Kays Translations

Chapter 53: Joining the Battle

When Yu returned home, the sun had already set, but he was still busy with work. Meanwhile, Lucius was cooking dinner together with Lauren.

"Lucius-san, can you cut that for me?"

"Leave it to me."

Humming a tune, Lucius rummaged through the basket for ingredients.

"Are you in a good mood?"

"Hmm? Oh, yeah, a little."

From the basket, he took out fermented meat sausages that Yu liked.

He had eaten it once before, but the strong smell and bitter taste made it something he couldn't really enjoy.

"Recently, Yu-san has been so busy, so I thought I'd make a meal with things he likes."

Lauren consoled Lucius, who frowned in response. Perhaps due to the difference in what they were used to from childhood, Lauren didn't prefer it, but she seemed to think that was just how the taste was.

It's similar to natto in Japan—something that those unfamiliar with it might find to have a terrible smell and texture.

"That's thoughtful of you."

Lucius forced a smile and cut the fermented sausages into bite-sized pieces.

Soon, dinner was ready, and Yu, who had finished his work, came to the dining room. The three of them took their seats.

"Lucius, how was the Knight Order?"

As soon as Yu opened his mouth, he asked Lucius about what happened. After giving a brief explanation of the events, Yu let out a deep sigh.

"I see, you had a rough time. But you faced life and death head-on, Lucius. As for me..."

Yu's face looked extremely troubled.

"Yu-san?"

Lauren's words brought Yu back to reality.

"I was just lost in thought. I can't seem to find a clue for your evolution here; I'm sorry. I want to be of help, but..."

Yu's face showed disappointment. Lauren also looked at Lucius with concern.

"Well, even if I searched for two years, I haven't found any answers."

After obtaining his class, Lucius didn't return to the North and continued to stay in the East for the sake of the Dragon's evolution. He had been immersed in research at the Kuron Mountain.

He tried everything he could think of—directly interviewing those who had evolved, visiting the places where evolutions occurred multiple times, and even imitating their actions, like the clothes they wore on that day.

Still, there was no sign of evolution.

"That's right."

"As far as I've researched, evolutions were observed spontaneously in Kuron Mountain four and ten years ago. Besides the location, there must be some important factor, which aligns with the Orleans Family's viewpoint."

"...Ten years ago."

Something seemed to bother Yu.

"If that factor occurs every six years, then the next time will be in two years. But the Dragon won't wait around."

Lucius looked at the pattern floating on his left hand.

The black pattern engraved by the Dragon formed a slightly bulging semicircle.

"Yeah, from tomorrow, I'll accompany you to the Labyrinth. If there is a Class-1 False Core there, it's much more likely than wandering around Kuron Mountain aimlessly."

"Really!?"

"Yeah."

He had also found out that there was a Class-1 False Core in the Labyrinth.

Furthermore, Yu was willing to help.

The possibility of avoiding the future of being devoured by the Dragon suddenly expanded.

Yu regained his composure and picked up a fork, carrying some fermented meat onto his plate.

Lucius looked at him with slight hesitation.

"Lucius, do you want to try it? It's tasty with some salt."

Lucius was told the same thing once before.

"Yu-san, I think it's not something people unfamiliar with it would enjoy."

Lauren scolded Yu with a little reluctance.

But it was a gesture of goodwill, after all.
"Then, I'll have a little taste."

Yu placed a sausage-like food on Lucius's plate. Gathering his courage, Lucius took a bite, and the unique acidity and smell spread in his mouth.

—Not delicious at all.

As expected, he choked on it.

"Lucius, when you become an adult, you'll come to appreciate this taste."

He couldn't imagine a day when that would happen.

"...Do you think such a day will come?"

Lucius washed down the food in his mouth with water, forcing it down.

The next day, Lucius and Yu entered the fortress gate together.

"The atmosphere of the Knights doesn't change."

"Yu-san, you were also a former knight, right?"

"Yeah, though I didn't stay there for long."

In the courtyard, the knights were diligently training, just like the day before.

"Huh?"

However, they seemed more serious and less intimidating. Sensing something different, Yu asked Lucius about it.

"Is something different?"

"Yes, yesterday, they seemed more urgent."

"Most likely, when they faced you, who turned out to be completely different from their expectations, they were ready to be killed."

Shaula seemed to feel the tension among the knights as well; it had gone beyond expectations.

"That's also hurtful."

Yu chuckled softly, and Lucius pouted a little.

Then, as they came into view, the knights training in the courtyard quickly lined up in a row.

"What's going on?"

The knights knelt on the ground.

“"Sorry, we apologize sincerely!!"”

They shouted their apologies in voices so loud that it seemed like the courtyard would shake.

They must have heard the details from Captain Kalan and Captain Shaula.

If they greeted each of them individually and apologized, it would take until nightfall. They probably didn't expect them to do that.

Lucius had already decided to bear the punishment. He straightened his posture and bowed in response.

Relieved voices leaked out from the knights.

"Swordsmanship without hesitation, yet facing death... huh?"

"Yes. But I prefer not to deal with life and death situations if possible."

With light steps, the two of them descended to the underground of the fortress, towards the entrance of the labyrinth.

When they passed through the corridor, they found the northern knights waiting in the hall in front of the entrance.

"We're sorry for being late."

Joseph quickly reacted and ran up to Lucius' group. He had a troubled expression on his face.

"Oh, no need to worry. It's not time yet. By the way, who's that person over there?"

"That's Yu-san. He's the deputy lord of the neighboring Takt territory. He'll be helping with the exploration, and I guarantee his skills."

Joseph shifted his gaze to Yu.

"It's fine. I have experience exploring the labyrinth from my days as a knight."

"I see. Well, more importantly—"

Joseph's face looked troubled again.

At that moment, a familiar voice resounded.

"Lucius, you're late. Let's hurry."

In front of the hall stood a girl with light blue hair flowing in the wind. It was Olivia, the daughter of one of the Four Great Nobles.

Now twelve years old, her eyes were clearer with double eyelids, and she exuded a sharper gaze like her father, Lord Strauss.

Furthermore, her refined features exuded even more gracefulness and elegance.

"Why is Olivia here?"

"They found a Class 1 Pseudokernel, didn't they? So, I came to help. Besides, I wanted to know how the northern knights are doing."

"How do you know?"

By the way, Lucius hadn't mentioned anything to Olivia.

It wasn't that he was hiding it, but it had only happened yesterday. There wasn't an appropriate time to tell her.

"My information network isn't to be underestimated, you know?"

Olivia said triumphantly.

"I see."

"Olivia-sama, please don't go too far ahead."

Chief Lioruel called out to Olivia. The ten or so Takt soldiers accompanying her quickly stood behind her.

The northern nobles seemed somewhat uneasy. Joseph whispered to Lucius.

"Lord Lucius! Didn't I tell you not to bring the daughter of Lord Strauss with you?"

Lord Strauss was one of the Four Great Nobles and held a powerful position in the northern region. The Four Great Nobles were the absolute lords of their respective regions, second only to the king and highly respected.

The same treatment was required for his successor, Olivia.

"Why, Olivia, though?"

"I'm here because Lucius is in trouble. I must help him. Besides, I'm going to be the king, so I have to be of assistance. My brother sacrificed himself to save the people in the eastern region. That's why I can't favor only the northern region."

"Yes, yes."

Olivia's eyes contained strong determination.

While the northern knights trembled with joy, the Takt soldiers frowned. They were from the eastern region, not the northern region.

"I wonder if such a time will truly come."

Joseph, who had been cowering until now, couldn't help but interject.

"It's not about waiting for it; it's about creating it."

Joseph's eyes sparkled, and his face flushed with excitement.

"Yes!"

After walking straight for a while, they were spotted by a bat-type reconnaissance golem and encountered an earth golem.

Sergeant of Tact, Reuel, quickly stepped forward in front of Olivia.

"Reuel, step back. I'll handle this."

"No, I cannot allow that, Lady Olivia."

"That's right, we should-"

Joseph and the others also tried to step forward.

"Save it for when a stronger golem shows up. We need to get used to this properly first."

Olivia commanded her griffin as she raised her left hand.

"Come, Griffon."

With white wings fluttering, the griffin appeared and landed in front of Olivia. The lion-headed creature with an eagle's head showed its majestic form.

"Wow..."

The northern knights stared at the griffin in admiration. The king's beast, the Class-1 among Class-1 magical creatures. Many were overwhelmed by the fact that it was accompanying the future ruler of the north.

"Clear the way."

Olivia ordered the griffin, and with its massive front legs, it effortlessly cleaved through the earth golem. The golem crumbled instantly.

Amidst the exclamations of awe, Joseph praised her, but Olivia responded nonchalantly.

"Flattery won't work. I only wanted to say that I wouldn't need help against a mere earth golem."

"Yes, understood."

Olivia turned the griffin back into particles, and the group finally reached the entrance to an unexplored area.

"Now, it's my turn, right?"

Lucius called forth ten armored soldiers from the shadows. Just like yesterday, the knights handed them spare weapons.

"Yesterday, an iron golem appeared. Thanks to Lucius-dono's magic, we had an easy time exploring, but when it's necessary, we want you to withdraw and evacuate quickly."

Joseph's words were seconded by Takt Captain Reuel. Their thoughts were the same.

"Understood. Don't overdo it."

Despite being a large group, they advanced further with few words. They followed a different path from yesterday, and after a while, they suddenly felt like something connected to them had disappeared.

—Defeated?

Lucius felt that way the moment a few armored soldiers vanished.

—No doubt about it.

Through the gaps between the advancing armored soldiers, they caught a glimpse of red light.

The knights' faces tightened as if they had an idea of what was happening.

To test it, Lucius directed all the armored soldiers towards the red light.

Instantly, every single one of them disappeared into the red light.

As Lucius was about to warn them, screams erupted from the knight order.

"It's a Crystal Golem!!"

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