Category: Hazure Skill “Alarm”, jitsuwa fūin kaijo no nōryoku deshita. Ochikobore no shōnen wa, nemuri kara sameta megami-tachi to yasashī saikyō o mezasu

The purchase price given to the magic stone I brought back from the dungeon was hopelessly low. Most of the people in charge of purchasing are intimidating looking middle aged man. That’s why I usually never complain.

But this price is clearly a mistake!

“I handed a skeleton magic stone. With the size of that magic stone, it is not worth the same price as yesterday’s slime and kobold magic stone……!”

No matter how persistent I was, the purchase price never went up.

What does this mean?

I had a feeling that the price of magic stones will gradually drop, but it was really strange that the value of magic stones was falling so drastically.

All eyes from the surrounding are drawn towards me.

“What’s the matter, Rion?”

“What? You’re broke so now you’re finally starting to complain at the counter?”

“I’m sure his father would cry if he saw this!”

““Kuhahaha””

““Kukuku””

Their laughter slaps me on the back.

Even after risking my life, it’s still not enough to buy a meal for my family.

Is there even a possibility that I could get a high price?

“……Rion”

If Mia hadn’t tapped me on the shoulder, I might have stood there forever.

I stood firm. In any case, it can’t be sold at such a price.

But where should I sell it?

In order to use magic stones, you will need specialized equipment or a furnace. Refusing to sell it to the guild was like a miller refusing to sell to a baker.

“……I’m sorry.”

The person in charge of purchasing and the receptionist both bowed their heads. It was a formal apology, implicitly telling me that it was useless to press them.

Their attitude said it all.

I turned around as if swept away by the ridicule. I guess this is what it means by being knocked out.

『W-what’s wrong? ….Rion, did something happen to the selling price again?』

Solana seemed worried too. I’d like to explain the situation, but I don’t have time right now.

『Is there anything I can do? That…… you look like you’re very troubled.』

I felt so pathetic, so sorry, and so embarrassed.

Mia, who was walking in front of me, suddenly turned around.

“Oi, sleepyheads!”

A surprisingly low voice echoed inside the guild. 

“You should be grateful to Rion. If not for him, you guys might have been rushing into a floor swarmed with skeletons without any precaution at all by now!”

The atmosphere went tense.

“Oh, and a kind reminder, if you listened carefully at the reception desk, you’ll soon be diving in the dungeon today.”

Mia snorted.

“So cool……”

『So cool…… (Sigh)』

Solana and I had the same sentiment.

I heard Goddess’ voice,

『I see…. I-, I should have done that instead…… But I couldn’t protect you…… I’m sorry. 』

I felt a little better knowing that Solana cared a lot about me. Even at times like this, I can’t help but chuckle.

“Thank you, Goddess-sama.”

『Huh?』

I called her Goddess-sama, but I hope she forgives me this time. Because, really, I am grateful to her.

“Let’s go.”

We went out of the guild.

However, it’s not like I have any other destination after this. The fact that I couldn’t sell the magic stones made the pouch full of them feel heavy.

This is awful, isn’t it?

I walked aimlessly, following where my feet took me. Then I bumped into someone in front of me.

Mia had stopped in her tracks.

“Was I being too nosy?”

“N-no, not at all…… In fact, you helped me.”

I still shrink back in that kind of atmosphere after all.

“I’m sorry, I watched a little bit. Their purchase price was really low.”

“Right!?”

I hurriedly hold my mouth. I subconsciously shouted in the street.

“You’re Rion the wake-up guy, aren’t you?”

“T-that’s right…… You know about it huh.”

“Haha! If you run around like that in the Royal Capital just so you could wake people up, you’re bound to become famous you know.”

Mia crossed her arms.

Her smile was like that of a mischievous cat, as if she had thought of something. The chain wrapped around her right arm dangled wildly.

“A noble is targeting you, isn’t it? If I’m not mistaken, it should be Gideon from the House of Warburg, right?”

“Even that….…”

“I know.”

Mia said simply.

“You mean…. Gideon is putting pressure on the guild?”

That was what I immediately worried about.

Moreover, what was frightening was that his family had influence on the eastern side of the Royal Capital. They had a say not only in the Adventurer’s Guild, but also in various shops in the area.

I feel like I’ve been shut out of the city where I was born and raised.

“N-no way…… Would he really go that far?”

“Oh my, what a nice guy you are. Haven’t you suffered a lot of injustice because of him up until now?”

Judging from Mia’s behavior, it seems that rumors about Gideon and me have reached places other than the Eastern Dungeon.

“But I’ve also got a magic stone. I think Gideon will be in trouble if I got obstructed like this!”

I am now working to pay off my debt to Gideon. It’s insane that he will obstruct me from doing so.

“Well, it looks like something is going on behind the scenes…”

Mia looked up to the sky. Then, she snapped her fingers.

“Okay, why don’t you hang out with me for a bit? I’ll thank you for your help.”

Her confident smile made me blink.

This is translated by Yume Neiji. Kindly read at yumeineijiworks.wordpress.com.

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There were two women running away from the skeletons. One of them is slender and tall, clad in leather armor. Her tanned face gave a wide, energetic smile.

“Thank you for saving us!”

She had her red hair tied in two ponytails and it looked like a cat’s ears. She looks sharp, but her almond-shaped eyes also look somewhat cat-like. She’s older than me, probably 17 years old.

“It’s a shame I could only provide support like that. I’m confident in my throw though.”

A chain is wrapped around her right arm. The chain was tied to a hatchet that she hung around her waist.

……Her weapon is an axe attached to a chain—a chain axe.

When we shook hands, a refreshing smile bloomed in her face again.

“I’m Mia. I give my thanks to you and God.”

Overflowing with strength and flexibility, she shook my hands vigorously. My whole body is even shaking due to such force.

Then I heard Solana’s voice.

『An axe-wielder huh. I mean a warrior that needs an axe. 』

“I think it’s because of『Axeman』skill.”

I whispered back to Solana.

Mia looks very strong and calm. She doesn’t look like the type to be screaming while doing an exploration.

My doubts were resolved when I heard “the other person”.

“T-t-th-thanks……”

There was another girl behind Mia. My eyes were drawn to her long silver hair and pale skin. Her sky-blue eyes were so captivating.

“T-thank you for saving me….…”

She looked so timid, like a small animal. On the other hand, she was well equipped. She is wearing a white robe and a priestess’ hat. She was holding a staff in her hand, and the majestic decorations looked out of place against her teary eyes.

“Are you okay?”

When I called out, the girl looked up. Her eyes are sparkling.

“Mm! That was amazing! You took out that many undead! My, my legs were trembling.…”

Her cheeks were burning with the respect she gave me. From a distance, it may have looked like I had defeated the skeletons in one move. But in truth, it was pretty close call.

Mia shrugged her shoulders, but her brows furrowed.

“As you can see, that’s how my companion is. She lost her nerve so she screamed so hard, thus summoning those monsters.”

“Just as I thought huh……”

Far from being a beginner, she looks like a real amateur.

I have to warn them.

“Uhm…… This is the combat level. It’s dangerous for beginners.”

“Yes, I know. And you even saved us…… how embarrassing.”

Mia turned her attention to the silver-haired girl.

“She made a request to see the combat layer of the Eastern Dungeon. I was hired as her guide. I’ve explored this dungeon deeply solo before, so I thought it wouldn’t be a problem, but….”

I ask the girl who is about to start crying again.

“Then, are you satisfied with what you saw?”

“A-ah!? Y-yes! This is enough! Thank you!”

She tried to push too hard that was why it was a huge mess.

I can’t see her face clearly because she quickly bows her head. Then the girl finally came out in front of Mia. She fixed her hat, holds her rod properly and straightened her posture.

—She’s really beautiful.

“A-Ahem. Sorry for the late introduction.”

She placed her hand on her chest and bowed gracefully. My eyes fell on her brand new, well-tailored gloves.

“I am Parine, a servant of the God Odis.”

I see.

The Temple of Odis is dedicated to the main god, Odis-sama. Since it was Odis-sama who sealed the dungeon, priests often dive into the dungeon.

“I’ve been going around the dungeons of various places as part of the temple’s training. The dungeons in the Royal Capital are one of my objectives.”

Somehow, I feel Solana listening with interest.

The Temple of Odis is at the heart of the dungeon, but it also has a lot of secrets. Like the power of the seal that covers the entire world. The way the ancient items were stored and how monsters were trapped in the dungeons. Furthermore, it seems that the skills related to this “seal” reside in some members of the royal family.

In the founding myth, Odis-sama is said to have given dungeons as a blessing to mankind, and those who receive that grace are the royalty. Rumor has it that it is a skill that affects the seal itself. However, I don’t know the details.

The Temple of Odis welcomes skilled royals, and they manage the core of the dungeons. They also keep an eye on everyone’s daily movements. There are special adventurers who can control the temple, called the 『Raven Warriors』.

The Adventurer’s Guild manages the adventurers, and the Temple of Odis manages the dungeons. The fact that there are guards in the dungeon means that it “belongs to the kingdom”.

Well, the Eastern Dungeon is ruled by nobles under the king but….

My father taught me that it was a give-and-take relationship. So, it’s not surprising that a priest like Parine is in the dungeon.

“Oh no, oh no no……!”

Uh-

Hmmm…. But why does she act like such a beginner?

Mia crossed her arms.

“But I’ve never heard of undead in this Eastern Dungeon.”

I nodded, and Mia pursed her lips.

“Maybe it’s a kind of an emergency? They are not monsters that should be at the beginner’s dungeon.”

“I guess so. Let’s go outside.”

The three of us head out of the dungeon together.

During that time, we passed almost no one. As we climbed the stairs to the exploration layer, Mia had a dubious look on her face.

“The Eastern Dungeon is open late in the morning, isn’t it?”

“Haha…… The monsters are weak, and there are not many people, so there is not enough work to compete with.”

Because the monsters at this level are weak, not many relics come out, and the magic stones are limited. But if you become Gideon’s cronies, you will get some leftovers from the nobles. In a way, comparing the options, it would be better to be Gideon’s henchman than to desperately earn money in the dungeons.

“Mia-san, are you usually diving in another dungeon?”

“Yes.”

As expected, she probably hasn’t been diving in the Easter Dungeon that much.

Why can I tell so? Because she doesn’t feel sluggish and she’s full of life.

“I’m usually at the Western Dungeon.”

“……That’s incredible.”

It’s one of the Royal Capital’s top dungeons. Adventurers who aren’t satisfied with the eastern dungeon ultimately head to the western dungeon, which is the most difficult and has the greatest rewards.

I looked at Mia again.

She holds a well-worn axe. She walks free and easy but without any opening. She is indeed a capable person.

“Someday, I’ll be able to do the same……”

I put a tight lid on such longing. First of all, I must let my family go free.

We then exited the exploration level and went up to the surface. The first place I went to was the reception desk of the Adventurer’s Guild.

When I reported that there was a sudden appearance of a strong monster, the receptionist in charge frowned.

“U-undead?”

“There is no doubt about it.”

The Adventurer’s Guild is under pressure from the nobles. Still, the people in charge are serious and kind. The older sister immediately tightens her expression.

“…… I understand! I’ll report it to the higher-ups and we’ll investigate the combat level. Where did you see the skeleton?”

“Here and here.”

I pointed at the dungeon map.

“Alright. I’m going to warn adventurers in the dungeon. We may even send the guards in as well.”

She marked the areas I pointed in the dungeon map.

“Thank you for your cooperation.”

She bowed politely, but her expression changed when I brought up the next topic. She also turned pale quickly.

“I have a magic stone, can you buy it for me?”

“……C-come this way. I’m going to call the person in charge of that now.”

Next door is a reception desk for buying materials.

—However, the price offered to the magic stone almost made my eyes pop out.

“Ah? I-is this all……?”

This is translated by Yume Neiji. Kindly read at yumeineijiworks.wordpress.com.

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The ability 【Golden Flame】 strengthened my body. Surrounded by a soft light, my hearing, eyesight and other senses were all enhanced. With one step forward, I moved like a wind.

“Gah!”

“Gwah!”

I instantly killed the monsters that I passed by.

The power of the Goddess is really amazing. The fact that my five senses are strengthened means that I can notice them before they notice my presence. That’s also why I can strike first.

『I can sense their presence. 』

“But I can’t find it……!”

No, calm down. There’s no point in being impatient.

Screaming in the dungeon is a big no-no as it will attract other monsters to your location. In other words, they are either a beginner party or, in the worst case, lost herbalist adventurers.

And as I haven’t met them yet, they are probably still running away.

『You’re almost there. I can sense the presence of the undead. 』

Solana’s words made my jaw twitch. I turned to the corner by kicking the wall.

It barely made it.

The undead is a skeleton monster. It is an immortal warrior with pale flames in the hollow eye sockets of human skull. There are 5 of them. The skeletons raised their rusty swords and were chasing someone. Screaming while running in a dungeon was basically telling the others where you are.

“I made it in time!”

I stepped in and pushed forward. The skeleton that was rammed by me was blown away into pieces. 

There are only four left.

No. The skeletons can resurrect after a while so basically, there are still five skeletons.

『Rion! Remember, there is a time limit for this skill. 』

That’s right. The time limit for 【Golden Flame】is 3 minutes. By a wake-up caller’s sense of time, I can tell it would run out in a little over a minute.

The skeleton surrounded me while swaying back and forth.

There is no time to wait. I dashed towards the nearest skeleton and swung my short sword with all my might. I blew away the shield it was holding. Then I pierced its torso that was left in the open and cut it off.

“……!”

The skeletons made a wide distance between us. I can’t let my guard down. Just like humans, they can use techniques. That’s why they are a tougher opponent compared to goblins.

Out of the corner of my eye, the first skeleton I had blown away is now starting to regenerate.

“I won’t let you!”

I jump on it and crush its sternum. A skeleton’s weak point is its torso. If this is lost, it can no longer attach its limbs and will collapse.

“How about the guy who’s being chased?”

『They’re fine. I saw them retreating further in.』

As Solana said, the screams had stopped.

『There were two of them. One of them may have panicked so the other had no choice but to flee together. 』

As we talked, the two skeletons threw away their shields.

The right hand holding the sword is raised to the level of their skull, and the tip is pointing downward. I had seen that same stance on the note left by my father.

“……They are aiming for a counter!”

As expected, skeletons are strong. They can use techniques like someone with the Swordsman skill.

We stared at each other. I had the advantage in terms of speed, but they had the longer reach as they use sword. As there are two of them, I couldn’t attack.

I’m playing solo without any aid so there’s only so much I can do. It is normal that I’ll be vulnerable to their teamwork.

As I slowly back away, a third figure cuts through the gap between the two.

“Ha!”

I blocked it with my short sword, catching it on the hilt and deflecting it away. I stabbed it at the chest when it had lost its balance.

All that was left was to aim for a counterattack on the last two.

“It’s now! ……E-eh?”

The light disappeared from my body. The physical enhancement has skill ended.

All the blood drained from my body in an instant.

“Wa, wawa!”

The two skeletons attacked in quick succession.

Dodge, dodge, dodge it no matter what!

I never neglected to train when diving in the dungeon. But all I could do now was to avoid the successive attacks from the two skeletons.

『Rion, unseal me. 』

I need an opening. A chance to re-cast the Golden Flame or unseal Solana.

An opening— just where is it!?

“Ugh!”

I was careless. I didn’t mean to, but normally, I would never have plunged into a group of skeletons alone. 

I could feel myself being cornered.

The skeleton’s jaws were clattering as if they were laughing at me.

At that moment, something hit the skeleton’s head.

“This way, you damn skeleton!”

With a sharp voice, stones were thrown at the skeletons attacking me. The person who was running away from the skeletons tries to catch their attention.

『 Rion! 』

“Yes.”

I tried to unseal Solana, but something pulled me instead. One of the stones that were thrown at the skeletons and landed near me seemed to shine. Just like when I unsealed the blue crystal short sword, I felt a heat in my chest.

The rest is intuition.

“Alarm!”

Stone, wake up!

Skill, 『Alarm』was used. Executing【Unseal】.

Whoosh.

The wind blew under the feet of the skeletons. The skeleton monsters were launched up to the ceiling and were broken into pieces. The fallen bones dispersed into black ash in the blink of an eye.

It was like magic. A real magic! A magic, completely different from the magic I use in my daily life.

Stunned, I looked back from the ceiling and saw a green light floating in the air. It is about the size of an egg. When I stretch out my left hand, it rests on the back of my hand.

『It’s a spirit. 』

Solana spoke from the gold coin. Perhaps because she wasn’t unsealed, I felt like she was a little sulky.

『There must have been a spirit sleeping on that stone. It was sealed away along with the dungeon. 』

The spirit shines brightly and then it swished into my short sword. The blue crystal part of the short sword slowly emits light and eventually, it returns to its original state.

Tracing the blue crystal, I felt that I could unseal it—I feel an ancient presence in it.

『Hmm, it looks like it has taken a residence in there to thank you for waking it up. 』

“There?”

『It’s your short sword. That crystal isn’t just a decoration, you see. It’s a house for spirits, a place prepared for spirits to lend the holder of the crystal their power. 』

The stones that were thrown had, at some point, transformed into clear crystal. They had been weathered over the years, but they may have originally been quartz crystals.

I was stunned by the destruction caused by that gust of wind.

『Are spirits rare nowadays? They were everywhere in the era of the gods. 』

“……They are super rare. Crystals unearthed in dungeons rarely contain spirits, and such spirit stones are expensive….”

I looked around. There are a lot of stones lying around in this area that could be unsealed in the same way.

They all look like just a stone.

But when I picked one up and “unsealed” it, it glowed jade.

“…… An ordinary stone turned into a spirit stone?”

『The alarm skill must have awakened two things, the crystal itself and the spirit within it. 』

Solana explained.

The newly awakened spirit stone also seems to contain a spirit. It shimmers green from the inside, and when I tilted it, the light flickers.

『Rion, this may have been a place where spirits were allowed to rest in ancient times. It’s just that the crystals have weathered to stone over the years. 』

……Ah? Then…. If I come here every day, I will be able to repay all my debts!

“Plus….…”

I gently traced the blue crystal short sword.

I had vaguely noticed that removing a seal with the 『Alarm』 skill didn’t consume magical power. It only woke up whatever being is in there.

But spirit attacks are offensive magic that are in a different league to life magic. If I wake up spirits in the same way and make them my allies, I could easily perform other magic without consuming magical power.

Actually, now that I think about it, I was able to get out Solana, a Goddess, from the gold coin without even consuming magical power. 

“Seals can be lifted…… As long as there is someone who can lend me their power….…”

The future is infinite!

It sends shivers down my spine when that crossed my mind. 

“.….”

At that moment, a voice from behind me brought me back to reality.

“That was amazing! You defeated all those skeletons!”

A girl is poking her head out from behind a rock.

I remembered my original purpose.

This is translated by Yume Neiji. Kindly read at yumeineijiworks.wordpress.com.

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What emerged from the corner was a being with child-like height and greenish skin. The ears that stick out from both sides looked like horns, and it is fitting to call it little devil.

『Goblins! 』

Solana said from inside the gold coin.

It is a monster that always appears in groups of three or more, and sometimes, even veterans are swept off their feet.

『These guys were also sealed up to this era huh. 』

Two of the opponents were equipped with spears and one with sword.

I was the first to notice them.

I dashed forward at once.

They swung down their spears but as I already got close to them, I did not panic. I swiftly cut down one of the spear users and with such momentum, I moved on to the next spear user. I dodged the incoming second slash and hit the goblin’s torso as I passed by.

The last one left was the goblin wielding a sword.

Since I’m alone, they must have thought it would be an easy win for them. Now this remaining goblin is very angry at the unexpected situation and lunged at me.

My heart no longer panics.

I saw through its sword path, and I easily slashed its neck as I passed by. By the time I turned around, it already turned into ashes.

『…… You’ve gotten stronger, Rion. It’s only been a few days, but now you’re completely unlike your previous self and you could be mistaken as a different person. 』

Solana complimented me from the gold coin in my pocket.

“Since I got the blessing, my ability has improved. Thanks to that, my level has also improved. So, I owe it to Solana.”

『No…… It’s all your credit. You have fully integrated the basics, so you can use the blessings to your advantage. 』

“Really?”

『Persistence is strength, and you should be proud of your efforts, Rion. 』

There are skills that always increase the abilities of the person who possesses them. In fact, most combat skills are like that.

If you compare a level 5 【Swordsman】 skill with a level 5 【Appraiser】 skill, the Swordsman is overwhelmingly stronger. Even at the same level, the benefits of the skills can make a big difference in combat power.

【Sun’s Blessing】 that Solana gave me is exactly this type of combat skill.

I checked my status.

Status:

Rion (14 years old, Male) Level: 5 Skill『Alarm』: ➥ 【Wake Up】⋅⋅⋅⋅⋅⋅Wakes up a sleeping person refreshed. ➥ 【Unseal】 ⋅⋅⋅⋅⋅⋅Cancel any type of sleep. Skill『Sun’s Divine Protection』 ➥ 【White Flame】⋅⋅⋅⋅⋅⋅Recovery. The blessing of the sun also exorcises curses. ➥ 【Golden Flame】⋅⋅⋅⋅⋅⋅Improves physical ability. Further effects for a limited time.

The level has gone up from 4 to 5.

My current goal is to gain freedom.

The target is to clear the debt I owe Gideon. If I can earn money by diving into dungeons, I can save money faster. Besides, I also want to become a strong adventurer who can protect my family especially my sister as soon as possible.

『Rion, it looks like the next one has arrived. 』

It was the familiar dog-faced monster, a kobold.

But this time—

“F-four?”

I can’t believe that four monsters that are stronger than goblins suddenly appeared together. This surprise was because I clearly remember the information about the Eastern Dungeon that I had drilled into my head.

They should not be here.

Kobold groups should be at one level lower.

“Eastern Dungeon…… is getting harder?”

The one in the lead roars, “Gaaah!”

Calm down. God is on my side.

Skill 『Sun’s Divine Protection』 was used. Executing 【Golden Flame】. Physical abilities are enhanced for a limited time.

A glowing aura enveloped my body.

I measured the time limit and it is exactly 3 minutes. That is the sense of time of a wake-up caller so there is no doubt about it. The maximum number of times I can use this skill is 4 times a day.

I blocked the kobold’s attack with the blade of my short sword.

Even though I thought I was blocking it lightly, my move ended up deflecting its attack. My strength may have doubled or tripled.

I stomped on the opponent who was lying on its butt. Crack! With such loud cracking sound, the area around its chest caved in. Dust even fell from the ceiling due to that stomp.

My abilities had increased to a frightening extent. What an overwhelming attack.

I’d better finish them off with one hit at the very least.

Seeing their companions’ fall, the remaining three all attacked me at once.

However, their movement seemed to be slow. Without fear or wavering, I drew my blue crystal short sword and then as the enemy got close to me, I swung it down. If someone had watched from a distance, it would have looked like the kobolds that passed by me had fallen on its own.

“…… Phew.”

The kobolds turned to ashes. There are magic stones about the size of an egg, so I collected them and put them in the pouch on my waist.

………This magic stone would be enough to wake up 50 people or half a day’s worth of herbs.

『 I just remembered something about this dungeon. 』

Three minutes passed, and the physical enhancement wore off.

While I am cautiously returning to the original route, Solana started muttering.

“This dungeon was certainly built back then, when the gods were still around.”

A little Solana pops out of my pocket and looks around.

Back then?

“…… Is it really a relic from a mythical age?”

“Yes. Back then, it was more like a place of refuge, a shelter when we were outnumbered. We got into an unfavorable situation as there were a large number of monsters on the earth.”

I guess my rusty weapon was also a weapon at the time.

“Then, this one too――? Weapon from mythical era……”

The blue crystal short sword twinkled in response.

“Probably. If there are other gods sleeping, they may be in the deepest recesses of the dungeons.”

I can’t help but gulp.

“Fufu. Maybe the day will soon come when your house will become Valhalla, the home of the gods. Wouldn’t that be exciting?”

“Well, if that happens, my mother will surely faint……”

Solana added, (This time, from the gold coin.)

『Hey Rion, can you feel this dark aura? I heard this was a dungeon for beginners, but do monsters like this always appear here? 』

At that moment, I thought I heard a low growl from a distance.

Looks like the battle was just over, and the dungeon went quiet again. There are only few people here. So, if you listen closely, you can sometimes hear the voice of a monster in the distance.

It was faint like the wind, but it was a dark, low, resentful voice that sounded as if it was coming from the pits of hell.

A chill ran through my whole body.

It’s not like a kobold, goblin, or warg.

It was something completely lifeless and unknown.

『……It’s a dead person. I sense the presence of the undead. 』

I was startled.

“Eh? N-no way! There are no such strong monsters in this dungeon.”

Right after saying so, I heard a woman’s scream from the source of the growl.

『Rion!』

“…… Y-yes!”

I slapped my cheeks to calm my head.

“If it’s Father, I’m sure he won’t abandon her……!”

Once again, I activated the Golden Flame.

This is translated by Yume Neiji. Kindly read at yumeineijiworks.wordpress.com.

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Earning money to pay off our debts has come to be called “training” for me and Solana. It is now the morning of the third day since I started diving into the combat level of the dungeon.

I am getting more and more efficient. Solana also praises me for having a solid foundation.

I’m glad that she had acknowledged the efforts I had made, such as my daily short sword training and my study by making use of Father’s notes. But when it comes to core strength, I think the leg training I did at my part-time job as wake-up caller helped the most.….

“Gaa!”

Now, I can face a kobold.

Its eyes were bloodshot, and the hand holding the dagger are limp. The low growl is likely to make me shiver if I let your guard down. It made me mercilessly realize that it is impossible to talk or reconcile with monsters.

It was supposed to be an opponent that could be defeated by now, but my breathing was disturbed.

“Fuu……”

I took a deep breath.

I don’t know about other adventurers, but I always feel the horror of monsters. “I’m afraid they’ll come out of the dungeon someday”—that’s the dread I always thought of.

Sometimes, I also think about it.

Why did God leave the monsters behind? Just to seal them away? Couldn’t he had just defeated them all?

There are many theories in the myths, such as “for the sake of the materials” and “not forgetting the art of fighting”, but I don’t really think that it was the reason.

Is it because of the monsters that Lu got sick?

Even Father, in the fight against the monsters he—

『Rion』

Solana’s voice came from the gold coin. I turn my attention back to the kobold. It hasn’t made a move yet. It just held a dagger at waist height and looked at me with warning.

“Guu……”

I stared back at the opponent that growls at me.

“Come.”

The opponent jerked.

—But a split second before that, I was already in action. It was an ahead and instant move. I leapt and closed our distance, immediately breaking through the opponent’s attack range. I pierced its throat with the blue crystal short sword.

The kobold instantly crumbled into ashes and dropped magic stones.

“My win….”

How many kobolds had I faced today?

When I came here, my breath was white, but now I was hot with sweat.

It’s time to take a break.

“I’m going to take a break.”

『I was about to say that, too. 』

I walk back to the relatively safe staircase. I sit down on the ground and count the magic stones I’ve earned. Today’s haul was 1 warg, 4 kobolds, and a few slimes.

Ouch. I felt a stinging pain when I touched my cheek. I’m bleeding.

“Maybe I went too fast.……”

On the first day, I fought one monster and then I took a short break. Afterwards, I fought again and took another break, such cycle went over and over again till I was at my limit.

—But there was one thing I didn’t expect. The purchase price of the kobold magic stone was lower than I expected. It was just a little lower than usual, but something bothers me. There are other dungeons, so it is inevitable that the price of magic stones will drop. Still, I just had a bad hunch.

So, in order to pay off my debt quickly, I had to increase the efficiency of my training further. That was why I did not take as much short breaks now.

From today, instead of going back to the safe zone, I decided to go around the dungeon once and then return to the surface.

Skill, 『Sun’s Divine Protection』was used. 【White Flame】is executed.

The ability, White Flame, enveloped my whole body. My tension eased and my fatigue faded away. It helped me conserve recovery potions and trained me in using magical power at the same time.

At that moment, a glint appeared at the edge of my field of vision. Solana jumped out of the gold coin.

“Are you hurt?”

The palm-sized Goddess sat on my shoulder.

I chuckled wryly as I put the lid on my water bottle.

“Just a little.”

White Flame healed my wounds quickly. Solana seemed relieved and her fairy-like form quickly returned to the gold coin.

『Muu! If I could just stay outside all the time, I would be able to protect you more. 』

“Haha……”

I’m grateful for her care.

Suddenly, I had an idea. For example, when a monster appears, I could unseal her and have her defeat the monster.

Solana seems to know what I’m thinking, she said,

『Of course that’s possible. Shall we do that?』

“Yeah….…”

Solana was excited, but I gave a half-hearted reply.

Well, I vaguely thought that it was not right. Even if it’s a borrowed strength, I want to make it real one day.

“First, I’ll become stronger.”

My breathing had steadied a lot, but I still wanted to rest. While resting, I ask Solana,

“Uhm, Solana-sa-, erm, what does it feel like…. being sealed?”

Oh, it was terrible. I was about to speak in formal tone again. There are times when I called Solana with “san” or some other honorifics, but every time I do, she gets annoyed and starts sulking.

『Well, how should I describe it….. Hmm, I guess it’s like climbing a high mountain. Do you know what it feels like when you climb a high mountain? Like how you feel the cold there and feel how the air is getting thinner.”

I’ve never really climbed a high mountain, but I’ve heard similar stories.

『It’s the same as that. The sealed space is getting colder and harder. I feel like I’m in a place I shouldn’t be. When I go out in my tiny form, I can postpone the restrictions a little, but that doesn’t change the fact that there are restrictions imposed on me. 』

“I see……”

『But I got to know it’s a very powerful seal…… So much that I didn’t think that even an awakened god will be affected by it. 』

Solana still has few memories to remember.

It seems that there are still many things that we don’t know about, especially on the seal that cover the world. Well, even the monsters of the time and the beings who led them remained hazy in detail.

――The Era of the Great Seal, the time when the gods fought monsters and sealed them away in dungeons.

That general plot is the roughly same.

『When I’m in the dungeon, I feel like I can remember something. 』

But Seal huh…..

My ability “Unseal” has the same letters. The only other skills I can think of that relate to seal are those used by priests who serve the chief god, Odis-sama, or the royals and people high above the clouds.

I tried asking the guild members about it casually, but the result was the same.

“……It’s better not to tell people too much about my abilities.”

I blurted out. Then I paused.

But then if I did that, it would make it even harder for me to reveal my skills to Lu or to my mother…

While I was conflicted, the staircase became noisy. It’s past morning, so the adventurers of the Eastern Dungeon must be coming down.

“It’s time to go.”

『Got it. 』

Not long after I had advanced further into the dungeon, the cold aura from the next monster caught my attention.

This time, it’s not alone.

This is translated by Yume Neiji. Kindly read at yumeineijiworks.wordpress.com.

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The morning after healing Lu.

I had stepped into a certain level of the East Dungeon.

—The third floor.

Unlike the first two floors, the “exploration level”, this place, called the “combat level”, is where the monsters become stronger in earnest.

I am by myself. In my hand is a blue crystal short sword. In addition to my usual armor, which was reinforced with leather from my everyday clothes, I wore a pouch to hold the magic stones I can collect today.

Unlike the upper levels, no one comes here for medicinal herbs collection. Perhaps because of this, it was terribly quiet in the area, and I could even hear my own breathing.

At the end of the stairs is a straight passage. There must be a number of branch routes, and the monsters at the end of each route are different depending on the time. Items and monsters are constantly changing in the dungeon after all. Monsters can even be stationed in areas that were thought to be safe. That’s why adventurers called the levels from here on as danger zone.

However, magic stones, materials, and ancient artifacts are available from this floor and below. If you want to make money, you can’t ignore the combat levels.

“Well, I know that but…….”

I could occasionally hear something stomping in the ground in the distance. When the tension reached its peak, something brushed my cheek.

“Uwaa!”

At the sound of my surprised scream, I hurriedly covered my mouth.

“What’s wrong?”

A golden glow spoke as it hovered next to my head.

“……Did I surprise you?”

It was Solana, shrunk to the size of the palm of my hand. She looks like an elaborate doll, but her expression changes from time to time. Gods can change their size. Her white dress flutters as she floats in the air. Her golden hair and bracelets sparkle, making her look like a fairy from a certain tale.

“I’m sorry for that. Apparently, with this tiny size, I can stay out for a longer time.”

Solana is small in stature but has keen eyes.

“In this floor, the seal is stronger than in the city. It is probably to seal the monsters properly.”

I nodded slightly, wary of my surroundings.

Solana continues.

“If I go out with a big body, I use a lot of force even with just a few movements. It will be inconvenient if I don’t last a few minutes you see.”

The more it affects the gods, the stronger the seal in the dungeon must be. The fact that there are monsters sealed here adds to the sense of reality.

Slowly but steadily, I began to feel anxious.

I should have the confidence. After all, I had defeated a kobold in the exploration level with a single blow, leveled up, and get new skills from Solana. When I was really short on money before, I was willing to take risks so I went running around this floor. Because of that, I know the geography here and I know how to choose my opponent to fight against. But when I think that there is a monster that is not comparable to a slime, I couldn’t help but ask myself, “Is it too early?”

Remembering Lu’s peaceful sleeping face yesterday, I shook my head to free my mind from pessimism.

“……To be free, I can’t avoid it.”

Just how long are you going to be nervous?

After asking myself, I took a deep breath, pulling my chin tightly. Breathing deeply in my stomach is a breathing technique that my father taught me.

“Let’s go, Solana.”

I’m careful not to miss any footprints or bloodstains. Eventually, I found a clear footprint on the ground. Long claws on four legs. The forelimbs and hind limbs are about the same width as my step, which is quite large for a beast.

“……It’s a warg.”

I swallowed. My legs were stuck as if they had been sewn together.

“Hey, let’s turn back for now.”

“Hn? Why?”

I whispered to Solana.

“It’s a strong monster.”

Also known as a beginner killer. It is a wolf-like monster that attacks with its fangs in quick movements. The tricky part is that it’s super-fast. It is said that an experienced party can easily predict it’s move ahead, but a beginner party can be disrupted and overrun in no time.

“It’s rare to see it in the Eastern Dungeon…… t-this is bad!”

The only saving grace would be its habit of not wanting to leave its “territory”. It’s easy to avoid a fight against it that way. If it’s in the path you’re moving forward to, just turn around on the spot.

“It’s better to be cautious.”

The tiny Solana crosses her arms. Her blonde hair and eyes sparkled.

“Just to be sure, let’s review your skills. The skill, golden flame, can constantly improve your abilities. Rion, that means you are stronger than you think.”

Now that I think about it, yesterday, I sprinted at full speed, but I didn’t even get out of breath. I thought it was just a little bit of Solana’s blessing.

“The Golden Flame doesn’t stop there, it consumes magical power to further enhance your physical abilities for a limited time.”

Consuming magical power to bring out further enhancement huh….

Solana raised her index finger.

“It’s a time-limited boost.”

I haven’t tried it yet. I was thinking of trying it out if I still had magical power to spare after I exit the combat level.

Just then, a howl echoes through the dungeon. Then the sound of claws kicking the ground followed.

“D-don’t tell me….”

I didn’t have to hesitate anymore.

“Grrrrr”

A growl came from the corner. Eventually, a dark wolf appeared. Bright red eyes and mouth opened wide to its prey. The warg roared, showing off its ragged fangs.

“I-it’s coming for me?”

I don’t think I’ve stepped into its territory yet!

Fear rises from my chest.

“Rion, you should give it a try.”

Solana’s words were as warm as the sun. Right! There is a God who believes in me. I have ally, someone is watching over me. This is many times more reassuring than I ever thought it would be.

I used my skill to do it.

Skill, 『Sun’s Divine Protection』was used. 【Golden Flame】is executed.

The world becomes clearer. Everything was clearly visible. Even though it’s a dimly lit dungeon. I can sense the warg’s breathing, the movement of its paws, and the aim of its fangs.

“There is a time limit for physical enhancement. You have to do it as quickly as possible.”

I kicked the floor and rushed towards the warg. The warg leapt at me but I slid underneath it.

Slow.

Even the super-speed of the warg looked slow.

“Fu!”

I jumped towards the back of the enemy.

—But when I tried to jump at the warg, I misjudged my own speed. I jumped too far. The dungeon has a four-meter ceiling, and I jump up to the point where I almost hit my head.

“……W-what a jump!”

I thrust out the blue crystal short sword in my hand and sent it straight down. I used my entire weight to skewer the warg, who had lost sight of me.

“Guuuh”

Only a short groan remained.

The warg was reduced to ashes and magic stones and fangs rolled around. In a daze, I stroked my limbs enveloped in golden aura.

“There’s a time limit to it, and with your magical power, you can’t do it frequently. That is why it’s a trump card. But it’s pretty dependable, isn’t it?”

I wiped the sweat off my face.

“Yes!”

It’s a very powerful ability. It’s just a trump card huh.

But when I think about it, it makes sense. My power is borrowed from a God, and if I don’t become stronger, I probably won’t be able to become the real “strongest”.

I put the large magic stone of my first warg into my pouch.

I decided to spend the rest of the day fighting monsters on the third floor.

This is translated by Yume Neiji. Kindly read at yumeineijiworks.wordpress.com.

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In an aristocratic mansion facing the main street in the center of the Royal Capital.

In a city where taxes on houses vary depending on the width of the road it faces, a huge mansion with a garden and an iron gate was a dazzling example of luxury.

Gideon’s voice echoed in a room overlooking the beautiful garden.

“That Rion killed the kobold!?”

Slamming down his wine glass, Gideon glared at the informer.

Gideon is about 20 years old. He is a well-dressed young man, but his narrow eyes gave off a cold impression and his contorted lips highlighted his arrogance.

The leader of the Adventurer’s Guild standing at the door hugged the document he was still carrying. His face is completely pale.

“Y-yes, that is correct……”

“Is there anything else?”

“According to the slip, it seems that he also delivered a magic stone yesterday. It must be the one dropped by the kobold.”

“……That lowlife!? A magic stone? Since when did he know how to defeat a monster?”

One thing that came to his mind is the girl who helped Rion in the back alley.

He thought she was a high-ranking magician because of her sudden appearance, but according to his investigation, no adventurer had formed a party with Rion. Above all, there is no reason for such a powerful magician to enter the beginner dungeon with Rion. What he was certain is that it is not for the sake of money.

Remembering his still aching jaw, Gideon grimaced.

“Uhm….…”

Glared at by Gideon, the guild leader nearly dropped the documents in his hands.

“Hmph!”

“Hiii.”

There are many old noble families in the Royal Capital. Among them, Gideon’s Warburg Family is one of the four major nobles who rule the Royal Capital by dividing it into four equal parts like a pie.

The Adventurer’s Guild was a multi-nation institution, but in the Royal Capital it was only a pawn of the nobility.

“Bullshit!”

Fuming, Gideon threw the wine glass against the wall.

“That trash with useless skill is like the scum that the Lord God has forsaken! Now you’re saying such sudden change is happening!? ……It irks me!”

Rion’s father was an adventurer who was known to everyone in the Royal Capital. Possessing the aura of the sun, he had brought together the depressed adventurers in the Royal Capital and has defeated a boss monster before the knights.

And so, without realizing it, he had caught the eye of Gideon and the others in charge of the Royal Capital.

“I have to put his son into slavery……”

Gideon gets up from his seat and walks over to his desk.

An opened letter was still placed there, and it read:

『I am buying slaves with rare skill at a high price.…. 』

He traced the initials of a powerful noble, 『V』, with his finger.

Gideon suppressed his irritation as he thought of a way to ruin the life of the family of the commoner he hated.

“……Tell the guild and the stores to buy Rion’s materials at a bargain price.”

“Ah? B-but buying and selling materials is the lifeline of adventurers…..”

“That’s exactly why you’ll do so! It would be better if he could not sell his things…… No, rather than that, wouldn’t it be better if I actively let them buy inferior products? Kuku……”

He grinned evilly as he thought his plan was foolproof.

Adventurers make a living by finding items in dungeons and selling them. With a sick sister who eats up a lot of money just by being there, and with Rion having a difficulty finding work, he could only succumb to his terms, and eventually, he will not be able to repay his debts.

“Even though it was a useless skill, there is a noble who is very interested in its rarity. You’re already good as ‘sold’, Rion.”

Commoners who are unable to pay their debts are obliged to do forced labor under the noble.

In short, they are a de facto slave. It’s called “de facto” because the Royal Family does not approve of slavery.

――God do not permit slavery. Because if it is a profession approved by God, there should be a skill of slave or slave master. But there is no such skill. That’s the real reason. Whether it is to gain popularity with the people, a policy is a policy.

However, the nobility secretly enslaves commoners under the pretext of “forced labor because of debt”. Rather, the slave trade became the exclusive domain of the nobility, and the nobles became richer because of it. Working in debt also has the advantage of making it harder for slaves to escape. If they run away, the reimbursement will be extended to their families.

After failing to repay his debts, the son of that detestable adventurer volunteers to be a slave himself—just the thought of such thing satisfied Gideon’s self-esteem.

Kukuku, it would be fun to put on his slave collar in front of his crying family member.

But if he pays off his debts in full, it will be troublesome!

“Kuku, the buyer is an influential man…… It would be a good idea to make your name known to him.”

Since it is forbidden, there will be criticism if the sale becomes public. However, the nobles, who had become more powerful in recent years, would no longer listen to that. He recalled that there was a particularly nosy princess, but she was banished to the frontier temple as a warning to others.

“I’ll hunt them down, put them into slavery, and sell them.”

The family will be mentally weakened and their judgement will be impaired.

“I might as well sell his sister that will be left behind somewhere.”

Of course, Gideon doesn’t know about it.

—That Rion’s 『Alarm』skill now had “Unseal”. And that ancient items can also became a super-efficient way for him to make money.

“Kekeke!”

—What more, he doesn’t know that Rion’s ally is far from being “high-ranking magician”.

He is so full of himself yet doesn’t know anything….

This is translated by Yume Neiji. Kindly read at yumeineijiworks.wordpress.com.

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Obtained the Skill, 『Sun’s Divine Protection』. ―――――――――――――――――――――――― 【White Flame】can now be used. 【Golden Flame】is now available.

“Thank goodness. Rion, you have magical powers.”

Solana presses her chest as if relieved. I got a new skill, and I looked at my faintly shining arms in shock.

“Now you can draw out more power from me.”

W-what does this mean?

It occurred to me belatedly, but as far as I know, skills are supposed to be acquired only once in a lifetime.

Yet that warm magical power that enveloped my whole body was the same when I leveled up or when I first received the skill 『Alarm 』.

“When God and man meet, a special power arises. The change that occurs when two different beings meet is what you call ‘skill’. If you wake up other gods, maybe you’ll still get some skills.”

I feel like I’ve been told something ridiculous.

“G-Goddess-sama, you mean to say that there are still other gods out there……?”

“Mmm. I’ve woken up, so there are probably gods still sealed away in their sleep.”

Solana purses her lips and comes closer. She pokes her finger on my chest.

“Rather, can you please stop using honorifics such as ‘sama’?”

“But you’re a God, aren’t you?!”

“I get that you have a lot of respect for me, but I want to be a God who will be with you to the end. That’s why it’s okay to speak in a normal tone, so you don’t need to add ‘sama’ you know.”

“S-Solana-san….…”

“So-la-na-”

“……Yes”

At Solana-sa-, Solana’s urging, I placed my right hand on Lu’s forehead. Her sweaty forehead was so hot that my heart grip in pain.

Deep breath, calm down.

I have a skill to save her now.

Skill 『Sun’s Divine Protection』 was used. Executing 【White Flame】

White flames sprouted from my right hand and instantly engulfed Lu. As time passed, my sister is getting more and more ruddy. Eventually, she started tossing and turning in her sleep, and then I realized something important.

“Oh, by the way, Solana…… Can she see you?”

“Hn? Why?”

“……W-why? I mean, how am I supposed to explain your existence to my sister.….?”

I take a breath and try to imagine what could happen.

――Big brother, who is this person?

――Uhm…. She’s a Goddess and she cured Lu! Everything is fine now!

――…………???

No, that’s too sudden. I don’t want to worry my sister, and I am sure that she would ask me all sorts of questions when it happens that way. And even if I told her everything, the next problem will be with my mother.

My mother is able to use healing magic and works at a clinic. In other words, she is a devout believer of Odis-sama. If word gets to the temple, things will get even more serious for Solana and me.

“I see. So, you’re just being careful.”

As if telling me not to worry, Solana put her hand on her chest. She snorts softly and proudly.

“It’s okay. Since it’s a request from my dear believer, I’ll make it so that only you can see me for now!”

The confident looking goddess was suddenly enveloped by light.

“It’s done. Now, no one can see me except you.”

“R-really? It doesn’t look like there’s any change though….”

“That’s a given. Well, unless of course if the other party has the skill to sensitively sense gods like the shrine maidens in legends! Fufufu.”

I don’t think Solana’s laughter caught her attention, but Lu opened her eyes.

Her eyes are blue like the sky.

“B-big brother?”

“Lu……!”

I knew it at a glance.

She now has a good complexion, and her voice is no longer hoarse. For the first time in over two years, I finally saw my little sister wake up in good spirits. The inner corners of my eyes are hot with tears. I hugged her tightly.

“Thankfully, thankfully………..!”

Lu blinked her eyes.

“Eh? My body felt much more relaxed than usual……”

Lu takes a few deep breaths, as if in disbelief.

“B-big brother?”

“What?”

That’s weird. It’s like Lu is looking behind me.

I loosened my hold on her.

“L-Lu……? Do you see something?”

“Uhm….…”

Her big eyes rolled, and she looked sideways.

“N-no. I can’t see anything!”

Lu clenches her fists and looks at it.

Good. If Lu says so, then I’m relieved. I felt like she had made an eye-to-eye contact with Solana…… but since my sister said so, there is no doubt about it.

“Rion, just now, this child……”

“Lu said she couldn’t see you.”

“……I see! Well, if my believer says so, then it’s true!”

Solana agreed, and I nodded vigorously.

Status:

Rion (14 years old, Male) Level: 4 Skill『Alarm』: ➥ 【Wake Up】⋅⋅⋅⋅⋅⋅Wakes up a sleeping person refreshed. ➥ 【Unseal】 ⋅⋅⋅⋅⋅⋅Cancel any type of sleep. Skill『Sun’s Divine Protection』 ➥ 【White Flame】⋅⋅⋅⋅⋅⋅Recovery. The blessing of the sun also exorcises curses. ➥ 【Golden Flame】⋅⋅⋅⋅⋅⋅Improves physical ability. Further effects for a limited time.

I decided to stay at home that day to see how Lu is doing. It would be a problem if her physical condition changes suddenly.

After such a long inaction, I talked about a lot of things with Lu, who seemed energetic for the first time in a while. Then I put her to bed. As I watched my sister, whose breathing was calmer than usual, I considered my plan for the next day.

I gained a new power with “Unseal”.

Now, my goal is freedom. It’s to free my family and myself from debt.

“Let’s go to the combat level of the Eastern Dungeon.”

The combat level is from the third basement floor and beyond. Unlike the exploration level on the first and second floors, the appearance of monsters is in full swing from the third level down.

There is a risk. But if I can collect magic stones dropped by monsters, I can save money much faster than I do now. The more money I earn, the sooner I can get my family out of debt.

After all, it takes strength just to live. But now I might have gotten the bare minimum of strength.

“Solana”

When I called out to the gold coin, a cheerful voice responded.

『Yeah, let’s do it. I agree with you. 』

Above all, by making the vow I had made ――to aim for the “strongest and kindest”, I felt that I had become an “adventurer” for the first time.

This is translated by Yume Neiji. Kindly read at yumeineijiworks.wordpress.com.

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“Believer” means that God and people formed a bond. For that reason, Solana and I talked a little bit about each other. However, I did most of the talking. Perhaps because she had just woken up, Solana had a slightly fuzzy memory. Most of all, I think that it was also because I was eager for someone other than my family to hear me out.

I’ve been talking about what had happened to me for the past two years. I mentioned that after my father’s death, our lives take a dark turn. The people in the guild who were unhappy with my father made us their enemies. Then there’s my useless skill and my sister Lu―Luisia’s illness.

It was as if a lifetime’s worth of calamities had befallen on us in just a year. My life tumbled into a pitch-dark valley.

I did all sorts of things just to make money. Putting up flyers, cleaning gutters, waking people up, doing adventurer requests.….

When Gideon, the nobleman who became the owner of the East Dungeon, invited me into his party, I thought things were finally going to be okay. At that time, the East Dungeon had only fallen into the hands of the nobles. I readily believed in Gideon-san’s kindness when he said he would “guide me.”

But then I came to know firsthand that there was no such sweet deal. The reason the noble had let me into his party was to torment the son of the man they hated. I was ridiculed and expelled within six months.

Still, I begged Gideon at the end, “―Please sell me your healing items!”

My sister’s condition was so bad that she could die. At that time, Gideon had a rare healing item, the World Tree Elixir. It’s also known as a panacea and is a coveted item even for nobles. Although, it seems that nobles only use it as a “rare seasoning” to mix with their alcohol or tea.

Even when Father was alive, it would have cost a year’s worth of living expenses. Gideon sold it to me for double the price. I discussed it with mom, and I took out a loan for the part we couldn’t pay right away. My sister’s condition improved temporarily.

I’m grateful to Gideon-san for that. But I think that should not be used as a reason for assault or harassment.

“So even that amazing item did not cure her?”

Solana and I had moved upstairs. The goddess floats softly and stares at my sister.

“Yes. Uhm, Solana-sama—”

“Just Solana, is okay.”

The goddess said nonchalantly. We watch over Lu as she was tormented by her illness.

“I don’t think it’s a normal disease. I can sense magical powers.”

Solana narrowed her eyes distressingly.

“……Poor thing. It is not a disease, but an anomalous condition. It’s like being put in shackles.”

A status ailment of unknown origin due to magical powers. In ancient times, it was called a “curse”.

“Even in ancient times, there were people who would suffer this if there were a lot of monsters nearby. If there is a dungeon, it could be the cause.”

“But….…”

I swallowed my words.

Why only Lu?

The Goddess got down to the floor and looked at me. My plain appearance was reflected in her large eyes that sparkled like the sun.

“Rion, I’ve just woken up, so I don’t know about this era well. But I think you’re a good person. A hardworking, kind child.”

The goddess placed her hand on her chest.

“Let me help you.”

I was confused. It’s like a page in a story. A heroic tale I had heard from my father. A book I had reread many times. A page in a story that I longed for—but knew I would never reach.

“If you don’t mind…… I want you to become my believer.”

Solana’s outstretched hand to me was pure white and seemed to glow like a real god. No, this person is probably the real deal.

I took Solana’s hand. It might have been because it looked like she wanted me to hold it, and that it looked lonely, and in a way it resembled Lu’s hands.

“Goddess-sama, please help Lu…… help my sister. I’ll do anything to make that happen!”

Solana nodded.

“Hold my hand and close your eyes.”

With my eyes closed. Solana’s voice echoes in the darkness.

“Our power is strengthened by the number of our believers and their belief in us.”

A warm force flows from Solana’s hand.

“Let’s talk about the old days. Once upon a time, there were many gods. But the gods were attacked by monsters. The end of the world, the Ragnarok happened. My memory is interrupted in the middle, but the fact that man and God are alive and well means that we have repelled the underworld.”

I can see the light at the end of my closed eyes.

Before I knew it, I was looking up at the night sky —I was in space. There is a blazing sun. Beyond it are countless stars. The stars connected together and one after another, they created various shapes.

A giant hammer. A sharp spear. A ship that can go anywhere. A bangle imbued with magical powers.

“W-what…… is this….…?”

“You may have seen my memory. The myth that people imagine is in the shape of the constellations.”

With the sky as their stage, myths were depicted one after the other.

A hero who slayed the dragon.

A giant god who fished out a snake that covered the world.

Then with the blare of the horn, they eventually gathered together, convened in the lush hill. They eventually vanished to fight against the darkness. Then the world was enveloped in a sealing ice.

“The gods were wounded. Now, the world is covered with sealing magic. Right?”

“Yes……”

I was reminded of the myths of this country—the Kingdom of Asgard.

Seal. Gods.

All of them are keywords.

Once upon a time there was a battle between gods and monsters. In the end, the gods won, but the main god, Odis-sama, sealed the injured gods into a state of slumber.

Monsters are also sealed away to preserve resources for humans. That place are the dungeons in the Royal Capital.

It was all before the seal covered the world.

This is the story of the “Age of the Great Sealing”, which now only have traces left in the dungeons.

“Rion, can you promise me something?”

“Promise?”

“For me to use my powers on you and your sister, a bond is necessary. And to form the bond between God and man, a vow is essential.”

This will make me strong.

When I thought of that, my heart burned hotly.

Poverty. Misfortune. Humiliation. Dark memories surged to my chest, making it hot.

Suddenly, memories of my father passed. When my father taught me how to use the sword, the first thing he taught me was how to block attacks. He emphasized that even if I wield a sword, I am no different from monsters if I just wield it to cause damage. He said that the key to surviving in real combat is the defensive ability to block attacks and protect your allies.

It’s not enough to just be strong. I don’t want to be just that. I wanted a warm-hearted strength that would allow me to protect Lu —my family, and everyone I want to protect.

It’s not enough to be the strongest.

“Kindest……”

“Hn?”

“The kindest and strongest, I want to become both.”

Solana nod her head.

“Your story is yours to make.”

I heard a click as if something clicked in place inside my head, and the warmth of the sun enveloped my entire body.

This is translated by Yume Neiji. Kindly read at yumeineijiworks.wordpress.com.

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I returned home shortly after the noon bell rang. It felt strange to return home while the sun was still high in the sky.

“I’m home!”

There is no response. The house was quiet.

My mother has a job at a medical clinic, so she is not home during the day. My sister Luisia is probably sleeping on the second floor.

I unloaded my luggage and climbed the stairs as quietly as I could, then I slowly opened the bedroom door. The sunlight streamed on the shabby bed. My sister is sleeping there.

Lu—Luisia, is a girl with curly chestnut hair that reaches her shoulders. Her face is pretty, and if she had opened her eyes, you would have seen her big blue eyes. Her light brown hair spread out at her bedside. If she can make it to her birthday safely, she will turn 13.

“..…I can buy medicine today.”

Her white skin looked more sickly than beautiful. Her sleep breathing is also irregular sometimes.  Her chest rose and fell unnaturally under the pile of blankets, and she coughs loudly that her whole body is trembling.

“……Do your best, okay?”

After gripping her small hand, I went back to the first floor. I crouched down and gathers up the money I’ve hidden in the crevices of the furniture.

My money are hidden in various places, under the shelves, under the floor, in the back of the drawers and in many other places. In fact, if I pay with the coins Father gave us, I can greatly reduce the amount of silver coins I need to take out to buy medicine.

I took out the gold coin from my pocket, then that voice came again.

『It’s about time you wake me up.』

“……I can really hear your voice normally….”

It’s like she is speaking directly into my ear.

God’s message is basically lifeless and very businesslike. But this voice is full of emotion and sounds familiar.

“S-Solana-san….?”

I asked with courage, and a voice echoed in my head.

『That’s right! It seems that once you woke me up, you can always hear my voice afterwards. 』

Alright, time to make things clear.

I reused my skills against the gold coin.

Skill 『Alarm』 was used. Executing 【Unseal】

“I did it…!”

The gold coin shines and a beautiful girl jumps out of it. I was nervous, thinking that she was going to kick something again, but her bare feet landed on the floor softly.

Solana looks at me, blinking her big eyes.

“I see….”

Crossing her arms, Solana nodded somewhat satisfied. She is wearing a plain dress, but it looks elegant and divine. Her golden hair and eyes, as well as the bangle she wore on her right hand, were dazzling. Her facial features is also very beautiful.

She certainly had the qualification of a god.

—As I was thinking that, Solana brought her face closer to mine.

“U-uhm.”

“That’s really a great ability. It can break the seal on gods and relics. I haven’t thanked you yet, thank you.”

Solana shivered, then she hugged her own body.

“…… However, the entire world is now covered with the magic that sealed the gods. The war is now over thanks to that, but unless you unseal us, we will remain sealed. On top of that, even if we can go outside, there is a limit to what we can do.”

Goddess lightly kicked the ground and floated up.

“Eh!?”

“Fufu, Goddess can float you know.”

I-, I guess that’s true.

Solana drifts softly, looking curiously around the house.

“Hey, Rion.”

I looked up and saw Solana pointing to the second floor.

“I wonder if there’s a sick person up there.”

With my thoughts coming back to reality, I drooped my head.

“Yes.”

“Should I heal her?”

When I realized what she had asked, I held my breath.

“C-can you……cure her…..?”

“Mmm. I can sense that presence. I’m sure someone is suffering from an anomalous condition caused by magical power.”

The silver coins that I have been clutching in my hand fell to the ground.

“T-that’s impossible..… Even the extremely expensive ‘World Tree Elixir’ couldn’t cure—”

Gideon’s face came to my mind.

Then Solana’s golden eyes looked straight at me.

“But there is a condition. I want your family to become believers.”

“……Believer?”

“I think I’ve been asleep for a very long time. That is why I’ve lost a lot of my power, and there’s probably not a single member of my believers left in this time. At first, I thought you woke me up because you’re a believer but……”

For some reason, the Goddess looks very lonely. It looked as if she is scared of being rejected.

What does it feel like to suddenly wake up from hundreds of years of sleep and not know a single person?

I couldn’t help but think of that.

The Goddess shook her head as if to shake a troubling thought and her long hair swayed along with her movement.

“Let me explain. Like healing people, to properly exercise my power as a God, I need believers. Gods can only wield their power if they have bond with people.”

As I was stunned, Solana landed on the ground.

“……You don’t want to?”

Hearing her question, I slowly took a breath and calmed down. I had been confused since my skills were awakened, but I don’t think she’s a bad person. I’m sure it is just that she has powers that I don’t know about.

I could hear the coughing sound from the second floor. It’s heartbreaking to hear so I made up my mind.

“N-no!”

I took Solana’s hand.

“Please take a look at my sister.”

This is translated by Yume Neiji. Kindly read at yumeineijiworks.wordpress.com.

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