CHAPTER 16: ENTICING ULTRAMARINECalmly, Suimei removed his quicksilver sword from Raikas’ throat. Raikas dropped to the floor, gasping for breath.
“Haaa… ha… s.h.i.t…”
“Ugh…”
Behind him Enmarph fell to the ground, completely exhausted, a consequence of his mana having been drained.
Victory. Their contempt and ridicule had been returned in full – complete and total victory. Generally, upon their victory, adventurers would revel in the joy of triumph, but today’s victor did no such thing. Calmly, he canceled the magic enchanting his mercury blade, allowing it to return to its liquid state.
Next, as if time were rewinding itself, the flowing mercury returned itself to the vial from whence it had come.
Dorothea, the guild’s representative witness for the battle watched the two fallen adventurers in amazement.
“Uwa… He really beat them both at once…”
Her face was frozen in shock, so unexpected was the outcome. Her fellow spectator, Lefille, unsurprisingly bore a warrior’s gaze. She watched Suimei with a fixed gaze, her unmoving eyes seemingly scrutinizing a skilled warrior who she couldn’t be careless around.
Suddenly, that serious expression vanished, replaced by a gentle smile.
“…Magnificent.”
This word of praise weakened the serious aura that continued to emanate from her person.
Dorothea approached Suimei.
“Suimei-san. What an amazing battle that was! You fought against Raikas-san and Enmarph-san at the same time and completely overwhelmed them. There aren’t any other Mehter guild members right now that could replicate such a feat!”
“Thank you very much. But really, I just managed to use a few of the techniques that I’m pretty good with.”
His modest tone, which implied that this outcome had been a stroke of luck, provoked a look of envy from Dorothea, as well as a retort.
“What’re you being modest for? You’re an amazing mage! Even when compared to the mages of the mages’ guild, something of this level puts you on par with the very most skilled mages! Isn’t that right, Lefille-san?”
“Yeah. I’m not that familiar with what the strongest mages of Mehter’s mages’ guild are like, but from what we just witnessed, your skills are definitely at a high level.”
Lefille’s words piqued Suimei’s interest.
“…On that note, if you two were to compare me to other strong mages you know, how do I match up?”
Suimei expressed his interest in the mages of this world. He’d just boasted that the magic of this world was decidedly inferior, although if speaking solely about how magic was wielded, that wasn’t necessarily the case. Truth be told, he didn’t have a clue just how strong the very most powerful mages of this world were.
If the conditions included a magic that was practiced and familiar and a large mana capacity, then pouring in tremendous amounts of mana into said magic would effect awesome results, resulting in a magic of such scale that it would shock anyone. Additionally, when the fact that elements were utilized as a magic catalyst into the equation, then the power would likely be even greater.
That, of course, was providing that this magic was used in battle—
His question seemed to make Dorothea happy.
“So you care about this kind of thing too, huh, Suimei-san? I guess you are a guy, after all.”
“Yeah, I guess. …So?”
“Ahem. That’s a good att.i.tude to have, I think. Anyway, if I were to compare you to Twilight Pavilion’s S-ranked mages, then I have to say you’re still a bit weaker…”
Her hesitation at the tail end of that sentence seemed to suggest that he was on something of a level comparable to those S-ranked mages.
That being the case…
“I see. …By the way, the renowned White Flame of this city – how does she stack up against S-ranked mages?”
“White Flame-san is more well known for her research ability. Although she’s allegedly either first or second when it comes to raw power, but when it comes to battle, she’s still a level lower than the battle experts here.”
“Oh…”
Dorothea’s declaration had been proud, as if boasting about the strength of the guild. Suimei voiced his interest.
Felmenia Stingray. Although she was a talented mage, her battle ability left something to be desired. Although her raw talent put her on par with the very best of mages, but her lack of battle experience put her a level below them. Fascinating.
That was good news. It looked like it was still a bit early to be disappointed by this world’s magic.
“And you, Gurakis-san? What do you think?”
Surprisingly, Lefille looked back at him with confusion.
“…I would never have guessed you would care so much about comparing against others.”
“Oh, no, it’s nothing like that. This is just for reference. I want to know where I stand, your honest opinions about my ability, etc. That’s the sort of thing anyone would care about, right?”
Lefille closed her eyes, as if searching her memory, before slowly answering.
“That’s true… This is just my opinion, but… from what I saw today, I don’t think your mana capacity is comparable to the strongest mages. When it comes to destructive power, although I saw you use magic just now, I’m afraid I can’t pa.s.s judgment.”
“Destructive power, huh.”
As expected, the mages of this world – just like nature magic pract.i.tioners back home – focused primarily on destructive power. That being the case, just how deadly were the strongest mages here?
“If we’re talking about those who stand at the absolute peak of magedom, then a forest or a city can be leveled with a single spell. I apologize if this is a bit harsh, but you aren’t even close to that level.”
“I see, I see…”
That was within expectation. Since he hadn’t activated his mana furnace, it was natural that there was a huge gap between them. Able to destroy a forest or a city in one blow? While it wasn’t at the level of flattening mountains or destroying entire peninsulas, it was still a pretty terrifying level. Then again, even magicians back home probably weren’t capable of a feat like that either. Not that that mattered right now.
“Thanks a lot. I’ve learned a lot.”
“It’s nothing. Thanking me for something that small makes me a little embarra.s.sed.”
“Not at all. There’s still a lot I don’t know; broadening my horizons is necessary.”
Suimei bowed his head in grat.i.tude. Dorothea tilted her head, looking confused.
“…Honestly, just who are you really, Suimei-san? You’re this strong and yet I’ve never heard your name before…”
“Of course not. If I were to be known just for having reached this kind of level, that’d be the weird thing, right?” Suimei mocked himself.
Dorothea looked displeased.
“Please don’t look down on Twilight Pavilion’s intel gathering abilities. Knowing the name of someone of your ability is pretty much guaranteed… well, almost anyway.”
Her certainty wavered by the end of her sentence, admitting that there were holes in their knowledge. Suimei was a native of j.a.pan, to expect someone from another world to have gathered intel on him was asking a bit much.
Trying to raise her spirits, Suimei answered weakly.
“Uh… How do I put this? Well, I come from somewhere pretty far away…”
“Somewhere far? The South?”
“No. East would be a more accurate description.”
Suimei thought back on the maps he’d studied in the palace. Preparing for just this kind of occasion, he’d made sure to familiarize himself with geography.
To the east of Aster lay an enormous, desolate area that was a mix of forests, mountains, and desert. There hadn’t been any contact with kingdoms in the area, and almost no information on that area of the world at all.
Thus, when asked, it would be fine to answer in this way.
“Oh, okay. Our knowledge of the east is definitely lacking. Does that mean that your magic is something practiced in the east?”
“You could say that,” he answered, with a face that couldn’t be read.
Her interest having been raised, Lefille sunk into silence before mumbling.
“Unique magic, is it…”
“Something the matter?”
“…Never mind.”
“…?”
What had caught her interest?
The look in her eyes just now had been strange—
“Yeah, your magic just now was pretty amazing, whether it be the speed of activation or the strength of your defensive spells. The world sure is wide.”
“You flatter me.”
Being directly complimented in this manner made him rather embarra.s.sed.
Dorothea turned to face Lefille, as if she’d suddenly remembered something.
“That reminds me, Lefille-san you’re planning on leaving for the Nelferian Empire, right?”
“Hmm? Oh, yes, I am,” Lefille affirmed.
So she’s heading for Nelferia too? What a coincidence.
“Oh? Gurakis-san, you’re planning on going to the Empire?”
“Yep. As preparations for visiting the Empire’s Academy of Magic one day, I joined the guild.”
“The Academy of Magic is it… That’s definitely…”
The Academy of Magic. From what he’d read, it was a ma.s.sive academic inst.i.tution within the Empire concerned with all things magical. It gathered students from all three kingdoms for the purposes of magic research and development, serving to further strengthen the ties between the allied nations.
The mere mention of its name should draw tremendous interest, but…
Not interested…
Whether it was research organizations or academic ones, Suimei wasn’t interested. Although at first glance, Suimei, as a magic researcher, should be greatly drawn to such a thing, back in his own world, he had previously entered such an inst.i.tution at his organization’s command. At this “academy,” he’d experienced no small degree of suffering before managing to fight his way out with the help of his comrades. From that point forward, he had nothing but negative feelings toward such things.
“Yeah. I’m pretty ignorant when it comes to magic, so I’d like to go there to learn.”
“You want to learn magic?”
“Yes, I plan to study it quite thoroughly from now on.”
Lefille seemed to be the type that was quite confident in her abilities.
Whatever the case, perhaps they would meet again at some point down the road. Not only were they both headed for the Empire, but they were even destined for the same district.
Dorotha suddenly sighed.
“A swordswoman of your talent would undoubtedly be able to make a name for herself here. Such a shame that you’ll be leaving us. —At least Suimei-san’s still here, though!”
“About that. Sorry, but after my preparations are finished, I’m leaving for the city of Krand.”
After a moment’s silence, Dorothea screamed at Suimei.
“…Huuuuuuuuuuuuh?! I finally thought that we’d suddenly had a promising new magician in you, and yet this?! Weren’t you going to give the mage’s guild a huge shock?!”
What kind of rampant delusions had pa.s.sed through her mind?
“…Sorry.”
“How did this happen…? And we finally had such promising recruits for once…”
“Really sorry about that. I have things that I need to do, though.”
“…I see. Well, if the two of you have something in mind, then that’s that.”
“Yeah, plus my final destination’s also the Empire.”
“You too?”
“Yep. When it comes to intel, the Empire’s the best place for that sort of thing.”
“Is that so? Well, I don’t know when we’ll meet again, but please take care of me when that time comes.”
“Right, same here.”
“—With that, I should probably take my leave. Suimei-kun, I learned a lot from your battle just now.”
With that farewell, she turned gracefully.
Suimei, something on his mind, watched her tensely.
“…”
“Is something wrong?”
“No, it’s nothing. Take care.”
Thanking him for his well wishing, she exited through the training field doors.
Suimei’s eyes narrowed as he watched that beautiful figure disappear.
—If it’s her, then this should be fine. She’s not the kind that enjoys idle chatter, and she doesn’t have any companions. Plus, she’s the cautious type.
Anyway, she was bound for the Empire anyway. It wasn’t likely that what happened here would be leaked.
…Confirming her exit, Suimei raised a question without ever taking his eyes off the doors.
“—So can you tell me what my ranking is?”
Unable to see Suimei’s expression as he posed this question, Dorothea looked up at the ceiling as she answered.
“That, hmm… Right, well, Suimei-san, you defeated both Raikas-san and Enmarph-san.”
“…Yeah.”
“…”
At this, Raikas, his face ashen, looked away. Enmarph’s face was similarly remorseful. As expected, two defeats in a row was hard to stomach. Watching the pair out of the corner of her eyes, Dorothea answered in a business-like tone.
“Although typically speaking a C-rank would be most appropriate, but considering that you’ve clearly demonstrated a B-rank ability, then it only makes sense to register you as a B-rank.”
“Oh…” Suimei said in surprise, this evaluation beyond his expectation.
B-rank. Although he was undoubtedly a person of some ability, he’d still been evaluated quite highly.
Her decision made, Dorothea revealed a happy expression, saying something that seemed to make her happy.
“That was truly very impressive. You’ve become someone famous in one go, Suimei-san.”
“Perhaps.”
“Yep, yep. I can guarantee it.”
As she spoke, she revealed a confident look that seemed to say, “Leave it all to me.”
Indeed. If a new adventurer were to suddenly appear with such a high evaluation, then his name would definitely spread quickly.
“It’s just that—”
“…?”
That was, of course, providing that certain things happened first.
“—That would only happen if the three of you – Dorothea, you included – were to reveal what happened today, right?”
“…? Well, even if we didn’t talk about what happened here, a brand-new B-rank would draw attention all its own.”
—Exactly. That was the key.
As Dorothea stood there, puzzling over his words, before any of them realized what had happened, Suimei adorned himself in his black-colored work clothing.
Suddenly, a terrifying aura burst out from his body.
Raikas, the first to notice something was awry, stared at Suimei.
“…You.”
“It’s not a problem. I won’t become anyone famous. No, during today’s test, I was handily defeated, and was appropriately given a D-rank. This is what you will report. I will be remembered as a second-rate magician without a single redeeming quality besides his ability to work restorative magic.”
“—?”
His words left Dorothea completely uncomprehending, while Raikas and Enmarph were frozen by the tense atmosphere. What had just happened? Along with the frightening pressure being exerted by Suimei, he’d p.r.o.nounced a declaration for them to follow.
And so—
“I apologize to the three of you, but I’ll have you honor my request.”
“Even if you say that, well…”
“Ah—”
Turning, he suddenly placed his hands atop their heads, and immediately enacted a magic without the least hesitation.
Raikas, charging at him to interrupt his actions, and Dorothea, innocently standing there clueless, were thus subjected to Suimei’s command magic without resistance.
Because neither of the pair had any notable magic resistance, the result was obvious
His magic scoured the expressions from their faces, and their shoulders drooped, their stares blank as they stood lifelessly in place.
There was but one who did not fall under the spell of his magic. Trembling fiercely, Enmarph cried out in fear.
“…Why?”
“Hmm? Do you even have to ask? It’s like I just said. I just want to be ranked appropriately is all.”
“The h.e.l.l are you saying? Rankings are a matter of the utmost importance to guild members. Throwing away the high rank you’ve attained like that… what is your goal?”
Suimei answered his question without worry.
“It’s not like I have anything particular in mind, you know?”
“What—?”
“Doing things like this will let me avoid quite the ha.s.sle is all.”
“Now that you say that…”
Enmarph expressed understanding. A high rank would lead to no small trouble, something he well understood as a senior of the guild. Moreover, just as he was currently witnessing, this was even worse for someone who had no intention of letting himself draw attention.
“What I need is to acc.u.mulate a lot more experience battling the people of this world.”
” ‘The people of this world…?’ ”
“That’s nothing you need concern yourself with.”
It didn’t matter who, there wasn’t a single native of this world who would simply let his words just now pa.s.s unanswered. Suimei didn’t bother to answer, though. It wasn’t anything a stranger need concern himself with.
Enmarph was again filled with anxiety.
“Even if you erase our memories of what happened here, it’s useless. What you did outside won’t disappear. Dorothea told us what you did.”
“Yeah, but it’s not like anyone’s going to investigate too thoroughly, right? This test will be the standard for a.s.sessing my strength, and the stuff that happened outside happens every now and again, right? Humans are the kind of creature that delights in looking down on others, and in the absence of undeniable evidence, would prefer to believe others weaker than themselves, rather than stronger.”
“…”
Enmarph did not speak. More correctly, he couldn’t speak. As if the words had been stolen straight out of his mouth.
All he did was stare fretfully at the monster before him.
The words just now had perfectly mirrored his own sentiments, evoking the shocked stare he displayed now.
“On that note, don’t you think everyone would have a much easier time accepting things if they felt that I was just a b.u.mbling braggart of a mage? Especially for those confident in their own ability.”
“…Why would you intentionally hurt your own ability to accept commissions? Even if commissions from the Twilight Pavilion are many, but the ones appropriate to you—”
“It’s not like they necessarily exist. Definitely. Anyway, I have already provided for such a circ.u.mstance. There are countless jobs in need of a mage capable of working restorative magic. The ability to heal wounds is an ability where demand outstrips supply no matter where you are, particularly if the restorative magics you’re capable of are especially rare.”
As Suimei spoke, he advanced.
In Enmarph’s eyes, it was as though the Devil himself were approaching.
“Hmph. I’m a mage, how could I possibly be done in so easily— Ugh?!”
As he shifted into a combat ready stance, he suddenly noticed. In his current state, he was helpless to offer any resistance whatsoever. The reason?
“And the trap snaps shut. Your magic’s all gone, right? Kalavinka’s Sweet Voice is just this kind of magic.”
“Ah—”
…All magicians possessed the ability to resist magic. Using one’s own mana, a mage was able to repel the effects of magic. As a magician, coming under the effect of another’s magic was to be expected, and carefully studying methods for opposing their magic was a necessity.
However, one’s defensive capabilities were naturally inextricably tied with the condition of one’s body and mind.
What did this imply for Enmarph, drained dry as he was?
“It’s just a forceful suggestion, really. Don’t worry, there aren’t any side effects. You’ll just go to sleep, and when you awake, it’ll all be as I just declared. I have no plans on hurting any of you.”
…Suimei was a magician. As such, were he to battle the mages of this world, it would inevitably become a contest of magic. However, as someone who both wished to disguise himself as someone normal, all the while obtaining an accurate measure of his strength, he’d found himself in something of a conundrum.
However, were he to avoid magic battles, and restrict himself to fighting warriors only, then he’d lose the opportunity to learn about their world’s magic.
For this purpose, once the battle was over, he needed a way to keep their mouths shut. Instead, draining the mana that provided a mage an opportunity to resist provided the perfect opportunity.
And so.
“So that’s how it is… Wait, then earlier, you—”
Indeed.
“Exactly. That’s why I needed to fight the two of you at the same time.”
—With a chilling gaze of absolute zero, Suimei’s hand covered Enmarph’s head.
…Sunset. At this time, the crimson red of the sun melted into the dark blue of the dusky night.
His test finished, Suimei made his way back from the Twilight Pavilion to his room in the inn, before plopping down heavily on his bed.
Although there had been some unexpected twists prior to his test, everything from that point forward had proceeded just as planned, whether it be finding somewhere to stay, or the successful obtaining of his guild identification, and so he’d found his way back here.
Being able to resolve everything without problem was lucky indeed.
The only thing that had been beyond his expectations was finding out that he and Lefille were lodged in the same inn.
“A fortuitous meeting indeed…” Suimei muttered, as he remembered the circ.u.mstances of their meeting earlier.
Lefille Gurakis. A swordswoman with long, red hair. The figure she created when standing couldn’t be described as anything but gorgeous. He wasn’t sure how strong she was, but considering how unruffled she’d been after witnessing his battle, strong was definitely the word.
Moreover, although she was definitely capable of taking care of herself, there was something about her that made him worry. After the battle, when she’d been staring at him, he’d noticed.
Her originally clear, sharp gaze had momentarily clouded over. That was something unique to those who had been caught helplessly by ill fate, as if immersed in gloom.
Can’t be, right…?
Suimei shook his head fiercely to clear his thoughts. There wasn’t any point in losing himself in those kinds of thoughts here. No matter who, everyone had aspects to them that’d make you worry. That’s all it was.
Truth be told, in the eyes of others, he probably looked like that himself. Anyway, worrying about her like this was fruitless. After their farewell earlier, it was quite possible that they’d never meet again in this life. It had been sheer happenstance that they’d even met this once, after all.
…Suimei gazed out his window. It was currently that period of time when evening was indistinguishable from night. Speaking of which, “nightfall” – just who had come up with that word? The fading light of the setting sun cast a long shadow over the surroundings, throwing them into obscurity, filling him with an indescribable feeling.
“Haaah…”
Suimei yawned under the effects of the lethargy which had suddenly crept up on him.
What was going on? It wasn’t yet the time when he normally slept, and yet the Sandman had clearly begun to exert its influence over his body. He hadn’t done anything particularly tiring, and yet found himself unable to fend off this wave of sleepiness.
Why?
Oh… That’s why. s.h.i.t… This is…
—He’d thought of the reason. He knew this feeling. He knew why this overpowering sleepiness had crept upon him now that he was all alone.
Indeed. This was a phenomenon that would inevitably occur once he’d separated from “that type of person.”
So that’s why… of course…
This was a play of scenes from the future, something he was forced to watch due to Ludwig’s curse. It announced the crises that awaited him, only for memories of what he’d seen to vanish once he awoke. These visions would last only for the immediate moment, a clairvoyance without the least value.
So this thing happens even here, huh? Even somewhere like this, this would still happen? Even in a world like this, straight out of the pages of a fantasy book, a world without the least connection to the world he called home.
He’d been fairly certain that it wouldn’t happen here. If he were to successfully find a way home, this had been the one thing he hadn’t looked forward to returning to.
Not wanting to let go of his thoughts, as he thought things through, his body unconsciously tightened, and collapsed atop his bed. There was no way to fight the sleepiness that came upon him.
At some point during this process, the image of his mother, who he’d never before seen, appeared on the chair in his room. This woman, who he’d only ever heard about from his father, appeared now before his eyes under the effects of the curse.
♫ Ahhhh ♫
She was singing. Rather than a lullaby to lull a child to sleep, it was more a sorrowful aria lamenting the suffering her child was to experience. This very same song drew him into a world of dreams that were not dreams. Sleep~
—His mother, at the mercy of Ludwig’s curse, held in one hand the book which recorded her future from which she recited, gently, dolefully.
—Enticing, ultramarine Al Kern. (TN: No idea what that term is supposed to be: アル・ケルン)
This was undoubtedly every bit the curse it was called. Having to chant the verses of a poem which told of a past and future from which she could not be saved. This illusion of his mother, who had succ.u.mbed to this curse, appeared each time.
It was for this reason that he raced to the side of all those who found themselves trapped helplessly by fate. His days of battle were about to begin once more it seemed.
Forcing open his leaden eyelids, Suimei looked upon the words of the book held by his departed mother.
“—Silence! I’m not going to run any more. I will live on as I should!”
The survivor of a broken country. The young, half-spirit swordswoman, forced to bear the shameful curse laid upon her by the Varied Races: Lefille Gurakis Nosya.
“Shut it! For someone like me, only needed for my ability in battle, this is fine!”
Hatred her eternal companion, the Empire’s human weapon who had immersed herself in the abyss of dark magics: Liliana Zandark.
“—We meet again, Suimei. I’d thought for sure that we’d never see each other again. That’s why, let’s never part again.”
At the mercy of fate and Nureha of Kadath, his friend who had come to be known as the Sword Princess: Kuchiba Hatsumi.
“—Enough with the pretty words! No matter how many times you say such things, happiness will never come!”
The dark green figure, cursed by Ludwig, whom he’d sworn an oath to save: Isrina Coulanges.
“Suimei. Humans and the Mazoku are the same. If both sides are as filthy as this, then I—”
He who had been summoned alongside Suimei, the hero who had turned his back on humanity out of despair. Holy sword in hand, the swordsman of the hidden G.o.d: Shana Reiji.
“—It’s been a long time, brat. How’s it been? You any stronger now?”
The world’s strongest swordsman, called to this other world by a forbidden, unplanned summoning: Beowulf Schneider.
“—So this is my enemy?”
The ferocious demon lord who controlled all curses, the empress of the Varied Races: Nakshatra.
…Sleep, Suimei. If you don’t rest when you can, then there will come a day when you will fall. Because that is the fate that inescapably awaits you.
With those words that he should not have been able to hear, Suimei’s consciousness faded into darkness.