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Faltering Dreams, or What The Lago Foretold - Episode 4
⭠ last episode | Episode 4 | next episode ⭢
[ Mizukagami Village ]
Once we were all ready, we changed into the new clothes Chloe had made for us, and we departed for the village near Lake Mizukagami.
We stepped out of the transpatial door and into idyllic surroundings. Perhaps it was because this place was rather far from the heart of the city.
Akira: The air's so clean, it's refreshing! I can't help but want to take it all in.
Faust: It's near water. It makes for a good place to live a peaceful life.
By the way, Chloe, I heard that you made a last-minute rush to put together these outfits for our trip here...
Chloe: Mhm. I managed to finish these up super quick because the twin sensei helped me out!
I was worried about Arthur and Mithra's fortune readings, you see. I wanted to be of help.
Faust: ...... I see. I think the local spirits would be fond of these outfits. They'll certainly be more amenable to our magic-casting.
Chloe: Ehehe... You saying that makes me feel a bit more relaxed, Faust.
Arthur: Thanks for the clothes, Chloe. We’re definitely stronger for your hard work.
I'll make sure to deliver results that repay the effort that went into these clothes!
Chloe: O-Oh, that makes me happy, but don't push yourself too hard!
But just thinking of the fact that I could make so many outfits, and so soon too...
[ Chloe CG ]
Chloe: Seems like the bone-reading you did for me did come true after all, Mithra!
Mithra: (soft, proud laugh) Of course it did.
From now on my reign of divination shall begin. Cast aside those persnickety twins and entrust the reading of your futures to me.
Snow & White: Must you call us old geezers!?
Bradley: Ain't nobody calling you that, fossils.
Nero: Dude, don’t make this any harder.
Arthur: Hmm...
We'd arrived here to a lovely view of the countryside, yet there wasn't a single soul in sight.
There were definitely signs of life around and in the village, which led me to wonder if they were simply hidden away in their homes. The village felt empty and lonely.
Arthur: Apparently, the locals have grown anxious after the lake was stained black.
They might be staying home in order to protect themselves from any potential harm.
White: Hmm. Then we shall set aside time to speak to the villagers to gather clues as to what has transpired here, but…
Snow: Regardless, we should inspect the lake first and foremost. We must see the current state of the lake for ourselves. Finding out more from the locals shall come after.
We made for the lake in question as we discussed our plans...
[ Lake Mizukagami ]
Snow: Oh dear…...
White: What a sorry state it's in.
The twins lamented the state of the lake we arrived at. It wasn't a pleasant sight.
A large, imposing tree stood in the middle of the lake. Around it, the water was dyed an unnatural, inky black. It was creepy to look at.
Nero: It’s looking pretty bad…
Snow: The Lake Mizukagami of our memories is a lake befitting its name — that is to say, it was a lake with a mirror-like surface.
These parts aren’t often windy. As such, the water surface is particularly still and untouched, thus beautifully reflecting the skies, the surrounding lakefront, and so on.
White: On a sunny day, the lake would reflect the clear blue skies. Oh, what a sight that was...
Chloe: I see... I'm sure the village folk are all saddened by this turn of events. Such a beautiful lake now turned black, my goodness......
Arthur: Yes. I'd like to restore the lake's beauty as soon as we can.
Faust: ...... Things aren't as simple as they seem. The black stuff that permeates the water isn't water pollution or anything like that.
Akira: Oh?
Faust: It's not incredibly strong, but I sense something like an emotion coming from it.
If I were to describe it, I would say that its present state is similar to having curses manifest visibly.
Mithra: It's sort of bothersome, feeling that sort of gloomy stuff cling to you. It's been doing that since we set foot here.
Bradley: Hey, Mithra, if you think it's all a pain in the ass, how about you take matters into your own hands right here and just blast it all away?
Mithra: Okay. I can do that. I’m already hungry anyway.
Nero: Hang on just a sec. You might just make things worse if you chase it away from the lake and it ends up infesting the village instead.
Mithra: Then, how about I just set everything on fire?
Faust: What are you trying to do, drive the local wildlife to extinction? There's a whole ecosystem in the lake. You can't take such extreme measures...
Bradley: Tch, no wonder you're part of Nero Sect. Wishy-washy, indecisive, faltering as you come to a resolution. All you're doing is wasting time.
Nero: Hmph, and those from Bradley Sect are just brainlessly showing off. Try considering your surroundings before making a move.
Chloe: Both Nero and Bradley Sects, how about we all take a step back for a second! Now's not the time for this...
Akira: (Why are these sects getting so competitive...!?)
Snow: ...... Hm? You two over there. Children, do not approach the lake.
Snow ignored the squabbling wizards and called out to a pair of children off to the side.
I glanced over, and I saw two little girls staring into the dark pool of water.
Snow: That water is no good. Young children like you should not come into contact with it.
Black-Haired Girl: ...... Will the lake ever become pretty again?
Chestnut-Haired Girl: We came here to see if the lake became pretty again. Mom said that if it stays black, we'll have to leave the village...
Akira: You have to leave?
Chestnut-Haired Girl: Mhm. If things stay this way, I'll have to say good-bye to Rita. I don't want that.
Black-Haired Girl: Margo... Rita doesn't want that either. Can't you stay here forever? Don't leave Rita behind...
Snow: .........
The black-haired girl squeezed the chestnut-haired girl's hand, pleading with her.
They seemed to be almost the same age as Snow and White's physical forms. Their innocent faces were filled with barely-concealed sorrow.
White: Ohoho. Parting is such sweet sorrow.
Here, take this. Children should not wear sad expressions upon their faces. Have some of my sugar, it’s a little remedy for bringing back sweet smiles.
Little Girls: Wow...! It's sparkly and pretty.
White: There, there. Nothing better than seeing your smiles brought back to your faces.
Young Woman: Rita, Margo! What are you two doing there? You were told plenty of times to not leave the house, weren’t you!
Eek, the lake's gotten darker than before...!
Black-Haired Girl: (gasp) Mama...
Chestnut-Haired Girl: I... I should go home too...
Little Girls: Thanks a bunch, nice strangers!
[ The little girls run off. ]
Snow: And off they go.
Akira: What do you think they meant by 'If the lake stays black, we have to leave this village'?
Snow: There’s no such thing as coincidence. It’s clear that the children and also that mother all fear what has happened with this lake.
I think it’s best we start talking to the villagers.
White: In that case, for the lake investigation, we should bring those strongest with magic and those that specialise in curses.
Mithra, Bradley, Faust — you three are coming with me to investigate the lake as members of the White Sect.
Akira: (N-New teams keep sprouting up!)
Bradley & Faust & Mithra: .........
Snow: Keep your complaints to yourself, you three. I shall lead the remaining few of us who are good at conversation to ask the villagers about these happenings.
Nero, Arthur, Chloe, and you too, Kenja — us members of the Snow Sect shall now return to the village!
Chloe & Akira: A-Alright!
Arthur: Ah, I see how naming each team helps foster unity between its members.
Nero: It's kinda getting too embarrassing to stomach. Dammit, why did I play along with this Bradley Sect clown show in the first place...
Episode 5 ⭢
[ Mizukagami Village ]
Once we were all ready, we changed into the new clothes Chloe had made for us, and we departed for the village near Lake Mizukagami.
We stepped out of the transpatial door and into idyllic surroundings. Perhaps it was because this place was rather far from the heart of the city.
Akira: The air's so clean, it's refreshing! I can't help but want to take it all in.
Faust: It's near water. It makes for a good place to live a peaceful life.
By the way, Chloe, I heard that you made a last-minute rush to put together these outfits for our trip here...
Chloe: Mhm. I managed to finish these up super quick because the twin sensei helped me out!
I was worried about Arthur and Mithra's fortune readings, you see. I wanted to be of help.
Faust: ...... I see. I think the local spirits would be fond of these outfits. They'll certainly be more amenable to our magic-casting.
Chloe: Ehehe... You saying that makes me feel a bit more relaxed, Faust.
Arthur: Thanks for the clothes, Chloe. We’re definitely stronger for your hard work.
I'll make sure to deliver results that repay the effort that went into these clothes!
Chloe: O-Oh, that makes me happy, but don't push yourself too hard!
But just thinking of the fact that I could make so many outfits, and so soon too...
[ Chloe CG ]
Chloe: Seems like the bone-reading you did for me did come true after all, Mithra!
Mithra: (soft, proud laugh) Of course it did.
From now on my reign of divination shall begin. Cast aside those persnickety twins and entrust the reading of your futures to me.
Snow & White: Must you call us old geezers!?
Bradley: Ain't nobody calling you that, fossils.
Nero: Dude, don’t make this any harder.
Arthur: Hmm...
We'd arrived here to a lovely view of the countryside, yet there wasn't a single soul in sight.
There were definitely signs of life around and in the village, which led me to wonder if they were simply hidden away in their homes. The village felt empty and lonely.
Arthur: Apparently, the locals have grown anxious after the lake was stained black.
They might be staying home in order to protect themselves from any potential harm.
White: Hmm. Then we shall set aside time to speak to the villagers to gather clues as to what has transpired here, but…
Snow: Regardless, we should inspect the lake first and foremost. We must see the current state of the lake for ourselves. Finding out more from the locals shall come after.
We made for the lake in question as we discussed our plans...
[ Lake Mizukagami ]
Snow: Oh dear…...
White: What a sorry state it's in.
The twins lamented the state of the lake we arrived at. It wasn't a pleasant sight.
A large, imposing tree stood in the middle of the lake. Around it, the water was dyed an unnatural, inky black. It was creepy to look at.
Nero: It’s looking pretty bad…
Snow: The Lake Mizukagami of our memories is a lake befitting its name — that is to say, it was a lake with a mirror-like surface.
These parts aren’t often windy. As such, the water surface is particularly still and untouched, thus beautifully reflecting the skies, the surrounding lakefront, and so on.
White: On a sunny day, the lake would reflect the clear blue skies. Oh, what a sight that was...
Chloe: I see... I'm sure the village folk are all saddened by this turn of events. Such a beautiful lake now turned black, my goodness......
Arthur: Yes. I'd like to restore the lake's beauty as soon as we can.
Faust: ...... Things aren't as simple as they seem. The black stuff that permeates the water isn't water pollution or anything like that.
Akira: Oh?
Faust: It's not incredibly strong, but I sense something like an emotion coming from it.
If I were to describe it, I would say that its present state is similar to having curses manifest visibly.
Mithra: It's sort of bothersome, feeling that sort of gloomy stuff cling to you. It's been doing that since we set foot here.
Bradley: Hey, Mithra, if you think it's all a pain in the ass, how about you take matters into your own hands right here and just blast it all away?
Mithra: Okay. I can do that. I’m already hungry anyway.
Nero: Hang on just a sec. You might just make things worse if you chase it away from the lake and it ends up infesting the village instead.
Mithra: Then, how about I just set everything on fire?
Faust: What are you trying to do, drive the local wildlife to extinction? There's a whole ecosystem in the lake. You can't take such extreme measures...
Bradley: Tch, no wonder you're part of Nero Sect. Wishy-washy, indecisive, faltering as you come to a resolution. All you're doing is wasting time.
Nero: Hmph, and those from Bradley Sect are just brainlessly showing off. Try considering your surroundings before making a move.
Chloe: Both Nero and Bradley Sects, how about we all take a step back for a second! Now's not the time for this...
Akira: (Why are these sects getting so competitive...!?)
Snow: ...... Hm? You two over there. Children, do not approach the lake.
Snow ignored the squabbling wizards and called out to a pair of children off to the side.
I glanced over, and I saw two little girls staring into the dark pool of water.
Snow: That water is no good. Young children like you should not come into contact with it.
Black-Haired Girl: ...... Will the lake ever become pretty again?
Chestnut-Haired Girl: We came here to see if the lake became pretty again. Mom said that if it stays black, we'll have to leave the village...
Akira: You have to leave?
Chestnut-Haired Girl: Mhm. If things stay this way, I'll have to say good-bye to Rita. I don't want that.
Black-Haired Girl: Margo... Rita doesn't want that either. Can't you stay here forever? Don't leave Rita behind...
Snow: .........
The black-haired girl squeezed the chestnut-haired girl's hand, pleading with her.
They seemed to be almost the same age as Snow and White's physical forms. Their innocent faces were filled with barely-concealed sorrow.
White: Ohoho. Parting is such sweet sorrow.
Here, take this. Children should not wear sad expressions upon their faces. Have some of my sugar, it’s a little remedy for bringing back sweet smiles.
Little Girls: Wow...! It's sparkly and pretty.
White: There, there. Nothing better than seeing your smiles brought back to your faces.
Young Woman: Rita, Margo! What are you two doing there? You were told plenty of times to not leave the house, weren’t you!
Eek, the lake's gotten darker than before...!
Black-Haired Girl: (gasp) Mama...
Chestnut-Haired Girl: I... I should go home too...
Little Girls: Thanks a bunch, nice strangers!
[ The little girls run off. ]
Snow: And off they go.
Akira: What do you think they meant by 'If the lake stays black, we have to leave this village'?
Snow: There’s no such thing as coincidence. It’s clear that the children and also that mother all fear what has happened with this lake.
I think it’s best we start talking to the villagers.
White: In that case, for the lake investigation, we should bring those strongest with magic and those that specialise in curses.
Mithra, Bradley, Faust — you three are coming with me to investigate the lake as members of the White Sect.
Akira: (N-New teams keep sprouting up!)
Bradley & Faust & Mithra: .........
Snow: Keep your complaints to yourself, you three. I shall lead the remaining few of us who are good at conversation to ask the villagers about these happenings.
Nero, Arthur, Chloe, and you too, Kenja — us members of the Snow Sect shall now return to the village!
Chloe & Akira: A-Alright!
Arthur: Ah, I see how naming each team helps foster unity between its members.
Nero: It's kinda getting too embarrassing to stomach. Dammit, why did I play along with this Bradley Sect clown show in the first place...
Episode 5 ⭢