Kays Translations

Chapter 99

“…There’s no one here.”

“Yeah.”

Emilia and I searched the room, filled with unknown and unappealing chemicals and tools, but there were no signs of anyone’s presence.

Earlier, Scrad and the others had fallen, but it turned out the drop wasn’t very deep. When we called down to them, they responded just fine. Although they couldn’t find anything to grab onto to climb back up, they discovered a passageway leading somewhere below. So, they decided to investigate in that direction, splitting up from us.

Emilia and I continued deeper into the ruins, exploring each room. The place was massive, with many rooms and a few traps scattered around.

However, we encountered far fewer members of the Goddess Cult than expected. Occasionally, one would attack from hiding, or we’d find someone cowering in a corner, begging for their life. But judging by the number of people we saw outside, I had expected many more. Either they escaped through another entrance, or they’re gathering somewhere.

We also found a few prisoners held by the cult… though none were still alive. The Goddess Cult members cannot be allowed to live. Even if it weren’t for Nina or Darte… 

They aren’t even worth sparing to make them atone for their sins.

I’ll kill every last one of them.

“This room’s clear. Let’s go, Gray. If we waste time, they might escape.” 

Emilia said, giving my shoulder a light tap.

“…Yeah, you’re right.”

As we were about to leave the room, the entire ruin shook with a loud crash. Several bottles fell from the shelves, shattering as they hit the floor.

“What was that?!”

Emilia and I stood back-to-back, weapons drawn, on alert.

“…Nothing’s happening.”

“Yeah.”

A minute or two passed, but nothing changed around us. I slowly stepped away from Emilia, without letting down my guard.

“Did something happen on their side?”

“…Maybe.”

I’m not particularly worried about those two. Judging from how they fought earlier, they’re likely stronger than that Holy Knight, Rondy. But honestly, I’m more concerned about the kids waiting at home.

“…Let’s go.”

The earlier tremor still bothered me, but there was no point in dwelling on it here, so we resumed our exploration.

This ruin was quite old, with strange inscriptions carved into murals and stone statues of unfamiliar creatures scattered throughout. I asked Emilia if she’d ever seen any ruins like this before, but she just shook her head.

What kind of place was this, anyway…?

“This is…”

After a while, we came upon a large stone door. Unlike the other rooms, which had either no doors or simple wooden ones, this entrance had an air of significance.

“Stand back. I’ll check it out.”

“Understood. Be careful.”

I had Emilia step back as I inspected the door for any traps. But truthfully, if there were any, they’d likely be simple ones I could easily detect and disable. My skills were only about on par with a novice scout or ranger.

Still, even a rudimentary inspection was better than nothing.

However, as soon as I began checking the door, a voice came from behind it.

“Hmph… I wondered what you were up to. I don’t rely on petty tricks like traps. Hurry up and come in.”

That voice… was it the man whose arms Emilia had cut off?

I glanced silently at Emilia, who responded, looking slightly irritated. 

“…Let’s go.”

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