Published at 20th of November 2020 09:25:20 PM
Chapter 7: 7
The prosthetic was finally complete .
I was worried about the possibility of Cleria suddenly waking up in the middle of the night in order to relieve herself, so I worked on them while under pressure all the while .
Honestly though, I wouldn’t have been able to properly build it if I didn’t manage to find a tool box which seemed to be for maintenance of the carriage . Nah, this prosthetic couldn’t have been completed if any of the important materials were missing .
I was actually quite confident about this DIY project . Though I said DIY, it was Nanom which actually designed the thing and guided me with extreme precision in order to make it .
Its overall design was quite simple and the main materials used were as follows: the suspension of the carriage, a large sized and slender metallic cup, a horse harness and a small sized jack which was taken from the tool box I found earlier .
The suspension was shaped like the く character to facilitate better shock absorption, with its tips extending out in order for it to be attached to the carriage . It wouldn’t have been possible if it were shaped any differently .
Also, the suspension’s hardness was quite impressive . It had a miraculous balance between toughness and flexibility .
Nanom couldn’t identify the exact material, but it wasn’t made of wood or metal . It was apparently a body part of some unknown creature . It was very durable, and suited to be used as suspension .
The metal cup resembled the shape of a champagne glass, and its diameter gradually widened from the bottom up to the rim . Its mouth was as wide as Cleria’s calf .
I confirmed the thickness of Cleria’s calf by zooming in on it from a distance .
I cut off the unnecessary parts – namely the stem and foot – and welded it onto the jack with my laser gun .
The angle of attachment was the key . Cleria’s body weight calculated by Nanom along with the weight of the other components would be supported by the suspension . In order to facilitate this, the く shaped suspension had to be attached vertically .
I carefully carved the tip of the suspension which would be connected to the jack into a round shape with my knife until it reached the ideal angle .
Afterwards, the prosthetic would be practically completed after securing the suspension to the jack . It could be equipped by using the belt of the harness in order to fix it onto Cleria’s leg so it doesn’t come off easily .
It was designed with the image of Cleria’s leg being inserted into the receptacle and securing it with the leather belt . Its main feature was the function of freely adjusting its height through the use of the jack .
Man I’m pooped . It’s already near dawn . While I was worrying about wether or not to wake Cleria up, she ended up coming to by herself . From now onwards, it’s a race against time .
******
When I woke up in the morning, I noticed that Alan Corinth… no, Lord Corinth was already awake . He hurriedly approached me and eagerly showed me something peculiar .
It seemed to have part of the ceremonial cup attached to it, but I don’t recognize the rest of its make . He was trying to explain its use to me by talking, but I naturally could not understand a word .
I turned numb from shock when he suddenly carried me up . I was then made to sit on the stacked up trunk cases nearby . He wrapped the remainder of my severed leg with some freshly prepared strips of cloth . I didn’t understand what he meant to accomplish by doing so .
Soon afterwards, he brought the odd contraption from before and tried to place my leg inside it . He tilted his neck and wound another layer of cloth around my leg while muttering something before placing it inside the contraption once more . He seemed satisfied this time around and started securing the part just underneath my knee onto the contraption with a leather belt .
After finishing his work, he took my right hand and made a gesture inviting me to stand up .
It can’t be?!
He grabbed both my shoulders and forcibly made me stand up . My heart fiercely throbbed inside my chest . No, it can’t possibly be?!
After looking over my entire body, he made me sit down again . He started adjusting the contraption once more while muttering . My heartbeat continued racing intensely . I still could not believe what was happening before me .
He forcibly brought me up once more and observed me . He seemed satisfied .
He carefully pulled me by the shoulders . I slowly walked forward with uneasy steps . I wasn’t used to the unfamiliar sensation, but Lord Corinth supported me . I couldn’t help but make more defined steps .
I took a step . And another . And another .
The sensation I felt when I put my weight against the contraption was somewhat strange .
I took a step . Then another . And another once more .
This can’t be happening . It feels like I’m inside a dream .
I took a step . And another . And another .
Lord Corinth let go of my shoulders and stood right next to me .
I took a step . And another . And another .
It felt like I was being led to a dance .
I took a step . And another . And another .
Lord Corinth completely let go of my hand . He then walked beside me .
I stook a step . And another . And another .
Lord Corinth stopped in place .
I started to walk around Lord Corinth on my own .
I took a step . And another . And another .
Before I knew it, I was shedding tears .
I took a step . And another . And another .
“Ah! Ahaha! This is so amazing, Lord Corinth!”
I laughed and cried at the same time .
I took a step . And another . And another .
I had already managed to walk on my own for about ten minutes . I wobbled a little when I finally stopped in place, but I managed to balance myself in the end .
“Lord Corinth! This is truly wonderful! I still cannot believe you were able to accomplish such a thing!”
Of course, Sir Corinth still could not understand my words . But the fact that I was happy reached him and he gave me a gentle smile in return .
I wanted to convey my feelings of joy to him even more, but I suddenly felt an undeniable urge .
If I did not respond, I would not be able to continue walking freely just like earlier .
But how exactly should I convey it to him? Fal had always remained by my side until yesterday, so I had always counted on her whenever this happened . I truly could not convey it to anyone else but her .
I thought for a moment and pointed towards the forest nearby . I pointed towards myself next, and pointed towards the forest once again . Will he understand my meaning?
Lord Corinth nodded and made a circle with his index finger and thumb . After gesturing for me to wait, he took up what seemed to be a wooden spear and rushed toward the forest with tremendous momentum .
After about three or four minutes, he returned and nodded towards me once more while making the same circle shape with his fingers . He had surely gone to scout out the area earlier . Lord Corinth then sat down and expressed his firm will to stay put .
I took a small toiletry bag with me and went towards the forest while blushing furiously .
******
(Nanom, Mission Complete . )
I accomplished it with an excellent + evaluation of course .
[Acknowledged . ]
******
After I relieved myself, I went back to where Lord Corinth was . He conveyed his intention to sleep soon after .
As I thought . This sort of contraption surely could not be made in just a few minutes . He had most likely made this for my sake all night . I am really humbled by this fact .
He would have slept directly on the ground, so I urged him to sleep on the blanket instead . It was one of Lord Corinth’s belongings to start with .
This man was truly an exemplary noble . He was prudent, kind hearted, possessed a keen intellect and was powerful .
Yes, he was powerful . I was still in the midst of confusion yesterday so I failed to notice, but I and Captain Antes were certainly surrounded by over ten Grayhounds before we lost consciousness . He had most likely defeated all of them by himself .
I lost both my arm and my foot yesterday due to my own carelessness . I had removed my vambraces and greaves in order to relieve myself just like earlier yesterday . I paid for that dearly by losing my limbs .
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But still, if I had vambraces and greaves equipped, my throat would have been mangled just like everyone else’s . But thinking about such things now was no use .
I couldn’t sleep well last night even after lying down . I thought about many things — the deaths of my comrades, the sacrifices I had made until now, anxiety about the undertaking I must fulfill no matter the cost, the loss of my limbs and my future as a disabled person .
I had finally found myself all alone . Who would willingly follow someone who could not even walk? I thought about such things and was not able to sleep .
However, with this new “leg”, I could still move forward . I might be disabled, but I could still do my best!
Yesterday was the worst day of my entire life . However, I was blessed to be able to encounter Lord Corinth as well . Now I owed Lord Corinth yet another favor . Even though I have not managed to thank him with anything in return yet .
I need to resume my journey immediately once Lord Corinth wakes up . I shall prepare for that accordingly .
Would Lord Corinth be willing to accompany me, I wonder…?
******
Fu~a . I honestly felt I haven’t gotten enough sleep yet, but I asked Nanom to wake me up at noon . Let’s just get up . There’s still lots of things I needed to do .
Cleria was currently in deep thought in front of a small mountain of luggage . Looks like she was sorting out her things . I would’ve wanted her to rest up more though .
I’ll take a look as well .
The four leather cases were wide open, and she was busy selecting some items from within them . When she noticed I was standing on the side, she hurriedly closed the case with women’s clothing in it . Oh c’mon . I didn’t really intend to check those out y’know . Honest .
Cleria started another gesture game with me after seemingly remembering something . Looks like she wanted to tell me about that “something” .
She took up her sword without removing it from its scabbard and swung it towards the direction the carriage travelled from yesterday . She then pointed at herself .
What?! Was she being pursued? Was Cleria actually a criminal? Like a bandit? There’s also the possibility of a war going on . I made an OK sign with my fingers .
Just how many pursuers were there? Now it was my turn to gesture around . I tried to put up my fingers one by one until I get to the correct number, but Cleria immediately stopped me .
Yeah, I get it . A group composed of ten people was forced to flee after all . It would be safe to assume that the pursuers were more than ten . Cleria made a gesture that conveyed she didn’t have any idea about their numbers .
[Please cease this inefficient process of communicating silently . ]
Nanom actually made a rare complaint . I know . Guess it’s all my fault it turned out like this huh .
I gave an OK sign with my fingers to Cleria .
Next up would be how much time we had before they catch up . I pointed towards the sun and slowly moved my outstretched finger towards the western direction . Wouldn’t it seem weird if I started talking while doing this stuff all of a sudden?
Cleria again gestured that she didn’t know .
I gave an OK sign once more .
Well, she was still busy sorting out her luggage earlier, so I don’t think those guys would be coming anytime soon at least .
Guess the gist was: I’m being chased, but I don’t know how many pursuers there are, nor when exactly they would catch up .
I actually wanted to stay here for one more day and then set off the day after, but it looks like I need to change the schedule now . We need to leave as soon as we can, considering the state of Cleria’s foot .
We need to sort out the things we need to take with us immediately .
Was there something like a bag somewhere nearby?
(Please highlight any bags or bag-like objects in the vicinity . )
I immediately saw objects highlighted in red when I scanned around . Oh, so there they are . A large shoulder-carried bag was lying around near the bonfire remains . It even looked like a bag used to store food . Speaking of which, I hadn’t managed to find any food supplies in the carriage yesterday and found it a little strange .
Jackpot! It even contained salt . And this was probably… pepper!? I found myself some treasures right off the bat .
The bag next to it contained cooking implements . There was a frying pan, a saucepan, knives, forks and a lot more . This was also a jackpot!
The other bag contained a blanket . I don’t really need this one since mine’s better . But I’ll keep it just in case .
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Other than those, there was a fancy looking shoulder bag near the fallen carriage . What’s in this? There’s not many contents . When I inspected it more closely, I found clothing articles which looked like women’s underwear neatly stacked inside it .
I turned it over to Cleria, who was busy sorting out her stuff . When she saw the contents, Cleria glared daggers at me . No, no . I really didn’t mean to, okay .
Hey, there were also bags hanging on both sides of the horse saddles . I see . Their personal belongings were probably stuffed inside them . Let’s check out their contents .
We finally managed to sort everything out after an hour or so . I touched the medical pill-like object I found yesterday and had Nanom analyze it .
I gathered everything I managed to find and had Cleria take a look at them . I gestured at her in order to ask for permission to put the supplies inside the travelling bags . Cleria nodded in agreement .
(Please check and confirm the materials and supplies, indicate all which are to be given priority and give detailed instructions regarding the exact amount suitable for carrying inside bags . I don’t want Cleria to carry any more than one or two bags . )
One bag was highlighted in blue and the necessary supplies were highlighted in red . I put them inside one after the other . And I’m done . Now for the next one .
I ended up packing one backpack and three bags worth of supplies . Each of them were practically bursting at the seams .
I had my hands full with the backpack, two bags, two blanket rolls and my rifle . Guess I’d have to throw the bags away if we encounter a situation where I would need to use my rifle .
I just noticed it earlier, but the work suit I hung on my backpack in order to let it dry was now nowhere to be found . It must’ve fallen off while I was running yesterday .
I don’t really feel like going to the trouble of picking it up .
Cleria carried the smallest shoulder bag among the three . She also kept the bag with her personal effects inside with her .
******
I managed to convey to Lord Corinth the fact that I was being pursued by using gestures . I could not afford to keep this matter to myself . This road would probably be thoroughly scouted before long . There were not many avenues of escape available to us .
I was actually afraid to divulge this matter to Lord Corinth . There was no reason for Lord Corinth, who had no particularly deep relations with me, to involve himself in my troubles . I would not blame him even if he were to express the desire to part ways .
However, even though Lord Corinth seemed startled at first, he did not look to be particularly flustered about it at all . Have I not managed to convey my matters to him properly? No, it did not seem to be the case .
Lord Corinth began to busy himself soon afterward . He seemed to be checking the supplies . He walked around the area and gathered all the supplies near the center of the clearing .
He looked satisfied after gathering most of them and gestured towards me . He was probably asking if it was alright to put the things inside some bags . When I nodded in agreement, he immediately started packing the gathered supplies inside the bags . He seemed to have picked some things to pack in advance .
All the things he put in were the ones which seemed immediately useful to us . Even I was convinced with his selection . I also tried to pick things out earlier, but all of them seemed important, so I could not decide on which to prioritise in the end . Eventually, Lord Corinth filled out his personal bag, which resembled those used by travelling merchants, and three shoulder bags with supplies .
Lord Corinth nodded towards his personal bag and two other large bags and then pointed towards himself . He then nodded towards the smallest bag and pointed towards me . I was convinced for the first time that Lord Corinth actually intended to accompany me .
Lord Corinth truly was an exemplary nobleman . I felt so ashamed that I suspected otherwise .
While he was organizing the luggage, I noticed that Lord Corinth did not possess a sword . Perhaps he lost his when he fought off the Grayhounds yesterday .
I gathered all the swords of my comrades earlier, but I could not possibly bring all of them with me . I decided to let Lord Corinth choose a sword from among them instead . I led Lord Corinth to the spot where I had gathered the swords and gestured for him to take one .
******
Cleria pulled me towards one spot where a number of swords were neatly lined up . They were probably the weapons of her late companions . She seemed to mean for me to choose one .
If I continue to use the pulse rifle and laser, their energy packs would eventually run out sooner or later . Once that happens, they’d be nothing but useless baggage . It would be nice to have an alternative weapon .
A sword, huh? How nostalgic . Naturally, this was my first time seeing a real sword . But I’ve seen plenty in a VR game .
A VR game which prominently featured swords and stuff was all the rage in the school I attended from Junior High to High School . I was also quite addicted to it back then .
The name of that game was really straightforward . It’s title was “Swordsman” . It was your standard RPG, but it also featured a robust PVP mode .
I was completely smitten with this game for four straight years . But the fad soon faded, and I ended up quitting as well .
But before I quit, I participated in a World Tournament for the game which was held on my home planet, and ended up placing 9th overall in the final rankings .
It ended up getting shown on the local news through the net, and I was regarded as a sort of hero by the boys in my school .
It might be too late to say this after spending a great deal of time and lunch money playing it, but just why did I devote so much to such a pointless pastime? But well, considering my current situation, my lunch money may have ended up being well spent after all .
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I picked a sword which somewhat resembled the one I used in the game and took a bit of distance from Cleria .
Now, how’d this go again? Let’s try to remember that tournament . I was just a 14 year old brat back then . At the time, it really felt like joining that tournament was the climax of my life .
I logged in day after day, and even installed and used an overclocking module to play; though it was eventually banned .
I tried to remember what it felt like during my gaming days and slowly brandished the sword . A~ah, now I remember . Those days filled with burning passion…
The longer I swung the sword, the more I remembered . Yeah, I managed to recall it now – the finishing move I used during that tournament .
Corinth-style Swordsmanship Final Secret Technique: Meteor Stream!
It was a blazing 24 hit combo with extreme offensive power!
But now that I think about it, just what kind of naming sense did I have back then?! And by the way, there’s absolutely nothing remotely resembling meteors present in the move . My body steadily warmed up after swinging the sword for some time .
(Please give me some support . )
I transmitted my mental images to Nanom and tried out all the basic combos used in the game . Yeah, my body’s moving well . So it was like this .
The more I repeated the combos, the better I moved . Maybe it’s due to muscle memory or something?
Let’s try out some more advanced ones then . Man, this is actually fun!
I gradually solidified the image of Meteor Stream inside my head . Now I truly remember! This was a move I practiced thousands of times . Tens of thousands of times .
When the image became complete, I performed the true Meteor Stream .
******
Lord Corinth remained in a daze for a few moments, but when he saw the swords, the look in his eyes changed . He went straight for Captain Antes’ sword .
I was impressed by Lord Corinth’s sharp sense of judgement . Captain Antes’ sword seemed normal, but it was actually a magic sword of considerable quality . I knew this because I was the one who personally bestowed it upon the Captain, but to think there was someone who could see its true value at first glance .
Lord Corinth took some distance from me, got into a stance and pulled the sword from its sheath . I could now finally witness Lord Corinth’s prowess with the sword .
At first, he just brandished the sword normally . The swings seemed simply to be for loosening his shoulders . The sword swings gradually go faster and faster . He then performed a succession of attacks . Such sharp swordsmanship!
Following that, he showed a series of unfamiliar sword techniques one after another . The techniques do not seem to be from any sword school I was familiar with . They would be hard to deal with for ones who encounter these techniques for the first time .
Five attacks in rapid succession!? Ah! What impressive moves!
Lord Corinth suddenly paused . He closed his eyes and seemed to be sharpening his concentration . I was sure he was preparing to unleash a powerful technique .
Lord Corinth slowly opened his eyes . His entire aura turned exceedingly sharp . He merely stood in place with sword in hand, but just seeing him like that was somehow terrifying . What impressive sword spirit!
In the next instant, the technique was unleashed . It was an extremely fast paced succession of attacks . And it did not comprise of only sword strokes . It also integrated martial techniques such as kicking and foot-swiping . The successive attacks continued without pause . The last move was an exceedingly sharp, practically invisible downward strike .
I was stunned to silence .
It was a sword technique akin to that of a beautiful and elegant dance . It was an element not present in any of the well known sword schools . No one who encounters it for the first time would be able to block that sword . Yes, no matter how masterful the opposing swordsman was . It was an impressive sword technique which thoroughly made me think as such .
This sword technique was definitely Lord Corinth’s trump card . And he openly allowed me to observe his technique .
For any swordsman, their strongest move equates to their very lives . Unless it was between a master and student or lord and retainer, it was something not to be revealed to just anyone . Once it was shown, it meant that the swordsman entrusted the other person with his or her life .
My chest burned hot from the trust Lord Corinth bestowed upon me . It cannot be said that I and Lord Corinth had a relationship built on mutual trust . But if a person does not learn to believe, then nothing would begin .
This was Lord Corinth’s way of declaring that he would put his complete faith in me from now on .
I shall also put my faith in Lord Corinth!
TL Note: Yep . Fal’s actually a girl . I thought it was either Miese or Mirka . Turns out they were both guys ???? And lol at Alan channeling his inner Kirito (sniggers) . Don’t you just love chuuni characters? They’re pretty hilarious if done right .
P . S . Don’t ask me why Alan is familiar with Japanese characters . Ask the author . And I changed the clamp to a jack . Since it actually was a jack tool lol . My bad folks .