Return.
Translated by M; Proofread by Annie, Ash, Mio.
Akira: …Guh, Murr…!
I was lying on my back atop the broom, unable to move a muscle.
Summoning my courage, I reached for the broom handle above my head with one hand, trying to raise up my still body. Meanwhile, I clutched the broomstick between my legs.
Akira: (Huh? Why can’t I move this thing?)
The moment I started growing concerned, a nimble figure leapt atop of the broom.
It was a petite silhouette, holding an unbecomingly large scythe.
It’s the Wizard of the East, Shino.
With Shino jumping atop the handle, Murr’s broom jolted abruptly.
Akira: …!?!?
My voice was stuck in my throat, leaving my hands to desperately cling to the broom.
My body flipped over with it, leaving me dangling with my arms and legs draped precariously over the broomstick.
Akira: (Am I gonna die!?)
Shino: My bad. Here, it’s okay.
Despite my paling face, Shino reaches down towards me without hesitation.
I remove my trembling hand from the broom handle to grab onto Shino’s, but then…
Owen:《Cur Memini》
Owen: Damn… I’m getting too worked up over Murr. I don’t care about any of this.
Shino: Hmph. I won’t let you have the Sage!
Shino: Sage, wait here.
Akira: Wait-...!?
Shino: 《Matztzāh Sudipas》!
At the moment he shouts his spell, Shino kicks off the broom handle into the clear morning sky.
Akira: Shino…!!
I shout after him, terrified of him falling.
However, there was no way that Shino, the Guardian of the Sherwood Forest, a young, yet seasoned, battle veteran would ever do something so careless.
He swings down his scythe, his broom appearing at his feet before my eyes.
He lands expertly upon it, racing across the overpass to attack Owen.
Shino: Eat shit…!
Owen: Hmph. It appears you’re not good enough.
Shino: I know that.
He gives Owen a smug smirk.
Owen glares down at his feet in disbelief.
A patch of green ivy was clinging to the corner of Owen’s magical trunk.
It was an unassuming, frail scrap of ivy that looked to be blown in by the wind, but…
Heathcliff: 《Repsevaivulp Sonus》
No sooner than that elegant voice echoed out did the patch of ivy expand explosively.
Similar to the thick, strong roots of a grand tree in a deep forest, the ivy hungrily encased itself across Owen’s trunk and onto Cerberus.
Behind Owen was Heathcliff, sitting atop his broom.
He clutches his magical pocket watch, a tense look on his face, but exhibiting a calm, fighting will.
Shino: Not so scary without that oversized dog of yours!
Shino:《Matztzāh Sudipas》!
Heathcliff: Shino...!
Owen: …
Owen holds out one hand towards Shino, narrowing his eyes with cool indifference.
With that move, Shino’s scythe becomes motionless.
Shino: … Shit...!
Meanwhile, Owen’s trunk became completely entangled in roots.
Temper growing foul by the constricting substance, Cerberus returned back into the trunk.
Owen: There is no way that little Eastern noble’s magic alone could contain my trunk.
Owen: In that case…
Faust:《Satillquinart Mullcreed》!
The sun’s rays grow more intense.
Suddenly, I became aware. What I previously thought was the sun was actually a mirror floating in the sky, reflecting the dazzling light.
The mirror centered in the sky, a magical circle of fire blasts out, instantly spreading across the open air.
Standing beside his mirror, Faust raises an arm.
Faust: Get in defensive position, brace yourselves!
Shino: 《Matztzāh Sudipas》!
Heathcliff: 《Repsevaivulp Sonus》!
Nero:《Adnodus Omnis》!
Nero’s voice echoed near me.
Nero: Mister Sage!
My head turns in the direction of the voice, witnessing Nero reaching out towards me.
The next thing I know, I’m pulled by his magic, flying through the air and into his arms.
Nero: My bad! We’re a little late!
Akira: …Guh, Murr’s broom is…!
Nero: It’ll return to its master by itself!
Still frazzled, I looked around.
I saw Nero and I lingering in the center of a formation with Shino in front of us, Heath behind us, and Faust guarding the sky above.
With four wizards powering it in a circle, the fire spread farther and brighter.
Owen releases a tedious laugh.
Owen: What, you practiced for this? You can’t even beat me without practicing.
Owen: Are you not embarrassed?
Faust’s expression remained still, unperturbed by Owen’s sneering.
He adjusts his glasses with a grave look.
Faust: I have no shame. It’s preferred over the Sage or one of my students getting hurt.
Faust:《Satillquinart Mullcreed》
Owen: Hmph.
Owen lifts one hand, a signal that his trunk will be released once more.
The dense ivy that was previously stubbornly encasing his trunk began to rot away.
Heathcliff: …!
Owen: Well, little lord. However shall I deal with you?
Nero: Not before I deal with ya first!
Nero:《Adnodus Omnis》!
Nero chants his spell, innumerable pieces of various cutlery surrounding them in the air.
They move unhindered in time with the tips of Nero’s fingers, appearing like a silver rain pouring down upon Owen.
Owen’s trunk gapes open fully.
With a horrifying bellow, the three-headed dog pounces at Nero and I with vigorous momentum.
Snow and White: Dear Sage, ‘tis dangerous!!
Nero: Gotcha!
Nero laughs, digging something out of his pocket.
He grins, throwing it into Cerberus’ mouth.
Cerberus immediately gobbles it down the second it hits his lips.
Owen: Hey! Wait! What the hell did you feed him!?
Nero: Terrine.
Owen: What is that!?
I immediately knew what it was.
Cerberus began to violently shake.
Akira: Could it be…!?
Owen: A Shiverose!? [1]