I KNOW SPACE IS IN YOUR INBOX RN ABOUT THE LEECH TENTACLE MONSTER BUT I WANT TO KNOW WHATEVER LORE BITS YOU COULDN'T DROP RESPONDING TO THEM.
FAUST FUN FACTS TIME
-for hunting it will dress in long sleeves and long, loose skirts/pants with a big hat so it doesn't have to put as much effort into shapeshifting. it does however love bright colors and glitter and fun textures and patterns, so those are Special Occasion looks
-in my dream i doodled what would become faust and it had a wide-brimmed wizard hat so. it stuck
-faust's tentacles were originally purple but i was like purple? for tentacles? groundbreaking
-its favorite item of clothing are black and white striped stockings. they look like its tentacles and are comforting to look down at when it has to pretend to be human
-unfortunately i dont think faust will be getting a playlist because i cannot think of any music that fits its vibe that's not. whatever noises mushrooms make when they're hooked up to synthesizers
-if you haven't already guessed my inspirations for faust they are: In the Garden of Echo, Someone to Build a Nest In, Alien, Predator, Call of Cthulhu, various ghost hunting shows, the Satanic Panic, and of course D&D because that silly roleplaying game lives in my brain like a parasite
listen if you post about a tentacles and teeth oc i am legally obliged to start knocking on your inbox demanding details 👀👀👀
my squiggly :)
Faust is an extraplanar creature whose species is about mid-tier on its planet's food chain, so like a small/medium sized apex predator. I have to flesh out species and environment specifics still. It's a carnivorous shapeshifter, with a semi-solid gelatinous body, and of course, the aforementioned tentacle head and leech mouth. A fun fact is Faust's tentacles are black and white striped like a mimic octopus. Each tentacle has a certain purpose, like "seeing"/smelling, capturing prey and reproduction, so it has no eyes or nose if it's not shapeshifted.
Faust was minding its own business when it was summoned by amateur ghost hunters and dorks who played way too much dnd via a book called Faust's Guide to the Cosmos (which is totally not the Necronomicon with the serial numbers filed off). It was very much not pleased and ended up eating said dorks, but to their credit they put up a decent fight and hurt/weakened Faust (haven't decided how yet, but it's far less powerful on Earth than its home plane). So now it's on Earth and it has to find a new food source and way to blend in! and the answer to both is humans of course.
(And yes Faust picked its name from said problem causing tome)
So shapeshifting is very mentally taxing, especially if you're trying to turn into a carbon copy of another creature. Cobbling together various traits is a little easier. In order to do that, though, you gotta study whatever species you're taking parts from. Which is always exhausting. And looking human of course isn't enough you have to walk the walk too. Faust is Not a Fan of this setup but it's gotta eat so it attempts to pass as human. It develops the skills over time but every human culture and subculture does things slightly different which is absurd (and this totally isn't an autism allegory what made you think that).
Fortunately humans are dense enough in calories to only have to eat one every couple weeks or so. So Faust has a bit of a snake diet, and disappearing for a few weeks + reappearing as a convincing enough person since it's not a perfect clone + its immortal natural lifespan = pretty decently evasive.
Even as Faust gets decent at pretending to be human, it still has 0 idea what the whole genitals situation is supposed to be. From everything easily accessible, everyone's frustratingly euphemistic about it all. It didn't know what pornography was for a long time, and it has no interest in because. Well it's not interested in any human that way. Luckily its knowledge gap is easy to hide under clothes so that's where it moves its leech-mouth. Because human mouths are disgusting and it will avoid eating with it at all costs.
So yeah its typical meal plan goes like this: put on human costume -> get a good grade in socializing -> get prey alone -> drop the act and eat-> reward yourself with a week-long nap, rinse and repeat
Now its feelings towards humans aren't as cold as its hunting techniques make it seem. It finds certain appearances beautiful, specifically anyone dressed in bright colors, unique patterns and textures, etc. But this is tantalizing to Faust as a craft burger or designer fur coat is; "I must wear/eat that" kind of desire.
It also learns to like some little habits and quirks from humans, but it still refrains from getting emotionally close to anybody. It has a similar attitude to anyone who says they couldn't have a pet hen or potbellied pig because they eat chicken and bacon and would feel guilty.
I apologize if I monster cockblocked you, I had no idea Faust was gonna be Like This until this morning.
Really really quick TL of this part of chapter 7. I’ll fix this up with fancy HTML and more pics later... www
preface: faust wakes up in the western palace. first off he’s like “where’s shino? nero and heath?” and leno is like they’re all fine don’t worry. leno tells him where they are etc etc.
Faust: …I’m not sure I fully follow.
Lennox: Suddenly a lot of things happened all at once…
Faust: And Figaro-sama? Isn’t he the one who saved me?
Lennox raises an eyebrow. An instant too late, I realized I was speaking like I did in old times.
While I try to cover up my mistake, Lennox laughs quietly, shaking his shoulders.
As I watch the smile dawn on his face, I feel at peace.
Faust: I must convey my gratitude to him. Despite my audacious attitude, he still endured it with so much grace and warmth.
Lennox: I think Figaro-sama wasn’t bothered at all. Rather, he looks to be quite pleased about it.
Faust: Pleased?
Lennox: I don’t know the reason, but that man seems like he’d be pleased even if he was walked all over.
Faust: .......
Lennox: Was I being misleading?
Faust: You’ve grown close.
Lennox: It seems that way…… How do I say this… It’s thanks to you.
I’ve seen the two of them having light hearted chats side by side, many times in the Wizard Manor.
The scenes were peaceful and pleasant, but it was almost like the two people were strangers to me.
Their daily lives are unknown to me. Existing in their everyday world, there was a hint of mutual trust around them.
I didn’t want to destroy that peaceful scene by approaching them.
Perhaps I’m being too forward in drawing such a conclusion.
I was lonely and confused. I didn’t understand how to interact with them; the two who had become Southern Wizards.
Faust: Leno… Why did Figaro leave us behind?
Faust: Have you asked about it?
Lennox: I have. However, I think Faust-sama should ask himself.
Lennox: That man… I think it would be an enlightening life experience for him.
Upon hearing the disrespectful remark, I can only stare at Lennox.
Lennox looks awkward, averting his gaze.
Lennox: I sincerely apologize…… To the one who is Faust-sama’s mentor.
Faust: No, it’s fine. I suppose you consider him a friend.
With our long-standing and intricate relationship, we were both respectful of one another.
We held eye contact for a while, and before we knew it, we were laughing together.
Quietly, Lennox’s fingers tighten as he takes my hand in his.
Lennox: ……I’m thankful you’re safe…
Faust: I apologize for worrying you…… You always come running to my side during serious matters.
Faust: Thank you, for everything.
Lennox flashes a warm smile. Then, for a moment, an impish smile crosses his face.
Faust: ……What?
Lennox: No... Do you mind?
Faust: It doesn’t matter, just say it.
Lennox: I’ve gotten particularly skilled in searching for you.
I was hard pressed for a response. Lennox used the burden of 400 years in such a casual jesting manner.
Lennox’s expression changes, and he clears his throat.
Lennox: I apologize. I'll summon Shino and the others.
Akira: (Perhaps that’s why…… I wonder if that’s the reason why Faust approached the villagers.)
(Come to think of it, Arthur is the Prince, so there’s the chance someone could’ve recognized him. Moreso, Cain’s wound from the Calamity prevents him from seeing others…)
Even without using words, Faust was able to make the right decision for the situation naturally. It’s a reassuring thought, having his presence by our side on this mission.
Faust: In the meantime, we should continue discussion about the investigation. Is there anyone with concrete information on the time and location of when the anomaly happens?
Woman with a Mole: Um, well… I happened to catch sight of something in the direction of the plaza. I believe it was a bit after sunset…
Graying Old Man: I also saw something just down the hill. This was late at night, around the time when most people are already in slumber…
The villagers seemed much more at ease now than a short while ago. All of them answer Faust’s questions in loud voices.
According to their reports, the anomaly only occurs during the night. Moreso, the sightings themselves can be seen all over the village.
Bearded Man: Sightings outside of the village are rare, but I’ve seen them once or twice by the right hand side of the animal trail entrance.
The end of that trail stops at a sudden steep cliff, which is why most of the village folks don’t go near it……
Cain: I see. Well, then it’s probably best to keep our investigation inside the village, yeah? If we come out with nothing, we can start looking outside.
I’ll go around shaking the villagers hands while gathering information. It’d be kinda a hassle if I can’t see them.
Faust: Right, if you would. To start off, let’s prioritize the residences with missing livestock and the areas that sustained the most damage.
Once night falls, we’ll regroup in the plaza and share our findings.
Time: Night
Rutile: As we were running about, it seems like nightfall has caught up to us.
Akira: I agree… It was like I blinked my eyes and suddenly the sun had already begun to set.
With no lit street lights or house lamps, it was hard to believe the scenery was the same as it was in the day. Everything had been enshrouded in darkness.
Since the anomalies only ever occurred at night, it was reasonable to guess that whatever it was probably wasn’t the best with light. Therefore, even the smallest lights were extinguished.
Arthur: I’ve gone and asked the residents who live around here to spend the night in other houses… but, it’s really pitch black now.
Cain: Yeah. Man, if we don’t keep talking we might even end up losing sight of each other.
Gathered in the plaza, so far, are a few of us who have already finished our investigation. The only source of light was from the moon, which occasionally flickered through the clouds.
Faust: I see that everyone has assembled. Lennox, Rustica, and I have returned.
Lennox: Apologies for the delay.
Rustica: Oh my, hearing everyone’s voices in the darkness makes it so much easier to enjoy the sound of them.
Riquet: Welcome back. Per Faust’s instructions we’ve been waiting without any lights turned on, but so far I haven’t noticed anything out of the ordinary.
Cain: Ow! Rustica… My foot, you’re stepping on it!
Rustica: Oh my, excuse me. Cain, have you somehow managed to lose a few inches?
Arthur: Rustica, Cain is over that way. I’m Arthur.
Akira: We’re all at the mercy of the darkness, it seems… It’s cloudy today, so even the moonlight is dim.
Although my eyes are adjusting to it, it’s so dark you wouldn’t even realize if someone tried to pinch your nose. So, please, be careful…
Bradley: Nose? That’s a strange way to put it, ain’t it? Hey!
Akira: Guh. W-Who!?
Bradley: Hahah! You really can’t see, can ya? In a condition like that, you’ll totally get captured by the monsters!
Akira: Bradley! Oh my god…… I really thought you were the anomaly.
Faust: Seriously, what are you doing? If you keep these foolish games up, you’ll miss anything abnormal happening.
Lennox: Still, with this level of darkness, it proves quite challenging to observe anything without paying close attention.
Rather, I honestly find it easier to tell if someone is pinching my nose than this…..
Lennox says as he surveys the nearby surroundings. Then, something faintly emerges across his face.
It looks akin to a white spider. However, even as I strained my eyes, before I could clearly see it, the cover of night masks its presence.
Akira: (Was I mistaken…?)
Cain: Hey, did you guys just see that? I could’ve sworn I felt something from where Lennox’s voice was coming from……
As I look in the direction of Cain’s voice, something white quickly crosses my field of vision.
Akira: Gh…!?
Rutile: J-Just now, something passed by…
Riquet: Rutile, it’s near you!
Rutile: Wah!
Bradley: Heh… So ya got the nerve to come out now?
I could hear Bradley’s laughter from nearby, and finally, I came to see it clearly. Unconsciously, I let out a scream.
Akira: H-Hands! We’re surrounded by a bunch of white hands…!
I quickly became all too aware of the many white hands floating in the darkness, encircling us.
It was undoubtedly a bizarre spectacle. A myriad of hands float in every direction around us, swaying as if they were watching our every move.
Lennox: Kenja-sama, please stay behind me.
Akira: R-Right…!
As I take a step back, Faust recites his spell.
Faust: « Salliuqnart • Mullcredo »
As Faust finishes, an orb of light appears, illuminating the surrounding area. Naturally, everyone gathers around the orb.
Even after the light was released, the white hands persisted, moving about as they pleased. At that moment, we came to a realization.
Lennox: This is…
Akira: H-How should I put this…… Their movements are surprisingly quite unique.
Riquet: Yes….. They walk on the ground using their fingers, and sometimes mimic flying by forming wing shapes.
Rutile: They almost look like they’re swaying and dancing on a swing; giving off a relaxed feel to them, don’t they?
Cain: It’s no doubt peculiar…. Even when they appear, there’s no notable sense of weirdness. That remains true even now.
Arthur: Agreed. I don't sense anything strange or feel any hostility. If it were so, we would’ve been attacked by now.
Rustica: Then, shall I get acquainted with them? Come, extend your hands my way.
Akira: Wait, Rustica!
Rustica, who approaches gracefully, gently extends his hand towards the eerie floating white presence. The younger wizards, startled by his actions, instinctively widen their eyes.
Rustica: Oya…
Riquet: I-Is holding your hands out suddenly like that even okay…!?
Faust: How careless…. Well, never mind that; is there anything unusual?
Rustica: No. But this is quite the surprise. « Amoresuto • Viesse »
Bradley: If you wanna make the light brighter, at least give a heads up. My eyes’ are gettin’ strained.
In an instant, the white hands halted their movements, as if taken by surprise, after being bathed in the bright magic.
In that short time, I could see the details of the hands.
Akira: Could it be that….. All of them are gloves?
Rustica: That’s correct. Each one has a different shape, but they’re all crafted with high-quality materials and craftsmanship.
Arthur: Now that you mention it….. There are consistent stitches on them.
Lennox: The inside of the gloves are empty as well. They get caught by the wind, and the hem flutters about.
Rutile: It’s quite the peculiar scene, isn’t it? It feels just like a world from a picture book.
Cain: Even though it’s a picture book, it’s more so the type that suits a specific kind of audience. Hence why the villagers find them creepy instead.
Rustica: Yeah….. Still, it gave me a mysterious feeling. It was as if I was holding the hand of a young maiden…
Bradley: Hands or gloves, it doesn’t matter. Stop fuckin’ around and kick their asses instead.
Akira: Ah.
Faust is deep in thought when the gloves begin to move silently, inching closer from behind Bradley.
With that knowledge, it takes hold of a strand of his hair and yanks forcefully.
Bradley: You, whose hair do you think yer pullin’ at!?
In an instant, Bradley stretches out his hand, but the gloves slip through the gaps between his long fingers.
And then, in a dash, they quickly escape with a whoosh, moving up and down in place as if cheering ‘Banzai!’
The other gloves present express their approval with an applause.
Rustica: My, how wonderful. Racing through the night at the speed of a shooting star, such a marvelous display of agility. Allow me to offer my own applause too.
Cain: Haha. Somehow, it feels like I’m watching a game of chase or something.
Akira: How do I say this…. They seem quite mischievous, I’m beginning to find them somewhat cute now.
Faust: Still, we can’t afford to let them run wild. Without understanding the cause or background, I can’t devise proper strategies.
Lennox: That’s right. In any case, for the time being we should use magic to catch….. Ah, Faust-sama.
Faust: What is it?
Lennox: Please stay where you are. There is something on your shoulder...
Faust: ! Say it promptly. « Salliuqnart • Mullcredo »
Without hesitation, Faust extends his hand to grasp the thing on his shoulder and begins to recite his spell.
However, the gloves immediately float up, nudging his glasses in the process.
Rustica: The view is splendid and the scenery is breathtaking; it’s a shame that there’s no liveliness from the people to be found.
← Previous ✧ Directory ✧ Next →
Location: Remote Central Village
Time: Morning
Akira: We’ve arrived…! That was quite the flight.
I fix my hair, which was disheveled from the wind, while surveying the surrounding area.
A serene hilly landscape stretches around. Beneath the boundless blue sky, houses can be seen scattering the spaces between the hills.
Faust: It was a longer trip than I anticipated, but this place sure has a pleasant atmosphere. Both the roads and the houses are beautifully maintained.
Akira: I agree…. Faust, thank you for accompanying me. Having you here is really reassuring.
Faust: It’s nothing. I didn’t expect Oz to mention me, but refusing would be more troublesome for me.
Moreover, if the anomaly possesses a cursed nature of sorts, it’s certainly within my expertise. It would be best to begin investigating while I’m in the mood for it.
Akira: Of course! Lennox, thanks for giving us a ride too!
Lennox: You’re welcome. We’ve gone quite the long distance, do you feel unwell at all?
Akira: Not at all, it was really comfortable. Lennox’s broom feels very stable.
Lennox: Haha, that’s good to hear.
Lennox, who’s carrying his large broom in hand, has also heard about the village investigation. Upon me asking Faust for help, he offered to accompany us.
Akira: And you too, Bradley. Thank you for coming along with us.
Yesterday, I was pretty surprised to hear that you would be joining us….
Bradley: Hmph. It’s all that damn miserable curseworker’s fault. He tricked me into this.
He did some sneaky shit with the twins. They were followin’ me around from dawn to dusk, bitchin’ at me about how I ‘ave to go help with a request.
Faust: I merely consulted with Snow and White for advice. It was a necessary precaution in the event that things may turn dangerous.
If we could have your support, it’d be a great help. But rest assured, I’m not trying to deceive anyone here, so there’s no reason for you to call me “miserable” like that. I’d like an apology.
Bradley: Whatever. The great Bradley-sama has already gone out of his way to tag along. If anything, it should be me yer apologizin’ to, so I don’t wanna hear it.
Faust: My role is to report back. The twins will be the one handling the decision-making.
Arthur: Kenja-sama!
Then, the wizards who went looking for water returned. Rutile offers a water bottle and pops open the lid for me.
Rutile: Here you go, there’s a well at the end of the clearing, so we brought back some water from there.
Akira: Thank you. Was the clearing empty as well?
Cain: Yeah. As expected, it seems that people are wary of the anomalies and decide to stay indoors.
Rustica: The view is splendid and the scenery is breathtaking; it’s a shame that there’s no liveliness from the people to be found.
I heard that the strange phenomena appears at night, but to be so afraid even during daytime like this… How unfortunate.
Riquet: Yes. We need to quickly offer our support and guide the hearts of those who are deeply distressed by this unsettling phenomenon.
Lennox: That’s right. We should talk to the residents first while it’s still bright outside. Bradley, let’s go.
Bradley: Why me? Hey, sensei; time for you to take the lead.
Faust: Oi, don’t pull! Hah, seriously….
Cain: Haha. Faust, your hair got a bit messed up there.
Riquet: Come on, no more stalling. Let’s go visit the home of the person who requested help.
If I recall, it was the one with a red roof… Ah, it’s that one over there.
Bradley: Ooh, look who’s full of energy. Don’t run, fall, ‘nd cry, alright?
Riquet: I won’t run, and I won’t fall either. Don’t treat me like a child.
Rutile: Even so, it sure is quiet, isn’t it? Even though they’re all staying indoors, it would’ve been nice to feel more of a human presence…
Akira: Surely, that report can’t be true, that everyone was dragged into the darkness afterwards…. That’s not possible, is it?
Arthur: No… It appears that there’s likely no need for us to be concerned about that. Look.
In the direction that Arthur’s finger points at, a thin stream of smoke can be seen rising towards the sky.
Akira: That’s a relief…! The villagers really seem to be staying indoors. Plus, I can smell a pleasant aroma as well.
Lennox: It looks like smoke from cooking. They appear to have the energy to eat, so we can be at ease for the moment.
Rustica: This aroma, is it stew? It’s Arthur-sama’s favorite, isn’t it?
Arthur: Yeah, what a strange coincidence. Last night, at the Wizard Manor, Oz-sama and Nero prepared stew.
Bradley: That eastern cook and Oz as a pair…?
Riquet: Oz is more like a taste-tester. I also helped out with the taste testing.
Rutile: Seems like you two discovered a new flavor while we were attending that wedding in the Southern Country the other day. [1]
Riquet: It’s a little salty, but when you spread it on bread and eat it, it’s really delicious! Soft and fluffy bread pairs wonderfully with it….
Faust: ……Are you guys that hungry?
It doesn’t seem like a situation where we’ll be offered a meal, but regardless, we should open this door first.
Riquet: You’re right…. Ahem. Well then, may I call out to the people inside?
Faust: …No, I’ll handle this.
Man's Voice: …..Who is it?
A few moments after knocking; a low, quizzical voice came through the door.
Akira: (…..His voice is trembling.)
Even though we cannot see the owner of the voice, we can feel his frightened presence.
Faust turns to the door, which is still closed, and calls out indifferently.
Faust: We are the Sage’s Wizards.
I believe you have sent a request to the Wizard Manor regarding the anomalies that have been occurring in the village. In response, we have come to investigate.
Man's Voice: Investigate…..
After a moment of contemplation, the door opens hesitantly.
A middle-aged man with brown hair appears. His family can be seen behind him, each of them wearing an expression of nervousness and anticipation in their eyes.
Brown Haired Man: You guys are the Sage’s Wizards….. In that case, how do you plan to deal with that….?
Faust: By “that”, do you mean what you mentioned in the request? The white thing that roams during midnight….
Bradley: “This” ‘nd “that”, just say it already. Yer talkin’ ‘bout the hands that creep ‘round in the middle of the night, aren’t ya.
Brown Haired Man: Eek! P-Please don’t talk about it so loudly!
Curly Haired Old Woman: That’s right…..! If you talk about it, it might come for you……!
Riquet: Doesn’t the anomaly only appear at night? It’s still not even noon right now.
Rustica: Please, do not be so afraid. We are here for that very purpose.
Brown Haired Man: E-Even if you say so… That scene is something I can’t simply forget. Every now and then, I feel like it’s slowly creeping up behind me….
Akira: (The mere mention of the topic is enough for them to act so scared… We’ll need to put their minds at rest, first.)
Please, rest assured. We’ll find out what’s going on and get to the bottom of this.
Cain: Yeah. It must’ve been frightening with so many unknown things going on, but from this point forward, we will conduct a thorough investigation.
Arthur: In order to keep this enchanting village a soothing place for everyone; we will put forth our utmost effort.
Convinced by the friendly and dependable wizards, the man’s tension slowly loosened. As proof of that, the door in front of us opens wider.
Brown Haired Man: ……It is we who should be thanking you. I’ve heard rumors that requests to resolve anomalies are pouring in from all around the world.
Even though I sent the request letter, there was no certainty that you all would come to this remote area. As I think about that, I feel so uneasy…
It seems that everyone was hiding inside their homes, observing us quietly. Before long, people begin to gather in small groups.
Curly Haired Old Woman: Oh, truly, the wise Sage’s Wizards have come! How fortunate we are…
Woman in an Apron: Are you also a wizard too? You look like such a remarkable individual, like a distinguished mercenary.
Lennox: Haha. It’s true that I'm better at fighting with my bare hands, but I'm a wizard too.
And, I’m a shepherd too. Look. [2]
Girl with Freckles: Wah, a small sheep! So cute…..!
Old Man with a Crooked Back: Oh dear, it’s really kind of you to come all the way to this remote village.
Girl with Freckles: Surely, it’s because Prince Arthur is so kind. He must’ve requested the wizards to come and rescue my home from this dire crisis.
Isn’t that right, Mother?
Girl's Mother: That’s right. Prince Arthur loves everyone in the Central Country.
Girl with Freckles: Oh, if only I could thank the Prince in person.
Cain and Riquet, who heard the villagers talking, whisper to Arthur in hushed tones.
Cain: Hear that, Prince Arthur?
Riquet: Somehow, it’s a bit frustrating, isn’t it? Arthur-sama is right here.
Arthur, beaming from hearing the whispers, gently bends down to meet the freckled girl's eyes.
Arthur: I will definitely let Prince Arthur know how thankful you are. I’m certain the Prince will be delighted.
Girl with Freckles: Ahh, I’m glad…! Please pass my thanks on, Wizard-san.
Boy wearing Shorts: Hey, hey; are you guys really real wizards? Show us some magic!
Rutile: Of course we are! « Ortonik • Setomaouge »
As Rutile’s gentle voice echoes and the wind blows, the colorful flowers form a circle around the children.
Rustica: We can also do this sort of thing. « Amoresuto • Viesse »
With a gentle poof, the flowers change into cute little birds and flit around the children.
Girl with Freckles: So cool, so cool! So this is real magic….!
Boy wearing Shorts: Hey, big bro, can you show us something too?
Bradley: Hah? Who do ya think yer messin’ with? Magic ain’t just for tricks. Don’t take a wizard lightly, lad.
Mustached Man: Haha. I’ll be able to brag to the neighbors that I met the Sage’s Wizards after this.
Akira: (What a relief….. The people in the village look much happier now compared to earlier.)
Faust: ……Even if it’s a remote village, it still harbors the spirit of the Central Country.
Lennox: Yes. It seems that what Faust-sama was worried about has been avoided for the time being.
Faust: Yeah. In remote areas, there are often strong prejudices against wizards.
Faust: Even so, the given situation is already riddled with uncertainties. There’s no telling what might happen…. But it seems I worried needlessly.
this is a cute call back to the recent june bride event!
Bradley: Even at a feast, yer still a damn miserable son of a bitch.
Directory ✧ Next →
Location: Forest
Lennox: Kenja-sama's handkerchief, it's quite to hard to find, isn't it.
Akira: Yes. I thought I dropped it while I was walking around this area earlier, but…
I feel a little sorry for having you keep me company for so long.
Lennox: Please do not worry about it. After all, everyone loses things sometimes.
Together with Lennox, who encouraged me, we advance further into the gloomy forest.
As the chilly night wind passes us by, Lennox suddenly lifts his head.
Akira: What’s the matter, Lennox; did you perhaps find something?
Lennox: No, I thought I heard a sound. Like the sound of a bell…
Akira: It’s true! It’s coming from deep in the thicket over there, don’t you think?
Lennox: Someone may possibly be out here. Still, it’s already quite late…
Akira: You’re right… Why don’t we take a little look around?
Mixed in with our footsteps as we tread on the grass, the sound of the bell is long and thin, and continues to echo on as if trying to lure someone in.
After a bit of walking, a sweet aroma suddenly tickles my nose.
Akira: (Smells nice…)
As if enticed by the aroma, I look ahead past Lennox’s broad back.
In a clearing with few trees, a bonfire's flames flicker. Standing quietly in front of it, is a figure cloaked in black.
Faust: ……
Lennox: Faust-sama?
Faust: Kenja and Lennox… As expected, there was a hint of your presence.
In a place like this, what is it that you want?
Akira: No…
Faust speaks quietly, as he always does, but I suddenly find myself at a loss for words.
The flickering flames contrast against the moonlight; his beautiful profile looks pale and somewhat otherworldly amidst it all.
Lennox: …Faust-sama. In addition to you, was there anyone else here?
There’s empty liquor bottles, almost as if someone was having a banquet.
Akira: Ah, it’s true. The bonfire is surrounded by plenty of alcohol and fruit. There’s also corolla flowers lined up…
Faust: No… I’ve been alone the entire time.
The moon is clearly visible tonight. I thought I’d have a drink by myself while gazing up at it.
Akira: Eh…?
It feels a bit unexpected to hear those words come from Faust.
Even as Faust speaks with a light casual tone, a hint of self-deprecation flickers on his face, as he slowly looks upward.
Up in the night sky, the enormous Great Calamity looms above, threatening to engulf us.
Faust: Looking up at the moon… makes me feel uncomfortable, like I have an ache in the depths of my heart.
That’s why, with this as a side dish, I thought I’d direct a complaint or two toward the Calamity.
That’s it, there’s no more to it.
Lennox: ……
Bradley: Hmph. If that’s what yer havin’ as a side dish, it’ll only make the booze taste like shit.
Even at a feast, yer still a damn miserable son of a bitch.
Akira: ……!
I turn around at the sound of the familiar voice coming from behind us. Faust also gazes deep into the forest, where it originates from.
Lennox: Bradley… Could it be, you were blown away by a sneeze again?
Bradley: Well, that’s about the gist of it. ’M not very happy ’bout it.
Bradley says this nonchalantly, as he steps out of the woods with ease.
Bradley: Y’all got a depressing look on yer faces. I can get why you feel such resentment, though.
I was hurt too, but the eastern curse worker was almost killed by that damn moon.
Faust: That’s right. However, ultimately I didn’t end up dying.
Faust mumbles as he casts his eyes downward, then he abruptly fumbles with his sleeve to retrieve something.
Faust: Come to think of it, I picked this up earlier. Is it yours?
Akira: Oh, my handkerchief…! Thank you so much, I was searching for this.
Lennox: I’m glad you were able to successfully find it.
Akira: Yes! Lennox you too, thanks so much for keeping me company while searching for it.
Faust: In that case, if you’ve finished with your business you shouldn’t linger for long. Please head back to the Wizard Manor as soon as possible…
Bradley: Huh, there’s some good booze ‘ere.
Interrupting Faust, Bradley steps forward before the bonfire. He quickly crouches down to judge the bottles of alcohol lined up.
Faust: Oi, don’t go rummaging. There’s no liquor here for thieves.
Bradley: It’s good, ain’t it? If ya went to the extent to pull all this out, it’ll be hard to bring it back. I’ll lend a helpin’ hand.
Akira: Ah… Well, I’ll help you tidy up too. I think we’re all about finished for the day.
While saying this, I reach for the items scattered around me. Then, Faust’s sharp voice rings out.
Faust: Stop, don’t touch that!
Akira: Ah, I’m sorry…!
In response to the unexpected menacing look, my shoulders jumped. Faust looks taken aback, his words muddled.
Faust: Apologies… I didn’t mean to frighten you. It’s just that you shouldn’t carelessly touch a wizard’s tools like that.
Particularly when it comes to things that a curse worker like me handles.
Lennox: …Here, let me help.
The night wind is getting colder, so please head back first, Kenja-sama and Bradley. We’ll return soon.
As he speaks, a strong cold wind blows between the two of us. Bradley scratches the tip of his nose and grumbles.
Bradley: Shit, that was close. Hell, I don’t wanna be sent flyin’ again.
C’mon, Kenja. The bar at the Wizard Manor is a way better place to drink booze in than this shithole. Come ‘n get a drink with me.
Akira: O-Of course. Well then, I’ll take your word for it… Faust, Lennox. Good night, I’ll see you tomorrow.
Faust: Ah. Good night.
Lennox: Have a good night.
As we exchange salutations, Bradley, with one hand in his pocket, magically pulls out his broom.
He yanks me on by the scruff of my neck, and once I settle behind him with my legs crossed, we’re immediately lifted off the ground.
As the wind blows, I can faintly hear the sound of the bell from somewhere beneath us.
Location: Manor
And so, a few days later we’re presented with an unexpected request.
Arthur: Pure white hands creeping through the sky?
Cock Robin: Yes… It seems to be an anomaly happening in a village on the outskirts of the Central Country.
Once night falls, I was told that multiple hands emerge and creep all throughout the area.
Riquet: Are you saying that there’s no face or body, that it’s just hands?
Akira: That’s rather unsettling. It’s almost like a different sort of scary than ghosts and the like.
Rustica: When it comes to only having hands, we need to think over how to communicate with them. Rather than idle chit chat, perhaps we should use music.
Rutile: Hm, that sounds lovely! Even if you only have fingers, you can still play the piano and pluck strings.
Cain: It would surely help if they like music, wouldn’t it. Actually, what’s the situation like in the village itself?
The people gathered around to listen to the request are Rutile, Rustica, Cock Robin-san, and myself. The Central Wizards are also among us.
Cock Robin-san was originally looking for the Central Wizards and me, however, seeing Rutile and Rustica in the dining hall, he also asked them to help.
Cock Robin: It seems that the residents are so frightened by the strange sight that they’ve withdrawn into their homes.
Furthermore, some residents have even left the village after rumors spread that it was a curse of sorts…
Oz: So, the hands are just wandering about then. What’s the actual harm?
Cock Robin: Um, well… According to reports sometimes they just merely float about, but other times they draw near private homes and livestock pens.
I heard that some villagers and livestock were grabbed by the shoulders and were nearly dragged straight into darkness, and such…
Cain: That’s a rather vague report.
Cock Robin: Sorry, the contents of the report were a bit ambiguous in certain places…
Arthur: Judging from his penmanship, he may have been in a state of distraught. He must’ve been frightened, but still somehow managed to send us a letter.
Rutile: In addition, it seems that the time when the anomalies began to occur was… It says that it was after the Great Calamity came.
Riquet: I see. In that case, it’s our turn.
Cain: Yeah, we should go check it out in person. It’s most likely an after effect of the Calamity. Is that alright with you, Kenja-sama?
Akira: Yes, of course. Please, allow me to accompany you all in this investigation.
Arthur: If that’s the case, we should promptly discuss a date as soon as possible.
Since this is a Central Country affair, the participants will be Cain, Riquet… and myself. I’ll keep my identity concealed though.
Rustica: Then let me also accompany you. The wandering hands may possibly be looking for a potential dance partner.
Even for me, it’s not every day that I get the chance to have someone other than myself take my hand.
Rutile: I’m coming too! Since we just had the pleasure of talking together, I would be happy to help in any way I can.
Arthur: Thank you. It'll be reassuring having the both of you. Oz-sama, what about you?
Akira: (Ah, right… Arthur is worried about Oz’s wounds from the Calamity, since the anomaly occurs at night.)
Oz gives a slight nod toward Arthur’s concerned look. Then slowly, he looks me in the eyes.
Oz: …There are others who are more qualified for this than I am.
Oz: When it comes to curses, there’s someone whose specialty lies in them.
