kscans

CHAPTER 7 CHALLENGE TO THE LABYRINTH – Episode 8 – Isteria (Part 3)

7

Now Bard is organizing the information he has obtained in his mind. What information has he gathered so far?

First, it became clear that the ancient sword is a key. It is the key to unlocking the power of the legacy of the “First Human”, that is, King Jean. If the relay device on the slopes of Fyuza, the ancient sword, and the wielder recognized by the ancient sword are all gathered, the power of King Jean’s legacy can be summoned and controlled. With the power of that legacy, it seems that they can even destroy Patarapoza, the King of Evil Spirits. However, the magic of the Dragonoids that controls people cannot be used. If the wielder’s heart is controlled, the wielder’s heart and the ancient sword will become “tainted.” A “tainted” ancient sword cannot draw out the power of the legacy.

If this information is correct, then neither the Dragonoids nor the King of Evil Spirits can control Bard’s heart and make him obey them. And the ancient swords originally numbered seven, but six of them have become “tainted.” So the ancient sword that Bard now possesses is the last remaining uncorrupted key.

Next, it became clear that the King of Evil Spirits is an entity that was sealed by King Jean on the “Captive Island.” Bard also thought that the “Captain” might be the King of Evil Spirits, but Zariya said the “Captain” had been executed. Also, even if the “Captain” was possessed by a spirit, it is unreasonable that he would have lived far longer than King Jean and survived until today. And the “Captain” should have had comrades, so it is unnatural that only the “Captain” was sealed. Moreover, Popolbarpopo the tribal chief said it was not a human, but a terrifying and powerful being that he had never seen before. Is Patarapoza perhaps an evil divine spirit that was robbed of its power and sealed by King Jean? He don’t know. He still don’t understand what Patarapoza is. Whoever or whatever it is, it is a formidable existence that even the Dragonoids and the Queen of Manuno cannot contend with. And it has been involved in the human world, being called “Patarapoza.” It awakens every twenty years or so and sleeps for ten or fifteen years. The Dragonoids named this cycle of awakening and sleep the “Calendar of Patarapoza.” There must have been various attempts at resistance during its sleep periods. Now it is asleep. It would be the sixth year of its sleep.

The dragonoids originally lived on the slopes of Mount Fyuza. They dominated and devoured countless demihumans. But they were driven away by King Jean. Two hundred years after being driven away, the dragonoids created a puppet state and waged war on the humans. However, that puppet state was destroyed by King Jean. The dragonoids were chased to this Isteria and given the duty of guarding the “Captive Island”, to ensure that no one approaches it. Eventually, two dragonoids, Uldruu and Echidorkiye, set foot on the “Captive Island” and were captured by Patarapoza. These two were said to have been granted special powers. Of the two, Uldruu is now dead, or so the words of the General of Greed suggest. If that is true, then it was the dragonoid Echidorkiye who manipulated the Queen of Manuno and orchestrated the great demonic beast invasion.

At any rate, all the Dragonoids were placed under the rule of Patarapoza. And acting as Patarapoza’s arms and legs, they intervened in the human world. Even while serving as arms and legs, the Dragonoids intensely hated Patarapoza. It became clear that the aim of the rebels was to obtain King Jan’s legacy and destroy Patarapoza.

The dragonoids have no desire to deal with humans. This is because Patarapoza has forbidden it. However, if the threat of Patarapoza were to disappear, the dragonoids would likely treat humans as they please, considering them no more than insects.

Taranka is now looking towards Bard. It seems he wishes to hear Bard’s will regarding the questions that follow.

Bard closed his eyes and thought further. It is said that there were originally seven ancient swords. The General of Greed “consumed” the divine beasts residing in five of these ancient swords. The remaining two are the Shantra Megierion in Bard’s possession and the Van Fleur wielded by Karz. However, it is said that six of the ancient swords have become “tainted”. This means that the Van Fleur has also fallen under the demonic influence. Therefore, the Shantra Megierion, the sword Stavros, is the only ancient sword that remains untainted. This explains why the General of Greed referred to Bard as the “last wielder of the divine beast’s sword”. It also explains why the dragonoid chief said this was the last chance, for the last wielder of the ancient sword has appeared, and the monster has learned of his existence. When he awoke again, the monster would have obtained the ancient sword and its wielder, and would fulfill its wish.

Thinking this through, Bard realized a possibility. There is a way to prevent the monster from obtaining the legacy without defiling the last ancient sword. It would be to kill Bard. Likely, that is what has happened so far. The wielders of the ancient swords have appeared and died, and the ancient swords have waited for the next wielder to appear. And the chief of the Dragonoids also has a way to shatter the monster’s ambition forever. If he could control Bard’s heart, the last ancient sword would also be defiled, and the path to open the lock would be closed. Bard asked Popolbarpopo, the tribe chief, a slightly malicious question.

“Lord Popolbarpopo. If we were to kill Bard Rowen, this would no longer be the last chance. And if we were to manipulate Bard Rowen’s heart, it would make it permanently impossible for the monster to obtain the legacy. Surely you must have considered this.”

“Of course, I have considered it. But if we did that, the vengeance of “Master” would be terrifying. If we were to kill Bard Rowen, we would have to wait decades until the next wielder appears. Such an act would invite severe punishment from “Master”. And if we were to defile the spirit sword, we would be completely destroyed.”

As Bard listened to the answer of the Dragonoid chief, he realized something. The chief was indeed lying. He was hiding something. The chief had said that the “Master” was seeking the legacy of King Jean in order to destroy it. But at the same time, he had said that the “Master” would never forgive the Dragonoids for defiling the last ancient sword. This was contradictory. Based on what the chief had said so far, the power of King Jean’s legacy could only be summoned with the relay device, the ancient sword, and a wielder. If the ancient sword were to be defiled, the power of the legacy could never be summoned again. But that is precisely what the “Master” would want, is it not? So something does not add up. Perhaps the “Master’s” true purpose in seeking the legacy is not destruction. If that is the case, then what does the “Master” intend to do with the legacy? Or perhaps the claim that the Dragonoids would destroy the “Master” is a lie. If so, then what kind of power does this legacy hold over the “Master”? In the end, the real question is what this legacy is and what it is capable of. The chief knows more than he is saying. But he is unlikely to reveal it. Bard asked a delicate question. Did they not even consider killing the monster while it slept?

“Of course, we have considered it. We have not only considered it, but we have also tried it before. The Dragonoid warriors descended upon the “Captive Island”, trying to kill “Master”. But we could not even find “Master’s” form. “Master” is hidden deep within the island. No matter how much we searched, “Master” could not be found. While we were searching, “Master” awoke. “Master” examined us and knew that we had tried to kill “Master”. “Master’s” punishment was severe. Including the tribe chief at that time, half of us were killed. Can you imagine how they were killed? “Master” commanded us to form groups of those who were close to us. And then, the taller ones were ordered to kill the shorter ones. Mothers killed their children, and husbands killed their wives. The power of that control was immense, and no one could refuse. “Master” easily placed all of us under control and issued that cruel command. And since then, “Master” has cursed us so that we cannot approach the “Captive Island”. Humans, if you wish to try to kill “Master”, then try. But we cannot take you there.”

Bard asked a different question. They say they do not know what form, color, or size this inheritance is, or what it does. But the “Master” must have had you search for it. Without knowing its form, color, or size, how could you search for it? Surely some information must have been given to them, he thought.

“We do not know. We do not know, human. We only know that it possesses tremendous power. “Master” simply said that it is clearly not a natural thing, but something that was created, and that you would recognize it when you see it,” they replied.

Patarapoza does not know where this so-called legacy is located. However, he does know its size, shape, and function. Nevertheless, even the Dragonoids who do not know its form or size would recognize it once they saw it. The Dragonoid chief says that it is something that can destroy Patarapoza. That may be true, or it may not be true. But in any case, it is a weakness. The meaning is still unclear, but this so-called legacy of King Jean is Patarapoza’s weakness.

8

Bard finally decided to ask the main question.

“Lord Popolbarpopo. You said there is a mechanism to summon the power of the inheritance in Fyuza, so I would like to know more about it. Where is it located, and how do we get there? Also, how do we use it?”

Popolbarpopo finished drinking the liquid in the vessel. Then, he finally turned towards Bard, his eyes gleaming. It was a piercing gaze. For a moment, that gaze caught the ancient sword at Bard’s waist, and then it shifted away.

“I see! This dragonoid knows who I am and what I have at my waist. He knows, but he pretends not to.”

“There are two ways to get there. One is to enter through the door on the mountainside of Fyuza. If you can fly, you can easily reach it. But the opening and closing of this door is completely under the control of “Master”. This time, “Master” has closed the door before falling asleep. So this path is unusable while “Master” is sleeping. The other way is to go up through the wind hole, which is called the “Cave of Trials”. It was created by the “First Human”. The “Cave of Trials” is long and treacherous. And along the way, there are ‘enemies’ placed by the “First Human” lying in wait. You must defeat all the ‘enemies’ to proceed. If you defeat all the ‘enemies’ and make your way through, you will reach the relay device. It is a golden sphere floating in the air, and if you call out to it with the power of the holy sword, you can draw out the power of the inheritance.”

It is quite detailed. He must have investigated the human world for many years. However, it is unclear how much of the knowledge that Tribe Chief Popolbarpopo is conveying is accurate and how much has been distorted. They must listen to the tribe chief’s words with great caution.

Now, they must organize the information that they have just heard. The Dragonoids desire to obtain the power of the inheritance. To do so, they must take Bard and the ancient sword, to the location of the so-called “relay device.” However, the easy path has been blocked, and they must traverse the difficult path through the “Cave of Trials.” Even if there are formidable enemies within the “Cave of Trials,” these fearsome Dragonoids should be able to easily overcome them. If they cannot defeat these Dragonoids, then there is no one who can.

Bard asked, “Then the rebels had tried to conquer the “Cave of Trials” and bring Bard Rowen and the spirit sword there, but they failed.”

“They could not conquer it. No, they could not even attempt it. If they had been able to conquer the “Cave of Trials,” I would have joined the rebels’ scheme. After “Master” fell asleep, the rebels tried to go to the location of the relay device. But they found that the door on the middle slope of Fyuza was sealed. So they tried to challenge the “Cave of Trials.” The “Cave of Trials” is within a wind cave. The entrance to the wind cave is guarded by the Manunos, but that is not a problem. One can simply fly there. And they can enter the wind cave. But they cannot proceed further. There is a proviso at the entrance, stating that it must be done by a group of three to six people. But for some reason, no matter what group of six brave warriors challenged it, the path to the inner sanctum would not open. In other words, we Dragonoids somehow do not have the qualification to challenge the “Cave of Trials.” The reason for this is unknown.”

Bard listened to these words from tribe chief Popolbarpopo with wide eyes. And he asked who the rebels were, what they had done, and what their current situation was.

“Rebels are those who cannot endure the situation in which we are being used by “Master”. There are many such people. It would have been fine if they had just voiced their discontent. That would not have been the target of “Master’s” punishment. But Totorunostoto and his followers thought they must destroy “Master” at all costs in this final opportunity. When Totorunostoto first sent an envoy to the capital of the Parzam Kingdom and ordered them to surrender the spirit sword and its wielder, I did not notice it. It was just a few people going somewhere for a couple of days. But when they went to retrieve the spirit sword and its wielder, I could not overlook it. The number of people leading the charge was too large. Reluctantly, I interrogated the remaining ones. And I learned that Totorunostoto had failed the challenge of the “Cave of Trials” seven times, and that, irritated, he was trying to challenge the “Cave of Trials” again with the spirit sword and its wielder. This was something I could not ignore. It was an extremely low-odds gamble. Moreover, no matter how many humans are killed, it does not matter, but if they lay a hand on the spirit sword and its wielder, “Master” will never forgive us. I captured Totorunostoto, demoted his rank, and placed him under house arrest.”

Is he being kept under house arrest? That means Popolbarpopo has no real intention of punishing Totorunostoto. It’s just a precautionary measure to keep up appearances. That’s how it seems. The spirited Totorunostoto is a valuable asset who will lead the next generation of Dragonoids. There’s no reason to kill him. But then, what is the aim of tribe chief Popolbarpopo? Is he just silently waiting for the “Master” to wake up and claim the inheritance? Or is there something else?

Think. You must think. What is the goal of Dragonoid tribe chief Popolbarpopo? Taranka seems to be watching Bard’s reactions, as if asking if he can continue questioning him. There must be more that he wants to ask. Maybe it’s best to leave it to Taranka. No, but something is bothering me. Why is Popolbarpopo not even looking at Bard? He clearly recognizes the old human before him as Bard Rowen, and that the sword at his waist is the last untainted Spiritual Sword, yet he’s pretending not to notice. What is Popolbarpopo after?

‘Ah, I see!’

Bard has made Popolbarpopo talk too much. He shouldn’t ask the tribe chief any more questions. He shouldn’t make him say anything else. No, but there’s one more. There’s just one more question Bard wants to ask the tribe chief. He asked, “Why are the spirits going mad, and when did it start?”

“What? Ah, the spirits, you say. Why are they going mad, you ask. It’s the spirits that have possessed the beasts. I don’t know. We have no interest in the spirits or the beasts they’ve possessed.”

This was an unexpected answer, so Bard was momentarily at a loss for words. But that’s how it is. The Dragonoids have no interest in spirits or demonic beasts. Likely, the demonic beasts do not attack the Dragonoids. Even if they did, they would pose no threat to the Dragonoids. And from this tone, it seems the Dragonoids do not intend to become possessed by spirits. Perhaps they do not know that is possible. No. It may be that the Dragonoids cannot become possessed by spirits. In any case, with no normal spirits around, it is a moot point to consider.

Glancing over, Taranka seemed about to speak. No. Bard must not allow Taranka to ask any questions. Hurriedly, Bard turned to Chichiruarchichi, the daughter of the tribe chief, and said:

“The discussion is over. Lady Chichiruarchichi, please take us back.”

“What?”

Chichiruarchichi looked surprised, staring at Bard’s face, then at her father, Popolbarpopo. Popolbarpopo also looked at Chichiruarchichi, conveying something in his expression. The expressions of the Dragonoids are difficult to read, but seeing the tribe chief’s expression, Chichiruarchichi seemed to understand.

“Understood. But if we were to fly through the cold night now, you would weaken or die. I will send you back to the place I delivered you to last night. Your return will be tomorrow morning.”

The sudden turn of events had Taranka seemingly wanting to say something. But no. Allowing any unnecessary questions would risk undoing the tribe chief’s arrangements. They needed to withdraw quickly. Escorted by the Dragonoids’ flying dragons, Bard and the others returned to the sandy beach where they had stayed the previous night.

9

“Lord Bard. Why did you suddenly end the meeting? There were still many things I wanted to ask and investigate.”

“That’s why. I cannot allow the chief to speak any more than that. Especially about the “Cave of Trials.”

“I don’t understand. Knowledge about the “Cave of Trials” is precisely what we were seeking. Doesn’t it contain a means to defeat the monsters there?”

“That’s right. And Chief Popolbarpopo wants us to find a way to enter the “Cave of Trials.”

“Huh?”

“Let’s think this through carefully. Why did the tribe chief invite us to this island? Why did he answer our questions so kindly, when the Dragonoids view humans as mere insects? It must be because he wants to teach us about the “Cave of Trials” and have us unravel its mystery. But I cannot say that outright, for it would be a taboo.”

This realization prompted Taranka to pause and reflect.

“…I see. The “Master” must have disliked the idea of someone traversing the “Cave of Trials” while he slept. And the Dragonoids are the only ones who know about the “Cave of Trials.” So the “Master” must have placed some kind of restriction on the tribe chief, preventing him from ordering or requesting anyone to go there. Perhaps it was a mental constraint, or perhaps…”

Bard remarked that if the tribe chief had said such a thing, Chichiruarchichi might have cut off his head. Karz and Carla silently listened to the exchange between Bard and Taranka. Taranka continued, almost muttering to himself.

“If Bard-sama had said they would go to the “Cave of Trials,” what would the tribe chief have done? He might have had us all killed. No, Bard-sama would not have been killed. It would not be surprising if such a restriction had been placed. I see! The tribe chief seemed to have noticed Bard-sama and the magic sword Stavros, but did not try to confirm it. Rather, he intentionally averted his gaze from them. He could not afford to acknowledge the presence of the magic sword and its wielder right before him. Ah, I see. There must have been other restrictions as well, which is why Bard-sama ended the conference before I could say anything more.”

Bard smiled at Taranka and said, “Yes, we must go to the so-called “Cave of Trials”.” There will likely be traps there. I find it hard to believe that everything the Chief Popolbarpopo said is completely true. Do the Dragonoids really not know the contents of this ‘inheritance’ at all? No, I suspect they have a rough idea, which is why they want to obtain that power before the monster awakens. And even if we discover a way to enter the “Cave of Trials”, what do we plan to do afterward? Surely the humans don’t intend to defeat the “Master” and claim the inheritance for themselves. But would the proud Dragonoids allow humans to obtain such transcendent means of destruction? If the inheritance is released, do they have a scheme to seize it? The Chief must have some ulterior motive.”

But even so, the knowledge they’ve gained on this island has greatly advanced Bard’s exploration. Now the destination and the things to investigate are clear. And they have a trump card. The shaman Zariya, possessed by a spirit. Her wisdom and strange powers will guide them.

Just watch, Chief of the Dragonoid.

Bard felt the blood in his chest burning with excitement as he gained a new adventure.