New chapter of Nameless Hero is out! (1/3 chapters)
Yesterday’s Enemy is Today’s Friend
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The Urban Fraternity event ultimately ended without determining a winning team due to the destruction of the arena.
The black mage, Reingard, who had wreaked havoc and destroyed everything, was wanted by the Adventurer Guild, but in the midst of all the chaos, he disappeared into the clouds, and in the end, he still hadn’t been found. The prize money was evenly distributed between the two teams that made it to the finals, but regarding the grand prize magic tool, Mana Ventilator (Magic Respiratory System), the tournament organizers gave a nonchalant response, saying, “Please decide through discussion”, and left it to us.
This magic tool is the goal for both me and Yustin. Honestly, I’d prefer to have this over the money. Undine-sama’s hand-crafted magic tool, Mana Ventilator (Magic Respiratory System), it looks like just a scarf. It’s a long piece of wool that looks like it’s knitted. But apparently, if you wrap it around your neck, you’ll be able to breathe underwater. As expected from the work of the sage of water. However, at the end of the scarf, there’s a heart-shaped patch sewn on, with the inscription, “To my beloved Emped”.
This is definitely black history… I’ve been told by Undine-sama herself to retrieve this black history. So, my goal is to return it and in exchange, retrieve the Aquaram Volga for Yustin. Right now, we are having a discussion in a café about this magical tool.
—
“We don’t need the money. We’ll give it to you. In exchange, please hand over this magical tool to us.” (Anfan)
“Ha…?” (Lost)
The one making this proposal is Anfan Schwarzwald-san, Yustin’s father. I glanced at Yustin, who was sitting next to me. He was completely turned away, clearly not wanting to face his father.
He’s in full Yustin mode.
“We don’t need the money either… we only joined because our goal was that magic tool.” (Lost)
I responded, glancing sideways at Yustin.
The strategy of trying to lure us with money doesn’t work on us. As adventurers, we earn quite a bit. But Anfan-san, this middle-aged great mage, was the one who suppressed the Black Octopus monster summoned by Reingard. I can’t be too assertive with him.
“Then, I’ll take the prize money. If Lost and Yustin don’t want it, by elimination, I’m the only one left.” (Anfan)
“No, you can’t take it!” (Alba)
I waved my hand at Alba-san, who was sitting next to me in protest.
While I do acknowledge the effort they put in, this isn’t really the issue at hand right now.
Seated across the table were Anfan-san and his two companions, Gina-san, the mage, and the black-haired woman who had spoken to me during the festival. This woman had been giving me intense stares for a while now. She’d glance at my right cheek and right arm, then return her gaze to my face, lower her eyes, and then look back again. She seemed a bit restless.
“Yuu, don’t you have anything to say?” (Anfan)
“…” (Yustin)
Yustin pouted and turned his face away.
Such a child! Even though they’re parent and child, I’m the one who’s worrying about this. I can’t help it. I’ll distract them from talking about Aquaram Volga and explain our goal to get their agreement.
“Anfan-san, the reason we can’t hand over that magic tool is because we have a reason.” (Lost)
“You are… Lost-kun, right? You seem quite composed. I wish Yuu would learn from you.” (Anfan)
Anfan-san glanced briefly at Yustin, but, as expected, Yustin was still in full Yustin mode. Then, I started talking about the incident in Gigant Village. ‘If we don’t return this magical tool to Undine-sama, a blizzard will strike again in the Neve Snowfield. The giant folks in the village are suffering because of it’. I explained that returning the magical tool would be a way to help them.
“Will you be able to meet Undine-sama directly…?” (Anfan)
Anfan-san reacted not to the story of the giants but to Undine-sama’s name. I had an uncomfortable impression from that reaction. There seemed to be something more behind it… Some other motive that he was hiding.
Please don’t underestimate my intuition skill.
—
Three days later, our large party set out for the Neve Snowfield. The adult group consisted of the silver-haired mage, Anfan-san, the large and burly lightning spear wielder, Giovanni-san, the modest mage Gina-san, and the archer woman Lizbeth-san, who had been glancing at me earlier. The children’s group consisted of me, Lost, Yustin, and Shia, three of us. So, the total party was seven people.
The adults had agreed to return the magic tool to Undine-sama. By the way, Alba-san seemed to be satisfied with just taking the prize money and didn’t come with us to the Neve Snowfield.
We departed from the maze city of Azarigrad and traveled north across the plains. After crossing one river, the vegetation gradually disappeared, and we entered a cold region. The snowfield began to stretch out. After crossing several snow-covered mountains, we would reach Gigant Village in the highlands, and near there stood Undine-sama’s ice castle.
Along the way, Yustin walked quite a distance behind us, looking grumpy. As for Shia, she was usually expressionless and quiet, so I couldn’t really tell what she was thinking. Reluctantly, I had to join in with the adults and keep the conversation going, which was quite exhausting.
“Lost-san.” (Gina)
“Ah, yes! What is it…?” (Lost)
Gina-san, the mage, called out to me. Her light brown hair was cut to shoulder length, and her amber-colored eyes were quite striking. Her face had a sharp expression, much like Lizbeth-san, who was walking beside her. Despite her youthful appearance, she spoke with a clear and decisive tone, much like a well-organized person.
“Why did you decide to help the people of the Giant Billage?” (Gina)
“Eh?! Well, if you ask me why…” (Lost)
Gina-san’s tone was polite and humble, but her questions were sometimes blunt and straight to the point, which could be a bit intimidating.
“If you see people in trouble, don’t you want to help them?” (Gina)
“Hmmm… For an adventurer, you have quite a strong sense of morality. That’s admirable.” (Gina)
I felt a bit like she was looking down on adventurers. It was true that most adventurers were rough around the edges, like dungeon thieves. But when she said it directly with such serious eyes, it didn’t feel like she was joking.
“By the way, is your right arm like that from the beginning?” (Gina)
“This arm?” (Lost)
I raised my right arm and showed her the twisted “Insignia Arms” embedded in my arm. A thick gun barrel protruded from my right wrist. Just focusing my power there causes particles of light to gather, turning them into bullets to shoot. This was a machine made by the earth sage, Gnome-sama.
While I rarely used my flight ability, I decided to keep it as it is since the shooting ability makes it easier to destroy monsters. One shot from this could make them explode, making hunting easier.
“I see… So, the ‘Miracle of the Goddess’ wasn’t something you acquired later on?” (Gina)
“What’s this ‘Miracle of the Goddess’?” (Lost)
With a pleased look, Gina-san began to explain the ancient myth.
Long ago, there was a goddess of magic named Kea Tur de Dau, who used ‘anti-mana’ in contrast to the magic used by people and monsters to suppress those who opposed the gods. It was said that this ‘anti-mana’ dispersed magical powers and neutralized ancient mages who were deeply involved in magic.
“That magic you release from your arm is, indeed, the power of anti-mana.” (Gina)
Even if I could use such a miraculous power, it’s pretty inconvenient, since I can’t use basic magic at all.
—
After walking through the snowfield for a while, the sun began to set, and we decided to set up camp.
Thanks to the Schwarzschild parent and child, we didn’t have to carry tents as luggage. Our tent, the one for the children’s group, was stored away by Yustin, and the one for the adults was stored by Anfan-san using his space-transference magic, Portal Site.
Anfan-san seemed to have mastered some unique magic as well. In addition to the basic fire, ice, lightning, holy, and dark magic, he was skilled in gravity magic and teleportation magic.
Gravity magic was a first for me. The magic that flattened the Black Octopus during the final of the Banfra tournament was apparently gravity magic.
As usual, there was no conversation between father and son. Yustin silently threw out the things needed for the setup from the space he cut open. I received them, set up the tent, and arranged the firewood. I left the fire-starting to the mages.
The muscle-heads could only do physical labor.
Monsters also appeared around the snowfield. They were monsters called Wendigo, which were like the ice version of ogres. They had a habit of avoiding fire, so if we kept a bonfire going, it seemed we wouldn’t be attacked. Just in case, I decided to take the watch and guard the fire.
The watch duty was alternated between two adults and one child. The adults were considerate of us and gave us a longer sleep time. At the moment, I was on fire watch with Giovanni Battista-san, the lightning spear user, and Lizbeth-san, the archer. The bright moonlight illuminated the snowy field in the middle of the night, and it seemed that Undine-sama had stopped the blizzard as promised. However, being surrounded by snow at night was still cold.
I rubbed my hands and placed my palms on the bonfire.
“Ugh…” (Lost)
I shuddered from the cold.
Then, suddenly, a glow appeared next to me.
“…Eh!” (Lost)
When I looked across the bonfire, I saw Lizbeth-san smiling. It seems she had used fire magic to create warmth.
“Oh, thank you.” (Lost)
“You’re welcome~” (Lizbeth)
Lizbeth-san looked at me warmly, happy that I was now warm.
There’s something I still haven’t asked. Was this person someone I knew? Does she know anything about me before I lost my memory?
“Do you remember the name ‘Jack’?” (Lizbeth)
Once again, Lizbeth-san spoke to me.
I guess she has the same feeling as me. Not knowing whether we were acquaintances or not.
“…Sorry.” (Jack)
“But you really resemble him. If you had grown up, you’d probably be about the same age as him.” (Lizbeth)
“Actually, I—” (Jack)
I was about to say something, but I hesitated.
Actually, I have amnesia. Do you know about my past? But there’s no evidence to prove that. Lizbeth-san herself didn’t seem to be sure. There’s no solid reason to believe that I am the “Jack” she’s referring to.
“—Fufufu. This foolish exchange is quite rare and amusing, Lizbeth.” (Giovanni)
At that moment, Giovanni Battista-san, who had long blonde hair parted to the side, interjected. His slightly raspy voice seemed to echo in the still, quiet snowy field.
“What’s this? Do you know something, Giovanni?” (Lizbeth)
“Hehehe, it’s not that I know. The boy you’re talking about, ‘Jack’, is sitting right there.” (Giovanni)
“Eh?!” (Lizbeth)
“Huh?!” (Lost/Jack)
Our voices overlapped, both of us astonished. We both shouted in surprise, and I wondered if the four sleeping in the tent would wake up. But there was no time to worry about that. I couldn’t stay calm enough to care.
“What’s going on? Giovanni-san, why would you say something like that?” (Lost)
“What do you mean, Giovanni?! Why would you say something like that?!” (Lizbeth)
Again, our voices overlapped.
Seeing our panicked reactions, Giovanni Battista-san couldn’t hold back his laughter, twisting his face in amusement.
“Lizbeth Heckart, you surely haven’t forgotten the ice arrow you aimed at me in the Paradise Cyan?” (Giovanni)
“Eh?!” (Lizbeth)
Lizbeth-san was surprised for the second time.
“Did you notice, too?!” (Lizbeth)
“I’ve known from the beginning. And that feat of creating ice arrows, whether I misremembered or not, I can easily recognize it.” (Giovanni)
“Well… I’m sorry about that.” (Lizbeth)
The exchange between the two of them still seemed a bit formal. They might not be very close yet. Lizbeth-san blushed, awkwardly offering an apology.
“Don’t worry, I was entertained by that trivial contract. It might even be better than a gift.” (Giovanni)
“Well, that’s fine… But still, is this kid really Jack?!” (Lizbeth)
Lizbeth-san pressed Giovanni Battista-san again.
“Yes. Including the duel the other day, we’ve crossed swords twice now. There’s no mistaking it. This boy is the same child who was with your group in Paradise Cyan.” (Giovanni)
“So… that’s true… but Jack… doesn’t remember, right?” (Lizbeth)
Lizbeth-san looked at me with a worried expression. Somehow, her expression made her beauty even more striking.
So, my name was Jack. It feels kind of ordinary.
“I’m sorry. I really don’t remember anything.” (Lost)
“I see… Well, that’s disappointing. We finally meet, but it’s just like ‘nice to meet you’ after all.” (Lizbeth)
That’s true. But I’m happy. I’ve met someone who knew the old me. I’m not sure when we became acquainted, but I’ll ask Lizbeth-san about the old me.
I was getting sleepy, but Lizbeth-san’s presence made me fully awake. If it were allowed, I’d want to talk to her all night.
—
On the journey after that, I heard a lot from Lizbeth-san.
She said that I was picked up when I was 10 years old and was in the same party as her. She didn’t know anything about before that, and it seemed like there was some reason she didn’t want to talk about it, so she didn’t go into detail about that party. As for my supernatural abilities, she said that I didn’t have such power when I was adventuring with her, and since she left the party midway, she didn’t know the details.
“Jack was really honest, sincere, and a good boy.” (Lizbeth)
“Is that so?” (Jack)
“…I can’t believe how tough you’ve become. Time really flies by, doesn’t it?” (Lizbeth)
I was told various things about my adventure that I don’t remember, but none of it really rang a bell. Although I understood a little of the circumstances, I still don’t know anything about this power or the secret of my birth. But I did get a hint. The hint about my birth seems to lie across the sea, in the Rauda continent.
“Has someone from Lost-san’s past been found?” (Shia)
Suddenly, Shia, who was walking behind, asked.
“It seems so. We were in the same party for about six months.” (Jack)
“Nice to meet you. I’m Lizbeth Heckart.” (Lizbeth)
“…I am Shia Randall.” (Shia)
Shia wasn’t particularly the type to be shy. It was a plain greeting, but she firmly shook hands with Lizbeth-san.
As fellow archers, perhaps there’s something they can talk about.
—
I explained the situation to Argos-san from the Giant Tribe’s village, and after telling him we had come to return Undine-sama’s magic tool, he led us to the Ice Castle. He was still as taciturn as ever, but he had a much brighter expression now compared to when we first met. The Giant Tribe’s village itself seemed livelier, likely because the blizzard had stopped.
“Now, you all…” (Undine)
After we crossed the ice bridge, Undine-sama greeted us in front of the castle. However, seeing the large group, she froze for a moment.
“It’s rare to have these many guests at my castle.” (Undine)
The Ice Queen with blue skin and blue hair. The Wise One of Water, Undine-sama. Her red eyes were still as frightening as ever. But people with frightening eyes exist on our side as well.
“My apologies for the sudden intrusion. It is an honor to meet you, the Wise One of Water, Undine.” (Anfan)
Anfan-san, the three-eyed magician with deep navy eyes, greeted her crisply without hesitation, despite her being a sage. Then, we were led inside the Ice Castle and brought to Undine-sama’s audience chamber. With seven of us, the room did feel a little cramped. Undine-sama sat on her ice throne and crossed her legs in the same seductive manner as before.
“So, what brings you all here… huh? The children over there, I’ve met them before.” (Undine)
“I am Anfan Schwarzschild of the Magic Guild. The two behind me are my subordinates.” (Anfan)
“The Magic Guild…? What business do you have with me? I’ve had enough of guild-related matters.” (Undine)
Undine-sama sighed. It was understandable given that the Adventurer Guild had forcefully taken magic tools from her before.
At that moment, Yustin, who had been silent up until then, suddenly stepped forward, a step ahead of his father.
“Undine! I’ve brought it!” (Yustin)
With enthusiasm, Yustin took out the black history magical tool that had been a prize in the tournament from the portal site. Undine-sama, upon receiving it, let out a voice filled with emotion.
“Oooh… Oooh… this is it, this is it… my scarf…! Ah, Emped…” (Undine)
Undine-sama, you’re still thinking about the legendary mage Emped. As for the heart-shaped patch… well, it’s better not to touch on that.
“Very well. As promised, I’ll give you the Aquaram Volga.” (Undine)
“What?!” (Anfan)
It was Anfan-san who reacted to those words.
“Yuu, what’s going on? Why Volga?” (Anfan)
“…Hmph.” (Yustin)
Yustin, who was in the middle of his rebellious phase.
“Here. Use it as you like.” (Undine)
Undine-sama pulled out a blue tube from her pocket. It was transparent and looked like glasswork. It was more like a short stick than a tube, just that. When she threw it toward Yustin, he caught it and stared at it blankly.
“What is this? Is this the legendary weapon Aquaram Volga?” (Yustin)
Yustin, inspecting every inch of the blue tube, looked puzzled, his eyes wide. It was the same for me. If it were up to me, the magic tool from earlier, the scarf, would give off a far stronger aura.
“Yuu, that’s not a toy for children. Give it to me.” (Anfan)
“Shut up! Stop treating me like a child! I’m a righteous great magician!” (Yustin)
Yustin tightly gripped the Aquaram Volga and yelled in defiance. Anfan-san just stood there, looking down at his son, seemingly deep in thought. However, it was just a moment. He extended his left hand forward, and Anfan-san set his sights on Yustin.
“———Schocker (Burn)” (Anfan)
Suddenly, Anfan-san spoke a single phrase of magic. Realizing what was happening, Yustin quickly responded by thrusting his left hand forward as well.
“Schneeflocke (Ice Particles)!” (Yustin)
A loud crack rang through the Ice Castle as the sound of explosion echoed. Ice crystals appeared in front of Yustin, which acted as a lightning rod, blocking Anfan-san’s electric attack.
“Ho, good reaction speed.” (Undine)
“Tou-sama…! This is my achievement!” (Yustin)
We all stood quietly, watching, but only Undine-sama spoke up with displeasure.
“Don’t cause a ruckus in my castle! If you want to fight, do it outside!” (Undine)
She’s right.
Thus, the intense parent-child fight between the mages began.
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