Chapter 5 The Return of the famous Maboroshi no Syoukanshi and the Controversial Flashback Montage.
Disclaimer: I own nothing , this is purely a fanfic for enjoyment. Cross-over from various games , books, anime, and movies. The familiar characters you see here belongs to their respected authors and owners.
Warning: This chapter onwards will have spoilers if you haven't read the novel from Baka-tsuki.
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The Raid of the Goblin King is an event in Elder Tale when a massive army of Goblins and Sahuagins invaded the entire continent prompting all Adventurers and forces of the People of the Land to stop them at all costs.
When Elder Tales was just a game, 'The Return of the Goblin King' was a periodic game event.
In the depths of the Ouyu zone's 'Black Forest' there was the goblin castle, 'Seven Falls'.
Every 2 years there would be a goblin king coronation ceremony, crowning the strongest goblin tribe leader from the surrounding 6 tribes.
If you changed it to real time, this was an event that happens every 2 months. The entrance to the 'Seven Falls' would open every 2 months for a week. If the players raided the goblin king's fortress during this period, they would be able to obtain strong loot.
There were 2 reasons why this was so popular. First, the loot dropped by the goblin king was very strong, even if they were not something the top-tier players of major guilds would want, they were still very high level items for normal players, high quality items that would make others envious.
Another reason that could not be overlooked was the strength of the goblin king and the defense forces were not fixed.
According to the game setting, the goblin king was selected from the strong goblins from the surrounding tribes. In other words, if you attacked the surrounding tribes and weakened their forces, the goblins in the 'Seven Falls' zone would also be weakened, the level and power of the goblin king would also go down.
Because of this feature, even normal players stood a chance in taking on 'The Return of the Goblin King' quest, making it a worthwhile and popular quest.
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It was finally 8 am, and some members of the West Wind brigade joined the Raid the Goblin King quest. Our party consisted of 24 people making it a Full Raid.
A party was made up of 6 Adventurers, a 'Full Raid' consisted of 24 people, a 'Legion Raid' was formed by 4 'Full Raids', this 96-people group was the biggest fighting unit in Elder Tales.
The West Wind Brigade met with the Black Sword Knights at the Town square, many people were staring.
"Voii!, you sure are gutsy today Soujiro, to request a raid party from us, nonetheless, me, and my men are bored to death, so we will accompany you to this quest." Isaac said.
"Actually, it was my guild member Harry here who suggested it." Souji said as all attention went to Harry to which he glared at Soujiro.
"Hello Desu~, I am just a humble guild member who suggested it, I was bored of Souji here playing with his harem, and need to whip his butt into shape." said Harry in a meek happy voice.
Then his face darkened, and became serious "So don't get in my way, whoever you are, whether you are God or Satan, you will die by my hands if you mess this up okay?, Kapeesh?." Harry said in a dark tone of voice that scared the shit of everyone.
From the first impression Harry gave, he was a meek, shy, and weak magician class player, and ready to roll over, but during that little outburst proved to be otherwise, and shut up most haughty members of the Black Sword Knights.
"Man, what did you feed this guy with?, what turned this weak, and frail magician class player into a rabid bloodthirsty warrior?, c'mon spill it, I'll pay any price to have some of it." Isaac said impressed.
"A bloodthirsty warrior?, who me?, you must be joking desu~, I am clearly a frail magician who needs bodyguards." Harry said in a meek shy voice that failed to fool the members of the raid group, and sweatdropped.
"We'll, enough about that lets go, adventure awaits." Isaac commanded.
They arrived at Sand Leaf hills, they were also surprised that Naotsugu, and Nyanta were there.
"Oi!, what are you guys doing here?." asked Harry.
"Oh Harry, I'm surprised to see you here, we were originally accompanying low level players to get accustomed with their skills and level up in a camping trip program, but the goblin army arrived, and we decided to defend the nearby village." Naotsugo explained.
"Ahh, I see, any estimate on the number of goblins they have?." Harry asked.
"Sadly the number right now is 200000 and increasing, it's been an all time high since we didn't invade their territory since the catastrophe." Naotsugu said.
"I see." Harry said, and was in deep thinking mode.
The raid group sounded discouraged by the news but was quickly reprimanded by Isaac.
"Vooiii!, how could you guys be discouraged, your all at a high level, they will be easy pickings." Isaac pointed out.
"But Isaac taicho, they have 200000 troops and increasing. We don't have the manpower to handle that many." One of the guild members of the Black Sword Knights pointed out.
"Sigh, I guess I have no choice in the matter, and make my debut again, Souji, Naotsugu, Nyanta, can you accompany me to the top of the hill with a clear view of the goblins?, I may have a solution for this mess." Harry suggested.
That little conversation did not go unnoticed, as all the people in the area followed the group curious on what was the solution the young ahem* frail magician that he claims to be has planned.
They arrived shortly at the top of the hill with full view of the enemy goblin army, it was awe inspiring and demoralizing at the same time when you are faced with 200000 enemy troops.
"We're here Harry, what are you going to do?." asked the curious Naotsugu.
"Leave that to me, now give me some space so I can prepare." Harry requested and everyone complied, they became curious at what this young man will do.
Harry began chanting, "Legendary Phantasmal Contract Summoning!, I summon the elements of Fire, Ice, Lightning, bound by the Guardian of the Sea and Sky. I summon upon these beings of legends, unleash fury upon my foes, and let it be known the Legendary Maboroshi no Syoukanshi has returned. Do thy bidding, crush my foes, so has your summoner decree, so it shall be done, arise once more, and let his legend continue. Behold I summon the Legendary Birds of the elements, Moltres, the legendary Bird of Fire, Zapdos, the legendary Bird of Lightning, Articuno, the legendary Bird of Ice, Lugia, The legendary Guardian of the Sea, Ho-oh, the legendary Guardian of the Sky. This I command: Destroy all goblins within sight."
As Harry said his chant, his voice echoed for all to hear, five summoning circle appeared in the air in a pentagram formation summoning each legendary bird when its corresponding name was called. The legendary birds was truly a sight to behold towering to the height of 5?3? (1.60m) to 5?7? (1.70m). As soon as Harry said "This I command: Destroy all goblins within sight.", they sprung into action and fired fiery elemental blasts of destruction that blasted the goblin forces, it only took 20 minutes to wipe the goblin army leaving loots behind, and Harry de-summoned his summons.
"We'll I'll leave the loots to you guys, I'm really tired." Harry said explaining his condition.
Everyone was in shock and awe at the scene, some who knew the tittle Maboroshi no Syoukanshi were excited that such a legendary figure appeared before them. However most of their reaction could be surmised into three words "What the Fuck?". They quickly snapped out of their stupor and celebrated the annihilation of the enemy goblins.
"Hyu, Hyu, sugoi, Harry, you have been holding out on us." said the excited Naotsugu.
"Hehehe, didn't really want to show off much, however lives are at stake this time, and is no time to be stingy." Harry said as everyone agreed that they would do the same if they had that kind of firepower in their arsenal.
"Hoh, Maboroshi no Syokanahi huh?, so the boogyman has been hiding in sheep's clothing all along, Mwahahaha, this is great, I look forward to meeting again, now EVERYONE!, to the field!, it's free equips for everyone!." Isaac declared.
As soon as they heard thay, they scrambled at the name of free loots.
"Aren't you guy's going with them." Harry asked Naotsugu, Nyanta, and Souji.
"Nahh, I contacted Maryelle earlier and told them the news, they are heading out, and going on a looting spree." explained Naotsugu.
"Well, I as for me I wanna ask Harry a bunch more questions." said Souji.
"Hehehe, it's grillfest time nya~, no eacape for you nya~." Nyanta explained.
And so they interrogated Harry some more, and it lasted the whole day.
Meanwhile News of this success travelled to League of Freedom Cities Eastal at Ancient Palace of Eternal Ice making them breathe with relief.
Elsewhere Princess Raynesia was gathering troops at Akihibara, and preparations were made for a legion raid. Her inspiring speech coupled with the valkyrie type armor made her look like one and captured the hearts of the adventurers gaining support.
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Flashback (Baka-Tsuki)
"Thank you everyone for gathering here so early in the morning, I am Shiroe from Log Horizon. The time is now dawn, the war is coming upon us, let me explain our situation."
It was dawn.
The city square was full of Adventurers, the numbers were uncertain, but from the crowds jam-packed in the city square, there should be more than a thousand.
Akiba central city square.
The debris in the city square had been cleared in the past few months, it was now 20% more spacious than before the Catastrophe. When Elder Tales was still a game, the debris was just part of the immovable background, but now they could be moved or destroyed.
There were still shops open at this unearthly hour, the stores had been refurbished and looked very clean, making Akiba look more vibrant and lively.
Raynesia did not know these details, she only felt this was a city full of life. The sun had just started rising in the east and yet there were so many people already gathered here. For Raynesia who had not been through any battles, this was an unusual sight.
And those gathered here were not just human knights.
There were elves, dwarves, even carpenters and merchants. Unlike military processions and meetings of nobles, the stalls peddled their food and drinks to the crowds, which seemed to be the norm in this city.
Raynesia did not know the Round Table Council members who had been standing by on shift had made all the preparations after Shiroe contacted them. Gathering the veteran Adventurers, setting up the stage, and parking the 'secret weapon' beside Akiba's riverbank had all been done.
Raynesia who was staying inside the tent next to the stage could only see the Lumiere called by the summoner illuminating the podium.
They were using the valuable mage, the highly respected summoner, as a stagehand. This went against the common sense of Raynesia, but the contents of the speech made her even more lost.
"...Because of these reasons, centered around Sand Leaf peninsula, in the northern hills and forests of the Kanto region, there is an army of about 20,000 goblins. This force is attacking the surrounding areas. There are several Adventurers in Sand Leaf reporting about this attack. The governing organization in Kanto, the 'League of Freedom Towns Eastal' is exposed to this threat. According to the analysis of the Round Table Council, this threat is just a threat, the 'League of Freedom Towns Eastal' will not be wiped out if we leave them alone, but will exhaust at least 30% of their total fighting force... this number is equivalent to the destruction of their military, but it is not to the extent of wiping out all the People of the Land."
The report Shiroe was reading out was more detailed than that of the nobles and he was merciless in his speech. If Raynesia was not wrong, his words had hidden poisonous barbs.
But the scene that amazed Raynesia the most was not Shiroe's attitude, but the comprehension in the eyes of all the Adventurers listening.
From what she could observe from the tent, not one person looked bored or confused. Some of them even opened up pieces of paper, probably maps, and were noting down the important points in the speech.
This was a scene that made Raynesia, one of the People of the Land, amazed. Weren't the people gathered here equivalent to peasants? Why did they have so much comprehension skills?
Raynesia thought that the Adventurers gathered here were just common soldiers, but their comprehension level surpassed that of officers, and was on par with the bureaucrats of the courts. There were so many people with military and geographical knowledge, and they seemed to know the political situation of the 'League of Freedom Towns Eastal', this almost made Raynesia fall down in shock.
What were nobles? What were peasants? What were farmers?
The worldview in Raynesia's heart had been shattered.
"On the other hand, we feel that defending Akiba from this army is something simple...apart from food, this city is very self-sufficient and even more so in terms of technical knowledge. We have enough defense capabilities, it is not necessary for us to aid the 'League of Freedom Towns Eastal'. In terms of gain and losses, we do not need to help them, let me repeat, we absolutely do not need to send aid... I hope everyone will listen to the words from this 'person' while keeping this in mind."
It was as though everyone present gulped.
When many people gather together, they would create a certain warmth. In the heat of the silence, Shiroe looked to the tent and pointed to this 'person'.
"Ah?"
Someone grabbed Raynesia's hand while she was stunned.
She turned around and saw Krusty in a sky-blue armor, she was not sure if it was for ceremonial or practical use. Krusty had his usual gentle expression and smiled as he said: "Let's go on stage."
"Eh? Eh?"
"Come."
Krusty dragged her out of the tent and a sudden bright white light shone onto the city square.
It was the light of dawn, the first ray of sunlight in the morning illuminating the whole square from the east.
In the cool morning breeze of the summer, Raynesia was suddenly pushed forward.
This was the center of the stage, the forefront where there was no escape.
Raynesia felt hot as she came on stage and did not know what to say or do. In front of her were several thousand Adventurers, a being that was different from the People of the Land. Even if they had the same form and language, they were fundamentally different creatures.
She could feel this from her short contact with them.
Her lips were trembling, her knees were losing strength.
A sharp sound came from her right.
She turned and saw Krusty with his calm appearance like a heroic guardian angel. He stuck his two-handed axe into the floor and placed both his hands onto its handle. The sound just now was the axe hitting the floor.
This was followed immediately by a dull thud from the left. Shiroe who moved here was holding a ceremonial pewter staff that was taller than him vertically like a spear. Shiroe didn't have the staff a moment ago.
With Krusty and Shiroe on either side of her, Raynesia took a step forward on the stage. Her temperature was rising gradually, the scenery in her eyes was changing its shape, but her thoughts were unexpectedly clear. Her breathing was so loud that it irritated her, and she could strangely hear the conversation of the Adventurers chatting softly in a corner clearly.
"...Everyone, this is my first time meeting all of you, I am one of the People of the Land. I am a resident of the 'League of Freedom Towns Eastal', the daughter of the Corwen clan governing Maihama. My name is Raynesia Elart Corwen, I came here bearing a request for everyone."
Her voice was so clear she surprised herself.
Raynesia's words reached every corner of the city square in the morning air.
"Just as Shiroe-sama described, Yamato is facing a great crisis. I announce without any reservation that the guardians of Yamato, the 'Knights of Izumo' are missing right now. The 'League of Freedom Town Eastal' will need to handle this crisis themselves. The goblin invasion force is the biggest ever in history, and they are advancing fast. They are already within the sphere of influence of the 'League of Freedom Towns Eastal'. The People of the Land have city walls, magic barriers, and soldiers, but how effective our defenses will be is still an unknown. Even at this moment in time, my fellow People of the Land are polishing their blades and fortifying the walls in preparation for war. But even with all these efforts, we cannot avoid making major sacrifices to protect our homelands."
Raynesia threw her gaze far away.
What she saw was not the crowd before her, but the scene a few hours ago.
"It might sound shameful, but the 'League of Freedom Towns Eastal' has not come to a consensus even at this critical stage. Before I arrived here, they were still arguing selfishly for the safety of their own territories and were reluctant to send aid to each other. Not only that."
Raynesia hesitated at this point.
But she was unable to stop.
"Not only that, we are wishfully thinking about pushing the holy task of defending our homeland to the Round Table Council's ambassadors. We were scheming to rely on the immortal Adventurers, rely on everyone here for help, hoping to use everyone's battle power to protect our lives and territories. I am not worthy of apologizing on their behalf... But I am deeply sorry, and I also feel remorse over one more thing. The thing is, I am here today to raise the same willful request."
Raynesia did not notice the bright purple cape and 'Valkyrie Mail' that Shiroe chose complemented Raynesia's feminine features to the limit. Raynesia under the dawn light was the image of a valkyrie that everyone respected and adored.
Raynesia did not realize this.
When she made her plea to the Adventurers, Shiroe turned his head slightly and gave Krusty a look. Krusty gave a bitter smile and an expression of resistance.
"Both the 'League of Freedom Towns Eastal' and I do not have much to offer in terms of rewards... Everyone is living in such a prosperous city, I do not know what to prepare to give as thanks, and I don't want to use worldly items to exchange for everybody's freedom. But as a daughter of the Corwen family, I love Maihama deeply and have the obligation to protect my nation... that's why... I have come here before everyone today."
Deluding themselves with wishful thinking and only thinking of protecting their own interests was indeed shameful.
Raynesia fell to her knees naturally and gave a deep bow.
If the Adventurers present were knights or bureaucrats, or in other words nobles, she wouldn't lower her head this way. In the culture of nobility, a lady was treated as a valuable item, a noble lady of high status was their top protection priority.
But she learned one thing after knowing Krusty, the Adventurers were not the same.
With her title, she would also be respected as a noble in Akiba. But she would not have a group of people attending to her needs which was the norm in nobility culture, she would at most receive the 'respect' of the people on the street.
This was a heterogeneous city.
She would not receive the princess-level of attention she was so used to in this city. But she would also not be discriminated at all like a lady in a noble's social circle.
The woman in the social circle of nobles did not have rights.
She was treated kindly, would receive all sorts of gifts, and be given numerous compliments and hollow words of admiration.
She just needed to frown slightly and the young knights would present her with the most valuable medicine. But they were seeing her as an individual to adore.
They were just after her as a 'noblewoman', a prize in the diplomatic battles among the nobles, that's why she was treated with care.
A 'noblewoman' was treated like a gem in the noble's social circle, she was a 'noblewoman' who came with a guarantee of high pedigree, she was just a top-class trophy.
Raynesia who spent her days brooding in her room was more aware of this than anyone else, and she understood that she was powerless to deny this fact.
"I am cowardly and lazy, an ignorant vase... but... I want to go to the battlefield, so, if you are able to, if it is fine with you, will you be willing to go with me? Are you willing to help me based on your kindness and freedom? I wish to do all I can to protect the 'Freedom of the Adventures'..."
(Even if I say that...Even if I want to protect their freedom...)
This content has been misappropriated from Royal Road; report any instances of this story if found elsewhere.
She was a member of the Corwen family, but she did not have such authority because she was born a girl. She could plea with her father or grandfather to buy clothes or jewelry for her, she could grant testimonials to one or two Adventurers and she could hold dinner parties.
But she had no further political powers.
Raynesia also thought she was giving an empty promise.
But instead of saying it was a lie, it was more like her aspiration.
Krusty was the first one to acknowledge she had the freedom to take to the battlefield, Adventurers probably had never doubted the freedom of doing this. Raynesia wanted to protect their freedom. For Raynesia who never had such freedom all these years, this was the first time she had such an aspiration in her heart.
"I sincerely ask everyone to help me."
As she finished her speech in a whimper, there was a loud wave of iron clashing. In the middle of the city square, a group of people in blue with a coat of arms on their cloaks clashed their weapons and shields and stomped their feet.
A company of knights in black armor unsheathed their swords and swore to take to the battlefield; on the open balcony of a ruin a band of elves with bows on their backs sounded their war horns; dwarves holding axes howled mightily in the crowd.
Werecats, wolf fangs, foxtails, and other minorities did not seem to be discriminated in this city.
(Ah...)
Krusty walked to Raynesia's side while she was stunned, Shiroe was at her other side the next second.
"And so, this city... We will be sending out our first expedition army, the condition for enlisting is level 40 and above. This is a quest given by the Round Table Council, there is only one reward, the gratitude and respect of this People of the Land onstage. Comrades who are willing to take up the quest please ride for Maihama! Considering the crisis of this situation, we will also be sending a blitz force against the enemy. The formation of parties will be done while on the move, I hope everyone will cooperate. I am Krusty and I will be the commander-in-chief for this expedition army."
"The role of tactician will be taken by me, Shiroe. Within 15 minutes from now I will be contacting the blitz group through telepathy. The members who receive the message please head downstream of Akiba to Akiba River and the experimental dock. 'Ocypete' will be waiting for you there... For the members who do not receive the message in 15 minutes, you belong to the main expedition force, please head to the registration counter situated at the city's east gate to collect your quest forms. You can proceed as instructed after being registered on the friend list of the registration staff. There will be instructions for the formation of parties while you make your way there, the preparation time is 15 minutes, please give me your utmost support."
"Ah, ah..."
An army of a thousand soldiers howled in front of the speechless Raynesia.
Flashback End
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Surprising news travelled to the head of the Round Table Alliance about the goblins forces were wiped out. Looks of utter surprise was on most adventurers faces, all that drama build up for nothing, but hey, no more imminent danger so it was still good news.
Shiroe then received a sudden call for help from his guildmate Minori about Rundelhous dying, and asked if there was a way save him, she explained that they tried to do the Goblin King quest at Seven Falls now that the majority of the goblins were defeated, but they got ambushed along they way, and Rundelhous covered for Minori, Isuzu and Serara. Minori also explained that Rundelhous was one of the people of the land.
Shiroe quickly commanded them to cast ressurection untill he arrived there. When Shiroe arrived, he tried the experimental scribe contract to make one of the people of the land (NPC) into an adventurer. Shiroe's gamble paid off, and Rundelhous was successfully turned into an adventurer.
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*Flashback* (from baka-tsuki)
Shiroe did not know if the spell would work. Even though the theory was sound and Shiroe had experimented repeatedly, it was still a gamble. Considering the impact on the future, it would be better to have fewer witnesses even if it succeeded.
Was that a tavern or hotel in front?
A young man lay motionless under the roof of an open concept building, the crying girl beside him should be Isuzu, a charming young girl with freckles.
Familiar faces surrounded Shiroe, Tohya with his painful expression, Serara with her look of worry, and Minori with her sense of purpose.
Shiroe calmed his heart.
It was hot out here, but his mind was like the winter night sky.
"Minori, add me to your party."
"Yes."
Minori nodded without further questions. Shiroe was thankful that she was not talking in this situation. He observed Rundelhous' face, he looked like an elegant nobleman. He still had body warmth and a pulse, but he was still unconscious. The party status screen was flashing the word 'death'.
"I recall you are Isuzu-san? Continue 'Mediation Nocturne', I am going to cast a new spell, please keep this an absolute secret."
Shiroe told the beginners with a strict tone.
"If you cannot agree then give up or leave."
The group shook their heads in response, no one flinched away at his words.
"Alright, let's begin."
Shiroe chose the spell from the menu and cast 'Mana Channeling', a unique spell of enchanters which had unknown functions.
The effect was to drain all the MP of his allies and distribute it equally.
(Correct... The psyche lies in the 'Soul', and MP is the manifestation of the 'Soul', if that is the case...)
As he chanted the spell incantation, the MP of the whole party gathered inside Shiroe.
Shiroe out-leveled all of them, the draining part of his 'Mana Channeling' was a heavy burden on Minori's party who were less than level 30.
Minori, Tohya, and Serara looked pale. Their MP was gradually drained away, making them feel dizzy and lost. Isuzu continued to hold Rundelhous' hand and sing her sad ancient ballad despite her face turning white.
Shiroe felt the effect of the magic with his eyes half-closed.
The MP he gathered from his allies was all under Shiroe's control. He could feel the lingering scent of their 'Soul' although it was only a faint hint. Tohya's one-track mind, Minori's seriousness, all of these expanded out under Shiroe's control.
It also included Serara's, Isuzu's, Rundelhous', and his own MP.
The MP with different subtle tastes mixed into primitive spiritual energy and was guided along the magical circuit connected to his allies.
Shiroe divided the MP evenly and distributed it.
(Hnng!)
The rapid loss of MP gave Shiroe a feeling of anemia.
His MP was more than the other members', enchanters belonged to the mage class and their maximum MP was among the highest among the classes. And Shiroe was level 90, re-allocating the MP evenly with level 30 adventurers was the same as refilling all their MP in one shot.
"Minori cast Resurrection, Serara continue to heal."
This was all preparation work, Shiroe continued to give instructions, but the time was short, there might only be one chance and one sentence.
Rundelhous was a People of the Land.
He was not an Adventurer, so he would not revive after dying.
And Rundelhous was now dead.
That's why Rundelhous would not revive.
This was an iron-clad rule that could not be overturned.
The mana-channeling spell of the enchanter restored the MP of the group... in other words, revitalized their psyche and soul.
He did not regain consciousness because his 'Soul' and 'Essence' were not connected. This was the same as being comatose, so they needed to find a way to force it to connect.
For the next phase, Shiroe took something out from his backpack.
"It will be a race against time."
Shiroe used 'Hades Incense of Soul Recovery' as he finished his sentence.
This was used to wake your allies or creatures for a short time, a medicine mainly used for special monsters. The effect was not resurrection, just regaining of consciousness for 3 minutes before you died again, and the Adventurer would be forcibly sent back to the cathedral.
But for Rundelhous whose 'Essence' was dissipating continuously, this item held a certain possibility.
No matter what happened, his body would be destroyed, the psyche and soul residing in the host body would also perish.
'Hades Incense of Soul Recovery' would re-energize his 'Soul' and forcibly connect it to his body, but at the expense of death after 3 minutes. He could only pull Rundelhous back to this world for 3 minutes.
A fake resurrection with a time limit.
The group seemed to understand this as Isuzu tightened her grip on Rundelhous' hand with tears flowing down her cheeks.
"Ah..."
Rundelhous opened his eyes slowly as if he just woke up from a dream.
Isuzu couldn't stop crying as she held his hands. It was unclear if he had regained consciousness, even his eyes opening might be just the reflex of his body.
"Rudy...?"
"Miss Isuzu...ah, everyone, that's right... seems like... I died."
He had some awareness after death, just that the connection between his 'Soul' and 'Essence' had been severed. For Adventurers, this meant the monitor lost its color, you could only watch your comrades fighting in black and white. It was not clear how it was for the People of the Land, but Rundelhous seemed able to grasp the situation.
Rundelhous smiled and spoke with a tired voice to the others.
"Don't be like this everybody... don't make such a face. If you fight you will risk death, isn't that natural?"
"Only... natural..."
Tohya's voice made Shiroe's heart ache.
It was something they didn't joke about in the game, the heavy topic of death... was only natural for the People of the Land.
"I wanted to be an Adventurer despite that, please don't blame Miss Isuzu okay? I wanted her to help me keep this a secret."
"No, I already noticed, but I chose to ignore it!"
Minori cried out loud, telling everyone the impact this had on the Minori who always acted calmly.
"Ha ha ha, yeah, thank you Miss Minori... there is no need to feel bothered about this."
"No, there is a need."
Shiroe interrupted.
There was no time.
Shiroe let his mind run free as he thought about the horrifying thing he was about to do. It might be a big mistake, it might even threaten the laws of the world.
He didn't know how this would affect the world if he was successful, or how the world would receive this 'proposal'.
But the young man who had accepted his fate and was bidding farewell to the rest called himself an Adventurer.
This was not the term to describe players, but the term for traveling the world and seeing a sunrise that no one had seen before, the name of Shiroe's companions.
Since he called himself that, he was also a scion of 'hers'.
"No, you need to feel bothered. Rundelhous Code, a fellow who gives up so easily calling himself an Adventurer will only trouble others. This is not enough... Did you spend your whole life training and learning in order to die in an alley like this? What you have found in the dungeons are not tactics or strategy, but the will to survive, the grit to do anything to keep living on no matter how hard you have to work, the spirit to never give up right?"
"Shiroe-nii..."
"Rundelhous, your resolve is not strong enough!"
"Then what do you expect me to do?"
Rundelhous' eyes were full of regret and dismay, even if he said this was only natural, his heart refused to accept it as his tears started to flow.
Because of this, Shiroe decided to use that 'magic'.
"Pay attention and listen up!"
Shiroe took out the document he scribbled while he was on the griffon's back and put it in front of Rundelhous' face.
"This is..."
"A contract?"
The document Shiroe took from his backpack was indeed a contract, it was written in 'Carved Dragon Eye Ink' on the 'Fairy King Paper' made from top-class ingredients, the only one in the world.
"Contract... Log Horizon representative Shiroe, and Rundelhous Code agree to the following terms:
1. Effective immediately, Shiroe invites Rundelhous to join the guild Log Horizon.
2. Rundelhous will act appropriately and carry out tasks assigned seriously befitting his position as a member of Log Horizon.
3. Log Horizon will provide Rundelhous with necessary support to aid him in carrying out his tasks... including the identity of an Adventurer.
4. This contract is based on mutual agreement of both parties, whatever things either party gain will remain in effect even if the contract lapses.
As above, there are 2 copies of the contract, both parties will keep one copy after signing the agreement as proof."
Sounds of gasping could be heard.
"Adventurer...?"
"This is... Shiroe-san, this is...!"
This was developing a spell that was not in the game.
Shiroe noticed this possibility a long time ago.
Chefs could cook food manually without using the game menu, making dishes with normal taste.
Nyanta explained to Shiroe on their way back to Susukino.
And this had proven to be correct.
And Shiroe convinced the Round Table Council that this was not limited to chefs.
People with the corresponding skills could use them to create items without using the game menu, making things that did not exist in this alternate world.
This was the real meaning behind Nyanta's discovery.
2 months after that, Shiroe had been researching things he had visualized and conducted experiments repeatedly. He kept this as a hidden ace to be used if the Round Table Council meeting did not go smoothly, but further research and data kept accumulating and it evolved.
His conversation with Ri Gan about Spirit Theory gave Shiroe an inspiration and one of his research topics was going to bear fruit here.
Rundelhous was a People of the Land.
And he would die in 3 minutes.
People of the Land could not revive.
Rundelhous would disappear.
If that was the case, the answer was obvious...
He needed to make Rundelhous into an Adventurer in these 3 minutes.
His experiments proved that scribes could make simple contracts and all sort of documents such as 'Mission Request Forms' or 'IOU' that had magical binding powers. A scribe with a high enough level could create these with magical ingredients.
But among these type of contracts, this one was top class.
Allowing a Person of the Land to join a guild and bestowing the identity of Adventurer on him, this contract looked like a fraud to Shiroe. So Shiroe used his level 90 Scribe skills and the top-class magical ingredients and ink he collected during the time when Elder Tales was a game without regret in order to fulfill this request.
Shiroe moved the contract closer to Rundelhous' face.
"I have already signed this, the rest is up to you."
"...Ven...turer..."
"You can realize your dreams."
The young sorcerer with mud all over him said in a weak voice, as Shiroe explained to him.
"This contract has a risk, you will be altered in some ways after the contract takes effect, becoming a different being. Adventurers are still new to this world, you might get caught in some other events, Adventurers might not be as glorious as you imagined."
"I want to become..."
The status screen still showed the flashing word 'death', his HP was reducing gradually, Rundelhous replied without hesitation.
"I want to become an Adventurer, people who help those in need, I won't mind the small details... I am not after the glory... I just want to be... an Adventurer."
Rundelhous grabbed the pen with his trembling hand and it fell out of his hand immediately. 'Hades Incense of Soul Recovery' was losing its effect, Rundelhous might be unable to keep his 'Soul' and 'Essence' connected.
"Rudy... don't worry."
Isuzu held his hand.
"I will sign this together with Rudy."
Isuzu embraced Rundelhous from behind, Tohya helped from the side, Minori and Serara cast healing spells repeatedly, the four of them watched over Rudy as he signed.
His trembling hands gained warmth with his comrades' encouragement, Rundelhous used the magical ink to write down his name, the signature burned with a golden light. Shiroe's skills were acknowledged by this alternate world, becoming a brand new law.
"Rundelhous, you will die... and respawn in the cathedral."
Shiroe said as he felt the cogs turning somewhere by this spell. The dissipating 'Essence' turned into dancing light particles and flew towards Akiba, the other players watched this dream-like scene with stunned expressions.
*Flashback End*
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The act of developing magic was the reason why he earned the nickname 'Chronicler of the East' in the future.
After that fiasco Shiroe thought "Who would be this powerful to wipe out an entire goblin army?."
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Authors Note: and cut, this will be the end of chapter, Rawr, I'm near the end of the novel translations for reference T.T, I'll have to make up some randomness.
Reference:
Raynesia (called Lenessia in the anime) is a member of clan Corwen, the most prestigious clan in the East. She later becomes the Ambassadress of the League of Freedom Cities Eastal in Akihabara.
Appearance:
Raynesia is well-known for her beauty, although that tends to irk her because she is aware of her position, which essentially required her to look pretty and nothing else. Her attire is left up to her personal maid, Elissa, while Raynesia herself prefers to wear comfortable pajamas.
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Shiroe (???) is the main protagonist of the series Log Horizon. A veteran player of the online game Elder Tale, he was formerly the strategist of theDebauchery Tea Party and is the current Guild Master of Log Horizon. In the real world, he is a 23-year old engineering graduate student named Kei Shirogane (???).
Appearance:
Shiroe is taller by several centimeters in Elder Tale than he is in real life, and his figure is slightly slimmer. When he first regains consciousness in the game, he notices that his hands are more slender but also seemingly more skillful.
Facial Features:
Shiroe wears glasses and is described by Naotsugu as having eyes that are "sanpaku," a term that means that the iris is small and doesn't completely cover the vertical axis of the eye. He has a habit of pushing up his glasses when he's thinking or is about to take action.
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Naotsugu is Shiroe's friend and another player trapped in Elder Tale. He is a lighthearted warrior and an important part of Shiroe's team along with Akatsuki. In the real world, his name is Naotsugu Hasegawa (?????), and he is 25 years old.
Appearance:
Naotsugu has short, grayish hair and a roguish smile. Unlike Shiroe, his height in the game (183cm or 6 feet) is approximately the same as his real life height.
Before the apocalypse, his character had a diagonal slice cutting through one of his eyebrows, but after Naotsugu became trapped in the game, his features changed to mirror his real life face more closely, and the scar disappeared.
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Nyanta is a Werecat Swashbuckler. He was a member of the Debauchery Tea Party and was called Chief (??). His subclass is Chef.
Appearance:
Nyanta is older than many of the other characters in real life and is described as possibly being in his late 30's or early 40's. He is tall with a slender, well-proportioned figure.
He is described as a dandy who always pays attention to personal appearance and grooming.
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Rundelhaus Cord is one of the People of the Land in Elder Tale (NPC). He is a Sorcerer with a subclass of Adventurer and currently a member of Log Horizon.
Appearance:
A teen with blonde hair that has a habit of flirting ( think of guiche from Familiar of Zero but to the faithful side)
Personality:
Rundelhaus is a brash and boastful person and some sort of a narcissist.