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Dec. 1st, 2025
Chapter 1
It was mid-afternoon.
I took a deep breath at the entrance to the tutorial room, a tray in my hands.
Akira: (Alright. Just be natural…)
Mitile, Riquet. So you were here!
Nero made creampuffs for snacktime~!
On my shoulder Sakitty reacted with an exaggerated meow as if in a variety segment.
The two would usually rush to me with eyes sparkling at the mention of Nero’s creampuffs.
However…
Mitile: Ah…yes. Thank you very much.
Riquet: …We will partake in them later…
Mitile idly stirred a bubbling tin cauldron with his head lowered.
Riquet nodded listlessly with his chin resting on his palm.
Akira: (Mn…still no good…)
–It happened a few days ago.
Mitile and Riquet were assigned a mission to deal with some magic creatures.
They were like tiny rhinos, weak enough that even a human could drive away one or two.
The two were chosen because it seemed like a task they could handle. They were careful in their preparations and headed for the irrigation canals that the beasts were occupying…
Mitile & Riquet: …
But it ended up being a bust.
The beasts charged at them, so Oz, who was accompanying them as Riquet’s teacher, sent the whole herd flying and ended the mission himself.
Akira: (It sucks when you end up failing something you thought you could do…you feel way more upset with yourself than the regular mistake…)
(Mitile even declined Figaro’s offer to tag along on the mission, saying they could handle it themselves too, so he must feel really bummed…)
They still aren’t in the mood to be excited over sweets.
Unable to find the right words to say, I place the tray of creampuffs on the table.
That’s when Sakitty started sniffing at the air like something caught its attention.
Akira: (Huh, something smells strange. It’s a weird mix of sour and burnt…)
My eyes moved to the cauldron Mitile was stirring.
Akira: Hey Mitile, what’re you making? Is it a new potion?
Mitile: No, nothing magic. I’m making a pesticide for caterpillars.
The flowerbeds in the garden had tons of caterpillars munching at their roots, so before it becomes a problem I’m gonna spray some on them.
Akira: Wow! You know how to make pesticides too?
The toxins in those chemicals are really strong, aren’t they? Like if you get the amount wrong it could be a disaster…
Mitile: It’s true that you have to be very careful with them, but handling chemicals is second nature to me.
I’ve been spraying pesticide in the yard of Dr. Figaro’s clinic too.
He sounded a little more energetic talking about his strengths. Those clouds in his green eyes cleared up a bit.
Akira: (Phew. He’s cheered up a little talking about what he’s good at.)
Just as I started feeling a little relieved–
Someone broke in through the window with a loud smash.
Riquet: Woah!
Akira: O…Owen!?
Mitile: It’s, it’s a fight…!
Mitile blew out the stove's flame in a hurry, and carried his cauldron to a corner of the room.
Suddenly, from the forcibly opened window of the tutorial room, appeared a wild Oz.
He took one look at Owen who was on the floor surrounded by broken pieces of glass, and raised his staff.
Oz: Vox No–
Chloe: Hey, wait wait!
Cain: Oz, put down your staff! I think there’s a misunderstanding!
Snow: He’s guilty! No questions!
White: Get him~!
Right when Chloe and Cain rushed into the room, the twins flew in from the window on their brooms.
The tutorial room became chaotic in a matter of seconds.
Shouting came from all four corners. With a stern look in his eyes, Riquet, who stayed calm, stood up straight.
Riquet: Silence! Can’t you see the Master Sage is disturbed?
Let’s first look at the wounded. Owen, are you alright?
Owen: …
Cain: He’s passed out. Should we heal him?
Snow: Leave him be. Northern wizards hate to be patronized.
Riquet: Then we can forego the healing. Now, please explain what happened here.
Normally, I would ask the first person here in this case, but he’s currently unconscious…so let’s hear what you have to say, Oz.
Oz: …Owen stole the sweets Nero made for you two.
Mitile & Riquet: Huh?
Akira: Uhm…do you mean the creampuffs?
If so, they’re right here…
I point to the tray on the table. Oz froze in place, blinking twice.
Oz: …
…
Snow: Aw, so he’s innocent.
White: Ya done it, Ozzy.
Oz: You two said he was guilty. To punish him.
Mitile: Uhh, so what happened exactly? How does our creampuffs being stolen lead to a whole fight?
Chloe: Well when we made a ruckus about your creampuffs disappearing, Owen just happened to be passing by with a creampuff in each hand.
There was supposed to be one creampuff for each person in the manor. So when I asked why he had two, he said he stole them…
Cain: Then I asked from who, and he said, “I’ll leave that to your imagination.”. The twins shouted guilty, and then Oz…
Snow: Oh, come on. Of course we’d think of Mitile and Riquet when he says that, right?
White: Wenny becoming the suspect is totally all his fault, right?
Cain: Well, sure you can argue that but…I did tell you that one of the puffs he had was taken from me.
Oz: …So apart from the victim it still stands true that he committed theft.
Akira: Er, well, I think I understand the situation now. I should’ve announced it louder when I took the tray.
Owen suddenly opened his eyes. With a deep grimace, he slowly got up.
Chloe: You alright, Owen?
White: Your suspicions have been cleared, Owen.
Snow: You still got what you deserved, though.
Owen: …nh, haha…it must have been very fun for you, Demon Lord, to beat the naive and innocent me to a pulp.
Akira: It’s all because I took the tray, I’m sorry. You can have my creampuff.
Owen: Shut up. I already ate yours.
Akira: Huh!?
Cain: Hey, so the other one was the Master Sage’s?
Owen: I said cram it. Or should I squash all of you like a smushed creampuff?
His mood was not good in the slightest.
He roughly grasped at the air, summoning his trunk that growled from the inside.
When he saw the glare Oz gave him, he paused for a moment and then flapped his coat.
All while shooting back at him a glare that could kill someone.
Chloe: Ah! He’s gone…
Snow & White: Aww.
Snow: That was his “I’ll get you back for this” face.
White: The one where he’ll hold a grudge for a bit, and later come back at you full force.
Oz: …
…Riquet, Mitile. What were you up to?
Akira: (He changed the subject…)
Mitile: Uhm, I…I was making a pesticide to deal with caterpillars.
Riquet: I was…thinking about going to see you, Oz.
Oz: Me?
Riquet clasped his hands together. He looked up at Oz with a fierce gleam in his eyes.
Riquet: Oz. Please grant me and Mitile a trial. One where we subdue monsters or magic creatures will do.
Mitile: …!
Riquet: I’ve been thinking about it since the day we failed our mission. What we could’ve done to succeed.
But the answer wouldn’t come to me…
So I figured it was not to be found in my head. It must be something I will learn from experience.
Cain: You got a point there. Experience is the best teacher, as they say.
I remember when the tactics I’d thought up at the training grounds didn’t work out in real battle.
Mitile: …So that’s why…a trial…
He muttered, a strong light beginning to shine in his eyes.
He clenched his fists together tight, and talked to himself like he was in a daze.
Mitile: …It didn’t go well last time but, if I build up more experience and overcome a trial, even I…
Oz: No. Training will be too much on you two.
Mitile: …nh. Y-You’re right. I’m sorry…
Riquet: Goodness! Our wounds from that last mission have already healed.
Now is the time to learn. Your consideration warms me, but you are such a worrywart, Oz!
Index >
Chapter 2
Mitile: …That was him being worried for us?
Riquet: Yes. Oz usually lets me do whatever I’d like, but after something dangerous happens he always gets like this.
Mitile nervously looked up at Oz. The area between his eyebrows was firmly creased.
Oz: It is still too early. You must focus on recovering your spirits.
Mitile: Ah…
He looked a little relieved to know that Oz wasn’t mad at him,
but his gaze quickly fell to the floor.
Mitile: …Uhm…
Oz: What is it.
Mitile: …If we were Shino or Prince Arthur, would you still have said that?
Oz: Yes.
Mitile: …Really?
Oz: …
Depending on the situation and context I may reconsider.
Mitile: Is that because the two of them are powerful wizards?
Are you worried about us because we aren’t strong?
Oz: …
Mitile: …
Oz: …Medicines are another story.
Mitile: H-Huh?
Oz: If you were holding a weed toxic enough to kill a horse, I would not be worried.
However, if I saw Arthur or Shino even touching it, I would stop them right away.
It is the same for training.
Mitile: …Okay…
Snow & White: Oz. We agree with the idea of a trial.
Snow: If you are so worried, how about you create a safe space for them to fight.
White: It may be true that it is a bit early for Riquet to challenge a real monster or magic creature like he desires.
Snow: Except as practice it wouldn’t hurt to do some training that is harder than normal.
Oz: But…
Snow: The Great Calamity will come sooner than you expect.
White: The younger wizards need experience.
Oz: …
He moved his gaze to the window.
Outside the broken window was the giant moon, gazing back as if it were having a good chuckle ridiculing us.
Eventually, he let out a sigh, and looked to the younger pair.
Oz: You will not be fighting against monsters or magic creatures.
But I will prepare a special training session for the two of you.
Mitile & Riquet: …!
Riquet: Yay!
Mitile: Thank you Lord Oz!
They took each other’s hands in joy.
Seeing them smile again felt like a lightswitch had turned on, and it was as if the entire room brightened up.
Cain: So we’re putting on a training session for them. You can be sure I’ll lend a hand.
Chloe: Me too!
Snow: We will help too.
White: As teachers ourselves we will give you a most special and fun session.
Akira: If there’s anything I can do, please count me in!
Snow: Now that we’re decided we ought to start preparing. We’ll contact you later about the date and time.
White: You’d better sit in anticipation for what kind of unique training session awaits you.
Riquet: Thank you so much! No matter what sort of training it is, we will give it our all!
Mitile, let’s do our best together!
Mitile: Yeah!
Mitile and Riquet clenched their fists tightly with power. There was a passionate fire in their similarly green eyes.
It was as though their enthusiasm and motivation suddenly burst into a roaring flame.
Heartwarmed, I take the tray off the table and bring it to them once again.
Akira: Alrighty then, with the special training session in mind it’s time to fill our stomachs! Please, have a creampuff.
Riquet: Ah, right! We wouldn’t want Nero’s creampuffs to go to waste.
Mitile: I’ll go pour the tea! For everyone here too.
Snow & White: Yaaay!
Chloe & Cain: Thanks!
The tutorial room became lively, and I quietly prayed as Mitile went to pour us tea.
Akira: (May this special training session go well…)
–Days later.
Headed by the teachers Oz and the twins, the preparations for the training session were proceeding steadily.
Riquet: Oz, have you decided on a location yet for the session?
Oz: In the North’s…
Riquet: Wait, don’t say it! It won’t be special anymore if I know.
Oz: …Then why did you ask.
Riquet: I wanted to know how the preparations were going. I was worried about its progress.
So have you decided on what it’ll be on? Oh, spare the specifics of course.
Oz: …It’s not been decided yet. I’m still discussing it with the twins, but we’re having trouble.
Mitile ate a strong mana stone, but he has yet to fully make it his own power.
The twins warn that should he exhaust his heart through excessive use of magic, he may be consumed by the stone.
Riquet: Is that so…ah, right. I just remembered something I had to ask you.
In case Mitile does get consumed by the mana stone during our training session, what should I do? Please tell me how to help him.
Oz: You can’t.
Riquet: …Huh?
Oz: If he’s lucky, he will return to his senses. If he’s not, then that’s it for him.
Should you lose your mind, you will forget yourself. There are some who lose their lives too.
Riquet: B-But…then, how…
Mi…Mitile…if he uses too much magic then…
Oz: You have no need to worry.
Part of our preparations is ensuring that will not have the slightest chance of happening.
You and Mitile both will be able to complete this training safely.
We will be watching over you.
Riquet: …
Another few days passed–
Mitile: Next is the roots of this tree…hmmm, I still have a lot of pesticide left. I guess I made too much.
…We still haven’t gone on training yet. Looks like it’s not gonna be today either.
(Lord Oz and the others should be working on the training grounds. I wonder if something happened?)
(Or maybe it’s because they think I’m still not healed yet…so they’re thinking of delaying it…)
(No no, it’s no good to think like this. I wonder what the training will be like? What kind of magic will they make me work on?)
(It’s Lord Oz’s idea, so maybe there will be a lot of fighting.)
(That book of magic I saw in the library recently had a spell about inextinguishable flames. I think I could pull that off. Maybe I can try it out?)
(I’m the son of the Great Witch Tiletta. There’s gotta be tons more magic I can do. This time, I’ll show them what I can do!)
(I’ll surprise everyone! They’ll say “Wow Mitile, you’re so skilled with that attack spell!”.)
(“Even though you’re a Southern wizard, you’re so strong and amazing!”.)
Heehee, hmhmhm! Ehehehe…
…Ah…
But…
(...Shock isn’t always good. What if they think “You’re a Southern wizard, but you’re so battle hungry!” and stuff?)
(Mr. Leno and Dr. Figaro know how to fight, but they don’t often use attack spells. In the South, it’s just me who…)
(...Why should I worry? I’m me. I’m gonna be a strong and awesome Southern wizard.)
(...Though…)
…Riquet…he said he holds those who seek fighting and violence in contempt, that they’re fools.
He told me that since I’m kind and pure, fighting in good faith suits me but…
…Will he think the me now is foolish…?
…! That’s the signal to meet up!
(I was so deep in my thoughts that I didn’t finish spreading the pesticide. I want to hand it over to Dr. Figaro but…)
It rang again…there’s no time to search for him. I’ll just bring it with me to training.
Into the bottle and…done! Let’s make a dash for it!
Akira: –It’s finally time, Mitile, Riquet!
Mitile: My heart’s pounding…!
Riquet: First let’s take a deep breath and calm down…
The space for the special training session was an old mausoleum in North Country.
Once dreaded as a "Labyrinth” in the borders of the territory overseen by the twins, it now stands as a long abandoned ancient ruin.
Even though we were just at the entrance, I could feel a severe gloom coming from the eerie damp darkness.
Riquet: I thought that it wouldn’t be held at all today, you know.
Oz said that he would call us with his magic past noon when it was time, and he didn’t call us at all.
Mitile: Me too. I’d given up and went to spray pesticide in the garden.
Akira: I’d think the same if it became sunset while I was waiting…sorry about the long wait.
We were discussing postponing it too…
Oz: The sun is nearly down. Let’s not do it today, but another…
Snow & White: That will be difficult.
Snow: Spirits run rampant in these parts. The times they are calm enough for the young ones to come near are limited to a few days in a year.
White: According to our divinations, the spirits will begin raging again starting tomorrow.
Chloe: And we don’t have the time to find another perfect place to hold the session, they’ve already waited this long…
< Index >
Chapter 3
Cain: To be honest, I’m concerned too…but if we’re doing it, it should be today.
I know Mitile doesn’t have enough confidence in his own power, so I can imagine the delays are making him feel bad about himself.
Akira: That’s…true…
Oz: …
…I will strengthen the barrier around the mausoleum. So that not even a single bug or gust of wind can come in while my and the twins’ powers are restricted at nightfall.
Vox Nox.
Akira: …And that’s why we’re here. The training session should end in the evening, so we’ll fly on brooms to the Town of Ice and sleep there for a night.
As I explained to them I quietly let out a tired sigh.
The reason we were so late with our preparations was because of Bradley and Mithra’s interference.
I thought about the unrelenting and meddlesome fights they kept picking.
Akira: (They were kinda weird today. Rather than beating up Oz or the twins it was more like they wanted to stop us…)
(And numerous times Mithra would say “Owen’s reward is…” before Bradley stopped him.)
(What could he mean by reward? Owen wasn’t there at all, so I wonder if he’s connected somehow…?)
Mitile: It’s a late start but…that means we just gotta do our best to hurry and clear it!
Let’s do this, Riquet!
Riquet: Yes!
Riquet nodded with enthusiasm, before putting on a serious face.
He was on alert from head to toe, staring at Mitile.
Riquet: …By the way Mitile, how are you feeling? Does your magic feel stable?
Mitile: …? Yeah, I’m bursting with energy!
Riquet: … I see…
Akira: (...? Riquet…?)
Snow & White: Noscomnia!
Suddenly, a snowman shaped window that reminded me of the window of roses that once appeared at Granvelle Castle, opened in the air.
Snow: Testing testing!
White: Ah ah ah–
Mitile & Riquet: It, it’s starting…!
Anxiety and anticipation in our hearts, we stared through the window with intense gazes.
Like a television showing us a broadcast, we could see a room different from the one we were in, and the twins bobbed for a peek into the window.
Behind them we could see Oz, Cain, and Chloe.
Snow: We can’t see you from here, but can you see us?
We’re currently in the innermost room of the mausoleum, the burial chamber. It’s a bit later than expected, but we have carefully finished our preparations.
White: In place of Mr. Oz who sucks at explaining, we will tell you all about the special training we have in store for you!
Chloe & Cain: Woo! *clap clap clap*
Snow: Mm, thank you for the hype. First, let us explain the itinerary.
White: To put it simply, it will be a game where you must protect the Sage while collecting candy and reach the destination.
Think of it as a step up from the treasure stealing training we did at the Ravages of Oz the other day.
Snow: Throughout the mausoleum as your opponents with candy are us twins, Cain, and Chloe.
White: You must steal the candy from each of us.
Snow: Once you’ve gathered all the candy you will make your way to the burial chamber to reunite with Oz, and it’s game clear.
White: Of course, you must have the Sage with you when you reach the final room.
Your clear objectives are 1. To have four candies, and 2. Have the Sage with you.
Snow: Your opponents will not be sitting around waiting for you. We will be constantly on the move, aiming for a chance to seize the Sage from you.
Should you concentrate on gathering candies, or focus on protecting the Sage? You must think on one’s feet.
Mitile & Riquet: Yes!
Snow: And…here, Oz. You go tell them about the compass.
Oz: …There is no map that leads to the burial chamber. Instead, you will have a compass.
Mitile: Woah! I can feel something in my pocket…!
Oz: You must go in the direction the compass points to. If in any case the compass does not work, sense my magic to find the way.
The opposition will not use attack spells. However, they may work in groups like packs of wolves when hunting.
Cain: Oh, but you two are allowed to use attack magic.
Chloe: G-Go easy on me, though!
Snow: …Anyways, don’t hold back. You are practicing against those stronger than you, so it’d be good to come at us full force.
White: Before we start, we shall take Sacrificium back, since you see it as your lifeline.
Akira: Really?
Riquet: Yes. During the training at the Ravages of Oz, we also had it staying behind, right?
Mitile: We were worried we’d take it too easy if Sakitty was with us. Though I understand if you’re nervous, Master Sage…
Akira: I’m okay! I want to be on the same wavelength with you two. It’s your special training after all.
Snow: Sage, could you hold out Sacrificium into the air? We will take it back with magic.
Akira: See you later Sakitty. Ta-da!
Sacrificium: Yawn~...
Snow: Noscomnia.
…That’s that.
Snow & White: Now then…
Owen: Hey, this looks like fun.
Snow & White: !
Chloe & Cain: Owen!?
Through the window Owen appeared all of a sudden.
While everyone was in their black training clothes, he alone was wearing his usual ghostly garb. He smiled like he was in a good mood.
Apart from Owen, we all stood on edge, guards up.
Because it’s when he’s in a good mood that the worst will happen.
Chloe: Owen…! You broke through Lord Oz’s barrier!?
Owen: I didn’t though? I’ve been here the whole time. You idiots just didn’t notice.
Snow: You cast a vanishing spell strong enough so that even we couldn’t detect it? Just what are you planning…
Owen: Hehe…Oz, Twins. Did you enjoy your playdate with Mithra and Bradley?
Oz: …You knew they came.
Owen: Of course. I was the one who asked them to.
I told them to stall you three here until sunset, that I would give a special mana stone to the one who did his very best.
And that after the sun set I would come over to play with my special toy.
Here, have a look. I’ll open my trunk for you.
Cain: Hey, stop it!
Owen: Cure Memini.
Chloe: …Uhm, bunnies?
Owen: Huh?
What hopped out of Owen’s trunk was a herd of white hares with horns growing from their heads–the North’s Horned Hare.
They were ferocious and carnivorous magic beasts, considered a danger to humans. However, they were ants compared to Oz and the Northern wizards.
The twins, watching the hopping hares, looked extremely let down.
White: Whaaat. They’re just horned hares.
Snow: Right, there’s other things in your trunk aside from Cerberus. You stuffed something in there after the Lemora trouble too.
Oz: You’re interrupting Mitile and Riquet’s training. Throw them away.
Owen: …That’s weird. I thought I’d stuffed in a hydra from the Forest of Dreams…
Chloe: H-Hey! Aren’t these bunnies kinda weird?
Cain: Well it is weird for a hydra to turn into a bunch of bunnies.
Chloe: That’s weird too, but…I wonder…I just have this bad feeling like I just looked into the eyes of a liar…
Snow: Hmmm…? If a Western wizard thinks it odd, then there must be some sort of illusion or transformation spell cast on them.
White: I’ve never heard of hydras being able to cast that kind of magic before though…
Snow & White: …No.
Unless it’s not a hydra…
…
Snow: …Oz, Oz! Burn these things to ashes!
White: To cinders, now!
Chloe & Cain: Huh?
Oz & Owen: …?
It was then.
The fluffy fur of the hares wriggled like worms gushing forth.
No, those really were worms, forming in a cluster.
They were a mass of unnaturally white caterpillars, enough to make an adult’s arm.
Chloe: Eeeek!?
Cain: Woah, what the!? Even our clothes…!
Oz: Vox No…
…n…
Snow: No good, it’s sun down!
White: We’re going to be inside the painting…!
White in the Painting: gh, Owen you…! You were planning to unleash a hydra on us when the sun set, right!?
Snow in the Painting: We’ll let it slide this time! You need to kill all these bugs immediately!
Owen: …Caterpillars, maggots…
White in the Painting: …Owen?
Owen: My friends inside the soggy mud…
He held out his hand to the caterpillars. That naive smile told me instantly.
Akira: (His mind’s turned into a kid, it’s his Calamity injury…!)
Cain: …! Owen, don’t go near them!
He pulled out his sword at the same moment the caterpillars leaped.
A tiny mouth bit onto Owen’s finger and chewed.
Owen: Waaah…!
Cain: Gladius Procella!
Owen, are you alright!? You’re bleeding…
Chloe: …!? The caterpillar’s mana has…!
Altogether the hundreds of caterpillars wriggled their bodies in joy.
< Index >
Chapter 4
The red blood the slain caterpillar sucked spread throughout its cluster, and disappeared as if it was swallowed.
Just as I was frozen at the sight of what appeared like one large creature, the caterpillars parted into several clusters.
Now it was as if each cluster was its own individual creature, all wriggling for different directions with a rustling noise.
A few clusters rushed towards a paralyzed Chloe and sword wielding Cain like a deluge.
Twins in the Painting: Cain, Chloe! Take Owen and run!
Snow in the Painting: These monsters are man-eating beasts we made extinct ages ago, the Cucarucca!
White in the Painting: They’re clever and abominable magic beasts who exist in clusters with a natural instinct to go after the weakest ones first!
Snow in the Painting: Now that they’ve sucked Owen’s blood, neither you nor we can contend with them!
White in the Painting: Leave Oz and us behind for now, you three must start running!
Chloe: I…I got it! Keep safe, you guys!
Cain: This way, Chloe! Owen, we’re gonna run now, with me!
Owen: Sniff…o-okay…!
Snow in the Painting: Mitile, Riquet! Did you hear that!?
White in the Painting: This is no beast you can handle. You must take the Sage and flee…
–There, like it was blotted black with darkness, the snowman shaped window disappeared.
The Three of Us: …
We looked at each other and immediately dashed for the entrance.
However…
Akira: It, it won’t open!?
Mitile: There’s sticky web-like stuff all over the doors…don’t tell me, those caterpillars have already made their way here…!
Riquet: Then let’s break the door down with magic!
Sanretea Edif!
Mitile: Ortonik Sealsispilce!
Akira: It won’t even budge…!
Mitile: It’s being enhanced by Lord Oz’s barrier! Sure it’s tough enough that a dragon won’t be able to bust it, but that also means no one inside can leave…!
Riquet: It, it’ll be fine! Let’s calm down, you two.
Even if we can’t deal with our pursuers, we just don’t have to get caught by them.
If they are caterpillars that crawl on the ground, we can fly on brooms to not let them catch us. So, let’s pull out our brooms…
Mitile: …Ah, ah…that’s…
As soon as Riquet said those words, Mitile, who was looking at the ceiling, widened his eyes. His knees wobbled, and he shrunk back in fear.
When we followed his line of sight there was a herd of pure white bats crawling on the ceiling not too far from us.
–My gut told me those were cucaruccas.
Even on brooms we wouldn’t be able to escape them.
Riquet & Akira: …h…
Akira: (Nothing’s there, nothing’s there, nothing’s there! Go away, go away, go away...!)
I desperately prayed in my mind as I cowered in fear.
But there was no point.
They had crawled right above us, and dangled upside down ominously.
They screeched like bats, before sniffing the air like they caught a scent–and then came dropping down altogether.
The Three of Us: Waaaaaaah…!!
Riquet: Woah!?
Mitile: Lord Oz’s compass…!
As if to stop the herd of bats, a lone compass flew out from Mitile’s pocket.
It opened its lid, and after vigorously spinning its needle, grey thunderclouds formed a thick wall around us.
Protected by a barrier of clouds, we could hear an earth splitting lightning strike.
When the clouds parted the herd of bats had become blueish ashes that scattered away.
Riquet: …Th…
The Three of Us: Thank goodness~...!
Mitile: Th-that was terrifying…so this compass was a protection charm from Lord Oz.
Akira: A powerful one at that! I’m sure we’ll be okay now with this…
Just as I spoke, the compass began forming cracks in it.
And as if it used all its power, fell onto the ground with a crash.
Akira: Ah…!
Riquet: …Looks like it was a one-time use magic tool. It wouldn’t be training with a protection charm to rely on…
B-But Mitile, don’t you carry Mithra’s protection charm on you too?
Mitile: No…I didn’t take it with me this time. It malfunctions when it senses Lord Oz’s mana…
Akira: I see…so, basically…
Riquet: …There’s nothing that can protect us now…
He lowered his voice in fear. I couldn’t breathe properly.
A darkness with no escape. A mysterious mausoleum as complicated as a labyrinth.
Stuck with a horde of man-eating monsters after us.
Mitile: …
Beside me and Riquet who froze up, Mitile took numerous deep breaths.
He then slowly raised his face.
Mitile: …Riquet. Let’s take the Master Sage to where Lord Oz is.
Even when the sun sets, he should still be able to use magic if the Master Sage is there.
Within the chilling darkness, eyes the colour of fresh green leaves shone with the most confidence they could muster.
Except, Riquet weakly lowered his gaze, as if to avoid that light.
Riquet: …Can we manage that? We couldn’t even handle magic creatures weaker than us.
And…
He glanced at Mitile and hesitantly turned silent.
Normally he would straighten his back like a brave Central wizard and say something like “Nothing will stop us!”.
Akira: (What happened…now that I think about it, earlier he also seemed to be concerned about Mitile…)
Mitile’s eyebrows drooped seeing an unconfident Riquet.
Though he quickly raised his face again and looked him in the eye.
Mitile: We have to.
The Great Calamity is surely going to be stronger than these monsters.
Riquet: …
…You’re right. I’m sorry, I wasn’t being myself.
Master Sage. We will definitely protect you.
The two young wizards gave me a serious face.
I nodded to those determined eyes, having made up my mind.
Akira: …Thank you. I’m relying on you two.
No map, no light.
No guardians to save us.
We squeezed each other’s feeble hands and started walking down a hall.
Cain: Guess we’ve finally outrun them. Crap, we’ve lost sight of Chloe…where…
(...Damnit, I can’t trace his mana. The mausoleum’s a mess from the presence of the bugs mixed in with Owen’s blood.)
(This…is gonna make it hard trying to sense anybody, be it the twins or Oz. That means it’ll be a battle of speed and endurance but…)
Owen. You alright?
Owen: …Sir Knigh…
Cough, cough cough! Pant, pant…blegh…
Cain: Aah right, my bad. I didn’t think about it seeing as you kept up with me, but you don’t usually run do you…
Here, I’ll rub your back. Show me the finger that was bitten.
Owen: Cough…mm…
Cain: Ah…there’s still blood on it. Poor thing, I bet it hurt.
Let me heal you. Gladius Pro…
Owen: Waahn…! No! Stop it!
Cain: Huh!? What? You okay?
Owen: My finger, it tingled.
And it was itchy itchy, I wanted to scratch it…hated it.
Cain: Did the pain and itching surprise you? Sorry, I’m not used to casting healing spells on others.
But we have to patch it up. Can you bear with the tingles and itchy itchy for me?
Owen: Uu…
Cain: It’ll be done in a jiffy, okay! See, Gladius Procella!
Owen: Tingly…itchy itchy…
Cain: …And we’re done. …
(...The Owen right now couldn’t even heal a tiny bite like that. I guess he can’t use magic very well.)
(If the cucaruccas target the weaker ones first, he shouldn’t be on the top of the list. But, what if…)
…! Damn, right around the corner is a cucarucca…!
Owen, we’re going! Run!
Owen: A-Again? How long will the ghost bugs chase us for?
I’m tired, Sir Knight…I want to leave this place now…sniff…
Cain: It’s gonna be okay. We’ll leave this place for sure.
(...I say, but how? I don’t have the magic to beat those monsters…)
Owen: …Ah…hey Sir Knight, there’s someone over there!
Cain: …! Chloe!
Chloe: …
Cain: Phew, happy to see you’re alright!
Let’s hurry and make a run for it! There’s a cucarucca on our tail!
Chloe: …H-Hey…
Chapter 5
Twins in the Painting: Mmmng…
White: Yeah, I’m out!
Snow: Wakey wakey Oz. Noscomnia!
Oz: …
…I…right, magic beasts came out of the trunk…
Where is everyone? I don’t see Cain or Chloe, nor Owen.
Snow: They ran away. I can’t sense their mana very well, but they should all be on the run from those caterpillars…the cucarucca.
White: Owen went with them, but in that state…I wonder if he’ll be any help.
Oz: What is this ‘Cucarucca’ you speak of. I’ve never heard of it.
Snow: They are a species we made extinct from before you were born.
White: Though each individual caterpillar had weak mana, there were so many of them you couldn’t count, and together they would hunt and kill humans. Truly a beast to be feared.
What’s more, those caterpillars…
Cain: Here! Move those legs, we’re running!
Snow: Cain!?
Oz: Vox…!
White: Stop, Oz!
Snow: Do not use magic!
Snow & White: …This is…
Cain: Don’t get close! Move, run!
…h, aaaaaaugh…!
Snow & White: Noscomnia!
Cain?: Gaaaaugh…! Gaaaah…aaaaaaaaaaaah…
Oz: Cain became a cluster of caterpillars…so they have the power of mimicry.
Snow: Exactly. We dispelled their imitation, and now they’re running away with their cluster.
White: Ew…it never fails to make me sick to see a face we know crumble into a bunch of maggots.
Snow: If someone you knew came running to you bleeding and asking for help, anyone would feel disturbed and err in judgement.
White: …That craftiness is the most troublesome part about these magic beasts.
Snow: The cucarucca can perfectly transform themselves to people or animals and parrot the words they hear.
And with the voice they stole they can let out screams of death, harming themselves to appear bloodied, all to despicably fool you even more.
White: Not just humans, even Northern wizards had been fooled and fallen prey to them.
Which was why when we were more youthful and energetic than now, we went around the North killing them all…
Snow: Though it seems they’ve revived due to the Great Calamity’s influence.
Oz: …
……
Snow & White: Woah woah woah…!?
Snow: Wait Ozzy!
White: Watch how you hold the frame!
Oz: We must find Riquet and Mitile at haste. I will borrow the Sage’s power and exterminate these beasts.
If they can eat Northern wizards, then younger wizards and humans do not stand a chance.
…Those three are honest and goodhearted. They won’t doubt mimics.
Let us hurry.
Riquet: Haa, haa…!
Mitile: Keep at it, Riquet! They’re still after us!
Oz?: …
Akira: Those caterpillars have transformed into Oz too…!
We were running for our lives from the cucaruccas that were constantly crawling after us.
Just before this at the end of a pathway we’d spotted Oz. I was relieved from the bottom of my heart, but holding his hand was a mistake.
I still remember how wrong it felt.
Oz’s hand was cold and sodden.
The moment I pulled my hand back, he silently stared at me like the real Oz would, but in his eyes I could spot a caterpillar creep out.
Those gruesome monsters would then keep turning into Oz and breaking down, all while chasing us at a speed unbelievable for a caterpillar.
Mitile: …Ugh, take this! Scintilla!
Oz?: n…
Mitile: I did it! I casted the inextinguishable flame spell! I can toast these magic beasts…!
…er, they’re still after us!
Akira: I see a huge pillar at the end of this pathway! Maybe we can hide in its shadow…!?
Riquet: Alri...n-no, we can’t! It’s wrapped in webs!
Mitile: How about that stone statue over there? There’s no webs on it!
I’ll blind their eyes…
Riquet: I will do it! Sanretea Edif!
Now is our chance! Let’s hurry…!
We dashed behind the crumbling stone statue, killing our breaths and huddling close together.
As the flash of light dissipated, the cucarucca that had transformed into Oz slowly turned their heads left and right, reminding me of a hairy caterpillar when it felt threatened.
In the end, the white caterpillars crumbled their forms and scattered down the pathways.
Akira: …Haa…we’re safe, for now…
Are you two okay?
Mitile: Y-Yes, somehow…
Riquet: …
Akira: …
Riquet: Ah…yes, I’m fine.
He nodded in a panic. Contrary to his words, he was definitely spacing out.
On a face full of sweat, eyes that were normally courageous were now vacantly blinking.
Akira: Are you really okay? You look exhausted…
Mitile: You’re running out of mana aren’t you? Riquet, you’ve been using too much magic.
You even casted a blinding spell when I was going to. If you keep pushing yourself you’ll run out of mana…
Riquet: I won’t!!
Riquet’s voice echoed throughout the mausoleum.
I could hear the rustling of cucaruccas in the distance.
But rather than fear, surprise took over me.
Riquet isn’t one to lose his temper and shout from his friend worrying over him.
Mitile: …Riquet? Is something wrong?
He talked in a soft voice. Riquet quickly covered his mouth, crouching lower in embarrassment.
Riquet: I’m so sorry, I…but I really am fine.
There is nothing you need to worry about, Mitile. Really…nothing.
Akira: (...There is something. Anyone could tell he’s not himself right now.)
(Is it the fear of the cucarucca? Nervous that Oz and Cain aren’t with him? Usually he’d still be brave though…)
Mitile: …Riquet…
Riquet quickly stood up, as if to interrupt Mitile from saying anything.
Riquet: My apologies. Because I raised my voice, the cucaruccas might come to us now.
Sitting around won’t help us find the real Oz, so let’s get moving.
Mitile: …
He starts walking with haste. Mitile follows after him with a troubled expression.
Snow: The kids aren’t anywhere.
White: Nor are Cain and the others.
Oz: …This mausoleum is like a labyrinth.
Why did we choose this space for the training session?
Snow: Huuuh~?? Before this all happened you were all like “Oh looks good” about this place weren’tcha!
White: Stop, you two! We don’t have time for squabbles.
If we fight here, the younger wizards will be turned to stone before the sun rises.
Snow & Oz: …
Snow: Oz, you should say “Sorry” here. Then I shall reply “It’s okay”.
Oz: You say it.
White: Ugh!! Keep at it for the rest of your lives then! Idiots!!
Snow: Sorry sorry sorry! I won’t do it anymore! I’ve turned over a new leaf!
*breathe* Haa…let’s change the topic…
Right, speaking of fights, the state of Mitile’s heart worries me. This is certainly no situation to be pointlessly fighting.
That child has consumed a mana stone far stronger than him. Though Figaro is looking after him…
He doesn’t seem to be following the rule of not using too much magic.
Now that we’re in this mess, there’s no doubt that he will ignore the strains on his heart and keep on using magic. I can only hope that the stone won’t devour him…
White: That’s true…at least we can have some relief that Riquet’s with him.
Magic is used with a clear mind. With a trusted friend by your side, it is easier to keep one’s head and maintain your sense of self.
Oz: …
The other day…
I was asked by Riquet if there was any way he could help Mitile should he be consumed by the mana stone.
I told him that there was no way to help him.
Snow & White: …!
Snow: So…as of now, Riquet is fighting thinking his best friend is going to turn into stone?
White: …That changes things…he must be thinking that he has to resolve this all by himself.
Oz: …
Snow: …You too, Oz. Calm down.
Oz: I am calm.
Snow: How? Walking hastily like that.
Accept it. Though you pride yourself as the world’s strongest, there is nothing you can do now.
White: Snow. Stop. I told you no fighting.
Snow: I am not. I am merely telling my student the truth.
We who are stuck to this painting are the same. We can’t do anything, it’s best to accept the truth then deny it.
Oz: …
…That’s why I’m hurrying. If I can take the Sage’s hand…
Snow: You can use magic at night.
…However, the current you is the same as a mere human. Should you stumble over on your high heels you could not heal yourself with magic.
So calm your nerves. Accept your powerless and human-like self.
Oz: …
Chapter 6
Owen: Pant, pant…Uu, I’m tired…
Cain: …Ha, ha…shit. To think the cucarucca would transform into Chloe…
(We managed to shake them off, but there might be no next time. Owen can’t run anymore.)
(To beat a cluster of cucarucca we have to kill the whole body in one strike. I don’t have that level of magic, though…)
(Relax! Take your time and think. Our goal is to return home with everyone. What we need to make that happen is to reunite the Master Sage and Oz.)
(Okay then, what’s my best move? What is it I should do right now?)
Owen: …Sir Knight…
Cain: (...What can I do to protect a frightened child?)
…
Owen: Sir Knight? Why did you let go of my hand…?
Cain: Owen. Calm down, and listen to my words.
From here on we’re gonna move separately.
I’ll stay here, so you go and find Oz. Help him out.
We won’t be able to leave this place for a while, but Oz will protect you.
Owen: N…No…gh! I want to stay with you!
I, I won’t say I’m tired anymore! I’ll be a good kid, so…kh.
Cain: That’s not it. I want you to get away safely so I’m gonna stall the…
Owen: No! Don’t wanna! Sir Knight is a l-liar!
You said you wouldn’t leave me…!
Cain: …
…You remember that. Even though you don’t have most of your adult memories…
…
Owen.
Owen: W-What…?
Cain: Look at me please. Look straight into my eyes.
Owen. For me to not leave you in the true sense, this needs to happen.
It sucks, but I can’t win against those monsters, and there’s a limit to how much we can run.
So I’m going to trust you with my hope. That you will survive.
Owen: …To survive…
Cain: Knights don’t fight alone. Against a tough opponent, we believe in our victory and do our part to the fullest.
And this is my part.
I’m going to leave my hope with you, and in the end I will come back for you.
Owen: …
You’re going to leave your hope, with me…
Gh…!
Cain: Crap, they found us!
Owen, run! I’ll…
Cerberus!? Owen…
Owen: Tear them apart.
Tch…a lot of them got away. These dogs suck at squashing smaller beasts.
Cain: You’re…back to normal. Honestly, that’s a relief.
Owen: Hmph. …
Cain: …What? If you’re gonna complain, complain to yourself who stuffed those guys into your trunk.
Owen: No. Before…
You said you were going to leave your hope with me.
Cain: …Yeah. You remember.
Owen: That’s…no, I…
Cain: …
Owen: …Are you okay with that?
Cain: …
…I’m…
Chloe: Cain! Owen!?
Cain: Chloe…!? Wait…
Chloe: Woahwoahwoah! Don’t point your sword at me! I’m the real one!
Wait, but are you two the real ones? Or fake!?
Oh I know, Owen, can I hug you!?
Owen: What’re you doing, you idiot!
Cain: What’re YOU doing!? He’s clearly the real Chloe!
Chloe: Owie…ouchie ouch…
Cain: You alright, Chloe? Did you hit your head?
Chloe: I’m A-Okay! Sorry for startling you.
But seriously, I’m glad you pushed me away. Thanks, Owen!
Owen & Cain: Hm?
Chloe: Just earlier, I thought I found Owen. So out of relief I hugged him without thinking, and he just hugged me back like it was normal!
I was like, wait, he can do that? And then the Owen in my arms turned into caterpillars! It was mega scary!
The real Owen should push you away if you tried to hug him. That’s the right reaction, yep! I was so relieved~...
Owen: Hey Mr. Knight, are you sure he didn’t hit his head?
Cain: I’m sure…well, either way, it’s good we’re all okay.
We should move together. That way we won’t be fooled by more tricks.
And now that Owen’s…in a good mood, we don’t have to run around anymore. Let’s search for Riquet and the others, and protect them.
Then all we gotta do is reunite Oz and the Master Sage, and Oz will end this nightmare. Capisce?
Owen: I guess.
Chloe: Mmhmm. I hope the Master Sage and the others are safe…
Akira: Pant, haah…hg…
I took in deep breaths searching for oxygen.
We had just taken a sneak attack from the cucarucca, and were sent on a massive chase.
Akira: (We shook them off thanks to Riquet and Mitile’s magic but…)
There was still no sign of Oz. All we could find were cucaruccas transformed into our friends.
Riquet: …We must, bring the Master Sage, to Oz, at once…
Mitile: …but, we’re, so…
I could see how pale they were.
Exhausted faces a vivid reminder of when they fought the minotaurus, I understood why even without magic.
Akira: (...They’re almost at their limit…)
I could feel the fear and uneasiness creep up from my toes.
If we were found by a cucarucca without any mana left, we’d have no way of fending them off.
We had hardly any stamina left to keep running until the sun rose or we found Oz.
Akira: (We have to do something. But what…)
Mitile: …Master Sage.
There’s a small room with a door over there and no webs. Please hide in that room.
Riquet and I will go find Lord Oz and bring him to you.
Akira: No, I can’t be the only one hiding…
I shook my head right away, but suddenly realized what would lie next.
Their raspy breaths, the sweat on their foreheads, their hoarse voices from saying their spell too much. The cuts they had all over, stained with blood.
The only reason why I was unwounded out of the three of us was because Mitile and Riquet had been protecting me.
Akira: (If I stay with them, they’ll have to keep on fighting to protect me.)
(I can’t have them using any more magic than they should…)
…I understand. I’m sorry that I can’t be of help.
Mitile: Don’t be. This is our duty.
Here, go inside.
Akira: …It’s dark…
Mitile: Even if you’re afraid, please don’t light any flames. Bugs are sensitive to light.
Riquet and I will cast all the blessing and protection spells we know, so they won’t find you.
Ortonik Sealsispilce.
Your turn, Riquet.
Riquet: …Sanretea Edif.
Mitile: …Once this door closes, you will be safe.
The spells will break if you open the door from the inside though, so please do not leave until we come for you.
Riquet, let’s go.
Riquet: …
Mitile: Riquet?
He finally raised his face.
His vacant eyes suddenly held an intense light in them, concentrated on Mitile.
It was an unstable light, like when a cat jumped into the middle of the road, eyes frozen in fear at the car in front of it.
Riquet: …Mitile, you should stay in there too. I alone will search for Oz.
Akira: What!?
Mitile: Wh…huuuh!? What’re you saying all of a sudden!
Riquet: Do not worry. My magic is stronger than yours, Mitile.
Mitile: Ah…are you trying to tell me I’ll just be deadweight!? That’s mean, Riquet!
You know I’ve become stronge…
Riquet: That’s why you can’t come!
His shout was closer to a scream.
Small hands gripped Mitile’s shoulders, shaking them.
Riquet: You can’t use too much magic, Mitile! Hasn’t Figaro warned you of this?
Don’t you know what being consumed by a mana stone is?
If you do, then you should understand what I’m saying, right!? Listen to me!
Mitile: But…, …
He looked like he wanted to say something, but swallowed his breath in shock.
Because Riquet was crying.
Pristine tear drops flowed down his cheeks, mixed with the blood from his cuts, and continued without end.
Pain coloured tears were repeatedly wiped with the back of his hand.
He didn’t have any magic left to clean his cuts or tears.
Riquet: …h. The cucaruccas are coming close…
< Index >
Chapter 7
Riquet: Anyways Mitile, you need to stay here. Master Sage, I’ll be going now.
Akira: Wai…
Mitile: Wait…Riquet!
…Geez! Riquet you dummy! Won’t even listen to me one bit!!
Watching where Riquet ran off to, Mitile stomped his feet in frustration.
I hurriedly searched for the right words to say, but nothing came out. That was because I didn’t really understand their conversation.
I know more about magic now, but I still have yet to truly understand their innate relationship between the heart and magic.
Mitile: …
Before I could say anything, Mitile squeezed his fists tight.
Mitile: …I can’t use too much magic. I know that.
I know that, but…
…
He strongly bit his lip for a second, and he turned to look at me, a determined look in his eyes.
Mitile: I won’t leave Riquet alone.
I’m going to find Riquet, and like I said before, reunite with Lord Oz. Until then, please hide in here, Master Sage.
Make sure not to open the door.
Akira: …I understand. Please, take care…
My voice trembled a bit,
since it could be the last time we saw each other.
Yet Mitile gave me a bright smile and a nod like he didn’t notice a thing.
Even though he’s the one who’s hurt and worn out, about to dive into the darkness to save his friend and fulfill his duty.
Even though his legs that carried him so far have started to shake ever so slightly.
Mitile: We will find Lord Oz and make everything alright.
Please believe in us and wait!
With all the willpower I could muster, I gave a wide smile.
For the kind and brave wizard who smiled for me.
Akira: I believe in you two. You can do this!
Mitile: Yes!
Oz: …
Snow: Oz? Why did you stop?
Oz: Quiet. …, …
…It’s hard to tell with the presence of the bugs, but I can sense traces of magic in that direction. Incomplete spells, elaborately layered atop each other…
White: …, …Oh! You’re right! It’s faint, but there certainly is something!
Snow: Could it be Mitile and Riquet’s magic? Good job, Oz! Now we can unite!
The Trio: …!
Snow: The cucaruccas are crawling over there too.
White: Heinous beasts, so you’ve picked up the scent too…Oz, we must hurry!
Oz: Of course.
(Mitile, Riquet…)
(...Akira…)
Akira: (...)
(...It sure is dark…)
Now alone in the small room, I carefully sat myself down on the floor to calm my nerves.
I couldn’t tell if my eyes were open or closed in this pitch black darkness.
I was paranoid that the monsters would be able to hear the loud thumping of my heart.
Akira: (...Don’t worry. It’ll be okay. It’ll all go well…)
(Mitile and Riquet are best friends. I am worried about Riquet, but if they talk it out they’ll surely make up.)
(They’ll be able to find Oz sooner without me weighing them down. And they’re definitely searching for me too.)
(So it’s gonna be okay. It’ll be fine, fine…)
Mitile & Riquet: …Master Sage!
Akira: …! Mitile, Riquet!
I almost jumped trying to stand up. I quickly put my hands on the door.
Akira: You already found Oz! That was fa–
(...Right. Isn’t that too fast?)
(The darkness may be messing with my sense of time, but I’m sure it wasn’t that long since I parted with Mitile.)
(And, if Oz is with them why isn’t he saying anything?)
(...Is it really Mitile and Riquet?)
Riquet: Master Sage.
Mitile: Are you okay?
I strained my ears to listen to their voices clearly,
but those worried voices sounded so real to me.
Akira: (Maybe there was trouble and they had to come back to me. Maybe hours have already passed. It’s normal for Oz to be silent too…)
I felt so alone and hopeless in this darkness. It made me want to open the door even more.
Akira: (...But, if they were really real…)
(They would’ve undone their own spells and opened the door by themselves, before talking to me.)
(Right, these must be fakes. I mustn’t open this door, just like Mitile said!)
As soon as I made my decision and backed away from the door,
I could hear the rustling sounds of caterpillars crawling faster than I’ve ever heard until now.
Without even a second to think, something slammed against the door with a loud thud.
It was the sound of something large and soft hitting the door.
Like a human.
Riquet: Aaaaah!!
Mitile: Riquet! …Waaaaugh!
Akira: Mitile!? Riquet!?
Riquet: Waaaah, …ah! Agh, …, …!!
Mitile: Aaaah, gh, …, ahhhhh…!!
Akira: What’s going on!? Are you okay!?
All I could hear were Mitile and Riquet’s shrieking and crying voices.
And something heavy being battered without end.
Those two were being shoved and beaten.
Broken, squashed, shredded, torn, mushed…
Akira: …h, Mitile!! Riquet!! Please answer me!!
It can’t be real…it’s all fake, right!? None of this is real right!? Give me an answer, please, please, please, please…!
In a craze I pounded the door. Words spilled from my throat without me realizing.
My vision flickered. I thought I might barf going numb with fear.
Akira: (No, no, NO! It’s not real! It’s fake, it’s fake, it’s fake, it’s all fake!)
(I’ve seen these tricks in horror movies…! I mustn’t open the door!)
(I mustn’t, I won’t……but, but…)
(This isn’t a movie.)
(It’s reality.)
(What if beyond this door was Mitile and Riquet?)
(What if they really were being attacked?)
Riquet: Gaah…h,...h! Nn, aaah…
Mitile: Riquet, Riquet! Riquet!! Ri…h, waaaaah…!
I couldn’t stop shaking at their painful wailing. I thought my heart would crush from agony.
My head felt light, and I was getting dizzy, but I desperately continued to think.
Akira: (I didn’t hear any stones breaking. They’re still alive.)
(If those two really are being attacked…)
(I could leave these room, and let those two run away while the cucaruccas go after me.)
(..., but. If they’re fakes…)
Mitile: Master Sage!
I return to my senses. The voice was right behind this door.
My kind and brave wizard whispered to me in a hushed voice that sounded like it could cut off at any moment.
Mitile: Make sure not to open the door.
Ah, ah…uu, uuu…
Spongy chewing noises entered my ears, along with Mitile’s sobbing.
I could only imagine the worst happening behind that door.
Akira: (...He’s being eaten, alive…)
I rejected the images that tried to come to mind in my despair.
In that moment however, a light shined.
And from far away I could slightly pick up someone’s voice.
Snow: –kids…aren’t anywhere.
Akira: …!
White: Nor…Cain…others…
Oz: …This maus…is like…th.
Akira: Snow! White! Oz…!!
I cling to the door, shouting the names of the wizards we’d been searching for.
They didn’t reply, but I could hear their voices come closer.
The sounds of the cucaruccas devouring and attacking fell silent.
It could be that they were feeling wary at the presence of powerful wizards.
If I take this chance I could reunite with Oz and the twins.
I could give the Mitile who was being eaten alive and the Riquet who was torn apart a second longer to live.
< Index >
Chapter 8
Akira: (It’s because of those two I still have energy to run. If it’s a short distance I should be able to outrun them.)
(I’ll open the door, and make a dash for it.)
(I’ll make it to where Oz and the twins are!)
The door hinge shook slightly, and I shoved it open with two hands.
I almost tumbled onto the floor exiting.
Akira: Mitile! Riquet! O…
…
All I could see were hundreds of white caterpillars filling my vision.
The two who were screaming were not in sight.
Neither the three who were supposed to be approaching.
It was all fake.
Akira: …, ah…
I lost all the strength in my legs, and slumped to the floor.
Run. Get out.
Something in my head was telling me to, but my body wouldn’t listen.
Akira: (I’m, such an idiot…I was completely tricked.)
(...But, at least this means Mitile and Riquet are safe. Thank goodness…)
(...I guess this is how I die…)
My thoughts became disordered.
Strangely, tears weren’t flowing.
The caterpillars came closer to their weak and magic-less prey.
Akira: (...Mitile said to believe in him…)
I simply watched the white wave that was about to envelop me.
Riquet: (...I can see Mitile in the distance…that must be the cucarucca that was chasing us earlier.)
…!
(The caterpillars changed from Mitile to Cain! H-How gross…!!)
(The spells we cast on that room aren’t perfect. I need to grab the cucarucca’s attention so it won’t notice them.)
(I have to protect Mitile…)
…You’re fine. You can do this, you can do this…
Mitile: Riquet!
Riquet: …!? Mitile!?
Why are you here…! Did you chase after me?
Mitile: Riquet! Do our best!
Riquet: …Mitile? You’re acting…
Mitile?: Let’s do this! I won’t leave Riquet alone.
Riquet: A fake…!
Stand down, foul beast! Sanretea Edif!
…h, I messed up! What do I do, my magic is…
Waaah…!
Mitile: Haa, haa…! Riquet, where did you go? I can’t sense his mana…
Ugh! Why would you go off on your own in a place like this!
Treating me like I’m deadweight! Just ‘cuz you’re worried about me…
(It’s the complete opposite with the Ruins of Mesa. He got mad and called us cowards for not going inside the ruins.)
(But…he later apologized. Saying that though he couldn’t understand the Southern wizard’s feelings, he loves our good nature.)
(If the me now went to the Ruins of Mesa then, I think I would have gone inside with the Central wizards.)
(I can use awesome magic now. I would’ve been helpful, and done a lot.)
(Is this not very Southern-like of me? Will he hate me for not being good natured?)
(...But…)
Riquet is…
Riquet is the only…
Riquet: –Stand down, foul beast! Sanretea Edif!
Mitile: …! Riquet! He’s being attacked by a cucarucca…!
Riquet: Waaah…!
Mitile: Scintilla!
That was bad…! Riquet, you alright!?
Riquet: …
…Mitile…
Akira: …Ah…
Snow & White: Noscomnia!
O Sage!
Oz: Are you unharmed!
Akira: Snow, White! Oz…!
The frozen cluster of caterpillars broke into pieces with a crash.
The remaining cucaruccas that weren’t hit by the spell were sent into a panic, their escape being deterred by the three wizards rushing over here.
At that moment, like a knot had come undone, warm tears bursted from my eyes.
Oz hurried to my side, holding the picture frame of the twins, and bent down on his knee.
Oz: Sage. Are you hurt?
Akira: No…thanks, you three.
Snow: It’s a relief we made it in time. Good thing we ran, right Ozzy?
White: There there, it must’ve been quite the scare. Why are you alone, though? Where have Mitile and Riquet gone?
Oz: Were you separated? Are they safe?
Akira: That’s…
Rapidly wiping my tears, I told them about what happened thus far.
Akira: But then I heard these noises and screaming outside. It sounded like Mitile and Riquet were being attacked and eaten by the cucaruccas…
I was panicking about what to do, and then I heard your voices…so I…
…h, I believed in those voices…thinking I could reunite with you guys and save them…
Oz: …Except it was all a trap.
Akira: Yes…
I stared at the floor.
Recalling the events made me realize how careless I was.
Akira: …Mitile told me to not open that door. To believe in him and wait.
I should’ve listened to his words no matter what.
…I wasn’t able to believe in him, so that’s why…
Snow: Stop, Sage. That is not it.
I lifted my head to Snow’s kind admonishing. He leaned in close.
Snow: Your frustrations are clouding your vision. What made you open that door was not your failure to believe in your friends.
It was your courage and camaraderie to them that did.
Akira: Snow…
Snow: Disbelief and concern are similar, but still different.
You could have kept Mitile’s words in mind and stayed in that room, disregarding their fates.
Except you think so dearly of him and Riquet that you couldn’t. That’s how I see things went.
You did a great job, even though it was scary. What a courageous child.
He caressed my cheek, wiping the tears I missed.
That hand from the painting looked a little transparent like the shadow of the moon, yet it was still warm.
Snow’s confident words dispelled the despair and regrets I had when I opened that door.
It filled me with the strength to stand up.
Akira: …Thank you so much, Snow. I tried my best, even if it didn’t go well.
Snow: Ohohoho. That’s our Sage.
Cain: –Master Sage! Everyone!
Akira: Cain! You guys!
He was running while waving his hand. Chloe and Owen were with him.
Owen was the only one on his broom, probably because he didn’t like running. Odd coloured eyes had their sharpness back in them.
Akira: (That’s Owen alright…he’s back to normal.)
Oz: …Are you real.
Owen: Are you real? Should I let my dogs have a bite and see?
Cain: Oh good, we’re all the real ones. That was a proper conversation just now.
Snow: Was it?
White: Are proper conversations even normal for these two?
Chloe: I’m glad you’re okay! Where’s Mitile and Riquet?
Oz: We still have yet to regroup. The moment we find them I will burn these cucaruccas to ashes.
Sage, your hand.
Akira: Yes…!
I took the hand that was offered to me, and Oz silently stared into my eyes.
Oz: …
Do not ever let go.
Without you by my side, I…
Red eyes wavered ever so slightly.
I remembered the words Cain once said to me.
“He may have lived for thousands of years, but not being able to use magic at night is new for him.”
The time he’s been afflicted with this injury is the same amount of time that Mitile and Riquet have been the Sage’s wizards.
Akira: …I won’t.
If I’m with you, you’ll always be the world’s strongest wizard.
I tightly squeezed his hand.
The Sage’s power is not omnipotent. It can fail, like how it cannot stop the flames of Shylock’s heart.
I ignored the cracks in my confidence.
I muster all the strength I have in me to smile.
Just like Mitile, who is now fighting somewhere in this mausoleum, did.
Akira: Oz. Let’s save Mitile and Riquet.
Oz: …
Though it was just a tiny bit, I could tell the hand in mine squeezed back.
Those eyes that looked into mine were that of the world’s strongest wizard, the one who watched over us for countless missions.
Oz: We will.
Chloe: …! Look, the cucaruccas are moving!
< Index >
Chapter 9
Snow: They’re all going somewhere together.
Cain: Weird. Should be instinct for them to be trying to poke a hole in Oz and the twin’s defenses to nab the Master Sage…
Owen: …It’s normal for starving beasts to forget instinct when there’s easier prey nearby.
I know of some mountain dogs that were just like this. Mountain dogs usually run away if they fail to hunt down their target.
But even though a herd of deer fought them off, those dogs turned back and went after a baby deer that strayed from the herd.
Chloe: So…the cucaruccas are right now going after…
Snow: …Mitile and Riquet are in danger! Let’s move!
Mitile: That was bad…! Riquet, you alright!?
Riquet: …Mitile…
…, h…! Why did you come after me! Go back this instant!
Mitile: Back…is, isn’t that uncalled for!? I came to save you!
Riquet: I didn’t ask! If you use too much magic your heart will be consumed…
You could lose your mind and die! Don’t you understand!?
Mitile: I know that! But right now we’re in an emergency situation, so I have to use it whether I like it or not!
You too Riquet, why’d you go off on your own!? You have barely any mana left!
Are you telling me to shut up and leave you so you can get turned into stone!?
Riquet: I am!
Mitile: Huuuh!?
Riquet: Leave me alone! I’ll make do by myself!
I’d rather that than you turning into stone for my sake, I’d hate, hate, hate it…!
Mitile: Then…!! …
…, …*breathe* …Haah…
…I didn’t come after you just to fight. What I wanted to say is…
I’m worried about you.
I know you’re worried about me too.
So…thanks.
Riquet: …Mitile…
Mitile: It’s as you’ve heard Riquet. I mustn't use too much magic.
…but I…instead of hearing you say things like “I’m worried, so don’t you do anything”...
I want to hear you say “I’m worried, so let’s do this together”. I want you to tell me to try harder.
Riquet: …
Mitile: I know it’s not very Southern wizard-like of me. I know it’s different to who I was before.
…I know that you probably hate this kind of me…
But you’re my first friend I’ve made at the manor, the one I’m always with.
You’re the only one I want to hear say “It’s dangerous, but I know you can do it. It’s not safe, but you must fight.”
Riquet: …
…I know that.
I know the words that you want me to say.
I know that you’ve always been trying your hardest, before you ate that mana stone and after.
I know that you’re a brave wizard who would risk his life to save me if I just asked you to.
Because you’re always with me.
Mitile: …Riquet…
Riquet: …But…that’s why…
I’m worried about you.
You’re the person I want to be the most safe. To never risk his life.
I’ve come to care for you so much because we’re always together, but I’ve also become scared.
…I want to go on adventures with you, yet when I think of you getting hurt I lose all the strength in my legs…
Mitile, you’re my very first…and precious friend…
So if anything happened to you, I…even I…
…h, I feel like my heart would burst…
Mitile: …
Riquet: …Even so...
…will you fight by my side, for a little longer?
Mitile: …!
…Of course. Let’s put our all into it, Riquet!
Mitile & Riquet: …!?
Mitile: There’s cucaruccas coming at us from every direction!
Riquet: And there’s more of them than before! Why…!?
Mitile: N-Nevermind that, we gotta run! They’ll get us at this rate…!
Riquet: Haah, haah…Sanretea Edif!
Mitile: Scintilla! …
Haa, haaaugh…! No matter how much we fend off their numbers aren’t decreasing one bit!
Riquet: Right, it’s more like they’re increasing…
Mitile: …Scintilla!
…? Scintilla! Ortonik Sealsispilce!
Riquet: Mitile! Don’t tell me, you’re at your limit…
Mitile: I’m fi…Riquet!! Behind you!!
Riquet: Huh? A, Aaaaaaahhh…!!
Mitile: Scintilla!!
Riquet: Sanretea Edif…!
…I casted a blinding spell. It’s just for a short while, but the cucaruccas shouldn’t be able to find us for now…
Thank you Mitile.
Mitile: …Ah…
…Hehe.
Riquet: Mitile? Why the laugh…
Mitile: Haha…aha.
Ahahaha! Aahahaha!!
Riquet: What’s wrong!? Miti…
Mitile: Kyahahahahaha! Geheeheeheehee!!
Aahahahahaha!
Riquet: Mitile!!
(What do I do, what do I do, what do I do! Mitile’s acting strange!)
(Is he being consumed by the stone…!?)
Mitile: Keeheeheehee! Geehahaha!
Riquet: Mitile, come to your senses! Mitile!
(O God, I ask for your help! Please save him, save Mitile, Mitile…!)
(Please, come back!)
(I don’t want to lose you…!)
Mitile…!
Mitile: …! Ah, hand…?
Riquet: …! Are you back to normal!?
Mitile: …? Hm, hmhm, hahahaha…!
Riquet: Mitile, Mitile! I’m holding your hand. Don’t lose yourself.
Mitile, you’ll be okay won’t you?
Mitile: …Riquet…
Ahaha! Hah…
Aha…h, …h! …
…Sorry. I think…I’m okay.
Riquet: Mitile! …Oh thank goodness…
You really mustn’t use magic now. Leave the rest to me.
Mitile: No…no! You’re almost at your limit now. There’s gotta be another way…
…Right…I put it in my pocket…
…! Here!
Riquet: That? What is it…
Mitile: Our ace. Riquet, I’ve thought up a plan to outrun those caterpillars.
I want you to cast a tornado around us.
Can you still cast wind spells?
Riquet: …
If you’re holding my hand, then surely.
Mitile: Riquet…
Of course. We’re together ‘til the end.
I’ll explain. The plan is…
Mitile: Haah, haah…okay, let’s enact it here.
Riquet: Got it. Let them come to us first…
Mitile & Riquet: …
Riquet: …
Mitile. I want to tell you something, just in case.
Thank you for being my…
Mitile: Don’t say it.
Riquet: But…
Mitile: It’ll be…it’ll definitely be okay. Don’t speak like it’s our last moments.
Riquet: …Mitile…
Mitile: Let’s hold hands, Riquet. It’s almost time.
Riquet: …Yes! I’m ready when you are!
Mitile: Then, now!
(First I gotta take off the cork on my bottle of pesticide.)
(Then I’ll aim it at the ceiling, as high as I can…)
(...and throw it!)
The pesticide’s up! Riquet!
Riquet: …
…Sanretea Edif.
Mitile & Riquet: …!
Riquet: Look at that! The pesticide sprayed from the tornado is working on the cucaruccas!
Mitile: Yeees! Even if they are magic beasts, they still are caterpillars…!
Riquet, this is our last chance! Time to find Lord Oz…
Akira: Mitile! Riquet!
Mitile & Riquet: …! Master Sage!?
The cucaruccas wriggled in anguish, like a living snowfield with rippling waves.
In the center of the pure white ring, I saw two wizards hand in hand, eyes widened. I thought I might cry out of relief.
They were beaten up, but safe.
They managed to survive this horrible night.
Chloe: We’ve found you…!
Snow: You’re safe now.
White: Leave the rest to us.
Snow & White: Noscomnia!
Cain: You did your best, you two! Gladius Procella!
Owen: Quare Morito.
Ice, a swinging sword, and the spirits of beasts, tear apart the revolting white waves surrounding Mitile and Riquet.
With my hand in his and a staff in the other, Oz speedily approached the two.
His heels stamped and scattered the dying caterpillars, as he made his way to a spaced out Mitile and Riquet.
Chapter 10
Oz: Are you alright.
Mitile: Lord Oz…
Riquet: Oz...h.
They suddenly frowned, nodding their heads quickly.
I wondered if they were full of relief having finally met with the Oz they had been searching for.
Their eyes were red, and cheeks tear-stained. They must’ve used a lot of courage.
Observing that, Oz quietly let out a sigh.
His fingers drew a shape on their foreheads, and their numerous cuts stained with blood softly closed up.
Mitile: …Ah…
Oz: It is time for you to rest. I will end things.
Sage.
Akira: Yes…!
Surrounded by those frightening monsters that hunted after Mitile and Riquet to the point they were battered, I strongly gripped the hand that was in mine.
Gently, I began to float.
With just my hand in his, no spell or broom, Oz and I floated upwards to the ceiling.
And he raised his staff high.
It was a movement as simple as that, but I could feel goosebumps growing.
The world rumbled.
Something big was going to happen.
Owen: …!
Cain: Owen!? Where’d…
Snow: No good! Everyone, on your brooms now!
White: Or else you’ll be dragged into Oz’s spell!
Chloe: Eh!?
Mitile: B-But…
Riquet: We're out of mana…
Cain: Get on mine! I’ll carry you!
Mitile: Underst…gweh!
Owen: You’re with me. Three on a broom with Cain’s magic won’t get you out quick enough.
If you fall, I won’t catch you. So cling on for your life.
Mitile: Thank…waaaaugh!!
Cain: Thanks, Owen! Alright Riquet, hold on tight!
Riquet: Yes!
Chloe: Lords Snow and White! I’ll take your picture frame then.
Snow & White: Thank you!
Akira: Everyone’s gone!? W-What about, me…
If it was a spell strong enough that they had to leave the grounds, then what would that mean for me who was standing in the middle of it all?
When I started to panic, Oz brought me in close as if to soothe a child.
Oz: Fear not. I won’t let you or anyone die.
Akira: (Ah…the goosebumps are gone. Oz must’ve cast something.)
Just as I calmed down.
Oz: Vox Nox.
A thunderous lighting strike tore the ground apart.
My sight was stolen by a bright white light flashing.
A second delayed, the sound of destruction entered my ears.
Akira: Waaaaaugh!?
Debris larger than a person flew past me like it was a snowflake in the wind.
The world was breaking apart, lightning strike by lightning strike.
Blue flames fell like the stars in the night sky descended.
A snowstorm like the breath of the grim reaper.
The ceiling was cracking, the walls were tearing.
The mausoleum crumbled down in seconds as if it were a bunch of building blocks.
And burned to cinders by chillingly blue flames, the living cucaruccas with it.
Their death throes were cut short, and they became ashes before they could even writhe from the flames. Cold eyes looked down upon their bodies.
Akira: Oz…
Oz: I require a little more of your power.
We must ensure these beasts of their extinction.
The heavens thundered. Over and over and over, obsessive lightning destroyed the hiding spots of the cucaruccas.
Hellfire poured from the skies and incite the blizzards to become more ruthless.
That face of Oz was more cold, beautiful, and terrifying than the hell that spread beneath him.
The merciless destruction he wrought reminded me of his other title.
But this man who was so absolute, remorseless, unsympathetic, was our saviour and vanquisher of evil.
Akira: (...Divine punishment…)
A remarkable flash of light shined.
A thunderous roar that could wake the sun up.
My eyes closed from the shock.
Akira: …? Huh…
When I came to, I was in a snowfield.
The wizards, back in their training clothes, were facing the same direction.
Mitile and Riquet, who were both peering into my face, relaxed their expressions.
Mitile: Master Sage! Good, you’re awake.
Riquet: It seems you lost consciousness during the final blow of Oz’s spells. It must’ve been quite the fright.
Akira: Is that so…but, what about the cucaruccas…
Snow & White: Over there.
The twins pointed to where the other wizards were staring.
When I looked, in the far distance was a plain engulfed in blue flames.
For a moment I wondered what it was, until I realized.
It was the remains of the mausoleum ruins.
Snow: Those flames will eventually be put out by snow. The cucaruccas have been completely extinguished.
White: They won’t be coming back.
Mitile, Riquet, & Akira: …Thank goodness…
The night wind softly blew across the snowfields in the tune of a lullaby.
We let out a breath of relief as Oz slowly approached us.
Riquet immediately nestled up close to him, like a tired kitten.
Oz gently patted that tiny back, and then summoned enough magic sugars to fill a small palm.
He stares at Mitile while blinking away his sleepiness.
I noticed that Mitile was paler than when he had to leave me.
Wondering why he was being looked at, Mitile’s eyes darted elsewhere, his shoulders trembling. Oz grabbed his hand and opened it.
Oz: You used a lot of magic. Eat these sugars.
Mitile: Th..thank you very much. …Does sugar work on mana exhaustion?
Oz: No such miracle medicines exist. It all depends on your heart.
Mitile: I see…
Oz: …When we regrouped, the cucaruccas were already weakened and in pain.
I could smell some kind of potion. Was that you?
Mitile: Y-Yes.
Riquet: It was Mitile’s idea. He thought of spreading pesticide through a tornado.
It was our last resort with the little mana we had left.
Oz: That so…
Watching the young pair of wizards, Oz was silent.
He then turned to each of them, eyes like a fireplace.
Oz: …It was not the training session we had in mind…
But tonight you two exceeded expectations, having fought with bravery and wit while protecting the Sage and yourselves.
…Good job.
Mitile & Riquet: …
Riquet: Yes…
Riquet nodded with tearful eyes.
For a split second, Mitile also frowned, crinkling his eyebrows.
Except he then lifted his face with a dignified look.
Mitile: I did my best!
His cheeks were still pale. His exhaustion from using magic to his limits settled in with every blink.
Even so–he stood with his back straight and tall.
Proud.
As a wizard who managed to survive a frightful night.
Riquet: Still, I wanted to try that training of yours, Oz. I was prepared to give it my all.
Can we still do it, on another day?
Oz: Yeah.
Riquet: Yay. Let’s work hard, Mitile!
Mitile: Huh? I, I think I’m good for awhile…
Oz: Do not fret. It will not be right away.
You must rest and recuperate, and when you restore your spirits we will hold it in a safer location.
Riquet: How long to restore our spirits?
Oz: A year…
Mitile & Riquet: That’s too long!
Feeling at peace with the three that regained their usual banter, I look up at the night sky.
The Great Calamity floated in the sky. Pale and beautiful as it shined its light on the blankets of snow.
As if this was any other peaceful night, with no storms or disasters.
Akira: (...The youngest wizards of the Sage, Mitile and Riquet.)
(And Oz, who cannot use magic at night…)
Next to me I could hear their lively voices brightening up.
In my heart, I earnestly made a wish.
Akira: (Please–)
(May we still safely laugh like this, after our battle with the Great Calamity.)
(May the nights we know come to visit us as always…)
END