Vol 1 Chapter 20 (2/2)

The vice-captain expressionlessly looked down towards Locke.

Unsteadily standing up, the s.h.i.+eld in his left hand, and the sword in the right hand felt heavy to Locke.

“The magic power… I can’t feel it?”

“Were you not told in cla.s.s? One of the Imperial Capital Simurgh’s protective magic, Magic Sealing Barrier, was activated.”

Centered around the imperial capital Simurgh, were six towers, which could cast anti-magic power barrier magic using magic tools.

Anybody within the area surrounded by the six towers would have their magic power sealed, as a countermeasure against demons who can take in miasma as a source of magic power. The spell is one of the Remuls.h.i.+l Empire’s trump cards.

Having their magic power sealed, Locke and the others’ strengthening magic was forcibly dispelled.

“You planned to stall for time, but time has pa.s.sed, and we have the upper hand. It was your miscalculation!”

He somehow blocked a sideswipe with his s.h.i.+eld, but his body took the brunt of the force.

Two strikes, three strikes, he was pressured by the slashes.

“Kuh…”

Every time the s.h.i.+eld was. .h.i.t by the sword, Locke was pushed back.

“The reason n.o.bles are so stuck-up, is because of their strengthening magic! With their magic power sealed, The royal knights and the imperial guards who protect the capital are not our match!”

With the magic power sealed, not only the demons, but the n.o.bles would also be weakened.[20]

Due to their magical apt.i.tude, they had been continually blessed by the strong protection of body reinforcement magic.

Therefore, against the veteran soldiers with only their physical abilities, they would win.

However, with their magic power sealed, it was different.

If both sides’ magic power were sealed such as now, the knights who had continued to diligently train themselves everyday would be superior.

Now, the students, having their magic power sealed, were defeated in the blink of an eye.

It was also a matter of time before Locke was killed.

“Hah!”

“—tsu!”

At last, after enduring countless strikes, Locke’s s.h.i.+eld broke.

When his s.h.i.+eld broke, the tip of the sword scratched his arm, and now blood dripped from his left arm.

“Come to think of it, Apprentice Knight Locke isn’t a n.o.ble, but more or less a commoner. However, for this plan, all outsiders are a potential obstacle. Unfortunately, you will also have to die.”

Locke’s sword dropped to the ground, and he crouched, holding his left arm.

His breathing rough and disorderly, he had already reached the limit of his stamina.

And yet, Locke continued to glare at the approaching vice-captain, but he had no more strength to reach for the sword.

Glaring once more at the figure standing before his eyes, with the sword raised overhead, Locke then lowered his head in resignation.

…

“… The capital is completely enclosed by the barrier.”

Leticia slowly looked around.

Because of one of the teachers, that day, Leticia had received instructions to come to the cla.s.srooms, knowing she was being invited.

A man stood before her.

In that room, she, the aged man, and children aged from 10 to twelve— the people who were admitted into knight school at the minimum age— only the children who were admitted this year were gathered.

“Apart from this seven-fold barrier formation sealing my magic power, are these children hostages, I wonder?”

“Don’t worry. We don’t want you to become an obstacle. It seems that even while being affected by the barrier spell, you are still clad in such strong magic power. Are you really human?”

Leticia didn’t answer.

She glared at the man clad in a black hood standing behind him.

“A demon, huh.”

“That~ is~ right~!”[21]

The demon responded, feigning foolishness.

“I am happy to have met the famous Brave-sama.”

“To even borrow the power of demons… the Empire’s heroes have stooped to quite a low level.”

The tone of Leticia’s voice became calm.

Contrary to the tone of her voice, she had an intimidating air.

Up until Leticia was born as the Brave, he had been a general who fought against the demons over the course of many years.

Now, as the princ.i.p.al of the knight school, Zaunasu showed a bitter smile.[?4?]

“I am honoured that Brave-dono has called us heroes.”

‘I have retired from the front lines three years ago.’

‘In those three years, this young girl had been fighting demons for the Empire on the front lines.’

‘This is nothing but shameful.’

“Of the people who live in the Empire, there is n.o.body who doesn’t know of you. Especially if they had served in the army.”

With the four years Leticia spent fighting, she had protected the empire, and ended the fighting on the front lines for ten times longer.

She was like a living legend to the empire.

“Honestly, I had no choice but to involve the demons in order not to lose[?5?]. On that note, we couldn’t have a practical conversation with you. I plan to talk it out with you someday, but this was unfortunate.”dbl check

“Using the magic sealing barrier covering the capital, the n.o.ble knight’s magic power would be stolen. Then, were you going to use your superior physical abilities to take control?”[22]

“It is as you said, Leticia-kun.”

Zaunas replied.

His eyes glowed with affectionate praise for his wonderful subordinates.

For Zaunas, Leticia was the same age as his grandson would have been if he hadn’t been killed on the battlefield.

“Of course, we cannot overthrow the palace, but well, that’s not a problem. Our objective is not His Highness the Emperor.”

“Then, what do you want?”

“The eradication of the rotten knight order and n.o.bility!”

Those words held a strong intent— and hatred.

“Look before you. The knights at this knight school are like eggs. The knights expected to be the future s.h.i.+elds of the empire are in a disastrous state!”

Tightening his clenched fist, Zaunas grit his teeth as he forced out those words.

“My children and grandchildren all sacrificed their lives fighting demons and monsters. My subordinates, in order to protect their family and loved ones, died on the battlefield to protect them.”

‘But, for what?’

The knight order that had ordered them to their deaths was dominated by n.o.bility, n.o.bility whom had lived while wallowing in extravagance while countless knights and soldiers died.

While the proud and n.o.ble guardians of the empire, became covered in blood and dirt, they immersed themselves in the fragrance of women, while their mouths enjoyed fine liquor and delicacies that one would normally only be able to taste once in a lifetime. Those mouths were the same ones which ordered the deaths of those guardians.

‘For the sake of those who died protecting the empire’s people, I must eradicate the corruption.’

‘So that those guardians and the people can leave this world in peace.’

‘That was all.’

“Now, the imperial capital Simurgh is affected by the large scale magic sealing barrier. The aristocratic knights who rely on magic are no match for my subordinates.”

Zaunas’s subordinates would be able to take control of the school, obviously, but also knight order headquarters, and the imperial court.

Quite a few people from the capital’s knight order were dispatched onto the subjugation mission.

About now, Zaunas’s subordinates from the fort would begin their surprise attack.

With their magic sealed, everybody in each group would have to fight with their own strength, and leaders.h.i.+p ability.

Compared to the knights and n.o.bles who lived in peace far removed from the front lines, Zaunas and his subordinates, who had survived constant battles, would not fall behind.

It was only a matter of time until they took control of all the capital’s critical inst.i.tutions.

“Until the capital is in the palm of my hands, you should just sit here obediently.”

“I understand your feelings well. I sympathize with you. However, right here, among them, are also people who sincerely believe in becoming a knight and protecting the empire.”

“Like your Master?”

Zaunas faced Leticia with a gentle smile.

“You are speaking of Cadet Wynn, right? I know of how hard he works, spending every day studying and training. However, if he were still alive, he wouldn’t be able to become a knight.”

“The apprentice knights, and some knight cadets, they’re carrying out the subjugation mission near the fort where one of the barrier magic installations are. What will happen to those who partic.i.p.ated in the mission?”

At that question, Zaunas merely closed his eyes.

“Even if they are students, they can at least use swords and magic, so they may become obstacles to our goal.”

“Is that so…”

Leticia let out a small mutter, while slowly reaching for the sword at her waist.

The sword let out a slight glow, despite being within the magic sealing barrier, while she let out a strong atmosphere of intimidation.

It was the holy sword gifted by the G.o.ddess Anastasia.

“Incredible~. To be able to move even from within our barrier… Frightening. Truly frightening.[23]”

The demon in the black hood acted exaggeratedly with mock surprise, hiding himself behind Zaunas’s back.

If it were a normal existence, being inside the seven-fold barrier formation would make the whole body feel heavy, unable to move.

However, Leticia’s movements defied nature itself.

“Even so, being trapped within the barrier, you won’t be able to defeat this general-san, yanno[24]?”

Cackling, he peeked at Leticia from behind Zaunas’s back.

“With your beloved Master among the dead, could it be, that you got mad~?”[25]

The Brave whose master was killed would turn her force towards both the ringleaders, and the n.o.bles around them.

Then, even if the plan fails, the n.o.ble’s downfall would still definitely succeed.

At first he and his subordinates were merely going to carry out this plan.

With the black-hooded demon’s suggested modifications, the Brave would surely be criticized in the ages to come.[?6?]

In addition, the other nations would also pile criticisms at the very empire who had roused the Brave’s anger.

If the empire weakened, it might be invaded,

However, with the empire’s power rapidly decreasing, it would fall to ruin one way or another.

With that facing them, it was necessary for the heart of the country to be purged.

For that reason, many of those near the border, who had received Zaunas’s education, tried to stay uninvolved.

They would have to gain time until the heart of the country had been purified and reformed.

“It was I who handed down the order for your master, Cadet Wynn, to be killed.”

However, in response to Zaunas’s words—

“Fufu….ahahaha”

Leticia’s cold expression broke into sudden laughter.

The murderous air of intimidation she gave off also vanished, and the person who kept on laughing was only a beautiful lady.

Suddenly, upon seeing the laughing Brave, the children who were crying in fear, stopped crying in surprise, and looked at her.

“What’s so funny!?”

Dumbfoundedly looking at Leticia from behind Zaunas, the demon in the black hood leaned out further with slight irritation in his voice.

“Fufu… Magic sealing barrier, is it? Certainly, the n.o.bles and you demons would be affected. Actually, since you are a demon, you can’t even feel strong magic power.”

Leticia spoke with amus.e.m.e.nt.

“Hey, all of you. Have you heard the t.i.tles I was given as the Brave?”

“Eh…?”

Casually turning around with a smiling face, she asked the bewildered children.

“Hey hey, have you gone crazy from the shock?”

“Why the sudden change? Leticia-kun?”

However, Leticia ignored Zaunas and the black-hooded demon, crouching down to the students.

“Umm… ‘The one closest to G.o.d’ and ‘Divine Sword Princess’?”

A ten-year-old boy met her gaze, and answered with a slight blush.

“Yes, that’s right. ‘Divine Sword Princess’.”

Leticia smiled warmly at the boy, then slowly stood up.

“Sir Zaunas, the reason I call Knight Cadet Wynn my Master, do you know why?”

Her back to him, Leticia’s voice once again grew cold as she spoke to Zaunas.

“If I remember correctly… I heard that, as childhood friends, you learned the sword from him?”

“Yes. However, did you think that I would call him Master for just that?”

Slowly, Leticia turned around.

She held up the blade that slew a demon lord, the “Holy Spirit Blade Eluna Blade” in her right hand in front of her.

“The nickname “Divine Sword Princess” was given to me by the Sword Saint Raul Holt Leon, whose strength falls far short of mine.”

She closed her eyes, and smiled again.

As for Zaunas, though she was a girl that would be around his grandson’s age, he unwittingly became fascinated with her beauty.

Rather, it wasn’t only Zaunas.

The cla.s.sroom fell silent upon Leticia’s calm voice, even the demon in the black hood, as if spellbound by Leticia’s atmosphere.[26]

“Four years ago, when I set off as the Brave, I had never been defeated, Not even once. Other than…”

Opening her eyes again, she faced Zaunas.

She lowered her sword, her right hand hanging by her side.

The Seven-fold Barrier Magic Array was supposed to make one’s whole body feel like they were bound by chains, but she moved so lightly as if she didn’t feel it.

Her movements were natural.

Then, Leticia showed a smile of a girl in love.

Anybody would undoubtedly be surprised and charmed by that smile.

“Against that me, only one single person, without magic, whom I could not win against. Even now, I would only win if I used magic. That is why, I call him— Onii-chan— Master.”

…

Locke hung his head, facing the ground.

The vice-captain decided to strike with a blow to the head to reduce the suffering, but suddenly, he showed a perplexed expression.

It was because Locke’s shoulders were shaking slightly.

“Ha, hahaha…”

Holding his injured left arm, Locke let out a dry laugh.

“Aiming to buy time, huh…Certainly, our aims differed little, but…”

“What is it? Do you have any last words? It is the end for you. Do you want them heard?”

“Well, no…”

Locke continued to chuckle[27].

“I just understood pain. To see that change, it truly is a monster.”

Locke looked up.

“As expected of ‘The Master of the Brave’.”

In his gaze was—

“Vice-captain!”

His subordinate urgently warned him.

“What!?”

When he looked behind him, he saw somebody imitating a knight draw near while letting out an explosive amount of killing intent.

With any magic power sealed, body strengthening magic should have been dispelled.

However, that speed far surpa.s.sed Locke’s — no, everybody’s speed.

“Wha-What is this!?”

He turned around and begun to slash at Wynn, who was approaching at an unbelievable speed, but due to his astonishment, his swing was too wide.

Due to that, Wynn’s blade sunk into his virtually undefended right torso.

“Vice-captain!”

With an unbelieving expression on his face, he turned around to face Wynn, who had run past him.

Wynn stood in front of the kneeling Locke, his knight’s sword ready.

The vice-captain opened and closed his mouth twice, thrice, then fell forward.

“You b.a.s.t.a.r.d!”

The two other knights who had neutralized the students were incensed, and attacked him.

One person swung his sword downward, while the other stabbed at him.

However—

“Huh?”

“He vanished!?”

Wynn dropped down, dodging the slash and darted around the slas.h.i.+ng knight’s left side, using the s.h.i.+eld’s blind spot, then kicked the s.h.i.+eld.

“Uwah!?”

The knight who was kicked went flying into the other knight, destroying both their stances.

They picked up their swords which had fallen to the ground, and when they turned back—

Wynn’s sword beheaded the knight.[28]

Wynn leapt over the corpse, which was spurting blood as it fell, and closed in on the last surviving knight.

“s.h.i.+-, s.h.i.+t.”

With an awkward stance, and no strength in his sword, Wynn’s sword flickered—

Wynn’s sword thrust at the base of his neck.

AN:How Wynn cut his way out of his crisis will be explained next chapter.

Translator notes

In the age of violent video games and other media, what is there to be worried about?–back

Very loose translation of AN–back

Name inconsistency by author, it seems… not that it matters, at least the author didn’t spell it Cordelia… I’m not sure why that is happening…–back

Thank creepy Jade for the KuroKis.h.i.+ chapter…–back

Decadence: excessive indulgence…–back

what?–back

AU: Wynn has died, Leti crushes the insurgents, Cornelia tells her that Jade knew about the plot all along… Yandere Bad End for everybody…–back

No.–back

Spoiler alert: Wynn appears at the end of the chapter!–back

slightly awkward wording to preserve the reused word–back

haven’t seen this idiom in a while…–back

silver bullets: only the rich can kill vampires–back

this breed of knight cadets is a lot luckier… Go Locke!–back

Locke just got more bada.s.s points… His name already gave him some in my opinion. How many people know who the Earth Locke is?–back

Slight pun, maybe? Locke(Rokku) was a “Roku-demonai”–back

Strength of Student=s; Strength of Knight =k; s>k/2–back

intrepid: daring. SAT vocab of the day!–back

as in not good for real battles, just a decoration–back

I should have seen this coming… but I didn’t…–back

When the demons attack: “I have weakened you, at the cost of weakening myself the same amount! In short, nothing has changed!” Speaking of, what happened to rokudenas.h.i.+ majutsus.h.i.+ akas.h.i.+c something something? Is joeglens alive?–back

I a.s.sume this is an obnoxiously cheerful voice, like Arifureta’s Miledi (not checking the spelling the troll golem dungeon-master)–back

I just thought of something applicable: Rise, Proletariat!–back

turn that kowai into a kawaii! Leticia is cute!–back

desho-> sho, you know-> yanno–back

the ~ seems to be just an obnoxious thing if the speaker has it…nyoro nyoro…–back

redundant addition?: there was not even a word spoken, nor a knock sounded, since they were drawn in by the atmosphere. See raws for reference if ou want.–back

sfx: kusukusu–back

“mess with the best, die like the rest.” Quote from xkcd quoting something else… —back

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