Kays Translations

Chapter 25: "In the Vision" (Fimia's Perspective)

A burning village. People fleeing in panic. Jurg engaged in battle, and Rolo-san as well. Monster after monster surging forward, overwhelming Malhas.

... I shake my head slightly and inhale deeply at this unbearable scene. If this is the future that is about to unfold, what could be the cause?

"Scarred Beast."

A lion with numerous scars emerges from the depths of the forest. With a tail resembling a scorpion's, it strolls calmly. An evil magical beast with a wise human head. So, is that the cause?

The scenery flips.

A road to a dairy farming city called Hilte near Malhas, dyed in a crimson sky. I can tell it's in the past, but I don't know when. What I see is a familiar face sitting nearby—Albert-san.

"Damn... damn... I won't forgive you, Rolo Mercia."

Muttering such words, the former leader stands there. His face is terribly distorted, as if he is angrily stomping on the ground.

"Saran is to blame, and that guy Jurg even threatened me! Fimia, too... why... we used to love each other."

"What's wrong? Crying here of all places?"

A hoarse voice, filled with an incredibly sinister aura, carries a palpable malice despite its kind tone.

"M-Monster..."

In front of Albert, who draws his sword, a manticore sits down slowly. It is the Scarred Beast.

"Did I surprise you? I am Crocotta. And you?"

"What the hell are you!"

"I just introduced myself, didn't I? Should I go by Scarred Beast instead? I don't really like that name, though."

"S-Scarred Beast...!"

Albert, surprised as he drew his sword, exclaims dramatically. To an onlooker, it might seem like a theatrical act, but it seems Albert hasn't noticed.

"Wait, wait. I came here to talk to you."

"Why me!?"

"Because you seemed different from others."

I sense Albert's guard relaxing at Crocotta's words. I knew he was foolish, but to this extent is surprising. Was 'Silhasta' successful because of Saran-san's skills after all?

"You are different. Although it might be strange coming from a monster like me, I sense something special about you."

"Why is the scarred beast here?"

"If you don't mind, I'd be happy if you called me Crocotta. I'm in a bit of trouble... I want you to lend me your strength."

While speaking with a smile, Crocotta, the manticore, sits down again. Perhaps trusting the manticore too much, Albert sheathes his sword and faces it. A sense of discomfort, disgust, and anxiety well up.

... Something feels unpleasant.

"That place you humans call the 'unexplored territory' is a very important sanctuary. I am the guardian of that place."

"What are monsters protecting?"

"One piece of gold."

Albert's expression changes at Crocotta's words. It's natural; 'One piece of gold' is the legendary magic artifact that grants the owner's wishes. Even if it's not Albert, many people would be captivated by it.

"Is it really there...!?"

"Do you think I would lie if it benefits me?..."

That's where he easily falls prey to his own foolishness. Without understanding the purpose, he is swayed by the offer of treasure, allowing his judgment criteria to be replaced with profit and loss. It's your lack of virtue, Albert-san, that makes you short-sighted and rash.

"If you agree to my request, I'll let you use 'One piece of gold.'"

Crocotta's sweet words seep into Albert like poison. For him, who has lost 'Silhasta,' this is sure to work.

"And? What's the request?"

"To help me drive out the humans who are encroaching on the sanctuary. If they continue to trample the sanctuary like this, 'One piece of gold' might be taken away."

"My... gold?"

"Yes, your 'gold' might be taken away by someone."

How did the sinister voice whispering these evil words sound to Albert? But by looking at Crocotta, whose eyes narrow, I am convinced. Albert has fallen into the clutches of that monster's scheme.

I see, in a way, he might be special.

He was manipulated by Saran-san precisely because he was such an easy person to control.

Even for this wise and evil being, he seems to be 'special.'

"What should I do?"

"It's simple. You just need to scare them a little. Remind them that the forest and monsters are naturally terrifying. Can you break the barrier for me? You just need to break the stone inside the shrine. With that alone, you'll obtain 'One piece of gold.'"

"Just that..."

Albert responds vaguely to the manticore's words. I have already seen what kind of result this will bring.

No, even without seeing that scene, I should understand.

Human territories are fragile. Just a slight disturbance in balance can cause them to crumble.

"You'll obtain everything. You'll become a king, and you'll be free to embrace that saint.'"

"Everything... even Fimia..."

(──......)

The blurry scenery gradually turns white, and I float silently within it.

(──......──......──......)

Faint hymns echo in the space.

A place where God bestows his presence.

(Return, return. To fulfill what you must do──...)

As my consciousness fades, solemn voices resonate in the space.

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