ditch us!<br>''The first inhabitant Kirito met in this world. Became «Elite Swordsman Trainee» at «North Centoria Master Swords Academy» with Kirito.''<br />
Image:Sword Art Online Vol 11 - 004-005.jpg|Ronye: No... Help... Help, Eugeo-senpai! Eugeo-senpai - !<br><br>Tiese: N-no...no...NO...!<br><br>Eugeo: Uh...gu...ooh...! I, I...!<br />
Image:Sword Art Online Vol 11 - 006-007.jpg|Eugeo: ...Alice...? Is that you...? Are you...Alice...?<br><br>Alice: I am the Overseer of Centoria, an Integrity Knight of the Axiom Church - Alice Synthesis Thirty.<br>''An «Integrity Knight» who protects order in the «Human World».''<br />
Image:Sword Art Online Vol 11 - 008.jpg|'''«North Centoria Master Sword Academy and Integrity Knights»'''<br><br>Located in the center of the Underworld’s «Human World» is the largest city of the Human World, the «Capital Centoria». It is enclosed within a perfect circular rampart with a diameter of ten kilol, and possesses a population of over twenty thousand. The solid walls in the shape of an X divide the circular city into four equal parts, and these separating walls are called the «Eternal Wall». «North Centoria», «East Centoria», «South Centoria», and «West Centoria» are what the divided municipalities are called; they are the capitals of the four empires which divide and rule over the vast Human World.<br><br>In the middle of the «Capital» is the pure white grand tower that lies at the heart of the Human World, the Axiom Church’s «Central Cathedral». The tower is so tall its zenith is hazy and can't be seen, and the square grounds of the church are enclosed by a high wall, so it is impossible to see what lies inside. The «Eternal Wall» that divides the city of Centoria starts from the Cathedral, and stretches outward in four directions. Within the highest ruling system «Axion Church» there are officers known as «Integrity Knights», and these knights that maintain the order of the world are the Sacred Task that all the swordsmen of the world aspire to.<br><br>If one passes the entrance exam of the swordsmen training institution «North Centoria Master Sword Academy» in order to aim for the rank of «Integrity Knight», they become a «Beginner Trainee Swordsman» in public. The Trainees train themselves diligently over the period of one year, and at the end of every academy year, they aim for becoming swordsmen of even higher rank during the promotion exam. The final objective of the academy students is to participate in the «Northern Empire Swordsmanship Tournament». Kirito and Eugeo are aiming to win the competition even higher than that, the «Four Empires Unity Tournament» that is the highest swordsmanship tournament in the Human World, where the winners are appointed as honorable «Integrity Knights».<br />
<br />
</gallery><br />
<br />
Notes:<br />
*<s>Not 100% sure on Kirito's comment, that's the best I could guess<br />
*Reason for changing Ronie's first comment's comma to exclamation point was since "Wow, really?" seems to be used with too much sarcasm too often these days<br />
*I'm pretty sure there's a more eloquent way for Teiza to hint the gesture, but it's evading me at the moment<br />
*Since 打ち can mean both "hit" and "reach", a possible but slightly less likely different interpretation is: "Kirito, if it turns out that my fist can reach you, you don't have to run away, okay?"<br />
**I peeked at what PROzess translated so far and...well, one word: context. Rather facepalm-worthy. As such, changed Eugeo's quote. But, Teiza's quote is somewhat confusing. Unless it's a case of ''extremely'' liberal context usage, I don't think she even uses that particular quote in-story. Can someone correct me?</s><br />
***Ronye says that bit, which explains why I didn't find ''Tiese'' it. And yup, another botched trans.<br />
*<s>Intros of the first pic are the same as the previous volume, except for the second half of Eugeo's</s><br />
*Also, not quite sure if it's "Elite Swordsman Trainee" or just "Elite Swordsman" - but then again, previous volumes had them interchanged, so maybe it doesn't matter?<br />
*If anyone wants to dispute my interpretations, here's a quick dump of all kanji used in the first three pics: 君跳鹿亭優劣味私作口合打解今逃修剣学院上級士助僕君人界秩序守市域統括公理教会<br />
-[[User:AKAAkira|Akira]] ([[User talk:AKAAkira|talk]]) 15:59, 15 December 2012 (CST)<br />
<br />
As soon as these are fully translated I will photoshop them. The first pic is still incompletely translated at this point (only one of the character descriptions has been translated the others haven't, even I can tell). [[User:Zero2001|Zero2001]] - [[User Talk:Zero2001|Talk]] 05:45, 16 December 2012 (CST)<br />
<br />
:As this wiki lacks a flashy quote template, I'll just make do with pointing out my fifth bullet point in the notes.<br />
<br />
:On the other hand, I still suggest waiting until at least one other pair of eyes goes over them before actually using the translations. This was my first time, I'm almost afraid to think how much I could've messed it up. -[[User:AKAAkira|Akira]] ([[User talk:AKAAkira|talk]]) 16:50, 16 December 2012 (CST)<br />
<br />
I know the character descriptions for Kirito, Ronie and Teiza are already technically done in Vol 10, but I thought I'd put up my own translation of them in case anyone wants to use it. (Feel free to comment or suggest changes.) Also, I intend to translate the story description on the fourth page, if nobody minds. --[[User:Eternal Dreamer|Eternal Dreamer]] ([[User talk:Eternal Dreamer|talk]]) 14:39, 22 December 2012 (CST)<br />
<br />
:For the record, I ''was'' planning to do it, but this is what I get for procrastination. ^^' I did a quick proofread, though. -[[User:AKAAkira|Akira]] ([[User talk:AKAAkira|talk]]) 17:14, 24 December 2012 (CST)<br />
<br />
" It tastes better than those prancing deers at the pavilion, " shouldn't it be "it tastes better than those at the Prancing Deer's Pavilion,"?<br />
<br />
:Yes, it should be. I didn't realize it was a name initially, which was why I was so confused. In volume 10 it was translated as "Jumping Deer Inn", so I'll go with that for now. -[[User:AKAAkira|Akira]] ([[User talk:AKAAkira|talk]]) 17:14, 24 December 2012 (CST)<br />
<br />
Already, the story description is done on the fourth page. As for the location text on the map itself, it's the exact same as the one from Vol 10, so just copy it from there. --[[User:Eternal Dreamer|Eternal Dreamer]] ([[User talk:Eternal Dreamer|talk]]) 10:03, 24 December 2012 (CST)<br />
:I don't know a thing about Japanese, but looking at the Raw images for the last image in both this vol and from vol 10, there's only one difference in regards to the location texts.. There's a spelling differentiation in the line where "Indomitable Wall" is.. It's the second character only though, so I'm not really sure what that translates to... [[User:Rage|Rage]] ([[User talk:Rage|talk]]) 10:27, 7 January 2013 (CST)<br />
:My stubbornness made me look up the character XD... For some reason, Reki renamed the wall from 不屈の壁 (Indomitable Wall) to 不朽の壁 (Timeless Wall (according to Google Translate))... Could it be a typo on the behalf of one of the editors of the LN? or was it a hint regarding the story? [[User:Rage|Rage]] ([[User talk:Rage|talk]]) 12:30, 7 January 2013 (CST)<br />
<br />
You can translate Ronie's comment to "Wah, really?". It'd sound more sincere that way -[[User:M.A.D|M.A.D]] - [[User_talk:M.A.D|Talk]] 22:55, 5 January 2013 (CST)<br />
<br />
Just two more pages~ <br />
SOrry if I sounded demanding, didnt mean to. [[User:Castor212|Castor212]] ([[User talk:Castor212|talk]]) 02:32, 16 March 2013 (CDT)<br />
<br />
==== Volume 12 ====<br />
<gallery><br />
Image:Sword Art Online Vol 12 - 002-003.jpg|Kirito: Eugeo, I'll stop the first attack somehow, so it's your job to get a strike in.<br>''A young boy lost within the mysterious «Virtual World», Underworld. In order to escape, he is searching for a «System Console».''<br><br>Eugeo: —Got it.<br>''The first inhabitant Kirito met in this world. Became «Elite Swordsman Trainee» at «North Centoria Master Swords Academy» with Kirito.''<br><br>Deusolbert Synthesis Seven: To bathe in the fires of this «Flame Bow» should have meant to become purified for two years. I see, it appears you truly possess the skills Knight Eldrie Thirty-one argued you had, despite being criminals.<br>''An Integrity Knight who uses the «Flame Bow».''<br />
Image:Sword Art Online Vol 12 - 004-005.jpg|Fanatio Synthesis Two: This is farewell, you young, foolish criminal. The light hidden inside this Heaven-Piercing Sword, I free from its shackles right now! —Release Recollection!<br>''The Integrity Knights' Deputy Head Knight who mastered the «Heaven-Piercing Sword».''<br><br>Kirito: Uooooh!<br />
Image:Sword Art Online Vol 12 - 006-007.jpg|Kirito: I'm Swordsman Trainee Kirito, and I want a fair swords match with Miss Changed Knight Alice!<br><br>Alice Synthesis Thirty: —It's all right, your wicked hearts are such low things that I suppose you may try with that sword of yours.<br>''An Integrity Knight who wields the «Osmanthus Sword».''<br />
Image:Sword Art Online Vol 12 - 008.jpg|'''Central Cathedral'''<br>Located at the middle of Underworld's «Human World» is its greatest city, «Capital Centoria». At the core of «Capital», the heart of the Human World itself, there exists the pure white superstructure, «Central Cathedral». The tower's zenith is at a height that peters out into obscurity, and the church's square grounds are surrounded by high walls; peeking inside is utterly impossible. The supreme body «Axiom Church», governing the Human World from «Central Cathedral», maintain peacekeepers named «Integrity Knights», and these knights that protect the order of the world are what every Trainee Swordsmen in the world yearn to become.<br><br>The Cathedral is built with a hundred floors in all, and the top floor contains a room for the High Priestess. The middle floors host monks, priests, and so on, and those who conduct the business necessary for the Axiom Church to rule the Human World also live there. On the third floor is an armory, but the fiftieth floor has a utility called «The Great Hall of the Spirit World's Light»<br />
</gallery><br />
<br />
Notes:<br />
*Kirito & Eugeo's descs borrowed and modified from Eternal Dreamer's descs from last volume.<br />
*Not entirely sure Deusolbert's referring to himself or his bow.<br />
*熾 turned up "Seraphim" in Google Translate. No idea what's up with that.<br />
**熾焰 in Chink can mean something along the lines of "Blazing". Also, Sky Piercing Sword sounds better than Heaven Piercing Sword to me.<br />
***Eeh, "Heaven" sounds more flashy to me, when it's "Heaven Piercing" vs "Sky Piercing"...unless it's maybe something like "Skysplitter". -[[User:AKAAkira|Akira]] ([[User talk:AKAAkira|talk]]) 19:45, 3 May 2013 (CDT)<br />
*実 has way too many different positive trait translations. "Sincerity", "truth", "fidelity", "faith", "confidence", "devotion", "trust", "reliance"... I think "purity" works best here, though.<br />
**From context, it seems like it's been two years since he last used the bow's true ability. The bow becomes engulfed in flames when it's Enhance Armament is activated.<br />
*I ''think'' いか in this case is supposed to be the 以下 kind. I think.<br />
*剣筋 stumped me. Pretty sure it's supposed to be a compound word, but no idea what it entails. I just left it at "sword".<br />
*"Superstructure" there isn't intrinsically correct, but it definitely sounds good - better than "great tower" (which I'm pretty sure is the original meaning) and more accurate than "skyscraper" (especially with the modern image that word draws upon).<br />
*I'm pretty sure 霞んで見えない basically says "so hazy it can't be seen", but that was kinda hard to conform into a "the tower's zenith is at a height" sentence structure, and I thought "obscurity" covers both the "indistinct" and "lack of ability to see" bases well enough anyway.<br />
*I think this のぞき is the 覗き kind?<br />
*Strictly speaking, 憧れの天職 translates more as "yearn to take as their calling", but..."yearn to become" is virtually the same meaning.<br />
*Not entirely sure about 先活. 先 is along the lines of "former" and 活 is basically "lives"...but apparently 活 is a synonym for 生, and 先生 is ''sensei''. For now, went with the former, since that makes more sense in context.<br />
*Kanji dump in case someone wants to refute: 初撃止前斬込仮想解熾焔弓炎浴実二年振騎士渡合技咎人操整合若愚天穿剣秘光今枷放副長司修改殿尋常立会所望邪心剣筋試金木犀剣操整合<br />
*Kanji dump of fourth pic: 人界中央部位置最大市真心純白巨塔天頂霞見高正方形教会敷地壁囲内部不可能統治組織公理教会整合騎士武官世秩序守修剣憧天職全百階構造上司祭屋層道統治必要業務執行員先活三武具保管庫五十霊光回廊呼設備<br />
<br />
Anyone got a better version of the colored illustration? [[User:Castor212|Castor212]] ([[User talk:Castor212|talk]]) 18:18, 17 December 2013 (CST)<br />
<br />
====Volume 13====<br />
<gallery><br />
File:Sword Art Online Vol 13 - 002-003.jpg|'''Eugeo:''' "...Relaxed, aren't you."<p>'''Bercouli Synthesis One:''' "Now that's one uncommon stance, boy. ...You don't happen to practice the Continual Sword, do you?"<br />
File:Sword Art Online Vol 13 - 004-005.jpg|'''Kirito:''' "Your real name is Alice Schuberg. As you are right now, you're just ≪Alice in name≫, created by Administrator."<p>'''Alice Synthesis Thrity:''' "Alice Schuberg... That is, my, name...? I don't recall anything at all..."<br />
File:Sword Art Online Vol 13 - 006-007.jpg|'''Eugeo:''' "I have nothing more to say to you. Let our battle begin... that's what the lot of you are here for, isn't it?"<br />
File:Sword Art Online Vol 13 - 008.jpg|<br />
</gallery><br />
<br />
<br />
Uploaded scans of the Illustrations. That' about as far as I went, haha... [[User:Rage|Rage]] ([[User talk:Rage|talk]]) 00:32, 14 August 2013 (CDT)<br />
:Tap translated some of them in the forum. --[[User:Kuno|Kuno]] - [[User talk:Kuno|Talk]] 19:35, 14 August 2013 (CDT)<br />
:Yeah, I forgot about those! haha...<br />
Is tap doing the translation for this volume too?<br />
:[http://www.taptaptaptaptap.net/interlude-iv/ yeah].<br />
<br />
*Kanji dump of the 4th picture's floors: 地下牢 (Underground jail/prison), 螺旋階段 (the prison's spiral staircase) 大図書館 (Great Library), 西面1F バラ園 (Rose garden), 3F 武具保管庫, 29F: 階段, 30F: «飛竜» 発着場, 50F:霊光の大回廊, Elevator: 昇降盤, 80F:雲上庭園 90F: 大浴場, 95F: 暁星の望楼, 96~99F: 元老院, 100F: 最上階 居室 --[[User:Gsimenas|Gsimenas]] ([[User talk:Gsimenas|talk]]) 13:35, 20 August 2013 (CDT)<br />
<br />
ANyone got a better version of the colored illustration? [[User:Castor212|Castor212]] ([[User talk:Castor212|talk]]) 18:20, 17 December 2013 (CST)<br />
: Can You be more specific which illistration and why do you need a better illustration? they are pretty good quality.[[User:Yascob99|Yascob99]] ([[User talk:Yascob99|talk]]) 19:31, 17 December 2013 (CST)<br />
<br />
For ex, this one :http://www.baka-tsuki.org/project/images/0/04/Sword_Art_Online_Vol_13_-_002-003.jpg has too low of a resolution. I'm also looking vor a noiseless ver of vol 12, if possible.<br />
<br />
Okay, I got a very smooth raw... but it seems vol 13 illust translation isnt finished? Like, the character descriptions. I finished photoshopping everything else. Can anyone help in this regard? [[User:Castor212|Castor212]] ([[User talk:Castor212|talk]]) 07:35, 4 January 2014 (CST)<br />
<br />
==== SAO Progressive Vol 1 ====<br />
<gallery><br />
Image:Sword Art Online Progressive Vol 1 - 002.jpg|Kirito: “…That was an extreme overkill just now.”<br><br>''A swordsman that aims to reach the top floor of «Aincrad». He decided to strengthen only himself and became a «Solo Player».''<br><br>Asuna: “…Everyone is going to die anyway.”<br><br>''A player that has been imprisoned within «Sword Art Online». She does nothing but fight monsters with no concern for her own life.''<br />
Image:Sword Art Online Progressive Vol 1 - 003.jpg|Kirito: “While we hunted just now, you saved up the targeted amount of strengthening materials for the Wind Fleuret, right?”<br><br>Nezuha: “I got it, then please allow me to take your weapon and materials.”<br><br>''A blacksmith that runs a business in the eastern square of «Urbus», the main town of «Aincrad»’s second floor.''<br />
Image:Sword Art Online Progressive Vol 1 - 004-005.jpg|Kirito: “—First, let’s defeat the enemy.”<br><br>Asuna: “……Yes.”<br><br>Egil: “Until you finish drinking your pot, we’ll support you guys.”<br><br>''A player that has been imprisoned within «Sword Art Online». Member of the «Floor Boss Subjugation Party». A young man with a large build that doesn’t look Japanese. His main weapon is a two-handed battleaxe.''<br><br>Kibaou: “Listen up, you guys should just take on the small fry kobold mobs that slip past my party as your enemy.”<br><br>''A player that has been imprisoned within «Sword Art Online». Member of the «Floor Boss Subjugation Party». He hates «Beta-Players» that have more information on «SAO» than other players. His main weapon is a one-handed sword.''<br><br>Diabel: “Everyone…There’s only one thing I have left to say! Let’s win!!”<br><br>''The leader of «Aincrad»’s first «Floor Boss Subjugation Party». He leads the forty-odd players of the capturing group. His main weapon is a one-handed sword.''<br><br>Illfang the Kobold Lord: “UGURUUOOOOOOOO———!!”<br><br>''The Floor Boss Monster that lies hidden within the farthest depths of the twentieth floor of «Aincrad»’s First Floor Maze.''<br />
Image:Sword Art Online Progressive Vol 1 - 006-007.jpg|Kirito: “Here it comes!”<br><br>Baran the General Taurus: “VUUVOOOOOOO————!!”<br><br>''The Floor Boss Monster that lies hidden within the farthest depths of the twentieth floor of «Aincrad»’s Second Floor Maze.''<br />
Image:Sword Art Online Progressive Vol 1 - 008.jpg|Done<br />
</gallery><br />
<br />
Give me the translations here and I'll photoshop them as usual. [[User:Zero2001|Zero2001]] - [[User_talk:Zero2001|Talk]] - 13:19, 20 October 2012 (CDT)<br />
<br />
Although... judging from the awesome quality and colorings, it seems cleaning will be tougher than usual. This will be fun for me. [[User:Zero2001|Zero2001]] - [[User_talk:Zero2001|Talk]] - 17:14, 20 October 2012 (CDT)<br />
<br />
Just thought I'd add the translations for the images, since I'm starting on doing "Aria in the Starless Night". Of course, anyone is free to point out corrections to make, I only made these on the spot. --[[User:Eternal Dreamer|Eternal Dreamer]] ([[User talk:Eternal Dreamer|talk]]) 12:18, 21 December 2012 (CST)<br />
<br />
Ummm, shouldn't it be "Nezha"? It says his name in Romaji, in the book, soooo.... yeah... [[Special:Contributions/107.199.52.241|107.199.52.241]] 11:36, 9 November 2013 (CST)<br />
<br />
==Editor==<br />
<br />
OK some of you might notice that this thing has an editor all of a sudden. I've done this 'without' a supervisor..... I hope that's OK.... O.o<br />
<br />
:Feel free to keep editing if you see something wrong though, we're only two pairs of eyes and it's highly probable that we'd miss something. Also we aren't perfect.<br />
<br />
::This is also not going to affect the speed in any way (well except for only today I think... since y'know it's going to be first 'gap' but it'll be back to normal. Actually you guys won't even notice).<br />
<br />
:::You're never be going to be waiting for too long.... well unless I'm translating slowly. If the editor hasn't put the next chap up in two days I'll put mine up first. The editor can chance it with his (or her???? Now I think about it I don't know O.O) version. But I don't think that that's going to happen.<br />
<br />
:::And thank you all for reading!!!!<br />
<br />
:::--[[user:sharramon|sharramon]]-- Jan. 16, 11:19:24 UTC<br />
<br />
<br />
Far from perfect. We're both ESL (English as Second Language) people after all. The good news is that I can do Chinese-English proofreading/editing, the bad news is that tenses are a weakness for me. I'm trying to keep an eye out on other people's edits and track what kind of things I miss, but if you notice a particular pattern that I fault in please don't hesitate to fix and/or drop me a note. Also, having more editors is usually a good thing. -- Aorii<br />
<br />
:I should have asked before putting up my rather literal translation up, but is that okay? It has already be reverted though. <br />
As when I went through the japanese text, some stuff was missing. <br />
By the way, the tense used is past tense, right? Tenses should be same throughout the novel. -KuroiHikari<br />
<br />
<br />
Hello, i was just wondering if you guys would accept another editor here. I have read almost all 9 volumes, and there are always many, MANY grammatical errors and weird literal translations in the text. The translation itself is solid, but it is just really awkward to read. I do really appreciate the work you guys put into this, and I'm not trying to demean or anything, but i think i could contribute greatly to the editing of this novel. I am very proficient in english, and I could probably edit a chapter in 2-3 days, or faster depending on the length of the chapter. If you'll accept me, you could send me an unedited text from something to test my skills if required. I would be happy to lend a hand to such a great project. [[User:Jasou|Jasou]] 01:20, 20 June 2012 (CDT)<br />
<br />
:Some translations are literal for a reason. Excessive '''Englishification''' ruins the original meaning and funniness. Just be careful. And please sign you posts with <nowiki>~~~~</nowiki>. [[User:Zero2001|Zero2001]] - [[User_talk:Zero2001|Talk]] - 17:33, 19 June 2012 (CDT)<br />
<br />
:I've reviewed your edit on Volume 9 Interlude I. I think it's okay, but since I don't have the original japanese LN, I can't say for sure. [[User:Zero2001|Zero2001]] - [[User_talk:Zero2001|Talk]] - 17:37, 19 June 2012 (CDT)<br />
<br />
::hey guys, I edited a bit on the part 1 of volume10 ch4. I hope that's fine :)<br />
[[User:AkaSora|AkaSora]] ([[User talk:AkaSora|talk]]) 09:09, 13 September 2012 (CDT)<br />
<br />
So, I started reading the novels after having watched the anime. I really like it and I appreciate the work, but I think there's a lot that I could offer as an editor. Besides odd sentence structure, I've seen a few misspellings. I know it says on the main page to contact a supervisor if you want to join the project, but I'm not sure how to go about doing that. If someone could help me out, I would appreciate it. --[[User:nVitius|nVitius]] 3:00, 5 January 2013 PST<br />
<br />
:Supervisor for SAO is Sharramon. Contact via [[User talk:Sharramon]], or PM on the forums, I think. That's only if you want to be a registered Editor, though. [[Format guideline#Anonymous Editors]] encourages drive-by edits. -[[User:AKAAkira|Akira]] ([[User talk:AKAAkira|talk]]) 19:27, 5 January 2013 (CST)<br />
<br />
==This is REALLY GOOD!!!!==<br />
I really like this. When I first started reading it sounded like just another virtual reality/MMORPG anime... thing, but now, it looks really cool!<br />
Please Give us chapter four soon!<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
:I agree with this fellows statement as well. It sounded dumb at first, but the character's feel far more realistic than I would have thought. I hope this gets alot of attention. Good luck Sharramon!<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
::I like this a lot too. Sounded and is very interesting Very good novel. Please continue...<br />
<br />
<br />
:::Thank you all ^^ I've done chap four now! But it's more of a run through of how the situation was like in Aincrad. The story starts properly from chapter five. I'll try to translate that as quick as possible too!<br />
::::I love you<br />
<br />
::::Thanks for the update<br />
<br />
<br />
This is good! I like the development in chapter 5. Will wait until next update! I look forward to the next chapter, from what I see in the illustration there will be some romance...<br />
<br />
<br />
:Dammit now I want chapter 6... Please give it to us soon!!! PLEASE!!!! And thank you once again for translating this!<br />
<br />
<br />
::This overwhelming pressure! XD I'm workin' on it! I'll try and get it up soon but the soonest SHOULD be Thursday but we'll see!<br />
<br />
:::Thank you very much for your effort! ^^ Awaiting next update eagerly... You update surprisingly fast^^. Please do not take this as a pressure but as encouragement^^<br />
<br />
<br />
This is turning into a pretty good response column, and for a nifty reason; SAO is pretty kick ass. All our thanks go out to you, Sharramon, keep up the good work! ps BTW you have the fastest chapter updates I've seen in awhile! and as the previous comment mentioned, that isn't some weird pressure build up, its a compliment.<br />
<br />
:I agree this is really good, thanks for the translations<br />
<br />
:BTW you have the fastest chapter updates I've seen in awhile!<br />
<br />
::That's most probably because this light novel has the shortest chapters that you've seen in a while! :D And chap 6 done! Hell yeah!<br />
<br />
:::Thanks for chapter 6. This is a really good light novel. Can't wait for the next chapters. I would like to know though when you get volume 2 whether Kirito stays with Asuna after volume 1 or not. Because looking at the covers for volumes 2 and 3 it seems he teams up with other girls.<br />
<br />
::::He does stay with her. Book two's about the past and the third book is about saving her from a game or something by what I gather...<br />
<br />
:::::Thanks for the info. I was agonizing over the thought that she might have died and he moved on to party with another player.<br />
<br />
::::::I shouldn't say so much! I'm spoiling people!<br />
<br />
Seeing the update section.... I've realized that I've done more than a chap every two days WITHOUT the prologue O.O.....<br />
<br />
:That's why you're Sharramon-sama :) thanks for the great releases xD<br />
<br />
<br />
::damn! this is like reading Naruto. No, not the storyline, but on the updates... (yours is of course, much faster than the weekly updates) but nonetheless, the suspense, the waiting... it feels the same. Anyway, thank you for the fast updates! SPOILERS!!!!! nuooohh!!!<br />
<br />
:::oh shit now I'm going to this page regularly just to see if there is any updates..<br />
<br />
<br />
don't understand third volume images ç.ç aren't they supposed to have their true form? so why there are non.humans? waiting fro spoileeeers XD<br />
<br />
:You will understand once the translation gets that far. It's not fun being spoiled. Because you just keep wanting to know more.<br />
<br />
<br />
You are awesome and so is this book! I know this is a minor point, but semicolons are meant to separate two closely related things that could be sentences by themselves, like the first line of the synopsis. For parts like "...floating castle, 'Aincrad'; he distinguished...", it should really be commas on both sides of Aincrad.<br />
<br />
:Wooo, I left this for a while and its already this much already XD YAY! Again and again, thank you so much, Sharramon-sama XD<br />
<br />
::Thanks for chapter 14! Too bad there isn't a picture of Kirito in his KoB uniform =(<br />
<br />
:::at first, I thought that SAO is just a .hack><druaga><yureka look-a-like... I was wrong. seriously... I'm jealous of Kirito ;_; Sharramon-kakka, you have my deepest gratitude (for your speed-translating). keep up the good work! XD -randompasserby<br />
<br />
::::chapter 18 is already out!! CHEERS! XD<br />
<br />
== keep up the good work! ==<br />
<br />
you know, you have the breaking record for the fastest update in baka-tsuki...<br />
And we love you!<br />
<br />
:^^ What this person said. We LOVE you Sharramon-sama :D.<br />
<br />
::Sama O.O....<br />
<br />
:::Uh...We LOVE you Sharramon-dono*? :D<br />
<br />
::::We aren't samurai either.<br />
<br />
:::::Let's go with san!... or kun? Hell I'll take tan!XD<br />
<br />
::::::Nah, I prefer Sharramon-kakka myself. So let's use that!<br />
<br />
You guys are bloating his persona, he'll be crowning himself emperor of britannia soon at this pace :p<br />
:He IS the rightful ruler after all, so that would make sense.<br />
<br />
::Nah, You guys... Just say it like this "Sharramon-nyoro!!!!" RIGHT?<br />
<br />
:::How about Shar-tan? He is Paya-tan's master!<br />
<br />
All hail Britannia! (really couldn't resist saying that). I wonder what I'd like more... geass or a deathnote?<br />
<br />
:Easy. You like SAO the most!<br />
<br />
::Hey, wait... I'm a supervisor???<br />
<br />
:::Started reading the first volume a couple days ago, finished it in one setting. I can't tell you guys how supremely awesome you are for bringing this book into english. Great Job and many thanks!<br />
<br />
==Volume Names==<br />
Both the first and second volumes are called "Aincrad"? Weird...<br />
<br />
:That's how they are named. Take a look at the third colour page for volume 01 and 02. <br />
{| style="background:black; color:black"<br />
|They are named after the setting they take place in or so it seems. <br />
|}<br />
::I know that, I was just commenting on how it was odd.<br />
<br />
:::It all makes sense after reading the descriptions of thos images from volume 3 above.<br />
<br />
== So because I couldn't wait... ==<br />
<br />
I thought hey why not use ATLAS to translate the raw to at least get a hint of what's going to happen.<br />
This did not go well, I mean although the program boasts its amazing accuracy in translating, when I translated the whole novel it didn't even make sense at all. In fact, a Google online translation did better than the $1,400 program.<br />
So in conclusion, I decided to patiently wait . . . okay never mind! Please!!!! I can't wait! where's the next chapter...<br />
Thank you for translations, I really appreciate it. I LOVE Sword Art Online!-Jun<br />
<br />
I actually did the same thing, but I could understand like one sentence out of 15, and it also helps if you know what ATLAS translates the names as. I also found a timeline of SAO's events, and used Rikaichan to skim through it (I probably look for spoilers a little too much on series I really like, and I wasn't disappointed). Anyway though, I've been meaning to ask this: sharramon, are you using official Korean translations or fan translations?<br />
-Enigma<br />
<br />
Official. I'm translating with the book in my hands.... I'll have to buy another one. This one's gotten really dirty XP<br />
<br />
I did as well. Oddly, I can figure out quite much of chapter 5 with it. It hurt my eyes and mind though. It feels like deciphering a code @-@. I decide to quit because the deciphering work reduce the enjoyment in reading it and when I read sharramon-sama's translation to find out he bits I'm missing, it just won't as fun since I got to know part of the stroy already.<br />
<br />
@Enigma wait there is Korean translations of Sword Art Online? If there is, where could I get my hands on it? -Jun<br />
Edit: Oh wait, never mind. I ordered the Korean version through AladdinUS. Can't wait to read it ^_^ -Jun<br />
<br />
<br />
== Historic moment ==<br />
<br />
SAO is most probably the first book in a while that got first place in daily views within a single month of it being put up in this forum! Thank you all!!! (is burning with a NEED to translate faster XD)<br />
<br />
== Discussion Forum? ==<br />
<br />
Sup. Kenena here~<br />
Anyway, is there a forum for SAO (I guess its also ALO too, but whatever)? I dont wanna making a new comment here every time I want to ask something. Link or something would be great.<br />
<br />
-Kenena<br />
<br />
In the [http://www.baka-tsuki.org/forums/ Baka-Tsuki Forum] in the [http://www.baka-tsuki.org/forums/viewforum.php?f=44 Auxiliary Brigades section] can be created additional threads if they are need for discussions about SAO, but there is also already a [http://www.baka-tsuki.org/forums/viewtopic.php?f=44&t=3128 thread for SAO] --[[User:Darklor|Darklor]] 09:38, 8 February 2010 (UTC)<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
== Volume 3 query ==<br />
<br />
<br />
Just wondering but could it be that Kirito and Asuna get out of SAO in the 1st volume but Asuna gets kidnapped and put into[Alvheim Online]? And then Kirito goes into the game to save her? Cause this pic looks like Kirito looking at Asuna with the nerve gear:http://www.baka-tsuki.org/project/images/4/43/Sword_Art_Online_Vol_03_-_043.jpg<br />
<br />
<br />
http://www.baka-tsuki.org/project/index.php?title=Image:Sword_Art_Online_Vol_03_-_000a.jpg<br />
http://www.baka-tsuki.org/project/index.php?title=Image:Sword_Art_Online_Vol_03_-_003.jpg<br />
<br />
I think these two should answer your question.<br />
<br />
<br />
Well usually to know this kind of things you wait for the volume to be translated don't you u_u.<br />
<br />
===Chapter 3/4===<br />
If the book version has only three chapters, then our translation should have also only three chapters, since the web version is gone and the book version is working as the translation reference... --[[User:Darklor|Darklor]] 14:38, 11 April 2011 (UCT)<br />
<br />
Ive been studying japanese for quite a while now, and can happily sayim slowly progressing,and as such decided to buy the published version that's still in japanese, two questions now: one, is it in kanji/furigana? and two if not what level of reading should I know to be able to read it effectively<br />
<br />
== What are we going to do with 16.5 in the full text version? ==<br />
<br />
Eventually Volume 1 will be finished, and we will do what we always do with a finished volume: make a full text!! But we have this chapter 16.5 complicating the situation. Does it go in? Stay out? Make two versions (what I think is would be best)? Something else? Let's decide what's going to happen before the volumes done.<br />
<br />
<br />
I say make a full text with reference to 16.5 but not actual text...or throw in a link to 16.5 with a dire "read at own disgretion" message.<br />
<br />
-Ence<br />
<br />
I think we should make 2 versions of it, SFW and NSFW... XD - RandomPasserBy<br />
<br />
:Don't add it to the full text. I wouldn't even add it to the volume 1 overview nor to the "forward to.." box, to be honest. 16.5 may be canon, but it is not part of the book. As far as I know, he had this chapter only posted on his back-site without any reference on the front page. [[User:EusthEnoptEron|EusthEnoptEron]] 08:16, 26 February 2010 (UTC)<br />
<br />
oh yeah, now that you mention it... the book can't possibly have this chapter...<br />
<br />
<br />
Considering all the killing, explicit violence that the book has, its already at least 16+ or young adults.. can't rate something M just because of some cybersex.. -Irec<br />
<br />
Wouldn't it be better to, at least, put a link in the full text to let those who want to read it in the good context be able to read it ?<br />
<br />
I think a link with a warning would work.<br />
<br />
Chapter 16 still links to 16.5... is this intentional or a a side-effect of the nav template? -[[User:Milki|milki]] 03:53, 18 February 2012 (CST)<br />
<br />
I did not realise there was a chapter 16.5 at all before I came over this... And now that I've seen it, I agree that it shouldn't be put in the full text. What I'm wondering about, though, is if Reki Kawahara really wrote this himself, where it was published and how on earth it came to this site. Oh, and this chapter might be a little hard to notice if you go directly to the full text to read volume 1.<br />
<br />
-<br />
<br />
You know - this is pretty much under the carpet now, but I think this was handled pretty poorly. If 16.5 was not canon, it should have been put under the side stories with an R-18 warning. The author had it on his website with other stories that are up here, so the argument that he didn't write it is not a very good one. Age appropriate is not good either - R-18 warning as stated, but this site is not an all-ages site to begin with. You have R-18 visual novel projects, Type-Moon's numerous titles, etc. Some of the posts for removing it were downright confusing: "it left a bad taste in my mouth." Or "look at what people recognize me for." I'm sorry, but...what? You didn't like a chapter, so it should be erased from history? One is going to quit translation of this series because of the "infamy" of it? I know you aren't in this for public recognition, so why do you care about that? This massive double standard with sexual content is an American value style product that confuses me, but it shouldn't be influencing what goes up and comes down. We have titles on here that involve graphic descriptions of extreme violence, graphic descriptions of sexual content and innuendo, as well as images of nude people of all ages and violence against them to accompany them. I am really disappointed that management is going down this route, because it's only a matter of time before other titles get censored or screwed up because of this new standard. - somewhat disappointed and concerned long time reader. --Anonymous<br />
<br />
:Sadly too true... :( --[[User:Darklor|Darklor]] ([[User talk:Darklor|talk]]) 01:10, 17 September 2012 (CDT)<br />
<br />
...Now, what do you say we do with this? If you're going to tell us to restore it for the sake of the fans, save your letters. If you're targetting at me, fine, just say it to my face, no need to be discreet. I'm the bad guy here after all... <br />
<br />
And yeah, I'm losing my patience with dealing with this again...<br />
<br />
Darklor...we should talk...--[[User:Teh Ping|Teh Ping]] ([[User talk:Teh Ping|talk]]) 01:30, 17 September 2012 (CDT)<br />
<br />
In my opinion, this wouldn't be so much issue if the chapter wasn't included in volume 1 to begin with, it being up there caused confusion to many readers as they think it's actually in the published version, I was under that very impression for a while, until I had chance to check the JP book version.<br />
<br />
@anon, it seemed you misunderstood the fact, author really wrote 16.5 and he really put it on his website, but he ''never'' put it along with the web version of Aincrad arc, he made a temporally R-18 section named 'Word Gear Reverse' and put 16.5 along with some R-18 stories written by someone else there. So putting it in volume 1 section is a bad idea, and that's the reason I was strongly against it.<br />
<br />
Currently BT has a vague stance about the mature content, there is no rule preventing the mature content to be hosted on wiki, but in forums, the rules clearly stated that posting mature content is not permitted. Maybe the higher ups could discuss about this double standard and come up with a single rules set for both wiki and forums.<br />
<br />
On a side note: Why so many complaints about the removal of 16.5 but no one cares that ME1&3 can't be hosted here? Especially when ME1 is mentioned in both anime & published volumes. Just curious. -- [[User:BeginnerXP|BeginnerXP]] ([[User_talk:BeginnerXP|Talk]]) 08:33, 17 September 2012 (CDT)<br />
<br />
Honestly, I don't want to shift the blame here nor try to explain myself since I suppose none of you would want to hear me out, so I'll take responsibility for this. Mature content '''can''' be posted on the wiki, but '''must''' be labelled with a warning, an R-18 tag. However, this is a different case for the forums, where no one is allowed to post such stuff. If you wonder why there is a different standard for the forums, it's because the rules for the forums were 'copied' from Animesuki...Personally, I don't believe there's a need to review it.<br />
<br />
As for your last paragraph, Beginner, I think you would know the answer...--[[User:Teh Ping|Teh Ping]] ([[User talk:Teh Ping|talk]]) 21:31, 17 September 2012 (CDT)<br />
<br />
I was not trying to shift blame, only point out the issues with said reasoning. I was particularly surprised that Ping said what he did because he always seemed opposed to removing content over anything that didn't involve content getting licensed or users making unjust profits. Like I said, I just thought it was handled poorly: it should have simply been moved to the side story section and given an R-18 warning. I did not know about other stories being removed, but if they have, I would of course recommend the same action. Removing R-18 content like this just creates needless problems involving content that BT shouldn't have to deal with. For example, it's really easy to argue that DxD or Campione should not be hosted because of their content based on this decision (there is not a single warning of R-18 content either.) It is not any of you guys' responsibility to be the parent for children lurking the internet, anyway. It had a warning when I read it last time, and when I came back to re-read SAO, it was gone completely. I do not have any thoughts about the forum; as it is separate from the Wiki, I do not think it is a problem to enforce a different set of rules. On a closing note, please take this less personally, Ping. I am not making you out to be a "bad person" or whatever strange thoughts you're having. I wanted my thoughts known, but I didn't want to clog up the forum seeing as it seemed to be a dead issue. While I would want any removed stories to be restored, the management and translators such as yourself are obviously the ones who have the final word. Restricting content because it doesn't appeal or seem appropriate to (x) audience is a dangerous direction to go for BT though, I feel. Take it easy and thanks for reading. --Anonymous<br />
<br />
@Beginner, does ME 1 & 3 contain questionable content? All I know is that they are doujins, so might not belong in a LN wiki like BT. Maybe a link might be good instead of no content (which had me assume no work was done on it, up until recently), but thats up to the heads.<br />
<br />
@Teh Ping, I respect you for your decision to take responsibility for the ire of readers on removing the chapter, though I think its not something you have to do (if it was made out of frustration and a wish for the topic to be dropped). Not sure what was the cause of the removal (I'm willing to listen if you have the time to chat), I cannot help but feel those who complain so much about it, will not or can not see beyond wanting to have everything in one place for their convenience (the internet is a wide place after all). For those stating it affects BT, do realize that even novels on the market are constantly being revised and edited as they are reprinted, to fit the standards of the time. Removing one event which does not have much plot context (unlike the anime...) and is not even part of the published novel is not going to affect anything, and is a weak point for argument. Comparing other LNs to this is even weaker, considering those rarely even reach the level of content shown here (LNs get edited before release as well...) So do consider your argument on insisting you must be able to find it on BT.--[[User:Gabgrave|Gabgrave]] ([[User talk:Gabgrave|talk]]) 01:51, 18 September 2012 (CDT)<br />
<br />
@Anon, While I don't read nor watch DxD & Campione, I know for sure that those 2 series are at most R-15 and still can be sold at normal channels in Japan, while 16.5 is in a completely different situation, it's clearly R-18 and will never be able to sell alongside other light novels even if it's published. It's fine if you compared 16.5 to our visual novel projects, but please give a legit example of R-18 light novel hosting here.<br />
<br />
@Gabgrave, ME1&3 are manga written by author himself, their content are clean, and I particularly like ME1 too, you should be able to find them at some online manga reading sites. The reason we can't hosted them even though they're both completely scanslated now, is because of its nature, we don't host manga here unless the script is posted as well (like ME2). The reason is legit and I respect that decision, it's just funny that the removal of the questionable content caused so much stir within SAO community here, while 2 clean & good legit stories from the same author not being here didn't raise any question nor request.<br />
<br />
@Beginner, Thanks for the description, I have the links and will be looking them up. I think why people are not commenting is because like me, they see the red links in the page, and assume they are not translated yet. Only if we happen across some comments that make us aware that they do exists already, then we start looking for it.--[[User:Gabgrave|Gabgrave]] ([[User talk:Gabgrave|talk]]) 02:25, 18 September 2012 (CDT)<br />
<br />
Forgot to mention this earlier, Ence was the one who translated and posted 16.5 here, not Teh_Ping, please be careful and not spreading misinformation. -- [[User:BeginnerXP|BeginnerXP]] ([[User_talk:BeginnerXP|Talk]]) 03:12, 18 September 2012 (CDT)<br />
My bad. Mistaken information received. Removed from post.--[[User:Gabgrave|Gabgrave]] ([[User talk:Gabgrave|talk]]) 03:23, 18 September 2012 (CDT)<br />
<br />
Firstly, when I say trying to shift blame, I would refer to the guy who actually took down the page, Vaelis, the admin of the SAO project. On Baka Tsuki, each project can be removed by three groups of people. The translator of the work, the Supervisors, and the admins. Since we're going to be stuck here for a while, I'll break it down.<br />
<br />
First, while I said that I didn't like having 16.5, I respect the fact that it was uploaded. That was why I never demanded for it to be deleted, even though I am vocal against those who wanted it on '''just to see that Kirito and Asuna have their relationship consummated''', which is a completely stupid excuse (note that I don't say reason here because there was nothing reasonable at all). When I posted '''in white''' that I would go unless it was removed, note that it was in jest. Do note that while I am against it being posted, I am neutral against it being removed because the damage had already been done. [http://www.baka-tsuki.org/forums/viewtopic.php?f=59&t=3128&start=2040 All the mess can be read from here until the next 5 pages or so] If you had seen my actions during the Volume 9 incident, you would have realized that if I wanted a page to be deleted, I would have just gone ahead to delete all the stuff way back when I joined this project (as a Supervisor), and how I nearly nuked the entire Accel World project here. Now, I really don't want Vaelis to be blamed for this, but he did delete it after reading through our arguments (on both parties). This is why I say that I will just take all the blame, because if I go on to explain, other people are just going to be implicated as well, (and I'm pretty much...the fall guy on Baka Tsuki at this point). If you're going to talk about how I had been whining about it affecting my rep, Gabgrave made the mistake I knew was coming from a mile away (before correcting it). No one is trying to be a 'parent' here, but I won't be elaborating on this part because I'm in class right now<br />
<br />
And yes, I am very frustrated that we're still arguing over when it has been almost 3 months since this was 'resolved'. Unfortunately, I don't think there would be a proper conclusion in this case. The way we have been going on about this is as if some important story was omitted like how Kirito took on Heathcliff. If you say that it's important, understand this, it's not in the official printed LN. If you argue for the case of how the MEs and other stuff are all uploaded even though they're not in print media, again, bottom line is whether the three groups of people want it online.--[[User:Teh Ping|Teh Ping]] ([[User talk:Teh Ping|talk]]) 04:06, 18 September 2012 (CDT)<br />
<br />
It seems like my point is being missed...removing content because it is "objectionable," is not something I think BT should do. It's not in the official printed LN, which is why I said it should be moved to side stories. I don't really care if it consummates their relationship or not (it's a harem where one girl is given the "I'm going to win regardless" before said chapter even happens, so...) There is no such thing as "damage done" if you ask me: if the author thought it was good enough to be on his site, I'm not going to judge it as some "garbage" or "painful to read" work of a fan. And while you, Gabgrave, may think DxD/Campione is not R-18, you would have an incredibly hard time persuading someone who was raised in a Western environment otherwise (I read all three of these titles, and they go pretty far, haha.) I'm not sure why anyone is getting upset over this, but I can't keep a rational topic going for long if I'm the only one trying to do so. I'll drop it with this. -- Anonymous<br />
<br />
Sigh. Listen, if you really want to read it then you can always go to Tap-Trans. I'm not giving the link. Search for it yourself. [[User:Zero2001|Zero2001]] - [[User_talk:Zero2001|Talk]] - 18:56, 18 September 2012 (CDT)<br />
<br />
Can't believe I actually registered an account just to respond to this message. Look, are you trying to guilt trip the other guys here, or are you just trying to get them to say sorry for removing and stuff? From the look of your first paragraph, it already showed that you were trying to blame someone for this, especially Teh Ping. I can understand why Ping wanted to hurry up and get over this because he has better things to do than to respond to someone like you who's digging up the past for your own sake. If you want to know where your beloved 16.5 went, just follow what Zero got to. Rational topic? How rational is it in the first place when you're talking about it, ''3 months after it was removed,'' when everyone is planning to just continue on, and how about talking about R-18 and stuff when your American standard doesn't match what the Japanese assume to be R-18? There's a reason why Campione and DxD are both published while this 16.5, even with Japan's lax standard for fanservice nowadays, failed to make the cut. Consider me grateful that it was taken down because it was such a huge distraction (Doesn't chapter 17 imply that they did it in the first place?). Now, if you're going to continue to post here regarding this, I think Teh Ping would be pissed that he has to be the one arguing with you instead of working on volume 10 of SAO (I can only remain patient as a reader).--[[User:Wertmog|Wertmog]] ([[User talk:Wertmog|talk]]) 21:38, 18 September 2012 (CDT)<br />
<br />
I'm honestly kind of impressed. Like, why do either of you visit this site? Apparently neither of you can read at all! I do not care about too much about 16.5. It is easy to find and it does not add much, if anything, to the story. I care about the fact that '''IT WAS CONSIDERED SOMETHING THAT SHOULD NOT BE UPLOADED AND LATER REMOVED BECAUSE OF OBJECTIONABLE CONTENT.''' There is nothing about guilt trips and I have no idea why people like you have to make things personal despite my repeated assurances that I was not. The entire point of me bringing up standards is because '''THERE ARE NO SUCH STANDARDS.''' What is considered obscene in Japan is not considered obscene in the US, and the opposite is often true as well. When you do things like this, you create a standard. And creating this particular standard jeopardizes other projects in the future because declaring what content is appropriate is a ''very'' slippery slope. There is nothing to argue about; this is simply how things work. That concerns me and I would rather say "this looks dangerous" instead of standing by and waiting for things to play out. I'm glad Ping cares enough to read and respond to my concerns, but it seems like he simply assumed I was complaining about how 16.5 is gone and nothing more. I don't want to assign "blame" or else I would be quite frank about it (as I am with you two.) I don't consider it his responsibility that the chapter was taken down, but BT's as a whole. Furthermore, Ping is free to do whatever he pleases; I doubt he considers "arguing" with me a priority when choosing between the browsing the internet, translating, and whatever other recreational stuff he does. So take your flame baits somewhere else. Or don't, I said I would drop this, and now I will. I voiced my concerns and what's done is done. If someone can't handle me having the last word, insult me or tell me how wrong I am... or let the issue die. Regardless, I wish the best to Ping and those involved with translating, as well as those who bothered to think about my concerns in a logical manner. --Anonymous<br />
<br />
Blablabla, immature question about intelligence of others, denial of topic at hand DESPITE this page and topic being what it is, then bringing up standards instead of in the... well, it's not that hard to make a new thread on forum, saying that there are no standards despite there being one, even if it is not recognized by you, stating the obvious "this is simply how things work", ignores the fact that there were loads of people on BT arguing against removal, even if they lost, stating once again that will drop despite seeing the same words in the previous one, I cann't stand you having the last word(I'm immature like that), your concerns are logical(so are the concerns of those who removed it. Did YOU think about that?) but your arguments are not. ~~ Just as Anon<br />
<br />
Umm... Could you stop using caps with bold? Personally I get what you're saying. I was against it's removal too, precisely because I didn't want to risk any more removals. But at the same time I understood their point of view as well. Therefore, if you want to read it then search out Tap-Trans (it's not like it's ''gone'' gone, just think it's re-located). That's all. Deal with it. It's not the end of the world. [[User:Zero2001|Zero2001]] - [[User_talk:Zero2001|Talk]] - 06:15, 19 September 2012 (CDT)<br />
<br />
== Similar to Prince Revolution? ==<br />
<br />
I've read two chapters of SAO and up to chapter 4 of PR's Vol3 and so far the settings are really similar, although they're different in terms of characters and amount of comedy and other things.<br />
<br />
It may be very similar, but you can't say that this setting is very unique in terms of anime and manga, I mean, look at .Hack. I think that this is the similarity is only a result of the similar settings.<br />
<br />
_______________________________________<br />
<br />
Prince Revolution is the name of the site/group that translates the novel "1/2 Prince" by Yu Wo. Not the novel itself. There may be some similiarities to 1/2 Prince, the .Hack//-series or Yureka, but that is because all of them are about virtual reality MMOs. If you look at them from another point of view, you might see the differences in the plot. SAO is about being trapped in the game, with virtual death killing your real body and the struggle to escape this. This is not the case in 1/2 Prince, where the big problem lies in<br />
<br />
-*************SPOILER ALERT START************ (Is it possible to put the following lines in a spoiler-tab? I have no idea how to do it)<br />
<br />
NPCs getting self-concious and revolting against human players in the game world. Yureka also have a few "virtual death = real death" parts, but the main story is about the main character finding the hacking program called Yureka who is somewhere in the game world. I haven't read .Hack//, so sadly, I can't say anything about that.<br />
<br />
-*************SPOILER ALERT END*************<br />
<br />
So, think of this before you imply that a novel is a copy of another one. Sure, it may have been an inspiration to SAO (Actually, that depends on which of them were written first), but unless the plot is the exact same thing, they are looked at as two different novels. An example of this is Lion King. It is inspired by Hamlet, but would you sue Disney for trying to copy Shakespeare?<br />
____________________________________<br />
<br />
==Rudolph the Red-nosed Reindeer (Aincrad 46th Floor, December 2023)==<br />
<br />
here, don't you mean 2024??? all the other dates were 2024<br />
<br />
<br />
Rudolph the Red-nosed Reindeer occurs before the first 3 short stories.<br />
It's also the most touching if you ask me T_T<br />
<br />
[[User:Mikazuki|Mikazuki]] 11:52, 22 March 2010 (UTC)<br />
<br />
Am I going bonkers or somehow I can't seem to find chapter 4 for volume 3...flipped through my book. hrmph...<br />
<br />
[[User:Datenshi|Datenshi]] 3:29, 12 April 2010 (UTC)<br />
<br />
I expect tears, given who this chapter involves... T-T<br />
<br />
Just a little trivia: December was dubbed <<The Month of Holly>> here, because the kanji character for holly (柊; commonly read as ''Hiiragi'') can also be read as "Noel", which also means Christmas. And since Christmas falls on December 25th, well you've got the point. Hope this help :)<br />
<br />
Well, all 12 months of Aincrad were given names after a kind of tree, so I'm sure it's an in-game thing. People don't actually call it the month of Holly irl --[[User:M.A.D|M.A.D]] - [[User_talk:M.A.D|Talk]] 11:24, 16 August 2012 (CDT)<br />
<br />
You should put such trivia in a ref tag. [[User:Zero2001|Zero2001]] - [[User_talk:Zero2001|Talk]] - 17:45, 16 August 2012 (CDT)<br />
<br />
== Korean RAWs? ==<br />
<br />
Anyone kind enough to send me Korean RAW scans of volume 2?<br />
I can't find the Korean official translated book anywhere(except on Korean sites, which I can't order from)<br />
Since I'm fluent in Korean, I could help a bit if anyone is doing the translations from the Korean RAWs.<br />
--[[Special:Contributions/68.100.64.165|68.100.64.165]] 01:52, 29 October 2010 (UTC)<br />
<br />
== Is there going to be a SAO-manga or did I just see something else? ==<br />
<br />
Hey, <br />
I just saw some kind of SAO-manga and wasn't quite sure what it actually was - a oneshot? some fan-made stuff? or is there really going to be a SAO-manga?<br />
<br />
It's about 33pages long and just looked like the beginning of the first volume, though it was a little different.<br />
And as I neither have seen anything about a SAO-manga existing up till now nor am able to read japanese, I just thought I'd ask here. <br />
<br />
Here's the link: http://comic.xxbh.net/colist_171754.html<br />
<br />
newer translated link http://www.mangafox.com/manga/sword_art_online<br />
---------------------------<br />
Isn't that the illustration from Volume 1 page 2-3? Try google translate--[[Special:Contributions/68.100.64.165|68.100.64.165]] 06:05, 29 November 2010 (UTC)<br />
---------------------------<br />
As I already pointed out it's 33pages long. I should have made that clear, sorry -> http://comic.xxbh.net/201010/171755.html (link to the chapter)<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
Yup, there is a SAO manga. I read a few chapter in chinese quite some time ago. <br />
- [[User:Destinyz|Destinyz]]<br />
<br />
Ah, ok thanks.<br />
<br />
Well, for those who intend to read it, a small advice : don't u_u. The novel story is way better, even though I thought it would be great in anime or manga x). - Allucyfer<br />
<br />
== LAUGHING COFFIN ARC ==<br />
<br />
Ok, I have been debating with myself (I'm going nuts) whether to add the LAUGHING COFFIN ARC in the table of contents- It seems that this arc, happened during Aincrad, a side story that should be included in the Volume 2. But because it's long (4 chapters) the publishers dropped it, but the events in this is mentioned in vol.1, tho, in a few words only. It'd be nice if we can read the entire story about this right? Kirito, Asuna and other Clearers vs the Laughing Coffin Guild, the biggest PKers in Aincrad. - Saorian<br />
<br />
I'd love to read the laughing coffin arc. From what I've heard, it might be important to some of the other books. But, would you add it as if it were another book - like instead of Sword Art Online: Volume ## --> Sword Art Online:Laughing Coffin Arc?--[[User:Darn2k|Darn2k]] 14:36, 15 April 2011 (UCT)<br />
<br />
How about like this: Volume SS - LAUGHING COFFIN ARC , and stick it between Volume 2 and 3? - Saorian<br />
<br />
I added it - since Side Stories 1,2,3,6 were made into vol2 Aincrad, Side Stories 4 included in Phantom Bullet vol 5 and Side Story 6 got it's own very own book, vol 7 - It's safe to say that SAO SS 5 - Laughing Coffing Guild arc, won't get published as it's Timeline was passed on already (between vol 2 and 3) The other SS respected the proper timeline...<br />
<br />
----<br />
Btw. if more timeline issues pop up you could create a timeline page, where the story is listed sorted in chronological order... --[[User:Darklor|Darklor]] 21:57, 16 May 2011 (UCT)<br />
----<br />
<br />
So is this chapter even published? Because from what I read here it seems it's out but nobody wants to add it cause we already went past it in chronological order.<br />
I fail to see how that's a reason though as the special with Kirito meeting Asuna was inserted after we went past those event.<br />
Can someone clarify?<br />
Thanks.--[[User:Mufarasu|Mufarasu]] 22:06, 11 March 2012 (CDT)<br />
<br />
It's in volume 8 first side story, with the name 'A Murder Case In the Area' --[[User:BeginnerXP|BeginnerXP]] 20:53, 12 March 2012 (CDT)<br />
<br />
Okay, thanks.--[[User:Mufarasu|Mufarasu]] 19:06, 14 March 2012 (CDT)<br />
<br />
== Simply Amazing ==<br />
<br />
This is simply amazing. Honestly I'm not much of a crybaby I watch and read sad animes and mangas all the time and just take them in as a story. So far I've only cried twice during watching all the animes and mangas I've seen in the past 5,6 years of my life, to Bitter Virgin (Manga) and to Kanon 2006 (anime... which truthfully I watch all eps in a single sitting crying from ep 7 onwards practically non stop.). So far this Story has made me cry numerous times. It is so well written and the characters are so real its strange.Only problem I have with it is that I don't like how volume 2 works. I only really like the AsunaxKirito/Kazuka storyline not all that extra stuff that doesn't continue on with the story. Sadly the way I see it after reading Volume 1 I can't see any room for a prequel. The story starts with entering SOA. And nothing that happens up until he kills the Ragout Rabbit matters. I spose how Asuna and Kirito initially met matters slightly but honestly, I find it much better knowning that they knew each other as acquaintances and thats all. Even the part about him having Asuna nap next to him really doesn't add all that much.<br />
<br />
Volume 3 while not as touching seems to bring up a lot of my memories of the first volume as well as adding in some slight new things... it doesn't really seem it (so far only on chapter 3) but it does so in a subtler way then Vol 1<br />
<br />
- Karnowo.B@gmail.com / Karno<br />
[Edit: Adding to what I have to say.]<br />
<br />
Well, read volume 2 as it comes out and stuff. It is full of Kirito's awesomeness. Also, one of the things I love most about this novel is how "The Black Swordsman" is codeword for "Oh Shi-!" [[User:Ax&#39;el|Ax&#39;el]] 21:09, 16 May 2011 (UCT)<br />
======Request======<br />
Greetings.(Sorry for creating yet another heading.)May I ask about using the image links in SAO English in SAO Indonesian when I start translating them?Thanks before.--[[User:User753|User753]]-[[User talk:User753|Talk]]- 11:57, 2 June 2012 (CDT)<br />
== The Tentative time line ==<br />
<br />
I think you should remove the tentative time line from the page or put it under spoilers, because it spoils for people who didn't read it, how the first volume ends.<br />
<br />
== Suspense: Volume 4 Chapter 9 ==<br />
<br />
Ahhh dear editors, don't build up sooo much suspense! I and I think many others are like dying to read the final chapter (though I think the highlight were chapter 7 and 8). But really thanks a lot for all of your work! I really appreciate it!<br />
== confused ==<br />
s00000 uhhhhh chapter 8 was actually the last chapter and chapter 9 was a joke? im confuse.<br />
<br />
No it is not, there is a chapter 9, and it will be out soon. If rnn doesn't post it by noon, I will.--[[User:Darn2k|Darn2k]] 08:48, 24 May 2011 (UCT)<br />
<br />
great, something to look forward for tonight XD - RandomPasserBy 08:51, 24 May 2011 (UCT)<br />
<br />
ohhhh thx I was confused before but now im excited! cant wait!!!! --[[User:Zer0light|Zer0light]] 08:57, 24 May 2011 (UCT)<br />
<br />
== Confused, but for a different reason ==<br />
<br />
First off, thanks so much for the excellent translating job everyone's doing! But, I'm a little confused as to why v7 is being translated before v5&6. Is v7 a type of stand-alone volume/how does it relate in time to the arch's of v5&6? Ok, now I think I'm rambling, but I hope you get what I'm asking. Thanks again and keep up the good work!<br />
<br />
They are being translated by different groups/people.--[[User:Darn2k|Darn2k]] 19:03, 26 May 2011 (UCT)<br />
<br />
Ah! Thanks for the answer. Don't know why that thought didn't occur to me.<br />
<br />
== Sword Art Online Extra Story #7 : The Cradle of the Moon ==<br />
===Entry 0 [September 12th, 2009 (Saturday)]=== <br />
<br />
====■To everyone reading [Sword Art Online] via the Dengeki Bunko publication:■====<br />
This [Sword Art Online Side Story 7] is written in relation to the web version of the SAO series, the 4th Arc: Alicization, but is designed to be read as an independent fantasy novel with names that happen to match. However, there may be some information about the Dengeki Bunko release accidentally obtained by reading this, so I would like readers to take these points in consideration when reading. <br />
====■Glossary■====<br />
*Underworld: Another (VR) World<br />
*Human World: Located in the Western section of Underworld, a country surrounded by the《Mountains at World's End》. Only Human World citizen live here. Capital is 《Centoria》.<br />
*Demon World (Lit="Pitch-Black World"): Area surrounding the Human World. The five races of Demon World citizens, orcs, goblins, ogres, and giants live here. The capital is 《Obsidia》. <br />
*Boundary Wall (Lit:Wall at the End): An infinitely high vertical cliff that surrounds all of Underworld. No race can reach the top of the wall. <br />
*Holy Church: Used to be the governing body that took control of all of Underworld. Later dissovled, it is now re-established as the 《United Congregation of the Human World》. <br />
*Central Cathedral: A tower that was the former Holy Church's headquarters, consisting of 100 floors. Currently the United Congregation of the Human World's base. <br />
*Knights of Virtue (Lit=Alignmen Knights):The strongest knights of the Holy Church.<br />
*Sacred Arts (Dark Arts): The magic used by knights and sorcerers. Uses the eight attributes of Flame, Ice, Wind, Earth, Steel, Crystal, Light and Darkness as it's base. <br />
*Heaven's Blessing: A kind of durability assigned to all things in Underworld. Beings that reach a value of zero will die, inanimate beings will deteriorate.<br />
<br />
====■Characters■==== <br />
*Ronier Arabel:A girl in an apprenticeship to become a Knight of Virtue. Her knight is 《Tsukika》. <br />
*Tiez Stolinen:A girl in an apprenticeship to become a Knight of Virtue. Her knight is 《Shimosaki》 <br />
*Kirito: Swordsman. Representatve of the United Congregation of the Human World.<br />
*Asuna: Swordswoman. Kirito's partner. <br />
*Fatiano Synthesis Two: Leader of the Knights of Virtue. <br />
*Sheta Synthesis Twelve: Knight of Virtue. Ambassador of the human world. <br />
*Lenri Synthesis Fourty-Nine: Knight of Virtue. <br />
*Mudai Syldrei: Blacksmith. Senior advisor of the cathedral's arsenal. <br />
*Ishkhan: Gladiator. Representative of the Dark World's Five Tribe Congress.<br />
<br />
----<br />
<br />
<br />
Is someone translating this? --[[User:Darklor|Darklor]] 15:43, 14 June 2011 (UCT)<br />
<br />
I don't think so, or at least if it is, no-one has updated to show a larger portion of the story. which is a pity really because there aren't enough translators, though if decent enough translations are made part by part, and the abundant editors will probably be able to sort out grammar and consistency [[Special:Contributions/92.41.251.249|92.41.251.249]] 16:39, 7 November 2012 (CST)<br />
<br />
I believe it is being translated, but might not be posted here yet because of the Alitization spoilers [[User:Bilagaana|Bilagaana]] ([[User talk:Bilagaana|talk]]) 16:56, 7 November 2012 (CST)<br />
<br />
== Appreciate the work ==<br />
<br />
Hey, I recently started reading sword art online, and I sincerely appreciate the work that's been done thus far. I'd love to contribute, but an upcoming major exam's hogging my time. Sword Art's been great read, and it really helps in stress relief. Once again, thanks all.<br />
this page has now gotten over 1,000,000 views!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!<br />
<br />
== Great story, great translation! ==<br />
<br />
I just finished volume 4 and I wanted to stop by and say how awesome you guys are for translating this.<br />
This series is a great piece of science fiction and I'm glad you guys are bringing it to another audience.<br />
I've heard how troublesome and time consuming translating can be, especially Japanese, but you're all doing an awesome job!<br />
<br />
Keep up the good work! :)<br />
<br />
== I think this is an issue ==<br />
<br />
Chapter four of Mother's Rosario has the link that leads to chapter five, but chapter five isn't shown as being done or having any link on the main project page.<br />
<br />
<br />
Probably means that the translator doesn't want his incomplete work to be shown to the masses yet I guess.--[[User:WingsofSnow|WingsofSnow]] 09:44, 16 September 2011 (CDT)<br />
<br />
== http://myanimelist.net/forum/?topicid=333893 ==<br />
<br />
WHOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO~ 21:55, 1 October 2011 (CDT)<br />
<br />
<br />
haha yeah an anime adaptation (w/ Accel world)<br />
Hope it will be good like .hack<br />
<br />
<br />
I heard a game is coming underway too, is that true?<br />
<br />
How many episodes do you suppose there will be in the anime? Hope they're more than 12. Also is there only one season planned or will that depend on the ratings? GAME?!?!? mmo based on ALO or visual novel?<br />
<br />
== Replacement of nav table with nav template ==<br />
<br />
I would hence like to propose that we replace the current (and if I may say, extremely limited capability carrying) nav table system:<br />
<br />
ie:<br />
{| border="1" cellpadding="5" cellspacing="0" style="margin: 1em 1em 1em 0; background: #f9f9f9; border: 1px #aaaaaa solid; padding: 0.2em; border-collapse: collapse;"<br />
|-<br />
| Back to [[Sword Art Online:Volume 2 Chapter 3|Chapter 3]]<br />
| Return to [[Sword Art Online|Main Page]]<br />
| Forward to [[Sword Art Online:Volume 2 Chapter 4 Part 2|Part 2]]<br />
|-<br />
|}<br />
<br />
with the new [[Template:SAO Nav|SAO Nav Template]].<br />
<br />
ie: {{SAO Nav|prev=Sword Art Online:Volume 2 Chapter 3|next=Sword Art Online:Volume 2 Chapter 4 Part 2}}<br />
<br />
which is becoming popular and has more capabilities/advantages.<br />
<br />
Advantages of the new system:<br />
#We can decrease the overall page storage size. (No need to write long code, just the call code will be enough, take a look of this section in edit mode to get the picture.)<br />
#Have a call code that is easier to:<br />
##memorize<br />
##recall<br />
##and write. (Again, see in edit mode if you still don't understand)<br />
#Have page jumping ability to any page in the series regardless of where we currently are, thus speeding up page navigation in case of checking previous or future facts for comparison.<br />
#Can make changes to template page itself and have the navs on the pages immediately mirror the changes. (Reduction of data redundancy and error, ie: you wont have to go through all the pages and change every single one just editing the template page will be enough).<br />
#Template's next and prev links are generic so they can be used for both volume and chapter pages without problems, ie: uniform system.<br />
#Collapsibility ensures that size is compact and acceptable, for jumping one just needs to expand it by clicking the [show] link.<br />
#Page center aligned. (Not really important, it looks better than right aligning it, still... minor point)<br />
<br />
This template was previously fully implemented but then removed due to some issues. All those in favor or against please respond. If you wish any improvements to the template then please suggest them on the [[Template Talk:SAO Nav]] page. I will address them as best as I can. [[User:Zero2001|Zero2001]] - [[User_talk:Zero2001|Talk]] - 14:25, 11 December 2011 (CST)<br />
<br />
Hey hey. If there is no one against it then it is fine to implement it, right? I mean the advantages listed above show that it is more beneficial to implement. And no one having any points against it kinda also suggests the same. [[User:Zero2001|Zero2001]] - [[User_talk:Zero2001|Talk]] - 07:34, 28 December 2011 (CST)<br />
<br />
I'm against it and I already implemented a nav bar with most of the advantages you mentioned. I put it in volume 1 and will do the other volume soon.<br />
[[User:Vaelis|Vaelis]] 08:47, 28 December 2011 (CST)<br />
<br />
Hmm so you are using this:<br />
{{Nav|Sword Art Online:Volume 1 Chapter 1|{{SAO List v1a}}|Sword Art Online}}<br />
<br />
Page jumping is still not implemented. That is the main functionality of my proposed template. And you say that you are against it? May I ask why? Please explain in detail. I say that there is a great advantage in implementing it because it will allow both users and translators to jump between pages.<br />
*Translators will be able to navigate between their different chapters more easily and create new chapters with just a click. ''(Plus since the chapter page names will be decided beforehand there won't be a chance of page name inconsistency that often happens.)''<br />
*Furthermore, users will be able to navigate more easily as well ''(in the case of dead ends as well as to check a previous chapter for a related fact, or to skip a volume while re-reading, people do that you know)''. <br />
<br />
If I recall previously you mentioned that you didn't like how the template ''looks'' like, is that correct? I must tell you that Infinite Stratos, Itsuka Tenma, Toaru, BakaTest, Chrome Shelled Regios, Dantalian no Shoka have all implemented and started making use of similar templates. I'm only trying to do what is best for this project. Please support me. I assure you that you won't regret it. [[User:Zero2001|Zero2001]] - [[User_talk:Zero2001|Talk]] - 17:26, 28 December 2011 (CST)<br />
<br />
On the opposite side the template Vaelis has implemented is rather interesting. Hmm it has properly addressed the problem of repetition, excessive space wastage, as well as the non-user-friendly coding. Particularly that is automatically generating the links. Very interesting. I'll examine it thoroughly. Maybe I can implement that in my templates somehow. [[User:Zero2001|Zero2001]] - [[User_talk:Zero2001|Talk]] - 17:28, 28 December 2011 (CST)<br />
<br />
Hey hey. We need more participants in this discussion. Please tell us which template you think has more functionalities. User feedback is essential. [[User:Zero2001|Zero2001]] - [[User_talk:Zero2001|Talk]] - 17:37, 28 December 2011 (CST)<br />
<br />
I don't know about other people, but all I need is the link back to Main. The Back and Next is nice extra. For reading, I mainly use my other comp that is not logged on, so I can read cached stuff which is faster. If people don't already know, if you sign in with a name while reading, you get served fresh pages every time, anon people get faster cached pages. [[User:Xplorer30|Xplorer30]] - [[User_talk:Xplorer30|Talk]] 20:24, 28 December 2011 (CST)<br />
<br />
- Personally, I don't really care as long as "forward" "main page" are included, since I simply tap backspace to get back, though I must say it'd look ugly without the "back button". Also, jumping through halyard from a volume to another volume is, I must say, unuseful in my case. However, I find the nav bar pretty good-looking, which is the reason why I wasn't fully opposed back then, even if I was sceptical about it. Personally, if the bar could simply keep the back/forward buttons, the main page buttons, it'd be fine, though I would like the chapter names indicated on th next/previous button. Also, I feel more concerned about these huge references tag that take too much space in the text than the nav bar... [[User:Kira0802|Kira]] ([[User_talk:Kira0802|Talk]]) 21:09, 28 December 2011 (CST)<br />
<br />
I agree with Kira. Note this isn't about SAO directly but rather about this type of navbar as a whole. If I really want to jump chapters/volumes, I really won't care about 2 clicks instead of 1 (Main -> the chapter I want). Actually, I don't even use the Main button much, just the Forward one. I can't recall ever using the Back button. <br />
<br />
For me I'm fine whether or not the chapter name is included, because when just reading I don't care what the name of the next chapter is, I can just click Forward to get to it, and when I'm editing stuff I use the Main Page as a portal (it'd be open in a tab by itself) and the chapter names are available there.<br />
<br />
In fact, I've even created a group of navs that have most of the advantages you state and maintains the simplicity of the Nav template, but is in my opinion better than the generic Nav template, in that it is specialized for each novel, so if it needs to be changed for some specific novel it can be done without affecting any of the other novels. They can be found [[:Category:Simple_Navbars|here]]. It would be nice if there is some kind of standard that could be decided, for the moment anyways. By the way, I'm starting to think this doesn't fit in the SAO talk anymore and maybe should have a forum topic.. --[[User:Jonathanasdf|jonathanasdf]] 21:43, 28 December 2011 (CST)<br />
<br />
Hmm, interesting points, I'll try and explain my reasoning below:<br />
<br />
*You guys might say that you don't care but you must admit that it is much easier to navigate if it is a one step method (chapter A -> chapter B) rather than a two step method (Chapter A -> Main Page -> Chapter B). While you may say you might not care, page jumping can help speed up navigation for those who reach dead ends or are translating multiple chapters at the same time. Plus the Next, Previous and Main Page Links are already present in the SAO Nav. Additionally I don't think forum is needed. This is about SAO strictly.<br />
*About chapter names included in the next previous: my stance is that it makes the whole thing look bulky. And you can simply expand SAO Nav not only to see your own position (black text) but also the positions of all the chapters (translated and untranslated) this helps motivate people to translate more chapters in less time because of the clash between the visual red and blue links.<br />
*Those who strictly want to use the next/previous/main buttons need not expand the template at all just use the Next, Prev and Main Page Name Links. It's a system that caters to both types. And just doesn't restrict itself to one type. Plus the SAO Nav is for the SAO Novels alone so making changes in it will only affect SAO and no other novels.<br />
*I am not a fan of the words forward and back since they give off a vibe in terms of page navigation history rather than novel navigation (by page history navigation I mean those two back and forward buttons in the Navigation Toolbar of your Internet Browser).<br />
*Simple Navs only cater to those who read through linearly and only once. Not everyone does. SAO Nav caters to both parties and it's already ready to roll, so why is it wrong? [[User:Zero2001|Zero2001]] - [[User_talk:Zero2001|Talk]] - 23:37, 28 December 2011 (CST)<br />
<br />
this helps motivate people to translate more chapters in less time because of the clash between the visual red and blue links.<br />
<br />
hahaha if only that was true :P<br />
<br />
It's not "wrong" imo, it just seems a bit ... overkill. I'm neither for nor against, in that my stance is "I don't really care either way as long as there is some way to get to the next chapter", but I would like it to be standardized. Also, even if this is SAO only I still think it belongs in the forums because it's hard to quote stuff in wiki. --[[User:Jonathanasdf|jonathanasdf]] 00:54, 29 December 2011 (CST)<br />
<br />
It's actually true. It's a subconscious trick I learned from my experience with mediawiki. People can't stand redlinks. They desire to remove them or turn them blue. If they can't remove them then they can '''only''' turn them blue by making articles. This is one of the things I have learned. Please have faith in me. I believe this trick has actually helped speed up the translation rates on many of the projects where similar templates have been implemented. I don't know about you guys, but I am sick and tired of waiting. If only I could read kanji/hiragana/katagana, I could help translate. But since I can't I must use such methods. If I didn't I'd just be a simple leacher (At least this way I can contribute indirectly). Furthermore, I assure you that my template will sate '''both''' those who want linear navigation '''and''' those who need to jump between chapters quickly. Isn't that better than just favoring one party? [[User:Zero2001|Zero2001]] - [[User_talk:Zero2001|Talk]] - 10:20, 29 December 2011 (CST)<br />
<br />
I hereby declare. Implementing SAO Nav '''will''' improve not only the navigation but also the rate of translation. It is a time-tested surefire method. Please support me. [[User:Zero2001|Zero2001]] - [[User_talk:Zero2001|Talk]] - 10:34, 29 December 2011 (CST)<br />
<br />
There's no need for that. Ping's doing a good job enough so we don't need to subconsiously press him. IMO, anavbar should just go forward and to the main page. No, wait, you just need to click 'SAO' on the sidebar to get back to the main page. Also, Zero, I'll ask you this: When do you surf through a certain chapter of a volume to another chapter 2-3 volumes after? There's no need for that, and in my old computer, the bar colapses too slowly. Not that I do really mind, since it's at the bottom, but still, it loads unnecessary content. [[User:Kira0802|Kira]] ([[User_talk:Kira0802|Talk]]) 11:15, 29 December 2011 (CST)<br />
<br />
I prefer the old one for its simplicity. Just go for previous/next chapter, and navigate 2 other chapters frm main page. short n simple. --[[User:Chancs|Chancs]] 11:29, 29 December 2011 (CST)<br />
<br />
Time-tested surefire method? Where's the evidence? As for why I personally don't think the chapter jumping is useful, it is because I actually rely on chapter titles to look for where I want to jump to, and this navbar doesn't have (and can't really have) chapter titles. So, to me there is no advantage of this navbar over the old one, so I am not supporting it.<br />
<br />
At the same time, to me there is no disadvantage that this navbar brings since my internet and computer are fast enough to load both at around the same speed, so I am not against it either... --[[User:Jonathanasdf|jonathanasdf]] 13:13, 29 December 2011 (CST)<br />
<br />
I completely agree with 'chapters title' issue --[[User:Chancs|Chancs]] 13:27, 29 December 2011 (CST)<br />
<br />
Simple design is fine, but the aforementioned lack of chapter title is a huge turn-off for me as well --[[User:TheQwertiest|TheQwertiest]] 14:15, 29 December 2011 (CST)<br />
<br />
It is time tested. Shortly after it's implementation Infinite Stratos picked up it's pace of translation as did Itsuka Tenma and Baka Test, I will concede that for some reason it didn't work on Hidan no Aria, but it still has a high success rate. Toaru and Chrome Shelled don't count because they are near completion. About the chapters title issue. I can easily implement further variable tags that can take chapter names from writers and thus display them like the nav table of old. Even though I won't like that but if you guys say that you prefer it that way I can do it. Or I can Implement a system like the one in the [[Template:Nav]]. To have both links and have chapter names be generated automatically. [[User:Zero2001|Zero2001]] - [[User_talk:Zero2001|Talk]] - 16:20, 29 December 2011 (CST)<br />
<br />
I surf/go back to check up on a previous fact. For example in chapter 9 of volume 4 the people from Volume 2 make an appearance. I can go back to refresh my memory of them. And sorry I don't just read a story once. I find that I understand new things each time I read them (like foreshadowings, predictions, etc). Each time I read through I find new and more interesting tidbits. And I am not alone in this. Each and every person goes through stories more than once, either due to the aforementioned reasons or just because they want to read through it again. And it is not definite that they will read through all the volumes linearly. Some might want to skip certain volumes. And I for one find going back to the main page tiresome. It's unnecessary. [[User:Zero2001|Zero2001]] - [[User_talk:Zero2001|Talk]] - 16:33, 29 December 2011 (CST)<br />
<br />
Though <br />
<br />
1. Infinte Stratos was pretty much because Ping joined in. The content is rather easy. So is Baka-Test. I don't know about Itsuten though. However, the implentation of nav bar coincided with the summer vacations, if I remember well, so it's another factor.<br />
<br />
2. OK, fine, some do use the 'skip a few chapters' function. However, from what I see from the comments, no one else needs it really.<br />
[[User:Kira0802|Kira]] ([[User_talk:Kira0802|Talk]]) 16:59, 29 December 2011 (CST)<br />
<br />
Yeah, I'm not sure that counts as proof, since the cause-effect could really go either way. Rather, I have a feeling it is because the translation speed picked up that there was more attention which led to the navbar being implemented. After all, I only see this navbar in the most popular novels...<br />
<br />
And I was talking about the chapter names in the expanded navbar. I don't really care about chapter names in the next/prev because the only time I need chapter names is when I'm looking back for stuff. I don't think this navbar can easily have chapter name support in the expanded mode because some of them are really long. <br />
<br />
I'll try to stop writing anything more here since my stance is neutral anyways... --[[User:Jonathanasdf|jonathanasdf]] 17:45, 29 December 2011 (CST)<br />
<br />
*''About being not needed:'' Dude, that's how all new things start out. People think they don't need them but give a while of use and it becomes indispensable. A few centuries ago people didn't need electricity or natural gas as much as they do now. But now, they start rioting if it's cut off for too long.<br />
*''About Translation Speed:'' Ping was present before the template was added as well but only two volumes were translated. However after the Infinite Stratos Nav was implemented I believe a fire was sparked in Ping. I believe the redlinks were the motivation or rather the inspiration he needed. Of course I don't think this method affects everyone. But I'm sure it does affect some. and their example will move others, kind of like those cartoons where a little rock knocks down a bigger one which in turn knocks over an even bigger one, thus triggering an avalanche. We need to motivate people, even if the most mundane or subliminal methods are present I believe we should grasp and use them. [[User:Zero2001|Zero2001]] - [[User_talk:Zero2001|Talk]] - 17:49, 29 December 2011 (CST)<br />
<br />
Even if it is circumstantial evidence at best I have faith in this method. About chapter names: True it would be difficult to implement full chapter names. But it is possible in some cases. However we are not talking abpout nav templates as a whole. Only for SAO. Please bear that in mind. And SAO does not have many named chapters. So that isn't an issue here. [[User:Zero2001|Zero2001]] - [[User_talk:Zero2001|Talk]] - 17:55, 29 December 2011 (CST)<br />
<br />
...Zero, why would Ping scroll the nav bar anyways to see the red links? In my case, I post the translation, then I say 'Goodbye' and leave. Also, he posts his translation progression in the forums, in a portfolio. <br />
<br />
For the chapter names, I'd like to say that I want to know where I'm heading when I press 'forward'. Especially when there's 24 chapters in a volume that you don't care to remember which chapter you are on. [[User:Kira0802|Kira]] ([[User_talk:Kira0802|Talk]]) 21:38, 29 December 2011 (CST)<br />
<br />
Seeing red once would be enough, it stays in your head. Plus it is a fact that the pace picked up after implementation. And like I said I can add the next/prev page name display functionality if you guys really want it. But that's something to be requested on the [[Template Talk:SAO Nav]] page. It's actually quite simple to implement that. [[User:Zero2001|Zero2001]] - [[User_talk:Zero2001|Talk]] - 00:45, 30 December 2011 (CST)<br />
------------<br />
<br />
OK, here are the facts, ingnoring the IS argument since it was mostly because Ping started translating like a madafter he finished Index. They obviously show the opposite of what you are saying. Here's my statement: '''The translation pace does not get faster if there is a nav bar of added, with all the red links and else. It might even slow the pace.'''<br />
<br />
*Itsuten: Volume 1 got completed 7 days earlier than Volume 3. Volume 1 was done before the nav bar was added, and volume 3, after. Can't say if it worked or not, but it's more penching towards the 'no' side.<br />
<br />
*Hidan no Aria: The comparison before/after is obvious. It didn't work.<br />
<br />
*Dantalian: What is the number of chapters completed since the nav bar was added? 0. It probably didn't work.<br />
<br />
*Chrome Shelled Regios: 41k done in around four months. Around 178k before for the same length of time. Didn't work.<br />
<br />
*Toaru Majutsu no Index, NT and SS: I can't find the updates page, but it probably changed nothing. However, Ping retired shortly after, so the place probably got slower. Following that reasoning, I say that it has less translation after. Though let's put this in the gray zone if you really want to insist.<br />
<br />
*Baka To test: Volume7 has been done in 78 days. Volume 3.5 in 76. Hwever, since the nav bar was added during the translation of 7, soI can't use that. As for Volume 7.5, I didn't calculate it as different chapters were done in different orders, and that I use the beginning of the first chapter and the creation of the full text as references.<br />
<br />
*Sword Art Online: During the time the bar was used, there were no completed chapters. Did not work.<br />
<br />
So, you argument does not stand, Zero. [[User:Kira0802|Kira]] ([[User_talk:Kira0802|Talk]]) 15:45, 30 December 2011 (CST)<br />
<br />
:Finally, someone who does his homework. I see, but I still hold that it does motivate others at a subconscious level (so much so that people don't realize it, normal rate is that it takes half a year to translate a single volume). It does not change the fact that SAO Nav will make navigation easier. Does it? Easier navigation leads to more popularity in websites which in turn will lead to faster development here. '''[http://www.mardiros.net/good-navigation.html That is a fact]''' (See ''Less clicks the better''). Jeez it's even drilled into every Computer Science student while discussing website development. Just look at the sidebar on the left. Why do you think they listed and linked the project names there when they could have made a separate page with the list? Answer: for faster navigation. Just because you won't use it, it's not right to ignore those who do. If you think there are people who would use it, shouldn't you accommodate them? Or will you ignore them just because they don't think like you. That's why I integrated next prev in all the nav templates, so that ''both sides would be happy''. [[User:Zero2001|Zero2001]] - [[User_talk:Zero2001|Talk]] - 16:32, 30 December 2011 (CST)<br />
<br />
:You also mentioned (many posts ago) that the SAO Nav would collapse slowly. That's a personal problem. Since coding is used for the collapsing function, it stands that it's the fault of your computer alone. Nowadays everyone has at least a Core 2 Duo level processor. Those who don't are way behind the times. If you also have a Core 2 Duo or higher level processor then you must have CPU % intensive processes running on your computer in the background (try terminating them if there are, just be sure to check if they aren't a critical process on the net). But even if you don't and there is some other reason for the slowness that is no concrete reason to shelve faster navigation. The bar is at the bottom. By the time you would reach the bottom of the page (while reading) it would already have been collapsed. Like I said before it might not seem necessary now but give it a few weeks and it'll become indispensable. That's how it always goes with every new thing. [[User:Zero2001|Zero2001]] - [[User_talk:Zero2001|Talk]] - 16:32, 30 December 2011 (CST)<br />
<br />
:Toaru and Chrome Shelled Regios were already near completion before the navbar was implemented. The navbar does not seem to work for nearly completed projects for some reason. I acknowledge that weak point. I also acknowledged that the navbar doesn't affect everyone but those it does effect would in turn affect others. As for SAO I don't think enough time was given before it was taken down. Thus that cannot be included. Hidan no Aria: well I won't say anything on those guys. They'd probably take offense. But at least they didn't reject the template so they must have either found it useful or didn't care. Come to think about it if you don't care either way then there isn't any problem is there? [[User:Zero2001|Zero2001]] - [[User_talk:Zero2001|Talk]] - 16:32, 30 December 2011 (CST)<br />
<br />
I was wondering why Zero2001 is arguing so hard, now I know. From the look of Teh Ping's SAO talk page, you are a big fan, haha. [[User:Xplorer30|Xplorer30]] - [[User_talk:Xplorer30|Talk]] 20:05, 31 December 2011 (CST)<br />
<br />
:Yes. Yes. Yes. I am a <big>'''BIG'''</big> fan. But I can't translate (although I can be an editor/proofreader, but I don't think it's enough). So I did what I could and made a nav template with advanced features. I wanted to help in any way I could. And what happened? A few days later all the changes I made were removed just because it looked slightly different from before. Look, with progress comes change. You can't help it. If you can't adapt then we'll just stay stuck in the same place forever. If you google it you'll find thousands of articles by famous website developers saying one thing. The lesser the number of page loadings required to get to a goal the better, aka "less clicks the better". Why do you think the sidebar with links to all projects exist? Why do you think that the chapters are transcluded into one volume page after said volume is completed? Answer: people want to reach their goal quickly and with less page loading. Please, I humbly request that I be allowed to apply SAO Nav. It will speed up page navigation for sure, thus it is '''''beneficial''''' '''(not detrimental)''' to the SAO Project. I only want to help with what I can. Please let me. [[User:Zero2001|Zero2001]] - [[User_talk:Zero2001|Talk]] - 20:44, 31 December 2011 (CST)<br />
<br />
Think I have an idea about the resistance, your version is nice but it's a lot of work to update. I think they want a standardized version that's easy to use, even for people with not a lot of wiki knowledge. Or do you promise to make them forever? [[User:Xplorer30|Xplorer30]] - [[User_talk:Xplorer30|Talk]] 23:04, 31 December 2011 (CST)<br />
<br />
:I can promise to make and update them for a long time. And I promise that before I leave I will train a successor that can do it as good as or even better than me. I can't say forever since life doesn't have any guarantees. Plus actually the templates are understandable by anyone who just sits down and looks at the code properly. That's how I learned, at least (ie: By looking at others work and understanding how it is done). Furthermore I think there are candidates for my successor here already. Vaelis who designed [[Template:Nav]] for instance, there's also larethian. And what do you mean it is a lot of work to update? For a new volume, all you have to do is copy the code for the previous row, make the necessary changes (ie: change the volume number and chapter links) and viola! It isn't tough at all. The people at other projects have already learned how to update them. Just a few days ago [[Template:Hidan no Aria Nav]] was updated with a full volume and not by me. I'm always ready to help and teach, you just need to ask. Don't be shy, come on by. [[User:Zero2001|Zero2001]] - [[User_talk:Zero2001|Talk]] - 23:17, 31 December 2011 (CST)<br />
<br />
I took a look at your code and made my own, it needs some fixes but should work, here [[Template:AW Nav|Accel World Nav Template]]. [[User:Xplorer30|Xplorer30]] - [[User_talk:Xplorer30|Talk]] 04:53, 3 January 2012 (CST)<br />
<br />
:Accel World got promoted from Teaser to Full Project? Whohoo! If you want I can design one of my templates for you. It'll only take less than 2 hrs. Feel free to ask. [[User:Zero2001|Zero2001]] - [[User_talk:Zero2001|Talk]] - 05:38, 3 January 2012 (CST)<br />
<br />
But lets get back to the subject at hand. The SAO Nav is ready to roll for months now. Shall we? [[User:Zero2001|Zero2001]] - [[User_talk:Zero2001|Talk]] - 05:40, 3 January 2012 (CST)<br />
<br />
It's not like something bad will happen if it is applied. [[User:Zero2001|Zero2001]] - [[User_talk:Zero2001|Talk]] - 05:51, 3 January 2012 (CST)<br />
<br />
I just updated Wikipedia's SAO page and it was really problematic that I had to go to go through the chapters the way it is now, in order to gather the facts. chapter a -> main page -> chapter b -> main page -> chapter c -> main page -> ... I'm telling you SAO Nav would have been faster. [[User:Zero2001|Zero2001]] - [[User_talk:Zero2001|Talk]] - 06:03, 3 January 2012 (CST)<br />
<br />
Look, the system isn't detrimental to the project, in fact it's ''beneficial''. And its already ready for implementation. So I would like to humbly request that I be allowed to implement it. Since there are no real minus points. There won't be any loss, so why not? [[User:Zero2001|Zero2001]] - [[User_talk:Zero2001|Talk]] - 22:15, 19 January 2012 (CST)<br />
<br />
Have you ever heard of the term "silent assent"? [[User:Zero2001|Zero2001]] - [[User_talk:Zero2001|Talk]] - 08:42, 27 January 2012 (CST)<br />
<br />
I made a few adjustments thus reducing the height of the expanded template. Though the width seems to have increased as a result but that's acceptable since this will be on a separate line anyways (plus a small width template occupying a full line seems weird, at least to me). I'd like some feedback at least. [[User:Zero2001|Zero2001]] - [[User_talk:Zero2001|Talk]] - 14:21, 21 April 2012 (CDT)<br />
<br />
Hey, Vaelis. Could you do me a favor and take a look at it once more. I made a few adjustments and added the recent links. It's up-to-date now and I'd appreciate it if you would consider it once more. [[User:Zero2001|Zero2001]] - [[User_talk:Zero2001|Talk]] - 15:09, 27 July 2012 (CDT)<br />
<br />
== No chapter 17 in Volume 6 ==<br />
<br />
I had bought Volume 6 recently and I would like to inform everyone that there is no Chapter 17 in Volume 6. Chapter 16 instead is the last chapter of this volume. Thank you.<br />
<br />
[[User:Tomtkp|Tomtkp]] <br />
<br />
That's how it was until someone changed it... I've put it back correctly and removed chapter 17.<br />
<br />
[[User:Vaelis|Vaelis]] 02:27, 20 December 2011 (CST)<br />
<br />
Ah, that was me, my bad.--[[User:Teh Ping|Teh Ping]] 02:47, 20 December 2011 (CST)<br />
<br />
<br />
== About Volume 6 Chapter 13 ==<br />
<br />
Excerpted from a dialogue from Vol. 6 Chapter 13:<br />
<br />
Kikuoka: "...That was really shocking. I thought that this little thing was the ALO support system «Navagiation Pixie»... but to gather so much information and make conclusions at such a short time. Little girl...are you interested in '''pu'''...no, do you want to work for the «Virtual Division»?" <br />
<br />
I think it should be "la" or "ra" instead of "pu". The "ra" part is actually a foreshadowing to the next main arc, Alicization.<br />
<br />
I didn't really understand what he meant to say so I left it as the translator had it. I think the "pu" might be part of "public"? What do you think the "ra" means? Anyway this should be in ch 13 Discussion. [[User:Xplorer30|Xplorer30]] - [[User_talk:Xplorer30|Talk]] 18:06, 29 December 2011 (CST)<br />
<br />
Ok, I will follow your advice and post it under Ch. 13 discussion.<br />
<br />
== Sword Art Online Vietnamese Translation ==<br />
<br />
Hello, I'm Gingi from vnsharing. Would you mind if I translate Sword Art Online into Vietnamese based on your translation? Thank you for such a great novel and look forward to your reply.<br />
<br />
wow...great, I don't think that there will be any problem but still wait for the reply from the project administrator/supervisor/translator(s). Better if you post this in the SAO BT forum for speedy reply. --[[User:Chancs|Chancs]] 04:41, 30 December 2011 (CST)<br />
<br />
== volume 8 chapter 2 name ==<br />
<br />
shouldn't it be called "Calibur" instead of "Caliber"?<br />
<br />
just asking. &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; ..::[[User:Gradient|Gradient]]::.. 09:29, 4 January 2012 (CST)<br />
<br />
That probably makes more sense, but "Caliber" seems to be an intentional English spelling. It is probably meant to be a pun. [[User:Thinklife|ThinkLife]] 10:53, 4 January 2012 (CST)<br />
<br />
I originally had it as Calibur for the sword name we are familiar with, but I happen to glance at the last chapter while counting parts, and sigh. The author went and explained the name of the sword when Sinon asked about it. That's how it ended up as Caliber. [[User:Xplorer30|Xplorer30]] - [[User_talk:Xplorer30|Talk]] 18:40, 4 January 2012 (CST)<br />
<br />
kind of like how Excalibur is spelled with a ur instead of er.--[[User:Zer0light|Zer0light]] 00:42, 5 January 2012 (CST)<br />
<br />
== Asuna's Avatar - a mystery ==<br />
<br />
Correct me if I'm wrong, but didn't it say that Asuna did NOT buy the NervGear she uses when playing SAO? If so, why is her avatar a perfect image of herself? Didn't the sellers only scan the people who actually BOUGHT the NervGear? Since Asuna just used the NervGear which wasn't hers... wouldn't that make her avatar look like someone else? @___@<br />
<br />
Nah, you remember how Cline said when you start up you have to calibrate it to yourself? So when she put it on, she had to go through the calibration, thus it looks like her. [[User:Syaoran|Syaoran]] 01:14, 17 January 2012 (CST)<br />
<br />
I doubt that NervGear has the scanning functionality. As a specialized gear, it wouldn't need scanning functionality for normal game play. Another manga with a similar virtual reality background [http://www.batoto.net/comic/_/comics/yureka-r101 Yureka] has a similar avatar system and has a separate body scanning step as well. -[[User:Milki|milki]]<br />
<br />
Well, my evidence was these lines:<br />
"There are high density signal sensors in the NERvGear covering our whole head. So it can tell not only how our brains look, but our faces too..." <br />
And<br />
Calibration was where the NERvGear measured «how much you had to move your hand to reach your body». This was done to reproduce the sense of feel accurately within the game. So to say, it was almost as if the NERvGear had data about our exact figures saved inside itself. [[User:Syaoran|Syaoran]] 02:04, 17 January 2012 (CST)<br />
<br />
I suspect that, while the NERvGear would be able to scan the face to reproduce facial expressions to an extent, it does not do the same for the rest of the body. Calibration could probably be done by just measuring nerve signals - move your hand up towards you until you touch your body, and it would just recognize your hand/arm movement until you touch your body. -[[User:Milki|milki]]<br />
<br />
Actually, currently there is a machine that can calculate your body muscle and fat composition by running electricity though your body and it is just as big as a regular scale. Moreover it is easy to obtain your height and leg length through the calibration process. By applying this data, it is pretty easy to build a body that is similar to your current body.<br />
<br />
Another theories is to use ultrasonic (or supersonic) sound wave to obtain your body image. NERvGear can emit microwave strong enough to melt your brain so it is not entirely impossible.<br />
<br />
My concern is how the did it obtain the character hair style since the NERvGear is like a bike helmet ^^!<br />
<br />
This is only my speculation, anybody whom actually an expert in this field please feel free to correct--[[User:Hayate-sama|Hayate-sama]] 13:11, 17 January 2012 (CST)<br />
<br />
The NERvGear is an mini MRI/NMR (for scanning, and pulsed magnetic stimulation for feedback) so it can scan the head and face. No idea how it gets eye and hair color though. It might be able to find out the lenght of the hair and how curly/strait it is by the hight percition scanning. To even work the NERvGear needs submilimeter acuracy so scanning the hair will be easy. (Anon)<br />
<br />
For the hair style: I think hair style is something the players can change by themselves, like how one can pick up movable objects, I think combing would be allowed at least. The only difference is hair color which, from what I know from Aria in the Starless Night (SAO SS), is customizable via a monster drop item. [[User:Zero2001|Zero2001]] - [[User_talk:Zero2001|Talk]] - 22:57, 17 January 2012 (CST)<br />
<br />
For the body, currently it is possible to take multiple photographs from different angles and compile them to make holograms, thus it should be possible to do the same here (especially since the tech is way advanced here). All one would need to make sure is that the height is given which could be used as a scale for the 3d photo. [[User:Zero2001|Zero2001]] - [[User_talk:Zero2001|Talk]] - 22:57, 17 January 2012 (CST)<br />
<br />
The skin tone, eye color etc could also be derived from photos, no mystery at all. You can be assured since I am a Computer Science graduate. [[User:Zero2001|Zero2001]] - [[User_talk:Zero2001|Talk]] - 22:59, 17 January 2012 (CST)<br />
<br />
Wasn't there a part where they said her bro bought the NGear and the game, but could not play it as he was overseas, so she was the first to play it? In other words, Asuna would be the first user of the game, and it would be calibrated to her. This assumes that the brother is not a beater, but even then, beta accounts were deleted or reset at the commence of the full game. <br />
<br />
If we are discussing about how the body type, height, weight, sex etc was captured, well, they did say they had to key in certain particulars, and run their hands around their bodies. About the Hair styles and color, perhaps its more of what NG reads the mind as being the most comfortable with, through reading of the brainwaves of users in the first hour. Afterall, its not like all the characters in SAO have black hair, but multicolored, which I'm sure would not be true IRL... then again, this is aniverse after all... --[[User:Gabgrave|Gabgrave]] 23:23, 17 January 2012 (CST)<br />
<br />
@Zero Yeah, you can use pictures to create a 3D object but the problem is how to take them ^^! unless you have a mirror as big as you, otherwise, it impossible to take those pictures yourself.--[[User:Hayate-sama|Hayate-sama]] 01:13, 18 January 2012 (CST)<br />
<br />
Please note that SAO occurs in a more advanced world. Furthermore I said that height would be given (ie: entered as a perimeter) so that it can be used as a scale. Thus resizing the image would be possible. Nowadays there are graphic plugins for GIMP and Photoshop that allow resizing (blowing up of pictures, or more simply, making them bigger) without loss of quality. In an advanced world it would be a better process and more commonly used (ie: common knowledge). The main point here is that what we consider specialized knowledge would be common in the setting of SAO. After all, ''virtual reality has become real'' in the setting. [[User:Zero2001|Zero2001]] - [[User_talk:Zero2001|Talk]] - 03:09, 18 January 2012 (CST)<br />
<br />
Yeah all these question can be answered that "they can do it in the future" then it all solved, no need for discussion O_O .--[[User:Hayate-sama|Hayate-sama]] 04:10, 18 January 2012 (CST)<br />
<br />
A famous quote from Arthur C. Clarke: '''"Any sufficiently advanced technology is indistinguishable from magic"'''. You shouldn't think so deeply on it. Also it's a fact that as time will pass, what is considered advanced now will be considered common in the future. A general purpose computer, at the beginning, was a machine that was superbly expensive so much so that the normal person could not own it. Nowadays it's in every home. Well that's over the span of 60 years. But with things like [http://www.howstuffworks.com/invisibility-cloak.htm invisibility cloaks] being developed, you really can't say that what I'm saying is wrong. [[User:Zero2001|Zero2001]] - [[User_talk:Zero2001|Talk]] - 11:15, 18 January 2012 (CST)<br />
<br />
<br />
Guys, this debate getting too long. I think this talk page should be more for translation related purposes. Please move this to the forums if you wish to continue. Please delete this text list once that has been done.--[[User:Gabgrave|Gabgrave]] 19:00, 18 January 2012 (CST)<br />
<br />
Just discuss it in the forum ;) --[[User:Darklor|Darklor]] 01:11, 23 February 2012 (CST)<br />
<br />
== Volume 5 news ==<br />
<br />
any news on when it will be finished? or if anyone is working on it? kind of been waiting for a while now. --[[User:Zer0light|Zer0light]] 23:16, 2 December 2011 (CST)<br />
<br />
According to BCOFM, it will be release within a week (or month) around now. Dunno if it's true though as their TL drop dead midway<br />
<br />
KR is still translating it. I just finished my editing portion on it to the current page he is at. The chapter is 98 pages long and he has 21 more pages to go [[User:Lp113|Lp113]] 22:56, 6 December 2011 (CST)<br />
<br />
98 pages? Seriously? No wonder it take longer than usual to translate. I'll wait for it to be released, because it feels weird to skip over it and read the volume 6. Good luck~ I'm sure a lot of reader are rooting for you (me included) ;) - [[User:RasteShelphyd|RasteShelphyd]] 15:15, 9 December 2011 (CST)<br />
<br />
<br />
Is chapter 6 the final one or is it chapter 7? Volume 6 starts from chapter 7, so is it just posted twice in volume 5 and 6?<br />
<br />
There is chapter 6 and 7 in volume 5. There is also a chapter 7 in volume 6, that I wanted to make into prologue, but our admin Vaelis changed it back to like the book when he fixed the above mistake. PS: Volume 5 chapter 6 will be a while unless you all beg Teh Ping to help with it. [[User:Xplorer30|Xplorer30]] - [[User_talk:Xplorer30|Talk]] 23:33, 28 December 2011 (CST)<br />
<br />
Aaaaah I see. Thank you for clarifying and keep up the good work, it's a lot more fun to read the properly translated versions over the machine translation.<br />
<br />
'''PLEASE TRANSLATE VOL. 5 CHAPTER 6 :D (or upload what's done of it); It feels very awkward to simply skip 2/3 of a chapter.<br />
'''<br />
<br />
<br />
I don't mean to sound rude or anything but could the translators focus on finishing chapters 6 and 7 of Volume 5 , I do wanna read read aria in the starless night but even more than that I wanna finish reading Phantom bullet and there is just 2 untranslated chapters preventing me from reading an entire volume. Again I'm sorry if I'm acting rude, and I know that its not easy to translate. [[Username:Leonzell (not registered here) 1:44 AM GMT+10<br />
<br />
Given the previous banter from certain users about this topic in the recent past, this does come off as a little rude. One of the translators, [[User:Teh_Ping|Teh Ping]] has already addressed this issue and has asked for additional help to translate. Otherwise, you can look at his user page for a timeline. -[[User:Milki|milki]] 09:54, 19 January 2012 (CST)<br />
<br />
If you cannot wait, the first chapter of book 6 does cover the events that happen in those missing chapters in summary. You do not really need to worry if you will miss anything important, the main plot is covered. Just come back to read the details when it is done and posted up. --[[User:Gabgrave|Gabgrave]] 19:56, 19 January 2012 (CST)<br />
<br />
Actually, I still patiently waiting for chapter 6 to be fully translated, even though I have an urge to just skip it and read the volume 6.<br />
But....how should I say it.... It feels 'incomplete' if I just skip it (I'm a bit perfectionist, sorry). So I beg you, if you have free time (which must be hard to find since you also have real life), please, would you consider to fully translate the chapter 6? X) - [[User:RasteShelphyd|RasteShelphyd]] 13:25, 27 January 2012 (CST)<br />
<br />
Well. I'm sure that's nice to know. The translators have their own timeline and life as well though. If you want to help, try recruiting some more translators to help [[User:Teh_Ping|Teh Ping]]. - [[User:Milki|milki]] 16:34, 27 January 2012 (CST)<br />
<br />
2 month and still waiting.... - [[User:RasteShelphyd|RasteShelphyd]] 01:04, 7 February 2012 (CST)<br />
<br />
Well, I'm not sure about chapter 6, but chapter 7 will be dome translating and put into the hands of the editors sometime within 24 hours, depending on my schedule.--[[User:Desodus|Desodus]] 16:00, 21 February 2012 (CST)<br />
<br />
Niiiice♪. But can you help Teh Ping out in releasing Chapter 6 too? I'm sure he'd agree since his schedule is full. Rather he's been asking for help as long as I know. [[User:Zero2001|Zero2001]] - [[User_talk:Zero2001|Talk]] - 20:06, 21 February 2012 (CST)<br />
<br />
Don't know for sure, but I would need to check out how far the other translator got into the chapter. I got only a couple pages left of chapter 7 anyway, I sure could help out. Since your an editor, do you have the link for the google docs where the chapters are? If not, give me your email and I'll send you a link.--[[User:Desodus|Desodus]] 14:26, 22 February 2012 (CST)<br />
<br />
Put it on my Talk page. As for how far chapter 6 has gotten: The point where Kirito purchases the Kouken (Light Saber). BTW, why isn't the chapter here on it's respective chapter page? All I see is 100% in editing, I don't get it. [[User:Zero2001|Zero2001]] - [[User_talk:Zero2001|Talk]] - 16:36, 22 February 2012 (CST)<br />
<br />
That's because all editing done by the BCotFM are done through google docs. But sadly, the group has been kinda falling apart as members have to answer to LIFE or got other projects. Personally, I was just procrastinating and going through some issues myself.--[[User:Desodus|Desodus]] 21:16, 22 February 2012 (CST)<br />
<br />
Woohoo! Awesome Translation. [[User:Zero2001|Zero2001]] - [[User_talk:Zero2001|Talk]] - 10:17, 5 March 2012 (CST)<br />
<br />
== Quote consistency ==<br />
<br />
There are a lot of different quotes used. Which one's should be used?<br />
<br />
contractions - ' or ’<br />
<br />
terms - «» or <nowiki>'' (two single quotes)</nowiki> (understand that «» is for SAO terms,<br />
but if <nowiki>''</nowiki> is used, I don't know if its intentional or should be «»)<br />
<br />
quotes - "" or “” or ''''<br />
<br />
- [[User:Milki|milki]] 17:03, 18 February 2012 (CST)<br />
<br />
Well, while writing on a piece of paper with a pen “” and ’ are used<br />
however "" are known as typewriter quotes and are also completely acceptable<br />
But "" or ' takes up less space so it is preferred for use in Media wiki based websites like this one.<br />
as for <nowiki>''</nowiki> These are used to ''italicize'' the text. Please ignore them.<br />
<br />
In other words it doesn't really matter unless you want to optimize space usage since they both look the same no matter which one you use. So please ignore it. Though the standard on all mediawiki based sites has '''always''' been "" and '. (See [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wikipedia:Manual_of_Style#Quotation_marks)]) - [[User:Zero2001|Zero2001]] - [[User_talk:Zero2001|Talk]] - 22:17, 18 February 2012 (CST)<br />
<br />
== '''Bullet of Bullets''' or '''Ballet of Bullets'''? ==<br />
<br />
I'm a little confused. In the GGO arc... Is it '''Bullet''' of Bullets or '''Ballet''' of Bullets? Considering how Battle Tournaments are normally be named, '''Bullet''' of Bullets makes less sense than '''Ballet''' of Bullets (which actually fits more as far as tournament names go). Reason: fighting and dancing have often been interlinked. In medieval times strong noble warriors were also known for being good dancers since the movements used in battle are often similar to dance movements. See: [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Capoeira Capoeira], [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Calinda Calinda]. Oh I'm getting off track. Anyways, since fighting and dancing are similar it's more likely the tournament is named '''Ballet of Bullets''' (even if guns are now used, it has historical meaning). So can someone please check and see. [[User:Zero2001|Zero2001]] - [[User_talk:Zero2001|Talk]] - 04:10, 5 March 2012 (CST)<br />
<br />
Answered already here http://www.baka-tsuki.org/project/index.php?title=Talk:Sword_Art_Online:Volume_6_Chapter_7 --[[User:Ff7 freak|Ff7 freak]] 04:46, 5 March 2012 (CST)<br />
<br />
== Is there any official released of the novel in english? ==<br />
<br />
i plan to buy it if it got released in english version<br />
<br />
This is not yet licensed in any English-speaking country yet as far as I know. Wikipedia says so and wiki is always right. --[[User:Milki|milki]] 10:23, 14 March 2012 (CDT)<br />
<br />
It's only recently but.....yeah, it has been announced by Yen Press. More details on these links:<br />
http://www.taptaptaptaptap.net/yen-press-license/#more-1423<br />
http://www.animenewsnetwork.com/news/2013-08-23/yen-press-adds-sword-art-online-accel-world-light-novels-more-madoka-magica-manga<br />
--[[User:albertrojas|albertrojas]] 2:46PM, 25 August 2013 (+8GMT)<br />
<br />
== Another SAO SS? ==<br />
<br />
Greetings. When I visited the author old site I saw several items that might be SAO SS.(well some are already being translated.)<br /><br />
Like [Aria in the Starless Sky], [Absolute Solitude], [Fortune Star], [Resettable Saver], SS5-[A Murder Case in the Area], SS7-[Cradle of the Moon], and [Waterworks] (not sure about some of the title since I'm using Google translate.)<br /><br />
Aria in the Starless Sky&A Murder Case in the Area are already on translation. If it isn't too troublesome,may I ask if the other will also be put into translation somewhere in the near future? Thanks before.<br />
<br />
I'm very intersting in those you mentioned as I have never run into them before, could you check if there're actual text inside? Of all those, I only have Cradle of the Moon, which is SS based on the Alizication arc, which is still untranslated so it has low priority for now. -- [[User:BeginnerXP|BeginnerXP]] 19:34, 15 April 2012 (CDT)<br />
<br />
Greetings.Yes,I've checked them.There're texts inside.But since I still haven't learned Japanese yet,I can only save it to MS Word/pdf format.Would you like me to send it to your e-mail address?Ah,I haven't ask your e-mail address yet.(I sincerely hope that they're SAO SS and can be of use to everyone.)[[User:User753|User753]]<br />
<br />
I just realized those you mentioned, it's his main site not old site and those aren't part of SAO series, I'm searching for more SAO SS author wrote in many occasions, but so far, no luck yet -- [[User:BeginnerXP|BeginnerXP]] 01:21, 16 April 2012 (CDT)<br />
<br />
Ah,that's too bad.So,it's a miss.Thank you.Sorry for the trouble.[[User:User753|User753]]<br />
<br />
Ok so now i am confused, so is "volume 9 - Alicization Beginning" not part of SAO or its is just the "web version - Alicization Arc" thats is not part of SAO?--[[User:Kyo171|Kyo171]] 00:55, 18 April 2012 (CDT)<br />
<br />
Volume 9 is the version that is published, the web version is the version that was online. --[[User:Pryun|Pryun]] 01:12, 18 April 2012 (CDT)<br />
<br />
Ok.. so is the web version not part of the SAO universe with the kirito and asuna that we know? or its a separate story all together? [[User:Kyo171|Kyo171]] 01:19, 18 April 2012 (CDT)<br />
<br />
The web version is similar to the published version, but not exactly the same. Any more information I can give is a spoiler, but if you don't mind spoilers you can go look at the images of volume 9. --[[User:Pryun|Pryun]] 01:23, 18 April 2012 (CDT)<br />
<br />
Hmm... roger that, coz i was confused looking at the images in vol 9 i see kirito and asuna that we are all familiar with, but in the web version there's a disclaimer saying that the kirito is not the kirito that we know of. I am talking about the roughly translated "Alicization Arc (Web Version)" in the mainpage btw. [[User:Kyo171|Kyo171]] 01:30, 18 April 2012 (CDT)<br />
<br />
Alicization web version chapter 1 on the wiki is practically the same as the Prologue I of vol 9, author did a lot of minor changes including rewriting in a few places, but the overall summary is still the same. The reason readers felt it wasn't related to Kirito we know will be explained in the later chapters, but he's certainly the same Kirito. Alicization is currently the largest arc of SAO series (and I assume it'd be the final main arc of the series too) and would need 5-6 volumes to cover its entire arc -- [[User:BeginnerXP|BeginnerXP]] 09:19, 18 April 2012 (CDT)<br />
<br />
ahhh.. thanks for the clarification, i have one more question, when would be the most optimum time to read the side story "versus", the accel world crossover side story? I am currently on vol 5. --[[User:Kyo171|Kyo171]] 09:42, 18 April 2012 (CDT)<br />
<br />
I'm not sure about Accel World side, but for SAO, there's no reference to anything significant after Fairy Dance, so I think it's fine to read it right after vol.4, but the story actually took place just slightly before Alicization arc, so author actually wants readers to read it after vol.8 (Accel World vol.10 released after SAO vol.8) -- [[User:BeginnerXP|BeginnerXP]] 10:27, 18 April 2012 (CDT)<br />
<br />
== It's weird ==<br />
<br />
Aria in the Starless Night Side Story is when Kirito and Asuna meet for the first time in SAO. But do both or just Asuna forget about the other? In the other volumes it seems that Asuna got interested in Kirito after she saw him living (lazing around on the field) the game just as he would in reality (ie: the events in Vol8 Ch1, this is mentioned in other volumes too). Did Asuna forget about the events in Aria or what? Or did the author make a slight miss? [[User:Zero2001|Zero2001]] - [[User_talk:Zero2001|Talk]] - 13:35, 21 April 2012 (CDT)<br />
<br />
It might be best to think of it like they simply met at a coffee shop, sure, they were fighting alongside each other, but that wasn't enough to get them past a formal acquaintanceship. [[User:Draeke|Draeke]] 14:24, 21 April 2012 (CDT)<br />
<br />
Heeh~ Sure ''and the whole bath thing just went over everybody's head~. Yup~ I'm sure that was something easy to forget~.'' Like that'd ever happen. That's why I'm confused. He was the guy who introduced her to how food could taste better, he was the guy who taught her that there were better living conditions than INNs, he was the guy who taught her not to overkill and how to choose better weapons. I can get them being at the level of formal acquaintances till that point. What I'm confused about is that in the other volumes there is no mention of her meeting him before the lazing around incident. Like they never even met before that. Weird isn't it? Well maybe it will be mentioned in vol8 chap1. I can't wait for the translation. [[User:Zero2001|Zero2001]] - [[User_talk:Zero2001|Talk]] - 16:39, 21 April 2012 (CDT)<br />
<br />
I think there was though, although it was a little subtle, back in the first volume, when it talked about Asuna going around and recruiting the boss assault team. [[User:Draeke|Draeke]] 17:32, 21 April 2012 (CDT)<br />
<br />
I dunno, Asuna might have blocked off some of that since it wasn't an all pleasant experience for her. Plus she still did keep that I want to clear this as fast as possible attitude til she met him in the upper floors again, so maybe she just forgot about it while trying to clear? I will agree with you, it is a pretty bad plot hole since you gotta think about it a lot to find a reason. [[User:Syaoran|Syaoran]] 18:10, 21 April 2012 (CDT)<br />
<br />
I don't think that it is really a plot hole, as aria is a side story, but then again, recently I have been feeling like Kawahara has been giving them too much time together in side stories, if they were in a group of seven in aria, it would have been much better I believe. [[User:Draeke|Draeke]] 18:13, 21 April 2012 (CDT)<br />
<br />
<br />
It was pretty weird that Asuna and Kirito don't remember this some minor details have also been left out while in volumes but this meeting is just too big of an event so that they could forget but well seeing it is just a side story I guess it should be just fine as just seeing it in a way like you have said before Asuna after not seeing him again just started going crazy wanting to clear the game and Kirito being a Kirito just kinda forgot since the next time they saw each other took place about 1 year and 5 months later??[[User:Lelouch545|Lelouch545]]3:54, 11 Jule (PCT)<br />
<br />
It's possible that the author hadn't thought of any of these events when he wrote Volume 1. There are plenty of other inconsistencies throughout the side-stories, too. Since the side-stories are added after the main arc is over, it's best not to delve in too deep --[[Special:Contributions/92.239.153.44|92.239.153.44]] 06:21, 11 June 2012 (CDT)<br />
<br />
Well seems they made a drastic fix in the anime. [[User:Zero2001|Zero2001]] - [[User_talk:Zero2001|Talk]] - 16:31, 14 July 2012 (CDT)<br />
<br />
Thinking of it , they never said once that Asuna falled in love with Kirito at the first meeting right ? They said she loved him when she had seen him "living" the game , but being clearers , it was obvious that they had met each other a while before , for Bosses figths , while mapping or other game contents, so the two of them meeting after one month of game isn't weird right ? For the memories, do you recall all the things you've done with your acquaintances ? I can't of course , and in SAO I think there's a lot more of memories than in our real life, so memories about an other player they met and isn't that important for them isn't really worthy of being talked about in the main plot. [[User:Eldivah|Eldivah]] 16:49, 14 July 2012 (CDT)<br />
<br />
== Material Editions ==<br />
<br />
Material Editions? Is this the name of a new volume? Or a web volume? Or what? I need to know so that I can properly sort the info on the wikipedia page. [[User:Zero2001|Zero2001]] - [[User_talk:Zero2001|Talk]] - 17:07, 29 April 2012 (CDT)<br />
<br />
Material Edition (ME) series is a series of '''doujinshis''' created by Kawahara Reki himself using the pen name "Kunori Fumio" (he used that pen name when he was writing the web novel of SAO). Most but not all of the volumes of the ME series are side stories. He sells the ME series at the Comitia market (not Comic Market) and also some doujinshi shops.<br />
Below are the list of Material Edition volumes:<br />
<br />
* ME1 - The Progressor (a short manga chapter drawn by Kawahara himself)<br />
* ME2 - Early Characters<br />
* ME3 - Ceramic Heart <br />
* ME4 - Cold Hand, Warm Heart<br />
* ME5 - Salvia<br />
* ME6 - Algade Showdown<br />
* ME7 - Continuation. Aria of the Starless Night<br />
* ME8 - First Chapter of Rondo (second floor side story)<br />
* ME9 - Monochrome Concerto<br />
<br />
ME9 - Monochrome Concerto. yes, third floor, I'd do it if I can find raws.--[[User:Pryun|Pryun]] - [[User_talk:Pryun|Talk]] 21:17, 29 April 2012 (CDT)<br />
<br />
I'll add them in the timeline I need to complete, if I have some informations about their dates (I saw "September" in ME4 for example). -[[User:Misogi|Misogi]] 18:45, 30 April 2012 (GMT+1)<br />
<br />
Okay So if there are any more please update on the list on the SAO Project Page at once. [[User:Zero2001|Zero2001]] - [[User_talk:Zero2001|Talk]] - 15:49, 30 April 2012 (CDT)<br />
<br />
Regarding Pryun-san question about Sword Art Online: Material Editions 1.In my opinion,if it's allowed,please include the ME1.As it's a gaiden that's made by the same author supplementing the canon storyline.It'll be a sad thing if it's not posted and no manga reader site have posted it on theirs.--[[User:User753|User753]]-[[User talk:User753|Talk]]- 00:41, 1 May 2012 (CDT)<br />
<br />
If it's a manga version (picture, comics whatever, basically like the color pages in the first section of the talk page). Then if someone can translate it I can photoshop it into the pics. Badabing Badaboom! [[User:Zero2001|Zero2001]] - [[User_talk:Zero2001|Talk]] - 22:43, 1 May 2012 (CDT)<br />
<br />
I got my hands on ME1 manga, its in chinese, i could translate it into English and photoshop it into the manga. Unless Zero2001 wants to do the photoshopping... I am an amateur photoshopper though --[[User:Kyo171|Kyo171]] 04:34, 4 May 2012 (CDT)<br />
<br />
i think so long as the words can be seen in the bubbles and the original are removed, it should be fine.[[User:Fallen3dge|Fallen3dge]] 04:36, 5 May 2012 (CDT)<br />
<br />
Upload the RAWs, add the translations, create a gallery, And leave the photoshopping to me. I'll do it. [[User:Zero2001|Zero2001]] - [[User_talk:Zero2001|Talk]] - 21:29, 6 May 2012 (CDT)<br />
<br />
Oi... [http://www.batoto.net/comic/_/comics/sword-art-online-material-edition-soushuuhen-doujinshi-r4781 tap-trans has already done ME 1 and 3]. How much longer before we do it??? [[User:Zero2001|Zero2001]] - [[User_talk:Zero2001|Talk]] - 17:30, 2 June 2012 (CDT)<br />
<br />
And then there's ME7... I wanna read ME7~ Waaah~. ''Sob Sob''. [[User:Zero2001|Zero2001]] - [[User_talk:Zero2001|Talk]] - 17:34, 2 June 2012 (CDT)<br />
<br />
Should we just post links to batoto on the main page at ME 1 and 3? It seems a waste to do the same work twice. --[[User:Saganatsu|Saganatsu]] 17:42, 2 June 2012 (CDT)<br />
<br />
I'm all for that idea. But will it be accepted? [[User:Zero2001|Zero2001]] - [[User_talk:Zero2001|Talk]] - 03:24, 3 June 2012 (CDT)<br />
<br />
Based on what I have seen so far I believe that ME1: The Progressors should be named "The Clearers" instead since that is what the title is talking about in regards to the story and all the translations so far have used the term "Clearer" instead of "Progressor" --[[User:Arctosa|Arctosa]] 10:43, 10 June 2012 (CDT)<br />
<br />
English text on every page of it says "The Progressors". We know it's weird.--[[User:Saganatsu|Saganatsu]] 12:54, 10 June 2012 (CDT)<br />
<br />
Wouldn't it be better to rename the chapter pages to include ME#. Example: '''Sword Art Online:ME9:Monochrome Concerto''' I mean now that Rondo has continued, so will Monochrome Concerto. It will avoid clashing in the future since you're probably gonna insert the same include tags as you have in First Chapter of Rondo and then the page name conflict with the side story, y'know. Plus it will become easier to categorize the ME chapters and compile them in the Material Editions volume page when they're all done. [[User:Zero2001|Zero2001]] - [[User_talk:Zero2001|Talk]] - 16:02, 6 July 2012 (CDT)<br />
<br />
So... no objections? [[User:Zero2001|Zero2001]] - [[User_talk:Zero2001|Talk]] - 13:50, 11 July 2012 (CDT)<br />
<br />
I will do it later after deciding how to rename them. [[User:Vaelis|Vaelis]] 16:02, 11 July 2012 (CDT)<br />
<br />
I have heard similar sentences an uncountable number of times from my parents, only to be disappointed. Haven't you? [[User:Zero2001|Zero2001]] - [[User_talk:Zero2001|Talk]] - 16:53, 11 July 2012 (CDT)<br />
<br />
GJ. [[User:Zero2001|Zero2001]] - [[User_talk:Zero2001|Talk]] - 13:04, 14 July 2012 (CDT)<br />
<br />
== PDFs ==<br />
<br />
So I've been a long time visitor of Baka-Tsuki, but never bothered making an account. I've been browsing a bit and was quite impressed with the To Aru Majutsu no Index PDFs. So, feeling obligated to do something, I took it upon myself to turn volume 1 of SAO into a PDF and put it onto MF. I hope that this is alright. <br />
<br />
[http://www.mediafire.com/?4gaf7px2qewd23a Sword Art Online - 01 PDF]<br />
<br />
You can download the PDF I made and see if it's acceptable. <br />
<br />
:If this is okay with the translators and editors, I'll try and turn all the completely translated volumes into PDFs and put em on MF. - [[User:Zetsubo666|Zetsubo666]]<br />
<br />
::The thread for the PDF is [http://www.baka-tsuki.org/forums/viewtopic.php?f=59&t=4704#p122072 here]. There is a link to it on the main page of the project. [[User:Vaelis|Vaelis]] 13:55, 31 May 2012 (CDT)<br />
<br />
=== Aincrad stories chronological compilation ===<br />
<br />
Hi everyone.<br />
With the onset of the anime, I thought it would be nice to have all the Aincrad stories in chronological order, so I took the time to make one, please get the PDFs and EPUBs here <br />
<br />
http://www.mediafire.com/myfiles.php#dxowqtn177i1o<br />
<br />
1. '''Sword Art Online Aincrad chronicles (allage)''' has all the completed stories '''without''' chapter 16.5.<br />
<br />
:Thank you very much for all those who have translated this awesome series! Please enjoy the Aincard arc from the beginning to the end, until the Author comes up with his official one! <br />
--[[User:Gabgrave|Gabgrave]] ([[User talk:Gabgrave|talk]]) 03:13, 9 September 2012 (CDT)<br />
<br />
== Congrats ==<br />
<br />
Just wanted to thank all you guys for working hard and translating the SAO series.<br />
Now that nearly everything is translated I wanted to ask, how far along is the novel in Japan? Cause when I try to look it up I cant read the pages cause they're all in Japanese D:<br />
And is the "cradle of the moon" chapter going to be translated or not, cause from what I read it's included in the Alicization arc.<br />
If it is I think it should be removed from the page, as everything else is 100% and this is the only non-translated part so it sorta ruins it when you scroll down and see everything.<br />
Thanks again to all the translators and editors! --[[User:Mufarasu|Mufarasu]] 13:31, 16 June 2012 (CDT)<br />
<br />
If it's removed. It could be more easily forgotten or shelved indefinitely. And besides, the next volume is coming out within a month, and there are other side stories you still haven't seen translated. Patience is a virtue. [[User:Zero2001|Zero2001]] - [[User_talk:Zero2001|Talk]] - 15:48, 16 June 2012 (CDT)<br />
<br />
Alright, I'll try my best lol. --[[User:Mufarasu|Mufarasu]] 18:37, 17 June 2012 (CDT)<br />
<br />
Spoken like a true fan. [[User:Zero2001|Zero2001]] - [[User_talk:Zero2001|Talk]] - 23:34, 17 June 2012 (CDT)<br />
<br />
== Anime ==<br />
<br />
The anime ep1 was... AWESOME! They really stuck to the story, and now, since I saw the ending of ep 1 I can say for sure that the anime will encompass Vol 1, 2 and Aria at the very least. [[User:Zero2001|Zero2001]] - [[User_talk:Zero2001|Talk]] - 15:09, 7 July 2012 (CDT)<br />
<br />
The music is done by Yuki Kajiura. YUKI KAJIURA man! Her works are EPIC. You could practically feel the fear and desperation in the air as well as Kirito's determination to live. AWESOME! [[User:Zero2001|Zero2001]] - --[[User_talk:Zero2001|Talk]] - 15:13, 7 July 2012 (CDT)<br />
<br />
Truly amazing indeed, I have watched it 5 times already, it just leaves you speechless, it's so good. [[User:Draeke|Draeke]] - [[User_talk:Draeke|Talk]] - 15:23, 7 July 2012 (CDT)<br />
<br />
Yeah. It really is. I can't wait for the next one. It was so excruciatingly painful the last few hours before it came online. And yet, it was worth the wait. Now I have to bear the pain of waiting a whole week. Nugaaah! Waku waku, waku waku. [[User:Zero2001|Zero2001]] - [[User_talk:Zero2001|Talk]] - 17:43, 7 July 2012 (CDT)<br />
<br />
Doraemon-sama, please lend me your time machine.--[[User:Zmunjali|Zmunjali]] 18:16, 7 July 2012 (CDT)<br />
<br />
Hold on, the anime will be going for about 26 episodes, with one episode per week, holy crap that's half a year, we need to wait half a year to see the end! [[User:Draeke|Draeke]] - [[User_talk:Draeke|Talk]] - 02:16, 13 July 2012 (CDT)<br />
<br />
Better than having the story butchered or cut short in the middle. I've always thought 12-13 eps was too little. Besides, the wait will make it all the more worthwhile. [[User:Zero2001|Zero2001]] - [[User_talk:Zero2001|Talk]] - 12:59, 14 July 2012 (CDT)<br />
<br />
Very true, I feel that if they released them all at once, I would die before I got to watch any. Although, I am actually quite worried, mainly about the few disconnects in the story, sure they have a chance to correct them, but I want things to progress along with the novels, such as Asuna, I have this bad feeling that they are going to try to get them together right away, which I believe would make things worse. Also the others, if they try to make a harem ending, or some kind of ending where it is unclear who Kazuto ends up with, that will piss me off. Waiting avidly for the new episode. [[User:Draeke|Draeke]] - [[User_talk:Draeke|Talk]] - 13:08, 14 July 2012 (CDT)<br />
<br />
Oh hey, there is the raw. [[User:Draeke|Draeke]] - [[User_talk:Draeke|Talk]] - 13:09, 14 July 2012 (CDT)<br />
<br />
Urgh. Well, ep 2 is okay, I guess. But I don't like the fact that they removed so much. It's like the depth of the story has been filled in till the plot becomes shallow (kinda like how one fills in a perfectly good water well). [[User:Zero2001|Zero2001]] - [[User_talk:Zero2001|Talk]] - 14:20, 14 July 2012 (CDT)<br />
<br />
Wait, is it subbed? [[User:Draeke|Draeke]] - [[User_talk:Draeke|Talk]] - 14:22, 14 July 2012 (CDT)<br />
<br />
I'm proficient enough in '''verbal''' japanese. Plus it helps to read the novel. Damn it's like they summarized the whole side story. [[User:Zero2001|Zero2001]] - [[User_talk:Zero2001|Talk]] - 14:28, 14 July 2012 (CDT)<br />
<br />
Really? Dang, I had thought they would spend at least three to four episodes on Aria, but you seem to be implying that they end it in one, maybe two. [[User:Draeke|Draeke]] - [[User_talk:Draeke|Talk]] - 14:32, 14 July 2012 (CDT)<br />
<br />
Sorry to burst your bubble... but they ended Aria in one ep. And they cut out a lot of stuff. This is why I hate story butchering. [[User:Zero2001|Zero2001]] - [[User_talk:Zero2001|Talk]] - 14:38, 14 July 2012 (CDT)<br />
<br />
Wow, well, based off of this pace, they may very well include volumes 3 and 4, well, I'll watch it no matter what, but I hope they keep to the story. [[User:Draeke|Draeke]] - [[User_talk:Draeke|Talk]] - 14:46, 14 July 2012 (CDT)<br />
<br />
There's no point if the anime is a mere summarization of the LN! It's like draining the juice out of an orange and forcing others to eat just the soft inner-skin. Well... it was okay for those who haven't read the LN especially Kirito's really cool part, but I don't like it that they cut all the rest of the plot (don't worry I'm not gonna spoil it). If you squeeze the plot too much it ruins it. Sigh, and they stuck to the plot with Accel World so I was looking forward and hoping... Well lets hope they do better next ep. [[User:Zero2001|Zero2001]] - [[User_talk:Zero2001|Talk]] - 14:57, 14 July 2012 (CDT)<br />
<br />
I have not seen the episode yet, so I can not say too much, but remember that Accel World had some things that were missing as well, not so much the plot, but things that helped pull things together. [[User:Draeke|Draeke]] - [[User_talk:Draeke|Talk]] - 15:02, 14 July 2012 (CDT)<br />
<br />
And there is a point, and the point is the orange, it is the taste of the orange, the feel of the orange, the experience of eating the orange, whether it be juice, fruit, or some viscous substance consisting of orange, orange is orange, and it tastes like orange. [[User:Draeke|Draeke]] - [[User_talk:Draeke|Talk]] - 15:07, 14 July 2012 (CDT)<br />
<br />
True for the first. False for the second. The inner skin of an orange itself doesn't taste like orange you know. I'm talking about that thin white skin you see after you peel off the thick outer orange colored skin. You know, the one that holds the inner juiciness together. Besides, I'm saying it's okay. It's just that I don't like the fact that they removed all that good stuff. You'll know what I'm talking about when the subs are out. [[User:Zero2001|Zero2001]] - [[User_talk:Zero2001|Talk]] - 15:14, 14 July 2012 (CDT)<br />
<br />
Alright, I was just trying to get my point across, I will be sure to watch it, and I may be disappointed, but I also might not, who knows? And for that second one, the white stuff does taste like orange, at least a little bit. [[User:Draeke|Draeke]] - [[User_talk:Draeke|Talk]] - 15:20, 14 July 2012 (CDT)<br />
<br />
Like drops from a full bottle, true. And don't worry, I understand. Soon, you'll understand what I'm talking about as well. I'll explain in detail once the subs are out. That way you won't get spoiled and can look forward to it. The ep 2 is good, but it could have been much better. That's my stance. [[User:Zero2001|Zero2001]] - [[User_talk:Zero2001|Talk]] - 15:37, 14 July 2012 (CDT)<br />
<br />
Personnaly , I think Aria was made in the anime and cut in that way just to help the new comers with SAO to understand more about Kirito and not to give the whole SS scenario. [[User:Eldivah|Eldivah]] 16:05, 14 July 2012 (CDT)<br />
<br />
Hmm. Come to think of it. That might be it. I mean there was a slight conflict between the stories of the Aria SS and the main story aka volume 1. See a few sections above if you want to know/be spoiled. I'll explain after the sub is out, but if you take into account what was needed to be done to fix that discrepancy then. Yes, I see. If it's that reason then it's alright somewhat, I guess. But there are a few parts that didn't need to be removed even if that were the case. Still, I'm warming up to the ep 2 now. I suppose time heals all wounds isn't an exaggeration after all. [[User:Zero2001|Zero2001]] - [[User_talk:Zero2001|Talk]] - 16:27, 14 July 2012 (CDT)<br />
<br />
I will agree to that as well, and a question, did they include Argo as well in episode 2? Because she is one of my favorite characters. [[User:Draeke|Draeke]] - [[User_talk:Draeke|Talk]] - 16:29, 14 July 2012 (CDT)<br />
<br />
Do you want to be spoiled? [[User:Zero2001|Zero2001]] - [[User_talk:Zero2001|Talk]] - 16:41, 14 July 2012 (CDT)<br />
<br />
Do I? Probably not, I suppose if I did want to know right away I would have just watched the raw to see if her name came up anywhere, so don't say anything, and when are the subs coming? [[User:Draeke|Draeke]] - [[User_talk:Draeke|Talk]] - 16:45, 14 July 2012 (CDT)<br />
<br />
Dunno. [[User:Zero2001|Zero2001]] - [[User_talk:Zero2001|Talk]] - 16:47, 14 July 2012 (CDT)<br />
<br />
I know you don't, I was just complaining about something I have no control over, we all do it occasionally. [[User:Draeke|Draeke]] - [[User_talk:Draeke|Talk]] - 16:50, 14 July 2012 (CDT)<br />
<br />
Haha. Too true. [[User:Zero2001|Zero2001]] - [[User_talk:Zero2001|Talk]] - 16:53, 14 July 2012 (CDT)<br />
<br />
SUBBED! [[User:Draeke|Draeke]] - [[User_talk:Draeke|Talk]] - 17:11, 14 July 2012 (CDT)<br />
<br />
I'll wait an hour before spoiling. Starting from your last post. [[User:Zero2001|Zero2001]] - [[User_talk:Zero2001|Talk]] - 17:17, 14 July 2012 (CDT)<br />
<br />
In a sense , for all of us , it's not really spoils :) Really waiting for Ep3 ! [[User:Eldivah|Eldivah]] 17:19, 14 July 2012 (CDT)<br />
<br />
Wow, that was something else, yes, content was thrown out, Diabel was not as bad as he was in the novel, and Kirito was awesome, but mainly when he was berating the other beta testers, that laugh, wonderful, that was awesome, Egil is cool, I could very easily see the foundation that they put for the future, and finally, holy crap, they are jumping straight to Red-Nosed Reindeer? That is a massive jump. And poor Argo, completely cast aside. [[User:Draeke|Draeke]] - [[User_talk:Draeke|Talk]] - 17:38, 14 July 2012 (CDT)<br />
<br />
See. And besides, Red nosed reindeer was next chronologically. I mean Rondo and Crescendo aren't completely published yet. Well there's not much in Reindeer so let's hope they don't cut things out this time. At least cutting down Kirito and Asuna's time in Aria serves to address the problem I mentioned in [[Talk:Sword_Art_Online#It's weird]]. But why'd they cut down the whole plot Diabel cooked up along with Argo's scenes? I wanted to see Kiriemon at least. [[User:Zero2001|Zero2001]] - [[User_talk:Zero2001|Talk]] - 17:51, 14 July 2012 (CDT)<br />
<br />
I agree completely, but I also thoroughly enjoyed that episode. Aria did have a really deep story, and they just brushed over it. Oh well, still good, lets hope that they don't just kill everyone off in the Black Cats of the Full Moon immediately, and keep them around for at least one episode before they die. [[User:Draeke|Draeke]] - [[User_talk:Draeke|Talk]] - 18:03, 14 July 2012 (CDT) (That sounds pretty awful, I know, but no other real way to say it)<br />
<br />
I think that's pretty simple , letting the plot of Diabel and Argo must introduce a friend character to the main one , but never use him again , that's a big problem for the public, next , the plot of Diabel about the Anneal Blade will just drag a lot of questions if they don't add the whole story about the quest to obtain it , explain the whole thing about the Beta-Test , why Diabel knows of Kirito etc , and then that will be 5 episodes of things unrelated to the main plot or to Kirito's mental state and settings [[User:Eldivah|Eldivah]] 17:59, 14 July 2012 (CDT)<br />
<br />
At about 3.5 minutes in, How does her rapier fit? [[User:Draeke|Draeke]] - [[User_talk:Draeke|Talk]] - 18:07, 14 July 2012 (CDT)<br />
<br />
That might be pretty hard to handle a perspective drawing with a cloak ,how to put it , if she was just wearing a normal outfit or if the rapier was outside the cloak , we won't have this strange feeling , but , they had to draw it like the rapier comming across the cloak and this ended by having the impression of the rapier being stabbed into Asuna instead. [[User:Eldivah|Eldivah]] 18:22, 14 July 2012 (CDT)<br />
<br />
"Red-Nosed Reindeer" will get only 1 ep and after thatcomes "The Black Swordsman" with one ep, too. [[User:BlackP|BlackP]] 19:09, 14 July 2012 (CDT)<br />
<br />
Umm, okay, where did you learn about this? And if so, then how the heck do they compress Red-Nosed Reindeer into one episode, I could see that stretch three or four episodes. [[User:Draeke|Draeke]] - [[User_talk:Draeke|Talk]] - 19:16, 14 July 2012 (CDT)<br />
<br />
I couldn't, if they did ALL of Aria (granted they took some stuff out) in one episode then doing the Red-Nosed Reindeer is more than doable in one episode. I wonder tho if they will do the Black Cats portion and the revival portion separate or together, since they could do it as a current event or as a flashback. That said since it seems they are going with one episode for everything like the Murder Case in episode 5 and Sicilia story in episode 4, then its likely they are gonna use the second half for ALO, which all things considering isn't that bad. I wouldn't want a full series for ALO (considering its the worst arc imo) and the ending is more conclusive then the end of the Aincard arc. [[User:BlackSwordsman|BlackSwordsman]] 00:37, 15 July 2012<br />
<br />
Umm, sure, but where are you getting your information, and tag your name, please. [[User:Draeke|Draeke]] - [[User_talk:Draeke|Talk]] - 19:40, 14 July 2012 (CDT)<br />
<br />
Oh, should we update the timeline to include the episodes that were featured in the anime? [[User:Draeke|Draeke]] - [[User_talk:Draeke|Talk]] - 20:26, 14 July 2012 (CDT)<br />
<br />
Tag my name? In any case i got my information from episode titles, i was told this from a friend but i have no reason to doubt it as i knew the episode 3 title was Red-Nosed Reindeer since before episode 1, episode 4 is supposedly Black Swordsman and such and such. As for the timeline, the anime is simply going chronologically based of the novels events, since after all considering the way volume 1 and 2 are its best to do it chronologically, i'm just curious as to how they are going to use flashbacks as they could see animate "First Day" but as a flashback. [[User:BlackSwordsman|BlackSwordsman]] 01:48, 15 July 2012<br />
<br />
Yes, tag your name, place four tilde, '~' in a row after your sentence. [[User:Draeke|Draeke]] - [[User_talk:Draeke|Talk]] - 20:51, 14 July 2012 (CDT)<br />
<br />
I copied his user data as well as the post time/date from history and added it. And duh, there is a high chance of volume 2 stories' episode conversions being named after their chapters. But it's not foolproof, Aria being renamed Beater is proof of that. [[User:Zero2001|Zero2001]] - [[User_talk:Zero2001|Talk]] - 00:50, 15 July 2012 (CDT)<br />
<br />
Man, they had to change so much in the second episode. I think it would have been much better if they used the actual ending of Aria, and actually show Kirito in the second floor during the sunset and all that.[[User:Jasou|Jasou]] 12:10, 15 July 2012 (CDT)<br />
<br />
Please continue your discussions on the forums, not the wiki. Thank you.(http://www.baka-tsuki.org/forums/viewtopic.php?f=59&t=4595&start=105) --[[User:Hiro Hayase|Hiro Hayase]] 15:47, 15 July 2012 (CDT)<br />
<br />
== Question about Frequency of releases ==<br />
<br />
I'm just wondering, what's the general frequency of the releases?<br />
<br />
:I um... watched the first episode of SAO anime, and then I suddenly flung myself to read all the translated LN for SAO... and just finished reading everything except for volume 10 (untranslated), some of the lower sidestories, and material editions...<br />
<br />
::that said, I'm just wondering...<br />
<br />
:::Given that the releases have been in the order of - April, August, December (for 2 2/3 years) and then switched suddenly to february, July...<br />
<br />
:::am I correct in deducing the approximate date of Volume 11 is around December(2012)-February (2013) then?<br />
<br />
::::Personally, I think it will be closer to February of 2013, but hey, who knows, it is kind of tough to project a solid timeline, so I really can't say when I think it will be. [[User:Draeke|Draeke]] - [[User_talk:Draeke|Talk]] - 18:02, 12 July 2012 (CDT)<br />
<br />
== Adding Reference? ==<br />
<br />
While I was translating SAO into Vietnamese version, I happened to find out that the name of Klein's guild has a meaning behind it (it actually refers to a way of commanding army of Takeda Shingen), so I wanna add a specific reference for it (I get this info from a book, and haven't found any website mention it, so I guess I'll just write it down). But do I need a permission to do that? And if I do, where can I get it? I have also checked the RAW to make sure Kanjis are correct anw. Sorry if this question doesn't make sense, I don't really know much abt how a project here work. [[User:Sozuoka|Sozuoka]] - [[User_talk:Sozuoka|Talk]]<br />
<br />
:Translator has total control over the work he/she is working on, you can decide whether to put a reference note not present in English version on your own without having to ask for permission. There is 0 reference in original JP version and English translators added them in at the places they felt the need anyway. -- [[User:BeginnerXP|BeginnerXP]] - [[User_talk:BeginnerXP|Talk]] 08:58, 24 July 2012 (CDT)<br />
<br />
== Volume 9 gone? ==<br />
<br />
What happened to Volume 9?--[[User:Saganatsu|Saganatsu]] 13:18, 2 August 2012 (CDT)<br />
<br />
:See [[Teh_Ping_Talk:Miscellaneous#About_Indowebster]]. [[User:Zero2001|Zero2001]] - [[User_talk:Zero2001|Talk]] - 13:50, 2 August 2012 (CDT)<br />
<br />
== Volume 10 + Registration page ==<br />
<br />
hmm, so um why is volume 10 not listed on the registration page? (Oh no, I'm not a translator... well for written japanese - I know spoken/verbal japanese, but not written as well... cause I can't read kanji too well yet... tt)..<br />
just wondering~ [[Special:Contributions/76.103.103.224|76.103.103.224]] 22:03, 17 July 2012 (CDT)<br />
<br />
:Because all translators in this project already knew who is going to do volume 10. So the registration for volume 10 could be made after first chapter is done by the person. But you can create empty entries of volume 10 chapters now if you want. -- [[User:BeginnerXP|BeginnerXP]] - [[User_talk:BeginnerXP|Talk]] 00:44, 18 July 2012 (CDT)<br />
<br />
::Since it looks like Teh_Ping has removed SAO volume 10 from his timeline due to August coming around soon, who is the translator for volume 10? -- MeltyBagel<br />
<br />
:Is anyone translating Volume 10?? If not I'll stop checking everyday... --[[Special:Contributions/218.72.133.155|218.72.133.155]] 23:20, 26 July 2012 (CDT)<br />
<br />
::Nobody as far as I know of. ／人◕ ‿‿ ◕人＼ I don't even have the book shipped into my bookstore yet. --[[User:Teh Ping|Teh Ping]] 23:29, 26 July 2012 (CDT)<br />
<br />
:::TT...will you translate it when it is? I'm really looking forward to reading it! --[[Special:Contributions/218.72.133.155|218.72.133.155]] 23:34, 26 July 2012 (CDT)<br />
<br />
::::I think it will be unlikely of me to translate volume 10...without the book when the store only stocks up like 40 copies. BeginnerXP will definitely not be translating this, nobody has stated that they will be doing volume 10 except for me back then, and I do have school starting from August 1st. I do have Baka Test 9.5 to finish. We'll see what happens after that.--[[User:Teh Ping|Teh Ping]] 23:49, 26 July 2012 (CDT)<br />
<br />
:::::Nooooooooooooooooo~. [[User:Zero2001|Zero2001]] - [[User_talk:Zero2001|Talk]] - 01:29, 27 July 2012 (CDT)<br />
<br />
I'm the person who made this "topic" (76.103.103.224) although my router was reset and I bothered to make an account hehe (TT) T___T nobody's translating this? /me sad. On another note, I see Vol10 on Amazon ([http://www.amazon.co.jp/%E3%82%BD%E3%83%BC%E3%83%89%E3%82%A2%E3%83%BC%E3%83%88%E3%83%BB%E3%82%AA%E3%83%B3%E3%83%A9%E3%82%A4%E3%83%B3%E3%80%8810%E3%80%89%E3%82%A2%E3%83%AA%E3%82%B7%E3%82%BC%E3%83%BC%E3%82%B7%E3%83%A7%E3%83%B3%E3%83%BB%E3%83%A9%E3%83%B3%E3%83%8B%E3%83%B3%E3%82%B0-%E9%9B%BB%E6%92%83%E6%96%87%E5%BA%AB-%E5%B7%9D%E5%8E%9F-%E7%A4%AB/dp/4048866974/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1343412322&sr=8-2 1]) so technically one can buy through there (I don't have much money to spare atm)... well I guess I should actually start learning written japanese so I can actually translate in my free time if able... idk :| kinda hard when I need to focus on other things.. /sad --[[User:Zhurai|Zhurai]] 13:08, 27 July 2012 (CDT)<br />
<br />
:I tried to order volume 10 when it just released, not to read but to say thank you to author (I prefer to read from scanned raw on my tablet), but when amazon wants 2200 yen for shipping while the book is 600 yen, I had to reconsider... Going to order all 10 volumes from cdjapan instead but I still need some time to save more money.<br />
<br />
::Also, when I joined here at the end of last year, we only had volume 1/3/4 completed, just a little over half a year and we now have almost everything translated, it is like a miracle compared to other projects, so please be patient, translators here have life, too. -- [[User:BeginnerXP|BeginnerXP]] - [[User_talk:BeginnerXP|Talk]] 13:25, 27 July 2012 (CDT)<br />
<br />
:::It'll take some time but They'll come through for us as they always have. Teh Ping, BeginnerXP, Tap, Pyrun, Sharramon, Black Cats of the Full Moon, BakaSama, KuroiHikari, Thinklife, Aiko and others. Without them we wouldn't be here at this point. There have been so many good people helping out. And I'm sure many of them will continue to help out. So be patient... it'll be up in a few '''months'''. XD. [[User:Zero2001|Zero2001]] - [[User_talk:Zero2001|Talk]] - 15:02, 27 July 2012 (CDT)<br />
<br />
::::On a side note, i've been reading volume 10 from chinese to english, and i have a really really reaaally rough copy (its so hard to understand what the sentence in english is supposed to look like when the dictionary has like twenty different meanings for a single symbol). Should I post a really rough draft of it in english onto baka-tsuki? I can try and make the sentences make more sense, but otherwise i'll leave it alone; or should i just wait until someone does it from korean to english? - [[User:MeltyBagel|MeltyBagel]] - [[User_talk:MeltyBagel|Talk]] - 11:28, 28 July 2012 (EST)<br />
<br />
:::@BeginnerXP, I know, all I was doing was asking about it :D @_@ I should really start learning kanji myself... atm I just look via radicals (like when I translated anime)... but that isn't really too helpful when I want to translate from a media that's primarily...text....with a bunch of them D: I guess time to reread the whole SAO translated portion again (haha) .__. --[[User:Zhurai|Zhurai]] 14:40, 28 July 2012 (CDT)<br />
<br />
<br />
About 10 days ago on the web i readed that the chap 4 was on translation, is it true? IF so, how much will we be waiting?<br />
<br />
:Until the translator gets done. This isn't the only thing he's doing, he's editing other projects, and busy in RL, but his timeline says he should be done by the [[Teh_Ping_Talk:Projected_Translations%27_Timeline|22nd]] --[[User:Saganatsu|Saganatsu]] ([[User talk:Saganatsu|talk]]) 18:36, 7 September 2012 (CDT)<br />
<br />
== Volume 11+ ==<br />
<br />
first I should say interestingly the author actually replies in some English on Twitter (@kirito0404)<br />
<br />
:Asked him on there what the date it would be released, he answered: @zhurai 10月ですよ It is October<br />
<br />
::as for the subject of how many volumes there probably is gonna be... well... <br />
<br />
:@kirito0404 also is alicization/アリシゼーション the last arc? or is there more arcs after this (seemingly large) arc? (dont how to say in jp)<br />
:@zhurai アシリゼーション is the last, but follows to around 15 volumes<br />
<br />
:--[[User:Zhurai|Zhurai]] ([[User talk:Zhurai|talk]]) 00:43, 27 August 2012 (CDT)<br />
<br />
::I doubt that you got the identity of the author right. The author's Twitter account name is actually '''kunori'''. And when I checked his Twitter page, I did not see any of his answers and replies regarding number of volumes for Alicization. It is still a mystery for now. Although from the web version, the web readers can predict Alicization will go a long way to Volume 16. --'''Tomtkp'''<br />
<br />
Can someone confirm that volume 12 came out?<br />
In the authors notes he says that he will release a volume every other month, so I'm just wondering if he's on schedule, cause I can't really find anything. And if it did I'm wondering how long it'll take to upload.<br />
Thanks--[[User:Mufarasu|Mufarasu]] ([[User talk:Mufarasu|talk]]) 10:38, 2 October 2012 (CDT)<br />
<br />
:Volume 11 hasn't been released yet, so how can volume 12 be out. Look at SAO front page (at the very bottom) to find out when each volume will be released. --[[User:Breeze|Breeze]] ([[User talk:Breeze|talk]]) 10:43, 2 October 2012 (CDT)<br />
<br />
::Lol whoops, I meant vol 11, thanks for clarifying though--[[User:Mufarasu|Mufarasu]] ([[User talk:Mufarasu|talk]]) 10:48, 2 October 2012 (CDT)<br />
<br />
:::in wikipedia i am seeing volume 11 release date as december any idea if it is true? --[[User:wllz|wllz]] ([[User talk:wllz|talk]]) 7:50, 21 October 2012 (CDT)<br />
<br />
Does anyone have the link to the web novel versions? [[User:Zeru|Zeru]] ([[User talk:Zeru|talk]]) 21:31, 18 April 2013 (CDT)<br />
<br />
== Progressive Series ==<br />
<br />
Are you guys planning on adding the Progressive volume(s)?<br />
And could you explain a little more about them?<br />
From what I`ve read it`s gonna a retelling of several SAO stories but is that it? And thanks, I appreciate all the work you put into translating it.--[[User:Mufarasu|Mufarasu]] ([[User talk:Mufarasu|talk]]) 00:20, 13 October 2012 (CDT)<br />
<br />
:SAO Progressive... From what I know it's a reboot of the Aincrad Arc of the series. Starting from Floor 1 and onwards. Featuring Kirito and Asuna so far.<br />
<br />
:*Floor 1 = [[Sword_Art_Online:Aria_in_the_Starless_Night|Aria in the Starless Night]]<br />
:*Floor 2 = [[Sword Art Online:Rondo of the Transient Sword|Rondo of the Transient Sword]]<br />
:*Floor 3 = Monochrome Concerto [[Sword Art Online:ME9|(Only first chapter TLed so far)]]<br />
<br />
:[[User:Zero2001|Zero2001]] - [[User_talk:Zero2001|Talk]] - 05:55, 13 October 2012 (CDT)<br />
<br />
::K, thanks--[[User:Mufarasu|Mufarasu]] ([[User talk:Mufarasu|talk]]) 14:24, 17 October 2012 (CDT)<br />
<br />
Is anyone here planning to work on Progressive Vol 1? I recently got my ordered copy, and as expected it covers from Aria to Rondo, so I understand if there's a lack of incentive to translate it considering that the Aria SS has already been translated here and Pryun is still translating Rondo. However, while the Progressive chapters seem to stick pretty close to the original web versions, there are still clear differences, as evidenced by how Aria in Progressive is divided into 15 parts instead of the 20 in web version and Rondo has 14 instead of 40. (Rondo is still about 300 pages long though, so I'm not sure if the author just reorganized it or not.) I was just wondering how the issue was going to be dealt with.<br />
<br />
:Also, if there are plans to eventually work on Progressive, could I add a sub-section for it on the main page and upload the illustrations I scanned from vol 1? (Admittedly, they're not the best quality, but I think they're more than good enough until someone is able to provide a better version.) --[[User:Eternal Dreamer|Eternal Dreamer]] ([[User talk:Eternal Dreamer|talk]]) 21:39, 19 October 2012 (CDT)<br />
<br />
::I'm sure at least 2 translators in SAO project are waiting for the raw of Progressive volume 1 to show up so they can start working on it. But there's no raw available yet after ten days, when Index NT5, which released on the same day as SAOP1 had its raw available 3 days after the release. At this point, I think the chance to see the proper raw of SAOP1 is pretty slim.<br />
<br />
:::I personally avoided checking illustration page of the volume I haven't read, as it tends to be spoilery, but you're free to create and upload the images if the quality is good enough. Thank you very much for the contributions. -- [[User:BeginnerXP|BeginnerXP]] ([[User_talk:BeginnerXP|Talk]]) 23:10, 19 October 2012 (CDT)<br />
<br />
== Name Pronunciation ==<br />
<br />
Can you guys add a page for character name's pronunciation ? It's hard to talk to others while each got his/her own way of speaking names :P<br />
<br />
P.S: by the way, please make a wider range of question for page-editing. There's always 1 question whenever I look at it. -Anon<br />
<br />
:Well there is the: [[Sword Art Online:Names and Terminology Guideline]]. I suppose we could add ogg files for pronunciation like wikipedia does. I'll work on it. [[User:Zero2001|Zero2001]] - [[User_talk:Zero2001|Talk]] - 13:50, 18 June 2012 (CDT)<br />
<br />
::You can do it the IPA way, like this: London /ˈlʌndən/ -Anon<br />
<br />
:::That won't be completely accurate. English and Japanese have different ways to pronouncing certain sounds like T, D, etc. Furthermore, few people know the phonetic alphabet in it's entirety and certainly not those with English as second alphabet. Better to sound it out for them. [[User:Zero2001|Zero2001]] - [[User_talk:Zero2001|Talk]] - 08:03, 19 June 2012 (CDT)<br />
<br />
:::So anyone who is great at speaking japanese and a good voice, please volunteer to be the pronouncer. [[User:Zero2001|Zero2001]] - [[User_talk:Zero2001|Talk]] - 08:07, 19 June 2012 (CDT)<br />
<br />
Most names should be straightforward in pronunciation, I assume the names with issues are Lyfa and Sinon? In that case:<br />
* Lyfa - Ree-fa in JP version, but English changed R to L so Lee-fa is acceptable, just not Lai-fa.<br />
* Sinon - Shi-non, just like her real name Shino.<br />
* Eugeo - Yoo-gee-o.<br />
-- [[User:BeginnerXP|BeginnerXP]] - [[User_talk:BeginnerXP|Talk]] 01:38, 20 June 2012 (CDT)<br />
<br />
:Alternately, for whatever name you have no idea how to pronounce, go to the terminology page, copy the jp name you see, put it into google, then ask it to sound it out for you(somewhere at the bottom right corner). That's the least complicated way, since JP pronunciation is quite simple/fixed. --[[User:Pryun|Pryun]] - [[User_talk:Pryun|Talk]] 05:13, 20 June 2012 (CDT)<br />
<br />
::Yu-Gi-Oh!! Was what I first thought of.--[[User:Mufarasu|Mufarasu]]<br />
<br />
=== Argas or Agas? ===<br />
<br />
I'm rereading Volume 1 (while proofreading) and it seems that the spelling keeps switching back and forth. For the sake of consistency, is there an agreed upon spelling? --[[User:Aozf05|Aozf05]] 00:48, 27 June 2012 (CDT)<br />
<br />
:Good question. Take it to the forums for proofers to check(you can post even if you don't have an account there, I think). --[[User:Pryun|Pryun]] - [[User_talk:Pryun|Talk]] 06:24, 27 June 2012 (CDT)<br />
<br />
===Cline or Klein===<br />
<br />
So is it Cline or Klein? Because someone will need to go around changing it in all of the novels, or a group of people.<br />
<br />
:When ou see «Sterben» in the GGO arc, you tend to think german's name were an inspiration. So I'd opt for Klein (little/small). Jul the happy reader.<br />
PS go job to all the translators.<br />
<br />
::Greetings.Finally am able to watch it as well.Regarding name change,can I volunteer to do the name change when it's decided?Although I can't do all in one go.-/-[[User:User753|User753]]-[[User talk:User753|Talk]]- 02:24, 8 July 2012 (CDT)<br />
<br />
:::I '''can''' make the change in one go. I also volunteer myself for this. [[User:Zero2001|Zero2001]] - [[User_talk:Zero2001|Talk]] - 04:36, 8 July 2012 (CDT)<br />
<br />
Vaelis actually gave green light to change all the names to ME2 version a while back in forums, I also did change all the names in the works translated by me. So please feel free to change the names in the rests of the volumes/SS. -- [[User:BeginnerXP|BeginnerXP]] - [[User_talk:BeginnerXP|Talk]] 04:43, 8 July 2012 (CDT)<br />
<br />
:Oh good, it is solved, because I had gone back through and noticed it had switched back and forth. [[User:Draeke|Draeke]] - [[User_talk:Draeke|Talk]] - 22:03, 8 July 2012 (CDT)<br />
<br />
::Hmm though ME2 is official, can't help but feel some dissonance whenever I see "Klein", something like "Who's Klein?" haha. --[[User:EverDistantUtopia|EverDistantUtopia]] 08:31, 24 July 2012 (CDT)<br />
<br />
=== Liz or Lis ? ===<br />
<br />
Since "Lizbeth" was changed to "Lisbeth", shouldn't "Liz" (as Asuna always call her) also change to "Lis" ?[[Special:Contributions/123.16.110.69|123.16.110.69]] 07:50, 3 August 2012 (CDT)<br />
<br />
:Sounds the same to me... real life names like Elisa/Elisabeth are also shortened to Liz. --[[User:Pryun|Pryun]] - [[User_talk:Pryun|Talk]] 07:56, 3 August 2012 (CDT)<br />
<br />
::I haven't even heard of that before @@ English sure is strange to me... -- [[Special:Contributions/113.190.225.179|113.190.225.179]] 09:30, 3 August 2012 (CDT)<br />
<br />
:::Pyrun is correct. Real life names like Elisa/Elisabeth that have an "s" in the middle are indeed shortened to nicknames like Liz, with a "z" replacing the "s". So it's fine. [[User:Zero2001|Zero2001]] - [[User_talk:Zero2001|Talk]] - 01:25, 6 August 2012 (CDT)<br />
<br />
=== Changing Lyfa references to Leafa? ===<br />
<br />
With the release of Episode 17, does anyone with as much OCD as myself feel the need to update Lyfa's name to "[http://puu.sh/1jmK6 Leafa]?" As much as the "Chaged to Immortal Object" almost caused me to break my nose while my face met desk, I'll trust Aniplex enough to at least get everybody's name spelled correctly.<br />
<br />
:Thank you for pointing out with that screenshot, so her in-game name really comes from her real name, after all (a kanji in Suguha means Leaf). -- [[User:BeginnerXP|BeginnerXP]] ([[User_talk:BeginnerXP|Talk]]) 01:02, 28 October 2012 (CDT)<br />
<br />
==Phantom Bullet: Chapter 7==<br />
<br />
I'm going to point this out here and hopefully the Admin, Supervisor or one of the translators can clear up my confusion. Volume 4's story ends with "Chapter 7" and Volume 5's story begins with "Chapter 7". Is this officially on purpose, as in the way it's printed? Or is this just a "oops" from whomever posted the Volumes? I've never noticed a split story sharing Chapter numbers before, that's why I'm asking. -- [[User:Fallton13|Fallton13]] 00:41, 05 November 2012 (EDST)<br />
<br />
:It's officially on purpose as far as I was told. [[User:Zero2001|Zero2001]] - [[User_talk:Zero2001|Talk]] - 00:09, 5 November 2012 (CST)<br />
<br />
::Volume 5 Chapter 7 ended with "(To Be Continued)"... hence the chapter did not end so is intended by the author (or whoever is the one that plans this things in the original work)...<br />
<br />
:::Perhaps rename them to Chapter 7 part 1 and Chapter 7 part 2 to avoid confusion in the future? [[User:Norren|Norren]] ([[User talk:Norren|talk]]) 14:25, 25 March 2013 (CDT)<br />
<br />
== "Versus" deleted? ==<br />
<br />
Any reason ? [[Special:Contributions/113.190.163.171|113.190.163.171]] 11:12, 2 December 2012 (CST)<br />
<br />
:The first part of Alicization is missing chapters too, along with the some of the SAO Material Edition chapters. --[[User:Mufarasu|Mufarasu]] ([[User talk:Mufarasu|talk]]) 14:41, 2 December 2012 (CST)<br />
<br />
::From what was written, it looks like they translator requested them to be taken down. Read his page to see the reason.--[[User:Datenshi|Datenshi]] ([[User talk:Datenshi|talk]]) 17:33, 2 December 2012 (CST)<br />
<br />
:::Seems like he did take them down, only to replace with links to another blog. Doesn't matter much for me, just curious why he has done that [[Special:Contributions/123.16.239.124|123.16.239.124]] 11:06, 3 December 2012 (CST)<br />
<br />
::From what I read it seems people kept changing his translations and criticizing his work so he decided to just take down the chapters he worked on. While I get where hes coming from, I still think it was a dick move.--[[User:Mufarasu|Mufarasu]] ([[User talk:Mufarasu|talk]]) 20:19, 3 December 2012 (CST)<br />
<br />
=== Volume 11? ===<br />
<br />
Well, that's his translations, he has the right to take them down and now I can understand why, too. Probably a bold action, but I worry more about the progression of volume 11 translation since he was the one to do it. Hopefully someone will fill in the job, and if has free time, re-translate the missing volumes too. I mean, downloading the "full text" versions sure is easier -- [[Special:Contributions/113.190.166.36|113.190.166.36]] 21:04, 3 December 2012 (CST)<br />
<br />
:Your information is outdated by one month. See [http://dreadfuldecoding.blogspot.co.uk/2012/11/regarding-sao-volume-11.html this]. [[Special:Contributions/67.208.113.125|67.208.113.125]] 21:35, 3 December 2012 (CST)<br />
<br />
Someone have started translation of Volume 11 > http://unlimitednovelfailures.blogspot.de/p/sword-art-online.html -- [[User:LiTTleDRAgo|LiTTleDRAgo]] ([[User_talk:LiTTleDRAgo|Talk]]) 20:50, 14 December 2012 (CST)<br />
<br />
:Unfortunately it looks like they quit translating SAO because they were being swamped with hate mail. *sigh* --Thomas<br />
<br />
Can anybody point me to the page of translator who toke it down? [[User:Aleaccipiter|Aleaccipiter]] ([[User talk:Aleaccipiter|talk]]) 17:08, 17 December 2012 (CST)<br />
<br />
http://taptaptaptaptap.wordpress.com/2013/01/05/seal-of-the-right-eye/#cont 88% done --[[Special:Contributions/95.88.108.75|95.88.108.75]] 07:39, 11 January 2013 (CST)<br />
<br />
:seems the above link has been killed. maybe due to hate mail also<br />
<br />
::Ran into the same thing myself, but relatively sure that's only because Tap creates new indexes to where he left off from the last update (see the #cont at the end?) and deletes the last one. Just go to the main page and you should be able to find what you're looking for from there. -[[User:AKAAkira|Akira]] ([[User talk:AKAAkira|talk]]) 20:49, 23 February 2013 (CST)<br />
<br />
== Thank You Reki Kawahara ==<br />
<br />
Your light novel called SAO is amazing. I felt that you should know how much the readers enjoy your work and I look forward to more volumes and hopefully more seasons of your SAO anime too. You are completly brilliant. Take care of yourself Reki. I didn't know how to contact you so I tried this XD. I hope you recieve my thanks somehow :).<br />
<br />
== ME7 ==<br />
<br />
Umm... Just a question.. Why does the link for ME7 go to Algade Showdown which is ME6? I just wanted to know.. Thanks a lot!<br />
<br />
By the way, I have been following this page on BT ever since early 2010, and I never expected this series to turn out so good. The name caught my attention right away, and I never regretted waiting a long time. Congrats on having a very successful page, and thank you to all that spent time and effort (and money too) so that all the readers could enjoy this great LN. I wish you good luck on everything!<br />
<br />
SkyZenith<br />
:It was a typo. The page creator probably copy and pasted the formatting from ME6's header, and forgot to rename it.. I noticed some time ago, but I was dissuaded from changing it for some reason (forgot why XD) and never went around to it.. seems someone else did it anyways.. [[User:Rage|Rage]] ([[User talk:Rage|talk]]) 12:46, 7 January 2013 (CST)<br />
<br />
== Web Novel? ==<br />
<br />
Hmmm, what's the difference between the web novel versions and the light novel ones? :O<br />
:The "light novel" ones are the published versions. The author changes some small parts here and there to make the novel more consistent before publishing, but the overall storyline is still the same. - [[Special:Contributions/113.190.231.53|113.190.231.53]] 11:14, 28 March 2013 (CDT)<br />
<br />
Anyone have the links to them?[[User:Zeru|Zeru]] ([[User talk:Zeru|talk]]) 21:33, 18 April 2013 (CDT)<br />
<br />
== Notes on {Alfheim Online} Norse Mythology References ==<br />
Hey,As most of you have probably figured out, "Alfheim online" is basically one big reference to Norse Mythology. Therefore, I will put in a few definitions/explanations. Note that the Norse viking raiders used a completely different runic system (that's the proper term for "alphabet"), so spellings are rough. I have also changed the spellings of some words used to be closer to what I think is proper.<br />
<br />
1. "Alfheim"<br />
"Alf" is a shortened version of "Alfar", which is the Norse version of elves. Norse elves have characteristics that are very similar to fairies from other mythologies/folktales, therefore "alfar" can be interpreted as either elf or fairy. "heim" or "heimr" means world or realm.<br />
<br />
2. "Yģģdrasil"<br />
In Norse mythology, the "Yģģdrasil" (meaning "Odin's Horse", 'Yģģu' being another name for Odin. pronounce 'ģ' with a rasping sound) was a friggin' huge tree at the center of the earth, the roots of which held the whole place together. Curled around the roots of the world tree was this friggin' huge dragon called the "niddhoģ". The Niddhoģ gnawed at the base of the tree and once it succeded, "Ragnarök" would occur (see below).<br />
<br />
3. "Ragnarök"<br />
Basically, end of the world. World is encased in fire and ice, blah blah blah (wouldn't the fire just melt the ice then get put out by the resulting water, causing nothing to happen?). After the world is encased in fire and ice, Odin blows the crap out of it. Then he makes a new world tree and a new Earth, and the whole lot happens again.<br />
<br />
4. "Aesir" or "Æsir<br />
Basically, the norse gods. Means "elevated ones".<br />
<br />
5. "Odin" or "Óòin"<br />
King of the Æsir. Presumably, went to some well to drink, then was told that if he drank from the well, he would lose an eye but gain infinite wisdom. And he did. His job description is basically "Implement Ragnarök and beat the crap out of giants. Repeat."<br />
<br />
6. "Thor" or "Þòrr"<br />
Lightning Æsir. Enjoys blowing up giants. Has a big ol' friggin' hammer called Mjölnir.<br />
<br />
7. "Thyrm" or "Þyrm"<br />
King of the giants. Likes killing stuff, especialy the æsir. He fails at it. Dies a lot and comes back later. Mostly the Norse myths have to do with Odin or Thor beating the tar out of him, again and again and again. This is the kind of stuff Vikings like to hear, I guess.<br />
<br />
8. "Freyja" or "Freyyá"<br />
Goddess of love, sex, and killing/death (So in other words, the Viking's favorite mythological character). Also Odin's wife (Man that sucks, Klein! Better luck next time). Creator and leader of the Valykries (Really pretty women that sweep up dead vikings and take them to Valhalla, a place with infinite food and access to Jötunheimr, so they can pretty much eat, kill, and hang out with pretty women for eternity. Vikings like these people a lot too.)<br />
<br />
9. "Jötunheimr"<br />
Land of the giants, literally. Þyrm and his minions are found here. The æsir and all dead vikings go here to kill giants forever. One of the Vikings' favorite places.<br />
<br />
I think that sums it up. If there's anything I forgot that was mentioned somewhere in Alfheim Online, please look it up and edit it in or leave an edit asking for definitions.<br />
Also sorry for messed up editing causing this post to appear twice. Gomen!<br />
<br />
== Notes on {Alfheim Online} Norse Mythology References ==<br />
Hey,<br />
As most of you have probably figured out, "Alfheim online" is basically one big reference to Norse Mythology. Therefore, I will put in a few definitions/explanations. Note that the Norse viking raiders used a completely different runic system (that's the proper term for "alphabet"), so spellings are rough. I have also changed the spellings of some words used to be closer to what I think is proper.<br />
<br />
1. "Alfheim"<br />
"Alf" is a shortened version of "Alfar", which is the Norse version of elves. Norse elves have characteristics that are very similar to fairies from other mythologies/folktales, therefore "alfar" can be interpreted as either elf or fairy.<br />
<br />
2. "Yģģdrasil"<br />
In Norse mythology, the "Yģģdrasil" (meaning "Odin's Horse", 'Yģģu' being another name for Odin. pronounce 'ģ' with a rasping sound) was a friggin' huge tree at the center of the earth, the roots of which held the whole place together. Curled around the roots of the world tree was this friggin' huge dragon called the "niddhoģ". The Niddhoģ gnawed at the base of the tree and once it succeded, "Ragnarök" would occur (see below).<br />
<br />
3. "Ragnarök"<br />
Basically, end of the world. World is encased in fire and ice, blah blah blah (wouldn't the fire just melt the ice then get put out by the resulting water, causing nothing to happen?). After the world is encased in fire and ice, Odin blows the crap out of it. Then he makes a new world tree and a new Earth, and the whole lot happens again.<br />
<br />
4. "Aesir" or "Æsir"<br />
Basically, the norse gods. Means "elevated ones".<br />
<br />
5. "Odin" or "Óòin"<br />
King of the Æsir. Presumably, went to some well to drink, then was told that if he drank from the well, he would lose an eye but gain infinite wisdom. And he did. His job description is basically "Implement Ragnarök and beat the crap out of giants. Repeat."<br />
<br />
6. "Thor" or "Þòrr"<br />
Lightning Æsir. Enjoys blowing up giants. Has a big ol' friggin' hammer called Mjölnir.<br />
<br />
7. "Thyrm" or "Þyrm"<br />
King of the giants. Likes killing stuff, especialy the æsir. He fails at it. Dies a lot and comes back later. Mostly the Norse myths have to do with Odin or Thor beating the tar out of him, again and again and again. This is the kind of stuff Vikings like to hear, I guess.<br />
<br />
8. "Freyja" or "Freyyá"<br />
Goddess of love, sex, and killing/death (So in other words, the Viking's favorite mythological character). Also Odin's wife (Man that sucks, Klein! Better luck next time). Creator and leader of the Valykries (Really pretty women that sweep up dead vikings and take them to Valhalla, a place with infinite food and access to Jötunheimr, so they can pretty much eat, kill, and hang out with pretty women for eternity. Vikings like these people a lot too.)<br />
<br />
9. "Jötunheimr"<br />
Land of the giants, literally. Þyrm and his minions are found here. The æsir and all dead vikings go here to kill giants forever. One of the Vikings' favorite places.<br />
<br />
I think that sums it up. If there's anything I forgot that was mentioned somewhere in Alfheim Online, please look it up and edit it in or leave an edit asking for definitions.<br />
Also apologies for messed up editing causing this post to appear twice. Gomen!<br />
:Two minor notes: 1. The Norse Mythology References section seems to be doubled above/below itself. 2. Most sections look accurate, but regarding 'After the world is encased in fire and ice, Odin blows the crap out of it. Then he makes a new world tree and a new Earth, and the whole lot happens again.' (from section 3, about Ragnarök): isn't Odin killed by Fenrir in Ragnarök? (Before being avenged by his son.) And wasn't the Earth made by the frost giants Bergelmir and his wife, out of Ymir's body? I unfortunately don't see where the ideas of cycling Ragnaröks or Odin as an eternal god of creation come from. -[[User:Multipartite|Multipartite]] ([[User talk:Multipartite|talk]]) 17:27, 14 April 2013 (CDT)<br />
<br />
== About the alicization character names........ ==<br />
<br />
I prefer the earlier ones(Ronie, Tizei, Solterina, etc.) than the new ones(Ronye, Tiezé, Soltiliena,etc.) since the former looks more natural, especially of Ronie's.<br />
<br />
-Anonymous User-<br />
<br />
:Well, the current spellings are apparently more accurate in terms of pronunciation. I'll be honest, when I first read "Ronie", in my head I heard "Ronny". As for the "look" of the names, that's only a side-affect of having read one first, and then looking at the other. That's pretty subjective. [[User:Rage|Rage]] ([[User talk:Rage|talk]]) 12:33, 29 April 2013 (CDT)<br />
<br />
:I see....so that's how it is.......I think I'll get used to it after some time. I was just surprised at the changes that is.<br />
-Anonymous User-<br />
<br />
::I believe Tap said something about the names being found on illustrations drawn by Reki, so the names are considered canon/offical. Same thing could be said about Lyfa to Leafa change when the anime came out. [[User:Drowzycow|Drowzycow]] ([[User talk:Drowzycow|talk]]) 10:55, 30 April 2013 (CDT)<br />
<br />
== Regarding the Web Version section ==<br />
<br />
I have a question... Isn't most of what's within the "Side Stories" section part of the Web version?<br />
<br>Specificly, [[Sword Art Online:Aria in the Starless Night|Aria in the Starless Night]], [[Sword Art Online:Rondo of the Transient Sword|Rondo of the Transient Sword]], [[Sword Art Online:Sound of Water, Sound of Hammer|Sound of Water, Sound of Hammer]], [[Sword Art Online:Caliber SS|Caliber SS]], [[Sword Art Online:A Spot of Sunshine in the Winter|A Spot of Sunshine in the Winter]], [[Sword Art Online:Cradle of the Moon Chapter 1|Cradle of the Moon]], [[Sword Art Online:There is but one ultimate way|There is but one ultimate way]]<br />
<br />
So shouldn't these be included as being part of the "Web Version" section?<br />
<br>also, I'm wondering if anyone is actually going to go about translating the web version xD There are a number of exerpts here and there, but not really much... If the problem is getting that actual text, I remember downloading some files of the Alicization arc, even though i understand 0% japanese xD... [[User:Rage|Rage]] ([[User talk:Rage|talk]]) 12:48, 29 April 2013 (CDT)<br />
<br />
== Covers ==<br />
<br />
I see that most of the covers left untranslated/edited. Just wondering why is that? I think they are part of the novel too, especially the author's words, they look interesting. [[User:Kuno|Kuno]] ([[User talk:Kuno|talk]]) 09:14, 30 April 2013 (CDT)<br />
<br />
:I wonder about that too..... [[User:Albertrojas]] ([[Usertalk:Albert|talk]]) 11:59pm, 30 April 2013(+8GMT)<br />
<br />
:If you wish to know the translations, just look here on the talk page... Translations are available for all illustrations (minus 1 or two), but the images have just yet to actually be edited with those translations, mostly so that accurate translations can be agreed upon, that will actually fit.... [[Talk:Sword Art Online#Volume 12]] for example... [[User:Rage|Rage]] ([[User talk:Rage|talk]]) 05:27, 1 May 2013 (CDT)<br />
<br />
:No, I'm talking about the covers, not color illustrations. And for editing I mean image editing (cleaning, typesetting). --[[User:Kuno|Kuno]] - [[User talk:Kuno|Talk]] 06:38, 1 May 2013 (CDT)<br />
<br />
:I don't see why you'd care about the covers being translated... Unless you mean to ask for translations of the text to the side of what's uploaded... [[:File:Sword Art Online Vol 12 - 000a.jpg]] such as what's to the left of this picture... Other than that, I don't see why you would translate and edit the covers... If that is what you mean, then that would admitedly be something interesting to read... [[User:Rage|Rage]] ([[User talk:Rage|talk]]) 12:00, 1 May 2013 (CDT)<br />
<br />
:Yeah, just the text on left and right side of the cover should be translated. Like this [http://www.baka-tsuki.org/project/images/f/fb/Index_v01_000.jpg one]. <br />
:Little translation of the author's words in volume 1 cover (not too accurate, I didn't translate it from Japanese and my English is really crappy):<br />
<br />
::Kawahara Reki : Lv1<br />
:Born in Sosaria, live in Azeroth. A whole-life solo player. Although I always pretend that I don't need any parties, but recently the number of hard quests suddenly increases. I can't do karaoke alone, but hope that someday I would get to the level where I can eat yakiniku by myself.<br />
<br />
:Anyone interested in his level up process? --[[User:Kuno|Kuno]] - [[User talk:Kuno|Talk]] 23:33, 1 May 2013 (CDT)<br />
<br />
I don't know how in the world the whole page disappeared, so I've removed the last answer that provoked that. Sorry for it. -[[User:Misogi|Misogi]] 23:25, 1 May 2013 (GMT+1)<br />
<br />
== Bullet Lines ==<br />
<br />
I'm an editor for the English SAO wiki and recently published 2 new articles for both Bullet Circles and Bullet Lines. However, I had a couple of questions to ask. 1.The terms "Bullet Circle" and "bullet Line" were separate in volume 5, but are more or less merged in volume 6. Is this the case in the original or was this caused by different translators working on the 2 volumes? 2. We've had a little dispute over how the sniper advantage actually works. Some of us interpret it as "The Bullet Line does not appear at all for the sniper's first shot", while others interpret it as "Players can't see a sniper's first Bullet Line because they need to know where to look for it first". Could you please confirm which of these is true? Thank you --[[User:Gsimenas|Gsimenas]] ([[User talk:Gsimenas|talk]]) 05:42, 19 May 2013 (CDT)<br />
<br />
:I'm not the original translators, but for the first point, I took a look at the source and, yes, there were a few parts where "Bullet Lines" were supposed to have been "Bullet Circles". I think I've corrected all instances, but if you spot more, by all means please post again.<br />
<br />
:For the second point, I don't think even they would be able to sort that out for you - it doesn't seem like the kind of thing you can clarify by retranslating, if you get what I mean. Personally, I think it's "The system doesn't show the target the sniper's first Bullet Line ''at all''" rather than "Players can't see a sniper's first Bullet Line because they need to know where to look for it first", and I waved Death Gun's dodge off as either already knowing where she was because he saw her while using his invisibility cloak, or that "Hypersense" skill (Kirito dodged Death Gun's own first shot, remember?). Though, this doesn't really explain Sinon's own comment about checking through the system, unless it was just a "mind scrambling for answers" thing... -[[User:AKAAkira|Akira]] ([[User talk:AKAAkira|talk]]) 22:44, 23 May 2013 (CDT)<br />
<br />
::Thank you for clearing that inconsistency out :) . And guess we'll just have to stick with an assumption on how that system works. Unless the anime gets another sequel and we can get visual proof on whether they can see the Bullet Line or not :D (though even in this case it's not a 100% guarantee that they will depict the concept in an unambiguous way)--[[User:Gsimenas|Gsimenas]] ([[User talk:Gsimenas|talk]]) 14:57, 29 May 2013 (CDT)<br />
<br />
== Alicization ==<br />
<br />
How many volumes will the Alicization arc have (goind at a rate of 2 chapters per volume)? It'¡s by far the longest arc. --[[User:Kemm|Kemm]] ([[User talk:Kemm|talk]]) 14:22, 26 May 2013 (CDT)<br />
<br />
As far as I've heard, it will be around 3 more volumes (15 total, 7 Alicization). --[[User:Gsimenas|Gsimenas]] ([[User talk:Gsimenas|talk]]) 06:59, 27 May 2013 (CDT)<br />
<br />
== Chapter 4 inconsistencies ==<br />
<br />
As far as I understand, the chapter begins on the 6th of March/3rd Month, however, the graduation contest that is supposed to take place just 2 days later at the end of the chapter it is said to take place "At the end of March—". Also "Eugeo and I would be taking part in the advancement exams for elite swordsmen next month."; "That's because we were the top 12 students during the promotion exam at the end of the month, and our future roles as elite swordsmen trainees were confirmed." - are these exams supposed to be separate, because I can't understand how they can say that their positions as elite swordsmen are already guaranteed when the exam is only going to take place later that month? --[[User:Gsimenas|Gsimenas]] ([[User talk:Gsimenas|talk]]) 14:50, 29 May 2013 (CDT)<br />
<br />
:Passed the message on, Tap answered [http://www.baka-tsuki.org/forums/viewtopic.php?f=59&t=3128&start=3570#p186633 here]. -[[User:AKAAkira|Akira]] ([[User talk:AKAAkira|talk]]) 18:19, 31 May 2013 (CDT)<br />
<br />
== Something strange on the Android App ==<br />
<br />
Not 100% sure this is the right place for this, but...<br />
<br />
There is something strange going on with this LN series in the Android app. The 'Cradle of the Moon' Side Story chapter(s) is listed a total of 6 times under three separate headings of 'Side Stories'.<br />
<br />
Similarly, I have two header listings for 'Sword Art Online: Material Editions', 3 for 'Volume 1' (two of which seem to be Progressive, the other just has a chapter called 'Enlarge' which doesn't seem to contain any data) and a total of 5 'Side Stories' headers. The 12 main headers (LNs 1-12) seem to be fine, as do all of the other LNs I have marked as Favourites in the app.<br />
<br />
Anyone got any ideas/fixes?<br />
<br />
It's what happens when people play around with how the sections are listed. The old listing persist because the App downloads and stores the information in a cache, but the 'new' listing also pop up showing as duplicates. The easiest fix is to purge the volume cache (touch and hold) then refresh the volume. You could even do this to the entire LN listing from your watch list and run an update check to pick up how things are listed now. Oh...also don't forget to sign your posts. Helps track who is having these problems in case someone on the dev team wants to talk about it. [[User:Unknownadd|Unknownadd]] ([[User talk:Unknownadd|talk]]) 21:35, 15 June 2013 (CDT)<br />
<br />
:Sorry about not signing, but since I'm not registered here yet I wasn't sure it would help anyway. ;)<br />
:Is there somewhere that I can make suggestions for the app? I've just used the Options version of 'clear novel cache', since doing it on a volume-by-volume basis didn't seem to work, and it wiped out EVERYTHING - My favourites, 'read' chapters, everything, so now I have to try and remember what I have read and what I haven't, what I was planning to read, etc... seems a little excessive. ~AerosAtar<br />
<br />
== Volume 12+ Translation? ==<br />
<br />
I don't want to sound impatient, but has volume 12 been put on hiatus? I remember volume 10 and 11 being translated at a fast and steady pace, but 12 hasn't even had a word translated for 2 months.<br />
<br />
Tap is translating vol 12, You can check it out on his blog.<br />
Blog's link is on his profile. He will upload it to baka-tsuki once translation and major editing is completed.<br />
<br />
Exactly. now, let's drop with the 'how's TL status doing?' questions please..<br />
<br />
It's almost done. Tap sure has awesome speed and quality. -[[User:Kuno|Kuno]] - [[User talk:Kuno|Talk]] 19:16, 19 June 2013 (CDT)<br />
<br />
Yes, is volume 13 translations progressing? I can't see any (translators') name next to the volume 13 chapters in the 'Registration' page. I'm not impatient either, but please tell us where you're up to. Thanks :) --[[User:Casare|Casare]] ([[User talk:Casare|talk]]) 05:36, 16 October 2013 (CDT)<br />
<br />
Well, the project is likely to be discontinued soon. However, Volume 13 is being translated by tap (and he's about half way though, too.) You can read them on his blog, if you wish. They're not here on Baka-Tsuki, because he usually takes some time to edit and fix up errors, before posting them here. [[User:Rage|Rage]] ([[User talk:Rage|talk]]) 08:14, 16 October 2013 (CDT)<br />
<br />
Do you know if Yen Press has a good reputation of accurate translations, works fast and won't be likely to drop the project? If B-T's going to drop it, might as well know how fast they release each volume. --[[User:Casare|Casare]] ([[User talk:Casare|talk]]) 16:32, 16 October 2013 (CDT)<br />
<br />
AFAIK reputation is normal (Spice and Wolf), so 3-4 volumes per year are expected. More information can be found on forum [[User:Xaliuss|Xaliuss]] ([[User talk:Xaliuss|talk]]) 03:23, 17 October 2013 (CDT)<br />
<br />
== Raious Antinous ==<br />
<br />
I doubt anyone will argue with the conjecture that the eldest son of a 3rd class noble family, Raious Antinous, is a huge dick.<br />
I'd like to point out the significance of his second name, Antinous.<br />
<br />
For those of you who've read the Oddysey, by Homer (being the sequel to the Iliad), you will understand immediately what I'm talking about.<br />
<br />
In the Odyssey, Antinous is a character who is attempting to secure Odysseus' bride, Penelope, for himself. Odysseus is assumed to be dead at this time. Antinous is the son of a high-ranking noble who is attempting to marry Penelope, and it is insinuated that, given the chance, he would attempt to rape her. He gets duly killed by Odysseus, who is understandably angry. Actually Odysseus kills him along with several HUNDRED other suitors (BADASS ALERT). ANNNNYways...<br />
<br />
Anyone else notice the similarity? Cause i do.<br />
<br />
== Number of volumes ==<br />
<br />
I've noticed over the past week that updaters can't agree on how many volumes: Some people update it to 13 and then someone comes in behind them and reverses the update... I've seen this happen at least three times this month so far. I don't want to start an update war or anything, but I think there ARE 13 volumes now in the main series (not even counting the SAO Progressive): there are certainly 13 volumes listed in section 5... or are we not counting volume 13 since it's release date is next month? [[User:Zehd|Zehd]] ([[User talk:Zehd|talk]]) 23:48, 11 July 2013 (CDT)<br />
<br />
I think number of currently published volumes must be present, and it will be updated after release date. Looking at this number any user can estimate length of the series and translation progress, other numbers can be misleading. [[User:Xaliuss|Xaliuss]] ([[User talk:Xaliuss|talk]]) 02:24, 12 July 2013 (CDT)<br />
<br />
== Licensing ==<br />
<br />
Does the project abandonement by the release of first volume cover web-only content too?--[[User:Kemm|Kemm]] ([[User talk:Kemm|talk]]) 16:39, 8 September 2013 (CDT)<br />
<br />
(Does abandonment mean we might never get to read the (arc-concluding?) 13th volume? O.O) -[[User:Multipartite|Multipartite]] ([[User talk:Multipartite|talk]]) 23:47, 10 September 2013 (CDT)<br />
<br />
Bloody Yen Press. Now I'll never read the ending. If they finish translation at all, it will take about 3-4 or so years before they catch up with B-T... I so hope there will be still some 'underground' translation going -_- [[User:Antanaru|Antanaru]] ([[User talk:Antanaru|talk]]) 08:01, 11 September 2013 (CDT)<br />
<br />
Shhh, keep it to yourself. There are a few who are not taking down volume 13 and are continuing though they will be removing them as they come out in the Americas. [[User:All Nighter94|All Night]] ([[User talk:All Nighter94|talk]]) 10:49, 11 September 2013 (CDT)<br />
<br />
I've noticed more of the the first couple of volumes have disappeared in advance of the licensed volume release, and its reached the point of the first 6 volumes having been taken down. Is there some kind of pattern to this, like a schedule for which volumes are removed when? [[User:Madoka2029|Madoka2029]] ([[User talk:Madoka2029|talk]]) 22:11, 16 December 2013 (CST)<br />
<br />
What about the short stories and the progressive novel; will we be able to keep them on the site? I don't think those are under the license. --[[User:Weapon Master J.Conn|Weapon Master J.Conn]] ([[User talk:Weapon Master J.Conn|talk]]) 15:38, 3 January 2014 (CST)<br />
<br />
"I think" isn't good enough. We'll probably keep them if we have proof. --[[User:KuroiHikari|KuroiHikari]] ([[User_talk:KuroiHikari|Talk]] | ) 18:19, 3 January 2014 (CST)<br />
<br />
I want to at least finish the Underworld Arc. --[[User:Black Ice Prince|Black Ice Prince]] ([[User talk:Black Ice Prince|talk]]) 08:48, 6 January 2014 (CST)<br />
<br />
== Sword Art Online Season 2 ==<br />
<br />
AS you can tell from the title, SAO season 2 has been announced for 2014. Rejoice :P. Source: http://www.animenewsnetwork.com/news/2013-12-31/sword-art-online-ii-tv-anime-to-launch-in-2014 [[User:All Nighter94|All Night]] ([[User talk:All Nighter94|talk]]) 11:30, 31 December 2013 (CST)<br />
<br />
<br />
Wow !am i waiting for it thnx :D, sorry i'm newbie at BakaTranslator :P [[User:Toojiro|Toojiro]] ([[User talk:Toojiro|talk]]) --dik 13:11, 31 December 2013 (CST)</div>Black Ice Princehttps://www.baka-tsuki.org/project/index.php?title=User:Black_Ice_Prince&diff=317592User:Black Ice Prince2014-01-06T09:38:59Z<p>Black Ice Prince: </p>
<hr />
<div>Welcome....<br />
<br />
===A===<br />
<br />
[[Absolute Duo]]<br />
<br />
[[Alice and Masayoshi are Indifferent]]<br />
<br />
[[Antimagic Academy 35th Test Platoon]]<br />
<br />
===B===<br />
<br />
[[Boku to Kanojo ni Furu Yoru]]<br />
<br />
[[Boku to Kanojo no Game Sensou]]<br />
<br />
[[Boku wa Tomodachi ga Sukunai]]<br />
<br />
===C===<br />
<br />
[[Campione!]]<br />
<br />
[[Chrome Shelled Regios]]<br />
<br />
[[Cross x Regalia]]<br />
<br />
[[CubexCursedxCurious]]<br />
<br />
===D===<br />
<br />
[[Date A Live]]<br />
<br />
[[Dakara Boku wa, H ga Dekinai.]]<br />
<br />
[[Denpa Onna to Seishun Otoko]]<br />
<br />
===F===<br />
<br />
[[Fuyuu Gakuen no Alice and Shirley]]<br />
<br />
===G===<br />
<br />
[[Gakusen Toshi Asterisk]]<br />
<br />
[[Gekka no Utahime to Magi no Ou]]<br />
<br />
===H===<br />
<br />
[[Hagure Yuusha no Aesthetica]]<br />
<br />
[[Haken no Kouki Altina]]<br />
<br />
[[Hataraku Maou-sama!]]<br />
<br />
[[HEAVY OBJECT]]<br />
<br />
[[Hentai Ouji to Warawanai Neko]]<br />
<br />
[[High School DxD]]<br />
<br />
[[Hitsugi no Chaika]]<br />
<br />
[[HUNDRED]]<br />
<br />
[[Hyakka Ryouran Samurai Girls]]<br />
<br />
===I===<br />
<br />
[[Ichiban Ushiro no Daimaou]]<br />
<br />
[[Infinite Stratos]]<br />
<br />
===K===<br />
<br />
[[Kämpfer]]<br />
<br />
[[Kaze no Stigma]]<br />
<br />
[[Kenkoku no Jungfrau]]<br />
<br />
[[Kenshin no Keishousha]]<br />
<br />
[[Kokoro Connect]]<br />
<br />
[[Kore wa Zombie desu ka?]]<br />
<br />
===L===<br />
<br />
[[Last Savior]]<br />
<br />
[[Log Horizon]]<br />
<br />
===M===<br />
<br />
[[Madan no Ou to Vanadis]]<br />
<br />
[[Mahouka Koukou no Rettousei]]<br />
<br />
[[Maou na Ore to Fushihime no Yubiwa]]<br />
<br />
[[Mondaiji-tachi ga isekai kara kuru soudesu yo]]<br />
<br />
===N===<br />
<br />
[[Nareru SE]]<br />
<br />
[[No Game No Life]]<br />
<br />
===O===<br />
<br />
[[Oda Nobuna no Yabou]]<br />
<br />
[[Ore no Kanojo to Osananajimi ga Shuraba Sugiru]]<br />
<br />
===R===<br />
<br />
[[R-15]]<br />
<br />
[[Ryuu to Aitsu to Kawaige no Nai Watashi]]<br />
<br />
===S===<br />
<br />
[[Sakurasou no Pet na Kanojo]]<br />
<br />
[[Seikoku no Ryuu Kishi]]<br />
<br />
[[Seirei Tsukai no Blade Dance]]<br />
<br />
[[Sekai no Kiki Hamekurumeku!]]<br />
<br />
[[Shinmai Maou no Keiyakusha]]<br />
<br />
[[Shippai Kinshi!]]<br />
<br />
[[Silver Cross and Draculea]]<br />
<br />
[[Sword Art Online]]<br />
<br />
===T===<br />
<br />
[[The Circumstances Leading to Waltraute's Marriage]]<br />
<br />
[[Toaru Majutsu no Index]]<br />
<br />
[[Toradora!]]<br />
<br />
[[Tsurugi no Hime to Aldebaran]]<br />
<br />
[[Tsurugi no Joou to Rakuin no Ko]]<br />
<br />
===U===<br />
<br />
[[Unlimited Fafnir]]<br />
<br />
===Z===<br />
<br />
[[Zero no Tsukaima]]<br />
<br />
<br />
Come again.</div>Black Ice Princehttps://www.baka-tsuki.org/project/index.php?title=User:Black_Ice_Prince&diff=309548User:Black Ice Prince2013-12-10T06:18:56Z<p>Black Ice Prince: </p>
<hr />
<div>Welcome....<br />
<br />
===A===<br />
<br />
[[Absolute Duo]]<br />
<br />
[[Alice and Masayoshi are Indifferent]]<br />
<br />
[[Antimagic Academy 35th Test Platoon]]<br />
<br />
===B===<br />
<br />
[[Boku to Kanojo ni Furu Yoru]]<br />
<br />
[[Boku to Kanojo no Game Sensou]]<br />
<br />
[[Boku wa Tomodachi ga Sukunai]]<br />
<br />
===C===<br />
<br />
[[Campione!]]<br />
<br />
[[Chrome Shelled Regios]]<br />
<br />
[[Cross x Regalia]]<br />
<br />
[[CubexCursedxCurious]]<br />
<br />
===D===<br />
<br />
[[Date A Live]]<br />
<br />
[[Dakara Boku wa, H ga Dekinai.]]<br />
<br />
[[Denpa Onna to Seishun Otoko]]<br />
<br />
===F===<br />
<br />
[[Fuyuu Gakuen no Alice and Shirley]]<br />
<br />
===G===<br />
<br />
[[Gakusen Toshi Asterisk]]<br />
<br />
[[Gekka no Utahime to Magi no Ou]]<br />
<br />
===H===<br />
<br />
[[Hagure Yuusha no Aesthetica]]<br />
<br />
[[Haken no Kouki Altina]]<br />
<br />
[[Hataraku Maou-sama!]]<br />
<br />
[[HEAVY OBJECT]]<br />
<br />
[[Hentai Ouji to Warawanai Neko]]<br />
<br />
[[High School DxD]]<br />
<br />
[[Hitsugi no Chaika]]<br />
<br />
[[HUNDRED]]<br />
<br />
[[Hyakka Ryouran Samurai Girls]]<br />
<br />
===I===<br />
<br />
[[Ichiban Ushiro no Daimaou]]<br />
<br />
[[Infinite Stratos]]<br />
<br />
===K===<br />
<br />
[[Kämpfer]]<br />
<br />
[[Kaze no Stigma]]<br />
<br />
[[Kenkoku no Jungfrau]]<br />
<br />
[[Kenshin no Keishousha]]<br />
<br />
[[Kokoro Connect]]<br />
<br />
[[Kore wa Zombie desu ka?]]<br />
<br />
===L===<br />
<br />
[[Last Savior]]<br />
<br />
[[Log Horizon]]<br />
<br />
===M===<br />
<br />
[[Madan no Ou to Vanadis]]<br />
<br />
[[Mahouka Koukou no Rettousei]]<br />
<br />
[[Maou na Ore to Fushihime no Yubiwa]]<br />
<br />
[[Mondaiji-tachi ga isekai kara kuru soudesu yo]]<br />
<br />
===N===<br />
<br />
[[Nareru SE]]<br />
<br />
[[No Game No Life]]<br />
<br />
===O===<br />
<br />
[[Oda Nobuna no Yabou]]<br />
<br />
[[Ore no Kanojo to Osananajimi ga Shuraba Sugiru]]<br />
<br />
===R===<br />
<br />
[[R-15]]<br />
<br />
[[Ryuu to Aitsu to Kawaige no Nai Watashi]]<br />
<br />
===S===<br />
<br />
[[Sakurasou no Pet na Kanojo]]<br />
<br />
[[Seikoku no Ryuu Kishi]]<br />
<br />
[[Seirei Tsukai no Blade Dance]]<br />
<br />
[[Sekai no Kiki Hamekurumeku!]]<br />
<br />
[[Shinmai Maou no Keiyakusha]]<br />
<br />
[[Shippai Kinshi!]]<br />
<br />
[[Silver Cross and Draculea]]<br />
<br />
[[Sword Art Online]]<br />
<br />
===T===<br />
<br />
[[The Circumstances Leading to Waltraute's Marriage]]<br />
<br />
[[Toaru Majutsu no Index]]<br />
<br />
[[Toradora!]]<br />
<br />
[[Tsurugi no Hime to Aldebaran]]<br />
<br />
[[Tsurugi no Joou to Rakuin no Ko]]<br />
<br />
===Z===<br />
<br />
[[Zero no Tsukaima]]<br />
<br />
<br />
Come again.</div>Black Ice Princehttps://www.baka-tsuki.org/project/index.php?title=User:Black_Ice_Prince&diff=308776User:Black Ice Prince2013-12-07T13:41:36Z<p>Black Ice Prince: </p>
<hr />
<div>Welcome....<br />
<br />
===A===<br />
<br />
[[Absolute Duo]]<br />
<br />
[[Alice and Masayoshi are Indifferent]]<br />
<br />
[[Antimagic Academy 35th Test Platoon]]<br />
<br />
===B===<br />
<br />
[[Boku to Kanojo ni Furu Yoru]]<br />
<br />
[[Boku to Kanojo no Game Sensou]]<br />
<br />
[[Boku wa Tomodachi ga Sukunai]]<br />
<br />
===C===<br />
<br />
[[Campione!]]<br />
<br />
[[Chrome Shelled Regios]]<br />
<br />
[[Cross x Regalia]]<br />
<br />
[[CubexCursedxCurious]]<br />
<br />
===D===<br />
<br />
[[Date A Live]]<br />
<br />
[[Dakara Boku wa, H ga Dekinai.]]<br />
<br />
[[Denpa Onna to Seishun Otoko]]<br />
<br />
===F===<br />
<br />
[[Fuyuu Gakuen no Alice and Shirley]]<br />
<br />
===G===<br />
<br />
[[Gakusen Toshi Asterisk]]<br />
<br />
[[Gekka no Utahime to Magi no Ou]]<br />
<br />
===H===<br />
<br />
[[Hagure Yuusha no Aesthetica]]<br />
<br />
[[Haken no Kouki Altina]]<br />
<br />
[[Hataraku Maou-sama!]]<br />
<br />
[[HEAVY OBJECT]]<br />
<br />
[[Hentai Ouji to Warawanai Neko]]<br />
<br />
[[High School DxD]]<br />
<br />
[[Hitsugi no Chaika]]<br />
<br />
[[Hundred]]<br />
<br />
[[Hyakka Ryouran Samurai Girls]]<br />
<br />
===I===<br />
<br />
[[Ichiban Ushiro no Daimaou]]<br />
<br />
[[Infinite Stratos]]<br />
<br />
===K===<br />
<br />
[[Kämpfer]]<br />
<br />
[[Kaze no Stigma]]<br />
<br />
[[Kenkoku no Jungfrau]]<br />
<br />
[[Kenshin no Keishousha]]<br />
<br />
[[Kokoro Connect]]<br />
<br />
[[Kore wa Zombie desu ka?]]<br />
<br />
===L===<br />
<br />
[[Last Savior]]<br />
<br />
[[Log Horizon]]<br />
<br />
===M===<br />
<br />
[[Madan no Ou to Vanadis]]<br />
<br />
[[Mahouka Koukou no Rettousei]]<br />
<br />
[[Maou na Ore to Fushihime no Yubiwa]]<br />
<br />
[[Mondaiji-tachi ga isekai kara kuru soudesu yo]]<br />
<br />
===N===<br />
<br />
[[Nareru SE]]<br />
<br />
[[No Game No Life]]<br />
<br />
===O===<br />
<br />
[[Oda Nobuna no Yabou]]<br />
<br />
[[Ore no Kanojo to Osananajimi ga Shuraba Sugiru]]<br />
<br />
===R===<br />
<br />
[[R-15]]<br />
<br />
[[Ryuu to Aitsu to Kawaige no Nai Watashi]]<br />
<br />
===S===<br />
<br />
[[Sakurasou no Pet na Kanojo]]<br />
<br />
[[Seikoku no Ryuu Kishi]]<br />
<br />
[[Seirei Tsukai no Blade Dance]]<br />
<br />
[[Sekai no Kiki Hamekurumeku!]]<br />
<br />
[[Shinmai Maou no Keiyakusha]]<br />
<br />
[[Shippai Kinshi!]]<br />
<br />
[[Silver Cross and Draculea]]<br />
<br />
[[Sword Art Online]]<br />
<br />
===T===<br />
<br />
[[The Circumstances Leading to Waltraute's Marriage]]<br />
<br />
[[Toaru Majutsu no Index]]<br />
<br />
[[Toradora!]]<br />
<br />
[[Tsurugi no Hime to Aldebaran]]<br />
<br />
[[Tsurugi no Joou to Rakuin no Ko]]<br />
<br />
===Z===<br />
<br />
[[Zero no Tsukaima]]<br />
<br />
<br />
Come again.</div>Black Ice Princehttps://www.baka-tsuki.org/project/index.php?title=User:Black_Ice_Prince&diff=308309User:Black Ice Prince2013-12-06T03:16:06Z<p>Black Ice Prince: </p>
<hr />
<div>Welcome....<br />
<br />
===A===<br />
<br />
[[Absolute Duo]]<br />
<br />
[[Alice and Masayoshi are Indifferent]]<br />
<br />
===B===<br />
<br />
[[Boku to Kanojo ni Furu Yoru]]<br />
<br />
[[Boku to Kanojo no Game Sensou]]<br />
<br />
[[Boku wa Tomodachi ga Sukunai]]<br />
<br />
===C===<br />
<br />
[[Campione!]]<br />
<br />
[[Chrome Shelled Regios]]<br />
<br />
[[Cross x Regalia]]<br />
<br />
[[CubexCursedxCurious]]<br />
<br />
===D===<br />
<br />
[[Date A Live]]<br />
<br />
[[Dakara Boku wa, H ga Dekinai.]]<br />
<br />
[[Denpa Onna to Seishun Otoko]]<br />
<br />
===F===<br />
<br />
[[Fuyuu Gakuen no Alice and Shirley]]<br />
<br />
===G===<br />
<br />
[[Gakusen Toshi Asterisk]]<br />
<br />
[[Gekka no Utahime to Magi no Ou]]<br />
<br />
===H===<br />
<br />
[[Hagure Yuusha no Aesthetica]]<br />
<br />
[[Haken no Kouki Altina]]<br />
<br />
[[Hataraku Maou-sama!]]<br />
<br />
[[HEAVY OBJECT]]<br />
<br />
[[Hentai Ouji to Warawanai Neko]]<br />
<br />
[[High School DxD]]<br />
<br />
[[Hitsugi no Chaika]]<br />
<br />
[[Hundred]]<br />
<br />
[[Hyakka Ryouran Samurai Girls]]<br />
<br />
===I===<br />
<br />
[[Ichiban Ushiro no Daimaou]]<br />
<br />
[[Infinite Stratos]]<br />
<br />
===K===<br />
<br />
[[Kämpfer]]<br />
<br />
[[Kaze no Stigma]]<br />
<br />
[[Kenkoku no Jungfrau]]<br />
<br />
[[Kenshin no Keishousha]]<br />
<br />
[[Kokoro Connect]]<br />
<br />
[[Kore wa Zombie desu ka?]]<br />
<br />
===L===<br />
<br />
[[Last Savior]]<br />
<br />
[[Log Horizon]]<br />
<br />
===M===<br />
<br />
[[Madan no Ou to Vanadis]]<br />
<br />
[[Mahouka Koukou no Rettousei]]<br />
<br />
[[Maou na Ore to Fushihime no Yubiwa]]<br />
<br />
[[Mondaiji-tachi ga isekai kara kuru soudesu yo]]<br />
<br />
===N===<br />
<br />
[[Nareru SE]]<br />
<br />
[[No Game No Life]]<br />
<br />
===O===<br />
<br />
[[Oda Nobuna no Yabou]]<br />
<br />
[[Ore no Kanojo to Osananajimi ga Shuraba Sugiru]]<br />
<br />
===R===<br />
<br />
[[R-15]]<br />
<br />
[[Ryuu to Aitsu to Kawaige no Nai Watashi]]<br />
<br />
===S===<br />
<br />
[[Sakurasou no Pet na Kanojo]]<br />
<br />
[[Seikoku no Ryuu Kishi]]<br />
<br />
[[Seirei Tsukai no Blade Dance]]<br />
<br />
[[Sekai no Kiki Hamekurumeku!]]<br />
<br />
[[Shinmai Maou no Keiyakusha]]<br />
<br />
[[Shippai Kinshi!]]<br />
<br />
[[Silver Cross and Draculea]]<br />
<br />
[[Sword Art Online]]<br />
<br />
===T===<br />
<br />
[[The Circumstances Leading to Waltraute's Marriage]]<br />
<br />
[[Toaru Majutsu no Index]]<br />
<br />
[[Toradora!]]<br />
<br />
[[Tsurugi no Hime to Aldebaran]]<br />
<br />
[[Tsurugi no Joou to Rakuin no Ko]]<br />
<br />
===Z===<br />
<br />
[[Zero no Tsukaima]]<br />
<br />
<br />
Come again.</div>Black Ice Princehttps://www.baka-tsuki.org/project/index.php?title=User:Black_Ice_Prince&diff=308290User:Black Ice Prince2013-12-06T01:16:49Z<p>Black Ice Prince: </p>
<hr />
<div>Welcome....<br />
<br />
===A===<br />
<br />
[[Absolute Duo]]<br />
<br />
[[Alice and Masayoshi are Indifferent]]<br />
<br />
===B===<br />
<br />
[[Boku to Kanojo ni Furu Yoru]]<br />
<br />
[[Boku to Kanojo no Game Sensou]]<br />
<br />
[[Boku wa Tomodachi ga Sukunai]]<br />
<br />
===C===<br />
<br />
[[Campione!]]<br />
<br />
[[Chrome Shelled Regios]]<br />
<br />
[[Cross x Regalia]]<br />
<br />
[[CubexCursedxCurious]]<br />
<br />
===D===<br />
<br />
[[Date A Live]]<br />
<br />
[[Dakara Boku wa, H ga Dekinai.]]<br />
<br />
[[Denpa Onna to Seishun Otoko]]<br />
<br />
===F===<br />
<br />
[[Fuyuu Gakuen no Alice and Shirley]]<br />
<br />
===G===<br />
<br />
[[Gakusen Toshi Asterisk]]<br />
<br />
[[Gekka no Utahime to Magi no Ou]]<br />
<br />
===H===<br />
<br />
[[Hagure Yuusha no Aesthetica]]<br />
<br />
[[Haken no Kouki Altina]]<br />
<br />
[[Hataraku Maou-sama!]]<br />
<br />
[[HEAVY OBJECT]]<br />
<br />
[[Hentai Ouji to Warawanai Neko]]<br />
<br />
[[High School DxD]]<br />
<br />
[[Hitsugi no Chaika]]<br />
<br />
[[Hundred]]<br />
<br />
[[Hyakka Ryouran Samurai Girls]]<br />
<br />
===I===<br />
<br />
[[Ichiban Ushiro no Daimaou]]<br />
<br />
[[Infinite Stratos]]<br />
<br />
===K===<br />
<br />
[[Kämpfer]]<br />
<br />
[[Kaze no Stigma]]<br />
<br />
[[Kenkoku no Jungfrau]]<br />
<br />
[[Kenshin no Keishousha]]<br />
<br />
[[Kokoro Connect]]<br />
<br />
[[Kore wa Zombie desu ka?]]<br />
<br />
===L===<br />
<br />
[[Last Savior]]<br />
<br />
===M===<br />
<br />
[[Madan no Ou to Vanadis]]<br />
<br />
[[Mahouka Koukou no Rettousei]]<br />
<br />
[[Maou na Ore to Fushihime no Yubiwa]]<br />
<br />
[[Mondaiji-tachi ga isekai kara kuru soudesu yo]]<br />
<br />
===N===<br />
<br />
[[Nareru SE]]<br />
<br />
[[No Game No Life]]<br />
<br />
===O===<br />
<br />
[[Oda Nobuna no Yabou]]<br />
<br />
[[Ore no Kanojo to Osananajimi ga Shuraba Sugiru]]<br />
<br />
===R===<br />
<br />
[[R-15]]<br />
<br />
[[Ryuu to Aitsu to Kawaige no Nai Watashi]]<br />
<br />
===S===<br />
<br />
[[Sakurasou no Pet na Kanojo]]<br />
<br />
[[Seikoku no Ryuu Kishi]]<br />
<br />
[[Seirei Tsukai no Blade Dance]]<br />
<br />
[[Sekai no Kiki Hamekurumeku!]]<br />
<br />
[[Shinmai Maou no Keiyakusha]]<br />
<br />
[[Shippai Kinshi!]]<br />
<br />
[[Silver Cross and Draculea]]<br />
<br />
[[Sword Art Online]]<br />
<br />
===T===<br />
<br />
[[The Circumstances Leading to Waltraute's Marriage]]<br />
<br />
[[Toaru Majutsu no Index]]<br />
<br />
[[Toradora!]]<br />
<br />
[[Tsurugi no Hime to Aldebaran]]<br />
<br />
[[Tsurugi no Joou to Rakuin no Ko]]<br />
<br />
===Z===<br />
<br />
[[Zero no Tsukaima]]<br />
<br />
<br />
Come again.</div>Black Ice Princehttps://www.baka-tsuki.org/project/index.php?title=User_talk:Zzhk&diff=308089User talk:Zzhk2013-12-05T14:05:32Z<p>Black Ice Prince: /* Seirei Tsukai no Blade Dance */</p>
<hr />
<div>==Recent==<br />
<br />
===General===<br />
<br />
hello. i am just wondering what is a good english equivalent name of ポコ. --[[Special:Contributions/182.173.207.30|182.173.207.30]] 05:52, 27 May 2013 (CDT)<br />
<br />
:Maybe this will help? <br />
:コ : 個(P); 箇 【こ(P); コ】 (ctr) (1) counter for articles; (2) (usu. 個) counter for military units; (3) individual; (P); ED --[[Special:Contributions/171.207.40.140|171.207.40.140]] 06:17, 27 May 2013 (CDT)<br />
<br />
:Without any context, all I can say is that ポコ reads "Poco" or something similar to that. --[[User:Zzhk|Zzhk]] ([[User talk:Zzhk#top|talk]]) 07:38, 27 May 2013 (CDT)<br />
<br />
Thanks so much for your lightning fast translations kami sama [[User:Kirito|Kirito The Black Swordsman]] ([[User talk:Kirito|talk]]) 23:08, 9 August 2013 (CDT)<br />
<br />
Thanks for translating! --[[User:Kai Ran|Kai Ran]] ([[User talk:Kai Ran|talk]]) 13:44, 13 August 2013 (CDT)<br />
<br />
Hey I just wanted to share this link with you. http://grammar.ccc.commnet.edu/grammar/possessives.htm <br />
It's your translation so it's your decision. Grammatically both are equal. - Tasear<br />
<br />
:My point is that Multipartite's edit wasn't wrong. The rule-of-thumb would be adding "'s" to singular nouns even if they end in "s" to reflect how it is pronounced. Anyway, if you pay attention, I already reworded the sentence to avoid the possessive. --[[User:Zzhk|Zzhk]] ([[User talk:Zzhk#top|talk]]) 00:00, 18 November 2013 (CST)<br />
<br />
===Campione===<br />
<br />
Hi again zzhk!!<br /><br />
I was reading vol 14 ch 3 where I found this:<br />
"It'd be wonderful if it were limited to that. But no, in addition to that place, even more worlds can be reached. More than anyone else, <br />
Aisha-neesan is the most troublesome Campione among the seven." <br />
<br />
Could 'seven' here mean that Raffaello considers Godou as not-so-explosive as compared to others, or is it 'rest of the seven', or just a typo :P ? Thanks --[[User:Chancs|Chancs]] ([[User talk:Chancs|talk]]) 07:59, 25 June 2013 (CDT)<br />
<br />
:It's seven because there are seven Campiones and Aisha is the most troublesome of them all. That's all there is to it. --[[User:Zzhk|Zzhk]] ([[User talk:Zzhk#top|talk]]) 08:30, 25 June 2013 (CDT)<br />
<br />
Huh... Aren't there 8. The volume name is such. *Is the question a spoiler?* --[[User:Chancs|Chancs]] ([[User talk:Chancs|talk]]) 08:43, 25 June 2013 (CDT)<br />
<br />
:No, Aisha is the seventh and last one known at the time that was said. The eight one mentioned in the volume name is kind of special therefore Raffaello doesn't know anything about him. You'll understand in the following chapters. [[Special:Contributions/90.32.116.51|90.32.116.51]] 11:11, 25 June 2013 (CDT)<br />
<br />
===Cube x Cursed x Curious===<br />
Big thx for translating C3 [[User:Castor212|Castor212]] ([[User talk:Castor212|talk]]) 11:28, 14 January 2013 (CST)<br />
<br />
Thanks for translating Zzhk and you might want to add yourself to the [[CubexCursedxCurious:Registration_Page|registration page]]. --[[User:Bilagaana|Bilagaana]] ([[User talk:Bilagaana|talk]]) 14:21, 15 January 2013 (CST)<br />
<br />
I take it that you're continuing C3, in that case i'll work on the raws, at the basic level for now (typesets somewhere in the future). --[[User:Krytyk|Krytyk]] ([[User talk:Krytyk|talk]]) 09:20, 26 January 2013 (CST)<br />
<br />
Hi man!! Thanks for translating C3 :), Good luck!<br />
<br />
Hello Zzhk, I noticed that there are currently no editors for C3. If you wanted, I could edit any future volumes that you are planning on translating. Thanks for all the translating you do. -- [[User:Kory|Kory]] ([[User talk:Kory|talk]]) 12:54, 28 April 2013 (CDT)<br />
<br />
:Sure, go ahead. Your edits have been appropriate so far. --[[User:Zzhk|Zzhk]] ([[User talk:Zzhk#top|talk]]) 04:21, 29 April 2013 (CDT)<br />
<br />
===Seirei Tsukai no Blade Dance===<br />
Hi. I am interested in working on an English-to-Vietnamese translation of Seirei and I am currently working on the 7th chapter of vol 1 plus making some changes to the Vietnamese page of the project. Since the previous translator quitted for over 16 months, may I reformat the main page to remove a lot of content that seem to be out of place now? And how do I protect a page? Thank you in advance. --[[User:Doomlord|Doomlord]] ([[User talk:Doomlord#top|talk]])<br />
<br />
Reformat the main page of the Vietnamese version? Go ahead, it's a wiki after all. Protection can only be set by wiki supervisors. What level of protection do you need and for which page(s)? --[[User:Zzhk|Zzhk]] ([[User talk:Zzhk#top|talk]]) 09:26, 17 July 2013 (CDT)<br />
<br />
:Alright thanks. Could you tell me what are the levels of protection? I need some insight first. I am editing the main page right now and I think I will need to get it protected once I am done. --[[User:Doomlord|Doomlord]] ([[User talk:Doomlord|talk]]) 07:03, 18 July 2013 (CDT)<br />
<br />
:[[User:Chancs|Chancs]] finished implementing the protection for me so I guess you won't need to do it anymore. Thanks anyways :) --[[User:Doomlord|Doomlord]] ([[User talk:Doomlord|talk]]) 07:36, 18 July 2013 (CDT)<br />
<br />
===Silver Cross and Draculea===<br />
BTW sir will you continue to translate volume 4 of this series??<br />
<br />
:Probably, but the Chinese fan translations aren't out yet. --[[User:Zzhk|Zzhk]] ([[User talk:Zzhk#top|talk]]) 02:28, 15 August 2013 (CDT)<br />
<br />
Yay, new chapter. Glad to see that you are still translating this series. Thanks for the hard work!<br />
<br />
I just wanted to say thanks for the recent release of silver cross. I enjoyed reading it and appreciate the work you put in to making it possible for all of us without your skill. --mathes<br />
<br />
If viable, I want to request authorization for taking over the translations for the 5th Volume. --[[User:Kouen no Ten|Kouen no Ten]]<br />
<br />
:Sure, go ahead, but if you intend to do the whole volume, I suggest posting the chapters in order rather than the ending first. In fact, since the Chinese fan translation does take a while (typically 2-4 weeks per chapter), I don't mind if you take over Volume 4 from Chapter 4. By the way, you can sign with a timestamp by typing <nowiki>~~~~</nowiki> (4 tildes). --[[User:Zzhk|Zzhk]] ([[User talk:Zzhk#top|talk]]) 16:48, 23 November 2013 (CST)<br />
<br />
::Thank you very much, and yes, I will keep that in mind. I am going to be working on Strike The Blood too, so I'll be working on them simultaneously, one chapter of Strike The Blood followed by one of Silver Cross and Draculea. Just figured out that wiki actucaly has a tool for this ^_^ --[[User:Kouen no Ten|Kouen no Ten]] ([[User talk:Kouen no Ten|talk]]) 23:13, 23 November 2013 (CST)<br />
<br />
Thank you for your work on this light novel. You shall be missed. [[User:All Nighter94|All Night]] ([[User talk:All Nighter94|talk]]) 13:16, 25 November 2013 (CST)<br />
<br />
:There's really nothing to miss. Since [[User:Kouen no Ten|Kouen no Ten]] is translating directly from Japanese, look forward to the Silver Cross series getting wrapped up soon. Waiting for the Chinese version to finish would probably take until April next year. --[[User:Zzhk|Zzhk]] ([[User talk:Zzhk#top|talk]]) 17:02, 25 November 2013 (CST)<br />
<br />
==Archives==<br />
<br />
===General===<br />
Hi there. I'd like to thank you for translating things here, I appreciate it. -IndexArcanum<br />
<br />
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)<br />
<br />
Yo Zzhk thank for translating Highschool DxD and Campione!, hopefully after completing of vol6 of Campione! you would do vols 3 and 4 :)<br />
<br />
I am a new member to this and I hope I can help in translating. My first language is Chinese and then English. I am not really used to this so I hope you can teach me and allow me to help as I believe you are used to this. I hope to translate Campione! as it is one of my favourite novel. Thank you~ Cheers~ Kanziel~<br />
<br />
Welcome to Baka-Tsuki! It's always great to have enthusiastic new translators. Anyway, please read my response on Kadi's talk page.-[[User:Zzhk|Zzhk]] ([[User talk:Zzhk#top|talk]]) 08:14, 1 October 2012 (CDT)<br />
<br />
Hello, Kanziel again. Sorry to bother you again but I am very new to all these so I hope you can introduce me to some old members (especially Chinese and English translators) who can teach me, and recommend me to Chinese-English projects. Thank you. Cheers~ Kanziel~<br />
<br />
You should contact [[User:Kira0802|Kira0802]] who is a nice and friendly guy who also translates from Chinese, reads tons of novels, and has involved himself with many projects. He's also very willing to help others edit and proofread their work. -[[User:Zzhk|Zzhk]] ([[User talk:Zzhk#top|talk]]) 09:52, 1 October 2012 (CDT)<br />
<br />
I would like to express my appreciation for your translations and at the same time give my praise for the way you handle the incorrect random edits from other users. You revert the edits and calmly explain the reasons for that. I learn a lot just from those remarks. Thank you. -[62.28.67.45] 18:52, 25 February 2013<br />
<br />
I love you Zzhk :3 [[User:All Nighter94|All Night]] ([[User talk:All Nighter94|talk]]) 09:40, 5 March 2013 (CST)<br />
<br />
that being said,if you could look at harem serie more worthy of your talent such as oda nobuna and madan no ou to vanadis-netheir Stnbd or campione can compare to the latter;i think almost everyone who read vol.1-5 must feel the same,as there is no better illustrations than oda nobuna's,but i'm off-topic again,sorry. -[78.232.53.234] 01:01, 16 March 2013 (CDT) <br />
<br />
:hopefully zzhk sama would translate oda nobuna for his future project.. thanx for your great translation on stnbd and campione -[180.178.96.86] 01:01, 16 March 2013 (CDT)<br />
<br />
:can you translate oda nobuna for us after you done with stnbd... plis i beg you sincerely sir<br />
<br />
::Sorry, I'm not really interested in the Sengoku Jidai (Warring States) setting. -[[User:Zzhk|Zzhk]] ([[User talk:Zzhk#top|talk]]) 08:44, 17 March 2013 (CDT)<br />
thanx for the reply sir zzhk if you're not interested in oda nobuna... how about if i petition for rental magica<br />
<br />
Thank you Zzhk for your wonderful work, Well if we are talking about interest i think "hagure yuusha no estetica" might be a good choice because it has every component of LN sir Zzhk had worked on so far.<br />
by any chance sir zzhk, do you interested with mahouka kouko no rettousei??<br />
<br />
Well dear sir, since you're probably prioritizing C3 and other projects, I would like you to consider Seikoku no Ryuu Kishi to translate in the near future, well it's good *shrugs* but it's up to you. Thanks either way if you think it or not.<br />
<br />
Just wondering if you'd consider picking up Seikoku no Ryuu Kishi or Tsurugi no Joou to Rakuin no Ko as another project since i love your work. We get quality releases and it is in a relatively suitable time period as well compared to some other translators.<br />
<br />
Sorry to disappoint you all, but I'm not currently taking any project suggestions. -[[User:Zzhk|Zzhk]] ([[User talk:Zzhk#top|talk]]) 18:40, 10 April 2013 (CDT)<br />
<br />
hey can you please tell me how to be a translator -[[User:Shams1996|Shams1996]] 12:12, 17 April 2013<br />
<br />
:Go learn an additional language. Read a book you enjoy in the new language. Rewrite its contents in your original language and share it. Everybody wins. -[[User:Zzhk|Zzhk]] ([[User talk:Zzhk#top|talk]]) 08:51, 17 April 2013 (CDT)<br />
<br />
I'm here to recommend a good book I just read. It is a ln titled "Anuvis!" it deals with gods but more specifically ancient Egypt. i hope you get the time to read it. XD --[[User:SirEatALot|SirEatALot]] ([[User talk:SirEatALot|talk]]) 08:42, 15 May 2013 (CDT)<br />
<br />
Hello zzhk. I really appreciate your hard work for translating the light novels in here. You are really fast in work and I'm really happy everytime when there is an update for the series you're working. Keep rolling!--[[User:Tandra|Tandra]] ([[User talk:Tandra|talk]]) 05:22, 28 June 2013 (CDT)<br />
<br />
===Campione!===<br />
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)<br />
<br />
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)<br />
<br />
Hi! I really enjoy Campione. Thank you for the fast translation! [[User:Xenocross|Xenocross]] 20:52, 2 May 2012 (CDT)<br />
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)<br />
<br />
: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)<br />
<br />
Thank you for your efforts on translating Campione.. I really enjoy it... :)<br />
<br />
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)<br />
<br />
:Eventually, probably... --[[User:Zzhk|Zzhk]] 21:17, 13 May 2012 (CDT)<br />
<br />
+1 to the list of people who appreciate your work. Thanks for the efforts. --[[User:Lighthalzen|Lighthalzen]] 03:27, 28 June 2012 (CDT)<br />
<br />
Awesome man! I hope you do Volume 6 too. Thanks for the hard work!<br />
<br />
Thank you again for your translations on Campione. Any chance on going back and doing the missing parts for Vol 4?.. thanks<br />
<br />
: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)<br />
<br />
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)<br />
<br />
Thank you for your speed translations on Campione!. I hope you will keep translating it ^^--[[User:LSwRl|LSwRl]] 16:56, 23 July 2012 (CDT)<br />
<br />
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<br />
<br />
:vol.4 is being translated by florza. And, don't rush the translator. --[[User:Rock96|Rock96]] 11:54, 25 July 2012 (CDT)<br />
<br />
Thank you very much for translations I really enjoy them KEEP UP THE GOOD WORK<br />
<br />
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 days. Thanks always for quick and great translations. Mokata<br />
<br />
Thank you. Appreciate the help. Cheers~ Kanziel~ [[User:Kanziel|Kanziel]]<br />
<br />
Hi zzhk, I remember you sent a message to me a few weeks ago about doing the Luo Hao sections for Vol 12 (Ch.5 part 2,3 I believe) and I just wanted to send a reminder and confirm that this is still the case so we avoid any repeat translations. If you do change your mind please let me know.[[User:Thatsjustpeachy|Thatsjustpeachy]] ([[User talk:Thatsjustpeachy|talk]]) 02:39, 9 October 2012 (CDT)<br />
<br />
:Do you need the parts to continue? How do you want me to send them to you? --[[User:Zzhk|Zzhk]] ([[User talk:Zzhk#top|talk]]) 03:15, 9 October 2012 (CDT)<br />
<br />
::I don't need the translated parts to continue since I'm going to translate around it and just read through the parts you are translating in Chinese. You can translate them whenever you have the time since I'm not releasing the volume till everything is caught up so there is a lot of time. When you are done you can send your part to me through email and just send me a message through Animesuki or if you see me on irc to let me know you have done so. I assume that since I'm uploading the majority at once this will be more convenient. Let me know if this is ok with you.[[User:Thatsjustpeachy|Thatsjustpeachy]] ([[User talk:Thatsjustpeachy|talk]]) 03:55, 9 October 2012 (CDT)<br />
<br />
:::Sure, no problem, I'll email you. --[[User:Zzhk|Zzhk]] ([[User talk:Zzhk#top|talk]]) 05:01, 9 October 2012 (CDT)<br />
<br />
Thanks for the fast translations of Campione. [[User:Bilagaana|Bilagaana]] ([[User talk:Bilagaana|talk]]) 00:53, 22 October 2012 (CDT)<br />
<br />
Thanks zzhk for your speedy translations. I just now read 1st part and here you are updating the 2nd one. :D --[[User:Chancs|Chancs]] ([[User talk:Chancs|talk]]) 22:55, 16 November 2012 (CST)<br />
<br />
Good day sir, many thanks for your work. Did you take over vol 8 chap 2 from Kadi? ~([[User talk:Ghost|talk]]) 7:27, 03 December 2012 (GMT + 8)<br />
<br />
Zzhk banzai!!<br />
<br />
Hi Zzhk, curious what you are planning to do once you finish vol 13? Got a new project lined up? :) Thanks again for all the translations you have done. --[[User:Bilagaana|Bilagaana]] ([[User talk:Bilagaana|talk]]) 12:47, 2 January 2013 (CST)<br />
<br />
:Who knows? We'll see. Thank you for reading. --[[User:Zzhk|Zzhk]] ([[User talk:Zzhk#top|talk]]) 19:09, 2 January 2013 (CST)<br />
<br />
First off i would like to say thanks so much for your translations on Campione, such consistent updates at that, you have been awesome :D, i was wondering though that since it seems thatsjustpeachy won't translate volume 12, will you pick it up instead? --[[User:Black Swordsman825|Black Swordsman825]] 23:38, 4 January 2013 (CDT)<br />
<br />
:I'm sure it's a joke, so just be patient. --[[User:Zzhk|Zzhk]] ([[User talk:Zzhk#top|talk]]) 19:24, 4 January 2013 (CST)<br />
<br />
Thanks a lot for translating Campione, your translations are of pretty high quality, and i also got a question for you. While i was reading Campione i noticed that Godou is called Godoh by his cousin Koidzuki Sakura, is that translators own interpretation or is it Sakura's own accent? --[[User:Silver Horn|Silver Horn]] ([[User talk:Silver Horn|talk]]) 16:23, 16 January 2013 (CST)<br />
<br />
:Certain characters such as Annie Charlton, Pandora and Sakura's speech uses katakana instead of kanji for Godou's name. In other works, katakana is sometimes used when a foreigner speaks to emphasize their accent, but a foreign accent shouldn't apply here since Sakura is Japanese, Pandora is a goddess and Annie is a Campione. So all we know is that their pronunciation is different, but there is no indication as to how it is different.--[[User:Zzhk|Zzhk]] ([[User talk:Zzhk#top|talk]]) 17:41, 16 January 2013 (CST)<br />
<br />
Hello Zzhk, thanks for the Campione! translations but when will you continue translating volume 13? I can't wait! - [[User:Blackie|Blackie]]<br />
<br />
I think he will resume translation when volume 12 is finished <br />
<br />
Check his contributions, he is translating various other LN while he waits for 12 to be finished. He recently finished C3 Vol 1. --[[User:Bilagaana|Bilagaana]] ([[User talk:Bilagaana|talk]]) 17:24, 26 January 2013 (CST)<br />
<br />
For BR SS 01, one of the illustrations is missing, was that the case originally, or did it get misplaced? <br />
Thanks for doing the SS. --[[User:Bilagaana|Bilagaana]] ([[User talk:Bilagaana|talk]]) 20:54, 15 January 2013 (CST)<br />
<br />
:Ask [[User:Denormative|Denormative]]([[User talk:Denormative|talk]]), he's the one who uploaded the illustrations and created the page. --[[User:Zzhk|Zzhk]] ([[User talk:Zzhk#top|talk]]) 21:10, 15 January 2013 (CST)<br />
<br />
if i may ask,when do you intend to come back to us to finish vol.13?<br />
remember that like for the prodigal son,we will welcome you back anytime,in spite of your repetead infidelity(STnBD and so on).<br />
my apologies if this is no the place to ask that.<br />
<br />
:My guess would be after Vol 12 is done. --[[User:Bilagaana|Bilagaana]] ([[User talk:Bilagaana|talk]]) 10:54, 1 March 2013 (CST)<br />
<br />
:How do you even know if I haven't already finished V13 already? --[[User:Zzhk|Zzhk]] ([[User talk:Zzhk#top|talk]]) 11:54, 2 March 2013 (CST)<br />
<br />
====Editing====<br />
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.<br />
<br />
: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)<br />
<br />
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]]<br />
<br />
: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)<br />
<br />
::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]]<br />
<br />
:::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)<br />
<br />
::::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]]<br />
<br />
:::::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)<br />
<br />
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)<br />
<br />
: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)<br />
<br />
Actually that was me who edited the terminology page. The furigana is indeed Ocelot for 'Jaguar'. - [[User:Florza|Florza]]<br />
<br />
: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)<br />
<br />
::V7 Page 163. - [[User:Florza|Florza]]<br />
<br />
:::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)<br />
<br />
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)<br />
<br />
: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)<br />
<br />
Spirit body is correct for that kanji. However, naming issues arise when connected with other kanji. - [[User:Florza|Florza]]<br />
<br />
: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)<br />
<br />
::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]]<br />
<br />
:::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)<br />
<br />
::::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]]<br />
<br />
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 [[User:Wilhelmson|Wilhelmson]] ([[User talk:Wilhelmson|talk]]) 16:17, 10 September 2012 (CDT)<br />
<br />
: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)<br />
<br />
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)<br />
<br />
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)<br />
<br />
:[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)<br />
<br />
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)<br />
<br />
:I allowed myself to fix it. LNs sometimes have that weird way to throw thoughts into the middle of the narrative.--[[User:Kadi|Kadi]] ([[User talk:Kadi|talk]]) 07:27, 10 September 2012 (CDT)<br />
<br />
I think you said something about this before but forgot the answer; do you prefer the use of double dashes —— or just the one — ? Use of complete dashes looks better than -- in any case but it might be too long :S --[[User:Drowzycow|Drowzycow]] ([[User talk:Drowzycow|talk]]) 15:09, 30 September 2012 (CDT)<br />
<br />
:Use a single em-dash (—), thanks! --[[User:Zzhk|Zzhk]] ([[User talk:Zzhk#top|talk]]) 17:59, 30 September 2012 (CDT)<br />
<br />
What's the difference between a housekeeper and grand chamberlain? Since here, Liliana at one stage calls herself as later while at some place with the former term. Or is it just for the sake of a long term repeating again and again. ? --[[User:Chancs|Chancs]] ([[User talk:Chancs|talk]]) 05:42, 18 October 2012 (CDT)<br />
<br />
:She uses different words on different occasions. Housekeeper is actually butler(執事), but I wanted to use something more gender neutral. Grand Chamberlain is 侍従長 as noted in the Terminology page. -[[User:Zzhk|Zzhk]] ([[User talk:Zzhk#top|talk]]) 05:48, 18 October 2012 (CDT)<br />
<br />
Sorry, I did not know about "god is only capitalized when referring to the Abrahamic deity of Christianity". I thought that proper nouns were supposed to be capitalized. However, I saw that you reversed some of my other edits; I just noticed some small errors like realized, analyzing, and syncretized are spelled with a z not an s. Also, honorable, color, and a few more words had a u in the spelling that should not be there. I just wanted to help proofread and contribute to this wonderful site. Please let me know of anything else in the future. --[[Kohaku_sora]]<br />
<br />
:Gods and goddesses are common nouns, not proper nouns. And no, miko is not a proper noun either, it's just a common noun like priestess. Hime-Miko, on the other hand, is a title. Given that I don't have time to look at every single change, I'd rather keep minor American/British spelling inconsistencies (which are not exactly errors per se) than have something blatantly incorrect. -[[User:Zzhk|Zzhk]] ([[User talk:Zzhk#top|talk]]) 17:52, 3 February 2013 (CST)<br />
<br />
I feel like I can't tell you enough about how grateful I am for your translations. I am certainly grateful for each section that you complete. Thank you for spending your time to do these translations. It is a honor to read your work [[User:Tasear|Tasear]]<br />
<br />
Hello, I've seen an edit you've made recently, and I want to confirm this, so I won't make this mistake myself. In this recent edit, "Though, I kind of doubt it." is changed back to "Though I kind of doubt it." 'Though', as I've learnt, can be used either as a conjunction or an adverb. When it functions as a conjunction, it should be connected to the previous sentence with a comma, for example: "I know what you mean, though I'm skeptical of the usage"; when it functions as an adverb, a comma after 'though' should be added like any other adverb, for example: "Though, I'm skeptical of the usage" or "I'm skeptical of the usage, though", in which the latter seems more common. In your edit, I believe you want the 'though' in your sentence to function as a conjunction instead of an adverb; however, when the sentence is not connected to the previous sentence (where I see it's rather difficult to do so), it becomes a fragmented sentence. Fragments can stand in modern writings, but I believe refraining from fragments and aiming for complete sentences are what one should pursue.<br />
<br />
To reiterate myself, I don't mean to charge into your project or translation, I just want to confirm the usage of some words, as I'm seeing a lot of mistakes in my own stuff. and I'm also trying to improve myself as well. - Pudding321<br />
<br />
:For that particular sentence, I thought of it as a verbal afterthought that one might append to the previously spoken sentence. I suppose preceding it with a dash or ellipsis would be preferable. -[[User:Zzhk|Zzhk]] ([[User talk:Zzhk#top|talk]]) 21:07, 22 February 2013 (CST)<br />
<br />
Does Short story 6 have illustrations or not? right now it's just a word (not a link). If there no illustrations, shouldn't we get rid of it, and if there are add a link?--[[User:Saganatsu|Saganatsu]] ([[User talk:Saganatsu|talk]]) 15:00, 16 May 2013 (CDT)<br />
<br />
:Like all the other side stories, SS6 is decorated with a few cute little drawings (repeated from other stories/volumes). As you can see from the other SS, these illustrations are quite inconsequential although people are welcome to add them in if they want to take the effort. --[[User:Zzhk|Zzhk]] ([[User talk:Zzhk#top|talk]]) 18:20, 16 May 2013 (CDT)<br />
<br />
hello! since i am currently reading the volume, I will do those minor edits. But i will not touch too much on it. If its ok with you. - [[User:Rukiabankai|Rukiabankai]] ([[User talk:Rukiabankai|talk]]) 01:32, 15 June 2013 (CDT)<br />
<br />
"Without barely" has some Google hits, but relatively few (for comparison, "with barely" has about 100 times as many). Very few of those look like they'd be from any kind of edited text. The expression is weird given the ordinary meanings of "without" and "barely". In the Campione text, "barely stopping" seems OK since did in fact stop at the places at least briefly, for longer than if he had been simply passing through them. [[Special:Contributions/80.223.220.209|80.223.220.209]] 08:34, 14 June 2013 (CDT)<br />
<br />
:No, Godou's point is that he never made any significant stops. Being stationary because he is doing something like waiting for a flight at the airport or crossing the street would not count as stopping for a visit. The point is: He didn't make any stops. --[[User:Zzhk|Zzhk]] ([[User talk:Zzhk#top|talk]]) 11:07, 14 June 2013 (CDT)<br />
<br />
Whoops, seems like I was pretty tired when I made those 2 edits for the BR SS 3 which were wrong. Anyways, thanks for correcting them. Please do look through the rest and tell me if there is anything thing else that needs to be changed.<br />
<br />
On that note, I noticed that volume 1 has Shizuka calling Godou "Onii-san", but your translations have it as "Brother". I think it would probably be better to standardize it across the volumes, so may I know which is the one that the translators have decided on?<br />
<br />
Thanks. [[User:Royaloyalz|Royaloyalz]] ([[User talk:Royaloyalz|talk]]) 21:41, 15 June 2013 (CDT)<br />
<br />
:Shizuka actually calls Godou "Onii-chan." Yeah, Volume 1 has a fair number of standardization issues because it had multiple translators, it was the first volume translated (fewer standards/conventions established), and it was translated from Chinese (so honorifics come from guesswork) with little (if any) crosschecking with the JP. I didn't start referencing the JP version until V3 so there might be some of those issues in V2 as well. Please change it to Onii-chan when Shizuka is addressing Godou. <br />
<br />
:Since you're starting from the beginning, could you help edit all the double hyphens(--) to dashes(—)? Dashes should have no spaces before or after. The only exceptions are situations like: "Abcd xyz. &mdash;Kjlm..." where the dash follows a period, exclamation mark or question mark (which I don't think occurs very often in Campione anyway).<br />
<br />
:Also, there's one language quirk that needs to be fixed. In eastern languages, one would often name the person you are talking to in a 3rd person manner, but that should be eliminated in English. Example: "I am surprised by Onii-chan's earnest diligence." --> "I am surprised by your earnest diligence, Onii-chan."<br />
<br />
:Thanks! --[[User:Zzhk|Zzhk]] ([[User talk:Zzhk#top|talk]]) 22:10, 15 June 2013 (CDT)<br />
<br />
Yup no problems, I will take those into account. However, I may miss out those 3rd person references, since I tend to like keeping stuff as "Japanese" as possible. I will try to change all those that I do take note of, but can't promise much for you here haha. --[[User:Royaloyalz|Royaloyalz]] ([[User talk:Royaloyalz|talk]]) 00:27, 16 June 2013 (CDT)<br />
<br />
====Links====<br />
In response to "someone is scared that people make mistakes when creating pages", that's not the main point. It's ''good habit'' to link everything of note.<br />
<br />
Granted, an edit just to redlink just a single item borders on "useless". On the other hand, undoing that action is even further useless, particularly if some does end up making that page; this was the reasoning behind my first undo. -[[User:AKAAkira|Akira]] ([[User talk:AKAAkira|talk]]) 22:59, 17 May 2013 (CDT)<br />
<br />
Yes, and undo-ing the undo is even more productive? How hard is it to create links when they are actually needed?<br />
<br />
Link everything of note? So in your view, a project should create red links for every single chapter for every volume published, regardless of translation progress?<br />
<br />
If links are needed, translators will create them on their own. Simple as that. Should they require assistance, they'll ask for it. Thank you very much. --[[User:Zzhk|Zzhk]] ([[User talk:Zzhk#top|talk]]) 23:18, 17 May 2013 (CDT)<br />
<br />
:Granted, undoing the undo ''was'' even less productive in terms of the work done. (Especially if it developed into a revert war.) What it ''was'' meant to do, however, was to convey my opinion: "There no point doing this undo, since the initial edit has a weak but very legitimate reason behind it, while the undo didn't". Hopefully I've had better luck there.<br />
<br />
:The second point is subjective to every person, but yes, if it was up to me, I'd rather create red links for every single chapter. On wikis, consider that there are also the [[Special:WantedPages]] page that represents which pages are needed the most, and every red link contributes to the accuracy of that list. Of course, this doesn't apply as much to ''this'' wiki, but like I said: good habits. Besides, red links can be annoying to the eye. I tend to think that has a positive correlation with prompting people to create the page. No links are just too ignorable, in that regard.<br />
<br />
:It's up to how you take care of your pages. My only purpose was to point out and question the more eyebrow-raising actions. -[[User:AKAAkira|Akira]] ([[User talk:AKAAkira|talk]]) 00:24, 18 May 2013 (CDT)<br />
<br />
:EDIT: Oh I knew I forgot to say something. I saw your edits to [[User talk:Kadi]]'s page, so here's a comment that would've dissuaded me: "I don't want to." (Or something along those lines that sounds smarter than what I came up with at the moment.)<br />
<br />
:Really, I only spoke up because I thought your reasoning was faulty. If you take it out of the realm of logic, I can't exactly argue against authority. At the very least I'd have to take it to the talk pages first, if that was the case. Not saying I would or am going to, though. -[[User:AKAAkira|Akira]] ([[User talk:AKAAkira|talk]]) 00:38, 18 May 2013 (CDT)<br />
<br />
Thanks alot for translating vol 14.<br />
<br />
===High School DxD===<br />
r u still translating hs dxd?<br />
<br />
: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)<br />
<br />
I wanna know if you´ll continue with volume 9????<br />
<br />
:Life.1 is done --[[User:Zzhk|Zzhk]] 08:29, 2 July 2012 (CDT)<br />
<br />
You absolutely rule man. Thanx for Vol 9 XD<br />
<br />
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)<br />
<br />
: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)<br />
<br />
===CubexCursedxCurious===<br />
Just curious, but will you be translating this novel from time to time? I'm asking because you finished Volume 1 cahpter 2 before. - Cataccountant<br />
<br />
:Maybe. I'll see once I finish Campione V13. --[[User:Zzhk|Zzhk]] ([[User talk:Zzhk#top|talk]]) 02:02, 26 December 2012 (CST)<br />
<br />
Thanks for continuing the novel's translation. I've been interested in the story ever since I saw the anime. - Cataccountant<br />
<br />
===Rollback===<br />
<br />
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)<br />
<br />
:No worries. It was too strange not to have been an accident. --[[User:Zzhk|Zzhk]] 11:10, 2 July 2012 (CDT)<br />
<br />
===Seirei Tsukai no Blade Dance=== <br />
Hi zzhk. In need of your suggestion here. Restia is called more as a "Darkness spirit girl" when referred to. However, the chapter name on the main page for vol 4 ch 7 is "girl of the dark spirit" (as given by....Florza I think). The word to word meaning is "Darkness spirit girl" but since such was mentioned as a chapter name I didn't use it. Though I am more comfortable with using the "Darkness..." Any say on this? ----[[User:Chancs|Chancs]] ([[User talk:Chancs|talk]]) 01:57, 3 February 2013 (CST)<br />
<br />
:The original 闇精霊の少女 basically means "the girl who is the darkness spirit." I use "darkness spirit girl" because anything longer would be too unwieldy to repeat constantly.<br />
<br />
:"Girl of the Dark Spirit" is a very literal but ambiguous choice because it could also mean a girl belonging to the dark spirit, or a girl who possesses the dark spirit.<br />
<br />
:I'd say modify the chapter title for sure. Though as a title, it doesn't need to be identical to what keeps repeating in the text. But definitely, "Girl of the Dark Spirit" should be changed to something clearer. Of course, you should also ask KuroiHikari for ideas too. --[[User:Zzhk|Zzhk]] ([[User talk:Zzhk#top|talk]]) 02:45, 3 February 2013 (CST)<br />
<br />
Do you intend to continue this series ? [[User:trung-t-rung|trung-t-rung]] 7 February 2013<br />
<br />
:Maybe when the next Taiwanese official version comes out, which should be the end of February. --[[User:Zzhk|Zzhk]] ([[User talk:Zzhk#top|talk]]) 21:14, 6 February 2013 (CST)<br />
<br />
Damn your translating blade dance fast :D if only volume 4 was free for you as well thank you for the hard work. -[41.135.73.211] 07:48, 10 February 2013<br />
<br />
So sorry about that.. misread that part. --[[User:Blood|Blood]] ([[User talk:Blood|talk]]) 01:44, 20 February 2013 (CST)<br />
<br />
Just here to ask if you will be focusing on STnBD for the entirety of volume 7? I'm skipping up to 8 with that assumption, but I really want to see 7. --[[User:Mizuho|Mizuho]] ([[User talk:Mizuho|talk]]) 18:04, 21 February 2013 (CST)<br />
<br />
:Good to know that you won't be wasting time on duplicate efforts. I intend to finish what I started, so Volume 7 should be completed some time next week. Since I'll be going away on a business trip, the final update should be posted either before Thursday or on Sunday. -[[User:Zzhk|Zzhk]] ([[User talk:Zzhk#top|talk]]) 21:18, 21 February 2013 (CST)<br />
<br />
Yay!, chapter 8 is up. Great work Zzhk. :3 [[User:All Nighter94|All Night]] ([[User talk:All Nighter94|talk]]) 13:37, 2 March 2013 (CST)<br />
<br />
Hello again, zzhk. Thank you for the latest chapter parts. I have a few doubts regarding names:<br />
<br />
*Is it proper to write Greyworth Ciel Mais or Greyworth CielMais? <br />
* For her, we were using Academy Director before 'then Academy Principle (not that they are different, but...) <br />
<br />
That's all from me. Thanks --[[User:Chancs|Chancs]] ([[User talk:Chancs|talk]]) 22:36, 8 March 2013 (CST)<br />
<br />
:It's one word in the furigana (シエルマイス) but I guess just split it into two words according to the Terminology page.<br />
:Yeah, go ahead and change it to Director. -[[User:Zzhk|Zzhk]] ([[User talk:Zzhk#top|talk]]) 00:00, 9 March 2013 (CST)<br />
<br />
Thank you for volume 9, so are you going to translate vol 10 now? Or help mizuho to translate vol 8?<br />
<br />
:no,now he should be looking after campione vol.13,he's started but has yet to finish:of course,he's free to do as he please(perhaps will he be taking a more than deserved rest?). etheir way is fine with me:i prefer campione's girls to Stnbd's but kamito to godou,so do as you wish,Zzhk-sama.<br />
<br />
:If mizuho gives up, sure, I'll finish off V8. Otherwise, I have no intention of displacing translators from their registered volumes.-[[User:Zzhk|Zzhk]] ([[User talk:Zzhk#top|talk]]) 20:35, 15 March 2013 (CDT)<br />
<br />
hey Zzhk,Thanks for v9, Are you also going to do volume 10? I mean if you are waiting for campione! volume 12 completion,I think it will take time,which will is more then enough to complete V10 with your lightning fast speed <br />
Thanks :D<br />
<br />
:I'll need to wait for the Chinese fan translations first. Also, it'd depend on how much of V10 Kuroi_Hikari wants to do. -[[User:Zzhk|Zzhk]] ([[User talk:Zzhk#top|talk]]) 10:56, 16 March 2013 (CDT)<br />
<br />
Thank you for registering/starting on vol 10 of STnBD zzhk<br />
<br />
OMG, Zzhk, you, sir, are unbelievably fast, and we all truly appreciate your rapid translation speed. Thanks again. -[[User:GodAtom028|GodAtom028]]<br />
<br />
So zzhk, are you going to take a rest or continue on campione?<br />
<br />
Does anyone know when the 11th volume for StnBD will be released?<br />
<br />
:No news yet, currently. -[[User:Zzhk|Zzhk]] ([[User talk:Zzhk#top|talk]]) 00:23, 15 April 2013 (CDT)<br />
<br />
::Thanks a lot, but damn!! I can't freakin' wait. The tension is unbearable!! -[[User:ZAIZEAH|ZAIZEAH]] 14:51, 18 April 2013<br />
<br />
Btw, What does it mean by: "April 17, 2013: Seirei Tsukai no Blade Dance Project is caught up"?<br />
:Translations are caught up to published volumes. Isn't that obvious? -[[User:Zzhk|Zzhk]] ([[User talk:Zzhk#top|talk]]) 05:18, 19 April 2013 (CDT)<br />
I guessed that possibility but I just wanted to confirm, I'm rather bad at at guessing things so I wanted to be sure.<br />
<br />
Any news yet? --[[User:ZAIZEAH|ZAIZEAH]]<br />
<br />
:According to the publisher's site, Volume 11 of Seirei Tsukai no Blade Dance is set to be released on June 25, 2013. --[[User:Zzhk|Zzhk]] ([[User talk:Zzhk#top|talk]]) 19:56, 5 May 2013 (CDT)<br />
<br />
AS always thank you for your continued blazing fast translating :). [[User:All Nighter94|All Night]] ([[User talk:All Nighter94|talk]]) 12:40, 8 August 2013 (CDT)<br />
<br />
When will you start translating Volume 12 ?? --[[User:Black Ice Prince|Black Ice Prince]] ([[User talk:Black Ice Prince|talk]]) 08:05, 5 December 2013 (CST)<br />
<br />
===Silver Cross and Draculea===<br />
Thank you for begin translations on the The Silver Cross and Draculea LN. I appreciate it.<br />
but why not translate from volume 1 chapter 3, I don't think ArchmageXin already translate it --[[User:D4rkfl4sh|D4rkfl4sh]] 00:31, 5 January 2013 (CDT)<br />
<br />
As ArchmageXin once posted in a forum: <br />
If any translator want to step in, I will be happy to "match" the length of how much they contribute with my own, <br />
but otherwise, I will go on break for a few months so I can deal with other things.<br />
I'm simply giving him some encouragement to realize the "win-win" situation he envisioned.-[[User:Zzhk|Zzhk]] ([[User talk:Zzhk#top|talk]]) 19:24, 4 January 2013 (CST)<br />
<br />
i see, sorry i don't look at the forum<br />
<br />
Oh, didn't realize it. Will change accordingly in short time. Also, should the tense be in past or present? From what I have understood till now, there's only distinction between past and present 'form' with no reference to future for the language. And I have already done some edits which I feel are sometimes wrong when trying to change everything to present tense. Thanks --[[User:Chancs|Chancs]] ([[User talk:Chancs|talk]]) 23:06, 4 January 2013 (CST)<br />
<br />
Hey '''Zzhk''' would you think about finishing off the last 3 chapters of volume 1 after your finished with Blade Dance? I know your buzy with other translations and life but it'd be much appreciated since that teaser is chewing at my soul :D. [[User:All Nighter94|All Night]] ([[User talk:All Nighter94|talk]]) 15:36, 28 February 2013 (CST)<br />
<br />
:I have no wish of displacing other translators in their own volumes, so probably Volume 1 really isn't a priority. Besides, as a light-hearted love comedy, you don't really need to know every single detail in Volume 1's plot. --[[User:Zzhk|Zzhk]] ([[User talk:Zzhk#top|talk]]) 02:33, 3 March 2013 (CST)<br />
<br />
Hi, i'm chronus79, a member of team Sonako<br />
This series is interesting, so i thinking about translate it in to Vietnamese.<br />
Will you give me the permission to do that?<br />
If yes, please tell me if there are anything else that need to do besides the link back here and credit.<br />
One more thing, how can I contact with ArchmageXin? I think I need permission for vol 1 too.[[User:Chronus79|Chronus79]] ([[User talk:Chronus79|talk]]) 03:35, 28 May 2013 (CDT)<br />
<br />
:Sure, go ahead... Although Vol 1 has some serious lapses in accuracy on occasion, so I would recommend translating it from Japanese directly. You can contact ArchmageXin on his talk page although he might be a little busy in real life at the moment. --[[User:Zzhk|Zzhk]] ([[User talk:Zzhk#top|talk]]) 09:14, 28 May 2013 (CDT)<br />
<br />
::Thanks, but i don't know Japanese, self-studying now. I guess I will use Translate Aggregator and ORC programs for now. Hope i will able to do it someday.[[User:Chronus79|Chronus79]] ([[User talk:Chronus79|talk]]) 09:52, 28 May 2013 (CDT)<br />
<br />
Can you summary the main content of volume 1? I think I can't read volume 2 without knowing anything.[[User:Hunter|Hunter]] ([[User talk:Hunter|talk]]) 07:21, 30 June 2013 (CDT)<br />
<br />
:You should ask ArchmageXin to see if he wants to summarize the volume he's working on. --[[User:Zzhk|Zzhk]] ([[User talk:Zzhk#top|talk]]) 19:29, 30 June 2013 (CDT)<br />
<br />
Like chronus79, I also want to translate this LN into Vietnamese. But I can't contact him by e-mail, can you give me the permission too? [[User:Hunter|Hunter]] ([[User talk:Hunter|talk]]) 23:51, 8 July 2013 (CDT)<br />
<br />
:It's a nice act of courtesy, but you don't really need permission to translate a fan translation. If you're really sure you want to translate ArchmageXin's work, go ahead and just acknowledge him in the credits. --[[User:Zzhk|Zzhk]] ([[User talk:Zzhk#top|talk]]) 00:11, 9 July 2013 (CDT)<br />
<br />
Since Par74583 and 203.218.214.15 seem to have taken over the translation of chapters 2 and 3 of volume 1, ArchmageXin has stepped back. Do you plan to do chapters 4 and 6 in his stead?--[[User:Kemm|Kemm]] ([[User talk:Kemm|talk]]) 14:18, 19 July 2013 (CDT)<br />
<br />
:Since no one has registered those chapters anyway, I'll just let people do whatever they want. I expect Par74583 will probably continue onto Chapter 4. --[[User:Zzhk|Zzhk]] ([[User talk:Zzhk#top|talk]]) 18:41, 19 July 2013 (CDT)</div>Black Ice Princehttps://www.baka-tsuki.org/project/index.php?title=Maou_na_Ore_to_Fushihime_no_Yubiwa:Volume_2_Chapter_3&diff=308011Maou na Ore to Fushihime no Yubiwa:Volume 2 Chapter 32013-12-05T09:11:32Z<p>Black Ice Prince: </p>
<hr />
<div>==Chapter 3: Honey Trap==<br />
<br />
Since I don’t know from where to start, let’s go in order for the time being.<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
Before my eyes there is a female pervert.<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
How unexpected. It seems I was greatly mistaken.<br />
<br />
About the being called female pervert, until now. I believed they were beings that only lived inside male phantasies, but that was a great mistake.<br />
<br />
Thinking a bit about it, it’s obvious, but seeing that beings like dragons and ghouls surprisingly do exist in reality, there’s no reason why female perverts won’t.<br />
<br />
Nevertheless.<br />
<br />
No, indeed.<br />
<br />
That there was a female pervert so close to me… I didn’t expect it.<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
“What are you doing…? Kyouko.”<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
Totally overflowing with uneasiness, I said the name of my childhood friend.<br />
<br />
“Eerrm. What… You don’t get it?”<br />
<br />
“…”<br />
<br />
Let’s rewind and reassess the situation.<br />
<br />
It’s lunch break. I was dragged by Kyouko into the women’s toilet at the back of the school.<br />
<br />
Currently, in front of me, I see my childhood friend with her skirt rolled up and flaunting her panties to me.<br />
<br />
I-I don’t think you understand what I’m saying……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………….<br />
<br />
This sudden plot twist would leave even Polna•ff<ref>Jean Pierre Polnareff, a character from JoJo’s Bizare Adventures.</ref> speechless.<br />
<br />
“I can… See your panties.”<br />
<br />
“… Errm. That’s all?”<br />
<br />
“That’s all.”<br />
<br />
“Th-that can’t be all! Isn’t there something!? Like feelings!”<br />
<br />
“Why should I tell you what I feel when I see your panties!?”<br />
<br />
“Ugh! That’s…”<br />
<br />
Being questioned, Kyouko became flustered,<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
“Uuu. Saying that any boy should fall once they are shown panties… Manami-chan, you liar…”<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
With her skirt still rolled up, she muttered something.<br />
<br />
I don’t know what’s happening, but since I can’t bear seeing her like this.<br />
<br />
“… Understood. I’ll tell you. Listen.”<br />
<br />
“Eh…?”<br />
<br />
“Since I’ll tell you my feelings on seeing your panties… Don’t make that face.”<br />
<br />
“Really!?”<br />
<br />
It’s a deep mystery why she’s so happy, but Kyouko let out a smile like a flower in bloom.<br />
<br />
Ughh…<br />
<br />
Really… What have we been talking about since a while ago?<br />
<br />
A situation of being forced to reveal my feelings on seeing her panties… I really don’t know what her aim is.<br />
<br />
“How should I put it, it’s repetitive.”<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
“… What?”<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
A really big question mark floated over Kyouko’s head.<br />
<br />
“Aah. Errm. I’ve said repetitive, haven’t I? I meant it as repetitive on the good sense. I don’t think you should be bothered by it…”<br />
<br />
“Repetitive on the good sense what!?”<br />
<br />
“… Not the ones you’re specifically wearing right now, those pastel color with pink and yellow and such with a frilly ribbon ones.”<br />
<br />
“…So, so it’s like that. But, is it something that boys like, after all?”<br />
<br />
“Of course. I’d say it’s a genre with established popularity, but…”<br />
<br />
“You don’t agree!?”<br />
<br />
“Frankly, I’m personally fed up… First thing first, will wearing them like that rejoice boys? Doesn’t it defeat the original purpose? I’d say this sense of security is a no-go.”<br />
<br />
“…”<br />
<br />
“So, if you first take the boy to a safe location, that’s a weak pattern. Besides, I have no complaints against the staple genre, but do you only wear that kind?”<br />
<br />
“…”<br />
<br />
“Katsudon<ref>Breaded pork over a bowl of white rice.</ref> is delicious, but if you eat nothing but it, won’t you get bored for sure?<br />
<br />
To begin with. Am I not accustomed to see your underwear… Ah!”<br />
<br />
Darn.<br />
<br />
I was so engrossed talking about my well-liked topic of panties that I’ve ran my mouth.<br />
<br />
It could be—that I’ve unknowingly hurt Kyouko.<br />
<br />
I see. I lack delicacy.<br />
<br />
How could I liken a girl’s panties to katsudon… I’m the worst.<br />
<br />
It should be at least macaron or tiramisu… One of those posh desserts…<br />
<br />
As I expected, Kyouko lowered her sight and with her shoulders seemingly trembling,<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
“Uwaaaaa! Haru, you moroooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooon!"<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
With teary eyes, she ran away full throttle.<br />
<br />
Alone. I’ve been left alone at the girl’s restroom.<br />
<br />
“Errrm. What was that?”<br />
<br />
That Kyouko. What the heck does she pretend?<br />
<br />
If you thought about showing me your panties out of the blue, that you ran away with teary eyes… No matter what, I can’t think it’s a sane reaction.<br />
<br />
Both yesterday’s bentou and today’s panties clearly give me bad vibes.<br />
<br />
But, since I won’t get nothing no matter how hard I think about it,<br />
<br />
“Well, recently weather has gone hotter…”<br />
<br />
Saying that… Is that it?<br />
<br />
With that half-baked reflection, I directed a pitiful glance to the gradually shrinking back of my childhood friend. <br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<center>× × ×</center><br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
After class. While answering to the booklet with past questions of the Center Test I just bought at the school library, once I went home, the sun was setting.<br />
<br />
Being alone, I started thinking about many things.<br />
<br />
About dinner. About school. About friends.<br />
<br />
… About if I’d dedicate myself on being a monster tamer from now on.<br />
<br />
I walk on the white lines of the asphalt at twilight.<br />
<br />
If I manage to reach home while only stepping on the white lines… I feel like something good is bound to happen tomorrow.<br />
<br />
I know.<br />
<br />
I feel, however, good things don’t come so easily.<br />
<br />
Since chances are good that by tomorrow I’d forget this from today, there’s no way to prove it.<br />
<br />
Even so, I like to do this kind of pointless things when I’m alone.<br />
<br />
“…?”<br />
<br />
Before the park I’ve gone countless times as a child.<br />
<br />
My sight fell on a single spot. A single girl was lost in her thoughts on the swings.<br />
<br />
Golden hair fixed in rather short twintails.<br />
<br />
A dull red robe that seemed taken straight out a fantasy world.<br />
<br />
Those eyes were of a crimson that overshadowed the current sunset sky.<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
“Iris?”<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
The one there is the red dragon girl I exchanged promises to make a contract with.<br />
<br />
Iris Scarlet Lindblum. That was she.<br />
<br />
“That voice… The tamer?”<br />
<br />
Iris stopped swinging and turned her face in my direction.<br />
<br />
… Am I overthinking things?<br />
<br />
That face, is not of her usual haughtiness, it feels like she’s thinking hard about something.<br />
<br />
“.. I see. It had totally slipped my mind. Now that I ponder, thy nest lays on the vicinity.”<br />
<br />
“…”<br />
<br />
Nest, she says.<br />
<br />
When talking with Iris, her usual sense of Japanese language makes me nuts.<br />
<br />
“By the way, Iris, why are you in the area? Could it be you’ve covered all this distance to come to see me?”<br />
<br />
“Nice jest, coming to accompany idlers like you.<ref>In plural, so “you”.</ref>”<br />
<br />
“Haha…”<br />
<br />
But I think it’s more of an idler the one who’s playing on the swings at the park in broad daylight.<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
“I have a reason to come to this area. And that’s—to inquire about a certain someone.”<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
“A certain someone?”<br />
<br />
As I parroted her words as a question, Iris’s eyes became harsh.<br />
<br />
“The Monster Tamer of the Catastrophe. The name is Noelle North Norm. Five years ago… She’s one of the key persons on the slaughtering of my tribe.”<br />
<br />
“!?”<br />
<br />
The next instant. I felt like that name would shake like nothing the foundations of what was until now your usual everyday.<br />
<br />
The monster tamers engaged in crime of abuse of monsters—<br />
<br />
Black Tamers.<br />
<br />
Just the other day I fought against one of those Black Tamers that wanted to get his hands on the dragon blood.<br />
<br />
… Could I have been mistaken until now?<br />
<br />
A peaceful everyday. A world at peace.<br />
<br />
To me those are no more than a house of cards.<br />
<br />
Not even an instant.<br />
<br />
[[File:Maou na Ore to Fushihime no Yubiwa 2 p091.png|thumb]]<br />
<br />
If they resent me because of last day’s battle—you could say my life is currently on grave danger 24/7.<br />
<br />
“It seems adequate to suppose our foes won’t let the recent skirmish slip out. It could be we have found the trace of some unknown bigwig.”<br />
<br />
“… Then, Iris, what will you do once you’ve found that guy?”<br />
<br />
“Thou dostn’t have to ask. The moment I met him, I shall tear him apart. Since to me, from the very start… That has been my objective in life.”<br />
<br />
“…”<br />
<br />
Shouldn’t I say something to her?<br />
<br />
‘Since revenge will bear nothing, stop it.’<br />
<br />
‘Since killing people is bad, stop it.’<br />
<br />
If I act as an ally of justice, it’ll be easy to spit out a sensible reasoning.<br />
<br />
Nevertheless.<br />
<br />
The people who can say that kind of lip service are the ones who are living in bliss.<br />
<br />
I have a question.<br />
<br />
Let’s say, those lawyers and jurist that right now are arguing against the current death penalty.<br />
<br />
If one of their relatives was murdered by a total stranger for selfish reasons, could they still stand for their beliefs with the same conviction?<br />
<br />
Since I don’t want to pose as an ally of justice by brandishing the prevailing view—<br />
<br />
I won’t deny her.<br />
<br />
“… I see. That’s good.”<br />
<br />
As I let out my honest opinion, Iris made a face as if she was not convinced,<br />
<br />
“… Unexpected. Being thee, won’t you exercise unnecessary meddling and suggest me to stop?”<br />
<br />
“That’s the life you’ve decided on. Even If it was wrong, I’m not qualified to deny it.”<br />
<br />
“Good. It seems thou hast grown up whilst I was not looking.”<br />
<br />
“However, let me tell you a single thing.”<br />
<br />
<nowiki>*BRUSH*</nowiki> I softly petted Iris head and said.<br />
<br />
“… Won’t you stop getting involved in so many unnecessary problems? Right now, you… Your face shows quite the suffering.”<br />
<br />
“Wh-what art thee basing that nonsense on!?”<br />
<br />
… If I keep with that, she’ll end up losing her temper.<br />
<br />
I pretended not to see it and got back on track.<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
“Because of thee… Hadn’t it be because of thee, I should have strayed from the proper path. Against humans—I was consumed by the flames of hatred. For that reason…"<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
I felt like Iris fiercely muttered something, but the sound of the night breeze drowned it and it didn’t reach my ears. <br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<center>× × ×</center><br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
Going back a week.<br />
<br />
This is the threshold between the Netherworld and the Human Realm.<br />
<br />
A group of men and women were inside an old castle that towered over a desolate wasteland.<br />
<br />
“Then, could you tell me about the capture of code 001, red dragon.”<br />
<br />
“… Yes.”<br />
<br />
A man with easterner factions that bore the nickname of ‘Tamer of the Black Beasts’.<br />
<br />
Clarie Shernfelt lowered his head in front of the masked woman.<br />
<br />
“My apologies. It went well until midway, but… An unforeseen nuisance got in the way…”<br />
<br />
“… Hou.”<br />
<br />
“Kusumi. The name is Kusumi Chiharu.”<br />
<br />
Anguish surfaced to the man’s expression,<br />
<br />
“Boss! Give me one more chance, please! Next time, along with the dragon blood—I’ll see to bring you that guy’s head!”<br />
<br />
Though the man pleaded frantically to personally repay the dishonor, the woman’s tone was freezing cold.<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
“… That’s not necessary. I’ve entrusted everything about him to Noelle.”<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
“!?”<br />
<br />
The Tamer of the Catastrophe. Noelle North Norm.<br />
<br />
Clarie couldn’t suppress his agitation after hearing that name.<br />
—Hey, hey. It’s a joke?<br />
<br />
Why the heck? Sending such a bigshot to engage a rookie…<br />
<br />
“Boss… Let me tell you that that’s excessive. I object!”<br />
<br />
“… And why may it be?”<br />
<br />
“There’s too much risk! If you let out that monster, it will be literally catastrophic. Even innocent people will get invol… Guah!”<br />
<br />
Next instant. A big lump of rocks nit the man in the gut.<br />
<br />
No. Calling it simply rocks is not exact.<br />
<br />
A mineral giant with a soul in its body—stone golem.<br />
<br />
Obviously, it is a monster under the command of a powerful monster tamer.<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
“Onee-san. Can I kill him?”<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
That girl appeared suddenly, without no one noticing.<br />
<br />
Wine red hair like spilled blood, a black dress with varied ornaments.<br />
<br />
Her features had a crafted beauty, but the only thing that engraved itself on the memories was her relentless glance without any warmth.<br />
<br />
“… Guh. Noelle… What the heck is with this behavior…”<br />
<br />
“Nothing~. This behavior doesn’t mean anything. Do you need a reason to crush summerflies?”<br />
<br />
“Noelle… Let him go now.”<br />
<br />
“… Che.”<br />
<br />
Being reprimanded by the masked woman, she let go of the man with a dissatisfacted expression.<br />
<br />
“You bitch… You have to focus on pleasing the boss at all times! Do you want me to crush you here right now!?”<br />
<br />
Even though the man hollered and reached his ring to his lips, Noelle’s face didn’t flinch.<br />
<br />
“Clarie. My bad, could you leave?”<br />
<br />
“B-but…”<br />
<br />
“It’s an order.”<br />
<br />
“… Understood.”<br />
<br />
Commanded to leave against his will, Clarie, after directing to Noelle a glance full of blood thirst, left the place.<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
“Noelle. Do you know what you have to do from now on?”<br />
<br />
“I know. Killing that Kusumi Chiharu human, right? The same old task. Go, me.”<br />
<br />
“… Wrong. That’s a 30 points answer.”<br />
<br />
“Eeerm. Is it killing him by beating the senses out of him?... Or maybe killing by harassing?”<br />
<br />
“Correct answer… Will you do that? However, you can only kill him if he’s not as powerful as you—understood?”<br />
<br />
“Yeaaah.”<br />
<br />
<nowiki>*</nowiki>GRIN* Noelle made a wide charming grin.<br />
<br />
The masked woman’s feelings were conflicting.<br />
<br />
Kusumi Chiharu.<br />
<br />
While possessing the body of a human, a tamer who housed inside it the power of the Maou.<br />
<br />
If this fake-looking piece of info ended up being real—he should be put without delay under the control of the organization.<br />
<br />
In order to pull the trigger to activate his chimera powers<ref>Nephilim are also part human, they say. Why are they monsters instead of chimeras?</ref>—a shock treatment of some sorts.<br />
<br />
It’s necessary to corner him into a limit situation due to battle.<br />
<br />
And for that there was a secret plan. Since, come the time, all the needed trump-card tools will’ve been gathered, there will be no problem.<br />
<br />
If there was some king of factor of unrest—<br />
<br />
(There’s too much risk… is it?)<br />
<br />
Clarie’s claim has a point.<br />
<br />
It’s an undeniable truth that Noelle holds the skill of a one-man army, but—regrettably, she’s very twisted.<br />
<br />
Not having in mind any kind of thoughtful tactic apart from sheer combat, one could say she’s not very suited to this time’s mission.<br />
<br />
(… What do I hope, I wonder?)<br />
<br />
She was stumped at her own naivety.<br />
<br />
Being he, he could very well cast a ray of light over the darkness inside Noelle’s heart.<br />
<br />
Even knowing that was not possible, she still holds some hope inside her heart.<br />
<br />
The masked woman showed a self-deprecating smile, having fallen into evil, but still not having become completely cold-hearted.<br />
<br />
[[File:Maou na Ore to Fushihime no Yubiwa 2 p101.png|thumb]]<br />
<br />
<noinclude><br />
<br />
==References and Translation Notes==<br />
<references /><br />
<br />
{{SimpleNav|e=6}}<br />
</noinclude></div>Black Ice Princehttps://www.baka-tsuki.org/project/index.php?title=Maou_na_Ore_to_Fushihime_no_Yubiwa:Volume_2_Chapter_2&diff=308006Maou na Ore to Fushihime no Yubiwa:Volume 2 Chapter 22013-12-05T08:01:38Z<p>Black Ice Prince: </p>
<hr />
<div>==Cooperative tactic!?==<br />
<br />
Recently I feel like I’m losing my dignity as a man.<br />
<br />
Speaking frankly, I’m being made fun of.<br />
<br />
And that’s because.<br />
<br />
The pretty freeloader ghoul girl that came suddenly ― Zonmi Ra McKenzie.<br />
<br />
The devil-like little sister that lurks inside the Kusumi home ― Kusumi Manami.<br />
<br />
Currently trapped in these two’s pace, my life of being dominated goes by without issue.<br />
<br />
Hey, hey.<br />
<br />
What a situation I, whose catchphrase is “To hell with sissy main characters” and does not want also to be known as a “bossy husband in the flesh”, have ended in…<br />
<br />
It’s an urgent matter that must not be left unresolved.<br />
<br />
… Nevertheless.<br />
<br />
A ghoul and my blood-related sister. That pair of selfish-to-the-core pretty girls that are constantly letting out sighs of ‘Something must be done about this personality…!’ are impossible to be kept in check.<br />
<br />
In the end, I ― today like always I can’t help but being controlled.<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
“Chiharu. Are they going to celebrate a festivity soon in this town?”<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
Morning. While waiting for the bus in front of the station.<br />
<br />
While standing to my right, the one who asked me that was Zonmi the ghoul.<br />
<br />
Straight long silver hair reminiscent of white snow, slender limbs.<br />
<br />
Her features without flaw, her dignified gaze gives her a cold aura ― a beautiful girl with the atmosphere of a cool beauty.<br />
<br />
“Aah. You mean the Saegusa festival. It’s a big festival that encompasses the Tanabata Festival, a summer festival and a fireworks rally.”<br />
<br />
The preparation being made in Saegusa city as the day approaches have greatly changed the town scenery.<br />
<br />
Though there’s still time until Tanabata, the hastiest shops have already started to place the stalls.<br />
<br />
“I see. It’s a festival overflowing with greed. By the way, Chiharu, are you planning on going with someone to it?”<br />
<br />
“Nope. No one in special at this moment…”<br />
<br />
“Is that so? That’s surprising.”<br />
<br />
“… Izzat so?”<br />
<br />
Could it be that inside Zonmi’s head I give an impression of having many friends?<br />
<br />
Though that said, it’s not very wrong.<br />
<br />
Zonmi, pondering about something for a moment,<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
“By the way, Chiharu, are you currently seeing someone?”<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
That’s quite the sudden question she has made.<br />
<br />
“In the least. That’s not possible…”<br />
<br />
Simply look at my usual lifestyle and you’d understand!<br />
<br />
Even if I’ve been truthful, for some reason Zonmi’s expression harbors suspicion.<br />
<br />
“Chiharu… It’s not good to lie to me. Wouldn’t it be better for you to tell me the truth?”<br />
<br />
“I’m not lying…”<br />
<br />
Isn’t that because I couldn’t get a girlfriend for 16 years?<br />
<br />
“I see. I’ve got a gist of the situation.”<br />
<br />
“Hoo, so you’ve finally understood?”<br />
<br />
“Yes. There’s no ‘person’ you’re going out with, because it’s a ‘monster’ who you are going out with. Isn’t that what Chiharu means?”<br />
<br />
“Wouldn’t it better be that I have neither a human girlfriend nor a monster girlfriend!?”<br />
<br />
“… Muu.”<br />
<br />
Even when I explained myself without delay, Zonmi seems like she’s still not convinced.<br />
<br />
Why does Zonmi distrust me that much.<br />
<br />
Or rather, that about a ‘monster girlfriend’ gives the impression of having a highly destructive potential…<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
“―Ah!”<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
I’ve just realized something.<br />
<br />
“Could you be talking about the pendant?”<br />
<br />
So it was that. I had totally forgotten that I’m wearing the pendant I found yesterday.<br />
<br />
When I asked, Zonmi nodded with an embarrassed face,<br />
<br />
“Yeah. No matter what, it doesn’t seem to suit Chiharu…”<br />
<br />
“… Perhaps a little.”<br />
<br />
I’m not someone who wears many accessories, for starters.<br />
<br />
“Could it be something you received from a past lover?”<br />
<br />
“Hardly, since as I’ve kept telling you, I’m a male virgin who’s been 16 years without a girlfriend.”<br />
<br />
Don’t make me say it. It’s embarrassing.<br />
<br />
“…”<br />
<br />
“…”<br />
<br />
“……”<br />
<br />
“…… Wha?”<br />
<br />
Even though I’ve said the truth, it seems as if the air around us instantly froze.<br />
<br />
It seems that “male virgin” is a taboo expression to Zonmi.<br />
<br />
“So it’s like that. It seems that I became oversuspicious. Of course someone that speaks with no delicacy… Won’t be able to get a lover. No doubt I must excuse myself.”<br />
<br />
Zonmi looks like she despises me.<br />
<br />
“… No problem.”<br />
<br />
Looks like I’ve cleared her doubts, but… What the heck. This is surely very complex…<br />
<br />
“Haah…”<br />
<br />
I let out a deep sigh.<br />
<br />
No matter what, I didn’t think this pendant would raise so much suspicion.<br />
<br />
Do I look like an outsider to fashions?<br />
<br />
Since it appeared out of nowhere inside my room and it surprisingly fit me nicely, I tried wearing it, but… Truth to be told, I didn’t think it would cause such a fuss.<br />
<br />
Have I to conceal it under my shirt<ref>I don’t know whether what Japanese call Y-Shaatsu is a WHITE shirt or a short-sleeved shirt; I only know that the term does not exist on the main English-speaking countries. - In English speaking nations, what the Japanese call a Y-Shirt is called a button up shirt, or dress shirt. And English speaking countries have no clue why the Japanese call them Y-Shirts.</ref> so to prevent someone else from seeing it, getting suspicious and causing a riot?<br />
<br />
“Going back on track. So, you are not going to participate this year?”<br />
<br />
“Nope. I had planned on going, at least…”<br />
<br />
Maybe I’ll go together with my classmate Youhei… I believe that, him being him, it seems that he won’t let the chance escape.<br />
<br />
“I have been asked by Manami, like a demon, day after day, but… Going to a festival with my little sister at our age is of course embarrassing… I think I better pass."<br />
<br />
“I see. I think it’s a commendable judiciousness.”<br />
<br />
“If you’re interested, would you like that we two went together?”<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
“… Wha?”<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
As it seemed that Zonmi became momentarily speechless and had her mouth agape, soon after she became panicked with her face pure red ―<br />
<br />
“Whawhawha, what the heck do you plan by saying that!? Maybe, what you mean with those words… Do you have the intention to be on a date with me!?”<br />
<br />
“… No. Nothing so flashy.”<br />
<br />
My intentions.<br />
<br />
“Wasn’t only recently that Zonmi came to Saegusa city? You’re still not familiar with this area.”<br />
<br />
Needless to say, my aim is that if I have someone that I planned to go with, it will be easier to fend off my sister’s approaches.<br />
<br />
“… Th-thank you very much from the bottom of my heart.”<br />
<br />
Totally in disarray, Zonmi took a deep breath in.<br />
<br />
“Sadly, I must decline. Because basking under the summer sun while taking a stroll in the middle of a crowd… Is life-threatening to a ghoul…”<br />
<br />
“Ah―”<br />
<br />
That’s right, didn’t she tell me before? That each year on summer 100,000 ghouls were sent to hospital?<br />
<br />
If it’s like that, then there’s no way around.<br />
<br />
And recently it’s been abnormally hot.<br />
<br />
To the human-hating + weak to heat Zonmi, an event like a festival could be like hell.<br />
<br />
“Then… Though I can’t attend to the summer festival, what if we go somewhere indoors―”<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
“KyeeeeEeeEEEEEEEEE―――――――――――――――――――――――――――――――――――――――――――――――――――”<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
“!?”<br />
<br />
The moment Zonmi started talking, a shriek like that of an uprooted mandragora was heard.<br />
<br />
Glancing on the direction of the voice ― a pretty girl came out of a trash bin placed on the street.<br />
<br />
Big and round eyes like those of a small chick.<br />
<br />
Nicely developed big breasts.<br />
<br />
Her black hair, pride of Japan, was arranged as a ponytail at the back of her head.<br />
<br />
Kusumi Manami. The one that has suddenly come out of a trash bin is my little sister.<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
“What the heck is that, oniichan!? I demand an explanation! How come I don’t get what you mean at all!?”<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
“Calm down, Manami. Isn’t it you the one who has to give a explanation!? That thing you are doing… Is it a human jack-in-the-box!?”<br />
<br />
However.<br />
<br />
As if it was only natural, Manami turned a deaf ear.<br />
<br />
Instead, she criticized her brother’s humor sense by letting out “Uwah. Don’t make that comparison” in a small voice.<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
"Why, while you turn down my approaches, are you making an appointment with the zombie? That’s totally weird!”<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
“…”<br />
<br />
I do it in order to have a good pretext to turn down your approaches… That’s something I won't say even if you rip my mouth open.<br />
<br />
How come. This situation… How can I get over it?<br />
<br />
It seems like Manami is in the right this time.<br />
<br />
If my invitations were turned down and I saw the other party asking out a total stranger… Even if I’m not Manami, it wouldn’t sit right with me.<br />
<br />
There’s no option… I’ll use ‘that’.<br />
<br />
The last resource when in trouble. It tends to work.<br />
<br />
As it makes use of Manami’s feelings, though I don’t like it, I have no other way.<br />
<br />
Brushing away my forelocks, I struck a somewhat exaggerated cool pose.<br />
<br />
“Listen, Manami. This is totally for your sake…”<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
“Eh…”<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
Manami let out a little sigh with a befuddled face.<br />
<br />
“… Wait a bit, what?”<br />
<br />
Yosh. Hook, line and sink.<br />
<br />
My little sister’s expression turned in a flash into that of a lovestruck maiden.<br />
<br />
“I’m your brother, right? Since you are more important to me than anyone else… Ain’t I telling you to harden your heart? Next year, you’re also gonna be a high school student. Won’t it be troubling to you if you cannot let go of your brother by then? I beg you, Manami. Make your brother feel relieved and make a single friend before then.”<br />
<br />
“…”<br />
<br />
It’s really something I can’t endure. Due to Manami’s bad habit of having a much-too-strong sex drive, she hasn’t had no one she could call a friend in elementary and middle school.<br />
<br />
That’s why my words ― are my sincere true feelings.<br />
<br />
Though it’ll be good that Manami learns to not cling to her brother for a bit…<br />
<br />
“Understood… If that’s what oniichan says… Manami… Will try. From now on I’ll make a friend to go together with to the festival.”<br />
<br />
“That’s it… Did you understand?...”<br />
<br />
Shit. I got some tears in eyes.<br />
<br />
As I expected, if you make Manami listen properly, she’s quite the sensible child…<br />
<br />
“In turn, if Manami does as oniichan said and can make a friend to go with to the festival… There’s something I want as a reward. Will you promise me?”<br />
<br />
“… Promise?”<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
“Not now ― once it happens, oniichan. Let’s go together to the festival.”<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
“Eh.”<br />
<br />
What the heck does she mean by that.<br />
<br />
After going to the festival with a friend, double booking by going together to the festival with me?<br />
<br />
I mean… Isn’t that completely going back to the start line!?<br />
<br />
“Hey, Manami… By saying you will make a friend in order to let go of your brother, isn’t that putting the cart before the horse?“<br />
<br />
“Pretty please! This is the last I will ask of you! I want my last memory of middle school, by all means, to be going together to a festival with my brother…”<br />
<br />
“…”<br />
<br />
Since it’s unusual that Manami asks for something so meekly, I ended up rejecting it on impulse.<br />
<br />
Thinking about it… Isn’t this to some extent better than keeping being insistently asked to the festival?<br />
<br />
I don’t want to say it, but the chances of my sister that has been a solo player all her life to successfully make a friend in the lapse of a few days… Are far slimmer than the chances of survival of an ocean sunfish’s<ref><i>Mola mola</i>, a fish, wiki it.</ref> offspring.<br />
<br />
“Understood. I’ll promise you that.”<br />
<br />
After talking with a bit of a serious tone, Manami, with her feelings seemingly overflowing,<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
“I did iiit!! Oniichan, I love youuu!!”<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<nowiki>*MUGYUUUUUUUUUUUUU*</nowiki><br />
<br />
Manami hugged me with all of her tender body.<br />
<br />
Also, how much long will you keep being inside that trash bin?<br />
<br />
Since the start, being hugged by my sister doesn’t make me very happy, but the stench like dead crayfish that comes from her hair adds up an extra layer.<br />
<br />
If you’re going to be hugging, take out the rubbish from your hair.<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
“Chiharu, you adulterer.”<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
Zonmi badmouthed me, with a glare cold like a North Pole blizzard.<br />
<br />
“…Ah.”<br />
<br />
This is bad. Could it be that, this time, is Zonmi the one who has lost her temper?<br />
<br />
Now that I say it, that’s right. I may have been insensible from my part to promptly make this kind of promise with my sister only minutes after having asked her out.<br />
<br />
Being these two the women most near to me, unless you are very careful, the troubles won’t stop.<br />
<br />
“Sorry. About this…”<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
“Jealous wench!”<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
By promptly making a follow-up, Manami didn’t let me continue.<br />
<br />
“Shitty zombie! Read the mood! As you see, oniichan has chosen Manami♪ That’s why, get out♪”<br />
<br />
“… Ku.”<br />
<br />
Zonmi made a face as if she had bit a lemon,<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
“How many times I have to say it to you so that you understand!? My name isn’t zombie. It’s Zonmi! I’m a descendant of the proud since ancient times ghoul clan, Zonmi Ra McKenzie!”<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
She rebuked with her usual cathphrase.<br />
<br />
It seems that Zonmi being a ghoul she can’t stomach being treated as a zombie.<br />
<br />
“Haa… Still with that? I’m fed up with that sentence!”<br />
<br />
“Hey. It’s a problem that you are fed up…”<br />
<br />
“Straight to the point, zombie-san. Aren’t you excessively close to oniichan despite being a newcomer? Going together to school every morning, you surely feel important. Could it be~, despite not being going out you feel like you’re his girlfriend?”<br />
<br />
“Wha-wha-wha-what are you saying!? If you say that, then you too!”<br />
<br />
“With me, it’s fine! Since I’m oniichan’s little sister♪”<br />
<br />
“… Is that reason enough? If it’s like that, than I’m Chiharu’s partner. ―So it’s only my natural duty to serve at his side.”<br />
<br />
Saying that, Zonmi showed the silvery glittering contract ring.<br />
<br />
Some days ago, I formally established an employer-employee relation using the ring.<br />
<br />
For that reason, Zonmi and me are wearing matching rings.<br />
<br />
Contrastively with Zonmi’s face of triumph, Manami’s factions got shrouded in darkness.<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
“Ring… Oniichan and the zombie are wearing matching rings…”<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
“…Ah!”<br />
<br />
This is very bad.<br />
<br />
A switch has totally been flipped.<br />
<br />
“I won’t forgive you… Never, never, never, never, never, never, never, never, never, never, never, never, never, never, never, never, never, never, never, never, never, never, never, never, never, never, never, never!”<br />
<br />
My sister’s brother complex has sincerely deplorably gone out of track.<br />
<br />
That’s bad.<br />
<br />
So bad that it’s on the level of making even monsters run away.<br />
<br />
Even Zonmi has gone pale.<br />
<br />
“Let’s go, Chiharu! It’s dangerous to stay here!”<br />
<br />
“… Yup.”<br />
<br />
Zonmi took my hand.<br />
<br />
It seems we can’t afford to wait for the bus.<br />
<br />
The instant we left the station as if we were in agreement, a tremendous killing intent was felt at our backs.<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
“Aaa, You’ve taken…”<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
“Eh…”<br />
<br />
“You’ve taken―, You’ve taken the hand―――――!! You’ve taken oniichan’s hand――――――――――――――――――――――――――――――――――――――――――――――――――――!!"<br />
<br />
I carefully looked back.<br />
<br />
There, Manami, with the face of a demon, had taken out of nowhere a couple of huge knifes with 40 cm. of blade length, and isn’t she shortening distances with us with ferocious speed!?<br />
<br />
Man… I don’t know what’s what…<br />
<br />
With this you can’t tell who’s the monster.<br />
<br />
“Chiharu, raise your speed.”<br />
<br />
“Y-Yeah!”<br />
<br />
Zonmi was dashing while strongly pulling my hand.<br />
<br />
―Zonmi is of course a monster, and seeing it like that makes me too quite the monster tamer.<br />
<br />
Could it be due to producing magic power? As of recent, my physical ability has risen conspicuously, reaching a level that can’t be compared with a normal person.<br />
<br />
That’s why ― I don’t have to worry about the chance in a million that my sister catches us―<br />
<br />
That’s what I was thinking at the moment.<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
“Hya!”<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
As I thought I’d heard a little shriek, suddenly, Zonmi’s arm that was pulling of my hand ― was severed while fresh blood gushed out.<br />
<br />
“Fufufu. At last, I caught you♪”<br />
<br />
From behind… No, wrong. It was from the front.<br />
<br />
Before we could notice it ― there was my sister covered in red of the shed blood.<br />
<br />
What an amazing thing, my sister not also has defeated in speed a monster tamer and his partner, but managed to sever the right arm that Zonmi was using to pull my hand too.<br />
<br />
Emm, from where has she acquired that pointless combat ability?<br />
<br />
Good grief, that’s bad for the heart.<br />
<br />
Had Zonmi not been from the ghoul clan…. Wouldn’t that have been no laughing matter?<br />
<br />
“Fufufu. Lass. How dare you cut my arm… Today for sure I won’t forgive you.”<br />
<br />
“Bring it on♪ Everyone who gets close to oniichan is an enemy♪ I’ll chop your heart and body!”<br />
<br />
“…”<br />
<br />
Taking an umbrella [weapon] from nowhere, Zonmi faced my sister.<br />
<br />
My sister being my sister, she faced Zonmi with the aforementioned huge kitchen knives while smiling ominously.<br />
<br />
Man… I don’t know what’s what anymore…<br />
<br />
Ever since Zonmi became a freeloader on the Kusumi residence, every day has been like this.<br />
<br />
Even if I’m so worried I am, can’t I even sigh!? <br />
<br />
My spirits are almost as low as when I threw a tantrum because I stained my newly bought shirt with curry sauce.<br />
<br />
Paying no attention to those two, I carefully got out of that place and went to school alone.<br />
<br />
<center>× × ×</center><br />
<br />
“Then, have you heard, Chiharu?”<br />
<br />
Lunch break.<br />
<br />
My classmate from the seat next to mine, Sakurazaka Youhei, asked me with his cheeks stuffed with flavored bread.<br />
<br />
This good friend of mine is a man of the currently styled ‘low fuel consumption hybrid’ kind, who likes 2D girls and loves 3D girls.<br />
<br />
“It seems A-class has decided to do caramel apples.”<br />
<br />
“Eeh. Is that so. Tanaka from C-class does frankfurts. And didn’t Yamazaki from D-class chose chocolate bananas?”<br />
<br />
“Yep. Both of them have made low-lifeness reach a whole new level. It seems they are using the confusion to make girls eat rod-shaped foods, and like that fulfill their hidden intention of seeing them make sexy poses.”<br />
<br />
“…”<br />
<br />
Regarding to our talk till now, it’s about the stands that will be set up during Saegusa festival.<br />
<br />
A stand even though we are on high school?<br />
<br />
You may be wondering, but to set up a stall is something specially regarded as part of our school’s extra-curricular activities.<br />
<br />
To tell the truth, the reason I decided to go with Youhei to the festival is the following.<br />
<br />
“About your booth… It was yo-yo fishing, wasn’t it?”<br />
<br />
“Yeah. Isn’t it the best? The guys around me won’t stop saying ‘Isn’t he too fired up!?’, being no match for me.”<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
“… As expected. Your idea is on a whole different line of those of the perverts from the other classes.”<br />
<br />
<br />
“!!”<br />
<br />
As soon as I remarked that, Youhei’s eyes got sharper.<br />
<br />
“Ku, ku, ku. As I suspected. Chiharu… I supposed that, being you, you’d realize.”<br />
<br />
“… You overestimate me. Anyone would notice if he used his imagination a bit.”<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
“Nope. Apart from you, no one has realized it.<br />
<br />
That yo-yo fishing has become the best panty-seeing spot―!!”<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
“…”<br />
<br />
As I see it, yo-yo fishing is the best panty-seeing spot owing to two facts.<br />
<br />
First.<br />
<br />
As we know, in the game known as yo-yo fishing, if you don’t lower your hips enough you can’t pick a yo-yo, but, on the other hand, girls strongly dislike to dirty their clothes by toching the ground with her butts.<br />
<br />
For that reason, since while yo-yo fishing they can’t but keep their hips lowered on a halfway stance, that makes the perfect chance for panty-seeing.<br />
<br />
Second.<br />
<br />
The line of sight of the girls engrossed on yo-yo fishing, where is it aimed at… Of course, at the prey [yo-yo] before their eyes.<br />
<br />
With this, no matter how much wary the girl is, it’s difficult for them to realize their own defenseless stance.<br />
<br />
By the way, due to the former, when you really try to google ‘yo-yo fishing panty-seeing’, you get a truly astonishing number of search results.<br />
<br />
Even if the monster affair has enlivened society… Even today, the world is at peace.<br />
<br />
“Now that we are talking about it, Chiharu, do you have someone to go with to the Saegusa festival this year?”<br />
<br />
“Still no luck…”<br />
<br />
Since I was rejected by Zonmi this morning.<br />
<br />
“So it’s like that. If you ask me with your all, I may let you man the booth for a bit.”<br />
<br />
“What… the heck…!?”<br />
<br />
If you are telling me that I will be able to see panties effortlessly… That’s too good to be true.<br />
<br />
“In that case, I want you to promise me something.”<br />
<br />
Youhei put on a very serious expression,<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
“Since you are with me, make it so neither Zonmi-san nor your sister go to the festival.”<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
“…? No problem.”<br />
<br />
Though I find it very unexpected, Youhei’s suggestion is somewhat easy to achieve.<br />
<br />
Truth to be told, Zonmi has already rejected me once, and I doubt Manami will be able to make a friend before the day of the festival.<br />
<br />
“… May I ask the reason?”<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
“Chiharu… Me being still your best friend, I want us to be together!”<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
Hey, hey.<br />
<br />
You seem to be saying that if I went to the festival with two girls you’ll stop being my friend.<br />
<br />
“Understood. Though I don’t understand why, if it’s like that, I’ll prevent those two from going to the festival.”<br />
<br />
“For real…! Are you serious, pal!”<br />
<br />
I was surrounded by his arms and hugged.<br />
<br />
Seeing it from outside, it gives a dangerous feeling, but even being hugged by Youhei, I think I kept my face from revolting.<br />
<br />
Gu, fu, fu, fu, fu.<br />
<br />
How much has it been since I looked so forward to the day of the festival?<br />
<br />
Saegusa festival? Now that I think about it, long ago, I often went with Kyouko, but lately the chances have remarkably diminished.<br />
<br />
… Now that I think about it, has she planned to go with someone to the festival?<br />
<br />
As I thought about that, once I reached my seat.<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
“Go-good morning! Haru!”<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
… Speaking of the devil.<br />
<br />
A clear soprano voice suddenly resounded inside the classroom.<br />
<br />
Looking in the direction of the voice, there was my childhood friend.<br />
<br />
The moment she set foot inside the classroom, my classmates spirits fired up like gunpowder.<br />
<br />
“Uooooooooooooooooooo! It’s Kyouko-samaaaa!” “Our angel has come doooooooown!”<br />
<br />
Even after Zonmi transferred, Kyouko’s popularity was as strong as ever.<br />
<br />
No, I’d dare say it was even stronger than ever.<br />
<br />
The source was the “Monthly Seiran<ref>Written as “sex revolution” instead of the “sacred orchid” on the name of the academy.</ref> underground magazine published each month by our school’s newspaper club.<br />
<br />
According to the same issue, over these several weeks, haven’t some of the core members of the Kyouko Fan Club (KFC) taken the banner of revolution, established the Zonmi Fan Club (ZFC) and now both parties are in the middle of a bloody feud?<br />
<br />
“… What a fuss are these humans making.”<br />
<br />
Engrossed until a while ago by the karaage roll she had for lunch, Zonmi expressed blatantly her displeasure without listening to the current conversation.<br />
<br />
“Eeerm. What’s the matter?”<br />
<br />
When I tried to ask, feeling an ominous premonition on my back, Kyouko blushed,<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
“We-well. I made an obentou for Haru!”<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
She spat those surprising words.<br />
<br />
Kyouko put before me a humongous three layered… No, four layered bento box, then she averted her gaze while bashfully entwining her fingers.<br />
<br />
‘Heh. Humph. So it’s like that? Chiharu and the Nephilim, don’t minding that I’m the partner, have entered into an unusual relationship.’<br />
<br />
‘I misjudged you! You rom-com bastard!’<br />
<br />
I think I’ll hear those two’s words anytime now.<br />
<br />
… No, rather I want to hear them.<br />
<br />
I don’t know what feelings do they hide inside their chests, but those two secretly pierced me with their glances without a word. As I thought I heard the creaking of plastic being broken, next instant, the remains of a pair of chopsticks rolled over the desk.<br />
<br />
If you have something to say, why don’t you say it!?<br />
<br />
Chopsticks have no guilt!<br />
<br />
“… Yeah, erm. Currently, Kyouko-sama is intermingling with Kusumi Chiharu. Urgent, I request permission for bloodshed.”<br />
<br />
“Yeehaa! Serves you right, KFC! It’s obvious our angel is Zonmi-san!”<br />
<br />
“…”<br />
<br />
The dubious students from next class came dashing, being as noisy as they pleased.<br />
<br />
Not that it matters, but KFC… Isn’t that fried chicken?<br />
<br />
“What the heck… How come? Why have you done this bentou for me that of a sudden?”<br />
<br />
“Eeerm. That’s, you see…”<br />
<br />
A change in the surroundings, the air got filled with tension.<br />
<br />
The classmates watched us intently as they drooled.<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
“I-it’s the same work doing one or two!”<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
“…”<br />
<br />
I-it cameeee!<br />
<br />
The king of response that nowadays only happens on games!<br />
<br />
Thanks for the treat. I’m full.<br />
<br />
Thank you very much!<br />
<br />
“What? Any problem? Since I made it for you, at least be thankful!”<br />
<br />
“Ye-yeah…”<br />
<br />
“Then, what are you going to do? Will you eat it or not?”<br />
<br />
“I’ll eat it.”<br />
<br />
“… Fuun. Y-you should have said that from the beginning!”<br />
<br />
“…”<br />
<br />
Aah. Of course I’d like to refuse.<br />
<br />
Nevertheless, If I refuse Kyouko’s goodwill, she could not take it well. I’m scared of the retribution from the KFC members.<br />
<br />
I don’t know if Kyouko’s plotting something, but it’ll be better to play along with her.<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
“Uwah!”<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
Next instant, Youhei’s shriek was heard.<br />
<br />
No one present at the site when it happened could do nothing more than stare silently.<br />
<br />
Speaking from the results, Yohei, who was until now seated next to me, has his head inside the garbage bin and is letting out anguished screams.<br />
<br />
A catastrophe.<br />
<br />
It’s a catastrophe.<br />
<br />
“Yo-Youhei!?”<br />
<br />
“This is bad! The infirmary! Someone take him to the infirmary!”<br />
<br />
On the seat Youhei was occupying until a while ago, now is seated Kyouko, feigning innocence.<br />
<br />
Dreadfully, probably Youhei’s appearance doesn’t reflect in her eyes.<br />
<br />
Since she has used too casually her monster powers, no one present has noticed her wrongdoing.<br />
<br />
… But that’s only natural.<br />
<br />
It has been so fast that, despite having the dynamic vision of a monster tamer, I’ve barely noticed it…<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
“Come on. You can tell me if the bentou I made for you is of your liking!”<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
While trembling as if there was a poltergeist phenomenon going around, she opened the bentou box’s lid with unsteady hands.<br />
<br />
If I have to talk about the contents ― they surely are of top-notch quality.<br />
<br />
The fourth layer has white rice, while layers 1~3 seem to have been designed as side-dish areas.<br />
<br />
Fried prawn. Hamburger steak. Karaage. French fries. Spaghetti. Pork cutlet. Curry pilaf. Yakiniku. Steak. Sweet and sour pork. Salad. Fried salmon. Mackerel with miso. Takoyaki… Etcetera, etcetera.<br />
<br />
Like that, it was filled with multicolored side-dishes made to be well-received by men.<br />
<br />
“Kyouko.”<br />
<br />
“W-what?”<br />
<br />
“Could it be… You want me to eat all of this?”<br />
<br />
“Yeah. I tried to choose and make only what Haru liked, but…”<br />
<br />
“…”<br />
<br />
Sadly, it seems she has no ill will.<br />
<br />
I don’t understand the exact reason, but since long ago her harsh efforts end all going on weird directions.<br />
<br />
“Aah. Then. Bon appetite.”<br />
<br />
I carefully reached out with my chopsticks to the hamburger steak.<br />
<br />
“… How is it?”<br />
<br />
“Yeah. The usual deliciousness.”<br />
<br />
There’s no problem with the ingredient selection or their passing over the flames, and also there was no complain about its quality.<br />
<br />
I’d believe it if they said to me this had come from a restaurant.<br />
<br />
“Izzat so? That’s good…”<br />
<br />
Kyouko, letting out an exhalation of deep relief, gazed at me with a dazzling expectation,<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
Come, why don’t you try the next one? If you ask me, I’m confident on how the fried shrimp has come out…<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
She asked me as if it was only natural.<br />
<br />
“…”<br />
<br />
This flow of events… It gives me bad vibes.<br />
<br />
I looked around looking for help, but each and every one of them conspicuously turned away their glances, so I couldn’t meet their eyes.<br />
<br />
[[File:Maou na Ore to Fushihime no Yubiwa 2 p071.png|thumb]]<br />
<br />
It seems I deserve it, it can only be called divine punishment.<br />
<br />
<br />
“… What’s the matter? Could it be it doesn’t suit your tastes… perhaps?”<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
I couldn’t get rid of my suddenly meek childhood friend, her eyes tinged with uneasiness.<br />
<br />
Being like this, even I… Better to steel my stomach…<br />
<br />
Having made my decision, I, with tearful eyes, I gulped down the hamburger and white rice as if stuffing them into my throat.<br />
<br />
<nowiki>*MUNCH MUNCH* *MUNCH MUNCH*</nowiki><br />
<br />
Resolutely, I kept chewing.<br />
<br />
My stomach capacity has reached its limits long ago.<br />
<br />
It’s as if I could end up throwing everything up anytime if I so much let some air out.<br />
<br />
However, I can’t go and give up.<br />
<br />
This Kyouko, what the heck… What was she thinking, making so much bentou?<br />
<br />
I don’t know the circumstance, but she wouldn’t have prepared so much bentou for no ordinary reason.<br />
<br />
That’s why, I’ll eat it. I’ll keep eating it.<br />
<br />
… After a while I could see the end.<br />
<br />
Another bite.<br />
<br />
Another bite… Only this last piece of pineapple from the sweet-sour pork and finished!<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
“… Blergh!”<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
Nevertheless, reality is not so kind.<br />
<br />
Having my stomach reached long ago the limits of its capacity, its contents were thrown up in an explosion of a paste resembling egg icecream.<br />
<br />
“Danger! Kusumi has been defeated!”<br />
<br />
“To the infirmary! Even if it’s Kusumi, take him to the infirmary!”<br />
<br />
What. I see a beautiful river.<br />
<br />
Could this be… The Sanzu river<ref>River that represents the border between life and death according to Japanese Buddhism. Lit. “River of the Three Crossings”, if you were a very good person, you cross it through a jewelly bridge, if you had a balanced karma, through a shallow crossing, and if you were evil, through a deep part full of snakes.</ref>?<br />
<br />
He… y…<br />
<br />
The one who’s waving to me from the other side… Is it Youhei?<br />
<br />
I see. You also fell on a very flashy manner.<br />
<br />
Youhei… I follow your steps.<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
“Good grief. How can you be this soft-hearted, Master…?”<br />
<br />
While I was losing consciousness, I thought I heard Zonmi’s voice. <br />
<br />
<center>× × ×</center><br />
<br />
As soon as Kyouko reached her apartment, she buried her face in her pillow and hanged her head.<br />
<br />
“…The worst.”<br />
<br />
If that’s not the worst, then what would you call the worst?<br />
<br />
The nicely timed ‘handmade bentou tactic” had ended in utter failure.<br />
<br />
For sure, it’s the fault of the size of the bentou, I got carried away and did too much, I think I have many things to reflect on.<br />
<br />
Then, no wonder, it ended up making him faint…<br />
<br />
All the same, I should have predicted it.<br />
<br />
“Hah…”<br />
<br />
I let out a deep sigh.<br />
<br />
Like this, usurping the contract is but a pipe dream.<br />
<br />
If I keep it like this, wont I be forced to make a contract with the partner that I don’t want?<br />
<br />
With Chiharu ever after, is that a destiny denied to me?<br />
<br />
Thinking like that, I felt my mood steadily going down.<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
“I’m going to support you! Kyouko-oneechan.”<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
From somewhere, the voice of a girl could be heard.<br />
<br />
“Who!?”<br />
<br />
That’s weird. When I got out, if I’m not wrong, I locked the door.<br />
<br />
Right now, no one should be inside this room other than me.<br />
<br />
No one should…?<br />
<br />
Next instant, *BAM!*, the wardrobe’s door was opened with force.<br />
<br />
Following that, a familiar human came out rolling like a pill bug.<br />
<br />
Kusumi Manami. The one who has suddenly come out from inside my home’s wardrobe was Chiharu’s little sister.<br />
<br />
“…”<br />
<br />
Unintentionally, I held my head in my hands.<ref>Don’t know exactly how to express it. Something similar to a double palmface.</ref><br />
<br />
I don’t know what Chiharu thinks, but what’s inside the head of this little sister that’s rolling there was a mystery.<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
“… What are you doing? Manami-chan.”<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
Worried as I was, I could hardly squeeze out those harmless words.<br />
<br />
“Don’t mind it, oneechan!”<br />
<br />
“Don’t mind!? Isn’t that a full-fledged crime? Don’t you have something to say about that!?”<br />
<br />
“Fufu. That’s that. Now, compared with oneechan’s problems, that’s trifling. Am I wrong?”<br />
<br />
[[File:Maou na Ore to Fushihime no Yubiwa 2 p077.png|thumb]]<br />
<br />
--Wha…<br />
<br />
Since it was spot-on, Kyouko was unconsciously taken aback,<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
“Eeeerm. What do you mean by supporting me?”<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
I asked with a somewhat forced smile.<br />
<br />
“Cheering on your love, of course♪ Kyouko-oneechan, don’t you love oniichan?”<br />
<br />
“… What?”<br />
<br />
“However. Oneechan’s recently abused template of tsundere childhood friend, is it a successful approach against oniichan? Is not, right?”<br />
<br />
“… B-better than that, about liking Haru, I don…”<br />
<br />
“Aaa. Yeah, yeah. It’s fine to go with that character.”<br />
<br />
“…”<br />
<br />
“You like him, don’t you?”<br />
<br />
“…”<br />
<br />
It’s not possible to keep a secret from her, so it seems.<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
“… Tes. I like him. I love him.”<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
Just when I voiced that, I noticed my face heating up.<br />
<br />
(What’s with… This situation!?)<br />
<br />
Why am I confessing my loving someone to that someone’s little sister?<br />
<br />
Why was her inside my room’s wardrobe?<br />
<br />
As the questions kept popping up, feeling that she’d lose if she thought deeply about it, Kyouko gave up thinking.<br />
<br />
“Yep, yep. Let’s go straight to the point♪”<br />
<br />
“…?”<br />
<br />
“That love, I’ll help you fulfill it!”<br />
<br />
“Eh,”<br />
<br />
“From today onwards, Manami will be love’s Cupid for you two! I’ll teach Kyouko-oneechan about love!”<br />
<br />
“Eeeeeeeeeeeeee!?”<br />
<br />
I didn’t understand the reason.<br />
<br />
Isn’t it somewhat sad that I have to learn about love from a girl younger than me?<br />
<br />
“Don’t worry. Since if you leave it to me, everything will be OK! Feel at ease, Kyouko-oneechan!!”<br />
<br />
“Hah…”<br />
<br />
I could only sigh. Since I can’t reply, it seems I’ve given my consent.<br />
<br />
That’s weird.<br />
<br />
Manami is a well-known bro-con. I don’t know what reason she’d have to help me with my love.<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
“Ufufu. Now I can make Kyouko onee-chan get in the way of that ghoul’s romance…!”<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
“You’ve let out your true thoughts!?”<br />
<br />
I don’t understand a bit of what’s happening, but I can say a single thing.<br />
<br />
That is, it seems that it’s my fate to be completely manipulated by these pair of siblings.<br />
<br />
<br />
<noinclude><br />
<br />
==References and Translation Notes==<br />
<references /><br />
<br />
{{SimpleNav|e=6}}<br />
</noinclude></div>Black Ice Princehttps://www.baka-tsuki.org/project/index.php?title=Date_A_Live&diff=304523Date A Live2013-11-25T01:10:16Z<p>Black Ice Prince: </p>
<hr />
<div>[[Image:DAL v01 cover.jpg|300px|thumb|Cover for Date A Live Vol 1]]<br />
'''''Date A Live''''' (デート・ア・ライブ), is a Japanese light novel series written by Tachibana Koushi(橘公司), with illustrations by Tsunako(つなこ), published by [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fujimi_Shobo Fujimi Shobo] under their Fujimi Fantasia Bunko label. The novel was first published in March 2011 and has 8 volumes currently. In April 2013 an anime adaptation began which covered the events of volumes 1-4 of the light novel which ended in June 2013 . A second season is in production.<br />
<br />
<br />
The Date A Live series is also available in the following languages:<br />
*[[Date_A_Live_~Brazilian_Portuguese~|Português Brasileiro (Brazilian Portuguese)]]<br />
*[[Date_A_Live_(Indonesia)|Bahasa Indonesia]]<br />
*[[Date_A_Live_Russian|Русский (Russian)]]<br />
*[[Date_A_Live_Russian_Alt|Pусский альтернативный перевод (Russian Alternative Version)]]<br />
*[[Date_A_Live_Spanish|Español (Spanish)]]<br />
*[[Date A Live (Français)|Français (French)]]<br />
*[[Date A Live (Tiếng Việt)|Tiếng Việt (Vietnamese)]]<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
==Story Synopsis==<br />
<br />
April 10th. Yesterday was the last day of spring vacation, so starting this morning it was a school day. After being woken up by his cute little sister, Itsuka Shidou believed that it would be the start of another normal day. As for predicting the chance meeting with the girl who called herself a spirit......<br />
<br />
Along with a sudden shockwave, the townscape vanished without a trace. In a corner of the street which had now become a crater, the girl was there.<br />
<br />
"&mdash;You, have you come to kill me too?"<br />
<br />
She is the disaster that will destroy humanity, a monster of unknown origin, and a being rejected by the world. There are only two ways to stop this girl: annihilation, and conversation. His little sister Kotori, wrapped in a military uniform, thus said to Shidou: "Since it's like this, just go date her, and make the spirit fall for you!" "Wh.. whaaaaaaaat!?" Enter a new age of boy meets girl!! <br />
<br />
==Translation==<br />
<br />
=== [[Date A Live:Registration Page|Registration]] ===<br />
<br />
'''Translators are asked to [[Date A Live:Registration Page|register]] for chapters they want to work on'''<br />
<br />
===Format Standards===<br />
'''Every Chapter (after editing) must conform to the general format guidelines.'''<br />
*[[Format_guideline|General Format/Style Guideline]]<br />
*[[Date A Live: Names and Terminology Guidelines]] (WARNING: May contain spoilers)<br />
<br />
===Feedback===<br />
'''If you enjoyed the series, why don't you tell us in the [http://www.baka-tsuki.org/forums/viewtopic.php?f=23&t=4694 Feedback Thread]'''<br />
<br />
==Updates==<br />
* '''24-November-2013'''<br />
** Volume 8 Complete<br />
** Volume 8 Afterword completed<br />
* '''23-November-2013'''<br />
** Volume 8 Chapter 5 completed<br />
* '''13-November-2013'''<br />
** Volume 8 Chapter 4 completed<br />
* '''1-November-2013'''<br />
** Volume 8 Chapter 3 completed<br />
* '''25-October-2013'''<br />
** Volume 8 Chapter 2 completed<br />
* '''19-October-2013'''<br />
** Volume 8 Chapter 1 completed<br />
* '''25-September-2013'''<br />
** Volume 6 Chapter 3 completed<br />
** Volume 4 Chapter 10 completed<br />
<br />
<br />
Past updates [[Date A Live:Updates|here]].<br />
<br />
==The ''Date A Live'' series by Tachibana Koushi==<br />
<br />
'''You can find the PDF files in the Date A Live section [http://www.mediafire.com/?6a6tgxa6o18vk#94ai2xleyi49f here].'''<br />
<br />
===Volume 1 - Dead End Tohka ([[Date A Live:Volume 1|Full Text]] - [http://www.mediafire.com/view/?7yx8202e5licwh4 PDF] - [http://www.mediafire.com/download.php?pqbq2cxtt4ry4y6 MOBI])===<br />
[[File:DAL_v01_cover.jpg|thumb|x200px]]<br />
::*[[Date A Live:Volume 1 Illustrations|Novel Illustrations]]<br />
::*[[Date A Live:Volume 1 Prologue|Prologue: Chance Meeting -restart-]]<br />
::*[[Date A Live:Volume 1 Chapter 1|Chapter 1: The Nameless Girl]]<br />
::*[[Date A Live:Volume 1 Chapter 2|Chapter 2: {{Furigana|Training|Game}} Start]]<br />
::*[[Date A Live:Volume 1 Chapter 3|Chapter 3: Your Name Is......]]<br />
::*[[Date A Live:Volume 1 Chapter 4|Chapter 4: Surprise Date]]<br />
::*[[Date A Live:Volume 1 Chapter 5|Chapter 5: Ruthless {{Furigana|Slaughterer|Sandalphon}}]]<br />
::*[[Date A Live:Volume 1 Epilogue|Epilogue: Life With a Spirit]]<br />
::*[[Date A Live:Volume 1 Afterword|Afterword]]<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br style="clear:both"/><br />
<br />
===Volume 2 - Puppet Yoshino ([[Date A Live:Volume 2|Full Text]]- [http://www.mediafire.com/view/?hya2e89hc438xd8 PDF] - [http://www.mediafire.com/download.php?m8xqqo81rnqmygz MOBI])===<br />
[[File:DAL2_cover.jpg|thumb|x200px]]<br />
::*[[Date A Live:Volume 2 Illustrations|Novel Illustrations]]<br />
::*[[Date A Live:Volume 2 Prologue|Prologue: New Daily Life]]<br />
::*[[Date A Live:Volume 2 Chapter 1|Chapter 1: Mission: Under One Roof]]<br />
::*[[Date A Live:Volume 2 Chapter 2|Chapter 2: Rainy Girl]]<br />
::*[[Date A Live:Volume 2 Chapter 3|Chapter 3: Excessively Distorted Compassion]]<br />
::*[[Date A Live:Volume 2 Chapter 4|Chapter 4: Multiple requests at Tobiichi's House]]<br />
::*[[Date A Live:Volume 2 Chapter 5|Chapter 5: Frozen Earth]]<br />
::*[[Date A Live:Volume 2 Epilogue|Epilogue: The Past that Starts to take Action]]<br />
::*[[Date A Live:Volume 2 Afterword|Afterword]]<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br style="clear:both"/><br />
<br />
===Volume 3 - Killer Kurumi ([[Date A Live:Volume 3|Full Text]]- [http://www.mediafire.com/view/?3neykn8xl8fpla0 PDF] - [http://www.mediafire.com/download.php?7511gz8lk7r7xz1 MOBI])===<br />
[[File:DAL3_cover.jpg|thumb|x200px]]<br />
::*[[Date A Live:Volume 3 Illustrations|Novel Illustrations]]<br />
::*[[Date A Live:Volume 3 Prologue|Prologue: The Black Visitor]]<br />
::*[[Date A Live:Volume 3 Chapter 1|Chapter 1: Second Transfer Student]]<br />
::*[[Date A Live:Volume 3 Chapter 2|Chapter 2: A Spirit's Invitation]]<br />
::*[[Date A Live:Volume 3 Chapter 3|Chapter 3: Sister Wars]]<br />
::*[[Date A Live:Volume 3 Chapter 4|Chapter 4: Triple Date]]<br />
::*[[Date A Live:Volume 3 Chapter 5|Chapter 5: Imitation Nightmare]]<br />
::*[[Date A Live:Volume 3 Afterword|Afterword]]<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br style="clear:both"/><br />
<br />
===Volume 4 - Itsuka Sister ([[Date A Live:Volume 4|Full Text]] - [http://www.mediafire.com/download/vc2q23cqsfero0c/Date_A_Live_-_Volume_04.mobi MOBI])===<br />
[[File:DAL4_Cover.jpg|thumb|x200px]]<br />
::*[[Date A Live:Volume 4 Illustrations|Novel Illustrations]]<br />
::*[[Date A Live:Volume 4 Chapter 6|Chapter 6: Time Penetrating Flame]]<br />
::*[[Date A Live:Volume 4 Chapter 7|Chapter 7: Kotori's Conference]]<br />
::*[[Date A Live:Volume 4 Chapter 8|Chapter 8: Swimwear Battle]]<br />
::*[[Date A Live:Volume 4 Chapter 9|Chapter 9: Last Date]]<br />
::*[[Date A Live:Volume 4 Chapter 10|Chapter 10: Avenger from Five Years Ago]]<br />
::*[[Date A Live:Volume 4 Epilogue|Epilogue: Encounter of Darkness]]<br />
::*[[Date A Live:Volume 4 Afterword|Afterword]]<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br style="clear:both"/><br />
<br />
===Volume 5 - Yamai Tempest ([[Date A Live:Volume 5|Full Text]] - [http://www.mediafire.com/view/?pqtqanh81qmmj9u PDF] - [http://www.mediafire.com/download/9eoqglxtfdh8899/Date_A_Live_-_Volume_05.mobi MOBI])===<br />
[[File:DAL5_Cover.jpg|thumb|x200px]]<br />
::*[[Date A Live:Volume 5 Illustrations|Novel Illustrations]]<br />
::*[[Date A Live:Volume 5 Prologue|Prologue: Reverse Conquest]]<br />
::*[[Date A Live:Volume 5 Chapter 1|Chapter 1: DEM's Plans]]<br />
::*[[Date A Live:Volume 5 Chapter 2|Chapter 2: Cyclone Girls]]<br />
::*[[Date A Live:Volume 5 Chapter 3|Chapter 3: Double Approach]]<br />
::*[[Date A Live:Volume 5 Chapter 4|Chapter 4: Cross-Counter Heart]]<br />
::*[[Date A Live:Volume 5 Chapter 5|Chapter 5: The Light that Splits the Wind]]<br />
::*[[Date A Live:Volume 5 Epilogue|Epilogue: Shidou, I—]]<br />
::*[[Date A Live:Volume 5 Afterword|Afterword]]<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br style="clear:both"/><br />
<br />
===Volume 6 - Miku Lily ([[Date A Live:Volume 6|Full Text]] - [http://www.mediafire.com/download/23ycdrunh4ut2f6/Date_A_Live_-_Volume_06.mobi MOBI])===<br />
[[File:DAL6_Cover.jpg|thumb|x200px]]<br />
::*[[Date A Live:Volume 6 Illustrations|Novel Illustrations]]<br />
::*[[Date A Live:Volume 6 Prologue|Prologue: The Girls' Tryst]]<br />
::*[[Date A Live:Volume 6 Chapter 1|Chapter 1: Incomprehensible Spirit]]<br />
::*[[Date A Live:Volume 6 Chapter 2|Chapter 2: Male/Female]]<br />
::*[[Date A Live:Volume 6 Chapter 3|Chapter 3: Edit Time]]<br />
::*[[Date A Live:Volume 6 Chapter 4|Chapter 4: Music]]<br />
::*[[Date A Live:Volume 6 Chapter 5|Chapter 5: Azure Flash]]<br />
::*[[Date A Live:Volume 6 Afterword|Afterword]]<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br style="clear:both"/><br />
<br />
===Volume 7 - Miku Truth===<br />
[[File:DAL v7 cov.jpg|thumb|x200px]]<br />
::*[[Date A Live:Volume 7 Illustrations|Novel Illustrations]]<br />
::*[[Date A Live:Volume 7 Chapter 6|Chapter 6: Nightmare, Reappear]] (In Progress)<br />
::*[[Date A Live:Volume 7 Chapter 7|Chapter 7: The Battlefield of Only Two People]]<br />
::*[[Date A Live:Volume 7 Chapter 8|Chapter 8: Streets Engulfed in Fire and Shadow]]<br />
::*[[Date A Live:Volume 7 Chapter 9|Chapter 9: Demon King]]<br />
::*[[Date A Live:Volume 7 Chapter 10|Chapter 10: Slaughtering Tyrant]]<br />
::*[[Date A Live:Volume 7 Epilogue|Epilogue]]<br />
::*[[Date A Live:Volume 7 Afterword|Afterword]]<br />
<br />
<br style="clear:both"/><br />
<br />
===Volume 8 - Natsumi Search ([[Date A Live:Volume 8|Full Text]])===<br />
[[File:DAL v8 cov.jpg|thumb|x200px]]<br />
::*[[Date A Live:Volume 8 Illustrations|Novel Illustrations]]<br />
::*[[Date A Live:Volume 8 Prologue|Prologue: {{Furigana|Another Shidou|Doppelganger}}]]<br />
::*[[Date A Live:Volume 8 Chapter 1|Chapter 1: {{Furigana|Witch of October|Halloween}}]]<br />
::*[[Date A Live:Volume 8 Chapter 2|Chapter 2: {{Furigana| Twelve Photos|Suspect}}]]<br />
::*[[Date A Live:Volume 8 Chapter 3|Chapter 3: {{Furigana|Morning Twelve O'clock|Delete}}]]<br />
::*[[Date A Live:Volume 8 Chapter 4|Chapter 4: {{Furigana|Suspect Designation|High risk}}]]<br />
::*[[Date A Live:Volume 8 Chapter 5|Chapter 5: {{Furigana|Witch's Work|Witchcraft}}]]<br />
::*[[Date A Live:Volume 8 Afterword|Afterword]]<br />
<br />
<br style="clear:both"/><br />
<br />
===Date A Akihabara===<br />
::*[[Date A Akihabara:Tohka|Tohka]]<br />
::*[[Date A Akihabara:Yoshino|Yoshino]]<br />
::*[[Date A Akihabara:Kurumi|Kurumi]]<br />
::*[[Date A Akihabara:Kotori|Kotori]]<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br style="clear:both"/><br />
<br />
===Date A Live Encore===<br />
[[File:DAL vE cov.jpg|thumb|x200px]]<br />
::*[[Date A Live Encore Illustrations|Novel Illustrations]]<br />
::*[[Date A Live Encore Chapter 1: Tohka GamerCenter|Tohka GamerCenter]]<br />
::*[[Date A Live Encore Chapter 2: Origami Impossible|Origami Impossible]]<br />
::*[[Date A Live Encore Chapter 3: Yoshino Fireworks|Yoshino Fireworks]]<br />
::*[[Date A Live Encore Chapter 4: Kotori Birthday|Kotori Birthday]]<br />
::*[[Date A Live Encore Chapter 5: Yamai Lunchtime|Yamai Lunchtime]]<br />
::*[[Date A Live Encore Chapter 6: Kurumi StarFestival|Kurumi StarFestival]]<br />
::*[[Date A Live Encore Chapter 7: Dating Preparations Case 1: Yoshino|Dating Preparations Case 1: Yoshino]]<br />
::*[[Date A Live Encore Chapter 8: Dating Preparations Case 2: Itsuka Kotori|Dating Preparations Case 2: Itsuka Kotori]]<br />
::*[[Date A Live Encore Chapter 9: Dating Preparations Case 3: Tobiichi Origami|Dating Preparations Case 3: Tobiichi Origami]]<br />
::*[[Date A Live Encore Afterword|Afterword]]<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br style="clear:both"/><br />
<br />
===PS3 Special===<br />
::*[[Date A Live: Rinne Bathtime|Rinne Bathtime]]<br />
::*[[Date A Live: Rinne Bathtime Afterword|Afterword]]<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br style="clear:both"/><br />
<br />
===Blu-ray Special===<br />
::*[[Date A Live: Tohka Working|Tohka Working]]<br />
::*[[Date A Live: Yoshino Highschool|Yoshino Highschool]]<br />
::*[[Date A Live:Origami Normalize|Origami Normalize]]<br />
::*[[Date A Live:Kurumi Cat|Kurumi Cat]]<br />
<br />
<br />
<br style="clear:both"/><br />
<br />
===Short Stories===<br />
::*[[Date A Live Short Stories Illustrations|Illustrations]]<br />
::*[[Date A Live: Web Chapter|Web Chapter (Tohka and Shidou)]]<br />
::*[[Date A Live: Tohka Fearful|Tohka Fearful]] (from Fantasia Bunko's 25th Anniversary Book)<br />
::*[[Date A Live: Spirit King Game|Spirit King Game]]<br />
::*[[Date A Live: Shidou Hunters|Shidou Hunters]]<br />
::*[[Date A Live: Date A Quest|Date A Quest]]<br />
<br />
<br style="clear:both"/><br />
<br />
===<Ratatoskr>'s Daily Observations===<br />
::*[[Date A Live : Ratatoskr's Daily Observations Illustrations|Illustrations]]<br />
::*[[Date A Live: Case 1|Case 1]]<br />
::*[[Date A Live: Case 2|Case 2]]<br />
::*[[Date A Live: Case 3|Case 3]]<br />
::*[[Date A Live: Case 4|Case 4]]<br />
::*[[Date A Live: Case 5|Case 5]]<br />
::*[[Date A Live: Case 6|Case 6]]<br />
::*[[Date A Live: Case 7|Case 7]]<br />
<br />
<br style="clear:both"/><br />
<br />
==Project Staff==<br />
*Project Administrator:<br />
*Project Supervisor:<br />
<br />
===Translators===<br />
====ACTIVE====<br />
* [[user:Rozenbach|Rozenbach]]<br />
* [[user:RikiNutcase|RikiNutcase]]<br />
<br />
====INACTIVE====<br />
* [[user:Shini|Shini]]<br />
* [[user:Jonathanasdf|Jonathanasdf]]<br />
* [[user:iamadooddood|iamadooddood]]<br />
<br />
===Editors===<br />
* [[user:Zeker|Zeker]]<br />
* [[user:Alexpte|Alexpte]]<br />
* [[user:Xanga|Xanga]]<br />
* [[User:Cliff|Cliff]]<br />
* [[User:Kira0802|Kira0802]]<br />
* [[User:Dual Blades|Dual Blades]]<br />
* [[User:Daylighter|Daylighter]]<br />
* [[User:Monsterbandage|Monsterbandage]]<br />
* [[User:Flowers-LavDai|Flowers-LavDai]]<br />
* [[User:FERVENT|FERVENT]]<br />
* [[User:ProxY|ProxY]]<br />
* [[User:DarkeKyuubi|DarkeKyuubi]]<br />
* [[User:Insanitizer|Insanitizer]]<br />
<br />
'''INACTIVE'''<br />
* [[user:Chancs|Chancs]]<br />
<br />
All editors that speak English proficiently are welcomed.<br />
<br />
==Series Overview==<br />
*デート・ア・ライブ 十香デッドエンド (March 19, 2011 ISBN 978-4-8291-3623-2)<br />
*デート・ア・ライブ2 四糸乃パペット (August 20, 2011 ISBN 978-4-8291-3672-0)<br />
*デート・ア・ライブ3 狂三キラー (November 19, 2011 ISBN 978-4-8291-3704-8)<br />
*デート・ア・ライブ4 五河シスター (March 17, 2012 ISBN 978-4-8291-3744-4)<br />
*デート・ア・ライブ5 八舞テンペスト (August 18, 2012 ISBN 978-4-8291-3795-6)<br />
*デート・ア・ライブ6 美九リリィ (December 20, 2012 ISBN 978-4-8291-3835-9-C0193)<br />
*デート・ア・ライブ7 美九トゥルース (March 19, 2013 ISBN 978-4-8291-3871-7-C0193)<br />
*デート・ア・ライブ アンコール (May 18, 2013 ISBN 978-4-8291-3892-2-C0193)<br />
*デート・ア・ライブ8 七罪サーチ (September 20, 2013 ISBN 978-4-8291-3938-7)<br />
<br />
[[Category:Fujimi Fantasia Bunko]]<br />
[[Category:Genre - Harem]]</div>Black Ice Princehttps://www.baka-tsuki.org/project/index.php?title=Date_A_Live:Volume_8&diff=304519Date A Live:Volume 82013-11-25T01:08:45Z<p>Black Ice Prince: Created page with "{{:Date A Live:Volume 8 Illustrations}} {{:Date A Live:Volume 8 Prologue}} {{:Date A Live:Volume 8 Chapter 1}} {{:Date A Live:Volume 8 Chapter 2}} {{:Date A Live:Volume 8 Chap..."</p>
<hr />
<div>{{:Date A Live:Volume 8 Illustrations}}<br />
{{:Date A Live:Volume 8 Prologue}}<br />
{{:Date A Live:Volume 8 Chapter 1}}<br />
{{:Date A Live:Volume 8 Chapter 2}}<br />
{{:Date A Live:Volume 8 Chapter 3}}<br />
{{:Date A Live:Volume 8 Chapter 4}}<br />
{{:Date A Live:Volume 8 Chapter 5}}<br />
{{:Date A Live:Volume 8 Afterword}}<br />
<br />
==Translation Notes and References==<br />
'''Chapter 1:'''<br />
<references group="8A" /><br />
'''Chapter 2:'''<br />
<references group="8B" /><br />
'''Chapter 3:'''<br />
<references group="8C" /><br />
'''Chapter 4:'''<br />
<references group="8D" /><br />
'''Chapter 5:'''<br />
<references group="8E" /><br />
<br />
<noinclude><br />
{{DateALiveNavbar<br />
| [[Date_A_Live:Volume_7|Volume 7]]<br />
| [[Date_A_Live:Volume_9|Volume 9]]<br />
}}<br />
</noinclude></div>Black Ice Princehttps://www.baka-tsuki.org/project/index.php?title=Kaze_no_Stigma:Volume6_Chapter_4&diff=297029Kaze no Stigma:Volume6 Chapter 42013-10-25T03:55:04Z<p>Black Ice Prince: </p>
<hr />
<div>== Chapter 4 - The way an avenger ought to be ==<br />
<br />
<br />
=== Part 1 ===<br />
<br />
In one of the private rooms of a Chinese restaurant located close to the Metropolitan Police Department, Kazuma was explaining the details of the story to Tachibana Kirika.<br />
<br />
".........what did you say? ", asked Kirika dumbfounded, staring at him in wonder, but without replying Kazuma gulped down his mapo doufu. <br />
<br />
He eliminated the pointless time of surprised cross-examinations, understanding she actually heard what he said but couldn't comprehend it. <br />
<br />
Besides when Chinese food becomes cool it becomes unappetizing. <br />
<br />
"----Kazuma, wait"<br />
<br />
Quickly regaining her serenity, Kirika glared at Kazuma with a blank stare. <br />
<br />
"Right now, we're talking about something unthinkably important. Can't you be a little more honest? "<br />
<br />
"Not really, no matter what attitude I take the situation won't change. "<br />
<br />
But even so, Kazuma didn't rest his chopsticks. On the contrary, he asked Kirika. <br />
<br />
"You're not eating? "<br />
<br />
".......I lost my appetite", groaned Kirika in a dejected tone. <br />
<br />
But, she couldn't do that. <br />
<br />
If Kazuma's words were true --- and she absolutely couldn't believe this man would lie at such a time --- the battle that will start before long might bring damage at a disaster scale to Tokyo. <br />
<br />
"But even so, I've never even heard rumors regarding the existence of sacred treasures from Water and earth."<br />
<br />
"Right. Even I didn't know. The Suzerain didn't either. "<br />
<br />
"Isn't that weird? "<br />
<br />
Kirika knitted her eyebrows in doubt. <br />
<br />
"I don't know when and how this world came to be but if something like that were to exist in reality, do you think it's likely not even a bit on information would leak out? "<br />
<br />
"Who knows"<br />
<br />
That was a justified question but Kazuma's response had no enthusiasm. <br />
<br />
"It doesn't really matter. I have no interest in stories of the past. "<br />
<br />
"Not like that ---"<br />
<br />
With an earnest facial expression that doesn't allow a negligent attitude, Kirika pressed for a answer. <br />
<br />
"What I'm trying to say is, weren't the sacred treasures of Water and Earth just bestowed by the Spirit Lord? "<br />
<br />
In other words, that Chris and Gaia were the same with the Founder of Kannagi and the same with Kazuma. <br />
<br />
"I wonder..."<br />
<br />
Remembering those two's ability, Kazuma murmured in a contradictory voice. <br />
<br />
They were certainly first-class Jutsushi. <br />
<br />
Chris was an excellent Suijutsushi, even Gaia, if Kazuma wouldn't have used Kokusen, he wouldn't have been able to repel him so simply. <br />
<br />
But.<br />
<br />
That was true and yet ---<br />
<br />
"I don't think they were such significant masters. "<br />
<br />
Even if Kazuma were empty-handed, he did not think he'd loose to Gaia. <br />
<br />
It would be a close fight. He would maybe even suffer wounds. <br />
<br />
But even so, the empty-handed himself will without fail win in the end against Gaia owning a sacred treasure. He could assert that. <br />
<br />
"Huh, if you say it by your standard......"<br />
<br />
Retorting with a stunned expression to Kazuma who declared so without hesitation, Kirika noticed her own misunderstanding. <br />
<br />
"I see.......that's right. It must be by your standard" <br />
<br />
If the sacred weapons were newly acquired, it meant signing a contract with the Spirit Lord. <br />
<br />
Then, if the person cannot stand in the same arena with Kazuma, who is a <<Contractor>>, it means it doesn't have that qualification. <br />
<br />
But, if so, they were an even more suspicious lot. <br />
<br />
"As for Suijutsushi families, I never heard of a Roengram. And then Gaia --- the Earth? the Chijutsushi who doesn't give his surname, even more, the fact that he's using an flagrant alias, that seems very questionable. "<br />
<br />
The Spirit Jutsushi, almost without exception stressed their family name. <br />
<br />
Because they are a class where inborn ability is more important than anything else, that could be called the natural current. <br />
<br />
Even for the <<first generation>> that acquired power unrelated to lineage, the trend is constant. <br />
<br />
Rather, for the sake of making a reputation, there are many who emphasize the surname even more. <br />
<br />
To sum it up, a Spirit Jutsushi who doesn't name himself is someone who was either banished from the family or someone who has done a serious crime, anyway, someone for whom giving his name would produce inconvenience, nothing but a dishonest Jutsushi. <br />
<br />
For those kind of people, it's impossible that they are the due successors of secret treasures. <br />
<br />
"It's not only that" <br />
<br />
To perform a magic ceremony by gathering the sacred treasure of the four elements, that's fine so far. But ---<br />
<br />
"At the time of the Fuan Family they used force because the negotiations failed and yet when it comes to Ayano-chan they attacked suddenly, right? Just what were they thinking? "<br />
<br />
"At first, they began in a negotiation-like fashion, though "<br />
<br />
"Don't make fun of this. You understand, right? "<br />
<br />
Kirika didn't respond to Kazuma's joke but coldly replied. <br />
<br />
What Kazuma meant by negotiations was what Chris said: ''"If you obediently hand over Enraiha I won't hurt you"''. <br />
<br />
Even if they tried negotiating with the Fuan family one way or another, the change in attitude was too big. <br />
<br />
Or perhaps, because there was no way to consider those negotiations it looked like some kind of proclamation of war. <br />
<br />
"They wanted to turn the Fuan into their allies but when it comes to Kannagi they planned to be hostile since the beginning? If it were me I would try my best not to make enemies of the Kannagi only --- do you think they have some kind of grudge? "<br />
<br />
"Who knows? While you're searching for them, if you feel so inclined, investigate it. "<br />
<br />
At Kazuma trying to push something even more troublesome on her, Kirika turned to him a glare full of blame. <br />
<br />
"Hey, it's not like I have that much spare time. Even if you request an investigation from me, we still don't have a prospect"<br />
<br />
"This and that are different. This is for the Special Information Storage Room and it's an issue of maximum priority. "<br />
<br />
It was a fair argument. This man, when it's advantageous for him, won't hesitate to do some whitewashing. <br />
<br />
"Besides, it's not like there isn't any compensation. If you find their whereabouts before they start to move, the Kannagi will owe you big time. That's sweet. "<br />
<br />
"-----That's if we can find them. "<br />
<br />
"Well, anyhow, do your best"<br />
<br />
"You too. "<br />
<br />
At that reply, Kazuma, who said so over his shoulder like it was someone else's problem, frowned involuntarily. <br />
<br />
"Why do I have to be involved in such a troublesome thing no matter what? I was supposed to have a little income by exorcising ghosts with one hand and spend my life in tranquility and peace "<br />
<br />
"You're such a.....", sighed Kirika astonished at Kazuma's lower middle class-like ambition, excessively unconscious of his own position. <br />
<br />
"You can state that as much as you want but it's impossible. No matter how you think about it, you were born under the star of upheaval. "<br />
<br />
"What a thing to say. How rude. "<br />
<br />
Asking so with a tone of forced resentment, Kazuma left his seat. <br />
<br />
"In any case, I count on you. More that the fact that the Suzerain requested it, you don't have the choice to stay out of it. "<br />
<br />
While concealing his the feelings on facial expression by casting his eyes down, his lips raised as if smiling. <br />
<br />
From those lips, a voice so flat it could give one shudders came out. <br />
<br />
"Because right now it's not the time to do that. "<br />
<br />
"............."<br />
<br />
While Kirika didn't say anything, Kazuma left the room. <br />
<br />
Left alone, she continued to stare at the door Kazuma left through for a very long time with a pained gaze. <br />
<br />
Suddenly her eyes dropped on the table. <br />
<br />
With more than half left, vapor frequently rose from the cooking. <br />
<br />
But, no matter how vibrant the colors looked, how delicious the smell was, the appetite that was totally eradicated could not be revived. <br />
<br />
"Speaking like you're not caught up in this is forced, you know...."<br />
<br />
She remembered. That one moment his mask failed and his honest face peaking from underneath. <br />
<br />
So empty it made her shudder, so ghastly and sorrowful beyond comparison ---- that kind of face. <br />
<br />
"I really.......entrust this to you, Ayano-chan"<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
=== Part 2 ===<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
Dream<br />
<br />
That was, a dream. <br />
<br />
"Otou-sama, Okaa-sama, I was able to do Senga Kyuren (trad. Nine Verse Pierce Fang) !"<br />
<br />
The time when she was an innocent girl, when she didn't know anything and not knowing was permitted. <br />
<br />
"Ooh, well done << >>! You have maybe more talent than my sons, no? "<br />
<br />
The strong, gentle father. <br />
<br />
"You did your best << >>. But you are a girl so you must learn to be more couteous, right? "<br />
<br />
The beautiful mother. <br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
And then, although competing with each other for the Successor position, the brothers with a close relationship.<br />
<br />
A happy, perfect world. <br />
<br />
Satisfied in just about everything, with nothing to complain about, the passing of day after day, all peaceful ---<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
But, that was a dream. <br />
<br />
The memory of very, very distant paradise she was parted with----<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
"Haaah! "<br />
<br />
As if trying to shake off the past, Xiaolei earnestly swung Kokusen in the uninhabited dojo. <br />
<br />
She had no time to yearn for memories, all that was left to her was her body, Kokusen entrusted to her by her father and ---<br />
<br />
''"Without exception, I will take revenge! "''<br />
<br />
Only that thought, in was similar with obsession. <br />
<br />
She needed power. Above all else. --- No matter what she must sacrifice to get it. <br />
<br />
Juugo said to rather overcome weakness rather than simply discard it. But, she does not have time enough to do that. <br />
<br />
No matter how you gloss it over, women are <<weak>> things. When it comes to their motion ability, they are inferior to men. <br />
<br />
She could not recognize that weakness, accept it and then overcome it. <br />
<br />
She just lost everything. <br />
<br />
Without even that scrap of power she has, she would be degraded to a powerless girl. <br />
<br />
Right now she wanted a more reliable strength than that idealistic thought. She didn't care about anything else. <br />
<br />
She understood what Juugo was trying to say. <br />
<br />
The blade that was pointlessly chipped off, instead of obtaining the utmost firmness and sharpness, will loose its tenacity and become brittle. <br />
<br />
But she was fine with that. <br />
<br />
Foe example, if she were smashed in just one swing, if she could cut the enemy's life at the same time , she'll count it as a win. <br />
<br />
''"I'll definitely kill --- to make my father's, my mother's, my brothers' regret disappear, with this hand! "''<br />
<br />
Thinking only such heartbreaking thoughts, Xiaolei continued to wield the spear. <br />
<br />
More faster, more sharper, she honed her body and heart to the utmost limit ---<br />
<br />
"You work hard, huh"<br />
<br />
"-------!! "<br />
<br />
At the sudden voice Xiaolei turned in one motion. At the same time she turned to confront the instant enemy, she set up Kokuzen including a frozen, frank intent to kill. <br />
<br />
But the girl the spear was trusted at, didn't show any reaction towards it. <br />
<br />
At the entrance of the dojo, her shoulder touching the gate that remained opened, lightly leaning against it, she looked at Xiaolei with folded arms. <br />
<br />
"What do you want---"<br />
<br />
"It's not good to train too much ---- Or is this a diversion? "<br />
<br />
Smoothly averting the unfriendly question, the girl --- Ayano, continued talking. <br />
<br />
As if poked in a painful spot, Xiaolei shut her mouth. <br />
<br />
Even she didn't expect this kind of practice full of idle thought ho have results, rather she understood it could be harmful.<br />
<br />
But, even so ---<br />
<br />
"Well, I think I understand the feeling of not being able to motionlessly stay in one place but don't destroy the dojo, okay?"<br />
<br />
For Ayano that was nothing more but a silly joke. <br />
<br />
But for Xiaolei agonizing over her own weakness, she could only hear those words full of severe sarcasm. <br />
<br />
".....is that, sarcasm? "<br />
<br />
"----Ha? "<br />
<br />
"Is it an insinuation that I cannot perfectly control Kokusen!? "<br />
<br />
The girl screamed with a violent emotion. <br />
<br />
She understood deep in her heart that she was venting her anger but even so she did not stop. <br />
<br />
The reality she was unable to change, the sense of helplessness she could do nothing about, she pushed all that onto Ayano and scowled at her with the intent to kill. <br />
<br />
"..................."<br />
<br />
In silence, Ayano accepted that glint in the eye --- unexpectedly, her gaze spontaneously slipped away, with a smooth motion. <br />
<br />
Without showing vigilance to the girl who was about to spring at her at any moment, she calmly took off her her stockings, entered the dojo and walked to the wall. <br />
<br />
And then, she took a six feet wood cane hanging on the wall and threw it at Xiaolei. <br />
<br />
She took a wooden sword for herself and nimbly swung it to ascertain its weight. <br />
<br />
"For now, I think there's a more meaningful way to use your time instead of worrying by yourself endlessly and become unable to control your urge to destroy, no?"<br />
<br />
The point of the wooden sword was exactly aiming at Xiaolei's eye. <br />
<br />
The distance between was roughly three meters. For a sword that was rather far but for a cane that was already within reach.<br />
<br />
"You, do you think you can be my opponent? ", declared Xiaolei with unconcealed contempt to Ayano who suggested they become sparring partners. <br />
<br />
In spite of doing nothing but run away from her attacks during yesterday's fight. <br />
<br />
What's more, even if Ayano were to say ''"Let's stop then"'', right now she didn't felt like stopping.<br />
<br />
She wouldn't pardon her even if Ayano turned her back on.<br />
<br />
--- This is what <<picking a fight>> means. <br />
<br />
''"I'll beat you up until you're unable to stand and never will you treat me with contempt! "''<br />
<br />
Without restraining that boiling ferocious impulse, Xiaolei grasped the cane tightly. And then ---<br />
<br />
"Haa! "<br />
<br />
Without signaling the start, she fired a sudden thrust with all her strength. The aim was the throat. <br />
<br />
Clearly exceeding the practice level, it was a blow meant to kill. <br />
<br />
But, without showing surprise, Ayano lightly shifted the wooden sword and handled it. Even the next attack, extremely easily. <br />
<br />
But even so, without pausing her hands, Xiaolei continued to wield the spear. <br />
<br />
The girl's tactics were exceedingly standard. In any case, capitalizing on the lengthy distance, she increased her attack from a place where the enemy's hits couldn't reach. <br />
<br />
It was simple but there were few gaps. Those thrusts that attached more importance to numbers that power was turning so quickly it seemed it's pointed end was split in several ones and didn't allow the opponent to get closer. <br />
<br />
Thus, since the opponent's sword couldn't shorten the distance, she could never be defeated. <br />
<br />
Rather than attacking, Xiaolei continued to stab like she was molding a <<wall>> that defended against the invader enemy before her eyes. <br />
<br />
Of course, she couldn't continue that move eternally but her limit was still very far. <br />
<br />
''"If I hit once it's the end"''<br />
<br />
It doesn't matter where. At the very least she must disorder her posture. <br />
<br />
After that, regardless of consent or refusal, if she can continue hitting her, in three seconds her bloodstained lump of meat will lie down on the floor. <br />
<br />
Her cheeks distorted with a dark joy, Xiaolei attacked incessantly without break. <br />
<br />
But, immediately following ---<br />
<br />
Ghan! <br />
<br />
With a clear sound, the pole was thrown up right overhead. <br />
<br />
Ayano who until now continued to ward off the attack with lowest movement, suddenly and forcefully brushed away the cane. <br />
<br />
Although Xiaolei's posture was only slightly thrown out of order, she quickly brought back the cane. <br />
<br />
But matching the timing of her returning, Ayano reduced the distance. <br />
<br />
"You---! " <br />
<br />
Xiaolei unleashed the thrust away cane once more. But as if matching that, Ayano too swung right in front the wood sword. <br />
<br />
Because her posture was inadequate, the power of Xiaolei's blow was somewhat weaker. <br />
<br />
Conversely Ayano's attack was a blow with plenty body strength behind it. <br />
<br />
The wooden sword with a superior power , at the same time it adverted the cane's trajectory, it advanced as if gliding on that surface and with unparalleled accuracy guided by the cane it faced Xiaolei. <br />
<br />
It was a blow that was both offensive and defensive. Understanding her unavoidable defeat in front of the wooden sword drawing near her eyes, Xiaolei unintentionally closed her eyes. <br />
<br />
"Kuh.................................?"<br />
<br />
But, no matter how much time passes the impact doesn't come. Timidly opening her eyes ---<br />
<br />
"Wha!? "<br />
<br />
[[Image:Kaze no Stigma vol 06 157.jpg|thumb|]]<br />
<br />
Before her eyes, or rather leaving a millimeter gap in the space between her eyes and the pointed end, the wooden sword was thrust. <br />
<br />
It skillfully stopped just before her. <br />
<br />
Traditional fencing, because of the hardness of the skull and its roundness and because the blade cannot follow it properly, is a school that avoids striking <<the face>> but for Ayano, the successor of Enraiha, something like that it's irrelevant. <br />
<br />
In front of that overwhelming destructive power, no matter how solid a bone is, for her it's the same as thin paper. It's impossible to protect the fragile brain inside. <br />
<br />
That's right, without a doubt, this is a certain fatal wound --- which means she was perfectly defeated. <br />
<br />
"Kuuh......", moaned Xiaolei biting her lips in disgrace. <br />
<br />
Looking up, in her field of vision divided in two parts by the wooden sword, Ayano was watching intently this way. <br />
<br />
That facial expression was thoroughly tranquil and no joy for paying yesterday's debt could be felt. <br />
<br />
--- As though, the victory was obvious and the necessity to be glad was found nowhere. <br />
<br />
"Huh---- Kazuma said so yesterday but Xiaolei doesn't display any technique. It is beyond monotonous. You shouldn't be negligent thinking you'll win and should aim at varying your attack a bit more"<br />
<br />
In addition she took the role of mentor and went as far as to point out her faults. <br />
<br />
At that humiliation that burned her entire body, the hand holding the cane trembled. <br />
<br />
In truth, she understood it yesterday. That this girl was clearly more stronger than she. <br />
<br />
Or to put it another way, she was weaker even than this girl. <br />
<br />
Weaker. <br />
<br />
Weaker that Kannagi Ayano, waker than Yagami Kazuma, <br />
<br />
and then weaker that Christian Roengram, <br />
<br />
weaker that Gaia. <br />
<br />
"Why........"<br />
<br />
In spite of having to kill her enemies no matter what, she cannot bring them down --- she does not have the power to do so.<br />
<br />
"Why.......why am I, so weak? "<br />
<br />
That sorrowful wailing reverberated in the dojo. <br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
"................"<br />
<br />
Unable to find appropriate words, Ayano was silent. <br />
<br />
It wasn't just words. <br />
<br />
She could do nothing for this wounded girl <br />
<br />
In spite of the fact she couldn't let it continue like this, she couldn't skillfully speak, and even though she knew it would be absolutely clumsy to neglect the way Xiaolei was right now, she did not know what to do. <br />
<br />
Ayano too has the experience of important people getting killed. <br />
<br />
But, in her case before her anger at the killers had time to brew in resentment and the desire for revenge, everything was settled. <br />
<br />
Therefore Ayano couldn't sympathize with the dark passion of an avenger and the ''"I'll kill him even if I have to sacrifice everything"'' kind of thoughts. <br />
<br />
For this reason, she was able to stop the rampaging Kazuma who was swallowed once in a torrent of those kind of thoughts but --- also for this reason she couldn't say anything to Xiaolei, one step away from loosing it. <br />
<br />
".........On this occasion, it should be good to have a talk with Kazuma, huh? "<br />
<br />
"What? "<br />
<br />
At the proposal she unexpectedly thought of, Xiaolei grimaced dissatisfied from the bottom of her heart. <br />
<br />
"What will talking with that frivolous man do for me? "<br />
<br />
"No, well --- he is certainly frivolous and there's nothing you can do about it normally "<br />
<br />
Even though she readily agreed, Ayano added a sentence Xiaolei found unpardonable. <br />
<br />
"But he once planned his revenge and then, he accomplished it. "<br />
<br />
"Wha--? "<br />
<br />
She saw yesterday that he was a model-like frivolous and thoughtless man that didn't even know the word revenge so Xiaolei opened her eyes wide. <br />
<br />
But quickly curved her lips in cynicism and declared with scorn. <br />
<br />
"Well, for him revenge comes easy no matter who the opponent is. Or rather, with so much power at his disposal he wasn't able to protect what was important? "<br />
<br />
At Xiaolei, sneering at what a careless guy he was, Ayano showed an unbelievably bitter smile. <br />
<br />
"It wasn't like that. Because back then Kazuma wasn't a Jutsushi but only a normal person. "<br />
<br />
"What........? He wasn't, a Jutsushi? "<br />
<br />
"You heard yesterday about him being a direct descendant of Kannagi, right? But, he was completely lacking when it comes to the ability of Enjutsu.<br />
<br />
That's why, because he was judged to be incompetent and useless he was driven out of the family. "<br />
<br />
"Wha......that means......."<br />
<br />
At the cruel history that couldn't even be guessed from Kazuma right now, Xiaolei lost her words. <br />
<br />
Looking straight at her, Ayano talked without stopping. <br />
<br />
"He left the house, fortuitously met his loved one, lost even that and then obtained power for the sake of revenge. Although I don't know the particulars. "<br />
<br />
"....................................................................I see"<br />
<br />
At the end of a very long silence, Xiaolei murmured so, quietly. <br />
<br />
That was surprising. <br />
<br />
Every man has his history but that kind of man lacking sincerity was burdened with such a heavy past. <br />
<br />
"So, what's up with that? "<br />
<br />
"Eh? "<br />
<br />
At the sudden retort, Ayano stared in wonder. <br />
<br />
"I sympathize with his past. But then, what kind of advantage would I gain from talking to him? Should I ask him about revenge know-how? <br />
<br />
But, after all, he succeeded in his revenge because he had enough power to do so, nothing more that that, right? "<br />
<br />
That's right. After all, it was only that. <br />
<br />
Kazuma won because he was stronger. And because she was weaker she couldn't win. <br />
<br />
That was like a mathematic formula, a cruel but impartial logic. <br />
<br />
There is no place for sentiments to cut it, nothing tricks can overthrow. Therefore, there's no point talking with Kazuma. <br />
<br />
Xiaolei concluded so but Ayano shook her head together with a bitter smile. <br />
<br />
"It's not like that -- even after carrying out his revenge Kazuma can properly live on, don't yo see? But in your case, nothing comes to mind after revenge. "<br />
<br />
"------you mean, you don't thing I'll succeed? "<br />
<br />
"No, can't you see I'm not talking about success or failure --- it's about what will you do after you finish your revenge. I just cannot imagine any kind of vision after. "<br />
<br />
"................."<br />
<br />
Xiaolei completely couldn't understand what Ayano was trying to say. ---- No, she rather wanted to deny that reasoning. <br />
<br />
In any case, entrusting herself to the boiling discomfort, she bluntly said over her shoulder. <br />
<br />
"I don't know what that means. Besides, that is inconsequential. "<br />
<br />
"Hmmm, I see"<br />
<br />
Ayano tilted her head to the side in confusion. But because she herself didn't accurately knew what she was trying to say, she let it go. <br />
<br />
Taking advantage of that, Xiaolei forcibly changed the subject. <br />
<br />
"By the way, on what kind of guy did he took his revenge? Since he needed so much power? It was by some chance someone famous? "<br />
<br />
"Aah--- yeah---- from what I heard it was Erwin Leszar"<br />
<br />
"Hee--, that seems like a big-shot"<br />
<br />
Xiaolei was calmly throwing in the appropriate words in the conversation but when the meaning of that name permeated through her brain, all blood ran from her face. <br />
<br />
"......eeh? "<br />
<br />
"I'm telling you, Erwin Leszar. The one from <<Almagest>>. But then I only heard this from another person and didn't check it with Kazuma"<br />
<br />
".......Eeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeee!? "<br />
<br />
With the biggest shock she had since she came to Japan, Xiaolei screamed to her heart's content. <br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
"Aah----, by the way"<br />
<br />
Several minutes were required for Xiaolei to regain her composure. <br />
<br />
Trying to soothe one way or another the girl who drew closer and grabbed her, pressing question after question, there was something Ayano worried about ever since she peeked inside the dojo. <br />
<br />
"Are these the same clothes as yesterday? <br />
<br />
"It can't be helped, right? I didn't have enough composure to bring a change of clothes. "<br />
<br />
"........then, your underwear? "<br />
<br />
"........."<br />
<br />
Xiaolei replied in silence at Ayano asking even more questions. <br />
<br />
Unintentionally Ayano looked at the ceiling. <br />
<br />
After several seconds, with a facial expression wondering what to decide, she quickly declared:<br />
<br />
"Let's go shopping"<br />
<br />
"--------------------ha? "<br />
<br />
"It's not ''ha?'', right? A girl with nothing more but the clothes on her back! No matter how much you pretend to be a man, there's no need to go so far and imitate a man's sloppiness! "<br />
<br />
Talking on and on in an indignant tone to the dumbfounded Xiaolei, she turned a critical glance all over her clothes. <br />
<br />
"Anyway, you must get ready to change close immediately. I'm telling you, you have no right to refuse. If you like, it's fine to borrow from me --- "<br />
<br />
Ayano stared at Xiaolei's physique -- especially the area around her chest. <br />
<br />
"The size doesn't seem to fit"<br />
<br />
"I'm sooo sorry! --- no, not even that, carelessly going shopping in this kind of situation -- are you baka? "<br />
<br />
Although overpowered by the force that won't take no for an answer, Xiaolei eagerly tried to rebut. <br />
<br />
As expected, because she wasn't very familiar with insults in the Japanese language, her way of speaking was pretty direct but Ayano didn't give a damn. <br />
<br />
"Then, what will you do? We don't know how many days it will take to settle things with those guys and you plan to wear the same clothes all the way? "<br />
<br />
".....I'm properly washing my underwear. "<br />
<br />
"What of it? As piece of mind that's a complete failure----"<br />
<br />
Ayano relentlessly knocked down the whispered objection. <br />
<br />
"Besides, there's nothing we can do at the present. We don't even know the enemies' whereabouts. "<br />
<br />
At present, Kazuma and the Special Information Storage Room were investigating in all directions. <br />
<br />
For Ayano, an Enjutsushi, and Xiaolei, whose investigating ability was good but who couldn't oppose the enemy by herself there was nothing to do but be on stand-by until the result will appear. <br />
<br />
"Then, it's preferable to pro-actively go out and maybe they will be lured to attack and the development can be speed up. "<br />
<br />
"Just the two of us? "<br />
<br />
"Of course, I'm calling Kazuma too. If we are really attacked, it would be difficult if it's just the two of us. "<br />
<br />
".......I understand. Let's go. "<br />
<br />
After a silence of a few seconds when she seemed to think of something, Xiaolei nodded shortly. <br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
=== Part 3 === <br />
<br />
<br />
"---So, why do I have to accompany the two of you shopping? "<br />
<br />
The summoned Kazuma was pouting as expected. He was called out for a diversion that could lure out the enemy so it was only natural. <br />
<br />
"But, we can't help it. Because this child came to Japan with only what she's wearing. "<br />
<br />
"Then lend her some of yours", replied Kazuma without but after suddenly looking at Xiaolei's body, especially her chest, he shook his head. <br />
<br />
"Impossible, huh? "<br />
<br />
"........Are you picking a fight, you guys? "<br />
<br />
Xiaolei glared with angered eyes at the two. <br />
<br />
It must be one's imagination but her glint in the eye thick with thirst for blood was more intense than their first meeting. <br />
<br />
"Why is she so angry? "<br />
<br />
"Because I already made that joke"<br />
<br />
"Hmm, I see. It's no good telling a joke twice, yeah "<br />
<br />
Kazuma nodded solemnly. But, of course, that kind of attitude could only rub Xiaolei the wrong way even more. <br />
<br />
"you.....guys.....!"<br />
<br />
"But well --- there's that, right? "<br />
<br />
Plainly disregarding the reaction of the angered girl, Kazuma continued. <br />
<br />
"You shouldn't be that pessimistic, no? In this world there are guys who worship smaller than small, AA"<br />
<br />
"What do you mean? "<br />
<br />
"What, you ask? Boobs"<br />
<br />
"I'll kill you! "<br />
<br />
While blushing at the too straightforward answer, Xiaolei fired Kokusen while it was still covered. <br />
<br />
Extremely easy, Kazuma avoided that. Even more than that, he even stopped the wind blade that was about to be released impulsively from the sacred treasure before it happened.<br />
<br />
It seems that he got the hang of it from yesterday's fight. <br />
<br />
The exasperated Xiaolei didn't even notice the significance of it. <br />
<br />
"Uuuu........I'm....I'm going back! ", she screamed halfway crying as the attack she fired in a frenzy was completely avoided. <br />
<br />
Even when taking a rougher attitude, after all she had the upbringing of an Ojou-sama and wasn't used being ridiculed this way. <br />
<br />
But, Ayano quickly grabbed the girl's hand about to run. <br />
<br />
"Wait please. What about the clothes I should buy if you're not there? "<br />
<br />
"Buy some suitable ones! "<br />
<br />
"No. Leaving clothes aside, I can't conjecture the size of your underwear. If you wear a bra that's not fit for you, even if they are small, your breasts will get smaller "<br />
<br />
"Don't say small! "<br />
<br />
"That's right. Besides the shape will be ruined. Breast that are shaped poorly beside being small won't even be noticed by perverts who like small breasts. "<br />
<br />
"Who is a fetish for perverts!? "<br />
<br />
In a tone as if she was biting, Xiaolei turned over almost twisting her neck. <br />
<br />
This time she drew closer to Ayano. <br />
<br />
"You, aren't you too good a match for this guy!? "<br />
<br />
"No, this is all thanks to you"<br />
<br />
"---------ha? "<br />
<br />
At the uncertain response, Xiaolei stared in wonder. <br />
<br />
Thereupon, Ayano send a gaze full of gratitude towards the girl --<br />
<br />
"It's because I'm always in the situation of him messing around with me. This is the first time I experience such calmness when being together with Kazuma. Thank you, everyone! "<br />
<br />
That was said in a tone loaded with a flow of emotions. <br />
<br />
The girl that was used in a totally different manner from the way a decoy should, warped her lips, pained from the bottom of her heart, and spat out.<br />
<br />
"........you're the worst, both of you......."<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
--- And then, approximately three hours after.<br />
<br />
Changed in the clothes she just bought -- obstinately men's wear --- appearing to have exhausted all her energy, Xiaolei sat down dead tired on one of the benches in the rest area. <br />
<br />
"......this is only shopping but.......but why is it so....."<br />
<br />
"A woman's shopping is lengthy, isn't that general knowledge? ", said Kazuma not seeming to be worn-out.<br />
<br />
Incidentally, Ayano, still full of vitality, after finishing buying clothes for Xiaolei, was bustling about here and there searching clothes for her. <br />
<br />
".......I, I never felt so tired before when shopping. "<br />
<br />
"That's---- since you're the Fuan family's Ojou-sama I imagine that conversely, the stores employers would ask how to be of use. How could that be tiring? "<br />
`<br />
"......is that wrong? "<br />
<br />
"No? Think about it like the inferiority complex of a poor person and don't mind it. "<br />
<br />
".................."<br />
<br />
Xiaolei glared at Kazuma in silence. It's inevitable that all of this man's speech and conduct hit a nerve every time. <br />
<br />
"Besides, why aren't you tired? "<br />
<br />
"Because if you don't have to put someone in a good humor it's the same like taking a stroll. When the shopping companion gets tires it's almost invariably mental fatigue."<br />
<br />
If one were to simply speak during the exercise the degree of weariness due to shopping can be disregarded. <br />
<br />
In spite of this, if even adult males give up on this it means the emotional fatigue is very great. <br />
<br />
For example, if one were made to accompany someone to an unfamiliar place which was very uncomfortable and made to endlessly compare clothes with a <<which one suits me most～>>, a trivial word can become fatal, that sort of thing. <br />
<br />
But, Kazuma naturally doesn't humor Ayano and for example if he were to accompany her to a lingerie shop, instead of being calm he would be very shameless so he wouldn't get tired. <br />
<br />
"........how long will this continue? "<br />
<br />
"Until Ayano is satisfied, of course. Ask the person itself for a specific time. "<br />
<br />
"................"<br />
<br />
At that careless answer, Xiaolei let out a small sigh. And then, she suddenly looked at her feet. <br />
<br />
There were two paper bags full of clothes there. <br />
<br />
What she bought --- rather, what she was made to buy was three times the amount but everything that wasn't necessary for the time being was ordered to be delivered home. <br />
<br />
Beyond the fact that the danger of an attack wasn't low, she couldn't move under all those baggage. <br />
<br />
By the way, Kazuma was empty handed. <br />
<br />
Not even Ayano would dream this man could accept to carry luggage so she didn't ask him from the beginning. <br />
<br />
As a matter of fact Xiaolei was grateful for the shopping. <br />
<br />
For her who escaped with nothing else in her hands but Kokusen, of course she didn't had clothes to change in but nothing remained after her traveling expenses. <br />
<br />
--- But, even so.<br />
<br />
"Geez, does she really understand the situation, that woman? "<br />
<br />
"Hmm, I wonder", replied Kazuma in a vapid tone. <br />
<br />
That attitude seemed to have even less tension than Ayano's and Xiaolei reflexively grimaced. <br />
<br />
In spite of possessing so much power, he wasn't self-conscious of the duty that accompanied that power. <br />
<br />
He was frivolous and lacked sincerity --- she was also jealous of him maybe but Xiaolei didn't think this man was suitable to have power. <br />
<br />
But, even if that was true, she could not ignore him. <br />
<br />
She has something she must ask him no matter what. Because that was the reason she went along with this shopping. <br />
<br />
Without looking at Xiaolei, she said while looking at the floor. <br />
<br />
"........Yagami"<br />
<br />
"Hmm? "<br />
<br />
"It seems that once, you lived for the sake of revenge, right? "<br />
<br />
".........Aah"<br />
<br />
Kazuma instantly shifted his attention to where Ayano was, but answered shortly as if he didn't heard something unnecessary. <br />
<br />
Once again, Xiaolei asked directly. <br />
<br />
"Do you regret it? "<br />
<br />
"No"<br />
<br />
"-----Are you satisfied? "<br />
<br />
"No"<br />
<br />
At the second question, Kazuma replied in exactly the same manner. <br />
<br />
At that reply you could read nothing into, Xiaolei probed his facial expression with a side glance and asked again.<br />
<br />
"Then, why? "<br />
<br />
"Because there was nothing else to do. "<br />
<br />
"Wha--- did you kill him for that half-baker reason, that Erwin Leszar? "<br />
<br />
"Aah--- I killed him, I killed him. "<br />
<br />
Warding off Xiaolei's criticism with a nonchalant air, Kazuma declared thoroughly frivolous. <br />
<br />
"I chopped him until his body turned to lumps of nothing more that a hundred grams, his soul was taken by the devil he had contracted with and dragged to the bottom of hell. Right now he's being used like a slave or his power returned to its origins and he was terminated, one of these two"<br />
<br />
Remembering the spectacle that time, Kazuma laughed with a simmering happiness and took the opportunity to ask. <br />
<br />
"So, what of it? "<br />
<br />
".....Previously, I heard about that man from father. He greatly admired him. He said it wasn't an exaggeration to call him the all-time high genius of magic. "<br />
<br />
Kazuma was silent. but, without minding it, Xiaolei continued. <br />
<br />
"He's the man who lay the foundation of present day magic. He was born anew these last three hundred years, and possibly all resurrection Jutsu and most theories, they all originate from him. <br />
<br />
Din you have the right to kill that kind of genius? "<br />
<br />
"If I think about what you're trying to say----"<br />
<br />
Letting out a small laughter, Kazuma shrugged his shoulders. <br />
<br />
"Then, what about you? "<br />
<br />
"What? "<br />
<br />
"For example, if that odd couple killed your entire family for the sake of the greater good, would you forgive them? "<br />
<br />
"That's......."<br />
<br />
For an instant Xiaolei faltered. But that was definitely not because she was hesitating. <br />
<br />
That's right, hesitating it's unthinkable. <br />
<br />
It's impossible to hesitate. <br />
<br />
No matter the reason, even if the entire world would recognize their actions as justified ----<br />
<br />
"That's how it is. Whether it's righteousness or reason, those have no connection to revenge. <br />
<br />
[[Image:Kaze no Stigma vol 06 177.jpg|thumb|]]<br />
<br />
For example, even if what he did would bring permanent peace to this world, at that time, if Tsoi Rin had to be sacrificed no matter what to save the world from destruction, who cares about that? "<br />
<br />
Kazuma spun his words in that voice so flat it made one shiver. <br />
<br />
"No matter what, I cannot forgive him. I cannot allow a world where Tsoi Rin dies but he gets to live carefree. No matter how many chances I will be given, I would only choose one way. No matter by what means, I will invariably kill him. "<br />
<br />
"You........."<br />
<br />
Faced with that expressionless mask <<being>> in front of her, Xiaolei muscles along the spine shivered. <br />
<br />
Already saturated by hatred and resentment, because those became its normal state, it became expressionless without the possibility of change. <br />
<br />
Together with a shudder, Xiaolei perceived that by instinct. <br />
<br />
That was the result she would arrive at. <br />
<br />
''"What's with that 「Because there was nothing else to do」 crap? "''<br />
<br />
She understood that frivolous reason for revenge was a lie. Because, although she didn't arrived at the end of it, Xiaolei was following the same road. <br />
<br />
''"That was like--- 「I could think of nothing else but revenge」! "''<br />
<br />
"What's the matter? "<br />
<br />
"Whaaa!? "<br />
<br />
At that sudden, easy-going tone of voice, Xiaolei jumped up from the bench, her fright laid bare. <br />
<br />
Turning around, that frozen expressionless that was there was already gone and the same aimless, cynical smile was looking here. <br />
<br />
"Wha--- what so suddenly? "<br />
<br />
"It's not ''what'' right? You were to one to open the discussion so don't get lost in your own world in the middle of it? "<br />
<br />
"Uu......"<br />
<br />
It was a very plausible identification so Xiaolei mumbled, having no way to object. <br />
<br />
But, she didn't feel like continuing. If she were to continue she would come to realize without wanting to. <br />
<br />
That for the sake of carrying out her revenge she must also become so. <br />
<br />
She understood only one fragment of it, but her heart was swaying this much. <br />
<br />
If she were to know even more, she will maybe become incapable of carrying out her revenge. <br />
<br />
"No, I---"<br />
<br />
Adverting her eyes as if trying to escape, Xiaolei searched for an excuse to interrupt the conversation. <br />
<br />
But Kazuma, looking like he didn't understood that, asked cheerfully like it was an ordinary conversation. <br />
<br />
"What did Ayano say to you? "<br />
<br />
"Eeh? "<br />
<br />
"Hmm? You heard it from her, no ～ about me"<br />
<br />
"Eeh, ah, aah --- that's---- yeah"<br />
<br />
"So, by making me the example, what did she say to you? That revenge is meaningless, that your deceased family doesn't wish for something like that, did she say that kind of whitewashing? "<br />
<br />
"Ah, no, it wasn't like that-----"<br />
<br />
While clumsily narrating it, Xiaolei felt something close to relief. <br />
<br />
The contents of this conversation are not easy but compared with the continuation of the one before, it was by far preferable. <br />
<br />
Leaving her vigor take its natural course, before she realized it, she even talked about the details of the fight where she lost to Ayano, which was supposed to be unrelated. <br />
<br />
And Kazuma was not the kind of person to overlook such a thing. <br />
<br />
"I see, you lost even to Ayano. You seem to only be loosing. If you use a false name, you should call yourself <<looser dog>> from now on! "<br />
<br />
"Don't give me names! Rather, more that that, what was that about? Do you understand what she tried to say? "<br />
<br />
As expected, she was bothered about it a little so she pressed the question, pretending like she thought about it, but Kazuma faintly smiled bitterly. <br />
<br />
"Frankly, that was surprising. The fact that she pondered about something to that extent, no, she didn't think about it saying ''I cannot explain this''. <br />
<br />
She just somehow noticed it with her wild sixth sense. "<br />
<br />
If so it's very typical of her -- Xiaolei obstinately asked Kazuma agreeing by himself. <br />
<br />
"What does it mean? "<br />
<br />
"Don't mind it."<br />
<br />
"I do mind it! "<br />
<br />
Pulled in so much, that reaction was natural. <br />
<br />
But, Kazuma eluded the girl's investigation thoroughly. <br />
<br />
"Even if i were to tell you right now, it would be meaningless. Because you will really only hear an <<inconsequential thing>>. <br />
<br />
You can forget about it now. If you think about something you don't need, the blade will grow dull"<br />
<br />
"..........."<br />
<br />
She made a face like she didn't agree in the least but at the same time she understood Kazuma had no intention of confessing. <br />
<br />
Although reluctantly, Xiaolei gave up on the investigation. <br />
<br />
But even Kazuma, it's not like he didn't teach because he was malicious or rather didn't teach her just because he was malicious. <br />
<br />
What Ayano was trying to say regarding her <<what lies beyond revenge>> --- if she were to present it in a more embarrassing but easy to understand manner, one would be reminded of words like <<tomorrow>> and <<hope>>, the illustration of a facing forward anticipated future. <br />
<br />
In a word, ''the action that is not connected to the future is barren''. <br />
<br />
Taking your revenge is splendid but after you finish it you must earnestly become happy no matter what. <br />
<br />
She feared for Xiaolei not because of the act of revenge itself but for Xiaolei's attitude of throwing everything away for the sake of revenge and not looking back. <br />
<br />
Compared with the ''revenge is useless'' bullshit, it was something much more thoughtful but, after all, was nothing but lip service from someone whose body wasn't scorched in hatred. <br />
<br />
Besides, if the person was able to focus on the future he wouldn't plan such a back facing deed from the beginning. <br />
<br />
Therefore, right now he couldn't talk with Xiaolei about such things. <br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<noinclude><br />
{| border="1" cellpadding="5" cellspacing="0" style="margin: 1em 1em 1em 0; background: #f9f9f9; border: 1px #aaaaaa solid; padding: 0.2em; border-collapse: collapse;"<br />
|-<br />
| Back to [[Kaze_no_Stigma:Volume6_Chapter_3|Chapter 3]]<br />
| Return to [[Kaze_no_Stigma|Main Page]]<br />
| Forward to [[Kaze_no_Stigma:Volume6_Chapter_5|Chapter 5]]<br />
|-<br />
|}<br />
</noinclude></div>Black Ice Princehttps://www.baka-tsuki.org/project/index.php?title=Kaze_no_Stigma:Volume6_Chapter_3&diff=297026Kaze no Stigma:Volume6 Chapter 32013-10-25T02:52:41Z<p>Black Ice Prince: </p>
<hr />
<div>== Chapter 3 - At the Kannagi residence ==<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
=== Part 1 ===<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
After the present objective had been established, Ayano informed the boy.<br />
<br />
"You can come to my house but first of all put that spear back. If you walk with it like that the police will start questioning us right away. "<br />
<br />
"............"<br />
<br />
The boy reluctantly frowned and took out from his breast pocket an over-seized handkerchief like cloth. <br />
<br />
Was it because the cloth was thin or because it was specially folded but it spread out in a bizarrely large way. <br />
<br />
The boy enveloped Kokusen in it. <br />
<br />
"What are you doing? "<br />
<br />
"Hiding Kokusen, right? "<br />
<br />
"Only that - I'm asking why aren't you storing it inside your body? "<br />
<br />
"............"<br />
<br />
The boy doesn't answer. He continued to envelop Kokusen in indifferent silence. <br />
<br />
".........the Wind's sacred treasure, can't be put away just like Enraiha? ", whispered Ayano in a small voice in Kazuma's ear. <br />
<br />
"If it's so then it's so. There's no need for you to make such an unhappy face. ", answered Kazuma immediately. <br />
<br />
It was just like that. <br />
<br />
If you think about it more, the owner of the Water's sacred treasure also stored it inside his body. Then, it seems natural it would be the same for the Wind's also. <br />
<br />
In other words, something the real owner could do this boy couldn't. That was ---<br />
<br />
"No way, you're not the official successor!? "<br />
<br />
"Wrong! "<br />
<br />
The boy replied immediately, decisively. <br />
<br />
"Wrong! It's true that I'm not the official successor yet. But as a legitimate blood relative I have the qualification for succession! Don't put me together with a thief! "<br />
<br />
At that time, Ayano remembered. This boy called that Chijutsushi Gaia ''"his father's enemy"''.<br />
<br />
It's likely that his father was urged to give the sacred treasure to those guys and when he refused he was killed. <br />
<br />
And then, judging from the boy who was still very young but became the possessor of Kokusen without the due form inheritance, it looked like all the family members older than him were destroyed. <br />
<br />
"Aah----, I'm sorry. I was pretty insensible. "<br />
<br />
Ayano frankly apologized. But, there was still one remaining problem. <br />
<br />
"Then, how did you bring it here? You didn't pass through the airport's custom, right? "<br />
<br />
"......I came by boat"<br />
<br />
"No, that's still the same"<br />
<br />
Whether it's by ship or by airplane, if one crosses the border by the regular routes, he will definitely meet the customs. <br />
<br />
And, in Japan individuals weren't allowed to bring their own weapons. <br />
<br />
Thinking that far, Ayano noticed the correct answer. <br />
<br />
Holding weapons, she couldn't have come by a regular route. Then ---<br />
<br />
"You, you're an illegal immigrant right? "<br />
<br />
"..........there was no other way"<br />
<br />
With a dissatisfied expression, the boy assented Ayano's question. <br />
<br />
"I had to come to Japan at any cost. Because they're trying to gather all four sacred weapons. "<br />
<br />
The only one remaining one - the sacred treasure of Fire, Enraiha - was so famous there wasn't anyone in this business who didn't know it's name. <br />
<br />
Together with the name of the family who owned it. <br />
<br />
At a not very distant future, it was certain those two would contact Ayano. <br />
<br />
In that situation, in order to make Ayano into his ally, the boy took the initiative and crossed the ocean without a moment's delay. <br />
<br />
"---------And then, you picked a fight with me? ", replied Ayano in an amazed voice hearing the boy's explanation. <br />
<br />
Even though there was a need to make sure of her ability, the method was confused. <br />
<br />
If the timing were a bit different and he would have arrived after Chris and Gaia's, rather than friend there was a high possibility he would have ended like an enemy. <br />
<br />
But, the boy declared triumphantly. <br />
<br />
"That's how the situation was. If one were to think about it calmly it can be understood the very best thing to do is a joint struggle. "<br />
<br />
"That so? Certainly I think it would be very advantageous for you to become our ally but ---- the reverse? "<br />
<br />
"............."<br />
<br />
Without answering, the boy bit his lips in regret. <br />
<br />
That's right, from Kazuma and Ayano's standpoint, there's no advantage in becoming the boy's ally. <br />
<br />
If they were simply trying to increase the war potential, it would more efficient to extort Kokusen from the boy and have Kazuma use it. <br />
<br />
What's even more convenient, the boy challenged them on his accord. When it comes to the unwritten law of their world, having him beaten at his own game would be a splendid legitimate self defense. <br />
<br />
"Do you understand? That you cannot complain if you were to be killed right here? "<br />
<br />
".............."<br />
<br />
"-------- how troublesome"<br />
<br />
Looking at the boy who put himself on guard with unconcealed wariness, obstinately shutting his mouth, Ayano took a long breath. <br />
<br />
She thought the boy's circumstance pitiful. <br />
<br />
But, even though he was unfortunate, that does not mean he can bother other people and she has no reason to permit that happening here. <br />
<br />
She doesn't have it but ----<br />
<br />
"Anyway"<br />
<br />
Letting out another sigh, Ayano dodged the issue. Looking towards the boy over her shoulder, she informed him shortly. <br />
<br />
"First, let's return to the house. I'll hear the detailed account after. "<br />
<br />
"-------is it alright? "<br />
<br />
Perceiving that criticism disappeared from Ayano's eyes, the boy turned his face to her puzzled. <br />
<br />
"I don't like finishing off people who are cornered. But this guy does it without batting an eyelid --- "<br />
<br />
And then, fleetingly looking at Kazuma, Ayano asked. <br />
<br />
"Do you want that spear? "<br />
<br />
"Don't want it", answered Kazuma extremely concise. <br />
<br />
".............."<br />
<br />
The boy made a complicated face. Despite feeling relived at not having Kokusen snatched away, his dissatisfaction at having it cast away as if it was something worthless was insuppressible. <br />
<br />
Ayano too, thought it was strange so she asked him again. <br />
<br />
"But, why? Isn't it natural to want that if you're a Fujutsushi? "<br />
<br />
"I could use it but it would come together with various troubles. It probably has the grudge of the Fuan family. "<br />
<br />
"-----well, that may be so"<br />
<br />
"............"<br />
<br />
Looking at Ayano immediately nodding, the boy made a complicated face once more.<br />
<br />
"Besides, when it comes to this kind of items, it would be very hard to sell it since it's so famous. "<br />
<br />
''''"You'd sell it!? "''''<br />
<br />
Perfectly synchronized, Ayano and the boy retorted at the same time. <br />
<br />
Kazuma shrugged his shoulders superficially. <br />
<br />
"Well, leaving jokes aside"<br />
<br />
"Liar. You were definitely serious. "<br />
<br />
"I said leaving jokes aside"<br />
<br />
In a manner as if he couldn't hear the voice of objection, he forcefully changed the subject. <br />
<br />
"We should quickly go. It's pointless staying and talking here. "<br />
<br />
"..................................................................I agree"<br />
<br />
Even though she had a lot - a great lot she wanted to say, Ayano agreed at once. <br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
=== Part 2 === <br />
<br />
<br />
"Is the Suzerain home? "<br />
<br />
Kazuma began cross-examining the first servant he happened to see after walking in the Kannagi Residence. <br />
<br />
Against people who have something to do with the Kannagi, Kazuma attitude is basically bad. <br />
<br />
Even though he doesn't put on airs of superiority, at any rate all his interactions are impolite, which gained him an equally bad reputation among people in all kind of positions. <br />
<br />
In Ayano's eyes it seemed like he purposefully wanted others to hate him. Even though she didn't understand the reason.<br />
<br />
But even so, as one would expect from a pro - the servant naturally didn't let any of the dissatisfaction she felt shown on her face and replied matter-of-fact. <br />
<br />
"Yes. But, right now Shin'ichirou-sama is visiting. "<br />
<br />
"Shin'ichirou? "<br />
<br />
Since that name was very unexpected, Kazuma quizzically asked again. <br />
<br />
And then, he tilted his head in confusion, next he looked at the ceiling and finally, turning to Ayano, he asked frankly. <br />
<br />
"Who is that? "<br />
<br />
Unintentional, Ayano was greatly perplexed. <br />
<br />
"The head of the Yuuki Family. Remember at least that much. "<br />
<br />
"Don't be absurd. That king of guy playing such a minor role, it's impossible to remain in my memory. ", said Kazuma calmly over his shoulder, looking around as if searching for something. <br />
<br />
And then - <br />
<br />
"This way, huh? "<br />
<br />
He started walking towards the Suzerain's Kehai he just located. <br />
<br />
The servant followed him in a fluster. <br />
<br />
"Pl- please wait! We were instructed to not let anyone approach---- "<br />
<br />
But Kazuma didn't turned around. <br />
<br />
And then, she begged Ayano's assistance but she couldn't rely on her either. <br />
<br />
"Sorry. But our issue is without mistake more important so I don't think he'll get mad. Aah, take care of the tea. You know the number, right? "<br />
<br />
Saying so, she followed after Kazuma. And lastly, even the boy who visited the house for the first time. <br />
<br />
"Ayano-samaaa........", groaned the yet young servant girl as if crying, the only one who remained behind. <br />
<br />
"Suzerain, are you in? "<br />
<br />
"--------Kazuma? "<br />
<br />
The moment that voice could be heard from indoors, Kazuma opened the futsuma without asking for permission. <br />
<br />
He stepped in just like that and the two men who were sitting down - the Suzerain of the Kannagi Family - Juugo and the head of Yuuki Family, one of the branch families, Shin'ichirou, were looking to him seeming surprised. <br />
<br />
"Kazuma-dono, isn't this somewhat impolite? "<br />
<br />
Shin'ichirou knitted his brows in criticism but Kazuma completely ignored him. <br />
<br />
Looking only at Juugo, he said. <br />
<br />
"We have to talk. "<br />
<br />
"----hmm, is it urgent? "<br />
<br />
"I should thing so. More urgent than this. "<br />
<br />
And then, for the first time, Kazuma looked at Shin'ichirou. <br />
<br />
Without even showing scorn to the man looking at him with a gaze full of hatred, he said plainly. <br />
<br />
"Get out"<br />
<br />
"Wha-----! "<br />
<br />
Shin'ichirou trembled with anger. <br />
<br />
From the beginning this man, resenting Kazuma for loosing two sons, he had an especially great antipathy towards him even amongst the branch families. <br />
<br />
But, because his ability was no match for his, wanting a reprimand instead, he turned a gaze of supplication towards Juugo but ---<br />
<br />
"Shin'ichirou, I'm sorry but step outside. "<br />
<br />
"Wha........Suzerain!? "<br />
<br />
The returning answer was heartless. <br />
<br />
"Kazuma has something he wants to say enough to visit this house. It can't be a common conversation. Right? "<br />
<br />
"It's important for you. For me it doesn't really matter. On whose hand will Enraiha fall in? "<br />
<br />
At that question lightly investigating, Kazuma replied completely indifferent. <br />
<br />
But from that last hint, it was certainly something they, as a family, couldn't ignore. <br />
<br />
"Shin'ichirou"<br />
<br />
"----yeah"<br />
<br />
As expected, Shin'ichirou didn't complain this time and obediently left. <br />
<br />
And yet, when passing each other, he didn't forgot to give Kazuma a gaze full of hatred. <br />
<br />
Passing each other the three people entered the room. And then, Ayano prepared the zabuton (floor cushion) --- she removed the one Shin'ichirou used and they sat down.<br />
<br />
"Well then---- " <br />
<br />
Juugo looked in order at the trio and lastly at the unknown boy, sharply gazing at the object he was holding in his hand. <br />
<br />
"Before talking, the introduction of the guest comes first. Is the content of that bundle you're holding a spear? I can feel a tremendous power from it. "<br />
<br />
"That is correct. Incidentally, its name is Kokusen. ", declared Kazuma in a light tone. <br />
<br />
And then naturally, different from his daughter, he father knew that name. He looked at the boy with a surprised expression. <br />
<br />
"What! Then, he's from the Fuan Family? "<br />
<br />
"Aah, that's right. He's----"<br />
<br />
Stopping in mid-sentence, Kazuma stared at the boy fixedly. <br />
<br />
"By the way, we still haven't heard your name. Do you wish to remain anonymous? "<br />
<br />
Knitting his eyebrows in disapproval at Kazuma, who was persistently frivolous, the boy faced Juugo. <br />
<br />
"...........I am called Fuan Xiaolei"<br />
<br />
And then, after showing a small hesitation, she bowed and gave her name. <br />
<br />
As for Juugo, he returned the nod. <br />
<br />
"I am the Suzerain of the Kannagi Family, Kannagi Juugo. Should I tell you welcome? It does not seen you came for sightseeing but we welcome you in our family. "<br />
<br />
"-----Thank you very much. "<br />
<br />
Looking very relived, the boy - Xiaolei bowed once more. <br />
<br />
But then, Kazuma suddenly poking his nose in other's affair, he asked rudely. <br />
<br />
"By the way you, what reason do you have not to give your real name? "<br />
<br />
Xiaolei's shoulders trembled a little. All eyes gathered there, but he didn't reply. <br />
<br />
Instead, Ayano asked of Kazuma. <br />
<br />
"Why did you know it wasn't his real name? Do you know the name of this boy? "<br />
<br />
The Fuan Family in the most famous Fujutsushi lineage worldwide. She thought that because Kazuma was a Fujutsushi too he would be well-informed about this family but ---<br />
<br />
"No, I don't. But, no matter how much your father joked around, he wouldn't name you Xiaolei - a girl's name, right? "<br />
<br />
"Haa..."<br />
<br />
Not knowing why but having a feeling a very odd thing was said, Ayano alternately looked at Kazuma and <<the boy>>.<br />
<br />
"-----girl? "<br />
<br />
One isolated word came from her mouth. That single word made Xiaolei's shoulders tremble very bad this time. <br />
<br />
It was a reaction similar to a resolute affirmation. <br />
<br />
Ayano and, as expected Juugo, looked at Xiaolei with plain shock and shouted with force? <br />
<br />
"A - A girl!? "<br />
<br />
"................"<br />
<br />
Xiaolei was silent. But, without negating Ayano's words, that behavior of not making eye contact was a more eloquent answer than anything else. <br />
<br />
"How did you know? "<br />
<br />
Kazuma quickly answered. <br />
<br />
"I felt it when I trampled her down. "<br />
<br />
Having said that, Ayano remembered. After utterly defeating Xiaolei, Kazuma trampled that chest down with so much force as if trying to skewer it and sew it to the ground. <br />
<br />
Certainly it was on top of her clothes and it was something he felt through his shoe but it was impossible he didn't notice he trampled a woman's chest. <br />
<br />
"Wait a minute! "<br />
<br />
But at the time she thought so far, Ayano reflexively shouted. <br />
<br />
"Then, does that mean you used so much force on a woman's breasts and continued trampling them even after noticing!? "<br />
<br />
"What of it? ", said Kazuma without even a fragment of guilt. <br />
<br />
"Wah, you're the lowest "<br />
<br />
"It's my rule not to discriminate between sexes. Besides, if I were to go easy on someone because she's a woman, that would be impolite to the other party. "<br />
<br />
"Well, that may be true but..."<br />
<br />
While mumbling Ayano peeked once more at his - her silhouette. <br />
<br />
She appeared younger than her but even keeping that in mind, her body was rough and lacking. <br />
<br />
Looking at that particularly small chest, Ayano asked full of consideration.<br />
<br />
"Are you wearing cotton stripes over that chest? Isn't it painful? "<br />
<br />
The girl's face was jolted faintly. But, without noticing that Ayano continued with genuine good will. <br />
<br />
"I don't know with what intention you pretend to be a boy but pressing them too hard it's not healthy and the form will be ruined. "<br />
<br />
"........up"<br />
<br />
"Eeh? What? "<br />
<br />
Lending her ear to hear the girl's whisper, Ayano brought her face near. <br />
<br />
And then, with a crimson face, her mouth tear-choked, the girl's angry roar exploded. <br />
<br />
"Shut up! I'm sorry for being small! Even yours, it's not like they're so big you can boast about it! "<br />
<br />
"-----------"<br />
<br />
Forgetting how to respond to the sudden and unforeseen anger, Ayano stared at the girl in wonder. <br />
<br />
But, she was also, tentatively, a woman. She instantly understood Xiaolei's feelings. <br />
<br />
"Errr, well --- I'm sorry. Aah, but, your growing period is not over yet so I don't think you need to be so pessimistic. "<br />
<br />
"............."<br />
<br />
Ayano followed up while becoming confused. But Xiaolei glanced at that chest who was in itself above average with a spiteful expression and then turned away. <br />
<br />
Kazuma shook his head seeming very sarcastic.<br />
<br />
"Aa--aah, how pitiful. There are times when insensible words can hurt much more so than the spiteful ones. "<br />
<br />
"That's not something you can say to me! You ground your foot against this girl's chest! What will you do if her growth stops because of you!? ", shouted Ayano in response. <br />
<br />
Even though she talked on and on with force and the words were a stretch, at those words Xiaolei pressed her chest as if feeling anxious. <br />
<br />
It seems like she had a pretty serious complex. <br />
<br />
"Aah, no, I'm sure it will be fine. If you eat enough and exercise, your chest will get bigger involuntarily. "<br />
<br />
"That's right, if it's necessary there's also breast augmentation. "<br />
<br />
"You shut up! "<br />
<br />
Ayano shouted with all her strength at Kazuma who was saying too many unnecessary things. <br />
<br />
But even so she didn't notice that her own conversation strained to far from the subject they came here to talk about. <br />
<br />
Wanting to put the conversation on track, Juugo was about to open his mouth but, <br />
<br />
"Please excuse me........."<br />
<br />
Slightly preceding it, a shy voice forced its way through from the other side of the futsuma. <br />
<br />
"Tea is served"<br />
<br />
"-----Enter"<br />
<br />
Looking at the tray with four tea cups, Juugo understood the general situation. <br />
<br />
But the servant, misunderstanding that gaze for one of reprimand, started to explain in a confused manner. <br />
<br />
"Aa, errr, I, I was appointed by Ayano-sama.......I also informed them about Shin'ichirou......"<br />
<br />
"No, it's fine. There's no one else in this house who can stop her except for me of Genma. "<br />
<br />
"Wait, Otou-sama!? Don't refer to me like you would to a violent horse! "<br />
<br />
"Isn't it just like that? Good grief, how did I brought up such a beyond wild girl.......this is so troublesome"<br />
<br />
"That's so true"<br />
<br />
Keeping in tune with the lamenting Juugo, Kazuma agreed. Ayano scowled with a much sterner look but those two didn't pay attention to it. <br />
<br />
"Aah, well, I'm sorry for disturbing you"<br />
<br />
Unable to bear that blood thirsty ambiance, the servant quickly distributed the tea and withdrew. <br />
<br />
From the way she looked she wouldn't approach anymore without being called or ordered. <br />
<br />
"Well then, let's return to the real issue. "<br />
<br />
At that chance, getting a fresh start as if nothing happened, Kazuma fleetingly looked at Xiaolei's face. <br />
<br />
"I don't really object against you using a fake name. It's fine even if you don't want to say the reason. Your name here is Fuan Xiaolei ----- is that all right? "<br />
<br />
"Yeah. I am Fuan Xiaolei. I gave up being a woman. Because to kill them and take revenge for my family I don't need to be a woman! ", declared the girl with a voice carrying a determined will. <br />
<br />
Aroused by the dark, powerful sentiment called ''revenge'', she naturally decided to overlook her own body. <br />
<br />
The spirit that brought that about was probably enough to make ordinary humans overwhelmed. But ---<br />
<br />
"-----haa"<br />
<br />
Kazuma snorted at that. <br />
<br />
"What's so funny? "<br />
<br />
"You mean, in addition to your stupidity? "<br />
<br />
"You- you bastard! "<br />
<br />
Xiaolei stood up in anger glaring at Kazuma. <br />
<br />
But, sitting cross-legged and smiling faintly Kazuma caught that g;are without wincing. <br />
<br />
"Look"<br />
<br />
He casually pointed at Ayano. <br />
<br />
"This is a woman. You can understand that by looking? "<br />
<br />
Of course. Her outward appearance was that of a spotless beautiful girl. Mistaking her for a boy would mean problems to the brain rather than the eyes. <br />
<br />
"------so? "<br />
<br />
"So, do you remember her movements a while ago? "<br />
<br />
"..............."<br />
<br />
Nearby the perplexed Xiaolei, sensing that Kazuma was about to say something worthless again, Ayano's facial expression became grim. <br />
<br />
Without minding, Kazuma continued. <br />
<br />
"There is such a brave, manly, more handsome-than-any-man woman! There's no need to especially throw away being a woman, when you look at her you realize that right? "<br />
<br />
[[Image:Kaze no Stigma vol 06 121.jpg|thumb|]]<br />
<br />
"You're noisy! "<br />
<br />
Ayano shouted spontaneously, seized the teacup and threw it at him. <br />
<br />
But, with a small sway back, Kazuma easily avoided that. <br />
<br />
The teacup went straight ahead, broke through the futsuma and disappeared in the hallway - gogun, smash - two kinds of sounds resounded. <br />
<br />
It seems that it sinked into the opposing wall and then smashed with all its strength. <br />
<br />
A period of several seconds of silence that made one want to run away filled the room. <br />
<br />
"-------Ayano"<br />
<br />
What destroyed was Juugo's voice. <br />
<br />
It was low and calm but, that deep anger that could be felt from that tone of voice made Ayano's face stiffen.<br />
<br />
"Y- yes....."<br />
<br />
Staring very long at his daughter who replied in a vanishing voice, Juugo said in a sorrowful voice.<br />
<br />
"It's because you only do stuff like this that you're being called crude and brutal. "<br />
<br />
"No, going that far......this time it was brave and manly"<br />
<br />
"Ayano"<br />
<br />
"Yees, I'll reflect on this"<br />
<br />
At Juugo's even more weighty word, Ayano gave up any protest prostrating herself before him.<br />
<br />
Juugo made one small but heavy sigh. And then, to Kazuma - <br />
<br />
"Don't mind her"<br />
<br />
"No? Well, it's true she's troublesome at times but it's basically enjoyable "<br />
<br />
".................."<br />
<br />
Ayano was excited by Kazuma's words once more but this time she put up with it. Which means, she didn't have anything close at hand to throw at him. <br />
<br />
Postponing disciplining his daughter for now, Juugo attempted to restore the story. <br />
<br />
"By the way, Kazuma"<br />
<br />
"Huh? "<br />
<br />
"Will you continue? "<br />
<br />
Thereupon, Kazuma tilted his head to the side in wonder and said.<br />
<br />
"Eeh, why? That was the real punch line"<br />
<br />
"Don't do that! "<br />
<br />
Juugo ignored his daughter's retort and looked at Kazuma but, he only returned the brad grin of a bad man and didn't look like he would get straight to the point. <br />
<br />
Reluctantly, he addressed Xiaolei. <br />
<br />
"Xiaolei-kun --- can I call you that? "<br />
<br />
".........What is it? "<br />
<br />
"I'm not one who is qualified to say whether your choice is right or wrong. So, I only want you to listen to this opinion. "<br />
<br />
Not trying to correct her mistake from a higher place but to undo the prejudice of insisting on one answer. <br />
<br />
"Men and women are different. Different from the question of which is superior, their muscles, built, internal organs, they all vary between men and women. "<br />
<br />
"..........."<br />
<br />
"Therefore, even if they have the same purpose, the optimum way for a man for a man to accomplish that is definitely different from the way a woman would do it. <br />
<br />
I will not comment on your views of looking on women as ''weaklings'' but even if you want to throw away the ''weak'' woman and pretend to be a ''strong'' man, that is after all nothing but imitating a man. "<br />
<br />
Xiaolei cast down her eyes, tightly grasping her fists placed on top of her knees. <br />
<br />
In truth, even in the prior battle when she discarded the woman, she was defeated easily by Gaia. <br />
<br />
"Not limited to battle technique, every single path starts from accepting yourself as you are. The way you are right now, a ''strong'' man, that cannot win against an accomplished woman. "<br />
<br />
"--------For example, someone like your daughter? "<br />
<br />
"Huh? "<br />
<br />
At the sudden retort, Juugo's eyebrows faintly flip-up, and looked at Ayano sitting straight in front of him. <br />
<br />
With a light snicker he shook his head. <br />
<br />
"No, my daughter is in truth a cause of annoyance. Even though being honest sounds good, if she doesn't put her reason to work even a little, that's no different from a beast....."<br />
<br />
"Will you go that far, Otou-sama!? "<br />
<br />
"What, if you have an objection please say it"<br />
<br />
With a cold retort to the daughter shouting at the severe criticism, Juugo shifted his attention to the entrance of the room. <br />
<br />
The circular hole opened in the futsuma gave his words persuasive power beyond consent or refusal. <br />
<br />
"Auuu......"<br />
<br />
With a glance at Ayano moaning at a loss of words, Juugo turned round to Xiaolei. <br />
<br />
"Anyhow, such readiness is meaningless if it's not established by yourself. The relative strength obtained when compared to other people's won't become the pillar necessary to support yourself. "<br />
<br />
"........!! "<br />
<br />
Feeling like she was pointed out for depending on others, Xiaolei blushed. <br />
<br />
Because she didn't want to feel like she made a mistake, she compared herself with Ayano. <br />
<br />
Meaning that your daughter, in which you have such an exaggerated confidence, after all, she couldn't win against me. <br />
<br />
But, that was a simple faultfinding in desperation, equivalent to an unfair false accusation. <br />
<br />
Juugo's words can't be undermined by that degree of sophistry. <br />
<br />
"Certainly, my words are lip service. It can be possible to throw away your weakness and only strength to remain. <br />
<br />
If one were to scrape off the weakness, the unnecessary, what remains will inevitably be strength. Just like a sharpened blade. <br />
<br />
But, isn't that just like the strength of a machine? For me, I don't want such a young man like you to throw away weakness and become strong but to overcome your weakness aiming for strength. <br />
<br />
Well, that is nothing more but my selfishness. "<br />
<br />
Simply but with such virtue and authority one felt compelled to straighten in his seat, Juugo concluded his words. <br />
<br />
"Even I understand that your decision is certainly not a light one. It's impossible to change your mind just because someone advised you at the first meeting. <br />
<br />
But, think about it well. What is the best course you should follow? "<br />
<br />
"----- I thank you for your advice. "<br />
<br />
After a small pause, Xiaolei finally said that much. <br />
<br />
But, her determination didn't change. <br />
<br />
If it's to carry out her revenge, she would throw away everything that gets in the way, including her nature. <br />
<br />
But.<br />
<br />
''"I'll think about it"''<br />
<br />
Juugo's words gave Xiaolei the impression she was endowed with the weight regarding various - really things. <br />
<br />
"Hmm"<br />
<br />
Seeing through the change in the girl's heart, Juugo nodded satisfied. And then, he changed his gaze to Kazuma. <br />
<br />
"I think this is pretty much what you wanted to say but --- do you have anything else to add? "<br />
<br />
"----huh? What are you talking about? "<br />
<br />
Kazuma played dumb, smiling frivolously. Ayano and Xiaolei stared coldly at that slack face. <br />
<br />
"Otou-sama, I do believe you're overestimating Kazuma. It's impossible for this guy to think that deeply. After all, his only objective was to entertain himself, isn't that obvious? "<br />
<br />
Xiaolei too, supported Ayano in this. No natter what Juugo's words were, she could not believe this superficial man could think that deeply. <br />
<br />
Faced with Ayano and Xiaolei's distrustful gaze, he didn't say anything to those two but only expressed a bitter smile. <br />
<br />
And then, Juugo began asking a question entirely disregarding the flow until now. <br />
<br />
"And now, I think it's finally time to get straight to the point --- What happened? ", he asked evenly looking around at the trio. <br />
<br />
But, that gaze was quickly placed on one person and did not move. <br />
<br />
The remaining two stared in silence at the last person - Xiaolei. <br />
<br />
That was only natural. As for the strife this time, Kazuma and Ayano were in a defensive situation from the beginning to the end. <br />
<br />
Because they practically knew nothing about the circumstance, there's nothing to explain. <br />
<br />
From what they can conjecture from the fragmentary information, the <<enemy>> is aiming at Enraiha and Kokusen. <br />
<br />
And then, besides that, it seems that the Fuan family the girl calling herself Xiaolei left behind was destroyed. <br />
<br />
Showered with the gaze of everyone present, Xiaolei's facial expression tightened. And then, she began to speak of the original opening. <br />
<br />
"It happened three days ago. Two men appeared in front of my father. Calling themselves Christian Roengram and Gaia, and the possessors of the Water's and Earth's sacred treasures, they were strong Jutsushi. "<br />
<br />
"----huh? The sacred treasures of Water and Earth, you said? ", murmured Juugo interested. <br />
<br />
"Did you know, Kazuma? "<br />
<br />
"No, I heard it for the first time today. ", replied Kazuma immediately. <br />
<br />
Practically, different from magic tools that had a simple water or earth attribute, even he had limited information about existences endowed with the status <<sacred weapons>> that can rival Enraiha or Kokusen. <br />
<br />
"Father said the same thing. That there are no sacred weapons the Spirit Lord blessed us with except Enraiha of the Fire and Kokusen of the Wind. <br />
<br />
But, they definitely posses a level of power that won't bring shame to the name of sacred weapon. And then, they demanded my father's cooperation as the successor of Kokusen. "<br />
<br />
"Cooperation? "<br />
<br />
"Yes. The Water and Earth they had, and then the Wind father had and the Fire of the Kannagi --- they said they would gather the four sacred treasure given by the Spirit Lords and then hold a grand scale magic ceremony. "<br />
<br />
"A magic ceremony by collecting the four sacred treasures--------? "<br />
<br />
Ayano asked of her father, inclining her head. <br />
<br />
"If they can gather four sacred treasures, will they be able to do something special? "<br />
<br />
"-------No, I didn't hear that kind of story. Besides, I haven't heard about the existence of the Water and Earth sacred treasures so it's only to be expected. "<br />
<br />
With that introduction, Juugo announced hid deduction without cracking a smile. <br />
<br />
"But, all phenomena of this world are made of the four elements. If one could freely manipulate all of that through the sacred treasures, there would be probably very little one could not do. "<br />
<br />
It is nothing more but a legend, a story at the fairy-tale level that saids this world was created by the Spirit Lords of the four elements. <br />
<br />
If that is true, and the sacred treasures are the proof of the authority borrowed from the Spirit Lords, there would be nothing they couldn't do. <br />
<br />
It's an extreme argument but there is the possibility of even rebuilding the world. <br />
<br />
But, without taken away by the magnificence of the story, Kazuma objected extremely calm. <br />
<br />
"Theoretically speaking, that is. But something like that is impossible in reality. "<br />
<br />
"Why? "<br />
<br />
"At a different level from when you simply mix water and wind and get mist, or fire and earth and get magma, for something more, for example the creation of a phenomenon at a natural calamity scale if you want to control it, a strict tuning is necessary. <br />
<br />
But, the Jutsu control for Spirit Jutsushi is considerably intuitive. "<br />
<br />
Different from other types of magic, the Spirit Jutsu attaches more importance to sensitivity rather that reason. <br />
<br />
Therefore, group work is excessively difficult --- even in a practical situation that is considerably intuitive, theorizing it, converting it numerically, it's practically impossible to reproduce it. <br />
<br />
"You, if I were to tell you to mix a 36% fire with a 64% earth, would you be able to coordinate with a Chijutsushi? "<br />
<br />
"......Uu, that's........"<br />
<br />
"For argument's sake if we were to say you could do it, then, what is the unit? The number of spirits? Calories? Or Mass? How do you establish a common unit for four types of Spirits? "<br />
<br />
No one was able to respond to those questions fired in rapid succession. <br />
<br />
And, in this place there were direct descendants from the Fuan and Kannagi families - each controlling the top Spirit Jutsushi. <br />
<br />
If they did not know about it, it was absolutely certain such a standard did not exist. <br />
<br />
"This kind of information we have no idea about means constructing a technique system from scratch, even more, acquiring Jutsushi who can use the sacred treasure and then finally trying it out in practice - that's the kind of level we speak about. <br />
<br />
To complete this how many years --- no, I don't know how many generations it will take. "<br />
<br />
"But then, there's also the possibility it was secretly developed from way back and they began moving as it was completed, right? "<br />
<br />
"Don't imagine such bad things, you. But, if that's true ---"<br />
<br />
"What? "<br />
<br />
"If that's the care, there is a mastermind behind them. "<br />
<br />
"......Uuu"<br />
<br />
Ayano groaned at the even more serious pointing out. But, if she were to think of Chris and Gaia's speech and conduct, she could agree to that story. <br />
<br />
"Certainly, they don't seem the kind of people who could have such a grand plan and accomplish it........"<br />
<br />
"Right? What's even more, the idea itself of using and experimenting on Spirits does not belong with a Spirit Jutsushi. "<br />
<br />
For Spirit Jutsushi, the Spirits are not just simple weapons or tools. They are irreplaceable colleagues and partners. <br />
<br />
Any honest Spirit Jutsushi wouldn't think of them as a material for experiments. <br />
<br />
It was the same thing as testing something on family or close friends. <br />
<br />
"........How to say this, I have a more and more bad feeling about this. "<br />
<br />
"Yeah. ---- Aah, by the way"<br />
<br />
Remembering he had something he should confirm before thinking about this, Kazuma shifted his attention to Xiaolei. <br />
<br />
"Did you hear something about what kind of ceremony they are planning on holding? "<br />
<br />
Xiaolei shook her head a little. <br />
<br />
"Father may have heard about it but I didn't......In any case, father turned them down. At the time they obediently withdrew but the next day...."<br />
<br />
Her fists grasped tightly, shook. When reminiscing about the memory of those times, her pupils were pregnant with anger, terror and hatred. <br />
<br />
"My father, my brothers.....even Okaa-sama......"<br />
<br />
Without continuing further, Xiaolei kept her mouth shut. Not only her first but even her body shook with exhaustion. <br />
<br />
The spirits responded to that fitful anger and a wind blew violently inside the room --- but it quickly died down. <br />
<br />
Juugo and Ayano glanced at Kazuma but quickly turned their eyes to Xiaolei. But, as expected, she did not continue. It was an understandable evolution. <br />
<br />
"---- So, the story after that "<br />
<br />
Instead of Xiaolei who was silent, Ayano volunteered to explain. <br />
<br />
"A short time ago those two came to pick a fight with us. Saying to hand Enraiha over. We beat them up however. "<br />
<br />
"''However'' --- you let them escape. Isn't that right? "<br />
<br />
As if pouring cold water on the head of his elated daughter, that was Juugo. <br />
<br />
The humiliated Ayano glared at Kazuma with a resentful stare. <br />
<br />
"If Kazuma were serious, the future problem should have been disposed of. "<br />
<br />
"-----Hou? "<br />
<br />
But, without showing disturbance at the two's coercion, Kazuma turned the usual slack smile to Juugo. <br />
<br />
"Well, that's how it is -- Kokusen and Enraiha are being aimed at --- this is serious, Suzerain. "<br />
<br />
And so he declared without tension, like it was completely someone else's problem. <br />
<br />
Critical glared gathered at the excessively superficial attitude, but even so, without any kind of seriousness blended in it ---<br />
<br />
"Well then --- do your best! "<br />
<br />
Together with those irresponsible words of encouragement, he left his seat as if declaring his noninterference. <br />
<br />
".......wait Kazuma"<br />
<br />
But Juugo promptly called Kazuma to a halt. <br />
<br />
"I want to hire you until this case is over. Your top priority is protecting Ayano and Enraiha, the next is the elimination of the enemy. Is that alright? "<br />
<br />
"It's going to be expensive. "<br />
<br />
"I don't care. "<br />
<br />
In a good tempo, those two concluded the agreement. <br />
<br />
For Ayano that was ''the usual'' so it didn't bother her it but for Xiaolei that wasn't the case. <br />
<br />
Believing Kazuma's attitude excessively indiscreet, she couldn't endure it and cut in the conversation. <br />
<br />
"Wait a minute! You, do you understand the situation right now? "<br />
<br />
"I think so? "<br />
<br />
"Then why are you talking about something like remuneration? Now it's not the time to mind such things, don't you agree? "<br />
<br />
Xiaolei was enraged. <br />
<br />
But, contrastive to her, Kazuma faced the girl with a thoroughly indifferent countenance. <br />
<br />
"Such things, huh? As expected of an Ojou-sama from the Fuan family. "<br />
<br />
"Wha........what do you mean? "<br />
<br />
"Well then, let's continue"<br />
<br />
Disregarding Xiaolei pressing a question, Kazuma reopened the negotiation with Juugo. <br />
<br />
"Oi! "<br />
<br />
"------Let it go"<br />
<br />
Ayano restrained the girl who even so was about to press for an answer with a voice full of sympathy. <br />
<br />
"That's how this guy is. If you mind it you loose. "<br />
<br />
"But--- "<br />
<br />
Xiaolei couldn't consent no matter what. <br />
<br />
She understood it so much it felt painful. That's because that was the road she once traveled on. <br />
<br />
That's why, for that reason, she must learn no matter what. <br />
<br />
--- In society, there are times you can make a fool of yourself by taking too seriously the existence of the reality you cannot be saved from.<br />
<br />
"Understand that"<br />
<br />
"........"<br />
<br />
As if she saw something in that facial expression that was more eloquent than words, Xiaolei shut her mouth. <br />
<br />
But even so the gaze she turned to Kazuma was overflowing with scorn , still he didn't display the slightest reaction and continued his negotiation with Juugo. <br />
<br />
"By the way, how capable were they? "<br />
<br />
"There wasn't a lot of time but at best, they are merely first-class. As long as they don't have some huge hidden trick, they're at a level me and Ayano can deal with. "<br />
<br />
"Humph --- But, an incident is an incident. Should I call back Genma and Ren? "<br />
<br />
"They're not here? "<br />
<br />
"They're on a business trip. They went to Tohoku"<br />
<br />
"Unlucky -- well, do as you want "<br />
<br />
Negligently saying so over his shoulder, Kazuma stood up once more. <br />
<br />
This time without pause, he was seriously wanting to leave. But - <br />
<br />
"---- Wait"<br />
<br />
Xiaolei's voice stopped those legs. <br />
<br />
Kazuma turned only his head. <br />
<br />
"What? "<br />
<br />
"There's still something I need to ask you no matter what. "<br />
<br />
Gazing at Kazuma with hard eyes as if she were in front of the enemy, Xiaolei fired the question. <br />
<br />
"You, who are you? "<br />
<br />
"Who, you ask"<br />
<br />
Worn out by that insecure posture, Kazuma changed the orientation of his body leaning against a pillar and caught Xiaolei's gaze. <br />
<br />
"My name is Yagami Kazuma. A freelance Fujutsushi. My favorite work is the danger-less ghost extermination, my goal is an uneventful life but that became non-existent since my main activity became the protection of the Kannagi Family's Ojou-san --- well, that's about it. "<br />
<br />
More than terribly sketchy, he left out the most important data but, in outline that was truthful profile. <br />
<br />
"Don't mess around! "<br />
<br />
With bare anger Xiaolei shouted. <br />
<br />
"It's impossible to find a stronger Fujutsushi than me, a direct descendant of the Fuan family, in the streets! Answer! You, from where are you? "<br />
<br />
Xiaolei was exasperated. <br />
<br />
Contrastively, Kazuma sneered persistently composed. <br />
<br />
"You have considerable faith in yourself, huh? ", he declared severely. <br />
<br />
Meaning that while she continued loosing to Chris, Gaia and himself, she still posed as a <<warrior>>. <br />
<br />
"-------!! "<br />
<br />
Accurately understanding the meaning of those words, Xiaolei's face colored with anger and disgrace. <br />
<br />
But for her, a direct descendant of the Fuan family nominated as the strongest Fujutsushi, Kazuma was a being that threatened the meaning of their existence.<br />
<br />
She won't be easily deceived. <br />
<br />
Adjusting her breathing and calming her heart, she doubled the spirit driven at Kazuma. <br />
<br />
"Certainly, it's not unusual for someone to be stronger than me. But, didn't you control the mist much more than that Suijutsushi? Something like mist is in the water domain with a roughly seven or eight ratio at least. <br />
<br />
To have a stronger control that a Suijutsushi holding a sacred weapon, something like that cannot be achieved by an ordinary Fujutsushi. <br />
<br />
How do you explain that? "<br />
<br />
"How, you ask? "<br />
<br />
Even faced with Xiaolei's identification confident she touched a vital point, Kazuma didn't lost his composure for a moment. <br />
<br />
He declared, carelessly shrugging his shoulders. <br />
<br />
"As a Fujutsushi I have no connection with any lineage. I appeared out of thin air. "<br />
<br />
"That's impossible. "<br />
<br />
"If you want to fuss over lineage so much I''ll tell you that I am a direct descendant of Kannagi. "<br />
<br />
"What? "<br />
<br />
At that excessively unexpected answer, after a few seconds, in mute amazement, Xiaolei gazed inquiringly at Juugo and Ayano. <br />
<br />
Both nodded at the same time.<br />
<br />
"It's the truth. Because of different circumstances he claims to have a different name. "<br />
<br />
".............."<br />
<br />
Xiaolei looked at Kazuma once more. On her face there was shock that couldn't be concealed. <br />
<br />
At any rate, more than her - no, the blood-line of the most powerful Fujutsushi she ever saw, is the direct descendant of the Kannagi Family -- the highest Enjutsushi authority. <br />
<br />
"Why in the world ---- "<br />
<br />
"You want to ask the reason? Even I don't know that.", said Kazuma lightly over his shoulder. <br />
<br />
And then, he vaguely added. <br />
<br />
"Well, it must be that. No matter how famous the clan is, the founder was nothing but a person of doubtful origin. It means that this kind of mutation can appear. "<br />
<br />
His tone was vapid tone but the language pretty abusive.<br />
<br />
This time he left without turning back. <br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<noinclude><br />
{| border="1" cellpadding="5" cellspacing="0" style="margin: 1em 1em 1em 0; background: #f9f9f9; border: 1px #aaaaaa solid; padding: 0.2em; border-collapse: collapse;"<br />
|-<br />
| Back to [[Kaze_no_Stigma:Volume6_Chapter_2|Chapter 2]]<br />
| Return to [[Kaze_no_Stigma|Main Page]]<br />
| Forward to [[Kaze_no_Stigma:Volume6_Chapter_4|Chapter 4]]<br />
|-<br />
|}<br />
</noinclude></div>Black Ice Princehttps://www.baka-tsuki.org/project/index.php?title=Kaze_no_Stigma:Volume6_Chapter_2&diff=294476Kaze no Stigma:Volume6 Chapter 22013-10-15T01:42:04Z<p>Black Ice Prince: </p>
<hr />
<div>== Chapter 2 - Water and earth raiders ==<br />
<br />
<br />
=== Part 1 ===<br />
<br />
Playing with Kokusen with one hand, Kazuma observed the boy struggling under his foot. <br />
<br />
It looked pretty painful. The entire body weight of a grown man concentrated in one point on that delicate body - what's more, he was trampled straight above the heart so, that was expected. <br />
<br />
He already couldn't resist in a meaningful way. <br />
<br />
The movement of his limbs rather that for escape were closer to death agony convulsions. <br />
<br />
But even so, the boy didn't gave up yet. Seizing with his hand the foot trampling him, he was almost powerless but he still had light in his eyes, looking up at Kazuma. <br />
<br />
''"------how energetic"'', thought Kazuma indifferently. <br />
<br />
He did not hate kids with vitality. As long as they're not annoying him, that is. <br />
<br />
Adding one thing to another, he believed in being impartial towards all his enemies. <br />
<br />
That is, annihilating men and women of all ages if they oppose him. <br />
<br />
Therefore, he had no reason to let this boy live. <br />
<br />
It would be better to make him spit out why he was aiming at Ayano but that's not something he should pay attention to. <br />
<br />
It happened at the time he was putting strength in his leg to quickly kill him. <br />
<br />
Some ill-breading intruders disturbed Kazuma's purpose. <br />
<br />
"Ayano! "<br />
<br />
"-----Eeh? "<br />
<br />
Around Ayano's surroundings, blinking at the sudden call, a wind barrier was wrapped up. <br />
<br />
Immediately a high speed flying something was repelled and smashed against the wind. <br />
<br />
A small sheet of spray glistened in the sunlight. <br />
<br />
"------water? "<br />
<br />
"You two right there, do you have business here? "<br />
<br />
Not minding Ayano's confusion, Kazuma asked in a freezing voice. <br />
<br />
A replying voice promptly returned. <br />
<br />
"Did you notice? Besides, I wasn't particularly hiding my Kehai, you know"<br />
<br />
A clear, beautiful voice resounded on the desolate construction site. <br />
<br />
Ayano looked around searching for the owner of the voice. As for Kazuma, he didn't even show he was searching and while stepping and jumping on the boy, lazily he puffed his cigarette. <br />
<br />
"I asked about your business"<br />
<br />
"How impolite"<br />
<br />
A voice containing a smile replied. Together with it, two figures appeared on top of a slightly elevated heap of mud. <br />
<br />
Appropriate for the owner of the beautiful voice, one of them was an extremely beautiful young man. His silver hair was glittering in the sun like a waterfall, flowing straight down his back. His eyes were amber colored.<br />
<br />
He had flawless white skin and thin, fine shaped red lips that were vibrantly contrasting. <br />
<br />
He was naturally perfect. <br />
<br />
No matter how much one looked at him, not a flaw could be found. <br />
<br />
That face was so beautiful it made one believe it must be without a doubt the a human face organized after a single rule - Golden Rule.<br />
<br />
But after only glancing at it, Kazuma gazed steadily at the man standing next to him. <br />
<br />
He was very short. He had below a hundred and fifty centimeters at most.<br />
<br />
But anyone would hesitate calling that man a small built. Surely his stature was low. But even if he was low the volume of muscle that body was clad in, wasn't common. <br />
<br />
When describing a muscular giant it's said ''"That upper arm is thicker than a woman's ass"'' or ''"Those tights are like a woman's waist"''.<br />
<br />
If the man were above two meters it will be finished one would call him ''burly'' - but if he's below a hundred and fifty centimeters -<br />
<br />
<br />
You can only call it birth defect. Even assuming he dedicated all his life to weight training, it doesn't seem likely the human body can become like this. <br />
<br />
It could be evaluated to a human's parody or rather a distorted figure (prettiness nonexistent).<br />
<br />
The balance of length and width, was perfectly deviating from the contour of the human body. Even the skeleton was wrong. <br />
<br />
It could be understood if it were a different species from man. <br />
<br />
After staring at that atypical appearance very long, Kazuma coughed once.<br />
<br />
"So it's true there are Dwarfs, huh? "<br />
<br />
"Wait a second, youngster", the man retorted to Kazuma almost reluctant. <br />
<br />
His voice was a deep baritone, which seemed only appropriate. <br />
<br />
"Who is a dwarf, huh? "<br />
<br />
"It's obviously you, no? Beside that constitution, you're also carrying an ax "<br />
<br />
That's right, the man was shouldering a gigantic battle-ax. <br />
<br />
Just like in a certain world famous fantasy movie, his physique seemed very similar to that race.<br />
<br />
Besides he was also growing a beard. <br />
<br />
"If you want to be consistent to that extent, you should wear a helmet with two horns. Can you split into seven and dance around snow white ?"<br />
<br />
"Wha.....You bastard...."<br />
<br />
At Kazuma's abuse, bringing even fairy tales into this, the man glared at him furiously. <br />
<br />
But, his mouth didn't seem very proficient so no comebacks emerged. <br />
<br />
"Y-you youngster....."<br />
<br />
Understanding he couldn't match him verbally, the man grasped with both his hands the battle ax and stepped forward with short steps. <br />
<br />
But, his beautiful neighbor restrained him.<br />
<br />
"Well, calm down, *imli"<br />
<br />
"Who the heck is G*mli? "<br />
<br />
Not minding the short one angry and barring his teeth, the beautiful man turned his gaze to Kazuma - no, to the boy trampled on at his feet. <br />
<br />
"----this is a somewhat unexpected development, huh?"<br />
<br />
Curbing his lips upward, the man addressed the boy. Those red lips were etched with scorn towards a weak person.<br />
<br />
But, even that was beautiful. As a god boasting about the superiority of his existence, ridiculing a fallen angel.<br />
<br />
"It's not the time to split among friends, right, young prince of the Fuan family - was it? Or rather, you thought that by presenting us with Enraiha, we'll overlook you?"<br />
<br />
"rd....tard......"<br />
<br />
With that energy stored somewhere, the boy once again began to act violently underneath Kazuma's foot. <br />
<br />
Literally crushing under his foot that resistance, Kazuma looked up at the youth.<br />
<br />
"Who are you? "<br />
<br />
The young man bowed elegantly and then declared. <br />
<br />
"I was slow in saying. I am Christian Roengram - your enemy"<br />
<br />
Receiving the young man's - Christian's words, Kazuma's words was etched in a belligerent smile. <br />
<br />
"Good vibes easy to understand. I like that"<br />
<br />
"I feel grateful. But - "<br />
<br />
Cristian finished his sentence there and looked away. Nearby Kazuma. And then, to where Ayano was standing, in a slightly separated place. <br />
<br />
"If you obediently hand over your sacred treasure, I promise not to harm you"<br />
<br />
"- so he said. What will you do? "<br />
<br />
"That's rejected! ", replied Ayano without hesitating for a second. <br />
<br />
"Besides I don't like your ''I'll overlook you'' attitude! ''I promise not to harm you''? Do you think you can win against us? "<br />
<br />
"Of course"<br />
<br />
Chris held out his right hand. On the pointed upwards palm as if trying to receive something, a short pole, thirty centimeters long appeared without notice. <br />
<br />
"Why that is, it's because I'm the owner of the Water's sacred treasure, <<Mizuchi>>"<br />
<br />
The pole he clasped in his right hand shook. The large amount of water spirits entering through there changed to a whip crossing over ten meters. <br />
<br />
"I'll teach you the discrepancy in our status. --- Aah, Gaia, I'm plenty by myself. Don't interfere. "<br />
<br />
"......Humph, very well. A powerless Fujutsushi and an Enjutsushi who can't even win against that, there's no worth dealing with them"<br />
<br />
The short man - Gaia, instantly made a dissatisfied face but immediately agreed and jerked his chin as if saying ''Go already!''.<br />
<br />
Chris bowed to Gaia with a smiling face, and approached Ayano with an air of composure. <br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
"...................."<br />
<br />
"...................."<br />
<br />
Kazuma and Ayano, none even throwing a sidelong glance to the approaching Chris, looked at each other. <br />
<br />
Ayano asked frankly.<br />
<br />
"Is is real? "<br />
<br />
"Who knows. It's the first time I heard of a Water sacred treasure. "<br />
<br />
While answering, Kazuma incorrigibly gridded down the boy acting violently. <br />
<br />
"You're persistent. ------Ayano, I leave that weird one to you"<br />
<br />
"Okay"<br />
<br />
Kazuma's gaze, looking at Ayano lightly running, suddenly turned down.<br />
<br />
The boy under his foot, was pulling the cuff of his trousers. <br />
<br />
Feeling that was an action meant to attract attention not to escape the trampling, Kazuma loosened the force just a little. <br />
<br />
"What? "<br />
<br />
"...st..op....her....."<br />
<br />
While bearing the pain of having his chest crushed, the boy boy spoke disconnectedly. <br />
<br />
"That woman.......can't.....match him.........She'll be....killed......."<br />
<br />
"That so? "<br />
<br />
Kazuma was thoroughly calm. The gaze with which he looked at those two, about to start fighting, didn't had a fragment of nervousness. <br />
<br />
"Well, shut up and look. What you wanted to see, from here on you'll be able to see freely"<br />
<br />
Kazuma smiled lightly at the boy who didn't seem to understand. <br />
<br />
"The serious Kannagi Ayano"<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
Intended to be composed, Chris didn't start but waited for Ayano slashing attack.<br />
<br />
Matching the moment Ayano raised Enraiha overhead, at that moment he lightly twisted his wrist. <br />
<br />
The flame sword swung downward from above her head was ambushed from underneath by the water whip. <br />
<br />
The sound of water soaking a heated frying pan reached their ears. Simultaneously, both were covered by white water vapor. <br />
<br />
But, the atmosphere turned clear in a moment. Mizuchi absorbed the surplus water in the atmosphere. <br />
<br />
The water whip completely stopped the flame blade. Only the surface that touched continued to evaporate. That was almost nothing compared to the entire water volume. <br />
<br />
But, successively compensating that loss from the surroundings, the whip couldn't be severed. <br />
<br />
Cool-looking while the burning blade was before his eyes, Chris laughed. <br />
<br />
"An Enjutsushi tackling a Suijutsushi. Water thrums Fire - do you not know the rivalry between the five elements? "<br />
<br />
"Ara, I know it. Wasn't it all about the amount of material resources? "<br />
<br />
There was no appearance of impatience in Ayano's eyes. Including even more power in the blade, she made the golden flame erupt. <br />
<br />
"Kuh! "<br />
<br />
Chris' voice was confused for the first time. The whip was bisected close to the root, and Mizuchi leaped in his hand, nothing more but a stick. <br />
<br />
"So- something like this.........."<br />
<br />
From those red lips that looked a little pale, a murmur of astonishment leaked out.<br />
<br />
It was the ideology of the cosmic dual forces - Ying and Yang and the five elements. <br />
<br />
The elements the world was composed of - Wood, Fire, Earth, Metal, Water, all phenomena became by the interference of those elements, that's what it meant.<br />
<br />
<br />
<noinclude><br />
{| border="1" cellpadding="5" cellspacing="0" style="margin: 1em 1em 1em 0; background: #f9f9f9; border: 1px #aaaaaa solid; padding: 0.2em; border-collapse: collapse;"<br />
|-<br />
| Back to [[Kaze_no_Stigma:Volume6_Chapter_1|Chapter 1]]<br />
| Return to [[Kaze_no_Stigma|Main Page]]<br />
| Forward to [[Kaze_no_Stigma:Volume6_Chapter_3|Chapter 3]]<br />
|-<br />
|}<br />
</noinclude></div>Black Ice Princehttps://www.baka-tsuki.org/project/index.php?title=Kaze_no_Stigma:Volume6_Chapter_1&diff=294343Kaze no Stigma:Volume6 Chapter 12013-10-14T15:44:23Z<p>Black Ice Prince: </p>
<hr />
<div>== Chapter 1 - Disaster together with the wind ==<br />
<br />
<br />
=== Part 1 ===<br />
<br />
<br />
Completely burning and exorcising the evil spirit in one single stroke, Kannagi Ayano turned around. - And then her eyebrows frowned at an acute angle.<br />
<br />
What was reflected in her field of vision, was the silhouette of a man looking at the sky with a somewhat distant look.<br />
<br />
In outline, despite accompanying her here under the pretext of being her bodyguard he seemed not to have noticed the battle ended. <br />
<br />
"--------hey"<br />
<br />
"Huh? Aah. is it over? "<br />
<br />
Glaring at him with half opened eyes, the man - Yagami Kazuma briefly looked over the surroundings and nodded once. And then, he declared without hesitation. <br />
<br />
"Let's go back then"<br />
<br />
".......you're so...", groaned Ayano in a gloomy tone. <br />
<br />
But of course Kazuma ignored that and started walking by himself. <br />
<br />
"Aa, hey, wait! "<br />
<br />
Chasing after him in a fluster, Ayano drew near Kazuma pouting. <br />
<br />
"I already forgot how many times I told you this but - since it's been arranged you're kind of my escort, even it you won't help at least look! "<br />
<br />
"Ha ha ha, you're so baka"<br />
<br />
Expressing a refreshing smile, the kind a good young man would have, Kazuma looked over his shoulder to Ayano. <br />
<br />
"It's because I really trust your ability that I can leave it to you without worries. "<br />
<br />
"I can't believe you at all! ", replied Ayano as if slapping something.<br />
<br />
How to say this, it was an entirely usual back and forth argument. <br />
<br />
Yes, since then - since Pandemonium was destroyed and Bernhardt and Lapis disappeared, Kazuma didn't display any sort of change. <br />
<br />
With the same frivolous, slack smiling face like always, teasing Ayano as always, wondering about like always, with an attitude that couldn't be grasped just like the wind, he spent his days like that.<br />
<br />
There was no indication he was forcing himself. There was no change from before ---- Even though that was impossible. <br />
<br />
He must hurt. He must be sad. <br />
<br />
And yet, Kazuma never shows that. <br />
<br />
Ayano was very uneasy about that. <br />
<br />
She thought it was dangerous for Kazuma not to show others his weakness. <br />
<br />
But what she feared even more was the possibility she didn't understand anything about Kazuma. <br />
<br />
In spite of the fact that he was hurt he did not seem to be so. <br />
<br />
If that's the case, from now on assuming Kazuma would hurt even more would she not even be able to see that?<br />
<br />
No, everything she saw of Kazuma until now until now was maybe nothing but a mask that concealed his wounded heart. <br />
<br />
She was supposed to have come to understand Kazuma, even just a little. <br />
<br />
She was supposed to get to the core even just a little, to the inner part of his heart pretending to be superficial. <br />
<br />
But if all of it was nothing bore but a delusion...<br />
<br />
''"Kazuma-------"''<br />
<br />
Walking absent-minded, Ayano stared at Kazuma's back who walked soundlessly. <br />
<br />
If she were to call him he would turn around with the same smiling face. But - <br />
<br />
''"Are you here? Are you really looking at me? "''<br />
<br />
He is so close and yet, for some reason, Kazuma's back was distant. <br />
<br />
Was it because she was thinking such things? Not typical of her, her reaction was late. <br />
<br />
Suddenly, something like a huge pole appeared before her eyes and without time to avoid it, Ayano crashed into it. <br />
<br />
"Kyaa!? "<br />
<br />
It had a somewhat soft touch for a pole. Looking at it better, that was Kazuma's arm pushed out in front of her eyes. <br />
<br />
"Wha, Kazuma------"<br />
<br />
Her words of complaint were interrupted in the middle. <br />
<br />
Kazuma's face didn't have a particle of jest to it, and was sharply looking forward like a totally different person from before. <br />
<br />
"Kazuma, what is----"<br />
<br />
"Prepare"<br />
<br />
Without giving her the time to finish her question, directly ordered. <br />
<br />
Almost by reflex Ayano hunched her back. <br />
<br />
Immediately following - from the front, a spiritual power detonated. <br />
<br />
The wind barrier Kazuma put on creaked fighting with the same kind of power. <br />
<br />
''"Same nature--------huh, eeeeeeeeeh!? "''<br />
<br />
Ayano's face became stiff with shock. <br />
<br />
But no matter how much she doubted her eyes, the reality won't change. <br />
<br />
What was attacking them right now was beyond doubt, the power of ''wind''. <br />
<br />
"Why on earth....", murmured Kazuma as if spitting out while enduring the ''enemy'' attack. <br />
<br />
The disturbance felt in that voice was definitely not Ayano's delusion. <br />
<br />
For Kazuma, the one who contracted the Spirit Lord of the Wind - the <<Contractor>>, it means that all of the wind spirits are extensions of himself. <br />
<br />
To have them turn on him, it was theoretically impossible. <br />
<br />
"............." <br />
<br />
Ayano unsheathed Enraiha, and searched for presence in the surroundings. As for the perception withing range, she did not feel any hostile being. But -<br />
<br />
"Kazuma, where is the enemy? "<br />
<br />
At that question asked in a controlled voice, Kazuma pointed straight ahead. Without waiting, from there regular footsteps resounded - and then, stopped. <br />
<br />
"------Eeh?"<br />
<br />
Looking at the figure that boldly appeared from the front without hiding himself, Ayano unintentionally opened her eyes wide. <br />
<br />
She looked at Kazuma as if asking if that was the right person. <br />
<br />
But, without turning his eyes to Ayano, Kazuma was only staring directly at the boy in the front. <br />
<br />
That's right - the ''enemy'' blocking their way was even younger that Ayano, a boy of thirteen or fourteen. <br />
<br />
His body dressed in a stand-up collar shirt and thin pants, he looked more delicate that his years and was shorter than Ayano. <br />
<br />
He had soft hair cut short that made one want to touch. <br />
<br />
He was a very androgynous but adorable bishonen. <br />
<br />
But the impression until now was overturned by only two things. <br />
<br />
The first were those eyes. The color was dark brown, very common for Asian people. But the light that dwelt in them, like the difference between a cat and a tiger cub, made it clear that the boy was a warrior. <br />
<br />
And the second.<br />
<br />
Ayano's gaze slightly pointed upwards. The boy's stature was lower than hers. But that top she was looking at was even higher than Kazuma's head. <br />
<br />
Approximately two meters. <br />
<br />
Held in the hand of the small boy, it was an object of unsuitable size. But even so the boy held it tightly in his small hand. <br />
<br />
The jet black handle that was so exceeding the boy's height by that much and the silver blade stretching further was a simple and clear shape forged only for killing people and to destroy one's enemies. <br />
<br />
Massive, sharp, piercing and smashing everything. <br />
<br />
It was something everyone would understand only after a glance, a very long and boorish spear. <br />
<br />
"..........."<br />
<br />
In silence the boy thrusts the long spear forward. <br />
<br />
Until now it was positioned next to his waist. He stretched his left foot back on grand scale.<br />
<br />
Without saying anything he only did that. But only by doing that the spear that until now seemed disproportionate turned one with the boy as if it were so from the beginning. <br />
<br />
"Kuuh-------!"<br />
<br />
At the master posture, Ayano reorganized her confused mind. It has nothing to do with she sees. <br />
<br />
That is, beyond doubt, an enemy.<br />
<br />
Unsheathing Enraiha, she faced the boy. And then----- she waited. <br />
<br />
She won't make the first move since against the spear with he longest reach. First she'll let herself be hit and move after.<br />
<br />
That was the proper practice. Besides---<br />
<br />
Ayano fleetingly looked at Kazuma. If the enemy is a Fujutsushi this man won't fall behind. If he would fire the same wind blades like before, Kazuma's barrier will definitely endure it. <br />
<br />
Using that gap should be good. <br />
<br />
''"It's coming! "''<br />
<br />
The boy moved as Ayano expected. He rushed in a big way and pushed out that spear using that force. <br />
<br />
Of course, it wasn't a distance the spear would reach but the condensed wind blade fired from the edge of the blade approached the two at the speed of sound. <br />
<br />
Ayano concentrated her power on Enraiha. <br />
<br />
If she becomes completely defenseless against the wind blade, the fact that it cannot tear down Kazuma barrier, was for her something absolute, a common knowledge. <br />
<br />
Therefore, with all her power she trended towards the returning blade, sharpening her consciousness to the utmost limit weighing the timing. <br />
<br />
But, that plan was wiped out quick enough. <br />
<br />
And in addition to that by the hand of the partner she put the utmost confidence it- no, by his leg.<br />
<br />
"Huh? "<br />
<br />
''''Don!''''<br />
<br />
The impact that attacked her from her right side sent Ayano flying from that place. <br />
<br />
Because it came from a perfectly unexpected direction, she couldn't resist it.<br />
<br />
"------ha?"<br />
<br />
At the unbearable scene, her consciousness froze for a moment. But as she could still land even unconscious, Ayano replayed over and over the moment Kazuma's cheek was torn.<br />
<br />
''"Eeh-------Why? "''<br />
<br />
Her reason refused to recognize it. <br />
<br />
That was something impossible, that could never happen and such.<br />
<br />
However that was - the meaning of that scene was - <br />
<br />
"Wa-------Kazuma-----"<br />
<br />
"You're noisy, shut up! The next one is coming! "<br />
<br />
In an unusually violent tone, Kazuma interrupted Ayano's words. Without wiping the blood spilling from his cheek and while a cold sweat was spreading on his brow. <br />
<br />
''"----No way"''<br />
<br />
She was still denying it deep in her heart. She had faith in her ideal, her aspiration. <br />
<br />
But she had no choice but to recognize the result right now.<br />
<br />
In front of the enemy's wind blade, Kazuma's wind barrier was pierced through without resisting for a second. <br />
<br />
Ayano's face flipped up in astonishment looking hard at the boy standing before her eyes. <br />
<br />
The boy was clearly not boasting of his power but set up the spear indifferent.<br />
<br />
In a manner as if to say ''this is only natural''.<br />
<br />
''"This guy, no way - "''<br />
<br />
Trying focusing her mind, Ayano could do nothing but admit that she way yet not taking the situation seriously. <br />
<br />
Thinking about it, it was an appropriate situation if you exclude all previous assumptions. <br />
<br />
As Kazuma is a Contractor, theoretically all Wind Spirits are under his control. Then, another Fujutsushi won't be able to even begin an attack let alone oppose him.<br />
<br />
What can overturn that principle, was someone like Kazamaki Ryuya who manipulated spirits that went mad and used Jutsu differently from it's root or, a Jutsushi who was by far more capable than Kazuma. <br />
<br />
''"No way - someone stronger than Kazuma--------? "''<br />
<br />
A chill ran along the muscles on her spine. <br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
Without minding Ayano's disturbance, the boy pointed the spear to the target.<br />
<br />
Without any confusion, it accurately aimed at Ayano. <br />
<br />
"This way!? " <br />
<br />
Simultaneously with that turned inside out scream, the spear grew hazy. <br />
<br />
A certain kill blow that could simply pass through Kazuma's barrier. <br />
<br />
Without thinking of blocking it from the beginning Ayano tumbled in order to avoid it. <br />
<br />
She barely escaped. <br />
<br />
But, as a compensation, her posture was fatally disordered. In the two seconds she needed to reorganize herself - she can die ten times over. <br />
<br />
"Kuu"<br />
<br />
In those wide opened eyes that forgot even to blink, the boy taking a pursuit stance was reflected. <br />
<br />
Facing the unable to move Ayano, the boy unleashed the spear without hesitation. <br />
<br />
"You think I'll let you! "<br />
<br />
In that space, together with an angry roar, a gale forced its way through. <br />
<br />
As if getting angry at being neglected on account of being worthless, Kazuma fired wind blades to the rapidly penetrating wind spear. <br />
<br />
But, between the slashing attack and the spear thrust, there was an exceptional difference in their densities. <br />
<br />
Not only unable to offset each other, unable to compete for even a moment, the wind blades were quickly crushed. <br />
<br />
''"Wha.......so much bullshit? "''<br />
<br />
At the overwhelming power difference demonstrated, Ayano soundlessly petrified.<br />
<br />
But, without any sigh of confusion, as if expecting it, Kazuma fired the second and third attack. <br />
<br />
When that number reached five, finally the wind spear was negated. <br />
<br />
"........this is outrageous", breathed out Kazuma smacking his lips. <br />
<br />
Ayano had entirely the same opinion. <br />
<br />
By a simple calculation, five times Kazuma's wind strength - to put ot bluntly, it was a difference it coudn't even be spoken of. <br />
<br />
"............"<br />
<br />
The boy turned a colorless gaze to Kazuma but he immediately looked away.<br />
<br />
As if literally declaring ''You don't exist in my opinion''.<br />
<br />
"How cold, mind me a little bit more. If not, I'll sulk. "<br />
<br />
But, clearly not hesitant about the power difference, with the impudent talk as usual, Kazuma started walking towards the boy. <br />
<br />
As if brushing away the enemy approaching in a straight line, the boy wielded the spear as if sweeping sideways. <br />
<br />
Kazuma avoided the attack by dunking so low his head touched the ground, and then from that position, a complete forward somersault. <br />
<br />
The heel of his right leg vertically described a circle aimed at the boy's head. <br />
<br />
"-----!!"<br />
<br />
The rotating kick that was both offense and defense, as expected, it surprised the boy. <br />
<br />
Although he blocked it by pushing out the spear above his head, the jet black handle bent because of the clashing impact. <br />
<br />
"Kuuh........."<br />
<br />
But even so, the boy narrowly survived the blow. <br />
<br />
And then in a bold move trying to aim at the gap immediately following, supporting his upside down falling body in one hand, this time with his left foot, Kazuma kicked the boy's leg. <br />
<br />
The boy went to his knees. <br />
<br />
In the meantime, Kazuma promptly stood up, and just like a whirlwind he applied a roundhouse kick from behind. <br />
<br />
"----------!! "<br />
<br />
Swaying back with all his strength, the boy avoided the kick attacking his temple. <br />
<br />
Greatly bending backwards his upper body, he let himself fall just like that, curled his body to disperse the shock and rotated backwards. <br />
<br />
Taking a defensive attitude he escaped Kazuma's offensive range.<br />
<br />
"Kuuh....."<br />
<br />
"-----Humph"<br />
<br />
Responding to the boy's glare full of hate, switching over to the standing in one knee posture after rolling three times, Kazuma returned one full of scorn. <br />
<br />
Just then, the boy's gaze became even more severe. <br />
<br />
Literally rolled in mud by the opponent he was looking down on, he was despised even more. That disgrace was more than he could imagine. <br />
<br />
The boy quickly stood up and pointed his spear to Kazuma. He spoke in a squeezed to death voice. <br />
<br />
"You bastard.....don't get in my way..........."<br />
<br />
"Oo, the random attacker brat finally uses his mouth"<br />
<br />
As if being surprised, Kazuma unnaturally raised one eyebrow. <br />
<br />
".......who's a random attacker? "<br />
<br />
"Look closely in the mirror at least once and see what you're doing. It would be best to repent and surrender afterwards. "<br />
<br />
"........."<br />
<br />
The boy already didn't answer to Kazuma's persiflage continuing fluently. <br />
<br />
Did he used it all up or he had no intent of replying, in any case, the point of the spear thrust without disturbance was more eloquent that a thousand words, announcing the boy's intent. <br />
<br />
But even so, Kazuma didn't lost his composure and confronted him with a daring smile. <br />
<br />
Expecting from that attitude to have found the method of capturing the boy, Ayano's alertness relaxed so she spoke. <br />
<br />
"All thing considered, this is rare. For you to engage in close combat by yourself without being challenged"<br />
<br />
Kazuma's tactic was basically a long distance attack using wind blades. <br />
<br />
But despite that his martial art form was stronger than Ayano's, which the girl found exceedingly annoying----<br />
<br />
Anyhow, since that Kazuma was especially engaging in close combat, she stated thinking that may be the key to capture him in those circumstances but --- the answer was unexpected in various ways. <br />
<br />
With a tendency to pout, as if sulking, Kazuma said.<br />
<br />
"But, I can't win with a thing like Fujutsu"<br />
<br />
".......you.......", murmured Ayano greatly perplexed at that excessively miserable manner of speaking. <br />
<br />
"Don't speak ''''so shameful so lightly'''' you baka! Besides, what the heck does ''thing'' mean, huh!? Do you think you're at an age where speaking like that is tolerated!? "<br />
<br />
"But, you see......"<br />
<br />
"Don't <<But, you see....>> me!! Stop talking immediately like a spoiled mama's boy, it disgusts me! "<br />
<br />
She finished her sentence in one breath. <br />
<br />
That was by no means something insincere, a really bad feeling was spreading on her skin. <br />
<br />
""Well, leaving that aside"<br />
<br />
In front of Ayano breathing heavily because of too much stimulation, as if nothing happened, Kazuma quickly regained his usual sarcastic manner.<br />
<br />
With a light gesture, lacking any feeling of tension, Kazuma pointed forward. <br />
<br />
"Our honorable guest is waiting. "<br />
<br />
"Eeh? Aah---------"<br />
<br />
Hearing that blunder she completely forgot but right now they were in the middle of the battle. <br />
<br />
A formidable enemy like never before holding a spear hiding a tremendous power, he was only aiming at them. <br />
<br />
But, very strangely, in spite of Ayano showing a lethal gap, the boy didn't began the attack. <br />
<br />
As if he was waiting for them to prepare, he stood still spear ready. <br />
<br />
''"What is going on---------? "''<br />
<br />
Why did the boy overlooked such a definite gap? <br />
<br />
She thought so too when Kazuma kept him in check, there was something strange. <br />
<br />
"Just what is this boy trying to do? "<br />
<br />
Although seeming to agree with that opinion and he was composedly smiling, his gaze was shooting through the boy without a trace of slackness, trying to feel around his true intention. <br />
<br />
But, the boy was thoroughly cold towards Kazuma. <br />
<br />
"I have no business with you", he coldly declared with a really apathetic expression. <br />
<br />
At that indifferent sentence, Kazuma let out a murmur, all his <<Ki>> coming out. <br />
<br />
"Hee----"<br />
<br />
"-------tch! "<br />
<br />
At that time, with the fastest movement, Ayano grabbed the cuff of his jacket. <br />
<br />
Kazuma turned around suspicious. <br />
<br />
"What? "<br />
<br />
"Right now you, you just thought of abandoning me and running by yourself, right!? That's not going to happen! "<br />
<br />
".........Not really, I didn't think something like that"<br />
<br />
"Humph, I wonder! But for your information I'll never let you escape! We go to the grave together! "<br />
<br />
Looking at Ayano grasping tightly the cuff of his jacket so he'll never run, Kazuma murmured more amazed than ever. <br />
<br />
"Why are you expressly taking such a pessimistic decision? "<br />
<br />
"But......."<br />
<br />
"To begin with, he's not such an opponent that you have to risk your life against"<br />
<br />
".......Eeh? "<br />
<br />
Involuntarily not believing her ears, Ayano stared at Kazuma. <br />
<br />
''"Right now........what was that?"''<br />
<br />
The opponent is someone who might have surpassed even Kazuma, a Fujutsushi ''outside human common sense'' grade. <br />
<br />
And yet, from the way he spoke just now, she didn't felt any sort of threat -<br />
<br />
"......I said I have no business with you"<br />
<br />
[[Image:Kaze no Stigma vol 06 021.jpg|thumb|]]<br />
<br />
Gazing at the slightly smiling Kazuma, the boy announced for a second time. <br />
<br />
And then, with eyes burning with the will to fight, he glared at Ayano. <br />
<br />
"The successor of Enraiha! If you say you're the rightful owner of the flame's sacred treasure - then show that power to me! "<br />
<br />
With that vigorous shout, the boy took an offensive posture. <br />
<br />
The swelling power was kneaded more and more, stronger, sharper.<br />
<br />
But, Ayano hadn't yet found the way to oppose the spear facing her.<br />
<br />
"W- wait a seco- "<br />
<br />
Ayano was flustered but the boy was about to unleash the spear without hesitation. ---------But, as expected Kazuma couldn't tolerate that in silence.<br />
<br />
"I told you I won't let you"<br />
<br />
Together with that verdict combined with a smile, the unleashed wind blade drew an arc, attacking the boy from the flank. <br />
<br />
To intercept that, the boy unwillingly interrupted his attack. <br />
<br />
"Kuu! Don't - "<br />
<br />
"Of course I'll get in the way, brat! "<br />
<br />
Replying with scorn at the gaze full of hatred, Kazuma calmly blocked the boy's way.<br />
<br />
"Because I'm sort of this woman's guard and I receive money for it"<br />
<br />
"Guard.......? "<br />
<br />
The boy's pupils were turned to Ayano full of surprise and anger.<br />
<br />
From that gaze it looked like more than the fact that Kazuma was getting in the way so he couldn't defeat her, he condemned Ayano's weakness who had to employ something like a guard. <br />
<br />
"And with that, this time I'll be the one to start" <br />
<br />
But without caring about such things, Kazuma declared so and then he put it into effect. <br />
<br />
From right overhead perpendicularly blowing down, a huge down-burst descended. <br />
<br />
the strong wind striking down without a definite aim, shredded the earth cutting everything in touched. <br />
<br />
The soaring dust cloud blocked their vision. <br />
<br />
While cursing the boy pushed up the spear and lightly twisted his wrists. <br />
<br />
The small circle drawn by the spearhead created a strong tornado. <br />
<br />
The tornado scattered the down-burst in a moment and coincidentally forced the dust cloud in the atmosphere. <br />
<br />
The air was purified. But - <br />
<br />
The moment his field of vision cleared, those two figures were nowhere to be seen. <br />
<br />
"Did you run away.........?", murmured the boy staring in wonder as expected feeling surprised. <br />
<br />
But immediately pulling himself together, he searched for <<Kehai>> in the surroundings. <br />
<br />
After several seconds ------ the boy turned northeast with confident eyes. <br />
<br />
However, he didn't chased after them immediately but looked up at the sky with a somewhat dark expression, starring at a distant place. <br />
<br />
".......The power of Enraiha's user is only this much? With this......"<br />
<br />
That figure murmuring feebly, appropriate for his age, was forlorn like a child on the verge of bursting into tears.<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
=== Part 2 ===<br />
<br />
Hiding himself in a building in the middle of construction, Kazuma looked annoyed. <br />
<br />
"Well, if we could shake him off with this, it would be so easy"<br />
<br />
"..........."<br />
<br />
Ayano was staring at that Kazuma with a pure white gaze. <br />
<br />
"What? "<br />
<br />
"I'm amazed. You said it would be an easy victory but suddenly we're running like some animal with the tail between the legs, huh? "<br />
<br />
At that answer loaded with despair, Kazuma looked at the sky as if thinking back on his memory, cocking his head in puzzlement. <br />
<br />
"------Did I said something like that? "<br />
<br />
"Sure you did. That he's not such opponent you have to risk your life against. "<br />
<br />
"Aah, that"<br />
<br />
Quickly agreeing on this, Kazuma continued. <br />
<br />
"What about you, ''why'' couldn't you turn against him, do you have a pretext for that? "<br />
<br />
"Eeh? No, not really-----"<br />
<br />
"Then rather that not fighting and thinking about dying, isn't it better to run? "<br />
<br />
"Is that what you meant? ", replied Ayano with all her strength. <br />
<br />
But, of course Kazuma didn't show a sigh of shyness. <br />
<br />
Stuff like ''running away is shameful'' or ''a warrior's pride'' that's something that would never come out of this man. <br />
<br />
"Good grief......leaving that aside, did you shake him off? "<br />
<br />
"Isn't that impossible? ", immediately replied Kazuma extremely careless. <br />
<br />
"It's different from when I'm alone, it's because there's an Enjutsushi with me"<br />
<br />
The amount of Spirits that accompanied Ayano, the direct descendant of the Kannagi Clan, the highest authority of Enjutsushi was absurdly enormous even in peace times. <br />
<br />
Naturally, even the Kehai she emitted was luxurious and gorgeous, giving one the impression it was a billboard and perfectly concealing all that brilliance was next to impossible even with Kazuma's proficiency. <br />
<br />
Although it may be possible for an ordinary opponent, escaping that boy's eye was beyond optimistic. <br />
<br />
"Then, what are we going to do? "<br />
<br />
"......Why do I have to think about it? "<br />
<br />
Kazuma replied to Ayano's question like he was the embodiment of laziness. <br />
<br />
"You're the one he's aiming at, right? "<br />
<br />
"But, aren't you my partner? ", declared Ayano, in a tone of declaring the reasonable truth. <br />
<br />
Kazuma grimaced magnificently. <br />
<br />
At the first glance, Kazuma seems irresponsible and practically he is fairly irresponsible but his his business ethic is unexpectedly high. <br />
<br />
Dishonoring a contract was something that never happened. <br />
<br />
Of course, that was not because of his virtuous mind, but because he had a thorough knowledge just how bad it could hurt his business credence --- meaning that the reason for that honesty was profit and loss arithmetic and yet Ayano's words unexpectedly poked at that. <br />
<br />
"What do you think we should do? "<br />
<br />
"Running is best"<br />
<br />
Although turning his back to that second question he answered honestly. <br />
<br />
"That brat doesn't seem stupid enough to attack the Kannagi Residence, don't you agree? Even if by some chance he does that, Oyaji or the Suzerain will settle the problem but most important if I take you back home my contract is over. "<br />
<br />
"..................."<br />
<br />
Ayano looked at Kazuma, persistently prioritizing his own comfort, with a white gaze. <br />
<br />
But, thinking about the way the battle progressed so far, that was understandable. <br />
<br />
To Ayano that boy seemed clearly ahead of Kazuma as a Fujutsushi.<br />
<br />
Rather that using a different Jutsu, using the same and being defeated by a Jutsushi who has more excellent and had more talent was something she didn't thought possible. <br />
<br />
That is to say, thinking about it rationally, that's how it is. Kazuma cannot win against that boy. <br />
<br />
But, even though she saw this man overwhelmed in reality Ayano couldn't imagine this man lose. <br />
<br />
The girl's belief in his strength equals to common sense. <br />
<br />
''"It's impossible for Kazuma to lose"''<br />
<br />
"----Say, Kazuma"<br />
<br />
After hesitating Ayano asked directly. <br />
<br />
"Is that child, stronger that you? "<br />
<br />
"That brat is nothing impressive by himself"<br />
<br />
Unexpectedly, Kazuma declared so without hesitation. <br />
<br />
Hearing that answer Ayano felt relief for a moment but it literally didn't go beyond a moment. <br />
<br />
"The problem is that spear he has"<br />
<br />
"-------Aah? "<br />
<br />
She saw it during battle - It was shown to her - Remembering the spear's tremendous power, Ayano sighed heavily. <br />
<br />
"That was an amazing strength. That's the first time I saw a weapon pregnant with so much power"<br />
<br />
"..........."<br />
<br />
With half-opened eyes, Kazuma stared at Ayano murmuring absentmindedly. <br />
<br />
He made a blatantly shocked face but Ayano, lost in her own thought, didn't noticed. <br />
<br />
"So, what's up with that spear? "<br />
<br />
"................."<br />
<br />
"--------what? "<br />
<br />
Finally noticing Kazuma's subdued eyes, Ayano innocently asked. Kazuma quietly turned his gaze away and looked at the blue sky.<br />
<br />
"What!? "<br />
<br />
"No, it's nothing But that spear--"<br />
<br />
"Do you know of it? "<br />
<br />
"That's the first time I saw it so I can't say for sure ---- it's probably Kokusen. "<br />
<br />
"What's that? "<br />
<br />
"..................."<br />
<br />
From the reaction until now, Kazuma expected that answer. <br />
<br />
He expected it but could do nothing about losing all the strength in his body. <br />
<br />
His upper body leaned on the wall slanting. He seemed intolerably attracted to roll over just like that and going to sleep. <br />
<br />
"Hey, what's up with that reaction? Just because you're somewhat of a walking dictionary don't put on airs! "<br />
<br />
She thought Kazuma's attitude was an insult so Ayano sulked pouting her lips. <br />
<br />
But, even that very lovely gesture couldn't impress him. <br />
<br />
"Should I explain for the sake of the baka girl who doesn't know anything......"<br />
<br />
After those provocative used as introduction, Kazuma briefly explained. <br />
<br />
"Kokusen is the sacred treasure of the Wind. The same as your Enraiha. "<br />
<br />
"-----Eeh? "<br />
<br />
Forgetting her anger at those impolite words, Ayano stared at him in puzzlement. <br />
<br />
That was something very surprising. <br />
<br />
She required thirty seconds until she could understand Kazuma's explanation. <br />
<br />
"Secret treasure - of the wind? Then, what about water and soil? "<br />
<br />
"I don't know about those but Enraiha of the Fire and Kokusen of the Wind are both famous. Did you really not know? "<br />
<br />
"yeah"<br />
<br />
As Ayano nodded quickly, Kazuma looked at the sky. <br />
<br />
"Study a bit more, you. If I'm not mistaken, the Fuan family from Hong Kong was supposed to have it but......."<br />
<br />
"But, what? "<br />
<br />
"But if that brat became the successor, it's impossible that I didn't hear of it. Did he just take over? "<br />
<br />
"It's not something that concerns you."<br />
<br />
"Well, that's true."<br />
<br />
Kazuma responded to the third voice suddenly cutting in the conversation calmly, without becoming confused. <br />
<br />
"Wha---"<br />
<br />
But, Ayano jumped to her feet. And then, as expected, that silhouette was in her field of vision. <br />
<br />
"Did you think you could escape, Enjutsushi? ", informed the boy coldly, holding the spear. <br />
<br />
The self-confidence dwelling in his voice ---- when the searching ability is concerned, the Fujutsushi will always win. <br />
<br />
Meaning that an Enjutsushi can't win. <br />
<br />
Ignoring Kazuma who was the same, that declaration was bragging about how he was the overwhelmingly superior Jutsushi. <br />
<br />
"Play time is over. If you don't want to die demonstrate your power, Enraiha's user"<br />
<br />
"Kuu----- "<br />
<br />
As if overpowered by that determined gaze, Ayano let out a small moan. She looked at Kazuma requesting a counter plan but -<br />
<br />
"Why are you still sitting down? Get up already! "<br />
<br />
"Huh? Aah, am I getting in the way? Well then, I'll step back a bit more so do your best......"<br />
<br />
"Don't fall back! You should fight too! "<br />
<br />
He truly didn't display any willingness. <br />
<br />
"Besides, you're the one aimed at, no? He went as far as nominating you so, do it by yourself without nominating others"<br />
<br />
"Wha---But, you're my escort, aren't you? "<br />
<br />
"That's right. That's why, well - how about this? I'll help you if you're about to die so until then - "<br />
<br />
It was at the time Kazuma said that in a voice without motivation. <br />
<br />
During the time those two ere exchanging such idiotic words, the boy's shoulders trembled as he remained a spectator, without attacking.<br />
<br />
He turned to Kazuma with a cold gaze, cold but with a something that was on the verge of boiling dwelling inside.<br />
<br />
"''help you if you're about to die'', huh? Do you think a third rate Fujutsushi like you can stop me? "<br />
<br />
A frank disdain thrown at Kazuma together with an ostentations derisive laughter. <br />
<br />
There's no need to say it, even for a normal human the anger would be insuppressible. <br />
<br />
But, Kazuma -<br />
<br />
"------pfff"<br />
<br />
Averting his eyes after looking at the boy's face, he made a small snicker. <br />
<br />
"Wha- what's so funny? "<br />
<br />
".........No, it's because I understand you're doing your best."<br />
<br />
With a sidelong glance at the exasperated boy flicking off the derision mask, Kazuma's laugh mage his shoulders tremble. <br />
<br />
"Even though you take the ''I completely ignore the likes of you'' attitude the best you can, since you cannot help but react to every single one of my words, well, it must be because you're young, I think"<br />
<br />
"-------!"<br />
<br />
Suddenly remembering what happened, with a red face the boy was silent. <br />
<br />
Seeing that, Kazuma made resound an even lower laughter. <br />
<br />
"You, you bastard.........!"<br />
<br />
Grinding his teeth at the humiliation of a <<lower rank>> making fun of him, the boy glared at Kazuma. <br />
<br />
And then, he thrust the tip of Kokusen at the man who made fun of him so much.<br />
<br />
"Isn't this fine? Then, I'll teach you your place first! "<br />
<br />
"------Aah? "<br />
<br />
Kazuma looked at the boy amazed. This development was obviously unexpected.<br />
<br />
Even though he feigned calmness and his inexperience could be seen through because he was not yet able to control his emotions, to go as far as forgetting his main purpose drained away by immediate fury, what a ''child''...<br />
<br />
"Hey, why are you doing this? "<br />
<br />
"Isn't it fine? "<br />
<br />
Ayano's happy voice covered that natural protest. <br />
<br />
"If you want to fight with me please knock down this man first, or something like that? "<br />
<br />
".......Ayano"<br />
<br />
With half opened eyes Kazuma looked at Ayano who declared so for fun. <br />
<br />
But he seemed the only one dissatisfied by the situation -<br />
<br />
"Fine. You'll be my opponent after"<br />
<br />
Unrelated to Kazuma's volition, the stage was rapidly prepared.<br />
<br />
"........Why does it become like this? "<br />
<br />
The unwilling development made Kazuma astonished. <br />
<br />
And then, as if sinking the boot into him even further, Ayano winked at him. <br />
<br />
"As expected of my guard. Volunteering your body in that manner to protect me ♥ "<br />
<br />
".......Well, I don't really mind. This amount is still within the reward. But - "<br />
<br />
Unexpectedly, Kazuma obediently accepted the situation. But, as if it was natural, he didn't forget to cynically stab her once.<br />
<br />
"If you only fight cheap opponents, no matter how much time passes you won't improve, you know"<br />
<br />
"Uuu....I understand that but I think this one is a little bit tricky for me"<br />
<br />
"That's not true"<br />
<br />
"-------Eeh? "<br />
<br />
At that declaration without hesitation Ayano unintentionally opened her eyes wide. <br />
<br />
But, without saying anything else, with a decisive gait, he stood in front of the boy. <br />
<br />
Faced with that attitude full of composure, the boy grimaced with unconcealed discomfort. <br />
<br />
"Are you bastard sane? - this late in the game, do you yet not see the the difference in power? "<br />
<br />
Kazuma replied with a derisive laugh at those spitted out words. <br />
<br />
And then, at leisure, he took out his cigarettes and lit it.<br />
<br />
"Aren't you talkative, brat? You'd be cooler if you shut up. "<br />
<br />
"------! Then, you should regret ridiculing me on the realm of the dead! "<br />
<br />
Together with the angry roar, an unleashed gale blow. <br />
<br />
Kazuma jumped sideways in a big way, and at the same time he avoided the attack he jumped outside the window. <br />
<br />
"Hyaaa! "<br />
<br />
"You won't run away! "<br />
<br />
Although she was outside the fire line, Ayano screamed as broken pieces of concrete that were flaked by the wind blade dashed over her.<br />
<br />
But already not minding her, the boy chased straight after Kazuma.<br />
<br />
"......Well, for the time being I'm saved, huh? "<br />
<br />
While coughing so in confusion, from the window - it was the fourth floor by the way, Ayano overlooked the world. <br />
<br />
There, the battle was already reopened. <br />
<br />
But then, Kazuma was only escaping and the boy was only attacking so there was the problem that such an one-sided evolution without any change between offense and defense could be called a battle. <br />
<br />
"Well, there seems to be a chance of success so I should leave it to him, no? "<br />
<br />
But even so, alone, without panicking, Ayano descended at leisure the flight of stairs, aiming for the ground. <br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
=== Part 3 ===<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
Facing he man frivolously smiling with a cigarette in his mouth, the boy unleashed Kokusen without holding back at all. <br />
<br />
The high speed blow surging out approached Kazuma leaving behind only the sound of cutting wind. <br />
<br />
"-----huh "<br />
<br />
But Kazuma avoided it by jumping aside. <br />
<br />
He felt the certain kill blade brushing against his cheek but his smile didn't fade. <br />
<br />
"Hey, Speedy! Are you only going to run after having such a big mouth? "<br />
<br />
"No, why, I have no problem with you praising my magnificent running away"<br />
<br />
"Don't fool around! "<br />
<br />
The boy attacked, Kazuma avoided. Their battle repeated just like that. <br />
<br />
Kazuma was neglecting the boy's attack, without even warding it off with wind, he was just avoiding it as much as possible. <br />
<br />
Was that the best he could do, was his composed smile smile only a bluff -<br />
<br />
"Don't get cocky, small fry! "<br />
<br />
"It's not over yet! "<br />
<br />
While dodging the certain kill strike, Kazuma bragged in a smiling voice. <br />
<br />
After repeating that many times over, Ayano finally arrived to the battle ground. <br />
<br />
Looking at the state of the battle, the first thing she said was:<br />
<br />
"Aah, you're still alive"<br />
<br />
"............Is that what you say after pushing your own battle to others? ", replied Kazuma looking over his shoulder with half-opened eyes. <br />
<br />
Pretending not to recognize it, Ayano turned away.<br />
<br />
And then, at that time, the boy chuckled at the exquisite arrangement. <br />
<br />
By chance the three were arranged in a line. <br />
<br />
If Kazuma were to evade like always from that location, the wind blade will attack Ayano standing behind him.<br />
<br />
Without being able to defend, it would be his overwhelming victory.<br />
<br />
He cannot evade a blow at full power - the boy concluded so. <br />
<br />
''"It's my win! "''<br />
<br />
Convinced of certain victory, the boy dropped his back in a grand scale. <br />
<br />
That firm posture that not even a bull could pull was a quiet, instantaneous movement. <br />
<br />
"-----!"<br />
<br />
Together with a soundless yell, the spear got blurry. <br />
<br />
While breathing once he unleashed nine attacks. Of course, they were all to kill - <br />
<br />
To offset one of the the boy's attack Kazuma needed to attack five times so no matter whether he was a contractor or not, it wasn't possible to fire forty five attacks in the space of a moment. <br />
<br />
"........."<br />
<br />
In front of the imminent nine ''deaths'' Kazuma showed a cold, dry smile. And the, slowly, he pushed out his left hand in front. <br />
<br />
As if squeezed out by the hand, nine wind blades were produced. <br />
<br />
While dancing like playful fairies, they sweetly, tenderly, softly entwined the wind blade. <br />
<br />
The wind influenced by the strong spear was torn off, scattered and run through straight by the coiling wind. <br />
<br />
And then, without altering its aim it soundly seized Kazuma's body, blowing through his clothes and hair, making them rustle. <br />
<br />
"Wha---?"<br />
<br />
"You showed me to much, idiot", Kazuma coldly said over his shoulder to the shocked boy. <br />
<br />
"No matter how strong your attack is, if you show it many times over, I will think of one or two countermeasures. <br />
<br />
What humans can manipulate is not all mighty or absolute. <br />
<br />
Without even realizing that, you thought yourself invincible just because a somewhat convenient tool happened to fall in your hands, so you loose"<br />
<br />
"Kuu......", murmured the boy in regret. <br />
<br />
But Kazuma's pointing out was all truth and had no place for objection. <br />
<br />
Since he couldn't make a satisfactory counter attack, he thoughtlessly despised his opponent. <br />
<br />
Without thinking of tactics or anything else, he planned on continuing attacking with nothing but brute force but - <br />
<br />
Everything was seen through. <br />
<br />
He knew what happened. <br />
<br />
Kazuma coiled wind like a screw around the spear firing in a straight line and slowly but steadily reduced its power and finally changed it into a gust of wind without any offensive ability. <br />
<br />
It seemed easy in theory but putting it into practice was beyond miracle. <br />
<br />
To seize them in the space of a moment - he had no other way but to intercept them.<br />
<br />
For that purpose not only that transcendent technique that had the touch of divine work was required but the flawless reading of the orbit of his own attack and it's timing, meaning that as a Jutsushi he was completely ahead of him.<br />
<br />
There's already nothing he can do against him - he understood that was the definite truth. <br />
<br />
Like he was convinced of victory, he cannot pursue Kazuma who was casually stepping up to him so the boy took a step back. <br />
<br />
While he was without reservation shortening the distance, Kazuma thought.<br />
<br />
''"Good grief, how troublesome......."''<br />
<br />
He didn't have the same amount of strong feelings regarding the boy. <br />
<br />
To begin with, he wasn't the kind of opponent he had to fight hard against since the beginning. Not even when taking Kokusen into account. <br />
<br />
Even the technique the boy was admiring, for Kazuma it wasn't he was particularly proud of. <br />
<br />
For a Jutsushi it was natural to prepare ten or twenty Jutsu when facing someone who had a stronger hand than you. <br />
<br />
The idiots who were under the impression of ''I am the strongest'', cannot live long enough in this world. <br />
<br />
Without any feeling, Kazuma was simply looking at the boy's boodles face. <br />
<br />
He was thirteen of fourteen. Just a spoiled child. <br />
<br />
Even if he's the direct descendant of the Fuan Family, his body is immature, his training ten years at most, even the power he can use doesn't amount to much.<br />
<br />
Nevertheless, the reason the brat looked down on all other Fujutsushi and was so conceited to pick a fight with the Kannagi's direct descendant, what's more, the successor of Enraiha, could be only one. <br />
<br />
''"Certainly, this is a <<handy tool>>"'', thought Kazuma, looking at the spear the boy held in his hand. <br />
<br />
By all rights, it was impossible for him to take so much time against a Fujutsu opponent. <br />
<br />
Kazuma was the <<Contractor>> that contracted the Spirit Lord of the Wind which means that all Wind Spirits obey him unconditionally. <br />
<br />
But, that spear, Kokusen, as expected of a sacred treasure, seemed to give the proprietor this much ability as if it was a semi-contractor. <br />
<br />
That's why, besides removing the seal and completely displaying his contractor power, with Kazuma's power right now, he couldn't steal the boy's control over wind spirits. <br />
<br />
''"Getting stuck fighting that kind of Fujutsushi, huh? It splendidly wounded my pride - "''<br />
<br />
While grumbling inside his heart, Kazuma stepped forward in silence. <br />
<br />
But, the boy started attacking a second time.<br />
<br />
It seems that somehow or another he didn't want to admit defeat but no matter how strong the attack, if it can be seen through, it won't become a threat. <br />
<br />
This time it was a counter from the side. He slightly altered the trajectory of the straight going wind spear. <br />
<br />
But, that was enough. <br />
<br />
All the attacks he continued firing, were avoided as if it were natural, missing their target by a paper thin difference. <br />
<br />
Without even making evasive moves, Kazuma walked straight on. <br />
<br />
The face of the boy setting up the spear in the front, white and stiff was clear. <br />
<br />
In comparison to that, his attack became monotonous and he couldn't handle it anymore. <br />
<br />
The last step. He rushed into the space with the physical spear but the pushed out Kokusen was dodged. Simultaneously that handle was casually grasped. <br />
<br />
"-------tch!"<br />
<br />
""--------"<br />
<br />
The power of the boy and Kazuma, one trying to draw back the other to snatch away, competed for a moment. <br />
<br />
But because Kazuma quickly surpassed him the boy staggered and lost his balance.<br />
<br />
"Kuh, let- let-go! "<br />
<br />
As he immediately tried to reorganize, with the spear he seized, Kazuma manipulated the boy's center of gravity, not giving him the time to do so.<br />
<br />
But even so, the boy doesn't let go of Kokusen - in the end, that was the conclusive cause of defeat. <br />
<br />
If he would have let go of the spear he may have reorganized his crumbling balance but because he couldn't do that he quickly crossed over the limit and fell down.<br />
<br />
Of course, Kazuma couldn't overlook that. <br />
<br />
"Gaah! "<br />
<br />
He beat him to the ground with the boy's own weapon after he plundered the right of control from him, screaming like all air was evacuating his lungs. <br />
<br />
"Humph"<br />
<br />
And then, even more mercilessly, he trampled on the facing up boy's chest. <br />
<br />
That force, enough to smash his heart, made his ribs jar with a thick sound. <br />
<br />
"------Aah? "<br />
<br />
Suddenly Kazuma closed his eyes partly, and revealed a suspicious voice. <br />
<br />
But a moment after he regained his serenity and stepped on the boy struggling feebly ruthlessly. <br />
<br />
While grinning, he asked perfectly serious. <br />
<br />
"Well, how about this - die at once, huh? "<br />
<br />
<br />
<noinclude><br />
{| border="1" cellpadding="5" cellspacing="0" style="margin: 1em 1em 1em 0; background: #f9f9f9; border: 1px #aaaaaa solid; padding: 0.2em; border-collapse: collapse;"<br />
|-<br />
| Back to [[Kaze_no_Stigma:Volume6_Illustrations|Illustrations]]<br />
| Return to [[Kaze_no_Stigma|Main Page]]<br />
| Forward to [[Kaze_no_Stigma:Volume6_Chapter_2|Chapter 2]]<br />
|-<br />
|}<br />
</noinclude></div>Black Ice Princehttps://www.baka-tsuki.org/project/index.php?title=Kaze_no_Stigma:Registration_Page&diff=294315Kaze no Stigma:Registration Page2013-10-14T13:11:37Z<p>Black Ice Prince: </p>
<hr />
<div>To re-iterate the registration procedure:<br />
<br />
*"First Come, First Served": please register your intended chapters here<br />
<br />
*The maximum number of chapters you are recommended to work on is no more then half of any given volume<br />
<br />
*Maximum number of Translators per volume is two<br />
<br />
*Maximum number of volumes you may be active on is one<br />
<br />
*This is not some Binding Contract of "I must do the work I put down here". Choices put down here are negotiable between translators (including their own selves who signed up for it).<br />
<br />
== List ==<br />
<br />
=== ''Kaze no Stigma '' / 風の聖痕 ===<br />
::*Chapter 1 - [[User:The naming game|The naming game]] - '''Completed'''<br />
::*Chapter 2 - [[User:erehwon|erehwon]] - '''Completed'''<br />
::*Chapter 3 - [[User:erehwon|erehwon]]&[[User:ShadowZeroHeart|ShadowZeroHeart]] - '''Completed'''<br />
::*Chapter 4 - [[User:erehwon|erehwon]] - '''Completed'''<br />
::*Chapter 5 - [[User:ShadowZeroHeart|ShadowZeroHeart]] - '''Completed'''<br />
::*Chapter 6 - [[User:ShadowZeroHeart|ShadowZeroHeart]] - '''Completed'''<br />
::*Epilogue - [[User:ShadowZeroHeart|ShadowZeroHeart]] - '''Completed'''<br />
::*Author's Note<br />
<br />
===''Kaze no Stigma 2: The Price of a Soul'' / 風の聖痕2 -魂の値段 ===<br />
'''Re-translation and editing in progress, now based on original Japanese text instead of Chinese fan project'''<br />
<br />
::*Chapter 1 - [[User:ShadowZeroHeart|ShadowZeroHeart]] - '''Completed'''<br />
::*Chapter 1 v2- [[User:Mewarmo990|mewarmo990]] - '''In Progress'''<br />
::*Chapter 2 - [[User:ShadowZeroHeart|ShadowZeroHeart]] - '''Completed'''<br />
::*Chapter 2 v2 - [[User:Mewarmo990|mewarmo990]] - '''Planned'''<br />
::*Chapter 3 - [[User:ShadowZeroHeart|ShadowZeroHeart]] - '''Completed'''<br />
::*Chapter 3 v2 - [[User:Mewarmo990|mewarmo990]] - '''Planned'''<br />
::*Chapter 4 - [[User:ShadowZeroHeart|ShadowZeroHeart]] - '''Completed'''<br />
::*Chapter 4 v2 - [[User:Mewarmo990|mewarmo990]] - '''Planned'''<br />
::*Chapter 5 - [[User:ShadowZeroHeart|ShadowZeroHeart]] - '''Completed'''<br />
::*Chapter 5 v2 - [[User:Mewarmo990|mewarmo990]] - '''Planned'''<br />
::*Chapter 6 - [[User:ShadowZeroHeart|ShadowZeroHeart]] - '''Completed'''<br />
::*Chapter 6 v2 - [[User:Mewarmo990|mewarmo990]] - '''Planned'''<br />
::*Epilogue - [[User:ShadowZeroHeart|ShadowZeroHeart]] - '''Completed'''<br />
::*Epilogue v2 - [[User:Mewarmo990|mewarmo990]] - '''Planned'''<br />
::*Author's Notes - [[User:Mewarmo990|mewarmo990]] - '''Planned'''<br />
<br />
===''Kaze no Stigma 3: The Confession under the moon '' / 風の聖痕3 -月下の告白 ===<br />
::*Chapter 1 - [[User:Ayame|Ayame]] - '''Completed'''<br />
::*Chapter 2 - [[User:Ayame|Ayame]] - '''Completed'''<br />
::*Chapter 3 - [[User:Ayame|Ayame]] - '''Completed'''<br />
::*Chapter 4 - [[User:Ayame|Ayame]] - '''Completed'''<br />
::*Chapter 5 - [[User:Ayame|Ayame]] - '''Completed'''<br />
::*Chapter 6 - [[User:Ayame|Ayame]] - '''Completed'''<br />
::*Epilogue - [[User:Ayame|Ayame]] - '''Completed'''<br />
::*Author's Notes<br />
<br />
===''Kaze no Stigma 4: The Lazuline Afterimage'' / 風の聖痕4 -瑠璃色の残影 ===<br />
::*Chapter 1 - [[User:Ayame|Ayame]] - '''Completed'''<br />
::*Chapter 2 - [[User:Ayame|Ayame]] - '''Completed'''<br />
::*Chapter 3 - [[User:Ayame|Ayame]] - '''Completed'''<br />
::*Chapter 4 - [[User:Ayame|Ayame]] - '''Completed'''<br />
::*Author's Notes<br />
<br />
===''Kaze no Stigma 5: The Scarlet Contract'' / 風の聖痕5 -緋色の誓約 ===<br />
::*Chapter 1 - [[User:Ayame|Ayame]] - '''Completed'''<br />
::*Chapter 2 - [[User:Ayame|Ayame]] - '''Completed'''<br />
::*Chapter 3 - [[User:Ayame|Ayame]] - '''Completed'''<br />
::*Chapter 4 - [[User:Ayame|Ayame]] - '''Completed'''<br />
::*Chapter 5 - [[User:Ayame|Ayame]] - '''Completed'''<br />
::*Chapter 6 - [[User:Ayame|Ayame]] - '''Completed'''<br />
::*Epilogue - [[User:Ayame|Ayame]] - '''Completed'''<br />
::*Author's Notes<br />
<br />
===''Kaze no Stigma 6: The Hurricane Pike'' / 風の聖痕6 -疾風の槍 ===<br />
::*Chapter 1 - [[User:Ayame|Ayame]] - '''Completed'''<br />
::*Chapter 2 - [[User:Ayame|Ayame]] - '''Planned'''<br />
::*Chapter 3 - [[User:Ayame|Ayame]] - '''Planned'''<br />
::*Chapter 4 - [[User:Ayame|Ayame]] - '''Planned'''<br />
::*Chapter 5 - [[User:Ayame|Ayame]] - '''Planned'''<br />
::*Author's Notes<br />
<br />
==='' Kaze no Stigma Ignition 1: Ayano-chan's disaster'' / 綾乃ちゃんの災難 ===<br />
::*Ayano-chan's Misfortune - [[User:ShadowZeroHeart|ShadowZeroHeart]] - '''Completed'''<br />
::*Let's meet in a Dream - [[User:ShadowZeroHeart|ShadowZeroHeart]] - '''Completed'''<br />
::*Demon Beast, Puppy and a natural airhead Daughter<!--??--> - [[User:Ayame|Ayame]] - '''Completed'''<br />
::*Haunted Holiday - [[User:Ayame|Ayame]] - '''Completed'''<br />
::*Let's go to the Amusement Park!<br />
::*Ayano-chan's Further Misfortune<br />
::*Author's Notes<br />
<br />
=== ''Kaze no Stigma Ignition 2: Just my Madonna'' / 僕だけのマドンナ ===<br />
<br />
===''Kaze no Stigma Ignition 3: Ren-kun's Suffering'' / 煉くんの受難===<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
----<br />
<br />
[[Category:Registration Page]]</div>Black Ice Princehttps://www.baka-tsuki.org/project/index.php?title=Kaze_no_Stigma:Registration_Page&diff=294314Kaze no Stigma:Registration Page2013-10-14T13:07:12Z<p>Black Ice Prince: </p>
<hr />
<div>To re-iterate the registration procedure:<br />
<br />
*"First Come, First Served": please register your intended chapters here<br />
<br />
*The maximum number of chapters you are recommended to work on is no more then half of any given volume<br />
<br />
*Maximum number of Translators per volume is two<br />
<br />
*Maximum number of volumes you may be active on is one<br />
<br />
*This is not some Binding Contract of "I must do the work I put down here". Choices put down here are negotiable between translators (including their own selves who signed up for it).<br />
<br />
== List ==<br />
<br />
=== ''Kaze no Stigma '' / 風の聖痕 ===<br />
::*Chapter 1 - [[User:The naming game|The naming game]] - '''Completed'''<br />
::*Chapter 2 - [[User:erehwon|erehwon]] - '''Completed'''<br />
::*Chapter 3 - [[User:erehwon|erehwon]]&[[User:ShadowZeroHeart|ShadowZeroHeart]] - '''Completed'''<br />
::*Chapter 4 - [[User:erehwon|erehwon]] - '''Completed'''<br />
::*Chapter 5 - [[User:ShadowZeroHeart|ShadowZeroHeart]] - '''Completed'''<br />
::*Chapter 6 - [[User:ShadowZeroHeart|ShadowZeroHeart]] - '''Completed'''<br />
::*Epilogue - [[User:ShadowZeroHeart|ShadowZeroHeart]] - '''Completed'''<br />
::*Author's Note<br />
<br />
===''Kaze no Stigma 2: The Price of a Soul'' / 風の聖痕2 -魂の値段 ===<br />
'''Re-translation and editing in progress, now based on original Japanese text instead of Chinese fan project'''<br />
<br />
::*Chapter 1 - [[User:ShadowZeroHeart|ShadowZeroHeart]] - '''Completed'''<br />
::*Chapter 1 v2- [[User:Mewarmo990|mewarmo990]] - '''In Progress'''<br />
::*Chapter 2 - [[User:ShadowZeroHeart|ShadowZeroHeart]] - '''Completed'''<br />
::*Chapter 2 v2 - [[User:Mewarmo990|mewarmo990]] - '''Planned'''<br />
::*Chapter 3 - [[User:ShadowZeroHeart|ShadowZeroHeart]] - '''Completed'''<br />
::*Chapter 3 v2 - [[User:Mewarmo990|mewarmo990]] - '''Planned'''<br />
::*Chapter 4 - [[User:ShadowZeroHeart|ShadowZeroHeart]] - '''Completed'''<br />
::*Chapter 4 v2 - [[User:Mewarmo990|mewarmo990]] - '''Planned'''<br />
::*Chapter 5 - [[User:ShadowZeroHeart|ShadowZeroHeart]] - '''Completed'''<br />
::*Chapter 5 v2 - [[User:Mewarmo990|mewarmo990]] - '''Planned'''<br />
::*Chapter 6 - [[User:ShadowZeroHeart|ShadowZeroHeart]] - '''Completed'''<br />
::*Chapter 6 v2 - [[User:Mewarmo990|mewarmo990]] - '''Planned'''<br />
::*Epilogue - [[User:ShadowZeroHeart|ShadowZeroHeart]] - '''Completed'''<br />
::*Epilogue v2 - [[User:Mewarmo990|mewarmo990]] - '''Planned'''<br />
::*Author's Notes - [[User:Mewarmo990|mewarmo990]] - '''Planned'''<br />
<br />
===''Kaze no Stigma 3: The Confession under the moon '' / 風の聖痕3 -月下の告白 ===<br />
::*Chapter 1 - [[User:Ayame|Ayame]] - '''Completed'''<br />
::*Chapter 2 - [[User:Ayame|Ayame]] - '''Completed'''<br />
::*Chapter 3 - [[User:Ayame|Ayame]] - '''Completed'''<br />
::*Chapter 4 - [[User:Ayame|Ayame]] - '''Completed'''<br />
::*Chapter 5 - [[User:Ayame|Ayame]] - '''Completed'''<br />
::*Chapter 6 - [[User:Ayame|Ayame]] - '''Completed'''<br />
::*Epilogue - [[User:Ayame|Ayame]] - '''Completed'''<br />
::*Author's Notes<br />
<br />
===''Kaze no Stigma 4: The Lazuline Afterimage'' / 風の聖痕4 -瑠璃色の残影 ===<br />
::*Chapter 1 - [[User:Ayame|Ayame]] - '''Completed'''<br />
::*Chapter 2 - [[User:Ayame|Ayame]] - '''Completed'''<br />
::*Chapter 3 - [[User:Ayame|Ayame]] - '''Completed'''<br />
::*Chapter 4 - [[User:Ayame|Ayame]] - '''Completed'''<br />
::*Author's Notes<br />
<br />
===''Kaze no Stigma 5: The Scarlet Contract'' / 風の聖痕5 -緋色の誓約 ===<br />
::*Chapter 1 - [[User:Ayame|Ayame]] - '''Completed'''<br />
::*Chapter 2 - [[User:Ayame|Ayame]] - '''Completed'''<br />
::*Chapter 3 - [[User:Ayame|Ayame]] - '''Completed'''<br />
::*Chapter 4 - [[User:Ayame|Ayame]] - '''Completed'''<br />
::*Chapter 5 - [[User:Ayame|Ayame]] - '''Completed'''<br />
::*Chapter 6 - [[User:Ayame|Ayame]] - '''Completed'''<br />
::*Epilogue - [[User:Ayame|Ayame]] - '''Completed'''<br />
::*Author's Notes<br />
<br />
===''Kaze no Stigma 6: The Hurricane Pike'' / 風の聖痕6 -疾風の槍 ===<br />
::*Chapter 1 - [[User:Ayame|Ayame]] - '''Completed'''<br />
::*Chapter 2 - [[User:Ayame|Ayame]] - '''Planned'''<br />
::*Chapter 3 - [[User:Ayame|Ayame]] - '''Planned'''<br />
::*Chapter 4 - [[User:Ayame|Ayame]] - '''Planned'''<br />
::*Chapter 5 - [[User:Ayame|Ayame]] - '''Planned'''<br />
::*Author's Notes<br />
<br />
==='' Kaze no Stigma Ignition 1: Ayano-chan's disaster'' / 綾乃ちゃんの災難 ===<br />
::*Ayano-chan's Misfortune - [[User:ShadowZeroHeart|ShadowZeroHeart]] - '''Completed'''<br />
::*Let's meet in a Dream<br />
::*Demon Beast, Puppy and a natural airhead Daughter<!--??--> - [[User:Ayame|Ayame]] - '''Completed'''<br />
::*Haunted Holiday - [[User:Ayame|Ayame]] - '''Completed'''<br />
::*Let's go to the Amusement Park!<br />
::*Ayano-chan's Further Misfortune<br />
::*Author's Notes<br />
<br />
=== ''Kaze no Stigma Ignition 2: Just my Madonna'' / 僕だけのマドンナ ===<br />
<br />
===''Kaze no Stigma Ignition 3: Ren-kun's Suffering'' / 煉くんの受難===<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
----<br />
<br />
[[Category:Registration Page]]</div>Black Ice Princehttps://www.baka-tsuki.org/project/index.php?title=Kaze_no_Stigma:Ignition_Volume1_Chapter_4&diff=293902Kaze no Stigma:Ignition Volume1 Chapter 42013-10-13T11:54:16Z<p>Black Ice Prince: </p>
<hr />
<div>== Chapter 4 - Haunted Holiday ==<br />
<br />
“Ah, what fine thing did I find ♡?”<br />
<br />
Pushing her way, almost sprinting, through the crowd of people, who at the eastern entrance of the Shinjuku Station doesn't die out even during working days, the lady muttered so with a delightful expression.<br />
<br />
This particular day, after practically no free time since the beginning of the new school term, Kannagi Ayano was in an extremely good mood. That figure, lightly stepping forward, showed a soft smile so lovely that it was inconceivable that such a body contains tremendous combat ability.<br />
<br />
The season was light spring. The sunlight felt warm, the people lightly dressed, that sort of day.<br />
<br />
Ayano put on a bolero on top of her dress, her outfit excluding a novel, high-class lady appearance. Her figure – lovely because of her cleanliness and tidiness – just by standing there resembles a painting, drawing hot glances from the mesmerized men.<br />
<br />
However, those glances, always unpleasant, didn’t damage Ayano’s mood. If it’s now, even if player-wannabes called out to her in an over familiar manner, maybe she wouldn't show those men the depths of Hell. I repeat again, Ayano is in a very good mood.<br />
<br />
-At the very least, for a few more seconds.<br />
<br />
“………Ua!?”<br />
<br />
Before 10 minutes had passed since leaving, Alta (Alter?) Ayano received a strong hit from the side. She immediately retreated a few steps in order to subdue the impact. Although she somehow avoided falling down, the paper bags she was holding hit the ground.<br />
<br />
“What are you doing – uh!?”<br />
<br />
The instant she started shouting at the aggressor, her face became stiff. Before her eyes was a smiling, beautiful woman in the middle of her twenties she had met a few times before. Her thoughts stopped by an ominous premonition, Ayano could only stare dumbly at the woman.<br />
<br />
“Y – You…”<br />
<br />
“Good day to you, Ayano-chan!”<br />
<br />
Facing a petrified Ayano the woman greeted her with an out of place cheerful salute. <br />
<br />
“This may be sudden, but I’m leaving it to you.”<br />
<br />
The white finger indicated something behind Ayano. The three running men she saw instinctively turned her head around – every one of them were two meters tall.<br />
<br />
“W-Wait….what is happ…”<br />
<br />
With exquisite timing, a bewildered Ayano was pushed forward by the shoulders. Almost like falling forward she comes forth and realizes, standing in front of these men to protect another woman, that she has fallen to a new low.<br />
<br />
“Just stop it alr…”<br />
<br />
While Ayano was flaring up in a rage, shouting, her eyes fell at the feet of the three men. The change of her complexion was absolute.<br />
<br />
“Ah…w-wait a minute!”<br />
<br />
Naturally they didn’t stop. <br />
<br />
The feet of the men stepped on the paper bags spread on the road almost as if taking careful aim to do so. The shoes, probably thirty centimeters long, tore through the paper bags, trampling on the wrapping paper.<br />
The white skirt hidden inside was smudged with distinct black shoe marks. The silk blouse a total loss. The sounds of accessories being transformed into junk could be heard. With a strange sound, something snapped inside her head. <br />
<br />
“Y ...You...”<br />
<br />
In front of the young lady’s anger, even the animosity towards the woman was forgotten. Towards the men who ruined the shopping’s results, the power of Ayano’s retort was similar to a hurricane. A charge full of force was placed on the fist driven into the stomach of the man in the middle.<br />
<br />
Critical hit.<br />
<br />
You could tell the shock pierced through the stomach, penetrating as far as the back. Ayano drew near to the remaining two, interposing between them. With no hesitation, she approached the left one first. <br />
<br />
Evading the large strike she used his arm for a judo shoulder throw. Even if he was an amateur, the man’s defense wasn’t breached even as he was falling down. This much damage should be fine – he should walk again – in a week or so.<br />
<br />
While she was turned the other way, the last man attacked. Without even turning back she jumped toward him and just before touching him she moved her leg, twisting her body ninety degrees while pushing out her elbow. By kicking her hind foot, her speed was increased to its maximum and concentrating all her kinetic energy she thrust her left fist into the pit of the man's stomach. There was a strong backlash. <br />
<br />
It was practically a certain kill. The large built man flew ten centimeters and collapsed like a doll, whose threads have been cut.<br />
<br />
“Well – ”<br />
<br />
With a sidelong glance at the fallen men, Ayano slowly turned back. That glance, no matter how you look at it, was more cold than what a hoodlum deserves.<br />
[[File:KnS Ignition 01 127.png|thumbnail]]<br />
“Will you explain?”<br />
<br />
“I don’t mind but...”<br />
<br />
However the woman wasn’t perturbed. Receiving the villainous glare without hesitation, with a smiling face, she points her finger forward a second time.<br />
<br />
“It’s not over yet”<br />
<br />
Simultaneously, the sound of the defeated men getting up can be heard. <br />
<br />
“...............Hm!?”<br />
<br />
Astonished, Ayano looks over her shoulder. It was an impossible thing. The degree of damage can’t be compensated by something like durability or will-power. <br />
<br />
Judging from a biological point of view, for humans the result is absolute immobilization if such a powerful strike in such a place is applied. <br />
<br />
However, in reality sure enough the men were resurrected. Trying to grasp the reason Ayano stares at them. <br />
The men’s bodies call to mind the transparency of dead bodies. One was only bones. Another one was a pitch-black corpse. And the last one – was a warrior dressed in armor. <br />
<br />
Starring at the decomposing body clad in worn-out armor, Ayano mutters in blank amazement. <br />
<br />
“These guys they’re possessed......you!!”<br />
<br />
Unintentionally forgetting about the crisis right in front of her, she turns around. She shouts, letting anger take its natural course:<br />
<br />
“A public servant using a civilian to do her work!”<br />
<br />
“Well – don’t say that. Look look! They’re coming from behind.”<br />
<br />
Certainly this was not the place for carefree quarrels. The men, possessed by the spirits of the dead, drew near for a second time. <br />
A bothersome opponent. Because spirits don’t feel pain and so on, hitting them or kicking them has no effect. If you don’t inflict enough damage to kill and then destroy their joints it seems you cannot permanently immobilize them. <br />
<br />
Through physical means, that is.<br />
<br />
“...........”<br />
<br />
A deep inhale and then exhale. <br />
<br />
Stimulating the entire body’s power by this one sequence, flexibly concentrating all consciousness in both palms, the contours of her wrists warp. <br />
<br />
The pale gold heat haze enveloping the girl’s wrists disturbs the course of light. <br />
<br />
Before her eyes is the skeleton corpse possessed man. Staring at Ayano with stagnant pupils, like those of rotten fish, he raises both arms overhead, rejecting the nuisance.<br />
<br />
“Haa!”<br />
<br />
Ayano hit with both palms at full power that virtually empty body. It was a double palm strike. Via those palms, a golden brightness was pumped into the man’s body. While his entire body was glowing in the golden light, the man bent backwards, as if suffering from electric shock.<br />
<br />
“Giiiii.................”<br />
<br />
During the soundless scream, the spirit of the dead was separated from the man’s body. <br />
<br />
“I’m not letting you escape!”<br />
<br />
From Ayano’s palms the golden light gushed out, changing to a violently rushing stream. The light that hit him increased by far its density and radiance , transforming and manifesting itself as a golden flame, thoroughly burning the departed soul, without allowing resistance. <br />
<br />
She repeated the process twice again.<br />
<br />
“............Fuuuu”<br />
<br />
After cleansing the three spirits through fire, Ayano took a light breath.<br />
<br />
From behind indifferent applause can be heard.<br />
<br />
“<<Well done!>> it’s what I’d like to say now but you really took your time. Weren’t purification flames supposed to destroy only evil?”<br />
<br />
“I’m sorry for being so inexperienced.”<br />
<br />
Turning her body the other way, Ayano replied with a very threatening tone.<br />
<br />
The wicked spirits called Youma – because the devilishness that holds resentment towards the world of men exists – it can be said it was inevitable that in order to resist, men have obtained power.<br />
<br />
The girl’s name is “Kannagi” Ayano. Manipulating purification flames able to destroy evil – she is the daughter of the En-jutsu family known as the strongest. But then Ayano herself, can’t be helped but be called very inexperienced. Even if she possesses mighty power, she has yet to learn the art of perfect control.<br />
<br />
Not to hurt the people depending on them and to purify only the possessing spirits – such a deed is possible only for the girl’s father – Juugo and her uncle Genma. <br />
<br />
As for Ayano, one can say with confidence such high-class techniques are outside her reach.<br />
<br />
Therefore, her plan consisted of the following: before materializing her power as flames she is releasing it as a “heat” that won’t damage the human body, continually knocking out the departed souls that try to escape.<br />
<br />
As a matter of course, this is a reckless and difficult operation. Taking as much time for the likes of departed souls, it can’t be helped that the famous Kannagi name could be distrusted, on account of such rumors.<br />
<br />
However, Ayano has no intention of taking such criticism obediently. She thought so from the bottom of her heart: “this woman” has no right to complain.<br />
<br />
“Will I receive some sort of explanation, I wonder...”<br />
<br />
She started cross-examining, including enough drive for the other party to understand that depending on the answer, this isn’t over.<br />
<br />
“...Chief of the Metropolitan Police Department’s Special Data Arrangement, Miss Police Officer Tachibana Kirika?”<br />
<br />
Calling her especially by the overlong job title, as a matter of course this is a form of harassment. The Chief of the country’s one and only government organization for vanquishing evil, the person on the position of protecting the nation from spiritual disasters, isn’t it absurd to drag civilians in her troubles? This is why.<br />
<br />
“Well – don’t say that. You’re not someone unrelated.”<br />
<br />
But the woman, Kirika was very composed. Being spoken to by this beautiful woman so over familiarly, Ayano answers in a freezing tone:<br />
<br />
“What are you saying? To the likes of you, what else could I be except for an unrelated person? I’m fed up with your impertinent talk. Give me an explanation.”<br />
<br />
“Well, that’s fine...”<br />
<br />
Being questionably evasive, Kirika shifts her focus forward, behind Ayano.<br />
<br />
“If I were to tell you that’s not all, would you get angry?”<br />
<br />
“........Tch!”<br />
<br />
Forcefully turning around, Ayano observes. Drawing near unnoticed, a crowd of men and women of all ages undoubtedly possessed by the spirits of the dead. There were roughly thirty of them. In the middle of this bizarre atmosphere the pedestrians that happened to be present by chance become noisy. <br />
<br />
But one man among them – what was he thinking – stood in front of the assailants. <br />
<br />
“Stop it! You guys – ”<br />
<br />
Seeing a beautiful woman and a beautiful girl being attacked, it seems he thought to make himself to look better. It seems he has some sort of knowledge. But – <br />
<br />
Bokyatsu!<br />
<br />
The character manipulating the departed souls removed the limits of the bodies and some mediocre martial arts can’t win any sort of battle. Both his arms standing on guard broke his own chin, and the man flew through the air, thoughtlessly screaming.<br />
<br />
Watching the convulsing man vomiting blood, pedestrians started to shriek. By mixing people who wanted to run away and people who, on the contrary had burning curiosity, chaos occurred.<br />
<br />
The only calm people were those involved – the assailants and the assaulted.<br />
<br />
Staring at the attackers getting close, in spite of mowing down the people who got in their way, Kirika asks:<br />
<br />
“Can you exorcise them all like you did earlier?”<br />
<br />
“Absolutely impossible,” stated Ayano without hesitating for a moment. <br />
<br />
“The sensitivity required for tuning the necessary caloric value is preposterous and for so many opponents gathered, I should burn half of them.”<br />
<br />
“That’s dreadful.”<br />
<br />
Imagining the gruesome spectacle, Kirika murmured in a monotonous tone. <br />
<br />
“Well then, should we run away?”<br />
<br />
“Do your best then.” <br />
<br />
Kirika is suspiciously watching over Ayano’s “this is none of my business” reply.<br />
<br />
“Will you not help me?”<br />
<br />
“I didn’t receive such a commission. If you live through it, call me later and explain the situation.”<br />
<br />
With those words Ayano tries to leave but watching the crowd blocking her path, she scowls.<br />
<br />
“Hey! The one you’re aiming at is right there.”<br />
<br />
Of course the spirits don’t answer. The possessed flesh moves with a somewhat supernatural ability, wiggling, and with no hesitation and killing intent faces Ayano.<br />
<br />
“.........What is this?” a doubtful Ayano. The answer comes from the back.<br />
<br />
“Ah, as I thought” <br />
<br />
“What exactly is <<as I thought>>?”<br />
<br />
To the enquiring Ayano, her glace fixed on the spirits of the dead, Kirika answers with a smiling face.<br />
<br />
“Don’t you thing it must be difficult to control so many spirits of the dead at once from a distance? So, beside the comments given I thought that maybe they can move autonomously. For example, <<unconditionally execute anyone who is standing in your way>> or something”<br />
<br />
“............Y – O – Uuuuuuuu!!”<br />
<br />
Showing the vein on her temple, Ayano started screaming:<br />
“You planned on forcefully dragging me into this from the start, right? You stinking official!!”<br />
<br />
For this reason, before explaining the circumstances, she involved Ayano in battle – for the sake of the enemy recognizing Ayano as an obstacle, so that she wouldn’t be able to run away. <br />
<br />
“Don’t get so angry. In troubled times we are of equal status don’t you agree?”<br />
<br />
But without showing any timidity, Kirika winked at the angry Ayano. <br />
<br />
“Y...You...”<br />
<br />
Although glaring at the very annoying woman, it was all too late. She was already dragged unknowingly in the turmoil’s upheaval or more likely at the core of it all.<br />
<br />
“I’ll remember this!”<br />
<br />
Replacing the boiling anger with flames, Ayano swung downward her right hand. The blaze slapped into the ground changes in a wall of fire, blocking the way before these two.<br />
<br />
“DAAAAAAAA!?” <br />
<br />
Being scared of the purifying flames, the attackers back off. Ignoring the screams of the ordinary people unfortunately involved, Ayano turns back and run.<br />
<br />
“We’re running away!”<br />
<br />
“I thank you for your cooperation. As I thought the voluntary cooperation of civilians is the secret for early settlements.”<br />
<br />
“Be silent for a little bit, you public servant failure!”<br />
<br />
Leaving behind boos somewhat filled with anguish, both of them managed a speedy flight.<br />
<br />
“Ha...ha...for the time being we’ve done it right?”<br />
<br />
“So it seems...”<br />
<br />
Hiding themselves in a deserted, empty building, Ayano and Kirika muttered so, greedily devouring oxygen. As one would expect, a thirty minute sprint at full power was very demanding. Both of them were short of breath.<br />
<br />
“By the way, I think it’s time you start explaining these circumstances.”<br />
<br />
“Ah that’s right. I forgot.”<br />
<br />
Seeing Kirika clap her hands, truly having forgotten to explain, Ayano sends her way a somewhat cynical, bitter smile.<br />
<br />
“Even so, there’s not much explaining to do. If I were to say it in a few words, it’s only a matter of settling scores.”<br />
<br />
“Settling scores?”<br />
<br />
“Yes. In this business, it’s only natural to incur various people’s enmity. Particularly some puny organization like the Special Data Arrangement who does whatever it wants with the power of the State. The criticism can be severe, in various ways.”<br />
<br />
“Hmmm...well, that may be true...” Ayano nodded vaguely. <br />
<br />
The girl’s family can be considered the industry’s leader so she doesn’t really get the sorrows of this type of puny organization. <br />
<br />
“I know, right? I got used to it but this time we came across a big-shot, sort of.”<br />
<br />
“Big-shot?”<br />
<br />
“Yes. Do you know Ghost Tamer?”<br />
<br />
“.....I heard that name somewhere”<br />
<br />
Ayano tried to remember, but it didn’t come out easily.<br />
<br />
“If it’s Ayano-chan I’m sure that you heard about him before. He’s a celebrity.”<br />
<br />
“That so? ... well it’s impossible for a necromancer who can simultaneously manipulate thirty spirits of the dead to be nameless.”<br />
<br />
This doesn’t apply just for necromancers, increasing the number of techniques controlled at the same time, the degree of difficulty jumps through the window. As for necromancers, they are considered first class when they can control ten bodies at the same time. <br />
<br />
But Kirika revealed an even more frightful fact:<br />
<br />
“That is just the beginning. Regarding the validation made to the best of our abilities, the maximum number he can control is one hundred and twenty.”<br />
<br />
“One hundred and twenty!?” Ayano screamed with bulging eyes.<br />
<br />
But at the same time, that absurd number made her remember that abominable incident.<br />
<br />
“Say...you don’t say Ghost Tamer is... the one three years before in San Francisco...”<br />
<br />
The desire to be wrong that fills Ayano’s question is heartlessly destroyed by Kirika.<br />
<br />
“Yeah, that’s the one...”<br />
<br />
“Uaa....” with an unpleasant feeling, from the bottom of her heart Ayano groans.<br />
<br />
Ghost Tamer – despite being a necromancer he uses killing curses, possessing suitable humans and using them, its forte is a technique consisting of using physical means to kill its targets, different from a shaman, different from an assassin – a “curse assassin”<br />
<br />
The incident that made him world-wide famous happened three years ago. For the sake of killing a certain mafia boss he made one hundred and twenty people, possessed by the spirits o the dead, to hold bombs and attack the target in a very special way.<br />
The casualties exceeded three hundred. It is said that the body fragments of the manipulated people, after being gathered in plastic bags, didn’t amount to 3% of the total.<br />
<br />
“Another troublesome one appeared...”<br />
<br />
With all her strength, Ayano unpleasantly puzzles over it. It’s as if an unrelated person all of a sudden turns into an assassin – that element of surprise and the almost infinite amount of supplies is the Ghost Tamer’s forte.<br />
<br />
Because this is a metropolis, there is abundance of departed souls but also of human hosts. There is also the problem of the possessed humans who have been killed. The deceased can be captured by Ghost Tamer and turned into a new departed soul, possessing other humans in order to attack the target. In order to stop the domino effect there is no choice but use a high ranking white magic that can exorcize all of them in one go. <br />
Only if such a thing was possible, though.<br />
<br />
“What do we do next?”<br />
<br />
Needless to say, Ayano is not capable of such things. The girl’s power is not suited for such sensitive operations. <br />
<br />
“There is that....”<br />
<br />
To Ayano, demanding for a counter plan, Kirika tilted her head to the side, with a troubled appearance.<br />
<br />
“The moment I found Ayano-chan, I thought all my troubles are gone...”<br />
<br />
She is fleetingly looking at Ayano and then a deep sigh. At this “I can’t use her attitude” Ayano is pissed. <br />
<br />
“What about you? You can’t perform spirit exorcism is spite of being an Onmyoji?”<br />
<br />
“Of course I can. I’ve done it for thirty bodies or so but then I ran out of charms.”<br />
<br />
“That so...”<br />
<br />
Onmyoji is based on the general principle of the cosmic dual forces, Yin and Yiang, and they can use a mighty power. But the restriction is that in order to put the technique in operation, charms must absolutely be used. In this industry there is a well known verse, sang from ancient times.<br />
<br />
“Charmless Onmyoji, ordinary man, right?” Ayano hums spontaneously, Kirika retorts with coolness:<br />
<br />
“It doesn’t rhyme.”<br />
<br />
“You’re noisy!”<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
“Well, anyway.” <br />
<br />
Unusually restraining herself before exploding, Ayano makes the conversation advance.<br />
<br />
“This is a stalemate. Can you think of something?”<br />
<br />
“Well...” Kirika slowly opens her mouth:<br />
<br />
“If it’s just the two of us, we can’t win in this situation. If that’s the case, we have no choice but to call for reinforcement.”<br />
<br />
“Who? One of your subordinates?”<br />
<br />
“Wrong. We know someone much more reliable, am I right?”<br />
<br />
“Ah, that one?” <br />
<br />
Because Ayano and Kirika don’t have many common acquaintances, she quickly understood who it was.<br />
<br />
Certainly, ability wise he was the most reliable man. '''Ability wise'''<br />
<br />
“........Fine, will you call him?”<br />
<br />
To Ayano who reluctantly agreed, Kirika sends a meaningful smile.<br />
<br />
“.......What?”<br />
<br />
“Err, nothing in particular. Then, please get in touch with him.”<br />
<br />
“Why me!?” Ayano unintentionally shouted. “It’s better if you call him, right? Because you two have a much more ''friendlier'' relationship!” <br />
The first time Ayano met Kirika, she and Kazuma were leaving the red-light district, arms linked. That’s why Ayano firmly believes these two have “that kind of relationship.”<br />
<br />
“That’s not true. If it’s Ayano-chan, he’ll answer the phone. So, please?”<br />
<br />
“............................”<br />
<br />
Even if this doesn’t mean she believes Kirika’s words, Ayano gave up on resisting, taking out the mobile phone. As a matter of course, she has his number.<br />
<br />
''It’s just for work! It’s really just that!''<br />
<br />
She dialed it, they talked a few times before – <br />
<br />
“What?”<br />
<br />
Maybe because he knows it was Ayano, or maybe he does it for everyone – anyway, the voice reaching Ayano’s ears is excessively self-important.<br />
<br />
“Ah, Kazuma? I have a favor –”<br />
<br />
“I refuse.”<br />
<br />
The answer comes back lightning fast. For a short while Ayano is silenced but she corrects herself in a low voice:<br />
<br />
“I have a job request.”<br />
<br />
“Say it.”<br />
<br />
“................”<br />
<br />
Still on the phone, Ayano throws a sidelong glance at Kirika, glaring at her.<br />
<br />
''Hey, is this what you call a good answer?''<br />
<br />
Although she didn’t say it loud, her twisted expression said it all. Not caring about it, Kirika encouraged her in a small voice: “Keep going!”<br />
<br />
Giving up the investigation, Ayano concentrates her attention on the conversation with Kazuma. <br />
<br />
“You see...” she explains, summarizing the situation. <br />
<br />
Surprisingly, Kazuma quickly understood.<br />
<br />
“Even though I think we can end it by killing them all, but since there is money in this, I don’t mind playing around with them. So, where are we meeting?”<br />
<br />
“Ah, well.....”<br />
<br />
Ayano considered her current surroundings. But without deliberating too much, she answered:<br />
<br />
“Tee hee hee, I don’t know. Somewhere in Shinjuku. Will you search ♡?” <br />
<br />
She tried to be as lovely as possible. But – it was useless.<br />
<br />
“Haaaaaaaaaaaaa,” an endless, deep sigh reached her ears. And then.....<br />
<br />
“Did your brains go bad or something!!”<br />
<br />
“Kyauu!?”<br />
<br />
Because the angry roar explodes close to her ear Ayano involuntarily throws out the phone. Kirika skillfully caught it just before falling on the ground. <br />
<br />
“Hey, it’s wrong to bully girls, you know?”<br />
<br />
“.....Kirika, why are you there?”<br />
<br />
From the mobile phone now in Kirika’s hands, Kazuma’s questioning tone can be heard. Throwing a sidelong glance at Ayano, listening attentively, Kirika moves the conversation forward. <br />
<br />
“This was my work from the start. So it’s fine to bill me for the job. So, where are you? Your home? The one in Yokohama? Really – please hurry. Yeah, please. Well then... ”<br />
<br />
Kirika settled the conversation at once, hang up and returned the telephone to Ayano. She received it with a blank facial expression. <br />
<br />
“As I thought it turned out well because you did the talking, right?”<br />
<br />
“I wonder...” Kirika responds to Ayano, who looks displeased, with a mature smile full of composure.<br />
<br />
For some reason or another, feeling she is losing the mental battle, Ayano changes the subject. <br />
<br />
“So, are we hiding until Kazuma gets here? If he’s in Yokohama, no matter how fast it still takes time.”<br />
<br />
“That’s right, it would be ideal if circumstances allow, but.....”<br />
<br />
In the middle of her words, Kirika shifts her attention inside the hallway. Almost simultaneously, so does Ayano. Looking at the ceiling, deploring, she corrects herself with a delicate expression: <br />
<br />
“It would have been ideal...”<br />
<br />
“Your everyday behavior must be very sinful, am I right?”<br />
<br />
Standing up Ayano is brushing off the dust from her skirt. <br />
<br />
Without having to wait for them, they appeared in the front. With a rotten, fishy smell and fixed eyes, the man – a company worker – is of course possessed by the spirits of the dead. <br />
<br />
“Good grief – it can’t be helped...”<br />
<br />
Lightly kicking the floor, Ayano’s silhouette vanished in a blur. Swiftly rushing in, her high speed movement is like she can leap over time restrains. Instantly plunging into the man’s chest she thrusts her elbow, using the force of the rush. Through the blow, purification power is pumped into his face. The golden radiance doesn’t allow any escape and the spirit dwelling on the man is burned to nothing. <br />
<br />
“Oh, that did the trick.”<br />
<br />
“That so? He’s kind of burning.” <br />
<br />
Overlooking the man emitting fumes from here and there, Kirika says a touching, silent prayer.<br />
<br />
“Don’t concern yourself with minor details!”<br />
<br />
“Minor, huh?”<br />
<br />
She has lots of things to say to this girl, but now it’s not the time to fuss over it. Chasing the already running Ayano, Kirika breaks into a forceful run.<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
“....I’m not letting you escape.... ”<br />
<br />
In one of the rooms from a certain hotel in Akasaki, Ronald Wallace murmured so, in a heavy, low voice.<br />
<br />
Aquiline nose – white hair – the name Ghost Tamer is appropriate; the old man’s appearance is that of an evil sorcerer come forth from fairy-tales. That figure gazing at the crystal ball is terrifying. <br />
<br />
“You can’t get away..........no matter how you struggle.....”<br />
<br />
Watching the women, reflected in the crystal ball, running around, trying to escape, Ronald laughs. That was because he knows victory is certain. <br />
<br />
The net completely encircling them – there is no target whose technique can exorcize more than a hundred organized departed souls. Of course, not even the Enjutsushi who stumbled in the middle of it.<br />
<br />
There is just one flaw. Following Ronald’s will manipulating the spirits and finding his location. The only way is to strike at him. But – <br />
<br />
“The Enjutsushi whose only merit are combat abilities and the Onmyoji trying to escape with all her might, can you do it...?”<br />
<br />
With absolute confidence, Ronald sneered. Even the Enjutsushi’s flames are not scary if the person can avoid them. Departed souls and the like are after all pieces who have no choice but to do his work as a substitution. <br />
<br />
“Perhaps capturing the Enjutsushi’s soul could be fun. If it retains even a small portion of the power it has alive, maybe I can use it.”<br />
<br />
“Stop it. That one’s is probably really hard to manipulate.” <br />
<br />
That answer reached his ears much too naturally. Searching for the rebuttal words, Ronald turned around in terror. <br />
<br />
A hundred and eighty degrees rotation, a body suspended in the air.<br />
<br />
Since the head’s rotation doesn’t stop, approximately after another rotation, the balance is destroyed, the dead falls down and crashes.<br />
<br />
Ronald – climbing in the revolving world finally recognizes the situation. The revolving universe. But someone tramples down on the head and the spinning stops. <br />
<br />
“What’s more...”<br />
<br />
Looking up with disgrace and humiliation, in the field of vision is reflected a man’s face, showing a cynical smile.<br />
<br />
“I’ve decided I’m the only one allowed to play with her AND that’s the law of this country, you know!”<br />
<br />
With these words the sensation of Ronald’s last moment was the smashing of his cranium and his consciousness faded into darkness. <br />
<br />
The headless body, standing erect, spurts out fresh blood as if remembering.<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
At the same time....<br />
<br />
Ayano and Kirika were trapped in a desperate crisis. It is evening in the Imperial Garden of Shinjuku. The surroundings are flocked with more than a hundred possessed bodies. There is no way to escape.<br />
<br />
“.......What are we going to do?” Ayano groans in a worn-out voice but Kirika either has no way out.<br />
<br />
At such a troubled time, almost like aiming for it, the cell phone’s ringtone can be heard. Kirika fetched it really fast and stated shouting. <br />
<br />
“How long do you plan to take Kazuma!? We’re at our limit!!”<br />
<br />
A contrastive, hatefully calm voice can be heard. <br />
<br />
“It’s over. Everything.”<br />
<br />
“No it’s not! Right now we are in the middle of being attacked by nearly a hundred spirits!”<br />
<br />
“.........Oh?” Kazuma’s voice is surprisingly serious. From the other side of the phone, a silence filled with confusion can be sensed. <br />
<br />
“Hey....”<br />
<br />
“Ah, I got it. Even if the practitioner dies, the last order passed down is still effective. I see.”<br />
<br />
The only one impressed is Kazuma because Kirika asks him in a low voice:<br />
<br />
“I’m so glad you cleared the puzzle. So, how do you get here?”<br />
<br />
“How, you ask...where are you now? Shinjukugyouen? That’s impossible. It’s totally outside my range. I’ll get there in twenty, thirty minutes so wait there.”<br />
<br />
“We can’t wait that long! We’re already under pressure. It’s fine with you if Ayano-chan becomes a mass murderer?”<br />
<br />
“Tell her this. If she dares to die, she can choose her favorite method for when HER PARTNER is going to kill her............Ah, that’s right. She’s there. Get her on the phone.”<br />
<br />
“Eh?”<br />
<br />
“Put Ayano on the phone,” Kazuma plainly repeated.<br />
<br />
Kirika peeked at Ayano’s situation. She has already started the fight. For the time being, even if she is adjusting to the non-fatal amount, in reality it seems she has no choice but to minimally go easy on them, because the sound of blows is pretty severe.<br />
<br />
While making appropriate judgment on the enemy, a telephone is pushed before her eyes. <br />
<br />
“From Kazuma. He wants to talk to you.”<br />
<br />
“I’m busy now!” Ayano shouted without taking it.<br />
<br />
“Although I can see that wouldn’t it be better to take it? We’re not getting anywhere this way.”<br />
<br />
“...................”<br />
<br />
Ayano snatched the telephone totally annoyed. While beating down the enemies with her free hand, her left hand holds the telephone to her ear. That instant, as if intentionally, Kazuma’s voice can be heard. <br />
<br />
“Hey, feeling well?”<br />
<br />
In addition to being very agitated, Ayano couldn’t endure it and her reason flipped out. <br />
<br />
“Huff.....don’t mess around you fool! U – Until now....what have you...done.....”<br />
<br />
Because of fatigue and anger, her breath was disturbed and her mouth didn’t work well. <br />
<br />
As for Kazuma, he replied in a refreshing and calm voice:<br />
<br />
“If you raise your voice like that, it feels like one of those dangerous phone calls <<Wifey, the color of today’s underwear is...>>”<br />
<br />
“Y........Youuuuuuuuuu!!”<br />
<br />
With rage enveloping her mind, Ayano stroke down the nearby enemies with that violent emotion. There was the smell of something burning, but right now she doesn’t have time to worry about such things.<br />
<br />
“Remember this! I’ll kill you! I’ll definitely kill you!! There won’t be any ash left by the time I’m finished with you!!”<br />
<br />
“Uh huh”<br />
<br />
“Just you wait! When the time comes I’m not letting you off even if you burst into tears!”<br />
<br />
“Uh huh”<br />
<br />
“....................”<br />
<br />
Kazuma doesn’t say anything only some half-hearted replies. <br />
<br />
Because there is no feedback Ayano regains her cool very quickly. Remembering the current state of affairs, she sobers up in one breath, informing him:<br />
<br />
“Although I believe you know, I’m extremely busy right now. If you have no business with me, I’m hanging up.”<br />
<br />
“W – Wait. Let’s talk a bit more.”<br />
<br />
Surprisingly, Kazuma wanted to continue the telephone call. Without understanding his intention, Ayano looks into it, perplexed.<br />
<br />
“Talk, you say... about what?”<br />
<br />
“Anything will do. Just continue on like just now, talking about idiotic things like idiots.”<br />
<br />
Speaking of too much, because of that excessive comment, a huge vein shows on Ayano’s temple. Because she was groping the telephone tightly, an ominous, recognizable sound can be heard.<br />
<br />
“Y ....You low life rascal....! I hate you the most! You should try and learn something from Ren’s charm, even if it’s just a little.”<br />
<br />
“Yeah yeah, is that so......fine, I caught you.”<br />
<br />
“What?”<br />
<br />
Without minding the bewildered Ayano, Kazuma one-sidedly said:<br />
<br />
“GO!”<br />
<br />
“What are you – huh?”<br />
<br />
The wind gently swirls. In some respects already familiar with it, Ayano suppresses the questioning words. <br />
<br />
<br />
The light blue radiance fills the surroundings. That is without doubt the color of purification. The supreme power cleansing all evil.<br />
<br />
<br />
Aoooooooo.......<br />
<br />
When those bodies are flooded with purification wind, the departed souls raise cries of pain. From the humans they cling to, they are being torn off, no resistance permitted.<br />
<br />
“.......No..... this is......”<br />
Resistance and the like, there wasn’t any from the beginning. The thoughts raised by the departed souls were shots of joy, congratulations on their liberation. The spirits, released from the Ghost Tamer’s curse, by their own will dissolved the possession and accepted the power of purification. <br />
<br />
The shapes of the dead spirits changed from the gruesomeness in the moment of death to those when they were alive. The healed spirits’ contours morphed, while floating with content smiles, being reduced to balls of light returning to Heaven. <br />
<br />
The countless light balls, while dancing, ran beyond the sky. That fairytale-like spectacle, Ayano looks up at it, simply amazed.<br />
<br />
“Amazing....”<br />
<br />
A murmur from the back. When turning around, Kirika speaks with a bitter smile.<br />
<br />
“How to say this...a scene ridiculing the efforts of mediocre people. This doesn’t seem like the work of men.” <br />
<br />
“True. But that doesn’t mean he didn’t put great effort into it, don’t you think?”<br />
<br />
“Well, that may be true. By the way, you didn’t hang up, did you?”<br />
<br />
Although asking, Kirika plunders the telephone before hearing the answer. <br />
<br />
“Hello. Everything is finished. If you can do it, do it faster. What’s all that crap about being outside range – huh?”<br />
<br />
Unexpectedly Kirika raised her voice in hysterics, and glared at the phone like it was the enemy of her ancestors.<br />
<br />
“That so? Well then, thank you very much! Ciao!!”<br />
<br />
With a shout that raised the corners of her eyes she roughly hanged up. And then with a gaze, for some reason, packed with a certain something, she is staring at Ayano.<br />
<br />
“W – What........?”<br />
<br />
In front of such an emotional new Kirika, different from her usual calm self, Ayano involuntarily shrinks away. <br />
<br />
But together with a solemn, long breath Kirika releases her anger, promptly recovering her calmness.<br />
<br />
“I hanged up but....did you have something to say to him?”<br />
<br />
Because for one reason or another she is overpowered in the mental battle, Ayano asks in a sulky tone:<br />
<br />
“..........Not particularly. What are you trying to say?”<br />
<br />
“Words of gratitude among other things.”<br />
<br />
“Don’t joke around!” Ayano shouts, furiously grasping her fists tightly. <br />
<br />
“Why would I, to such a guy!? He is dismissing people just when they think of dismissing him, he is mocking them, doing as it pleases him, turning them into toys!”<br />
<br />
“That’s all the same thing.”<br />
<br />
“Next time I meet him, I’m definitely stabbing him with Enraiha.”<br />
<br />
Without hearing Kirika’s retort, Ayano is thoroughly excited.<br />
<br />
“You’re not honest with yourself,” mingled with a sigh, Kirika murmurs so.<br />
<br />
The girl in front of her eyes and the absent man – she is facing these two.<br />
<br />
Kazuma’s words from a while ago are resurrected in her ears. <br />
<br />
It was true that he was outside range. But – <br />
“Because of Ayano’s voice, even if we’re separated by a hundred kilometers, I can get through,” he continued.<br />
<br />
''Good grief, he’s speaking so fondly of her.'' <br />
<br />
For a second time she is focusing in Ayano. Without knowing to what extent and how carefully she is being protected, she is shouting abusive words even now.<br />
<br />
But surely to notice that warped and twisted love, it seems unreasonable. Nevertheless, she has no intention of helping her.<br />
<br />
“I’m not going to tell you. Realize it yourself, dumb bunny.”<br />
<br />
Turning her back on the girl, with an ill-natured look, Kirika murmured so.<br />
<br />
<br />
<noinclude><br />
<br />
{| border="1" cellpadding="5" cellspacing="0" style="margin: 1em 1em 1em 0; background: #f9f9f9; border: 1px #aaaaaa solid; padding: 0.2em; border-collapse: collapse;"<br />
|-<br />
| Back to [[Kaze_no_Stigma:Ignition_Volume1_Chapter 3|Chapter 3]]<br />
| Return to [[Kaze_no_Stigma|Main Page]]<br />
| Forward to [[Kaze_no_Stigma:Ignition_Volume1_Chapter 5|Chapter 5]]<br />
|-<br />
|}<br />
</noinclude></div>Black Ice Princehttps://www.baka-tsuki.org/project/index.php?title=Kaze_no_Stigma&diff=293900Kaze no Stigma2013-10-13T11:45:48Z<p>Black Ice Prince: </p>
<hr />
<div><center><br />
{| class="wikitable" width="100%"<br />
|-align="center"<br />
|<small> [[Kaze_no_Stigma_(German)|DE]]&nbsp;&nbsp;<span style="color:grey">|</span>&nbsp;&nbsp;[[Kaze_no_Stigma_(Greek)|EL]]&nbsp;&nbsp;<span style="color:grey">|</span>&nbsp;&nbsp;'''EN'''&nbsp;&nbsp;<span style="color:grey">|</span>&nbsp;&nbsp;[[Kaze_no_Stigma_~Spanish~|ES]]&nbsp;&nbsp;<span style="color:grey">|</span>&nbsp;&nbsp;[[Kaze_no_Stigma_(Français)|FR]]&nbsp;&nbsp;<span style="color:grey">|</span>&nbsp;&nbsp;[[Kaze_no_Stigma_(Bahasa Indonesia)|ID]]&nbsp;&nbsp;<span style="color:grey">|</span>&nbsp;&nbsp;[[Kaze_no_Stigma_(Italiano)|IT]]&nbsp;&nbsp;<span style="color:grey">|</span>&nbsp;&nbsp;[[Kaze_no_Stigma_~Lithuanian~|LT]]&nbsp;&nbsp;<span style="color:grey">|</span>&nbsp;&nbsp;[[Kaze_no_Stigma_PL|PL]]&nbsp;&nbsp;<span style="color:grey">|</span>&nbsp;&nbsp;[[Kaze_no_Stigma_~Brazilian Portuguese~|PT-BR]]&nbsp;&nbsp;<span style="color:grey">|</span>&nbsp;&nbsp;[[Kaze_no_Stigma_~_Russian|RU]]&nbsp;&nbsp;<span style="color:grey">|</span>&nbsp;&nbsp;[[Kaze_no_Stigma_Tiếng_Việt|VI]]</small><br />
|}<br />
<hr><br />
''[[File:Font.png|20px]]&nbsp;This page contains special characters. If any characters in this article don't appear correctly (blank boxes, question marks, etc.), see the [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Help:Multilingual_support multilingual support].''<br />
<hr><br />
</center><br />
<br />
[[Image:KnS.jpg|300px|thumb|Title Image]]<br />
<br><br />
Kaze no Stigma (風の聖痕, Kaze no Stigma lit. Stigma of the Wind)<br />
<br />
Also available in the following languages:<br />
<br />
*[[Kaze no Stigma (Français)|French (Français)]] <br />
<br />
(Note: Translation varies for each version)<br />
<br><br><br />
<br />
== Story Synopsis ==<br />
<br />
Four years ago, Kannagi Kazuma was defeated by his cousin Kannagi Ayano for the right to be the successor of Enraiha, a sword passed down in the Kannagi family. His defeat, along with his lack of talent for En-Jutsu (The fire arts, and is also the Kannagi Clan's specialty), resulted in his banishment from the family. Now, Kazuma returns as Yagami Kazuma, a skilled master of Fuu-Jutsu (the wind arts). At the same time, a number of murders at the Kannagi residence perpetrated by a powerful Fuujutsu-shi cast suspicion on him. (from http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kaze_no_Stigma)<br />
<br />
== Translation ==<br />
<br />
=== [[Kaze_no_Stigma:Registration Page|Registration]] ===<br />
<br />
Those who wish to contribute are asked to first notify a supervisor beforehand.<br />
<br />
'''Translators are asked to [[Kaze_no_Stigma:Registration Page|register]] which chapters they're working on'''<br />
<br />
=== Help Needed ===<br />
'''If you are interested in this series and would like to help, feel free to join. We urgently need more Translators, Editors, and Staff. So please help.''' (Pop a message at the forums.)<br />
<br />
=== Format Standards ===<br />
'''Every Chapter (after editing) must conform to the agreed points highlighted in the below guidelines'''<br />
*[[Format_guideline|General Format/Style Guideline]]<br />
<br />
<br />
Some of these chapters are translations of the '''Chinese edition''' of the novels, which are known to have some minor mistakes compared to the original Japanese text. If you have access to the originals and you spot an error, '''please feel free to make the corrections yourself''' - this is a Wiki which means it's meant for anyone to fix things (and if you screw up, we can revert back your changes if all deem necessary). We can see the corrections you make, so just go ahead instead of hiding or waiting for permission.<br />
<br />
== Updates ==<br />
It is with sadness we report that Yamato Takahiro, the author of ''Kaze no Stigma'', passed away on July 20, 2009. While dedicated fans will continue to translate this series, there will likely be no new ''Kaze no Stigma'' material published in the foreseeable future, and to date the story remains incomplete at six main volumes and five short story collections.<br />
<br />
*September, 26, 2013 - Volume 4 Completed<br />
*July, 20, 2013 - volume 3 completed<br />
*March 26, 2013 - Volume 3 Chapter 4 Completed<br />
*March 24, 2013 - Volume 3 Chapter 3 Completed<br />
*December 03, 2012 - Volume 3 Chapter 2 Completed<br />
*September 20, 2012 - Volume 3 Chapter 1 Completed<br />
*July 21, 2012 - Kaze no Stigma - Ignition Volume 1 Chapter 4 Completed<br />
*July 14, 2012 - Kaze no Stigma - Ignition Volume 1 Chapter 3 Completed<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
Older updates can be found on the [[Kaze no Stigma:Updates|Kaze no Stigma Updates page]].<br />
<br />
== The ''Kaze no Stigma'' series, by Takahiro Yamato ==<br />
These are the main story novels.<br />
<br />
=== ''Kaze no Stigma'' / 風の聖痕 [[Kaze_no_Stigma:Volume1|(Full Text)]]===<br />
::*[[Kaze_no_Stigma:Volume1_Illustrations|Novel Illustrations]]<br />
::*[[Kaze_no_Stigma:Volume1_Chapter1|Chapter 1 - The Disinherited Son Returns]]<br />
::*[[Kaze_no_Stigma:Volume1_Chapter2|Chapter 2 - The Sudden Disaster]]<br />
::*[[Kaze_no_Stigma:Volume1_Chapter3|Chapter 3 - A Battle with the Past]] <br />
::*[[Kaze_no_Stigma:Volume1_Chapter4|Chapter 4 - Returning to Visit, and Then——]]<br />
::*[[Kaze_no_Stigma:Volume1_Chapter5|Chapter 5 - Rescue]]<br />
::*[[Kaze_no_Stigma:Volume1_Chapter6|Chapter 6 - Decisive Battle]]<br />
::*[[Kaze_no_Stigma:Volume1_Epilogue|Epilogue]] <br />
::*Author's Notes<br />
::*[[Kaze_no_Stigma:Volume1_Translator's_Notes|Translator's Notes and References]]<br />
<br />
===''Kaze no Stigma 2: The Price of a Soul'' / 風の聖痕2 -魂の値段 [[Kaze_no_Stigma:Volume2|(Full Text)]]===<br />
::*[[Kaze_no_Stigma:Volume2_Illustrations|Novel Illustrations]]<br />
::*[[Kaze_no_Stigma:Volume2_Chapter 1|Chapter 1 - Banquet for Victory -The Chosen Ones-]] <br />
::*[[Kaze_no_Stigma:Volume2_Chapter 2|Chapter 2 - Assault -Determination After Removing All Doubts-]] <br />
::*[[Kaze_no_Stigma:Volume2_Chapter 3|Chapter 3 - Friendship -Contributions and Mistakes-]]<br />
::*[[Kaze_no_Stigma:Volume2_Chapter 4|Chapter 4 - Fall -The Price of Power-]]<br />
::*[[Kaze_no_Stigma:Volume2_Chapter 5|Chapter 5 - Fall Part Two -The Price of Soul-]]<br />
::*[[Kaze_no_Stigma:Volume2_Chapter 6|Chapter 6 - Finale -The Brave and Selfless Rescuer-]]<br />
::*[[Kaze_no_Stigma:Volume2_Epilogue|Epilogue]]<br />
::*Author's Notes<br />
::*[[Kaze_no_Stigma:Volume2_Translator%27s_Notes|Translator's Notes and References]]<br />
<br />
===''Kaze no Stigma 3: The Confession Under the Moon '' / 風の聖痕3 -月下の告白 [[Kaze_no_Stigma:Volume3|(Full Text)]] ===<br />
::*[[Kaze_no_Stigma:Volume3_Illustrations|Novel Illustrations]]<br />
::*[[Kaze_no_Stigma:Volume3_Chapter 1|Chapter 1 - Meeting underneath the moonlight-]] <br />
::*[[Kaze_no_Stigma:Volume3_Chapter 2|Chapter 2 - Small client-]] <br />
::*[[Kaze_no_Stigma:Volume3_Chapter 3|Chapter 3 - The person one must protect]]<br />
::*[[Kaze_no_Stigma:Volume3_Chapter 4|Chapter 4 - Each and everyone's determination]] <br />
::*[[Kaze_no_Stigma:Volume3_Chapter 5|Chapter 5 - Dreams and reality]] <br />
::*[[Kaze_no_Stigma:Volume3_Chapter 6|Chapter 6 - Confession underneath the moonlight]] <br />
::*[[Kaze_no_Stigma:Volume3_Epilogue|Epilogue]]<br />
::*Author's Notes<br />
<br />
===''Kaze no Stigma 4: The Lazuline Afterimage '' / 風の聖痕4 -瑠璃色の残影 [[Kaze_no_Stigma:Volume4|(Full Text)]] ===<br />
::*[[Kaze_no_Stigma:Volume4_Illustrations|Novel Illustrations]]<br />
::*[[Kaze_no_Stigma:Volume4_Chapter 1|Chapter 1 - A certain cameraman's day]]<br />
::*[[Kaze_no_Stigma:Volume4_Chapter 2|Chapter 2 - How to defeat a magician]]<br />
::*[[Kaze_no_Stigma:Volume4_Chapter 3|Chapter 3 - Shinjuku RPG]]<br />
::*[[Kaze_no_Stigma:Volume4_Chapter 4|Chapter 4 - The maiden from the days of yore]]<br />
::*Author's Notes<br />
<br />
===''Kaze no Stigma 5: The Scarlet Contract'' / 風の聖痕5 -緋色の誓約 [[Kaze_no_Stigma:Volume5|(Full Text)]] ===<br />
::*[[Kaze_no_Stigma:Volume5_Illustrations|Novel Illustrations]]<br />
::*[[Kaze_no_Stigma:Volume5_Chapter 1|Chapter 1 - Signs of rematch]] <br />
::*[[Kaze_no_Stigma:Volume5_Chapter 2|Chapter 2 - The mad Fūjutsushi]]<br />
::*[[Kaze_no_Stigma:Volume5_Chapter 3|Chapter 3 - The ones doing secret maneuvers]]<br />
::*[[Kaze_no_Stigma:Volume5_Chapter 4|Chapter 4 - Determination and hesitation and...]]<br />
::*[[Kaze_no_Stigma:Volume5_Chapter 5|Chapter 5 - Suppression]]<br />
::*[[Kaze_no_Stigma:Volume5_Chapter 6|Chapter 6 - The end of the feast]]<br />
::*[[Kaze_no_Stigma:Volume5_Epilogue|Epilogue]]<br />
::*Author's Notes<br />
<br />
===''Kaze no Stigma 6: The Hurricane Pike'' / 風の聖痕6 -疾風の槍 ===<br />
::*[[Kaze_no_Stigma:Volume6_Illustrations|Novel Illustrations]]<br />
::*[[Kaze_no_Stigma:Volume6_Chapter 1|Chapter 1 - Disaster together with the wind]] (40%)<br />
::*Chapter 2<br />
::*Chapter 3<br />
::*Chapter 4<br />
::*Chapter 5<br />
::*Author's Notes<br />
<br />
== ''Kaze no Stigma - Ignition '' ==<br />
These are the side stories of the novel.<br />
<br />
==='' Kaze no Stigma Ignition 1: Ayano-chan's Misfortune'' / 綾乃ちゃんの災難 ===<br />
::*[[Kaze_no_Stigma:Ignition_Volume1_Illustrations|Novel Illustrations]]<br />
::*[[Kaze_no_Stigma:Ignition_Volume1_Chapter 1|Chapter 1 - Ayano-chan's Misfortune]]<br />
::*[[Kaze_no_Stigma:Ignition_Volume1_Chapter 2|Chapter 2 - Let's meet in a Dream]] <br />
::*[[Kaze_no_Stigma:Ignition_Volume1_Chapter 3|Chapter 3 - Demon Beast, Puppy and a natural airhead Daughter<!--??-->]]<br />
::*[[Kaze_no_Stigma:Ignition_Volume1_Chapter 4|Chapter 4 - Haunted Holiday]]<br />
::*Chapter 5 - Let's go to the Amusement Park!<br />
::*Chapter 6 - Ayano-chan's Further Misfortune<br />
::*Author's Notes<br />
<br />
=== ''Kaze no Stigma Ignition 2: Just my Madonna'' / 僕だけのマドンナ ===<br />
::*[[Kaze_no_Stigma:Ignition_Volume2_Illustrations|Novel Illustrations]]<br />
::*Chapter 1 - Just my Madonna<br />
::*Chapter 2 - Someone is watching<br />
::*Chapter 3 - From the passing Days<!--??--><br />
::*Chapter 4 - Shape of a certain Love<br />
::*Chapter 5 - Father and Child<br />
::*Chapter 6 - A certain Daily Life of the Special Reference Section of the Tokyo Metropolitan Police coordination Room<!--????--><br />
::*Author's Notes<br />
<br />
===''Kaze no Stigma Ignition 3: Ren-kun's Suffering'' / 煉くんの受難===<br />
<br />
===''Kaze no Stigma Ignition 4: All for Love'' / すべては愛のために===<br />
<br />
===''Kaze no Stigma Ignition 5: A happy day'' / 幸せなイチニチ===<br />
<br />
===''Kaze no Stigma Ignition 6: A secret relationship'' / ヒミツのカンケイ===<br />
<br />
== Project Staff ==<br />
<br />
*Project Administrator: [[user:The naming game|The naming game]] <br />
*Project Supervisor: [[user:ShadowZeroHeart|ShadowZeroHeart]]<br />
<br />
=== Translators ===<br />
<br />
'''ACTIVE'''<br />
::*[[User:Ayame|Ayame]]<br />
::*[[User:Mewarmo990|mewarmo990]]<br />
<br />
<br />
'''INACTIVE'''<br />
::*[[user:ShadowZeroHeart|ShadowZeroHeart]]<br />
::*[[user:The naming game|The naming game]] <br />
::*[[user:erehwon|erehwon]]<br />
::*[[user:Kwok|Kwok]]<br />
<br />
=== Editors ===<br />
This is the Project Editorial Team.<br />
<br />
''' Active '''<br />
::*[[user:Hiyono|Hiyono]]<br />
::*[[user:Nerevarine|Nerevarine]]<br />
::*[[user:SDK|SDK]]<br />
::*[[user:Mewarmo990|mewarmo990]]<br />
::*[[user:Azelf and Jirachi|Azelf and Jirachi]]<br />
::*[[user:Seanryan65|Seanryan65]]<br />
<br />
=== Special Thanks === <br />
<br />
This is for people who deserve special thanks and are currently not on the Staff.<br />
<br />
::*[[user:Trigger-happy|Trigger-happy]]<br />
<br />
==Series Overview==<br />
<br />
Kaze no Stigma <br />
*Volume 1 (January 2002, ISBN 4829114037)<br />
*Volume 2 (July 2002, ISBN 4829114479)<br />
*Volume 3 (February 2003, ISBN 4829114940)<br />
*Volume 4 (October 2003, ISBN 4829115580)<br />
*Volume 5 (March 2004, ISBN 4829115998) <br />
*Volume 6 (October 2005, ISBN 4829117699)<br />
<br />
Kaze no Stigma Ignition <br />
*Volume 1 (August 2004, ISBN 4829116382)<br />
*Volume 2 (May 2005, ISBN 4829117206)<br />
*Volume 3 (March 2007, ISBN 4829119082)<br />
*Volume 4 (June 2007, ISBN 4829119403)<br />
*Volume 5 (December 2007, ISBN 4829119845)<br />
*Volume 6 (March 2010, ISBN 4829135075)<br />
<br />
[[Category:Fujimi Fantasia Bunko]]<br />
[[Category:Genre - Action]]</div>Black Ice Princehttps://www.baka-tsuki.org/project/index.php?title=Kaze_no_Stigma:Ignition_Volume1_Chapter_3&diff=293899Kaze no Stigma:Ignition Volume1 Chapter 32013-10-13T11:37:55Z<p>Black Ice Prince: </p>
<hr />
<div>== Chapter 3 - Demon Beast, Puppy and a natural airhead Daughter ==<br />
<br />
The Metropolitan Police Department Special Data Organization.<br />
<br />
That is, at the present time, the only evil spirit repellant organization owned by the Japanese Government. But, that combat ability is low, to speak plainly. To the extent that even to call oneself “war potential” is ridiculous.<br />
<br />
Consequently, on the occasions when unmanageable incidents occurred, it has been decided to seek cooperation from private practitioners who excel in battle. And at the top of that collaboration list, was the name of the Kannagi household.<br />
<br />
“Ke-Kerberos?”<br />
<br />
“That’s right. However, we don’t have positive proof.”<br />
<br />
The Room Monitor of the special data organization, police superintendent Tachibana Kirika nodded very calmly in response to Kannagi Ayano who was overcome with surprise and repeated the answer. <br />
<br />
She is a beautiful woman who gives off such a charm that doesn’t appear likely on a police officer, in her mid twenties. <br />
<br />
Being almost the ideal example of the “Adult Woman”, gifted with both beauty and intelligence, whereas Ayano is still a young girl in the middle of ”development”, she can’t help but harbor an inferiority complex toward the other party. <br />
<br />
Glaring at Kirika, Ayano shouted, almost groaning.<br />
<br />
”What the heck is the gatekeeper of hell doing at a place like this?”<br />
<br />
“How would I know? If I heard from the beast itself?” Kirika lightly eluded Ayano’s question.<br />
<br />
Kerberos- the bronze gates that tower at Hell’s entrance and the demon dog known to have three heads, guarding those gates.<br />
<br />
Since that suddenly appeared in the world, approximately two hours passed. The place of appearance was above the Pacific Ocean, approximately fifty kilometers from Boso Peninsula.<ref>http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/B%C5%8Ds%C5%8D_Peninsula</ref> Tearing up space, Kerberos appeared from hell, dashed across the sea surface, landed on Boso Peninsula and came out at Tokyo Bay.<br />
<br />
Without looking aside, the demon beast simply rode fast in a straight line. At the end of that line there was the capital of Japan, Tokyo.<br />
<br />
For the sake of preventing the beast from landing in Tokyo, the practitioners from Materials Regulation Room, led by Kirika, intercepted it on the shore of Tokyo Bay. Because the beast was confined at the expense of raising their entire power, a collaboration request was issued, the other party being the Kannagi household.<br />
<br />
Because the household deemed the incident as a serious one, they sent Ayano, the next suzerain and the successor of Enraiha and Yagami Kazuma, the wind practitioner in the role of assisting her. Thus, this is why it was not before long they arrived.<br />
<br />
Roughly explaining the vicinity’s circumstances, Kirika firmly said:<br />
<br />
“At any rate, we can’t help but prevent it from disembarking near Tokyo. Although I don’t understand where Kerberos is aiming to go, I have no doubt that just by granting it passage through, the city will receive serious damage.” <br />
<br />
Now when the demon beast was made to land on Boso Peninsula in the Chiba Prefecture, if someone were to overlook this place from high above, maybe it would see a long cylindrical line across the peninsula. <br />
<br />
This doesn’t mean Kerberos carries out destruction activities on purpose. But when a phenomenon consisting of an enormous mass rivaling that of a whale runs at high speed, that thing in itself is a calamity. <br />
<br />
The buildings placed on the demon beast’s course have been crushed, houses stepped on and the town itself literally divided into parts.<br />
<br />
If the supernatural phenomenon would be revealed, the public would be thrown into panic, but thanks to the influence of the miasma Kerberos emits, the recording equipment such as video cameras and the like are projecting nothing but a thick fog, maybe the only silver lining of this dark cloud.<br />
<br />
As long as no records remain, it is possible to provide as many explanations as one likes. It’s likely that later, something along the lines of “local tornado outbreak” will be made.<br />
<br />
“That is why, do your best. Ah, I think you know this but don’t kill it. Please repel it with an amount of injuries that it won’t die from.”<br />
<br />
If they were to kill the hell watch dog, there will be the danger of the spirits of the dead overflowing in the present world. Therefore, it’s not like Kirika’s point can’t be understood, but…<br />
<br />
“If you’re thinking about it as someone else's problem, you can say that feeling at ease, right?”<br />
<br />
In response to Ayano’s truly unhappy grumble, Kirika displayed a smile full of trust.<br />
<br />
“If it’s you two, I’m thinking you can undoubtedly do it.”<br />
<br />
She slightly shifted her eyes, turning to the man who was smoking cigarettes without giving indication that he was participating in the conversation. Without being perturbed by abruptly being brought up as a subject, the man, Kazuma casually shrugged his shoulders.<br />
<br />
“You’re the client. I’ll follow your indications.” <br />
<br />
“Thank you. Saying it like that, saved me.”<br />
<br />
“You’re welcome.”<br />
<br />
For some reason, both of them exchanged a parent-like smile. Ayano raised her eyebrows at a steep angle. Grasping Kazuma’s hand, she said in a dangerous voice.<br />
<br />
“Look, let’s go quickly! Today I must return as soon as possible!”<br />
<br />
“What? There’s some TV show you must watch no matter what?”<br />
<br />
“As if I have something like that!”<br />
<br />
Ayano retaliated sharply and continued with a mournful expression,<br />
<br />
“Because Yukari said she picked up a puppy, I want to go and see it.”<br />
<br />
“…”<br />
<br />
Both of them turned en masse towards Ayano with an utterly amazed expression. Kazuma, as a representative, revealed his thoughts.<br />
<br />
“……Again this person is splendidly intermingling public policy with private interest.”<br />
<br />
“WRONG!”<br />
<br />
Ayano let her other hand plunge, aiming at the fine point of Kazuma’s jaw. Of course, an instant before the impact he grasped her fist tightly.<br />
<br />
“Both of you, you are able to say such easygoing remarks just because you don’t know how scary that girl is underneath the “natural airhead” part.”<br />
<br />
Although screaming, Ayano began reflecting on the conversation from a few hours ago which even now remembering makes her head hurt.<br />
<br />
<br />
“I picked up a puppy ♡.“<br />
<br />
That day, since morning, Shinomiya Yukari was in a very good mood. <br />
<br />
Shoulder length curly hair and a soft facial expression always smiling, a girl usually without an air of tension, today her screws seeming even more slacken than usual. <br />
<br />
Faced with a Yukari who, whether was in class or not, emitted sounds such as “ufufufu” and “tehehehe” and the like, repeatedly laughing and reminiscing, Ayano together with another close friend, Kudou Nanase started investigating. Cross-examining an evading Yukari, slippery as an eel, they managed to pull out an answer at lunch break.<br />
<br />
“Oh, he’s so very cute...”<br />
<br />
Once she opened her mouth nobody could stop her. While they could do nothing but listen, Yukari started talking about the cuteness of the dog in the smallest details.<br />
<br />
“He’s still this small and his fur is glossy black.”<br />
<br />
“Hmmm…”<br />
<br />
“Ahh, is that so...”<br />
<br />
Ayano and Nanase threw the appropriate words in conversation in an indifferent manner, exchanged glances and sighed. They started whispering in a low voice.<br />
<br />
“Good grief, since she was making such a merry face I imagined something different. I even thought you had your first sexual experience.”<br />
<br />
“With whom?”<br />
<br />
“Well if it’s Yukari, don’t you have a feeling she would likely do it with some guy she met for the first time just because she is pleased with him?“<br />
<br />
“Indeed, because she’s similar to a kid living through her senses.”<br />
<br />
Ayano earnestly nodded in assent.<br />
<br />
Meanwhile, Yukari was going on and on, boasting about the puppy. They lent an ear listening without any particular intention.<br />
<br />
“Whats more, his eyes are as red as a ruby.”<br />
<br />
“Oh?”<br />
<br />
“On the tail he has no hair but instead is covered with tiny scales.”<br />
<br />
“Hey!”<br />
<br />
“Sometimes he’s breathing fire from his mouth.”<br />
<br />
“Wait a second!!”<br />
<br />
Both Ayano and Nanase shouted with matching, clear voices.<br />
<br />
“What’s the matter?”<br />
<br />
“Don’t ask me what’s the matter! What sort of puppy is that thing!?”<br />
<br />
“Eh......but, no matter how you look at it, it’s a dog? It whimpers, among other things.”<br />
<br />
“Does a dog breathe fire?”<br />
<br />
Together with Ayano’s exclamation, Yukari’s complexion changed as if she became aware of something.<br />
<br />
“T-then, don’t tell me...”<br />
<br />
“That’s right, the animal you picked up is…”<br />
<br />
“The Japanese wolf - Canis lupus hodophilax, which we were told it became extinct?”<br />
<br />
“That’s so wrong!”<br />
<br />
Shouting as always, Ayano grabbed Yukari by the collar, letting anger taking it’s natural course.<br />
<br />
“If it’s the Japanese wolf, it can breathe fire!? Do you seriously believe that!?”<br />
<br />
“Ayano-chan it hurts! Calm down!”<br />
<br />
For some reason, without showing any signs of pain, Yukari soothed Ayano with a smiling face. Naturally, it didn’t have effect and until Nanase came between them, Ayano continued shaking the girl.<br />
<br />
“Oh, get a hold of yourself.”<br />
<br />
While wedging oneself in the space between those two to pull Ayano apart, Nanase asked Yukari.<br />
<br />
“Still, you seriously didn’t think it was odd?”<br />
<br />
“But, there are human beings spouting fire therefore why would dogs doing it be weirder, right?”<br />
<br />
“……Ah, I see.”<br />
<br />
“Wait a minute,”<br />
<br />
with a low tone as if crushing something to death, Ayano interrupted their conversation. She glares at both of them with a half open eye.<br />
<br />
“Who is that particular human being spouting fire?”<br />
<br />
“Ayano-chan.”<br />
<br />
“I’m not spouting it! Nanase, you too shouldn’t agree so easily!”<br />
<br />
Ayano shouts at her heartless (supposedly) friends, but none showed signs that they were paying attention.<br />
<br />
“Still......”<br />
<br />
“Right.”<br />
<br />
As a matter of course they nodded to each other in a similar fashion.<br />
<br />
“B-both of you are......”<br />
<br />
Although full of resentment towards the girls who don’t know true friendship, Ayano returned to the real issue at hand.<br />
<br />
“Anyway, a living-like thing who breathes fire doesn’t exist in the realm of nature! What you found is the offspring of a demon beast!”<br />
<br />
“…Demon beast?”<br />
<br />
Drawing closer to Yukari, with her head slightly bent to one’s side, Ayano, in order to terrify her, said:<br />
<br />
“That’s right. It’s a dangerous thing, absolutely. If you’re being negligent because it’s just a child, it can chew your head.”<br />
<br />
“……”<br />
<br />
For a brief period Yukari thought over Ayano’s words and then she waived her hand laughing.<br />
<br />
“It’s going to be fine. It became really emotionally attached and besides he’s really cute.”<br />
<br />
“Ah, she really doesn’t get it!”<br />
<br />
Ayano shouted, being greatly perplexed.<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
“And, oh well, it became like this...."<br />
<br />
“W-what a u-unique friend, huh,”<br />
<br />
After Ayano slovenly brought the story to a finish, Kirika made the questionable comment with a stiff smile.<br />
<br />
“Let me see, it that’s the case, our organization can deal with the above mentioned Yukari-chan. So you can relax.”<br />
<br />
“That’s not good,”<br />
<br />
It was an immediate reply. Faced with an unexpected response, Kirika lightly opens her eyes wider.<br />
<br />
“Why?”<br />
<br />
“Assuming you would send your subordinates, it doesn’t seem likely Yukari would obediently hand the demon’s offspring over. In that situation, securing the demon beast would take priority over Yukari’s will, right?”<br />
<br />
“We wouldn’t do things like trying to cause harm to one of Ayano-chan’s friends.”<br />
<br />
“Still not good. If you try meddling with Yukari, I won’t forgive you.”<br />
<br />
Closing the argument after the one-sided declaration, Ayano shifts her attention to the man who until then gave his undivided attention to the consumption of cigarettes, just because all this was none of his concern.<br />
<br />
“Because that’s the case, today we’re settling it with a swift attack and going home. Understood?”<br />
<br />
Her quiet tone shows a clear determination that denies any objection.<br />
<br />
The tip of the flame sword Enraiha was thrust out too quick for the naked eye to follow, as if hinting: “if you slack off, I’m going to freaking stab you.” However, Kazuma was not the kind of person to back down because of that. With an obstinate man-eater smile, frivolous and with a lax expression, he says:<br />
<br />
“Don’t say stuff like that. I don’t like to push myself. It’s one of those things bad for one’s health, right?“<br />
<br />
“……”<br />
<br />
Silently, Ayano increased her grip on Enraiha. The signs of an explosive situation that give hair-raising shivers fill the surroundings.<br />
<br />
“Calm down Ayano-chan,”<br />
<br />
Without a moment’s delay Kirika forced her way in the space between these two. With her seemingly casual behavior she held down Ayano’s hand holding Enraiha, carefully paying attention to it.<br />
<br />
“You want to end this quickly, right? Now it’s not the time for a split among friends.”<br />
<br />
“...…This guy, he’s not my friend.”<br />
<br />
In spite of talking back with a sulky tone, Ayano reluctantly drew back her sword. On the way to the battlefield, she asks a question without particular interest in hearing the answer.<br />
<br />
“Kerberos, huh. I wonder, did the dead escape or something?”<br />
<br />
“Well…”<br />
<br />
Kazuma answers in a seemingly disinterested manner.<br />
<br />
“It doesn’t matter what the reason is. What matters is to beat it up so badly it will go back to the entrance of Hell.”<br />
<br />
“…You make it sound so simple.”<br />
<br />
The opponent is Kerberos – one can confidently say its existence is top class among all other demon beasts, its status different from the norm. Of course it’s not a being easily summoned by the likes of men. Such a thing, why did it appear in the present age devoting itself to endless atrocities? While trying to come up with an answer, Kazuma's legs suddenly stopped.<br />
<br />
“Is this the place?”<br />
<br />
“Yeah, it’s gonna appear from the front.”<br />
<br />
Even if it’s an empty parking lot, it’s spacious enough to play a soccer game. Beside it, a strange upside-down-pyramid-like building was built.<br />
<br />
“The evacuation is finished. You don’t have to hold back.”<br />
<br />
Kazuma instigated the girl unsheathing Enraiha with a broad sneer on his face. Without responding, Ayano set her eyes on the empty space in front of her. Before their eyes… the space became loose.<br />
<br />
The space separating the two dimensions connected in a firework-like show, bits of light flickering and scattering. From inside the downpour of light, darkness penetrates, burning.<br />
<br />
“GAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAA!!”<br />
<br />
Biting and tearing the loose space with all its might, three heads appear. And then, the body.<br />
<br />
“……”<br />
<br />
At a loss for words, Ayano raises her eyes in blank amazement. It’s big. Its height exceeds five meters. A magnificent physique that easily supports three heads. Its six eyeballs, bloody red, shed a grim light. Its fangs bared, it breaths out an incandescent heat. Kerberos recognizes these two’s existence and their power. The crimson eyes overlook them and the distinct intent they carry. That is, “an enemy” that must be defeated.<br />
<br />
“Ugh……”<br />
<br />
“GAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAA!!”<br />
<br />
The demon beast howled once again. From those three mouths, together with the roar, jet-black flames gush out.<br />
<br />
“……!”<br />
<br />
Without time to dodge, Ayano and Kazuma were engulfed in the flames of hell. Kerberos overlooks from his high place and without taking the time to confirm the results, jumps over the sea of flames.<br />
<br />
“GYAUUUU!”<br />
<br />
An immaterial fist was thrust from bellow, hitting the demon beast’s jaw during the jump. From underneath the large built body spinning in the air, the Hell fire is scattered by the wind.<br />
<br />
“Honorable guest visiting so suddenly, don’t be in such a hurry, will you?”<br />
<br />
From the middle of the vanishing black flames, the taunting words can be heard. While dispersing the remains of the flames in the same manner, Ayano involuntary smiles broadly.<br />
<br />
''Good grief, this guy…''<br />
<br />
Looking next to her, as expected, is a fearless smile. Contrary to his words, his childish smiling face, full of mischief says in capital letters: “I’m gonna provoke you with everything I’ve got.” With a devil-may-care attitude, always impetuous, the kind of man you absolutely can’t put your faith in.<br />
<br />
''Despite this, why do I feel so relaxed when this man is around? It’s impossible to lose; I naturally thought so, if we are together.''<br />
<br />
“Come, let’s finish this and go back, Kazuma!”<br />
<br />
Aiming at the beast’s huge body, Ayano stepped into its territory with all her strength.<br />
<br />
“GAAAA!”<br />
<br />
But the fireballs are sliced by the beast’s claws. Even so, their purpose was to buy time until sword distance…<br />
<br />
“Waa!”<br />
<br />
Because she was slipping too close to its foreleg. Kerberos fired a killing blow from right overhead.<br />
<br />
“Eh?” <br />
<br />
Ayano opened her eyes wide. Enraiha’s blade was drawn expecting to hit the target but it was held-back – literally – by Kerberos’s fangs. She expected fire resistance as the demon beast breathes fire but there is no indication of receiving damage from the edge clad in flames.<br />
<br />
Kerberos stopped her movement. And now, the other party still has another two heads and limbs to...<br />
<br />
''This is bad…''<br />
<br />
“You fool, fall back!”<br />
<br />
“GAAAAAAA!”<br />
<br />
Together with the rebuke, Kazuma released wind blades and the demon beast roared. The shock-wave that accompanied the thunder-like roar counterbalanced his attack.<br />
<br />
“As expected from Hell’s watchdog. This is pretty good.”<br />
<br />
“This is not the place for admiration!”<br />
<br />
Screamed Ayano while retreating, slipping into a state of confusion.<br />
<br />
“What to do? Do you have a plan?”<br />
<br />
“Plan? Not particularly. We’ll win if we do it like we always do.”<br />
<br />
“You say like usual, but my attacks have no effect.”<br />
<br />
“Idiot.” <br />
<br />
Kazuma relentlessly rejected Ayano’s complaints. <br />
<br />
“No effect? As if! If you are stopped by claws and fangs you will endanger your body. To what purpose do you think Enraiha is shaped like a sword?”<br />
<br />
“Ah…”<br />
<br />
If you think about it, that’s correct. It’s not like the demon beast rendered the attack useless. It just intercepted it with fangs and claws. If you notice that you can form countless counter-attacks.<br />
<br />
“I – I got it!”<br />
<br />
“Then go already!”<br />
<br />
To a shouting Ayano trying to hide her embarrassment, Kazuma urges her forward with an impatient hand gesture. Although that rudeness made her cheeks puffy with anger, she starts running towards Kerberos.<br />
<br />
“Now then...”<br />
<br />
While closely looking at Ayano’s retreating figure and the demon beast, Kazuma is probing the opponent for a breach. As for the situation, Ayano’s is somewhat better. If things go like this, there will be no need to cover for her.<br />
<br />
Now what we have to do is send it back to Hell by causing it enough damage without killing it. That shouldn’t be so difficult – Kazuma truthfully thought so.<br />
<br />
Without having to wait for it, the opportunity came. <br />
<br />
Ayano’s slash was a faint and with the sole of her hand, hit Kerberos’s jaw. That big contrast was similar with a baby knocking an elephant off its feet. Even if it was a surreal spectacle, Kazuma didn’t lose this ideal opportunity and fired wind blades aimed at the beast’s head, still thrown back. The careful aimed blow half-sliced the left head.<br />
<br />
“GAAAAAA!!”<br />
<br />
From the wound that reached as far as the cervical vertebrae, fresh blood erupted almost like a fountain.<br />
<br />
“Look, the blood is red,”<br />
<br />
while murmuring so carefree, Kazuma lands next to Ayano.<br />
<br />
“Well then, normally after receiving such an amount of damage, it should try to escape.”<br />
<br />
Halfway through the speech, he looked up at the demon beast and sighed,<br />
<br />
“But for some reason, it seems unlikely.”<br />
<br />
“Yeah.”<br />
<br />
Despite having one head cut, the beast’s fighting spirit didn’t abate. The four eyes’ glow and radiance looked down at these two with a boiling killing intent. Furthermore, the left head which hung down up until now was raised triumphantly. Inhaling very deeply, it breaths out fire. And then……<br />
<br />
“Wha…?” <br />
<br />
Ayano opened her eyes full of shock. The left head, severed as far as the trachea gushes out jet-black flames even from the wound.<br />
<br />
“GAAAAAA…” the beast’s head was engulfed in flames for a moment.<br />
<br />
“S-Self-destruction…?”<br />
<br />
“No, that’s wrong.”<br />
<br />
Kazuma responded in a bitter, groan-like tone,<br />
<br />
“Perhaps it serves as a styptic.”<br />
<br />
“Huh?”<br />
<br />
Ayano stares at the demon beast’s head. Surely, for the sake of stopping the hemorrhage, the wound together with the head, should be carbonized. If the purpose was to stop the blood, then the goal is achieved. But even so –<br />
<br />
“It’s going that far?”<br />
<br />
“Shit… This is bad … a do or die resolution… we’re walking a tight rope.” <br />
<br />
Kazuma grumbled, seemingly unpleased from the bottom of his heart. To burn one’s head – even if there are three of them – for the sake of accomplishing one’s purpose, that’s the way this demon beast moves.<br />
<br />
Even if they consider the fact that a demon beast is capable of taking such actions, Kazuma and Ayano can’t help but prepare themselves.<br />
<br />
“No option but to kill.”<br />
<br />
“……Yeah.”<br />
<br />
With dry voices they decided the plan. Being half-hearted didn’t work. As long as the beast is alive, it can’t be stopped. There are no options besides killing it.<br />
<br />
“GAAAAAA!” <br />
<br />
Kerberos took the initiative. With the explosive power characteristic of beasts, it reduced the distance between them in a flash. <br />
<br />
Kazuma dodged it’s swung down talon blow with a water like movement. With those blood-shot eyes full of determination, Kerberos swings his claws, with a movement so fearless, it doesn’t seem it just lost one head.<br />
<br />
“GRAA……WA?”<br />
<br />
But the movement suddenly stopped. Kerberos restrains its half-way swung down limb and very seriously and longingly looks at something behind Kazuma.<br />
<br />
“…….?”<br />
<br />
Kerberos pushes Kazuma aside and makes his way through the trees behind with his claws.<br />
<br />
“Kyuuuuun….”<br />
<br />
A barely perceptible feeble whine. The black puppy that was there, apparently late at getting away, tries to conceal itself by shrinking its body as much as possible.<br />
<br />
“GRRR….”<br />
<br />
After staring at that puppy for a short while, Kerberos looks away with a howl full of sadness. The dragon-skin tail feebly hangs down, coiling on the ground.<br />
<br />
“Ah… you don’t say….”<br />
<br />
Watching that appearance, a certain reasoning flashed lightning-fast through Ayano’s brain. She thought it wasn’t possible but almost at the same time she strongly felt it was the only explanation possible. If it’s that girl…<br />
<br />
“Kazuma!”<br />
<br />
“What?”<br />
<br />
“I’ll retreat for five minutes or so I’m leaving this to you! Don’t kill it until I come back!”<br />
<br />
Ayano one-sidedly informed him and ran off without waiting for a response. After she put a few hundred meters between them, she takes her telephone hidden at the shelter. When the other person picked up, she started speaking, without waiting for a reply.<br />
<br />
“Yukari, do you hear me...?”<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
Approximately four minutes afterwards, she returned to the battlefield. Apparently Kazuma did as she said because the damage inflicted on Kerberos didn’t increase – on the contrary it apparently decreased.<br />
<br />
“Does it regenerate?”<br />
<br />
On the other hand, Kazuma shifted his attention on Ayano and asked, refreshed:<br />
<br />
“Did you go to the toilet or something?”<br />
<br />
Disregarding his frivolous talk, she pushed the telephone screen before his eyes.<br />
<br />
“What?”<br />
<br />
“I made Yukari send me a photo of the puppy she picked up.”<br />
<br />
“Why would you do such a …”<br />
<br />
Kazuma watched the screen with an indifferent look but after a few seconds and blinks he started scowling at the perspective. The photo of a “sitting” dog(?)<br />
<br />
It was basically a dog but the tail peaking from behind was growing scales. The eyes were deep crimson. But the round pupils, too big for its face, gave it a cute look instead of an atrocious one. To match his eyes, a bright red choker was fit around its neck.<br />
<br />
“So that’s the reason,”<br />
<br />
Kazuma sighed and focused on Kerberos, in order to compare them. And then, abruptly, he called the name of a woman not present.<br />
<br />
“Kirika.” <br />
<br />
It was a call that shouldn’t have reached. But in the same manner a reply came.<br />
<br />
“What?”<br />
<br />
This is a type of skill that carries one’s voice along with the wind called “Spiritual Calling.” For a practitioner of Kazuma’s magnitude, it’s easy to carry sounds separated by several kilometers and to gather the other party’s response.<br />
<br />
“Can you get in touch with Shinomiya Yukari’s house?”<br />
<br />
“……Huh?”<br />
<br />
After only a few seconds of indecision, Kirika was positive. Kazuma ignored the girl next to him, arching her eyebrows with discomfort and continued:<br />
<br />
“Secure her immediately and bring her here.”<br />
<br />
“What do you mean?”<br />
<br />
“Apparently its parent is here.”<br />
<br />
Even transmitted from a far-away place, the loss-for-words atmosphere can be felt. After a full ten seconds of unbroken silence, a voice oozing weariness got through.<br />
<br />
“Good grief… The lost puppy causes a lot of trouble. Wait thirty… no twenty minutes.”<br />
<br />
“Hurry.”<br />
<br />
After cutting off the transmission, Kazuma raised his eyes at the demon beast towering before him. Indeed, its totally motivated face stands out, looking this way.<br />
<br />
“Forget about understanding through words but… Ayano, can’t you explain our intentions? With your wild instincts or something”<br />
<br />
“As if that’s possible!!”<br />
<br />
Approximately eighteen minutes after.<br />
<br />
“It arrived?"<br />
<br />
With an unusually fatigued expression, Kazuma sighed. Immediately the sound of a helicopter’s rotor reached Ayano’s ears.<br />
<br />
“That?”<br />
<br />
“Yeah, go and fetch it.”<br />
<br />
“Ok.”<br />
<br />
Ayano nodded meekly without taking offense at the rude order,<br />
<br />
“Hold on just for a bit longer.”<br />
<br />
Reluctant to even give a response, Kazuma waived his hand instead of saying “just go already.” <br />
<br />
With a little bitter smile, Ayano started running towards the already descending helicopter. It landed squarely in the middle of the road. That fact in itself is trivial but regarding the young lady that appeared from inside, holding down her skirt fluttering in the wind, as one would expect, Ayano can’t let it pass.<br />
<br />
“Why are you here Yukari?”<br />
<br />
As for the staff members of the Special Data Organization, they couldn’t be so stupid as to bring an ordinary person on the battlefield. But she is here right now. When cross-examined, Yukari said with a somehow smiling face:<br />
<br />
“I made a little wish and I was brought along.”<br />
<br />
“A wish, you say….”<br />
<br />
In front of the bewildered Ayano the figure of a man appears from the helicopter, peeking with a hesitant face. Its grim features, after recognizing Ayano’s look, started explaining or rather vindicating before the question was even asked.<br />
<br />
“I – I swear that no rude behavior towards this girl….”<br />
<br />
“…That’s enough.” <br />
<br />
Ten minutes have already passed. Ayano negligently waved her hand, stopping his explanation. <br />
<br />
“You’re the victim. I get it, if you’re not going to complain later, you can return.”<br />
<br />
“Y – yes!”<br />
<br />
The pilot nodded with a narrowly-escape-from-death expression. After seeing off for a brief moment the helicopter, that drove off in the same direction it came from, Ayano aimed at Yukari a stern gaze.<br />
<br />
“You, did you threaten him? By using my name?”<br />
<br />
“I think that speaking style can ruin one’s respectability.”<br />
<br />
Although pouting, sharpened lips and all, Yukari didn’t deny Ayano’s words,<br />
<br />
“All I wanted was to make sure Candy was reunited with his mother.”<br />
<br />
“Candy?”<br />
<br />
“This pup, look.” <br />
<br />
Yukari unbuttoned her collar and from there a black something crawled out. It was imprisoned inside her clothes and seemed to be suffocating because it started focusing very hard on breathing, putting its tongue out. Needless to say, that was the “puppy” Yukari picked up – the young child of Kerberos. <br />
<br />
In front of Ayano, staring intently and at a loss for words, Yukari says while grinning:<br />
<br />
“Cute, isn’t he?”<br />
<br />
“Kyau!”<br />
<br />
Tickling its throat, Candy comfortably closed his eyes and barked. It became attached.<br />
<br />
But naming a living thing, whose mouth is packed with fangs instead in spite of being a puppy, “Candy”, it seems the girl didn’t harbor any reserve towards it. If it would be just that it could still be understood, but after being informed that the pup is actually a demon beast why would she enclose it next to her bosom? In all possible ways, Yukari’s sense was eluding Ayano’s comprehension.<br />
<br />
“Fine.”<br />
<br />
Setting aside various questions, Ayano holds out her hand in front of Yukari.<br />
<br />
“Anyway, hand that thing over. I’m going to return it.”<br />
<br />
“No.”<br />
<br />
Yukari immediately replied.<br />
<br />
“……Excuse me, Yukari-san?”<br />
<br />
With a delicate, stiff smile, Ayano stretches her hand even further. <br />
<br />
“Don’t say such selfish things and hand it over.”<br />
<br />
“If I say no it’s no.”<br />
<br />
Yukari took a step back embracing Candy, who crawled out of her bosom, in order to protect him.<br />
<br />
“YU – KA – RI!”<br />
<br />
Towards the friend who suddenly became unreasonable, Ayano growled with pressuring tone.<br />
<br />
“I don’t have time to play games with you. If you don’t hurry up and give it to me, we don’t know what might happen.”<br />
<br />
“I know that.”<br />
<br />
“If you know then – ”<br />
<br />
“I’ll be the one to hand it over.”<br />
<br />
Watching Ayano whose voice became more and more stern, Yukari flatly declared.<br />
<br />
“What?”<br />
<br />
“This pup, I’ll be the one who personally hands it over to his mother.”<br />
<br />
After several seconds of silence, Ayano started shouting with a shriek-like voice.<br />
<br />
“Of course I’m not going to allow you to do such a dangerous thing!”<br />
<br />
“I’ll do it no matter what!!”<br />
[[File:KnS Ignition 01 107.png|thumbnail]]<br />
Yukari retaliated with a scream that wouldn’t lose to Ayano’s.<br />
<br />
“I’m the one who picked this puppy! That’s why I’m the one who has to take it to where his mother lives! And because it’s dangerous I can’t leave it to anyone else!”<br />
<br />
“……”<br />
<br />
To this girl who argued so vehemently that tears started to accumulate in her eyes, Ayano didn’t find any persuasive words. It would be so easy to snatch it away from her…<br />
<br />
“It can’t be helped,”<br />
<br />
Although recognizing that this way of thinking is so naïve, she let it go.<br />
<br />
“It’s really dangerous so follow my instructions exactly, all right?”<br />
<br />
“Yeah,”<br />
<br />
Nodded Yukari with a sparkly smile.<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
Taking Yukari’s hand Ayano once again returned to the battlefield, where Kazuma and Kerberos confronted in silence. Running out of patience, Kerberos is trying to reduce the distance between him and Kazuma, who just stands there relaxed. <br />
<br />
That development suddenly stopped. The brute’s glance pierces Kazuma and reaches Candy, embraced by Yuukari, who stands there behind him.<br />
<br />
A silence that seemed to have stopped time, flew.<br />
<br />
“GRRRR….”<br />
<br />
“……”<br />
<br />
Yukari took Kerberos’s twisted, lowered gaze directly. Just because of that, her entire body shivers, making a rattle sound, almost overpowering her mentally, but for a civilian maybe admiration should be expressed for her emotional strength.<br />
<br />
Yukari started walking towards the demon beast, a gulp ringing in her small throat.<br />
<br />
“Ah…….”<br />
<br />
Although Ayano wanted to follow, for some reason or another her legs stopped, feeling it would be more difficult, going together.<br />
<br />
With a detached attitude Kerberos overlooked Yukari. She stopped at its feet and raised Candy, who until that point was curling on her chest, overhead.<br />
<br />
“GRRRUU…”<br />
<br />
Raising a vaguely satisfied growl, the demon beast lowered its head and received Candy skillfully, taking the choker with the tip of its fangs. But…<br />
<br />
“Uuuu…..”<br />
<br />
Yukari didn’t let go of Candy. Because both the girl and the beast didn’t back off, Candy’s body started to stretch.<br />
<br />
“Yukari, stop it….”<br />
<br />
Ayano started panicking toward such an act that exceeds even recklessness. Yukari doesn’t have any sort of strength, she’s just an ordinary girl, if Kerberos feel like it, it could crush her existence with one finger.<br />
<br />
“Kazuma….”<br />
<br />
Looking at Kazuma in order to request salvation, he bluntly states.<br />
<br />
“Impossible, at this distance the beast has the advantage.”<br />
<br />
“Auuuuu... What is that girl thinking…?”<br />
<br />
Sparing a sidelong glance at the groaning Ayano, the beast and the girl continued pulling. But before reaching a conclusion, the “rope” approached its limit.<br />
<br />
“Kyuuuu…” the moment the painful sound was raised, both parties simultaneously let Candy go.<br />
<br />
“Ooh, an Oooka Decision<ref>http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/%C5%8Coka_Tadasuke</ref>.”<br />
<br />
Mutters Kazuma openly expressing his admiration.<br />
<br />
“I’m telling you that’s not the problem….”<br />
<br />
Returns Ayano in an amazed voice. Both of them are completely left out of the event.<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
Yukari promptly caught the falling Candy. At the warm sensation from inside her arms, she expressed a soft smile full of relief. But in the next moment, the choker Yukari gave Candy, was torn from its neck and fell.<br />
<br />
“Ah…..”<br />
<br />
Looking at the sharply split choker on the ground, severed by Kerberos’s fang, the girl scowls with a sad look.<br />
<br />
“Is that so… As I thought, you’ll be happiest together with your mother.”<br />
<br />
Muttering with determination, once again Yukari presented Candy to Kerberos. This time she delivered Candy obediently, without struggle.<br />
<br />
“Candy…… will we meet again?”<br />
<br />
“Kyuuun….”<br />
<br />
Candy, snugly sitting inside Kerberos’s mouth responds to Yukari’s voice with the sad cry. They stared at each other – but time relentlessly moves on, Kerberos returns and starts walking toward the beach. Until that figure disappeared, Yukari sees off her “one day” pet in silence. <br />
<br />
Confirming that everything is over, Ayano gradually relaxes and approaches Yukari.<br />
<br />
“Good grief, don’t be so rash. You’re shortening my life span.”<br />
<br />
“Sorry.”<br />
<br />
Apologizing, Yukari’s gaze quickly returns to the sea, at the spot the demon beasts disappeared.<br />
<br />
“It’s really gone…”<br />
<br />
“Did you like that pup so much?”<br />
<br />
“Yeah, that’s part of it….”<br />
<br />
Yukari shifts her attention to Ayano, more exactly towards the hand holding Enraiha, and says with a dreamy voice:<br />
<br />
“Because Candy is a demon beast, someday he will grow as big as his mother right?”<br />
<br />
“……Probably, but I don’t know how many years it will take.”<br />
<br />
“If that’s the case, when Candy is as big as a cow or a horse, I thought I can be a demon beast user and fight together with Ayano-chan.”<br />
<br />
“......”<br />
<br />
That moment Ayano seriously became dizzy. The world shakes irregularly and a feeling of dread gives her gooseflesh, as if the earth crumbles from underneath her feet. Enduring the impulse of wanting to escape from reality, Ayano firmly sizes Yukari’s shoulders.<br />
<br />
“Yukari, don’t think about such stupid things.”<br />
<br />
“Is it impossible?”<br />
<br />
“Yes. Absolutely,”<br />
<br />
Ayano says very strongly. It would be impossible to entrust her back to a human like Yukari, whose train of thought she cannot comprehend. Using persuasive words until exhaustion, Ayano becomes aware Kazuma is staring at her with an amusing look on his face.<br />
<br />
“So that’s what you call friends gained through common interests?”<br />
<br />
“Wait! I can’t let that pass!”<br />
<br />
“Ah – what do you mean Ayano-chan,”<br />
<br />
Asks Yukari tangling with a pissed off Ayano.<br />
<br />
“Ah – no, it’s not like that… Kazuma, where are you going?”<br />
<br />
“Don’t try to deceive me. Ayano-chan do you hate me?”<br />
<br />
Behind Kazuma’s back, who turns back, ignoring them, how long will these two continue to fight?<br />
<br />
<br />
<noinclude><br />
<br />
==References==<br />
<references/><br />
<br />
{| border="1" cellpadding="5" cellspacing="0" style="margin: 1em 1em 1em 0; background: #f9f9f9; border: 1px #aaaaaa solid; padding: 0.2em; border-collapse: collapse;"<br />
|-<br />
| Back to [[Kaze_no_Stigma:Ignition_Volume1_Chapter 2|Chapter 2]]<br />
| Return to [[Kaze_no_Stigma|Main Page]]<br />
| Forward to [[Kaze_no_Stigma:Ignition_Volume1_Chapter 4|Chapter 4]]<br />
|-<br />
|}<br />
</noinclude></div>Black Ice Princehttps://www.baka-tsuki.org/project/index.php?title=Kaze_no_Stigma:Volume6_Chapter_1&diff=293814Kaze no Stigma:Volume6 Chapter 12013-10-13T02:04:17Z<p>Black Ice Prince: </p>
<hr />
<div>== Disaster together with the wind ==<br />
<br />
<br />
=== Part 1 ===<br />
<br />
<br />
Completely burning and exorcising the evil spirit in one single stroke, Kannagi Ayano turned around. - And then her eyebrows frowned at an acute angle.<br />
<br />
What was reflected in her field of vision, was the silhouette of a man looking at the sky with a somewhat distant look.<br />
<br />
In outline, despite accompanying her here under the pretext of being her bodyguard he seemed not to have noticed the battle ended. <br />
<br />
"--------hey"<br />
<br />
"Huh? Aah. is it over? "<br />
<br />
Glaring at him with half opened eyes, the man - Yagami Kazuma briefly looked over the surroundings and nodded once. And then, he declared without hesitation. <br />
<br />
"Let's go back then"<br />
<br />
".......you're so...", groaned Ayano in a gloomy tone. <br />
<br />
But of course Kazuma ignored that and started walking by himself. <br />
<br />
"Aa, hey, wait! "<br />
<br />
Chasing after him in a fluster, Ayano drew near Kazuma pouting. <br />
<br />
"I already forgot how many tomes I told you this but - since it's been arranged you're kind of my escort, even it you won't help at least look! "<br />
<br />
"Ha ha ha, you're so baka"<br />
<br />
Expressing a refreshing smile, the kind a good young man would have, Kazuma looked over his shoulder to Ayano. <br />
<br />
"It's because I really trust your ability that I can leave it to you without worries. "<br />
<br />
"I can't believe you at all! ", replied Ayano as if slapping something.<br />
<br />
How to say this, it was an entirely usual back and forth argument. <br />
<br />
Yes, since then - since Pandemonium was destroyed and Bernhardt and Lapis disappeared, Kazuma didn't displayed any sort of change. <br />
<br />
With the same frivolous, slack smiling face like always, teasing Ayano as always, wondering about like always, with an attitude that couldn't be grasped just like the wind, he spent his days like that.<br />
<br />
There was no indication he was forcing himself. There was no change from before ---- Even though that was impossible. <br />
<br />
He must hurt. He must be sad. <br />
<br />
And yet, Kazuma never shows that. <br />
<br />
Ayano was very uneasy about that. <br />
<br />
She thought it was dangerous for Kazuma not to show others his weakness. <br />
<br />
But what she feared even more was the possibility she didn't understand anything about Kazuma. <br />
<br />
In spite of the fact that he was hurt he did not seem to be so. <br />
<br />
If that's the case, from now on assuming Kazuma would hurt even more would she not even be able to see that?<br />
<br />
No, everything she saw of Kazuma until now until now was maybe nothing but a mask that concealed his wounded heart. <br />
<br />
She was supposed to have come to understand Kazuma, even just a little. <br />
<br />
She was supposed to get to the core even just a little, to the inner part of his heart pretending to be superficial. <br />
<br />
But if all of it was nothing bore but a delusion...<br />
<br />
''"Kazuma-------"''<br />
<br />
Walking absent-minded, Ayano stared at Kazuma's back who walked soundlessly. <br />
<br />
If she were to call him he would turn around with the same smiling face. But - <br />
<br />
''"Are you here? Are you really looking at me? "''<br />
<br />
He is so close and yet, for some reason, Kazuma's back was distant. <br />
<br />
Was it because she was thinking such things? Not typical of her, her reaction was late. <br />
<br />
Suddenly, something like a huge pole appeared before her eyes and without time to avoid it, Ayano crashed into it. <br />
<br />
"Kyaa!? "<br />
<br />
It had a somewhat soft touch for a pole. Looking at it better, that was Kazuma's arm pushed out in front of her eyes. <br />
<br />
"Wha, Kazuma------"<br />
<br />
Her words of complaint were interrupted in the middle. <br />
<br />
Kazuma's face didn't have a particle of jest to it, and was sharply looking forward like a totally different person from before. <br />
<br />
"Kazuma, what is----"<br />
<br />
"Prepare"<br />
<br />
Without giving her the time to finish her question, directly ordered. <br />
<br />
Almost by reflex Ayano hunched her back. <br />
<br />
Immediately following - from the front, a spiritual power detonated. <br />
<br />
The wind barrier Kazuma put on creaked fighting with the same kind of power. <br />
<br />
''"Same nature--------huh, eeeeeeeeeh!? "''<br />
<br />
Ayano's face became stiff with shock. <br />
<br />
But no matter how much she doubted her eyes, the reality won't change. <br />
<br />
What was attacking them right now was beyond doubt, the power of ''wind''. <br />
<br />
"Why on earth....", murmured Kazuma as if spitting out while enduring the ''enemy'' attack. <br />
<br />
The disturbance felt in that voice was definitely not Ayano's delusion. <br />
<br />
For Kazuma, the one who contracted the Spirit Lord of the Wind - the <<Contractor>>, it means that all of the wind spirits are extensions of himself. <br />
<br />
To have them turn on him, it was theoretically impossible. <br />
<br />
"............." <br />
<br />
Ayano unsheathed Enraiha, and searched for presence in the surroundings. As for the perception withing range, she did not feel any hostile being. But -<br />
<br />
"Kazuma, where is the enemy? "<br />
<br />
At that question asked in a controlled voice, Kazuma pointed straight ahead. Without waiting, from there regular footsteps resounded - and then, stopped. <br />
<br />
"------Eeh?"<br />
<br />
Looking at the figure that boldly appeared from the front without hiding himself, Ayano unintentionally opened her eyes wide. <br />
<br />
She looked at Kazuma as if asking if that was the right person. <br />
<br />
But, without turning his eyes to Ayano, Kazuma was only staring directly at the boy in the front. <br />
<br />
That's right - the ''enemy'' blocking their way was even younger that Ayano, a boy of thirteen or fourteen. <br />
<br />
His body dressed in a stand-up collar shirt and thin pants, he looked more delicate that his years and was shorter than Ayano. <br />
<br />
He had soft hair cut short that made one want to touch. <br />
<br />
He was a very androgynous but adorable bishonen. <br />
<br />
But the impression until now was overturned by only two things. <br />
<br />
The first were those eyes. The color was dark brown, very common for Asian people. But the light that dwelt in them, like the difference between a cat and a tiger cub, made it clear that the boy was a warrior. <br />
<br />
And the second.<br />
<br />
Ayano's gaze slightly pointed upwards. The boy's stature was lower than hers. But that top she was looking at was even higher than Kazuma's head. <br />
<br />
Approximately two meters. <br />
<br />
Held in the hand of the small boy, it was an object of unsuitable size. But even so the boy held it tightly in his small hand. <br />
<br />
The jet black handle that was so exceeding the boy's height by that much and the silver blade stretching further was a simple and clear shape forged only for killing people and to destroy one's enemies. <br />
<br />
Massive, sharp, piercing and smashing everything. <br />
<br />
It was something everyone would understand only after a glance, a very long and boorish spear. <br />
<br />
"..........."<br />
<br />
In silence the boy thrusts the long spear forward. <br />
<br />
Until now it was positioned next to his waist. He stretched his left foot back on grand scale.<br />
<br />
Without saying anything he only did that. But only by doing that the spear that until now seemed disproportioned turned one with the boy as if it were so from the beginning. <br />
<br />
"Kuuh-------!"<br />
<br />
At the master posture, Ayano reorganized her confused mind. It has nothing to do with she sees. <br />
<br />
That is, beyond doubt, an enemy.<br />
<br />
Unsheathing Enraiha, she faced the boy. And then----- she waited. <br />
<br />
She won't make the first move since against the spear with he longest reach. First she'll let herself be hit and move after.<br />
<br />
That was the proper practice. Besides---<br />
<br />
Ayano fleetingly looked at Kazuma. If the enemy is a Fujutsushi this man won't fall behind. If he would fire the same wind blades like before, Kazuma's barrier will definitely endure it. <br />
<br />
Using that gap should be good. <br />
<br />
''"It's coming! "''<br />
<br />
The boy moved as Ayano expected. He rushed in a big way and pushed out that spear using that force. <br />
<br />
Of course, it wasn't a distance the spear would reach but the condensed wind blade fired from the edge of the blade approached the two at the speed of sound. <br />
<br />
Ayano concentrated her power on Enraiha. <br />
<br />
If she becomes completely defenseless against the wind blade, the fact that it cannot tear down Kazuma barrier, was for her something absolute, a common knowledge. <br />
<br />
Therefore, with all her power she trended towards the returning blade, sharpening her consciousness to the utmost limit weighing the timing. <br />
<br />
But, that plan was wiped out quick enough. <br />
<br />
And in addition to that by the hand of the partner she put the utmost confidence it- no, by his leg.<br />
<br />
"Huh? "<br />
<br />
''''Don!''''<br />
<br />
The impact that attacked her from her right side sent Ayano flying from that place. <br />
<br />
Because it came from a perfectly unexpected direction, she couldn't resist it.<br />
<br />
"------ha?"<br />
<br />
At the unbearable scene, her consciousness froze for a moment. But as she could still land even unconscious, Ayano replayed over and over the moment Kazuma's cheek was torn.<br />
<br />
''"Eeh-------Why? "''<br />
<br />
Her reason refused to recognize it. <br />
<br />
That was something impossible, that could never happen and such.<br />
<br />
However that was - the meaning of that scene was - <br />
<br />
"Wa-------Kazuma-----"<br />
<br />
"You're noisy, shut up! The next one is coming! "<br />
<br />
In an unusually violent tone, Kazuma interrupted Ayano's words. Without wiping the blood spilling from his cheek and while a cold sweat was spreading on his brow. <br />
<br />
''"----No way"''<br />
<br />
She was still denying it deep in her heart. She had faith in her ideal, her aspiration. <br />
<br />
But she had no choice but to recognize the result right now.<br />
<br />
In front of the enemy's wind blade, Kazuma's wind barrier was pierced through without resisting for a second. <br />
<br />
Ayano's face flipped up in astonishment looking hard at the boy standing before her eyes. <br />
<br />
The boy was clearly not boasting of his power but set up the spear indifferent.<br />
<br />
In a manner as if to say ''this is only natural''.<br />
<br />
''"This guy, no way - "''<br />
<br />
Trying focusing her mind, Ayano could do nothing but admit that she way yet not taking the situation seriously. <br />
<br />
Thinking about it, it was an appropriate situation if you exclude all previous assumptions. <br />
<br />
As Kazuma is a Contractor, theoretically all Wind Spirits are under his control. Then, another Fujutsushi won't be able to even begin an attack let alone oppose him.<br />
<br />
What can overturn that principle, was someone like Kazamaki Ryuya who manipulated spirits that went hand and used Jutsu differently from it's root or, a Jutsushi who was by far more capable than Kazuma. <br />
<br />
''"No way - someone stronger than Kazuma--------? "''<br />
<br />
A chill ran along the muscles on her spine. <br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
Without minding Ayano's disturbance, the boy pointed the spear to the target.<br />
<br />
Without any confusion, it accurately aimed at Ayano. <br />
<br />
"This way!? " <br />
<br />
Simultaneously with that turned inside out scream, the spear grew hazy. <br />
<br />
A certain kill blow that could simply pass through Kazuma's barrier. <br />
<br />
Without thinking of blocking it from the beginning Ayano tumbled in order to avoid it. <br />
<br />
She barely escaped. <br />
<br />
But, as a compensation, her posture was fatally disordered. In the two seconds she needed to reorganize herself - she can die ten times over. <br />
<br />
"Kuu"<br />
<br />
In those wide opened eyes that forgot even to blink, the boy taking a pursuit stance was reflected. <br />
<br />
Facing the unable to move Ayano, the boy unleashed the spear without hesitation. <br />
<br />
"You think I'll let you! "<br />
<br />
In that space, together with an angry roar, a gale forced its way through. <br />
<br />
As if getting angry at being neglected on account of being worthless, Kazuma fired wind blades to the rapidly penetrating wind spear. <br />
<br />
But, between the slashing attack and the spear thrust, there was an exceptional difference in their densities. <br />
<br />
Not only unable to offset each other, unable to compete for even a moment, the wind blades were quickly crushed. <br />
<br />
''"Wha.......so much bullshit? "''<br />
<br />
At the overwhelming power difference demonstrated, Ayano soundlessly petrified.<br />
<br />
But, without any sigh of confusion, as if expecting it, Kazuma fired the second and third attack. <br />
<br />
When that number reached five, finally the wind spear was negated. <br />
<br />
"........this is outrageous", breathed out Kazuma smacking his lips. <br />
<br />
Ayano had entirely the same opinion. <br />
<br />
By a simple calculation, five times Kazuma's wind strength - to put ot bluntly, it was a difference it coudn't even be spoken of. <br />
<br />
"............"<br />
<br />
The boy turned a colorless gaze to Kazuma but he immediately looked away.<br />
<br />
As if literally declaring ''You don't exist in my opinion''.<br />
<br />
"How cold, mind me a little bit more. If not, I'll sulk. "<br />
<br />
But, clearly not hesitant about the power difference, with the impudent talk as usual, Kazuma started walking towards the boy. <br />
<br />
As if brushing away the enemy approaching in a straight line, the boy wielded the spear as if sweeping sideways. <br />
<br />
Kazuma avoided the attack by dunking so low his head touched the ground, and then from that position, a complete forward somersault. <br />
<br />
The heel of his right leg vertically described a circle aimed at the boy's head. <br />
<br />
"-----!!"<br />
<br />
The rotating kick that was both offense and defense, as expected, it surprised the boy. <br />
<br />
Although he blocked it by pushing out the spear above his head, the jet black handle bent because of the clashing impact. <br />
<br />
"Kuuh........."<br />
<br />
But even so, the boy narrowly survived the blow. <br />
<br />
And then in a bold move trying to aim at the gap immediately following, supporting his upside down falling body in one hand, this time with his left foot, Kazuma kicked the boy's leg. <br />
<br />
The boy went to his knees. <br />
<br />
In the meantime, Kazuma promptly stood up, and just like a whirlwind he applied a roundhouse kick from behind. <br />
<br />
"----------!! "<br />
<br />
Swaying back with all his strength, the boy avoided the kick attacking his temple. <br />
<br />
Greatly bending backwards his upper body, he let himself fall just like that, curled his body to disperse the shock and rotated backwards. <br />
<br />
Taking a defensive attitude he escaped Kazuma's offensive range.<br />
<br />
"Kuuh....."<br />
<br />
"-----Humph"<br />
<br />
Responding to the boy's glare full of hate, switching over to the standing in one knee posture after rolling three times, Kazuma returned one full of scorn. <br />
<br />
Just then, the boy's gaze became even more severe. <br />
<br />
Literally rolled in mud by the opponent he was looking down on, he was despised even more. That disgrace was more than he could imagine. <br />
<br />
The boy quickly stood up and pointed his spear to Kazuma. He spoke in a squeezed to death voice. <br />
<br />
"You bastard.....don't get in my way..........."<br />
<br />
"Oo, the random attacker brat finally uses his mouth"<br />
<br />
As if being surprised, Kazuma unnaturally raised one eyebrow. <br />
<br />
".......who's a random attacker? "<br />
<br />
"Look closely in the mirror at least once and see what you're doing. It would be best to repent and surrender afterwards. "<br />
<br />
"........."<br />
<br />
The boy already didn't answer to Kazuma's persiflage continuing fluently. <br />
<br />
Did he used it all up or he had no intent of replying, in any case, the point of the spear thrust without disturbance was more eloquent that a thousand words, announcing the boy's intent. <br />
<br />
But even so, Kazuma didn't lost his composure and confronted him with a daring smile. <br />
<br />
Expecting from that attitude to have found the method of capturing the boy, Ayano's alertness relaxed so she spoke. <br />
<br />
"All thing considered, this is rare. For you to engage in close combat by yourself without being challenged"<br />
<br />
Kazuma's tactic was basically a long distance attack using wind blades. <br />
<br />
But despite that his martial art form was stronger than Ayano's, which the girl found exceedingly annoying----<br />
<br />
Anyhow, since that Kazuma was especially engaging in close combat, she stated thinking that may be the key to capture him in those circumstances but --- the answer was unexpected in various ways. <br />
<br />
With a tendency to pout, as if sulking, Kazuma said.<br />
<br />
"But, I can't win with a thing like Fujutsu"<br />
<br />
".......you.......", murmured Ayano greatly perplexed at that excessively miserable manner of speaking. <br />
<br />
"Don't speak ''''so shameful so lightly'''' you baka! Besides, what the heck does ''thing'' mean, huh!? Do you think you're at an age where speaking like that is tolerated!? "<br />
<br />
"But, you see......"<br />
<br />
"Don't <<But, you see....>> me!! Stop talking immediately like a spoiled mama's boy, it disgusts me! "<br />
<br />
She finished her sentence in one breath. <br />
<br />
That was by no means something insincere, a really bad feeling was spreading on her skin. <br />
<br />
""Well, leaving that aside"<br />
<br />
In front of Ayano breathing heavily because of too much stimulation, as if nothing happened, Kazuma quickly regained his usual sarcastic manner.<br />
<br />
With a light gesture, lacking any feeling of tension, Kazuma pointed forward. <br />
<br />
"Our honorable guest is waiting. "<br />
<br />
"Eeh? Aah---------"<br />
<br />
Hearing that blunder she completely forgot but right now they were in the middle of the battle. <br />
<br />
A formidable enemy like never before holding a spear hiding a tremendous power, he was only aiming at them. <br />
<br />
But, very strangely, in spite of Ayano showing a lethal gap, the boy didn't began the attack. <br />
<br />
As if he was waiting for them to prepare, he stood still spear ready. <br />
<br />
''"What is going on---------? "''<br />
<br />
Why did the boy overlooked such a definite gap? <br />
<br />
She thought so too when Kazuma kept him in check, there was something strange. <br />
<br />
"Just what is this boy trying to do? "<br />
<br />
Although seeming to agree with that opinion and he was composedly smiling, his gaze was shooting through the boy without a trace of slackness, trying to feel around his true intention. <br />
<br />
But, the boy was thoroughly cold towards Kazuma. <br />
<br />
"I have no business with you", he coldly declared with a really apathetic expression. <br />
<br />
At that indifferent sentence, Kazuma let out a murmur, all his <<Ki>> coming out. <br />
<br />
"Hee----"<br />
<br />
"-------tch! "<br />
<br />
At that time, with the fastest movement, Ayano grabbed the cuff of his jacket. <br />
<br />
Kazuma turned around suspicious. <br />
<br />
"What? "<br />
<br />
"Right now you, you just thought of abandoning me and running by yourself, right!? That's not going to happen! "<br />
<br />
".........Not really, I didn't think something like that"<br />
<br />
"Humph, I wonder! But for your information I'll never let you escape! We go to the grave together! "<br />
<br />
Looking at Ayano grasping tightly the cuff of his jacket so he'll never run, Kazuma murmured more amazed than ever. <br />
<br />
"Why are you expressly taking such a pessimistic decision? "<br />
<br />
"But......."<br />
<br />
"To begin with, he's not such an opponent that you have to risk your like against"<br />
<br />
".......Eeh? "<br />
<br />
Involuntarily not believing her ears, Ayano stared at Kazuma. <br />
<br />
''"Right now........what was that?"''<br />
<br />
The opponent is someone who might have surpassed even Kazuma, a Fujutsushi ''outside human common sense'' grade. <br />
<br />
And yet, from the way he spoke just now, she didn't felt any sort threat -<br />
<br />
"......I said I have no business with you"<br />
<br />
[[Image:Kaze no Stigma vol 06 021.jpg|thumb|]]<br />
<br />
Gazing at the slightly smiling Kazuma, the boy announced for a second time. <br />
<br />
And then, with eyes burning with the will to fight, he glared at Ayano. <br />
<br />
"The successor of Enraiha! If you say you're the rightful owner of the flame's sacred treasure - then show that power to me! "<br />
<br />
With that vigorous shout, the boy took an offensive posture. <br />
<br />
The swelling power was kneaded more and more, stronger, sharper.<br />
<br />
But, Ayano didn't yet found the way to oppose that spear facing her.<br />
<br />
"W- wait a seco- "<br />
<br />
Ayano was flustered but the boy was about to unleash the spear without hesitation. ---------But, as expected Kazuma couldn't tolerate that in silence.<br />
<br />
"I told you I won't let you"<br />
<br />
Together with that verdict combined with a smile, the unleashed wind blade drew an arc, attacking the boy from the flank. <br />
<br />
To intercept that, the boy unwillingly interrupted his attack. <br />
<br />
"Kuu! Don't - "<br />
<br />
"Of course I'll get in the way, brat! "<br />
<br />
Replying with scorn at the gaze full of hatred, Kazuma calmly blocked the boy's way.<br />
<br />
"Because I'm sort of this woman's guard and I receive money for it"<br />
<br />
"Guard.......? "<br />
<br />
The boy's pupils were turned to Ayano full of surprise and anger.<br />
<br />
From that gaze it looked like more than the fact that Kazuma was getting in the way so he couldn't defeat her, he condemned Ayano's weakness who had to employ something like a guard. <br />
<br />
"And with that, this time I'll be the one to start" <br />
<br />
But without caring about such things, Kazuma declared so and then he put it into effect. <br />
<br />
From right overhead perpendicularly blowing down, a huge down-burst descended. <br />
<br />
the strong wind striking down without a definite aim, shredded the earth cutting everything in touched. <br />
<br />
The soaring dust cloud blocked their vision. <br />
<br />
While cursing the boy pushed up the spear and lightly twisted his wrists. <br />
<br />
The small circle drawn by the spearhead created a strong tornado. <br />
<br />
The tornado scattered the down-burst in a moment and coincidentally forced the dust cloud in the atmosphere. <br />
<br />
The air was purified. But - <br />
<br />
The moment his field of vision cleared, those two figures were nowhere to be seen. <br />
<br />
"Did you run away.........?", murmured the boy staring in wonder as expected feeling surprised. <br />
<br />
But immediately pulling himself together, he searched for <<Kehai>> in the surroundings. <br />
<br />
After several seconds ------ the boy turned northeast with confident eyes. <br />
<br />
However, he didn't chased after them immediately but looked up at the sky with a somewhat dark expression, starring at a distant place. <br />
<br />
".......The power of Enraiha's user is only this much? With this......"<br />
<br />
That figure murmuring feebly, appropriate for his age, was forlorn like a child on the verge of bursting into tears.<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
=== Part 2 ===<br />
<br />
Hiding himself in a building in the middle of construction, Kazuma looked annoyed. <br />
<br />
"Well, if we could shake him off with this, it would be so easy"<br />
<br />
"..........."<br />
<br />
Ayano was staring at that Kazuma with a pure white gaze. <br />
<br />
"What? "<br />
<br />
"I'm amazed. You said it would be an easy victory but suddenly we're running like some animal with the tail between the legs, huh? "<br />
<br />
At that answer loaded with despair, Kazuma looked at the sky as if thinking back on his memory, cocking his head in puzzlement. <br />
<br />
"------Did I said something like that? "<br />
<br />
"Sure you did. That he's not such opponent you have to risk your life against. "<br />
<br />
"Aah, that"<br />
<br />
Quickly agreeing on this, Kazuma continued. <br />
<br />
"What about you, ''why'' couldn't you turn against him, do you have a pretext for that? "<br />
<br />
"Eeh? No, not really-----"<br />
<br />
"Then rather that not fighting and thinking about dying, isn't it better to run? "<br />
<br />
"Is that what you meant? ", replied Ayano with all her strength. <br />
<br />
But, of course Kazuma didn't show a sigh of shyness. <br />
<br />
Stuff like ''running away is shameful'' or ''a warrior's pride'' that's something that would never come out of this man. <br />
<br />
"Good grief......leaving that aside, did you shook him off? "<br />
<br />
"Isn't that impossible? ", immediately replied Kazuma extremely careless. <br />
<br />
"It's different from when I'm alone, it's because there's an Enjutsushi with me"<br />
<br />
The amount of Spirits that accompanied Ayano, the direct descendant of the Kannagi Clan, the highest authority of Enjutsushi was absurdly enormous even in peace times. <br />
<br />
Naturally, even the Kehai she emitted was luxurious and gorgeous, giving one the impression it was a billboard and perfectly concealing all that brilliance was next to impossible even with Kazuma's proficiency. <br />
<br />
Although it may be possible for an ordinary opponent, escaping that boy's eye was beyond optimistic. <br />
<br />
"Then, what are we going to do? "<br />
<br />
"......Why do I have to think about it? "<br />
<br />
Kazuma replied to Ayano's question like he was the embodiment of laziness. <br />
<br />
"You're the one he's aiming at, right? "<br />
<br />
"But, aren't you my partner? ", declared Ayano, in a tone of declaring the reasonable truth. <br />
<br />
Kazuma grimaced magnificently. <br />
<br />
At the first glance, Kazuma seems irresponsible and practically he is fairly irresponsible but his his business ethic is unexpectedly high. <br />
<br />
Dishonoring a contract was something that never happened. <br />
<br />
Of course, that was not because of his virtuous mind, but because he had a thorough knowledge just how bad it could hurt his business credence --- meaning that the reason for that honesty was profit and loss arithmetic and yet Ayano's words unexpectedly poked at that. <br />
<br />
"What do you think we should do? "<br />
<br />
"Running is best"<br />
<br />
Although turning his back to that second question he answered honestly. <br />
<br />
"That brat doesn't seem stupid enough to attack the Kannagi Residence, don't you agree? Even if by some chance he does that, Oyaji or the Suzerain will settle the problem but most important if I take you back home my contract is over. "<br />
<br />
"..................."<br />
<br />
Ayano looked at Kazuma, persistently prioritizing his own comfort, with a white gaze. <br />
<br />
But, thinking about the way the battle progressed so far, that was understandable. <br />
<br />
To Ayano that boy seemed clearly ahead of Kazuma as a Fujutsushi.<br />
<br />
Rather that using a different Jutsu, using the same and being defeated by a Jutsushi who has more excellent and had more talent was something she didn't thought possible. <br />
<br />
That is to say, thinking about it rationally, that's how it is. Kazuma cannot win against that boy. <br />
<br />
But, even though she saw this man overwhelmed in reality Ayano couldn't imagine this man loose. <br />
<br />
The girl was believing in his strength equal to common sense. <br />
<br />
''"It's impossible for Kazuma to loose"''<br />
<br />
"----Say, Kazuma"<br />
<br />
After hesitating Ayano asked directly. <br />
<br />
"Is that child, stronger that you? "<br />
<br />
"That brat is nothing impressive by himself"<br />
<br />
Unexpectedly, Kazuma declared so without hesitation. <br />
<br />
Hearing that answer Ayano felt relief for a moment but it literally didn't go beyond a moment. <br />
<br />
"The problem is that spear he has"<br />
<br />
"-------Aah? "<br />
<br />
She saw it during battle - It was shown to her - Remembering the spear's tremendous power, Ayano sighed heavily. <br />
<br />
"That was an amazing strength. That's the first time I saw a weapon pregnant with so much power"<br />
<br />
"..........."<br />
<br />
With half-opened eyes, Kazuma stared at Ayano murmuring absentmindedly. <br />
<br />
He made a blatantly shocked face but Ayano, lost in her own thought, didn't noticed. <br />
<br />
"So, what's up with that spear? "<br />
<br />
"................."<br />
<br />
"--------what? "<br />
<br />
Finally noticing Kazuma's subdued eyes, Ayano innocently asked. Kazuma quietly turned his gaze away and looked at the blue sky.<br />
<br />
"What!? "<br />
<br />
"No, it's nothing But that spear--"<br />
<br />
"Do you know of it? "<br />
<br />
"That's the first time I saw it so I can't say for sure ---- it's probably Kokusen. "<br />
<br />
"What's that? "<br />
<br />
"..................."<br />
<br />
From the reaction until now, Kazuma expected that answer. <br />
<br />
He expected it but could do nothing about loosing all the strength in his body. <br />
<br />
His upper body leaned on the wall slanting. He seemed intolerably attracted to roll over just like that and going to sleep. <br />
<br />
"Hey, what's up with that reaction? Just because you're somewhat of a walking dictionary don't put on airs! "<br />
<br />
She thought Kazuma's attitude was an insult so Ayano sulked pouting her lips. <br />
<br />
But, even that very lovely gesture couldn't impress him. <br />
<br />
"Should I explain for the sake of the baka girl who doesn't know anything......"<br />
<br />
After those provocative used as introduction, Kazuma briefly explained. <br />
<br />
"Kokusen is the sacred treasure of the Wind. The same as your Enraiha. "<br />
<br />
"-----Eeh? "<br />
<br />
Forgetting her anger at those impolite words, Ayano stared at him in puzzlement. <br />
<br />
That was something very surprising. <br />
<br />
She required thirty seconds until she could understand Kazuma's explanation. <br />
<br />
"Secret treasure - of the wind? Then, what about water and soil? "<br />
<br />
"I don't know about those but Enraiha of the Fire and Kokusen of the Wind are both famous. Did you really not know? "<br />
<br />
"yeah"<br />
<br />
As Ayano nodded quickly, Kazuma looked at the sky. <br />
<br />
"Study a bit more, you. If I'm not mistaken, the Fuan family from Hong Kong was supposed to have it but......."<br />
<br />
"But, what? "<br />
<br />
"But if that brat became the successor, it's impossible that I didn't hear of it. Did he just took over? "<br />
<br />
"It's not something that concerns you"<br />
<br />
"Well, that's true"<br />
<br />
Kazuma responded to the third voice suddenly cutting in the conversation calmly, without becoming confused. <br />
<br />
"Wha---"<br />
<br />
But, Ayano jumped to her feet. And then, as expected, that silhouette was in her field of vision. <br />
<br />
"Did you think you could escape, Enjutsushi? ", informed the boy coldly, holding the spear. <br />
<br />
The self-confidence dwelling in his voice ---- when the searching ability is concerned, the Fujutsushi will always win. <br />
<br />
Meaning that an Enjutsushi can't win. <br />
<br />
Ignoring Kazuma who was the same, that declaration was bragging about how he was the overwhelmingly superior Jutsushi. <br />
<br />
"Play time is over. If you don't want to die demonstrate your power, Enraiha's user"<br />
<br />
"Kuu----- "<br />
<br />
As if overpowered by that determined gaze, Ayano let out a small moan. She looked at Kazuma requesting a counter plan but -<br />
<br />
"Why are you still sitting down? Get up already! "<br />
<br />
"Huh? Aah, am I getting in the way? Well then, I'll step back a bit more so do your best......"<br />
<br />
"Don't fall back! You should fight too! "<br />
<br />
He truly didn't display any willingness. <br />
<br />
"Besides, you're the one aimed at, no? He went as far as nominating you so, do it by yourself without nominating others"<br />
<br />
"Wha---But, you're my escort, aren't you? "<br />
<br />
"That's right. That's why, well - how about this? I'll help you if you're about to die so until then - "<br />
<br />
It was at the time Kazuma said that i a voice without motivation. <br />
<br />
During the time those two ere exchanging such idiotic words, the boy's shoulders trembled as he remained a spectator, without attacking.<br />
<br />
He turned to Kazuma with a cold gaze, cold but with a something that was on the verge of boiling dwelling inside.<br />
<br />
"''help you if you're about to die'', huh? Do you think a third rate Fujutsushi like you can stop me? "<br />
<br />
A frank disdain thrown at Kazuma together with an ostentations derisive laughter. <br />
<br />
There's no need to say it, even for a normal human the anger would be insuppressible. <br />
<br />
But, Kazuma -<br />
<br />
"------pfff"<br />
<br />
Averting his eyes after looking at the boy's face, he made a small snicker. <br />
<br />
"Wha- what's so funny? "<br />
<br />
".........No, it's because I understand you're doing your best."<br />
<br />
With a sidelong glance at the exasperated boy flicking off the derision mask, Kazuma's laugh mage his shoulders tremble. <br />
<br />
"Even though you take the ''I completely ignore the likes of you'' attitude the best you can, since you cannot help but react to every single one of my words, well, it must be because you're young, I'm thinking"<br />
<br />
"-------!"<br />
<br />
Suddenly remembering what happened, with a red face the boy was silent. <br />
<br />
Seeing that, Kazuma made resound an even lower laughter. <br />
<br />
"You, you bastard.........!"<br />
<br />
Grinding his teeth at the humiliation of a <<lower rank>> making fun of him, the boy glared at Kazuma. <br />
<br />
And then, he thrust the tip of Kokusen at the man who made fun of him so much.<br />
<br />
"Isn't this fine? Then, I'll teach you your place first! "<br />
<br />
"------Aah? "<br />
<br />
Kazuma looked at the boy amazed. This development was obviously unexpected.<br />
<br />
Even though he feigned calmness and his inexperience could be seen through because he was not yet able to control his emotions, to go as far as forgetting his main purpose drained away by immediate fury, what a ''child''...<br />
<br />
"Hey, why are you doing this? "<br />
<br />
"Isn't it fine? "<br />
<br />
Ayano's happy voice covered that natural protest. <br />
<br />
"If you want to fight with me please knock down this man first, or something like that? "<br />
<br />
".......Ayano"<br />
<br />
With half opened eyes Kazuma looked at Ayano who declared so for fun. <br />
<br />
But he seemed the only one dissatisfied by the situation -<br />
<br />
"Fine. You'll be my opponent after"<br />
<br />
Unrelated to Kazuma's volition, the stage was rapidly prepared.<br />
<br />
"........Why does it become like this? "<br />
<br />
The unwilling development made Kazuma astonished. <br />
<br />
And then, as if sinking the boot into him even further, Ayano winked at him. <br />
<br />
"As expected of my guard. Volunteering your body in that manner to protect me <<heart>>"<br />
<br />
".......Well, I don't really mind. This amount is still within the reward. But - "<br />
<br />
Unexpectedly, Kazuma obediently accepted the situation. But, as if it was natural, he didn't forget to cynically stab her once.<br />
<br />
"If you only fight cheap opponents, no matter how much time passes you won't improve, you know"<br />
<br />
"Uuu....I understand that but I think this one is a little bit tricky for me"<br />
<br />
"That's not true"<br />
<br />
"-------Eeh? "<br />
<br />
At that declaration without hesitation Ayano unintentionally opened her eyes wide. <br />
<br />
But, without saying anything else, with a decisive gait, he stood in front of the boy. <br />
<br />
Faced with that attitude full of composure, the boy grimaced with unconcealed discomfort. <br />
<br />
"Are you bastard sane? - this late in the game, do you yet not see the the difference in power? "<br />
<br />
Kazuma replied with a derisive laugh at those spitted out words. <br />
<br />
And then, at leisure, he took out his cigarettes and lit it.<br />
<br />
"Aren't you talkative, brat? You'd be cooler if you shut up. "<br />
<br />
"------! Then, you should regret ridiculing me on the realm of the dead! "<br />
<br />
Together with the angry roar, an unleashed gale blow. <br />
<br />
Kazuma jumped sideways in a big way, and at the same time he avoided the attack he jumped outside the window. <br />
<br />
"Hyaaa! "<br />
<br />
"You won't run away! "<br />
<br />
Although she was outside the fire line, Ayano screamed as broken pieces of concrete that were flaked by the wind blade dashed over her.<br />
<br />
But already not minding her, the boy chased straight after Kazuma.<br />
<br />
"......Well, for the time being I'm saved, huh? "<br />
<br />
While coughing so in confusion, from the window - it was the fourth floor by the way, Ayano overlooked the world. <br />
<br />
There, the battle was already reopened. <br />
<br />
But then, Kazuma was only escaping and the boy was only attacking so there was the problem that such an one-sided evolution without any change between offense and defense could be called a battle. <br />
<br />
"Well, there seems to be a chance of success so I should leave it to him, no? "<br />
<br />
But even so, alone, without panicking, Ayano descended at leisure the flight of stairs, aiming for the ground. <br />
<br />
<br />
=== Part 3 ===<br />
<br />
<noinclude><br />
{| border="1" cellpadding="5" cellspacing="0" style="margin: 1em 1em 1em 0; background: #f9f9f9; border: 1px #aaaaaa solid; padding: 0.2em; border-collapse: collapse;"<br />
|-<br />
| Back to [[Kaze_no_Stigma:Volume6_Illustrations|Illustrations]]<br />
| Return to [[Kaze_no_Stigma|Main Page]]<br />
| Forward to [[Kaze_no_Stigma:Volume6_Chapter_2|Chapter 2]]<br />
|-<br />
|}<br />
</noinclude></div>Black Ice Princehttps://www.baka-tsuki.org/project/index.php?title=No_Game_No_Life:Volume_4_Illustrations&diff=293683No Game No Life:Volume 4 Illustrations2013-10-12T13:28:20Z<p>Black Ice Prince: </p>
<hr />
<div>==Novel Illustrations==<br />
These are the novel illustrations that were included in '''Volume 4'''.<br />
<br />
<gallery><br />
File:NGNL V4 Cover Page.jpg<br />
</gallery><br />
<br />
<br />
<noinclude><br />
{{SimpleNav}}<br />
</noinclude></div>Black Ice Princehttps://www.baka-tsuki.org/project/index.php?title=No_Game_No_Life:Volume_3_Illustrations&diff=293682No Game No Life:Volume 3 Illustrations2013-10-12T13:27:26Z<p>Black Ice Prince: </p>
<hr />
<div>==Novel Illustrations==<br />
These are the novel illustrations that were included in '''Volume 3'''.<br />
<br />
<gallery><br />
File:NGNL V3 Cover Page.jpg<br />
</gallery><br />
<br />
<noinclude><br />
{{SimpleNav}}<br />
</noinclude></div>Black Ice Princehttps://www.baka-tsuki.org/project/index.php?title=User:Black_Ice_Prince&diff=293665User:Black Ice Prince2013-10-12T12:34:23Z<p>Black Ice Prince: </p>
<hr />
<div>Welcome....<br />
<br />
===A===<br />
<br />
[[Absolute Duo]]<br />
<br />
[[Alice and Masayoshi are Indifferent]]<br />
<br />
===B===<br />
<br />
[[Boku to Kanojo ni Furu Yoru]]<br />
<br />
[[Boku to Kanojo no Game Sensou]]<br />
<br />
[[Boku wa Tomodachi ga Sukunai]]<br />
<br />
===C===<br />
<br />
[[Campione!]]<br />
<br />
[[Chrome Shelled Regios]]<br />
<br />
[[Cross x Regalia]]<br />
<br />
[[CubexCursedxCurious]]<br />
<br />
===D===<br />
<br />
[[Date A Live]]<br />
<br />
[[Dakara Boku wa, H ga Dekinai.]]<br />
<br />
[[Denpa Onna to Seishun Otoko]]<br />
<br />
===F===<br />
<br />
[[Fuyuu Gakuen no Alice and Shirley]]<br />
<br />
===G===<br />
<br />
[[Gakusen Toshi Asterisk]]<br />
<br />
[[Gekka no Utahime to Magi no Ou]]<br />
<br />
===H===<br />
<br />
[[Hagure Yuusha no Aesthetica]]<br />
<br />
[[Haken no Kouki Altina]]<br />
<br />
[[Hataraku Maou-sama!]]<br />
<br />
[[HEAVY OBJECT]]<br />
<br />
[[Hentai Ouji to Warawanai Neko]]<br />
<br />
[[High School DxD]]<br />
<br />
[[Hitsugi no Chaika]]<br />
<br />
[[Hyakka Ryouran Samurai Girls]]<br />
<br />
===I===<br />
<br />
[[Ichiban Ushiro no Daimaou]]<br />
<br />
[[Infinite Stratos]]<br />
<br />
===K===<br />
<br />
[[Kämpfer]]<br />
<br />
[[Kaze no Stigma]]<br />
<br />
[[Kenkoku no Jungfrau]]<br />
<br />
[[Kenshin no Keishousha]]<br />
<br />
[[Kokoro Connect]]<br />
<br />
[[Kore wa Zombie desu ka?]]<br />
<br />
===L===<br />
<br />
[[Last Savior]]<br />
<br />
===M===<br />
<br />
[[Madan no Ou to Vanadis]]<br />
<br />
[[Mahouka Koukou no Rettousei]]<br />
<br />
[[Maou na Ore to Fushihime no Yubiwa]]<br />
<br />
[[Mondaiji-tachi ga isekai kara kuru soudesu yo]]<br />
<br />
===N===<br />
<br />
[[Nareru SE]]<br />
<br />
[[No Game No Life]]<br />
<br />
===O===<br />
<br />
[[Oda Nobuna no Yabou]]<br />
<br />
[[Ore no Kanojo to Osananajimi ga Shuraba Sugiru]]<br />
<br />
===R===<br />
<br />
[[R-15]]<br />
<br />
[[Ryuu to Aitsu to Kawaige no Nai Watashi]]<br />
<br />
===S===<br />
<br />
[[Sakurasou no Pet na Kanojo]]<br />
<br />
[[Seikoku no Ryuu Kishi]]<br />
<br />
[[Seirei Tsukai no Blade Dance]]<br />
<br />
[[Sekai no Kiki Hamekurumeku!]]<br />
<br />
[[Shinmai Maou no Keiyakusha]]<br />
<br />
[[Shippai Kinshi!]]<br />
<br />
[[Silver Cross and Draculea]]<br />
<br />
[[Sword Art Online]]<br />
<br />
===T===<br />
<br />
[[The Circumstances Leading to Waltraute's Marriage]]<br />
<br />
[[Toaru Majutsu no Index]]<br />
<br />
[[Toradora!]]<br />
<br />
[[Tsurugi no Hime to Aldebaran]]<br />
<br />
[[Tsurugi no Joou to Rakuin no Ko]]<br />
<br />
===Z===<br />
<br />
[[Zero no Tsukaima]]<br />
<br />
<br />
Come again.</div>Black Ice Prince