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ruin.
Or rather, what remains of a castle.
Great columns lie flat on the ground, stone slates scatter about.
This must be how the Parthenon would look after further deterioration.
It must have been a sight to behold once upon a time.
It gives the impression of a relic of history.
"What's left of the Scotts Castle, a relic from when mankind battled Laplace. It was
said that thousands came to defend against the Demon invasion. In the end, all was
for naught, and it was captured."
Explains the beautiful girl with golden braided hair besides me.
Graceful exterior, clad in expensive travel wear, a charismatic figure obvious even
from afar.
Indeed, the one and only Ariel Anemoi Asura.
"..."
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"Folktales of this area often mention this topic."
"Are you interested in folktales?"
"To develop relationships with the aristocracy of the area, that is also necessary."
"But coming to a place like this, can we really reach Perugius-sama from here?"
"To be honest, I don't really know what we do next, but..."
"I'm more worried that having so many people tagging along would be a bother."
"Rudeus-sama sure worries over the strangest things. Even if he isn't the king of a
country, he's still called [King], a true hero! A few guests like us shouldn't be a bother."
"If you say so..."
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"Perugius-sama may be living the quiet life, but after the Laplace campaign he spent
some time as a guest of Asura Kingdom, as an equal of King Asura. He would bring an
entourage numbering in the tens or hundreds to the royal palace. Someone of his
stature won't be troubled by a mere 9 guests."
"Ah, I see."
"... If he got tired of the court life, maybe he got tired of guests too."
"Maybe. But if that's really the case, then Nanahoshi-sama probably won't allow me
to come along."
"I don't think Nanahoshi is the kind of person that worries over these things."
"Yes. Perugius-sama may have lived in seclusion for a long time, but his name still
holds pivotal weight within Asura court. Ariel-sama, she... looking towards the future,
I'm sure she would want to meet someone like him."
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I thought for sure that she would refuse, but Nanahoshi okays it.
Afterwards I heard that while I was away, Nanahoshi got a lot of help from Sylphy.
Bringing her meals, help with shopping, casting detoxification magic when she got
sick.
Although she stopped after Lucy was born, she used to come by often for baths.
"Really? Thank you very much! I'm sure Ariel-sama would be pleased..."
"We're here."
While I was worrying over these things, Nanahoshi stopped at the center of the ruins.
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Middle of nowhere.
Despite what I think, if look carefully, on the ground rests a stool-sized stone.
A stone monument.
Monument of "Seven Great Major Powers."
The faint light that extrudes from it hints at the terrifying powers of the names
engraved there.
Seems like these are everywhere, even here.
"Now what?"
"We call him."
Having said that, Nanahoshi drops her baggage and takes out a golden flute.
Not a finger hole on it, so more properly a whistle.
Nanahoshi placed it against her lips and blew.
Fuu-!
No whistling.
Just the sound of blowing air.
Maybe a dog whistle?
"No sound?"
Cliff exclaimed.
"Cliff."
"What is it?"
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"While we're still here I have to say this. Where we're going isn't a place to joke around
at. Remember to watch your mouth."
"... I get it. I am not a kid anymore."
"What sorts of statues will a castle in the sky have, I can't wait to find out!"
"Don't always push your hobbies onto others. After all, that guy is over 400 years old
already."
"Hahaha, isn't Badigadi-sama even older? The older they are, the more they can
appreciate the craftsmanship of Shisho's figures."
"Oh... Really?"
"He's here."
"..."
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Roxy sunken, her shoulders droop.
Perugius waged battles against the Magic Race during the Laplace Campaign.
Can't be helped if some prejudice towards the Magic Race remains.
I have forgotten, since this area doesn't share much prejudice against the Magic Race,
but hatred towards them still runs deep.
Perugius may be a person of legends, but he's also a witness to war.
Perhaps like Ruijerd, he has memories that can't be erased of those battles.
But only Roxy is left out, I feel bad for her.
"No, it's fine. In that case, I'll stay home. Since I was a little scared of meeting
Perugius... -sama as well. I still have school work to do, so just as well."
That, I do immediately.
A whole ten seconds, Roxy's heart races, my ATOMIC BAZOOKA engaged, its nuclear
warhead loaded, fire! [2]
"Thanks."
"No, the pleasure is mine."
Still a little upset, but with her face red, Roxy backs away with a slight smile.
I will shower her with affection when I get back.
"Hold this."
"Now what?"
"Just hold still. Perugius-sama will use teleportation magic to bring you to the Sky
Castle."
"Just a moment."
"...Oh?"
While I was thinking about it, I suddenly feel heat coming from the baton.
Feels like my palm is getting sucked in by it.
What happens if I let go right now?
Would it fail?
But for this to happen all of a sudden, some people would let go by instinct right...
"Eh?"
I look around.
Everyone's gone.
No, I caught the moment when Sylphy disappeared.
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When I came to, I find myself flying in a completely white world.
Some distance before me I see Sylphy reeling towards the same location.
So that's what being summoned feels like.
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Returning to my senses, I stand grounded.
"Ha!"
"Yeah."
"Wow..."
Even with memory from my past life, I can't recall a building of this size.
Like building a castle atop of the Tokyo Dome.
"Clouds..."
"..."
Cliff and Luke were stunned, their mouth open ear to ear.
Ariel too, her eyes wide, looking towards the open sky.
A scenery that takes your breath away.
It can't be helped.
No airplanes in this world, no concept of mountain climbing either.
No chance of ever experiencing a scene like this.
Suddenly, Sylphy grabs me by the hem.
Her near-white, golden hair drapes down her shoulders, wearing a white mask of a
bird.
Can't be sure if she's human or not, but her figure looks female.
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She wears a gown-like white robe, holding a magic staff.
The staff carries a magic stone, opaque and dark.
Without a doubt, a particularly expensive one.
In my opinion, not everything is about money, but that's definitely something
expensive.
Even more expensive than my precious staff.
What's exceptional about her isn't her gown or staff.
But what's behind her.
"I am the first Familiar of Perugius-sama, Sylvaril of the Void. Please allow me to lead
everyone towards Sky Castle [Chaos Breaker]."
"Guardian Knight of the Second Princess of Asura Kingdom, Luke Notos Greyrat at
your service. It's an honor to be at your presence. I'll be in your care."
Although her thoughts are opaque, her actions have been courteous to us.
Finally, Nanahoshi answers her casually.
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Sylvaril advances straight through the garden.
Although uninterested in everything but figures, Zanoba still recognizes art when he
sees it. Perhaps there are some things in common here.
I could not tell at all whether these engravings are good or bad. But if Zanoba says so,
then it must be quite outstanding.
After all, something that's not a figure managed to take his breath away.
Paying more attention now that he mentioned it, they are indeed quite beautiful.
A doorway like the Arc de Triomphe, even the interior is covered in intricate relief.
No matter what, with all these delicate patterns all over, you can't help but look up.
"This arc is handmade by the Dark Dragon King Maxwell. Maxwell-sama specializes
in this sort of craftsmanship and magical construction. His extant work is also
available within the palace of Holy Milis Kingdom-"
"Ohhhhhh!"
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"Dark Dragon King Maxwell-sama wanders the world. If he's still alive, he is probably
still wandering somewhere."
"I-is that so, such an amazing person... yet.. yet.."
"May we continue?"
"Oh, oh yeah. I'm very sorry. It was just too beautiful to pass up."
"Is that so. Once you enter the castle, there're plenty other outstanding works too.
We'll be happy to satisfy you."
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