Baka-Tsuki - User contributions [en]

Sekai no Owari no Encore:Volume 1 Record.1

2015-03-13T15:24:40Z

Roxcrosser: /* 2 */

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

===1===

There was a title called the “Brave Hero.”

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

The Sword Emperor Elline.

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

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

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

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

That happened three-hundred years ago.

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

No, that was what was said in the past.

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

Union ceremony of the Holy Fiora Journey Academy.

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

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

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

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

''But—.''

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

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

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

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

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

The instructor sighed purposely behind him.

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

“……!”

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Ren E Maxwell.

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

His moderately handsome face which has a simple innocent expression.

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

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

The Sword Emperor Elline.

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

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

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

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

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

The instructor made a loud noise with his shoes.

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

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

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

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

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

“Yes.”

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

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

He expected that he would be asked a question.

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

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

“……Hmm.”

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

There were two misfortune the boy called Ren had.

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

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

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

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

''—The only similarity he has is his appearance. ''

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

The Fake Brave Hero.

That was the insulting title Ren had been given since childhood.

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

“—”

The instructor became silent and he simply twitched his eyebrows.

“Are you done? Then sit.”

“……!”

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

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

The instructor took a glance at his golden pocket watch.

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

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

The End War—

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

……However, Elline was no immortal.

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

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

“The Encore……huh.”

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

''—They couldn’t find it. ''

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

Elline’s memoir, the “Encore.”

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

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

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

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

On top of that, it contained detailed battle records against other beings, such as Angels, Demons, Dragons, and gigantic monsters.

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

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

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

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

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

It was officially proposed by the World Alliance Conference.

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

The era when everyone in the world would seek to become the new Brave Hero.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Then—

“Ren, are you done with your lectures?”

A gentle voice.

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

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

“Fufu. Guess who?”

“……Well, even if you ask me that.”

Her teasing voice.

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

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

“Oh my, so you knew it was me?”

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

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

“……I was?”

“Is there anyone else here besides you?”

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

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

Ren couldn’t help but also smile to it.

''……She’s probably the only one. ''

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

Fear Nesferia.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Unlike her graceful smile, her body was too stimulating.

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

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

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

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

“What do you mean?”

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

“I came to check my results.”

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

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

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

“Ah, the public execution—”

He stopped his words there.

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

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

“Like usual.”

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

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

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

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

Educational written test, ranked first among her grades.

Practical battle test, ranked first among her grades.

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

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

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

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

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

“Senpai, you sure are amazing……”

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

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

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

“I thought so! That’s amazing!”

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

“……Eh?”

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

“I don’t have any.”

She waved her blonde hair and shook her head.

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

“Seal?”

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

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

She looked up the ceiling as if she were yearning—

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

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

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

“H-Hey, Senpai!? Stop!”

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

''……That was close. ''

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

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

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

“Is it?”

“It’s because……”

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

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

The End War was halted by Elline.

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

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

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

“Even that Brave Hero formed a party.”

“The Brave Hero?”

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

“……Oh yes, him.”

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

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

“Eh?”

“Oh no, please ignore that.”

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

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

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

Elline Sword Emperor Brigade.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Her eyes that looked right into Ren’s eyes.

The girl called Fear.

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

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

Ren nodded while feeling reserved.

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

He innocently admired the story.

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

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

“……I see.”

“Fear-senpai?”

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

She had a smile exactly like that of an Angel.

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

“If it was a human like you—”

The alarming bell.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

“Huh? To where?”

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

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

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

Fear shook her hand.

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

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

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

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

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

===2===

Student’s town, Mstier.

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

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

Near the southern-gate of the town—

“……She ordered too much.”

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

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

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

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

His words were interrupted.

Many screams echoed from far behind him.

“……What!?”

Ren discarded his shopping bag and turned around.

“Make your life and comrade's lives your first priority. Anything else can easily be replaced.”

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

A giant green Dragon was flapping its wings.

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

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

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

''……That was close.''

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

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

“Is that thing about five metres in length?”

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

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

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

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

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

“Who can even stop this thing……?”

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

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

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

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

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

“Even so, buying time would be……”

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

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

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

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

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

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

He shouldn’t think about winning or losing.

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

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

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

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

''—The bags of snacks I threw away.''

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

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

“Your snack?”

The girl turned around—

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Then her small hand started shaking.

“Eh, ……eh, ……El……Elli…………”

“Pardon me?”

“Elline, you were alive!”

The girl raised her voice and jumped towards him.

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

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

Ren jumped while carrying the girl.

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

'''—ROAR!'''

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

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

“Defeat it.”

“……Huh?”

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

“It followed you? What does that mean—”

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

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

''—He’s going to step on me!''

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

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

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

''……I need to make it in time!''

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

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

Then the impact.

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

“……! ……Gah! ……”

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

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

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

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

He gripped his weapon where only the handle remained.

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

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

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

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

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

''—Fake Brave Hero.''

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

''—But I can’t give in.''

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

“……I been telling you to……run”

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

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

“I got it.”

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

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

“……Huh?”

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

Right after she said that.

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

“……!? H-Hey, stop—”

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

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

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

''……Dragon Princess Kyelse?''

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

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

The wyvern which was spreading his wings wide.

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

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

“S-Stop—”

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

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

“Imbecile.”

The girl leaped.

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

“Bow unsightly before me.”

The powerful gravitational field.

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

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

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

Power of language.

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

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

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

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

“Elline!”

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

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

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

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

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

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

“Cough, cough……s-seriously……”

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

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

“? Elline, did you……forget about me?”

“I didn’t know you to begin with.”

“……It can’t be.”

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

“!? What are you doing!?”

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

“……E-Either way, get away from me!”

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

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

“……What!?”

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

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

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

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

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

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

The Brave Hero died.

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

“…………”

The light disappeared from the emerald-green eyes.

The girl turned around slowly while biting her lips.

“H-Hey!”

Kyelse took a glance at Ren and simply said this.

“……Just his appearance, huh…………”

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

''……Except.''

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

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

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

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

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

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

“H-Hey……umm…………”

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

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

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

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

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

“……Gu.”

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

“You sure are reasonable for a human.”

The smile the girl made for a slight moment.

There was a faint smile in her sad face.

The girl called Kyelse disappeared in front of Ren.

—That was the beginning.

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

<noinclude>
{| border="1" cellpadding="5" cellspacing="0" style="margin: 1em 1em 1em 0; background: #f9f9f9; border: 1px #aaaaaa solid; padding: 0.2em; border-collapse: collapse;"
|-
| Back to [[Sekai_no_Owari_no_Encore:Volume_1_Prologue|Prologue]]
| Return to [[Sekai no Owari no Encore|Main Page]]
| Forward to [[Sekai_no_Owari_no_Encore:Volume_1_Record.2|Record 2]]
|-
|}
</noinclude>

Sekai no Owari no Encore:Volume 1 Record.1

2015-03-13T15:16:32Z

Roxcrosser: /* 1 */

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

===1===

There was a title called the “Brave Hero.”

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

The Sword Emperor Elline.

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

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

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

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

That happened three-hundred years ago.

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

No, that was what was said in the past.

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

Union ceremony of the Holy Fiora Journey Academy.

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

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

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

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

''But—.''

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

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

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

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

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

The instructor sighed purposely behind him.

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

“……!”

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Ren E Maxwell.

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

His moderately handsome face which has a simple innocent expression.

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

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

The Sword Emperor Elline.

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

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

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

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

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

The instructor made a loud noise with his shoes.

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

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

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

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

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

“Yes.”

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

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

He expected that he would be asked a question.

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

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

“……Hmm.”

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

There were two misfortune the boy called Ren had.

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

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

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

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

''—The only similarity he has is his appearance. ''

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

The Fake Brave Hero.

That was the insulting title Ren had been given since childhood.

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

“—”

The instructor became silent and he simply twitched his eyebrows.

“Are you done? Then sit.”

“……!”

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

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

The instructor took a glance at his golden pocket watch.

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

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

The End War—

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

……However, Elline was no immortal.

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

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

“The Encore……huh.”

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

''—They couldn’t find it. ''

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

Elline’s memoir, the “Encore.”

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

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

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

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

On top of that, it contained detailed battle records against other beings, such as Angels, Demons, Dragons, and gigantic monsters.

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

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

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

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

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

It was officially proposed by the World Alliance Conference.

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

The era when everyone in the world would seek to become the new Brave Hero.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Then—

“Ren, are you done with your lectures?”

A gentle voice.

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

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

“Fufu. Guess who?”

“……Well, even if you ask me that.”

Her teasing voice.

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

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

“Oh my, so you knew it was me?”

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

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

“……I was?”

“Is there anyone else here besides you?”

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

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

Ren couldn’t help but also smile to it.

''……She’s probably the only one. ''

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

Fear Nesferia.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Unlike her graceful smile, her body was too stimulating.

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

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

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

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

“What do you mean?”

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

“I came to check my results.”

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

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

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

“Ah, the public execution—”

He stopped his words there.

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

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

“Like usual.”

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

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

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

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

Educational written test, ranked first among her grades.

Practical battle test, ranked first among her grades.

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

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

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

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

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

“Senpai, you sure are amazing……”

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

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

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

“I thought so! That’s amazing!”

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

“……Eh?”

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

“I don’t have any.”

She waved her blonde hair and shook her head.

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

“Seal?”

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

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

She looked up the ceiling as if she were yearning—

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

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

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

“H-Hey, Senpai!? Stop!”

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

''……That was close. ''

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

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

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

“Is it?”

“It’s because……”

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

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

The End War was halted by Elline.

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

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

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

“Even that Brave Hero formed a party.”

“The Brave Hero?”

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

“……Oh yes, him.”

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

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

“Eh?”

“Oh no, please ignore that.”

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

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

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

Elline Sword Emperor Brigade.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Her eyes that looked right into Ren’s eyes.

The girl called Fear.

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

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

Ren nodded while feeling reserved.

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

He innocently admired the story.

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

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

“……I see.”

“Fear-senpai?”

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

She had a smile exactly like that of an Angel.

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

“If it was a human like you—”

The alarming bell.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

“Huh? To where?”

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

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

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

Fear shook her hand.

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

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

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

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

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

===2===

Student’s town, Mstier.

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

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

Near the southern-gate of the town—

“……She ordered too much.”

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

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

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

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

His words were interrupted.

Many screams echoed from far behind him.

“……What!?”

Ren discarded his shopping bag and turned around.

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

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

A giant green Dragon was flapping its wings.

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

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

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

''……That was close.''

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

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

“Is that thing about five metres in length?”

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

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

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

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

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

“Who can even stop this thing……?”

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

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

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

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

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

“Even so, buying time would be……”

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

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

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

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

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

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

He shouldn’t think about winning or losing.

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

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

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

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

''—The bags of snacks I threw away.''

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

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

“Your snack?”

The girl turned around—

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Then her small hand started shaking.

“Eh, ……eh, ……El……Elli…………”

“Pardon me?”

“Elline, you were alive!”

The girl raised her voice and jumped towards him.

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

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

Ren jumped while carrying the girl.

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

'''—ROAR!'''

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

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

“Defeat it.”

“……Huh?”

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

“It followed you? What does that mean—”

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

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

''—He’s going to step on me!''

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

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

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

''……I need to make it in time!''

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

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

Then the impact.

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

“……! ……Gah! ……”

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

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

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

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

He gripped his weapon where only the handle remained.

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

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

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

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

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

''—Fake Brave Hero.''

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

''—But I can’t give in.''

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

“……I been telling you to……run”

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

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

“I got it.”

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

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

“……Huh?”

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

Right after she said that.

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

“……!? H-Hey, stop—”

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

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

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

''……Dragon Princess Kyelse?''

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

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

The wyvern which was spreading his wings wide.

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

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

“S-Stop—”

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

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

“Imbecile.”

The girl leaped.

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

“Bow unsightly before me.”

The powerful gravitational field.

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

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

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

Power of language.

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

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

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

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

“Elline!”

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

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

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

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

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

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

“Cough, cough……s-seriously……”

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

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

“? Elline, did you……forget about me?”

“I didn’t know you to begin with.”

“……It can’t be.”

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

“!? What are you doing!?”

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

“……E-Either way, get away from me!”

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

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

“……What!?”

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

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

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

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

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

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

The Brave Hero died.

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

“…………”

The light disappeared from the emerald-green eyes.

The girl turned around slowly while biting her lips.

“H-Hey!”

Kyelse took a glance at Ren and simply said this.

“……Just his appearance, huh…………”

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

''……Except.''

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

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

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

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

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

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

“H-Hey……umm…………”

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

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

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

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

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

“……Gu.”

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

“You sure are reasonable for a human.”

The smile the girl made for a slight moment.

There was a faint smile in her sad face.

The girl called Kyelse disappeared in front of Ren.

—That was the beginning.

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

<noinclude>
{| border="1" cellpadding="5" cellspacing="0" style="margin: 1em 1em 1em 0; background: #f9f9f9; border: 1px #aaaaaa solid; padding: 0.2em; border-collapse: collapse;"
|-
| Back to [[Sekai_no_Owari_no_Encore:Volume_1_Prologue|Prologue]]
| Return to [[Sekai no Owari no Encore|Main Page]]
| Forward to [[Sekai_no_Owari_no_Encore:Volume_1_Record.2|Record 2]]
|-
|}
</noinclude>

Sekai no Owari no Encore:Volume 1 Record.1

2015-03-13T15:06:32Z

Roxcrosser: /* 1 */

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

===1===

There was a title called the “Brave Hero.”

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

The Sword Emperor Elline.

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

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

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

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

That happened three-hundred years ago.

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

No, that was what was said in the past.

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

Union ceremony of the Holy Fiora Journey Academy.

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

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

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

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

''But—.''

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

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

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

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

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

The instructor sighed purposely behind him.

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

“……!”

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Ren E Maxwell.

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

His moderately handsome face which has a simple innocent expression.

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

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

The Sword Emperor Elline.

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

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

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

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

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

The instructor made a loud noise with his shoes.

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

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

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

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

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

“Yes.”

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

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

He expected that he would be asked a question.

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

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

“……Hmm.”

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

There were two misfortune the boy called Ren had.

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

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

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

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

''—The only similarity he has is his appearance. ''

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

The Fake Brave Hero.

That was the insulting title Ren had been given since childhood.

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

“—”

The instructor became silent and he simply twitched his eyebrows.

“Are you done? Then sit.”

“……!”

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

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

The instructor took a glance at his golden pocket watch.

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

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

The End War—

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

……However, Elline was no immortal.

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

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

“The Encore……huh.”

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

''—They couldn’t find it. ''

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

Elline’s memoir, the “Encore.”

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

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

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

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

On top of that, it contained detailed battle records against other beings, such as Angels, Demons, Dragons, and gigantic monsters.

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

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

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

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

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

It was officially proposed by the World Alliance Conference.

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

The era when everyone in the world would seek to become the new Brave Hero.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Then—

“Ren, are you done with your lectures?”

A gentle voice.

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

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

“Fufu. Guess who?”

“……Well, even if you ask me that.”

Her teasing voice.

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

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

“Oh my, so you knew it was me?”

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

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

“……I was?”

“Is there anyone else here besides you?”

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

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

Ren couldn’t help but also smile to it.

''……She’s probably the only one. ''

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

Fear Nesferia.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Unlike her graceful smile, her body was too stimulating.

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

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

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

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

“What do you mean?”

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

“I came to check my results.”

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

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

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

“Ah, the public execution—”

He stopped his words there.

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

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

“Like usual.”

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

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

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

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

Educational written test, ranked first among her grades.

Practical battle test, ranked first among her grades.

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

''—What needs to be mentioned is the practical which is the battle test. ''

Within the practical test where the boys and girls would be tested together, her sword-play overwhelmed boys who were majoring in the {{Furigana|Knight|MASTER}}’s degree, and her spell-work overwhelmed students majoring in the {{Furigana|Caster|ARIA}}’s degree.

Even though she was a {{Furigana|Curer|HEALER}} that specialises in healing and regeneration.

The almighty genius. It must be the reason why she was called the first genius since the establishment of Holy Fiora Journey Academy.

“Senpai, you sure are amazing……”

Ren honestly spoke out his thought and praised her while scratching the back of his head.

“Senpai, you will finally graduate this winter, so you are also thinking about who you will form a party with after you become a highest-graduate student, right? Senpai, I’m sure you have received offers from famous parties, right?”

“Yes, I have received several invitation. From the principal’s connections.”

“I thought so! That’s amazing!”

Party—that’s the “expeditionary force made up of courageous warriors.”

Their main missions were to travel through different locations of the world to investigate the sacred precincts and ancient ruins as well as searching for the spirits habitats. There were wide-range of tasks, since there were also missions like hunting down dangerous monsters. Discovering the spirits and hunting down monsters would lead to strengthening a specific city’s forces. Investigating ancient ruins would lead to discovering {{Furigana|“the lost spells”|ANCIENTS}} and {{Furigana|“the lost technologies”|O-PARTS}}. Therefore the cities throughout the world supported and nurtured these parties.

This Holy Fiora Journey Academy was also one of them. It was built as a special institute to train boys and girls who were aiming to create parties. It was a prestigious school that produced many potential individuals.

“Then are you also after the Encore, Senpai?”

“I certainly am. That is the one thing I cannot give up on.”

She nodded while she had the same smile on her face.

“Though I haven’t been thinking about making a party yet.”

“……Eh?”

“This is a good opportunity. Ren, there was something I wanted to talk to you about for a while. The truth is, I will be leaving this Academy soon.”

“You’re leaving the Academy!? Eh, isn’t the graduation in winter!?”

“The results from the previous semester could be used as a quick graduation certificate. I have already submitted my withdrawal application form.”

“……You’re going to withdraw? You must be joking, Senpai.”

Even though Ren didn’t have such intention, his true feelings came out from his mouth.

Withdrawing when the graduation was just ahead wasn’t normal.

You would become an I-Grade {{Furigana|Curer|HEALER}} after taking the graduation test and then you would either make your own party or take an entrance test to join the party you desired.

“Why? The graduation test is just right ahead.”

“It’s exactly due to the reason I explained before. Leaving the Academy even a day earlier to find the Encore would definitely be better.”

“……Do you have any comrades? Did you receive an unofficial offer from a famous party?”

“I don’t have any.”

She waved her blonde hair and shook her head.

“It would be just me and a girl who is an old friend of mine. She was finally able to break out of her seal.”

“Seal?”

“Oh, I’m sorry. You can……simply ignore what I just said.”

Fear showed her rare side where she had a bitter smile and waved her hand.

She looked up the ceiling as if she were yearning—

“The truth is, I have a friend in mind for a while who would look for the Encore together with me. She was finally able to come. It would be better to strike while the iron is hot.”

“Your friend…… So it really wasn’t a scout from a famous party then?”

“Yes. There wasn’t a party I wished to join. I certainly had the principal talk to me so long about it, but every one of them didn't satisfy me—”

“H-Hey, Senpai!? Stop!”

Ren used his hand to interrupt his senior’s words.

''……That was close. ''

''……Wouldn’t her words just now became a serious issue if someone had heard it? ''

The two instructors and a group of students that walked behind them. Ren waited till he couldn’t see them and breathed out.

“Hey, that was dangerous Senpai. What you just said.”

“Is it?”

“It’s because……”

The world famous parties that had made great achievements. While the highest-grade student around her were desperately working hard to take the entrance test to join them, she said that those famous parties didn't satisfy her.

“I know your results, Senpai……so I do admire you. I’m not in a position where I could say anything about it and I don’t know much about your friend either. But I do think gaining experience by joining a proper party first is also important. You know, the world outside is dangerous after all.”

The End War was halted by Elline.

However, this world doesn’t just belong to the humans.

The danger level of encountering huge monsters when you enter the ancient ruins and sacred precincts.

The Angels of the Heavens, the Demons of the Underworld, and the Dragons that were the supreme ruler of the Earth, would try to eliminate the humans without mercy. The humans of this world were a weak species.

“Even that Brave Hero formed a party.”

“The Brave Hero?”

“I’m talking about the Sword Emperor Elline.”

“……Oh yes, him.”

Fear made a gesture with her hand as if she just remembered.

“Oh yes, he’s called the Brave Hero now. The humans sure do act conveniently. Back then, the whole world treated him like an pariah swordsman.”

“Eh?”

“Oh no, please ignore that.”

The blonde girl shook her hand in panic which was a rare sight. But her gesture ended there since she looked towards Ren with yearning eyes.

“Let me make one correction. About my case regarding the party. Yes, if I find a party which could even rival the famous Elline’s party, then I may want to join them.”

“? Well, that’s asking for a lot……I mean, you are talking about the legendary party right?”

Elline Sword Emperor Brigade.

The bright and pure-white Angel—the Archangel Fear from the Heaven who was said to have a power that surpassed even the Goddess.

The dark and cloaked Empress—the Demon Lord Elise who was the master of the Underworld.

The girl with a shining silver hair—the strongest Dragon Princess, Kyelse, who was even feared by the Heaven and the Underworld.

The Three Great Princesses who represented the three worlds and Elline who led such party. They stopped the End War with just the four of them. They were indeed the strongest party and was considered the best in history.

“Besides. They do say stories from the past comes with false details. We don’t know just how much of the actual story had been exaggerated.”

There were also a theory that the human {{Furigana|Knight|MASTER}} and {{Furigana|Caster|ARIA}} gradually were replaced with an Angel, an Demon, and an Dragon Princess as the story was retold to people.

That was because it would make the story even more interesting.

“By the way, what do you personally think about it? Do you think the legend of Elline was a fictional story?”

Her eyes that looked right into Ren’s eyes.

The girl called Fear.

From the girl who had the same name as the legendary Angel by coincidence.

“My honest impression is that I hope it would be true.”

Ren nodded while feeling reserved.

“When I heard that story when I was a kid, I honestly thought it was amazing.”

He innocently admired the story.

Even though he was continued to be called the fake Brave Hero, the reason Ren was receiving guidance at Holy Fiora Journey Academy as a {{Furigana|Knight|MASTER}} was due to being charmed by the tales of his adventurers.

“It had an interesting story. There was the strongest swordsman where the Archangel, the Demon Lord, and the strongest Dragon Princess traveled with him. Anyone would want to see a party like that if they did really exist. What kind of journey they had while traveling the world, just thinking about it gets me excited.”

“……I see.”

“Fear-senpai?”

“Ren, you are wonderful. You are very honest, very pure, and……”

She had a smile exactly like that of an Angel.

The girl called Fear said that with a tone of a calm adult.

“If it was a human like you—”

The alarming bell.

The one that interrupted her words was the bell that echoed throughout the Academy.

“Ah, it’s already this time? Senpai, don’t you have your usual council work?”

“It’s cancelled for today. I asked everyone since I wanted to use the conference room for my business.”

“For your personal use? So the instructor gave you permission?”

“I was ranked first in my grade for this reason.”

The vice-president of the council who made a naughty smile.

She replied as if this was all in her plan, but what was freighting was that it sounded real when it was coming from her.

“By the way, Ren. This may have been a fate that we met here, so would you please do an errand for me?”

“Huh? To where?”

“When you exit the Academy from the main gate, there’s a cake shop if you walk straight through the town. I placed ordered in advance, so what’s left is for you to pick it up. I will be cleaning up the conference room during that time. I wanted to have a bit of a snack-party with my friend.”

“Sure, but I thought you couldn’t eat inside the conference room? I’m sure the instructors would snap if they caught you.”

“You don’t have to worry about that. Oh yes, and—”

Fear shook her hand.

But her eyes looked like she was teasing him and for some reason it also looked seductive.

“How about having a study session together next time as my thanks for having you do my errand? Before I leave the Academy, instead of using the classroom, let's use my room at the girl’s dormitory, okay? Your big sister would teach you many things from the basics—”

“N-No……let’s do that for another occasion!”

''—It’s simply studying, so what’s with her teaching me from the basic? ''

Ren kept his scream inside his mouth and left the scene as if he ran away.

===2===

Student’s town, Mstier.

The town was structured in a way such that the party raising institute, Holy Fiora Journey Academy, was located at its centre.

There were food and beverage stores as well as clothing stores that were used by students, including Ren. Not only was there a blacksmith factory that manufactures swords and spears, there were also a large bookstore which has all the line-ups such as the world map and monster encyclopaedia.

Near the southern-gate of the town—

“……She ordered too much.”

Ren walked through the main road while carrying the loads of bags filled with snacks with both hands.

“Eighteen puddings, three whole cakes, twenty-five profiteroles, and thirty-seven baked sweets. That Fear-senpai, what kind of big party is she planning to do……?”

When Ren saw these bags back at the shop, he felt uneasy since he didn’t know if he could carry all of them.

“Oh yeah, I heard it was going to rain from the afternoon. If it started raining right now—”

His words were interrupted.

Many screams echoed from far behind him.

“……What!?”

Ren discarded his shopping bag and turned around.

“Make your life and comrades lives your first priority. Anything else can easily be replaced.”

This was the first time Ren thanked those three years worth of guidance of his instructor. If he was even a second too slow at throwing away the shopping bags, he would have been on the ground covered in blood.

A giant green Dragon was flapping its wings.

“A wyvern!? Why is it in the middle of town!?”

The Dragon-species that was known as the absolute ruler of the Earth.

The one that just grazed Ren’s head and landed clearly belonged to that species.

''……That was close.''

''……If I was too slow in turning around, I may have had my head sliced by those claws.''

The training he received as a {{Furigana|Knight|MASTER}}. No, rather than the training, it was more like his luck. That was how unexpected this assault was.

“Is that thing about five metres in length?”

It depends on each wyvern, but a mature wyvern is usually seven metres long.

Even though it would be considered small among the Dragon-species, what needed to be specially noted about it was its flight speed. A wyvern that was using its maximum velocity would be so fast that even the best sniper would have a hard time shooting it.

“But why is it here? Did it stray away from its herd and wandered in here!?”

If that was the case, its wariness would increase due to having strayed from its herd. There were many cases where its aggressive behaviour became even worse. And it broke through the town walls and entered the town.

A situation like this was rare, and the level of danger was also high.

“Who can even stop this thing……?”

Ren looked up towards the monster in front of him while muttering in astonishment.

''—Just how many highest-grade students and instructors would you need to take it down?''

''—No, the opponent isn’t that simple.''

Even if the highest-grade students came to the scene, they were merely students. They merely had experience in fighting small monsters, so the number of students that had experience in fighting a Dragon is close to none. The instructors have already retired from the parties. So you couldn’t think of a plan to defeat it.

The only thing they could do was to buy time and pray for it to leave after it gets bored.

“Even so, buying time would be……”

Even though Ren looked around him, there weren’t any parties that looked reliable.

Even though it was called a student town, a town was still a town. Most of them were civilians. The only people he could see were merchants, families of the civilians, and tourists running away.

“Dammit! Of all times, I’m the only one who had to be here!”

He drew out a dagger that was for self-defense from the attached to his belt.

The length of the blade was that of a knife. It was a weapon you didn’t need to go all the way to the weapon factory to buy it since it was purchasable in the business district, even for a civilian.

''……This would only seem like a toothpick to that Dragon.''

He shouldn’t think about winning or losing.

He only had to think about buying time. Until the people around him had evacuated—

“Oh, I have found a delicious looking snack at a place like this.”

It was at this time when Ren heard a dignified voice from right beside him.

“I sure am lucky to find a snack which is basically new at a place like this. Maybe this would be a good gift for Fear?”

''—The bags of snacks I threw away.''

''—There is a silver hair girl who is standing right beside me and is staring down at the snacks. ''

“Hey, those are my snacks……no, that isn’t it, hey idiot, hurry and run!”

“Your snack?”

The girl turned around—

“What are you saying? The one who found these first was me. Isn’t it first come first serve?”

Emerald green eyes that had a darker colour than the sea, and her long silver hair that sparkled like a pearl.

On top of her fantasy-like colours, her face was also adorable like that of a fairy that would appear in a fairy-tale. Even though she was dressed as an adventurer, her slender body could only be described as being lovely.

But Ren was only fascinated by the girl’s appearance for just that slight moment.

“A-Anyway, you need to run! This isn’t the time for talking such thing!”

“Run? Why is there a need for me to run?”

The silver hair girl looked up at Ren while feeling unpleasant.

“To begin with, human, you called me an idiot. Who do you think I am……eh…………”

That moment, the girl stopped breathing and opened her eyes wide.

Then her small hand started shaking.

“Eh, ……eh, ……El……Elli…………”

“Pardon me?”

“Elline, you were alive!”

The girl raised her voice and jumped towards him.

“I wanted to see you! I was looking for you this whole time! Yeah, even if you are a human, you are special. There was no way you would die simply after three-hundred years—”

“I’m saying that I don’t understand what you’re saying!”

Ren jumped while carrying the girl.

He used his whole body to prevent the girl from touching the ground and then rolled on the ground backwards.

'''—ROAR!'''

That instant, the Dragon swung down its tail and obliterated bricks of walls.

“Hurry up and run! You saw it for yourself just now. That wyvern is too dangerous!”

“Defeat it.”

“……Huh?”

“I’m saying that you have the permission to defeat it. As long as you don’t kill it, you don’t need to hold back against my kind. That guy is an arrogant prick who had been following me this whole time even before I got here. He’s an eyesore so take it down with a single punch to his head.”

“It followed you? What does that mean—”

The meaning behind the words of the girl with the silver hair.

Before Ren could even comprehend the meaning of her words, the sound of the wyvern stepping on the ground made Ren’s eardrum shiver.

''—He’s going to step on me!''

The black shadow which was above Ren’s head. The wyvern came down at them without losing sights of its target. The moment Ren realised that, he pushed away the girl who was clinging onto him.

“You idiot, don’t just stand there, run!”

The shadow of the huge Dragon’s shadow that was coming down at him.

''……I need to make it in time!''

He brought out his dagger with a faint hope and also jumped to the back—

[[Image:Sekai_no_Owari_no_Encore_V1_Non-colour_003.jpg|thumb]]

Then the impact.

Ren was overwhelmed by the merciless impact which was so strong that he couldn’t breathe. Ren was sent flying far to the rear.

“……! ……Gah! ……”

He couldn’t breathe due to the impact to his back. The reason why his vision turned red must be due to the blood pouring from his forehead. It was the cut he received when the tip of the Dragon’s claw grazed him.

''……I guess……it’s alright since I’m alive, right?''

''……No……it doesn’t make any difference……I guess.''

The dagger that was shattered from the core of the blade. His weapon that was violently shattered with ease.

He gripped his weapon where only the handle remained.

“………………Bring it, '''you worthless Dragon'''.”

Ren stood up with his body that was covered in sand.

“An……attack……like that……doesn’t work on me……even in the slightest.”

The words that was just able to come out of his throat.

He used his hand as if he was provoking the wyvern that had its wing spread wide.

''—Fake Brave Hero.''

''—I’m not a Brave Hero nor am I the strongest knight that can take down a Dragon by myself.''

''—But I can’t give in.''

''—I need to buy time. Until there are reinforcements from the Academy. More importantly, I need to buy enough time so the silver hair girl in front of me could escape.''

“……I been telling you to……run”

His sight was covered in blood, but he could still see the silver hair girl who hadn’t ran or hid yet.

“Hurry up……I’m seriously……at my limit……”

“I got it.”

That was the time when the girl nodded as if she finally understood something.

“Don’t tell me you have a stomach ache because you ate something bad?”

“……Huh?”

“Fine then. I don’t feel good in laying hand on my kind, but I’ll take care of this.”

Right after she said that.

The silver girl approached the wyvern from the front carelessly for all things.

“……!? H-Hey, stop—”

“There’s no way that I, the Dragon Princess Kyelse, will be beaten by this weakling.”

Ren could see the girl’s face from the side where she was putting on a fearless smile.

Ren listened to the girl’s word as if he was dreaming.

''……Dragon Princess Kyelse?''

''……No, wait……it can’t be. That name belongs to '''the one from that legendary party'''……''

“A Dragon’s child that doesn’t even know who I am. I wonder from which valley it came from.”

The wyvern which was spreading his wings wide.

The small girl faced the giant monster by herself where she had to tilt her head up to look at it.

“And did he just make a threat right in front of me? I see, so you followed me all the way to this town because I entered your territory. Looks like your pride is the only thing that is remarkable.”

“S-Stop—”

He couldn’t say any more than that. He was losing consciousness. He had his hand full just standing there, and his hand couldn’t reach the girl’s back—

The next moment, Ren would witness a scene he wouldn’t be able to forget for the rest for his life.

“Imbecile.”

The girl leaped.

She didn’t jump. It would be more accurate to say that what she did was flight. An altitude of ten metres high. The girl who reached even higher than the wyvern with the wings simply said—

“Bow unsightly before me.”

The powerful gravitational field.

The intense gravity which could even compress the paved surface road made a cavity in it instantly.

—Not only didn’t she allow the wyvern to resist, she didn’t allow it respond either.

If humans were to activate a spell of the same calibre as hers, they would require longer and more complex spell ceremony as well as mental concentration. But she did it with a few words.

Power of language.

The words that were said come to this world and take a physical form. A human like Ren couldn’t even imagine just how powerful and high level the spell was.

“Hmph, cool your head for a bit down there.”

The girl who soared up the sky landed splendidly on the ground after doing a spin in mid-air.

The giant crater which was drilled on the ground. After she took a glance at the wyvern that was unconscious at the deepest part of the crater, she jumped into Ren’s arm once again.

“Elline!”

“Again!? ……More importantly, what was that power……?”

The silver hair girl was hugging tightly onto Ren. Even if Ren tried to push her away, she doesn’t even budge an inch. Her physical strength was so strong that you couldn’t imagine it was coming from such slender body.

“Haha, you. You were alive after all! I thought it was some kind of joke when I heard that you died due to illness five years after I was sealed. Yeah, there was no way you would simply die from sickness—”

“I-I can’t breathe…… ……I’ll die……you are suffocating me……”

“……H-Hey? What’s wrong Elline? You haven’t been acting like yourself for a while.”

The girl who had a blank face weakens the strength in her arm.

“Cough, cough……s-seriously……”

Ren answered to the girl who was looking up at him while he coughed violently.

“I’m not Elline. Though I do get mistaken as him quite a lot. To begin with, Elline was the Brave Hero from three-hundred years ago. A human can’t live that long.”

“? Elline, did you……forget about me?”

“I didn’t know you to begin with.”

“……It can’t be.”

After the silver hair girl made a gesture where she was in thoughts, she approached Ren. This time, she put her face on his chest. She started sniffing him like a dog.

“!? What are you doing!?”

“See? It’s Elline’s smell. There’s no way I would mistake you.”

“……E-Either way, get away from me!”

He couldn’t help but be embarrassed since a girl that could be considered an absolute beauty hugged him and then started sniffing his smell.

“I’m sorry to say this even though you seem to be confident about it, but I really am a different person.”

“……What!?”

“My name is Ren. Well, if you go up my family tree, Elline would be my ancestor’s distant relative, but he never had any children so I’m not his direct descendant or anything. I’m merely a distant relative of his. A distant descendant.”

“His descendant……you? ……Then Elline is…………”

The girl muttered vaguely. Her expression started to get gloomy.

''……Why are you looking up at me with such sad eyes?''

''……I haven’t done anything wrong, but it pains me.''

“I’m telling you that Elline……isn’t here anymore.”

The Brave Hero died.

He couldn’t say those words. The best he could say was “he isn’t here.”

“…………”

The light disappeared from the emerald-green eyes.

The girl turned around slowly while biting her lips.

“H-Hey!”

Kyelse took a glance at Ren and simply said this.

“……Just his appearance, huh…………”

A total stranger who had the appearance of the Brave Hero but not his strength.

''……Except.''

Even though he received those words, Ren realised that he was so calm that it shocked him.

A total stranger. Fake Brave Hero. He received different kind of taunts when he was compared to the legendary Brave Hero, and there was always mockery within those taunts where people were making a fool out of him.

But he couldn’t sense a slight sign of those emotions in her words.

Elline was no longer here. The sad persuasion where she was telling herself that.

''……It’s like she said it in such way.''

The silver hair girl who defeated the wyvern with ease. The back of the girl who had such overwhelming power now looked small, weak, and sad.

“H-Hey……umm…………”

He wanted to call out to her. But he couldn’t find the right words to say to her.

What Ren, who was thinking as such, witnessed was—

The girl who was dragging a giant bag full of snacks.

“Hey!? That’s mine! Are you trying to take it away while acting sad!?”

“I defeated the wyvern on your behalf, right?”

“……Gu.”

He didn’t know how to reply back to her words.

It was certain that the safety of the residents as well as Ren still being alive was her achievement.

“……Fine. Alright, take that with you.”

He was half convinced, but he gave up for the other half. His sighed carried those two emotions. Ren shrugged his shoulder.

''......I can just buy what Fear-senpai asked me to bring with my own money.''

''……Also, I can’t stand to look at her sad eyes.''

“I’m sure it would be delicious since those snacks are from the most famous shop around here.”

“You sure are reasonable for a human.”

The smile the girl made for a slight moment.

There was a faint smile in her sad face.

The girl called Kyelse disappeared in front of Ren.

—That was the beginning.

—The beginning of the story of the boy that was called the fake Brave Hero and the legendary Dragon Princess.

<noinclude>
{| border="1" cellpadding="5" cellspacing="0" style="margin: 1em 1em 1em 0; background: #f9f9f9; border: 1px #aaaaaa solid; padding: 0.2em; border-collapse: collapse;"
|-
| Back to [[Sekai_no_Owari_no_Encore:Volume_1_Prologue|Prologue]]
| Return to [[Sekai no Owari no Encore|Main Page]]
| Forward to [[Sekai_no_Owari_no_Encore:Volume_1_Record.2|Record 2]]
|-
|}
</noinclude>

Sekai no Owari no Encore:Volume 1 Record.5

2015-03-10T22:38:51Z

Roxcrosser: /* 3 */

==Record.5: It, the Conqueror of Fire——==

===1===

The Great Volcano of Galia.

An active volcano which erupted approximately one-thousand years ago and you could still see gas which poured out from its crater. Even now the ground was covered by pumice stone, volcaniclastic material, from back then when the magma cooled down and solidified.

At the junction of its three paths.

“Elise should have took the right path and Fear should have took the middle path aiming towards the summit.”

“Then we will be taking the left path huh.”

To reach the summit, the junction of the three paths should each connect to three different routes.

The middle path which Fear took should be the shortest, but there would most likely be many Demons guarding it. Predicting that, Elise took the route which would have the longest distance to reach the summit.

Therefore the route Ren would take would be the remaining route which was the left path of the junction of the three paths.

“——We should move fast.”

They climbed through the volcano’s path. Even though they should have reached halfway up the mountain, not encountering the other parties would imply how late they have started.

“Naturally it’s about time the parties that have already advanced up the mountain have started battling the Demons that are serving under Achendia. Don’t lower your guard since we don’t know where a high-level Demon would be lurking.”

“......Roger that. By the way, do you know the situation of the battle?”

“The parties have mostly been annihilated. The Demons have left their miasma everywhere.”

“It can’t be!?”

“They were weak parties that got lured here by hearing the name of the Five Great Disaster. This would be a natural outcome if this was their first time batting high-level Demons. Though there won’t be a problem since Fear and Elise would be rescuing them.”

Kyelse who climbed up the mountain in a lightly manner as if she was skipping.

“If the parties worked together than they may have been able to put on an even fight.”

“……That’s only if they headed to the mountain together.”

Not only they didn’t work cooperatively, but it turned into a time attack battle where each party would aim for the Five Great Disaster first.

And the one who triggered such situation was none other than five member party formed by those who would be considered as Ren’s seniors. As a result, each party would get taken down by the Five Great Disaster’s henchmen on their own game.

And then——

Without any warning, a circular symbol glowing in crimson-colour appeared on the ground.

“A spell!?”

Ren kicked the ground to evade it.

That moment, flames which was shaped as a giant dragon almost grazed Ren’s back and soared up the sky.

“Huh? He dodged it, Ranaku.”

“That’s a rare sight, isn’t it? Looks like he has good response for a human, Kanaku.”

Two winged Demons which appeared from the sky.

Pale skinned children with a solid, yet, a transparent wings. Despite their adorable appearance which made them appeared like fairies, the expressions on their faces were like carnivores that had found their prey.

“It will be a competition since we can report this to Achendia-sama.”

“Which one of us can——”

“Eyesore.”

The two Demons were blasted away together with their miasma around them by being surrounded by explosion.

“……H-Huh? It ended already?”

“I don’t have time to waste for novice Demons that doesn’t even know who I am. Let’s get going.”

The Dragon Princess started running ahead without waiting for Ren’s response.

“H-Hey? Was it okay to blast them away like that?”

“Dang it. I should have blasted them away after making them spill Achendia’s location.”

“That’s not what I meant! Wouldn’t they also be considered as Elise’s former henchmen?”

The Dragons, the Angels, and the Demons were the three beings representing the earth, the Heaven, and the Underground respectively. If Kyelse who was a Dragon carelessly attacked them, then there would be a possibility for it to hinder the balance of the three worlds.

“The Demons strength lies in their toughness. Just like Elise’s ability to reincarnate.”

“What do you mean?”

“Even if I did “destroy” them here, they won’t be “annihilated”. Either way, the Demons here are a bunch that betrayed the Demon Lord of the Underworld. It won’t be a problem if I lay my hand on them. More importantly, don’t assume it would end with those two. There’s more coming.”

The area where the battle took place between the parties and the Demons. If those two were the scouters——

“What……is this powerful presence? A Dragon!?”

“No, wait. But what is up with this abnormal pressure? It can’t be?”

“That legendary——”

“Just get lost.”

The three Demons that appeared from the ground. But even they were defeated without putting a fight by Kyelse’s turning kick.

“Ah, geez. I can’t stand this! Because of that seal!”

“……Even though you are saying that, that was too easy for you.”

Kyelse who was taking down the Demons as they appeared.

Demons where even one of them would be a threat to the human’s party couldn’t even be a hindrance to her.

And then——

“! Are all of you okay!?”

Ren headed to the party of six that were on the ground in a rush.

Maybe they received a surprise attack by the Demons which Kyelse had just defeated. A party formed by the two {{Furigana|Knights|MASTERS}}, the two {{Furigana|Casters|ARIAS}}, a {{Furigana|Predator|HUNTER}}, and a {{Furigana|Curer|HEALER}}. All of them had been burnt and were laying on the ground.

“……Did you two h……help……us……?”

The {{Furigana|Curer|HEALER}} girl opened her eyes a bit.

“Your injuries?”

“……It’s not a fatal injuries. Even I can heal……injuries of this degree……”

She stood up weakly.

“Go ahead. There were parties which went ahead of us. Elmekia Dusk and a party formed by young people.”

“Elmekia Dusk!? So they passed through here!”

“Yes. That party……their strength were on a different level……since they headed for the summit while overcoming high-level Demons.”

“Thanks, I was wondering about them.”

Ren faced towards Kyelse and nodded at her. They ran up through the path heading towards the summit.

“Ren——”

“I know. The young party that girl mentioned must be my seniors from the academy. I assume they progressed through this route by using anti-Demon barrier since one of them was a {{Furigana|Barrierer|ENCHANTER}}.”

“But that spell won’t work on high-level Demons, you know?”

You could separate the sources of spells used by humans into two major categories.

The destruction-type spells copied from the spells used by the Demons——magic and attack spells would be categorised here.

The protection-type spells copied from the spells used by the Angels——de-spell and defence spells would be categorised here.

Among these two categories, the anti-Demon barrier would be sourced from the Angels’ spells.

The effect it had against the Demons would be high, but it was merely an inferior spells used by the humans. It wouldn’t work against those high-level Demons with overwhelming power.

“……I thought I already knew this.”

Ren realised once again after witnessing the fallen party.

The ones that were able to compete with the Demons, the rulers of the Underworld, were a portion of parties such as the Elmekia Dusk. They were not an opponent a novice parties should challenge in rashness.

——Screams.

It was then when Ren heard familiar screams which came from above.

“We were late……! Senpai!?”

The {{Furigana|Caster|ARIA}} who barely was conscious while he had his knee on the ground.

The {{Furigana|Knight|MASTER}} student who was using his sword to support his body and didn’t move an inch. Standing next to him was a {{Furigana|Barrierer|ENCHANTER}} girl who was looking at the Demon in front of her with expression filled with fear.

“Ren!?”

The {{Furigana|Knight|MASTER}} opened his eyes wide while he breathed heavily.

Without even answering him,

“The aura of your power isn’t bad. You are such are waste to be Achendia’s henchman.”

“This smell, the Heavenly Silver Dragon!”

Kyelse’s punch and the large Demon’s punch. Both fist clashed and created a flash which made your eyes burn. A powerful shock which could even distort space passed through the scene.

“What the……!?”

The silver haired girl who took the attack of a Demon head on.

Seeing such situation, the five academy graduates screamed in shock.

''——Unbelievable.''

''——Such small girl countered the attack of a high-level Demon.''

While everyone had their eyes pop out while such passed through their mind.

“Senpai, behind you!”

Only Ren was staring at a completely different direction.

A dangerous presence which appeared behind them.

A Demon which had an appearance of a lion whose brown colour was its trait. Ren certainly saw the four legged beast stood firmly on the ground while it lit a crimson glow in its mouth.

“Senpai, watch out!”

“Ren!? Stop, you will——”

Kyelse’s shout which could be heard as a scream. The instant the boy who was called the fake Brave Hero pushed away the {{Furigana|Barrierer|ENCHANTER}} girl. He had his body enveloped by the crimson flames.

“Re————”

“Thanks. You saved me again.”

But the crimson flames was compressed in the empty air.

There was one boy who stood calmly right after the burning flames turned into small sparks.

While he had a spirit which was glowing brilliantly sat on his right shoulder.

“The {{Furigana|ancestral spirit of fire|SALAMANDER}}!? Ren, when on earth did you master it!?”

“Ancient summoning! You are telling me there is a human who can command the spirits exists in this era!?”

The Demon which had the appearance of a lion shivered.

Ren used that slight opening to mow down the lion’s body as he passed by it.

“……Splendid……”

The Demon which had the appearance of a lion disappeared like shimmer of hot air.

Besides it, another Demon which was defeated by Kyelse perished.

“Ren, what’s going on!? Since when did you become capable of using spirit summoning!?”

“Ouch, it hurts! Rather, my eyes are spinning! Calm down!”

Ren had his collar grabbed by Kyelse and was being shaken around by her.

“That proves how much Fear-senpai’s divine tool is amazing.”

“But……even so……no, let’s leave it for now. Though it was beyond what I expected——”

The spirit which had an appearance of a winged lizard.

The {{Furigana|ancestral spirit of fire|SALAMANDER}} which looked like a small red Dragon disappeared. Kyelse who saw that turned around to Ren where she looked happy.

“That was a great job coming from you. There isn’t much distance left till we reach the summit so we will keep on going while taking down the enemies immediately.”

“Yeah.”

Kyelse who advanced ten metres ahead with a single step.

Ren ran while he followed after her.

At the mountain path where it had become silent——

The party of five members was watching such scenery in daze.

<center>==========</center>

Near the crater of the Great Volcano of Galia.

“Looks like this is it for you.”

“Achendia the Demon General of Blaze. The great Demon who was even called a Five Great Disaster. We would never have thought you would flee while leaving your henchmen behind. Looks like the name of the legendary Demon had fallen.”

The five humans that were wearing black battle wear.

The Elmekia Dusk——. They were the only ones who managed to arrive to the summit while the other parties were defeated one after another by the Demons that came in their way as they aimed for the volcano’s summit.

“Pretty skilled there. I never have thought all of you would catch up to me by using {{Furigana|pursuit spells|trace}}.

The great Demon stood there calmly while she had a smile on her face as she had the crater boiled out magma behind her.

——Demon General of Blaze, Achendia.

Her crimson hair which looked like scorched heat was possessed in it. And her golden-coloured eyes which made her appeared like a female leopard.

Simply her appearance was that of a fascinating woman.

Her appearance was that of a woman in her mid-twenties. Though the dress she was wearing had a brilliant red colour, she was equipped with an unknown precious metal on her wrists and neck.

“Now then. What shall I do?”

Behind her was a precipitous cliff. If she stepped in a wrong place she would fall into the boiling magma. Even though she was in a situation where she was cornered, the Demon General of Blaze didn’t get rid of her confident smile.

“We warn you. If you don’t want to suffer then leave this mountain immediately.”

“Oh? Is that supposed to be some human’s joke?”

The great Demon who had her golden eyes fearlessly glowed.

“So you are saying you would fight us?”

“Such dummies. I wasn’t talking about that. What I was wondering was——should Mii reveal myself.”

The spouted flames enveloped around the Demon General.

“……What!? Who are you?”

“Hello there. I think your party was called the Elmekia Dusk, wasn’t it? Anyways, good job.”

The white haired little girl who sat on the giant orb which was floating in the air.

“One of the Three Followers of the Demon General of Blaze Achendia-sama, Mii of the “Imitation”. Let’s get along.”

“A fake! Then where is the real Five Great Disaster——”

The Demon answered with an innocent chuckle.

“Achendia-sama was also bored so she could have played with all of you. But an interesting bunch who would entertain us even more showed up exactly then. So we needed the pests to be removed.”

“An interesting bunch?”

“Yup. Mii was also shocked. I would never have thought there would be a reincarnation of the legend from three-hundred years ago.”

“……Your words don’t make any sense. But we simply need to breakthrough you and reach the Demon General of Blaze.”

The party of five humans in black attire.

Each and one of them were professional {{Furigana|Knights|MASTERS}}, as well as being {{Furigana|Casters|ARIAS}} and {{Furigana|Barrierers|ENCHANTERS}}.

“Terrific. It’s been a while since I met humans that are worth the fight.”

She sat on a pearl-coloured orb.

Mii of the “Imitation” who was opposing the Elmekia Dusk said it with a chilling smile.

“I will play with the all of you on the behalf of Achendia-sama. Shall we start then?”

===2===

The Great Volcano of Galia, the summit of the third route——

“This was unexpected.”

That was the first thing Kyelse said to the Demon standing in front of her.

“I thought more of your so-called trusted retainers would be waiting for us but you came all the way here to meet us?”

“It’s called special treatment. After all, it had been awhile since we last met.”

The one who answered was a crimson Demon who was the highest-class Demon.

The Demon General of Blaze, Achendia. She had her crimson hair blow behind her and didn’t lose her smile despite Kyelse glared at her.

“Has it been three-hundred and five years ago since we last met? But I’m surprised. It seems like the former Demon Lord-sama and the strongest Archangel in Heaven is with you as well. I can’t believe it. If Elline was also alive, then it would have been the reincarnation of the legendary party.”

“……Elline isn’t here anymore. He was a human. So he had lifespan.”

“Then is that boy over there his reincarnation of Elline? He resembles him so much.”

The Five Great Disaster’s gaze moved to Ren.

The golden-eyes like that of a female leopard. She was looking at him. Ren couldn’t help but feel cold sweats pouring from his back like waterfalls by simply that.

''——She’s different.''

''The presence of the Demon in front of me is in a different league to the Demons I have encountered till now.''

Even Ren who simply stood in front of her could realise that. She looked like a human with a quick look. But the miasma and pressure which poured from her body was completely different to the other Demons.

“So? Are you?”

“You should know the answer already. You don’t even think I’m Elline’s reincarnation.”

Ren held his chills and answered by keeping his tone down.

“Heh? I like it. You are kind of humans who knows his place.”

“……There’s one thing I want to ask.”

Ren looked straight at the Demon with such overwhelming presence.

“You were a Demon General who was previously the subordinate of Elise, right? I heard that you rebelled because Elise resigned from her post as a Demon Lord and didn’t like the current Demon-Lord.”

“Hmm? Well, I guess you aren’t far off.”

“Then couldn’t you just remain as Elise, the former Demon Lord’s, subordinate instead of the current Demon Lord? Elise was having trouble since her body turned into that state. Didn’t you think of helping her?”

“That’s out of the question.”

That became the final verdict of a Demon who was once the candidate to become a Demon Lord.

“To be honest, the current Elise doesn’t appeal to me at all. Especially as someone who once knew of her beauty, strength, and brutality. More importantly, don’t you think there isn’t any reason for me to obey someone who is weaker than me?”

The highest-class Demon whose strength even surpassed that of a current Demon Lord.

That was the declaration of war from the legendary Demon who was called the personification of blaze.

“Though meeting Elise would be the last entertainment for me. Until then, don’t you think it will be troublesome if I don’t crush you two and Fear till then? All of you also want to defeat me in order to protect the human’s town, right? So why don’t we get started now.”

“Ren, step aside!”

Kyelse jumped the same time as she shouted.

On the other hand the Demon General of Blaze jumped to the rear towards the slope of the mountain while she made phantoms of herself.

The phantoms of the Demon General. All of the phantoms moved at the same time and spoke.

“This is so saddening.”

“For that invincible and unequalled Dragon.”

“Maybe it was due to that seal.”

“You don’t even have a trace left from back then.”

The crimson detonation——the scattered current of thermal expansion created by the spells of the four phantoms turned into shockwaves that burned the huge rocks and demolished them.

“Just be quiet.”

Kyelse’s power of language.

The scattered blast swiftly turned into pleasant spring breeze.

It must had been a spell to intervene with the energies and fluids within wide-range. But it was in a level where a human like Ren possibly couldn’t understand the constitution of the spell even though he saw it up-close.

“Split.”

Kyelse’s raised feet stepped on the ground. That instant, a shock ran through the Great Volcano of Galia like a rumble caused by a huge Dragon that had landed on the mountain.

The lifted pebbles and hundreds and thousands of small rocks headed towards the Five Great Disaster.

Every one of the rocks had the power and velocity of an arrow or even bullets. Even getting hit by one of them would cause fatal damage. But——

“This isn’t like you. A cunning fighting-style like that isn’t something a Dragon would do.”

They perished before touching the Five Great Disasters.

Miasma——a garment of curses which high-level Demons has around them. Metal objects would turn into rusts. And mere objects such as pebbles would be disassembled in instant.

“You realise it, don’t you? In your current state you can’t——”

“That’s enough talk.”

The Princess of Dragons approached right in front of the Demon General. The many pebbles from before was for deceptive means. A trap used to deceive the eyes of the real Achendia and her four phantoms at the same time.

“It’s so obvious. And sadly, in your current state you won’t overcome my miasma——”

“Fall to the depth of the realm of the dead.”

……Shook.

The air shook. The punch created by Kyelse pierced through Achendia’s activated miasma and nailed her in the stomach.

“Who do you think I am?”

“!? ……k-ka……!?”

The Five Great Disaster held her enormous breast and couldn’t hide her pain.

Barrier breaker. Body destroyer. And the spell intervener. The punch which has those three different high-level spells reached the Demon General of Blaze.

“……Splendid. To be expected from the legendary Dragon Princess Kyelse. I guess that was roughly between thirty to forty percent of the strength of your prime. And that was while being in a human’s appearance. '''Won’t you return to that beautiful Dragon?'''”

“That isn’t your concern.”

Kyelse approached her simply.

Seeing the silver haired girl doing that, the crimson haired Demon simply put on a cold smile and——

“I see. So you can’t transform back, can you?”

“…………”

“That’s too bad. If you could, then you would have been able to fight me with even the half of your strength.”

“What?”

“The cause of your lost would be that there hasn’t been much days since you woke up.”

The real Achendia. And the four phantoms.

The purple-coloured spell-circle which appeared below the feet of the five bodies of the legendary Demon. Strange barrier made up of many complex spell-circles, symbols, and pentagram.

“Anti-Dragon element barrier!?”

“You should have realised by the time I summoned four phantoms. I pity you since your senses was still dull due to three-hundred years of being sealed.”

The light made from the barrier wrapped around Kyelse as if it restrained her——

“Kyelse!?”

“Don’t come, R————gu……aaah……!?”

Before Ren could even reach her.

The silver haired girl’s scream echoed where she than felled at the centre of the barrier.

“I already knew you were coming. It’s natural for me to have prepared barriers against you beforehand. I obviously have many anti-Angel barriers set around there against Fear.”

The four phantoms vanished.

The remaining Demon General of Blaze looked down at Kyelse with a bewitching smile.

“What will you do now? Good timing, I was hoping to have a henchman like you.”

“……Like hell……you low rank……”

She said while she had lights from the barrier restrained her to the ground.

She still tried to move despite it. The Dragon Princess bit her teeth hard, got on her four limbs and moved her head up.

“I’m astonished. You can still speak? Hmm, you are dangerous. If I don’t make you powerless completely before Elise and Fear shows up, you might break free from the barrier with some kind of trigger.”

The condensed flames.

She had a spell of intense heat which was burning so much that it made it bright within her palm——

“Anyway, I’ll have myself weaken her moderately.”

“Before that happens, I will have you go down.”

Achendia didn’t realise it.

No. To be precise, she knew Kyelse’s strength that she was too cautious of her. Thus she didn’t pay intention to the human who came behind her.

——The Angel’s feather in Ren’s left hand.

——The same time the divine item glowed, a crimson spirit appeared behind Ren.

“Don’t worry about me {{Furigana|ancestral spirit of fire|SALAMANDER}}, take me down along with her!”

“!? That spirit! Don’t tell me you are trying to intervene with my spell!?”

The fire spell compressed inside Achendia’s palm suddenly swells up in rage. It spiraled around in the empty space where the intense heat of flames surrounded Achendia and Ren.

An instant flash.

“Ren!?”

Kyelse’s scream echoed——

The huge explosion thrusts the sky. Ren and the Demon General of Blaze gets dragged into the blast and thus the both of them fell deep into the abyss of the Great Volcano’s slope.

<center>==========</center>

The Great Volcano of Galia, near the crater of the second route.

The earthquake that shook the slop of the mountain.

The scattered shockwave consecutively passed through to the starting point of the mountain. Many small stones turned into fallen rocks due to the shock and started to roll down the mountain.

At the centre of that——

There was an Archangel and a high-level Demon who were exchanging punches within close-range within the breath distance.

“Destroy!”

Chorus of loud spirits between the two.

Fear bended her body to dodge the punch of a huge high-level Demon which came down at her. She went within his reach and thrusts her fist up from below.

The punch which could drill through the ground.

The punch which could cut through the sky.

Sounds of great destruction which continued to echo. The punch from the Demon created a large crater on the ground and the punch from Fear which hit the air creaked the atmosphere. The two punches created a tornado-like blast.

“You are pretty good. It’s been a while since I had a fight which made my heart race so much.”

The Archangel who had a red face due to excitement and her skirt was gently breezed by the air.

“I shall hear your name.”

“That would be an honour. Archangel Fear, the biggest battle maniac of Heaven who directly served under the Goddess Resflaze.”

The Demon who was wrapped in black and gold armour.

His actual skin turned into a powerful armour like that of an exoskeleton of an insect.

“One of the Three Followers of the Demon General of Blaze Achendia-sama. The Veldred of the “Armament”.”

“That was a well-trained martial arts. The name of your title don’t come from armed equipment but your “martial arts” where it acts as an “equipment” itself. I shall remember that name. ……However.”

The Archangel jumped as if she was dancing.

“It’s regretting but I don’t have the time to be dancing with you.”

“——That was my intention.”

The high-level Demon didn’t even try to dodge Fear’s punch. He crossed his arms. He used the back of his palm which was also the part of his body to take her attack directly.

“The Archangel who is the number two of Heaven. Even though you have weakened, I am still no match for you.”

“Oh my? You know when to give up.”

“Wrong. For that reason I need to buy time and wait for Achendia-sama to arrive.”

“……Oh, that’s what you meant.”

She glared at the Demon who jumped to the rear.

This henchman of Achendia was a martial artist but more than that, he was her royal retainer. The plan where they would concentrate in wasting their strength at their spot so Achendia could later defeat their enemy one after another afterwards.

''…..What shall I do now?''

''……We wanted to avoid fighting Achendia directly in our current state.''

Elise, Kyelse, and herself. If two of them among the three joined forces then they wouldn’t lose against a Demon General. Instead, if they were alone, then Achendia would be an opponent who would be extremely difficult to handle.

“Looks like we miscalculated.”

If the four of them including Ren had headed towards the Five Great Disaster together, then such situation wouldn’t have occurred.

But in order to rescue the humans that were defeated by the Demons on their way, they needed to go through the different routes. That was the biggest lost.

“It would be a time attack indeed. Would I join my comrades after defeating you who is concentrated on defending, or would Achendia defeat my comrades first.”

“That’s exactly it. Come. The strongest Archangel in Heaven.”

“No need for you to tell me.”

She crunched her fist very hard.

The blonde Angel jumped ahead while she raised her fist which was had the strongest hardness in the world and was only equaled by the fangs of the Heavenly Silver Dragon.

<center>==========</center>

The Great Volcano of Galia, near the crater of the first route.

Elise who was standing very close to origin of the crater which was boiling out the magma.

The one who was opposing her was——

“Let me think, I think you were Nesica of the “Reflection”. The follower of Achendia.”

“It’s an great honour to have the former Demon Lord-sama remember my name.”

The blonde Demon who held the side of her long skirt and bowed at Elise.

She also had an appearance of a human girl. But what was clearly different was her long ears which was like that of a rabbit and a tail which was covered by fur like that of a fox.

“I think you specialised in reflecting spells? Geez, Achendia sure did pit me with the troublesome one.”

It would have been different if she was pitted against an all-rounder type like Kyelse. But Elise mainly specialised in spells. Just how troublesome an opponent who could reflect spells would be.

“I’m looking forward to it. Just how much my ability would work against the former Demon Lord-sama.”

“……Sure. But bye-bye.”

Elise who clicked her fingers. As if it responded to her click, powerful spell-circle appeared and surrounded the blonde Demon.

“You won’t be able to “reflect” binding barrier, right?”

“——Wrong.”

The smile of a high-level Demon. At the same time, loop of light which was about to restrain Nesica perished.

The barrier itself gets teleported to Elise.

“Wah, I didn’t hear that you could even reflect barrier-type spells!?”

Elise slipped through the loop.

“It would have been different if it was Elise-sama when you were an active Demon Lord. But if it’s a spell activated by you in your current body, then there isn’t any spell from you I can’t reflect it.”

“……Hmm, this really is getting troublesome. I don’t even have the time to spare.”

Elise made a bitter smile while she scratched her head. She lifted her eyes which was burning with curiosity and glared at her opponent with eyes which could be taken as fearless eyes.

“What should I do now?”

“Oh my. You still have that much confidence despite having that spell from earlier reflected? Do you have a final trick up your sleeve?”

“Rather than a final trick, it’s more of a……but this is, no, it can’t be helped. I don’t have any more time to waste anyway.”

The dark-skinned girl who shrugged her shoulder in an exaggerated manner.

The eyes of the girl who was known as the former Demon Lord becomes filled with ominous and cold light which made Nesica who was standing against her feel the chills.

“I really wanted to save this for Achendia.”

“Eh?”

“————————I shall teach you fear which would even make Demons shiver in fear.”

The wind of spell powers suddenly stopped.

The area which had activated spells started to compress and what breezed instead was black wind.

The jet-black miasma which was even colder and chaotic than the black of night. Such wind swirled around Elise’s body as if it was enveloping her. Even the atmosphere around Nesica was tainted in black and continued to spread.

At the centre of that miasma——

One dark-skinned Demon showed up.

“Eh? ……Eh…………ah, n-no…………it can’t be…………”

Nesica’s expression froze in fear. No Demon wouldn’t know her. In the past she used her powerful and unrivalled black miasma to shroud the Underworld with it. The strongest Demon who even had the Five Great Disasters serve under her——

“It’s been awhile since I returned to this appearance.”

The one who said that was a tall dark-skinned Demon.

Her clothing changed to ominous colour and shape due to receiving her miasma. Her tied-up hair was now untied and was continuing to blow due to the powerful and black miasma.

She changed from her small girl’s appearance to an appearance of a woman with fascinating body——

“D……Demon Imperial Princess……Eliselis Di Mariablaze-sama……”

“Indeed.”

The former Demon Lord looked down to Nesica who was standing in front of her with eyes which didn’t have the slightest mercy in them.

“You should be honoured. After all, you would be the first Demon to see me with this appearance ever since I reincarnated ten years ago. I haven’t even told Kyelse and Fear about it.”

The forbidden spell of the rebirth of the Demon Lord.

She spent ten years to create it after she reincarnated as a small girl. A secret spell which was solely created by Elise. Since it required to consume great amount of spell powers, there was a restriction of being able to use it for only very short time——

“I-It can’t be……!? I-I didn’t hear that you could......r-return to your previous form……”

“Fool. Did you really think I would head towards Achendia without any tricks?”

“Ugh……gu, fine……bring it!”

Even though she had to fight the motion of fear which had bind her whole body, Nesica looked up towards the former Demon Lord.

“What’s this?”

“Since your original body is that of that small girl, you would require great amount of spell powers to maintain that body! And several mintues at most. Then if I could endure it for several mintues here, your spell power would reach the limit first. There’s no change in Achendia-sama’s victory!”

“Haha, to be expected from Achendia’s retainer. You are smarter than I thought.”

The Demon Imperial Princess who answered with a smile on her face.

“But let me give you a correction. The reason why I didn’t want to waste time wasn’t because I needed to consume enormous amount of spell power to maintain this form.”

“Eh?”

“I am no longer a Demon Lord. I am merely a single Demon who left that position and lost all of my henchmen. But even for someone like me, I still have irreplaceable comrades. They aren’t my henchmen like all of you once were. But comrades who is equal to me. I just want to make it in time for that danger. That’s simply it.”

Those words.

The high-level blonde Demon made an expression as if she couldn’t believe her ears.

“……You have changed. Former Demon Lord-sama.”

“You’re right. I may have. But it doesn’t feel bad. A journey with equal comrades that is.”

She had overwhelming dignity and miasma envelop her body. The charming Demon Imperial Princess walked slowly towards the Demon in front of her.

“And that’s how much I also want to watch over him. The possibility of Ren who is known as the fake Brave Hero.”

===3===

The Great Volcano of Galia, the midpoint.

At the midpoint of the mountain where there wasn’t even the slightest sight of parties and the Demons that would counter them——

“……! ……Ku……looks like…...I overdid it.”

Ren used his sword to support his body and stood himself while his whole body had received bruises and cuts.

“Hmm. Ancient summoning. I wonder how many hundreds of years since it has been since I last met a human who can command a spirit. You sure come up with an interesting tactic where you commanded the {{Furigana|ancestral spirit of fire|SALAMANDER}} to intervene my flames and made it explode.”

The crimson Demon whose tone became lively in joy.

Even though she had been blasted in the same explosion as Ren, she didn’t receive anything which you would describe it as wounds.

“You, a human who resemble Elline. I think Kyelse called you Ren earlier.”

“——Yeah.”

“So, what was your intention? It seemed like you protected Kyelse but what are you planning to do?”

“I was desperate. To be honest, I didn’t have the leisure to think anything through.”

Ren shook his head.

Seeing Kyelse put in danger right in front of him, the action he suddenly took without even thinking and finding the reason to do so was anyway to have the Demon General of Blaze get away from there at all cost.

“But by having the discussion with the two of us, I now have two things I wanted to say to you.”

“What would those be?”

“First. Why did you betray Elise? I don’t care about the current Demon Lord. But Elise……is a good girl. The relation between you and Elise may have been that of a master and her retainer, but still, you two were comrades right? I don’t want to see the two of you fight each other and hurt each other.”

“That sure is an interesting impression you have there, don’t you think?”

“It isn’t interesting since it’s something I experienced myself which was the most painful experience I had.”

He continued to be called the fake Brave Hero during the three years at Holy Fiora Journey Academy.

No one took him seriously. Since he didn’t have friends who would practice swords with him, he continued to swing his swords alone outside while using the empty air as his sparring partner.

''——It’s because I wanted someone to acknowledge me one day.''

''——So I intend to understand very well of what it means to have comrades more than anyone.''

“If I were you……I would never betray such precious comrades no matter what the reason would be. Why can’t you get along with her? It doesn’t matter if Elise is or isn’t a Demon Lord right now. Didn’t she fight till her body was battered three-hundred years ago!?”

Elise who had lost her body in the battle from three-hundred years ago.

She lost her position as a Demon Lord and reincarnating into a younger but weaker body surely wasn’t something she wanted either. However——

“Wasn’t Elise, the Demon Lord, the one who fought alongside all of you who were her trusted retainers!? So don’t just betray her easily like that!”

“…………”

The crimson Demon didn’t answer.

“……So, what was the second thing you wanted to say?”

“I certainly am no Elline. Yeah, I’m none other than the fake Brave Hero. I don’t mind to be called that in the academy, the town of the blazing cliff, and even from a Demon as yourself. ——But!”

Ren gripped his sword harder.

There was one promise he made which passed his mind.

''“But don’t forget the strong spirit you showed when you protected me and challenged the wyvern. That is the only requirement I ask from you to form a party with me.”''

“There is something I also can’t give up on. I won’t break the promise I made with Kyelse no matter what!”

“Are you going to buy time so you can call the other three here?”

“No way. I don’t have time to do that. Your henchmen is doing whatever they like and are rampaging in the town located below this mountain.”

The story of the boy who was called the fake Brave Hero.

This was truly the beginning of it.

“I will! Now, right here! I will end this by defeating you!”

“Dummy. If it was Elline from the past it would have been different, but you are merely a human. Know the power difference between us.”

The Demon General of Blaze raised her right hand.

Roar!

Cracks were created on the ground where a giant wall of flames blew up so high that you had to look up. Not only did the flames had high temperature which was enough to melt the rocks it touched, but it was also a wide-range spell which covered your whole sight in flames.

“This should be the end for it.”

Torrent of flames which was heading at Ren.

Those flames————was cut in half by the swing of the boy’s sword.

“You stopped my flames for the second time!? ……I see that the spirit is quite fond of you.”

The {{Furigana|ancestral spirit of fire|SALAMANDER}} of fire which was resting on Ren’s right shoulder.

It responded to the sword Ren had swung and intervene with the flames the sword had been swung towards.

“!”

The Five Great Disaster got stirred. Ren used that instant to jump.

The mass of flames which was created by Achendia fell down towards Ren after it spun in mid-air. Ren continued to dodge every one of them. No, there should have been flames which had hit him. But even those flames disappeared, leaving just white smokes as if it had been washed away by water.

——The Archangel’s feather and the former Demon Lord’s jewel.

As well was it a jewel to activate ancient summoning, it could also be used as a defence-barrier which had resistance to varieties of spells. It was the effect of those supports.

“Over there!”

Ren closed the distance with the Demon General who had jumped away and swung his sword slanted from lower angle.

The tip of the sword grazed her.

But the whole body of the crimson Demon disappeared that instant like a mist.

“Mirage!?”

“Correct~. I distorted the layers present in the air with the heat of my flames in order to manipulate the reflective index of light. Since it was a genuine physical phenomenon, I can even confuse those who sensors the spell-power of their opponent……well, you didn’t seem like such skillful person so I was surprised by you so I had to take that measure.”

The charming Demon was smiling from far away.

“Ancient summoning and spirit summoning. Did you train at the Holy-land of Canaan?”

“Of course not.”

The heat of flames which lurked in the surrounding.

Ren wiped away his sweats which was falling down like waterfall and then shook his head.

''……This is bad.''

''……I wanted to settle this with that attack just now.''

She was a Demon whom even the current Demon Lord would be frighten with. Ren himself was fully aware just how much power gap there were between the two of them. For that reason he wanted to settle this right away. He wanted to settle it before he revealed the {{Furigana|ancestral spirit of fire|SALAMANDER}} as well as the divine tools he was given from Fear and Elise.

“That was unfortunate. Your expression tells me that you wanted to use it while I had my guard down, you know?”

She spoke as if it was an obvious act.

But she didn’t have the slightest expression of looking down at him which she had before.

“You are the same as Kyelse. It was a bit too early for you to fight me.”

The earth which the crimson Demon was standing on started to give red glow slowly.

The stones around her started to melt and fuse. As if it started following after it, the earth around her, the giant rock which was present, and all kinds of objects started to turn red and melt——

“The lava flow!?”

“The temperature is more than 1000 degrees. I guess it would be too hot for a human to bath in.”

That instant, the lava flow which was glowing brilliantly spouted from the ground.

From Achendia who was standing normally in the centre of it, the lava flow came down at Ren who was standing below her eyes where the lava flow came rushing at him powerfully like an avalanche while it devoured everything in its way.

“By the way, flames are the only factor the {{Furigana|ancestral spirit of fire|SALAMANDER}} can intervene with. Lava which is made from rocks that were melted by heat cannot be intervened nor cannot be guarded it. What will you do now?”

“So it’s a counter measure against {{Furigana|ancestral spirit of fire|SALAMANDER}}……!”

Ren bit his teeth hard and looked around him.

The bumps of the mountains created from natural cause which was made from the earth and the sand. If the lava was coming from the higher altitude, then evacuating to a higher place would allow Ren to escape from this situation……or could he?

“Dammit, come {{Furigana|ancestral spirit of fire|SALAMANDER}}!”

Ren jumped while he had the spirit obey him.

The lava flow which was coming at him as it blew out flames. It approached so close to him that he could feel the heat from it burn his skin——

“How unfortunate. Maybe you won’t make it?”

Achendia’s words of pity.

At the same time, Ren gripped tightly of the amber he had received from Elise.

“I hope this will work……!”

Ancient summoning to teleport physical objects. The more complicated the spell was, the more powerful the activation substance would be and hence the easier it would be to break the limitation of the distance and quality of the object you would have teleported.

——A huge rock.

A huge rock which Ren had seen far ahead gets summoned between him and the lava flow.

“Are you planning to stop the lava? Dummy, a simple rock like that would get melted as a whole.”

“That’s not what I’m planning to do.”

Ren simply said that and jumped towards the huge rock right in front of him.

''……It’s obvious that I would only be able to summon that for an instant with my current skill.''

''……Please make it!''

The huge rock was to mold a space for his footing.

Several seconds remained till the summoned rock would disappear. He stepped on the rock within those seconds and jumped once again from the top of the rock. He jumped over the lava flow that was coming at him.

“Good decision. But my lava doesn’t just flow————now explode.”

Rumbling.

Fragments of lava got shot out to the front. It came flying towards Ren in the same velocity as that of a bullet.

“————”

Countless of flying pebbles which was burning in intense heat lands on Ren. The boy fell without crying out and had lots of blood spurt from his body............wasn’t what happened since he disappeared from the sight instantly.

“Is that my mirage!?”

“That was your trick. You distorted the air with the heat of your flames in order to create a camouflage by bending the light!”

The boy who rushed right in front of Achendia swung down his sword at her.

——Emission of heatwaves by the {{Furigana|ancestral spirit of fire|SALAMANDER}}.

Those flames distorted the air around Ren and created an artificial phantom on the spot.

The flash of the sword.

It was certainly the moment when the strike of Ren’s sword had captured the Demon General of Blaze.

“……'''Ren-chan.'''”

“!?”

Something cold passed through Ren’s back with that one word said by the Demon. Ren took a distance without thinking twice.

——The tip of the sword which had rusted.

Right before the tip of the sword touched Achendia’s body, the blade made by steel rusted in instance by the high intense heat of miasma which was enveloping and protecting her.

''……I was prepared ever since Kyelse told me about it.''

''……So this is the threat of the miasma which is worn by highest-level Demons.''

The protection given to him by the divine tools which he had received from Fear and Elise. He had a faint hope of having his sword protected from her miasma. But the miasma of the Five Great Demon was overwhelmingly ominous.

“Now I get it.”

On the other hand, Achendia spoke as if she was talking to herself.

“I’m shocked. It was thanks to the power of the {{Furigana|ancestral spirit of fire|SALAMANDER}} that you were able to copy my move by seeing it with your own eyes and it was thanks to Fear’s divine tool you were able to summon it. But the judgement you made to actually put that in practice in the very last minute was no doubt your power. …..If that sword was even a bit of a famed sword, I may have received some wound by you.”

Her dress which had a small cut.

The Demon who stroke the small cut made by the sword on her breast. By that time not only wasn’t there a scratch on her crimson dress, but even the slightest crease was repaired.

“If there was one thing I fear about humans, then that wouldn’t be the population of the human species but their growth speed. Rather than being described as learning, it won’t be an exaggeration to call it an evolution. You know, with that in mind, Ren-chan? There’s one thing I’m sure of.”

“……What is it?”

“'''In a near future you will become a threat to me. So I will kill you here.'''”

The atmosphere suddenly changed.

The glare of the Demon General of Blaze Achendia. Even inside the intense heat of the place due to the heat from the lava, she gave an intense cold feeling which was so cold as if you were thrown into current of an ocean. ——No, this was a simple pressure.

“The forbidden chapter of blaze, the “Crimson World”.”

The sky of the night gets tainted in crimson colour which was close to that of a blood.

''……A barrier? No, it’s Achendia’s miasma.''

''……Has this whole mountain got covered by miasma of Achendia’s flames!?''

“I, the Demon General of Blaze.”

The crimson Demon raised her hand.

“The light, the heat, and the flames are within my control as close as it can eternally be.”

The red light which started pouring down.

Those came pouring from the crimson sky of night. There were countless number of lights which poured like intense rain.

The single drop of light—— the moment it touched the tip of his elbow, the fibre was burned away in instant without even flames actually appear and burn it.

“Agh!?”

“The hell fire which would burn away this world. I shall show you what a real spells are.”

The Demon General of Blaze just stood there calmly while she had red lights pour on her.

The rains of light where there were thousands of them.

When the raindrop touched the ground it melted away the stones and when it touched the grove of the trees it turned the whole trees into charcoals. Even though it was pouring like rains it changed its course while it was dropping. There were rains where it dropped vertically even though it was pouring in spirals.

——The spell where the energy of flames all turned into light and heat.

——They returned into flames only when it touched the target till it burns away the target.

“Ku……a……!”

''……It isn’t a spell a human can control.''

''……This is the highest-level Demon. She is indeed a true monster.''

The {{Furigana|ancestral spirit of fire|SALAMANDER}} intervened with Achendia’s flames and weakened the flames that were attacking Ren.

On top of that the Archangel’s feather and the Demon Lord’s jewel which created a powerful and unrivalled protection-barrier to weaken the power of flames even more played a role. But even still, the single drop of light had high intense heat.

Ren didn’t even have the will to imagine what would have happened to him if he wasn’t protected by both the spirit and the divine tools.

“Even still, it’s not over yet!”

Ren swung down his sword even though he was feeling intense pain on his shoulder.

The pouring rains of light with high intense heat. The single drop which could be called a raindrop or even a flash was accurately cut by the sword swung by the boy.

“————”

The boy didn’t stop.

While he was inside the pouring flashes, he concentrated only on the raindrops pouring on him so he could mow them down with the tip of his rusted sword. The blade itself would melt if Ren blocked them with the tip of his sword so the {{Furigana|ancestral spirit of fire|SALAMANDER}} intervened with the course of those flames and distorted them.

“Magnificent.”

The praise from the crimson Demon which came from the bottom of her heart.

“To only cut the lights pouring on you. Or was that a coincidence?”

“No, I simply had done this training before.”

''“There’s nothing wrong with your training and your hard work.”''

''“Seize the drop of water and a fraction of fire, and strike it down with a single slash instantly.”''

''……I really need to thank Kyelse.''

He who was an outsider at the academy. He couldn’t find classmates who would train with him so his training partner had always been the empty air.

''——I have been swinging my sword against the pouring raindrops by following its course when it was raining.''

Kyelse was the only one who acknowledged his hard work. Instead she even pushed him to strive even further. That experience now had bear fruit.

“But it was still too early for you to fight me.”

“!?”

“Burst.”

Lights covered his sight.

The next moment the detonations which shook the air attacked Ren.

“——Gah!?”

The rain of lights which poured on him. Those thousands of raindrops, which acted like a very small bombs, all exploded at once and the blast spread everywhere.

The sword fell from Ren’s hand and made a sound when it had hit the ground.

''......This is bad. For an instant, I really lost my consciousness with that impact.''

Ren had his knee on the ground by the time he realised it.

“I guess this was your limit after all. Even though you have the appearance of Elline, you are very far from being him.”

The broken sword.

The blade broke due to the impact of the blast. The Demon General of Blaze looked down at the bladeless sword.

“Well, you sure did put up a fight for a human. You did so well that I don’t mind making you my henchmen together with Kyelse. A human who can use ancient summoning is rare after all.”

“……Don’t……mess……with me.”

Ren wiped his cheek which was covered in his blood and sweat.

He gripped tightly of the bladeless sword and glared at Achendia.

“I……can still……stand as you can see.”

“I can’t understand it.”

She had Ren in front of her who had replied to her as such while he breathed heavily.

It was none other than the Demon General of Blaze who tilted her head with eyes filled with wonder.

“Your sword broke and your body is battered. You can’t even completely control the {{Furigana|ancestral spirit of fire|SALAMANDER}} which is your trump card. What can you possibly do in this situation? Or are you planning to call out your comrades?”

“Nope.”

“Eh?”

“There’s only one thing I’m thinking of and that is the way to defeat you.”

Ren took a step, despite the fact that he couldn’t keep his body balance, and showed a fearless smile.

“I……want to become the member of this party. I want to become the actual comrade of those three.”

''“When we are fighting, just put your life as the priority.”''

''The Dragon Princess Kyelse, the Archangel Fear, and the former Demon Lord Elise.''

''And myself who was merely allowed to “join” them. But that isn’t it. There won’t be any meaning if it stayed like this. The party I am aiming for is——''

“I just……want those three to really acknowledge me as their comrade. I want to continue journeying the world with them. That’s why I can’t lose at a place like this!”

His body which was covered in cuts and burns due to the impact of the blasts.

Even so, the boy who was known as the fake Brave Hero declared it while he had the legendary Demon standing in his way.

“Bring it, Demon General of Blaze. This will be the last battle!”

<center>==========</center>

The Great Volcano of Galia, the summit of the third route——

The faint purple light which came from the top of the mountain was a strange barrier made from variety of different spell-circles, symbols, and the pentagrams.

The anti-Dragon element barrier. The pillar of lights would intervene the more the powerful the Dragon was and would cancel their power.

“Gu……to use……such trick……”

Kyelse bit her teeth hard while she had the pillar of lights restrained her to the ground.

A mere barrier such as this would have been easily destroyed by her in instant without needing to transform back into a Dragon if this was three-hundred years ago.

“……Ren……”

She said that name while she was in pain.

Ren commanded the {{Furigana|ancestral spirit of fire|SALAMANDER}} to intervene with Achendia’s spell in order to protect Kyelse——. He fell down to the mountain’s slope along with Achendia from the blast. She possibly couldn’t know how far they had fell but the biggest problem was that too much time had passed since then.

''——She isn’t someone who you could beat alone.''

''——Even Ren should know that.''

“Don’t play with me humans! Why must all of you leave me and hasten your death!”

The three-hundred years of imprisonment being sealed.

She had the Sword Emperor Elline who had reached out to her to die before her——

And if she lost Ren here who she had reached out her hand to——

“I won’t allow it……I certainly don’t want that to happen! I won’t allow it!”

The silver haired girl.

No, the Dragon who was in the form of a human howled.

“Return and reincarnate! I am the Princess of the Dragons. I shall abandon my body of a human once again!”

The magnificent howl. The silver haired girl’s body vibrated for an instant. Then a bright silver-white glow was emitted from her body. It shined the summit of the Great Volcano widely. And then——

“Disappear. Beautifully, and violently.”

The absolute power of words.

It shredded the purple pillar of lights which then disappeared into the empty sky.

The barrier which perished without a trace.

In the centre of it was the silver haired girl who crouched once again and was breathing heavily.

“……Sigh……a……ah…………I was able to……return for an……instant……?”

Large number of sweats passed down her cheek and dropped from her chin.

But that only happened for a short time as Kyelse stood up and climbed down the mountain right away.

“Wait for me, Ren……!”

She wouldn’t get lost.

The girl climbed down the mountain path as if she was being guided.

===4===

===5===

===6===

{{SimpleNav
|b=Record.4|bn=Record.4
|f=Interval|fn=Interval
}}

Sekai no Owari no Encore:Volume 1 Record.5

2015-03-08T00:57:34Z

Roxcrosser: /* 1 */

Sekai no Owari no Encore:Volume 1 Record.4

2015-03-06T09:13:07Z

Roxcrosser:

==Record.4: {{Furigana| Royal 72 Order of the Special Knight Squad|ELMEKIA DUSK}}==

===1===

The heat and the temperature which felt like it could choke you.

Simply breathing in the air would burn your lungs. A place where the atmosphere was filled with such high heat which made you feel as such.

The town of the blazing cliff, Jio.

“It’s hot! So this isn’t a heat coming from the people but the steam which is coming from the mountain right?”

“This is a town which lies before the Great Volcano of Galia after all. Over there, you can already see it.”

Ranges of mountain where the summit of the mountain were tainted red.

Fear pointed at the top of a mountain, an active volcano where the magma spurred, with her finger.

——The location where one of the Five Great Disasters, Demon General of Blaze Achendia, awaits them.

“Huh? Are you a bit nervous, Ren?”

“There’s no way I won’t be. I’ve been like this before we even entered this town.”

Even though the surface of his body was hot, the part of his body deep within was icy cold.

The tension and the fear. Even for Elise whose current body was that of after reincarnating herself, their opponent would be someone who a former Demon Lord such as herself cannot face alone to the extent that she sought for help.

“Anyways, am I the only one nervous?”

“Are you implying I am?”

“You are like usual, Kyelse. I’m talking about the parties scattered all over the places.”

The people that passed through the main street.

About half of them weren’t the residents of this town but the members of powerful parties. There were obviously {{Furigana|Knights|MASTERS}} that were forging that swords and also what appeared to be parties exchanging information.

“Oh my. Achendia sure is popular.”

Elise made a bitter smile while she looked at the presence of dozens of parties.

“They will all be slayed, I guess? I doubt they won’t be able to defeat not only Achendia but even her henchmen.”

“……Don’t say such scary thing naturally like that.”

“I’m dead serious. That’s because there aren’t any impressive bunch here.”

The parties gathered at this town must mostly be newly formed parties. They must have gathered here to get their fame by defeating the Demon General of Blaze.

“Huh? Aren’t you Ren?”

That was the time when a young man’s voice came from behind them.

“Oi, it really is. The so called fake Brave Hero.”

“That one, right? The one who failed last year’s promotion exam and is repeating his second year.”

“……Senpai?”

The two {{Furigana|Knights|MASTERS}} that were wearing top grade armaments with carved seals engraved in them.

They graduated Holy Fiora Journey Academy last year and formed a party among their five friends. For someone like Ren who had repeated a year, they were three grades his senior. That made them a grade above Fear.

''——I wouldn’t forget.''

''——That’s because they were seniors that always tried to pick a fight with me ever since I enrolled.''

“Hey, what’s going on here? Skipping classes, are we? You aren’t telling me you formed a party? You are still a middle-rank student and haven’t even graduated yet. You are still III-Grade {{Furigana|Knight|MASTER}} aren’t you?”

“Or did you withdraw from the Academy? Hey. Who are those young girls? Huh…..aren’t you——”

“It’s been a while.”

The party of five members that graduated from Holy Fiora Journey Academy. The one who the female {{Furigana|Barrierer|ENCHANTER}} among them looked at was Fear who was famous for being considered as the first prodigy ever since the establishment of the academy.

“I think your name was……Fear. The one who was being favoured by the instructors.”

“That would be an exaggeration for someone like me.”

The Archangel responded with a smile.

“So, how come all of you are here?”

“Hunting down the Demon General of Blaze. Having a hotshot like that showing up on earth rarely happens after all.”

The one who answered was the {{Furigana|Caster|ARIA}} who was wearing a robe.

He was one of the top students who was ranked among the top ten of the graduates. Not only did he receive lessons from the instructors of the academy, but he was also famous for receiving special lessons from his teacher who was a professional {{Furigana|Caster|ARIA}}.

“Fear, why are you here? Weren’t you supposed to graduate this year? And what about your party?”

“I already formed one. I decided to go on a journey together with Ren.”

“H-Hey, Senpai!?”

Fear wrapped her arms around Ren and hugged him gently.

“Eh……that was unexpected. What happened with your graduation exam?”

“I decided to graduate from the academy earlier on my own.”

“Huh! These guys sure are naïve minded. Even though you were the instructors favourite, you are playing party-game with this fake Brave Hero……”

The I-Grade {{Furigana|Knight|MASTER}} spoke in a scornful tone while he sighed.

“A student {{Furigana|Knight|MASTER}} who repeated a year and only looks like a Brave Hero while trying to act——”

“Shut up.”

Kyelse’s voice which was filled with anger cut of the young {{Furigana|Knight|MASTER}}’s words.

“Keep your mouth shut, human. Someone of your calibre is a thousand years too early to insult Ren who is my comrade.”

“Huh? What’s with this girl?”

“——Fool, if you really want to be crushed, then——”

“Alright, that’s it, Kyelse.”

Ren rested his hand on Kyelse’s shoulder who was shivering with anger while he smiled at her.

“It’s fine. What he’s saying is true.”

“Ren?”

“It can’t be helped. It can’t be helped if I get such comments.”

If it frustrated you, then you shouldn’t use words but make achievements with simple determination.

That was the reality in both the inside and the outside of the academy.

“Mmm……”

“Well, I was happy you became angry for me. Thank you.”

He smiled at Kyelse who was making a face due to her dissatisfaction.

''——She became angry as if she was the one insulted.''

That was the reason why Ren was able to keep his calm instead.

“So will all of you be hunting the Demon General of Blaze? The enemy is the great Demon. It would be too risky to challenge it when you just formed your party last year.”

“That’s why this is the situation we couldn’t ask even more for.”

The I-Grade {{Furigana|Knight|MASTER}} declared boldly.

“Look around you. Dozens of these parties are our allies. Most of the parties made an alliance and are preparing for a strategy to defeat the Demon General of Blaze. With these numbers, no one can stand in our way no matter who the enemy is. Obviously the reward and the fame will be shared among the parties. But even with that, what we will get is more than what we can ask for since our enemy will be a hotshot like one of the Five Great Disasters.”

They were currently coming up with a strategy.

Even though parties which would normally be rivals were everywhere, the reason why they were on standby without rushing was due to majority of these parties having made a temporally alliance.

“Bad news for you, Ren, since this has nothing to do with you. Do you think there will be a party which would form an alliance with you, an III-Grade {{Furigana|Knight|MASTER}}, and three girls?”

“Wrong. We don’t plan on—”

Just before he was about to say that they would challenge the Demon General of Blaze with the four of them.

The noises around them quieted down.

The sounds of hard footsteps could be heard from behind them. It wasn’t a sound of just several people. It was more than that. The footsteps which was timed perfectly with the sound of other footsteps. And the pace of their footsteps which had no flaws to each other——

“Hey, isn’t that……”

“Elmekia Dusk!? Why is the highest-level party with the most man-power in the world here? Does that mean a request of reinforcement was given to the supreme metropolitan of Elmekia!?”

Shocked voices which sounded like screams spread through the scene rhythmically.

{{Furigana| Royal 72 Order of the Special Knight Squad|ELMEKIA DUSK}}—— the highest rank party led by the Knight King Zellbright.

Twelve people that appeared in the town of the blazing cliff.

They wore their symbolic black battle-wear and progressed through the main street without even being concerned about the parties around them. Maybe they were overwhelmed by their silent pressure. It was clear that the groups of party members and pedestrians on the streets gave path to the members of Elmekia Dusk which was like a path was made in the sea.

''——They are clearly different.''

''——The pressure given out from their body was very different from the other party members gathered in this town.''

“What’s with those snobbish guys?”

“Elmekia Dusk. It’s the biggest party in the world. Not only in terms of numbers, but they are one of the strongest party in the world for having groups of the strongest {{Furigana|Knights|MASTERS}} among the elites as their core members.”

The one who answered smoothly to Kyelse who looked at the party without moving her head was Fear.

“Among the seven-hundred and twenty {{Furigana|Knights|MASTERS}} they have hired, only seventy-two of them can become the official party members. There’s nothing to criticise about their achievements and strength. But since there is a clear ranks in terms of strength, there are rumours that there is an intense battle happening to take higher ranks within the party at all times.”

“Looks like you are awfully well-informed.”

“I sure am. I haven’t been attending the party raising institute for four years for nothing.”

The Archangel responded with a smile.

“Hey, Ren?”

“Hmm……ah, yeah. There were certainly many seniors back in the academy who wanted to join the Elmekia Dusk.”

But the competition was very intense. Potential {{Furigana|Knights|MASTERS}} and {{Furigana|Casters|ARIAS}} throughout the world gathered at the supreme metropolitan of Elmekia but only very few of them would be selected every year.

“I think the 1st rank was the Knight King Zellbright. I don’t see other high rank upper echelons among them either so I’m assuming that group is made up of lower ranks of the {{Furigana| Royal 72 Order of the Special Knight Squad|ELMEKIA DUSK}}. Even still, just as you see……you can tell they are clearly different from others from the atmosphere they are giving out.”

The noises finally returned to the main street. But the discussions were all about the Elmekia Dusk which had just walked past the street.

“……Geez. A troublesome bunch sure did come.”

“We really didn’t expect this.”

The ones who distorted their face with hatred was the party of the Holy Fiora graduates.

“Looks like we don’t have a time to waste anymore. ……See ya then, Ren. I will give you a good news before we go. There were rumours going around about you, though not much as Elmekia Dusk. The reason we found you is because we heard your rumours and thought that it may be you.”

“Eh?”

“Congrats, fake Brave Hero. '''You have already joined the celebrities even outside the academy'''.”

“……Ah, so that’s how it is.”

The rumour about a young boy who had a mirror image of the Brave Hero Elline.

It must mean that the rumour had spread fast even in this town of the blazing cliff. By the time Ren realised his senior was being sarcastic, the party of the five young members had already disappeared into the crowd.

At the large auditorium of the town of the blazing cliff.

A meaningful crimson carpet was laid on the passage. The windows for lightening the passage was set on both side of the wall where all of them had stained glass on them. So it gave a dazzling, yet sacred light.

“Wow, is the whole passage like this? It’s insanely gorgeous that I haven’t seen a beautiful building like this in Mstier. ……The world outside sure is amazing after all.”

Ren made a sigh of admiration after witnessing a scenery which was spacious as a castle.

“Hey, Kyelse. Don’t you think it’s amazing?”

“I don’t mind it, except why do we have to line up here for almost one hour?”

There are dozens of people behind them and also dozens of people front of them where all of them were people from different parties.

The Dragon Princess looked fed up by being surrounded by many humans.

“It’s for the party registration.”

The Archangel who hadn’t lost her usual smile.

“For requests such as that from towns, a set amount of money is prepared beforehand and is given to the parties where the reward would be determined by their achievements. You won’t receive a reward if you don’t register your party. And even if you did defeat one of the Five Great Disasters, you wouldn’t know which party had defeated it.”

“So it’s to distribute the reward and fame, huh. It sure is a cunning method a human would come up with.”

“You know, Kyelse, we wouldn’t be able to buy the sweets you are really fond of if we don’t have the money.”

“Hmm? That sure is a serious matter. We need to secure our reward then.”

Kyelse started to nod reluctantly.

“Oh well. You don’t need to worry since the only ones who is capable of defeating Achendia would be us so there’s no need to rush things~. Ren, you also need to give your all and survive, okay?”

“……Don’t say such ominous thing.”

Ren shrugged his shoulder after the previous Demon Lord slapped his back.

“But what about those guys? Maybe the Elmekia Dusk would be able to defeat Achendia……”

“Ren. Aren’t you taking the Five Great Disasters lightly?”

She lifted her eyes like a cat.

Elise made a fearless smile which could be considered disrespectful and looked up at Ren.

“You know they were Demons that were the candidates to become a Demon Lord three-hundred years ago? Ren, you said it yourself before but aren’t the members dispatched by the Elmekia Dusk lower rank members? Don’t you reckon they won’t be able to do anything?”

“I……Is that how it is?”

“Well, I would be grateful if they could stall one or two of Achendia’s henchmen at most. Majority of the Five Great Disasters are lone wolves but Achendia would be quite troublesome since she had many faithful subordinates under her. So having many parties come with us would be an advantage for us. We will have them deal with Achendia’s henchmen so we can concentrate solely on Achendia, you know?”

“They are that powerful huh. ……You’re right, they were strong enough to be the candidates of becoming a Demon Lord.”

The species known as Demons naturally had strength that were in different leagues to humans. For that reason they were called the superior beings and continued to rule the underground world known as the Underworld.

“————.”

“By the way, Kyelse, why have you been looking around yourself since a while ago?”

“It’s not me. Instead, we are the ones being looked at.”

The parties that bypassed them.

It wasn’t just them. Even before they entered the auditorium, merchants and salesboy of the street stall had been glaring at them with curious eyes and had been whispering at each other.

“They are saying, “So that’s the rumoured party a lookalike of the Brave Hero belongs to……”.”

“Eh? You can even hear them whispering even far from here?”

“You shouldn’t take lightly of a Dragon’s senses. Your appearance resembles Elline to begin with. And now the three of us is here with you as well.”

The Elline Sword Emperor Brigade which ended the End War with the only four of them. Everyone knew the legend of Elline and the Three Great Princesses which represented the three world.

And now there was Ren, a lookalike of the Brave Hero, and the three girls that were with him.

——Such party appeared for the hunt of the Five Great Disaster.

——A mere coincidence? Or do they have some connection with the famous Elline Sword Emperor Brigade?

There was no way the other parties and the town’s resident wouldn’t become curious.

“Oh well. The three individuals among us four is the real thing. Hey, do you think they will get shocked if we tell them?”

“……Don’t. It will cause a stir.”

Ren calmed Elise whose tone sounded like she was having fun.

“But the thing is, you will have to become one too, okay?”

“Me?”

“Don’t remain being called a fake Brave Hero and start working hard to become someone who would get called a Brave Hero since you are with us.”

“It’s too early.”

The one who said that was Kyelse who had candy inside her mouth.

“There’s no need for you to rush it. Ren, you need to aim from something easy first. It’s to become a Sword Saint.”

“……Both of them would be hard to accomplish.”

Fear rested her hand on Ren’s shoulder who had just said that.

“Ren. It’s our turn to register.”

It was one of the four counters.

The girl who appeared to be a receptionist looked towards them and started to explain in a nervous manner.

“You must be here for the special-code 09 “Five Great Disaster Hunt”. Please register your party’s name.”

“……Party name?”

The supreme metropolitan of Elmekia’s “Elmekia Dusk”, the holy-land of Canaan’s “Canaan Pilgrim, the Boat of the Sacred Teaching”, and also “Elline Sword Emperor Brigade” from three-hundred years ago had a party name taken from their territory or the name of their representative and such.

“Oh, crap. We haven’t decided yet. Any good name any of you can come up with?”

The three girls behind him showed a sign of thinking up a name for a moment.

“I do! Adorable Elise-chan and her happy-going subordinates!”

“The party led by the noble, the strongest, the beautiful Silver Dragon Princess who had woken from her long seal—”

“Why don’t we just stay anonymous?”

“……Fear-senpai’s suggestion it is. Please register as anonymous.”

Both Kyelse and Elise that were behind Ren started making a sound of displeasure but he acted as if he didn’t hear them.

“Registration is completed. For this quest we have requested the aid of Elmekia Dusk for the hunt of one of the Five Great Disasters. They would be heading out tomorrow morning.”

“So you are saying other parties should match them?”

“To have everyone cooperate, that is what we are asking for.”

The receptionist girl said that with a begging eyes.

“The subordinates of one of the Five Great Disasters are gathered at the summit. If we don’t suppress them before their forces increases more than this, there is a risk that this town would be destroyed……so I beg you.”

“It will be alright~.”

The one who waved her hand with easygoing tone was Elise.

“Rather, if Achendia felt like it she could have destroyed this town on her own. Since that hasn’t happened, it means she has no intention to destroy this town. She’s a moody individual. If she is in a good mood she wouldn’t do anything unless we take action so relax.”

“It doesn’t sound relaxing at all you know!? What would happen if her mood changes for the worst!?”

“That’s why we will take her down before that happens.”

The previous Demon Lord smiled.

“That’s why we should head to the inn. I have been sweating so I want to take a bath. You too, Kyelse.”

“The party’s name……the special party name I have been coming up with since yesterday……”

“That was the name you came up with after seriously thinking about it!? Oh well, anyways, let’s get going.”

Ren took Kyelse’s hand who was putting on a sulking face and left the auditorium quickly.

And then——the moment they came out. ''Noises''. The parties and the residents that seemed to be waiting for them outside the auditorium all looked at them.

“Woah?”

“They were the parties that were looking at us before. I guess rumours brought more rumours and ended up gathering all these people.”

It was exactly like the situation when the Elmekia Dusk showed up before. They didn’t come to talk to them directly. But they were whispering to each other quietly.

“Ren. Let’s go. We need to book an inn first and have you concentrate on your training like usual.”

“…...Alright. The inn it is. Umm, I’m sure there was one this way.”

Kyelse who was following right behind him.

Ren walked through the main street while taking her small hand.

“By training, do you mean you will teach me about sword again?”

“At noon, yes. I will look after you in terms of swords. But at night it will be Fear and Elise. The ancient summoning, the one we had you train every day. It seems like you can’t hear the voices of the spirits yet. But we will have you continue it until we can.”

“……Roger that. Though I am trying.”

“It’s natural that you can’t perform it yet. It wouldn’t be called {{Furigana|“the lost spells”|ANCIENTS}} if it was that easy to acquire.”

The public road filled with people.

The silver haired girl then plainly said it while looking ahead.

“Even so, our battle against Achendia would be tomorrow. We don’t have time but we will have you train much as time would allow it. Both sword and ancient summoning.”

===2===

The town of the blazing cliff where there was still heat and commotion.

The hot wind which came from the active volcano where one of the Five Great Disasters awaits them. Even late at night, where jet-black curtain has covered the sky, the hot air was still present which made you sweat slowly.

“Thank you for waiting, Ren. You seemed to be quite tired now.”

“Hey, Fear-senpai…… Yeah, I’ve been sword training with Kyelse till just now. But seriously, no wonder this place is called the town of the blazing cliff. I never thought it would be this hot even at night so I was cooling off while taking a break.”

Ren turned around with a smile to the blonde girl who appeared on his way to the inn. Though his smile turned into an expression filled with fatigue immediately——

“……Except, I couldn’t calm myself down even though I took a break.”

“What do you mean?”

“I think I’m……nervous. The Demon General of Blaze would be a great Demon who I would never have imagined to face. Even though I was training with Kyelse, I kept on realising that I’m still inexperience.”

“That’s how it should be.”

The respond the Archangel gave was a peaceful nod.

“Instead I would have been troubled if you said you were confident in yourself. That attitude is much better than those people from the other parties around here who are trying to face one of the Five Great Disasters without having the proper strength to face her and simply rushing for glory.”

“That may be true……”

“Knowing your weakness is the key to your growth. Ren, that modesty of yours is your strong point. Though talking about it in the middle of the street is strange. Let’s head to my room.”

The room Fear pointed at was right beside the room where Ren was staying at.

They booked two rooms.

The other rooms were already fully booked by the other parties, but luckily there were two rooms left.

It was good that they were able to divide the room among Ren and the three girls. Though the room would be too small for three people to stay in so they had no choice but to share each room among two people. So the room was shared between Ren & Kyelse for one room and Elise & Fear for the other room.

“Please come in. Elise went to take a night walk but she should be returning soon. Till then, there’s something I need to tell you.”

“About the ancient summoning?”

“Yes. We would be facing Achendia tomorrow so I’ll tell you a bit about it.”

''——You don’t need to feel so reserved.''

Fear entered her room gallantly as if she wanted to say that.

“T-Then excuse me————!”

Exactly when he entered the room.

The explosion of light. Ren took several steps back in reflex and had his eyes blinded by the light which was so strong that it could lighten the sky of the night.

“Oh my, pardon me. Was it too bright?”

“Senpai, those wings are……?”

The Archangel Fear who was the strongest in Heaven.

Fear who had pure-white wings growing out from her back was smiling normally inside her room.

“But first, there is something I must give you.”

The Angel who touched her own wing. What she pinched using her fingers was a single feather, a beautiful feather which was glowing, from her wing which just appeared.

“Here, please take this.”

“Eh? Isn’t this——”

“This is my present for you. Ren, this will be a ritual item for activating your ancient summoning.”

The Angel continued with a casual tone.

“We had you train by trying to have you communicate with the small spirit which is attached to you till we reached this town of the blazing cliff.”

“……Yeah. I was actually giving my all for the training.”

For the past three days, the small spirit of fire certainly appeared in front of Ren when they were camping outside.

It was certain that it was attached to Ren.

But no matter how much Ren tried to concentrate in trying to hear its voice, the spirit didn’t say anything to him after all. It was floating in the air optimistically and disappeared when it felt like it.

“So then, what do you mean when your feather would be a ritual item to activating the spell?”

“There are two factors you need in order to use ancient summoning. One is the power to hear the voices of the spirits. And the second is the activation substance for the spell. We are talking about a powerful spell to summon the spirits here, so you would need a suitable activation substance for it.”

“And this is……”

Ren stared at the Angel’s feather held in his hand.

The sacred ritual item which was giving out a shallow light.

“I certainly was taught that using the leaves of an ancient trees or items which is possessed by spiritual power would enhance the power of normal spells. Would it be safe to assume that the same logic would apply here?”

“Exactly. Though a normal activation substance wouldn’t be able to activate the ancient summoning. The “divine item” which is much superior than a mere ritual item——please excuse myself but I am an Archangel who has the second highest rank in Heaven after the Goddess Resflaze-sama. With a powerful activation substance such as this, even for you who doesn’t know much about ancient summoning yet would perhaps be able to succeed in activating simple spells.”

“Even for me right now?”

“Yes. Though I may be repeating myself but the most crucial factor in this is for you to be able to communicate with the spirits. I was originally planning to hand this to you once you were able to do that.”

“Is it alright for me to receive this now?”

“You can say it’s a replacement for a lucky charm. And also as a reward for you as you were working hard for the past three days.”

The blonde Archangel answered with a graceful smile.

Right after that.

“I’m back! Oh, Ren’s here!”

The door opened and a dark skinned girl rushed into the room.

“Did you receive Fear’s feather already? Then I should give you one as well.”

“You will give me something too, Elise?”

“Yup. I’ll give you this.”

A gold-like jewel which was glowing in yellow-brown colour.

Amber——a fossilisation of a large tree’s resin over a long period.

“Remember what Fear said? About how ancient summoning is a high-level spell which involves the manipulation of space. Spirits aren’t the only things you can summon. It should be even possible to summon simple objects.”

“What do you mean?”

“Assume that the Angel’s feather is the activation substance for the ancient summoning. And the one I handed to you will be to summon physical objects. In other words, you would need different ritual item for different types of summoning.”

“So even a jewel like this can become an activation substance?”

An Archangel’s feather which looked powerful no matter how you saw it.

On the other hand a jewel given to Ren from Elise looked like a simple jewel at first glance.

“Well, it’s natural for you to feel that way. But it isn’t a normal amber. It’s a jewel condensed from the resin belonging to a one-thousand years old tree which was present in the Underworld. Also, can you see a black line inside the amber?”

“……Umm, oh this.”

A narrow line which Ren originally thought was a crack.

There was something, something narrow like a string inside the amber.

“It’s my hair. I used this as a medium to seal my, a Demon Lord’s, power. It was a jewel I had prepared three-hundred years ago but it wasn’t enough to make my reincarnated body mature. I’ll give it to you since I won’t be using it.”

“Is it really okay?”

“Yup. You’ve been training to summon that spirit till yesterday, right? Even though it may be the same ancient summoning, summoning a physical object might be easier. Rather than summoning a special being like spirits, you would be summoning something you are familiar with. To explain it in details, you can for example summon a book you left at the academy.”

“……Isn’t that also amazing enough!?”

“Right? But this will be hard in terms of when to use it.”

Elise answered with a meaningful smile.

“Anyway, the effect of the ancient summoning apparently had to do with the spellcaster’s skills and the power possessed inside the divine item. Ren, you haven’t actually started training spells yet. But what you have are the divine items which came from me, the previous Demon Lord, and Fear, an Archangel. So you will be compensating your skills with a powerful activation substance.”

The Angel’s feather would be for the spirit summoning purpose.

The Demon’s jewel would be for the physical object summoning purpose.

Ren nodded his head while holding onto both of those activation substances.

“So I’ll be able to summon everything besides the spirits with this amber of yours then, right?”

“That’s how it is said. Even though I said physical object, it’s for non-living objects so you should give it a try. Ren, try to summon one of the education books you left in your so-called academy.”

“……By the way, how should I do it?”

“I don’t know. Ancient summoning was a spell which belonged to the humans. It’s said that spirit summoning is to summon the spirits through communication with them. But there is lack of information in regards to summoning physical objects.”

The previous Demon Lord shook her head immediately.

“Though if it’s a space-manipulation spell like the ancient summoning, then there is a spell created by the Demons which resembles it. The trick I used back then was, let me see……you make your mind go blank, then imagine you are manipulating space quietly, and then bang, you activated it. Easy right?”

“Pardon me?”

“That’s why I’m saying that you make your mind go blank, then imagine you are manipulating space, and then bang!”

“……Hold on a sec. My brain is about to explode.”

Ren stopped Elise and put this hand on his forehead.

In terms of the way how Kyelse taught Ren sword techniques, the training would involve Ren watching Kyelse wield the sword and learn it. According to Kyelse “explaining it in words is hard” for her so Ren would have a hard time acquiring it since there wasn’t any explanation given to him in words. Though Elise’s explanation was hard to comprehend in a different way.

''——I need to imagine my education book to appear strongly.''

He could guess that was what she wanted to say. But he never anticipated that a Demon’s logic behind spells would be a vague sense of feeling as this.

“Well then, start already! I’m also looking forward to your summoning, Ren!”

“I’ll give it a shot but don’t hold too much hope. I still can’t do the spirit summoning either……”

The Demon Lord’s jewel which was glowing in his left hand.

What Ren imagined in his head was his education book he left in the academy while he gripped the Demon Lord’s jewel for a long time.

His education book which he read through it so many times that the pages were torn. Ren still remembered the sensation and the weight of his book within his hands——

That instant.

The Demon Lord’s jewel was enveloped by a strong golden light.

“……What!?”

Ren was about to drop the jewel due to the sudden activation but he managed to stop himself from dropping it.

After the light settled.

A familiar old education book dropped on the floor close to Ren’s foot.

“……Eh? Does this mean I succeeded?”

He still couldn’t believe it even though he activated it himself.

But the book which was on the ground in front of him was certainly the education book he imagined inside his head.

“Hmm, nice job Ren. I was actually surprised for real this time.”

Elise who picked the education book from the ground.

The innocent looking eyes which belonged to a young girl rises up happily. But her eyes becomes so sharp and gets filled with devilishness that even Ren felt chills on his back.

''——The smile she is making while she showed a slight expression of when she was a Demon Lord.''

''——Therefore the praise she just gave must have come from the bottom of her heart.''

“Even so, I only succeeded in summoning a single book as this……”

“Ren, you are saying that because you don’t realise how hard space manipulation spells are. You do know that the spell you just showed would be a level where the instructors from the Holy Fiora Journey Academy would faint due to the shock if they saw that?”

The one who answered with a bittersweet smile was Fear.

The Archangel who took the book Elise had just picked up and started observing it.

“I see. It certainly is Ren’s book. It’s certain that this is a book which was summoned from the Holy Fiora Journey Academy which is located very far from here. Though you would require more training for spirit summoning, it seems like you would improve this summoning more than I thought.”

“……Y-You think?”

“That’s why '''your aim would be to maintain this book at this spot for more than an hour'''.”

“Eh?”

Ren couldn’t understand Fear’s word immediately.

The exact moment when Ren was about to ask her——

“This is what I mean.”

The education book Fear was holding onto disappeared after being engulfed by golden sparkles.

“!? It disappeared!?”

“It returned to its original location. “Karma” and “time” are the two important requirements for ancient summoning.”

Elise gave a steady answer.

With an unhesitant tone as if she already predicted that Ren would get shocked.

“Though it’s also the weakness of ancient summoning since you can’t keep what you have summoned within your reach for unlimited time. It is said that you would be given the “time” restraint. By the way, I was actually counting in secret just now and that book returned exactly after twenty seconds.”

“For such short time…… Oh, so this is what you meant when you said it will be hard to find the situation to use it.”

“Exactly. That’s why the main target of summoning for ancient summoning would be the spirits after all. The spirits would respond to your voice and stay in that location. But lifeless objects which doesn’t have consciousness has a trait to return to its original location immediately. Right, Fear?”

“That’s correct. Except, the factor which would connect the summoned object and Ren would be the “karma” shared between them. For that reason you were able to summon it on your first try, Ren. For example, even if it was another education book which was located in the library, the chances you would be able to summon the said-book would be very low due to the weak karma between you and that book. Even if you were able to summon it——”

“So rather than twenty seconds, it would return in few seconds?”

“Yes.”

“……I see. But I think I got the gist of it.”

Ren wouldn’t be able to summon an object which has a weak karma with him. Even if he did, it would disappear instantly. It meant the ancient summoning wasn’t perfect even if it was is considered as {{Furigana|“the lost spells”|ANCIENTS}}.

“If that’s the case I might as well try again since I did succeed in——”

“Ren.”

Ren wanted to practise it once more.

But the one who spoke over Ren’s words was Kyelse who had entered the room all of a sudden.

“Huh, Kyelse? Since when were you there?”

“I was here since before. You didn’t notice me since you were all ears to Elise’s explanation.”

After having said that, Kyelse held Ren’s hand tightly.

“This is enough for today so you should take a rest already. You should be tired because of the sword training you had with me as well.”

“At least let me try once more——”

“Tomorrow will be the battle against one of the Five Great Disasters. We would be troubled if you go down at a crucial moment due to lack of rest.”

She didn’t even allow him to argue back.

Kyelse’s words was so appropriate that Ren was about to laugh without thinking.

“Let’s go.”

“……Fine. Anyways, Fear-senpai, Elise, thanks.”

Ren returned to the room next door while being dragged by Kyelse.

Soon as they went to their room——

“Seriously, you get caught up with training easily. You were tired a moment ago due to the training with me.”

Kyelse sighed while sitting on the bed.

“Let me confirm but did you receive the activation substances?”

“I got one each from Fear-senpai and Elise. I may ask you a weird question but these are valuable items which would hold high values if I sold them, right?”

The divine items which had the power of the Archangel and the Demon Lord respectively.

“If I put it into the human’s value, then just selling one will allow you to buy a whole town.”

“That much!?”

“The ritual items, which has the power of either an Angels or Demons, would function as a defence barrier which has resistances against all sorts of spells. If it’s a divine item with the power of an Archangel, who is the second highest rank after the Goddess, or the Demon Lord, then it would normally become a “shield” which would be too powerful for a human to be in possession of.”

Ren couldn’t actually understand it since he was given them so normally. But the Archangel’s feather and the Demon Lord’s jewel he was holding onto would indeed be the world treasures.

“But think about it very hard. Why do you think Elise and Fear gave you such valuable divine item? Especially Fear’s feather. The reason why she gave you the activation substance even though you still can’t communicate with the spirits.”

“……Because I’m inexperience?”

You can make up for the spellcaster of ancient summoning’s skills by the use of powerful activation substance. That was what Ren was told.

“Half right and half wrong. More than you being inexperience, it has more to do with the single enemy we are facing this time being powerful.”

“The Five Great Disasters……”

“Our current power is nowhere near our actual powers. On the other hand the strength of the Five Great Disasters surpasses that of current Demon Lord of the Underworld. Then what do you think will happen?”

The Dragon Princess stared at the ceiling while she sat on the bed.

“What do you mean by what will happen……”

“It means that even I will have a really hard time fighting Achendia alone.”

The silver haired girl said it plainly.

“That’s why you need to protect yourself on your own. Think of the divine items that Fear and Elise gave you not as an activation substances for the ancient summoning but as a powerful defence barrier and keep it close to you all the time. You have to protect yourself. When we are fighting, just put your life as the priority.”

“…..Yeah. You are right.”

“Why don’t you sound convinced even though you said you do understand?”

“No, it’s nothing.”

Ren shook his head as if he was laughing at himself to Kyelse who was looking up at him.

''……I also want to become the manpower of the group.''

''……But right now, I’m not in a position where I can say that.''

“I know I’m being hasty. But I was wondering if I can become a strength to this party one day.”

“Don’t feel so down. I’ve been training you while having such intent from the start.”

Kyelse who had got up from the bed reached out her hand. What she grabbed with her hand was a single sword covered in brown colour sheath which was fading away.

“My sword?”

“In your case, not only your strength but you also need to do something with this sword or you can’t even start yet. I’m guessing you bought this in a minor weapon shop where you chose the cheapest second-hand one.”

“Ugh!?”

He couldn’t argue back. Ren bought the cheapest second hand sword from the town’s weapon shop when his enrolment to Holy Fiora Journey Academy was decided.

“The length of the sword as well as the weight of it doesn’t match your height and strength. The grip is also in bad condition. Instead I’m amazed you were able to use this till now.”

“……Are you praising me?”

“Yeah. Though this will be a joke if you are going to fight a high level Angels, Demons, and Dragons.”

Kyelse who drew out the blade from the sheath smoothly and started staring at the blade.

“The many layers of defence barrier the Archangels have around them. The Dragon’s scale which has stronger hardness than iron and steel. The miasma given out from high level Demons. All of them are a threat to humans. For example the Five Great Disaster we are facing this time. Let’s say you succeed in surprise attacking the Demon General of Blaze Achendia and cut her from behind——”

“And then?”

“The moment your blade touched Achendia’s miasma, the blade will corrode without any resistance and turn into dust.”

“Just how useless can it be!?”

“You would need a spirit armament which would be a sword with power of the spirit possessed in it at worst. The reason we chose the triumphal town as the meeting location with Elise was because I wanted to tell you that.”

——The Spirit-Sword Vierge.

The spirit sword which was said to be wielded by Elline when he went to the Underworld and the Heaven a long time ago. Even though its sheath was destroyed over the three-hundred years, the blade was still filled with a sacred blue light.

“Aren’t weapons like those……”

“Hold on. There’s something wrong outside.”

Kyelse suddenly said that with a strong tone.

“Wrong?”

“……There are several presence……howl and anger…………it’s getting closer……really closer……”

The girl opened the window.

At the jet-black night, what the Dragon Princess stared at was the summit of the giant volcano. And then——

“'''It’s coming!'''”

The exploding crimson flames lightened the town of the blazing cliff at night time.

The dancing flames which blew many sparks.

Right after that, a sound of crumbling which signified something huge had been destroyed from somewhere far echoed.

“W-What was that sound?”

“The town wall which was surrounding the town must have been destroyed. And that wasn’t just one location since I heard a sound of multiple locations being destroyed. A charge of an enormous monster or an attack spell by a Demon.”

The sky which turned red.

The Dragon Princess muttered　while she stared at the rooftop of the building which was being stirred up by the sparks.

“A conceited human must have acted rashly by angering the Five Great Disaster.”

“What do you mean!? It was supposed to be tomorrow——”

“One of the party who became blinded by making achievement must have made an assault to the Great Volcano of Galia at night. As a result, they counterattacked by the Five Great Disaster after angering her.”

The entrance to the room.

The one standing there calmly was a blonde Archangel in white robe.

“So then, what shall we do now, Elise?”

“Hmm……I really can’t imagine for the moody Achendia to become angry by simply receiving a surprise attack by a mere party. To begin with, she doesn’t even consider humans as a threat. I’m guessing her henchmen became angry on their own. So maybe she’s watching it from the summit?”

The previous Demon Lord who answered with her usual easy going tone.

“Oh well, should we be quick? Even though it’s a counterattack by her henchmen, there seems to be many of them. Though taking down Achendia would be the quickest way to stop their counterattack.”

===3===

The residents’ houses which were burning.

The sky during night was tainted in red by having the sparks rise up by the wind.

“The fire already spread this much!?”

“Of course since they are the henchmen of the Demon General of Blaze. Of course it would be spells they would be proficient at. ——Even so, let’s get rid of them right away.”

Elise who raised her hand.

The spell’s design glowed in blue colour. The moment the glowing ice particles which was created in empty space, the flames which was burning in fast pace gets frozen in no time and disappeared by turning into many fragments.

“......That’s Elise for you”

“Geez. Humans does turn into daredevils. Didn’t your academy tell you not to act so reckless, Ren?”

“Huh? What do you——”

“The ones who stimulated all these Demons and monsters that are rampaging first was most likely five member party’s made up of the so-called Ren’s seniors we met at noon.”

“It can’t be!?”

“I’m dead serious.”

The former Demon Lord who easily jumped onto a building’s rooftop to get a full view of the town.

“Hmm, I see. Approximately two hundred enemies. There are less than ten Demons that is acting as the main force. Majority of the remaining one-hundred ninety enemies are monsters tamed by the Demons.”

“Elise, is what you just said true? About the seniors from the academy!”

“More like I was there when it happened. They were heading towards the volcano. You know when I left at night? I bypassed them by a chance.”

“You didn’t stop them?”

“I did. But I’m in this state now. Not only didn’t they hear me out, they just ignored me. Or should I have injured them till they couldn’t move?”

“…………No.”

Ren shook his head while biting his teeth hard at the master of the Underworld’s question.

“You warned them right, Elise? Then the ones at fault are my seniors who ignored your warning and the ones who started this first was the humans.”

“I like the sound of that. So you can make proper judgment without treating them special for being the same human as you huh.”

The former Demon Lord nodded with a smile cheerfully.

“Anyway we need to go and stop them. Even if they joined forces they wouldn’t be able to win against Achendia. Then there will only be casualties if we don’t stop them.”

Ren could guess why they headed towards the mountain in a rush.

The Elmekia Dusk’s participation. Since they didn’t see any chances of winning the competition against a large world-level party heads on, so they must have thought they needed to make the first move.

“Kyelse, Fear, Elise——”

To the volcano’s summit.

The moment Ren was about to shout that out, “something” large jumped out from the resident’s house right behind them.”

“A monster!?”

A crimson colour large snake broke through the house’s wall and jumped at them.

——The sword flashed.

The snake powerfully and quickly leaped to the rear due to a sharp strike grazing its face. But it wasn’t Ren who swung the sword.

“High-level Demons and their tamed monsters huh.”

The {{Furigana|Knight|MASTER}} who was wearing a black steel battle-wear. His brute strength which allowed him not to twitch his eyes even in front of a giant monster. And his behaviour which came from his confidence.

“Elmekia Dusk?”

“If you are a civilian then evacuate to the auditorium. If you belong to a party then head to the mountain.”

“W-What about you guys!?”

“We split into two troops. The first troop has already headed to hunt the Five Great Disaster. And the remaining troop would concentrate on guarding the town.”

“……Can we leave the guarding of this town to you guys? Didn’t you also come to hunt the Five Great Disaster?”

“Protecting the town was also included in the request.”

The one that gave the answer just now was an {{Furigana|Caster|ARIA}} who was also wearing the same black battle-wear.

“Majority of this assault is caused by the monsters. High-level Demons are a threat but their numbers are low. So we will oppress them.”

“Having the Elmekia Dusk taking the defence sure is reassuring.”

Fear who smashed a strange bird that came to assault them to the ground with just her fist.

“Though it seems like you have other motives, right? Rather than getting uncertain fame where you might let the Five Great Disaster escape after cornering them, taking the certain fame as a priority which is to protect the town may be better. ……Would that be me thinking too much?”

“……I suggest you move your legs than your brain.”

The {{Furigana|Knight|MASTER}} responded with a fearless smile to Fear who was putting on a meaningful smile.

“Many of the parties had already headed to the summit of the volcano. You don’t intend to waste time here after coming this far to the town of the blazing cliff, right?”

“Well, we can’t argue about that. We should get going as well.”

The dark skinned girl made her body float in the air without waiting for others response after she said that. She jumped from rooftop to rooftop of the houses and headed directly towards the trailhead of the volcano.

“Hurry, you too, Ren. We can stop the invasion unless we defeat Achendia.”

“I know. But you are going too fast!”

Ren chased after the three girls who were going ahead very fast while he breathed heavily.

The trailhead of the volcano. The moment he was about to go through the door which had been destroyed by the monsters.

“—! Actually, go without me. I need to go somewhere!”

“Ren!?”

Without even responding back to Kyelse’s shout, Ren turned around on the spot.

——The mansion on fire.

He could hear a weak scream from there.

“Dammit, did someone get left behind!? The place is about to burn down any minute!”

Ren forcefully kicked the burning door.

Ren entered the building while he had the sparks that was flying around burn his skin.

“Where are you!? Hey, you are there, aren’t you!?”

His sight was covered in crimson colour. There wasn’t much time left till the building gets completely burnt.

''……Calm down.''

''……Being able to hear the scream means that person isn’t deep inside the building.''

The flames that was burning as if it was dancing. Behind those flames.

“H……elp me……some……one……”

The black haired girl who was on the ground.

Ren saw a girl who was surrounded by flames and smokes who barely had any consciousness left who could just emit a low voice.

“Over there! ……Alright, it’s okay now. You are the only one left behind, right?”

Ren carried the small built girl on his back and tried to go back to the exit of the building.

“The mansion!?”

The burning ceiling crashed down. The path Ren was about to go through just now gets blocked by a wall of giant bricks and flames.

“At a time like this……dammit!”

The path which was blocked by the burning flames. From behind him. And from the surrounding walls, Ren was being cornered by the heat.

Flames in all direction. The escape route got blocked just now.

''——There’s no way to escape to.''

''——At this rate we would burn along with the building.''

The chilling image which passed through his head for a moment.

But at the same time a passionate heat which would erase his chills ran through his whole body.

“……'''Like hell I’ll give up!'''”

He who was despised as a fake Brave Hero.

He was different from the Brave Hero Elline. A III-Grade {{Furigana|Knight|MASTER}} who was far from being that legendary swordsman. Even so, all three of Kyelse the Dragon Princess, Fear the Archangel, and Elise the former Demon Lord invited him to their party despite knowing that.

He wanted live up to their expectations with everything he had——

That instant.

Something triggered inside Ren. And then.

''“Can you……hear my voice?”''

A voice.

Like a sound of a bell that echoed from far away——

It wasn’t his ears. It was then when a faint voice echoed inside Ren.

''“I was waiting……all this time. My voice. Now, it should reach you……”''

“!? You are——!?”

A voice he heard for the first time.

But this voice sounded which made him feel nostalgic.

''……I.''

''......I know who this voice……belongs to since a long time ago?''

''“Summon language. My aria……”''

''“You words. Now, it can reach me……”''

“……'''Yeah. I can hear you. This time for sure'''.”

What Ren gripped tightly was the Archangel’s feather as if he was guided by a faint voice.

The white divine tool which glowed brightly.

“That’s why——”

Ancient summoning.

It was said that by hearing the spirit’s voice and responding them, the spirits would also respond back to the spellcaster.

“I can’t end in a place like this.”

—— 『''{{Furigana|Rh/s|express}} {{Furigana|hec ele Selah|the door of the world}}''』——

The sea of flames that was blocking his path gets split in half.

{{Furigana|the spirit of fire|SALAMANDER}}.

The spirit which had been besides Ren as a small spirit of fire descended now in its true form as a crimson lizard with wings.

“I get it now…… You’ve been trying to talk to me from a long time ago.”

Now he could hear it.

''“Call me, again. I would be, waiting.”''

Ren ran through the path of the flames. And it happened at the same time.

The same time as Ren exited the mansion, the mansion collapsed while making a sound.

“Ren!? Good, you are safe.”

Kyelse who found Ren and came running to him.

“Sorry, I took a detour. ——Oh, there he is. Hey, take care of this girl!”

Ren carried the girl he had saved and left her in the care of the {{Furigana|Knight|MASTER}} of the Elmekia Dusk.

“Y……You are……?”

“I’m glad you are okay. See you then, I’m also in a rush!”

Ren waved his hand to the girl who had her eyes open a bit as he ran.

“Where are Fear and Elise?”

“They are heading to the summit already. Also, I saw several more parties climbing the mountain while you were acting on your own. We are most likely the last ones. Looks like we are late.”

“I said I’m sorry.”

“I didn’t say you were bad.”

Kyelse’s smile who was running elegantly.

“If you didn’t do that, then there would have been a life no once could have saved. Also, we can climb faster for the lost time. With the two of us. Follow me!”

“Alright.”

Ren gripped on his old sword. Ren ran through the path which was leading to the volcano.

The Five Great Disaster. The “Demon General of Blaze” Achendia. They simply ran towards her——

{{SimpleNav
|b=Record.3|bn=Record.3
|f=Record.5|fn=Record.5
}}

Sekai no Owari no Encore:Volume 1 Record.3

2014-09-01T13:26:20Z

Roxcrosser: /* 3 */

==Record.3: The Condition of the Previous Demon-Lord==

===1===

Student’s town, Mstier.

What awaited them once they took a step outside the town was green plain that spread before their vision. The footpath made from pebbles continued straight ahead where it would eventually connect to a large town far away.

At the peaceful path as such,

“……It felt like an instant.”

Ren turned around to look at the path he walked from as the morning sunlight lit over him.

''—Looks like I’m going to be away from Holy Fiora Journey Academy for a while.''

''—I should have at least written a letter to my family back at home. I haven’t even seen my little sister lately.''

When he saw the student town as he turned around, it was already so small that it looked like a small dot. He was attached to it since he had been living there for three years. So there was a side of him where he was feeling lonely.

Except, more than that, he was so nervous that his heart started beating faster as he walked.

He felt as if he didn’t have time to feel sad about it due his nervousness.

After all—

“Hmm? What’s wrong?”

The silver hair girl looked up towards him as she licked the candy.

The Dragon-Princess Kyelse. She was the strongest monster in history that the Heaven and the Underworld couldn’t even touch, but not until the Sword Emperor Elline appeared three-hundred years ago. She also happened to be a Princess of the “Heavenly Silver Dragon” which was the oldest Dragon-specie.

Someone like her was holding onto his right hand, and also—

“I’m sure you have some regrets at leaving the Academy. Though that’s how a journey is supposed to be. There is also a new meeting after a parting.”

The one who was walking on the left-hand side of Ren was a tall, beautiful girl with bright blonde hair.

Archangel Phia.

She on the other hand was an Angel, the supreme rulers of Heaven, of the highest status.

Elline Sword Emperor Brigade from three-hundred years ago. Two of the girls that were known as the Three Great Princesses were walking beside Ren while leaning against him.

“Even so, there is nothing to worry about. Right, Ren?”

Phia who was holding tightly onto Ren’s left arm.

“I will teach you all the necessary knowledge. To the extent that I will teach you the lesson at night gently.”

“Well, Phia-senpai......the thing is.”

“Eh? What is it?”

The Archangel replied with a naughty smile.

As she held Ren’s arm, she naturally pressed it between her bosoms which was incredibly developed. It was on purpose. It definitely was.

“……Senpai, I guess this is how you behave in Earth, right?”

“It’s because I’m an Angel. Having a passionate body contact like this is the proof of our affection towards human—”

“You don’t have to listen to what this foolish erotic Angel has to say, Ren. It’s her bad habit where she lures human by seducing them in order to have fun by watching them panicking about it. Even the Goddess is fed up with her.”

The Dragon-Princess gets fed up with the Archangel and glared at her.

“More importantly Phia, let go of him. Ren is getting troubled by it.”

“The one who put her arm around Ren first was me.”

“……And I’m asking both of you to let go of me. I already have a hard time since this luggage is heavy.”

Ren became tired since he had both of his arms being pulled by them.

The enormous luggage Ren was carrying on his back. If you didn’t include the basic travelling gears that were taken from Ren’s room, what occupied most of the luggage was Phia’s clothing and Kyelse’s snacks.

“Putting her clothes aside, do we really need those snacks?”

“Of course. It becomes handy, just like this.”

The silver hair girl who chucked a fraction of chocolate in her mouth. She said it in her usual laid back manner, except, she had a satisfied smile on her face.

“It’s delicious.”

“……What are you, a kid?”

“Isn’t sixteen still considered as a child even for a human?”

“Even if you were sixteen, it’s about time you grew out of snacks……huh, you’re sixteen? That’s of course in Dragon’s age, right?”

If you were to use the average life span as the standard, then the three great species consisted of the Dragons, the Angels, and the Demons were said to have long lifespans in exchange of their low population. Ren thought the same would apply for Kyelse, and hence presumed she had lived long, but—

“I’m sixteen years old in human age. Also, I love snacks. It’s definitely the masterpiece among what the humans have created.”

“But the battle from three-hundred years ago was……”

“She was in a state where she was sealed for three-hundred years right after the battle.”

Phia answered as her blonder hair blew due to the gentle breeze.

“Ever since the last battle, Kyelse had been separated from this world due to the special seal she was in. The isolated space where there wasn’t time, light, and even sound. Though her time had been stopped, she still had her consciousness so she had been finding the chance to break the seal this whole time.”

“That happened about a month ago.”

Kyelse who had finished her chocolate nodded.

“Eh? Then what about your rumours when you fought Elline? How old were you then?”

“I was fourteen. But still, I was already more powerful than all kinds of Dragons ever since I was born. Though I never imagined that I would lose against a human.”

“……So you really are younger than me?”

“Yeah. So it wouldn’t be weird if I take a bite or two of snacks.”

The legendary Dragon-Princess fast walked and took out her second candy.

“Delicious.”

“You seem to be having fun……oh well.”

The silver hair girl put on a satisfied smile.

She simply looked like a lovely girl who was like a fairy when you saw her, but it was also true that Ren witnessed how she defeated a wyvern without even touching it.

“On the other hand, I’m nervous as heck. Hey, look ahead.”

Ren used his chin to point forward to alert Kyelse who was holding onto his left arm.

—The armed parties that were walking through the main road.

There were many groups of parties walking in front of them and also behind them.

If there were small parties consisted of five members, there were also big parties that consisted of more than ten members. The organisation of the parties were very different from each other. There were common types such as the {{Furigana|Knight|MASTER}}s and the {{Furigana|Spellcaster|ARIA}}s, but even {{Furigana|Spiriter|SPIRIT}}s that were equipped with special spirit armaments and also {{Furigana|Fighter|FULLTYPE}}s that weren’t equipped with even a single armaments.

“See? Everyone looks strong. They really are different from the students at the Academy.”

The atmosphere they carried were different.

Their trained body which was solid like steel, and their eyes that were sharp as a blade. Their appearance and their presence were fitting enough to be called brave warriors. If they weren’t, then they wouldn’t be able to investigate the ruins scattered through the world nor could they fight against the monsters. But—

“……Hmm, is that how it is?”

From the Dragon-Princess’s eyes, even the strong warriors from those parties didn’t catch her interest.

“Phia, are those also considered a party like ours? I think there’s too much members in each of those parties. I’m sure there were fewer members in the parties three-hundred years ago.”

“This is the choice this era chose.”

The Archangel who gave her beautiful smile to the parties that walked past them.

“Within these three-hundred years, the member types that constructs the parties itself went through some changes. {{Furigana|Knight|MASTER}} and {{Furigana|Spellcaster|ARIA}} were the only types back then, but now it’s separated into eight types.”

“Eight types, huh. I know Ren is {{Furigana|Knight|MASTER}}, so what are the other seven?”

Kyelse stared at Ren.

Ren pointed towards the parties walking ahead of them to answer the girl’s question.

“{{Furigana|Knight|MASTER}}, {{Furigana|Spellcaster|ARIA}}, {{Furigana|Spiriter|SPIRIT}}, {{Furigana|Fighter|FULLTYPE}},
{{Furigana|Barrierer|ENCHANTER}}, {{Furigana|Curer|HEALER}},
{{Furigana|Predator|HUNTER}}, and {{Furigana|Searcher|THIEF}}. I guess these are the current eight types. Even back at the academy, the lessons were separated into the type you were majoring in.”

{{Furigana|Knight|MASTER}} —They used weapon such as sword and axe. They had high risks since they would need to do perform close-combat at all times as well as making cool judgements and having excellent performance. They were considered as a “master”, the main force during battles.

{{Furigana|Spellcaster|ARIA}} —They would perform complex rituals so even the humans could use the magic and offensive-spells of the Devils.

{{Furigana|Spiriter|SPIRIT}} —They used spells which relied on spirit-armaments which possessed the power of spirits.

{{Furigana|Fighter|FULLTYPE}} —The combatant which specialised in close-combat and would combine the defensive-spells and their active body’s to eliminate the enemies simply with their body and fighting techniques. In exchange of having the strength to not rely on weapons and armours, they would need great amount of talent and training hence why they were called the “full type”.

{{Furigana|Barrierer|ENCHANTER}} — They use spell specialised by the Angels such as concealing, sealing, interception, and divine protection.

{{Furigana|Curer|HEALER}} — Other than spells that would alter the body activity and regeneration, they were type that was sought to have knowledge about pharmaceutics and medicine.

{{Furigana|Predator|HUNTER}} — The combatant that would use their knowledge about harmful animals to hunt. They specialise in shooting from long-range in order to support the party from the rear during battles.

{{Furigana|Searcher|THIEF}} — The brain of the party and in terms of field, they were more of an archaeologist.

“And there are also ranks where it’s structured in a way where your ranks would increase.”

“Ranks?”

“The eight types and their titles respectively. If you were a {{Furigana|Knight|MASTER}} like myself for example, then you would start from the III-Grade {{Furigana|Knight|MASTER}}, then the II-Grade {{Furigana|Knight|MASTER}}, then the I-Grade {{Furigana|Knight|MASTER}}, then the Official {{Furigana|Knight|MASTER}}, then the Honourable {{Furigana|Knight|MASTER}}, then the Sword King, and then the highest rank……the Sword Saint, I think.”

By the way, Elline’s title of the “Sword Emperor” was the name he had before people started calling him the Brave Hero.

Sword Saint would be the highest rank of the {{Furigana|Knight|MASTER}} and it was a title which was rarely given. It was required for you to pass the tests in several cities around the world.

“Basically each and one of the classes were said to be necessary in a party. Since there are eight types, the majority of the parties are made up of eight members.”

“Hmm? Then what about those group of five walking over there?”

“I guess they are looking for members they lack in. There are also gifted people who can take the roles of two types alone.”

Phia would be the easiest example of such people around Ren. Even though she was majoring in {{Furigana|Curer|HEALER}}, she overwhelmed the male {{Furigana|Knight|MASTER}} students with her swordsmanship and also made the students jaws dropped with her spells.

“Though it feels like Phia-senpai can take the roles of three types by herself.”

“Yes. I sure can take most of those roles—”

She finally let go of Ren’s arm. She became silent for a moment while she looked up to the sky.

“If you ask me what I expertise in, then it would be {{Furigana|Fighter|FULLTYPE}}. {{Furigana|Curer|HEALER}} would come next.”

“{{Furigana|Fighter|FULLTYPE}}!? Phia-senpai is!?”

“I’m good in martial arts despite my appearance. I could have majored in {{Furigana|Fighter|FULLTYPE}} degree back at the Academy, but a tragedy may have occurred if I couldn’t hold back my power properly against the students for the mock-battle. Well, I have the confidence to heal and regenerate them if they receive damages to a certain degree, but I guess I need to restrain myself.”

The Archangel spoke a scary thing with a smile.

“Phia-senpai, you are a {{Furigana|Fighter|FULLTYPE}}? ……But I can’t imagine you hitting anyone.”

“Ren, don’t let her appearance fool you. This violent woman is the biggest battle maniac in the Heaven who can even make the Goddess Lesfrese become silent with a single punch if she became serious.”

Kyelse said it in a manner as if she told the truth.

“Isn’t that right?”

“Oh my, that isn’t true at all. There’s no way I can do that to the Goddess.”

The blonde Angel on the other hand shook her head while putting on a smile.

“By the way Ren, your rank right now is a III-Grade {{Furigana|Knight|MASTER}}, correct?”

“……Me? Do I have to say it? In a place like this?”

“Yeah, I sure am curious about it. We certainly need to know the current strength of this party.”

Kyelse looked up towards Ren with her emerald-green eyes filled with her keenness to hear his answer.

“Since you are a III-Grade {{Furigana|Knight|MASTER}}, does that make you roughly a Honourable {{Furigana|Knight|MASTER}}? Or is it a rank above the Sword King?”

“No way. I mentioned it before but it’s the lowest rank. The only thing above the Sword King is a Sword Saint, and there are only few people in this world with that rank.”

“I see. Well, I will be the one training you, Ren. How about your first aim is to become a Sword Saint?”

“……It’s too early to have that goal. Besides, I reckon we need more members for our party if we are going to find the Encore. Though it would be weird for me to say that. Take a look at them.”

The parties that walked passed them.

For example, if the parties walking ahead of them walked past each other, you would observe how they would stop and place their hand on their chest to salute each other.

“That’s the traditional custom done between the parties. It’s a form of greetings which has the meaning for the good battle and safety for each other.”

“Exactly. Though we hadn’t received such greetings even once yet.”

They only saw them as civilian.

After all, their party was made up of one boy and two girls. Ren had a sword, but both Kyelse and Phia weren’t equipped with even a single armament. Obviously the Dragon-Princess Kyelse and Archangel Phia didn’t need any armaments. But from the perspective of a third party who didn’t know their identity, there was no way that they would realise that they were a party since they weren’t armed. There was no mistake that they were seen as a three strange fellows that were travelling.

“It’s decided that a party requires at least four members, so first of all we need to find the fourth member before anything else—”

“Then please be rest assured. I do have a person in mind who would become our fourth comrade. The triumphal town Enge. It’s planned for us to meet her there. She’s an expert who can use all types of spells.”

Phia answered with a smile as if she was waiting for to be asked about it.

“The spell expert? Don’t tell me it’s a famous person again?”

“If you ask me whether she is famous or not, then she sure is. Ren, you would reach the answer if you think a bit. Isn’t there another person we are currently lacking in for this party?”

Ren looked up the sky for a while after hearing the answer the Archangel gave with a teasing voice.

“'''It can’t be!?'''”

He certainly had someone in mind. Other than Kyelse and Phia who was the part of the legendary Elline Sword Emperor Brigade, there was one more “Princess” remaining.

“It sure can be.”

Kyelse who had finished her candy nodded with a satisfied tone.

“The previous Demon-Lord Elise. The woman who was the master of the Underworld in the past.”

===2===
Gust of the night wind.

The whirlwind that stroke Ren’s neck was so cold that Ren couldn’t resist the urge to shiver his body. If he breathed out, the air breathed out turned white.

“It’s freezing! It sure is cold if you leave the window open. This place is open to the weather after all.”

The wooden cottage.

It was one of the many base camps built on the roads between city to city, and town to town. Obviously the travellers and the parties, but even the tourists who would head to the cities for sightseeing used this accommodation.

''……I wonder how many years it has been since I stayed in a cottage.''

''……I guess the last time I did was three years ago when I went to Holy Fiora Journey Academy to take the test.''

They would be heading to triumphal town Enge tomorrow.

It was the city which was the closest to the student town. And the Demon-Lord Elise would be waiting for them there.

“More importantly, I wonder how the previous Demon-Lord would look like. This is the Demon-Lord we are talking about, so maybe she has horns growing out from her head as well as having fangs and claws while her massive body would reach the height of ten metres—”

“It will cause a stir if a monster like that was roaming in the city of the humans.”

The sound of the lock of the door being destroyed echoed throughout the surrounding.

The one who showed her face from the open door with a poker face was Kyelse.

“…..I beg you to knock on the door normally. We would end up paying up for the broken lock if we get caught.”

“Hmm? It was locked?”

Apparently the Dragon-Princess didn’t even notice that she broke the lock.

“Putting that aside, it’s time for your training. We are going outside once you leave your luggage here.”

“……Eh?”

“I told you before, haven’t I? About teaching you Elline’s sword techniques. We need to build your fundamental basics first. Move your butt by grabbing your sword this instant and follow me.”

After Kyelse said that, she headed out to the passage without waiting for Ren’s reply.

The breezing cold wind.

It was so cold that it felt like you had chilling water splashed above your head which took away your warmth from simply coming outside.

“It’s a good wind. It makes　you become motivated.”

“It’s too cold, isn’t it!? It’s so cold that I’m about to lose consciousness rather than falling sick!”

“I have my scarf.”

“And I don’t!”

“—Let’s end the joke here and start the training. Ren, hand me your sword.”

As soon as Kyelse took the sword along with its sheath from him, she drew the sword out from its sheath as if she was used to it.

How it was drawn out beautifully.

Ren honestly became entranced at how skilfully Kyelse was handling the sword that was drawn from its sheath with ease by using just one hand.

“……You’re amazing. So you can use a human’s sword even though you are a Dragon?”

“It isn’t anything hard if you can control your body. —Like this, for example.”

The sword flashed.

That instant, her right hand moved while leaving her afterimage.

By the time Ren noticed it, the tip of the sword she was holding onto pierced through the centre point of the three leaves that were floating in the air due to the wind.

“W-What was that……!?”

“I pierced it when the three leaves overlapped each other in the air. I also would like to add that I pierced it while aiming to hit the veins of the leaves.”

“The veins!? You aimed for such tiny parts!?”

Kyelse handed the sword back to Ren, so he took of the leaves that were on the tip of the sword.

The leaf veins could be considered as the blood vessels of the humans. The plant types could be separated into parallel-veined and reticulated-vein. But the main concern was that they were thin as a human’s hair.

—She completely caught the trail of the leaves floating under this stormy weather.

—She pierced all three leaves at once at the moment they overlapped each other.

—And she wasn’t aiming for the leaves itself but their veins.

The Dragon-Princess pulled this stunt off while she was talking to Ren.

She wasn’t exactly concentrated in doing it nor did she wield her sword with everything she had. Yet she demonstrated such absolute technique. It was questionable whether an experienced swordsman who had been training for dozen of years could pull this off.

“Alright, do you know what to do now?”

“I wouldn’t have a hard time if I knew how to do that with what you just showed me! Can you at least tell me a trick or something I should pay attention to!?”

“There’s nothing like a trick. Weren’t you doing the same thing as me?”

“What do you mean?”

“That night when it was raining. It was during that time when you were wielding the sword by yourself. You weren’t just randomly wielding your sword. You were aiming for the falling raindrops.”

“……You even saw that?”

“It’s because you reminded me of Elline. Putting your strength aside, that is.”

The silver hair girl made a fearless smile.

“There’s nothing wrong with your training and your hard work. You weren’t blessed with an ideal physical structure and you are not the kind of person who would take down the enemies with a huge sword. You are more of a technician who would find your opponent's weaknesses and hit them with a single strike using their weakness.”

“Seize the drop of water and a fraction of fire, and strike it down with a single slash instantly.”

“It feels like you are asking me to pull off an ultimate technique from the start……”

“This is the basic among basics. Elline’s swordsmanship lies even further past that league.”

“—Fine.”

Ren nodded his head with a bitter smile to Kyelse’s words as if she said something obvious to him.

“I’ll start doing it then. I’ll work hard till I can do the same thing as you just did.”

“'''Two will be fine.'''”

Kyelse crossed her arm and lifted up two of her fingers.

“Come back to me while bringing that sword where it had pierced two leaves. I won’t tell you to aim for the leaf veins either.”

“......Two leaves? That’s it?”

He couldn’t resist to ask her. He thought he would be told to pierce three leaves just like Kyelse did. He was also prepared to be told to continue till he could pierce four leaves.

“For today, that is. I’ll return to my room, so come back once you accomplish it.”

“Okay.”

He nodded to the girl who turned around. Ren then moved his gaze to the leaves floating in the air.

<center>==========</center>

Inside the cottage.

“Seriously, Kyelse, you are sneaky.”

When Kyelse returned to her room, a blonde girl who was wearing negligee and was half-naked was in there. She was sitting on the bed as if it was her room.

“Sneaky?”

“The training with Ren. You taught him so attentively. I also wanted to blend it.”

The Archangel bent her body seductively.

Her negligee which had her chest part open even showed her cleavage which was faintly red. Along with Phia’s natural bewitching smile, her charming figure would knock out cold boys of certain ages immediately.

“I don’t recall teaching attentively.”

“I mean that it looked like you were enjoying yourself.”

Phia smiled as she placed her hand on her lips.

“You were so focused in teaching him that you didn’t realise I was standing at the entrance of the cottage.”

“……You were watching?”

“I feel a bit relieved. It seems like you are cheerful again. It was the same three-hundred years ago, but having a journey in a large group sure is fun. Ren is an honest boy so it’s worth training him and its fun having him around, right?”

“I was cheerful from the start.”

She removed the scarf around her neck and hanged it on the coat hanger located beside the door.

—A small quantity of her sweat on her hand.

—Without realising it, there was some heat on Kyelse’s hand.

Her body that had become hot. But Kyelse felt embarrassed to admit Phia’s words so she looked away.

“Geez, you really aren’t honest with yourself……even though the temperature of your body increased.”

“S-Shut up! Don’t touch me! Don’t press that uselessly huge breasts against me!”

She brushed away the Archangel who hugged her from behind.

This was Phia’s preference rather than an Angel’s. She couldn’t help but use her body to interact with those she had a liking to which was her habit. What was a nuisance was that she had a power to read what was going through the minds of those she was touching.

“Hmm, I understand. So that’s '''how you feel right now'''.”

“……What did you understand, foolish erotic Angel.”

“Hey, Kyelse, do you think Ren would also become stronger for our sake as well?”

“What do you mean?”

“Both you and I don’t have a power which is even near of that from three-hundred years ago, correct? My old wounds hadn’t healed and the Dragon Factor which is the source of your power hadn’t awakened ever since you woke up from your seal. Certainly we can deal with majority of the opponents, but the situation right now is that we only have half the power we had back then.”

They were in a level where there wasn’t pretty much any enemy in this world that would be a threat to them even in their current condition. But it didn’t mean there was zero enemy who would be a threat. What could be listed among them were the highest-level monsters and also—

“Did you hear about the “Five Great Disasters”?”

“Just the rumours I heard at the Dragon’s valley. I heard till the part where they rebelled against the current Demon-Lord.”

“Yes. For the worst scenario, we should anticipate a decisive battle against them. I thought that the reason why you were working hard in training Ren had to do with it.”

“You think too far ahead.”

Kyelse shook her head reluctantly.

“I simply taught Ren what I remember about Elline’s training. That’s simply it.”

“I see. Then Ren might be facing a bit of difficulties then.”

Phia looked out the window. You couldn’t see Ren from this part of the room, but for an Archangel like herself, she was able to “see” him.

The appearance of a boy who was breathing heavily while he was shedding sweats due to the weariness.

“The task you assigned him to. That’s actually harder than it seems—”

<center>==========</center>

“……This is ridiculously hard.”

Ren’s shoulder moved violently.

Ren wiped his sweats that were falling like a waterfall from the tip of his chin with the back side of his hand.

“What the heck……”

The leaves were floating in the air due to the sudden gusts that were blowing at him. Ren stopped his eyes from closing and he even stopped breathing so he could concentrate on the movements of the leaves. He caught the sight of the trails of the leaves that were floating in the air in random directions, and then—

“Ha!”

Along with his loud voice filled with his spirit, Ren thrust his sword forward.

A single flash. The tip of his sword grazed the leaf by its edge.

''……That was it.''

He barely grazed the leaf by its edge. There was a saying which goes “To dance like a butterfly”, and this was indeed such thing. He couldn’t pierce the leaf by its core and the most he could do was to graze it by its side.

The leaves flickered and danced in the air due to the wind.

The same applied when the sword was thrust forward, the leaves also shook when it received the small amount of air current created by the sword. Just how hard it was to aim for the leaves.

''……No, that isn’t it. The real problem isn’t that.''

Once every two tries, the tip of the sword touched the leaves. If you repeated this procedure, there would be a chance that it would hit its core even if it was by luck. But the real issue here was—

“This again!?”

The leaves that received a direct hit from the sword get cut in half then dropped on the ground.

Yes. Even if the sword hits the core, the leaves get sliced in half without the sword being able to pierce through it.

''—I wouldn’t be able to touch the leaves up in the air if I don’t thrust it with all my strength.''

''—But if I thrust it without holding back, the leaves get sliced into pieces if it hits.''

“Oh……I get it now!”

The Dragon-Princess did it with ease, but Ren finally realised just how skilled she was and the whole aspect of it.

''“Seize the drop of water and a fraction of fire, and strike it down with a single slash instantly.”''

Ren slashed with his sword. He thrust with it. He swung it. The air current created by each of his forms were different, and the strength of the air current would change depending on the force applied to it. You wouldn’t be able to grasp the core of the leaves unless you fully understood that.

Right after that.

Exactly at the time when his sword was about to touch the leaf, he weakened his strength.

To master the sword without using your full strength, but with your minimum strength.

“……And she’s asking me to get two of them at once. Isn’t she asking a bit too much from me?”

Ren wiped the sweat that was on his sword’s handle. Ren then smiled.

''“Do you want to come with me?”''

''—I was simply happy.''

''Kyelse’s words when she said she would train me. I didn’t know what she meant at first. I simply thought she was giving me an advice where she was telling me to simply work hard and do my best.''

''But she’s training me with so much passion. She even demonstrated for me.''

''……More importantly.''

''……She even invited me to the party when she knew I was different to the Brave Hero.''

''I want to live up to her expectations.''

''I can journey to the world and she acknowledges me as her fellow comrade. Being able to achieve the dream I had since I was a child is making my heart beat faster and is giving me such passion.''

“It would be a waste if I just give up here!”

Ren put strength into his hand which was icy cold due to being exposed to the cold wind in order to make a stance with his sword.

“I have to do it, even if I can only get one of them!”

The tip of the sword which was giving sparks succeeds in piercing through two leaves.

The core of the leaves. To be precise, it didn’t get sliced in half nor did it get shredded into pieces. Both of the leaves had been beautifully pierced through by the tip of the sword.

“........................Huh?”

The one who couldn’t believe his eyes was Ren himself.

“I……did it? It felt like I did it by chance.”

He stood there while holding onto the sword. And then.

“Yeah! Awesome, even I can do it if I try!”

He sprinted towards the cottage and headed towards her room directly.

“Kyelse! Hey, check this out! I did it, I really did it!”

“!? W-Wait, Ren! You can’t enter right now—”

The door was opened violently. And the one inside was.

“……You’ve got some nerve. Peeping on my body, are you?”

A beautiful girl who wore nothing.

She had stripped off her lovely travelling clothes. Kyelse was holding onto her negligee which had cute looking frills on them. She looked towards Ren with a red face that was due to the mix of her fury and her embarrassment.

“Ah, no, it’s not what you think……I didn’t do it……on purpose……”

Even though he said that, he found himself fascinated with her body.

She simply looked purely lovely.

Her body that had curves fitting for girls her age and her white skin which was as white as porcelain. Kyelse had an appearance which was charming enough as a human and made Ren forget she was a Dragon. Especially her body since you wouldn’t have realised she had a mature body which you couldn’t tell from over her travelling clothes—

“Let me ask you just in case. Is there anything you want to say?”

“……Well……umm, I think you’re cute.”

“Fly.”

Kyelse said with her power of language with a red face. By the time Ren who had himself blown away to the wall of the pathway regained his consciousness, Kyelse had already changed into her negligee.

“Anyway, let me applaud you for accomplishing the task. To be honest, I thought it would take you at least a week.”

Inside Ren’s room.

The one who was sitting on the bed as if it belonged to her was Kyelse. Ren on the other hand was sitting on the carpet even though he was totally exhausted.

“At this rate you would be able to pierce three leaves tomorrow and four leaves the day after tomorrow. And next—”

“Next, what?”

“Try to do it while shutting your eyes close.”

“That’s a really hard hurdle!”

“Elline’s sword-techniques lay beyond that. Anyway, I acknowledge your hard work. You should rest for today.”

She said it while sitting on the bed.

''……Even though she’s telling me to rest.''

Kyelse who had said that was still occupying the bed. Ren wouldn’t be able to sleep even if he wanted to since she was still here. But it was also hard for him to tell her to move.

“Aren’t you going to sleep, Kyelse?”

“I’m sleeping together with you.”

He couldn’t comprehend her words.

Ren looked up for a while and then opened his jaws wide.

“……Pardon me?”

“I said I’m going to sleep on the same bed as you.”

Kyelse laid on the bed and put the blanket over her head without making a shy face.

“You should also come inside right away.”

“Umm……sorry. I don’t understand what’s happening right now.”

''I’m a human. Kyelse is a Dragon on the other hand.''

''Apparently it’s a morphing which was a mix of high-level spells and space distortion to change her physical appearance into that of a human girl. So I can’t help but think there would be a problem sleeping with her.''

“Can you tell me your reasons just in case? Wasn’t there also a bed in your room as well?”

“It’s part of my trait. It makes me feel calm this way.”

Kyelse wiped her sleepy eyes while wrapping herself with the blanket.

“Many of my kin were present at the Valley of my hometown. I often slept in a herd as well. I would be able to sleep easier if I sleep in a group with those I trust.”

“……The Dragon’s trait.”

Even though he was half astonished by this, he wanted to keep it as a secret that he was happy when she naturally said someone she can “trust.”

“By the way, what did you do three-hundred years ago?”

“Elline declined. He had been practising his sword even at night.”

“……The Sword Emperor did?”

“Unexpected? There isn’t a human which is strong from the start was that man’s words. Leaving aside his crazy guts and stubbornness, his strength as a swordsman wasn’t something he was born with. The reason why he was called the Sword Emperor was merely a title he obtained by working harder than anyone.”

Maybe Kyelse found Ren’s shocked reaction amusing, so Kyelse softened her expression.

“I’m sure that was the first time I heard that……”

The legend of the Sword Emperor that Ren knows of was that he was born as a genius. Unlike himself who had poor talent, Ren assumed he was born to this world with the talent he was given.

“I want to hear more about that story.”

“I will, but I’ll end it here for today. Hey, let’s go to sleep quickly. We are waking up early tomorrow.”

“H-Hey!?”

He had himself hugged by Kyelse who got up from the bed and then had himself thrown onto the bed. Kyelse was already inside the blanket by the time he found out she put the blanket above his head.

“H-Hey, can’t Phia-senpai be the one who sleeps with you!?”

“She’s no good. She’s annoying since she tries to hug you whenever she finds the chance.”

The Dragon-Princess came close to him where they could feel each other’s warmth inside the small bed.

“Yeah, I sure do feel calm.”

“……No, I’m—”

“What is it?”

“……It’s nothing.”

The silver hair girl looked towards him.

Her peaceful smile was so gentle that he couldn’t say more.

The tyrant who had been feared as the strongest monster on Earth and who had been refused by the Heaven, the Underworld, and also her fellow Dragons till Elline showed up. But the girl who was sleeping with her eyes closed right beside him was simply a lonely girl who was completely different from the rumours he had heard. In fact she was—

Maybe the one who was in front of him was the true Kyelse. That was what Ren thought.

“But my main problem is……”

He rarely saw the faces of the opposite sex of his age while they were sleeping. And she was sleeping with him where she was so close to him that he could feel her breath. There was no way he couldn’t be bothered by it.

“……There’s no way I can sleep like this.”

Even though Ren knew he was turning red, Ren simply kept repeating those words for the whole night.

Then the next morning.

“? Ren, didn’t you have enough sleep? Your eyes are red.”

“Whose fault do you think it is?”

Ren replied tirelessly to Kyelse who had woken up from her deep sleep.

[[Image:Sekai_no_Owari_no_Encore_V1_Non-colour_005.jpg|thumb]]

===3===
The triumphal town Enge.

It was a town located closest to the student town Mstier and it was surrounded by a giant walls to prevent the invasion of the monsters.

“I believe it was the town Elline returned to after he finished his journey to both the Heaven and the Underworld.”

The Heaven and the Underworld.

The town Elline returned to after he suppressed the two forces that were at each other’s throat and also stopped the battles between the two forces.

For that reason, this town still had strong connections to Elline even till this day.

“Hey, Kyelse, let’s get going! You too, Phia-senpai!”

“Calm down. There’s no point getting hyped over it.”

“……Geez, Ren. You are acting like a child.”

Kyelse who was partially astonished at him and Phia who was putting on a bitter smile.

“It won’t leave my head at all. Even I want to have a look at the real thing once!”

Ren walked through the road that were crowded with people walking by as he left the two of them behind.

Compared to Mistier, this town was the largest within the nearby towns so the number of people as well as the number of buildings were significant.

The public roads that were connected to the main road had booths on both sides. The people that walked by also includes those who were walking with their families to even merchants, tourists, and even armed travellers that appeared to be a party.

Ren ran past the front of the chapel which was so large that he had to look up——

“There it is!”

Ren couldn’t help but gasp at what he saw within his site.

'''The Sword-Emperor’s sword. '''

The memorial area which was built as a plaza.

As the water fountain was set behind it, there was a single sword impaled into a stone where it was heavily guarded.

——The Spirit-Sword Vierge.

Even though the handle of sword lost its colour and looked old, only the blade of the sword still had a transparent shine like that of a clear water surface to it.

The most valuable treasure of the triumphal town of Enge. No, it wouldn’t be far-fetched to be called the most valuable treasure for all of the swordsman within the world. It is one of Elline’s sword which is one of his legacy scattered throughout the world.

“H-Hey. Is it really true that Elline was using that? I think it was called the Spirit-Sword Vierge.”

“It’s indeed the truth.”

The highest part of the step-cased plaza.

Kyelse nodded as she looked down the memorial area filled with hundreds of tourists.

“That sword itself as a Spirit-armament which is possessed with strong power of a Spirit. That’s the sword which was used to take down the Archangel who was acting tough at Heaven and the Demon-Lord who was acting like a boss at the Underworld.”

“……The sword Elline used when he fought the Archangel and the Demon-Lord huh.”

Ren gulped as he stared at its blade which was giving out a beautiful glow.

“Even so, that was the sword Elline used when he was still a novice.”

“When he was a novice!?”

Ren couldn’t help but ask Kyelse again with a loud voice at the unexpected answer he heard from her.

“Just now you said that he used that sword to defeat the Archangel and the Demon-Lord.”

“It was during the time when he was an unrecognised swordsman and the only appropriate equipment he had back then was that sword. I think it was during the time when he entered the second year of his journey, was it? Apparently it was a sword he found in a ruin by luck.”

“Well, putting the sword aside, the main concern is how he picked a fight against a Demon-Lord and an Archangel when he was a novice swordsman. And how on earth did he manage to win against them?”

“Hmm? Well, that is—”

The Dragon-Princess put on a meaningful smirk.

“Ask the great Archangel over there. Three-hundred years ago, she was trying to teach a lesson to a cocky swordsman only to get her butt kicked and she happens to be standing right there.”

“Eh? Don’t tell me that was Phia-senpai—”

Ren who was about to ask restrained from saying any further than that. ''Which remind me, she had been awfully quiet since we arrived here.''

“Ah……now that you mention it, it certainly did happen…………fu, fufu…………”

The blonde Angel who smiled.

However, her expression was forced and even Ren could clearly tell that her crunched fist was shaking.

“The urge in my fist won’t stop when I remember about it.”

“……Ah, I s-see. So you are saying that you still hold a grudge about your defeat itself?”

“No. Let me be clear that I don’t hold a grudge.”

The Archangel

“Except, I just remembered about how my fame as being the strongest in Heaven was tainted.”

“……I-It was?”

“That accursed sword, I shall make sure I break it this time.”

“You have a dreadful grudge against it after all!? H-Hold on Phia-senpai!”

Ren tried to desperately stop the blonde girl who had walked ahead with a crunched fist.

“T-The thing is. You remember about the former Demon-Lord……”

“Oh yes. We were meeting up with Elise.”

Phia returned to herself.

“Then let’s get going, Ren. This place is dreadful.”

“Rather than being dreadful, isn’t it simply you who hates that sword——ah, h-hold on!”

He had his hand pulled by Phia without any warning.

They walked past the main road which was filled with lively people. They turned right at the crossroad and entered the back-alley. Unlike the main road which was filled with lively people, this back-alley was mysteriously quiet.

“Phia-senpai, is this really the place?”

“There’s a store which is known very well to small portion of people. It had been a place where the parties would gather to have a private conversation since ancient time and it could be considered as a store used by parties. Wouldn’t that be convenient for us as well?”

Ren simply followed the Archangel who was walked ahead as she led them.

After they turned into the back-alley which had split into complicated paths—

“!? W-Was there a fight? ……Hey, are you okay!?”

The words that came out of his throat was loud.

After they turned into one of the path, there were sturdy men that belonged to a party all battered to the floor.

There were five of them in total. Each one of them were large men that were a head taller than Ren and they all had trained body. Even the armaments they wore were first-class products that were engraved with powerful resistance against spells.

''……Are these burn marks? And is this a frostbites? ''

''……None of them came from swords nor sharp weapons. ''

Spell that was so powerful that it could break the resistance of these battle clothes which would nullify average spells.

“Hey, are you okay!? Looks like they are. Phia-senpai, can you heal these guys—”

“It would be fine even if you leave them alone, Onii-chan.”

It wasn’t neither Phia nor Kyelse who was at the back who said that.

The one who said that was—

“These guys made fun of me because I’m just a kid. It seemed like they didn’t know who they were picking a fight with, so I guess you can call this as a punishment? Oh well, you don’t need to worry about them since they would treat their wounds or even head to the hospital once they wake up.”

A tan girl.

She had twin-tails which could appear as black or even brown depending on the sunlight. Her eyes that was filled with curiosity.

She seemed like she had reached the age of ten or not.
[[Image:Sekai_no_Owari_no_Encore_V1_Non-colour_006.jpg|thumb]]

“Ren was your name, right? I certainly did hear about you, but you really do resemble Elline, don’t you?”

“……Eh?”

“Why do I know you? Obviously because I was waiting for you, Ren. Oh, yeah, and also those two behind you as well. I spoke to Phia sometime ago but it had been a long time since I met with Kyelse. Is it exactly three-hundred years? How were you doing?”

The young girl waved her hand easygoingly towards the Archangel and the Dragon-Princess.

“More rather, haven’t you fully been sealed yet, Kyelse? Hasn’t your power decreased rapidly?”

“Likewise to you. I never expected that you would have to start from that appearance by reincarnating yourself.”

Kyelse answered grumpily as she crossed her arm.

Ren touches Kyelse by her elbow and asked with a low voice.

“Hey? This is my guess but is this small girl perhaps her……?”

“She indeed is. She was finally able to succeed in reincarnating ten years ago. Her physical body as well as her spells were even before that of her prime. I guess you’re exactly in the state when you were ten?”

“Pretty much. Though being in this appearance is also fun. Humans that doesn’t even know who I am acts kinds at me when I fawn on them. Even though they ran away soon as they saw me during my time as a Demon-Lord.”

The tan small girl started to chuckle.

While there was “something” that lured behind her innocent eyes that even made you shiver—

“Then you must be……”

“Yup. The previous Demon-Lord Elise. Let’s get along, Ren.”

The previous Demon-Lord pointed at cafeteria right behind her.

“Anyway, let’s get inside the caféterras and talk. I’ve become thirsty.”

Caféterras “Albireo”.

Behind the door with such sign was filled with lively people which wouldn’t even hinder against those at the main road.

“Wow. I’ll be darned……so all of these guys are members of parties’ right?”

The interior of the caféterras was so large that you couldn’t tell from the outside.

The counters had twelve seats and there were roughly the same number of tables meant for four people. So in total there was a seat for exactly hundred people. And that much amount of spaces were taken by the parties. There were those they were having a discussion while standing up. So you couldn’t tell exactly how many people were here.

“There! Over here, Ren. That’s the last table so be quick!”

Elise waved her hand at them after she secured the table next to the wall.

She was clearly the only young girl here where it was a gathering of experienced parties. But the girl herself didn’t care about how she was standing out.

“Looks like there was one empty table. Excellent. This place is usually filled.”

“It seems like they have variety of alcohols, but do they have any juices here?”

Kyelse sat right next to Ren.

Elise and Phia sat opposite them.

“…………”

“What’s wrong? Ren, the menu-list is over here.”

“Ah……yeah. I know, but—”

Ren replied vaguely.

The strongest Dragon-Princess on Earth was sitting next to him while the Archangel from the Heaven and the previous Demon-Lord who was the former master of the Underworld sat opposite him in a friendly manner. They were all present on the single table.

“……I feel left out.”

“You don’t need to be so concerned. Anyway, let’s decided on the drinks.”

Elise said that as she held the menu-list in her hand.

“Ah, waitress, over here! I’ll have hot milk. What will you three drink?”

“I’ll have an apple juice.”

“Then I’ll have club soda. This one which isn’t sweet. What will you have, Phia-senpai?”

“Then I’ll have a champagne.”

“Hey, Senpai!? A minor shouldn’t drink alcohol. Senpai, you’re still eighteen—”

“Rather than being a minor, Angels lives so long that you can’t compare them to humans.”

Kyelse’s calm judgement.

“……Oh, yeah.”

Because he had been with her so long at the academy, Ren couldn’t help but make judgment while thinking that Phia was his senior at the academy. The age of her being eighteen years old was simply the age she used when she was acting as a human.

“Hmm, so I’m seventeen years old and Kyelse is sixteen years old. Elise is—”

“I’ve just reincarnated so I’m exactly ten years old. That’s why I ordered hot milk. See? It’s suitable for my age, isn’t it? Kyelse also ordered a juice as well.”

Elise took the hot milk with both her hand that had been brought to them.

If she puts it that way, then they certainly ordered drinks suitable for their age which was agreeable since Ren ordered a club soda and Kyelse ordered an apple juice as they were minors.

“I see. Then Phia-senpai is the only one who in human years is—”

“I’m eighteen years old.”

The blonde Archangel answered with a smile.

“Just your appearance. Haven’t you been living the longest right after the Goddess of Heaven? Then that means, let me calculate—. Oh, then you are exactly…………ouch!? It hurts, Phia! That was my fault so stop pinching my buttocks from below the table!”

“It’s a taboo to talk about ages to a girl. Isn’t it right, Ren?”

“Y-Yeah……”

The blonde Angel takes the champagne glass elegantly.

Ren couldn’t help but shake his head hard due to the pressure he received from her dangerous smile.

“Then cheers! Ren, let’s get along as well, okay?”

Elise rank the hot milk deliciously while she carried the cup using both her hand. She looked too young to be a previous Demon-Lord and it was a something adorable to see.

“Ms Waitress, I’ll have this white wine next. Please bring me a bottle.”

“Hey, you drink so fast Phia-senpai! …….Are you a heavy drinker?”

“The species known as Angels loved alcohols from the beginning. Though I endured it when I was at the academy.”

The Archangel didn’t change her expression even if she drank a glass of champagne in one go.

“Now then, Elise, it’s regarding the matter I have discussed with you for some time now.”

“The talk about finding the Encore together, right? I was obviously interested in it since I reincarnated myself ten years ago. It’s basically the last message that Elline left behind.”

The previous Demon-Lord who was taking small sips of her hot milk.

“Well, the truth is, I was initially wondering what I should do. In my case, I was looking for a way to return my body back to as the way it was. So I was thinking of taking my tie finding the Encore.”

“And if the humans found them while you were doing that?”

“We should just steal it from them. That will be much easier.”

The previous Demon-Lord said a dangerous thing naturally.

“Except, I myself know that the humans throughout the world are looking for the Encore. Just by looking around this caféterras, I can realise just how there are so many parties. But the whereabouts of the Encore is still a mystery. So it made me think that Elline hid the Encore in a special place. For his comrades’ back then……in order words he left it in a place where only we can find it.”

“I thought the same.”

Phia nodded while holding the wine glass with one hand.

“For that reason, I thought we would need you if we were to search for the Encore after all. Depending on the circumstances, it might be necessary for us to enter the Underworld.”

“I don’t mind, but there’s a tiny little problem……”

The young girl suddenly sighed.

“Let me ask a question to Ren who is a human. Do you know any rumours about how there’s some mess going on in the Underworld right now? The rumour about one of the Five Great Disasters going nuts on Earth.”

“Ah. Are you perhaps referring to the Great Demon who is causing a rampage at the “Great Volcano of Galia”?”

It happened several days ago.

Ren remembered how the instructors warned the highest-grade students that went out of the Academy.

“That the highest-grade Demon appeared and resided on Earth……”

“Yup. She was my part of my guard called the Five Great Disasters. Since I retired as a Demon-Lord after turning into this state, she stopped listening to the order of the current Demon-Lord who I passed on my authority to and left the Underworld.”

Elise shrug her head as if she was troubled by it.

“By the way, why did she do something like rebelling against the current Demon-Lord? She was your subordinate when you were the Demon-Lord, right?”

“That’s because she’s stronger than the current Demon-Lord.”

“You must be joking!”

“It’s true. In terms of strength, I when I was a Demon-Lord would be the strongest. But the Five Great Disasters were the second strongest after me. They were originally a candidate to become the Demon-Lord. But I turned them into my subordinates when I won the election to become the Demon-Lord. But because I had to retire my position as a Demon-Lord all of a sudden, but I ended up choosing my little brother in hurry when a problem arose about who would become the next Demon-Lord. But my brother was so weak……ah, don’t get me wrong since he would have the strength of the previous Demon-Lords, okay? But the Five Great Disasters were just as strong as the other historical Demon-Lords.”

The Underworld which is ruled by the current Demon-Lord who happened to be weaker than the Five Great Diasters. Due to such bizarre relation within the supremacy, there might be parts which wasn’t easy to accept for the Five Great Disasters that were candidates of becoming the Demon-Lord.

“More importantly, Elise, your brother is the current Demon-Lord? So your little brother means that ehmm……”

“It’s okay to assume it as the similar logic of human siblings. Though their appearance differs greatly.”

The Archangel placed her empty wineglass on the table.

“The Angels, the Dragons, the Demons, and the humans. The species with the most population among these four are the humans. But the one with the most diversities are the Demons. Not just their appearance, but even their strength has a huge gap in ranges. The current Demon-Lord would exactly have the appearance of what you imagined, Ren.”

“By that, you mean……”

“Only his appearance looks vicious. He’s too big as well as having fangs and claws. He would most likely be treated as a monster if he was to show up. He’s butt-ugly despite being my brother. Though he does carry an impact.”

Elise said it in a happy manner.

“And one of the Five Great Disasters that rebelled is—”

“The Demon-General of Blaze.”

Kyelse said it plainly.

“Ren, even you should have heard of the name Achendia.”

“She’s the Great Demon since ancient time!”

—Achendia the “Demon-General of Blaze”.

The legendary level highest rank Demon who was even called the embodiment of hell fire that even appeared in fairy tales.

“That’s why I’m having a hard time.”

Elise sighed with an unpleasant tone.

“She was my former subordinate so I thought I should do something about it. But it would be impossible to stop her in this weakened form, you know? So I was troubled to whether I should focus on returning my body back to its original form and put the search for the Encore on-hold. So, this is my suggestion—”

“You’ll help in finding the Encore but you want us to help you in stopping Achendia. Right?”

“Just to be expected from Phia, you get to the point quickly.”

“I did predict what was going on behind the scene due to the Five Great Disasters appearing on Earth.”

The Archangel nodded with a bitter smile.

“How about it, Kyelse?”

“I don’t mind. Both Phia and I are far from our primes, but there’s no way we will be beaten if all three of us are present. Also, I want Ren to know it right away.”

“……Know what?”

“'''The meaning to form a party with the three of us''', that is.”

Kyelse’s tone that sounded peaceful at first—

It carried so much pressure that made Ren shiver.

“Even though the action to find the Encore is the same, our party is different to other parties. This is a good opportunity to have you understand that.”

His comrades’ strength was immeasurable, but likewise, the strength of their enemy were also in a different league.

The ones that would stand in front of them would be a legendary-level monsters. The enemies he would meet would be all superior to him. The journey where point between life and death would await him after he gets put in a situation of verge of death.

“What do you think?”

“……Bring it.”

Ren held the glass of club soda with his shaking hand.

“Nothing would change from the time back when I was at the Academy if I get scared here. I also don’t mind who our enemies are. I simply have to go forward until I find the Encore!”

He declared it with all his might. He then drank the glass of club soda in one-go.

That instant.

“Gua!? C-Cough……i-it got caught inside my throat……”

“I-Idiot! That’s disgusting and don’t throw it up on me! What fool would drink a carbohydrate drink in one-go!?”

“……Looks like the road ahead doesn’t seem promising.”

“……Ren, that’s disgusting.”

Ren who had just threw up the club soda he had just drunk, and Kyelse who got wet by him due to sitting right beside him.

Seeing those two—

The Archangel and the previous Demon-Lord sighed at the same time.

===4===

===5===

{{SimpleNav
|b=Record.2|bn=Record.2
|f=Record.4|fn=Record.4
}}

Sekai no Owari no Encore:Volume 1 Record.3

2014-08-03T07:56:03Z

Roxcrosser: /* 1 */

==Record.3: The Condition of the Previous Demon-Lord==

===1===

Student’s town, Mstier.

What awaited them once they took a step outside the town was green plain that spread through their vision. The footpath made from pebbles continued straight ahead where it would eventually connect to a large town far away.

At the peaceful path as such,

“……It felt like an instant.”

Ren turned around to look at the path he walked from as the morning sunlight lit over him.

''—Looks like I’m going to be away from Holy Fiora Journey Academy for a while.''

''—I should have at least written a letter to my family back at home. I haven’t even seen my little sister lately.''

When he saw the student town as he turned around, it was already so small that it looked like a small dot. He was attached to it since he had been living there for three years. So there was a side of him where he was feeling lonely.

Except, more than that, he was so nervous that his heart started beating faster as he walked.

He felt as if he didn’t have time to feel sad about it due his nervousness.

After all—

“Hmm? What’s wrong?”

The silver hair girl looked up towards him as she licked the candy.

The Dragon-Princess Kyelse. She was the strongest monster in history that the Heaven and the Underworld couldn’t even touch, but not until the Sword Emperor Elline appeared three-hundred years ago. She also happened to be a Princess of the “Heavenly Silver Dragon” which was the oldest Dragon-specie.

Someone like her was holding onto his right hand, and also—

“I’m sure you have some regrets at leaving the Academy. Though that’s how a journey is supposed to be. There is also a new meeting after a parting.”

The one who was walking on the left-hand side of Ren was a tall, beautiful girl with bright blonde hair.

Archangel Phia.

She was also the highest rank Angel, a being that was the ruler of the Heaven.

Elline Sword Emperor Brigade from three-hundred years ago. Two of the girls that were known as the Three Great Princesses were walking besides Ren while leaning against him.

“Even so, there is nothing to worry about. Right, Ren?”

Phia who was holding tightly onto Ren’s left arm.

“I will teach you all the necessary knowledge. To the extent that I will teach you the lesson at night gently.”

“Well, Phia-senpai......the thing is.”

“Eh? What is it?”

The Archangel replied with a naughty smile.

{{SimpleNav
|b=Record.2|bn=Record.2
|f=Record.4|fn=Record.4
}}

The Circumstances Leading to Waltraute's Marriage:Volume1 Chapter 1

2014-03-08T14:33:01Z

Roxcrosser: /* Chapter 1: Jack and the Beanstalk was Set to a Backdrop of Norse Mythology */ Some grammatical errors

==Chapter 1: Jack and the Beanstalk was Set to a Backdrop of Norse Mythology==

===Part 1===

A Valkyrie descended to the human world of Midgard.

She had long blonde hair and white skin. She was tall for a woman, but had a much more slender frame than a man. It was a balance that could not be maintained by any soul born of a human mother. Her beauty was not the type that was meant to draw the opposite sex to her. Her beauty was wrapped in a chill like a flower offered up to a slaughtered foe.

Her appearance was that of a woman in her mid-twenties, but human aging did not apply to a Valkyrie. She had been fighting for much, much longer than that.

The armor she wore was green. However, that was just one aspect of the armor. It was magic armor that could freely change its properties to suit the situation. The aurora seen in the northern sky was actually the constantly changing light produced by a Valkyrie's armor.

She held what looked like a bluish-white spear in her right hand, but it was made up of the very lightning that fell from the sky. A swing of her weapon was enough to slaughter all who had made themselves enemies of the heavenly world of Asgard. They would be destroyed down to their souls and unable to even join the realm of the dead. That divine punishment was known as the Spear of Destroying Lightning and it held enough destructive power to warrant such a name.

“Is that all?”

She was surrounded by nothing but rubble.

The name of the maiden who glowed radiantly amid the blackened scenery was Waltraute.

She was tall but only when compared to a human woman. Even so, she stood triumphant above all those around her. She had crushed, wiped out, and burned away all those who had been taller or larger than her.

No one could imagine that a false temple gaudily decorated with gold and marble had stood there not long before. All that remained was black. Pitch black. The garish decorations had been torn down and all that was left had turned pure black as if to attest to their sins.

Sinners.

Heretics.

Those rebels who had joined with the giants to intentionally create monsters and then used the offspring as slaves had all been purged. They had committed three major sins. Loving those beyond their species was not one of them. It was joining with the giants for their own personal greed that had been one of those sins. The second had been using the offspring as tools. Even if they were half human, using anyone with a human soul as a tool was a sin. And the last was that they had offered up their young to join with the giants rather than doing it themselves. It had been judged that the ultimate punishment was required.

…Actually, Odin had only ordered Waltraute to sort out the souls of the youths who were likely to die in the disturbance and lead only those necessary to Valhalla, the great hall of the heavenly world. However, she had used a bit too much strength as she had a tendency to do.

Thanks to that, it had all ended before a large-scale tragedy could occur, and all of the owners of the souls she was supposed to guide had not survived.

There was a reason Valkyries did not stand at the top of everything even though they were the strongest when it came to pure power.

Without giving even a glance to the survivors who had their heads hanging down, Waltraute looked up into the sky and spoke to someone who was not present.

“Report. Situation 3469 is complete. …I suppose the ruler on the throne is angry again. But I suppose the queen of the realm of the dead is also gnashing her teeth at missing out on those impure souls. With that in mind, let’s just call this even.”

The humans living in Midgard would likely be unable to understand some of what the gods said. They purposefully tried to keep the humans from understanding more than they had to.

“Understood. So I have authorization to return. Tell Heimdallr to guide me along the route. Over.”

As she finished speaking, a single ray of light burst through the dark clouds above her head. It fell directly atop Waltraute. The next thing she knew, a giant white horse was standing next to her. Waltraute climbed atop the horse and her hair floated up unnaturally. Once that change in gravity reached the white horse’s giant body as well, Waltraute’s very existence would be temporarily split into pieces and she would leave the human world of Midgard while overcoming all forms of aerodynamic restrictions.

But then…

An error occurred in the return process.

A boy was weakly clinging onto Waltraute’s right leg as she sat atop the white horse.

“A survivor, hm?” said the Valkyrie with an emotionless look in her eyes. “Do you wish to head to Valhalla to experience the battles of the heavenly world? You need not be so hasty. If you continue to possess such a valiant and just soul, that time will surely come.”

“So beautiful.”

The boy’s context-less comment was spoken with a hoarse voice.

He was looking at Waltraute’s golden hair that was reflecting the light shining down on her.

“Can I have some?”

Waltraute fell silent.

Valkyries had but one role to play for the humans of Midgard…or so it should have been. From experience, she knew there were irregular situations that would occasionally occur.

In other words…

Sometimes, a man would fall in love with a Valkyrie.

“I am sorry, but I cannot do that,” she replied with an icy voice.

The boy did not seem to understand the situation.

“Why not?”

“We live in different worlds. The world tree Yggdrasil divides up the nine worlds. The divisions between worlds may only be crossed for the purposes of a battle. That is why I am here in Midgard now. Crossing those divisions for no reason would cause a battle in and of itself.”

“Ohh…” The boy’s mouth opened wide but it was unclear what exactly seemed to have impressed the boy. “So you can’t stay here?”

“I am not saying I cannot, but I see no rational reason to do so.”

“Mhh…”

“?”

“I can’t accept that. This isn’t the time to talk about things in that way.”

“Hm?” Waltraute looked slightly puzzled.

Waltraute did not understand the subtleties of human romance, so she chose the method her experience had taught her was the quickest option of dealing with such problems.

She grabbed the Spear of Destroying Lightning in her right hand.

She intentionally made it start noisily sending sparks flying every which way.

“Whatever the reason may be and whatever that person may say, a Valkyrie has the authority to deem anyone who stands in her way as evil. Be warned that anyone who blocks my path is destined to fall defeated before me.”

“Hm? Hmm? So if I beat you, you’ll do whatever I ask you?”

“Mh!? Wait a second!! What kind of roundabout thinking led you to that conclusion!? I was merely saying that anyone who got in my way would meet a bitter fate!!”

“I see… So I could marry you…”

“You’re just assuming you would win!! A-ahem. Soul born in the human world of Midgard, do you truly believe that frail glow of yours is enough to stand up to Waltraute, the fourth sister of the nine Valkyries?”

“Let’s fight!! Let’s fight!! Waltraute, tell me the rules of the fight!!”

“Dammit! I let my name slip out!?”

But Waltraute was not so cruel as to actually begin a competition of strength with that boy of Midgard as she would utterly demolish him.

(Oh, I know. I can give this human an utterly impossible challenge.)

That was the standard pattern for goddesses and princesses from all over the world both in ancient and modern times.

Waltraute cleared her throat and said, “My challenge to you is to scale the world tree Yggdrasil with your own strength. Once you arrive at the heavenly world of Asgard, I will accept your marriage proposal.”

(There is no way he can do it. Not even a Valkyrie like me could manage that. A soul born in the human world will likely be too overcome with awe upon seeing the world tree Yggdrasil to even touch it.)

“…What does ‘scale’ mean?”

“It means ‘climb’ and is usually used in the context of a mountain or a cliff!! I am telling you to climb up that giant tree with just those two hands of yours!!”

“Ehh!?”

“Th-that’s right. How about that? Can’t do it, can you? Simply impossible, isn’t it? Give up here and join with a human woman like a proper human man. A neighborhood childhood friend can be a surprisingly excellent choice. And now, I will be going.”

“All you have to do is climb a tree and you get to marry a Valkyrie!? I-I have to go tell everyone!!”

“Wait!! This is not a custom of my race! This is a competition that is only valid between the two of us!! If a large number of humans begin trying to climb the world tree Yggdrasil, the head god Odin will mistake it for a rebellion!!”

“Then I’ll climb it! If I climb Yggdrasil, I get to marry you, right!? You’re the one that said it, Waltraute!!”

“Mh.”

It seemed the boy truly intended to attempt the challenge, but Waltraute could not treat the challenge lightly as it was a competition with a winner and a loser.

The Valkyries were the members of the gods that dealt with battles and they were something like the strict guardians of competitions in the human world of Midgard.

Whose jurisdiction the world tree Yggdrasil fell under was a bit vague, but the competition was rooted in the human world of Midgard, so she had to be strict about it.

Also…

If the challenge was nothing more than something the boy had come up with, Waltraute could simply refuse to participate. However, Waltraute had been the one to suggest the challenge and the boy had accepted. That meant the competition had become official the second the boy had okayed it. Waltraute could not back out now.

“F-fine then. I will accept the competition. But a soul of Midgard will never be able to scale the world tree Yggdrasil.”

“I can do it.”

“The heavenly world of Asgard is literally above the clouds. If you run out of strength partway up and fall off, only death awaits you. Are you still willing?”

“I can do it.”

Even under Waltraute’s icy gaze that could cause heretics and even giants and dragons to tremble in fear, the human boy gave a defiant response.

(Those are the eyes of a warrior.)

But in the next instant, the boy gave a big grin, swung one arm around in a circle, and said, “Okay, I’ll climb up before you know it! Once I’m ready, I’ll head to Yggdrasil, so you wait at the goal point in Asgard!! That’s another rule!!”

“Wait,” said Waltraute suddenly from atop the white horse. “Why do you wish to marry me so much?”

“Hm?” The boy replied almost immediately. “Because you’re beautiful.”

“…”

“Waltraute, I will definitely climb up Yggdrasil, and we’ll get married when I do!!”

Once Waltraute returned to the heavenly world of Asgard, Heimdallr the watchman asked her a question.

“…Why didn’t you just refuse?”

A Valkyrie usually remained completely expressionless, but Waltraute’s cheeks reddened slightly and her eyes darted away when he asked that question.

“O-once the competition had been established, I could hardly just refuse him outright!!”

Heimdallr had been wondering why she had not simply returned to Asgard from the beginning, but before he could say anything further, Waltraute’s eyes darted away once more and she continued speaking.

“That’s…That’s right. It’s a competition, so I had no choice!! I am a strict guardian of competitions after all! Whatever it may entail, I must let it carry out to its conclusion once it has been established!!”

“Wait, don’t tell me you’re letting this go because he said you were beautiful and said he would marry you after he managed to climb u-…Eeee! Eeee!!””

“Could you explain to me what part of what I said led you to believe that? And could you give an explanation for why you are grinning like that?”

“I-is this invisible wall that is hard and as thick as concrete nothing but your aura of intimidation!? No, wait! I get it! I get it! Don’t bring out the Spear of Destroying Lightning! Wait, wait!!”

Heimdallr trembled in fear when faced with that grand destructive power that was being used to hide Waltraute’s embarrassment.

Whatever she may have said, her true feelings were clearly visible on her face.

Almost everyone was too frightened of her to try, but Waltraute was surprisingly weak to those who maintained a strong will while interacting with her.

===Part 2===

On one end of the heavenly world of Asgard were the seven runways of Bifröst.

They may have been known as “runways”, but the process by which they were used was quite complex. The user’s “existence” was split into pieces, and they could then be freely sent to any of the 9 worlds while ignoring all aerodynamic restrictions. It was not a complete “teleportation”. Technically, the user was accelerated to 97% of the speed of light, but the size of the nine worlds meant it was more or less instantaneous.

The Valkyrie armor that was broken to pieces along with Waltraute would react and spread out. That process caused a giant aurora to fill the night sky when a Valkyrie was sent flying through the sky.

It was largely due to Bifröst and the Valkyries that the Æsir were able to display such tremendous power in the nine worlds. It took a slight amount of time to begin the process, but in exchange, a military force made up of the Valkyries and the spirits of the dead known as Einherjar that were under their control could be sent wherever they were needed. The earlier annihilation of the heretics should be enough to demonstrate how much of a threat that was.

And…

Waltraute was now peering down to the human world of Midgard from the edge of Bifröst. Heimdallr the watchman was in charge of controlling Bifröst, so he was utterly fed up with the Valkyrie that was obstructing the path.

“Um, if you stay there, the 3rd runway can’t be used…”

“You have seven of them. The loss of one or two is no big deal.”

“Um, do you have any idea how many dozens of flights come through every hour? This is an issue of efficiency and distribution. You’re causing a traffic jam. Surely you know how blocking a seemingly empty lane can cause a huge backup on the highway. If you block the 3rd runway, the percentage of late flights will jump up to-…”

“What is your point?”

“Oh…um…nothing…I guess…Sigh…”

When she glared at him, Heimdallr shrunk down like he was preparing to close himself up in a small box.

While crouched down, Heimdallr said, “But was there really any reason to take that verbal promise seriously?”

“H-hmph! I do not think that boy from Midgard can climb the world tree Yggdrasil. But now that the competition has been established, I must see it through to the end as a Valkyrie. In the best case, he will make it to the base of the world tree and be too overwhelmed to do anything more. In the worst case, his awe upon seeing Yggdrasil will be too great and he will not even make it to the base.”

“…So in the ‘worst case’, the boy doesn’t even come for you?”

A glance that was as sharp as a spear that Heimdallr received in response to his unwanted comment caused his entire body to freeze in place. He realized he could not make his body any smaller than it already was.

Waltraute composed herself and said, “At any rate, I am only watching over this competition to its end. And that end will be the boy’s loss. If he does not show up, that counts as a loss. Once that happens, I will be freed from this nonsensical verbal promise of marriage.”

“Um…”

“It is true that the boy had the eyes of warrior when he announced he would climb the world tree. Those were the eyes of someone with a will strong enough to challenge a Valkyrie to a competition. But words are cheap. He is sure to lose his nerve when he sees the true recklessness of this challenge…Why are you interrupting me?”

“The boy has arrived.”

“!?!?!?”

Waltraute frantically looked back over the edge of the 3rd runway and to the human world of Midgard.

“Impossible…Impossible!! Does that boy have no fear of death!?”

“‘That he would go this far for an unrefined, battle-crazy girl that wears armor year-round like me just sets my heart aflutt-…’ No, I was just kidding! Please! Please forgive me! I won’t make any more liberal translations of your thoughts, so please spare me from the lightning!!” As Heimdallr held his hands up to cover his head, he looked down toward the surface. “J-Jack Elvan was it? According to the data we have on him, he comes from the middle class on Midgard.”

But of course, the boy had not arrived in Asgard.

The base of Yggdrasil was in Midgard. The boy had made it to that giant tree.

He truly seemed intent on climbing up that tree.

Any normal human would have been too filled with awe at the site of Yggdrasil and with a general fear of heading to another world to even think about trying to climb the world tree. Nevertheless, that boy had burst through those limitations.

It was called a tree, but the trunk was as thick as a standard-sized city was wide, so it felt more like rock climbing. The complexly intertwined branches and hollows almost turned it into something like a labyrinth.

Waltraute used magic to enhance her already superhuman senses (not that she was human in the first place), so she just had to stare down with her eyes wide open to see every step the boy took.

At the base of the world tree, the boy said, “I have my handkerchief, some snacks for if I get hungry, and a water bottle. Okay, time to go.”

“He’s extremely lightly equipped!! Wait, he’s not even wearing boots! Those are sandals! At least prepare a lifeline…Ah, he started climbing! He really started climbing!! He started climbing up Yggdrasil in sandals! What do I do!?”

“…Th-there would be nothing wrong with you heading down to save him, right? You can just head down and grab him. I can open up one of Bifröst’s runways for you.”

“You fool!!!!” Waltraute’s iron fist sent Heimdallr’s giant form rolling across the runway like a pebble. “I am a heavenly being that rules over battles and I watch over all events with a winner and a loser!! I cannot interfere in a competition with clear rules!!”

“B-bghh…bbh…”

Heimdallr let out a groan without even a shred of intelligence in it, but he was not listening to what Waltraute was saying. He had more important worries.

Meanwhile, something happened down at the surface.

Even though Asgard was literally above the clouds, the boy was sitting on a branch and reaching for his water bottle after only climbing about 10 meters.

“Hahh…I’m exhausted.”

“You weakling!!” shouted Waltraute.

“U-um, ten meters is pretty high up for a human,” commented Heimdallr.

“That is not the issue here! He said that he would climb Yggdrasil and marry me. Even if the reward is completely ridiculous, it is still a sacred competition with a Valkyrie. And yet…And yet…that bastard!! Only 10 meters!? That is an insult to the one whose fate hangs in the balance here, is it not!?”

“Um…So basically you’re upset about that being as far as his feelings for you went and you want him to try a little harder? …Gyaaahhh! I’m sorry!!”

Waltraute seemed to want to avoid using her overwhelming strength on Heimdallr himself (despite the punch from earlier), so she started destroying the runway of Bifröst. Heimdallr began apologizing with all his strength because Bifröst’s destruction would do serious social damage to him.

But then he noticed something.

He pointed down toward the surface and said, “Look at that. There’s something down there!”

“Mh?”

Waltraute looked down and spotted a white cat approaching the boy who was resting on a branch of Yggdrasil.

For some reason the cat was able to speak the human language.

“Hey, there. What are you doing here? It’s dangerous being this high up. You’ll get hurt if you fall.”

“…That’s surprisingly good advice for a talking cat,” commented Heimdallr.

“…”

The boy responded by saying, “I’m climbing the world tree. Waltraute is waiting for me.”

“I-I am not waiting!!”

“But you aren’t trying to stop him either,” added Heimdallr.

“Of course not. This is a serious competition!!”

The cat then said, “But look up. Do you really think you can climb all the way up there?”

“I can,” replied the boy.

“How about you head down instead. If you go to Jötunheimr, you can find some magic water<ref> This may refer to '''Mímisbrunnr''', the magical water who holds wisdom. Odin sacrificed one eye to drink from this well </ref> that will give you any knowledge you wish for.”

“But Waltraute isn’t there.”

“If you drink the water of knowledge, homework will never be a problem again.”

“…Really?”

“Really, really. So give up on going somewhere as boring as Asgard and come with me to-…”

That was when Waltraute threw the Spear of Destroying Lightning.

With a tremendous noise, a bluish-white spear stabbed down in a straight line from heaven to earth. It passed directly in front of the boy and mercilessly struck the talking white cat down to the very depths of the surface.

Lightning.

The symbol of divine punishment.

While breathing erratically, Waltraute shouted down at the surface knowing full well her voice would not reach.

“Don’t interfere with a serious competition, you fool!! Do you want him to gain a body that cannot even reach the realm of the dead!?”

“Th-the kitty… The pretty kitty…!?” said Heimdallr.

“That was actually the Midgard Serpent!!<ref>Jormungand, the Midgard Serpent, was one of three children fathered on the giantess Angroba by Loki, the Norse god of mischief and trickery.</ref> When Útgarða-Loki tricked Thor, that giant snake aided in Útgarða-Loki’s illusions by transforming into a cat to leave Thor unprepared!! Look, the transformation is starting to come off. Creepy scales are starting to cover its body!! No competition can be fair with a monster like that involved!!”

“Oh, you’re right. It really is Jörmungandr,” said Heimdallr.

Waltraute folded her arms in front of her armor’s breastplate.

“Honestly. Even a beast powerful enough to stand on the same level as Thor is getting in the way… This is why you cannot take fate lightly. That boy need only think of the competition. Giving him that is proper manners as his opponent.”

“But the boy seems worried about the snake that fell to the surface. He’s climbing back down to check on it.”

“~ ~ ~!! Take. This. Competition. Seriously!!”

Waltraute started childishly stomping her feet in frustration, but she had only just declared that she would not directly interfere.

===Part 3===

After looking after the cat that had fallen to the surface, the boy began climbing Yggdrasil once more. (Incidentally, the cat tried to warn the boy again, but this time out of actual devotion rather than as a trick. However, it was driven off by a number of Spears of Destroying Lightning. She insisted this was because she would be responsible if the boy ended up getting to know the snake in the middle of the challenge.)

“So you don’t want him looking at anyone but you?”

“Ah?”

Heimdallr the watchman curled up under the crushing pressure of the piercing glare and immense aura of intimidation that were sent his way.

After the interlude with the cat, the boy continued to climb up the giant tree without obstruction. (Or rather, nothing was able to approach him while Waltraute had her frightening gaze on him.) As nothing was happening, Heimdallr started letting out yawn after yawn, but Waltraute’s gaze was as intent as ever.

“At this rate, he might actually make it all the way up.”

“Tch!! But if that happens, I have no choice! This was a serious competition!! I, Waltraute the fourth of the nine Valkyrie sisters, will of course perfectly carry out her duty as the loser! E-even if that means I must marry him!!”

“I see. I see.” Heimdallr had grown bored, so he carelessly let a comment slip out. “You keep going on about marriage, but what exactly do you plan to let that boy do once you marry him? Are you prepared to ask him the age old question of, ‘Would you like dinner, a bath, or the third option which you had damn well better choose’?”

“I-I am not going to lose, you fool!!”

“Of course, the acrobatics of the naked apron are basically a given with newlyweds.”

“Wh-what? What is this naked apron you speak of?”

“Well, you take it and you do this,” said Heimdallr as he explained it mostly with some vague gestures.

“…!?!?!?”

Without thinking, Waltruate brought down her fist and Heimdallr very nearly became one with the 3rd runway.

“B-bbhh!! Bgegbgbb!!”

“H-how much of an idiot are you!? I simply cannot believe that you could have such perverted thoughts!!”

“G-gbh… But the passion of newlyweds often leads them to cross those perverted lines. They tend to calm down a bit after a year, though.”

“S-so my loss comes with that kind of penalty?”

“You’ll have to head into the bath to wash his back and feed him small fruits directly from your mouth. Oh, and youthful indiscretions put serving him food on your nude body just barely in the range of the acceptable. By the way, I prefer the dolce type with whipped cream and strawberries over the proper type that uses seafood.”

“Wait, wait, wait!! How can the word marriage have so many different chips piled up on top of it!?”

“But I thought you weren’t going to lose.”

“Uuh…!?”

“No matter how many chips are piled up, it doesn’t matter so long as you win, right?”

“Th-that is exactly right.”

While trembling, Waltraute folded her arms in front of her breastplate and struck an impressive pose. She then shouted from the bottom of her gut.

“N-none of it matters as long as I do not lose! I just have to win!! As a Valkyrie, a heavenly being that rules over battles, I am a master of competitions!! I do not even need to think about the possibility of losing!! Mutter, mutter…”

“But the job of a Valkyrie is to gather the souls of those who valiantly died in battle, so aren’t you actually more associated with the losing side of-…bgyaaahhh!! Don’t strike me on the end of my elbow like that! Ah, my arm’s gone numb!!”

As those residents of the heavenly world argued, something changed.

“Hmm. He seems to be having trouble.”

“Look how high he is. He is bound to get tired after climbing a tree this long. In fact, I think climbing up using pure physical strength and without any guidance from you would be impossible even for the human Siegfried in his heyday. I am a Valkyrie and I am not even sure if I could do it.”

“No, that isn’t what I meant.”

“Then what did you mean?”

“Well…” Heimdallr pulled out a clear stone slate and called up a few pieces of data. “The world tree Yggdrasil does not actually divide up the nine worlds. And it holds up the heavens and the earth.”

“So?”

“Um, do you know the relationship between altitude and atmospheric pressure? The higher you go, the less oxygen there is. Divine beings like us are fine, but I think a human child is in trouble if he does not have oxygen.”

“…”

Waltraute’s face gradually paled.

“So…what exactly…does that mean?”

“We know for a fact that boy is climbing Yggdrasil and approaching Asgard,” said Heimdallr as he looked at the data. “But the closer a human gets to the heavenly world, the closer he gets to death. I believe that boy will die if he does arrive…”

“Wait, wait, wait.”

Waltraute stopped Heimdallr with one hand.

If the boy lost, his hopes would be dashed, and if he won, he would die.

Waltraute insisted that she had no desire at all to marry the boy, but she could not stand for the competition to be unfair.

Basically, Valkyries were obsessed with competitions.

Brynhildr, the oldest sister, had once failed in a similar issue involving marriage. The human Siegfried had cheated on her (he had been given a potion to erase his memories, so he had not realized what he was doing), so she had plotted his death. When that plot had succeeded, she attempted to take her own life.

“I made sure to report this incident to Odin and received proper authorization for the competition. We cannot have him treating a child climbing the tree as a rebel after all. And that eyepatched god of war vouched for the fairness of the competition. The head god saw this as a fair competition, so why is something like this happening!?”

“Maybe this was the reason Odin gave you authorization.”

“What…?”

“That bearded old man does not hesitate to cause wars in the human world just to obtain some skilled souls of those killed in battle. Actually trying to climb Yggdrasil would require bravery on a ridiculous level and everything is going well so far. That god of war would want a soul like that very, very badly. In other words, he might have purposefully overlooked the flaw in the rules in order to have that boy die and join the Einherjar.”

===Part 4===

His actual feelings were a bit more complicated.

In the great hall at the innermost portion of Valhalla, the one-eyed war god Odin sat on an extremely ostentatious throne. He exchanged a glance with his wife Frigg.

Odin looked about 40 and Frigg about 30, so they did not particularly look the part of the gods who had watched the entire history of the world. However, their appearance had no connection to their age because they had eaten the apples of immortality grown by the goddess Iðunn.

“I am opposed to this,” said Frigg. “Whatever your reasons may be, you are interfering with their efforts to acquire a family. Not to mention killing one of them.”

“You only think that because you are the goddess of marriage. And I think the way I do because I am the god of war and battle.”

“…”

“We cannot allow Waltraute to join with a human boy. Surely you know that intellectually even if you feel otherwise.”

“Are you referring to the fact that the Valkyries are a set of nine and that set is what controls the military force of Einherjar?”

“Even if they are nine individuals, their essences are connected. Waltraute alone is the same as the other eight. If she yields to a single human, that binds the other eight as well. The right to command the entire force of Einherjar will indirectly fall to that boy.”

“Yes, the Wagner Method. But is there any reason to go along with it? If you kick out Waltraute, you should still be able to maintain the Valkyrie system.”

“One role of the Valkyries is to provide a link between gods and men. They cannot be reorganized based simply on the circumstances of the gods. That is the entire point of the Wagner Method and why their form is that which is easiest to imagine for humans. …Surely you know why the Valkyries appear as beautiful women,” said Odin lightly as he sat atop his throne.

His throne was named Hliðskjálf and it gave any who sat in it the power to see across the entire world. Wagner was a very out of place name for that setting and time period, but he was able to use that throne to draw in information from “other places”.

“This is quite a problem,” said Odin despite not sounding troubled in the slightest. “We cannot have things turn out like that. Why do you think we have been gathering the souls of those who died in battle? It is all for the sake of the final war of Ragnarök. The evil spirits and giants are bad enough, so we do not need a third force joining in the fray.”

“And so you are going to take that boy’s life?”

“It is only a problem because it is a marriage between equals.” Odin gave a bitter smile to Frigg’s criticism. “But a Valkyrie has complete control over the souls of those who have died in battle. The opposite cannot be. Once that boy has died and become an Einherjar, Waltraute will have control over him. Once that happens, he cannot control Waltraute. Nor can he gain control over the Einherjar forces. Once that happens, we can happily celebrate their marriage.”

He took the idea of human life so lightly because he was the god of war.

He was not a god that protected those participating in a war; he was a god who preserved the state of war itself.

To those who got wrapped up in the war, he may have seemed like a wandering disaster (with a will of its own).

Frigg on the other hand was a goddess who helped humans join together and create new life, so she could only sigh. People often had difficulty understanding how the goddess of all types of marriage could end up married to someone as horrible as him.

[[Image:Waltraute_v01_037.jpg|thumb]]

But with the way the head god was, it would have been difficult for the world to continue on without a productive goddess like her by his side.

“At any rate, that boy must die no matter what you think.”

“I do not wish for that boy to fall in battle. If he does, their relationship will no longer fall into the category of marriage,” said Frigg. “Also, even if that a boy loses his life here, there is no guarantee that he will be picked up as an Einherjar, is there?”

“That is not my responsibility.” Odin shrugged. “I control those humans who have valiant souls. If he does not meet that requirement, then I have no duty to protect him. I am not about to steal a soul that has fallen into the realm of the dead.”

“I see.” Frigg sighed. “While that child may look gentle, a lot of violent emotions are hidden within. Do not blame me for what happens if this plot of yours is discovered.”

“Ha ha. What can a single angry human do?”

“That is not who I meant.” Frigg looked over toward the entrance of the great hall. “I was referring to Waltraute.”

In the next instant, a great trembling shook Valhalla.

At first, Odin thought a large explosion had occurred within. It sounded like the gods had started fighting to the death.

But he was wrong.

The tremendous vibrations continued and grew closer as they did. This was not the sound of a fight. Finally, Odin realized what it was.

“Footsteps…?” Sweat dripped down the ridges of the head god’s nose. “Mere footsteps are giving off this much resolve? Wait, I never gave Waltraute this much output!!”

“Anger over your interference with the competition is just a front. A maiden’s rage can grow without limit when something gets in the way of her love. But I suppose a god of war would not know anything about that.”

“Kh. In other words, that boy carelessly crossing between the nine worlds has caused a distortion in the very concept of battles!? How much did the three Norn goddesses of destiny know about this? Is this going to hasten the final war of Ragnarök!?”

“Sigh. You war-obsessed idiot…”

The doors of the entrance burst open. The thunder god Thor, who held the #2 spot when it came to power, came tumbling into the great hall.

“E-eee!! Father!! Father!!”

“What is it, Thor? Your face looks beat up and your hair is all frizzy!”

“I-I lost in a battle of thunder… My entire identity as the thunder god has been denied, so what am I to do now!?”

The area on the other side of the open doors was pitch black.

The killer intent emitted by sapient beings was supposed to be invisible, yet Odin clearly saw an illusion before his eyes.

It was obvious who was emitting it.

The darkness and thickness of the shadow showed the approach of the danger.

As he leaned against the wall on one side of the great hall, Loki gave a thin smile and said, “…Hm. The world destroyed by a single love. Not bad.”

“When the hell did you get here!? And don’t think you can become the star if you keep making those Chuunibyou-esque comments, you lover of temporary pleasures!!”

Odin had fallen into a complete panic, so he started yelling at someone completely unrelated to the danger at hand. Seeing that, Frigg brought one hand to her cheek and sighed yet again.

She had to wonder why all the men in the heavenly world knew so little about the subtleties of romance and never did anything for women.

She silently thought they could learn a thing or two from that boy, but actually said, “At least try to calm her down. This is a little too soon for you to be heading into the twilight, don’t you think?”

===Part 5===

Ignorant of the issues involved for those adults (or rather, gods), the boy continued grabbing at the rough bark of the world tree Yggdrasil on his way to Asgard.

However, his breathing grew erratic.

His face grew pale.

He entered an altitude sickness-like state, but it would not end there. As he continued on, there would be even less oxygen and the atmospheric pressure would fall. As the air grew thinner, the temperature dropped due to the loss of the atmosphere’s insulation. A cold wind reminiscent of midwinter blew through the area around the boy.

It would not have been surprising had he stopped there.

But if he lost consciousness, he would end up falling down to the surface from that high altitude.

As the boy continued grabbing the bark despite the blood oozing from his fingertips, two ravens flew up to him.

They spoke simultaneously.

“Hi there! I’m Muninn!!”

“You’re Huginn!!”

“We were forced to run over and give you a message!!”

“We were forced to run over and give you a message!!”

The boy who had not been at all fazed by the talking cat replied, “But you flew.”

“He played the straight man! Now we know you’re not too far gone to do that!!”

“Anyway…ahem. We have a message from Waltraute. Are you ready?”

“…Hm. I really shouldn’t get any help from her while climbing Yggdrasil.”

“This is important information about that very competition. And we don’t really need your permission, so we’ll just tell you. Here goes!”

“Mhh…”

The boy looked displeased, but the ravens’ voices changed.

They now spoke with the voice of that Valkyrie he had met. Muninn and Huginn stood on the boy’s left and right shoulders so the boy could listen to the voice as if he was hearing it via headphones.

“Can you hear me, boy? I now know more or less what that bearded old man is planning. For a human, it seems there is little difference between approaching the heavenly world of Asgard and approaching death. Odin purposefully overlooked that fact to bring you into the army of Einherjar.”

“…”

“If you do not wish to die, climb down from Yggdrasil now. That is what I wish for as well. Surely the marriage you have imagined is not one that occurs after your own death. And I did not set up this challenge for it to have such a ridiculous result.”

The boy fell silent for a bit.

He remained perfectly still while clinging to the bark.

The two ravens tilted their heads as they looked at his face from the side.

Finally, the boy raised his head and said, “You must be enemy characters sent here to mislead me!!”

===Part 6===

Meanwhile, Waltraute tore at her golden hair with both hands as she shot Spears of Destroying Lightning every which way into the sky. This surprised the female driver of the chariot of the sun so much that a solar eclipse very nearly occurred.

She had brushed aside her stubborn posturing and bent her competition-crazy beliefs in order to help that boy, and yet he had rejected it.

“Oooooooooooohhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh!! How could this happeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeennnnnnnnnnnnnn!?”

“…And after he showed no doubts about that cat that suddenly started talking.”

For his unnecessary comment, Waltraute grabbed Heimdallr with one hand and swung him around.

Seeing that, Frigg cut in, “Can’t you say you have recognized his great efforts and go save him?”

“I-I…I simply can’t do that, Lady Frigg! Doing so would make the competition invalid preventing it from ever being concluded! No conclusion would mean putting it off forever and…no, wait, wait! I would essentially be forfeiting the match myself which would mean…vahhh vahhh!!”

“…Hmm. I see you think more like Odin when it comes to this kind of thing. (Of course, you could resolve everything by proposing to him yourself.)”

Waltraute was too stubborn to do that, but the human boy would obviously be unable to reach Asgard under his own strength.

[[Image:Waltraute_v01_047.jpg|thumb]]

It was obvious she would have to do something to save that boy (and for them to get married, but Waltraute would never admit it herself).

“(Heimdallr, Heimdallr.)”

“(Uuh…Cough. What is it, Lady Frigg?)”

“(Do you have any good ideas as to how to get Waltraute to go to that boy?)”

“(If so, I would not have let her push me around this long.)”

“(How about we send in another Valkyrie?)”

“(She already struck down the Midgard Serpent for interfering. If another Valkyrie approached him, a war amongst the Valkyries would probably break out with them yelling about NTR this and NTR that.)”

“(I have heard that the essences of the nine Valkyries are connected, but I suppose they still fight due to their individual differences.)”

“Hmm…”

The two gods could not think of any truly good ideas.

But as the boy did not have much time, they decided to suggest every idea that came to their mind.

“Waltraute, what if you make it so you lose rather than having the boy win? The competition is set to end when that boy reaches the heavenly world where you are waiting for him. So if you head down to the human world first, you would ‘lose’ and be able to marry him.”

“I cannot do that!! I cannot intentionally lose a competition someone is risking their life over! That would be blaspheming that boy’s serious efforts!!”

“Um… He just has to climb up with his own strength, right? I can send down an airtight flying swan boat for him. He can pedal it himself, so…”

“No, you fool!! He has to do it with his own strength! Tools he prepared himself are one thing, but a tool handed to him by a third party is out of the question!!”

“This Valkyrie is a giant pain in the ass.”

“This Valkyrie is a giant pain in the ass.”

The two gods may have simultaneously grumbled in complaint, but they were not ready to give up yet. That human boy was in real danger (and if he died, Waltraute would likely physically destroy the heavenly world).

However, it seemed Waltraute refused to lend the boy a helping hand no matter what happened and she would use her top-class spear to strike down anyone else who might try to interfere. It was more or less impossible for the boy to reach Asgard under his own strength, so the two gods could only wait as the countdown until the end of the world continued.

But then Frigg clapped her hands together.

“I know! Waltraute, what about this?”

“?”

===Part 7===

As he grabbed at Yggdrasil’s bark, the boy could tell his fingertips were gradually losing feeling. The air was thin, his ears were ringing horribly, and the cold wind ripping into him was robbing his body of heat. His consciousness began to grow cloudy and he could no longer feel pain in his hands that were ripped open and bleeding.

He could climb no further.

Nor could he head back down.

He really did understand. He understood that his request had been reckless. The boy’s young heart accurately came to the conclusion that the pain and cold he was feeling were punishment for trying to obtain what he did not deserve.

But…

He continued on nonetheless.

“…Wal…traute…”

He did not give up. He knew he had been wrong, but he still did not give up. And so the boy ignored the blood flowing from his palm and forced his cloudy mind to make his body move. The boy did indeed continue on up even if it was at a rate no faster than a caterpillar crawling up the tree.

“Wait for me… I will…definitely win…”

And then the boy’s hand slipped.

He did not know if it was due to strength leaving his hand or if it had merely slipped on the blood flowing from it. Even though he could not feel pain, he could still feel that the hand was no longer supporting his weight and that he was beginning to fall. A chill ran down his spine, but he could not stop his body now that it had begun to fall.

The boy’s expression remained unchanged in that final moment

He did even have the presence of mind left to change his expression.

He did only one thing.

He reached out his hand.

He stretched it upwards.

He reached for the giant rough trunk he was supposed to be holding onto.

He was not swinging his arms around in an unsightly desperate attempt to regain his balance. He was trying to continue on despite knowing it was hopeless and impossible.

He knew he could only reach air, but he still stretched out his hand.

In that moment when the boy should have fallen upside down towards the surface, he suddenly felt support return to his body in midair. The next thing he knew, the suffocating lack of oxygen and slicing cold wind were gone. A beam of light had shone down from beyond the dark clouds. And two arms were now supporting the boy.

It was Waltraute.

The golden-haired Valkyrie was riding a white horse.

The boy had no idea how she had appeared, but even as Waltraute held the boy in midair, they continued to fall down according to gravity. However, she expressionlessly had the giant white horse effortlessly land on a narrow branch of the world tree.

The boy’s first question showed what he cared about more than the fact he had survived.

“…Did I lose?”

“No.” Waltraute shook her head. “You were the victor of this competition.”

“How?” asked the boy while being held in the Valkyrie’s arms. “I fell from Yggdrasil. I didn’t make it to Asgard. I got help from you partway there, so I lost….”

“That is not the proper way to look at this.” Waltraute looked the boy directly in the eye with her icy (in appearance only) eyes. “It is true I reached out to help you. But that is only because you made me do so. I had no intention of helping you. I intended to merely observe no matter what happened. However, you made me break my own rule. It was you that made me want to reach out to help you so badly that I would break my own rule. For that reason, my arrival here was accomplished with your own strength.”

“…I don’t really get it.”

“The rules stated that you would climb Yggdrasil with your own strength. If you hold the power to summon a Valkyrie, then having me take you to Asgard is still using your own strength, is it not?” Waltraute then added, “The rules also stated that you would win when you arrived in Asgard where I waited. I must accept defeat as penalty for leaving Asgard in the middle of the competition.”

===Part 8===

Some time later, the boy was still in the human world of Midgard and Waltraute was peering down from a runway of Bifröst on the edge of the heavenly world of Asgard.

This interfered with Heimdallr’s work, so he looked troubled as he asked, “How long are you going to do this?”

“Sh-shut up. He went through a lot. It only happened because of the faulty rules I came up with, so I need to observe him to make sure there are no lasting effects.”

“If you’re that worried, you could have chosen not to live apart…”

“Make no mistake, you fool!!”

Waltraute’s iron fist flew and sent Heimdallr writhing in pain from enough damage to immediately kill someone who was not a god.

Paying that no heed, she continued, “I-I did not want to get married in the slightest!! That was the only method I had to retrieve that stubborn boy from Yggdrasil! If I had not gone through that process, I would have been unable to help him. I am not attached to him. Not in the slightest!!”

“U-uuh…”

“With that in mind, it should be obvious that we are living separately. I have no intention to let the formalities of his rescue alter the way I live my life. If I did, it would just be a bother for him anyway. Hey, are you listening? I’m asking if you’re listening to me!!”

As Waltraute grabbed Heimdallr by the collar and shook him around, Frigg, the goddess of marriage, spoke up.

“If that boy came to the heavenly world, he would die. And it would be difficult for you to remain in the human world permanently. Isn’t that the real reason you had to tearfully choose to live separately?”

“Please do not joke about that!! I-I am having enough trouble with this as it is!!”

Heimdallr then made an unnecessary comment as he hung in midair.

“I-if it’s that much trouble, why don’t you just break up with him? There is always the option of divorce. Frigg would know more about it than m-…gbeeehhh!?!?!?”

Heimdallr had expected Waltraute to silently start strangling him, but instead Frigg elegantly lifted up the sides of her long skirt and started kicking him in the back. The goddess had a lovely smile on her face all the while.

“Do you really think you should be using that word in the presence of the goddess of marriage?”

“Eee!! I’m sorry! Please help me!! Eeeee!!”

Heimdallr continued complaining, but Frigg did not care.

She was certain that stubborn Valkyrie would say something troublesome if she learned about divorce. People like her needed to be able to tell themselves they had to stay married because they had no other choice. After that, she would finally begin doing what she truly wanted to do.

“So how is the boy?” Frigg asked the newlywed Waltraute.

“Th-the same as always. He spends his mornings learning how to read and write and spends his afternoons training under a mead maker… Wait…ahhh!!”

Waltraute cried out when she glanced down toward the surface.

Frigg looked confused, so she looked down to the surface as well.

“Nwha ha ha ha!! So you are the soul of the human world it is said climbed the world tree and married a Valkyrie! I will take you with me and add you to my army of evil spirits!!”

“Who are you, lady?”

“I am no mere lady, boy? I am Hel. I am the queen of Niflheim, realm of the dead. I will give you the special privilege of referring to me by name. But only so you can plead for your life!!”

“A queen…I-I see…”

The boy’s expression made it clear he did not quite understand what was going on, but he bowed down nonetheless.

However, this seemed to provoke the queen of the realm of the dead.

“Y-you’re bowing down to me…? But everyone always calls me the cruel queen or says I ridicule people’s attachment to their life… D-don’t do that!! No one has ever done that before, so I don’t know how to respond…!”

“Hey, the old shaman guy said Niflheim is a world of ice. Is that true?”

“H-heh. Yes, it is. Niflheim is a prison of eternal ice! It is a frightening place that provides eternal suffering of hunger and cold to souls of the human world like you! Scary, isn’t it? You can cry if you want, but I’ll still be taking you to Niflheim!!”

“Wow, a world of ice. …Is the whole world really made of ice!? That’s amazing! I bet you can make tons of ice candy there!!”

“…Hah? No, wait…”

“Today’s really hot, so I bet Waltraute would love it if I made her some ice candy! I have to go to Niflheim right away!!”

“You can’t!! For a soul of the human world to go to Niflheim, it has to die! Do you understand? Do you really understand that!? Oh, damn. He’s not listening at all. But…wait. Maybe I can just invite him like this. He said he wants to go, so there’s nothing wrong with it, right? …Heh heh heh. So this is a soul rare enough to lead a Valkyrie astray. He will make a powerful addition to my army of evil spirits. Y-yeah, that’s it. This is all for my army of evil spirits! I don’t care about the boy at all! I need to make sure there are no mistaken ideas about that…”

And on that day a great number of Spears of Destroying Lightning fell down to the human world.

A local shaman was known to have said that abnormal weather was partially caused by something nearby.

<noinclude>
<references/>

{| border="1" cellpadding="5" cellspacing="0" style="margin: 1em 1em 1em 0; background: #f9f9f9; border: 1px #aaaaaa solid; padding: 0.2em; border-collapse: collapse;"
|-
| Back to [[The_Circumstances_Leading_to_Waltraute's_Marriage:Volume1_Illustrations|Illustrations]]
| Return to [[The_Circumstances_Leading_to_Waltraute's_Marriage|Main Page]]
| Forward to [[The_Circumstances_Leading_to_Waltraute's_Marriage:Volume1_Chapter_2|Chapter 2]]
|-
|}
</noinclude>

Gekka no Utahime to Magi no Ou

2014-01-19T00:28:23Z

Roxcrosser: /* Series Overview */

[[Image:Gekka_no_Utahime_to_Magi_no_Ou_Cover.jpg|300px|thumb|Volume 1 cover]]

Gekka no Utahime to Magi no Ou, or The Moonflower Songstress and the King of Magi (月花の歌姫と魔技の王) is a light novel series written by Haneda Daisuke. The illustrations are done by Ooba Kagerou. Currently, the series has 3 volumes published.

==Story Synopsis==
What kind of future awaits the boy who holds two powers that can change the world?

A technological revolution was brought about by The Last Witch, to the world of magic, with the introduction of 'science'. Lyle, a boy wielding the powers of both magic and science, was caught between his childhood friend, the noblewoman Maria who was pressing forward into an era of science, and Lunaria, a girl of the Phantasm race, a symbol of the age of magic.

Two different girls, from two different eras and ages. Which will the boy bearing the power to change the world choose?

== Updates ==
*27 September 2012: Gekka no Utahime to Magi no Ou teaser project initiated.
*4 October 2012: Chapter 1 completed.
*21 October 2012: Chapter 2 completed.

== Translation ==

===[[Gekka no Utahime to Magi no Ou:Registration_Page|Registration]]===

'''This is a hosted project. Rights are solely owned by [[User:Florza|Florza]]'''

===Format Standards===
'''Every chapter (after editing) must conform to the general format guidelines.'''
*[[Format_guideline|General Format/Style Guideline]]

'''All translations are to be in British English.'''

The format used is the '''CAMBRIDGE UNIVERSITY PRESS''' style, except for the fact that the words are in British English, as mentioned above.

===Feedback===
'''If you enjoyed the teasers, why don't you tell us in the [http://www.baka-tsuki.org/forums/viewtopic.php?f=23&t=5488 Feedback Thread]'''

==The 'Gekka no Utahime to Magi no Ou' series by Haneda Daisuke==

'''All links below are external links to [http://nanodesutranslations.wordpress.com/ NanoDesu]'''

===[http://gekkahimethetranslation.wordpress.com/volume-1/ Volume 1]===
*[[Gekka no Utahime to Magi no Ou:Volume 1 Illustrations|Novel Illustrations]]
*[[Gekka no Utahime to Magi no Ou:Volume 1 Prologue|Prologue - The Last Witch]] ([http://gekkahimethetranslation.wordpress.com/volume-1/prologue/ NanoDesu Translations])
*[[Gekka no Utahime to Magi no Ou:Volume 1 Chapter 1|Chapter 1 - The Last Witch's Apprentice]] ([http://gekkahimethetranslation.wordpress.com/volume-1/chapter-1/ NanoDesu Translations])
*[[Gekka no Utahime to Magi no Ou:Volume 1 Chapter 2|Chapter 2 - The Moonflower Princess]] ([http://gekkahimethetranslation.wordpress.com/volume-1/chapter-2-the-moonflower-princess/ NanoDesu Translations])
*[http://gekkahimethetranslation.wordpress.com/volume-1/chapter-3-the-maiden-of-copper/ Chapter 3 - The Maiden of Copper]
*[http://gekkahimethetranslation.wordpress.com/volume-1/chapter-4-legacy-of-the-last-hexe/ Chapter 4 - The Last Witch's Legacy]
*[http://gekkahimethetranslation.wordpress.com/volume-1/epilogue-the-youth-and-the-maidens/ Epilogue - The Youth and the Maidens]
*[http://gekkahimethetranslation.wordpress.com/volume-1/afterword/ Afterword]

===Volume 2===
*[[Gekka no Utahime to Magi no Ou:Volume 2 Illustrations|Novel Illustrations]]
*[http://gekkahimethetranslation.wordpress.com/volume-2/prologue-the-princess-in-the-castle-of-stone/ Prologue - The Princess in the Castle of Stone]
*[http://gekkahimethetranslation.wordpress.com/volume-2/chapter-1-to-each-their-own/ Chapter 1 - To Each His Own]
*[http://gekkahimethetranslation.wordpress.com/volume-2/chapter-2-little-one-eyed-princess/ Chapter 2 - Little, One-eye Princess]
*[http://gekkahimethetranslation.wordpress.com/volume-2/chapter-3-the-disciples-melancholy/ Chapter 3 - The Disciple's Melancholy]

===Volume 3===
*[[Gekka no Utahime to Magi no Ou:Volume 3 Illustrations|Novel Illustrations]]

===Volume 4===

==Project Staff==

*Project Administrator:
*Project Supervisor:

===Translators===

*[[User:Florza|Florza]]

==Project Status==

Project Status: '''Teaser'''

== Series Overview ==
#月花の歌姫と魔技の王 1 (1 June 2012, ISBN 978-4-7986-0413-8)
#月花の歌姫と魔技の王 2 (1 November 2012, ISBN 978-4-7986-0493-0)
#月花の歌姫と魔技の王 3 (1 May 2013, ISBN 978-4-7986-0599-9)
#月花の歌姫と魔技の王 4 (1 December 2013,)

[[Category:HJ Bunko]]
[[Category:Hosted Projects]]
[[Category:NanoDesu Translations]]

Madan no Ou to Vanadis:Volume 01 Chapter2 - MTL

2012-10-20T11:22:39Z

Roxcrosser: /* Leitmeritz */

<noinclude>{{Template:PREVIEW}}</noinclude>
=== Leitmeritz ===

''I had a dream. It was not a good one.''

''On a small hill, our forces were gathered.''

''Right now, it is meal time. The fire burned high before the soldiers. A fish was placed in a pot.''

''There is a slight ridge before Dinant Plains, which plateaued with no end in sight. There, twenty thousand of Brune's soldiers were located. I was eating as always, five-thousand soldiers around me enveloped in the steam of their meal.''

Tigre and Massas were talking when a number of young men appeared.

“So you came as well, Vorn.”

The man, Zaien Tenardia, spoke with an openly mocking tone.

The Tenardia house held the title of duke. They were a long distinguished family incomparable to the Vorn household. Many powerful aristocrat's relatives were employed there, and the territory they owned was wide. It is said the soldiers mobilized by the household can number up to ten-thousand.


Even in this war, which was organized in haste, they commanded a force four-thousand strong.

Zaien was the Tenardia family's eldest son and heir to the household. He was currently 17 years old.

He wore decorated armor and bore a splendid sword at his waist worthy of his lineage. He always had an expression as if looking down on others.

Behind him was an entourage of young men.

Zaien was born to the grand family of a duke, wearing glittering armor with an engraved crest. He looked at Tigre with a grin.

Tigre could not ignore him. It was unavoidable he should show the minimal courtesy.

“... I am here to serve as His Majesty's loyal subject. I rally to his flag.”

“It's admirable to say that, though I'm not sure how helpful you'll be.”

Zaien ridiculed Tigre, the laughter of the other nobles overlapping his own. Zaien frequently harassed Tigre in such a manner as their age is similar.

“I told you before, your family has merely hunted for four or five generations. I can hardly recognize you as a noble.”

He spat out those words and stomped down at Tigre's bow laying on the ground.

Tigre moved in a reflexive manner, picking up his bow with agile movements, reminiscent of a beast's.


“Uwa!”

Having lost balance, Zaien and the people nearby fell over.

“What are you doing to Zaien-sama, you!”

This enraged his entourage, who began to yell at Tigre.

“I was protecting my bow!”

“Bow? The bow is a weapon of a coward!”

“That's right. You should just break that embarrassing thing. You should be on the front lines with a sword!”

“Someone like you, I'm sure the God of War, Trigraf, would never give you his blessings!”

The other people spoke in agreement. Tigre grit his teeth.

In this place, in Brune Kingdom, their complaints were appropriate.

“The bow is the arm of a cowardly person who does not have the courage to expose his body before a naked blade.”

Such ideology was deep rooted in the Brune Army, which made little use of the bow.

The achievement of those seen as excellent archers are considered after others, or perhaps never a subject of evaluation.

“The archers, the drafted hunters, and the farmers who do not own land. They are those who have committed a serious crime as warriors. You should choose a sword or a spear, not a weapon those inferior people would use.”


Due to such a standard, those who used bows, even as soldiers, were abused like criminals or made fun of for the skill they had chosen.

Though Tigre's ancestor performed distinguished military services and was presented with a territory for hunting and the title of Earl, Massas told him, “he would be more praised if he were not a hunter.”

“Calm down, everyone.”

Zaien stood up with help and controlled his followers.

Though reluctant to, he stopped blaming Tigre

The cloud of dust on Zaien's body was unnaturally brushed off. Zaien crossed his arms and laughed at Tigre in scorn.

“The reason you stick to bow is because you can't handle a sword or spear, right? At least, if you head to the battlefield with a bow, you can pretend to be a soldier.”

Tigre remained silent. It was true he was poor with the sword and spear.

If he objected here and took up a sword or spear, Zaien would simply laugh again. This had happened once before.

Zaien's taunt continued.

“To begin with, you are an Earl of the Kingdom of Brune and you can't use a sword or a spear. Isn't it shameful to head to the battlefield without wearing armor? Look, look at his shabby appearance. He has a leather gauntlet, leather armor, and even leather greaves. At most, his mantle is decent. His financial condition must be downright pathetic.”


“--- Lord Zaien.”

Massas, who had remained silent until then, spoke sullenly.

“Your words are eloquently spoken, however, if you say so much, surely you will become thirsty...”

He continued while pointing in a certain direction.

“Why not ration out the wine and cure that thirst.”

Using a polite and humble tone, Massas' attitude put pressure on the other side. The dignity of this old knight, who had just turned 55, made Zaien swallow.

Zaien grunted and stepped back involuntarily, right into a pile of dung. He then turned around.

“Let's go, everyone.”

Watching Zaien and the others walk away, Tigre thanked Massas after checking his bow's condition.

“Thank you. You saved me.”

“No, no, I'm sorry I couldn't say anything earlier.”


He felt a righteous indignation. The aristocrat complained.

Duke Ganelon and Tenardia are the major Dukedoms of Brune Kingdom.

There were many powerful aristocrats amongst his relatives as well. His power was not something the King could disregard.

Regarding the territory, Brune nobles are recognized and allowed to govern a territory, but for setting taxes and a few other privileges, the permission of the King is necessary.

Ganelon imposed it, causing an outrage to break out from the people within his territory, but the King seemed to tolerate it.

“For a story like that, Sir Tenardia will not be beaten easily. He has taken an oath for as long as the war continues that not a single drop of alcohol can be sold.”

“I see. But it's not hard to make it. What happens to those found making alcohol?”

“Ganelon took to kidnapping the family's daughters. As for this, a sword is given to husband and wife or the father and son and they are made to kill each other. I hear they bet on who wins.”

Tigre clenched his fist, hearing their conversation.

Massas placed a wrinkled hand on Tigre's knee as he was about to stand up.


“Calm down.”

“What, how can I possibly remain calm?”

“Though it may be harsh of me to say, but nothing can be done, even if you say something.”

He was right. Tigre sat back down, boiling with anger.

He wished to shout his feelings, but he desperately grit his teeth and remained quiet.

He was angry because Ganelon and Tenardia did not regard the people within their dominion to be human. They did not hesitate in their cruelty. He was angry at the content of the conversation and at the men who spoke proudly of such things. Finally, he was angry at his helplessness as he knew he could do nothing.

“The story just now, is it true?”

“Though it is a rumor... there have been many similar rumors. Still, the people in question have not denied it. They do not appear that often, so we have no way of knowing.”

It cannot be helped.

Tigre hardly left his territory, the land of Alsace.

He had no desire to rise in the world, nor did he have any ambition. He was not interested in his status as an aristocrat.

Zaien, as well, was the only son of a large aristocrat, and the only one he met face to face.

“His Majesty, he is tolerant of such behavior...?”


Fearfully, he asked.

He did not want to believe it.

“Certainly, His Majesty has said nothing to them at the present.”

Massas' stocky body trembled as he shook his head grumpily.

“I believe it is possible His Majesty does not know... It is certainly possible for both His Highness, Prince Regnas, and our King to not know.”

Massas' eyes clung to the slender hope. Suddenly, he looked up and saw Tigre. Without thinking, he reached up and thrust his finger into Tigre's mouth.

“Fue...?”

It was too abrupt. No words would come out.

Furthermore, the fingers were cold and tasted like iron.

<big><big><big><big>◎</big></big></big></big>

He awoke, a dim ceiling in Tigre's view.

“--- So you woke up with this guy.”

Tigre heard a voice which lacked intonation and felt something withdraw from his mouth.


Holding a sword in her hand was a woman with golden hair whom he had never seen.

“... Where should I start.”

“By the way, this is my first time waking a person in such a way.”

She returned a gaze and frosty words. Tigre was at a loss and tried greeting her for the time being.

“... Good morning.”

“It is one koku (two hours) through the day.”

Tigre set up and looked at the woman while scratching his head.

She wore a skirt and short-sleeved shirt. She had long-gloves which reached to her elbows and boots up to her knees. At her waist was her sword in its sheathe.

She was possibly taller than Tigre, and seemed to be two or three years older.

She was unmistakably a beautiful woman, but her scarce expressions gave her face a hard look, leaving her with an unsociable impression.

There were three particularly eye-catching features.

Tied on the right side of her head was long golden hair.

Her azure eyes were as cold as marble.

And though she was tall and well balanced, she had ample bosoms which did not suit her slender build.


Tigre inadvertently stared at the two swellings which bulged from beneath her clothes. The woman flashed her sword and threw an unkind remark.

“--- If you don't wake up properly, I will skewer you.”

“... I'm sorry.”

Blushing, Tigre apologized properly.

He looked about the room. It was small, containing only the bed he slept on.

Sunlight shined through the window, brightly lighting the room. The stone floor was bare, and the only door led to the hallway. His bow leaned against the wall.

“Really, even with the soldiers shouting out for your death, even though you're a prisoner... How can you sleep so well.”

“It is one of my special skills.”

“I suggest you hold back a little. You lack tension.”

Anger was mixed into her cold voice. Tigre looked at her embarrassed.

“Do I really appear that disorganized?”

“To the extent that I remember my murderous intent.”

The woman turned about as she threw that answer to Tigre, pushing the door open in the meanwhile.


“Eleanora-sama has called for you. Please follow me.”

Tigre put on his leather shoes and quickly followed after her.

“It's nice to meet you. I am ---”

“This is not our first time, Earl Tigrevurmud Vorn.”

She answered without turning around. In her voice was rejection.

“My name is Limlisha. It is not necessary to remember it.”

Leitmeritz is located in the Principality of Zhcted, under Eleanora's rule.

Eleanora's troops arrived at the capital yesterday. It had been ten days since they departed to Dinant.

After giving words of thanks to the soldiers, Eleanora left the men to her adjutant, Limlisha, and returned to the King's capital with several men.

It was necessary to report her victory to the King.

During the return to the public capital, Tigre asked the guards a few times, and each time the response was the same.

“We have no need to respond to a prisoner of our Vanadis-sama.”


Even if he asked to meet Eleanora, it would not be possible for them to accept. Either way, there was no method since she departed for the kingdom's capital to meet the King.

Since he had no other options, Tigre remained quietly obedient.

“... Guess I'll just go with the flow.”

Tigre decided it and looked at the sky until late at night. During the day, he dozed off on the horse.

Following Limlisha, Tigre walked down the passage of the household.

“What are you looking about so restlessly for?”

Limlisha gazed back at him in amazement as Tigre looked about like a child.

“Yes, I just thought it is a splendid building.”

“You are an Earl, an aristocrat.”

“I am a poor noble. There is no point comparing my small mansion to this one.”

He responded without any shame. Tigre looked about, admiring the ceiling and floor.

Until now, Tigre had never left Brune Kingdom, and now he was in the province's Imperial Palace. The mosaics which decorated the floor were new to him.


The side facing the courtyard was bathed in a column of soft sunlight. In the vast courtyard, soldiers were working hard, training. It was vibrant.

“It's a good atmosphere.”

“That is because this is Eleanora-sama's official palace.”

Limlisha answered as if it were natural.

Soldiers patrolled the corridors, what he assumed were maids and chamberlains strolled about, likely performing their job.

Tigre thought about the girl who was like a younger sister house-sitting his mansion in his absence.

''--- Teita must be worried.''

When he saw her off, he did not expect such a thing to happen.

''--- Batran and everyone else as well, I hope he made it back safely.''

In his chest, there was impatience.

He wished to return to Alsace as quickly as possible. However, a prisoner who escapes is punishable by death, so he could only remain quiet.

He left the palace.


He walked for a while before Limlisha stopped her feet.

“... We are here.”

He was brought to a training ground near the rampart.

Eleanora stood amongst three armed soldiers amongst the forty. She was clothed in shades of blue with her long sword in her argent sheathe at her waist.

“If you make any strange movements... No, please do so. It would save quite a bit of time and effort.”

Limlisha spoke as she let the sound of her sword escape its sheathe at her waist.

There was an obvious hostility, Tigre simply ignored it.

''--- It can't be helped. I'm a prisoner now; we were enemies just ten days ago.''

“Hm, you came.”

Eleanora noticed Tigre and walked up to him cheerfully. She smiled to Tigre first, then Limlisha.

“You've worked hard. Still, it took you quite some time to come here.”

“I apologize. He did not wake up so easily.”

“You did not wake up?”


Eleanora looked doubtful hearing the story of him waking up only when he had a sword in his mouth. Her shoulders trembled as she held back her laughter.

“Even as a captive, you slept so deeply.”

“He is simply dull.”

At last, Eleanora laughed and turned to Tigre.

“Tigrevurmud Vorn, it's quite a long name for a person of Brune. Does it have an origin?”

“I received an ancestral name. If you find it difficult, you may call me Tigre.”

Tigre cited the phrase he was accustomed to. He felt odd being called Earl Tigrevurmud Vorn.

Eleanora's face suddenly shined. The dignity as a Vanadis the soldiers knew was gone; she held the expression appropriate of a girl her age.

“In that case, Ellen is fine as well. I would prefer it if you use that name.”

Tigre stared at her involuntarily. She spoke in a familiar way to a prisoner. Saying badly, she was being over-familiar.

“Eleanora-sama.”

Though Limlisha reproached her, she showed no sign of fear.


“He is my prisoner. This much is fine, Lim.”

“Lim?”

Hearing the name, Tigre looked at Limlisha in surprise.

“I'll tell you now. She is one of my escorts whose horse you shot down, and she was the girl who took you here from Dinant.”

Certainly, her physique matched.

Though puzzled as to how he should react, Tigre thanked her honestly.

“Though it may be strange of me to say this, thank you for bringing me here safely.”

Tigre had heard stories of prisoners being mocked and assaulted or killed by torture in a convoy. Some had died without having a single meal.

However, in the convoy from the battlefield in Dinant, he was never abused. Tigre was even given proper food.

Though it may have been because he was Ellen's captive, Limlisha – that is, Lim, was the one who properly managed him.

She did not respond to Tigre. What had to be done was done.

However, Lim hid her anger as she was thanked by ignoring Tigre and facing Ellen.


“Eleanora-sama, there is still work to be done today. You should finish your trivial errands early, correct?”

“I know, I know.”

Ellen smiled bitterly and waved. She faced Tigre and smiled deliberately.

“I would like to clarify things first, Tigre... no, Lord Vorn. As per the treaty between our countries, you will be treated as a prisoner of war. If, in fifty days time, the demanded ransom has not been delivered by the Kingdom of Brune, that is, if a ransom has not been paid to me, you will formally become mine as per the agreement. What binds this contract is the name and honor of the God, Rajikast. Is this fine?”

Though hardly suitable, Tigre nodded reluctantly.

It was a contract held between every country on the treatment of prisoners of war.

It was made to avoid abuse, humiliation, and, frankly, murder. It was a rule which allowed for negotiations between countries to advance efficiently.

“Well, you might be a bit worried about the ransom, though.”

Tigre heard the number come from Ellen's mouth and stood rooted to the spot with his mouth agape.


It is a number close to the total tax revenue raised by Alsace in three years time.

He felt dizzy from the impact.

“... Is it impossible to reduce the amount?”

“No.”

A flat response.

''--- Well, there is no reason for her to.''

In many cases, the goal of taking an enemy captive is to retrieve a ransom. It was unlikely she would decrease it so easily.

“You will live here in the Imperial Palace. It is needless to say, but any attempt to escape will lead to the death penalty.”

He was like a fish dying out of water. Tigre desperately searched his memory for the savings within his territory.

It amounted to approximately one year's worth of tax revenue, so it was hardly enough.

''--- If I can speak to Teita or Batran, or perhaps Sir Massas, who is more widely known, they may be able to raise the money.''

The preparations for the ransom were, simply put, hopeless.

He felt a pain between his eyes as he thought about his gloomy future. He nearly fainted, but before it happened, Tigre somehow managed to gather strength in his legs.


Supporting his body and limbs with all the strength he could muster, he looked back at Ellen.

''--- I must return to Alsace.''

''I was born and raised there. It is an important land I inherited from my father.''

''I'm worried about the soldiers' safety as well. I'm certain my people are worried.''

''Above all, I promised Teita I would return.''

''I wish to answer their desires.''

“So... What business do you have to call me to such a place?”

Tigre spoke with impudent words and a tone to match. Ellen's crimson eyes smiled happily as she looked at him with admiration.

“Of course, that is not all I called you here for.”

Ellen pointed at a training bow sitting along the wall.

“Shoot an arrow from here and hit that.”

“Is that it?”

Tigre, who was on the defensive, felt it was rather anti-climactic.

The distance to the target was three-hundred alsin (approximately three-hundred meters). Even for those skilled with the bow, the distance would seem a joke.


Although it was difficult to shoot an arrow that far, it was nothing more than annoying to hit a target as well.

However, the distance was not a big deal for Tigre.

Though he did not know what she was plotting, he decided to do it quickly.

One of the soldiers brought a bow and four arrows. The man had delicate features and beautiful, shiny black hair down to his shoulders.

Tigre received the bow and arrow from him. His eyebrows moved slightly.

“What a terrible bow...”

The material was hardly suitable, and the condition of the grip was poor. The stringing, too, was poorly done. There was also some warping. It was clear what his intention was.

Ellen glanced at him at a distance like a child, filled with expectation. Was it not her doing? In which case, it is unlikely it was the standard bow for the Zhcted army.

He did not know if she knew of this.

An unpleasant thought crossed his mind. Thinking properly, the bows in Brune were not that good, either.


''--- It is not an issue of the maker's ability... There is no such profession as a bow craftsman.''

Tigre's bow was made by his father when he was small. The choice of materials as well was taken from knowledge and technology of other countries, such as Zhcted.

The accuracy of his arrow was not due just Tigre's skill but the quality of the tool as well.

While pretending to check the condition of the bow, he looked at the soldier who passed him the bow in his peripheral vision and saw several soldiers grinning.

“Such a petty trick.”

Because he was angry, a murmur leaked from his mouth.

“What is it?”

Lim, who stood nearby, looked at him dubiously. Apparently she had not heard his words. Still, complaining about the quality of the bow as a prisoner of war was cumbersome.

“I wish to confirm something. It is not necessary for me to hit the target with all four arrows, only one, correct?”

“For a person who killed my horse with one arrow, it seems a timid remark.”

Though she thought Tigre was being sarcastic, she remained expressionless. There was no sign of malice. It seems she had not noticed the bow was inferior.


“If your physical condition is poor, I can tell Eleanora-sama to hold this another day.”

“No, I will do it.”

He answered with a strong tone. Tigre set the bow in his hand.

“However, please allow me to hit the target with only one arrow. I am not as confident without my bow.”

Lim bowed in assent and immediately walked to Ellen. After speaking a few words, Ellen looked at him devoid of any dissatisfaction, as if saying “Please begin.”

Tigre nocked the first arrow and released it.

It stalled before it reached the target, falling to the ground less than two-hundred alsin away. Laughter and sneers were heard amongst the soldiers.

He did not mind it and released the next arrow.

The hum of the arrow sounded as it flew in an arc. It hit the castle wall, far from the target.

The soldiers laughed loudly. Some shook their shoulders, others looked at him in pity or contempt. Many gazes pierced Tigre.

“Are you doing this seriously?”


Lim, speaking with an irritated voice, looked to Ellen.

Ellen looked troubled. Though she was trying to properly solve a problem, she looked at him as if she were rebuked by a teacher.

“I'll do it.”

Tigre eagerly replied and nocked the third arrow.

“Hey, are you still continuing? You're really willing to make a spectacle of yourself, still?”

“Maybe you'd like a replacement. Though he can reach the target, he can't even shoot straight.”

“Vanadis-sama, did you really make a man like this your captive?”

“This is quite a splendid show. I wonder if something new will be shown tomorrow.”

Though the soldiers deliberately spoke ill, Tigre was not bothered.

He was accustomed to such abuse. He had received mental abuse incomparable to this many times.

He took a deep breath and looked at the sky for a change of pace, moving his neck around.

In Tigre's vision was a black shadow.

''--- What is that?''

His neck stopped moving and he looked closely.


In an instant, he understood the identity of the shadow. Chills ran down Tigre's spine and he screamed at Ellen.

“Get down!”

''--- An arbalest...!''

It was different from the bow Tigre used. It was a mechanical bow; the bowstring is pulled by a winch and shot with a trigger.

It is difficult to maintain and prone to failure, but it could reach three-hundred-fifty alsin (approximately three-hundred-fifty meters) at maximum and easily pass through shields and armor with enough power for the arrowhead to come out the other side.

The black shadow on the rampart held one.

A thick bolt was released from the arbalest.

The roar of air sped straight toward Ellen. She had no time to avoid it.

However, Ellen did not panic, nor did she move from her spot.

“--- Arifal!”

Muttering those words like a spell, the sword at her waist gave off a spark, cutting the atmosphere and scattering particles of silver.

In a moment, the air rapidly swelled, like an explosion. A storm raged about her.


Her long hair of silver-white danced with the wind. The bolt, entwined in the intense wind, was thrown far off orbit.

It passed through the empty space away from her and fell to the ground weakly.

''--- What just happened?''

Tigre stared in blank surprise at Ellen.

''That was no coincidence. It couldn't be.''

While learning the bow, Tigre learned about the arbalest. He knew the power of the thick bolts well. A wind could not conveniently blow it out of its orbit.

“Capture that man!”

Lim shouted. All the soldiers held a bow, however, far from hitting the shadow, they could not even reach the rampart.

The people with a sword or spear ran to the rampart.

The soldier guarding the wall, in response to the commotion, began chasing the shadow.

''--- This has nothing to do with me.''

Tigre muttered to himself. Though he shouted on reflex, he was not Ellen's subordinate, nor was he a man of this city.

While thinking that, suddenly, Tigre remembered his first meeting with Ellen.


“You're skilled.”

She smiled as she said so.

''Teita, Batran and his men, my late father, when was I last praised for my bow arm?''

“Should I capture him alive?”

Nocking the arrow, Tigre asked Lim in a flat tone.

“Is this really a situation where you can say that...?”

Grasping the sword with her hand until it went white, Lim stared at the shadow on the rampart in chagrin. She wanted to lead the soldiers, but could not leave Ellen's side.

The shadow ran quickly across the wall. Once he reached the tower, he could quickly escape outside.

“I understand. I'll get his foot.”

Tigre said those words as he strongly drew his bow to the limit.

After shooting the previous two arrows, he understood its condition perfectly.

''--- At this distance, I won't miss.''

Lim looked at him with doubt.

Then it changed to surprise.


The bowstring trembled.

The arrow resounded with a sharp buzz as it drew a large arc, piercing the leg of the shadow.

The shadow fell on the rampart and was caught by the soldiers who finally caught up.

“What... was that?”

One of the soldiers on the rampart looked down at Tigre. No other words would come out.

The other soldiers, too, looked at Tigre in amazement.

“Impossible. He shot over three-hundred alsin (approximately three-hundred meters) from that position to the rampart...”

“No, if you think about the height of the tower, it could be even more. No way.”

“I can't believe it... Is that a human skill, or can all people of Brune do this?”

Though the voices showed astonishment and shock, there was clearly admiration in them as well.

There were those rooted to the spot, others looked to the sky, and some covered their forehead with their hand and recited the names of the Gods.

The malice in the training area no longer remained.

“He did something like that... with such a terrible bow...”

The soldiers who passed Tigre the bow were pale with fear.


“--- He got us.”

Tigre shrugged his shoulders. Though he held no emotions in his chest anymore, he was puzzled. He noticed he was bathed in gazes all at once.

The fourth arrow remained in his hand. Though Lim had seen it before, she did not look any differently than the other soldiers. When his eyes met hers, he understood her body was tense.

He looked back at Ellen.

“I'll ask you now. What about the fourth shot?”

“It's enough with this. I'd rather not taste defeat.”

Ellen's silver hair moved gently as she shook her head.

“You did well.”

Ellen smiled at Tigre with sincerity. The sword remained sheathed at her waist. A wind blew from somewhere, tickling Tigre's hair.

''--- Just now...''

Tigre placed his hand in his hair involuntarily. It seems Ellen had somehow used her longsword to produce the wind.

<noinclude>
{| border="1" cellpadding="5" cellspacing="0" style="margin: 1em 1em 1em 0; background: #f9f9f9; border: 1px #aaaaaa solid; padding: 0.2em; border-collapse: collapse;"
|-
| Back to [[Madan_no_Ou_to_Vanadis:Volume_01_Chapter1_Preview|Chapter 1 Preview]]
| Return to [[Madan_no_Ou_to_Vanadis|Main Page]]
| Forward to [[Madan_no_Ou_to_Vanadis:Volume_01_Chapter3_Preview|Chapter 3 Preview]]
|-
|}
</noinclude>

Madan no Ou to Vanadis

2012-10-20T06:40:32Z

Roxcrosser: /* Editors */

[[Image:Madan_no_Ou_to_Vanadis_Volume_01_cover.jpg|300px|thumb|Volume 1 cover]]

Madan no Ou to Vanadis (魔弾の王と戦姫) is a light novel written by Tsukasa Kawaguchi (川口士) and illustrated by Yoshi☆o (よし☆ヲ), published by MF Bunko J.

The series currently has 5 volumes.

A manga adaptation began in 2011, illustrated by Yanai Nobuhiko (柳井伸彦), published by Media Factory on Comic Flapper.

==Story Synopsis==

In times of war, set in Western Europe, Eleonora Viltaria, one of the seven Vanadis of Zhcted, leads the war into Briune. There are actually seven Vanadis, named like this because they each received a powerful weapon from the dragon, to reign over 7 territories, each possessing their own. The power of the Vanadis causes dread and fear toward their enemies. An Earl in the service of the country of Briune, a young archer called Tigul, got a taste of it after he was defeated on the battlefield
by Ellen (Eleonora). However, Ellen decided to spare his life after seeing his skills. In exchange, he is asked to serve Ellen...

''You can tell us what you think of the series by discussing it'' '''[http://www.baka-tsuki.org/forums/viewtopic.php?f=15&t=4754 here]'''.

==Translation==

===Format Standards===
'''Every Chapter (after editing) must conform to the general format guidelines.'''<br>
'''All translations are to be in British English.'''
*[[Format_guideline|General Format/Style Guideline]]
*[[Madan_no_Ou_to_Vanadis:Names and Terminology Guideline|Project specific Guidelines: Names and Terminology]]

=== [[Madan_no_Ou_to_Vanadis:Registration Page|Registration]] ===

'''Translators are asked to [[Madan_no_Ou_to_Vanadis:Registration Page|register]] which chapters they're working on.'''

=== Feedback ===
'''If you enjoyed the teasers, why don't you tell us in the [http://www.baka-tsuki.org/forums/viewtopic.php?f=23&t=5459 Feedback thread]'''

== Updates ==
*8 September 2012 - Madan no Ou to Vanadis teaser project begun
*8 September 2012 - Volume 1 Prologue completed
*14 September 2012 - Volume 1 Chapter 1 completed
*18 October 2012 - Volume 1 Preview completed

==The ''Madan no Ou to Vanadis'' series by Tsukasa Kawaguchi==

=== Volume 1([[Madan_no_Ou_to_Vanadis:Volume_01_Preview|Full Preview]] - [http://www.mediafire.com/?1kncq7ac1w0dxc0 Preview PDF]) ===
[[Image:Madan_no_Ou_to_Vanadis_Volume_01_cover.jpg|thumb|x175px]]
::*[[Madan_no_Ou_to_Vanadis:Volume01_Illustrations|Illustrations]]
::*[[Madan_no_Ou_to_Vanadis:Volume01_Prologue|Prologue]] [[Madan_no_Ou_to_Vanadis:Volume_01_Prologue_Preview|(Preview)]]
::*[[Madan_no_Ou_to_Vanadis:Volume01_Chapter1|Chapter 1 - Encounter with the Vanadis]] [[Madan_no_Ou_to_Vanadis:Volume_01_Chapter1_Preview|(Preview)]]
::*[[Madan_no_Ou_to_Vanadis:Volume01_Chapter2|Chapter 2 - Leitmeritz]] [[Madan_no_Ou_to_Vanadis:Volume_01_Chapter2_Preview|(Preview)]]
::*[[Madan_no_Ou_to_Vanadis:Volume01_Chapter3|Chapter 3 - The Vanadis' Invitation and the Maid's Prayer]] [[Madan_no_Ou_to_Vanadis:Volume_01_Chapter3_Preview|(Preview)]]
::*[[Madan_no_Ou_to_Vanadis:Volume01_Chapter4|Chapter 4 - The Life of a Public Official]] [[Madan_no_Ou_to_Vanadis:Volume_01_Chapter4_Preview|(Preview)]]
::*[[Madan_no_Ou_to_Vanadis:Volume01_Chapter5|Chapter 5 - The Vanadis' Castle]] [[Madan_no_Ou_to_Vanadis:Volume_01_Chapter5_Preview|(Preview)]]
::*[[Madan_no_Ou_to_Vanadis:Volume01_Chapter6|Chapter 6 - Awakening of the Magic Bullet]] [[Madan_no_Ou_to_Vanadis:Volume_01_Chapter6_Preview|(Preview)]]
::*[[Madan_no_Ou_to_Vanadis:Volume01_Epilogue|Epilogue]] [[Madan_no_Ou_to_Vanadis:Volume_01_Epilogue_Preview|(Preview)]]

===Volume 2===
[[Image:Vanadis V02 - Cover.jpg|thumb|x175px]]
::*[[Madan_no_Ou_to_Vanadis:Volume02_Illustrations|Illustrations]]
::*[[Madan no Ou to Vanadis:Volume 02 Chapter 1|Chapter 1]]
::*[[Madan no Ou to Vanadis:Volume 02 Chapter 2|Chapter 2]]
::*[[Madan no Ou to Vanadis:Volume 02 Chapter 3|Chapter 3]]
::*[[Madan no Ou to Vanadis:Volume 02 Chapter 4|Chapter 4]]
::*[[Madan no Ou to Vanadis:Volume 02 Chapter 5|Chapter 5]]
::*[[Madan_no_Ou_to_Vanadis:Volume 02 Epilogue|Epilogue]]

===Volume 3===
[[Image:Vanadis V03 - Cover.jpg|thumb|x175px]]
::*[[Madan_no_Ou_to_Vanadis:Volume03_Illustrations|Illustrations]]
::*[[Madan no Ou to Vanadis:Volume 03 Chapter 1|Chapter 1]]
::*[[Madan no Ou to Vanadis:Volume 03 Chapter 2|Chapter 2]]
::*[[Madan no Ou to Vanadis:Volume 03 Chapter 3|Chapter 3]]
::*[[Madan no Ou to Vanadis:Volume 03 Chapter 4|Chapter 4]]
::*[[Madan no Ou to Vanadis:Volume 03 Chapter 5|Chapter 5]]
::*[[Madan_no_Ou_to_Vanadis:Volume 03 Epilogue|Epilogue]]

===Volume 4===
[[Image:Vanadis V04 - Cover.jpg|thumb|x175px]]
::*[[Madan_no_Ou_to_Vanadis:Volume04_Illustrations|Illustrations]]
::*[[Madan no Ou to Vanadis:Volume 04 Chapter 1|Chapter 1]]
::*[[Madan no Ou to Vanadis:Volume 04 Chapter 2|Chapter 2]]
::*[[Madan no Ou to Vanadis:Volume 04 Chapter 3|Chapter 3]]
::*[[Madan no Ou to Vanadis:Volume 04 Chapter 4|Chapter 4]]
::*[[Madan no Ou to Vanadis:Volume 04 Chapter 5|Chapter 5]]
::*[[Madan_no_Ou_to_Vanadis:Volume 04 Epilogue|Epilogue]]

===Volume 5===
[[Image:Vanadis V05 - Cover.jpg|thumb|x175px]]
::*[[Madan_no_Ou_to_Vanadis:Volume05_Illustrations|Illustrations]]
::*[[Madan no Ou to Vanadis:Volume 05 Chapter 1|Chapter 1]]
::*[[Madan no Ou to Vanadis:Volume 05 Chapter 2|Chapter 2]]
::*[[Madan no Ou to Vanadis:Volume 05 Chapter 3|Chapter 3]]
::*[[Madan no Ou to Vanadis:Volume 05 Chapter 4|Chapter 4]]
::*[[Madan no Ou to Vanadis:Volume 05 Chapter 5|Chapter 5]]
::*[[Madan_no_Ou_to_Vanadis:Volume 05 Epilogue|Epilogue]]

==Project Staff==

*Project Administrator: N/A
*Project Supervisor: N/A

===Translators===

'''ACTIVE'''
:*(none)

'''INACTIVE'''

<small>'''RETIRED'''</small>
:*[[user:Florza|Florza]]

===Editors===
All editors who speak English proficiently are welcomed.

:* [[User:Alexpte|Alexpte]]
:* [[User:Cliff|Cliff]]
:* [[User:Roxcrosser|Roxcrosser]]

== Series Overview ==
#魔弾の王と戦姫〈ヴァナディース〉 (25 April 2011, ISBN 978-4-8401-3857-4)
#魔弾の王と戦姫〈ヴァナディース〉 (25 August 2011, ISBN 978-4-8401-3970-0)
#魔弾の王と戦姫〈ヴァナディース〉 (22 December 2011, ISBN 978-4-8401-4339-4)
#魔弾の王と戦姫〈ヴァナディース〉 (25 April 2012, ISBN 978-4-8401-4553-4)
#魔弾の王と戦姫〈ヴァナディース〉 (24 August 2012, ISBN 978-4-8401-4685-2)

[[Category:Teasers]]
[[Category:MF Bunko J]]

Madan no Ou to Vanadis:Volume 01 Chapter1 - MTL

2012-10-20T06:31:06Z

Roxcrosser: /* Encounter with the Vanadis */ changed from "not important: to "important to me", Else he would not have taken it.

<noinclude>{{Template:PREVIEW}}</noinclude>
=== Encounter with the Vanadis ===

“Tigre-sama.”

His body was shaken by a girl with a familiar voice.

Since it was bright out the window, he knew morning had come.

Still, he was sleepy.

“A little longer... Just a little more.”

“How long is a little more?”

“I don't have any hunting planned for the day, so until noon...”

“Please do not be negligent and wake up!”

She scolded him.

After the blankets were stripped off, Tigre's shoulder was violently grabbed.

Upon opening his eyes, he saw a girl whose face was quenched red in anger. She had a childish face and chestnut-brown hair in a twin-tail style which was hardly threatening, even when angry.

“Ah... Morning, Teita.”


[[Image:Madan_no_Ou_to_Vanadis_Volume_01_-_012.jpg|175px|thumb]]

In a drawn out voice which betrayed his drowsiness, Tigre called the name of the young maid. Teita released him after realizing he was awake.

“The soldiers have already finished preparing, they are waiting for you, Tigre-sama!”

Tigre blankly repeated her words several times in his head.

His face grew pale at once.

“... Shit.”

He stumbled out of bed as Teita folded his evening clothes. She placed a small pail of water by his feet.

“Thank you for preparing things as usual.”

“I thought this might happen. I will prepare your meal. Once you have finished washing your face, please come.”

Showing no signs of anger, Teita held a brilliant smile and bowed while holding her skirt. She then left the room with short steps.

He felt refreshed after washing his face. Tigre was at last completely awake. Donning his clothes and dashing out of the room, he fastened his buttons while running down the hall.

“I don't have any time... I wonder if I can really leave it, though.”

Tigre headed straight for a room at the end of the small corridor.


He entered the room.

It was a small room, barely able to seat three adults. There stood a splendid decoration upon which a bow was propped.

The strings were soaked and pulled over the summer, so it was available for use at any time if he were so inclined. The only feature of the bow was its black color.

It also drew a loose, curved grip. The bowstring, too, was black.

It was as if the bow itself had been cut from the darkness.

''--- When I look at this, there is a painful feeling.''

The bow had an odd atmosphere different from others, but it was an heirloom of the house. It is said the Vorn family ancestors once hunted while using it.

Tigre's father left a will regarding this bow.

“Only when you truly need this bow should you use it. Do not use it otherwise.”

Due to the will of his father, the mild feeling of disgust he felt from the bow, and his respect for his ancestors, Tigre avoided touching it as much as possible.

Correcting his posture and breathing, Tigre grasped his fist before his chest and gave thanks to the bow of his ancestors, passed down the generations.

When he finished, he stepped quickly and quietly into the passage. Tigre rushed to the dining room in a hurry.


Tigrevurmud, 16 years old, was born to the family of an Earl in the Brune Kingdom. He took over the house when his father fell ill from sickness and died two years ago.

His title is more of an exaggeration as his ancestors were the ones to attain the status of earl. He felt he was simply a person called Tigre.

When Tigre entered the dining room, a sweet, fragrant aroma reached his nose.

On the rustic table, there was ham, rye bread, an omelet, milk, and mushroom soup from which steam drifted.

Teita awaited him at the table.

“I am fine with just the soup.”

“That is no good.”

When it came to meal time, Teita remained stubborn.

“What would you do if your stomach sounded before everyone. It would be disgraceful.”

With her hands at her waist, her gaze looked forcefully at Tigre. She looked more frightening than she did earlier when he awoke.

Tigre surrendered the battle he could not win and began eating with her.


After eating his bread and drinking his milk, he quickly ate his omelet and soup.

“Thank you for the meal.”

He stood up as he spoke those words. Teita, with a napkin and brush in hand, approached him.

“You have some food remaining. Please make sure to wipe it off properly.”

She spoke with a slightly angry tone, wiping Tigre's mouth with the napkin.

“Your hair is a mess as well.”

After that, her hand holding a brush extended, carefully combing his red hair.

“Look, your collar is bent as well.”

Placing the brush and napkin on the table, her hand extended to Tigre's collar. Though finished, Tigre remained.

“--- Tigre-sama.”

“Yes?”

Teita's voice suddenly became weak. Tigre gently called to her. He spoke to her as a younger sister, as she was one year younger.

“Why, why must you go to war, Tigre-sama?”


Tigre had a troubled face. He tampered with his red hair. It was obvious to Tigre what Teita was saying.

“It is his Majesty's beckoning. As the head of the household, as Earl Vorn, It is natural I serve the Kingdom of Brune.”

“B-but.”

She looked up at Tigre with a tearful face, continuing to argue.

“You were barely able to gather one-hundred soldiers...”

Though he was an aristocrat, he was a minor one.

The Vorn family was not poor. Rather, they were simple. Calling them modest was suitable.

The Alsace territory was in the countryside amongst mountains and forests, far from the center of the country. His income was minimal.

He was far from the regality associated with a noble. Tigre's life was far from grand.

Though his residence was not too large, the one to handle all household chores was Teita alone.

“I have heard the enemy is of the Zhcted Kingdom. In that case, you should be here, Tigre-sama. There is only a single mountain between Alsace and the Zhcted Kingdom, after all.”


“That may be true, but this is the countryside. Zhcted has no reason to attack such a place.”

Tigre very much appreciated that his land would not become a battlefield.

“That... So you will go, even if they ridicule you for your bow.”

“That is because it is impossible to perform distinguished military services.”

“It does not matter if you do such things!”

Teita shouted and clung to him, her face buried in Tigre's chest.

“Just... Do not overwork yourself, and do not get injured. Please return safely.”

Tigre gently hugged the maid's delicate body as she worried about him.

“Don't worry. I returned safe and sound from my first battle two years ago.”

“At that time, Urz-sama was...”

Teita swallowed her words. Urz was Tigre's father who died two years ago.

Tigre tapped Teita's head to reassure her.

“In this battle, my forces have been placed in the rear. It will be safe. Even if something happens, I'll somehow manage.”

As he used his finger to wipe the tears about to spill, Teita nodded.


“Is, is it really fine, Tigre-sama? You are always oversleeping. Make sure not to do so on the battlefield.”

“I don't like how you're saying I always oversleep.”

“It is simply a fact. Tigre-sama is only able to wake up properly on a hunting day.”

Tigre's counterargument was stopped by a disappointing objection.

Still, he understood Teita was encouraging him as much as she could. Tigre held her closely once again.

Teita entrusted her body to Tigre.

Her warmth could be felt through his clothes, a sweet scent drifted faintly from her chestnut hair.

Any longer than this would only be more painful.

Tigre released her, reluctant to let go.

“I shall take my leave, Teita.”

Wiping her tears with her sleeve, Teita smiled.

“Please leave the house to me. Be careful, Tigre-sama.”

Tigre carried a bow and quiver over shoulder and left the house, the soldiers already waiting in formation.


A small old man wearing leather armor bowed to Tigre.

“Young lord, all members are prepared. Our equipment is also ready.”

“You have worked hard, Batran.”

The old man was a servant of Tigre's His experience in war far exceeded the young Tigre's. He was the only one other than Tigre permitted on horseback.

All the others were foot soldiers equipped with leather armor and a spear or sword.

“You have all gathered.”

As Tigre spoke words of appreciation, the veteran soldiers cheerfully made a joke.

“Lord, there is no need to worry. Though it has been three years since we last saw battle, we have trained our body without a mistake every day laboring in the fields.”

“Whether we disobey the king's orders or follow them, we'll have plenty of food, it seems.”

“That is a welcome remark. By the way, is your wife not coming? The enemy only has one or two-thousand men. I'm sure she could drive them away with her shouting.”

Laughter erupted between the soldiers.

“You should stop saying that before the young lord. His wife is indifferent to both enemy and ally.”

Looking back at Batran, Tigre ended the talk with a shrug of his shoulders.


''--- Morale is not an issue.''

As the laughter subsided, the men saluted Tigre. Batran drew his bow with his right hand and issued a cry.

“Our destination is Dinant Plain. We shall join Lord Massas' army halfway.

The infantry looked at their battle flag.

There are two kinds of flags. The flag of house Vorn held a white crescent-moon and meteor on blue fabric. The symbol of Brune Kingdom was that of a red mare with a black mane.

“Let us depart!”

For Brune Kingdom and Zhcted Kingdom, it was the first time crossing blades in twenty years.

The cause of conflict was due to heavy rain which caused the river bordering the two kingdoms to flood.

First, the residents were injured “because those people did not properly manage the river.” There was quite a quarrel.

Because of that, each country received a petition for the other to properly manage the waters. As such, the two armies were forced to go to war.


Still, Tigre would not go to war with only that.

“It appears the enemy has about five-thousand troops going against our twenty-five thousand. The troops seem pretty excited here.”

With a sarcastic tone, an elderly knight named Massas Rodant sat next to Tigre. He was a friend of Tigre's father and often acted as a benefactor.

“Is it true this is his Royal Highness, the Prince's first battle?”

While moving forward side-by-side on horseback, Tigre asked Massas.

“I'm quite certain. It's well known His Majesty dotes on his son.”

Massas, his stocky body wrapped in iron armor, stroked his gray beard with a grumpy face.

“Many parents are reluctant to allow their children come out for the upcoming war, and it is certainly different when it is for a serious affair which may risk the fate of the nation. In that sense, the Lord is sending out Prince Regnas to his first battle for a decoration... I suppose it will be a good experience for him.”

He probably wanted his beloved son to be decorated in first battle.

The King sent the Knights of the Kingdom under his direct control as well as the troops belonging to the nobles who ruled the territories near Dinant Plains to battle.

This included small aristocrats such as Tigre and Massas.


Once all the armies joined together, they numbered more than twenty-five thousand.

Massas led just under three-hundred soldiers. Amongst them, only fifty were cavalry.

Though it may be inappropriate to say, that amount would be completely buried within the twenty-five thousand. Whether Tigre was stationed in the rear or not, nothing would change.

“It is number to try and outnumber the enemy in war. Prince Regnas will one day become King. Doing things in such a way is not wrong of His Majesty.”

Out of comfort, the old knight tapped Tigre's shoulder.

Though it may not have been his real intention, he had said those words to convince himself as well.

“That's right. We small-time nobles should just stay quiet in the rear. Stepping into battle, earning a distinguished military service, there are plenty of people who want to get ahead... That's right, Tigre, have you heard of the Vanadis?”

As he heard the term, Tigre recalled a rumor and tilted his head.

“The seven Vanadis of Zhcted?”

“That's right. The enemy commander seems to be one of the Vanadis. She is a youth, 16 years old who has never been defeated. She is an excellent swordswoman. She is known as the [{{furigana|Wind Princess of the Silver Flash|Silvfrau}}] and the [{{furigana|Danseuse of the Sword|Meltis}}], wielding her sword as she spearheads the battle.


In Zhcted Kingdom, there are seven Vanadis.

The land is divided into seven dukedoms, and each of the women known as a Vanadis governs one – To think they were the same age as him.

Tigre strangely admired the enemy general he had not yet seen. She was the same age and had many victories to her name. She was now leading a force of five-thousand.

In the Brune Kingdom where Tigre was born, women were not allowed to be knights, so the nobility had no incentive to send their daughters out.

Even in this war, there was not a single female knight present.

That, too, was a source of interest.

“What is the name of this Vanadis?”

“If I remember, it is Eleanora Viltaria, and I heard she's quite the extraordinary beauty, like a jewel that will never fade.”

“Is she really that beautiful?”

“It's fine to admire beauty, but keep it in moderation. Teita will be jealous.”

Massas laughed, his gray beard shaking, as Tigre became angry.

“Why are you bringing up Teita? She's like a little sister---”

“Since she was little, she's been the little sister reliably taking care of an untidy elder brother.”


Hearing no sound, he ruffled Tigre's dull red hair and returned to the story at hand.

“If the Vanadis is as great a commander as rumors say, this battle will be difficult.”

“Still, the difference in number is quite large. No matter how much an expert she is, it will be difficult for her to win.”

No matter the bravery of ability of the Vanadis, five times the difference in troops should not be possible to overturn. Though Tigre wanted to agree, he could not say it so easily.

''What is it, this unpleasant feeling?'' He had a burning sensation around the nape of his neck.

Tigre had been attacked by this feeling before.

At that time, in the depths of the forest when he was hunting a pack of wolves, he encountered a mountain dragon.

He also felt it in the morning when Teita came as usual and he could not hide his groin.

Either way, nothing ever went well at those times.

“Don't look so glum.”

It seems to have appeared on his face. Massas looked at him dubiously.

“Were you thinking of something? You're looking a bit absent-minded.”

“Absent-minded... There are other ways to put it. You could say I'm calm and collected.”


Tigre responded with a dissatisfied tone. Massas narrowed his eyes and laughed.

“You're pretty difficult. I remember two years ago when you succeeded Urz' position.”

“Hm, did I say something?”

“Before the representatives of the towns and villages, when asked about the future of Alsace, you said, 'Well, I'll manage.' That's what I meant by absent-minded.”

Tigre, unable to respond, shrugged his shoulders.

Massas continued to complain.

“While Urz was alive, you had a calm, gentle temperament; you were optimistic. You slept a lot, so I suppose I should praise you for being so healthy. Really, your parents were quite lenient.”

“Still, weren't they proud of me?”

Waiting for a break in Massas' words, Tigre finally retorted.

Actually, he did not particularly have any problem with Alsace as a whole.

His savings had gradually increased. Even if he was rather absent-minded around the village representatives, he had done reasonably well.

“Except for hunting days, can you get up on your own? That is, without Teita's help.”


“No, that's...”

“From what Teita has told me... Some times you just run away with your bow and arrow and spend two, three days to hunt in the nearby forests and mountains.”

Tigre's shoulders shrunk in silence. He could not deny that one.

“To think a guy like you is the Lord. Well, I guess I can see it in your face.”

Looking back over his shoulder, Massas saw a group of soldiers.

They were placed in the rear, though their will to fight was not lacking. Still, no one made any complaints.

“Tigre, it's your job to bring your soldiers back alive. It's your job to think how they fight. I'm not sure what you're concerned about, but make sure you perform your duty.”

“Thank you very much.”

Seeing Massas' concern, Tigre smiled and thanked him.

As he said, it would be pointless to think of extraneous things.

Though they were only there to make the Prince look better, they still had gathered.

Nothing was expected from them as a war potential, neither Tigre nor Massas, though the person who accepted the advice minded.


A few days later, Tigre arrived at Dinant Plains.

Twenty-thousand soldiers stood at the foot of a hill, the remaining five-thousand stood in the rear atop the hill, surrounding Prince Regnas. Both Tigre and Massas were located in back.

It was likely the battle would end before they fought.

<big><big><big><big>◎</big></big></big></big>

Before dawn, one-thousand cavalrymen quietly marched.

Their swords and spears were covered with mud to dull their shine, the horses were covered in plates to hide them, their horseshoes were carefully wrapped in cotton cloth.

They reached a small hill near the enemy without being noticed.

It was only a gentle slope before they reached where the Brune rearguard was encamped for the night. Their bonfires danced in the night.

“--- Rest. I will make preparations.”

The silver-haired girl standing before the cavalry laughed lightly. After her words, the soldiers removed the plates from the horses and the cloth from the horseshoes.

Eventually, the scout, who went ahead alone, returned.


The enemy had fallen asleep without having noticed them. The girl looked back at her cavalrymen and unsheathed her longsword. A faint wind blew along the length of the blade.

“The enemy is five-thousand strong and outnumber us five to one. Though the rearguard, this is where their commander's headquarters lay. He is likely a battle-hardened elite.”

Still, the girl's red eyes were filled with a fighting spirit.

“I will go. I will win. Will you follow me?”

In silence, the cavalrymen thrust their swords and spears in the sky.

The girl turned towards the enemy encampment and swung her sword forward.

“Charge!”

The banner fluttered in the wind. The flag of the kingdom depicted a black dragon breathing a black flag.

Air began to flow. The cavalry readied their swords and spears. The archers nocked their bow. They all followed the girl up the hill.

The guards finally noticed the rumbling of the earth caused by the soldiers as the horses ran towards the base.

However, it was too late.

“The enemy---”

The girl, in a single strike, took the soldier's neck, not letting his scream escape.

Against the sky which gradually grew light, the one-thousand cavalrymen led by the girl invaded the enemy camp. The Brune army fell to chaos. They discarded their weapons and ran away in a frenzy.


Though some soldiers resisted valiantly, the strength was far too different.

The strength of the girl wielding a sword and leading the Zhcted army was overwhelming.

She cut the enemy deserting the battle in a single blow or kicked them mercilessly with the horse. Not once did she touch a drop of blood.

Every time the longsword was enshrouded in wind, a corpse fell to the ground, the body count increased. The girl with fluttering silver-white hair cleaved the enemy as she advanced on the enemy camp, the cavalrymen following close behind.

By this point, victory and defeat had been nearly decided.

<big><big><big><big>◎</big></big></big></big>

His ears were ringing.

There were many screams, it was a day of judgment. The sound of swords and the roar of horseshoes rang in his ear.

“... Uwa.”

He awoke.

He inhaled the blue sky of dawn spread before him.

Pushing and moving the weights against his body, Tigre rose.


The ringing in his ears disappeared, only to be replaced by moans drowned out by the sound of wind. The torn banner fluttered slightly, the sound of grass being trod upon could be heard.

As the dust settled, the scent of blood crept into his nose.

“I must have been unconscious...”

He stretched his neck out above the pile of corpses and looked about.

The grass was dyed with blood, several thousand bodies lay upon the earth.

Covering his mouth with his hand to ease the nausea, he noticed his hand was wet and dyed red.

''--- Blood...?''

Patting his face, he noticed no signs of injury.

“Someone else's blood.”

Tigre was apparently alive because he was buried beneath the corpses. It is likely none of the enemies even set eyes on him.

“Batran! Lord Massas!”

He called out the name of his trusted subordinate and the old man he trusted, but received no reply.

He tried calling the soldiers under his command and still was not met with a reaction.

“It would be good if they escaped.”

All he could see were corpses and broken swords and spears, the banner was torn and discarded.


Though he was not sure, shrouded in the early-morning mist, there were no signs of motion. Neither ally nor enemy.

He did not feel anger toward the enemy. Fatigue weighed upon his body, a sigh escaping his mouth.

“What a terrible battle...”

Almost simultaneous with the rising dawn, the Brune Army took a surprise attack. Rather than from the front, they were confused by an attack from the rear. The large, twenty-five thousand strong army collapsed.

''--- The day before yesterday, before darkness fell, our army confirmed the enemy was before us. In other words, the Zhcted army divided its forces in two and attacked the rearguard first. Still, we had been attacked from the front as well.''

Tigre felt the back of his neck go cold.

It was a simple plan, even a child could think of it.

''--- How frightening, the spirit to calmly execute such a plan against an enemy with five times the force.''

Despite having fewer soldiers, they divided their army even further. If their troops did not move exceptionally well, they would certainly have an unsatisfying defeat.

''--- However, it succeeded splendidly.''


The Brune Army collapsed completely.

Swept away by the wave of allies who fled, Tigre could not possibly take charge and ended up falling from his horse, knocked unconscious in the process.

Tigre's unit was overwhelmed by his allies.

“Even so...”

Tigre remembered. Though only for a moment, he saw the silver-white haired girl wielding the longsword as she led the enemy killed one Brune soldier after another.

“So that was the Vanadis...”

The Vanadis always leads the troops. He recalled Massas' words.

It was improper to simply call her beautiful. Tigre felt his red hair stir as he was in thought.

Fortunately, his bow dropped nearby.

Picking it up, he checked the tension on the bowstring as he was attacked by anxiety.

“... Shouldn't be a problem.”

He stroked his chest in relief, seeing his bowstring still taut.


He was still not ready.

The arrows in his quiver as well, not many remained.

Looking up to the sky, Tigre confirmed the position of the sun.

“West is that way.”

The Zhcted Army arrived at the battlefield from the east. Brune was to the west.

Enduring the pain running through his body, Tigre slowly walked west. His feet stopped as he recognized something in his peripheral vision.

A knight was running at him, brandishing a sword.

Tigre took out an arrow and drew his bow.

The horse trampled and kicked corpses aside as the knight forced his way towards Tigre. When the distance shrank to thirty alsin (approximately thirty meters), the knight yelled.

“Survivor of Brune, I will have your neck!”

Tigre silently nocked his arrow and looked on as he casually shot.

The air was blurred.

He heard the dull sound of the arrow accurately piercing the knight's throat.

He was surprisingly quick and calm.

The knight's body could not react and leaned over, falling to the ground.


The horse, now without a mount, gave a shrill sound, stopped, turned, and ran away.

“I give up... I guess things aren't going my way..”

He let out a sigh. Wondering if there was a horse he could easily get off the battlefield, Tigre resumed his walk and stopped in fewer than ten steps.

“An enemy?”

Three-hundred alsin (approximately three-hundred meters) away, he saw a group of knights. If he was found, they would catch him quickly.

“... Seven people.”

Tigre was born with a good eye, further tempered by hunting. A distance of three-hundred alsin was enough for him to distinguish a person's face.

He verified the contents of his quiver. There were four arrows remaining.

Though he was confident in his archery, he could not come out with a tactical victory if it was two-to-one. If it was like when he shot the man before, he could only be merciless.

''--- It is possible they are allies.''

While hoping it might be so, Tigre observed the knights. Seeing the knight's face, he could not believe his eyes.


“The Vanadis...”

When they received a surprise attack the evening before, it was the girl who stood before the army.

Tigre forgot to breathe while admiring her.

She was a young girl his age, her hair of silver-white, reaching her waist, shimmered in the morning sunlight. Her bright red pupils burned with dignity.

An arm with a delicacy matching her age extended from her body. In her hand, she gripped a longsword which strangely suited her.

''--- Lord Massas said she held a unique beauty.''

Was it even necessary to say he was right? It certainly was unique, or perhaps rare. The more he looked, the more he agreed.

Tigre regained his senses by shaking his head, shaking away all idle thoughts. He stared at the Vanadis with a calm gaze.

The other knights must have been her guard. Their horses advanced as if defending her.

''--- If I take out the Vanadis...''

The army has suffered a disastrous defeat. Surely there was a large-scale pursuit, as many Brune soldiers had run away.

“... If she falls, it will be impossible for the enemy to continue their pursuit.”


The soldiers following Massas and Batran, those from Alsace, they would be more likely to survive.

An urge to fight welled within him. Power entered the hand grasping his bow.

“I'll give it a try.”

Tigre pulled out an arrow and nocked.

The bowstring was bent. He unconsciously chanted the name of God.

“Oh Elis, Goddess of Storms...”

The creaking of the bowstring tickled his eardrum.

Currently, on the continent, the maximum range of a bow is approximately two-hundred-fifty alsin (approximately two-hundred-fifty meters).

This was simply a measure of the distance, not to where it could fly.

Aiming at that distance would decrease the damage an enemy would occur, so it was necessary to estimate to lower distances.

The Vanadis was still three-hundred alsin (approximately three-hundred meters) away.

Still, Tigre shot the arrow.

The arrow cut through the wind and bore deeply into the head of the horse a nearby knight was mounted upon.


The knight was thrown to the ground as the horse toppled over. Tigre shot his second arrow, piercing the center of the forehead of another knight's horse.

“Good.”

The path was now clear with two guards grounded.

There was now a gap in which his arrows could reach the Vanadis with argent hair and red pupils.

“Now for the real thing.”

Tigre reached for his quiver, his breath hot and heavy.

In the recesses of the mountain in which the sun did not shine, he had faced an Earth Dragon at no more than forty chet (approximately four meters). Even then, he was not so tense.

''--- Even if the other knights try to defend her, with the dead horses and the fallen knights obstructing their movements, it would take them time.''

It was a very short amount of time, though.

However, it was enough for Tigre.

''--- She will take action in a situation like this. Will she duck down, or will she jump off her horse immediately?''

It was impossible to move left or right, and backing away a few steps would hardly be a retreat. Fallen men and horses were before her, so it would be difficult to jump over them without a larger run-up.


Even if it was possible, she would not have time to hide from an arrow after landing.

Tigre stared at the Vanadis once again and was attacked by a ferocious chill.

The Vanadis laughed.

She was clearly happy.

“Ku!”

Tigre clenched his teeth. He was nearly swallowed by her. He removed the remaining two arrows, placed one in his mouth, and nocked the other.

However, Tigre saw an unbelievable sight

The horse the Vanadis rode on flew gently.

It jumped over the fallen subordinates.

It reached a height of nearly twenty chet (approximately two meters).

It felt like wings grew from its back to Tigre. It did not jump, it flew.

“What now...?”

Tigre's entire body trembled in fear. He wondered whether his eyes had gone wrong.

A horse could not possibly jump as high as twenty chet while carrying a person without a run-up.


[[Image:Madan_no_Ou_to_Vanadis_Volume_01_-_040.jpg|175px|thumb]]

However, the Vanadis landed as if nothing happened. The horse began running straight towards him. Don't be afraid.

He scolded himself. It could have been an illusion of some sort.

Tigre glared at her and fired his third arrow.

The arrow rode the wind, cutting through the sky. It was aimed at her forehead – it was struck down by a flash of silver.

“... Seriously?”

Tigre could hardly believe his eyes. His mouth was open and cramped.

The arrow flew at a high speed from many hundreds of alsin, and she struck it down with a sword.

To do something like that, only a hero from some legend could do something like that. It is something hardly the average person could do.

He nocked his last arrow.

Only in his bow did he have absolute confidence. His opponent was running towards him alone, she was already less than three-hundred alsin away.

''--- I can't afford to miss.''

He aimed and shot his final arrow in exactly the same manner as before.


Meanwhile, the Vanadis rushed forward on her horse without letting go for even a moment. She ran fiercely and would arrive within ten seconds.

“So this is it.”

His arrows were exhausted. He had no other arms. It would be impossible to run away from the horse on foot.

Clutching his bow, Tigre stood upright on both feet with great strength. His actions were by no means unsightly.

The Vanadis stopped her horse before Tigre.

The spray of blood and flying dust did not touch her silver-white hair.

Her white skin reminded him of the snow which perpetually lay on the mountains of his hometown.

She displayed clean contours, a well-shaped nose, and charming, moist lips reminiscent of the finest sculpture. Her bright red pupils overflowed with energy; she gave off the impression of not being made of flesh and blood.

She thrust the tip of her long sword at Tigre.

“Drop your bow.”

After obeying reluctantly, the Vanadis nodded in satisfaction and spoke with a smile.

“You're skilled.”

With those words directed at him, Tigre did not immediately understand.


''--- She's praising me...? The man who aimed at her?''

His confusion surpassed his joy.

“My name is Eleanora Viltaria. Yours?”

“... Tigrevurmud Vorn.”

“An aristocrat? Your title?”

In both Brune and Zhcted, only those of nobility held family names. A number of people with a family name who did not belong to the aristocracy were the few exceptions.

When he told her he was an earl, her smile became increasingly delightful.

“Very well, Earl Vorn.”

The longsword was sheathed at her waist. Eleanora spoke brightly.

“You belong to me now.”

She spoke words which seemed to hold little thought. At last, her escort finally caught up.

Though they surrounded Tigre and pointed their swords and spears at him, when Eleanora waved her hand, they showed their surprise.

“Lim, take this guy with you. He's my captive. Don't treat him too roughly.”


The knight named Lim, who had just caught up, nodded silently. Because her helmet covered her face, Tigre could not read her expression.

“Get on, quickly.”

Lim looked down at Tigre and spoke with a low voice from within the helmet. Tigre could feel anger in the voice and soon realized why.

Just a moment ago, she was one of the knights who fell from her horse.

''--- Did she borrow a horse from another knight? Is she above the other guards?''

“May I pick up my bow?”

Tigre pointed at the bow on the ground.

“It is important to me.”

He showed no signs of hostility by showing her his empty quiver. Lim extended her hand to him from atop the horse.

“It's fine. However, I will keep it.”

When Tigre passed Lim the bow and mounted the horse, his hands moved to her waist.

Lim suddenly moved her neck, the back of his helmet strongly hitting Tigre's face.

“What are you trying to do?”

Tigre suppressed his protest by pressing against his swollen nose. Eleanora laughed with trembling shoulders.

“Lim, he's my captive. Be a bit easier.”


“... As you wish.”

Lim followed orders, despite the dissatisfaction clearly oozing from her voice.

“If you do anything strange, I will shake you off immediately and have the horse step on you.”

Tigre sighed. He was a bit frightened of the aggression in Lim's voice and felt unease for the future.

Looking back at the knights, Eleanora spoke triumphantly.

“Though it was a boring battle, I quite enjoyed things as we withdrew.”

The battle of Dinant ended in a one-sided victory for the Zhcted Kingdom.

The casualties of the Zhcted army was fewer than one-hundred. The dead in Brune numbered more than five-thousand. The injured more than doubled that.

It goes without saying, the losses suffered by Brune would be difficult to fill. The heir to the throne, Prince Regnas, was killed in battle.

<noinclude>
{| border="1" cellpadding="5" cellspacing="0" style="margin: 1em 1em 1em 0; background: #f9f9f9; border: 1px #aaaaaa solid; padding: 0.2em; border-collapse: collapse;"
|-
| Back to [[Madan_no_Ou_to_Vanadis:Volume_01_Prologue_Preview|Prologue Preview]]
| Return to [[Madan_no_Ou_to_Vanadis|Main Page]]
| Forward to [[Madan_no_Ou_to_Vanadis:Volume_01_Chapter2_Preview|Chapter 2 Preview]]
|-
|}
</noinclude>

Seirei Tsukai no Blade Dance:Volume1 Chapter1

2012-10-03T09:40:44Z

Roxcrosser: /* Part 3 */

==Chapter 1: You Are My Contracted Spirit==

=== Part 1 ===

In a quiet forest where the sun rays were shining through leaves.

<nowiki>*</nowiki>Paa—*

Suddenly, the rippling sound of water resounded in the air.

Kamito, he— opened his mouth wide and just stood there.

A girl...In front of his eyes was a fully naked girl.

She was cute, extraordinarily cute. Her eyes were big and red like rubies, her cherry-red lips were wet and lustrous, her dazzling white flesh was as silky as milk, and on the surface of the water, her beautiful legs were slender and fine. Also, what caught his eyes more than anything was—

The hair that clings on her gorgeous fine glass work like body, crimson red like burning fire.

Of course, she was naked. Stark naked.

"......"

Kamito felt cold sweat on his back.

Not good.

It's really not good that she has been seen naked.

......I should really run away quickly. Even though he gave that rational advice to himself, his body wouldn't move. Actually, he was ''charmed''. The scene was so surreal that Kamito felt a bit detached from reality.

And at that time, the girl—

[[Image:STnBD V01 013.jpg|thumb]]

Her moist and beautiful eyes blinked, having found the unexpected intruder.
Staring blankly, she seemed yet to have fully grasped the situation.
She didn't even try to cover her still developing small breasts.

<nowiki>*</nowiki>Tick.*

The water drops fell from the young girl's bangs. Kamito's consciousness came back at the sound of the water.

"Ah-that......"

Kamito coughed once, and removed his glance from the naked girl who was standing motionlessly.

"How can I say it......it looks like an accident, right? It is an unfortunate accident for both of us..."

At that time, Kamito made two fatal errors. The first, of course, was that he started to make futile explanations. The best choice was to take advantage of the fact that the girl was dazed, and run away from the trouble immediately.

And the other error was—

"Even though it was an accident, I have seen you in such a situation. Sorry, my apologies."

Until here it was still fine, but the last part......

"Though, don't worry. I'm still a healthy boy, so I don't have ''that kind of interest''. I......"

Looking at the young girl's ''still developing small chest''—

"I have no interest towards a kid's body."

Looks like he stepped on a gigantic landmine.

"......"

A frozen silence fell.

Silently, the girl raised her arm with red hair coiled around. Her shoulders were slightly shaking. However the reason wasn't because of the cold, but Kamito was oblivious to that fact.

"Sixteen—"

"Eh?"

The girl's delicate lips were mumbling something, and Kamito lifted his eyebrows.

"I-I-I AM ALREADY SIXTEEN-YEARS OLD!!!"

At the instant when she screamed that out, the young girl's red hair stood on end.

"Huuh!?"

As Kamito opened his eyes wide in surprise—

"Sixteen!? For real? How can you have such a pitiful chest—"

He quickly covered his mouth. But it was already too late.

"......Unforgivable."

The young girl said that in a low, cold voice.

"D-Definitely unforgivable......you-you-you-you peeping demon, pervert, lewd beast!"

"You know it well, words like lewd beast."

Kamito said that in a low voice with narrowed eyes.

"Hn?"

......At that time, he noted that the forest's trees were making a low whisper-like rustle.

''Is that the wind? No, that's—''

<center>''"—Guardian of the crimson blaze, keeper of undying hearth!"''</center>

<center>''"—Now's the time to abide by the blood contract, come forth and do my bidding!"''</center>

From the young girl's cute lips came a smooth incantation in spirit language. At that instant, accompanied by the sound of an air blast, a '''whip of flames''' appeared in the hand of the girl.

''.....a spirit contractor!''

Kamito shouted in his head.

Spirit contractor— another dimensional layer of this world, the «Astral Zero».

Princess maidens that have signed a contract with a fierce spirit from that place are called «spirit contractors».

Spirit contractors can use different types of spirits, wielding their powers as their wish.

It seemed that the girl in front of him had a contract with a flame type spirit.

The young girl was a spirit contractor. It isn't something to be surprised about.

After all, this is the place where the country's excellent spirit contractors are gathered together.

''.....However, surprisingly she is even capable of using elemental waffe.''

The natures of the spirits summoned into this world from the Astral Zero can roughly be divided into two types.

The first type was a base form that appeared as a lump of divine power, which was massless and had an indeterminate form. This was purely the summoning of a spirit's power, and was used as a battery for the time spirit magic was used.


There was another type, the pure state of summoning a part of the spirit's existence as it was. Because of the tremendous amount of power required and the difficulty to control it, it was said that only a tiny portion of the spirit contractors could do it to this extent.

Even so, the girl before his eyes was not just using a spirit, but could use it to the extent of using the spirit as a highly optimized elemental buff.

''.... it means that, eh? – Am I now in a life or death situation?''

As the thought suddenly hit him, Kamito was stunned.

At the place where the flame whip touched the water's surface, a gush of white steam was rising from it.

"You, you have the guts..... "

The girl murmured in a trembling voice. Her face was red. Was it due to her anger, or her embarrassment?

"Rea-Really, you have some nerve, to p-peek , while I, Claire Rouge, am taking my bath....."

"W-Wait, that's a misunderstanding! Let me explain it first!"

Kamito shook his head in panic.

"I will not listen to your excuses. Please turn into cinders, you pervert!"

The flame whip ignited furiously in the wielder's hand and was moving as if it was licking the water surface.

"Oooooh..!?"

Kamito threw his body and quickly jumped into the dense bushes nearby.


Nearly at the same time, the Flame Tongue brushed its way over his head.

The idle red residue remained on the trees, which were cut off like a complete joke. The cut surface of the tree trunks' remains were surprisingly clean, without any trace of burn. The attack was so quick that the flames didn't even have the time to ignite the trees.

The hair on Kamito's forehead was fluttering down on his mouth while cold sweat appeared on his forehead.

''.....Um, that's a joke, right? I'm not going to die like that, am I?''

<nowiki>*</nowiki>Zing*, *biyutsu* – there was like an endless dance of crimson flash cutting horizontally and vertically in the forest. The bush was mowed down in a blink of an eye and losing his place of hiding, Kamito hurriedly dashed out.

"Don't dodge, pervert, I can't hit you!"

"That's nonsense, and I'm not a pervert!"

Kamito screamed out and at the same time, the whip swung downwards on his feet, causing a violent spark to scatter. Rising from the ground, the whip immediately sprang up in the direction of the forest woods, which got ruthlessly severed.

But fortunately among all the unluckiness, the girl - Claire's aim wasn't quite accurate. After all, one hand was hiding her pitiful chest from being revealed, and in order to conceal her most important part, she squatted down in the pond. However, considering how she handled her whip in such a position, she should be normally talented at using it.

"How conceited despite being a pervert, please obediently turn into cinders!"


"I'm saying that I'm not a pervert! By the way"

Kamito stopped and turned around.

'''He pointed out something that he had noticed for some time'''.

"You, cover yourself properly. The gaps between your fingers aren't able to hide them delicately."

"......eh?"

Instantly, Claire's facial expression froze. And-

"Kyaaaaaaaaaah!"

Blushing deeply and screaming strangely in a cute voice - she quickly hid her chest with both of her hands.

"Ah, idiot!"

Kamito involuntarily exclaimed.

Claire let go and lost control of the flame whip, and it cleanly severed the trees behind her.

Slowly, the huge trees came falling down right at her.

However, Claire didn't notice it. Her eyes were closed in embarrassment as she kept embracing her naked chest.

''Damn—''

At this instant, Kamito kicked the ground.


Running with his whole strength towards the pond, he then jumped while grabbing Claire's shoulders.

"Wha-!?"

Claire's red pupils dilated widely. Kamito ignored it and aggressively pressed her down in the water. The moment Claire's hand touched the water, a gush of steam rose, and the flame whip disappeared. Immediately after, the trees nearby fell down, and giant tree trunks collapsed down on them.

<nowiki>*</nowiki>Duuuun!*

The deafening sound almost broke the ears, and magnificent large water columns rose.

Absorbing the heat of the burning flame, the warm pond water poured down like heavy rain.

.....A few seconds later.

"Um......"

Making a seductive voice, Claire slowly opened her eyes.

She had an expression of shock, and her eyes blinked in wonder.

Kamito was lying on top of Claire, and briefly he found himself staring into her eyes.

Their faces were so close that if someone was to push his back lightly, their lips would likely touch.

The crimson red hair clung closely to her nape. Her moist lips were cherry red.

Her delicate glass doll like perfect face was in front of Kamito's eyes.

For a short moment it looked like he had involuntarily fallen for her. Kamito quickly shook his head.

"......Um, are you alright? Are you hurt.."

Claire nodded. Somehow, it seemed she had not fully absorbed the situation yet.

Kamito sighed, then tried to stand up.

<nowiki>*</nowiki>Funyuu.*

His hand under the water had touched something soft.

"Hwaaah!"

''What is that? Mud?—''

<nowiki>*</nowiki>Funyu*. *Munyu*<ref>These are sounds of touching and squeezing</ref>.

"Hm, ya, hwaaa"

From her moist lips came a shallow sweet voice. Claire's submerged naked body twitched for some reason.

"Um ..this is?"

Having come this far, Kamito finally arrived at a certain conclusion. A certain......awfully frightening conclusion.

''No, wait, calm down. This can't be it... right?''

It can't be. There was no such thing. While releasing a flow of cold sweat, he desperately tried to deny such a possibility.


''When I looked at it earlier, it wasn't so...''

"Wh..Wha.. Wha..Whattt .... are..you...do..ing"

Claire's lip trembled, shaking involuntarily. She was blushing with tears in her eyes.

Apparently, it probably wasn't.....a lump of mud that he touched.

"You, PERVERT——!"

"Gwah!"

Because he got hit hard by a knee in the stomach, Kamito collapsed into the pond's water.

<nowiki>*</nowiki>Gugugugugu....!*

With rising wobbling heat haze behind her, Claire slowly stood up. Before one knows, the flame whip materialized by the flame spirit was again grasped in her hand. The water in the pond instantaneously started to boil, and bubbles began to show here and there.

"No..No, it's a misunderstanding! Wait, I'm really gonna die....."

"Sh..Shut up pervert, you will die here!"

Together with an almost ear breaking deafening sound, Kamito's body whirled highly into the air.

=== Part 2 ===

".....Um"

A few minutes later. Kamito starts to recover his consciousness, before his eyes, trees within the forest unfold.

He tried to rise—

Suddenly, he noticed something which was coiled around his neck.

It was a leather black whip for torturing. ''What is this thing...'', Kamito tried to remove it,

"Finally woke up, You Peeping Tom Pervert"

The thing on his neck tightened.

"Gweh!? Release me...."

Kamito coughed then looked upward-

Scarlet haired young girl – Claire, stood with her hands at her waist. Keeping her slim eyebrow arc raised, she gazed sharply down at Kamito.

This time she was not naked. The girl has changed into an adorable uniform. It has the pattern of black line within the pure white, Areishia Spirit Academy's uniform.

A ribbon tie decorated the front of her chest. Instead of a button, a talisman was sewn on it. Between the gap of knee sock stockings and a pleated skirt, her slender beautiful legs stuck out brilliantly. The tiny ribbons tied her blazing crimson hair on both sides. This was the so called twin tail hair style. Judging from her still wet hair, it seems that he hadn't lost consciousness for that long.

Keeping the neck of Kamito bound tightly, Claire puffed up her small chest.

"Well, be grateful. I went easy and didn't try to kill you"

"That has to be a lie. You definitely intended to kill me. "

"What are you talking about? If I was serious, you would've been cinders by now. "

..... She just said something terribly frightening in a calm manner.

By the way, cinders are the soft ash residue left from incinerated firewood.

"I beg your forgiveness to spare me from becoming cinders. After all, I helped you."

"Yeah, I'm a fair noble, I'll give you credit for that. You are of a higher grade than an average pervert, so you are a high grade pervert."

"In the end the pervert designation doesn't change. By the way, isn't a high grade pervert even worse than an average pervert?"

"Wh.. What.....pretending to help, you ...you touched, my breast!"

Recalling what happened earlier, Claire's shy face suddenly turned red.

''Hmm?''

Seeing such a reaction from her, Kamito had an idea.

.....This girl, could it be that she is that kind of person?

"So it seems, that my lady is a pervert that has a hobby of whipping men."

Kamito teased her nonchalantly -

"What!? Wr-Wro-Wrong, I'm not!"

The response was immediate as expected. Claire shook her head, and her cheeks instantly became bright red all the way to her ears.

"Then do you enjoy being whipped?"

".....m! Wha... What.. are...you..sayi..ng?"

Claire's eyes twirled, as a steam puff rose out from her head. She is surprisingly flustered.

''Oh, as I expected....''

Kamito smiled bitterly in his heart.

''This girl, is really really innocent.''

Probably, it wasn't only this girl that was special..

After all, this Areishia Spirit academy is a school building, where spirit contractor princess maidens were gathered.

Only pure maidens are capable of exchanging feelings with the spirits from Astral Zero. Among them, those who retain enough divine power so that they can command a contracted spirit, are noble girls from the family of kings or lords of ancient and honorable lineage, whose spirit contractor blood was strengthened through marriage of many generations.

To maintain the purity of their body and heart, these girls are raised in an environment that's completely separated from the males since childhood: the so called elite education for spirit contractors. Therefore, all the girls attending the academy are super boxed-in princesses who are unaccustomed to men.

Finding the unexpected weak point of the girl, Kamito had a slight desire to play a prank on her.

Keeping a kneeling position, Kamito looked up at the embarrassed bright red face of Claire.

"Wh- Then, there is something I have meant to say since earlier."

"Wh...What, you pervert!"

"I can see your panties from this angle."

"Fuwah!"

Tears began to float in her crimson eyes, Claire hastily pressed down the fringe of her skirt with both hands.

"You... You saw it?"

"Only a glance, you are unexpectedly quite daring. It has the same color as your hair."

"You... You lie! It is not red! It's white, white!" 

"So, it's white."

"......huh!?"

Realizing that she was tricked, Claire bit her lips-


"U-Uuuuuuuuuh~"

..... Somehow she started to cry.

At this sudden unexpected reaction, Kamito panicked. "No, you're the pervert, a dirty ojou-sama, who reveals the color of her own panties", he had planned to tease her more with such words..... but, as expected, he was starting to feel pitiful.

Taking the chance while Claire was still in disarray, Kamito removed the whip coiled around his neck.

"My bad, I went a bit too far with my prank. Sorry."

Kamito stood up and placed his hand on Claire's head. Claire stopped crying, and looked puzzled.

"It's my fault that I have seen your naked body while bathing, and I have .... have touched your breast as well. But those actions were not intentional. Please believe me."

"Wha-What....."

Seeing the truthfulness in Kamito's eye, Claire could not help but to avert her eyes.

"....What-What is this? If you are not a pervert, then '''why are you here?'''"

A question of matter of course. This forest was under the jurisdiction of Areishia Spirit Academy, known as the «Spirit Forest». There is no reason for the presence of a man in the academy where pure princess maidens are gathered.

Even if he was not a pervert, there was little doubt that he was someone suspicious. 

"I was, summoned here by Greyworth."

"Greyworth..... the Academy Director!?"

Claire suspiciously questioned. Indeed, it is only natural to doubt.

"I'm not lying. Look, here's the evidence."

Kamito shrugged his shoulders, and took out a letter from his burned coat's inside pocket. The letter was signed by the renowned academy director. Also, it was stamped with the emblem seal that symbolizes the five great Elemental Lords.

"Is....that, the first rank emblem seal of the empire!?"

Claire let out a voice of dismay from her lips. The first rank emblem seal is produced by sealing spirits with a special technique. It is rated as the highest among the emblem seals issued by the empire, and is said to be completely impossible to counterfeit. Of course, it is something that is rarely seen, but as a spirit contractor, Claire could certainly tell its authenticity. 

".....It seems to be the real thing. But, why would the academy director call a man here?"

"Well, for that you have to ask Greyworth, that old hag. It was troublesome for me, too."

"That... that old hag!?"

Instantly, Claire's face stiffened.

The Dusk Witch, Greyworth is greatly respected by the princess maidens who aim to become spirit knights. It was said that her popularity in the Ordesia Empire is neck and neck with the Strongest Sword Dancer Ren Ashbell. Even after a decade since she retired from the squad of the Twelve Knight Generals, the most elite force of the Spirit Knights known as the «Numbers», her legendary name as a witch is still being feared and revered to the highest degree. 

''Well, for me, she is nothing but a nightmare....''

Tucking away the letter in his pocket, Kamito shrugged his shoulders.

"Greyworth is an old acquaintance of mine. I came all the way here, but the academy ground is very large, so I have lost my way."

Areishia Spirit Academy ground is incredibly vast. After all, beside the academic town at the foot of the hill, it also includes the entire spirit forest that spreads around it.

"Could it be, that you were misled by the spirits in the forest. That's so lame."

".....Yeah, that's how it is."

Claire chuckled, while Kamito nodded, feeling a bit dejected.

Existing in various locations of the continent, the spirit forests are connected with Astral Zero through the GATE, and are inhabited by the spirits that have gone astray into this world. Most of the spirits have no interest in humankind so they are harmless. But there are also spirits who enjoy playing pranks, and they deliberately mislead the travelers who stray into the forest. As he was guided by the spirits' whispers and went deeper and deeper into the forest, he must have lost the way to the academy.

"Anyway, I'm really glad that I met a person. It is not very appealing to become a victim of the forest. From here onwards, which direction should I follow to get to the academy?"

"Which direction.....for your own information, I shall tell you, that it takes two hours to get to the academy from here on foot."

"What, that far!?"

If he was to walk for such a long distance, most likely he would be once again tricked by the spirits. Since a student of the academy was here, he had thought that the academy was much nearer than it was. 

''.....hmm? Why was this girl taking a bath at this kind of place?''

A plain question suddenly arises. Today is indeed a bit hot, nonetheless instead of coming all the way here, there should be showering facilities inside of the academy no matter what. Anyhow there are only girls in the school, there is nothing to be embarrassed about.

Being asked, Claire dug her hands into her wet twin tail hair and tried to comb it.

"I was here for the purification ritual for a spirit contract. Being a spring next to a shrine, the water here has the highest holy quality. Do you at least know that spirits like a woman which has a pure mind and body?"

"Spirit contract?"

The moment he heard those words, a throbbing pain came from the back of his left hand covered in leather gloves. Kamito grimaced from the burning sharp pain.

"A bit further from here, there is an ancient holy sword in a historical shrine. Rumor has it that a powerful «sealed spirit» is inhabited there. Since the founding of the academy, not a single princess maiden has successfully formed a contract with it. It surely sounds like a very proud spirit."

Sealed spirits – are not the spirits that reside in Astral Zero.

Among the spirits, there are those who were sealed into weapons or armors by powerful ancient spirit contractors. Most of them have brought about terrible disasters to the humans, and are dreadful beings called Djinn or Ifrit by ancient societies. 

Of course, they are not meant to be employed by the human spirit contractors. For that purpose, the ancient great spirit contractors sealed them in weapons or armor so that they will never be summoned again.

"You, do you plan to form a contract with a sealed spirit?"

"That's right! Do you have a problem with it?"

"Stop, it's too dangerous."

"Hmm, you seem to know it quite well, even though you are not a spirit contractor. I'm quite aware of the danger, but I need a powerful spirit no matter what."

Claire muttered, biting her tightly closed lips.

Seeing her serious facial expression, Kamito involuntarily shut his mouth.

"But, don't you already have a contract with the flame spirit from earlier? That is also a quite powerful spirit, won't it be fine if you raise it up?"

For its attribute, a flame spirit is not very rare. But, there are only a handful of spirit contractors who can control a spirit of such rank and even capable of «elemental waffe» in the whole empire. Besides, spirit contractors that have formed a contract with multiple spirits are so rare that they are almost nonexistent. Discordance between the spirits can cause deterioration of the balance of divine power. Without enough talent one can't control them.

"«Scarlet» is an important partner. But-"

I need more power— Claire calmly shook her head.

"I have a goal. To achieve it, I must have a strong spirit."

=== Part 3 ===

Chasing the back of Claire on which her fluffy crimson twin tails swung, Kamito followed her inside the forest. Although Claire's leather loafers looked quite difficult to walk in, Claire was a well trained spirit contractor after all, and her steps were light and frivolous.

"Here."

Then, suddenly her well proportioned feet stopped walking.

With her hands on her hips, she looked back with a half eye glare towards Kamito.

"Why are you following me? You pervert peeping maniac. "

"Without you, I don't know the way towards the academy. As I have said several times, I am not a pervert peeping maniac. It's Kamito, Kazehaya Kamito."

"Fufu, what a weird name. Kuina's origin?"

Kuina is an empire in the eastern region of the continent. It is said that its language, culture and the relationship of people with spirits largely differed from Ordeshia.

"No, it's not from Kuina. I was born in a far remote island minority group village."

Kamito intentionally obscured his own statement. Certainly, he was born in an island country in the east, but the larger half of his childhood life wasn't spent there.

"Your name also has quite a rare taste, Claire Rouge."

"Don't call my name in a friendly manner. Anyway it's a strange name."

"Really? But, I consider it a nice name."

"Wha-What are you saying, stu-stupid!"

Claire's face blushed, then she suddenly changed back to her former direction, and briskly walked faster than usual.

Claire Rouge —— obviously a pseudonym.

Most of the students attending the Areishia spirit academy are surely young ladies of noble families who have been trained as spirit contractors since childhood. But Kamito has never heard of the Rouge residence. For hiding a noble family name, she must have some reason for it, but Kamito had no intention to delve more.

''.....Everyone has some secrets they want to hide.''

Kamito glanced in the direction of his left hand covered by a leather glove.

''Even I have mine, too -''

Claire kept advancing steadily. Kamito hastily chased after her back where the twin tail were swaying. Now, losing sight of Claire inside the forest will bring only trouble for him. Kamito was well aware of the dangers of spending one night inside the «Spirit Forest».

"Is that dress the academy's uniform?"

"Yeah."

Claire nodded in a cold manner while walking.

Areishia Spirit Academy uniform are pretty sturdy and also serve as a protective garment, which have undergone spirit's blessing, and it has the effect of raising the sacred attributes. It could also function nicely as a high ceremonial dress for contracting with spirits.

"What, are you saying that it doesn't suit me?"

"No, it suits you gorgeously. Honestly speaking, I am charmed."

Kamito shrugged his shoulder, and then answered honestly. Fine feathers make fine birds, Kamito planned to mock her with some caustic words, but it did fit her so perfectly that Kamito couldn't help but to compliment her.

"Wha-What-What are you saying!? Aren't you an idiot!"

<nowiki>*</nowiki>Kaatsu* Claire blushed in deep red, while *Pyun-Pyun* waving her whip.

"Uwahh, Calm down!"

"Wasn't it because you said some weird thing?"

"Me saying a weird thing?, I simply speak the truth - *in pain*, I got it, I got it, please stop waving your whip for every little thing."

''....phew, I need her as a guide, but what a bothersome princess.''

Dodging the whip which was swung downward at a paper thin distance, Kamito sighed in his mind.

The shrine that held the holy blade stood quietly in a clearing in the forest.

Claire easily removed the entry forbidding ward, then stopped her steps, and turned to Kamito.

"From here onwards, it will be really dangerous, so, as a commoner you should stay away."

"If you know that it's dangerous, why not stop?"

"As I am saying, ''I need to have a strong spirit''."

Claire calmly shook her head, and stepped into the shrine.

Disregarding her warnings, Kamito followed her. As for coming all the way, it was true that he needed a guide, but more importantly he was just worried about Claire.

After all, "sealed spirits" were strong and at the same time have a wild nature. They prefer destruction and chaos; given the chance they would even murder the spirit contractor that employs them.

They are not something that can be managed by humans— that is why they have been sealed.

Sixteen years of age, with such an innate talent of wielding a spirit, Claire might as well be called a prodigy. However, if by any chance, she was to release a sealed spirit and fail to control it, what would happen?

Although she was just a girl he met by chance, Kamito couldn't leave her alone.

"Why did you follow me? I can't guarantee what will happen to you."

"Don't you have the absolute confidence to tame it?"

"Of-Of course I do!"

"Then there's no problem if I come along. "

Kamito shrugged his shoulder and Claire turned away from him.

"....Suit yourself."

Inside the shrine is a dark gloomy misty atmosphere. Claire frowned slightly at the moldy smells mingling in the air.

"......Flames, let there be light."

A tiny fire ball immediately started to glow from Claire's fingertips, a basic spirit spell drawing on the power of Flame Spirit. The flickering light of the fire ball dimly illuminated the walls of the shrine which looked like a stalactites cavern.

The sword was at the innermost of the shrine.

"That..... is the sword that the sealed spirit resides in?"

Kamito muttered, while Claire nodded quietly.

A naked sword was stabbed standing in a huge stone. Although without doubt it was an antique of hundreds of years old, it had no rust on its body or dent on its edge. Delicate ancient runes were engraved on its belly, radiating a dimly blue light.

"Existing here even before the academy was found, «The Sacred Sword of Severian»."

"The Sacred Sword of Severian? The one that slayed Demon King Solomon?"

Demon King Solomon— commanding seventy two powerful spirits, brought chaos and destruction to the continent, and '''the only male spirit contractor in history'''.

It was said that the one that slayed the demon king was the sword of Severian.

"Idiot, there's no way that's the real thing."

Claire stated like she was amazed.

"Sacred Sword of Severian stabbed into a stone can be found everywhere in the empire. Some remote villages even have one for the revitalization of the village. Anyhow, even if it is not the real deal, since it is a rune sword, there might be a powerful spirit sealed in itself."

".....Indeed. Certainly, the real thing would not be in such a place..."

Claire walked towards the sword determinedly.

"Hey...."

"You stay back."

Gesturing to Kamito who was coming close, Claire clenched the hilt of the holy blade.

"Don't strain yourself."

"....Got it."

Kamito decided to watch over Claire at the edge where the light barely reached. The sealed spirit might be provoked by the presence of other people. A heavy silence filled the surroundings.

".....Let's do this, Claire Rouge."

Breathing deeply, Claire murmured to herself. Her voice trembled a bit; it seemed that she was nervous after all.

<center>''"—Oh Noble Spirit Sealed in Ancient Holy Sword!"''</center>

<center>''"—Thou Shall Accept Me As Thy Master, And I Shall Be Thy Sheath!"''</center>

From her cherry red lips flew a fluent incantation for contract ritual in spirit language. Her crimson hair stood on its ends. A crashing wind started to swirl inside the shrine.

Holding his breath, Kamito watched her intensely. Once the contracts had been exchanged and the spirit recognized Claire as its master, a spirit seal would be engraved somewhere on her body. The contract vows entered its conclusion. In this moment, a dreadful gust of wind swept inside the shrine.

"......eh?"

But, Claire was unfazed. She calmly recited her contract vow.

—And, dazzling light radiated from Severian's holy blade in her hand.

''I can't....believe it, She was exchanging a contract with the sealed spirit!?''

Preventing being swept by the wind, astonished Kamito raised his voice.

From the holy blade stabbed in the stone came overwhelming tremendous divine energy. If it was an average spirit contractor, she would have already passed out.

<center>''"—Thrice I Command Thee, Exchange Vows With Me!"''</center>

And, Claire's vow reverberated inside the shrine— in that instant.

<nowiki>*</nowiki>Clink!*

"Pulled-Pulled out. I pulled it out."

".....What, seriously!?"

Brandishing overhead the sword pulled out from the stone, Claire exclaimed with joy. In the next second—

The ancient runes engraved in its blade suddenly shone violently!

"......huh!?"

Claire involuntarily released the blade from her hand—

The holy blade thrust into the ground. With a flash, it blasted into bits.

"Kyaaaaah!"

A short shriek flew, then Claire collapsed onto the ground.

"Hey, are you okay!"

Kamito quickly ran towards Claire.

"Wha-What? What exactly has...."

Claire held her temple and got up, then looked around restlessly.

"My-My sealed spirit?"

"No, I....can sense something terrible."

Sweat was flowing intensely from the back of Kamito's neck. Wearing a terrified facial expression, he looked up at the shrine's ceiling. In that place, '''swinging while floating in the air was the blade'''.

It's not the shattered holy sword. But, it was a rough steel blade that looked very sharp.

"Is that.....the sealed spirit in the sword!?"

"So it was of the «sword spirit» class. Looks like it is rather irritated."

"How do you know so much? You are not even a spirit contractor!"

"It is plain to see. No matter how you look at it, that doesn't seem to be someone who pledges his allegiance to his master."

".....Umm, indeed so."

Claire meekly nodded uncharacteristically.

The floating sword slanted pointing its tip in a downward direction, suddenly it become motionless.

Then—

".....Get down!"

Kamito in that instant, pushed Claire down to the ground. A buzzing sound of an insect grazed the ear, in a flash it went far away.

"Wai-Waa-Wait, where are you touching me, I'll turn you into cinders!"

With her face deeply red, Claire beat on Kamito's chest repeatedly.

"Idiot, stop rampaging!"

Kamito quickly moved his body away, and looked in the direction that the sword spirit had flown to.

Fragments of rocks fell down with clattering sounds. The shrine's ceiling was completely sliced off cleanly.

"It is remarkable to release a spirit of such rank—"

Kamito glared with half opened eye towards Claire.

"...... but the spirit has completely gone berserk."

"Shu-Shut up. The-The taming of it starts now."

"YOU...."

Kamito was stupefied, but he was in no situation to quarrel with her.

The spirit sword released a chattering noise while approaching them. Inside the shrine, they couldn't move freely, and even their range of sight was restricted.

Kamito grabbed Claire's hand and stood up. Touching each others' soft skin, *Doki* a heart beat, but he showed no vexed expression 

"Hwaah."

"Stopping making a cute reaction at every little thing. Let's flee."

"Wha.. whaa. whatt.. Cute.. what, me? Kyaa!"

"Let's run outside!"

Pulling Claire's hand, while running towards the direction of the shrine's exit that was basking with sunshine.

The spirit sword did not immediately chase after them. Maybe as of now it has not yet completely awakened. With this opportunity they might be able to run away.

The moment they were out of the shrine, the flash of the sword grazed in front of his eyes. Kamito's forelocks fell while dancing in the air. The spirit sword let out a tremendous roar, decisively knocking down the surrounding trees in succession.

"Crazy, what a wild spirit, just like a certain princess."

"Alwa-Always, you're noisy..."

Feeling slightly awkward, and Claire deliberately coughed, then stood up.

"What a rebellious child.....I'll give you a proper spanking."

Her pair of crimson eyes were burning with a fierce determination; somehow she said some lines of provocation. Rolling up the fringe of her skirt, she then took out the leather whip which was coiled in her thigh, hitting it hard in the ground. Kamito's heart beat for the brief sight of her white underwear, but he said -

"Are you insane!? Your opponent is a high rank sealed spirit!"

"Easy victory. Amateurs like you please stay back!"

"Where are you getting all of your confidence? Whatever, let's run away!"

Claire shook off Kamito's hand that was grabbing her wrist.

"No, you escape yourself. I will absolutely make this spirit mine."

"You, for what reason— do you need a strong spirit that badly?"

".....You will never understand."

At the same time Clair averted her eyes.

"I need...power, I need an unbeatable powerful spirit that will not lose to any other spirit!"

<center>''"—Guardian of the crimson blaze, keeper of undying hearth!"''</center>

<center>''"—Now's the time to abide by the blood contract, come forth and do my bidding!"''</center>

Claire recited the summoning spell of her "Flame Spirit". A crimson flame surged and she was engulfed by intense heat.

"The hunting begins, Scarlet!"

Together with scorching flame – a Scarlet Red Hell Cat appeared. Instead of fur, it was blazing scarlet red colored flame that was wrapped around the beast's body.

''Is that the real form of her flame spirit!?''

Indeed, she was not all talk.

To be manifested in beast form is proof that it is a high rank spirit. "Scarlet" might just be a name of affection, perhaps it was not the true name of the spirit. Without doubt it is a high rank spirit that carries a true name. 

Claire wielded her whip, and the hell cat growled with a frightful roar, then rushed towards the sword spirit. Dancing sparks scattered. The atmosphere trembled at the roar of the beast. The floating spirit sword went against them, cutting all the trees in its way.

"Scarlet, go get it!"

In response to Claire's shout, the hell cat leaped. High above the floating sword it went, and sharp blazing claws swung down at the sword. With a high pitched shrill sound, intense sparks sprinkled down, and the spirit sword dropped to the ground.

Claire ran at the same time. It was not a fatal hit. The spirit sword rose and flew in a split second, rolling over while drawing an arc in the air.

The flame spirit chased after it, trying not to lose it from its hands. Roaring loudly, it made a great leap again.

Violent sparks scattered once again. Claire struck hard at the ground with her leather whip, slowly pressing forward against the sword spirit. It looked like the leather whip was not meant for battle, rather for signaling instructions to the spirit.

At the fierce attacks of Scarlet, the spirit sword's movement stopped— At this instant,

"Eat this, '''Searing Fire Ball'''!"

Clair released a huge fire ball from her palm.

Fire Ball is a high level spirit magic which uses ultra hot flames and can terribly burn up any of its target, leaving it traceless. The spirit magic's power is determined by the spirit contractor's own divine spiritual energy and the contracted spirit's strength as a whole.

The released fire ball drew an arch in the air, then exploded in a blast that even Scarlet was caught in. The shock wave of the explosion knocked down the trees in the surroundings and fallen tree trunks radiated from the explosion center.

''What terrible power......''

Shielding himself from the flying stones coming at his head, Kamito wrapped his tongue and marveled.

Such power was nothing like what a sixteen years old girl is capable of.

Inside the swirling fire the hell cat's figure showed up. Naturally, the hell cat can't possibly be harmed by the blazing fire because of its fire nature.

The spirit sword floated motionlessly in the air. It seemed that it had not received any damage either. Naturally, Claire didn't think that she would bring down a high rank spirit with spirit magic. But she should be able to get its attention.

"Scarlet!"

Claire exclaimed. The flame spirit's claws attacked the spirit sword again. Its scourging hot claws could melt the iron steel. If its opponent was an average spirit, it would be instantly eradicated. But, the spirit sword quickly turned around, and the attack was stopped by the steel edge of the blade.

In an instant, the strange sound of metal scratching each other reverberated in the trembling atmosphere.

"Wh...What?...."

Kamito suppressed both his ears with his hands.

Receiving the full impact of the sound, Claire's face distorted from pain and she crouched down there.

The spirit sword released a weird sound - and then, transformed. Its shape changed from an average long sword to that of a huge bastard sword.

In a flash.

"What!?"

Claire's flame spirit took the unexpected strike and couldn't avoid the big swing. The body was severed into two, and it vanished into the void together with the flames wrapped around its body.

With only one hit, it had lost the strength to manifest in this world.

''....Damn! Isn't it in a completely different league? It seemed that it has completely awakened.''

Kamito cursed, then took a glance at Claire -

Claire had collapsed on the ground, and her stunned blank eyes were fixed upward at the void where the flame spirit had disappeared.

Having finished off the flame spirit in one swing, the spirit sword aimed its next attack at Claire. 

The huge bastard sword flew with a bursting sound -

"Claire!"

Kamito shouted, and started to run. Without reason, his own body just moved before he knew it.

"Aaaaaaaaaaaaaaah!"

Diving in front of Claire, he thrust his palm toward the bastard sword. Not his left hand enclosed by the leather glove – it was his right hand.

''......No choice but to do this!''

<center>''"—Oh Noble Spirit Sealed in Ancient Holy Sword!"''</center>

<center>''"—Thou Shall Accept Me As Thy Master, And I Shall Be Thy Sheath!"''</center>

Sweat rushed down from his forehead, he started to recite the incantation for spirit contract ''that he had sworn to never utter again''. The spinning tip of the sword pierced the skin of his palm. Red blood gushed intensely from it.

''.....Gwaah, Gah!''

Crushing amounts of divine energy knocked on him, the soil and sands surrounding them were whirling up from the wind pressure. He almost lost his consciousness from the sharp pain. But if Kamito fainted here, Claire who was behind him would surely be cut in half.

<center>''"—Thrice I Command Thee!"''</center>

".....No way, a Spirit Contract!?"

A surprised sound came from Claire's throat.

Kamito's heels sank into the ground. And, the sound of his breaking bones resounded underneath his scalp.

<center>''"—Exchange Vows With Me!"''</center>

Withstanding the terrible sharp pain, Kamito finished his last word of the contract ritual.

Instantly, the body of the spirit sword radiated a pale blue light.

''What!?''

Intense flashes and thunderous sounds filled his consciousness.

=== Part 4 ===

He opened his eyes, and Claire Rouge's face was there. Hanging lower onto his face was her twin tailed hair tickling his face.

It seemed that she shouted something, but he couldn't hear it clearly. Probably the sound blast had messed up his ears.

''.....Looks like I'm alive.''

Wearily lying on the ground, Kamito let out a breath of relief. The chance of success against a spirit of such rank was very low, but it looked like his gamble had paid off.

Raising his eyebrow, he grimaced from the torment of pain from all of his body and raised his right hand slowly.

In his right hand which was stabbed -

Instead of a wound, an emblem of two swords crossing each other was engraved on it.

It was the proof of the spirit contract - The spirit seal.

''Aah, I did it....''

Staring at the carved seal on the back of his hand, Kamito murmured.

A sharp sense of guilt bit his heart.

He had broken the promise with ''her''—

But, to save Claire under such a situation, that was the only method.

Claire noticed that Kamito had woken up, with her hands in his nape and her face approaching him. So close that he could feel her breath. With her clear crimson eyes, she stared at Kamito. Her cherry colored lips weakly trembled.

"......Why?"

"'''Why? You're a male. How can you contract a spirit!?'''"

"......"

Kamito did not answer and slowly rose up. Being ignored, the annoyed Claire raised her eyebrows.

"My-My sword spirit!?"

"My bad. Just a moment ago, I contracted with it."

Kamito sighed and at the same time he showed her the back of his right hand where the spirit seal was engraved.

"Wha-Whaa-Wha-Whaaaat!"

Claire wore a stunned expression with her mouth wide open.

''Well, a natural reaction....''

A long sigh— Kamito felt a faint ache in his heart. Of course, he could clearly understand such a response. Originally, a privilege that was granted to no one except pure maidens— the spirit contract.

The existence of a man which could contract a spirit, throughout the history, belonged solely to one person. And the one who brought chaos and destruction in the world, the so called Demon King spirit contractor.

It is natural to fear him, who carried the same power of spirit contracts as the Demon King.

Kamito stood up and quietly turned around.

He did not regret it. To save the girl, this was the only way he could think of.

"Wait, wait I say!"

Kamito was about to leave, but a voice called him from the back.

Turning around, he saw that Claire with her hands on her hips intensely glared at him.

"You stole...my spirit...take responsibility for it!"

"Huh?"

Kamito frowned. ....It didn't make any sense to him.

At such a reaction from Kamito, Claire impatiently brushed her twin tail.

"I should have been the one who had obtained that spirit, as I am saying, you have to take responsibility for it."

"Re..sponsibility?"

Because of that unexpected word, Kamito had become even more confused.<ref>Normally while using the Japanese language, when a girl tells a guy to take responsibility it carries the implication of marriage. Hence Kamito's confusion.</ref>

....What was the girl saying.

"Therefore...."

Claire snapped her whip, then she pointed her index finger toward Kamito.

"You have to become my contracted spirit!"

<noinclude>

==References and Translation Notes==
<references />

{{SeireiDance Nav|prev=Seirei Tsukai no Blade Dance:Volume1 Illustrations|next=Seirei Tsukai no Blade Dance:Volume1 Chapter2}}</noinclude>

Seirei Tsukai no Blade Dance:Volume1 Chapter1

2012-10-03T07:26:39Z

Roxcrosser: /* Part 2 */

==Chapter 1: You Are My Contracted Spirit==

=== Part 1 ===

In a quiet forest where the sun rays were shining through leaves.

<nowiki>*</nowiki>Paa—*

Suddenly, the rippling sound of water resounded in the air.

Kamito, he— opened his mouth wide and just stood there.

A girl...In front of his eyes was a fully naked girl.

She was cute, extraordinarily cute. Her eyes were big and red like rubies, her cherry-red lips were wet and lustrous, her dazzling white flesh was as silky as milk, and on the surface of the water, her beautiful legs were slender and fine. Also, what caught his eyes more than anything was—

The hair that clings on her gorgeous fine glass work like body, crimson red like burning fire.

Of course, she was naked. Stark naked.

"......"

Kamito felt cold sweat on his back.

Not good.

It's really not good that she has been seen naked.

......I should really run away quickly. Even though he gave that rational advice to himself, his body wouldn't move. Actually, he was ''charmed''. The scene was so surreal that Kamito felt a bit detached from reality.

And at that time, the girl—

[[Image:STnBD V01 013.jpg|thumb]]

Her moist and beautiful eyes blinked, having found the unexpected intruder.
Staring blankly, she seemed yet to have fully grasped the situation.
She didn't even try to cover her still developing small breasts.

<nowiki>*</nowiki>Tick.*

The water drops fell from the young girl's bangs. Kamito's consciousness came back at the sound of the water.

"Ah-that......"

Kamito coughed once, and removed his glance from the naked girl who was standing motionlessly.

"How can I say it......it looks like an accident, right? It is an unfortunate accident for both of us..."

At that time, Kamito made two fatal errors. The first, of course, was that he started to make futile explanations. The best choice was to take advantage of the fact that the girl was dazed, and run away from the trouble immediately.

And the other error was—

"Even though it was an accident, I have seen you in such a situation. Sorry, my apologies."

Until here it was still fine, but the last part......

"Though, don't worry. I'm still a healthy boy, so I don't have ''that kind of interest''. I......"

Looking at the young girl's ''still developing small chest''—

"I have no interest towards a kid's body."

Looks like he stepped on a gigantic landmine.

"......"

A frozen silence fell.

Silently, the girl raised her arm with red hair coiled around. Her shoulders were slightly shaking. However the reason wasn't because of the cold, but Kamito was oblivious to that fact.

"Sixteen—"

"Eh?"

The girl's delicate lips were mumbling something, and Kamito lifted his eyebrows.

"I-I-I AM ALREADY SIXTEEN-YEARS OLD!!!"

At the instant when she screamed that out, the young girl's red hair stood on end.

"Huuh!?"

As Kamito opened his eyes wide in surprise—

"Sixteen!? For real? How can you have such a pitiful chest—"

He quickly covered his mouth. But it was already too late.

"......Unforgivable."

The young girl said that in a low, cold voice.

"D-Definitely unforgivable......you-you-you-you peeping demon, pervert, lewd beast!"

"You know it well, words like lewd beast."

Kamito said that in a low voice with narrowed eyes.

"Hn?"

......At that time, he noted that the forest's trees were making a low whisper-like rustle.

''Is that the wind? No, that's—''

<center>''"—Guardian of the crimson blaze, keeper of undying hearth!"''</center>

<center>''"—Now's the time to abide by the blood contract, come forth and do my bidding!"''</center>

From the young girl's cute lips came a smooth incantation in spirit language. At that instant, accompanied by the sound of an air blast, a '''whip of flames''' appeared in the hand of the girl.

''.....a spirit contractor!''

Kamito shouted in his head.

Spirit contractor— another dimensional layer of this world, the «Astral Zero».

Princess maidens that have signed a contract with a fierce spirit from that place are called «spirit contractors».

Spirit contractors can use different types of spirits, wielding their powers as their wish.

It seemed that the girl in front of him had a contract with a flame type spirit.

The young girl was a spirit contractor. It isn't something to be surprised about.

After all, this is the place where the country's excellent spirit contractors are gathered together.

''.....However, surprisingly she is even capable of using elemental waffe.''

The natures of the spirits summoned into this world from the Astral Zero can roughly be divided into two types.

The first type was a base form that appeared as a lump of divine power, which was massless and had an indeterminate form. This was purely the summoning of a spirit's power, and was used as a battery for the time spirit magic was used.


There was another type, the pure state of summoning a part of the spirit's existence as it was. Because of the tremendous amount of power required and the difficulty to control it, it was said that only a tiny portion of the spirit contractors could do it to this extent.

Even so, the girl before his eyes was not just using a spirit, but could use it to the extent of using the spirit as a highly optimized elemental buff.

''.... it means that, eh? – Am I now in a life or death situation?''

As the thought suddenly hit him, Kamito was stunned.

At the place where the flame whip touched the water's surface, a gush of white steam was rising from it.

"You, you have the guts..... "

The girl murmured in a trembling voice. Her face was red. Was it due to her anger, or her embarrassment?

"Rea-Really, you have some nerve, to p-peek , while I, Claire Rouge, am taking my bath....."

"W-Wait, that's a misunderstanding! Let me explain it first!"

Kamito shook his head in panic.

"I will not listen to your excuses. Please turn into cinders, you pervert!"

The flame whip ignited furiously in the wielder's hand and was moving as if it was licking the water surface.

"Oooooh..!?"

Kamito threw his body and quickly jumped into the dense bushes nearby.


Nearly at the same time, the Flame Tongue brushed its way over his head.

The idle red residue remained on the trees, which were cut off like a complete joke. The cut surface of the tree trunks' remains were surprisingly clean, without any trace of burn. The attack was so quick that the flames didn't even have the time to ignite the trees.

The hair on Kamito's forehead was fluttering down on his mouth while cold sweat appeared on his forehead.

''.....Um, that's a joke, right? I'm not going to die like that, am I?''

<nowiki>*</nowiki>Zing*, *biyutsu* – there was like an endless dance of crimson flash cutting horizontally and vertically in the forest. The bush was mowed down in a blink of an eye and losing his place of hiding, Kamito hurriedly dashed out.

"Don't dodge, pervert, I can't hit you!"

"That's nonsense, and I'm not a pervert!"

Kamito screamed out and at the same time, the whip swung downwards on his feet, causing a violent spark to scatter. Rising from the ground, the whip immediately sprang up in the direction of the forest woods, which got ruthlessly severed.

But fortunately among all the unluckiness, the girl - Claire's aim wasn't quite accurate. After all, one hand was hiding her pitiful chest from being revealed, and in order to conceal her most important part, she squatted down in the pond. However, considering how she handled her whip in such a position, she should be normally talented at using it.

"How conceited despite being a pervert, please obediently turn into cinders!"


"I'm saying that I'm not a pervert! By the way"

Kamito stopped and turned around.

'''He pointed out something that he had noticed for some time'''.

"You, cover yourself properly. The gaps between your fingers aren't able to hide them delicately."

"......eh?"

Instantly, Claire's facial expression froze. And-

"Kyaaaaaaaaaah!"

Blushing deeply and screaming strangely in a cute voice - she quickly hid her chest with both of her hands.

"Ah, idiot!"

Kamito involuntarily exclaimed.

Claire let go and lost control of the flame whip, and it cleanly severed the trees behind her.

Slowly, the huge trees came falling down right at her.

However, Claire didn't notice it. Her eyes were closed in embarrassment as she kept embracing her naked chest.

''Damn—''

At this instant, Kamito kicked the ground.


Running with his whole strength towards the pond, he then jumped while grabbing Claire's shoulders.

"Wha-!?"

Claire's red pupils dilated widely. Kamito ignored it and aggressively pressed her down in the water. The moment Claire's hand touched the water, a gush of steam rose, and the flame whip disappeared. Immediately after, the trees nearby fell down, and giant tree trunks collapsed down on them.

<nowiki>*</nowiki>Duuuun!*

The deafening sound almost broke the ears, and magnificent large water columns rose.

Absorbing the heat of the burning flame, the warm pond water poured down like heavy rain.

.....A few seconds later.

"Um......"

Making a seductive voice, Claire slowly opened her eyes.

She had an expression of shock, and her eyes blinked in wonder.

Kamito was lying on top of Claire, and briefly he found himself staring into her eyes.

Their faces were so close that if someone was to push his back lightly, their lips would likely touch.

The crimson red hair clung closely to her nape. Her moist lips were cherry red.

Her delicate glass doll like perfect face was in front of Kamito's eyes.

For a short moment it looked like he had involuntarily fallen for her. Kamito quickly shook his head.

"......Um, are you alright? Are you hurt.."

Claire nodded. Somehow, it seemed she had not fully absorbed the situation yet.

Kamito sighed, then tried to stand up.

<nowiki>*</nowiki>Funyuu.*

His hand under the water had touched something soft.

"Hwaaah!"

''What is that? Mud?—''

<nowiki>*</nowiki>Funyu*. *Munyu*<ref>These are sounds of touching and squeezing</ref>.

"Hm, ya, hwaaa"

From her moist lips came a shallow sweet voice. Claire's submerged naked body twitched for some reason.

"Um ..this is?"

Having come this far, Kamito finally arrived at a certain conclusion. A certain......awfully frightening conclusion.

''No, wait, calm down. This can't be it... right?''

It can't be. There was no such thing. While releasing a flow of cold sweat, he desperately tried to deny such a possibility.


''When I looked at it earlier, it wasn't so...''

"Wh..Wha.. Wha..Whattt .... are..you...do..ing"

Claire's lip trembled, shaking involuntarily. She was blushing with tears in her eyes.

Apparently, it probably wasn't.....a lump of mud that he touched.

"You, PERVERT——!"

"Gwah!"

Because he got hit hard by a knee in the stomach, Kamito collapsed into the pond's water.

<nowiki>*</nowiki>Gugugugugu....!*

With rising wobbling heat haze behind her, Claire slowly stood up. Before one knows, the flame whip materialized by the flame spirit was again grasped in her hand. The water in the pond instantaneously started to boil, and bubbles began to show here and there.

"No..No, it's a misunderstanding! Wait, I'm really gonna die....."

"Sh..Shut up pervert, you will die here!"

Together with an almost ear breaking deafening sound, Kamito's body whirled highly into the air.

=== Part 2 ===

".....Um"

A few minutes later. Kamito starts to recover his consciousness, before his eyes, trees within the forest unfold.

He tried to rise—

Suddenly, he noticed something which was coiled around his neck.

It was a leather black whip for torturing. ''What is this thing...'', Kamito tried to remove it,

"Finally woke up, You Peeping Tom Pervert"

The thing on his neck tightened.

"Gweh!? Release me...."

Kamito coughed then looked upward-

Scarlet haired young girl – Claire, stood with her hands at her waist. Keeping her slim eyebrow arc raised, she gazed sharply down at Kamito.

This time she was not naked. The girl has changed into an adorable uniform. It has the pattern of black line within the pure white, Areishia Spirit Academy's uniform.

A ribbon tie decorated the front of her chest. Instead of a button, a talisman was sewn on it. Between the gap of knee sock stockings and a pleated skirt, her slender beautiful legs stuck out brilliantly. The tiny ribbons tied her blazing crimson hair on both sides. This was the so called twin tail hair style. Judging from her still wet hair, it seems that he hadn't lost consciousness for that long.

Keeping the neck of Kamito bound tightly, Claire puffed up her small chest.

"Well, be grateful. I went easy and didn't try to kill you"

"That has to be a lie. You definitely intended to kill me. "

"What are you talking about? If I was serious, you would've been cinders by now. "

..... She just said something terribly frightening in a calm manner.

By the way, cinders are the soft ash residue left from incinerated firewood.

"I beg your forgiveness to spare me from becoming cinders. After all, I helped you."

"Yeah, I'm a fair noble, I'll give you credit for that. You are of a higher grade than an average pervert, so you are a high grade pervert."

"In the end the pervert designation doesn't change. By the way, isn't a high grade pervert even worse than an average pervert?"

"Wh.. What.....pretending to help, you ...you touched, my breast!"

Recalling what happened earlier, Claire's shy face suddenly turned red.

''Hmm?''

Seeing such a reaction from her, Kamito had an idea.

.....This girl, could it be that she is that kind of person?

"So it seems, that my lady is a pervert that has a hobby of whipping men."

Kamito teased her nonchalantly -

"What!? Wr-Wro-Wrong, I'm not!"

The response was immediate as expected. Claire shook her head, and her cheeks instantly became bright red all the way to her ears.

"Then do you enjoy being whipped?"

".....m! Wha... What.. are...you..sayi..ng?"

Claire's eyes twirled, as a steam puff rose out from her head. She is surprisingly flustered.

''Oh, as I expected....''

Kamito smiled bitterly in his heart.

''This girl, is really really innocent.''

Probably, it wasn't only this girl that was special..

After all, this Areishia Spirit academy is a school building, where spirit contractor princess maidens were gathered.

Only pure maidens are capable of exchanging feelings with the spirits from Astral Zero. Among them, those who retain enough divine power so that they can command a contracted spirit, are noble girls from the family of kings or lords of ancient and honorable lineage, whose spirit contractor blood was strengthened through marriage of many generations.

To maintain the purity of their body and heart, these girls are raised in an environment that's completely separated from the males since childhood: the so called elite education for spirit contractors. Therefore, all the girls attending the academy are super boxed-in princesses who are unaccustomed to men.

Finding the unexpected weak point of the girl, Kamito had a slight desire to play a prank on her.

Keeping a kneeling position, Kamito looked up at the embarrassed bright red face of Claire.

"Wh- Then, there is something I have meant to say since earlier."

"Wh...What, you pervert!"

"I can see your panties from this angle."

"Fuwah!"

Tears began to float in her crimson eyes, Claire hastily pressed down the fringe of her skirt with both hands.

"You... You saw it?"

"Only a glance, you are unexpectedly quite daring. It has the same color as your hair."

"You... You lie! It is not red! It's white, white!" 

"So, it's white."

"......huh!?"

Realizing that she was tricked, Claire bit her lips-


"U-Uuuuuuuuuh~"

..... Somehow she started to cry.

At this sudden unexpected reaction, Kamito panicked. "No, you're the pervert, a dirty ojou-sama, who reveals the color of her own panties", he had planned to tease her more with such words..... but, as expected, he was starting to feel pitiful.

Taking the chance while Claire was still in disarray, Kamito removed the whip coiled around his neck.

"My bad, I went a bit too far with my prank. Sorry."

Kamito stood up and placed his hand on Claire's head. Claire stopped crying, and looked puzzled.

"It's my fault that I have seen your naked body while bathing, and I have .... have touched your breast as well. But those actions were not intentional. Please believe me."

"Wha-What....."

Seeing the truthfulness in Kamito's eye, Claire could not help but to avert her eyes.

"....What-What is this? If you are not a pervert, then '''why are you here?'''"

A question of matter of course. This forest was under the jurisdiction of Areishia Spirit Academy, known as the «Spirit Forest». There is no reason for the presence of a man in the academy where pure princess maidens are gathered.

Even if he was not a pervert, there was little doubt that he was someone suspicious. 

"I was, summoned here by Greyworth."

"Greyworth..... the Academy Director!?"

Claire suspiciously questioned. Indeed, it is only natural to doubt.

"I'm not lying. Look, here's the evidence."

Kamito shrugged his shoulders, and took out a letter from his burned coat's inside pocket. The letter was signed by the renowned academy director. Also, it was stamped with the emblem seal that symbolizes the five great Elemental Lords.

"Is....that, the first rank emblem seal of the empire!?"

Claire let out a voice of dismay from her lips. The first rank emblem seal is produced by sealing spirits with a special technique. It is rated as the highest among the emblem seals issued by the empire, and is said to be completely impossible to counterfeit. Of course, it is something that is rarely seen, but as a spirit contractor, Claire could certainly tell its authenticity. 

".....It seems to be the real thing. But, why would the academy director call a man here?"

"Well, for that you have to ask Greyworth, that old hag. It was troublesome for me, too."

"That... that old hag!?"

Instantly, Claire's face stiffened.

The Dusk Witch, Greyworth is greatly respected by the princess maidens who aim to become spirit knights. It was said that her popularity in the Ordesia Empire is neck and neck with the Strongest Sword Dancer Ren Ashbell. Even after a decade since she retired from the squad of the Twelve Knight Generals, the most elite force of the Spirit Knights known as the «Numbers», her legendary name as a witch is still being feared and revered to the highest degree. 

''Well, for me, she is nothing but a nightmare....''

Tucking away the letter in his pocket, Kamito shrugged his shoulders.

"Greyworth is an old acquaintance of mine. I came all the way here, but the academy ground is very large, so I have lost my way."

Areishia Spirit Academy ground is incredibly vast. After all, beside the academic town at the foot of the hill, it also includes the entire spirit forest that spreads around it.

"Could it be, that you were misled by the spirits in the forest. That's so lame."

".....Yeah, that's how it is."

Claire chuckled, while Kamito nodded, feeling a bit dejected.

Existing in various locations of the continent, the spirit forests are connected with Astral Zero through the GATE, and are inhabited by the spirits that have gone astray into this world. Most of the spirits have no interest in humankind so they are harmless. But there are also spirits who enjoy playing pranks, and they deliberately mislead the travelers who stray into the forest. As he was guided by the spirits' whispers and went deeper and deeper into the forest, he must have lost the way to the academy.

"Anyway, I'm really glad that I met a person. It is not very appealing to become a victim of the forest. From here onwards, which direction should I follow to get to the academy?"

"Which direction.....for your own information, I shall tell you, that it takes two hours to get to the academy from here on foot."

"What, that far!?"

If he was to walk for such a long distance, most likely he would be once again tricked by the spirits. Since a student of the academy was here, he had thought that the academy was much nearer than it was. 

''.....hmm? Why was this girl taking a bath at this kind of place?''

A plain question suddenly arises. Today is indeed a bit hot, nonetheless instead of coming all the way here, there should be showering facilities inside of the academy no matter what. Anyhow there are only girls in the school, there is nothing to be embarrassed about.

Being asked, Claire dug her hands into her wet twin tail hair and tried to comb it.

"I was here for the purification ritual for a spirit contract. Being a spring next to a shrine, the water here has the highest holy quality. Do you at least know that spirits like a woman which has a pure mind and body?"

"Spirit contract?"

The moment he heard those words, a throbbing pain came from the back of his left hand covered in leather gloves. Kamito grimaced from the burning sharp pain.

"A bit further from here, there is an ancient holy sword in a historical shrine. Rumor has it that a powerful «sealed spirit» is inhabited there. Since the founding of the academy, not a single princess maiden has successfully formed a contract with it. It surely sounds like a very proud spirit."

Sealed spirits – are not the spirits that reside in Astral Zero.

Among the spirits, there are those who were sealed into weapons or armors by powerful ancient spirit contractors. Most of them have brought about terrible disasters to the humans, and are dreadful beings called Djinn or Ifrit by ancient societies. 

Of course, they are not meant to be employed by the human spirit contractors. For that purpose, the ancient great spirit contractors sealed them in weapons or armor so that they will never be summoned again.

"You, do you plan to form a contract with a sealed spirit?"

"That's right! Do you have a problem with it?"

"Stop, it's too dangerous."

"Hmm, you seem to know it quite well, even though you are not a spirit contractor. I'm quite aware of the danger, but I need a powerful spirit no matter what."

Claire muttered, biting her tightly closed lips.

Seeing her serious facial expression, Kamito involuntarily shut his mouth.

"But, don't you already have a contract with the flame spirit from earlier? That is also a quite powerful spirit, won't it be fine if you raise it up?"

For its attribute, a flame spirit is not very rare. But, there are only a handful of spirit contractors who can control a spirit of such rank and even capable of «elemental waffe» in the whole empire. Besides, spirit contractors that have formed a contract with multiple spirits are so rare that they are almost nonexistent. Discordance between the spirits can cause deterioration of the balance of divine power. Without enough talent one can't control them.

"«Scarlet» is an important partner. But-"

I need more power— Claire calmly shook her head.

"I have a goal. To achieve it, I must have a strong spirit."

=== Part 3 ===

Chasing the back of Claire on which her fluffy crimson twin tails swung, Kamito followed her inside the forest. Although Claire's leather loafers looked quite difficult to walk in, Claire was a well trained spirit contractor after all, and her steps were light and frivolous.

"Here."

Then, suddenly her well proportioned feet stopped walking.

With her hands on her hips, she looked back with a half eye glare towards Kamito.

"Why are you following me? You pervert peeping maniac. "

"Without you, I don't know the way towards the academy. As I have said several times, I am not a pervert peeping maniac. It's Kamito, Kazehaya Kamito."

"Fufu, what a weird name. Kuina's origin?"

Kuina is an empire in the eastern region of the continent. It is said that its language, culture and the relationship of people with spirits largely differed from Ordeshia.

"No, it's not from Kuina. I was born in a far remote island minority group village."

Kamito intentionally obscured his own statement. Certainly, he was born in an island country in the east, but the larger half of his childhood life wasn't spent there.

"Your name also has quite a rare taste, Claire Rouge."

"Don't call my name in a friendly manner. Anyway it's a strange name."

"Really? But, I consider it a nice name."

"Wha-What are you saying, stu-stupid!"

Claire's face blushed, then she suddenly changed back to her former direction, and briskly walked faster than usual.

Claire Rouge —— obviously a pseudonym.

Most of the students attending the Areishia spirit academy are surely young ladies of noble families who have been trained as spirit contractors since childhood. But Kamito has never heard of the Rouge residence. For hiding a noble family name, she must have some reason for it, but Kamito had no intention to delve more.

''.....Everyone has some secret they want to hide.''

Kamito glanced in the direction of his left hand covered by a leather glove.

''Even I have mine, too -''

Claire kept advancing steadily. Kamito hastily chased after her back where the twin tail were swaying. Now, losing sight of Claire inside the forest will bring only trouble for him. Kamito was well aware of the dangers of spending one night inside the «Spirit Forest».

"Is that dress the academy's uniform?"

"Yeah."

Claire nodded in a cold manner while walking.

Areishia Spirit Academy uniform are pretty sturdy and also serve as a protective garment, which have undergone spirit's blessing, and it has the effect of raising the sacred attributes. It could also function nicely as a high ceremonial dress for contracting with spirits.

"What, are you saying that it doesn't suit me?"

"No, it suits you gorgeously. Honestly speaking, I am charmed."

Kamito shrugged his shoulder, and then answered it honestly. Fine feathers make fine birds, Kamito planned to mock her with some caustic words, but it did fit her so perfectly that Kamito couldn't help but to compliment her.

"Wha-What-What are you saying!? Aren't you an idiot!"

<nowiki>*</nowiki>Kaatsu* Claire blushed in deep red, while *Pyun-Pyun* waving her whip.

"Uwahh, Calm down!"

"Wasn't it because you said some weird thing?"

"Me saying a weird thing?, I simply speak the truth - *in pain*, I got it, I got it, please stop waving your whip for every little thing."

''....phew, I need her as a guide, but what a bothersome princess.''

Dodging the whip which was swung downward at a paper thin distance, Kamito sighed in his mind.

The shrine that held the holy blade stood quietly in a clearing in the forest.

Claire easily removed the entry forbidding ward, then stopped her steps, and turned to Kamito.

"From here onwards, it will be really dangerous, so, as a commoner you should stay away."

"If you know that it's dangerous, why not stop?"

"As I am saying, ''I need to have a strong spirit''."

Claire calmly shook her head, and stepped into the shrine.

Disregarding her warnings, Kamito followed her. As for coming all the way, it was true that he needed a guide, but more importantly he was just worried about Claire.

After all, "sealed spirits" were strong and at the same time have a wild nature. They prefer destruction and chaos; given the chance they would even murder the spirit contractor that employs them.

They are not something that can be managed by humans— that is why they have been sealed.

Sixteen years of age, with such an innate talent of wielding a spirit, Claire might as well be called a prodigy. However, if by any chance, she was to release a sealed spirit and fail to control it, what would happen?

Although she was just a girl he met by chance, Kamito couldn't leave her alone.

"Why did you follow me? I can't guarantee what will happen to you."

"Don't you have the absolute confidence to tame it?"

"Of-Of course I do!"

"Then there's no problem if I come along. "

Kamito shrugged his shoulder and Claire turned away from him.

"....Suit yourself."

Inside the shrine is a dark gloomy misty atmosphere. Claire frowned slightly at the moldy smells mingling inside the air.

"......Flames, let there be light."

A tiny fire ball immediately started to glow from Claire's fingertips, a basic spirit spell drawing on the power of Flame Spirit. The flickering light of the fire ball dimly illuminated the walls of the shrine which looked like a stalactites cavern.

The sword was at the innermost of the shrine.

"That..... is the sword that the sealed spirit resides in?"

Kamito muttered, while Claire nodded quietly.

A naked sword was stabbed standing in a huge stone. Although without doubt it was an antique of hundreds of years old, it had no rust on its body or dent on its edge. Delicate ancient runes were engraved on its belly, radiating a dimly blue light.

"Existing here even before the academy was found, «The Sacred Sword of Severian»."

"The Sacred Sword of Severian? The one that slayed Demon King Solomon?"

Demon King Solomon— commanding seventy two powerful spirits, brought chaos and destruction to the continent, and '''the only male spirit contractor in history'''.

It was said that the one that slayed the demon king was the sword of Severian.

"Idiot, there's no way that's the real thing."

Claire stated like she was amazed.

"Sacred Sword of Severian stabbed into a stone can be found everywhere in the empire. Some remote villages even have one for the revitalization of the village. Anyhow, even if it is not the real deal, since it is a rune sword, there might be a powerful spirit sealed in itself."

".....Indeed. Certainly, the real thing would not be in such a place..."

Claire walked towards the sword determinedly.

"Hey...."

"You stay back."

Gesturing to Kamito who was coming close, Claire clenched the hilt of the holy blade.

"Don't strain yourself."

"....Got it."

Kamito decided to watch over Claire at the edge where the light barely reached. The sealed spirit might be provoked by the presence of other people. A heavy silence filled the surroundings.

".....Let's do this, Claire Rouge."

Breathing deeply, Claire murmured to herself. Her voice trembled a bit; it seemed that she was nervous after all.

<center>''"—Oh Noble Spirit Sealed in Ancient Holy Sword!"''</center>

<center>''"—Thou Shall Accept Me As Thy Master, And I Shall Be Thy Sheath!"''</center>

From her cherry red lips flew a fluent incantation for contract ritual in spirit language. Her crimson hair stood on its ends. A crashing wind started to swirl inside the shrine.

Holding his breath, Kamito watched her intensely. Once the contracts had been exchanged and the spirit recognized Claire as its master, a spirit seal would be engraved somewhere on her body. The contract vows entered its conclusion. In this moment, a dreadful gust of wind swept inside the shrine.

"......eh?"

But, Claire was unfazed. She calmly recited her contract vow.

—And, dazzling light radiated from Severian's holy blade in her hand.

''I can't....believe it, She was exchanging a contract with the sealed spirit!?''

Preventing being swept by the wind, astonished Kamito raised his voice.

From the holy blade stabbed in the stone came overwhelming tremendous divine energy. If it was an average spirit contractor, she would have already passed out.

<center>''"—Thrice I Command Thee, Exchange Vows With Me!"''</center>

And, Claire's vow reverberated inside the shrine— in that instant.

<nowiki>*</nowiki>Clink!*

"Pulled-Pulled out. I pulled it out."

".....What, seriously!?"

Brandishing overhead the sword pulled out from the stone, Claire exclaimed with joy. In the next second—

The ancient runes engraved in its blade suddenly shone violently!

"......huh!?"

Claire involuntarily released the blade from her hand—

The holy blade thrust into the ground. With a flash, it blasted into bits.

"Kyaaaaah!"

A short shriek flew, then Claire collapsed onto the ground.

"Hey, are you okay!"

Kamito quickly ran towards Claire.

"Wha-What? What exactly has...."

Claire held her temple and got up, then looked around restlessly.

"My-My sealed spirit?"

"No, I....can sense something terrible."

Sweat was flowing intensely from the back of Kamito's neck. Wearing a terrified facial expression, he looked up at the shrine's ceiling. In that place, '''swinging while floating in the air was the blade'''.

It's not the shattered holy sword. But, it was a rough steel blade that looked very sharp.

"Is that.....the sealed spirit in the sword!?"

"So it was of the «sword spirit» class. Looks like it is rather irritated."

"How do you know so much? You are not even a spirit contractor!"

"It is plain to see. No matter how you look at it, that doesn't seem to be someone who pledges his allegiance to his master."

".....Umm, indeed so."

Claire meekly nodded uncharacteristically.

The floating sword slanted pointing its tip in a downward direction, suddenly it become motionless.

Then—

".....Get down!"

Kamito in that instant, pushed Claire down to the ground. A buzzing sound of an insect grazed the ear, in a flash it went far away.

"Wai-Waa-Wait, where are you touching me, I'll turn you into cinders!"

With her face deeply red, Claire beat on Kamito's chest repeatedly.

"Idiot, stop rampaging!"

Kamito quickly moved his body away, and looked in the direction that the sword spirit had flown to.

Fragments of rocks fell down with clattering sounds. The shrine's ceiling was completely sliced off cleanly.

"It is remarkable to release a spirit of such rank—"

Kamito glared with half opened eye towards Claire.

"...... but the spirit has completely gone berserk."

"Shu-Shut up. The-The taming of it starts now."

"YOU...."

Kamito was stupefied, but he was in no situation to quarrel with her.

The spirit sword released a chattering noise while approaching them. Inside the shrine, they couldn't move freely, and even their range of sight was restricted.

Kamito grabbed Claire's hand and stood up. Touching each others' soft skin, *Doki* a heart beat, but he showed no vexed expression 

"Hwaah."

"Stopping making a cute reaction at every little thing. Let's flee."

"Wha.. whaa. whatt.. Cute.. what, me? Kyaa!"

"Let's run outside!"

Pulling Claire's hand, while running towards the direction of the shrine's exit that was basking with sunshine.

The spirit sword did not immediately chase after them. Maybe as of now it has not yet completely awakened. With this opportunity they might be able to run away.

The moment they were out of the shrine, the flash of the sword grazed in front of his eyes. Kamito's forelocks fell while dancing in the air. The spirit sword let out a tremendous roar, decisively knocking down the surrounding trees in succession.

"Crazy, what a wild spirit, just like a certain princess."

"Alwa-Always, you're noisy..."

Feeling slightly awkward, and Claire deliberately coughed, then stood up.

"What a rebellious child.....I'll give you a proper spanking."

Her pair of crimson eyes were burning with a fierce determination; somehow she said some lines of provocation. Rolling up the fringe of her skirt, she then took out the leather whip which was coiled in her thigh, hitting it hard in the ground. Kamito's heart beat for the brief sight of her white underwear, but he said -

"Are you insane!? Your opponent is a high rank sealed spirit!"

"Easy victory. Amateurs like you please stay back!"

"Where are you getting all of your confidence? Whatever, let's run away!"

Claire shook off Kamito's hand that was grabbing her wrist.

"No, you escape yourself. I will absolutely make this spirit mine."

"You, for what reason— do you need a strong spirit that badly?"

".....You will never understand."

At the same time Clair averted her eyes.

"I need...power, I need an unbeatable powerful spirit that will not lose to any other spirit!"

<center>''"—Guardian of the crimson blaze, keeper of undying hearth!"''</center>

<center>''"—Now's the time to abide by the blood contract, come forth and do my bidding!"''</center>

Claire recited the summoning spell of her "Flame Spirit". A crimson flame surged and she was engulfed by intense heat.

"The hunting begins, Scarlet!"

Together with scorching flame – a Scarlet Red Hell Cat appeared. Instead of fur, it was blazing scarlet red colored flame that was wrapped around the beast's body.

''Is that the real form of her flame spirit!?''

Indeed, she was not all talk.

To be manifested in beast form is proof that it is a high rank spirit. "Scarlet" might just be a name of affection, perhaps it was not the true name of the spirit. Without doubt it is a high rank spirit that carries a true name. 

Claire wielded her whip, and the hell cat growled with a frightful roar, then rushed towards the sword spirit. Dancing sparks scattered. The atmosphere trembled at the roar of the beast. The floating spirit sword went against them, cutting all the trees in its way.

"Scarlet, go get it!"

In response to Claire's shout, the hell cat leaped. High above the floating sword it went, and sharp blazing claws swung down at the sword. With a high pitched shrill sound, intense sparks sprinkled down, and the spirit sword dropped to the ground.

Claire ran at the same time. It was not a fatal hit. The spirit sword rose and flew in a split second, rolling over while drawing an arc in the air.

The flame spirit chased after it, trying not to lose it from its hands. Roaring loudly, it made a great leap again.

Violent sparks scattered once again. Claire struck hard at the ground with her leather whip, slowly pressing forward against the sword spirit. It looked like the leather whip was not meant for battle, rather for signaling instructions to the spirit.

At the fierce attacks of Scarlet, the spirit sword's movement stopped— At this instant,

"Eat this, '''Searing Fire Ball'''!"

Clair released a huge fire ball from her palm.

Fire Ball is a high level spirit magic which uses ultra hot flames and can terribly burn up any of its target, leaving it traceless. The spirit magic's power is determined by the spirit contractor's own divine spiritual energy and the contracted spirit's strength as a whole.

The released fire ball drew an arch in the air, then exploded in a blast that even Scarlet was caught in. The shock wave of the explosion knocked down the trees in the surroundings and fallen tree trunks radiated from the explosion center.

''What terrible power......''

Shielding himself from the flying stones coming at his head, Kamito wrapped his tongue and marveled.

Such power was nothing like what a sixteen years old girl is capable of.

Inside the swirling fire the hell cat's figure showed up. Naturally, the hell cat can't possibly be harmed by the blazing fire because of its fire nature.

The spirit sword floated motionlessly in the air. It seemed that it had not received any damage either. Naturally, Claire didn't think that she would bring down a high rank spirit with spirit magic. But she should be able to get its attention.

"Scarlet!"

Claire exclaimed. The flame spirit's claws attacked the spirit sword again. Its scourging hot claws could melt the iron steel. If its opponent was an average spirit, it would be instantly eradicated. But, the spirit sword quickly turned around, and the attack was stopped by the steel edge of the blade.

In an instant, the strange sound of metal scratching each other reverberated in the trembling atmosphere.

"Wh...What?...."

Kamito suppressed both his ears with his hands.

Receiving the full impact of the sound, Claire's face distorted from pain and she crouched down there.

The spirit sword released a weird sound - and then, transformed. Its shape changed from an average long sword to that of a huge bastard sword.

In a flash.

"What!?"

Claire's flame spirit took the unexpected strike and couldn't avoid the big swing. The body was severed into two, and it vanished into the void together with the flames wrapped around its body.

With only one hit, it had lost the strength to manifest in this world.

''....Damn! Isn't it in a completely different league? It seemed that it has completely awakened.''

Kamito cursed, then took a glance at Claire -

Claire had collapsed on the ground, and her stunned blank eyes were fixed upward at the void where the flame spirit had disappeared.

Having finished off the flame spirit in one swing, the spirit sword aimed its next attack at Claire. 

The huge bastard sword flew with a bursting sound -

"Claire!"

Kamito shouted, and started to run. Without reason, his own body just moved before he knew it.

"Aaaaaaaaaaaaaaah!"

Diving in front of Claire, he thrust his palm toward the bastard sword. Not his left hand enclosed by the leather glove – it was his right hand.

''......No choice but to do this!''

<center>''"—Oh Noble Spirit Sealed in Ancient Holy Sword!"''</center>

<center>''"—Thou Shall Accept Me As Thy Master, And I Shall Be Thy Sheath!"''</center>

Sweat rushed down from his forehead, he started to recite the incantation for spirit contract ''that he had sworn to never utter again''. The spinning tip of the sword pierced the skin of his palm. Red blood gushed intensely from it.

''.....Gwaah, Gah!''

Crushing amounts of divine energy knocked on him, the soil and sands surrounding them were whirling up from the wind pressure. He almost lost his consciousness from the sharp pain. But if Kamito fainted here, Claire who was behind him would surely be cut in half.

<center>''"—Thrice I Command Thee!"''</center>

".....No way, a Spirit Contract!?"

A surprised sound came from Claire's throat.

Kamito's heels sank into the ground. And, the sound of his breaking bones resounded underneath his scalp.

<center>''"—Exchange Vows With Me!"''</center>

Withstanding the terrible sharp pain, Kamito finished his last word of the contract ritual.

Instantly, the body of the spirit sword radiated a pale blue light.

''What!?''

Intense flashes and thunderous sounds filled his consciousness.

=== Part 4 ===

He opened his eyes, and Claire Rouge's face was there. Hanging lower onto his face was her twin tailed hair tickling his face.

It seemed that she shouted something, but he couldn't hear it clearly. Probably the sound blast had messed up his ears.

''.....Looks like I'm alive.''

Wearily lying on the ground, Kamito let out a breath of relief. The chance of success against a spirit of such rank was very low, but it looked like his gamble had paid off.

Raising his eyebrow, he grimaced from the torment of pain from all of his body and raised his right hand slowly.

In his right hand which was stabbed -

Instead of a wound, an emblem of two swords crossing each other was engraved on it.

It was the proof of the spirit contract - The spirit seal.

''Aah, I did it....''

Staring at the carved seal on the back of his hand, Kamito murmured.

A sharp sense of guilt bit his heart.

He had broken the promise with ''her''—

But, to save Claire under such a situation, that was the only method.

Claire noticed that Kamito had woken up, with her hands in his nape and her face approaching him. So close that he could feel her breath. With her clear crimson eyes, she stared at Kamito. Her cherry colored lips weakly trembled.

"......Why?"

"'''Why? You're a male. How can you contract a spirit!?'''"

"......"

Kamito did not answer and slowly rose up. Being ignored, the annoyed Claire raised her eyebrows.

"My-My sword spirit!?"

"My bad. Just a moment ago, I contracted with it."

Kamito sighed and at the same time he showed her the back of his right hand where the spirit seal was engraved.

"Wha-Whaa-Wha-Whaaaat!"

Claire wore a stunned expression with her mouth wide open.

''Well, a natural reaction....''

A long sigh— Kamito felt a faint ache in his heart. Of course, he could clearly understand such a response. Originally, a privilege that was granted to no one except pure maidens— the spirit contract.

The existence of a man which could contract a spirit, throughout the history, belonged solely to one person. And the one who brought chaos and destruction in the world, the so called Demon King spirit contractor.

It is natural to fear him, who carried the same power of spirit contracts as the Demon King.

Kamito stood up and quietly turned around.

He did not regret it. To save the girl, this was the only way he could think of.

"Wait, wait I say!"

Kamito was about to leave, but a voice called him from the back.

Turning around, he saw that Claire with her hands on her hips intensely glared at him.

"You stole...my spirit...take responsibility for it!"

"Huh?"

Kamito frowned. ....It didn't make any sense to him.

At such a reaction from Kamito, Claire impatiently brushed her twin tail.

"I should have been the one who had obtained that spirit, as I am saying, you have to take responsibility for it."

"Re..sponsibility?"

Because of that unexpected word, Kamito had become even more confused.<ref>Normally while using the Japanese language, when a girl tells a guy to take responsibility it carries the implication of marriage. Hence Kamito's confusion.</ref>

....What was the girl saying.

"Therefore...."

Claire snapped her whip, then she pointed her index finger toward Kamito.

"You have to become my contracted spirit!"

<noinclude>

==References and Translation Notes==
<references />

{{SeireiDance Nav|prev=Seirei Tsukai no Blade Dance:Volume1 Illustrations|next=Seirei Tsukai no Blade Dance:Volume1 Chapter2}}</noinclude>