Arifureta Zero: Volume 1 Read online

  Oscar glanced back at Dylan and Ehit’s Eyes before making his decision.

  “Miledi, could you kill that dragon with your remaining mana!?”

  “Huh!? If I used it all on my strongest attack, I-I think I could do it.” Miledi answered the unexpected question almost reflexively.

  “Perfect. I’ll handle the ceiling. You get that dragon! As long as Ehit’s Eyes are here, he won’t move!”

  “Huh? What? Wait! You can’t do that! I swore I’d defend Ehit’s Eyes with my life—”

  “As long as they’re alive, I’ll find a way to save them. Just you watch!”

  “B-But!”

  “Saving them would mean nothing if you die! If we do this, everyone will be saved! Please, Miledi! Trust in me!”

  “Ah!” Miledi gasped, then after a second she nodded.

  “Make your move at the count of ten!” Oscar carried Dylan and Katy to the relative safety of the passage outside the room. Then, he shot the ferrule of his umbrella at the stone ceiling. It lodged itself into the cracks, Oscar remotely transmuted barbs on it to keep it in place, and thin wires shot out of the ferrule’s tip.

  “Corrin, I know this is scary, but Miledi and I will get you all out safely, so just hang in there, alright?”

  “Okay. I’ll be fine, Onii-chan.”

  Oscar detached the wires from the umbrella and tied them to boulders he’d transmuted. After a second, he’d completed a makeshift gondola. He then put Corrin and the others inside it. This way they’d be fine even if the ground collapsed.

  He patted his brave little sister’s head and returned to the battlefield.

  As he made his way back to Miledi, he activated another one of his black umbrella’s skills.

  “Activate skill six— Godstorm, wide area variant! Transmute!” A violent gale began to blow through the battlefield.

  He’d transmuted the cloth of the umbrella off its frame and turned into a multitude of metal strings, which flew up to the ceiling. Then, he used remote transmutation to made sure they stuck to the ceiling where they landed.

  It looked like he’d spread a spider’s web across the ceiling.

  “Miledi, now’s your chance! Send that oversized lizard to hell!”

  “Sheesh, you’re such a slave driver!” Though she was complaining, it looked like Miledi was enjoying herself.

  The ceiling rumbled as Miledi dispelled the magic holding it up. The dragon made its move as well. It opened all three of its maws, determined to exterminate the thieves who had dared defile the treasure it was protecting.

  “Let me show you my final trump card.” Oscar threw his umbrella, which at this point had been stripped down to only the frame, at the three-headed dragon.

  When it was directly above the dragon’s heads, it exploded in a shower of sparks.

  This was his umbrella’s final trick, a self-destruct.

  He doubted it would kill it, but it would definitely buy Miledi some time.

  Miledi rushed down toward the dragon, while Oscar leaped up to the ceiling. The two of them crossed paths in midair.

  As they passed each other, Oscar gave Miledi the jewel that had been embedded into the umbrella’s handle. He’d taken it out before throwing it.

  Miledi gasped when she felt the vast amount of mana stored inside it. She glanced at Oscar and smiled triumphantly.

  Then, with their backs to each other, the two of them used their most practiced skills.

  “Transmute!”

  “Nether Burst!”

  Golden mana ran across the cracks in the ceiling. At the same time, a pitch black nova descended upon the ancient dragon, emitting sky blue sparks from its surface.

  There was no loud bang, and vibrations from the impact could be felt. Miledi’s deadliest attack was also her most silent.

  At the same time, the ceiling repaired itself in the blink of an eye. When Oscar looked down though, he found the ground had vanished.

  “......” The two of them gazed silently at each other.

  Oscar hesitantly opened his mouth.

  “I know I told you to send it to hell, but I never said anything about making a hell...”

  “Ugh...”

  “What the hell are we supposed to do now? This is way worse than a floor collapsing, you know that, right? There’s no way I can fix that even with my Transmutation.”

  “Y-You don’t have to yell at me! Even I know I overdid it a little! Besides, this is all your fault, O-kun!”

  “M-My fault? You’re the one who made a giant abyss! Quit trying to push responsibility for that on me!”

  “No, it’s totaaaaaally your fault! What the heck was in that jewel!? I thought it was some kind of artifact that stored mana, so I drew it all out, but there was way more than I thought there’d be! Like, tons more! Not even the rarest of artifacts even come close to that!”

  “Uhh, well, it’s, uh... A Divinity Stone I made, I guess?”

  “Excuse me, I have no idea what you just said.” Or rather, I wish I had no idea.

  Divinity Stone— It was a legendary crystal that very rarely showed up in nature. It was pure, crystallized mana. Usually Divinity Stones took thousands of years to form. They could store more mana than anything else. It took another couple of centuries for a newly formed Divinity Stone to become fully saturated with mana. Once it was though, it secreted a liquid known as Ambrosia. Ambrosia was a miracle drug that could heal any wounds and cure any disease.

  And Oscar had just said he’d “made” one. As it was just a crystallization of highly concentrated mana, it could in theory be created.

  “When I learned about Divinity Stones, I figured maybe I might be able to make one, so I tried it. Of course, this one doesn’t secrete Ambrosia. All it’s capable of is storing mana. I thought if I kept pouring mana into it it’d eventually start making Ambrosia on its own, so I’ve been pouring some of my mana into it every day since I was twelve. I put it into my umbrella because it was capable of absorbing a percentage of the mana used in spells directed against me, too.”

  “I see. I don’t get it at all.”

  Indeed, Miledi’s brain failed to comprehend how Oscar had managed to make a mythical crystal at the age of twelve. She smiled, a look of pure confusion on her face.

  “I can’t believe you used six years worth of mana in one spell, though... Haaah... Well, I guess we didn’t really have time to discuss this, and it’s my fault for not warning you, but... Ugh, I can’t believe I helped you make a giant hole in the Greenway... I think I’m going to be sick.”

  Though I guess killing a bishop and his templar knights is an even bigger crime. It’s a bit late to be worried about being arrested for vandalizing the Greenway. Oscar shook his head and shifted gears.

  “Anyway, let’s get out of here. Could you give me my Divinity Stone back, Miledi?”

  “Uh, I still don’t really get what you’re saying.” Miledi repeated, that blank smile still on her face. Except now there was cold sweat pouring down her back.

  It seemed there was more than just confusion and surprise stopping Miledi from giving it back.

  “Miledi, give me back my Divinity Stone.”

  “O-kun, I’m the kind of woman that never looks back on the past.”

  “Didn’t you tell me your entire life story a few hours ago? Anyway, where’s the jewel?”

  “D-Down there, I think.” Miledi pointed down at the bottom of the abyss, averting her eyes all the while.

  “Explain yourself. No excuses.”

  “I was so surprised at how strong my magic was that I accidentally dropped what I was holding. I was holding your Divinity Stone. The end.”

  Oscar stared at Miledi with dead eyes. Miledi refused to meet his gaze, as buckets of sweat continued to pour down her forehead.

  Oscar glared at her for a few more minutes before finally sighing and shrugging his shoulders.

  “Well, at least we’re all safe. One Divinity Stone isn’t a big deal.”

  “You�
��re such a nice guy, O-kun!” Miledi grinned, and Oscar smiled back. Then, they noticed Corrin standing in Oscar’s makeshift gondola and waving frantically at the two of them.

  “Guess we should go,” Oscar said lightly, and gave Miledi a high-five.

  Two days after the incident in the Greenway.

  It was still early enough that the sun had yet to rise. Velnika, the capital, still slumbered. Oscar walked down one of the city’s deserted streets.

  He had a black coat on, was carrying a large bag, and had an umbrella belted to his waist even though there wasn’t a cloud in the sky. It looked as if he was about to set out on a long journey.

  And indeed, he was. Today would be the day he left Velnika.

  There were a number of reasons for his departure. The first was obvious. He couldn’t remain here after rebelling against the Holy Church and killing Bishop Forneus. Of course, the evidence of his death and the surrounding circumstances had all vanished into the bottom of the abyss Miledi had created. However, he couldn’t be certain all of it had been buried.

  Moreover, he had a lot of acquaintances in this city. If someone went after him again, it was possible they’d target those friends of his first, just like how Dylan and the others had been kidnapped.

  The second reason he was leaving was to find a cure.

  They’d ended up destroying Ehit’s Eyes. As they no longer had anyone to command them, Dylan and Katy weren’t trying to kill him anymore, but they’d become empty husks instead. He’d tried all sorts of healing magic and even enlisted Miledi’s help, but both Dylan and Katy remained in a coma.

  Normal magic had no effect on them, so he needed to search for something new, which was another reason why he was setting off.

  Before he’d left, he’d convinced Moorin to take the kids out of the capital.

  They’d be moving to the hidden village Miledi’s organization used as its base of operations.

  Miledi had promised to protect Moorin and the kids. Even if she hadn’t been Oscar’s friend, she still would have taken the kids there. Dylan and Katy were important witnesses, and Corrin and Ruth now knew the truth about the Holy Church.

  It was possible the Holy Church wouldn’t care as everything they did was sanctioned by the populace at large, but it was also possible they’d try and kill the kids to hide the evidence of their deeds. In which case, an anti-church organization’s hideout was about the safest place in the world for them.

  The kids had cried when Oscar told them of his plans to leave, but Ruth had stepped up to comfort them. With Dylan in a coma, it had become his turn to take charge. Ruth had looked quite manly when he’d told Oscar to leave the kids to him.

  Furthermore, Oscar had seen the kind of comrades Miledi had with her. They were all highly skilled warriors, so he was sure that they’d be able to safely guide Moorin and the children to their village on their own.

  Miledi herself had vouched for them, which had been more than enough for Oscar.

  As she’d had a lot to take care of after the battle, they’d parted ways for the night.

  Oscar had then spent an entire day replenishing his stock of equipment and setting his affairs in order. He’d set out early in the morning to avoid being spotted by anyone he might know.

  Despite the early hour, he avoided the main street and stuck to the back alleys.

  “I wanna say my goodbyes to Gramps,” Oscar muttered to himself.

  Oscar had already talked to Karg before when he’d gone to pick up the kids he’d sent to the Orcus workshop.

  He’d explained what had happened and the reasons why he couldn’t stay, but he hadn’t really said goodbye. It was true that he was in a rush, but he’d also felt ashamed, as if he was letting Karg down by leaving.

  However, what would really be shameful would be not saying goodbye to the man who’d done so much for him.

  And so, Oscar found himself heading to the Orcus Workshop on the morning of his departure.

  Normally, Karg wouldn’t even be in the workshop this early.

  Oscar needed to leave soon, though. If Karg didn’t show up after a while he’d leave his farewell letter and be on his way.

  He continued walking for a while longer.

  “Ah...” As he approached the workshop’s gates, he spotted a man leaning against them with his arms folded across his chest.

  It was a man he’d recognize anywhere.

  “So you came after all, Oscar.” Karg spoke as if he’d expected Oscar to come from the beginning, and scoffed.

  “How did you...”

  “I knew you wouldn’t be able to leave without saying anything.” He’d been Oscar’s surrogate father for years now, so Oscar’s thought patterns were as clear as day to him.

  Oscar smiled awkwardly.

  “You’re going, then?”

  “Yeah. I need to find a way to cure Dylan and Katy.”

  “Will you be coming back?”

  “I’m not sure. Not for a while, at least. It’s going to be a long journey.”

  “I see...”

  The silence stretched on. Karg could tell at a glance that Oscar’s black boots, black coat, and black umbrella were no simple traveler’s garb. He knew they were all powerful artifacts. That brought a smile to his face.

  “Damn boy, you’re good.” He praised Oscar in his customarily coarse fashion.

  Oscar blushed and smiled.

  “I guess.” He was unable to hide the joy he felt at being praised by Karg, and nodded.

  Karg closed his eyes for a moment, then opened them and walked up to Oscar. His expression was dead serious, and his eyes were filled with all sorts of conflicting feelings.

  “Oscar. It’s not really much of a parting gift, but will you take what this old man has to offer?”

  “What is it?” Oscar tilted his head in confusion, and Karg nodded.

  He spoke solemnly.

  “I want you to inherit the name Orcus.”

  “Gramps... I’m quitting the workshop, so—”

  “I know, but I still want you to take it. I told you before, you’re the only one fit to be this generation’s Orcus. You’re the best damn Synergist I know. I refuse to pass the name down to anyone else.”

  “But then...” Who’s going to be the next head of the workshop? Besides, I might become a wanted man soon. Worse, the Holy Church’ll probably brand me a heretic. What’ll happen to the workshop if I inherit its name?

  Oscar tried to say as much, but Karg cut him off. Karg was prepared for the consequences. He had been since the moment he made his decision.

  He continued his speech.

  “Us craftsmen are a stubborn, peculiar lot. Sure, we get jealous of each other’s skills and are always trying to one-up each other, but any craftsman worth his salt also knows shame, boy. None of them will ever be the next Orcus, and not just cause I won’t give them the title. They all know you deserve it, and they’d be ashamed to take it from you.”

  Oscar’s eyes went wide with surprise. He’d been convinced all of the craftsmen thought he was a loser. However, the truly skilled members of the workshop had always known. Even if it had grated them to admit it, they knew how good Oscar was.

  Sure, Oscar never made any weapons, but the Orcus craftsmen were professionals. They could tell how good he was from the quality of his household products alone.

  I really do have a lot to learn... Not just in terms of my transmuting skill, but as a person too.

  Though he’d worked alongside them for years, Oscar hadn’t understood one thing about them. Not their pride, not their feelings, not their love for their craft. He hadn’t understood a craftsman’s soul at all. Oscar closed his eyes when he realized that, sinking into deep thought.

  They understood how much trouble this would bring the workshop. Despite that, they’d still chosen him to be the next Orcus. At that point, he wouldn’t be a man if he didn’t take up mantle offered to him.

  He opened his eyes, and stared back determinedly at Karg.


  “I’ll do it, then. From today onward, I’m the new Orcus, Oscar Orcus.” Karg’s face lit up in a beaming smile.

  Oscar walked to the capital’s main gate with a new spring in his step.

  Worry colored his face again when the gate guard began to scrutinize him, though. Fortunately, he was waved through without incident.

  Forneus’ disappearance had become public knowledge at this point, and the city was conducting a full-scale search. The guards were simply on high alert because of that, so they weren’t especially suspicious of Oscar or anything. Plus, it had only been a day since Forneus’ disappearance. It was entirely possible Forneus had left on some secret mission with his templar knights. A man in his position wasn’t required to report his comings and goings to anyone.

  Only Oscar and Miledi knew he was resting at the bottom of the abyss, so a single craftsman heading out on a journey, likely to the next town over, didn’t seem suspicious at all to the guards.

  Oscar walked silently down the main road for a while. Before long, Velnika was no more than a dot on the horizon. Just as he was thinking he was far enough away that he could activate his Onyx Boots’ powers without attracting suspicion, he spotted a familiar figure sitting on a boulder up ahead.

  Her blonde ponytail fluttered in the chill morning breeze. She swung her legs back and forth, as if bored.

  Oscar adjusted his glasses. Then, with hurried steps, he walked up to her.

  “Morning, O-kun. It’s nice out today.”

  “Yeah, though you still look pretty bored.”

  Once Oscar drew close enough for them to be able to hear each other, Miledi hopped off the boulder.

  “I’m not really the waiting type. I prefer action.”

  “Then why didn’t you act? Don’t you think it’s kinda late to ambush me here? I was expecting to see you crawl out of somewhere ages ago.”

  “Hey, that’s rude!” Miledi puffed out her cheeks and Oscar smiled.

  The two casually talked about what they’d done since parting two nights ago.

  Miledi updated Oscar on Moorin and the children’s travels, while Oscar told Miledi he’d closed off the entrance and the exit to the staircase he’d made. Miledi also explained that thanks to the false rumors her comrades had spread, the search for Forneus was headed in the completely wrong direction. Oscar also told Miledi that he’d inherited the Orcus name.