Ex Strongest Swordsman Longs For Magic In Different World Chapter 122

Witches and Curse

"Come to think of it, what is Curse to be exact?" (Soma)

That single sentence was the impetus to the subject. It was an act of the time that was neither a chat or a discussion.

Soma helped preparing the compounding, and Felicia had been able to make medicines much easier. They finished early, but the time to finish the compounding couldn't be changed. As a result, they had extra spare time, and Soma talked about this to kill the time. It was something like that a talk or sharing each other's knowledge.

In the Book of Witches, it didn't mention about Curse and Witches. Therefore, Soma mainly talked about magic, and that had bring them to the earlier question.

"Surely, I never show the Curse to Somsan… I didn't even have the opportunity to do so." (Felicia)

"Well, you were busy with the medicines preparation." (Soma)

"Be that as it may, even if I say in detail, it would still be difficult to explain… Yes, do you want to see it?" (Felicia)

She was telling so because Soma's curiosity and concerns in magic was stronger than anyone else. She might realized it by the accumulation of time being together. Perhaps, she was thinking about giving something in return even though how small it was since she was always receiving favors from Soma.

"Rather, there is no choice to answer without looking at it." (Soma)

She wryly smiled at Soma who asserted with a straight face. It seemed that the desire for magic was conveyed all the way.

Well, there wouldn't be anything else happening if she actually showed the Curse to him, but… he often said that he didn't understand. Felicia didn't understand what brought him such an impetus. And when he thought that was also possible, it wouldn't be meaningless.

Anyhow…

"Well then, shall we have a go?" (Felicia)

"Hmm? Aren't you going to do it in this place?" (Soma)

"It's a bit unsuitable to do it here. Besides, it's just right to do it there." (Felicia)

"…?" (Soma)

Her mouth loosened a bit when looking at Soma who curiously tilted his neck. It was an unusual appearance of Soma, who usually had the appearance of knowing everything.

While talking to Soma, Felicia left the room that was used as a living room. The door she opened didn't lead her to the interior, but to the opposite side. She went downward where stars glittered.

—

While the stars were glittering in the night sky, Felicia put her hands together in a prayer-like manner, and closed her eyes.

No, in fact, it wasn't wrong to treat it as a prayer. At the same time, it was also a repentance.

The destination of this prayer was this world. The destination of the repentance was also this world.

It was a prayer that invaded the world. It was a curse that eroded the world.

They were equivalent and identical. For the world and for the witches, there were nothing different.

It was always the people who saw them as two different matters. For this reason, the Witches only pray for the people.

As a result, the Witches were perceived differently from the world. No matter how it might seem, there were thought in that way by the people in question.

Such unthinkable thought swelled up, but it disappeared as it was.

It was always the case. When using Curse, she seemed to fall into a slight hypnotic state, and it wasn't possible to keep consciousness too much.

However, that was the end of it. It was like entrusting the body into the flow of a river, and after feeling a sense of drifting to somewhere… suddenly she noticed that she was tied up.

"–Rain." (Felicia)

— The Witch's Curse (Origin Excitation): Curse – Praying for Rain.

And at the same time, the prayer spontaneously came out from her mouth. After that moment, she also notice that the connection had already been severed, but she was convinced that she was able to deliver her prayer.

There was a change in the place immediately after. In the starry sky that should have been all clear, clouds begin to gather from the surroundings little by little.

And then…

"Weather control, is it? Nevertheless, to do it easily… I see. I feel like I understand a little bit the reason why the Witches are so special…" (Soma)

Mixed in the sound of the rain, the voice of the impressed Soma echoed. Then, Felicia released her hands, opened her eyes and let out a deep breath. She looked back and tilted her head.

"Is that so? To be honest, I also have a feeling that there is a difference in the area of expertise…" (Felicia)

That was the truth. Although Felicia didn't learn other magic, she was aware and could understand when Soma said that. She thought so because of that reason, and…

"Hmmm, it is due to the difference in perception… or rather, it may be simply be a problem of common sense or values. If it at least based on my knowledge, interference with the weather is equivalent to a large-scale magic, and… No, I'm not sure if those who have Special Rank Magic can do this alone." (Soma)

"Yeah, including such a thing, I also feel like it is based on different aptitude. For example, it is many times harder for me to light up a fire." (Felicia)

"Hmm? Really?" (Soma)

"Yes." (Felicia)

This was also true. If she tried to light up fire needed for cooking, she would be three times more tired. In fact, that was also another reason why she only ate fruits, but… was this circumstance irrelevant? To begin with, instead of worrying whether it was difficult to light fire up or not, Curse was something that she couldn't use for her own sake.

The utensils needed to cook were neatly prepared most of the time. Nevertheless, this was still irrelevant.

At the beginning, she was cooking well. Her predecessor had been cooking as well, so Felicia was also doing the same as a form of inheriting the knowledge. Moreover, she felt that it was fun. The reason why she gave Soma a whole bunch of fruits was because she had completely forgotten.

She had stopped doing it for a while because she had noticed. It felt awfully pointless.

"Hmm… nevertheless, the impression I have by looking at its appearance is that this is closer to Principle Arts rather than Magic." (Soma) (TLN: Principle Arts = 法術)

"Principle Arts, is it? This is my first time hearing it…" (Felicia)

She replied that in order to deceive her feeling that she suddenly had. That didn't mean she wasn't interested with the topic, but… she felt relieved that Soma kept talking. It clearly showed what was his real intention.

"Well, it is because Principle Arts isn't included by the definition of Magic. I have never actually seen it, and I've only read it in the books." (Soma)

"What exactly is Principle Arts?" (Felicia)

"To put it simply, it is a way to perform miracles by praying to the God. I heard that it is mainly used Principle Countries, and the Arts is usable if people become the believer of Holy God's Doctrine…" (Soma)

"Eh? Speaking of Holy God's Doctrine, didn't you say that you can use magic if you enter it?" (Felicia)

"That is also the case. However, it seems that Principle Arts was originally used in the Holy God's Doctrine, but…  when I read various books, it seems that they were adopting the Principle Arts in order to get more believers." (Soma)

"Haa… how should I say about it…" (Felicia)

"I would say it is because of hard life or greed. Anyway, your appearance earlier reminded me because it is necessary to pray in order to use Principle Arts." (Soma)

Before she knew it, this had become like the usual discussion, and that made Felicia smiled wryly. It really came down to the fact that Soma really liked this kind of topic.

Which was why… she though Soma was going to leave this place soon. Soma didn't go through any changes even if he drank medicine that was likely to enable him to use magic. In addition, he reached that conclusion after seeing the Curse. It was a matter of time until nothing else was available even if Soma was here… when that time came, she was sure that Soma would leave here quickly. She was able to have that confirmation based solely on that reason.

It could be next month or six months later. Soma himself might not know what exactly, but… that time would certainly come. She thought so probably because he was suddenly asking for meat last month. As expected, that was suspicious. Recently, Soma seemed to have gotten used to eating fruits only. It was simple and easy to prepare, but… in that way, she might be able to cook without feeling empty.

…Or perhaps, it was already too late. Tomorrow would be the day she would receive food supplies. In that case, she should asked for meat this time. Of course, there was a possibility that supplies would be wasted, but… it was better than doing nothing and leave this as it was.

Felicia thought of that while exchanging the usual conversation with Soma under the rain.

—

Joseph suddenly noticed that it was raining outside the window. When he listened to the sound of rain for a while, he thought that it was already that time.

Basically, the Elves Forest, which was filled with the power of the Forest God, never rain. Still, there were rivers and springs, so they had no problem with water… Nevertheless, they still need the blessings of heaven.

However, the power of the Forest God, which even the Elves who benefit from it, couldn't be controlled. Which was why he wished for a miracle. The power to distort the rules, unreasonably and unilaterally.

"Hmmph… on top of that, forcing something unreasonable, is it? How arrogant and shameless we are…" (Joseph)

As strength applied to the crossed arms, it made a creaking noise.

No, he knew it. He knew it right from the start. It was too late now…

"It's alright to feel guilty, but I think it's about time to get ready, right?" (Joseph)

"–!?" (??)

He turned to that voice reflexively. There should be no one else in this room, but the familiar voice just now was…

"Aah, I'm taking shelter for a bit. Well, I was careless because the rain came suddenly, but come to think of it, something like this is possible, huh…" (??)

"You… why are you here!? No, how did you come here!?" (Joseph)

"Anyhow, what have you decided in regards of that? It seems you still haven't decided yet, so I'm coming to support you, you know." (??)

"Support…?" (Joseph)

"Even so, do you care about it much? I have made a plan to help you out, but it would be a shame if that doesn't work." (??)

"Humph… it's none of your concern… For starters, it doesn't mean that I can't stop feeling guilty.

"Eh? Really?" (??)

That was true. The reason he didn't tell that person last month was because he was simply unprepared.

"Just in case, failure can't be allowed to happen, but we haven't found anyone who can assume the bodyguard role." (Joseph)

"Hmm… it would have been nice if you tell me last month, but I think that's alright. Rather than doing it suddenly, I think I am able to prepare my mind." (??)

"Hmmm… why are you trying to help so much… No, I mean why you didn't tell me that you knew it?" (Joseph)

"Eh, didn't you tell me that? My guess is correct, isn't it?" (??)

"…?" (Joseph)

Joseph, who realized that there was no point to say more than that, turned his face away and looked forward.

"If you want to say it, just say it. I'm busy man." (Joseph)

"It seems you are free now… oh well, that's fine. Then, I will tell you one more think and I'll go away." (??)

"No need, just go away–…" (Joseph)

"You have prepared the seal for a month already right? For you to waste time because of the sentiments of family or the feeling of guilt, still hasn't changed. If you don't want to die… No, if you don't want your family member to die, you have to make the decision. Well, you're going to pick which one at the end of the day, but I know which will you pick.

"…" (Joseph)

He turned around because of that exchange, but by that time, no one was there anymore. While the darkness is spreading, there was only the sound of rain.

"…I know… Aah, I know!" (Joseph)

While staring beyond that place, Joseph groaned as he muttered that.

—

TLN:

I still find it's strange for the author to use the term Curse. Based on Wikipedia's definition of Curse, it is any expressed wish that some form of adversity or misfortune will befall or attach to some other entity: one or more persons, a place, or an object. In may make sense if you think rain (or any natural disasters) is a form of misfortune to the world. I can't really find the translation of the word Houjutsu (法術) and Houkuni (法国). The word Hou (法) mean method, law, rule, principle, model and system.

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