Kays Translations

Chapter 123: Extra Story: Thor, Rukie, and “The One Who Leads into the Dark Night”

This time, Rukie seemed to be asking Thor to create a safety item…

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“I want you to make a safety item for me, Thor.”

“A safety item?”

One afternoon, while I was drinking tea in the workshop, Rukie suddenly said that.

“The truth is, there’s a dangerous place in the mountainous area near the border.”

“Yes. The general told me about it. It’s where the forest suddenly gives way to a cliff, correct? If someone walks carelessly, the ground seems to vanish beneath them.”

“That’s right. Villagers also go to the surrounding area to forage and hunt…”

Rukie began to explain.

In the mountains near the border was an area where villagers went to forage and hunt.

That area is rich in nuts and mushrooms, and there are many animals to hunt.

However, there’s a dangerous spot nearby.

Beyond the trees lies a steep slope.

It’s a sheer cliff with considerable height, and slipping off would be extremely dangerous.

What’s worse, the area is surrounded by trees and grass, making it hard to notice the danger.

If you’re walking normally, the ground might suddenly vanish.

When people are focused on gathering or hunting, they might unknowingly get close to the cliff.

In fact, several villagers have already gotten injured there.

Rukie wanted to take preventive measures before anyone was seriously injured.

“The mountain paths are well maintained. As long as people stick to the paths, there’s no problem—but there are always those who wander off.”

“That’s certainly a serious issue.”

“I’ve already warned the villagers and occasionally have soldiers patrol the area, but that’s not enough.”

“So, we need an item as a countermeasure.”

I see.

In that case, maybe we should find a way to prevent injuries even if someone falls.

“Then, let’s set up a safety net at the cliff. If we use ‘Chain Lock,’ we can secure it easily. If someone falls, the net should catch them.”

“That sounds like a good idea.”

“Thank you.”

“That should take care of the situation if someone falls… but if possible, I’d also like something that keeps people away from the cliff to begin with.”

After thinking for a moment, Rukie said that.

“Something visible from a distance—something that clearly marks the safe route and discourages residents from approaching the danger zone. Do you have anything in mind?”

“Let me see. I’ll look into it.”

I nodded.

That kind of item probably exists in the Heroes’ world.

That world is full of people with incredible combat abilities.

Naturally, there should be items meant to avoid danger as well.

“Actually, I think I came across something like that recently…”

I spread the “Mail-Order Catalog” out on the table.

As I flipped through the pages… there was a sheet of paper stuck in the back. Is this it?

Hmm? Upon closer inspection… the paper texture is different.

It was tucked inside the “Mail-Order Catalog,” but it seems to be something else entirely.

It came loose when I pulled it. Unlike the other pages, it wasn’t bound in.

It looks like a separate piece of paper accidentally got mixed in.

The page said, “Introducing Professional Products for Protecting Your Community.”

Maybe it’s a special promotional flyer or something.

What was printed there was──

“This… is an item to guide people?”

The image showed a life-sized male mannequin.

Apparently, it was an item used in the Heroes’ world to direct people toward safe areas.

“…Is this a magic item? To me, it just looks like a mannequin.”

“It’s not just a mannequin. It says ‘professional product.’”

“‘Professional product,’ you say?”

“In other words, something the otherworldly heroes actually used in the field.”

“What!?”

“It isn’t a combat item. It keeps people away from places where battles are taking place, allowing Heroes to fight at full strength without worrying about collateral damage.”

“…There’s an item like that?”

“Yes. It’s this ‘Guidance Mannequin.’ The page calls it ‘essential equipment for safe pedestrian traffic.’”

“Hoho… How interesting.”

Rukie nodded, her eyes sparkling.

The “Guidance Mannequin” is an item meant to keep people away from dangerous areas.

It stood out while holding a glowing baton. Its purpose was to direct pedestrian traffic.

Its shape was unmistakably human, resembling an adult man.

It wears a hemispherical helmet and a suit with yellow lines.

It’s like a golem, in a way.

But only one arm is movable.

It uses the arm holding a red baton to warn of danger.

The limited mobility is probably to conserve magic power.

That way, it can stay active longer.

This Guidance Mannequin was apparently used throughout the Heroes’ world to direct people safely.

In doing so, it protected people’s lives and daily activities.

It warns of danger, keeps people away, and protects lives.

It’s a golem with a noble and respectable history.

“This mannequin will prevent people from approaching dangerous areas…?”

“Yes. I think it works like a Security Buzzer. The magic stone inside probably emits an overwhelming presence or pressure.”

“I see… That makes the expression on its face meaningful too.”

“It’s expressionless.”

“It must have attained a state of emptiness.”

“This short baton also has a strange intensity to it.”

“It seems it glows red in the dark.”

“It’s probably warning, ‘Come any closer and I’ll dye this baton an even deeper red—with your blood.’”

“But isn’t it unnatural that it only moves one arm?”

“That’s likely to reduce magic power consumption and extend operational time.”

“But this is the Heroes’ world, right? Shouldn’t golems be able to run forever?”

“Maybe this golem is too powerful. If it used both arms, its body might not withstand the force.”

“Or maybe it’s saying, ‘One arm is more than enough to stop you.’”

“That’s possible.”

“…Hmm.”

A mysterious item—the Guidance Mannequin.

The description says, “Keeps people away from construction sites and dangerous areas.”

Construction sites exist in this world too. Places where castles or forts are being built.

If castles or forts are needed, that probably means it’s a battlefield or a region with many magical beasts.

It made sense that no one would want a Hero approaching such a place.

If a hero were to show up and start fighting, there’d be no room for construction to continue.

But what exactly is a “dangerous area”?

A dangerous place even for a hero with overwhelming power…

Would approaching it send you to another world, or bring creatures from another world to the hero?

Or perhaps a new species of magical beast, like Magical Beast Gargarossa, would appear?

…I can’t even imagine.

In any case, this “Guidance Mannequin” protects people from such dangers.

By directing the flow of people, it guides everyone to safe zones.

If it’s that kind of item, it should be fine to use it in this world too.

“Rukie-sama, what do you think of placing the Guidance Mannequin near the dangerous area?”

“With this doll, we can keep people from approaching the cliff and guide them to the mountain path.”

“That’s right.”

The “Guidance Mannequin” is a golem, so I can make it with my “Creation Alchemy.”

Only one arm moves. Since it has so few moving parts, it’s easy to make.

But what should I do about the legs?

If it can’t change direction, that’s a problem… But if I add more moving parts, it’ll consume more magic power. Maybe I can attach it to a rotating pedestal so it can change direction.

Next, I’ll have it hold a glowing “short club,” and embed a “Light Magic Stone” and a “Fire Magic Stone” in it.

Also, I’ll add a “Security Buzzer” function to keep people away.

Then—

“Rukie-sama, do you have any requests?”

“Let me see. I’d like to make the people understand the reason this doll exists.”

“In that case, how about putting up a signboard on the mountain path?”

“To warn about the dangerous area, right? But some people might pass by without noticing.”

“What if we put a bench under the sign?”

“I see. If they sit down to rest, they’ll notice the sign. Then, when they see the ‘Guidance Mannequin,’ they’ll understand why it’s there.”

“Exactly. Then we could also place a bulletin board where people can write down anything they notice—”

“Hmm, I like that…”

Rukie and I discussed ideas.

Incorporating both of our ideas, the plan to install the “Guidance Mannequin” moved forward.

—A few nights later, on a mountain path near the border—

“…It seems I’ve already entered the Demon Lord’s Domain.”

The man carrying a sword on his back murmured.

He was dressed for travel.

Wearing leather armor, he had a bag of food and water in addition to the sword on his back.

He was a swordsman from the Empire.

He had trained with the sword alongside his comrades for many years and was fairly skilled.

A few days earlier, while drinking with his comrades as usual, someone brought up a topic:

“Defeating a magical beast in the Demon Lord’s Domain is a good test of skill for swordsmen.”

Among his comrades, there were many who claimed to have defeated beasts in the Demon Lord’s Domain.

Killing magical beasts there was a way to demonstrate human swordsmanship to demons and demi-humans.

For swordsmen living in the Empire, it’s also a badge of honor.

This swordsman thought the same and crossed the border.

Though he was a seeker of the path of the sword, he also harbored a bit of ambition for fame.

That was why he had entered the Demon Lord’s Domain under cover of night.

He had walked through the mountainous area for several hours.

Still, there were no signs of magical beasts.

Thinking the night had been fruitless, he prepared to turn back—

Fwoosh!

“—Guh!?”

A powerful presence struck his body.

“Impossible! I didn’t sense anything just a moment ago!?”

Someone was in the darkness.

Just off the mountain path, among the trees.

Where the swordsman stared, a faint human silhouette emerged.

A few seconds later, he was struck with shock.

His insides burned with anger at his own immaturity for failing to notice that presence.

“You! Who are you!?”

The swordsman shouted into the darkness.

Beyond the trees, in his line of sight—

A tall man was standing there.

He wore dark blue clothes, with trousers of the same color, and nearly blended into the night.

But the man wore a pure white helmet.

It floated in the darkness—almost as if it were glowing.

It was impossible not to notice it.

Moreover, the clothes had yellow lines running through them. In the dark, they glowed like gold.

The person before him stood out tremendously.

“To get this close without me noticing… How disgraceful.”

He could have been cut down without realizing it—that thought sent a chill down the swordsman’s spine.

“I’m a swordsman. May I ask your name!?”

No answer.

The person in the white helmet didn’t move an inch.

“To conceal your presence from me… You must possess extraordinary skill. Are you a swordsman from the Demon Lord’s Domain!?”

Still no reply.

The figure remained motionless.

“Could it be… a doll?”

But if it were a doll, what was this overwhelming presence?

It felt like standing before an enormous magical beast.

A trained swordsman like him was sensitive to the presence of others.

He was overwhelmed by the immense aura, and his hand stayed damp with cold sweat.

In any case, he couldn’t just leave things as they were.

Muttering to himself, the swordsman stepped into the trees—

And in the next moment—

Whoosh!

“────!?”

It was as if the air had been torn apart.

A figure wearing a white helmet had swung one arm at high speed.

At the tip of the arm, a red light glowed.

Looking closely, the figure in the white helmet was holding a short club.

The red light was emanating from it.

The swordsman instinctively held his cheek.

The wind had reached him from that swing.

More than ten meters separated the white-helmeted figure from the swordsman.

Yet, a tremendous gust had struck his cheek.

As if to declare, “I won’t allow you into my range.”

“…Gnnngh.”

The swordsman ground his teeth.

He had trained with the sword for more than ten years and took considerable pride in his skill.

That was why he had come all the way to the Demon Lord’s Domain to hunt magical beasts.

To cower before an unknown opponent? Unforgivable.

“Are you human? A demi-human? A puppet? Why will you not let me pass!?”

He shouted. But there was no reply.

The swordsman suddenly realized that he had drawn his sword.

He felt immense fear at the thought of proceeding unarmed.

“Could this be… something used for training by the Demon Lord’s forces?”

The Empire also had mannequins designed to resemble the human body, used for sword strikes.

They were a common sight at any sword training ground.

However, none of them moved on their own.

At most, there might be a golem, but the idea of leaving such a thing unattended in the mountains was unthinkable.

Which meant this was──

“Could you be the training partner of a renowned swordsman from the Demon Lord’s Domain!?”

If that were the case, it made sense.

Just as this imperial swordsman had entered the mountains for training, so too might the swordsmen of the Demon Lord’s land train in the mountains.

This mannequin existed for that purpose.

To cross swords in deadly combat with the Demon Lord’s warriors who seclude themselves in the mountains.

“…In that case, I can’t just overlook this.”

The swordsman readied his blade and fixed his gaze on the mannequin before him.

After counting his breaths dozens of times, cold sweat trickled down his forehead.

Clack, clack.

The figure in the white helmet continued swinging the short club.

There wasn’t the slightest opening.

Even though it was just continuing to swing a short club, there was no chance to strike.

Clack, clack.

As he watched the club glowing red in the darkness, the swordsman’s resolve gradually eroded.

He was being overwhelmed by the presence and pressure emanating from the white-helmeted figure.

The best course of action would be to avoid the figure and take the mountain path to the side—but his pride as a swordsman wouldn’t allow such a choice.

“I’ve trained my sword techniques as well. I can’t retreat here!”

And so, he readied his sword.

He faced the glowing club wielder across the trees.

A long battle wouldn’t be to his advantage.

With that judgment, the swordsman charged forward.

“Uoooooooohhh──!”

He dashed straight at the figure in the white helmet.

The figure’s presence grew stronger. He felt overwhelmed. The pressure engulfed the swordsman.

And then──

—A few days later, from Thor’s point of view—

“There haven’t been any accidents since then, it seems.”

“It looks like the ‘Guidance Mannequin’ did its job.”

“Indeed. However, there’s one thing that bothers me. You remember the bench and the warning sign we placed further down the mountain path?”

“Yes. To make sure it would catch everyone’s eye.”

“Well, apparently, there was a longsword left on that bench.”

“…Excuse me?”

“Moreover, it seems there was a note on the signboard. It read: ‘I have realized my immaturity. I shall return after further training.’”

“What… happened out there…?”

“I haven’t the slightest idea…”

Rukie and I looked at each other and tilted our heads in confusion.

The Guidance Mannequin had been installed to prevent anyone from falling from the cliff.

The words “immaturity” and “further training” made no sense to me.

“Thor.”

“Yes, Rukie-sama.”

“How exactly does that ‘Guidance Mannequin’ guide people’s passage?”

“When someone approaches, the helmet, clothes, and club light up.”

“So it stands out even in the dark night.”

“Next, the Light Magic Stone embedded in its body creates an enormous presence. The Dark Magic Stone also produces a killing intent that seems to drift from a lightless abyss.”

“I see. It warns that approaching is dangerous, right?”

“Exactly. For those who still come close, it swings a ‘short club’ to keep them at bay. By swinging in one direction, it also signals ‘Please go this way.’ If they still approach—using the ‘Wind Magic Stone,’ it blasts a strong wind.”

“So it guides them safely along the mountain path.”

“And for those who still approach—”

“No, if it goes that far, they won’t come closer.”

“Well, that’s true.”

A mysterious doll existing on the mountain path.

Its strange clothing looked unlike anything in this world.

The presence and killing intent emitted from the doll.

The glowing club indicating the direction to move.

The strong wind guiding them to the mountain path.

If it goes that far, anyone would avoid the route close to the cliff.

“However, just in case, there’s a final safety device attached.”

“I see. Then that’s reassuring.”

“Indeed.”

“By the way, what kind of device is it?”

“When someone comes extremely close, it uses the Wind Magic Stone to make a deafening noise, trips them with a metal rod hidden in the ground, extends the baton, and strikes them. It also—”

“No, no, that’s too violent, isn’t it!?”

“We don’t do all of it at once, okay? It randomly selects some actions.”

“Still, that sounds pretty powerful.”

“It was an experiment to embed various safety measures. But I don’t think anyone will get close enough to activate them. Surely.”

“Well, maybe so.”

Rukie said this and took a sip of tea.

“Though, I wonder if it might attract too much attention.”

“Do you think so?”

“Hmm. People with curious personalities might gather just to see the ‘Guidance Mannequin’ once.”

“It’s in the mountains. I doubt anyone would come all that way.”

“…Hmm.”

“Besides, it just looks like a normal doll, so I doubt anyone will come close to see it. The final safety device probably won’t activate either.”

“That might be true.”

“Exactly.”

Rukie and I exchanged looks and nodded.

Thus, the Guidance Mannequin was placed in the mountains of the Demon Lord’s Domain to protect the people.

No one fell off the cliffs anymore, and the border area became peaceful.

Time passed further.

The doll installed on the mountain continued fulfilling its role, but—

“…Hey, Thor.”

“…Yes, Rukie-sama.”

“The bulletin board near the Guidance Mannequin has gained more messages. They say things like, ‘My training was insufficient,’ ‘I was inexperienced,’ and ‘I was utterly defeated by the Dark Warrior’s pressure’…”

“What could be happening…?”

“I have no idea…”

It would still be some time before we realized that the mountain where the Guidance Mannequin stood had become famous among certain people.

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