kscans

Chapter 36 - # The Trial Begins

On the temple's altar, the solemn, sacred light of the priests rained down, and at its center, I, Mamoru the Hobgoblin, stood isolated.

The woman sat on the steps of the throne. The reincarnator from another world, Izabel Crawford, looked down on me.

Her eyes were, as ever, cold.

"The trial will now begin. Defendant, Mamoru the Hobgoblin."

The priests chanted in unison, their sacred words offered up to the heavens.

"I don't know what kind of 'trial' this is of yours, but...!" I took a step forward.

"I have to fight! To stop Hero Ares!"

A quiet murmur ran through the temple. Izabel's brow twitched slightly.

"Hero... Ares?"

"That's right!" I shouted.

"He's not just a hero anymore...! He burns human cities, destroys monster villages, and his heart is becoming more and more twisted. Under the banner of 'protecting the world,' he's trying to cast aside every life other than his own...!"

"...Words alone do not constitute evidence," Izabel replied flatly.

"But that's why I'm going to defeat the Rainbow Dragon!"

The moment that name was spoken, a clear wave of agitation ran through the priests.

"The sacred beast of seven attributes... the ancient dragon that symbolizes all magic on this earth..." one of the high priests muttered.

"That's right. By defeating it, I will evolve. To gain the power to fight that Ares head-on... I have to surpass it, no matter what!"

Izabel placed a hand on her lips, lost in thought.

(If this person's words are true, then I must question Ares's actions. But what if they are false...? To defeat the Rainbow Dragon is tantamount to a grave sin...)

"...I will need Hero Ares's testimony as well," Izabel said slowly.

"I cannot pass true judgment until I have heard the arguments of both him and you. However, since your 'objective' is clear..."

She quietly stood up and clapped her hands once.

"I will temporarily permit the subjugation of the Rainbow Dragon. However, I will take measures to prevent your escape under false pretenses."

"!?"

"Your companion, the Dark Elf Tiris. She will be confined in this temple's 'prison.'"

"What...!" I couldn't help but glare at Izabel.

"That's the same as taking a hostage...!"

But from behind me, a quiet voice spoke.

"...Mamoru, let us obey her."

It was Tiris.

Her hair, as white as moonlight, swayed as she slowly walked to my side and looked straight at Izabel.

"Place magic handcuffs on me. With my life, I will guarantee your justice."

"...Tiris!?"

"I believe in your 'way of life.' If it means... you can gain your freedom, then being in a cage for a little while... is not frightening."

Izabel narrowed her eyes in surprise.

"...You are composed, aren't you."

She glanced at a priest, and a maiden carrying a silver magical tool stepped forward and placed sealing handcuffs on Tiris's wrists.

Kashan...

The moment her magic was sealed, Tiris's knees buckled for an instant.

I clenched my fists tightly.

"...I'll be back right away. After I defeat the Rainbow Dragon... to set this world right."

"I believe in you, Mamoru," Tiris smiled.

Even if she was a prisoner in a cage, the light of hope flickered in her eyes.