Volume 3 Chapter 20
The Holy Capitol City Eden I [Premonition of a Battle to the Death]
{General POV}
Crane Fafnir is the Kamiko of Light.
A boy who had lived in the Southern countryside as the son of a farmer, he had inherited the position of the Child of the God of Light. Up until a couple of years ago, he had been trained to become the trump card of the country.
For the first time in a while, he was back in his hometown, the Professor Country. After a couple of years he had found his way back while searching for Justa, and now had a goal to chase after. He had met some good guys who he met in the middle of his adventure, and wanted to catch up to their strength, as a fierce sense of rivalry rose up towards those he considered friends. He aimed for the top, competing with these people.
For now the trip had gone remarkably well, and Justa had tentatively joined their party.
"Ah, you are traveling to defeat the Demon King!?" (Justa)
"…I don't know if it's that exciting. At the moment we don't know what we're doing." (Haruna)
"Even I don't really know. However, since I was chosen I decided to do my best." (Crane)
"To think I would meet the rumored Kamiko of Light and his party. Before, I was always afraid I would be hunted down by the Adventurers. But now, I feel safe." (Justa)
The Holy Capitol city, Eden.
A few hours walk from Merrick, Crane and co. had finally reached this city. Like Tunto and Narcissus port it was a prosperous town, but was unique in that its every building was white while the ground beneath was filled with magic.
Even more notable was the magic leaking out from the white tower in the center of the city. The energy flowed out into the surrounding area, and the fact that this power was something that protected was something even Justa, who had no knowledge of Law magic, could clearly understand.
"Oh, Crane. What are you up to today?" Rudius asked as they walked along a crowded street. At the same time the people around them noticed Crane and waved, who he turned to smile at in passing.
This is the Holy Capitol City Eden. The safest city in the nation, where the four Cardinals[1] of the Temple of Light reside.
"Heh, aren't you popular." Haruna teased.
"Stop it-" (Crane)
He flicked Haruna's forehead.
Today Crane had a different atmosphere than usual. The rest of the party couldn't help but notice, as two of them had spent a fair amount of time with him. Even Justa, a girl they had recently met, was sensitive to such slight changes. He was laughing and talking, however, he could not hide the the sharpness in his eyes and his guarded air.
However, only Rudius knew why he was acting this way.
A few days ago, he had been warned by a wandering Oni that this city, Crane's home, would soon be threatened by the Demon King's Army.
Perhaps that demon was visiting this country because he was aware of it this. Was it truly a coincidence that they met up with Crane? As a demon he surely has some connection to the Demon King's Army, yet he had visited this country at this time, perhaps in order to support the Child of the God of Light.
Such thoughts were swirling around Rudius' head.
"Rudi?"
"Hm?…Oh, sorry."
It seems that he had stopped and fallen behind the group without noticing. As Rudius moved his gaze from the palm of his hand to ahead, he noticed his three comrades looking at him with worried expressions.
When he smiled at them like it's not a big deal, Haruna scrunched up her face and scolded him loudly. "Hmph, don't make people worried!" (Haruna)
"Your concern…yeah, it's a good thing to have in battle." (Rudius)
"Oh, what do you mean?" (Haruna)
"I'm thinking that maybe now I can be confident in leaving the back support to you." (Rudius)
"Yahoo!! Did you hear that Crane!? Did you hear it!?" (Haruna)
"Ah, that's great, Haruna." (Crane)
Even when fighting against Braument, she alone had dedicated herself to healing despite the opponent’s strength. Rudius knew how much she had contributed to that battle. As such, he no longer intends to make fun of her as an "F Rank Adventurer" like before. Of course Haruna's rank hadn't changed, but it no longer reflected her current ability.
Watching Haruna hop and dance happily, Rudius realized that she had become quite powerful. Like a whisper, He felt doubt in his own ability stir. Rudius quickly turned around and spoke as if his tongue was tripping over itself, trying not to let Crane notice how he was feeling, not realizing that Crane felt similarly. "Isn't it getting a little late? Don't you need to greet the Cardinals?" (Rudius)
"I have to wait for them to have time to meet anyway, so we'll go after I say hello to the gatekeeper. If you desperately need something, buy it…and prepare for battle." (Crane)
"How diligent, Crane." (Rudius)
"If they are going to invade my hometown…I will tear them to shreds as an example." (Crane)
He had small smile, but his eyes were deadly serious.
With Crane having such an expression, Rudius automatically felt he had to put in his all. He must not lose. So long as there was room for him to become stronger, then there was no reason for him to become discouraged.
"This F-rank Adventurer will help you before you run yourself ragged." (Rudius)
"Hey! You said you accepted me!" (Haruna)
"I'm also here. Even though I'm not as strong…" (Rudius)
"I'll lend a hand. My skills may not be as useful in a big battle, but…as long as you keep their hands occupied I can stab your enemies in the back." (Justa)
"This little girl!" (Rudius)
"Li-…I am still a ninja of the Republic! Don't be an idiot!" (Justa)
Rudius' teasing has turned to a different target. Newcomer Justa takes Haruna's place.
Thinking in the moment that they seemed to be enjoying themselves, Crane felt a little relieved.
"It'll be okay. Yeah, I'm glad everyone is here." (Crane)
There is no basis for this. He still feels like he lacks ability, yet, somehow, Crane felt like he could beat Braument now. And he would fight to make that feeling reality.
With such a decision, Crane faced forward.
Because he can believe that there is a future where he completes his mission successfully, even beyond the seemingly endless research and battles where his life will be on the line.
~ ~ ~
A few hours later. Crane and his party stood in a large, majestic room.
It was a big square room of white stone where four thick pillars rose through each of the four corners, and there was silver embroidered intricately in the luxurious carpet. Crane had visited this room many times, and even the carpet was an expensive item containing a lot of magic.
This was the place used to meet with the four Cardinals.
Originally, if you do not wait at least 3 days before your appointment, you will not be allowed in this place of worship, but it is different for the Child of the God of Light. After only waiting a few hours for the priests to prepare, he was able to gather them for a meeting.
However, even the Kamiko of Light is considered subordinate to the Cardinals. In the lower section, Crane and his companions stood upright as they faced the Cardinals. They each sat on four chairs in the upper section and faced Crane with various expressions. However, none of those expressions were negative; Reassuring, nostalgic, gentle, tender.
Crane began by greeting the Cardinals after all this time away, and introduced the new comrades he had gathered over his journey, Rudius, Haruna, and Justa.
After the pleasantries were out of the way, he decided to cut to the main topic.
"Four Cardinals. There is something we need to talk about. Would you mind if I take a little of your time?" (Crane)
"What else would this order have gathered for if not by the request of Crane…We have some time. Right, everyone?" (Kaizelhan)
Smiling with a gentle expression was an old gentleman with vibrant white hair. He is the spokesman of the Cardinals, Kaizelhan[2], and to his question the other three members nodded.
Looking at this group, it seems only like a group of old people. However, they are all considered to be the closest to the Goddess, the elite among the elite of the Professor Country. They were deeply pious individuals, and being religious himself, Crane was immensely grateful in his heart to have been raised in such an environment that they provided.
"Thank you, Cardinal Kaizelhan. Everyone, the reason why I came back to this city…is because I heard that the Demon King's Army will be invading the capitol Eden."
"…The Demon King's Army is near the Holy Capitol Eden?" (Kaizelhan)
"In fact, "Reason" of the Four Heavenly Demon Lords and the commander "Imperator" of the Demon King's Army were encountered on the Wagonless Road…please believe me." (Crane)
The four Cardinals stared at Crane who had lowered his head. By chance Kaizelhan made eye contact with Rudius, who also lowered his head. Seeing that response, Kaizelhan stroked his luxuriant white beard.
"Hmm…if that is true, it would be very important to know. However, assuming they will be attacking the entire city as a singular army…where will they come from? And is it necessary to feel threatened?" (Kaizelhan)
"About that, first, here." Crane pulled out the two colored keys he had previously obtained. Red and orange. Both are part of the seven keys needed to get into the Makai Underworld Empire.
A Cardinal adjusted the bridge of the glasses he was wearing and looked closer.
"That is?" Kaizelhan asked Crane calmly.
"According to Gurufeil, the "Power" of the Four Heavenly Demon Lords, they are keys needed for human beings to enter the 'Underworld Empire.' I must collect five others to enter, but the demons could leave from underground anywhere on the the main continents. If we are unlucky, they may even attack from the sea." (Crane)
"…I see. Then, how would you answer my second question?" (Kaizelhan)
"As for your Eminence's question on if it is necessary to feel threatened…honestly, it is hard to say. But, in addition to the strength of "Reason" of the Four Heavenly Demon Lords that all four of us struggled to fight against, there is the existence of "Imperator" that we couldn't compete with at all. Those two specifically make me uneasy." (Crane)
"An enemy that Crane 'couldn't compete with at all?'…I do not think they will invade with just those two either. If so, then the Demon King's Army is on a scale of its own…I understand what Crane is trying to say. However…currently the Cross Legion Crusaders are at a standoff at the border with the Empire. If we dispatch them to the South, then the protection of the Western side of the continent will be severely weakened." (Kaizelhan)
Kaizelhan folded his arms.
"By the way, what is the city's current strength?" (Crane)
"We can mobilize 2000 Law Masters, and 3000 armed infantry…I don't know the scale of the Demon King's Army, but I think the movement should slow down in the semi-suburbs…Unfortunately…" (Kaizelhan)
"Did something happen?" Crane asked Kaizelhan as something occurred to him.
At that time, another Cardinal, the one wearing glasses, told Crane, "Even though it is coming from Crane, its difficult to believe that 'Reason' and the commander 'Imperator' will both be coming here. In addition, it is even harder to believe that we need to be on alert from the Demon King's Army, as we have heard no reports from the frontier."
"That's…" (Crane)
"However, Crane, the reason why we're troubled is because we have always been able to trust your words. There is also the matter of the semi-sanctuary areas that we wouldn't think would fall to demons…but perhaps that isn't so." (Kaizelhan)
"Huh…?" (Crane) What exactly did he mean?
Kaizelhan answered the unspoken question, before Crane could ask. “Did you know that a large portion of the Plains of Vitality are partially sanctified?"
"Y-yes. The area of the Plains of Vitality all the way to the Southern Lake have been turned into a semi-sanctuary. This is possible because of the influence of the Four Cardinal's daily prayers in the white tower, and a few conditions met with the area."
"Ah…Thanks to that, there was
"Correct…Thanks to that, it is a scenic place with nary a magic beast….But…" (Kaizelhan)
"…What is the problem? No way…" (Crane) The signs of the Demon King's Army have already been happening….!?
"Wait, wait. It's not that big of a problem." Kaizelhan soothed Crane, who looked as if he was about to jump out of the room. But Crane still had not heard what had happened.
"We have told the guards to watch the situation carefully, and have decided to wait and see what happens…but, well…" Kaizelhan's words were hesitant. "A demon, and someone else have been battling constantly for about two days."
"……What?" (Crane)
"No one can get close to it. We don't know how many craters have appeared because of the battle now…but the main problem is that their battle has continued even inside the semi-sanctuary areas. They don't seem even to be affected by the sanctification…" (Kaizelhan)
"Um, would that demon happen to be an Oni with two twisting black horns and dressed in traditional Jappon clothing?" (Crane)
"I hadn't heard too many details in regard to the demon's appearance…but is he also a Demon Lord?" (Kaizelhan)
"No…If anything, he's an ally."
"Then, would he be fighting with someone from the Demon King's Army?"
"If he's fighting, could it possibly with a man who has blue hair and a Naginata?"
"Yes…do you know him?"
"U-um, Cardinal Kaizelhan."
Looking closely at the group, Rudius was rubbing his forehead behind the others. Haruna had a bitter smile, while Justa had a slight frown. Only the Four Cardinals had no idea what was going on.
In such a situation, Crane stepped forward and told Kaizelhan. "Those two people…will try to kill each other regardless of the Demon King's Army. I'd like to stop them, but are you sure you want me to step in?"
"I-I see." Kaizelhan was taken aback.
Crane also felt a little irritated, wondering just what those two who he were doing right now. However, he can't help but feel like either of them will not die even if they are killed.
In any case, it is unlikely that they can be stopped. Since Crane also didn't want to die, he thought it was for the best to not get involved.
Then, at that time.
The door slammed open loudly, and a soldier rushed in.
"What is it?" Kaizelhan asked the question mildly. However, all of the Cardinals felt unease at the appearance of the flustered soldier.
"It's serious!! The Demon King's Army….The Demon King's Army has appeared from the east side of the Plains of Vitality!!"
Translation Notes
I'm sorry for how slow I am, especially this time. This chapter was rather rough to translate for some reason. Please let me know if there are any errors! I was also sad it wasn't a Shuten chapter, although the second-hand embarrassment about his battle is pretty great.
The "Four Priests" seem to be important enough that I've decided to designate them as "Cardinals." This is due to their religious importance, and the fact that there are 4 of them like the cardinal directions. Especially since Haruna is technically a "priestess" as a class, this should help show a difference. Previous chapters have been fixed. Kaizelhan, カイザルハーン