New chapter of Nameless Hero is out! (1/2 chapters)

 

 

Entwining Scriptures

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We arrived in the city of Dali Amor at night. The battle with Reingard wasn’t much of an ordeal, but this constant inability to rest was gradually wearing down my spirit. On the other hand, Kea seemed unfazed despite her delicate frame.

Is this what they call the power of Goddess?

The nights in Dali Amor presented a stylish coastal city, a stark contrast to the bustling trade and vibrant commotion of the daytime. However, that usual tranquility was absent tonight. Soldiers in heavy armor clinked and clanged as they patrolled the area around the city. Occasionally, one would rush over to another soldier, whispering something as if delivering a message.

Could this be because of the earlier battle with Reingard?

I crouched low and used rocks for cover, while carefully approaching toward the gate of the city’s outer wall. Kea followed behind me, mimicking my movements. The clumsy way she did it seemed appropriate for her age and made her look quite adorable.

“How should we proceed… there are so many soldiers.” (Jack)

“Junior-san, over there.” (Kea)

Kea pointed with her small index finger toward a river that flowed beneath the city’s outer wall. Once inside the city, the river turned into a canal, its banks reinforced with stone walls, and narrow artificial walkways ran along its edges.

I guess this canal is also used for the boat traffic I saw before.

“Through the canal to enter the city?” (Jack)

“…Yes.” (Kea)

It felt like she was my personal navigator. We crossed from the river to the canal and infiltrated the city.

 

—

 

We snuck into the city via the canal, moving stealthily as though we were burglars. Even though we weren’t doing anything wrong, the feeling of guilt lingered.

Compared to the outer perimeter, the inner city’s security was less intense. After walking along the riverside, we passed under several bridges before reaching a spot where a ladder connected the canal to the street above. Finally, we could get up onto the city streets.

“Can I climb it?” (Jack)

“…Yes.” (Kea)

Remaining cautious, I climbed out into the street. We seemed to be near the San Amolina Great Cathedral. I had been there for a few days, so I was familiar with the city’s geography to some extent.
The streetlights were extravagant and distinctively ornate.

“This way.” (Kea)

Kea took the lead, walking down the street with confidence, utterly unbothered by the situation.

“Hey, Kea! Won’t the soldiers see us?!” (Jack)

“…” (Kea)

Kea stopped and appeared to think for a moment. But the next instant—

“Hey, is that a child?!” (Soldier)

As expected, we were spotted. Startled, I turned around to see a soldier on night patrol holding a torch and looking in our direction.

“You shouldn’t be wandering around this late at night…” (Soldier)

The soldier approached, scolding us. As he got closer, he got a good look at my face.
The moment he saw me, his expression froze in terror.

“The demonic crest on the right cheek… and the girl…” (Soldier)

Muttering to himself, the soldier frantically pulled out a whistle and blew it loudly. The sharp sound pierced the quiet night of the city.

“Enemies! Someone, bring reinforcements!” (Soldier)

His shout echoed, and the sound of armored soldiers rushing toward us grew louder. So, it was me they were on alert for after all. I hoisted Kea onto my shoulder and fled into a back alley.
The soldiers clanked noisily as they pursued us. It reminded me of when Alfred was being chased by these soldiers the other day. I wondered if he had felt the same way.

“Ah, come on! Get your navigation right!” (Jack)

“…Auu.” (Kea)

This is not good. I want to escape, but using the booster recklessly could damage the city and draw even more attention. How could I shake them off…?

“Junior-san, the wall! Jump!” (Kea)

“Jump?!” (Jack)

“Yes.” (Kea)

As I ran, I glanced up at the towering buildings. Even if I jumped, I probably couldn’t reach the rooftops, but if I could scale the walls by jumping between them. I remembered escaping the Gala Ruins. If I tried now, I might be able to leap onto a roof by kicking off the walls.

Alright, let’s give it a shot!

“Kea, hold on tight!” (Jack)

“Yes!” (Kea)

With a good running start, I jumped toward the wall. I managed to leap much higher than I expected.

“He… jumped?!” (Soldier)

The soldiers chasing us stopped in astonishment as I shifted from running on flat ground to moving vertically. From there, I kicked the wall, then the building opposite. By repeating this, I was able to climb onto the roof. The view of the cityscape from the roof was truly impressive. Streetlights lit up from below. The moonlight shone brightly from above.

“He’s on the roof!” (Soldier)

The soldiers below pointed at me as their numbers increased. Ever since I started moving beyond human limits, those people down there felt like a completely different species.

Am I even human anymore? This unnatural agility… could it mean I’ve truly become a demon?

“Junior-san, to the right.” (Kea)

Kea’s navigation continued from her position on my shoulder.

I followed her instructions silently. At this point, I couldn’t move around without drawing attention unless I found a way to hide these marks. I didn’t know what the seal was, but I had to get some new clothes and hide my right arm soon.

Speaking of which, Kea was also wearing only a robe and nothing underneath. In fact, she was not even wearing any underwear.

 

—

 

I dashed across the rooftops. The soldiers seemed to have lost sight of me, and the noise of their pursuit faded.

“Here.” (Kea)

Kea suddenly stopped speaking as we arrived at one of the rooftops.

“Are we going inside this house?” (Jack)

“Yes, inside.” (Kea)

It looked like an ordinary house to me, with nothing special about it. The roof had a protruding window and chimney. Kea pointed to the protruding window rather than the chimney, likely considering the latter too small for entry.

I crept toward the window, but the interior was dark. The reflection of moonlight made it hard to see inside. I cupped my hands around my eyes and peered in. It seemed to be an attic, cluttered with wooden boxes and covered objects. The window wouldn’t budge when I tried to lift it, but it was locked. Forcing it open would risk waking the residents.

“How do we get in?” (Jack)

“…I don’t know.” (Kea)

You just bring me as far as you can, but it seems like you’re at a loss when it comes to places like that.

“Touch it with your right hand.” (Kea)

Following her instruction, I placed my right hand on the window. The red-black lines on my hand began to glow, and the window’s handle and glass transformed into a hilt and blade, turning into a dagger. The dagger’s blade had the same red-black patterns as my right hand.

“This power… it can turn anything into a sword?” (Jack)

“Yes.” (Kea)

“Well… I don’t understand it, but it’s useful.” (Jack)

The dagger seemed fragile, but I decided to keep it for now. With the window gone, the night breeze blew into the house. Kea and I sneaked into the building like thieves and used the wooden boxes as footholds to climb down to the room.

The house was eerily quiet, suggesting the occupants were fast asleep. There was a staircase leading from the attic down to the basement. Care and I crept slowly down the stairs, coming down into the hallway on one of the house’s floors.

“What are we here to do?” (Jack)

I whispered.

“…Kawa?” (Kea) (かわ/kawa)

“Kawa (river)?” (Jack) (川/kawa)

Kea’s minimal vocabulary made it hard to grasp her meaning. We continued down a hallway, where she paused in front of each room, closing her eyes as if concentrating, before moving on.

Is she sensing something?

Eventually, she stopped entirely in front of one particular room.

“Is it here?” (Jack)

“…Yes.” (Kea)

It seemed that the item we were looking for was in this room. Nervously, I reached for the door and opened it. It wasn’t locked and opened easily.

There was no one inside. It appeared to be someone’s bedroom, with a bed, a standing mirror, a bookshelf, and a closet. It was a normal room. On the bedside table, a candle was lit.

Could the person who lit it return soon?

“What am I looking for?” (Jack)

“Kawa.” (Kea)

“Could it be… animal skin?” (Jack) (皮/kawa)

“…Yes.” (Kea)

“Is it something special?” (Jack)

“Yes.” (Kea)

Animal skin. At first glance, it doesn’t seem like that at all.

The steady sound of someone walking down the corridor reached my ears.

This is bad! If it’s the owner of this room, they’ll find out we’ve broken in!

My intuition skill was blaring warnings in my head. Panicking, I opened the closet, and Kea and I squeezed inside.

“Kea, please, don’t make any noise.” (Jack)

“…Ah.” (Kea)

The clothes hanging in the closet were all flashy, mostly women’s outfits. They seemed clean, with no distinct smell of everyday use.

So, is the owner of this room a woman?

Through the slits in the closet’s blinds, I could see the room. As the footsteps drew closer, I held my breath.

Then, the door slowly slid open. The person who entered the room was a tall man standing straight and proud. He had a mustache and wore a neat brown jacket over a vest, giving him an air of sophistication.

Wait a second, I’ve seen this person before. Where was it? I try to recall my days in Dali Amor. Ah, that’s it. He’s from the Dali Amor Tourism Association. His name is… Ar… Ar… Armando-san, that’s it.

He was the man who mediated when Liz and Lindsay took on a dancing gig. I remember thinking he seemed like such a refined gentleman. But to run into two familiar faces in the same day after six months underground. What a small world.

So, is this Armando-san’s room? But then, why all the women’s clothing? Perhaps it’s his wife’s room.

“……” (Jack)

“……” (Kea)

Kea and I held our breath.

Please leave quickly. Though we’re the intruders here.

Armando-san entered the room, took off his jacket, and neatly folded it on the bed. He’s such a meticulous person. Observing someone like this made me feel even guiltier. I was afraid I might witness something I shouldn’t. Then, Armando-san took out a piece of cloth he had tucked under his arm and unfolded it. It was a stylish tartan-patterned fabric. At first, I thought it was a shawl, but it turned out to be a dress.

A gift for his wife?

But then, Armando-san pressed the cute little dress to his nose and started sniffing it intently.

“……!” (Jack)

“…Ah!” (Kea)

Hey, what a pervert! This is something we shouldn’t be seeing.

This was the first time I’d intruded on someone’s private moment. Meanwhile, unaware of our presence, Armando-san was engrossed in savoring the scent of the dress. He continued his bizarre behavior, deeply inhaling the fragrance of the women’s clothing.

Even if a person behaves in an elegant and gentlemanly manner in public, it is impossible to know what he is doing day and night inside the black box of a private room. This scene will definitely become a trauma for me later. Moreover, Kea… though she appears to be a young girl, she is first and foremost Goddess.

Armando-san, you’re doing this in front of Goddess…!

As if that wasn’t enough, Armando-san then held the dress up to himself and checked his reflection in the tall mirror.

Cross-dressing habit… This guy has a habit of cross-dressing.

He was seriously appraising how well the tartan-patterned dress suited him.

“Hmm.” (Armando)

Hmm?! And now, he was fumbling with his belt. Wait, are you going to wear it? Seriously? No way! I absolutely can’t let Kea see this!

Clunk.

Oh no, I kicked something in the closet while trying to shield Kea’s eyes.

“Hmm?” (Armando)

Armando-san placed the dress on the bed and approached the closet.

This is it. The end. The closet isn’t big enough to hide properly.

And then, the closet door swung open.

I was overwhelmed by guilt. The guilt of breaking into someone’s room. The guilt of witnessing something I shouldn’t have. I was a walking ball of guilt.

“Children?!” (Armando)

Even Armando-san couldn’t hide his shock. He realized that a demon-like boy and a girl with rainbow-colored eyes had been watching his actions. The awkwardness was unbearable.

We are the ones in the wrong, but Armando-san is the pervert.

“What are children doing here?” (Armando)

“W-we… uh…” (Jack)

“Ah…” (Kea)

There was nothing we could say. I didn’t even know why we were here. Kea brought me along to look for animal skin with some vague purpose. I just wanted to cry.

“This crest…?” (Armando)

Armando-san noticed my right cheek. Then, he started examining the tattoo-like patterns running from my cheek to my right arm.

“The lineage of Akasha!” (Armando)

“Huh? What is that?” (Jack)

“Why is that crest here?!” (Armando)

“No, w-well, I…” (Jack)

“Third Junior-sama.” (Kea)

The one who called out that name was Kea. Kea was still in her usual girlish mode, but she was in high spirits as she introduced me.

“Third… Junior?” (Armando)

“Junior-san, Junior-san!” (Kea)

“Third Junior… the third son… I see, so that’s how it is…!” (Armando)

Armando-san seemed to come to some realization, completely forgetting his earlier strange behavior.

I have no idea what was going on.

 

—

 

Armando-san brought us some warm cocoa. Kea and I sipped it while sitting on the bed, finally catching a moment of peace.

“Apologies for earlier. I am Armando Barocco, a member of this city’s tourism association management committee.” (Armando)

Even speaking to children, Armando-san was polite and respectful. If I could overlook his earlier behavior, he was the epitome of a gentleman. Though to him, we were children he hadn’t seen in six months. It wasn’t surprising he didn’t recognize me.

“I work on preserving this city’s historical sites and cultural heritage through the association, but I also have a personal interest in studying this city’s history and culture.” (Armando)

Furthermore, you also have a personal interest in cross-dressing.

“About 20 years ago, when I was still young, researchers from a magical university discovered an artifact at the Gala Ruins…” (Armando)

As he spoke, Armando-san retrieved something wrapped in burlap from a shelf.

“This. It was taken to a certain magical university at first, but after a calamity befell the institution, it was said to be cursed and was returned to Dali Amor.” (Armando)

He removed the linen and took out a scroll. It appeared to be written on parchment.

Wait, animal skin… does she mean parchment?!

“This is called the ‘Lineage of Akasha’. It is believed to be a sacred text written by the people of Gala’s civilization.” (Armando)

“Why do you have it, Armando-san?” (Jack)

“At first, it was kept by the druids of the Great Cathedral, but suddenly they decided to relinquish it. I’m not sure why. There was an incident, and it was sealed away with magical wards, but I heard some of the druids’ assistants died in the process.” (Armando)

The story alone sent shivers down my spine. Yet Armando-san held it casually, as if it were nothing.

“My father, who had a fascination with curses, purchased it from the cathedral. Many advised him against it, but… neither my father nor I have suffered any ill effects from the text.” (Armando)

“…So, what does this Akasha have to do with me?” (Jack)

Armando-san beamed, as if he had been waiting for me to ask and opened the sacred text slightly to show me.

“First, it’s about the first chapter. According to the translation of this part written in Demon language, ‘The one who gazes beyond all phenomena leads his great sons. The third son, with the Goddess’s blessing, shall liberate the cursed land’.” (Armando)

“…Junior-san.” (Kea)

Kea reacted.

“Yes. I assume you are the Third Junior, or third son?” (Armando)

Certainly, Aldridge’s third son. Is Isaiah Aldridge staring into the universe? It’s annoying to hear that tyrant spoken of in such grand terms, but… However, there actually is Goddess here, and this right arm of mine is also thanks to Kea. Is that Goddess’s blessing? To liberate the cursed land…? If it really refers to me, what exactly am I supposed to do?

“And furthermore, this crest! This relates to why this scripture is called the ‘Lineage of Akasha’!” (Armando)

Armando-san ignored my confusion and kept heating up. He unfurled the scroll further and further, its long tail filling the room. It was too long to be sheepskin.

“This third chapter! From here, diagrams are recorded. These are diagrams in Demon language, and according to researchers’ reports, they depict the ‘lineage’ of life and magical power, which is written as Akasha in Demon language!” (Armando)

“I-I see…” (Jack)

“This lineage is exactly the same as the crest carved on your right arm and right cheek!” (Armando)

Armando’s breathing was heavy. Kea and I looked up at him in shock, and Armando, perhaps realising that he had heated up, cleared his throat.

“Ever since I was a child, I have been pursuing the mysteries of this scripture. Why is this scripture, which should not possess an independent culture, written in the language of the Demon? Why does my family, the Barocco family possess this scripture—” (Armando)

Armando-san closed his eyes and began to speak earnestly, as if immersed in his emotions. Ignoring Armando, who was lost in his own world, Kea and I exchanged glances.

“…Junior-san, the seal, this.” (Kea)

Kea lifted part of the scripture’s tail. From there, a rainbow-colored light began to emit.

“Clothes, take off… clothes!” (Kea)

“Clothes?” (Jack)

Being told that, I took off my tattered jacket. Red-black geometric lines were densely carved all the way to my shoulder.

“—And then, I ended up working at the Tourism Association… huh?” (Armando)

Armando, who hadn’t stopped his narrative, also began to notice the situationThe scripture with its long tail began to float and glow even brighter.

“T-This is… indeed, you are… no, Your Grace must be the incarnation of the Goddess!” (Armando)

The scripture quickly coiled into a spiral shape and then rushed toward me.

“Eek!” (Jack)

“…It’s okay.” (Kea)

Instinctively, I thrust out my right arm to resist, but the scripture wrapped tightly around it. It squeezed me, covering my shoulder to my wrist. The red-black waves of magical power and the scripture’s rainbow-colored light seemed to resist each other, but they settled after a moment.

“A miracle… this is a divine miracle!” (Armando)

Armando-san raised his voice in joy at this miracle.

“Is this the seal?” (Jack)

“…Yes.” (Kea)

“Hmm…” (Jack)

It just looks like a mess of sheepskin wrapped around my arm to me.

“Marvelous! The reason the scripture was enshrined in the Barocco family was surely for this very moment! And Your Grace, you were truly the Goddess herself?!” (Armando)

“…Ah.” (Kea)

Having Armando’s face close to hers, Kea looked displeased and backed away.

“M-My apologies for my rudeness. Goddess-sama, if there is anything I can do, please command me.” (Armando)

Armando-san knelt and bowed his head. Kea didn’t give any commands but blankly watched the scene. Meanwhile, I tried to put on my tattered clothes again. Then, I suddenly remembered.

“…Oh, by the way, Armando-san.” (Jack)

“Yes, what is it, Third Junior-sama?” (Armando)

“I know this is bold of me, but could you give us some new clothes? As you can see, I’m in this state, and as for Kea… well, she’s only wearing a single robe.” (Jack)

“I see. That is an easy request to fulfill.” (Armando)

Armando-san opened the closet we had been hiding in earlier and brought out various women’s outfits. There were even clothes for small children like Kea.

This guy is actually quite dangerous, isn’t he?

 

—

 

Kea was given a simple black and white dress and black casual boots, like those worn by nuns. It matched her characteristic pale purple hair color, making her look even more sacred. Kea herself was happy, waving her skirt around as if she liked it.

I thought the same thing when Liz and Lindsay were choosing their dance costumes, but Armando-san may have a good sense of fashion. However, the fact that he has so many different costumes makes me wary. Could Armando-san be involved in the sudden increase in child abduction cases that have been reported since a certain point in time?

“Is something the matter? This is just one of my hobbies, collecting clothes.” (Armando)

“I see.” (Jack)

Well, since he’s giving them to us, he’s still a kind person. He gave me clothes too, but they were a shirt and vest I wasn’t used to wearing. It’s hard to move in these.

—Bang, bang, bang!

Suddenly, the sound of someone banging violently on a door from downstairs echoed.

“Barocco-san, may we have a word?! Armando Barocco-san!” (??)

“Hmm, a visitor at this hour?” (Armando)

Armando-san looked displeased as he tried to leave the room.

“Goddess-sama, Third Junior-sama, please wait here.” (Armando)

“…Enemy! Soldiers! Enemy!” (Kea)

Kea shouted desperately, stopping Armando-san.

“What? Did you say enemy?” (Armando)

“Enemy! Help!” (Kea)

“I see, an enemy… as you command, Goddess-sama.” (Armando)

—Bang, bang!

“Armando Barocco! If you don’t open up, we will execute judgment in the name of Dali Amore’s Royal Guards!” (??)

The shouts continued.

“How rude of these lowborn. I will hold them off. Please, take the back exit and flee.” (Armando)

“But… after all you’ve done for us, we must repay you somehow.” (Jack)

“I have lived in order to uncover the mystery of Akasha’s lineage. I have now obtained one answer to that mystery, and had the opportunity to meet with you, the Goddess and hero, and to help you with your clothing. That alone is a blessing.” (Armando)

The banging on the door grew louder, as if it might be broken down at any moment. Armando-san left the room quietly to deal with it.

“Kea, let’s go.” (Jack)

“Yes. Armando, thank you…!” (Jack)

We left the room and slowly descended to the first floor.

“Barocco, what are you hiding?” (Soldier)

“Hiding? I’ve lived for years for this town. What would I have to hide?” (Armando)

From the entrance, I could see Armando-san and the soldiers arguing. Without being noticed, we headed quickly to the back door of the kitchen.

“Our soldiers saw suspicious rainbow-colored light coming from this house! Let us search it!” (Soldier)

Armando-san glanced back briefly and saw that Kea and I had escaped through the back door of the house.

“Go ahead… I have no idea what you’re talking about, though.” (Armando)

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