Vol 6 Chapter 4 (1/2)

Chapter 4: Mare Tranquillitatis

1

The lines started to move as if they were shoved from behind

Akatsuki lost track of her thoughts as she was pushed along with the iant intersection in a gloomy mood

There were tall black shadowy figures all around herwith the flow She heard a car horn from nearby, probably a horn of frustration in a traffic jam No one seemed to mind the sharp metallic noise

Akatsuki wondered if she was the only one as intiht that it would be nice if so about this, but that had never happened before The hu Salaryes and occupations weremechanically

So loudly They chatted with cellphones in their faces, talking about their business The sound of the their subordinates made Akatsuki flinch There were also sweet voices of people agreeing to go on a date Akatsuki knew the lady as speaking honeyed words into her phone was not even s

She just knew She couldn't see the expression of the people around her In this chaotic flow of people, Akatsuki couldn't h space and she couldn't tell even if she lifted her head

She was hurried along, pushed by the crowd She loomy mood

The streets were bustling with noise She could hear the siren of an eency vehicle in the distance, the horns of cars and the exhaust pipes that sounded like angry beasts People talking on their cellphones forhts and the ether and the hu pizza sauce

Akatsuki walked on with her head down, unable to understand the content of the music and conversations in the air It was aher ears, she could catch bits of conversations, but it ashed away by the torrent of inforht, this was a violent flood Akatsuki did not drown because she kne to shut off herwashed aith theThe torrent of hus below the building Where were all these people going? This place full of buildings h up into the heavens, and the people went in and out of these buildings Just like a giant alien sing and vos stood tall in the streets Akatsuki and the croere s to devour the

An evergreen tree planted here was covered by brown dust It see is owned by an environ this tree was just a decorative alibi of their efforts Although Akatsuki wouldn't fall and get trampled on in the streets, she still had to endure the crowd pushi+ng her along 8760 hours a year, torlanced at the tree beforecrowd around her, following the pace of everyone living in the city in order to survive You would drop out from society if you disrupted the pace

The asphalt went on endlessly in Akatsuki's eyes In the view of Akatsuki as keeping her head down, the asphalt surface which suffered the blows of all kinds of shoes was the ht should have washed it clean, but the tired road was full of disposable chopsticks, unknown posters, plastic bags, silver wrappings, and key chains that were bloated with s she saw for the first time, Akatsuki couldn't confirm before the crowd tra on the road

This plastic bag was used to hold merchandise purchased from the shops, but it had lost its purpose and was e that was trauishable fro that appeared 5Akatsuki

The time flew by in a rush, but seemed as slow as a snail too The burst of advertisement music like a sudden stor Akatsuki's life with its rhythm But she was not so busy that she couldn't think about things The ti cut into s, so it was spent on accos

For the people around her the time was used to talk loudly on their cellphones, or waste ically Akatsuki as not interested in these actions reflected on herself in the short a her tiry e her life after dividing her ti life like a human Akatsuki felt she was no different from livestock The proof was that she lacked the means to escape from this place

The crowd stopped as one, they reached a traffic light When all the lights blinked red several tionally The herd of cars screeched past Akatsuki as if they were being hunted Akatsuki knew the next traffic light was 50reen, they would still need to stop at the next junction The driver who accelerated, pu out smoke fro this short distance seemed weird to Akatsuki It was probably a secret that Akatsuki, who couldn't drive, couldn't comprehend

Akatsuki, as aps in the road, sneezed She realized she had been sneezing since reaching this street and rubbed her nose She regretted it i She couldn't shake this unfeminine habit nobecause of the sour exhaust gas of the cars

Akatsuki h it alking, it wasfor Akatsuki

She suddenly wondered where she needed to go She should have a destination after squeezing with the crowd, and was definitelyplans to go so to sooal vanished from Akatsuki's heart for some reason

The sense of disappoint of confusion In this street that was like aline, she didn't have a destination, her heart and soul were being crushed by this sense of unease Laughter, the sounds of advertise, the sound of the train in Ya by The pain was stuck in her throat, her vision became blurry Akatsuki wanted to stop, but she pushed herself on so she wouldn't i past the convenience stores Turning the corner at the bank, shesomewhere that was not here Maybe everyone was just like that plastic bag,without a destination Just like Akatsuki who could be simply replaced by someone else But Akatsuki was the only proof that Akatsuki existed It was fine even if this example could not be proven

Before she knew it, she was running up a flight of concrete stairs The stairwell reh it was a place she was familiar with, it lacked substance, Akatsuki just couldn't reht now for Akatsuki was to climb up the stairs as fast as she could This was not an enjoyable experience, she siet away from this place

She was not sure what she was running from, but she knew she would be captured if she hesitated and thought about it It was probably the plastic bag Being trampled onon her back— wrong, it was sticking to her sole as she cli 'sha sha' noises But there was no such sound if she listened carefully She rong about the bag being stuck on her But as Akatsuki rushi+ng so hastily, not daring to look at her feet? The disgusting pressure stuck into her spine like ice needles

The lack of oxygen stopped her brain fro as she was unable to breathe Even if she knew this rong, she couldn't prove it since she didn't know the correct answer After reaching the top of the stairs, she used her ht of stairs as she ascended the stairwell She ran like a rat on a wheel, giving her a sense of futility She heard the sound of concrete being drilled so the concrete stairs itself But she had to climb up the stairs in order to escape This was a vicious cycle

After clihts of stairs, Akatsuki realized this was not a stairwell Her feet sank into wet concrete with the texture of glue Akatsuki ether with the rest of the crowd The horn of a car, the noise of advertisement, incomprehensible mur wind and was certain she saw the plastic bag again2

A smooth white beach

Clear blue skies

The blue endless sea that looked like part of a watercolor palette, with ripples everywhere

Akatsuki alking alone on the beach

The only person strolling on the vast coastline that was unique in the winter

The sound of the sand cru at her feet made her fearful

She lowered her head and saw her feet taking another step

She left another footprint in the pure untainted white beach

Looking at the shadow flying far far away, that was probably a seagull

'Splash, splash'

She could hear faint footsteps in her ears as well as the blue waves washi+ng up the beach

She pulled her coat closer because of the chill and continued to walk

She took her time, there was no need to hurry

The sun reflected froot in her eyes when she raised her head

The winter sun didn't bring warht

Quiet footfalls and the tiny set of footprints extended out like a tiny chain

Whenever her bare feet touched the blue sea, the shi+ny particles dissipated

Akatsuki didn't knohere this was, but she had completely calmed down

This was not her destination, but it was a safe haven

Strolling along the quiet beach was an enjoyable experience that put her at ease

She didn't kno far she needed to travel

She tried soaking her feet in the deep blue water and twirled it around in a circle

She atteether like the dance of a bee

Because she was alone, Akatsuki did all this with a serious face

She tried expressing her joy with a smile

Akatsuki's faithful footprints followed Akatsuki wherever she went

She felt so happy that she wanted to include all this in her diary

She squinted her eyes to look into the distance, a person appeared in Akatsuki's field of vision

A tall figure swaying his body as he looked at the ocean with a troubled look

Akatsuki was surprised by how light her body was, and realized she was running

The distance that seeined She was close, within just a few steps, and slowed her pace

She was not the type that would throw her whole body out to embrace others

But she still followed her feeling of affection to raise her head to look at that figure

shi+roe smiled when he noticed Akatsuki

shi+roe, as alearing a bitter and sullen expression, was s Akatsuki feel so satisfied

A bit shy, shi+ning brightly, and embarrassed

After awith squinted eyes, acknowledged Akatsuki with a look and started walking along the beach

Akatsuki walked with hi the hem of his coat

shi+roe was consciously taking it slow

shi+roe remained silent just like Akatsuki beside him

The echoes of the wind and the sound of the tides added to the beauty of the scene

The two of them were hesitant to disturb this serenity

(My lord's hands are big)

Akatsuki thought as she looked at shi+roe, who brushed his hair and adjusted his glasses a couple of times

She increased her pace as she looked at the pair of hands stuck into the coat pockets

No, it was better to slon

Slowing doould give Akatsuki an excuse to tug at the hem of his coat

Akatsuki pouted as she thought of this

But she didn't look upset

Akatsuki hid her expression, twirling along the coastline

Sheas she stretched her coat, the color of caramel

shi+roe stopped, turning back to look at Akatsuki

The two of thear She knew the sand was changing its shape under their feet She didn'tacross their cheeks There was a war in her body

For Akatsuki, everything about this was precious and enjoyable shi+roe's oversized boots sank into the sand Akatsuki felt happy looking at the footprint that was deeper than hers shi+roe looked cute when the occasional strong wind made his coat flutter

Although Akatsuki wanted to try putting her hand into the pocket that was 5 ti for her As a replace at shi+roe and her footprints on the beach was enough to satisfy her

The cold speck that fell on her nose surprised Akatsuki

The pure white snow flakes were falling silently

It ers, before she could feel its chill

It was snowing

Akatsuki looked up to convey this to shi+roe shi+roe smiled and nodded, so Akatsuki knew there was no need to report this

shi+roe helped Akatsuki wear the hood of her coat and continued walking

She was not tired at all, but it felt like she had walked for a long time

The sky gradually became transparent as it turned a darker shade of turquoise and shone like a gem

The light frohter as the white snowflakes slowly fell in

”I didn't think it would be this quiet”

shi+roe commented quietly and stopped

The two of them had reached a cove before they realized it

”Yeah”

Akatsuki answered

She wanted to respond more emotionally and with ood way to do that shi+roe didn't seeazed out at the sea as dusk approached

'Clang'

'Clang'

A sound si

It appeared to be a signal from the other end of the boundless ocean

Suddenly, Akatsuki are of soone the moment it hit her

So that was not Akatsuki brushed across her heart

Even though it did not belong to Akatsuki, this sense of loss filled her with sorrow

A large hand rested on her upper ar His expression was serious but not stern

shi+roe pulled out a penknife from somewhere and pushed out the blade He cut off a part of his fringe aardly The cut off hair shone strangely, nu less than a bunch

Akatsuki received the knife from shi+roe and shaved a small part of hair from her ponytail just like shi+roe did She didn't knohy she did it, but she understood in her heart that this was necessary

They walked into the clear blue water and scattered the hair into the sea

The sound of crystals colliding cae the receipt of so and the snow that didn't feel cold flew all around them

Akatsuki understood these specks were the memories of everyone

Death didn't rob people of their memories, it was the people who offered their ain Even if she didn't recall, deep in her heart was the desire to rise again, that hat Akatsuki knew

”A”

shi+roe's commented softly, Akatsuki felt the same

Howsnowflakes contain?

How many people made new resolutions on this beach?

The vast quantity and weight made Akatsuki dizzy

Akatsuki believed that this was not a privilege or her right, but unbelievable luck

shi+roe being beside her was also her luck

”Did you fall, Akatsuki?”

Akatsuki pondered shi+roe's words for a moment and nodded

I am already dead

Hit by the demonic blade of the Murderer

But that didn't matter

It didn'twas fine if she could respawn at the cathedral Akatsuki fought out of her oill and fell No regrets

But she recalled theout fro important Soujirou conveyed to her, the deter Soujirou, soant and serious she learned froirls she met at the tea partyAnd it ended

What was this 'so'?

Akatsuki could only describe it as 'so'

She didn't i that battle

She regretted not understanding anything and was sorry about it But she couldn't do anything but cry

She touched so important She finally noticed But she didn't knohat that 'so' was or what needed to be done She kneas soh it was a gift

Akatsuki wanted to explain it to shi+roe

She wanted to tell shi+roe she found so precious and beautiful

There was so important here She couldn't confirifted to her

But she couldn't put it into words since she was not sure what that 'so' was

Her heart was full of pain and regret as tears flowed from Akatsuki's eyes

She couldn't express it to shi+roe in words Akatsuki sensed that she had hurt this iht limit the value of this present

There was definitely so there

In the eyes of Raynesia

In Soujirou's fearless smile

Death didn't ertips, that was Akatsuki's failure

No, it was right in front of her fro If that were the case, the Akatsuki that did not notice this was made up of a series of failures She knew this was true without needing anyone to point it out

Once again, Akatsuki cried at her own inco anything

”Is that so I am the same too I died”

Akatsuki raised her head when she felt a hand patting her shi+roe looked troubled and sently Akatsuki knew shi+roe orried about her His self-uildto her

”You too my lord?”

”Yeah”

They fell into silence

shi+roe stroked Akatsuki's head, thinking with a troubled look on what to say Akatsuki was fine with this aard side of shi+roe, but shi+roe was concerned about that

”I failed My forecast was too naive I didn't put in my trust”

His speech was not shoeakness, but a form of self reflection

”I'm not sure”

Akatsuki replied in an equally strong manner

”This is strange I never thought I would meet Akatsuki here”

This sentence followed after countless snowflakes had fallen

Akatsuki was surprised

This eird indeed It had been a while since she met shi+roe

Speaking of which, she wanted to see shi+roe

Very much

She wanted shi+roe to pat her head

She remembered that she wished for shi+roe's compliments

That hy this was a strange reunion

They actually met in this place

She didn't have time to think about it until now

Encountering shi+roe here was such a weird experience

Akatsuki was not sure, but she sensed that this was not a normal place She was thankful for this miraculous coincidence

”Right My lord, this is strange”

She remembered the beach they strolled on and the deep blue sea

In the bright scenery that had been bleached white, she could see shi+roe turning back to face her

She rushed over and lifted her head, a large hand caressed her face

It was just a coincidence

But this coincidence was a blessing for Akatsuki

She had no other wishes

That thing Akatsuki was unable to get, would definitely be lying in ithin her reach

But there should be countless such existences out there, in the dark corners Akatsuki had yet to notice In the s for it

The luck in your hands would ant You wouldn't think the luck you didn't have ever existed Be it luck, encounters, or assistance, they were lurking in all kinds of places waiting for Akatsuki to discover them

”That's why, I want to try again”

”I want to have another go too That's what everyone taught me”

Akatsuki grabbed shi+roe's coat tightly

Just like the feeling of sand cru under their feet, Akatsuki sensed that this memory would be left behind

That's why she grabbed on tightly even though it ht crease the coat

She would be separated fro and clasped the coat strongly But her as in vain as the endless sand dunes and its light grew brighter

The sound of the ebbing tides faded along with the offered hair, taking some memories with it

Following this, the surroundings turned into the dark blue sky and Akatsuki fell3

It's okay

The lingering sensation in Akatsuki's palm made her smile

It's okay

She could still feel the rough fabric from earlier

It's okay

When Akatsuki opened her eyes, her s

Akatsuki knew heron the hard stone bed with tears on her cheeks, herAkatsuki clenched her hand and wiped away her tears, atteuilt and loneliness she felt in her dreams

Akatsuki sat up on the simple marble bed

For soh some incredible place

Serene, lonely, gentle, and translucent place

Akatsuki journeyed there, encountered, awakened, and stood up again

She sensed that she had an important conversation she wanted to take with her

She could still feel so in her hand Probably, the sensation of a fabric It faded aith the bits of gentleness she felt Akatsuki willed with all her , but she kneas in vain

The chime of the crystals faded off into the distant

But she brought one crucial thing back with her

She successfully brought theback with her

Akatsuki checked for anyequipment

She carefully got up from bed

This was her first death since the Catastrophe

Froe of Elder Tales and the rumors on the street, Akatsuki knew she would lose some EXP and memories when she respawned She didn't knohat she had forgotten

Things about Log Horizon, shi+roe, and everyone were still intact Memories of the old world, her fahly recall all of it

If she tried to recollect the details, sheBut that would take a lot of time

It was the same with her EXP loss, she didn't feel h for her to lose levels According to the ruic But Akatsuki couldn't tell whether her stiffness was fro on a hard marble bed In other words, that was the extent of her discomfort

She looked around her, this was the inside of the cathedral

The white marble room had several s

This was the cathedral of Akiba Akatsuki hadin this place when Elder Tales was still a ga as she adjusted her Kodachi on her waist

There was so much to do

As she walked down the corridor, she raised her gaze and saw the winter sun gradually rising through the clouds The battle started attook half a day? No, that wasn't it She probably continued to sleep on the marble bed after she respawned, relaxed fro all over

Akatsuki looked around the cathedral that was bigger than it appeared from the outside as she walked

There were things she had to do

There were things she must do

She couldn't give up even after losing the first tiive her all in battles She thought she worked harder than others That was her just deceiving herself Just excuses There was so s that had to be done She only focused on the things she preferred to do, and thought that orking hard

Akatsuki made up her lass of the cathedral

From Akatsuki's field of vision, the streets of Akiba should be right down these wide stairs

But an unexpected scene awaited her

”Are you alright? Does it hurt anywhere?”

Akatsuki's sight was enveloped in darkness when she hesitated a ed Henrietta twirled around as she rubbed her face on Akatsuki and said 'So cute~' No rooth of an Adventurer But Henrietta didn't seem to care

”I was thinking that it's about time for you to wake up”

Rieze, as leaning on the stair's railing, commented Behind her, Raynesia, rapped in thick furry clothes, lowered her head apologetically Standing behind the confidently She was the Kannagi froht

””

Akatsuki was speechless

She knew her expression was becoloomy

It's not that she disliked everyone

She was reaping what she sowed 'Till now, she didn't have any close friends of the saender, she didn't knohat to say

But she knew in her heart there was so she had to do Fro she brought back She grabbed the hand Henrietta placed on her stomach She faced the stunned Henrietta, Rieze, fox ear lady, and the troubled Raynesia

Landing on her feet, Akatsuki lowered her head

”I know this is rude to say this, but I have a request for everyone Please teach me about 'Over level' I want to apprehend that Murderer”

The surprised fox-ear lady and Henrietta standing behind Akatsuki gasped Raynesia wore a pained expression

”Soujirou-saht, Nazuna-san?”

”Yeah That's right”

”But, that won't work”

”Indeed”

In response to Rieze's query, the fox-ear lady full of adult charm, called Nazuna, answered

”Despite it not working, why are you still seeking 'Over levels'?”

Rieze turned the conversation back to Akatsuki

Akatsuki bit her lips

She couldn't explain it well Everyone'Over level' Even though her chest was full of regret, she was unable to think of any other explanation

”Akatsuki-san”

At this point, her eyes met Rieze's

The girl about Akatsuki's age stared at Akatsuki with a plain expression

Akatsuki still couldn't believe she was a core uild The lady known as Nazuna, Raynesia, even Henrietta all did their best interacting with others within their social group while fulfilling their duties

Akatsuki made her decision If she backed off now, she wouldn't improve She could just do all she could, fail, and co she tried her best But there were battles she didn't want to lose, Akatsuki knew there were ti, no matter how pitiful she acted, there were still obstacles she wanted to overcome

”I want to terminate that Murderer”

Akatsuki said with resolve, but her conversational skills were mediocre

”Not just 'Over levels' If you have any way of stopping that man, please tell me Please bear with my willfulness this time”

”You think you can win?”

The question was asked by Nazuna in a lukewarade who supported Soujirou 'till the very lastblack hair and wore her Kimono sloppily Akatsuki answered immediately

”I don't know But it won't end even if we defeat hi him, it won't end That's how I feel, we can't let this go on”

Akatsuki continued as if she left behind the frustration of being unable to convey her thoughts properly

She hated her aard self

”If my lord were here, he would be able to do it So, we have to do this”

Questioning eyes pierced Akatsuki

They ondering about the words 'If shi+roe were here'

Even though she steeled herself, Akatsuki was still sta and hesitant” Right now, my lord is not in Akiba”

This was the secret Akatsuki and Log Horizon had been hiding

shi+roe was not here What they told DDD, being buried in endless work to run the Round Table Council, was a lie shi+roe was probably doing things only shi+roe could accomplish But she didn't knohat it was But shi+roe requested for Akatsuki to stay behind to guard the base