Akira: Rutile, are you alright? Are you hurt or anything…?
Rutile: Yes, I’m fine. I’m sorry for making you worry.
Akira: No…! I’m just so glad you’re not injured.
A sigh of relief escaped me before I realized it. The others seemed to feel the same, their expressions softening with relief.
Saku-chan floated gently and circled around me.
Pulling Saku-chan close to my chest, I turned my gaze toward Mithra.
Mithra: ...
The tattoos had completely vanished, and Mithra stood there with his usual languid expression.
A pure, gentle breeze softly stirred Mithra’s red hair.
It felt cheerful and light—almost as if it were dancing to offer thanks.
The purification of the catacombs was complete, and order had been safely restored.
Now, the wizards were casting blessings so that the catacombs could return to its rightful role as a place of repose and prayer.
Akira: (So much happened, but I’m really glad everything ended safely…)
Riquet: 《Sanretea Edif》
…It will still take some time before the people who live in this land can come here to visit their ancestors’ graves again, right?
Arthur: Yes. This place has only just been calmed…
No one will come for now, but one day, may it be restored to its rightful state as a place of prayer and repose. I, too, shall offer my heartfelt blessing.
《Pernoctant Nixzo》
Faust: ...
《Satillquinart Mullcreed》
Rustica: Faust, good work.
Faust: …No, I didn’t do that much. More importantly, weren’t Shylock and White the ones who had it rough?
Shylock: Fufu, it’s all in the past. I can even cherish my own humiliation, you know.
White: Shylock-chan, you’re sooo big-hearted~!
Akira: White.
Um, are you angry at Mithra after all…?
White: I’m not angry.
Akira: (His eyes aren’t smiling…)
White: Well, that’s a lie, of course... But this time, there’s someone more suitable than me.
White said that, and looked toward Rutile, who was casting a blessing spell.
Rutile: …
Narrowing his beautiful green eyes, Rutile whispered softly.
Rutile: 《Ortonik Setomaouge》
As if calling spring to the Northern lands.
A gentle wind rustled through, softly swaying his hair touched by golden sunlight.
Mithra: ...
Mithra watched the scene from a short distance away.
Awkwardly scratching the back of his neck.
Akira: Rutile.
Rutile: Ah, Master Sage.
Rutile turned back with a bright expression. I looked at him, then shifted my gaze toward Mithra.
Akira: …If you don’t mind, would you come with me to see Mithra?
Ah— if you’re not feeling up to it yet, please don’t hesitate to say so. I don’t want you to push yourself, Rutile.
Rutile: Master Sage...
Thank you. For worrying about us.
I’d like to ask as well. Would you come with me to see Mithra-san?
Akira: Yes, of course!
Mithra: ...
Seeing Rutile and me walking toward him, Mithra tensed up as if on guard.
Rutile: Mithra-san.
Mithra: …
Mithra didn’t answer.
Like a cat avoiding its owner after being scolded, he wouldn’t meet Rutile’s eyes.
Rutile: Mithra-san…
With a small shrug, Rutile sighed as if to say "can’t be helped," and slowly opened his mouth to speak.
Rutile: Mithra-san… how did you feel after that?
Did anything inside you change?
Mithra: …
Mithra didn’t answer. Even so, Rutile seemed to be quietly waiting for him to continue.
Rutile: If you don’t want to answer, or if you haven’t found the answer within yourself yet, that’s perfectly fine.
But if even a little part of you felt lost, or hurt, or conflicted…
I don’t want you to hold those feelings all by yourself.
Mithra: ...
As expected, Mithra didn’t answer.
But he stared at Rutile as if he had just heard something completely different from what he’d anticipated.
Eventually, Mithra slowly turned his gaze away.
For a brief moment, an expression that looked almost childlike—so unlike his usual self, appeared and vanished.
Watching that lost, uncertain gesture, I felt that maybe Mithra was reflecting in his own way.
Rutile probably thought the same thing as me.
With a gentle smile, Rutile quietly leaned in to look at Mithra’s face.
Rutile: Mithra-san, won’t you make up with me?
Mithra: Make up? I don’t recall ever being in a fight with you.
Rutile: ...So to you, Mithra-san, arguing or clashing with someone counts as fighting, doesn’t it?
Mithra: Well… yes, I suppose.
Rutile: But I’ve been thinking, maybe my words earlier ended up cornering you, Mithra-san.
I asked you so bluntly, whether you felt proud winning with an enslavement spell—and I shouldn’t have pushed like that.
I am really sorry about that.
Mithra: ...Not being able to read the situation is nothing new for you.
Rutile: Come on. That’s so mean, Mithra-san.
Swaying his bright hair, Rutile reached out toward Mithra, then firmly grabbed his hand.
Rutile: Alright, now we’ve made up. We might argue sometimes or fail to understand each other, but…
I believe we can always come to understand each other again.
At Rutile’s gentle voice, Mithra averted his eyes—looking a little confused, yet somehow relieved.
Rutile: Okay, now it’s Master Sage’s turn!
With green eyes as gentle and swaying as the vast southern plains, Rutile blinked once and strode away.
Mithra: …
Mithra slowly approached and stopped in front of me without a word.
The wind swept across the endless white plain.
The eerie tattoos. The vivid red that had stained his neck.
All of it was gone, and Mithra stood there as if nothing had ever happened—just the same as always.
Akira: ...
Why…
Back then, why did you protect me? Even though the great spell was just a moment away from being completed…
Mithra: The great spell…
Mithra muttered under his breath and shrugged his shoulders.
Mithra: I guess I couldn’t accept it either.
Akira: Huh?
Mithra: To force Oz to obey me in that way and then call myself the strongest… It just didn’t feel right.
I take pride in my own strength. I want to fight, defeat Oz face-to-face, and become the strongest Sage Wizard…
After saying that, he pressed his lips together, as if sinking into deep thought.
His green eyes, as beautiful as emeralds, gazed at me quietly.
Then, he gave a small smile. The expression was so unexpectedly gentle that it caught me completely off guard.
Mithra: Well, when you were about to be swallowed by the coffin, you were making a really weird face.
I like the kind of stupid, empty-looking face you’re making now—like you’re not thinking about anything.
Akira: …What is that supposed to mean? I’ll have you know that I do think about quite a lot of things.
His outrageous comment made my shoulders feel a sense of relief.
Looking at Mithra—who didn’t look the least bit guilty, the events of the past few days flashed through my mind like a revolving lantern.
Akira: (I almost froze to death, got dragged into a fight with Oz and nearly died…)
(I was nearly offered as a sacrifice to complete the enslavement spell… I really went through a lot…)
He’s selfish, unpredictable, and such a complete mess that no number of hearts would ever be enough, but even so…
Mithra was unbelievably cool when he shielded me from the enslavement spell.
I turned a sincere, genuine smile toward him.
Under the sky where an icy wind raged, he stood firmly upon the earth—straight, unyielding, unwavering.
Like an embodiment of strength itself.
Selfish, whimsical, reckless—but the mage who saved me smiled.
Mithra: This part is going to get messy, but do your best to handle it somehow.
—《Arthim》
Everyone: ...!?
The moment Mithra chanted the spell, a tremendous sound rang out—as if countless chains were shattered all at once.
Then, something like a black cloud overflowed into the catacombs.
Faust: D-Damn it, "handle it," he says… No, we do have to handle it, but surely there was a better way than this…!?
White: Everyone, hold on to your sense of self!
Whatever happens, do not let yourselves be swallowed by the wave of emotions…!
I thought I heard White’s voice. But his figure was nowhere to be seen.
In this world swallowed entirely by darkness, I was the only one standing.
Do not let go of your sense of self. His warning grew increasingly faint.
Akira: ...
White: This is bad, at this rate, the Sage will be swallowed by the thoughts…!
Faust: But there are far too many of them… If we use purification magic carelessly, the thoughts could go berserk, and in the worst case, steal the Sage’s sense of self.
Riquet: So you’re telling me to just stand here and do nothing?
I can’t possibly do that…!
Rustica: Won’t you let me handle this?
White: Rustica, do you have some sort of method?
Rustica: Yes. We cannot afford to lose our precious Master Sage.
I will save Master Sage.
…Before I realized it, countless sparks were scattering before my eyes.
A torrent of emotions surges toward me.
Joy, sorrow, rage, relief—emotions beyond words rush straight through my body.
Countless feelings mix and scramble my thoughts into chaos.
Overwhelmed by emotions I cannot contain, my body and heart scream out.
Like words drawn on sand being washed away by the waves.
My very sense of self begins to fade away.
At that moment, a faint light streamed in.
It turned the black mist surrounding me into beautiful flower petals.
Rustica: Master Sage, are you unharmed?
Akira: Y‑yes…
But… how did you…?
Rustica: I can turn darkness into flowers, grief into morning dew, and anger or sorrow into birdsong.
So I believed that the darkness wrapping around you could also be transformed into something else.
I’m glad I was able to save you.
Come, stay by my side.
《Amorest Viesse》
Rustica cast a spell.
A magical skylark burst out of the birdcage and began to sing with a mysterious tone.
Akira: (What a beautiful sound…)
I found myself enchanted, utterly spellbound by it.
The roaring, swirling black cloud around me trembled ever so slightly in response to the skylark’s resonating song.
As if light were breaking through gaps in the clouds.
Rustica: Like the warm soup you drink when you wake in the morning, like biting into freshly baked bread at noon, like looking up at a star‑filled sky at night…
You must have had such small, precious moments in your daily lives too.
Sorrow always arrives without warning—without reason, without blame—taking away what’s precious to you.
Inside that closed cage, your souls must have carried silent pain for so long.
It must have been hard. It must have hurt. But it’s all right now.
His voice was gentle, warm—the kind that touched the very depths of the heart, as if embracing the souls of the dead.
Rustica raised the enchanted birdcage. The skylark sang, soft and high, its voice echoing through the air.
The black clouds, swaying like a mirage, slowly drifted into the birdcage.
Rustica: The fear, the sadness, the pain, things you were never meant to bear, may they quietly rest, forgotten.
Please, take your time and sleep.
《Amorest Viesse》
It was as if being held in a mother’s arms.
Like a cradle filled with love and reassurance, it comforted the souls with nowhere else to go.
Akira: (Somehow… it feels like the the air has changed a little…)
The chaotic darkness that seemed ready to swallow my very existence was gradually calmed by Rustica’s magic.
White: Well done, Rustica!
Everyone, while Rustica’s requiem song continues, restore order!
Following White’s command, Shylock glanced back at Riquet.
Shylock: Riquet, lift the lantern and pray for the departed. The prayers and lights of the clergy serve as a guide to the paradise.
Riquet: Leave it to me!
Arthur: Riquet, I’ll support you as well.
Riquet: Arthur-sama, thank you!
Riquet lifted the magical lantern.
Arthur raised his grimoire into the air. Light spilled out from the fluttering, opening pages, gently wrapping around Riquet.
Riquet: O God, hear my prayer. Open the gates of heaven.
May Your breath soothe their laments. May Your tears cleanse their wounds.
May Your warmth wipe away their anger.
A soft sound rang out—like a small bell chiming.
Riquet’s lantern began to glow—softly, yet powerfully.
His figure as he offered prayers for the dead looked divine.
The light spilling from the lantern wrapped around the black haze.
—Those were the voices of the victims who had been made sacrifices.
The black mist, lost and trapped in despair, opened its jaws to swallow Riquet.
Riquet: There is no need to lament.
I will guide you all to where you belong.
《Sanretea Edif》
As if the sun were shining down from the heavens. At the center of pure light, the prayer for their souls rests in my emerald eyes.
A blinding light spreads throughout the catacombs.
Arthur: 《Pernoctant Nixzo》
Faust: 《Satillquinart Mullcreed》
Shylock: 《Inviebelle》
White: 《Noscomnia》
Rustica: 《Amorest Viesse》
Countless souls whose names are unknown.
Innocent people offered as sacrifices to complete the enslavement spell.
A soft, gentle breeze blew.
The souls that had nowhere to go slowly gathered around Riquet’s lantern.
Mithra: 《Arthim》
Mithra, his fingers consumed by tattoos, chants the spell once more.
In resonance, the skull floated in midair. Pale blue light began to collect within its mouth.
In a straight line, aiming for the core coffin.
To stop it, eternal darkness spilled out from the empty coffin.
The skull spewed a fierce blaze. Like the flames of hell, it mercilessly burned away the obstructing darkness.
With a piercing scream, the eternal darkness was painted over in white.
It was like a lake shrouded in pure white mist.
In a world so white it hurt the eyes, the fiery red hair could be seen fluttering in the wind.
The core coffin flared up.
The flames roared with intensity, reducing the coffin to ashes in an instant.
Like a chain reaction, the coffins surrounding the core coffin also burned, returning to ash.
Watching this, White murmured.
White: The souls of the 666 innocent sacrifices were freed, and with the burning of the core coffin, the enslavement spell was also destroyed.
Rustica: The purification of the catacombs has been successfully completed.
Riquet: Thank goodness…
Relief spread across everyone’s faces.
Rutile: Everyone…?
Akira: Rutile!
From the far hall, Rutile appeared.
Though a little dazed, Rutile walked steadily toward us.
Actually, there are quite a lot of background (mostly cause effects) changes and I wanted to include them so it would be clear to understand. But since it can only have 10 photos per post, I only included a few.
But the words of my dear friend give me the courage to move forward.
Akira: Rustica… I’m counting on you!
Rustica: Even so, who is Mithra trying to enslave by completing the enslavement spell?
Shylock: For a wizard as powerful as Mithra to want to subdue someone, the possible targets must be very limited.
Shylock’s words make Oz’s face rise in my mind.
To Mithra, Oz is like a thorn in his side.
If there’s anyone Mithra would want to subjugate using the enslavement spell, it would be Oz.
Akira: But Mithra wants to defeat Oz and become the strongest in the world, right?
So then, why would he choose to enslave Oz instead…?
Shylock: Perhaps there was some kind of incident between Mithra and Oz, something that wounded Mithra’s pride.
Akira: Wounded Mithra’s pride…
...Ah!
Rustica: Master Sage, do you have any idea what it might be?
Akira: Well, recently Oz and Mithra fought, and Mithra was beaten really badly.
I got dragged into it too, so he was completely overwhelmed…
Shylock: For a Northern wizard who takes pride in being a strong wizard, being utterly defeated would wound that pride.
It wouldn’t be strange if he began to think that he wanted to make Oz submit to him.
Akira: ...
(But the Mithra I know would want to win through his own power alone…)
Acting on impulse is just like him, but this method doesn’t feel like him at all.
That’s exactly why I thought—I need to meet him and hear his true feelings.
Akira: I can’t allow him to do something like that, and defeating the dead just for that purpose… it’s extremely painful for me as well.
Let’s stop Mithra together…!
Rustica: Yes, of course.
It seems Mithra is at the deepest part of the catacombs. Come, let us go.
I nodded at Rustica’s words.
Even now, while pushing back the dead spilling out from the coffins, we headed toward the deepest chamber.
———
White: 《Noscomnia》
Faust: 《Satillquinart Mullcreed》
The Sacrificed Dead: Gaaaaa...!
Arthur: 《Pernoctant Nixzo》
Riquet: 《Sanretea Edif》
The Sacrificed Dead: Gyaaaah…!
Riquet: !?
Arthur: The purification magic isn’t working…!
White: …Even if 666 sacrifices were offered, if the souls of those sacrifices were purified, the enslavement spell could no longer be completed.
That is why a spell that obstructs purification magic has been cast, I imagine.
Faust: How horrible…
The Sacrificed Dead: Grrrrr!
Kshaaaaa…!
Faust: …With this many of them, can we really push through without purifying them?
White: In the procedure for this spell, I recall something like "the Central, Northern, Eastern, and Western wizards trample the sacrifices offered."
Most likely, these dead have been deliberately set upon us.
Riquet: To cast a spell that blocks purification just to force the sacrifices to fight, it’s far too cruel…!
White: The enslavement spell requires an extraordinary amount of time and effort.
To ensure it wouldn’t fail under any circumstance, they must have taken multiple layers of precautions.
Mithra and the others should be in the deepest chamber. We push straight to the end—no matter what!
The Sacrificed Dead: Gaaaa!
Grrrrrrr…!
Gru… grrrrr…!
Arthur: T-that’s an incredible number of dead…
Faust: That just means we’re getting closer to the deepest chamber.
White: It must be painful to have to drive away the innocent dead.
But since purification magic doesn’t work, there’s no choice but to push them back and then send them all to rest at the end.
Riquet: ...
Arthur: Riquet, what matters to me is your heart. If this is too painful for you, you don’t need to force yourself to fight.
It’s perfectly fine to leave this place to us.
Riquet: …No, I will fight too.
Battling these innocent dead must be painful for everyone. That’s why I don’t want to be the only one who runs away.
Arthur: Riquet...
White: I understand your resolve. But don't push yourself too hard.
Riquet: Yes!
The Sacrificed Dead: Graaah…!
Kshaaaa!
Faust: 《Satillquinart Mullcreed》
Arthur: 《Pernoctant Nixzo》
White: 《Noscomnia》
The Sacrificed Dead: Grrrrr!
Guh... Gaaah!
Riquet: 《Sanretea Edif》
Hah... hah...
Faust: Riquet, I’ll take care of things here. You step back.
White: Just as Faust says. In the battles ahead, there may come a moment when we must rely on your strength.
For now, conserve your energy and be prepared for when the time comes.
Riquet: …Understood.
The Sacrificed Dead: Gaaaaa!
Ah" Ah" Ah" Ah" Ah"
Faust: 《Satillquinart Mullcreed》
The Sacrificed Dead: Gur...
Gaah...
Gyaa…
Arthur: The movements of the dead have stopped…?
Arthur, Riquet: !
Riquet: They’re fading away, turning pure white—like melting snow…
The Sacrificed Dead: Grrrrrr!
Grrrrrr!
Kshaaaa!
White: ...
You must be suffering as well.
To meet such an unnatural death, to have your souls bound even now, and to be controlled without will, the pain must be unimaginable.
Originally, we would purify your souls with prayers and requiems, so you would suffer no further…
But in your current state, purification and prayer magic will not reach you. Thus, we have no choice but to defeat you.
The wizard who committed such atrocities has already been turned to stone by us.
And the one who now seeks to complete the enslavement spell will receive the same retribution.
I cannot release you from a suffering beyond words...
But at the very least, I will lay you to rest in a single breath.
《Noscomnia》
Rutile: ...
Mithra-san, what was that just now? The dead who were sleeping in the coffins all left the room at once... what happened?
Mithra: I’m going to complete the enslavement spell. Long ago, I found it while it was still unfinished, and I figured I’d steal it for myself someday.
With spells like this, the person who performs the key step is usually the one who gets to use the technique.
Rutile: The key step…?
Mithra: I already did it earlier. Destroying the 100 wards in a single strike—that’s one of the steps.
Because the previous wizard cast a concealment spell, the chamber that serves as the core of the enslavement spell was hard to find, and it annoyed me.
But thanks to that, no one noticed the enslavement spell existed…
Well, in the end, it worked out.
Rutile: …So you wanted to perform the enslavement spell here, Mithra-san. What other steps are needed?
Mithra: The most troublesome part was the one where the Central, Northern, Eastern, and Western wizards must trample the offerings.
But thanks to disguising it as a mission, I managed to accomplish that nicely.
By now, the other wizards should be fighting the offerings—no, the dead.
Rutile: Everyone is fighting the dead…?
Mithra: Yes. A wizard isn’t going to die fighting mere offerings.
Rutile: ...
Mithra-san did all of this because you wanted to put Oz-sama into that coffin and force him to obey you, didn’t you?
Mithra: Yes. I’m going to make Oz submit to me.
He’s an eyesore. Last time, I tried to kill him seriously, and he didn’t even use half of his power.
I’ll make him regret underestimating me—so badly he’ll cough up blood.
Rutile: …Mithra-san, you want to defeat Oz-sama and call yourself the strongest in the world, right?”
But if you win using a enslavement spell, can you truly be proud of that?
Mithra: ...
Rutile: Mithra-san, you once said, "There’s no point in defeating Oz-sama if he’s not using magic."
That means your goal wasn’t just to win—you wanted to prove your own strength, right?
If that’s the case… then the way you’re doing things now… It isn’t the "victory over Oz-sama" you’ve been chasing all this time.
Wouldn’t it just become power obtained by relying on a enslavement spell?
Mithra: …What are you trying to say?
Rutile: I want you to defeat Oz-sama in a way you yourself can accept.
You don’t have to show anyone... I just want you to be able to take pride in your victory—with your own strength.
Arthur: Dragons possess magical power equal to Oz-sama. Could a spell capable of bending even them to one’s will truly exist…?
White: At the very least, that is what the old legends claim. Even I have never seen anyone succeed in performing it.
To continue killing 666 people in exact order is difficult even for a wizard.
And more often than not, the caster loses their mind, consumed by the hatred they themselves have gathered, long before the ritual can be completed.
…However, it seems the wizard who was here had already completed the part of the ritual that required offering 666 sacrifices.
I knew he was killing people like mad and plotting something, but…
I never imagined it would be a enslavement curse… not in the slightest.
It’s fortunate we managed to kill him before he finished the remaining steps…
But I can’t deny that part of me regrets not noticing it sooner.
Riquet: Then, does that mean the enslavement spell can no longer be completed?
White: No. If someone performs the crucial remaining steps, the ritual can be inherited.
Riquet: …Which means…
In a place where an unfinished curse—one powerful enough to subdue even Oz—has been left behind, for some reason Mithra, a specialist in curses, wanted to come here…
For some reason, he disliked the intervention of Faust, who specializes in curses, and for some reason, he kept us away right?
This means...
White: Hmm. Unlike the ritual, this one is easy to understand.
We must reunite with the others as quickly as possible and stop Mithra’s sche—
Everyone: !?
Riquet: Whoa!? The coffin lid opened by itself...!
Arthur: No way…! Have the dead been resurrected!?
Faust: Everyone, gather in one place!
Someone... Mithra, is trying to complete the enslavement spell!
———
Rutile: Everyone has gone ahead already. Alright, let’s do our best too!
Mithra-san, please show me the scroll with the purification procedure.
Mithra: You don’t need to look at that scroll.
Rutile: Huh?
Mithra: 《Arthim》
Rutile: Wow, Mithra-san is using the purification spell…
I don’t see that very often, so it felt kind of refreshing. But that just now was a standard purification spell, right?
Mithra-san, when are you going to use your scroll? Was what you just did one of the steps?
Mithra: I told you, we’re not using the scroll. We’re acting separately. Now, let’s go.
What do you mean by acting separately... Ah, he already left.
Mithra-san, please wait!
Mithra: ...
Rutile: Are you curious about those cursed tools over there? Collecting cursed tools is your hobby, after all, Mithra-san.
Did you find anything unusual?
Mithra: …
Ah, these bones… There are similar ones in your room too, right?
I’ve been curious for a while, what animal are those from…?
Mithra: You’ve been noisy for a while now… Can’t you stay quiet for even a moment?
Rutile: Ah… sorry. But I just wanted you to tell me what you’re thinking, Mithra-san.
Mithra: And what would you do after hearing it?
Rutile: If I know what you’re thinking, I can cooperate properly, right?
Because you’re an important comrade, Mithra-san. I want to listen carefully and help you.
Mithra: ...
Huh?
Rutile: …Mmph.
S-sorry, I bumped into you…
Mithra: …
Rutile: Mithra-san?
Mithra: The Western wizards used magic to break the illusion.
…I see. No wonder this place felt different from the last time—there was a concealment spell cast here.
Rutile: A concealment spell…? I wonder if the two Western wizards and Master Sage are safe…?
Mithra: …Over there.
…
Rutile: ...The symbol drawn on the wall is glowing faintly.
Mithra: 《Arthim》
Rutile: Wha— the wall is warping…!?
...Uh! Waaah…!
Rutile: ...Ah...
Mithra-san… Thank you, for catching me…
I was pulled into the wall with such force, it really startled me…
Mithra: …
Rutile: Where is this…?
!
(There are so many bones hanging from the ceiling…)
(And there are bones scattered everywhere, what in the world…)
Mithra-san, you mentioned something earlier, as if you had been here before.
Do you know what this room is…?
Mithra: It’s the central chamber of the enslavement spell. The core of the ritual is… that coffin.
There’s something written here… "Humiliation and disgrace upon that detestable Mithra."
Rutile: Why is Mithra-san name written in a place like this…? What exactly is the enslavement spell supposed to do?
Was the wizard whom White and the others turned to stone someone you knew…?
Mithra: Who knows… I don’t remember.
If we tried putting Oz inside the coffin, I feel like it’d be completely packed, but well—if we break or cut his legs, he’d probably fit.
Rutile: Oz-sama!?
…Could it be because of what happened the other day, when you fought Oz-sama?
If you have your reasons, I want to understand as much as I can.
Mithra-san, what are you trying to do? If you don’t mind would you tell me...?
Mithra: It's none of your business.
Rutile: Magical chains…!?
Mithra-san, why are you binding my hands and feet…?
Mithra: I remember now. In moments like this, you always do something reckless and get in my way.
《Arthim》
Let’s see… the book where I copied the ritual procedures…
Destroy the 100 wards placed on the key coffin in a single blow, and let the wrath of the dead overflow… like this?
Ready—go!
Rutile: !
(Mithra-san magical tool was aimed at the coffin! Flames burst out all at once…!)
(Ah, the barriers have been broken... That suffocating presence is overflowing more and more…)
(The lids of the coffins open one after another. The dead who had been sleeping inside are rushing out of the room.)
Mithra-san, we have to warn the others! Mithra-san…!
Mithra: ...
Rutile: ...
The Sacrificed Dead: Gaaaaaaa…!
Rustica: 《Amorest Viesse》
Shylock: 《Inviebelle》
Sacrificium: ...!
As if trying to protect me, Saku-chan fiercely threatens the dead spilling out from the coffins.
Akira: H–how are there this many dead…!?
Could it be related to that enslavement spell you explained earlier…!?
Shylock: Yes. Mithra was likely aiming to complete the unfinished forbidden spell from the very beginning.
White-sama and the others should be heading toward Mithra. We must hurry and follow them.
…I’m also worried about Rutile, who is with Mithra. I hope nothing has happened to him…
Akira: Yes. When Mithra focuses on something else, he tends to lose sight of his surroundings…
To be honest, I’m very worried whether Mithra is even paying attention to Rutile…
Rustica: ...
Suddenly, Rustica’s expression tightened.
Rustica: Excuse me, Master Sage.
Akira: Whoa…!?”
I was pulled in with unexpected force, and cried out in shock.
Rustica: 《Amorest Viesse》
The Sacrificed Dead: Gaaaaaaa…!
Akira: (What!? No way—this close…!?)
The dead were sucked into the birdcage Rustica held aloft, then scattered as flower petals.
Akira: The dead turned into flower petals…
Come to think of it, Rustica once said he was skilled at magic that transforms one thing into another.
Just as he could turn flowers into butterflies and butterflies into birds, he must have transformed the dead into beautiful petals as well.
Rustica gazed sadly at the petals that had scattered.
Rustica: I’m sorry. I hope you can journey to a place filled with light.
Mithra is someone who can remain true to himself no matter what. That dangerous side of him, and that strength—both are incredibly beautiful, I think…
I don’t know what feelings led him to choose this path.
Even if I were to hear his story, I doubt I would understand everything.
But even so… I believe the gem within him carries a story that is uniquely his.
I just hope I can touch that heart of his, even a little.
After Rustica murmured that, he turned to me and gave a gentle smile.
Rustica: Master Sage, please don’t worry. I will surely protect you.
His voice carried no tension—calm, soft.
Like brewing a cup of delicious tea. Something so natural for him to say, as if it were simply part of who he is.
Together with Shylock and Rustica, we arrived at the location Mithra had designated.
Just like near the entrance, the coffins were destroyed, and what seemed to be shattered skulls were embedded in the ground.
Shylock: 《Inviebelle》
Akira: Shylock? Why are you casting a spell so casually…
Rustica: Oh, the air just cleared up a little.
Shylock: As expected, we can purify the calamity’s influence even without using the scroll.
Akira: Then, that scroll is…
Shylock: A complete fake, most likely. It was meant to buy time, to keep us away—he must have something he desperately wants to accomplish.
Now, let’s expose Mithra’s scheme.
Akira: (Mithra…)
(He went so far as to prepare those scrolls just to buy time from us, what exactly is he trying to do…?)
The fact that even the lazy Mithra went this far to prepare made my anxiety swell.
Rustica: Master Sage, is something wrong?
Akira: Rustica…
I don’t understand what Mithra is trying to do, and that makes me uneasy.
Rustica: I see… Indeed, feeling anxious in a situation like this is perfectly natural.
But I’m very happy that you chose to share your feelings of uneasy with me.
Thank you, Master Sage. Please allow me to answer that trust of yours.
《Amorest Viesse》
A faint breeze blew, carrying a refreshing, gentle sweetness that softly wrapped around me.
Akira: Thank you, Rustica.
Rustica: You’re welcome.
If I was able to ease even a little of your anxiety, Master Sage, there’s nothing that could make me happier.
Akira: Rustica…
Um… Rustica, aren’t you anxious?
Rustica: In fact, I’m excited.
Akira: E–excited…?
Yes. This might be a rare chance to catch a glimpse of one of Mithra’s secrets.
If he’s about to show us something special, don’t you think that’s a wonderful thing?
As Rustica spoke with cheeks slightly flushed, his tone dreamy as if lost in imagination, I couldn’t find it strange at all.
He was a Western wizard—someone who could turn even strangeness, anxiety, or fear into excitement.
Rustica: Master Sage, I have always loved beautiful things.
For countless years, Mithra has cherished his way of being—the whimsical Northern wizard.
No matter how the ages may change, he remains like a jewel that never loses its brilliance.
Even if those who touch him change, even if the scenery or its value shifts, that radiance alone will never fade.
If I could quietly glimpse even a fleeting moment of that miracle…
I feel as though I would be overflowing with joy, as if I had been given the greatest of gifts.
His milk-tea–colored hair swayed softly, with graceful elegance.
At the sight of it, I couldn’t help but let out a small laugh.
Akira: Somehow, that’s just so very Rustica-like.
Rustica: Oh, is that so? Hearing that from you, Master Sage, makes me very happy.
Rustica smiled gently.
So elegant, so refined—and capable of truly enjoying even Mithra’s schemes from the heart.
Akira: (Rustica really has such a big heart... I should learn from him too.)
His cobalt-blue eyes narrowed gently.
Rustica: "Besides that, I also think we must purify this place properly," he said.
So that those laid to rest here may sleep peacefully.
If there’s anything I can do for that, I won’t hesitate to help.
As I walked again with Rustica and the others, I found myself thinking once more about Mithra.
Akira: (I wonder, what do I really think about Mithra’s whimsical nature.)
(Flashback on)
Mithra: Ready, go!
Akira: Aah! Freeze to death!!!!
The moment the cold water surface approached right before my eyes and nose, a door to another space appeared. What it led to was...
Akira: Aaah!!
Oz: 《Vox Nox》
Just before I fell aiming for Oz’s head, Oz quickly chanted a spell.
Mithra: 《Arthim》
Oz: 《Vox Nox》
Akira: Both of you, stop...
Aaah—!!
(Flashback off)
Akira: ...
(Now that I think about it again, I was constantly being dragged around by Mithra’s whims...)
(Honestly, I was too busy just trying to keep up with all his chaos to ever think his fickleness was something fun...)
Shylock: The beauty of a jewel, huh? You put it rather well.
Shylock, who had been walking a bit ahead, turned to look back at us.
Shylock: To be true to oneself—that is what’s most beautiful.
The flow of time, the people we meet, both humans and wizards are inevitably influenced by such things.
I do love those who change naturally and sway with the times...
But there’s also an irreplaceable beauty in those who remain steadfast, no matter what happens.
Akira: …Somehow, I think I understand what you mean.
When someone firmly holds onto their own core, they don’t waver no matter what others say. That kind of strength makes them look really cool.
Shylock: ...Well, that aside, I don’t want to put Master Sage or the young wizards in danger.
After saying that, Shylock shifted his gaze toward the wall.
Shylock: Perhaps it’s due to the influence of the Calamity as well, but the concealment was so thorough that I didn’t notice anything when we first entered the catacombs.
It’s likely that a "Concealment Spell" has been cast over the entire catacombs.
Akira: A Concealment Spell…?
Shylock: It’s a type of illusion and transformation magic. We Western wizards specialize in this kind of magic.
Rustica: Even among Western wizards, not many could hide something so skillfully.
Akira: Is that so?
Rustica: Illusion and transformation are advanced forms of magic. If you don’t devote your full effort to concealing something, it will quickly unravel.
In this spell, there remains a faint trace indicating a slight inexperience.
Yet I can feel a strong magical power, as if it’s violently forcing that imperfection into submission.
It’s as though a poorly brewed tea has been forcibly transformed into a special cup.
It’s as surprising as when someone brews tea for the first time and, by chance, ends up making an exceptional cup.
Akira: I see…
(I’ve heard that Northern wizards can also use transformation and alteration magic, but not as well as Western wizards.)
(That might be why even White or Mithra didn’t notice the magic that had been cast…)
Rustica: Honestly, exposing something someone has hidden like this isn’t exactly a polite thing to do….
But it’s necessary, to comfort the souls wandering in this place…
《Amorest Viesse》
Shylock: 《Inviebelle》
The moment the two of them cast the spell, the symbols drawn on the wall began to glow faintly.
Akira: Um, what was that just now…?
Rustica: The "Concealment Spell" has been lifted. But, as for this…
Akira: …Is something there?
Rustica: I don’t know for sure… But I can sense the presence of suffering and sorrow.
Saying this, Rustica lowered his eyes, looking pained.
Rustica: Do you understand Shylock?
Shylock: ...
Shylock fell silent, staring intently at the symbols on the wall.
Shylock: These symbols, somewhere...
…
!
Rustica: Shylock? Did something come to mind?
Shylock: …It’s a spell that mocks, degrades, and tramples the innocent dead to create power.
I hope I’m mistaken, but I once heard a rumor about something like this, a very long time ago.
If I recall correctly, it was a spell of enslavement…
———
White: …It’s a enslavement spell.
Arthur, Riquet: A enslavement spell…?
Faust: …If I remember correctly, it’s said to be a corrupted Great Spell, one that takes over a hundred years to complete. I always thought it was just a dubious rumor…
I never imagined it actually existed…
White: It was so cleverly hidden that even I didn’t notice it.
This ominous presence, and the symbols carved into the wall… there’s no doubt—it’s a Spell of Enslavement.
Riquet: White-sama, what exactly is a enslavement spell?
White: It’s a spell that uses 666 innocent people, killed following 49 specific steps.
It torments the living, mocks the dead, tramples upon them, and with the swelling grudge thus created, it is said to control all things—even dragons obey it.
Akira: (It’s suffocating, ominous, my heart feels so heavy…)
(The outfit White prepared for us has a calming effect on our minds.)
(Even so, to think it still affects us this much…)
(If things had continued as usual, my hearts might not have been able to endure it.)
Sacrificium: ...
Even Saku-chan, who’s in my arms, has her tail bristled in alert.
Shylock: —The natural order of this place is being disturbed, and chaos is beginning to take form.
…I can feel that this very space itself is being corroded by something ominous.
Even setting aside the influence of the calamity or the nature of the catacomb, the way it swirls this intensely is abnormal—almost disturbingly so.
Faust: ...
Rustica: Faust, what's wrong?
Faust: ...I can’t be certain, but I can sense traces of some sinister sorcery. We’d better stay cautious.
Mithra: ...
White: What’s wrong, Mithra? You look rather conflicted.
Mithra: No... It was somehow different from what I imagined...
White: Hm. So it’s not the kind of sorcery you know of?
Mithra: No… it’s not that, exactly…
White: ? Then what do you mean?
Mithra: …Ugh, too much trouble to explain.
Mithra scratched his neck lazily before muttering abruptly.
Mithra: Well, whatever. From here on, let the expert—me, take charge.
His usual listless demeanor vanished as Mithra began giving brisk instructions.
Mithra: People from the Central, East, and North, proceed northeast from here and perform the purification in the hall at the back.
Those from the West, go to the opposite end. As for Master Sage… just do whatever. Rutile, stay by my side.
Faust: You seem awfully familiar with this place… Have you been here before?
Mithra: Who cares? Anyway, just follow my lead. Do you want to get killed?
Riquet: Please wait a moment. White-sama said there shouldn’t be any problem doing it the usual way.
And besides, why is Mithra taking charge—
Mithra: White is wrong.
Riquet: Eh?
Mithra: The usual method won’t work to purify this place. There’s no mistake in what I, the expert, am saying.
Shylock: ...
Faust: ...
White: ...
Mithra: These are the purification steps. Make sure to follow exactly what’s written in this scroll.
White: Ugh, so heavy...!
Hey, Mithra! How could you make me carry such a huge load—have some pity for the elderly!
Rustica: 《Amorest Viesse》
When Rustica chanted the spell, several scrolls floated gently into the air.
White: Oh, my scroll is floating too... Thank you, Rustica-chan~!
Mithra: Well, you can do it with magic too.
Faust used magic to draw one of the scrolls toward him and unfolded it right away.
Faust: …
It says to pray for the souls of the dead in ten steps, but aren’t there too many unnecessary procedures?
Even if we skip the Soul-Soothing Dance, the purification ritual should—.
Mithra: It’s just your imagination.
Faust: But...
Mithra: There is no mistake in what I, the expert, am saying.
Akira: (He’s been pushing the whole "expert" thing way too hard since a while ago...)
Mithra: Come on, hurry and go.
At the gesture that seemed meant to drive us away, Riquet scowled in displeasure.
Riquet: Mithra, you shouldn’t speak to us like that. Telling us to obey without giving any proper reason—isn’t that tyrannical?
Mithra, please explain properly so that we can be convinced. If you don’t—.
Shylock: Riquet.
As Riquet was about to argue further, Shylock gently stopped him.
Shylock: Mithra is the expert here. Let’s follow his lead.
Riquet: Huh?
Faust: Yes, let’s do as the expert says.
White: After all, we’re outsiders in this matter.
Faust and White exchanged glances and nodded to each other.
Riquet: …
Riquet looked at the two of them with a disbelieving expression.
Arthur: Riquet.
Riquet: Arthur-sama…
Seeing Riquet’s anxious, wavering gaze, Arthur smiled gently at him.
Arthur: It’s only natural that you can’t accept this right away. I, too, wish for Mithra to explain things properly so that everyone here can understand.
Riquet: Arthur-sama too?
Arthur: Yes. But I also think this.
Perhaps Mithra actually trusts us, and deliberately chose not to say much.
Riquet: Trust…
Arthur: It’s precisely because you trust someone that you can leave things to them without saying much. Riquet, you’ve experienced that too, haven’t you?
Riquet: ...Yes.
The other day, Mitile told me he was going on a trip to the Southern Country, and asked what kind of souvenir I’d like.
I told him, "I’ll leave it up to you, Mitile."
Even if I don’t say, "I want this," Mitile would definitely bring me exactly what I wanted…
So maybe, Mithra’s case is something like that too…?
Arthur: We can’t see into people’s hearts. So we can’t say for certain that it’s true. But if we think that might be the case, doesn’t it feel like the uneasiness eases up a little?
Riquet: ...Yes. Thank you, Arthur-sama.
Rustica: Master Sage.
Akira: Rustica...
Rustica: You should come with us. Don’t let go of Sacrificium.
Akira: Understood.
I hugged Saku-chan tightly. Her fluffy black fur brushed gently against my cheek.
Rutile: Master Sage, be careful.
Akira: Thank you. Please be careful, Mithra and Rutile.
Rutile and Mithra seemed to be staying behind.
As if to see us off, Rutile gave a small wave.
Arthur, Riquet, White, and Faust turned around the corner where the broken coffins were clustered together.
I turned in the opposite direction from them, together with Rustica and Shylock.
A vague, indescribable uneasiness filled me.
Arthur: Now, let’s open the scroll and begin the purification.
Riquet: ...
Arthur: Riquet, what’s wrong? If it’s hard for you to start the ritual, we can talk for a bit.
Riquet: I…
…As Arthur-sama said, I want to believe in Mithra. But no matter what, there’s still this uneasy feeling in my chest…
Arthur: So, Mithra’s attitude is bothering you.
Riquet: Yes… I’m sure he’s hiding something. He shouldn’t try to dodge with vague words—he should give us a proper explanation.
Even so, why does everyone obey Mithra?
Am I the strange one for doubting him…?
White: No, there’s nothing strange about you, Riquet. I’m sorry for making you feel uneasy.
Riquet: Eh?
White: Mithra was there at the time, so I couldn’t openly voice my doubts.
It’s only natural that you’re suspicious. Mithra gave us no proper explanation, yet forced us to follow his orders.
Now then, let’s test it ourselves. Whether the usual method truly can’t purify the effects of the calamity.
Everyone, follow my lead. The purification spell.
《Noscomnia》
Faust: 《Satillquinart Mullcreed》
Arthur: 《Pernoctant Nixzo》
Riquet: 《Sanretea Edif》
Arthur: Ah… The air feels clearer. It’s a little easier to breathe now...
White: As I thought, the influence of the calamity itself is strong, but the purification method seems to work just as usual.
Faust: It was hidden by the aura of the calamity before, so I couldn’t tell clearly…
But now, I can sense traces of some kind of magic.
It’s a technique I don’t recognize. White, do you know anything about it?
White: Hmmm… I feel like I’ve sensed a similar aura somewhere long ago, but I can’t quite remember where.
At any rate, this makes things clear.
Faust: Yeah. This scroll must’ve been prepared to keep us occupied. In other words, a distraction.
Riquet: See, I knew it!
There’s no doubt Mithra has some kind of ulterior motive!
Arthur: …It seems that our being together is somehow inconvenient for him.
Just in case, we should stay cautious.
White: This place isn’t Mithra’s territory. However, he appears to be unusually fixated on it.
It’s as if he’s being territorial—like a beast unwilling to share its prey.
He also seemed particular about who came here. The question is why...
Riquet: I can’t just ignore that. I’m good at purification magic. If you’ll have me, I’d like to help.
Arthur: White-sama, please allow me to help as well. I heard there might be a disaster coming, and I can’t just look the other way.
Akira: May I join you too? If the calamity has any effects, I’d like to lend my strength as a Sage.
Shylock: White-sama, if it seems I can be of help, please let me accompany you.
Rustica: May I come along too?
White: Of course. It’s reassuring to have you all with me.
Shylock: Is a special ritual required for the purification?
White: From what I saw when I went to check, the usual method should be fine.
The catacombs is a bit too large for me to purify alone, so your offer is appreciated.
And then...
Mithra: Catacombs... Wizards...
Where is that catacombs located?
White: Around the foot of Mount Shiki. *
Mithra: The foot of Mount Shiki…
...
Rustica: Do you have any idea where that might be?
Mithra: …Huh? No, absolutely not—not even the slightest clue. Of course I don’t.
I’ve never even once passed near the foot of Mount Shiki.
But if it’s sorcery involving the dead, that’s my specialty. I can go help with the purification.
Akira: Huh?
I widen my eyes in surprise at Mithra’s unexpected offer.
Mithra: You, the Northern wizard, along with the Central and Western wizards here… and also, please definitely bring the Eastern wizard with you.
Shylock: Oh? Is there any particular reason you want to bring the Eastern wizard?
Mithra: No reason at all. I just really love the Eastern wizard.
Shylock: I see… I wasn’t aware of that.
Rustica: Ah, Mithra, it’s reassuring to have you joining us.
White: Hmm… I thought you might try to intimidate us in your adult form and drag us along by force…
Well, it’s good that you’re willing. Then, let’s call for Faust too. He should be well-suited to assist you.
Mithra: No, please don’t call him. Anyone else from the other three will do.
Riquet: Why someone other than Faust? I believe he’s the most suitable choice…
Mithra: Whether he’s suitable or not, I’ll be the one to decide. Anyone but Faust—Shino, Heathcliff, or Nero is fine with me.
Akira: ...
(Mithra actually likes being praised for his sorcery by the knowledgeable Faust.)
(If it were a mission where he could shine as a specialist, he would normally be happy to join…)
Everyone exchanged puzzled looks.
Shylock: ...
White: ...
…I see. Then perhaps we should ask Oz instead of Mithra for this matter.
Perhaps something in Mithra’s words made White reconsider, as he tried to withdraw Mithra’s participation.
Shylock: If you’re going to persuade Oz-sama, I’ll accompany you. Well then…
Mithra: Why are you bringing up Oz? I said I’m going, didn’t I. I want to go—more than anything.
If it means giving the spot to Oz, I’d rather have Faust come along. That’s fine, right?
Akira: Ah, Mithra…
Mithra: I have preparations to make, so if you’ll excuse me.
After Mithra left, only White, Rustica, Arthur, Riquet, Shylock, and I remained in the dining hall.
Riquet: …Didn’t Mithra seem a bit strange just now?
Rustica: Oh, what makes you think that?
Riquet: Well, no matter how you look at it, Faust is the most suitable choice, yet he said not to call him…
Then he said if it’s Oz, Faust can come along—that’s too inconsistent, even for someone as whimsical as Mithra.
Rustica: Now that you mention it, you’re right. Riquet, you really pay attention to what people say.
Shylock: He seemed oddly fixated on that catacomb.
Judging by how he refused Faust’s participation, it’s probably something related to curses or dark sorcery…
Arthur: I’d like to ask him about it, but… with the way he acted, he doesn’t seem likely to share his true feelings easily.
White: …This mission isn’t really suited for the gentle Southern wizards, but it can’t be helped.
Let’s bring Rutile with us.
Akira: Rutile, you say?
White: Purification magic is something the Southern wizards excel at as well. If we ask him, I’m sure he’ll lend us his strength.
Shylock: ...
…You must have a reason for suggesting that. In that case, I have nothing to object to.
White: It’s a rather dangerous place, but it’s not as though monsters are running rampant there.
Even so, before we set out on the mission, let’s make the necessary preparations to ensure that no harm comes to the young wizards or the Sage.
Riquet: Rutile seems to be on good terms with Mithra, after all. If he’s with a friend, I’m sure Mithra will act with a clear conscience.
Akira: ...
(If it’s about purification magic, it wouldn’t be strange for Figaro’s name to come up before Rutile’s.)
(And yet, White specifically mentioned Rutile.)
When I think about the reason for that, I remember something.
(Flashback on)
White: A mother who foresaw her own death made only a few promises to ensure her child would become a strong wizard.
Akira: The promise Mithra made with Tiletta…
(Flashback off)
Akira: (It seemed that White was convinced about the "promise" Mithra made with Tiletta-san.)
(As long as Rutile is there, Mithra will be bound by that "promise.")
(In other words, if anything happens, Rutile will serve as a restraint.)
An uneasy feeling stirs in my chest.
While everyone else carries a touch of anxiety and doubt, only Rustica remains the same as always.
His calm and gentle voice echoes through the room.
Rustica: Well then, let’s all do our best. May this mission turn out to be a good one.
———
A few days later—.
In the great hall, not only were the members who had been in the dining hall before present, but Rutile and Faust were there as well.
Everyone was dressed in the outfits prepared by White.
Rustica: White-sama, thank you for these wonderful outfit.
Shylock: The color palette is chic and gives off a calm atmosphere.
White: Hohoho. I hurriedly made them for this mission.
They are imbued with our magic, so they should offer some resistance against the negative aura that fills the catacombs.
Faust: The outfits are imbued with an effect that helps maintain mental stability.
Riquet: Is that so? Now that you mention it, it does feel as though something warm is wrapping around me…
Arthur: We are truly grateful for your thoughtfulness, Snow-sama and White-sama.
Mithra: …The outfits don’t matter. More importantly, why is Rutile here?
Mithra looked at Rutile with clear irritation.
Rutile glanced briefly at White before speaking.
Rutile: White-sama asked me to come. He said that Southern wizards are skilled in purification magic.
We’ll be comforting the departed souls, right? I’m sure I can be of help.
White: …That’s how it is.
Besides, even if something happens, there are strong wizards like myself and others here as well.
Mithra. Make sure you properly protect Rutile, the young wizards, and the Sage.
Rustica: Hey, I’m glad Rutile’s coming along too. Nice to have you with us, Rutile.
Rutile: I’m happy to be with you and the others too, Rustica. Everyone, please take care of me!
Mithra: No matter what happens—absolutely, absolutely—don’t leave my side.
Rutile: Yes.
Mithra: Do he really understand what I’m saying…
Mithra grumbled under his breath, but still began chanting a spell.
《Arthim》
As we passed through the spatial gate, I gasped at the sight before me.
Aside from the faint light filtering through a small hole in the ceiling, there was no other source of illumination.
That dim light gently illuminated the interior of the crypt.
Akira: ...Gulp.
A strained sound escaped my throat—coffins that should have been neatly arranged were instead scattered and destroyed.
The remains that once rested within had been discarded, lying here and there with an air of sorrow and resentment.
Rustica: Ah, what a terrible sight…
Rustica let out a quiet groan.
The other wizards furrowed their brows, their expressions clouded with sorrow.
Akira: (I’d been told this was a place that needed purification, but still…)
Even without magic, I could feel on my skin that this was no ordinary crypt.
* The kanji 死木山 is most likely read as しきやま (Shi-ki-yama). Here, I used the word "yama" to mean "mountain," so I translated the place name as Mount Shiki instead of Mount Shikiyama.
(Once again, the settlements around the Lake of Death were destroyed, and I lost my job.)
(But after a while, humans will probably gather and form a settlement...)
(Until then, I’ll just wander around aimlessly, and if I feel like it, I’ll go check on things.)
Hm?
That is...
Oh, so there was a catacomb in a place like this.
...
(I can sense a fairly strong wizard. And also a strange presence...)
I wonder if they’re performing some kind of magic.
...!
(This is... the ancient forbidden art I saw only once on a stone tablet.)
(It seems to be such an ancient and difficult art that even Tiletta knows only its name, but if successful, it could subdue even that mighty dragon.)
(Perhaps, even that Oz...)
Maybe I should overwrite the owner? I could make it mine right now.
...But there’s just so much to do. Even just preparing the sacrifices according to the procedure takes over a hundred years...
...
Ah, that's right. I just thought of something good.
Hehe, I'm looking forward to it.
Catacomb Wizard: (Just a little longer until the forbidden art is complete. By offering this sacrifice—)
! This presence...! Mithra is here!
I never thought my archenemy would come here personally. I will never allow the ritual to be interrupted...!!
That’s right. I’ll cast a concealment spell.
Hide all traces of the sorcery, conceal "that place" as well, so that no one, Mithra included—will notice.
Meticulously, cautiously, and thoroughly...
(Flashback off)
Mithra: 《Arthim》
Good morning, Master Sage.
Akira: Mithra...?
Good mor...
So coooold!!!!????
With a jolt as intense as if cold water had been dumped over my head, my drowsiness vanished in an instant.
Seeing me shivering from the cold, Mithra, as if suddenly remembering something, began chanting a spell.
Mithra: 《Arthim》
Akira: Ah... it's gotten warmer...
Sacrificium: ...
It might just be my imagination, but Saku-chan’s tail, who was sleeping beside me, looks like it’s curled up from the cold.
Akira: Come here, Saku-chan.
Mithra: I told you not to let that thing into the bed, didn’t I?
Akira: Ugh... But, it's cute...
Mithra: Haa...
Fine, whatever. Come on, let’s go.
Akira: Um, this is the Lake of Death, right? Why are we at the Lake of Death...?
Mithra: Today, I just felt like taking a morning walk here. But I thought it would be boring to be alone.
Akira: Ahaha, so that’s how it was.
The Lake of Death is the place where Mithra was born and raised. It seems he lived there for a long time as a ferryman.
However, the climate around the Lake of Death is harsh, and since villages would form and then perish, it’s said that Mithra’s work would sometimes come to a sudden halt.
I’ve heard that each time, he would move somewhere else, and after a while, come back to check if any settlements had formed.
Akira: (For Mithra, the Lake of Death is a place full of meaning. Maybe that’s why he came here.)
Thinking about that, I look up at Mithra standing beside me.
Mithra: ...
While staring at the endlessly silent lake, Mithra suddenly spoke as if remembered something.
Mithra: Ah...
Akira: Mithra?
Mithra: Come to think of it, I feel like something good happened on the way back from stopping by the Lake of Death.
Akira: Are you saying you have a good feeling about something?
Mithra: Not really, I think I felt something like that… decades ago...?
Something good will happen soon, right...?
Akira: I-I see...?
Mithra: Well, you’ll remember it eventually.
Anyway, let’s catch some fish for breakfast.
Akira: Fish for breakfast...?
A bad feeling intensifies, and I involuntarily step back.
However, even faster than that, Mithra firmly grabbed my hand.
Then, with great momentum, I dive into the ice-cold lake.
Mithra: Ready, go!
Akira: Aah! Freeze to death!!!!
Mithra: ...
Ah, for some reason, I suddenly feel like killing Oz.
《Arthim》
Akira: !
The moment the cold water surface approached right before my eyes and nose, a door to another space appeared. What it led to was...
Akira: Aaah!!
Oz: 《Vox Nox》
Just before I fell aiming for Oz’s head, Oz quickly chanted a spell.
A gentle breeze softly blows, gently lowering my body to the ground.
Akira: (Ahhh, having my feet on the ground feels incredibly reassuring...)
Oz: Mithra...
Mithra: Good morning, Oz.
Please die.
Oz: You're the one who's going to die.
Mithra: 《Arthim》
Oz: 《Vox Nox》
Akira: Both of you, stop...
Aaah—!!
And then, after a while...
Akira: (Ugh, ugh, being alive is wonderful... Breakfast is delicious...)
Mithra: Oz... I will definitely make you kneel... I’ll make you face humiliating experience...
While getting caught up in the fight between Oz and Mithra, I somehow manage to get some breakfast.
Mithra, prioritizing filling his stomach first, is putting off self-healing and stuffing breakfast into his mouth.
Riquet: Master Sage, are you alright? I heard you got caught up with Mithra this morning and went through a tough time.
Mithra is just like that. Causing trouble for Master Sage and everyone else isn’t something a good adult would do.
Seeing Mithra with cheeks puffed up like a squirrel, Riquet raised the corners of his eyes in amusement.
Mithra: Munch munch, chomp.
Riquet: Ah!! My French toast...!
Mithra: You’re noisy... Kids, please don’t butt in.
Riquet: I saved it carefully for the last bite...!
Arthur: Riquet, if you want, you can have my portion.
Riquet: But that's Arthur-sama...
Arthur: I’m already full. It would be helpful if Riquet could eat it.
Riquet: ...If Arthur-sama says so, I will gladly accept.
Feeling Arthur-sama kindness, it seems even sweeter and more delicious!
Shylock: Mithra, you may be in a bad mood, but still, taking things from children is not admirable.
Mithra: Snatching...
…Somehow, I feel like the good things about to happen are going to be like this too…
Akira: Huh? Good things?
Rustica: Good things happening to Mithra? That sounds exciting.
Rustica smiles cheerfully while pouring tea.
Rustica: Would you like some as well, Master Sage?
Akira: Ah, yes. Thank you!
There is a nice floral scent...
Rustica: It has the effect of relaxing and soothing the mind. I thought it would be perfect for you, Master Sage, who must be tired.
There’s more if you want, so please don’t hesitate to ask.
Akira: Rustica... Thank you so much.
White: Oh my, it’s lively here.
Akira: White, good morning.
White appeared in the dining hall, looked at us, then shifted his gaze to Mithra and sighed with a shrug.
White: Mithra... You did it again. You’re someone who never learns.
Mithra: Are you going to lecture me? I'm just pissed about the Oz situation.
Akira: M-Mithra, now, now. Please calm down.
Rustica: White-sama went to check on the village he is protecting, didn’t he?
If I remember correctly, there’s a place where impurity has accumulated...
White: Yes. Snow is out on another mission.
It seems purification by several Sage wizards will be necessary. I want to ask everyone for help.
White said that and sat down on an empty chair.
Shylock: Is it really such a dangerous place?
White: No, it used to be an ordinary catacomb with nothing unusual.
However, starting a few hundred years, an evil wizards began to make it their territory.
It seems they were messing with the dead, trying to perform some strange sorcery, and gradually, impurity began to accumulate.
Unable to bear watching any longer, we turned that guy into stone about ten years ago, but...
Due to the effects of the calamity, the signs of sorcery have been amplified. If left unchecked, the contamination will spread outside, and we may be struck by an unforeseen disaster.
As soon as possible, purification of the catacombs is necessary.
If I have time, maybe I plan to translate the 6th anniversary event story... It’s still just an idea for now, HAHA ᕕ( ᐛ )ᕗ
I'm curious about the 5th anniversary story. Has anyone ever translated it? I only found 4 chapters at the time. Dear tl-san, won't you continue it? (ಡ‸ಡ)
Actually, I started with the 5th anniversary and have only stopped at chapter 13 so far, but I hope to be able to start posting the chapters soon... it's been a tough week(◞‸◟)
And thank you for your hard work, I eagerly await the translation the 6th anniversary
Rutile: Mister, one more... um, make it three, please!
Candy Mold Stall Owner: Three?
Rutile: I keep breaking them right away.
Candy Mold Stall Owner: How straightforward of you... Here you go. I’ve made them easier this time.
Rutile: So kind! I’ll do my best!
... Ah, it broke.
Akira: (That was fast...)
Rutile: Next one for sure!... Ah.
Next... Ah...
...
....
Chloe, Heath! Do your best~!
Akira: (He gave up...)
Chloe: Geez, Rutile, you get bored so easily.
Rutile: I just switched to cheering instead! Heath, you can do it too!
Heathcliff: Yeah...
Chloe: Heath, think you can make it?
Heathcliff: Mm...
Akira: I’m cheering for you!
Heathcliff: ...
Rutile: Heath, you’re not listening, are you?
Heathcliff: Yeah...
Rutile, Chloe: Hehe.
Chloe and Rutile shook their shoulders as they laughed.
Heath, who was usually so mature, was now completely absorbed in playing, showing the freedom of the youngest, while the two watched over him.
Smiling, I too watched the three of them enjoying themselves.
A gentle, smiling moonlight softly poured down from high up in the sky.
Chloe: The candy mold game was so hard~!
Rutile: But it was fun, wasn’t it? Heath and Chloe even got their prizes safely!
Akira: Heath even succeeded with the hardest mold in just one try. As expected of you!
Heathcliff: Ahaha, thank you very much... Ah.
Following Heath’s small murmur, I saw a crowd forming around the statue of Ōkini-sama.
They were all people from this town.
One after another, they climbed the improvised steps up to the pedestal and gave Ōkini-sama a tight hug.
Town woman: May Ōkini-sama’s blessing be with us! Come on, you too.
Town girl: Please bless us! Hug!
Chloe: Ahaha. How cute.
Rutile: After we hugged Ōkini-sama, a rumor started spreading that "hugging brings good luck," didn’t it?
Heathcliff: Yeah. Someone must’ve seen us doing it.
Even as all kinds of people hugged and squeezed Ōkini-sama tightly, the expression on their face didn’t change.
Akira: (Even so…)
Chloe: ... I wonder if Ōkini-sama won’t be lonely anymore.
Chloe murmured softly beside me.
For a brief moment, I listened carefully.
The rustling of distant trees. The sound of an owl taking flight. The flicker of candles burning something softly.
I couldn’t hear any of it.
All of it was drowned out by the bright, cheerful voices around us.
Akira: Ōkini-sama won’t be lonely. I’m sure of it.
Rutile: Ah! Fireworks!
Heathcliff: That’s Nero and the others’ magical tool.
Chloe: So beautiful~!
Again and again, breathtakingly large flowers bloomed in the deep blue sky.
As if drawn to them, lively music began to play from somewhere nearby.
The people of the West, who love festivals, music, and dance, laughed naturally, took each other’s hands, and began to dance freely.
Chloe, the witch of the West, also began to fidget and tap his feet in place.
He glanced restlessly at me, then at Heathcliff and Rutile, his eyes darting back and forth.
Probably because, aside from Chloe who loves festivals, music, and dancing, there’s no one else here from the West.
Seeing him so restless, I couldn’t help but smile and gave his back a gentle push from behind.
Chloe turned to look at me, then quickly smiled as if to say thanks.
Then, bravely, like building a bridge, he grabbed both of his friends’ arms.
Rutil, Heathcliff: Whoa!
Chloe: Hey, let’s dance together! Rutile, Heath!
The Southern wizard, Rutile, was surprised at first, but then laughed heartily and nodded.
The Eastern wizard, Heathcliff, hesitated a little, but then gave a small, shy smile.
Heathcliff: Sure. But are we all going to dance at the same time? Was there even such a dance?
Rutile: If there isn’t one, then we can just make it up!
Akira: That’s right. I’ll clap along!
Clapping to the rhythm, everyone twirled around.
Although the three of them were the same height, their stride length, movement, and the direction they wanted to turn were all completely different.
Even though they stumbled into awkward positions, bumped into each other, and nearly fell over at times, the three of them kept laughing.
Fireworks continued to bloom like a blessing.
Chloe: Hey!
Rutile: What?
Chloe: This is fun!
Heathcliff: Ahaha, yeah. It’s really fun.
I never imagined I’d be dancing like this at a festival before I came to the Magic Manor.
Rutile: It feels strange that we weren’t even friends until recently!
It feels like we’ve known each other for a much longer time.
Chloe: Then, from now on, let’s make this a really long friendship.
A thousand years from now, we’ll hold a festival as the Sage’s wizards and dance together again. By then, we’ll be thousand-year-old friends!
They were just wizards who happened to be the same height, different in personality, origin, and everything else.
That they were chosen by the moon in the same era, and together became the Sage’s wizards.
That in their ordinary days, they deepened their friendship, and now, under the beautiful and dazzling fireworks, they joke, laugh, and dance together.
And that I, who wasn’t even supposed to exist in this world, am here clapping my hands, watching over them.
Everything is mysterious, inexplicable, and full of wonder.
And it’s all so dazzling and radiant.
A miracle chosen by the moon.
Ruccola: Master Sage! So you were here!
Akira: Ah, Ruccola-san!
Ruccola: First of all, let me thank you once again for today.
Thank you for fulfilling the promise made 50 years ago. On behalf of my father as well, I offer you my gratitude.
And then... I opened the envelope we talked about before — the one that said “Open on the day of the festival."
Akira: Ah! The one labeled "To be opened in 50 years," right? What was inside?
Ruccola: Well...
He held out two sheets of stationery to me.
Akira: This letter... It’s in English and Japanese?
Ruccola: This... is in another world’s language, isn’t it? I thought it might be a letter addressed to you, Master Sage, so I came here to deliver it.
Please, go ahead and read it.
I gently unfolded the letter written in Japanese.
My eyes traced the soft, faded handwriting on the paper that had grown fragile over time.
A letter from a Master Sage 50 years ago: "To whoever is reading this, I’m writing this while praying that you can read and write in Japanese or English."
"The fact that you’re reading this means you must have fulfilled my promise. Thank you so much."
"If things were as they should be, I would have liked to visit this town, see Ōkini-sama, and express my thanks. But due to political issues, a Sage cannot go to the western country."
"...Even if one day it becomes possible to go, I don’t know whether I’ll still be here by then."
"I am, after all, someone who shouldn’t exist in this world."
Akira: ...
A letter from a Master Sage 50 years ago: "So, I entrust it to you and all the Sage's wizards 50 years into the future, when the political situation will surely have changed."
"I’ve heard that, above all else, wizards always keep their promises. It is said that promises grant them great power."
"If you ever find yourselves caught up in trouble like I once was, I hope this promise will become the strength that helps you overcome it."
Akira: ...That’s why the promise...
A Letter from the Sage 50 years ago: "To Algra-san, thank you for listening to the stories about my original world."
"And thank you for lending me your handkerchief when I cried.”
"Thank you for saying, ‘We’re already friends,’ when we parted."
Akira: "...To all the Sage’s wizards."
I glanced at Chloe and the others. The three of them, who had been watching me quietly, came closer while still holding hands.
Smiling at their warmth, I read aloud the simple message written in a gentle hand.
Akira: "To all the Sage’s wizards — thank you for keeping the promise and holding the festival."
Akira: "Ōkini!"
Rutile, Chloe, and Heathcliff: ...!
The three of them looked at each other, smiled at the same time, and hugged me tightly.
Wrapped in their warmth and laughter, I listened to their voices.
In this unfamiliar world where I was no longer alone.
We were all jostled together and it must have looked pretty surreal from the outside.
But it was so much fun, and so, so warm.
Warm enough that I couldn’t stop laughing for no reason at all.
As I rolled with laughter, my friend looked at me with gentle purple eyes.
Straight and true.
Chloe: Akira-sama.
Aren’t you lonely?
Akira: Of course not!
Without hesitation, I nodded deeply.
Maybe, probably, because I had laughed too much, a single tear slipped from the corner of my eye.
The moment that droplet silently fell onto Ōkini-sama, the space before me began to glow softly.
Within that gentle light, I saw it.
A vague figure, like someone I once met in a dream.
Kind words. Warm, heartfelt encouragement.
A night filled with shared laughter.
An unfamiliar keychain I received from a messenger of the Center.
The prayer that wells up in my chest—no, it must be the prayer of the former lord.
Thank you, Ōkini-sama.
I’ll be waiting, 50 years from now.
Akira: Ah...
When I came to my senses, Ōkini-sama had already returned to the pedestal.
Rutile, Heathcliff: It’s back! Yay!
Chloe: Thank goodness! I'm so glad, Master Sage...!
Akira: Yes!
I smiled and nodded at Chloe’s words.
Somehow, I felt that the vision I saw was meant only for me.
A gentle, warm smile was watching over us—
Under the bright blue sky of another world.
———
And then, a few days later—
Wrapped in lively cheer and bright lights, the festival finally began without any trouble.
Shino: The festival’s pretty lively.
Owen: ...
Shino: Oh, there’s even a takoyaki stall. That dish’s kinda weird, but it’s tasty. Let’s grab some later.
And over there... is that juice poured over ice? Wouldn’t it just water down the flavor?
Owen: ...
Hey.
Why do you keep following me around and talking nonstop? You’re annoying.
Shino: The reason I’m following you is because the twins asked me to. They paid me quite a lot, you know. So I’m just doing the job I got paid for.
As for why I’m talking—well, it’s because you’re quiet. If you’re not going to reply anyway, then it doesn’t matter what I say, right?
Owen: What kind of logic is that? Just go somewhere else already...
....
Shino: What’s wrong? Why’d you stop all of a sudden?
Owen: Look over there. A food stall selling "taiyaki" from another world.
Shino: Huh? ...Whoa. They’re stuffing a grilled fish’s belly full of chocolate. Is the Sage’s world’s cuisine even sane?
Owen: The real "taiyaki" isn’t like that. He said it’s a fish-shaped pie filled with the same stuff that’s inside anpan.
So the "taiyaki" the Master Sage taught them about didn’t get through properly, huh.
Shino: Well, the Sage’s explanations are pretty bad sometimes. But still, that’s just insane.
Melted, gooey, overly sweet chocolate inside a grilled fish... seriously?
Owen: ...
Shino: Owen?
Owen: Well... it’s wrong, but it does look sweet enough...
If it doesn’t taste good, I’ll just shove it into your mouth, Shino...
I’ll go grab one.
Shino: Hah!?
Don’t mess with me—what do you take me for... Damn it, he only walks fast at times like this!
Hey, wait, you idiot! I’m not letting you buy that, Owen!!
String-pull stall owner: Step right up! Try out this rare game from another world!
Chocolate fruit stall owner: These sweets come straight from the Master Sage’s recipe! It’s a festival hosted by the Sage’s wizards so you’ve got to try at least one as a keepsake!
Nero: (Good grief, those western merchants sure are lively and tough. For a town of this size, the festival’s a huge success.)
(I’ve just been wandering around aimlessly, but I don’t sense any disasters or strange magic. Looks like everything went smoothly.)
Fish-scooping Stall Owner: Come on over, come on over! Try the famous "Fish Scooping" from another world!
Nero: Oh... this is the place Shino helped with. Fish scooping... huh, interesting...
White: Hey, Nero~!
Nero: Whoa... White and Oz? Oh, h-hey there.
Oz: Good evening.
Nero: Uh, what are you two doing over here...? Weren’t you wandering around with Snow, carrying the portrait frame, Oz?
White: Well, Snow went off toward Shino and Owen’s group, you see.
Nero: Huh...? Toward Shino and the others? Did something happen?
White: He said, "I’ve got a really good feeling about this."
Nero: Ah, so it’s something peaceful then...
Oz: What were you doing?
Nero: Nothing in particular... I was just watching the "fish scooping" stall.
Oz: Ah... one of those stalls where you catch ornamental fish.
Nero: Yeah, yeah. But here, it’s not ornamental fish — looks like you catch small edible ones.
Then they kill them on the spot and fry them up nice and crispy.
White: Oh, sounds good, doesn’t it! I want to eat freshly fried little fish!
So, Nero, Oz. I’m counting on you.
Nero: Why us??
Oz: Do it yourself.
White: Don’t be unreasonable. At night, I’m just a painting—my real body is made of paper. If I get close to the water and start dissolving, what would you do then?
Nero: ... Didn’t you still normally make soup in the kitchen even after it got dark?
Oz: I also saw you going in and out of the bathhouse. You even drank at the bar.
You just don’t want to go near the fish tank because it smells fishy, right...
White: Quiet, quiet! You two are doing it together, that’s an order!
Nero: The epitome of tyranny, huh.
White: Hey, mister shopkeeper! These two guys said they’re gonna do the fish scooping!
Fish-scooping stall owner: Oh! Aren’t you the Sage’s wizards? Welcome to the fish-scooping stall!
Here you go, brother— a net and a bowl. You scoop the fish with this poi paper net.
Oz: A paper net?
Fish-scooping stall owner: They call it a "poi." Until it gets soaked and breaks in the water, you can catch as many fish as you like.
Alright then, do your best!
Nero: "Do your best," he says. Well, uh...
There!
Ah, I got one. Huh—oh, I actually caught it...
Fish-scooping stall owner: You’ve got good reflexes, brother! How about the other one..
Oz: ...
...
...
Nero: Whoa... that was quite the splash.
Oz: ... My poi had thinner paper.
Nero: Don’t go blaming the tools that fast.
Oz: Huh?
Nero: Sorry. I got carried away.
Uh, look, here—take a new poi. Aim for the ones near the shallow water, like this—just swoosh...
Oz: ...Swoosh...
Nero: A bit quicker than that...
Oz: Swoosh!
Nero: Whoa! You’re not a bear catching fish,be gentler...
White: Hmm, it seems to be a tough battle. I shall cheer you on! Go, go, both of you—! Catch those fish!
Chloe: That ring toss game was fun—kind of like horseshoes, right?
Rutile: And we even got candy as a prize!
Heathcliff: Did you also play games like that in your original world, Master Sage?
Akira: I did! Brings back memories.
Rolling the candy around in my mouth, I strolled aimlessly through the festival.
People timidly tried biting into takoyaki, or challenged the festival’s makeshift pitching game.
Everyone was amazed by the things from another world— sometimes surprised, sometimes skeptical, but always curious.
Seeing people putting their faces through the Ōkini-sama cutout board and the long line for the caricature artist drawing their portraits, the four of us quietly shared a laugh.
Akira: (I’m glad the festival was a success. Everyone in town, and Chloe and the others too, look like they’re having fun.)
Rutile: ...Ah! Look over there — that “katanuki” stall.
Chloe: That’s... where you cut out pictures, right? Sounds like something you’d like, Rutile!
Akira: I think you’d like it! And maybe Heath would too.
Heathcliff: M-Me too...?
Rutile: Let’s all give it a try! Go!
Akira: Ugh... "Katanuki" is just a game where you poke at a candy mold with a needle to cut out the shape, but...
Ah...
Candy Mold Stall Owner: Ah, it broke. What will you do? Want to try one more?
Akira: Y-Yes...
(Was it always this hard!? Maybe because it’s been so long...?)
(I wonder how everyone else is doing?)
Chloe: Uh... u... Ah, crap...
... No, I can do it, I can do it! I can...!!
Akira: (Chloe’s pretty good at this! Maybe because he’s used to doing needlework. As for Rutile...)
