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My Friend Metus and the Caulis of Ferocity - Epilogue
Prologue → Playing with Metus, Mini Banter → Event Episode → Mithra's Card Story → Epilogue (stop at the T/N) → Event reward voiceline → Mithra's Card Episode → Epilogue: Mithra
When a magic user and the primal work together to reach the topmost floor of the tower, there’s a chance that the magic user shall acquire more power once they’ve completely conquered the tower.
We overcame numerous trials and finally arrived at the top alongside Metus, the primal beast we met when we first entered the tower.
We entered into a wide chamber with an altar standing in the middle of the room. In the altar, there sat a gemstone that looked similar to the one embedded in Metus’s chest.
Snow: There’s no mistaking it — that’s our beast kernel.
Suddenly, Metus’s long tail swished and swayed right before Mithra’s face.
Mithra: …? Metus?
Akira: …!
A split second later, there was an incredibly loud noise. It was like an explosion resounding through the chamber, so loud that it could wake the dead. It came from Metus, who slammed its tail down onto Mithra with all the strength it could muster.
Mithra didn’t move, not even in the slightest. He intercepted the blow with just one hand.
[ No BGM ]
Mithra: I’ve said it once, I’ve said it countless times. There is no way you can best me—
Mithra’s jade green eyes widened, and he abruptly cut himself off.
[ BGM starts ]
It was because Metus, despite having its attack blocked, looked so content, with satisfaction in its eyes.
It reminded me of how an old sparring partner might laugh joyously when trading blows.
[ Mithra smiles softly. ]
Mithra: … What’s with that dumb face?
Akira: (Ah……)
Rustica & Snow & Heathcliff: (surprised) ………
All of a sudden, Mithra laughed, like he’d found something most amusing. We all found ourselves caught off-guard by his expression — and also fascinated.
Metus moved, its large legs carrying it towards the altar.
It stood in front of the altar, right where the beast kernel was. Its gaze focused straight at Mithra.
Mithra: ………
… Oh, really, is that the case.
Mithra mumbled to himself, then he glanced back at us.
Mithra: It seems like it’s time to say goodbye.
Akira: (So it’s the same as all the other primal beasts…)
Once a tower was scaled to the top, the beast kernel would revert to its original state, and the primal beast would once again return to its slumber.
It was a lonely affair, but all the primals so far had wished for that.
Now, Metus must have communicated that wish to Mithra through its straightforward gaze.
Mithra: … You know, Metus, it’s all your fault we went through such a turbulent journey.
You kept trying to ambush me out of the blue, ate rocks and anything you could get your hands on, and not even once listened to what I ordered you to do…
I watched over and took care of you despite all that. So in the future, don’t go wagging your tail at anyone else except me, or I’ll beat you up and send you flying.
Snow: Metus. You’re just like our students: a handful. You kept acting as you pleased, and at the first sign of a problem, you immediately turned your frustrations on us…
But I suppose you could say that the more of a handful a child is, the cuter they are. The next time I see you, I may just decide to share my beloved churros with you.
Heathcliff: When we first met, I saw how you rushed Mithra head-on to attack him. I thought you were frightening.
But as we progressed, fighting at each other’s side, my fear gradually faded… And now, I think of you as a reliable friend.
Rustica: Metus, you delightful rascal. Those moments I spent playing with you were lively and thrilling — just like playing the timpani.
If we have the fortune to meet again, I look forward to discovering what new melody we might make together.
Akira: No matter what strong foes stood in our way, I felt really safe having you around because I knew that you’d be able to do something about them.
I will never forget you — I especially won’t forget how strong and cool you were!
Metus roared loudly.
I didn’t understand what it was saying, but its gemstone-like eyes looked at me, Heathcliff, Rustica and Snow in turn.
… Finally, its gaze settled upon Mithra.
Mithra: This is it, then.
Mithra: « arsim »
[ Screen goes dark ]
[ Open Skies ]
It’d been a few days since we’d returned, having brought the beast kernel back into Snow and White’s custody.
Perhaps the kernel had been touched by the Calamity after all. It’d been robbed of almost all of its magical power, and its gemstone-like gleam had nearly faded…
—— And though we may not yet know how to return it to its original state, a wizard’s life is long indeed.
Someday we may yet meet them again, said the twins, laughing.
T/N: For the recommended reading order, please read the Caulis reward voiceline (below), then go read SSR Caulis Mithra Card Episode, which slots in here chronologically. It will link you back to here when you’re done!
Caulis event reward voiceline (Mithra): “What are you doing just standing around after I’ve contributed so much to a mission? You should already know what's next. Hurry up and hold my hand. Put some more heart into it, and do a proper job of putting me to sleep. ...... Yes, just like that, and please don't forget to prepare me some meat dishes for when I wake up.”
Mithra's Card Episode →
Prologue → Playing with Metus, Mini Banter → Event Episode → Mithra's Card Story → Epilogue (stop at the T/N) → Event reward voiceline → Mithra's Card Episode → Epilogue: Mithra
[ Magical Manor - Kitchen ]
Akira: (Let’s see, I’m going to put the raindeer meat and half-ripe grande tomatoes into the oven…)
(Aaand done.)
That day, I was hard at work cooking all by myself in the kitchen.
Akira: (I hope this’ll taste good…)
I kept an eye on the oven and the baking pan I’d just popped into it. My mind wandered back to a particular person and the reason why I was cooking with these ingredients.
[ Earlier… ]
[ Magical Manor - Mithra’s Room ]
Mithra: You want to thank me for that day?
Akira: Yes. You were the one that forged a bond with the primal beast during our tower mission, so it’s all thanks to you that we managed to recapture the beast kernel.
That’s why I figured I ought to thank you properly, so just tell me if there’s anything you’d like me to do for you! I’ll do everything in my power to get it done!
Mithra: ………
Akira: Um, if you can’t think of anything, it’s fine! It doesn’t have to be right now.
You can take your time thinking it over, and once you’ve decided on something, just let me know…
Mithra: There isn’t much that you’re capable of.
Akira: Guh… I have no comeback to that…
Mithra: But if you’d like to thank me, then do that.
Akira: Do… what?
Mithra: That thing that only you can do. Alright, get over here.
Akira: Eep!
[ Mithra closes his eyes. ]
Mithra: Now please hold my hand, just like that, so that I can fall asleep.
[ Present time ]
Akira: (Most of the time, he still doesn’t always fall asleep even if I’m holding his hand…)
(Though today I only held it for a short time before his breathing slowed and he fell fast asleep.)
When I let go of his hand earlier, his cold palm had become warm to touch. It made me feel relieved, somehow.
Akira: (It must feel terrible to be unable to fall asleep… It’d be so nice if he could immediately fall asleep when I take his hand.)
Akira: …… Hn?
Suddenly, something smelled burnt. In a hurry, I glanced at the oven and its contents.
Akira: (yelps) There’s smoke coming from the oven?!
I hurriedly shoved my hands into my oven mitts and opened up the oven door, only to see—
Akira: C-Charcoal… It’s all charcoal…
Jet black clumps of smoke blew out of the oven as I pulled out my baking pan. As I gazed down upon it, a nostalgic memory surfaced within my mind.
Akira: (Back when I first started cooking in the manor, I used to make nothing but charcoal, but to think that I would still accidentally make some today…)
(I’m all out of ingredients too. What should I do…)
[ Someone enters the kitchen. ]
Mithra: There’s a nice, smoky aroma in here.
Akira: !? M-Mithra… You’re already awake?
Mithra stifled a yawn as he ambled into the kitchen.
Mithra: Yeah, and I was getting hungry too.
Before I knew it, Mithra had already grabbed a fistful of the black substance in the baking pan and popped it into his mouth.
[ Crunch… gronch… ]
Akira: I’m sorry, Mithra. I didn’t end up making the dish you requested, and even worse, all I made is charcoal…
Mithra: Did I request something in particular?
Akira: You told me to prepare a meat dish for when you woke up, Mithra. You said that right before you fell asleep, remember?
That’s why I thought I’d make one of your favourites – sauteed raindeer – but as you can see, it was a miserable failure.
I’m all out of ingredients, so I can’t try again either…
Mithra: ………
Mithra fell silent, seemingly deep in thought — or so I thought, but he was already stretching his arms and looking at me again.
Mithra: That means all you need is ingredients, right? Tell me what you need. I’ll go get them.
Akira: Wow, really? Then as long as I have some raindeer meat…
Mithra: That’s easy.
Akira: Wow, Mithra! Thank you so much, you’re a big help!
Mithra: « arsim »
[ Door sfx ]
Mithra summoned his transpatial door. He left through it to go somewhere, and it disappeared with him.
Akira: Now then! Since Mithra’s off getting me more ingredients, I’d better start prepping the sauce while he’s out!
[ Magical Manor - Cafeteria ]
A while later——
Mithra: ………
Akira: Mithra, how was it?
Mithra: It tasted good.
Akira: Glad to hear it! There’s more, so please don’t hesitate if you want more.
Mithra: … Thank you.
Instead of sauteed raindeer, Mithra was now chewing on a serving of sauteed … mysterious giant fish. Languidly, he nodded.
Akira: (I thought he’d bring me raindeer venison. But for some reason, he brought me a super hella big fish instead… It sure was a shocking sight…)
(At any rate, he seems to be content, so Mithra’s probably alright with this, r……ight?)
Mithra: Kenja sama, I’d like some more, please.
Akira: Oh, yes! Right away!
[ Akira runs off and returns. ]
Akira: Here you go, a second helping of sauteed fis—
Mithra: (eating) (more eating)
More.
Akira: (He demolished the entire plate in an instant?!)
Ahaha, Mithra, you must’ve been famished.
Mithra: Kind of. If the food’s good, the stomach’s bottomless.
Akira: Mithra……
I was delighted to hear that my cooking was delicious. I beamed.
Akira: Thank you so much! I’m happy to hear that.
Mithra: Oh, is that so.
Akira: … That said, I was so surprised when you brought me that giant fish. Are you really okay with fish instead of raindeer?
Mithra: Yeah, well, it so happened that I came across a lake.
Akira: Ah… And then you felt like having fish instead.
Mithra: ……
… No, that’s not it…
[ No BGM ]
Mithra’s gaze started to wander at my words. He looked like he was searching for the right words to say. His long fingers stroked his chin, then they came to a stop.
Mithra: It occurred to me that maybe… it might be there.
Akira: At the lake…?
[ BGM starts ]
Mithra: Yes. I wondered if Metus might be there.
Didn’t that primal enjoy frolicking around the water’s edge and splashing water everywhere?
Akira: ………
A strong, burning emotion welled up in my chest as Mithra spoke so nonchalantly about Metus.
I realised that Metus, who we’d returned to its long slumber within the beast kernel, continued to live on within Mithra’s heart.
Mithra: Well, once I gave it some more thought, I realised that there was no way it would be at that lake… Hey, why are you smirking to yourself?
Akira: (giggle) No, it’s nothing!
… Mithra, do you mind telling me more about the memories you made with Metus?
Mithra: About Metus and I? You say some strange things.
Mithra looked puzzled as he tilted his head at me, but at long last, he opened his mouth to say:
Mithra: … Come to think of it, there were rare moments where Metus came over to nuzzle me.
It had a rather nice spine with all the protruding bones… Those bones felt sturdy to the touch.
Metus seemed to like it when I pet its bones.
Akira: Oh, wow…! That sounds nice. If only I’d touched them too…
Mithra: Then you should ask it to let you. Wouldn’t that solve the problem?
It’ll wake up soon enough once it’s slept all it wants.
Or it might wake up because it’s hungry. Just like me.
Mithra rambled on as he toyed with the charcoal from earlier in one hand.
Akira: … I see. When that time comes, let’s prepare a big feast to welcome Metus’s return.
And then, I’ll ask Metus if I could touch its spine too!
Mithra: Yes, please do that. And don’t forget the charcoal too.
Akira: Ahaha, for sure!
When a magic user and the primal work together to reach the topmost floor of the tower, there’s a chance that the magic user shall acquire more power once they’ve completely conquered the tower.
We overcame numerous trials and finally arrived at the top alongside Metus, the primal beast we met when we first entered the tower.
We entered into a wide chamber with an altar standing in the middle of the room. In the altar, there sat a gemstone that looked similar to the one embedded in Metus’s chest.
Snow: There’s no mistaking it — that’s our beast kernel.
Suddenly, Metus’s long tail swished and swayed right before Mithra’s face.
Mithra: …? Metus?
Akira: …!
A split second later, there was an incredibly loud noise. It was like an explosion resounding through the chamber, so loud that it could wake the dead. It came from Metus, who slammed its tail down onto Mithra with all the strength it could muster.
Mithra didn’t move, not even in the slightest. He intercepted the blow with just one hand.
[ No BGM ]
Mithra: I’ve said it once, I’ve said it countless times. There is no way you can best me—
Mithra’s jade green eyes widened, and he abruptly cut himself off.
[ BGM starts ]
It was because Metus, despite having its attack blocked, looked so content, with satisfaction in its eyes.
It reminded me of how an old sparring partner might laugh joyously when trading blows.
[ Mithra smiles softly. ]
Mithra: … What’s with that dumb face?
Akira: (Ah……)
Rustica & Snow & Heathcliff: (surprised) ………
All of a sudden, Mithra laughed, like he’d found something most amusing. We all found ourselves caught off-guard by his expression — and also fascinated.
Metus moved, its large legs carrying it towards the altar.
It stood in front of the altar, right where the beast kernel was. Its gaze focused straight at Mithra.
Mithra: ………
… Oh, really, is that the case.
Mithra mumbled to himself, then he glanced back at us.
Mithra: It seems like it’s time to say goodbye.
Akira: (So it’s the same as all the other primal beasts…)
Once a tower was scaled to the top, the beast kernel would revert to its original state, and the primal beast would once again return to its slumber.
It was a lonely affair, but all the primals so far had wished for that.
Now, Metus must have communicated that wish to Mithra through its straightforward gaze.
Mithra: … You know, Metus, it’s all your fault we went through such a turbulent journey.
You kept trying to ambush me out of the blue, ate rocks and anything you could get your hands on, and not even once listened to what I ordered you to do…
I watched over and took care of you despite all that. So in the future, don’t go wagging your tail at anyone else except me, or I’ll beat you up and send you flying.
Snow: Metus. You’re just like our students: a handful. You kept acting as you pleased, and at the first sign of a problem, you immediately turned your frustrations on us…
But I suppose you could say that the more of a handful a child is, the cuter they are. The next time I see you, I may just decide to share my beloved churros with you.
Heathcliff: When we first met, I saw how you rushed Mithra head-on to attack him. I thought you were frightening.
But as we progressed, fighting at each other’s side, my fear gradually faded… And now, I think of you as a reliable friend.
Rustica: Metus, you delightful rascal. Those moments I spent playing with you were lively and thrilling — just like playing the timpani.
If we have the fortune to meet again, I look forward to discovering what new melody we might make together.
Akira: No matter what strong foes stood in our way, I felt really safe having you around because I knew that you’d be able to do something about them.
I will never forget you — I especially won’t forget how strong and cool you were!
Metus roared loudly.
I didn’t understand what it was saying, but its gemstone-like eyes looked at me, Heathcliff, Rustica and Snow in turn.
… Finally, its gaze settled upon Mithra.
Mithra: This is it, then.
Mithra: « arsim »
[ Screen goes dark ]
[ Open Skies ]
It’d been a few days since we’d returned, having brought the beast kernel back into Snow and White’s custody.
Perhaps the kernel had been touched by the Calamity after all. It’d been robbed of almost all of its magical power, and its gemstone-like gleam had nearly faded…
—— And though we may not yet know how to return it to its original state, a wizard’s life is long indeed.
Someday we may yet meet them again, said the twins, laughing.
T/N: For the recommended reading order, please read the Caulis reward voiceline (below), then go read SSR Caulis Mithra Card Episode, which slots in here chronologically. It will link you back to here when you’re done!
Caulis event reward voiceline (Mithra): “What are you doing just standing around after I’ve contributed so much to a mission? You should already know what's next. Hurry up and hold my hand. Put some more heart into it, and do a proper job of putting me to sleep. ...... Yes, just like that, and please don't forget to prepare me some meat dishes for when I wake up.”
Mithra's Card Episode →
Prologue → Playing with Metus, Mini Banter → Event Episode → Mithra's Card Story → Epilogue (stop at the T/N) → Event reward voiceline → Mithra's Card Episode → Epilogue: Mithra
[ Magical Manor - Kitchen ]
Akira: (Let’s see, I’m going to put the raindeer meat and half-ripe grande tomatoes into the oven…)
(Aaand done.)
That day, I was hard at work cooking all by myself in the kitchen.
Akira: (I hope this’ll taste good…)
I kept an eye on the oven and the baking pan I’d just popped into it. My mind wandered back to a particular person and the reason why I was cooking with these ingredients.
[ Earlier… ]
[ Magical Manor - Mithra’s Room ]
Mithra: You want to thank me for that day?
Akira: Yes. You were the one that forged a bond with the primal beast during our tower mission, so it’s all thanks to you that we managed to recapture the beast kernel.
That’s why I figured I ought to thank you properly, so just tell me if there’s anything you’d like me to do for you! I’ll do everything in my power to get it done!
Mithra: ………
Akira: Um, if you can’t think of anything, it’s fine! It doesn’t have to be right now.
You can take your time thinking it over, and once you’ve decided on something, just let me know…
Mithra: There isn’t much that you’re capable of.
Akira: Guh… I have no comeback to that…
Mithra: But if you’d like to thank me, then do that.
Akira: Do… what?
Mithra: That thing that only you can do. Alright, get over here.
Akira: Eep!
[ Mithra closes his eyes. ]
Mithra: Now please hold my hand, just like that, so that I can fall asleep.
[ Present time ]
Akira: (Most of the time, he still doesn’t always fall asleep even if I’m holding his hand…)
(Though today I only held it for a short time before his breathing slowed and he fell fast asleep.)
When I let go of his hand earlier, his cold palm had become warm to touch. It made me feel relieved, somehow.
Akira: (It must feel terrible to be unable to fall asleep… It’d be so nice if he could immediately fall asleep when I take his hand.)
Akira: …… Hn?
Suddenly, something smelled burnt. In a hurry, I glanced at the oven and its contents.
Akira: (yelps) There’s smoke coming from the oven?!
I hurriedly shoved my hands into my oven mitts and opened up the oven door, only to see—
Akira: C-Charcoal… It’s all charcoal…
Jet black clumps of smoke blew out of the oven as I pulled out my baking pan. As I gazed down upon it, a nostalgic memory surfaced within my mind.
Akira: (Back when I first started cooking in the manor, I used to make nothing but charcoal, but to think that I would still accidentally make some today…)
(I’m all out of ingredients too. What should I do…)
[ Someone enters the kitchen. ]
Mithra: There’s a nice, smoky aroma in here.
Akira: !? M-Mithra… You’re already awake?
Mithra stifled a yawn as he ambled into the kitchen.
Mithra: Yeah, and I was getting hungry too.
Before I knew it, Mithra had already grabbed a fistful of the black substance in the baking pan and popped it into his mouth.
[ Crunch… gronch… ]
Akira: I’m sorry, Mithra. I didn’t end up making the dish you requested, and even worse, all I made is charcoal…
Mithra: Did I request something in particular?
Akira: You told me to prepare a meat dish for when you woke up, Mithra. You said that right before you fell asleep, remember?
That’s why I thought I’d make one of your favourites – sauteed raindeer – but as you can see, it was a miserable failure.
I’m all out of ingredients, so I can’t try again either…
Mithra: ………
Mithra fell silent, seemingly deep in thought — or so I thought, but he was already stretching his arms and looking at me again.
Mithra: That means all you need is ingredients, right? Tell me what you need. I’ll go get them.
Akira: Wow, really? Then as long as I have some raindeer meat…
Mithra: That’s easy.
Akira: Wow, Mithra! Thank you so much, you’re a big help!
Mithra: « arsim »
[ Door sfx ]
Mithra summoned his transpatial door. He left through it to go somewhere, and it disappeared with him.
Akira: Now then! Since Mithra’s off getting me more ingredients, I’d better start prepping the sauce while he’s out!
[ Magical Manor - Cafeteria ]
A while later——
Mithra: ………
Akira: Mithra, how was it?
Mithra: It tasted good.
Akira: Glad to hear it! There’s more, so please don’t hesitate if you want more.
Mithra: … Thank you.
Instead of sauteed raindeer, Mithra was now chewing on a serving of sauteed … mysterious giant fish. Languidly, he nodded.
Akira: (I thought he’d bring me raindeer venison. But for some reason, he brought me a super hella big fish instead… It sure was a shocking sight…)
(At any rate, he seems to be content, so Mithra’s probably alright with this, r……ight?)
Mithra: Kenja sama, I’d like some more, please.
Akira: Oh, yes! Right away!
[ Akira runs off and returns. ]
Akira: Here you go, a second helping of sauteed fis—
Mithra: (eating) (more eating)
More.
Akira: (He demolished the entire plate in an instant?!)
Ahaha, Mithra, you must’ve been famished.
Mithra: Kind of. If the food’s good, the stomach’s bottomless.
Akira: Mithra……
I was delighted to hear that my cooking was delicious. I beamed.
Akira: Thank you so much! I’m happy to hear that.
Mithra: Oh, is that so.
Akira: … That said, I was so surprised when you brought me that giant fish. Are you really okay with fish instead of raindeer?
Mithra: Yeah, well, it so happened that I came across a lake.
Akira: Ah… And then you felt like having fish instead.
Mithra: ……
… No, that’s not it…
[ No BGM ]
Mithra’s gaze started to wander at my words. He looked like he was searching for the right words to say. His long fingers stroked his chin, then they came to a stop.
Mithra: It occurred to me that maybe… it might be there.
Akira: At the lake…?
[ BGM starts ]
Mithra: Yes. I wondered if Metus might be there.
Didn’t that primal enjoy frolicking around the water’s edge and splashing water everywhere?
Akira: ………
A strong, burning emotion welled up in my chest as Mithra spoke so nonchalantly about Metus.
I realised that Metus, who we’d returned to its long slumber within the beast kernel, continued to live on within Mithra’s heart.
Mithra: Well, once I gave it some more thought, I realised that there was no way it would be at that lake… Hey, why are you smirking to yourself?
Akira: (giggle) No, it’s nothing!
… Mithra, do you mind telling me more about the memories you made with Metus?
Mithra: About Metus and I? You say some strange things.
Mithra looked puzzled as he tilted his head at me, but at long last, he opened his mouth to say:
Mithra: … Come to think of it, there were rare moments where Metus came over to nuzzle me.
It had a rather nice spine with all the protruding bones… Those bones felt sturdy to the touch.
Metus seemed to like it when I pet its bones.
Akira: Oh, wow…! That sounds nice. If only I’d touched them too…
Mithra: Then you should ask it to let you. Wouldn’t that solve the problem?
It’ll wake up soon enough once it’s slept all it wants.
Or it might wake up because it’s hungry. Just like me.
Mithra rambled on as he toyed with the charcoal from earlier in one hand.
Akira: … I see. When that time comes, let’s prepare a big feast to welcome Metus’s return.
And then, I’ll ask Metus if I could touch its spine too!
Mithra: Yes, please do that. And don’t forget the charcoal too.
Akira: Ahaha, for sure!