1. The Girl Who is a Burden
The Lamenting Corsesta was still an unexplored land. Many of the monsters that roam the land are of “unique species”, and it is said that even talented “adventurers” find it difficult to make progress.
However, the reclamation of this land was important to the people.
In order to promptly respond to the demon invasion, it is necessary to establish a “base”. ――To oppose the five Demons that rule the world.
《Clentia of the Frozen Keep》, 《Bolzan the Foolsdragon》, 《Foltiana the Old Wolf》, 《Agazand of the Looming Rock》 – and 《Lochness the Weeping Cat》 who rules over this land.
The last confirmed sighting of Lochness was five years ago – and not so long before that, this land was inhabited.
“The influence of the Demonic Scar is strong here… is this the cradle of Lochness?”
The black-haired man touches the ground with a sigh. With a sturdy body, he carries a large axe as tall as he is. His name is Eddie Grantz, he serves as the vanguard of the party.
As Eddie says, the ground is gouged out here and there, and in larger areas it looks like a valley.
“If this was the cradle of Lochness, I don’t think we could resist the effects of the Demonic Scar.”
Eddie’s words are answered by a blonde woman. Dressed in a white robe, the woman stares down into the valley with indigo eyes.
The further down the valley you go, the more black swirling presence you can see. The woman’s name is Ritoa Curthy. Her role in the party is that of a Rearguard, and she excels at 《Safeguard》 magic.
It was thanks to her that the party members were able to set foot here.
“I think it’s dangerous to stop in a place like this.”
With a shrug of his shoulders, a young man – Act Gousen says. Although he is also a rearguard, he specializes in 《Offensive Magic》. He has slightly longer blue hair.
His gray eyes stare at a young girl. Her eyes are downcast and she is panting heavily, obviously unwell,
“…… I’m, sorry.”
She says, as if squeezing out a single word.
――One of the five members of the party was Lexia Sinclair. She had long gray hair and white skin. However, perhaps due to her physical condition, today her skin looks even paler.
She could only apologize at the cold look Act gave her.
Lexia’s role is in the rearguard with her skill, 《Recovery》 – the most important role in a party of five.
However, the ability to instantly heal injuries is a story within a story. Lexia’s 《Recovery》 skill is rare, but time-consuming. Some people have skills.
To become an adventurer, one must either be proficient in 《magic》, or have a 《skill》.
Lexia, who can only use a little magic, has the basic role of healing the party. Under normal circumstances, however, she’s nothing more than a liability – a fact that she understands well.
“…… If you know that, gain a little more strength—”
“Yes, yes. You’re too noisy, Act. Lexia is a weak and cute girl. Stay with me!”
The girl who came back from the front interrupted Act’s words. Lexia’s expression also brightens a little at the sight of the girl.
The girl’s name is Meik Satilon. The girl with striking red hair speaks in a cheerful voice that does not match the gloomy atmosphere.
As the leader of the party “Raging Flame”, she is known as a 《Hero》 for her 《Purification》 skill. Purification – It has the power to counteract the “Demonic Scar” created by the demons. The land damaged by the demons gradually becomes contaminated and uninhabitable.
Only four people have the 《Purification》 skill which can reduce the incidence of such places, and Meik is counted as one of the heroes. She is one of the hopes who will eventually save the world.
“Meik … am I wrong?”
“It’s not a question of being wrong or not. Well, at least I think you’re wrong. Lexia is my friend.”
“That’s not a reason, is it?”
“It is. Lexia here is the reason I can do my best—right?”
“You’re the only one who can say that.”
At Meik’s words, Act sighs in amazement. Meik sits in front of Lexia,
“Are you all right?”
“Y, yes, I’m sorry, Meik.”
“It’s okay, we’re friends.”
Meik answers with a smile. She always feels at ease when she’s with her – it’s been about half a year since she joined this party.
Lexia and Meik are originally from the same village.
They played a lot as children, and Meik was the first to acquire her skill and work as an adventurer.
She was also originally a very skilled swordswoman. She quickly rose to prominence as an adventurer, and at the age of sixteen, is one of the “heroes” fighting on the front lines.
Lexia, on the other hand, was a girl who was of little use in battle, except for her rare 《Recovery》 skill.
That’s something Lexia herself understands, and she and her comrades were the only reason she was able to stay in Meik’s party – they understood that very well.
In fact, although Meik talks to her cheerfully, she can’t say that she gets along well with the other party members.
Although she does talk to Eddie and Ritoa, they are both quiet. It’s fair to say that the party balance is maintained by Meik’s cheerfulness.
“Well, why don’t we rest around here for today? Eddie and Ritoa, you don’t mind, do you?”
“I don’t mind. I don’t want to push myself too hard.”
“Me too. Let’s rest when we can.”
They both obeyed Meik’s words – so they decided to rest today because they were worried about Lexia’s health. It is not unusual for Lexia to fall ill. Unlike other adventurers, she is not physically strong.
It was a little reckless to take her across the 《Lamenting Corsesta》. – There is a reason why this place is called that.
『Ooh, oooh, oooh, oooooooh, ooooh….』
『Aooh, oh, ouuoaah…』
A moaning voice, heard from the depths of the land. Indeed, the very sound of “lamentation” always dominates this land.
It is said that a normal person would suffer a mental breakdown after just one day in this place.
Under its influence, Lexia’s physical condition deteriorated.
(Why am I so useless, I…)
Lexia thinks to herself as she watches the three people who have started to prepare for the camp. The other members seem to be fine with hearing the ‘voices’.
But Lexia is restless when she hears the voices.
It’s as if someone is sad, hurt, calling out to her – she doesn’t know what it is, but there’s only the chilling fear that stays with her all the time..
(I wonder if it’s okay for me to be here…)
That’s what she’s been thinking for a while.
Lexia is probably holding this party back. She understands that best.
It is just as Act says ―― Lexia is spoiled by Meik’s kindness.
She’s by her side because she admires a hero like her and she needs her… If that were true, she didn’t have the strength or power to be in a place like this.
“Are you okay?”
“Oh… Eddie.”
It was Eddie who suddenly called out. He was so tall that she had to look up to see his face.
However, she found it difficult to face him, so she kept her face down even as he spoke to her.
“Now is the time to rest. There’s nothing to worry about.”
“…… Thank you.”
“When you get better, we’ll go further into the deep. This land is unexplored. You should be very motivated.”
Was it meant to cheer up Lexia? Or was he trying to drive a nail into the unreliable Lexia’s coffin… she couldn’t tell which.
Ritoa’s expression, as she glanced at them, is as calm as ever.
Act seems to be nearby, but hasn’t come back, and finally approaches when the tent is finished being pitched.
…… This day, she was going to spend the night here.
Afterword
It was a Yuri story that I wanted to serialize, so I started it off.
Sads Translates 