Ouroboros Record ~Circus of Oubeniel~

"ter. Big sister!"

chan. Onee-chan!

Shaken by a small hand on her shoulder, Irmaella Aurelia Callandra snapped back to reality.

Surrounded by several children, their expressions varied. Some looked concerned at Irmaella, who seemed absentminded, while others showed signs of frustration, having been ignored while she was lost in thought. Some were stifling yawns out of boredom In any case, there was no trace of reverence in their eyes toward the idolized Saint of the Holy King Church. All they had was a sense of familiarity with this kindor rather meddlingolder woman.

Breathing a sigh of relief without realizing it, she asked with an embarrassed smile,

"Ah... um, sorry. What were we talking about?"

A etto, gomennasai ne. Nani no hanashi deshita kke?

"Huuh, from theree?"

Eee, soko karaaa?

"Big Sister Irma... it's too early for you to get senile!"

Iruma nee-chan bokeru no ni wa, mada hayai yo!

Booooooo! A chorus of noisy but cute complaints filled the air.

The middle-aged woman present immediately changed her tone and scolded them,

"You all! How dare you speak that way to Priestess-sama!"

Kore, omae-tachi! Onnashisai-sama ni nante kuchi o kiku ndai!?

"No, it's okay, Headmistress. It's my fault for being absentminded."

Ie, ii no desu yo inchou-sensei. Watashi ga bon'yari shite ita sei desu kara.

"Irmaella-sama please don't spoil these children too much. Discipline is crucial when they are young."

Irumaerra-sama anmari kono ko-tachi o amayakasanaide kudasai na. Shitsuke tte iu no wa, chiisai koro ga ichiban kanjin na mono nan desu kara nee.

While saying that, the middle-aged woman adjusted her glasses.

This was an orphanage run by the church, located on the outskirts of the imperial city, Omnia. Threats from monsters, outbreaks of plagues, the tyranny of nobles, power struggles, and even attacks from wars and banditson the Itucera Continent, there were countless sources of misfortune and calamity that led to the production of widows and orphans whenever they occurred. The Holy King Church, preaching the salvation of humanity, reached out its hand to these marginalized people and provided support.

Of course, the assistance of the clergy was not without its ulterior motives. As an example, in exchange for providing daily sustenance and education to the orphans, the teachings of the Holy King Church were ingrained in them to the core. And by the time they reached adulthood, they were expected to become devout followers. Thus, the individuals who emerged from the orphanage became the foundation supporting Omnia and the church. While it might have seemed like a matter of course to raise and nurture those they had cared for, it was also a practical measure as it prevented potential future adversaries.

On days when Irmaella had no work at the church, she often visited the orphanage and spent time with the children. As the daughter of a cardinal and holding the position of a priestess, she spent her days surrounded by adults and engaged in discussions with older priests, occasionally even speaking with influential figures such as bishops and cardinals. To be honest, it was mentally exhausting.

Therefore, during these moments when she could interact with the children, she felt refreshed. The way they expressed their emotions openly without the complications of complex reasoning. Having had no same-aged friends since childhood and having been pushed into the priesthood by her father, these experiences felt remarkably fresh and dazzling to her.

"Ahem... Let's regain our focus and continue, shall we? Um, I believe we were going to read a picture book, right?"

Kohon ki o torinaoshite, tsuzukemashou ka. Etto, tashika ehon o yomun deshita yo ne?

"Yeah, yeah! Pull yourself together, big sister."

Sou sou! Shikkari shite kure yo, onee-chan.

"I want a cute story! Something like 'The White Rabbit Princess'!"

Watashi, kawaii o-hanashi ga ii! Shiro Usagi Hime mitai na!

"That's unfair, girls! Today's our turn, right?"

Zurii zo, joshi! Kyou wa ore-ra no ban daroo!?

"Right, right! Hey, Big Sister Irma? You promised before that next time, you'd tell us a story about a hero!"

Sou da sou da! Nee, Iruma nee-chan? Mae ni yakusoku shita jan ka, kondo wa yuusha-sama no o-hanashi shite kureru tte saa!

Hero.

The moment she heard that word, Irmaella's expression visibly tensed.

"Hm? What's wrong, big sister?"

? Dou shita no, nee-chan?

"N-no... I'm sorry. It's nothing."

I, ie gomennasai, nandemonai no.

Uttering those words to divert attention, a twinge of discomfort surged in the depths of her chest. Speaking falsehoods was not something a devout believer should do. While repenting silently in her heart, Irmaella chose a picture book that matched the children's request.

"Well then, shall we go with this book today? 'The Hero Joshuas Dragon-slaying Adventure'... Once upon a time"

Sore jaa, kyou wa kono go-hon ni shimashou ka. Yuusha Yoshua no Ryuu Taiji... Mukashi mukashi

The heroic tales of the second-generation hero, Joshua Mound. Among all the stories about him, who was famous as the founder of dual-wielding, one of the most renowned was undoubtedly his slaying of dragons in the western lands.

Three hundred years ago, a colossal dragon suddenly appeared on the peninsula west of Arquell. This dragon, rumored to be the embodiment of natural disaster, clearly stood apart from regular dragons. Both would attack humans, but their motives differed. Regular dragons killed for sustenance, whereas this one killed to devour. Instead of swiftly killing, it delighted in tormenting its victims before brutally ending their lives. This dragon, driven by malice and malevolence, attacked humanity not as part of its ecological cycle but with deliberate harm and ill intent.

And there was a reason for this. The evil Demon King that appeared in a far more distant past, seven hundred years ago, created this malevolent dragon as his vanguard, a member of the demonic race.

"The evil sorcerer panicked. The unsealed dragon didn't heed his commands and began attacking people even more ferociously. The people who were attacked were even more panicked. With the dragon rampaging like this, their homes and fields would be reduced to ashes. Where would everyone live? But that's not all. The dragon, you see, would simply gobble up humans!"

Warui mahoutsukai wa awatemashita. Fuuin o tokareta doragon wa mahoutsukai no meirei o kikazu, motto motto to hitobito o osoi hajimeta no desu. Osowareta hitobito wa mahoutsukai yori mo awatemashita. Kono mama doragon ga abarete ite wa, o-ie mo hata mo yakete shimaimasu. Minna no kurasu basho ga nakunatte shimau dewa arimasen ka. Sore dake dewa arimasen. Doragon wa nanto, ningen o perori to tabete shimau no desu!

"Scaary!"

Kowaai!

"Even the king's soldiers and the number one knight in the country couldn't stand against the evil dragon. The evil sorcerer, who had awakened the dragon, was also troubled by its disobedience. Because of the dragon's actions, people all over the world were in trouble. The trees in the forest withered, the rivers stopped flowing, and even the wind was too afraid to blow That's when it happened."

Ou-sama no heitai mo kuni ichiban no kishi-sama mo, warui doragon ni wa kanaimasen. Doragon o okoshite shimatta warui mahoutsukai mo, meirei o kikanai doragon ni komatte shimaimashita. Sekaijuu no minna ga minna, doragon no sei de komatte shimatta no desu. Mori no ki wa kare, kawa wa nagare nakunari, kaze mo kowagatte tomatte shimaimashita Sono toki desu.

Yes, at that time as well, Omnia decided to call upon a hero.

"The princess said this: 'I had a dream that a hero would come and save everyone. Let's make our voices heard by the hero. I'm sure they'll hear us and come to help.' But at first, no one believed her. A dragon larger than a mountain, stronger than many soldiers, and breathing hotter flames than fire itself. Would there really be a hero who could fight against such a monster for everyone's sake? Everyone, absolutely everyone, made fun of the princess and doubted her."

O-hime-sama ga kou iidashimashita. Watashi wa yuusha-sama ga kite, minna o tasukete kureru yume o mimashita. Yuusha-sama ni mina no koe o todokemashou. Kitto koe o kikitsukete tasuke ni kite kureru hazu desu to. Dakeredo saisho, minna wa shinjimasen deshita. Yama yori ookikute, takusan no heitai yori tsuyokute, honou yori atsui iki o haku doragon. Minna no tame ni sonna kaibutsu to tatakatte kureru yuusha-sama nante, hontou ni iru no deshou ka? Minna minna, sou itte o-hime-sama o baka ni shimashita.

"They're the real idiots here!"

Socchi koso, bakka dee!

"Yeah, yeah! The hero will save everyone!"

Un un! Yuusha-sama wa, minna o tasukete kurerun da yoo!

The children vocally criticized the characters in the picture book. They believed wholeheartedly, with innocent faith, that a hero was a hero, saving people from the clutches of evil, and doubting that was just silly.

...Irmaella had once been like that too. Calling for a hero, or rather, someone who could become a hero, from a distant and distant land for their sake. Before she personally experienced the true meaning of it.

"...Eventually, as the princess prayed earnestly, a sparkling gate of light appeared. Passing through that gate, a man from a distant land, carrying two swords at his waist, arrived. The princess said to him, 'Ah, you are our hero! Please, defeat the evil dragon and save our kingdom!'"

...Yagate o-hime-sama ga isshou kenmei ni o-inori o suru to, kirakira to kagayaku hikari no mon ga arawaremashita. Sono mon o kugutte, nihon no tsurugi o o-koshi ni tsuketa, tooi kuni no otoko no hito ga yatte kimasu. O-hime-sama wa sono hito ni iimashita. Aa, anata koso watashi-tachi no yuusha-sama! Dou ka warui doragon o taiji shite, watashi-tachi no kuni o sukutte kudasai!

"Hooray! It's the hero!"

Yattaa! Yuusha-sama daaa!

"Big sister, hurry, hurry! Read about the hero fighting the dragon!"

Onee-chan, hayaku hayaku! Doragon o taiji suru tokoro, yonde!

With the long-awaited arrival of the hero, the boys were ecstatic. They probably believed that the hero would defeat the evil dragon and lead to a happy ending right away.

However, that was not the case. The story had prepared another twist in the plot. As Irmaella turned the page, she recalled the forgotten storyline of the picture book she had read in her childhood, and she froze.

"Hm? Big sister, what's wrong?"

? Onee-chan, dou shita no?

"Continue quickly!"

Hayaku tsuzuki!

"Oh, yes... sorry about that. The man said to the princess, 'I am a warrior who comes from a very distant land. I wield this sword in service to my master. Without my master's permission, I cannot take up arms.'"

Aa, hai gomennasai ne. O, otoko no hito wa o-hime-sama ni iimasu. Watashi wa tooi tooi kuni kara kita senshi desu. Tsukaete iru goshujin-sama no tame ni ken o furuu mono desu. Aruji no yurushinaku, ken o totte tatakau koto wa dekimasen

""Huuh!?""

Eee!?

The children collectively voiced their discontent. Most of them had wide-eyed expressions, taken aback by the unexpected turn of events, and some even furrowed their brows, appearing hurt.

The hero refused to fight. The storyline of a hero tale having such a twist seemed to have disappointed their expectations.

Unconsciously, Irmaella bit her lower lip. Continuing to read this picture book was becoming difficult. Why had she chosen this book? Why had she forgotten about this development? She even felt like making up an excuse about remembering an urgent matter and escaping from this situation. However, if she stopped here, it would only leave the children with a bitter taste of being betrayed by the hero they had believed in. She had enough sense of shame to find that undesirable.

She closed her eyes tightly, brushing away any hint of tears, and continued to read with a heartfelt smile.

"...When reading a picture book, we should be quiet, alright? AhemThe man left the castle and embarked on a journey toward the sea. He boarded a ship, intending to return to his distant homeland. However, along the way, he realized something. Everyone in this land was constantly crying because of the evil dragon."

...Ehon o yomu toki wa shizuka ni, ne? Kohonotoko no hito wa o shiro o tobidashi, umi e mukatte tabi o hajimemasu. O-sen ni notte, tooi tooi jibun no kuni ni kaerou to shita no desu. Desu ga, michi o aruite iru tochuu ni kizukimashita. Kono kuni no hito-tachi wa, minna minna warui doragon no sei de naite bakari imasu.

"..."

"He noticed children separated from their mothers, lovers waiting by the roadside all day because their beloved didn't return from dragon-slaying, grandpas and grandmas, uncles, aunts, big brothers and sisters, little brothers and sisters, all of them were crying. Witnessing it, the man became angry. 'What kind of a terrible thing is this dragon?' he thought."

Okaa-san to hanare banare ni natte, onaka o sukasete iru kodomo ga imashita. Koibito ga doragon taiji kara modotte konai to, ichinichi juu michibata ni tatte machi tsuzukete iru onna no hito mo imasu. Ojii-san mo obaa-san mo, oji-san mo oba-san mo. Onii-chan mo onee-chan mo, otouto mo imouto mo. Minna minna, naite imashita Otoko no hito wa, sore o mite okorimashita. Doragon wa nante warui yatsu nanda! to.

"Yeah, finally!"

Yatto ka yoo!

"So slow!"

Ossooi!

"And then he thought, 'I didn't know that so many people were crying because of this. If I leave this situation and return, my master will surely think of me as a cowardly and embarrassing servant. Alright, if it's come to this, I'll teach that evil dragon a lesson and prove that I'm a brave warrior. I won't return to my homeland until I've defeated the dragon for sure!' ...The man ran back to the castle and said to the princess, 'I'm sorry, princess. I really am a hero. As an apology for lying to you and making you sad, I'll definitely defeat the evil dragon!'"

Soshite omoimashita. Konna ni mo takusan no hito ga naite iru nante, shiranakatta. Kore o hanatte oite kaetta to shitara, goshujin-sama wa nante omou darou? Kitto, shiranpuri o shite kaettekita watashi no koto o, okubyou mono no hazukashii kerai da to omou ni chigainai. Yoshi, kou nattara warui doragon o korashimete, watashi ga yuuki no aru senshi da to shoumei shiyou. Doragon o taosu made, zettai ni furusato ni wa kaeranai zo! Otoko no hito wa hashitte ou-jou ni modoru to, o-hime-sama ni kou iimashita. Gomennasai, o-hime-sama. Yappari watashi wa yuusha deshita. Uso o haite anata o kanashimaseta owabi ni, kitto warui doragon o taoshite kimasu!

The story from there unfolded rapidly. The hero set out on his journey, gathered allies, searched for the legendary sword capable of cutting through dragon scales, won a battle of wits against a pale-skinned sorcerer who had resurrected the evil dragon, and finally defeated the dragon larger than a mountain in a one-on-one duel.

"After the hero completed his mission and the world was at peace, he returned the power granted by the gods and said to the princess, 'When you summoned me, I wasn't a hero.' Then he pointed to his heart and said, 'But when I realized that the world was filled with sadness and felt ashamed of turning a blind eye to it, my heart burned with determination. As long as that determination exists, I won't be afraid of enemies larger than mountains and armies from all over the country. That's what courage is.'"

Sekai ga heiwa ni nari yakume o oeta yuusha wa, kami-sama kara sazukatta chikara o kaesu to, o-hime-sama ni iimashita. Anata ni yobidasareta toki, watashi wa yuusha dewa arimasen deshita soshite kare wa jibun no mune o yubisashimasu. Desu ga, sekai ni kanashimi ga michite ita no o shitta toki, sore o mite minu furi o suru koto o hazukashii to omotta toki, kokoro ga atsuku narimashita. Sono kokoro ga aru kagiri, yama yori ookiku kuni-chuu no heitai yori tsuyoi teki ni mo obieru koto wa arimasen. Sore ga yuuki na no desu

A hero was not someone summoned by a spell. It was someone who, upon realizing the sorrow that filled the world and confronting the evil that caused it, held the courage to stand upnamely, someone with a brave heart.

"He also told the soldiers who protect the princess, 'I will return to my own country, but there is nothing to fear. As long as there are those with courageous hearts, they will become the new heroes and fight against evil to protect everyone. Please don't forget that.' ... And with that, the man who was once a hero returned. He would surely pass on the important lessons he learned on his journey to the people of his beloved homeland... and they all lived happily ever after..."

O-hime-sama o mamoru heitai-tachi ni mo iimashita. Watashi wa jibun no kuni ni modorimasu ga, osoreru koto wa arimasen. Yuuki no kokoro o motsu mono ga iru kagiri, sono hito ga atarashii yuusha to natte, minna o mamoru tame ni aku to tatakau koto deshou. Sore o wasurenaide kudasai... sore o saigo ni, yuusha datta otoko no hito wa kaette ikimashita. Kare wa kitto, natsukashii furusato no hito-tachi ni mo, doragon taiji no tabi de mananda daiji na koto o tsutaete iku kotodeshou medetashi medetashi

As soon as she finished reading, something warm streaked down her cheek.

"Ah! Big sister, you're crying!"

Aa! Onee-chan, nai teruuu.

"There's nothing to cry about. You're weird!"

Betsuni naku koto nai jan. Hen na nooo.

"Hey! You all shouldn't speak impudently to Irmaella-sama!"

Kore! Omae-tachi, Irumaerra-sama ni shitsurei o o-ii denai yoo!

The headmistress scolded the children who teased Irmaella for crying.

While witnessing this scene, Irmaella couldn't help but think,

(I'm... embarrassed, at myself.)

(Watashi jibun ga, hazukashii desu.)

She wasn't ashamed because she cried while reading a picture book at her age. It was embarrassing because she had forgotten a very important part of a story she had read many times in her childhood until this very moment.

She recalled the words spoken by the boy she had summoned not long ago.

I! am just a high school student! A Japanese! I've never even fought before! I don't have any reason to fight for you people from another world! You summoned me for your own convenience, and if I'm weak, you look down on me...! Just who do you think you are, Irmaella?! Huuh!?

Ore wa! Tada no koukousei de, nihon-jin de! Tatakai nante shita koto mo nai nda yo! Omaera isekai-jin no tame ni tatakatte yaru riyuu mo da! Sore o kattena tsugou de yobidashite, yowakattara mikudashite! Naa, omae wa nani-sama no tsumoridatta nda Irumaerra? Aan!?

Really, what in the world had she thought of herself as?

She had blindly believed that if she summoned a hero, they would fight and save the world just like in the legends. As a result, she realized she hadn't tried to understand the hero she had summoned at all. Unlike the past heroes, he had no weapons and had never even fought before. She didn't understand why he had been chosen as the hero. Perhaps it had happened because she was inadequate in performing the summoning ritual. Regardless, it was certain that she had been of no help to him, who was bewildered and knew nothing.

(I have to apologize to Yuuto-sama properly...)

(Yuuto-sama ni, chanto ayamaranai to)

She genuinely felt that way.

However, what should she say to apologize? The words she knew were mostly from scripture and the preachings of the clergy. Be righteous, never doubt your faith, fulfill your dutiesmost of them led to such conclusions. If she followed that logic, it's obvious that Yuuto, who was summoned as a hero but opposed it, would be cornered For the first time, she realized the narrowness of the world she had lived in.

"...Is there a word in this world that can truly remunerate him?"

...Sekai ni wa, tadashiku ano kata ni mukuiru koto no dekiru kotoba ga, aru no deshou ka?

She wanted to know the worlda world beyond her closed-off existence of history and faith. In the girl's heart, the spark of yearning to explore beyond began to quietly flicker.

~~~

Meanwhile, Erimiya Yuuto, the human from another world who was no longer a hero or anything special, was attending a class held in an empty lecture hall. He was the only student present. Given that the existence of heroes was kept a closely guarded secret from other countries and the outside world, this was a natural precaution.

"Listen up, young man. The basics of magic are related to attributes. There are the common four major attributes: earth, water, fire, and wind, and then there's the space attribute, which deals with things invisible and intangible, like spirits. Additionally, there are the light and dark attributes. That makes a total of seven... Now, actually theres more, but do you know what they are?"

Yoi ka, shounen? Mahou no kihon wa zokusei da. Chisuikafuu no ippan-teki na shi dai zokusei, sore ni kuwaete rei-tai nado no miezu fure mo shinai mono o sousa suru sora zokusei. Purasu shite hikari zokusei to yami zokusei. Awasete nanatsu da Sate, jitsu wa mada hoka ni mo aru no daga, sore wa nani ka wakaru ka na?

The desk was tapped with a teaching staff.

...It was quite a challenging question to start with. Yuuto had only just begun learning the basic writing system of this world, and he was still unfamiliar with the textbooks.

"Um... I don't know."

Etto wakaranai desu.

"Show at least a bit of effort to think. Besides the four major attributes that form the basis, there are two more: the holy attribute, which is based on the teachings of the Holy King Church, and the demonic attribute, which is used by monsters. That makes a total of nine attributes."

Sukoshi wa kangaeru soburi kurai shiro. Seiou kyou ni kiban o oku Sei zokusei to mamono no tsukau ma zokusei. Goukei kokonotsu. Kore ga zokusei no subete da.

"Huh? Is that different from light and dark?"

E? Sore tte hikari to yami to wa chigaun desu ka?

"Of course, it's different. Natural light and divine radiance are distinct from each other. The darkness that results from the absence of light and the malevolence that corrupts light are also separate entities. Well, it's a part that newcomers to magic often get confused about."

Chigau ni kimatte iru darou. Shizen no hikari to kami no ikou wa betsu. Hikari ga saegirareta koto de dekiru yami to, hikari o mushibamu mashou mo mata, kotonaru mono da. Ma, narai-tate no shirouto ga kondou shi yasui bubun dewa aru na.

As she spoke, the woman leaned back with a smug look on her face. It was a gesture that could make any healthy high school boy swallow hard, but Yuuto had no such courage. The woman standing before him was a beautiful creature in human form, but she was also a dangerous beast, and he couldn't afford to show any indiscretion.

(Why am I learning about magic from someone like this, I wonder...?)

(Nande ore, konna hito ni mahou ni tsuite osowatte irun darou?)

He couldn't help but think deeply about it.

The woman's name was Elisha Rosmond Balbastre. She was originally from a different country called Arquell and had come to Omnia for training as a Holy Knight candidate. Apparently, she had participated in battles, killed enemies, and even fought off monsters single-handedly in her homeland, earning her recognition as a hero. Her journey here was quite bloody and reminiscent of a protagonist in a manga.

He had encountered this dangerous individual just a few days ago when he got into a heated argumentno, violent altercationwith Irmaella in the cathedral hallway. It was Elisha who had intervened and stopped the fight by kicking him as hard as she could.

Since then, she often appeared before him and imposed things like sword training and magic lessons on him, even though he hadn't asked for any of it.

He once asked her why she was doing all this, but her response was,

"It's mostly to blow off steam."

Omo ni usabarashi da na.

She said it with a strangely refreshing smile.

"I came to this country as part of my training to become a Holy Knight, but there's no sign that I'll ever be released from the candidate label. Even though among the active Holy Knights, there's probably only one who can match me in combat. So, I decided to train a seemingly unlucky young boy as a way to pass the time and vent my frustration Huh? How did I know, you ask? Well, when I first met you, you seemed strangely rough, and your clothes were covered in dirt. I just guessed you might have been treated rather poorly by the Commander."

Sei kishi ni naru shugyou to shite kono kuni e kita mono no, ikkou ni kouho no ni-ji ga hazureru kehai ga nai. Gen'eki no sei kishi demo, watashi no aite ni nareru no wa mohaya hitori kurai da to iu no ni na. Yue ni, onajiku fuguu o kakotte iru you ni mieru shounen o kitaete, himatsubushi to usabarashi o suru koto ni shita Mu? Nande wakaru ka, da to? Hajimete atta toki, myou ni arete ite shi, fuku ni tsuchi ga tsuite ita kara na. Kore wa danchou-dono ni soutou kokareta no ka na to suiryou shita made sa.

He remembered being amazed that he couldn't come up with a retort. And he somehow sensed the reason why Elisha was kept as a candidate but couldn't become a Holy Knight. A person as selfish and unconventional as her would never fit into the formal role of a Holy Knight. And if that commander is none other than Phantony, then it's even less likely.

(Well, I don't really mind, though.)

(Ma, ii kedo sa. Betsu ni.)

Despite being this kind of person, she's actually one of the better people he had met in Omnia.

The priest assigned as his educational instructor was a scholarly-looking man who was blatantly tied to some shady guy known as Irmaella's father. What he taught was just pushy history and theology. In between, there was an interrogation-like inquiry about his relationship with Irmaella, or some back-biting about Phantony, who seems to be their political enemy.

To be frank, Yuuto disliked Phantony as well, but he detested Emilio Callandra even more. After all, he was the one who used his daughter's power to lead the summoning plan and brought him into this world. His words, deeds, and behavior were also just like that of a fishy-smelling monk whose skin is filled with greed. If there's a reason to like such a person, he'd like to hear it.

In addition, other priests who seemed unaware that Yuuto was someone that had been summoned as a hero looked at him with disdain because his race was different, and those who understood the situation only showed him things that would make him fed up, such as blatant flattery and disappointment when their expectations were betrayed. It's quite amusing that such people gather at the headquarters of a religious organization that attracts followers from all over the continent. The righteousness of the Holy King's religion was also dubious.

In any case, in such an environment, Elisha, with her straightforward personality, was like a breath of fresh air. Still, he felt like seeing her all the time would be exhausting no matter how many lives he had.

"I'll continue with the discussion. Now, regarding these nine major attributes, different people have their strengths and weaknesses when it comes to them."

Hanashi o tsuzukeru zo. Kono kyuu dai zokusei dearu ga, hito ni yotte ete fuete to iu mono ga aru.

He hastily repositioned his ears to listen attentively as the lecture resumed. If perchance he missed something inadvertently, the teaching rod in Elishas hand might come flying with a swoosh.

"First is the demonic attribute. Basically humans can't use this. Do you know why?"

Mazu ma zokusei. Kore wa konpon-teki ni ningen ni wa tsukaen. Naze da ka wakaru ka?

"That's... because it's used by monsters?"

Soryaa mamono ga tsukau kara, desu ka?

He answered somewhat tentatively since the question wasn't very straightforward. He was worried about what would happen if his response turned out to be completely off the mark, but Elisha nodded in satisfaction.

"That's correct. Because it belongs to the mosnters that's inherently hostile to humanity, it's only natural that humans can't use it. Even If someone could, it is most likely a monster who disguised as a human."

Sono toori da. Jinrui ni tekitai suru ma ni zokusuru yue, touzen no koto nagara ningen ni wa tsukaen. Kari ni tsukaeta to shitara, mamono ga ningen ni bakete iru to iu no ga ochi dearou yo.

"Huuh, is that so?"

Ee, sou nan desu ka?

Since he was just responding randomly, he felt a bit uneasy when she readily affirmed it.

"This is just a what if, okay? If theres a human with unique constitution or the likes to have the ability to use the demonic attribute"

Sono, desu yo? Moshika shitara tokui taishitsu ka nanika de, ningen na no ni ma zokusei ga tsukae tari toka wa

What he had in mind when he said that was the witch hunts of Europe, a history he learned in his original world. Persecution, oppression, and slaughter driven by baseless fears and superstitions. Wasn't this their logic to justify themselves indulging in such bloody acts? To say that the idea wasn't based on his antipathy towards the Holy King Church would be a lie, though.

However, as she toyed with the tip of the teaching rod with her finger, his instructor shook her head.

"That's impossible. Well, while there's a probability in some extraordinary cases, it hasn't been confirmed. In a country called St. Gallen Federation in the east, there's a grand research institution called the Magic Academy. They seem to study all sorts of magic there. They've been conducting investigations intensely for a hundred years, but they haven't found a human with such an ability."

Sore wa nai na. Iya, mangaichi ni wa ariuru kamo shirenai ga, kakunin sareta koto wa nai. Touhou no zankutogaren renpou oukoku to iu kuni ni wa, madou akadem nante go-taisou na kenkyuu kikan ga aru. Soko dewa ari to arayuru mahou o kenkyuu shite irurashii ga ne, hyaku-nen kan chi mamire ni natte chousa o tsudzukete iru ga, sonna ningen o mitsuketa koto wa nai sou da.

'Even though it would be convenient during war if anyone could use it' she added quite a startling comment. At any rate, if even after going to such lengths, they can't find a user, one should accept that humans cannot use it. Since even a national institution, considering wartime utility in their research, cannot find anyone.

"Weve gone off-topic. Next is the Holy attribute. Conversely, only humans can use this. It's natural, considering the founder of this attribute is the Holy King, the guardian of humanity. And I haven't heard of users among elves or dwarves."

Hanashi ga soreta na. De, tsugini sei zokusei. Kore wa gyaku ni ningen ni shika tsukaenai. Jinrui no gdian dearu Seiou ga kaiso dearu no dakara, atarimae no koto da na. Erufu ya dowfu ni tsukaite ga deta to iu hanashi mo kikanu shi.

"Elves and dwarves?"

Erufu ni dowfu?

His eyes blinked as he repeated the words he just heard. They are common species of demi-humans in works like games, and it seems they exist in this world too. novelbuddy(.)com

"What, are you interested in demi-humans, young boy? ...It's better not to talk about it with such a loud voice. The Holy King's religion is fundamentally human-centric. Most priests are not favorable towards demi-humans, especially the long-lived races. Well, this discriminatory ideology clashes with the kind words left by the Holy King, so every year, there are 'insolent ones' who leave the church."

Nanda, ajin ni kyoumi ga aru no ka shounen? Amari ooki na koe de wadai ni agen hou ga yoi zo. Seiou kyou wa kihon-teki ni ningen zettai shugi dakara na. Taigai no shinkan-domo wa ajin, toku ni nagaki o ikiru choumei-shu ni taishite koui-teki de wa nai no da yo. Ma, sono sabetsu shisou ga seiou-sama no nokosareta yasashii o-kotoba to kuichigatte iru kara, mai toshi no you ni kyoukai kara geya suru fukokoroe-sha ga deru no da ga ne.

And it seems that the premise that races called demi-humans tend to be discriminated against is also the same. Nevertheless, Elisha's way of speaking made her sound more sympathetic towards these 'insolent ones' who oppose discrimination.

"Oh right, speaking of demi-humans, it reminded me. These folksespecially the elvesoften excel in one of the basic four attributes. They appear to be the embodiment of nature or the representatives of spirits, right? Occasionally, monstrous geniuses are born with an exceptional affinity for three or even all four attributes."

Aa sou da, ajin de omoidashita ga ne. Koyatsu-ra watoku ni Erufu nanda ga natokui to suru zokusei wa kihon shi zokusei no izure ka dearu baai ga ooi. Tennen shizen no keshin, seirei no daikou-sha o jishou suru renchuu rashii to ieba rashii darou? Mare ni tokui zokusei ga mittsu, aruiwa shi zokusei no subete to iu bakemono jimita tensai ga umareru koto mo aru toka.

"...There can be multiple affinity for attributes?"

...Tokui zokusei tte, fukusuu aru baai mo aru ndesu ka?

"Well, of course. Humans aren't made up of just flesh, after all. Inside the body, there are bones and blood. Attributes aren't that different, right?"

Sorya sou darou. Ningen, dare shi mo niku dake de dekite iru wake jaa nai ndakara na. Karada no naka ni wa hone mo areba ketsueki mo aru. Zokusei datte sonna you na mono dewa nai no ka?

It was a reasoning that was both understandable and not.

"For example, even I have aptitude for multiple attributes. Water and wind... and also the holy attribute I acquired through training here. Huh? I have an affinity for three, now that I think about it, aren't I amazing?"

Tatoeba, watashi datte fukusuu zokusei ni tekisei o motte iru. Mizu to kaze sore to koko de no shugyou de mi ni tsuketa sei zokusei ka. Mu? Tekisei ga mittsu mo aru zo, yoku kangaetara sugoku nai ka watashi?

"Yeah..."

Ha

Yuuto responded with a noncommittal acknowledgement. Even if he was told this, being someone who didn't even know the ABCs of magic, he couldn't comprehend what was so amazing. It was akin to someone not well-versed in mathematics being told about obscure functions and theorems, which didn't resonate.

...He would come to know later, but it seemed that Elisha didn't possess any particularly outstanding aptitude just because she could use the holy attribute now. Her affinity remained as it was, proficient in water and wind. Still, within the realm of humans, she seemed to be on the more capable side.

"So, what would be my affinity for attributes, I wonder?"

Jaa, ore no tokui zokusei tte, nan nan deshou ne?

He voiced a sudden question that came to mind. He didn't like fighting, but even so, it didn't diminish his curiosity about magic. If he could use it, he wanted to try it at least once.

Elisha pondered for a moment, placing her hand to her chin.

"Your affinity, huh... I don't know. If one is well-versed in magic, they can sometimes discern it. I was also told by the court mage in my homeland. And it might be difficult to assess it here in Omnia, which is specialized in divine magic and not familiar with the four major attributes."

Omae no tokui zokusei, ka Watashi dewa wakaran na. Mahou ni taketa mono dearu nara minukeru koto mo aru rashii shi, watashi mo sokoku de kyuutei madou-shi ni oshiete moratta no da ga. Shinsei mahou ni toku-ka shite shidaiseirei-kei ni utoi omunia dewa, hantei suru no wa muzukashii kamo shiren.

"Is that so? Kind of disappointing..."

Sou nan desu ka. Chotto zannen da naa

Not knowing what kind of magic he could use made him feel surprisingly disappointed. After all, in his original world, this was something that was absolutely impossible. Since he was summoned against his will and not according to his wishes, he felt that he should enjoy the otherworldly aspects a bit; otherwise, he wouldn't gain anything.

Elisha seemed to share the disappointment, and began considering it further.

"Hmm, I didn't recommend it since it's not very reliable, but there's also a way to diagnose based on personality. Like if you're passionate, you might have an affinity for fire, or if you're fickle, you might have an affinity for wind. It's a somewhat vague way of deciding, though."

Uumu, amari shinbyousei ga nai no de o-susume wa shi kaneru ga, seikaku o gen ni shindan suru to iu mono mo aru zo? Nekketsukan da to hi zokusei da toka, utsurigi na yatsu wa kaze zokusei da toka iu, fuwatto shita kime-kata da ga.

It was like personality diagnoses based on blood types or zodiac signs in Japan. It certainly seemed lacking in credibility.

"I'll ask just in case, but with that kind of categorization, what would happen in the case of someone with dual attributes like you, Elisha-san?"

Ichiou kikimasu kedo, sono wake-kata da to Erisha-san mitai na nijuu zokusei no baai wa dou naru ndesu?

"Then, I'll answer just in case. Fire and earth, for instance, would mean you're passionate and have firm beliefs. Someone good at stirring people up would be wind and fire. Water and earth would be a sticky and viscous type... water and wind would be like a well... stormy and unrestrained, was it?"

Jaa, ichiou kotaete oku ka. Hi to tsuchi nara jounetsu-teki de katai shinnen o motsu. Hito o aoru no ga umai soudou-ya wa kaze to hi. Mizu to tsuchi wa dorodoro to shita nenchaku-shitsu de mizu to kaze wa, sono, nanda arashi no you ni honpou datta ka na?

"..."

He retracted his previous statement. Actually, there might be a fairly high accuracy in this.

"Huh? What about combinations like fire and water, or wind and earth?"

Tte, are? Hi to mizu toka, kaze to tsuchi no baai wa nai ndesu ka?

When he asked out of curiosity, he received a bewildered shrug in response.

"Hey, young boy. It's better to think before you speak. Can fire mix with water? Those are opposing attributes. They don't become dual attributes because they have incompatible natures. It's different if you insert another attribute that can mediate and harmonize between them. But then, wouldn't that make it a triple attribute?"

Oi, shounen. Sukoshi wa kangaete mono o itta hou ga yoi zo? Hi ga mizu to majittari suru ka? Sore-ra wa tairitsu zokusei da. Aishou ga warui no de nijuu zokusei ni wa naran. Ma ni tatte chouwa saseru koto no dekiru betsu no zokusei o hasameba betsu daga na. Shikashi, sore da to mie zokusei ni naru darou?

"I-Is that so?"

So, sou nan desu ka?

"Basically, yes This is just a dubious rumor, but there's a widely accepted theory that those with affinity to opposing attributes are considerably mentally unstable unless they have three or more affinities. They have a severely disrupted mind, just like completely nonsensical exceptional cases such as burning water or flying earth. Well, I've never actually seen one, so take it with a grain of salt."

Kihon-teki ni wa, na Tada kore wa mayutsuba mono no uwasa nanda ga, tairitsu zokusei-mochi to iu no wa, san-juu ijou demo nakereba, soutou ni seishin ga hatan shite iru to iu tsuusetsu ga aru. Moeru mizu ya sora tobu daichi no you na, joushiki no tsuujinai tokkyuu ni kowareta atama o shite iru no da, to Ma, watashi mo o-me ni kakatta koto wa nai no dakara, hanashi han-bun dearu ga na.

You are quick-tempered but you seem to have common sense, so it's unlikely She ended the conversation with that sentence as if reassuring him. He had things he wanted to say, but thinking back to their first meeting, he realized that her concern about his mental instability wasn't entirely unfounded. At that time, if Elisha hadn't intervened, he would have inflicted serious injuries on Irmaella... and worse, things could have escalated even further.

Perhaps sensing that his mood was about to darken, And so, Elisha said, showing her intention to change the topic.

"By the way, young boy. What kind of magic do you want to use?"

Sou ieba shounen. Omae no tsukaitai mahou wa donna mono nanda?

"Huh?"

E?

"Huh is not an answer. Isn't it because there is something you want to do so you want to measure your affinity? Come on, just say something for now."

E, janai darou. Shitai koto, yaritai koto ga aru kara onore no tekisei o hakaru no dewa nai no ka? Hora, toriaezu de yoi kara itte miro.

Come to think of it, that might be true. To judge whether you can do what you want, affinity is the thing. So, what kind of magic would he like to try using? Yuuto thought for a moment and uttered the words that came to mind.

"Maybe lightning, or electric shocks I guess."

Kaminari toka, dengeki toka desu ka ne.

"Forget it."

Tomete oke.

He was promptly cut off.

"W-Why? Isn't it cooluh, I mean, it seems strong, doesn't it?"

Na, nande desu ka? Kakko iimo toi, tsuyo-sou de ii janai desu ka.

"I won't deny that it's strong and has a good appearance. Lightning-based magic, however, has a high level of difficulty in both learning and usage. Lightning is hot, fast, and something that falls from the clouds to the earth, right? In other words, you need to be proficient in using all the elements of the four major attributestemperature of fire, speed of wind, water from the thunderclouds, and the earth of the fall. It's said that if one can use even the most basic of it, just that is considered an advanced skill of at least C rank for adventurers. I think you should first attain a certain level of skill before attempting it."

Tsuyoi shi mibae ga suru no wa hitei sen ga ne. Raigeki keitou no mahou wa shuutoku, koushi tomo ni gaido ga takai no da yo. Inazuma to iu no wa, atsui shi hayai shi, kumo kara daichi ni ochiru mono darou? Tsumari ondo no hi, sokudo no kaze, raiun no mizu, rakka no tsuchi to, shi dai zokusei subete no youso o man-ben naku tsukaeru tassha de nakereba oboeraren. Shoho demo tsukaereba, sore dake de C ranku ijou no bouken-sha wa tsutomaru to iwareru hodo no koutou gijutsu da yo. Mazu wa ittei no giryou o ete kara, hajimete idomu beki da to omou zo.

As he was calmly admonished, it did indeed start to seem difficult. Even if he had an affinity for magic, he had no idea how many years of training it would take to use it. Well, not that he wanted to stay in this world for many years, to say the least.

"In other words... it's impossible for me?"

Tsumari ore jaa muri da to?

"No, no, we don't know your aptitude yet, so we can't judge. However, generally, those who use lightning magic have dual attributes... but I can't use it. I don't even have the intention to use it. My main profession is more about the sword than magic, you see. Anyway, talent and effort are not always enough."

Iya iya, mada tekisei wa wakaran kara handan wa dekin yo. Tada, kihon-teki ni raigeki no tsukaite wa nijuu zokusei-mochi daga watashi ni wa tsukaen. Tsukaeru ki sura sen. Honshoku wa mahou yori ken da to iu koto mo aru ga ne. Tomokaku, sainou mo doryoku mo namanaka na mono de wa oyobi mo tsukan no da yo.

Or rather, Elisha paused.

"First of all, we don't even know if you can use magic, young boy."

Mazu mahou ga tsukaeru ka dou ka sura wakaran kara na, shounen wa.

"Please don't be so blunt..."

Mi mo futa mo nai koto o iwanaide kudasai yo

Yuuto also dropped his shoulders with a sigh.

Magic requires magical energy called "mana." It seemed like he needed to have that in place first, but he couldn't seem to figure it out. He even wondered if such a thing really exists. He had seen people around him perform things that seemed like magic a few times, but believing that he had the power for it was another story.

Suddenly, the conversation fell silent. He thought today's lecture was already over, but the bell indicating the time hadn't rung yet. A few moments passed in silence, and eventually, Elisha spoke again.

"However, you do have more curiosity than I thought, don't you?"

Shikashi, nanda na. Omotta yori koukishin ga ousei dewa nai ka.

"Huh?"

E?

He couldn't help but blink at the sudden remark.

"You're a bit surprising. Haven't you always built walls around yourself, deciding to stay out of the world's affairs? It's unexpected that you're getting so engaged in this."

Sukoshi igai datta zo. Omae, itsumo jibun no shuui ni kabe o tsukutte, yo no naka no koto nado warekansezu to kime konde ita darou? Sore ga kou mo hanashi ni kui tsuite kuru to wa na.

"It's because... these people here are always preaching and lecturing."

Sore wa koko no renchuu, itsumo seppou da no sekkyou da no bakari desu shi.

There's nothing less engaging than being invited into an unknown religion. Moreover, Yuuto was brought to this world with almost nothing. In a situation with no escape, he felt a shiver just thinking about carelessly lending an ear and potentially being brainwashed.

"Hey now, that's not good, young boy. This continent is where the followers of the Holy King's faith reside, and this country is its headquarters. I don't know where you're from, but as long as you live here, you can't completely avoid the influence of the Holy King's faith. If you handle it too recklessly, you might regret it later, you know?"

Kora kora, dame da zo shounen. Kono tairiku wa seiou kyouto no kurasu tairiku de, kono kuni wa sono souhonzan na no da. Omae ga doko no shusshin ka wa wakaran ga, koko de seikatsu suru ijou, seiou kyou kara wa muen de iraren. Amari muge ni atsukatte iru to, ato de itai me o miru kamo shiren zo?

"Is that a threat?"

Odoshi desu ka, sore?

"It's an advice with common sense. Imagine if a stranger spoke ill of someone you're infatuated with or look up to?"

Ippanron-teki na chuukoku da yo. Tatoe-banashi da ga, shounen ga horete iru onna ya sonkei shite iru dai-jinbutsu no koto o, mishiranu dareka ga waruku itte itara dou omou?

"...It would make me feel uncomfortable."

...Sore wa, nanka iya na kibun ni narimasu ne.

"Exactly, right? It's the same with a religious sect, or maybe even more so. It's wise to store enough knowledge to align your conversations and get through, even if it's for self-preservation. You hate trouble, right?"

Darou? Shuumon no baai demo douyou, iya sore ijou da yo. Hoshin no tame ni mo, hanashi o awasete yarisugoseru dake no chishiki wa takuwaete oita hou ga yoi. Mendou goto wa kirai darou?

He agreed to some extent. He definitely disliked trouble. However, he might dislike the Holy King's faith just as much. Since he had just been warned, he put a lid on those thoughts for a while and nodded his head.

"...I'll be careful."

...Ki o tsukemasu yo.

"Very well, it's good that you're honest So, what were we talking about? Ah, yes, it was about what interests you. Just listening to my lecture might be boring. Feel free to ask about anything you'd like to know. I'll answer to the best of my knowledge."

Umu, sunao de yoroshii Sore de, nan no hanashi datta kke ka? Aa, sou sou, omae no kyoumi ga aru mono ni tsuite datta na. Watashi no kougi o kiku bakari to iu no mo tsumaran darou. Shiritai koto o jiyuu ni shitsumon shite miro, shitte iru kagiri no koto wa kotaete yaru ga.

"What I'd like to know..."

Shiritai, koto

He stumbled on the words.

What does he want to know? First of all, what does he not know? Since being summoned here, he had spent every day cooped up within the grounds of this cathedral, and he hadn't set foot outside even once. It's another world. A place filled with experiences he could never have in modern-day Japan. Yet, he's worshiped and force-fed convenient justifications by the members of the church. Recognizing this again, he felt suffocated and his chest tightened at the thought.

"...Outside."

...Soto.

"Hm?"

N?

"I wonder what's happening in the outside world...?"

Soto no sekai tte, dou natte iru ndeshou ne?

The outside of this cage painted with goodwill and order. For the first time, Yuuto acknowledged his interest there.

He wanted to go outside. He wanted to fully understand a world he knew nothing about and see things he had never seen before. The source of that desirewas it a rebellion against those who confined him, or was it the result of youth and curiosity seeking new targets for their passion? Yuuto didn't understand it himself. The only thing he could understand was that, with returning to Japan being an almost hopeless wish, his next desire was to leave from here.

In response to the boy's eager yearning, the woman smiled gently.

"...It's probably faster to see it for yourself."

...Sore wa jibun de mita hou ga hayai darou na.

~~~

"...I wonder how much do we really know about this world?"

...Boku-tachi wa kono sekai ni tsuite, ittai dore dake no koto o shitte iru no darou?

In the darkness, deep within the earth, in a space that could be called the end of the world, a voice of a heretical alchemist echoed.

The Marlan Underground Great Labyrinth. Deep underground in the mountains of the frontier, a large base established as an outpost for forbidden experiments. This was the central atelier, so to speak. In the depths of the room, at a desk piled with experiment reports that would make an ordinary person sick with just a cursory glance, sat the master of this blasphemous space, his fingers interlaced.

Tullius Shernan Oubeniel. A newly appointed marquis who rose to fame in the Volden campaign, notorious for his indulgence in alchemy and repugnant experiments as the 'Slave Killer'.

There was no response to his words. The pawns gathered in their master's chamber were waiting for his next sentence, each with their own expressions. Some listened quietly, while others seemed eager. And then, there were those who were weary, as if resenting whatever was about to begin.

"The experiments targeting the captured priests have been continuing since last year. As a result, it has been confirmed that the power they call 'divine power' is, essentially, not much different from ordinary magical power."

Kyonen kara tsuzukete iru, hokaku shita shinkan o taishou ni shita jikken. Sono kekka, karera ga houriki to yonde iru chikara wa, tsumaru tokoro tsuujou no maryoku to sore hodo kawaranai koto ga kakunin sarete iru.

What Tullius was saying pertained to the experiments using the adventurers who visited the dungeon on the surface, concealing this underground experimental facility. It was an attempt to understand the principles of one of the driving forces behind the widely revered Holy King Church on the continentdivine magic, also known as holy attribute magic. Sometimes forcibly making brainwashed priests violate their doctrines, at other times tampering with the subjects of their faith... After numerous blasphemous acts, he finally came to an understanding.

"In other words, it means that the sacraments of the clergy are just another form of magic. Whether it's producing flames from a staff, summoning wind, or my alchemy... in the end, they are fundamentally the same."

Tsumari wa, seishoku-sha no hiseki mo mahou no isshu ni suginai to iu wake da ne. Tsue kara honou o dashi tari kaze o fukase tari, aruiwa boku ga tsukau renkinjutsu dattari kekkyoku, sore-ra to ne wa onaji nanda yo.

The miracles that the priests proclaim as divine blessings and the grace of God... were ultimately no different from other forms of magic. This fact, if heard by a Holy King follower, would immediately lead to an execution by burning.

"Then, why is their magic considered special? They bring healing, offer protection, exorcize demons... these powers are granted only to the human race. Even the elves, who excel in magical prowess and possess a deep understanding of magic, can't utilize them. It's as if someone has chosen only humans and bestowed blessings upon them"

Dewa, naze kare-ra no mahou wa tokubetsu nan darou? Iyashi o motarashi, kago o atae, ma o harau sono chikara wa ningen-shu ni shika ataerarete inai. Maryoku ni sugure, mahou ni taketa Erufu-shu de sura tsukau koto ga dekinai. Marude nani mono ka ga, ningen dake o erande onkei o ataete iru mitai janai ka

While saying this, he casually tossed a book retrieved from the desk drawer. The scripture regarded as the most important of the Holy King Church... 'Chronicle of Ascension.' It depicted the Savior, the Holy King, rising to the heavens.

"And his true identity is the Holy King. The Savior of humanity. A leader from more than a thousand years ago who is said to have ascended to the heavens and reached the divine throne while praying for salvation from the threat of demons... I think he truly became a god and is giving blessings to humanity. On this point, the interpretation of the church is correct."

Sono shoutai koso, Seiou. Jinrui no sukuinushi. Ma no kyoui kara no kyuusai o negai nagara, ten e nobori kanza e itatta to sareru sen-nen ijou mae no shidou-sha boku wa, kare ga hontou ni kami ni nari, ningen e to kago o ataete iru njanai ka to omou. Kono ten dake wa kyoukai no kaishaku ga tadashii.

However, Tullius continued with a cutting tone.

Keredo,

"That raises another new question. Let's assume that the power of holy magic is derived from the Holy King. Then, what could be the origin of other forms of magic? In the incantations of high-level magic, there are sometimes mentions of gods associated with their respective attributes, but do these gods really exist? The ancient religions found in ruins from before the Holy Omnia Empire, the spirit beliefs practiced by demi-humans such as elves, and so on... Are they aligned with these gods they believe in? And"

Sore da to, mata arata na gimon ga dete kuru ne. Shinsei mahou no chikara ga seiou ni yurai suru to katei shiyou. Jaa, hoka no mahou no kigen wa nan nan darou? Koui mahou no eishou no naka ni wa, toki toshite sono zokusei no kami ni tsuite genkyuu suru naiyou mo aru keredo, sore-ra no kami mo sonzai suru no darou ka? Shinsei Omunia teikoku izen no jidai no iseki ni mirareru genshi shuukyou, erufu nado no ajin ga okonau seirei shinkou kare-ra no shinjiru kami to doujiku na no darou ka? Soshite

As he passionately spoke, a kind of terrifying fire lit up in his eyes.

"Could it be that these so-called gods are also, like the Holy King, originally human? In that case, it might mean that it's not impossible for humans to become gods. To become an existence that is eternal, universal, and immortal."

Moshi ka suru to, yahari sono kamigami to yara mo seiou to onajiku moto ningen nan darou ka? Da to sureba, ningen ga kami ni naru koto wa fukanou janai koto ni naru. Eien de, fuhen-teki de, shinu koto nanka arienai sonzai ni, ne.

In the end, that was the conclusion. This man, no matter what, did not want to die. He would become anything if it meant avoiding death. Whether a demon or a god.

"To find that out, we need to research Omnia in more detail. Texts related to the period just before and after the Holy King's ascension, the sacred site where the ascension took place, and what about the 'hero' said to be sent by the Holy King in times of humanity's crisis? Don't you think they keep too many things hidden?"

Sore o shiru tame ni wa, Omunia ni tsuite motto kuwashiku shiraberu hitsuyou ga aru. Seiou shouten no chokuzen chokugo ni matsuwaru bunken. Shouten ga okonawareta seichi. Sore to jinrui no kiki ni seiou no tsukawasu toka iu yuusha to wa nani ka? Ano renchuu wa kakushite iru koto ga oo sugiru to omowanai kai?

In response to those words, one of the subordinates exclaimed in a mixture of astonishment and exasperation.

'Can you really say that?' they said.

Anta no ieta koto ka ne, to.

Another one, with a playful gesture, also agreed.

'Aren't you the person with the most unutterable secret on the continent?' they chimed in.

Kimi tte tairiku de ichiban, hito ni ienai himitsu o kakaeta ningen nan janai? To.

"Well, I think it's hard to deny that... But, don't you think it would make for an interesting investigation? Exposing the mystery of the largest religion in the Omnia Empire, no, on the continent."

Maa, sono hen wa hitei shi gatai to wa omou kedo ne Demo, omoshiroi chousa ni nari-sou da to omou darou? Omunia koukoku, iya tairiku saidai no shuukyou no nazo o maru hadaka ni shite yaru tte iu no wa sa.

A dark elf nodded in agreement.

'I see. Stripping inappropriate attire off those hairless apes, huh?' they remarked.

Naruhodo, ke-nashi no saru-domo kara bun busouou na koromo o haide yaru wake desu ka, to.

The white elf also leaned in.

'It's very exciting to know people's secrets, isn't it?' they added.

Hito no himitsu o shiru toki tte, suggoku waku waku shimasu yo ne? To.

"It's good to see you all so enthusiastic. When there's something to look forward to, it adds to your motivation for work, right?"

Kimi-tachi mo noriki na you de nani yori da yo. Tanoshimi ga aru to, shigoto o suru toki no mochibshon ga chigau tte mono dashi ne.

However, at this point, one person, or rather one of the shadowy figures, voiced their dissent.

'Isn't it premature for this?' 'I oppose it,' they stated.

Sore wa jiki shousou dewa, to, hantai shi masu, to.

The one closest to their master also concurred.

'Omnia is the biggest threat among the hypothetical enemies. Considering the current situation that has left unease around Master, I believe we should not act and leave it as it is,' they argued.

Omunia wa kasou teki no naka dewa saidai no kyoui, goshujin-sama no shuui ni fuan o nokoshita genjou dewa te o tsukeru beki dewa nai to kangaemasu, to.

"I thought you guys would say that. Well, what I've just said is only something like a statement of my beliefs. It's until we've made it clear about what our future course of action will be, I guess That's why the next task will be to deal with nuisances that might obstruct this course of action. Make it so they cannot interfere with my surroundings for a while."

Kimi-tachi wa sou iu to omotte ita yo. Maa, ima no wa shoshin hyoumei mitai na mono sa. Kongo no koudou no houshin wa dono you na mono ka, wakari yasuku shita made tte tokoro ka na Dakara tsugi no shigoto wa, kono houshin no shougai ni nari-sou na jama-mono o, katazukeru koto ni naru. Shibaraku boku no shuui ni tedashi o dekinai you ni ne.

Then, the last person showed their excitement.

'Ohh, that's a great plan! It seems I would be able to make a big fuss and feast to my heart's content in this job, doesn't it?' they exclaimed.

Hou, sore wa choujou! Kore mata hade ni abarete tarafuku kueru shigoto ni nari-sou desu na? To.

"Alright, shall we get to the main topic? Our next target is"

Jaa, hondai ni hairou ka. Tsugi no hyouteki wa da ne

The fiendish alchemist gleefully laid out his plan. Driven by his selfish desires, he plotted to bring further chaos to the continent.

Several shadows lent their ears to these words, totaling seven in this place.

In essence, this meant that the man's 'masterpieces' through his forbidden arts had once again increased in number.

"Now, let's commence the plan. In order to advance my precious research without hindrance."

Saa, keikaku o hajimeyou. Boku no daiji na kenkyuu o, todokourinaku susumeru tame ni ne.

~~~

To be continued...

TL Note:

Ahaaaaaaaaaaaa~ Im overjoyed were finally back to Tullius pov!!! I enjoy translating his story the most!!! I was grinning the entire time while typingggg aaaaaaaaa~~~

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