Kanna no Kanna - Chapter 75

KANNA 75

100% accuracy and grammatically correct not guaranteed. revisions, corrections and edits are periodically done. only on my site tho. corrections are welcome

There is no falsehood in the given name

Kanna falls face down on the pool of his own blood flowing from his left arm.

Answerer, with his cheek stinging from being gouged out is looking at him in amazement.

『Truly unexpected……to counterattack from that state……』

He could not resist the edges of his mouth pointing upwards.

Of course, the purpose of this exam was to ascertain the extent of Kanna’s ability but Answerer’s interest lies in a different direction.

Those who have witnessed Answerer’s way of fighting will unanimously say [it’s as if he already knew the opponent’s attack before it happens]. And it was not metaphorical at all but a factual nail on the head.

He predicted the opponent’s action in an instant from their facial expressions, muscle movements and legworks. His insight boasts accuracy so much so that it is not an exaggeration to say he possesses [foresight]. And the insight extends not only to the opponent’s action but also to what they are [thinking]. No matter how clever a scheme they concocted, he would be able to read even that.

In addition to the outstanding [insight] that serves as a pillar to Answerer’s strength, there exist another forte of his. Regardless how unexpected an attack is and regardless of influence a person has that exceeds his own, even as he stood alone against an army of 10,000 strong, he would still maintain his [composure] in spite of all those.

Perhaps, even if he is on the verge of being decapitated by a guillotine, he would be able to [calmly] analyze the situation without the slightest whine. Although, the person in question would not let himself be driven into such corner in the first place.

With the superhuman [insight] and [composure], Answerer reigns at the height of rank adventurer. [Those] are the main reasons why he was often selected to become the examiner for adventurer’s registration exam.

With Answerer’s prowess, it is possible for examinees to exhibit their utmost without the risk of injuries. That was also the reason why Lydeal entrusted him to take charge of Kanna’s special examination.

Now then, from the perspective of the examiner, Kanna had met the passing level of the C-rank promotion exam.

It cannot be said that his skill in manipulating Ice Magic(?) was skillful, same can also be said of his movement. His tendency to rely on little tricks also adds to his demerit.

However, the person himself is aware of this and plans ahead in regards to his defense to make up for his shortcomings. He further compensates with his quick thinking and decisiveness. There was also a merit for him by using a special magic that does not emanate mana.

He is an interesting person, much more than what Answerer had imagined. He should also be praised as an adventurer for being reluctant to reveal his hand to the point of needing a [non-disclosure] agreement before starting the exam but when push comes to shove, he did not hesitate to exhibit his utmost even through dastardly methods.

If Answerer wanted to merely fulfill the task assigned by the guild master, the test should have ended on the occasion when Kanna showed that level of decision making capability. Truth be told, by the time when he came under assault of the waves of spikes, Answerer had inwardly concluded that Kanna had [passed].

However, watching the young man facing a higher ranked opponent without being daunted raised [interest] within Answerer.

It has only been a month and a few weeks since the youth registered as an adventurer. There are talented ones who reached C-rank with similar timeframe. Answerer is not an acquaintance but a good example would be the retired [Ryuuken] whose valor is still famous among adventurers.

In the past, there were other future prospects shouldering expectations of glory, albeit to a lesser extent than Ryuuken. However, not all of them are cut from the same cloth as Ryuuken.

Even among those remarkable adventurers with promising futures, some knelt in the middle of the road to glory. Some gave up their lives as adventurers while others lost it entirely.

There were various factors as to why but the most prominent was the presence of an [overwhelming existence]. It would be the sort of existence that pulverized the [self-confidence] they built up to that point as one endowed with exceptional talent.

It is hard to say that Kanna is a [prodigy overflowing with talent]. Even so, looking at his approach alone, the youth is following the same path as those who would make a name for themselves in the future. That is why Answerer deviated from an examiner’s conduct and cut off Kanna’s arm.

ーーーWhat path would he choose when his mind and spirit are broken by an overwhelmingly stronger opponent?

If Kanna’s heart gives in after the exam ends, Answerer would be disappointed. Though he is sure to suffer the wrath of Lydeal who favors the young man, Answerer still proceeded to satisfy the [interest] born within him. He had already resigned himself to accept the wrath of the former S-rank.

If possible, he hoped that this defeat will spur the young man. And if he does, let alone B-rank, he might even be able to reach the so called realm of [inhumans], the rank. His reason being, those who were distinguished in the past also learned of their inexperience self through defeat and transcended it to become a true [luminary].

………Even if he recovers from this, Lydeal’s fury is an unavoidable consequence. If he breaks down, then that would be it. Answerer would be very pleased if he could bounce back up and face forward once again.

Answerer became too [serious] in order to satisfy his [curiosity] which was too excessive for a mere C-rank promotion exam.

However, Kanna greatly exceeded his expectation on two different occasions. As soon as he tried to order Cindy to administer treatment, he committed a serious blunder on a battlefield, namely to divert his attention away from the enemy(Kanna). Kanna [froze] the blood flowing from what remains of his left arm and aimed at the middle of Answerer’s brow with the [blade] he formed.

『Despite knowing the overwhelming difference in ability with one arm gone………………… Far from loosing the will to fight, it swells up instead!?』

The reason why Answerer could not avoid Kanna’s last ditch [blood blade] was not simply because he was surprised Kanna could still move but also because he was pressured by Kanna’s [haki]. He felt an overwhelming sensation that he had never experienced from the young man’s red pupil, an ominous [spirit].

《spirit as in willpower, not ice spirit》

In front of the ranker equivalent to a super dangerous magic beast, this young man half his age continued to calmly aim at the opponent’s vital despite the danger to his life.

『I see. [Yasha], is it? The one who started in might have said it half in jest but it is strangely fitting. That [spirit] is just like a [demon].』

It was a mistake of judgement on his part but Answerer is all but ashamed. The true worth of this young manーKanna lies not within his zero mana emitted magic nor does it lie within his trickery-filled brain.

ーーHis true worth is his tenacious willpower that will never break even in his dying moments.

Answerer is so happy that he forgot the pain on his cheek. Indeed, it is not surprising that Lydeal has her eyes on him. He have not seen someone so interesting in a long while and looks forward to seeing how far the young man can go in the future.

But before that, there is a problem that needs to be addressed first.

「Bastaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaard! !」

Answerer turn towards the fast approaching [black wolf], Chloe.

As he move to evade her sword clad in lightning, he unleashes a fist strike to her torso. Chloe who was blown away by the blow immediately rolls on the ground to restore her posture and attacks Answerer again alongside a roar.

「How dare you do that to Kannsama!」

「………Quite the interesting spell you have there.」

Seeing her one-handed sword clad in lightning made Answerer narrows his eyes with interest. The idea of [adding] magical attribute to a weapon is a fairly rare occurrence. That sword is probably sharper than usual and just a light contact with it will result in electrocution. An intriguing use of magical formation.

Answerer made an analysis calmly, all while evading the sharp slashes unleashed by Chloe. The reason why he did not pull out his sword was because he concluded that the lightning would be transmitted if he parry her attack with a metal sword.

Chloe’s furious assault was also within the scope of his assumption. Wolf-type beastkin have stronger affection for their relatives than other races and they would boldly confront those who harm their own, even if is against a superior in status or power.

She would not have been so livid had the exam conducted as it should be. As an adventurer, she knows it is only natural to be wounded. However, the last slash from Answerer was clearly a deviation from the scope of an [exam], and excessive enough to cause Chloe’s fury to erupt.

Still, he did not think that she would attack with the intention to kill without hesitation. But looking from another angle, she is from the clan called [Black Wolves] among wolf-type beastkin. It is well-know that those who recognizes one as their [Lord] forms a stronger bond than those of blood.

If that is so, is Kanna the [Lord] of this black wolf girl?

But then again, in the conversation they had earlier, Chloe looks up to Kanna but not to extent of revering a [Lord]. No, perhaps the person herself is unaware but she may have recognized him (Kanna) as a potential [Lord]. If that person were to be seriously injured, then it’s no wonder that she would draw her sword, even against an ranked adventurer.

『Oops there goes my bad habit of thinking too much.』

While being aware of his bad habit as a result of his sharp insight and deep comprehension, Answerer dares to step in closely towards the furiously slashing Chloe. Answerer, drawing in closer to the kill zone with sword still unsheathed, surprises Chloe and in turn dulls her sword. At that point, Answerer did not hesitate to drive-in a full powered punch.

「ーーghaaaa……………!?」

Chloe is blown away again but this time, she could not stand up immediately. Her body lost strength after being hit by a pinpoint strike aiming at her vital. Getting on a knee is the most she could do.

「Although it was my fault for going all out, I want you to calm down a bit.」

「Don’t……mess with me……」

Chloe bares her teeth and growls. Since she could not put power into her limbs, she’s shooting a death glare at Answerer instead. He took it on with an unperturbed expression.

「It makes sense to be angry at me but isn’t there someone you should worry about?」

From Answerer’s words, Chloe finally recalls Kanna’s injury and turn to him with her complexion pale. Kanna, who should have fallen down face first, is lying on his back without her noticing and on his left side is the one serving as a witness to the fight, Cindy.

She received the [disconnected left arm] that Barlhardt collected unnoticed, place the cross section closely and holds her hands towards the wound.

「What……is?」

「Did you think that I cut his arm without thinking? If [she] was not the witness, I would not have inflicted such a big injury.」

「What do you meーー」

「Seeing is believing.」

As Answerer and Chloe watch attentively, light Cindy’s hands emit light. The light of a spell. As the light envelops Kanna’s wound, his arm begins to [connect].

Although not visible from the exterior, it is not only the skin starting to gradually connect across the cut surface, but also the bones, nerves and blood vessels. Barlhardt who is watching from the side as well as Chloe who is looking from a distance, lost their words.

「Cindy-kun has an average combat capability but limited to healing spells, she’s treated no less than an rank adventurer. Her healing spell can completely heal even a fatal injury, so long as it is sustained within a few minutes prior.」

The light subsided from Cindy’s hands while everyone continued watching. Kanna’s arm has been splendidly reconnected the way it was before the dismemberment. Exhaling deeply, Cindy looks up to Barlhardt.

「The treatment is over. Nevertheless, because of blood loss and shock from the pain, his consciousness will not return for a while. Excuse me Barlhardt-sama, but could you take him to the guild’s infirmary?」

「Oh, okay. That much is an easy job.」

「Well then, please. Also, please adhere to the [non-disclosure] that Kannsama requested before the exam. If you breach the terms for any reason whatsoever, you will be penalized with my authority as a staff.」

「I got it. I’m not that fearless to disobey the guild master’s [right hand].」

The story of guild master’s confidant mixed in amongst the regular guild staff is famous in Draknil’s branch. However, the identity was obscured and only the information about [a master healer] was known.

While carrying Kanna in a way that lessens the burden on his left arm as much as possible, Barlhardt says to Chloe 「I’m going ahead.」and walk out of the venue.

It is inconsequential but it is the second time in Kanna’s life to be in a [princess carry]. And this time, by a sordid guy no less.

Cindy draws close to Chloe, who is anxiously seeing off the back of him and the young man he is carrying.

「Then, I will proceed to heal Chloe-sama.」

「eh?」

「………You do not seem to notice the pain because of your agitation.」

With a sigh, Cindy grabs her right hand holding the sword and lifts it up. Before the falling sword hits the ground, a severe pain shoots up Chloe’s brain from her right hand.

「ーーー!! Not again de gozaruuuuu!?」

Needless to say, her hand was burnt by the overuse of [lightning blade]. As Cindy said, she forgot the pain because of her intention to kill Answerer.

「………Apparently, there is a flaw in the magic of attaching an attribute to a sword. It is an interesting magic but the usage is limited.」

「Don’t calmly analyze it de gozaru!!」

With tears in her eyes due to pain, Chloe scowls at Answerer but fury she had earlier had diminished. Knowing Kanna’s safety considerably relieved her and alleviated her bloodlust.

「The healing is now complete.」

「Th-This one is indebted de gozaru………」

The treatment for her burn was overwhelmingly shorter than the one for Kanna. The other day she had the same injury but at the time, it was at the town clinic and it took at least 5 minutes. Cindy’s healing on the other hand, was completed in about 10 seconds.

Chloe checks the feeling of her completely recovered hand.

「Amazing de gozaru, Cindy-dono.」

「The guild is a hub for a lot of rough adventurers. Therefore it is necessary for at least one of the staff to be familiar with healing magic.」

「Indeed de gozaru.」

「More importantly, would it not be better to go after Kannsama?」

「ーー! Th-That is true! For treating one’s right hand, this one is grateful de gozaru yo, Cindy-dono!」

Chloe has not yet full gained strength in her limbs but even so, she manage to stand and directs her body to the exit. But before she breaks into a run, she turn to Answerer once again.

「Answerer-dono, This one will never forgive you de gozaru yo. Regarding this one’s disrespect earlier, this one will not apologize de gozaru.」

「………Of course. I am aware that I deserve as much.」

「However……This one understands the reason behind your conduct that included the healing from Cindy-dono de gozaru.」

Answerer nods deeply at Chloe, who had regained enough reason to hold back her anger.

「Did Kannshi conform to your standard de gozaru ka?」

「He passed the C-rank special exam perfectly. Do tell him that.」

「………Understood de gozaru. Then this one will take one’s leave.」

Chloe left the venue at a quick pace after bowing to Cindy and Answerer. One of those left behind, Cindy, said.

「I will report the details of the exam to Lydeal-sama.」

「……A severe scolding is to be expected, isn’t it?」

「Definitely.」

It was a conduct he was resolved for but hearing his verdict made him feel bummed out.

「That aside, I am worried about whether or not he will leave the guild because of this case.」(cindy)

「Regarding that, I’m sure it will be fine.」(answer)

「Even though his arm was cut off in a so-called exam?」

Despite being under a criticizing glare, Answerer responded without losing his calm.

「He is the kind of person who will launch a counteroffensive [to kill] as soon as I showed the chance, even while his arm was cut off. He is not a weakling to escape from this branch only from that much. Well, it would be a different story if his arm remained separated but this time he was completely healed by Cindy-kun after all. I am sure he will resent me but I wonder if it will last a [lifetime].」

「To be resented is a given, is it.」

「As I said to Chloe-kun, I am aware that what I did deserve as much.」

With a bitter smile, Answerer starts walking.

「Answerer-sama. I still haven’t treated your wound yetーー」

「………No, [this] is fine.」

『It ends when Kannsama becomes unable to continue or when I or Answerer-sama ends it with [halt].』 (??)

Immediately after having his arm cut off, Kanna was not incapable of fighting and neither Answerer nor Cindy declared the end. While everyone was convinced that the [test was over], only one man saw through the [error] and pierced Answerer with a blade.

「Before the battle is overーーNever let your guard down until the enemy is incapacitated. It is a failure of mine to have forgotten the great principle of adventurers. I will leave this wound as a future reminder.」

I am still immatureーーsays Answerer as he resolve himself to be more diligent.

「………By the way, what should we do with [this]?」

Cindy mutters about the [disastrous scene] left behind at the exam venue. Even now Kanna’s ice cone and spikes still remain in the hall. Though it does not amount to much, the place cannot be used without removing all of it.

Moreover, there is no sign it will disappear at all even though it should be composed from magic(?) and the magician(Kanna) already passed out.

「……Until Kannsama removes it, will this stay as it is?」

Answerer’s punishment is likely to be even heavier.

Meanwhile, Cindy could only sigh.