Nihon 3

"Welcome, Lord Taro, Lady Rilka. Please follow me to the Director of Technology."

Two days after our first visit to the main hall, we were summoned again by the shrine maiden.

At the far end of the main hall stood a grand traditional Japanese-style building, through which we were led.

Inside, countless books and laboratory-like equipment were tightly packed in every corner.

As we moved deeper into the facility, an elderly man, shuffling weakly, stood before us.

No, upon closer inspection, there were quite a few people of advanced age moving about.

There was a distinct atmosphere, unlike anything else.

"Ah, so this must be the lost soul Master Takagane spoke of. Quite young, aren't you?"

"Yes, Master Kisai. As planned, I’ve brought Master Taro and Miss Rilka."

Bowing respectfully in accordance with the introduction.

Was it "Science Director" he said?

"From here, I'll take over. You may step back now."

With those words, the woman referred to as a shrine maiden quietly retreated, her presence barely noticeable.

"Goodness, you must be tired from all the formality. Please, come this way."

With a gentle smile, the elderly man called Master Kisai led us into a room with tatami mats.

Before us stood a low tea table, with tea already served.

It's just... too authentically Japanese, it feels almost unreal...

"The atmosphere here is really different from the rest of the surroundings."

Rilka promptly sips the tea served before her, appearing completely indifferent to my conversation with the old man while carefully listening in.

"That's simple enough. I just dislike formalities... it's not exactly welcomed here in this country... For me, nothing would bring greater happiness than being able to pursue my research on magical stones."

"You're quite passionate about your work." A sense of familiarity seemed to arise from nowhere.

"Perhaps I'm simply indifferent to other matters. That's probably why government officials don't hold me in high regard. They value tradition above all."

"Is that so? We don't really know much about this country, so we don't have that impression at all."

"Well, it's not surprising. This country doesn't seek interaction with other nations, so we have few opportunities to obtain outside information. That's why it's such a pleasure to talk like this."

I still don't understand why this person invited us here. Maybe I should press a little further?

"I see, so you're the one who wants to extract information from me?"

"Oh, I assure you, I have no such intention at all. I'm simply an old man who wanted to chat with a young person. There's no need to be so guarded—don't worry, I won't keep you here forever, that's true."

"I apologize if I've offended you. We're still uncertain about your true intentions. Just what do you expect from a pair of humble adventurers like us...?"

"Hmm, I suppose that is a valid question. Yes, there are two main points... or perhaps three, if we're being precise."

"Is it not related to the Hero's Legend, then?"

"Indeed! Well, not exactly. To put it more accurately, it would be misleading to say it's unrelated. The truth is, we're also interested in learning about the Hero's Legend."

Also interested in the Hero's Legend? Just what exactly are you hoping to learn...?

"May I hear about the other two topics?"

Hmm, since there are no specific restrictions, it shouldn't be a problem. However, I'd appreciate it if you wouldn't make what I'm about to say public. It would put me in an awkward position.

With that, Kisei pulled out a voice-altering magic stone.

As he mutters something to himself, geometric patterns he always sees rise up from the voice-distorting gemstone. Soon, a translucent membrane-like substance floats from the gemstone and envelops the room.

"What... is this?"

"This is my magic. I call it Manipulated Sound Magic—it allows me to control the sound within a certain space."

Seeing another magician in person after such a long time, he could only marvel at the effect.

"Whoa... what's going on here?!"

Riruka, too, was awestruck by the space spreading throughout the room, scanning her surroundings. She even leaned forward, reaching out to touch the membrane, stretching her body so far that her skin was visible through the gaps in her clothes. She hasn’t forgotten her original purpose, has she...

"We still don’t fully understand the mechanics behind it. But it’s been passed down through the ages—this magic allows us to control sound."

"You mean 'us'?"

You're quite sharp, aren't you—those high-ranking officials in government. They control sound when holding meetings like this. Now, may I ask a question in return?

Of course, yes. You're referring to the legend of the hero we've been investigating, correct?

Indeed... First, may I ask why you're looking into the legend of the hero?

That is...

I explained the information I'd gathered so far, along with the purpose of my journey. Kisei listened, stroking his proud beard.

"Hmm... a way to travel back and forth between the original world, is it? Indeed, that's quite intriguing. If we're seeking relevance, the legend of the hero certainly fits... However, there are no records of anyone returning to the original world before."

"Ah... I see... It's not going quite as I'd hoped."

"However... there is something that puzzles me. Do you know what 'Heaven's Black Eye' means, Taro?"