Ryuu Kusari no Ori -Kokoro no Uchi no 'Kokoro'-

[LN] Volume 1: Chapter 4.3

This chapter was brought to you by the collaboration between PolterGlast and Saekano Translations.

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Volume 1 Chapter 4.3

The Realization of the Escapism, and the First Step Part 3

Translator : PolterGlast

"Oh, you're awake."

When Nozomu woke up, the first thing that caught in his vision was a close-up of a wrinkled old woman's face.

She looked at him from a close distance with hollow, glaring eyes, and he involuntarily screamed and jumped out of the futon.

"Uwaaa, a monster!"

"Who are you calling a monster!?"

The next moment, a powerful fist strike slammed into Nozomu's face. He was blown away by the impact and slammed against the wall.

His whole body was in intense pain, and Nozomu sprawled out on the floor, unable to speak.

"Shi-, Shisho, you're terrible..."

"Which one of us is terrible!? I even went to the trouble of bringing you back from the forest and taking care of you for three days!"

Hearing the word "three days," Nozomu's eyes widened involuntarily. He was told that a considerable amount of time had passed in reality, even though it was only a short time in his dreaming state.

Surprised, he then looked at his surroundings. A hut built of wood. A simple interior with minimal living facilities. It was, without a doubt, the inside of Shino's hut.

Nozomu looked down at his own body and saw that his entire body was wrapped in bandages and the strong scent of medicine was wafting through the air.

"I'm sorry, Shisho. Thank you for treating me."

"Hmph, damn right! You're making me worry about something I don't need to worry about ......"

Shino's cheeks were still puffed up in frustration, but her mouth was relaxed with relief that Nozomu was safe.

Nozomu, too, felt his own heart warm slightly upon seeing his master's awkward smile.

At the same time, Nozomu was concerned about Shino's condition. She, too, must have been considerably exhausted from the battle with the dragon, and she might have been injured in some unnoticed place, he thought.

"Master, are you all right? Any injuries or anything?"

"Well, I was a little careless at that time, but I think I'll be all right."

From the way Shino waved her hand in a light, easygoing manner, there was no indication that she was seriously injured. Nozomu let out a small sigh of relief.

"Now then, you've been here for three days and nights. I have a lot to talk to you about regarding your current condition ......"

Shino's atmosphere changed drastically.

The atmosphere of a master who had reached the ultimate level was so overwhelming that Nozomu spontaneously straightened his back.

"...... I understand."

"Well then, first let's talk about what happened. You defeated Tiamat in that sealed world."

"Sealed world?"

"It is a world created by the Dragon race in order to seal off the Dragon King of Destruction. The existence of Tiamat itself is nothing more than a legend, and the sealed world was also something that was viewed with some skepticism ......"

"How did we end up in such a place?"

"Who knows? If we are of the same dragon race, perhaps we can understand, but for those who are not spirits, it is something we simply cannot understand."

Saying so, Sino shrugged her shoulders.

"Let's go back to the matter at hand. You defeated Tiamat, absorbed its power, and became a Dragon Slayer. A real Dragonslayer that hasn't been seen in hundreds of years."

"I am....... a Dragonslayer ......."

Nozomu was engulfed in a whirlpool of bewilderment upon hearing Shino's words.

How could he not be? Dragonslayers are a legendary existence. Even the most recent Dragonslayer was alive only a few hundred years ago.

The last time they were clearly recorded in history was three hundred years ago, when they appeared at the founding of the Cremazzone Empire, and they do not exist at the present time.

The most powerful incarnation. The embodiment of immense power. Some use magic that cannot be explained by existing magic, and some have awakened to unique abilities. They are the kind of beings that only appear in fairy tales.

"There is one more thing to confirm ...... here."

With a thump, she tossed Nozomu's beloved katana, which was originally one of Shino's katanas but had been his personal weapon ever since he became Shino's apprentice.

"My katana? Eh, wha!"

The moment Nozomu received the thrown katana, Shino suddenly drew her katana and came at him slashing.

Nozomu tried to parry the swung blade with his katana, which he had pulled halfway out of its sheath.

"Ouch!"

But just as he was about to pull his katana from its sheath, pain shot through both of Nozomu's injured arms, delaying his reaction.

As his master's blade loomed over his head, Nozomu's arms froze for a moment, and it was clear that he would not be able to react in time.

The next moment, however, contrary to Nozomu's expectations, he had caught Shino's slash along with a high-pitched metallic sound.

"Eh?"

"As I thought."

While Nozomu let out a surprised voice, Shino, with a satisfied expression on her face, put the drawn katana back into its sheath.

"W-, what does this mean, Shisho?"

Nozomu's bewildered voice echoed inside the small hut. The ability restricted by [Ability Suppression] greatly affects one's ability to respond quickly on the spur of the moment. In Nozomu's case, he was lacking instantaneous muscular power and his Qi capacity was also limited, so his mere simple movements often failed to protect him when he was struck by a surprise attack.

"Being a Dragonslayer has improved your physical abilities."

Normally, he would have been cut down, but for some reason, he was able to block the attack. The reason for this was simply that his ability, which should not have increased, did.

"B-, but I ......"

"It is true that due to the [Ability Suppression], your physical abilities cannot be improved. Until now, you have had no choice but to improve your physical abilities by using footwork and breathing techniques, but it was said that a Dragonslayer inherits the power of the dragon and becomes even stronger. It is quite conceivable that this is what happens to you."

In response to Shino's words, Nozomu looked at his hands, gripping and opening them as if to check something.

His ability that could not normally be increased had been increased. As a result of this reality, Nozomu began to realize the fact that he had become a Dragonslayer.

"Though it doesn't seem to have been strengthened significantly ......"

"...... Eh?"

However, Nozomu's elation was doused with cold water by his master's next words.

Nozomu grew even more bewildered by Shino's words, which seemed to contradict the legend.

"I guess the effect of the [Ability Suppression] is too strong. It seems that even your improved abilities are being suppressed."

According to Shino, Nozomu's abilities, which have been improved, are being suppressed by his [Ability Suppression].

Therefore, the increase in his physical abilities has not been as significant as he had expected.

"Come to think of it, you seemed to have released your [Ability Suppression] during the battle against Tiamat, can you still do that now?"

His master's words brought Nozomu's mind back to the time of his battle against Tiamat.

Indeed, at that time, Nozomu became aware of the chains that bound him and tore them apart.

He released the chains and felt a sense of freedom that made him feel as if he could go anywhere.

Remembering that moment, Nozomu imagined the chains that bound him. Then, the chains wrapped around his body appeared in his vision.

"Ah."

Nozomu involuntarily shouted upon seeing the supposedly invisible chain so clearly.

"Looks like you can do it. I've never heard of such a thing as the release of [Ability Suppression] though ......"

She nodded, convinced that Nozomu was able to release the [Ability Suppression].

"So, what are you going to do with it?"

"What am I going to do, you say? ......"

Nozomu was at a loss for an answer to this abrupt question.

"That power is extraordinarily powerful. Such a powerful strength attracts all kinds of things. Status, honor, power, jealousy, and even demons. The possibilities are endless...... I'm going to ask you again, what are you planning to do from now on?"

Nozomu got silenced under Shino's heavy pressure.

He had never thought about the future. He only thought about the present.

No, he could not even see the "present". He was still trapped in the past.

Just because he was able to free himself from the chains of his body, it did not mean that he was able to free himself from the chains of his mind.

In front of her silent disciple, Shino unleashed the words she had been suppressing in the depths of her heart for so long.

"I've been thinking about this for a long time. You no longer have any reason to be stronger."

"T-, that's not- ............"

"Is it for your girlfriend? That girl is no longer your girlfriend. Even if you want to support her, she probably doesn't. There is no reason for you to become stronger. You should have known that."

As Nozomu stuttered and tried to avoid the question, Shino responded with a firm and serious attitude and expression.

"And besides, you don't even use the techniques I taught you at the academy."

"That's- ......"

It could not be used because it was too deadly. Before Nozomu could make such an argument, Shino added another word.

"You don't necessarily need to use it against people. If you use [Phantom] to target a wooden doll, anyone can see that you have a dangerous arsenal. Besides, the techniques that I taught you are extremely rare on this continent. If you were to master it, at least you would not have fallen to the bottom of the barrel."

The teachers at the school ranked Nozomu at the bottom, not only because of the [Ability Suppression], but also because Nozomu never took any proactive action to demonstrate his swordsmanship techniques.

"There is only one reason why you have fallen to the bottom of the barrel. It is because you ran away from facing reality and gave up."

The fundamental reason was escapism.

Using unrelenting, straightforward words, Shino forced Nozomu to face what he had kept hidden and unconsciously refused to think about until now.

Nozomu could not say anything back and could only look down. It was something that he himself had subconsciously understood.

At first, Nozomu certainly tried to resist his surroundings, which were rejecting him.

However, the isolated environment distorted his reasons for being strong.

Finally, he broke his own vow himself and replaced it with a reason to escape.

Although he remained at the school to support Lisa, he only trained with his katana and never went to see the person who was supposed to be at the center of the matter.

"Well, it's impossible to make a decision regarding the future right off the bat. For now, you must focus on healing your wounds. I'm sure you will have to make a choice sooner or later ......"

Shino finally nailed him with these words, stood up, and turned her back to Nozomu.

"You can't go back to the city with that injury, can you? You can stay in this hut again today."

Nozomu remained silent as he looked to the side at Shino, who was removing the katana from her waist and placing it back on the sword rack at the edge of the hut. Confronted with this self-contradiction, his expression remained clouded.

"Ah right, I haven't told you that yet."

She forgot to tell him something. Such casual words echoed through the heavy atmosphere.

What more could she possibly have to say? As Nozomu raised his head while exuding such air throughout his body, he suddenly felt his body being gently hugged.

"...... Eh?"

A sudden pressure on his body, followed by a soft touch on his cheek.

Nozomu raised his head and found Shino's smiling face in front of him.

"...... Welcome back. You did your best."

Shino's hand, holding Nozomu's body, slowly rubbed his back.

She was so happy, her face was tearing up with joy. A light of heartfelt relief flashed in her eyes.

She must not have slept well after several days of overnight treatment. Her eyes were clearly darkened, and her breathing was slightly irregular, showing the hint of exhaustion that she could not hide.

She had been taking care of him constantly, concerned for his well-being.

Her deep affection gently melted Nozomu's frozen heart.

Nozomu's vision became distorted by the heartfelt affection he felt for the first time in a long time.

"I ...... am ...... back."

His voice grew faint and eventually became a sob that echoed through the empty forest.

Shino just kept hugging him gently as he sobbed and continued to cry.

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While rubbing Nozomu's back, who was sobbing in front of her, Shino continued to soothe him.

The way he trembled in her arms was like a little child, so weak that it was hard to believe that he is a Dragonslayer who had not appeared in several hundred years.

The breathing against her chest gradually became calm and regular.

"He fell asleep, huh? No wonder. Your body and mind are probably craving rest ......"

A trace of tears remained around Nozomu's eyes as he slept peacefully. As she gently wiped away the glistening tears, Shino thought about her disciple, who was sleeping peacefully.

She wondered how much he had struggled through the hardships and suffering of life.

Shino was not originally from the Arkmel Continent, but from an archipelago nation in the far east.

Her family of birth, the Mikagura, was one of the most renowned master swordsmen in the Far East, and Shino was born as the second daughter of the family.

Therefore, she immediately fell in love with the art of katana-jutsu.

Her father trained her as she requested, and her older sister and mother were also supportive.

Her older sister was especially affectionate toward her and was always on her side.

In the best environment of the Mikagura-style, Shino was able to learn the art of katana-jutsu from an early age, and she quickly demonstrated her talent for it.

By the time she was over 10 years old, there was no one who could beat her, and by the time she came of age, she was the best swordsman in the Far East.

She experienced numerous battles, winning in all of them, and was praised by all for her brilliant battle record, receiving compliments and rewards in person from the highest nobility in the country.

At this time, Shino also experienced an upsurging romantic feeling with a young man whom her beloved sister had introduced to her as her apprentice.

The two were finally able to confirm their feelings for each other, and as a result, they were united in marriage.

Having the status of a distinguished family, and the power and honor of one of the greatest swordsmen of all time. Furthermore, she experienced romantic feelings, and was blessed with a good opportunity that brought her and her love interest together.

It was indeed the peak of her happiness.

However, that happiness was shattered at the most joyous moment of her life, the marriage ceremony.

At the wedding ceremony, during which she and the groom were to exchange wedding cups, Shino was accused of unjustified adultery, and the celebration was thrown into chaos.

Furthermore, the marriage proposal was called off due to false evidence.

Naturally, Shino pleaded her innocence. However, no one would listen to her story.

A year later, Shino discovered the real culprit behind her downfall.

It was her sister, whom she loved and respected.

The sister had an unrequited love for the man who was in love with Shino, and out of jealousy, she framed her sister.

While grabbing the dumbfounded Shino by the hair, her sister whispered vindictive words in her ear.

"When I heard about your marriage to him, I made up my mind. I will never forgive you! I will take away everything you have! I will destroy your status, your honor, everything you have, so that you will never be happy as a person again!"

She continued, "You have no place in this household anymore. No one will defend you, and no one will help you."

Furthermore, she threw her tattered younger sister down on the tatami mats, and then she laughed and slammed words of despair.

"So long, Shino. Don't worry, I'll be spending the rest of my life with him."

Brushing away her sister's hair, which was torn off and tangled in her fingers, with a look of sheer disgust, she turned on her heel and left the room without looking back at Shino, who collapsed on the floor.

Having lost everything, and having been exhausted both mentally and physically in the span of a year, Shino could do nothing but weep.

Three days later, without telling anyone, Shino left the Mikagura family.

Because the whole country had heard about the story at the wedding celebration, she did not have anywhere to stay, and she kept on drifting.

She left the city, left the country, crossed the sea, and ended up in this Spasim Forest.

A foreign land, untouched by man. She settled there and lived without contact with anyone.

"You and I are surprisingly similar, aren't we?"

Rubbing the back of her sleeping disciple, Shino spoke to herself with a deeply emotional expression on her face.

They were both abandoned and cast away by the same fate. At first, she was repulsed by the sight of her past self, but now her disciple had become an irreplaceable, one-of-a-kind person.

The expression on his face as he fell asleep was calm and filled with relief as if he had found a place to belong that he had once lost.

Seeing such an expression on her disciple's face, Shino's face involuntarily broke into a smile, but ......

"Ugh!”

The pain that suddenly hit her was enough to paint the gentle smile on her face away.

Her vision distorted, her head became lightheaded, and she felt as if she would lose consciousness. A sense of dread, as if he were submerged in a lake of ice, enveloped all of Shino's body.

"Ugh, this damn clunky body ......"

She gathered her strength and somehow managed to regain consciousness, which was about to disappear. The distorted vision gradually regained its outline, but the color of fatigue, which could not be hidden, could be seen in Shino's expression.

(I can't recover my depleted Qi. On the contrary, it is depleted further as if it were being scraped off with a planer blade ...... Sleeping death syndrome, huh?)

Sleeping Death Syndrome.

A severe condition in which the Qi of the afflicted person gradually declines and leads to death. It is said that the cause of the syndrome is the use of Qi beyond its limits, which causes serious damage to the very foundation of the body that sustains life force.

There is only one reason why Shino suffered from Sleeping Death Syndrome. When she fought Tiamat, she used excessive Qi to protect her disciple.

"Just when I thought my mind was healed, now my body is breaking down. Truly, the world doesn't work my way ......"

There were only a few cases of Sleeping Death Syndrome that were cured, and no cure has been found. At this rate, the Qi, the source of life, would be drained from Shino's body, and in the end, she would die.

But there was no fear of death on Shino's face, only regret.

(I wish I had more time to talk with you. Teaching you katana techniques ...... it's just so unlike me.)

While watching Nozomu sleeping in her chest, she smiled at the warmth coming from her disciple's body.

(I have one last thing, something I want to tell you. At that time ...... with all my might ......)

The last thing which was left to her after she had lost everything.

In front of it, Shino gently kept stroking the back of her sleeping disciple as she made up her mind.

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