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LosFra - Chapter 2 (3/3)

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Jan 22nd, 2023
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  1. ---Part 37:
  2.  
  3. Minagi: Zzz... I can't eat any more...
  4.  
  5. The night after reaching the laboratory, they all held a modest celebratory feast, and exhausted, went on to sleep like logs.
  6.  
  7. They had decided rest would be the focus of the following day, but in the morning while they were supposed to be drowsing...
  8.  
  9. Orphan: Ku-Kuuran!
  10.  
  11. Early in the morning, a flustered orphan who had gone shopping to the village stormed into the secret hideout.
  12.  
  13. And obviously, Kuuran and everyone else woke up.
  14.  
  15. Kuuran: W-What is it? What happened?
  16.  
  17. Orphan: There's so many Karaza soldiers outside! They have the ruins' entrance surrounded!!
  18.  
  19. Kuuran: Say what!?
  20.  
  21. Kuuran: They've been neglecting us no matter what until now, so why...
  22.  
  23. Akuta: If I had to guess, it's probably our fault.
  24.  
  25. He then turned his glance towards Minagi.
  26.  
  27. Kuuran: They're after Minagi nee-chan?
  28.  
  29. Akuta: People involved with Karaza came to know where she was, it's normal to think they're here to get her back.
  30.  
  31. Minagi: I am sorry, this is all my fault...
  32.  
  33. Akuta: No... We still don't know that for sure. Anyway, let's go check it out.
  34.  
  35. Minagi: U-Understood.
  36.  
  37. Akuta: It's...
  38.  
  39. Peeking their heads through the hole that served as the ruins entrance, they could see Karaza soldiers, lined up all around the pit.
  40.  
  41. And among them was a very familiar face.
  42.  
  43. Minagi: Is it... Ienaga?
  44.  
  45. Akuta: So talking to him is the quickest way to get this settled.
  46.  
  47. Along with them, Ienaga who was conversing with guards headed towards them. Ineaga, noticing them, visibly frowned.
  48.  
  49. Ienaga: You again... The princess too...
  50.  
  51. Ienaga: Princess, were you not resting in your own room?
  52.  
  53. Minagi: It was my wish to accompany them. It was a request Akuta-sama received for exploring the ruins in the context of his arbiter duties.
  54.  
  55. As Minagi continued her explanation, Ienaga turned his gaze towards Akuta and sighed.
  56.  
  57. Ienaga: That is enough, this can wait another time.
  58.  
  59. Akuta: (Hm...? He's not here to bring back Minagi?)
  60.  
  61. Akuta: What're you doing here? And with so many men...
  62.  
  63. Ienaga: You explore those ruins without knowing? Or are you only feigning your ignorance about the monsters?
  64.  
  65. Akuta: Monsters...?
  66.  
  67. Ienaga: It would seem you are truly unaware.
  68.  
  69. Ienaga: There has been a reported monster attack near these very ruins this morning.
  70.  
  71. Ienaga: It is in order to confirm these claims that I have gathered soldiers to come with me.
  72.  
  73. Akuta: Isn't that a huge exaggeration? You'll find your occasional bugs, but that's all...
  74.  
  75. An objecting shout came from behind Ienaga's back.
  76.  
  77. Moscamo: I-It was no ordinary beast!
  78.  
  79. Moscamo: It was mushy, and unlike everything I've seen before! My subordinates fell victim to this monster in order to protect me... Sob.
  80.  
  81. Moscamo: This place is the nest of unimaginable monsters!!!
  82.  
  83. Akuta: (This guy... Has he come here to put the blame on us for taking away his money source?)
  84.  
  85. Akuta: So did you find anything?
  86.  
  87. Ienaga: One of my men confirmed the monsters' existence just now.
  88.  
  89. Ienaga: Assuming this was correct, this matter requires immediate attention. Because they are the taboo monsters, tatari.
  90.  
  91. Kuuran: T-Tatari!?
  92.  
  93. Akuta: Do you know what they are, Kuuran?
  94.  
  95. Kuuran: Yes... I sometimes overheard the people scavenging the ruins talking about them.
  96.  
  97. Kuuran: They also said that if you run into one of them, you have to leave treasure and everything you're carrying behind if you want to escape alive.
  98.  
  99. Akuta: Are monsters that dangerous real?
  100.  
  101. Ienaga: Indeed, they are. Their existence itself is so loathsome, one will be afraid to even speak of them.
  102.  
  103. Ienaga: They are unaffected by blades and fire. These creatures cannot be slain, regardless of the means.
  104.  
  105. Ienaga: If they were to reach inhabited areas, the people, even a village will be swallowed whole.
  106.  
  107. Ienaga: Therefore, it is imperative it be sealed.
  108.  
  109. Akuta: Sealed?
  110.  
  111. Ienaga: These ruins... No, the entire village's area is to be sealed off immediately!!
  112.  
  113. Kuuran: W-Wait up! My friends are still in there!
  114.  
  115. Kuuran: Please at least wait for the ones still inside to leave.
  116.  
  117. Ienaga: I refuse to waste even a second! They have been already been confirmed in the upper levels of the ruins.
  118.  
  119. Ienaga: Waiting would amount to giving them a chance to escape to the surface!
  120.  
  121. Ienaga: We cannot put the lives of the many people leaving nearby in danger for the sake of saving a few.
  122.  
  123. Kuuran: But...
  124.  
  125. Ienaga: I have already talked quite enough. Princess, stand back from this place!
  126.  
  127. Guards stood in their way, and pushed them in the opposite direction from the hole.
  128.  
  129. Ienaga waited for them to be pushed back, then issued an order to his soldiers.
  130.  
  131. Ienaga We will now be filling this hole as planned!
  132.  
  133. Kuuran: I'm not letting you do that!!
  134.  
  135. Minagi: Ah...
  136.  
  137. Akuta: Kuuran!!
  138.  
  139. Kuuran slipped through the guards encircling him and dashed through the ruins' entrance.
  140.  
  141. Kuuran had disappeared, and he didn't come back...
  142.  
  143. ---Part 38:
  144.  
  145. They tried following after Kuuran, but the guards stood in their way and prevented them to do so.
  146.  
  147. Minagi: Let me go! I have to bring Kuuran back!!
  148.  
  149. Ienaga: I cannot. Do you realize your position?
  150.  
  151. Akuta: We're not telling you to give up your plan altogether. You just have to wait a little.
  152.  
  153. Ienaga: The decision has already been made. One or two more missing people will not change this fact!
  154.  
  155. Ienaga: We are close to the city near the shrine. Releasing immortal monsters would bring immeasurable casualties.
  156.  
  157. Ienaga: The lives of the hundreds must be sacrificed to save the lives of the thousands!
  158.  
  159. Minagi: Ienaga...
  160.  
  161. Ienaga: Or perhaps, do you happen to know of a way to slay monsters blades and fire do not affect?
  162.  
  163. Ienaga: Surely, you will not suggest such nonsense as to borrow Orishiro-sama's power?
  164.  
  165. Ienaga: While it is true to say that Orishiro-sama could possibly lay the tatari to rest.
  166.  
  167. Ienaga: What is the cost of a wish... Surely you must now be aware of it.
  168.  
  169. Akuta: ...
  170.  
  171. Minagi: Mother could do it, but...
  172.  
  173. Akuta said inside his head what Minagi hesitated to tell.
  174.  
  175. Akuta: (She's insane.)
  176.  
  177. Akuta: (She already burned a country to the ground. If we asked her to burn tataris, she might just reduce everything else to ashes while she's at it.)
  178.  
  179. Akuta: (We don't even know if she'll listen, and if she does, what's gonna happen. ...She's way too unreliable.)
  180.  
  181. Ienaga: Or could you possibly know of a method which could erase tataris from this world?
  182.  
  183. Akuta: Erase...
  184.  
  185. Hearing this word, he remember what he had on him. He then turned towards his crow father who was resting on his shoulder.
  186.  
  187. Akuta: There's a way...
  188.  
  189. Ienaga: Excuse me?
  190.  
  191. Akuta: There's a way to erase these immortal monsters from this world...
  192.  
  193. Ienaga: What did you say? How do you defeat these creatures!?
  194.  
  195. Akuta: We don't. We just kick them out of this world.
  196.  
  197. Akuta: Using the gate.
  198.  
  199. Ienaga Gate? ...How do you possess this knowledge!?
  200.  
  201. Akuta: I got this idea put into my head by an expert during our ruins exploration, that's all.
  202.  
  203. Akuta: There's a gate left at the bottom of the ruins. I even verified myself it still worked.
  204.  
  205. Akuta: Gates are an ancient technology to connect two faraway places, but what do you think happens when it goes out of control...?
  206.  
  207. Akuta: They'll get sent to a place that's not of this world, to Dinebokushiri.
  208.  
  209. Ienaga: What are you...
  210.  
  211. Akuta: ...Can you let me take care of this?
  212.  
  213. Minagi: Ienaga, I ask of you too. I am of the opinion that this is an opportunity to test Akuta-sama's abilities as a new arbiter.
  214.  
  215. Ienaga: ......
  216.  
  217. After a long silence, Ienaga ran out of patience and said.
  218.  
  219. Ienaga: Very well, for this case and this case alone, I agree to your plan.
  220.  
  221. Ienaga: Whatever good sealing them underground would achieve, to erase them from this world would be preferable.
  222.  
  223. Minagi: Ienaga...
  224.  
  225. Ienaga: Do not delude yourselves, this choice is for Orishiro-sama's sake.
  226.  
  227. Ienaga: I do have one condition, however, which is...
  228.  
  229. After hearing Ienaga's condition, they answered.
  230.  
  231. Akuta: Fine, that's good.
  232.  
  233. Ienaga: Needless to say, this is your plan.
  234.  
  235. Ienaga: In the case where your plan does not succeed, and any casualties were to occur, you best be ready to face the consequences.
  236.  
  237. Ienaga: Do not believe a mere slit throat will suffice to atone.
  238.  
  239. Akuta: Sure, I'm fine with that.
  240.  
  241. Akuta: Arbiter Akuta, I hereby undertake this task from Ienaga!
  242.  
  243. Minagi: Akuta-sama, let us go.
  244.  
  245. Ienaga: P-Princess? I refuse!
  246.  
  247. Minagi: This is a request for Akuta-sama, being under my jurisdiction, the responsibility falls equally upon me.
  248.  
  249. Minagi: Ienaga... I apologize for the concern I cause you, but no matter what you say... I will go regardless.
  250.  
  251. With a determined look in her eyes, Minagi fixedly glared at Ienaga.
  252.  
  253. Ienaga: Guh... Garbage, you will not be forgiven if something were to happen to the princess!
  254.  
  255. Akuta: Of course, then let's go.
  256.  
  257. Minagi: Yes, Akuta-sama.
  258.  
  259. ---Part 39:
  260.  
  261. Crow: Seriously... You didn't even ask me before deciding this.
  262.  
  263. Crow: ...Still, coming up with this plan with the gate, that's reckless even for my son.
  264.  
  265. Akuta: Didn't you say it yourself?
  266.  
  267. Akuta: If the gate goes out of control, it'll drop people in some unknowable places, like when we arrived in this world.
  268.  
  269. Minagi: Is this truly possible...?
  270.  
  271. Crow: Normally no because of the safety measures, but with the master key, you can disable them.
  272.  
  273. Crow: Though this will be a dangerous gamble, son.
  274.  
  275. Crow: If things go wrong, it could end up transporting this whole region to who knows where.
  276.  
  277. Crow: So we need to keep some control over it, the parameters have to be carefully worked out.
  278.  
  279. Crow: Besides, if it doesn't go out of control as soon as the tatari get there, they'll end up eating the gate before it can happen.
  280.  
  281. Crow: That being said, going too early could destroy the gate before they arrive.
  282.  
  283. Crow: ...It's a dangerous plan with many unknowns. If you need to reconsider, it's now or never.
  284.  
  285. Akuta: And let the kids inside die?
  286.  
  287. Crow: That's not what I'm saying... But we could wait to buy the kids enough time for them to get outside.
  288.  
  289. Akuta: (What's with him? He's strangely passive...)
  290.  
  291. Akuta: Pops, are you... not confident you can operate the gate properly?
  292.  
  293. Crow: Caw! Don't be stupid. There is nothing I cannot do.
  294.  
  295. Akuta: Okay, then I'm counting you.
  296.  
  297. Crow: Cucaw... Uum... Then it's come to this.
  298.  
  299. Crow: I'll spare you the details, but keep in mind the verification will take a little bit of time.
  300.  
  301. Akuta: Sure. First... let's go look for Kuuran.
  302.  
  303. The group first hurried towards Kuuran and the orphans' secret hideout.
  304.  
  305. They kept advancing with extreme caution and awareness.
  306.  
  307. Akuta: Though I'm not saying anything like what he described at the moment.
  308.  
  309. Minagi: Do these monsters genuinely exist? If they do, we should have encountered them during our exploration.
  310.  
  311. Akuta: Maybe Moscamo's accusations were false... but Ienaga said they confirmed their presence.
  312.  
  313. Crow: ......
  314.  
  315. The crow was the only one who kept out of their conversation, silently, he never tried speaking.
  316.  
  317. Akuta: What's wrong, pops? Are you getting cold feet now?
  318.  
  319. Crow: Absurd... For someone who driven out of a glorious era, and was swept away by time itself, what is there to be scared of anymore?
  320.  
  321. Crow: But the tatari... They likely are...
  322.  
  323. Minagi: Please, wait! Akuta-sama, this way!
  324.  
  325. He looked in the direction Minagi was pointing towards.
  326.  
  327. Akuta: ...There's something at the back of this hallway.
  328.  
  329. Akuta: (It's not a bug, not a person, it's...)
  330.  
  331. Akuta: !!
  332.  
  333. It was impossible to tell if the mass at the other side of the path was liquid or solid matter, but it did shake its body, inching closer and closer.
  334.  
  335. Minagi: I-Is this a tatari? How...
  336.  
  337. Akuta: Is that... alive?
  338.  
  339. Minagi staggered at the sight of the grotesque monster she'd never laid eyes on before.
  340.  
  341. Crow: ...It didn't work here either.
  342.  
  343. Akuta: Pops?
  344.  
  345. Crow: ......
  346.  
  347. Minagi: Ah... Please, look, there is something at the surface of the tatari...!
  348.  
  349. Akuta: ...A human face?
  350.  
  351. Tatari: A ...A a ...h!
  352.  
  353. Minagi: It's crying...
  354.  
  355. Akuta: What even is that...
  356.  
  357. Crow: ...A pitiful creature.
  358.  
  359. Crow: It's lacking intelligence. Even if it looks like it's trying to speak, it's nothing more than echo.
  360.  
  361. Minagi: Echo...?
  362.  
  363. Crow: Similar to mountain echo, but with no meaning in this case. Thinking about it would be pointless.
  364.  
  365. Akuta: ......
  366.  
  367. Tatari: Gi...i...
  368.  
  369. The tatari reacted to their presence, and began actively changing shape.
  370.  
  371. Tatari: ...em...nt...th...do...
  372.  
  373. Tatari: ...iv...wa...rate...
  374.  
  375. Tatari: ry...et...Hyaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaah!!
  376.  
  377. Minagi: ...! It's coming!
  378.  
  379. Crow: Don't let yourself be fooled, it's just echo.
  380.  
  381. Crow: Pity is lost on them, son.
  382.  
  383. Akuta: ...Yeah, got it.
  384.  
  385. ---Part 40: Kessen
  386.  
  387. ---Part 41:
  388.  
  389. Tatari: I-Igigiii...
  390.  
  391. The tatari spreading their bodies, escaped through cracks in the hallway.
  392.  
  393. Akuta: ...I got a bad feeling about that.
  394.  
  395. Minagi: They seemed to be speaking words... Was it also echo?
  396.  
  397. Crow: That's right. Actually, it's more of a behavior than echo. They use their cries to lure in prey so they can consume them.
  398.  
  399. Crow: Nothing can kill them, it's best to ignore them as much as possible. But if fighting is the only option, only focus on getting them out of the way.
  400.  
  401. Crow: Avoid doing anything pointless, we'll send them to another world later anyway.
  402.  
  403. Akuta: ...Let's look for Kuuran.
  404.  
  405. They once again started moving through the darkness.
  406.  
  407. Kuuran: Haa... Haa...
  408.  
  409. In the darkness, Kuuran was running alone.
  410.  
  411. Kuuran: (Almost... I'm almost there... Everyone...)
  412.  
  413. Kuuran: Alright, I made-
  414.  
  415. Kuuran: !?
  416.  
  417. Kuuran who had arrived at the hideout froze when he saw the door knocked down.
  418.  
  419. Kuuran: T-The door...
  420.  
  421. Kuuran: Everyone! Are you okay!?
  422.  
  423. Kuuran: ...No one's here...?
  424.  
  425. The room was empty, only supplies and other items were scattered around the floor, like the residents had to leave in a hurry.
  426.  
  427. Kuuran: They couldn't have...
  428.  
  429. What could have happened was easy to picture.
  430.  
  431. Kuuran felt a chill run down his spine.
  432.  
  433. Kuuran: H-Hey! Everyone!
  434.  
  435. Kuuran: You're hiding somewhere, huh? Right!?
  436.  
  437. But no reply came, the room stayed completely silent.
  438.  
  439. Kuuran: No way...
  440.  
  441. Kuuran: !?
  442.  
  443. A noise suddenly came from behind him. Kuuran, guessing something was there, he turned around in a flash.
  444.  
  445. Orphan: ...
  446.  
  447. Kuuran: Y-...You...
  448.  
  449. Kuuran let out a sigh of relief when he saw a familiar face.
  450.  
  451. It was a boy, the second oldest orphan after Kuuran.
  452.  
  453. Kuuran: I'm glad to see you're okay...
  454.  
  455. Orphan: ...
  456.  
  457. Kuuran: I've been calling for a while, why didn't you answer?
  458.  
  459. Orphan: ...
  460.  
  461. Kuuran: And what about the others? Where's everyone?
  462.  
  463. Orphan: ...
  464.  
  465. Kuuran: ...Hey.
  466.  
  467. Orphan: ...
  468.  
  469. After many questions, he still did not reply.
  470.  
  471. The boy simply titled his head slightly, and stared at Kuuran with hollow eyes.
  472.  
  473. Kuuran: Come on, say something!
  474.  
  475. Irritated of his silence, Kuuran extended his arm towards him.
  476.  
  477. But the next instant, the boy's body crumbled like melting wax.
  478.  
  479. Kuuran: Eh...?
  480.  
  481. Formerly a boy: A u u a a h !!
  482.  
  483. Kuuran: Waaaaah!?
  484.  
  485. The boy who had melted into thick liquid crawled around Kuuran's legs to swallow it.
  486.  
  487. Kuuran: Eh, ah... W-What...
  488.  
  489. Kuuran quickly dodged, and looked from a distance at what was a boy move while in a zigzagging manner.
  490.  
  491. Kuuran: This... c-can't be...
  492.  
  493. Tatari: ...
  494.  
  495. Seeing Kuuran as its new prey, the tatari grew in size and launched itself at him.
  496.  
  497. Kuuran: W-Waaaaaaah!
  498.  
  499. Kuuran ran out of the hideout without a glance behind him.
  500.  
  501. Kuuran: Haa... Haa... Haa...
  502.  
  503. Tatari: Aah... Ah...
  504.  
  505. This eerie sound echoed through the darkness, growing gradually louder.
  506.  
  507. Kuuran: (I-It's gonna catch up to me...)
  508.  
  509. Kuuran: (I have to hide... somewhere...)
  510.  
  511. Noticing a pipe hanging from the ceiling around a corner, Kuuran jumped at it and climbed up.
  512.  
  513. Clinging to the pipe, he stayed motionless and held his breath.
  514.  
  515. After a while, the monster slithered out of the darkness into his field of vision.
  516.  
  517. Kuuran: ...
  518.  
  519. It stopped moving exactly below Kuuran.
  520.  
  521. Tatari: ...A...Aa...
  522.  
  523. Tatari: ...An-cha...An-cha...
  524.  
  525. Kuuran: ...!
  526.  
  527. Tatari: Whereee... An-cha...aa...
  528.  
  529. The monster began moving again, disappearing deep into the ruins.
  530.  
  531. Kuuran: ...Huff... Huff...
  532.  
  533. Kuuran: Haa... Woah, there!
  534.  
  535. Kuuran slid down from the pipe he was clinging to.
  536.  
  537. As he landed, he looked in the direction the monster disappeared to.
  538.  
  539. Kuuran: Was that... a tatari? It doesn't look like what I've heard, but...
  540.  
  541. Kuuran: Is it a dead person who came from Dinebokushiri...?
  542.  
  543. Kuuran: ...
  544.  
  545. Kuuran: Everyone... They got eaten by these...
  546.  
  547. He denied the words we had just uttered instinctively.
  548.  
  549. Kuuran: That's... impossible! These kids are smart! They must be... hiding somewhere!
  550.  
  551. Kuuran: ...Everyone...
  552.  
  553. Kuuran: ...Where are you...?
  554.  
  555. In the darkness regained by silence. No one was there to answer his question.
  556.  
  557. His arms and legs trembled slightly while looking into the darkness the tatari disappeared into.
  558.  
  559. ...What lies beyond the darkness? The darkness he had grown accustomed to elicited a new kind of fear inside him.
  560.  
  561. Kuuran: Huff... Huff...
  562.  
  563. Kuuran: I can't... lose my nerve...
  564.  
  565. Kuuran: I have to save them...
  566.  
  567. On top of the ruins extending wide and deep, there was also the newly found area.
  568.  
  569. Kuuran could think of a few places where the kids could be hiding, however...
  570.  
  571. He also knew looking around with tatari roaming the ruins was reckless.
  572.  
  573. Kuuran: (I have to ask nii-chan... No, I can't, then I won't make it in time.)
  574.  
  575. Kuuran: (We'll get buried alive before then, I have to find them and get out of here before that...)
  576.  
  577. Kuuran: (...I can do it, I can. I've always managed on my own until now.)
  578.  
  579. Kuuran: (I have to do something by myself...)
  580.  
  581. Kuuran ran towards the darkness again.
  582.  
  583. ---Part 42:
  584.  
  585. Crow: This is... quite a mess.
  586.  
  587. After the tataris proved to be an obstacle in their way, they looked around the hideout as they finally reached it.
  588.  
  589. Minagi: Could everyone already be...
  590.  
  591. Akuta rebuked Minagi who was intensely shaking.
  592.  
  593. Akuta: Don't say that so carelessly. We have no proof to confirm it.
  594.  
  595. Minagi: S-Sorry, Akuta-sama. I...
  596.  
  597. Akuta: These kids know their way around these ruins like it was their own backyard. They must've escaped safely.
  598.  
  599. Akuta: (...But...)
  600.  
  601. He bent over and took a look at the ground and the hallway outside.
  602.  
  603. Akuta: (It's no use... The footprints are gone. And because of it, I can't tell in which direction they ran away...)
  604.  
  605. Crow: ...There's no point in searching blindly. Our mission is to activate the gate.
  606.  
  607. Crow: Let's head for the gate, and who knows, maybe that's where they ran to.
  608.  
  609. Akuta: ...Seems like it's our only option for now.
  610.  
  611. Akuta: Our plan will mean nothing if we don't give pops some work. Let's go to the gate.
  612.  
  613. They first followed the path leading to the gate.
  614.  
  615. And on the way, Minagi noticed something unexpected.
  616.  
  617. Minagi: Akuta-sama... What is this...?
  618.  
  619. Minagi pointed to the path that should have been blocked off.
  620.  
  621. Akuta: ...How did this happen? The barricade of piled up stuff has collapsed.
  622.  
  623. Crow: Hmm... For it to fall like it did, it must have taken a lot force coming from the other side.
  624.  
  625. Crow: I imagine these scrooges moved it away and went inside.
  626.  
  627. Akuta: ...That would mean tataris appeared at the other side and chased them...
  628.  
  629. Minagi: Which is the cause of tataris running rampant inside the ruins, or is there something I am missing?
  630.  
  631. Crow: I can only guess... but that seems to be the case.
  632.  
  633. Akuta: ...Talk about sticking your nose where it doesn't belong.
  634.  
  635. Crow: What shall we do? This way is a shortcut towards the gate, but-
  636.  
  637. Minagi: Let us go. We have no time to waste.
  638.  
  639. Akuta: I'm with her... but let's be careful. This used to be their nest, it's likely there's a bunch of them waiting in there.
  640.  
  641. The group became speechless as to the condition of the path previously beyond the blockade once they stepped foot in it.
  642.  
  643. Minagi: What is this...
  644.  
  645. Akuta: That's... awful.
  646.  
  647. The state of destruction of the rest of the ruins did not come close to this path.
  648.  
  649. What must've been the ruins' inhabitants' corpses were scattered everywhere, the hallway and the rooms where ravaged and scorched.
  650.  
  651. Which all showed proof of the tragic event that took place.
  652.  
  653. Minagi: Is this all the work of the tataris?
  654.  
  655. Akuta: I dunno, but... the battle with the tatari probably took place while the residents barricaded themselves.
  656.  
  657. Akuta: Pops, any idea about that?
  658.  
  659. Crow: ...Hm? Well, I guess that's possible...
  660.  
  661. Akuta: (...He could at least try not to sound he's hinting at something every time...)
  662.  
  663. Akuta: (I'm curious... but it'll have to wait.)
  664.  
  665. At this moment, he felt a presence at the back of the hallway.
  666.  
  667. Akuta: ...Quiet. Something's coming...
  668.  
  669. Drag... Drag...
  670.  
  671. Akuta: (Crap, tatari again... Hm?)
  672.  
  673. This tatari came to a stop while it was out of reach for them.
  674.  
  675. After a moment of silence, the surface of its body shifted, undulating gradually stronger.
  676.  
  677. Akuta: ...What's this tatari doing? Any idea, pops?
  678.  
  679. Crow: ...No, this is my first time with a tatari of this type.
  680.  
  681. Minagi: Is it... intimidation?
  682.  
  683. The tatari's form then began gradually expanding vertically.
  684.  
  685. As its movements ceased, he transformed into a different shape.
  686.  
  687. Akuta: Is that... a person's shape?
  688.  
  689. Minagi: A-Aah...
  690.  
  691. Minagi: Minagi's face paled.
  692.  
  693. Crow: I-Is this my daughter...!?
  694.  
  695. Akuta: Is it imitating Minagi?
  696.  
  697. Minagi: Nee-sama...
  698.  
  699. Akuta: ...What?
  700.  
  701. Minagi: Nee-...sama.
  702.  
  703. Akuta: Wait, Minagi!
  704.  
  705. Akuta restrained a flustered Minagi who tried coming closer to the tatari.
  706.  
  707. Minagi(Tatari): Mii... Gii...
  708.  
  709. Minagi(Tatari): Mi...nagi...
  710.  
  711. Akuta: !!
  712.  
  713. Minagi(Tatari): Minagii... WheRe...
  714.  
  715. Minagi(Tatari): Painful... Painful...
  716.  
  717. Minagi(Tatari): Not... die... n't... die...
  718.  
  719. Akuta: Is it... speaking?
  720.  
  721. Akuta: Aren't tatari supposed to be devoid of intelligence?
  722.  
  723. Crow: ...They're supposed to, or maybe this is...
  724.  
  725. What was previously a tatari continued speaking facing Minagi.
  726.  
  727. Minagi(Tatari): C...urRse... M...oo...nSter...
  728.  
  729. Minagi: !?
  730.  
  731. Mt: ...No... MonSter...
  732.  
  733. Minagi(Tatari): N...Nooooooooo!!
  734.  
  735. Minagi: A-Aah...
  736.  
  737. Minagi(Tatari): ...ie... DiE...
  738.  
  739. Minagi(Tatari): Di....Dieeeee...!!
  740.  
  741. Minagi(Tatari): Miiinagiiiiiiiiii!!!!
  742.  
  743. Minagi: N-Nooooooo!
  744.  
  745. Akuta: Minagi! Pull yourself together, Minagi!!
  746.  
  747. Minagi: Noo! No, no! Forgive me, nee-samaaa!!
  748.  
  749. Akuta: Crap!
  750.  
  751. ---Part 43: Kessen
  752.  
  753. ---Part 44:
  754.  
  755. Akuta: No!
  756.  
  757. Minagi(Tatari): I I gigiah a aaAh!!
  758.  
  759. After an all-out assault, the tatari emitted a strange sound, as its shape was greatly wavering.
  760.  
  761. Its previous form progressively collapsing, it returned to its original appearance and ran away towards the back of the hallway and disappeared.
  762.  
  763. Akuta: Minagi, are you okay? Take a deep breath.
  764.  
  765. Minagi: A-Aah... Nee-sama... I'm sorry... I'm sorry...
  766.  
  767. Akuta: Calm down. The tatari's gone.
  768.  
  769. He tried reassuring Minagi while holding her shoulders.
  770.  
  771. After some time had passed, Minagi finally regained her calm, and though intermittently, she began talking again.
  772.  
  773. Minagi: This was... my sister...
  774.  
  775. Minagi: My sister... despises me... Uuh...
  776.  
  777. Akuta gave a look at the crow who titled his head to the side, and advanced his own theory.
  778.  
  779. Akuta: ...Minagi. That wasn't your sister.
  780.  
  781. Minagi: But... It has to... She looked like...!
  782.  
  783. Crow: Daughter, its appearance was the same as yours... It wasn't the ghost of your sister or anything.
  784.  
  785. Minagi: T-Then... What was...
  786.  
  787. Minagi: She said it earlier... How my sister... died...
  788.  
  789. Minagi: The only ones to know are me, and...
  790.  
  791. Crow: Exactly, you're the one who knows, in other words, it was nothing more than your reflection.
  792.  
  793. Minagi: Reflection...?
  794.  
  795. Crow: This is only my theory, but I believe it found it deep inside your psyche.
  796.  
  797. Crow: And then used these feelings to adapt his shape, nothing more.
  798.  
  799. Crow: That was, so to speak... projected in a way that made you believe it was your sister.
  800.  
  801. Minagi: My...
  802.  
  803. Akuta: ...
  804.  
  805. Akuta: Minagi... Do you mind telling me about your sister?
  806.  
  807. Akuta: ...I want to be helpful to you.
  808.  
  809. Minagi: Akuta-sama...
  810.  
  811. Minagi: ...
  812.  
  813. Minagi: I apologize for failing to speak about it until now... Will you... listen to me recount the story of my sister...?
  814.  
  815. ---Part 45:
  816.  
  817. Once she had finally regained her calm, Minagi started talking about her sister.
  818.  
  819. Minagi: ...I had an older sister.
  820.  
  821. Minagi: She was originally to become the next Orishiro, but then... she passed away.
  822.  
  823. Akuta: Could the festival that was canceled a few days ago...
  824.  
  825. Minagi: Yes... It was the succession festival where my sister was supposed to become Orishiro.
  826.  
  827. Minagi: My sister was graceful, smart, cheerful, serious... She was the person I admired the most.
  828.  
  829. Minagi: But at some point, I can't quite remember when it started... my sister lost her optimism.
  830.  
  831. Minagi: When I saw it, I asked my sister out of concern for her.
  832.  
  833. Minagi: It was when she told me, she won't become the next Orishiro, she didn't want to.
  834.  
  835. Akuta: She didn't want... Can she just get away with not becoming Orishiro?
  836.  
  837. Minagi: No, it was unforgivable, because without Orishiro, the world will cease to exist, this was what the people of Karaza thought.
  838.  
  839. Minagi: For my sister who had a strong sense of responsibility, to wish to abandon her important duty... I could not believe it.
  840.  
  841. Minagi: However, there was a reason for this choice.
  842.  
  843. Minagi: She was brilliant, and it was her studious nature which made her realize unnatural blanks or contradictions among the historical books and Orishiro's records.
  844.  
  845. Minagi: She apparently... learned the truth behind the succession ceremony.
  846.  
  847. Akuta: Was there... something hidden from the public?
  848.  
  849. Minagi: ...During the succession ceremony, the one who becomes the new Orishiro...
  850.  
  851. Minagi: Must murder all of their remaining family members... That is what she told me.
  852.  
  853. Akuta: ...Huh?
  854.  
  855. Akuta and the crow exchanged glances as the details of the ceremony were revealed to them.
  856.  
  857. Minagi: If she was to become Orishiro, she would have had to kill me, and mother... even our little sister...
  858.  
  859. Akuta: I see, so you have a little sister too...
  860.  
  861. Akuta: But what could killing their relatives possibly accomplish...?
  862.  
  863. Minagi: This is the curse of the blood of Kumunakaraza... or so she told me.
  864.  
  865. Minagi: I could not understand what she told me... No, perhaps I did not want to understand.
  866.  
  867. Minagi: I persuaded myself it was a mistake...
  868.  
  869. Minagi: In this way, my question may have driven her into a corner in the end.
  870.  
  871. Minagi: She asked mother the truth, and if her speculation turned out to be correct... she promised me not to become Orishiro.
  872.  
  873. Minagi: And that she would also find a way for me and my little sister to avoid this tragic fate.
  874.  
  875. Akuta: ......
  876.  
  877. Minagi: And then, on the night before the ceremony... As I enjoyed the night wind, too anxious to find sleep, I saw my sister and mother go somewhere together.
  878.  
  879. Minagi: They were headed to the sacred land... Nobody knew of it, which made it a suitable place for talking.
  880.  
  881. Minagi: I followed after them without thinking twice.
  882.  
  883. Minagi: It was an unfamiliar mountain path at night with thick fog... And before reaching the summit, I completely lost sight of them.
  884.  
  885. Minagi: When I could finally know for sure where they were was when I heard my sister's scream.
  886.  
  887. Minagi: Which is when I saw it.
  888.  
  889. Minagi: My sister sinking in a pool of blood, and mother, her face painted red from the blood splattered onto her.
  890.  
  891. Minagi: It was clear this was mother's doing.
  892.  
  893. Minagi: I was so overwhelmed by what laid before my eyes, I was unable to speak, and only watched it unfolding from behind a rock.
  894.  
  895. Minagi: But my sister was still conscious.
  896.  
  897. Minagi: When she noticed me, she painfully extended her arm towards me, as if to accuse me of something...
  898.  
  899. Minagi: But I could not understand what she saw trying to tell me.
  900.  
  901. Minagi: Before her voice could come out, something strange happened to her body.
  902.  
  903. Minagi: She writhed in pain and let out a scream that was incomparable to words. This voice seemed to me like it was coming directly from Dinebokushiri...
  904.  
  905. Minagi: Next, her body swelled up, and in an instant, she turned into a grotesque monster.
  906.  
  907. Akuta: (A grotesque monster... huh.)
  908.  
  909. Minagi: ...I never knew what became of my sister afterwards.
  910.  
  911. Minagi: I was so frightened I ran away, and the next thing I knew, I was wrapped up inside my futon in my own room.
  912.  
  913. Minagi: I told myself it had to be a bad dream, but the next morning, I immediately learned what happened to my sister.
  914.  
  915. Minagi: Ienaga announced to me my sister had died from an illness, which came with the sudden cancellation of the succession ceremony.
  916.  
  917. Minagi: He also said that after a year of mourning, the ceremony shall be held once more... And when this time comes, I will become Orishiro...
  918.  
  919. Minagi: On the other hand, I was never allowed to see her body.
  920.  
  921. Minagi: Ienaga told me it was in order to avoid me catching her disease, but I knew the truth.
  922.  
  923. Minagi: It was because he could not let me know my sister was not a person anymore.
  924.  
  925. Minagi: It's also possible mother had already thrown her corpse into the crater, so it was no longer.
  926.  
  927. Minagi: I got scared of myself...
  928.  
  929. Minagi: That such a monster was also inside me.
  930.  
  931. Minagi: Is this monster the curse of the Kumunakaraza, and does it have a connection to Orishiro's need to murder her own family...
  932.  
  933. Minagi: With my sister now gone, I have no longer any way of knowing for sure...
  934.  
  935. Minagi: If what my sister said is the truth, and I fail to be liberated from the curse of my blood, I will be forced to kill my little sister to become Orishiro...
  936.  
  937. Minagi: Although if I complain to mother, history will surely repeat itself.
  938.  
  939. Minagi: At a complete loss of what to do, I ran away. ...From becoming a monster, from killing my sister to become Orishiro, and then...
  940.  
  941. Akuta: You came to the sacred land, the crater...
  942.  
  943. Minagi: Yes... I intended to give up on everything, to run away from this pain by throwing away my own life...
  944.  
  945. Minagi: But reflecting on it now, it was incredibly selfish.
  946.  
  947. Minagi: By running away, I was forcing my sister to take over the monster's curse and the fate of Orishiro.
  948.  
  949. Minagi: Furthermore, I got scared of dying, I ended up running away from taking my own life too...
  950.  
  951. Minagi: I made a mistake, gravely injured myself, and when I finally was able to put an end to it all, I wanted to live, I wished for someone to save me...
  952.  
  953. Minagi: What happened next was our encounter... Akuta-sama.
  954.  
  955. Akuta: This explains why you said you wanted to break the curse before the one-year delayed succession ceremony.
  956.  
  957. Akuta: (The truth behind the curse is still unclear, but if it has do to with her and her sister's death, and if she has to kill her own family...)
  958.  
  959. Minagi: I'm sorry... Akuta-sama.
  960.  
  961. Akuta: Minagi?
  962.  
  963. Minagi: For involving you with such a terrifying thing...
  964.  
  965. Minagi: For involving someone I know nothing of, and pushing my expectations onto you because I wanted to be saved...
  966.  
  967. Minagi: I... I...
  968.  
  969. Akuta: Whether my blood has the power to save you or not... I wanna free you from your suffering.
  970.  
  971. Akuta: This is my desire.
  972.  
  973. Minagi: Akuta-sama...
  974.  
  975. Crow: Cucaw, me too! Were you going to elucidate this terribly fascinating case by yourself and leave me out of it?
  976.  
  977. Crow: Cucaaw!! This gets my scientist blood flowing!!
  978.  
  979. Minagi: Father... Thank you so much.
  980.  
  981. The excited crow started talking fast and lengthily.
  982.  
  983. Crow: To transform into a monster upon death is likely a racial trait, but I didn't configure it that way, what could've triggered this change...
  984.  
  985. Crow: When you said swollen, did her mass change as well? What did it look like? A dragon? I hope it's a design I like!
  986.  
  987. Minagi: U-Uum...
  988.  
  989. Crow: Besides, killing all their relatives after becoming Orishiro doesn't seem like a custom to suppress any fight over succession.
  990.  
  991. Crow: The status of Orishiro isn't simply a title, if the activation of some internal factor triggers a mutation, and something like a primordial memory gets unlocked, and somehow creates an intention-
  992.  
  993. The crow wasn't asking Minagi questions, he was simply mumbling to himself while thinking.
  994.  
  995. Akuta: (He's been listening quietly until now, and there he goes turning irritating...)
  996.  
  997. Minagi: Akuta-sama...
  998.  
  999. Minagi gazed at Akuta with a serious look in her eyes.
  1000.  
  1001. Minagi: Just this once... Will you make a promise?
  1002.  
  1003. Minagi: If something were to happen to me, I will entrust... my little sister to you, will you please take care of her...?
  1004.  
  1005. Akuta: ...I won't let it happen, but... Got it for your sister.
  1006.  
  1007. It was the only answer he could give in response to Minagi's determination.
  1008.  
  1009. ---Part 46:
  1010.  
  1011. Kuuran: Dammit, not here either!
  1012.  
  1013. Kuuran clicked his tongue as he peeped into the empty room.
  1014.  
  1015. He wasn't sure how much time he already spent looking for his friends.
  1016.  
  1017. After looking in a number of places he had a hunch he could find them, he hadn't so much as found a trace of them.
  1018.  
  1019. Kuuran: Have they gone even deeper...?
  1020.  
  1021. However well acquainted he was with the ruins' layout, obstacles were plenty, and the road was far from a straight line.
  1022.  
  1023. Besides, tatari were roaming around.
  1024.  
  1025. Fatigued and nervous, Kuuran was nearing his mental and physical limits.
  1026.  
  1027. Kuuran: Haa, ha... This time...!
  1028.  
  1029. He opened the door to another room and stepped inside.
  1030.  
  1031. Kuuran: (Is someone here...? Is it...)
  1032.  
  1033. What he saw was a female face he had grown used to seeing lately.
  1034.  
  1035. Kuuran: Minagi nee-chan!
  1036.  
  1037. He ran towards Minagi with a grin on his face.
  1038.  
  1039. Kuuran: Did you come looking for us!?
  1040.  
  1041. Kuuran: ...! Waaaaaaah!
  1042.  
  1043. Kuuran steeped back in panic and bumped into some half-broken machine nearby.
  1044.  
  1045. Minagi(Tatari): A a a a h!!
  1046.  
  1047. He smashed what was Minagi with the machinery.
  1048.  
  1049. Kuuran: Huff... Huff... Crap, what's going on...
  1050.  
  1051. Minagi(Tatari): ...Ra...aN...
  1052.  
  1053. Minagi(Tatari): Ku...Ra...Sann...
  1054.  
  1055. It was calling Kuuran's name from below the crushed machinery.
  1056.  
  1057. Kuuran: Uh... Damn!
  1058.  
  1059. How far had he ran...
  1060.  
  1061. After he confirmed the fake Minagi wasn't chasing after him, he fell flat onto the ground.
  1062.  
  1063. Kuuran: Huff... Huff... Crap...
  1064.  
  1065. Kuuran: This time... It transformed into Minagi nee-chan...
  1066.  
  1067. Kuuran: !!
  1068.  
  1069. He heard a noise behind him.
  1070.  
  1071. Kuuran: Crap! Not again!
  1072.  
  1073. He instinctively launched himself at whatever was approaching.
  1074.  
  1075. ?: Waaah!?
  1076.  
  1077. ?: Wait! Kuuran! It's me!
  1078.  
  1079. Kuuran: !? Y-You...
  1080.  
  1081. He recognized the person he jumped at well, it was one of his fellow orphans.
  1082.  
  1083. But as he couldn't trust him, Kuuran asked him a question with an angry voice.
  1084.  
  1085. Kuuran: Y-You're not a fake, are you!?
  1086.  
  1087. Older orphan: W-What do you mean fake!? I'm real! It's really me!
  1088.  
  1089. Kuuran: Haa, haa... You're the real one...?
  1090.  
  1091. The body of the orphan he was mounting on showed no signs of collapsing.
  1092.  
  1093. He was breathing and warm.
  1094.  
  1095. After realizing it, Kuuran finally let his relief shown through his words.
  1096.  
  1097. Kuuran: I-I'm so happy...
  1098.  
  1099. Kuuran's eyes spontaneously became warmer.
  1100.  
  1101. Older orphan: I'm happy you're okay...
  1102.  
  1103. Kuuran: Ah... R-Right! The others... What about the others!?
  1104.  
  1105. Older orphan: They're all here.
  1106.  
  1107. Young orphan: An-chan!
  1108.  
  1109. Girl orphan: Kuuran!
  1110.  
  1111. One after the other, his orphan friends walked up to and surrounded him.
  1112.  
  1113. Young orphan: An-chan, are you crying?
  1114.  
  1115. Kuuran: I-I'm not crying!
  1116.  
  1117. Kuuran forcefully wiped his cheeks with his arm and smiled at the orphans who gave him concerned looks.
  1118.  
  1119. Older orphan: But what happened?
  1120.  
  1121. Older orphan: As soon as you left to check the outside, weird jelly monsters broke down the door.
  1122.  
  1123. Older orphan: Then we all panicked and escaped, but...
  1124.  
  1125. Kuuran: They're tatari.
  1126.  
  1127. Older orphan: Tatari!? So like in the rumors...
  1128.  
  1129. Kuuran: Yeah, they're immortal bad news.
  1130.  
  1131. Kuuran: They for some unknown reasons started swarming the ruins, and now they're all over the place.
  1132.  
  1133. Kuuran: And then...
  1134.  
  1135. Stopping in the middle of his sentence, Kuuran said distressed.
  1136.  
  1137. Kuuran: Oh right, we gotta... We need to leave the ruins, now!
  1138.  
  1139. Older orphan: Ku-Kuuran?
  1140.  
  1141. Kuuran: There's a lot of of Karaza soldiers outside!
  1142.  
  1143. Older orphan: Did they come to save us?
  1144.  
  1145. Kuuran: No! Because they can't kill the tatari, they're planning to bury us down here with them!!
  1146.  
  1147. Older orphan: They what!?
  1148.  
  1149. Kuuran: Nee-chan is probably doing her best to stop them.
  1150.  
  1151. Kuuran: But the guy at their head is super powerful, and there's no telling if she'll actually succeed...
  1152.  
  1153. Older orphan: No way...
  1154.  
  1155. Kuuran: And that's exactly why we should get out of there as soon as possible!
  1156.  
  1157. Kuuran firmly declared to the orphans who seemed restless.
  1158.  
  1159. Kuuran: Don't worry, I'm with you! I'll deal with the tatari myself!
  1160.  
  1161. ---Part 47:
  1162.  
  1163. Akuta: Are you okay?
  1164.  
  1165. Minagi: You are too easily worried. Since I thought I would never tell this story to anyone.
  1166.  
  1167. Minagi: Getting it out of my chest is on the contrary, very relieving.
  1168.  
  1169. Akuta: ...
  1170.  
  1171. Akuta: (Her face is still pale...)
  1172.  
  1173. Akuta: (Despite what the said, she isn't back to her normal state yet.)
  1174.  
  1175. Akuta: (But she'll only fall deeper by dwelling on it, is there no way to cheer her up?)
  1176.  
  1177. Akuta: (But badly placed sympathy could result in breaking her spirit.)
  1178.  
  1179. Minagi then said, as if she had seen Akuta's thoughts.
  1180.  
  1181. Minagi: I'm okay, I can still do my best.
  1182.  
  1183. Akuta: ...Got it.
  1184.  
  1185. Akuta: Let's talk another time, now the tatari matter's where our mind should be at.
  1186.  
  1187. Minagi: Yes.
  1188.  
  1189. After refocusing, they yet again departed, but...
  1190.  
  1191. Akuta: Tch, again...
  1192.  
  1193. A number of tatari stayed in one place, and looked as if staring at them.
  1194.  
  1195. Only, nothing suggested they were going to attack.
  1196.  
  1197. Akuta: ...What's going on? They're not coming towards us?
  1198.  
  1199. Crow: Cucaw, could it be...
  1200.  
  1201. Crow: We're in trouble! Let's run, son!!
  1202.  
  1203. At almost the same time as the crow's scream, the tatari began meshing together.
  1204.  
  1205. Minagi: Eh...? Are they...
  1206.  
  1207. Akuta: They... fused!?
  1208.  
  1209. In the time they spent dumbfounded, the fused tatari charged at them.
  1210.  
  1211. Akuta: Kuh!
  1212.  
  1213. He narrowly avoided the fused tatari ramming into him.
  1214.  
  1215. Akuta: Take this!!
  1216.  
  1217. Akuta swung his weapon at it, and it bounced back at him, leaving nothing but a small dent.
  1218.  
  1219. Akuta: Tch...
  1220.  
  1221. Akuta: (This isn't working... Usually they'd at least flinch a little.)
  1222.  
  1223. Crow: It's time to retreat, son!!
  1224.  
  1225. Akuta: But what do we do about this one!!?
  1226.  
  1227. Crow: Well...
  1228.  
  1229. The crow's gaze traveled all around him.
  1230.  
  1231. Crow: Hm, that's...
  1232.  
  1233. Noticing something, he shouted.
  1234.  
  1235. Crow: Son, use the master key!!
  1236.  
  1237. Akuta: The master key? Does that work again this thing?
  1238.  
  1239. Crow: You fool! Not on the tatari! Activate the security mechanism!!
  1240.  
  1241. Crow: The security heat ray will likely not work, but it will buy us some time.
  1242.  
  1243. Akuta: I get it, now!
  1244.  
  1245. Pulling out the master key from the crow's neck, he turned towards the security device near the tatari and activated it with his thoughts.
  1246.  
  1247. It then turned towards the tatari, releasing its heat ray.
  1248.  
  1249. Fused tatari: A a a a a h!!
  1250.  
  1251. The tatari backed off due to the direct hit.
  1252.  
  1253. Crow: Now!
  1254.  
  1255. However, during the brief instant the heat ray served as a diversion, what they thought was a breaking noise, was the sound of tatari approaching them from behind.
  1256.  
  1257. Akuta: Kuh, it already shook it off! It's following us!!
  1258.  
  1259. Crow: Did it already break the security device?
  1260.  
  1261. Crow: Here! Close the door, hurry!!
  1262.  
  1263. He quickly held the master key behind him.
  1264.  
  1265. The wall separating them from the hallway gradually started coming down accompanied by a piercing sound.
  1266.  
  1267. But at the other side of the door about to close, they saw the huge transparent mass approaching, then...
  1268.  
  1269. Akuta: !!
  1270.  
  1271. Minagi: Kyah!!
  1272.  
  1273. At the same time the door closed, a large dent appeared onto it, it seems the tatari had rammed its body into it.
  1274.  
  1275. Akuta: It did a number on the door...
  1276.  
  1277. Crow: It's only a matter of time before it breaks through it.
  1278.  
  1279. Crow: Let's hurry up to the lab, I gotta set up the gate.
  1280.  
  1281. Once they all entered the gate room running, then caught their breath.
  1282.  
  1283. Minagi: ...Will we be safe here?
  1284.  
  1285. Crow: For now. If they don't find us, they won't break the door to enter here.
  1286.  
  1287. Crow: But we can't hole up here forever.
  1288.  
  1289. Akuta: In any case, I didn't expect tatari to fuse and turn giant.
  1290.  
  1291. Crow: Cucaw, stopping small tatari is one thing, but stopping giant tatari is no easy task.
  1292.  
  1293. Crow: Any regular cage won't last long, and if they start aggregating, this entire facility will be overrun.
  1294.  
  1295. Akuta: Wasn't this place supposed to withstand even an army?
  1296.  
  1297. Crow: This goes way beyond that, you moron.
  1298.  
  1299. Crow: Even if they were locked up down here for now, we would be forced to live with the constant fear of them crawling up to the surface one day.
  1300.  
  1301. Crow: And if they make it up there, this country is done for. I can understand Ienaga's excessive reaction.
  1302.  
  1303. Minagi: Which is why... we will use the gate. To send the tatari to Dinebokushiri is our only choice.
  1304.  
  1305. Crow: Now then, to get this thing set up. Son, activate the gate, and disable the safety measures.
  1306.  
  1307. Akuta: On it.
  1308.  
  1309. The gate instantly activated, followed by the removal of safety measures.
  1310.  
  1311. Machine's voice: ...Highest Authority Confirmed. All safety measures will be disabled, are you sure?
  1312.  
  1313. Akuta: Do it.
  1314.  
  1315. Machine's voice: ...Safety disabled. We will not take responsibility for any trouble arising while in this mode.
  1316.  
  1317. Akuta: Pops, can you make it?
  1318.  
  1319. Crow: Who do you think I am? Do not underestimate this world's greatest intellect.
  1320.  
  1321. Crow: But this will be a very delicate work, plus, I have to do it in this unhandy crow body. It'll take some time.
  1322.  
  1323. Akuta: I know. I'm counting on you.
  1324.  
  1325. Akuta: We'll be looking for Kuuran and the kids in the meantime. Minagi, let's go.
  1326.  
  1327. Minagi: Yes!
  1328.  
  1329. ---Part 48:
  1330.  
  1331. Kuuran: Good, no tatari here.
  1332.  
  1333. Kuuran checked both sides and signaled the other orphans to come with a wave of his hand.
  1334.  
  1335. Kuuran: Everyone, this way! We just have to go straight ahead.
  1336.  
  1337. The orphans pushed forward under Kuuran's directions.
  1338.  
  1339. Thud... Thud...
  1340.  
  1341. They felt slight tremors along with distant heavy sounds.
  1342.  
  1343. Kuuran: (This sound and vibrations... Did they start filling the hole up?)
  1344.  
  1345. Kuuran: (We gotta hurry...)
  1346.  
  1347. Young orphan: An-chan...
  1348.  
  1349. The orphans looked uneasy.
  1350.  
  1351. Kuuran: It's okay, I'll do something about it! Because, hasn't it always been this way?
  1352.  
  1353. Young Orphan: Yes...
  1354.  
  1355. Thump... Thump...
  1356.  
  1357. Kuuran: !
  1358.  
  1359. Right below their feet, tatari emerged from the cracks in the floor and walls.
  1360.  
  1361. Kuuran: Watch out!
  1362.  
  1363. He leapt back to protect the orphan.
  1364.  
  1365. Fshh...
  1366.  
  1367. The flesh in his leg melted where the tatari touched it.
  1368.  
  1369. Young orphan: An-chan!
  1370.  
  1371. Kuuran: Kuh...!
  1372.  
  1373. Kuuran: Daah!!
  1374.  
  1375. Tatari: Gii... Aa...!
  1376.  
  1377. Scattering itself along the way, the tatari retreated into the darkness.
  1378.  
  1379. Kuuran: Uh...
  1380.  
  1381. Young orphan: Uuh... Sorry, an-chan...
  1382.  
  1383. Kuuran: T-This is nothing at all!
  1384.  
  1385. Kuuran cheered up the orphan and took a deep breath.
  1386.  
  1387. Kuuran: The exit's right there! Let's move!
  1388.  
  1389. They came to a room where a huge hole has been carved out.
  1390.  
  1391. They didn't know why a room like this was underground.
  1392.  
  1393. If the crow father was there, he would've surely explained it to them, which reminded him of the others.
  1394.  
  1395. Kuuran: (Nii-chan's not here, I have to be the one to lead everyone.)
  1396.  
  1397. Before Akuta's arrival, this was a matter of fact to him.
  1398.  
  1399. However now, uneasiness surged inside his mind.
  1400.  
  1401. Kuuran: (Maybe... I've gotten used to being behind him without realizing it...)
  1402.  
  1403. Kuuran: Alright...
  1404.  
  1405. Kuuran: Now that we've come this far, it's a straight line to our hideout, and then the exit will be-
  1406.  
  1407. Clang, clang...
  1408.  
  1409. Noticing pebbles falling from above, Kuuran looked up, his face turned pale and he shouted.
  1410.  
  1411. Kuuran: Everyone, run away!!
  1412.  
  1413. A giant tatari fell from the darkness of the ceiling like a waterfall.
  1414.  
  1415. Everyone narrowly dodged it, although-
  1416.  
  1417. Kuuran: W-What's that thing... Is it... a tatari?
  1418.  
  1419. Tatari: Iiiigiiiiiii!!
  1420.  
  1421. Kuuran: No!
  1422.  
  1423. The tatari set its sight on them and attacked.
  1424.  
  1425. Kuuran: You!
  1426.  
  1427. Kuuran swung his weapon, but the tatari didn't appear to even flinch.
  1428.  
  1429. Kuuran: Crap, it's not doing anything at all!
  1430.  
  1431. Older orphan: Kuuran!!
  1432.  
  1433. Kuuran: Hurry up and go! I'll keep it occupied!
  1434.  
  1435. Older orphan: B-But...
  1436.  
  1437. Kuuran: Go!! And protect the kids!
  1438.  
  1439. Older orphan: O-Okay!
  1440.  
  1441. The older orphans pulled the arms of the younger who were crying and ran away past the tatari.
  1442.  
  1443. Tatari: O o oo...
  1444.  
  1445. The giant tatari started stretching parts of his body in order to chase the orphans.
  1446.  
  1447. Kuuran: Like I'll let you do that!
  1448.  
  1449. Kuuran: Dammit! Look over here!
  1450.  
  1451. His attacks had no effect, and yet, perhaps due to his persistence, the tatari changed its center of attention.
  1452.  
  1453. Throwing a glance at his side, he could confirm his orphan friends ran far away.
  1454.  
  1455. Kuuran: (But it would be a bad idea to follow them now, because this thing's gonna come after me... Then.)
  1456.  
  1457. Kuuran: Come here!
  1458.  
  1459. Kuuran turned back towards the path he came from, and headed in the opposite direction to the ruins' entrance.
  1460.  
  1461. The tatari's body shaking violently, it chased after Kuuran.
  1462.  
  1463. Kuuran: Good, it's following me...!
  1464.  
  1465. Kuuran: I know these ruins like the back of my hand, don't think you'll catch me that easily!
  1466.  
  1467. Kuuran: Haa, haa, haa...
  1468.  
  1469. Throb throb
  1470.  
  1471. His leg dissolved by the tatari hurt, but it was so time to be concerned about it.
  1472.  
  1473. As he ran through the ruins, he was heading for one place in particular, which was...
  1474.  
  1475. Kuuran: Come! Here!!
  1476.  
  1477. He waved his hands widely in direction of the tatari.
  1478.  
  1479. The giant tatari then charged towards him.
  1480.  
  1481. Kuuran: Now!
  1482.  
  1483. Kuuran jumped, and clung onto a wire dangling from above.
  1484.  
  1485. The momentum of the tatari that had just missed its target sent him tumbling down the deep chasm in front of it.
  1486.  
  1487. Kuuran: I did it!
  1488.  
  1489. After climbing down the wire, Kuuran peeked inside the chasm.
  1490.  
  1491. It was so dark below, he could not gauge how deep it was.
  1492.  
  1493. Kuuran: This crack is super deep. Even if it's immortal, something that falls down here won't be coming back up...
  1494.  
  1495. He finally could go towards the exit where his friends were waiting.
  1496.  
  1497. But at the same time he left, he felt an unusual presence from the bottom of the chasm.
  1498.  
  1499. Kuuran: Geh... You're not serious!?
  1500.  
  1501. He saw a fully expanded tatari crawling up from the chasm.
  1502.  
  1503. Kuuran: C-Craaap!
  1504.  
  1505. Kuuran turned around and started running away again.
  1506.  
  1507. Kuuran: Haa... Haa...
  1508.  
  1509. Kuuran: (Even if dropping it into the hole didn't work, it did buy me some time! I just gotta go to-)
  1510.  
  1511. ?: ...An-chan...
  1512.  
  1513. Kuuran: !?
  1514.  
  1515. He stopped after hearing a faint voice in the darkness.
  1516.  
  1517. ?: An-chaaaaan... An-chaaaaan...
  1518.  
  1519. ?: Save meeee... Save meeeeeeeee...
  1520.  
  1521. Kuuran: Kuh, somebody got left behind...
  1522.  
  1523. Kuuran: Where are you!? Answer m-
  1524.  
  1525. Kuuran ran up to where the voice was coming from.
  1526.  
  1527. ?: An-chaaan... Don't...
  1528.  
  1529. Tatari: Goooooooooooooooooooo!!!!
  1530.  
  1531. Kuuran: It was this thing, it got-
  1532.  
  1533. The tatari's massive body sent Kuuran flying during its transformation.
  1534.  
  1535. He flew through the air and violently smashed into a wall.
  1536.  
  1537. Kuuran: U...
  1538.  
  1539. Kuuran was about to faint on the spot.
  1540.  
  1541. His consciousness hazy from the hit, he was unable to move his limbs, he lost control of his body.
  1542.  
  1543. In a moment of absence... He remembered the orphans.
  1544.  
  1545. Kuuran: ...
  1546.  
  1547. Kuuran: (I wonder... if they got away...)
  1548.  
  1549. Kuuran: (They'll be fine, nii-chan and the others... will come save them...)
  1550.  
  1551. Kuuran: (Yes... They will... save everyone...)
  1552.  
  1553. Tatari: Niii... Niiiiii-chaaaaaan...
  1554.  
  1555. The tatari enlarged itself and approached Kuuran as if to swallow him.
  1556.  
  1557. Kuuran: (Nii-...chan...)
  1558.  
  1559. Tears were pouring down from Kuuran's eyes.
  1560.  
  1561. Kuuran: (Nii-chan... Nii-chan...)
  1562.  
  1563. Kuuran: (Nii-chaaaaaan...!!)
  1564.  
  1565. Flaaaaash!!
  1566.  
  1567. A blinding light enveloped his view, as the heat ray from the security system was burning down the tatari.
  1568.  
  1569. Tatari: O o o o o ...!!
  1570.  
  1571. Kuuran: A-Aah...
  1572.  
  1573. While his vision was blurred, Kuuran saw what he so intensely wished to see.
  1574.  
  1575. ?: ...Kuuran, you are strong. You did everything you could to survive this cruel reality.
  1576.  
  1577. ?: You never looked for help, you bravely confronted every obstacle by yourself.
  1578.  
  1579. ?: And that's exactly why... I am here right now.
  1580.  
  1581. Kuuran: ...Nii-chan, you really came...
  1582.  
  1583. Akuta: Of course I did... we're allies, remember? But sorry for making you wait...
  1584.  
  1585. Akuta: How are the others?
  1586.  
  1587. Kuuran: I... become a decoy so they could escape. So they probably... no, they definitely made it out.
  1588.  
  1589. Akuta: I see...
  1590.  
  1591. Akuta gently stroked Kuuran's head.
  1592.  
  1593. Kuuran: Nii-chan...
  1594.  
  1595. Akuta: I expected no less from you, Kuuran.
  1596.  
  1597. Akuta: You never gave up, just what I expected... You're a fine man.
  1598.  
  1599. Kuuran: Ah...
  1600.  
  1601. Minagi: Kuuran-san! I will heal your injuries!
  1602.  
  1603. Kuuran: Nee-chan!
  1604.  
  1605. Minagi's Kumunakaraza healed his wounds.
  1606.  
  1607. Akuta: Can you stand?
  1608.  
  1609. Kuuran: O-Of course!
  1610.  
  1611. Kuuran asserted despite his reddened face.
  1612.  
  1613. Akuta: Whoops.
  1614.  
  1615. The giant tatari was yet again approaching after it had destroyed the security device burning it.
  1616.  
  1617. Akuta: No point in loitering here.
  1618.  
  1619. Kuuran: But what do we do? It can't die.
  1620.  
  1621. Akuta: Well...
  1622.  
  1623. Kuuran: W-What was that sound...?
  1624.  
  1625. Akuta: Finally... Kept us waiting long enough.
  1626.  
  1627. Kuuran: ?
  1628.  
  1629. Akuta: I'll explain it while we run. For now, to the gate we go!
  1630.  
  1631. Akuta: Get in! I'm closing the door for now!!
  1632.  
  1633. After arriving inside the gate room, he held the master key and closed the door, however...
  1634.  
  1635. Minagi: Kyah!!
  1636.  
  1637. Akuta: Tch, it smashed down the door!
  1638.  
  1639. Crow: It won't last long, we must activate the door, now!
  1640.  
  1641. Akuta: Not yet! Wait!
  1642.  
  1643. Crow: Now's not the time for stupid ideas!!
  1644.  
  1645. Akuta: Kuuran, hold it down.
  1646.  
  1647. Akuta: I don't have time to explain, but I have a plan.
  1648.  
  1649. Akuta: Just trust me, and fight with me... Kuuran.
  1650.  
  1651. He extended his hand towards Kuuran.
  1652.  
  1653. Kuuran: ...Okay. With you guys, I still have some fight left in me.
  1654.  
  1655. Kuuran: Aniki!!
  1656.  
  1657. He fixated his eyes on Kuuran who used a different way to call him.
  1658.  
  1659. Akuta felt that behind these honest eyes were strong feelings directed towards him.
  1660.  
  1661. Akuta: (Aniki, huh... Guess I gotta live up to his expectations, or else I'd look lame.)
  1662.  
  1663. Akuta: Alright, let's do this! This our final job!!
  1664.  
  1665. ---Part 49: Kessen
  1666.  
  1667. ---Part 50:
  1668.  
  1669. Tatari: O o o o o ...!!
  1670.  
  1671. Akuta: Tch, I know it's immortal, but this is ridiculous.
  1672.  
  1673. Minagi: I can't hold on much longer...
  1674.  
  1675. Kuuran: Aniki! If we don't do something...
  1676.  
  1677. Crow: Cucaaaaw! Is it time!? We've waited long enough, son!!
  1678.  
  1679. The giant tatari's body shook violently, and drew near, fully intent on crushing them.
  1680.  
  1681. Akuta: Crap, still not yet...!
  1682.  
  1683. It was at that instant that a voice echoed from behind the tatari.
  1684.  
  1685. ?: Close your eyes, lout!!
  1686.  
  1687. Akuta: ! Minagi! Kuuran!
  1688.  
  1689. He called out to them and they all closed their eyes.
  1690.  
  1691. Everything was then in an instant wrapped in a pure white light, accompanied by a deafening sound which shook the room.
  1692.  
  1693. Tatari: Giiiiiiiii!!
  1694.  
  1695. The tatari was writhing in agony at the flash of light.
  1696.  
  1697. Kuuran: W... What's happening!?
  1698.  
  1699. This man was standing at the other side of the tatari, near the demolished door.
  1700.  
  1701. Ienaga: So you are still alive, lout.
  1702.  
  1703. Minagi: Ienaga!
  1704.  
  1705. Ienaga: I reckon the princess is unhurt.
  1706.  
  1707. Akuta: ...Looks like you made it in time.
  1708.  
  1709. Kuuran: They're the Karaza... Aniki, what's...
  1710.  
  1711. Akuta: Yeah, they're-
  1712.  
  1713. Ienaga: I agree to your plan, I do have one condition, however.
  1714.  
  1715. Ienaga: Disclose the precise location of the gate. We shall drive the tatari to this location.
  1716.  
  1717. Akuta: Eeh... So you're gonna give us a hand?
  1718.  
  1719. Ienaga: I do not let personal feelings get in the way such a critical matter. First of all, what can you accomplish on your own?
  1720.  
  1721. Ienaga: You are not up against one or two tatari, there are at the very least tens of them, and yet you plan on handling them all by yourself?
  1722.  
  1723. Ienaga: Besides, we might as well be thorough, we shall purge the ruins of the tatari here and now.
  1724.  
  1725. Akuta: Got any good idea on how to do that?
  1726.  
  1727. Ienaga: Tatari live in darkness, they dislike light.
  1728.  
  1729. Ienaga: While unable to kill them, flash weapons and magic can create diversions, which may force them out.
  1730.  
  1731. Ienaga: We are however lacking in flash weaponry and manpower, we will need time to prepare.
  1732.  
  1733. Ienaga: Do not activate the gate until we lure all of the tatari to it, that is my condition.
  1734.  
  1735. Ienaga: We have driven to the last tatari to this room! The rest is yours to take care of!
  1736.  
  1737. Akuta: Yeah, will do!
  1738.  
  1739. The Karaza soldiers led a large number of tatari to the room.
  1740.  
  1741. As they did, the giant tatari still in agony absorbed the other small tatari and grew to an even large size.
  1742.  
  1743. Kuuran: The more they come together, the bigger it grows...!
  1744.  
  1745. Kuuran: I-If this gets any bigger than that...
  1746.  
  1747. Akuta: No, that's a good thing. We can get rid of them all at once!
  1748.  
  1749. He turned around towards his crow father and yelled.
  1750.  
  1751. Akuta: Pops! Now!
  1752.  
  1753. Crow: Cucaaaaw! You kept me waiting! Gate, open! Go overdrive!!
  1754.  
  1755. A shrilling sound reverberated from the room.
  1756.  
  1757. Machine's voice: A problem has occurred with the gate. Please evacuate staff immediately, I repeat...
  1758.  
  1759. Akuta: So!?
  1760.  
  1761. Crow: It'll last 30 seconds! Hurry!
  1762.  
  1763. Akuta: Good! Ienaga! The gate has been activated! Everyone get out of here, right now!!
  1764.  
  1765. Ienaga: Understood! You must protect the princess at all costs!
  1766.  
  1767. Ineaga said before leaving.
  1768.  
  1769. Akuta: Minagi! Kuuran! Jump into this hole!!
  1770.  
  1771. Minagi: Y-Yes!
  1772.  
  1773. He grabbed the crow, and jumped down a maintenance hatch in the ground behind Minagi and Kuuran.
  1774.  
  1775. The giant tatari stretched its body to give them chase, but at this instant-
  1776.  
  1777. Akuta: Grab onto something!!
  1778.  
  1779. Minagi: Kyaaaaaah!!
  1780.  
  1781. A gaping black hole opened at the center of the room, sucking up along with the air, anything and everything in its vicinity.
  1782.  
  1783. The tatari who managed to resist by clinging to the floor came apart in small chunks and were absorbed as well.
  1784.  
  1785. Tatari: G i i i i a a a a a a a
  1786.  
  1787. Even the giant tatari, being stretched like a string had its extremity sucked up into the empty hole.
  1788.  
  1789. Kuuran: W-We did it!
  1790.  
  1791. Akuta: But how long's the gate gonna keep sucking up everything!!?
  1792.  
  1793. Crow: Just a little bit longer until the gate can't support it! And then...
  1794.  
  1795. It caused a large crack to open on the gate itself, then...
  1796.  
  1797. Akuta: Kuh!!
  1798.  
  1799. Akuta: ...Is everyone okay?
  1800.  
  1801. Kuuran: I'm good, but...
  1802.  
  1803. Minagi: So am I.
  1804.  
  1805. Akuta: So we're all okay.
  1806.  
  1807. Crow: Cucaw! Don't forget about me! You ungrateful son!
  1808.  
  1809. Paying no mind to the crow's complaints, they crawled out of the maintenance hatch and surveyed their surroundings.
  1810.  
  1811. Akuta: This guy...
  1812.  
  1813. Crow: ...Good grief, this won't work ever again.
  1814.  
  1815. Minagi: Is it now over?
  1816.  
  1817. Akuta: I think so.
  1818.  
  1819. Kuuran: Hey, where did those things left for? Did they really go to Dinebokushiri?
  1820.  
  1821. Crow: I'm not so sure about that... What is a lot more likely is the subspace my son and I drifted through.
  1822.  
  1823. Kuuran: Subspace...?
  1824.  
  1825. Crow: Something like a gap between worlds. They should be roaming there now...
  1826.  
  1827. Crow: For all eternity.
  1828.  
  1829. The crow father gazed at the destroyed gate and muttered quietly.
  1830.  
  1831. Crow: Farewell, my brethren... Your sacrifice will not be in vain.
  1832.  
  1833. Akuta: Hm? Pops, did you say something?
  1834.  
  1835. Crow: No, I haven't said anything, nothing...
  1836.  
  1837. ---Part 51:
  1838.  
  1839. Akuta: Phew... Finally, we can see the light of the sun.
  1840.  
  1841. Kuuran: Even though the sun is already setting.
  1842.  
  1843. Older orphan: Kuuran!
  1844.  
  1845. Young orphan: An-chan!
  1846.  
  1847. The orphans saw Kuuran coming out of the hole and all ran towards him.
  1848.  
  1849. Kuuran: Everyone! Are you okay?
  1850.  
  1851. Older orphan: Yes, we're all fine. We met the Karaza people on the way, and they escorted us here.
  1852.  
  1853. Akuta: I guess that's case settled.
  1854.  
  1855. Minagi: Yes, what a relief!
  1856.  
  1857. As they all stared at the setting sun, Ienaga who came out earlier walked briskly towards them.
  1858.  
  1859. Ienaga Hmph, so you survived. You have successfully cast the tatari into Dinebokushiri, I hope.
  1860.  
  1861. As Ienaga was coming closer, Akuta replied shrugging his shoulders.
  1862.  
  1863. Akuta: I should have. If you don't believe me, you can go check yourself.
  1864.  
  1865. Ienaga: shook his head to the guards at his side.
  1866.  
  1867. A number of guards then set out towards the ruins.
  1868.  
  1869. Akuta: I think we can consider that as me having achieved a request from you.
  1870.  
  1871. Akuta: Think I can be a good arbiter then?
  1872.  
  1873. Ienaga: ...You owe your victory this time only to chance.
  1874.  
  1875. Ienaga: If you grow overly confident and keep treading this same path... Death will eventually come claim you.
  1876.  
  1877. Ienaga: I would be overjoyed by this, but when you do, may you be the only one to die, and the princess survives.
  1878.  
  1879. Akuta: Yeah, thanks for the heads-up, I'll keep it in mind.
  1880.  
  1881. Ienaga: Hmph...
  1882.  
  1883. Minagi: Fufu, now there should be no one contesting your working as an arbiter.
  1884.  
  1885. Minagi: I'm happy for you, Akuta-sama.
  1886.  
  1887. Ienaga: But princess... This matter and yours are separate.
  1888.  
  1889. Ienaga: I remember instructing you stay in your room, and yet, why put yourself in such danger?
  1890.  
  1891. Ienaga: It it almost as if...
  1892.  
  1893. Minagi: I wanted to die out of despair for this world?
  1894.  
  1895. Ienaga: N-No, that is not...
  1896.  
  1897. Minagi: ...I apologize for the worries I caused you by dwelling on my sister.
  1898.  
  1899. Minagi: However currently, I am not in despair.
  1900.  
  1901. Minagi: I have become aware of something I must do.
  1902.  
  1903. Minagi: I want to protect the innocents my mother refuses to pay heed to...
  1904.  
  1905. Minagi: And for this, will you entrust me with these ruins and the village?
  1906.  
  1907. Ienaga: Princess, what do you intend...
  1908.  
  1909. Minagi: During our exploration, we have uncovered a new region in the ruins.
  1910.  
  1911. Minagi: But at the same time, we have unleashed the threat of the tatari. I believe this is a heavy responsibility.
  1912.  
  1913. Minagi: I would like to reflect on it... and find the right way to manage these ruins.
  1914.  
  1915. Minagi: I want to create a base for excavation and management in order to support the orphans and the people from the village.
  1916.  
  1917. Ienaga: But... It isn't necessary for you to handle such a trivial matter...
  1918.  
  1919. Minagi: Well, this trivial matter... Who will take charge of carrying it out then?
  1920.  
  1921. Minagi: If this is not the work of the daughter of Orishiro, then what is the responsibility of Karaza?
  1922.  
  1923. Minagi: To profit from Orishiro and live in indolence, is that the duty of Karaza?
  1924.  
  1925. Ienaga: That...
  1926.  
  1927. Minagi: Besides, the matter of the tatari was a request from you to Akuta-sama, which subsequently made it a request to me.
  1928.  
  1929. Minagi: It is only appropriate to reward Akuta-sama properly for carrying out such a large request brilliantly.
  1930.  
  1931. Minagi: Ienaga... I ask of you.
  1932.  
  1933. Minagi stared at Ienaga, and he said in a defeated voice.
  1934.  
  1935. Ienaga: ...Understood.
  1936.  
  1937. Ienaga: Once the tatari are confirmed gone, I will go through the procedures so that this territory, including the ruins fall under your authority.
  1938.  
  1939. Minagi: T-... Thank you very much, Ienaga.
  1940.  
  1941. Then, they heard a panicked scream from not too far away.
  1942.  
  1943. Moscamo: N-No, if you were to, uuh... How do I put it...
  1944.  
  1945. Ienaga gave Moscamo a sharp glance.
  1946.  
  1947. Ienaga: Is something the matter? State your objection if you have any!
  1948.  
  1949. Ienaga: ...Do you truly believe I wasn't aware... of your actions here until now?
  1950.  
  1951. Moscamo: Eek!? No...! F-Forget... I said anything...
  1952.  
  1953. Mosacamo withdrew dejected.
  1954.  
  1955. Ienaga: Then it is fine!
  1956.  
  1957. Ienaga: roared, then lowered his head in front of Minagi.
  1958.  
  1959. Ienaga: Entrust the rest to us, princess, you return to the shrine.
  1960.  
  1961. He then glared at Akuta.
  1962.  
  1963. Ienaga: You! You are to escort the princess to the shrine, shortcuts are prohibited!!
  1964.  
  1965. Akuta: I know.
  1966.  
  1967. Ienaga: On this, I shall...
  1968.  
  1969. Minagi: Ah, Ienaga.
  1970.  
  1971. Ienaga A-Are we not done yet?
  1972.  
  1973. Minagi: Can I bring these children to the shrine?
  1974.  
  1975. Ienaga Wha-!?
  1976.  
  1977. Ienaga was speechless, and looked over the orphans gathered around Minagi.
  1978.  
  1979. Minagi: During your inspection of the ruins, these children cannot return to their home in the ruins.
  1980.  
  1981. Minagi: Which is why, if only until you are finished, I ask to be in care of them.
  1982.  
  1983. Ienaga: But to bring them to the shrine implies various procedural problems...
  1984.  
  1985. Minagi: Ienaga...
  1986.  
  1987. Returning a glance to Minagi and the orphans who were staring at him, he said casually.
  1988.  
  1989. Ienaga: V-Very well, but please, behave when entering the shrine...
  1990.  
  1991. Ienaga If you do... I will reserve rooms for them in town in my name, is that acceptable?
  1992.  
  1993. Minagi: Yes! Thank you, Ienaga.
  1994.  
  1995. Ienaga: Gugu... Is it your fault if the obedient princess has become like this...
  1996.  
  1997. Akuta: Nah, I think she was pushy from the start.
  1998.  
  1999. Ienaga: You better remember this!
  2000.  
  2001. Ienaga gave this last line before he descended into the ruins.
  2002.  
  2003. Akuta: Phew... Good job, Minagi. Nice getting control of here.
  2004.  
  2005. Minagi: There is a lot things I wonder about, but I still am not sure what I should do.
  2006.  
  2007. Minagi: But in any case, Kuuran and the others will be able to explore the ruins safely from now on.
  2008.  
  2009. Minagi: This is not only about me, I want to do more for everyone... Akuta-sama, will you help me in this endeavor?
  2010.  
  2011. Akuta: Yeah, of course.
  2012.  
  2013. Kuuran: I'll help out too. Because this is where I belong.
  2014.  
  2015. Minagi: Yes, let us make this a wonderful place for everyone.
  2016.  
  2017. Akuta: And they lived happily ever after?
  2018.  
  2019. Crow: Cucaaaw! What is happy about that!?
  2020.  
  2021. Akuta: Pops...
  2022.  
  2023. Crow: Because of the gate, the adjacent lab has suffered damage too!
  2024.  
  2025. Crow: And there's no spare parts left... How're you gonna make it up!?
  2026.  
  2027. Crow: After all... Didn't you say it had to be a loss of control with some control left? The damage was within expectations, right?
  2028.  
  2029. Crow: Cuceaaaaw!! Because you waited until the very last moment, I had to cut corners regarding its activation!
  2030.  
  2031. Crow: The unexpected damage wasn't my fault! It definitely wasn't my fault!
  2032.  
  2033. Akuta: I get it, fine...
  2034.  
  2035. Akuta: But the machine in there couldn't inspect Minagi, whether it still works or not, it's the same in the end.
  2036.  
  2037. Crow: It's not the same! It's a matter of motivation!
  2038.  
  2039. Crow: This tool to satiate my curiosity!!
  2040.  
  2041. ---Part 52:
  2042.  
  2043. Carpenter: Okay! Raise the pillar!
  2044.  
  2045. Men: Ooh!!
  2046.  
  2047. The men were pulling thick wooden logs attached with rope, slowly raising them.
  2048.  
  2049. A few days after the tatari incident, everything was wrapped up, and Ienaga left the area in the hands of Minagi as promised.
  2050.  
  2051. As per Minagi's idea, the construction of the outpost near the pit for its exploration and study was underway.
  2052.  
  2053. Akuta: It's starting to look good.
  2054.  
  2055. Minagi: Yes, I can hardly wait just looking at it.
  2056.  
  2057. Alcohol-smelling man: Yo, lil' lady! Mind if I start painting this wall already!!?
  2058.  
  2059. Minagi: Yes, please do.
  2060.  
  2061. The man who called out to Minagi was the self-proclaimed benevolent soul who first guided them to the ruins.
  2062.  
  2063. They initially expected opposition from the residents, but after solving the tatari incident, they ended up accepting them.
  2064.  
  2065. Because they were key actors in convincing Ienaga who had planned to eliminate them, thus protecting the village.
  2066.  
  2067. Furthermore, by asking them to participate in the town's redevelopment, the residents who wanted to earn an income gave their cooperation.
  2068.  
  2069. The building that was to become the base of operations for the ruins' exploration was still under construction, but Kuuran and the orphans' lodging house was already finished.
  2070.  
  2071. But it wasn't simply a place to stay at, it was also planned to become a school for all children, not only orphans.
  2072.  
  2073. Kuuran: Aniki!
  2074.  
  2075. After noticing him, Kuuran cheerfully rushed out the lodging house to meet Akuta.
  2076.  
  2077. Akuta: Oh right, work finally started today for you.
  2078.  
  2079. Kuuran: I didn't know what to do, nee-chan suddenly came and told me to study.
  2080.  
  2081. Minagi: Studying is also part of the job. You can't go to the ruins unless you study, okay?
  2082.  
  2083. Kuuran: Tch...
  2084.  
  2085. Akuta: Building a lodging house here though.
  2086.  
  2087. Minagi: I firmly believe people should learn to read, write, and count, because they will become less susceptible to being deceived.
  2088.  
  2089. Minagi: Besides, once they will have learned how to do it themselves, they will then be able to work without us.
  2090.  
  2091. Minagi: Even though it's not much, I think this alone will increase the amount of money they receive.
  2092.  
  2093. Akuta: That's true. There you have it, Kuuran.
  2094.  
  2095. Kuuran: I already know that. I'm not gonna get involved with another weird guy and cause trouble for you.
  2096.  
  2097. Kuuran: Also, I'm your little brother, I gotta become worthy of being your right-hand man.
  2098.  
  2099. Kuuran: Well, it's just a little bit annoying, but I'll do my best.
  2100.  
  2101. Crow: Uum, such a praiseworthy attitude. You may become the new foundation of my ambition.
  2102.  
  2103. Kuuran: Alright then, we're off to the ruins for a bit.
  2104.  
  2105. Akuta: Sure, be careful.
  2106.  
  2107. Akuta: But is it gonna be okay on the money front? I think you've already spent a lot.
  2108.  
  2109. Minagi: Thanks to the relics and materials found in the ruins, I trust it will be sufficient for the time being.
  2110.  
  2111. Minagi: Karaza will find these ruins most interesting after all.
  2112.  
  2113. Minagi: I have put in a lot of thought. By researching the relics and manufacturing new things...
  2114.  
  2115. Minagi: People in search of these items will come from beyond the village, and then...
  2116.  
  2117. Akuta: The village will develop, and Kuuran's group will live a good life.
  2118.  
  2119. Akuta: And above all, info about ruins and relics will converge here naturally.
  2120.  
  2121. Minagi: Yes. Thus, we may be able to learn more about my clan's curse as well.
  2122.  
  2123. Crow: Cucacaw, I recognize my daughter, you are fit to carry on my ambition. What a well-tailored scheme. You get a well done award.
  2124.  
  2125. Minagi: Ufufu, I was praised.
  2126.  
  2127. Crow: Unlike some stupid son...
  2128.  
  2129. Crow: You should follow her... Actually, you drank her blood and still didn't get any smarter. Truly regrettable.
  2130.  
  2131. Akuta: Sorry about that.
  2132.  
  2133. Crow: But I forgive you, you may act however you can. But for now... I'm hungry. Prepare me a meal.
  2134.  
  2135. Akuta: Yeah, yeah. You get bug dumplings soup.
  2136.  
  2137. Crow: Cucaw!!
  2138.  
  2139. Akuta: Anyway, we should go back to the shrine. Let's leave the rest to the guys here.
  2140.  
  2141. Akuta: Don't want Ienaga telling me stuff again.
  2142.  
  2143. Minagi: Yes.
  2144.  
  2145. After leaving matters of the village in the hands of the people, they returned to the shrine.
  2146.  
  2147. Akuta: Let's see, is there any new request?
  2148.  
  2149. Akuta: Your name seems to have become more widely known. You must surely have received many.
  2150.  
  2151. Crow: Hm, I wanna learn more about places away from here next.
  2152.  
  2153. Minagi: Oh...?
  2154.  
  2155. As Minagi entered the room, she noticed a strange phenomenon.
  2156.  
  2157. Someone was standing outside, staring at them through the window.
  2158.  
  2159. Akuta: Something wrong?
  2160.  
  2161. The woman turned towards him as he called out to her.
  2162.  
  2163. ?: I presume you are Akuta-sama, your registration has been confirmed.
  2164.  
  2165. Akuta: Hm...?
  2166.  
  2167. ?: I inform you that I do not acknowledge it.
  2168.  
  2169. ?: I have come to tell you that I wholly disapprove of you, Akuta-sama.
  2170.  
  2171. Akuta: ...Ha?
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