Chapter 232: As a Disciple: Part 1
Link: https://ncode.syosetu.com/n7583de/
Author: Hirukuma
Translated by Gumihou
The POV will shift away from Hakkon for a while.
“Mishael, if you’re tired, I can take over the ka’ar for a while.”
Seated next to me, Hevoy spoke up in a concerned voice. It had only been four hours since we left the ruined town, so I don’t feel tired just yet.
“I’m fine. Please rest while you can, Hevoy.”
According to Master Hakkon’s explanation, once the needle on this circular measurement device reaches the bottom, the vehicle will stop moving. Before that happens, we must feed it with something called ‘gasurin’ from the barrels loaded in the attached cart.
Once again, I am in awe of Master Hakkon’s ability to summon such miraculous things. That steel body of his, radiating with a beautiful, white divine energy that draws one’s eyes… held a heart that is both kind and strong. I must remind myself to be grateful to have the opportunity to meet with such a wonderful master.
“It is wise for us to learn how to drive, is it not?” said Hevoy.
“Yes, I have done so to lighten Master Hakkon’s burden, but the skill has proven useful in an unexpected way.”
While we were traversing the Everlasting Floor, Master Hakkon had bestowed private lessons on how to operate the ka’ar to anyone who was interested. Aside from Hevoy and me, most of our party could handle the ka’ar. With Hevoy being the other person capable of controlling this magic tool, he could take over the controls once I was tired.
“The fact that this ka’ar is still here is proof enough that Hakkon is still safe. After all, he is the one who summoned it. According to the rules of summoning magic, a summoned object remains in this world unless the summoner consciously dismisses it or becomes unable to maintain it.”
Hebui’s words echoed what the Great Mage, Lord Shimerai, had said. I never truly believed Master Hakkon had died, but driving the ka’ar allows me to feel a connection to him; it warms my heart to be driving a construct created by Master.
“Have we outrun the monster army yet?”
“Umu, it seems we left them behind long ago. I am amazed all over again by the speed of this thing.”
The voice belonged to the Director of Clearflow Lake, who was seated in the cart attached to the rear of the magic tool—Master Hakkon’s usual special seat—staring straight ahead.
The road we were on was cleared of grass, but without proper levelling. A normal carriage would have shaken itself to pieces at this speed. Yet, we still managed to push forward.
While we were at the Everlasting Floor, Hyurumi had improved the cart by studying the ka’ar, resulting in a smoother ride. While I don’t understand the details, she had used some kind of spiral-shaped iron under the cart. She had also replaced the wheels with spares provided by Master Hakkon.
Other magic tools and items were used, but the explanations were too difficult for me to understand; I barely managed to grasp the outline of it. Looks like I need to dedicate more time to my studies.
My elder sister used to nag me all the time by saying, ‘You must train your intellect as well as your martial skills.’
It had been years since I’d seen her. I wonder how she’s doing.
“At this rate, we should reach the Fortified City in less than a week. The problem is that we must detour around the Forest of Malice up ahead.”
“I’ve heard that place is full of vicious monsters and the forest is cursed to lead people astray. Surely the monster horde will avoid it, too?” said Hevoy.
“I agree,” I said.
I had once attempted to challenge the forest; while I handled the monsters well enough through strength alone, I became lost and nearly starved to death.
“Normally, that would be the case. However, they have that mixed-up boss monster in the lead. If that thing ploughs through the trees, the monsters could get through the forest easily.\:
I nearly clutched my head at my own foolishness for overlooking the Director’s point. If Master Hakkon were here, he would have noticed this immediately and devised a plan. I was always aided by the knowledge hidden within that square frame—knowledge that puts even sages to shame.
“It would be impossible to cut through the forest with ka’ar. We’ll have no choice but to take a detour. Losing this time would hurt us a lot.”
Our advanced party consists of only five people: Director Bear, Hevoy, Karios, Gors, and me.
With Director Bear’s many connections, he had been assigned to handle negotiations with the Fortified City. Karios and Gors were most reliable when it came to defensive warfare. As veterans who had protected the gates of Clearflow Lake village for years, even I cannot confidently say that I would win against their perfectly synced attacks.
Hevoy accompanied us to handle healing in case of injury, and as a backup driver for the ka’ar.
“Even so, there’s nothing we can do, right?” said Karios.
“A detour seems like our only option,” said Gors.
I, too, agree with the gatekeepers’ words. Still, to think that the lead we had worked so hard to gain would disappear so quickly…
“What about hiding in the forest and whittling down their numbers?” suggested Karios.
“Even if we want to do that, we lack the military strength,” said Director Bear.
“Not to mention, we lack the tools and manpower to set up traps,” said Gors.
As the three of them discussed, I racked my brain for ideas. If Master Hakkon were here, surely he would have come up with some outrageous idea. But now, with just us, we have no choice but to squeeze what little wisdom we have for a decent plan.
“Everyone… What about dropping me off alone at the Forest of Malice?”
“What’s your plan, Mishael?”
“I excel at fighting multiple opponents. Moreover, I could also set the forest on fire. I believe I can be of help that way.”
My trusty sword is modelled after a dragon. This blade, passed down through my family for generations, can imbue its edge with scorching flames and even unleash them at the enemy. With this level of firepower, I can easily set the forest ablaze. I am confident in my ability to manoeuvre a fighting retreat.
“That is far too reckless. It is the same as going to your death,” said Director Bear.
“He’s right. If it were only a dozen monsters, I’d leave it to you, but…” said Hevoy.
The two of them were trying to stop me. I would have tried to dissuade me, too; the plan was truly a reckless one.
“That’s right, that’s right,” said Karios. “Besides, you should leave dangerous work like that to old men like us.”
“Right you are, Karios.”
The two gatekeepers not only tried to stop me; they even offered to take the role themselves.
“No, this is what I can do best. Furthermore, I have no intention of dying. If I die, Master Hakkon will be angry with me. My only goal is to obstruct the enemy; I swear that if I judge it to be impossible, I will burn the forest and flee. I cannot speak of the details, but I have a duty to protect the people. Please, leave this to me!”
I bowed my head with such vigour that I slammed it into the circular wheel used for steering. BEEP! Ah, I forgot that pressing here makes a sound. I remember being terribly startled when Hyurumi did that while driving.
“Haah… It seems you won’t listen. Can you swear in… Hakkon’s name that you won’t throw your life away and will return safely?”
“I swear it!”
With my immediate answer, everyone seemed to have given up on dissuading me. I truly have no intention of dying. I plan to work hard until the very last moment, because I want to survive and have Master Hakkon praise me.
“In that case, we shall leave it to you. Treasure your life above all else,” said Director Bear.
“Indeed. Hobbies are only possible when you’re alive, after all. Take care of your life and your shoes,” said Hevoy.
“Don’t try to be a hero by dying. If you die, you won’t be able to spend time with the woman you love.”
“That’s right, ah.”
Their words of encouragement warmed my heart.
Ever since meeting Master Hakkon, I have been able to interact with many people. Thanks to that, even if it is only among friends, I was able to speak naturally like this. All of this is because of my encounter with my Master. I want to repay that debt, even if only a little. And I must protect the citizens of this country. Even if it costs me this life… that is a contradictory thought.
If you heard my inner voice, you would probably be angry, right? Master Hakkon?
I have a duty to my clan and my bonds with everyone. To protect both, I must challenge the monster army. The forest is not yet visible ahead. Until we reach the Forest of Malice, I shall fully enjoy this time spent with everyone.
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“Don’t do anything rash. Survival is part of a hunter’s job.”
“May God’s protection be with you. I pray for your safety.”
“If things get hairy, just get the heck out of there, alright?”
“Retreating is also a tactic. Do not mistake foolhardiness for courage.”
I stood before the Forest of Malice and bowed deeply to everyone after I got down from the ka’ar. At my feet was a large bag stuffed with food. This much should easily last me a week, more if I supplement my diet by hunting animals and monsters.
As everyone’s figures grew smaller and disappeared, I stepped into the forest thick with trees. Even though it was daytime, the trees were so dense that very little light filtered through.
“It’s quite gloomy… Oh, the welcome team is here already?
I had only taken a few dozen steps in, but already felt the presence of countless monsters in the vicinity.
A group of about a dozen monsters charged straight at me, but… although their powers weren’t weak, their presence was all over the place. It felt like a group of different monsters had banded together.
It is impossible for monsters of different races to form a pack unless they are part of a Demon King’s army. I readied my greatsword and waited for the monsters to leap out.
The first monster to break through the forest was a one-eyed carnivorous wolf, along with a monkey-like beast with three blades growing out of its forehead like horns.
At the sight of me, their eyes widened in surprise. Why? Were they not here to attack me?
For a moment, they stopped in their tracks, bewildered. After a moment, they charged towards me. I quickly dispatched them with a downward slash and a horizontal sweep. Three more monsters of different races leapt out of the forest. They, too, appeared surprised upon seeing me.
Did they not appear here just to target me?
Just as I braced myself to cut down the stalled monsters, lines ran across their bodies, and they were rendered into small pieces right before my eyes. The monsters were now just pieces of meat on the floor, staining the ground red.
“What in the…”
Even though I hadn’t lifted a finger, the monsters were carved up. It was a magnificent sharpness and an attack faster than the eye could follow. Can I resist with my current strength?
No, I cannot back down here.
“Why don’t you show yourself?”
I called out to the presence drifting from behind the trees. Whether it is a monster or a person, it is certainly an opponent that cannot be taken lightly. Based on the shape of the presence, there is no doubt it is humanoid. This sword stroke… it is as if the great Yumite himself were here. No matter what kind of opponent appears, I will not lose my composure; I will give my all and survive. All so I can meet Master Hakkon once more!
[Gumihou: Uh oh, who’]
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