Chapter 5
Part 1
—North Side. In an unexplored section of the forest.
This is a quiet place. That was the first impression Asuka had about the forest.
The only sounds that could be heard in the forest were that of rustling of the trees as wild birds roosted on the branches. And the light footed gallop of wild beasts on the moist ground as the herds passed them by.
Various calls and howls echoed in the night while Asuka started the fire that would warm their campsite.
“It’s really quiet here. It might actually be the first time that I’ve heard this kind of silence in Little Garden.”
“……” Kuro Usagi hunched over the fire and did not respond to Asuka. Hugging her knees, Kuro Usagi had been lost in her thoughts for hours and it would have been an uninterrupted trance if it weren’t for the occasional act of tossing a kindling to the flames.
Although Asuka did not question directly nor was she supplied an answer about what was on Kuro Usagi’s mind, she guessed that it must have been the result of a traumatic experience in [Kouen City]. Moreover, Kuro Usagi had been in this state ever since she was rescued by Almathea.
Perhaps it was the desire to be in control of her own anxiety and wish to remain at status quo that made Asuka unwilling to ask the question. However, seeing that sort of behavior was also starting worrying. The usual Kuro Usagi would be the one who would play the role of the mood maker and boost their morales.
Thinking up to that point, Asuka shook her head to change her thoughts.
(Baka. Even if Kuro Usagi’s a cheerful and energetic person, it would be too cruel to depend on her to continue in her usual state at this point in time. It’s wrong for me to add on to her burdens when she has lost her usual drive. I’ve got to get my act together.)
Asuka pulled herself together as she decided that it is precisely in this dire situation that she should display the legendary “girl’s power”. Although she did not know the exact meaning of that phrase, but this Showa Era girl was just going to take that “girl’s power” to be an equivalent to the arts of a skillful supporter— which refers to the supportive background role of a wife. And it was time for her to display her interpersonal communication skills which have been honed in the world of Little Garden.
Having set her mind to the task, Asuka then continued to engage in her random and unending flow of topics even while knowing that there would be no response to any of them.
Since the time that she was thrown to the surface of a lake upon being summoned to the world of Little Garden.
And the time that they had won against [Fores Garo] and proclaimed the plan to revive [No Name].
Then came the [Perseus], [Black Death Demon Lord] and battle of [Underwood] sagas.
…… Thinking back to those days, there was quite a number of battles within the past half year.
“Kuro Usagi, do you know what’s the most impressionable thing after our arrival in Little Garden?”
Having talked for some time, Asuka posed a question to Kuro Usagi to start a new topic.
She was unable to find anything else to talk about after having expended most of the topics in a short time span. After all, the definition of a conversation is a kind of interaction that is to be held between two individuals with an equal share of passing and catching of the ball. If it is only one individual who is passing the ball, it is only inevitable that the ball is lost in that process.
The sound of the rustling leaves in the forest and the chirps of the crickets and wild beast calls only helped to make the silence excessively prominent.
Behind the façade of Asuka’s smile were beads of cold sweat that soaked her back.
Kuro Usagi continued to hug her knees in silence before speaking softly.
“……Asuka-san, have you regretted?”
“Regretted? About what?”
“About coming to Little Garden.”
—Don. Asuka’s eyes widened in surprise.
Kuro Usagi’s words were really unexpected.
But at the same time, Asuka was able to understand where it came from.
And what was bothering her.
“Kuro Usagi, could it be that … something happened to Izayoi-kun?”
Hearing Asuka’s question, Kuro Usagi started to break into a bout of shivers. And one would be able to guess from her reaction. It would most likely be the explanation for her silence as well.
Although Almathea had glossed over the whole matter, Izayoi must have sustained a heavy injury at that time. In addition, it might have been Almathea’s way of showing her loyalty when she stopped Asuka from heading to his location.
“Kuro Usagi……[No Name] changed a great deal because of you guys. Although it might be difficult to believe….. it was a building that used to have a thicker depressive atmosphere and it was truly a tiresome road that we had struggled to live up till today. Our few remaining comrades had also left us one after another because of the bitter and harsh life that we were leading. Among them were those who would even abandon their own children while leaving the Community. ”
Kuro Usagi continued to squat while hugging her knees and she spoke while avoiding a direct answer to Asuka’s question.
It was the first time Asuka was hearing about the past.
Although the abandonment was only to be expected if one were to take into account the culture of Little Garden.
Large scale Communities were mainly dependent on the hosting of Games for their earnings. Opening businesses and such were only a supplementary source of income.
No matter how one were to think about their shared times in the Community, it was a fact that a Community that has lost its Flag (symbol) and Name (brand) would be unable to host Games anymore. And there were almost none who would be willing to remain in a Community that was given a fate similar to that of a death sentence.
Those who left to protect their families and those who left while abandoning their families.
The three years spent in their condition of ruination was surely the hellish days of the [No Name].
“Kuro Usagi wasn’t planning to insult those who left us. After all, it is a very common thing in Little Garden. Rather, the laughable one would be Kuro Usagi. Thinking that they would stay on if we were to hold on and not announce the disbanding of our Community. If we were to establish a new official Community— Everyone wouldn’t have to be summoned over to such a useless Community. Izayoi-san wouldn’t have to bet his life in that brutal battle.”
Her last words were choked by a sob.
Hearing Kuro Usagi speak in such a feeble tone was totally unexpected and in stark contrast to her usual self. Asuka was stumped by the situation. Although she had known that something was bothering Kuro Usagi, she did not expect it to be such a degree of self-blame.
Asuka wanted to give a reflexive answer of “No, that’s not it”, but she caught herself before the words could come out. She could not think of anything to say to a person who was feeling cornered like this. And she speculated that Kuro Usagi would continue to blame herself even if she were to say anything different.[27]
—Asuka did not know that Kuro Usagi had met with a similar situation 200 years ago and lost her parents in the process.
For the sake of letting Kuro Usagi escape, the view of the backs of her parents was too similar to that of Izayoi’s. And it became the source of her fear and insecurity.
Her past that seemed to burn like the image of a setting sun was unable to be banished from her mind’s eye.
Following that, their conversation broke off and was swallowed up by the silence of the region.
Only the sounds of the night wind brushing through the sea of trees could be heard and the campfire swayed unsteadily.
Are we going to wait like this until dawn breaks— Suddenly, Asuka broke the silence with a light tone,
“Just for a bit, let’s talk about some unimportant stuff.”
“……?”
“It’s something that happened in my world. I’ve only talked about the rough sketches of the era that I’ve come from right?— Oh, let’s start from my family and school.”
Scratching her black hair, Asuka’s smile faded from her face.
It was then that Kuro Usagi had a change of expression for the first time. Asuka had not brought up about her past as much when compared to Yō and Izayoi. Although Izayoi and Yō wouldn’t initiate the topic, they would still oblige with a conversation if posed with the question. On the other hand, Asuka did bring up about the financial conglomerate and the original era that she was from, but there weren’t any specifics about her homeland in all of her conversations.
Wondering to herself about her own change in mood, Kuro Usagi adopted the attitude of a quiet listener.
“Although I did bring it up myself, but where should I start this. I’ve recounted the part about entering a female dormitory before, did I?”
“Y, Yes.”
“Then let’s start from that. —Perhaps you may be surprised by this, but up till the age of ten years of age, I was still attending classes you know? Although there was a strict screening, but I was still able to make a few friends. The teachers trusted me and I did not have much friction with my relatives. My grades— was also excellent in the confines of that era. Hm Hm, that’s right. After all, I was the main successor of my family.”
Hehe, Asuka slightly puffed up her chest.
Due to her origin from the period after the Second World War, it was inevitable for her to be slightly less refined in her thoughts and knowledge, but that did not make her inferior in terms of cognitive capabilities. It must have been true that her grades would be excellent as well.
Having friends, being trusted and having a good relationship with her relatives, these would not be an exaggeration at all…… At least it was that way before the admission into the female dormitories.
“Just a little…. And it’s really just a little that there was a change to the attitudes of the people around me. I would feel the gazes that held a little doubt and even notice the gazes in the common bath that were filled with fear. At that time, I did feel a little curious about the trust and obliging attitudes of the people around me. But, I had taken pride in those while attributing the reactions to the good evaluations and trust that people had in me and paid them no mind.”
Kudou Asuka is a strong girl who possesses a sense of righteousness.
Faced with uncalled censure and impeachment, she would have used her reasoning attitude and talent in communicating to deny them. However, it was also impossible for her to push away all that pressure.
At that time, she was still a ten year old girl who did not know of the power of Gifts.
Even when the decision was made to place her far from her loved ones, she did not dwell on the thought or reject that idea.
“But even so, I will have to move on. Even if it is decided that I will be transferred to a location that seems like a quarantine zone, even if I were to be enrolled to a new school, I will also clench my fist just like that, [“For the sake of regaining my title as the most outstanding student! Let’s be optimistic and gambatte!”]— I’d cheered myself on.”
“……Hehheh, that sounds like Asuka-san.”
Asuka desperately continued with conversational topics and Kuro Usagi responded with a little laugh.
Seeing Kuro Usagi’s smile, Asuka suddenly hesitated as she considered whether or not to continue the story.
But thinking that “It would be meaningless to stop here before reaching the end”, Asuka gave a troubled smile as she continued,
“Mah, getting myself pumped up with anticipation to enter a new school was only the start of that phase. The deep forest tracks were really inconvenient. The trails through the mountains were also winding along treacherous mountain paths and cliffs. The surroundings of the female dormitory were covered with a mix of soil types and mud. There would be frequent patrols carried out by armed guards and it was just like a prison in there.”
“…………”
“Having entered the female dormitory that required all tenants to seek permission for entering or leaving the premises, I remember it to be the first night there that it happened. While arranging my luggage and preparing to go to bed, the dormitory matron came running in and just when I was wondering what had happened, the dormitory matron spoke,
[“Your friends have trespassed into the female dormitories covered in blood”], while looking pale in the face.”
Kuro Usagi couldn’t believe her ears. If her rabbit ears were still attached, they would surely be greatly tilted to a side. If the word friends was used in that occasion, it would mean that there were a few of them who had gone to look for Asuka.
Asuka had a self-depreciating smile as she gazed up to the skies.
“I had thought that it was all a joke back then. But those who arrived were unquestionably people whom I’ve known well. My best friends since my younger days. …… No. I should say that they were my bosom friends. And why would they come this far to the depths of the mountains? I then asked the reason…… and they absentmindedly said this,
[“Didn’t Asuka say this from before? We are best friends— so we must always be together.”]”
—Blood was flowing from her forehead.
Transversing the treacherous mountain paths
There was no doubt about that action.
The people whom I had thought of as bosom friends were saying that with a confused smile—
“At that moment…… even if it were me, I was able to understand everything. My words held the power to bend the wills of others. It’s just as the others had rumored about me…… I am a witch who befuddles the mind of others.”
Toward Asuka, whom she had always thought of as a person who was shy to bring up her past, Kuro Usagi was unable to say anything in reply.
And she was feeling ashamed of her smile that she gave lightly just a little while ago.
Although it was said that simply, but there would surely be a great change in the attitudes of the people around her. An impact and hopelessness that is far greater than what was described by Asuka was to be borne upon the back of a girl who was just ten years of age then.
Needless to say, the gazes of the people around her would be filled with distrust and fear. Betrayals in hope to wrest the inheritance would have had happened as well.
Otherwise, why would a talented girl who was a candidate for the inheritance in the Showa period, which had the culture of respecting men and looking upon women as supportive roles, be sent to a deep mountain isolated facility?
Just as it was mentioned earlier, Kudou Asuka is a strong girl who possesses a sense of righteousness.
And every time that she opened her mouth to speak what she felt was the right way of doing things, it would also unintentionally silence the opinions of the others. Twisting the other party’s will to her own. A girl who originally believed in her own purity and reasoning to life while proudly raising her chest, was mercilessly beaten down by the truth of reality.
The one who’s truly at fault—- is me, I, a witch who befuddles the mind of others.
“Th,Then,…… What about those friends?””
“I’ve not seen them after that day. Although their minds were confused and scrambled up into many fragments, it would seem that their brainwashing was undone. They should be living normal lives from then on, I guess.”
Then, what about Asuka-san? But she quickly shut her mouth before that question could escape her lips.
Noticing the unasked question, Asuka gave a stretch and continued, “After that, it’s just been the same as how I’m now. I’ve been born with this character. Just a stumbling block in the way isn’t going to change my whole life. I’ve decided that I will take my judgement of something to be right as a correct decision and that which I feel is wrong to be a wrong one. So, if I were to name something that might have changed…… It would be my inability to trust in the feelings of the people around me. That’s just it.”
In a world that calls for people to be forced to wear masks, shouting about righteousness and the correct way to things on her own. How did it become this situation? Even Don Quixote[28] would be unable to compare to this level of ridiculous antics. On first glance, it might look like a comedy, but that was surely not a comedy.
Just like how righteousness would not be able to exist without the pairing of an evil intention, there is nothing in the world that is of a meaningless existence.
If that wasn’t loneliness, what would that be? If that wasn’t a tragedy, what would that be?
There had never been a need to be kept away in the prison of the mountains. Kudou Asuka had always been alone since her birth into the world.
“……Asuka-san, why are you telling Kuro Usagi all this?” Kuro Usagi asked cautiously. The story that Asuka recounted just now should have been one of her darkest histories that she would not want others to know of. Why would she choose to bring up a past that she had not said up till now? It was understandable that Kuro Usagi would have this doubt.
Asuka did not answer her immediately but lifted her head to gaze at the skies, temporarily sinking into silence.
At the moment when the moon’s rays peaked from the edges of the clouds—- Asuka stood up and gave a bright smile, “So Kuro Usagi. I’m really grateful that you’ve summoned me over to this world of Little Garden.”
Brighter than the stars and the moon, without any worry or embarrassment.
That was a real smile that reflected the soul of Asuka.
“……Ah,”
Kuro Usagi finally remembered. And tears flowed from her eyes once more.
To be swung along by the feelings of sadness and displaying a weak side of herself in the process of the recount, Asuka had accepted all of that. For the sake of Kuro Usagi and to help her out of her self-blame and worry about the future, Asuka had made the decision to tell of her past humiliations.
—- I’m really grateful that you’ve summoned me over to this world of Little Garden.
“cast aside your friends, your possessions, your world, and come to our Little Garden”.
To have sent me that wonderful letter filled with instigative intent, I’m really grateful to you.
That was a smile that was from the bottom of her heart, conveying the gratefulness for each and every day that she had spent in the world of Little Garden.
“Kuro, Kuro Usagi’s the one who should say that……Asuka-san, and everyone who answered my summon, Kuro Usagi have not even thanked you guys once……! Kuro…. Ku,Kurob[29], really…… !!!”
For it to be you guys who answered the call to Little Garden, it’s the best thing that could happen.
Although she wanted to say that, but her tears and leaking nose was making it difficult to get the words out. Asuka gave a wry smile as she handed Kuro Usagi a handkerchief.
“Izayoi-kun is surely okay. He’s been doing fine up till today. So, he’s surely going to be fine this time as well.”
“Y, Yes……!”
“Who care’s if he’s the strongest Godslayer or what. He won’t be our match at all. Let’s quickly beat that guy to his knees and return to our Headquarters with everyone. Jin-chan’s name is also well established by now and it shouldn’t be a bad idea to try host a Game of our own. Right?”
“Yes…… Yes……!!!”
They would definitely return with everyone. No matter how strong their opponent may be, they would still return with everyone alive and well. With each encouragement spoken by Asuka, Kuro Usagi could feel the warming of her heart’s fire.
And this warmth is definitely not the work of a witch’s curse. For if this warmth in her heart were to be a curse, all Gifts in the world would also be a curse.
Wiping away her tears, Kuro Usagi was brimming with smiles when she turned to face Asuka.
And she saw their hopelessness that lurked in the shadows of the undergrowth.
“Asuka-san, get down!!!”
Pulling her clothes forcefully to get Asuka to lie low.
Asuka was bewildered by the sudden change in Kuro Usagi but she soon understood the reason behind such an action in the next moment.
An impressive intimidating presence flew over their heads. If Asuka had remained standing, she would have been gnawed in half and probably would have her organs spilled over their camp grounds too.
The attacker —a pure white two headed dragon, had a glint of reflected light in its ruby red eye as it flew overhead while giving a roar.
“GEEEEYAAAaaaa!!!”
“Here…..! Until we escape, obstruct that two headed dragon!”
Waving the only Gift on hand—the [Hamelin Wind Cutter Flute], she endowed a mock Divinity upon the trees as she gave her orders.
Following that, trees started to stretch and roil the grounds like an agitated animal.
Twigs were transformed into arrow heads and the tree branches changed into hundreds of spears as they pierced the four limbs of the two headed dragon. It did not matter that they were just normal trees as trees that were given mock Divinity would possess a strength that exceeded that of any normal weapons.
But as a price for power, the trees would start to wither at a rapid rate after accomplishing their mission. After all, this was a different situation from how Asuka gradually sanctified the land itself to become a holy temple ground in the previous encounter.
And as the trees burnt their spiritual powers with the conferred mock divinity, they were instantly reduced to withered logs that crumbled away.
A fresh spurt of blood of the two headed dragon was followed by its roar.
And from the blood that was splattered around it, more one headed dragons were being produced and were multiplying gradually. If it were only one enemy after us, we might just be able to escape, thinking that to herself, Asuka took a step forward
But Kuro Usagi’s shout brought her attention to her back, “Asuka-san! There’s still another enemy concealed in the trees!”[30]
Possessing a body of a burning temperature, the two headed dragon lunged at Asuka who was unguarded. However, the water tree branch which was their ration supply was given a command which it accepted along with the endowment of mock divinity to form a protective blast of water which shielded Asuka.
Intense heat collided with flowing water to form steam that blanketed the surroundings. Effectively blocking them from sight.
“Let’s run!” Asuka saw it as an excellent opportunity and pulled Kuro Usagi by the hand to break into a run.
“But, But where do we escape to?!”
“If the two headed dragon can find us here, this location should be close to [Kouen City]! If we can meet up with Almathea, we might have a chance to be saved!”
They could only leave it to the heavens to dictate their fates. And fortunately, there were the burnt tracks of the heated two headed dragon from its travel in the forest. If they were to retrace the tracks of its passage, it might just lead them back.
“Definitely…. We will definitely make it back alive……!!!”
It won’t end like this, it will not end in this sort of place. It will definitely not end like this.
They cannot leave behind the Senior group just like that.
When they have not even restored the Flag.
When they have not even return the Name.
When they have not even defeated the Demon Lord whom they needed to exact vengeance upon.
And when they have not hosted a Halloween event.
How could we die like that when we have not even accomplish a single task?
Asuka ran with all her might.
However, all those were not even worth mentioning when placed before the problem of the two headed dragon.
“GEEEEYAAAaaaa!!!”
The shroud of steam was instantly dispersed by the intensity of its roar. The pressure of the winds caught Askua and Kuro Usagi in the process and tossed them up like leaves in the wind.
And up they flew to tumble over the tree tops while struggling like worms caught in a gust.
Asuka had been protected all those times by Almathea’s iron strong defence, but with just a human body alone, a simple breath of a god would be enough to snuff out the life in her.
Having collided her head on the third tree top, Aska’s vision started to swim as she gradually sank into a concussion. But even then, she continued to show her will to fight.
However, the fiery breath was already close in before Asuka’s very eyes.
“……”
The approaching ball of fire that seemed like a miniature sun elicited a shiver in her.
Even in her hazy semi-consciousness, Asuka was able to understand the implications.
Tears of regret and anger wetted the rims of her eyes as she couldn’t accept the death that she judged to be imminent.
“Ah…. Asuka-san!!!”
Kuro Usagi rushed over to Asuka and the twin headed dragon.
Her body was equally battered to the point of inducing a bout of nausea, but she ignored her condition to rush forth. Perhaps it might be evident that it is a useless attempt to be together but she continued to rush over with that understanding in mind.
Just like in the distant past—-where the [Moon Rabbit] sacrificed its life in the Buddhist stories.
For the sake of protecting her important comrade, Kuro Usagi charged into the blaze.
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