Because Janitor-san Is Not a Hero

Chapter 1: My Prayer was Answered

At Sakuragaoka (桜ケ丘) high school, Hasebe (支部, はせべ) Kurando (蔵人, くらんど), a high school janitor was summoned along with dozens of other students and 3 teachers while they were in the back of the school yard picking up garbage after a school festival.

In an instant, the world was entirely covered in a bright light.

Immediately after the unusual bright flash, everyone felt as if they were floating.

In the next moment, the sensation of suspension disappeared along with the blinding light.

Feeling a sense of relief Kurando slowly raised his eyelids.

The students began talking amongst themselves as the 3 shaken teachers tried to calm them down. The number of strained voices full of confusion and tension gradually increased.

“Where are we?”

“Why are we in such a place?”

“When will we be able to go home?”

【You all are currently drifting in between the universe’s infinite space.】

A voice resonants in their head.

It is calm, mysterious and unquestionably motherly.

The voice quieted down all of the teachers and students.

【I’m sorry to say, but all of you are being summoned.】

Although they could comprehend what was said, they didn’t understand what it meant.

【In another world different from this one an inexperienced genius, overflowing with talent, jokingly succeeded in summoning heroes to their world.】

In disbelief, the (1st-year class) gym teacher raised his voice in objection.

And then, one after another the students begin to raise their voice.

【I cannot prevent the summoning because you all are no longer on Earth, and thus you all are no longer under my management. I do not have any control over the world you all are being summoned to either.】

【As of now, I can only intervene because you all are vaguely traveling through the universe.】

A teacher tried to further voice their concern but was interrupted.

【From here on the world you all are going to is not entirely controlled by humans, like on Earth. There will be unimaginable amounts of danger lurking everywhere.】

Those harsh words made a lump form in everyone’s throat that prevented them from speaking up.

It felt similar to how a mother scolds her child for misbehaving.

【You all will not understand the world’s language, and nor do you all have the power to resist as none of you possess magic. You all would be hopelessly powerless in that world.】

The voice unexpectedly softens.

【I will not abandon you all into such a place unprepared. Therefore, I will grant everyone a small amount of power. First of all, everyone will be adjusted to that world’s language. And then, a body that can adapt.】

Everyone is engulfed in blue light.

【Now, I will grant you all the power to protect yourselves and your companions.】

A mass of light begins to form in front of everyone; slowly it takes the shape of a sword.

Naturally, everyone was not on guard. Without incident occurring they obtained it.

【Now then, go forth my children. Remain in good health.】

“My child?” There didn’t seem to be any problems. From their body a dark light is emitting; it felt as if they were being pulled away.

And then, at that time.

From Kurando’s hand, the sword is snatched away.

Kurando saw the back of a 1st-year student…… the person’s name he did not know.

He only managed to recall the person’s face. Rumor has it that person is apparently the prideful son of some company president. Anyways, he heard the rumor from teachers gossiping.

However, Kurando might not have remembered what the person exactly looked like. It is foolish to try and remember the full names of half the students in the school. Therefore, it might not be the correct face.

Not having the other party present, Kurando can only show a dumbfounded expression.

【Foolishness. For those of you who are present, do not worry. When you are in the other world your power will solidify and then afterward it cannot be stolen from you. As for what has occurred here, it is inexcusable.】

While listening to the maternal voice, Kurando’s eyes made contact with the gym teacher that is close by; however, they only made an inappropriate chuckle and wryly smile before they vanished.

The remaining students and teachers had the same expression before they too disappeared.

When Kurando thought he would also be summoned as is, he became pessimistic.

From Sakuragaoka high school: 25 first-year students, 25 second-year students, 25 third-year students, 3 teachers, and 1 Janitor; 79 people in total were summoned from Earth to another world.

◆◆◆

【…… Ah, dear child. I am truly sorry.】

Kurando had yet to be spirited away.

He alone was left in the white space.

【There exist only one sword (power) per person. For that reason, I cannot give you another sword (power). And, once someone reaches the other world the sword (power) will attach to the soul and the ability cannot be recovered. Your sword was able to be stolen because while you are here your existence is not complete. Normally one wouldn’t be able to steal another person’s ability (sword).】

Kurando is somewhat satisfied with the explanation. In the first place, he never considered that someone would try to steal another’s sword (ability). As the student that is at fault is nowhere to be found Kurando has no one to blame.

Nevertheless, he couldn’t stop himself from feeling down.

【They will be your only connection to one another in the unknown land that you’ll be going to; it is best to not think such dangerous thoughts.】

The motherly voice prevents Kurando from saying anything more.

“Afterward, do not resent the world, and do not curse it.”

In truth, the foolish child that stole the sword (ability) should be nearby.

However, in the other world, there is no way to keep Kurando away from them.

Once they became a residence of that world the power will be rightfully theirs.

As of now, it is already too late for they have become a resident of the other world.

Kurando had already decided.

He won’t forgive them.

【……indeed, it is problematic.】

Although he hears the concerned voice, Kurando still couldn’t stop thinking about what was stolen from him.

He couldn’t stop himself from thinking about it.

Even though, it cannot be recovered.

That being the case Kurando wanted nothing to do with them.

In Japan he had failed to find proper employment; anyhow, Kurando could only think about how he wasn’t able to find his place in society.

Kurando couldn’t deny that he didn’t put enough effort into it, but it would be wrong to say he didn’t try.

He thought it was society’s fault for requiring a certain amount of income. And, because of that, Kurando was never able to get past that step and get to where he wanted to be.

It is a mistake to call them Kurando’s companions. He can no longer tolerate them and clearly he rejects them. Kurando can’t complain even if he is right. Society was the one that drove him away.

And, that is why Kurando wants nothing to do with them.

Maybe, distancing himself from them isn’t the correct way to go about it?

Perhaps, this is the reason why Kurando never successfully fit into society. Although he belittles himself and plays the victim, Kurando is not completely innocent. That is merely a fact.

Because Kurando couldn’t take being a security guard or a garbage collector, he chose to be a janitor.

A part-time contract employee at that.

And, that is why Kurando is thinking things over.

After the summoning, Kurando thought about putting distance between himself and them.

There is nothing to be lost since to them Kurando was simply their contact janitor. For Kurando there was no reason for him to tolerate staying with them.

His wage was low. There were no promotion options. And, there was no renewal for Kurando’s contract.

Therefore, Kurando had no duty to them. There is no need for professionalism.

Nevertheless, they can’t blame him because Kurando made sure to do his work properly.

【……then, what location should I switch your arrival to? Although I can’t prevent the summoning, I can change your arrival location to somewhere different.】

As the god of the other world is still young their management is lenient

For that reason, it doesn’t matter where Kurando arrivals after he is summoned.

It isn’t that the god there is open-mind rather they just don’t care.

Kurando’s eyes sparkle upon hearing the proposal.

The god had read his mind and gave Kurando the answer he was searching for.

If possible Kurando wanted to go somewhere there are few people; he thought about someplace like a snowy mountain or desert would be good. Kurando is originally from an area with a cold climate. He also had fantasized about living in the desert. Although if it could not be there, he thought a place like something in between a frontier and a snowy mountain/ desert would be best.

The details are trivial but that is what Kurando wants.

【……I must warn you, in the other world magical beast and monsters run rampant; are you sure?】

Kurando will need food and water. He will also have to endure the climate and weather.

Kurando’s decision seemed rushed. His pessimism is clouding his judgment.

His desire to distance himself from them is great enough that Kurando didn’t think about the outcome.

【……one-year’s-supply of food and water, a magic textbook containing the other world’s general knowledge, and a knife? I cannot give you preferential treatment; therefore when you cross over to the other world, I will not be able to intervene.】

The way it was said, it sounded like a mother scolding a foolish child.

However, the foolish child simply nods.

Kurando appears delighted.

【I understand. Now, go forth.】

Kurando does a slight bow before vanishing in a dark light.

There is no one left in the blank space. The voice doesn’t make a sound.

【I curse being a useless mother. Although it is an absurd world, I do not curse it. I pray that you all will not blame the other world. My you all be blessed.】

【Oh child who steals, you are still my child. I’m a foolish mother that still wishes that child good fortune. However, I do not know as to whether that child was able to harness the power of that sword. There truly is a web of fortune and misfortune intertwining together. Ah, I am indeed a foolish mother. I wish all my children good fortune.】

Chapter 2: A Single Person Stands Alone

Kurando noticed that he was somewhere else when the wind brushed by his cheek.

Due to the light shining in, Kurando realized that he is inside a cave .

Outside, a white and blue world extended as far as his eyes could see.

Kurando unintentionally rushes toward the entrance of the cave.

He wasn’t concerned with the cold air that is pricking his skin and the freezing cold that is flowing into nostrils.

Before him, there is an endless sky and the peerless white mountains.

Kurando looks up towards the sun. He noticed something above him. Was it a large bird, or something else?

On the mountain, there is a white feline with a bizarrely long tail. It strides along the large rocks on the mountain.

Kurando’s past obligations seemed to have slipped away.

He had a strong feeling that his hardships & inconveniences, his situation, his morals, the amount of money he earned, his prejudice, and even his self-respect had all been lost.

How long would he last?

He felt his body grow colder. Kurando still had on his janitor work clothes. A gray top and bottom, a long sleeved black v-neck shirt, the white towel around his neck, a cheap analog wrist watch, and sturdy navy blue boots. These aren’t something one wears while on a mountain.

While thinking it will be difficult to leave this place Kurando went back inside the cave.

On this way back he found a big moss-green rucksack lying in the passageway.

Kurando recalls the provisions the mysterious voice had informed him of.

He remembered the scenery outside and the white space where he heard that mysterious voice. Only afterward, did Kurando understood that he had indeed traveled to an another world.

For the time being Kurando decided to sit down.

He casually puts his hand into the rucksack; it is empty.

As he thought there is no one-year’s supply of water & food, no knife, and no magic textbook are inside the rucksack.

Kurando begins to think there is nothing inside.

No food, nothing edible?

Any rice, or hard biscuit? How about, square bread?

As he thought this, Kurando felt something long suddenly touch his hand.

He pulled out something similar to a loaf of french bread from the rucksack. On closer examination, the firmness is similar to toasted bread or a baked cookie. Kurando surmises that this is a preserved ration.

「Is this what I’m supposed to eat?」 (Kurando)

Kurando’s slightly depressed voice echoed throughout the cave.

Afterward, he could take out as many rations as he wanted. Kurando was able to take out a barrel of water, a large knife and something resembling a magic textbook.

Kurando puts everything else away into the rucksack except the knife. He stood up and placed the rucksack over his shoulder.

The sunlight had dimmed.

Before it becomes completely dark outside Kurando needs to secure a bed or a place to sleep.

If he were to go to sleep now, the wind would disturb him while he slept.

He advanced deeper into the cave as he held the knife in his right-hand.

The width of the dim cave has enough size to fit two people. As for the height of the cave, Kurando had an overhead margin of about 30 centimeters considering he is a little below 170 centimeters in height. The cave’s walls didn’t have moss growing on them; it made the cave appear newly made, and there was no other odor except for the smell of soil.

Kurando didn’t notice anything else out of the ordinary.

Nevertheless, he proceeds forward as carefully as he could.

He, fortunately, arrived at the innermost part of the cave without encountering any other inhabitants.

At the end, there was only an empty space about the size of 6 Japanese tatami mats.

That night when the sunlight no longer entered the cave Kurando slept there.

He might have been defenseless at night, but it couldn’t be helped as Kurando fell into a deep slumber.

◆◆◆

In the dimly lit cave, Kurando awoke to a thunderous roaring sound.

Although last night it was relatively cold, it is currently refreshingly chilly.

With sleepy eyes, Kurando staggers to stand up. Tempted by the faint light he made his way through the passageway.

From what he could see there is a blizzard occurring outside.

Nevertheless, the morning sunlight shines through.

The temperature had gone down the closer he got to the entrance of the cave; that advertently helped Kurando become wide awake.

After taking 10 step outside the cave the extreme cold made him turn around and head back inside.

Kurando thought he should quickly make his way back to the room inside the cave.

He needs to find a way to keep the inside of the cave warm. And, also procuring some sort of light source is necessary.

If Kurando didn’t have a similar experience while living in Japan, he could possibly die.

He will die.

That much is for sure.

Kurando had to learn this the hard way.

Death and survival are merely a stone throw away.

Kurando had best realize this, or he will soon perish.

Kurando scurries back to the small room in the back of the cave; he reaches into the rucksack and took out the encyclopedia like magic textbook. He then eagerly flips through the pages.

Fortunately for Kurando the pages are made of thick high-quality paper. Although, it is an encyclopedia there are no page numbers.

He had no problems reading the letters/ characters.

Kurando then began to study since his life depends on it.

Chapter 3: Magical Beast 1

-550 days later-

Approximately 550 days had passed since Kurando began living in the cave.

He stares at the very-first-marking that he had etched (using a knife) on the cave’s wall.

Kurando casually reached towards the magical beast. It has a white & black polka-dot pattern and it resembles a snow leopard. Using his finger he plays with its nose.

This magical beast is already the size of an adult snow leopard on Earth, but surprisingly it is far from reaching maturity.

The magical beast slightly opens its eyes when Kurando had poked its nose. With a dissatisfied expression it looks upon the rude person. In protest it hits Kurando using its tail that happens to be twice as long as its body.

The beast wraps its tail around Kurando’s neck and back.

From there Kurando silently strokes the bottom of its neck.

Immediately after a sound similar to a cat’s purr can be heard coming from its throat.

If someone saw this scene they would’ve found it ridiculous, but to them it was normal.

He named the magical beast that was encountered, Yukishiro (ゆきしろ). Finally instead of staying inside Kurando decide to embark from the cave.

◆◆◆

-550 days prior-

Because he didn’t have to worry about food, it couldn’t be helped that Kurando chooses to shut-himself-inside the cave to make mental and physical preparations prior to embarking from the cave.

The current him couldn’t leave without anything disastrous happening to him. For a Japanese person such as Kurando, it wasn’t difficult for him to imagine being powerless in a dangerous world. Kurando had chosen to concentrate on mastering the magic from the textbook. He also took the opportunity to improve his physical strength.

Mostly likely this world is based on one’s magic skill and not so much on the technical abilities of one’s body.

While there was still a dim light shining into the cave Kurando skimmed the textbook and decided to practice magic.

「Fire」 (Kurando)

He faints.

Kurando got up. He recalled feeling a slight sharp pain throughout his whole body. The sun had already gone down. He couldn’t see his wristwatch so he wasn’t able to confirm the time.

Kurando sluggishly returns to the interior of the cave. He fell asleep while feeling pain throughout his body.

The moral of the story is “don’t skim read”.

The next morning Kurando awoke to the chilly air. Shortly after, he picks up the textbook.

Kurando learned his lesson. He felt a chill whenever he remembered the incident yesterday night.

Occasionally Kurando would take out some food to munch on as he read the table of contents, the prologue, and the 1st chapter (boys and girls coming of age) about the residents of this world. He reads the entire book. And, then re-reads it. Before once again practicing what he had learned.

「Small flame.」 (Kurando)

This time around Kurando fainted from a headache.

The content of the textbook causes fainting and sharp pains. However, the headache themselves weren’t much of a problem. Kurando disregards the fatigue and muscle pain; he uses the magic without hesitation.

To affect the outcome the intentions has to be made through the incantation. In addition, it is not possible to control the discharge of maryoku. Kurando had concluded that he faints during the phenomenon that occurs when maryoku is absorbed by the spirits in the surround air.

It could be said that a pool of maryoku is the surplus from a person’s life force. Maryoku is the term used to describe the energy that fuels magic.

Kurando takes a deep breath; it almost had an effect on his inner life force. His body sensed an impending crisis. It intercepts the outside supply of maryoku and blocks it off. This causes him to faint. When the body wrongly assumes that there is an insufficient amount of lifeforce it will then increase one’s life force pool.

The textbook acknowledges the existence of spirits and maryoku. It is said that spirits have existed in the air since ancient times. It also stated that Kurando’s actions up until now aren’t recommended.

Kurando felt his maryoku being sucked up by an invisible & formless plankton like thing. Those lifeforms gobbled up his maryoku like hungry pigeons gobbling up bird feed in a park. Feeling light headed, Kurando faints.

Kurando slowly gets up. This time, he felt pain and hears a slightly ringing in his ears.

He looks at his wristwatch. This time, a whole day did not elapse. Only 3 hours had passed since Kurando had fainted.

And once again,

「Small red flame.」 (Kurando)

Before he fainted, Kurando felt a blast followed by heart pains.

Nevertheless, he repeated this process 10 more times. He fainted every time; however, the interval in which he stayed unconscious shortened each time. Kurando dug a small hole in the middle of the room to be used as a makeshift fireplace. In that location is a small red fire. Kurando shakes his fist in triumphant.

This small fire is merely the concretization of the lowest-class of fire spirits; the resident of this world commonly uses this to cooking their meals.

Kurando learned from this experience that spirits manifest themselves as a natural phenomenon in this world as long as they are provided with enough maryoku.

After his first successful use of magic Kurando began to immerse himself in learning magic.

◆◆◆

Every morning after Kurando got up, he would gaze outside to relax. Afterwards, he would practice magic, and then faint.

This was Kurando’s daily routine. Before he knew it the blizzard outside had already ended.

In total there are now 180 marks etched on the wall.

Every morning after he got up Kurando ate his meal before remove the earth cover that he made to close the cave’s entrance way.

After Kurando had learned to materialize earth spirits whenever it was possible he would cover the cave’s entrance before going to sleep.

But, by no means could one call it a cave lid.

It is dawn, the dazzlingly morning sunlight causes Kurando to squint.

This is his first time coming into contact with direct sunlight after quite a long time.

After opening his eyes he looks around the mountain side. As usual, Kurando sees a magical beast, resembling a snow leopard, laying on the wide rocky area while it bathes in the sunlight.

The magical beast slowly raises its head. Its fur from its head to its abdominal is pure white. Overall it looks like a snow leopard with a few less black spot.

From a considerable distance away it motionless stares at Kurando with its ash golden eyes. The beast’s pride would not allow Kurando to disturbed it.

And thus, as if nothing happened the beast lays its head back down.

Kurando was mesmerized by the wild beast.

During those 180 days, the blizzard occasionally became calmer.

In the morning whenever Kurando looked outside he usually saw that magical beast laying there.

The first time he saw the beast his body stiffened. Kurando had thought he was going to be eaten. Several days passed. He had encountered it every day, but nothing happened. The beast didn’t seem to mind the company. Perhaps, it also had been watch Kurando all along?

And thus, the feeling seems mutual. They never approach one another.

There are various theories, but the magic textbook defines a magical beast as an animal that can use magic.

When an existence accumulates enough life force (life spirit) & other spirits it will result in the next generation becoming a race that can use magic.

Lifeforce is life spirit in itself. It resides in all living beings whether it is a tree, an insect, or even human. One could call it 『a second heart or a second brain』.

From a broader perspective, one could define a magical beast as the reincarnation of a human soul.

However, there is no coexisting (mutual understanding) with a monster – when the amount of spirits it hold within it decreases that cause it to transform and then materialize. They are natural disasters; it’s a universally enemy to all living beings – it is a different entity altogether.

Not every magical beast can be reasoned with. But, it is not-possible-at-all to reason with a monster.

In reality, Kurando and the snow leopard like magical beast had nonverbally come to a mutual understanding that they will not bother each other.

Perhaps, this was possible because Kurando doesn’t have any means to attack it.

Kurando never did show any attempt to hunt the beast for its fur to keep himself warm from the cold. Although it was a guaranteed method to keep himself warm Kurando never considered it, not even for a second.

As a result of their mutual understand, Kurando looked forward to gazing at the magical beast outside the cave; to Kurando it was his entertainment for the day. Perhaps, he wanted to be in the presence of another living being other than himself?

For some time now, he wanted to approach the existence that caught his attention. Today, Kurando decided to go outside.

Kurando shivers. Did he fear going outside into the world? Or, was his shivering caused by the cold air?

He didn’t have an answer to that question.

All he know is that he is going outside. And, that is all.

Chapter 4: Magical Beast 2

Kurando is waist deep in snow.

As he tried to crawl away from the slanted surface, Kurando sighs. How many times now has he sigh?

He tries to not apply excessive force to his toes and heel. Although it looks pathetic Kurando freed himself from the snow by using a swimming motion. This was a technique he learned when he lived in a snowy region.

Kurando is still wearing the same clothes that he had on prior to being summoned. Around his neck is a towel. He has on a formal looking button-up work shirt and worn-out boots that have seen many days.

Kurando had covered himself in a coating made from fire spirit magic. Due to the coating, he didn’t have to worry about the radiating cold air penetrating his work clothes. It also prevented the snow from getting inside his clothes.

In several areas along the mountain’s slope, the snow had been brushed aside exposing rocks and bare earth.

On this mountain, in brief intervals, the wind from the snow storms would blow every few minutes. It could freely blow from any direction as the wind would alternate between the right and the left.

For that reason, on the snow covered field there are areas where the snow had been blown away. And, that is why there are areas with exposed rocks & bare earth here and there.

In some areas, the snow was unaffected by the wind and it managed to accumulate itself in between the gaps in the rocky terrain.

From the cave, Kurando had watched the blizzard undergo changes more frequently than an autumn sky. Kurando is unaware of the location of any protruding rocks, frozen soil, and other snow covered surfaces on the mountain. As a result, Kurando would unknowingly and indiscriminately stumble.

However, Kurando isn’t worried about being completely surrounded by snow.

Having originally come from a snowy region Kurando is more resistant to the snow’s cold.

The real problem is what he saw.

Kurando senses he is being watched.

Whenever Kurando looks backwards, he sees that magical beast.

Every time Kurando struggles to move through the snow, the magical beast would look at him with pity. It had been observing Kurando ever since he took his first step out of the cave. Every time he stumbled Kurando sensed that the beast felt pity towards him.

And thus, Kurando began to grow angry.

At first being watched by the beast was stifling, but now he didn’t think so.

Being frustrated Kurando looks over his shoulder; he sees the magical beast staring at him as it lays on the wide ledge.

It is quite a distance away. Kurando could have sworn that he saw the magical beast provocatively waving its tail at him.

Kurando chooses to ignore the magical beast’s provocation. He sits down on a nearby rock to catch his breath. Kurando is viewing the kind of scenery one would see if they are high up in the mountains. He sees tall plants that are not found on Earth.

But, what stood out to him was the scarcity of wind spirits.

At this location, earth spirits and ice spirits are the most abundant. Among the population of spirits located here, there are a few lightning spirits and wind spirits, while there is only a hand full of fire spirits.

The magic textbook explains more about spirits. Earth spirits, water spirits, and wind spirits are the most commonly found in most general locations. In comparison, lightning spirits and fire spirits are less common. The textbook states that the relationship between water spirits and ice spirits is the exception as they are similar. Kurando then understood why there were few wind spirit here.

There are few wind spirits present because this location is up in the mountains. In other word, the air here is thin because of the high elevation.

Kurando has not succumbed to altitude sickness. He is able to breathe the thin air up on the snowy mountain for long durations without fainting. Kurando is able to do all of this without having trained his body.

Because he wasn’t out of breath Kurando considered it.

He remembers a situation similar to this one from the past. And thus, Kurando is confident that he will be able to escape the snow.

Kurando wanted to test something out. He tried jumping in place.

Kurando strikes the surface of the ground.

He tries sprinting.

As Kurando had surmised his physical abilities were enhanced. When he jumped Kurando had flown approximately 2 meters upwards. When he had punched the ground his fist left an indention on the surface. When he tried running Kurando had easily run up the slope.

For a short while, Kurando tilts his head as he thought about what caused the change in his body. He wanted to compare himself to someone else but there wasn’t anyone else around. Kurando then abandons the thought.

He remembered that the mysterious voice had mentioned it would bless them a body that would be able to adapt upon their arrival to the other world. This must be that effect.

The effect had given Kurando’s body the resilience it needed to adapt to the mountain’s high attitude.

This time around Kurando walks more cautiously so he does get stuck in the snow again.

By taking large strides as he walked through the snow; somehow, Kurando will make it back to the cave. His shadow extends across the big slope.

His only achievement was that he didn’t fall down in the snow.

As for food-related things, Kurando did see small animals and wild vegetation. Although, of the wild plants he saw Kurando wasn’t sure which are edible.

Kurando only has enough food to last half a year or less. His future looks bleak.

But this was only the first day he attempted to leave. Kurando re-assures himself.

After much hardship, Kurando finally reached his cave.

He wants to lay down. Kurando attempts to close the cave’s entrance.

Who declared that they had a mutual agreement to not intervene with one another?

Who made the first move? Who decided it?

Kurando couldn’t move a muscle. He wasn’t able to draw the knife from his belt, and he couldn’t say a word. Kurando wasn’t even able to move a finger.

The large build with the white & black spotted pattern is together with Kurando in the cave. The situation is followed by a long silence.

He had wrongly assumed the distance between himself and the beast.

Kurando’s face and the magical beast’s face is side by side.

Chapter 5: The Magical Beast 3

The large figure in the entrance of the cave is dyed red by the evening sun. Nothing else can be seen.

Ash golden pupils gaze upon the eyes of the motionless Kurando.

Kurando couldn’t avert his line of sight even if he wanted to.

Overwhelming fear dominates him.

He had become unreasonably frightened due to the ominous horror before him.

Kurando’s imagination had far exceeded his perception of reality. His mind naturally gave in.

He feels that his inner strength is distant.

Furthermore, Kurando continues to stare into those eyes. He tries to muster strength into his body.

The magical beast is laughing.

Or, at least that is what he felt.

Kurando is helplessly pushed towards the wall near the cave’s entrance.

Beyond its ‘large build’, Kurando found a spot that is unexpectedly soft. In all due respect, it felt like a cat purring.

Kurando passed through the entrance. The magical beast turns to the opposite direction and escapes into the innermost room of the cave.

He is unable to follow the retreating figure with his eyes.

Kurando felt that somehow his life was spared.

Before he noticed it the evening sun had already fallen. The dark spirits are wandering the world.

Kurando expels the dark spirits and converts them into light spirits; the cave’s passageway is illuminated.

In the middle of the passageway, he arrives at the section where there are 2 holes that are opposite of one another.

One of the holes was his toilet. For 180 days, Kurando had used that hole and a cover which he made with earth spirit magic. The other hole which resembles a small room is something a magical beast had created inside the interior of the room.

Kurando couldn’t even wryly smile when he saw the overwhelming difference between their magic craft.

It had only been 180 days since he had arrived as a human in this world. Or, at least that is what he wants to believe to comfort himself.

Likewise, it is ridiculous to make a comparison.

A magical beast leaves the small room that was made in the cave and quietly flew into the darkness on the opposite side.

The lamp made from the light spirits slightly exposes the creature figure; it is a giant flying squirrel.

It spreads the membrane in between its forearms and hind legs. The squirrel glides to the mountain overlooking this area; it blends in and then disappears.

Kuroudo is mesmerized by the fantasy scene and he felt dizzy.

He was frightened by the animal’s long tail that he thought was the snow leopard’s tail.

The magical beast quietly went down the cave.

It wrapped a lump of ice with its tail, and then threw it into the new room it had created.

Once more, it tries to glide in the air.

It repeats that process several times.

By observation, its concentration can be seen. It had gathered a few low-level wind spirits. And yet, its large build is able floating in the air; perhaps, it was unexpectedly desperate? Why jump, and glide? Such things Kurando does not know.

People can’t fly.

It seems in this world that hasn’t changed.

This is definitely a fact. With so few wind spirits it is more or less impossible to reach a high attitude.

With this particular tool, the magical beast is possibly trying to fly in the air.

Kurando made his way to his room to read the magic textbook.

He subconsciously did so.

When Kurando had returned to his room, he peeked into the small room. A great amount of ice is stored inside. The small room is white and feels chilly. Animals resembling a deer and a boar can be seen. The animals seem to be cryopreserved there.

After viewing it, Kurando didn’t have anything else to say; so, he returns to his room.

He returns to the innermost part of the room where his rucksack is located. From there, he thought about how to go about making a big change. Kurando already knew it was pointless to think about. He moves the rucksack to the corner of the room and opens the book from the rear side.

―Meow, meow meow,

To block out the cries, Kurando raised the book closer to his face.

The antagonistic ‘large build’ elegantly and seriously jumped on top of Kurando. The magical beast had appeared. That face, the tail, and a playful purring; it is a kitten.

The tail is bizarrely long; it is likely that the kitten is the child of that magical beast. Kurando immediately understood.

Perhaps, it is suicidal to approach the child of a beast of prey.

Of course, Kurando knew this; more or less, he had decided not to approach it. It was the one who approached him.

Today various things had happened. The only one exhausted is Kurando. Once again, he casts his gaze onto the book.

He glanced at his wristwatch; tomorrow had already arrived.

Kurando took out his knife and etched one mark to clearly represent the next day. He cautiously put away the knife. Kurando bites into a fruit. While thinking it wasn’t enough, he laid onto the ground.

Something fluffy rustles against him.

Kurando couldn’t move; by chance, something soft binds him.

He turns over. The light spirits were gone and the fire of the candle had extinguished.

The parent magical beast seems to stare at Kuroudo neck as if it wanted to bite into it. For a moment, the glint from its eyes could be seen through the darkness. But, then they immediately disappear.

As the way things were, a tail is entwined around his limbs. Despite that, it wasn’t uncomfortable.

What is its gender? Kurando is too tempted by drowsiness; he shuts his eyes and ignores the thought.

Kurando for the first time in a while, he falls asleep in a tender warmth of a bed.

Chapter 6: Magical Beast 4

―Meow, meow, meow, meow

―Meow, meow, meow, meow

Kurando is awoken by a persistent cry.

The child magical beast is rubbing its face against Kurando’s face. Since when did he fall asleep on the bare ground?

When Kurando got up, above all else, he notices the kitten dishearteningly walking out of the room.

The magical beast lays down on its stomach. It turns around. 「Meow, meow」, it angrily howls at Kurando. Being puzzled, he tilts his head.

Did it want to go with him?

The parent magical beast is not around; is what he thought. Kurando swiftly puts his arms around the child magical beast’s stomach and picks it up. He makes his way outside the cavern.

From inside the passageway, he already understood the situation outside.

The parent magical beast is sitting near the ridge outside of the cave.

At dawn, in the morning mist, a big tail is swaying about.

The big snow leopard’s figure is concealed by the dense morning mist.

Kurando only sees the parent’s back.

The last time he saw the parent’s full figure it was suspended in the air.

Kurando approaches the exit of the cave. The parent magical beast turns to faces his direction.

It stares at him.

The parent’s eyes show affection.

Behind its large build, it wags its tail.

Henceforth, the parent magical beast continues to gaze at him.

Between them, none blinked.

For a moment, the parent magical beast growls and then turns around. It faced the mountain and glided through the air.

While it is out hunting, it’s time for him to babysit; is what Kurando jokingly thought. In what way was he not perplexed? While placing his hand against the cave’s wall, he gazes outside. Kurando smiles wryly at the thought of being a babysitter and an emergency lunch.

―MEOW

The child magical beast made a remarkably powerful cry and slipped through his arms. It walks to the wall of the cave.

Kurando reflexively extends his hand, but the child magical beast had chosen to sit alone near the cave’s wall.

【Gurraggh】

Its howl passed through his ears and he could feel the pressure throughout his body.

Near the mountain, sounds of a battle can be heard.

In reaction to the howl, Kurando had braced himself by covering his head with his arms. When a pillar of fire was unleashed, he sees, a thousand-year-old tree go up in flames . The ledge where the parent magical beast had always lain for a moment it is engulfed by fire.

Compared to the other spirits a number of fire spirits were numerous. During his studies, Kurando had learned that a large quantity of maryoku is required to gather a lot of spirits. But, up until now, he never considered to what extent was needed.

With the exception of his own, this is the first time he has seen this world’s magic.

―Meow

Kurando is taken aback by the child’s resentful howl. It must have requested the power of 10 wind spirits; he himself compensated for his lack of magic control by relying on his eyesight.

The pillar of fire starts to exhaust. And, 12 humans that are lined up in a ‘fan formation’ march through the smothered flames.

From the crumbling cliff and the unstable slope, spears and bows are being raised up. And, a wand is being prepared.

A man and a woman appear; their ears are tapered. Everywhere else, their equipment didn’t coordinate. A simple straight line is drawn on the center area of their white armor. From the waist to the chest everything in between is covered by their white armor. On the blade of their spears, there is a small engraving of a red horse and a white horse.

They are a special hunting force that is affiliated with the United Kingdom of Erurodoriana (エルロドリアナ). Of course, Kurando didn’t know this; chances are, he had looked it up in the magic textbook.

「It approaches.」 (giant-man)

The foremost vanguard, a man, as a warning he readied his large shield.

For 3 meters, they traversed the slope while being open to attacks.

Without any change, the giant man in the middle of the formation relentlessly charges; his posture and line of sight never falter.

After the exchange, the giant-man merely stared at it. A normal person would be knocked away in the charge against the magical beast. Their opponent’s limbs are as solid as earth. Kurando could only gawk at the spectacle.

Bit by bit, it becomes clad in a snow coating; the once black-spotted patterns on its fur had disappeared.

「Uh-huh, an ice spirit augmentation has been confirming. Shoot the target.」

Between each interval, 3 beams of light are fired.

The parent magical beast rushes in; with its large build, it runs in a zigzag pattern.

Every time, it effortlessly avoided the barrage. The barrage ends.

It had avoided the barrage many times by merely twisting its body. The parent magical beast had instantly canceled out their attack. Three more beams draw near.

However, with unbelievable speed, it swings its claws and everything was knocked down.

Blades of frost with great length had mown down everything in the surrounding lower area of the mountain. White particles gather in the air. Several people were preparing their shields; the sound of metallic clashing rings out. And, the aftermath looks as if the surface area had been shaved away.

The parent magical beast puts power into its hind legs and charges forward.

It directly targets their rear members. The cane wielder try’s to prepare a magic incantation but is a tad slow.

Kurando who is watching the battle forgot to breathe.

The flame technique user honestly needed to catch their breath, but nevertheless, again and again, they wielded their cane and never once fell behind.

While in the middle of an incantation, through the white smoke, big claws swung down upon them.

The moment when the technique is activated, a sound similar to breaking glass is heard.

The flame user had defied the law of physics. When their magic barrier and their postures were broken, the users somehow managed to survive the moment of impact. It was as if they had foreseen it.

The spell, a dragon made of fire, divided into two and burst. There wasn’t a moment for the beast to relax its guard; it couldn’t afford to be careless.

Don’t forget for a moment that person is a technique user; it would be foolish to underestimate them.

Once again at the foot of the technique user, a white claw is swung down.

「You’re worthless, Iruniiku (イルニーク).」

There is a fierce smile on the giant man’s face; the tip of his spear is stuck into the parent magical beast’s side. And, he strikes the beast with his bare hands.

When it is invoked the magic withers away at Iruniiku’s snow coating; the parent magical beast shakes free from the assault with a swipe of its claws, and it springs away.