Chapter 14
Hana Flower Forest IV [Magic Librarian of the Imperial Academy]
I watched the men from the Imperial Academy, who had been observing the battle, run away as the dust still settled.
It’s almost like they saw a monster. It was a monster, I guess!
“…Useless.” (Shuten)
For now all I can tell is that the bad guys have definitely escaped in haste.
I pick up the small stone rolling about my feet. As usual, the pearl piece was still dark.
“There must be some kind of scary appeal to the pearl pieces. I gave the one I found to Flair Reel-chan because she thought it was beautiful, even though it’s dangerous!” (Shuten)
However there’s no one I can give a pearl piece to at the moment.
That’s why I decided I’ll try to take it into my body later, since I do not want any sharp pain at the moment. I mean, the first one jumped in without any questions, but these ones have showed no such thing besides turning dark. I appreciate the restraint, but there is also the matter of having to push through the pain by my own will.
I decide to put the pearl piece in my chest pocket. Just stay quiet in my pocket until the correct person arrives! You’ll need to wait if you want to be in the bosom of a girl’s kimono rather than mine!
Since it is too troublesome to deal with the corpse of the huge Kuchiinu, I left it behind.
But I digress.
From the moment I got the pearl piece, the pearl sensing radar inside me gave me another direction. That was the case at the Negri abandoned mine, it seems the mission is complete and the radar moves on even without having to put it in someone’s body.
I am grateful that there is no need to put it in a body. Well, the next direction is surprising.
“This way, Northwest. Wasn’t that where the Nine-tails was headed…Hmm?” (Shuten)
Wasn’t it for someone from the Empire?
Woah, I don’t want to go. I super don’t want to go. It’s true that the Empire is used to being surrounded by strong demons, but it shouldn’t be normal for people to be stronger than monsters from the last dungeon. Normally, the power cla.s.s of one from the last dungeon in the Makai Underground Empire wouldn’t be pressed back so much by a commonly sp.a.w.ning monster.
I’m disgusted.
“I wonder what would happen if a magical librarian got one of the pearl pieces. Uhhh, I don’t want to think about it.” (Shuten)
But there is no doubt that the pearl piece is in the direction of the Empire. And the recovery is my job, unfortunately. I do not want to corrupt the balance of power.
It would be interesting if I could give the pearl pieces to Crane-kun and his friends, but I’m scared they might disintegrate if I do it wrong. Normally (普通に).
I became melancholy at the thought that there are 12 remaining pieces.
“Well, I guess I have to go?” (Shuten)
I re-shoulder the Demon Slayer, and as soon as I move I suddenly notice my stomach was empty.
“…I thought that there was no food since I entered this forest, but I was wrong. It’s right in front of me.” (Shuten)
I wonder why I didn’t notice earlier this huge thing lying before me was simply meat.
I decided to head to the Empire after I grilled this giant Kuchiinu I killed, so I sc.r.a.ped some meat from it with the Demon Slayer. After dragging some chest meat over and letting the blood drain out, I quickly put it to roast over the fire.
Let’s bake it carefully and then eat.
“…Disgusting.” (Shuten)
The smell is too strong, and I lost my appet.i.te. That’s not something I want to put in my stomach. I gave up on the meat. It is impossible to eat, it seems the meat of a carnivorous monster is not good.
While thinking such a thing, I start walking Northwest.
The forest is wide, and I admire that a single tier dungeon can boast the largest area. Planar dungeons that you can get easily lost in like the Hana Flower Forest do not exist in Grimoire Lancer. (TL: he probably means that either the forest isn’t found in the first game, or the single-level dungeons in the game overall are not easy to get lost in) Should a map be created it would probably be at least a 15 page book.
“Oh, the rock.” (Shuten)
As I continued, I found an unusual rock formation in the woods.
At the end of the Hana Flower Forest, on the North end, is a warped upright rock. The exits of this dungeon are separated from the outside, by the rock in the Northwest and in the by a river Southeast.
“On the other side of this rock is the Empire!” (Shuten)
While stroking the rock I indulge in emotion.
So I walk all along the rock wall.
I am melancholic to go to the Empire, but I am also optimistic that I will manage somehow as long as I don’t bite off more than I can chew.
The Empire.
In the landscape of Grimoire Lancer II, the number of human countries in the world is four. The four include the Kingdom, the Professor Country, the Princ.i.p.ality, and the Empire. There was also the Republic, but two years before II it had been completely absorbed by the Empire. As such, the other three countries in a sense of crisis created a tripart.i.te alliance, and strengthened their national defenses by sharing the Adventurers a.s.sociation originating from the Princ.i.p.ality.
Well, though it means that only one country is the hub compared to the Empire, in reality there is a power imbalance. (まあ、その中で一国だけハブられている帝国なわけだが、実際それでパワーバランスが互角かというとそうではない) Even so, the Empire is a strong country.
The Kingdom’s “Holy Dragon Knights.”
The Professor Country’s “Crusaders Cross Legion.”
And the “Adventurers a.s.sociation of Braves” in the Princ.i.p.ality.
With each country having an organization like this, only the Imperial Academy is different. In the world of Grimoire Lancer the use of magic is totally different depending on the country. However, it is common in most countries to manipulate magical particles drifting throughout the world through voiced instructions called “casting” or “chanting.”
But the Empire is different. Strictly speaking, a “magic librarian” is different.
Drawing out a powerful “energy body” from another s.p.a.ce referred to as “variation phases (異相),” magical power is generated with greater ferocity intact.
The ability to enable connection with “variation phases.” Vast magical power. The mental strength needed to reinforce a spiritual energy body. Only those who possess these three talents have the qualifications needed to become a magic librarian, and they can still reach greater heights despite being human.
Because they are always have the ability to manipulate a powerful energy body and own the magic spell books known as Grimoires, they are known as magic librarians.
“…well, the point is that they are a dangerous enemy for me now who can both wield weapons and manipulate magic intrinsically.” (Shuten)
…by the way.
The people who ran away earlier should have been people who belonged to the Imperial Academy. Had they been the troops sent to subjugate the Kuchiinu…they were supposed to be from the agency, but maybe that’s not it?
Somehow the pieces began to fall into place.
I sighed in spite of myself. Since magic librarians are also people from the Empire, they will not excuse any demons. If there is only one it’s possible, but three or four people…especially if all ten are gathered together then I will probably be instantly evaporated. Though I don’t remember too much about those guys.
If there is more than one I will withdraw, but if it’s just one person it might be good to test my current skills. I will be able to pull out my full power, and it is good to reduce the number of dangerous opponents when the opportunity arises, though more than anything…I cannot meet that person.
“…What should I do if it’s Grendel?” (Shuten)
The only problem is Grendel the tenth seat. Obviously, because he is the final companion who joins the hero Crane’s party later on.
I remember when the Imperial magic librarian joined the party, and I thought the rise in difficulty was unusual. Then when I opened the status screen, he was totally higher in level than even the protagonist. Even though everyone else is not yet level 35, he alone is level 48! He’s truly a magic librarian of the Empire…Well, you catch up while fighting together. Since only one person has a high level and a wide range of experience, it is difficult to just raise his level.
“Well, at that time, what then?” (Shuten)
All magic librarians are the same strength as Makai Underground Empire last dungeon cla.s.s…so I probably won’t die if I do my best. After all, if there is a chance to fight a magic librarian and I get battered and lose it will make some good memories. (全クリ後に魔導司書連中と戦う機会があって、ボロボロに負けたのは良い思い出だ)
I don’t think it’s a far-fetched encounter, considering the fact that the people from the Imperial Academy had escaped during the fight earlier, so it may not be surprising that they returned to call on the magic librarian. Initially, only one magic librarian would be dispatched by the agency as part of the advance group to preside over the battle with the Kuchiinu.
“It seems likely.” (Shuten)
I’ll do this much! (とか、これくらいにしといてやる！) I wonder if I can escape through talking. Yeah, let’s try that.
After I came to the northern end of the dungeon, I head west. I move quickly while carrying the Demon Slayer.
That reminds of something urgent!
“…Wasn’t that Nine-tails-chan also headed towards the Empire? I don’t know about 100 years ago, but if she opposes the magic librarians doesn’t that put her in a bad situation?” (Shuten)
However, between the weakest magic librarian Grendel and a Nine-tails sealed for 100 years, which one would win?
There’s no way the one sealed a hundred years ago would win, right? (百年前に封印するしか方法が無かった相手だろ？)
For example, if Grendel is charmed then it’ll be a single shot…or maybe not? Basically, magic librarians are granted magic that resists the magic of certain monster types.
If so they can compete on the same soil (だったら地力で勝負)…I do not know because I have not seen the Nine-tailed girl fight seriously, so—
At that moment, a giant rock from the wall formation hits the ground in front of me with a loud sound. Several large rock fragments were smashed to pieces on the ground, and I can’t help but think something is wrong. I guess they were blown away.
“…Ah- well, the magic librarian is this strong?” (Shuten)
The Nine-tailed girl who was struck by the rocks fell heavily to the ground according to law of gravity. Thinking about it calmly, this Nine-tails is a mid-game boss who fights the hero Crane that broke her 100 year seal. Well, they didn’t have a magic librarian at the time.
I grabbed the Nine-tailed girl about to bash her face on the ground and rolled for a bit.
“…Hmmm, it’s the demon mentioned in the report. It seems to be a few steps stronger than the Nine-tails here.” (Grendel)
“Hey there magic librarian. No way, as I feared, Grendel-san was the one among those here.” (Shuten)
“Huh, you know me?” (Grendel)
As I slowly walked from the trees, it seemed like he was a magic librarian with a cautious atmosphere.
This was the Grendel I had imagined just a little while ago. The tenth seat. Although it is the last seat, that doesn’t mean it is ordered according to ability. The reason why he is called the weakest magic librarian is purely because Grendel in front of me is not as strong in combat capability.
However, even the weakest magic librarian is comparable to a monster from the last dungeon of the Makai Underground Empire.
“It’s too bad, but no demon is allowed to be brought into the Empire. So shall I let you die along with that Nine-tails there?” (Grendel)
“Well, sorry, but no thanks.” (Shuten)
Grendel barely reacts, with a face chiseled from stone. While brushing aside his clean blonde hair, he half-turned towards me.
“Indeed, it seems to be above the Nine-tails, but…I am the wrong person to go against. I will crush you thoroughly.” (Grendel)
“I would also like to be excused from that.” (Shuten)
Catching a terrible glimpse behind me of the Nine-tailed girl, her borrowed clothes have turned to rags. Are only demons treated this way? No, it might have been because the Nine-tails instigated the fight…Even so, her side had been gouged out, her tails were burnt and ears tattered, and blood dripped from her legs…If the target had not changed to me, she would be dead.
“Stop…it…” (Nine-tails)
“Speak clearly.” (Shuten)
“You…!!” (Nine-tails)
I do not understand what you are saying. It is not some scene where I’m dashing to protect a girl’s appearance here. Or it would be a little more like, “Shuten-kun…for me…(dazed by my charm)” is what it looks like.
He didn’t introduce himself. Is my fantasy unachievable?
“I will not give you time to look away!” (Grendel)
“I didn’t intend to do so from the beginning.” (Shuten)
Grendel released three kinds of spheres, white, green, and red.
I knew their three roles in the game.
White disables all attacks. Green is power amplification. And red, it’s dangerous if it hits you.
“Let’s go!”
“Well then!”
Shaking from left to right, the red sphere excitedly attacked me. That is, when the moment it hits you, a bomb attack that ignores defense. He really is a dangerous guy.
In response, I slam the Demon Slayer into the ground. The earth rises in a wave to strike Grendel. In the meanwhile, I avoided the flying red ball.
“Hmph.” (Grendel)
My earth wave went in a straight line. Grendel held up his black gloved hands and punched it hard. At the same time, his green sphere resonated and caused his body to glow.
Explosion. The waves of earth were shattered by his fist.
Beyond the flying, scattered soil Grendel shows a fearless smile.
“Do you still want to fight?” (Grendel)
Why not? (そりゃねーぜ。)
“…Sorry, I haven’t done anything yet.” (Shuten)
“Mmm…really? In that case I will destroy everything until I break your confidence. Since I got a good reaction, I thought it was a real attack.” (Grendel)
However, as long as Grendel has that green sphere, his attack power will continue to rise.
Also, the red sphere will continue to fly at me with attacks. They are not an autonomously mobile, but rather Grendel manipulates each one individually. It is an amazing thing, but it is also a weak point.
“Well then.” (Shuten)
“With that giant thing, of course it’ll be battle of close proximity?” (Grendel)
Driving into the ground and crouching low almost to my chest, I swung the Demon Slayer. I was confident in its speed. However, Grendel received it with a glove.
“D*#n.” (Shuten)
“Hmm…!” (Grendel)
Oioioioi, isn’t his power too strong?
With pure antagonistic force, Grendel’s feet are driven into the ground. I thought I could push him further, but at the same time as the green sphere glowed, from behind—
“Oops.”
An explosion. The red sphere exploded into my right shoulder, and the sharp sensation rapidly transformed into pain.
…It’s good I had this Kinagaishi.
I can sense that even this amount of damage had been reduced. That was really dangerous.
“Hmm, I thought that was a fancy outfit for a demon…but it seems that it is not just for appearance.” (Grendel)
“Your men saw through that at a glance.” (Shuten)
“Thanks, but I’m not good at that kind of thing.” (Grendel)
“That’s good.” (Shuten)
Grendel casually stretched his wrists.
I hope that speed of the Demon Slayer will not dull because my right shoulder was wounded.
“Now then, shall I start with this?” (Grendel) (そろそろ、僕から仕掛けようか)
In an instant, Grendel arrived in front of me. His speed is comparable to mine earlier.
Just before his glove was about to hit my face, I jumped back while swinging the Demon Slayer.
He avoided it by moving to the side, and then Grendel crouched and instantly began to accelerate. c.r.a.p, not only attack is increased but also speed.
“That’s the difference in capability. That big axe is not suitable for a martial artist as an opponent.”
“Heh, then allow me!”
“!!?”
Slamming the axe into the ground, he then countered with his attack. The quaking earth hesitated momentarily as both sides met, then quieted—
And behind the scenes, spinning over in a hurry, the red sphere pierced through the earth.
“You avoided it.” (Grendel)
“That’s it…!” (Shuten)
“But.” (Grendel)
He slams his fists together and muttered with a ferocious smile. What is with that expression?
“All three of my spheres are meant to be together.” (Grendel)
“!!?” (Shuten)
Hey, where did the white sphere from earlier go!? The white sphere was now aiming for the right side of my body.
I avoided it, then responded to the red sphere approaching with my Demon Slayer.
“You look away too much.” (Grendel)
“c.r.a.p…!!” (Shuten)
If I am too dependent on the Demon Slayer then it might as well be a stick…!
My distraction by the sphere created a gap of opportunity, which Grendel rushed into before I realized. The flat of his palm jabbed forward.
It’s aiming for my heart—I must avoid it!…!?
I try to avoid it by twisting my body, but it is already too late.
The palm released from Grendel’s right side hit the left of my chest strongly, knocking me into the air.
That-is-
It hurt. It felt like his palm shoved something into my chest.
“Ah…Gah…!?” (Shuten)
Something is causing my whole body to hurt.
Cold sweat poured out of my entire body.
“Mu?” (sfx for annoyance, though it also seems confused) (Grendel)
“Aaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaahhhhh!!!!!!!!!!” (Shuten)
What is this.
It must be what I put in my pocket a little while ago.
I absorbed the pearl piece.