A Mahoyaku Translation Blog with a Central Bias

- Event story

- Cain SSR

Thanks to twitter user makiharawataru for helping me with the Japanese. All other mistakes are mine.

Oz, Arthur, Cain, Riquet

Snow, White, Mithra, Owen, Bradley

Faust, Shino, Heathcliff, Nero

Shylock, Murr, Chloe, Rustica

Cain: Thank you for the ritual, Akira. I’ve been feeling energetic since you conducted it for me. Today Oz praised me too.

Akira: I’m glad to hear that! Ah, I’ve been meaning to ask. What kind of birthday celebration did you enjoy with the wizards who gave you blessings?

Cain: Heath invited me to coffee. We had a stroll around the Capital together. Then I got a book from him. He was really bashful as he said that it was the book he had been meaning to recommend to me.

Akira: Ahaha, that sounds like something Heath would do. A book that Heath would recommend must be very interesting!  

Cain: Riquet treated me to some lobsters that he said he found at the market. He wanted me to try it because it was tasty when grilled and served with sweet sauce.

Akira: I saw Riquet asking for help from Nero to make something. So that was the lobsters. What did they taste like?

Cain: Incredibly yummy! I think Riquet knows my palate very well.

Cain: Owen, well, he suddenly appeared when I was practicing magic and stared at me without a word. So I asked him ‘What’s the matter?’.

Akira: How did he reply?

Cain: He didn’t reply. Instead he disappeared right away. I’m not really sure, but maybe it was his way of checking on my training for me?

Blessings for Cain (1)

[In the forest]

Akira: Oh, you’re here! You know, Cai-

Cain: Gladius procella

[Shaking effect]

Akira: Aah!

Cain: Sorry! This voice… Is it you, Master Sage? Please touch my hand, if you don’t mind!

[Clasping sound]

Akira: No need to worry. It’s my own fault. I came at a wrong time and all. Are you in the middle of magic training?

Cain: Yeah, I’m practicing the spell for casting whirlwinds that Oz taught us. I still haven’t managed to master it though. For some reason, water keeps pouring out from my sword. I’ve been trying to calm my breath and face the spirits with sincerity, but it hasn’t worked out yet. You’ve found me in a sorry state.

Akira: Not at all! In any case, it’ll be nice if the spell works out for you somehow.

Cain: Yeah, I’ll do my best. On another topic, what business do you come here for? Are you looking for me?  

Akira: Ah, I want to find you because I’m planning to conduct the ‘Ritual of Starlight and Words of Blessing’. Your birthday is just around the corner, right?

This ritual was to be conducted by the wizard in question together with the Sage in the country of the wizard or a location relevant for them, on a day when it was easy to gather blessings such as their birthday. According to Snow and White, the purpose of the ritual was to deepen the bond between the Sage and the wizard. Apparently it brought many benefits such as increasing the wizard’s magical power, reinforcing their heath, clearing up their mind and so on.

Cain: Oh, that! I would ask you to conduct that ritual myself if it isn’t too much trouble. I’ll leave it to your capable hands then, Akira.

Blessings for Cain (2)

For the Ritual of Starlight and Words of Blessing, it was necessary to have the blessings from three wizards who had some connections with the wizard in question. For that purpose, I talked to Riquet and Heathcliff, who had a good relationship with Cain.  

Akira: Thanks for coming, Riquet, Heathcliff.

Riquet: I will give this task my all to be worthy of your expectations, Master Sage! Of course, it is for Cain’s sake too!

Heathcliff: Same for me. After all, Cain has been taking care of me ever since I first arrived at the Magic Manor. This is not really about expressing my gratitude. Rather, I’d like to come up with a blessing that will bring him lots of joy.

Heathcliff: Is it really okay for me to be the one giving Cain a blessing though? There are certainly other people who would love to be his blessing givers. His Highness Prince Arthur, for example.

Akira: Oh, I plan to ask Arthur after he returns from Granvelle Castle! Anyway, it’s true that Cain is loved by everyone.

Riquet: I love Cain! You do too, don’t you Heathcliff? That’s why I think we should give him the most magnificent words of blessing as the representatives of people who love him.

Heathcliff: I- I suppose? In that case, I’ll be delighted to do the task. What do you like about Cain, Riquet?

Riquet: There is that time where he ate the chocolate I was saving for later. I was a bit angry at first, but then he said ‘You didn’t eat the chocolate right away so I thought you don’t want it. I’m really sorry’ and apologized to me properly without making excuses. I love how he is sincere like that.

Akira: Ahaha, that’s certainly very Cain.

Heathcliff: I think it’s impressive how he’s straightforward in words and deeds. He has never deceived anyone.

Owen: That guy has never deceived anyone? Are you for real? He, who is a born liar?

Akira – Heathcliff – Riquet: Owen!

While we hadn’t noticed, Owen appeared. As we turned in his direction, Owen looked at us with a sarcastic smile.

Owen: Mister Knight pretended to be a human and lived like one since birth. For him, lying comes easier than doing magic. He must be trying to curry favor with you people by appearing to be sincere, O Lord Grand Noble and Master Apostle of God. Do you really think he can be trusted?

Heathcliff: Cain pretended to be human because he listened to his parents whom he treasures. That was definitely not his own wish. I have lots of respect for the way Cain always thinks of his family and companions in his words and deeds, so I trust him.

Riquet: Geez, Owen! We are in the middle of composing words of blessings for Cain. Please don’t get in our way.

Owen: Ahaha, no need for you to be so cruel. Oh I know, how about me thinking up a blessing for him then?

Heathcliff – Riquet: Eh?

Owen: That ritual requires three wizards, is that right? What? Am I not suitable for the task?  

Akira: No, that’s not the case at all! I just didn’t think you’d offer.  

Heathcliff: Will what Owen gives really be a blessing though?

Riquet: I think it will work out. Cain will definitely accept even Owen’s words with a smile and be delighted by them.

Owen: Whatever the case, I certainly want to see how his smile becomes all messed up on the day of celebration.

Heathcliff: I just want to make him smile the normal way though.

Riquet: Let’s return to our task at hand! Our blessings for Cain will be…  

Akira: (They are discussing the suitable words for Cain’s blessings so seriously. Unexpectedly, they seem to be a good team for this?)

Blessings for Cain (3)

[At Roland’s grave]

The ritual should be conducted at a location where many spirits made it their home with a clear view of the stars in the country of the wizard in question belonged. Accordingly, we went to Forest of Tranquility. We once had a mission there, and it was also the place the knight Cain admired rested for eternity.

After paying respect at Roland’s grave, we immediately conducted the ritual. Cain closed his eyes as I carefully placed my hand on his chest.

Akira: (First will be the blessing from Heathcliff)

Akira: ‘Happy birthday! You are like a big brother to me. Even so, I’d like you to rely on me too when you’re in need. I want to be of help to you as your friend.’

Akira: (Next is the blessing from Riquet)

Akira: “Happy birthday to you! To you, who expresses to me with all your heart that you love me when I encounter difficulty or when I am lonely, I love you too!”

Akira: (This one is from Owen)

Akira: “I hate you. From that dumb huge sword of yours to the way you laugh.”

Akira: (Finally, my blessing…)

Akira: “Dear Cain, you look very cool when you’re all stern and serious, but you’re open-hearted and cheerful by nature, and you have gifted me with your smiles countless times. May you have many wonderful reasons to smile and laugh in the future!”

When all of our words have been recited, I sensed something warm that spread from my arm to Cain’s chest. I opened my eyes and met Cain’s gaze. He gave me a smile that was like a refreshing breeze as he lightly pressed his own chest.

Cain: Thank you, Akira. The words from blessings from you and the others have certainly reached me. It’s hard to describe the sensation but somehow I’m feeling very refreshed!

Akira: It’s my pleasure to conduct the Ritual of Starlight for you today.

Cain: Now that I think about it, I’m light in both heart and body now. Maybe now is the time I will manage it.

It seemed that an idea dawned in Cain’s head because he unsheathed his sword. And then…

Cain: Gladius procella.

In that moment, I noticed that Roland’s sword glowed up with a faint light as if to answer a call.

Akira: Wow! Cain, there’s a whirlwind from your sword!

Cain: I did it! I finally did it! It’s a success!

Akira: Indeed. Congratulations!

Cain: Ahaha, maybe it’s thanks to the Starlight Ritual. I think I can do other magic in this state too.

[Smacking sound]

Cain: Ow! W- what on earth?

As Cain was laughing happily, a big leaf that was carried by the wind stuck on to the back of his head as if to poke at him. Cain stopped his magic and touched his head to check. He tilted his head confusedly when he noticed the leaf.

Cain: A red leaf? Was it brought here by the whirlwind I cast just now?

Akira: Uhm, Cain, I don’t know if this is relevant, but earlier I noticed Roland’s sword lit up for a moment.

Cain: I see. Perhaps that leaf was Roland’s way to tell me off.

Akira: Eh?

Cain: The legend says Roland had beautiful red hair, the same color as this leaf.  

As he said that with a smile, Cain raised that leaf in the air. The beautiful moonlight shined through the leaf and lit up his face.

Cain: I know what you meant to tell me, Roland. I will not be content with just one instant of success, and instead will continue to work hard. In the end, it's my goal to someday become a knight like you.

After looking at the leaf the same way he would look at a dear friend, he placed it on Roland’s grave like an offering.

Cain: I’m hungry already. Nero said he’d treat me, so shall we fly straight back to the Magic Manor on my broom?

Akira: Ahaha that’s right. We should return before the bacon gets cold.

Part 1     Part 2     Part 3     Part 4    Part 5

Snow: That would be pretty dangerous. When dealing with spirits, it isn’t simply a matter of using one’s power to finish everything.

White: The Central spirits in particular hate the Northern temperament. If we dealt with them the wrong way, they would probably get angrier and the situation would become even worse. In the case at hand, only Cain could destroy the Chalice and settle the matter peacefully, since he’s a Central Wizard. Well done.

Cain bended down as the twins pulled at his arms. He smiled as the little hands patted his head in compliments. There was a touch of bashfulness on his face.

Mithra: That snake… For a spirit of Central Country, it was too wild. Perhaps its power was warped because it was summoned by the Sacred Chalice that was revived by the Great Calamity.

Owen: Of course the spirits would gather at the lake and cause a fuss. Something that had perished a long time ago woke up in a twisted form at the bottom of the lake after all.  

Cain: I see.

Cain nodded and turned his gaze at the lake that had grown quiet. In the moment, moonlight was reflecting from the surface of the lake, where the figure had appeared earlier.

Cain: Seth was trying to warn us about the Sacred Chalice that had come back to life, wasn’t he?

Chloe and Shino blinked. I too was taken aback a little. The figure that raised the sword swayed to and fro as it re-appeared in my mind.

Chloe: It seems that Seth wasn’t a hero like the fairy tale says. Even so…

Rustica: He was buried in the region and became a part of the beautiful scenery here. Even if the legend was incorrect, he was admired and cherished by the locals. Because of that, he regretted his wrongdoings, and so tries to warn people of the dangers ahead. That’s probably what happened.

Murr: With something with the caliber of the Sacred Chalice, it wouldn’t be a surprise if the town is swallowed up, you know!

Shino: Maybe he was waiting for someone to break the Sacred Chalice in his stead.

Akira: …..

Akira: (There’s no way to check what the truth is though)

Maybe it was his way to make amends for his wrongdoings. Maybe precisely because he was not the hero in the story people told, he wanted to act like a hero at least from that point onwards.

Owen: Aren’t you just turd polishing though? Even though the truth is that he was nothing but a criminal that brought ruins to himself out of his own greed, you lot want to prop him up and make him look good? There’re other possible explanations for what happened, such as it was just a coincidence.

Owen spitted those words out with a disgusted face. White, who had come out of the painting, smiled at him.

White: Aren’t you a bad wizard yourself? Yet you still give a hand in saving the world, right? Just like Seth, someday there’ll be pretty tales about you that are told among the future generations too.

Owen: What? Don’t lump me in with that lowlife!

Rustica: A Sage’s Wizard who helped people around the world. His name is Owen ~

Chloe: A powerful, beautiful Northern wizard, who loves singing ~

Murr: He loves dogs too ~

Owen: Stop that.

Cain: Ahaha.

Owen: What are you laughing about? Do you want me to put a thousand snakes inside your clothes?

Cain: Please don’t! I’ve had more than enough of snakes with the big one back there.

Everyone burst out laughing. Their laughter echoed across the quiet lake.

Cain: Whatever the case, the Seth who protected this region as we know him isn’t a complete lie. I’m glad to witness it with my own eyes. Let’s keep a happy fairy tale happy.

At dawn, the lake that was unchanging from the day before became lively again with travelers who sought a cool breeze. I saw Cain talking to Owen, who was eating crepes by the shore.

Cain: Hey, Owen! Did you enjoy the vacation? I invited you because I wanted to know you better, even if just a little, but I ended up dragging you along in my thing. Sorry about that. Even so, I was glad that I got to fight alongside you. Thanks for helping me.

Owen: What nonsense are you talking about? Are you still dreaming?

Owen rolled up his crepe and threw it at Cain.

Owen: Listen, back there was only my stratagem. You were being taken advantaged of. Don’t get overfamiliar with me, you weakling of a Central wizard.

Owen turned his back and left as he said that, wearing a curt expression of boredom on his face. However, from what I heard, he didn’t only eat the sweets of that shop. He had stopped by many other vendors and gotten many confections for enjoying as he walked around town. He didn’t get what he came here for, but perhaps he had been savoring those brief moments in his own way.

Akira: (Maybe this vacation was fun for Owen too)

Cain: Master Sage, are you here?

Akira: Sorry, I didn’t mean to eavesdrop.

Cain: Ahaha, no need to worry. It was the same as always, I think. In any case, even if it was only because of the circumstance, I had the occasion to fight alongside him as a comrade in arm. Our goals might differ, but we was able to come to this town together for a moment of leisure. That should be enough for now. He is indeed difficult to deal with, but it’d be nice if I come to understand him bit by bit like this.

The unusual incident had been dealt with, and our vacation at Seth’s Paradise too had come to an end. We said thank you to our local hosts, and gave a detailed explanation for the repeated appearance of Seth’s image.

The local: Oh, so it was because of the Great Calamity that the lake dried up?

The local: In that case, what about the appearance of Seth at the lake?

Cain: Ah, that’s his consciousness that remains in this region. He appeared to warn everyone. Thanks to him, we could nip the disaster in the bud. Everything is alright now, so no need to worry.

The local: We’re so lucky to have both Seth the Hero and the Sage’s Wizards. We have to thank all of you.

We didn’t tell them about Seth’s past as a criminal, or about the revived Sacred Chalice and the transformed spirit. There was no need for the people who lived peacefully side by side with the miracles of the region to know about the other side of the fairy tale. Whoever Seth was, the lake that he found had been a help to the travelers in the desert and a boon to the people who lived here.

Shino: The lake too has been quiet.

Akira: Indeed. It’s as if the incident yesterday didn’t happen at all.

White: Even so, there could still be fragments of the Sacred Chalice sleeping at the bottom of the lake. Let’s cast some pacifying magic before we leave just in case, so that the Sacred Chalice won’t wake up again and the peace here won’t be disturbed.

Prompted by White’s glance, Cain who possessed the Central nature stepped forward.

Cain: I’ll start then.

White: Owen, you too.

Owen: Shut up.  

The wizards raised their hands in the direction of the bright lake. At Cain’s cue, they recited their spells and cast the magic for pacification.  

Cain: Gladius procella!

For a second, the surface of the lake glittered like there were stars scattered over it. Shortly after, the glittering light disappeared as if sunk into the water.

Cain: Well, time to go home, I suppose.

After ensuring with our own eyes that the pacifying magic had been spread all over the lake, we left Seth’s Paradise behind.

Akira: (Someday…)

Snow and White too extracted themselves from the painting and called out to Cain.

White: Do as Owen said.

Snow: That Sacred Chalice is the origin of troubles this time!

Cain: What are you talking about?! Wasn’t the Sacred Chalice broken into pieces a long time ago? Can it be that it was never destroyed to begin with and has been in the bottom of the lake?

Owen: No, the Sacred Chalice was definitely shattered. What has been brought back to life by the Great Calamity wasn’t Seth but the Sacred Chalice.

Akira: The Sacred Chalice?!  

Snow: The giant snake was what the spirit that protected this region transformed into! Because Cain touched the Sacred Chalice, it revived the snake to defend itself.

White: If we leave the Chalice as it is, it will invite a disaster. Only you can subdue it, Cain!

Even Mithra and Owen, who were very powerful themselves, did not argue against what White said. They looked down at the berserking lake and frowned at the aura so sharp it could seemingly pierce our skins while murmuring in a low voice.

Mithra: Geez, it seems we should force him to do it.

Owen: Hrmph, I won’t forgive him if my eye is ruined.

Shino: Tsk, I don’t know what’s going on but there’s no time for explanation. Cain, can you do it?!

Cain: I know! So I should break the chalice one way or another?!

White: That’s right! We’ll set up a barrier to ward off the shockwave.

Snow: Everyone, quick!

Chloe: Ah, yes! Cain, hang in there!

Rustica: Please get on my broom, Master Sage!

Akira: Understood!

At the call of Snow and White, the wizards gathered above the lake.

Akira: (So that’s what the spirit transformed into)

The giant snake stared fixedly at Cain with its chilly eyes and opened its large mouth as if to intimidate him. Its eyes not leaving Cain, the snake wriggled its body and tapped its long tail.

Akira: Cain!

Cain: Ugh!

Cain evaded in the nick of time on his broom. Under the impact of the snake’s tail, columns of water rose up from the lake’s surface. Not leaving any time for Cain to even shudder, the snake raised its tail again and attack him.

Cain: That thing keeps slithering!

This time, Cain did not dodge. He faced the snake head-on with his sword and slashed at the tip of the snake’s tail without hesitation.

Cain: Shit, the blade is shaking. Is simply holding the Sacred Chalice doing a number on my arm?!

Not sparing a glance at us, the giant snake bared its fangs at Cain only and attacked him relentlessly. There was a sublime majesty in its steady movements, which were probably enough to move mountains. Just looking at the snake shook me to the core such that I wanted to scream out loud. Rustica gently covered my eyes with his hand.

Rustica: You’re shaking, Master Sage. Please look at me instead.

Murr: You can look at me too. If you look at that snake too much, your head will get messed up and your brain will be ruined!

Akira: I- I’ll be careful then!

Shino: Snow! White! We’re ready!

Murr: I can start any time~!

White: Let’s do it then.

Snow – White: Noscomnia!

Following Snow and White, the other wizards cast their spells.  

Rustica: Amorest Vierse!

Murr: Eanul rambul!

Chloe: Suispicibo Voitengok

Shino: Matzah Sodipas

Mithra: Arthim

Owen: Cuore morito

The spells of eight wizards all blended together, and a giant sigil appeared on the lake with a white light.

White: Cain, now!

Cain: Got it!

Avoiding the attack of the snake, Cain grasped the Sacred Chalice again and landed on the shining surface of the lake. The light emanating from the Sacred Chalice was piercing enough to hurt one’s eyes, and the air became so sharp it stung.

Cain: …Ugh.

An intense power tore at Cain. Even as his face was contorted with pain, he shrugged off the pain and raised both of his arms. His sword in his right hand and the Sacred Chalice in his left, Cain cast his spell, just like Seth the Hero did in the songs of the wandering minstrels.

Cain: Gladias procella!

With a great tremor, the Sacred Chalice shattered. In a flash, the entire lake was dyed with a golden light. It was unbearably bright that I closed my eyes out of instinct.

Akira: …….

When I opened my eyes again, the lake that had been raging before had calmed down again. The giant snake that had been attacking Cain had disappeared without a trace.

Akira: …Ah.

The only thing that remained on the lake was the black figure that brought to mind the image of Seth. It shook a little then quietly disappeared in front of Cain.

Cain: ……  

A gust of wind flew by, and the trees swayed softly. There was the feeling that the air had cleared up, as if something heavy had been put down.

Shino: Cain, are you okay?!

Akira: Do you have any injury?!

As he landed on the shore of the lake, Cain stumbled a little when his feet touched the ground. However, he still smiled as if to reassure us when we rushed to his side.

Cain: No problem here. My hands are a bit numb, that’s all.

Chloe: That’s a relief. Cain and everyone else are alright. Nothing happened to the town either.

Rustica: I’m glad that the huge snake went home too.

Cain: Phew, that one was really big. It was more than I bargained for.

Murr: Ah, there’s gooseflesh all over you, Cain!

Chloe: Oh, indeed. Are you really okay? You were actually pretty scared back there, weren’t you?

Murr: That reminds me. You’re afraid of snakes, right? When the giant snake appeared, you made this face!

Owen: Heh?  

As the group chattered boisterously, I could finally let out a sigh of relief after seeing for myself that everyone was safe and sound.

Cain: I still can’t believe it that the Sacred Chalice of the legends really came back to life. Even in my dreams I never thought that I would hold it in my own hand. I could sense a terrifying power when I touched it. The divine power that could tear apart one’s body.

Snow: That was probably because of the influence of the Great Calamity. The Sacred Chalice in question already possessed a great power to begin with.  

White: Combined with the power from the Great Calamity, a huge amount of divine power was stored in it.

Murr: It wasn’t just a Sacred Chalice, but a Super Sacred Chalice. It could give out a blast and summon all of the spirits that perished in the past, though under transformed appearance!

Chloe: But since it held a divine power, the Sacred Chalice wasn’t something evil, right? Wouldn’t it be better if we returned it to the lake without destroying it?

Snow: If we left the Sacred Chalice in the lake, someone else might get their hand on it, and it would summon the giant snake again.

White: It doesn’t matter if the Chalice was good or evil. It was too great a risk that would bring nothing but disorder and harm to the region.

Akira: What would happen if we left it where it was?

Owen: The entire desert would be wiped out in one stroke, maybe.