The True Meaning of Iron in the Blood of the Fallen: Part 1

 

The True Meaning of Iron in the Blood of the Fallen: 

Part 1: 

 

(Location: Central Kingdom, Magic Manor, Library, Night Time)

One night, I went to the library to look for a pen I’d forgotten. 

Akira: (Oh? There’s light leaking from under the door. It’s pretty late, I wonder if anyone is still there...) 

 

As I peeked into the room, Saku-chan, who was floating around my shoulders, moved to copy my movements. 

 

Shino, Mitile, and Arthur: Zzz…zzz…

The three sleeping boys were Shino, Arthur, and Mitile. 

Pens, notebooks, and textbooks, were spread between their sleeping forms. 

Mitile: *Muttering*... Jeez… Dr. Figaro... 

Arthur: Lord Oz… the star-shaped pot-au-feu carrots were wonderful... 

Shino: Hehe, look at me, Faust... 

Akira (Hehe, it looks like they’re dreaming. But if they stay here, they might catch a cold…) 

Shino: Hm…? 

Mitile: *Yawn* 

Arthur: … ah, Master Sage? 

Akira: Oh, I’m glad you’re up! Just now, I was wondering if I should wake you. 

Were you all studying together? 

Shino: Yeah, there’s a test in class tomorrow. This is the final push. 

Mitile: Shino wants to surprise Faust by getting a good score! 

I also have a test coming up, so we were reviewing together. 

Arthur: When I heard about their study session, I requested to join as well. 

We were quizzing each other just now, but it seems we fell asleep without realizing. 

Akira: On top of our missions, you’re all doing your best to study too… you’re all amazing! 

Shino: Well, yeah. I used to think lectures were a meaningless waste of time but… I’ll to anything to become stronger. I don’t want regrets when I die. 

Shino flipped through the book in front of him. 

In the past, I might’ve been surprised to see him at a desk, but now it’s different. 

Underground waterways. Artificial wizards. I’m not surprised because I know of the deadly battles he’s overcome. 

Suddenly, Shinto’s grave expression shifted to a mischievous grin. 

Shino: Look, Sage. 

Akira: Woah?! What exactly is… this? 

A picture made of frightening brushstrokes covered the page he’d pointed to. 

A huge red mass covered the center, connected by long thin threads, like a spider web. 

Surrounding it, were people folded on top of each other, as if tangled in the strange threads. 

Akira: Is this… a red cocoon…?  

Arthur: Yes, this type of magical creature has been passed down through legend since ancient times. 

Though as the number of humans increases, they are forced out of their homes. I hear not many still live… 

Mitile: It seems tomorrow’s test will be about the ecology of magical creatures! 

Shino is particularly good at this. 

Shino: Yeah. This monster emits a sweet scent and makes mysterious noises in order to attract humans into its domain. 

Then, it extends thin, thread-like tendrils that suck the blood of any who approach. 

Akira: Sucks their blood… does the creature in this cocoon grow by using human blood as nutrients? 

Arthur: I believe so. They appear out of nowhere, build a nest, and spend a long time inside their cocoon…

In most cases, they are exterminated during that time, so few records exist of their actual appearance. 

Mitile: That’s kind of creepy, a blood sucking monster with an unknown appearance…

Akira: It’s almost like a scary urban legend… it’s creepy because you don’t know what you’re looking for…

Shino: Don’t worry. If it’s just a big lump, I’ll cut it in half in one strike. 

Arthur, Akira, and Mitile: So cool! 

Shino: Hehe, that’s right. Though just to be safe, let’s review one more time. 

Arthur: Yes, I’ll join you as well! 

Mitile: Me too! 

Akira: I see everyone still has energy! In that case, I’ll bring you some tea and sweets for your study session! 

Shino: Oh, that’s really nice of you. 

I got a ton of sleep so this’ll be fun. 

I’m looking forward to the test tomorrow.

 

(Location: Central Kingdom, City of Honor, Day Time)

A few days later. 

Akira: Shino, once more, thank you for your hard work! 

Arthur: What a wonderful outcome! It’s probably the best score so far. 

Shino: Well classroom lectures are nothing compared to hands-on practice. Experience and are important too. 

Faust: Don’t get too comfortable just because everything worked out this time. Though certainly, it was quite an exceptional score. 

Saku-chan: …! 

Akira: I think Saku-chan is praising you. You worked hard together, right? 

Shino: If it’s an achievement that even a spirit can understand, it means I deserve a great reward, right Faust? 

Faust: Well, you did perform exceptionally. Are there any famous lemon pie shops around here? 

Akira: Arthur recommended one. It’s only a little further down that way, but I didn’t know there was a town like this nearby. 

It’s probably because of the old buildings, but there’s a really calm, nice atmosphere. 

Arthur: That is because the “City of Honor” is a city with a long and rich history. 

The lemon pie shop I visited on my last incognito visit was delicious, so I’d love to recommend it to you, Shino. 

Shino: It’s probably not as good as Lady Blanchett’s, but I can try it and see if it compares. 

Let’s bring some for Mitile too, he has a test today too, after all. 

White: Hello everyone! I apologize for the wait! 

Oz: … 

Akira: White, Oz. 

Arthur: Welcome back! Were you able to buy the heart-shaped churros? 

White: Everything went smoothly, but afterwards, something caught my eye, and we ended up on a detour, right Oz? 

Oz: I was only there to carry your baggage. 

White: Don’t say such dreary things. Once in a while, it’s nice to tour a new city together. 

We’ll return to the Manor with the new sweets we bought. 

And, aren’t you planning to partake in Snow’s afternoon tea, while he keeps an eye on the Northern Wizards? 

Oz: Have you only just now received this news? 

Faust: Honestly, I was under the impression that Oz was invited here by Arthur but… 

Arthur: No, I was the one who extended the invitation. 

This town boasts many beautiful historic buildings, so I thought Lord Oz could enjoy it as well. 

Besides, we’ve all undertaken so many missions as of late, so it’d be nice if we could use this opportunity to rest. 

Oz: …You are who continues to carry out official duties. 

Once you have settled your business, rest early today. 

Arthur: I will! 

White: He’s not so obedient anymore though~ 

Shino: … 

Akira: Shino, is something wrong? 

When I looked over, I saw Shino standing in front of a store. 

The elegant shop was lined with delicately decorated stationary, colored glass, lamps, and tableware. 

Shino reached for the corner of a shelf and traced the cover of a book. 

Shino: “Bernard’s Legend of Heroes”…

Akira: Bernard… is that the title of the book? Is it some kind of biography? 

Faust: It’s a heroic legend passed down through this city. There should be records of it in the Central Country’s history books. 

Arthur: Indeed. Bernard is the name of a famous general who ruled this area during revolutionary times. 

In honor of his bravery, this town was named after his achievements. 

Shino: A hero whose deeds were published and whose name remains even today… did you ever meet him, Faust? 

Faust: Not really, his time was years before I was born. 

Shino: Hm… 

Shino picked up the book and flipped through the pages before turning it around and tracing the cover once more. 

Faust: …Alright. I’ll buy it for you, so be sure to read it. 

Shino: Are you sure? 

Faust: Reading is a good habit, so take this chance to develop it… 

???: Wait, wait! 

*thump* 

Oz: …

???: … ow! 

A boy jumped out of a nearby alley, and slammed into Oz. 

Immediately, coins scattered in all directions. 

Oz: … 

???: … S-sorry… 

Akira: Are you alright? Let me help you with your money… 

???: No, I can do it myself…! 

The boy, who looked at Oz with fear, before crouching down to collect his coins, seemed to be around Shino and Arthur’s age.

Murr: Oh? It’s Master Sage! 

Shylock: Oh? It seems everyone has gathered together. 

Akira: I didn’t expect to see you both here… 

White: What? Have you ever visited this town before? 

Murr: Yep! Im chasing this kid right now! 

He took my wallet~! 

Akira and Arthur: What?! 

Boy in a hat: ah, no, this is…

Shino: Are you a pickpocket? 

Shino grabbed the shaking boy’s wrist, before turning him around. 

Boy in a hat: ! 

Murr: Ah, Shino caught him! 

Shino: How unfortunate for you. You should be more careful about choosing your targets. 

Faust: Shino, don’t be too rough. 

Shino: Yeah, I know. 

Shylock: Wonderful, what a bright and youthful look. 

Shino: Thank you. What business did you have in this town? 

Shylock: We came to stock up on alcohol and visit our favorite cafe. There are many hideaways in such an old town. 

That’s where we had an unexpected encounter with this young man. 

White: I see, but you aren’t the type to allow yourself to be robbed. 

You could’ve stopped anything with magic. Don’t play around with his heart too much. 

Akira: What…?  

Murr: After all, that kid picked up the wallet that I just happened to drop, and started messing with it. 

Peeking inside, looking around, with changing expressions, behaviors, and gazes…

Wouldn’t it be a shame to stop the movements of the heart that manifest in all sorts of ways? 

Faust: So you purposefully allowed him to take it? 

Murr: Yes? When I called out to him just before he was gonna stuff it in his pocket, he freaked out and ran away. 

I felt like chasing so I did! 

Shylock: It’s like watching a cat in front of a mouse. 

I am at fault for failing to stop him sooner. Allow me to apologize on Murr’s behalf. 

Akira: Not at all but… why would you do something like theft? 

The boy probably realized that he couldn’t escape, so he stopped struggling. 

His deep gray eyes peeking out from the brim of the hat caught sight of Arthur, and he gasped. 

Boy in a hat: You are… 

Part 2
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