[Vol 1] Chapter 3 – The Black Saviour (2/2)

“The knights also have a mission to accomplish here, right? Please complete the mission first. There is no need to trouble you over this matter.”

After Fino rejected politely, she suddenly realized.

Fino was unclear about what their “mission” entails. She heard that it was “Collaborative Research with Ordoba”, but if it was only that, then there wasn’t a need to bring the other knights.

(Selo’s disappearance may be related to these people…)

Thinking to this point, her body trembled.

She couldn’t think of a reason for Selo to be targeted. But, Selo might have found out their “secret” coincidentally, and to silence him ——

As her thoughts without evidence reached this point, Fino stopped thinking.

—— Just thinking in a pessimistic way was no help to the matter. She could only believe in Selo’s safety and prioritise searching for him.

“Fino, don’t say that, how about letting Helmbekt-san and co. help? It is an act of goodwill ——“

Her adoptive father Ordoba’s voice entered the conversation, it seems like he still thought that his daughter was only being polite.

Fino was hesitating on how to answer, when the lieutenant girl standing beside Helmbekt said in a quiet voice.

“Firiano-sama, since it is like that, if permitted, how about travelling with us? We are worried about Firiano-sama’s safety as well. It is the same for Ordoba-sama. Compared to searching alone, it is safer with us——“

Helmbekt revealed a smile.

“Haha, this is good as well. Apparently the intruder last night wasn’t caught yet? If you stay with us, then n.o.body will raise a hand against you”.

Fino quickly shook her head.

“Can’t take action with him ——“

She didn’t know why, but she had this intuition.

“No, there is no need to do this for me——“

Fino mumbled, and intentionally pretended to be standing unstably.

Kardena, who was standing by Fino’s side immediately grabbed hold of her.

“Ex-Excuse me, Kardena——“

Kardena lightly caressed Fino’s hair.

“Ojou-sama, you really shouldn’t continue to act by yourself. Using the magic tool throughout the night has caused you to reach your limit. Even if it’s a few hours, please rest in your room. During this time, why don’t you leave the search to the knights?”

Although she didn’t notice Fino’s intentions, Kardena still created a perfect ending, this allowed Fino to not need to act with them.

Fino showed a thankful expression and lightly nodded.

“… I’m very sorry. Then, please allow me to rest for a moment. During this time…”

Helmbekt naturally nodded and said.

“Yes, please leave it to us. The sun has already risen, we will leave immediately.”

Helmbekt turned and ran towards his subordinates, lieutenant Elsie also followed behind.

Respect could been seen in Ordoba’s eyes, as he watched Helmbekt’s back.

“He is a pleasant youth. And also very sympathetic.”

Fino didn’t have any strength left to reply, and only ambiguously nodded. She knew that her adoptive father lacked the “eyes to see through human nature”.

“Father, could you tell me about something…”

“What is it?”

“What is Helmbekt-sama’s ‘real goal’?”

Weird things had started happening since the previous night, but now this was what she was most concerned about.

Ordoba was shocked.

“It doesn’t matter even if you don’t know. It is something to do with research.”

Although he said so, Fino still did not back down.

“Please tell me, I think —— It can’t be something to do with Selo right?”

“Selo…? Hey hey, how is there any connection, he can’t even be considered a sorcerer.”

Ordoba revealed an astonished expression with a tint of anger, and tilted his head.

Seeing this, Fino couldn’t help but reflect.

—— I might be overthinking this.

Thinking to this point, she frankly lowered her head.

“I said something impolite. Please forget about it.”

“No, it’s fine. After he disappeared, you are the one who has been the most worried. Rest for a while.”

Ordoba lightly patted Fino’s shoulders and pointed in the direction of the mansion.

Fino nodded, and returned to the mansion with Kardena’s support.

Seeing her back, the adoptive father Ordoba let out a long sigh alone.

3-4

The cat and youth, that finished their breakfast at the riverbank, were staying in the inconspicuous forest.

(Fino must be worried about me——)

Thinking to this point, Selo couldn’t help but wish to return to the mansion sooner. But, the one who tried to murder Selo —— Helmbekt and co. were also there.

“Okay, let’s organize the situation.”

Alcain said that and took out a set of tea cups and tea pot from the small black backpack that was even larger than the backpack itself.

Selo was shocked.

“Alcain, I was wondering just now… What is that?”

Alcain’s backpack was very special. Just now at the river bank, Alcain had placed the metal net for roasting fish, the fis.h.i.+ng road, the blanket for Selo, all of it into the backpack.

Naturally those weren’t small enough to fit into one backpack.

Alcain continued to take out other items from the backpack. It was bread and cheese that had already been cut.

“This one? This is a s.p.a.ce enlarging magic tool called “Marian’s Equipment Storage”. The things that are placed inside will become very small. To be more precise, within the backpack is a special s.p.a.ce about the size of a room —— Essentially, a lot of stuff can be put inside.”

Alcain explained uncaringly, but Selo still widened his eyes. He never heard of this kind of magic tool from his grandfather.

(Alcain… Might be an excellent sorcerer.)

Sorcerers that own unique magic tools often succ.u.mb to the danger of getting robbed by other sorcerers. Due to this, “owning” unique magic tools was also an important factor in proving the ability of a sorcerer.

There were a lot of sorcerers like Ordoba that focused on collecting magic tools, in the end it originated from “the qualities and quant.i.ties of the magic tools owned were proofs of strength” this kind of thinking.

Alcain placed the table cloth on the gra.s.s, and then placed the teapot and teacups, bread and cheese on top.

The teapot also seemed to be a type of magic tool, there was no need to brew the tea, and red tea could be poured out.

Alcain’s mood seemed pretty good.

“There must be time to drink tea after eating. Would you like some sugar?”

“No. This is good.”

“Is that so, then I’ll have two pieces.”

The black cat used his paws to chuck down the sugar, the golden eyes seemed to soften.

Although it is said that cats cannot taste sweetness, it seemed like that did not affect Alcain.

“Cheese and bread… That is made in Misthound right? It is the same type as what I usually eat.”

“Ahhh, I took this from a mansion last night. There isn’t any way of buying as a cat. As a subst.i.tute for money, I left behind several fish, I don’t know if they noticed yet.”

Selo blinked several times.

“Was it… the Doriarudo mansion?”

“En. Actually I went in to scout the Magic Knight squadron’s movements, but no one was there —— After that, I followed their scent and found you who was nearly killed.”

Alcain said in a matter of fact att.i.tude and lightly took a bite of cheese.

“Then, I’ll dispel your questions. What do you want to ask?”

Getting control of the topic, Selo couldn’t help but become anxious.

There were lots of things he wanted to ask. Although it was so, the first to surface on his mind was still Alcain’s purpose.

“Err, then… Why is Alcain here?”

“I came to see your grandfather.”

Hearing this sudden reply, Selo became very confused.

Grandfather died three years ago.

Before he pointed this fact out, Alcain squinted his golden eyes.

“You should know that your grandfather was Majin Fandal’s friend right?”

To Selo, he had heard this fact from Helmbekt last night.

“Last night, Helmbekt also said this —— This is the truth?”

“Of course. Before Fandal-sama inherited the position of ‘Majin’, Fandal-sama and Zerdonato-san were already friends. We only recently found out about Zerdonato-san… Because of a certain reason, I came to see Zerdonato-san, it is a shame that he has pa.s.sed away. Although I had such a hint of suspicion about this before.  After that, as I was arriving, I noticed the Magic Knight Squadron —— I was worried about what would happen, so I remained vigilant, it seemed like I was right.”

Alcain used elegant motions and tilted the teacup, sipping the red tea with a pleasant aroma.

Selo also drank the warm red tea. Although he didn’t understand the types of tea leaves, the taste was slightly different from the tea in this area. The texture was very fresh and a pleasant aftertaste would be left after drinking.

“Then, what did you want to find grandfather for?”

“En. It’s about the restoration of a unique magic tool, and Zerdonato-san seemed to be a very knowledgeable person, so I thought I might find out the ‘method to return to original’ —— Eh? What is it?”

Selo fixed his gaze at Alcain.

——He had completely treated Alcain as a sorcerer who was originally a “cat”.

“… So in other words, Alcain is actually human?”

“Of course. How can normal cats talk?”

Alcain smiled as he lightly tapped Selo’s shoulders with his paws.

“Never mind, I can understand your surprise. This kind of curse doesn’t have many examples since the age of myths. So, I don’t know the way to dispel it. It really causes a headache.”

Like he was talking about other people’s affairs, Alcain combed the hair around his face using his paws. Looking at his actions, it really would make people think that he was a cat from the start.

“Then did you embark on the journey to return to normal?”

“My purpose is not only this. Let us talk about other things when we get to know each other better.”

Alcain smiled mischievously, and pushed the brim of his hat while squinting his other eye.

“I, with those that attacked you —— have some conflict. But, the current me will find it difficult to face them by myself. Yesterday, I contacted my companions, they are on their way here.”

Selo blinked.

There were about thirty-odd people in the Magic Knight Squadron, and they were all supposed to be talented sorcerers. You definitely could not look down upon those who can fight on par with them.

“Companions as in Fandal-sama’s other disciples? How many people are there?”

“I don’t know when they’ll arrive, but only two people.”

Alcain replied casually, and Selo also nodded. It seemed like they didn’t plan to confront them frontally.

The disciples of Majin should all be excellent sorcerers, but with only these people, it should still be quite difficult to face off against the elite Magic Knights.

(I suppose it can’t be helped. The opponent is the Royal Magic Knight Squadron ——)

Thinking up to this point, Selo was reminded of Helmbekt’s words.

He seemed to have mentioned something about the “Magic Race”.

At the start, Helmbekt had explained to Selo that the scythe girl was one of the Magic Race, and the knights were Selo’s comrades —— But in reality, the girl and Helmbekt had worked together to deceive Selo.

“Alcain, do you know about the ‘Magic Race’?”

Alcain squinted his eyes.

“Did they proclaimed to be called that?”

“No, they said the ‘Magic Race’ had targeted me —— Then are they members of it?”

Alcain let out a “heh” and drank another mouthful of the sweet red tea.

“About them, there are still many things that are currently unclear. In these last two years, some sorcerers had some kind of change —— And ‘Magic Race’ is used to refer to the sorcerers that have changed. Helmbekt is also one of them. Apparently, they had already taken the powers of the Nelfowl Royal Family. I had originally planned to ascertain the truth of that after ending my business here.”

Alcain’s voice was very cool, but Selo’s heart was unable to calm down.

It wasn’t out of loyalty to the royal family, but rather the Doriarudo family that Fino was a part of, was a very important existence for him.

Before Selo had fell —— Helmbekt had also said.

“It’ll be alright, everything will go smoothly  —— Just like when ‘obtaining the authority of royalty’…”

Alcain nodded.

“To us, we cannot leave this be. However the opponent is the royal family, and we don’t have enough manpower, thus we cannot confront them. This is on the borders, as such ——“

Speaking until here, Alcain closed his mouth.

He fell silent for a moment, finished the red tea, and raised three fingers.

“Let’s not talk about it for now, back to the topic about the Magic Race. Normally, their appearances has no difference with that of normal sorcerers. From what I know, the Magic Race has three characteristics.”

Alcain seemed to have paused for a moment to grab Selo’s attention.

“Firstly, the Magic Race were originally normal sorcerers.

Secondly, their ability to ‘use’ magic tools skyrocketed.

And finally, they lost the ability to ‘craft’ magic tools——“

Alcain said emotionlessly.

To Selo who was not a sorcerer, what did this change mean, he didn’t understand. A lot of sorcerers were not good at crafting magic tools, and Selo couldn’t even use any.

Alcain looked at Selo for a moment, before continuing.

“In other words, The Magic Race lost the ability to ‘craft’ magic tools, and got the ability to ‘surpa.s.s limits when using’ magic tools in exchange. For example —— the Lighting Branch that could only start a small fire originally, could become an explosive weapon in the hands of the Magic Race.”

“I don’t really understand… But, can you say that they are uninterested in the crafting of magic tools?”

Hearing Selo’s straightforward thoughts, Alcain revealed a slight smile.

“It can’t be said like that. Although there are differences between each individuals, it was very likely for the majority of the Magic Race to enter an unstable mindset. Their desires would also increase, and could cause them to lose their conscience, or it could be said that they seemed to have sold their souls to the Devil —— And these actions would cause them to become troublesome people. We’ve known about their existences for less than a year, but have already discovered that their actions seemed to be organized. They are likely to develop into troublesome opponents from now on.”

“Was Alcain cursed by them?”

Facing this sudden question, Alcain helplessly nodded.

“It is so. It really is vexing.”

Although he said so, there was no sense of distress in his voice.

Selo fell into deep thoughts.

“Hearing you say that, I can finally understand. They seemed to have targeted grandfather’s magic tools. If they cannot craft any, then they would want to take the magic tools from others —— It was because I said I didn’t know about that kind of stuff, that I was pushed down the cliff by them.”

Alcain revealed a wry smile.

“Sorcerers will all think about robbing magic tools from others. It isn’t uncommon to take magic tools through murder. However, these fellows’ desire for powerful magic tools may be outrageously strong.”

Alcain casually said, and hugged his arms.

“Speaking of which, about the magic tool that the Magic Race wants. Isn’t it part of that n.o.ble Ordoba’s collection?”

Alcain asked curiously, and Selo thought back to what Helmbekt had said.

“En, he seemed to have said ‘Ring of Backflow’ or something like that…?”

“… What did you say?”

Alcain’s golden eyes suddenly squinted.

Feeling the danger of being attacked, Selo’s shoulders begun to tremble. Alcain’s atmosphere completely changed at that moment.

Selo timidly repeated once more.

“It seemed like… Ring of Backflow, I might have misheard.”

“That kind of thing would appear here?”

Alcain’s voice showed a terrifying tone that it had never contained before.

Selo was very confused, but he still explained what he had heard from Helmbekt again.

“I have no idea, grandfather didn’t tell me anything about it.”

He honestly answered, and Alcain’s glare finally softened.

“Did that person receive false information? The Ring of Backflow should be a magic tool that only exists in legends.”

Towards Selo, who was tilting his head, Alcain closed an eye.

“The Ring of Backflow, it has only appeared in ancient text, and is a magic tool that was never realized. It is a production of an “it would be great to have a magic tool like that” delusion. I’m not sure of the details either, but even Fandal-sama couldn’t craft it. Most likely it is an impossible existence.”

Following that, Alcain used his paws to cover the corner of his mouth and lightly laughed.

“They are looking for a non-existent magic tool. That is truly unbelievable. Although I don’t know why they are deliberately looking for that, but it sounds foolish. What do they want with it?”

“This isn’t funny. I nearly died because of it. Moreover, the Doriarudo family…”

Selo said as he felt terrified from his own a.s.sociation.

Those knights are at Fino’s side right now.

He didn’t know what kind of action they would take next, but if they thought that “the magic tool that they are searching for is hidden by Ordoba”, then the Doriarudo family might be attacked.

In order to make them aware of the dangers involved, Selo wanted to get into contact with Fino as fast as possible.

Perhaps guessing Selo’s thoughts, Alcain murmured thoughtfully.

“I have planned to continue staying here, waiting for my companions —— The problem is what you are going to do. They think that they have killed you already, and even without finding your corpse, they would think that you were eaten by wild beasts. The area you fell down is the habitat of the black wolves. If you leave like this, you can still be saved.”

“Stop joking around.”

Selo immediately answered.

“I don’t plan to waste this life you saved —— But, I cannot leave Fino alone. She is my friend. Furthermore, she must be worrying about me…”

If he didn’t let Fino know that he was fine, she will definitely show a terrifying expression in the future. An angry Fino was extremely terrifying from any perspective.

“Also, Ordoba-sama had hired me all this time, and he has been my savior. I don’t want to let the other people at the mansion get into danger, so I cannot escape alone.”

Selo replied strongly, and the black cat lowered his eyelids.

“Is Fino the girl that was with you at the fountain yesterday? —— Then, let me sort out the situation, you can choose these three options. No —— there are the only three options.

First, escape. Escape from the claws of the Magic Race, and live a stable life. But you rejected this choice.

Second, wait with me for reinforcements. Before my companions arrive, although we cannot guarantee the safety of the Doriarudo family, this is the safest option.

Then finally the third option, is that even after knowing the dangers, you still head towards the mansion, and contact the girl named Fino about the danger closing in. If you are really worried about her, then taking her with you is fine. —— However, this would provoke Helmbekt and co., and it may cause the opposite effect. What are you going to do?”

Hearing Alcain’s explanations, Selo fell into a deep ponder.

Since he couldn’t leave it be, he could only choose the third option. But, if doing so causes Fino and the rest to face danger, then it would lose its meaning.

Those knights were stationed at the mansion right now.

“If I could see Fino without being noticed —— Ah, could I ask people in the town to help pa.s.s on a message?”

“Pa.s.sing on a message is too dangerous. Helmbekt is very crafty. If the people in town were dragged into this, they might even attack the entire town to prevent word from leaking out. Because they would suspect the one “who” saved you.”

Alcain, who pointed out the problem, stood up.

He placed the tablecloth and the tea set into the small backpack, while he raised his head to look at Selo.

“If they don’t recognize me, I can still go in for you as a cat —— But, unfortunately, my ident.i.ty has already been exposed. About three months ago, Helmbekt and I met in another country. That idiot seems to be taking the responsibility of that incident and was transferred to here.”

“Ah? Isn’t that person a knight of the Nelfowl royal family?”

Alcain scratched his fluffy chin.

“Even I don’t know his real background, and only heard that the Magic Race had taken control of the Nelfowl royal family, so he must have changed his background to the adopted son of n.o.bility. At least, he wasn’t a knight before, and was just a normal sorcerer. But whether his subordinates had all been turned into the Magic Race, or are just ignorantly obeying his orders—— This can’t be confirmed, but if we treat it as the worst situation, it would be the former.”

Selo knitted his eyebrows.

Helmbekt’s appearance was a handsome youth that suited the military uniform very well, Selo had thought that he must be a knight with an impressive background. If he never had the pride of n.o.bles and loyalty towards the royal family, then Fino who was a n.o.ble would make people worry even more.

Alcain used his short hands to push his hat, and casually glanced towards Selo.

“I apologise, I cannot help you. The current me will find too much trouble dealing with that number of people. If you have to go, then you must have the resolve to go alone.”

Selo frankly nodded. Since the very beginning, he didn’t plan to drag Alcain, who had nothing to do with this.

“Then it is decided. Thank you for saving me, Alcain. It would be good if we could meet again.

Selo stood up simply, and Alcain’s golden eyes blinked multiple times.

“Eh? You are really going?”

“Because I cannot leave Fino alone. If she thought ‘I died’…”

Selo’s shoulders trembled.

He didn’t know what that girl who had deep faith in him would do.

Alcain tiled his head. He didn’t think Selo would be that resolute.

“No, but, this is really dangerous——“

“Underneath the Doriarudo home is a secret tunnel, even the people at the mansion forgot about it. Using this at the middle of the night, I think I can avoid the knights. It’ll be fine, I will be careful.”

Leaving behind Alcain, who had more to say, Selo walked towards the forest.

It was an area where the Belfry of Beast Avoidance didn’t have any effect. The sorcerer Alcain shouldn’t have any problems, but Selo must take this opportunity to go back near the town while there was still daylight.

Then, he will wait till the middle of the night, and sneak into the mansion.

Just when he took a step, Alcain’s paws suddenly made contact with his leg.

“Wait a moment, Selo. Take this.”

In front of Selo’s turned head, Alcain took out a transparent blue rock.

The size of it was similar to that of a biscuit, if it was turquoise then it would be worth a lot.

But, it felt a bit lighter than a rock in his hands, causing people to feel like it was hollow inside.

The surface of the stone had a layer of skin-deep pattern, it was an engraving of a double ring. (Note: it is ◎ shape)

“This is… Magic tool?”

Selo asked. Alcain lightly nodded.

“That’s right. If anything happens, it will definitely come into use.”

“—— Thank you. But, I cannot use magic tools.”

Selo smiled in return for Alcain’s thoughtfulness, and returned it to Alcain.

Looking at Selo from below, Alcain showed an expression of surprise.

“Cannot use magic tools…? Really? Aren’t you Zerdonato-san’s grandson?”

From a young age, the people surrounding him had asked him this question countless times.

He had hated other people’s scorn and pity at the start, but he didn’t mind it so much now.

“En, I can’t use nor craft magic tools. Grandfather said, I may just have such a const.i.tution —— As long as they were used by me, any magic tool would break. Even beginner magic tools, such as the Lighting Branch, I can’t use it.”

Alcain squinted like he was pondering about something. Although his expression became very cat-like, there was still some sort of charm.”

“… Oh? That is uncommon.”

“It can’t be helped, I gave up already. So, I decided to become a pharmacist.”

Just when Selo was about to turn around, Alcain placed the blue stone into Selo’s hand again.

“But, you should still carry it. Even if you don’t use it like a magic tool. If you were caught by Helmbekt, then take this out, say that ‘a cat you met in the forest gave it to you’ ——“

“What is it…”

“A rock blessed by the G.o.d of Belfry Ledisma. It is a charm that can protect your life.”

Although he didn’t know what was going on, Selo still received the blue rock.

Under the sunlight, the pattern of the double ring seemed extremely clear.

“This is really pretty. Is it worth a lot?”

“No it isn’t. It is just very convenient. Be careful.”

Selo nodded towards Alcain, who was waving and smiling at him, and walked towards the town alone.

Obviously, he didn’t want to be discovered by the knights. Although he didn’t know if he could return to Alcain, he had to let Fino know first that he is safe —— Then after receiving her permission, he has to take her and escape out of the mansion.

Selo was impatient  and travelled through the forest quickly, he rushed towards the town of Misthound.

3-5

Watching the figure of the youth leaving, the black cat sorcerer smiled.

Selo’s appearance as he disregarded danger was a bit unreliable, but he still admired Selo’s qualities. He also hoped that this child wouldn’t die.

“…So young.”

Alcain couldn’t help but mutter to himself, and then squinted his eyes and put on his cloak.

This cloak that was the same colour as the dark night fluttered with the wind, and “darkness” would be created inside.

From that endless darkness, a small black bird flew out.

“I’m going to nap till the evening, if anything happens, wake me up.”

Alcain stretched lazily and said, then he used his claws to climb up a tree.

The bird let out a clear chirp and stopped on a nearby tree.

Although it didn’t look that different from a real bird, this bird was not an organism, but a magic tool that was used as a sentry.

Alcain treated it as an alarm.

Alcain lied on the tree as he thought back to Selo’s words.

“… A child that cannot use magic tools——“

From the depths of his squinted eyes, a dark light could be seen.

From what Alcain knows —— In this world, there doesn’t exist anyone that “cannot use magic tools”.

—— Because it was an impossible existence.

Mana was directly linked to one’s life force. As long as one is alive, the person can use their life force as “mana”.

Due to the difference of understanding its usage, the ability to use magic tools differed greatly between people. But, not being able to even use beginner magic tools, this was too abnormal.

In a sense, the usage of mana was similar to the usage of the brain.

All humans had a brain.

Due to this, as long as there is no special reason, no matter who it is, they will all think and feel. What they think about will differ between people, there are academics in the world, and there are those with excellent athletic senses, but there is no one without a brain.

The ability of a sorcerer, was like thinking, not everyone would become a first cla.s.s sorcerer, and just hard work in one area can also be futile.

Zerdonato’s grandson should have the qualities to become an excellent sorcerer.

However, he couldn’t even use normal —— using the brain as an a.n.a.logy, even magic tools that were as simple as single-digit calculation were “unable to be used”, something was clearly not right here.

“… If it was just a low mana pool then that would be normal. If it’s another reason ——“

Alcain stopped thinking and closed his eyes.

He could only sleep now, and prepare for the night. Selo would also take action in the night.

Alcain prayed that he can return unharmed, and fell into a slumber.

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