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At Mount Guren, Where the Beloved Child Plays - Episode 7
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Murr: Yep. Djalgr are highly intelligent creatures.
They can learn, remember, and utilise any of the sounds they hear. They can determine how to appropriately use each sound too, such as to draw prey to itself, to strike fear into other creatures, or simply as a warning.
When it spoke Mithra’s name earlier, it sounded like a noise it didn’t know how to use properly. It might be because it’d just learned it.
Snow: Indeed. Based on what Mithra told us, it’s most likely mimicking Tiletta’s voice.
Mithra: ………
Mithra looked down at his hand that had touched the fiend. His hair over his face hid his expression from me.
I remembered that when he first saw the djalgr, the first word out of his mouth was Tiletta’s name.
This djalgr was a creature bearing his late teacher’s magic, and it was an opponent he had lost to once before.
It had clumsily strung together noises to mimic the way she spoke his name.
I couldn’t imagine how his heart had felt at that moment, but…
Mithra: Back on that day, this djalgr was sealed at the edge of the volcanic crater, by Tiletta’s own hand.
I’d always felt like I’d forgotten something. I kept coming here over and over again, but I couldn’t remember what it was that I’d forgotten…
Through the strands of his red hair, Mithra’s gaze turned towards me.
I could see that innocent smile of his across his face.
Mithra: It’s just as you said.
The thing I’d forgotten about was here all along, and it’s the djalgr that I didn’t manage to defeat all those years ago.
The Mithra before me now, in the midst of this beautiful scenery that stretched as far as the eye could see, was so different from the person whose hand I held while he laid down in bed.
He was so close yet entirely out of reach, someone who had lived for many, many years and was the second strongest wizard in this world.
[ Roar! ]
In that instant — there was a loud, guttural below from the ground below.
Through a thin veil of ash, a wriggling shadow shot towards us. It moved blindingly fast, like a howling wind, and it hurtled up intothe sky.
Cain: Here it comes…!
With their magical tools in hand, all the wizards scattered yet again.
But the brute’s attention was locked onto only one of them.
Mithra: Haha…
Good for you. Let’s have some fun — it’s been a while.
Oz: ………
Like dancing flames, Mithra’s hair swayed. The usual lethargy in his eyes was gone, replaced by a brilliant shine.
Having noticed Mithra’s change, Oz lowered his staff.
I found it surprising that Oz had not immediately launched an attack.
Perhaps Mithra had noticed the staff’s movement in his periphery. He glared at Oz.
Mithra: Oz, please stay out of this business. This is my prey to hunt.
Hey, over here.
Mithra stepped his foot onto the handle of his broom and sped off into an ascent.
In response, the djalgr lashed its wings open and took after Mithra, hot on his heels.
Chloe: Will Mithra be alright…?
If it were me, having my name called out like that, especially if it felt like my former teacher, I might have been lured in…
Snow: You needn’t worry. A beast is a beast, and Mithra can certainly tell a beast from a witch with certainty.
That creature besmirches Mithra’s reputation as a mark of defeat from long ago. For better or for worse, the very same fiend is back with a great magical power housed within it.
Snow looked up, his eyes focusing on Mithra’s crystal skull that now glowed red.
Mithra: « arsim »
A flash of light not unlike a bolt of lightning struck the djalgr.
However, with a toss of its horns, the brute repelled the attack. The bolt grazed Mithra’s side, shooting past him to cleave a scar into the faraway rocky mountainside.
Mithra: You really have grown much stronger than back then.
Tiletta’s magic is also strongly radiating off of you. Be it the Calamity’s influence, or something else altogether, I can’t say…
But you are not the only one that has grown stronger. I have too. Please do your best and try to entertain me.
Mithra: « arsim » !
Heeding the utterance of his spell-word, Mithra’s crystal skull transformed into a giant skeleton that rivalled the djalgr in size.
The roaring djalgr’s claws gleamed, taking on a red sheen, as if they were heating up.
Its sharp claws clashed against the skeleton’s bone palm. Sparks flew as they duelled in midair.
Chloe: Wow… It’s keeping up, it’s matching it blow for blow against a giant fiend…
Cain: Yeah. It’s just like watching beasts duke it out for dominance over territory.
Murr: Mithra, are you holding back? Is that all you’ve got? I spy, with my little eye, nothing but a tie!
Owen: From what I can tell, it looks like he really is using his all in this clash against the fiend. I suppose that beast is pretty tough.
Akira: For some reason, Mithra looks like he’s having fun… Even though he’d be done for if he got slashed apart by claws that size.
Rustica: Yes… He is like a comet, blazing its trail brightly across the night sky.
Oz: … To Mithra, this is probably his last and final trial from Tiletta.
Had the stars not aligned, it would have been impossible to once again come into contact with the power of one who has already turned to stone.
Akira: Oz…
Cain: … If only Rutile and Mitile joined us too.
I felt my chest tighten with a pang at the words that fell from Cain’s lips.
Akira: (The djalgr is a dangerous beast. I do think it’s best that it’s defeated once and for all…)
(But I’m sure the two of them would have liked a chance to feel their mother’s magical presence.)
[ No BGM ]
Suddenly, there was a blast of burning hot air, accompanied by the deafening sound of deep rumbling from beneath the earth.
Akira: W-what was that…!?
Cain: Look! Magma’s geysering out of the crater!
The mountaintop that loomed over all of us had erupted in a towering fountain of ominous scarlet magma and jet black ash.
[ BGM starts ]
The expanse of blue skies from earlier was nowhere to be seen. A thick cloak of ash clouds had enveloped it all.
Rapidly, there were molten rocks, jets of magma, and who knew what else flying up and out of the crater — and towards us.
Akira & Chloe & Cain: Aaahhh—!?
Murr: Whee! Mount Guren sure knows how to treat a fan! Who would’ve expected the opportunity to witness a full-on volcanic eruption!
Now, give me a moment here. There must be a way to collect and preserve a fresh magma sample without it hardening over time…
Of all the mystic tools I’ve brought with me, which one’s best suited to resist heat? Rustica! Hold onto this for a second, will you?
Rustica: Oh, of course. This glass bottle of yours has such a lovely design.
Owen: Is this really the best time to rifle through your knick-knacks with magic?
Snow: This is exactly the sort of time that they’d choose to march to the beat of their own drum.
Oz: We have tried the land’s patience too boldly. The spirits are wroth.
Steamy hot air gusted all around us. Oz’s hair swirled in the heat as he looked up at Mithra.
Oz: We shall honour Tiletta’s name. The beast is Mithra’s to handle.
Mithra has already declared it his prey.
Snow: Yes. But if they are to continue fighting, their battle will wreak further devastation on this already devastated land.
Ideally, we would let Mithra do as he pleases, but that would only serve to incur further wrath from the spirits…
Snow wagged a finger in the air as he spoke. He retrieved a glowing hourglass.
Snow: Playtime shall end when the last grain of sand falls. Mithra must subjugate the fiend by then.
In silent acknowledgement of Snow’s words, we all looked at the hourglass as it bobbed up and down in the hot waves of steam.
The grains of sand fell slowly but surely. Oz observed the hourglass, and then he nodded.
Oz: I take no issue with that. This allocated amount of time shall suffice.
Owen: Fufu… If that’s the case, then maybe I’ll go have some of my own fun too.
Cain: Owen, where are you going?
Owen’s broom swivelled back. Perched upon it, Owen looked down at Cain, who had called out to him. His lips pulled back in a thin smile.
Owen: Mithra’s not the smartest.
I’ll watch over him in case his blood rushes to his head to make sure he doesn’t blow this place up into smithereens.
Cain: Wh— Hey!
Oz: It is because of Mithra’s influence that Owen’s blood boils with excitement.
Snow: Oh, those silly boys are so impulsive… Owen! Then, I shall entrust you with this hourglass.
Tell Mithra this: If the spirits continue to ravage this land, it won’t hold for much longer. He should put an end to things as soon as possible!
The steaming hot air gusted all around Owen and his broom as he flew off, waving a hand back at the others.
???: (squeak) !
Akira & Cain: …?
It was a high-pitched cry.
I glanced across the expanse of land that stretched far before me, and I saw that the animals were running for their lives from the fiery onslaught.
Akira: (Oh no…! The foothills, the animals there, they…)
Akira: Um!
Cain: Y’all—
Oh, oops. My bad, Akira. You go first.
Akira: S-sorry. Is it alright if we go back to the foothills to check on the animals? I’m a bit worried for them…
Murr: Then Rustica and I shall construct a barrier!
Murr stood balancing atop his broom, spinning about in search of something underneath him. He suggested:
Murr: We’ll guide the animals into our barrier and keep them there until Mithra settles his score. How’s that sound?
Rustica: I am in agreement, for the animals are precious acquaintances we have made.
Chloe: Count me in too…! Snow sama, Oz sama, will that be alright?
Snow: Hmm… very well then. After all, you are all here to learn from witnessing the wonders of the world.
Oz: Mithra is now headed to the crater at the volcano’s peak. In time, he will drown that fiend in magma.
Snow: Yes. Now, allow me to create the focal point for the barrier.
« noscommunia »
With his magic, Snow retrieved a little jar filled with something akin to sparkling sand.
When Snow laid the jar upon his open palm and chanted his spell-word, a pale light filtered into the jar.
Snow: We must now go after Mithra. And you all shall take this with you.
Akira: Thank you very much…!
Cain: Don’t worry about us. We’ll gather the animals quickly. Let’s go, Akira!
Akira: Yeah!
[ At the foothills… ]
Cain: Everyone, start herding the animals to this spot!
Akira: Got it…!
Here! Please come here!
Rustica: « amorest viesse »
Murr: « eanul rambul »
Scattering the glowing sand that Snow had given us, Murr swiftly drew a magical glyph.
Unsurprisingly, the foothills where we had taken leisurely strolls earlier was now filled with animals milling about in confusion.
Some animals hid in the shadows of the rocks. Others made noises to warn us away. We managed to lead the animals into the safety of the barrier while also using magic to avoid being harmed by the rocks and fire from the eruption.
Chloe: Ah, that’s the big guy from earlier…! You were waiting for us, huh.
You’re going to be okay! Murr and Rustica are gonna keep us all safe and sound inside their barrier.
Murr: Wow! This volcanic rock’s larger than I am!
If I had let my attention stray for just a split second, we’d all have been crushed underneath its weight!
Rustica: What a thrilling experience we’re having! These rocks and flames make for the most unique rainfall.
Chloe: Why do those two seem like they’re enjoying all of this…?
Cain: That’s just wizards of the West for ya… anytime, anywhere…
???: (chirp) (squeak)
Akira: Over by that tree…
Cain, there might still be animals trapped over there!
The volcanic rocks must have knocked over the tree, but I have a feeling that the little critter riding on Murr’s shoulder from earlier is—
Cain: That little one! You’re right, I don’t see it anywhere within this barrier. Let’s go double check!
With Saccie in tow, Cain and I rushed to the site. There was a volcanic rock the size of a human being.
The earth had fissured where it landed. The rocky ground must have been brittle in places, so the volcanic rock had opened up a hole when it struck.
Squirrel-like Creature: (frantic chirping)
Akira: It’s there…! It fell into the hole.
I’m glad you’re alright… Now, come, let’s g—
Cain: …! Akira, duck!
Akira: !?
next episode →
Murr: Yep. Djalgr are highly intelligent creatures.
They can learn, remember, and utilise any of the sounds they hear. They can determine how to appropriately use each sound too, such as to draw prey to itself, to strike fear into other creatures, or simply as a warning.
When it spoke Mithra’s name earlier, it sounded like a noise it didn’t know how to use properly. It might be because it’d just learned it.
Snow: Indeed. Based on what Mithra told us, it’s most likely mimicking Tiletta’s voice.
Mithra: ………
Mithra looked down at his hand that had touched the fiend. His hair over his face hid his expression from me.
I remembered that when he first saw the djalgr, the first word out of his mouth was Tiletta’s name.
This djalgr was a creature bearing his late teacher’s magic, and it was an opponent he had lost to once before.
It had clumsily strung together noises to mimic the way she spoke his name.
I couldn’t imagine how his heart had felt at that moment, but…
Mithra: Back on that day, this djalgr was sealed at the edge of the volcanic crater, by Tiletta’s own hand.
I’d always felt like I’d forgotten something. I kept coming here over and over again, but I couldn’t remember what it was that I’d forgotten…
Through the strands of his red hair, Mithra’s gaze turned towards me.
I could see that innocent smile of his across his face.
Mithra: It’s just as you said.
The thing I’d forgotten about was here all along, and it’s the djalgr that I didn’t manage to defeat all those years ago.
The Mithra before me now, in the midst of this beautiful scenery that stretched as far as the eye could see, was so different from the person whose hand I held while he laid down in bed.
He was so close yet entirely out of reach, someone who had lived for many, many years and was the second strongest wizard in this world.
[ Roar! ]
In that instant — there was a loud, guttural below from the ground below.
Through a thin veil of ash, a wriggling shadow shot towards us. It moved blindingly fast, like a howling wind, and it hurtled up intothe sky.
Cain: Here it comes…!
With their magical tools in hand, all the wizards scattered yet again.
But the brute’s attention was locked onto only one of them.
Mithra: Haha…
Good for you. Let’s have some fun — it’s been a while.
Oz: ………
Like dancing flames, Mithra’s hair swayed. The usual lethargy in his eyes was gone, replaced by a brilliant shine.
Having noticed Mithra’s change, Oz lowered his staff.
I found it surprising that Oz had not immediately launched an attack.
Perhaps Mithra had noticed the staff’s movement in his periphery. He glared at Oz.
Mithra: Oz, please stay out of this business. This is my prey to hunt.
Hey, over here.
Mithra stepped his foot onto the handle of his broom and sped off into an ascent.
In response, the djalgr lashed its wings open and took after Mithra, hot on his heels.
Chloe: Will Mithra be alright…?
If it were me, having my name called out like that, especially if it felt like my former teacher, I might have been lured in…
Snow: You needn’t worry. A beast is a beast, and Mithra can certainly tell a beast from a witch with certainty.
That creature besmirches Mithra’s reputation as a mark of defeat from long ago. For better or for worse, the very same fiend is back with a great magical power housed within it.
Snow looked up, his eyes focusing on Mithra’s crystal skull that now glowed red.
Mithra: « arsim »
A flash of light not unlike a bolt of lightning struck the djalgr.
However, with a toss of its horns, the brute repelled the attack. The bolt grazed Mithra’s side, shooting past him to cleave a scar into the faraway rocky mountainside.
Mithra: You really have grown much stronger than back then.
Tiletta’s magic is also strongly radiating off of you. Be it the Calamity’s influence, or something else altogether, I can’t say…
But you are not the only one that has grown stronger. I have too. Please do your best and try to entertain me.
Mithra: « arsim » !
Heeding the utterance of his spell-word, Mithra’s crystal skull transformed into a giant skeleton that rivalled the djalgr in size.
The roaring djalgr’s claws gleamed, taking on a red sheen, as if they were heating up.
Its sharp claws clashed against the skeleton’s bone palm. Sparks flew as they duelled in midair.
Chloe: Wow… It’s keeping up, it’s matching it blow for blow against a giant fiend…
Cain: Yeah. It’s just like watching beasts duke it out for dominance over territory.
Murr: Mithra, are you holding back? Is that all you’ve got? I spy, with my little eye, nothing but a tie!
Owen: From what I can tell, it looks like he really is using his all in this clash against the fiend. I suppose that beast is pretty tough.
Akira: For some reason, Mithra looks like he’s having fun… Even though he’d be done for if he got slashed apart by claws that size.
Rustica: Yes… He is like a comet, blazing its trail brightly across the night sky.
Oz: … To Mithra, this is probably his last and final trial from Tiletta.
Had the stars not aligned, it would have been impossible to once again come into contact with the power of one who has already turned to stone.
Akira: Oz…
Cain: … If only Rutile and Mitile joined us too.
I felt my chest tighten with a pang at the words that fell from Cain’s lips.
Akira: (The djalgr is a dangerous beast. I do think it’s best that it’s defeated once and for all…)
(But I’m sure the two of them would have liked a chance to feel their mother’s magical presence.)
[ No BGM ]
Suddenly, there was a blast of burning hot air, accompanied by the deafening sound of deep rumbling from beneath the earth.
Akira: W-what was that…!?
Cain: Look! Magma’s geysering out of the crater!
The mountaintop that loomed over all of us had erupted in a towering fountain of ominous scarlet magma and jet black ash.
[ BGM starts ]
The expanse of blue skies from earlier was nowhere to be seen. A thick cloak of ash clouds had enveloped it all.
Rapidly, there were molten rocks, jets of magma, and who knew what else flying up and out of the crater — and towards us.
Akira & Chloe & Cain: Aaahhh—!?
Murr: Whee! Mount Guren sure knows how to treat a fan! Who would’ve expected the opportunity to witness a full-on volcanic eruption!
Now, give me a moment here. There must be a way to collect and preserve a fresh magma sample without it hardening over time…
Of all the mystic tools I’ve brought with me, which one’s best suited to resist heat? Rustica! Hold onto this for a second, will you?
Rustica: Oh, of course. This glass bottle of yours has such a lovely design.
Owen: Is this really the best time to rifle through your knick-knacks with magic?
Snow: This is exactly the sort of time that they’d choose to march to the beat of their own drum.
Oz: We have tried the land’s patience too boldly. The spirits are wroth.
Steamy hot air gusted all around us. Oz’s hair swirled in the heat as he looked up at Mithra.
Oz: We shall honour Tiletta’s name. The beast is Mithra’s to handle.
Mithra has already declared it his prey.
Snow: Yes. But if they are to continue fighting, their battle will wreak further devastation on this already devastated land.
Ideally, we would let Mithra do as he pleases, but that would only serve to incur further wrath from the spirits…
Snow wagged a finger in the air as he spoke. He retrieved a glowing hourglass.
Snow: Playtime shall end when the last grain of sand falls. Mithra must subjugate the fiend by then.
In silent acknowledgement of Snow’s words, we all looked at the hourglass as it bobbed up and down in the hot waves of steam.
The grains of sand fell slowly but surely. Oz observed the hourglass, and then he nodded.
Oz: I take no issue with that. This allocated amount of time shall suffice.
Owen: Fufu… If that’s the case, then maybe I’ll go have some of my own fun too.
Cain: Owen, where are you going?
Owen’s broom swivelled back. Perched upon it, Owen looked down at Cain, who had called out to him. His lips pulled back in a thin smile.
Owen: Mithra’s not the smartest.
I’ll watch over him in case his blood rushes to his head to make sure he doesn’t blow this place up into smithereens.
Cain: Wh— Hey!
Oz: It is because of Mithra’s influence that Owen’s blood boils with excitement.
Snow: Oh, those silly boys are so impulsive… Owen! Then, I shall entrust you with this hourglass.
Tell Mithra this: If the spirits continue to ravage this land, it won’t hold for much longer. He should put an end to things as soon as possible!
The steaming hot air gusted all around Owen and his broom as he flew off, waving a hand back at the others.
???: (squeak) !
Akira & Cain: …?
It was a high-pitched cry.
I glanced across the expanse of land that stretched far before me, and I saw that the animals were running for their lives from the fiery onslaught.
Akira: (Oh no…! The foothills, the animals there, they…)
Akira: Um!
Cain: Y’all—
Oh, oops. My bad, Akira. You go first.
Akira: S-sorry. Is it alright if we go back to the foothills to check on the animals? I’m a bit worried for them…
Murr: Then Rustica and I shall construct a barrier!
Murr stood balancing atop his broom, spinning about in search of something underneath him. He suggested:
Murr: We’ll guide the animals into our barrier and keep them there until Mithra settles his score. How’s that sound?
Rustica: I am in agreement, for the animals are precious acquaintances we have made.
Chloe: Count me in too…! Snow sama, Oz sama, will that be alright?
Snow: Hmm… very well then. After all, you are all here to learn from witnessing the wonders of the world.
Oz: Mithra is now headed to the crater at the volcano’s peak. In time, he will drown that fiend in magma.
Snow: Yes. Now, allow me to create the focal point for the barrier.
« noscommunia »
With his magic, Snow retrieved a little jar filled with something akin to sparkling sand.
When Snow laid the jar upon his open palm and chanted his spell-word, a pale light filtered into the jar.
Snow: We must now go after Mithra. And you all shall take this with you.
Akira: Thank you very much…!
Cain: Don’t worry about us. We’ll gather the animals quickly. Let’s go, Akira!
Akira: Yeah!
[ At the foothills… ]
Cain: Everyone, start herding the animals to this spot!
Akira: Got it…!
Here! Please come here!
Rustica: « amorest viesse »
Murr: « eanul rambul »
Scattering the glowing sand that Snow had given us, Murr swiftly drew a magical glyph.
Unsurprisingly, the foothills where we had taken leisurely strolls earlier was now filled with animals milling about in confusion.
Some animals hid in the shadows of the rocks. Others made noises to warn us away. We managed to lead the animals into the safety of the barrier while also using magic to avoid being harmed by the rocks and fire from the eruption.
Chloe: Ah, that’s the big guy from earlier…! You were waiting for us, huh.
You’re going to be okay! Murr and Rustica are gonna keep us all safe and sound inside their barrier.
Murr: Wow! This volcanic rock’s larger than I am!
If I had let my attention stray for just a split second, we’d all have been crushed underneath its weight!
Rustica: What a thrilling experience we’re having! These rocks and flames make for the most unique rainfall.
Chloe: Why do those two seem like they’re enjoying all of this…?
Cain: That’s just wizards of the West for ya… anytime, anywhere…
???: (chirp) (squeak)
Akira: Over by that tree…
Cain, there might still be animals trapped over there!
The volcanic rocks must have knocked over the tree, but I have a feeling that the little critter riding on Murr’s shoulder from earlier is—
Cain: That little one! You’re right, I don’t see it anywhere within this barrier. Let’s go double check!
With Saccie in tow, Cain and I rushed to the site. There was a volcanic rock the size of a human being.
The earth had fissured where it landed. The rocky ground must have been brittle in places, so the volcanic rock had opened up a hole when it struck.
Squirrel-like Creature: (frantic chirping)
Akira: It’s there…! It fell into the hole.
I’m glad you’re alright… Now, come, let’s g—
Cain: …! Akira, duck!
Akira: !?
next episode →