Helios Orb Chronicle – Chapter 119

Side Manalease

It had been a while since I last hunted with Trial Hearts, and I never expected things to turn out like this.

The cause of it all was Lux, who was at the same level as me, level 41, and a High Human.

While evolution to High Class began at level 41, many people didn’t evolve until levels 44 to 46, and Prim didn’t evolve until level 49. So, there’s a big difference between individuals.

This means Lux was able to evolve at a considerably early stage.

However, it seems that this ended up being the reason for Lux’s twisted personality.

“Originally, though that’s a strange way to put it, Lux seemed to have a superiority complex,”

This is what my older brother, with whom I often go hunting, said. But what does a superiority complex mean?

“Although many races exist in Helios Orb, there’s almost no discrimination between them. So, I hate to say it, but we’re superior in that regard to your world of guests where discrimination occurs based on skin color and language.”

“Please don’t worry about it. It’s true, and it’s still a problem, to a greater or lesser extent.”

Even though there are only Humans in the guest world, there’s discrimination based on skin color, and it’s still a problem…

It’s better than it used to be, but sometimes religion is involved, so it’s definitely a deeply rooted issue.

“But in Helios Orb, there’s a phenomenon called evolution. It seems that this evolution is the origin of the superiority complex. I believe those who evolve to High Class are chosen by the gods and are meant to guide people. Therefore, the words and actions of High Class individuals should be prioritized above all else, and they must manage people. Isn’t that the nonsensical ideology?”

“That’s right. Lux has been leaning towards that ideology since evolving to High Human at level 41. Only a handful of people evolve to High Class at level 41, right?”

My older brother and my sister-in-law Elis explained the superiority complex of Helios Orb to me, but honestly, I can only describe it as idiotic.

If that logic holds true, then Ancient Class, who evolved from High Class, must be the beings chosen and loved by the gods, wouldn’t they?

“That’s right, and I’ve heard that Grand Hunter’s Master is deified. Of course, Grand Hunter’s Master finds it extremely bothersome, and they’ve actually stated as much.”

I’m sure they would.

Yet, Lux is challenging Yamato, who is an Ancient Human. Doesn’t that mean it’s already flawed?

“Isn’t it that? Because he was able to evolve to High Human at level 41, he thinks he’s specially loved by God. Therefore, he believes he’ll eventually be able to evolve into an Ancient Human too, is that what he thinks?”

I found myself agreeing with Yamato’s prediction.

“Could it be that Lux is mistaking himself for a special being for that reason?”

“I can’t say that’s impossible. Lux evolved to High Class a few months ago, and I’ve gone hunting with him several times since then. He barely pays attention to the Normal Hunters who should be his comrades. Even if a Hunter he knows is attacked by a monster, he doesn’t go to help them on his own.”

That… is a huge misunderstanding, isn’t it?

“There’s that, but Lux has always admired heroes. By evolving into High Human, he can become a hero, so I think he’s just gotten carried away.”

My sister-in-law Maruka said sadly.

I’ve known Lux for nearly 10 years, so it’s understandable that she can’t believe how he’s changed.

However, if you ask me if I can forgive what my older brother said, the answer is absolutely not.

“Also, and I think this is likely the bigger factor, Lux is infatuated with Mana. This is famous throughout the Royal Capital, and he’s not the only one. However, the problem is that in the months since he evolved into High Human, fewer people have been approaching Mana.”

Is that so?

Well, Lux has approached me many times, and I was tired of it. My older brother, Bout, and the Holy Grave helped me. But recently, I have noticed that fewer Hunters have been approaching me.

However, my sister-in-law Elis insisted that it was because Lux was pulling strings behind the scenes, or rather, threatening people.

This is apparently a problem within Trial Hearts as well, but since it involves romance, it’s unclear how effective any measures will be. In fact, won’t they be almost completely ineffective?

“So, Lux hates me enough to want to kill me for marrying Mana, but since I’m an Ancient Human, a direct confrontation is bound to result in him being defeated. However, since he’s a special being, he plans to eventually receive some divine blessing and snatch Mana away from me?”

Yamato looks displeased, and I imagine my face looks the same. There’s no way this is enjoyable, hearing such things on the day of our marriage.

“From Lux’s perspective, it would be to take back what’s his. My brother told me that Lux once blurted out while drunk that no one other than himself was worthy of marrying Mana.”

That’s beyond not enjoyable.

Lux must know that I married Yamato and received blessings, as he was present at the ceremony.

Although, blessing or not, that was part of the ritual, so not being blessed would be unusual.

“And on top of that, he took the Jade Silver weapon. Does that mean his hatred for Yamato has intensified, and he might do something rash?”

Ludia’s question is understandable to me as well, and I’m starting to feel like Lux might actually do something.

However, regarding the Jade Silver weapon, it’s almost entirely my father’s fault, isn’t it? Even if he had stayed up for two days straight and was at his limit due to sleep deprivation and exhaustion, he must have heard about it. If he hadn’t bestowed it, it would have been a simple matter.

“Ah, that. I bear some responsibility for that as well. Bout had asked me, if Lux had also been forged with one, to consider bestowing it to him as well. Lux is also a High Class individual, and more importantly, he’s a comrade in the same raid, so I understand his feelings.”

That may be true, but as a result, it’s as if a rift has opened within Trial Hearts, isn’t it? The relationship with Wing Crest has also soured. Even if Bout requested it, if my father had confirmed things properly, he would have been able to prevent it to some extent, even if not completely.

“His Majesty the King also didn’t expect things would turn out this way. After all, his superiority complex is compounded by his unrequited love.”

“I think so too. Or rather, I want to think so. There’s no doubt that the way Lux looks at Yamato is problematic, but perhaps His Majesty saw it as jealousy towards Yamato, who, despite being the same Human, has evolved into an Ancient Class.”

Yamato and my sister-in-law Maruka are defending my father, but from my perspective, it’s still too lenient.

Perhaps it’s because he’s aware of that, that he half-forcefully abdicated to my older brother in preparation for the war with Retisencia.

“I doubt he’d sneak into Amagi Castle, but since he’s High Class, it’s not impossible for him to enter through the front. After all, he’s one of Trial Hearts and I’ve had dealings with him.”

Ah, there’s a possibility of that.

It’s not uncommon for High Hunters, not just Trial Hearts, to enter the castle. However, there’s an unspoken rule that the entire raid must come together. But the current Lux might ignore that and enter alone, even using deception. In that case, the target would almost certainly be me. Even though it’s inside the castle, Amagi Castle is vast, and there are many blind spots. I often find myself alone, so if he were to take advantage of that, I wouldn’t be able to defend myself. Even my maid Marisa wouldn’t be able to.

“I’m sorry to Maruka, but if he tries to lay a hand on Mana, he won’t escape the death penalty.”

“Indeed. Forcing himself on someone who is married is already a major problem, and if it involves a member of the Royal Family, I will have no choice but to punish him. And the responsibility for that will extend to Trial Hearts as well.”

“I understand. Or rather, I won’t forgive him either. I don’t know what my brothers will think, but he still has to take responsibility.”

My brothers are mentioning the responsibility of Trial Hearts, but it’s quite possible they’ll be judged as unable to manage their raid members, and the Hunter’s Guild will impose punishments as well.

“Troublesome. Mana, stay close to me for a while. Try to avoid being alone as much as possible.”

“Is that all we can do? I’m counting on you, hubby?”

“Please stop calling me hubby.”

Even if Lux comes to Amagi Castle and tries to attack me, I’ll be fine as long as I’m with Yamato.

Besides, since we’re married, Yamato, my co-wives, and my fiancées are supposed to move into my room. It’s natural to spend the night in the same room as one’s husband. We decided this from the beginning, and more importantly, today is… well, it’s our wedding night, so it’s natural for us to be together. I’m nervous about it being my first time, but Lady Apricot will use Contracepting, and Prim and the others have told me about it, so it won’t hurt, right? No, even if it does hurt, I feel like I can accept that pain if I’m accepting of Yamato. But since it’s my first time, be gentle, hubby?

Side Yamato

We will be staying in Mana’s room from today onwards. Ed and Raus and others will also be moved near Mana’s room, so even if Lux comes to the castle, we’re unlikely to encounter him right away.

Jade Silver and Blue-Gray Iron have already been disclosed by the Crafter’s Guild, and orders are in place for the Hunter’s Guild to collect Rock Boar materials. The crafters are overjoyed, but Lux, a Hunter, has not been told the method for making the alloy. Trial Hearts doesn’t know it either, as there’s no reason for Hunters to know. However, I believe not telling Lux was a wise decision.

“Is he serious…?”

I suspected Lux wouldn’t be trustworthy and might do something reckless. As Trial Hearts was leaving, I activated Eagle Eye and the fire-attribute C-rank search-type Engraving Magic: Candle Leaf on Lux.

Candle Leaf is a technique that allows one to obtain visual and auditory information by using a heat-emitting substance as a medium. It is particularly effective indoors. The lights in Helios Orb use Magic Stones, so they don’t emit heat, making it impossible to utilize indoor lighting. However, human body heat is still present, so it’s not entirely useless. Furthermore, by combining it with Eagle Eye, I can obtain visual information with considerable accuracy, at the very least.

Combining exploration-type techniques is a step beyond the basics of exploration-type skills, so it’s rare for someone to be unable to do this much.

I was observing Lux using Eagle Eye and Candle Leaf when I was surprised to see the ambassador from Retisencia in front of him. The content is intermittent and difficult to understand, but it seems he’s caught wind of my conflict. Where is this place?

“If you… Reti… if you… win… against… fake… Ancient Human…”

“Lies…? Is it… not…?”

“Such… lies… exist? You… will… be… Sen…si… with… loyalty…”

Whether it’s good or bad timing, Lux is betraying Amister and almost certainly going to Retisencia.

“…Use… Demon Crystal. If… you… can… surpass… Ancient Human… you will be… Retise… hero…”

Demon Crystal? And use it? What does that mean?

“…The King… and… Ancient… Human… if… you… expel… them… it… will end. …Do… it… hero…”

After that, the Retisencia ambassador said a few more words and left, handing Lux two items. One was a Demon Crystal. And the other was…

That bastard, he plans to forcibly make Mana his and betray Amister as well?

I want to inform His Majesty immediately, but even after what happened, Lux was a member of Trial Hearts whom I trusted, and I’d be asked how I obtained the information.

It’s definitely not good to reveal the existence of exploration-type magic. Even if His Majesty has no intention of doing so, if nobles or others find out, there will definitely be those who try to do something to me. After all, Helios Orb has almost no awareness of being monitored, so with exploration-type magic, monitoring becomes possible without limit. Surely, people in positions of power are wary of the existence of spies, but that’s about it.

That’s why I want to keep the existence of exploration-type magic limited to within our circle of friends. It will likely be known eventually, but I know even I can tell that this is not the right time.

However, if I don’t stop Lux quickly, Amister will take a considerable blow, and secrets will be leaked. It’s troublesome, but I’ll have to make the Retisencia ambassador the aggressor. I can definitively label them as the enemy, and given what happened with Feel, they wouldn’t suspect me of being vigilant. It’s impossible for me to monitor them alone, but I can’t involve everyone else either, so I’ll just place an anonymous surveillance request with the Hunter’s Guild.

After thinking that far, I cut off the exploration-type magic.

Mana and Yuri will be joining us from today. What I’ve just thought of won’t be discussed tonight. I’ll have to sort it out by tomorrow.

After managing to organize my thoughts, I broke my concentration.

Prim, Meena, Flam, Rika-san, Lydia, Ludia, and now Mana and Yuri. I suppose I’ll do my best.