Episode 59: The Approaching Inferno

 
Cracks spread through the glacier buried deep underground.
 
In the next moment, the ice, boasting strength comparable to steel, was blown apart from within.
 
“…………”
 
Emerging quietly from the ice was a girl whose head was concealed by a helmet. In her hand, she held a sword imbued with dark magic, exuding a sinister chill distinct from the ice conjured by Alfred or Noel.
 
“Thank you for your efforts.”
 
Lucille stepped out from within the ice, pressing a wound on her shoulder. Each step she took crunched on the ice shards, producing an eerie sound … Read the rest

Episode 58: The Strike That Landed

 
The beast roars. Its claws and fangs flash.
 
In the dim underground, its pitch-black body blends in with the surroundings, making it hard to track its movements. Even so, relying on the prickly sensation on my skin—an ominous presence of evil magic—and my honed instincts, I manage to fend off its attacks.
 
“Take this!”
 
Using my entire body, I swing my blade swiftly and sharply, deflecting the claws and fangs.
 
Without any lag, I seamlessly follow up by pulling the trigger of the gun in my other hand.
 
This gun is not a product … Read the rest

 
Morgan took out a magic ring of his pocket and showed her a single demon ring ring,
 
its surface stained with coagulated blood.
 
“A copy of a ‘Cursed Ring’? No, a bit different… The original that the copies were based on?”
 
“This was meant to be offered to the ‘Land God.’ It’s also the prototype for the copied ‘Cursed Rings.’ Your father made this ring to save the ‘Land God.'”
 
“The copies are infused with demon power. The original…”
 
Eline, deep in thought, suddenly widened her eyes in realization.
 
“…So Nenel’s father was trying to transfer the miasma from the … Read the rest

Chapter 57: The Target of Revenge
 
Descending the dimly lit stairs into the underground. Dusty, damp, and unpleasant.
 
Following the map given to me by Loretta, I arrived at a cluster of ruins on the outskirts of town. One of these ruins concealed a staircase leading underground.
 
“Just like that pig, hiding in such a sinister place.”
 
I could faintly feel vibrations from above.
 
Judging by the fluctuations in magical energy… was there a battle happening? Maybe Alfred and his group had independently tracked this place down.
 
…Such foolish children. They should at least enjoy a date in times like … Read the rest

Episode 56: The Keen Observation of the Same Kind

 
“Damn it…! They just keep coming!”
 
The attacking pack of black wolves was the same type we fought in the forest.
 
While their individual combat power wasn’t much, their sheer numbers and coordinated attacks made them troublesome.
 
“Hey, you bratty prince!”
 
“What is it, you old hag?!”
 
Eline called out loudly, which was rare for her. She wouldn’t be just yelling insults at a time like this. While shooting to keep the black wolves at bay, I moved back towards Charl and the others.
 
“Listen closely. These aren’t just regular [Ragment]. … Read the rest

Chapter 55: The Wavering Heart
 

The map shown in the information Lucille provided pointed to a ruined building on the outskirts of the city.
 
“There doesn’t seem to be many people around here. Probably because of all the similar ruins in the area.”
 
“The ‘Shadow”s information only says this place is a prime target for criminals – it’s ‘people-less’, ‘unused’, and ‘ignored’. But with the info coming from Lucille, who knows how reliable it is. I’d want the ‘Shadow’ to look into it more before we go charging in…”
 
“We don’t have time for that. The purification work starts … Read the rest

Chapter 54: The Boundary Line
 

 
As I call out, a young boy with hair as cold as ice appears.
 
Nenel probably recognizes him – it’s Noel, the Ice Prince who saved us in the forest. Ah, I see now. That’s who’s been tailing us.
 
“Hey, um, does ‘playing’ mean you’re going to fight?”
 
“………………….”
 
“What’s wrong?”
 
“No, I just thought you were one of Simion’s underlings, so I was expecting a fight…”
 
“I see, you misunderstood.”
 
“Forget it, that’s embarrassing.”
 
Don’t give me that annoyed look.
 
“Anyway, what do you want, Ice Prince? You’ve been following me all morning. … Read the rest

“…Do you want me to be your friend?”
 
“Dammit…dammit…!”
 
What a crushing sense of defeat!
 
“Forget about the friend thing. Hey, stop looking at me with such pity. [You’re obviously trying to change the subject. Sigh, might as well just go along with it.]”
 
Ignoring Nenel’s pitiful gaze,
 
“Anyway! We have to deal with that pig-headed guy before this gets in the way of my duties. If there’s interference during the purification, it could put Charl in danger too.”
 
“So you just want to impress the girl, huh?”
 
“That’s not it at all. …Well, I guess a child wouldn’t understand … Read the rest

Chapter 53 – Solicitation
 

 
Where I had chased after Lady Charl, I found only darkness awaiting me.
 
The strange, rough sensation on my skin immediately filled me with a sense of failure.
 
I was trapped within some kind of barrier.
 
While feeling frustrated at having lost sight of Lady Charl, I was also annoyed that I hadn’t noticed the trap sooner, when in normal circumstances I would have been more vigilant.
 
Why had I so foolishly allowed myself to be confined in this barrier?
 
I knew the reason. My heart had been unsettled. It had not been calm.
 
Seeing … Read the rest

From the time he picked up the dream I had discarded, along with the storybook… That’s when I most likely…
 
We occasionally meet and exchange a few words. In hindsight, I found happiness and solace in those modest moments. It took me so long to realize that was [love].
 
“Uuuu~ Why only now…?”
 
I end up slumping down in an alley where I fled.
 
Ever since realizing it, my heart has been very busy.
 
Just walking with Al makes me happy. Simply sharing a seat for tea makes my heart race. Studying together fills me with bliss. And when our … Read the rest