CH 37

３7－月の女神の付き人③

Chapter 37 – The Moon Goddess’s Attendant ③

The next morning, when the sun had risen, Oofuia (オーフィア) made good on her promise and instructed Kurando on magic.

Having stayed up late last night, the drowsy Kurando listened to Oofuia’s lecture on magic. He puts away his meal and took out the magic textbook. When Oofuia saw the textbook, she wished to see the book.

Kurando handed the book to Oofuia. While being overcome with nostalgia, she gently brushed the book’s cover.

「This is one of the first editions. You see, only a few of them still exist.」 (Oofuia)

He shook off his drowsiness and asked Oofuia a question.

「Why was a revision issued right after the first release. I’m assuming it wasn’t because of a second edition or an error correction.」 (Kurando)

Kurando is speaking in the same tone as he did last night.

Oofuia seems to be showing an unusual bashful expression.

「……about 150 years ago, a certain academy had commissioned the creation of this textbook. You see, in those days, I was quite popular and I might have over done it. Cough, because of that the author from the first edition was removed from the revised edition…… oh how embarrassing.」 (Oofuia)

「Was that not overkill?」 (Kurando)

「Let us see now, basic autonomous magic theory and basic theory for tool use in magic, the original spirit magic theory, life spirit magic and how it correlates to the body, augmented training for magic users, and other such techniques & theories that weren’t known in those days. You see, immediately following the end of the world war, the royals and aristocrats who had been concealing magic, they feared that the elves would protest and thus the production of the revised edition was halted. Of the few books that were produced, fortunately, because of the book’s complex content it wasn’t banned. Anyhow, as of now, most of them are probably buried somewhere in some country’s storehouse…… oh, to be blinded by the folly of youth.」 (Oofuia)

「Youth, huh……」 (Kurando)

「Ah, it is not nice to compare a women’s age….. well, on that note, an elf has a lifespan of about 500 years. Please, keep that in mind. By the way, I’m 450 years old. Well, I’m completely an obaa-chan.」 (Oofuia)

After she said this, Oofuia stared at the cover of the textbook.

On Eripusu (エリプス): a human’s lifespan at most is 150 years, an elf’s lifespan is 500 years, a beastmen’s lifespan ranges from 80~160 years, a giantkind’s lifespan is 160 years and as for an earthling their lifespan & existence is unknown.

「The second edition was released under the title, Eripusu Magic Reference, Magi・Corpus (魔法教書, マギ・コルペス)…… it sure has been quite a long time since I have seen the title, Eripusu Magic Encyclopedia, Magi・Corpus (魔法大全). Hmm, from the look of things, have you been…… while I am interested in your origins, anyways, have you been studying with this?」 (Oofuia)

Oofuia understood that Kurando’s intellect is on par with the aristocrats and nobility of this world. To be able to learn magic from this book, one needs the intellect to comprehend its contents.

However, Oofuia stopped herself from asking about his birthplace.

As this young man is living on a mountain, Oofuia thought that in itself was questionable enough.

「Now then, do you understand the basic architecture of autonomous magic, activation and maintaining the flow of maryoku?」 (Oofuia)

「Yes, it was more or less written in the textbook. While I have the time to practice, I had to give up because I don’t have the tools that are needed to use the magic.」 (Kurando)

The chances that someone would be able to learn magic just by studying a single book that was thrown away on the mountain is low.

Oofuia was astonished by the conversation; they continued to talk.

「So, do you know any original magic?」 (Oofuia)

Oofuia wanted to talk more with Kurando, a person who had secluded himself on a mountain and someone who was able to obtain an original copy.

Even if one knows the basic theory of autonomous magic that doesn’t mean they will be able to reproduce original magic. The Eripusu magic encyclopedia merely consists of simple elements, characteristics, and basic information that is open to the public; it does explain any further than the fundamentals.

For new magic theories to be discovered, it requires numerous trials & errors and 『luck』.

『To be able to deceive the world』, it is simple in idea but is not an easy feat to achieve.

「Well, I do know an original magic called, 『maryoku arrow』.」 (Kurando)

Having heard this, Oofuia didn’t find it surprising nor impossible.

「……did you also learn that from the book?」 (Oofuia)

「No, this was something a former noble had taught me.」 (Kurando)

The original magic that Kurando knows, it is the one he had received from the transaction with Baron Potapenko (ポタペンコ男爵).

「Hmm, maryoku arrow, it is not a magic a hunter can easily use. My, how expected of an aristocrat.」 (Oofuia)

Kurando showed a wry smile that held various others meanings.

「No, that isn’t the case.」 (Kurando)

To activate 『maryoku arrow』, it requires that the user uses a medium・then recite an incantation before it will shoot the magic towards its target.

However, at best one would only be able to fire off a single shot.

Because the magic is practically useless, the association simply sells an all-purpose alternative tool in place of the magic, 『maryoku arrow』. The quality of the replacement might be inferior, though.

「Is that so, my, that sure is a unique way of viewing it.」 (Oofuia)

Certainly, a magic tool is different from the original.

As the generic arrow had been modified so that anyone could use it, it is slightly bigger than an average arrow.

The characteristic of the generic arrows, as an effect of autonomous magic, unlike a normal maryoku arrow, it doesn’t stop being a maryoku arrow even after maryoku has stopped being supplied.

「Well, for hunters, it just means they simply need to bring more arrows.」 (Kurando)

Anyways, even if the medium is excluded, it wouldn’t change the fact that material and time & labor are still necessary. The medium for 『maryoku arrow』 are sticks; in place of those materials, Kurando uses the sharpened bones of the prey that the parent magical beast had hunted.

「Well, at any rate, you already know an original magic. I’m going to assume that you know how a magic formula works. Now then, I will be teaching you the 「illusion」 magic formal. So, what will be the other 3 you would want to learn?」 (Oofuia)

Kurando placed his hand on his chin and began to ponder which other 3 magic formulas he wanted to learn.

「……of course, I won’t teach you 『explosion』 as such a magic is much too dangerous for you. Usually, showy guys like to learn those dangerous types of magic――」 (Oofuia)

「――」 (Kurando)

「……would you not rather have something more practical. How about 『barrier』, or perhaps 『magic poison』, or maybe 『maryoku release』? In case you didn’t know, for 『barrier』 to be effective, all members need to be in the magic square.」 (Oofuia)

Kurando slight hesitated before agreeing with a nod.

Oofuia let out an unusually big sigh, showing her old age.

「Please, promise me that after I teach you this, that you won’t abuse it. And, please don’t teach anyone else either. As I had sworn it to you, yesterday, I ask that you please do the same and keep your word as well.」 (Oofuia)

After saying this, Oofuia presented her pinky finger to Kurando.

「This is something I heard from Akari-san; when two people make a pinky promise, the person who breaks the promise must swallow 1000 needles. And, the song says, whoever breaks their promise must seek forgiveness in death.」 (Oofuia)

As Kurando pinky promised with Oofuia, he wondered why Akari would teach Oofuia such a thing.

If the other party makes a request, it is up to oneself to respond to the request.

And thus, a thin pale little finger and a rough little finger intertwine.

≪指切りげんまん嘘ついたら、針千本の～ます、死んだら御免、指切った≫

<<< Pinky promise, I won’t lie, 1000 needles~ forgive me if I die, I pinky swear>>>

(T/N: might have butchered it)

Oofuia recited a song from a foreign language before releasing her finger.

She smiled and laughed. And thus, Oofuia begins to teach Kurando magic.

◆◆◆

Since the Atorabashiku (アトラバシク, giant thorny spider) was removed, the area was temporarily cleared, the time it took to transverse the mountain was shortened.

Yesterday, Makushiimu and his group had left some time before noon; the next day, they were able to return in the evening.

As vapors steamed from Makushiimu’s naked and bare upper body, he returned carrying the luggage from the village. This time, Makushiimu didn’t bring back another subjugated Atorabashiku strapped to his back.

Makushiimu, Diantia (ディアンティア), and the other women carried the luggage over to the cave where Oofuia and Kurando were waiting.

「……so where is your plaything?」 (Kurando)

「……leave me alone.」 (Makushiimu)

「Well, you do have a reputation for playing around that even I find it surprising. Anyhow, an elf would not behavior in such a manner. Why not try to act more properly.」 (Oofuia)

Kurando had finished being instructed on autonomous magic and had moved onto practicing spirit magic with Oofuia.

From his head, Kurando is made to rotate a ball of water while producing a sword of ice from his left and a tiny tornado from his right as a flame is made to dance from his right toe and crackling lightning from his other foot; all the while, light spirits run along his back as on the opposite side, atop his chest, a small shadow is made to dance. As this all happened, on the ground beneath Kurando, there is a large fluctuating shadow being projected.

「Crave it into your memory and stop relying on touch. With spirit magic, the user must transmit their 『intent』 to the spirits. Physical contact is not necessary, become a person who does not rely on touch nor sight.」 (Oofuia)

Oofuia says this with a cheerful smile.

In the background, Makushiimu muttered something as he unloaded luggage.

「I have heard, Iraida・Baagin (イライダ・バーギン) has been looking after you.」 (Makushiimu)

As he said this, Makushiimu placed a dark gray leather armor nearby Kurando.

However, Kurando doesn’t understand what this is about.

「Now now, this leather armor was made from that Barobashishiri (巻角大蜥蜴, バロバシシリ, large horned-monitor lizard) hide. Iraida was the one who asked me to bring it to you.」 (Makushiimu)

Kurando recalled that prior event.

At some point, Iraida must have had it completed.

「……what about the fee?」 (Kurando)

「About that, I paid for it. Well, I did break my promise, so it is the less I can do.」 (Makushiimu)

Upon closer examination, Kurando sees that there are gloves similar in color to the Barobashishiri skin beside the leather armor.

「These are traditional giantkind gloves.」 (Makushiimu)

「……gloves?」 (Kurando)

「Well, this is something you don’t see every day?」 (Oofuia)

After saying so, Oofuia looked intently at the gloves.

「It appears to have been made from exceptional metals and exceptional hide of a magical beast. Although to simply put it, they are just iron gloves.」 (Oofuia)

As she told them this, Oofuia was amazed by Makushiimu’s attempt to reconcile with Kurando.

「You should know better, this isn’t something that can be resolved with a lukewarm gesture. Anyhow, those from the other races refer to this as 『the giant’s glove』. When maryoku is directed into the glove, although it becomes as hard as iron, the user can freely move their fingers. These gloves can be used by even giants that are unskilled with the use of maryoku. Nevertheless, while they may be useful, they aren’t available in shops.」 (Oofuia)

「Well, I had taken a moment to run to my hometown.」 (Makushiimu)

「You raced there…… my some things don’t change.」 (Oofuia)

Makushiimu looked at Kurando’s arm.

「Your forearms are abnormally tempered for someone of your race, that’s good. Not many people do strength training these days. Most people would simply use this as a sturdy gauntlet but you are different, right?」 (Makushiimu)

Makushiimu moved his line-of-sight from Kurando’s developed forearms to Kurando’s harden fingers.

「Who knows.」 (Kurando)

Having completed his business, Makushiimu left.

「Does it bother you? You see, those of the giant race are quite mindful of others. Please, is there no way for you to forgive him.」 (Oofuia)

While he maintained his spirit magic training, Kurando grumbled to himself.

「I’ll forgive him if I don’t end up dying on this mountain. If not, I won’t be satisfied unless he pays with his life.」 (Kurando)

After having said this, Kurando fainted.

The following morning after Kurando had lost consciousness.

Yukishiro repeatedly pats Kurando’s face with its paw.

Kurando, who was awoken, tried to go back to sleep.

However, more force was applied to the paw.

The sound of Yukishiro repeatedly stomping on Kurando’s face can be heard.

「Guh」 (Kurando)

From his sleeping position, Kurando was unable to physically see Yukishiro’s angry expression, but he sure felt it.

Kurando took a face full.

He doesn’t get up and merely wiggles his arms and legs.

The irritated Yukishiro held Kurando in its mouth and then carried him.

Yukishiro tosses Kurando outside.

Outside, he can smell the scent of greenery, soil and feels the cool chilly morning breeze of the sunless sky. Kurando opened his eyes.

After having been fully awoken by Yukishiro, he prepared his hunting equipment and exited the cave. As Kurando walked, while he was examing his small shield, Oofuia greeted him.

「Where did you get that small shield? It seems to have been purified by spirits.」 (Oofuia)

Oofuia spoke with the stern tone of a chief.

Kurando told her that it was an item dropped by an ice warrior monster that he had defeated.

Having heard his story, Oofuia looked down and began to ponder something.

After coming to this mountain, they didn’t see any monsters. Although if one did appear, since it is in the mountains, in this season, it would probably be an ice type.

If so, will there be an outbreak while the snow is thawing?

90 days had passed since the sighting; Oofuia wondered if she was overthinking it?

Now that she thought about it, yet another crime has been added to the branch chief’s list.

By the association’s rules, any and all monster sighting reports must be investigated.

The branch chief had neglected his duty.

As if nothing was wrong, Oofuia raised her head and informed Kurando the details about the small shield.

「You see, that small shield is an ice shield. It has the ability to reduce ice damage by using maryoku to accumulate ice spirits around the shield.」 (Oofuia)

「Eh, then what about Akari’s club?」 (Kurando)

「Well, about that club, for now, let us put off on informing Akari-san about it.」 (Oofuia)

「Umm, are you able to see the ice spirits?」 (Kurando)

Oofuia thought that was impossible and laughed.

「As an elf, I can somewhat feel their presence.」 (Oofuia)

Oofuia excused herself and turned to face the slope as the other girls were waiting for her.

Before she had turned around, Yukishiro’s eyes were urging her to hurry up.

◆◆◆

When Kurando and Yukishiro had returned from their hunting trip, Makushiimu had also returned and was speaking with Oofuia about something.

Kurando had no other business to take care of so he made his way to the cave and continued the training Oofuia had tasked him with yesterday.

He fainted once again. The next day.

Oofuia leaves for the village.

Although the trial party has yet arrived, she has other preparations to complete.

Diantia and the other 9 members stayed to guard Akari, while Makushiimu had escorted Oofuia down the mountain.

Arii (アリー) and the other women that had descended down the mountain never returned.

When Oofuia was departing, she showed her usual smile.

「Fool, you’re misunderstanding your position; let me show you hell.」 (Oofuia)

She spoke with the rigid tone of a chief.