~The Great Transgressor’s Reminiscence~
Vicious’ Short Novel, Part 4
Source: Tales of Crestoria manga volume #4 Translation: Neyla Proofreading: Vicious Cult Discord Server (because we share one vicious brain cell)
[You can read the other parts here.]
“Why… why did this happen…” Sanis ran with all his might, not having the time to look back. He was breathing so heavily that his chest was hurting. Today was supposed to be a nice day. He had been so excited to return to the village and be welcomed by everyone’s smiles. Then, why… Now there was no other option but to run. If he was caught by the Enforcers chasing him, everything would be over.
Taki was a village situated in the mountains, blessed with good climate and water, which was why its agriculture had always been flourishing. Its fruits in particular were really popular, and it was not so rare that they were sold at higher prices to foodies. Sanis, a young man who was born in the village who would turn sixteen this year, also helped cultivate crops as a member of the village. But that day, Sanis' job was to go to a neighboring village. To be more precise, a place that once was a village. “Woah, this is amazing.” Sanis said with joy. Three days prior, a volcano in a distant land erupted, and while there was no direct damage to Taki Village or the neighboring village, the forest beasts became ferocious due to the eruption. The beasts ran wild and attacked people, and as a result, tragedy struck. In that village surrounded by the forest, the ten people living there were all devoured by the beasts. In front of the miserable corpses left by that tragedy, Sanis and the adults that came with him from Taki Village laughed. “That’s a lot.” “With this, we will not have problems this year. We have to be grateful for such luck.” As they spoke, they picked up the bits of human flesh that had been torn off and put them on a cart. In front of Sanis there was the corpse of a mother holding her child protectively. Sanis clasped his hands towards the corpse. "Rest in peace. We'll make good use of you."
Sanis and the others returned to Taki Village and roasted the pieces of meat they had recovered. Then, they took the large amount of remaining ashes and scattered it over the field where they were growing the fruits. “With this, we’ll surely be able to harvest delicious fruits next year too!” When Sanis said that, the adults around him also smiled from ear to ear. The ashes obtained from burning human remains were used as fertilizer by scattering them on the fields. This was an ancient tradition passed down in Taki Village. Though the efficacy was uncertain, the crops grown in Taki Village were renowned for having a good taste and shape, and sell well at high prices. Therefore, not a single person born in Taki Village ever questioned this custom. They believed that the souls of dead people would help the crops grow deliciously. And because they believed in it, everyone continued to protect this secret from being divulged outside the village. But…
That night, Taki Village had been attacked by a large group of Enforcers. An outsider saw the villagers collecting the corpses and using them as fertilizer, and recorded everything with the Vision Orb. For some time, that man had been sniffing for some kind of secret in Taki Village, and recorded the shocking truth. The fruits of Takii Village were famous for their delicious taste, and many people had eaten them. Of course, without knowing that they were eating repulsive food fertilized with human remains. Due to the angry prayers, all the residents of Taki Village were marked with the Stain of Guilt and became transgressors. So a large number of Enforcers came to attack and wipe out the villagers. Men, women, elders, children, everyone. While the friends he was laughing with moments ago were disappearing, Sanis ran for his life. The Stain of Guilt was engraved on the right hand of those who harvested the cursed fruit. “Why… Why?!” Sanis lamented as he fled. He couldn’t understand why they all became transgressors. They were just using human remains. What’s wrong with eating the meat that the beasts killed? Why did the world call it a sin? Sanis couldn’t understand. The fatigue accumulated in his legs, so he couldn't run anymore. When he stopped, he heard a voice. “Sanis! This way!” The one who stretched out her hand was Katie, his childhood friend that lived in a lone village beyond the mountains. She had come to Taki Village to give Sanis the vegetables harvested in her village. Holding Katie’s hand, Sanis ran again. However, Sanis' physical strength had already reached its limit. Sanis’ feet got stuck in the mud, and so he fell down. Katie shielded him. When they looked up, they were surrounded by the Enforcers.
Sanis was so scared that he couldn’t think anymore. But then, a blinding flash filled his vision and a loud sound echoed. Along with the light and sound, the Enforcers were pierced by bullets. “You’re worthless. This what y’all got, bastards?” Vicious insulted them while holding in both hands his two Blood Sin weapons. "Well, fine by me. I haven't eaten anything in three days and I'm worked up. Let's have some fun." Vicious laughed mockingly. Fifteen years had passed since he was born into this world.
