LosFra - Chapter 2 (1/3)

Translation starts from part 11, previous parts can be found here https://utawarelf.miraheze.org/wiki/Story_Translation:_Chapter_2

---Part 11:

Akuta: So this is...

What laid before his eyes was a cluster of small sheds, which seemed like they could collapse any moment.

Nothing resembling ruins was visible at first glance.

Floating in the air, was a mixture of strong pungent smells, assaulting their nostrils.

Minagi: This smells like it isn't being cleaned up regularly.

Minagi: Are these perhaps storage sheds...?

Akuta: No, they're probably houses.

Minagi: Houses? These?

Crow: Agreed, they look like the kind of shacks you see in slums. These were a common sight, a long time ago.

Minagi: Slums... you said?

Minagi: Could this be a place where people live?

Akuta: ...From the looks of it, it is.

Taking a glance around him, he could feel the presence of various people, hurriedly hiding themselves.

Crow: Cacaw, I can feel it. I can feel the gazes are on me, as is always the case, since I am a genius.

Crow: And these are hostile looks.

Akuta: Yeah, I have a bad feeling about this.

Akuta: (I can't blame people in a place like this for being wary of strangers.)

Akuta: (And that's even without mentioning how out of place a girl of high status like Minagi feels here.)

Akuta: (I would rather avoid provoking them.)

Minagi: But what is a settlement doing in such a place? Despite there being a city near the shrine...

Akuta: You never knew about this place before, Minagi?

Minagi: N-No... I haven't heard a word about a settlement here.

Akuta: ...

Akuta: (Looks like they deliberately kept it a secret from her. Well, not that I'd expect a sheltered princess to be shown something like that.)

Akuta: In any case, it doesn't seem like we're welcome here.

Akuta: We'd be better off not staying here longer than we need to. Let's just make sure the ruins are actually there or not for today.

Minagi: Although, where are the ruins?

Crow: Hmm, we should find the lab's emergency hatch at the center of the circle on the map, but.

Minagi: Is that...

Minagi bumped into someone while she was looking away.

Minagi: Ah... I am sorry.

Injured man: Gyaaaaaaaaaaaah!!

Injured man: It hurts! It hurts! It huuuurts!!

While the man was rolling on the ground, holding his arm, two men rushed to his side.

Suspicious man: Y-You okay, bro!!?

Man with an accent: Shit, his arm's broken!!

Injured man: Gyaaah! I ain't gonna be able to hold even a spoon ever again!!

Man with an accent: Get a grip! C-Calm down and wait!

Akuta: (Are these guys serious...)

They found themselves dumbfounded at the act that unfolded before them.

Until one of the men approached Minagi who was standing still.

Man with an accent: Ooh, ooh, the little miss, there!

Minagi: Y-Yes?

Man with an accent: You! How you gonna fix what you did to him!!?

Minagi: Him!?

Man with an accent: My brother's dying! Surely you must know what you're supposed to do, huh!!

Minagi didn't react for a while, however, she remembered something and tapped her hand.

Minagi: Uum... Shall I cure him, then?

Man with an accent: Ha...?

Minagi: I should be able to heal something as minor as a bone fracture immediately...

Man with an accent: ...

Minagi: Ah, you can rest assured, I have the skill necessary. I have already healed someone twice in the last few days.

Minagi: I will spare no effort to heal him!

Man with an accent: U-Uuh...

In contrast to Minagi's eagerness, the man was visibly confused.

Man with an accent: What do we do, bro... The girl's a magic(巫法/Fuhou) user.

Injured man: You moron, that's even better for us. If she's a magic user, then she's gotta be filthy rich.

Suspicious man: It's over if you chicken out, and then I'll kick your ass!

After the three men had finished whispering to each other, they started speaking up again.

Man with an accent: W-Whether you can heal him or not isn't the problem, idiot!!

Suspicious man: In this world, you can't live if people don't take you seriously!!

Injured man: Show us your sincerity!

Minagi: Sincerity...?

Injured man: Damn right! You gotta pay up in nature!

Akuta: Huh, looking pretty healthy, aren't you...

Akuta twisted the allegedly bone-fractured man's arm, and pushed him away.

Crow: Huh, I guess every world has their low-level scums. How stupid.

Akuta: Welp, that's common.

Minagi: Excuse me, Akuta-sama, you shouldn't treat an injured man with this much violence...

Akuta: Aah, he's fine, he's all healed up. Right?

Suspicious man: Y-You!? Do we do it!?

Man with an accent: You, tryin' to show off just because you're in front of a lady!

Injured man: Let's beat this guy up!!

Minagi: Eh? Eh?

Akuta: I was hoping we could settle this peacefully... but what can you do..

Crow: You were never the type to settle things peacefully, son.

---Part 12: Kessen

---Part 13:

Minagi: Excuse me, are you all right? If this was a misunderstanding, I apologize...

Minagi took worried glances at the 3 men writhing on the ground.

Injured man: E-Eek!?

Suspicious man: D-Dammit! We'll remember that!

Man with an accent: Your mom's tail hair is a mess!!

The three men ran away tumbling.

Minagi: ...But mother's tail is sleek.

Akuta: Yeah, that was just a random line.

Akuta said, shrugging his shoulders. When he heard clapping sounds from behind him.

-: Man, you guys are strong.

When he turned back, a shady middle-aged man was standing there.

Akuta readied his weapon, and assumed a fighting stance.

In response, the panicked middle-aged man apologized.

Alcohol-smelling man: Hey there, don't be so cautious. Unlike these other guys, I'm a pacifist.

Akuta: Okay. And what does this pacifist want from us? Are you a resident of this village?

Alcohol-smelling man: Eheh, why else would I be in this trash pile?

Alcohol-smelling man: What about you? You definitely feel like you'd be right at home here.

Alcohol-smelling man: But didn't you just say you were the lady's bodyguard?

Akuta: That about sums it up.

Alcohol-smelling man: Eheh... Did you come for some sightseeing at the ruins during your stay at the shrine?

Alcohol-smelling man: But the place's not safe, you know. Didn't the people at your inn tell you that?

Alcohol-smelling man: Like don't go to the ruins in the west. Or did you skimp on the money? You shouldn't do that.

The man took a long look at them, as if judging them.

Akuta: (At least he doesn't look hostile, but... What's his goal? Is it simple curiosity, or...)

Alcohol-smelling man: You don't know the place, do you? I could guide you from the kindness of my heart if you want.

Akuta:: ...State your goal already.

Akuta said, staring at him, still wary from the previous incident. To which, the man panicked and answered.

Alcohol-smelling man: I-I don't have a grand objective or anything. But if you insist...

The middle-aged man stood restless, as if expecting something. Akuta immediately presumed what than something could be.

Akuta: (Is he actually trustworthy?)

Akuta took out money that was handed over to him for his arbiter duties from his wallet, and gave it to him with a clinking sound.

Alcohol-smelling man: Sorry about that.

After examining the money between his fingers, the man swiftly stored it away in his wallet.

Then with a movement of the jaw, he pointed towards the center of the settlement.

Alcohol-smelling man: Eheh, this way. Follow me.

After walking behind the man for a while, they found what could be blatantly described as an "entrance".

Akuta: ...What is that?

The scenery before their eyes had left their mouths gaping.

And what they called entrance, was an absurdly large and deep hole in the ground.

Minagi: Wow... It is so deep.

Staring into the pit revealed ruins of pathways and structures sticking out from the walls here and there.

There was no doubt there were indeed ruins in this place.

Crow: |W-What happened here? Why is this an empty hole?|

Akuta: |I don't know any more than you.|

Minagi: This hole cannot have been created naturally. Someone seems to have dug this hole.

Akuta: But who would...

Alcohol-smelling man: Huh, you didn't know that? How about this benevolent yours truly tell you all about it?

The man glanced at and purposefully focused his attention on Akuta.

Akuta: ...

Despite letting out a sigh, he gave another coin to the middle-aged man.

Alcohol-smelling man: Sorry, I didn't mean to force your hand...

Akuta: Quit it and tell us about this hole already.

Alcohol-smelling man: Eheh, well, as you can see, you could find ruins in there, but they were dug up some time ago.

Crow: What did you say!!?

Alcohol-smelling man: !?

Crow: Cucaw!!

Akuta hurriedly covered the beak of his crow father.

Alcohol-smelling man: Hey, that voice just now...

Akuta: ...S-Sorry. The shock was so strong it made my voice crack.

Alcohol-smelling man: Crack...?

Akuta: It cracked.

Alcohol-smelling man: H-Huh...

Once he made excuses, Akuta, his hand around his crow father's neck, quietly reproached him.

Akuta: |Did your brain get smaller since you turned into a crow and your memory got worse? Don't talk in front of people, or you're grilled.|

Crow: |Sorry. But...|

Akuta: |Just shut up.|

Crow: Cucaw!

Alcohol-smelling man: ...

The man who looked dubious, forced an awkward smile.

Akuta: ...So? What happened here? Continue the story.

Alcohol-smelling man: S-Sure. So anyway, a long time ago, a bunch of people in search of easy money dug the thing up.

Alcohol-smelling man: But when had totally mined it out, the treasure hunters left one after the other...

Alcohol-smelling man: Until all that was left were a hole, ruins, and trash.

Alcohol-smelling man: This village is a remnant of that time too.

Akuta: ...

Alcohol-smelling man: The people who live here now are those who lost everything trying to find treasure, and those who feel too guilty and have nowhere to go.

Alcohol-smelling man: And in the same vein, I ran away because of the things I did elsewhere and ended up here.

Alcohol-smelling man: Some refuse to give up and still go fishing in the trash, but anything of value's long gone by now.

Alcohol-smelling man: Get paid nothing and risk your life with the frequent cave-ins, really a crappy job.

Alcohol-smelling man: And as if that wasn't enough, you still gotta give a cut of what little you earn.

Alcohol-smelling man: But it's not like the people here have anywhere else to go, nothing we can do about it.

Akuta: I get your circumstances...

Alcohol-smelling man: Watch your back, okay. Remember what happened before? Not everyone here's a pacifist like me.

Minagi: Yes, thank you for your considerate advice, mister.

Alcohol-smelling man: Y-Yeah.

Mumbling "nutcase", the man walked away dizzily.

---Part 14:

Akuta: So basically, we know the ruins pops were talking about were there.

Crow: Cucaw! What a loathsome bunch! How dare you do what you want with my research lab!

Crow: As its creator, this is my property! You ungrateful kids!

Akuta: It's been neglected for a very long time, right? Then it's not a surprise.

Akuta: But that's no good for us. Seems like everything has been dug up already.

Minagi: Would this mean that the hole is empty?

Crow: No, the lab is vast, so surely not. It's also possible that cave-ins or floods cut off access to parts of it.

Crow: And besides, the spare lab I'm looking for has been made solid enough to withstand a full military division attack!

Crow: All hope is not yet lost!!

Akuta: I don't wanna hear why you went through the useless effort, but...

Akuta: Even if there actually was some still undiscovered lab, setting up and looking for it would be dangerous.

Akuta: Considering the situation, we'd better start over.

Crow: Cucacucaw!! I refuse! I need to get it back from these scums as soon as possible!

Akuta: You're asking too much...

Minagi: Akuta-sama, is there no way you could accomplish it? After all, father seems so persistent about it...

Crow: As expected of my daughter, she truly comprehends her father's grief, unlike my own son.

Akuta: Minagi, I beg you, stop spoiling him.

Crow: Cucacaw, are you jealous? Jealous that someone else is gonna take your daddy away from you, huh, son?

Akuta: You're getting on my nerves, maybe I'll have bird dumplings.

Crow: Cucaw!

Minagi: Akuta-sama...

Crow: Cucaw... My son is so cold with me, is it his rebellious phase?

Crow: You cold blooded man. Is there actually a reptile's soul inhabiting this body?

Crow: I've had enough of relying on you! I'm gonna search all by myself!!

Crow: Cucaw!!

Akuta: H-Hey! Wait!!

Paying him no mind, his crow father flew away.

Akuta: Haa, you stupid father. At least read between the lines before acting.

Minagi: You are being so distant with father, I feel sorry for him. I believe he is simply exalted to see you again after such a long time.

Akuta: I highly doubt the reason is this commendable...

Akuta: Anyway, we better catch up to him before he gets involved in some troublesome-

?: ...

Akuta: !

Feeling someone's gaze on him, Akuta turned back at once, however, there was no one in sight.

Minagi: ? Is something wrong?

Akuta: No, I just felt like I was being watched...

Minagi: ...Watched?

Akuta: Sorry. Probably my imagination...

Despite his attempt to ignore it, Akuta once again secretly surveyed the area.

Akuta: (Fçr some reason, there has been people looking for us for a while, and they're trying to surround us...)

Akuta: We gotta find pops. We may be in some kind of trouble.

Cautious of his surroundings, Akuta followed in the direction his father left.

His crow father was screaming loudly, flying in circles around the hole's edge.

Crow: Where is it, where is the entrance!!?

Akuta: Hey! Quiet it down, you're loud.

Still on his guards, Akuta called out to his father who was drawing circles in the air.

Crow: Caw?

Akuta: You're standing out too much. Please be aware of what a curiosity you are.

Taking notice of him, the crow landed on nearby rubble, tilted his head, and answered.

Crow: Me, not stand out? That will prove difficult, because of my genius. A feathery vessel cannot contain my overflowing intellect.

Crow: Let's say for example that the sun was hiding inside a human body, do you think it could hide the 6000 degrees it emits?

Crow: No, the temperature would turn the body to ashes, revealing the sun. And that's what my soul is like, got it?

Akuta: Not a clue.

Akuta: (This guy is smart... or maybe not, but he's not an idiot, that's for certain.)

Crow: What a pitiful son. The loss of your memories alone made you lose basic human understanding.

Akuta: ...Whatever, but be careful. I assure you, you don't want to stand out here.

As he spoke, he threw a glance in Minagi's direction.

Akuta: (Minagi is Orishiro's daughter. That alone makes her plenty valuable.)

Akuta: (Even though she doesn't realize her status, her inherent elegance makes her stand out in a place like this.)

Akuta: (I don't know who were the people back there, but it's highly likely they're after Minagi.)

Crow: ...Hmph, still as gallant as ever.

Crow: But I'll listen to you for the day. I know I can trust you when you're like that.

Akuta: Pops...

Crow: But, we will... We will come investigate here in the near future!

Akuta: Got it.

Akuta: Let's call it a day and go back then.

Minagi: Eh? Are you sure?

Akuta: Yeah, we know the ruins are here. And if pops hasn't gone senile, there is still the possibility of undiscovered parts.

Akuta: Although that's beyond my capabilities. We'll need more manpower and equipment for that.

Minagi: Very well, if you say so, then it must be true.

Akuta: Alright pops, let's go back to the shrine.

Crow: I kno-gwaah!!

Akuta: What?

Minagi: Ah...

When they turned to look at him, what they saw was a dirty young boy trying to push the crow inside his sack.

Crow: K-Kidnapper! Crownapper!!

Akuta: Pops!

The boy nimbly tied his sack shut and ran away, carrying it on its back.

Akuta: Urgh! I thought they were after you, but I didn't think about him!!

Minagi: W-Will father be eaten?

Akuta: Probably.

Akuta: (All jokes aside, that's a pretty likely outcome.)

Minagi: L-Let us go after him! We must rescue father!!

Akuta: I know!

The instant they gave chase to the young crow thief-

Akuta: !

Minagi: A-Akuta-sama!?

Akuta: I'm okay, it just grazed my cheek.

Boy in the way: ...

Akuta raided his weapon, and silently stared at the boy who stood in front of him.

Akuta: I see, he's with the kidnapper. And he looks tougher than the thugs from earlier.

Akuta: But if he's intent on getting in the way, I'll just have to force my way through!

---Part 15: Kessen

---Part 16:

Akuta: Resign yourself!

Boy in the way: !!

The boy nimbly evaded his attack.

He then kept his distance with Akuta, the next moment, he turned his back and fled.

Minagi: Ah... Please, wait!

Akuta: He could still move... He got us good. After him, Minagi!

On the trail of the boy who came to trap them, they found themselves in the middle of an alley.

The boy seems accustomed to the terrain, as he was weaving through the confusing roads of the settlement with ease.

Minagi: Where in the world could he be heading?

Akuta: Damn it, he's gonna shake us off like that.

Escaping the narrow streets, the boy once again fled in the direction of the ruins' pit, when Minagi noticed something.

Minagi: Please, take a look at this!

Akuta: So there was a road to go down...

Before they knew it, they saw the boy descending into the pit, with the help of a path in the wall.

They made haste and headed towards the path downwards.

The path seemed too narrow for an adult to squeeze through. And so they cautiously descended while grabbing the wall.

When they approached the bottom of the pit, they noticed a small hole directly adjacent to the path.

Akuta: Looks like we can go in there.

Minagi: Are we really? It's too dark to see the other side.

Akuta: ...I won't force you to come with me. Just be very cautious back there.

Akuta: The kidnapper's comrade is still somewhere. He could be waiting to ambush us.

Minagi: I-I understand.

Akuta took out a "light stone" from his belongings, and poured water onto it.

When the stone came into contact with water, it began to glow.

Akuta: This is...

Inside the hole, Akuta entered a path made from the same material as the ruins he saw in the volcano.

Minagi: It seems to have been severely damaged.

Akuta: That guy said they mined the whole thing up. It looks like they tore off everything that was there and brought it out.

Akuta: Watch your step. It looks pretty brittle.

The boy disappeared into the dark hallway, and they had already lost sight of him.

Careful of every step, they advanced through the path.

The path was relatively straightforward towards the entrance, but as they delved deeper, the collapsed walls and ceilings drastically impeded their progress.

Akuta: It's impressive that a kid can get in and out of here. No, I guess it's because he's light and short.

Minagi: Are his parents not worried about his coming and going to such a dangerous place?

Akuta: Parents? They probably...

Minagi: ?

Akuta: Nothing. Let's step up for now.

After coming a long way, they both stopped. The path separated itself into two large hallways.

Minagi: Which way did he go through?

Akuta: Uuh...

Akuta knelt, brought the light closer to the ground, and watched fixedly. Once he had found what he was looking for, he then pointed towards the left path.

Akuta: Maybe this way.

Minagi: You could tell?

Akuta: I found relatively fresh footprints right here.

Minagi: But it seems there are footprints as well the other way.

Akuta: But how many?

Minagi: How many? Ah...

Minagi voiced her surprise, next, she looked at the ground.

Akuta: There are more of them this way, the sizes are varied too.

Akuta: If someone's living here, it's gotta be this way.

Akuta: ...Though I can't deny the footprints may be a trap.

Minagi: ...We have no time for hesitation. Father is being cooked in a hot pot as we speak.

Akuta: True that. It'll weigh on my conscience if he gets eaten here.

Akuta: Besides, that bird is the only lead we have about your secret. We can't afford to let it go.

Akuta: Hup... there.

Akuta: Phew...

He peeked inside a door he pried half open.

On the other side were stairs, which led to an ever deeper floor.

Akuta: Looks like we're getting down from here.

Minagi: How far does it continue for, I wonder...

Despite reaching a rather deep part of ruins people pass through, they haven't come across either the crow or the kidnapper.

Akuta: (...This is deeper than I expected. I'm worried about what they're doing to pops, but...)

Akuta: (My top priority is still Minagi's safety.)

Akuta: (...We may not be able to retreat or stop. I gotta make sure I don't pick the wrong time to call it off...)

They cautiously descended the long stairway.

In doing so, what they came across was a slightly different location.

Minagi: This is...?

Unlike the rooms and hallways they traversed until now, this felt clearly inhabited.

On the floor disorderly laid futons, pots, and daily necessities.

They didn't appear as part of the ruins, it looked as if they were brought in from the outside.

Moreover, it wasn't covered in dust, but instead showed traces of recent use.

Akuta: Looks like this our last stop, but...

Minagi: Where could father be?

Minagi dubiously scrutinized the room.

It felt lived-in, but deserted of people. The inhabitants were nowhere to be found.

Akuta: Have they already moved somewhere else?

Following his thought, Akuta advanced further, when suddenly, a loud banging noise resonated behind him.

Akuta: !

Minagi: W-What happened?

When he turned back, he noticed children coming in from the entrance.

Minagi, in her surprise, clung onto him.

Akuta: ...

Minagi: Akuta-sama...

In different parts of the rooms, children came out of hiding and surrounded them.

The children were holding scrap wood sticks and stone in their hands.

Akuta: (...Now we're in trouble. This is enemy territory, and even if they're just kids, there's a lot of them.)

Avoiding any careless movement, he waited to see what they would do next.

?: Eeh, not bad making it this far, nii-chan.

?: But you didn't think you'd get away that easily after all this way, right?

A single boy holding a sack appeared from behind the children who were encircling them.

---Part 17:

The boy looked at them with a composed expression.

His features looked familiar.

Minagi: This is...

Akuta: Yeah, the kid that got in our way earlier.

All the surrounding kids turned their attention towards him. It would seem they acted according to his instructions.

Akuta: Is the lad, the boss here?

Boss boy: You could say that.

Akuta: That makes things quicker. We're out of here as soon as we're done.

Akuta: Would you mind giving us back the crow you kids took?

Akuta: A skinny crow like that, won't satisfy your hunger.

The self-proclaimed boss displayed a sarcastic smile in response to Akuta.

Boss boy: Crow? There's no crow here. What crow are you talking about?

Akuta: You know, the one in your bag.

The bag he was carrying started wiggling around.

Crow: Cucaw! I recognize this voice, it's my son!

Boss boy: I told you to stay quiet, or else I'll make a stew out of you.

Crow: Cucaw!

Akuta: (I can assume he doesn't plan on doing anything to him yet. Then there should be room for negotiation.)

Boss boy: So? Do you have any proof this crow is yours?

Boss boy: You may have wanted that talking crow for yourself, but first come first served.

Akuta: (He's playing dumb, knowing full well we were together from the start... In that case-)

Akuta: Look, doesn't he have a strange necklace around him? This is an ancient relic.

Akuta: Do you believe a wild crow would wear something that valuable? This serves as proof it's someone's pet.

Boss boy: ...

Akuta: How about a nice reward for finding my crow?

Without answering his question, the boss took a peek inside his bag.

Did he not realize about the necklace? What to answer? The boy seemed confused.

However...

Crow: ...You said, a pet?

The crow poked his head through the bag, and screamed at the top of his voice.

Crow: Cucaw! Who's in who's care now!? Are you the one who keeps an eye on me from above!? I am in no way shape or form your pet!!

Akuta: ...

Akuta: (This stupid dad...)

Boss boy: Nii-chan.

Akuta: ...Yes?

Boss boy: This crow is saying it's not your pet, isn't it?

Crow: Exactly, I am perfectly independent. Not anyone's possession.

Crow: Even in a crow body, I refuse to be treated as an animal. I firmly request improved treatment!

Akuta: ...

Boss boy: So I can summarize that into it's not yours, is that right?

Boss boy: And in short, it's finders keepers, which is me.

Crow: Cucaw? What are you...

Boss boy: I've seen some strange creatures in the ruins, but a talking crow is a first.

Boss boy: I think a lot of people will want it. Maybe it'll even sell better than the relics here?

Crow: Cucaw!! Sell? Me?

Crow: This is a violation of human rights! How much are you planning on selling my superior genius for!! Because it doesn't come cheap!!

The crow refuted as such, and withdrew his head into the sack once again.

Boss boy: Alright, we even have the one directly concerned's authorization, so...

Minagi: P-Please wait!

Minagi: If you are selling him, then I will buy him!

Boss boy: Haa?

Akuta: Minagi, wait.

Minagi: Don't you worry, Akuta-sama. I may not have any money on hand, however...

As she spoke, Minagi detached the hair ornament she was wearing, holding it out.

Minagi: Will this be sufficient?

Boss boy: H-Hey, nee-chan, that's...

Minagi: If this is not enough, I shall return tomorrow with more similar items.

Minagi: In case this would still not be enough, although it may take some time, I promise I will earn much more...

Minagi: I believe this much would rejoice your fathers and mothers-

Boss boy: ...Are you making fun of us?

Minagi: I am definitely not! Mahomi owns very precious items... You should be able to afford ten Woptors...

Boss boy: That's not what I'm talking about!

Boss boy: Where does it look like we have parents!?

Minagi: Eh...?

Boss boy: It's not like we could make any money by selling this in the first place!

Boss boy: Who'd believe we just happen to have something only a noble would own!?

Boss boy: We would get beaten until we told them where we stole it from...

Boss boy: Beaten up until we can't move... Only to get thrown into the ditch.

Minagi: I will not allow this! I will personally see to it that it doesn't...

Boss boy: Are you saying you're gonna be like a replacement mother to us?

Boss boy: Someone we barely know can't butt into our business like a parent.

Boss boy: Is it a rich-kid whim? Or you want to take pitiful poor kids under your wing?

Minagi: That is...

Boss boy: You'll find people like us anywhere.

Boss boy:  We... don't live so that people like you can find satisfaction in pitying us!

Akuta: Calm down, Minagi has no ill will.

Akuta grabbed the boy's arm, preventing him from closing in on Minagi.

Having regained his composure, the boy set free of his grasp and coldly announced.

Boss boy:  I know. She's simply unaware of how the world works.

Akuta: Sorry about offending you. You're right.

At his words, the boy lowered his head.

Minagi: Akuta-sama, I...

Akuta: It's not your fault. It's mine for making this discussion a mess.

Akuta: (It's actually pops, but...)

Akuta: Can't you leave it to me? I'll try having a little chat with those kids.

Minagi: Yes...

Minagi hung her head, disheartened.

Akuta: (Still, what should I do? Using money has become difficult.)

Akuta: (Maybe if I found a compromise...)

Surveying his surrounding, Akuta re-assessed the situation.

Then fixated his gaze upon a pile of trash, seemingly gathered from the ruins.

Akuta: (That's...)

---Chapter 18:

Staring at the pile of amassed trash in a corner of the room, Akuta asked the boy.

Akuta: Is that what you dug from the ruins?

Kuuran: ...Yeah, it is. What about it?

Akuta: So I take it the ruins' resources aren't exhausted yet.

Kuuran: Everything left is just trash, but, well, it's worth some money.

After his prolonged silence, the crow father began mumbling.

Crow: You fools who don't understand value... What are you taking my property for?

Akuta: ...

Akuta: (He said this place belonged to him, besides...)

Crow: That is none other than the key to my lab, the Master Key.

Crow: It will open the doors, activate equipment, and even provide mainframe access.

Crow: Because it grants the highest authority access, if used by someone with a mind for it, you can do anything.

Akuta: (If I assume that wasn't a lie... Alright, it's make or break.)

Akuta: Hey, boy. Would you mind giving me the crow for a bit?

Kuuran: Ah? Why?

Akuta: I need to check a little something. I'll return it once I'm done.

Kuuran: ...

The boy cautiously refused to hand over the crow. Meanwhile, the children surrounding him slowly drew in.

Akuta: I won't try to run away with it. The exit is blocked off anyway, I've got nowhere to escape.

Akuta: If that still didn't convince you, keep an eye on Minagi... the rich lady over there instead.

Akuta: If something happened to her, you can guess I'm in a world of trouble, right?

Following his words, the boy took a glance over at Minagi. Startled by the frigid glare, her body twitched and trembled.

Kuuran: ...Fine.

With a shake of the head, the boy instructed the other children, who all slowly edged up on Minagi.

Minagi: Akuta-sama...

Akuta: Sorry... It won't be long, please be patient.

Kuuran: Don't you dare try anything funny.

The boy handed over the bag containing the crow as he spoke.

Akuta pulled out the crow from inside the bag.

Crow: ...Cucaw? Is the transaction complete? Good, let's go back.

Akuta: You weren't listening? Seriously...

Akuta: Time for your so-called genius brain. Go and earn your own keep.

Crow: Cucaw?

Akuta: Do you know what this garbage is?

Akuta pointed towards the heap of relics in the corner of the room.

Akuta: Hum, this is...

When he approached the junk pile, the crow father stretched his neck and peeked into it.

Crow: They're likely remains of a memory device.

Crow: This here is part of a power cable... I assume it was used for repairs somewhere.

Akuta: ...So you know.

Crow: Of course I can tell if I look at it.

Said the crow, shocked.

Akuta: So you know where are are too, right?

Crow: This is... part of the connecting station. It's a terminal for shuttles coming from and going to other cities.

Akuta: So you do know. And is there a way to go to the spare lab from here?

Crow: Naturally. Provided the path hasn't been cut off.

Akuta: Good job. This is the first time I've felt like praising you.

Crow: Cucacaw, I don't quite understand, but I will consider accepting your- Gweh!

Akuta: restuffed the crow into the bag and handed it to the boy.

Kuuran: ...Are you done?

Akuta turned around and calmly spoke to the boy.

Akuta: Let's make a deal.

Kuuran: A deal? You better not talk about money again.

Akuta: It's nothing like that, I want us to strike an equal deal of mutual trust.

Akuta: It's in both our common interest.

Kuuran: What does that...

Akuta: We need to find something in the ruins.

Akuta: And you're collecting junk to earn money from it, isn't it?

Kuuran: Y-Yeah.

Akuta: In that case, don't you think we should cooperate?

Akuta: pointed towards the bag where the crow was.

Akuta: This crow is no ordinary crow. Of course you should know from his ability to talk alone, but...

Akuta: The most important thing about him isn't his speech, but his brains.

Kuuran: And what does it mean?

Akuta: This crows knows what the relics inside the junk here are, and their utility as well.

Akuta: And even more importantly, he's familiar with the ruins' structure.

Akuta: What a waste it would be to sell him for some temporary monetary benefit, wouldn't you agree?

Akuta: What I'm getting at is that used correctly, he's the key to much more successful commerce.

Kuuran: The crow? You must be joking. Even the most prestigious scholars always say contradicting things and are proven wrong.

Akuta: It's natural to be suspicious. And that's why I'll prove it to you right here that I'm not bluffing.

Akuta: How about it? Interested? Your trial period is free.

Kuuran: ...Are you serious?

Akuta: Absolutely. And in case he fails, you're free to do as you please with him.

Kuuran: ...Got it. Why don't you show me this proof right away then?

The boy took out the crow from inside his bag.

Akuta: Okay... Pops, it's time to show what you're worth. If you can't, then get ready to become either an exhibition or a hot pot.

Crow: Making promises without my consent... But there's no helping it. I can listen to you once in a while.

Crow: From here... This way. Follow me if you wish.

With a movement of its beak, the crow indicated the path to follow.

After a moment of hesitation, the kids, as well as Minagi followed after them.

Minagi: Akuta-sama...

Akuta: It's fine. It'll turn out okay in the end.

---Chapter 19:

After following the crow for quite some time, a door stood in their way.

Crow: It's here.

Boss boy: It's an unopenable door.

Akuta: Unopenable door?

Boss boy: Just like the name implies, this door won't open whatever you do. Even magic won't as much as scratch it.

Boss boy: I know there might be treasure behind it, but if we can't open, there's no point.

Akuta: I'm aware.

Akuta: Can you open it, pops? This master key thing can open all the doors, isn't that right?

Crow: Yes, you're correct, although...

Crow: This is your role, son.

Akuta: ...Huh.

Crow: Take the master key.

Akuta: This?

Akuta took the key off the crow's neck as he was instructed.

Akuta: And what am I supposed to do with it?

Crow: Nothing much. Simply raise in front of the door and recite "open" in your mind.

Akuta: Is that all? No incantation? No Open Sesame?

Crow: We don't need something so unrefined.

Akuta: Hmph.

Crow: Try trusting your father once in a while.

Akuta: (It's hard to believe I only have to think about it, but... Here goes.)

Akuta: took a deep breath, after which he held the key up high, silently reciting.

Akuta: (Open...)

A strange sound could be heard from who knows where.

Boss boy: ...?

Everyone was looking all around them, and then, the door suddenly spoke.

Mysterious voice: Highest Authority Confirmed.

Boss boy: W-What? The door talked?

Mysterious voice: System, Canceling Sleep Mode... Opening the Door.

Mysterious voice: Welcome Back, Master.

Boss boy: I-It opened...

Crow: Awesome! Brand new ruins!!

The boys screamed in delight with stars in their eyes as the new ruins revealed themselves before their very eyes.

Akuta: Ooh... Impressive.

Crow: Hum, the closed off section has been well preserved.

Akuta: Once Akuta made sure they proceeded further down the hallway, he once again held the master key up.

Crow: Hm? What are you...

Boss boy: H-Hey!

The door closed itself before everyone's eyes.

And in view of the situation, the boss approached him.

Boss boy: Why did you lock us up!?

Akuta: Nothing more than a test.

Akuta: So how about it? Was I bluffing after all?

Boss boy: It's unfair! Give it to me!!

The boy hopped repeatedly in hopes of snatching the master key.

Akuta: I can't just do that.

The crow quietly answered.

Crow: It's fine, give it to him.

Akuta stared intently at the crow, usually very attached to his belongings, and yet uttered some uncharacteristic words.

Akuta: You sure?

Crow: A picture is worth a thousand words as they say. Besides, I have an hypothesis I would like to put to the test.

He handed out the master key to the boy.

Boss boy: Nice, now me too...

Having received the key, the boy immediately held it above his head, before he yelled at the top of his lungs.

Boss boy: Open! Open! Opeeeen!

But the door did not budge.

Boss boy: Damn!

The boy screamed several more times, to no avail, at last, he was gasping for air.

Akuta: Are you good?

As he spoke, Akuta took the master key from the boy's hands, who did not offer any resistance due to his exhaustion.

Boss boy: What's going on!? Why can you open the door!?

Crow: Even if you have the master key, the door will only open to registered, qualified personnel.

Crow: Namely, decoys, not being humans, do not meet the qualifications.

Crow: Well, I lost my qualification following the same logic.

Akuta: Hence why you needed me.

Crow: Now then, we need to search so we can examine my daughter.

Akuta: ...

Crow: Let us go, son! The lab we are looking for is down this way!

Akuta: That will have to wait.

Crow: Cucaw?

Akuta turned around to face the boss.

Akuta: Let's resume our conversation about our deal, shall we?

Akuta: Like you heard, I may be the only one able to open this door.

Akuta: What's more, you now have the proof that this crow is familiar with the ruins themselves and the relics' use, and you aren't.

Akuta: Isn't it a good deal?

Boss boy: ...

Akuta: We need people to search the ruins and run the equipment.

Akuta: If you agree to help us, you will be considerably rewarded. You could be able to do whatever you want with what you find in the ruins.

Crow: Wait, everything here is mine! You can't give it away!

Akuta: These kids are used to living here, so I'm sure it'll prove useful to them, whereas if we made ourselves their enemy, if would hinder our research.

Akuta: Make this compromise, because if you refuse, you're grilled.

Crow: Cucacaw... There is no other choice...

Crow: You may take only what I allow you to! And I'm the one who decided!

Akuta: Heard him. What say you?

The orphans looked at each other.

Akuta: You don't have to answer right now.

Akuta: As proof of my trust, I'm leaving him in your care for the day.

Crow: Cucaw! Are you leaving your father behind!?

Akuta: You'll get to experience an outdoor life, that's all. It's a necessary step if you want to live like a true crow, right?

Crow: Cucaaaw! You disobedient son!!

Akuta: Take your time tonight to mull it over, I'll be back tomorrow.

Akuta: Let's go, Minagi.

Minagi: ...

Akuta: Minagi?

Minagi: Ah, yes.

Minagi who was in a slight daze, realized Hakuta's calls and chased after him.

The kids encircling her naturally made way for her to leave through the exit.

Just as they were about to pass through, they heard a voice calling them from behind their back.

Boss boy: ...Do you think I'll change my mind?

The boss fixedly glared at Akuta.

Akuta: You will.

Akuta: You're smart, kid. I trust you'll choose profit over honor.

---Chapter 20:

By the time they finally left the ruins, the sun was already setting.

Akuta: That's bad for us, let's go back to the shrine quickly.

He told Minagi, however, she was simply standing absentmindedly.

Akuta: Minagi, what's wrong?

Minagi: Akuta-sama, these children...

He deduced from her words what Minagi attempted to ask.

Akuta: The amiable man who showed us the say said it.

Akuta: The only people remaining here are penniless. That goes for them too.

Akuta: I don't know what led them to this point, but they keep on living with people who don't have anywhere to go either.

Akuta: And sleeping in those ruins is also for safety reasons.

Akuta: The surface is crawling with evil adults who would try to take advantage of these defenseless kids.

Akuta: A confusing maze of ruins is perfect to protect themselves.

Minagi: But... Has no one before offered them a helping hand?

Akuta: I don't know about others, but the adults and kids around these parts are barely holding onto life.

Akuta: Even if they did, it wouldn't be out of the goodness of their heart. I'm sure these kids must've gone through a lot.

Akuta: It's for these reasons they chose to live with others who understands and share the same pain, that's all there is.

Minagi: But then...

Akuta: Wanting to help them isn't wrong.

Akuta: But I don't think they'd be able to trust us right away.

Akuta: If we instead showed them we can be mutually beneficial, they'll get to understand.

Minagi: You thought so far ahead...

Akuta: No... It was quick thinking. I didn't think about anything beyond that.

Akuta: I merely made my job simpler.

Minagi: Even so... You seem much closer to them than I am.

Akuta: ...

Minagi: I... didn't understand the first thing about them.

Minagi: While I am the daughter of Orishiro, the foundation of our world, all I did was lamenting my  own misfortune.

Minagi: This world has no shortage of suffering and sadness, and yet, what I could see from the shrine was all I ever believed there was.

Minagi: While I showed people compassion, it never seemed like reality to me.

Minagi: I have even... been rude to these children.

Minagi: I am... ashamed of myself...

Akuta: It's good you realize before it's too late.

Minagi: Is it truly fine this way?

Akuta: Just because you were late doesn't mean that you'd rather stay wrong, no?

Minagi: ...

Akuta: How you want to face this... is all up to you.

Minagi: Will I... be able to change?

Akuta: You will. I already told you, let's change together.

Minagi: ...Yes...

---Chapter 21:

The following day...

Akuta: ...

Akuta has been waiting in front of the gate for a while, but he had yet to see any trace of Minagi.

Akuta: (She seemed to worry about the orphans from yesterday, plus, she was in a confused state.)

Akuta: (Maybe she hasn't sorted herself out yet.)

Akuta: (By the way... She was forbidden from leaving to begin with.)

Akuta: (I can't rule out the possibility she was reprimanded from sneaking out and can't leave from where she is...)

Akuta: (I'm worried... But I can't abandon pops either.)

After entrusting the gatekeeper with a message of his departure, he left in direction of the ruins to the west.

Akuta: ...

Already a long way from the shrine, he gave a long stare inside the bushes.

Akuta: (I feel followed again today.)

Akuta: (There's only one person I think it could be, but...)

He sneakily approached the bush from which he felt a presence, and spoke up next to it.

Akuta: Heey!

?: Hyah!?

There were a cute scream and a slamming sound afterwards.

Akuta: ...What're you sneaking around for?

Akuta: Minagi.

His address was followed by rustling noises for a while, before a girl crawled out from the bush.

Minagi: E-Ehehe, here I am.

Akuta: Here you are...

Akuta: Judging from your sneaking, you snuck out unauthorized again, didn't you?

Minagi: Yes!

Akuta: ...Sure are energetic. Did you get over your worries?

Minagi: ...I'm not sure. What I do know is I want to find out.

Minagi: As Orishiro's daughter. I believe it is imperative I learn more about this world.

Minagi: As to once I while become the one supporting this world, I will know what I must do.

Minagi: I... don't simply want to change myself, I want to change everything.

Minagi fixated her gaze on Akuta as she spoke. Her look wasn't the same it was the day before, it was now filled with strong determination.

Akuta: Got it. Still, be careful. The matter of the kids isn't the only problem.

Akuta: We don't know what awaits us in the depths of the ruins.

Minagi: I am very aware.

Minagi: I will do my best!

The intricate system of hallways had taken them a long while at first, on their second time however, they reached their destination smoothly.

A row of children were awaiting their arrival in front of the orphans' living quarters.

In their center, the boss was there too.

Akuta: We're here as we promised.

Crow: Cucaw! You took your sweet time to come pick me up, son!!

Crow: These children have been maltreating me! Would you believe it, they fed me bugs!

Akuta: I get it, I get it. Glad you had fun.

Boss boy: ...

Akuta: Now then... If I may hear your reply.

The young boss stared at him for a short while, but let out a light sigh, and replied.

Boss boy: We're in board with your idea.

Boss boy: With the crows's help, we'll definitely get the commerce flowing way better than before.

Akuta: I am pleased you listened to us.

Boss boy: However, I have one thing to tell you.

Akuta: Which is?

Boss boy: Me and my friends will only be helping with your job.

Boss boy: We're not your minions.

Boss boy: If you treat any of us like disposable workforce, you will regret it!

Akuta: I know, we are nothing more than important business partners.

Akuta: For starters, allow me to introduce myself again.

Akuta: My name is Akuta.

Hearing his name, the boy spoke slightly less nervously than before.

Boss boy: ...Kuuran.

Akuta: Got it, Kuuran. Happy to do business with you.

Kuuran: Naturally, Akuta nii-chan.

He extended his hand to Kuuran and shook hands.

Once they were done, Minagi poked her head in front of Kuuran without hesitation.

Kuuran: Waah! What do you want, nee-chan!?

Minagi: I am Minagi.

Kuuran: Yes...?

Minagi: Please call me Minagi.

After an extended look at Minagi, Kuuran was in shock as he told Akuta.

Kuuran: Did you bring her again? You can't bring her in a place like that.

Akuta: It was her own wish. I hope you don't mind.

Kuuran: Mind... Uuh, nii-chan.

Akuta: Of course we'll... make sure not to get in your way. Minagi, and me.

Kuuran: That's not the point. It's dangerous here.

Kuuran: She's your employer, isn't she?

Akuta: Yeah, but... A more stubborn employer than she looks like.

Akuta: Stubborn enough that she doesn't take no for an answer and isn't scared of being threatened with cutlery.

Kuuran: Eeh...

Probably realizing it was no use, Kuuran turned around to face Minagi again and spoke to her.

Kuuran: Uum, nee-chan.

Minagi: It's Minagi, Minagi.

Kuuran: Minagi nee-chan.

Minagi: Yes, what is it?

Kuuran: Do you understand what you're getting yourself into?

Minagi wore a vacant look on her face as she was trying to process the question... then replied with a smile.

Minagi: No, I have no idea.

Kuuran: ...Are you screwing with me?

Minagi answered this new question with a serious tone in her voice.

Minagi: No, I am absolutely serious. Nonetheless, my own ignorance is where my desire to learn stems from, Kuuran-sama.

Kuuran: Ku-Kuuran-samaa!?

Minagi: Yes, it is only natural for one to show respect to the one who dispenses them their knowledge. Therefore, reflecting this respect in the way you address someone is common etiquette.

Kuuran: W-Wait a minute!

Kuuran became agitated as he turned to Akuta.

Kuuran: Nii-chan, can you do anything about her?

Akuta: Sorry... Not that I have any intention to either.

Kuuran: Come on.

Kuuran gave Minagi a sharp glance, and defeated, he said.

Kuuran: Don't take action without approval! Despite how hard nii-chan tries to make you look good, he's just being lenient!

Minagi: Yes, Kuuran-sama, obviously. I look forward to your guidance and support.

Kuuran: I told you~...

Minagi: ?

Kuuran: No sama with meee!!