The day after the pirate ship conflagration incident.
It was early morning, before the sun had even risen.
“Ugh, seriously! What a pain!”
Rustiara puffed out her cheeks, angry like a child. She then slumped into a chair on the deck, smashing her forehead onto the table. Her posture conveyed a strong will to never get up again.
It was understandable. She had been rudely awakened from a deep sleep, so she was bound to be irritable. I wasn’t tired either, but my body felt a little heavy with sleepiness.
The reason we (except Snow) were awake at a time when the sky was still dark was because pirates had launched a surprise attack and fired cannonballs at us. So, reluctantly, Rustiara and I had to drive away the approaching pirate ships, rubbing the sleep from our eyes.
Maria offered Rustiara, who was face-down on the table, some tea. A beautiful tea set was spread out on the table. Somehow, this ship had always been equipped with fancy items I didn’t know about. They probably looted them from the pirate ships that attacked yesterday.
Drawn by the smell of tea, Rustiara raised her head. Despite her rough tone, she began to talk with Maria, taking a sip from her cup with astonishing elegance.
“Damn it… Is it because we’re close to the battlefield…?”
“That’s right. The closer we get to the mainland, the more of these sorts of people we’ll encounter.”
“If my peaceful sleep is going to be disturbed any further, we might need to change our route.”
“Or perhaps, I should take over the night watch from now on?”
“Hmm, I want to avoid that because it’s bad for Maria-chan’s skin.”
The two began to earnestly devise measures against night raids. However, I couldn’t participate in the conversation on a fundamental level.
“Um, is it true that there’s a war going on in the ‘Mainland’ we’re heading towards? That’s why there are so many bandits?”
I could only ask a very basic question.
“Kanami-san… I understand it’s unavoidable, but it’s really pathetic…”
Maria lamented my ignorance. Apparently, there were things even a child would know that I didn’t.
“S-sorry. I tried to avoid hearing about the war as much as possible because I don’t want to get involved. So, I hardly know anything…”
‘War’ was my second most hated word. I knew that getting involved would inevitably lead to hearing the word ‘slave,’ which was my first. I had intentionally avoided it even when gathering information in the ‘Dimension’.
“It’s not ‘hardly anything.’ You should say you know nothing at all.”
However, Maria reprimanded me with harsh words, admonishing my selective knowledge.
“Well, I intended to stay with the Allied Nations the whole time, so I thought I didn’t need to know…”
“Kanami-san really hates war, doesn’t he…”
“It’s not that I hate it, I just don’t know how to deal with it.”
“However, we are going to ‘Mainland’ to search for someone. From now on, you’ll hear about it whether you like it or not. Isn’t it better to get a proper explanation now…? Otherwise, I’m afraid Kanami-san might be easily deceived by someone again.”
“I suppose so. In that case, I’ll ask you for a bit of your time.”
Pressed by Maria’s concern, I reluctantly decided to overcome my苦手ワード.
“First off, what kind of war is going on where and to what extent…? Honestly, I don’t even know that.”
“…The ‘Mainland’ we’re heading to is the largest continent in the world. There, a war of the greatest scale in the world is taking place, divided into the ‘North’ and ‘South.’ Valt’s homeland is at the forefront of that battlefield.”
Maria explained patiently, though with some exasperation. The war was apparently the largest in the world. It was only natural that I would be looked down upon if I didn’t know about something of that magnitude.
“What’s the reason for that war? Is it because of differences in races, a conflict between humans and monsters?”
I listed common reasons for war in fantasy worlds. However, Maria shook her head.
“No, races have nothing to do with it. This is a territorial dispute between humans—the Allied Nations’ army, led by Revannism, and other allied nations. Currently, they are simply referred to as the ‘South’ for the Allied Nations’ army and the ‘North’ for the allied nations’ army. It’s openly called the ‘Border War’ in some circles.”
“So, it’s because of religion, between the ‘North’ and ‘South’…”
Hearing that people were fighting people, I felt a heart-wrenching sadness. Even though it was normal in my world, for some reason, I wished it were different in this other world.
“No, it’s not because of religion. There are Revannism countries in the ‘North’ as well. This war has no clear reason. It simply started at some point. I suppose each country was seeking its own interests.”
“Interests, huh…”
Perhaps that reason was even more futile.
“–That’s the general understanding.”
After Maria finished giving a brief overview, Rustiara, who held a high position in Fuziaze, continued the story. What I had just heard was apparently the knowledge of common citizens.
“The upper echelons of the Allied Nations have been coveting certain territories in the ‘North’ for a very long time. Apparently, they’ve been provoking fights towards the ‘North’ for a thousand years to obtain them.”
Rustiara inadvertently revealed the strategic objective of the Allied Nations’ army in the ‘South.’ Given her position, she probably had opportunities to converse with the higher-ups. It sounded like state secrets that could get her killed if revealed. However, something else caught my attention more.
“‘A Thousand Years Ago’…”
To me, the ambitions of the Allied Nations and the war were almost irrelevant. The word ‘Thousand Years Ago’ was far more intriguing. It probably related to the origin of the labyrinth and the guardians.
“The war a thousand years ago seems to be the origin of everything. The devout Revannists still hold grudges from that war. The current war is like an extension of it.”
“I heard from Rowen that there was a major war back then too.”
“Yes. Revannism also teaches that. However, those parts are mostly traditions—passed down to the present day in a form close to mythology. My word, when you read the literature from a thousand years ago, it’s incredible. The ground splits at the slightest nudge.”
“Ah, so after all, when it comes to things from a thousand years ago, accurate documents aren’t left behind.”
It was the same when I researched Reaper’s ‘Death God.’ The story was too absurd to be credible.
“No, it seems the outcome of the battle was the bigger problem, rather than the barrier of a thousand years. The decisive blow of the war was a ‘Magic Circle’ used by an enemy ‘Apostle.’ It swallowed up all living beings on the continent, so there are very few who know the details of the battle. I believe… the final casualties, including both sides, were ‘ninety percent’.”
“N-ninety percent?”
Ninety percent casualties. If the war had proceeded normally, such an absurd number would be impossible. The war would have ended long before reaching ninety percent.
“And then, the enemy ‘Apostle’ who aimed to destroy the world was defeated by the righteous ‘Apostle’ Sis and Saint Tiara. The war ended. And they lived happily ever after.”
This was the conclusion of the war from a thousand years ago as passed down to the present day. It sounded like a lie…! According to that story, Apostle Sis and Saint Tiara got all the credit. After that, Saint Tiara even created a religion and is trying to ‘Rebirth.’ Given her persistent actions, I didn’t think she would accurately record history. Rather, I suspected she committed the most heinous act and forcibly won by causing ninety percent casualties. Thinking about it that way, the figure of ninety percent casualties also seemed dubious. Perhaps it was just a softened way of putting it? Was the true conclusion of the war from a thousand years ago that not just ninety percent, but ten percent—everyone—died? And didn’t the survivors, like Saint Tiara, twist the history for their own convenience? I scrutinized the story with a stern expression. Noticing my reaction, Rustiara followed up with a wry smile.
“Well, Kanami, I can’t blame you for thinking that. But those who believe in Revannism wholeheartedly believe this history, so please don’t criticize it too much. After all, for those alive now, Revannism is a ‘well-made religion’.”
“…Hmm. Is that not because you’re part of it?”
“On the contrary, precisely because I’m part of it, I’m being critical. Still, compared to other religions on the continent, it’s very clean.”
Rustiara had nearly been killed by the teachings of Revannism. Yet, she defended it. It meant Revannism was truly a ‘well-made religion.’ I might have thought the same if it weren’t for Rustiara. After all, when I almost died in the labyrinth for the first time, it was knights of Revannism who saved me. And judging by Mr. Hein and Sera, I didn’t think their teachings were bad. The admonitions I heard didn’t force anything; they simply spoke of the path of human virtue.
“You might be right, but…”
With no grounds for criticism, I reluctantly nodded. I wasn’t well-versed enough to judge the merits of religion in the first place. Honestly, it was also one of my苦手ワード.
“So, usually at this point, the origin of Revannism and the truth of a thousand years ago would remain shrouded in mystery—but, but, but, today we have invited a great master who knows the situation from a thousand years ago! Please welcome, Teacher Reaper!”
Reaper, who had been dozing nearby, was startled by the sudden address. However, she quickly shook her head and smiled.
“Hmm. I was playing with Rowen the whole time, and before I knew it, I was swallowed by the earth, so I don’t know the details. Besides, they were fighting back then, weren’t they? Thinking back now, I just realized! That’s all!”
“Boo, too bad! Thank you, Teacher!”
To Reaper’s clear answer, Rustiara said thank you with a laugh and tried to wrap things up. But I persisted. There had to be more I could learn. The conversation was deviating further, but since it was a good opportunity, I decided to ask.
“Wait, wait, wait. Hey, Reaper. ‘Teeda,’ ‘Arti,’ ‘Tiara,’ ‘Sis.’ Do any of these four names ring a bell?”
“Hmm, I’ve never heard of them.”
“No one? Tiara must have been famous a thousand years ago…?”
“Both the ‘North’ and the ‘South’ had kings whose names I’ve never heard. At least, I’ve never heard of a name like ‘Tiara’.”
Immediately, a discrepancy with Revannism’s lore was found. While Teeda and Arti were one thing, it was strange that Tiara and Sis, revered figures in Revannism, were unknown.
“Then besides Rowen, were there any other strong individuals? Perhaps they might appear as guardians later on.”
“I was thrown to Rowen right after I was born, so I honestly don’t know anything. Sorry, big brother.”
“…No, it seems I was asking too much. My apologies.”
Reaper clasped her hands together as if apologizing. She also seemed to understand that knowing memories from a thousand years ago would be helpful for dungeon exploration. Then, after contorting her face as if trying to recall something, she clapped her hands.
“Ah. But the sorcerer who created me was definitely strong. If they were to appear, they’d likely do so as a ‘Thief of the Principles of Dimensions’.”
The dimensional magic user who created Reaper, a ‘Curse.’ That meant they were also the sorcerer who determined Reaper’s fate—to kill Rowen. I didn’t have a good impression of that sorcerer.
“What kind of person were they?”
“Short-tempered and scary. All I know is that they were a mage with the same dimensional attribute as you, younger brother. They wore a mask and rough clothes, so I have no distinct outward features.”
Hearing the word ‘mask,’ my blood heated up. Just recently, in a dream, I felt like I had seen someone similar.
“A mask… At least, don’t you know their name…?”
“Hmm, I was rushed to Rowen before I could ask.”
I leaned forward, trying to get Reaper to recall something, but then reconsidered. I had already made up my mind. No matter their name, my actions wouldn’t change. Instead of me, who sat back down, Rustiara answered.
“I don’t think any masked characters appear in Fuziaze’s traditions. If Reaper says they were strong, they must have been quite a player… I wonder if, after a thousand years, history has been conveniently distorted by those in power?”
However, that distorted history was the general knowledge of the current other world.
“Rustiara, please tell me the full details of those traditions. If the war from a thousand years ago is connected to the current war, I want to know beforehand.”
“I don’t mind, but after hearing what Reaper just said, don’t you have close to zero faith in it?”
“I just want to know it as common knowledge, so it’s fine.”
“Hmm. In that case, I’ll explain it briefly and quickly–”
Rustiara reluctantly cleared her throat and began to speak as if reading from a book.
“–First, the story begins with two suspicious beings called Apostles descending from the heavens and trying to lead the world to peace. Thanks to the two Apostles, the continent prospered, but for some reason, one of the Apostles betrayed them and cooperated with the ‘mad king’ of the ‘North’ to try and destroy the world. Then, the remaining righteous Apostle Sis, along with the Saint Tiara, unified the people of the ‘South’ and fought the ‘North’ together—this is the main point of the tradition.”
Just the word ‘heaven’ appearing at the beginning made it sound like mythology. However, I patiently continued to listen.
“The ‘North’ is full of monsters. There’s a giant tree that can crush an entire country, an immortal being that is the dark cloud covering the continent, and great ice serpents that freeze everything they touch. However, Saint Tiara is incredibly strong, defeating them all with just a fingertip. Moreover, for some reason, after defeating them, they all become her companions, showing a disturbing virtue…”
The scale of the enemies was beyond ridiculous. And the saint who defeated them was not human. If I had heard this when I first arrived in the other world, I would have scoffed. But I was different now. I couldn’t see it as someone else’s problem. Rowen and Arti, who underwent Monsterization, or Maria and Dia now, would fit right into this story without feeling out of place.
“–Thus, Saint Tiara, having gained the companionship of those who stood in her way, pushed back the ‘Northern’ army. She then defeated the mad king and tried to persuade the traitorous Apostle Diplakla. She was a pacifist to the end, you see. However, the traitorous Apostle was reluctant to die and activated a ferocious ‘Magic Circle’ that threatened to destroy the entire continent in exchange for her life.”
The ‘Magic Circle’ that swallowed everything. It must have been the reason why both Rowen and Reaper were sent to this era. This story seemed to be the truth, as parts of it overlapped with Reaper’s account.
“The battle concluded due to that ‘Magic Circle.’ Many precious lives were lost, but the great Saint Tiara and her Apostle Sis worked hard to restore the continent’s civilization. Saint Tiara laid the foundation for magic and founded Revannism. Apostle Sis traveled to various regions with the heroes who fought alongside her, bringing about miracles. Thank you, thank you so much, Saint Tiara and Apostle Sis. –The End.”
Rustiara’s explanation was a bit rough, but she captured the main points. Before I could give my thoughts, Rustiara teased me.
“How was it? Quite a ridiculous story, wasn’t it? I even made it easier to listen to. If you go into the serious details, stories emerge about Saint Tiara cleaving a tree that pierced the heavens with a single fingertip.”
But Rustiara seemed to be enjoying herself. According to her tastes, the legends from a thousand years ago were right up her alley.
“It certainly is a ridiculous story…”
Saint Tiara seemed to have many superhuman tales. It was understandable; otherwise, she couldn’t have defeated the monsters from a thousand years ago. However, this meant not only the enemies, but also Saint Tiara, Apostle Sis, and all the heroes who appeared were ‘monsters.’ That was my honest impression. And it wasn’t someone else’s problem. If we continued to accumulate ‘Experience Points’ like this, we might end up the same way. I didn’t think becoming stronger was bad. But the end result of being unable to prove one’s ‘humanity’ and being treated as a ‘monster’ – I hated such an ending.
As such worries swirled in my mind, a thunderous roar struck my ears. A pillar of water rose from the sea near the ‘Living Legend.’ It was a sound I recognized. Probably the sound of a cannonball.
“–Damn it! Pirates again!”
When I cast my ‘Dimension,’ I spotted a fleet in the distance. There were seven ships. A group outing. The previous water pillar seemed to be an attack from that fleet.
“Moo, isn’t this a bit too many!?”
Reaper also seemed to sense the enemy’s presence. She expressed her anger at the repeated pirate ship attacks. There must be a reason for this frequency of attacks. I wanted to find out.
“It can’t be helped. Let’s capture an enemy once and gather information on how we are being treated.”
I proposed this to my companions on deck. No one objected; they all nodded.
“That’s right. Let’s hear about various things. Perhaps the enemy attacks will decrease if we change our route.”
Reaper, who handled most of the navigation, took the lead and actively supported the idea. Then, Rustiara looked around.
“So, who’s going? I’m a bit tired.”
They had to decide on a method to intercept the pirate ships. The previous ship had been taken down by a furious Rustiara alone, so her MP was depleted. Snow, who hadn’t even come out on deck, was excluded. Dia and Reaper, who were weak in the morning, were also excluded. The only ones who could move properly right now were Maria and myself.
“Shall I burn them? I think we can hear their story if we recover one small boat trying to escape.”
Maria made a belligerent proposal, but I shook my head. I wished she would stop trying to burn things at every opportunity. Besides, there were non-combatants among the enemy ships who weren’t pirates. If necessary, the pirates would likely abandon them. We had to fight with the utmost care.
“No, let’s not do that. It seems they are returning from plundering. There are slaves captured inside. If possible, I’d like to save them, so I’ll go.”
Hearing ‘slaves,’ Maria’s expression changed.
“I don’t mind. Kanami-san is certainly the most capable of holding back. However, please do not try to save the slaves by overexerting yourself. For example, if they use slaves as shields. In that case, please abandon them without fail.”
“…I won’t push myself. I promise.”
With that, I leaped from the deck into the sea. Maria’s eyes remained suspicious until the end. As if shaking them off, I ran across the azure sea. I was about to ‘confront seven pirate ships alone.’ Though my senses had become desensitized, it was a terrifying prospect when put into words. I knew I shouldn’t lose focus, but my thoughts were racing. I gathered inhuman magical power, enveloped myself in cold air, and ran across the sea to stop things hundreds of times larger than my body. My appearance reminded me of the battle from a thousand years ago. Listening to Rustiara’s story, I had thought of the great figures of the past as ‘monsters.’ However, I might have already stepped into that ‘realm.’ Level 20—the top class of humans. That also meant the ‘limit of humanity.’ If I continued to progress smoothly through the labyrinth, I would surpass even that ‘realm.’ However, when I crossed that ‘boundary’—I couldn’t stop wondering what kind of form I would take.
