Volume 3 Chapter 20 (1/2)
Volume 3 Chapter 20
The Holy Capitol City Eden I [Premonition of a Battle to the Death]
{General POV}
Crane Fafnir is the Kamiko of Light.
A boy who had lived in the Southern countryside as the son of a farmer, he had inherited the position of the Child of the G.o.d of Light. Up until a couple of years ago, he had been trained to become the trump card of the country.
For the first time in a while, he was back in his hometown, the Professor Country. After a couple of years he had found his way back while searching for Justa, and now had a goal to chase after. He had met some good guys who he met in the middle of his adventure, and wanted to catch up to their strength, as a fierce sense of rivalry rose up towards those he considered friends. He aimed for the top, competing with these people.
For now the trip had gone remarkably well, and Justa had tentatively joined their party.
”Ah, you are traveling to defeat the Demon King!?” (Justa)
”…I don't know if it's that exciting. At the moment we don't know what we're doing.” (Haruna)
”Even I don't really know. However, since I was chosen I decided to do my best.” (Crane)
”To think I would meet the rumored Kamiko of Light and his party. Before, I was always afraid I would be hunted down by the Adventurers. But now, I feel safe.” (Justa)
The Holy Capitol city, Eden.
A few hours walk from Merrick, Crane and co. had finally reached this city. Like Tunto and Narcissus port it was a prosperous town, but was unique in that its every building was white while the ground beneath was filled with magic.
Even more notable was the magic leaking out from the white tower in the center of the city. The energy flowed out into the surrounding area, and the fact that this power was something that protected was something even Justa, who had no knowledge of Law magic, could clearly understand.
”Oh, Crane. What are you up to today?” Rudius asked as they walked along a crowded street. At the same time the people around them noticed Crane and waved, who he turned to smile at in pa.s.sing.
This is the Holy Capitol City Eden. The safest city in the nation, where the four Cardinals[1] of the Temple of Light reside.
”Heh, aren't you popular.” Haruna teased.
”Stop it-” (Crane)
He flicked Haruna's forehead.
Today Crane had a different atmosphere than usual. The rest of the party couldn't help but notice, as two of them had spent a fair amount of time with him. Even Justa, a girl they had recently met, was sensitive to such slight changes. He was laughing and talking, however, he could not hide the the sharpness in his eyes and his guarded air.
However, only Rudius knew why he was acting this way.
A few days ago, he had been warned by a wandering Oni that this city, Crane's home, would soon be threatened by the Demon King's Army.
Perhaps that demon was visiting this country because he was aware of it this. Was it truly a coincidence that they met up with Crane? As a demon he surely has some connection to the Demon King's Army, yet he had visited this country at this time, perhaps in order to support the Child of the G.o.d of Light.
Such thoughts were swirling around Rudius' head.
”Rudi?”
”Hm?…Oh, sorry.”
It seems that he had stopped and fallen behind the group without noticing. As Rudius moved his gaze from the palm of his hand to ahead, he noticed his three comrades looking at him with worried expressions.
When he smiled at them like it's not a big deal, Haruna scrunched up her face and scolded him loudly. ”Hmph, don't make people worried!” (Haruna)
”Your concern…yeah, it's a good thing to have in battle.” (Rudius)
”Oh, what do you mean?” (Haruna)
”I'm thinking that maybe now I can be confident in leaving the back support to you.” (Rudius)
”Yahoo!! Did you hear that Crane!? Did you hear it!?” (Haruna)
”Ah, that's great, Haruna.” (Crane)
Even when fighting against Braument, she alone had dedicated herself to healing despite the opponent's strength. Rudius knew how much she had contributed to that battle. As such, he no longer intends to make fun of her as an ”F Rank Adventurer” like before. Of course Haruna's rank hadn't changed, but it no longer reflected her current ability.
Watching Haruna hop and dance happily, Rudius realized that she had become quite powerful. Like a whisper, He felt doubt in his own ability stir. Rudius quickly turned around and spoke as if his tongue was tripping over itself, trying not to let Crane notice how he was feeling, not realizing that Crane felt similarly. ”Isn't it getting a little late? Don't you need to greet the Cardinals?” (Rudius)
”I have to wait for them to have time to meet anyway, so we'll go after I say h.e.l.lo to the gatekeeper. If you desperately need something, buy it…and prepare for battle.” (Crane)
”How diligent, Crane.” (Rudius)
”If they are going to invade my hometown…I will tear them to shreds as an example.” (Crane)
He had small smile, but his eyes were deadly serious.
With Crane having such an expression, Rudius automatically felt he had to put in his all. He must not lose. So long as there was room for him to become stronger, then there was no reason for him to become discouraged.
”This F-rank Adventurer will help you before you run yourself ragged.” (Rudius)
”Hey! You said you accepted me!” (Haruna)
”I'm also here. Even though I'm not as strong…” (Rudius)
”I'll lend a hand. My skills may not be as useful in a big battle, but…as long as you keep their hands occupied I can stab your enemies in the back.” (Justa)
”This little girl!” (Rudius)
”Li-…I am still a ninja of the Republic! Don't be an idiot!” (Justa)
Rudius' teasing has turned to a different target. Newcomer Justa takes Haruna's place.
Thinking in the moment that they seemed to be enjoying themselves, Crane felt a little relieved.
”It'll be okay. Yeah, I'm glad everyone is here.” (Crane)
There is no basis for this. He still feels like he lacks ability, yet, somehow, Crane felt like he could beat Braument now. And he would fight to make that feeling reality.
With such a decision, Crane faced forward.
Because he can believe that there is a future where he completes his mission successfully, even beyond the seemingly endless research and battles where his life will be on the line.
~ ~ ~
A few hours later. Crane and his party stood in a large, majestic room.
It was a big square room of white stone where four thick pillars rose through each of the four corners, and there was silver embroidered intricately in the luxurious carpet. Crane had visited this room many times, and even the carpet was an expensive item containing a lot of magic.
This was the place used to meet with the four Cardinals.
Originally, if you do not wait at least 3 days before your appointment, you will not be allowed in this place of wors.h.i.+p, but it is different for the Child of the G.o.d of Light. After only waiting a few hours for the priests to prepare, he was able to gather them for a meeting.