01x07 - Wise King of Forest

[bunniefuu]

[NINYA sighs]

[AINS]

That was foolish.

Hey... About what

I said last night.

I'm really sorry.

[AINS] Mentally and physically,

I've become an undead,

but I still let my

emotions control me.

Uh... This area's got quite

the scenery, doesn't it?

It's so peaceful. Why don't

we just relax and enjoy?

It's important to be on guard.

He's right. Carelessness

gets you k*lled.

A dragon could ambush

and roast the lot of us

before we'd have time to react.

Give me a break.

You can't seriously

believe that would happen.

There are plenty of local

legends to support it.

Apparently, there's a

dragon near E-Rantel

that's able to control

nature at will.

And north...

I've heard that there are quite

a few living frost dragons

that make their nests

on the other side

of the Azerlisia mountains.

There could be

hundreds up there.

[AINS clears throat]

Um. Ninya.

You wouldn't happen to know

the name of the dragon

with the power over nature?

Huh? Sorry. No idea.

I'll ask when

we're back in town.

[AINS] Please do. That would

be of great help to me.

'Kay! Consider it done.

I won't let you down.

We should be in Carne

Village within the hour.

[MOMONGA] Dragons were

considered the strongest

species in Yggdrasil.

If they do exist in this world,

I should be cautious of them.

[gasps] That's strange.

What's the matter?

[NPHIREA]

That huge fence.

I'm sure it wasn't

here the last time.

Hey, get the boss.

We might have trouble.

[GOBLIN B grunts]

[GOBLINS grunting]

I thought I smelled

something foul.

That's close enough, blondie!

[GOBLIN D]

Put down your weapons! Now!

[AINS]

Wait a minute.

[GOBLIN A]

Everyone calm down.

We'd rather not have to cross

swords if we can avoid it.

Especially with the giant

in the plate armor.

I know a bad vibe

when I feel one,

and he's givin' me a serious

case of the willies.

Who the hell are these guys?

[ENRI]

Mr. Goblin, what's going on?

Boss! You made it!

Enri!

Huh? Nphirea!

Hey. Is she...?

Definitely.

[MOMONGA] I thought I

recognized these goblins.

She must have used one of

the horns I gave her.

But...

I have a friend who

frequents our village.

He's a pharmacist who

also practices magic.

[MOMONGA] To think she

was talking about him.

[NPHIREA]

Sorry. I don't know what to say.

[ENRI]

Yeah.

[NPHIREA] Losing both of

her parents like that.

The world can be a cruel place.

I can only imagine the

pain she's gone through.

[NPHIREA] But now, I'm here.

I can protect her!

It's fine. I still

have my little sister.

Looking after her

has kept me going.

Oh-- Of course,

that's wonderful.

By the way...

Huh?

[NPHIREA]

I... was wondering...

What is it, Nphirea?

Well. It's just...

I thought... you...

...might be interested in...

--...ma... mar... marri...

--[NPHIREA] We're both of

--...ma... mar... marri...

--marrying age now.

With my earnings, I could take

care of you and your sister!

Is something wrong?

No, nothing at all!

Just let me know

if you need anything!

I'd be happy to

help however I can!

How sweet. Thank you, Nphirea.

I'm so lucky to have an amazing

friend like you in my life.

Huh? Right.

A good friend, that's what

I am, and nothing more. Yeah.

Anyway, what's the

deal with the goblins?

They appeared out of thin air.

Well, after I used the

magical item our savior,

Lord Gown, gave to me.

They call me their boss,

and help out around the village

when I ask them.

[NPHIREA]

I see.

So, what kind of person

is this "Gown" fellow?

Really?

I figured if anyone

would know about him,

it would be you,

Nphirea. He's amazing.

Amazing? In what way?

Oh.

Sorry, I was remembering

how he saved our village.

Uh-- I see. That makes sense.

I'm sure it was impressive.

It's a sh*t in the dark, but

if you give me some details,

I might be able to think

of who he could be.

His magic skills

were incredible.

He made lightning with

just a wave of his hands,

and crushed those marauders

like they were nothing.

Lightning?

In that case, he was probably

using third tier spells.

Is that good or bad?

Actually, it's great.

Reaching third tier magic

is the highest level

a normal person can achieve.

Oh, wow!

I knew he was awesome,

but I had no idea!

From what you've told me,

I wouldn't be surprised if he's

actually a hero class caster.

He might even have the ability

to cast fifth tier spells.

I still haven't

told you everything.

He gave me a blood red potion

that healed my wounds instantly!

[gasps]

[ENRI]

Also,

he had a female warrior with him

that was covered in black armor.

I think, I heard him

call her Albedo?

[NPHIREA]

That name... No way!

Then... Ains Ooal Gown is Momon?

[ENRI]

Huh?

[NPHIREA]

But that would mean

he's an adamantite level warrior

who can also cast high

level magic with ease.

If that's really

the case, then...

...it would make him

a hero among heroes!

He even saved Enri from

certain death and I've been

sneaking around trying

to steal his secrets.

What's the matter?

You look pale.

Huh?

Nphi?

[AINS]

They're really quite good.

If you say so, lord.

[AINS] Hm? All right, I wouldn't

call any of them a natural.

But think about it.

Until ten days ago,

none of them had even

touched a bow before.

They've been through a lot.

They had to watch as

their friends, children,

and parents were m*rder*d.

But instead of giving in to

misery, they're working hard

to make sure that atrocity

never happens again.

If nothing else, it's inspiring.

[NARBERAL]

I hadn't thought of that.

Please, forgive me, lord.

[NPHIREA]

Mr. Momon!

[NPHIREA panting]

[AINS] Do you have

some business with me?

I have a question.

Mr. Momon. Are you

actually Ains Ooal Gown?

[AINS]

Uh--

[NARBERAL grunts]

You saved this village.

Thank you. It really

means a lot to me.

[AINS]

No. You're mistaken. I'm not--

It's okay.

I get that you're

hiding your identity.

And I have no intention

of ruining that.

I just wanted to thank you. See,

if you hadn't done what you did,

Enri might not be alive today.

If she wasn't here, I'd

have nothing to live for.

You saved us both.

[AINS sighs]

Is that all, Nphirea?

Yes, of course. Actually...

There's something I've

been hiding since we met.

[AINS] Nabe, can you leave

us alone for a moment?

Understood, lord.

[NPHIREA]

Here goes.

The red potion, the one

you gave to that adventurer

back in E-Rantel.

it's so rare that none

of our modern methods

could ever hope to duplicate it.

I thought...

If I could learn the secret,

I could produce it on my own.

That's the reason I specifically

asked for your help. It was

dishonest, and I'm sorry.

[AINS]

I see.

[gasps]

[MOMONGA]

I should've known giving her

that potion was a mistake.

Even a nb wouldn't have

screwed up that badly.

I hope you forgive me.

[AINS] What exactly do I

need to forgive you for?

[NPHIREA]

Hm?

[AINS] You requested

my assistance because

you wanted to get

in contact with me.

I fail to see how

that is a problem.

[AINS]

That said.

I would like to know what you

planned to do with the potion

once you had learned

to craft it.

To be perfectly honest,

I hadn't really

thought that far ahead.

The knowledge was tantalizing

enough on its own.

[AINS] There's nothing wrong

with wanting to know.

As long as you aren't using

your knowledge for evil,

I have no issue.

Enri's right about you.

You're great. I can see

why she admires you.

[AINS]

Be honest with me.

Are you the only one who knows

that I'm Ains Ooal Gown?

Yes, I haven't told anyone.

[AINS] That's good. I'd

like it to stay that way.

Right now, I'm an adventurer

named Momon, nothing more.

I'd appreciate it if

you didn't forget that.

Yes, sir.

I thought that's

how you'd want it.

It's no problem. Thanks again.

On behalf of the entire village,

and especially the woman I love.

[pants]

Sorry, lord. This is

entirely my fault.

[AINS]

You're right.

Saying Albedo's name

has compromised us.

I'll atone with my life.

[AINS]

It's fine!

Everyone makes

mistakes, Narberal.

You just need to make

a concerted effort

not to make the

same mistake again.

You are forgiven.

Now learn from this.

And put down your sword.

[NPHIREA] We'll enter

the forest through here.

I'll be counting on you

if anything att*cks.

As long as we have

Mr. Momon with us,

I don't think anything in

there will have the guts.

Oh, yeah. One thing.

If we happen upon the Wise King,

I'd like for you to scare him

off instead of k*lling him.

Huh?

[AINS]

Care to explain?

[NPHIREA]

This entire area is within

the Wise King's territory.

He's the reason monsters

have never attempted

to att*ck Carne Village before.

If you k*ll him,

it could mean disaster.

I'm pretty sure that's

impossible, even for him.

[AINS]

I'll certainly try.

Huh?!

You do realize this is

a legendary creature

we're talking about, right?

You must be confident

in your strength

to have that attitude.

[AINS] Actually I have a

suggestion, if you don't mind.

[NPHIREA]

Please, feel free.

[AINS] Nabe can use magic

similar to Alarm.

I'd like the two of us

to scout ahead for a bit.

I'm fine with that.

But, try to get back to the

group as quick as you can.

[AINS]

Of course.

[AINS] That's far enough.

Now, why don't we talk about

how to spread my great name?

[AURA]

Sounds good!

Careful, Narberal.

That looks dangerous.

Oh, Lady Aura! I'm

sorry, you startled me.

My bad.

How long were you here?

[AURA]

Since you and Lord Ains

entered the forest

by yourselves.

I didn't sense your

presence at all.

[AURA] So, let me guess:

I need to find this Wise King

of the Forest and

send him your way.

A creature like that

could be of use, right?

[AINS]

Correct. Up to it?

Consider it done!

I think I might know where

it's making its nest.

[AINS] Excellent. I'm

counting on you, Aura.

See ya!

What are you planning

to do, my lord?

[AINS] I will fight the

Wise King, of course.

Wasn't the battle with the ogres

a sufficient show

of your strength?

[AINS]

Hardly.

k*lling an ogre with one

swing is nothing compared

to besting a legendary

magical creature.

If I want rumors of

the adventurer, Momon

to spread quickly in E-Rantel,

I need to accomplish something

the people can't ignore.

[NARBERAL]

I see.

[yelps]

Fen! Quadracile! Hi!

What's wrong? Were you

two worried about me?

That tickles! Cut it out!

I have an important

mission from Lord Ains.

I can't play now! Whoa!

You wanna help, huh?

All right, I guess

I'll let you tag along.

[roars]

[FOREST KING snores]

[AURA] I really wanted to take

a sh*t at this thing myself,

but hey, orders are orders.

[inhales]

[FOREST KING roars]

[AURA]

We're done here!

[gasps]

I don't like this.

Guys. Something big is

heading straight for us.

[NPHIREA] Is it the

Wise King of the Forest?

[AINS]

Don't worry. Leave it to us.

Sure. Thanks.

We're counting on you.

[NPHIREA]

Mr. Momon.

[AINS]

What is it?

Try not to push

yourself too hard, 'kay?

[AINS]

Right. Now, go! Quickly!

[AINS]

Why did I say that?

Without them here to witness

the fight, no one will know

I actually took on the

Wise King of the Forest.

[AINS] Maybe I should cut off

one of its legs as proof.

[AINS]

Let's greet our guest properly.

[AINS grunts]

[AINS grunts]

[FOREST KING]

Few can survive my first att*ck.

Admirable, it is.

[AINS]

The hell?

[FOREST KING]

Abide interlopers, I do not.

Many are the foolish who

have perished by my claws.

If you wish not to join

them, leave this place

and respectfully

withdraw, I shall.

What say you?

[AINS]

Forget it.

Why don't you stop

hiding and face me?

Are you shy?

Or are you afraid that

you won't survive?

[FOREST KING]

Insolent whelp! Very well.

Feast your eyes upon my form,

and tremble with awe!

[AINS]

I don't believe it.

[FOREST KING cackles] Your fear

and dismay are palpable, knave.

Have any last words, do you?

[AINS]

Actually, I have a question.

I believe I've met

your kind before.

Are you a Djungarian Hamster?

I am!

Tell me stranger, how is it

that you came to know

of my species?

[AINS] Well. Uh. Hm.

How should I put this?

One of my old allies

used to have a pet

that looked just like you.

'Tis true?

Then, please, tell me

where I might find

this person and my people.

My duty as a living creature

to make offspring and

continue my species, it is.

[AINS] I'm afraid your

size might hinder that.

[sighs] Truly

unfortunate, that is.

Understand, I do.

[AINS]

Sorry.

[groans] Okay, it is.

As for you, cease your

banter and come at me now.

Fight for our lives

as warriors, we shall!

[AINS groans]

"Wise King" my boney ass.

"Fluffy King's" more like it.

This is embarrassing.

[FOREST KING]

Trespassing in my territory

is a death sentence, it is.

Make a good meal,

the two of you shall.

[AINS]

What a letdown.

This was a complete

waste of time.

What are you

standing there for?

Surrendering, are you?

Disappointing, that would

be, as I expected more

of someone with your strength.

Come!

Fight to the death with me,

the way nature intended.

Survival of the fittest, it is!

[AINS]

No. I'm not doing this.

"Skill, Aura of Despair"!

[AINS]

Level one!

[yelps]

Bested me, you have.

Surrender, I do! Have mercy!

[AINS groans]

He's just a helpless animal.

[AURA]

Are you gonna k*ll him?

[AINS]

Hm?

If you are, I'd like

to use his skin

to make some leather.

His fur might make

a good rug, too.

Don't. Please, no!

No way...

[ALL]

The Wise King of the Forest?

[AINS]

Be at ease, friends.

You are perfectly safe.

He is under my command now.

He will not att*ck.

You have my word on that.

My master speaks

the truth, he does!

As long as he wishes it,

I shall not cause trouble

for you, or any human.

Devoted to his will, I am.

Whatever path he chooses,

follow, I shall.

Amazing! What an

awe-inspiring creature!

[MOMONGA]

Huh?

I can feel great

strength and wisdom

radiating from him.

[MOMONGA]

Great strength? Wisdom?

I guess your amazing

feats know no bounds.

It's no wonder someone like

Nabe stays by your side.

No kidding. You're

incredible, Mr. Momon.

We would have been massacred

if we took him on.

[AINS]

What do you make of this?

Putting his strength

aside, his eyes

do have a gleam of

power behind them.

[AINS]

No way!

[NPHIREA]

Mr. Momon?

I realize that this is

none of my business.

But, are you taking him

away from this place?

If you do that,

I'm afraid monsters will

att*ck Carne Village.

[AINS]

Well?

There is a chance of

that happening, master.

No way. Fine.

In that case,

Mr. Momon, I humbly ask

to become part of your team.

[AINS]

Huh?

I want to be able to protect

Enri and Carne Village.

If I had even a sliver

of your awesome strength.

I know for sure that I

could do that with ease!

My knowledge of pharmacy

will be completely

at your disposal. I'll

even carry your things!

Please! Make me your squire!

[ADVENTURERS gasp]

[AINS] In other words, you want

me to accept you as part

of my team and teach you

how to become stronger

as a magic caster?

Yes!

[AINS laughs]

[AINS]

Forgive me.

I'm not laughing at

your determination.

I understand how you feel,

and I'll remember it.

However, I'm afraid I have no

use for a squire at this time.

Oh. I understand.

[AINS]

But, please, do not fret.

I have every intention

of lending my strength

to this village

whenever they need it.

[gasps]

[AINS] Can I count on your

help when the time comes?

Yes! It would be my honor!

[ADVENTURERS chuckle]

[PETER]

Hey, Momon.

We're going to escort

Nphirea the rest of the way

to his shop and help him

unload all this stuff.

Should we wait for you?

[AINS]

Go on ahead.

Once I register this magical

creature with the guild,

I'll catch up with you.

I've never had a haul

this plentiful before.

I'll be sure to add

extra to your payment.

Your haul was possible because

of my master's strength.

Don't forget that.

[NPHIREA]

See you soon!

Though we'll be apart

for only moments,

I'm sure it will feel

like an eternity.

Be strong for me, Nabe, my love!

Don't worry. That

won't be a problem.

--Come on, get moving.

--[LUKRUT groans]

See ya later.

[MOMONGA]

My pride is ruined.

I look like an old man

on a merry-go-round,

not a monster-slaying hero.

This is so embarrassing. Dammit.

Oh, right. I should probably

give this guy a name.

Donut? No! Hamtaro!

Come on in!

There should be plenty of

room for everything here.

Sounds good to me.

I wonder why it's so quiet.

[gasps]

Hi. Welcome home, kiddo.

[cackles]

[AINS]

After taming the legendary

Wise King of the Forest,

I return to E-Rantel.

The people shower me

with awe and praise.

The Swords of Darkness

will undoubtedly spread

the tale of our heroics to

other members of the guild.

It won't be long until the

names "Momon" and "Nabe"

spread across the land.

However, I soon discover that

the shadows of this new world

hide far more sinister forces.

Chapter eight: "Twin Swords

of Slashing Death."