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Lucur Great Forest
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One month passed. I continued living a life where I joined random parties and delved into the labyrinth. From high-rank quests to low-rank quests, I tried participating in various random parties, but I still hadn’t encountered anyone who knew me from before. It might be that I never had any acquaintances to begin with.
On the other hand, my money was gradually piling up. In high-rank quests, we sometimes descended to the 15th layer of the labyrinth, and I earned rewards of 50 gold coins or 50,000 Solids in a single day.
But money wasn’t really necessary. After all, the most expensive expenditure for adventurers—weapon costs, didn’t apply to me. My vitality was naturally high, and I rarely took damage, so I didn’t buy armor. However, when joining a random party, I wore light leather armor to blend in with the members. If I fought wearing just a single piece of clothing, it would probably cause discomfort. It was just part of the manners when entering a dungeon.
As long as I had extra money, I repeatedly bought and sold various weapons, training myself to replicate them using the Mental Image Extraction ability. I was able to replicate most types of swords, but no matter what, I couldn’t replicate spears, axes, maces, or battle hammers. It seemed this ability was limited to swords for me.
With about 200,000 Solids saved up, I decided to finally buy a book I had been wanting for a while. It was a historical book titled ‘The History and Culture of Azarigrad’. For now, I wanted to learn about the geography of this city. It was not a very popular book, and the bookstore owner, perhaps in a good mood after clearing out stock, generously gave me a children’s picture book titled ‘Azarigrad Labyrinth’ as a set. This historical book supposedly contained everything I needed to know about the local geography and culture.
Returning to the inn where I usually stayed, I opened the book at a table in the lobby. I decided to start by quickly reading the children’s picture book.
Once upon a time, the Azalea Kingdom was surrounded by lush, fertile land. The royal family in the castle and the citizens in the town lived a happy life. One day, a magician, with ambitions of his own, approached the king. He suggested, “Let’s join forces with the elves who live by the river to create an even more prosperous nation”. The magician aimed to seize the mystical power ‘Volga’ that resided in the elven kingdom. Using the kingdom’s power, the magician invaded the elven land and took the Volga for himself. With this power, the magician took over the Azalea Kingdom, transforming it into the great labyrinth, Azarigrad. Enraged, the elven king joined forces with five sages to seal the labyrinth underground.
This was the story. It seemed like a tale of why magic should not be used for evil. But more importantly…
“Thus, the Azarigrad Labyrinth was sealed by the five sages…”, I read the phrase aloud. It felt familiar. There seemed to be a hint to unlock a memory there. But it wasn’t working. The memory was foggy, blurry.
Next, I decided to read ‘The History and Culture of Azarigrad’. This was a solid historical text. In that book, the five sages were mentioned as well.
The five sages lived in various regions, volcanoes, snowfields, forests, deserts, and the sky. The Fire Sage, Salamander, lived in the Baira Volcano. The Water Sage, Undine, lived in the Neve Snowfields. The Wind Sage, Sylphid, lived in the Lucur Great Forest. The Earth Sage, Gnome, lived in the Nihilo Desert. And the Thunder Sage, Timaeus, lived in the sky.
A legendary sorcerer, Emped, created the weapon Rizomata Volga through a pact with the gods. Fearing its power, the five sages defeated Emped using the Volga powers they had each created, sealing both Emped and the Rizomata Volga deep beneath the land of Azalea. The underground labyrinth formed from this seal came to be known as Azarigrad, meaning ‘Azalea Fortress’.
The details of what the Volga’s power was or what the Rizomata Volga weapon was were not explained clearly. The Volga series, created by the five sages, was simply listed by name.
The Fire Sage, Salamand, created the Volcanic Volga. The Water Sage, Undine, created the Aquaram Volga. The Wind Sage, Sylphide, created the Aerial Volga. The Earth Sage, Gnome, created the Arsenal Volga. The Thunder Sage, Timaeus, created the Keraunos Volga.
Volcanic Volga…? I’ve seen this before. The flaming sword held by a red-haired warrior, the sword of flame.
A sense of déjà vu struck. I had seen the Volcanic Volga in person. The book didn’t state whether this Volga was a sword or not, but I was certain. That meant the Volcanic Volga was the key to my own mystery. The Fire Sage, Salamander, was a name I didn’t recognize. But I would go meet him. There must be some clue there.
I gazed at the map of the Rivada continent drawn at the end of the book. The Fire Sage Salamand lived in the Baira Volcano. The Baira Volcano was… It was far, far away. From Azarigrad, I would have to cross a great river and enter the Nihiro Desert. The Nihilo Desert was vast, and beyond it lay the volcanic region where the Baira Volcano was located.
It would take about six months on foot, right? Even by carriage, it would probably take three or four months. Too far.
But I had gained one clue. The Wind Sage Sylphid. The spirit with green hair and eyes, living with the dwarves. I should ask Sylphide about the Volga series. Since she had said I could visit anytime, she would probably be happy to share the information.
I prepared for the journey. I packed food I had bought at the market and the books into my backpack, and left the inn. It would only take about half a day on foot to reach the Lucur Great Forest.
“Ah, Lost-san.” (Shia)
Just as I stepped out of the inn, I happened to run into Shia. Her aloof gaze met mine. As always, she was wearing a loose tunic and shorts that looked easy to move in. She was carrying a large bow and arrows on her back, probably going hunting. She said that when she couldn’t find a random party to join, she went out hunting in the wilderness.
Shia looked me up and down.
“Where are you going?” (Shia)
“I’m heading to the Lucur Great Forest.” (Lost)
“That’s unusual.” (Shia)
“I need to ask Sylphid-sama something.” (Lost)
“Sylphid-sama, the great sage?” (Shia)
“Yes. You met her the other day, right? The day we defeated the orcs and behemoths.” (Lost)
“…” (Shia)
She froze and looked upwards, clearly having no recollection of what I was talking about.
“I remember receiving money from the dwarves.” (Shia)
“She was the green-haired woman who was with them.” (Lost)
“…I don’t remember meeting anyone like that.” (Shia)
Come to think of it, I didn’t see her at first either. Maybe it’s some kind of spell that makes her visible.
“Lost-san, I didn’t realize you were acquainted with such a distinguished person.” (Shia)
“We’re not exactly close acquaintances.” (Lost)
“Can I come with you?” (Shia)
Having an angel accompany me was something I didn’t expect.
“Sure, it’s fine.” (Lost)
“Then, let me prepare.” (Shia)
Shia turned on her heel and ran back home to get ready. Now that I thought about it, I wondered what she was originally planning to do. She had her bow and daggers equipped, so she was probably planning to fight, but neither the labyrinth nor the city exit was this way.
It felt like it had been a long time since I left Azarigrad. Since I got caught up in the labyrinth city a month ago, I had been living in that city. A city where you can fight, hunt, and live all in one place—it really is an abnormal place.
I was walking toward the Great Forest with Shia.
“By the way, did you figure anything out about yourself?” (Shia)
“Well… I saved up quite a bit of money, so I decided to buy this.” (Lost)
I showed her ‘The History and Culture of Azarigrad.’
“Books are expensive.” (Shia)
“I don’t have anything else to spend my money on.” (Lost)
“You have a convenient body.” (Shia)
Her response was so indifferent that I couldn’t tell if she was genuinely envious or being sarcastic.
“Anyway, this book mentioned the Volga series.” (Lost)
The moment I said that, Shia responded unusually.
“You know about it?” (Lost)
“Of course. It’s a famous weapon among adventurers and weapon merchants.” (Shia)
“Weapon merchants? So, the Volga is a weapon after all?” (Lost)
“Well, they defeated an evil sorcerer, didn’t they?” (Shia)
She was probably talking about the story in the picture book.
“The power of Volga has been passed down through my ancestors. Volga is said to be a type of special magical stone. Weapons made from it are said to surpass the power of magic.” (Shia)
“Heh…” (Lost)
Shia, then, spoke about the Volga series, or rather, the mysterious power of Volga, with great liveliness.
I wonder if she means the Elves are her ancestors. For someone usually aloof and quiet, this is really rare. Is she interested?
“By the way, what does Volga have to do with Lost-san?” (Shia)
“I’m not sure if there’s a connection, but I feel like I’ve seen the Volcanic Volga before.” (Shia)
“…That’s hard to believe.” (Lost)
“Why?” (Shia)
“The Volcanic Volga is said to be resting deep within the Baira Volcano dungeon.” (Lost)
It was the party called Liberta that conquered the Baira Dungeon, right?
“Could it be that I was a member of that Liberta party or something?” (Lost)
“Impossible. The dungeon was conquered three years ago, and the five famous members are well-known, both by name and face. None of them were children like you.” (Shia)
I see. Well, I don’t recognize the party name, and it’s hard to believe that I, an eight-year-old at the time, was in such a legendary party.
—
“You’ve come again, I see.” (Sylphid)
It was just as we entered the Great Forest along the highway when a clear voice reached my ears.
“Is that Sylphid-sama?” (Lost)
“Yes.” (Sylphid)
“Huh? Where are you? I can’t see you again.” (Lost)
“Hehe, for now, I’m only letting my voice reach you. We can converse anywhere in the forest.” (Sylphid)
As expected of a spirit. From the outside, they’re called the great sage.
“I’ll guide you to the village.” (Sylphid)
And so, Sylphid-sama’s voice guided Shia and me. Shia, though not too shaken, seemed to be confused, not saying a word.
We arrived at the entrance of the dwarf village. As we entered the village, the villagers peeked out from the houses up in the trees. The one who greeted us was Chief Dodorot.
“Chief, it’s been a while.” (Lost)
“Hmm-hmm-hmm…” (Dodorot)
“Are you awake?” (Lost)
“I’m awake.” (Dodorot)
This person’s eyes are hidden by his long eyebrows, and he sleeps while mumbling “hmm-hmm”, so you really have to listen closely to know.
“Sylphid-sama told me you two were coming… What do you need?” (Dodorot)
“We came to ask Sylphid-sama something.” (Lost)
“You’re a greedy one… Well, I’ll allow it, just because of what happened the other day.” (Dodorot)
The other day, that was the orc hunting thing. They were very grateful at the time, but now they seem more cautious. I wonder if that’s just how their species is.
Then, we were guided to the base of a great tree. We entered into the flat altar room deep between the roots of the tree.
There, Sylphid-sama appeared, as if releasing the wind that had been surrounding her. The scene reminded me of Shia’s Air Pressure Control skill, standing next to me.
“It’s been a while.” (Lost)
“Good day. Can you see me this time?” (Sylphid)
“Yes.” (Lost)
I can see her clearly. Green hair, green eyes, and a white silk dress. She looks divine.
“Human child, what name do you go by now?” (Sylphid)
“I’m Lost. This person next to me, Shia, gave me my name.” (Lost)
I glanced at Shia.
“I can’t see Sylphid-sama.” (Shia)
Sylphid-sama approached Shia and, like she had done to me, placed her palm on her eyelids, sending magic from the wind.
“Ah…” (Shia)
Sylphid-sama winked at Shia and moved away.
“So, what is it you wanted to ask?” (Sylphid)
“I saw it in this book. It says Sylphid-sama is one of the five sages.” (Lost)
“That’s a story from a long time ago. Now, I’m just a spirit watching over this forest.” (Sylphid)
The humble spirit. Her kindness is apparent.
“Today, I want to ask about the Volga series. Sylphid-sama also created one, right?” (Lost)
“Volga…” (Sylphid)
Sylphid-sama muttered, then lowered her gaze.
“I am grateful to you, and I want to help you regain your memories as much as I can.” (Sylphid)
“Then—” (Lost)
“However, I cannot teach you about the power of Volga.” (Sylphid)
She said that a little coldly. (Lost)
“The power of Volga is not something humans should possess. The great sorcerer Emped tried to misuse it. I believe that I must seal the power of Volga so that such a tragedy does not happen again.” (Sylphid)
“I see…” (Lost)
It’s unfortunate, I thought I might find a clue.
“Did you think you could regain your memories with the Rizomata Volga?” (Sylphid)
Regain memories? I hadn’t thought of that, so does it mean that it has such power hidden in it?
“No… I just feel like I’ve seen the Volcanic Volga before.” (Lost)
“You’ve seen the Volcanic Volga?” (Sylphid)
Sylphid-sama seemed to suddenly realize something, but then, she kept her mouth shut.
“Do you know something about it?” (Lost)
“No… I haven’t spoken with Salamander, the fire spirit, in a long time.” (Sylphid)
She spoke as if she were holding something back, but there was no point in pressing her further.
Once again, no harvest. Back to square one.
“I’m sorry, but regarding this matter…” (Lost)
“What did that person Emped do? Did he really invade the elven kingdom?” (Shia)
At that moment, Shia interjected.
Emped, that person, must be an enemy of her ancestors.
“Shia Randall. You’re asking the same thing your mother asked.” (Sylphid)
“You knew my mother?” (Shia)
“Yes, I knew her very well.” (Sylphid)
Sylphid-sama looked at Shia with gentle eyes.
I wonder what kind of relationship they had.
“Emped was a magician with a strong curiosity. He wasn’t the evil man depicted in the picture book. He didn’t take over a kingdom or deceive a king. He only sought the origin of magic, and at the end of that pursuit, he failed and involved the entire kingdom. It was we, the five great spirits, who dealt with the aftermath.” (Sylphid)
She didn’t say it as if she were trying to clear up the misunderstandings of the picture book, but rather spoke plainly, stating the facts. Then, Sylphid-sama wouldn’t tell us anything that could lead to a clue about the Volga series, no matter what we asked.
—
On our way back, Sylphid-sama called me alone to talk, and we had a conversation just the two of us.
“About Shia Randall…” (Sylphid)
“What is it, Sylphid-sama?” (Lost)
“Her parents were killed by a certain magician.” (Sylphid)
“K-killed?” (Lost)
She gestured for me to be quiet by placing a finger to her mouth. I lowered my tone and spoke again.
“I’m sorry… I didn’t know they were killed.” (Lost)
“She probably doesn’t know either. Her parents were archaeologists who studied Azarigrad. Naturally, they looked into Emped and the Volga series.” (Sylphid)
Ah, so that’s why Sylphid-sama knew them.
“I thought her parents, being archaeologists, would be fine, so I spoke about the secret of Volga’s power. But there are still magicians like Emped who aim to seize that power.” (Sylphid)
So, they were killed by those magicians.
“After her parents’ death, Shia Randall was initially protected by me. I also gave her The Air Pressure Control power at that time.” (Sylphid)
“Ah, so that’s how she has that power…” (Lost)
“Have you seen it for yourself?” (Sylphid)
Sylphid-sama nodded contentedly, then straightened herself to continue speaking.
“Since her parents were killed, I decided not to speak about this secret to anyone. So, please forgive me regarding this matter.” (Sylphid)
“No, it’s fine. At least I’ve learned a bit about my own memories. I understand now that I’m just a child, and I’m ready to start over with this second life.” (Lost)
“I’m relieved to hear that.” (Sylphid)
Sylphid-sama seemed to be pretending to remain calm, but I could feel that she was distancing herself from me and the Volga series.
It’s just a hunch, though. It must be something very dangerous. I’ll try to find another lead.
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