New chapter of Nameless Hero is out! (2/3 chapters)
Parent-Child Bond
Thank you for reading at bayabuscotranslation.com)
Two mages stood facing each other in a snow-covered plateau. One was a middle-aged mage dressed in a beautiful brown robe, while the other was a young mage clad in a tattered black robe. The two were parent and child. Despite the age difference, their appearances were so alike that it seemed as if one had copied the other.
“Elektriche Kugeln (Electromagnetic Orbs)―――! Triplikat! (Triple)” (Yustin)
Yustin waved his left hand, causing three balls of electricity to manifest in the air.
“Elektriche Kugeln (Electromagnetic Orbs)!” (Anfan)
In response, his father also recited the exact same words. One electric ball appeared. The one imitating the spell was Yustin, who had learned and perfected his father’s magic.
“Yuu, if you’re suggesting a magic duel, I’m fine with it, but you must be prepared as a mage.” (Anfan)
“…” (Yustin)
“You’re already of age. If you lose this fight, you’ll quietly go to the Magic Academy. You’ll catch up on what you missed at the magic school.” (Anfan)
What is it? From the conversation, it seems that Yustin had rejected an elite education and ran away from home.
“And you’ll hand over the Aquaram Volga to me as well.” (Anfan)
For some reason, Anfan-san had been obsessed with the Volga. It seemed that he was more interested in the Volga than Yustin himself.
“Schießen (Take this)!” (Yustin)
Yustin responded with magic. His intention was not only to reject the request but also to show his will to win. The three electric orbs that surrounded him were launched toward his father all at once.
“Mischen (Mix)――Gefrorene (Freeze)” (Anfan)
Anfan-san continued his chant, layering it on top. In the midst of the electric orbs, icicles formed, and the two types of magic were fused. The ice bullets crackled with electricity as they shot straight at Yustin. The three electric orbs Yustin had launched were swallowed up and disappeared by the ice bullets. The electricity surrounding the icicles grew stronger and struck Yustin directly.
“……! Brandstifter (Burn)!” (Yustin)
Yustin created a fireball to counter it. However, it only melted the ice crystals. The released electricity struck Yustin directly. Though he didn’t speak it, Yustin’s face twisted in pain from the powerful electric shock.
“You haven’t learned mixed magic yet, have you? At the academy, they teach such things to the more talented ones.” (Anfan)
Anfan-san was very eloquent.
“Admit it. You’re still immature.” (Anfan)
“…No!” (Yustin)
But Yustin held his ground. He stubbornly resisted.
“You’re an immature child!” (Anfan)
“I’m not a child……!” (Yustin)
The child in the black robe had been the ‘great mage of justice’ when with us. But for him, this was the reality. Under a brilliant parent, he was constantly forced to follow his parent’s predetermined path. Yustin was fed up with that world. He must want more freedom.
“Brandstifter (Burn)!” (Yustin)
“It’s pointless! You can’t counter mixed magic with just one type of spell!” (Anfan)
Yustin created another fireball in the air. Anfan-san, on the other hand, created his mixed magic of ice and electricity once more. The two cast their spells almost simultaneously. A loud crash rang out as their magic was unleashed. The spectators must have felt a sense of déjà vu.
But Yustin seemed to have a plan.
“Eröffnung (Open)!” (Yustin)
His signature teleportation magic (Portal Site). Yustin used his portal to teleport the fireball right in front of Anfan-san. At the same time, he teleported the ice-electric mixed magic via another portal, surrounding his father with three types of magic.
“Hmph, this level of thinking……… Eröffnung (Open)” (Anfan)
But Anfan-san, who was also adept at teleportation magic, opened his own portal. He continued to teleport his magic, one after another.
“Eröffnung (Open)!” (Yustin)
“Eröffnung (Open)!” (Anfan)
“Eröffnung (Open)!” (Yustin)
They each kept opening portals and teleporting magic through them. To us, it just looked like magic was teleporting everywhere. They were engaged in an open portal battle from all directions.
“Do you think you can defeat me with the total amount of magic power? Eventually, you’ll run out of magic, and you’ll lose.” (Anfan)
“Eröffnung (Open)!” (Yustin)
With the repeated chanting, Yustin’s throat was growing hoarse. It seemed like only a matter of time before he would run out of mana. That was when it happened.
“Starkung (Enhancement)―von pat (One Strike)!” (Yustin)
Yustin’s fist seemed to glow.
The moment he flipped his robe, he suddenly disappeared from his original position. He teleported directly into his father’s arms, landing a blow.
“What……! Enhancement magic?!” (Anfan)
It wasn’t rare for magicians to fight on the front lines, but enhancing one’s physical abilities through magic was uncommon. Those who were talented in both the martial and magic arts were few. Even though mages could strengthen their bodies with magic, they couldn’t match warriors in close combat. Likewise, warriors who were skilled in close combat usually couldn’t handle enhancement magic. But then it hit me. Yustin had never been trained in close combat… or so I thought. But I had been teaching him boxing during our free time.
Yustin surprised his father by delivering a powerful body blow to his abdomen. The way he landed that punch seemed like he was objectively watching my boxing techniques.
“―――Eiswand (Shield)!” (Anfan)
The middle-aged magician quickly summoned a protective shield. But the punch was too heavy for it to block. His father’s magic shield was pierced, and Yustin’s enhanced punch sank deeply into his abdomen. Anfan-san groaned in pain, clutching his stomach and crouching.
“……Ugh…” (Anfan)
“I am……… the great mage of justice!” (Yustin)
That declaration echoed through the snowy field. It might have just been the stubbornness of a child. But everyone present trembled at the sound of his cry.
If you persist with your stubbornness, it will be realized.
“…I see now. I’ve never really let go of you.” (Anfan)
“…” (Yustin)
“I admit it. You’re a full-fledged mage now…… and the Aquaram Volga is yours.” (Anfan)
Yustin stood frozen, his expression twisted. It seemed like he was trying to hold back something that was overflowing. Seeing this, Anfan-san, who had declared defeat, stood up, still holding his stomach. He walked toward his child, placed a hand on his shoulder, and brought his body a little closer.
“Yuu, I was wrong. Your magic is yours alone.” (Anfan)
“…Ugh…” (Yustin)
Yustin rested his head on his father’s stomach and began to cry. Though we couldn’t hear his sobs, from the way he stood silently, it felt like we were witnessing a ‘man’s tears’.
—
Then, after two weeks, we returned to the labyrinth city of Azarigrad. It was a dirty town with dust swirling in the air. In the Neve Snowfield, I was shown an intense parent-child argument, and in the end, I was also shown parent-child love.
Parents, huh…
I wonder. Where are my parents? Do they worry about me? Would they have treated me overprotectively like Anfan-san? Would they have laid out the railways I was expected to follow?
I have companions. Yustin is here, and so is Shia. I have friends of the same generation. But relatives, somehow, feel like a different kind of existence altogether. Where are they? My relatives…
“Lost-san, are you alright?” (Shia)
“Ah, yeah, I’m fine.” (Lost)
Shia said, expressing concern.
Was my face that strange? Right now, I was exploring the underground labyrinth with Shia, just the two of us.
This elven girl’s parents are already dead. She had cried while reading her father’s letter. She must have already come to terms with her parents’ death. Despite that, she remains calm and composed, making her a strong child.
“Shia, do you have something you want to do in the future? Like something you want to be?” (Lost)
“…? What’s with the sudden question?” (Shia)
She gave me a neutral response. As usual, she stared at me with a side glance, and I shrank back a little. I was wondering what I was even asking.
“Ah, well, for example, Alba-san wants to become the strongest warrior, and Yustin wants to become the great sorcerer of justice, right? I was just wondering if you had something in mind too.” (Lost)
“…” (Shia)
She stared at me blankly.
When Shia is thinking about something, she always makes this absentminded face. It’s a bit cute. It’s so very cute.
“I don’t really have anything. I just want to keep living casually, just as I am now.” (Shia)
“I see…” (Lost)
I feel like she could easily become a famous archer or even an idol if she wanted to. It’s a bit of a waste, don’t you think? Though, to be honest, I don’t have any particular goals myself. Maybe we’re kindred spirits in that sense. It’s not good to rely on each other, but if I could just live simple days with Shia like this, I’d probably be content with that.
—
We finished the gathering quest and left the labyrinth. I had taken a quest to gather glowing plants that grew near Azalea Castle on the 30th floor of the labyrinth. It was an easy quest, yet the rewards were great. Perhaps it’s because few adventurers manage to reach the 30th floor. I exchanged the items at the Adventurer Guild, and Shia and I shared the profits.
“Hey, Lost-kun. Thanks for what you did in the Snowfield the other day.” (Anfan)
The person who spoke to me was Anfan Schwarzschild-san, who had been getting a lot of attention lately. Yustin was next to him.
It seems like they’ve made up. They’ve been spending more time together as father and son lately. I honestly feel a bit sad, as if Yuu-chan has returned to his real parents.
The reason he’s been in the spotlight is partly because, for his age, he is a handsome young man. Also, his charisma is being noticed. His calm demeanor, dignified speech, and ability to give precise instructions to his party members during adventures have all contributed to his popularity. And with that, Yustin’s reputation has been rising as well. Even more than mine after the Urban Fraternity incident.
Recently, Yustin has been getting a lot of attention from the town’s women, and the fact that he’s shy and embarrassed about it, blushing and running away, only adds to his appeal.
“Are you spending some quality time with your family?” (Lost)
“Lost, don’t get the wrong idea! I was just brought along randomly!” (Yustin)
Yustin, his face bright red, turned away.
Right, that’s the kind of reaction that makes him popular.
“I have a favor to ask of you, Lost-kun. I’d like you to come with us on the next expedition.” (Anfan)
“An expedition? Where to?” (Lost)
“To the Baira Volcano.” (Anfan)
The Baira Volcano… I remember it. It’s said to be the home of the Fire Sage Salamander. It’s also where one of the Volga Series, the Volcanic Volga, is said to be resting. The Volcanic Volga is one of the clues to my memory. Now that I know Lizbeth-san, it’s a bit late to think about it, but I am still curious.
I know the Volcanic Volga. A burning sword of flames. The strong impression it left on me can still be vividly pictured in my mind. I’ve tried several times to duplicate it using my Mental Extraction skill, but I could never recreate that sword. But I feel like I had a deep connection with the wielder of that legendary sword.
The power of Volga is mysterious power. I’ve been thinking that it may be related to this unnatural ability of mine, but I’ve never been able to confirm it. This time, maybe I should go along to clear up this confusion.
“I’ve heard rumors that you’re acquainted with the Earth Sage and the Wind Sage. What about the Fire Sage?” (Anfan)
“I’ve never met him.” (Lost)
“I see…” (Anfan)
On another note, what I’m really curious about is Anfan-san. He seems fixated on the Sages.
“Well, since it’s a faraway place, that’s understandable. The Baira Volcano is located beyond the Nihiro Desert, in a volcanic region. It’ll probably take about three months to get there.” (Anfan)
“By the way, why do you want to meet the Sages so badly?” (Lost)
“I’m not interested in meeting the Sages. I’m representing the Magic Guild, and I’m aiming to secure the Volga Series.” (Anfan)
“Huh?!” (Lost)
A shocking truth was revealed. Securing the Volga Series? A long time ago, I had been warned by the Wind Sage Sylphide-sama that the power of Volga was something humans should not possess. And now, Anfan-san casually talks about ‘securing’ them.
“Do you know what the Volga Series is?” (Lost)
“I know. They are precious Mana Factors. The Magic Guild has an obligation to protect and preserve Mana Factors as historical sacred relics.” (Anfan)
Oh, so they’re not planning to misuse them. In that case, I guess it’s fine… maybe?
“However, there are still magicians like Emped who try to target that power.” (Anfan)
The words of Wind Sage Sylphide-sama, from when I first arrived in Azarigrad, came to mind.
A sense of unease started to grow.
The staff of the Magic Guild are all mages who seek to master magic. Even if they aren’t planning to exploit it, there’s still a risk of it being misused, right?
“Protection is protection. If left unchecked, there’s a risk that it could be taken by bandits and misused. It’s safer if we protect it ourselves.” (Anfan)
That opinion is reasonable. There’s nothing to deny about it. But my intuition was telling me to reject it.
“Lost-kun, what do you think?” (Anfan)
“…” (Lost)
Anfan-san urged me again to give an answer.
“Hmm?” (Lost)
As I was struggling with my response, Shia, who was standing next to me, spoke up. And then, she leaned closer and whispered in my ear. As usual, this action makes my heart race.
“The Volcanic Volga is something that Lost-san was concerned about, wasn’t it?” (Shia)
“That’s true, but…” (Lost)
“Let’s be honest with ourselves here.” (Shia)
“I don’t want to hear that from you, Shia.” (Lost)
Shia mischievously smiled and added once more.
“I’ll go too. How about we try living casually for once?” (Shia)
I’m weak against that smile. It’s the kind of life that Shia is aiming for. She wants to live casually, despite her tough circumstances. Because she’s the one striving for that life, her proposal has a certain persuasive power. Indeed, there’s no point in overthinking it. Whether I join or not, the people from the Magic Guild are going to embark on the journey anyway. For now, it wouldn’t hurt to just follow along.
—
(POV Switch – Anfan)
That evening. I had the feeling that everything was going smoothly now that I had gotten Lost-kun’s consent. He has a strange charm. With him around, negotiations with the Sages would probably go well.
“The Schwarzschild’s envoy.” (Giovanni)
“Do you need something from me?” (Anfan)
Late at night, Giovanni Battista came to my room.
It’s rare for him to come to me.
“Is the Aquaram Volga fine?” (Giovanni)
“Fine? What do you mean by that?” (Jack)
I understood the intent behind his question. The Aquaram Volga has, after all, fallen into my son’s hands.
Our goal is to gather the Volga Series and then break the seal of the labyrinth, eventually obtaining the Rhizomata Volga. He’s probably asking if I’m fine with not keeping it in my possession.
Giovanni Battista stood at the entrance of the room. It seemed like he was telling me to understand his meaning.
“Hm, for example, even though you have the Keraunos Volga, it’s not in your hands, is it?” (Anfan)
“You and I have a contract. Your son doesn’t have one.” (Giovanni)
I understand what he wants to say. Giovanni Battista has the obligation to lend the power of the Keraunos Volga due to the contract with the Holy Knight Order and the Magic Guild. But Yustin has no such obligation. If, when it’s time to release the Rhizomata Volga, he refuses, then that’s the end of it.
“Don’t you have children? Don’t underestimate the bond between parent and child.” (Anfan)
“…Are you really going to proceed with this uncertain matter, Schwarzschild?” (Giovanni)
The room in the high-end inn fell silent. It was as if Giovanni was emphasizing that he was foreseeing my failure.
“Tch… Well, whatever. Your family line tends to fail when it matters most. Don’t slip up.” (Giovanni)
With that, Giovanni quickly left my room.
People who’ve lived long lives tend to bring up their family lines in such a noisy manner.
“…For the sake of the goal, I’ll even make use of bloodline ‘contracts’.” (Anfan)
—
The expedition to the Baira Volcano will include Anfan-san, Yustin, myself, and Shia, along with a mage named Gina-san. It’s a shame that Lizbeth-san won’t be coming, but since the decision was made for the Baira Volcano trip, she’s been in poor health and says that a long journey will be difficult for her. Colin-san from the Holy Knight Order and Giovanni-san will also be handling separate tasks. The three of us kids are basically just going for a picnic.
Anfan-san seems to be expecting me to use my influence and negotiation skills, but honestly, I don’t have much of that power, and I’ve never been praised for it.
Right now, Shia, Yustin, and I are in the Azarigrad market, preparing for the long journey that’s just three days away, buying food and gear. It’s a bit sad thinking that we’ll be away for about half a year when we travel there and back.
“We can put the food in Yustin’s convenient pocket again, right?” (Jack)
“What do you think I am? I’m not your pack mule.” (Yustin)
“It’s not like it’ll disappear, so it’s fine.” (Jack)
I threw the food I had bought at Yustin one after another. This is a usual exchange, and despite complaining, Yustin did put it in his convenient pocket (Portal Site).
He’s a bit tsundere, but we all know that deep down he’s a kind guy.
“Shia, you’re not buying much today, huh? That’s rare.” (Jack)
“I have the Higasa Volga, so I don’t need much.” (Shia)
The Higasa Volga. Its functions include an umbrella, weapon, means of transportation, water source, and stealth equipment, all combined into a multi-functional umbrella. It’s the ultimate weapon born of my love and Gnome-sama’s romance. Honestly, it’s much more amazing than the Aquaram Volga.
Shia happily walked around the market with the Higasa Volga in hand. Yustin and I followed behind.
Then, it happened.
“I found you–!!!!” (??)
A shrill voice suddenly echoed.
The impact of someone crashing into me from behind caused me to slide forward, landing face-first.
“Ugh!” (Lost)
But it wasn’t just a collision. The person from behind was pushing the face against the back of my head. And it was being pressed down. There was the sensation of two soft, large mounds against my back. And it smelled nice. To someone like me, who only ever smells the dust of adventurers, the fragrance was overwhelming.
“Jack, right?! This face and this right arm, there’s no mistaking it!” (Irene)
A bright voice echoed throughout the market.
I groggily propped myself up and stared blankly at the girl rubbing against me.
“Jack…?” (Lost)
Again. Someone from my past has appeared.
“Eh…? It’s me, Irene! Irene Stride!” (Irene)
And she was so close, our faces almost touching. I couldn’t help but feel uncomfortable, especially with her speaking so close.
She was a cute girl with a youthful face and black hair. Her figure was nice, and her clothes were neatly arranged. She wore an outfit that suggested some noble lineage, giving off a refined vibe. In terms of looks, she was the kind of girl who had no apparent flaws.
“Lost-san, who is this?” (Shia)
Meanwhile, I felt murderous intent from behind.
Thank you for reading at bayabuscotranslation.com)
Please consider supporting Bayabusco Translation @
bayabuscotranslation 