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Volume 4, Chapter 7: Chalk Forest

Ⅰ

To the far north of the Imperial Capital Orsted, there was a place called 『Chalk Forest』. This forest covered by snow all year round was a place where Danger Type 2 beasts like One Horned Beasts and Blood Curdling Birds roamed free. There were even Danger Type 3 beasts called 『Jaws』 sighted here. Because of how rare they were spotted, they were also known as the phantom beast.

According to ancient text, a Jaws had wiped out an entire city in the span of one night. Another record stated that several thousands soldiers died in its subjugation.

There were also legends that Jaws could understand human speech. The Kaka tribe that lived in the north since ancient times revered Jaws like a god.

(It’s been a long time since my last visit.)

Strolling in the white forest known as a demonic realm was— Felixus in full armour. He pushed aside the snow as he advanced towards his destination.

The long armed apes swinging dexterously between the trees like pendulums followed Felixus with baffled eyes.

After walking for two hours.

The field of vision suddenly cleared, and he could see a simple house built with logs. When Felixus exhaled in relief, an intense presence behind him stopped him in his track.

(This presence is…)

It wasn’t human, but also not beasts driven by their feral instincts. Felixus turned and looked cautiously, and saw a giant white beast. The giant beast had the majesty and aesthetics of a king, and was obviously different from the other beasts.

The giant beast slowly moved its four legs that could easily crush a human and closed its distance with Felixus.

「Long time no see, Beast King Vajra.」

Felixus straightened his back and formally bowed at the Vajra who was appraising him with golden eyes. The Vajra nodded slightly, then sat its butt down and bared its ferocious fangs.

「Are you here to visit Lasara and the others?」

「Yes, it’s been some time since my last visit.」

「But you came not too long ago.」

「I remember that was a year ago…」

When Felixus said that, the Vajra snorted, blowing the snow into the air with a strong breeze.

「To me, one year is just a blink of an eye… Never mind, that girl gets lonely easily, so spend more time with her. I ordered the beasts not to attack you, but this level of threat must mean nothing to you, correct?」

「Thank you for your concern, I prefer to avoid meaningless bloodshed too.」

Felixus touched the light yellow pouch on his waist. Inside was beast repellent made from crushed Snow Safflower. It was popular amongst hunters, and the more ferocious the beast, the more effective it was.

He was attacked twice during his last visit, but none this time. Felixus was unsure whether the Snow Safflower was effective, or the result of the Vajra’s order.

「Hmmp, you are the only human who can talk smack after stepping into this deadly place.」

「My apologies.」

「Leave after you’re done, the scent from you will agitate the beasts.」

It glanced at Felixus again, Vajra slowly got up and left with its three tails swaying behind it.

After seeing the Vajra off, Felixus moved towards the loghouse once again.

When Felixus was about to knock on the door of the loghouse, he had a nostalgic voice.

「This scent is Felixus!」

The fairy that flew out of a tiny gap in the window was Silky Air. Leaving a trail behind her as if she was a shooting star, she sat on Felixus’ shoulder. She looked similar to a human, but was only the size of a palm. What prominently differentiated her from humans were her long sharp tipped ears and the four grey wings on her back.

Felixus gently patted the innocently smiling Silky with his index finger. Silky then rubbed her legs against Felixus’ cheeks.

「It’s been a while, how have you been?」

「I’m always lively! But Lasara keeps ordering us around, so it’s been a bit tough. All because my Sorcery is outstanding.」

Silky puffed out her chest proudly.

「It’s only been a year, but you have gotten prettier.」

The last time they met, her hair only reached to her shoulders, but it was covering her arms now. Her face had always been beautiful, but the childishness about her had faded. Her green one piece dress matched well with her peach coloured hair too.

「I-Is that so! Have I really gotten prettier!?」

Silky spun around gracefully. But she was too worked up, so her skirt twirled up. Silky held down her skirt in a panic.

「Ughh… Did you see?」

Silky glared at Felixus with a red face, her bashfulness was no different from a human girl.

「I didn’t see anything.」

He answered truthfully since he really didn’t see, but Silky’s expression remained unchanged. The suspicion in her eyes grew stronger, and she stamped her feet hard.

「You are lying you are lying! Felixus definitely saw inside my skirt!」

「I said I didn’t.」

Felixus refuted a little exasperatedly. Silky puffed out her cheeks and asked 「Then tell me what colour did you see?」

She was way too cute, and Felixus couldn’t help laughing.

「Ahh! You saw! So you really saw!」

Silky blushed even more and pounded on Felixus’ head. As Felixus let her do as she wished, an irate voice came from inside the house.

「How long are you going to keep up that stupid act?」

「It’s not stupid at all!」

「Enough, hurry on in.」

The moment she said that, the door opened silently.

Silky leaned into Felixus’ ear.

「Lasara must be jealous of my relationship with Felixus.」

Silky who was a little cocky disappeared behind the door with a hum.

Because Silky normally cast a barrier Sorcery on the house, it was as complex as a maze. This was to guard against any intruders, but that spell had been dismissed. Felixus locked gazes with the petite girl sitting in the middle of the room.

「Long time no see, Lady Lasara.」

Just like his meeting with Vajra, Felixus respectfully bowed his head.

「Brat, how many times do I have to remind you!? You will address me as Arch Sorcerer Lasara!」

Lasara stamped hard on the floor. She looked just like Silky just now, and Felixus desperately suppressed his urge to laugh.

「… Brat, are you holding back laughter?」

「I’m not laughing.」

Lasara looked at the sincere Felixus and grunted.

She might have the appearance of a child, but she was actually over two centuries old. An existence that literally transcended humanity, and a living legend. According to her, she had not changed after inheriting the 『Godly Gem of Light Magic Circle』 in her youth.

She wouldn’t age, but wasn’t immortal. She was forcefully clinging to this life through Sorcery, the unorthodox secret technique 『Life Extension Sorcery』. Lasara once said with a laugh that she would die once the effect was gone, since this was in defiance to the laws of nature.

「… What’s the matter? Why the serious face all of a sudden?」

Lasara looked at him in surprise. Silky also fluttered around him worriedly and asked 「Hey Felixus? Are you alright?」

「Pardon me, I was lost in thought.」

「Is that all? Don’t scare me like that. You must be thinking about war, all humans throughout the different eras are so eager to fight, what a foolish race.」

Lasara lowered her face and sighed deeply.

Lasara had lived for an unimaginably long time, so her words pricked Felixus’ heart more than anyone else.

「It is as Lady Lasara says.」

Felixus said as he scratched his neck. Silky kicked Felixus’ head as she said 「Don’t worry me like that.」

「Getting back on topic, what brings you here today? Let me say this first, I’m not lonely at all— Really now, that busybody dog is always nagging…」

Lasara clicked her tongue pridefully, she seemed to have heard the conversation between Felixus and Vajra. And of course, Lasara wasn’t there. This was probably— no, this was definitely a form of Sorcery.

That wasn’t a surprise, since no one was as proficient in Sorcery as she was.

Ⅱ

「Actually—」

Felixus started talking about the Sorcerers from the Holy Nation of Mekia. Lasara nodded as Felixus spoke, then scratched her head and sighed when he finished.

「It is as you say, brat, they are undoubtedly Combat-type Sorcerers. Originally, Sorcery is developed to enrich the lives of people. But now, it had been relegated to tools of wars, how depressing.」

Felixus looked quietly at Lasara’s lonely face. Sensing his gaze, Lasara cleared her throat awkwardly and said:

「So that country has at least three Sorcerers? That’s a lot. From what I know, this is the first time a country have so many Sorcerers.」

「Sorcerers are rarities in the first place.」

Even the Empire only had one Sorcerer, Lasara. There was no news of any Sorcerers in the Farnesse Kingdom. The same for the Confederation of Sutherland. Although the Holy Nation of Mekia was home to the Artemia Cathedral, known for nurturing Sorcerers, their numbers were still unusual.

「From what you described, they are young, but have outstanding capabilities. This minor nation is not to be trifled with.」

Felixus nodded firmly in concurment.

「That is correct. So I was thinking that it would be great if I can borrow your wisdom.」

「Wisdom? What wisdom?」

Lasara asked with narrowed eyes.

「… You jest, Lady Lasara. You should know very well.」

「I haven’t any clue. You will be fine even if you face an outstanding Sorcerer, brat.」

「Even if I’m fine, the troops… I came up with some defensive measures, but they are not foolproof. They have at least three Sorcerers after all.」

「If you are worried about the troops, then just stop the war. A simple solution.」

「Indeed. Why are humans pushing themselves to extinction though wars? I don’t understand, it doesn’t make sense.」

Felixus could only smile awkwardly at Lasara and Silky who showed cold faces. This was especially baffling for Silky who was worried about the extinction of fairies. But this was the will of Emperor Ramza, and he couldn’t do anything about that.

「Can’t you think of something?」

Felixus bowed deeply once more, and Lasara stood up.

「Well, if I, the Arch Sorcerer steps in, any foe could be slain easily— However.」

Lasara showed a mean smile that gave Felixus a bad feeling.

「As you already know, I’m a hermit now. More accurately speaking, the reigning Emperor has nothing to do with me, so I refuse.」

Lasara laughed with a 「Kakaka.」 Lasara never liked using Sorcery for one’s own benefits, so she cut off worldly ties and hid herself in the Chalk Forest. Even if someone wanted to bring her back, they couldn’t do so since they would never reach this place. No one would risk their lives and enter a forest full of dangerous beasts. Lasara’s stance was within expectation, so it was still too early for Felixus to be dismayed.

While Felixus was showing a troubled face, Silky sat on Lasara’s head.

「Lasara is so mean! Felixus, I will help you then!」

Silky kicked at Lasara’s head as she volunteered to help. Before Felixus could answer, Lasara chased Silky away with a sullen look.

「Go expose the existence of the whimsical fairies then, and wait for the humans come catch you with blood shot eyes.」

「Hmmp~ I won’t get caught by stupid humans!」

Silky who flew freely in the room landed on Felixus’ shoulder again, and cutely stuck her tongue out at Lasara.

「Even so, the humans would pull out all the stops to catch you. Not all humans are like that brat. Once you interact with other humans, you will understand that I’m telling the truth.」

Lasara said with a hint of bashfulness. Felixus put Silky on his palm and stared right into her clear green eyes.

「It is as Lady Lasara says. After seeing Silky once, most people won’t leave you alone and do all that they can to capture you. I’m happy about your offer, but it’s okay.」

「… Is Felixus worried about me? Cherishing me?」

Felixus sincerely answered Silky who had a strange fervour in her eyes.

「I’m worried about you and cherish you. So please stay here, since no other humans but me can come in.」

「I see…」

Silky who was grinding against Felixus’ cheeks suddenly kissed him. When Felixus was at a loss, Silky flew away with her face flushed.

「… Brat, when did you learn to pick up girls?」

「I wasn’t planning that…」

Lasara rolled her eyes and Felixus scratched his face embarrassedly.

「Forget it, you have other matters to discuss with me, right? You might look calm on the outside, but you couldn’t hide your troubles.」

Felixus was quietly in awe of Lasara’s usual sharp senses. He then told her about the greatest threat to the Empire—

Ⅲ

「Hmm, the girl that is called a Death God…」

Lasara listened to Felixus who overlapped the uneasiness he felt after the war erupted with the appearance of the Death God girl.

According to Lasara who had lived for two hundred years, there had been many with the nickname of Death God. All of them were outstanding warriors on the battlefield who terrorized their foes. Death God was a nickname used for the abnormally strong,

However, the girl called Death God was different. In the first place, an Abyss Clansman that could rival the Asura was leagues above normal top warriors. On top of that, there was this uneasiness without bounds that he was feeling.

It was hard to tell whether the legend was true, but Lasara felt that the Asura and Abyss Clansmen were equally matched. That might be so, but Felixus was still incredibly guarded against that Death God girl.

(Maybe the brat felt something hiding behind the Death God girl, which was the source of the dark cloud hanging over the Dubedirica continent. The truly strong also had exceptional abilities in detecting danger.)

Lasara thought as she looked at Felixus in full battle gear.

「I think Olivia Valedstorm is the greatest threat to the Empire. If she isn’t stopped, the Empire will never unite the continent.」

Felixus said seriously. Just one girl could stop the unification of the Continent— anyone who heard that would think that was an exaggeration. Lasara would have laughed it off if Felixus wasn’t the one who said it.

Conversely, this also proved how much she trusted this strong willed young man. And of course, she would never say that out loud.

「Even an Asura would have to tread lightly when fighting against an Abyss Clansman… Wait, Olivia Valedstorm?」

「Yes, is there a problem?」

Seeing the confused Felixus, Lasara searched her memories.

「Hmm, I remember reading about the Valedstorm house. I think it’s this book…」

To one side of the table in the center of the room, there was a bookshelf right by the wall. Lasara reached out to the bookshelf with her left hand, and the shelf started to shake. A moment later, one book flew out of the neatly arranged shelf.

The black book flying through the air landed in Lasara’s hand.

「The Clan of Darkness, the author is Angus Rem White.」

Felixus who was watching from the side read the meaningful title and the name of the author. Lasara browsed through it quickly and said to Felixus:

「This happened one hundred and fifty years ago. In the Farnesse Kingdom, the Valedstorm House famous for their loyalty was suspected of treason. In less than half a month, their mansion was surrounded by the Royal Army who burned it down, killing their entire family. And of course, the name Valedstorm House died out and was erased from history.」

Lasara looked at Felixus while furrowing her pretty brows.

「A clan known for their loyalty was wiped out in half a month, this story doesn’t make sense… are such things common during that era?」

「No, it’s not. It’s normal for you to think that way, maybe this was a product of that period of time.」

「That period of time? One hundred and fifty years ago would be the Eighth Century of the Lunar Calendar… I see, it’s during the dark era?」

Felixus fell silent.

The Eighth Century of the Lunar Calendar. Aside from the Empire, all their other nations threw themselves into wars as if they were possessed. The land was filled with corpses all year round, and the weak would perish without eating even a slice of bread.

The great nation Farnesse Kingdom was no exception. For Lasara who actually lived through that period, this wasn’t something she could overlook.

「Even so, wiping out the House is too strange. Just what did they do to get suspected?」

「Hmm. They were suspected of harbouring a minority race that had amazing powers from ancient times, powerful enough to overthrow a nation. The descendents of the book title’s Clan of Darkness. Someone supposedly told on them.」

「Amazing powers from ancient times… Could it be?!」

Lasara smiled boldly.

「Brat, you are a descendent of the Asura Clan, so you must have realized it by now. That’s right, this clan of darkness is probably referring to the Abyss Clan, it’s normal for the winners to discredit the losers. This book didn’t mention any evidence of treason, but the reason for their suspicion did exist. Even if the Valedstorm House bore no intention of harming the Royal family.」

「… The one who told on them was the Asura Clan, correct?」

Felixus sighed deeply and sat in a chair nearby.

「Probably. I’m not sure how the Asura learned that the Valedstorm House was descendents of the Abyss Clan… maybe your comrades have some clues, brat.」

「I don’t think of them as comrades.」

Seeing Felixus displayed a rare face of displeasure, Lasara remembered that the blood of assassins flowed in his veins, and he hated the Asura Clan that spent their lives as assassins. She smiled awkwardly to herself for having misspoke.

「Well, in any case, I don’t know how much influence the Asura Clan had over the Farnesse Kingdom back then. But since they framed the loyal Valedstorm house as traitors eyeing the throne for themselves, they must be very influential. This was definitely not the doing of someone incompetent.」

In all nations, there would be darkness to some degrees. Putting on pretty appearances alone wasn’t enough to maintain the country.

The powerful Assassination group Asura would never make their identities public. During times when their identities were exposed, they would participate in many work that affected the survival of a nation. Conversely, this was the best proof that they wouldn’t leak intel outside of their organization.

Lasara deduced that as the reason why Asura’s exposing the secret carried so much weight.

「That’s… probably true.」

Felixus showed a pained expression as if he just thought of something.

「I don’t know if it is a coincidence or an inevitable destiny, but the Death God Olivia inherited the Valedstorm House that had died out.」

「Lady Lasara, which do you think it is?」

「I think it’s destiny. This is too much for a coincidence.」

「I feel the same.」

Felixus nodded.

「But that’s not important, the question is this part— A dark lump flew out of the mansion that was burning with a raging fire.」

Lasara tapped on the page she turned to, and pointed it out to Felixus.

「A dark lump… Hah?!」

「That’s right, it’s as you say. Olivia Valedstorm’s dark sword is surrounded by dark mist. I don’t think these two matters are unrelated.」

「… Assuming it’s related, what do you make of it then, Lady Lasara?」

Lasara stroked her chin and stared at Felixus.

「When I first heard this, I think Olivia is a Sorcerer.」

「What did you say?!」

Lasara push Felixus down as he tried to stand up, and said:

「You are impatient as always, can’t you let me finish? I think that at first, but it seems weird. I can’t explain it with words… And Olivia didn’t use Sorcery during the war against the Empire, correct?」

「Yes. If she did, I would have seen it in the report.」

Felixus nodded firmly, and Lasara explained her rationale again.

「I said the dark lump and the dark mist are related, correct?」

「You did say that, Lady Lasara.」

「It seemed related, but at the same time, it seemed unrelated. For example, do you know the difference from a practical sword and a ceremonial sword?」

Felixus gave a vague answer.

Lasara paused as she formulated her thoughts.

「The Valedstorm House emblem reminds people of a Death God; the dark sword covered in dark mist; the mysterious dark lump that flew out of the burning mansion’s window— summing all these, we can get one conclusion. There’s an existence that surpass humans behind the Valedstorm House.」

Lasara felt they were the culprit causing all the unrest during all these years.

「Lady Lasara, are you saying that a real Death God exists?」

Felixus sounded surprised.

「Conversely, why do you think Death Gods aren’t real, brat?」

「Death Gods are just products of our imagination.」

Felixus explained and Lasara giggled before pointing at the open door.

「Let’s change the question. How will you explain the existence of fairies like Silky Air, brat? You treat her normally, but she is also a product of our imagination too?」

「……」

「Taking it one step further, that dog is also revered as a holy beast by some people. They have died out now, but it’s said that people with amazing powers were a natural existence in ancient times. The same goes for the Abyss Clan and the Asura Clan too. So it’s not a surprise that a Death Gods actually exist.」

「… I don’t have anything to refute that right now.」

Felixus slumped into his chair tiredly.

「Well, I call it a Death God, but that’s only because it’s the most convenient way to describe it. Civilization is progressing, but as a price, humans are losing all sorts of mysterious powers.」

And one day, she would lose the power of Sorcery. Compared to before, the number of Sorcerers had fallen sharply, and they were just rumours now. However, Lasara didn’t grief this change, everything was just the choice of time.

(My life like a withered tree that is being extended with Sorcery is almost at an end. So, what can I leave behind to this young man after I’m done with this life…?)

Lasara watched Felixus’ profile as he fell silent.