“Vocation ‘Saint’ huh... Is that even a job?”
“Geez, don’t say that, it’s too embarra.s.sing!”
Cheeks fuming in red, it’s the same old Sakura. I guess even receiving a ‘Vocation’, a supernatural power from the G.o.ds of this world, won’t change people all that much.
“And nii-san too, what indeed is up with that ‘Hero’ vocation of yours?”
“Hahaha, having is said to my face is pretty embarra.s.sing too”
I had become a ‘Hero’ before I knew it. Don’t remember using that magic circle, but when my consciousness got floaty after getting a beatdown by the Armor Bear, I clearly remember hearing the voice of a G.o.ddess.[1]
“Mayst thou bring light to this world and become — the ‘Hero’.”
Is what the G.o.ddess had said. I must’ve become a ‘Hero’ right at that moment.
“Sigh, forget saving the world, I wanna know if I can save ourselves”
“I for one would like a one-way ticket to Earth the moment we escape”
“Goes without saying, but why the harsh tone?”
“C’mon nii-san, you know you’re the type to dive straight into danger, saying things like the people of this world are in danger from monsters or something”
“I mean, if it’s in my power, I probably would”
“But, what happens when you keep fighting on and on? You could even get thrown into a war... that and bas.h.i.+ng heads with punks back in j.a.pan are on a completely different dimension”
I do realize. In this world the word ‘fight’ definitely implies one where both parties bet their lives. I can easily imagine what’s lying ahead if I kept fighting these harsh battles.
“Don’t worry. I’ll definitely get you, and everyone else out of this dungeon; we’ll get back to our world. I have my priorities straight”
“Alright, nii-san. But don’t try doing everything by yourself now. Thanks to this vocation, even I can fight”
“Yeah, you’re right, depending on you, Sakura”
I am already witness to Sakura’s powers as a ‘Saint’.
Now that we’re at a safe zone known as a ‘Fairy Square’, I think back on what Sakura means by her ability to fight. I have a deep impression that every one of her Skills are powerful.
There are 3 skills that come with a vocation
Holy EnchantKeeper of the Light Grants the power of Light to any thing. Its brilliance disperses malevolence, and expels evil Lux SagittaLight Arrow Shoots an arrow of Light; a low grade attack of the light attribute Healing LightGlow of Remedy A restoration magic that combines both Heal and Cure[2]
Those are the powers brandished by Sakura. Since we only perceive those brief descriptions, there’s no choice but to test them out to observe their effect.
And as for what Sakura demonstrated those powers against, it was those bone monsters that pop up in games: the Skeleton.
The first surprise was the output of ‘Lux Sagitta’. When Sakura pulls her archery club bow, an arrow of brilliant white light appears nocked there. And when she r
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eleases it, leaving a pristine streaks of light in the air, the arrow flies towards the Skeleton as if being sucked in.
Upon connection, the dazzling light bursts, leaving behind only the remains of crushed, dismantled bone.
It’s not like the bones of Skeleton are brittle. Having fought them myself, I can confirm their robustness. There are atleast as tough as those of human origin. They wouldn’t crack under trivial force.
Making those bones explode into bits says a lot about that output. I don’t really want to imagine getting hit by that dead on.
Next on the list is ‘Holy Enchant’. When Sakura let her hand hold my bokutouwooden sword, it flushed with a faint white glimmer; a few seconds later, and the enchantment was set. The bokutou consequently held a holy radiance.
Bas.h.i.+ng a Skeleton with it during this s.h.i.+ning state causes it’s bony corpus to quickly crumble like sand.
Seems like Skeletons, as Undead, were super susceptible to the light attribute like in games, but I wonder if these kinds of weaknesses and corrections are being adjusted for in this world. Even without the advantage against Undead, I quickly understood after a few swings that this bokutou under ‘Holy Enchant’ was much st.u.r.dier than usual. It wouldn’t give even if I banged it against a wall hard enough to definitely break in normal conditions.
There’s a time limit on the effects, but it’s not an issue if only used when required. As a result, I could suffice with my single bokutou. No need to help myself to the clubs carried by the Skeletons.
Finally, on ‘Healing Light’, since we haven’t had any noticeable injuries, it hasn’t been put to the test. The grievous injuries from the Armor Bear’s a.s.sault were completely healed when I’d awoken as a Hero, and I’ve been without a scratch since.
Still, looking at these awe-inspiring feats of magic, we could expect the healing magic to be great too. And since we’re traversing a dangerous dungeon that’s crawling with monsters, this kind of recovery option is all the more indispensable. In a way, this healing magic can be considered much more valuable than attack power.
I’d hope we could break free from here not needing to use it, but considering that there’s not only the smallfry Skeletons, but powerful foes like the Armor Bear, I know it won’t be that easy.
“...Sigh, this Fairy Walnut, it isn’t bad per say, but it’s kind of dispiriting that we’ll have only these to go on from now”
“Don’t be so picky. I think we’re blessed enough to find a stable source of nutrition in this kind of survival scenario”
“Maybe for you, nii-san, you’d be used to this from your extended trips to the mountain with jii-samagrand father.”
No, well even jii-san wouldn’t take me training to this kind of monster infested dungeon. Well, that jii-san might gladly dive into dungeon capturing, but I don’t see myself as that battle-hungry to begin with. I just wanna get back to regular old, peaceful highschooler life.
Leaving aside those thoughts, I finish up my walnuts, and stand up.
“Now then, I guess... we should check on that”
“Uu, nii-san, you’re really going to check that?”
Sakura openly makes a wry face, but we really can’t ignore this previous guest lodging in this Fairy Square.
“I mean look, it’s a dead Knight. And the sword’s still hanging at the waist... Isn’t this the best chance to get a weapon?”
This was a genuine skeletal corpse wearing slightly dirty armor. Like if they’d been attacked by monsters while exploring, and made it all the way here, but the wound was too deep and etc.[3]
I’d prefer not to be like that in the future. May they rest in peaceNamu-amida-butsu, I leave a prayer for their pa.s.sing.
“It won’t become a Skeleton and attack right?”
“Right now, I feel like I can deal with that unarmed”
It’s not as much as when I beat the Armor Bear with the light sword, but my body feels exceedingly light and overflowing with power. In fact, I’ve confirmed that my physical prowess has distinctly risen from the level I was at yesterday. Only, I didn’t need to go full power against Skeletons, so I can’t really tell exactly how strong I am.
“See, nothing to worry about”
That it’s showing no reaction as I rudely pick through its equipment shows, without a doubt, that the corpse is staying a corpse. I a.s.sure Sakura that it’s not an Undead monster, but it’s not right to expect a girl to happily engage in rummaging through a dead body. Reminds me, Sakura’s a pretty easy scare. She’s weak to horror films after all.
For now, ransacking duty’s on me. First job would be taking the most eye-catching longsword off from the belt along with the scabbard. I unsheathe and examine the blade.
“This isn’t, bad at all... a fine sword. No rust, and the make isn’t shabby either”
“It does indeed look new. I wonder, if it’s an effect from magic?”
Not implausible. The armor has a light-weight make, favoring maneuverability, but there are elaborate designs here and there; doesn’t seem like it’s for the common soldier. This sword too, has a coat of arms resembling a red lion, and doesn’t seem like it was ma.s.s produced. Perhaps this person was a n.o.ble.
In that case, it wouldn’t be strange if there was magic cast on this sword to maintain its edge. Though it’s not like we have any way to confirm that.
“—Yup, this actually looks appropriate for battle”
“And much more reliable than a bokutou”
With a swing, I again affirm the splendidness of the sword. Would’ve been the best if it was a katana, but I really can’t be that fussy about it in another world. I should consider it lucky their norm wasn’t some weird shaped sword like a Shotel.[4]
“Sorry Knight-san, but I’ll be gratefully using this”
Mostly, done with the scavenging, I once again place a hand on the skeleton of the Knight and say a prayer; following which, I equip the longsword to my waist.
The weapons I appropriated from the Knight are: this longsword, and a dagger they also possessed. The dagger was also well preserved, not a bit of rusting. Of course, it also had the same red lion coat of arms on it.
“Sakura, you hold on to the dagger, for self-defence”
“No, I’m... won’t it be more useful if nii-san takes it?”
“‘Lux Sagitta’ is pretty dangerous at close range. Also, haven’t you taken lessons in handling a knife atleast?”
“Well, a bit, yes...”
Though not as hard as with me, Sakura has been more or less put through the ropes by jii-san since childhood. Not only self-defence techniques to deal with hoodlums carrying knives, but even the ways of taking those knives and stabbing back has been drilled into her. That jii-san said Sakura’s a girl, and it’s much easier to justify it as self-defence, so she should stab them to death without worry, really makes him a s.h.i.+tty old fart. Though, Sakura seriously asking him to teach her how to stab till they’re on the verge of death, is pretty something too.
“Well, let’s head out then. Sooner we find our cla.s.smates, the better”
And with our equipment ready, we left the Fairy Square.
What appeared in the area right after were the pitch black, short, humanoid monsters called ‘Goma’. Carrying rusted knives or axes, clubs as if stolen they’d stolen them from Skeletons, or spears made of animal bone, these were crude yet indeed armed, dangerous monsters. Even scarier was the fact that these things had a craving for human meat. On the off chance they beat us, they’d probably literally eat us alive.
The appearance is reminiscent of the representative mob monster in RPGs: the Goblin, but that’s no excuse to let our guard down.
“...Nii-san, wasn’t that, just a bit too much?”
“No wait, I can explain, Sakura, please hear me out”
Right now, spread around me was a scene so b.l.o.o.d.y and gruesome, you’d want to ask if some crazed ma.s.s murderer pa.s.sed by.
When we exited the pa.s.sage that we left the Fairy Square from, we came upon a slightly large path where 5 Goma attacked. Of course, we easily got the upper hand and beat them but... the killing was so brutal, even I’m a bit taken aback. The corpses were scattered and shred so bad, it’s hard to tell if there were 5 of them. At some point, priority went from how I’d attack to where I’d put my feet to avoid the blood spatter.
“Please, explain away”
“I was just trying out some Skills”
The disaster before me was nothing but the result of me testing the effects of my Skills. If I hadn’t done that, I’d have properly finished them with clean and efficient strikes of the Knights longsword.
“I see, that’s why nii-san’s movements started changing from normal. So, after using them, your impressions?”
“It’s got ridiculous power. Though it seems they’re called Martial Arts when release by a sword”
The Skills I learned after defeating the Armor Bear were in total 6.
Learned Skills Thrust Boosts piercing potential. A sharp blow impales the enemy Slash Boosts tearing potential. A sharp blow cuts the enemy High Walk Boosts speed. Run like the wind
Acquired Skills Force Boost Boosts strength. Force akin to the Armor Bear Iron Guardiron hide Boosts defence. Guard akin to the Armor Bear Tri Slash 3 strike combo attack. Mutilate the enemy akin to the Armor Bear’s claws[5]
Learned Skills are ones that apply to my own growth. In gaming terms, they’re skills that I automatically learn as I level up.
Acquired Skills would be ones that originate from defeated enemies. This probably doesn’t take the other party’s Skill as is, but takes that as a base and converts it into a form that a human like me can use. They had gone through the necessary corrections.
The Armor Bear’s strength is a result of its own muscles, and its tough defence comes from that thick metallic sh.e.l.l. Of course, being able to maim the opponent with a swing of its arm is only thanks to the numerous sharp claws on its paws. If I was literally going to have the same powers as my foe, I’d have the same appearance as the Armor Bear by now.
“The power’s ridiculous, but there some buildup time needed, and right after launching, there’s a slight gap in my defence. They also drain more stamina than when normally swinging the sword, so I gotta consider the time and place.”
“They’re quite similar to magic. But these powers we get from the ‘Vocation’, we become more adept the more we use them, it seems, so I guess you can’t be too sparing?”
“Yeah, if I can’t get used to using these Martial Arts, they won’t be useful when it actually counts. So for now, I’ll be practicing”
But I’ll refrain from bursting apart Goma with ‘Tri Slash’.
“Nii-san, you kind of look like you’re having fun”
“It may sound careless but... I wanted to get stronger. And now, we’ve come to another world, and I was given this great power you can even visually confirm. My excitement being high, is probably because of my lack of mental training”
“Sorry, I wasn’t saying that cynically. I really do know how deeply nii-san feels about wanting strength. But what if this great ‘power’ changes you, is something I’m a bit, uneasy about...”
d.a.m.n, Sakura really had me there. Seems I got high tensioned enough to arouse this kind of worry. Really need to get a hold of myself. Maybe some Zen meditation later?
“I’m perfectly fine. Me getting as strong as I can is only because I want to protect you, Sakura, and everyone else too. I don’t know why G.o.d made me a ‘Hero’ or how much stronger I can become but... I wouldn’t stray from using that strength correctly, ever.”
There’s no use just having power. How you use it is the vital part. This doctrine has been pummelled into me by jii-san since I was a kid. You could say, it’s carved onto my bones by now.
I understand that. I meant to be aware of it since forever now. But now that I have the power to easily kill a human shaped thing, I feel like I gained a whole new apprehension of that teaching.
Or maybe I’ll know it even better from now on; it would become something that keeps me in check.
“Just being protected, it’s really vexing you know. So, I will get stronger with you. I’ll try and get even a little stronger, so I can support you, nii-san”
“You will... Yeah, of course you will. Thanks, Sakura. Counting on you”
“Anytime, nii-san”
This excellent sister of mine thinking dearly of her brother, really does warm my heart... but huh, this heartwarming feeling doesn’t match scenery of me in the middle of a slaughterfest at all. Atmosphere is pretty important.
Anyway, after a breather, we continued on the pa.s.sage with no end in sight.
On the way, we got into a large domed s.p.a.ce filled with vegetation like a botanical garden, where we encountered more Goma and packs of wild, reddish dogs. They were in packs, but there was no special powers or magic as a result of them being grouped, so with Sakura’s support fire, and ‘High Walk’s’ maneuverability, we easily eliminated them.
Up till now, the monsters were smallfry. But there’s no telling when a big shot with the Armor Bear would appear, so we made sure to be on maximum alert while advancing through the dungeon.
It was when we’d been in this place long enough to notice that the safe, relief stations known as Fairy Squares, were scattered at quite reasonable intervals. It was when we arrived at another one of those Fairy Squares.
“...No way, Souma-kun?”
There, we found the previous guests.
“Ah, i-it’s true... Souma-kun, and Sakura-chan... I’m not in a dream, right?”
Familiar faces, there were 2 girls.
“Cla.s.s rep and Natsukawa-san! What a relief, you’re both alrig—”
“U, uu...uwaaaaa! Souma-kuuun!”
“Wha! H-hold on, Natsukawa-san!?”
Suddenly hugging me in tears, I can’t do anything but get fl.u.s.tered. I’m just normal friends with Natsukawa-san, nothing on the level of embracing each upon reuniting. And now’d be when Sakura misunderstands and looks at me coldly... is what I though, but Sakura was facing cla.s.s rep with a weighty expression.
“Ryouko, I hoped to say I’m glad you’re alright... but that, doesn’t really seem to be the case”
“Yeah, Sakura, and Yuuto-kun, we’re really saved now that you’re here. Thanks“
Apparently their situation was worse than I thought. Natsukawa-san too, it doesn’t seem like she’s crying from simple anxiety. I could see her having been mentally cornered at a severe level.
For now, I return the sobbing Natsukawa-san’s embrace to calm her down. And asking what happened, would be towards cla.s.s rep who has an awfully tired and pale face, yet was still holding together.
“Cla.s.s rep, what exactly, happened to you guys”
“... A friend, another one died. Just a while ago”
It was an event I hadn’t imagined... No, that’s wrong, I purposefully didn’t think about it. The powerful ‘Vocation’, the weak monsters that could only crowd together. So everyone else was fine too.
Naively, I made myself think like that.
That that kind of thinking was not hope, but merely a convenient desire, is proven fact, right here, right now.
Thus, I was finally made aware that among my cla.s.smates, there was a casualty.
[1]I’ve decided to use -G-od(dess) for respectful addressing, like kami-sama, and -g-od(s), when they’re referring to the many G.o.ds or just mentioning a G.o.d in pa.s.sing. No deep meaning here, just thought it could use a distinction.
[2]I try to make a note when names are involved. Thankfully, all names in this case have their dictionsfurigana given. So no changes there. Source for ‘Keeper of the Light’. Cure and Heal are also in furi, but they’re really very obvious. Also, stuff like ‘Lux Sagitta’ appear in Kuro no Maou too! I bet the reader’s familiar with it, but I’ll take any excuse to squeeze that in~
[3]I’ll use they for gender neutrality.
[4]Glorious j.a.panese katana folded 1000 times vs boring western longsword, also, Shotels.
[5]I made a table. Well, I’ll get to doing this for the other skill listings soon™. Also, I don’t know why I said Full Boost before. typo = fixed. All skills are as per dictionfurigana. The descriptions are pretty straightforward too, so nothing to say on that. The meanings are pretty similar to the dictions, except ‘Iron Guard’. I’m debating changing ‘Acquired’ to ‘Integrated’ or ‘a.s.similated’. All of these seem ok, dous.h.i.+o~
