The Stone of Days Chapter 14

"Mr. Genz?"

"Call me Mirbo."

Is this pity? Is it because I'm about to die that he's gone soft? No, it doesn't matter that you are pitied when it's about time to die, but I can't accept the humane pity when it's a.s.sumed that I'm going to die. The reason is because I'm not going to die, that's why!

"Stand up. Take a knife."

"Yes…Yes?"

My voice – not lying about this –  was as quiet as a mosquito.

"I had already known about your presence."

Without saying anything, he pierced that point straight through my heart. I really didn't want to think about it now that he said it. Oh well.

"What's that thing?"

"Don't need to know other than the fact that's it's trying to kill us."

Well, what's the point of figuring out what the monster is after you're dead. I'm not the type that has to know what the other monster is before I'm satisfied. I'm just currently in the disposition of wanting to live, that's all.
I rose up. I didn't bother unsheathing my knife as it was extremely shabby, so there was no need. Mirbo? Regretfully, his sword was also destroyed as it was laying on the ground, shattered into pieces. Our survival rate had probably gone down by at least 5% I presume. Then, our death rate in this battle should be around 95%.
From his belt, he drew out two short weapons. Silently inspecting it, it was a double-edged hand axe. A strange weapon indeed. It's a first time I'm seeing someone fight with those. Since one of those blades are as big as the canines of that beast, it must be quite a remarkable weapon… so I thought.

But then, why is that monster just standing around watching while we are conversing and withdrawing our weapons?

"It's monitoring us. To see if there's another enemy. That little fella is quite sensitive."

Today, I've met quite a lot of people that had replied to my thoughts. When you're about to die, strange things…ahhhh, I shouldn't be thinking like this. But then, it seems that Mirbo knows that strange beast.

"Fella…it must be a familiar face for you?"

Due to my outrageous expression, Mirbo put on a frown as he was dumbfounded by what I had said.

"… … Yes."

At that moment, the white-furred monster - since it doesn't have a name, I'll call it whatever - was done monitoring from the side.

Krrrr…. KYAAAAAAAK!

100% real. As if I was a paralytic, my legs shuddered violently as the vibrations of the sound made it difficult to stand. Mirbo with his hand-axes had a slightly lowered stance.

"Since your weapon is longer than mine, stay in the back. I'll go attack it first."

That's very pleasing to hear, but in this situation, what's the difference between dying now and later… no, I shouldn't be having these kind of thoughts before a fight… …

"Taboo."

Instead of a spirited yell, he spoke that single word. Ha, I was surprised at how Mirbo had swung for his left leg immediately against that ma.s.sive silver-colored beast - the same beast despite changing its name.
Such a dangerous technique.
Monsters, who aren't stupid, wouldn't stand to watch something 1/3 his height pierce his left leg. In order to swipe him with his paw or hand, whatever you call it, the monster lowered his stance. His head was right in front of me, close enough that it was nearly touching me.
Wait, what's happening? What should I do?
Countless thoughts pa.s.sed through my head, but in that moment, there was only one thing I could do. I know. But still… …
Eh, whatever!

I ran towards the tree I had targeted beforehand. Lightly using my left leg to jump on the tree, I jumped towards the monster's mane, which was at the height of my shoulder. Fabian, you lunatic. Not even going to Rieju once, you throw your body towards the beast's mane just to end your life……
I caught it!

I shook it violently. The beast raised his head. What's next? Of course he would scratch his head. Wait, Nooo - I usually shampoo my hair before I go outside, alright! –
Madly holding on, I crawled up to the top of its head. I had forgotten the pain in my arm already. The hind leg that nearly hit me while I was climbing started to shake.
Koong!

The monster suddenly leaned over to his left.

"AHHHHHHHHHHHHH!"

Mirbo attacking the silver-maned wolf-like beast's - I think I have a thing for naming - left leg wasn't a good sign. Usually, you need to take the whole picture into consideration, but right now he's only viewing this fight from his perspective.
That's that, but wasn't my scream really long?

Kuaang - Dudududududud-!

My knife slipped out from my waist!
The knife fell out from my sheath after getting tangled up with the mane. It's because I had frantically moved my legs and arms while holding on. Although I couldn't see it, I could hear it falling. Fortunately, - what's so fortunate about this situation - I was able to determine that my knife fell since it occurred after the beast's long roar.
Clank~
Now, what do I do up here?

"Fabian-!"

Since I a.s.sumed that the monster couldn't talk - just in case - was that a shout from Mirbo? What's this? My instincts are quite excellent, aren't they?

"Jump from the back!"

"Uh, It's too high!"

It was so. The monster was now standing upright. But still, I didn't have too long to think about it. The monster's front legs would soon attack where I am.

"AHHHHHHHHHHH"

With a bizzare shriek, I fortunately landed on top of some branches. Although my body was aching - especially my arm that wasn't fully treated as it was the most critical -, with difficulty, I controlled my consciousness and looked down. Mirbo, was constantly jumping around avoiding the beast's attacks so nimbly that he was easily qualified to take my honorable position (the role of avoiding Arnowalt's sword) at the castle. It was a sight to behold. Should I stay here for a bit and watch?

"Fabian! Come down and grab the sword!"

That sword, would that be of any help? Especially against a monster that's as big as 20 pigs combined together.
Let alone being of use, I need to first find where that sword is!
During the battle, I couldn't find the knife no matter how much I looked for it. Not only that, it was getting dark as there was nothing but moonlight to illuminate the day. Of course, the moonlight is so grand that it can reflect that silver-furred leather of light throughout Grillard's peak.
d.a.m.n, at this time, if you read those storybooks, aren't there brave comrades that would say 'I'll buy you time so hurry and run away!" Wasn't it something like this as well? "You'll only be a burden if you stay here!" By chance, ain't I a burden Mirbo? I can kindly disappear if you so desire……

I don't have time for these thoughts. I need to quickly depart from this spot after seeing the large leg of the beast flying towards me. For me, as long as the situation permits it, I'll run away. So I ran with all my might towards Mirbo. Indeed, it's more suitable to have a role of a child and run away to call for help, repeating the same old cliche.

Puuk!

What is this thing that's blocking my way?!
Having nearly fallen flat on my nose, I pulled myself up together and looked at the item I tripped on. It's the backpack that Mirbo had laid down. Beside it was the white parcel that I saw before…
Wait, it's sparkling?

Since I was running so frantically, I didn't notice it beforehand, but in that white parcel was an item that was emitting a bright red light.
What, what's this? If it's something that can help me right now, anything would be fine.
With one hand I grabbed the white package that I had tripped over(usually, I would never do such a thing since it is someone else's possession).
The white string slipped to the ground unfastened.

A sword?
Ho, it's really, really hot!
Due to the sword suddenly becoming red-hot, I nearly threw the sword onto the ground, however at a moment's glance, I became more comfortable with the temperature of the sword as I barely held it up with both hands. Due to the sword's l.u.s.ter, even my hands were dyed in red.

Pabak-!

The moment I grabbed the hilt of the sword, the flame suddenly sprung up a cubit above the blade as if it was alive.
Thanks to it, I nearly dropped the sword again. My G.o.d. A flaming sword?
Only with two hands was I barely able to swing the long double-edged sword. To be honest, I was quite doubtful how I could swing such a ma.s.sive sword with my strength!
To be able to touch such a thing was a first.
Ugh, this is bad. My left shoulder was battered into such horrible shape right now, and to see that this was a Two-handed sword as well was troublesome.
Ever since I removed the cloth, the light was mysteriously s.h.i.+ning as if it was breathing. No matter how frantic Mirbo was, he would probably be able to see this light.

"Fabiiiiiiiiian?"

Looks like he was anxiously searching for me. In other words, he's probably asking where I am. After much effort, I recollected myself after being lost in my own thoughts about the sword.
Well, since this weapon is pretty amazing, I guess I can at least do the favor of returning this to you.
I resumed my run towards Mirbo.

"Fa…bian?"

When I maintained a decent distance and stopped behind the monster, Mirbo who had hid his body in the trees gave me a sidelong glance, spoke those words in alarm and shock.
Because of this sword?

Paahk-!

All of a sudden, the sword, as if it was wanting to boast, shone its great brilliance and spilled out in every direction.
Incomparable to before, it was as if there was a forest fire. The light was so strong that it even dyed my face in red. Ugh, what should I do? At this rate, won't I possibly be burnt to death?
Suddenly, it was as if something boiling seethed out from within my body!

"Fabian!"

Due to losing myself in the splendor of the sword, Mirbo's voice could only be heard as a small whisper. However, I don't think that his voice was quiet at all. The monster, bleeding profusely as both his legs were cut like pieces of paper, struck the tree in front of Mirbo. The two large trees that looked as if they would be a handful to cut, were split in half like chopped firewood, as pieces of wood splintered from the impact. Despite that, it looked as if Mirbo was trying to garner my attention.
Even then, to pay attention to both sides simultaneously, Mirbo was only human.

"KUK!"

I can't seem to a.s.sess the situation well. The burning sword in front of me was covering my sight to much, so I was far from keeping my sanity. But, I could see Mirbo with his hand-axe on his right hand, throwing it towards the monster's left shoulder while simultaneously kneeling down holding his stomach. I wonder if the axe had properly hit? No, before that, he'll die at this rate!
The monster's front legs struck downwards above him.

"AHHHHHHHHHHH!"

I too screamed without knowing. The monster's front leg flinched. At that moment, Mirbo dramatically rolled his body towards the side.
However,
The monster was looking in my direction.

TL Afterword

Wow, this chapter was exciting and breathtaking. Imagery in a fight scene? Count me in. Come forth Excalibur~~!

Translator: Calvis
Proofreader: Sai101, Kajin