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LosFra - Chapter 2 (2/3)

Hachyguy
Jan 22nd, 2023
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  1. ---Part 22:
  2.  
  3. Once they were geared up for exploration, they brought along the orphans, including Kuuran, who were accustomed to the ruins, and arrived at the door.
  4.  
  5. After using the master key in order to open the door, they then proceeded to walk down the hallway, which was presumably connected to the laboratory.
  6.  
  7. Crow: ...
  8.  
  9. Akuta: You're pretty quiet today. Isn't this kinda your home filled with memories? I thought you'd be happier.
  10.  
  11. Crow: In a scientific context, such sentimentality can lead to wrong judgments.
  12.  
  13. Crow: Besides, nothing can be gained from lamenting over an unchangeable past.
  14.  
  15. Crow: But...
  16.  
  17. Akuta: Is something troubling you?
  18.  
  19. Crow: No, I was just thinking it's been better preserved than I thought.
  20.  
  21. Akuta: This place has been untouched until now. It's better than the ruins we've seen on the way here.
  22.  
  23. Crow: Yes... But this isn't what I meant.
  24.  
  25. Akuta: What? If you got something to say, then spill it out already.
  26.  
  27. Crow: ...This was the designated evacuation area in case of emergency, and yet not a bone rolling around in sight.
  28.  
  29. Akuta: ...An old story, huh. I don't know what happened, but...
  30.  
  31. Akuta: Couldn't they simply not have been in any situation to evacuate here?
  32.  
  33. Crow: Well... Maybe. I'll assume nobody had to die.
  34.  
  35. Akuta: ...
  36.  
  37. Guessing his crow father had something on his mind, he chose to cut the discussion short at this moment.
  38.  
  39. Even though his words had underlying implications, he figured he would not answer his questions, so Akuta stopped here, and hurried up on ahead.
  40.  
  41. They kept pressing in further down the path, while checking their surroundings.
  42.  
  43. By virtue of being unexplored, they found relics in their path, but prioritizing exploration, they advanced without halt.
  44.  
  45. After a long way, they came across a door, its entrance was illuminated with a bright red light, almost as if inviting them to come in.
  46.  
  47. Crow: Son.
  48.  
  49. Akuta: I know.
  50.  
  51. Like he had done previously, he held up the master key.
  52.  
  53. The door opened, accompanied by the light turning green.
  54.  
  55. Akuta: What is this...?
  56.  
  57. He took a peek inside the room.
  58.  
  59. The dimly lit room contained shelves, arranged in rows.
  60.  
  61. On each of these shelves were disposed many items, which seemed like boxes.
  62.  
  63. Crow: This is one of the storeroom in case of emergency. As I expected, barely any are still left...
  64.  
  65. Kuuran: Eh? But there's still this many!
  66.  
  67. Kuuran gleefully entered the room.
  68.  
  69. Akuta: W-Wait!!
  70.  
  71. Kuuran: Eh...?
  72.  
  73. Kuuran: !!
  74.  
  75. Akuta quickly caught hold of Kuuran's arm and pulled him back, holding him in his arms as if to shield him.
  76.  
  77. Kuuran: ...
  78.  
  79. Akuta: ...Are you okay?
  80.  
  81. Fresh traces of burning could be seen on the ground, the line came to a stop as soon as it made contact with Akuta's body.
  82.  
  83. Kuuran was faintly shaking in his arms.
  84.  
  85. Kuuran: W-What was...?
  86.  
  87. Akuta: Looks like it was a trap. Seems it's a heat ray trap intended to burn those who come inside this room.
  88.  
  89. Akuta: You'd probably be in 2 pieces by now.
  90.  
  91. Kuuran: 2 pieces...?
  92.  
  93. Kuuran gasped as he realized the meaning of his words, and looked above to him.
  94.  
  95. Kuuran: W-What about you, are you okay?
  96.  
  97. Akuta: It doesn't hurt anywhere. Though I've heard if the cut is clean enough, you won't even notice it.
  98.  
  99. Kuuran: Y-You're lying.
  100.  
  101. Crow: Don't worry. Thanks to my son shielding you with his body, the safety activated at the last second.
  102.  
  103. Crow: My son is registered inside the facility, hence why he won't get targeted by the security systems.
  104.  
  105. Akuta: Is that true?
  106.  
  107. Crow: However, son, some other security devices may still be active, we should stop them all before it becomes a problem.
  108.  
  109. Akuta: Got it... but this is something you're supposed to say sooner.
  110.  
  111. Akuta raised the master key, and asked for the security to stop in his head.
  112.  
  113. Somewhere far away, they could hear a voice reporting the interruption of something.
  114.  
  115. Akuta: I'm starting to get a hang of the master key. We should be fine now.
  116.  
  117. Kuuran: I see, that's grea-...
  118.  
  119. Kuuran had only started his sentence, when he realized the short distance between his and Akuta's face, making his face dye gradually redder.
  120.  
  121. Kuuran: Eh? A-Aah...
  122.  
  123. Akuta: What's wrong, Kuuran? Did you get hurt after all?
  124.  
  125. Kuuran: I-I didn't! That's not... Get away from me already...!
  126.  
  127. Akuta: Yup.
  128.  
  129. He released his embrace at once at Kuuran's request.
  130.  
  131. Akuta: My bad. It felt so comfortable I even forgot I was still holding you.
  132.  
  133. Kuuran: C-Come on... Uuh, you're totally missing the point! You'll never be popular with girls if you're not more careful!!
  134.  
  135. Akuta: Hm? Aah, yeah... Absolutely right.
  136.  
  137. Kuuran: But, uuh...
  138.  
  139. Akuta: ?
  140.  
  141. Kuuran: T-Thanks... for saving me...
  142.  
  143. Akuta: Of course. We're partners for now, after all.
  144.  
  145. Akuta: Alright, let's see if there's anything left in this room.
  146.  
  147. Kuuran: ...
  148.  
  149. Minagi: Fufu, isn't Akuta-sama wonderful?
  150.  
  151. Kuuran: Eheh, that's right... Wait.
  152.  
  153. Kuuran: Nee-chan!?
  154.  
  155. Minagi: It's Minagi, Minagi. Please feel free to call me this way.
  156.  
  157. Kuuran: Let's be clear, I am a man, therefore, I only admire him, and nothing else!
  158.  
  159. Kuuran: T-There's nothing weird going on!!
  160.  
  161. Minagi: Yes! Akuta-sama has saved my life as well. Thus, we are now comrades with this in common.
  162.  
  163. Minagi: Let us both do our best in order to repay the debt we have towards Akuta-sama.
  164.  
  165. Kuuran: Y-Yeah.
  166.  
  167. Akuta: You two really have warmed up to each other.
  168.  
  169. Kuuran: W-We're nowhere near close!
  170.  
  171. Kuuran: Anyway, let's check out those boxes!
  172.  
  173. Kuuran hurriedly ran off into the room.
  174.  
  175. ---Part 23:
  176.  
  177. Kuuran: We're back~!
  178.  
  179. Tiny orphan: Welcome back, an-chan!!
  180.  
  181. After a day of searching, they returned to where the orphans lived, and were welcomed by the orphans who stayed behind.
  182.  
  183. Tiny orphan: Hey, hey, and our souvenirs?
  184.  
  185. Kuuran: I have a ton of them.
  186.  
  187. Tiny orphan: Waaah!
  188.  
  189. Despite the crow mentioning how most of the boxes in the storeroom were gone, a number of still sealed boxes remained.
  190.  
  191. Kuuran opened the lid of a box he brought back. Inside, what he found was a silver-colored bag tightly filled with something.
  192.  
  193. Tiny orphan: What is it? What is it?
  194.  
  195. The kids who had gathered around curiously looked into the box.
  196.  
  197. Crow: These are emergency rations. One of them contains half the daily necessary nutrients.
  198.  
  199. Akuta: Here, this is how you unseal it.
  200.  
  201. Akuta unsealed the bag, doing so revealed a dark brown lump, which seemed to be a kind of baked sweet.
  202.  
  203. Akuta: Chomp
  204.  
  205. Munch munch...
  206.  
  207. Akuta: Hmm... It tastes a little bitter... but generously sweet!
  208.  
  209. Akuta: It feels pretty filling, though I'm not a fan of the dry crumbly feeling in your mouth.
  210.  
  211. Akuta: Seems edible to me. Here, get some of this.
  212.  
  213. The kids then scrambled to open the bags, before finally taking a bite of the food inside.
  214.  
  215. Tiny orphan: So swe~et! I never ate anything like this before!
  216.  
  217. Minagi: I have experienced many varieties of sweets, yet this flavor is a first.
  218.  
  219. Crow: Hum, I don't mind if this is expired or not, it's still better than bugs.
  220.  
  221. Kuuran: Ehehe, we're gonna get a high price for this, nii-chan! I might even say we already broke even regarding our deal.
  222.  
  223. Kuuran: Ah... B-But I'm not saying I'll stop helping you out!
  224.  
  225. Kuuran: This is a man to man promise! I'm sticking around until you find what you're looking for! No matter what!
  226.  
  227. Akuta: Yeah, glad to have you here.
  228.  
  229. Kuuran: You can count on me!
  230.  
  231. Kuuran: So anyway, nii-chan, it's already pretty dark outside, are you sure you want to go back?
  232.  
  233. Akuta: Hmm... Right, I guess I could impose myself here for a while, or would you rather not?
  234.  
  235. Akuta: I thought about it earlier, needing to commute to go exploring isn't efficient.
  236.  
  237. Akuta: Instead, we could stay here tonight, and go exploring in the morning, what do you say?
  238.  
  239. Kuuran: I-I mean if you're fine with this then, uh, it's okay.
  240.  
  241. Akuta: ?
  242.  
  243. Kuuran: Uuh, nii-chan, her too?
  244.  
  245. Kuuran pointed his finger towards the one he was talking about, Minagi, who was currently munching on emergency rations like a small animal.
  246.  
  247. Akuta: Right, if I stayed, that means I couldn't accompany Minagi here. That would be less than preferable.
  248.  
  249. Minagi: In this case, I will be staying as well.
  250.  
  251. Minagi: This would allow Akuta-sama to accomplish his work faster, wouldn't it? If so, I cannot allow myself to hold him back.
  252.  
  253. Kuuran: No, you being here is already holding him back, in my opinion.
  254.  
  255. Minagi: Uh... B-But I believe there is no better way to learn about someone than to live under the same roof.
  256.  
  257. Minagi: I will do anything, I beg of you, please let me stay here, Kuuran-san.
  258.  
  259. Kuuran: I-I get it, I get it. Don't come so close!
  260.  
  261. Kuuran: Let me warn you, you're sleeping on the floor! No amount of it's too rough or cold will change that.
  262.  
  263. Minagi: Yes, I expected nothing else!
  264.  
  265. Kuuran: You can borrow a blanket though...
  266.  
  267. Kuuran: Also, there are no toilets here, it's further down the hallway.
  268.  
  269. Kuuran: It's pretty far away from here, so be careful you don't wet yourself on the way.
  270.  
  271. Kuuran: I don't mind coming with you if you're scared though.
  272.  
  273. Minagi: I will be fine, I can go on my own.
  274.  
  275. Kuuran: And make sure the door is closed at night! Did you get that!?
  276.  
  277. Minagi: Yes, you can place your trust in me, Kuuran-san.
  278.  
  279. Kuuran: Will this really be okay...?
  280.  
  281. Akuta: As you'd expect from a boss, you're the caring type, huh.
  282.  
  283. Kuuran: Uum, by the way, why do I feel nervous when I look at her...
  284.  
  285. Akuta: We're going exploring tomorrow morning. Let's eat up and get to bed early.
  286.  
  287. After an early dinner, they prepared to go to sleep.
  288.  
  289. Everyone laid down in different corners of the room, and all wrapped themselves with a blanket.
  290.  
  291. The children all seemed to have their personal spots. The older ones naturally sleeping closer to the door.
  292.  
  293. Minagi: Fufu, it is fun, isn't it? Akuta-sama.
  294.  
  295. Akuta: Yeah... This feels refreshing sleeping in a different place.
  296.  
  297. Kuuran: ...You sure look carefree... Not that it's wrong.
  298.  
  299. In the middle the night, when everyone went silent...
  300.  
  301. Minagi: Fwaaah...
  302.  
  303. Minagi suddenly woke up and glanced over the room, with her still drowsy eyes.
  304.  
  305. Everyone was sleeping soundly, which demonstrated their exhaustion. Akuta, Kuuran, they were leaning against the wall, completely motionless.
  306.  
  307. Minagi shivered.
  308.  
  309. Minagi: ...
  310.  
  311. Minagi: Where was... the bathroom...
  312.  
  313. Minagi still wrapped in her blanket, took a look at Akuta who was asleep beside her.
  314.  
  315. Minagi: ...I cannot... wake him up... Even alone... I have to make it...
  316.  
  317. Dragging her blanket behind her, Minagi slowly headed in direction of the door, and removed the bar blocking it.
  318.  
  319. Then disappeared into the depths of the hallway.
  320.  
  321. ...Some time had passed, and Minagi slowly came back to the room, still dragging her blanket behind her.
  322.  
  323. Wrapping her blanket around her, she laid down on the floor.
  324.  
  325. Minagi: Huh... Why do I feel like I'm forgetting something...
  326.  
  327. Minagi: I should... ask Kuuran-san tomorrow...
  328.  
  329. Minagi: Fwaah... Zzz... Zzz...
  330.  
  331. Rustle... Rustle...
  332.  
  333. ?: ...
  334.  
  335. Akuta: Hm...
  336.  
  337. Akuta: (What was that sound...?)
  338.  
  339. Akuta suddenly woke up at the sound of an unusual noise.
  340.  
  341. Looking in the direction of the sound, he could see squirming near the door.
  342.  
  343. Akuta: (The kids...? No, this is...)
  344.  
  345. Akuta: !! Wake up, Kuuran! Minagi!
  346.  
  347. Kuuran: Whyat? What's wrong, nii-chan...
  348.  
  349. Akuta: Something's here! Intruders!!
  350.  
  351. Minagi: Fwaeh!?
  352.  
  353. Akuta: Don't let them near the kids, let's do this!
  354.  
  355. ---Part 24: Kessen
  356.  
  357. ---Part 25:
  358.  
  359. Akuta: Phew... That takes care of this. They weren't all that tough.
  360.  
  361. Kuuran: We are still relatively close to the surface, compared to those deeper down, I would take these in a heartbeat.
  362.  
  363. Kuuran: But where did they come from? The door should've been properly locked.
  364.  
  365. Minagi: Locked... Ah!
  366.  
  367. Akuta: What's up, Minagi? Are you injured anywhere?
  368.  
  369. Minagi: N-No, uum... Eer, you see... Actually...
  370.  
  371. Akuta: ...?
  372.  
  373. Minagi: S-Sorry!
  374.  
  375. Minagi: When I went to the bathroom during the night, I may have left the door unlocked...
  376.  
  377. Kuuran: Nee-chan...
  378.  
  379. Minagi: I-I am genuinely sorry! I will do anything, just please forgive meee!
  380.  
  381. Kuuran: Haa... It's fine. I'm the one who forgot to warn you about bugs coming in.
  382.  
  383. Minagi: Auuh...
  384.  
  385. Kuuran: All in all, I got my hands on something nice.
  386.  
  387. Akuta: What? Something nice?
  388.  
  389. Kuuran: I'm not sure a noble lady like her could stomach it, well, look forward to it, fufufu.
  390.  
  391. Kuuran: It's morning! Wake up! Kids!!
  392.  
  393. They were woken up by this loud voice.
  394.  
  395. Akuta: Hmm...? Is it...? Living without the sun really distorts your perception of time.
  396.  
  397. Minagi: Fwaah... Kuuran-san, Akuta-sama, father, good morning.
  398.  
  399. Kuuran: Eheh, sleep well? Though considering the mess last night, I assume you're lacking sleep.
  400.  
  401. Kuuran: But the later we wake up, the less time we have to earn money.
  402.  
  403. Crow: Indeed, my lab must be impatiently waiting for my return.
  404.  
  405. Akuta: True that, we stayed the night so that we could start our search in the morning. It would render it pointless if we slept until noon instead.
  406.  
  407. Kuuran: Alright, you go get ready. I'll take care of something before breakfast.
  408.  
  409. Akuta: Hm? Are you going somewhere?
  410.  
  411. Kuuran: To draw up water. Can't live without water, can you.
  412.  
  413. Kuuran: And since you all are here, water drains faster than usual.
  414.  
  415. Akuta: Right, you're absolutely right. Okay, I'll give you a hand.
  416.  
  417. Kuuran: Ah, no, this has nothing to do with exploring the ruins, so...
  418.  
  419. Akuta: If us being here uses up more water, then it's only fair we do something in return.
  420.  
  421. Akuta: Besides, you never know when knowing the terrain will prove useful.
  422.  
  423. Kuuran: Personally, I'm grateful for your help, but...
  424.  
  425. Minagi: I will be coming as well!
  426.  
  427. Kuuran: ......
  428.  
  429. Minagi: I-If you would be so kind... as to let me accompany you...
  430.  
  431. Kuuran: You're gonna spill the water, no doubts about it.
  432.  
  433. Minagi: Au.
  434.  
  435. Kuuran: If you want to, just come. You're like a freebie given away with nii-chan.
  436.  
  437. Kuuran: Besides, I wouldn't want you to cause more problems here by leaving you behind. I'd feel more at ease having you in my line of sight.
  438.  
  439. Minagi: Y-Yes! I will strive to live up to your expectations!
  440.  
  441. Kuuran: What are you even striving for....
  442.  
  443. ---Part 26:
  444.  
  445. With Kuuran and a group of orphans, they went down to a deeper layer of the ruins.
  446.  
  447. After descending for some time, they felt cool air on their skin.
  448.  
  449. Akuta: Is this the place?
  450.  
  451. Kuuran: Yes, clean water flows in here.
  452.  
  453. Water was dripping down the walls of the location Kuuran guided them to. Minagi slowly approached her hand from the flowing water.
  454.  
  455. Minagi: Hyah! It's cold!!
  456.  
  457. Kuuran: Going down from our hideout to here and back is annoying, but it's safer than getting water from outside, and more importantly, the water is clean.
  458.  
  459. Crow: Um, maybe the filtering still works somewhere.
  460.  
  461. Kuuran: We collect our drinkable water here, and do our laundry downstream.
  462.  
  463. Minagi: Laundry...
  464.  
  465. Minagi's eyes lit up from hearing this word.
  466.  
  467. Akuta: ...You wanna do it, don't you?
  468.  
  469. Minagi: Yes, I would like to try! Please allow me to!
  470.  
  471. Kuuran: I don't mind, but do you know how to?
  472.  
  473. Minagi: Do not worry, I have seen it before.
  474.  
  475. Kuuran: ...Just seen.
  476.  
  477. Akuta: Well, there's a first time for everything. Mind letting her give it a go?
  478.  
  479. Kuuran: Suit yourself.
  480.  
  481. Minagi: Then, I will begin immediately...
  482.  
  483. Minagi: Minagi took a piece of clothing from the laundry basket, and together with the other kids in charge of laundry, she started rubbing.
  484.  
  485. Minagi: There, there...
  486.  
  487. Akuta: Ooh... Not bad for a first-timer.
  488.  
  489. Minagi: Ehehe, do you think so? I will give it my all this way in this case.
  490.  
  491. Minagi enthusiastically picked the next piece of clothing which she began cleaning. Although...
  492.  
  493. Minagi: I cannot seem to wash away the dirt. I need to apply more strength...
  494.  
  495. Akuta: H-Hey, are you okay? If you go that hard...
  496.  
  497. Paying no mind to Akuta, Minagi began scrubbing with redoubled strength, only...
  498.  
  499. Minagi: Ah...
  500.  
  501. Minagi's face turned pale as she heard the sound of fabric tearing.
  502.  
  503. Kuuran: You put in too much strength.
  504.  
  505. Crow: Huum, I do not remember giving you clumsiness. It must be individual differences then.
  506.  
  507. Minagi: U-Um, I am sorry... Please accept my clothes as reparation!!
  508.  
  509. Minagi did as she said, and began undressing herself.
  510.  
  511. Kuuran: S-Stop! You can't undress while nii-chan's here! Do you have no shame as a woman!?
  512.  
  513. Minagi: B-But...
  514.  
  515. Kuuran: It's fine, the kids's clothes were all someone's else's hand-me-downs, who got them as hand-me-downs and so forth.
  516.  
  517. Kuuran: They're all worn out and dirty beyond repair. It's a miracle they didn't break down altogether already.
  518.  
  519. Kuuran: That's why everyone messes up like you. Me too, obviously.
  520.  
  521. Kuuran: Look, it's been patched up all over already, all you did is adding yet another stitch.
  522.  
  523. Kuuran: Don't let it get to you.
  524.  
  525. Minagi: ...Kuuran-san, you are so kind.
  526.  
  527. Kuuran: You-! F-Flattery won't get you nowhere with me!
  528.  
  529. Minagi: I am aware! I need to redeem myself. I will be carrying water as an apology! This is the original meaning of my coming after all!
  530.  
  531. Minagi: I am quite talented at manual labor! This much water should be...
  532.  
  533. Minagi vigorously lifted one of the buckets filled with water, however...
  534.  
  535. Thud! Splash...!
  536.  
  537. Minagi: Kyah!?
  538.  
  539. Akuta: Aah... She poured water all over herself.
  540.  
  541. Kuuran: Nee-chan, you're seriously a klutz...
  542.  
  543. Minagi: Sorry...
  544.  
  545. Kuuran: Welp, better now than on the way back.
  546.  
  547. Kuuran: Let me tell you now, everyone messes this up too, don't concern yourself with this.
  548.  
  549. Minagi: I see... Everyone is improving one step at a time in this way!
  550.  
  551. Kuuran: The only part of you I honestly respect is that boundless optimism...
  552.  
  553. Minagi: Ehehe, I have been praised...
  554.  
  555. Akuta: But your clothes are dripping wet. Why don't you at least squeeze out the water?
  556.  
  557. Kuuran: And wash yourself while you're at it? Isn't a rich lady starting to worry about the sweat and dust by now?
  558.  
  559. Minagi: Sniff, sniff, is that so? I hide the scent, so I think I should be fine on that front...
  560.  
  561. Minagi: Besides, is this water not precious to you? I have learned today that such luxury is unacceptable.
  562.  
  563. Kuuran: Bathing is the perk of being on water duty.
  564.  
  565. Kuuran: I mean, you have so much water right in front of you, there's no risk of using it all up. You don't have to worry about this.
  566.  
  567. Akuta: Not wrong. So, where can you take a bath around here?
  568.  
  569. Kuuran: This way. There's this place where water is accumulating a bit.
  570.  
  571. Kuuran: Aah... And while you're at it, what about you go in too?
  572.  
  573. Akuta: A bath, huh. Since you're asking, I don't see why not. Mind showing me the way?
  574.  
  575. Crow: Um, I shall wash my new and more attractive crow body as well.
  576.  
  577. Crow: Let us wash each other's backs to strengthen our father son bond.
  578.  
  579. Akuta: How do you plan on washing my back with that body?
  580.  
  581. Kuuran: Then I-... Wait, nee-chan, why are you looking like this a matter of fact too?
  582.  
  583. Kuuran: Men go this way! Women the other way!!
  584.  
  585. Minagi: But who will wash both your backs...
  586.  
  587. Kuuran: I'll take care of this!
  588.  
  589. Minagi: To keep Akuta-sama for yourself is not nice, Kuuran-san.
  590.  
  591. Kuuran: That's not how it is!!
  592.  
  593. ---Part 27:
  594.  
  595. As Minagi parted somewhat reluctantly with them, they headed towards the place used as a bath.
  596.  
  597. Akuta followed behind Kuuran, and the both of them arrived at a sort of small pond where water has been accumulating.
  598.  
  599. Akuta: Ooh, this is...
  600.  
  601. Kuuran: Nice spot, right? Let's get in.
  602.  
  603. Kuuran dived inside the pond, still dressed.
  604.  
  605. Akuta: Hm? Is going in clothed considered good manners here?
  606.  
  607. Kuuran: Hmm... No, it's not. I just couldn't be bothered to undress.
  608.  
  609. Akuta: That so. Then I'll take off my clothes, personally.
  610.  
  611. Akuta removed his clothes and entered the pond.
  612.  
  613. Akuta: Phew... I feel so refreshed.
  614.  
  615. Crow: It's a shame the water is cold, but I can feel the filth leaving my body.
  616.  
  617. Akuta: Hey, stay calm in the want... Wait, is that one of those crow baths? (quick and hurried bath)
  618.  
  619. Crow: Cucacacaw.
  620.  
  621. Akuta: You're small now. Careful not to drown.
  622.  
  623. Crow: You can rest easy. My genius has it all under control. I've already mastered swimming... by correspondence.
  624.  
  625. Akuta: Hey, hey.
  626.  
  627. Crow: But my theory is flawless! By lying on your back as such, then relaxing your muscles, you will naturally be able to float...
  628.  
  629. Crow: Cucaaaw! Gah! Gah!
  630.  
  631. Akuta: What did I tell you. You're a crow now, your body structure isn't the same as it used to be.
  632.  
  633. Crow: Gugagaw...
  634.  
  635. Akuta: Seriously.
  636.  
  637. As Akuta was relaxing while soaking in the water, he could feel someone's eyes on his back.
  638.  
  639. Kuuran: ...
  640.  
  641. Akuta: What's up? Why're you staring so hard? Do I have something stuck on me?
  642.  
  643. Kuuran: I-It's nothing!
  644.  
  645. Kuuran turned his back on him, and immersed himself into the water, seemingly embarrassed.
  646.  
  647. Kuuran: I-I just... thought I wanted to quickly grow up into a big man like you.
  648.  
  649. Kuuran: So it would be easier on the kids...
  650.  
  651. Crow: Biologically speaking, you will grow, but not as big as my son.
  652.  
  653. Crow: Even after decades, you'll stay just as frail and small.
  654.  
  655. Kuuran: I won't know unless I try! I'm in my growth period, who knows, maybe I'll even grow tall enough I'll have to look down to talk to nii-chan.
  656.  
  657. Crow: No, it's about ethnic traits... Though I don't expect decoys to understand what that means.
  658.  
  659. Kuuran: What are you talking about? Nii-chan, say something to that crow!
  660.  
  661. Akuta: Don't let a crow's nonsense bother you.
  662.  
  663. Akuta: Size isn't what matters, besides, aren't you already an outstanding boss and protector to these kids?
  664.  
  665. Kuuran: But...
  666.  
  667. Akuta: (You're still a kid, no need to rush things. Though even if I said it, it wouldn't change his mind.)
  668.  
  669. Akuta: (There are no adults to protect them here, which is why he has to become an adult quickly.)
  670.  
  671. Kuuran: You're an odd case though. Somehow, I get the feeling you're different from the other adults.
  672.  
  673. Kuuran: It's like... you're reliable, or something, I don't really understand.
  674.  
  675. Akuta: That so? I lost my memories, so if you ask me, I feel more unsteady than anything.
  676.  
  677. Kuuran: You lost your memories...
  678.  
  679. Akuta: Even I don't know the details. Only that according to pops... the crow, it seem I have gotten into an accident.
  680.  
  681. Kuuran: Is that the truth?
  682.  
  683. Crow: Hm? Aah, he's right.
  684.  
  685. Kuuran: Eh~, I don't know if I should trust that. And calling a crow pops or father is weird to begin with.
  686.  
  687. Crow: That was rude.
  688.  
  689. Kuuran: Isn't he actually deceiving you...
  690.  
  691. Akuta: Haha, right. I can't tell just how trustworthy this crow really is.
  692.  
  693. Crow: Cucaw! Excuse me!?
  694.  
  695. Akuta: I don't care about the past that much. It's more important to me to trust what's right in front of me.
  696.  
  697. Akuta: At the very least, I trust Minagi. This girl can't tell a lie.
  698.  
  699. Akuta: And you too.
  700.  
  701. Kuuran: Me too... Huum...
  702.  
  703. Akuta: What do you say we scrub each other's backs while we're here?
  704.  
  705. Kuuran: Eh?
  706.  
  707. Akuta: Remember what you said earlier? You'd wash my back, and I'll take care of yours, how's that for a proof of trust?
  708.  
  709. Kuuran: I-I just said it in the heat of the moment because of the weird things nee-chan said!!
  710.  
  711. Akuta: We're between men, don't be shy. Here, come this way.
  712.  
  713. Kuuran: I-I'm fine, I can do it myself! Hyah!?
  714.  
  715. Akuta: Ooh, your skin is so smooth compared to mine. Do you do anything special to take care of it?
  716.  
  717. Kuuran: T-This isn't the place for this! L-Let go of me, now!!
  718.  
  719. Akuta: I see, so basically, this supple and glowing skin comes from your youth. Alright, I'll try focusing on youth rather than meticulousness.
  720.  
  721. Kuuran: I-I'm telling you this isn't-!
  722.  
  723. Kuuran: ~~~~!!
  724.  
  725. Kuuran: !? Ah, I-I'm getting out first!!
  726.  
  727. Kuuran quickly walked away.
  728.  
  729. Akuta: ...What's up with him?
  730.  
  731. Crow: Haa... You are incapable of delicacy.
  732.  
  733. Akuta: Ha? You're the last person I want to hear that from...
  734.  
  735. ---Part 28:
  736.  
  737. When he came back from the pond, he found Minagi, whose hair had recovered their gloss, waiting for them.
  738.  
  739. Minagi: Oh, Kuuran-san?
  740.  
  741. Minagi: Your face appears bright red... Ah, was the water heated on your side, perhaps?
  742.  
  743. Kuuran: I-It's not like that!
  744.  
  745. Minagi: ?
  746.  
  747. Kuuran: A-Anyway, we got water, done the laundry, it's time to go back, now!
  748.  
  749. Kuuran caught a water-filled bucket, and was ready to leave swiftly, however...
  750.  
  751. Kuuran: Uwah!?
  752.  
  753. Crash smash!
  754.  
  755. Surely because he wasn't looking at the floor, Kuuran tipped over, causing water to scatter everywhere around.
  756.  
  757. Minagi: A-Are you all right?
  758.  
  759. Kuuran: I-It's nothing! It always happens! Here, take this and don't drop it!
  760.  
  761. Minagi: Akuta-sama, did something happen? It would appear Kuuran-san is upset...
  762.  
  763. Akuta: Dunno... All I did was wash his back.
  764.  
  765. Akuta: Who knows, he could be very ticklish maybe.
  766.  
  767. When they came back to where the orphans lived loaded with water, they smelled some kind of nice fragrance.
  768.  
  769. Tiny orphan: Ah~, an-chan! Welcome back~. Breakfast is ready~.
  770.  
  771. Kuuran: Ooh, thanks a lot.
  772.  
  773. Kuuran: Did you end up using it?
  774.  
  775. Tiny orphan: Yes, we did like you instructed.
  776.  
  777. Kuuran: Perfect.
  778.  
  779. Kuuran broke into a satisfied smile at the sound of these words.
  780.  
  781. Minagi: Sniff sniff, what a pleasant smell this is.
  782.  
  783. Kuuran: A full stomach is the first step towards anything, as they say. You'll be eating with us too, obviously?
  784.  
  785. Akuta: If you don't mind, with pleasure.
  786.  
  787. Kuuran: Then pass it around
  788.  
  789. Kuuran quickly poured some liquid inside of a large container, then handed it over.
  790.  
  791. Akuta: Ooh, mushrooms and... Some kinda white meat. That is one luxurious breakfast with all these ingredients.
  792.  
  793. Kuuran: Eheh, you can't work without eating a whole lot.
  794.  
  795. Kuuran: The ruins are a humid environment, we can harvest a bunch of mushrooms. And this here is...
  796.  
  797. Kuuran stopped mid-sentence, and began chuckling to himself.
  798.  
  799. Akuta: What's up?
  800.  
  801. Kuuran: I just remembered something.
  802.  
  803. Akuta: ?
  804.  
  805. Kuuran: Well, look forward to it. This is a delicacy we don't have access to normally.
  806.  
  807. Akuta: Yeah?
  808.  
  809. Kuuran: It's good though, definitely give it a taste.
  810.  
  811. Akuta: You don't need to tell me twice.
  812.  
  813. Minagi: Thank you for the meal.
  814.  
  815. They first took a sip of the soup.
  816.  
  817. Akuta: ! I see, this is a pretty good soup, isn't it.
  818.  
  819. Minagi: It is, the meat is bouncy and delicious.
  820.  
  821. Crow: Hum, the presentation is bad, but the taste is passable. I award you one star.
  822.  
  823. Akuta: Still, what in the world is this meat... It's not any common land animal, it's not fish, if I had to guess, I'd say crustacean...
  824.  
  825. Akuta took a glance at the oven in the back. What he saw lying there was...
  826.  
  827. Akuta: Is this... The things we defeated last night!?
  828.  
  829. Crow: Cucaaw!?
  830.  
  831. Crow: Gugagaw... O-Once again, you fed me... you fed me bugs~!?
  832.  
  833. Akuta: Well, these bugs look very nutritive to me.
  834.  
  835. Crow: Gugaw! I don't care for your consolation!!
  836.  
  837. Kuuran: Eheh~, I knew you weren't used to eating this stuff. So I set this up.
  838.  
  839. Kuuran: This is payback for forgetting to close the door last night, and now we're even.
  840.  
  841. Akuta: That's what you call karma. Though if this delicious food is our punishment, we're getting off easy.
  842.  
  843. Kuuran: Tch, you weren't surprised at all.
  844.  
  845. Minagi: Ah, but nee-chan, you don't have to force yourself... Wait.
  846.  
  847. Minagi: Munch munch.
  848.  
  849. Kuuran: ...She's eating it!
  850.  
  851. Minagi: Yesh? Nom nom... 'Is is delishous.
  852.  
  853. Minagi downed her drink, then calmly answered.
  854.  
  855. Minagi: It has been cooked with care, besides, I believe once chopped, every meat, even bug meat, is hardly any different.
  856.  
  857. Minagi: Uum, if you would excuse me, are seconds considered a luxury?
  858.  
  859. Kuuran: Nee-chan, I don't know if you're more amazing or insensitive...
  860.  
  861. ---Part 29:
  862.  
  863. After the commotion during breakfast, they once again departed to investigate the unexplored region of the ruins.
  864.  
  865. Akuta: ...This door's not reacting.
  866.  
  867. Despite Akuta holding the master key in front of the door, nothing happened in return.
  868.  
  869. Crow: Something must have malfunctioned somewhere. It's not unexpected after hundreds of years without maintenance.
  870.  
  871. However undamaged it seemed at first, malfunctioning doors and partition walls blocked their progress more than a few times.
  872.  
  873. Every time, they either needed to go back, or take long detours, which greatly impeded their exploration.
  874.  
  875. Akuta: I've had the impression there are more paths with broken down doors since coming here.
  876.  
  877. Crow: Cucaw, this is the proof we are steadily approaching the central core of the facility.
  878.  
  879. Crow: Let's take a left here. This should be a shortcut.
  880.  
  881. Akuta: You said the same thing earlier and it was flooded along the way.
  882.  
  883. Crow: Cucaw, I cannot predict this much, this is beyond control.
  884.  
  885. Perhaps because he wasn't tired due to regularly resting on people's heads or shoulders, he was unapologetic about leading everyone else around.
  886.  
  887. He nonetheless was the only one to know of the facility's layout, and as such, they took whichever path he told them to.
  888.  
  889. After a while, they came across a slightly different sight.
  890.  
  891. Akuta: What's that?
  892.  
  893. This was not a wall, but instead, the path seemed blocked by items stacked on top of each other.
  894.  
  895. This was one of the rare traces of someone's presence they had found in this new region they were currently exploring, but-
  896.  
  897. What it seemed like was a deliberate attempt to stop intruders.
  898.  
  899. Akuta: ...What's this doing here? And what's behind this...
  900.  
  901. Only the crow muttered, as if convinced at this sight.
  902.  
  903. Crow: I see, so that's what happened...
  904.  
  905. Akuta: ...Pops?
  906.  
  907. Kuuran: Hey, nii-chan! That's a nice pile of stuff, do you think we can clear them out from above?
  908.  
  909. Kuuran: I think it would be easy to make a hole at least big enough to crawl through.
  910.  
  911. Minagi: Shall we remove them and see what is beyond with our own eyes?
  912.  
  913. Akuta: Right... Let's get this hindrance out of the...
  914.  
  915. Crow: W-Wait!
  916.  
  917. Akuta: What? You don't wanna check what's behind this?
  918.  
  919. Crow: That's...
  920.  
  921. The crow stopped himself from finishing his sentence.
  922.  
  923. Crow: Well... It's fine, let's leave this where it is.
  924.  
  925. Kuuran: Eh, really? But this has clearly been blocked off by people... My intuition tells me something is hidden behind this.
  926.  
  927. Crow: ...Something may indeed be hidden, but it would be for the best not to find out.
  928.  
  929. Crow: If it's what I imagine, that is.
  930.  
  931. Akuta: And what are you...
  932.  
  933. Crow: Don't worry about it. Once we reach the lab, we'll find way higher quality materials and components laying around than we could here.
  934.  
  935. Crow: Let's get moving. We don't have time to get sidetracked here. There should be a maintenance hatch a little ways back.
  936.  
  937. Crow: It's narrow and won't be easy to go through, but it connects to the lab.
  938.  
  939. Akuta: You're the only one who knows about the place. So if you say don't investigate I won't, but...
  940.  
  941. Kuuran: Tch~.
  942.  
  943. Kuuran reluctantly followed behind the crow.
  944.  
  945. Akuta: (Pops was acting strange... but he wouldn't answer me honestly even if I asked. Guess I'll have to accept-)
  946.  
  947. Akuta: !?
  948.  
  949. Akuta felt a presence behind him, and immediately turned around.
  950.  
  951. When he did however, nothing was there, other than the blocked off path.
  952.  
  953. Akuta: (I felt some kind of presence... Was it my imagination...?)
  954.  
  955. Minagi: Is something the matter, Akuta-sama?
  956.  
  957. Akuta: No...
  958.  
  959. Kuuran: Nii-chan! Nee-chan! We're gonna leave you behind!!
  960.  
  961. Akuta: Sorry, coming!
  962.  
  963. Still wary of his back, he ran up and caught up to Kuuran.
  964.  
  965. Silence alone governed this place people had deserted.
  966.  
  967. ---Part 30:
  968.  
  969. Akuta: Phew... Let's call it a day.
  970.  
  971. Crow: I thought we would make it today, but we still haven't reached the lab because of all these detours.
  972.  
  973. Crow: But the lab is just outside arm's reach. We will make it tomorrow!!
  974.  
  975. With at last, an estimate of when they will attain their objective, only the crow father was enthusiastic.
  976.  
  977. Kuuran: Uum... Sorry about throwing a wet blanket, but-
  978.  
  979. Kuuran: There's some business I need to take care of tomorrow, so I can't come with you. Is that okay?
  980.  
  981. Crow: Cucaw!! Our goal is right there! And you intend to miss the moment of the century!?
  982.  
  983. Kuuran: No, I wanna see the treasure room, but I simply can't.
  984.  
  985. Crow: You can leave your errands until later!
  986.  
  987. Akuta: Wait up, it's important to him, don't go and force his hand.
  988.  
  989. Crow: Cucaw, although...
  990.  
  991. Kuuran: Thanks, nii-chan. Someone's coming tomorrow to buy our stuff.
  992.  
  993. Kuuran: I can't leave a crucial sale to someone else, I have to go myself...
  994.  
  995. Akuta: There's no helping it then.
  996.  
  997. Akuta: We're almost there. Taking the day off before that to restore ourselves sounds like a good idea.
  998.  
  999. Crow: Cucaw! Son! Are you saying you will prioritize this kid over me!?
  1000.  
  1001. Akuta: I'm not prioritizing anyone. We're partners, it's normal to be mutually considerate.
  1002.  
  1003. Akuta: Besides, your lab's not going anywhere. Postponing it one day's not gonna make a difference.
  1004.  
  1005. Akuta: We'll go back home too. It may be a good idea to check what's going on outside, since we've been totally cut off from the world.
  1006.  
  1007. Akuta: And by the way... Minagi not being seen for days would be bad.
  1008.  
  1009. Minagi: Ah, uum... I am a little concerned, but Mahomi should have been able to successfully deceive everyone.
  1010.  
  1011. Akuta: (Mahomi-san again... Is it really gonna be okay?)
  1012.  
  1013. Akuta: Well, in any case...
  1014.  
  1015. Akuta: We'll be taking care of our business, and Kuuran of his.
  1016.  
  1017. Kuuran: Sorry, nii-chan. I promise to make it up to you!
  1018.  
  1019. The next day...
  1020.  
  1021. Akuta: Hop... Is that okay?
  1022.  
  1023. Kuuran: Yeah, thanks for helping me carry this, nii-chan.
  1024.  
  1025. Akuta: It's nothing, I was on my way out anyway.
  1026.  
  1027. They had brought outside and piled up all the relics they collected.
  1028.  
  1029. Akuta: Though, can you really make money off of all of this broken junk?
  1030.  
  1031. Kuuran: Yes, there's always a market for things you find in the ruins.
  1032.  
  1033. Kuuran: Especially from Karaza, there's a bounty for all relics can sell.
  1034.  
  1035. Kuuran: Even though I don't have the faintest idea of what they're doing with all this incomprehensible stuff they keep amassing.
  1036.  
  1037. Kuuran: I've heard that Karaza reveres the Onvitaikayan, so anything related is precious in their eyes.
  1038.  
  1039. Akuta made eye contact with Minagi who stood by his side, she stared back at him, and nodded silently.
  1040.  
  1041. Kuuran: But obviously, you can get better sales from under-the-table deals than Karaza.
  1042.  
  1043. Kuuran: This stuff's under control of underground groups though...
  1044.  
  1045. Kuuran: It's a risky trail to a bunch of orphans without any outside support like us.
  1046.  
  1047. Kuuran: Karaza's a quite less advantageous but safer option.
  1048.  
  1049. Minagi: But in that case, should we not carry it directly to the shrine?
  1050.  
  1051. Akuta: Yeah. There's a lot of walking until the shrine. But if we all did it, it'll be easy.
  1052.  
  1053. Kuuran: You two don't understand anything. They wouldn't even think twice about refusing people like us in.
  1054.  
  1055. Kuuran: Worst case scenario, they will interrogate us about where we stole it from.
  1056.  
  1057. Kuuran: This is why I'm asking an arbiter to mediate between us.
  1058.  
  1059. Minagi: An arbiter? But in this case...
  1060.  
  1061. Kuuran: Akuta nii-chan... You're an arbiter, aren't you?
  1062.  
  1063. Akuta: Huh, so I got busted.
  1064.  
  1065. Kuuran: You can tell just looking at you. Nee-chan's your client, right?
  1066.  
  1067. Kuuran: She looks like the daughter of some rich family, so I'm guessing she has a lot of influence in Karaza.
  1068.  
  1069. Kuuran: But we abide by correct business etiquette. We've been dependent on them until now, we need to save face.
  1070.  
  1071. Kuuran: Not to mention, I don't want to take any kind of weird loan from you.
  1072.  
  1073. Akuta: If this is what you want, I won't stop you, but...
  1074.  
  1075. Kuuran: Don't worry about it. This time, everything we have is rare. Even if we lose a bit on bargaining, we'll still get quite a good price for this.
  1076.  
  1077. As they were speaking, an orphan who was standing guard waved his hand at them.
  1078.  
  1079. Kuuran: Oh, looks like he's here.
  1080.  
  1081. Kuuran: Sorry, nii-chan, I'll do the delivery alone, could you please step out for a bit?
  1082.  
  1083. Akuta: Gotcha.
  1084.  
  1085. Akuta: Let's go back to the shrine, shall we?
  1086.  
  1087. Minagi: Um, I am concerned... Could we please stay and watch?
  1088.  
  1089. Akuta: Hm, I don't mind, but... Us being here will surely cause problems.
  1090.  
  1091. Minagi: Hence why... we will remain unseen! Like keeping an eye from the shadows!
  1092.  
  1093. Crow: If we can't explore today anyway, I don't care what you do.
  1094.  
  1095. Akuta: I don't remember asking you.
  1096.  
  1097. Crow: Cucaw! Who do you think you are!? Aren't you tired of being disagreeable all the time!?
  1098.  
  1099. Akuta: Sorry, the words escaped my mouth. Alright, let's see how things are going.
  1100.  
  1101. The three of them were observing Kuuran, hidden from sight and at a distance.
  1102.  
  1103. After a short time, three men came into view.
  1104.  
  1105. ---Part 31:
  1106.  
  1107. The man Kuuran described as a mediator arrived, followed by two thugs.
  1108.  
  1109. They recognized this irritable expression.
  1110.  
  1111. Akuta: (This guy... He's actually an arbiter, but will this be okay?)
  1112.  
  1113. Kuuran: Yo, you made good time getting here, old man.
  1114.  
  1115. Arbiter: Please do not call me old man. How many times do I have to tell you? That's why I don't like uneducated brats...
  1116.  
  1117. Arbiter: Call me by my name, Moscamo-sama.
  1118.  
  1119. Moscamo: We would like to not spend any more time around this filth than necessary.
  1120.  
  1121. Moscamo: Let's cut to the case right away.
  1122.  
  1123. Moscamo: So? What kind of garbage do you have to show me today?
  1124.  
  1125. Crow: He's acting arrogant for someone here to strike a deal. You can't treat him with scorn just because he's an orphan. One heck of a rude guy, I tell you.
  1126.  
  1127. Akuta: (...Like you're one to talk.)
  1128.  
  1129. Surely from being accustomed to it, Kuuran was unconcerned and proceeded.
  1130.  
  1131. Kuuran: Eheh, feast your eyes on this.
  1132.  
  1133. He said, showing him the mountain of boxes and baskets filled with relics.
  1134.  
  1135. Moscamo: And this is...?
  1136.  
  1137. Kuuran: Hmhm~ph, what about that? I've got only unique items, today.
  1138.  
  1139. Kuuran: Like this, see, practically undamaged. And that, don't see much of them these days, right?
  1140.  
  1141. Kuuran: And just take a look at this, the snacks inside are still edible, and they're so good, you could serve them to nobles and it'd be perfectly fine.
  1142.  
  1143. Moscamo: ...
  1144.  
  1145. Moscamo watched the baked sweets handed out to him, and frowned his brow.
  1146.  
  1147. At his silent tilt of the neck, his thug guard snatched it and quickly tossed it into his mouth.
  1148.  
  1149. Thug: !! D-Delicious!? I've never tasted any sweet this good before!!
  1150.  
  1151. Blackguard: Are you serious?
  1152.  
  1153. The other man took a bite out of the snack presented to him.
  1154.  
  1155. Blackguard: Wooh... Really not half bad.
  1156.  
  1157. The two thugs were voraciously devouring the ancient food which they were handed out.
  1158.  
  1159. Moscamo: Ahem.
  1160.  
  1161. Thug: Oh? Want one?
  1162.  
  1163. Blackguard: You moron, as if a great arbiter would eat snacks in a dusty hole like this.
  1164.  
  1165. Thug: Makes sense. Sorry, I don't take a hint easily...
  1166.  
  1167. The thug then stored it away in his own pocket.
  1168.  
  1169. Moscamo: ......
  1170.  
  1171. Moscamo visibly furrowed his brow further.
  1172.  
  1173. Kuuran: How much will you pay for this? I also have two other boxes like that.
  1174.  
  1175. Kuuran: Then two baskets of other relics... That's double the usual.
  1176.  
  1177. Kuuran: But quantity doesn't mean lesser quality. I can even explain to you what they are if you want.
  1178.  
  1179. Crow: Cucacaw, only because I taught you all about it.
  1180.  
  1181. Minagi: Father?
  1182.  
  1183. Crow: This is a rare opportunity. Go and amaze these hoodlums with human intellect.
  1184.  
  1185. Crow: I'm expecting to see nice reactions out of this.
  1186.  
  1187. Akuta: ...Only if all goes well.
  1188.  
  1189. Akuta: (These look precious even to the untrained eye, but this is business...)
  1190.  
  1191. Moscamo: ...Hmph.
  1192.  
  1193. However, Moscamo answered Kuuran's cockiness with not even a closer inspection of his articles, but a simple glance.
  1194.  
  1195. He retrieved money from his purse, and casually scattered it around.
  1196.  
  1197. Moscamo: This is my price.
  1198.  
  1199. Kuuran: ...Eh?
  1200.  
  1201. Kuuran was at a loss for words, staring at the pocket change lying on the ground.
  1202.  
  1203. ---Part 32:
  1204.  
  1205. The amount Moscamo paid for Kuuran's articles was far from acceptable.
  1206.  
  1207. Kuuran: W-Wait a second! This is... twice the usual? There's absolutely no way that's okay!?
  1208.  
  1209. Kuuran: This is twice the amount for low-quality relics, but I even included rare treats, this time.
  1210.  
  1211. Kuuran: Five, no, six times would be the bare minimum!
  1212.  
  1213. Moscamo reacted with an intentionally mocking grin and answered.
  1214.  
  1215. Moscamo: What would kids living under ground like insects know? There is such a thing as market prices, and they fluctuate daily.
  1216.  
  1217. Kuuran: I know that!
  1218.  
  1219. Kuuran: But I also know prices cannot crash so quickly that this amounts to twice!
  1220.  
  1221. Moscamo: And yet it did. Intermediation fees and the price for my silence about your grave robbery at least did.
  1222.  
  1223. Kuuran: Grave robbery... But we got the authorization from you...
  1224.  
  1225. Moscamo: This too needs to be reevaluated daily. Which is truly a hassle.
  1226.  
  1227. Kuuran: You never mentioned this...
  1228.  
  1229. Moscamo: Is it disapproval I hear? Does being arrested for grave robbery sound preferable to you?
  1230.  
  1231. Moscamo: As an arbiter, this should be the proper course of action.
  1232.  
  1233. Moscamo: What will it be? Will you obediently accept this money? Or will you die in a prison cell?
  1234.  
  1235. Moscamo: I have been lenient, by virtue of the pity I have for you, but perhaps it is time you realize your place.
  1236.  
  1237. Kuuran: Urk...
  1238.  
  1239. The two thugs were slowing approaching Kuuran, exerting pressure on him.
  1240.  
  1241. Moscamo: Oh, but nobody will take your accusations seriously anymore. Because I will make sure of it.
  1242.  
  1243. Moscamo: For the reason that the one standing behind me is-!!
  1244.  
  1245. Minagi: Very well. I will be talking with them.
  1246.  
  1247. Moscamo: Haaaaaaa!? Are you still half-asleep!? The arrogance to think you dirty lot would be allowed to speak directly to-...!!
  1248.  
  1249. Minagi: ......
  1250.  
  1251. Moscamo: To...
  1252.  
  1253. Moscamo: ...Eh?
  1254.  
  1255. Minagi: Dirty you said? I am however fully awake.
  1256.  
  1257. Moscamo: U-Uuh, you... No, your greatness...
  1258.  
  1259. Moscamo: P-...Princeeeeeess!?
  1260.  
  1261. Kuuran: Princess...?
  1262.  
  1263. As Moscamo's face was losing all color, he asked Minagi.
  1264.  
  1265. Moscamo: P-Princess... W-What may you be doing in such a garbage dump...
  1266.  
  1267. Minagi: This is no garbage dump. Is it these kids' home.
  1268.  
  1269. Minagi: We have requested their assistance with our work, on account of their familiarity with the ruins.
  1270.  
  1271. Minagi: Though I am inexperienced, they have taught me so much. You may say I am indebted to them, and I will not tolerate such offense.
  1272.  
  1273. Minagi: First and foremost... Whoever it may be, making use of violence on others... Are you not ashamed of yourself?
  1274.  
  1275. Moscamo: N-No, you are mistaken! We are, uum... Y-Yes! My duty! I am currently fulfilling my duty as an arbiter!
  1276.  
  1277. Moscamo: I was merely reprimanding these kids who were about to illegally sell relics...
  1278.  
  1279. Akuta: So you're implying the princess is some black market mastermind?
  1280.  
  1281. Moscamo: Ha? That is not... Geh!?
  1282.  
  1283. Kuuran: Nii-chan...
  1284.  
  1285. Akuta: The princess was there when digging up these relics, and I don't remember anything illegal.
  1286.  
  1287. Minagi: Yes, there was no issue.
  1288.  
  1289. Moscamo: I-I see~~! It must have been a mix-up then, yes!
  1290.  
  1291. Moscamo: This was a perfectly legal and proper transaction, yes! N-Now if you will excuse me...
  1292.  
  1293. Minagi: Please wait. You are still in the course of the transaction. My sincere apologies for the interruption. Now, please resume where you left.
  1294.  
  1295. Moscamo: Ngh...!
  1296.  
  1297. Akuta: Hm? What's this change scattered on the ground? Is this the payment for the relics... it couldn't be, right?
  1298.  
  1299. Kuuran: ...Said that's the current market price.
  1300.  
  1301. Moscamo: Kyeh!? Y-You little...
  1302.  
  1303. Akuta: Haha, nice joke there. It must be a misunderstanding, isn't that right, Moscamo-san?
  1304.  
  1305. Moscamo: Urgh... W-Well... I just happened to make a mistake today...
  1306.  
  1307. Kuuran: He pays me half that normally.
  1308.  
  1309. Moscamo: Kyeeeeh!?
  1310.  
  1311. Akuta: ...Moscamo-san. That can't be right, it's not making any sense.
  1312.  
  1313. Akuta: How do you plan on compensating the people of Karaza you dishonored?
  1314.  
  1315. Moscamo: W-Well...
  1316.  
  1317. Minagi: The misconduct of someone of Karaza shall be the responsibility of Karaza itself.
  1318.  
  1319. Minagi: Kuuran-san, all of the injustice you have been a victim of... I would like for it to be settled in Karaza, do you agree to this?
  1320.  
  1321. Kuuran: ...I appreciate it, but this transaction was my responsibility, you don't have to go this far.
  1322.  
  1323. Kuuran: It's the truth that he was a mediator who allowed us to sell our relics.
  1324.  
  1325. Minagi: I see... I understand. In that case, I am not sure if I can call it a replacement, but...
  1326.  
  1327. Minagi: Would you allow us to take part in this transaction?
  1328.  
  1329. Moscamo: Eh? Eeeeeeh!?
  1330.  
  1331. Akuta: I like that. We've been involved in the exploration of the ruins and excavation, but this'll make it possible to unearth a large quantity of high quality relics from now on.
  1332.  
  1333. Akuta: This would increase the scale of the deal.
  1334.  
  1335. Moscamo: I-Is that so...? Maybe...?
  1336.  
  1337. Akuta: Of course, we'll be offering fair prices as well.
  1338.  
  1339. Akuta: Let's both go about it fair and square, okay?
  1340.  
  1341. Moscamo: T-That goes without saying... Yes... Haha... Hahaha...
  1342.  
  1343. Moscamo: Haaaa...
  1344.  
  1345. ---Part 33:
  1346.  
  1347. In the end, Moscamo and his thugs departed tottering without completing the transaction.
  1348.  
  1349. Crow: Hmph, are all arbiters like this despicable hooligan?
  1350.  
  1351. Minagi: I am ashamed...
  1352.  
  1353. Akuta: At least nothing bad happened, though I was nervous when Minagi rushed over.
  1354.  
  1355. Minagi: I apologize, I could not bear to watch... More importantly, are you all right, Kuuran-san?
  1356.  
  1357. Kuuran: Nee-chan, no... Princess.
  1358.  
  1359. Minagi: No, it's Minagi. Please call me Minagi, teacher.
  1360.  
  1361. Kuuran: As if I could call you like that! Our necks wouldn't last long!
  1362.  
  1363. Minagi: But Akuta-sama is informally calling me simply by Minagi, bare any honorifics. This is the way I wish to be called.
  1364.  
  1365. Kuuran: I-I get it, I get it! Stop putting your face so close!
  1366.  
  1367. Kuuran: But I'm not getting rid of honorifics! You're Minagi nee-chan to me.
  1368.  
  1369. Minagi: As you will, Kuuran-san.
  1370.  
  1371. Kuuran: I-I'm fine with just Kuuran! I don't need the sama, dono, or whatever!
  1372.  
  1373. Minagi: Yes, understood, Kuuran. Moreover, sorry...
  1374.  
  1375. Kuuran: Eh? For what?
  1376.  
  1377. Minagi: This was an important business to you, and yet I broke into your conversation...
  1378.  
  1379. Minagi: I even made use of my position as Orishiro's daughter...
  1380.  
  1381. Minagi: I have blamed people for using their status for personal gain, and still... I may have done the same, once again.
  1382.  
  1383. Kuuran: That's fine. It was to help me, in the end.
  1384.  
  1385. Kuuran: But you're Orishiro's daughter, right? Then what are you doing in a place like this?
  1386.  
  1387. Minagi: There is something I absolutely must carry out, no matter what.
  1388.  
  1389. Kuuran: Something about that lab or whatever you keep talking about?
  1390.  
  1391. Minagi: Yes... But there is one more reason.
  1392.  
  1393. Minagi: Meeting you has made me realize just how ignorant I am regarding this world.
  1394.  
  1395. Minagi: It is why I wish to know more, more about the world beyond the shrine.
  1396.  
  1397. Minagi: Simply because I am Orishiro's daughter, it does not allow me to do anything.
  1398.  
  1399. Minagi: While I ignore so much about our world... I am ashamed of the fact that all I ever worried about was myself.
  1400.  
  1401. Minagi: Therefore, I want to learn much more from you...
  1402.  
  1403. Minagi: Unless I do, I will forever be forced to exclusively rely on others.
  1404.  
  1405. Minagi: I... aspire to carve my own destiny with my own hands.
  1406.  
  1407. Kuuran: Nee-chan...
  1408.  
  1409. Minagi: Is that... too much to ask?
  1410.  
  1411. Kuuran: I don't mind, but... won't the powerful of Karaza not disapprove of this?
  1412.  
  1413. Minagi: Perhaps, however, I believe it is the right thing.
  1414.  
  1415. Kuuran: And you don't mind being covered in dust?
  1416.  
  1417. Minagi: I can simply wash my clothes.
  1418.  
  1419. Kuuran: The food will be crude.
  1420.  
  1421. Minagi: I can enjoy whatever it is, even bugs.
  1422.  
  1423. Kuuran: You'll work covered in sweat, and wear out your hands...
  1424.  
  1425. Minagi: Even so, I will be happy living together.
  1426.  
  1427. Minagi: I can feel this life is what I am suited for, unlike staying at the shrine.
  1428.  
  1429. Kuuran: You're a huge weirdo, you know...
  1430.  
  1431. Akuta: But isn't that a good thing about her?
  1432.  
  1433. Kuuran: Nii-chan...
  1434.  
  1435. Kuuran: Maybe it is. She's rash and reckless, but I can feel she could change something...
  1436.  
  1437. Kuuran: B-But even if that's how I feel, you can't get cocky!
  1438.  
  1439. Minagi: Yes, I will do my best!
  1440.  
  1441. Akuta: Now we're back on this... How do we deal with these relics?
  1442.  
  1443. Akuta: Even if I said it in the heat of the moment, that wasn't a lie.
  1444.  
  1445. Akuta: Let us on the deal, Kuuran.
  1446.  
  1447. Akuta: You won't see those guys around anymore.
  1448.  
  1449. Kuuran: Yes, I will be leaving it to you, nii-chan, nee-chan. But...
  1450.  
  1451. Kuuran: Even if it's business, I don't want your pity, or you'll make me angry!
  1452.  
  1453. Akuta: Of course. So we have ourselves a deal.
  1454.  
  1455. Minagi: Let us carry it back to the shrine, then. I am sure Mahomi will take care of the formalities if we ask her.
  1456.  
  1457. Akuta: Mind helping us carry it, Kuuran? And I'll throw you a bonus.
  1458.  
  1459. Kuuran: I guess we're partners. So if you really insist, I could give you a hand.
  1460.  
  1461. Akuta: I insist, please do.
  1462.  
  1463. Kuuran: Eheheh, all right, nii-chan!!
  1464.  
  1465. Moscamo: Kuuyh... What an impertinent man... To shame me by making use of the princess' authority...
  1466.  
  1467. Thug: They caught us right in the middle of illegal business, but we still got out scott-free, so that wasn't too bad.
  1468.  
  1469. Moscamo: Silence!
  1470.  
  1471. Thug: Hyeh!?
  1472.  
  1473. Blackguard: What do we do now? This was pretty good pocket money.
  1474.  
  1475. Moscamo: Hmph, I took them too lightly, thinking they were only unintelligent kids.
  1476.  
  1477. Moscamo: However, having found themselves patronage in the princess, a frontal attack is out of the question.
  1478.  
  1479. Blackguard: Just gotta cry ourselves to sleep then.
  1480.  
  1481. Moscamo: This would be regrettable in itself...
  1482.  
  1483. Moscamo: Although, despite my purposefully halfhearted response, their wares of the day were truly of a higher quality than usual.
  1484.  
  1485. Moscamo: This man was speaking the truth when he said from now on, they were going to unearth high-quality relics.
  1486.  
  1487. Thug: Think they could've stumbled on new ruins?
  1488.  
  1489. Moscamo: Judging from the princess' presence alone, it is very likely.
  1490.  
  1491. Moscamo: Borrowing the princess' power to discover new ruins, how impudent from those who have similar status to an insect...
  1492.  
  1493. Moscamo: If it has come to this, our only choice is to enter these ruins as well.
  1494.  
  1495. Moscamo: Then snatch away the new ruins' treasure from their hands, how do you like that?
  1496.  
  1497. Thug: Just what I expected from the craftiest man in the world!
  1498.  
  1499. Blackguard: Let's get back to the shrine and prepare ourselves!
  1500.  
  1501. Moscamo: Fufu, in the end, the wisest triumphs!!
  1502.  
  1503. ---Part 34:
  1504.  
  1505. Kuuran: Are you sure about giving me this much?
  1506.  
  1507. Kuuran tossed up a bag full of money.
  1508.  
  1509. Akuta: No need to hold back. This is the fruit of you guys' labor.
  1510.  
  1511. Kuuran: Eheh, but this was so thrilling seeing that guard clam up as soon as nee-chan intervened.
  1512.  
  1513. Minagi: No, I have not done anything.
  1514.  
  1515. Minagi: You have come because you had business coming, so therefore, even without me, if they said the truth, they should let you through.
  1516.  
  1517. Kuuran: Still.
  1518.  
  1519. Crow: Cucaw, do not celebrate such trifling amount. Tomorrow is finally the day.
  1520.  
  1521. Kuuran: To go to that laboratory, whatever it is? I know I'm late to asking this, but what's even there?
  1522.  
  1523. Crow: Cucacaw, the fruit of human intelligence... Many technologies to support my brain lie there!
  1524.  
  1525. Kuuran: Hmm, dunno what that means... but for short, treasure, I guess.
  1526.  
  1527. Crow: Cucaw, it is very simplified...
  1528.  
  1529. Crow: But it's fine. Follow me, I will show you immature beings the greatness of the wisdom and experience I have built up.
  1530.  
  1531. Crow: Then you will work as my limbs as soon as possible!!
  1532.  
  1533. Kuuran: Yeah, yeah.
  1534.  
  1535. Crow: Cucaaw! Listen to my story more seriously!
  1536.  
  1537. Minagi: Show...
  1538.  
  1539. Akuta: What is it, Minagi? Something on your mind?
  1540.  
  1541. Minagi: Ah, no, it's nothing.
  1542.  
  1543. Minagi: But the time has finally come.
  1544.  
  1545. Akuta: Yeah, I hope everything will be solved tomorrow.
  1546.  
  1547. Akuta: ...It's not opening.
  1548.  
  1549. Akuta held the master key over the door multiple times, but it would not open.
  1550.  
  1551. In the deepest part of the ruins, they stood in front of the laboratory, which could be described as its core, and yet this is where their progress stopped.
  1552.  
  1553. Akuta: Is it possible this door is broken too?
  1554.  
  1555. Crow: Wait. It's reacting to the master key. If that's what it's come to... Try taking off the plate from this panel.
  1556.  
  1557. He did as told and peeled off a decorative panel from the wall.
  1558.  
  1559. Crow: Hm, that's what I thought. So if we connect this and this...
  1560.  
  1561. Akuta switched components following the crow's instructions.
  1562.  
  1563. Crow: Alright, I applied rudimentary repairs to the circuit. The door should open now.
  1564.  
  1565. Door: ...Verification successful. Opening the door.
  1566.  
  1567. Kuuran: Ooh!
  1568.  
  1569. The door slowly opened, creaking.
  1570.  
  1571. After waiting for the door to be fully open, they finally stepped foot inside.
  1572.  
  1573. Crow: Cucacaw! Welcome to my lab!
  1574.  
  1575. Minagi: This is the lab...
  1576.  
  1577. Kuuran: I have no idea what this is, but it's awesome!
  1578.  
  1579. Crow: Cucaw! No unauthorized touching. It has been deteriorating over the years. What if you break something?
  1580.  
  1581. Kuuran: Tch.
  1582.  
  1583. Crow: Now then, to see if it functions... Son.
  1584.  
  1585. Akuta: I know.
  1586.  
  1587. Akuta approached the master key from the device the crow showed him using his beak.
  1588.  
  1589. Crow: Ooh... It worked...
  1590.  
  1591. Little lights started glowing at various corners of the room and devices, as if they were twinkling stars.
  1592.  
  1593. Minagi: Does it seem in working condition?
  1594.  
  1595. Minagi: I need to confirm its condition first, I'll try running the check program.
  1596.  
  1597. The crow father flew down to a sort of control panel, which he started pecking around at with his beak.
  1598.  
  1599. Crow: Okay, it found multiple errors, but it's within acceptable range.
  1600.  
  1601. Akuta: So it's time for Minagi to...
  1602.  
  1603. Crow: Not yet, I have something left to do first.
  1604.  
  1605. Akuta: Hm? Which is?
  1606.  
  1607. Crow: ...
  1608.  
  1609. The crow disregarded his question, and instead focused his attention on operating a device.
  1610.  
  1611. After a while, he corrected his posture which had been slumping forward, and muttered in a low voice.
  1612.  
  1613. Crow: So it really is lost...
  1614.  
  1615. Akuta: What've you been doing? Spell it out clearly.
  1616.  
  1617. Crow: ...No, it's nothing. Sorry for the delay, daughter. You may now lie down here.
  1618.  
  1619. Minagi: Y-Yes! I am in your care!!
  1620.  
  1621. Akuta: ...
  1622.  
  1623. Minagi laid down and awaited her examination.
  1624.  
  1625. Crow: Son, what're you dazedly watching? Give me a hand. No, not here, on top of this table.
  1626.  
  1627. He began the preparations of the device as per the crow father's guidance, but it took longer than expected due to being unaccustomed to operating it.
  1628.  
  1629. Kuuran: Hey, are you not starting yet?
  1630.  
  1631. Crow: Please, wait. Just a little... I told you not that. This one, here.
  1632.  
  1633. Akuta: Which one is "this"?
  1634.  
  1635. Kuuran who was sitting on the ground, and as he could not bear the wait anymore, asked.
  1636.  
  1637. Kuuran: Hey, hey, can I go explore around for a bit?
  1638.  
  1639. Crow: Hm? Aah, if you want, but don't wander off too far.
  1640.  
  1641. Crow: And don't touch anything strange. There's dangerous equipment around.
  1642.  
  1643. Kuuran: I know that.
  1644.  
  1645. Kuuran, along with the orphans left the laboratory.
  1646.  
  1647. After a while, at last, the machine started working.
  1648.  
  1649. Machine's voice:: Initiating medical check.
  1650.  
  1651. Crow: And we'll do a blood test while we're at it. It'll sting a little on your arm, but don't worry. Just stay still and it'll be fine.
  1652.  
  1653. Minagi: Y-Yes.
  1654.  
  1655. A number of mechanical arms and metal rods began examining Minagi's body, it seemed as if they were stroking her.
  1656.  
  1657. Minagi stayed still, and resisted the urge to twist her body around in response to the mechanical arms.
  1658.  
  1659. Machine's voice: ...Medical check complete. Thank you.
  1660.  
  1661. Crow: Phew... So it seems it went off without a hitch.
  1662.  
  1663. Minagi: Eh? Is it over already...?
  1664.  
  1665. Crow: We've acquired the data, all that's left is to analyze it. It'll be done in no time. Daughter, come this way.
  1666.  
  1667. Once Minagi came down from the examination table, she rearranged her clothes in disorder.
  1668.  
  1669. Akuta: So? Did you learn anything?
  1670.  
  1671. Crow: Huu~m, this is...
  1672.  
  1673. The crow fell silent gazing at the display panel where the results of the examination were displayed.
  1674.  
  1675. Minagi and Akuta held their breath while watching him intently, until the crow father energetically declared.
  1676.  
  1677. Crow: Yep! Not a clue!
  1678.  
  1679. Akuta: ...Ha?
  1680.  
  1681. ---Part 35:
  1682.  
  1683. Crow: An unknown mystery... How intriguing, I can't contain my excitement! Cucacacacaw!
  1684.  
  1685. Akuta: Oi... Are you screwing with us?
  1686.  
  1687. Crow: I am certainly not! I am the apex of serious, right now!!
  1688.  
  1689. Crow: Truthfully, I learned something! I learned I don't know anything!
  1690.  
  1691. Hearing his reply, Akuta seized his neck.
  1692.  
  1693. Crow: Gugaw!! I-I get it, I get it! I will explain my simpleton of a son from the beginning in a way that you will understand!!
  1694.  
  1695. Being released from his grasp, the crow adjusted his breath and spoke.
  1696.  
  1697. Crow: She's to the original I made... You could say her descendant, an extension of the species' progenitor.
  1698.  
  1699. Crow: However, probably at some point in reproduction, a strange factor got mixed in with her species.
  1700.  
  1701. Akuta: A strange factor?
  1702.  
  1703. Machine's voice: No matching data found in database.
  1704.  
  1705. The examination device answered his question instead.
  1706.  
  1707. Akuta: No matching data? What does that mean? Don't you have anything more precise?
  1708.  
  1709. Machine's voice: Rechecking... Rechecking... Gagaga, c-completion impossible...
  1710.  
  1711. Crow: Mh, this is bad! Pull out this cable! It's gonna overflow!!
  1712.  
  1713. Akuta: O-Okay!
  1714.  
  1715. Akuta forcefully removed the machine's cable as the crow told him to.
  1716.  
  1717. The examination machine stopped, looking as if it were dying.
  1718.  
  1719. Crow: Phew... It was on the verge of breaking. I'll have to re-check that later.
  1720.  
  1721. Crow: I don't know if we have any spare parts. You should handle it with caution.
  1722.  
  1723. Akuta: But I couldn't have known...
  1724.  
  1725. Crow: You heard the results though. This girl's body is beyond the machine's understanding.
  1726.  
  1727. Crow: Some yet unknown element must've gotten involved.
  1728.  
  1729. Crow: This must be deeply related to racial characteristics I did not configure.
  1730.  
  1731. Akuta: Is there a way to remove whatever that factor is?
  1732.  
  1733. Crow: I'm not sure myself, we are in unknown territory. If we go about it carelessly, it may cause her problems that would prove fatal.
  1734.  
  1735. Crow: As is stands now, we are critically lacking information. Which is why I cannot answer decidedly.
  1736.  
  1737. Minagi: Is that so...
  1738.  
  1739. Crow: ......
  1740.  
  1741. Crow: There is... one more thing I am concerned about.
  1742.  
  1743. Akuta: Concerned?
  1744.  
  1745. Crow: How do I say that... It's a delicate matter, it has to do with her privacy...
  1746.  
  1747. The crow looked deep in thought, slurring his words and looking at Minagi.
  1748.  
  1749. Akuta: ...Want me to get out for a bit?
  1750.  
  1751. Minagi: No, it does not bother me. Father, please speak your mind. I want Akuta-sama to learn about me as well.
  1752.  
  1753. Crow: ...If you say so.
  1754.  
  1755. Crow: Then I will say. Daughter, you... are unable to procreate.
  1756.  
  1757. Akuta: ......
  1758.  
  1759. Crow: You have a mutation impacting your ability to reproduce, and it is not simply an individual characteristic.
  1760.  
  1761. Crow: Could your mother... Orishiro, be the same as you?
  1762.  
  1763. Crow: I cannot say how many generations ago, but the damage to the gene seems to have stabilized.
  1764.  
  1765. Minagi: I see...
  1766.  
  1767. Crow: ...You don't seem too surprised. Did you know already?
  1768.  
  1769. Minagi: No, I never knew definitely.
  1770.  
  1771. Minagi: Although, I have heard that in our family, every generation, the daughter is birthed from the mother's body, without the need for a father.
  1772.  
  1773. Minagi: That is why I fully understand.
  1774.  
  1775. Akuta: ...You said she can't bear children, but Minagi was born from her mother. How do you explain that?
  1776.  
  1777. Crow: This is only a conjecture...
  1778.  
  1779. Crow: She has no father, which would mean she may have been given birth by something similar to parthenogenesis.
  1780.  
  1781. Crow: To be honest, I could not find any traces of a biological father in her DNA.
  1782.  
  1783. Crow: What I know is that I have never heard of a precedent for this kind of reproduction among decoys.
  1784.  
  1785. Crow: The fact of the matter is that she gave birth while being genetically incapable of reproduction.
  1786.  
  1787. Crow: Cucaw, thinking about it logically, this should be impossible, and yet it did happen... How intriguing!
  1788.  
  1789. Akuta: Oi...
  1790.  
  1791. Crow: S-Sorry, I got carried away...
  1792.  
  1793. Crow: A-Anyway. I will carry out more a precise analysis on the unknown factor in the future, and think of a way to inhibit its effects.
  1794.  
  1795. Minagi: Yes...
  1796.  
  1797. Minagi looked in deep sorrow and stayed silent, listening to the crow's words.
  1798.  
  1799. Akuta: Are you okay?
  1800.  
  1801. Minagi: Y-Yes, a little tired is all.
  1802.  
  1803. Akuta: (...I can't blame her. It got dumped on her while she was expecting to be released from her curse.)
  1804.  
  1805. Akuta: (She probably didn't think she would be released this quickly, but that...)
  1806.  
  1807. Minagi: P-Please do not worry about me. I had my body inspected as I wished... I am satisfied enough already.
  1808.  
  1809. Minagi: That aside, you are next, Akuta-sama.
  1810.  
  1811. Akuta: Hm? Aah, yeah. Maybe we can find out what's up with my blood by having it inspected.
  1812.  
  1813. Minagi: Perhaps we will, but the most important... is your memory.
  1814.  
  1815. Akuta: My memory?
  1816.  
  1817. Minagi: Yes, even though you have done so much for me, I have yet to repay you in any way.
  1818.  
  1819. Minagi: I may have not done anything myself, but at the very least, I wish for you to recover your memories.
  1820.  
  1821. Akuta: I don't care about my memories that much, though if it makes you feel better, I'll do it.
  1822.  
  1823. Minagi: Then, father, can you, please?
  1824.  
  1825. Crow: ...Hm, yeah.
  1826.  
  1827. Crow: Well, if your amnesia was caused by a blood clot, I may just be able to take care of it with an operation.
  1828.  
  1829. Crow: If that's what you want, go lie down like my daughter. I'll reboot the machine.
  1830.  
  1831. Crow: Okay, preparations complete. Stay still.
  1832.  
  1833. After having mechanical arms run along his body like Minagi before him, the examination came to an end.
  1834.  
  1835. Akuta: So? Got anything out of that?
  1836.  
  1837. Crow: ...Huum. The data looks perfectly normal, the definition of healthy. Not even athlete's foot. Basically, your head's fine.
  1838.  
  1839. Crow: But if I had to say, there's a tiny little bit that couldn't be analyzed in you too.
  1840.  
  1841. Akuta: In me too?
  1842.  
  1843. Crow: The result of your medical chekup from a long time ago compared to now mostly checks out.
  1844.  
  1845. Crow: As lifeforms who change so inconsequentially every day, it is within the range, so it could be considered a measuring error.
  1846.  
  1847. Crow: Actually, this is something the machine didn't even recognize as a problem, hence why the master key functions correctly.
  1848.  
  1849. Crow: Although as I see it, I am very curious about this being treated as a measuring error.
  1850.  
  1851. Akuta: So what's this mask then?
  1852.  
  1853. Crow: That I have no idea. Not about the structure or material.
  1854.  
  1855. Akuta: Right...
  1856.  
  1857. Crow: But it is interesting, so intriguing, son.
  1858.  
  1859. Crow: This is a challenge the world has thrown my way, to try to elucidate this mystery.
  1860.  
  1861. Crow: Cucacaw, there is no mystery the great genius that I am cannot solve!!
  1862.  
  1863. Crow: For the sake of my ambition, I will elucidate the mysteries of the both of you, cucacacaw...
  1864.  
  1865. Akuta stared dumbfounded at this crow father who was growing excited all on his own.
  1866.  
  1867. Kuuran: Uuh~, are you done yet?
  1868.  
  1869. Kuuran suddenly entered the laboratory.
  1870.  
  1871. Akuta: For now, yes.
  1872.  
  1873. Kuuran: Then come with us, we found something incredible!
  1874.  
  1875. Akuta: Incredible?
  1876.  
  1877. Kuuran: Come on, this way!
  1878.  
  1879. Pulled by the hand, Akuta stepped inside an annex of the laboratory.
  1880.  
  1881. Akuta: That's...
  1882.  
  1883. Minagi: Is it the same thing as inside the sacred land?
  1884.  
  1885. Crow: Yes, this is a gate.
  1886.  
  1887. At the center of the room stood what has been called a gate, which unlike the one found in the volcano, was in practically undamaged condition.
  1888.  
  1889. Kuuran: What's a gate?
  1890.  
  1891. Crow: A gate is a device which connects to a difference location and allows for instantaneous travel between them.
  1892.  
  1893. Kuuran: Don't get it but it sounds awesome. How much can we sell this for?
  1894.  
  1895. Crow: Cucaw, you cannot. It is not something you can exchange for money, as is stands.
  1896.  
  1897. Crow: But it's not something you can understand, although seeing is believing.
  1898.  
  1899. Crow: Son, can you activate it?
  1900.  
  1901. Akuta: I can try.
  1902.  
  1903. He held the master key in front of the device, and it activated along with a strange voice.
  1904.  
  1905. Crow: Ooh, it's working. So, where is this gate connected to?
  1906.  
  1907. The crow descended onto the gate's control panel, excitedly poking around while cawing.
  1908.  
  1909. However, the crow said, disheartened by the results displayed.
  1910.  
  1911. Crow: ...Huh, it's not linked to anywhere.
  1912.  
  1913. Crow: The other gates are probably either broken, or locked, making it impossible to connect from here.
  1914.  
  1915. Akuta: What happens if if isn't connected to anywhere?
  1916.  
  1917. Crow: I don't know. If you're not careful, it'll probably warp you to some totally unpredictable location. Like us.
  1918.  
  1919. Kuuran: !!
  1920.  
  1921. Kuuran flinched and grabbed the edge of Akuta's clothes.
  1922.  
  1923. Crow: Cucacaw, don't you worry. Normally, there are safety measures in place so that it doesn't happen.
  1924.  
  1925. Crow: Even in case of accident, as long as it doesn't go out of control, there are no risk for you to get thrown anywhere.
  1926.  
  1927. Kuuran: Oh...
  1928.  
  1929. Crow: Though a gate only makes sense with an exit. Right now, it's totally useless.
  1930.  
  1931. Crow: We don't have any other choice but to close it as we have no way of using it.
  1932.  
  1933. Akuta: I see... Then let's investigate the remaining rooms and go back for the day.
  1934.  
  1935. ---Part 36:
  1936.  
  1937. That night...
  1938.  
  1939. Under cover of the darkness of night, three men made their way to the ruins' entrance.
  1940.  
  1941. Thug: Boss, this way.
  1942.  
  1943. Moscamo: I hope you are flawlessly prepared.
  1944.  
  1945. Thug: Yep, made all the prior investigation. We figured out roughly where the new ruins are.
  1946.  
  1947. Blackguard: Judging from the face of the kids' going in and out of the ruins, no doubt they reached some kinda treasure trove.
  1948.  
  1949. Moscamo: Fufu, a perfect opportunity. We are going to empty their treasure trove and take it for ourselves.
  1950.  
  1951. Moscamo and the thugs elatedly entered the ruins.
  1952.  
  1953. They proceeded deeper and deeper, carefully choosing their route as to avoid the orphans who slept within the ruins.
  1954.  
  1955. Moscamo: Still, to reside is such a damp, humid place, being poor and uneducated truly is a crime.
  1956.  
  1957. Thug: Damn right, boss.
  1958.  
  1959. Moscamo: Are we nearing these new ruins in question?
  1960.  
  1961. Thug: It's here as far as I can tell.
  1962.  
  1963. The thug pointed towards a door kept open.
  1964.  
  1965. Blackguard: I've heard this door was shut tight, and whatever they tried, no one ever got any closer to opening it.
  1966.  
  1967. Moscamo: Although it is open at this very moment.
  1968.  
  1969. Blackguard: These guys found some kind of door opening spell or whatever.
  1970.  
  1971. Moscamo: Fufu, if all goes well, I will spend the rest of my days comfortable, free of the troublesome work of an arbiter...
  1972.  
  1973. Moscamo: And you will obviously be compensated for your trouble.
  1974.  
  1975. Thug: Well done, boss!
  1976.  
  1977. Blackguard: Thanks for that!
  1978.  
  1979. Moscamo: Let us go then.
  1980.  
  1981. Their expectations however were crushed to pieces not long after.
  1982.  
  1983. Moscamo: What is the meaning of this? There is nothing at all here!
  1984.  
  1985. Thug: That's weird, it should've been...
  1986.  
  1987. While they had entered the new area, they trod along nothing but empty, inorganic corridors.
  1988.  
  1989. Blackguard: Nope, this door's not budging. There's actually a door-opening spell...
  1990.  
  1991. They ran into doors from time to time, but no amount of punching or kicking was enough to open the unyielding doors.
  1992.  
  1993. Moscamo: Was all of this a waste of energy? What were you even thinking!?
  1994.  
  1995. Thug: What... But you're the one who said we were gonna wreak havoc to the ruins those kids found.
  1996.  
  1997. Moscamo: Would you mind repeating?
  1998.  
  1999. Thug: N-No, I said nothing... Eheheh.
  2000.  
  2001. Moscamo: These clothes are brand-new for mercy's sake, and now they're covered with dust.
  2002.  
  2003. The two thugs looked at him in a way that seemed to say "then don't wear that for exploring ruins", but they did not vocalize it.
  2004.  
  2005. When the mood had turned sour, and they were ready to cut their losses and head back, one of the thugs noticed something.
  2006.  
  2007. Thug: H-Hey! Look!!
  2008.  
  2009. Blackguard: Hm? What's...
  2010.  
  2011. They had discovered a pile of junk blocking off a path.
  2012.  
  2013. The three of them fixedly stared at the obstructed path.
  2014.  
  2015. Thug: Was it the kids who did this?
  2016.  
  2017. Moscamo: I am unsure... This seems like it has been this way for a long time.
  2018.  
  2019. Thug: So it was the people who lived here a long time ago who did it?
  2020.  
  2021. Blackguard: But what's there behind that they had to block it?
  2022.  
  2023. Moscamo: This has piqued my curiosity... Perhaps there is something hidden behind.
  2024.  
  2025. Thug: Something...
  2026.  
  2027. Moscamo: What other than a treasure, of course?
  2028.  
  2029. Thug: Oooh~.
  2030.  
  2031. Moscamo: And it would seem still untouched, in other words, we will beat these kids to the punch.
  2032.  
  2033. Moscamo: Clear out all this bothersome trash out of the way!
  2034.  
  2035. Thug: On it!
  2036.  
  2037. The two thugs climbed of top of the junk pile and diligently started clearing it away.
  2038.  
  2039. After a wile, they had cleared out a path about large enough for someone to crawl though.
  2040.  
  2041. The three of them slipped through the hole and exited at the other side of the barricade.
  2042.  
  2043. Thug: Sure is dark in here.
  2044.  
  2045. The light of the light stone could not reach the other side of the hallway.
  2046.  
  2047. Moscamo: ...This is odd.
  2048.  
  2049. Blackguard: H-Hey, isn't that way too spooky?
  2050.  
  2051. Thug: Hey man, stop clinging to me so hard. All the ruins are like this.
  2052.  
  2053. Blackguard: T-That reminds me of a rumor about these ruins being connected to Dinebokushiri...
  2054.  
  2055. Thug: Q-Quit it with that story.
  2056.  
  2057. Blackguard: There would apparently be dead people deep in the ruins, roaming around while talking about the grudge they hold.
  2058.  
  2059. Blackguard: And the people who can hear their voices will be dragged into Dinebokushiri...
  2060.  
  2061. Moscamo: W-What a load of nonsense! Fabricating a story like this is something anyone can do.
  2062.  
  2063. Blackguard: B-But even if it's a rumor...
  2064.  
  2065. Blackguard: Hm...?
  2066.  
  2067. One of the thugs noticed he trampled on something, and looking at his foot, what he saw was...
  2068.  
  2069. Blackguard: E-Eeeek!?
  2070.  
  2071. Moscamo: !! Could you avoid the sudden loud screaming! You almost scared me!!
  2072.  
  2073. Blackguard: B-But... T-There's a...
  2074.  
  2075. Moscamo: ?
  2076.  
  2077. Blackguard: Skeleton...
  2078.  
  2079. Moscamo: !?
  2080.  
  2081. Approaching the light from the agitated thug's feet, they discovered skeletonized remains.
  2082.  
  2083. Moscamo: What is this...
  2084.  
  2085. Thug: Boss! This way, this way!?
  2086.  
  2087. Soon after, the other thug was throw into a panic and pointed his finger at the wall.
  2088.  
  2089. Moscamo: Traces of blood...?
  2090.  
  2091. A black spot was visible on the wall, and at its side, a skeleton with its head shattered.
  2092.  
  2093. They could hardly tell the state of their surroundings in the darkness, but on very careful inspection, it was rather chaotic.
  2094.  
  2095. It appeared as if many people were involved in some sort of violent commotion.
  2096.  
  2097. Moscamo: What could have taken place here...?
  2098.  
  2099. Moscamo: !!
  2100.  
  2101. A crashing noise broke the silence from the depths of the walkway.
  2102.  
  2103. Thug: W-What was that sound?
  2104.  
  2105. Blackguard: I-It came from back there, right?
  2106.  
  2107. Moscamo: It couldn't be...
  2108.  
  2109. The three men peered at the bottom of the hallway.
  2110.  
  2111. Moscamo: T-They are nothing more than children... W-We could capture them and force them to tell us about whether there is a treasure or not.
  2112.  
  2113. Thug: ...Wait, why're pushing on my back so hard, boss!?
  2114.  
  2115. Moscamo: T-This is the subordinates' duty! Go and work to earn your salary!
  2116.  
  2117. Blackguard: No, no! This is when the boss is supposed to show his minions what's a job well done!!
  2118.  
  2119. Moscamo: S-Stop pushing on my back!!
  2120.  
  2121. The three of them were frantically pushing each other at the front in succession.
  2122.  
  2123. In the meantime, a presence closed the distance, little by little in a slithering motion.
  2124.  
  2125. There was something in the darkness, this was undeniable.
  2126.  
  2127. The sound then came to an abrupt stop.
  2128.  
  2129. There was only complete silence, but the presence still remained.
  2130.  
  2131. Thug: ...
  2132.  
  2133. Moscamo: S-Stop!
  2134.  
  2135. One of the thugs suddenly threw the light in the direction of the presence.
  2136.  
  2137. And that which the light illuminated...
  2138.  
  2139. ?: A a a a a a h !!
  2140.  
  2141. Moscamo: E-Eeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeek!?
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