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一方、(不動産市場および住宅ローンにおける) 2 つの投機的バブルが相互に融合し合い、今では米国内の経済活動を支配している。近い未来かなりの確率で予想される、失墜または少なくとも突然の撃沈とその (アメリカおよび世界への) 影響は、壊滅的なものとなる可能性がある。	Meanwhile, two speculative bubbles – in the real estate market and in mortgages – have become grafted upon each other and now dominate economic activity in the US. A crash, or at least a sharp spasm, is quite likely in the near future, and the consequences – for America and the world – may be catastrophic.	{ "source": "news_commentary", "missed_lines": null, "inserted_lines_src": null, "inserted_lines_trg": null }
手を上げてみてくださいええそうでしょうそうだと思いましたそれではショウジョウバエの基礎研究が人間の心の病を理解するのに役立つと思う人はどれくらいいますか? ええそうでしょうね驚いてませんよどうやら仕事がありそうですね今朝インゼル博士の話にもあったように自閉症、うつ病、統合失調症などの精神疾患をもつ方は大変な苦しみを抱えています心の病気についてその治療法や基本的なメカニズムについて我々はほとんど知りません体の病気ならわかるのに考えてみてください今世紀も10年以上経った 2013 年の今もしあなたががん検診を受けようかと考えた場合あなたは医者に行きレントゲンを撮り生検と血液検査を行いますね同じく2013年うつ病かなと心配になったら医者に行ってどんな検査を受けますか? 問診のみですさてこの理由の一つは精神疾患の生物学的根拠に対する我々の見方が単純化しますます時代遅れになっているからですよくある考えで大衆紙などがそそのかすのがこれらの病気は脳内の化学物質の不均衡が原因でまるで脳がドーパミン、セロトニンノルエピネフリンがつまった化学物質の袋のようだといいますこれは精神疾患患者に対し非常に多くの薬物が処方されるからですプロザック等の坑うつ剤はあたかも本当に脳が化学物質の袋であるかのように脳全体の化学成分を変化させますしかしそれは答えではありません実際にこれらの薬がうまく効くとは限らないからです多くの人が薬を飲もうとしないまたは途中で服用を中止します不快な副作用があるからですこれらの薬には非常に多くの副作用がありますこのような薬を使用して複雑な精神障害を治療するということはオイル交換をするのにオイルの缶を開けエンジン全体に注ぐようなものですある程度は正しい場所にかかりますがそれ以外の多くには害をもたらすのですこれについて新しい考え方があります今朝インゼル博士の発表でみなさんも聞いたように精神障害というのは実際には感情、気分、情緒を仲介する神経回路の阻害によって起こります知的活動について考えるとき我々は脳をコンピューターに例えますということは感情も同様にコンピューターに例えられるということになります通常そのように考えないだけですしかし精神疾患における基礎回路について我々はあまり知りません圧倒的な優位性を持っているからです化学物質が精神疾患において重要でないというわけではありませんただ化学物質がスープのように脳全体を浸しているのとは違いますむしろある特定の場所に放出されて特定のシナプスに働きかけ脳における情報の流れを変更しているのです私たちが精神疾患の生物学的基礎を本当に理解したいのであれば脳内でその化学物質が働きかける場所を特定する必要がありますさもないと心のエンジン全体に私たちはオイルを注ぎ続けその影響に苦しみ続けることになります脳回路内の化学物質の役割に対する我々の無知を克服するには「モデル生物」と呼ばれるものが大変役に立ちますショウジョウバエや実験マウスのような動物には強力な遺伝子技術を適用することで分子レベルで特定の種類のニューロンの場所を識別特定することができます今朝のアラン・ジョーンズの話でもありましたそれが出来るようになると特定のニューロンを活性化させることができもしくはニューロンの活動を破壊したり阻害することもできますもし特定の種類のニューロンを抑制しある行動がブロックされているのがわかればそのニューロンがその行動に必要不可欠であると結論付けられます一方もしニューロン群を活性化し行動が引き起こされていればそのニューロン群がその行動に必要十分であると結論付けられますこのようなテストを行うことによって特定の回路にある特定のニューロン活動と特定の行動との間に因果関係を導くことができますこれをすぐに人間の体で実験することは不可能ではないですが非常に困難ですしかしショウジョウバエ等の生物というのは― モデル生物としてはすごいですよ小さな脳を持ち複雑で洗練された行動もできすぐに繁殖でき安価ですしかしこのような生物というのは感情のような状態を私たちに訴えることができるのでしょうかそもそも彼らには感情があるのでしょうかそれとも単なるロボットなのでしょうかチャールズ・ダーウィンは昆虫にも感情がありそれを行動で表現できると 1872年発表の人間と動物の感情表現に関する論文の中で記述しています私の尊敬する同僚シーモア・ベンザーもそう信じていましたシーモアはモデル生物としてショウジョウバエの使用を導入し 60年代ここカリフォルニア工科大学で遺伝子と行動の関係を研究しました私は1980年代後半にシーモアに雇われてカリフォルニア工科大学に在籍しました私にとって彼はジェダイでありラビでしたそしてシーモアは私にショウジョウバエを愛しまた科学を楽しむことを教えてくれましたさあこの質問はどうやってすればいいでしょうかまずハエに感情のような状態があると信じた上でしかしそれが正しいかどうかどのように見分ければいいのでしょうか私たち人間は今日この後お伝えしますが感情を顔の表情から読みとりますしかしショウジョウバエとなると少し難しいですまるで火星に着陸して宇宙船の窓の外を見て宇宙船を取り囲んでいる小さな緑色の人たちを見ながら「彼らに感情があるかないかを― ―どうすれば調べられるだろうか」と考えるようなものです何ができるかそれはそう簡単ではありません我々ができる方法の1 つは感情に似た状態例えば覚醒などの一般的な特性や特徴を見つけ出すことですこれらの状態を表現しているかもしれないハエの行動を特定できるかどうかを見ます重要なのは3点です永続性や強さの度合いそして誘発性です永続性とは長期的な継続行動のことですご存知の通り感情は一度引き起こされるとその原因がなくなったあとも長く続きます強さの度合いとは言葉通りの意味です人は感情の度合いを強めたり弱めたりできます少し悲しいとき人は口角を下げ鼻をすすりますとても悲しいときは涙が頬をつたいむせび泣いたりするかもしれません誘発性は快か不快か引かれるか回避かそこでハエが誘発されて感情を表現するような行動を取ることができるのか検証してみることにしました例えばピクニックでおなじみですがハチがハンバーガーに寄ってきて追い払おうとすればするほど何度も帰ってきてイライラしているよう見えるそんな行動です我々はある装置を作りパフ・オ・マットと名づけました研究室の実験台にあるこのプラスチック管から息を吹き込んで風をショウジョウバエに届けそして吹き飛ばすのですこの実験を行った結果パフ・オ・マットにいるハエに何回か息を吹き込むと彼らは非常に活発になり吹き込みを停止した後もしばらくは飛び回り続け落ち着くのにしばらく時間がかかりましたそこで我々はこの行動を定量化するため協力者ピエトロ・ペローナに開発してもらった運動追跡ソフトウェアを使用しました彼はここカリフォルニア工科大学で電気工学部に所属していますこの測量の結果これらの連続した風を経験することでハエは一種の活動過多状態になりそれは永続的長期的に続きまた程度が段階的であることが分かりましたより多くの風またはより強い風を送るとより長い期間この状態が続きますそこで何がこの状態の期間を制御しているのか調べたくなりましたそこでこのパフ・オ・マットと自動追跡ソフトウェアを使って何百匹ものショウジョウバエの突然変異体をスクリーニングし風に対して異常な反応を示すものがいるかどうかを調べることにしましたここがショウジョウバエの素晴らしい所の一つですが貯蔵庫があり電話一本で簡単に何百本もの異なる変異体の試用びんをオーダーできそれらをスクリーニング分析してどの遺伝子が突然変異の影響を受けるのか見つけ出せますスクリーニングをしていると 1 つの突然変異体が風を送った後落ち着くまでに通常よりも時間がかかることがわかりさらに突然変異の影響を受けた遺伝子を検査した結果ドーパミン受容体をコードする遺伝子であることがわかりましたそうですハエは人と同様にドーパミンを持ち同じドーパミン受容体分子を通して脳とシナプスに働きかけるのです私やあなた方と同じようにドーパミンは脳で多くの重要な機能を持っています注意、覚醒、報酬などですドーパミン系の疾患は多くの精神障害に関係しています薬物乱用パーキンソン病や ADHDなどです遺伝学では少し直感に反します我々はある物質の通常の役割を調べるのにその物質を取り除いたとき何が「起こらないか」で結論付けます取り除いて何が「起こるか」は普通見ませんドーパミン受容体を取り除くとハエを落ち着かせるのに時間がかかる場合受容体とドーパミンの通常の役割がより早くハエを落ち着かせることだと我々は推測するのです ADHD のことを少し連想させますが人間のドーパミン系の疾患と関係していますもし通常のハエにコカインを与えてドーパミンのレベルを上げると適切な麻薬取り締まり局のライセンスを取得してからですが大変です実際コカインを与えたハエは通常のハエよりも速く落ち着いてこれはまた ADHD のようですがしばしばリタリンのような薬を処方されますコカインと同じような役割を果たすからです私は徐々に気付き始めました遊びのような感覚で始めたハエを怒らせるという試みが実はヒトの精神疾患に関係があるかもしれないのですではどこまでこの類推が当てはまるのでしょう多くの方がご存知の通り ADHDに悩まされる方は学習障害も持ち合わせていますこれはドーパミン受容体に変異を持つハエにも同様のことが言えるのでしょうか驚くことに答えはイエスですシーモアが1970年代に発表したようにハエは鳴き鳥同様学習能力がありますここに青い香水ありますがこの匂いと同時にショックを与えればハエにその匂いを避けるように刷り込むことができますその刷り込みをしたハエにショック有の匂いと別の匂いの入った管を選ばせるとショック有の青い香水が入った管を避けるのですこれをドーパミン受容体に変異のあるハエに行うと彼らは学びません学習スコアはゼロですカリフォルニア工科大学からは落第しますよってこのタイプのハエは二つの障害を持っていることになります我々遺伝子学者は表現型と呼んでいますが ADHDに見られる多動性障害と学習障害ですではこの二つの表現型に関係性があるとすればそれはなんでしょうか ADHDではよく多動性障害が学習障害を引き起こすと考えられています長い間じっと座っていられないため集中して学習ができないのですしかし学習障害が多動性障害を引き起こすということも同様に起こり得るのです学習ができないため他のものに目が行き注意がそれてしまうのですそして最後に残る可能性は学習障害と多動性障害には全く相関性はなく共通のADHDのメカニズムによって起こるということですこの事は長い間謎のままでしたがヒトでなくハエでなら実際に実験できます方法としては遺伝学を使いハエの心を探求しその神経回路を解き明かします異常なドーパミン受容体を持つハエを用いて正常なドーパミン受容体遺伝子のコピーをハエの脳に戻すことでドーパミン受容体を遺伝子学的に再構築または修復をしますただしハエのある特定のニューロンのみに戻しそれぞれのハエにおける学習障害と多動性障害についてテストをします驚くことにこれら二つの異常は全くの別物であることがわかりましたこの楕円形の構造をした中央複合体と呼ばれるものに正常なドーパミン受容体のコピーを戻すとハエに多動性障害はなくなりますが学習障害がまだあります一方でキノコ体と呼ばれる別の組織に受容体を戻すと学習能力が回復しハエはよく学ぶようになりますが多動性は消えませんここからわかることはハエの脳内をドーパミンがスープのように浸しているのではないということですむしろそれは二つの異なる回路で異なる機能をコントロールしているのですだからドーパミン受容体異常のハエに二つの障害が起こるのは同じ受容体が二つの機能を脳内の二つの別領域でコントロールしているからです同じことがヒトの ADHDにも言えるのかそれはわかりませんしかしこれらの結果はその可能性を考えさせるきっかけにはなりますこの結果によって我々はより確信を持ってこう言えます「脳は化学物質の袋ではなく ― ただやみくもにスープの味を変えるだけで ― 複雑な精神疾患を治そうとすることは間違っている」と我々は創意工夫と科学的知識を持って治療の新しい時代をデザインしなければいけません特定の精神疾患に影響される特定のニューロンと特定の脳領域を対象にできることが重要ですもしそれができたなら不快な副作用もなく心のエンジンの必要なところにだけオイルをさしこれらの疾患を治療できるかもしれませんありがとうございました	Yeah. I thought so. Not surprised. And raise your hand if you think that basic research on fruit flies has anything to do with understanding mental illness in humans. Yeah. I thought so. I'm also not surprised. I can see I've got my work cut out for me here. As we heard from Dr. Insel this morning, psychiatric disorders like autism, depression and schizophrenia take a terrible toll on human suffering. We know much less about their treatment and the understanding of their basic mechanisms than we do about diseases of the body. Think about it: In 2013, the second decade of the millennium, if you're concerned about a cancer diagnosis and you go to your doctor, you get bone scans, biopsies and blood tests. In 2013, if you're concerned about a depression diagnosis, you go to your doctor, and what do you get? A questionnaire. Now, part of the reason for this is that we have an oversimplified and increasingly outmoded view of the biological basis of psychiatric disorders. We tend to view them -- and the popular press aids and abets this view -- as chemical imbalances in the brain, as if the brain were some kind of bag of chemical soup full of dopamine, serotonin and norepinephrine. This view is conditioned by the fact that many of the drugs that are prescribed to treat these disorders, like Prozac, act by globally changing brain chemistry, as if the brain were indeed a bag of chemical soup. But that can't be the answer, because these drugs actually don't work all that well. A lot of people won't take them, or stop taking them, because of their unpleasant side effects. These drugs have so many side effects because using them to treat a complex psychiatric disorder is a bit like trying to change your engine oil by opening a can and pouring it all over the engine block. Some of it will dribble into the right place, but a lot of it will do more harm than good. Now, an emerging view that you also heard about from Dr. Insel this morning, is that psychiatric disorders are actually disturbances of neural circuits that mediate emotion, mood and affect. When we think about cognition, we analogize the brain to a computer. That's no problem. Well it turns out that the computer analogy is just as valid for emotion. It's just that we don't tend to think about it that way. But we know much less about the circuit basis of psychiatric disorders because of the overwhelming dominance of this chemical imbalance hypothesis. Now, it's not that chemicals are not important in psychiatric disorders. It's just that they don't bathe the brain like soup. Rather, they're released in very specific locations and they act on specific synapses to change the flow of information in the brain. the biological basis of psychiatric disorders, we need to pinpoint these locations in the brain where these chemicals act. Otherwise, we're going to keep pouring oil all over our mental engines and suffering the consequences. Now to begin to overcome our ignorance of the role of brain chemistry in brain circuitry, it's helpful to work on what we biologists call "model organisms," animals like fruit flies and laboratory mice, in which we can apply powerful genetic techniques to molecularly identify and pinpoint specific classes of neurons, as you heard about in Allan Jones's talk this morning. Moreover, once we can do that, we can actually activate specific neurons or we can destroy or inhibit the activity of those neurons. So if we inhibit a particular type of neuron, and we find that a behavior is blocked, we can conclude that those neurons are necessary for that behavior. On the other hand, if we activate a group of neurons and we find that that produces the behavior, we can conclude that those neurons are sufficient for the behavior. So in this way, by doing this kind of test, we can draw cause and effect relationships between the activity of specific neurons in particular circuits and particular behaviors, something that is extremely difficult, if not impossible, But can an organism like a fruit fly, which is -- it's a great model organism because it's got a small brain, it's capable of complex and sophisticated behaviors, it breeds quickly, and it's cheap. But can an organism like this teach us anything about emotion-like states? Do these organisms even have emotion-like states, or are they just little digital robots? Charles Darwin believed that insects have emotion and express them in their behaviors, as he wrote in his 1872 monograph on the expression of the emotions in man and animals. And my eponymous colleague, Seymour Benzer, believed it as well. Seymour is the man that introduced the use of drosophila here at CalTech in the '60s as a model organism to study the connection between genes and behavior. Seymour recruited me to CalTech in the late 1980s. He was my Jedi and my rabbi while he was here, and Seymour taught me both to love flies and also to play with science. So how do we ask this question? It's one thing to believe that flies have emotion-like states, but how do we actually find out whether that's true or not? Now, in humans we often infer emotional states, as you'll hear later today, from facial expressions. However, it's a little difficult to do that in fruit flies. It's kind of like landing on Mars and looking out the window of your spaceship at all the little green men who are surrounding it and trying to figure out, "How do I find out if they have emotions or not?" What can we do? It's not so easy. Well, one of the ways that we can start is to try to come up with some general characteristics or properties of emotion-like states such as arousal, and see if we can identify any fly behaviors that might exhibit some of those properties. So three important ones that I can think of are persistence, gradations in intensity, and valence. Persistence means long-lasting. We all know that the stimulus that triggers an emotion causes that emotion to last long after the stimulus is gone. Gradations of intensity means what it sounds like. You can dial up the intensity or dial down the intensity of an emotion. If you're a little bit unhappy, the corners of your mouth turn down and you sniffle, and if you're very unhappy, tears pour down your face and you might sob. Valence means good or bad, positive or negative. So we decided to see if flies could be provoked into showing the kind of behavior that you see by the proverbial wasp at the picnic table, you know, the one that keeps coming back to your hamburger the more vigorously you try to swat it away, and it seems to keep getting irritated. So we built a device, which we call a puff-o-mat, in which we could deliver little brief air puffs to fruit flies in these plastic tubes in our laboratory bench and blow them away. And what we found is that if we gave these flies in the puff-o-mat several puffs in a row, they became somewhat hyperactive and continued to run around for some time after the air puffs actually stopped and took a while to calm down. So we quantified this behavior using custom locomotor tracking software developed with my collaborator Pietro Perona, who's in the electrical engineering division here at CalTech. And what this quantification showed us is that, upon experiencing a train of these air puffs, the flies appear to enter a kind of state of hyperactivity which is persistent, long-lasting, and also appears to be graded. More puffs, or more intense puffs, make the state last for a longer period of time. So now we wanted to try to understand something about what controls the duration of this state. So we decided to use our puff-o-mat and our automated tracking software to screen through hundreds of lines of mutant fruit flies to see if we could find any that showed abnormal responses to the air puffs. And this is one of the great things about fruit flies. There are repositories where you can just pick up the phone and order hundreds of vials of flies of different mutants and screen them in your assay and then find out what gene is affected in the mutation. So doing the screen, we discovered one mutant that took much longer than normal to calm down after the air puffs, and when we examined the gene that was affected in this mutation, it turned out to encode a dopamine receptor. That's right -- flies, like people, have dopamine, through the same dopamine receptor molecules that you and I have. Dopamine plays a number of important functions in the brain, including in attention, arousal, reward, and disorders of the dopamine system have been linked to a number of mental disorders including drug abuse, Parkinson's disease, and ADHD. Now, in genetics, it's a little counterintuitive. We tend to infer the normal function of something by what doesn't happen when we take it away, by the opposite of what we see when we take it away. So when we take away the dopamine receptor and the flies take longer to calm down, from that we infer that the normal function of this receptor and dopamine is to cause the flies to calm down faster after the puff. And that's a bit reminiscent of ADHD, which has been linked to disorders of the dopamine system in humans. Indeed, if we increase the levels of dopamine in normal flies by feeding them cocaine after getting the appropriate DEA license — oh my God -- — we find indeed that these cocaine-fed flies calm down faster than normal flies do, and that's also reminiscent of ADHD, which is often treated with drugs like Ritalin that act similarly to cocaine. So slowly I began to realize that what started out as a rather playful attempt to try to annoy fruit flies might actually have some relevance to a human psychiatric disorder. Now, how far does this analogy go? As many of you know, individuals afflicted with ADHD also have learning disabilities. Is that true of our dopamine receptor mutant flies? Remarkably, the answer is yes. As Seymour showed back in the 1970s, flies, like songbirds, as you just heard, are capable of learning. You can train a fly to avoid an odor, shown here in blue, if you pair that odor with a shock. Then when you give those trained flies the chance to choose between a tube with the shock-paired odor and another odor, it avoids the tube containing the blue odor that was paired with shock. Well, if you do this test on dopamine receptor mutant flies, they don't learn. Their learning score is zero. They flunk out of CalTech. So that means that these flies have two abnormalities, or phenotypes, as we geneticists call them, that one finds in ADHD: hyperactivity and learning disability. Now what's the causal relationship, if anything, between these phenotypes? In ADHD, it's often assumed that the hyperactivity causes the learning disability. The kids can't sit still long enough to focus, so they don't learn. But it could equally be the case that it's the learning disabilities that cause the hyperactivity. Because the kids can't learn, they look for other things to distract their attention. And a final possibility is that there's no relationship at all between learning disabilities and hyperactivity, but that they are caused by a common underlying mechanism in ADHD. Now people have been wondering about this for a long time in humans, but in flies we can actually test this. And the way that we do this is to delve deeply into the mind of the fly and begin to untangle its circuitry using genetics. We take our dopamine receptor mutant flies and we genetically restore, or cure, the dopamine receptor by putting a good copy of the dopamine receptor gene back into the fly brain. But in each fly, we put it back only into certain neurons and not in others, and then we test each of these flies for their ability to learn and for hyperactivity. Remarkably, we find we can completely dissociate these two abnormalities. If we put a good copy of the dopamine receptor back in this elliptical structure called the central complex, the flies are no longer hyperactive, but they still can't learn. On the other hand, if we put the receptor back in a different structure called the mushroom body, the learning deficit is rescued, the flies learn well, but they're still hyperactive. What that tells us is that dopamine is not bathing the brain of these flies like soup. Rather, it's acting to control two different functions on two different circuits, so the reason there are two things wrong with our dopamine receptor flies is that the same receptor is controlling two different functions in two different regions of the brain. Whether the same thing is true in ADHD in humans we don't know, but these kinds of results should at least cause us to consider that possibility. So these results make me and my colleagues more convinced than ever that the brain is not a bag of chemical soup, and it's a mistake to try to treat complex psychiatric disorders What we need to do is to use our ingenuity and our scientific knowledge to try to design a new generation of treatments that are targeted to specific neurons and specific regions of the brain that are affected in particular psychiatric disorders. If we can do that, we may be able to cure these disorders without the unpleasant side effects, putting the oil back in our mental engines, just where it's needed. Thank you very much.	{ "source": "iwslt2017", "missed_lines": null, "inserted_lines_src": null, "inserted_lines_trg": null }
(......くそ、なんてことだ。こいつら......すでに博士を殺しているのか――) 耳元の魔石から得た情報に強く拳を握りしめ、メルクは殺気立つのを止められなかった。グローデル博士と実際に会ったことはない。だが、博士は優れた研究者として人間の持つ根源的な力――魔力の解明に尽力を注いできたことは知っている。今回も世界的な大災厄『える。この世界にとって、まさに必要不可欠とも言える偉大な博士であった。それを――私利私欲のため自分勝手に誘拐した挙句、殺してしまうとは。到底、こんな奴らは許してはおけない。「貴様らが博士を生かしておけばこんなことには......くそっ」「お言葉ですが、どのような手段を使っても口を割らせるようにとおっしゃったのは旦那様ではございませんか。それに、あのような事態は拷問をした者もきっと想定外でして――」「言い訳などたくさんだっ! せっかく帝国よりも先に博士を探し出してだし抜けたと思えば、この体たらく......博士の持っていた研究資料の解析もままならん上に、大賢者に協力させることも不可能......手詰まりではないかっ!」伯爵と執事長であるポルトの会話を聞けば、彼らとしてもグローデル博士を死なせたのは不慮の事故であったようだ。だからといって許せるはずもないが、伯爵ら自身が焦っていることは伝わってくる。「......万我々が行っているギルドから得た税収の着服や帝国との繋がりが公爵の耳に入るなんてことになればフォナン家はお取り潰しになるでしょう......いえ、もちろん確たる証拠さえなければ公爵とて表立っては動けないでしょうが」ポルトは少し冷めた口調で不吉なことを呟いた後、それでもフォローするかのような文言を辛うじて口にした。しかし伯爵は、それに対し苛立たし気に舌打ちをする。「だがこのような手紙が送られてくるからには、何者かが深いところまで勘付いているのだろう。公爵が動くのも時間の問題――かくなる上は、やはり帝国へ資料を土産にして亡命する他ないか」「そ、それはっ! 公国を裏切ると言うことですか?」さすがに伯爵の言葉に追従できなかったのか、ポルトが声を荒らげる。魔石から響く声も大きくなり、メルクは少しだけ耳元から遠ざけた。「声が大きいぞ、ポルト。いくらこの部屋が防音だからとは言え、あまり大きな声で話せば外まで聞こえるやもしれん」「し、しかし――」「それに、だ。公国を裏切るも何も今さらな話だろう? 税の着服も帝国との内通も、全ては公国に背いた行い。全てが明るみになり帝国に亡命したところでなんら変わらん」「それとこれとはわけが違いますぞっ! エゲレムン大王国崩壊時にも残った歴史あるフォナン家が、公国に敵対しているチェスター帝国に亡命するなど――到底看過できませぬっ!」どうやらフォナン家執事長としての譲れない拘りがあるのか、主であるフォナン伯爵に対して一歩も退かずに諫めようとする。「う、うむ......落ち着け。むろん、それは最後の手段だ。とにかく、公爵に不正の証拠を掴まれる前に、そして帝国にグローデル博士を連れ去ったことを知られる前に何としてでも博士の研究資料を解読せねば」気圧されるような声音で、話を元に戻した。それに対しポルトの方も一応は納得したのか、「......ええ、研究者らに解析を急がせましょう」少しの間があって伯爵の言葉に同意する。 (......もう少し聞いていたいが、ここで好機を逃せば本末転倒だな。動くか) そこまでの会話を聞いたところで、メルクは魔石に流していた魔力を打ち切った。これで伯爵とポルトの会話を聞くことはできないが、メルクの立てる音があちらへ届くこともない。メルクは気配を探り、周囲が無人であることを確認すると素早く客間の扉を開けて通路に出た。そしてポルトが帰って来るまで伯爵がいた部屋へと移動する。おそらくそこに、伯爵が隠しているであろう不正の証拠があるはずだ。中は何の変哲もない、書斎のような室内だ。狭さと言い、置かれている資料らしき書物の少なさと言い、普段使いはされていないのだろう。入り口の近くにあることからも、ここは大した部屋ではない――おそらくそう思わせるための作りだ。メルクとて、アスタードの手紙に動揺した伯爵が真っ先にこの部屋に入らなければ、単なる書斎だと見逃していただろう。「物が少ないな――一見すると何もなさそうだが......」本棚や部屋の奥に置かれた作業用の机と椅子を慎重にみる。どれも特に変わった様子はなく、小さな本棚には数冊の本が置かれている程度。机もしっかりとした造りをしているが、調度品ではなく少々高価な家具と言った位置付けだろう。机上には自然さを装うためか、切られた封筒とその中身、ペーパーナイフが置かれている。これだけ堂々と置いているのだ、中身の手紙は気にする必要もあるまい。 (家具や室内の物に仕掛けは無さそうだ......と、なれば――) メルクは目に魔力を集中して、室内の壁に視線を凝らす。すると奥の壁、つまり机と椅子の後方にある壁に魔力が薄く漂っているのが分かった。巧妙に痕跡を消しており、並みの魔法使いであれば手を尽くしても視えなかったかもしれない。だが、今回は相手が悪い。幼い頃から魔力の流れを掴む修練を積んできたメルクだ。それも種族的に魔法に長けているとされるエルフなのである。この程度の隠蔽が、見破れないはずもなかった。メルクは一っ跳びで机と椅子を超えると、部屋奥の壁へと到達する。そして扉でもノックするように、コンコンと壁を軽く叩いた。 (どこだ......) 根気よく壁一面を叩いていると、メルクの眼の高さ辺りの壁の一部分だけ微かに音が違うことに気付いた。おそらくは空洞になっていて、ここだけ壁が薄いのだ。 (ここか......だが、どうやって取り出せばいい?) この場所に伯爵の隠す書類があるのは間違いない。しかし、壁を壊すことなく取り出す方法が分からない。この壁にはきっと、アスタードの家に張られているような結界が施されている。限られた者――フォナン伯爵のみが触れることで、自動的に書類が取り出せるようになる仕組みなのだ。そのため、いくらメルクがこの壁を引っ掻き回したところで、書類が出てくることはあるまい。 (くそ、早くしないと伯爵にバレてしまう......) もし伯爵が、念のためにこの部屋に再び訪れたら――あるいは客間にて待つゼラの元へと向かえばこの作戦は失敗だ。客間にメルクの姿がなく、椅子で眠らされている女中を見れば大方の事情は察するだろう。早く書類を回収する必要がある。 (仕方ない、壊そう) 壁を壊せば当然ではあるが、伯爵に書類を盗まれたことが早期にバレてしまう。だが、メルクが屋敷にいる間に悟られなければ作戦は成功なのだ。こうなれば自分がいる間は誰もこの部屋には入らないことに賭けて壁を壊す他ない――そう考えたメルクは、念のため後ろを振り返って扉に近づく者がいないかを確認する。そしてふと、書斎の上に置かれたペーパーナイフに気付いたのだった。	Damn it... This is a mess. They’ve already killed the professor... Merc couldn’t stop her killing urge from spilling as she clutched her fist firmly at the information she received from the Magic Stone. She had never actually met Doctor Glodel. However, she acknowledged him as a brilliant researcher who had dedicated his life to the study of Mana. His most recent studies had involved looking into the Falgaro’s rise and prevention. When he learned that the Chester Empireintended to misuse the knowledge, he defected to the Lezau Duchy, an adversary, and opted to work with Astard, demonstrating that he was a man of character. He was certainly a brilliant researcher who was essential to the world. However, such a person, had in the end, been kidnapped and killed for selfish reasons. Merc couldn’t possibly forgive this. “If you fools had kept him alive none of this would have happened! Damn it!” “If I may. You, Master, were the one that told us to use any means in order to make him speak. I’m sure those that tortured him didn’t anticipate this outcome...” “Enough of your excuses! We’d finally found the doctor before the Empire did, and now we’re in this mess... On top of not being able to analyze his research, we can’t even get the Great Sage to help us... Our hands are tied!” Listening to the Count and Porto, the head butler, converse, it appeared that Doctor Glodel’s death was an accident even for them. Although this did not mean Merc could forgive them, she sensed the Count was growing impatient. “The Fonan family will be ruined if the Duke finds out about our theft of guild tax or our connections to the Empire... Although I doubt the Duke will act without concrete evidence.” Porto murmured something ominous in a slightly icy tone, but he quickly followed up with another sentence to smooth things over. In response, the Count clicked his tongue irritably. “However, the fact that I received this letter indicates that someone is aware of the situation. It’s only a matter of time before the Duke gets involved. The only option now is to offer the research to the Empire and flee the Lezau Duchy.” “You can’t do that! Are you trying to betray the Duchy?!” Porto’s voice was harsh, implying that he couldn’t accept the Count’s choice. Merc had to pull the Magic Stone away from her ear since his loud voice echoed in it. “Keep quiet. Even though this room is soundproof, if you scream like that it might be heard outside.” “B-But...” “Besides, why are you bringing this up after all this time? The tax evasion, the interactions with the Empire. All of this has been done behind the Duchy’s back. If these are discovered, we will once again be forced to flee to the Empire.” “They are not the same thing! I cannot allow the long-standing Fonan family, which even survived the Kingdom of Egelmun’s collapse, desert to the Chester Empire, which is hostile to the Duchy!” Porto appeared to have an unwavering dedication as the Fonan family’s head butler, as he strove to chastise his master, Count Fonan, without backing down. Even Count Fonan couldn’t stomach bickering with the head butler, who had been his servant for so long. “O-Okay... Just calm down. That option is our last resort. In any case, we must do everything we can to decode Doctor Glodel’s research before the Duke discovers our misdeeds and the Empire learns that we have taken Doctor Glodel away.” Count Fonan said in a pained tone, returning to the topic at hand. This served to ultimately satisfy Porto. “You’re right. I’ll tell the researchers to hurry up.” Porto said to the Count after a short pause. I’d like to hear a bit more but I can’t miss this golden opportunity. It’s time I move. Merc cut her Mana from the Magic Stone after hearing the exchange up to that point. She couldn’t hear the Count and Porto’s discussion any longer, but neither could they hear her. Merc scanned the area for any indications of life, and when she was certain it was quiet, she immediately opened the guest room’s door and stepped out into the hallway. She then went to the room where the Count had been prior to Porto’s arrival. That room would almost certainly hold evidence of the Count’s wrongdoings. Merc discreetly entered the room near the mansion’s entrance after checking to make sure no one was nearby. The interior of the room was simple, like a typical study. The room was small, and the few documents and books scattered around indicated that it was not utilized on a regular basis. Its placement near the entryway was most likely done on purpose to give the impression that it was unimportant. If the Count hadn’t first entered this room after reading Astard’s letter, even Merc would have dismissed it as a mere study. The Count, on the other hand, must have come to this room to ensure the security of those confidential files. Merc was certain that there was something here. “At first glance, it appears as if there’s nothing here...” Merc examined the bookshelf, work desk, and chair in the back of the room with caution. They didn’t look particularly unique, and the bookshelf was small, with only a few books. The desk was well-built, but it appeared to have been placed there more as a piece of expensive furniture than as a workspace. A cut envelope, its contents, and a letter opener were placed on the desk, perhaps to appear natural. The confidence with which they were positioned seemed to imply that there was nothing sinister going on. There don’t appear to be any hidden mechanisms in the furniture or other items in the room. Which means... Merc concentrated her Mana into her eyes and looked at the walls. She noticed a faint trace of Mana on the rear wall, the wall behind the desk and chair. The traces had been so carefully disguised that even a skilled magician might not have been able to detect them. However, they underestimated their opponent this time. Merc had been trained to detect Mana traces since she was a child. Furthermore, she was also an elf. A race which was considered to be skilled in magic. It was no surprise that she could see right through the cover. It’s there. Merc climbed over the desk and chair and to the back wall of the room with a single leap. She then began tapping lightly on the wall. Where is it... Merc realized that a section of the wall near her eye level was thin and virtually hollow after patiently tapping on it. Here... But how do I open it? The Count’s documents were almost certainly hidden there. Merc, on the other hand, had no idea how to get them out without destroying the wall. This wall, like Astard’s house, almost certainly had some kind of barrier placed on it. It was most likely a mechanism designed so that only Count Fonan could use it to retrieve the items behind the wall. As a result, no matter how hard Merc scraped at the wall, the documents wouldn’t appear. Damn it. If I don’t act fast the Count will find me... If the Count decided to return here just to be sure or went to see Zera, who was waiting in the guest room, the plan would fail. The scheme would most certainly be exposed if the Count discovered the maid sleeping in the chair without Merc present. As a result, Merc had to collect the documents as quickly as possible. It can’t be helped. I’m breaking it. Of course, destroying the wall would signal to the Count that his documents had been stolen. If he didn’t notice it until Merc left, however, the operation would still be a success. Merc had no choice but to destroy the wall, betting that no one would enter the room while she stayed in the mansion. However, before doing so, Merc turned around to see whether anyone was close to the room. It was then that her gaze was drawn to the letter opener.	{ "source": "manual-fanfic", "missed_lines": 0, "inserted_lines_src": 6, "inserted_lines_trg": 0 }
俺たちはアストの持ってきた装備の調整と偽って、マクスウェルの屋敷に逃げ込むことにする。無論、その口実は真実でもあったので、マリアやコルティナも疑いはしなかった。アストの背をマクスウェルで押しながら、貯木場か先に退散したが、クラウドとフィニアはもう少し稽古していくらしい。そそくさとマクスウェルの屋敷に逃げ込んだ後、窓を閉め切って外界からの視線を完全に遮る。「よし、誰もいないな?」「うむ、この屋敷を覗こうとする奴は元より少ないのじゃがな」「なぜここまで......ああ、そうか。秘密にしていたのだったか」「さすがに仲間の娘になってますなんて、言えたものじゃないからな」「いつまでも隠し通せるものでもないだろうに」それより先に自分の興味を優先するのがこの男だ。早速、荷物を広げ、大きめの箱の中から新しい「これが新たに調整した手甲だ。外装はレイドから提供された邪竜の骨を利用して強度を上げつつ、軽量化に成功している」「ほほぅ?」前回は黒光りする金属だったが、今回の手甲はザラリとした手触りの金属ではない不思議な感触をしていた。色は同じ黒なのだが、光沢もなく、マットな感じの黒で光を反射しない材質に見える。その表面には白......ではなく銀を溶かしこんだ線で幾何学的な文様が刻まれていた。「以前のレイドならば指一本で自重を支えられたのだろうが、今のお前では負担が大きいだろう? だから指の部分まで装甲を付けて外側から負担に耐えれるようにしてある」見ると前回は装甲は手の甲までで、そこから指先までは糸を放つ管が付いている程度だったのだが、今回は指先まできっちりと装甲に覆われている。そして手のひら側は黒い皮膜状物質でできた手袋になっていた。そこにも銀で模様が刻み込まれている。「手袋の部分は、邪竜の翼の皮膜を利用した物だ。その性質上、炎はもちろん生半可な魔法だって通さない上に、ミスリル糸の摩擦にも耐えられる」「ふむふむ?」「摩擦係数の高い素材だったので、剣などを持つときの補助にもなるだろう」逆に言うと、持ち変えの際などのトリッキーな動きには邪魔になる可能性もある。ここは慣れが必要な部分だろうな。「両手首の小指側には牙を利用したフックを付けておいた。これを敵の衣服にからめるなどすれば、格闘戦に持ち込みやすくなるはずだ」「ほほぅ」言われてその部位に視線をやると、確かに手首の内側に一センチメートル程度の突起物が存在している。指でコリコリ触ってみると、想像以上に固い感触が帰ってきた。下手な鉄よりも堅そうだが、考えてみれば邪竜は鎧すら噛み砕いていたのだ。硬いのも当然だろう。「服を絡めるのももちろんだが、身体を支える程度の強度もある。つまり牙がかかる程度に平たい壁だった場合、食いこませて壁に張り付く事も可能になるはずだ」「なんと!?」ぎこちなくだったが、確実に身体を支える事ができる。両手を交互に壁に引っ掛ける事でずるずると壁を登っていくことができた。しかも片腕でも身体を支える事ができる。これは戦略の幅が広がりそうだ。「こりゃ、ニコル!? 壁が傷だらけになるじゃろうが!」「いまさら。汚れまくってるんだから、別にいいだろ」「壁紙を貼り直さんといけなくなるじゃろうが!」だが身体を支えられるとわかっただけでも充分だ。俺は床に飛び降り、アストの元に戻る。「うむ。一応計算では大丈夫なのは知っていたが、実際に大丈夫だと目にするまではさすがに不安だったな」「試してないのかよ!」「うちの嫁なら、体格的に丁度いいサイズだったのだが、今は留守にしていてな」「ああ、逃げられたんだっけ」「........................」それにしても、嫁がちょうどいいサイズって、俺と同じくらいの体格なのかよ。こいつ本格的にロリコンなんじゃ......? 「まあいい。糸の内蔵量は一本で百メートル程度。それが各腕ずつ。量としては充分だろう」「ん、少し減ったか?」「以前より手甲全体サイズが小さくなっているからな。どうしても短くなる」「ああ、なるほど」「それと、これが一番大きな変更点なのだが、その外装にある文様は強化魔術の発動陣になっている」「強化魔術?」おそらくは外装に描かれた銀の幾何学模様のことだろう。の術式が発動する。ただし自力で魔法陣を構築するわけではないので、効果は非常に限定的だ。効果、対象は自分のみ。他者にかける事はできん」「それでも充分ありがたいよ」魔力を流すだけでいいなら一瞬でできる。今までの戦闘では、陣を描く事ができずに糸の強化に頼らねばならない場面が多かった。「後、その手袋は取り外せるようになっている。そして手袋の甲の部分に描かれた模様は「そりゃありがたい! 隠し持つ必要もなくなるのか」「ただし呼び寄せる事ができるのは、この箱に入っている時だけだ。それに戻す事はできん」「いやいや、充分だって。今までいざという時に武器が無くて、何度困った事か」アストが持ってきた木箱をポンポンと叩く。その箱の内側にも似たような文様が刻まれていた。おそらくあれが、先のマテウス戦でもそうだったが、俺の能力自体がピーキーすぎて、この糸を仕込んだ手甲でないと最大限に発揮できない。「さすがいい仕事してくれたよ。感謝する」「俺も今回は充分趣味に走らせてもらったからな。お互い様だ」そう言って俺はアストとがっちりと握手したのだった。	Due to Aste’s interruption, Maxwell managed to safely dodge the questioning. We pretended that we were going to adjust the equipment Aste brought and evacuated to Maxwell’s mansion. Of course, that excuse wasn’t entirely wrong, so Maria and Cortina did not doubt it. I pushed Aste’s back with Maxwell and fled from the lumberyard a step ahead, but Finia and Cloud seemed to be staying behind to train for a bit longer. After we took our refuge in Maxwell’s mansion, we shut the windows so no one could observe us from the outside. I also fully focused on my presence perception and made sure there were no observers around. “Okay, seems like there’s no one, huh?” “Indeed, though there are not many that try to peek inside my mansion by default.” “Why are you two going so far... Oh, I see. So you were keeping it a secret, huh?” “Well, I can’t exactly come out and say that I’ve become a daughter of my comrades.” “Not like you can keep on hiding it forever.” Aste made a short sarcastic comment and didn’t pursue the matter any further. This man was one that put his own interests before anything. He quickly unpacked his package and took out the brand new gauntlets from inside. “These are the gauntlets that I readjusted. I managed to strengthen the exterior with the bones of the Evil Dragon that I got from you while also successfully lowered its weight. “Oho?” Previously it was made of metal with black luster, but now it felt quite strange to the touch, being coarse and quite unlike metal. The color was still the same but the luster was gone, so now it just looked like a matte black material that didn’t reflect light. On its surface, there was a geometrical pattern drawn by lines made with white... No, with melted silver. “Previously you could hold your own weight with one finger, but that’s too burdensome for you now, right? So I covered it with armor all the way to the fingers to better endure the external load.” Looking at it, previously the armoring only covered up to the back of the hand, after which it simply had thread pipes running up to the fingertips, but now those fingers were also fully covered in armor. As for the palm side of it, it had turned into something like a glove made of some kind of black membrane. It also had a pattern carved with silver. “I used the Evil Dragon’s wing membrane for the glove parts. Due to its nature, it can easily handle fire and some low-level magic, but in addition, it can even endure the friction with Mythril threads.” “Uh-huh?” “This material has a high coefficient of friction, so it will prove to be helpful even when wielding something like a sword.” True, these coarse gloves would make it hard for the weapon to slip, so it would be easy to hold a sword. But on the other hand, that could also get in the way when making tricky movements like when shifting your hold on the weapon. That was something that needed some getting used to. “I also attached hooks made of the fangs on both wrists, near the pinkie fingers. If you hook the enemy with it you can force them into a hand-to-hand fight.” “Wow.” I shifted my gaze towards the part he mentioned, and there was indeed a small, one-centimeter-long protuberance on the inner part of the wrists. I poked it with my finger and it felt tougher than I expected. It felt tougher than iron, but thinking about it, that Evil Dragon could easily chew down armors. It was natural for it to be this tough. “It can hook on the clothes as I said, but it’s also tough enough to endure your weight. In other words, if you find a flat wall that you can grab onto with these fangs, it’s possible to stay attached to them.” “What!?” I was very interested in the ability to cling to walls without using my threads. I immediately rushed to a nearby wall, hooked on it, and pulled myself up. It felt a bit awkward, but it could certainly hold my weight. Alternating my hands, I managed to gradually climb higher and higher. I could even hold onto it with just one hand. This would definitely widen my range of strategies. “Nicole, what are you doing!? My walls are all scratched up now!” “A bit too late to be whining about that. This place is dirty as is, so why do you care?” “I have to replace the wallpaper now!” Still, I already understood that they could support my body so this was enough. I jumped back down and approached Aste. “Hmm. I knew that it would be alright based on my calculations, but I was a bit uneasy before seeing it in action.” “So you haven’t even tested it!” “My wife would be just the right size for the task, but she is absent at the moment.” “Ah, right, she ran away from you, was it?” “............” Looks like this was a taboo topic, he glared daggers at me. Still, if his wife was just the right size, doesn’t that mean her physique was similar to mine? Was this guy actually a lolicon...? “Well, whatever. Each thread is about meters long. And there are five of them in each glove. That should be enough, right?” “Hmm, did it decrease compared to before?” “Well, the gauntlets are a size smaller now compared to before, so it’s natural that they’d be shorter.” “Oh, right.” “Also, this is the biggest change to it, but that pattern on its exterior is there for activating the strengthening magic.” “Strengthening magic?” He was probably talking about that geometrical pattern drawn with silver. So that was a magic circle, huh? It looked different from the one I knew, however. “You can activate the Enchant spell just by pouring magic power into it. However, since you aren’t creating the magic circle with your own power, its effects are very limited. It lasts three minutes, and it only targets you. You can’t cast it on someone else.” “That’s still more than enough.” If all it took was magic power, I could do it instantly. There have been many battles until now where I had no choice but to depend on the threads on strengthening myself. If it allowed me to make up for that burden, this weapon would prove to be very useful. “Also, they can be dismantled now. And the pattern drawn on the glove armor has Apport installed in it. In other words, you can summon and put them on at will through it.” “Wow, thanks man! Now there’s no need to sneak them out every time.” “However, you can only summon them when they are in this box. And you can’t return them back.” “No, no, that’s good enough. You have no idea how many times I’ve found myself with no weapons at hand when I needed them the most.” I tapped on the wooden box Aste brought with him. There was a similar pattern drawn inside of it. It was most likely the magic circle that corresponded to the Apport spell. It was the same with Mateus, but I had a very picky ability so I couldn’t show my best without these gauntlets on hand. So being able to have the gloves on and summon the gauntlets just by pouring my magic power into them was a godsend. “This is some really nice job you’ve done here. You have my thanks.” “I also had my fun with them this time, so the feeling is mutual.” With those words, Aste gave me a firm handshake.	{ "source": "manual-fanfic", "missed_lines": 1, "inserted_lines_src": 18, "inserted_lines_trg": 0 }
屋敷の中でヘンリがアランに声をかける。 ......まさか本当に実行するとは。道徳に反しているような気もするけど、王子がいいって言うならいっか。彼らが話しているところをあまり見てこなかったが、僕らの中でアランを呼び出すの適している人材はヘンリだ。デュークがアランを呼んでも間違いなく来るだろうけど、怪しまれる。何より噂になるだろう。僕はこっそりと彼らの様子を窺う。アランの背中とヘンリの顔が見える。ヘンリと目が合う。僕に気付き、ウインクを向ける。 ......緊張感なさすぎだろ。まぁ、これぐらい弛んでいる方がいいのか? ......彼らといると感覚が麻痺してくる。「なんだ?」アランはさほど疑っている様子はない。派閥は違えど、兄弟だったら不審に思わないか。「今、レベルはどれくらいなんだ?」ヘンリの言葉にアランは即答する。五十二? 低くない!? いや、だったらそれぐらい? アリシアは今十五、じゃなくて、向こうで誕生日を迎えたはずだから。レベル91。デュークは二十歳でレベル100。......やっぱり僕の周りがおかしいんだよね? 平均が分からない!! メルは知らないけど、五大魔法の一つじゃないからそんなに高くなかったような気もする。僕の周りで平均を取ったら、多分アランは劣等生だろう。「ヘンリは?」「六十八」「双子だけど、全然違うな」アランは皮肉のつもりか、笑いながらそう言った。「昔からお前の方が常に前に立っていた」「そうだっけ?」アランの言葉にヘンリは小さく首を傾げた。後ろに立つ者ほど前にいる人間のことが分かる。先を歩んでいる人間は後ろの者などに見向きもしないから。貧困村出身で、今魔法学園に通う僕だからこそ理解出来る。アランの気持ちも、リズの気持ちも。......理解出来るけど、絶対味方にはならない。ヘンリやデューク、アリシアも彼らの気持ちは分からないんだろうな。彼らに妬み嫉みという感情が薄れている。余裕がある人は誰かを僻んだりしないもんなぁ。「魔法も学力も常にヘンリが上だっただろ。アリシアがまだ小さい頃エリックとヘンリが街の植物屋に連れて行ったことがあるだろう? あの時、俺は出来が悪くて特別授業を家庭教師にされていたんだ」「そう言えば、そんなこともあったような」「まぁ、覚えていなくて当然だよな」「双子って面倒くさいよな。アル兄と比べられるのとはわけが違う」ヘンリが自嘲気味にそう言葉を発する。あれ? なんか話が変な方向に向かってない? ヘンリが言っていた作戦と全然違うじゃん。何がアランに天気の様子でも聞いて呼び寄せるだよ。まぁ、最初からそんな方法でアランが捕まるとは思ってもなかったけど。	Henry asked Alan inside the mansion. I never thought he would actually do it. It might seem unethical, but if the prince said it was okay, then so be it. I hadn’t seen them talk much, but among us, Henry would be the best person to call Alan. Alan would definitely come if Duke called, but it would be suspicious. More importantly, a rumor would spread. I sneaked a peek and saw Alan’s back and Henry’s face. Henry winked at me when he caught me looking at them. ...I mean, there was just too much tension, you know? Well, would I prefer them to be a little more relaxed? Being with them, I felt as though my senses had been numbed. “What?” Alan didn’t seem too suspicious. Wouldn’t he be suspicious if they were from different factions, even if they were brothers? “What’s your level now?” Alan immediately answered Henry’s words. Fifty-two? Isn’t that low? No, was that only how much you would grow when you reached the age of ? Alicia should be fifteen now, no not fifteen, but sixteen, because she should have celebrated her birthday over there. She was level . Duke is years old and level 0 ...I must be crazy! I didn’t know what the average was! I didn’t know about Mel, but I have a feeling it wasn’t that high because she wasn’t one of the five great nobles. If I took the average level of the people surrounding me, Alan would probably be outclassed. “And Henry?” “Sixty-eight.” “Twins, but very different.” Alan chuckled, perhaps in an attempt at sarcasm. “You’ve always been ahead of me.” “Is that so?” Henry tilted his head slightly at Alan’s words. Those in front know more about those ahead of them than those in back, while those in the back would never pay attention to the people behind them. I could sympathize with Alan’s and Liz’s feelings because I was born in the impoverished village and am now a student at the Magic Academy. However, I would never be their ally. I guess Henry, Duke and Alicia wouldn’t know how they felt either. They were not jealous of others. People who have enough to spare never become jealous of someone else. “Henry always had the upper hand in magic and academic ability, so didn’t Eric and Henry once bring Alicia to a plant shop in town when she was still a little girl? I wasn’t doing so well then, so I was being tutored for special classes and couldn’t come with you all.” “Oh, I remember that happening.” “Well, it’s no wonder you don’t remember.” “Being twins is a pain in the neck. It’s not the same as being compared to Big Brother Al.” Henry said to himself in a self-deprecating tone. What? This was not what Henry was talking about at all. Well, what was he going to do, get Alan to ask him about the weather? Well, I did not expect Alan to be caught in such a way right from the start.	{ "source": "manual-fanfic", "missed_lines": 0, "inserted_lines_src": 1, "inserted_lines_trg": 1 }
トイレ転移ではなく、ちゃんと病院の外から歩いてきて、正規の面会手続きを取ってコレットちゃんの病室に顔を出すと、......来客中のようであった。 ......勿論、いくら個室とはいえ、私は毎回この部屋に直接転移したりはしない。が来るか分からないし、看護師さんが点滴の様子を見に来るかも分からないのだから。病気じゃなくても、化膿止めとか、お腹いっぱい食べられるわけじゃない今のコレットちゃんには栄養補給も必要だしで、毎日何本もの点滴が必要らしいからね。それに、コレットちゃんは特別待遇みたいだから、様子を見に来られる回数が多いみたいだし。なので、病院の外に転移して、ちゃんと受付を通して面会に来ているのだ。サビーネちゃんはそれを面倒がってトイレ転移を要求してくるから、絶対に回診中じゃない時間帯......食事の時間とか、夕方以降......に限り、認めている。それ以外の時間には、ちゃんと病院外に転移する。今はサビーネちゃんはおらず(ゲームで徹夜して、日本邸で寝てる)、お客さんは知らない人物だ。大人ではなく、コレットちゃんと同じくらいの年齢の、小さな女の子。パジャマ姿なので、入院患者なのであろう。 ......これがこの子の街歩きの普段着だとすれば、ちょっと問題がある。長期入院中の子供は、退屈して、病院中をうろつくからねぇ、大怪我やベッドから起きられない病人を除いて......。そして、同年代の入院患者を見つけて、ってこの子は入院していなきゃならないほどの怪我をしている様子はないから、病気の方かな。であれば「あれ、お友達ができたの?」コレットちゃんとお客さんに向かって、にっこりと微笑んでみた。「うん! お友達になった、ローリンちゃんだよ!」「お邪魔しています、ローリンと申します!」コレットちゃんに続き、そう言って笑顔で挨拶する少女。少女の様子に、不自然なところはない。不自然なところが、いや、こう、あるだろう! お友達の家族に初めて会った時の戸惑いとか、予期せぬタイミングでいきなり出会ったことへの狼狽えとか......。それらが全くない、完全にスムーズな笑顔と受け答え。うん、プンプン臭うよねぇ、芸能界の「初めまして! 私、この子の姉の、アレッタです」ほら、今、『え?』って顔をした! ほんだけど。見た目の年齢からして、私がコレットちゃんの姉だということは容易に予想がつくはず。なのに、どうしてそんなに意外そうな反応を示す? それも、一瞬だけ。いや、確かに髪や眼、肌の色、そして容貌から、似てないのは分かるよ。それでも、異母妹とか義理の妹とか、色々とあるじゃない。なのに、そのあからさまな『想定外の事態に陥った!』みたいな反応は、何だよ。そして、受け答えは自然だけど、それは私が姉だということに驚いたなら、普通、幼い少女ならもっと大きな反応を示すものだろう。えっ、と声を漏らすとか......。それを、一瞬、僅かに表情が揺らいだだけとか、どんな自制心やね~ん! そういう訓練でもしてたんか~い!! ......っていうか、してたんだろうけどね、訓練......。コレットちゃんには、私がには偽名を名乗る、ってことは事前に伝えてある。ここの病院関係者に名乗っている、某国で爵位を貰っている名前とも違うやつをね。そしてコレットちゃんは、私達や自分の家族のことについては、誰にも、ひと言も喋っていないはず。 ......なのに私の名前やコレットちゃんとの関係に違和感を感じたり疑問を抱いたり、そしてそれをほんの僅かしか表さなかったりするのは、......アレだ。私の名とコレットちゃんとの関係を、事前に知っていた。だから、一瞬言葉に詰まった。予定していた自分の台詞を喋れなくなったから。そして、私が姉だということに驚いたのなら、もっと反応が大きいはずである。 ......普通の、10歳前後の少女であれば。普通のそしてオマケに、この子は可愛い。とても可愛いのだ。いや、そりゃ確かに、向こうの世界で知り合った女の子達は、みんな可愛い子ばかりだったよ。でもそれは、コレットちゃん以外の私の知り合いの少女達は、みんな王族か貴族の子だからだ。 ......何百年と続いた、トップブリーダー達の仕業。配偶者に、美男美女で能力が高い者ばかりを選んでいたら、そりゃ、子孫も美男美女になるだろう。おまけに、幼少の頃から磨き上げられるのだから、可愛くなって当然だ。だから、それはいい。科学的に、統計論的に、そして遺伝子科学的に納得できることだ。 ......でも、たまたま入院した病院で出会った女の子までが美少女というのは、ちょっと......。いや、確率的に、あり得なくはない。それは分かるのだけど......、でも、何となく胡散臭い。それに、これは以前私が『ありそうなこと』として想定していたことのうちのひとつだ。 ......まあ、別に私やコレットちゃんに危害を加えようとかいうつもりはないのだろうけどね。ただの情報収集か、お友達になって情が湧くようにしておいて、後で『実は、お父さんが困った立場になっていて......』とかで私達に何か協力させるつもりとか......。でも、この子は私達が何者かということをいったい、どうするつもりなんだか......。そして、家族が来たなら自分は辞去する、というのが普通だろう。ここに入院している自分は、いつでもコレットちゃんと話しに来ることができるのだから、わざわざやってきた家族との時間を邪魔しようと考える者はいない。いないはず。 ......いないんじゃないかな......。「......」帰りやがらねえ~~っっ!! 別に自分から話し掛けるわけでもなく......多分、私にどう話し掛ければいいか分からないのだろう。当然、私の隠し撮り写真くらいは見せられているはずだけど、私がコレットちゃんの姉の『アレッタ』だと言っている以上、それを前提とした話しかできないから......、黙って私がコレットちゃんと話すのを待っている。うわ、この沈黙にも動じず、居座り続けるとか......。子役ちゃん、恐るべし!! 「ごめんなさい、ちょっと、家族の内輪の話をするので......」さすがに、ここまではっきり言われては、居座るわけにはいかなかったようである。というか、自分がいる限り私とコレットちゃんの話が始まらないならば、いる意味がない。ま、隠しカメラや盗聴器があるだろうから、怪しまれるのを承知で無理に居座る必要はないのだろう。......それにしては、かなり粘っていたけどね。が部屋から出ていった後......。ひゅひゅん! 室内に仕掛けられた隠しカメラや録音器、盗聴器を、一瞬のうちに転移させた。ま、コレットちゃんが検査やら何やらで部屋にいない時に、また仕掛けられるだろうけど、コレットちゃんもサビーネちゃんもそれを承知での会話しかしないし、ちょっと秘密度が高い話は向こうの言葉を使うからね。全部向こうの言葉にしないのは、ある程度のデータが揃えば解読できるようになるかもしれないからだ。 ......私は、人類の科学力を侮らない。そして、プロが使う最新式の隠しカメラや録音器がたくさん手に入るのは、ありがたい。そのうち、また役に立つ時が来るだろう。それに、おそらくコレットちゃんは、全て承知の上であの子役ちゃんを話し相手にしているのだろう。この国の一般的な情報......10歳前後の女の子が知っている、普通の情報。ファッションや娯楽、食べ物、その他諸々......を手に入れるための、情報源として。コレットちゃんは、情報量の少ない田舎で育ち、純真ではあるけれど、決して馬鹿じゃない。喋っていいことと悪いことはちゃんと見分けられるし、私が教えたことは忘れないし、......そして私の指示は絶対に守る。たとえ、どんなことがあろうと。なので、コレットちゃんは、ある意味、サビーネちゃんより信頼できるのだ。 ......あ、カーテンも閉めておかなくちゃ。離れた場所から窓ガラスにレーザー光線を当てて、室内の会話による窓ガラスの振動を読み取って盗聴する、なんて技術は、既にありふれたものだ。では、サビーネちゃんを迎えに行く時間まで、ふたりでゆっくりするか......。	Instead of moving via the bathroom, I entered from the outside of the hospital, took the formal visit procedure, and went to Colette-chan’s hospital room. ......Of course, no matter how private the room she’s in, I don’t teleport directly into her room every time. You’ll never know when the Doctor, doing his rounds, will arrive, or when the nurses will come to check on her IV. Even if she is not sick, Colette-chan needs to be nourished, and she needs to be given several intravenous drips every day to prevent suppuration, and she’s not able to eat a full meal for now. Besides, Colette-chan seems to be getting special treatment, so she seems to be visited more often to see how she’s doing. So that’s why I teleported outside the hospital and properly passed through the reception desk. Sabine-chan, however, was so bothered by this that she demanded a transition to the toilet, so I allowed it only during times when they were definitely not making their rounds, during meal times, or afternoon....... Otherwise, we properly transitioned outside the hospital. Now Sabine-chan is not here (she’s up all night playing games and currently sleeping at my Japanese home) and there’s a stranger. Not an adult, but a little girl, about the same age as Colette-chan. Since she is in pajamas, she may be a patient. ......If this is this girl’s everyday clothes for walking around town, then we have a bit of a problem. Children who were in the hospital for long periods of time get bored and wander around the hospital, you know, except for those who were seriously injured or too sick to get out of bed...... And then she found a hospitalized patient her own age...... This girl doesn’t seem to have any injuries that would require her to be hospitalized, so I guess she’s sick. Are~ , did you make a friend?” (Mitsuha) I smiled at Colette-chan and her guests. “Yeah! It’s my friend, Laurin-chan!” (Colette) “I’m sorry to bother you, my name is Laurin!” Following Colette-chan, the girl greets me with a smile. There is nothing unnatural about the girl’s appearance. ...And that part is... unnatural... No, there should be something! Like panicking about meeting your friend’s family for the first time, or the anxiety of suddenly meeting them at an unexpected time...... A perfectly smooth smile and answer without such things. Yeah, smells like a pro, a child actress in the entertainment industry...... “Nice to meet you! I am her sister, Aletta.” (Mitsuha) See, she just made an “Eh?” face! But only for a brief moment. Based on my apparent age, it should be easy to guess that I am Colette-chan’s older sister. So why did she react so unexpectedly? Even if it was only for a moment. No, she could tell from our hair, eyes, skin color, and appearance that we were not similar. Still, I may be her half-sister, her sister-in-law, and so on. And yet, that blatant “I’m in an unexpected situation!” face. What’s with that reaction, I wonder? And her response was natural, but I’m older... At her age, she’ll be gradually making slip-ups... If a little girl was surprised that I was Colette-chan’s sister, she would normally have a much bigger reaction, like “What?”. She would be letting her voice slip out of her mouth...... What kind of self-control was that? A slight swaying facial expression for a moment?! Did you have any kind of training?!! ...or rather, I guess she did train... I told Colette-chan in advance that I would use a false name to third parties. It’s a different name registered in the hospital records, a name that was not even the same as the one that was knighted in a certain country. And Colette-chan must not have said a single word to anyone about us or her family. ......It’s the thing that makes them feel uncomfortable or be skeptical of my name and my relationship with Colette-chan, and then slightly expresses it. She knew my name and my relationship with Colette-chan beforehand. So she was at a loss for words for a moment. Because she couldn’t speak the lines that she had prepared. And if she was surprised that I am the sister, her reaction would have been much greater. ......For a normal girl around years old, that is. Yes, normally... And as a bonus, she’s cute. Very cute. No, it’s true that all the girls I met in the other world were cute. But that’s because all the girls I know, except for Colette-chan, were children of royalty or nobility. ......The result of the hard work of top breeders that has continued for hundreds of years. Combining only beautiful men and women with high standings, the offspring will also be beautiful men and women. In addition, they were polished from an early age, so it was only natural that they should be pretty. So, that’s fine and all. It makes sense scientifically, statistically, and genetically. ......But the little girl I met at the hospital, who happened to be hospitalized at the same hospital as Colette-chan, was a beautiful girl. No, it’s stochastically, not impossible. I know that...... But still, it smells fishy. Besides, this is one of the things I had previously envisioned as “it may likely be”. ......Well, I’m sure she doesn’t mean to harm me or Colette-chan or anything like that. Just gathering information, or trying to make friends and get us to be sympathetic, and then later trying to get us to help in some way by saying “Actually, my father is in a difficult position” or something like that...... But this child was not supposed to know who we are... and I don’t think she will have the opportunity to find out in a reasonable way in the future... And it’s normal for her to leave when her friend’s family comes. As she was hospitalized here, she can come and talk to Colette-chan anytime she wants, and no one would want to interrupt the time spent with a family who have come all the way here. There should be none. ...I don’t think there is... ”......” She’s not backing off~~! It’s not like she’s talking to me herself...... she probably doesn’t know how to talk to me. I’m sure she has at least secretly seen my photo, but since I told her I’m Colette-chan’s sister, “Aletta,” she can only talk to me on that basis...... so she’s silently waiting for me to talk to Colette-chan. , what should I do now... , she’s still sitting there unfazed by this silence... Child actors should’ve been scared by now!!! “I’m sorry, I’m going to talk about something important with my family...” (Colette) As expected, she could not stay when she was told so clearly. I mean, there’s no point if me and Colette-chan can’t have a conversation as long as she was there. Well, I guess there were probably hidden cameras and listening devices, so there was no need to force herself to stay, knowing that we would be suspicious... She was pretty persistent with that, though. And after the little actress, Laurin, left the room....... Hyuhyun~ Hidden cameras, recorders, and wiretapping devices set up in the room were all transferred away in an instant. Well, when Colette-chan was not in the room for an inspection or something, they would probably set them up again, but Colette-chan and Sabine-chan only talk to each other knowing that, and they use the other world’s language to talk about things that were a bit more secretive. The reason we don’t talk in the other world’s language all the way was that once they have some data, they may be able to decipher it. ...I would not underestimate the scientific power of mankind. And I’m thankful that we have access to many state-of-the-art hidden cameras and recording devices used by professionals. Eventually, the time will come when it will be useful again. And, perhaps Colette-chan knows all this while talking to that little girl. General information about this country... common information that girls around the age of know. As a source of information, to get fashion, entertainment, food, and much more... Colette-chan grew up in a rural area with little information, and although she was naive, she wasn’t stupid. She knows what to say and what not, she never forgets what I teach her...... and she follows my instructions to the letter. No matter what. So, in a way, Colette-chan is more trustworthy than Sabine-chan. ......Oh right, I also have to close the curtain. The technology of shining a laser beam on a window pane from a distance to read the vibrations of the pane caused by conversations in the room and eavesdrop on them was already a cliché. So, why don’t the both of us relax until it’s time to pick up Sabine-chan.......	{ "source": "manual-fanfic", "missed_lines": 9, "inserted_lines_src": 22, "inserted_lines_trg": 3 }
今回はシトリの町ではなく、そこから沖合に出た場所にある、マクスウェル所有の小島が目的地だ。通常ならシトリの町で物資を補給してから移動するのだが、今回は首都から直接飛んできているので、その必要はない。「ここがシトリの町の近くじゃな。あそこがシトリ、目的地は......ほれ、あそこに見える小島じゃ」町の遠景からツアーガイドよろしく地形を説明してくれるマクスウェル。「あれが海ですの? なんだか空気がしょっぱいような生臭いような、変な感じですわね」「それは潮の香りじゃな。ラウムに住むレティーナ嬢には嗅ぎなれん香りじゃろう」「そうですわね。ですが、きつい香りなのに、なぜか不快ではありませんわ」アレクマール剣王国にも港町はあったので、俺は海を見たことがある。「お魚がいっぱいいるんですよね! 美味しいのいますか?」「フォッフォ、そりゃもちろん! 川魚とはまた違った味わいがあって、おすすめじゃぞ。じゃが、まずは合宿所に行かねばならんな」「ミシェルちゃん、合宿ではそもそも、お魚も自分で取らないといけないんだよ?」「あ、そうだった!」それに合宿後半は山にも行く予定だ。魚だけが目的ではない。そして一人沈黙しているクラウドは......いや、もう一人いたか。フィニアとクラウドは......転移酔いを起こしていた。「うえぇぇぇ、視界がぐにゅって曲がって気持ち悪ぃ......」「に、ニコル様、地面が揺れてます。地震でしょうか?」「フィニア、それは自分が揺れてるんだよ?」「ははは、まさか。私は直立してますよ?」びしりと気を付けの姿勢をとるフィニアだが、まるで止まりかけの独楽のようにグネグネと揺れていた。これも慣れればどうということのない現象だし、平気な者は全く影響を受けないのだが、初めて転移を経験したこには、少しばかりキツかったらしい。「マクスウェル、この二人は休息が必要だから、少しお休み」「その様じゃの。だが、どうせここに来たのはシトリの遠景を見せるためじゃったから、もう一回飛んでから休んだほうがよくないか?」「そういえば、目的地はマクスウェルが所有する島なんだから、直接飛ぶことができたんだっけ」「そうじゃ。しかし、せっかくの合宿、目的地まで飛んでそれでおしまいでは味気なかろう? じゃから一度ここに飛んで、旅行気分を味合わせてやろうと思ったんじゃが......逆効果だったか」「なるほど、一応気は使ってたんだ」マクスウェルの言う通り、いきなり合宿所に直行し、そこで鍛錬した後は首都まで直通で帰還となれば、旅行気分など味わう余裕はない。首都に籠りがちなフィニアや、侯爵令嬢のレティーナはこの先この町を訪れる機会があるかどうかも怪しい。それにしても、マクスウェルは何かとレティーナを気にかけてるような......? 「ま、いっか。フィニア、クラウド。もう一回飛ぶけど大丈夫?」「もちろんです。まかせてください」「お、おう。俺も何とか......」グネグネ揺れながら胸を張るフィニアと、不安げなクラウドが了承の意を返す。「無理な様じゃな。まあ、見物ついでに一休みするとよい。遠くの景色を見ると酔いが早く治るとも聞くしの」「申し訳ありません......早速足を引っ張ってしまいました」「こればっかりは体質の問題だから、どうしようもないよ。それに足を引っ張ったわけでもないし」そもそも朝一番で出発したので、まだ昼にもなっていない。ここで小一時間休息をとっても、何ら支障はないのだ。「ほら、ママが淹れてくれたお茶でも飲んで。そこに腰かけて」その仕草は年齢不相応に愛らしい。まるで妹でもできたような気分だ。いつもは世話を焼かれる側なので、新鮮な気分だ。フィニアもそんな俺を見て、クスリと笑みを漏らす。「ニコル様、私でお姉ちゃんの予行演習ですか? まだ少し早いですよ」「そんなことないし。わたしはしっかりしてるから、いつもどおりだし」この二人は先のマテウスの一件以来、どうもミシェルちゃんが過保護になってきている気がする。まあ、お姉さん風を吹かせるミシェルちゃんが可愛いので、ここは見逃してやろう。	Maxwell’s Portal Gate brought us straight to the outskirts of Citri. This time, it wasn’t the city itself, but Maxwell’s private offshore islet that was our goal. Normally, we’d have gone to Citri to get some supplies before departing there, but we came right from the capital so there was no need for that. “We are near Citri now. It is over there... And the islet over there is our destination.” Maxwell was acting as a tour guide from afar. It was my first time visiting this place, so it was quite interesting. “Is that the sea? The air feels strangely salty and fishy.” “That is the smell of the tides. It must be an unfamiliar smell for little Letina who lives in Raum.” “I see. However, despite being quite strong, it does not feel unpleasant.” There was a port city in Alecmarle, so I have seen the sea before. For Letina who was constantly inland, this was the first sea. She must have been very impressed. “There should be a lot of fish! Are there any tasty ones?” “Ho-hoh, of course! They have a different taste compared to the river fish, I recommend it. Still, we have to head to our camp location first.” “Michelle, training camp requires you to catch fish yourself, you know?” “Ah, you’re right!” Michelle remained unperturbed and quickly mobilized her appetite. Still, we had to go to the mountain during the second half of our training camp, so fish alone wasn’t our goal. And Cloud who stayed silent... No, actually, not just Cloud. Finia and Cloud were... Currently dealing with teleportation sickness. “Bleeeeh, my eyes are going around and I feel sick...” “L-Lady Nicole, the ground is shaking. Is there an earthquake?” “Finia, it’s you who’s shaking, you know?” “Hahaha, what are you saying? I am standing still.” Finia was trying to stand in the attention pose, but she was swaying around like a spinning top that was about to stop. The brain could not catch up to the sudden switch of location and the shift in the vision, and semicircular canals were going haywire. It was no big deal once you got used to it, and composed individuals weren’t even influenced by it, but this was the first time for these two so it ended up being a bit too much. “Maxwell, these two need rest so let’s take a break for a bit.” “It seems to be the case. However, we came here just so you could see the Citri landscape, so let us make another leap before we rest, shall we?” “Now that I think about it, it’s your private island so you should’ve been able to take us directly there.” “Indeed. I thought it would be boring to take you straight to the camp location, would you not agree? As such, I decided to take you here to make it feel like an excursion... However, it seems that it had an opposite effect.” “I see. So you were being considerate in your own way.” As he said, getting us right to the camp where we would spend the entire time training, and then taking us straight back would leave no place for a change of mood. It was hard to tell if there would be another chance for Finia, who was always at the Capital, or Letina, who was a marquis’ daughter, to visit this city again. Thus, Maxwell decided to stop somewhere with good scenery to make it feel like an excursion. Still, was it my imagination that Maxwell was being awfully considerate to Letina for some reason...? “Oh well. Finia, Cloud. Can you handle another leap?” “Of course. Leave it to me.” “Y-Yeah. I’ll manage...” Finia puffed her chest while wiggling around while Cloud gave an uneasy consent. Seeing that Maxwell decided it was no good. “It seems like it would be too much now. Oh well, let us briefly rest as we sightsee. Looking at the scenery afar is good for healing motion sickness I hear.” “My apologies... We ended up slowing you down from the start.” “This is the problem of the constitution, so it’s nothing you can help it. And you aren’t really slowing us down.” I comforted Finia who dropped her shoulders in dejection. We departed right away so it wasn’t even noon yet. There was no problem in taking a short rest here. “Here, drink some tea that mom gave us. Sit down over there.” I took out a flask with tea and offered it, which she obediently accepted. Her actions made her look unsuitably lovely for her age. It felt like I gained a younger sister. I was always the one being looked after by her, so this felt quite new. Seeing me like that made her giggle. “Lady Nicole, are you practicing your sisterly act on me? I think it’s a little early for that.” “No such thing. I’m just keeping myself composed as always.” I swelled my cheeks as if to cover my feelings. In the meantime, Cloud was being served tea by Michelle. Ever since the incident with Mateus, Michelle seemed to have been acting overprotective of him. Oh well, she looked cute trying to act like a big sister, so I decided to let it slide.	{ "source": "manual-fanfic", "missed_lines": 0, "inserted_lines_src": 14, "inserted_lines_trg": 0 }
「あなた、馬の扱いが下手ねえ。その分じゃ女の扱いも推して知るべし、って感じかしら」「......何とでも言ってくれよ、もう」闇の美少女司祭キトラを後ろに乗せたベース先輩が、けなされて拗ねている。最初はいちいち反発していたが途中で心が折れたようだ。月も出来るだけ目を付けられないようにしているんだろう、すっかり大人しい。「そろそろコウガの里の近くを通るぞ」久々に口を開いた三日月がボソッと言う。コウガの里といえば、マクベル伯爵の領内にあるっていう闇の軍団の本拠地か。 ......ん? この「闇の軍団」ってひょっとして「闇の神」と関係ある? 「キトラ、闇の軍団って知ってるか?」「そりゃあ知ってるわよ。闇の神で『狼の神』スコルを信じる者たちだもの。陰気臭い連中よね」やっぱりそうなのか。まあでもキトラと仲間って感じじゃあなさそうだからいいかな。ひょっとすると、と思って一応警戒しながら進んだけど特に何も起きなかった。道なりにさらに進むと、かなり深い山道へと続いていた。うっそうと茂った森の中を細い道がとおっている。「この辺りのはずなんだが......」地図を片手に三日月が辺りを見回すが、見通しが悪く良く分からないようだ。唯一の手がかりは先に言った冒険者が通ったと思われるけもの道だが、この辺りでみんな迷うのかそれすら迷走している。「ちょっとアタイが見てきます」ピックが馬から降りて身軽に走り出す。仕方がないから僕らも馬を降り、切り株なんかに腰かけながら休憩していた。そこへピックが走って戻ってきた。「それらしい穴を見つけました」さすがは盗賊娘、鼻が利くというか目ざといと言うか。僕らは馬を曳いてその穴に向かった。「これがダンジョンなんですね。ボク初めて見ました」クノップが入り口を見て感心している。正直僕も初めてでちょっと感動したけど、そうは見られないように平然としたふりをしてみた。そのダンジョンの入り口は想像していた物とはかなり違った。なんていうか、もっと自然にできた洞穴みたいなものだと思っていたけど、実際のそれは石造りのアーチに階段まである明らかに人工的な物だ。先輩たちは感心しながらこわごわ中を覗きこんでいる。「ふーん、なるほどねえ」闇司祭のキトラは何かに感心したようにつぶやき、三日月はやっと慣れて自分のペースを取り戻したのか嬉しそうな表情になっている。「こりゃあさすがはSクラスのダンジョン、ってところだな。金の匂いがプンプンするぜ」今にも揉み手をしそうな勢いだ。このタイミングでちょっと聞いてみることにした。「三日月、どこでそんな匂いを感じるんだ?」「そりゃあもう見た目がアレだろうが。普通のダンジョンてのは自然の洞窟か、たとえ誰かが作ったにしろそれっぽく偽装しているもんだ。これだけはっきり『ここにダンジョンがある』って主張しているのはそうはねえぜ」その三日月の言葉にキトラが続けた。「胸と腕力しか取り柄がない割には良く分かってるじゃない。つまりこれは『誘ってる』って事ね」「誘ってる、ってオレ達をか」「だからそう言ってるでしょ、ほんと馬鹿ね。わたし達のような人間を中で待ち構えてるって事よ」ディスられた三日月はあからさまにムカッとした表情をしたが、何も言い返さなかった。でもわざわざ誘って何になるんだ? 入場料を取って稼ぐ、って訳じゃないだろうし。もしかして中にアトラクションがあって、そのたびにお金取られたりして。それじゃまるであこぎなテーマパークだよ。「まあいいじゃねえか。相手が何を企んでるのか、入って見りゃわかる。なあ、暁」そういう事だな。まあこのメンバーなら何とかなるだろう。本当ならここにFとか入れたらもっと心強いんだけど、Fには暁のこと話してないからな。「よし、じゃあ入ってみるか。三日月とピックで先導を頼む。敵と罠に気を付けろよ。続いて俺とキトラ、その後にクノップを挟んで後衛がベースとドラムだ。後ろも油断するなよ」入るとすぐにそこは真っ暗闇。僕は火トカゲの精霊レウスを呼び出し、すぐに明るい火の玉がフワフワと浮かんで辺りを照らし出す。「あなた、火の魔法が使えるのね。なかなか便利じゃない」僕にはお化けとセットの火の玉にしか見えなくて気味悪いんだけど、みんなはそうは思わないようだ。クノップも同じように火の玉を出して、僕が前を、クノップは真ん中から後ろを照らす。ダンジョンの中は道も壁も天井も、全てしっかりした石を積み上げて出来ている。細い一本道の通路を歩いて行くと角に出た。僕はポケットからメモと筆記用具を出して書き込む。「暁、何やってるんだ?」「いや、見取り図を作っておこうと思ってな」僕はけっこう昔のゲームも好きで、古いマシンとソフトを買っていくつもRPGをやった。中古で買うと安いし、味わいがあって意外と面白いんだよね。グラフィックは当然クソだけどそこもまた味だったりする。最近のと違い、そういう昔のゲームじゃマッピングは絶対必要だから慣れたもんだよ。「旦那、マメだなあ。オレはいつもダンジョン出てから、大体の記憶でぱーっと描くけどな」それはお前が大ざっぱ過ぎるんだよ。まあそれと筆記用具の面も大きいだろう。羽ペンとインクじゃこういう所で気軽には描けないもんな。実は今日この日のために、密かに作った鉛筆の試作品を持ってきたんだ。まだまだ改良の余地はあるけど、簡単な地図を描くぐらいには充分使えるな。「とりあえず右から行ってみるか」巨大迷路攻略の基本、右手を壁に付けっぱなし作戦をやってみる。四つ角を右に曲がり、そのまま進むと急に広い部屋に出た。「こりゃあ広すぎて向こうの壁が見えませんね」ドラム先輩の言う通り、この部屋はかなり広いみたいで向こう側の壁まで光が届かない。ここは基本にのっとって右の壁伝いに回ってみることにした。「特に何にも居ねえ、なっ?!」三日月が何もいないと言いかけた時、突然頭の上から黒くて長いものが落ちてきた。何かと見てみると、それは体長1メートル以上もある巨大なムカデだ。天井に張り付いていたところをフワフワと飛んで来た火の玉に焙られて落ちてきたらしい。無数の足がワシャワシャ動き、ウネウネとくねる姿は見れば見るほどグロテスクだ。しかも攻撃的なようで、頭を上げてこちらを威嚇してくる。その口には大きな牙が見えた。「大ムカデか。大した相手じゃないが気を付けろよ、こいつは毒を持ってる。やられると腫れるし痛えぞ」三日月の言葉にキトラが反応した。「大丈夫、もし咬まれたらわたしが治してあげるから」キトラの妖しい微笑みに、三日月と男たちは全員咬まれないように気を付けようと心に誓った。注意深くピックが頭を串刺しにして、なおも暴れまわる胴体を三日月がぶつ切りにすると動かなくなった。「ふう、まあこれしきはどうってことないっすね」気味悪そうにそれを眺めていたベース先輩がホッとしたように言う。自分は何もしてないくせに良く言うよ。まあ僕もあんまりこういうのは相手にしたくないから気持ちは分かるけど。そのまま壁伝いにぐるっと回り、結局元の場所へ戻ってきた。「何もありませんでしたね」クノップが言う。でも部屋が大きいから真ん中がまだチェックできてない。仕方ないから全員で今度は部屋の真ん中を突っ切ることにした。今度は天井も注意して―― 「なんだよこれえええええ!!」しばらく進んだ先の部屋の中心の天井は、一瞬黒く塗りつぶされているかに見えた。でもよく見るとそれがウネウネと蠢いている。それを見て三日月が叫んだ瞬間、それが一斉に降ってきた。天井にはさっきの大ムカデがびっしりと、無数に張り付いていたのだ。「うわああ!!」「ひいっ!」まさに阿鼻叫喚。ピックも三日月も必死に武器を振り回すが、数が多すぎてお話にならない。「クノップ、魔法だ!」すぐに炎の壁が僕らと大ムカデの間に立ち上がる。その壁に巻き込まれた大ムカデたちはもがきながら燃えていき、焦げ臭いにおいが立ち込める。続いてクノップの唱えるファイヤーボールが次々と床に落ちて蠢くムカデたちに炸裂した。「お、終わったか」三日月がホッとしたように構えた武器を下ろした。先輩たちもゲッソリしている。「あら、誰も咬まれなかったの? あなたたちって意外と優秀ね」キトラの軽口にも誰も反応してない。「お頭、最初の部屋でこれって、この先どうなるんすかねえ」僕に聞かれたって知らないよっ!	“You, you’re handling of the horse is poor. I suppose you’re just as skilled in handling women.” “......Please stop talking, good grief” The pretty priestess of darkness Kitora who was sitting behind Bass-senpai was throwing insults at him as she sulked. At first, he was trying to oppose her but it seems that he was broken on the way. Crescent Moon also kept her eyes closed as much as possible, how adult. “Soon we’ll be close to Kouga village.” After a long time, Crescent Moon opened her mouth and spoke with a low voice. The dark corps’ stronghold, Kouga village, was located in the Mcbell territory. ......Hm? Could it be that this “dark corps” has some connection to the “God of Darkness”? “Kitora, do you know about the dark corps?” “I do. They are the ones believing in one of the Gods of Darkness “The Wolf God” Skoll. Those guys are gloomy” So it’s like that after all, huh? Well, I wonder if it’ll be fine cause Kitora and they might be comrades. Though I thought like that and advanced cautiously nothing really happened. As we continued to followed the way we reached a deep mountain road. A narrow road leading through a dark forest. “It should be around here......” Although Crescent Moon was looking on the map she held in one hand with this poor light one wasn’t able to read it properly. The only clue we had were the trails left behind by adventurers but we were hesitant to follow them as around here every one of them got lost. “I go scout a little” Pick got off her horse and began to run lightly. As we didn’t have much of a choice we also got off our horses and took a break while sitting on stumps. At some point, Pick came running back. “I found some kind of opening” As expected of a thief girl, she got a good nose or should I say she’s sharp-eyed? We led our horses to said opening. “This is a dungeon, right? It’s my first time seeing one.” Knopf admired the entrance. Honestly, though I pretended to be calm this was my first time as well and I was a little impressed looking at it. The Dungeon’s entrance was considerably different from what I imagined. How do I say this... I thought it would look more like a naturally formed cave but the real thing was clearly artificially made with a stone arch and stairs. My seniors were looking inside fearfully while still admiring it. “Hmpf, I see” The dark priestess Kitora muttered as if she understood something and Crescent Moon who seemed to have regained her pace wore a joyful expression. “That’s what one would expect of an S-type Dungeon. I can already smell the money” It seems like she’ll vigorously rub her hands together at any moment. At that moment I decided to ask her some things. “Crescent Moon, why do you think so?” “Well, it looks like it already. Common dungeons are naturally formed caves even if someone made one artificially they would disguise them as such. They don’t give you the feeling of “Here’s a dungeon”.” Kitora continued Crescent Moon’s words. “This isn’t something depending on intuition and physical strength and we don’t know what we might gain from this. In other words, they’re “inviting” you” “Inviting, you say, you mean us?” “That’s why I’m telling you, you’re stupid. It’s like they are waiting for people like us to enter.” Crescent Moon who got bluntly insulted opened her mouth but no retort left it. But why would they want to lure us in? It’s not like they plan to take an entrance fee, right? Could it be there’s some attraction inside and they take money from anyone going inside? Then isn’t this like some overpriced theme park? “Well, isn’t it fine? We’ll see what the other party is planning when we go inside, right? Hey, Akatsuki.” Well, that’s right. Oh well, we’ll somehow manage with these members. Honestly, this would be the time where I would send someone like F inside first but I never talked about Akatsuki with F. “Alright, shall we enter then? Pick an Crescent Moon, please go first. Watch out for enemies and traps. Next will be I and Kitora and the rear guard will be Knopf together with Bass and Drum. Don’t be careless either.” As soon as we entered, it was completely dark. I called the spirit the slamander Reus and chanted the incantation for the spell “Light”. Soon a bright fireball was floating in the air and illuminated the area. “You, you can use fire magic. Isn’t that convenient?” Looks like only I thought that this fire ball looked like a will o’ wisp, everyone else didn’t think it’s wierd. Knopf also used the same fireball spell and illuminated the back while I illuminated the middle. Inside the dungeon the ceiling, walls and every road was made out of solid stone. We walked along a narrow, straight road before we reached a crossroad. I took something like a notepad and a writing utensil out of my pocket. “What’s the matter, Akatsuki?” “Ah, no, I just thought about sketching a map.” I liked plenty old games so I bought old consols as well as old sofware and played some older RPGs. As I bought them second-hand they were cheaper, they were tasteful and unexpectedly interesting. Though the graphics were naturally ****** it had a certain charm. Unlike in recent games, mapping is absolutly necessary in those old games so I’m used to it. “Mister sure is diligent. I always made sketches based on my memory after I left the dungeon. That’s because you’re too careless. Well, there’s the thing with the writing utensils as well. It’s not easy to draw with ink and a quill in a place like this. Actually, today I brought my secretly made pencil prototype with me. There’s still room for improvement but it’s enough to draw a simple map. “Shall we first take the right way?” I tried to use the basic maze capturing methode, keeping your right hand on the wall. After taking four sharp turnes to the right we suddenly reached a large room. “This room is so large I can’t see the wall on the other side.” As Drum-senpai said, the light did’t reach the other side of the room so it’s a considerably large room. According to the basic capturing method I went along the right wall. “Here’s nothing special, wha–?!” Just as Crescent Moon said there wasn’t anything a black, long thing suddenly fell from the ceiling. Looking at it, it was a meter long, huge centipede. It seems like the floating fireball scorched it while it was sticking to the ceiling resulting in it falling down. Its myriads of legs were moving with a washa washa sound and its winding figure was grotesque to look at. Furthermore, it seemed to be aggressive as it put up its head threateningly. I could see its big fangs at its mouth. “A large centipede, huh? It’s not a big deal but be careful, it has poison. If it bites you the place will swell and hurt.” Kitora reacted to Crescent Moon’s words. “It’s fine, if you get bitten I’ll cure you.” As they saw Kitora’s strange smile Crescent Moon and the men swore in their hearts to be careful not to get bitten. Pick carefully skewered its head and after Crescent Moon cut its still moving body in chunks it finally stopped. “Phew, well, that wasn’t that bad, right?” Bass-senpai said this in relief as he looked at this scene weirdly. Even though he himself didn’t do anything he sure can talk well. Well, I do understand that feeling though as I wouldn’t want to face such an enemy as well. We just went around the room along the wall before we arrived at our starting point again. “There was nothing” Knopf said. But we couldn’t check the middle yet as the room was too big. As it couldn’t be helped, we decided to explore the middle with all members. We were also careful of the ceiling this time―― “What the hell’s with thaaaaaat!!” As we looked at the ceiling in the middle of the room it seemed to be painted black for an instant. But if one looked closer one could see winding figures wiggling all over. The moment Crescent Moon spotted them they dropped down all at once. A staggering number of those centipedes from a while ago were crowding the ceiling. “Uwaaa!!” “Hiii!” It’s just pandemonium. Both Pick and Crescent Moon desperately swung their weapons but it’s just too many of them. “Knopf, use magic!” Immediately a wall of flames emerges between us and the large centipedes. The centipedes caught in the wall struggled while they burned then one could smell the stench of burning insects. Then Knopf’s successive chants of fireball exploded on the centipedes which fell and made them wriggle on the floor. “I, is it over?” Crescent Moon lowered her weapons as she was relieved. The seniors were also disheartened. “My, nobody got bitten? You’re unexpectedly skilled.” Nobody reacted to Kitora’s joke. “Head, if this is what happens in the first room, what will happen inside the others then?” Even if you ask me, I don’t know!	{ "source": "manual-fanfic", "missed_lines": 2, "inserted_lines_src": 3, "inserted_lines_trg": 0 }
「わしは君に跪いて欲しくない」自分の瞳に見つめられているってなんだか少し不思議な気分だわ。彼は私の肩を優しく掴み体を軽く持ち上げて立たせた。「アリシア?どうしたの? じっちゃんだよ?」ええ、分かっているわよ......。「師匠、随分と変わったからね~」私の呟きにジルもレベッカも目を見開いた。「え? だからじっちゃんだよ?」「そうよ、アリシア、どうしちゃったの?」「それは分かっているわ。でも......」私の目の前にいる彼は、ウィルおじいさんじゃなくて......シーカー・ウィルなのよ。正体を知っていきなり態度を変えるなんて事は私はしないわ。そんな事をしてもここではまず意味がないし......。次に会っても私はいつも通りウィルおじいさんに接しようと思っていた。なのに今目の前にいる男性はウィルおじいさんではない。今までこの威厳も知性も隠してこれた事に驚きだわ。勿論賢い事は知っていた。でもそれは話して初めて分かることであって外見だけでは分からなかった。思慮深く、知的で、どこか寂しそうで、世の中の事を全て見通しているかのような瞳......。彼は私に想像できないくらいの壮絶な人生を歩んできたのだろうとその瞳を見ただけで分かる。その時、脳裏に昔ウィルおじいさんが言っていた言葉を思い出した。「アリシア、わしの呼び名なんてなんでもいい」雰囲気が変わっただけで中身は何も変わっていないわ。小さく首を傾げてかすれるような声でそう言った。なんとか笑顔は作ったがきっとその時私は泣きそうな顔をしていたと思う。「確かに、おじいさんっていうより今はおじさんって感じだもんね。僕もおっちゃんって言った方がいいのかな」「そこは大丈夫なんじゃない?」そう言ってジルとレベッカは笑った。ウィルおじいさ......ウィルおじさんはその様子を温かい眼差しで見ていた。でも、どうやら私の表情に気付いているみたいだわ。そして、私が何を悟ったのかも分かっているのだろう。この村がどうして改善しているか聞くよりも前にウィルおじさんの過去を知りたいと思った。彼がどうして目を奪われ、王宮から追い出され、貧困村に来る事になったのか。今までに知りたいと思った事は何回かあった。でもそれは立ち入ってはいけない話だと思っていた。でも今は心の底から知りたいと思っている。今までにないくらい真相を渇望している。私は小さく息を吸って背筋を上に伸ばした。「あの魔法が使えなくなった少年の話は友達の話ではなくウィルおじさんの話ですよね?」	“Kneeling isn’t something that I want from you,” Grandpa Will says, his brows furrowing ever so slightly. It feels a bit odd for my own eye to be staring back at me so heavily like this. He places a kind hand under my shoulder and gently helps me back onto my feet. “Alicia? What are you doing? It’s just Gramps, you know?” Gilles says peering up at me strangely. Yeah, I know.... “Well, Master has changed quite a bit~” Rebecca interjects brightly. “What should I call you?” I murmur, and both Gilles and Rebecca’s eyes go wide. “Eh? Like I said, he’s just Gramps?” “Gilles’s right, Alicia. What do you mean?” “I realize that. I do! But.....” The one standing before me isn’t the same Grandpa Will anymore..... he’s Will Seeker. Despite suddenly finding out his true identity, I wasn’t planning to treat him any differently. There’s no reason to after all this time..... So I thought that the next time I saw him, I’d be able to treat him like the same old Grandpa Will that I’ve known up until now. I really thought I could.... But the man before me isn’t that same Grandpa Will. I’m shocked that he was able to hide this dignity, this grandeur, this awe-inspiring intelligence for all this time. Yes, of course, I always knew that he was exceptionally wise. But that was because it was obvious whenever he spoke. Now, he doesn’t even need to speak. His keen intellect seems to seep out from every pore. Even though his left eye should be mine, I know I’ve never managed to produce such an effect with it. It appears so perceptive, thoughtful, insightful, and yet somehow exceedingly lonely..... Its expression is as if nothing is out of reach, the whole world is spread out clearly before him. Just from seeing the look in his eye, I get the feeling that this person is far beyond anything I can imagine. As I stand there, staring at him, I’m suddenly reminded of something that Grandpa Will had said to me a long time ago. I’m not quite sure what brought the thought to my mind, but..... Perhaps it was the slightly sorrowful look in his eye? “Alicia, you can call me whatever you’d like,” he says, smiling kindly at me. That same smile that I’ve grown accustomed to. His aura may have changed to an unrecognizable degree, but what’s inside is still the same. “Then I guess..... Uncle Will?” I suggest sheepishly. My voice comes out a bit scratchy and hesitant, and my head is tilted to the side slightly. I just barely manage to pull my lips into a smile as I speak, but I doubt I’m fooling anyone. I’m sure I must look like I’d rather cry than laugh right now. “True, he feels much more like an uncle now than a grandpa. Maybe I should start calling you Old Man now too.” “That sounds good?” After saying that, Gilles and Rebecca both burst out laughing. Grandp..... Uncle Will doesn’t say anything. He just watches them with a warm look in his eye. As he glances towards me, his expression changes a little. He seems to have realized something from the look on my face. But he doesn’t say anything. He just watches me calmly, waiting. Like he knows I’ll speak when I’m ready. It’s a moment I’ve been waiting for. I have so many things I want to ask about. What’s happened here? How did the conditions improve so much? Was it you who accomplished all this? But before asking any of that, I’ve been wanting to know the truth about Uncle Will’s past. Why were his eyes stolen away from him? Why was he expelled from the Royal Palace? How did he end up living in the impoverished village? They are things that I’ve wanted to ask about countless times before, ever since I met him. Though I always held myself back, knowing that I shouldn’t pry. However, I want to know now more than ever. I’ve never wanted to know something so badly before. So, sucking in a small breath and readying myself, I dive right in. “Uncle Will, that young boy who lost his magic that you told me about all those years ago.... That wasn’t a friend you were referring to, was it?” I ask while staring directly into that glowing golden iris, an exact mirror of my own.	{ "source": "manual-fanfic", "missed_lines": 0, "inserted_lines_src": 9, "inserted_lines_trg": 0 }
私は1956年に空軍を除隊しました。いや、そんな事はない 1956年に入隊し、1959年に除隊した後、ワシントン大学で働いていて雑誌の記事を読んでいた時に新しい蓄音機のトーンアームのアイデアが浮かんできました。今みんなが使っているカセットテープ、CDやDVDが無かった頃の話しです。思いついたトーンアームはピボット軸を支点としてアームが動くのではなく、まっすぐに動く、リニアトラッキングトーンアームです。これが今まで作った中で一番難しい発明でしたが、これがきっかけとなり、以降ずっとラッキーが続きました。前置きはこれくらいとして、今日持ってきた発明について話しましょう: 私の44個目の発明です。いや、これもうそだ。今日はやけにボケているな。 44個目の特許、15個目の発明です。私はこれを「ハイパーソニックサウンド」と呼んでいます。少ししたら実際に聞いてもらおうと思いますが、その前に少しこの技術を別の物に例えてみたいと思いますこれとです。人に「ハイパーソニックサウンド」を見せるとすごいけど、これは何のために使うの?と良く聞かれます。逆に私はこう聞きます。電球は何のために使うの? 音と光この二つを比べてみたいと思います。エジソンが電球を発明した時から形はこのままです。あまり変わっていません。すべての方向に光が発されます。電球が発明される前にも人は反射板を使い光を集中させる方法を見つけ、レンズを前に置きもう少し効率良く光を集中させました。最終的にレーザーのような志向性の高い光を作る事も可能になりました。今の世界に置き換えて考えてみて下さい光の方向を集中させる事の出来ない電球があったとしたら、電気を点けると光が全方向に広がったとしたら。今のスピーカーはまさにその通りなのです。発明されてから80年ほど経つスピーカーをつけると、音は好き勝手に広がって行きます。メガホンの前に立っていようがどこからでも音は聞こえます。多少の差はありますが、たいした差ではありません。もし電球がスピーカーのようにフォーカスさせたり、エッジを持たせたり出来なかったら、あれが無かったり、映画も見れなかったり、パソコンやテレビも CDもDVDも・・・色々考えてみると光に指向性を持たせる事の大切さに気づくでしょう。そして、音を作り始めて約80年、そろそろ音を自在に操る方法を見つける時なのでは無いかと考えたのです。ここにいくつかの機材があります。そこのアイツは昨日デモしたものなんですが、あれはデトロイトの自動車メーカーのために作った物 ―頭上に取り付けるために小型化してバイノーラルサウンドが車内で楽しめます。もし光のように音を狙った場所に出す事が出来たら? これは家の庭で録音した滝の音です。実際にこれが向けられるまで何も聞こえません。壁に当てると跳ね返って部屋中に広がるかもしれない。 (拍手) 耳のすぐ隣で音が作られる。すごくないですか? (拍手) 時間が限られてるので、一旦これは置いて、これの仕組みと、何のために良いかについて話しましょう。当然、光のように、音で洋服ラックや、コーンフレーク、歯磨き粉を引き立たせたり映画館のロビーに喋るポップを立てたり。ソニーは考えがあるようで今はソニーが一番のお得意様です。実は60年代にも挑戦したが頭が良すぎて、ギブアップしたらしい。でも使いたい・・・いや、本当だよ・・・ちょっと頭が良く、私は大学を卒業していないからと言ってバカではありません、今の世界ではバカでは大した事など出来ませんからね。そこら中に賢い人はいるので。それで私は普通とは違った方法で教育を受けたようです。私は教育に関して反対などまったくしてません。すばらしい物だと思います。時々人は勉強する事によって、何かを失う時はあります。賢くなりすぎて、周りに目を向けようとしません。今はとても恵まれた時代で、改めて色々な物が発掘されていってます。私にはちょっとしたモットーがあります。それは「実際、未だほとんど何も大げさに言っているのではありません― 発明されていない。」まだ始まったばかりなのです。最近になってやっと自然の法則や科学や物理について解明し始めている所です。この発明もその手助けをしてると願っています。ちょっと話しがそれましたが、ソニーがまたこれに目をつけたのですスーパーのレジで並んでいる時にテレビが見れるようになります。家でテレビを見る時は色々とチャンネルがあり過ぎて CM中はチャンネルを変えたりして、CMを見ない人が多い。 1.51億人が毎日スーパーのレジで並んでいます。数年前にこれを試したのですが、店員が20分毎繰り返されるテレビCMの音に耐えられなくなり、最終的に、テレビの音は消されました。ただご存知の通り、その音が無ければその商品は売れずに終わります。例えば、飛行機の中で映画を無料で放映してますが、音を聞きたければ、払わなければならない。そこで、ABCとソニーが新しい試みとしてスーパーのレジで並ぶ時― 今はセーフウェイで実験的に導入しています― テレビが見れます。余計な宣伝を増やして気に障るような事をしなければいいんですが。今までの実験で分かっているこの発明のいい所は、音を聞きたくなかったら一歩横にずれれば聞こえなくなると言う事です。我々は音を作ると同時に静寂も作るのです。 ATMの音声が貴方以外には聞こえない。夜中の2時、ベッドでテレビが見れる。たとえ隣で貴方の妻か誰かが寝ていてもその人には何も聞こえませんし、起こす心配もありません。いびきや自動車からくる雑音のノイズキャンセリングにも取り組んでいます。私は運が良かったのです。今まさに世界はこの技術を必要としいるのです。需要が一気に高まっています。去る9月、10月から発売を始めているのですが結果には驚かされています。ちなみに、今日は売りませんが、コストが気になる方、このユニットすべてセットで一式だいたい9万円(千ドル)です。来年の今頃は数万円で買えるでしょう。他の電気製品と比べても価格に大差はありません。先程これをお聞かせした時に重低音が聞こえなかったかと思います。このユニットは200Hzから人間の可聴域超える帯域を持ったスピーカーです。実は一秒間に100,000回ほど振動して、超音波を発しているのです。そして聞こえている音は普通のスピーカーと違い、スピーカーの振動面で音を作るのでは無く、空気中で作られています。ずっと教えられてきたように、空気はノンリニア特性を持っています。音量を少し上げて、 80デシベルを少し超えたあたりから空気中を伝わる音の歪みが顕著なってきます。なぜかと言うと、空気中の音速が一定ではないからです。そして結構遅い。気温や気圧で変わるのです。これをサイン波だと思って想像して見てください。振幅が大きくなりすぎると、圧力に作用してしまい、このサイン波が生成される間も波の伝送速度が変わってしまうのです。オーディオの世界ではリニア特性が理想とされています。リニアであればあるほど高音質と言う事です。「ハイパーソニックサウンド」はまったくの正反対です、ノンリニアな特性が前提で作られています。音は空気中で歪みます― この技術の場合は発される超音波の部分に当たります― ただその歪みは容易に予測できそれを利用して狙った音響効果を出せたりするのです。次に疑問に思うのは、音はどこで作られるか?です。コーンの面で作られるのではなく、空気中に存在する何億と言うポイントが柱状に伸びて音は作られていて、耳に向けると音は耳のすぐ側で作られています。音の届く距離を縮めたり、ソファに全体に広げたりも出来ます。片方の耳に片方のスピーカーが聞こえて反対の耳はもう片方が聞こえるようにしたり。これが本当のバイノーラルサウンド。家でステレオを聞くとき両方の耳で両方のスピーカーの音を聞いています。左スピーカーだけをつけても右耳でも聞こえてると言う事に気づくと思います。そのためにあなたの前に広がる音場が制限されます。音が柱状に伸びるため逆2乗の法則を従いません、その法則は、距離が倍になるたびに 3分の2ほど減退すると言う物で、例えば1メートルから2メートルの間で6dB減退します。これがあれば、ロックコンサートやシンフォニーに行った時、最前列にいる人と後ろで座っている人が同じ音圧で聞けるようになると言うことです。素晴らしいと思いませんか? このビジョンを理解してくれる企業がいる事が我々はとてもラッキーで、かなり上出来ではないかと思っています。自動車メーカーは子供達のために前部座席のステレオシステムと後ろに別のシステムを・・・あ、いや、子供達は運転してませんよね。聞いてるかテストしただけです。実は朝ご飯を食べてないんです。前は両親のためのステレオシステムを後ろは子供達のために小さなDVDプレーヤーやラップ音楽を聴いていようと、両親はそれに気を取られる事もありません。そのため、音を好きな所望の位置で鳴らすと言う事がだんだん広まってきています。これはデータの転送や送受信にも応用が利きます。実は水中では性能が五倍向上します。軍もこれをイラクに導入しています、偽の軍隊の動きを数百メートル先の丘の上に置いたり。あるいはテロリストに聖書の一節を囁いたり。本当ですよ。人の表情を読み取る赤外線機器で見て見ると 90メートル離れた場所からこれを再生した時わずかな温度変化がある事がわかります。それを使って、敵か味方か判断する方法もあるのではないかと考えています。これの155デシベル出力するバージョンを作りました。痛みは120。これを使えば1.6キロ離れた場所でも通信が可能で、すぐ隣にビーチがあったとしてもそこにいる人はまったく気づかないでしょう。これを約600万円(7万ドル)で売っているのですが、生産するペースで売れてしまいます。カメラと一緒にこれを砲塔に搭載し、相手に狙われても、狙われるのは砲塔であって、自分はあっちにいる。他にも色々発明はあります。プラズマアンテナと言う物も発明しました。オフィスの天井を見上げた時、ちょうど地中探査レーダーのプロジェクトの真っ最中だったのですが、物理学者のCEOが私のもとに来てこういいました、「ちょっと問題がある。我々はかなり短い波長を使用している。そのせいでアンテナのびびりがひどい。♪ 高周波数を使うと、アンテナが音叉のように共鳴してしまい、アンテナ自体が発するエネルギーが地中の後方散乱のを上回ってしまし解析しようとしても処理が重くなりすぎてしまう。」私の答えは「必要な時にだけ存在するアンテナを作ればいいのではないか? 電源を入れる、切る。蛍光灯のような物です。」 1.3億円で売りました、現金で。特許申請を終わらせ、機密種別からはずされた後でペンタゴンに持って行き、これを紹介した時、最初は笑われましたがデモを行ったらすぐ買ってくれました。 Jabraのヘッドホンを使った方はいますか、あの小さい携帯用のヘッドホン? あれも私の発明です。6億円(7百万ドル)で売りました。大きな間違いでした、つい二年前に70億円(8千万ドル)で売れてしまいました。あれは実は家の屋根裏部屋にあった古いマックで描きあげ、今あるデザインのひとつは私が昔書いた物とまったく同じ物だったりします。今まで言った通り、私は発明家としてはかなりラッキーです。私は貴方が出会う中で一番幸せな人間だと思います。私の父は、家族の誰かが何かを成し遂げるのを知らないままに亡くなってしまいました。良い観客でいてくれてありがとう。色々話しが飛んでしまったのですが。話の内容はだいたいみんなの前に立ったときに考えるので。では最後に、残った一分で、まだ聴けていない人のために、またこいつのデモをしたいと思います。いつやっても音が出てるかわかりません。まだ聴いていない方は挙手お願いします。そっちに行ってますか? 後カメラマンも。こんな感じです。耳元でコーラの缶を開ける音なのですがいいと思いませんか? 最後にもう一度、ありがとうございます。ご清聴ありがとうございます。	Now, that was before cassette tapes, C.D.s, DVDs -- any of the cool stuff we've got now. And it was an arm that, instead of hinging and pivoting as it went across the record, went straight: a radial, linear tracking tone arm. And it was the hardest invention I ever made, but it got me started, and I got really lucky after that. And without giving you too much of a tirade, I want to talk to you about an invention I brought with me today: my 44th invention. No, that's not true either. Golly, I'm just totally losing it. My 44th patent; about the 15th invention. I call this hypersonic sound. I'm going to play it for you in a couple minutes, but I want to make an analogy before I do to this. I usually show this hypersonic sound and people will say, That's really cool, but what's it good for? And I say, What is the light bulb good for? Sound, light: I'm going to draw the analogy. When Edison invented the light bulb, pretty much looked like this. Hasn't changed that much. Light came out of it in every direction. Before the light bulb was invented, people had figured out how to put a reflector behind it, focus it a little bit; put lenses in front of it, focus it a little bit better. Ultimately we figured out how to make things like lasers that were totally focused. Now, think about where the world would be today if we had the light bulb, but you couldn't focus light; if when you turned one on it just went wherever it wanted to. That's the way loudspeakers pretty much are. You turn on the loudspeaker, and after almost 80 years of having those gadgets, the sound just kind of goes where it wants. Even when you're standing in front of a megaphone, it's pretty much every direction. A little bit of differential, but not much. If the light bulb was the way the speaker is, and you couldn't focus or sharpen the edges or define it, we wouldn't have that, or movies in general, or computers, or T.V. sets, or C.D.s, or DVDs -- and just go down the list of what the importance is of being able to focus light. Now, after almost 80 years of having sound, I thought it was about time that we figure out a way to put sound where you want to. I have a couple of units. That guy there was made for a demo I did yesterday early in the day for a big car maker in Detroit who wants to put them in a car -- small version, over your head -- so that you can actually get binaural sound in a car. What if I could aim sound the way I aim light? I got this waterfall I recorded in my back yard. Now, you're not going to hear a thing unless it hits you. Maybe if I hit the side wall it will bounce around the room. The sound is being made right next to your ears. Is that cool? Because I have some limited time, I'll cut it off for a second, and tell you about how it works and what it's good for. Course, like light, it's great to be able to put sound to highlight a clothing rack, or the cornflakes, or the toothpaste, or a talking plaque in a movie theater lobby. Sony's got an idea -- Sony's our biggest customers right now. They tried this back in the '60s and were too smart, and so they gave up. But they want to use it -- seriously. There's a mix an inventor has to have. You have to be kind of smart, and though I did not graduate from college doesn't mean I'm stupid, because you cannot be stupid and do very much in the world today. Too many other smart people out there. So. I just happened to get my education in a little different way. I'm not at all against education. I think it's wonderful; I think sometimes people, when they get educated, lose it: they get so smart they're unwilling to look at things that they know better than. And we're living in a great time right now, because almost everything's being explored anew. I have this little slogan that I use a lot, which is: virtually nothing -- and I mean this honestly -- has been invented yet. We're just starting. We're just starting to really discover the laws of nature and science and physics. And this is, I hope, a little piece of it. Sony's got this vision back -- to get myself on track -- that when you stand in the checkout line in the supermarket, you're going to watch a new T.V. channel. They know that when you watch T.V. at home, because there are so many choices you can change channels, miss their commercials. A hundred and fifty-one million people every day stand in the line at the supermarket. Now, they've tried this a couple years ago and it failed, because the checker gets tired of hearing the same message every 20 minutes, and reaches out, turns off the sound. And, you know, if the sound isn't there, the sale typically isn't made. For instance, like, when you're on an airplane, they show the movie, you get to watch it for free; when you want to hear the sound, you pay. And so ABC and Sony have devised this new thing where when you step in the line in the supermarket -- initially it'll be Safeways. It is Safeways; they're trying this in three parts of the country right now -- you'll be watching TV. And hopefully they'll be sensitive that they don't want to offend you with just one more outlet. But what's great about it, from the tests that have been done, is, if you don't want to hear it, you take about one step to the side and you don't hear it. So, we create silence as much as we create sound. ATMs that talk to you; nobody else hears it. Sit in bed, two in the morning, watch TV; your spouse, or someone, is next to you, asleep; doesn't hear it, doesn't wake up. We're also working on noise canceling things like snoring, noise from automobiles. I have been really lucky with this technology: all of a sudden as it is ready, the world is ready to accept it. They have literally beat a path to our door. We've been selling it since about last September, October, and it's been immensely gratifying. If you're interested in what it costs -- I'm not selling them today -- but this unit, with the electronics and everything, if you buy one, is around a thousand bucks. We expect by this time next year, it'll be hundreds, a few hundred bucks, to buy it. It's not any more pricey than regular electronics. Now, when I played it for you, you didn't hear the thunderous bass. This unit that I played goes from about 200 hertz to above the range of hearing. It's actually emitting ultrasound -- low-level ultrasound -- that's about 100,000 vibrations per second. And the sound that you're hearing, unlike a regular speaker on which all the sound is made on the face, is made out in front of it, in the air. The air is not linear, as we've always been taught. You turn up the volume just a little bit -- I'm talking about a little over 80 decibels -- and all of a sudden the air begins to corrupt signals you propagate. Here's why: the speed of sound is not a constant. It's fairly slow. It changes with temperature and with barometric pressure. I'm making a little sine wave here in the air. Well, if I turn up the amplitude too much, I'm having an effect on the pressure, which means during the making of that sine wave, the speed at which it is propagating is shifting. All of audio as we know it is an attempt to be more and more perfectly linear. Linearity means higher quality sound. Hypersonic sound is exactly the opposite: it's 100 percent based on non-linearity. An effect happens in the air, it's a corrupting effect of the sound -- the ultrasound in this case -- that's emitted, but it's so predictable that you can produce very precise audio out of that effect. Now, the question is, where's the sound made? Instead of being made on the face of the cone, it's made at literally billions of little independent points along this narrow column in the air, and so when I aim it towards you, what you hear is made right next to your ears. I said we can shorten the column, we can spread it out to cover the couch. I can put it so that one ear hears one speaker, the other ear hears the other. That's true binaural sound. When you listen to stereo on your home system, your both ears hear both speakers. Turn on the left speaker sometime and notice you're hearing it also in your right ear. So, the stage is more restricted -- the sound stage that's supposed to spread out in front of you. Because the sound is made in the air along this column, it does not follow the inverse square law, which says it drops off about two thirds every time you double the distance: 6dB every time you go from one meter, for instance, to two meters. That means you go to a rock concert or a symphony, and the guy in the front row gets the same level as the guy in the back row, now, all of a sudden. Isn't that terrific? So, we've been, as I say, very successful, very lucky, in having companies catch the vision of this, from cars -- car makers who want to put a stereo system in the front for the kids, and a separate system in the back -- oh, no, the kids aren't driving today. I was seeing if you were listening. Actually, I haven't had breakfast yet. A stereo system in the front for mom and dad, and maybe there's a little DVD player in the back for the kids, and the parents don't want to be bothered with that, or their rap music or whatever. So, again, this idea of being able to put sound anywhere you want to is really starting to catch on. It also works for transmitting and communicating data. It also works five times better underwater. We've got the military -- have just deployed some of these into Iraq, where you can put fake troop movements quarter of a mile away on a hillside. Or you can whisper in the ear of a supposed terrorist some Biblical verse. I'm serious. And they have these infrared devices that can look at their countenance, and see a fraction of a degree Kelvin in temperature shift from 100 yards away when they play this thing. And so, another way of hopefully determining who's friendly and who isn't. We make a version with this which puts out 155 decibels. Pain is 120. So it allows you to go nearly a mile away and communicate with people, and there can be a public beach just off to the side, and they don't even know it's turned on. We sell those to the military presently for about 70,000 dollars, and they're buying them as fast as we can make them. We put it on a turret with a camera, so that when they shoot at you, you're over there, and it's there. I have a bunch of other inventions. I invented a plasma antenna, to shift gears. Looked up at the ceiling of my office one day -- I was working on a ground-penetrating radar project -- and my physicist CEO came in and said, "We have a real problem. We're using very short wavelengths. We've got a problem with the antenna ringing. When you run very short wavelengths, like a tuning fork the antenna resonates, and there's more energy coming out of the antenna than there is the backscatter from the ground that we're trying to analyze, taking too much processing." I says, "Why don't we make an antenna that only exists when you want it? Turn it on; turn it off. That's a fluorescent tube refined." I just sold that for a million and a half dollars, cash. I took it back to the Pentagon after it got declassified, when the patent issued, and told the people back there about it, and they laughed, and then I took them back a demo and they bought. Any of you ever wore a Jabber headphone -- the little cell headphones? That's my invention. I sold that for seven million dollars. Big mistake: it just sold for 80 million dollars two years ago. I actually drew that up on a little crummy Mac computer in my attic at my house, and one of the many designs which they have now is still the same design I drew way back when. So, I've been really lucky as an inventor. I'm the happiest guy you're ever going to meet. And my dad died before he realized anybody in the family would maybe, hopefully, make something out of themselves. You've been a great audience. I know I've jumped all over the place. I usually figure out what my talk is when I get up in front of a group. Let me give you, in the last minute, one more quick demo of this guy, for those of you that haven't heard it. Can never tell if it's on. If you haven't heard it, raise your hand. Getting it over there? Get the cameraman. Yeah, there you go. I've got a Coke can opening that's right in your head; that's really cool. Thank you once again. Appreciate it very much.	{ "source": "iwslt2017", "missed_lines": null, "inserted_lines_src": null, "inserted_lines_trg": null }
恐竜の古生物学者になる事と恐竜をペットにする事私はそのために全人生を捧げてきました運には恵まれていましたキャリアの早い段階で私は幸運にも掘り当てることが出来ました読書は私の専門外で実際殆ど読書はしません私は極度の失読症で読む事が苦痛で仕方ないのですその代わりに外で物を見つけては拾っているんです大抵は路上でお金を見つける練習をしています丘をぶらぶらしている時もなにか発見をしたことがあります西半球における世界初の恐竜の卵巣にいる幼竜胚そして大量の骨の化石を一度に見つけられたのはとても幸運な事でした恐竜は巨大で無知な緑色の爬虫類という認識が変わりだした頃にこの機会は訪れました恐竜は特別な生き物という考えが広まった頃でしたそして私が同僚とおもしろい仮説を打ち立てた時期でもありました恐竜が巣を作り共同生活を営んだり若者には餌を与えたりと世話上手であり移動は巨大な群れでしていたという仮説を手元の証拠をもとに発表することが出来ました発見はここで終わらず後に恐竜が社交的な生物であることが判明しました恐竜は成長の過程で変化がおこるという多くの証拠がみつかっています社会的な動物にみられるように幼竜と成竜の外見は異なります社会的な動物においては得てして幼体は成体と見た目が異なっています成体が幼体を幼体が成体を見分けられるようにするためです恐竜の見た目のわかりやすい図をこんな風に作りましたジープを追いかけ回すだけではないのですこの社交面こそがマイケル・クライトンを魅了したのではないでしょうか彼の著書(ジュラシックパーク)で恐竜は社会的な動物として描かれもちろんスティーブン・スティルバーグも恐竜をとても社会的な生物として描写していますこの映画のテーマは恐竜を再現して観客をジュラシックパークの一部へと引き込むことですマイケル・クライトンは恐竜を蘇らせる事を提言した最初の人でもありますストーリーはご存知の通りです皆さんジュラシックパークを見た事ありますよねもし恐竜を作り出すのなら石化樹液に吸血昆虫が含まれているものを探し出します運良く昆虫の入った琥珀が見つかったらそこからDNAを吸い出しますその頃の吸血昆虫は恐竜の血液を吸っていましたそして血液を研究室に持ち帰り DNAクローンを行いますダチョウかなにかのタマゴに DNAを導入し少し待つとご覧なさい恐竜の赤ちゃんが生まれるのですこれでみんなハッピーですね何度も同じ事を繰り返し続けていくのです何度も何度も何度もですすると社会的な恐竜が社会的に行動し群れをなして共謀し始めますスピルバーグの映画では共謀した恐竜が人々を襲い始めますそれでは実際に昆虫の入った琥珀を用いてこの昆虫からDNAらしきものを取り出し何度も何度もクローンを続けると仮定しましょう最終的には部屋が蚊であふれかえるだけでしょう (拍手) もしくは木々が生い茂るだけでしょうもし恐竜のDNAを入手したいのなら恐竜に頼るべきなのですこれが私たちの手法ですこの映画が公開された1993年に米国科学財団の助成金を得て恐竜からDNA抽出を試みました左側の恐竜を選びましたティラノサウルスですとてもいい標本です私の教え子のメアリー・シュワイツァー博士はこのようなたぐいの事をするバックグラウンドを持ち合わせておりこのTレックスの大腿部の骨の一部を調べてある興味深い構造を見つけ出しましたそれは赤色の円形状の物質で彼らが世界中を探し回った赤血球でした骨の中を通る血管と思われる部分に存在していましたそして彼女はなんてこったと思ったでしょうそこからいくつかの物質を採取しました DNA自体はそこから発見できませんでしたがヘモグロビンの生物学的構成物質のヘムを見つけ出したのですとてもすばらしい事でもあり興味深い発見です 6500万年前のヘムを手に入れたのですその後も何度も挑戦しましたが結局はそれ以外何も見つかりませんでしたそれから数年後ヘルクリークプロジェクトを立ち上げましたこのプロジェクトは可能な限り多くの恐竜を発見しその内のいくつかの恐竜から多くの物質を見つけ出す大きなプロジェクトでした人のほとんど住んでいない東モンタナの広大な荒野で調査を行い多くの物を発見しました Tレックスも多く見つかりましたがその中に亜種が紛れていましたこのTレックスを Bレックスと名付けました大きな岩の下から発見されました BレックスはTレックスと異なっており単に巨大なTレックスではなく Bレックスはとても異質でした私と同僚は化石を切り出し成長停止線によってこのBレックスが16歳で死んだとわかりましたまだ最高齢の恐竜を発見していないため恐竜が一体何歳まで生きるのかはわかりませんがしかしこいつは16歳で亡くなっていますサンプルをメアリー・シュワイツァー博士に渡し彼女は延髄組織からこのBレックスがメスである事を突き止めました延髄組織はカルシウムで構成されており動物や鳥が妊娠する際にカルシウムの貯蔵庫の働きをしますこれこそが鳥と恐竜を結びつける共通の特徴ですメアリー博士はもう一歩踏みこみこの骨を取り出し酸につけ込みましたご存知の通りこの骨は化石ですもし酸に浸ければ何も残らないはずですしかし実際には違いました血管が残ったのですそれも柔軟で透明な血管がこれがはじめて恐竜から得られた軟組織ですすばらしい成果です彼女はその他にも骨組織に付着する骨細胞を発見しましたいろいろ試しましたが DNAは発見できませんでしたしかしタンパク質の証は見つかりました多分ですが地層から発掘された後に急速な劣化が起こり DNAが破壊されたのではと思いましたそこで我々は大きなトレーラーの中に研究室を設け良いサンプルが採取できる場所へ研究所を運べるようにしました当たりでした細胞も血管もよりよい状態でのサンプル採取に成功しましたよいものが得られました本当にすばらしいサンプルでしたしかし恐竜のDNAについては分解速度が早く全くもって見つかりませんでしたジュラシックパークの再現は不可能なのでしょう恐竜から恐竜を復元する事は非現実的なのでしょうねところで鳥は恐竜です鳥は生きた恐竜です実際我々は鳥類を恐竜に分類します恐竜は鳥類型と非鳥類型とに区別できます非鳥類型は既に絶滅したダサい恐竜です鳥類型は現代の鳥類の祖先です実は恐竜を復元しなくていいのです既に存在しているのですからみなさんは小学6年生程度ですよ 6年生は「違うよ」と言うでしょう「鳥を恐竜と呼んでもいいけどヴェロキラプトルの方がかっこいい」「ニワトリは絶対違う」ってご想像の通りこれが私たちの問題ですニワトリは恐竜ですこれは真実です議論の余地はありませんなぜなら我々がそう分類したからです (拍手) しかし6年生はこう要求してくるでしょう「じゃあニワトリを直して」って私がここにいるのはニワトリの直し方をお話しするためですニワトリを直す方法にはいくつもの方法があります進化が進み現に我々は進化ツールを手にしているからですこれらを生物学的改良ツールと呼びましょう一つに淘汰があります淘汰はよく機能しますオオカミに似た動物をマルチーズに作り替えてしまいますつまりそれは遺伝的な改良ですおかしな風貌の子犬にしてしまうのです 2つ目に遺伝子組み換えです遺伝子組み換えもすばらしいツールですある動物から遺伝子を取り出し他の動物へ導入する方法ですこの方法を用いると GloFish®が作れますサンゴやクラゲから光る遺伝子を取り出しゼブラフィッシュに組み込むのですするとGloFish®ができるのですとてもかっこいいですよねこれでお金を儲けしてる人もいますウサギを初めあらゆるものを光らせようとする方もいます光るニワトリだって作れるでしょうねしかしそれだけでは6年生は満足しないでしょうね 3つ目が隔世遺伝子の活性化です隔世遺伝の活性化はまず初めに隔世とは先祖の特徴を意味しますごくまれにしっぽの生えた人間の赤ちゃんが生まれることはご存じでしょうそれは祖先の特徴が故です起こりうる隔世遺伝のいくつかを紹介します脚のある蛇が生まれることもありますこちらをご覧ください歯の生えたニワトリですウィスコンシン大学マディソン校のマシュー・ハリス特別研究員は歯の遺伝子を活性化する方法を見つけ出しましたそして実際に歯の遺伝子を発現させ歯のあるニワトリを作りましたいい特徴ですよねその方法を確立し用いる事で歯のあるニワトリを作り出せるのです恐竜に一歩近づきましたね光るニワトリよりましでしょう友人で同僚のマギル大学のハンズ・ラーション博士は隔世遺伝について研究しており彼は隔世遺伝の中でも鳥類の胚形成とその成長方法を専門にしています彼は鳥類の尾の消失に興味をもっており手腕から翼への発達にも関心を示しています彼はこの手の遺伝子を探しているので「もし見つかれば巻き戻して 6年生が見たがってるものを作ってやるよ」と言っておきました彼もこれに賛成してくれていて私達は今もこれを探し求めています恐竜の手を見てみるとヴェロキラプトルは爪のあるかっこいい手をしています太古の鳥である始祖鳥は原始的な手がありますが見ての通りハトやニワトリなど他の鳥は奇妙な手をしていますなぜならそれは翼だからですしかしすごいのはもし胚の発達の過程を見てみると胎生期の鳥の手は始祖鳥のそれととても似ていて 3本の指がありますある遺伝子が働き一つに融合してしまうのです私達はこの遺伝子を探しているんですこの遺伝子を止めることで指の融合を停止させたいのですそうすれば始祖鳥のような3本指のあるニワトリを生み出せるのです同じ事が尾にも言えます大抵の鳥類には原始的な尾があります胚の発生過程において長い尾を持つのですがある遺伝子が発現しこの尾を萎縮させ消えてなくなってしまうことがわかっていますこれが私達の求めるもう一つの遺伝子です尾の消失を阻止したいのです私たちがやりたい事はニワトリを改良してチキノザウルスを生み出す事ですいかしたニワトリですとても基本なのですがこれが私たちがやっている事です人々はいつもこう尋ねます「なんの為にそんなことするの?」「どんな利益があるの?」とてもいい質問です実際これらは子供達に進化生物学や発生進化学などを教えるよい教材になると思っていますまた正直なところカーネル・サンダースにもっと上手い言い回しができたらもう一つ余分にチキンを売れるんですけどねとにかくこの恐竜ニワトリが孵化すれば間違いなくTEDのポスターのキャラクターやイメージキャラクターになってくれることでしょうご清聴ありがとうございました	I wanted to be a paleontologist, a dinosaur paleontologist, and I wanted to have a pet dinosaur. And so that's what I've been striving for all of my life. I was very fortunate early in my career. I was fortunate in finding things. I wasn't very good at reading things. In fact, I don't read much of anything. I am extremely dyslexic, and so reading is the hardest thing I do. But instead, I go out and I find things. Then I just pick things up. I basically practice for finding money on the street. And I wander about the hills, and I have found a few things. to find things like the first eggs in the Western hemisphere and the first baby dinosaurs in nests, the first dinosaur embryos and massive accumulations of bones. And it happened to be at a time when people were just starting to begin to realize that dinosaurs weren't the big, stupid, green reptiles that people had thought for so many years. People were starting to get an idea that dinosaurs were special. I was able to make some interesting hypotheses along with my colleagues. We were able to actually say that dinosaurs -- based on the evidence we had -- that dinosaurs built nests and lived in colonies and cared for their young, brought food to their babies and traveled in gigantic herds. So it was pretty interesting stuff. I have gone on to find more things and discover that dinosaurs really were very social. We have found a lot of evidence that dinosaurs changed from when they were juveniles to when they were adults. The appearance of them would have been different -- which it is in all social animals. In social groups of animals, the juveniles always look different than the adults. The adults can recognize the juveniles; the juveniles can recognize the adults. And so we're making a better picture of what a dinosaur looks like. And they didn't just all chase Jeeps around. But it is that social thing that I guess attracted Michael Crichton. And in his book, he talked about the social animals. And then Steven Spielberg, of course, depicts these dinosaurs as being very social creatures. The theme of this story is building a dinosaur, and so we come to that part of "Jurassic Park." Michael Crichton really was one of the first people to talk about bringing dinosaurs back to life. You all know the story, right. I mean, I assume everyone here has seen "Jurassic Park." If you want to make a dinosaur, otherwise known as amber -- that has some blood-sucking insects in it, good ones, and you get your insect and you drill into it and you suck out some DNA, because obviously all insects that sucked blood in those days sucked dinosaur DNA out. And you take your DNA back to the laboratory and you clone it. And I guess you inject it into maybe an ostrich egg, or something like that, and then you wait, and, lo and behold, out pops a little baby dinosaur. And everybody's happy about that. And they're happy over and over again. They keep doing it; they just keep making these things. And then, then, then, and then ... Then the dinosaurs, being social, act out their socialness, and they get together, and they conspire. And, of course, that's what makes Steven Spielberg's movie -- conspiring dinosaurs chasing people around. So I assume everybody knows that if you actually had a piece of amber and it had an insect in it, and you got something out of that insect, and you cloned it, and you did it over and over and over again, you'd have a room full of mosquitos. And probably a whole bunch of trees as well. Now if you want dinosaur DNA, I say go to the dinosaur. So that's what we've done. Back in 1993 when the movie came out, we actually had a grant from the National Science Foundation to attempt to extract DNA from a dinosaur, and we chose the dinosaur on the left, a Tyrannosaurus rex, which was a very nice specimen. And one of my former doctoral students, Dr. Mary Schweitzer, actually had the background to do this sort of thing. And so she looked into the bone of this T. rex, one of the thigh bones, and she actually found some very interesting structures in there. They found these red circular-looking objects, and they looked, for all the world, like red blood cells. And they're in what appear to be the blood channels that go through the bone. And so she thought, well, what the heck. So she sampled some material out of it. Now it wasn't DNA; she didn't find DNA. But she did find heme, which is the biological foundation of hemoglobin. And that was really cool. That was interesting. That was -- here we have 65-million-year-old heme. Well we tried and tried and we couldn't really get anything else out of it. So a few years went by, and then we started the Hell Creek Project. And the Hell Creek Project was this massive undertaking to get as many dinosaurs as we could possibly find, and hopefully find some dinosaurs that had more material in them. And out in eastern Montana there's a lot of space, a lot of badlands, and not very many people, And we did find a lot of stuff. We found a lot of Tyrannosaurs, but we found one special Tyrannosaur, and we called it B-rex. And B-rex was found under a thousand cubic yards of rock. It wasn't a very complete T. rex, and it wasn't a very big T. rex, but it was a very special B-rex. And I and my colleagues cut into it, and we were able to determine, by looking at lines of arrested growth, some lines in it, that B-rex had died at the age of 16. We don't really know how long dinosaurs lived, because we haven't found the oldest one yet. But this one died at the age of 16. We gave samples to Mary Schweitzer, and she was actually able to determine that B-rex was a female based on medullary tissue found on the inside of the bone. Medullary tissue is the calcium build-up, the calcium storage basically, when an animal is pregnant, when a bird is pregnant. So here was the character that linked birds and dinosaurs. But Mary went further. She took the bone, and she dumped it into acid. Now we all know that bones are fossilized, and so if you dump it into acid, there shouldn't be anything left. But there was something left. There were blood vessels left. There were flexible, clear blood vessels. And so here was the first soft tissue from a dinosaur. It was extraordinary. But she also found osteocytes, which are the cells that laid down the bones. And try and try, we could not find DNA, but she did find evidence of proteins. But we thought maybe -- that the material was breaking down after it was coming out of the ground. We thought maybe it was deteriorating very fast. And so we built a laboratory in the back of an 18-wheeler trailer, and actually took the laboratory to the field where we could get better samples. And we did. We got better material. The cells looked better. The vessels looked better. Found the protein collagen. I mean, it was wonderful stuff. But it's not dinosaur DNA. So we have discovered that dinosaur DNA, and all DNA, just breaks down too fast. We're just not going to be able to do what they did in "Jurassic Park." We're not going to be able to make a dinosaur based on a dinosaur. But birds are dinosaurs. Birds are living dinosaurs. We actually classify them as dinosaurs. We now call them non-avian dinosaurs and avian dinosaurs. So the non-avian dinosaurs are the big clunky ones that went extinct. Avian dinosaurs are our modern birds. So we don't have to make a dinosaur because we already have them. I know, you're as bad as the sixth-graders. The sixth-graders look at it and they say, "No." "You can call it a dinosaur, but look at the velociraptor: the velociraptor is cool." "The chicken is not." So this is our problem, The chicken is a dinosaur. I mean it really is. You can't argue with it because we're the classifiers and we've classified it that way. But the sixth-graders demand it. "Fix the chicken." So that's what I'm here to tell you about: how we are going to fix a chicken. So we have a number of ways that we actually can fix the chicken. Because evolution works, we actually have some evolutionary tools. We'll call them biological modification tools. We have selection. And we know selection works. We started out with a wolf-like creature and we ended up with a Maltese. I mean, that's -- that's definitely genetic modification. Or any of the other funny-looking little dogs. We also have transgenesis. Transgenesis is really cool too. That's where you take a gene out of one animal and stick it in another one. That's how people make GloFish. You take a glow gene out of a coral or a jellyfish and you stick it in a zebrafish, and, puff, they glow. And that's pretty cool. And they obviously make a lot of money off of them. And now they're making Glow-rabbits and Glow-all-sorts-of-things. I guess we could make a glow chicken. But I don't think that'll satisfy the sixth-graders either. But there's another thing. There's what we call atavism activation. And atavism activation is basically -- an atavism is an ancestral characteristic. You heard that occasionally children are born with tails, and it's because it's an ancestral characteristic. And so there are a number of atavisms that can happen. Snakes are occasionally born with legs. And here's an example. This is a chicken with teeth. A fellow by the name of Matthew Harris at the University of Wisconsin in Madison actually figured out a way to stimulate the gene for teeth, and so was able to actually turn the tooth gene on and produce teeth in chickens. Now that's a good characteristic. We can save that one. We know we can use that. We can make a chicken with teeth. That's getting closer. That's better than a glowing chicken. A friend of mine, a colleague of mine, Dr. Hans Larsson at McGill University, is actually looking at atavisms. And he's looking at them by looking at the embryo genesis of birds and actually looking at how they develop, and he's interested in how birds actually lost their tail. He's also interested in the transformation of the arm, the hand, to the wing. He's looking for those genes as well. And I said, "Well, if you can find those, I can just reverse them and make what I need to make for the sixth-graders." And so he agreed. And so that's what we're looking into. If you look at dinosaur hands, a velociraptor has that cool-looking hand with the claws on it. Archaeopteryx, which is a bird, a primitive bird, still has that very primitive hand. But as you can see, the pigeon, or a chicken or anything else, another bird, has kind of a weird-looking hand, because the hand is a wing. But the cool thing is that, if you look in the embryo, as the embryo is developing the hand actually looks pretty much like the archaeopteryx hand. It has the three fingers, the three digits. But a gene turns on that actually fuses those together. And so what we're looking for is that gene. We want to stop that gene from turning on, fusing those hands together, so we can get a chicken that hatches out with a three-fingered hand, like the archaeopteryx. And the same goes for the tails. Birds have basically rudimentary tails. that in embryo, as the animal is developing, it actually has a relatively long tail. But a gene turns on and resorbs the tail, gets rid of it. So that's the other gene we're looking for. We want to stop that tail from resorbing. So what we're trying to do really is take our chicken, modify it and make the chickenosaurus. It's a cooler-looking chicken. But it's just the very basics. So that really is what we're doing. And people always say, "Why do that? Why make this thing? What good is it?" Well, that's a good question. Actually, I think it's a great way to teach kids about evolutionary biology and developmental biology and all sorts of things. And quite frankly, I think if Colonel Sanders was to be careful how he worded it, he could actually advertise an extra piece. Anyway -- When our dino-chicken hatches, it will be, obviously, the poster child, or what you might call a poster chick, for technology, entertainment and design. Thank you.	{ "source": "iwslt2017", "missed_lines": null, "inserted_lines_src": null, "inserted_lines_trg": null }
ここはインターネットの世界に存在する有名な匿名掲示板サイト。今日もいろいろな情報が飛び交い人々が思い思いに会話を楽しんでいる。【コミケ】夏コミにいたレイヤーを語るスレ【画像歓迎】今年の夏コミにいたレイヤーについて語るスレです画像をバンバン出していきましょう。今年も来たかこの時期がまぁ毎年恒例だもんな年2回しか無いし現地行くお前らちゃんと水分取れよー今年の夏コミは酷暑らしいからなー 7:名前:名無しさん thx気をつけるわ 8:名前:名無しさん俺は今から現地へ向かう、皆健闘を祈る 9:名前:名無しさんいってらー俺地方民だから応援だけしとくわ 10:名前:名無しさんお土産の画像期待しとけ 11:名前:名無しさんおう、待ってるわ ------1日目終了------ 246:名前:名無しさん知らん間に大分スレ進んでるな、とりあえず俺は今帰宅 247:名前:名無しさん 246 おっ、おかえり! 無事帰宅したようで何よりだわ 248:名前:名無しさんわい氏不覚にも熱中症になりかけて死にかけるなんとか無事に戻ってこれてよかった2日目はもっと気をつけて行くぜ 249:名前:名無しさん 248 無事でよかった本当たまに死ぬ事あるから気を付けてくれな? 俺の地元たまに死者でるから 250:名前:名無しさん 249 たまに死者出るってどんな魔境だよ 251:名前:名無しさん 250 中部地方、これで察するだろ? 252:名前:名無しさん 251 40度オーバーの出る県はやべーわそりゃ死人も出るわ 253:名前:名無しさんんじゃそろそろ画像貼ってくわ画像名がレイヤー名だから興味ある人はその人探してみてくれな 254:名前:名無しさん 253 255:名前:名無しさん 253 256:名前:名無しさん 257:名前:名無しさんおむすびころりんってあれかスマホゲーのメインヒロインの1人だよなあとだんだむに草不可避ダンボール被ってるだけじゃねぇかwww あとしらひめゆかって可愛いなこれ何のコスプレだ? 258:名前:名無しさんしらひめゆか可愛いなあとだんだむはズルいあんなん現地で見たら腹抱える 259:名前:名無しさんおっVtuberのゆかちゃんじゃんマジで現地に居たんだな 260:名前:名無しさん知っているのか259 261:名前:名無しさん 259 262:名前:名無しさんあ、あぁ白姫ゆかっていうVtuberなんだけど個人勢で超高クオリティの3Dモデルと可愛いデザインと可愛い声で人気になった子だなだが、男だ 263:名前:名無しさん 262 へぇ、調べてみるわ男?・・・はぁ!?男!? 264:名前:名無しさん 262 いやいや、あんなに可愛い女の子が男の子な訳・・・ 265:名前:名無しさんあの、オレ男レイヤーなんだけどさその白姫ゆかって子? 男子更衣室にいたからガチだぞ 266:名前:名無しさん 265 267:名前:名無しさん俺もレイヤーだけどマジでいたぞ俺の相方が男でもイケそうとか言い始めてやばかった 268:名前:名無しさんいたいた、何がやばいって衣装のクオリティとにいるお姉さんたちがまた綺麗なんだわ 269:名前:名無しさん 268 270:名前:名無しさん 269 嫉妬でアンチになるなwww ------2日目終了------ 369:名前:名無しさん 370:名前:名無しさん 371:名前:元ローアングル侍 372:名前:名無しさん 371 おぉっとローアングル侍・・・元? 373:名前:元ローアングル侍拙者は今まで悪い事をしていたのでござる 374:名前:名無しさん 373 今更だろローアングルはマナー違反だってまぁありがたいにはありがたいのは否定しないが 375:名前:元ローアングル侍これを見てほしいでござる Yuka.jpg 376:名前:名無しさん 375 おい、お前本当にローアングル侍か? なんだよこの神ショット 377:名前:名無しさん 375 お前、消えるのか? 378:名前:元ローアングル侍ゆか殿に罵られてから罪悪感が凄いのでござる。 379:名前:名無しさん 378 何やったんだよwwww 380:名前:元ローアングル侍って汚物を見るような目と感情のない声で言われたのでござる。何か言葉にできない感情が生まれたのでござる。 381:名前:名無しさん 380 俺も言って欲しい... 382:名前:元ローアングル侍 381 死にたくなるでござる 383:名前:名無しさん 382 そこまで? 384:名前:元ローアングル侍拙者は心を改めたでござる次に会うことがあるのなら、前を向いて堂々と撮らせてもらう所存にござる 385:名前:名無しさんま、まぁいいことなんだよ、な? ------3日目終了------ 651:名前:名無しさんおつおつ皆生きてるかー? 652:名前:名無しさん 651 おう、なんとかなー 653:名前:名無しさん今日で終わりと思うと切ないよなー 654:名前:名無しさん 653 ほんとそれ 655:名前:名無しさん 656:名前:名無しさんほんじゃま俺の戦果を載せようか 657:名前:名無しさん 656 お前白姫ゆか好きすぎだろwww っておいなんだこの衣装 658:名前:名無しさんまほうだんしでクッソ笑ったのに最後の尊い生物はなんだ 659:名前:名無しさんこれがゆかちゃんですか 660:名前:名無しさんそういやさ、俺昨日白姫ゆかのアンチスレ行ったんだわ 661:名前:名無しさん 660 唐突だな 662:名前:名無しさんまぁ過去ログ落ちしてたんだけどさアンチほぼ居ないんだよなんか逆に怖くてさ 663:名前:名無しさん 662 アンチいないのはいい事では? 664:名前:名無しさん 663 665:名前:名無しさん 664 666:名前:名無しさん 665 あー俺そこの本スレ民だけどさ、あれには俺も困惑したわ 667:名前:名無しさん 666 本スレ民まで困惑すんのかよ 668:名前:名無しさん 667 いや確かに可愛いからな、一度見てみて欲しいとは思う。ただあの変わり身は流石に怖いぞ。 669:名前:名無しさん 668 まじか見てみるかな 670:名前:名無しさん 669 671:名前:名無しさん 670 世の中って広いんだな・・・	This is a famous anonymous forum site that exists in the world of the internet. Various information is spreading today, and people are enjoying casual conversations as they please. [Comiket] Summer Comiket Cosplayers Thread [Pics welcome]: Name: Anon This thread is for discussing cosplayers who were at this year’s Summer Comiket. Let’s drop those pics.: Name: Anon It’s that time of the year again, huh?: Name: Anon Well, it’s an annual tradition, and it only happens twice a year: Name: Anon Those of you going to the venue, make sure you stay hydrated. They say this year’s Summer Comiket is gonna be a scorcher. 7: Name: Anon thx, will keep that in mind 8: Name: Anon I’m heading to the venue now, wish everyone good luck 9: Name: Anon i live outside the city, so i’ll just be cheering from here 10: Name: Anon Look forward to some souvenir pics 11: Name: Anon thanks, i’ll be waiting ——End of Day 1—— 246: Name: Anon Didn’t realize the thread advanced so much, just got home anyways 247: Name: Anon >>246 oh, welcome back! glad to see you made it home safe 248: Name: Anon ya boi here almost got a heat stroke. nearly died glad I made it back safe, I’ll be more careful on the second day 249: Name: Anon >>248 glad youre okay seriously, be careful, okay? people sometimes die from this where i’m from 250: Name: Anon >>249 “People sometimes die” – what kind of hellhole do you live in? 251: Name: Anon >>250 chubu region. you can guess from that, right? 252: Name: Anon >>251 A place where it gets over 40 degrees is crazy No wonder people die 253: Name: Anon Alright, I’ll start posting some pics The file names are the same as the cosplayer names, so if you’re interested, look for them 254: Name: Anon >>253 255: Name: Anon >>253 256: Name: Anon 257: Name: Anon omusubi kororin? isn’t that one of the main heroines in a mobile game? also, i can’t help but laugh at “boxdam” they just put a cardboard box on lmaooo this yuka shirahime is cute, though, what cosplay is this? 258: Name: Anon Yuka Shirahime is cute. And Boxdam is just hilarious, if I saw that IRL, I’d be rolling on the floor. 259: Name: Anon oh, it’s the vtuber yuka-chan she was really there, huh 260: Name: Anon u know her, >>259? 261: Anon >>259 262: Name: Anon okay, okay... yuka shirahime is an indie vtuber she’s famous for her super high-quality 3D model, cute design and voice but, she’s a guy 263: Name Anon >>262 Huh, I’ll look her up. A guy? ...Wait, what?! A guy?! 264: Name: Anon >>262 no way, there’s no way such a cute girl is a guy... 265: Anon Uh, I’m a male cosplayer, so... That Yuka Shirahime y’all talking about? She was in the men’s dressing room, so it’s legit. 266: Name: Anon >>265 267: Name: Anon I’m a cosplayer and I also saw her My buddy started saying things like he wouldn’t mind swinging the other way for yuka. it was crazy 268: Name: Anon yeah, what’s insane is not just the quality of her costume, but also how pretty the women she was with were. 269: Name: Anon >>268 270: Anon >>269 Don’t become a hater out of jealousy, lolol ——End of Day 2—— 369: Name: Anon 370: Name: Anon heyaa 371: Name: Former Low-Angler Samurai 372: Name: Anon >>371 woah there, it’s the low-angler samurai... wait, former? 373: Name: Former Low-Angler Samurai I have done unforgivable things. 374: Name: Anon >>373 You’re saying that now? Being a low-angler is a breach of manners in itself Well, I won’t lie I’m grateful you’ve decided to change 375: Name: Former Low-Angler Samurai Please feast your eyes on this. Yuka.jpg 376: Name: Anon >>375 are you sure you’re the same low-angler samurai? whats with this angelic shot? 377: Name: Anon >>375 are you gonna vanish? 378: Name: Former Low-Angler Samurai Madam Yuka’s verbal abuse gave me intense feelings of guilt. 379: Name: Anon >>378 Wtf did you do LMAO 380: Name: Former Low-Angler Samurai I propped to take my usual low shot, and she said this in the most jaded eyes and voice, “You’re into that stuff, onii-chan? Creep,” as if she were looking at filth. It made me feel things indescribable by words. 381: Name: Anon >>380 i wish she would say that to me too... 382: Name: Former Low-Angler Samurai >>381 It’d make you want to die. 383: Name: Anon >>382 that bad? 384: Name: Former Low-Angler Samurai I have mended my ways. Should we meet again, I fully intend to boldly capture her visage, facing forward in all her glory. 385: Name: Anon i-i guess that’s a good thing, right? ——End of Day 3—— 651: Name: Anon heyo, anyone alive? 652: Name: Anon >>651 Yeah, barely hanging in there 653: Name: Anon Feels kinda sad that it’s ending today 654: Name: Anon >>653 655: Name: Anon Yea, too real 656: Name: Anon Alright, lemme post my accomplishments then. 657: Name: Anon >>656 Dude, you’re too into Yuka Shirahime wwwww Wait, what’s with that outfit? 658: Name: Anon i was laughing my *** off at the magical boy, but what was that precious creature at the end? 659: Name: Anon Is that yuka-chan? 660: Name: Anon Speaking of which, I visited Yuka Shirahime’s hate thread yesterday. 661: Name: Anon >>660 that’s random 662: Name: Anon Well, the past log was gone, but there were barely any haters, it was kinda scary 663: Name: Anon >>662 isn’t it great there are no haters? 664: Name: Anon >>663 665: Name: Anon >>664 666: Name: Anon >>665 Ah, I’m from the main thread, and even I was puzzled by that 667: Name: Anon >>666 Even a main thread member is confused? 668: Name: Anon >>667 Well, she’s cute, I do want people to take a look But that change was undoubtedly scary 669: Name: Anon >>668 Really? mb I’ll check it out 670: Name: Anon >>669 Yup 671: Name: Anon >>670 It’s a huge world we live in...	{ "source": "manual-fanfic", "missed_lines": 11, "inserted_lines_src": 28, "inserted_lines_trg": 21 }
【VRMMO】Next Stage Online総合スレ part2020 『Next Stage Online』について総合的に語るスレです基本的にどんな話題でもOKですが、パーティ募集、愚痴、アンチ、晒しなどは専用スレでお願いします次スレは自動で立ちますおつおつ新要素当たりだわ 4:駆け抜ける名無し開幕からスレが荒れてない! やっと平和なNSOが帰って来た! 5:駆け抜ける名無しワイのユニゾン、かわいいリアルじゃペット飼えへん環境やから最高や! 6:駆け抜ける名無し仲間にしたワンちゃんのオシャレ装備を手に入れるためにメダルがどんどん減っていきますよ~ 7:駆け抜ける名無し今更スキルとかの弱体化の補填でメダルを送りつけてきたからなんだと思ったらこういうことだったんすねぇ 8:駆け抜ける名無し思った以上にご意見・ご感想フォームが荒れたんだろうなでもアプデ前に補填でメダルを送りつけても使い道があんまないってさらに荒れてそう 9:駆け抜ける名無しこのタイミングでの補填は狙ってたのか 10:駆け抜ける名無し補填ってなんだ? 俺のところにはNSOメダル送られてきてないんだが? メダルくれよ! 11:駆け抜ける名無しこの前のアプデで弱体化を受けたプレイヤーのところに補填としてNSOメダルが配布されたメダル交換で手に入れたスキルに関してはその分のメダル全部返ってきたんで普通にプレイングで獲得したスキルは弱体化の度合いによってメダルの数が変動するが結構返ってきた 12:駆け抜ける名無しメダルの使い道を増やしてから補填することで即座にばら撒いたメダルを回収する手腕運営に有能な人間でも入ったんか? 13:駆け抜ける名無し会話は出来へんけど仕草が作りこまれててスキンシップが楽しいわ見てるだけでもしばらくは飽きへんで 14:駆け抜ける名無しステータスもプレイヤーとさほど差がないから戦力としても十分期待できるしメダルを惜しまず使えるわ 15:駆け抜ける名無しユニゾンばっか言われてるがスクランブルも面白いぞグロウカードはちょっと地味だが悪くない 16:駆け抜ける名無し海でクラーケンと戦ったで~ 全然活躍できなかったけど少し報酬もらえたわ雑魚でも必死に頑張れば評価してくれるみたいでワイにっこり 17:駆け抜ける名無し大型スクランブルは天変地異クラスとの戦いなんだな動画見たけど派手派手で楽しそうだったわ 18:駆け抜ける名無し遭遇するかどうかは運次第なところだけ欠点だなとはいえ予告するとシャレにならん数のプレイヤー所に集まるし仕方ないか 19:駆け抜ける名無し弓おじもおったで! 黒い魚引き連れてたわ! 20:駆け抜ける名無し事件の陰に弓おじアリまあ、今回はどっかのギルドのメンバーが目立ってたな 21:駆け抜ける名無し氷の女と土の男がやばかったなあの海に足場作って出て行こうとする根性よ 22:駆け抜ける名無し新生グローリア戦士団の奴らだな古参のゲーマー集団の女は古株でキョウカって言ったかな男はよくしらんなぁ 23:駆け抜ける名無しあれ?あそこ解散してなかった? 24:駆け抜ける名無しメインで活動してたゲームがサービス停止してからは沈黙してたけど最近新メンバーを加えて復活した 25:駆け抜ける名無しそもそもただ単にゲームを楽しむ集団だから最近のプロチームとは少し雰囲気が違うんだよな 26:駆け抜ける名無し一応リーダーはいるけど全員対等な立場という変わった集団 27:駆け抜ける名無しマナーとかルールを守るなら奇人変人も別に構わんよ 28:駆け抜ける名無し NSOが盛り上がっていろんなプレイヤーが入ってくるのはいいことだ 29:駆け抜ける名無し 30:駆け抜ける名無しイベントはまだやらないのか? 31:駆け抜ける名無し最近公式サイトのレイアウトとかこまめに変わってるし準備してる雰囲気はあるよな 32:駆け抜ける名無しまあそりゃ準備はしてるやろいつでもいけるように 33:駆け抜ける名無しこのいい雰囲気を新しいイベントで壊すのが怖いと思ってるのかもな 34:駆け抜ける名無しでも俺の中の獣は求めているぞ熱く滾った燃えるようなイベントを......!! 35:駆け抜ける名無し実際に燃えた定期 36:駆け抜ける名無し燃えました 37:駆け抜ける名無ししばらく燃えるイベントはいいやぬるま湯みてぇなイベントにしてくれ 38:駆け抜ける名無しイベント自体は望むのかい! 39:駆け抜ける名無しイベントはプレイヤー全体に一体感が出るからな何だかんだオンラインゲームと切り離せない要素なのよ 40:駆け抜ける名無し運営見てるかー!? イベントをしろー!! 41:駆け抜ける名無し運営がこんなスレ見てるってバレたらまた騒ぎになるだろ! やめとけやめとけ! ◆ ◆ ◆ 新要素に盛り上がる掲示板。その中でイベントを求める声がちらほらと上がり始めていた。熱く燃えるかはさておき、その願いが届く時は......そう遠くない。	[VRMMO] Next Stage Online General Thread part: Anonymous Runner A general thread to discuss ‘Next Stage Online.’ While most subjects are allowed, party requests, complaints, trolling and bragging have their own threads. The next thread will be created automatically.: Anonymous Runner Thanks. The new content is great. 4: Anonymous Runner This thread is off to a good start! We are finally back to the peaceful NSO! 5: Anonymous Runner My Unison is really cute. Which is great, because I can’t have a pet in real life! 6: Anonymous Runner I keep spending all my medals in order to buy fancy new equipment for my doggie! 7: Anonymous Runner I was wondering why they sent us medals as a compensation for nerfing skills, but I guess this is the reason. 8: Anonymous Runner The opinions and reaction forms must have been worse than they were expecting. But sending people medals before the update was bound to cause confusion, as no one knew what to use them for. 9: Anonymous Runner So they were aiming to compensate us at this time. 10: Anonymous Runner Compensate? But I didn’t receive any NSO medals? Give me my medals! 11: Anonymous Runner They sent NSO medals to players who were nerfed during the previous update. When it came to skills that were acquired through trading in medals, you were given back all the medals you spent. As for skills acquired through normal playing, the amount of medals you received depended on how much they nerfed the skill. 12: Anonymous Runner By increasing the number of ways to spend the medals, they could recover them quickly after distributing them. Did management hire someone capable recently? 13: Anonymous Runner While you can’t have a conversation with them, they have great animations and interactions. I can watch them for a long time and not get bored. 14: Anonymous Runner And their status isn’t too different from the player, so they will be very useful in battle. And so it won’t hurt to use medals on them. 15: Anonymous Runner You’re only talking about the Unisons, but the Scrambles are interesting too. The Grow Cards aren’t as interesting, but they aren’t bad either. 16: Anonymous Runner I fought a Kraken at sea! I wasn’t able to contribute all that much, but I got a small reward. It seems like even small fry get acknowledged if you do your best. So I’m happy. 17: Anonymous Runner The large scale scrambles are a fight against cataclysm class enemies, huh? I saw some videos, and it looked crazy and fun. 18: Anonymous Runner The only downside is that encountering them is luck based. But I guess it can’t be helped. If they let us know in advance, a ridiculous amount of players would flock to the area. 19: Anonymous Runner The old bowman was there! And he had this black fish with him! 20: Anonymous Runner The old bowman always appears in the shadows of big events. Well, this time it was some guild member that drew the most attention. 21: Anonymous Runner The ice girl and the earth guy were crazy. They had a lot of guts to go out into the sea like that while creating platforms. 22: Anonymous Runner It’s the guys from the Reborn Gloria Order. They’re a group of veteran gamers. The girl is especially well known. Her name is Kyuka. I don’t know the guy very well. 23: Anonymous Runner Huh? I thought that they disbanded? 24: Anonymous Runner They were just quiet because their main game went offline. But they brought some new members in and made a comeback. 25: Anonymous Runner In the first place, they are a group who just want to enjoy the game, so they are a little different from other professional teams. 26: Anonymous Runner There is still a leader, but everyone is equal in position. They are quite unusual. 27: Anonymous Runner I don’t care if they are eccentric, as long as they follow the rules. 28: Anonymous Runner It’s good that players who can attract more attention are joining NSO. 29: Anonymous Runner 30: Anonymous Runner Are they not going to do any more events? 31: Anonymous Runner The layout of the official website keeps changing, so it seems like they are preparing something. 32: Anonymous Runner Well, of course, they are preparing something. So they’ll be ready when the time comes. 33: Anonymous Runner Perhaps they’re afraid of ruining this great atmosphere with a new event. 34: Anonymous Runner But the beast inside of me wants it. A heated event that burns like the sun...!! 35: Anonymous Runner Well, they always result in flame wars. 36: Anonymous Runner I’ve been burned. 37: Anonymous Runner I don’t want events like that for a while. Bring on the lukewarm events. 38: Anonymous Runner So you still want events! 39: Anonymous Runner The events give players a sense of unity. It’s something you can’t really take away from online games. 40: Anonymous Runner Are you watching, management!? Give us some events!! 41: Anonymous Runner People will freak out again if they find out that management is watching this thread. It’s better if they don’t! ◆ ◆ ◆ The message boards were excited about the new features. And there were some players here and there who wanted new events. Leaving the heated part aside, the moment that their prayers would be answered...was not far away.	{ "source": "manual-fanfic", "missed_lines": 4, "inserted_lines_src": 2, "inserted_lines_trg": 11 }
ハチは花粉の運び手としてとても重要です果物野菜花や家畜の餌となる作物などの花粉を運びます果物野菜花や家畜の餌となる作物などの花粉を運びます世界の作物生産の3分の1以上がハチの受粉に依存しています世界の作物生産の3分の1以上がハチの受粉に依存していますしかしハチが受粉するのは私達の食糧のためではありませんしかしハチが受粉するのは私達の食糧のためではありません彼らは食事しているのですハチは必要なタンパク質を全て花粉から摂取しハチは必要なタンパク質を全て花粉から摂取し必要な炭水化物は全て花の蜜から摂取します花を食べているんですショッピングするように花から花へ移動してショッピングするように花から花へ移動して結果的に受粉が行われますハチがいない地域もしくはハチが受粉する品種がない地域ではハチがいない地域もしくはハチが受粉する品種がない地域では手作業で受粉することが仕事になります花粉を花から花へ筆を使って運びます花粉を花から花へ筆を使って運びますこうした手作業の受粉は現在それほど珍しくありませんこうした手作業の受粉は現在それほど珍しくありませんトマトの栽培ではしばしば携帯バイブレータを使用しますトマトの栽培ではしばしば携帯バイブレータを使用します今トマトをくすぐっているところですトマトの花粉はおしべの葯の中にしっかりと閉じ込められているためしっかりと閉じ込められているため振動を与えなければ花粉が出てこないからですマルハナバチは花を振動させる世界でも数少ないハチですマルハナバチは花を振動させる世界でも数少ないハチです音符のドに近い周波数で飛翔筋を震わせて音符のドに近い周波数で飛翔筋を震わせて振動させることで花に刺激を与えるとシューッと効率的に花粉が放出されハチはふさふさした体全体に花粉を集めて食糧として巣に持ち帰ります現在のトマト栽培ではマルハナバチの巣を温室の中に入れ受粉を行っています自然な状態で行った方がはるかに効率的で自然な状態で行った方がはるかに効率的で品質の良いトマトができるからですそしてハチに関して気になることがまだありますそしてハチに関して気になることがまだありますハチは世界に20,000種以上みんな美しいものばかりですハチは世界に20,000種以上みんな美しいものばかりですほとんどのハチが一生の大半を地中や植物の中に隠れて過ごしますがほとんどのハチが一生の大半を地中や植物の中に隠れて過ごしますがその中でも高い社会性を進化させた種がミツバチですその中でも高い社会性を進化させた種がミツバチですほかの19,900の種にとってはミツバチはカリスマといえますほかの19,900の種にとってはミツバチはカリスマといえますミツバチには人々をひきつける何かがあるからですミツバチには人々をひきつける何かがあるからです有史以来人間はミツバチに魅せられてきました有史以来人間はミツバチに魅せられてきました素晴らしい天然甘味料であるハチミツが採れるからです素晴らしい天然甘味料であるハチミツが採れるからです私がミツバチの世界に魅せられたのは本当に偶然でした私がミツバチの世界に魅せられたのは本当に偶然でした 18歳のとき退屈だったので図書館でハチに関する本を借りて 18歳のとき退屈だったので図書館でハチに関する本を借りて一晩かけて読みました昆虫の社会がこれほど複雑だとは思いもしませんでした昆虫の社会がこれほど複雑だとは思いもしませんでしたまるでSFの世界だったのですそしてハチを家族のように愛している養蜂家の人達がいることを知りましたそしてハチを家族のように愛している養蜂家の人達がいることを知りました読み終えたとき自分の目で見ないといけないと思いましたそこで養蜂場で働くことにしましたニューメキシコ州の一家で 2,000個のハチの巣を所有していました私は完全にはまってしまいましたミツバチはまさにスーパー生物ですコロニー自体が生き物でコロニーには4万から5万匹のミツバチがいますコロニーには4万から5万匹のミツバチがいますミツバチの社会には中央権力がありませんリーダーはいないのですではどのようにして集団的な意思決定や作業や労働の割り当てをし花の場所を知らせるのかミツバチの集団的な社会行動はすべて衝撃的なものです個人的な好みから私が長年研究しているのはハチのヘルスケア・システムですそうハチの社会にもヘルスケアがあるんですハチがどうやって健康管理をしているのかを研究しています例えば衛生についていえば病気のハチを巣から追い出すことで病気のハチを巣から追い出すことで巣を健康に保ちます最近私達が研究しているのはハチが植物から収集する樹脂です最近私達が研究しているのはハチが植物から収集する樹脂ですハチは植物の葉から非常に粘着性のある樹脂を擦り取りハチは植物の葉から非常に粘着性のある樹脂を擦り取り巣に持ち帰ります巣を作るための接着剤として使用するためですこれはプロポリスと呼ばれていますこのプロポリスは天然の消毒剤・抗生物質であることがわかりましたこのプロポリスは天然の消毒剤・抗生物質であることがわかりましたコロニー内の細菌やカビその他の菌を殺すことができますコロニー内の細菌やカビその他の菌を殺すことができますこうしてコロニーの健康と免疫が支えられているのです人間は聖書の時代からプロポリスの力を知っていました人間は聖書の時代からプロポリスの力を知っていました人間のための薬として巣からプロポリスを収穫していますが人間のための薬として巣からプロポリスを収穫していますがハチにとってどう良いのか我々は知りませんでしたミツバチはこの驚くべき防御機能によって 5000万年以上にわたって健康と繁栄を保持してきたのです 5000万年以上にわたって健康と繁栄を保持してきたのです 7年前始めはアメリカでミツバチのコロニーが大量に死滅しつつあると報告されましたミツバチのコロニーが大量に死滅しつつあると報告されました何か異常が起きていることは明らかでした常識的に考えてハチは私達にとって欠かすことのできない生き物です常識的に考えてハチは私達にとって欠かすことのできない生き物です何が起こっているのでしょうか? 複数の要因が絡み合っているのでこれから一つ一つ見ていきましょう複数の要因が絡み合っているのでこれから一つ一つ見ていきましょう重要な要因としては花が咲かない土地の増加と食糧制度の機能不全があります花が咲かない土地の増加と食糧制度の機能不全がありますミツバチに関する良いデータがあるので例として見ていきましょうミツバチに関する良いデータがあるので例として見ていきましょう実は第二次世界大戦以降アメリカではハチがずっと減少してきています実は第二次世界大戦以降アメリカではハチがずっと減少してきています現在国内で飼われているハチの巣の数は 1945年と比べると半数しかありません約200万まで減少したと考えていますその理由は第二次世界大戦後農業のやり方を変えたことですその理由は第二次世界大戦後農業のやり方を変えたことですクローバーやアルファルファなどの間作物を植えるのをやめたのですクローバーやアルファルファなどの間作物を植えるのをやめたのですこれらは土壌に窒素を固定するための天然の肥料となりますその代わりに使用し始めたのが合成肥料ですクローバーやアルファルファはハチにとって栄養価の高い食糧でしたまた戦後農場の雑草駆除に除草剤が使用され始めましたまた戦後農場の雑草駆除に除草剤が使用され始めました多くの雑草は開花植物でハチの生存に必要なものでした多くの雑草は開花植物でハチの生存に必要なものでしたさらに私達は広大な単一栽培を増やしていったのです「食料砂漠」とは食料品店がない地域のことですがかつてハチを支えてきた農場はいまやハチにとって「食料砂漠」ですトウモロコシや大豆などのほんの数種に占拠されているからですトウモロコシや大豆などのほんの数種に占拠されているからです第二次世界大戦以降ハチの生存に必要な開花植物の多くを第二次世界大戦以降ハチの生存に必要な開花植物の多くを計画的に排除してきました単一栽培はアーモンドのようなハチに適した作物にまで拡大しました単一栽培はアーモンドのようなハチに適した作物にまで拡大しました 50年前は養蜂家がアーモンド園に連れて行くハチの巣はごくわずかでした 50年前は養蜂家がアーモンド園に連れて行くハチの巣はごくわずかでしたアーモンドの花は花粉がタンパク質に富みハチに適していましたアーモンドの単一栽培が広まった今では 150万以上のハチの巣をアメリカ中から輸送し 150万以上のハチの巣をアメリカ中から輸送しアーモンドを受粉させる必要がありますアーモンドを受粉させる必要があります積荷として運ばれた後はまた引き上げなければなりません積荷として運ばれた後はまた引き上げなければなりませんアーモンドの花の時期が終わると単一栽培のアーモンド園は広大な花のない大地になってしまうからですこの50年でハチの数は減っているのに私達はハチの受粉を必要とする作物の栽培を増やしていますハチの受粉を必要とする作物の生産量は 4倍になりましたハチの受粉を必要とする作物の生産量は 4倍になりましたそして殺虫剤の問題があります第二次世界大戦後殺虫剤が大規模に使用され始めました第二次世界大戦後殺虫剤が大規模に使用され始めました単一栽培は害虫にとってごちそうなので殺虫剤が必要になったのです単一栽培は害虫にとってごちそうなので殺虫剤が必要になったのですペンシルベニア州立大学の最近の研究ではハチが食糧として持ち帰る花粉内の残留殺虫剤が調べられましたハチが食糧として持ち帰る花粉内の残留殺虫剤が調べられましたミツバチが収集する花粉全てに少なくとも6種の殺虫剤が検出されましたミツバチが収集する花粉全てに少なくとも6種の殺虫剤が検出されましたミツバチが収集する花粉全てに少なくとも6種の殺虫剤が検出されましたここには除草剤や殺菌剤の他不活性成分や非表示成分も含まれていて不活性成分や非表示成分も含まれていてそちらの方が有効成分より有毒なこともありますそちらの方が有効成分より有毒なこともありますそしてハチが指標となっているわけです人間にはどの程度影響があるのでしょうか? 殺虫剤の一種であるネオニコチノイドが現在世界で注目を集めています殺虫剤の一種であるネオニコチノイドが現在世界で注目を集めています殺虫剤の一種であるネオニコチノイドが現在世界で注目を集めています聞いたことがあるかもしれませんがこれは新種の殺虫剤で聞いたことがあるかもしれませんがこれは新種の殺虫剤で植物内に取り込まれるため葉を食べた虫は致死量に達し死ぬことになります葉を食べた虫は致死量に達し死ぬことになります葉を食べた虫は致死量に達し死ぬことになりますこのネオニコチノイドが高濃度で土壌などにまかれた場合このネオニコチノイドが高濃度で土壌などにまかれた場合このネオニコチノイドが高濃度で土壌などにまかれた場合多くの殺虫成分が植物内に入りハチが食べる花粉やハチミツに達しますハチが食べる花粉やハチミツに達しますハチは高濃度の神経毒によってけいれんを起こして死んでしまいますハチは高濃度の神経毒によってけいれんを起こして死んでしまいます多くの農家ではネオニコチノイドがかかっているのは種の部分だけなので植物内に入り花粉やハチミツにたどり着くのはほんの低濃度ですそれをハチが食べたとしたら何も起こらないかもしれませんしそれをハチが食べたとしたら何も起こらないかもしれませんし中毒となり混乱して帰り道がわからなくなるかもしれません中毒となり混乱して帰り道がわからなくなるかもしれませんそして重要なのはハチには固有の病気や寄生虫があることですそして重要なのはハチには固有の病気や寄生虫があることですハチにとって最大の天敵はこれなんですバロアデストラクターと言いますその名の通りバロアデストラクターと言いますその名の通り体の大きな血を吸う寄生虫でミツバチの免疫システムを破壊しウイルスを注入しますミツバチの免疫システムを破壊しウイルスを注入しますわかりやすく説明すると大きな吸血寄生虫が体中をかけまわりウイルスに感染することが大きな吸血寄生虫が体中をかけまわりウイルスに感染することがハチにとってどんな気分なのかはわかりませんがインフルエンザにかかったときを考えてみてください栄養のあるものを買おうとしても食料品店に行くのが大変です栄養のあるものを買おうとしても食料品店に行くのが大変ですもし食糧砂漠に住んでいたらつまり食料品店まで行くのに長距離を移動しないといけなくてつまり食料品店まで行くのに長距離を移動しないといけなくて弱った体でたどり着き食糧を手に入れたとしても弱った体でたどり着き食糧を手に入れたとしても中には神経毒の殺虫剤が入っていて帰り道がわからなくなるとしたら? 中には神経毒の殺虫剤が入っていて帰り道がわからなくなるとしたら? これこそが複数に絡み合う死因の正体ですこれこそが複数に絡み合う死因の正体ですミツバチだけではありませんトマトを受粉するマルハナバチを含む全ての美しい野生種が危機に瀕していますこれらのハチはミツバチの代役となりますミツバチとともに受粉を担う保険となっているのです全てのハチが私達にとって必要なのですでは何をすればいいのでしょうか? 私達がハチに与えた災難に対し何をすればいいのでしょうか? 私達がハチに与えた災難に対し何をすればいいのでしょうか? まだまだ希望はあります 2つの簡単で直接的な方法で誰でもハチを助けることができます 2つの簡単で直接的な方法で誰でもハチを助けることができますハチに優しい花を植えることそしてハチの食糧となる花を殺虫剤で汚染しないことですそしてハチの食糧となる花を殺虫剤で汚染しないことですお住まいの地域に自生する花をネットで検索してそれを植えてくださいお住まいの地域に自生する花をネットで検索してそれを植えてください玄関先の植木鉢や庭の芝生家の前の通りなどに植えてください玄関先の植木鉢や庭の芝生家の前の通りなどに植えてください玄関先の植木鉢や庭の芝生家の前の通りなどに植えてください公共の庭園やコミュニティ空間牧草地に植えるよう呼びかけてください公共の庭園やコミュニティ空間牧草地に植えるよう呼びかけてください農地を守ってください春から秋の生育期間に花を咲かせる美しい多種多様な花が必要です春から秋の生育期間に花を咲かせる美しい多種多様な花が必要です春から秋の生育期間に花を咲かせる美しい多種多様な花が必要です道端に花を植えるのはハチのためだけでなく移動する蝶や鳥の他野生動物のためでもあります移動する蝶や鳥の他野生動物のためでもあります土壌やハチに栄養を与えるためには間作物に戻すことも考えなければなりません土壌やハチに栄養を与えるためには間作物に戻すことも考えなければなりません土壌やハチに栄養を与えるためには間作物に戻すことも考えなければなりませんそうして農場を多様化する必要があるのです開花作物で生垣の塀を作ることで農業の食糧砂漠化を防ぎ機能不全した食糧システムを修正し始める必要があります機能不全した食糧システムを修正し始める必要があります花を植えるだけなんて大したことないように見えますが花を植えるだけなんて大したことないように見えますがハチが栄養を手に入れられるようになればハチの受粉を通して私達も栄養を手に入れられるようになりますハチの受粉を通して私達も栄養を手に入れられるようになりますハチが栄養を手に入れられるようになれば何百万年も培ってきた免疫やヘルスケアをよりよく活用できるようになります何百万年も培ってきた免疫やヘルスケアをよりよく活用できるようになります何百万年も培ってきた免疫やヘルスケアをよりよく活用できるようになりますこうした方法でハチを助けることの素晴らしさは誰もがハチの社会のように振る舞う必要があることです誰もがハチの社会のように振る舞う必要があることです個々の行動が大きな問題の解決に貢献します個々の行動が大きな問題の解決に貢献しますこれを創発特性といいますが個々の行動を単に合計したものよりずっと大きな成果が得られます個々の行動を単に合計したものよりずっと大きな成果が得られますだから花を植えたり殺虫剤をなくすという小さな行動をだから花を植えたり殺虫剤をなくすという小さな行動を大規模な変化への駆動力にしていきましょうハチに代わってお礼を申し上げますありがとうございました (拍手) クリス・アンダーソン: ありがとうございました少し質問してもよろしいですかハチの死滅に関する最新の数字ですが減少に歯止めがかかる兆候は見られますか? どういった見通しを持たれていますか? マーラ・スピヴァク: はい少なくともアメリカでは毎年冬に全てのハチの巣の平均30%が失われています毎年冬に全てのハチの巣の平均30%が失われています約20年前は15%の減少でした約20年前は15%の減少でしただんだん危険になってきています CA: 年に30%ではなくそれは― MS: いいえ年に30%です CA: 年に30% MS: でも養蜂家達はコロニーを分割できますので数を一定に調整できるのです損失があっても回復できます我々は転換点にいますもうこれ以上失うことはできません全国の養蜂家の方たちに本当に感謝していますどうか花を植えてください CA: ありがとうございました	Bees are the most important pollinators of our fruits and vegetables and flowers and crops like alfalfa hay that feed our farm animals. More than one third of the world's crop production is dependent on bee pollination. But the ironic thing is that bees are not out there pollinating our food intentionally. They're out there because they need to eat. Bees get all of the protein they need in their diet from pollen and all of the carbohydrates they need from nectar. They're flower-feeders, and as they move from flower to flower, basically on a shopping trip at the local floral mart, they end up providing this valuable pollination service. In parts of the world where there are no bees, or where they plant varieties that are not attractive to bees, people are paid to do the business of pollination by hand. These people are moving pollen from flower to flower with a paintbrush. Now this business of hand pollination is actually not that uncommon. Tomato growers often pollinate their tomato flowers with a hand-held vibrator. Now this one's the tomato tickler. Now this is because the pollen within a tomato flower is held very securely within the male part of the flower, the anther, and the only way to release this pollen is to vibrate it. So bumblebees are one of the few kinds of bees in the world that are able to hold onto the flower and vibrate it, and they do this by shaking their flight muscles at a frequency similar to the musical note C. So they vibrate the flower, they sonicate it, and that releases the pollen in this efficient swoosh, and the pollen gathers all over the fuzzy bee's body, and she takes it home as food. Tomato growers now put bumblebee colonies inside the greenhouse to pollinate the tomatoes because they get much more efficient pollination when it's done naturally and they get better quality tomatoes. So there's other, maybe more personal reasons, to care about bees. There's over 20,000 species of bees in the world, and they're absolutely gorgeous. These bees spend the majority of their life cycle hidden in the ground or within a hollow stem and very few of these beautiful species have evolved highly social behavior like honeybees. Now honeybees tend to be the charismatic representative for the other 19,900-plus species because there's something about honeybees that draws people into their world. Humans have been drawn to honeybees since early recorded history, mostly to harvest their honey, which is an amazing natural sweetener. I got drawn into the honeybee world completely by a fluke. I was 18 years old and bored, and I picked up a book in the library on bees and I spent the night reading it. I had never thought about insects living in complex societies. It was like the best of science fiction come true. And even stranger, there were these people, these beekeepers, that loved their bees like they were family, and when I put down the book, I knew I had to see this for myself. So I went to work for a commercial beekeeper, a family that owned 2,000 hives of bees in New Mexico. And I was permanently hooked. Honeybees can be considered a super-organism, where the colony is the organism and it's comprised of 40,000 to 50,000 individual bee organisms. Now this society has no central authority. Nobody's in charge. So how they come to collective decisions, and how they allocate their tasks and divide their labor, how they communicate where the flowers are, all of their collective social behaviors are mindblowing. My personal favorite, and one that I've studied for many years, is their system of healthcare. So bees have social healthcare. So in my lab, we study how bees keep themselves healthy. For example, we study hygiene, where some bees are able to locate and weed out sick individuals from the nest, from the colony, and it keeps the colony healthy. And more recently, we've been studying resins that bees collect from plants. So bees fly to some plants and they scrape these very, very sticky resins off the leaves, and they take them back to the nest where they cement them into the nest architecture where we call it propolis. We've found that propolis is a natural disinfectant. It's a natural antibiotic. It kills off bacteria and molds and other germs within the colony, and so it bolsters the colony health and their social immunity. Humans have known about the power of propolis since biblical times. We've been harvesting propolis out of bee colonies for human medicine, but we didn't know how good it was for the bees. So honeybees have these remarkable natural defenses that have kept them healthy and thriving for over 50 million years. So seven years ago, when honeybee colonies were reported to be dying en masse, first in the United States, it was clear that there was something really, really wrong. In our collective conscience, in a really primal way, we know we can't afford to lose bees. So what's going on? Bees are dying from multiple and interacting causes, and I'll go through each of these. The bottom line is, bees dying reflects a flowerless landscape and a dysfunctional food system. Now we have the best data on honeybees, so I'll use them as an example. In the United States, bees in fact have been in decline since World War II. We have half the number of managed hives in the United States now compared to 1945. We're down to about two million hives of bees, we think. And the reason is, after World War II, we changed our farming practices. We stopped planting cover crops. We stopped planting clover and alfalfa, which are natural fertilizers that fix nitrogen in the soil, and instead we started using synthetic fertilizers. Clover and alfalfa are highly nutritious food plants for bees. And after World War II, we started using herbicides to kill off the weeds in our farms. Many of these weeds are flowering plants that bees require for their survival. And we started growing larger and larger crop monocultures. Now we talk about food deserts, places in our cities, neighborhoods that have no grocery stores. The very farms that used to sustain bees are now agricultural food deserts, dominated by one or two plant species like corn and soybeans. Since World War II, we have been systematically eliminating many of the flowering plants that bees need for their survival. And these monocultures extend even to crops that are good for bees, like almonds. Fifty years ago, beekeepers would take a few colonies, hives of bees into the almond orchards, for pollination, and also because the pollen in an almond blossom is really high in protein. It's really good for bees. Now, the scale of almond monoculture demands that most of our nation's bees, over 1.5 million hives of bees, be transported across the nation to pollinate this one crop. And they're trucked in in semi-loads, and they must be trucked out, because after bloom, the almond orchards are a vast and flowerless landscape. Bees have been dying over the last 50 years, and we're planting more crops that need them. There has been a 300 percent increase in crop production that requires bee pollination. And then there's pesticides. After World War II, we started using pesticides on a large scale, and this became necessary because of the monocultures that put out a feast for crop pests. Recently, researchers from Penn State University have started looking at the pesticide residue in the loads of pollen that bees carry home as food, and they've found that every batch of pollen that a honeybee collects has at least six detectable pesticides in it, and this includes every class of insecticides, herbicides, fungicides, and even inert and unlabeled ingredients that are part of the pesticide formulation that can be more toxic than the active ingredient. This small bee is holding up a large mirror. How much is it going to take to contaminate humans? One of these class of insecticides, the neonicontinoids, is making headlines around the world right now. You've probably heard about it. This is a new class of insecticides. It moves through the plant so that a crop pest, a leaf-eating insect, would take a bite of the plant and get a lethal dose and die. If one of these neonics, we call them, is applied in a high concentration, such as in this ground application, enough of the compound moves through the plant and gets into the pollen and the nectar, where a bee can consume, in this case, a high dose of this neurotoxin that makes the bee twitch and die. In most agricultural settings, on most of our farms, it's only the seed that's coated with the insecticide, and so a smaller concentration moves through the plant and gets into the pollen and nectar, and if a bee consumes this lower dose, either nothing happens or the bee becomes intoxicated and disoriented and she may not find her way home. And on top of everything else, bees have their own set of diseases and parasites. Public enemy number one for bees is this thing. It's called varroa destructor. It's aptly named. It's this big, blood-sucking parasite that compromises the bee's immune system and circulates viruses. Let me put this all together for you. I don't know what it feels like to a bee to have a big, bloodsucking parasite running around on it, and I don't know what it feels like to a bee to have a virus, but I do know what it feels like when I have a virus, the flu, and I know how difficult it is for me to get to the grocery store to get good nutrition. But what if I lived in a food desert? And what if I had to travel a long distance to get to the grocery store, and I finally got my weak body out there and I consumed, in my food, enough of a pesticide, a neurotoxin, that I couldn't find my way home? And this is what we mean by multiple and interacting causes of death. And it's not just our honeybees. All of our beautiful wild species of bees are at risk, including those tomato-pollinating bumblebees. These bees are providing backup for our honeybees. They're providing the pollination insurance alongside our honeybees. We need all of our bees. So what are we going to do? What are we going to do about this big bee bummer that we've created? It turns out, it's hopeful. It's hopeful. Every one of you out there can help bees in two very direct and easy ways. Plant bee-friendly flowers, and don't contaminate these flowers, this bee food, with pesticides. So go online and search for flowers that are native to your area and plant them. Plant them in a pot on your doorstep. Plant them in your front yard, in your lawns, in your boulevards. Campaign to have them planted in public gardens, community spaces, meadows. Set aside farmland. We need a beautiful diversity of flowers that blooms over the entire growing season, from spring to fall. We need roadsides seeded in flowers for our bees, but also for migrating butterflies and birds and other wildlife. And we need to think carefully about putting back in cover crops to nourish our soil and nourish our bees. And we need to diversify our farms. We need to plant flowering crop borders and hedge rows to disrupt the agricultural food desert and begin to correct the dysfunctional food system that we've created. So maybe it seems like a really small countermeasure to a big, huge problem -- just go plant flowers -- but when bees have access to good nutrition, we have access to good nutrition through their pollination services. And when bees have access to good nutrition, they're better able to engage their own natural defenses, their healthcare, that they have relied on for millions of years. So the beauty of helping bees this way, for me, is that every one of us needs to behave a little bit more like a bee society, an insect society, where each of our individual actions can contribute to a grand solution, an emergent property, that's much greater than the mere sum of our individual actions. So let the small act of planting flowers and keeping them free of pesticides be the driver of large-scale change. On behalf of the bees, thank you. Chris Anderson: Thank you. Just a quick question. The latest numbers on the die-off of bees, is there any sign of things bottoming out? What's your hope/depression level on this? Maria Spivak: Yeah. At least in the United States, an average of 30 percent of all bee hives are lost every winter. About 20 years ago, we were at a 15-percent loss. So it's getting precarious. CA: That's not 30 percent a year, that's -- MS: Yes, thirty percent a year. CA: Thirty percent a year. MS: But then beekeepers are able to divide their colonies and so they can maintain the same number, they can recuperate some of their loss. We're kind of at a tipping point. We can't really afford to lose that many more. We need to be really appreciative of all the beekeepers out there. Plant flowers. CA: Thank you.	{ "source": "iwslt2017", "missed_lines": null, "inserted_lines_src": null, "inserted_lines_trg": null }
ここで演奏するとは思ってもいませんでしたでは成り行きにまかせることにしますメンバーをご紹介しましょうドラムのジャマイア・ウィリアムズベースのバーニス・トラビスそしてピアノのクリス・サンズです「バンドスタンド」と呼んでいますがステージはすごく神聖で素晴らしい空間です神聖な理由の1つとして未来や過去について考える機会の喪失が挙げられます今 --まさにこの瞬間-- が大切なのですバンドスタンドに上がるときいくつもの意思決定がされますどんな音色を奏でるかは決めていませんでした演奏の途中で私たちは自分らを『Titi Boom』という曲に導きましたそんなこともあったりなかったり・・・皆さんが聴いてくれるのでそれに応えます考えている暇などありませんミスという概念がありますがジャズ演奏家の観点からすれば他の職業のミスはより明白なものですバンドスタンド上での誤りの受け止め方はそもそも誤りをミスと捉えないんです唯一のミスと言えば他人の演奏を受け入れられないことですジャズでは全てのミスがチャンスなので外れた音というものを説明することすら困難です例えば私好みで音色を奏でるならこんな感じの音になりますクリスが「ファ」の音を叩くと・・・ほらねどちらも正しい音色なんです次に「ミ」を叩いてみると・・・感情の中の世界では全ての音が正しいものなのですところが「ファ#」をならしてみると・・・大半の人はこの音をミスと捉えますそれでは少し実験してみましょう演奏途中でクリスが先ほどの外れた音を入れますですが私たちは反応しません彼が耳障りな音を入れたら演奏を中止して少し話をしますねではどうなるか見てみましょう今の一節を概念的にミスだと捉えた方もいるでしょう唯一ミスと捉えて差支えない点は反応しなかったということですチャンスを逃してしまったのですチャンスは突然巡ってきますもう一度演奏しますが今度は不協和音に反応したいと思いますみんなでクリスの考えを受け入れますできればの話ですけどクリスの音を聞いてそこからメロディを創りましたドラムの響きは変わっていましたあの音に反応したことでリズム感が増して少しばかり情熱的な音楽になりました演奏自体にミスはありません唯一のミスと言えば私を含め音楽家の一人ひとりがメンバーの考えを受け入れず創造性を認めないことですジャズやバンドスタンドは本当に素晴らしいですとてもクリアな経験なんですとても特別な経験だと言わせてくださいバンドスタンドで演奏できて本当に幸せですさてこれが行動ファイナンスとどう関係するのでしょうか? まあ私たちはジャズ音楽家なのでお察しの通り全然関係ないですよねとにかくミスの対処法について指摘したかったんですもう1つのポイントはジャズでは細かい管理はしませんが社会にはそういうことをする人もいますしかしそれが原因となって芸術的な可能性が制限されています例えばもし私がバンドの主導権を握り「オレはこうしたい!音楽はこうだ! 勢いよく行くぞ!」といくと・・・準備はいいかいいちにのさんはい考えを押しつけたがために混乱を招いてしまった良い例です音楽を本当に奏でたいとき私は聴くようにしていますこれは「聴くことの力」です周りから学べることのほうが私ができることより遥かに多いんですだから私が情熱的な音楽を作ろうと思ったらまず最初にやることは忍耐強く構えて周りに耳を傾けそこから何かを引き出そうとしますするとメンバーは奮い立ちさらなる力を貸してくれて徐々に音楽が完成していきますでは行きますよイチニノサンハイ周囲との協調によってより有機的でより繊細な全く違う経験が生まれました自分の空想を押し付けてなどいませんそうではなく今まさにこの場所でお互いを受け入れ創造性を解き放つのですありがとうございました	So I think I'm going to start with what I just heard. Okay, so first of all, let's welcome Mr. Jamire Williams on the drums, Burniss Travis on the bass, and Mr. Christian Sands on the piano. So the bandstand, as we call it, this is an incredible space. It is really a sacred space. And one of the things that is really sacred about it is that you have no opportunity to think about the future, or the past. You really are alive right here in this moment. There are so many decisions being made when you walk on the bandstand. We had no idea what key we were going to play in. In the middle, we sort of made our way into a song called "Titi Boom." But that could have happened -- maybe, maybe not. Everyone's listening. We're responding. You have no time for projected ideas. So the idea of a mistake: From the perspective of a jazz musician, it's easier to talk about someone else's mistake. So the way I perceive a mistake when I'm on the bandstand -- first of all, we don't really see it as a mistake. The only mistake lies in that I'm not able to perceive what it is that someone else did. Every "mistake" is an opportunity in jazz. So it's hard to even describe So for example, if I played a color, like we were playing on a palette, that sounded like this ... So if Christian played a note -- like play an F. See, these are all right inside of the color palette. If you played an E. See, these all lie right inside of this general emotional palette that we were painting. If you played an F# though, to most people's ears, they would perceive that as a mistake. So I'm going to show you, we're going to play just for a second. And we're going to play on this palette. And at some point, Christian will introduce this note. And we won't react to it. He'll introduce it for a second and then I'll stop, I'll talk for a second. We'll see what happens when we play with this palette. So someone could conceptually perceive that as a mistake. The only way that I would say it was a mistake is in that we didn't react to it. It was an opportunity that was missed. So it's unpredictable. We'll paint this palette again. He'll play it. I don't know how we'll react to it, but something will change. We'll all accept his ideas, or not. So you see, he played this note. I ended up creating a melody out of it. The texture changed in the drums this time. It got a little bit more rhythmic, a little bit more intense in response to how I responded to it. So there is no mistake. The only mistake is if I'm not aware, if each individual musician is not aware and accepting enough of his fellow band member to incorporate the idea and we don't allow for creativity. So jazz, this bandstand is absolutely amazing. It's a very purifying experience. And I know that I speak for all of us when I tell you that we don't take it for granted. We know that to be able to come on the bandstand and play music is a blessing. So how does this all relate to behavioral finance? Well we're jazz musicians, so stereotypically we don't have a great relationship to finance. Anyway, I just wanted to sort of point out the way that we handle it. And the other dynamic of it is that we don't micromanage in jazz. You have some people who do. But what that does is it actually limits the artistic possibilities. If I come up and I dictate to the band that I want to play like this and I want the music to go this way, and I just jump right in ... ready, just play some time. One, two, one, two, three, four. It's kind of chaotic because I'm bullying my ideas. I'm telling them, "You come with me over this way." If I really want the music to go there, the best way for me to do it is to listen. This is a science of listening. It has far more to do with what I can perceive than what it is that I can do. So if I want the music to get to a certain level of intensity, the first step for me is to be patient, to listen to what's going on and pull from something that's going on around me. When you do that, you engage and inspire the other musicians and they give you more, and gradually it builds. Watch. One, two, a one, two, three, four. Totally different experience when I'm pulling ideas. It's much more organic. It's much more nuanced. It's not about bullying my vision or anything like that. It's about being here in the moment, accepting one another and allowing creativity to flow. Thank you.	{ "source": "iwslt2017", "missed_lines": null, "inserted_lines_src": null, "inserted_lines_trg": null }
あああ、まだ話が続くのか......。「どうしてくれるのだ?」いや、どうする、って言われても......。どどど、どうしよう......。ベアトリスちゃんは、心配そうに黙って見ているだけ。昨日のデビュタント・ボールの出来自体には充分満足してくれたらしいけれど、今の話はそれとは別物だ。そしてこれはこれから先の自分の人生に関わる話だということを充分に理解しているらしい。そう、ベアトリスちゃんは、『ボーゼス伯爵家当主と、雷の姫巫女の真面目な話し合い』に横から口出しをするほど愚かな子じゃない。ううう............。ううううううう..................。「あなた、ミツハを苛めるのはそれくらいにしておきなさいな......」おおお、ここでイリス様からの援護が! 「いや、私は何も苛めたりは......。ただ、少し懲らしめているだけだ!」 ......あ、うん、『怒って、当たり散らしている』というわけじゃなくて、私のために『叱ってくれている』んだよね。それは、何となく分かってた。「ごめんなさい......」私が謝罪したので、それ以上は叱られることはなく、とりあえず話し合うべきことを話し合うことになった。「......まぁ、婚約の申し込みは断れば済むことではある。王家の血を引く公爵家とかからのものもあるが、何、軍港関連が大変で今はそれどころではないとか、そのうち他国の未婚の上位貴族や王族とかからも来るかもしれぬが、聖女をわざわざ他国にくれてやる馬鹿はいないだろうから、そっちは王宮が阻止するだろう。 ......問題は......」あ~、『聖女疑惑』の方か......。神殿、上位貴族や王族とかが取り込もうとするよねぇ......。この国の王様や貴族達は比較的まともな人が多いし、聖女を力尽くで、なんて馬鹿はいないだろう。でも、悪気ではなく、善意で『聖女様をお迎えせねば!』とか言い出す連中が出るよねぇ。 ......特に、神殿とか、神殿とか、神殿とか......。以前、私もかなり粘着されたんだ。名前を登録するだけでもいいから、巫女になってくれ、って。どうやら、救国の英雄、『雷の姫巫女様』のネームバリューを利用したかったらしい。そんな名義貸しの詐欺みたいなの、関わりたくないよ。いや、別に悪事を働こうとしたわけじゃないらしいんだけどね。ただ、寄進やら参拝者やらの増加を狙ったり、雷の姫巫女様グッズを売ったり、何やらイベントを行ったり、とかを考えていただけらしいけど......。要らんわ、そんなもん! 「このままベアトリスちゃんを『なんちゃって聖女』にしちゃうか、あれは私の国の娯楽用神器によるものだと説明して誤解を解くか......。それぞれに利点があり、欠点もありますよねぇ。そして、アレについては事前に私が予告していたから、私ががっつりと関わっていることは、みんなが知っているし......」そして、それでもアレが『女神の奇跡』だと思ってるんだよねぇ、みんな......。「元々の者を除き、一般の王都民にはミツハは女神にコネがあると思われておるからなぁ。のあるベアトリスが聖女になるとなれば、ミツハが事前に女神からそれを知らされ、祝福の奇跡で王都民が驚き混乱せぬよう根回しを任されるというのは、何の不思議もないからな......」あ~......。そう、私に『女神様とのコネがある』と思っているから、私が『女神の神意を告げる』、つまり託宣を行った、と考えているわけだ。それなら、私が警告というか根回しというか、『事前に告知した』ということは、どの選択肢を選ぶにしても問題とはならないわけか......。ならば......。「じゃ、スルーしましょう!」「「「え?」」」この場に居る、私以外の全員、つまりボーゼス伯爵夫妻とベアトリスちゃんが、驚きの声を漏らした。「別に、わざわざ正式声明を発表する必要はないですよね? 王都の人達はみんな、事実は自分の眼で確かめたわけですから、こちらからわざわざ説明しなくてもいいんじゃないですか? 説明すれば、それが事実だと言い張らなければならないし、もし後になってバレたり矛盾が発生するとマズいでしょう? 何も説明しなければ、こちらには何の責任も発生しませんよ。アレを観た人達が勝手に思い込んだことにまでは責任を負う必要はないですよね?」そしてそれならば、『うちの娘のデビュタント・ボールにも、是非あの「花火」とやらを!』とか言ってねじ込まれる心配もない。『御自分で、女神にお願いしてください』と言えば済む。しばらく考えた末に私の説明に納得したらしき3人は、珍しく冴えたことを言った私に、こくりと頷いたのであった......。「あ、でも、聞かれた場合はどう答えればいいの? さすがに、国王陛下や大司教様に聞かれたら、無視するわけにはいかないでしょう?」ベアトリスちゃんが、至極尤もなことを聞いてきた。うん、問題は、そこだ。「......黙って、指で口にバッテンをして、『それ、秘密です!』とか言ってればいいんじゃないかな? そうすれば、女神様から口止めされているのかも、とか勝手に考えてくれて、それ以上突っ込めなくなるだろうから。あ、貴族や神殿関係者は聞いてくるかもしれないけれど、陛下や宰相様がそれを聞いてくることはないから、そこは大丈夫だよ」陛下と宰相様には、王宮を花火の打ち上げ場所に使わせてもらえるよう頼んだから、その時に花火については説明してある。当然、警備兵の皆さんにも......。だから、王宮関係者は、ある程度の人数は事実を知っている。これもまた、ベアトリスちゃんを聖女にでっちあげることができない理由のひとつだ。まぁ、聖女様なんて祭り上げられたら、まともな人生は歩めそうにないからねぇ。そういうのは、王太子殿下との結婚を狙う平民の少女とかに任せればいいよ、うん。「......あれだけ派手に祝福の奇跡を起こしておいて、口止めも何もないでしょ! まるで、女神様がベアトリスちゃんがそう言って文句を言ってきたけど......、うん、その通りだな......。でもまぁ、存在しない女神様が多少馬......『思索能力に不自由な方』と思われても、問題ない。表立って女神様を侮辱することができるような勇者はいないだろう。こういう文明レベル、宗教観で、しかも『女神の奇跡』が起きた後では。よし、これにて、一件落着! 引き続き、次の、そして最大の問題が......。「い、一応、『飛竜による空中演舞』、『地竜によるドラゴンブレス一斉発射』とかを考えてはいますけど......」「「「なっ!!」」」伯爵様、イリス様、そしてベアトリスちゃんが、眼を剥いて絶句した。 ......うん、大急ぎでさっき、色々と考えたのだ。前者は対潜哨戒機の編隊飛行、航空自衛隊の飛行では地上目標の把握ができないけれど、事前に航空写真を撮ってチャートを作成してもらうか。高難易度の技はプログラムから外せば、何とかやってくれるだろう。......『その道のプロ』なんだからね。後者は戦車や自走砲、迫撃砲、誘導弾とかの、......まぁ、日本の総合火力演習を数十分の一にしたくらいのやつを考えてる。勿論、お願いするのは日本じゃなくて、融通が利く他国にするけれど。のルートからどこかの国の軍に頼めば、おそらく引き受けてくれるはず。 ......それなりの対価は要求されるだろうけど、ま、バケツ一杯の海水だとか、ハルキゲニアみたいなやつを2~3匹あげれば引き受けてくれるだろうと思う。そして、実はもうひとつ、今思い付いた必殺のアイディアがあるのだ。夜空にレーザーで絵を描く『レーザーショー』や、建物や空中に散布したガス、水の微粒子等をスクリーン代わりにした『プロジェクションマッピング』である。夜空にそびえるお城の外壁と、塔の尖端部から空中に特殊機材で水を撒布すれば、何とかなるんじゃなかろうか......。何、観客は初見の素人衆だ。多少これで、みっつ。これだけ案があれば、何とか......。「......そ、それは、王宮で実施できるものなのか?」飛行展示とレーザーショー、プロジェクションマッピングは大丈夫だろうけど、	, the topic still goes on....... [What are you going to do?] Count Bozes No, even if you ask me that....... Wh, wha, what could I do?...... Beatrice-chan worriedly looking at me in silence. She was so thrilled with yesterday’s debutante ball and the performances, but that’s not the case right now. And she fully understands that this is a discussion that will affect her life from now on. Yes, Beatrice-chan is not so stupid as to interfere abruptly in a <serious debate between the heads of their respective families, Count Bozes and Viscount Hime Miko of Thunder>. Ūu............. Ū ū ūu................... [You shouldn’t bully Mitsuha that much... ] Iris Ooh, here comes the backup from Iris-sama! [No, I’m not bullying her in any way....... It’s just a little discipline!] Count Bozes ......Oh, yeah, he’s not <angry and blaming>, he’s <scolding> me for my own good. Yeah, I knew that somehow. [I’m sorry......] Mitsuha When I apologized, he didn’t scold me further, and we decided to discuss what we needed to consider anyway. [...Well, we can refuse the engagement application. However, some of them are dukes with royal blood, you know. But, even if they wanted to, they can’t simply make a move. It would be bad to anger the goddess if Beatrice got engaged and married right after she got appointed as a saint. And it’s all because of Mitsuha’s fault. Eventually, unmarried high-ranking nobles and royalty from other countries may come, but no one would be foolish enough to give away a saint to another country, so the royal officials will stop them. ......The problem is...... ] Count Bozes Yeah, about the <alleged saint>....... The church, upper nobility, and royalty will try to take her in...... Most of the nobles and the King in this country are relatively decent people. And no one would be stupid enough to forcibly take in the saint. However , even the ones with good intentions will say, <We have to welcome the saint!>. Well, it’s not bad to have faith. ......Especially the church, or the church, or maybe the church, and even the church...... , I’ve been into some pretty sticky situations before. Those guys wanted me to become a priestess so bad, even if it was just to register my name. Apparently, they wanted to take advantage of the name value of the hero who saved the kingdom, <Hime Miko of Thunder>. I don’t want to get involved in that kind of scam where they take advantage of people’s names. No, it’s not like they were trying to do anything bad with it. They just wanted to increase the number of donations and worshipers, by selling Hime Miko merchandise and hold some events in the name of Hime Miko of Thunder...... No way in hell I would want that! [Shall I make Beatrice-chan a <some kind of saint> as it is, or should I explain that it’s because of a secret treasure of my country’s entertainment industry to clear up the misunderstanding?... Each option has its own advantages and disadvantages, right? Moreover, everyone knows that I’m involved in this anyways because I gave them advance notice about it......] Mitsuha Nevertheless, they still think that thing is a <miracle of the goddess>, don’t they...... [To begin with, except for a few people, the general populace of the royal capital believes that Mitsuha has connections to the Goddess. And if Beatrice, who is related to Mitsuha, is to become a saint, it is no wonder that Mitsuha was given a prophecy by the goddess in advance and was entrusted with the task of laying the groundwork so that the people of the capital would not be surprised and confused by the miracle of the blessing......] Count Bozes Ah~ Yes, they think that <I have a connection with the Goddess>, so they’ll think that <I foretold the Goddess’s divine will>, in other words, I made a divine oracle. If so, the fact that I warned them, or convinced them, or <notified them in advance>, doesn’t matter which option I’d choose...... If that’s the case...... [Then, let’s ignore them!] Mitsuha [[[Eh?]]] The Count, Iris-sama, and Beatrice-chan, basically everyone except me, let out a sound of surprise. [There’s no need to go to the trouble of making a formal statement, is there? Everyone in the capital has seen the facts with their own eyes, so there’s no need for us to go out of our way to explain them, right? If you try to explain it, then you have to insist that it’s true, and if it’s later found out or contradicted, that won’t be good, isn’t it? If you don’t explain anything, we won’t be responsible for anything. We don’t have to be responsible for what the people who watched that thing assumed on their own, do we?] Mitsuha Also, the Count doesn’t have to worry about being screwed over by someone saying, <I’d love to have those [fireworks] at my daughter’s debutante ball!>. He can simply say, <Ask the goddess yourself>. After thinking about it for a while and being convinced by my explanation, the three of them nodded their heads at me, who said something unusually brilliant...... [But what should I say if they asked me? As expected, if His Majesty the King or the Archbishop asks me, I can’t just ignore it, can I?] Beatrice Beatrice-chan asked me something that sounded supremely plausible. Yeah, that’s the problem right there. [......Be quiet, put a batten on your mouth with your finger, and say, <That’s a secret!>. If you do that, they’ll think that the goddess told you to keep it a secret from them and they cannot impose any further. Oh, while the nobles and church officials might ask you about it, His Majesty and the Prime Minister won’t, so you’re safe on that front.] Mitsuha I’ve asked His Majesty and the Prime Minister to let us use the castle grounds as the launch site and I’ve explained to them about the fireworks at that time. Naturally, I’ve told the guards at the castle as well....... So, a certain number of people from the royal court know the truth. This is another reason why I can’t make Beatrice-chan be a saint. Well, it’s hard to live a decent life when you’re hailed as a saint. Leave that kind of thing to a commoner girl who wants to marry the crown prince, okay? [...Such a spectacular miracle of blessing, and there’s nothing to stop it! It’s as if the goddess turned into a horse... I can’t believe there’s even the slightest inconvenience to her ability to think!] Beatrice Beatrice-chan complained about that, but...... Yeah, you’re right....... But well, it doesn’t matter if the non-existent goddess is considered somewhat of a horse...... < someone with a disability in thinking >. No brave man would be able to openly insult the Goddess. With this level of civilization, religious beliefs, and after the <miracle of the goddess> happened. All right, that’s it, we’re done with that case! Moving on to the next problem and the biggest one to boot... [I’ve been thinking of doing a <flying dragon aerial dance> or <launching a simultaneous dragon breath by the earth dragons>......] Mitsuha [[[Wha!!!]]] The Count, Iris-sama, and Beatrice-chan opened their eyes wide and shouted. ......Yeah, I was in a hurry and thought about various things. The former includes flight formation of the anti-submarine patrol aircraft, aerobatic flights by teams such as the Air Self-Defense Force’s Blue Impulse and the U.S. Air Force’s Thunderbirds, and a formation of combat helicopters flying with <Ride of the Valkyries> blasting on the speakers at maximum volume. They can’t do on-site training in advance, so they won’t get a good grasp of the ground target for the aerobatic flight, but I can allow them to take aerial photos and make a chart in advance. If we remove the highly difficult techniques from the program, they should manage it...... They’re <professionals in the field>, you know. For the latter, I’m thinking of tanks, self-propelled artillery, mortars, guided missiles, etc...... Well, something that’s a few tenths the size of Japan’s total firepower exercises. Of course, the request should not be made to Japan, but to the other countries that are more <flexible>. If I asked the military of some country through the <Otherworld Roundtable Conference (ISECON)>, they will probably rush in to take it. ...... I’m sure they’ll ask for a certain reward, but I’m sure they’ll take care of it if I give them a bucket of seawater or a couple of Hallucigenia or something like that. And in fact, I have another must-have idea that I just came up with. A <laser show> that paints pictures in the night sky using lasers, and <projection mapping> that uses fine particles of gas, water, etc. sprayed on buildings and air as a screen . If I use special equipment to spray water mists in the air from the outer walls and the spires of the castle towering in the night sky, I can make the magic happen...... The audience were amateurs who had never seen such spectacle in their entire lives. It doesn’t matter if they are a little rough around the edges. That’s already three. If I have this many ideas, I can manage the event somehow....... [......So, is that something that can be implemented at the Royal Castle?] Count Bozes The aerobatics exhibition, laser show, and projection mapping will be fine, but the Total Firepower Dragon Breath Exercise is absolutely impossible! We’ll have to go to some vast wasteland somewhere......	{ "source": "manual-fanfic", "missed_lines": 7, "inserted_lines_src": 10, "inserted_lines_trg": 3 }
さて馬車も完成したし、宿を引き払う準備をしよう。と言うわけでギルドで買取も終わらせて宿に戻り、リリーさんを探す。いや、別に受付の人に言ってもいんだけ仲がいいのがリリーさんだから、どうしてもね。「リリーさん」「あ、レンさん。おかえりなさい」「ただいまかえりました。あの、リリーさん。実は明日の朝に宿を出ようかと思いまして」「えっと、もしかしてまたどこかへ行かれるんですか?」「はい」「どちらに行くのかお聞きしても?」「北の村と、西の川を越えた先にある村ですね。牛乳と卵を買ってこようかと思いまして」「えーっと、もしかして、料理の為に?」「はい、料理の為に」「......」ああん、黙り込んじゃった。呆れられた? 「あの、リリーさん?」「レンさん、実は私、少し長めに休暇を頂いて暫く実家に帰省する予定なんです。実家は王都なんですけど......もしよかったらなんですけど、私と一緒に王都へ行きませんか?」「え?」「王都なら牛乳も卵も普通に買えますし、ハルーラの近場で買うよりも量も多く買えます。どうでしょう?」「......王都、ですか」王都。いずれは行ってみるつもりではいたけど......それを抜きにしても卵も牛乳も沢山買える? なら、予定を繰り上げて王都に行くのもありかもしれない。「その、凄く魅力的な提案なので、ご迷惑でなければご一緒したいんですが......」「あの、何か問題でも?」「幾つか確認したいことが。いいですか?」「そうですね......まず、同行するのは私とリリーさんだけですか? 帰省と言うのであればサレナさんもご一緒なのかな、と」姉さんは急な仕事が入ってしまって......その、オーガロードの事があったでしょう? その事後処理が大変らしくて。「サレナさんではなく、アリサさん?」「はい。アリサも実家が王都なんです。では次に、女のだけでの移動になるんですか? 流石に少々危険ではないかと思うんですけど」「あ、それは大丈夫です。こう見えても私もアリサもDランク冒険者なんです! 私、結構強いんですよ? ちなみにアリサは剣が使えます。それに、一応身を守るための切り札もありますから、大丈夫です!」「切り札、ですか?」「はい! どんなのかは秘密ですけど」「なるほど......ちなみに移動は徒歩で?」「いえ、馬車を借りる予定です」ふむー、軽く確認した限りでは問題はなさそう。それに、馬車か......よし。「わかりました。私もご一緒させてください」「本当ですか!? 嬉しいです!」「あ、それと馬車ですが、私に当てがあるので借りなくても大丈夫です」「そうなんですか? じゃあ其方はお願いしてもいいですか?」「任せてください。それで移動はいつに?」「そうですね、では明後日の朝でどうでしょう?」「わかりました、ではそれで。あ、明後日以降の宿の連泊キャンセルの処理の方、お願いします」「お任せください!」んー、急展開だけどなるようになるよね? その後はいつもどおりにお風呂とご飯を済ませて就寝。次の日は念の為に朝一で市場に行ってじゃが芋や野菜等を追加で買い込んでおいた。その後は宿に戻って料理の下拵え。備えあれば憂い無し! 沢山用意しておいても腐らないからへーきへーき! 【ストレージ】様様ですな! なんてやってるうちに出発当日。朝食は三人揃って宿で取って、そのまま私のチェックアウトを待って一緒に移動した。そして街を出る前にギルドに行ってサレナさんに挨拶。サレナさんには妹をよろしくお願いしますと何度も頭を下げられた。よろしくされました! その後は何事も無く街の外へ。子供達へは馬車が完成した日のうちに挨拶は済ませておいたので問題ない。「あれ? 街の外に出ちゃいましたけど、いいんですか? 馬車は......」でもここだとちょっと目立つので、少し移動しましょうか」「はい? 目立つ? えっと、とにかく移動する、ということですね?」「リリー、流石にここから王都まで徒歩は無理だよー」「だ、大丈夫だよ! レンさんもそう言ってるし! きっと、多分、うん」さん、聞こえてますよー門から出てお散歩気分で歩く。私の左右にはノルンとベル。うーん、日差しが気持ちいいね。そのまま暫く移動すると、丁度いい感じの小さい林を発見。ここでいいかな? 「それじゃ、馬車を出しますね」「え? 出す?」困惑する二人をそのままに【ストレージ】から馬車を取り出すことにする。地面に光の円陣が描かれると、そこに馬車が現れる。この円陣は【ストレージ】から大きいものや大量のものを一度に取り出すときに現れる、範囲指定のようなものだ。ちなみに指定範囲に大きい障害物があると取り出せない場合がある。以前自宅を取り出そうとした時に判明した。現れた馬車は馬二頭付き。更に御者も座ってる。うん、この御者もゴーレムなんだ。すまない。いや、一人で移動する時に中でゆっくりしたいじゃない? だからダミーに作ってみた。ついでにゴーレム3体のコントロールは結局分割思考にぶん投げるのが一番楽だと言うことに気づいたんだよね。実はこれ、寝てても制御が切れたりしなかったんだよ。我ながら意味が分からない。ちなみに馬車の外観に関してはアレから色々手を入れて偽装してあったりする。外装部分は貴族が乗る馬車のような装飾等は無く、頑強さ重視の実用一辺倒なデザイン。それなりに使い込んでる風にわざと汚しもつけてみた。サスペンション等の足回りの内側部分は外から見えないように覆いがつけてある。これで車体下部の他のアブソーバー機構も隠れて見えない。車輪に関しても見た目は普通の木製に見えるように偽装済み。ゴーレム馬に関してもより本物の馬に見えるように改良を加えた。つぶらな瞳がかわいいよ? 御者に関しては人のよさそうな好青年風の顔つきをした男性型。麦藁帽子が似合ってる。うーん、我ながら完璧じゃね? うんうん。振り返って二人を見てみると、固まってた。うん、そうなるよね。「あ、はい」「馬車ですねー」「じゃ、乗りましょうか」「いやいやいや、待って待って待って! ちょっと待って! ごめん、意味分からない! え? どういうこと? 馬車だよ? 収納スキル? いやいや、大きいから! これ、大きいから! あと馬! なんで馬!? それに御者? 御者なんで!? 怖い!」わぁい、リリーさん言葉乱れてるよーアリサさんは遠い目で虚空を見てる。思考を放棄したか。「作ってみました」「いやいやいやいや、作ったって。え? 作った? これを? レンさんが?」「はい」「馬は?」「ゴーレムです」「なんでゴーレム?」「いえ、本物の馬だと食事とか場所とか、色々とお金がかかって維持が大変ですよね? でもゴーレムなら使わないときは仕舞って置けるし、邪魔になりません。壊れたら直せばいいですし」「一人旅だと言っても、出来れば馬車の中でゆっくりしたいじゃないですか? 折角の箱馬車ですし。だからダミーとして作ってみました」「もう、どこからつっこめばいいのか......」「ゆっくり飲み込んでからでもいいですよ?」「......そうさせていただきます」リリーさんも考えるのを止めたようだ。私の勝ちだね。	Now that the carriage was complete, I began preparations to leave the inn. As such, I finished the sales at the guild and returned back to the inn to look for Lily. I could just tell the receptionist, but since I was most familiar with Lily I decided to tell her. “Lily.” “Ah, Ren. Welcome back.” “Thanks. Um, Lily. I’m actually thinking about leaving the inn tomorrow morning.” “Hmm, are you perhaps going somewhere again?” “Yes.” “Where are you going?” “A village up north, it’s a village just beyond the river in the west. I’m thinking of buying milk and eggs from there.” “I see, so is it perhaps.....for cooking reasons?” “Yes, it’s for cooking reasons.” “......” Oh, she got all silent. Was she surprised? “Um, Lily?” “Ren, I’m actually planning on taking an extended vacation and returning home for a while. My parents live in the royal capital, so......if you want, would you like to go to the royal capital with me? “Eh?” “You can just buy milk and eggs at the royal capital, and you’ll be able to buy a lot more than in the areas near Harula. How about it?” “.......The royal capital.” The royal capital. I was planning to go someday, but......I would be able to buy a lot of eggs and milk if I went? In that case, it was earlier than planned but I guess I could go to the royal capital. “It’s a very attractive proposal, I’d like to go with you if it doesn’t trouble you but.......” “Um, is there something wrong?” “I would like to confirm some things first. Is that okay?” “Alright.......first of all, am I the only one going with Lily? Since you’re going back home, I assume Salena is coming along with us?” “Um, Arisa would also be coming along with us. Big sis had work suddenly pop up......um, something about an ogre lord? She’s got her hands full dealing with the aftermath. Initially, we were discussing postponing the return home, but.......” “So you’re going back with Arisa, not Salena?” “Yes, Arisa is also from the royal capital. She’s actually a childhood friend, and we came here together.” “........I see. Then, only us three girls would be going? I think that would be a bit dangerous.” “Ah, it’s alright. Even if we look like this, both Arisa and I are D rank adventurers! I’m quite strong, you know? By the way, Arisa knows how to use a sword. Also, we have a trump card we can use to protect ourselves, so it’ll be okay!” “A trump card?” “Yes! But it’s a secret.” “I see.......also are we perhaps traveling by foot?” “No, I’m planning on renting a carriage.” Hmm, after conducting a light check there didn’t seem to be any problems. But the carriage.......alright then. “Understood. Please let me join you then.” “Really!? I’m so happy!” “Oh, but regarding the carriage, you don’t have to rent one since I have one.” “Is that so? Then can I leave it to you?” “Sure, I’ll take care of it. So when are we going?” “Well, what about the morning after tomorrow?” “Alright, that’s fine. Ah, then could you please process the cancellation of my remaining nights at the inn the day after tomorrow?” “Sure thing!” Hmm, this sure was a rapid change of plans, right? Afterwards, I took a bath and ate dinner as usual before going to bed. The next day, I went to the market in the morning and bought some extra potatoes and vegetables just in case I needed them. After that, I went back to the inn and began preparing the dishes. It’s best to be prepared beforehand so you don’t have to worry! Even if I made too much, it wouldn’t go bad! All thanks to the almighty Storage! And soon the day of departure arrived. All three of us had breakfast at the inn, and waited for my check-out procedure before heading out together. And before we left the town, we went to the guild to give our greetings to Salena. Salena asked me to take care of her sister and bowed many times to me. I’ll gladly accept! And so we exited the town without any trouble. I already informed the children on the day the carriage was completed, so there were no problems regarding that. “Um? We exited the town, but is that alright? The carriage......” “It’s fine, I prepared it. But it’ll stand out a little over here, so let’s walk a bit further away.” “Huh? Stand out? Um, so we just have to walk a bit further then?” “Lily, it’ll be impossible to walk all the way to the royal capital from here~” “I-It’ll be fine! Ren said so too! That’s why, I’m sure it’ll be....yeah.” I can hear both of you, you know? We exited from the gate and began walking. Norn and Bell were to my left and right. And the sunshine felt nice. After walking for a bit, I found a nice and cozy looking forest area. I guess here then? “Alright, I’ll take out the carriage now.” “Eh? Take out?” I ignored their confusion and proceeded to take out the carriage from Storage. After directing the circle of light to an area on the ground, a carriage appeared there. The circle acted as a range specification and would appear whenever I took out large or many items at once from Storage. Incidentally, if there were any large obstacles in the specified range, I wouldn’t be able to take them out. That was what happened when I tried taking out my house before. The carriage that appeared had two horses attached to it. In addition, there was even a coachman sitting on it. Yes, the coachman was also a golem. Excuse me. Well, since I would be traveling by myself, I would need it so I could relax inside? And so I made a dummy. Incidentally, I realized that it would be easier to leave the controlling of the three golems to another part of my mind. Somehow, I was even able to maintain control of the golems even while I was asleep. But since I didn’t understand why, I couldn’t explain how I did that either. I also did a bit of fine-tuning with the appearance of the carriage to disguise it. There weren’t any decorations on the exterior like the carriages used by nobles, and it was a practical one-sided design that emphasized sturdiness. I also deliberately added dirt and wind-wear to it too. The underside of the carriage, like the suspension, was covered so that it couldn’t be seen from the outside. The other absorber mechanisms underneath were also covered and couldn’t be seen. The wheels were also disguised to look like ordinary wood. The golem horses have also been improved to make them look more realistic. I guess their round eyes would be considered cute? The coachman had a good-looking face and was a handsome youth type. The straw hat also looked great on it. I guess I did quite a perfect job on them? Yes, definitely. When I looked back at the other two, they were completely frozen. Right, they would be like that. “It’s a carriage.” “Ah, yes.” “Well then, let’s get on.” “No, no, no, wait, wait! Wait a minute! I’m sorry, but I don’t understand! Eh? What’s going on? A carriage? The storage skill? No, no, it’s too big! It’s way too big! And the horses! Why even horses!? And a coachman? A coachman!? I’m scared!” Woah, Lily’s words were a mess. Arisa was looking to the distance with a blank look in her eyes. She had completely given up on thinking about it. “I made it.” No, no, no, no, made it? Eh? Made? This? Ren did?” “Yes.” “The horse.” “It’s a golem.” “Why golems?” “Well, you need to feed and find a resting place for a real horse, so I guess it would be costly and more difficult to keep? But if I use golems, I could just put them away so it wouldn’t be a bother. And I can fix them if they break.” “It’s because I usually travel alone, so I would need it so I can relax inside the carriage? I even went through all the effort to make a box-carriage. As such, I made a dummy.” “Where should I even start from........” “Want to talk about it over a nice meal?” “........I’ll do that, please.” Lily seems to have also given up. It was my victory.	{ "source": "manual-fanfic", "missed_lines": 5, "inserted_lines_src": 6, "inserted_lines_trg": 1 }
たっぷりと時間をかけて湯船に浸かって温まった後、風呂場から出て体をしっかりタオルで拭き、服を着た俺は脱衣所から出た。脱衣所を出てすぐの所でライラさんがいつものように待っていて、クレアさんとティルラちゃんが客間にいると聞かされたので、そちらに向かう。「レオもそっちにいるんですか?」「はい、そちらでお嬢様方と過ごされています」ちなみに昨日は部屋から風呂へ行き、その後自力で戻って来てるので、風呂と屋敷の位置関係は把握してる。だから今回はライラさんの案内は無しになった。何故か落ち込み気味のライラさんは「お茶を淹れて来ます......」と言い残して厨房へ向かった。「......案内したかったんだろうか?」ここの使用人さん達は変わった人が多いのかもしれないな。そんな事を考えながらで屋敷内を歩いていたらすぐに客間に着いた。客間のドアを軽くノックしながら中に声を掛ける。「タクミです。お風呂から上がりました」「どうぞ」ドアを開けたのはライラさん。え? さっき厨房に行ってたよな? ドアを開けたライラさんの横には、お茶を淹れたポットとカップの乗ったお盆を持っているゲルダさん。俺......この屋敷の移動にまだ慣れてないのかな......きっと俺は遠回りをしてここに来たんだろう......きっと......。「タクミさん、レオ様のお風呂お疲れ様です。一人で洗うのは大変だったのでは?」ライラさんが俺より先に客間にいる事を驚きながら中に入ると、クレアさんから声を掛けられた。「まぁ、レオは大きいですからね。それに嫌がってもいましたから、それなりに大変でしたよ」「そうでしょうね。今度からは当家のメイドに任せますか? それなら数人掛かりで洗う事も出来ますから」「んー......とりあえず何回かは俺が洗おうと思います。大変な事をメイドさん達に任せたくありませんから。それに、レオがここのお風呂に慣れるまでは俺が一緒に居た方が良いでしょう」「メイド達は気にしないと思いますけど......。でも、そうですね。レオ様が慣れるまではタクミさんがいた方が良いでしょうね」「私達はいつでもレオ様を洗う準備は出来ておりますので、いつでもお申し付けください!」何故かライラさんが意気込んでいる。もしかして......ライラさんってレオの事、というよりレオのフカフカな毛を触りたいとか? ティルラちゃんがはまるくらいだからなぁ、あれは確かに癖になるかもしれない。「わかりました。レオが慣れたら任せる事にしますよ。慣れないうちはレオも嫌がって抵抗するかもしれませんから、あの大きな体で抵抗したら危ないかもしれませんからね」「レオ様が抵抗......」ゲルダさんの方はレオが暴れる姿を想像したのか、顔を青ざめさせてる。レオが暴れたりしたら、細身なゲルダさんは簡単に弾き飛ばされるかもしれない。まぁ、レオは優しい子だからそんな事はしないけどな。ゲルダさんはまだ少しだけレオの事を怖がってる部分があるみたいだなぁ。「タクミさん! その時は私も一緒に入って良いですか?」ティルラちゃんはどうしてもレオと一緒に風呂に入りたいようだ。レオもそうだけど、お互いすごい懐いてるなぁ。「ああ、メイドさん達となら構わないよ。ですよね、クレアさん」「ええ。ティルラ、メイドとなら一緒に入っても良いわよ」「やったー!」「ワゥ......」喜んでレオに抱き着くティルラちゃんだが、レオの方はさっきから風呂の話が続いてるからか、いつもの元気が無い。そんなレオに抱き着いてるティルラちゃんが、何かに気付いたように毛に埋めていた顔を上げる。「タクミさん、レオ様の毛が凄く気持ち良いです!」「ははは。さっきお風呂で洗いながら気付いたんだけど、レオの毛って結構汚れてたんだよ。丁寧にブラッシングして汚れと一緒に埃も落としたから、今までよりフカフカになってるはずだと思うよ」「ふわー。レオ様って本当はこんなにフカフカだったんですねー。凄いです!」「ワフー」「初めて見た時よりも、毛が銀色に輝いて見えますね。これが本当のシルバーフェンリルの毛並みですか......」ティルラちゃんは感動しながら、レオの毛に顔を埋めてフカフカを楽しんでる。レオはそんなティルラちゃんを見て顔を寄せて頬を擦り付けてた。クレアさんの方は、レオを見て感心してるようだ。「確かにレオの銀色の毛は凄く綺麗ですね」俺もクレアさんと同じように感心してる。元々マルチーズだったレオは、白い毛並みだった。その時から綺麗な毛並みだったが、今の銀色は体の大きさもあって神々しくすら見える程だ。というか、毛も多少伸びてるみたいだな、今まで体の大きさにしか目が行って無かったが。「シルバーフェンリル......この銀色の輝きを見ると、気高く何者にも従わないという伝説も納得できますね」「そうですな、クレアお嬢様。私も文献では知っていましたが、本来のシルバーフェンリルが放つ銀の輝きがこれ程とは......今までも素晴らしい毛並みだとは思っていましたが......」「そうね......伝説は過剰に言っている物と思っていたけど、これを見ると本当に正しかったのだと思わされるわ」「そうですな」「......セバスチャン、あの伝説が全て事実であるならもしかしてあの森は......」「......伝説を信じるならば、そうなのかもしれません」何やらセバスチャンさんとクレアさんでレオの毛を見ながら話をしている。どうやらシルバーフェンリルの伝説らしいが、俺はその伝説を聞いた事が無いので、何を話しているのかいまいち理解出来ない。聞いてみるべきかな? と思って声を掛けようとしたら、逆にクレアさんの方から声を掛けられた。「タクミさん、最初に会ったあの森の事ですが」「あぁ、はい。ラモギを探していた森ですね。あの森がどうかしましたか?」「あの森は、我がリーベルト家初代当主様が通っていた森という伝説があるのです」	After taking my time and thoroughly warming up in the hot water, I got out and dried myself with a towel before putting on my clothes and stepping out of the changing room. As always, Ms. Lyra was waiting right outside of the door. And since she told me that Ms. Claire and Tilura were in the drawing room, I decided to go there. “Is Leo over there as well?” “Yes. She is with the ladies.” In fact, yesterday, I had gone from my room to the bath, and then returned on my own. So I knew where it was within the mansion. And so I didn’t need Ms. Lyra to guide me. She seemed a little agitated as she said, ‘I’ll go put on some tea,’ and then headed to the kitchens. “...Perhaps she had wanted to guide me?” A lot of the servants here seemed a little eccentric. I thought of such things as I walked through the mansion, and I reached the drawing room in no time. I knocked lightly on the door and said, “It’s Takumi. I’ve finished my bath.” “Come in.” Ms. Lyra opened the door. Huh? Didn’t she go to the kitchens? Right next to her, Ms. Gelda stood with a tray with a tea pot and cups. I...suppose I wasn’t as used to navigating through this mansion as I thought... I must have taken a long route when coming here... Yes, that’s it... “Mr. Takumi. You did a wonderful job washing Leo. It must have been very tiring to do it by yourself?” Said Ms. Claire as I stepped into the room, still surprised about Ms. Lyra’s presence. “Well, Leo is rather large. And she doesn’t very much like baths. That was the difficult part.” “Indeed. Perhaps I should assign some of the maids to do it from now on? It will be much easier with several people doing it.” “Hmm... I think that for the time being, I can manage it. Besides, I wouldn’t want to push any difficult work onto them. And I think that it’s best that I am there until Leo gets more accustomed to it.” “I doubt the maids would mind... But, that’s true. It’s probably better for you to do it until she gets used to it.” “We are ready to wash the great Leo whenever you need. So please ask if you require assistance!” For some reason, Ms. Lyra was very enthusiastic. Could it be that Ms. Lyra... Wanted to touch Leo’s fluffy fur so bad? Well, Tilura had become addicted to it, and so it was no wonder that others would as well. “Very well. I will leave it to you when Leo is ready. But for now, there is a possibility that Leo might try and resist. And that could be dangerous now that she’s so big.” “The great Leo might resist...” Ms. Gelda must have imagined Leo in a rage, as she suddenly became very pale. Indeed, if that did happen, the frail Ms. Gelda could be thrown into the air quite easily. Of course, Leo was nice and wouldn’t do such a thing. However, Ms. Gelda was clearly still scared of Leo. “Mr. Takumi! Can I go with them when the time comes?” Apparently, Tilura really wanted to take a bath with Leo. And Leo was also very fond of Tilura. “Yes, it should be fine if you’re with the maids. Is that fine, Ms. Claire?” “Yes. Tilura, you may go if you’re with the maids.” “Yay!” “Wou...” While Tilura was so overjoyed that she threw her arms around Leo, the fact that we had been talking about baths for awhile now had drained Leo of her usual energy. But as Tilura held onto Leo, she seemed to realize something as she buried her face in the fur and then raised her head. “Mr. Takumi. Leo’s fur feels so good!” “Hahaha. I noticed it while bathing her, but Leo’s fur was actually quite dirty. But since I brushed her thoroughly and got rid of the dirt and dust, she should be much fluffier than before.” “It’s so soft! I didn’t know that you were this fluffy, Leo! It’s amazing!” “Wuff!” “Yes, her silver coat is shining more than when we first met. This must be the true appearance of a Silver Fenrir...” Tilura seemed very moved as she enjoyed burying her face in Leo’s fur. And Leo rubbed her face against Tilura’s. Ms. Claire was also looking at Leo and seemed to be very impressed. “Yes, Leo’s silver fur is very pretty.” “Indeed.” And I felt the same. Leo had originally been a Maltese, and had white fur. She had pretty fur back then as well, but now it was silver, and due to her great size, there was something almost divine about her. Actually, her fur seemed to have also grown longer. But I hadn’t noticed it before because the change in size had been so dramatic. “Silver Fenrir... After seeing the luster of the silver fur, the legends of how proud and unyielding they are sound so much more convincing.” “Indeed, Lady Claire. While I have also read the texts, I did not know that a Silver Fenrir’s coat shone to this degree... And she had already looked so impressive before...” “Yes... I thought that the legends must be exaggerating, but now I feel that they must be true.” “...Sebastian. If everything in the legend is true, then perhaps that forest...” “...Yes, if you believe it all, it might be the case.” Sebastian and Ms. Claire were talking together as they gazed at Leo’s fur. It seemed to be about some Silver Fenrir legend, but as I had never heard the legend before, I couldn’t really understand what they meant. Perhaps I should ask? But just as I was about to address Ms. Claire, she turned to look at me. “Mr. Takumi. It’s about the forest where I first met you.” “Ah, yes. The forest where you searched for the Ramogi. What about it?” “There is a legend that the founder of the Liebert house used to go there.”	{ "source": "manual-fanfic", "missed_lines": 2, "inserted_lines_src": 1, "inserted_lines_trg": 1 }
8年間私はエアフォースツーで飛んでいました今では飛行機に乗るのに靴を脱いで金属探知機を通らなきゃなりません! 私の立場がどんなものか分るように短い話をお聞かせしましょう本当にあった話です...細かい部分まで本当ですティッパーと私が...ああっ...ホワイトハウスを......去った後私たちはナッシュビルの自宅からナッシュビルの東50マイルのところに持っている小さな農場へと向かっていました... 自分で運転をしてあなた方には小さなことに思えるでしょうが... バックミラーを見たとき急にあることに気づきました付いてくる車列はもはやいないのです幻肢痛というのを聞いたことはありますか? レンタルしたフォードトーラスに乗っていました夕食時で食べる場所を探し始めました州間高速道路40号線を走っていました出口238のテネシー州レバノンで下りレストランを探し “ショーニーズ”を見つけましたご存じない方のために言っておくと安いファミリーレストランチェーンです中に入ってテーブルにつきましたやってきたウェートレスがとても驚いていました...ティッパーを見て注文を取ったあと彼女は隣のテーブルのカップルのところに行き声をひそめたので何を言うのか聞こうと私は神経を集中させました彼女は囁きました「ねえ前副大統領のアルゴアと奥さんのティッパーよ」それに対して男が言いました「彼も長い道のりをやって来たんだろうね」そのあと一連の出来事が引き続いて起きました次の日のことですこれも100%本当の話です私はG5でスピーチを行うためアフリカのナイジェリアにあるラゴスに飛びましたエネルギーについて話すことになっていましたこのスピーチの始めに私は前の日にナッシュビルであったことを話しました今話したのとちょうど同じようにですティッパーと私が自分たちで運転して安いレストランチェーンのショーニーズに行き男がこう言ったとみんな笑いましたそれからスピーチを済ませて空港に戻り帰途につきました機内で眠っているうち飛行機は真夜中に給油のためアゾレス諸島に着陸しました私は目を覚まして扉が開いたので新鮮な空気を吸いに外に出ました見ると1人の男が滑走路を走っていました手に持った紙を振りながら叫んでいました「ワシントンに連絡を! ワシントンに連絡を!」私は思いました― 「大西洋の真ん中で真夜中だというのにワシントンに何の問題があるというんだ?」それから― 問題ならたくさんあったのを思い出しましたそれは実のところ私のスタッフが取り乱していたのでしたナイジェリアの通信社がすでに私のスピーチを記事にしていてそれが全米各地の新聞に載っていたのでした私はモントレーで読みました記事はこうです「アメリカの前副大統領アルゴアは昨日ナイジェリアで語った “私と妻のティッパーは安いファミリーレストランを開いた名前はショーニーズ私たちは自分でやっている”」私がアメリカの土を踏むよりも前にデイヴィッドレターマンとジェイレノがもうネタにしていました私役の男が大きな白いシェフの帽子をかぶりティッパーが「バーガー1丁ポテト付きで!」と叫びます 3日後私は手書きの素敵な長文の手紙を友人であり同僚でもあるビルクリントンから受け取りました「レストランのこと聞いたよおめでとうアル!」私たちは互いの人生の成功を称え合いたいと思っています情報生態学についてお話するつもりでいたのですがしかし私はこれからたびたびTEDに戻ってこようと思っているのでこのテーマについてはまたの機会にしようと思います約束ですよ! 多くの人からもっと詳しく聞かせてほしいと言われたことに焦点を絞ってお話しします気候危機に対して私たちには何ができるのでしょうか? まず始めに新しいスライドをお見せしてそれから4-5 枚だけおさらいをしますでは始めましょうスライドは講演するたびにアップデートしていますいつも新たに学んだことがあり新しい内容を付け加えています浜辺で宝探しするようなものです波が押し寄せ引いていくたびに新しい貝殻がいくつか見つかりますこの2日間の間にも 1月の気温の記録を新しく手に入れましたアメリカのデータです過去を通じての 1月の平均気温は零下1度です先月の平均気温は4度でした皆さんは環境に関する悪いニュースをもっと聞きたいですよね? 冗談ですこのスライドは前にもお見せしたものですがこのあとの新しいスライドで何ができるかについてお話しますまずはこのスライドをもう少し詳しく説明します通常の経済活動によってアメリカが温暖化に及ぼす影響の予測です電気やその他のエネルギーの最終用途効率の改善は容易に行えます効率化と節約ですこれはコストではなく利益になることです符号が逆ですマイナスではなくプラスなのですそれ自体で割に合う投資なのですしかしこれは温暖化を緩和するための効果的な方法でもあります乗用車やトラック...これについては前にもお話ししましたが全体の中で捉えてもらいたいのですこれはわかりやすい対象であり対策すべきですがしかし乗用車やトラックよりももっと大きな地球温暖化汚染が建物での消費に由来しています乗用車やトラックは重要でありアメリカは世界でも最も規制が緩いので対策を行うべきですがしかしこれはパズルの一部です他の輸送機関の効率もまた乗用車やトラックと同じように重要です再生可能エネルギーは現在の技術水準でも十分大きな違いを生み出せますビノッドやジョンドーアその他ここにいる多くの人々が直接これに関わっていますこのくさびの部分は現在の予測よりももっと早く拡がるでしょう炭素の捕捉と隔離はキラーアプリになりそうですこれにより化石燃料を安心して使い続けられるようになりますまだそこまでは行っていませんがそれでは私たちには何ができるのでしょうか? 家庭での排出量を減らしてくださいここでする支出は利益につながります断熱より良いデザインそしてできればグリーン電力を買うこと前にも述べた自動車ですがハイブリッドカーを買うか電車を使ってくださいもっと良い選択肢がないか検討してください大切なことです環境問題を意識する消費者になってください買うものすべてについて選択肢があります地球の気候危機に対する影響が大きなものもあれば小さなものもありますそのことを考えてくださいカーボンニュートラルな生活をするという決断をしてくださいブランディングが得意な方にはぜひ助言と手助けをいただきたいできるだけ多くの人に伝えるにはどのように言ったらよいでしょうみんなが考えているよりも簡単なことなのです本当にこの中にもそういう決断をした人がたくさんいますご自分のするあらゆる選択を炭酸ガス排出を減らすように行ってくださいそして完全に減らせなかった部分についてはカーボンオフセットを購入してくださいこれについては climatecrisis.net で詳しく解説していますそこにカーボンカリキュレーターがありますパーティシパントプロダクションと私自身も関わって第一級のソフトウェア開発者たちが炭酸ガス排出量の計算という難解な科学に取り組み一般消費者にも使いやすいカーボンカリキュレーターを作りました自分のCO2 排出量を正確に算出することができますそしてどう減らせるかの選択肢が示されます映画が公開される5月までにはバージョン2.0にアップデートされクリックしてすぐオフセットを購入できるようになります次に自分の会社をカーボンニュートラルにすることを考えてください私たちの中の何人かは実際にやっていますが皆さんが考えるほど難しくはありませんあらゆる新規開発に温暖化対策を組み込んでくださいあなたの分野がテクノロジーだろうとエンターテインメントだろうとデザインとアーキテクチャだろうと持続可能にするための投資をしてくださいマジョラがその話をしていました年間の成績に基づいて管理者の報酬を払っているなら四半期報告書について文句は言わないことです人はやがてお金がもらえることをするようになります自分のもらえるお金は短期的なリターンに基づいて決められていると彼らが判断すれば短期的な判断がされるようになりますこれについてはもっと言うべきことがあります変化の触媒になってください他の人たちに教えてください学んでください話してください映画が公開されます 2日前にご覧に入れたスライドショーを映画にしたものですがとても面白い内容になっています 5月に公開されますその映画を見るように多くの人に働きかけてください誰かをナッシュビルに派遣してください選りすぐった人をこのスライドの解説ができるように私がトレーニングします個人的な部分は当然一般的なものに差し替えますスライドだけでなく何を意味するのかそれがどう繋がるのかということもあちこちから推薦されて集まった人たちを相手にこの夏セミナーを行う予定ですそして彼らがアメリカ中のコミュニティーで講演をしますスライドショーは毎週アップデートし最新で正確なものにしますローレンスレッシグと協力しツールや著作権を整備して若い人たちがリミックスし自分のやり方でやれるようにします政治には近寄るななんて誰が言ったんでしょう? あなた方の中の共和党員を民主党員にしようというのではありません私たちは共和党員も必要としていますこれはずっと超党派の問題でした私は中にいてそのことを良く知っています政治に積極的になってください民主主義が本来の形で機能するように CO2 排出や地球温暖化汚染を抑制し取引するというアイデアを支持してください理由はこうですアメリカが世界のシステムの外にいるならクローズドシステムにはなりませんアメリカの参加によって世界がクローズドシステムになったなら取締役会に入っている人は ...この中で会社の取締役会に入っている人はどれくらいいますか? クローズドシステムになったなら炭酸ガス排出の削減と取引によって収入を最大化するように CEO を説得しないとあなた方が法的な責任を問われます私たちにそれができたならマーケットはこの問題を解決するように動きますこの春に始まる啓蒙キャンペーンに手を貸してくださいアメリカの人々の考えを変える必要があります現在政治家には必要なことを行うための権限がないのです現代的な国において富と権力の間の調停はもはや論理や理性の役割ではなくなっています今では30秒ほどの短くて繰り返されるテレビCMがものを言います私たちはそういうCMをたくさん買う必要があります多くの人が指摘してくれたように地球温暖化のイメージを変えましょう気候崩壊より気候危機の方がいいと思います繰り返しますがブランディングが上手な方ぜひ助けてくださいある科学者が私に言ったことですが我々が今直面している問題は拇指対向と大脳新皮質という組み合わせが生き残れるかということなのです本当にそうです前回も言いましたがもう一度繰り返しますこれは政治問題ではありませんここにいる共和党員の方これは党利の話ではありませんあなた方の中には私たち民主党の人間より影響力のある人たちがいますこれは機会なのですこれだけでなくここにあるアイデアを繋げもっと一貫したものにしましょう私たちはひとつですどうもありがとうございました	I flew on Air Force Two for eight years. Now I have to take off my shoes or boots to get on an airplane! I'll tell you one quick story to illustrate what that's been like for me. It's a true story -- every bit of this is true. Soon after Tipper and I left the -- White House -- we were driving from our home in Nashville to a little farm we have 50 miles east of Nashville. Driving ourselves. I know it sounds like a little thing to you, but -- I looked in the rear-view mirror and all of a sudden it just hit me. There was no motorcade back there. You've heard of phantom limb pain? This was a rented Ford Taurus. It was dinnertime, and we started looking for a place to eat. We were on I-40. We got to Exit 238, Lebanon, Tennessee. We got off the exit, we found a Shoney's restaurant. Low-cost family restaurant chain, for those of you who don't know it. We went in and sat down at the booth, and the waitress came over, made a big commotion over Tipper. She took our order, and then went to the couple in the booth next to us, and she lowered her voice so much, I had to really strain to hear what she was saying. And she said "Yes, that's former Vice President Al Gore and his wife, Tipper." And the man said, "He's come down a long way, hasn't he?" There's been kind of a series of epiphanies. The very next day, continuing the totally true story, I got on a G-V to fly to Africa to make a speech in Nigeria, in the city of Lagos, on the topic of energy. And I began the speech by telling them the story of what had just happened the day before in Nashville. And I told it pretty much the same way I've just shared it with you: Tipper and I were driving ourselves, Shoney's, low-cost family restaurant chain, what the man said -- they laughed. I gave my speech, then went back out to the airport to fly back home. I fell asleep on the plane until, during the middle of the night, we landed on the Azores Islands for refueling. I woke up, they opened the door, I went out to get some fresh air, and I looked, and there was a man running across the runway. And he was waving a piece of paper, and he was yelling, "Call Washington! Call Washington!" And I thought to myself, in the middle of the night, in the middle of the Atlantic, what in the world could be wrong in Washington? But what it turned out to be, was that my staff was extremely upset because one of the wire services in Nigeria had already written a story about my speech, and it had already been printed in cities all across the United States of America. It was printed in Monterey, I checked. And the story began, "Former Vice President Al Gore announced in Nigeria yesterday," quote: 'My wife Tipper and I have opened a low-cost family restaurant'" -- "'named Shoney's, and we are running it ourselves.'" Before I could get back to U.S. soil, David Letterman and Jay Leno had already started in on -- one of them had me in a big white chef's hat, Tipper was saying, "One more burger with fries!" Three days later, I got a nice, long, handwritten letter from my friend and partner and colleague Bill Clinton, saying, "Congratulations on the new restaurant, Al!" We like to celebrate each other's successes in life. I was going to talk about information ecology. But I was thinking that, since I plan to make a lifelong habit of coming back to TED, that maybe I could talk about that another time. Chris Anderson: It's a deal! Al Gore: I want to focus on what many of you have said you would like me to elaborate on: What can you do about the climate crisis? I want to start with a couple of -- I'm going to show some new images, and I'm going to recapitulate just four or five. Now, the slide show. I update the slide show every time I give it. I add new images, because I learn more about it every time I give it. It's like beach-combing, you know? Every time the tide comes in and out, you find some more shells. Just in the last two days, we got the new temperature records in January. This is just for the United States of America. Historical average for Januarys is 31 degrees; last month was 39.5 degrees. Now, I know that you wanted some more bad news about the environment -- I'm kidding. But these are the recapitulation slides, and then I'm going to go into new material about what you can do. But I wanted to elaborate on a couple of these. First of all, this is where we're projected to go with the U.S. contribution to global warming, under business as usual. Efficiency in end-use electricity and end-use of all energy is the low-hanging fruit. Efficiency and conservation -- it's not a cost; it's a profit. The sign is wrong. It's not negative; it's positive. These are investments that pay for themselves. But they are also very effective in deflecting our path. Cars and trucks -- I talked about that in the slideshow, but I want you to put it in perspective. It's an easy, visible target of concern -- and it should be -- but there is more global warming pollution that comes from buildings than from cars and trucks. Cars and trucks are very significant, and we have the lowest standards in the world. And so we should address that. But it's part of the puzzle. Other transportation efficiency is as important as cars and trucks. Renewables at the current levels of technological efficiency can make this much difference. And with what Vinod, and John Doerr and others, many of you here -- there are a lot of people directly involved in this -- this wedge is going to grow much more rapidly than the current projection shows it. Carbon Capture and Sequestration -- that's what CCS stands for -- is likely to become the killer app that will enable us to continue to use fossil fuels in a way that is safe. Not quite there yet. OK. Now, what can you do? Reduce emissions in your home. Most of these expenditures are also profitable. Insulation, better design. Buy green electricity where you can. I mentioned automobiles -- buy a hybrid. Use light rail. Figure out some of the other options that are much better. It's important. Be a green consumer. You have choices with everything you buy, between things that have a harsh effect, or a much less harsh effect on the global climate crisis. Consider this: Make a decision to live a carbon-neutral life. Those of you who are good at branding, I'd love to get your advice and help on how to say this in a way that connects with the most people. It is easier than you think. It really is. A lot of us in here have made that decision, and it is really pretty easy. It means reduce your carbon dioxide emissions with the full range of choices that you make, and then purchase or acquire offsets for the remainder that you have not completely reduced. And what it means is elaborated at climatecrisis.net. There is a carbon calculator. Participant Productions convened -- with my active involvement -- the leading software writers in the world, on this arcane science of carbon calculation, to construct a consumer-friendly carbon calculator. You can very precisely calculate what your CO2 emissions are, and then you will be given options to reduce. And by the time the movie comes out in May, this will be updated to 2.0, and we will have click-through purchases of offsets. Next, consider making your business carbon-neutral. Again, some of us have done that, and it's not as hard as you think. Integrate climate solutions into all of your innovations, whether you are from the technology, or entertainment, or design and architecture community. Invest sustainably. Majora mentioned this. Listen, if you have invested money with managers who you compensate on the basis of their annual performance, don't ever again complain about quarterly report CEO management. Over time, people do what you pay them to do. And if they judge how much they're going to get paid on your capital that they've invested, based on the short-term returns, you're going to get short-term decisions. A lot more to be said about that. Become a catalyst of change. Teach others, learn about it, talk about it. The movie is a movie version of the slideshow I gave two nights ago, except it's a lot more entertaining. And it comes out in May. Many of you here have the opportunity to ensure that a lot of people see it. Consider sending somebody to Nashville. Pick well. And I am personally going to train people to give this slideshow -- re-purposed, with some of the personal stories obviously replaced with a generic approach, and it's not just the slides, it's what they mean. And it's how they link together. And so I'm going to be conducting a course this summer for a group of people that are nominated by different folks to come and then give it en masse, in communities all across the country, and we're going to update the slideshow for all of them every single week, to keep it right on the cutting edge. Working with Larry Lessig, it will be, somewhere in that process, posted with tools and limited-use copyrights, so that young people can remix it and do it in their own way. Where did anybody get the idea that you ought to stay arm's length from politics? It doesn't mean that if you're a Republican, that I'm trying to convince you to be a Democrat. We need Republicans as well. This used to be a bipartisan issue, and I know that in this group it really is. Become politically active. Make our democracy work the way it's supposed to work. Support the idea of capping carbon dioxide emissions -- global warming pollution -- and trading it. Here's why: as long as the United States is out of the world system, it's not a closed system. Once it becomes a closed system, with U.S. participation, then everybody who's on a board of directors -- how many people here serve on the board of directors of a corporation? you will have legal liability if you do not urge your CEO to get the maximum income from reducing and trading the carbon emissions that can be avoided. The market will work to solve this problem -- if we can accomplish this. Help with the mass persuasion campaign that will start this spring. We have to change the minds of the American people. Because presently, the politicians do not have permission to do what needs to be done. And in our modern country, the role of logic and reason no longer includes mediating between wealth and power the way it once did. It's now repetition of short, hot-button, 30-second, 28-second television ads. We have to buy a lot of those ads. Let's re-brand global warming, as many of you have suggested. I like "climate crisis" instead of "climate collapse," but again, those of you who are good at branding, I need your help on this. Somebody said the test we're facing now, a scientist told me, is whether the combination of an opposable thumb and a neocortex is a viable combination. That's really true. I said the other night, and I'll repeat now: this is not a political issue. Again, the Republicans here -- this shouldn't be partisan. You have more influence than some of us who are Democrats do. This is an opportunity. Not just this, but connected to the ideas that are here, to bring more coherence to them. We are one. Thank you very much, I appreciate it.	{ "source": "iwslt2017", "missed_lines": null, "inserted_lines_src": null, "inserted_lines_trg": null }
俺が異世界に来てか目の営業を迎えるアイヲンモール異世界店。俺は初日のように、営業中のお店を観察することにした。どうやら俺はいろいろ見落としていたらしいから。今日も最初にやってきたのは近隣の農家のみなさんだ。「おはようおばちゃん!」「おはようクロエちゃん。今日は旦那を連れてきたんだ。あとで昨日のアレを見せてくれるかい?」「もちろんだとも! さあさあおじさんもこっちへ!」「はは、クロエちゃん、まずは野菜を下ろさねえとな」「おっとそうだった! おーい、バルベラ!」アイヲンモールの敷地に入ったおばちゃんたちのおっさんを迎えるクロエ。初日とは違って、クロエはバルベラに声をかけた。「......呼んだ?」「荷下ろしを手伝ってあげてくれ! 私はスコップやシャベル、猫車を取ってこなくては!」「......わかった」クロエは今日も園芸用品を売る気満々のようだ。野菜の受け入れをバルベラに任せて、クロエはさっそく実演販売の準備に取りかかるらしい。くっ、ガーデニンググッズがもっと充実してれば! ホームセンター並みの品揃えなら! いや、それだともうアイヲンモールじゃない。専門館がある店舗は別だけど。逃した商機に歯嚙みしつつ観察を続ける。トコトコ近づいていったバルベラは、荷車の下に潜り込んだ。「え? あの子なにしてんの?」疑問に思った俺が呟くと。木箱に詰まった野菜ごと。「はい? あれけっこうな重さのはずで、女の子一人じゃ......ってバルベラはドラゴンだったわ! 人化してるだけでドラゴンならあれぐらい余裕か! はあ、もう驚くのに疲れたよ......」ひょいっと荷車を持ち上げてスタスタ歩くバルベラ。たまにあることなのか、農家のおばちゃんは「バルベラちゃんは力持ちだねえ。どうだい、ウチに嫁に来ないかい?」と言ってニコニコしている。「あっさり受け入れすぎ! いや、バルベラがドラゴンだって知らないのか? さすがにドラゴンを嫁に誘わない......いやわかんねえな。普通にアイヲンモール異世界店の従業員だし」褒められてるのがわかったのか、普段は無表情なバルベラがうれしそうだ。歩くスピードがちょっと上がってる。「......ついてくる」そのまま、バルベラはおばちゃんたちを引き連れてアイヲンモール内のスーパーへ向かっていった。荷車は入り口を通れないしどうするんだろ、と思ったら今度は木箱を両手で抱えた。一箱だけじゃなく、何箱も。「違和感ヤバい。見た目10歳の女の子がフォークリフト状態で違和感ヤバい。さすが異世界!」木箱で前が見えない分は、おばちゃんたちが誘導している。「フルタイムの従業員とパートのおばちゃんたちの抜群のチームワークですね! いやあ、頼もしいなあ! ははは......」従業員の派閥がないのはいいことだ。人化したドラゴンが従業員なことをスルーして笑う。バルベラのおかげでモンスターが寄って来ないし、重い荷物を簡単に運べる。そうだ、有能な人材だ、ドラゴンってことは無視すればいい、ほら見た目じゃわからないんだし。俺は自分に言い聞かせる。「おばちゃん、用意できたぞ! アイヲンモールのスコップとシャベルと猫車のすごさを確かめるといい!」入荷した野菜の陳列が終わったところでクロエが戻ってきた。緑のラインが入った白い金属鎧で肩にスコップを担ぐエルフ。ギャップがすごい。でもあんまり違和感はない。「さあ行くぞ! こういうのは使ってみないとわからないからな! なあに、心配は無用だ! ちゃんとお試し用のスコップを用意したからな!」「はいはいクロエちゃん。ほらアンタ、行くよ!」農家のおばちゃんは旦那さんの手を引っ張ってずんずん進む。実演販売は昨日もやってたし、あっちは見なくてもいいだろう。「おう、今日も邪魔するぜ。いやあ、ここの便所を知っちまうと野外がツラくてなあ」「違いねえ。街の宿とも比べものにならねえぜ」出ていったクロエと入れ替わるように入ってきたのは、薄汚れた格好の冒険者たちだ。革鎧やローブ姿で、それぞれ武器を持っ組。うち一人は木の杖を持ってる。たぶん魔法使いってヤツなんだろう。「あの格好でアイヲンモール春日野店に来たらすぐ警備を呼ばれるな。刃物持ってるし。剣と槍で武装したお客さまは入れられないだろ。異世界すげえ」そういえば、初日に見かけた冒険者たちな気がする。冒険者同士の会話を盗み聞きすると、どうや三日でモンスターを狩りに行った帰りらしい。野外で寝泊まりして、その帰りだと。「それであんなに汚れて、というか服や鎧の汚れより布袋からポタポタ垂れてる液体の方が気になるんですけど」俺の呟きをよそに、冒険者たちはまっすぐトイレに向かっていった。気持ちはわかる。清潔なアイヲンモールのトイレは快適だ。俺だって日本にいた時は、駅や公園のトイレはイヤだけどアイヲンモールのトイレなら落ち着いて用を足せた。あ、自宅は別ね。昔は家の外にあるボットン便所だったけど、離れを建てた時に母屋もリフォームしたから。やっぱり一番落ち着くのは家のトイレだよな、俺の家どうなってんだろ。書類通りアイヲンがちゃんと管理してくれてるって信じるしかない。「一階は大理石風のフロアでよかった。二階三階のカーペットにあの液体が垂れたらシミ抜き大変そう」「うっし! スッキリしたし、んじゃ街に帰るか! おっと、さすがに便所だけ使ってそのまま帰るわけにはいかねえな」「そりゃそうだろ! おうお嬢ちゃん、コイツを人数分頼む!」ちょっと日本のことを思い出してたら、五人組冒険者がトイレから出てきた。そのまま帰るのかと思いきや、商品を買っていってくれるらしい。初日と同じ、売れ筋商品の瓜系野菜だ。「見た目と口調はアレだけどけっこう気を遣ってるんだな。日本だってトイレだけ使ったりソファで休憩したりタバコ吸うだけで帰るお客さまもいるのに」「はい、こちら五つですね。ありがとうございます」「......なあ嬢ちゃん、仕事終わるの何時だ? ちょっと飲みに行かねえか?」「うふふ、ありがとうございます。ですが私は用事がありますので」「お、なんだなんだ? おめェ惚れちゃったか?」今日はクロエが外で実演販売していて、俺はちょっと離れたところから営業の様子を観察している。いまレジに立っているのはアンナさんだ。アンナさんは問題なく会計を済ませ、冒険者のナンパをあっさりかわしてお客さまをお見送りした。「アンナさん有能すぎない? 一人分の人件費で警備と清掃チームがついてくるし! というか冒険者! もしアンナさんがOKしてたら二人っきりになって『貴方を食べていいですか?』ってストレートに言われちゃうから! 性的な意味じゃなくて!」「食べませんよ?」「おわっ!」独り言のつもりだったのに、耳元でアンナさんの声がした。ビクッってなって振り返る。アンナさんがいた。いま、離れた場所でお客さまをお見送りしてたはずなのに。「私はリッチですけど、食べ物は人間と同じです。食べなくても生きていけますけど。あら私ったら、死んでるのに生きていけるっておかしいですね。うふふ」「アンデッドジョークかよ! いや笑えないから!」「ナオヤさん、お客さまはいませんから、あの子たちに清掃をお願いしました。その、ナオヤさんが見かけるかもしれないので一応ご報告をと」「あ、ありがとうございます。なんか気を遣わせちゃってすみません」ニコッと笑って、アンナさんはレジに戻っていった。冒険者たちが使ったトイレの方向を見る。ゴーストだ。「よし、わかってればイケる。店内は明るいし近くにアンナさんもいるし。そのアンナさんの配下なわけだけど」ゴーストはトイレに繋がる通路の前でふよふよ浮いている。その横を、エプロンをしたスケルトンが何体か通り抜けていった。「あ、お客さまが来ないかゴーストが見張って、その間にスケルトンチームが清掃するんですね。道理で営業中にスケルトンを見かけなかったわけだ。お客さまに見せないように配慮してると。いままで俺にも配慮してたと」お客さまの汚れを咎めるのではなく、汚れた場所をすぐキレイにする。しかもゴーストとスケルトンの連携で、裏方がお客さまに見えないように。「有能すぎるだろおい。すぐ消えられるし24時間働けるし、なんなら日本のスタッフより優秀まであるぞ」これが、アイヲンモール異世界店の通常営業の姿だったらしい。店長として赴任したのに従業員との挨拶が遅れたことといい、初日にアイヲンモール異世界店の真の姿に気付かなかったことといい、俺は異世界に来て動揺していたのかもしれない。「ってそりゃ動揺するでしょ! 異世界だし! 従業員はエルフとドラゴンとアンデッドだし! むしろ営業三日目で受け入れてる自分を褒めてやりたい!」とにかく。お客さまは少ないし、従業員は「普通の人間」とは違うかもしれないけど、みんな優秀だ。異世界なことに動揺してたけど、店長である俺も落ち着いてきた。「あとは月間売上一億円に向けてがんばるだけだな! それが難問なんだけど!」	This is the third day of business for the Aion Mall Otherworld Store since I arrived in another world. I decided to observe the store while it was open for business, just as I did on the first day. It seems I missed a lot of things. The first to arrive today are the local farmers. “Good morning, Auntie!” “Good morning, Chloe-chan. I brought my husband here today. Can you show me what you did yesterday?” “Of course I can! Come on, come on, uncle, come here!” “Ha-ha-ha, Chloe-chan, we have to get the vegetables down first.” “Oh, right Hey, Barbera!” Chloe greets the ladies and one of the old men as they enter the property of Aion Mall. Unlike the first day, Chloe approached Barbera. “Did you call ......?” “Help them unload! I have to get the scoop, shovel, and cart wheel!” “...... got it.” It seems that Chloe is ready to sell gardening equipment again today. Leaving the vegetable deposits to Barbera, Chloe is apparently going to start preparing for the demonstration sale right away. Damn, if only we had a better selection of gardening products! As long as we have as good a selection of goods as at a home center! No, that’s not Aion Mall anymore. Unless there’s a specialty store. I continue my observation, gritting my teeth at the business opportunity I missed. Barbera, who was trotting up to the door, ducked under a cart. “Eh? What is she doing?” I muttered to myself, questioning. A whole crate of vegetables. “Excuse me? That thing must have weighed quite a lot, and a girl alone can’t ...... carry it. A dragon in human form could have easily done that! I’m tired of being surprised. ......” Barbera lifted the cart in a single stroke and strode away. I wonder if this happens occasionally, but the farmer lady said, [Barbera, you’re a strong girl. How would you like to marry into our family?] and smiles at her. “Too easily accepted! Don’t people know that Barbera is a dragon? As expected, you don’t ask a dragon to marry your children. ...... No, I don’t think so. She’s just a regular employee of the Aion Mall Otherworld Store.” The usually expressionless Barbera looks happy, as if she knows she’s being praised. Her walking speed is a bit faster. “...... follow me.” Barbera led the ladies to the supermarket in the Aion Mall. The carriage could not pass through the entrance, and I wondered what she was going to do, but this time she was holding a wooden box with both hands. Not just one box, but several boxes. “What was she going to do? It’s not right. It’s not right for a -year-old girl to be carrying around like a forklift. As expected of a different world!” The ladies were guiding the wooden boxes that were too big to see in front of. “What an outstanding teamwork between the full-time employees and the part-timers! Well, I can count on them! Haha ......” It’s a good thing there are no employee factions. I laugh through the fact that humanized dragons are employees. Thanks to Barbera, monsters don’t come close to us and we can carry heavy loads easily. Yes, she’s a competent employee, just ignore the fact that she’s a dragon, look, you can’t tell by her appearance. That’s what I told myself. “Auntie, I’m ready! You’ll see what I’m talking about with the scoop and shovel from Aion Mall.” Chloe returns just as we’ve finished displaying the vegetables we’ve just received. An elf in white metal armor with green stripes and carrying a scoop on her shoulder. The gap is amazing. But it doesn’t look too strange. (Shovel knight.....) “Now let’s go! You never know what you’re going to get until you try it! Don’t worry! I’ve prepared a shovel for you to try it out!” “Yes, yes, Chloe-chan. Come on dear, let’s go!” The farmer’s auntie pulled the husband’s hand and they proceeded on their way. Yesterday we had the demonstration and sale, so I don’t think I need to see that one. “Oh, I’m going to interrupt you again today. Well, it’s hard to go out in the open once you get to know this restroom.” “No shit. It’s different. There’s no comparison to the inns in the city.” As if replacing Chloe who left, adventurers in dirty clothes came in. A group of five men in leather armor and robes, each carrying a weapon. One of them is holding a wooden staff. They were probably wizards. “If they came to the Aion Mall Kasugano dressed like that, security would be called immediately. And he has a blade. They wouldn’t let a customer armed with a sword and a spear in there, would they? It’s another world after all.” Speaking of which, I feel like these are the same adventurers I saw on the first day. From eavesdropping on conversations between adventurers, it seems that they were returning from a two-night, three-day monster hunting trip. They used to sleep outdoors and were on their way back from that trip. I’m more concerned about the liquid dripping from their cloth bags than the dirt on their clothes and armor. Regardless of my musings, the adventurers headed straight for the restroom. I understand how they feel. The clean restrooms at Aion Mall are very comfortable. During my time in Japan, I didn’t like to use the restrooms at train stations or parks, but I could do my business in the bathrooms at the Aion Mall in peace. Oh, except at home. I used to have a portable toilet outside my house, but I remodeled the main house when I built a new house. I guess the most comfortable bathroom is the one at home, I wonder how my house is. I can only trust that Aion is taking good care of it as per the papers. “I’m glad the first floor has a marble floor. If that liquid drips on the carpets on the second and third floors, it’s going to be hard to remove the stains.” “Hell yeah! Now that I’m refreshed, let’s go back to the city! Oops, we can’t just use the bathroom and go straight home, can we?” “Of course not! Hey miss, get me a couple of these for each of us! Just as I was thinking about Japan for a moment, a group of five adventurers came out of the bathroom. I thought they were just going to leave, but they were going to buy some merchandise from us. They were going to buy some of our best-selling gourd vegetables, the same as the first day. “Despite their appearance and tone of voice, they are very considerate. Even in Japan, there are customers who just use the restroom, take a break on the sofa, smoke a cigarette, and then leave.” “Here you go, five portions. Thank you for coming.” “...... Hey, miss, what time do you finish work? How about going out for a drink?” “Ufufu, thank you very much. But I have some business to attend to.” “Oh, what is it? Have you fallen in love with me?” Chloe is outside today doing a sales demonstration, and I’m observing the sales from a little distance away. Now it is Anna who is standing at the cash register. Anna completed the checkout with no problem, easily dodged the adventurer’s attempts to pick up on her, and sent the customer on their way. “Isn’t Anna-san too competent? For the cost of one person, you get security and a cleaning team! Or rather, adventurers! If Anna had said OK, she would have left us alone with our guests and asked, ‘Can I eat you?’ I don’t mean sexually! I mean literally!” “You’re not going to eat me, are you?” “Uwaah!” I was talking to myself, but I heard Anna’s voice in my ear. I got startled and turned around. Anna was there. She was supposed to be seeing a customer off at a distance. “I am Lich, but I eat food just like a human being. I can live even if I don’t eat. It’s funny that I can live even though I’m dead, isn’t it? Ufufu.” Is this some kind of undead joke? No, it’s not funny!” “Naoya-san, we don’t have any customers, so I asked those girls to clean up. Well, I just wanted to let you know in case Naoya-san might see them.” “T-thank you very much. I’m sorry I made you feel awkward.” With a smile, Anna went back to the cash register. I looked in the direction of the restroom used by the adventurers. A ghost. “Good, if I know what happened, everything will be alright. It’s bright inside, and Anna is nearby. And they’re under Anna’s command.” The ghost was floating in front of the passageway that leads to the restrooms. Several skeletons wearing aprons passed by. “Oh, the ghosts watch to see if any customers come in, while the skeleton team cleans up. No wonder we didn’t see any skeletons during business hours. She said she was trying not to show them to the customers. And that they’ve been considerate to me up until now.” Instead of blaming the customers for the dirt, they clean up the dirty areas right away. Moreover, the ghosts and skeletons work together so that the customers don’t see the staff behind the scenes. “They’re too good at what they do. They can disappear at a moment’s notice, they can work hours a day, and they are even better than the staff in Japan.” This was the way the Aion Mall’s Otherworldly Store normally operated. The fact that I was late in greeting the employees even though I was assigned as the manager, and the fact that I didn’t realize the true nature of the Aion Mall’s Otherworldly Store on the first day, I may have been shaken up by my arrival in the Otherworldly Store. “Of course I was shaken up! It’s another world! There are elves, dragons, and undead! I’d rather praise myself for accepting it on my third day of operations than for being upset.” Anyway. There aren’t many customers, and the employees may not be [normal people], but they’re all excellent. I was shaken up by the whole otherworldly thing, but being the manager, I’m starting to calm down too. “All I have to do now is work hard to make 0 million yen in monthly sales! Though that’s the hard part!”	{ "source": "manual-fanfic", "missed_lines": 2, "inserted_lines_src": 0, "inserted_lines_trg": 2 }
逃げるために使うスキルは単純だ。おそらくノルドも常にそのスキルによる逃走を警戒しているだろう。重要なのは隙を作ることだ。 3対1ならば、数秒くらい隙を作れるはず......。「早撃ち......ボルトネットショット!」電気のネットがアンヌとガー坊に放たれた。アンヌは相殺を狙って鉄球を振り回すも、その鉄球から鎖を伝って感電。ガー坊も【ミサイルポッド】でネットの破壊を試みたが、ネットはバラバラになっても電気を帯び続けており、それが展開していた【オーシャンスフィア】に触れ、水を伝って感電した。 ......が、俺はあえて全部スルーする! 「流星弓!」「なっ!?」相手の方が強くて賢いなら、こっちは全力でバカになるだけだ。 3対1で戦うと言った後に即ユニゾンを引っ込めることになる合体奥義は普通使うまい。だからこそ......使う! 相手も射撃を行った後だから、わずかとはいえ隙もある! さらにゴーストフロートの特性も利用する。ここの地面は脆くて簡単に穴が開く。【流星弓】でノルドを狙いつつ、地面もなくしていけば動きを大きく制限できる。ノルドの飛行は飛んでいるというよりも風の力を使ったホバーに近い。風を吹きつける地面がなくなればおのずと飛べなくなるはずだ。「ブラックホールバレットッ!」「なに......!?」ノルドが暗黒の渦を撃ち出す。【流星弓】の赤く輝く矢はみるみるその渦に吸い込まれていく......! まさに光すら飲み込むブラックホールか! しかも、あのブラックホールは強い重力を発生させている。体が微妙に引っ張られて動きにくい......! ただ、それはノルドの方も同じのようだ。彼も動かないし、銃も撃ってこない。ブラックホールは平等にすべてを吸い込むというわけか。「アンヌ! 動けるかい?」「まだちょっとビリビリしていますが、なんとか......」「よし、地面に大穴を開けてくれ。こっちのな!」「ダメだ。鉄球もブラックホールに吸い込まれて鎖で繋がってるアンヌまで引き込まれる。今、こっちと向こうは超重力の壁で分かたれているんだ」アンヌの鉄球で地面に大穴が開き、俺たちは空中に放り出される。これでいい。地面に立っている状態ではブラックホールの重力に逆らえなかったが、落下の勢いを加えることで下には移動できる。「浮雲の群れ!」ある程度落ちたところでスキルを発動。俺とアンヌを雲がキャッチする。このまま【風】の風で雲を流して逃げてもいいが、結局のところゴーストフロートに復帰するのにはあのスキルを使う必要がある。ノルドに追撃を食らう前に使ってやる......! 「アンヌ、スターダストアローで脱出する。援護を頼む」「了解です!」ボーンデッドマンションではアンヌを抱いて【アイムアロー】を使ったが、今回はそれに【インドラの矢】を融合させた【スターダストアロー】を使う。奥義と奥義の融合奥義で回転しながらアンヌも奥義を振り回す。この暴力的な攻撃判定を1人のプレイヤーで打ち破るのは不可能だ! 聖なる十字架の星たち聖なる裁きの星屑と化した俺は、下からゴーストフロートの地面を突き破って天高く昇っていった。 ◆ ◆ ◆ 「まさか、逃げてもいいと言った途端、こんなに大胆に逃げるとは......」天に向かって昇っていく星を眺め、ノルドは銃を構える。 ......いや、この距離では当たりませんね」「あら~、逃がしちゃってるじゃないのノルドちゃ~ん!」「......グリムカンビさん」銃を収めたノルドの元に、茂みから現れた男が迫る。頭に巾、体にはエプロン、手にはハンマーを持ち、顔立ちはイケメンのようでどこか安っぽい。休日にDIYを楽しむ遊び上手な大学生のような姿の男は、馴れ馴れしくノルドと肩を組む。「で、実力はわかったの?」「まあ、片鱗は見えました」「へー、じゃあ失敗ってこと? あの奥義ってチャリンちゃんを倒した一番有名な奥義っしょ? なんで対策してなかったの?」「対策する必要がなかったからです。あの奥義はこのゴーストフロートでは自爆技でしかない。キュージィ氏もそれに気づいていると思いましたが......」「んん~? なんであれが自爆技なのかな?」「あの奥義は上に飛んだ後に落ちてきます。そして、その際に強力な攻撃判定が発生する......」「あっ、なるほど! 着地の際にゴーストフロートの地面をぶち破るから、そのまま地上に落っこちちゃうんだ!」「その通りですが、そのパターンだとまだリカバーできます。最悪のパターンはゴーストフロートの地面で着地判定が発生せず、地上まで強制的に落下することです。あの奥義は落下時以外にも常に攻撃判定がありますから」「......どゆこと?」「キュージィ氏との戦いで爆裂空が僕の頬をかすめたことがありましたね? あの融合奥義はヒットと同時に爆発するはずなのに、頬をカスっても爆発しなかった......。つまり、『ヒット』と『かすり』は明確に区別されているということです。つまり、威力の高すぎるスターダストアローにとって、ゴーストフロートの脆い地面は障害物がカスったと判断される可能性がある」「なるほど! 脆すぎて地面と判断されずに、地上界の地面まで止まらないってことか......。確かにゴーストフロートの地面で奥義の効果が終了すれば、穴が開いても浮雲やらワープアローで復帰できるもんねぇ~。つまり、ノルドちゃんの勝ちじゃん!」「勝ち負けを決める気はなかったのですがね。これからのために一度戦ってみたかっただけで、満足したら適当なところで切り上げる予定でした。グロウカードのことを考えれば、悪いことをしたのかもしれません。まあ、本当に地上に落ちていたらの話ですけど」「なら最初にキルはしませんって言っておけばよかったじゃんか!」「キュージィ氏は追い詰められた時に真価を発揮する。陣取りの時もチャリン戦の時もそうでした。それを引き出さないと戦う意味がないんです。まあ、グロウカードと安易な挑発では追い詰められませんでしたが......」「同年代の同業者にはノルドちゃんの挑発はかなり効くんだけどねぇ~。ゲームを楽しんでるだけのおじさんには簡単に受け流されちゃったねぇ~。年の功ってやつ?」「無駄なプライドがない人は身軽で、何かに固執していない人は視野が広い......。やはり、マココ氏に次ぐ脅威と言わざるを得ません。僕が初めて出会った初心者の頃のキュージィ氏とはプレイングも何もかも比べ物にならない。あの時は僕のプレイングに関する指摘にうつむくだけのプレイヤーでした」「あー、ノルドちゃんが新しいゲームを始めるたびにやる初心者パーティに混じって新人を虐めるアレね。なんであんな嫌われるようなことをしちゃうの?」「言えばできる人がまれにいるからですよ。そういう人は仲間に誘う。優秀な人材というのは、常に探そうとしなければ見つからない場所にいるんです。キュージィ氏もそうで、僕はそれを見逃した。結果、脅威となって僕たちの前に立ちはだかっている」「まっ、ノルドちゃんにはノルドちゃんの考えがあるんだろうけど、もうちょっと柔らかな物言いだったら俺たち「一番を目指す以上、一番嫌われる覚悟は必要です。それに下手に良い子ちゃんぶるとちょっとした不祥事でもリカバーがきかなくなる。ネットで活躍するプロゲーマーなんて常に弱火で燃やされてるくらいがいいんですよ」の良心なんて言われて女の子たちに大人気だけどな~」「ファンの女の子に3股かけてるのリークしますよ」「すいません。やめてください。お願いします」「まあ、もう5度はバレてるんでリークされても反応されないでしょうけど。僕としてはなぜそんな人に女の子が寄ってくるのかの方が気になります」「そりゃ宝くじと一緒なんだよねぇ! はずれてる人の方が多いのに、今度こそは、自分だけは当たるって思ってる人が多いから売れ続ける。つまり、私だけは一途に思ってくれる、自分にはそれだけの魅力があると思ってる女の子が多いんすよ~。それが事実なら俺というイケてる男と他のライバルより女性として魅力があるという称号も手に入るから、試してみる価値はありますぜって感じで」「......普通に納得できる答えが返ってくるとは。まあ、無駄話はこれくらいにして街に帰りましょう」「今回の戦闘の動画も編集しないといけないからね!」「この戦闘の動画は上げません」「えっ!? じゃあ何のために戦ったのよ!?」「キュージィ氏の力を試すためとずっと言っています。こんな動画を上げたら本当の戦いに水を差すだけです。興ざめと言ってもいい」「本当の戦い......。あのリーク、マジなの? なんか他のプロゲーマーもそれを前提に動いてるけどさ」「その可能性は高いと思います。タイミングもちょうど良い。『黄道宮』の期間が長くて、早めにクリアした廃人たちはNSOへの情熱が薄れてきている。かといって早めに次のイベントの情報を出したら、ゆったり競わずに遊べるという『黄道十二迷宮』のコンセプトから外れてしまう。次のイベントを知れば全プレイヤーが焦りだす......」「そりゃそうよ! だってリアルマネーで賞金が出るんだから! しかも優勝で1人2500万! 4人パーティで合計1億! まさに大VR時代! ゲーミングドリーム! イかれた死闘が始まるってもんよ!」「だからこそ、情報中毒者の廃人しか気づかないようにリークをした。でも、このご時世ウワサはすぐに広がります。そのうち公式からも発表があるでしょう。第1回NSO最強パーティ決定戦、開催の発表がね......」「もちろん狙うは優勝しかないよなぁ!?」「もちろんです。この戦いに本気になれないならプロゲーマーを名乗る必要がない。だから、今から情報を集めているんです」「で、警戒すべきはマココちゃんとキュージィちゃんってワケねぇ~」「あくまでも他のプレイヤーと比較して......ですがね。マココ氏はまだしもキュージィ氏は今の段階では僕らと差があるといわざるを得ない」「やっぱプレイングが?」「逆です。プレイングは恐るべき成長を遂げていますし、エイムに関しては僕が確実に劣っていると言えます。ですが、装備やスキル奥義が追いついていない......。特に装備はまだ素の風雲装備の部分がある。ユニゾンも第3進化をしていない。スキル奥義はバリエーションが少なく、進化している物も少ないと感じました」「ふーん、あの短い戦闘でそんなに気づくところがあるもんだねぇ~」「あと、情報を仕入れていないと思いました。僕の使ったスキル奥義はチャリン戦で使ったものがほとんどだったのに、キュージィ氏は完全に初見の反応でした。僕らの動画を見てくれていないようです」「それはなんか悔しいかも! せっかく最速でチャリンちゃん戦をクリアしたんだからぜひとも見てほしいのになぁ! でも、ここでノルドちゃんと戦ったことがきっかけで見に来るんじゃない? それに自分に足りないものにも気づくんじゃない? もしかして、今回の戦いはキュージィちゃん成長のキッカケになるだけだったんじゃ......」「それは本人次第です。こちらはこちらで得たものはあります。さあ、帰って他のメンバーと情報交換といきましょう」グリムカンビはどこからともなく取り出した材料で大型のテントを組み立てる。完成したテントにノルドと共に入り、こう叫んだ。「ファストトラベル! 初期街!」すると、テントごと彼らは姿を消した。	Using a skill to escape was simple. Nord was likely very much aware that I would try and use a skill to escape. The important thing was to make an opening. If it was three against one, I should be able to make one for a few seconds... “Quickdraw...Bolt Net Shot!” An electric net was unleashed at Anne and Garbow. While Anne swung the iron ball in an attempt to cancel the attack, the electricity just traveled through the ball and chain and hit her. Garbow also tried to destroy the net with Missile Pod, but even when scattered, the net continued to be electric, and so it touched Ocean Sphere and went through the water. ...But, I ignored all of this! “What!?” If my opponent is strong and smart, then I should just be relentlessly stupid. After saying that you would fight vs , you would not usually use a combination charge attack that would mean dismissing your Unison right away. And so...I would do just that! And since he had just fired, I had an opening, as small as it was! Furthermore, I would use the characteristics of the Ghost Float. Here, the ground was soft and you could easily make holes in it. And so while aiming at Nord with Meteor Bow, I could get rid of parts of the ground and limit his movement. Nord wasn’t actually flying, but using the power of the wind to hover. And so he wouldn’t be able to move as much if there was no ground for the wind to hit against. “Blackhole Bullet!” “What...!?” Nord unleashed a whirl of blackness. And the red glowing arrows from Meteor Bow started to get sucked into it...! It really was a blackhole that even sucked up light! Not only that, the blackhole had a strong gravitational pull. So I could feel it pulling my body, which made it difficult to move...! However, it seemed to be the same for Nord as well. He wasn’t moving, and he didn’t shoot. So the blackhole sucked in everything equally. “Anne! Can you move?” “While I still feel numb, I should be able to manage...” “Alright. Open a big hole in the ground. Over here!” “No. The iron ball will get sucked into the blackhole, and the chain will pull you in as well. Right now, here and there are separated by a wall of super gravity.” Anne’s iron ball opened a big hole in the ground, and we were thrown into the air. That was fine. I could not resist the pull of the blackhole’s gravity when I was standing on the ground, but when the force of the fall was added, I could move downward. “Floating Cloud Herd!” After I had fallen enough, I activated the skill. The clouds then caught me and Anne. I could just use Windcloud Blast to escape, but in the end, I needed to use a certain skill in order to be able to return to the Ghost Float. And so I would use it before Nord could launch a followup attack...! “Anne. We’ll escape with Stardust Arrow. I’ll need you to cover me.” “Understood!” In the Bone-ted Mansion, I had held Anne and used I’m Arrow, but this time I would use Stardust Arrow, which was the result of fusing it with Indra’s Arrow. By fusing two charge attacks together, I rotated, and Anne too swung around her charge attack. It was not possible for a single player to break through this violent hitbox! “Stardust Arrow!” “Saint Cross Star!” We turned into stardust of holy judgement. And like that, from below, we broke through the ground of the Ghost Float and rose high into the air. ◆ ◆ ◆ “While I did say that he could run away, I didn’t expect him to do it so boldly...” Nord held his guns as he watched the star rise into the sky. “Miracle Effect, Dark Matter... No, it won’t hit them at this distance.” “Ahhh... So you let him get away, Nordy!” “...Gullinkambi.” A man appeared from the bushes as Nord put away his guns. He had a triangular bandage on his head, wore an apron, and held a hammer. And while he was on the good-looking side, there was something cheap about him. He looked like a university student who enjoyed DIY and playing during his days off. He then put an arm around Nord’s shoulder with a familiar air. “So, do you know how strong he is?” “Well, I saw a glimpse.” “Huh. So you failed? But that was his most famous charge attack wasn’t it? The one he used to beat Charin? Why didn’t you have a countermeasure ready?” “Because I didn’t need one. That move is just self-destruction when used on this Ghost Float. And I thought that Kyuji would know it...” “Hmmm? Why is it self-destruction?” “You fall back down after flying up. And when you do, you do incredible damage to whatever you hit...” “Ah, I see! So he’ll tear through the ground of the Ghost Float and fall to the land below!” “Exactly. Though, he would still be able to recover if it was just that. The worst case scenario would be if the game doesn’t recognize it as a landing, and he goes right through the Ghost Float and is forced into a plummet towards the surface. That charge attack is always doing damage, even when he’s not falling.” “...What do you mean?” “During my fight with Kyuji, his Exploding Sky Tear hit scratched my cheek. That fused charge attack is supposed to explode when it hits something. But it didn’t... In other words, there is a clear difference between a hit and a scratch. So, with something as powerful as Stardust Arrow, hitting the brittle ground of the Ghost Float might be recognized as a scratch.” “I see! It won’t be recognized as ground because it’s too weak. So it won’t break his fall at all... Yes, if the effect ends at the ground of the Ghost Float, he will still be able to use Floating Cloud or Warp Arrow to return, even if he makes a hole... In other words, you won, Nordy!” “But this wasn’t about winning or losing for me. I just wanted to fight him once now, for the future. I planned to stop the fight once I had seen enough. And considering his Grow Card, I do feel a little bad for him. Well, if he really does fall all of the way back down, that is.” “Then you should have just told him from the beginning that you wouldn’t kill him!” “Kyuji shows his true worth when he’s desperate. It was the same during the turf war and the Charin fight. There is no point if I can’t draw that out of him. Well, simple provocation was not enough to do that, especially when he had the Grow Card...” “People with the same job and age are usually affected when you provoke them... But I guess it’s different when the person is just an old guy who wants to enjoy a game... Are they just more mature?” “He doesn’t have as much pride and doesn’t fixate on things. Such people have a wider view of the world... I have to say that he could be the next big threat after Macoco. He is completely different compared to the Kyuji that I first met. Back then, he was just a player that would nod at any playing advice that I would give.” “Ah, that thing you do whenever you start a new game. You join a beginner party and bully the new players. Why do you do things that make people hate you?” “Because once in a while there are people who improve like that. And I invite such people to come and join us. The best personnel are in places where you have to really look for them. Kyuji was like that, but I missed it. The result is that he now stands in our way as a threat.” “Well, it looks like you have your own way of thinking, Nord. But I think that if you said things a little less insultingly, people would hate our guild a little less...” “If you want to be the best, then you have to be prepared to be hated. Besides, pretending to be a good person only means it’s harder to recover if you ever end up in a scandal. Pro gamers with an online presence should always be taking a little heat.” “Is that so? But people coudn’t like me any more than they do now. I’m especially popular with women and children. They say that I’m the moral compass of VRHAR.” “Perhaps I should leak information about how you’re dating three fans at the same time.” “I’m sorry. Don’t do that. Please.” “Well, it’s not like you haven’t been exposed about five times already. I have no idea why anyone still gives you a chance.” “Because it’s like a lottery! They sell because everyone thinks that they will be the exception and win. In other words, they think they’ll be the one who can make me loyal. And if it turns out to be true, they not only get someone as awesome as me, but can prove that they were better than all their rivals. So it’s worth a shot, I think.” “...A surprisingly thought out response... Well, I think that’s enough pointless talk for now. Let’s go back to town.” “Yes, I need to edit the footage of the fight!” “We won’t be posting this fight.” “What!? Then why did you even fight!?” “I already told you. It was to test Kyuji’s power. Uploading a video will only spoil the real fight. It will ruin things.” “The real fight... Was that leak real? Other pro gamers seem to be making preparations as if it is...” “I think that it’s very likely. The timing is also perfect. The zodiac event was so long, so people that finished it quickly are becoming bored. That being said, if they released information about it too soon, then it would affect the concept of the zodiac event, which is to play slowly at your own pace. Because everyone would be frantic if they knew about the next event...” “Of course! Because you can win actual money! And each winner will receive . million! That means a party of four could make million! This really is the great age of VR! The gaming dream! A crazy battle is going to begin!” “And so they leaked it in a way that only people who are addicted to finding new information will find out. Of course, rumors will still spread quickly. I’m sure there will be an official announcement eventually. About this tournament to decide the strongest party in NSO...” “And we have to win, don’t we?” “Obviously. If we can’t show our best during this fight, then we have no right to call ourselves pro gamers. That’s why I’m gathering information now.” “But you’re especially cautious about Macoco and Kyuji.” “Compared to other players, yes... Leaving Macoco aside for now, I have to say that there is still a large gap between us and Kyuji.” “Is it his playing?” “The opposite. He’s grown so much as a player. He can even aim better than me. But his weapons and skill are not at the same level... His equipment is just a plain Windcloud set. And his Unison hasn’t reached its rd evolution. He has little variation when it comes to charge attacks, and few of them have evolved.” “Hmmm. You noticed all that during a short fight, eh?” “Also, he doesn’t seem to have much information. Most of the skills I used were the same ones I used during the Charin fight. And yet he reacted as if he’d never seen them before. It seems like he doesn’t watch our videos.” “That annoys me a little! We beat her faster than anyone, so he could at least watch it! But maybe he’ll do just that, now that you fought him? And he might see what it is that he lacks? Perhaps this fight will result in further growth for Mr. Kyuji...” “That all depends on him. I myself have gained something through the fight. Now, let’s return and tell the other members.” Gullinkambi pulled some materials out of nowhere and crafted a large tent. When it was finished, he and Nord went inside and shouted. “Fast Travel! First town!” And then they and the tent vanished.	{ "source": "manual-fanfic", "missed_lines": 3, "inserted_lines_src": 9, "inserted_lines_trg": 2 }
レバノン南部におけるレバノン主権有効を再主張するためには、現状で交わされている握手や演説以上に、強く国際的な働きかけが必要である。国際的解決の主要素とは、次のとおりである。	To achieve any reassertion of effective Lebanese sovereignty in southern Lebanon, a robust international effort is needed, beyond the current hand wringing and rhetoric. The main elements of such an international solution are the following:	{ "source": "news_commentary", "missed_lines": null, "inserted_lines_src": null, "inserted_lines_trg": null }
「じゃあ作戦開始だ。合図は空に打ち上げるから」「おう!」「じゃあリュカ頼むよ」「うん。光りの女神よ、今こそ我に消える力を『偏光』」リュカが魔法を行使した直後、リュカ、ラーニャ、クリスの姿が周りの景色に紛れて消えていく。』といい、魔法を行使した対象に当たる光をうまい具合に反射させて視認不可能にする魔法だ。あくまでも視認不可能になるだけで、音や気配は消えず、その場にいるため、カイルドのような気配感知に優れた魔法師には見えなくとも、三人の位置がわかる。「中に人近くいるな。そのうち三十ぐらいは被害者っぽい。犯人はだな。おそらく魔法師じゃない。配置は工場の奥に人質がいて、かなり厚い壁を挟んで残りの犯人たちがくつろいでいる」気配感知を最大限に活性化させたカイルドが、工場内の人数とその配置をクリスたちに教える。「了解。じゃともいくよ。裏から入るからラーニャ頼んだ」「オーケー」三人はカイルドたちと分かれ、大回りしながら工場の裏手へと回る。工場の裏に回り込んだ三人は壁を前にすると立ち止まり、ラーニャ踏み出して魔法を行使した。「我が風の魂、今こそ我が手に。『ラーニャの声と共に緑色の魔法陣が彼女の右手に展開され、彼女の手に一本の日本刀が握られる。刃こぼれのないきれいな刀身をしたラーニャの愛刀は、一目で業物とわかるほど洗練されていた。』を工場の壁に向けて構えると、魔力を流し込み魔法を行使する。「我、風の加護を受けるもの。今、我が魂に宿れ。『』の刀身に風が纏われ、その切れ味を上げていく。』」は刀や剣などに対してよく使われる魔法であり、対象の切れ味を上昇させる魔法だ。そしてこの魔法は剣士たちがよく使う魔法でもあった。』を構えながら、彼女の家に伝わるアルン流魔装剣術を使用する。「アルン流初段壱の型『燕返し』」』は視認することはできなかったが、工場の壁の一部が音を立てずに切り離される。壁にぽっかりと開いた穴から少なくとも三回は斬られていることがわかるが、ラーニャが『残りの二回はどうなったのか。答えは簡単だ。残りの二カ所を斬ったのはラーニャの『』から離れ、刀の軌道とは全く違う方向にかまいたちを発生させたのだ。壁に穴が開くとクリスはすぐに工場内に入っていき、リュカたちもクリスに続く。工場内に入って少し歩くと大きな広場のような場所に出た三人。そこはまさに、攫われた人が集められていた場所だった。そして幸いなことに見回りや監視などはおらず、被害者だけだ。攫われた人たちを見つけると、リュカはすぐに三人に行使していた『攫われた人々は何もないところから突如として現れた三人に驚くが、クリスがセナビア魔法学園の生徒であり、助けに来たと説明すると安心した表情を浮かべた。そしてその後、クリスの先導により、攫われた人々は犯人たちに気づかれることなく工場から抜け出すことに成功する。クリスは攫われた人々の安全を確認すると、待機しているジンとカイルドに知らせるために魔法を行使する。「我、光の加護受けるもの。今、光の加護を。『空に向かって行使された光の弾は、音を立てずに上昇していき、そのまま静かに消えてしまう。短い時間の魔法だったが、それでもジンとカイルドへの合図には十分だ。ジンとカイルドチームはクリスの合図を無事確認する。「どうやら成功したしたみたいだな」「じゃあ攻撃を始める」「どうやって攻撃する?」』を一発撃てばいい」「一発じゃ足りないだろ」「大丈夫任せて」ジンはそういうと工場に向けて右手を構えて魔法を行使した。「風の巫女、この地に舞い降り吹き荒れろ。『』が、そのまま工場の大きな扉を轟音と共に破壊する。工場内に残っていた犯人たちは何事かと思い騒ぎ始めるが、すぐに武器をもって戦闘態勢に入り、敵を探しはじめた。どうやら魔法こそ使えないものの戦闘経験は豊富のようだ。ジンは『』を行使し終えると、工場内に残っている犯人たちに対して新たな魔法を行使する。「風神の罰、罪人への制裁、風の加護、高速の舞。『』が次々と工場内に撃ち込まれていくが、犯人たちは素早い判断で物陰に隠れたため誰にも当たらない。しかしジンの狙いは弾を当てることではなかった。「おうよ! 任せとけ。特大のを行くぜ」「カイルド駄目。普通よりも威力を抑えたのでお願い」「そんなのでいいのか?」「大丈夫」一発でいいと言われていたカイルドは大きさ、質ともに最高クラスの『』を作り出し、工場に向けて放った。本当に大丈夫なのか? とカイルドが思ったその瞬間、二人の目の前にある工場が轟音とともに大爆発に巻き込まれた。その光景を見たジンとカイルドの顔が真っ青になる。「カイルド、やりすぎ......」「ジン、俺は威力を抑えたぞ」「もっと抑えるべきだと僕は思う......」』が一瞬にして大爆発したかというと、理由はジンが直前に撃った『』だが、今回は窒素ではなく酸素で作られていた。』が工場内の様々のところにぶつかり、形が崩れ、ただの酸素になり、工場内は酸素で充満された。』が撃ち込まれたのだ。酸素には助燃性という燃える働きを助ける性質がある。そんな酸素が充満した室内に、弱々しいとはいえ、火が放たれたらどうなるか。答えは先ほどの大爆発だ。目の前で今も激しく燃え続ける工場を見ながら唖然とする二人。しかし直後、たくさんの水属性の魔法陣が展開されて、消火活動が始まった。「ジン、カイルドやりすぎだよ」「クリス、あれは?」「あれは学園の先生たちだよ。みんなを解放したから、近くにいた先生を呼んだんだ。そしたら大爆発が起きて、先生たちはあわてて消火し始めたんだよ」「クリス、マジ感謝だわ。ありがとな」「ありがとう」クリスのおかげで何とか大事にならずに済みそうなため、素直に感謝するジンとカイルド。クリスはそんな二人に厳しい現実を一言。「僕はいいけど、二人は怒られると思うよ」「「うっ......」」犯罪集団とはいえ、非魔法師に魔法の過剰攻撃を加えたのだ。当然と言ったら当然だろう。「残念ながらいなかったよ。いたのは少女ばかりだから、おそらく他のところだろうね」「そうか。見つかるいいな」「とりあえずみんなのところに戻ろう」その後、ラーニャとリュカのところに戻った三人は、担任であるラミアに見つかり仲良く五人で怒られることになるのであった。	「Operation start. I will launch a signal in the sky in due time」「Oh!」「We are counting on you, Ryuka」「Yup. O the goddess of light, grant me your power『Reflection』」 Immediately after she cast her spell, Ryuka, Lanya and Chris disappeared from the surroundings. The spell that Ryuka used was intermediate level spell『Reflection』. This spell is able to reflect the light hitting the object, and by doing so the object becomes invisible. But they just became invisible, their aura and sounds still remained, a magician with superior perception like Kair could still find them in no time. 「There are close to fifty people inside. About of them seem like victims. The culprits are . Probably non-magicians. The victims are in the back of the factory; the criminals are spread around the walls」 Kair, who had the greatest perception, described to Chris’s team the number of people in the factory and their placement. 「Roger. Let’s go, everyone. We will enter from the back」「Okay」「Un」[] The group split up and infiltration team circled around the factory. Three people reached the back of the factory and stopped close to the wall, Lanya stepped out and cast her spell. 「O, my wind soul, bestow upon my hands.『Wind Edge』」 [] A green magic circle appeared in her right hand following Lanya’s voice, that hand held an eastern sword, resembling a katana. Lanya’s favorite weapon, a beautiful katana, you can recognize that it is a masterpiece from one look. Lanya held her sword coated in『Wind Edge』facing factory’s wall, she poured her mana and unleashed her spell. 「I, the one who received divine protection of the wind. Follow my soul『Wind Fusion』」 The wind wrapped around Lanya’s『Wind Edge』and raised its sharpness. The spell she used was an elementary wind attribute spell『Wind Fusion』. It is a spell often used to enhance the sharpness of swords. This spell is often used by swordsmen. Lanya took a stance with her sword, Arun style magic swordsmanship on full display. 「Arun style, first stance『Turning Swallow』」 [[^]] Lanya swung faster than the eye could see, a part of the wall of the factory was cut off without making a sound. There were at least three cuts on the wall of the factory, but they have seen her strike only once. But from where the other two came from? The answer is simple. It wasn’t her sword that made these cuts, but the wind surrounding it. The wind couldn’t keep up with a speed of her katana and became separated. Because of that the wind turned into wind blades and sliced the wall in different directions. Chris quickly dives in the hole, followed be the rest of the team. Walking stealthily for a while they arrived at an open space. This was the exact place where victims were kept. And fortunately, there were no patrols or guards around. Seeing the victims, Ryuka immediately dissolved 『Reflection』from the team and run up to them. The kidnapped people were surprised by three people appearing out of nowhere, but when Chris explained that they were students of Senabia Magic Academy and came to help, people finally became relieved. And then, following Chris’ leadership, victims successfully left the factory without being noticed. Chris confirmed everyone’s safety and cast a spell to notify assault team. 「I, the one who received divine protection of light, call upon your power『Shining Bullet』」 The bullet light flew in the sky without making a sound and disappeared as quietly. It was present for a very short time, but it was enough for Kair and Jin. Jin and Kair noticed the signal without any problem. 「Apparently they succeeded」「Then let’s commence the attack」「How should we start?」「Just shoot them once with『Fire Bullet』」「One won’t be enough」「No problem, leave it to me」 Saying this, Jin pointed in the direction of the factory with his right hand and released a spell. 「Maiden of the wind, dance, and rage on this land『Wind Fang』」 The criminals raised a commotion at first, but immediately after they took out their weapons and started looking for enemies. Apparently, their combat experience was plentiful, despite being non-magicians. After『Wind Fang』, Jin casts a new spell with the target being the people inside. 「Judgement of the wind god, punishment for sinners, divine protection of the wind, dance of speed『Invisible Bullet』」『Invisible Bullet』were shot in large quantities into the factory one after another, but the criminals swiftly hid behind objects, so none were hit. But Jin never tried to hit them in the first place. 「Sure! Leave it to me. This one is going to be big」「No way. Please make it even weaker than usual」「Will it work with just that?」「It’s fine」 Kair was going to make the best『Fire Bullet』in both size and quality, but was stopped by Jin. Having no choice, he produced a『Fire Bullet』which was a little weaker than usual, and released it into the factory. Kair’s『Fire Bullet』flew into the factory with a small noise. Will it even work? Thought Kair, and in the next moment from the factory in front of the two people resounded a big explosion. The faces of Jin and Kair became pale at this sight. 「Kair, you overdid things」「I properly reduced the power, Jin」「I think you should have suppressed it a little more......」 Why did Kair’s weak『Fire Bullet』blew up the whole factory? The is hidden in『Invisible Bullet』, Jin shot previously. Jin’s『Invisible Bullet』is usually made of nitrogen, but this time it was made of oxygen instead. 『Invisible Bullet』made of oxygen collided with various places in the factory and dispersed, as a result the factory was filled with oxygen. And Kair’s『Fire Bullet』was thrown inside. Oxygen has the property of assisting burning and combustion processes. What will happen if someone releases fire inside the room filled with oxygen? A big explosion will be your answer. Two people were looking at a violently burning factory in front of them with somewhat stupid faces. Soon afterwards, a lot of water attribute magic circles appeared to fight the fire. 「Jin, Kair, that is an overkill」「Chris, what is happening?」「That is a teacher’s work. After we liberated everyone, we called a few teachers who were nearby. Then a big explosion happened, and the teachers are trying to extinguish the fire」「Thanks Chris, really」「Thank you」 Jin and Kair were honestly grateful, thanks to Chris the accident won’t happen anymore. But Chris immediately poured a bucket of cold water on their heads. 「I am still fine, but I think they will be really angry with you」「「......」」 Although those guys were criminals, they used a powerful magic against non-magician opponent. This result is everything but unnatural. 「Unfortunately I didn’t. Only girls were captured, our people are probably elsewhere」「I see, I hope we find them eventually」「Let’s all gather for the time being」 After that, everyone gathered together and were strictly lectured by the angry Lamia.	{ "source": "manual-fanfic", "missed_lines": 6, "inserted_lines_src": 38, "inserted_lines_trg": 1 }
小規模な農家は、民主主義的な参加を促す協同組合などのグループに加入することを要求される。農園や工場は、労働者に相当の賃金を支払い、健康、安全、環境の基準を満たし、連合や労働者の提携組合など何らかの形を通して、自宅に住んでいないものにはきちんとした住宅を与え、児童労働や強制労働を行わないことなどを条件に、フェアトレードのブランドを使うことができる。	Small farmers, for their part, are required to be organized in cooperatives or other groups that allow democratic participation. Plantations and factories can use the Fairtrade label if they pay their workers decent wages, comply with health, safety, and environmental standards, allow unions or other forms of workers’ associations, provide good housing if workers are not living at home, and do not use child labor or forced labor.	{ "source": "news_commentary", "missed_lines": null, "inserted_lines_src": null, "inserted_lines_trg": null }
ですが私たちの奥深くにある恐怖の多くにもそれは入り込んでいますおよそ30年ほど前文化批評家のニール・ポストマンは "Amusing Ourselves to Death" という著作でこのことを的確に述べました彼はこの著作においてジョージ・オーウェルとオルダス・ハクスリーのディストピア思想を比べてこう書きました「オーウェルは私たちが囚われの身になる文化を恐れたハクスリーは私たちが取るに足らないことに耽溺する文化を恐れたオーウェルは真実が私たちから隠蔽されることを恐れハクスリーは私たちが無関心の海で溺れ死ぬことを恐れた」要するに「ビッグ・ブラザー」に監視されるか「ビッグ・ブラザー」を監視するかのどちらかということですでもそうでなくともよいのです私たちはデータや技術を受け身で消費するだけではありません生活においてデータや技術が果たす役割やその意味を見出す方法を私たちが形作るのですしかしそのためにはコード化の方法と同じくらいに考え方にも注意を向けねばなりません物を数えるだけでなくさらにそれを理解するために難解な問いを投げかけねばなりません私たちは世界にどれ位のデータがあるか常に聞かされていますがビッグデータやそれを読み解く難解さとなると量だけがすべてではありませんデータが動く速さも問題になりますしデータには様々な種類がありますごくわずかな例を挙げると画像文章映像音声などですこれら別々の種類のデータに共通しているのはこれらは人の手で作られ文脈を必要としているということですさてイリノイ大学シカゴ校出身のデータ科学者のグループがありますこのグループはヘルス・メディア・コラボラトリーと呼ばれ米国疾病管理センターと一緒に仕事をし人々が禁煙についての言い表し方や電子タバコについての言い表し方禁煙を促すために協力しあえることをより良く理解するよう努めました興味深いことに人がどのように喫煙について話しているかを理解するにはまず「smoking 」という語でどんな意味が表されているかを理解せねばなりませんツイッター上には 4つの主なカテゴリーがあります 1つ目タバコを「吸う」 2つ目マリファナを「吸入する」 3つ目リブ肉を「いぶす」 4つ目「煙が出るほどホットな」イケてる女電子タバコについてどのように話されているかはその上で考えてみなければなりませんこれには非常に様々な例が見られますスライドからもおわかりのようにこれは複雑な問いなのですこのことで思い出すのは言語は人々によって作られたものであり人間は厄介かつ複雑なもので比喩やスラングや隠語を使うものだということそしてそれを人間は毎日24時間多くの言語で行い続けており理解するやいなやその言葉自体を変えてしまうことですでは米国疾病管理センターが出した喉に穴が開いた女性を映し出すこのテレビ広告は非常に描写が露骨で気持ちの良いものではありませんがこの広告は実際に禁煙するように人々を促したのでしょうか? ヘルス・メディア・コラボラトリーはデータの限界を認めてはいますがその結論によるとあなた方も見たことがあるかもしれないこれらの広告によって将来の行動が影響されるかもしれないような思考プロセスに人々を導いたのだそうです私がこのプロジェクトについて感心し評価するのは人間の現実的な必要性に基づいているなどの事実面はさておき人間の現実的な必要性に基づいているなどの事実面はさておきこれが無関心の海に真っ向から立ち向かう勇気を示す素晴らしい例であるということです一方理解が難しいのはビッグデータだけではないのですなぜなら考えてもみてください私たち人間はデータの大小にかかわらずそれを台無しにしてしまった豊かな歴史を有しているではありませんか何年も前にロナルド・レーガン元大統領がこのように述べて厳しく批判されたことを皆さんも覚えているかもしれません「事実とは馬鹿げたものである」とこれは言い間違いでした公平を期すならですが彼はジョン・アダムズがボストン虐殺事件裁判においてイギリス人兵士の弁護で述べた「事実とは確固たるものである」を引用したつもりだったのですしかしこのレーガンの言い間違いは偶然ながらも一理あると私は思いますなぜなら事実は確固たるものですが時に馬鹿げてもいるからですこれが私にとってなぜ重要なのか個人的なお話をしたいと思いますひと息つかせてください息子のアイザックは 2歳の時に自閉症の診断を受けました彼はにこにこして愉快で愛情深く優しい男の子でしたが彼の発育評価についての測定基準が着目したのは話せる言葉の数や― これは当時ゼロでした― 意思疎通を図る身振りアイコンタクトなどであったため彼の発育レベルは 9か月の赤ちゃん程度でしたこの診断は事実からすれば正しいものでしたが全体像を語ってはいませんでしたおよそ1年半後アイザックがもうすぐ4歳になる頃私はある日彼がコンピュータの前でグーグル画像検索で女性を検索しているのを見つけました「w-i-m-e-n」というつづりでです過干渉な親がそうするように私も「前のページに戻る」ボタンをクリックし他に何を検索していたのか知ろうとしました他の検索は順番に「男性」「学校」「バス」そして「コンピュータ」でした私は呆気にとられましたアイザックがスペルを知っているともましてや読めるとも知らなかったのですそこで息子に訊きました「どうやったの?」アイザックは私を真剣に見て言いました「ボックスに文字をタイプしたんだ」彼は自分で意思疎通の仕方を学んでいたのに私たちは誤った部分に目を向けていたのですそしてこういったことが起こるのは査定や分析がある測定基準― ここでは言語による意思疎通― を過大評価して創造的問題解決能力のような他の基準を過小評価する場合ですアイザックにとって他者との意思疎通は難しいので彼は自分に必要なことを知るための別の方法を見つけたのです考えてみれば合点がいきますね質問文を構成するのは実に複雑なプロセスですがアイザックは検索ボックスに単語を入れるだけで自力で答えにたどり着けるのですこの些細な瞬間が私と家族に大きな影響を与えましたなぜならこれがアイザックに何が起こっているのかを把握する方法を変えてくれたからです心配もほんの少し和らぎ彼の能力をより理解できるようになりました事実とは馬鹿げたものなのですまた事実は意図的あるいは無意図的に誤用されやすいものです私にはエミリー・ウィリンガムという科学者の友人がいますが彼女は最近フォーブス誌に「自閉症と関連付けられてきた 10のおかしな事」という記事を書きましたこれは結構なリストです何でもインターネットのせいにされますねえ? もちろん母親も入っています実はもっとありますこの「母親」のカテゴリーの中に色々とあるのです色々な要素の入った興味深いリストでしょう? 私が好きなのは「妊娠中高速道路のそばで暮らしていた」ですね最後のも興味深いです「冷蔵庫のような母親」という言葉は自閉症の原因に関する元々の仮説からきており冷徹で愛情が薄い人という意味でしたここでこう考えるかもしれませんね「わかったデータを測定してしまえばどんな意味づけも可能と言うんだろう」確かに全くその通りですが難しいのは私たちはその意味を作り出す機会を自らに与えられていることですデータ自身ではなく私たちが意味を作るのですビジネスパーソンとして消費者として患者として市民として私たちにはより多くの時間を使って批判的に考える能力を鍛える責任がありますなぜかって? なぜなら何度も耳にしてきたように有史以来今やものすごい速さで何エクサバイトものデータを私たちは処理することができるからですそして間違った判断をより速く効率的に下しこれまでにないほどの影響を及ぼす可能性があるからですすごいと思いませんか? ですから私たちがすべきなのは時間をもう少し人文学や社会学社会科学― 修辞学や哲学倫理学などに費やすことですこれらがビッグデータに重要な文脈を与えてくれより批判的な考え方ができるようにしてくれるからです結局のところ特定の議論の中に存在する問題を見つけることができればそれが言葉で表されようと数字で表されようと関係ないのですからつまり確証バイアスや誤った相関関係を自ら見つけ出し感情に露骨に訴えるようなやり方を 30m手前で見抜けるようにするのですなぜなら何かがある出来事の後に起こったからといって必ずしも関連があるとは限らないからですちょっと小難しいことを言えばローマ人はこう言い表しました「post hoc ergo propter hoc」「後に起きたゆえにそれが原因なり」という前後即因果の誤謬ですつまり人口統計学のような学問を疑問に付すことになりますなぜかって? なぜなら人口統計学は私たちの実際の考えや行動ではなく性別や年齢住む場所による推定に基づいているからですそれからデータを取得した以上は適切な個人情報保護や消費者の意思を汲んでこれを扱わねばなりませんさらには私たちは自身の仮説や用いる方法論そして結果の確実性について明確でなければなりません私の高校の代数の先生はよくこう言っていました「計算過程を明らかにしなさい君が踏んだ過程がわからなければどの手順を踏まなかったのかわからないし君がどんな問いを立てたのかがわからなければどんな問いを立てなかったかがわからないからね」それは最も難しい問いを自らに投げかけることなのですこのデータは本当にこのことを示しているのか? それともこの結果が私たちをもっと成功しているとか心地よく感じさせてくれるだけなのか? とヘルス・メディア・コラボラトリーはプロジェクトの終わりにあの非常に露骨で不快な禁煙推奨広告に関するツイートの87パーセントが恐れを表していたことがわかったといいますしかし彼らは「広告が実際に人々を禁煙に導いた」と結論付けていましたか? 答えはノーですこれは科学であり魔法ではないのですですからデータの力を解き放つのであれば私たちは必ずしもオーウェルの思い描いたような全体主義的な未来やハクスリーの描いたような些末な事柄に溺れる未来あるいは両者を折衷したおぞましい未来に盲目的に突き進まずに済むのです私たちがすべきなのは批判的な思考に敬意を払いヘルス・メディア・コラボラトリーのような前例からインスピレーションを得ることですヘルス・メディア・コラボラトリーのような前例からインスピレーションを得ることですそしてヒーローものの映画によくあるように私たちの力を善きものに使いましょうありがとうございました	But it also taps into a lot of our deepest fears, and about 30 years ago, the culture critic Neil Postman wrote a book called "Amusing Ourselves to Death," which lays this out really brilliantly. And here's what he said, comparing the dystopian visions of George Orwell and Aldous Huxley. He said, Orwell feared we would become a captive culture. Huxley feared we would become a trivial culture. Orwell feared the truth would be concealed from us, and Huxley feared we would be drowned in a sea of irrelevance. In a nutshell, it's a choice between Big Brother watching you and you watching Big Brother. But it doesn't have to be this way. We are not passive consumers of data and technology. We shape the role it plays in our lives and the way we make meaning from it, but to do that, as how we code. We have to ask questions, and hard questions, to move past counting things to understanding them. We're constantly bombarded with stories about how much data there is in the world, but when it comes to big data and the challenges of interpreting it, size isn't everything. There's also the speed at which it moves, and the many varieties of data types, and here are just a few examples: images, text, video, audio. And what unites this disparate types of data is that they're created by people and they require context. Now, there's a group of data scientists out of the University of Illinois-Chicago, and they're called the Health Media Collaboratory, and they've been working with the Centers for Disease Control to better understand how people talk about quitting smoking, how they talk about electronic cigarettes, and what they can do collectively to help them quit. The interesting thing is, if you want to understand how people talk about smoking, first you have to understand what they mean when they say "smoking." And on Twitter, there are four main categories: number one, smoking cigarettes; number two, smoking marijuana; number three, smoking ribs; and number four, smoking hot women. So then you have to think about, well, how do people talk about electronic cigarettes? And there are so many different ways that people do this, and you can see from the slide it's a complex kind of a query. And what it reminds us is that language is created by people, and people are messy and we're complex and we use metaphors and slang and jargon and we do this 24/7 in many, many languages, and then as soon as we figure it out, we change it up. So did these ads that the CDC put on, these television ads that featured a woman with a hole in her throat and that were very graphic and very disturbing, did they actually have an impact on whether people quit? And the Health Media Collaboratory respected the limits of their data, but they were able to conclude that those advertisements — and you may have seen them — that they had the effect of jolting people into a thought process that may have an impact on future behavior. And what I admire and appreciate about this project, aside from the fact, including the fact that it's based on real human need, is that it's a fantastic example of courage in the face of a sea of irrelevance. And so it's not just big data that causes challenges of interpretation, because let's face it, we human beings have a very rich history of taking any amount of data, no matter how small, and screwing it up. So many years ago, you may remember that former President Ronald Reagan was very criticized for making a statement that facts are stupid things. And it was a slip of the tongue, let's be fair. He actually meant to quote John Adams' defense of British soldiers in the Boston Massacre trials that facts are stubborn things. But I actually think there's a bit of accidental wisdom in what he said, because facts are stubborn things, but sometimes they're stupid, too. I want to tell you a personal story about why this matters a lot to me. I need to take a breath. My son Isaac, when he was two, was diagnosed with autism, and he was this happy, hilarious, loving, affectionate little guy, but the metrics on his developmental evaluations, which looked at things like the number of words — at that point, none — communicative gestures and minimal eye contact, put his developmental level at that of a nine-month-old baby. And the diagnosis was factually correct, but it didn't tell the whole story. And about a year and a half later, when he was almost four, I found him in front of the computer one day running a Google image search on women, spelled "w-i-m-e-n." And I did what any obsessed parent would do, which is immediately started hitting the "back" button to see what else he'd been searching for. And they were, in order: men, school, bus and computer. And I was stunned, because we didn't know that he could spell, much less read, and so I asked him, "Isaac, how did you do this?" And he looked at me very seriously and said, "Typed in the box." He was teaching himself to communicate, but we were looking in the wrong place, and this is what happens when assessments and analytics overvalue one metric — in this case, verbal communication — and undervalue others, such as creative problem-solving. Communication was hard for Isaac, and so he found a workaround to find out what he needed to know. And when you think about it, it makes a lot of sense, because forming a question is a really complex process, but he could get himself a lot of the way there by putting a word in a search box. And so this little moment had a really profound impact on me and our family because it helped us change our frame of reference for what was going on with him, and worry a little bit less and appreciate his resourcefulness more. Facts are stupid things. And they're vulnerable to misuse, willful or otherwise. I have a friend, Emily Willingham, who's a scientist, and she wrote a piece for Forbes not long ago entitled "The 10 Weirdest Things Ever Linked to Autism." It's quite a list. The Internet, blamed for everything, right? And of course mothers, because. And actually, wait, there's more, there's a whole bunch in the "mother" category here. And you can see it's a pretty rich and interesting list. I'm a big fan of being pregnant near freeways, personally. The final one is interesting, because the term "refrigerator mother" was actually the original hypothesis for the cause of autism, and that meant somebody who was cold and unloving. And at this point, you might be thinking, "Okay, Susan, we get it, you can take data, you can make it mean anything." And this is true, it's absolutely true, but the challenge is that we have this opportunity to try to make meaning out of it ourselves, because frankly, data doesn't create meaning. We do. So as businesspeople, as consumers, as patients, as citizens, we have a responsibility, I think, to spend more time focusing on our critical thinking skills. Why? Because at this point in our history, as we've heard many times over, we can process exabytes of data at lightning speed, and we have the potential to make bad decisions far more quickly, efficiently, and with far greater impact than we did in the past. Great, right? And so what we need to do instead is spend a little bit more time on things like the humanities and sociology, and the social sciences, rhetoric, philosophy, ethics, because they give us context that is so important for big data, and because they help us become better critical thinkers. Because after all, if I can spot a problem in an argument, it doesn't much matter whether it's expressed in words or in numbers. And this means teaching ourselves to find those confirmation biases and false correlations and being able to spot a naked emotional appeal from 30 yards, because something that happens after something doesn't mean it happened because of it, necessarily, and if you'll let me geek out on you for a second, the Romans called this "post hoc ergo propter hoc," after which therefore because of which. And it means questioning disciplines like demographics. Why? Because they're based on assumptions about who we all are based on our gender and our age and where we live as opposed to data on what we actually think and do. And since we have this data, we need to treat it with appropriate privacy controls and consumer opt-in, and beyond that, we need to be clear about our hypotheses, the methodologies that we use, and our confidence in the result. As my high school algebra teacher used to say, show your math, because if I don't know what steps you took, I don't know what steps you didn't take, and if I don't know what questions you asked, I don't know what questions you didn't ask. And it means asking ourselves, really, the hardest question of all: Did the data really show us this, or does the result make us feel more successful and more comfortable? So the Health Media Collaboratory, at the end of their project, they were able to find that 87 percent of tweets about those very graphic and disturbing anti-smoking ads expressed fear, but did they conclude that they actually made people stop smoking? No. It's science, not magic. So if we are to unlock the power of data, we don't have to go blindly into Orwell's vision of a totalitarian future, or Huxley's vision of a trivial one, or some horrible cocktail of both. What we have to do is treat critical thinking with respect and be inspired by examples like the Health Media Collaboratory, and as they say in the superhero movies, let's use our powers for good. Thank you.	{ "source": "iwslt2017", "missed_lines": null, "inserted_lines_src": null, "inserted_lines_trg": null }
目下の結果がどうあれ、クウェート政府は新たな政治的限界に直面している。女性はいまや、有権者の大多数を占め、若者は改革の旗じるしを挙げた。民主主義が、支配一族を前へと押し出すだろう。	Whatever the immediate outcome, the Kuwaiti government is facing a new political horizon. Women are now the majority of voters, and young people have taken up the reform banner.	{ "source": "news_commentary", "missed_lines": null, "inserted_lines_src": null, "inserted_lines_trg": null }
その日はベースにしていた場所で泊まって、次の日から帰還となった。想定では駆除に数日を見ていたそうだから、結構な時間短縮だ。ただ、地形がちょっぴり変わっちゃったので後日何か言われるかも、なんてカインに脅された。適当なんて言ったのは誰ですかねぇ......。「参考人として、その時は適当発言したカインに、どうぞ」「ひでぇ!お前結構根に持つな!?」カインにちょっとだけ意趣返しして、野営の準備。さすがに場所取りとかも手慣れてきた。ここ数日の流れで、フィルと一緒に夕飯の支度をする。「全く、胸とか見られるしついてないなぁ」「思いっきり耳引っ張っておいたから、カインについては許してあげて欲しいです」知り合いに見られるのは、知らない人に見られるのとはまた違った恥ずかしさがある。「そう言ってるフィルが一番許さなそうな気がするけど?」「......ノーコメントです」愛してるなぁ。ニマニマとフィルを見てしまう。ん、なんか最近すっかり恋愛脳になってる。楽しいからいいけど。どうやら僕がみんなに見られたので、独占欲が刺激されたっぽい。テントだからって宥めたら、テント周りに真空の壁を作って防音された。なんという技術の無駄遣い......。帰りも行きと同じく特にトラブルなく済んだ。報酬も、帰って騎士さんが報告した後、順次手渡されて解散だから本当に遠足みたいだった。「んじゃ俺達はもう宿行くわ。また後で時間合えば一緒に飯でも食おうぜ」疲れているのかカイン達はそう言って宿に向かっていった。「さて、依頼も終わったし、帰ってきたってリーズナーさんに連絡しにいこっか」「そうね。......新しい制服はどんなのかしら」う......、そういえば交換条件出されてたんだった。際どいのじゃなきゃいいな。思わず繋いでる手に少し力が入る。ルティが気づいて、握り返して微笑んでくれた。うん、大丈夫大丈夫。「「お疲れ様でーす」」「おともおかえり。丁度良かった、これで手間が省けた」「丁度良かった?」「新しい子が入ったんだ。ちょっと呼んでくるから待っててくれ」誰だろう?ルティと顔を見合わせてしまう。というか募集してたんだ。まぁ確かに満席になるとこの人数はきついからなぁ。「初めましてぇ、チルセットと言いますぅ。よろしくお願いしますぅ。チルって呼んでくださいねぇ」奥からやってきた子が自己紹介をしてくれた。僕達も慌てて自己紹介をする。「僕はナツキ。よろしくね、チル」「私はルティモ。よろしく。ルティって呼んで頂戴」チルセットと名乗った子は、なんというかふわふわだった。軽くウェーブのかかったふわふわの金髪。ゴールデンレトリバーのように垂れた耳がついている。尻尾もふさふさだ。喋り方もふわふわしてるし、何より服装がブラウンの甘ロリ。うーん、可愛い。まぁ可愛いって言っても、なんていうか感覚としては子供を愛でるような感じ。なんてちょっと口元を緩ませていたら、腕を抓られた。「いててて!?」丈夫といっても痛いものは痛い。ルティを見やると目を逸らして拗ねている。これは勘違いされてるなぁ。「子供を可愛いと感じるのと同じだから安心して」耳元で囁く。納得したのか表情を和らげ、視線を合わせてくれる。勘違いばっかりするルティにはお仕置きしちゃうよ、と悪戯っぽく言うとちょっと目が輝いた。駄目だ、これは開けちゃいけない扉だった。「今チルちゃんに着てもらってるのが新しい制服だよ。ナツキちゃんもルティちゃんも、それぞれ色は違うけどデザインは同じ物だからね」お、新しい制服は色違いで露出過剰じゃないらしい。凄い甘々だけど、かわいいデザインだし、これなら安心かな。心配して損したよ。「いやぁ、最初は新しい制服こっちにしようと思ってたんだけど、チルちゃんを見てピン!ときてそれにしたんだよね。直感を信じてよかったよ」言いながら手に持っている服は、谷間を強調するような作りのベアトップのトップスに、際どいスカート。そして、ただでさえ際どいのにパニエもセット。あっぶなぁぁぁ!? 「あれはさすがにアウトだわ......」僕もルティの呟きに同意だ。あれを着たら絶対、別の職種になる。それにルティが着たら事故でポロリする可能性がありそう。それだけは頂けない。というかさぁ、そんなチョイスばっかりしてるから、みんな辞めてっちゃうんじゃない? 「チルがいなかったらどうなってたかな......」「あれを着て...事故が起きて......ここが更地になってたかもしれないわね」否定できないのがなんとも。さて、着なくてよくなった服は置いといて、どうせだから新しい制服に袖を通しておこうかな。リーズナーさんに伝えて僕達の分も出してもらう。「白がルティちゃんで、黒がナツキちゃんね」白ロリと黒ロリ。徹底してるなぁ。あと僕達に角があるからかヘッドドレスのかわりにリボンを用意したっぽい。というか、サイズぴったりなのはなぜですかね。前のやつもそうだったけど......。リーズナーさんをチラッと見るけど相変わらずニコニコしてるだけだ。こういう時の笑顔って変に怖いよね。	On that day, we stayed at the area where we had set up our base for the night and began our travel back the next day. In the original plan, the extermination would’ve lasted a few days, so we really saved a lot of time. Still, Cain tried to scare us and said that they might call for us since we changed the topography 「Then as a witness, I’ll have the one that was being vague at that time come too, Cain.」「Really!? You still hold a grudge on that!?」 After getting a little payback on Cain, we prepare to camp. We’ve honestly gotten used to setting up by now. Just like we’ve done in the last few days, I prepare dinner together with Firu. 「Jeez, I even got my breasts seen. It’s the worst.」「I pulled really hard on Cain’s ears, so at least forgive him for that.」 Compared to being seen by people you don’t know, being seen by an acquaintance is a different kind of embarrassing. 「But even though you say that, aren’t you actually the one that won’t forgive him the most?」「...... No comment.」 . I looked at Firu with a huge grin on my face. , I feel like all I’ve been thinking about lately is love. Well, it’s fun, so it’s fine.By the way, Ruti really wanted to have a It seems like being seen by everybody really fueled her possessiveness over me. When I tried to calm her down by pointing out that we’re in a tent right now, she created a vacuum wall around the tent for soundproofing. What a great misuse of her talent...... Just as before, there was no particular trouble with our travel home. As for the rewards, after the knights made their reports, we were handed the rewards one by one and that was the end of it. As such, it really felt like some kind of outing. 「Well, we’re heading back to the inn now. If we have time later, let’s eat out together again.」 Probably tired, Cain said so and headed to the inn with Firu. 「Now then, since we’re done with the request, why don’t we contact and inform Ryzna- 「Right...... I wonder how the new uniform looks.」 ....... Now that you mention it, that was the condition for our leave. I just hope that it doesn’t look questionable. I reflexively tighten my grip on Ruti’s hand. Noticing that, Ruti squeezed back and smiled at me. Yup, I’m okay, it’s going to be alright. 「「We’re back~!」」「Oh, welcome back you two. Good timing, this saves me the trouble.」「Good timing?」「We have a new girl. I’ll go call her, so just wait for a bit.」 I wonder what kind of person she is? I exchanged glances with Ruti. Rather, we’re still recruiting, huh. Well, it makes sense since it’s really hard for us to manage when the shop gets full. 「Nice to meet you~, my name is Chrisette. Please treat me well~. You can just call me Chris~.」 Coming out from the back, she introduces herself. We hastily introduce ourselves as well. 「I’m Natsuki. Nice to meet you too, Chris.」「I’m Rutimo, pleased to meet you. Just call me Ruti.」 This girl named Chrisette is, how should I say this, really fluffy. She has fluffy, slightly wavy blond hair. Droopy, golden retriever-like ears. And a tufty and dense tail as well. Yu~p, really cute. Well, though she is cute, it really feels like I’m looking at a cute little kid rather than a “my type” kind of cute. And when I broke out in a slight smile, my arm was pinched. 「Owowow!?」 Although I might be sturdy, painful things are still painful. I take a look at Ruti and she poutily looks away. She probably got the wrong idea. 「I just see her the way that you see a cute child, so don’t worry about it.」 I whispered to her ear. Probably convinced, her expression softens and she meets my gaze. I teasingly told her “If you keep getting the wrong idea, I’m going to punish you” and her eyes sparkled for an instant. Oh no, this was a door to a world that I shouldn’t have opened.「The clothes I have Chris- wear is one of the new uniforms. Natsuki-chan and Ruti- Oh, it seems like the new uniform is just a palette swap of this and not some super exposing stuff. The design is sickeningly sweet, but it’s cute so I feel relieved. 「But really, at first I planned to have this as the new uniform but when I saw Chris-chan, I just had an idea! And decided on this. I’m glad I followed my gut.」 While saying so, on his hand was a bare top made seemingly to emphasize the cleavage and a really questionable skirt. And even though the skirt is questionable enough, it has a pannier too. Holy shiiiiii-!! 「That’s absolutely not safe......」 I agree with Ruti. The moment we wear that, we’re definitely not waitresses anymore. Moreover, if Ruti wears that, there’s a real possibility of Or rather, isn’t it because you keep choosing this kind of clothes that everybody keeps on quitting here? 「What would have happened if Chris didn’t join us here......」「We put that on... and an accident happens...... This place would probably be reduced to dust.」 The worst part is that I can’t actually deny that. Now then, enough with the rejected clothes, why don’t we try on the new uniform while we’re here. Telling Ryzna- 「The white one is Ruti- White lolita and black lolita. He’s really thorough with this. Also, since we have horns, it looks like he readied ribbons for us in place of the headpiece. Or rather, why does it actually fit us perfectly? Well the previous one did too but...... and he’s just smiling as usual. A smile in this kind of situation is weirdly horrifying.	{ "source": "manual-fanfic", "missed_lines": 1, "inserted_lines_src": 0, "inserted_lines_trg": 22 }
出版社は疑問符を取りましたアメリカの出版社はそれを『人類最後の日』と変えたのです幸も不幸も待てないというアメリカ人気質なのでしょうか今日のテーマは 4,500万世紀もの間続いて来た地球の今世紀は特別で人類がその手中に地球の未来を握っているという事です地球はその誕生以来ほぼずっと脅威は病気、地震、小惑星など自然からのものでしたこれからは最悪の惨事をもたらすのは人類ですそれは何も核だとは限りません相互に繋がるこの世界ではネットワークが断たれると世界は瞬く間に崩壊し疫病は人々の空の旅により数日で世界中に広がりソーシャルメディアはパニックと噂を拡げますそれも文字通り光速で我々はあまりに些細な問題— 起こりそうもない飛行機事故食物に含まれる発がん性物質僅かな放射線などに動揺し過ぎですしかし我々や政治家達は壊滅的な筋書きには否定的です最悪のケースは有り難い事にまだ起きてはいませんし実際多分起きないかもしれませんしかし壊滅的可能性がありそうなら対策を立てて例えありそうでなくても予防策に投資する価値は十分あります家の火災保険に入っておくようなものです科学の力は大きく約束してくれるものは多い一方その否定的側面は空恐ろしく人類はこれまでになく危険に曝されていますこの2、30年内に何百万人が急速に進歩しているバイオテク技術を悪用できるようになるでしょうそれは今日サイバーテクが悪用される様なものですフリーマン・ダイソン氏がTEDで彼の世代が化学実験セットで遊んだように未来の子どもは新しい生命体をデザインして作れるようになると予言しています SFの一端のようですがこれは彼のシナリオの一部でもあり地球の生態系や人類は無傷では生き残れないだろうというものです例えばこの惑星大地の神ガイアの為には人口は削減されるべきだと主張するエコ過激派が 2050年までには誰でも入手できると思われる合成生物学の技術を習得したらどうなるでしょうそれまでに他のSF的悪夢が現実となるかもしれません馬鹿なロボットが勝手な事をし出したり自己作動し始めたネットワークが我々を脅かし出すかもしれませんそんなリスクから私たちを法律で守れないでしょうか確かにやるだけの価値はありますが世界中で競争が激化し商業的圧力に左右されるので法律がどうであれ可能なことはどこかで実現するでしょう薬取締法みたいなもので規制しようとしても無駄です地球村には愚かな者がいて彼らは世界で幅を利かせるでしょう私が本に書きましたように今世紀を乗り越えるのはたやすい事ではありません何度も我々の社会は挫折し実際大きく挫折してしまう可能性が半分でしょう最悪のケース全人類を抹消する様な出来事があるでしょうか新しい粒子加速器が誕生したときこう懸念する人がいました「地球を破壊するか宇宙構成組織をバラバラにしてしまうのでは」と幸運にもそうならないという証拠があります他の人も指摘するように宇宙線が他の原子核と衝突し自然は何度も同じ実験を繰り返してきたからですしかし科学者は自然界に前例のない状態を引き起こす実験には確かに慎重であるべきです生物学者は遺伝子操作された壊滅的影響を与えうる― 病原体を世に放つべきではありませんところで我々が実存し得る惨事に対して特に嫌悪するのは道徳的、哲学的な問いに依るものですそれはこうです 2つの筋書きがあるとします筋書きAは人類の90%を一掃する筋書きBは人類の100%を一掃する Bの方がAよりどれ程ひどいでしょうか? Bが10%だけひどいと言われる方がいるでしょう BがAより死亡率が10%高いのですが Bは比較にならない程悪いと私は思います天文学者として人類がこの物語の終わりだとは信じられないのです太陽が赤色巨星となるまでに後50億年宇宙は永遠に続いてポストヒューマンの進化は地球そして宇宙の彼方で我々がここまで来たようにダーウィン的進化を続けもっと素晴らしい進化を辿るかもしれません確かに未来の人類の進化は自然淘汰的ではなく人工的な時間尺度に於いてその速度は急速なものでしょうこの莫大な賭けを考慮してこれ程の可能性に幕を降ろす人類滅亡のリスクが 10億分の1だとしても決してそれに甘んじるべきではないと思います予測されたシナリオは中には確かに SFの話のようなのがあるかもしれませんしかし不気味に迫真性のあるものもあります「知らない事とありえそうもない事は同じではない」ということわざ通りですこれが予測されるリスクを軽減する研究をするため我々がケンブリッジ大学でセンターを設置している理由ですこのような惨事に関して模索するのは少数の人だけに価値があるようですが我々は皆様からのどんなサポートも必要としていますなぜならこの広大な宇宙の貴重な青い一点の惑星ではこれから5千万世紀もの間全人類が乗組員だからですだから未来を台無しないようにしましょうある引用で終わらせて頂きます偉大なる科学者のピーター・メダワーの言葉です「人類のために鳴るベルはアルプスの牧牛のベルのように我々の首に掛かっているそれが美しく鳴らなければ我々の責任である」ありがとうございました	My publishers cut out the question mark. The American publishers changed our title to "Our Final Hour." Americans like instant gratification and the reverse. And my theme was this: Our Earth has existed for 45 million centuries, but this one is special — it's the first where one species, ours, has the planet's future in its hands. Over nearly all of Earth's history, threats have come from nature — disease, earthquakes, asteroids and so forth — but from now on, the worst dangers come from us. And it's now not just the nuclear threat; in our interconnected world, network breakdowns can cascade globally; air travel can spread pandemics worldwide within days; and social media can spread panic and rumor literally at the speed of light. We fret too much about minor hazards — improbable air crashes, carcinogens in food, low radiation doses, and so forth — but we and our political masters are in denial about catastrophic scenarios. The worst have thankfully not yet happened. Indeed, they probably won't. But if an event is potentially devastating, it's worth paying a substantial premium to safeguard against it, even if it's unlikely, just as we take out fire insurance on our house. And as science offers greater power and promise, the downside gets scarier too. We get ever more vulnerable. Within a few decades, millions will have the capability to misuse rapidly advancing biotech, just as they misuse cybertech today. Freeman Dyson, in a TED Talk, foresaw that children will design and create new organisms just as routinely as his generation played with chemistry sets. Well, this may be on the science fiction fringe, but were even part of his scenario to come about, our ecology and even our species would surely not survive long unscathed. For instance, there are some eco-extremists for Gaia, if there were far fewer humans. What happens when such people have mastered synthetic biology techniques that will be widespread by 2050? And by then, other science fiction nightmares may transition to reality: dumb robots going rogue, or a network that develops a mind of its own threatens us all. Well, can we guard against such risks by regulation? We must surely try, but these enterprises are so competitive, so globalized, and so driven by commercial pressure, that anything that can be done will be done somewhere, whatever the regulations say. It's like the drug laws — we try to regulate, but can't. And the global village will have its village idiots, and they'll have a global range. So as I said in my book, we'll have a bumpy ride through this century. There may be setbacks to our society — indeed, a 50 percent chance of a severe setback. But are there conceivable events that could be even worse, events that could snuff out all life? When a new particle accelerator came online, some people anxiously asked, could it destroy the Earth or, even worse, rip apart the fabric of space? Well luckily, reassurance could be offered. I and others pointed out that nature has done the same experiments zillions of times already, via cosmic ray collisions. But scientists should surely be precautionary about experiments that generate conditions without precedent in the natural world. Biologists should avoid release of potentially devastating genetically modified pathogens. And by the way, our special aversion to the risk of truly existential disasters depends on a philosophical and ethical question, and it's this: Consider two scenarios. Scenario A wipes out 90 percent of humanity. Scenario B wipes out 100 percent. How much worse is B than A? Some would say 10 percent worse. The body count is 10 percent higher. But I claim that B is incomparably worse. As an astronomer, I can't believe that humans are the end of the story. It is five billion years before the sun flares up, and the universe may go on forever, so post-human evolution, here on Earth and far beyond, could be as prolonged as the Darwinian process that's led to us, and even more wonderful. And indeed, future evolution will happen much faster, on a technological timescale, not a natural selection timescale. So we surely, in view of those immense stakes, shouldn't accept even a one in a billion risk that human extinction would foreclose this immense potential. Some scenarios that have been envisaged may indeed be science fiction, but others may be disquietingly real. It's an important maxim that the unfamiliar is not the same as the improbable, and in fact, that's why we at Cambridge University are setting up a center to study how to mitigate It seems it's worthwhile just for a few people to think about these potential disasters. And we need all the help we can get from others, because we are stewards of a precious pale blue dot in a vast cosmos, a planet with 50 million centuries ahead of it. And so let's not jeopardize that future. And I'd like to finish with a quote from a great scientist called Peter Medawar. I quote, "The bells that toll for mankind are like the bells of Alpine cattle. They are attached to our own necks, and it must be our fault if they do not make a tuneful and melodious sound." Thank you very much.	{ "source": "iwslt2017", "missed_lines": null, "inserted_lines_src": null, "inserted_lines_trg": null }
俺は手にした蔓でまとめられた木の札の束を見てそう言う。さて、拠点の改良を行い、氷室を作った俺が次に始めたのずでもいいから何かしらの記憶媒体を作る事だった。いやうん。予想以上に【共鳴魔法・ネムリ草】に関する研究結果が多くて、一段落してから数日経った時点で一部結果に関して正直忘れそうになって来たから慌てて作りました。「じゃ、書くか」と言うわけで拠点改良や氷室作成に使った木材の余りで作った木の札......要するに木簡なのだが、それにインク......正確には動物の血と脂を加熱しつつ混ぜ合わせて水で適度に薄めただけの何となくインクっぽいものを蔓の先端に付けて実験結果を書いていく。ちなみにこのインクっぽいものは使う際に蔓の先端から空気を流し込むと赤くなり、乾くと黒く固まります。ついでに言うと木簡に書いた文字からは赤黒い魔力が微妙に漏れ出ています。うん。このインクは中々にヤバい代物かもしれない。やっぱり早いうちにもっとマトモな紙とインクを用意するべきだな。変な魔導書とかが出来たら迂闊に処分も出来なくなる。「まあ、それでも今は諦めるしかないか」ただ、代用品が無い現状ではどうしようもないので諦めて素直に書く。春に......春になったら遠くに見えてた街へ買い出しに行ってやる! なお、インクの器に関しては粘土質の土が見つかったのでそれを練り上げて焼いた物を使用している。後、火に関しては乾燥させたわらと木の板、棒をこすり合わせて摩擦熱を発生させることで上手くやった。いやー、古代の人たちは偉大ですね。まさか火一つ起こすのにあんなに手間がかかるとは思わなかった。 ......。植物が火を使うなって?いや、生きた植物って意外と火に対する耐性があるんだよ?体内に結構な量の水分を保有しているし。で、多少記憶が曖昧になってて結果があやふやになっているところはあるけれども俺は研究結果を木簡に書ききる。これで万が一忘れても大丈夫だろう。なお、書いてある文字は勿論日本語であるが、この世界の言語体系がどうなっているかは分からないので、暗号として役立つかは不明である。ミズキに見せれば分かるかもしれないが。「てかよくよく考えたらそれなりに転生者が居る世界何だから他に日本人がいる可能性は十分にあったな」ミズキの事を思い浮かべる時一緒に思い出したが、前にミズキがそんな感じの事を言っていた気がする。となるとただの日本語では暗号として役立つかは微妙かもしれない。まあ、そもそもこんな森の奥深くにまで来て、こんな奇妙なカボチャが住んでいる拠点に入り込み、何かよく分からない事が書いてある木簡を見たり盗んだりする奴なんて居ないか。しかも仮に見たとしても俺が使う場合は【レゾナンス】前提だから普通の人間は使えないだろうし。「さて、書き終わったところでどうするかな......」で、研究成果を書き終わったところで俺は次に何をするかを考える。うーん。【共鳴魔法・ネムリ草】について調べるなら次は部位ごとに効果の差が有るかとか、採取時期による差とかなんだけど......春と夏はまだまだ遠いんだよな。かと言って新しい共鳴魔法の探索は......書きとめる物がこれだからとりあえず発動できるかどうかとその効果を調べるぐらいか。と言うか春に買い物に行くなら正体を隠す策とかお金を得る手段とか考えておく必要もあるな。「うーん。うーん。ウーン?」で、俺は正体を隠す方法とお金を得る手段で悩む。とりあえずお金に関しては森で手に入れた諸々の物品......具体的には熊や猪の毛皮を持っていけば買い取ってくれる人間は居るだろう。ただ、足元を見られて安く買い叩かれるのも想定するならそれなりの量は必要かもしれない。問題は俺の正体の方だ。俺はカボチャだ。それはもう覆しようのない事実だ。そしてつい先日狩人さんに遭遇したが、遭遇した瞬間に大声を上げられながら矢を射られたことから考えると俺の姿は人間視点では攻撃対象にされるのは間違いない。となると何かしらの方法で正体を隠さなければ買い物一つ満足に行えない公算は高い。「とりあえず熊の毛皮でも羽織ってみるか?」俺はとりあえず肉と脂を剥いだだけの熊の毛皮をマントっぽく羽織ってみる。するとどうだろう。顔の下の蔓の部分は見事に隠れた。これならばマントの中を見られない限りはきっと大丈夫なはずだ。手に関しては......ま、ちょっと変わった手袋っぽくすれば怪しまれる程度で済むだろう。よしこれならいけ...... 「頭はどうすんのよ」「ほうわぁ!?ミズキしゃん何時の間に!?」「ついさっき来たんだけど何してるの?」「ああうん」俺はミズキに春になったら人間たちの街に買い物に行こうと考えていることを告げる。そしたら...... 「ふうん。まあ、何かいい物があったらよろしく」とだけ言われた。まあ、ミズキは人間社会に対してあまり興味がある風に見えないしな。こういう反応にもなるか。「で、頭についてはどう誤魔化すつもり?」「そこは......被り物って事で」で、質問が戻ってくる。うーん。自分で言うのもなんだけどすごく作り物っぽい頭だしな。そう言えば何とか誤魔化せるだろう。と、自分では考えていたのだが...... 「それならいっそ変な魔獣に呪われたと言った方が説得力があるわね」でも呪い理論の方が本当に良いかもしれないなー......俺カボチャだし......顔の穴動くし......身体の部分はマントで隠すけど呪いって事にすればバレても言い訳が効くし......。本当にそうするかぁ......。	Looking at the bundle of wooden tags in his hands, which were organized by his vines, Pumpkin muttered, “Um, I suppose I can cope with this for now.” His next move was to develop a storage medium of some sort, even if it was only an initial one, after upgrading the base and constructing an ice house. Over the course of many days of settling down, there were more research discoveries on [Resonance Spell・Sleep Cloud] than he had anticipated, and because his memory of some of the findings was beginning to wane, he hastily made this storage medium. “Well then, I should write it down.” He used a wooden tag made from leftover lumber was used to renovate the base and create the ice house as a paper... in short, the wooden tags functioned as a mokkan [i] . He applied ink—or, more accurately, a heated and water-diluted mixture of animal blood and fat—on the ends of the vines to record the outcomes of the experiments. When utilized, this ink-like substance would turn red when air flowed through the vine’s tip and solidify into a black hue when left to dry. Interestingly, the reddish-black magic was subtly leaked out from the letters that were inscribed on the mokkan. Yeah. This ink may be a dangerous substitute. I should get more decent paper and ink as soon as possible after all. If a strange grimoire is made, it cannot be disposed of indiscreetly. “Well, I suppose I still have to give up on that for now.” Since there was no other option to take at the time, he surrendered himself to writing in a straightforward manner. Once spring... arrives, I’ll go shopping in the town I saw in the distance! Regarding the ink vessels, clay-like soil was discovered and was used to knead and bake the clay. To effectively create frictional heat for the fire, dried straw, wooden planks, and sticks were rubbed together. Well, ancient people were amazing. I never imagined that it would take so much time and effort to set a single fire. ...And to those who assert that plants cannot utilize fire: No, living plants are remarkably tolerant of fire, you know? They also retain a fair amount of water in their bodies. Despite Pumpkin’s recollection being somewhat vague and some of the results were ambiguous, he wrote down the results of his research on the mokkan. Even if by any chance he forgot the results from now on, everything would be fine since he has written it down. The characters written on the mokkan were of course in Japanese, but since he wasn’t familiar with this world’s linguistic structure, he was unsure whether it would be useful as a code or not. Perhaps if he showed it to Mizuki, Pumpkin might understand the language system of this world. “On second thought, there are a fair number of reincarnated people in this world, so it’s quite possible that there are other Japanese people here.” While recalling Mizuki, it seemed that Mizuki had said something like that before. If so, it may be subtle whether mere Japanese can be served as a code or not. Well, I doubt that anyone would come this deep into the forest, enter the base where such a strange pumpkin resides, and look through or steal a mokkan that contains something cryptic. Even if they did, it would be impossible for ordinary people to use it because it is based on the premise that I would use [Resonance]. “Now that I’m done writing, what should I do...?” Having finished writing up the results of his research, he wondered about his next move. Sleep Cloud], I need to determine if there is a difference in effect between different parts of the plant, or if there is a variation depending on the time of harvest but... spring and summer are still a long way off. That being said, since this is the only thing I have to write down in my search for new resonance magic... I guess I’ll just have to see if I can activate it and find out what it does. Besides, if I am planning to go shopping in the spring, I need to think of a way to hide my true identity and a mean to obtain money. “Mmm. Uh-huh. Hmm?” So, here was the problem: how to conceal his true identity and how to make money. For now ,he might earn money if he brought the various goods he obtained in the forest... specifically, bear and boar pelts, there would be people who would purchase them. However, assuming that someone will take advantage of him and buy them at a lower price, it may be necessary to have a certain amount of goods. But the key point was his true identity. He was a pumpkin. There was an irrefutable fact. Furthermore, he encountered a hunter just the other day, and considering the way he shot an arrow at him while shouting at the moment they encountered each other, it was inevitable that Pumpkin would be a target of attack from a human’s point of view. He had to disguise his true identity in a way or else he wouldn’t be able to do any shopping. “Shall I put on a bear pelt for the time being?” He put on a cloak of bear fur with the meat and fat removed. Maybe this would work? The vines under my face are well hidden. As long as no one sees inside the cloak, all should be well. As for my hands... if I make them look like strange gloves, it will probably only raise suspicions. Okay, this should do it... “What about the head?” “Houwah!? When did you get here, Mizuki!?” “I just showed up. What are you doing?” “Oh, yeah.” Pumpkin told Mizuki that he was intending to go shopping in the town of humans when spring arrived. Then... “Hmm. Well, if you find anything good, please let me know.” ...That was all she said. Mizuki, though, didn’t appear to have much of an interest in human society. He supposed her reaction was sensible. “So, how are you going to cover up your head?” “About that... maybe I will say it’s a headgear.” So the main question came back to him. Yeah. My head looks very fake, if I may say so myself. In relation to that, they would undoubtedly suspect that I am engaging in some form of fraudulent activity. Well, this is just my own thoughts... “If that’s the case, it would be more convincing if I said I was cursed by some strange magical beast.” But maybe the curse theory is really better... I’m a pumpkin... I can move the hole in my face... and I can hide my body parts with a cloak. If I pretend it’s a curse, I’ll have a good excuse even if I’m caught... Maybe I should really do that...	{ "source": "manual-fanfic", "missed_lines": 2, "inserted_lines_src": 1, "inserted_lines_trg": 1 }
お姉様の勧めで王都の魔法学園に行くことになった。お姉様にあれよあれよと手続きをして頂き、現在、我とお姉様、そして近衛隊の選抜組で王都を目指し進軍中である。もう後半刻ほどで王都に到着するだろう。王都に行くのは構わない。むしろ邪神軍の覇業のため、拠点移動は望むところである。だが、学園への入学に関しては正直気が重い。いくら人間共の情報を得るためとはいえ、、我は学園生活などとても我慢できそうにないと胸の内をお姉様に話したことがある。だが、お姉様は「ティムが弱気になるのはわかるけど、これは将来のために絶対必要な経験よ。だから騙されたと思って頑張ってみて」とおっしゃったのだ。学園での情報収集が必要なのはわかる。だが、王都でも有数な使い手だと称する輩が家庭教師に来たが、その実力は語るに落ちるというものだった。人間共の実力が否が応でもわかるというものだ。お姉様は少し慎重すぎだと我は思う。人間共を過大評価しすぎなのだ。お姉様の実力なら人間共など一ひねりだというのに......。しましょうと幾度となく進言したが、お姉様は首を縦に振られない。何かやれやれといった表情をされて否定されるのだ。ふむ、わからぬ。あれほどのお力を持ちながら積極的に攻勢に出られないのは何故なのか? こういう時は、一人で悩むよりニールゼンに相談するのが良い。我はニールゼンの傍らに移動する。「ニールゼン、何故お姉様は王都に攻め入ろうとしないのかわかるか?」「そうですな......やはり、ティレア様の前世が関係していると思われます」「前世だと?」「はっ。ティレア様は『にほん』での日々は、楽な戦いはなかったとおっしゃってました。おそらくその事から油断や敗戦にことのほか過敏になられてるのではないかと」ふむ。そういえばお姉様に前世のお話を聞くと決まって苦い顔をされる。きっと「にほん」での戦いがお姉様に影を落としているのだ。「そうであった。お姉様は『にほん』という修羅の国のご出身、ちょっとした油断が死につながっておるのだったな」「御意。『ろけっとらんちゃー』なる極大破壊兵器が「我はまた同じ間違いをするところであった。人間が相手ということで、少なからず油断をしておった」「カミーラ様、それは私も近衛隊全員が同じ気持ちでした。ティレア様はそんな我らの雰囲気を察し、こたびの作戦をご提案されたのではないでしょうか?」「ニールゼン、その通りだ。このような浮ついた気持ちで攻め入っても足をすくわれたかもしれん」「まことにそう思いまする」さすがはお姉様。我らの驕りを諭すだけでなく士気までも向上させたのである。お姉様の真意がわかった。やはりニールゼンと話をすると良い。流石は我が最も信頼する部下である。心のもやもやがなくなったわ。お姉様のため、こたびの任務絶対に成功させる。そう心に深く誓っていると、先頭を歩いていたお姉様が我のそばに歩み寄ってこられた。「ティム、ニールと何話してたの? なんか意気投合してたみたいだけど」「はい、こたびの作戦について話しておりました。お姉様、我は学園での任務、是が非でもやり遂げて見せます」「そう、気合十分ね。お姉ちゃん、期待しているから」お姉様は我の頭を優しく撫でながら励ましてくれる。ふふ、我は果報者である。部下でありながら、まるで実の姉妹のように接していただけるのだ。慎まねばならぬとわかっていても、にやけてしまう。そうしてお姉様としばらく歩いていると、王都に到着。簡単な手続きを済ませ、中に入った。数千年ぶりの王都......。なんともまぁ、衰退している。魔力の流れでわかる。単純な軍事力だけでも古の時代の半分以下といったところであろう。これでは情報収集する必要は皆無ではないか、いや、この油断がいけないのだ。もう負けるわけにはいかぬ。今度負ければお姉様が負けるのだ。それだけは絶対に避けねばならぬ。それにしても周辺にオルティッシオの気配がない。ニールゼンから聞くに合流地点はこの辺のはずだが......。「ニールゼン、オルティッシオはどうなっておる?」「はっ。すでに約束の刻限を過ぎてますが、いまだ連絡はありません」「ニールどうしたの? そのオルティッシオって人迎えに来ていないの?」「も、申し訳ございません。現在、状況を確認中です」「もしかして待ち合わせ場所が違うんじゃない?」「いえ、ここが合流地点のはずですが......」「さてはニール......道に迷ったの?」「いえ、そんなはずは......た、確かにここが合流地点です」「本当に? あなた間違ってないでしょうね?」「はっ。どうやらオルティッシオ隊に想定外の事態が起きているようです」「はぁ~そうね。あなたに任せたときからこうなると予想できたかな」お姉様が落胆しておられる。いったいオルティッシオめは何をしている? お姉様を待たすとはけしからぬ! オルティッシオに憤りを感じると同時に不思議にも思う。何故ならオルティッシオは曲がりなりにも我自慢の近衛隊の一員だからだ。ちょっとやそっと不測の事態が起きようとも対処できる力を持っておる。どれ、ちょっと探査してみるかを研ぎ澄まし、魔力の流れを追ってみる。む!? この魔力......。街中のいたるところで魔族の気配がぷんぷんする。オルティッシオ達ではない。他に潜伏している魔族がいる。ヒドラーの手の者か? いや、魔王軍にしては力が弱い。「お姉様、どうやら我らの同族が王都のいたるところに潜伏しているようです。王都を狙っておるのか、泥棒猫のような輩です。オルティッシオの動向も含めニールゼンに調査させることを進言します」「はは、ティムは相変わらずね。まぁ、いいわ。確かにオルと連絡がつかないのは心配ね。ニールちょっと捜してきてくれる?」「御意。つきましては王都の広さを考慮し近衛隊全員で捜索しようと思います」「え!? ミューも連れていくの?」「はい、効率的に考えてそのほうがよろしいかと。ティレア様とカミーラ様はここでお待ちください」「う~ん、まっいいか。少し不安だけど、あなただけに任せるのもあれだしね」「それでは調査を開始します」「ミュー、それじゃあニール達を頼んだよ」「お任せください」お姉様の号令のもと、近衛隊に散っていく。それにしてもお姉様のミュッヘンに対する信頼は日に日に篤くなっておられる。王都への護衛もミュッヘンを強く推してきたほどだ。最近では何かことを起こすときは、常にミュッヘンありきで考えておられる。むぅ、少しやきもきする。ニールゼンなども胸中複雑であろう。最近ではニールゼンの仕事がミュッヘンに取られておるからな。そのうち我の役割も奴に取られはしないか......。くっ、そうなる前に何か手を―― いや、何を考えておる! ミュッヘンもお姉様を支える大切な家臣ではないか! くだらぬ妄想を振り払い、ニールゼン達が戻るのを待つ。そして、辺りが薄暗くなるにつれ、魔力の流動が活発になってきた。どうやら潜伏中の泥棒猫共が騒ぎを起こすようだ。点々としていた魔力の渦が固まり、そして人間共を襲っていく様子がわかる。「はぁ、もう真っ暗ねぇ~。ニール達どのくらいで戻ってくるかな?」「どうしますか? 我らで奴らを阻止するのも手ですが」「そうだ。それより学園に行ってみない? ニール達もいつ戻るかわからないし何か情報が得られるかも」「そうですね。お姉様に従います」お姉様のお言葉に従い、魔法学園に向かう。途中途中で人間共が襲われているのが気配で伝わる。ここより数キロ先だが魔力の活動が活発だ。お姉様はもちろんお気づきであろう。そのうち、王都中を巻き込んでパニックが起きそうだ。そして、魔法学園の正門に到着。この辺りはまだエセ魔族共が活動していないようだ。他はどうだろう? 周囲を観察すると、西門の辺りに明かりがついてるのが見えた。誰かいるみたいだ。む!? 魔力の気配。どうやら学園の中にエセ魔族が入り込んでいるようだな。「誰かいるみたいね」「はい。どうやら泥棒猫の仲間がいるようです。殺しますか?」「うぐっ。ティムはここで待っててね。お姉ちゃんがちょっと話をしてくるから」そう言ってお姉様は西門に向かわれた。もしやお姉様もエセ魔族の気配を感じとり制裁に乗り出しにいかれたのか? それならあの程度の輩、我が露払いをしたであろうに。しばらくお姉様がお戻りになるのを待っていると、「そこにいる君、一人で何をやっている!」野太い声が我の耳に届いた。甲冑をきた騎馬姿の中年である。「何者だ?」「怪しい者ではない。私は王都治安部隊副隊長のゲーベだ。現在、王都は何者かに攻撃を受けている。ここは危ない。避難するぞ」なんだ、王都の治安部隊か。治安部隊は避難民を連れてぞろぞろ歩いていた。なるほど、お姉様が我をここに留まらせた理由はこれか。まずはこやつらから情報を得るとしよう。我は治安部隊の言にコクリとうなずき、避難民の列に移動する。皆、ひどく憔悴している。着の身着のままで出てきたのだろう。服装は寝間着の奴らが多い。奴らの話に耳を傾けると、ほとんどの避難民は何が何やらわかっておらぬようだ。わかっているのは突然、牙をむき出しにした化け物に襲われたこと、襲われた人間も同じように化け物となって襲ってくることぐらいだ。状況から考えるに先ほどの魔力の気配と合わせて考察すると、奴らは古の時代に我が戯れに作った眷属で間違いないだろう。戯れに作ったは良いが、あまりにも役立たずで捨て置いた我のおもちゃ。それに奴らの気配、封印から覚醒したような感じではなかった。おそらく古の戦いには参加せず、そのおかげで神々の封印を免れおったのだろう。敵前逃亡しただけでも極刑すべきガラクタだ。をどうしてくれようか。真祖としてきっちりけじめをつけておかねばならぬ。そう思いに耽っていると慣れ親しんだ気配を感じ取った。ニールゼン達が戻ってきたようだ。いる......。ちょうどななめ廃屋の辺りか。ぼんくらな人間共にはわからぬようだが、気配を殺して佇んでおる。我は人間共に気づかれないようにここまで来いと目線で指示をした。するとミュッヘンが隙を見て避難民の中にうまい具合に入り込んできた。「カミーラ様、ここにいやしたか。オルティッシオと合流できやした」「そうか、ご苦労。それでは状況をお姉様に報告しろ。オルティッシオの処遇についてはお姉様にお任せする」「わかりやした。それでカミーラ様は?」「我はしばらくこやつらと行動を共にする」ミュッヘンはそう言って姿を消し、廃屋にあった気配も消えた。近衛隊全員に我の言葉を伝えたのだろう。後は治安部隊の情報収集だ。我は何食わぬ顔で避難民の中で観察を続ける。数刻後......。最初の戦闘が発生した。息継ぐ間もなく元人間の吸血鬼に襲撃されたのである。その度に避難民が恐怖で叫び声をあげた。あ~うるさい! 観察の邪魔だ! いっそ殺すか? いやいや目立ってはいかん。それにしてもひっきりなしに戦闘が起きる。どうやらエセ魔族共が手当たり次第に人間を眷属にしているようだ。ふん、品がない。どいつもこいつもただ自我を崩壊させ狂わせただけである。まったく魔族の美学も知らぬ。ただ、数を作ってくれたおかげで人間共の戦闘を何度も観察はできた。動きを見るにこやつらは極力戦闘を避けておるな。避難民共を守ることを第一にしておる。それに相手が弱すぎるのもあって高度な戦術を使用しておらぬようだ。これでは物足りぬ。せめて自我が崩壊した元人間じゃなく魔族との戦闘を見せてほしいものだが......。我が不満げに周囲を観察していると、西方数キロの地点から赤い牙を持った集団がこちらに向かってきているのがわかった。おぉ、ちょうど魔族が襲ってきているでないか! レッサーデーモンの群れである。最下級であるが、れっきとした魔族だ。先ほどまでの愚図とは違う。さぁ、どうする? 人間が魔族とどう戦って見せるのだ? 種族の差は大きいぞ。我は興味深げにその様子を観察する。そして、レッサーデーモンの群れが治安部隊と激突した。レッサーデーモンは巧みな動きで治安部隊の面々を翻弄していく。「な、なんだ? あの動きは!」「くっ。あ、あれは闇魔法!?」「ぐはぁあ! な、なんという威力!」レッサーデーモンはその強力な爪や牙で襲い、そして口から魔弾を放出する。治安部隊は慣れない魔弾に戸惑っているようだ。「今までの敵とは違う。皆気を引き締めろ!」「ちらばれぇ――っ! 的になるな、散開!」一人一人は脆弱だが、フォーメーションを敷いて連携している。なるほど。小賢しくはあるが、あの程度の下級魔族ならなんとか対抗できそうだ。「副隊長。このままだと避難民に被害が出ます!」「くっ、なんとかするんだ! 迎え撃て。突破されるな!」「だ、だめです。突破されました」度重なる戦闘で治安部隊に疲れが出たようだ。陣形の隙をついて、レッサーデーモンがこちらを襲撃してくる。ちっ、観察もここまでか。我は襲撃に備え、身構えていると、「消えてなくなれ、魔族!」「きしゃああ!」突然、謎の男が現れ、その身体にそぐわぬ大剣を振り回しレッサーデーモンをぶつ斬りにしたのである。ほぉ。最下級とはいえ魔族を一撃とは......。何者だ? 「「ぎしゃああ!」」さらに、大槌と大槍をかついだ謎の女現れ、レッサーデーモンを駆逐していく。そして、その活躍でレッサーデーモンの群れは全滅したのである。「お、お前達、何者だ?」予想どおり、治安部隊の副長ゲーベは、奴らを知らないようだ。驚愕の顔でその三人に素性を問う。「王都は我ら治安部隊が守護している。機密であれば、なおさら知っておく必要がある。話してもらおう」「俺達は、国王の命令で動いている。お前達こそ邪魔をするなら斬りすてる」「な、なんだと? 嘘をつくな!」「はっ。それではこれより治安部隊はあなた方の指揮下に入ります」「それじゃあ命令だ。速やかにおまえ達も指定の避難地区まで移動しろ」「お、お言葉ですが、我らは武人。敵に対して背を向けるわけにはいきませぬ」「そうだ、そうだ! 我らは王都最強の部隊だぞ!」男の理不尽な物言に治安部隊の面々が騒ぎ出す。ふむ、口ぶりから察するにレペスという男が、こやつらのリーダーのようだな。性格は我が強く、周りの意見に耳を貸さない。この手のタイプは、自分の腕に過剰なまでに自信を持っている。ヴェーラは呆れた声でレペスを非難する。「やるの? いいけど、二対一よ」「リリス、貴様もヴェーラにつくのか?」「ちっ! 勝手にしろ! ただし、ヴェーラ、リリス、お前達は査問会行きだ。覚悟しておけ」とは王家直属の裏機関といったところか。こうなると実力のほどを見てみたい。さっきのレッサーデーモン如きではこやつらの真の実力を見れなかった。二人ほどここから出ていったのは悔やまれるが、こやつだけでもじっくり観察するとしよう。そうと決まれば、手ごろな敵が現れぬか。いっそ我が適当に召喚するか、そう考えているといい具合に魔族が接近してきているのがわかった。転移魔法を駆使して近づいてきている。雑魚ではあるが、この辺りにいる奴らよりはましか。そして......空間がよじれて醜悪な面をした魔族が現れた。見た目は小柄な老人だが、眼にはどす黒い狂気をこの顔......やはりった失敗作である。「ほぉっほぉっ。魔力を追ってくれば、いるいる人間共が集まっておるわ!」は、不敵な笑みを浮かべて「ふん、魔族の長自らお出ましとは捜す手間が省けたというものだ」「ほぉっほぉっ。ワシを知っておるとはの騎士レペス」相手に数千年も無駄に抵抗をしおって」「だまれ! 魔族打倒は我らの使命。貴様の命、貰い受ける!」の長たるワシに刃を向けるとは身の程知らずな」マルフェランドだとぉ! のくせに我の家名を勝手に使いおって! そして、何よりお姉様の領地に土足で踏み入れておる! にはきついお仕置きが必要みたいだな。	At elder sister’s recommendation, it was decided that I would be attending the Magic Academy in the Capital. The paperwork was quickly dealt with by elder sister, and now, elder sister and I, as well as choice members of the Household Guard are advancing towards the capital. We should be arriving in roughly half a day’s time. I do not mind going to the Capital. Rather, for the sake of our world conquest, it would make a choice location. However, to be honest I feel only gloom towards my enrolment in the academy. No matter how important a role it is for gaining intelligence on humans, when I remember that I must listen to this ‘schoolwork’, these fools’ nonsense, I feel naught but agony. Once, I told elder sister the truth about how I truly did not think I would be able to bear with ‘school life’. But elder sister told me, “I know that you’re timid about this, but it’s an absolutely necessary experience for your future. So just go along with what I’m saying, even if you don’t believe me.” I personally believe that elder sister is being a little too cautious. She is overestimating the humans. Even though with elder sister’s strength, humans would simply be pushovers... A few times in the past I proposed to her that we forwent the information gathering and simply annihilated them all at once, but elder sister would not agree. She rejected the idea, and seemed to say ‘goodness me...’ with her expression. Fumu. I cannot understand. With that much power, why will she not pursue an offensive? At times like this, it’s better to consult with Nielsen than brood over it myself. And so I moved over to his side. “Nielsen. Do you understand why elder sister will not invade the capital?” “Well, let me see... I must conclude that it may be due to her past life.” “Her past life, you say?” “Yes, Milady. Lady Tilea once mentioned that her days in ‘Jyapan’ were not filled with easy battles. Perhaps it is due to her experiences there that she is particularly sensitive towards imprudence and failures.” Fumu. Speaking of which, elder sister’s expression is unfailingly bitter when she speaks of her old life. I’m sure that her battles in ‘Jyapan’ are casting a shadow over her. “Now that you mention it, that is true. She did mention that in the Land of the Shura, just a slight slip-up could cost one their life, didn’t she.” “It is as you say. According to her, the place was rampant with the ultimate destruction weapon ‘rokett lawncha’.” “I almost committed the same blunder again. I was considerably negligent in regards to the humans.” “Lady Camilla, I, as well as the rest of the Household Guard, felt the same way. Could it not be that because Lady Tilea has noticed this, she proposed our current strategy?” “Nielsen, it is as you say. If we invaded with such frivolous feelings, we may simply have had the tables turned on us.” “I feel the exact same way.” As expected of elder sister. Not only admonishing us for our hubris, but raising our morale as well. I now understand her intentions. It truly was a good idea to talk to Nielsen about it. As expected of my most trusted retainer. The doubt in my heart has been cleared now. As I swore this in my mind, elder sister walked from the front of our procession to my side. “Timu, you were talking to Niel? It looks like you were having fun.” “Yes. We were discussing our current strategy. elder sister, I will most certainly succeed in my school mission.” “I see. Looks like you’ve got plenty of drive, huh. Big sis is expecting great things from you.” With that, elder sister gently patted my head as she encouraged me. Huhu, I truly am a lucky one. To be a subordinate, and yet treated like a true sister by her. Although I know I must have prudence, I could not help but break into a smile. And so like that, I continued walking with elder sister for a while and we arrived at the Capital. After finishing some simple paperwork, we entered. My first time in the Royal Capital in millenia... How do I say this... It’s declined. I can tell from the flow of the mana. Even in simple military force, it’s less than half of what it was in the ancient times. Isn’t there simply no need for intelligence? No, I mustn’t be careless. I cannot lose again. Because this time my loss will also be elder sister’s loss. That alone, I must avoid. Still, I see no signs of Ortissio in the area. I heard from Nielsen that we were supposed to rendezvous here, but... “Nielsen, what of Ortissio?” “Milady. The meeting time has already passed, but there has still been no contact from him.” “Niel, what’s wrong? Is that Ortissio person not coming to pick us up?” “M-, My deepest apologies. At present, we are still confirming the situation.” “Could it be that we’re meant to be meeting somewhere else?” “No, this should certainly be the rendezvous point, but...” “In that case, Niel... could it be you got lost?” “No, that should not be the... T-, This is certainly the rendezvous point.” “Really? It’s not just that you made a mistake?” “No, Milady. It appears that the Ortissio Unit has been involved in an unexpected incident.” “Hahh... Yeah. Maybe I should have expected this to happen if I left things to you.” Elder sister is disappointed. What on earth is that lowly Ortissio doing? To make elder sister wait like this, how shameless! While feeling anger at Ortissio, at the same time I felt it was mysterious. Even flawed as he was, Ortissio is still a member of my prided Household Guard. He has enough power to deal with any minor situation. Well then, should I try investigating a little? Sharpening my five senses, I followed the flow of the mana. Mu!? This mana... I detected the presence of demons all across the city. And they were not the Ortissio Unit. Demons were hiding in this city. Hidler’s pawns? No, too weak to be the Demon King Army. “Elder sister, it appears that some other members of our race are hiding in the Capital. Perhaps they are aiming for this place. Honestly, a bunch of thieving cats. Taking into account Ortissio’s movements as well, I suggest that we have Nielsen investigate.” “Haha, same as always, aren’t you Timu. Well, that’s fine then. It’s true that I’m worried about Orty’s lack of contact. Niel, could I have you look around a bit?” “As you wish. Taking into consideration the size of the Capital, I think I will mobilize all members of the Household Guard for this search.” “Eh-!? You brought Myuu here too?” “Yes, I believed that it might be more efficient that way. Lady Tilea, Lady Camilla, please wait here.” “Hmm~ Well, that’s fine I guess. I’m a little uneasy, but I guess it wouldn’t be great to leave it to you alone, huh?” “Well then, I shall begin surveying the area.” “Myuu, I’ll be leaving Niel and the others to you.” “Please leave it to this one.” By elder sister’s command, the Household Guard scattered left and right. But still, day by day, elder sister’s trust in Mühen continues to grow. She even strongly recommended Mühen for guard duty on our way here. Lately, whenever anything happens, she always considers Mühen first. Muu. I feel a little disquieted. Nielsen must be hiding complicated feelings as well. After all, lately his duties have been taken by Mühen. Before long, will my role not also be stolen by him...? Kuh-, before that happens, I must somehow― No! What am I thinking! Is Mühen not also one of elder sister’s dutiful retainers! Sweeping away my foolish delusions, I waited for their return. And around the time that the sky began to darken, I detected a vigorous activity in the mana flow. Apparently the thieving little cats had come out to cause some trouble. Here and there, clumps of mana started condensing. From that, I could tell that they were attacking the humans. “Hahh, it’s already pitch dark, huhh~ I wonder how much longer until everyone returns.” “What shall I do? We could also stop them, if you wished.” “Oh I know. Shall we try heading to the academy instead? We have no idea when Niel and the others will be back, and we might even get some information.” “I see. I shall abide, elder sister.” Following elder sister’s words, we headed to the Magic Academy. The whole way there, I sensed humans being attacked. I noticed activity in the mana flow a few kilometers ahead of us. Naturally, elder sister must have been aware as well. It seemed like before long, the panic would spread throughout the capital. And finally we reached the main gate of the Magic Academy. It didn’t seem that the False Demons were at work here. Then what about the rest? When I surveyed the area, I noticed a light by the western gate. Apparently somebody was there. Mu!? This mana signature. Apparently a False Demon was skulking about the school. “It looks like someone’s here.” “Yes. Apparently one of those thieving cats. Shall I kill it?” “Ugh-! Timu, you wait here, okay? Big sis is going to have a little chat.” Saying that, elder sister headed to the western gate. Could it be that elder sister also sensed the False Demon, and went off to punish it? In that case, a thing of that level could just have been left to me, but... While waiting a while for elder sister’s return, “You there, what are you doing by yourself!” A loud shout reached my ears. Some middle-aged knight in armor. “And you are?” “Nobody suspicious. I’m Gabe, Vice Captain of the Capital’s Public Safety Force. At present the Capital is under attack by some unknown assailant. It’s dangerous here, so I’ll be taking you to a shelter.” Oh. So he was part of the Public Safety Force. Public Safety Force members were escorting groups of evacuating citizens to safety. I see. So this is the reason that elder sister told me to stay behind? Let’s get information from this lot first. I nodded at the man’s words, and moved myself into the line of citizens. They all looked terribly exhausted. They likely came here with nothing but the clothes on their back. Many of them were still in pajamas. When I listened in on their conversations, it seemed that almost none of these citizens knew what was going on. All they knew was that some fanged monsters suddenly attacked them, and that the people who were attacked would change into those monsters as well. From the situation, it would seem that it’s vampires we’re dealing with. Taking into consideration the mana I sensed earlier, it seems that there is no mistake that these are the kin that I created on a whim in the ancient age. Well, there was no problem with creating them for fun, but they didn’t turn out to be very useful, so I threw those toys away. They are Failures (False Kin). And from their auras, it didn’t seem like they just awoke from being sealed. It’s likely that they didn’t participate in the ancient war, and because of that they escaped being sealed by the gods. Garbage that deserves execution simply for the crime of desertion. Now then, now then. Whatever should I do with these failures (False Kin). As the True Ancestor, I must settle this issue properly. While I was lost in such thoughts, I felt a familiar presence. This presence is... It appeared that Nielsen and the rest had returned. I turned away from the presence, and looked in Nielsen’s direction instead. Right there... Around that slanted ruin, huh? Dimwitted humans would have no idea, but there was somebody hiding there. Using my glances, I gave him the order to come here without alerting the humans. When I did, he watched for an opening and skilfully joined in with the group of evacuees. “So here you were, Lady Camilla. We have successfully convened with Ortissio.” “I see. Well done. Then you shall report the situation to elder sister. Elder sister will decide on what to do with Ortissio.” “Understood. Then you, Lady Camilla?” “For now, I will continue to move with this lot.” With that, Mühen disappeared, as did the presence in the ruin. Mühen likely conveyed my orders to the rest of the Household Guard. All that’s left is gathering information on the Public Safety Force. With a nonchalant expression, I continued to survey the evacuees. A few hours later... The first battle erupted. Unbreathing, former-human vampires attacked us. Each time, the citizens would scream in terror. Aahh~ So noisy! You’re interfering with my surveillance! Should I just kill them? No, no, it wouldn’t do to stand out. But still, there’s no end to these battles. Apparently the Fake Demons were just haphazardly turning any human. Hmph, no class at all. Every one of these new vampires was mad with the loss of their ego. These Fake Demons know nothing of a demon’s aesthetics. Only, due to their creation in numbers, I was able to observe their battles with the humans many times. From their movements, it looks like these humans were trying their best to avoid battling. Protecting the citizens was their first priority. And these vampires were so weak that the humans didn’t even need to use proper tactics. This is hardly enough. At the very least, I would have liked to see them battle with a proper demon but... As I looked about in dissatisfaction, I noticed a group of things with red fangs, flying our way from a few kilometers west. Oohh, what good timing! Why, are the demons not coming to attack right now! It was a mob of lesser demons. Though low ranked they might be, lesser demons are still fully-fledged demons. Different from all the dullards thus far. Now then, what shall you do? What methods will you humans show me in your battle against the demons? The gulf between the races are large, you know. I observed with great interest. Finally, the group of lesser demons clashed with the Public Safety Force. With their clever movements, the lesser demons toyed with them all. “W-, What’s with these movements!?” “Kuh-! W-, Was that darkness magic!?” “GUHAHHH! W-, What power!” The lesser demons attacked with their powerful talons and fangs, and fired magic bullets from their mouths. Apparently the Public Safety Force were panicking, having never seen a magic bullet before. “These guys are different from the other enemies so far. Everybody, brace yourselves!” “SPREAD OUTTTT! Don’t let yourselves become targets, disperse!” They were weak on their own, but they worked together in formation. I see. A simple little trick, but enough to deal with these lesser demons I suppose. “Vice Captain, at this rate the citizens will suffer casualties!” “Kuh-! We’ll make do! Meet their attacks! Don’t let them break though!” “I-, It’s no good. They got through us.” Apparently the Public Safety Force was tired from the repeated battles. Passing through a gap in their formation, lesser demons came my way and attacked. Tsk. Is this as far as my observations go? I prepared to attack and took a stance when, “Disappear, demon!” “KISHAAAA!” A mysterious man suddenly appeared, and using a greatsword too large for his size, he cut down a lesser demon. Hohh. Low ranked it may have been, to take down a demon in one strike is... Who on earth is this man? ““GISHAAAA!”” Following that, two mysterious women appeared, exterminating demons with a greathammer and greatspear respectively. And thanks to them, the group of lesser demons was annihilated. “W-, Who are you guys?” Vice Captain Gabe asked the three of them in shock. “Decarabia? Never heard of it. Anyhow, the Royal Capital is under the protection of our Public Safety Force. You saved us earlier, but I’ll have you refrain from doing whatever you want.” “We’re here on orders of the King. I should be telling you lot to stay out of our way.” “W-, What did you say? Don’t lie!” “T-, This certainly is... the seal of the King. I-, I understand. Well then, the Public Safety Force shall fall under your command.” “Then these are your orders; this place is dangerous, so you guys hurry up to the designated shelter areas too.” “P-, Please excuse my words, but we too are warriors. We cannot turn our backs to the enemy.” “Right, right! We’re the strongest unit in the Capital!” The members of the Public Safety Force all began to make a fuss due to the greatsword man’s unreasonable words. “Vera, why do you always say such crazy things with a smile...?” “Alright. Vera, Lyris. Begin drawing the magic circle.” “...” “Vera, what’s up with Lyris?” “B-, But, is that really okay?” Hmph, from what I hear, I suppose this Decarabia is some secret organization within the Capital. Now that it’s come to this, I certainly wish to see their ability. The likes of a lesser demon isn’t enough to see their real strength. It’s a shame that two of them will be leaving this place, but I’ll make sure to keep a good eye on this one. Or so I was thinking, when with good timing a demon came along. It used teleportation magic to approach us. A small fry, but I suppose still better than the other demons around here? And... with the warping of the air, a demon with a foul face appeared. From his appearance he appeared to be a small old man, but his eyes were blurred with a dark madness... “Fwohhhh fwohh fwohh! All I did was follow the mana, and I found a huge group of humans!” The failure overlooked us with a bold smile. “My, my... Having the Chief of the Demons come out himself just saves me the time I’d need to look.” Saying that, the man with the greatsword, Lepes, glared at the failure. With unequaled hostility, I could tell the strength he put into his grip. “Fwohh fwohh. If you know me, then you must be part of Decarabia.” “Indeed. I am a knight of Decarabia, Lepes.” “Honestly, for these last few millennia, you lot just keep hindering us demons.” “Silence! The defeat of the demons is our greatest wish. I shall be taking that life of yours!” “A mere human pointing his blade at I, the Chief of the Malferands? You do not know your place.” MALFERANDD!? A mere failure dares to use my family name of his own accord!? And more than anything, he dares to intrude upon elder sister’s territory!? It appears that this failure will require some harsh punishment.	{ "source": "manual-fanfic", "missed_lines": 15, "inserted_lines_src": 76, "inserted_lines_trg": 14 }
やっぱり自分で口に出しておいて見に行っていないのはまずいわよね。けど、お父様が絶対に許してくれないわよね。どうしましょ。いくら優しいお母様でも、私に甘いお兄様達でも、絶対に反対するわ。普通に暮らしていたら絶対に貴族が行くはずのない場所だもの。外出する時は基本お兄様達も一緒だし、一人の時はロゼッタがついてくるから......。こうなったら、バレずにこっそり行くしかないわよね。夜中に出て行くしかないわよね。でも絶対警備している者にバレるわ。ああ、透明人間になれないかしら。 ......そうよ、透明人間になればいいのよ。透明人間になれなくても違うものになればいいのよ! ......けど、魔法はまだ使えないのよね。まだ本を見つけられていないんだもの。まず、貧困村って町を通ってさらにその奥の森の中にあるのよね。遠すぎるわ。私は地図を机の上に広げた。 ......ん? このお屋敷の裏の森から貧困村に通じているわ。随分近道できるわ。道があるわけじゃなさそうだけど、行けないことはないわ。でも確か、貧困村には魔法でこの森に入れないように壁が作られていたはず。その壁って魔力を持つ者なら通る事が出来るのかしら。分からないわ。人には聞けないし。魔法の本は見つからないし。前途多難! もうこれは当たって砕けろよ。通れなかったら違う道を探すしかないだけ。やってみる価値はあるし......。森を通って貧困村を目指すわ! でもかなり時間がかかりそうだから乗馬は出来ないし...。馬に乗れたとしても森に道がないのだから結局無理なのよね。早めに家を出るしかなさそうね。に寝る事にして、そっから向かったとして......。十キロぐらいだから、走ったとして今の私の体力からして約一時間くらいで行けるから...。結構貧困村に滞在する時間はあるんじゃない? それに十キロ走ったらいい運動になるわにしては身体能力が随分高い方になるわよね? 悪女は何においても人より卓越しておかなければならないもの。そしたらヒロインの事も馬鹿に出来るわ。私は夜になるまで読書しようと思い、図書室に向かった。	It’s probably not the greatest to talk about them so confidently like that without having seen them, right? But there’s no way that Father would willingly let me go.... Plus, no matter how kind Mother is to me, or how much Oniisama dotes on me, I’m sure they’ll both be against it as well. It’s a place that nobles typically wouldn’t visit after all. And whenever I go out, I’m always either going somewhere with my brothers or Rosetta is accompanying me.... So that doesn’t afford me any opportunities either. If I want to go, I’ll have no choice but to sneak out of the house by myself. The only time when this might work is if I go during the middle of the night. But even then, I’ll still have to worry about being caught by the guards. Ugh, it would be so great if I could just make myself invisible. .....Wait, yeah. All I need to do is become invisible.... Magic exists in this world! Just because I’m not the invisible man doesn’t mean it’s impossible to become like him! .....But I still haven’t actually figured out how to use magic..... And I still haven’t found any books even mentioning magic. And, even if I managed to sneak out, I’d first have to walk to the neighboring town, and then from there I would have to walk to the woods located in the middle of it, and then walk through those woods to get to the impoverished village.... It’s too far away for me to get there and back in time. I spread a map out on the desk. ........Hm? It seems like the woods that are just behind our estate actually connect to the woods where the impoverished village is located! If I walk straight through from there, it’s not actually that far at all. And even though there doesn’t appear to be any sort of path leading to the village, that doesn’t mean I wouldn’t be able to get there from here. But the problem is that they’ve probably cast a magical barrier around the village that will prevent people from entering it from the woods.... Since I possess my own magical power, I wonder if I would be able to pass through the barrier? I just don’t know. And it’s not like I can ask someone about it... Or find a book to consult about it... Ugh, this isn’t going to be easy! Should I just go for it anyway? Nothing ventured, nothing gained after all. And even if I can’t get through the barrier, then that just means I’ll have to search for a different way in. It’s at least worth trying..... But even if I cut a straight line through the trees, the trip is bound to take quite a bit of time.... And I still can’t ride a horse properly yet.... Not that riding a horse would help matters much since there isn’t a path anyway though. I guess the only way to make this work is to set off as early in the evening as possible. If I act like I’m going to bed around : PM and then sneak out from there, then this just might work. It’s about kilometers from here to the village, so with my current physical abilities, I should be able to get there in around an hour’s time.... If I leave at :, doesn’t that mean I’ll have plenty of time to look around then? Plus, a 10 kilometer run will be great exercise! But that’s great! Since being a villainess means being able complete anything and everything with an excellence unparalleled by anyone else. Once I’ve managed that, I should have no problem trampling on the heroine and making a fool of her! And with that, all my plans are in place for the evening, so I head over to the library to spend the rest of my time reading.	{ "source": "manual-fanfic", "missed_lines": 2, "inserted_lines_src": 1, "inserted_lines_trg": 3 }
俺は廊下を歩く足音を聞きつけ、即座にベッドの上に転がって寝た振りをした。しばらくして部屋のドアが開き、エルフの少女が中を覗き込んでくる。恐らく洗濯物を干し終えたので、俺の様子を見に来たのだろう。だがタイミングは悪くないかも知れない。ほん分ほどの伝い歩きだったが、俺の足はプルプルと震えて痛みを訴えていたのだ。「フフ。よく寝てますね、ニコル様」エルフ少女は俺のそばまで歩いて来て、顔を覗き込んで寝顔を確認する。そう言えば彼女の名前、なんだったっけ? マリアが世話に雇ったはいいけど、俺に自己紹介してくれていない。いや、言葉も分からない赤ん坊に自己紹介するのはおかしいかもしれないが......普通はするもんじゃないか? 少女は俺の頬をフニフニと優しくつついて、その感触を堪能している。寝た振りを続けていると、少女はキョロキョロと周囲を見回し、誰もいないことを確認している。今この屋敷には誰もいない。それを知っているのに、滑稽にもそんな動作を繰り返す。そして誰もいないと確信してから、俺の頬にやさしく口付けして、パタパタと足音を立てて部屋から駆け出していったのだ。なぜ逃げるのか不思議に思ったが......考えてみれば雇い主の娘の頬にキスをするというのは、使用人としては失格かも知れない。俺は男......精神的に男なので、エルフ美少女の親愛の情としてむしろ嬉しい限りなのだが。その日から俺は何とか自立歩行できるまで訓練を続けていた。「マリア、今帰ったぞー」ライエルは雇われ騎士として、この地方を治める領主に雇われている。この地方は特にひどく邪竜に蹂躙されたため、モンスターの繁殖が激しいため、彼の腕が必要になっているのだ。すると、俺をエルフ少女が抱え上げて玄関へ向かった。彼女はマリアの料理の補佐をしていたはずなのに。「ライエル様の出迎えに向かいましょ。ニコル様」ニッコリと花が咲いたように笑いかけてくる少女。俺はその笑顔に思わず言葉を失った。いや、喋れなかったが。「おお、ニコルもお出迎えに出てきてくれたのか。フィニアもご苦労様」「いいえ! わたしなんて、まだまだにお仕事こなせてませんし! マリア様のお手を煩わせてばかりで」「そんな事は無いわよ。フィニアがいてくれて、とても助かってるわ」なるほど、この少女の名前はフィニアというのか。なんだかほのぼのした空気が漂っているが、このままでは俺の一大決心が流れてしまう。「えっ!?」そして喉から声を絞り出して、マリアの事をママと呼ぶ。そんな俺の声に、マリアは驚愕の表情を浮かべる。「ニコル。今......私の事、ママって呼んだ?」「まぁま」「ああ、ライエル! この子が、ニコルが!」「ニコル、俺は? ほらパパだよ? パパって――」「ライエル様、近い、近すぎますって!」フィニアと呼ばれたエルフ少女の胸元、つまり俺のそばに顔を寄せて暑苦しくライエルが迫る。この野郎もすでに三十路を超えている。暑苦しい事この上ない。「ふぃーにぃあ?」「ああっ、聞きましたかマリア様! 今ニコル様が、私の名前を!?」「ええ、しっかり聞いたわ! この子ったら、フィニアの名前を先に呼ぶなんて」このミスは即座に取り返そう。「そう! ニコルってば私の名前も覚えていたのね。なんて頭がいいの!」正直、彼女はいつもふわりと微笑んでいてばかりで、ここまで感情を表に出す事はあまりなかった。やはり実の子の成長と言うのは、違うモノなのだろう。中身は俺なのだが...... 「ほら、ニコル。パパの名前は? ライエルって言ってごらん」「だぁう!」暑苦しく顔を寄せてくるライエルの顔に、俺はモミジのような小さな手で張り手を叩き込んでおいた。「ううぅ、マリア......ニコルが名前を呼んでくれないんだ」「あなたの名前は発音が多いから、いきなりは無理よ」そう告げるマリアの顔には、非常に珍しい事だが、優越感が浮かんでいた。「あっ、あっ、あの、ライエル様もいつかは呼んでもらえますよ! ホントに、ホントに!」「ああ、慰めてくれるのか。フィニアはいい子だな」「あら、私の前で浮気かしら?」「冗談でもやめてくれ! フィニアは確かにいい子だが、そういう対象にはとても見れん」「フフ、もちろん分かってますよ」ライエルの背中を叩きながら、マリアが励ます。そして食堂へと誘いながら、その日の夕食を取ったのである。ちなみにその夕食は、少し......いや、かなり豪勢になった事を追記しておこう。	A baby’s hearing is much sharper than what an adult would ever expect. After hearing footsteps walking down the hallway, I immediately rolled down on the bed pretending to sleep. After a while, the door of the room opens up and the elf girl peeks inside. She probably finished doing laundry and came to check on me. Although I’m grateful that she’s doing her best to be a good babysitter, I wanted her to leave me on my own for a longer time. But well, her timing might have been good. It was about minutes of walking, but my feet were now trembling in pain. 「Fufu. You sure are sleeping well, Nicole-sama」 The elf girl walked up to me, and looks at my face to check if I was sleeping properly. Of course, I was pretending to sleep, and there’s no way of knowing that. Thinking about it, what was her name? Although Maria hired her to look after me, the elf girl didn’t introduce herself to me. No, it would be funny to introduce yourself to a baby who does not even understand language...... but isn’t that what they’re supposed to do? Knowing Maria, I know that she would be clumsy enough to leave such details, so it couldn’t be helped. The elf girl gently pecked my cheeks and seems to be having fun poking it. Although they were a bit small, my cheeks give off a heavenly feel when touching. Lyell was the most captivated by that sensation out of everyone in this household. As I continued pretending to be asleep, the elf girl looked around her surroundings and confirmed that no one was there. There was no one in this mansion now. Even though she knew that, she repeated the same behavior humorously. And after she was convinced that nobody was there, she gently kissed my cheeks and stepped out of the room with clattering steps. I wondered why she ran away... Thinking about it, kissing your employees’ daughter would have been a disqualification as an employee. I’m a man... mentally a man, so I was actually really happy receiving the love of an elf girl. From that day on, I kept training until I could manage to walk on my own. And there was one more thing you had to do if you were a baby at this time. I decided to do just that today in front of my parents. 「Maria, I have returned」 Lyell said in a slightly sluggish voice, when he came back to the mansion. Lyell was hired as a knight by the lord who governs this district. This district was particularly terribly devastated by the evil dragon, and because of that monsters have been breeding a lot in the surroundings which required his assistance. In exchange for his service, he got a mansion and a good salary that he was using to raise me. Maria stopped her meal preparations in the kitchen and came to greet him. I was watching this happen from the living room. Right then the elf girl picked me up and also headed for the entrance. It seems like she’s assisting Maria with her cooking. 「Let’s also join greeting Lyell-sama, Nicole-sama.」 The girl’s smile looked like a flower in full bloom. I was completely dumbstruck by that smile. Well, it’s not like I could talk. 「Oh, Nicole came out to greet me, Finia too?」「That’s not it! I’m still no good at work! That’s why I’m just bothering Maria-sama」「That’s not the case, you know. She’s actually a big help.」 I see, so this girl was named Finia. The heartwarming atmosphere felt it wouldn’t go, however, if this goes on, my time to shine would not come. There is only one way to diffuse this atmosphere. Making a firm decision, I put more effort into what I’m about to do. 「Eh!?」 At that moment, I squeezed my voice out and called Maria ‘Mama’. Maria was so surprised by hearing my voice. It was really quite unusual for her to show such a surprised expression. 「Nicole ... just now ... did you call me Mama?」「Maaama」「Aaah, Lyell! This child, Nicole, she called me! 」「Nicole, what about me? I’m Papa? Call me Papa? 」「Hey Lyell, close, too close!」 Lyell approached the chest of Finia where I was held and was forcing me to also call out to him. This ******* was already over thirty. He’s a sweltering old geezer. There’s also one thing that he forgot. It was that I hated him. That’s why– 「Fii...nia?」「Ah, you heard it from Maria-sama just now! Is that right Nicole-sama, about my name!?」「Eh, she only heard it just now! That’s right, this child is called Finia」 Now that I think about it, I have also heard Maria’s name, right? This surely is a failure. However, I will recover from this mistake immediately. 「Oooh! Nicole also remembered my name. What a smart child! 」 Maria was really delighted. To be honest, she was always smiling but it was rare for her to express her emotions this way before. It was probably because she was witnessing the growth of her child, that is to say, me. 「Over here, Nicole. What about papa’s name? 」「Dau!」 I slammed my small maple-like hand on Lyell’s face who was noisily forcing me to call his name. Well, although it’s a direct hit, it’s not something that you could really call an attack. 「Uu, Maria... Nicole isn’t saying my name.」「That’s because your name is hard to pronounce, she won’t be able to suddenly say it.」 It was very unusual for Maria to say something like this, but she’s probably experiencing a feeling of superiority right now. In response to what Maria said, Lyell falls down on his knees ( orz ). 「Ah, um, well, maybe she will be able to call Lyell-sama’s name soon! Surely, that surely will happen! 」「Uuh, are you trying to comfort me? Finia is a really good girl.」「Oh my, are you perhaps trying to have an affair right in front of me? 」「Stop it with the joke! Finia may be a good kid, but I just can’t see her that way」「Fufu, of course I know that」 Maria encourages Lyell while rubbing his back. We then went to the dining hall as dinner was prepared. By the way, our meal that evening was a bit... no, let’s just say that it was pretty amazing.	{ "source": "manual-fanfic", "missed_lines": 3, "inserted_lines_src": 20, "inserted_lines_trg": 0 }
このような状況が、来るべき選挙について最後の、そして最大の不明点を強調する。混乱し、方向性を見失ったドイツを、誰が独創力と成長を持つ国へと軌道修正するのか?一体誰が、ヨーロッパの陰気な乗客になってしまったドイツを、動力機関へと戻すことができるのか?	This underscores the final, and deepest, unknown concerning the upcoming election: who will put a confused and directionless Germany back on a road to initiative and growth? Who will make Germany an engine of Europe again rather than a gloomy passenger?	{ "source": "news_commentary", "missed_lines": null, "inserted_lines_src": null, "inserted_lines_trg": null }
「......疲れた......」「どうかしたの、姉様......」日本の自宅で、紅茶のカップを片手に溜息を吐いた私に、サビーネちゃんが心配そうな顔で声を掛けてくれた。「ちょっと、疲れちゃったんだ......。そもそも私は、雑貨屋の店主としてのんびり暮らしたかっただけなんだよ。まあ、『渡り』ができなくなって王国か日本に取り残された場合に備えて、両方に充分な資産を隠匿しておきたいと思って、かなり暴利を貪った商売をしてはいるけど......。でもそれは、日本や私の祖国だと平民でも普通に買えるものが、王国では馬鹿高いとか、王国の金貨を日本や祖国のお金に換金すると4分の1以下に目減りしちゃう上に税金を取られるとかで、老後の備えをするには頑張ってお金を稼がなきゃならないからであって、仕方ないんだよ!」「............」ありゃ、サビーネちゃんの反応が良くないな......。「姉様、それは平民の考え方だよ。貴族は、領地からの収入があるから、そんな心配はしないよ。子供に爵位を譲っても、別邸で悠々自適の隠居生活を送れるから。まあ、それは置いといて、......続けて」お、おぅ......。「で、最近、殺伐とした出来事ばかりで......。戦闘狂ただ、悪党に人権はないと思っているし、薄汚い盗賊の命は、可愛い女の子の命の1万分の1の価値もないと思ってはいるけど......」「なのに、ここんとこ、戦争やら提携店が襲われたりやらで、殺し合いやら嵌め合いやらの、殺伐としたことばかり......。内政や商売に励んだり、もふもふの動物達と遊んだり、可愛い少女と何か、サビーネちゃんが急に手を差し出してきた。「......可愛い少女」、差し出された手をにぎにぎしておいた。「まぁ、そういうわけで、ちょっと疲れちゃったんだ......」「女性主人公が疲れている? ......『「それな!」うん、コレットちゃんの影響を受けて、サビーネちゃんも言葉遊びをするようになったんだ。ちなみに、今は日本の自宅にいるので、サビーネちゃんの勉強のために、日本語で話している。上達したなぁ、サビーネちゃんの日本語......。「でも、どうしてこんなに事件が続くのかなぁ。確率的に、ちょっと多過ぎるでしょうが......」私が、そう言って愚痴を「姉様、それ、独立事象が連続したんじゃないよ。全部繋がってるやつだよ。の侵略が行われたのだし、それに失敗したから、後のない帝国が暗殺という非常手段に出たんじゃない。新大陸の方はよく分からないけど、植民地を巡る海戦だって、姉様が滞在国の海軍にちょっかいを出して海軍関係がおかしな動きをしたことが、他国からの疑念を招いたのが切っ掛けなんでしょ? 提携店のトラブルだって、姉様が弱小の新興商家に肩入れして利権を与え、そして貴族や王家に取り入る武器となる商品を独占販売させたから、既存のみんな、原因があって、それが順番に進行して、なるようになっただけじゃないの? 誰かさんが撒いた種が育っただけで......。別に、行く先々で事件が起こるという、あの子供探偵みたいな呪いが姉様にかかっているわけじゃないよ」ええ? が~~ん!! い、言われてみれば、その通りだ......。たまたま偶然に、連続して事件が起こったわけじゃなく、全て『然るべき理由や経緯』というものがあって生起したのか......。「そ、それじゃあ、全部私のせい? 戦争も、みんなが襲われたのも......」「そんなわけないじゃない!」「姉様がいなければ、帝国軍によってうちの国は大勢の兵士や民間人が殺され、征服されて国民は奴隷扱いだったわよ。そしてその後、うちの国民を先頭にした侵略軍でレミア王女の国が襲われ、周辺国が次々と侵略されたわよね?」「......そ、それは確かに......」もし私がいなければ、確かにサビーネちゃんが今言った通りになった確率が高いだろう。「そしてその後、新大陸からの調査船団の銃や大砲に対処できず、新大陸からの本格的な侵略艦隊の到来を招いたはず......」「それも、確かにその通りだけど......」「そして、姉様と関わったために不幸になった人がいたとしても、もし姉様が関わらなければもっと不幸になっていたかもしれないでしょ。姉様と会うために出掛けた先で、転んで足をでも、もし姉様と会う約束がなかったとしたら、その人は別のところへ出掛けて、馬車にはねられたり盗賊に襲われたりしたかもしれないよね? 人生に、『もし』や『たられば』はないよ。全て、自分が選んだことの結果があるだけだよ」後悔しても意味はない、ってことか......。サビーネちゃん、その歳で、達観してるなぁ......。あ、勿論、後悔はしなくても、反省は必要だし、次回への教訓は得なきゃなんないけどね。意味のない、後ろ向きのことは考えても無駄、ってことだ。その時に手に入れていた情報と手元にあった戦力で、その時点において最も適切だと考えた選択肢を選んだ結果だ。それを、後で入手した新情報によって『失敗した!』と後悔するのは、ちょっと違うと思うのだ。そこは、事前にもっと正確かつ詳細な情報を入手していなかったこと、そして充分な戦力を用意して念入りに準備していなかったことを『反省』して、それを教訓として次回に活かすのだ。『後悔』は、後ろ向きの行為だ。そうじゃなくて、『反省』という、前向きの姿勢でなくっちゃ。私が今までの行動を後悔したら、今まで私に関わって死んだり怪我をしたり不幸になった人達に申し訳ないよね。私は、自分が選んだ選択肢、自分の行動を反省はしても、後悔しちゃいけないんだ......。「それに、姉様が戦った時って、攻められて反撃したり、襲われて返り討ちにしたり、また攻撃してこないようにキッチリやり返したりした時だけだよね。それも、結果的には早期終戦に繋がって、姉様抜きでズルズルと戦いが続いたり、街に攻め込まれて住民の虐殺や暴行、略奪、放火等が行われた場合に較べると、死傷者もその他の被害も遥かに少ないよね? 敵も、味方も......」「うん......」そう言われてみれば、確かにその通りだ......。私がいなくても戦争は起きただろうし、そして私がいなければ......。よし、くよくよ悩んでも仕方ない! 別に、私が喧嘩を吹っ掛けて廻っているわけじゃないんだ。責任は、喧嘩を売ってきた者に取ってもらおう! 「じゃ、コレットちゃんのところへ行くよ!」「うん!」よし、転移!!	“...I’m tired...” (Mitsuha) “What’s wrong, Anesama...” (Sabine) I’m at home in Japan, Sabine-chan gave me a worried look as I let out a deep sigh with a cup of tea in my hand. “I’m just kinda tired... In the first place, I only wanted to live a carefree life as a general store owner. Well, I’ve been doing some pretty outrageous business, hoping to stash enough assets in case I can’t ‘transfer’ anymore and get stuck in the Kingdom or Japan... But that’s because things that commoners can buy in Japan and my home country are ridiculously expensive in the Kingdom, and when I convert the gold coins of the Kingdom into the money of Japan and my home country, they are reduced to less than a quarter of their value and tax is charged. I have to earn money to prepare for my retirement, and there is no way around it!” (Mitsuha) “............” , Sabine-chan’s reaction was not good ... “Anesama, that’s a commoner’s way of thinking. Nobles don’t have to worry about that, because they have income from their fiefdoms. Even if you pass the title to your children, you can live a comfortable and retired life in your manor. Well, let’s leave it at that... Go on...” (Sabine) O, o ~u....... “So, with all the recent events, including the ones that almost got me killed, It got me thinking... I’m not exactly a battle-crazed battle junkie or a shooting-crazed trigger-happy person. I just don’t think bad guys have human rights, and I don’t think the life of a filthy bandit is worth /,th of the life of a pretty girl, but...” (Mitsuha) “And yet, recently, there’s been a lot of killing, maiming, wars, the affiliated stores being attacked, and so on...... I’d like to live more of a life of domestic politics and business, playing with fluffy animals and flirting with cute girls...... what?” (Mitsuha) For some reason, Sabine-chan suddenly extended her hand. “......Cute girls.” (Sabine) For the time being, I merrily touched her hand. “Well, that’s why I’m a little tired...” (Mitsuha) “The female lead is tired?...... Or was it, ‘Fatigued Heroine’?” (Sabine) “That!” (Mitsuha) Yeah, under the influence of Colette-chan, Sabine-chan also started to play with words. By the way, since we’re at my home in Japan, I’m speaking in Japanese for Sabine-chan’s study. Sabine-chan’s Japanese has improved considerably... “But why do so many incidents keep happening? The chances were quite high......” (Mitsuha) I said so and overflowed with complaints...... “Anesama, that’s not a series of independent events. They’re all connected. The first invasion from the empire was repelled, which led to a desperate, last-ditch invasion of Remia-chan’s country. And the failure of that invasion bled the empire’s economy, in which they had no follow-up. So they were forced to resort to assassination. I’m not sure about the new continent, but even the naval battles over the colonies were triggered by your meddling with the navy of the country where you were staying and the strange behavior of the naval relations, which led to suspicion from other countries, right, Anesama? Even the troubles of the affiliated stores were caused by Anesama’s support for the weak and emerging merchants, giving them rights, and allowing them to monopolize the sale of products that were as good as weapons against the nobility and even the royal family... Didn’t they all just have a cause that in turn progressed and became what it was supposed to be? It’s just a seed that someone sowed and it grew naturally... Anesama, it’s not like you have the curse of the child detective that has cases happen everywhere you go, right?” (Sabine) Eeh? Gah ~~ Yeah, even if you ask me, that would be the case...... It is not a series of isolated incidents that happened by chance. All of them happened for ‘reasons and circumstances’...... “So it’s all my fault then? The war, everyone getting attacked......” (Mitsuha) “No, of course not!” (Sabine) “If it weren’t for you, our country would have been conquered by the imperial army, which killed many soldiers and civilians, and our people would have been enslaved. And after that, the invading imperial army would continue to invade Princess Remia’s country and the surrounding countries one after another, wouldn’t they?” (Sabine) “...T, that’s true ...” (Mitsuha) If I had not been there, there was certainly a high probability that what Sabine-chan said would be exactly what would’ve happened. “Moreover, there’s no way we could have dealt with the guns and cannons of the survey fleet from the new continent on our own, which should have led to the arrival of a full-scale invading fleet from the new continent...” (Sabine) “That’s also certainly true, but......” (Mitsuha) “And if someone were unhappy because they got involved with you, Anesama, they would have been more miserable if you hadn’t been involved. Suppose someone fell and sprained his leg while out to meet Anesama. But if he didn’t plan to meet Aneesama, he could have gone off somewhere else and gotten hit by a carriage or attacked by bandits, right? There are no ‘ifs’ or ‘buts’ in life. Everything is the result of the choices you make.” (Sabine) You mean, there’s no point in regretting,... Sabine-chan, at your age, you’ve become a philosophical girl...... Ah, of course, even if I don’t have regrets, we still need to reflect and learn from it for the next time. It means there’s no point in thinking about meaningless, backward-looking things. The result of choosing the options one considered most appropriate at the time, based on the information they had at the time and the forces they had at their disposal. It was not the same as saying, “I made a mistake!”. When new information becomes available, it would be a little different from regretting it later. There, they “reflect” on the fact that they did not obtain more accurate and detailed information in advance, and that they did not prepare carefully by organizing sufficient forces, and learn from it for the next time. “Regret” was a negative act. Instead, One needs to have a positive attitude of “reflection”. If I regret my past actions, I would feel bad for all the people who have died, been injured, or had the misfortune of being involved with me. I may reflect on the choices I made and my actions, but I should not regret them...... “And when Aneesama fought, it was only when you were attacked and you retaliated, when you went out for revenge, and when you tried to avoid getting attacked again. As a result, it led to the early end of the war, and far fewer casualties and other damage than if the war had continued on without you, or if the city had been invaded and the inhabitants got massacred, assaulted, looted, incinerated, etc., right? Enemy or not, friend or foe...” (Sabine) “Yea......” (Mitsuha) That being said, she’s certainly right...... The war would have happened with or without me....... Right, there’s no point in dwelling on it! It’s not like I’m going around picking fights. Let the one who started the fight take responsibility! “Now then, we’re off to Colette-chan!” (Mitsuha) “Yes!” (Sabine) Alright, transfer!!!	{ "source": "manual-fanfic", "missed_lines": 7, "inserted_lines_src": 10, "inserted_lines_trg": 8 }
それなりに装飾に凝った玄関ホールが今や血の海とかしていた。毛足の長い絨毯は存分に血液を吸い上げ、歩を進めると濡れた雑巾のような感触を返してくる。「ちょっとやり過ぎたか?くらい残しておいてもよかったんだが」それを聞き出すために一人残しておいた方が良かったのだが、俺もあの獣欲に塗れた視線を受けて、どうやら頭に血が昇っていたらしい。まあ、そういう事に慣れてなかったという事で、ここは大目に見てもらおう。周囲は戦場と見紛うばかりの血の海なのに、俺の身体には返り血は一滴も付いていない。それもそのはずで、実際の俺は結構血塗れなのだが、幻術で作った姿には、返り血は反映されていないからだ。見る者が見れば違和感を覚えずにはいられない光景の中で、俺は大きく息を吸い込み、気分を落ち着けていく。生々しい血の匂いが肺を満たしていくが、その臭いを敢えて意識の外に押し出した。糸は中で絡まっているのか、伸ばす事も巻き取る事も出来ない。それどころか、他の糸まで動きが止まってしまっていた。これでは使えるのは出していた一本だけ、しかも長さ一メートル程度が限界だ。左の手甲は大きくひしゃげ、身体に複雑に巻き付いた状態で絡まっており、武器として使用するのは不可能。ここは勿体ないが、切り離して捨てていくしかない。「......まあ、なんとかなるか」武装として糸が使えなくなったのは痛いが、短剣がまだあるので戦えない事はない。それに右手の一本も一メートル程度の長さはある。これならば近接戦で使用することくらいはできるだろう。短剣は、いざという時は伸ばして槍として使えばいい。とにかく俺は、エリオットの姿を求め、壊れた手甲の糸を両手に保持したまま通路を奥に進んだ。ピアノ線の方が使い道はいいのだろうが、このミスリル糸の頑丈さと切れ味はやはり魅力だ。こういう両手に保持した戦い方が主流になるので、問題はないはずだった。通路を歩いていると、俺は奇妙な『モノ』に気付いた。「ふむ......エリオットが残したのかな?」拉致された時に暴れて擦り傷でも作ったのか、どっちにしろ、この高さは自分の居場所を知らせるために、彼が行動を起こした結果に見える。裏口に近い場所にある厨房の脇。そのそばにある物置に、その血痕は続いていた。中に人の気配はないので、警戒しながらも扉を開ける。狭苦しい物置の中には、フライパンや予備の包丁。鍋に壷などが所狭しと置かれていた。俺が壁に近付き、周辺を調べると、案の定血痕が残されていた。「どこかに仕掛けがあり、この壁が動くんだろうけど......」かつては貴族の暗殺も行った経験があるため、こういう仕掛けには結構慣れている。しばらくして俺は、鍋の下に隠されていたスイッチを発見し、それを操作した。カコンと、小さな音を立てて、壁の一角が外れた。反対側が蝶番でつながっており、扉のように開くようになっている。回転扉のような大掛かりな仕掛けは、さすがにしていなかったか。扉の向こうは岩が剥き出しになった下り階段に繋がっており、壁面にはそんな魔道具が一定間隔に、視界が確保されるように配されていた。「こんな隠し通路にまで魔道具を仕込むとはな。贅沢な」それだけ経済力のある敵という事か。仮にも旧グリトニル王家に連なる伯爵。その程度の出費は屁でもないらしい。場合によっては人質として利用される可能性もある。相手の戦力は上の騒ぎで引っ張り出せただろうが、ここからは慎重に行動せねばならない。エリオットが人質になっているため、敵戦力を急いで削らねばならなかったので正面突破したが、こういう戦い方はもともと俺には向いていないのだ。できるならこっそりと、安全に倒して回りたいものである。そう思いながらも俺は隠密ギフトを使用し、気配を絶った。壁には定期的に掠れた、真新しい血の跡が残されており、エリオットが間違いなくここを通過した事がわかる。天井の高さートル程度なので、地下のほぼぎりぎりの場所に地下室を作っている事がわかる。「これじゃ、人目を避けるだけの部屋になるな」その浅さのおかげで、俺は地下室の存在に気付けたのだから、感謝するべきだろうか。下りた先は短い通路が続いていて、その先には扉があった。隙間から光が漏れているところを見ると、そこに部屋があるらしい。すると中から、野太い男の声と、苦しげな聞き慣れた声が聞こえてきた。その声の一つは、間違いなくエリオットの物だった。	The splashing sound of footsteps resonated through the hall. The previously well-decorated hall had now turned into a sea of blood. The long-haired carpet soaked up the blood and made me feel like I was walking on a wet dust cloth. All five men had drawn their last breath and no one was left to make another sound. “Did I go a bit too far? I should’ve left one alive at least, huh.” I didn’t know how to get into the basement. Leaving one of them alive to get that information out of him would’ve been a smarter choice, but it seemed that being under their lusty gazes made the blood rush to my head. Well, that was a new experience for me, so let’s just overlook it this time. There was a sea of blood around, as if it was a battlefield, but not a drop of it was on my body. That was no surprise, however. I was actually smeared with blood, but it wasn’t reflected on my illusionary form. In reality, I was in a terrible condition, having vomited blood all over my upper body. If there were onlookers, they would’ve found my appearance very out of place. I took a deep breath and calmed myself down. The fresh smell of blood was filling my lungs, but I pushed it out of my mind. First I had to inspect my gauntlets that malfunctioned in the middle of the battle. The thread might have gotten entangled inside as I couldn’t even wind it in. Not just that, I couldn’t even move other threads either. At this rate, I could only use the thread that was already out, but it was only a meter long at best. The left gauntlet had a big dent and its threads were entwined with my body. It was impossible to use it as a weapon at this point. It was a shame, but I had to detach it. “...Oh well, I’ll handle it somehow.” It was a shame that I couldn’t use those threads as weapons, but I still had my dagger so I could still fight. Plus, I also had that one-meter thread on my right hand. I could at least use it in close combat. As for the dagger, I could also turn it into a spear if push came to shove. In the end, I gripped the thread from my broken gauntlet with both hands and headed deep into the passage in search of Elliot. Piano wires were easier to use now, but the Mythril one was on another level in terms of toughness and sharpness. When it came to battles in passages like this or even the basement, the length of it wasn’t the most important part. I would still be fighting while holding the thread with both hands like this, so it was no problem. As I proceeded in the passage, I noticed “something” strange. It was the blurry blood marks on a one-meter-long wall. I noticed it because of my small height, but a tall Adventurer would’ve had to look down to notice it. “Hmm... Is it Elliot’s blood?” Perhaps he was roughed up a bit during the kidnapping and got some scratches or something. Either way, he seemed to have used his blood to leave marks behind to let others know of his location. Following those marks, I headed deeper into the passage. I arrived at the side of the kitchen that was near the back door. The blood marks continued to the storage room next to it. I couldn’t feel any presence from the inside, so I went ahead and opened the door while staying vigilant. There were fry pans and spare kitchen knives inside the narrow room. There were also pots and vases crammed inside of it. Despite all that, it was strangely empty near the wall. As I approached the wall, I saw blood marks on it just as I expected. “There should be some apparatus nearby that moves this wall...” The device was probably camouflaged somewhere nearby. Since I used to assassinate nobles back in the day, I was quite used to these kinds of mechanisms. After looking around for a while, I discovered a switch under a pot and activated it. With a small click, the wall opened up near the corner. The other side had hinges on it and it opened up like a door. As expected, it wasn’t to the level of a revolving door. Beyond the door was a staircase made of bare rock descending downwards, with light magic tools installed on the wall. These tools were quite a commonplace article, so they weren’t quite as expensive. These tools were installed as temporary means of illuminating the field of view. “It’s still quite a luxury to install magic tools even in a hidden passage like this.” I suppose my opponent’s economic strength was just that high. Well, he was a count related to the former Gritnir royals, after all. This much expense was probably a trivial matter to him. There was a high chance that Elliot was held ahead. Depending on the situation, he could even be used as a hostage. I may have taken out some of their battle strength with the earlier thing, but I had to proceed carefully now. Since Elliot was taken as a hostage, I went and did a frontal assault to decrease the enemy fighting power, but I wasn’t really used to this kind of battle. As I was thinking that, I used my Stealth Gift and hid my presence. At the same time, I concealed my voice and footsteps and descended down the stairs. I could periodically spot fresh blood marks on the wall, so Elliot was definitely up ahead. The stairs descended like a semicircle and soon reached the end. It wasn’t that deep, maybe four meters at best. The ceiling was about two meters tall, so they have made the basement as deep as they could. “So this is just a room to avoid human eyes, eh?” Thanks to its shallowness, I was able to find it, so I suppose I should be thankful. There was a short passage up ahead that leads to a door. I could see light from its gaps, so there was probably a room beyond it. I silently approached it and pricked up my ears to listen. From there, I could hear an impudent voice of a man, as well as painful grunts that I was familiar with. That voice definitely belonged to Elliot.	{ "source": "manual-fanfic", "missed_lines": 1, "inserted_lines_src": 20, "inserted_lines_trg": 1 }
「こちらこそだ」「探し人が見つかると良いな」朝食も終わり片付けも済むと、ミラは情報の礼を述べる。シルバーは、それ以上の成果を与えてくれた事に感謝し、ブルーも頷き無事を願う。ミラは他の面々とも挨拶を交わすとペガサスを召喚し、ピュアラビットを抱いて颯爽と飛び立っていった。雷光を撒き散らして飛翔していく天馬の姿を見送りながら、ブルーとシルバーは勲章の事も含め、上手く協力を仰げれば決戦時の切り札になるのではと、そう考える。 (本部の連中......対応を間違えないでくれよ) そう心の底から祈るブルーだった。相変わらず堂々と聳えている御神木を背に、空を駆けること数時間。昼時を過ぎた頃、ミラはハンターズビレッジ唯一の宿で、遅めの昼食を摂っていた。鳥の香草焼きとチーズ、野菜を挟んだバーガーにハニーオレだ。ピュアラビットは、テーブルの上でぽりぽりと小気味良くニンジンを食べている。そんな姿を見つめながら、時折ミラは頬を緩ませる。 (この場所は.....の森か。精霊の聖地を本陣にしているとは、中々に大物じゃのぅ) ミラはバーガーを頬張りながら、シルバーから受け取った地図をマップとして映し出し鈴連盟の本拠地の場所を確認していた。四季の森とは、大陸の中央で交わの山脈に囲まれた盆地に広がる森の事だ。そして、この森には、四季の精霊が棲むと云われている。故に精霊の森とも呼ばれており、四季に連なる精霊の眷属も多く集まっている場所だ。 (しかし、このまま向かうには遠いのぅ......) 四季の森は、祈り子の森から遥か北側に位置しており、アイゼンファルドで移動したとしても数日は掛かる距離である。これから直行すれば、帰るのは随分と先になるだろう。ソウルハウルの情報の他、始祖の種子もある。五十鈴連盟についてもだ。考え込んだミラは、まず、報告に戻った方がいいだろうと結論させた。「ところでアルフェイルは、もう旅立ったのか」マップを閉じると、ソースの付いた指先を一舐めして店主に語り掛ける。「ええ、お嬢さんに負けた翌日に荷物を纏めて早々に。今まで見た事無いくらい楽し気な様子で出て行きましたよ」店主の言葉に「そうか」とだけ返すと、再会する日を楽しみにしながら、ミラはハニーオレを飲み干した。「話し声が聞こえると思ったら、こんな時間にお客さんか。っと、よく見たら子供じゃないか、冒険者にでも世話を押し付けられたのか?」「おや、帰ってきましたか」ミラが振り向くと、そこには身体よりも大きな袋を背負った青年が立っていた。その青年はミラと目が合うと優しげに微笑んで、店の奥へと進んでいく。「前に話した私の息子で、ラトリです」その姿を目で追っていたミラに店主が言う。ハンターズビレッジで一泊した時に、店主から砦に行っている息子がいると聞いていた。ミラはその事を思い出すと、この青年がアルフェイルの次に強いという息子かと、興味深そうに視線を向ける。店主の息子ラトリは、簡素でありながら複数の革を合わせた軽鎧を身に着けており、腰には片手用の斧を帯びている。そのどれもが使い込まれており、所々に修繕した痕も見て取れた。そして能力値自体も、アルフェイルに勝るとも劣らない。 (言うだけの事はあるのぅ) そう思いながらラトリを観察していると、ふと目が合う。同時にラトリは少しだけ澄ました顔で、「親父。どうやらこの子に惚れられたみたいなんだが、どうすればいい」そう真剣に店主に問い掛ける。「馬鹿を言うでない。アルフェイルの次に強いと聞いていたので、気になっただけじゃ」ミラが勘違いを即座に否定すると、ラトリは一瞬呆けた後、その言葉にあった名前に反応を示す。「今は......な。次は勝つ!」何やら煮え滾る思いでもあるのか、ラトリはそう宣言すると、筋肉を隆起させて荒ぶるがどのような関係なのかは分からないミラだったが、その一言で何となくだが予想は出来たようだ。「ところで、なんでそれを気に掛けるんだ。もしかして、好きなタイプは強い男って事か! いいか良く聞け。前回は負けた......いや、ほんの少し油断したが、次は俺が勝つ。乗り換えるなら今だぞ」随分と見当違いな事を言い始めたラトリに、店主は苦笑しながらジョッキに注いだハニーワインを押し付ける様に渡す。「ラトリ、少し落ち着きなさい。お嬢さんは術士なんだ。それで、その事に興味を持ったアルフェイル君と手合わせして、勝っているんだよ」「な......嘘だろ......」その言葉にジョッキを傾ける手を止めると、ラトリはカウンター席に腰掛けている少女を、じっくりと見つめる。幼くも整った蟲惑的な顔立ち、天使の輪を頂くような艶やかな銀髪、そして短いスカートから覗く白く細い脚。そのどれもが、見た事も無いほどに美しい。だが、ラトリの知る戦闘狂のアルフェイルに勝る要素はそこからは見えてこない。「術士か......。親父が嘘つくとも思えないしな......。あいつが前に負けたっていう仙術士といい、何かもう反則だな」見た目で実力の判断が出来ないのが術士である。アルフェイルの実力を体感した事のあるラトリは、これ程分からないものなのかと、ヤケクソ気味にハニーワインを呷った。「ってかさ。さっきから気になってたんだが、まだ俺が酔ってなければ、そいつはピュアラビット......だよな?」ラトリは、ミラと同席している青い兎を観察する様に見つめる。小さな口でニンジンを一生懸命に齧る姿がとても可愛らしい。「うむ、そうじゃよ」言いながらミラは、その青い毛並みをそっと撫でる。「やっぱりか」と目を輝かせたラトリだが、ミラと青兎の仲睦まじい様子から、最初に浮かんだ戦利品との交換という交渉を諦め「俺も撫でていいか?」と聞いた。ミラが頷いて答えると、暫くの間、餌を食べるピュアラビットの鑑賞会となるのだった。「それにしても、今回の帰りはギリギリだったね。もうすぐ来る時間でしょう」「ああ、今回はいつもより獲物が多くてさ。張り切りすぎちまった。まあその分、かなりの稼ぎになるはずだけどな」ラトリは、そう言って誇らしげに大きな荷物に手を乗せる。その中には砦を拠点として狩った獲物の毛皮や、牙や爪といった各種素材が詰められている。「何が来るんじゃ?」ミラは店主の言葉にあった、来る時間というのが気になった。何が来るのだろうと。訊いてみると、その直後、やけに騒がしく賑わう音が表から聞こえ始めた。「丁度来たようですね。見た方が早いかもしれません。とても賑やかで楽しいですよ」店主は優しく微笑みながら、もったいぶる様にそう促す。ラトリは、大きな荷物を肩に担ぎ直しながら、「んじゃあ俺は、早速行ってくる」ミラは、ゆっくりと立ち上がると「何やら楽しそうじゃな」と呟き、ピュアラビットにはここで待っている様に言い付けラトリの後を追いかける。本日はハンターズビレッジで一ヶ月に一度、夜通し賑わう日だ。村の唯一である大通りには、複数の人だかりが出来ている。宿から出たミラは、その騒々しい光景を一望すると、一体何が来たのかを理解した。 (これは行商キャラバンか。なるほどのぅ。あ奴は戦利品をこのキャラバンに売る為に戻って来たという事か) 幾つも並ぶ馬車から、数多くの商品が陳列された棚が運び出され、並べられていく。ミラはそれらを眺めながら、視線の先にラトリの姿を見つける。既に、荷物を広げて交渉を始めており、正面には商人と思しき上品な衣装を身に纏った男が、感心した様にその戦利品を確認していた。「お......」その時、ミラは商人の隣に覚えのある人物を見つけた。思わず駆け出すと、馬車内に指示を出しているその者の背後から声を掛ける。赤い長髪が特徴的な長身の男。その者は、鎮魂都市カラナックで出会ったギルド、エカルラートカリヨンの団長セロであった。セロは驚きながらも嬉しそうに答えるとその直後、後ろの馬車が激しく揺れる。「ミラちゃん!?」声と共に馬車から飛び出したのはフリッカだった。だが続いて顔を見せたエメラに取り押さえられ、その魔の手がミラに届く事は無い。「相変わらずじゃな」「ミラちゃん、久し振り。ちょっと待っててね」エメラは顔だけ向けて挨拶すると、馬車内へと戻り何かをした後、再び顔を覗かせる。「こんな所で会えるなんて思わなかったよ」嬉しそうに声を弾ませるエメラに、微笑み返しながら周囲に視線を向けるミラ。その目に映るのは、活気のある商人達と、販売している商品を購入しに来た村人。そしてラトリの様に戦利品を並べて交渉する狩人達だ。「ゼフが来てるよ。今は離れたところに居るけど」離れたところと聞いて、ミラは少し遠くを一望するも、それらしい姿が見えないので即座に諦め視線を戻す。すると馬車から、再度フリッカがふらりと姿を見せた。「ミラちゃんが居る......やっぱり夢じゃなかったようね」かつて執心した少女の姿を確認すると、フリッカはエメラを警戒しながら平静を保ちつつ近づいていく。「ミラちゃん、ぎゅってしていい?」「拒否する」被り気味なミラの返答にフリッカは両手を広げたまま静止すると、そのまま力無く崩れ落ちる。セロは「すいません」と謝りエメラは苦笑しながら、フリッカを馬車内へ放り込んだ。「して、お主等は何しに来たんじゃ?」一連の流れを終えてミラがそう問い掛けると、セロはラトリと交渉している商人を示しながら、「私達は、護衛として彼に雇われているところでして、このまま大陸西のオズシュタイン領内まで行く予定です」そう言い、ちらりと窺う様な視線を向けた商人の男に小さく手を振り、目の前の少女は全く心配無い人物であると伝える。「なるほど、商隊の護衛か。冒険者らしくて良いのぅ!」そのどこか覚えのある仕事内容に、ミラは僅かに興奮してセロを見上げる。その感情に心当たりのあるセロも「そうでしょう」と楽しそうに笑い返す。「うむ、知り合いに頼まれてのぅ。今は、その帰りじゃ」「そうでしたか。あの日は地下墓地の最深部に用事だったんですよね。今回は、どこだったんでしょうか」「長老と天魔じゃよ。おっと、内容は秘密じゃからな」賢者ダンブルフの弟子という事から、ミラの動向は気になっており、セロは探るような言葉を口にする。とはいえ、それには何の他意も無く、単純な興味からくるものだ。ミラも場所は隠す必要が無いと判断し答えるが、その国家機密である目的までは伏せる。「天魔ですか。中々許可が下りないと聞いていましたが」セロも深くは追求する事は無く、それよりも禁域指定されている天魔迷宮が目的地の一つだと聞いて、少し驚きの声を上げる。「その知り合いが色々と手を回したようじゃ。わしに面倒事を押し付ける為にのぅ」「それはまた、随分な方みたいですね。とはいえ、ミラさんはあ者のお弟子さんですから、そこから考えれば......想像はつきますね」ミラを動かしている人物をほぼ確信している様子のセロは、そう言った後「大変そうですね」と付け加える。ミラはそれに無言で頷くと、大きく溜息を吐いた。「話の途中すまんが、少しばかり交渉が長引きそうだ。悪いが護衛の者達に、休憩は各自任意でとる様にと伝えてくれないか」そうセロに言伝を頼む。ラトリの持ち込んだ戦利品の量と質が上等であると確認したので、話を詰める必要があると判断したのだ。「分かりました。伝えておきましょう」「すまないね」セロが了承すると、商人はラトリを馬車の一つへと案内していった。より詳細に質を見極め交渉する為だ。「どうやら私達は、これから休憩のようです。折角会えたのですから、ミラさんも一緒にどうでしょうか」セロは、女性ならば卒倒しそうな程に輝く笑顔で誘う。ミラが「そうじゃな──」と言い掛けた時、またも馬車から人影が飛び出す。「賛成! 沢山お話ししましょう。タクト君のその後の事とかもありますし!」「まあ、構わんが......」タクトを引き合いに出す姑息なフリッカ。どちらにしろ、また話したいと思っていた面々なので了承するつもりだったミラは、必死なフリッカに哀れみすら感じながら答えるのだった。休憩場所として選んだのは、ピュアラビットを待たせているので、先程までミラが居た宿だ。セロが護衛仲間に休憩を伝える間、先に宿へと戻って来たミラ。早々に、ピュアラビットが飛びついて出迎えると、ミラは青兎を抱き上げて席へ着く。「ミラちゃん、その仔は......」「可愛いじゃろう」ミラに抱きしめられているピュアラビットに、嫉妬半分、羨望半分で「ずるい......」と零してフリッカはテーブルに突っ伏した。「そういう訳でして、エカルラートカリヨン見習いとして私が責任を持つという方向で、祖父の方には納得してもらいました。私達の信条としましても、聖術士の方は居れば居るだけ救える人が増えますから、大歓迎です」「ふむ、そうか......。何やら、やるだけやって押し付ける形になってしもうたが、ありがとう。タクトをよろしく頼む」フリッカの話から、タクトの現状を大体把握できたミラ。タクトの事はフリッカが中心で面倒を見ており、子供の頃に使っていた教材をそのまま渡して基礎から勉強させているようだ。タクトは、仲間を助け癒す事が出来る聖術士を目指すと決め、今はエカルラートカリヨンの見習いとして日々を過ごしているという。「うわっ、本当にミラちゃんじゃん。しかも前より可愛くなってる」ゼフは綺麗に結われ整えられた銀髪と、より洗練されたデザインの服を纏うミラに素直な感想を漏らす。だが同時に、女性二人に鋭い視線を射かけられた。「やっぱり、治ってなかったのね......」「私のミラちゃんを、そういう目で見るのは止めて下さいますか」二人の棘だらけの言葉に「そういう意味じゃない......」と地に伏せるゼフ。セロが「確かに、ミラさんは前よりも可愛くなってますね」と同意するも、ゼフに向けられた嫌疑がセロに向かう事は無かった。その事実に、ゼフは一層項垂れる。互いに久し振りだと挨拶を交わし、エカルラートカリヨンの面々は少し遅めの昼食を摂る。その間、雑談を交えながらピュアラビットの事で盛り上がった。その毛が幸運のお守りであると知っていたゼフは、どうにか一本でもとミラを拝む。対してミラは、手櫛で抜けたらと言ってから、優しくピュアラビットの毛を、その細い指先で梳いていく。「帰ったら、私が責任もって渡しておきますね」フリッカは、ピュアラビットの毛を受け取りながら、ミラの手をさりげなく握る事に成功する。幾つかの困難を経て習得したフリッカの妙技は、徐々に研ぎ澄まされ始めていた。「そういえば、お主等、西に行くと言うておったな。そうなると祈り子の森を抜けるという事じゃな?」ハンターズビレッジから大陸西のオズシュタインを目指すならば、祈り子の森を抜ける以外は、途方も無く迂回する事になる。ならば森を抜けるのが遥かに効率的だろう。だが今、祈り子の森には不穏な輩が出現する可能性があるのだ。「ええ、そうですね。明日の朝には出立して、数日をかけて森を抜ける予定です。......森に何かあるのですか?」セロは今後の予定を簡潔に答えると、分かり切った様な事をわざわざ聞いたミラの意を問う。「エメラ達から、古代神殿の帰りに出会った風の精霊について聞いておるか?」「聞いています。キメラクローゼンについてですね。その件に関しては、組合から幾つか情報も得ていますよ」ソロモンに精霊襲撃について話した時、Aランク以上の冒険者には協力を仰ぐ為に情報が開示されていると聞いていた。つまり、セロはAランク以上であるという事。だがそれに関してミラは別段驚く事は無く頷く。それだけの実力はあるだろうと、その物腰から判断できるからだ。一先ずキメラの方は捕らえて、そ奴等に預けてきたんじゃが......。その捕虜の引渡しに時間が掛かるらしいんじゃ。もしかすると、キメラの連中がその仲間を助けに森へ紛れ込むかもしれん。物騒な奴等じゃったから、忠告しておこうと思ってのぅ」「なるほど、そういう事でしたか。なんとも驚く内容ばかりですが、確かに警戒はしておいた方がいいかもしれませんね。ありがとうございます、ミラさん」精霊と相対せるだけの武力と非道性を持つキメラクローゼン。そのような者がどこかに潜んでいる可能性があるとなれば、警戒するに越した事は無い。セロは、そう礼を言うと商人に得た情報を話し、商隊内にも怪しい人物が居ないかどうか調べてみようかと思案する。「お返しにと、私も有益な情報をお伝えしたいところなんですが......、ミラさんから窺った日付に関してはまだ何も掴めていない状態でして」「それは別に構わん。すぐに出てくるとも思っておらんしな」ミラから受け取った日付を元に、ギルド所属の斥候数人を調査に動かしたセロだったが、まだ有益な情報は入ってきていなかった。ミラとしても、そう早く新しい手掛かりが見つかるとも思ってはいないので、気にする様子も無く三杯目のハニーオレを傾ける。だが偶然にも会えて、今後の道程に関する有益な情報まで貰ったのだ。セロとしては、何かを返したいところだった。そこで、ふと思い付き、「ところでミラさんは、ファンタジーの定番というのはお好きですか?」そう切り出した。ミラはまだこの世界へ降り立って日が浅い。ならば、自身が心躍った事で喜んでもらえるかもしれないと考えたのだ。「好きでなければ、ここには居なかったじゃろうな」つまりは、このゲームを遊んでいなかっただろうという事だ。魔法のある世界に惚れたからこそ今がある。だがそれは、ミラとセロ共通の認識。その事を知らないエメラ達は時折出てくる、こういったセロの言葉に首を傾げるばかりであった。「それは良かった。では代わりといってはなんですが、噂話を三つほど」「ほう......噂話か。それは楽しそうじゃな」セロは真剣に、しかしどこか子供っぽい表情で、一つ目の噂話を語り出した。	「Good luck finding that person.」 After they were done eating and cleaning everything, Mira thanked them for letting her stay overnight and for the information they provided. Silver thought she had done more for them, while Blue wished her well in her travels. Mira thanked all of the people there, then summoned Pegasus, mounting on while hugging the Pure Rabbit and they flew off in a magnificent sight. Blue and Silver watched as the flying horse faded into the distance, lightning coming out of its wings as they flapped. They firmly believed that once the definitive battle came, she would be the perfect trump card. (I hope everyone in the headquarters can properly receive her...) Blue secretly wished with all his heart. Mira traveled for a few hours, riding through the sky with the sacred tree standing in all its glory behind her. It was already past noon when she arrived at Hunters Village, where she ate a late lunch at the only inn in town. She had a sandwich of fried chicken with fragrant herbs, cheese, and vegetables, with a glass of honey ale to the side. Meanwhile, the Pure Rabbit was on top of the table eating a carrot. Mira would look at it every so often, her cheeks appearing to melt every time. (This place... it’s the Forest of Four Seasons. They built their headquarters in the place known as the holy land of spirits... that’s quite an achievement in itself.) As Mira stuffed her cheeks with the sandwich, she spread out the map she got from Silver, curious to see where the Fifty Bells Union’s base was located. The Forest of the Four Seasons was located in the center of the continent, where three mountain ranges converged and formed a basin between them. It was said that the spirits of seasons live in that forest as well, so the forest is also sometimes referred to as the forest of spirits. Many spirits that are closely tied to the seasons also end up settling down there. (It’s still pretty far if I went there now...) The forest was located a long way north from where she was, and it would take her many days to get there even if she traveled on Isenfald. If she went there now, she would take longer to return with the information about Soul Howl, the Founding Seeds, as well as everything she learned about the Fifty Bells. Thinking about it for a while, Mira decided it was best to just return and report everything. 「By the way, did Alfeil already leave?」 Putting the map away, Mira licked her finger that had some sauce stuck to it before talking to the owner. 「Yes, the day after you left he gathered all his things and went off somewhere. He looked happier than I’ve ever seen him before.」 Mira replied with a short 「I see」 as she finished drinking her honey ale, looking forward to the day when she would meet him again. 「You still have customers at this time? I was wondering whose voice I heard. And wait, aren’t you just a child? Were you forced to become an adventurer or something?」「Oh, welcome home.」 Mira turned around to see who was talking, seeing a young man carrying a bag larger than his body. When their eyes met, he smiled kindly and walked inside the inn. 「That’s my son Rattray. I think I told you about him before.」 Mira followed him with her eyes when the owner explained who he was. When Mira spent a night there, the owner had mentioned he had a son who was currently staying in a fortress. Mira slowly recalled the details of that conversation, her curious eyes following the young man, remembering he was described as the second strongest person in the village after Alfeil. The owner’s son, Rattray, wore a simple and light armor made of multiple layers of leather, and his hip was lined with a single-handed ax. They all had marks of constant use, even having patches where the repair had been made. And his overall skill appeared to be just on par with Alfeil, neither being stronger or weaker. (He is just like he was described.) Thinking that, Mira’s gaze kept following him, until their eyes met again. Rattray’s reaction was to keep a composed face while- 「Dad. I think that girl just fell for me, what should I do?」 He earnestly asked the owner. 「Don’t be ridiculous. I heard you were the next strongest one after Alfeil, so I was just curious.」 Mira immediately tried to mend the misunderstanding, which left Rattray speechless for a second, before he reacted to a certain name. 「This... no, next time I’ll win!」 His thought seemed to be boiling as he explained that, flexing his muscles and going wild. Mira still did not know what kind of relationship those two had, but that sentence and reaction alone gave her a good idea. 「By the way, why are you curious about that? Does that mean you like strong men?! Listen, last time I lost... no, I just let my guard down a tiiiiny bit, but I’ll win next time. You still have time to change targets.」 Hearing Rattray’s quite foolish conclusion, the owner had a strained smile as he pushed a mug with honey ale across the bar. 「Son, calm down a bit. This girl is a spellcaster, and Alfeil was curious about her so they ended up fighting and she won.」「Wha... that can’t...」 Rattray’s hand that had caught the mug and was carrying it to his mouth stopped moving, his eyes focusing more on the girl that was sitting at the bar. Her youthful yet beautiful face, silver hair that seemed fit to receive an angelic halo, and her white thin legs that peeked out of a short skirt. Everything was more beautiful than anything he had seen before, but he knew how much of a maniac Alfeil was when it came to fighting, and he could not see anything that indicated that this girl could beat him. 「A spellcaster... you have no reason to lie to me... but first there was that sage he lost to, and now this... It doesn’t sound right.」 It was common for a spellcaster’s real strength to not be reflected by their appearance. Rattray had only experienced Alfeil’s strength before, so he could not understand how this girl won as he downed the honey ale mug in frustration. 「But anyway. I’ve been wondering for a while, is that a Pure Rabbit... or am I drunk already?」 Rattray spoke as he examined the blue rabbit eating beside Mira. It looked extremely cute, biting with all its might at a carrot with its tiny mouth. 「Yes, it is.」 As Mira replied, she slowly petted its back. 「So it really was one,」 he said, his eyes twinkling with joy, but seeing how intimate it seemed to be with Mira, he gave up the idea of trading his spoils of war for the animal, and instead asked 「Can I pet it too?」 To which Mira nodded in response, and things quickly devolved into a grooming session for the Pure Rabbit. 「By the way, you barely made it on time today. It’s about to come after all.」「Yeah, I ran into a lot more prey than usual so I kinda lost track of the time while I hunted. But well, on the bright side this should fetch me quite a sum.」 As he spoke, he lifted his heavy backpack with one hand. Inside were the hides, fangs, claws, and all sorts of spoils from the animals he hunted while staying at the fortress. 「What will come?」 Mira was curious what the last half of the owner’s sentence meant, about something coming. But just as she asked, a very lively and busy noise came from outside. 「Looks like it’s here already. I think you’ll get it if you see it for yourself, it’s really lively and fun.」 The owner smiled gently as he said that, trying to convince her with a proud tone. Rattray fastened his backpack to his shoulders again. 「Either way, I’ll be going there now.」 Saying that, he quickly left the establishment. Mira slowly stood up, muttering to herself 「Looks like they’re having fun out there.」 She told the Pure Rabbit to stay inside before following Rattray. For Hunters Village, that was the only day every month that they would stay up all night to feast. The only street of the village was already crowded with people. When Mira saw all those people moving around busily, she quickly understood what was happening. (This is a merchant caravan. I understand now, he came back today so he could sell everything he got to them.) Multiple merchants came out of the many carriages lined up, displaying their wares on shelves. As Mira watched that unfold, her eyes found Rattray. He had already started to offer his items to a man, presumably a merchant, who wore well-made clothes while inspecting with impressed eyes what was offered to him. 「Oh...」 Then, Mira recognized someone she knew standing close to the merchant. Without thinking, she ran up to the carriage he was standing in, giving instructions to the other travelers. He was a tall man with striking long red hair. Sero, the leader of the Écarlate Carillon guild she had met in the Requiem City of Caranach. Hearing his name being called, the young man turned around and saw the cute girl speaking to him, which quickly made a smile sprout on his lips. Sero looked surprised, but also glad as he returned the greeting, and an instant after the entire carriage seemed to jolt around. 「Mira?!」 With that loud voice, Fricca shot out of the carriage. But before getting too far, Emera caught her from behind and restrained her, her evil hand never reaching Mira. 「You’re still all the same.」「Been a while, Mira. Just hold on a bit.」 Emera quickly greeted her before turning around and going inside the carriage, and after doing something there she came out again. 「I never thought we’d run into you here.」「Same here. Is it only you three here?」 After Emera’s bright voice came back, Mira smiled back at her while looking around. All she could see were merchants hard at work, villagers shopping from them, as well as other hunters trying to sell their items like Rattray. 「Zef came too, though he’s not here right now.」 Hearing he was not around at the moment, Mira tried to look a bit further away, but she could not find anyone who looked like him. Not too long after, Fricca appeared from inside the carriage once again. 「Mira is here... I really wasn’t dreaming!」 Seeing the girl she was so obsessed with, Fricca slowly approached her while somehow keeping calm, constantly watching Emera’s movements. 「Mira, can I cuddle you?」「No.」 Fricca already had her arms spread wide open, but when she heard Mira’s instant rejection she froze still for a moment, and then her arms dangled lifelessly. Sero apologized for her behavior, while Emera carried Fricca back inside the carriage. 「And so, why did you all come here?」 With that set of events over, Mira asked that, and Sero pointed to the merchant Rattray was negotiating with. 「We were hired as guards by him, we’re supposed to go with him all the way to the Ozstein territory, in the eastern side of the continent.」 The merchant looked at them through the corner of his eye, so Sero lightly waved at him to signal Mira was not someone he needed to worry about. 「I see, so you’re guards for a merchant. That sounds so adventurer-esque and amazing!」 That was a type of work she had some recollection of, so she looked with excited eyes to Sero. He understood how she felt, so he happily smiled back while saying 「I know, right.」「Mm, a friend asked me for something. I’m about to head back now.」「I see. That time we met you had some business in the Underground Graveyard too, where did you go this time?」「I went to the Elder and Tenma to... sorry, the rest is supposed to be secret.」 Knowing she was Danbulf’s pupil, Sero was deeply interested in Mira’s travels. Though it was all pure curiosity, without any ulterior motives. Mira figured it was fine to tell him the locations, though the actual reasons were supposed to be a state secret. 「Tenma? I heard it’s quite tricky to get permission to get there.」 Sero also had no reason to pry further, but he was still a bit shocked to hear she went to a Tenma Labyrinth, a place with rather strict entry rules. 「My friend knows how to pull certain strings. But I always have to do all the heavy lifting.」「That sounds like an interesting person alright. Though considering you’re the pupil of one of the nine wisemen... I can imagine who it could be.」 Having pretty much figured out who Mira’s employer could be, he added 「Looks like you have it rough.」 Mira just replied with a nod and a long sigh. The merchant then approached them. 「I’m sorry to interrupt, but it’ll take some time to settle negotiations here. Could you please go tell the guards they’re free to do as they please for now?」 He spoke to Sero. He had finished verifying that Rattray’s wares were of high quality and also large in number, so it would take a while to settle on an appropriate price. 「Understood. I’ll do it right away.」「Thanks again.」 Hearing Sero’s response, the merchant entered one of the carriages together with Rattray, presumably to go more in-depth with the negotiations. 「Well, looks like we have some free time now. Since it’s so rare for us to meet, do you want to join us too, Mira?」 Sero spoke with a bright smile that would leave any woman smitten. But Mira just muttered 「Hmm, let me think-」 when a shadow darted out from the carriage again. 「I approve as well! Let’s talk lots and lots. We also have to tell you what happened with Takuto after all!」「Well, I guess it’s fine then...」 Fricca decided to use Takuto as a bargaining chip. Though either way, they were people Mira had wished to meet again so she accepted, while also feeling a bit sorry for Fricca seeing how desperate she was. The place they chose for their break was the inn, since Mira’s Pure Rabbit was still waiting for her there. Sero and Emera went to inform the other guards about the break, while Mira and Fricca went there ahead. As soon as they crossed the door, the Pure Rabbit jumped into Mira’s arms, having waited for her alone. 「Mira, that rabbit...」「He’s cute isn’t he?」 Fricca watched the Pure Rabbit being hugged by Mira, half jealous and half envying her, only muttering 「Not fair...」 while falling face first on a table. After a while, Fricca recovered her usual energy, and Mira pestered her to speak about Takuto. From what she told her, after Mira left, some of Écarlate Carillon’s members were constantly watching over him. 「So in the end, he became an apprentice member of Écarlate Carillon, and with me in charge of him, his grandpa also gave his consent. In part because of his trust in our guild’s belief, and also because he felt reassured knowing he could become a saint that could help many people, so everyone is on board now.」「Hmm, I see... I feel like I pushed all of this onto you, but thanks. Take good care of him.」 Hearing Fricca, Mira could largely understand how Takuto was faring. Fricca was taking care of him, and she even gave him all the learning materials she had used when small, so he was learning the basics already. Takuto wanted to become a saint that could help and heal his friends, and now spent his day as an apprentice with Écarlate Carillon. Mira missed Takuto’s innocent smile as she listened to Fricca, only bowing to her in the end. Seeing that older sister-like aura emanating from Mira, Fricca was about to reach her limit holding back when Sero, Emera and Zef entered the inn. 「Woah, it really is Mira! She looks even cuter than before.」 When Zef saw Mira with her tied silver hair, and her clothes finished with a more refined design, he spoke his honest impression. But as soon as he did, the two girls stared daggers at him. 「So he never got rid of that side...」「Please stop looking at my little Mira with those eyes.」 Hearing those thornful sentences, Zef collapsed on the ground while saying 「That’s not what I meant...」 Meanwhile, Sero also said 「That’s true, she does look cuter than before」, agreeing with him, but there were no hurtful sentences hauled his way. Noticing that, Zef hung his head even lower. After everyone was done greeting each other, the Écarlate Carillon members all ordered a rather late lunch. While they waited for that to be done, they kept talking about random things, and spoiling the Pure Rabbit. Zef had heard that the fur from a Pure Rabbit brought good luck, so he begged Mira to give him at least one single hair. She told him if any fell out while she petted it he could keep them, and she began gently combing through its fur with her slender fingers. Luckily enough, she ended up getting enough strands for all members of the guild, including Takuto. 「I’ll bear full responsibility for carrying it to him when we’re back.」 As Fricca received her share of the fur, she also managed to succeed in holding Mira’s hand. After all her failed attempts, Fricca’s skills were slowly starting to show the fruits of her training. 「By the way, you said you’ll be going west. Does that mean you’ll have to go through the Forest of Praying Children?」 If they wanted to get to Ozstein on the western side of the continent from Hunters Village, they would have to go through the forest, or take a really long-winded detour. So the forest route was the most sensible choice, though at that time there was a high chance that wicked parties were scouring through the forest. 「Yes, that’s the plan. We’re leaving tomorrow morning, and should be out of the forest in a few days. Why do you ask...did something happen in there?」 Sero detailed their plans, but asked why Mira was so curious about their exact route. 「Did Emera tell you about the wind spirit we met on our way back from the Ancient Temple?」「She did, as well as Chimera Clauzen. We also got many reports about them from the Union.」 When she told Solomon about the attacks on spirits, he said he would let adventurers rank A or above know about them, so they could lend a hand. In other words, Sero was at least rank A as well. Though Mira had guessed as much, so she was not surprised as she nodded. His usual demeanor and confidence were befitting of that rank. 「I ran into people from Chimera Clauzen yesterday, inside the forest. I met members from an opposing organization as well. For now, we captured one member from Chimera, though that organization is taking care of the rest... But the problem is, it’ll take some time to transport that captive, and in the meantime, there’s a high chance more people from Chimera will come to the forest to rescue their comrade. Either way, they’re really dangerous fellows so I figured I should warn you at least.」「So that’s what happened there. I wasn’t expecting that at all, but it’s true we should watch our step then. Thank you, Mira.」 Chimera Clauzen, a group with the malice and tools necessary to hurt spirits. One could never be too cautious when being somewhere they could be around. Sero decided to communicate that information to the merchant, suggesting he investigate if there were any sketchy people amongst the other travelers. Sero brought a cup of herbal tea to his lips, sipping it together with a long breath as he knit his brow. 「I wish I had something to tell you as well, to be honest...but I still haven’t found out anything about those dates you gave me the other day.」「I don’t mind that. I’m not expecting results that quickly either way.」 Sero had moved all the spies and scouts he had to see if they could figure out anything about those dates, but so far he had not received any positive reports. But Mira apparently was not expecting any new leads so quickly either, so he decided not to worry too much as he drank his third glass of honey ale. Still, they had such a chance meeting, and she had provided valuable information for their future travel, so Sero felt like he owed her something in return. Thinking about that, he remembered something. 「By the way, do you like the fantasy genre?」 He asked her. Mira had only been in that world for a few days, so he figured maybe some distraction would help her cheer up if needed. 「I wouldn’t be here in the first place if I didn’t.」 In other words, that was the reason she started playing that game. She was there because she yearned for a world with magic. But that was something only Mira and Sero were aware of, while Emera and the rest would tilt their heads in confusion at some of the things they said. 「I’m glad then. Then instead I’ll tell you three rumors I heard recently.」「Rumors you say? Now that sounds interesting.」 When it comes to fantasy worlds, simple rumors could be much more exciting than in the old real world. Sero had a serious, yet somewhat childish face as he spoke about the first rumor.	{ "source": "manual-fanfic", "missed_lines": 5, "inserted_lines_src": 13, "inserted_lines_trg": 2 }
ついに私レベル80を習得しましたの! 正直、案外簡単でしたわ。だんだん魔力の使い方に慣れていくのよね。色々な魔法を使えるようになったのよね。レベル80になった事をまだ誰にも言っていないのよね。皆、どんな反応をするのかしら......。楽しみだわ。本来なら今の私の歳から魔法を扱えるようになるのよね? ゲームの中のアリシアもきちんと努力していたら良かったのに......。元々才能があるのにもったいないわ。あの魔法が使えなくなった少年をお父様に聞いてもはぐらかされたのよね。謎は自分で解決しろって事かしら? まぁ、とりあえずそれは置いておきましょ。それから剣の技術もさらに磨かれたし、知識も増えたし! リズさんが倒れたって聞かされた日からリズさんとは会っていないのよね。魔法学園に入学するまでの後間でもっと私は強くなってみせるわよ! 私は鏡の前に立って自分の姿を見た。三年で結構容姿も変わったわよね? デューク様がくださったダイヤモンドのネックレスをしていても違和感がなくなったもの。早く誰かに、この悪女めって怒鳴られる日が来ないかしら。待ち遠しいわ。想像したら口元が緩んでしまいますわ。気を引き締めないと! 「アリシア様、旦那様がお呼びです」お父様が? 何かしら......。なんだかお父様に呼ばれると緊張するのよね。私は小さく深呼吸してから部屋を出た。	I’ve finally reached level ! Honestly, it was easier than I thought it would be. And thanks to these last three years of daily practices, I’ve slowly grown accustomed to using magic. Also, with Father’s nearly constant reminders to never skip levels, to always learn new spells in order, I’ve been being extra careful to go by the book. And after all that, I’ve made it to level at last. Slow and steady really does win the race! I’ve learned a whole slew of new spells. But of course, I haven’t told anyone that I’ve made it this far yet. I wonder what sort of reactions everyone will have...... I’m looking forward to it. Normally speaking, at my age, I should have just been starting to learn magic now, right? The Alicia from the game would have been an even more outstanding villainess if she would have just put in a little more effort..... It’s such a shame. She clearly had all this untapped talent that was just wasting away. I’ve also often wondered what happened to that boy who lost his magic, but every time I’d try to bring it up to Father, he’d always avoid my questions. I wonder if he was trying to tell me that I should find the answers for myself? Though well, I’ll just leave that on the back-burner for now. In these past couple of years I’ve also continued to polish my swordsmanship and I’ve acquired a lot more knowledge! With this trifecta of expertise I should be able to take Liz-san on fair and square now, right? I haven’t seen her ever since that day when I heard she had collapsed. So I’m really curious to see just how much stronger she’s become..... In these next two years before I’m able to enroll in the magic academy, I’ll have to work extra hard and show everyone just how brilliant I can be! Standing in front of the mirror, I take a good look at my reflection. A person’s appearance sure can change a lot in three years’ time, huh? Even though I’m currently wearing the diamond necklace that Duke-Sama had given me, it no longer looks out of place in the slightest. And my hair has gotten a lot longer. It now reaches halfway down my back..... Somehow, it makes me look much more grown up. It shouldn’t be long before people will be cursing my name as the villainess. The days when I’ll be able to bask in evil glory are nigh! When I imagine it, I can’t help but start grinning. I need to maintain my focus for this final mile! “Alicia-Sama, the Master is calling for you,” I hear Rosetta tell me from the other side of the door. Father is? I wonder what he could want..... Hearing that he’s calling for me makes me feel a bit nervous. I take in a quick, deep breath to calm myself and then stride confidently out of my room.	{ "source": "manual-fanfic", "missed_lines": 1, "inserted_lines_src": 7, "inserted_lines_trg": 0 }
「いえ、荷物も重い物は無かったので楽な物でしたよ。それと、カレスさんの所にも寄りました。薬草を届けなくてはいけなかったので」ミリナちゃん達が去った後、俺達は食堂へと移動しながら話す。ちょっと遅い昼食のためだ。クレアさんはセバスチャンさんと話し込んでいたため、こんな時間になってしまったらしい。ティルラちゃんは先に昼食を済ませ、鍛錬をしているようだ......俺も、昼食の後にでも合流しよう......あ、でも、そろそろ『雑草栽培』の研究もしておかないとな......1日の限界を調べてみないといけないしな。「タクミ様、お願いされていた件ですが」悪質な店への対応策等、忙しいセバスチャンさんには悪いと思ったが、お願いしてニックの事を調べてもらっていた。カレスさんにも聞いて今の所は真面目に働いているようだが、余罪の数や内容如何によっては考えなければいけない事もある。観衆の面前で暴れた事もあるし、更生の余地があるかどうかに関わらず、俺が匿ってるなんて噂が流れでもしたら、クレアさん達にも迷惑が掛かる事もあるかもしれないしな。もしいるのなら、被害者にも何かしらの対応をしないといけないだろうし......謝れば許してくれると考えるのは、さすがに甘えだろう。「ニックですが......意外にも余罪は少ないですね。手慣れた感じのする恫喝でしたが、どうやら他の仲間の見様見真似だったようです」「ええとですね。まず、商人への恐喝が4件です。これは例の店とカレスの店での事も含みます。クレアお嬢様への件を含めると5件になります。それと、脱走罪ですね......これは、捕まった直後に逃げ出した事からです」「ふむ......例の店はまだしも、他の店へは?」「その時は単独犯だったようで、店側が追い払ったので被害はありません」鍛錬を始めたばかりの俺が、軽くあしらえる程度だったとはいえ、あの人相だ......今はモヒカンを止めてるが、あの見た目だったら怖がってお金を出したりした所があってもおかしく無いと思うんだが......。「被害はなかったようですね。その......以前はあのような人相ですら無かったらしいのです。恐らくですが、相手を怖がらせる方法の一つとして、あのような恰好をしていたのだと思われます」「クレアお嬢様に絡む直前に、あの姿になり、その時偶然他の仲間と出会ったようです」「そちらは色々と叩けば出て来たようですな。ニックはその仲間たちに引き入れられ、悪事の片棒を担がされそうになっていたという事になります」悪ぶってるけど、本当に悪い事が成功せずなんとかしようと恰好を変えたら、本当の悪党に目を付けられて仲間に引き入れられたってわけか......。何と言うか......日本でもありがちな不良にはまり込むパターンだな......。「偶然とは言え、我々に例の店の件で情報をもたらしてくれました。被害が出ていないとは言え、一応各店に謝る事と、衛兵への説明をすれば良いかと思います」「そうですか......ありがとうございます」「ですがタクミさん、私はあの時のタクミさんの考えが正しかったのだと思います。ニックに罪は無いとは言いませんが、過ちを犯した者全てを罰するだけではいけないのだと私は思います」セバスチャンさんには調べてくれただけでなく、認めてくれた事にも感謝した。クレアさんの方は、俺と近い考え方のようだな。全ての人が更生出来ないわけじゃないと俺は考えてる......もちろん、取り返しのつかない、許されない罪と言うのもあるだろうけどな。今回ニックは、人としてやってはいけない事をした。だけど今は真面目に働いているようで、更生の余地はまだあるように見えるし、調べてもらった内容通りなら、罪も軽い。謝るところには謝らないといけないと思うけどな。「まぁ、今回は......ニックの場合は、食べる事に困ってという側面もあったようですから、情状酌量の余地はあった、という事にしましょう。ですが、今後は気を付けて下さいね?」セバスチャンさんには、最後にチクりと注意されてしまった......これからは気を付けようと思う......一応。ニックの話をしながらの昼食を終え、そろそろティルラちゃんと合流して鍛錬をしようかと考えた頃、食堂にミリナちゃんが来た。「ミリナ。どう、この屋敷は?」「知っている人もいるので安心です。案内された部屋も良い所でしたし......ありがとうございます、クレアお嬢様」入って来たミリナちゃんに屋敷の感想を聞いて、それに答えるミリナちゃん。孤児院を離れてすぐは寂しそうにしていたが、ここの屋敷に知り合いがいるとわかって、元気になったようだ。「剣ですか......薬の勉強はいつされるのでしょうか?」あーそうか、ミリナちゃんが来たと言う事は、薬の事を教える......というより、一緒に勉強しないといけないか。「それじゃぁ......そうだね、ちょっとだけ鍛錬をやってから勉強しようか。えーと、大体1時間後くらいかな?」「わかりました、頑張ります!」気合の入ってるミリナちゃんを食堂に置いて、俺はティルラちゃんと合流するため裏庭へ出た。そこでは、鍛錬を黙々としているティルラちゃんがいた。 ......これだけ真剣に頑張ってる子がいるんだ、俺も頑張らないとな。『雑草栽培』の研究、剣の鍛錬、薬の知識等々、やる事が色々あって大変だが、ティルラちゃんを見て頑張ろうと思えた。	“Good work, Mr. Takumi. Thank you for picking up Milina.” “Not at all. It was easy, as she didn’t have any heavy luggage. Also, we stopped by at Mr. Kalis’s store, as we had to deliver the herbs.” “I see. So that’s why Nick didn’t stop by today?” “Yes. Thankfully, Ms. Lyra had loaded the herbs onto the carriage.” After Milina and the others left, we moved to the dining hall as we continued to talk. It was so we could have a late lunch. Apparently, Ms. Claire and Sebastian had been talking so much that they hadn’t eaten yet. Tilura had eaten ahead of them and was training now... I would join her after I ate my own lunch... Ah, but I also have to spend time for my Weed Cultivation research... I still haven’t figured out my limits for using it one day. “Mr. Takumi. About your request...” “Yes, how was it?” Sebastian brought it up as we were eating. I felt bad, as I knew that he was busy dealing with the malicious store, but I had asked him to look into Nick’s past. While Mr. Kalis said that he was working seriously now, there were other things to consider, depending on the number and nature of his past crimes. He had made a scene in public, and regardless of whether he was capable of reform, if people started spreading rumors that I was hiding him, then it could cause trouble for Ms. Claire and the others. And I might have to do something for the other victims as well... Apologizing would not be enough. “As for Nick...there were fewer offenses than I thought. While he looks like he’s accustomed to threatening people, it was mostly him imitating his friends.” “Is that so?” “Yes. However, there are other offenses, even when ignoring the time he threatened Lady Claire, as well as his escape from prison.” “Uhh, can you tell me the details about how many there are?” “Let me see. First, there are four counts of threatening merchants. This includes Mr. Kalis’s store, as well as the malicious one. If you include the event with Lady Claire, the number would be five. Also, he escaped from prison... He escaped right after being caught.” “Hmm... The malicious store is one thing, but what about the others?” “He apparently did this while alone, so they were able to drive him out before he caused any damage.” “He didn’t cause any damage?” While I had been able to deal with him when I had only just started my training, he had looked so intimidating... He had a shaved head now, but I wouldn’t have been surprised if some places gave him money out of fear... “Well...it seems like he didn’t look like that until recently. My guess is that he changed his appearance in order to intimidate others.” “Apparently, he changed shortly before we first met him with Lady Claire. It was around then that he met the others by chance.” “So...what happened to his friends?” “They had many more offenses, when I looked into it. My view of the matter is that they pulled Nick in and made him take part in their crimes.” So he was trying to be bad, but failing, and it wasn’t until he changed his appearance that he caught the eyes of some gang, who then asked him to join them... It was a very...typical pattern for delinquents in Japan... “While it was a coincidence, it gave us information about that store. And while there was no damage, I think it would be best if he went around and apologized to each store, and then the matter can be explained to the guards.” “I see... Thank you.” “No, it was no trouble at all.” “Not only am I grateful that you looked into it...but you agreed to let me hire him in spite of the possible damage to this house... Thank you.” “That...indeed, yes...” “But Mr. Takumi. I do think you were right back then. While he is hardly an innocent man, I don’t think that merely punishing everyone who has made a mistake is right.” I was thankful towards Sebastian for allowing it, especially because of the possibility that it could affect their reputation. But it seemed like Ms. Claire was of a similar mind as me. It wasn’t that I believed that everyone could be reformed...there were unforgivable crimes that could not be undone. And Nick had done something that no person should do. However, he was working seriously now, and it seemed like he could be reformed. And according to Sebastian, his past crimes were rather light. Though, he would still need to make some apologies. “Well...it seems like with this case, he was struggling to feed himself, which could be taken into account. However, you will be more careful from now on, won’t you?” “Yes, I understand.” Though, Sebastian gave me a warning there at the end... I would have to be careful...I think. We finished eating lunch, and just as I was thinking about joining up with Tilura and training, Milina came to the dining hall. “Excuse me.” “Milina. What do you think about the mansion?” “I’m relieved that there are people here who I know. And the room was very nice... Thank you, Lady Claire.” Milina was asked what she thought about the mansion, and so she answered. She had looked lonely as soon as she left the orphanage, but now that she saw familiar faces, she seemed more cheerful. “What are you going to do now, master?” “Me? I was thinking about doing some sword practice.” “A sword...? But when will you be studying medicine?” Ah, right. Milina had come here in order to learn about medicine... We were supposed to study it together. “Well...let me see... I’ll train for a little, and then we’ll study. uh, How about one hour from now?” “I understand. I’ll do my best!” I left the enthusiastic Milina in the dining hall, and then I went out into the garden to join Tilura. There, Tilura was training quietly. ...She was working so hard and seriously, so I couldn’t slack off. Studying Weed Cultivation, sword training, and learning about medicine. I had a lot to do, but I felt more motivated after seeing Tilura.	{ "source": "manual-fanfic", "missed_lines": 3, "inserted_lines_src": 20, "inserted_lines_trg": 0 }
いずれにしても、奇跡的に低い長期金利（インフレ調整済）によっても、おびただしい世界経済の弱点を隠し通すのは到底無理である。世界中で起きている住宅バブルは多くの国における消費者需要を伸ばしており、国際通貨基金(International Monetary Fund)の最近の調査によると、下落し続ける長期金利は、3分の2またはそれ以上の世界的な物価上昇を引き起こしている。ヨーロッパの得た利益は少ないが、もし長期金利がこれまでの25年平均まではね戻ったとしたら、欧州経済はずっとひどい状態になっていただろう。	The role of phenomenally low long-term (inflation-adjusted) interest rates in covering up a multitude of weaknesses in the global economy is all too apparent. Soaring house prices worldwide are propping up consumer demand in many countries, and, according to a recent study by the International Monetary Fund, continually falling long-term interest rates explain two-thirds or more of the global price rise.	{ "source": "news_commentary", "missed_lines": null, "inserted_lines_src": null, "inserted_lines_trg": null }
どん! ひゅるるるるるる...... し~ん...... ぱぁんっ! 「「「「「「うわああああぁ~~っっ!」」」」」」最初は、単発でデカいのを上げてくれた。 20号80万円の、2尺玉かな? あああ、一瞬で、80万円ががが! しかも、人件費別で! 80万円砲......。ガッハ・カラカラかな? この世界初の本格的な打ち上げ花火なんだから、初弾がショボいのだとそれに、予算の関係で、あまり連続した同時打ち上げはできないから、間隔をあけて、一発ずつじっくりと楽しむ構成にしてくれたのだろう。とは言っても、一発ずつ手動で導火線に点火するような時代じゃないから、全て事前にプログラム入力しての、電子制御による、電気導火線を使った遠隔点火なのだろうな、多分。安全第一だよねぇ。さすがに2尺玉は、そうそう打てないだろう。あとは、10万円の10号(尺玉)や、3万円の7号あたりで。 ......5000円の3号とかは、さすがにショボい......、いや、それも、使い方次第でいい味を出せる場合もあるか。全ては、プロの技術次第だ。そして、たまには連発を交えながら、一発一発、限られた予算内で大事に打ち上げてくれている。これが、王宮主催のイベントであれば充分な予算が出せたのだろうけど、ただの伯爵家の娘の誕生祝いだと教えてあるから、そうそう無茶な金額は出せないことは、おやっさんも理解してくれている。 ......でも、打ち上げ場所として王宮の敷地を提供されていること(勿論、見張りの兵士が何人も張り付いている)から、普通の伯爵家の娘じゃないだろうということは察しているかも。そういうのは全然分からない人達かもしれないけれどね。技術屋さんだから......。とにかく、うまくすれば次は侯爵家御令嬢とか王女殿下とかの誕生パーティーの仕事が、とかいう可能性には、当然気付いているだろう。その時には、しっかりと黒字になるだけの報酬をせしめるつもりで......。ま、そんな損得勘定とは関係なく、生まれて初めて花火を観る異世界の人々に半端なものを見せては花火師の名折れ、という思いを上回る理由なんかないんだろうけどね。みんな、馬鹿揃い(褒め言葉)だから......。本番である今日は、朝から数人の従業員を連れてきて設置作業をしていた。勿論、従業員達には全員、守秘義務を徹底させたし、おやっさんと下見の時に一緒だった人以外には、詳細は説明していない。ただ、おやっさんの指揮で設置作業をしているだけだ。 ......ここが『異世界』だってことは、勿論分かっているだろうけどね。ま、もし誰かに喋ったとしても、誰も信じやしないだろうけどね、『異世界に行って、花火を打ち上げた』なんてヨタ話......。誰かが漏らしたとしても、おやっさんや他の従業員達が否定すれば、漏らした奴が嘘吐き扱いされて終わりだ。異世界行きの証拠なんか、何もないし。そう、見張りの兵士には、従業員達の安全確保と共に、『この世界のものを持ち帰らないよう、見張っておく』という任務を指示してあるのだ。草一本、葉っぱ一枚すら持ち帰らせないよ。そういう点でも、設置場所が王宮なのは都合がいい。見張りがいたり、行動できる場所が限られていたりしても、不自然じゃないからね。ま、どうせ帰還時の転移で、私が余計なモノは排除するんだけどね......。そして、花火は予定通りに進行している。日本有数の大花火大会には到底及ばないけれど、短い時間内で、少ない玉数で、精一杯のプログラムを組んで多くの種類の花火を打ち上げてくれている。興奮して叫ぶ人、声も無く呆然として見入る人、女神の奇跡だと泣き出す人......。勿論、この中庭にいる人達だけじゃない。王都中の人達が、王宮から夜空に駆け上るその声は、王宮の広場で打ち上げ作業をしているおやっさん達にも届いているだろう。勿論、もっと大規模な打ち上げは、何度もやったことがあるだろう。 ......でも、こんなにやり甲斐のある、心が燃える仕事は、そんなにないと思うよ。喜んでくれているといいな......。そして、フィナーレは連続乱れ打ち、最後にデカいの......多分、尺玉......を打ち上げて、花火は無事終了した。あとは、転移で日本に連れ帰ってあげるだけだ。パーティーと、身内で会が終わる頃には、片付けも終わっているだろう。おやっさん達にも、撤収作業が終われば食べるようにと料理や飲み物を用意してある。 ......勿論、お酒はなし。夜で人目はないだろうから、器材を積んだトラックは店の横に転移してあげるけれど、従業員の皆さんはそこから自分のクルマとかで帰宅するわけだからね。それに、もしトラックの荷物をすぐに下ろそうとして、酔っていたために手や足を潰した、なんてことになったら大変だし。花火のあと、しばらく呆けていたお客さん達もようやく再起動し、少女の成人を祝福する女神の御業を夜だからツバが飛ぶのが見えないのは、幸いだ。花火が女神の御業だと思っている人もいるみたいだけれど、勿論、そうは思わない人達もいる。王宮で打ち上げ作業を見ていた人達、......そして、その費用を経費として請求される、ボーゼス伯爵様とか。そして......。「ミツハ!!」え? どうしてサビーネちゃんが怒っているの? それも、激おこだ。ここは、花火の素晴らしさに感動して、賞賛の言葉を掛けてくれるところじゃないの? 「どうして......」「どうして、アレを今使ったのよ! 私のデビュタント・ボールの時、どうするのよ! 二番煎じじゃ、笑いものになっちゃうじゃないの! 私の時には、アレより凄いのを用意してくれるんでしょうね!!」「あ......」私が思わず溢した言葉に、サビーネちゃんが激昂した。「あ、って何よ、あ、って! まさか、何も考えていなかったとか? ミツハが持っているパーティー用演出の隠し球、今回で全部使い果たした、ってことはないよね? よね? よね......」 ......やばたにえん。どうしたら......、あっ、いいもの見っけ! 「ルーヘン殿下、お楽しみになられていますか? どうでしたか、先程の花火は......」「こら、逃げるなあっ!」いやいや、こんな絶好の弾避けが来たら、そりゃ使うでしょ! サビーネちゃんは、弟のルーヘン君には甘いから、私がルーヘン君と話している時には邪魔をしないし、声を荒らげることもないんだよね~。へへへ......。「......ミツハ、僕の成人の誕生パーティーの時には、勿論もっと凄いのを用意してくれるんだよねっ!」「しまった、こっちもかああああっ!!」そして、あとは私が差配することは特になく、そのままパーティーは無事に終わったのであった。その後、余った料理とお酒で、ボーゼス家の使用人、ライナー子爵家からのお手伝い軍団、電飾行進のキャスト達と共に二次会。勿論、ボーゼス家総員とサビーネちゃん、そしてアデレートちゃんも参加。自分の家の使用人達が参加するのに、自分だけ帰るような子じゃないよね、アデレートちゃんは。使用人達と一緒に帰るから、多少遅くなっても問題ないし。勿論、御両親は空気が読める人達なので、とっくに帰っている。 ......で、どうしてここにいるのかな、第一王女殿下と、王様、宰相様......。第二王女殿下仲間内での打ち上げなんだから、空気読もうよ! ......しかし、第一王女と第二王女は既に成人していて、そしてベアトリスちゃんには妹がいなくて、よかった......。本当に、よかった......。	Don! Hi~yururururururu...... shi ~ n...... Pa~An ~! Uwa ā a a~a ~~ ~ For the opening, they shot a big one. The No. , which costs , yen per shot, 2 shaku-dama? Ahhh, in an instant, 800,000 yen! And that’s not including labor costs! 800,000 yen cannon...... Kinda looks like Gahha Kalakala * , doesn’t it? Since this is this world’s first real firework, they must have thought that if the first shot is not good, it will affect their reputation...... Besides, due to the budget constraint, they couldn’t launch so many balls at the same time in a row, so they decided to space them out and let us enjoy them one by one. I’m not a big fan of quick launches because they consume a lot of balls in a short time. However, we are not in the age of manually igniting the fuses one by one, so everything must be pre-programmed, electronically controlled, and remotely ignited using electric fuses, I guess. Safety first, right? As you can imagine, it’s not easy to launch a 2 shaku-dama. The other options are the 100,000 yen No. 10 (shaku-dama) and the 30,000 yen No. 7. The 5,000 yen No. 3 or so is indeed shoddy......, but no, it can also have a good taste depending on how you use it. It all depends on the skill of the professionals. And so, they carefully launch each shot, sometimes with a series of shots, within a limited budget. If this had been an event sponsored by the royal palace, I would have been able to come up with a sufficient budget, but since I told them that it was just a birthday celebration for the daughter of a Count, they understood that I couldn’t spend a lot of much money. ......Even the fact that the royal palace grounds have been offered as a launch site (and, of course, several soldiers are on guard) might suggest that this is no ordinary Count. The soldiers may not understand those things at all, though. Because they’re not pyrotechnicians....... Anyway, I’m sure the Zenjiro-san is aware of the possibility that if things go well, they could be working on a birthday party of a princess or a daughter of a Marquis. At that time, I’m going to reward them enough that they can even make a surplus from it... Regardless of such a profit and loss statement, there is no reason to think that it would ruin a fireworks master’s name to show something half-hearted to people from another world who are watching fireworks for the first time in their lives. They’re all just idiots (that’s a compliment)...... Today, before the start of the show, I brought in several employees from the morning to do the installation work. Of course, I made sure that all the employees were kept in the strictest confidentiality, and I didn’t explain the details to anyone other than Oya-san and the people who were with me during the preliminary inspection. They worked on the installation under his supervision. ......Of course, because this is a <different world>, you know? Well, even if they told anyone, no one would believe them, it would be like a stupid story about <how they went to another world and set off fireworks>...... So even if someone leaked it, if the owner and the other employees denied it, the person who leaked it would be treated as a liar and that would be the end of it. There’s no proof that they went to another world. Yes, I’ve instructed the soldiers on guard to ensure the safety of the employees and to <keep an eye on them so that they don’t bring anything back from this world>. I won’t let them bring back a single blade of grass, not even a leaf. In this respect, it is convenient that the installation is in the royal palace. It’s not unnatural that there are guards or that there are limited places to act by themselves. Well, I’ll get rid of the extra stuff during teleportation on the way back anyway...... And the fireworks are going on as planned. Although they are not as good as some of the biggest fireworks displays in Japan, they do their best to put together a program with a small number of fireworks in a short period of time to show off many different types of fireworks. Some people shouted with excitement, some watched stunned in silence, and some cried out that it was a miracle of the Goddess...... Of course, it’s not just the people in this courtyard. All over the capital, people were crying and shouting in enthusiasm at the fire arrows that rose from the royal palace and bloomed into a large flower of fire under the night sky. The voices must have reached the people who were working on the launch site on the grounds of the royal palace. Of course, they’ve probably done many launches on a much larger scale before. ......But I don’t think they’ve done many jobs that are so rewarding and heart-warming as this. I hope they’re happy with it...... Then, the finale was a series of random shots, and finally, the fireworks ended successfully with a big one...... Probably a shaku-dama....... All that’s left was to bring them back to Japan using teleportation. By the time the party and the after-party with the people involved are over, we finished cleaning up. I’ve prepared some food and drinks for the maids to eat and drink when they’re done with the cleanup. ......Non-alcoholic, of course. Since it was nighttime and there would be no one around, we could move the truck with the equipment to the side of the store, but the employees would go home from there by using their own cars. Besides, if they tried to unload the truck right away, they might crush their hands or foot because they were drunk, I would be in trouble. After the fireworks, the audience, who had been in a daze for a while, finally rebooted, praising the work of the goddess in blessing Beatrice-chan’s coming of age, and talking excitedly with the people around them, their spits were flying everywhere....... It’s a blessing that it’s night and I can’t see the spit flying. Some people seem to think that fireworks are the work of the goddess, but of course, some don’t think so. Like the people who were watching the launch process at the royal palace...... And Count Bozes, who will be charged for the expenses. And...... [Mitsuha!!] Sabine Eh? Why is Sabine-chan so angry? She’s raging. Isn’t this the part where people are supposed to be impressed and admire the fireworks? [Why ......?] Sabine [Why did you just use that now? What are you going to do when I have my debutante ball! I’ll be the laughing stock if I copy the same thing! I’m sure you’ll have something more awesome than that for me, right!?] Sabine [Ah......] Mitsuha Sabine-chan became furious at my unintentional leak of the word. [Ah? What do you mean, ah? Don’t tell me you didn’t think of anything? It’s not like Mitsuha used up all of her hidden party items this time, right? Right? RIGHT!?......] Sabine ......Oh crap. What should I do... Oh, I got something! [Your Highness Luchen , did you enjoy the show? What did you think of the fireworks you just saw?......] Mitsuha [Hey! Don’t you dare run away!] Sabine No, no way, if there is such a nice escape bullet comes, I’ll use it! Sabine-chan has a soft spot for her little brother, Luchen, so she couldn’t interrupt me or raise her voice when I’m talking to him! Ehehe....... [......Mitsuha? Of course, you’ll have something even more awesome for my coming of age party!] Luchen [Oh, no, not this one, toooo!] Mitsuha There was nothing more for me to do, and the party ended without a hitch. Afterwards, we had an after-party with the extra food and drinks, along with the servants of the Bozes family, the army of helpers from Viscount Rainer’s family, and the cast of the Electric Illumination Parade. Of course, not just the members of the Bozes family, Sabine-chan, and Adelaide-chan also joined in. You’re not the kind of girl who would just leave while the servants of your own house are attending the party, are you, Adelaide-chan? She’ll be going home with the servants, so it won’t be a problem if she’s a little late. Of course, her parents are very sensitive people, so they had already left. And why are you here? Your Majesty the King, First Princess, and Prime Minister?...... Oh, is the Second Princess Chīne-sama there too?...... It’s the party within the circle, so let’s read the air! ......But the first and second princesses are already adults, and thankfully, Beatrice-chan has no younger sister, thank goodness....... Really, I’m glad.......	{ "source": "manual-fanfic", "missed_lines": 0, "inserted_lines_src": 6, "inserted_lines_trg": 3 }
緊急出動令。陛下の出す緊急勅令ほどではないが、国内トップクラスの招集命令だ。内容としては各貴族家騎士団の可能な限り迅速な出陣準備などだ。王族のほか宰相と軍務大臣のみが発令できる。クラスでも緊急出動令は出ない。確かヴァイン王国の歴史上でしか出ていないはずだし、うはクーデターが発生した時だった。とんでもなく珍しい布告である。なんてレアな。現実感がないこともあり思わずフレンセンと顔を見合わせてしまう。正直いまいちピンとこなかったが、今の大きな声が聞こえたんだろう。マックスたちが駆けつけてきたんでようやく俺も頭のスイッチを切り替える。「ヴェルナー様、なにが?」「俺も今緊急出動令が発令されたと聴いたばかりだ。説明してくれ」ツェアフェルト家の軍務に関係する首脳陣全員を前にしたキッテルからの報告はちょっとした爆弾だった。「はっ。ヴァレリッツが魔族軍に攻め落とされそうだとの第一報が届いたそうです。現在王都では緊急の会議が開催されております」俺、マックス、オーゲンが異口同音に驚きの声を上げる。バルケイは沈黙したままだったが衝撃は大きいだろう。想像もしない内容だっただけに俺も驚きは大きい。ヴァレリッツはフリートハイム辺境伯爵領の中央都市だ。ツェアフェルト伯爵家の本拠であるツェアブルクと規模も大して変わらない。ゲームに出てこなかった街なんで目ぼしい物はないが国内中規模都市ではあるだろう。貴族家騎士団も人数で言えばツェアフェルト家とそうそう差はないはず。少なくともそう簡単に攻め落とされそうになる規模の街じゃない。「伯爵はどうなされた?」「情報が錯綜しておりますので現時点では不明とのこと」バルケイが質問した内容を聞いて伯爵の無事は期待薄だと察する。まあ生きてりゃすぐに判るだろう。フリートハイム伯爵は文治派なんで父のお仲間だが、俺個人は顔も覚えていないんで心配するより現実感を感じないと言う方が近い。これ以上は聴いてもしょうがないだろうな。多分、キッテル自身も第一報を受けてここに来たんだろうし。「そこまでは解った。父は会議に出ているな」ツェアフェルト伯爵家として父が出ているなら今の俺にできることはない。代官でもあり現場指揮官でしかないとも言える俺としては次の指示があるまでやれることをやることにしよう。「解った。キッテルはすぐに王都に戻り父からの連絡を待っていると伝えてくれ」「はっ、すぐに」「バルケイ、の夜勤出発は次の連絡があるまで待て。マックスとオーゲン、と第三隊の全員を第二出撃体制で待機。俺は巡邏の手順と引継ぎのための資料をまとめる。フレンセン、手伝え」第二出撃体制は隊列を整えるまではいかないが、装備を整えたうえで声が届く距離にいる事を指示している。第一出撃体制は今すぐレッツゴーできる体制なんでそれよりは低いが、これは父の連絡がいつ来るかわからんからだ。緊張しっぱなしってわけにはいかんのよな。「マックス、ノイラートとシュンツェルに第一隊を第二出撃体制にさせるように伝達。後で様子を見てくれ。問題があった時には二人に助言を頼む」胃痛を堪えつつ指示を出す。ノイラートやシュンツェルには俺から指示が届かないときの指揮官になることも求められているんで、こういう時は役目を振って経験を積ませなきゃいけない。それはわかっているんだが俺、学生。少なくとも外見年齢と言うか肉体年齢は。本当は俺が経験を積む側じゃないのか? こんな年で貴族になんかなるもんじゃないなほんと。指導はマックスに丸投げしておく。「すべて了解いたしました」「ヴェルナー様、手順書と言うのは」「巡邏の順番とかやり方がころころ変わったら工事に携わってる人たちも困るだろ。俺たちはこうやってましたって言うやり方を記録してあるんだよ」橋脚の位置と目印になる自然物で警戒範囲を区分けし、どのルートで巡邏するのかを決めてある程度のものだ。時計は一般的じゃないんで時間での経過に関しては残念ながら手順書に記していない。まあこれはしょうがないだろう。「なるほど。そのようなものまで」「経験に頼るだけってのは嫌いなんだ」ローマみたいになんでもマニュアル化してあればド新人が来ても最低限の作業はできる。ぶっちゃけ巡邏にオリジナリティなんぞ要らんし。この通りに巡回して何かあったら報告ね、でいいんだ。や難民から参加している巡回補佐の人たちの育成マニュアルも作ってみたかったが、こっちはそれどころじゃなさそう。その辺が全部先任者の経験則なのは問題あるんじゃないかと思うんだけどな。これは脳筋世界のせいなのかゲーム世界のせいなのか。いやそれこそ考えてもしょうがないか。非常時に備えたポーション類を保管してある箱と一緒に、青い箱も忘れずに手元に持ってこさせる。使わないに越したことはないが緊急事態ならこういうのが必要になりそうな気配がする。ろくでもないことは確かだが何が起こっているのやら。	Emergency dispatch order is not as powerful as the emergency royal decree. Still, it’s an order to gather the country’s top ranked people to discuss how to dispatch the knights and the nobles’ military power to the frontline as fast as possible. Only the Prime Minister and the Minister of War can issue this order other than the royal family. If I’m not wrong, even when the demon outbreak (Stampede) happened, the emergency dispatch order wasn’t issued. In the history of the Bain Kingdom, this order has only been issued a total of times. One of those times was when a rebellion happened in the kingdom. In short, the situations in which this order is issued are extremely rare. I exchanged glances with Frenssen. What exactly just happened? Probably because of the commotion, Max and several other people came running here. That made me finally awake from my daze. “Welner-sama, what happened?” “I also don’t know. I’ve heard about the emergency dispatch order being issued just now. Kittel, please explain.” Kittel dropped a bomb on us, the people who are responsible for Zeavert house’s military affair. “A report about Valeritz being destroyed by a devil’s army has just reached the kingdom. Currently, an emergency meeting is being held in the capital.” I, Max, and Augen let out a gasp of surprise. Barkey remained silent but I’m sure that he was as surprised as us. It was a genuinely unexpected situation. Valeritz is a town in Fleethem County and the heart of Fleethem. It never made an appearance in the game, so there’s nothing really special about it. However, it’s still a mid-sized town in this kingdom. The number of knights that Fleethem County house has is probably not that different from the number of knights that the Zeavert house has so Valeritz isn’t a town that should fall so easily. And yet... “What about Count Fleethem? What happened to him?” “Currently, the information we have is quite vague so the situation of the Count remains unknown.” Judging from Kittel’s answer to Barkey’s question, the chances of Count’s survival are probably slim. Well, we will probably know soon if he’s still alive. Count Fleethem is a member of the civil faction, so he’s Father’s ally. However, as I don’t remember his face, I didn’t feel worried about him. I just feel that the whole situation is a little strange. It’s probably useless to ask Kittel for more information since he probably rushed here as soon as he heard the news. “I understand. Is Father currently in the meeting?” “That’s right.” Since Father is currently in the meeting as the representative of the Zeavert house, the only thing I can do is to do my best as Father’s deputy and the on-site leader until further order. “Got it. Kittel, return to the capital and tell my father that I’m waiting for his instructions.” “Yes, I will immediately do so.” “Barkey, the fourth team’s dispatch will be canceled until we get further orders from Father. Max, Augen, second team and third team will be on standby in the second sortie formation. As for me, I’m going to prepare a document about the patrolling procedure in case we need to leave this place and return to the capital. Frenssen, you help me.” “Understood.” We won’t be able to complete the second sortie formation until we finish forming our rank but at least we will be able to prepare the equipment we need to use. Technically, we can immediately head to the capital after forming the first sortie formation. However, we didn’t do that because we needed to wait for Father’s instruction first. Still, it’s not good to keep on edge. “Max, Neurath and Schunzel, tell the first team to form the second sortie formation and observe them closely. If there’s any problem with the first team, Neurath and Schunzel, I leave the judgment to solve it to both of you.” While enduring my stomach ache, I appointed Neurath and Schunzel as temporary commanders of the first team in my absence. Both of them are expected to lead my subordinates in the future in my absence so this is an opportunity for them to gain some experience. Now that we’re talking about gaining experience, aren’t I, a young student, supposed to be the one to gain experience here? Really, I guess being a noble in this medieval society isn’t a good thing. Let’s just throw the leadership of the entire Zeavert army to Max! “Welner-sama, what do you mean by a patrol procedure document?” “It’s a record of our patrolling procedure. I mean, the workers will get confused if the patrolling route and such keep changing, right?” It’s just a record of bridges and other landmarks that served as a division of patrol area and can determine the route of the patrol to a certain extent. Unfortunately, I won’t be able to include how many hours a patrol will last since the clocks aren’t commonly used here. There’s nothing I can do about it. “Well, I don’t like doing stuff just by relying on your previous experience.” If we create a manual for every job just like what the Romans did, then even an amateur will be able to finish the job. I mean, you don’t need any originality for a patrolling job, right? The people that patrol just need to report to their superior if they found any problem in the midst of their patrol. If I have more time I also want to create a manual on how to train the people in slums and the refugees to be the assistant of the patrolling officer, but now I have more important things to do. The fact that this kind of training will just rely on the experience of the trainer without any kind of manual did bother me since this world is essentially filled with people who have muscle-brain. Well, thinking about that is useless. In order to prepare for any emergencies, I make sure to bring the box containing a potion-like item and the blue box with me. It would be best if I didn’t need to use them but I have a feeling that I will need them in the future. Things are getting really unpredictable.	{ "source": "manual-fanfic", "missed_lines": 0, "inserted_lines_src": 11, "inserted_lines_trg": 2 }
「説明が無いと、どんな薬草か知らない者もいますからね」薬草を買うには、その薬草がどんな効果か知らないといけない。知らずに薬草を買っても、役に立たせられないからな。当然、説明を読まずに直接聞いて来る人もいるだろうが、そういう人には店員さんがしっかり説明するらしい。テーブルのセッティングが完了した頃、店の中からさっきの店員さん達が出て来た。「作業、終わりました」「ご苦労様。ではこちらに並べてくれ」「はい」店員さん達はカレスさんの指示の元、小分けにされた薬草を並べ始める。それぞれの種類毎に並べられた薬草を見て足りない事に気付いた。「ロエがありませんが、どうしたんですか?」「ロエは高価な薬草ですからね。お客様が求められたときに出すようにしました。それに、人が混み合う可能性のある場所に並べていると危ないかもしれませんからね」「かすめ取ろうとする輩がいたりしますからな」カレスさんとセバスチャンさんから説明されて納得する。高価な薬草だから、並べてると勝手に盗って行こうとする輩がいるんだろうなぁ......。以前、クレアさん達とこの街に来た時に絡まれた集団を思い出した。そう言えば、あの人達はあの後どうなったんだろう? そんな事を考えてる間に、準備は終わったようだ。「これで、後はお客様を待つだけですね」準備が整ったテーブルの奥に、店員さん達が待機。俺とクレアさん、ティルラちゃんとセバスチャンさんは販売員では無いので、店の中のテーブルについて待機する。外の様子はわからないが、近くに集団で固まって見守るわけにもいかないからな。レオとシェリー、ニコラさんは店の外で待機だが、カレスさんから客寄せに使えるかもしれないと言われ、販売するテーブルの近くにいる。一応、俺からレオにカレスさんの言う事を聞いて、おとなしくしてるように言っておいたから、大丈夫だと思う。店員さん達も初めて見るシルバーフェンリルに最初は驚いていたが、レオに触れるとそのフワフワな毛と、大人しい事に安心したようだ。「ずっと触っていたい......」「シルバーフェンリルがこんなにおとなしいなんて......」「これで枕やベッドは作れないかしら......」口々に感想を漏らす店員さん達だが、レオの毛を枕に出来るのは俺だけだ。たまにティルラちゃんもレオに抱き着いて寝てるけど......。そんな事もありながら、店の中でお茶を頂いてしばらく待つ。「外が騒がしくなって来ましたな」「そうね。人が多くなる時間だからかしら?」セバスチャンさんとクレアさんの言葉に、耳を澄ませてみると......確かに店の外からざわざわとした喧騒のようなものが聞こえて来た。昼前で、人通りが多くなって来たんだろうか? 「ちょっと見て来ます」「はい」クレアさんに断ってテーブルを離れ、店の入り口に向かう。入口のドアを少しだけ開けて外を覗き見ると、店の前に置かれたテーブルに人々が群がっている光景が見えた。「薬草だけでここまで人が群がって来るものなのか?」そう呟きながら、外をじっくり見ると、カレスさんがレオの周りで声を出して列の整理をしていた。レオの周囲には、ティルラちゃんくらいの子供達が群がっていて、その周りに親と思われる大人達が囲んでいるような状態だ。人が多すぎるために、薬草の置いてあるテーブルからは離れたようだ。それを見た俺は一旦ドアを離れ、クレアさん達の所へ戻る。「何やら、レオが子供達に人気のようですけど......」「レオ様が? でもどうして......」俺の言葉に首を傾げるクレアさん。レオはシルバーフェンリルだから、その姿を見た人達は恐れる事が多かったんだが......これは一体。「カレスが上手くやったようですな」「どういう事ですか?」「タクミ様、ティルラお嬢様と一緒ですよ」「ティルラちゃんと?」「私ですか?」セバスチャンさんの言葉が何の事を言ってるのかわからず、ティルラちゃんを見る。お茶に息を吹きかけて冷ましていたティルラちゃんは、自分の名前が出た事を不思議に思って首を傾げた。「子供達がレオ様に人気なのでしょう? 恐らく、おとなしいレオ様に触れさせることで子供達を惹きつけて、その親たちも集めようという事なのだと思います」「......ティルラちゃんの時と同じように、レオと遊んで客寄せをするという事ですか?」「そういう事ですな。カレスはおとなしく、タクミ様の言う事を聞くレオ様を見て考えたのでしょう」成る程な......家族連れを狙ったわけか......。レオを見せ、子供達を引き寄せてる間に、その親へと薬草を売り込む算段なのかもしれないな。子供がいるなら、薬草は常備しておきたい物かもしれないしな。ティルラちゃんの時と同じように熱を出した時、すぐ使える薬草や薬があれば安心だろうからな。「ちょっと外に出て来ます」「はい。お気を付けて」俺はセバスチャンさんに言って、外に出る事にした。子供達に群がられてるレオがどうなってるか気になるからな。子供好きなレオではあるが、大勢の子供達に来られたら、対処に困る事があるかもしれない。「カレスさん、大丈夫ですか?」「おぉ、タクミ様。思った以上にレオ様の効果が出てしまいましてな。申し訳ありません」レオは子供達に撫でられたり、抱き着かれたりしているがおとなしくお座りしたまま動かない。しかし、その表情は俺を見付けて助けを求めるような目をしていた。 ......多分、ここまで大勢の子供達に来られるのが初めてで、どうすればいいかわからないんだろう。「初めての事だから戸惑っているようですね」「そうなのですか? 怒らないかと私は心配してましたが......おっと、順番ですよー! 一気に詰め寄ってはいけません!」子供達の対処に追われて、レオにどう接すればいいのかわからない様子のカレスさん。カレスさんは、勢いに任せてレオに飛びつこうとしている子供達を押さえようとしているが、子供の集団はそれだけじゃ止められない。親達も、何人かは子供を止めようとしているが、一度はしゃぎ始めてテンションの上がった子供は、簡単には止まらない。レオの方も、前の世界で子供達に囲まれた事はあるが、その時はせいぜい4~5人くらいだ。ここには20人以上の子供達がいるから、どうしていいかわからないんだろう。	“Some people won’t know what herb it is without an explanation.” You had to know what effect it would have before buying it. If you bought some without knowing what it does, it wouldn’t be very useful. Of course, there would likely be people who would want to ask directly for an explanation, and so the clerks had been instructed to talk with such customers. After the display table was set, the clerks came out from inside the shop. “We finished packaging them.” “Thank you. Now place them out right here.” “Yes.” The clerks followed Mr. Kalis’s order, and neatly placed the wrapped up herbs on the table. But once every type was lined up, I realized that one was missing. “There is no Loe? What happened?” “Loe is a very expensive herb. And so it will only be brought out when a customer asks for it. Besides, it’s possible that this place will get very crowded, so it may be dangerous to leave it out here.” “After all, someone might try to steal it.” Explained Mr. Kalis and Sebastian. That did make sense. I suppose there were people out there who would use the opportunity to steal something very valuable... I recalled the group of men who had stopped us during the last time I visited this town with Ms. Claire. Now that I think about it, I wonder what happened to them? Regardless, all the preparations for selling the herbs were complete. “Now, we only have to wait for some customers to arrive.” The clerks waited on the other side of the table. As Ms. Claire, Tilura, Sebastian, and I were not the ones selling it, we sat at a table inside of the shop, and waited. I couldn’t see what was happening outside, but we didn’t want to be seen in front of the store either. While Leo and Sherry were waiting outside with Nicholas, Mr. Kalis suggested that they might attract customers, and had them sit near the tables. I had told Leo to be calm and listen to what Mr. Kalis said, so I was sure that it would be fine. And while the clerks were a little alarmed when they first saw her, they were quite relieved by how gentle Leo was, and by the softness of her fur. “I want to touch it forever...” “I didn’t know that Silver Fenrirs were like this...” “I want to make a bed and pillow out of it...” They muttered to each other. However, I was the only one who could use Leo’s fur as a pillow. Though, Tilura did sometimes fall asleep while hugging Leo... I thought of such things as we waited inside and drank tea. “It’s starting to get noisy out there.” “Yes. I suppose this is the time when the most customers appear?” Said Sebastian and Ms. Claire. And so I listened carefully and... Yes, I could hear many voices coming from outside. It was right before midday, so perhaps there were more people walking around? “I’m going to go and have a look.” “Yes.” I said to Ms. Claire as I got up from the table and headed to the door. Then I opened it just a crack and peered outside. Indeed, there was a crowd of people surrounding the table in front of the store. “Would some herbs really attract so much attention?” I muttered, and then looked more closely. Mr. Kalis was walking around Leo and organizing a line. As for Leo, she was surrounded by children that were Tilura’s age, and around them, were adults who were likely their parents. It seemed that as there were too many people, they had moved away from the table with the herbs. Upon seeing this, I moved away from the door and returned to Ms. Claire and the others. “It looks like Leo is very popular with children...” “Leo? But why...” Ms. Claire looked puzzled when she heard this. As Leo was a Silver Fenrir, people would often be intimidated by her... So this was... “I think Mr. Kalis knew what he was doing.” “What do you mean?” “Mr. Takumi, they are just like Lady Tilura.” “Tilura?” “Me?” As I wasn’t sure what Sebastian meant, I turned to look at Tilura. She was blowing on her tea in order to cool it, and then looked up. Clearly she didn’t know why she was being talked about. “Children like Leo, don’t they? A calm and gentle Leo will attract children, who will bring their parents. And those parents might be customers.” “...So, like Tilura, they will want to play with Leo, and that will attract customers?” “Indeed. He probably got that idea after seeing how quiet and obedient Leo was.” I see... He targeted families then... Show Leo, and sell the herbs to the parents of the children who come. Besides, people with children might want to have a stock of medicinal herbs in the house. They could become ill, just like Tilura had. And so you could rest easy if you had some that were ready to use. “I’m going to go outside.” “Yes. Be careful.” I said to Sebastian, and then stepped outside. I was curious to see how Leo was handling all the attention. While she did enjoy playing with children, it would be quite different when there was a great crowd. Perhaps she wouldn’t know what to do. “How are things going, Mr. Kalis?” “Ah, Mr. Takumi. Your Leo was a lot more effective than I was expecting. I’m terribly sorry.” She was being petted and hugged by the children, but sat quietly and did not move. However, there was something in her expression when she looked at me that resembled a cry for help. ...I think that since it was her first time being with so many people, she did not know what to do. “This is her first time doing this, and she is a little taken aback, I think.” “Is that so? I was worried that she might get angry... Hey, wait in line! Don’t come in all at once!” Mr. Kalis was busy dealing with the children, but did not know how to handle Leo. He was doing his best to try and stop the children from charging into and jumping on Leo, but he just wasn’t enough to stop the mob. The parents also attempted to restrain their young, but once the children were excited, they could not be stopped easily. Leo had been surrounded by children back in our old world, but it was usually just four or five. But here, there were more than twenty surrounding her. So it was no wonder that she was at a loss.	{ "source": "manual-fanfic", "missed_lines": 2, "inserted_lines_src": 0, "inserted_lines_trg": 0 }
そして今なにが起こっているのかというと、世界中で病気の国際化が進んでいて世界中の人々が私たちアメリカ人のような食事をとり、私たちのような生活を送り、そして私たちのように死んでいます。例えばアジアのかつて最低だった心臓病、肥満、糖尿病患者数の水準は一世代にして失われ、今では世界的に見ても高い水準に達しています。次にアフリカでは、ほとんどの国で心臓病疾患患者数はHIVとエイズの死亡者数の数に匹敵します。つまり私たちには大きな可能性がたくされているのです。私たちは非常に多くの人々の人生に大きな影響を与え重要な差異を生み出すために世界規模で予防医学を実施しなければなりません。心臓血管疾患は依然として、この国だけでなく世界中で人々の命を奪っていますその数値は他の全ての原因で亡くなる人数の合計値以上です。しかし、たいてい誰にとってもこの種の病は予防可能なのです。予防可能というだけでなく、実際治療も可能なんです。ここ大体29年で、私たちは単純に食生活と生活習慣を変えるという技術も要せず低コストな対策が、どれほどまでに効果的かということを、これらのハイテクで高価な最先端機器を用いて証明してきました。どんな方法かと言うと、例えば定量的動脈造形法、介入前と後、そして心臓ポジトロン断層法。私たちが数ヶ月前に発表した研究は、初めて、前立腺の癌の進行は食生活と生活習慣を変えることで食い止めたり治癒することができるということを明らかにし、対照群の9%という値に対して、 70%の腫瘍成長の後退、または抑制を確認したのです。そして、ここにMRIとMRの画像があります、前立腺癌の活動は赤色で示してあります。一年後には収縮しているのがわかりますね。今日肥満が普及している。成人の2/3、子供の15%に上ります。私にとって本当に気になるのはここ10年で糖尿病患者数が70%も増加したということです。そして多分これが私たちの子供が私たちよりも短い人生を送ることになる初めての世代でしょう。残念です、これは予防可能なわけですから。見てください。これは選挙の投票数ではありませんよ。これは各州の肥満患者数の数を色で示しています。 1985年に始まり、'86年、’87年。CDCのホームページから引用しました。'88年、'89年、'90年'91年ここから新しい色が出てきます。'92年、'93年、'94年、'95年、'96年 '97年、'98年、'99年、2000年そして2001年、事態はさらに悪化します。なんだか私たちは退化してるみたいですね。そこで今私たちには何ができるのでしょうか?そう、私たちが発見した心臓病や癌を治す力を秘めている食事というのはアジアの食なんです。私たちのような食生活を始めています。これがアジアの人々が私たちのように不健康になりだした原因です。そこで私は数々の食の大企業と取り組んできました。彼らなら健康的な食べ物を面白く、セクシーに、現代的に、カリカリに、そして便利に出来ます。私はマクドナルド、ペプシ、コナアグラ、セーフウェイの諮問委員会会長を務めさせていただき、今後はデルモンテにも行くんですが、彼らにもよいビジネスチャンスだと理解いただけています。マクドナルドで売られているサラダはこの試みで誕生したもので、彼らはアジア風サラダを展開することになっています。ペプシでは2/3の収入成長は健康的な食品から生まれています。つまり、もし食生活の改善を達成できれば、資金をエイズやHIV,マラリアの治療のために本当に必要な薬品の購入、もしくは鳥インフルエンザの予防に回すことができるのです。ありがとう。	And what's happening is that there's a globalization of illness occurring, that people are starting to eat like us, and live like us, and die like us. And in one generation, for example, Asia's gone from having one of the lowest rates of heart disease and obesity and diabetes to one of the highest. And in Africa, cardiovascular disease equals the HIV and AIDS deaths in most countries. So there's a critical window of opportunity we have to make an important difference that can affect the lives of literally millions of people, and practice preventive medicine on a global scale. Heart and blood vessel diseases still kill more people -- not only in this country, but also worldwide -- than everything else combined, and yet it's completely preventable for almost everybody. It's not only preventable; it's actually reversible. And for the last almost 29 years, we've been able to show that by simply changing diet and lifestyle, using these very high-tech, expensive, state-of-the-art measures to prove how powerful these very simple and low-tech and low-cost interventions can be like -- quantitative arteriography, before and after a year, and cardiac PET scans. We showed a few months ago -- we published the first study showing you can actually stop or reverse the progression of prostate cancer by making changes in diet and lifestyle, and 70 percent regression in the tumor growth, or inhibition of the tumor growth, compared to only nine percent in the control group. And in the MRI and MR spectroscopy here, the prostate tumor activity is shown in red -- you can see it diminishing after a year. Now there is an epidemic of obesity: two-thirds of adults and 15 percent of kids. What's really concerning to me is that diabetes has increased 70 percent in the past 10 years, and this may be the first generation in which our kids live a shorter life span than we do. That's pitiful, and it's preventable. Now these are not election returns, these are the people -- the number of the people who are obese by state, beginning in '85, '86, '87 -- these are from the CDC website -- '88, '89, '90, '91 -- you get a new category -- '92, '93, '94, '95, '96, '97, '98, '99, 2000, 2001 -- it gets worse. We're kind of devolving. Now what can we do about this? Well, you know, the diet that we've found that can reverse heart disease and cancer is an Asian diet. But the people in Asia are starting to eat like we are, which is why they're starting to get sick like we are. So I've been working with a lot of the big food companies. They can make it fun and sexy and hip and crunchy and convenient to eat healthier foods, like -- I chair the advisory boards to McDonald's, and PepsiCo, and ConAgra, and Safeway, and soon Del Monte, and they're finding that it's good business. The salads that you see at McDonald's came from the work -- they're going to have an Asian salad. At Pepsi, two-thirds of their revenue growth came from their better foods. And so if we can do that, then we can free up resources for buying drugs that you really do need for treating AIDS and HIV and malaria and for preventing avian flu. Thank you.	{ "source": "iwslt2017", "missed_lines": null, "inserted_lines_src": null, "inserted_lines_trg": null }
これでもしジルが来たりしたら、私、戦えるのかしら......。もしそうなったら、私は死ぬかしら。ジルを守るって約束したんだもの。戦えっこない。薄っすらと霧が現れ、私は目を凝らして奥を見つめる。男性だということは分かった。ゆっくりと私の方へと近づいて来る。私は反射的に身構えた。いつどこから攻撃されるか分からない。相手は私を殺すつもりでいるのだもの。常に警戒をしておかないと。「............嘘でしょ」目の前に現れた人物に対して、私は大きく目を見開く。どうして............。私はその場に固まったまま、瞬きも忘れて彼をじっと見つめた。「ウィルおじさん」と微かに震えた声で呟いた。久しぶりに見た懐かしい彼の姿に私は思わず駆け出して抱きつきたくなった。その衝動をグッと堪える。私の目に映っているウィルおじさんは元気そうだ。とても斑点病にかかっているとは思えない。......幻だから当たり前かもしれないけれど。それでも元気なウィルおじさんの姿を見ることが出来て嬉しかった。いつもと変わらない優しさと温かさが滲み出ている。左目にある黄金の瞳に呆然としている私の姿が映っていた。「アリシア」と柔らかな声が耳に響く。その声に思わず涙が出てきそうになった。私の背中をいつも押してくれた大切な人。ウィルおじさんがいなければ私はここにいなかった。色んなことを沢山教えてくれた恩師でもあり、かけがえのない家族のような方だ。 ............そんな彼と戦えって言うの? 「わ、私、ウィルおじさんとは戦えませんわ」戸惑いつつも私はそう言った。その言葉にウィルおじさんは少し複雑な表情を浮かべる。「わしを倒さなければ、ここから出られないぞ。そして、成長もしない」「で、ですが......」どうして運命はこうも残酷なのだろう。私はここから出て、もっと強くなりたい。なりたい自分になるためには手段を選ばない。それが悪女だもの。 ......でも、ウィルおじさん相手だと話は違う。「私を殺すつもりで来なさい。それに、ここのわしは魔法が使えるようじゃ。手加減は無用だ」「......天才と言われた方の魔法を受けることが出来るなんて光栄ですわ」いつも通りの私でいようとなんとか強がって見せる。ウィルおじさんが魔法を使えるなんて............。私の理想だった。ずっと叶わない願いだと思っていたのに、この場所ではそれがあっさりと叶ってしまったのね。ずっと彼に憧れていた。ウィルおじさんの豊富な知識、あっと驚くような知恵、物事をいつも俯瞰的に見る力、人並外れた聴力、何が起こっても冷静であり課題解決能力に長けている。そして、悲惨な過去があるのに、それを感じさせない余裕さ。 ............きっとどこかで彼みたいになりたいと思っていた。だから、私の対戦相手はウィルおじさんなのかしら......。それなら、ジル相手の方が良かったわ。彼なら簡単に諦められたもの。けど、ウィルおじさん相手だと勝ちたいと思ってしまうのよね......。「ウィルおじさんも手加減しないでくださいね」私は口角を上げて、彼を真っすぐ見つめた。	If Gilles came, I wondered if I would be able to fight.... If that happened, would I die? I promised to protect Gilles. I couldn’t fight him. A thin mist appeared, and I stared into it. I could see that it was a man. He was slowly approaching me. I reflexively braced myself. I never knew when or where the attack would come from. He was planning to kill me. I must always be on my guard. “...You’re lying.” My eyes widened at the person who appeared in front of me. “Why...?” I remain frozen in place, staring at him, forgetting to blink. “Uncle Will,” I muttered in a slightly trembling voice. The sight of him, whom I had not seen in a long time, made me want to run and hug him. But I held back the urge. Uncle Will, that I saw in my eyes, seemed to be in good health. It was hard to believe that he had suffered from the spotted disease. It may be no surprise, though, since it was an illusion. Still, I was happy to see Uncle Will in good health. He exuded the same kindness and warmth as always. The golden eyes in his left eye reflected my stunned image. “Alicia,” a soft voice echoed in my ears. I almost cried at the sound of his voice. Uncle Will was the one who always had my back, the one who was so important to me. Without Uncle Will, I would not be here. He was my mentor who taught me so many things, and he was like an irreplaceable family member. ...Did it want me to fight against him? “I, I can’t fight against Uncle Will.” I said confused. Uncle Will’s expression became a little complicated at those words. “If you don’t beat me, you’ll never get out of here. And you won’t be able to grow up.” “But...” Why must fate be so cruel? I would like to get out of this place and become stronger. I would do anything to become the person I wanted to be. That was what being a villainess was all about. But with Uncle Will, it was a different story. “Come at me with the intent to kill me. Besides, I seem to be able to use magic here. You should not go easy on me.” “...I am honored to be able to receive the magic of someone who is said to be a genius.” I managed to show strength, trying to be my normal self. Uncle Will being able to use magic.... It was my ideal. I always thought it was a wish that would never come true, but in this place, it happened so easily. I had always admired Uncle Will’s wealth of knowledge, his astounding wisdom, his ability to always see things from a bird’s-eye view, his extraordinary listening skills, his ability to stay calm and solve problems, no matter what happened. He had a tragic past, but he never showed it. ...I was surely hoping to be like him someday. I wondered if that was the reason why my opponent was Uncle Will.... I would have preferred Gilles. I could have easily accepted defeat against Gilles. However, against Uncle Will, I wanted to win. “Please don’t go easy on me either, Uncle Will.” I raised a smile and looked him straight in the eye.	{ "source": "manual-fanfic", "missed_lines": 0, "inserted_lines_src": 1, "inserted_lines_trg": 0 }
「ねぇ、これからどうするの?」朝食を食べ終えつくとトトアラが立ち上がり、頬にえくぼを作りながらメルクに聞いて来た。「うーん、そうだな......」「何も決まっていないの? 私はこれからギルドへ行くんだけど、一緒に行かない? パーティーメンバーを紹介するわ」「うーん......いや、やめておこう。そう言えばしなければならないことを思い出した」「うん? 何をするの?」トトアラの言葉に、メルクは携えていた木の棒を掲げて見せる。「ああ。そろそろこいつを卒業しようと思ってな」 (たしか、この角を右に曲がるんだったが?) 宿を出てトトアラと別れたメルクは、彼女に教えられた武器屋を目指して歩いていた。もちろんその目的は、鉄製の剣を手に入れるためだ。それは「店で買って手に入るような武器では、硬化した木の棒にも劣るだろう」と言う偏見に満ちた考えからだったが、その思いは見事に『冒険者試験の最終試験とも言うべきあの『土竜』に対し、当然だが木の棒を突き刺すことができなかった。もっと言えば鱗を当然、硬い鱗に守られた内部は硬化した木の棒の衝撃によってかなりのダメージは受けていたはずだ。しかし『土竜』相手にあの様では、さらに強固な鱗や皮膚、毛皮を持つ相手には苦戦を強いられることだろう。そう考えて武器屋に向かっていれば、メルクは奇妙な事に気付いた。「うん? なんだあれ......あそこも......あの店も」さすがにエンデ市と並び大きな都市と称されるログホルト市だ。朝の時間帯でも行きかう人は多い。そんな中にあって、思わず声に出してしまうような妙な光景。なんと飲食店や雑貨屋、さらには衣料店などに同じような『大賢者様御用達』『大賢者様絶賛』『大賢者様一押し』「......これはあれか? 新手の宗教か何かか?」大賢者と言えば、たし雄の一人アスタードの異名だ。つまり、彼がこれらの店に訪れ品物を買ったことになる。そんな愉快な奴だっただろうか、あの男は。アスタードの生まれは、レザウ公国から北東に位置するスフィニア王国だった聞いている。レザウ公国のエンデ市とは縁もゆかりもないはずだが、一体この有様はどうしたことか。店が客を呼ぶためのハッタリにしたって堂々としすぎているし、あからさまな嘘は反感を買うだけだ。それを分からない店がこんなにあるとも思えない。それに行きかう人々はその幟には無反応か無頓着だ。避けるわけでもなくその幟が立てられた店に、気にした様子も見せず足を運んでいる。 (――まぁ、いいか。気にするだけ無駄だな) 多少驚きはしたが、メルクは首を振って再びトトアラに教えられた道を歩き始めた。仮にアスタードがこの街を訪れたことがあったとしても、すでに発っているはずだ。用もない場所に留まるような男ではない。そう割り切って武器屋に辿り着いたメルクは、「はぁ? ここもかっ」店の入り口横に立つ例の幟に、驚きを通り越して呆れてしまった。「『大賢者御用達』? いやいや、いくら何でもこれはない。魔法使いのあいつは、武器なんて必要としないはずだ。杖なんて武器屋には売っていないだろう......」基本的に剣士や戦士が用いるための武具と、魔法使いが使う道具は別々の店で販売されている。魔法使いの道具は『前世で大きな武器屋に訪れたことがあるメルクだが、そこにも魔導帽や魔法使い用の外套などは売られていなかった。そのことからも武器屋と魔導商はきっちりとつまり、この店をアスタードが御用達にする道理がないのだ。「うん、客か? 客ならとっとと入んな。入り口に立たれてたら邪魔だぜ」「あ、すまない」幟に視線を奪われ立ちつくしていたメルクは、背後から声を掛けられ、振り向いて謝罪した。「あなたはこの店の者か? この木の棒に代わる真剣が欲しいんだ。少し見させてもらえないか?」「あん? まじで客なのか......木の棒の代わりねぇ――まぁ、とにかく入んな」武器屋の男は木の棒をしげしげと眺め、それからメルクを引き連れ店内へと入る。うと、カウンターにいた少年へ声を掛けた。「おい、小僧。客は来たか?」「店長、お帰りなさい。いいえ、今日は冷やかしが一人来た程度で、客と呼べる人は来てません」「そうか。まぁ、朝早いしな。おい、小僧。この別嬪さんの剣を見てやんな」「え? お、俺がですか? このお姉さんの剣を俺が探すんですか?」「ああ。木の棒を卒業するんだと。お前見てやんな」どうやら武器屋の店主だったらしい男に軽くそう言われ、少年はおっかなびっくりと言ったありさまでカウンターで出てくる。メルクはそんな彼の様子を見て思わず苦笑した。ってもらうのはけっこうだ。剣なら自分で選ぶ」「馬鹿言うな。今まで木の棒を振り回してた奴に、真剣の何が分かるって言うんだ。重さ、長さ、得物の種類に剣の材質――いろいろ考慮しなきゃならないことがたくさんあるんだ。いいか? 重さって言っても剣単体の重さじゃねぇ。刀身にも柄にも適度な重さってもんがあってな、それが少しでも違うと剣に振り回されることになる。さらに言えば長さだってそうだ。刀身の長さも柄の長さも戦い方を左右するうえでの――」はけっこうだ。私とて、こう見えても長い間剣を振って来たんだ。今さら剣選びに苦慮しない」長々と得意げに語りだした店主の言葉を、メルクはそれこそ真剣のような鋭さをもって斬る。めた。「十四?」メルクのその返答に誰よりも素早く反応した少年は、店主にじろりと見られて慌てたように口を押える。そうして少年を黙らせてから、店主は腕を組んで挑むようにメルクを見下ろした。「はっ。本当に十四の小娘なら、十年どころか一ってところじゃねーか。そんな小娘が、一体どうやって自分に合った剣を選ぶって言うんだ?」「簡単だ。握って振る」なその言葉に、さすがに店主も一瞬押し黙った。しかしメルクの瞳に本気の色を感じ取ったのか、少しだけ口の端を吊り上げ微かに笑う。「......面白れぇ。じゃあ好きなようにやんな」そして一応は認めてくれたようだった。	“What are you doing after this, Merc?” Totoara rose after finishing her meal and inquired, her dimples visible in her smile. “I’m not sure...” “You haven’t decided on anything? Then how about joining me to the Guild? I’ll introduce you to my party while we’re at it.” “Um... I think I’ll pass. I remembered that there’s something that I must do.” “Hm? What is that?” Merc put her hand on the wooden stick dangling around her waist as Totoara asked. “I think it’s time I finally change this fella.” It was right at this corner, right? Merc was heading to a Weapon Shop that Totoara had pointed her to after saying their goodbyes at the inn. Merc’s purpose was, of course, to buy an iron sword. She hadn’t intended to buy a weapon in this city and intended to use her wooden stick until it broke. The Guran had utterly crushed Merc’s belief that as long as she covered her wooden stick in Mana, it wouldn’t be inferior to any weapon purchased in a store. Her wooden stick had failed to pierce through the Guran, who had emerged as the final challenge of the adventurer exam. It had barely managed to scrape its scales, never mind inflicting a wound. The Guran internals, which were protected by its scales, had undoubtedly sustained a great deal of damage as a result of the wooden stick’s strikes. But, if Merc had trouble defeating a Guran, what did it suggest for opponents with tougher scales, skin, or thick fur? She would likely be put in a difficult situation. Merc pondered as she made her way to the Weapon Shop. As she walked something strange caught her attention. “Hm? What in the... Why is this everywhere? That store too...” Even though it was still early in the morning, the streets were bustling with people. Logholt, like Ende, lived up to its reputation as a major city. Similar flags hung from restaurants, general stores, and even clothing stores. When one took a closer look at them, they appeared to be virtually identical. The Great Sage Buys Here! Great Review by the Great Sage!! The Great Sage For President!!! “What in the... Is this a new religion or something?” The Great Sage to whom all the flags alluded was most likely Astard, one of the Four Heroes. Which meant that Astard likely did shopping here. The Kingdom of Sphinia, located northeast of the Lezau Duchy, was Astard’s home. Astard shouldn’t normally be involved with the Lezau Duchy’s City, thus Merc was taken aback by the current scenario. It was far too extravagant for the flags to be a ruse to attract consumers, and if they were, it would only negatively impact business. There was no chance that so many of the stores here didn’t know that, Merc reasoned. Furthermore, the people who came in and out of these establishments seemed completely unconcerned by the flags. They were going about their business as usual, paying no attention to them. It was an odd sight to behold. Oh well, no point in thinking about it. Even if Astard had arrived here, he would have most likely departed by now. He’s not the sort to linger in a place with which he has no business with. Merc thought as she approached the Weapon Shop. “Huh? Here as well?!” Merc shouted as she noticed a flag placed on the right side of the entrance to the Weapon Shop. “‘The Great Sage Buys Here’? No, no. This is going overboard. He’s a mage. Why would he need a weapon?! And it’s not like Weapon Shops sell wands...” Weapons and equipment for swordsmen and warriors were normally sold in separate stores from those for magicians. Equipment for magicians could be found in stores known as Magic Shops. Merc had even visited major weapon stores in her previous life, but she had never seen one offer hats or cloaks for magicians. It seemed obvious that Weapon Shops and Magic Shops were distinct. Astard couldn’t possibly have bought anything here. “Hm? Are you a customer? If you’re one, then hurry up and go inside. You’re getting in the way by staying here.” “Ah! I’m sorry.” Merc, whose attention had been drawn entirely to the flag, abruptly turned around and apologized to the person who had spoken to her. “Do you work here? I want to replace this one with a proper sword. Could I have you show me around the inside?” “What? So, you’re really a customer? A replacement for this one huh... Well come on in, I’ll see what we can do.” After inspecting Merc’s wooden stick, the man gestured for her to enter the shop. When he entered, the man took a glance around before calling out to the young lad working at the counter. “Have there been any customers, boy?” “Welcome back, boss. No, nothing. There were some that looked at the goods, but I wouldn’t go as far as calling them customers.” “I see. Well, it’s still early. Boy, go ahead and help this missy find a sword.” “Huh? M-Me? You’re asking me to find a sword for this miss?” “That’s right. She’s apparently finally giving up on her wooden stick, so come and help her.” The young boy emerged from behind the counter when the man, who seemed to be the shop’s owner, said that. When Merc saw the boy, she unconsciously smiled. “Boss, there’s no need. I can pick a sword myself.” “Don’t be stupid. What does a kid, who’s only swung a wooden stick up until now, know about swords? Weight, length, materials... There’s a lot of things you need to consider when buying a sword. And when I say weight, I don’t just mean the sword’s weight as a whole. The weight of the sword’s blade and handle should be perfectly balanced. You’ll be the one being swung about by the sword, not the other way around, even if the weight is slightly wrong. That also applies to its length. The length of a sword’s blade and handle can greatly impact how a battle unfolds...” “Thank you for the information, but, despite my appearance, I’ve been wielding a sword for quite some time. I won’t struggle finding one myself.” Merc said firmly, interrupting the shop’s owner, who had been speaking so proudly. “I’m .” “?” The boy was the first to respond in disbelief. However, as the shop’s boss glared at him, he quickly shut his mouth. The shop’s boss crossed his arms and glanced down at Merc after glaring at the youngster. “Hmph! If you’re , you’ve only had one or two years with a sword, let alone ten. Just how in the world is a young missy such as you going to find a sword?” “Easy. By swinging one.” Merc’s simple reply stunned the shop’s owner. When the shop’s owner noticed the light in Merc’s eyes, he just smiled and replied, “Interesting. Have it your way then.” With that he gave Merc his approval.	{ "source": "manual-fanfic", "missed_lines": 7, "inserted_lines_src": 19, "inserted_lines_trg": 3 }
魔力蓄過症の治療薬を服用するようになってから月の時が過ぎた。問題の魔力吸引行為だが、自宅ではフィニアに、学院ではコルティナに行ってもらう事で事なきを得ている。これが普通の子供だったら熱っぽい表情で済んだのかもしれないが、俺は頭抜けた美貌を持つため、見る者にアヤシイ妄想を呼び起こしてしまうようである。とにかく、女教師と人目のない教室に入り込み、出てくる時は紅潮した表情で出てくるものだから、怪しい噂が立っていたりいなかったりするが、俺の虚弱体質は有名だったので、治療という事で納得してもらっていた。そんなこんなで月日は経ち、ようやく普通の子供程度の健康さを手に入れたのである。「よ、よせ......くるな」しかしその後退も長くは続かない。既にここは行き詰まり。後退する余裕はもはや存在しなかった。「それだけは、断固としてことわる!」「えー、なんでよ? 可愛いじゃない?」俺の拒否の言葉に、コルティナは愛らしく首を傾げて見せた。その手には学校指定の水着が吊るされている。入学してから月以上。もうすぐ水練の教科も採用される時期。フリルやレースの付いた服にも慣れた。丈の短めのスカートにも諦めがついた。だがそれだけは......勘弁してほしい。「そうは仰られましても、水練の授業は教科に組み込まれてますし、受けないと単位がもらえませんよ?」「うう、フィニアも敵か」「そんな、敵だなんて。ただ水着姿のニコル様も可愛いかと思っただけで」頬に手を当て、恍惚とした表情を浮かべるフィニア。おそらく俺の水着姿を思い浮かべているのだろうが...... 「フィニア、帽子をかぶるから、そのリボンはいらない。あとソックスも」「あら、これは水に入るまで冷えないようにという気配りです。後リボンは私がニコル様を飾りたいだけですので」「もはや味方はいない!?」しかし拒否したところで、フィニアの主張も一理も二理も存在する。学院の教科に組まれている以上、俺に逃れる術はない。再調整する時間も考えれば、この時期に衣装合わせをするのも、あながち間違いではない。「うう、いっそ殺せ」「なぜそこまで悲壮感を漂わせるのか。たかが水練の授業じゃない?」このラウムは森林に囲まれた大国である。そして同時に、森を支えるだけの水脈の走った土地でもあった。国土の各所を縦横無尽に河川が走っており、冒険者にしろ軍に入るにしろ、渡河を経験しない訳にはいかない。サイズはかなり大きめで、このまま泳いだら胸元がずれ落ちそうなサイズだった。「やっぱりかなり大きい」「病気は治ったはずなのに、食欲は今まで通りだから仕方ないわね」「胃の大きさまで治る訳じゃないし」「ニコル様は小さいくらいが可愛らしくていいですよ。でも、たくさん食べてもらいたい気持ちはありますが」毎朝、彼女と唇を合わせて以来、彼女との距離が少し近付いた気がする。「フィニア、いい子」「もう、ニコル様ってば。これじゃどっちが年上かわかりませんね」「ああ、フィニアってばズルい! ニコルちゃん、私は?」「教師が『頭撫でて』って要求するな。ほんとにもう」そう言いながらも、コルティナを撫でる。フィニアのセリフじゃないがどっちが年上かわかった物じゃない。ひとしきりスキンシップを堪能した後、俺は水着を脱ぎにかかる。この時期にこの格好では、さすがに寒すぎる。あれから一ヵ月、人目を忍んで鍛錬に励み、それなりに力も付いてきた......気がしている。女性の身体である以上、ゴリゴリのマッチョになるつもりはあまりないが、それでも適度な筋肉は欲しい。「やはり運動が足りないのだろうか?」「ニコル様は必要以上に活発だと思われますが?」「もっと鍛えよう。決意」「やめてください、わりとマジで」日が昇っている内はミシェルちゃんとレティーナに連れ出され、実戦とは名ばかりの狩猟に出かけ、夜は夜で人目を忍んでクラウドと剣の鍛錬。だが不思議と俺の身体に傷跡は残っていない。ミシェルちゃんは結構あちこちに細かな傷が残っているのだが。これもあの神様の加護なのかもしれない。	It has been a month since I’ve started taking the Magic Buildup Disease medicine. Since then, while I felt dizzy at times, the incidents where I suddenly lost all my strength and fainted drastically decreased. The matter of absorbing my magic proceeded without problems, Finia doing it at home and Cortina at the academy. Naturally, all while avoiding the public eyes. Since that sensation was giving me indescribable feelings of exhaustion, my expression at that time wasn’t something I could show to people. If it was an ordinary child, it could be passed off as a feverish face, but I was quite a beauty so it could invoke some wild ideas in others. Either way, I was entering secluded classrooms with a female teacher and came out with a flushed face, so it did cause some strange rumors, but since everyone was aware of my weak constitution, they were convinced that it was due to the treatment. Days passed as such, and I finally reached the level of the healthiness of ordinary children. However... a new crisis approached me now. “S-Stop... Stay away!” I slowly retreated behind as the personification of ill will sidled up to me. However, that didn’t continue for long, for my path of retreat was cut. There was no running away now. “I refuse that with all my might!” “Ehh, why? Isn’t it cute?” She inclined her head puzzled at my extreme denial... While holding the school swimsuit in her hands. A girl’s, of course. It was a deep blue swimsuit made by a combination of several thick fabric. The chest area was mostly covered, but the arms and legs were left completely bare. It had already been over two months since I enrolled in this academy. It was already time for me to take on the swimming subject. And for that reason, I was trying to flee from Cortina who sidled up to put that swimsuit on me. With. All. I. Had. I got used to clothes with frills and lace. I even resigned myself to short skirts. But this... No way I was gonna wear this. “Even if you say it, swimming is going to be added to your lessons, so you are going to lose credits if you don’t take it, you know?” “Ugh, so you’re betraying me too, Finia.” “No such thing. I simply thought you looked really cute in the swimsuit, Lady Nicole.” Finia answered with an ecstatic expression on her face. She was probably recalling how I looked in the swimsuit... But what about the things on top of that swimsuit? Where was the need to wear those kneesocks and ribbons!? “Finia, I’ll wear that hat, but I don’t need those ribbons. Or those socks.” “Oh my, I prepared this so you stay warm until you enter the water. As for these ribbons, I just wanted to decorate you with them.” “Do I have no allies left!?” Though I refused, there was a grain or two of logic in her statement. Now that I was included in the swimming lessons, I had no way of escaping from it. Plus, I had to get the suit’s size right while I could, or it could slip off during the swimming. Considering the time for readjustment, trying it on now wouldn’t necessarily be a mistake. “Ugh, just kill me at once!” “Why are you making such a tragic tale out of it? It’s just a swimming class, isn’t it?” Raum was a big country surrounded by woodlands. It was also located on the water veins that supported the said woodlands. Rivers branched into every part of the country, so whether you became an Adventurer or joined the army, you had to have experience in crossing rivers. For that reason, I had to at least learn how to swim. I tried on the swimsuit, but my denial for the kneesocks remained firm. It was quite big in size, enough that its chest would slip off if I swam with it. “So it was too big after all.” “Her illness should be cured, but her appetite didn’t change, after all.” “It’s not like the medicine affected the stomach’s capacity.” “Lady Nicole looks cute when she’s so small. But I do feel the urge to feed her lots.” She put hands on my shoulders from behind and rubbed her cheek on me. I felt that the distance between us shortened a bit since we started kissing every morning. I put my hand on her head and patted her. “Finia, you are a good girl.” “Geez, Lady Nicole. It’s hard to tell which one of us is older here.” “Aah, Finia, no fair! What about me, Nicole?” “Teachers shouldn’t ask for headpats. Good grief.” Though I said that, I still patted her too. I’d be repeating Finia, but which one of us was an adult here? After having our fill of skinship, I started taking off the swimsuit. Remaining in it in this season felt too cold. After taking it off, I looked over my bare limbs. They were so slim that, put nicely, were like a fairy’s, but put badly, were like withered branches. I kept on training in secret for the entire month since then and I became quite strong... Is what I feel. But I didn’t gain any muscle at all. Given that I was a girl now, I had no intention of turning into a brawny macho, but I still wanted some muscle. My overall physical strength improved, but it was still below an average child. I started feeling the progress in proportion to the decrease in my faints. “Do I lack training, after all?” “I believe you are more than active enough already, though?” “I decided. I should train some more.” “Please don’t. I’m quite serious.” While I didn’t faint lately, Finia didn’t stop worrying whenever I went off somewhere and returned with scratches. While the sun was up, Michelle and Letina took me out for hunting—which was actual combat in name only—and at night I snuck out and had sword training with Cloud. I didn’t find any formidable opponents since then, but running around in the forest was bound to give me scratches. Surprisingly enough, however, no scars remain on my body. Michelle had small ones all over her body, though. This, too, might’ve been part of the blessings I received from that goddess.	{ "source": "manual-fanfic", "missed_lines": 0, "inserted_lines_src": 21, "inserted_lines_trg": 0 }
「へっくちょい!!!」うう、さぶ......太陽が昇っている、朝か......。アルムガムは基本的に暖かく気温も安定しているらしいが流石に石で作られた床の上で寝ては寒い。で、なんで我輩はこんな床で寝ていたのだ......? 「ク~カ~ク~カ~」我輩が寝るはずだった暖かそうなベッドの上で精霊が涎をたらして眠っている......ハッ、思い出した! 「おいこら! 貴様! 起きろ!」精霊の体を持ち上げ大きく揺らすがまったく起きる気配がない。「むにゃむにゃもう食べられない......」「そんな古典的な寝言はいいわ!! 昨晩のことで――」 ――コンコンん? 誰かがノックしている、こんな朝早く誰だ? 《おはようございます。デール殿、エリン殿、起きておられますか?》「あん?」デール? 誰だ? そいつは? この部屋には我輩と、この精霊だけだが。《デール殿? エリン殿? まだ寝ておりますか? おやすみの所を申し訳ありませんが起きて下さい》「んあ~デール~? 呼ばれているよ~? 起きているのなら返事しないと駄目じゃん」目を覚ましたのか、精霊は目を擦りながら我輩の顔を見ている。こいつが見ているのはどう見ても我輩だよな、いや我輩はデイルワッツであってデールと言う名では......あ、そうか、今の自分は「デールという名の人間」だった! 《話し声がするのにおかしいな......デール殿! 何かありましたか!?》扉を打ち破りそうな勢いで叩き出したぞこいつ、早く返事をせねば! 「いっいや、問題ない、何だ?」《いえ、何もなければよかったです、でしたらすぐにご支度をお願いします。国王様がお待ちになっておられますゆえ》「あ......ああ、わかった」国王の下に行くだと......それは魔王討伐しに行けと言われるのが目に見えてわかる、というかそれしかありえない。「まずい、結局逃げ出せないまま王に会わねばならなくなってしまった......このままでは本当に我輩が勇者として我輩を討伐しないといけないではないか、いやその前に同胞と戦うはめに。――む~~~~ん!!」「デールってば頭を抑えてぶつくさとぼやき出しちゃった。......ん? 何か外が騒がしいな」こっちが悩んで頭痛までしてきたのにあの精霊やつ、外なんか見よってからに。「デール!! 外!! 外を見て見て!!」外の何かを見た精霊がえらい興奮しながら我輩の傍に飛んできた。「うるさい! 今考え事をだな――ってだから人の話を聞け! おい!」精霊に無理やり窓際までつれて来られてしまう。一体外に何が......ってただ城の兵士達が朝の鍛錬をしているの姿があるだけではないか。「すごいよね~たくさんいるのもそうだけど、よくみんな息ぴったりで動けるよね~」兵士......そうか、その手があるではないか! 「ハハハ、チョッハハハハ!!」「ちょデール!? どうしたの!? 何その奇声は!? 気持ち悪い!! ......少し離れておこ」そうだった、人間というものは集団で動くもの、侵攻した時も奴らは隊列を組対抗してきた。我輩もその一団の中に入るという事になる。だとしたら我輩は戦っているフリをして人間を盾にし身を守り、隙をみて誰でもいいから魔族と合流すればいい。我ながらいい考えだ! 「は? いまなんと......?」ライリーの奴今なんと言った......? 我輩の聞き間違えか......? それともライリーの言い間違い......? 「聞こえなかったのか? エリン殿はデールと自分だけで十分だと言って騎士達は魔王軍の防衛のため、そちらに回してほしいと気遣いをしてくれたのだ。恥ずかしい話だが、その申し出ありがたく受けたいと思っている......今は少しでも兵力を蓄えておきたいのだ、すまない」首を回し精霊のほうを向いた時ぎぎぎっと油の切れたブリキ人形のような音がしたような気がする、精霊が自分を見ている事に気がついたのか我輩に向かって思いっきりのドヤ顔をして親指を立てた。「貴様なんてことを......」「しかしこちらとてたった二人で送り出す事は出来ぬ、そこで、だ」ライリーが手に持っていた杖を床に軽く叩くき、それを合図にデーヴァンがうなずく、一体何事だ? 「ベルトラ・トゥアン前に!!」「はっ!」左右に並んでいた騎士の列から一人抜け、ライリーの元に歩いて来た。その騎士の背丈はエリンと同じくらいか、王国の紋章が入った赤いマントと銀の鎧、栗色のセミショートで歳は先ほどの声を聞く限り声変わりしていないのか高かった、という事はまだ幼子だろうか? だとすればそんな者まで騎士になっているとはよっぽど人手不足なのだろう。しかし腰の左に2本の剣を据えるとはますます奇妙な騎士だな。「アルムガム王国騎士団、騎士ベルトラ・トゥアン御身の前に」「うむ。デールよ彼女を連れて行ってほしい、もともと討伐の志願していたうえに腕も立つお墨付きだ」「彼女? え? 彼の間違いじゃ?」完全に少年騎士と思い込んでいた、そんな寸胴の鎧を着けておれば誰だってそう思うぞ。「な!?」ベルトラとかいう奴が勢いよく振り返り我輩を睨みつけてきた。「誰が男だ! 私は女・・・だあ!?」振り返った騎士と我輩の目があってしまった、あれ? こいつどこかで見たような......。 ――あ! こやつは我輩がアルムガムに来たときにぶつかっていきなり我輩の顔を殴りつけてきたあの人間ではないか!! 「貴様は、あの時の小僧ではないか!!」「貴様は、あの時の......ってだから私は女です!!」いやだって、あの時の言動といい、この見事にまっ平らの鎧、男にまちがえられてもおかしくないだろう。「ちょ!? どこ見ているんですか!? この変態!!」まさかアルムガムの騎士だったとは......って誰が変態だ! 「いや、それよりも......まずい。まさか勇者だったんて......あの時の事で怒って同行を拒否されるかもしれない......きちんと謝罪しとくべきだったか、いや今は過ぎた事を悔やんでもしょうがない。何とかここは誤魔化して......」何だ、何かぶつぶつと呟いておるが......本当にこいつで大丈夫なのだろうか。「おお、そなたらもう顔を合わせておったのか」顔合わせというかなんと言うか......。「いや、こいつは――いっ!?」こいつ、我輩の手の甲を足で思いっきり踏みやがった。「はい、儀式の前に少々......陛下、自分の身勝手な志願を汲み取っていただき感謝します」「よいよい、そなたの祖父や父には世話になった、せめてこのくらいはさせてほしい......」「ありがたき幸せ、このベルトラ・トゥアン必ずや――」え、何か話が勝手に進んでおるような? いやいや、我輩はこんな乱暴者と同行なんぞ認めたくないんだが!?	“Achoo!!!” Uuh, sniffle......The sun as risen. It’s morning, huh......? Alumgam is usually warm and its temperature seems to be stable as well, but I felt cold as I slept on the floor made of stone after all. So, why was I sleeping on the floor......? “Ku~ ka~ ku~ ka~” The spirit was sleeping on the warm bed I was supposed to lie on while drooling......Hah, I remembered! “Hey, you! *****! Get up!” I lifted the Spirit’s body and shook it strongly but she didn’t make any signs of waking up. “Munya, munya I can’t eat any more......” “Don’t spit out such classic sleep talk! About last night–” ――Knock, knock Hm? Who on earth would come knocking the door this early in the morning? “Good morning, Dale-dono, have you woken up?” “Huh?” Dale? Who’s that? There are only me and that Spirit......Ehm, I think it was Erin. Anyway, there are only us two in this room. “Dale-dono? Are you still asleep? I apologize for disturbing your sleep, but would you please wake up?” “Hey~ Dale~? You’re getting called, you know~? If you’re awake shouldn’t you answer?” The Spirit, who seemed to have woken up, looked at my face while rubbing her eyes. The one this fellow is looking at is me, no doubt about it, but I’m Dalewatts and not Dale...... Ah, right, the current me is [The Human called Dale]! “How weird, I can hear voices from inside...... Dale-dono!? Did something happen?!” That person knocked with such force that they could send the door flying. I have to quickly answer! “N-no, there’s no problem. What is it?” “My word, it’s good that nothing occurred. I would ask you to get ready in a timely manner, as the king is awaiting you” “Ye......yeah, got it” Telling me to bow down to the king...... and what’s more the Demon Lord you’re telling me to subjugate is right before your eyes, you know? There’s no way I can do this “Crap, so I have to go meet the King with no way to escape, huh?...... If things continue like this I won’t have any other choice but to punish my people as the hero, no, for me to fight against my own people in the first place is– Mu~~~~n!!” “Come on, Dale, what are you holding your head and grumbling for?....... Hm? Outside’s kind of noisy” Even though I was suffering here and about to get a headache that Spirit went to look outside. “Dale!! Outside! Look, look outside!!” The Spirit, who seemed to have seen something outside, flew to my side in great excitement. “Shut up! I’m thinking right now so –Listen to people when they talk! Hey!!” I was forcefully brought to the window by the Spirit. What exactly is there outside...... Wait, isn’t it just the castle’s soldiers having their morning training? “Amazing, right~? Though there are so many of them, they all move with their breaths synchronized, see~?” Soldier......I see, there was that way as well! “Hahaha, Chohahahaha!” “Wai, Dale!? What’s the matter?! What’s with this bizarre laugh?! Do you feel sick?!...... I’ll go slightly further away” That’s how it was. Humans are beings that work in groups. Even when we invaded we went up against such formations. So I’ll enter such a group as well. So I can just pretend like I’m fighting, use the humans as my shields and join up with the demon’s side as soon as there’s a gap. That’s a good idea if I do say so myself!! “Hah? What did you say just now......?” What did that Riley say just now......? Did I mishear......? Or did Riley make a mistake......? “Didn’t you hear? Erin-dono said that Dale and herself were enough and that the knights should return to defending against the Demon Lord’s army. It’s rather embarrassing, but I’d like to gratefully accept that offer...... I want to reserve some troops right now, I apologize” When I turned my head towards the spirit like a rusty mechanical doll, she seemed to have noticed that I was looking at her and wore a proud expression on her face while giving me a thumbs-up. “You ***, what did you......” “However, I can’t just send you two out on your own, now.” Riley lightly hit the stick he was holding on the floor and Devan nodded having seen the signal. What on earth is going on? “Bertra Toan, step forward!!” “Yes!” One of the knights, who stood in rows to the left and right, stepped forward and walked before Riley. That knight’s height was about the same as Erin’s. Over the silver armour, he wore a red cloak with the kingdom’s coat of arms on it. He had chestnut coloured hair and didn’t seem to be that old as his voice was still high, rather wasn’t he still a young brat? It’s probably the lack of people that made them hire such people. However, what a weird knight having two swords hanging on his left side. “Alumgam Knight Order’s Bertra Toan, at your service!” “Umu. Dale, I want you to take her with you. She originally applied to be part of the subjugation party.” “Her? Eh? Didn’t he mean him?” I was convinced that was a boy knight. Anyone would think that if that person were to wear a full set of armour like that. “Wha!?” That fellow called Bertra vigorously turned his head and glared at me. “Who is a man? I am a woman ... Aah!?” The eyes of the knight who turned his head and mine met, huh? Where have I seen that fellow before......? ――Ah! It’s that human who ran into me when I came to Alumgam and hit me in the face! “You ***, you’re that boy from that time!!” “You ***** are the one from that time...... Rather, as I said, I am a woman!!” No, I mean, with the way you acted and spoke back then along with this perfectly flat armour it’s no wonder you’ll get mistaken as a man. “Wai!? Where are you looking?! You pervert!!” For her to possibly be part of Alumgam’s Knights...... Wait, who’s a pervert?! “No, more importantly...... Crap. For him to be the hero...... I was so angry at that time, he might refuse to travel together with me...... I should have apologized properly, no, there’s no use in crying about spilt milk. I have to deceive him somehow......” What? She’s mumbling about something...... Is that fellow really alright? “Ooh, have you met each other before?” What does he mean with “have you met each other before”?...... “No, this fellow ha–Iih!?” That lass, she stepped on the back of my hand with all her might. “Yes, shortly before the ceremony...... You’re Majesty, thank you for accepting my selfish request” “Good, good, I was in the care or your father and grandfather, so this is the least I could do......” “You have my full gratitude, this Bertra Toan will by all means–” Eh, doesn’t it seem like this talk is progressing without my consent? No, no I don’t want to accept this rowdy person as a companion!?	{ "source": "manual-fanfic", "missed_lines": 1, "inserted_lines_src": 5, "inserted_lines_trg": 0 }
「えええええええええっ! じ、じゃああのグレートポーション、アリムちゃんが作ったの? 出したんじゃなくて?」「だから、そうなんだって......。本当に驚いたよ」リロさんの驚愕の声が響く。リロさんに、ルインさんがなんでこんなに早く回復したか、どこからグレートポーションを入手したかを話したんだ。「実はアリムちゃん、12歳じゃなくて80歳とかなんじゃ......?」「ボクはまだ12ですよっ! だいたい、見た目が子供で、実年齢は70~80とかってありえないじゃないですか~っ!」「ありえなくはないよな? 不老のスキルとか、若返りのスキルとか、あ、あとエルフとかドワーフとかってのもだな...」この世界、ドワーフとかエルフとかもいるのか。マジ、ファンタジー。というかスキル、なんでもありだな。「エルフはないんじゃないかな? 80歳のエルフって、見た目30代だし」「......。ところで、アリムちゃん、いつまでグレートポーションを作ってるんだい?」そうなのだ。俺はまだグレートポーションを作り続けている。ここにあるフラスコみたいなの全部分作ってやるぜっ! もうすでに20本できてるし。あ、いいわけいいわけ。「えっと......。このお薬、貴重らしいのでお世話になった御礼に、作れるだけ作っていこうかなぁ......っ。」それを聞いて、慌ただしく作業していたガーベラさんが、「気にしなくていいのよ! 本当にっ!」なんて言ってる。うーん。置いていきたいなぁ...。あ、そうだ。薬草とフラスコ数本もらう代わりにこのポーション置いてくってのはどうだろう? ぜひ、薬草は欲しいな。「じゃあ、ボクに、薬草と10本くらいの瓶を下さい! そのかわりに......このポーションを置いていくって...ことじゃ...ダメ......ですか?」上目遣いをして目をウルウルさせてみたり。「うっ!? ほ、本当にそれでいいのかしらっ?」「はい、ここにある10本!どうぞっ!」 (ニコっ) 「.........私の負けね。10本、ありがたく貰うわ。それで、薬草の持ち運びはどうするの?」そのあてはある。このポーチだ。「あ、あの......実はこれ......」「あら、この小物入れがどうかしたの?」俺はこの部屋にある机をポーチから出し入れして見せた。「あら、ずいぶんと入るバックなのね~。それだけのもの出し入れできるマジックバックは中々のお値段のはずよ?どのくらい入るかで、あげれる量が変わるわよ?で、どのくらい入るの?」無限にって言おうと思ったけど、無限収納って国宝級だったね。また騒がれるかもしれない。やめとこう、正直に言うのは。「わかんないです......」「そうか、アリムちゃん...記憶がね......。そうだわ! 馬車は、村してから王都に戻るの。つまりは今日、馬車が来るってことね。その馬車にはいつも、この村の特産のカバとかの野菜を買いにきて、いろんな道具を村に売る、商人さんも乗ってるんだけど、半年に一回、その来る商人さんが商人組会の幹部さんだったりすることがあるのよね。前にその商人さんが来たのは丁度半年前の今ぐらいだったから、もしかしたら、その人かもしれないわ。その人だったら、そのポーチを鑑定できるはず! その商人さんに、鑑定してもらいましょう!」「は.........はい......」うーん。中々にマズイぞ...くそっ。諦めるしかないか。ポーションは貰って欲しいな。「鑑定してもらいます......」「んふふ、じゃ、私は宴の準備を続けるわね!お楽しみに!」そう言って、ガーベラさんは去っていった。「10本もっ! 太っ腹だなぁ。ところで、なんでアリムはまだポーションを作ってるんだ?」オルゴさんは話し終わった俺に聞く。「あとはみなさんの分ですよっ!」「え、いいのかい? でも僕たちにかわりにあげられる物は何もないよ?」「でしたら、なにか教えて下さい......。そうだなぁ......お金...とか?」「あの、アリムちゃん? そんなのでいいんですか?」「はいっ」「がははははは、アリムよ、おめぇグレートポーション作れんのに変なこと忘れてんだな!」と、ルインさんはいいながら彼の懐から数枚の角が丸い形をしたコインを取り出した。「いいかい、お金はね、「ベル」って言うんだ。そして、6種類の硬貨があるんだ。銅貨→大銅貨→銀貨→大銀貨→金貨→大金貨の順にね。銅貨は1枚1ベル、大銅貨は1枚10ベル、銀貨は一枚100ベル、大銀貨は1000ベル、金貨は1万ベル、大金貨は10万ベル。ちなみに、大金貨15枚で安い一軒家を買えるよ!ちなみグレートポーションは一個30万ベルさ。」えーっと、ポーション一個で大金貨3枚?15枚で安い一軒家だから...日本円にして1枚100万円!?それが3枚、300万円か。「ありがとうございます。じゃ、コレ、貰ってください」「アリムちゃん、話聞いてた?」「はい、そんな貴重な物を私は作れるんです。渡せる人に渡すべきでしょう?」「わぁっ! アリムちゃん! すっごくいい娘っ!ギューっ!」リロさんに抱きしめられた。息がぐるじぃ......。	「Eeeeeehhh! Th, that great potion... t was Alim-chan who “created” that?」「As I have told you, that’s how it is...... I was also really surprised」 Lilo-san was startled. After I explained about them how Ruin-san and Lilo-san recovered so quickly, and also where I got the Great potions. 「Is Alim-chan not actually , but an years old sage?」「I’m just a 12 years old child, why would you assuming I’m already 70-80 years old, that is definitely not true!」「It’s not impossible you know, with skill that prevent aging, or a rejuvenating skill, or maybe a long live tribe like elves and dwarfs」 Does this world have dwarves and elves? Seriously, fantasy. Even skills and everything. 「Are there really elves? 80 year old elves that look like in their 30’s」「... .... By the way, Alim, are you still making those great potions?」 That’s right. I am still making more great potions. I’m making it in this flasks here. 20 bottles have already been made. Ah, don’t mind it, don’t mind it. 「Etto ... .... Regarding this medicine, because it seems to be really valuable, I would like to make as much as I can, I’ll also give some as thanks for taking care of me.」 The moment Gerbera-san who busily working heard what I said 「You don’t have to worry about us! Seriously」 That’s what she said, Un... Then I’ll be keeping it for myself then. Ah, that’s right. How about gave this potion in exchange for herbs and flasks? By all means, I want medicinal herbs. 「Then, could you please prepare medicinal herbal plants and about 10 empty bottles! And those will be exchanged with these potions ... ... Will that .. be no good ...?」 Let’s try by showing those all good puppy eyes. 「Uuu... Is it really alright?」「Hai!... 10 bottles... Please have it...」 (Smile...) 「...Haaah... I give up... 10 bottles is it... I really appreciate it... Thank you.... So how will you be carrying the herbs?」 I take that out my pouch. 「A.. anou...it’s this here」「Ara... that cute pouch... Is there something wrong with it?」 I take out the pouch I was keeping in the desk in the room. 「Ara..Could it be that bag is that kind... That kind of magic bag? The ones where the price depends on how much you can store?」 I almost said that it can store at infinite amount. Infinite storage is a national treasure after all. It will definitely be a fuss again if they knew. Let’s stop this, let’s just keep it a secret from now on. Let’s just say I don’t really know how much it can store. 「I...I don’t really know how much it can store...」 And also that carriage will come today... It will always go to the village to buy some special vegetables such as hippo-grass from this village and sell various tools, 「Wa... .... ... Hai... ... ...」 Errr... that... that’s bad... tsk.... Do I have no choice but to give up. Maybe I can bribe them with a potion. 「Have appraisal ... ....」「Fu fu fu...Well, I will continue the preparations for the feast! Look forward to it!」 After saying that, Gerbera-san went away. 「I have ten bottles! That should be enough. By the way Alim, why do you still make potions」 Orgo-san came over after I finished talking. 「The rest are for everyone!」「Eh...Really? But is there anything you want more in return?」「Maybe I could exchange it for something? Like you know... money or something」「Anou, Alim, are you really ok with that?」「Yah!」「Gahahahahahahaha... Alim... You... I forgot that you were really someone weird who can even make great potion」 Then.. Ruin-san took a pouch from his pocket... That contains several rounded coins... 「Okay listen... This here is money they call it [Bell]. And there are six kind of coins. from Copper to large copper coin → silver coin → large silver coin → gold coin → large gold coin. Copper is one bell, one large coin is 10 bells, one silver coin is 100 bells, one big silver coin is 1000 bells, the big silver coin is 10,000 bells, the gold coin is 100 thousand bells, the big gold coin is 1 million bells. 」 If I’m not mistaken... 1 potion is worth 3 gold coins... A cheap house is worth 15 gold coins... 「Thank you... I really appreciate it... I got it...」「Alim-chan... Were you really listening...」「Yes, I can make such valuable things, I should be careful on who I deal with them?」「Wow! Alim-chan! such a smart girl! Gyuuu!」 I was suddenly hugged by Lilo. Ah... Can’t breathe	{ "source": "manual-fanfic", "missed_lines": 5, "inserted_lines_src": 1, "inserted_lines_trg": 3 }
それも仕方あるまい。午前中は行方不明者の捜索に当てたのだから。むしろ半日に満たない時間で解決できたのは、僥倖と言えた。マイキーの母親、ジェシカさんも、あの後丁寧に謝罪とお礼を言ってくれたので、気分良く昼食を取ることができる。ここは首都に近い観光地で有り、森の中ゆえに食材の特産も違う。そこいらの食堂とは言え、この地でしか口にできないものも多い。俺はニガウリの豚肉炒めを注文し、独特の風味に舌鼓を打っていた。「ふつう子供は嫌がるんですけどねぇ。ニコル様は好き嫌いが無いというか......」「そういえば豆茶も好きだったわよね。ミルクと砂糖は入れたり入れなかったりで」「甘いのも苦いのも好きなようですね」俺は子供の味覚を多分に残しているので、甘い飲み物も大好物だ。前世でも甘いものは好きな部類である。「ニコルちゃん、わたしにもそれちょーだい?」「いいけど、これは苦いよ?」「だいじょーぶ!」ミシェルちゃんは俺の食べる料理に興味を持ったようだが、案の定、大丈夫じゃなかった。フォークけニガウリを刺し、口元に運んでやると、まるで雛鳥のようにパクリと食いつく。そしてだらだらと脂汗を流し始め......動きが止まった。彼女は一度口に入れたものを吐き出すことはしない。そういう風に躾けられている。「無理なら吐き出していいよ。ほら」見かねてテーブルナプキンを広げ口元に差し伸べるが、彼女は首をプルプル振って拒否した。「ここにはオジサンもオバサンもいないから。ほら」紙でできたテーブルナプキンを見て、彼女は数瞬悩み、唸り......そして敗北したかのような表情でついに口の中の物を吐き出した。「ぺっ、ぺっ......苦かったぁ」「早く出しちゃえばよかったのに」「せっかく分けてもらったのに、吐いちゃったら失礼じゃない」「そんなの気にしないよ」「食べられもしない物を欲しがるなんて、ミシェルはまだまだ子供ですわね」こいつもこいつで、貴族の身でありながら場末の食堂についてきて、出されたものを文句なく口にしているのだから、相当な変わり者である。時折忘れるのだが、これでも侯爵令嬢なのだ。俺はニガウリの欠片をレティーナの口に放り込んでやった。それは的確極まりないコントロールで口に飛び込み、喋っていた勢いのままに噛み砕く。無論彼女の味覚も、まだまだお子様である。突如として口の中に広がった苦味に、顔を真っ青にして口元を押さえる。「むぐぅ、ふぐぐぅ!?」「お友達を笑うから、罰が当たったんだよ。ほれ」さすがにそのまま放置はかわいそうなので、俺は水を差しだして救いの手を伸ばした。「ひっどいですわ!」一息ついた後、猛然と反論してくるレティーナだが、それはこちらのセリフだ。「ミシェルちゃんを笑った方が悪い」「むぅ、それは謝罪しますけど......あなた、よくこんな苦い料理を食べれますわね?」「わたしは大人だもの」お返しとばかりに胸を張って宣言して見せる。中身大人のままなので、これは少々反則かもしれない。コルティナも同じように微笑みを浮かべていたが......いつもの勢いはない。やはりレイドの姿を見せた事が後を引いているのか。「うーん......」どうした物かと首を傾げる俺に、ミシェルちゃんが気付いた。「どうかしたの?」「んー。コルティナ、元気ない」「えっ、私!?」コルティナは唐突に名を出され、驚いた表情を浮かべるが、それはフィニアも同じように感じていたらしい。「コルティナ様、確かに少々表情が優れないようですが......お疲れになりましたか?」「いやぁ、そんな事ないよ? この程度で疲れてたら冒険なんてできないもの」「それでは――」「ちょっと、昨日から騒ぎ過ぎただけ。ホント大丈夫だから」手を振って否定するが、その声にいつもの覇気がない。彼女の勢いがないと、他の人間もなんだか物足りなさを感じてしまう。これは今後レイドの姿を使わないだけでなく、何らかのサポートが必要かもしれない。	Our lunch got delayed quite a bit that day. But that couldn’t have been helped. We were out searching for a missing person in the morning, after all. Rather, it was lucky enough that we managed to resolve the incident in less than half a day. Mikey’s mother, Jessica, politely apologized and thanked us after that, so we could have our lunch in a good mood. Thus, we slipped into a nearby restaurant and ordered whatever we liked. This place was close to the capital, but it was also inside the forest. That is, their local specialties differed. While it was just a random restaurant, it still had many cuisines you couldn’t find anywhere but this town. I ordered a bitter gourd pork stir fry. I smacked my lips from its peculiar flavour. “You know, kids usually dislike that bitter taste. It’s like you have no pickiness, Lady Nicole...” “Now that you mention it, she liked the bean tea too. Didn’t matter whether it had milk and sugar or not.” “It seems she likes things both sweet and bitter.” I still had most of my child palate left, so I liked sweet food. I liked it even in my previous life. But I didn’t hate bitter food either. Its sensation that stings your tongue was good in its own way. “Nicole, can let me have some of that?” “Sure, but it’s bitter, okay?” Michelle was curious about my food, but as expected, it wasn’t fine at all. She stabbed the fork in a piece of the bitter gourd, carried it to her mouth and chomped it down like a baby bird. But that spelled the end for her smiling expression. A moment later, her face paled and started twitching all over. And then, she started sweating profusely... And stopped all movements. She was disciplined to never spit something out once it was in her mouth. Even so, she wasn’t able to swallow the bitter substance that far exceeded the limits of what her palate could handle. Since she could do neither, she could only endure as it simply continued to violate her oral cavity. “You can spit it out if it’s too much for you. Here.” It hurt to watch her like that, so I opened a table napkin and pushed it towards her mouth. However, she shook her head and rejected the offer while trembling. It was a good thing that her parents’ teachings were firmly engraved in her, but they weren’t here now. We could overlook her breach of manners here. “Uncle and Auntie aren’t here. Come on.” Seeing the paper napkin, she hesitated for a few seconds, groaned... And finally spit the contents out with a defeated expression. “Bleh, bleh... That was so bitterrr!” “You should’ve spit it out sooner.” “But you’ve been kind enough to share it, so it’s a rude thing to do..” “I wouldn’t mind something like that.” “Hah, you are still such a kid, Michelle! Asking for food you can’t even eat!” Letina started laughing at her while puffing her chest. She was a noble, but still followed us to some run-down restaurant and was eating whatever was offered without complaints, so she was also another oddball in the group. I kept forgetting about it, but she was the daughter of a Marquis. Still, I wouldn’t allow anyone to laugh at Michelle... Even her! “Take this!” I grabbed another bite of the bitter gourd and stuffed it in Letina’s mouth. It was done in a very precise way, so she ended up chewing down on it with the speech momentum. Naturally, her palate was also childish still. The sudden bitterness had her pale up and she pressed a hand to her mouth. However, her lady pride didn’t allow her to spit it out. “Mggh, gghhh!?” “That’s what you get for laughing at a friend. Here.” In the end, it was too pitiful to let her go on, so I extended a helping hand by offering her some water. She suddenly snatched it from my hand and gulped the contents down without savouring them. “That was cruel!” After taking a breather, she started bombarding me with objections, but those should’ve been my words. “You are the cruel one for laughing at Michelle.” “Mgh, well I apologise for that... But still, how can you eat something so bitter.” “That’s because I’m an adult.” I declared proudly as if to get back at her. Well, I really was an adult on the inside, so I guess it was kinda cheating. Finia giggled at our silly exchange. Cortina smiled as well... But it lacked her usual energy. Did seeing Reid leave the lingering effects in her, after all? “Hmm...” While I was contemplating on the matter, Michelle noticed my expression and asked if everything was okay. “What’s the matter?” “Mmh. Cortina looks down.” “Huh, me!?” Getting her name called out all of a sudden, Cortina responded in surprise, but it seemed that even Finia realized that. She addressed her with a slightly worried expression. “Lady Cortina, you do seem to be a little down... Are you perhaps tired?” “Naah, nothing like that. If this much was enough to wear me out, adventures would be out of question for me.” “Then...” “It’s just been hectic since yesterday. I’m fine, really.” She waved her hands in denial, but her voice lacked the usual vigour. When she wasn’t feeling energetic, it sort of transmitted to others and made them feel the lack of it. Since it was like this, not only did I have to refrain from using Reid’s appearance, I even had to think of a way to support her.	{ "source": "manual-fanfic", "missed_lines": 1, "inserted_lines_src": 21, "inserted_lines_trg": 1 }
1965年に特許を取得しましたその名も― 「出産する女性を助ける装置」ですこの装置は大きな丸いテーブルと附属する器具で構成され女性が産気づくとその上に仰向けに寝かせテーブルに固定しますそしてテーブルを高速回転させると子どもが飛び出てくるというわけです遠心力を利用したんですねこの特許をよく見ていただくと特に技術的な素養や才能をお持ちならすぐにこの設計に 1つや2つ不備があるのがお分かりでしょうカリフォルニアのイヴァン・シュワブ博士はある問いの答えを見つけるのに大きな貢献をされました「なぜキツツキは頭痛にならないのか?」この答えは― キツツキの脳は頭蓋骨の中に入っているわけですがそのおさまり方が私たちの脳―人間の脳とは違うというのですキツツキは一般に木をコンコンとつついて毎日何千回も頭を木に打ちつけます毎日です! 知られている限りキツツキはそれでも何ともありませんなぜでしょう? キツツキの脳は人間の脳のように中で動かないのです脳がキチキチに詰め込まれていて少なくとも頭の正面からの衝撃には耐えられますこの研究が脚光を浴び始めたのはここ数年のことです特にここアメリカで頭を何度も打ちつける― アメフト選手の脳はどうなっているのか関心が持たれるようになったからですキツツキに似ているところがあると思われたんですね数年前イギリスの医学雑誌『ランセット』である論文が発表されました「ケガした指が 5年間腐敗臭を放ち続けた男性」キャロライン・ミル博士はチームでこの患者を受け入れましたがどう治療すべきか見当もつきませんでしたこの男性は鶏肉の加工作業中に指を切ってしまったのですがその後ひどい悪臭を放ち始めます彼が部屋に入るとそこにいた医者や看護師が逃げ出してしまうほどの悪臭でした本当に耐えがたいのです考え得る限りの薬や治療を施しましたが 1年経ってもまだ臭く― 2年経ってもまだ臭く― そして 3年 4年が経ってもまだ臭いままでした 5年後自然と臭いはなくなりましたまさにミステリーですニュージーランドのリアン・パーキン博士らは地元に古くからある習わしが妥当か検証しました地元の街には大きな丘が多数ありますサン・フランシスコ級の丘です冬には本当に寒くなり凍てつくようになるのでたくさんのケガ人も出ますパーキン博士らは検証にあたり朝通勤途中の人たちを呼びとめてあることをしてもらいました 2つの条件のいずれかを試してもらいますこの街の習わしでは冬はブーツの上から靴下を履くものとされています実験でわかったのは― 一目瞭然なのですが― それは本当だということですブーツの中より上に靴下を履いた方が滑って転ばずに歩きやすくなりますさてご賛同いただけると嬉しいのですがこれまでご紹介したようなことはすべて表彰に値します事実皆さん受賞されています「イグノーベル賞」の受賞者なのです 1991年私は仲間とともにイグノーベル賞の授賞式を始め毎年 10の個人・団体に賞を贈呈しています選考基準はたった一つとてもシンプルです人々を笑わせそして何かを考えさせたかですあなたのしたことで皆が笑いそして考えるのです何であれここが大事なのです初めてそれを知ったときはただただ笑うしかなく一週間経ってもまだ頭の中でぐるぐる回っていて友だちに話したい衝動に駆られるようなものですそれが私たちが求めるレベルです毎年私たちはイグノーベル賞の候補者として新たに約9千名の推薦を受けますこのうち常に10%から20%はこのうち常に10%から20%は自薦の候補者なのですがこうした自薦候補者はまず受賞しません統計上狙って賞を取るのはかなり難しいのです狙っていなくても数字の上ではかなり難しいですイグノーベル賞受賞者の選考についてこのことは知っておいてください私たちは受賞者にこっそりと連絡を入れますこの栄誉を辞退する機会をご提供しているわけです幸いにもほぼ全員に受賞をお受けいただいていますイグノーベル賞の受賞で何がもらえるのでしょう? いくつかありますイグノーベル賞の正賞― [ “緊急時ハンマーでガラスを割ること” ] 毎年デザインは違いますが [ “緊急時ハンマーでガラスを割ること” ] 非常に安い素材で手作りされますこちらの写真は 2013年に授与された賞です世の中ではたいてい副賞として受賞者に賞金を贈りますが私たちはお金がないのでそんなことはできませんむしろ受賞者には自腹で授賞式に出席をお願いしているくらいですがほとんどの方が来られていますただ昨年は少しお金を捻出できたので 10のイグノーベル賞受賞者にはそれぞれ10兆ドルを贈りましたジンバブエの10兆ドル札1枚ですジンバブエは数年の間でちょっと激しい― インフレを経験することになり額面が最高で100兆ドルの紙幣を印刷するまでに至ったのですちなみにジンバブエ準備銀行の総裁はイグノーベル数学賞を受賞していますそれから受賞者には授賞式への招待状が贈られます場所はハーバード大学でそこに着くとハーバードで最大の講堂に行きます 1100名を収容できる講堂は人でごった返していますステージ上ではあなたと握手をしイグノーベル賞を渡そうとノーベル賞受賞者が待ち構えていますこれが授賞式の肝なのですが彼らにはその瞬間まで秘密にされていて― ノーベル賞受賞者は握手を交わしますが発表まで相手が誰か知らないのですさてこれから医学分野で受賞した他の研究についてほんの少しご紹介しましょうこれまでの授与した賞は230ですから皆さんの周りにも受賞者はたくさんいますあなたも受賞者かもしれませんおよそ30年前に「落下するココナッツによる負傷」という論文をピーター・バルス博士が発表しましたカナダ人である― バルス博士は授賞式でこのように説明しました若い医者だった頃世界を知ろうとパプアニューギニアに行きそこの病院で働きました彼は患者さんたちが何が原因で病院に来たのか関心を持ちました記録を調べてわかったのはその病院にやってくる患者さんの驚くほど多くの方たちは落ちてきたココナッツでケガをして来院していたのです典型的な例はこうですココナッツの木があまりない高地に住む人がココナッツの木がたくさんある沿岸部の親戚を訪ねます彼らはちょうどいいと思ってココナッツの木のそばで休んだり寝転がったりしますでもココナッツの木は 30メートルほどの高さに 1キロほどの実をいくつも付けていてその実はいつ落ちてもおかしくないのですヨーロッパの医師チームが大腸内視鏡検査に関する一連の論文を発表しました皆さん大腸内視鏡検査はご存知ですねいろんな方法があります場合によっては同時にしますこれらの論文では同じように大腸内視鏡検査をする医師に向けて大腸内視鏡検査をしたときどうすれば患者さんが― 爆発するリスクを減らせるか書かれていますエマニュエル・ベン=スーサン博士は著者の一人でパリから授賞式に駆けつけこの経緯について語ってくれました 1950年代大腸内視鏡検査が一般的になりつつあったころ誰もがよい検査方法を試行錯誤していました当初はいくつか課題がありましたご承知のとおり基本的に長くて狭く暗い場所を見るのですからスペースをもっと広げたいのですガスを入れてふくらませることで中が見やすくなります元々大腸内にあるメタンガスにガスが追加されるわけですが当初は多くの場合酸素が使われていましたメタンガスに酸素を追加したのですそして中を見るには光が必要ですから光源を中に入れました当時の光源はかなり熱くなりますつまり可燃性のメタンガスに酸素と熱が加えられましたすぐに酸素の使用は止められました患者が爆発することはまずありませんがそれでも起きることがあります最後にご紹介する受賞研究はエレナ・ボドナー博士のものですエレナ・ボドナー博士が発明したのは緊急時に素早く変形させて一対のガスマスクにできるブラジャーです一つはあなたの命を救いもう一つは幸運にもそこに居合わせた人の命を救いますそんなことする人いるものかと思われるかもしれませんエレナ・ボドナー博士は授賞式で説明してくれました彼女はウクライナで育ち― チェルノブイリ原子力発電所事故の被害者を仲間の医師と治療してきました彼らがのちに発見したところによると非常に重い医学的疾患の多くは患者が吸い込んだ粒子が原因でしたですから彼女はいつも不測の事態が起きたときどこでも簡単なマスクが使えるようにできないものか考えていました数年後アメリカに移住した彼女に子どもができますある日彼女が床に目をやると乳児の息子が彼女のブラを拾い上げてブラを顔にかぶせていましたそれでアイデアをひらめいたのですイグノーベル賞の授賞式でボドナー博士はそのブラの試作品を実演して紹介しました (拍手) [ “ポール・クルーグマン 2008年ノーベル経済学賞受賞者” ] [ “ヴォルフガング・ケターレ 2001年ノーベル物理学賞受賞者” ] 私も非常用ブラを持っていますよお気に入りのブラで何かあったら喜んでどなたかに1つお渡ししますよ何かあったら喜んでどなたかに1つお渡ししますよありがとうございました	They got a patent in 1965 for what they call, "a device to assist women in giving birth." This device consists of a large, round table and some machinery. When the woman is ready to deliver her child, she lies on her back, she is strapped down to the table, and the table is rotated at high speed. The child comes flying out through centrifugal force. If you look at their patent carefully, especially if you have any engineering background or talent, you may decide that you see one or two points where the design is not perfectly adequate. Doctor Ivan Schwab in California is one of the people, one of the main people, who helped answer the question, "Why don't woodpeckers get headaches?" And it turns out the answer to that is because their brains are packaged inside their skulls in a way different from the way our brains, we being human beings, true, have our brains packaged. They, the woodpeckers, typically will peck, they will bang their head on a piece of wood thousands of times every day. Every day! And as far as anyone knows, that doesn't bother them in the slightest. How does this happen? Their brain does not slosh around like ours does. Their brain is packed in very tightly, at least for blows coming right from the front. Not too many people paid attention to this research until the last few years when, in this country especially, people are becoming curious about what happens to the brains of football players who bang their heads repeatedly. And the woodpecker maybe relates to that. There was a paper published in the medical journal The Lancet in England a few years ago called " A man who pricked his finger and smelled putrid for 5 years." Dr. Caroline Mills and her team received this patient and didn't really know what to do about it. The man had cut his finger, he worked processing chickens, and then he started to smell really, really bad. So bad that when he got in a room with the doctors and the nurses, they couldn't stand being in the room with him. It was intolerable. They tried every drug, every other treatment they could think of. After a year, he still smelled putrid. After two years, still smelled putrid. Three years, four years, still smelled putrid. After five years, it went away on its own. It's a mystery. In New Zealand, Dr. Lianne Parkin and her team tested an old tradition in her city. They live in a city that has huge hills, San Francisco-grade hills. And in the winter there, it gets very cold and very icy. There are lots of injuries. The tradition that they tested, they tested by asking people who were on their way to work in the morning, to stop and try something out. Try one of two conditions. The tradition is that in the winter, in that city, you wear your socks on the outside of your boots. And what they discovered by experiment, and it was quite graphic when they saw it, was that it's true. That if you wear your socks on the outside rather than the inside, you're much more likely to survive and not slip and fall. Now, I hope you will agree with me that these things I've just described to you, each of them, deserves some kind of prize. And that's what they got, each of them got an Ig Nobel prize. In 1991, I, together with bunch of other people, started the Ig Nobel prize ceremony. Every year we give out 10 prizes. The prizes are based on just one criteria. It's very simple. It's that you've done something that makes people laugh and then think. What you've done makes people laugh and then think. Whatever it is, there's something about it that when people encounter it at first, their only possible reaction is to laugh. And then a week later, it's still rattling around in their heads and all they want to do is tell their friends about it. That's the quality we look for. Every year, we get in the neighborhood of 9,000 new nominations for the Ig Nobel prize. Of those, consistently between 10 percent and 20 percent of those nominations are people who nominate themselves. Those self-nominees almost never win. It's very difficult, numerically, to win a prize if you want to. Even if you don't want to, it's very difficult numerically. You should know that when we choose somebody to win an Ig Nobel prize, We get in touch with that person, very quietly. We offer them the chance to decline this great honor if they want to. Happily for us, almost everyone who's offered a prize decides to accept. What do you get if you win an Ig Nobel prize? Well, you get several things. You get an Ig Nobel prize. The design is different every year. These are always handmade from extremely cheap materials. You're looking at a picture of the prize we gave last year, 2013. Most prizes in the world also give their winners some cash, some money. We don't have any money, so we can't give them. In fact, the winners have to pay their own way to come to the Ig Nobel ceremony, which most of them do. Last year, though, we did manage to scrape up some money. Last year, each of the 10 Ig Nobel prize winners received from us 10 trillion dollars. A $10 trillion bill from Zimbabwe. You may remember that Zimbabwe had a little adventure for a few years there of inflation. They ended up printing bills that were in denominations as large as 100 trillion dollars. The man responsible, who runs the national bank there, by the way, won an Ig Nobel prize in mathematics. The other thing you win is an invitation to come to the ceremony, which happens at Harvard University. And when you get there, you come to Harvard's biggest meeting place and classroom. It fits 1,100 people, it's jammed to the gills, and up on the stage, waiting to shake your hand, waiting to hand you your Ig Nobel prize, are a bunch of Nobel prize winners. That's the heart of the ceremony. The winners are kept secret until that moment, even the Nobel laureates who will shake their hand don't know who they are until they're announced. I am going to tell you about just a very few of the other medical-related prizes we've given. Keep in mind, we've given 230 prizes. There are lots of these people who walk among you. Maybe you have one. A paper was published about 30 years ago called "Injuries due to Falling Coconuts." It was written by Dr. Peter Barss, who is Canadian. Dr. Barss came to the ceremony and explained that as a young doctor, he wanted to see the world. So he went to Papua New Guinea. When he got there, he went to work in a hospital, and he was curious what kinds of things happen to people that bring them to the hospital. He looked through the records, and he discovered that a surprisingly large number of people in that hospital were there because of injuries due to falling coconuts. One typical thing that happens is people will come from the highlands, where there are not many coconut trees, down to visit their relatives on the coast, where there are lots. And they'll think that a coconut tree is a fine place to stand and maybe lie down. A coconut tree that is 90 feet tall, and has coconuts that weigh two pounds that can drop off at any time. A team of doctors in Europe published a series of papers about colonoscopies. You're all familiar with colonoscopies, one way or another. Or in some cases, one way and another. They, in these papers, explained to their fellow doctors who perform colonoscopies, how to minimize the chance that when you perform a colonoscopy, your patient will explode. Dr. Emmanuel Ben-Soussan one of the authors, flew in from Paris to the ceremony, where he explained the history of this, that in the 1950s, when colonoscopies were becoming a common technique for the first time, people were figuring out how to do it well. And there were some difficulties at first. The basic problem, I'm sure you're familiar with, that you're looking inside a long, narrow, dark place. And so, you want to have a larger space. You add some gas to inflate it so you have room to look around. Now, that's added to the gas, the methane gas, that's already inside. The gas that they used at first, in many cases, was oxygen. So they added oxygen to methane gas. And then they wanted to be able to see, they needed light, so they'd put in a light source, which in the 1950s was very hot. So you had methane gas, which is flammable, oxygen and heat. They stopped using oxygen pretty quickly. Now it's rare that patients will explode, but it does still happen. The final thing that I want to tell you about is a prize we gave to Dr. Elena Bodnar. Dr. Elena Bodnar invented a brassiere that in an emergency can be quickly separated into a pair of protective face masks. One to save your life, one to save the life of some lucky bystander. Why would someone do this, you might wonder. Dr. Bodnar came to the ceremony and she explained that she grew up in Ukraine. She was one of the doctors who treated victims of the Chernobyl power plant meltdown. And they later discovered that a lot of the worst medical problems came from the particles people breathed in. So she was always thinking after that about could there be some simple mask that was available everywhere when the unexpected happens. Years later, she moved to America. She had a baby, One day she looked, and on the floor, her infant son had picked up her bra, and had her bra on his face. And that's where the idea came from. She came to the Ig Nobel ceremony with the first prototype of the bra and she demonstrated: ["Paul Krugman, Nobel laureate in economics"] ["Wolfgang Ketterle, Nobel laureate in physics"] I myself own an emergency bra. It's my favorite bra, but I would be happy to share it with any of you, should the need arise. Thank you.	{ "source": "iwslt2017", "missed_lines": null, "inserted_lines_src": null, "inserted_lines_trg": null }
思わず噴出したメイブルティーをハンカチでふく。なんで許してください。むしろご褒美と思って欲しい。「ティレア、いきなりどうしたんだ?」「す、すみません。乗っ取りって聞いてついびっくりしちゃいました」「まったく、これだから庶民は......」周囲からやれやれといった感情を向けられる。「あ、はは......つい気管に入っちゃって」「まぁ、ティレアが驚くのも無理は無い」「あ、あの気のせいってことないですか? 魔族襲撃とかあってその人達、ぴりぴりしているだけとか」「いや、わかる人にはわかる。一見、同じようだが、あれは別人だった」まぁ、そうだよね。今やその人達、国ラブな思考していたのに「はぁ、はぁ、エディムたん、最高♪」って行動しているんだから。そりゃ知っている人から見たら別人だよ。だが、ここで引くわけには行かない。エディム、俺、そしてティムの生活がかかっているのだ。「そ、そうなのかな。周囲の人達が魔族になっている? う、嘘だぁ! 私は全然、わかんないな」「それはティレア、お前が市井の人間だからだ。そこまではまだ魔族の侵略がすすんでいないのだろう」「レミリア様のおっしゃるとおりです。あれだけ熱心に魔族の残党狩りを指揮していた隊長がいきなり掃討中止したんだ。それに反対する者も容赦なく処罰しているし、あまりにもおかしすぎる!」もいきなり魔族討伐関連の依頼が軒並み消えていった。魔族討伐は今、最も必要とされる依頼なのにだ。上の判断は異常だ、おかしすぎる!」はエディムのためにそうしているだけなのだ。別に国を乗っ取ろうとか、この世を魔族の支配に変えてやるとか、そんな事は全然思っていない。ただただエディムが普通に暮らせるようにしているだけなんだから。でも、真実は言えない。言ったらこの人達、きっとエディムを殺そうとするから。となると、上層部が魔族捜索を止めた理由をでっちあげないといけないな。「あ、あの素人意見で恐縮なんですが......」「ん? ティレア、意見があるなら遠慮はいらぬ。言ってみろ」「は、はい。その上の人達が魔族討伐をやめたのはこれ以上、被害を出さないようにするためではないでしょうか? 王都での魔族の異常な強さは目を見張るものでしたから」「な、貴様、我ら国軍を愚弄する気かぁ! 我が隊は魔族に屈するほど弱くない」「そうだ。元の隊長はそのような臆病者ではなかった! 明らかにあれは別人だ」「で、ですが、先の魔族襲撃であなた達はその場にいなかったからそう言えるんです。現場にいれば魔族襲撃で態度が変わってもおかしくはありません」「き、貴様! たかが情報屋の分際で我らを侮辱する気か!」うぁ、や、やばい。ちょっと煽りすぎたか? 俺の意見に顔を真っ赤にして怒っている軍人さん達。襲撃時にいなかった彼らにこの意見は通じないようだ。よし、レミリアさんに話を振ってみよう。「そ、その、レミリアさんはどうなんですか?」「いや、ティレアの言い分にも一理ある。確かに魔族の強さは我らのはるか上であった。ギルド長も王家もそのような弱腰な判断をする可能性はある」「そ、そんなレミリア様......」「だが、治安部隊に吸血鬼が紛れ込んでいたのは事実。そして、これは軍人としての勘だが、上層部は国のために動いていない。別な何かのために動いている」さすがレミリアさん、正解です。彼らは「レミリア様、こうなれば一刻の猶予もございません。至急、奴らを操っている黒幕を探し出し殺しましょう!」「その通りです。元のあるべき姿に戻さないとこの国は滅びてしまいます」「皆の意見はわかった。では疑わしき人物を監視し、奴らが黒幕と接触するのを待つ。そして、そこを一網打尽と行こう」ま、まずいぞ。もう俺の力ではこの流れを止められそうにない。周囲も「そうだ、そうだ」とレミリアさんの意見を支持している。このままでは吸血鬼撃滅作戦が大々的にすすみそうだ。ここが正念場よ、ティレア! なんとかこの人達を説得しなければ! 俺は、すぅっと深呼吸をする。そして......。俺の突然の叫び声に皆が注目する。「ティレア、どうした?」「わ、私、こんなことに時間をかけるべきでないと思います!」「何を言うか! 素人が口をはさむでない」「そうだ。ただの情報屋が出過ぎたことを抜かすな!」予想通り。皆からブーイングの嵐。だが、レミリアさんはそんな批判を片手で制し、じっと俺をみつめ問いかけてくる。「ティレア、なにゆえ反対なのだ?」「そ、それは、やっぱり魔族が乗っ取りをしているなんて信じられないからです。レミリアさんも勘だと言っているし、そんなあやふやな理由で時間をかけるなら、治安維持とかインフラの整備とか先にやるべきことがあると思います」「貴様、まだレミリア様や我らの言が信じられないと申すか!」「そうだ。各機関が魔族に乗っ取られているかもしれん国の大事に、治安維持もインフラもあるか!」「で、でも、今、すごく治安が悪いんですよ。押し込み強盗とか頻繁に起きちゃってて......みんな日々の暮らしに不安がっているんです」「そのような些事は自分達で解決すべきだ。我らは国の大事に働かねばならぬ」「まさに。そんなに不安ならギルドに護衛でも依頼したらどうだね?」「そ、そんな......ギルドに護衛を依頼するのにどれだけお金がかかると思っているんですか! すぐに破産しますよ。それに依頼できる人達はまだましです。依頼できない人達はいつ自分達が襲われるかと震える夜を過ごしているんです!」「大事の前の小事である。国が滅ぶ瀬戸際の話だぞ。国が滅んだら本末転倒だ」「な、何を言っているの! 国より先に民が滅んだらどうするんですか!」「貴様、国家を愚弄する気か!」いかん。つい国粋主義者共のムカツクセリフにヒートアップしてしまった。国粋主義者共が今にも掴みかかる勢いで俺に迫ってくる。レミリアさん助けて――ってレミリアさんもなんかつかつかと近づいてきたよ。「レミリア様。この小娘、国家に対し不遜な態度が目立ちます。どうしますか?」「レミリア様。軽く礼儀を教えておいたほうが良いかもしれません」なんてこと、国粋主義者共がレミリアさんを煽ってくる。レミリアさん、親友に暴力なんて振るわないよね? 信頼しているよ。俺は信頼というか縋るようにレミリアさんを見る。レミリアさんはなぜか握りこぶしを作っていた。あ、あれれ? ちょっとこれピンチ? そうだよ、レミリアさんって国家に忠誠を尽くす人だった。あぁ、やばい!? レミリアさんがその拳を俺に......。「貴様らぁ! 恥ずかしくないのか!」「ぐはっ!」だが、予想に反しレミリアさんは俺ではなく国粋主義者共にその拳を振るった。そして、俺の眼前に来ると、そのまま頭を下げた。「すまない。治安を預かる長として心から謝罪する」「レミリア様、おやめください。庶民に頭を下げるなど――」「黙れ! お前達は恥ずかしくないのか! 国を守る。けっこう、私も同じ想いだ。だが、その過程で民が嘆いているのだぞ。民の切実なる思い、それを上に立つものが踏みにじり本当に国を立て直せると思っているのか!」レミリアさんの威厳のある言葉にはっとする国粋主義者共。他のメンバーも厳粛に受け止めている。レミリアさんの言葉が身に染みたのか、国粋主義者共は俺に謝罪してきた。あぁ、なんという覇気、気高く美しい! カリスマだね。みなレミリアさんについていこうって気になっちゃう。もう惚れ直しましたレミリアさん、かっこよすぎですよ。そして、議論が終わった。結論として、俺の意見もかなり反映させてくれた。まずは治安維持を最優先にしてくれたのだ。やったね。ついでとして疑わしき者には監視体制を敷く。まぁ、この辺が落としどころだろう。吸血鬼共の親玉捜索もエディガーという名を捜索することになったしふふ、これは会議の時ピスタッチオと同様に俺の店にエディガーという名の不審な客が来たというふぅ、議論の間は胃が痛くて死にそうだったけど、なんとかなったかな。俺が一息ついていると、レミリアさんが近づいてきた。「やはりティレアを連れてきて良かった。市井の意見が聞けて参考になったぞ」「いえいえ、そんな私なんて大したことしてないですよ」「そんなことはない。メンバーが武人ばかりだったので意見が画一化しそうだった。だが、お前のおかげでいい話し合いができた。それに貴重な情報提供もしてくれたではないか! ティレア、お前には感謝しているのだ」「き、恐縮です......」すいません。偽情報ですのであまり感謝しないでください。うぅ、心苦しい。未来の恋人に嘘をつきまくりだからな。「これからも大いに期待しているからな」「は、はい、また何か情報があればお知らせします」「うむ。次の会合は来月だ。頼んだぞ」「は、はい? あ、あの会議はこれで終わったんじゃ......」「何をいうか。王都復興のため、信頼できるメンバーで話し合う会議はやまほどある。お前は今日からアルクダス王国魔族撲滅忠信会の諜報員だ」な、なにそのCIA局員みたいなの? それにレミリアさん、いきなり獅子身中の虫を入れちゃダメでしょ。俺はエディムのために魔族側で動くんだよ。あぁ、なんかまた胃が痛くなってきた。どうやら俺の悩み事は尽きそうにない。	I wiped down the maybell tea with a handkerchief. Oh crap, the shock made me spurt stuff everywhere. Hiiek, I’m sorry. Please forgive me. Actually, it’s a pretty girl’s spit, so please think of it as a reward. “What happened, Tilea?” asked Remilia with worry. “S-, Sorry. I was just so shocked when I heard about how they were taking over the country.” “Honestly,” grumbled a man, “This is why commoners are...” The people around all looked at me with disappointment. “A... haha... It accidentally went down my windpipe.” “Well, Tilea’s shock was hardly unreasonable,” added Remilia. “U-, Umm, could it be your imagination? I mean, people might just be tense because they were there during the raid.” “No, if you can tell, you can tell. At a glance they seem like the same people, but they’re different people.” Anyone who knew them would definitely think of them as different people. But I can’t give up now. It’s Edim’s, my, and Timu’s lifestyle at stake here. “R-, Really? People turning into demons? N-, No way! I haven’t noticed at all.” “That’s because you’re one of the townspeople. I do not suppose the demons have infiltrated the masses yet.” “It is just as Captain Remilia says. The Captain was always so passionate about hunting down the remaining demons, but now he’s suddenly stopped it all? He even harshly punished the people that protested! It’s too strange!” “Yeah. The Guild suddenly stopped handing out demon subjugation missions too. It’s supposed to be the most important thing right now. There’s definitely something fishy going on with the management!” The people around me began strongly voicing their opinions. It’s probably true that the leaders have stopped the search for demons, but that’s all for Edim’s sake. They’re not trying to take over the country, or conquer the world or anything, okay? They just want to let Edim live life as a normal girl. But it’s not like I can say that. If I did, these people would definitely try and kill her. In other words, I have to find a good explanation for what’s been happening. “U-, Umm, this is just the humble opinion of a normal person but...” “Mn? Tilea, if you have something to say, then do not hold back. Just say it.” “Y-, Yes. Could it be that the leaders have all stopped the demon hunts because they don’t want any more losses? During the raid, everyone saw just how abnormally powerful the demons were.” “Wha-, YOU! Are you looking down on the National Army! My regiment aren’t weaklings who would bow to the demons!” “Yeah! The old Captain would never have done something so cowardly! He’s a completely different person.” “H-, However, you guys can only say that because you weren’t there. It wouldn’t be strange for people to change their opinion if they had been there personally.” “Y-, YOU! A mere informant dares to look down on us!” Uwah, o-, oh no. Did I go a little too far? All these soldiers were red in the face from their anger. It looks like they won’t listen. They weren’t there during the attack. Should I try turning to Remilia? “U-, Umm, what do you think, Remilia?” “Well, you may have a point, Tilea. It is true that the demons were vastly more powerful than we were. It is certainly possible that the Guildmaster and Royal Family would take a meeker attitude after that.” “T-, That can’t be, Captain Remilia...” “But it is the truth that vampires have infiltrated the Public Safety Force. And this is simply my instinct as a warrior, but I suspect that the top brass aren’t moving for the sake of the country. They are working for some other purpose.” As expected of Remilia. That’s correct. They’re working for their master’s, Edim’s, sake. “In that case, we must not tarry, Captain Remilia. We must immediately seek out the mastermind behind them and kill them!” “Exactly! If we don’t fix things now, this country is doomed.” “I understand your opinions,” said Remilia. “In that case, we will observe those who are suspicious, and wait for them to contact their puppetmaster. We then catch them all together.” T-, This is so bad. I can’t turn back the flow of things. Everyone was vocally agreeing with her. At this rate the Vampire Destruction Plan is going to be a thing. Think, Tilea! You have to convince them right now! I took a deep breath. And then... My sudden scream drew their attention. “What’s the matter, Tilea?” “I-I! I don’t think you should be spending time on this!” “What are you saying!” shouted a man, “An amateur should butt out!” “Yeah!” added another, “You’re speaking out of place, you mere informant!” I thought this would happen. It was a storm of booing. But Remilia stopped them with one hand, and looked right at me. “Tilea. For what reason are you objecting?” “I, I just can’t believe that the demons are taking over. You said it yourself that it was just intuition, and if you have time to be spending on dubious things like that, I think you should be focusing it on improving the public order and maintaining the infrastructure.” “You! Are you still saying that you don’t believe us!” “Yeah! If the damned demons take over our country, you think there’s going to be any infrastructure left to maintain!” “B-, But, the public order has really gotten bad. There are burglars all over the place... Everyone is spending their days anxiously.” “You should solve trifling things like that on your own. We’re busy with what really matters.” “Exactly. If you’re worried about safety, why not just hire some guards from the guild?” “H-, How can you say that... Do you know just how much money it would cost to do that! We’d all go bankrupt. And that’s even assuming we can trust the people we hire. If we hire somebody we can’t trust, we’d have to spend every night afraid of being attacked!” “It’s a small sacrifice for a great cause. Our country is on the brink. If the country falls, then it’s putting the cart before the horse.” “W-, What are you saying! What are you going to do if the people are doomed first!” “Are you mocking the country!” Oh no. All the ultranationalists are fired up now. They started advancing on me like they were going to attack. Save me Remilia― hang on, Remilia is advancing too? “Captain Remilia, this girl is being much too arrogant towards the nation. What will we do?” “Captain Remilia, it might be better to teach her a few manners.” Oh my god, the ultranationalists are trying to stir her up. Remilia, you wouldn’t use violence on a friend, right? I believe in you. I gave a trusting, or rather, a begging look at Remilia. For some reason she clenched her fist. H-, Huh? A-, Am I done for? Yeah, of course. Remilia has always been really loyal to the country. Aah, oh no!? Remilia’s fist is... “FOOLS! HAVE YOU NO SHAME!” “GUHAH!” But contrary to expectations, the punch wasn’t directed at me, but at one of the ultranationalists. Then, before my eyes, Remilia lowered her head. “I’m sorry. As the Captain tasked with keeping the public order, I apologize from the bottom of my heart.” “Captain Remilia, please stop that. To lower your head to a commoner is―” “SILENCE! Have you lot no shame! We exist to protect the country. I believe this too. But if the citizens are crying for help, and as the leaders we trample over their earnest pleas, do you really believe we can fix this country!” Remilia’s grave rebuke startled the ultranationalists into silence. The other members were shocked too. Perhaps it got through to them, because the ultranationalists began apologizing to me. What leadership and determination! What resplendent nobility! I guess this is what you call real charisma. It makes you want to follow her. I’ve fallen for you all over again, Remilia. You’re just so cool. With that, the discussion ended. The result was that the participants seriously reflected on my opinion. They decided to improve the public order first. I did it! Well, they’re still keeping an eye on suspicious people, but I guess we can call it compromise. They’re looking for a guy called Eddygar too, so I doubt it’ll lead them to Edim. Huhu, this is all thanks to my fake info about Pistachio and Eddygar, two suspicious people that visited my shop. Phew, I thought I was going to die from stomach pain during that meeting, but it looks like I made it. While I was basking in the relief, Remilia came up to me. “I knew it was a good idea to bring you, Tilea. It was good to find out how the common people were feeling.” “No, I didn’t do anything at all.” “No, Tilea. Because we are all warriors, our views are too monolithic. But thanks to you, we ended up having a good discussion. Did you not also provide us with a lead! Tilea, I am grateful to you.” “I-, I’m honored.” I’m sorry. It was fake info so please don’t feel so grateful. Uu, I feel so bad. I’ve been doing nothing but lying to my future girlfriend. “I will be expecting a lot out of you.” “Y-, Yes. If I hear anything, I’ll let you know.” “Mhm. The next meeting is next month. I’ll be counting on you.” “S-, Sorry? U-, Umm, isn’t the meeting over...?” “What are you saying? In order to revive the Capital, there are countless things that we should discuss as trustworthy individuals. The Loyalist Committee for the Extermination of Demons. From today onwards, you’re an intelligence operative in our operation,” said Remilia with a bright smile. W-, What’s with that CIA agent-sounding role? And Remilia, how can you just let a mole into your group like this? I’m on the demon’s side to protect Edim, you know. Aah, I think my stomach pains just came back. It looks like my worries won’t clear up so easily.	{ "source": "manual-fanfic", "missed_lines": 3, "inserted_lines_src": 13, "inserted_lines_trg": 1 }
ここでまた、イラクの直近の過去の歴史が楽観することを認めている。イラクの統治評議会が単一の議員によって支配されることはなかったのであり、イラクの継承政府もまた協同で運営されている。	Here again, Iraq’s immediate past history allows one to be optimistic. The Iraqi Governing Council was not dominated by any single member, and Iraq’s subsequent governments have also operated collegially.	{ "source": "news_commentary", "missed_lines": null, "inserted_lines_src": null, "inserted_lines_trg": null }
首都ルナティックレイク上空。城を囲む城壁には空高くまでを覆う障壁が張られているので、敷地内には直接入れない。なので、ミラとクレオスの乗ったワゴンを運ぶガルーダは、アルカイト城の城門前広場に降り立つ。衛兵達にしてみれば、もう馴染みのある光景で、賢者代行のクレオスが来たのだと背筋を伸ばす。その通りにクレオスが出てきた後、あろう事か銀髪煌めく少女も姿を見せた。衛兵達だけ呆気に取られるが、その少女が賢者ダンブルフの弟子であると気付くと、姿勢を正し直す。「ありがとう、快適じゃった」「お役に立てて何よりです」ミラは、そう礼を言うとガルーダを見上げて「お主も、ご苦労じゃったな」と声を掛ける。ガルーダは、その言葉を理解したのか小さく鳴いて返した。「では、ミラ様。お気をつけて」クレオスはミラの任務への無事を祈り、ミラは新人召喚術士の育成を頼む。空の道中に、ミラは塔から持ち出した魔封爆石の内、契約の為の戦闘に使えそうな物を見繕って渡していた。その数はかなりのもので、クレオスは大いに喜び、今日は一層やる気に満ちている。クレオスがワゴンに乗り直し、学園へ向かって飛び去るのを見送ると、ミラはそのまま王城に入る。そこで脇に控えていた侍女に案内され、城の奥にある資料室に通された。「ミラ様。お待ちしていました。さあ、こちらへ」資料室に入ると、侍女から引継ぎリリィが先導し、更に奥へと進んでいく。資料室は白い壁に囲まれ天井は高く、入り口付近は吹き抜けで、その奥に分けられている。金属製の灰色の棚が整然と並べられ、世界中の様々な資料が区画毎に分けて保管されていた。ミラは、一層目の奥にある部屋に案内される。そこには一足先にソロモンが待っていた。「かしこまりました」リリィは、姿勢良く礼をすると去り際に「後で服の感想など、聞かせてくださいね」とミラに耳打ちしていく。ミラが案内された部屋の中央には、木製の立派なテーブルが置かれ、そこには無数の書類が並べられていた。ソロモンは、その内の一つを手に取るとミラの前に広げる。「わざわざ、来てもらっちゃってゴメンね。通信だけでも良かったんだけど、ちょっと場所が場所でね。まずは、本筋の前にこれを見て」そう言いながら、ソロモンは懐から取り出した紙を目の前の書類の上に被せる。それは、何かの設計図のようだった。人に近い姿をした何かの。「これは......なんじゃ。ロボットか?」「まあ、それに近いかな。一応、プロティアンドールって名前で開発中なんだ」「ふむ......プロ......ティアンドールのぅ......」呟きつつミラは目の前の書類に視線を落とす。そこには類の設計図が載っていた。大きさや形状はほぼ同じだが、右側は随分と中身が複雑になっている。「あ、ちなみに左の方はストルワートドールっていって、十年以上前に開発が完了しているものだよ」「まあ原形ってところだね。それで、見て欲しいのは右の方。今回、来てもらった理由」そして幾つかの資料を並べながら、ソロモンが簡単な概要を説明する。「まず、ストルワートドールっていうのはね、職人総合組合が魔導工学の総力を挙げて作成した自動人形の事。危険な場所や、人の手が回らない場所なんかで運用されていて、まあ元の世界でのロボットと似た様な役割をしていると言えば分かり易いかな」言い終わると、ソロモンはもう片方の設計図を指し示す。「で、こっちの方ね。現在、開発中のプロティアンドールは、ストルワートドールを基礎として戦闘用に調整したものなんだ」「転用という訳か。まあ、それはともかく、それとわしが呼ばれた理由はどう繋がるんじゃ?」魔導工学という点から、ミラはまた精錬関係かと思いながら問う。するとソロモンは、少しだけ眉根を下げながら一つ溜息を吐く。「率直に言うと、プロティアンドールの開発は滞っているんだよ。そもそもストルワートドールを戦闘用に転用する為の開発は、どこの国でもしてる事なんだ。つまりは、普通に戦える様にしただけじゃあ、結局は数が揃えられる大国には敵わない。精々が魔物相手の防衛線に並べるくらいかな。それだけでも便利ではあるけど、そんなどこの国でも開発できる程度で済ましては国の程度が知れちゃうよね。そこでアルカイト王国では、付加価値を与える事にしたんだ」事実、各国では戦闘用にストルワートドールを調整する実験が行われている。国境付近を警備するパトロール要員や、非常時の戦力。更には対魔物に特化されたものも開発され、実働している状態だ。アルカイト王国でも、随分と前から着手していた。しかし、その方向性は完全に秘匿され、秘密裏に開発が進められている。「ふーむ......確かに誰でも思いつく事じゃろうしな。つまり呼び出しは、その付加価値が関係しているという事か。精錬でもすれば良いのか?」付加価値。つまりは精錬により何かに効果を加えるという事だろうとミラは推察した。しかしそれに対してソロモンは首を横に振ると、「いや、精錬は関係ないんだ。ただ次の目的地の近くに、丁度必要なものが採れる場所があるんだよ」そう言って、素材が書かれたリストを追加する。そこには、かなり多くが記されていたが、それは総じて術具関係の素材で統一されている。「これは極秘事項だよ。しかも最高機密。この国で開発しているプロティアンドールっていうのは、術を行使する事を前提として設計しているんだ。今はその最終段階。術の発生機構を組み上げているところ。で、そこで膠着状態。ルミナリアの協力のお陰で、魔術の構成は組み込めたんだけど、肝心の魔力が生成できなくてね。色々試した結果がこのリスト。ほとんど魔力の生成までには至らなかったけど、幾つか反応したものもあるんだ」ソロモンが、リストの一箇所を指で指し示す。そこに書いてあった素材の名前は煌めきの種子。種類は関係無く世界中の木々から時折見つかる、淡く光る特殊な種だ。全ての種類の術と相性が良く、様々な術具の基礎作成に利用されている。汎用性も高く、幾らかの素材の代用品としても使える優れものだ。「煌めきの種子。これが一番多く、魔力の発生を確認できたんだ。とはいえ、それでも出力は術の発動までには遠く及ばず、実用にはまだ程遠いんだけどね」そこまで聞いて、ミラの脳内で幾つかの情報が繋がる。試した素材のリストの中でも一番有力だった煌めきの種子。ミラの記憶の中には、その上位ともいえる素材が浮かび上がっていた。それは始祖の種子というもの。世界中に存在する全ての樹の祖とされる、原初の大樹ゴフェルから採取できる貴重素材だ。遥かな時を経て姿を変えていった現代の樹木から生る煌めきの種子は、言うなれば先祖返りのようなものである。始祖の種子は、薄れる以前の凝縮された力を内包しており、それは最上級の術具作成に利用される程のものであった。そう言いながらミラは、術士組合長のレオニールに渡された禁域通行許可証を取り出し、書類の上に放る。天魔迷宮プライマルフォレスト。意味は原初の森。その名が示す通り、迷宮には遥か太古の植物が生い茂っている。そしてそこには、全ての樹木の祖とされる木が存在しているのだ。「そういう事。ちゃんと受け取ってきてくれたようだね。頃合を見て頼む予定だったんだけど、今回の目的地が重なるから丁度良いかと思って呼んだんだ」「なるほどのぅ。で、あの資料を解いた結果はどう出たんじゃ」大きく回り道をしたが開発中のドールの件は、ソウルハウルの足取りを追うという主目的のついでに過ぎない。ミラは、一度その件を頭の片隅に追いやると、ソロモンが新たに提示した資料を睨む。「あの資料によると、神命光輝の聖杯は幾つかの手順を追って作成するというアイテムだって事が分かったんだ。でもそれは、材料を集めて生産するという類の物じゃないみたい。長期クエストの報酬、みたいなものかな」「ほう......。聖杯については様々な説が流れておったが、クエスト系じゃったか」まだゲームだった頃、神命光輝の聖杯については多くの議論が交わされていた。最も有力だったのが何かのクエストの報酬で、それはきっとアーティファクト並であろうと云われていたのだ。「正確にはクエスト系......とはちょっと違うかも」ソロモンは、目を瞑り云々と言葉を整理すると、再び口を開く。「これは、生産系やクエスト報酬、ドロップに採取、その全てに当てはまらない特殊なアイテムみたいなんだ」結局、神命光輝の聖杯の位置づけを言い表す言葉は無く、ソロモンはその特殊性を前面に押し出して説明した。まず神命光輝の聖杯は、多くの工程を経て作成するアイテムである事。しかしそれは、生産系といわれる様々な技術を用いてでは無く、多くの条件をこなす事で完成するという物だった。条件については、まだ多くが未解読だが、最初の条件が読み解けたので連絡したという事だった。「して、その条件とやらは、なんじゃ?」「第一の条件。それは、聖杯の土台となる素材の入手。そしてその素材にも条件があって、樹齢三千年を超える御神木の根っていうものなんだ。この近く、正確に言うとソウルハウルの居た地下墓地から一番近くて、樹齢三千年の御神木っていえば」「プライマルフォレストの上。祈り子の森の長老......という訳か」御神木。それは神として祀られ、長い時を経る事で神力を宿す様になった特別な木の総称だ。三千年以上の長い時を過ごした御神木は、他にも大陸に幾つか存在しているが、ソウルハウルが地下墓地を拠点としていたなら、わざわざ遠くに出張る必要はないだろう。ならば一番近い、アルカイト王国南西に位置する祈り子の森へ向かうはずだ。そして、そこには天魔迷宮プライマルフォレストも存在している。ソロモンがついでで丁度良いと言ったのは、そういう理由だった。「そういう事。一番最初の目的地だから、もう居ないだろうとは思うけど、何か痕跡くらいは見つかるかもしれない。長老に何か聞ける可能性もあるしね。で、そこまで行ったらもう目と鼻の先じゃない?」「まあ、そうじゃな。わしとしても、帰って来た後に行けとなれば、何故あの時ついでに言わなかったと抗議したじゃろうし」「そういう訳でさ、出来れば実験用と予備、合わせて十個くらい確保してくれると助かるんだけど」まだ実験中な為、失敗なども考慮した数を提案するソロモン。しかし、その数にミラは顔を顰めて明らかに面倒そうな表情を見せる。それもそのはずで、始祖の種子はゲーム当時でも貴重で、上級プレイヤーでも覚悟のいる値段で取引されていた素材だ。それを十個ともなると、ミラでなくて者の誰もが嫌な顔をしただろう。「なんとも無茶な注文じゃのぅ」「僕としては、禁域指定されて人が寄らなくなったから、それなりに見つかると見込んだんだけどね。何日も掛かりそうだったくらいでも良いよ」「まったく......。まあいいじゃろう、出来る限り集めてみるとしよう」「ありがとう。助かるよ」ミラは、高性能な服を作ってもらったお礼も兼ねて、そう答える。ソロモンは、礼を言うとミラの前にミスリル貨十枚を置く。「これは、今回の軍資金。道中、必要な物が出来たらこれで調達して。なんだったら、新しいレプリカを買ってもいいよ。ここは首都だから、賢者のローブ以外にも君が前に着ていた特徴的な衣装のレプリカが揃ってるからね」ソロモンは、そう言い悪戯っ子の様に笑う。ミラはその言葉で昨日ソロモンが、似合ってると言いながら見せた笑顔の意味をやっと理解する。「お主、知ってて黙っておったな」「憧れの師匠の真似をする弟子。可愛いじゃないか」「そのような印象は要らぬ!」言い合いながらテーブルの周りで追いかけっこを始める二人。その姿は見た目通りの子供の様だった。「そういえば。ほれ、土産じゃ」一通りはしゃぎ終えると、ミラはそう言いながら、塔から持ってきた魔封石をテーブルに並べる。その数は百にも届きそうな量で、ソロモンは嬉しそうに袋を取り出すと、それに魔封石を放り込んでいく。「いやぁ、ありがとう。これだけあれば、もう心配なさそうだ。ほんとに助かるよ。お礼がしたいところだけど、何か希望とかあるかい?」「別に構わんが......そうじゃな......」ミラとしては、親友が必要としていたから持ってきたというだけだが、くれるというなら断る理由も無い。そこで考えると、すぐに丁度良いものを思いつく。「小型の馬車みたいな、ワゴンというやつはどうじゃろう? クレオスがガルーダに持たせて飛んだんじゃ。あれは是非とも欲しいと思っとったところでのぅ。城の職人が作ったと聞いたが」「あれかー。うん、いいよいいよ。お安い御用だ。内装とか設備の要望はあるかい?」「ふむ、要望か......」ミラは、どこまで出来るものなのかを聞き、ソロモンは出来うる限りの範囲を言い並べていった。二十分近く話し合った結果、大体の形が整う。風雨に曝されてもビクともしない頑丈な素材で、内装についてもミラは出来る範囲での希望を伝える。話し合いの末、ミラが予想していた以上に様々な技術が開発されている事も然る事ながら、思いの他、豪華なものが出来上がりそうだった。まるで秘密基地を作る相談をしている気分になり、二人が調子に乗った結果でもある。かつて秘密基地に多大な時間を掛けていた事があったのも、歯止めが利かなくなった要因であろう。「これはちょっと、面白いものが出来そうだね」「うむ、今から楽しみじゃ」向かい合った二人は、無邪気な子供の様な表情で顔を向け合ってにやりと微笑む。最後に完成時期と連絡方法を確認すると、ミラが思い出したかのように口を開く。「そういえば、色々と事情があってな。マリアナとクレオス、あとリタリアにもわしの正体を話した」「そっか。その事情は聞かないけど、あの三人なら問題はなさそうだね。分かったよ」召喚術の塔、補佐官マリアナと賢者代行クレオス。そしてルミナリアの補佐官リタリア。疑いようも無く信頼できる三人だ。その顔ぶれにソロモンもすぐに了承すると、ダンブルフ関係で用があったら伝えておくと言った。「ソロモン様、そろそろお時間です」「うむ、分かった」扉の向こうから男の声が届くと、扉まで近づきソロモンは声色を変えて短く返す。ソロモンの仕事は当然まだまだ残っている。ミラとの極秘会議は、そんな合間に捻じ込んだ一時間までと決まっていた。もうじき次の仕事へ赴かなければいけないのだ。「早いなぁ。それじゃあ最後に、これを渡しておくね」ミラはソロモンに手渡された紙の束を軽く捲り、一枚一枚確認していく。「まだ、持ってなかったよね。とりあえず、この国周辺のを集めておいたから大事な物「うむ、そうさせてもらおう」十枚近くあるそれは、アルカイト王国周辺の地図だった。これから向かう祈り子の森もその中に含まれている。ミラは、早速アイテムボックスの大事な物の欄に地図を入れると、マップの項目を開いてみた。腕輪の上に、スクリーンがあるかのように地図が投影される。「これは便利じゃな」「地図は、大きな街なら扱ってる店があるはずだから、必要ならそこで周辺地図を買っていくといいよ。大まかに大陸全土を把握しているとはいえ、有ると無いとじゃ旅の道程も全然変わるらしいからね」ソロモンは机に広げた資料を束ねながら、冒険者をしている元プレイヤーから聞いた話を思い出し、少しだけ懐かしそうな表情を浮かべる。王として過ごしてきた三十年。退屈とは程遠い生活だったが、時折、世界を冒険したいという衝動に駆られる時もある。ソロモンの事情を知る元プレイヤーの知り合いから、そういった話を聞くのは、今の大きな楽しみであったりするのだ。故に、ミラとの会話は心の底から楽しいものであった。「あともう一つ、これも」ソロモンはそう言い懐から掌に収まる大きさの何かを取り出すと、ミラの前へと差し出した。それは見事な意匠の施された金属製の板で、白銀に輝くアルカイト王国の国章と9の数字、指輪の模様が刻まれている。「なんじゃこれは?」それを手に取り一瞥すると、そのまま裏返す。裏には魔法陣が刻印されており、ミラは更に首を傾げる。「術具か何かか?」ミラはその魔法陣から予測したが、ソロモンは首を横に振ると、「それは勲章だよ。今回、国の重要人物であるソウルハウルの手掛かりを持ち帰ったって事で、君に叙勲しようと思ってね」そう言いながら、ソロモンはミラの持つ勲章に自身の手を合わせる。『ソロモンの名において、汝にこれを授ける』その言葉に勲章が反応すると、刻印された魔法陣が淡く輝いた。「これは、所有の無形術ね。この勲章は僕が君に贈ったという証拠になるんだ」「なるほどのぅ。しかし、勲章など貰ってものぅ」「一応これには、君の身分はアルカイト王国が保証するよって意味もあるから役に立つとは思うよ。情報収集や目的地とか、これからの任務で相応の身分が必要になった場合、これを見せれば多少は融通してくれるはずだから」「ほぅ、そういう事か。ならば、有意義に使わせてもらうとしよう」ミラは掌の上で勲章を弄びながら、得心がいったように頷いた。「それじゃあ、いってらっしゃい。お土産、楽しみにしてるよ」「うむ、行ってくる」カラナックでは、タクトという子供とエカルラートカリヨンというギルドとの繋がりを作ってきたミラ。次は、どんな事に巻き込まれてくるのかと楽しみにしながら、長い銀の髪を揺らし堂々と歩んで行く少女の背中を、ソロモンは少し羨ましそうに見送る。 (僕も、化粧箱使っちゃおうかな......) 「ソロモン様。アリスファリウス聖国の使者の方が到着しました」「すぐに向かう」そう答えたソロモンには、もうさっきまでの子供の様な雰囲気は無く、三十年続けた王としての顔が張り付いている。 (ま、責任は果たさないとね) ソロモンは束ねた資料を小脇に抱えると、今は物音一つしない静かな部屋を後にした。	On top of the walls surrounding the castle of the capital city of Lunatic Lake, a barrier that stretched up into the sky was raised, so it was impossible to simply enter it while flying. As such, the wagon carrying Mira and Creos landed in an open space in front of the castle’s main gate. The guards standing watch there had seen the wagon countless times before and knew it meant vice-elder Creos had arrived, so they stood with their backs straight. After Creos stepped out of the wagon, a young girl with glistening silver hair followed him. The guards were not expecting that so they looked at her curiously, but then they realized it was Danbulf’s pupil, so they quickly readjusted their postures. 「Thank you, it was a delightful trip.」「I’m glad I could help you.」 After thanking Creos, 「You worked hard too」 she said while looking up at Garuda. Whether Garuda understood the meaning of those words or not, it still chirped shortly in response. 「Anyway, take care now, Mira.」 Creos hoped for Mira’s safety in her mission, while she entrusted him with nurturing all the new summoners. During their trip, Mira selected some Magic Bomb Sealing Stones from the ones she brought from the tower, giving them to Creos since they would prove useful when forming new contracts. They were quite numerous, so Creos happily accepted them and reinvigorated his will to work hard today. Creos then climbed back inside the wagon and went towards the academy. Mira saw him off before she entered the castle. Inside, some maids standing by guided her into a reference room. 「Lady Mira, we’ve been awaiting you. Please follow me.」 In the reference room, Lily took over from the other maids and led her further inside the castle. The reference room had walls painted white, an atrium near its entrance, and further inside it was divided into three floors. There were metallic shelves arranged in an orderly fashion, documents amassed from all over the world separated in their respective categories. Mira was led into a room further inside the first floor. Solomon was waiting for her there. 「Understood.」 Lily bowed politely and before leaving she whispered into Mira’s ear, 「Come tell me what you thought about the clothes later.」 There was a ridiculously large wooden table in the center of that room, with countless books and documents placed on top of it. Solomon took one of them and opened it in front of Mira. 「I’m sorry I had you come all this way. I probably would’ve been able to tell you the place through the transmission, but the place is a bit... But anyway, I want you to look at this first.」 Saying so, Solomon took a piece of paper from his pocket and placed it on top of the other documents. It was a drawing or some sort of blueprint, its silhouette resembling a person. 「What’s this...? A robot?」「Something like that, I guess. It’s being developed under the name of Protean Doll for now.」「Hmm... pro...tean doll, huh...」 Mumbling the complicated word, Mira looked at the documents. There were two different blueprints there. Both had a similar shape and size, but the rightmost one had a more complex interior. 「And oh, the one to the left is called Stalwart Doll, that one finished development more than ten years ago.」「Well, their basic form maybe. But I want you to pay attention to the right one, that’s also what I wanted to show you here.」 As Solomon lay down more documents, he explained its functions in simple terms. 「Let’s start with the Stalwart Doll. It’s a self-driving mechanism that was developed with Magic Engineering by the engineer’s union. They’re meant to be deployed in dangerous areas or where humans normally can’t go, it’s probably easier to understand if you just think of them as the robots we had in our former world.」 With that explanation concluded, Solomon pointed to the other blueprint. 「And this one is the Protean Doll, a new one being developed based on the Stalwart Doll but focusing on combat abilities.」「So it’s like a new generation of the old model. But anyway, how does any of this relate to me being called here?」 When she heard Magic Engineering was involved, she thought they were asking her to do something Refining related, so she asked to be sure. In reply, Solomon’s gaze lowered a bit as he sighed once. 「To be completely frank, we’ve run into a roadblock developing the Protean Doll. Research about weaponizing a Stalwart Doll is something pretty much every country is doing. In other words, even if we simply attached some weapons to it and called it a day, they would never hold a candle to the numbers a large country could produce. At most, they would serve as a deterrent against monster attacks, which would have its uses, but if we stop at something like that, which any country could do, then that will also change how other countries see us. Here in Arkite we still want to add a special touch to ours.」 In truth, all countries were conducting experiments with weaponized Stalwart Dolls. Some used them to patrol the country borders, or as reserve troops in case of an emergency. They also had developed some especially to fight with monsters, and it was a very active project all around. Arkite had also been researching the matter since quite a while back, but they kept everything secret, progressing under the shadows. 「Hmm...I guess it makes sense that everyone would want to research that. And the reason you called me here is related to that special touch you mentioned. Would Refining something do the trick?」 Mira could guess the special touch would be some added effects imbued through Refining. But Solomon shook his head in reply. 「No, it has nothing to do with Refining. It’s just that something we really need can be gathered pretty close to your next destination.」 Saying so, he handed her a list with item names. The list was rather long, but most of the items were ones commonly used in the fabrication of magic wares. 「Now listen, this matter is secret, top secret.」「The Protean Dolls we are researching are capable of casting spells , or at least that’s what we’re trying to accomplish. We are at the last step of accomplishing that, building a mechanism capable of casting spells. But that’s also where we ran into our roadblock. Thanks to Luminaria we have been able to make it compose magic, but the magic energy to carry it out is still lacking.」「This list is the result of many many experiments. While we still can’t produce nearly enough magic energy, the items in the list showed at least some positive reaction.」 Then Solomon pointed to a certain part of the list. The item listed there was called ‘Glimmering Seed’. They were a special type of seed that would sometimes grow out of trees throughout the entire world, regardless of their species, and emitted a faint glow. They had very good compatibility with spells from any class and were commonly used as the foundation for magic wares. Because of their high affinity with pretty much anything, they were also used as substitutes for multiple other items. 「Glimmering Seeds, according to our tests, showed the highest output of magic energy. Though it was still not enough to cast a spell, so it’ll still take a while before they can be put to practical use.」 After hearing that, everything began to click inside Mira’s head. The Glimmering Seeds had shown the strongest reaction during the experiments, and Mira recalled hearing of another item that was even superior to Glimmering Seeds. Those were called ‘Founding Seeds’. A precious item that could only be obtained from the Allfather Gopher Tree, said to be the originator of all trees in the world. After eons, the trees evolved to their modern appearance, but their Glimmering Seeds were something like a tribute to their originator. The Founding Seeds had amassed all the former might of trees before they became diluted and separated in species, so they were used only for really high class magic wares. As she said that, Mira took out the pass to restricted areas the chief of the Spellcasters Union Leoneil had given her, and placed it on the table. The Tenma Labyrinth Primal Forest, which meant the first and original forest. As its name suggested, there was vegetation from really old times growing in the labyrinth, including the tree said to be the originator of all other trees. 「That’s correct. It seems you’ve finally caught on. I originally planned on letting you go there whenever you had time to go there, but since you’ll be visiting a lot of places I figured I’d fill you in on this as well.」「I see. And what did you find out from the documents I brought?」 They had taken a really long-winded detour talking about the Dolls, but Mira’s main goal was still following the steps of Soul Howl. When Mira brought that topic up again, Solomon glared at another document. 「According to those documents, the Brilliant Chalice of Divine Decree was an item obtainable after following a lot of steps, though they weren’t steps like gathering ingredients and making it, it was the reward of a really long quest, apparently.」「Hmm... I remember hearing a lot of rumors about the Chalice, but so it was a quest item.」 There were many arguments about it back during the game era, though the most trusted theory said that it was the reward of some quest, and that the Brilliant Chalice of Divine Decree was in the same league as artifacts. 「Calling it a quest item...is not quite correct.」 Solomon closed his eyes as he sorted his thoughts before continuing to speak. 「Apparently it’s a rather unique item that can’t really be classified as a crafted item, drop, or quest item.」 There really were no words to accurately describe what the Brilliant Chalice of Divine Decree was, so Solomon began his explanation by throwing that fact out. First, the chalice was an item obtainable after following a long and arduous process, but it was not to create or build one, it was completed after satisfying multiple conditions. As for what those conditions were, most of them had not been deciphered yet, but the first steps were known now, so they called for Mira. 「So, what are those conditions?」「The first condition, which also counts as gathering the basis for the Chalice, also has its own conditions, but it’s basically gathering the root of a sacred tree that is more than three thousand years old. The sacred tree of that age closest to us, or should I say, closest to the underground graveyard where Soul Howl was is in-」「Past the Primal Forest. The elder of the Forest of Praying Children...I guess.」 Sacred Tree was a term used to refer to any tree that after living for long enough, had become able to house divine energy, and were revered as gods. There were multiple of those that were older than three thousand years throughout the continent, but it was a safe bet going to the closest one to the underground graveyard since it was hard to believe Soul Howl would go through the cumbersome task of going to another faraway land. Which meant going to the Forest of Praying Children on the southwest part of Arkite. The Tenma Labyrinth Primal Forest was also in that area, which is why Solomon said it was just the perfect opportunity. 「That’s pretty much it. Since it’s the first condition he probably isn’t there anymore, but you might be able to find more traces of him, or maybe even learn something from the elder, which would put you right behind him.」「Well, I guess so. Also, if you had told me about the Founding Seeds after I returned from visiting the elder, I would’ve gotten annoyed at you for not telling me earlier.」「I’m aware of that much. Either way, we’ll need a few for our experiments, as well as some spares, so please bring around ten if you can.」 Since they were still experimenting, there was a chance the Founding Seeds would not be of use either, so Solomon settled for a more reasonable quantity. Still, Mira frowned hearing that number, feeling it would be a pain to get them, but it was hard to blame her. Even back during the game era Founding Seeds were very valuable, so trying to trade for one took a lot of courage even for top players. So no matter if she was one of the Nine Wisemen, Mira still felt reluctant having to gather so many. 「Such an unreasonable request...」「If it makes you feel better, ever since I ran out of people with access to restricted areas I’ve been trying to buy up any I could find. But if you think it’ll take too many days to get them, just five would be enough.」「Seriously... But alright, I’ll gather as many as I can.」「Thank you, it’ll be a big help.」 Deciding it was the least she could do to thank him for her clothes, Mira decided to agree to it. Solomon thanked her and placed ten mythril coins in front of her. 「This is your budget for this mission. If you need anything during your travels, you can spend this for it. Or if you want, you can also spend it on a new replica. Since we’re in the capital now, you should be able to find replicas of even more signature outfits you used to wear apart from the robe.」 Saying that, Solomon laughed like a mischievous child. Seeing that, Mira finally understood what he meant when he said the replica suited her the day before. 「You knew about it but didn’t tell me anything.」「Isn’t a pupil trying to look like her master a cute sight?」「I don’t want to look like that!」 As she began talking back like that, they began a game of catch around the table. A third person would definitely think they looked like small children like that. 「Anyway, here, a small present.」 They laughed all the time they ran, and when they were done, Mira placed the Magic Sealing Stones she brought from the tower on the table. There were almost a hundred of them, so Solomon happily stashed them into a bag. 「Well, thank you so much, I should be fine having so many of these. You’re really a big help, is there anything I could give you in return?」「Not really...though actually...」 Since Solomon was her good friend, there was no need to return the favor. But since he offered something, she had no reason to refuse either so she began thinking and came up with something. 「Maybe something like a small carriage, I think it was called a wagon? That Creos used to fly while being carried by Garuda. I really want to have one for myself. He told me the mechanics here made it.」「One of those? Sure, sounds good, very good, I can easily make that happen. Do you have any requests about how it should look inside or any extra equipment?」「Hmm, what should I ask for...」 Mira asked how much she could ask for, and Solomon explained to her the limits of what could be modified. Then they spent around twenty minutes talking about it and they decided on the rough outline of the design. It would be made out of a strong material resistant to wind and rain, and the interior was going to be highly customized to Mira’s tastes. At the end of their conversation, Mira found out that technological advances had evolved much more than she imagined, so the resulting wagon would be a sight to behold. In a way, it felt like they were talking about making a new secret base, so both of them got really into the conversation. Since they had spent a lot of time in a secret base in the past, that made it even harder for them to stop. 「I’m sure something really interesting will come out of this.」「Mhm, I’ll be looking forward to it.」 The two grinned like innocent children looking at each other. Then they only discussed how long it would take to build it and how she would be notified about its completion, when Mira spoke again reminded of something. 「Speaking of which, a lot happened. I told Mariana, Litaria and Creos about my identity.」「I see. I won’t pry too much, but I trust those three enough. Thanks for telling me.」 The aide Mariana and vice-elder Creos from the Tower of Summoning, and Luminaria’s aide Litaria. They were all trustworthy people without a shred of suspicion on them. Solomon approved of them, so he had no problem with Mira telling them, and also decided that he would contact them if he ever needed something related to Danbulf. 「Lord Solomon, it’s almost time.」「Oh, got it.」 A man’s voice came from the other side of the door. Solomon walked up to the door and replied shortly while changing his tone of voice. There was still a lot of work left for him to do, and he had taken up to an hour off to have this secret meeting with Mira, so now he only had a few minutes before he had to continue working. 「Time sure flies by. Anyway, lastly, I want to give you this.」「What’s this?」 Mira took the bundle of papers Solomon gave her and leafed through it. 「I don’t think you have one yet, so put it inside the Important 「Okay, I’ll do that.」 The bundle of around ten pages was a map of the surroundings of Arkite Kingdom. The Forest of Praying Children she was headed to was also included in it. Mira quickly put the map into the ‘Important’ tab of her Item Box, and tried opening the Map menu. On top of her bracelet, a map was displayed like a floating window. 「This will come in handy.」「If you need more maps, stores in big cities should have them, so just buy some. Even if you know your way through most of the continent, there are still places that might change as you travel.」 Solomon began putting away all the papers lying on the table while he thought about the stories he heard from a former player that was living as an adventurer. It was hard to say that his life had been boring, being king for thirty years, but sometimes he still wished he could go out and go on adventurers himself. So one of his favorite pastimes was hearing stories from a former player who was aware of Solomon’s situation. Talking with Mira was also very enjoyable to him for the same reason. 「And one last thing, take this too.」 Solomon took out something from his pocket and showed it to Mira. It was a slab of metal with an intricate design carved into it, having the national emblem of Arkite shining in silver as well as the number nine, all surrounded by a ring. Taking it into her hands and looking at it, she flipped it and saw a magic circle engraved on the underside, which made her tilt her head even more. 「Some type of Magic Ware?」 Mira thought that after seeing the magic circle, but Solomon shook his head. 「That’s a medal. You brought back leads on the whereabouts of Soul Howl, who is an essential personage for the country, so I’m conferring this award onto you.」 Saying that, Solomon placed his hand on top of the medal Mira was holding. ‘In the name of Solomon, thou shalt be granted this’ In reaction to his words, the magic circle engraved on the medal began glowing. 「That’s a Concept spell to transfer ownership. It serves as proof that I gave you the medal.」「I see. I still feel like a medal is a bit too much though.」「I’m also giving it to you since it signals that the Kingdom of Arkite recognizes your social position, which should be of use to you. In your next mission, you might have to prove your rank to access certain information or enter certain places, and you should be permitted to most of it by showing this medal.」「Ohh, there was also such a reason. I’ll make good use of it then.」 Mira fiddled with the medal as she nodded satisfied with that reason. 「Well then, have a safe trip! I’m looking forward to your souvenirs.」「Mm, I’ll be going then.」 Mira had met Takuto and the Écarlate Carillon guild in her trip to Caranach. Now Solomon was curious what would happen to her in her next mission as he watched, with only a bit of jealousy, how she walked away with a grandiose gait while her silver hair swayed behind her. (Should I also try using a Vanity Case...) 「Lord Solomon, the envoy from Alispharius has arrived.」「I’ll be there in a moment.」 As he replied, his earlier demeanor akin to a child vanished and he regained the countenance of someone who spent thirty years as king. (Well, I can’t just abandon my duties though.) Solomon held the documents under his arm and left the room that was now shrouded in silence.	{ "source": "manual-fanfic", "missed_lines": 5, "inserted_lines_src": 2, "inserted_lines_trg": 2 }
外に出たはいいんだけど、まだ眠くない。だから、袋作りを始めようと思ってるんだけど、皮のなめし方とかわかんないの。とりあえず、今持っている分の大犬の皮全てをウォーターボールで洗い、木の枝に掛けて干しておく。 .........ん?頭の中にメッセージが......? 【SK2 「革加工★」を取得しました。】やったーーー! このスキルは総必要SKPもレベルの段階も全て「解体」と同じだ。 3SKP振って、レベル1にする。 ......今の持ち物じゃ、なめしできないじゃん! とりあえず、さっきの過程が最善だったみたい。あと、解体の段階もひとつあげておいた。なんとなく、あの大犬と毛玉と小ドラゴンの採取すべき場所が分かった気がする.........! そう言えば、Lv8かSTP振ってない。SKPも全然ある。合計13Lv分のSTPとSKPを今振っちゃおう! STPは130ある。まずは...そうだな.........。とりあえず、全ステータスに20ずつになるように振ろう。これで残りは60。あとはーーー? HP、MP、C、W、Sに10ずつ振ろう。残り10はさらにMPとWに5ずつ。これでSTPは割り振り終わった。次! SKP! 残り113。とりあえず、火術・風術・土術を全てMAXにして、それぞれを改に進化させる。土術の派生で、「E(X):石術」ができた。あ、そうだ。「シャボン」にも振っちゃおう!15でMAXになるし、全振りだな。 ............あ、詳細見ずに振ってしまった...... と、とりあえず、詳細みようねっ! シャボンのレベルMAXを調べる。ああ、つまりはシャボン玉を出すだけのスキルね。......失敗した。よく見ておくんだった。しかも、進化も派生も無し!15も損した。のこり68。あとは......そうだなぁ。合成して考えてみよう。俺が今、欲しいのは雷! 何故かって? それは、ドラグナーストーリーと、対をなす名作RPG、スタートクエストの主人公の魔法が雷だからさ! でも、なにでできる? 多分、火と土は関係ないだろ?やっぱ、水と風かな?とりあえず、試すだけ試してみようか。【「E(X):水術」+「E(X):風術」=「E(X):雷術」コスト:Eランクの魔核1個】うぉっ! やったー! これだ。性能は水術や風術と同じ。ただ、必要SKPは25。まぁ、問題はない。すぐにMAXにする。さらに、改に進化させる。改に進化させる時にコストはかからなかった。これを、すぐに12振って1段階上げる。結果、サンダーボール、サンダーエミッションを覚えた!嬉しい! のこりは31。「剣技★」を念のため1段階上げておく。 28どうしよう?んーと、やっぱり、もう1段階サンダーエミッションあげる?そうしよう。さて、16残ったわけだが......。残すよ。 ...もうね、考え疲れたの。おやすみ。	So, I want to start making the bag, but I don’t know how to tan leather. first of all, I wash all of the big dog’s skins that I gathered with water ball, and hang them on a branch of a tree. ......... Oh? In my mind, a message......? 【SK 「leather processing ★」 acquired.】 Greaaaat! as for the SKP needed to unlock its different levels, it is similar to 「dismantling」 stages. I assigned SKP to it and made it level. ...... with my present belongings, I can’t do the tanning! First of all, I think that the process a short while ago was the best. then, I raised the dismantling by one level. Somehow, I found the places that I could dismantle from the big dog and fur ball and the small dragon .........! That reminds me, I didn’t assign any STP from Lv till now at all. There is 0 STP. First of all, let’s make all of my stats at least 20. Hmm, after that ...? Let’s add 10 more to HP, MP, C, W, S. with this, STP assignment is finished. next! SKP! 113 remains. For now, I made all of fire magic/ wind magic / earth magic to level MAX, and evolved each one of them to Kai. Oh, yeah. I’ll also put some in 「soap」! by assigning 15 points, it became MAX level. ............ Oh, I assigned the points without checking its details ...... Now, let see the details! I check level MAX of the soap. Oh, that is, the skill just to make bubbles. I’ll synthesize and think about it. The one I want now is thunder! Why, you ask? because the main character in “dragon story” which is a famous RPG game, uses thunder magic at “start quest”. But what is it made of? Probably, it does not have anything to do with fire and earth? After all is it water and wind? I shall try it to see if it is. 【「E(X): water magic」+「E(X): wind magic」=「E(X): thunder magic」cost: one E ranked monster core】 Woa! Great! that’s it. only, it requires 25 SKP. When evolving it into Kai, no cost was required. As a result, I learned Thunder ball, and Thunder emission! I’m happy! just in case I raised 「sword art ★」 to stage 1. How about those 28? Mmm, after all, Should I raise thunder emission by another stage? Let’s do that. Well, 16 remaining but... ... Now, I’m tired of thinking. Good night.	{ "source": "manual-fanfic", "missed_lines": 0, "inserted_lines_src": 1, "inserted_lines_trg": 19 }
瓦礫が滝のように降り落ちた。その異常に反応できたものは少なかった。天井は狼々ノ風とトロルのほとんど真上に崩れ落ち、すぐさまに砂塵が視界を埋めた。「ミケル! 無事か!」ミトロフは目鼻を腕で庇いながら叫んだ。息すら出来かねる土埃のあとに、ようやく視界が晴れていく。ミケルたちがいた場所には、土と石の山がある。そこ、大きな影。見て、すぐに分かる。その影はミトロフを見ている。 ––––あの、トロルである。しかし異様なのはその風体である。身体中に傷を負い、その血は止まっていない。顔には斜めに爪痕が刻まれ、片目を失っているようである。真っ赤に染めた口を開き、歯を剥き出しにしている。トロルは左腕に、また別の腕を持っていた。緋色の毛皮の太い腕である。「......あれは、まさか緋熊の腕か?」グラシエが信じられないと呟いた。「あやつ––––喰ったのじゃ、守護者を」トロルは見せつけるように緋熊の腕にかぶりつくと、肉の一片を食いちぎった。咀嚼し、そして咆哮した。空気が震える。背中が痺れる。ミトロフは耐え難い震えに襲われた。生き物として、恐怖した。あれは、あれこそが、魔物だと。逃げたい、と思った。今すぐ逃げよう。あんなものと戦えるわけがない。しかしミトロフは見てしまった。瓦礫の中に半ば身体を埋めた姿が見えた。ミケルである。黒いローブの少女を庇っている。あの一瞬で、彼は仲間を助けようとしたのだ。そして彼らはいま、戦える状況にない。自分たちが逃げれば、どうなるのか。分かりきっている。だから、逃げてはいけない。なぜだろう。とミトロフは思う。逃げないなんて、合理的な判断ではない。貴族として正しくない。恐ろしい。それでも、戦わねばと思っている。ミトロフは震える息を鼻から吐き出した。ぶ、ひいいいい。身体中に湧いて出た怯えも恐怖も、全てを追い払おうとした。無理だった。怖い。身体が固い。逃げ出したい。漏らしてしまいそうだ。それでも、剣を手放すわけにはいかない。「グラシエ」と名前を呼ぶ。「ぼくは、戦う。きみは逃げろ」「水臭いことを言うでないわ、ミトロフよ。われらはパーティーじゃろう。戦うならば共に、じゃぞ」その顔は揺るぎもなく笑顔だった。ミトロフも笑う。「わかった。カヌレ、君は」と最後まで言う前に、カヌレは首を振った。「わたしのことも仲間だと思ってくださるなら、ここにいることを許してください」「......なら、頼んでもいいか。ぼくらがアレの気を引いてるうちに、ミケルたちを助け出してくれ」「分かりました。力仕事ならこの身が役に立ちます」ふたりが残ると言ってくれたことに、ミトロフは猛烈な喜びを感じた。嬉しい、と思った。ぼくは孤独ではない。仲間がいる。そして今から、友達を助けに行く。こんなにも恵まれた環境があるだろうか。ふとそんな考えが過ぎった。自分という存在に、意味がある。戦う理由がある。生きる理由がある。だったら、なにも恐れることはない。 ––––騎士道とは、死ぬことと見つけたり。「いや、もちろん死ぬつもりはないが、死ぬ気で行こう」ミトロフはトロルと睨み合う。ゆっくりと近づいていく。トロルは瓦礫の上に立ち、一歩、前に進んだ。ざ、と土が崩れる。足場が悪い。あそこには入れない、とミトロフは考える。幼いころに剣を学んだ師は、貴族らしくないことまでミトロフに教えた。彼は元々冒険者であり、その技術は実践剣技に基づいていた。彼はよく、戦いの場のことを語った。戦いやすい場所、戦いにくい場所。自分の得意な場に相手を引き込むことが戦いの前提にある、と。あの瓦礫の山は、ミトロフが戦いにくく、トロルには適している。だから攻め込むことはできず、ミトロフは平地でトロルを待つ。だが、瓦礫場にはミケルたちがいる。トロルがそちらに目を向けたら、飛び込むしかない。じりじりと睨み合い、息すら細くなるような緊張がミトロフを包んでいる。背後ではグラシエが矢を構え、カヌレがミケルたちを助ける機会を見計らっている。なにかのきっかけで、場は動くだろうと分かっていた。一度動き出せば、止まることはできない。そのきっかけは、瓦礫の中から生まれた。	The debris fell like a waterfall. Few were able to react to this abnormality. The ceiling collapsed almost directly above the “Wolves Wind” and most of the trolls, and dust immediately filled the area. “Mikel! Are you okay?!” Mitrof shouted while covering his nose and mouth with his arm. After some time, the dust cleared, and his vision returned. Where Mikel and the others were, there was only a pile of soil and stones, and there was a particularly large figure. Upon seeing it, it was immediately clear that the figure was looking at Mitrof. ——That troll. It’s the troll that fought Mitrof. However, what was strange about it was its appearance. It was covered in wounds, and blood was still oozing from its body. There were diagonal claw marks on its face, and it seemed to have lost one of its eyes. It opened its mouth, which was dyed red, exposing its teeth. The troll is holding an arm from his left arm. It was a thick arm covered in scarlet fur. “... Is that the arm of the ‘Scarlet Bear’?” Grace murmured in disbelief. “He... he ate the Guardian!” The trolls show off by biting into the arms of the “scarlet bear” and chomping down on a piece of meat. He chewed and then roared. The air vibrated. Mitrof was overcome with unbearable trembling. As a living being, he felt fear. That was a monster. He wanted to run away now, to escape. He couldn’t possibly fight against such a thing. But Mitrof saw it. He saw a figure half-buried in the rubble. It was Mikel. He was protecting the black robed girl. At that moment, he was trying to save his comrades. But they were now in no condition to fight. What would happen if they ran away? It’s obvious. That’s why they couldn’t run away. Why was that? Mitrof wondered. It wasn’t a rational decision not to run away. It wasn’t right as a noble. It was terrifying. Even so, he felt that he had to fight. Mitrof exhaled trembling breaths. Bu,hiiiiiiiiii. He tried to dispel all the fear and terror that gushed out of his body. It was impossible. It was terrifying. His body was stiff. He wanted to run away. He felt like he might soil himself. However, he could not let go of his sword. “Grace,” he called her name. “I will fight—you should run.” “Don’t be silly, Mitrof!—We are a party—if we fight, we do it together.” Her face was firm, with a smile. Mitrof smiled too. “Okay, Canule, what about you?” Before he could finish his sentence, Canule shook her head. “If you consider me one of you, please allow me to stay here.” “...Alright—while we distract him, please rescue Mikel and the others.” “Understood—if it’s physical work, I can be of use.” When the two said they would stay behind, Mitrof felt intense joy. He thought he was happy. He wasn’t alone. He had allies. And now, he would go and help his friends. Could there be a more blessed situation? He thought of such things for a moment. Existence has meaning. There is a reason to fight, and there is a reason to live. If that’s the case, there is nothing to fear. ‘The way of chivalry is to find death.’ “No, of course I do not intend to die, but I will go with the intention to die.” Mitrof stared down at the troll, calmly approaching it. The troll stood on top of debris, taking a step forward. The earth crumbled. The footing was unstable. Mitrof thought to himself, ‘I can’t go there.’ The teacher who taught him swordsmanship since childhood taught him things that were not typically noble. He was originally an adventurer, and his skills were based on practical swordsmanship. He often talked about the battlefield—places that were easy to fight, places that were difficult. Drawing the opponent into one’s own favorable terrain was a prerequisite for fighting. That pile of debris was difficult for Mitrof to fight on, but suitable for the troll. Therefore, he couldn’t attack and had to wait for the troll on level ground. However, Mikel and the others were in the rubble. If the troll shifted its focus there, they had no choice but to jump in. With a tense stare-down, the pressure builds up around Mitrof, taking his breath away. Behind him, Grace had an arrow ready, while Canule was looking for an opportunity to help Mikel and the others. They knew that something would trigger the situation, and once it started, it would not stop. That trigger came from within the rubble.	{ "source": "manual-fanfic", "missed_lines": 0, "inserted_lines_src": 1, "inserted_lines_trg": 0 }
「なんで私だけ敵に出くわさんのや......」の1人、ベラ・ベルベットは相棒のユニゾン『マンネンII世』に乗り込み、ひたすら道幅の広いストリートをキュラキュラ進んでいた。「すでにユーリとアチルが脱落しとるのはアナウンスでわかっとる。戦いは中盤戦どころか、終盤戦に入りかけとるちゅーのに、まったく敵と出会えへんのはなんでやろうなぁ......」なんでやろうなぁ......と言いつつ、ベラにはいくつか思い当たる節があった。まずは何と言っても移動の不便さだ。マンネンII世はフォートレスタートルという巨大なモンスターであるため、通れる道は限られている。なので、戦闘の音が聞こえてもすぐにそちらに向かうことが出来ないのだ。建物を破壊して道を作り出そうとしたこともあるが、破壊した建物の上を移動しているうちに建物が再生し、その再生に巻き込まれる形で動きを封じられるという形になってしまった。しかも脱出のために砲撃を使用し、その爆風で自爆ダメージをくらうというおまけ付きだ。「まあでも、適当に砲撃して建物壊していたら味方を巻き込むかもしれんし、自分も傷ついてまう。結局、地道にキュラキュラ移動するしか......いや、まてまて! そうや! 移動するのが大変なら、あえてジッとしてればええんや!」ベラはマンネンII世に『止まれ』と命令し、道のど真ん中に停止させた。そして、そのまま静かに周囲を警戒する。らしくしれてばええんや! まだマココはんが残ってるし焦る必要はないわ! どーんと構えさせてもらうで!」ベラは自分の考えた作戦に満足しているように思えた。しかし、ベラは本来ジッとしていることが得意な性格ではない。「なんか......飽きてきたなぁ......。そもそも30分という時間制限のある試合でジッとしているのは正しいことなんやろか? こっちはマココはんと私の2人で相手は3人残っとるわけやし、このまま時間切れになれば負けるのはこっちなんよなぁ......。でも、マココはんなら数秒で3人瞬殺してもおかしくないし......。あ~、どうしたもんやろか。積極的に動くべきなんやろか」ベラはうずうずし始めた。こうなったら動き出すのは時間の問題......と思われたその時、2体の黒い影がマンネンII世の前に現れた。「あれは......ジュニアとおっさんところのワニや! まだどっちもユニゾンが生き残っとるとは驚いたなぁ~! よし、ここでおっさんのワニを仕留めて、ジュニアをマココはんの元へ送り届けるんや!」さも当然のようにジッとする作戦は撤回された! ベラはガー坊に対して攻撃を仕掛ける! 「見るからに機械属性って見た目やなぁ! くらえ! マンネンII世の要塞化した甲羅から生える大砲が火を噴き、甲羅型の砲弾を撃ちだす! 装甲を貫くことに特化した『徹甲弾』をモジった奥義【徹甲羅弾】は機械属性の敵に対する特効を持っている......! 巨大獄炎の矢その時、側面から飛来した巨大な矢が砲弾に突き刺さり攻撃を相殺した! 「な、なにもんや!? ......って、このフィールドに弓使いは1人しかおらんやろ!」自分でボケて自分でツッコむベラの前に現れたのは、ガー坊の真の相棒キュージィだった! ◆ ◆ ◆ 本来ならばネココの加勢を優先すべきなんだろうけど、流石に相棒のピンチを見過ごすことは出来ないな。それに相手パーティの残りはマココと目の前にいるベラ・ベルベットだけだ。こちらは俺にネココ、サトミもまだ生き残っている。サトミは相手パーティのアチルというプレイヤーを撃破したというアナウンス以降、動向を掴めていないが、俺の予想だと......マココとの戦いに合流している気がする。ベラと戦っていないのならば、他に戦う相手はマココしかいないからな。だから俺はサトミの代わりにベラも撃破するとしよう! 「いくぞ、ガー坊!」「ガァー! ガァー!」彼女は高い防御力を誇るマンネンII世の要塞化した甲羅の中に隠れている。となれば、撃破する方法は【問題は相手もそのことを承知している可能性があることだ。】が飛ぶスピードは決して速くはない。後出しで奥義を使って威力を減衰させることも出来れば、素早く動いて回避も出来る。ただ、このフィールドでマンネンII世は自由に動けないようだ。気にするべきは高威力の奥義、またはミラクルエフェクトによる相殺......! 「ミラクルエフェクト! 「なっ!?」いきなりミラクルエフェクトだと......! 一体どういう効果が......。「ゴールデンマンネンII世!」「うおお......っ!」思わず声が出てしまう......! マンネンII世が全身金ぴかになっているのだから! いや、強化の表現として金ぴかになるのはありきたりだが、これはVRゲームだ。リアルに限りなく近い状態で巨大な金の塊を目撃するというのは、案外感動させられる......! そりゃ古代の人も金を大事にしたわけだ......! 魔性の魅力がこの金属には存在する! 「冥途の土産に教えたる! このミラクルエフェクトの効果はなぁ......ステータス強化や! それ以上でもそれ以下でもない! 純粋にマンネンが強くなるんや! 別にうじゃうじゃユニゾンの数が増えたりせぇへんで! 私は1体の相棒を信じるスタイルや!」戦いは数よりも質......。なるほど、サトミとは真逆の考えというわけか。でも、同時に複数の敵を相手するのが苦手な俺にとっては、こっちの方がありがたい......!	“Why am I the only one who can’t find the enemy...” Vera Velvet of AUOratorio was riding her Unison, Mannen II, through the wide open street. “It’s already been announced that Yuri and Achile have died. It’s past the midway point of the battle, and yet I haven’t encountered anyone yet...” Why was that... She wondered. And Vera had an idea. After all, moving was very inconvenient for her. Mannen II was a giant monster called a Fortress Turtle, and so it was limited in terms of what roads it could walk through. And so even if she heard something, she could not always head in that direction. Sometimes, she just destroyed the buildings in order to make a path, but then the buildings would rebuild themselves while they were walking, and they would get stuck inside. And so she would have to use her cannons in order to get out, and she would take damage from the explosion. “And if I destroy too many buildings, I might hit my comrades and injure myself. In the end, I have no choice but to move slowly... No, wait! I know! If moving is a pain, then I should just stay still!” Vera ordered Mannen II to stop right in the middle of the road. And then she quietly waited. “If it’s a fortress, it should act like a fortress! As long as Macoco is still left, there’s no need to worry! We’ll just stay right here!” Vera was quite satisfied with her strategy. However, Vera also had a personality that meant she didn’t like staying still.. “This is...getting very boring... In the first place, is it really right to stay still during a battle with a minute time limit? Right now, there are two of us against three of them, so we would lose once time is up... But Macoco is strong enough to kill all three of them.. Ah, what should I do? Maybe I should move more boldly.” Vera became restless. It was just a matter of time before she started to move... But then, two dark shadows appeared in front of Mannen II. “That’s...Junior and the old man’s alligator! I’m surprised that both Unisons are still alive! alright, I’ll kill the alligator so that Junior can return to Macoco!” And so that was the end of her plan to stay still! Vera attacked Garbow! “It looks like a machine-type! Eat this! Armor Piercing Bullet!” The cannons that were mounted on Mannen II’s shell fired, unleashing shell-shaped cannon balls! These were specialized in piercing armor, and would be particularly effective against enemies with the machine attribute...! “Big Inferno Arrow!” Just then, a giant arrow came flying from the opposite side and hit the cannonball, canceling out the attack! “Wh-what the!? ...But there is only one archer in this field!” As she answered her own question, the person who appeared in front of her was Garbow’s true partner. Kyuji! ◆ ◆ ◆ While I should be prioritizing supporting Necoco, I couldn’t just ignore my buddy when he was in trouble. Besides, this was Vera Velvet. The last member of the enemy party, along with Macoco. And I knew that Necoco and Satomi were still alive. It had been announced that Satomi had defeated Achile. I wasn’t sure what he was doing after that...but he had likely gone to help Necoco. Because there was no one else for him to fight, since he wasn’t fighting Vera. And so I would defeat Vera for him! “Let’s go, Garbow!” “Gar! Gar!” She was hiding inside of the shell of Mannen II, which boasted high defense ability. In that case, Armageddon Arrow was the only way to break through. The problem was, she also knew this. And Armageddon Arrow was not very fast. Not only would she be able to use a charge attack to reduce the damage, she would even be able to dodge it. However, on this field, Mannen II could not move freely. In other words, it would be difficult to move quickly and dodge the arrow. So what I needed to be careful of was the use of powerful charge attacks or Miracle Effects to cancel it out...! “Miracle Effect! Unison Soul!” “Huh!?” A Miracle Effect already...! What effect is it... “Golden Mannen II!” “Woah...!” I couldn’t help but raise my voice...! Mannen II was now a shiny gold! Well, it was a pretty typical way of showing that something had become stronger, but this was a VR game. And so it was a little overwhelming to see a giant mass of gold shining like that...! It was no wonder that people saw gold as so valuable during ancient times...! There was something magical and compelling about gold! “I’ll tell you something before you die! This Miracle Effect’s effect is...status enhance! Nothing more and nothing less! I just become stronger! I don’t need to do anything like increase the number of Unisons! I prefer to trust the one I have!” Quality over quantity... I see. So she was the opposite of Satomi. However, I was bad at handling multiple enemies at once, so I was actually grateful for this...!	{ "source": "manual-fanfic", "missed_lines": 0, "inserted_lines_src": 8, "inserted_lines_trg": 0 }
翌日、昼前にリリーさん達に家をでて、まずの見送りついでに乗合馬車乗り場まで行くことにした、んだけど...... 「私達がレンさんを送って行きますよ」「馬車乗り場まで来てもらうとその後第二区画まで戻ることになるからねー?」「ダメです! レンさん一人で歩かせるとか、絶対にダメです!」「ノルン達も居るんですが」「それでもダメです!」いやん、凄い過保護。お断りはできそうにも無い感じなので諦めて二人に連行されて鍛冶工房へ。「それじゃ、私達もう行きますけど、大丈夫ですか?」「変なことしちゃだめだよー? 自重してねー?」「大丈夫ですからもう行ってください!」などと言うやり取りの後、漸く工房に入ることができた。流石に二人に一緒に来てもらうとかは遠慮しました! 子供じゃないんだから! いや、肉体的にはまだ11歳だけどね! 「こんにちはー」「おう、やっときたか! いつ来るのかと心配したぞ!」えええ、そんな子供じゃないんだから......と言うか、工房主が来るの待ってるとか勘弁してください。「あの、もしかして朝から待ってたなんてことは」「朝から待ってた! と言うわけで奥に行くぞ!」到着早々にまたしても連行された。もしかして今日はこんなのばっかり? 奥に向って通路をどんどん進んでいく。途中にいくつも部屋があって、それぞれ何の部屋なのか教えてもらった。鞘や剣帯を作る為の革細工用の部屋、刃物研ぎ用の部屋、親方がメインで使ってる鍛冶場、他の職人達が使う鍛冶場が幾つか、大量に仕事が入った場合に使う予備の鍛冶場も幾つか。私が借りる事になってるのはこの予備の鍛冶場のうちの一つらしい。しかももう火が入れてあるとか。気が早すぎ! 燃料勿体無い...... 他にも材料となる鋼材保管庫、出来上がったものを保管する倉庫、燃料となるコークスの保管庫等々......まあ、色々な部屋があった。そんな通路を抜けた先は中庭で、向かいにある建物が母屋らしい。併設された建物が従業員用の宿舎で中で繋がってるそうだ。ちなみにお風呂は母屋のほうにあるとのこと。母屋の一階は食堂になってるらしく、そこまで連れて行かれると、そこには数人の人達が。皆さんここで働いてる人達で、紹介はされたけどここでは一先ず割愛させていただく。ちなみに流石にフードは下ろしていたので、紹介された人達は皆、まあ、いつもどおりの反応だった。紹介が終わると私が使う予定の部屋に連れて行かれた。宿舎の二階の通路の中ほどの部屋だった。鍵を渡され中に入ってみると、広さくらい? ベッドとクローゼットが備え付けられてたけど、ベッドは後で取り替えよう。マットレスが硬いと寝れないし。クローゼットは、【ストレージ】あるし多分使わないかなー? ノルン達は中庭で寝るそうな。何気に一緒に寝てくれない。いけずぅ。与えられた自室でさっとズボンと動きやすい上着に着替え、中庭を通って再び店舗の建物へ移動。私が借りることになる鍛冶場へと案内された。「ここがお嬢ちゃんに貸す鍛冶場だ。燃料のコークスはそこに積んである。足りなくなったら手が空いてるウチの連中に声をかければいい。材料の鋼材に関しても代金をもらえれば都合しよう」「......あの、なんでそこまで?」ちなみにここまで親方さん直々に連れまわされてきた。立場のある人間にそこまでされると正直肩身が狭い。相当に気に入られたのだとしてもちょっと行き過ぎじゃないかなーって思うわけで。「がははは! 実はな、昨日貰ったインゴット、アレを軽く調べてみたんだが、どうやって鍛えたのかさっぱり分からん! 世の中は広いと思い知ったぞ!」なんでも、そんな自分でもわからないような鉄の精錬法を知ってる私を丁重に扱うのは当然、と言うことらしい。うん、職人の世界は良くわからん。「これがここの鍵だ。鍛造なり何なりするときには鍵を閉めておけ。うちの馬鹿共が盗み見するかもしれんからな」ちなみに鍵を閉めても通気はちゃんとされてるらしく、窒息したり酸欠になったりはしないので安心していいらしい。うん、安心した。他にも細かいことを色々教えてくれた後、親方さんは部屋から出て行った。さて、それでは早速何か作ってみようか。【ストレージ】から鍛冶道具一式を取り出し、準備。これらは王都滞在中に時間を見て自作したもの。ちなみに何が必要かわからなかったので困ったときの【創造魔法】頼みで『鍛冶道具一式』と言うふわっとした条件で作ってみた。余りにもふわっとした指定だったのでMP物凄く消費したのは言うまでもない。多分リリーさんに色々教えてもらって魔力運用系のスキル増えてなかったら作れなかったと思う。リリーさんマジ愛してる! とは言えこの鍛冶道具、当然重い。私の素のステータスだと持ち上げることは不可能だったりする。でもそこは【身体強化】の出番ですよ。【魔力循環】を覚えて消費が激減した今なら常時使用してもなんとかなるわけですね。こんな感じでくっそ重い槌をぶんぶん振り回せちゃう。さてさて、鍛冶の手順なんてよく分からないけど取り敢えずインゴットを炉に放り込んでみると、あら不思議。その後の手順がなんとなく分かってくる。これがスキル補正と言うものだろうか? 異世界ファンタジーマジ凄い。現代の職人さん達に謝れ! とはいえ、今の自分にとっては非常に都合がいいので、そのまま何となく剣を打ってみることにした。で間後。「んー、こんな感じでいいのかな?」取り敢えず剣はできた。要所要所で【創造魔法】を併用し、時間短縮した事で、普通に考えると明らかにおかしい速度で。三時間で剣一本できるとか、普通におかしいんだけど......【創造魔法】使うと徐冷時間とか全部すっ飛ばせるんだよね。経験稼ぎの為には数打たないといけないから助かるんだけど、ちょっと釈然としないものがある。でも実は今打ったのは様子見しながらだったので、頑張ればもっと早く打ちあがりそうではあるかなあ? 何となくだけど【鍛冶】スキルの経験値も増えたような気がするし、どんどん打っていったほうがいいとは思うんだけど...... なんて考えながら出来上がった刀身を眺めてみる。刀身は砥いでないし、鍔や握りの部分まで仕上げてはいないけど、【鑑定】で見た感じは出来は最高品質になってるみたい? まあ、鋳潰して打ち直すんだけど。とは言え材料の鋼材はまだまだあるのでいきなりこれを鋳潰して打ち直すなんてことはせず、新たに鋼材を取り出して次の剣を打つ。カンカンカンカン。うーん、我ながら中々いい出来だわ。あれからさらに数本の剣を打ってみた。どれも出来は最高品質。私の鍛冶スキルはレベル3だから、本来は最高品質の剣は作れないはずなんだけど、【創造魔法】を併用すると普通に作れちゃったりする。出来がいいものが作れるとスキル経験値も多く入るようなので、レベル上げには持って来いで助かるわー。ステータスを確認してみると早くも【鍛冶】のレベルが一つ上がって4になってた。天人マジチート。でも今までの他のスキルのレベルの上がり方を考えると、ここから必要経験が一気に増えていくんだよね......もっと沢山練習しないとなあ......がんばろ。とは言え、今日はもう遅いのでここまでにしておこう。体感的に夜の7時位かな? そう言えばお昼食べてないや。水分はちゃんと補給してたけど。それに汗でべたべた......上着が透けて下着が丸見え。我ながらエロイ。一先ず作業場の後片付けをし、作った剣は全部【ストレージ】に収納。かわりにバスタオルを一枚取り出して肩にかけ、胸元を隠しつつ鍵をかけて鍛冶場を後にする。母屋に着くと女将さんに風呂場に連行された。他の若い男性職人や見習いの目に毒だそうです。毒! 私、毒! へこんでても仕方ないのでひとっ風呂浴び、着替えて食堂に戻ると他の人達は既に食事を終えてそれぞれの部屋や残りの仕事に戻ったらしく、女将さんと女性の革細工職人、見習いの少年だけしか居なかった。女性の職人さんに話しかけられながら夕食を摂ってる間中、見習いの少年に睨まれてたんだけど、何? そんなに睨まれる覚えがないんだけど? 見つめ返して首をかしげると今度は顔を赤くして顔を逸らすし、なんなの? 「あの子ね、まだ剣を打たせてもらえないの。そこに自分より若い貴方が来て鍛冶場を一つ占領してるでしょ? はあ、なるほど。変な逆恨みみたいなものですか。とは言え変に絡まれても困るなあ。「大丈夫、見つめ返されれば照れてあの反応でしょ? 気にしないでいいわよ」「そういうものですか」「そうよ? それよりも、貴方胸おっきいわね? 何すればその歳でそんなにおおきくなるの?」そんなの、私が知りたいくらいですよ。寧ろ背が欲しいです。切実に。	The next day, I left the house with Lily and Arisa around noon, I was going by carriage and I thought the two were seeing me off, but...... “We will go with Ren.” “If we’re going by carriage, we can just ride it back to the second division later, right~? “No good! For Ren to be walking all alone, that’s definitely a no!” “Norn and Bell will also be with me.” “That’s still not enough!” No, you’re just being really overprotective. Since it didn’t look like a refusal was possible, I gave up and we headed to the blacksmith’s workshop together. “Well then, we’ll be going in now, are you ready?” “Don’t do anything weird, okay~? Be prudent, okay~?” “I’m fine, so let’s just go in already~” After exchanging such words, I was finally able to enter the workshop. As expected, I shouldn’t have let them come along! I’m not a child! Or no, I’m only physically years old! “Hello~” “Ah, you’re finally here! I was worried whether you would make it!” Ehh, like I said I’m not a child.......rather, you’re the workshop’s master, so please don’t wait on me. “Um, have you been perhaps waiting since this morning?” “I have been waiting since this morning! Rather, let’s head to the back already!” I was taken again upon arrival. Is it perhaps going to be like this the entire day? We went along a passageway towards the back. There were a number of rooms along the way, and I was given an explanation of what each room was for. A room for leatherwork for making sheaths or sword belts, a room for sharpening blades, a smithy exclusive to the master smith, several smithies used by other craftsmen, and some spare smithies. It seems that I would be renting one of these spare smithies. And the fire was already lit too. Too quick! I won’t have enough fuel left....... There was also storage for steel, storage for finished products, storage for coke fuels, and such......well, essentially a lot of rooms. After passing by various rooms, we reached a courtyard, and across it was a building that appeared to be the main building. Apparently, there was an employee dormitory connected to the building. Additionally, the bath was also in the main building. It seems that the first floor of the main building was a dining room, and when we were guided there, there were several people already inside. I was introduced to everyone who was currently here, but I’ll skip over that part for now. Incidentally, I had my hood down during introductions, so the reactions were like usual. After the introductions, I was guided to the room I would use. It was a room in the middle of the hallway on the second floor of the dormitory. I was given the key and I went inside, the room appeared to be about tatami mats-wide. There was a bed and closet provided, but I would be replacing the bed later. I couldn’t sleep on a hard mattress. Since I have Storage I guess I won’t be using the closet? Norn and Bell apparently had to sleep in the courtyard. It seems we wouldn’t be able to sleep together. How mean. I changed into a pair of pants and easy-to-move clothes inside the room, then headed back to the shop building across the courtyard. I was guided to the smithy I would be renting. “This is the smithy you will be renting. The fuel coke is already loaded inside. If you run out, you can speak to the people who are free. I’ll waive the cost of steel materials.” “......Um, why go so far?” Incidentally, the master smith was the one who guided me here. To be frank, it was quite humbling when someone in that position did that. Even if I was liked, it still seemed a bit too much. “Gahaha! Actually, I briefly checked the ingot I got yesterday, but I didn’t know how to make it! The world is definitely big!” It seems it was natural to treat me who knew of smelting methods even he didn’t know like this. Yep, I don’t really understand the world of craftsmen. “Here’s the key. Lock the door when you’re forging or doing something. There might be some idiots with prying eyes.” Additionally, even if the door was closed, there was proper ventilation, so there wouldn’t be any issues with suffocating due to lack of oxygen. Yep, that’s good. After explaining several other things, the master smith left the room. Well then, let’s try making something right away. I took out a set of blacksmith tools from Storage and began preparations. I made these myself after observing while I was in the capital. Incidentally, I was troubled since I didn’t know what I needed, so I had made it using Creation Magic under the loose specifications of “a set of blacksmith tools”. Needless to say, I was a bit light-headed after consuming too much MP. I probably wouldn’t have been able to pull it off if Lily hadn’t taught me all the various magic lessons and skills. I seriously love you, Lily! However, the blacksmith tools were naturally heavy. It was quite impossible to lift with my status alone. But that was where Power Increase came in. Since I also learned Mana Circulation, my consumption level has decreased sharply and I’m able to continuously use it. As such, I was able to swing around the heavy hammer. Incidentally, I didn’t know the procedure for blacksmithing, but when I dropped the ingot into the furnace something strange happened. I somehow immediately knew what to do. Is this a skill correction? Different world fantasies sure are amazing. Sorry to all the modern craftsmen! However, it was very convenient for me, so I decided to forge a sword for now. And three hours later. “Hm, I guess it’s something like this?” I finished making a sword. I had used Creation Magic for certain critical steps, thus shortening the time, the speed was naturally abnormal from a regular standpoint. To be able to create a sword in three hours, that’s definitely abnormal but......Creation Magic allowed me to skip several processes in regards to cooling. I still had to strike it several times to gain experience, but there were still areas that were unclear to me. But I suppose I will just observe for now and do my utmost to strike it as fast as I can? Anyways, I feel like the experience points for my Blacksmithing skill has increased, so it’s probably best to continue forging....... As I was thinking about various things, I looked over the finished blade. The blade wasn’t sharpened and the hilt wasn’t done yet, but from what I could gather from Appraisal, it seems to be of the highest quality? Well, I could always just melt it down and reforge it. But there was still plenty of steel left, so there wasn’t a need to melt and reforge it. I took out a new piece of steel and started forging the next sword. Clang! Hmm, it looks pretty good. I forged several more swords after that. Everything was of the highest quality. Since my Blacksmithing skill was only LV , I shouldn’t be able to make a sword of the highest quality, but because I was also using Creation Magic, I became capable of making it. But making something good will also give me more skill experience, so it’s a great help for leveling up~ When I checked my status, my Blacksmithing level had gone up by one and was now LV . Celestials sure are cheats. However, considering the level of the other skills that I have been leveling so far, the experience required will increase greatly starting from here......so I will need to train a lot more.......let’s work hard. That said, it’s too late today, so let’s stop here. It’s around o’clock at night now? Speaking of which, I didn’t even eat lunch. I did properly hydrate myself though. But I’m very sweaty.....my underwear is showing through my clothes. I was quite erotic. For now, I cleaned up the work area and stored all the swords I made inside Storage. Afterward, I took out a bath towel, and hung it over my shoulders to cover my chest. Then I locked up and left the smithy. When I returned back to the main building, I was taken to the bathroom by the landlady. Apparently, I was a bad influence on the young male craftsmen and other apprentices. Bad influence! Me, a bad influence! I was defeated and ended up taking a bath. Later, I changed clothes and went back to the dining room. The others seemed to have finished their meals and gone back to their own rooms or went back to work. The only ones left were the landlady, a female leatherworker, and a young male apprentice. As I was eating dinner while talking to the female leatherworker, the apprentice kept staring at me. What? Why are you staring at me so much? When I looked back and gave a slight bow, his face turned red and he turned away. What’s with him? “So she’s the kid huh, I’m not even allowed to forge a sword yet. She’s younger than me, yet she’s occupying an entire smithy by herself. I was angry at first and thought some mistake was made, but she’s a customer and rented the smithy, huh. Still she’s just a kid, this makes no sense.” Hah, I see. So there’s some weird resentment going on. I didn’t want to get involved with his brooding. “Don’t worry about it, he’s just shy since you looked back, right? Don’t mind it.” “Is that so.” “Yep? Rather, your chest is big, isn’t it? How did they get so big at your age?” Right, I would like to know too. I much rather be taller. Really.	{ "source": "manual-fanfic", "missed_lines": 4, "inserted_lines_src": 1, "inserted_lines_trg": 0 }
魂も骨も譲る気はないビートに合わせ踊ることはないあのリズムは知っている活気なきリズム叩かれている皮を知っている命のあったものを殺し持ち去り引き延ばしたのです戦の呼びかけも同様飛び回ったりブレイクダンスも踊らない恨みを支持したりあなたを憎む気もない殺しを働く気もないあなたの為に死ぬなんてありえない殺人や自殺を嘆くこともしない皆が踊っているからといってあなたや爆弾と踊ったりしない皆に過ちの可能性はある命とは権利であり偶然の産物ではない私は故郷を忘れはしない私は自分のドラムを作るだろう愛する人を集めれば歌が踊りだし皆のハミングはリズムとなる私は踊らされない名前もリズムも貸しはしない反抗の為主張の為に踊り続けるこの鼓動は死よりも激しく軍鼓がこの吐息に勝ることはないはああどうしました? 音を聞かせて下さい平和主義者の集い混乱の中大志を抱く者たち分かります私は間違っていました大いにです今日何を読んだらいいか検討もつきませんでしたずっと準備をしてきたと言いましたが衣装と化粧のことですオプションを用意しどこから出てきてどこへ行くのか探していました詩が最適です目標を与えてくれますですから先ほど選んだある詩を読みたいと思います 10分間程座っていただきここにいないある女性を思い描いていただきます彼女を今抱きしめて下さい名前など言わず抱きしめて下さい抱きしめていますか? 「団体休戦」神聖な歴史は全て禁じられ未来を予言し過去を投影する本は無いやむことのない男性の暴力を前に私の目隠しが解かれるいったい誰の息子か? 新たな日を浪費する子は誰か? 彼らの死は突然やってきます我々は死体を愛し取り乱した女性は悲しみに暮れ女性は日々暴力にさらされて予言が語られては忘れ去られる子供時代は戦争によって奪われ色彩が踊り皆不安定となる私の中の闇を探すことなかれ光と闇のサイクルに暮らしリズムは半沈黙あれでもこれでもなかった病気健康軽暴力純粋であったことはなかった形になる前私は嵐であった盲目で無知であった今もまた然り人は盲目に悪質になったものだ私が純粋であったことはない成熟以前から腐った女性言語は私を公式化することはできない経験は幾何数級であり全てが全てであるある女性は15もしくは20人の家族を失いまたある女性は6人を失いある女性は頭を失い瓦礫を探ったりごみを食らう女性もある銃で顔を撃つ者夫を撃つ者もあるある女性は自分を縛りまたある女性は命を授かるある女性は異国で出産をしある女性は愛を信じることをやめる信じたことのない者もある難民の心はどこへ? 破壊されけなされた異国の地に置き去りにされ孤独を強いられ我々は嘆くが特に意味はないのかもしれない螺旋状に曲がる私の背骨人間から人間へ続く断崖置き残されたクラスター爆弾は地雷同然くすぶる悲しみ汚染された煙草の報い爆弾の収獲赤ん坊の歯を拾い手のひらを拾っては煙草を吸い証拠を集めては煙草を吸い決心煙草救い煙草償却煙草呼吸恐れるな爆破したものを恐れるなら未だ爆発していないものをありがとうございました	I will not lend my soul nor my bones to your war drum. I will not dance to that beating. I know that beat. It is lifeless. I know intimately that skin you are hitting. It was alive once, hunted, stolen, stretched. I will not dance to your drummed-up war. I will not pop, spin, break for you. I will not hate for you or even hate you. I will not kill for you. Especially I will not die for you. I will not mourn the dead with murder nor suicide. I will not side with you or dance to bombs because everyone is dancing. Everyone can be wrong. Life is a right, not collateral or casual. I will not forget where I come from. I will craft my own drum. Gather my beloved near, and our chanting will be dancing. Our humming will be drumming. I will not be played. I will not lend my name nor my rhythm to your beat. I will dance and resist and dance and persist and dance. This heartbeat is louder than death. Your war drum ain't louder than this breath. Haaa. What's up TED people? Let me hear you make some noise. A bunch of pacifists. Confused, aspiring pacifists. I understand. I've been wrong a lot lately. Like a lot. So I couldn't figure out what to read today. I mean, I've been saying I've been prepping. What that means is prepping my outfit, prepping options, trying to figure out what I'm coming behind and going in front of. Poetry does that. It preps you. It aims you. So I am going to read a poem that was chosen just now. to just sit for like 10 minutes and hold a woman who is not here. Hold her now with you. You don't need to say her name out loud, you can just hold her. Are you holding her? This is "Break Clustered." All holy history banned. Unwritten books predicted the future, projected the past. But my head unwraps around what appears limitless, man's creative violence. Whose son shall it be? Which male child will perish a new day? Our boys' deaths galvanize. We cherish corpses. We mourn women, complicated. Bitches get beat daily. Profits made, prophets ignored. War and tooth, enameled salted lemon childhoods. All colors run, none of us solid. Don't look for shadow behind me. I carry it within. I live cycles of light and darkness. Rhythm is half silence. I see now, I never was one and not the other. Sickness, health, tender violence. I think now I never was pure. Before form I was storm, blind, ign'ant -- still am. Human contracted itself blind, malignant. I never was pure. Girl spoiled before ripened. Language can't math me. I experience exponentially. Everything is everything. One woman loses 15, maybe 20, members of her family. One woman loses six. One woman loses her head. One woman searches rubble. One woman feeds on trash. One woman shoots her face. One woman shoots her husband. One woman straps herself. One woman gives birth to a baby. One woman gives birth to borders. One woman no longer believes love will ever find her. One woman never did. Where do refugee hearts go? Broken, dissed, placed where they're not from, don't want to be missed. Faced with absence. We mourn each one or we mean nothing at all. My spine curves spiral. Precipice running to and running from human beings. Cluster bombs left behind. De facto landmines. A smoldering grief. Harvest contaminated tobacco. Harvest bombs. Harvest baby teeth. Harvest palms, smoke. Harvest witness, smoke. Resolutions, smoke. Salvation, smoke. Redemption, smoke. Breathe. Do not fear what has blown up. If you must, fear the unexploded. Thank you.	{ "source": "iwslt2017", "missed_lines": null, "inserted_lines_src": null, "inserted_lines_trg": null }
「切符を回収させていただいてもよろしいでしょうか」自身の体臭確認から戻ってくる気配の無い少女に、係員が声を掛けた。そこでやっと人に気付いたミラは顔を上げると、視線を合わせず気まずそうに印の押された切符を手渡す。 (こんなに係員がいたとは......。わし、変態に思われたかもしれん......) 「ご利用ありがとうございます。左車両と右車両、ご希望はございますか?」「ぬ、何か違うのか?」「はい、左車両は雄大な山脈が多く、右車両は彼方まで続く壮観な景色を楽しむ事ができます」脳内に覚えのある大陸図を浮かべ納得すると、ミラは「右車両で」と答える。そこに理由は存在せず、ただ何となくで右を選んだだけだ。「畏まりました。では、お部屋までご案内させていただきます」営業スマイルを顔に貼り付けた係員に案内されて、ミラは大理石の色合いが見事な階段を上がっていく。 (これはまた、なんとも豪華じゃな) 羞恥より立ち直ったミラは、ファーストクラスの車内に改めて視線を巡らせた。壁は幼子の肌のように穢れのない白で、調度品は見当たらないが代わりに細工の込んだランプが絢爛に奥まで照らし、通路に敷かれた絨毯は、まるで薔薇が敷き詰められたかのような鮮烈な赤に染まっている。王城にも劣らぬ徹底ぶりである。「こちらのお部屋になります」廊下を進み木目がくっきりと浮かんだ扉の前まで案内されれば、係員が専用のカードキーで扉を開き、手はそのまま招くように一礼する。小さく頷いたミラは、誘われるように客室へと足を踏み入れる。「ファーストクラスの最上階はプレイルームとなっております。遊びの他、食堂などもございますので、御用があればいつでもお呼び下さい。では、ごゆっくりどうぞ」丁寧で落ち着いた声と共に背後で扉の閉まる音がした。だがミラは、そんな音など耳に入っていない様子で、目の前に広がる光景に笑みを浮かべる。「流石、ファーストじゃな!」真っ先に目に入ったのは、壁一面を取り払ったかのような大展望だった。空から駅のホームまでが一望でき、走行中ともなればそれこそ絶景が流れる一大シネマとなるだろう。室内もまた行き届いており、窓際にはソロモンの執務室にあるような革張りのソファーに重厚感あふれるテーブルが設置されている。ミラが視線を横に外せば別の扉があり、そこはお手洗いとなっていた。列車の備え付けとは思えない程の輝きだ。ミラは大事に抱えていた幕の内弁当をテーブルに置くとお手洗いへと入り用を済ませ、本格的に室内の確認を始めた。棚には数多くの飲み物が備え付けられ、どれもが別料金となっているがそれ相応の品が並ぶ。だがミラには、その辺りの知識はない為、俗に云うイベント価格のようなものだろうと判断していた。一通り確認を終えたミラはソファーに座ると、紙袋から幕の内弁当を取り出す。だが、そこで手を止め窓の方へと視線を向けた。 (やはり、流れる景色を眺めながらの方が美味いじゃろうな......) そう考えたミラは弁当をテーブルに置いてメニューを開き、出発までの時間を確認する。ただ待つには微妙な時間で、ミラは僅かに疼く腹部を宥めようとアップルオレを飲もうとアイテム欄を開いた。「ぬ、これは」アイテム欄の適当な場所にある小包みが一つ目に入る。それは出発前、アマラッテから貰ったものだ。「あやつは、わしをどうしたいんじゃ......」開いた包み紙から出てきたのは、僅かに向こう側が透けて見えるパンツ、カップ付きの総レースキャミソール、ニーソックスにガーターベルトと一式揃えられた黒い大人下着であった。その妖艶なデザインにさりげなく身に付けた自分を妄想した後、包み紙で再封印したミラは、隠すようにアイテムボックスの片隅へと収めた。それからは何をするでもなく、ただホームを見下ろしセドリック達が乗車するのを眺めて暫く、どうにも聞き慣れたベルの音が鳴り渡り放送が始まる。『左循環線、発車いたします。揺れますので近くの手摺などにお掴まり下さい。繰り返します──』放送が終わるとホームに町中へ鳴り響けとばかりに、けたたましくベルの音が轟く。更に、その音に負けじと汽笛が声を高く上げて発車を知らせる。莫大な蒸気で押し上げられたシリンダーが歌うようにリズムを刻み、ごとりと車体が静から動へと移り変わる。調子を上げていく車輪は、アンダンテから変調していき、テンポを上げていくとやがてプレストへ至る。心地良い音色を耳に入れながら、ミラは高い視点から流れていく街を眺めていた。 (図体は愚鈍そうじゃったが、意外と速いのぅ) 列車は見かけの大きさでは想像つかない程の速度でレールの上を走行する。窓から見える直下は視認できないほど瞬く間に後方へと流れていった。数分でシルバーサイドを後方に映すと、あっという間に列車は自然溢れる領域へと飛び出した。レール近辺は整地されており人の手で管理されているが、僅かに外れればそこはまだ魔物と動物の領域だ。車体には動物避けとしてミラの視界には、青と緑の境界がくっきりと見て取れ、限りなく透き通る空色には淀みの無い白が浮かび、彼方まで広がる大地のキャンバスは見事なほど豊かな色彩で溢れている。時折、空へと上る鳥達の姿を目で追いつつ、ミラはいよいよと幕の内弁当を手に取った。「何とも堪らぬ瞬間じゃのぅ」籠もるような笑みを湛え、ミラはその上蓋を開く。瞬間に閉じ込められていた香りが鼻腔一杯に広がり、思わずきゅるりと音がする。副食を齧り白米を口に含んで咀嚼し飲み物に手を伸ばしたところで、ミラの動きが停止した。「アップルオレは合わんじゃろう!」リンゴの酸味が程よく溶け、蜂蜜とミルクの甘さが調和した一品アップルオレ。食べ合わせ飲み合わせは普段気にしないミラだったが、今回ばかりはこだわりをみせる。それだけ楽しみにしていたからだ。駅でお茶を買い忘れた事を後悔しつつミラはアップルオレを一度手にするも、そのまま置き直して立ち上がる。 (備え付けで色々あったのぅ。茶があればいいんじゃが) 別料金で置かれていた飲み物を思い出しミラは棚へと向かう。有料飲料の棚は大きく、そこに並んだビンはまるでモザイクのように棚を飾っていた。「うーむ......」一通り探したミラだったが茶の類は見つからず、それどころかそこには酒類しか置いてはいなかった。ミラは少し考えて、アップルオレよりかはましかとエール酒とグラスを手に取る。料金表を確認し、銀貨を一枚トレーに置いてテーブルへと戻った。 (そういえば、この世界に来てから初めての酒じゃな) グラスにエール酒を注ぎながらふとそう思ったミラは、誰にともなくグラスを掲げると一人で乾杯し、景色と弁当を肴に旅情を楽しむのだった。『まもなく当列車はリバーフォール駅に到着します。お忘れ物の無いよう、ご注意下さい』ソファーに寝転がった少女は、車内放送の声で目を覚ましその身を持ち上げるようにふらりと起こす。「何の声じゃ......」仄かに熱を帯びた頬を桃色に染めたミラは、寝惚けたような明瞭さを得ない思考のまま窓の外へと視線を向ける。そこには微かな灯りに照らされる自身の姿が宙に浮いており、更にその奥は墨を注いだような闇で塗り潰されていた。月もなく星もない闇の中を迷う事無く進む列車は、それから間もなくして速度を落とし次の駅へと到着する。『ご乗車ありがとうございました。次の左循環線の運行は、明日に発車予定となっております』特に荷物も無いミラは三本の空瓶を手早く片付けると車内放送に耳を傾けながら、眼下のホームに視線を向ける。日の暮れた夜にあっても、その場所は日中の光が沈澱したかのように明るく、そこを進む乗客たちの背を見送るとミラも立ち上がり列車を降りた。駅構内を抜けて外へ出ると、シルバーサイドより一回り大きな広場が目に入る。ここも駅前は無数の宿が乱立しており、少しでも目立つようにと奇抜な看板を掲げている宿も見受けられた。「今日は、どこに泊まるのがいいかのぅ!」列車から溢れた人々は一度広場に出ると、そこから宿を求めて方々へと散っていく。ミラは緩んだ頬を締め直す事もなく、その中へとふらりふらりと紛れ込んだ。主役の劇場は食堂と隣接しており、食事を楽しみながら劇を観賞できるという、少し大人びた雰囲気のある宿であった。客席も埋まり始め、空席が目立たなくなってきた時、徐々に場が静まり始める。『遡る事今より三十年余り、迫害された術士達は一つの国に身を寄せ合い生を繋いでいた時代。これは後の世に、敬意と畏怖を込め、九賢者と謳われる事となる英雄達の物語である』抑揚をつけた語り口調で、朗々とした声がその場を一気に引き締める。込み上げてくるかのように演奏が始まると満ちる音符に押し上げられるように幕が上がり、王の衣装を纏った青年と九人のローブを纏った者達が堂々と舞台上で構えていた。『やはり攻めてくるか。ならば迎え撃つ。この度の戦は我が国の名を大陸中に轟かせる前哨戦となるだろう。術士の力、存分に見せ付けてやろうぞ』『我らが王の御心のままに』鋭く目を細め、右手を振り抜く王の青年。声を揃えて答える九人は、右手を胸に置いた型で一礼する。アルカイト王国の軍式の礼だ。今回の演目は、九賢者の名を大陸中に知らしめたアルカイト王国の初戦、エルダーワード防衛戦の様子を劇にしたものであった。そしてこの第一幕は、王と、後の九賢者が初戦に挑むに際して、作戦の立案と策謀を巡らせるいう場面で展開していく。ミラは、肉を切り分け所々に突っ込みを入れながら高揚気味に舞台を観賞していた。 (初めて宣戦布告された時のソロモンの言葉は、こんなに堂々としたものではなかったがのぅ!) 実際のソロモンの言葉は「うわっ、やっぱりきちゃうみたいだよ。どうしよう。皆頑張ってくれているけど、やっぱり術士ばかりじゃ前線が厳しいかな? 兵士もあんまり育ってないしなぁ、ううー」であったりする。 (ううーむ、劇にまであの軍式が出てくるとは......若気の至りとはこの事よ......) 更に、九人のとった礼はこのエルダーワード防衛戦に勝利を収めた時、調子の上がったメンバーが勢いで設定したものであるので、このタイミングではまだ形も無いものである。とはいえ、その辺りは当事者でなければ知る由の無い事だ。ミラはそこを想像で埋めるのも劇の醍醐味だとして、気持ち良くその舞台を楽しむのだった。劇は進んでの見せ場の一つ、ダンブルフのホーリーナイトが前線を維持し、後方よりルミナリアが炎の雨を降らせる、防衛戦の際に最も術士の力を見せ付けた場面が演じられる。 (わし、カッコイイ!) 舞台用に開発された術具と音楽で演出されるそれは、手に汗握る展開であり、周囲の客からも歓声が上がる。だがミラはそれよりも、ダンブルフ役の演者に注目していた。歳は初老を少し超えた頃だろうか、ベテランといった風格であり見事に役に合っている。その一挙手一投足は堂々と振るわれ、正に老練の術士という役割を演じきっていた。それこそ、ダンブルフであったミラ以上に様になっているといっても過言ではないだろう。ミラはといえば今日は男の理想像に二度も会えたと、上機嫌にグラスを傾けていた。劇は拍手喝采で幕を閉じる。明かりの戻った食堂で、ミラはデザートのケーキを満面の笑みで頬張った。舞台では現在、劇を盛り上げた楽団が、水の流れるように緩やかな曲を演奏している。それは熱く盛り上がるラストシーンの余韻を残しつつ、なだらかに落ち着かせていくものだ。そしてケーキを食べ終えたミラは空のグラスを呷ると眉を顰め、代わりにアップルオレを取り出して一息に飲み干した。アップルオレの空きビンを唇を尖らせ据えた目で睨みながら、ミラはその在庫が僅かである事を思い出す。それからテーブルに両手をつくようにして立ち上がると、食堂のカウンターに身を寄せて、そこの料理人に声を掛けた。「ちょいと聞きたいんじゃがのー、ここでこういったビンに入ったアップルオレは扱っておらぬか?」そう言いながら、先程飲んだアップルオレのビンをカウンターに置くミラ。慌しい時間も過ぎ、洗い物に専念していた一人の女性がミラの声に顔を向けると、少しだけ表情に困惑を浮かべてから駆け寄った。「君、大丈夫かな?」「ぬ?」「随分と顔が赤いけど、熱でもある?」女性は心配そうにミラの額に掌を当てる。だが特に熱いとは感じず首を傾げる。「わしは至って健康じゃー。それよりもアップルオレはないかのぅ?」「アップルオレは扱ってないかなぁ。でもこの辺りだと、スイートベリーオレが美味しいよ」「ほうほう、それはビン入りで売っておるのか? 幾らじゃろう?」若干、普段よりも声色の上がったミラは、ビンを手に取りぐいぐいと女性に突きつける。ああ、酔っ払いだと。「売ってるけど今日の分は売り切れてるね。でもビン入りは明日の朝になれば一本二百リフで販売するから、取っておく事も出来るよ。どうする?」悪酔いという程ではなく随分と可愛らしい様子の少女に、女性は優しく語りかける。ミラは、アイテム欄を開きアップルオレの在庫を確認してから勢い良く顔を上げる。「では、二十本で頼む」「はい、二十本ね。それじゃあ、明日になったら受け取りに来てね」「うむ!」ミラは、アップルオレの代わりとなるスイートベリーオレを注文し終えると自室へ戻った。女性は注文票にスイートベリーオレ二十本と書き込んだ。早朝、一時間後に発車するという鉄道の運行情報の放送が流れ、半ば叩き起こされるようにミラは目を覚ます。一糸纏わぬ姿でベッドから起き上がると、熱に浮かされたようではあるが酔いの抜けきった意識で、夢現な音の残響を明瞭に認識していく。「一時間か......」ミラはカウンターに並び朝食と共に四千リフを渡し注文していたスイートベリーオレ二十本を受け取った。発車まで残り二十分。駅前の縦横無尽に行き交う人々の波を縫い、チェックアウトを済ませたミラは駅へと向かう。 (混んでおるのぅ) リバーフォール駅はシルバーサイドよりも広く、複数のブロックに分かれており出入り口近辺は土産物の店が軒を連ねていた。小柄なミラは揉まれるようにしながらも、駅弁の売っている店を探す。乗客で未だごった返すエコノミークラスと違い、ファーストクラスは随分と穏やかだ。残で乗車する事が出来たミラは、車内に並ぶ係員の一人に言われる前に切符を渡す。「本日はご利用ありがとうございます。左車両と右車両がございますが、どちらかご希望はありますか?」「そうじゃな、では左にしようかのぅ」まだ二度目だが、もはや慣れたといわんばかりに答えるミラ。そんな姿を、係員達は微笑ましそうに見送った。左車両からは幅の広いレールの奥に無人のホームが確認できた。ファーストクラスとは違い色合いそのままの石造りであるそこは質素だが広大で、時間になればそれだけの人で溢れかえるのだろうと想像させるに難くない空間だ。その場所は右循環線用のホームである。手前に敷かれたレールは丸太のように太く、それは乗り込んでいる列車の力強さを代弁しているかにも見えた。 (これだけ大きければ、土台も相応になるじゃろうしのぅ) 昨日とは違う待ち時間の景色、ミラは無人のホームに時折作業に訪れる駅員の姿を目で追いながら、発車までの時を和やかに過ごした。列車がリバーフォールから出発し五時間弱、次の駅ベロチェシティへと到着する。停車時間は一時間であり、長そうだが構内を見学するには短いというその間、ミラは本棚に並んだ本を手にとっては、ぱらぱらと捲っていた。 (ほぅ、駅街宿特集か。折角の旅行じゃしな、良い宿を見繕ってみるのも一興か) そう考えその本を手にソファーに戻る途中、扉を叩く音が小さく響く。丁度目の前に居たミラは、そのまま扉を開けると、そこには客室まで案内した係員がにこやかに立っていた。「失礼します。ベロチェシティへ到着しましたが、お客様は次の駅までご乗車致しますか?」「うむ、その予定じゃが......ああ、そうか」答えながらミラは、切符を購入した時の事を思い出す。切符は一枚で一駅分であり、次の駅に行くには更に一枚が必要になるのだ。「切符は持っておるんじゃが、一度出て印を押してもらわねばいけぬか?」ウエストポーチからファーストクラスの切符を取り出しミラがそう尋ねると、「いえ、お持ちでしたらこの場で預からせて頂く事も可能です」係員はそう優しく答えた。その言葉を受けて「では、次の駅まで頼む」と切符を差し出すミラ。「良い旅を」一礼して係員が立ち去ると、ミラはソファーに身を預け手にした本を広げて、次の駅街での好みに合う宿を探し始める。	「May I have your ticket please?」 Mira had been smelling herself for a while without paying attention to her surroundings, and only when she finished did one of the workers inside the train speak to her. That was when she became aware people were watching her, and she awkwardly pulled out the market ticket and handed it over while averting her eyes. (I didn’t notice there were so many workers... they probably think I’m some weirdo now...) 「Thanks for your cooperation. Would you like to sit on the right side or left side?」「Hm? What’s the difference?」「The view on the right side is a vast scenery that spreads to the horizon far away, but the left side faces many magnificent mountains.」 Mira pictured the continent map in her head pondering for a while until she replied 「Right side」. There was no real reason for it, she simply felt like choosing right this time. 「Understood. Let me guide you to your room then.」 The worker gave a corporate smile and turned around, guiding her into the train. Mira climbed up the stairs adorned with marble following him. (Now this is luxurious indeed.) Having overcome her earlier embarrassment, Mira’s eyes wandered around the inside of the first-class carriage. The walls were of an impeccable white, devoid of any tools or equipment and only adorned with elaborate lamps that light the way down the corridor. The floor was covered in a red and soft carpet, giving the impression one was walking on rose petals. Such luxury was on a similar level to the inside of a king’s castle. 「This will be your room.」 They walked down the corridor until the worker stopped in front of a wooden door, opening it with a special card and holding the door open as he bowed. Mira nodded slightly and entered the room. 「The top floor of this carriage also serves as a recreational hall. We have all sorts of amenities and dishes, so if you need anything, feel free to call me. Enjoy your stay.」 Hearing those last words spoken in a composed manner behind her, the door closed gently. But Mira had already forgotten about that, her eyes distracted by the sight in front of her. 「This is what first class is all about!」 What caught her eye first was the large window taking up most of one of the walls. She could see from the platform below all the way to the sky above, and once they departed that window would be a scrolling scenery displayed to the size of a theatre screen. The room was well furnished as well, a sturdy table placed near the window with a leather couch like Solomon had in his office. Looking to the side, Mira saw another door that led to the restroom, kept sparkly clean making it hard to imagine it was installed in a train used by the public. She also spotted a familiar-looking bell on top of the table, which she understood was used to hail train workers. Mira placed her prized box lunch set on the table and went to the restroom, then went to properly explore the rest of the room. There was a shelf with a varied assortment of expensive drinks, though their cost was not included in the ticket. Mira had little knowledge about those types of drinks, usually only thinking of them as rewards from events. Besides those bottles, the shelf also contained a list with prices for the drinks, a route map for the railroads, as well as many popular books and religious documents. Her exploration complete, Mira sat down on the couch and took the box lunch set out of the paper bag. She did not open it, however, leaving it on the table and looking outside. (Hmm, it’ll be more enjoyable if I eat it with the scenery moving...) Thinking that, she left the box alone and opened her Menu to check the time. Waiting without doing anything was something she was not keen on doing, and she still felt a vacuum in her stomach, so she decided to calm it a bit with Apple au Lait and opened her Item Box. 「Huh, this is...」 She found a certain package stashed in her Item Box. Amarette had given it to her before she departed. Mira had nothing better to do, so while sipping on Apple au Lait she took the box out and began opening it. 「What is she expecting me to do with this...」 From the package came half-transparent panties, a lace camisole with pads, knee-high socks, and a garter belt. A full-on set of mature black underwear. Mira imagined herself wearing that outfit, and then she wrapped it all up again, flustered as she sealed it to a corner in her Item Box. After that she sat without doing anything, watching the platform as Thedrick and his group boarded the train. Not much time after that she heard the familiar bell. 『The train on the left lane is departing now. The carriages might sway so please hold onto the handrails. The train on the left lane...』 The broadcast finished, an echo still audible from the city, and then a loud bell on the locomotive began to ring. The steam whistle followed shortly, sounding even louder than the bell and announcing the departure. The pistons and cylinders filled with steam and produced a rhythmic noise, moving the colossal iron machine. The tempo of the gears became faster, going from andante to presto. Mira watched the scenery begin to scroll past the window from her tall and comfortable vantage point, going from station to a cityscape. (The carriages looked really burly, but it’s surprisingly fast.) The train was racing over the rails at a speed unimaginable for its size. Anything that stood right under the windows moved by so fast it was impossible to identify more than a blur. A few minutes later they were out of Silverside, the train plunging into vast greenery. The rails were constantly maintained by workers, but the monsters’ territory began just a few meters away. A special device was also built on the front of the locomotive, which masked the machine noises and produced a strong gale in front which scared away animals that might be standing in the tracks. For them, the train would seem like a large metallic beast to avoid. Mira’s view was filled with green and blue as far as she could see. A thin haze turning the horizon pale, a few white specks in the sky. The window was like a canvas being constantly sprayed with vivid colors from the scenery. After a while, she saw a group of birds flying into the sky, which Mira took as a signal to finally open her box lunch set. 「What a beautiful moment.」 Trying to hold a grin back, Mira lifted the box’s lid. Delicious scents wafted freely after that, making Mira’s stomach rumble. Finally able to eat, Mira reached for her food while her eyes were entertained by the scenery outside. She began munching on some of the side dishes, stuffing her mouth with white rice afterward and chewing for a while before reaching for something to drink, but then her hand froze. 「Apple au Lait won’t go along with this!」 Apple au Lait was a mix of slightly sour apples mixed with the strong sweetness of honey and milk. Usually, Mira did not care about mixing different types of food, but this time she was having such an enjoyable time that she wanted everything to be perfect. Cursing herself for forgetting to buy tea in the station, she left a bottle of Apple au Lait untouched on the table. (Oh right, there were those bottles. Hopefully, they have some tea too.) Remembering the shelf with drinks, she went to look more closely at them. The shelf was quite large, filled with colored bottles that adorned it like a mosaic. 「Hmmm...」 Mira was unable to find any tea there, they were all alcoholic drinks. After a while, she decided to take a bottle of strong ale and a glass. Checking the price list, she placed a silver coin on a tray and went to the table. (Now that I think about it, this will be the first time I have some actual alcohol in this world.) She thought that as she poured a glass of ale, which she held up as a toast with herself and began to drink, complementing it with the remainder of her lunch and the scenery scrolling on the window. 『The train will arrive at Riverfall station shortly. Please make sure to hold onto all your belongings before leaving.』 Mira had fallen asleep on the couch, her body slowly rising up awoken by the announcement. 「What was that voice...」 Her cheeks still dyed a bright pink and feeling hot, Mira muttered as her brain struggled to break the veil of drowsiness remaining from her nap, trying to look outside the window. All she saw was her own reflection, illuminated by soft light and seemingly floating in black emptiness. The train was moving through darkness devoid of moon or stars, and shortly after it began dropping some speed and arrived at the next station. ‘Thank you for traveling with us. The next departure in this line is scheduled for AM tomorrow.’ Mira did not really have any luggage, so she only took care of throwing away three empty bottles and then looked at the platform through the window as the broadcast repeated. The sun had already set, but the station was brightly illuminated so it looked as if it was still daytime. Once the first passengers began disembarking, she also stood up to leave. When she left the station, she found herself in an open place slightly bigger than Silverside’s. The majority of buildings around there were inns, bright colorful signs lining their doors in an attempt to grab the visitors’ attention more than the competition. 「Hmm, now where should I stay tonight!」 The crowd of recently disembarked passengers dispersed there, each looking for an inn that suited their tastes. Without caring about her fuzzy cheeks, Mira also mixed with the crowd and began wandering around. Twenty minutes passed until she decided on a place, entering an inn that claimed to have their own theatre. The stage was built right next to the dining hall, so one could enjoy a play while eating. All in all, it was a rather classy inn. The other seats were soon occupied as well, and once there were hardly any open seats, silence slowly overtook the place. Dinner was served shortly after, and the lamps in the dining hall were dimmed while those on the stage turned brighter. Then a wave of applause followed. 『Thirty years ago, a group of persecuted spellcasters sought refuge in a kingdom, pledging their allegiance and fought with their lives on the line. This is a story of the heroes we now know as the Nine Wisemen, respected and feared throughout the continent.』 A well intonated and powerful voice filled the hall, captivating the attention of everyone there. As tension spread through the audience, the curtains were lifted, showing a young man wearing royal clothing and nine robed figures standing on stage. 『If they’re so intent on attacking, we’ll have no choice but to retaliate. This is our first chance to herald our name and our kingdom to the entire continent. Let’s show them the power of spellcasters!』『We’ll do as our king wishes.』 His eyes narrowed, the young king swung his right arm forward as he spoke. The nine wisemen held their right hands to their chest, bowing respectfully. That was Arkite’s military salute. The play was a recreation of Arkite’s first battle, the defense of Elderwood, which would cement their name on the maps of the continent. The first act showed the king and nine wisemen planning their strategy for the battle, planning their position and angles of attack. Mira watched intently at the dramatized retelling, mentally criticizing the exaggerated nature of the lines. (Solomon never spoke so stiffly when we had this meeting, he’s never wanted to act this way!) Solomon’s actual words had been closer to 「Woah they’re actually coming for us! What do we do? I wish we could just fight back, but we only have spellcasters so the front lines will be too weak! And we barely have any warriors on our side, aaahhhh!」 (Hmmm, I guess this is what they call youthful indiscretion, to show this meeting in a play...) On top of that, the salute given by the Nine Wisemen only existed after the defense of Elderwood, all members thinking of it collectively in an excited meeting. It was inaccurate to show it so early in the play. Though that was a detail only those present at the time would be aware of. Mira tried to push those thoughts aside and focus on enjoying the play the way it was meant to. During the fourth act of the play, they recreated a scene where Danbulf summoned a Holy Knight to hold the front lines while Luminaria made a barrage of flames rain on the enemy troops. It was the moment in the battle that showed just how overpowering spellcasters were. (I’m so cool!) The special effects and music on display made the scene all the more impactful, with loud cheers coming from the crowd. But Mira was mostly focused on the actor portraying Danbulf. He was already past middle-age, and clearly a veteran actor as he skillfully portrayed his role. All his movements were majestic and well-rehearsed, showing how experienced Danbulf was as a spellcaster. In a way, he looked even better than Mira did herself during her time as Danbulf. Having met two men resembling her ideal, Mira was in the best of moods as she tipped her glass to take a sip. The play ended and the curtains closed amidst a torrent of cheering. Once the lights were turned on again, Mira happily stuffed her cheeks with the cake she received as dessert. The orchestra that had livened up the earlier play now performed soft and calming music like the flow of water. There were still some traces of the melody used in the exciting last scene, but they were all subdued and slowed down. Done eating her cake, Mira lifted her now empty glass with a slight frown, getting out a bottle of Apple au Lait instead and downing it in a breath. Her lips pursed as she glared at the empty bottle of Apple au Lait, recalling her stock was running low. Next, she slammed her hands on the table as she propped herself up, walked to the bar and spoke to the cook 「Can I ask you something real quick? Do you sell Apple au Lait in bottles like this one here?」 As she spoke, Mira slammed the empty bottle on the counter. There were few clients around, so the woman across was busy washing dishes, but she turned hearing Mira’s voice, a quizzical look quickly overtaking her face. 「Are you feeling alright?」「Hm?」「Do you have a fever? Your cheeks look really red.」 With a worried look, the woman placed the back of her hand on Mira’s cheek, but she tilted her head. Mira’s temperature did not feel out of the ordinary. 「I’m perfectly healthy. But like I asked, do you have Apple au Lait?」「I don’t think we have that here. Sweetberry au Lait has been more popular lately.」「I see, I see. Do you sell that in bottles as well? How much does it cost?」 Mira’s voice rang a pitch higher than usual, dangling the bottle in front of the woman’s eyes. Red cheeks and wobbly movements, that was enough for the woman to deduce what was wrong with her. Ahh, she’s drunk. 「We do, though we’re sold out at the moment. We should be getting more stock tomorrow morning though, and the price is Rils per bottle. If you want, you can make a reservation now.」 While tipsy, Mira was not drunk out of her mind, her actions looking more cute than anything. The woman spoke to her in a gentle tone, and after Mira checked her Item Box for Apple Ale, she jerked her face upwards to reply. 「I’ll have twenty then.」「Twenty? Got it. Come by tomorrow morning to pick them up.」「Okay!」 Having placed an order for the Sweetberry au Lait that would replace her current goto drink, Mira returned to her room. Meanwhile, the woman wrote down her order on a list. The next morning Mira was roused up by an announcement from the station, the train was leaving in an hour. She lifted her naked body from the bed, her mind in a fever-like daze from the traces of alcohol that slowly dispelled as she awoke. 「In an hour... huh...」 After lining up on the counter, Mira paid 0 Rils and obtained the twenty Sweetberry au Lait bottles she had ordered. Twenty minutes remained for the train to depart. The station’s entrance was a sea of people, which Mira pushed herself into and waded around to check-in. (It’s really crowded.) Riverfall was a larger station than Silverside, the building split into different blocks, and there were always shops near all the entrances. Mira’s small frame seemed about to be crumpled and trampled on inside the crowd, but she restlessly searched for a place where she could buy a boxed lunch. Eventually, she navigated her way to a shop that convinced her, buying rice steamed with chestnuts and some green tea before hurrying to the boarding platform. The First Class section was rather calm, as opposed to the loud tumult and crowded Economy Class. There were five minutes left for departure when Mira reached the train, taking out a ticket before the worker asked for it. 「Thank you for traveling with us today. Do you have a preference between sitting on the left or right side?」「Hmm, I’ll go on the left side.」 It was only her second time traveling like that, but Mira replied confidently, already aware of how things worked. The other workers nearby smiled watching her act that way. Mira’s carriage was stationed next to a fenced-off wide platform. The First Class section had a different color scheme, everything looking like plain stone which gave it a simple but elegant appearance. The platform was also rather wide, so even during an influx of First Class passengers, it would not get too crowded. That platform was only for boarding the trains on the right lane. The fence separating it from the rest of the station was also thick as a log, in a way representing the immense force it had to resist from the giant trains. (The foundations of the building must be quite something to hold all of this.) Mira’s waiting time on the platform was quite different from the day before, her being the only passenger waiting there, accompanied only by some workers going from one place to another every so often. Five hours later the train arrived at the next station, Veloce City. The train stopped there for one hour, which felt long enough to be boring, but too short to really explore the station, so instead, Mira entertained herself by leafing through the books on her room’s shelf. (Oh, a guide on station city inns. It might be worthwhile to check that since I’m traveling now.) Thinking that, she took the book and headed to the couch to lie down. However, before she could reach it she heard a soft knocking on the door. When she opened it, she found the same worker who had guided her to the room earlier standing with a wide smile. 「We’ve arrived at Veloce City. Will you disembark here or would you like to stay until we reach the next station?」「I was planning on going... ahh, I see.」 As she spoke, Mira recalled what she was told when buying tickets. Each ticket covered the trip from one station to the next in line, so if she wanted to continue traveling she would need to spend another ticket. 「I have enough tickets, but do I have to disembark to get one marked at the entrance again?」 Taking another First Class ticket from her waist pouch, Mira asked the worker. 「There’s no need for that. If you already have a spare ticket we can take care of it here.」 The worker replied with a soft voice. Hearing that, 「Well, I’ll keep going to the next station,」 Mira said while giving the worker a ticket. 「Enjoy your trip.」 The worker bowed and left. Freed from that, Mira finally was able to lie down on the couch and held the book above her, looking for an inn in the next station that met her fancy. Eventually, the train started moving again, and two days later Mira arrived at Alispharius.	{ "source": "manual-fanfic", "missed_lines": 11, "inserted_lines_src": 16, "inserted_lines_trg": 0 }
アフリカについてのお話です希望や活力を感じさせる魅力的な物語ですまず「ハ」リウッドがありましたそれから「ボ」リウッドが登場しましたそして今世界第3位の規模を誇る映画産業「ノ」リウッドがあります 2006年だけでもナイジェリアで約2,000本の映画が製作されました毎週40~50本の映画がナイジェリアのラゴスや西アフリカの道端で売られているのを想像してみて下さいノリウッドの市場規模は 300億円あまりとも言われています無数とまでいかずとも非常に多くの雇用を生み出しましたそして現在も成長を続けていますしかし元は草の根的な動きとして広まったのです海外からの投資や政府による援助によってではなくナイジェリア経済がいまだ厳しい環境にあった中ほぼ何もない状態から始まったのです映画産業は発足から15年を迎えましたさて皆さんはこう思っているかもしれません「一体なぜボストンに拠点を置くイタリア人の映画製作者がこの話に興味を持っているのだろうか?」とここで私の個人的な話について少しお話ししたいと思います私にはアフリカとの接点があるのです私の祖父は生涯の大半をザンビアで過ごし今も彼の地で眠っています父も大人になってからも長らく東アフリカで暮らしました私自身はザンビアで生まれましたわずか3歳でザンビアを離れたにもかかわらず私にとってアフリカは大きな存在であると感じていました初めて歩き方を覚えたのも初めて言葉を発したのも家族が初めて家を買ったのもアフリカでしたイタリアに戻ってきた時今でもよく覚えているのはアフリカでの経験を周りの人と共有できなかったことです周囲の人たちや友人にとってアフリカは想像上にしか存在しないであろうエキゾチックな場所であるか恐怖と飢饉の蔓延る場所でしたこうしたステレオタイプから逃れることができなかったのですですからかつて暮らしたアフリカについて人々が同じように生活し夢を持って生きている場所として伝えたかったのをよく覚えていますだから新聞のビジネス欄でノリウッドの記事を読んだ時これこそ偏見にとらわれることなくアフリカについて語ることのできる機会だと感じました私のように映画を作っているアフリカ人について伝えることができこの話から私自身インスピレーションを受けたのです私自身は恵まれたことに映画監督としてボストン大学のデジタル・イメージング・アートセンターで教鞭をとっていますデジタル技術がどのような変化を遂げており若い独立した映画監督がいかに予算を抑えた製作を行っているかを目の当たりにしていますですから私が話を持ち込んだ際映画製作に必要なサポートは全て整っていましたまたサポートのみならず 2人の協力者を見つけることができましたまたサポートのみならず 2人の協力者を見つけることができました才能に溢れた若き写真家のエイミー・コリガン友人であり助言者でもあるロバート・カプート『ナショナル・ジオグラフィック』に長年勤めた彼は「フランコ僕は25年もアフリカの記事を書いているがこんなに希望に溢れた楽しい物語には出会ったことがないよ」と言ってくれました私たちは2005年10月にラゴスを訪れましたラゴスに行ったのはボンド・イメルワという― 素晴らしく才能溢れた映画監督に会うためで今日も会場に来てくれています私たちの計画はこの素晴らしい映画産業― ノリウッドの姿を『チェックポイント』という汚職の問題に焦点を当てたイメルワ氏のアクション映画の製作過程を追いつつ映し出すというものでした警察の汚職問題です撮影期間は9日間でしたとても良い題材だと思いました同時にノリウッドの姿を見せるためにたくさんの映画製作者とも話をしました百聞は一見に如かずと言いますから 6分間の映像をお見せします TEDの皆さんのために特別編集した6分間の映像ですドキュメンタリーにはテーマがいくつかありますが今回は皆さんのために再編集してあります世界初上映ではないでしょうか男性:アクションウォケディ:ナイジェリアでは 1週間125万円程度で映画が撮れるんだウォケディ:ナイジェリアでは 1週間125万円程度で映画が撮れるんだピベレシマ: 大衆向けの映画を作っていますエリートやぼんぼんを相手にしていませんエリートやぼんぼんを相手にしていません彼らは『ロボコップ』でも何でも見られますからバロガン:ナイジェリアでは映画製作は生活の糧なんだ生活のために撮ってるんだハリウッドみたいに豪華にやろうとするようなかっこいい映画製作ではないよ潤沢な資金もないここでは映画を作ったらそれを売って次の現場に飛び込んで次の映画を撮るんだ次の映画を作らなきゃ飯が食えないからさイメルワ:エンターテイメントにもメッセージ性が必要だ視聴覚は偉大な力を持っていると思う人口の90%の人々がノリウッドを見るから情報を伝えるには今もっとも確実な手段だと思う映画を作るならテーマに関係なく伝えたいメッセージを織り込むべきだと思う女性:報告しなきゃいけないわきちんとした医療処置が必要だものピベレシマ:人々に常に伝えようとしているのは今は品質を問題にする時期ではないということですもちろん品質の良いものを作ろうとしている人たちもいますがこの社会について覚えておくべきなのはアフリカには1日1ドルで生活する人たちがまだいるということですノリウッド映画を見るのはそのような人たちなのですマックドン W: ノリウッドはここで生まれた― 素晴らしい産業だよアフリカでノリウッドが誕生するなんて誰も信じなかったイマセン:ここで作られる映画は地元の人々が共感できる物語だ地元の人々についての彼らのための映画なんだ物語が理解できると必ず皆スクリーンに釘づけになるナレーター: サスペンス、楽しさ、好奇心大ヒットコメディー大笑い間違いなしアバオシ:今までは外国映画を好み外国映画が全てでしたでも自分たちにだってできることがある世界の人たちが見てすごいこれがナイジェリアかと思うようなものを作れる男性:軍曹手錠は自分でかけて下さい恥の上塗りはやめてください逃げるんじゃない戻れ戻ってこいマックドン W:今では街を歩くと自分の模範となる人に会える写真で見るのと違って実際の人物に会えるんだどんな風に話しどんな生活をしているのかを目にすることでとても良い影響を受けるただ写真で見るだけじゃない西洋のメディアで耳にすることとは違うんだ男性:じゃまたなアクションオビ:私はカウボーイ映画に憧れていたけれどでも自分の国の状況を知ったんだ当時はかなり汚職が蔓延していたここで若者が事を成すには悪いことやなんかを企んだり犯罪に関わらなければいけないそんなことはしたくなかったそして私は役者として素晴らしい人生を歩めることに気づいたんだ犯罪に関わったり人を欺いたり嘘をつくことなしにね自分自身と神様がくれた才能だけあればいい男性:よしやろう始めるぞこれを持っておけどけアニマドゥ: 大きな国で映画を作る時には全ての環境が整っているでもここでは銃声だって間に合わせでやらなきゃいけない例えばほら今拳銃が見えるけど映り込まないようノックアウトを使うんだイケドゥバ: 爆発が顔まで届かないか心配だ女性:そのために保護テープを付けているのよ保護テープが抑えてくれるからちょっと待ってここを持ってくれるかしらケヴィン:爆発が顔に影響を与えないようにきちんと対策してくれるようお願いしているんだでも彼女もプロだからやり方は心得てるよ顔は守らなくちゃねこれが最後の出演映画にならないようにねこれが魔法の世界のノリウッドってやつさロボガー:誰かからの援助があろうがなかろうが我々がどんな風に映画を作っているかが分かります男性:アクションカット (拍手) フランコ・サッチ:言いたいことは山ほどあるのに時間が足りませんたくさんのテーマで溢れていますね 1つだけお伝えしたいことがありますプロデューサーや役者たちと数週間を共に過ごしましたが彼らが直面する問題はアメリカやヨーロッパで働く映画監督にとっては想像しがたいものでしたそれでも彼らは常に笑顔を絶やさず情熱も失いません実に素晴らしいことですドイツ人の映画監督ヴェルナー・ヘルツォークは言いました「私が映画を作る必要があるのはあなたが酸素を必要とするのと同じだ」彼らも呼吸をしているのですナイジェリアの映画監督たちは本当に好きなことを職業にしていますこれは彼らにとっても観客にとってもとても大切なことなのですある女性が「ノリウッドの映画を見てると本当にリラックスできるの呼吸が楽になるのよ」と教えてくれましたもう1つ大切なことがあります皆さんにも共感してもらえれば嬉しいですそれはテクノロジーです私自身とても興味のある分野で特にノンリニア編集はとても安価なテクノロジーになり以前の何十分の1の価格にまで下がりました高品質のカメラが 40万円以下で買えますこの流れは人々の熱意を駆り立てているのですそれから何だと思いますか? 彼らに教えることなどありませんでした彼らは自ら理解しテクノロジーを受け入れてテクノロジーを利用し成功を収めていました私はノリウッド現象が双方向に発展することを望んでいます他のアフリカの国々がテクノロジーを受け入れるよう促しナイジェリアの先例を手本に映画を作り雇用を生み出し自国民のための共感できるストーリーポジティブで安心感があり文化の一部であるものを作り出してほしいですでも私はこの現象から私たちの方がインスピレーションを受けられると思います双方に働きかける現象だと思います友人の映画監督たちはノリウッドを見てこう言います「わぁ彼らは本当にやりたいことを仕事にして生きているんだな」とこれこそが私が思うに彼らから学んでいる教訓なのですそして 1つ皆さんに挑戦してほしいことがあります物語の重要性について考えるべきだということです今回の講演のテーマとも言えます想像してみてください衣食住だけが目的で物語のない世界をキャンプファイヤーのまわりにお話のない世界伝説もおとぎ話もありません物語のない世界です小説もありません難しいですよね? 空しい世界ですそこで私は心からこう思うのです健全な社会への鍵となるのは物語の語り手が数多く活躍することですナイジェリアの映画監督たちがこれを証明しています彼らの声を聞いて下さいほんの短いものですこれは映画ではなくノリウッドの声ですアロウサ:ノリウッドは人生で一番素晴らしいものです人々に笑顔をもたらせる産業があるとすればそれはノリウッドですマックドン W: 近い将来より良い映画を作るだけでなくナイジェリアでしか作れない映画が完成するだろうイメルワ:テーマは基本的なものだ愛やアクションでもナイジェリア的なアフリカ的な方法で物語を伝えているんだアフリカには非常に多様な文化があってあまりにたくさんあるから一生かかっても伝えきれないくらいだ語り尽くせないと思うよフランコ:私の仕事はここまでですあとはノリウッドの監督に任せるとしましょうたくさんのコラボレーションが生まれ互いに教え合えることを望みますそうなるよう心から望んでいますありがとうございました (拍手) クリス・アンダーソン:ちょっと待って 2つ質問がありますフランコこれは世界第3位の規模を誇るということですが映画の本数にするとどれくらいでしょうか? フランコ:ええ軽く言及しましたが 2,000本ほどですそう示すデータもありますクリス:1年あたり2,000本? フランコ:1年あたり2,000本です 2005年か2006年だけでも検閲機関が1,600本の検閲をしましたこれよりも多いことが分かっていますですから2,000本といって間違いはないでしょう 1週間に45本ほどですね困難も多くあります供給過剰気味ですし品質も向上させ次の段階に進まなければなりません私は楽観していますクリス:これらの映画は主に映画館で見られているんですか? フランコ:そうでしたね重要なことですそうですね想像してほしいのですがこれらの映画は市場に直接配給されていますビデオショップで購入されたり非常に安価で借りることが出来ますクリス:フォーマットは? フランコ:フォーマット― いい質問です VCDです CDですがもう少し圧縮されたものですはじめはVHSでした最新のテクノロジーまで待つことはなかったのです 92年か94年ごろに始まりましたナイジェリアには 5700万のVCRがあり VHSやVCDを再生することができます基本的にはCDと同じですねクリス:では道端で映画が...? フランコ:ラゴスで交通渋滞に捕まったら映画やバナナや水を買えるというわけですはい申し上げたいのは物語を語ることが実に生活必需品であり主食だと言うことです物語のない人生はないのですクリス:フランコどうもありがとう	It is a story of hope, resilience and glamour. There was Hollywood. Then came Bollywood. Today we have Nollywood, the third-largest film industry in the world. In 2006 alone, almost 2,000 films were made in Nigeria. Now, try to imagine 40, 50 films wrapped, distributed, every week in the streets of Lagos, Nigeria and West Africa. Some estimates put the value of this industry at 250 million dollars. It has created thousands, if not tens of thousands of jobs. And it's expanding. But keep in mind that this was a grassroots movement. This is something that happened without foreign investment, without government aid, and actually, it happened against all odds, in one of the most difficult moments in Nigerian economy. The industry is 15 years old. And so maybe you're thinking now, why, how, an Italian filmmaker based in Boston is so interested in this story? And so I think I have to tell you just a few words, a few things about my personal life, because I think there is a connection. My grandfather lived most of his life and is buried in Zambia. My father also lived most of his adult life in East Africa. And I was born in Zambia. Even though I left when I was only three years old, I really felt that Africa was this big part of my life. And it really was a place where I learned to walk. I think I uttered the first words, and my family bought their first home. So when we came back to Italy, and one of the things that I remember the most is my family having this hard time to share stories. It seemed that for our neighbors and friends, Africa was either this exotic place, this imaginary land that probably exists only in their imagination, or the place of horror, famine. And so we were always caught in this stereotype. And I remember really this desire to talk about Africa as a place where we lived and people live and go about their lives, and have dreams like we all have. So when I read in a newspaper in the business page the story of Nollywood, I really felt this is an incredible opportunity to tell a story that goes against all these preconceived notions. Here I can tell a story of Africans making movies like I do, and actually I felt this was an inspiration for me. I have the good fortune of being a filmmaker-in-residence at the Center of Digital Imaging Arts at Boston University. And we really look how digital technology is changing, and how young, independent filmmakers can make movies at a fraction of the cost. So when I proposed the story, I really had all the support to make this film. And not only had the support, I found two wonderful partners in crime in this adventure. Aimee Corrigan, a very talented and young photographer, and Robert Caputo, a friend and a mentor, who is a veteran of National Geographic, and told me, "You know, Franco, in 25 years of covering Africa, I don't know if I have come across a story that is so full of hope and so fun." So we went to Lagos in October 2005. And we went to Lagos to meet Bond Emeruwa, a wonderful, talented film director who is with us tonight. The plan was to give you a portrait of Nollywood, of this incredible film industry, following Bond in his quest to make an action movie called "Checkpoint." Police corruption. And he had nine days to make it. We thought this was a good story. In the meantime, we had to cover Nollywood, and we talked to a lot of filmmakers. But I don't want to create too many expectations. I would like to show you six minutes. And these are six minutes they really prepared for the TED audience. There are several themes from the documentary, but they are re-edited and made for you, OK? So I guess it's a world premier. Man: Action. Milverton Nwokedi: You cut a nice movie with just 10,000 dollars in Nigeria here. And you shoot in seven days. Peace Piberesima: We're doing films for the masses. We're not doing films for the elite and the people in their glass houses. They can afford to watch their "Robocop" and whatever. Mahmood Ali Balogun: I think filmmaking in Nigeria, for those who work in it, is a kind of subsistence filmmaking -- what they do to make a living. It's not the fancy filmmaking where you say, oh, you want to put all the razzmatazz of Hollywood, and where you have big budgets. Here is that you make these films, it sells, you jump onto the location again to make another film, because if you don't make the next film, you're not going to feed. Bond Emeruwa: So while we're entertaining, we should be able to educate. I believe in the power of audiovisuals. I mean, 90 percent of the population will watch Nollywood. I think it's the most viable vehicle right now to pass information across a dedicated cable. So if you're making a movie, no matter what your topic is, put in a message in there. Woman: You still have to report the incident. He needs proper medical attention. PP: I keep trying to explain to people, it's not about the quality at the moment -- the quality is coming. I mean, there are those films that people are making for quality, but the first thing you have to remember about this society is that Africa still has people that live on one dollar a day, and these are the people that really watch these films. Sonny McDon W: Nollywood is a fantastic industry that has just been born in this part of the world. Because nobody believed that Nollywood can come out of Africa. Lancelot Imasen: But our films, they are stories that our people can relate to themselves. They are stories about our people, for our people. And consistently, they are glued to their screen whenever they see the story. Narrator: Suspense, fun and intrigue. It's the blockbuster comedy. You'll crack your ribs. Bernard Pinayon Agbaosi: We have been so deep into the foreign movies. It's all about the foreign movies. But we can do something too. We can do something, something that when the world sees it, they say, wow, this is Nigeria. Man: Just arrest yourself, sergeant. Don't embarrass yourself. Come on. Don't run away. Come back. Come back. SMW: You can now walk the street and see a role model. It’s not just what you see in picture. You see the person live. You see how he talks. You see how he lives. He influences you really good, you know. It’s not just what you see in the picture. It is not what you hear, you know, from the Western press. Man: See you. Bye. Action. Saint Obi: I was so fascinated, you know, with those cowboy movies. But then when I discovered the situation in my country, at that time there was so much corruption. For a young man to really make it out here, you got to think of some negative things and all that, or some kind of vices. And I didn't want that, you know. And I discovered that I could be successful in life as an actor, without doing crime, without cheating nobody, without telling no lies. Just me and God-given talent. Man: Let's go. OK, it's time to kick some ass. Cover this. It's your own. Move it. Roboger Animadu: In big countries, when they do the movies, they have all these things in place. But here, we improvise these items, like the gunshots. Like they go, here, now, now, you see the gun there, but you won't see any guns shot, we use knock-out. Kevin Books Ikeduba: What I'm scared of is just the explosion will come up in my face. Woman: That's why I use enough masking tape. The masking tape will hold it. Wat, wait. Just hold this for me. KBI: I'm just telling her to make sure she places it well so that it won't affect my face -- the explosion, you know. But she's a professional. She knows what she’s doing. I'm trying to protect my face too. This ain't going to be my last movie. You know, this is Nollywood, where the magic lives. RA: So now you're about to see how we do our own movies here, with or without any assistance from anybody. Man: Action. Cut. Franco Sacchi: So many things to say, so little time. So many themes in this story. I just can't tell you -- there’s one thing I want to tell you. I spent, you know, several weeks with all these actors, producers, and the problems they have to go through are unimaginable for, you know, a Westerner, a filmmaker who works in America or in Europe. But always with a smile, always with an enthusiasm, that is incredible. Werner Herzog, the German filmmaker said, "I need to make movies like you need oxygen." And I think they’re breathing. The Nigerian filmmakers really, really, are doing what they like. And so it's a very, very important thing for them, and for their audiences. A woman told me, "When I see a Nollywood film, I can relax, I really -- I can breathe better." There is also another very important thing that I hope will resonate with this audience. It’s technology. I’m very interested in it and I really think that the digital non-linear editing has slashed, you know, the cost now is a fraction of what it used to be. Incredible cameras cost under 5,000 dollars. And this has unleashed tremendous energy. And guess what? We didn’t have to tell to the Nigerian filmmakers. They understood it, they embraced the technology and they run with it, and they’re successful. I hope that the Nollywood phenomenon will go both ways. I hope it will inspire other African nations to embrace the technology, look at the Nigerian model, make their films, create jobs, create a narrative for the population, something to identify, something positive, something that really is psychological relief and it's part of the culture. But I really think this is a phenomenon that can inspire us. I really think it goes both ways. Filmmakers, friends of mine, they look at Nollywood and they say, "Wow, they are doing what we really want to do, and make a buck and live with this job." So I really think it’s a lesson that we're actually learning from them. And there's one thing, one small challenge that I have for you, and should make us reflect on the importance of storytelling. And I think this is really the theme of this session. Try to imagine a world where the only goal is food and a shelter, but no stories. No stories around the campfire. No legends, no fairytales. Nothing. No novels. Difficult, eh? It's meaningless. So this is what I really think. I think that the key to a healthy society is a thriving community of storytellers, and I think that the Nigerian filmmakers really have proved this. I would like you to hear their voices. Just a few moments. It’s not an added sequence, just some voices from Nollywood. Toyin Alousa: Nollywood is the best thing that can happen to them. If you have an industry that puts a smile on people's face, that’s Nollywood. SO: I believe very soon, we’re not only going to have better movies, we'll have that original Nigerian movie. BE: It’s still the same basic themes. Love, action. But we're telling it our own way, our own Nigerian way, African way. We have diverse cultures, diverse cultures, there are so many, that in the natal lifetimes, I don't see us exhausting the stories we have. FS: My job ends here, and the Nollywood filmmakers really have now to work. And I really hope that there will be many, many collaborations, where we teach each other things. And I really hope that this will happen. Thank you very much. Chris Anderson: Stop. I've got two questions. Franco, you described this as the world's third largest film industry. What does that translate to in terms of numbers of films, really? FS: Oh, yes. I think I mentioned briefly -- it's close to 2,000 films. There is scientific data on this. CA: 2,000 films a year? FS: 2,000 films a year. 2005 or 6, the censor board has censored 1,600 films alone. And we know that there are more. So it’s safe to say that there are 2,000 films. So imagine 45 films per week. There are challenges. There are challenges. There is a glut of film, the quality has to be raised, they need to go to the next level, but I’m optimistic. CA: And these aren’t films that are primarily seen in cinemas? FS: Oh yes, of course. This is very important. Maybe, you know, for you to try to imagine this, these are films that are distributed directly in markets. They are bought in video shops. They can be rented for pennies. CA: On what format? FS: Oh, the format -- thank you for the question. Yes, it's VCDs. It's a CD, it's a little bit more compressed image. They started with VHS. They actually didn't wait for, you know, the latest technology. They started in '92, '94. So there are 57 million VCRs in Nigeria that play, you know, VHS and these VCDs. It's a CD basically. It's a compact disc. CA: So on the streets, are film casts ... z FS: You can be in a Lagos traffic jam and you can buy a movie or some bananas or some water. Yes. And I have to say, this really proves that storytelling, it's a commodity, it's a staple. There is no life without stories. CA: Franco, thank you so much.	{ "source": "iwslt2017", "missed_lines": null, "inserted_lines_src": null, "inserted_lines_trg": null }
資金は1億2千万ドルで是非とも成功させたい最先端の研究を行い従来と違うやり方で進めたい若い人がいろんなアイデアを持っているのに年寄りが科学の方向性を決定している現状から抜け出そうじゃないか」これは素晴らしい考えだと私は25秒で判断しました 3年後カナダオンタリオ州のウォータールーにペリメター理論物理学研究所が創設されましたこんなエキサイティングな仕事は人生初めてです仕事を休むのが怖いのも初めてですここにいる1週間の間にも何を見逃してしまうかと心配ですさて今日はここで少しの時間を頂き私たちが日常論じ合ったり考えていることを紹介させていただきます「科学はどう成り立っているか?」私たちはこれをよく考えます科学を知り科学に関わってきた人の頭にまず浮かぶのは科学を知り科学に関わってきた人の頭にまず浮かぶのは学校で習う科学的方法は間違いで決まった方法はないということですその一方で我われはコミュニティとして不完全な証拠から皆が同意する結論をなんとか導き出しますこれは民主主義社会でもなされるべきことですこれがどう機能するかというと私の考えではこれが成り立つのは科学者のコミュニティを統一する倫理があるからですいくつかの倫理原則がこちらです全部説明はしません今日は講義ではなくお楽しみが目的ですからこの原則のうち一つはコミュニティに属する誰しもが自分たちが信じることのためにいくらでも戦い議論できるというものですしかし誰が正しいかを決めるのは 30年後 50年後の次の世代のコミュニティに属する人たちであると皆が理解していることによって規律が保たれていますつまりこの伝統とコミュニティに対する敬意とコミュニティが前進するために必要な反逆的な力の組み合わせにより科学が成り立っていますそしてこの事実を共有して結論を導き出すプロセスとコミュニティに参加することは民主主義に関して色々と教えてくれると思います科学界の一員としての倫理と民主主義社会の市民としての倫理の間に関係があるだけではなく歴史的にも人の空間や時間宇宙の成り立ちに対する考え方と自分たちの生活する社会に対する考え方の間にも関係があったのですそこで今日はこれらが進化してきた過程の 3つのステージを紹介します初期の宇宙論の中で科学と呼べるようなものはアリストテレスの思想でしたこれは階層的な思想で宇宙の中心に地球が位置しておりその周りに太陽月他の惑星等が位置する遊星天がさらにその外には星が存在する恒星天がありました全てのものが決められた位置に存在したのですアリストテレスの運動法則によれば全ての物は本来あるべき場所に向かって動きますこれはアリストテレスが生きていた社会のルールそのものでありさらに重要なことにキリスト教を通してアリストテレスの考えは中世の社会に広く受け入れられましたこれは全てが定義されているという考えです物体の位置は一番外側の恒星天を基準に定義されその外には終わりのない完璧な世界がありそこに神が存在し全てを決定しているというものですこれがアリストテレスの宇宙論なのでありある意味で中世社会だったのですそして 17世紀になるとニュートンが空間、時間と運動の考え方に革命を起こしますそして同時期にはジョン・ロックとその仲間が社会論に革命を起こしましたこれらは密接に関係していますこれらは密接に関係しています実はニュートンとロックは友人であり一方の時間と空間に対する考え方ともう片方の社会に対する考え方は密接に関係していました説明しましょうニュートンの宇宙論には中心がありません -- ありがたいこの理論では物質は固定された時空座標の中で動いています物が空間のどこにあるかを絶対的に定義するのは大きな意味があります他の物の位置とは関係なくニュートンの神である絶対的な空間が基準になるからです同じくロックの描く社会はある種の人権や所有権を持つ市民により構成されておりこれらの権利は他にどのような考えを持つ人がいるか社会がどのような歴史をたどってきたかといったその他の側面とは無関係に抽象的で絶対的な権利と正義の概念によって定義づけられていますまた全てを見通す全知全能の観察者がいます神です神はある意味宇宙の外側にいます中の出来事には関与しませんからねしかしある意味ではどこにでもいます空間は神が何がどこにあるかを知るために存在するからですニュートンによればそうなりますこの様な思想が古典的自由主義やニュートン物理学の基礎になっていましたそして20世紀には革命がありましたこの革命は20世紀の初めに起こりまだ続いています革命は相対性理論と量子力学の発見から始まりました革命は相対性理論と量子力学の発見から始まりましたそしてそれらを組み合わせた量子重力理論はその集大成であり理論の完成にむけて現在も研究が続いていますこの宇宙論では固定されていて絶対的な物はありません「ゼロ」ですこの宇宙は関係のネットワークで説明できます空間は関係の1つに過ぎず絶対的な位置と言うものは意味を持ちません位置というのは相対的な概念でしかないのですそしてこの関係のネットワークは進化し続けているのでこれを相関的な宇宙と呼んでいます物体の性質は全て様々な関係に因るものでありもしあなたが関係のネットワークに組み込まれていたらあなたから見た世界は全てネットワークを通した情報で構成されます全知全能の観察者やネットワークを通した情報で構成されます全知全能の観察者や全てを知り創造した天上の知性の居場所はありませんこれが相対性理論であり量子力学なのです法律家と話してみるとこれはさらに法律の考え方の新しい基礎になっています彼らは同じことを考えていたのです法律の考え方の新しい基礎になっています彼らは同じことを考えていたのですさらに言えば彼らはよく相対性理論や量子力学との類似を持ち出しますそれが面白い話に発展していますこの最後の宇宙論の考え方は相関的な視点と言われていますこれが提唱するのは「宇宙の外には何も存在しない」つまり宇宙の外に何かを存在させる余地はないということですこのような相関的な宇宙では秩序や構造を持つ物を見れば例えばこの機器あちらの機器美しいもの例えばすべての生命この部屋にいる皆様ちなみにGuysは物理学で一般的に男性女性を両方を示しますあなたはそれらがどのようにして作られたか興味を持つはずです人間ですから相関的な宇宙論によれば物質は自らを作った以外説明がつきませんこの宇宙には何らかの自己形成のメカニズムが存在するはずですこの宇宙には何らかの自己形成のメカニズムが存在するはずですなぜならアリストテレスやニュートンの宇宙論のように宇宙の外の創造主を組み込む余地がないからですですので相関的な宇宙論には自己形成というプロセスが必要ですダーウィンは私たちが見ているもの全てを説明するのに十分な自己形成のプロセスを提示してくれましたから自己形成は可能なのですさらに言えば自然選択の仕組みについて考えてみると自然選択というのは相関的な宇宙論の中でのみ説明できるものなのですなぜなら自然選択というのは種とまた別の種の関係によって成り立つ適合性などの特性に作用するからですダーウィンの考えはアリストテレスの宇宙論だけでなくニュートンの宇宙論でも納得の行く説明はできませんなので自然選択をベースとした生物学の理論は生物学的なシステムの特性が相関性を持つことが必要ですそしてさらに突き詰めていくと相関性の宇宙においては全ての特性が互いに関連していると考えるのが自然でしょうさらに言えばアインシュタインは重力は世界のあらゆるものが相関性を持つから存在すると説きました重力がなければ生命は存在しませんなぜなら重力によって星は誕生し長い時間生き永らえ何十億年も地球の表面のような世界の断片を生命が進化できるよう熱力学的平衡から守ってきたのですそして 20世紀には我々は科学の分野で二つの大きなテーマが独立して発展したのを見てきました生物学では秩序や複雑性構造等が自己形成しているのではないかという新たな概念を切り開きましたそれはネオダーウィニズム等の新たな理論の成功につながり徐々にですが認知科学や人間科学経済学などの域に浸透していっています同時に私たち物理学者は量子論や相対性理論を理解し組み合わせ発展させるのに時間を費やしてきましたそして現在明らかにしようとしているのは宇宙は関係により成り立っているというアイデアです 21世紀の科学は次の2つの考えが組み合さって進歩していくでしょう 1つめは世界のあらゆるものが関係し合っているという考えが明らかになることもう1つは自己形成つまりダーウィン的な世界観ですもう1つは自己形成つまりダーウィン的な世界観ですさらに 21世紀には我々の空間や時間宇宙に対する考え方とともに社会に対する考え方も進化し続けるでしょうその進化も同じ2つの大きな概念 -- ダーウィニズムと相関性論の統合に向かっていますそしてこのような視点から民主主義について考えてみると新しい民主主義の概念は多元的でたくさんの異なるが人間が存在しそれぞれが異なる視点関心を持ち異なる課題をかかえていることを認識するものとなるでしょう関係のネットワークに組み込まれているため個々の存在は不完全です民主主義を演じる役者は皆ネットワークの一員です民主主義を演じる役者は皆ネットワークの一員です物事に対する皆の理解の度合いは様々ですなので押し合い圧し合いやギブアンドテークは終わることがありませんそれが政治なのですそして政治とは理想的には常に様々な関係のネットワークに働きかけながらより良い人生よりよい社会を達成するための手段であるべきですそして私は科学が消えゆく事はないと信じていますそしてこの言葉で終わろうと思いますこれで終わりです科学が消えゆく事はありません	We have about 120 million dollars, and we want to do it well. We want to be in the forefront fields, and we want to do it differently. where the young people have all the ideas, and the old people have all the power and decide what science gets done. It took me about 25 seconds to decide that that was a good idea. Three years later, we have the Perimeter Institute for Theoretical Physics in Waterloo, Ontario. It’s the most exciting job I’ve ever had. And it’s the first time I’ve had a job where I’m afraid to go away because of everything that’s going to happen in this week when I’m here. But in any case, what I’m going to do in my little bit of time is take you on a quick tour of some of the things that we talk about and we think about. So, we think a lot about what really makes science work? The first thing that anybody who knows science, and has been around science, is that the stuff you learn in school as a scientific method is wrong. There is no method. On the other hand, somehow we manage to reason together as a community, from incomplete evidence to conclusions that we all agree about. And this is, by the way, something that a democratic society also has to do. So how does it work? Well, my belief is that it works because scientists are a community bound together by an ethics. And here are some of the ethical principles. I’m not going to read them all to you because I’m not in teacher mode. I’m in entertain, amaze mode. But one of the principles is that everybody who is part of the community gets to fight and argue as hard as they can for what they believe. But we’re all disciplined by the understanding that the only people who are going to decide, you know, whether I’m right or somebody else is right, are the people in our community in the next generation, in 30 and 50 years. So it’s this combination of respect for the tradition and community we’re in, and rebellion that the community requires to get anywhere, that makes science work. And being in this process of being in a community that reasons from shared evidence to conclusions, I believe, teaches us about democracy. Not only is there a relationship between the ethics of science and the ethics of being a citizen in democracy, but there has been, historically, a relationship between how people think about space and time, and what the cosmos is, and how people think about the society that they live in. And I want to talk about three stages in that evolution. The first science of cosmology that was anything like science was Aristotelian science, and that was hierarchical. The earth is in the center, then there are these crystal spheres, the sun, the moon, the planets and finally the celestial sphere, where the stars are. And everything in this universe has a place. And Aristotle’s law of motion was that everything goes to its natural place, which was of course, the rule of the society that Aristotle lived in, and more importantly, the medieval society that, through Christianity, embraced Aristotle and blessed it. And the idea is that everything is defined. Where something is, is defined with respect to this last sphere, the celestial sphere, outside of which is this eternal, perfect realm, where lives God, who is the ultimate judge of everything. So that is both Aristotelian cosmology, and in a certain sense, medieval society. Now, in the 17th century there was a revolution in thinking about space and time and motion and so forth of Newton. And at the same time there was a revolution in social thought of John Locke and his collaborators. And they were very closely associated. In fact, Newton and Locke were friends. Their way of thinking about space and time and motion on the one hand, and a society on the other hand, were closely related. And let me show you. In a Newtonian universe, there’s no center -- thank you. There are particles and they move around with respect to a fixed, absolute framework of space and time. It’s meaningful to say absolutely where something is in space, because that’s defined, not with respect to say, where other things are, but with respect to this absolute notion of space, which for Newton was God. Now, similarly, in Locke’s society there are individuals who have certain rights, properties in a formal sense, and those are defined with respect to some absolute, abstract notions of rights and justice, and so forth, which are independent of what else has happened in the society. There is also an omniscient observer who knows everything, who is God, who is in a certain sense outside the universe, because he has no role in anything that happens, but is in a certain sense everywhere, because space is just the way that God knows where everything is, according to Newton, OK? So this is the foundations of what’s called, traditionally, liberal political theory and Newtonian physics. Now, in the 20th century we had a revolution that was initiated at the beginning of the 20th century, and which is still going on. It was begun with the invention of relativity theory and quantum theory. And merging them together to make the final quantum theory of space and time and gravity, is the culmination of that, something that’s going on right now. And in this universe there’s nothing fixed and absolute. Zilch, OK. This universe is described by being a network of relationships. Space is just one aspect, so there’s no meaning to say absolutely where something is. There’s only where it is relative to everything else that is. And this network of relations is ever-evolving. So we call it a relational universe. All properties of things are about these kinds of relationships. And also, if you’re embedded in such a network of relationships, your view of the world has to do with what information comes to you through the network of relations. And there’s no place for an omniscient observer or an outside intelligence knowing everything and making everything. So this is general relativity, this is quantum theory. This is also, if you talk to legal scholars, the foundations of new ideas in legal thought. They’re thinking about the same things. And not only that, they make the analogy to relativity theory and cosmology often. So there’s an interesting discussion going on there. This last view of cosmology is called the relational view. So the main slogan here is that there’s nothing outside the universe, which means that there’s no place to put an explanation for something outside. So in such a relational universe, if you come upon something that’s ordered and structured, like this device here, or that device there, or something beautiful, like all the living things, all of you guys in the room -- "guys" in physics, by the way, is a generic term: men and women. Then you want to know, you’re a person, you want to know how is it made. And in a relational universe the only possible explanation was, somehow it made itself. There must be mechanisms of self-organization inside the universe that make things. Because there’s no place to put a maker outside, as there was in the Aristotelian and the Newtonian universe. So in a relational universe we must have processes of self-organization. Now, Darwin taught us that there are processes of self-organization that suffice to explain all of us and everything we see. So it works. But not only that, if you think about how natural selection works, then it turns out that natural selection would only make sense in such a relational universe. That is, natural selection works on properties, like fitness, which are about relationships of some species to some other species. Darwin wouldn’t make sense in an Aristotelian universe, and wouldn’t really make sense in a Newtonian universe. So a theory of biology based on natural selection requires a relational notion of what are the properties of biological systems. And if you push that all the way down, really, it makes the best sense in a relational universe where all properties are relational. Now, not only that, but Einstein taught us that gravity is the result of the world being relational. If it wasn’t for gravity, there wouldn’t be life, because gravity causes stars to form and live for a very long time, keeping pieces of the world, like the surface of the Earth, out of thermal equilibrium for billions of years so life can evolve. In the 20th century, we saw the independent development of two big themes in science. In the biological sciences, they explored the implications of the notion that order and complexity and structure arise in a self-organized way. That was the triumph of Neo-Darwinism and so forth. And slowly, that idea is leaking out to the cognitive sciences, the human sciences, economics, et cetera. At the same time, we physicists have been busy trying to make sense of and build on and integrate the discoveries of quantum theory and relativity. And what we’ve been working out is the implications, really, of the idea that the universe is made up of relations. 21st-century science is going to be driven by the integration of these two ideas: the triumph of relational ways of thinking about the world, on the one hand, and self-organization or Darwinian ways of thinking about the world, on the other hand. And also, is that in the 21st century our thinking about space and time and cosmology, and our thinking about society are both going to continue to evolve. And what they’re evolving towards is the union of these two big ideas, Darwinism and relationalism. Now, if you think about democracy from this perspective, a new pluralistic notion of democracy would be one that recognizes that there are many different interests, many different agendas, many different individuals, many different points of view. Each one is incomplete, because you’re embedded in a network of relationships. Any actor in a democracy is embedded in a network of relationships. And you understand some things better than other things, and because of that there’s a continual jostling and give and take, which is politics. And politics is, in the ideal sense, the way in which we continually address our network of relations in order to achieve a better life and a better society. And I also think that science will never go away and -- I’m finishing on this line. In fact, I’m finished. Science will never go away.	{ "source": "iwslt2017", "missed_lines": null, "inserted_lines_src": null, "inserted_lines_trg": null }
「ハジメさん! ただいまですぅ!」オスカー・オルクスの隠れ家に空間を繋げるゲートが開き、そこからシアが、ウサギらしくぴょんと跳ねながら飛び込んで来た。ハジメのお使いで、かつて攻略した【ライセン大迷宮】の主――ミレディ・ライセンに会いに行っていたのだが、無事使命を果たして戻って来たのである。シアは、出迎えたハジメの左袖の中にきちんと義手が戻っているのを目にして、更に嬉しそうな表情になった。「お帰り、シア。報告は受けてる。上手くミレディと再会できたようだな?」「はいです。生憎、ミレディさんは、あの領域からそう簡単には出られないらしく、決戦の日までは力を温存とのことで、直接御足労願うことは出来ませんでしたが......代わりに幾つか役立ちそうなものを譲り受けて来ました」「そうか。よくやった。お疲れ様だな。攻略の証で入れたのか?」背負った荷物袋をパンパンと叩き「いいものありますぜ!」と笑うシアに、笑みを返しながらハジメが尋ねる。かつて、ミレディに、便所から排出される汚物の如き扱いを受けて、迷宮の外へショートカットさせられたときのことを思い出し、まさかあの水路を逆走したわけじゃないよな? と首を捻る。もしそうなら、シアは、便器の中から「こんにちは!」したことになるので、乙女心を慮れば後で思いっきり労ってやらねばならいだろう。シアも、ハジメの質問で、なにを想像されているのか察したようだ。苦笑いしながら、大丈夫だと首を振る。「ブルック近郊の泉は、半ば予想してましたが無反応でした。なので、正規の入口から突破を図ったのですが、そのときに攻略の証が反応しまして......最初の部屋が例の移動法で深部まで送り届けてくれましたよ。ご丁寧に、部屋を乱回転させながら。まぁ、今の私にそんなの通用しませんから問題はなかったのですが......相変わらず腹の立つ人でした。ええ、本当に」「そ、そうか......いや、本当にお疲れさんだな。取り敢えず、中に入れ。時間も押しているから詳しい話は工房で聞かせてもらうよ」「あ、はいです」回想するように視線を明後日の方向に向けながら、若干、黒いものを纏うシアに、なんとなくどんなやり取りがあったのか想像がついて苦笑いを深めたハジメは、シアを工房に誘った。と、ゲートを設置した屋外から建物の中に入った途端、ガション! ガション! と機械的な足音が響いてきた。同時に、嬉しげな幼子の声が響き渡る。「あっ、シアお姉ちゃん! お帰りなさいなの!」「ミュウちゃん! ただいま......です?」ミュウのお出迎えの言葉に嬉しそうに頬を綻ばせつつ、「何の音かしらん?」と首を傾げたシアが、ハジメの後ろから顔を覗かせる。そして、その目に、見たこともない造形のゴーレムに囲まれ、その内の肩に腰掛けたミュウの姿が飛び込んできたことで思わず言葉を詰まらせた。ゴーレムの数。多脚多腕に武装多数、メタリックの輝きを持っており、どれも厳つく迫力のある姿だ。仮に迷宮などで遭遇したなら、「見敵必殺ですぅ!」とか「先手必勝ですぅ!」とか言って襲い掛かってしまいそうである。実は、シアが戻って来るまでの間に工房内では数日が過ぎており、その間、レミアとミュウに贈った〝べるふぇごーる〟と〝あすもでうす〟の改善点も色々見えてきたので、ハジメは順次改良を施していった。その結果、最終的に戦闘にも耐えるだろうという結論に達したので、生体ゴーレムそのものも兵器として戦力に投入するため生産に着手したのだ。その頃、大型の兵器も生産していたので、〝べるふぇごーる〟と〝あすもでうす〟だけでは手が足りなくなりつつあり、戦闘用ゴーレムの生産ついでにミュウのペットを増やしてあげたわけである。だが、全く問題がないわけではなく...... 「えっと、ミュウちゃん、そのゴーレムらしきものは......」「パパに貰ったの! この子が〝べるちゃん〟で、こっちが〝さーちゃん〟。それから〝るーちゃん〟と〝まーちゃん〟と〝れびちゃん〟と〝ばるちゃん〟なの!」「は、はぁ、そうなんですか。うん、取り敢えず、ハジメさんの作品ってことでOKです。良かったですね、ミュウちゃん」「はいなの!」ちなみに、正式名称は順に〝さたん〟〝るしふぁー〟〝まもん〟〝れゔぃあたん〟〝ばあるぜぶぶ〟らしい。いずれも悩むことなく即決でミュウが名付けた。ハジメが頬を引き攣らせたのは言うまでもない。一度、ミュウが変なものに目をつけられていないか、真剣に調べる必要があるだろう。ミュウの紹介に合わせて、それぞれ香ばしいポーズを取る生体ゴーレム達。そんな機能は付けていないし、ミュウが指示を与えたようにも見えなかったのだが......いったい、何故ポーズを取ったのか...... その姿は、さながら「大☆罪☆戦☆隊☆デモンレンジャーッ!!!」といった感じである。レッドはやはり憤怒の〝さたん〟なのだろうか。取り敢えず、不具合は生じていないし、ミュウに対しては、嬉しそうにパタパタと振られる犬尻尾を幻視してしまいそうなくらい従順なのでスルーを選択したハジメは、そのまま工房へとシアを連れて行くのだった。工房内に入り、アワークリスタルを起動させ時間の流れを十分の一にする。僅かに色褪せた空間と〝自動錬成〟により勝手に量産されていく兵器の数々を見て、シアは感嘆の声を漏らした。そんなシアを、部屋の片隅の椅子に座らせて報告を聞く。居住まいを正したシアは、荷物袋から幾つかのアーティファクトらしきものを取り出した。「ハジメさん、これがミレディさんより譲り受けたものです」「......見たところアーティファクトのようだが」「はい。完璧にとはいかないそうですが、【神言】の対策になるそうです。ハジメさんが手を加えれば、それも完全になるかもしれないとのことでした」「へぇ......そいつは有難いな」ハジメは受け取った灰色でビー玉くらいの大きさの珠を見つめた。魔眼石や鉱物系鑑定によれば、どうやら魂魄魔法が込められているようだった。その中でも、魂の状態で、あるいは魂へ直接意思を伝える効果を持つ〝心導〟の魔法が付与されているらしい。「【神言】のからくりは予想していたが、当たりだったようだな」「と、言いますと?」「あれは、魂魄魔法に連なる魔法だ。魂に直接言葉を響かせて無意識レベルで意識を縛る。滅茶苦茶強力な暗示みたいなものだな。名を呟いていたのは、命令には、それを下す者が必要という常識があるからだろう」「なるほど。誰のものか分からない命令に対して従順な人なんていませんからね。正式な名前を言ったあと強力になったのも、より命令者に対する認識が強くなったから、という感じでしょうか?」「だろうな。このビー玉......名前はあるのか?」「あ~、いえ、聞いてませんよ。適当でいいんじゃないですか?」「そうか。じゃあ、仮に〝魂壁〟とでも名付けるが、これは、魂に【神言】が届くのをブロックする力があるようだ。〝心導〟を応用して、伝わってくる意思を掻き乱してただのノイズにしてしまうってところだな。完璧でないってのは、それだけエヒトの【神言】が強力でノイズにしきれないということだろう」ハジメの説明に、シアは「なるほど」と頷いた。「それで......ハジメさんなら、完全に防げるものに改良できますか?」「そうだな......俺の魔力と昇華魔法を合わせれば出来ると思うが。結局、前みたいに奪われて破壊されたら、それまでなんだよな」「あぁ、そう言えば......じゃあ、どうしましょう? このままだと奇襲くらいにしか使えませんね......」「いや、実は今、ちょっと考えているアイデアがあってな。適性が無くて苦労しているんだが、もう少しでなんとか形になりそうなんだ。それを応用すれば、奪われることなく、かつ、効果の高い〝魂壁〟を作れるだろう。いずれにしろ、一から【神言】対策を考える必要がなくなって大助かりだ。お手柄だぜ、シア」ハジメの嬉しそうな笑みに、シアもまた嬉しそうにウサミミをパタパタさせる。お手柄なのは、〝魂壁〟を譲ってくれたミレディなのだが、なんとなく奴に感謝するのは癪なのでシアを褒める。シアもなんとなく同じ気持ちなので、素直に役に立てたと喜んだ。「あと、これもです」「短剣か? ......にしても随分と力を感じるな。いったい......へぇ」続いて荷物袋から取り出されたのは、布に包まれた刃渡センチメートル程の短剣だった。シンプルな両刃作りで鍔がなく、いわゆる匕首と呼ばれる類の短剣に酷似していた。それを手渡されたハジメは、布を取り払った瞬間、感じた力の大きさに瞠目し、次いで〝魂壁〟と同じように調べて、その付与された能力に思わず声を漏らした。そんなハジメの様子を見て、シアも共感するように頷く。「ミレディさん曰く、〝神越の短剣〟と言うそうです。込められているのは概念――〝神殺し〟、だそうです」「以前、リューティリスが言っていた、解放者が創っの概念魔法の一つか。ミレディの奴が持っていたとはな。チッ、さっさと渡しておけばいいものを」「......私がそう言ったら、〝神殺しなんて面倒なことしないんじゃなかったのぉ? そんな人に渡せるわけないでしょう? 頭、大丈夫? ねぇ? 頭、大丈夫? ねぇねぇ〟と言われました......」「はい。でも大丈夫です。腹いせに、ハジメさんの爆弾で壊されて修繕に苦労したと愚痴っていた場所をもう一度破壊してやりましたから。木っ端微塵に。半泣きになって謝って来ましたよ、クックック」シアが黒い。黒シア降臨だ。ハジメが、地味に冷や汗を掻いていると、シアはあくどい顔を止めてニッコリと笑いながら話を続けた。見事な切り替えだ。「ちなみに、〝界越の矢〟という【神域】へ道を開くアーティファクトもあったそうなんですけど、先の解放者達の敗戦時に失われてしまったようです。それに、エヒトと相対する前に民衆に追われてしまったので、〝神殺し〟もどこまで効果があるかは分からないそうです。ただ、その短剣は、ユエさんの魂を傷つけることだけはないので、上手く使えとのことでした」「そいつはいいな。一応、俺が用意した切り札もあるが、手札は多いに越したことはない。それがユエに作用しないなら文句なんかないさ」「そうですね。なんでも、その〝神殺し〟の概念、中々切り札が出来ないことに業を煮やし、解放者全員でやけ酒しまくった挙句、ベロベロ状態でエヒトに対する罵詈雑言大会をしていたら出来てしまったものらしいです。建前とか理性とか使命とか、そういう「そ、そうか......うん、まぁ、気持ちは分かる。ミレディは果てしなくウザイけど、ユエを取り戻したら礼の一つでも言わなきゃな」解放者達の仲の良さ? に共感やら呆れやらを感じつつ、有用なアーティファクトが二種類も手に入ったことに、ハジメは笑みを浮かべた。シアから更に報告を聞けば、ミレディは、決戦において迷宮内のゴーレム達を動員してくれるらしい。なので、ゲートホールも設置してきたそうだ。どうやら、あのゴーレム達も変成魔法が組み込まれたもので、全てミレディが動かしていたわけではなく、ある程度は命令に従って自律的に動く代物だったらしい。今考えれば、確かに体ものゴーレム騎士をミレディ一人で操っていたとは考え難いことだ。ただ、【神域】のことやアルヴヘイト以外の眷属神の有無、使徒の弱点や有効な戦闘方法などについてはハジメ達が知っている以上のことは分からないらしい。むしろ、直接相対したり、その力を身をもって味わったことを考えれば、ある意味、ハジメ達の方が詳しいくらいだということだ。もっとも、新たな情報は得られずとも余りある物を譲り受けた以上、ハジメとしては文句などなかった。直接会えば、きっとその顔面を砕きたくなるだろうが。シアが一通りの報告を終えると、ハジメは〝宝物庫II〟からシア専用の〝宝物庫II〟と改良されたドリュッケン――〝ヴィレドリュッケン〟、その他諸々の用意しておいた装備を手渡した。「はうぅうう~、これですぅ~、やっぱり、この固くて冷たい感触がないとダメですぅ」ハジメから相棒である戦鎚を受け取るや否や、機械的な柄部分に頬擦りしてニマニマと笑みを浮かべるシア。「これで敵をグシャってするのが堪らないんですぅ」とか怖いことを呟いている。若干引きながら、ハジメが他のアーティファクトを含め新機能の説明をしていると、おもむろに工房の扉が開けられた。入って来たのは、香織......そして、鈴と龍太郎だった。実は、二人共、シアが連絡を寄越す少し前にフェアベルゲンやハウリアに対する連絡、彼等に対するゲートキーの分配を終えてオルクスに招かれていたのだ。そして、香織の素材集めの傍らで護衛をされながら、奈落の魔物を従えたり、戦闘経験を積んだりと変成魔法の習熟に勤しんでいたのである。「あ、シア! お帰りなさい。ふふ、その様子だと、色々成果があったみたいだね」「香織さん。ただいまです! それにお二人も先に来ていたんですね。父様――ハウリア族とフェアベルゲンの人達はどうでしたか?」「うん、シアシア。問題ないよ。フェアベルゲンの人達は元々信仰とは無縁だし、世界の命運が懸かっていると理解すれば行動は早かったよ」「だな。戦いに不安はあるみたいだったけどよ、もれなく南雲のアーティファクトが付いていくるって言えば、気勢を上げてたぜ。ハウリア族は......ああ~、うん、まぁ、問題なかった、ぞ?」「......何故、疑問形なのですか?」シアが胡乱な眼差しを龍太郎に向ける。その眼差しに「うっ」と怯んだ様子を見せた龍太郎は、視線を彷徨わせつつ、余り思い出したくなさそうに口を開いた。「いや、本当に問題はなかったんだって。ただ......その......いきなり号泣し始めたからドン引きしただけで......」「はい? 号泣? 父様が、ですか?」「ううん、シアシア。カムさんも含めて、ハウリア族全員だよ。その後はシュプレヒコールの嵐だったよ。『ボス万歳!』とか『ようやく、お側で戦うことが!』とか『殺せ! 殺せ! 殺せ!』とか連呼してた。声量だけで、樹海の霧が少し吹き飛んだんだ。普通に怖かったよ」「......」「ハー〇マン軍曹方式ってやべぇんだなって思ったぜ。眼なんか全員血走っててな? 殺気がすげぇんだ。木の上にいた猿みたいな生き物がポトリと落ちて......見たら白目剥いて死んでやがった。殺気だけで心臓止まったんだろうな、あれ」「......なんかすみません」鈴と龍太郎は、説明しながら顔を青褪めさせガクブルと震え始めた。余程、異常で恐ろしい光景だったのだろう。はっきり言って、二人にはエヒトを信仰する狂信者とハジメを敬愛するハウリア族が同じに見えて仕方なかった。内心、「やっぱり南雲くんは魔王......いや、むしろ魔神?」とか思ったのは内緒だ。ハジメの戦場に参戦できる上に、その要請が敬愛するボスからのものなのだ。共に戦いたいと願っていた彼等に対し、そのボスからの「力を貸せ」という言葉は、余程嬉しいことだったに違いない。全員でヒャッハーしている光景が目に浮かんで、シアはウサミミをペタンと折りつつ、つい謝罪の言葉を呟いた。そんなシア達のやり取りに、つい苦笑いしてしまったハジメは、なんとなく話題を逸らしたくなって鈴達へと話を振った。「それで? 修行の成果はどうなんだ? 良い魔物は従えたられたか?」「うっ」「いや、全くだ!」バツの悪そうな表情で視線を逸らした鈴と、快活に笑いながら否定する龍太郎。取り敢えず、ハジメは新ドンナーの引き金を引き、ゴム弾で龍太郎の額を撃ち抜いた。「ぬおぉおおおっ!」と叫びながら床をのたうち回る龍太郎に、ハジメの冷たい視線が突き刺さる。そこへ慌てたように香織がストップをかけた。「ま、待って、待って! 成果がなかったわけじゃないんだよ!」「ほぅ。で? 成果ってのは?」ハジメの躊躇いのない発砲に恐れ戦いた表情となった鈴がビクッと震えながら答える。「う、うん。一応ね、カオリンの手伝いもあって、それなりに従えることは出来たんだけど......」「なんだ、ちゃんと出来たんじゃないか。なにが問題なんだ?」「え~と、取り敢えず、強力な酸を吐く大きな――ムカデ」「あぁ、あれか。上層の階にも似たのがいるんだが、体節を外して飛ばす能力が体節を外しながら酸を飛ばす能力に変わっているんだよな。ちょっとビビったのを覚えてるよ」「それから、爆発する針を銃弾みたいに連射する大きな――ハチ」「あれか。針っていうより、小型のミサイルだよな。迎撃した瞬間、爆炎に呑み込まれて驚いたのを覚えてるよ」「モグラみたいに地面の中を泳ぐ――アリ」「まぁ、奇襲力あるな」「腕が六本あって鎌鼬を飛ばす――カマキリ」「......他は?」「......クモとか蝶とか」「......なんで昆虫ばっかなんだ?」見事なラインナップにハジメが奇妙なものを見るような眼差しを鈴に送った。途端、わっと泣き出す鈴。「知らないよっ。変成魔法の通用する魔物が、なんでか昆虫系ばっかりなんだもん! 樹海ではもふもふだってちゃんと出来たのにっ。オルクスおかしいよ!」どうやら本意ではないらしい。苦肉の策として昆虫達を従えてきたようだ。崩れ落ちながらさめざめと泣く鈴の姿は、中々に哀れを誘う。確かに、絵面的にドン引きする光景だろう。しかし、奈落の、それも下層の魔物なので、地上の魔物と比べれば遥かに強力ではある。使徒はともかく、フリードの時間をかけて進化させた魔物達や恵里の傀儡兵くらいなら十分に頼もしい戦力となるだろう。「まぁ、ほら、向こうも嫌悪感で隙を晒してくれるかもしれないし、な?」「敵にドン引きされながら戦えと? 鈴の相手は恵里だよ? 対話がしたいのに、まずドン引きさせるの? ぐすっ、きっと昆虫女とか思われるんだ......うわっ、キモッとか言われるんだ......」「で、でもでも、鈴ちゃん! ほら、あの子がいるじゃない! もふもふだよ!」「ちょっ、カオリン! それは内緒だって!」「あ? 内緒?」床にのの字を書きながら落ち込む鈴の姿が余りに哀れだったせいか、傍らの香織が必死にフォローを入れた。しかし、当の鈴は、何故か慌てたようにハジメをチラチラ見ながら口止めをしようとする。香織もまた、はっとしたように口を抑えた。明らかに何かを隠している様子の二人に、ハジメの目がスっと細められる。その胡乱な眼差しは、言外に「ガタガタ騒いでないで、キリキリ吐けや、おら」と訴えていた。うっと声を詰まらせて視線を泳がせる鈴と、どうしたものかと困った表情になる香織。と、そのとき、工房の中に〝べるふぇごーる〟に乗ったミュウが入って来た。なにやら伝えることがあるようで真っ直ぐにハジメを見ており、撃たれた額を抑えて蹲っていた足元の龍太郎をナチュラルに踏みつける。「ぐぇ!?」という声が響いた気がしたが、誰も気にしない。「パパ! ウサギさんがいるの!」「うん? 確かにウサギならここにいるが」両手を頭の上にやってぴょんぴょんとウサギさんアピールをするミュウに首を傾げながら、ハジメはシアに視線を向ける。シアも自前のウサミミでぴょんぴょんする。「違うの。シアお姉ちゃんじゃないウサギさんなの。とっても強くてカッコイイの! るーちゃんとさーちゃんとまーちゃんが一緒に戦っても負けてないの」「なに? 襲ってきたのか?」「ちがうの。ウサギさんがお手々をクイッ、クイッてしたらね、るーちゃん達が、『貴様、姫の前で我等を挑発するか。よかろう、身の程というものを教えてやろう!』って言って手合わせ? し始めたの!」「......るしふぁー達、喋ったのか? しかも勝手に動いたのか?」「? るーちゃん達はおはなしするし、自分で動くの。とーぜんなの。パパ、どうかしたの?」「......ちなみに、今、ミュウが乗っているべるふぇごーるは何か言ってるのか?」「んみゅ? ......『ちょ~だり~ッス。いきなり戦い始めるとかマジ有り得ないッスよ。ラヴ&ピース最高~って教えてやって下さいよ、マスター』って言ってるの」「.....................そうか」鍛え上げたスルースキルを全力で発動して質問攻めにしたいのを堪えるハジメ。余りにも多すぎるツッコミどころが、ハジメをして、そのキャパシティをオーバーさせる。なので、取り敢えず、どうやらデモンレンジャー達は、ミュウを姫と呼び慕っているという部分だけ理解する。奇怪極まりないが、何故か危険なものという気が微塵もしないし、誘拐されてからというもの悪意には敏感なミュウが懐いていることから心配はないと判断した。もっとも状況は把握しきれていないので、るしふぁー達に戦いを止めてウサギを連れて来るようミュウに伝言を頼む。「はいなの!」と元気に返事をして、ミュウはべるふぇごーると共に工房から出て行った。「で? 従えているはずの魔物が、自ら挑発して戦闘するってのはどういうことだ? しかも、暴走とか全く疑ってないよな? ......なにがあった? 吐け」ハジメは、もう一つの疑問を解消するべく、その視線を明らかに挙動不審となっている香織と鈴に向けた。すると、遂に観念したのか、二人が口を開く。「あ、あのね、ハジメくん。あの子は、その、悪い子じゃないっていうか、ちょっと特殊な子なの。ハジメくんに憧れているっていうか......」「は? 俺に憧れている?」「そう! そうなんだよ! ある意味、南雲君が原因でもあるわけだから、見た瞬間、撃ち殺すとかだけは止めてね! 絶対だよ! 鈴の変成魔法を「一体、なんだってんだ......」わけの分からない二人の言葉に、ハジメは困惑するしかない。直後、タイミングよくその〝ウサギさん〟とやらがミュウ達に連れられて工房へと入って来た。その姿は、確かにウサギだ。長いウサミミに赤黒い――否、紅色に近い瞳。白い体毛には薄い赤色の筋が幾本も入っている。他の魔物のように脈打ったりはせず、白に映える模様のようになっていた。そして、なにより特徴的なのが、普通のウサギでは有り得ないほど発達した後ろ足。多少変わっていても、ハジメにとって見覚えのありすぎる姿。加えて聞くだけなら可愛らしい鳴き声が、更にハジメの記憶を刺激する。そう、ハジメの前に現れたのは、かつてハジメの左腕を粉砕し、嬲るように追い詰めた、あの〝蹴りウサギ〟だった。もちろん、同種族というだけで違う個体だが。香織と鈴が言い出しづらかったのは、ハジメが問答無用でドパンするかもしれないと思ったからだろう。流石に、この時間を無駄に出来ないときに、せっかく従えた魔物を感情任せで即射殺するなどという愚行は犯さないが。「いや、別に、今更、これを見たくらいで引き金引いたりしねぇから。っていうか、こいつ一番上の階層の魔物だぞ? まさか、弱いと分かっていてウサギ欲しさに上階まで......って、それはないか。時間的に」自分で言っておかしなことに気がつき口を閉じたハジメ。そう言えば、自分に憧れているだの、特殊だの、自分が原因だの、変成魔法を受け入れただの、不可解なことを言っていたなと思い出し、視線で説明を求める。しかし、二人が説明する前に、蹴りウサギの方が先に行動を起こした。工房に入ってから、真っ直ぐにハジメを見つめ続けながらぷるぷると微妙に震えていた蹴りウサギは、がばちょ! といった感じでハジメに飛びついたのだ。それを、突き出した手でウサミミを鷲掴みにして難なく止めるハジメに、蹴りウサギはなにかを訴えるように「きゅ! もきゅ! うきゅ~」と鳴き声を上げている。どうやら襲いかかって来たわけではないらしい。なんだこいつは、と胡乱な眼差しを向けるハジメに鈴が通訳を買って出た。変成魔法で従えた魔物は、その主との間である程度の意思疎通が可能になる。鈴達も、既にこの蹴りウサギと意思疎通を図っていたので、色々と釈明していたわけだ。「えっとね、『王様、王様、お会い出来てめっちゃ嬉しいわ。此の度、もっと強うなれるて聞いて、ご同輩の従僕やらせてもらうことになりました。よろしゅうな。あ、あと出来れば、王様に名前付けて欲しいんやけど......アカンやろか?』って......なに、その目! 本当だよ! 本当にそう言ってるんだから!」「......仮に、そういう意味のことを言っているとして、関西弁にする必要はないだろう」「だって、関西弁で聞こえるんだから仕方ないでしょ!」鈴が、ハジメから冷め切った眼差しを向けられて顔を真っ赤にしながら言い訳をする。その必死な様子に、ハジメはチラリとぶら下げたままの蹴りウサギに視線を向けると、確かに、そんな感じのことを言っていそうな眼差しをハジメに向けていた。こう、つぶらな瞳がうるうると懇願するように潤んでいるのだ。取り敢えず、ハジメは、大活躍のスルースキルを更に振り絞って話を聞くことにした。鈴、曰く、こういうことらしい。最初は、なるべく強力な魔物が欲しい層台の魔物を香織の協力のもとに追いかけていたそうなのだが、やはり強力故か、ハジメ特製の仕方なく層台に下げて羅針盤をもとに魔物を探したのだが、やはり獣系の魔物は鈴の取立てほやほや変成魔法では力不足らしく、嫌だなぁと思いつつも一応、遭遇した昆虫系の魔物に試してみたところ、さっきまでの苦労はなんだったんだツッコミを入れたくなるほどあっさり従えることが出来てしまったのだという。その後も、昆虫系に限って従えることが出来てしまう鈴は、テンションダダ下がりのまま、一応、様々な効果の鱗粉を操る見た目美しい蝶型の魔物を大量に捕まえることで心の慰めとしつつ、ぞろぞろ、わしゃわしゃと巨大奇形昆虫を従えて帰還の途に就こうとした。そんなときだ。上階の階段から警戒心たっぷりに物陰から物陰へとシュパッシュパッと移動してくる妙に人間臭い動きをする〝ウサギ〟を発見したのは。そのウサギも、鈴達に気がついて、ピタと動きを止めた。今まで一度として、八十、九十台の階層では見なかった魔物。しかも、基本的に魔物は、生まれた階層から出ることはないので、普通に階層を下って来たウサギの行動は明らかに異常だった。なので、香織が前面に出て鈴達も最大限の警戒をした。しかし、当のウサギはというと......それはもう誰が見ても分かるほど全身で喜びをあらわにしたのだ。奈落の魔物特有の、強烈な殺意や威圧感など皆無。ぴょんぴょんとダンスでも踊るように飛び跳ねウサミミをみょんみょんと動かす。それはまるで、幾日も深い森の中を彷徨い続け、ようやく人里を見つけた迷子の如く。困惑して、どうしたものかと先制攻撃を躊躇った香織達に、ウサギはそろそろと近寄ってきた。まるで、相手を刺激しないよう気を遣っているように。チラチラと鈴達を見ながら、少し進んでは、「大丈夫?」「もう少し、近づいていい?」と立ち止まって確認してくるウサギに、取り敢えず、鈴がノックアウトされた。昆虫女王になりかけて荒んだ心に、もふもふの白ウサギ――それもなんだか仕草がとても愛らしく、敵意を感じるどころか友好的に思える――は、強力過ぎたのだ。一応、まだ警戒心を持っていた香織の制止も無視してウサギの前に躍り出ると、「第一印象から決めてました! 鈴のウサギになって下さい!」と、頭を下げ、手を差し出して告白の如き申し出をしたのである。ちなみに、鈴のウサギに対する本当の第一印象は、物凄く怪しいウサギだ。そんな鈴の申し出に、ウサギは面食らったように仰け反った。そして困惑したように首を傾げた。益々もって人間臭い魔物だった。一方、テンパっている鈴は、この千載一遇のチャンスを逃してなるものか! とアイドルを自宅まで追いかける熱烈なファン衣食住保証。一日三食、否昼寝付き、週休二日制。有給あり! その他、自由時間についても応相談! しかも! 今ならなんと、鈴特製の魔石が付いてくる! これであなたも昨日までの自分とおさらばです! さぁ、この機会に、素敵な職場で愉快な仲間に囲まれつつ、ステータスアップしてみませんか!? 香織と龍太郎は思った。それはないだろ......と。しかし、意外なことに、困惑した様子だったウサギは、最後の一言――〝ステータスアップ〟のところでその瞳をギラリと光らせた。まるで「そこ、もっとkwsk!」と言うように前のめりで「きゅう! きゅう!」と鳴いた。当然、「食いついて来たぜ!」と口元をニヤつかせた鈴は、相手が魔物だということも完全に忘れて、軽快に変成魔法の仕組みを説明した。結果、進化できると分かったウサギは、そっとウサミミを差し出し、鈴の一応の従魔となることを了承したのである。こうして雇用契約(?)みたいな感じで仲間となったウサギは、鈴の変成魔法によって意思疎通を図れるようになった。というか、元々、魔物では有り得ないくらい理知的で、明らかに自我を持っているウサギ相手ならば魂魄魔法の〝心導〟でも意思疎通は可能だった。そこで、どうにも毛色の違うウサギに、香織と鈴が事情を聞いたところ、どうやら、このウサギ、元はハジメがかつて殺されかけた〝蹴りウサギ〟の同種族であり、階層も同じだったらしいのだが、武者修行しながら階層を下げ、なんと、自力で八十層に辿り着くほどに強くなったというのだ。だが、それは魔物としては有り得ない行動原理と思考能力。その原因は、ハジメにあった。正確にはハジメが垂れ流して来た〝神水〟に。この蹴りウサギ。実は、ハジメが爪熊を倒すところを見ていたらしい。迷宮の魔物にとって、世界とはその階層が全てであり、そこの主は王だ。その王が倒されたというのは即ち、新たな王の誕生である。本能的に、注意を払わざるを得ない。このとき、普通の魔物となんら変わらなかったウサギも、ハジメに最大限の警戒心と恐怖心を抱いていた。しばらく、新たな王の動向を離れた場所から隠れつつ見ていたウサギは、やがて、ハジメの巣穴――神結晶があった洞穴を発見した。これで近づいてはいけない場所の確認も出来たと本能的に理解したところ、当のハジメはあっさりこの階層から出て行ってしまった。ウサギは、巣穴の主がいないならと、何とも快適で安全な巣穴に入った。そこで見つけたのが、岩の窪みに僅かながら溜まっていた物凄く活力の湧く水――神水である。それを、無くなるまで夢中で飲み干したウサギは、今までにないほど力の充溢を感じた。魔力が自然と湧き上がり、思考はクリアになって、周囲の気配を数倍くらい敏感に感じることが出来るようになった。どうやら、魔物が神水を飲んだ場合にはそういう効果があるらしかった。奇跡の水を魔物に飲ませるなんてことあるわけないので、誰も知らないことだろうが。その後、ウサギは、他にも神水がないか探しに出て、遭遇する魔物を蹴散らしつつ――調子に乗りすぎて爪熊と遭遇してしまった。迷宮の魔物はいつの間にか再び発生するのだが、そんなことは意識したこともないウサギは完全に油断していたのである。そこからは死闘だった。場所的に逃げ場はない。背を見せれば殺される。普通なら本能的に格の違いを感じ萎縮するか背を見せて逃げるという隙を晒し瞬殺されるのがオチなのだが、神水の影響で多少とはいえ思考力を持ったウサギは、半ばヤケクソで戦いを挑んだのだ。結果――生き残った。死線を越えた先で、固有魔法からの派生に目覚め、見事その豪脚で爪熊の頭部を粉砕したのである。神水による回復効果が持続していなければ十回は死んでいたと言っても過言ではない激しい戦いだった。ウサギは、己が倒した前王を見て、その身を震わせた。そして、理解したのである。鍛えれば生き物は強くなれるのだと。そこから、ウサギの強者になるための旅が始まった。目標は、自分にきっかけを与えてくれた新たな王のもとへ行くこと。追いついた後、ここまで強くなったのだと見せて、一言礼を言うのだ。そして、より広い世界を見てみたい......そこで数々の強者達と戦い、己を高めるのである! そんな、どこぞの主人公のような数奇な運命を掴んだウサギは、当時、〝宝物庫〟なんて便利道具は持っておらず、可能な限りストックしていた分以外は、仕方なく垂れ流しにしていたハジメの神水が、偶然にも地面の窪みで僅かに溜まっているのを見つけては、それを飲み、回復と自身の強化を図りつつ、技に磨きをかけて、遂に、成人並みの思考力と八十層に自力で降りてくるほどの実力を身につけたのである。「......なんだ、そのラノベみたいな展開は」全ての事情を聞いたハジメの第一声がそれだった。滅茶苦茶微妙な表情を、いつの間にか自分の膝の上に座ってつぶらな瞳を向けてくるウサギに向ける。「あはは、すごいよね。帰って来るまでに戦ってもらったんだけど、変成魔法で少し強化されたおかげで九十層クラスでも一対一なら負けなしくらいのレベルだったよ。多分だけど、雫ちゃんと動きが似てたから、〝重縮地〟と〝無拍子〟も使えるんじゃないかな? あと、蹴りだけで衝撃波も飛ばしてたよ」なんだか、この数時間だけでやたらこの言葉を呟いている気がするハジメ。「えっと、そういうわけで、南雲君さえよければ、名前を付けて上げて欲しいんだけど......鈴じゃなくて、南雲君がいいって言うから」「はぁ。まぁ、強力な魔物を仲間に出来たならそれで良しとしよう。なんだか、エヒト達とやり合っていたときより、疲れる展開が多い気がするけどな......にしても名前か......」ハジメが膝上の蹴りウサギに視線を落とす。蹴りウサギは、ジッとハジメを見上げている。見つめ合う二人。そして、ハジメはポツリと呟いた。「却下で」即行で香織に却下された。その目が、世界的なマスコットキャラに謝れと訴えている。ハジメは気を取り直し、再び蹴りウサギに視線を向けた。蹴りウサギもジッとハジメを見ている。そして、ハジメはポツリと呟いた。「......ピーターラビ――」「ダメ」「わからないけど、ダメな気がする。っていうか真面目に!」香織の叱責が飛んだ。至って真面目に考えたので酷い奴だと舌打ちを一つしつつ、面倒そうな表情になったハジメは、投げやり気味に言った。「あぁ、もう、ならイナバとかでいいじゃねぇか。見た目ウサギなんだし」「えぇ~、単純過ぎない? もうちょっと、こう可愛い感じに......」「鈴も、他の魔物があれだから、ウサギさんは可愛い名前が......」香織と鈴には不評らしい。だが、イナバと言った直後、なにか感じるものがあったのか、蹴りウサギは「きゅう!」と鳴きながらぴょんぴょんと飛び跳ねた。どうやら、気に入ったようだ。そのまま赤黒い――と言うより体に走るラインと同じで、かつて見た蹴りウサギよりも紅色に近い気がする瞳をキラキラさせてハジメに飛び付いた。「気に入ったみたいだぞ?」「えぇ~、......まぁ、本人が気に入ったなら仕方ないけど......」「うぅ、イナバちゃん......慣れれば案外、可愛い?」二人も渋々ではあるが一応の納得をしたようだ。と、そのとき、ずっと静観していたシアが、一先、話は終わったと判断してイナバに近寄った。同じウサミミ同士、興味が湧いたのだろう。ニコニコしながら、イナバを撫でようとする。「イナバちゃん、良かったですね。同じウサミミ同士、なかよ――」「きゅっ」撫でようとして、伸ばした手を普通に叩き落された。ビシッと固まるシア。そんなシアのウサミミに、イナバはチラリと視線を向けると、「ふっ」と鼻で笑った。ビキリと額に青筋を浮かべたまま、どういうことかと、シアは、鈴に視線を向ける。張り付いた笑みのまま。「ひっ、シ、シアシア、落ち着いて!」「私は落ち着いてます。で? この生意気な子はなんと言っているんですか?」「え、えっと、その......」「鈴さん?」「ひぃ! あ、あのね、『あんさん如きウサミミが王様の傍に侍るたぁ、片腹痛いでぇ? ウサミミ磨き直してから出直してきぃ!』って......うひぃ! 違う、鈴じゃないよ!」どうやら、同じウサミミ所持者であるシアに思うところがあるらしい。ウサミミをハジメの腕に絡めて挑発的に目を細める。対して、自慢のウサミミを馬鹿にされたシアもまた黙ってはいなかった。「......ハジメさんが大好きな私のウサミミを差し置いて、随分な大言を吐きますね。いい度胸です。どちらがハジメさんのウサギに相応しいか、身をもって教えて差し上げますぅ!」「きゅう!!」シアの強化された拳が、ハジメの鼻先を掠めた。ジリッと焦げ臭い匂いが鼻腔をつく。一方、攻撃を受けたイナバは、華麗にジャンプして避けると固有魔法〝空力〟を発動して反転し、強烈な踵落としをシアに放った。それを、シアの掲げた腕が防御する。そして、シアの美脚がハジメの眼前で開かれ、空中のイナバを撃墜せんと振るわれた。ハジメの頭上で、イナバの蹴りとシアの蹴りが激突し、凄まじい衝撃波を発生させた。ハジメの髪が荒ぶる。シアとイナバはそのまま、工房の奥へと移動しながら激しい応酬を繰り広げた。「ハジメさんのウサギは一人で十分ですぅ!」ボッサボッサの髪と焦げた鼻先をそのままに半眼になっているハジメに、その後、二人が撃ち抜かれたのは言うまでもない。工房の隅で白煙を上げながら仲良く撃沈するウサギ二匹のシュールさに、香織達の頬が引き攣ったのも言うまでもないことだ。その後、鈴の従えた魔物――特に蝶型の魔物の物量と能力は、鈴と相性がいいと考えたハジメによって、更に改良などが加えられ、鈴専用アーティファクト〝双鉄扇〟と魔物運搬用アーティファクト〝魔宝珠〟(モンスター〇ール)が受け渡された。ちなみに、ずっと放置されていた龍太郎だが、きちんとアーティファクトを受け取り、変成魔法においても自分なりの使い方をハジメの助力もあって会得したので、一応、問題はない。もっとも、ティオを参考にしたという龍太郎の変成魔法の使い方に、しかもそれが最も相性が良かったという事実に、流石脳筋と、ハジメ達は揃って呆れたのだが。「いよいよ、明日ですね......」「そうだな。明日のいつかは分からないけどな」時刻は深夜の一歩手前の時間帯。エヒトの告げた大侵攻の日まで後一時間といったところ。場合によっては日付の変更と同時に、ということもありうるので、現在ハジメは、シアと共に出発の準備に関する最終チェックをしていた。「ハジメさん」「うん?」「〝仮に、私になにかあったとしても、必ずハジメやシアがなんとかしてくれる。心配することなんてなにもない〟......そう言ってました」「......ユエか」「はいです。私は、〝当たり前です〟と答えました」シアは、工房内の引き伸ばされた時間の中で、ハジメの使い捨て型の新アーティファクトにより半ば無理やり会得した、新たな能力に対する最終確認をしながら、静かな声音で話す。「三日......これは、私達がユエさんを取り戻すための時間ではありますが......同時に、ユエさんの抵抗が尽きる時間でもあります」そう、エヒトがユエの体を完全掌握する時間であり、それはユエが抵抗できない状態に追い込まれるタイムリミットでもある。誰も口にしなかったが、そのときのユエの状態がどうなっているのか......少なくとも楽観視できない状態だというのは確かだろう。「それでも、私は信じています。ユエさんは無事であると。必ず取り戻せると。抵抗できなくても、ユエさんは、信じて私達を待ってくれていると」「当然だ。ユエだぞ? あんな厨二病こじらせたイタイ奴に負けるかってんだ。まして、シアに叩き直されたばかりだからな」「ふふ、そうですね。......でも、敵が強大であることには変わりません。今までの比ではありません。それこそ死線を越える覚悟が必要でしょう」「......なにが言いたい?」シアは、そこでくるりと振り返り、真っ直ぐにハジメを見た。その瞳に燃え盛る炎は、親友を奪われた怒りと敵に対する殺意、そして必ず取り戻すという決意がこれでもかと宿っていた。思わず、ハジメをして息を呑ませるほどの意志を示すシアは、決意を言葉にして響かせた。「私は、無茶をします。無理を押し通します。ユエさんを助けられないくらいなら玉砕する覚悟です。敵を一人でも道連れにして。私の生死はユエさんと共にありたいと思います」「止めないで下さい。そして、どうかハジメさんも共に」それは、場合によっては共に死んでくれという言葉だ。ユエだけが死んで、自分達だけ生き残るのは嫌だという我が儘だ。その我が儘に、ハジメも付き合ってくれという、どうしようもない言葉だ。もし、シアが物語のヒロインならば、大失格のセリフである。だが、そんな常識的に考えればとんでもない言葉を贈られたハジメは、「今更、なに言ってんだ? 当たり前だろう。共に生きるか、共に死ぬか。二つに一つだ。シア、お前を逃がす気はないからな。直前になってビビるなよ?」不敵な笑みを浮かべながらなんでもないように、もっと酷い我が儘を言うハジメに、しかし、シアは、その答えが分かっていたように「くふふ」と嬉しそうな笑みを零した。「はいです。一応、言葉にしておきたかっただけですよ。土壇場で『シア! お前だけでも!』なんてバッキャローなセリフを吐かれたら萎えますからね」「まぁ、クラスの奴等曰く、俺は魔王より魔王らしいからな。所謂、魔王からは逃げられないってやつだ。そんなクソ寒いセリフは吐かねぇよ。まぁ、玉砕なんてことはないさ。欲しいものは全部手に入れるし、邪魔なものは全て破壊してやる」「あはは、流石、ハジメさんですぅ。セリフが完全に魔王――悪役まっしぐらですぅ!」ひとしきり可笑しそうに笑ったシアは、意気揚々とヴィレドリュッケンを肩に担ぎ、準備万端を態度で示した。そして、決意の篭った眼差しで口にする。「さっさとユエさんを取り戻して......念願の三人エッチしましょうね!」「......色々台無しだ、発情ウサギ」楽しみですぅ~と呟きながら工房から出て行くシアの後ろ姿にツッコミと呆れの眼差しを送りつつ、一拍の後、しょうがない奴だと、愛しさと頼もしさを感じながら、ハジメは笑みを浮かべる。そして、兵器の量産もノルマを達成し、準備万端となったハジメ達は地上組へ合流するため、遂に【オルクス大迷宮】の深部から出陣するのだった。	“Hajime-san! I’m home desuu!” The gate that connected the space to the hideout of Oscar Orcus opened, from there Shia jumped in pyon She went to meet with the master of Raisen Great Labyrinth that they had once conquered, Miledi Raisen, as the messenger of Hajime, but now she had accomplished her mission safely and came back. Shia saw the artificial arm that had been properly returned to the left sleeve of Hajime who welcomed her, her expression then became even happier. “Welcome back, Shia. I got your report. Looks like you were able to meet with Miledi again smoothly, huh?” “Yes desu. Unfortunately, it seems that Miledi-san cannot easily leave that territory. She will be saving strength until the day of the decisive battle and I couldn’t directly bring her back but... in exchange I received several things that seemed useful from her.” “I see. You did well. Thanks for your hard work. So, you could enter using the proof of conquer?” Toward Shia who was clapping on the luggage bag that she was carrying on her back with a smile that seemed to say “I have good things here!”, Hajime returned a smile while asking. Once they received treatment like filth that was ejected by toilet, Hajime recalled the time when they were made to take the shortcut to outside the labyrinth. He tilted his head in contemplation thinking ‘don’t tell me she is going through that water channel in reverse?’. If Shia actually did that, then it was like she was going out from the inside of a toilet while saying “Good afternoon!”. So thinking about her maiden heart, he would have to reward her with his all. It seemed that Shia too guessed what Hajime was imagining from his question. She smiled wryly while shaking her head saying that she was fine. “The spring at the outskirts of Brook didn’t react just as half-expected. And so, I attempted to breakthrough from the regular entrance, but at that time the proof of conquer reacted... the usual transfer method at the first room sent me to the deepest room. It did it politely, while roughly rotating the room. Well, it didn’t affect the current me, so there was no problem but... as always she was an irritating person. Yes, truly.” “I, I see... no, really thanks for your hard work. Anyway, get inside. Inside, the time is also stretched out so I’ll listen to the detail in the workshop.” “Ah, yes desu.” Shia recollected with her gaze turning into the direction of the beyond while a somewhat black thing covered her, to that Hajime somehow could imagine what kind of exchange she had with Miledi, Hajime whose wry smile deepened invited Shia into the workshop. mechanical footsteps were resounding nearby. At the same time, a happy voice of a child reverberated. “Ah, Shia-oneechan! Welcome home nano!” “Myuu-chan! I’m home... desu?” While Shia’s cheeks were loosening from Myuu’s welcoming words, she also tilted her head wondering “What’s this voice I wonder?” and her face peeked out from behind Hajime. And then, the figure of Myuu being surrounded by golems in the shapes that she had never seen and Myuu herself sitting on one of the golems shoulder entered her eye so that Shia’s words reflexively halted. The number of golems were six. Their figures had multiple legs and multiple arms holding countless armaments with metallic shine from their bodies, every one of the golem had grim intensity. If for example, Shia encountered them inside labyrinth or somewhere else, then she would surely say things like “Enemy discovered certain death attack desuu!” or “Victory goes to the one who makes the first moves desuu!” and attacked them. Actually, until Shia came back several days had passed inside the workshop, during that time Hajime saw various points where he could improve ‘Belfegor’ and ‘Asmodeusu’ that he presented to Remia and Myuu, so Hajime applied sequential improvement on them. As a result, he accomplished the conclusion where in the end the golems could even endure combat, so Hajime undertook the production of the living golem itself in order to invest them into the battle force as weapons. About that time he was also producing the large size weapons so they were becoming short of hands with just ‘Belfegor’ and ‘Asmodeusu’, and so while producing the combat golems Hajime also increased the number of Myuu’s pets while he was at it. But, it wasn’t like there wasn’t any problem at all... “Err, Myuu-chan, those things that look like golem are...” “Myuu got them from papa nano! This child is ‘Bel-chan’, this one is ‘Sa-chan’. After that there are ‘Lu-chan’ and ‘Ma-chan’ and ‘Levi-chan’ and ‘Bal-chan’ nano!” “Ha, haa, is that so. Uh huh, anyway, they are Hajime-san’s work so it’s ok desu. Isn’t it great, Myuu-chan.” “Yes nano!” By the way, the golems’ formal names in order were ‘Satan’, ‘Lusifer’, ‘Mamon’, ‘Leviatan’, and ‘Baalsebuf’ it seemed. All of those names were given by Myuu promptly without any pondering. It went without saying how Hajime’s cheeks were cramping from that. Later there would be a need to seriously investigate whether Myuu had attracted the eyes of strange things. At the same time with Myuu’s introduction of their names, the living golems each took cool poses. Hajime didn’t give them that function, also Myuu didn’t seem to give them the instruction but... just why in the world they took that pose... Their figures felt just like they were saying “Deadly☆Sins☆Battle☆Squad☆Demon Rangeeeer!!!” The red ranger was surely the ‘Satan’ of fury as expected. Anyway, there was no malfunction that came out, and they were also really obedient toward Myuu that made anyone watching imagine the golems waving their dog tail left and right happily so Hajime chose to ignore it. Without stopping any longer, he led Shia into the workshop. Entering the workshop, the hour crystal was activated and the flow of time there was a tenth of normal. Looking at the slightly dull colored space and weapons that were automatically produced due to the ‘Automatic Transmutation’, Shia leaked out a voice of admiration. Hajime made such a Shia sit on the chair at the corner of the room and listened to her report. Shia fixed her sitting posture and took out several things that seemed to be artifacts from her luggage bag. “Hajime-san, these are things that Miledi-san handed to me.” “... From what I see they look like artifacts.” “Yes. It seems that they aren’t perfect, but they are countermeasures against Divine Statement. If Hajime-san revise it, perhaps it can also be completed.” “Hee... this thing is appreciated.” Hajime took the gray ball with the size around a marble and stared at it. According to his magic eye stone and mineral appraisal, it seemed that the ball was filled with soul magic. Inside the ball it seemed it was enchanted with a magic of ‘heart guidance’ that possessed the effect to convey one’s will directly to the state of the soul, or possibly to the soul itself. “I had a prediction on the trick of Divine Statement, and it seemed I was right on the spot.” “And, that means?” “That magic is a magic that is connected with soul magic. It reverberates the words directly in your soul and binds your consciousness at a subconscious level. It’s something like an absurdly powerful suggestion, I guess. The magic needs the caster to murmur their name because of the common sense that a command needs a person to hand it down.” “I see. After all, there is no person that will obey a command with an unknown creator, is there? The statement becomes even more powerful when they say their complete nam. Also, because the listener’s recognition of the speaker become even stronger, is it something like that?” “You think so too, right? This marble ball... does it have a name?” “Aa, no, I didn’t ask. Isn’t it fine to name it whatever?” “Is that so. Then, I’ll name it temporarily as ‘Soul Wall’, this thing seems to have the power to block the Divine Statement from reaching the soul. It applies ‘heart guidance’ to disturb the conveyed will and turn the statement into just noise. It isn’t perfect. I guess because Ehito’s Divine Statement is so powerful that it cannot be turned into noise.” Shia nodded “I see” toward Hajime’s explanation. “Then... if it’s Hajime-san then you will be able to improve it so it can block perfectly?” “Let’s see... I think it’s possible if I combine my magic power with sublimation magic. Though in the end, if it gets stolen like before and crushed then that’s game over.” “Aa, now that you mentioned it... then, what to do? At this rate, it won’t be usable except for a surprise attack, will it...” “No, actually right now I have a bit of an idea. I don’t have the attitude so there is hardship, but it looks like with a little bit more it will take shape. If I applied that then this won’t get stolen. Moreover, I can surely create a ‘Soul Wall’ with high effect. In any case, it’s a big help that I don’t need to think about the countermeasure for Divine Statement from zero. This is your achievement, Shia.” Hajime joyful smile made Shia also flap her rabbit ears happily. The achievement actually belonged to Miledi who handed over the ‘Soul Wall’, but it was somewhat annoying to feel grateful to that person so Hajime praised Shia instead. Shia also had the same feeling somewhat so she honestly felt happy to be useful. “Also, this too desu.” “Short sword huh? ... Even so I feel very much power from it. Just what in the world... hee” What was taken out from the luggage next was a short sword wrapped in cloth with its blade length reaching about twenty centimeter. It was a simple two bladed sword without a handle guard, it resembled the type of short sword that was called a dirk. Hajime who received it took off the cloth, that moment he gazed in wonderment at the power that he felt, next he investigated it the same like with the ‘Soul Wall’. His voice unintentionally leaked out at the ability that was enchanted in the sword. Looking at that state of Hajime, Shia also nodded in sympathy. “According to Miledi-san, it’s called ‘Short Sword of Divine Crossing’. The concept filled into it is――’God killing’, it seems.” “So, this is one of the three concept magic that Haltina said the liberators created, huh. So that Miledi had this. Chih, she should have given this thing right away.” “... When I said that, ‘Didn’t you say that killing god or anything is troublesome, ehhh? There is no way I can give this to that kind of person, right? Is your head okay? Heey? Is your head okay? Heey heey’ she said that to me...” “Yes. But it’s fine desu. Because in retaliation, I smashed the place where Hajime-san’s explosive destroyed that she grumbled saying it was hard work repairing it. I blew it into pieces. She was half-crying while saying sorry to me you know, ku-ku-ku” Shia was black. It was the descent of black Shia. When Hajime was plainly sweating coldly, Shia stopped making crooked face and smiled widely while continuing her story. It was a splendid change. “By the way, it seemed that there was also an artifact named ‘World Crossing Arrow’ to open the path to the Holy Precincts, but it was completely lost at the previous lost battle of the liberators. Besides, they were cornered by the masses before confronting Ehito, so it’s unclear how much effect the ‘god killing’ will have. It’s just, that short sword won’t injure Yue-san’s soul, so it can be used well desu.” “That’s a nice one. For the moment, there is also the trump card that I prepared, but there is nothing better than having a lot of cards. And if this won’t affect Yue then I got no complain at all.” “Isn’t that right. I was told, that the ‘god killing’ concept, it seemed the liberators lost their temper because they couldn’t really create the trump card, so all of them drunk a lot in desperation. In the end when they were all stone drunk they opened a tournament to swear at Ehito with foul language and that concept got created. Things like official stance or reasoning or mission, those kind of idle thoughts weren’t included at all in the concept, only the feeling of ‘die Ehito you **** ***’ makes up the concept, so it won’t affect anything else other than Ehito desu.” “I, I see... yeah, well, I understand their feelings. Miledi is an endlessly annoying woman, but when we take back Yue guess we need to at least say thanks huh.” While feeling sympathy and exasperation at the good relation? of the liberators, Hajime made a smile at how they had obtained two kind of useful artifacts. When he listened further to Shia’s report, it seemed that Miledi would mobilize the golems inside the labyrinth. So Shia installed a gate hole there. It appeared those golems were also constructed from metamorphosis magic, so it wasn’t like Miledi was moving them all by herself, the golems were living things that moved independently obeying commands to a certain degree. Thinking about it now, indeed it was hard to imagine that Miledi alone controlled fifty golem knights at the same time. However, regarding the Holy Precincts or whether there were any more retainer gods other than Aruvheit, the weak point of the apostle or effective methods to fight them, etc., it seemed that Miledi didn’t know about those more than what Hajime and the rest knew. Rather, thinking about how they had already directly faced Ehito and tasted his strength right with their body, in a sense Hajime and the rest were the ones who knew more about that. Although, even without obtaining any new information but after receiving these things, Hajime had no complaints at all. Though, if he actually met Miledi directly face to face, surely he would want to smash her face. When Shia finished her report in general, Hajime took out from his ‘Treasure Warehouse II’ another ‘Treasure Warehouse II’ exclusive for Shia and the improved Doryukken――the ‘Vire Doryukken’m and other various equipments he prepared which he handed to her. “Hauuuu, this is it desuu, as expected, it’s no good without this hard-cold texture desuu” The moment she received her partner the war hammer from Hajime, Shia rubbed her cheek on the mechanical part with bright smile. She was whispering scary things like “Splattering the enemy with this is unbearable desuu”. While somewhat drawing away, Hajime explained about the new functionality of all the new artifacts, but then suddenly the door of the workshop opened. The one who entered was, Kaori... and then, Suzu and Ryuutaro. Actually, a little bit before Shia got in touch, the two of them finished contacting Fair Bergen and Haulia and allocated the gate key in those places and then they went to Orcus. And then, while Kaori was gathering material she also became their guard on the side. The two subdued the monsters in the abyss and endeavored to pile up battle experience and mastering the metamorphosis magic. “Ah, Shia! Welcome back. Fufu, looking at you, it seems there are various results from you, right?” “Kaori-san. I’m back desu! Also the two of you came earlier, wasn’t it? How is Tou-sama――the people of Haulia clan and Fair Bergen?” “Yep, Shiashia. There is no problem. The people of Fair Bergen don’t have faith from the beginning. When they understood that it concerned the fate of the world, they acted quickly.” “Yep. Though they looked uneasy about the fighting, when we said that Nagumo’s artifacts would be shared in full, they got motivated, yeah. As for Haulia-clan... aa, hm, well, ain’t no problem, yeah?” “... Why, it sounds like question?” Shia directed a suspicious gaze at Ryuutaro. Ryuutaro showed a faltering state “Uu” at that gaze and his gaze wandered, then looking like he didn’t really want to remember it he opened his mouth. “No, there is really no problem at all. Just... that... they suddenly began to cry loudly it made me spooked...” “Come again? Crying loudly? Tou-sama, was crying?” “Yep, Shiashia. Karm-san was also included, the whole Haulia-clan were crying you know. After that it was a storm where they all talked simultaneously. They kept screaming things like “Boss banzai!” or “Finally, we can fight at his side!” or “Kill! Kill! Kill!”. The mist in the forest got blown away a little bit just from their voices. It was plain scary.” “...” “I think Sergeant Ha-tman style of training is just bad news yeah. Somehow, all of them had bloodshot eyes. Their killing intent was just amazing. An animal that looked like monkey in the trees dropped down plop... when I looked at its eyes, they were all white and it was dead already. Guess its heart stopped just from the killing intent.” “... Somehow I’m sorry.” Suzu and Ryuutaro explained while their faces were pale and they began to shiver. It must be a really abnormally terrifying scene. To put it bluntly, it was inevitable for the two to see the Haulia clan’s respect and affection to Hajime as something the same like the fanatic’s faith to Ehito. Inside their heart, they secretly thought “As expected, Nagumo-kun is demon king... no, maybe he is a demon god?” On top of being able to participate at Hajime’s battlefield, that request to join came from their respected boss. For them who wished to fight together with Hajime, the words “Lend me your strength” from that boss was unmistakably something really joyous. The scene where all of them went ‘hya-ha’ floated in Shia’s eyes, her rabbit ears folded down with a plop and she also murmured words of apology. Hajime who was smiling wryly at that exchange between Shia and the others moved the talk to Suzu and Ryuutaro in his wish to somehow avert from that topic. “And then? What about your training result? Were you able to subdue good monster?” “Uu-” “Nope, not at all!” Suzu who averted her gaze with awkward expressions and Ryuutaro who denied with lively laugh. For the time being, Hajime pulled the trigger of the new Donner and a rubber bullet shot Ryuutaro’s temple. “NUOoOOO!” Ryuutaro yelled while writhing on the floor, to him Hajime’s cold gaze was stabbing. There Kaori put a stop to it in panic. “Wa, wait, wait! It doesn’t mean that there is no result!” “Hoo. Then? What is this result you speak?” Suzu whose expression was trembling from fear due to Hajime’s lack of hesitation was twitching while answering. “Ye, yep. As far as it goes, there was also Kaori’s help and I managed to subdue quite many but...” “What, so you actually manage to do it properly. Then what’s the problem?” “Err. First of all, I got a monster that can spit powerful acid, a large――centipede.” “Aah, that one. At the upper stratum, there is also monster that is similar with that, but this one at the lower stratum can separate its segment to leap, it’s ability to scatter acid while separating its segment is unusual huh. I remember that one made me get a little cold feet you know.” “After that, a monster that can fire exploding needles rapidly like bullet, a large――bee.” “That one huh. Rather than calling it needle, it’s more a small missile isn’t it. I remember when I intercepted the needle I got swallowed in explosion, that was shocking.” “A monster that swim underground like a mole――ant.” “Well, it has surprise attacks going for it.” “Having six arms that fires off wind sickles――praying mantis.” “... Anything else?” “... Things like spider or butterfly.” “... Why are all of them only bugs?” Toward that splendid lineup Hajime sent a gaze at Suzu as though he was looking at something bizarre. Right away Suzu burst out in tears. “I don’t know-. Just why the monster that my metamorphosis magic can affect is only the bug type! Even though at the sea of trees I can properly tame the fluffy ones-. Orcus is just strange!” It seemed that it wasn’t actually Suzu’s own intention. It appeared that she subjugated the bugs as a last resort. The figure of Suzu who was crying in anguish crumbled on the floor invited quite a pity. Indeed, her monsters were a shuddering sight just from imagining the lineup. However, this place was the abyss, furthermore they were monsters of the lower stratum, compared to the monster in the surface they were far stronger. Putting aside the apostles, they would surely become a reliable enough battle force against the puppet soldiers of Eri and the monsters that Freed had put time to evolve. “Well, come on, the other side might also show openings from the revulsion, right?” “Are you telling me to fight while making the enemy disgusted? Suzu’s opponent is Eri you know? Even though Suzu wants to talk with her, yet from the beginning I already make her disgusted? Hics, surely Suzu will be thought as bug girl or something... uwah, disgusting, Eri will surely say that...” “Bu, but but, Suzu-chan! See, you have that child don’t you! That one is fluffy, you know!” “Wai-, Kaorin! Suzu told you that’s a secret!” “Aa? Secret?” Perhaps because the figure of Suzu feeling down while drawing circle on the floor was too pitiful, Kaori at her side was desperately cheering her up. However, the cheered up Suzu for some reason tried to stop her from talking in a fluster while giving glances at Hajime. Kaori too also returned to her senses and pressed her mouth. The two who were obviously hiding something made Hajime narrow his eyes. His suspicious eyes were conveying “Don’t make a fuss trembling like that, quickly spit it out, ora.” Suzu was making “uu” voice with her gaze wandering while Kaori was making troubled expression wondering what to do. But, at that time, Myuu who rode ‘Belfegor’ entered inside the workshop. It appeared that she had something to communicate and she looked straight at Hajime, then she naturally stepped on Ryuutaro whose temple was shot and crouched at the golem’s feet. “Gue!?” Felt like such a voice resounded, but no one paid attention. “Papa! There is rabbit-san nano!” “Hm? Indeed if it’s rabbit then there is one here though.” While tilting his head at Myuu who hopped up and down with both her hands above her head like rabbit ears, Hajime moved his gaze to Shia. Shia too flapped her own rabbit ears up and down. “That’s not it nano. It’s a rabbit-san that’s not Shia-oneechan nano. It’s really strong and cool nano! Even when Lu-chan and Sa-chan and Ma-chan fight it together it doesn’t lose nano.” “What? It’s attacking here?” “That’s not it nano. See, when the hand of rabbit-san went ‘kui-, kui-‘, seeing that Lu-chan and others said You ***, in front of princess you dare to challenge us. Very well, we will teach you this thing called one’s standing! and then they began a bout? nano!” (TN: The ‘kui’ is an inviting hand gesture in challenge, like saying ‘come at me if you dare’. Also the question mark in front of the word bout is not a mistake. The raw put it there, it means it’s doubtful whether the bout is really a bout.) “... Lusifer and others, they can talk? Furthermore they moved by themselves?” “? Lu-chan and others always talk, they moved by themselves nano. That’s ob-vious nano. Papa, what’s wrong?” “... By the way, right now, what is Belfegor that Myuu is riding right now is saying?” “Nmyu? ... Just wait -su. It’s seriously just impossible for me to suddenly begin to fight you know -su. Love & Peace is the best Please teach that to them, master is what he said nano.” “... ... ... ...I see.” Hajime activated his well trained ignoring skill in full power and endured the barrage of questions that he wanted to ask. There was a lot that he wanted to tsukkomi, but for Hajime this was already over his capacity. And so, for the time being, he only comprehended the part where it seemed the demon rangers called Myuu fondly as princess. This was something extremely weird, but for some reason he didn’t feel that it was something dangerous for even a bit, Myuu who was sensitive to ill will since she was kidnapped was emotionally attached to them, so he judged to not worry. Although now he couldn’t grasp the situation, so he asked Myuu to stop the fighting of Lusifer and the others and brought the rabbit here. “Yes nano!” Myuu replied energetically and she exited the workshop together with Belfegor. “So? The monster that you should have subdued was giving provocation and fought, what is the meaning of this? Furthermore, you don’t look like you are doubting that the monster is running wild huh? ... What are you hiding? Spit it out.” In order to solve his other doubt, Hajime’s gaze moved at Kaori and Suzu who were obviously acting suspiciously. Thereupon, perhaps they finally resigned themselves, the two opened their mouth. “Yo, you see, Hajime-kun. That child, he, he is not a bad child, or rather he is special. That child is admiring Hajime-kun, I mean...” “Ha? Admiring me?” “Yes! That’s how it is! In a sense, Nagumo-kun is also the cause, that’s why the moment you see him, at least don’t shot him dead okay! Absolutely don’t! After all, he is the only fluffy one that agreed to accept Suzu’s metamorphosis magic! Really please Suzu beg you!” “Just what in the world...” Hajime could only be perplexed at the incomprehensible words of the two. Right after that, with good timing that ‘rabbit-san’ or something was led by Myuu and her golems and entered the workshop. Its figure was certainly a rabbit. Long rabbit ears and reddish black――no, nearly crimson eyes. In its white fur there were several faint streaks of red running. The streaks didn’t pulse like other monster, instead they were like a pattern that shined attractively on the white fur. And then, what made the rabbit most peculiar was its hind legs that were developed to impossible degree for normal rabbit. Even though it was somewhat different, for Hajime its appearance was something too familiar. In addition its cry that sounded cute further stimulated Hajime’s memory. Yes, what appeared in front of Hajime was the monster that once pulverized his left arm and made a sport of him until he was cornered, it was that ‘Kick Rabbit’. Of course, it was only the same species and this one was a different specimen. What was difficult for Kaori and Suzu to say was because they thought Hajime was going to blast the rabbit with no question asked. As expected, in this period where they couldn’t pointlessly waste time, they couldn’t commit a folly where a monster that had been subdued with great pain got instantly shot to death because of uncontrolled emotion. “No, it’s nothing big, I’m not going to pull the trigger just from seeing this after this long. Rather, this one is a monster that appears at the first level you know? Don’t tell me, even though you understand it’s weak but because you want a rabbit you went until the upper level... wait, guess you didn’t do that. There was just no time that you could do that.” Hajime noticed something strange from what he said and closed his mouth. Come to think of it, the two said baffling things like it was admiring him, that it was special, that he was the cause, that it agreed to accept metamorphosis magic, he recalled all those and his gaze asked for explanation. However, before the two could explain, the kick rabbit acted first. After it entered the workshop, it immediately stared fixedly at Hajime while strangely trembling in spot, then with To that, Hajime thrust out his hand and easily grabbed the rabbit ears, stopping the kick rabbit in the air while it was crying pleadingly “Kyu! Mokyu! Ukyu”. It seemed that it wasn’t jumping to attack him. ‘What’s with this guy’, to Hajime who was sending her suspicious eyes, Suzu stepped out to volunteer to translate. It was possible for monster that was subdued by metamorphosis magic to have mutual understanding with its master to a certain degree. Suzu and the others had also attempted the mutual understanding with this kick rabbit, that was how they got the explanation about various things. “Err, he said, Ou-sama, Ou-sama, I’m extremely happy that I am able to meet you. In this occasion, I heard that I can become stronger and agreed to be made into the servant of your colleague. My best regards. Ah, also if possible, I want to be named by Ou-sama though... is it no good?... what’s with those eyes! It’s true you know! He is really saying all that!” (TN: Ou-sama=King. Also the rabbit is speaking in Kansai dialect.) “... Even if, he is talking with that kind of meaning, there is no need to use Kansai dialect, right?” “Because, Suzu is hearing it in Kansai dialect so it cannot be helped, isn’t it!” Suzu’s face turned bright red from being gazed coldly by Hajime and she made excuse. Looking at Suzu’s desperate state, Hajime glanced at the kick rabbit that was still dangling in his hand, and indeed, the rabbit was directing a gaze that actually felt like saying something like that at Hajime. The round and cute eyes were getting moist entreating at him. Anyway, Hajime further mustered his greatly flourishing ignoring skill and asked about the story at Suzu. According to Suzu, it went like this. At first, Suzu wished for a monster as strong as possible and with Kaori’s cooperation they chased after the monsters on the ninetieth floor above, but as expected perhaps because the monsters were powerful, even with Hajime’s special new artifact that raised Suzu’s ability her metamorphosis wasn’t really able to subdue them. Having no other way, Suzu lowered the standard to around eightieth floor and searched the monster with the compass, but as expected it seemed the beast type monster felt that they were above Suzu’s patronage with her fresh metamorphosis magic, after that even while thinking ‘I don’t wanna’ but just in case she tried her magic at the bug type monster she encountered, as the result she was able to subjugate them with easiness that caused her wanted to tsukkomi ‘what the hell’ at all the trouble she met before this. Even after that, Suzu who was able to subdue monsters limited only to bug type had her tension kept lowering drastically, for the moment she healed her heart gradually by catching a lot of butterfly monsters with beautiful appearance that could manipulate scale powder with various effects, while she was at it she was also subduing giant misshapen bugs in succession without trouble, and then she was about to start going back. It was at that time. Suzu discovered a ‘rabbit’ that moved strangely quite human, it came from the stair of upper level full of vigilance, moving from shadow to shadow agilely and silently. That rabbit also noticed Suzu and the rest, and its movement stopped still. It was a monster that they had never seen even once until now on the eightieth or ninetieth floors. Furthermore, fundamentally a monster wouldn’t get out from the floor where they were born, so the act of the rabbit that normally descended the floor until here was obviously abnormal. And so, Kaori came forward with Suzu and Ryuutaro also in maximum alert. However, as for the rabbit itself... it expressed with its whole body a joy that anyone looking would obviously understand. The severe killing intent and pressure that was characteristic for monsters of abyss were nonexistence. Kaori and others felt perplexed and hesitated whether they should launch preemptive attacks or not, to them who were like that the rabbit approached near slowly. It was as though the rabbit was taking consideration so that the other party wouldn’t get agitated. While glancing repeatedly at Suzu and co, each time the rabbit advanced a bit it would stop and confirm “Is it okay?” “Is it fine, to approach a bit more?”. Looking at such a rabbit, Suzu was knocked out. To her heart that was stormy from the possibility of her being called as bug queen, the fluffy white rabbit――whose behavior was really cute and instead of hostility it looked friendly――was too powerful. Suzu ignored the warning of Kaori who was still wary and leaped out in front of the rabbit. “Suzu had decided right from my first impression! Please become Suzu’s rabbit!” Suzu bowed her head and her hand was presented forward, that proposal looked like a confession. By the way, the first impression of Suzu toward the rabbit was that it was a really suspicious rabbit. That proposal of Suzu made the rabbit got taken aback. And then it tilted its head in bewilderment. This monster looked more and more human. On the other hand, Suzu who was at her wits’ end went ‘No way I will let go of this once in a lifetime chance!’ like a fan(stalker) that chased after an idol passionately until her residence, her eyes turned bloodshot and her breathing roughened, she began a sales pitch. Full guarantee of all necessities of life. Three meals a day. No, four meals with afternoon nap included, five days work a week with two days off. Paid vacation provided! In addition, free time also could be negotiated! Furthermore! If the offer was taken right now, oh my, a special magic stone of Suzu would come along free of charge! With this you could say good bye to yourself of yesterday! Now, in this chance, wouldn’t you take this status up surrounded by happy comrades in a lovely workplace!? Kaori and Ryuutaro thought. Surely, no one would take that kind of offer right... However, unexpectedly the bewildered rabbit, when it heard Suzu’s last words――when ‘status up’ was mentioned, its eyes shined with fierce glared. As though saying “That one, more detaol!” the rabbit pinched forward eagerly and cried “Kyuu! Kyuu!” Naturally Suzu’s lips smirked broadly thinking “He snapped the bait!”, even forgetting completely that the other party was a monster, she explained about the mechanism of metamorphosis magic cheerfully. As the result, the rabbit who understood that he could evolve quietly presented its rabbit ears, accepting to become pretty much Suzu’s subordinate monster. Like this the rabbit became a comrade with that contract of employment?, and with Suzu’s metamorphosis magic they attempted mind understanding. Or more precisely, from the start this rabbit was obviously possessing ego with intelligence that was impossible for a monster, with this rabbit as the partner it was possible to have mind understanding even using the ‘heart guidance’ of soul magic. Accordingly, Kaori and Suzu heard about the circumstance of the rabbit with really different fur color, it seemed that this rabbit was formerly a same race with the ‘Kick Rabbit’ that Hajime once killed, and it was also from the same floor, but it descended down the floors in training trip and of all thing it became powerful to the degree that it was able to reach floor eighty with its own strength. But, that was a behavioral principle and thinking ability that was impossible for a monster. The cause for that was Hajime. More accurately the ‘God Water’ that Hajime spilled behind. It seemed that this kick rabbit actually witnessed when Hajime defeated the claw bear. For monster of labyrinth, the floor they were at was the whole of their world, and the master of that floor was the king. To defeat that king meant the birth of new king. They instinctually couldn’t help but being careful of that king. At that time, the rabbit which was no different with normal monster was holding the greatest wariness and terror toward Hajime. For a while, the rabbit was hiding from a distant spot while observing the tendency of the new king, before long, it discovered Hajime’s nest――the cave where the god crystal was located. When the rabbit was able to confirm that it was a place he must not approach by his instinctual understanding, the aforementioned Hajime easily went away from the floor. The rabbit knowing that the master of the nest had gone entered what he thought as a really pleasant and safe nest. And what he discovered inside, piling up on a dent of rock, was a small quantity of water that made vitality to well up staggeringly――the god water. The rabbit drunk it all up in a trance until it was all gone, and then he felt a power he never felt until that time overflowing in his body. Magic power was naturally surging up, his mind became clear, and he became able to sense the surrounding presence several times more sensitively. It appeared in the case when a monster drank god water, that kind of effect would happen. There was no way anyone would make a monster to drink a miracle water, so this was something that had never been known. After that the rabbit went out to search whether there was any more god water, and while kicking around the monsters he encountered――he got too carried away and encountered the claw bear. Any kind of monster would appear again in the labyrinth after some time, but the rabbit who didn’t even know of such thing was completely letting his guard down. After that it was a death match. There was no place to escape based on the place. If the rabbit showed his back then he would be killed. Normally a monster would instinctually felt the difference in status and shrunk back in fear or showed its back and escape, giving an opening from that slip to be instantly killed, but the effect of god water made the rabbit to more or less have thinking capability, he challenged the claw bear half in desperation. As the result――he survived. Ahead of the verge of death that he surmounted, he awoke to the derivative of his characteristic magic and splendidly pulverized the head of the claw bear with his tough leg. It was a fierce battle that it wasn’t an exaggeration to say that the rabbit would die ten times over without the continuing recovery effect of the god water. The rabbit looked at the previous king that he defeated and trembled. And then, he understood. That a living thing could grow stronger by training. From there the journey of the rabbit to become strong began. His objective was to go to the new king who gave him the impetus. After catching up, he would show the king how strong he had became and he would say his thanks. And then, he wanted to try looking at a wider world... there he would fight many strong people and reach greater height! Like that the rabbit who grasped the adverse fate like a certain protagonist somewhere, at that time he didn’t have any convenient tool like ‘Treasure Warehouse’ or anything, when he found by some chance god water that collected even slightly at the dent of the ground from what Hajime spilled, other than a portion that he could save as much as possible he would drink the rest without any other way, and then while attempting to recover and strengthen his own body, the rabbit polished his technique and finally he acquired the strength to descend to floor eighty with his own strength and a thinking ability equal to that of an adult. “... What’s with that development that sounded like something in light novel.” The first thing said by Hajime who finished listened to all the particulars was that. With an absurdly complicated look he moved his gaze at the rabbit who unnoticed was now sitting on his lap while directing round and cute eyes at him. “Ahaha, isn’t that amazing. While going back we tried making him fight, but just with a little metamorphosis magic he got strengthened to a level where he could fight monster at floor ninety one on one without losing you know. This is only a guess but, his movement resembled Shizuku-chan, so perhaps he can also use ‘Ground Shrinker’ and ‘No Beat’ I wonder? Also, just from kicking there was shockwave flying out.” Somehow, Hajime felt that just in these few hours he had said those words so many times already. “Err, and because of that, if Nagumo-kun doesn’t mind, this child wanted Nagumo-kun to give him name... because he said that he wanted name from Nagumo-kun, not Suzu.” “Haa. Well, if you are able to make a powerful monster as comrade then let’s just consider this great. It feels like there are a lot of tiring developments right now even more than the fight with Ehito and others though... even so a name huh...” Hajime dropped his gaze at the kick rabbit on his lap. The kick rabbit was looking up at Hajime fixedly. The two stared at each other. And then, Hajime whispered quietly. “Rejected.” Kaori rejected it instantly. Her eyes were telling Hajime to apologize at the world famous mascot character. Hajime pulled himself back together and moved his gaze at the kick rabbit once more. The kick rabbit was also looking at Hajime. And then, Hajime whispered quietly. “... Peter Rabbi――” “No good.” “I don’t know that but I feel like it’s no good. Rather, be serious!” Kaori’s scolding flew. Hajime was thinking really seriously so he clicked his tongue at how awful Kaori was, his expression changed feeling how bothersome this was and then he spoke with careless feeling. “Aah, geez, then you can just use Inaba. Its appearance is rabbit after all.” (TN: Seems the name Inaba is often used for rabbit in Japan.) “Ee, isn’t that too simple? Something, a little bit cuter is...” “Suzu too, Suzu’s other monsters are all like that, so a cute name for rabbit-san is...” It seemed the name was unpopular with Suzu and Kaori. But, right after Hajime said Inaba, the kick rabbit cried “Kyuu!” while jumping up and down And like that the reddish black――or rather the nearly crimson eyes that was even more red then the kick rabbits Hajime killed before, the same color like the lines running on his body were gazing at Hajime glitteringly. “Looks like he is pleased with that name, see?” “Ee, ... well, if the one concerned is pleased then it can’t be helped though...” “Uu, Inaba-chan... after saying it once more, it’s unexpectedly cute?” Both of the girls were reluctant but it seemed for the moment they were consenting. And, at that time Shia who was watching quietly all the time until now judged that for the present the talk was finished and she approached Inaba. As fellow rabbit ears, Shia’s interest was forming toward Inaba. While smiling friendlily she was going to pat Inaba. “Inaba-chan, I’m glad you got the name. As a fellow rabbit ears, let’s get along――” “Kyu-” The hand that reached out to pat was casually slapped down. Shia stiffened instantly in place. Inaba sent a glance at the rabbit ears of such Shia and then, “fuh” he snorted. With blood vein pulsing on her forehead, Shia’s gaze turned at Suzu, asking what did this mean. A smile was still pasted on that face. “Hih, Shi, Shiashia, calm down!” “I am calm. And? What is this impertinent child is saying?” “E, err, that...” “Suzu-san?” “Hii! Yo, you see, Rabbit ears like you are serving at Ou-sama’s sideee, I’m dying from laughter hereee? Polish your rabbit ears before coming back againnn! he said... uhii! No, Suzu wasn’t the one saying that!” It appeared that Inaba felt something toward Shia who was a possessor of the same rabbit ears like him. He entangled his rabbit ears on Hajime arm with his eyes narrowing provocatively. To that Shia whose prided rabbit ears were made fun of also didn’t stay quiet. “... To insult my rabbit ears that Hajime-san loved, that’s really a big talk, isn’t it. What nerve desu. Which one is worthy to become Hajime-san’s rabbit, I’ll engrave it into your body desuu!” “Kyuu!!” Shia’s reinforced fist grazed the nose tip of Hajime. A burnt smell stab the nasal cavity strongly. On the other hand, Inaba who was attacked beautifully jumped and evaded, invoking his characteristic magic ‘Air Force’ he rolled and launched a powerful axe kick at Shia. To that, Shia blocked by raising her hand. And then Shia’s beautiful legs were opened in front of Hajime’s eyes, it was swung to shoot down Inaba in midair. Above Hajime’s head Inaba’s kick and Shia’s kick clashed, producing fierce shockwave. Hajime’s hair was disarrayed. Without rest. Shia and Inaba moved to inside the workshop while unfolding a fierce exchange. “Hajime-san’s rabbit is enough with one desuu!” After that it went without saying that the two were shot by Hajime whose eyes were half-closed with messed up hair and burnt nose tip. It also went without saying that the surrealism of the shot down smoking two rabbits who were getting along at the corner of the workshop made the cheeks of Kaori and others twitching. After that, the subdued monsters of Suzu――especially the amount of the butterfly type monsters and their ability were added with further improvement due to Hajime thinking that they had good affinity with Suzu, he also handed over the exclusive artifact for Suzu the ‘Twin Iron Fan’ and the artifact for transporting the monsters the ‘Magic Orb’ (Po—ball). By the way, Ryuutaro who were neglected all that time was also given his artifact properly, he also grasped the way to use metamorphosis magic in his own special way also with Hajme’s help, so for the moment there was no problem. Although the fact that Ryuutaro’s way of using the metamorphosis magic by using Tio as reference and how that way was the most compatible for him made Hajime and others got exasperated all together thinking, as expected from a muscle brain. “At last, it’s tomorrow...” “Yeah. Though it’s unknown what’s the exact time tomorrow.” The time was just on the brink of late at night period. It was only one more hour until the day that Ehito informed as the day of the great invasion. Depending on the situation, it was also possible that it would start at the same time with the changing of day, so currently Hajime along with Shia were doing the last check regarding the departing preparation. “Hajime-san.” “Hm?” ” ‘Even if for example something happened to me, Hajime and Shia will surely do something somehow. There is nothing at all that I need to be worried about’... she said that.” “... Yue huh.” “Yes desu. And I answered, ‘Obviously desu’.” Inside the stretched out time inside the workshop, Shia was doing the final check to the new ability that she obtained half-forcibly using the new disposable type artifact of Hajime while talking with calm voice. “Three days... that is the time in order for us to take back Yue-san but... at the same time, it is also the time until Yue-san’s resistance come to an end.” Yes, the time for Ehito to completely grasp Yue’s body was also the time limit until Yue was cornered to a state where she was unable to resist. No one said it, but at that time what kind of state Yue would be like... at the very least it was certain that it would be a state where no one could be optimistic about. “Even so, I believe. That Yue-san is safe. That we will surely take her back. That even if she is unable to resist, Yue-san is believing and waiting for us.” “Obviously. It’s Yue we are talking about. No way she is going to lose to that seriously ill chuunibyou that is painful to look at. Much less after she got beaten into shape by Shia just recently.” “Fufu, isn’t that right. ... But, it doesn’t change that the enemy is powerful. He is incomparable with everything until now. A resolve to cross the line of death is necessary for that.” “... What do you want to say?” Shia twirled toward Hajime and looked straight at him. Blazing flame of rage that her best friend was stolen and killing intent toward enemy, and then the resolve to take her back without fail was residing in those eyes so clearly. Shia who displayed a spirit to the degree that made Hajime gulped unintentionally, resounded her words of determination. “I, will be reckless. I will push through rashly. I’m resolving to die without surrender if Yue-san cannot be rescued. I will take even one more enemies to the grave together with me. I want it so my life and death are together with Yue-san.” “Please don’t stop me. And then, Hajime-san too please be together with me in this.” Those words were telling him to die together with her depending on the situation. It was an ego that hated to survive only by themselves when only Yue died. And now she was telling Hajime to go along with her egoism, what unbelievable words. If Shia was a heroine in a tale, then those words would be a great disqualification for her. But, Hajime who was told those words that sounded outrageous was common sense thinking, “What are you saying after this late? That’s obvious, isn’t it. Whether we live together, or die together. Those two things are one and the same. After all, Shia, I don’t have any intention to let you get away. Don’t get cold feet just before the main event, okay?” Toward Hajime who was showing a fearless smile while saying something even more egoist, however, Shia leaked out a chuckle “kufufu” as though agreeing to that answer. “Yes desu. I want to form this feeling into words for once. After all, if at the last moment, I get told idiotic things like “Shia! At the very least you have to survive!” Then, I’ll lose strength.” “Well, after all according to those guys in class, I am more a demon king than the demon king himself yeah. A demon king won’t let go of anything by his own initiative. I won’t spit out that kind of ** cold line okay. Well, there is not going to be any death without surrender or anything. I will get into my hand everything that I want, I’ll crush all those that are in the way.” “Ahaha, as expected from Hajime-san desuu. Your line is completely like a demon king――full speed ahead as the villain desuu!” Shia who laughed humorously for a while shouldering the Vire Doryukken exultantly, showing that she was fully prepared. And then she spoke with a gaze that filled with determination. “Let’s take back Yue-san quickly... and then do the earnestly desired threesome okay!” “... You spoiled various things, this *** rabbit.” Shia exited the workshop while whispering ‘looking forward to it desuu’. Hajime who gave a tsukkomi and exasperated gaze to that back figure, a beat later, saying ‘what a hopeless fellow’ he floated a smile where affection and trust could be felt. And then, accomplishing the quota of the mass-produced weapons, Hajime and the others who were fully prepared finally departed from the depth of Orcus Great Labyrinth in order to link up with the surface group.	{ "source": "manual-fanfic", "missed_lines": 8, "inserted_lines_src": 10, "inserted_lines_trg": 13 }
鏡石の洞窟にはもちろん徒歩で向かう。マップは開きながら歩けるので非常に便利だ。現在地はもちろん、俺の向いている方向まで表示される。これは迷子になりようがないな。安心してのんびり歩いていると、ふと大事なことを思い出す。俺って......今レベルどうなってるんだ? 素早くステータスを開いてチェック。海に行く前12だったレベルが、今は20にまで上がっている......! 8レベルも上がっていたのか......。他にもスキル【弓術V】が【弓術VI】に進化している。まあ、振り返れば当然なのかもしれない。海弓術の試練でたくさんのモンスターと戦い、深海では仲間になる前のガー坊とも戦った。ガー坊だって超レアモンスターだ。得られる経験値が多くてもおかしくない。さらに海底神殿を突破し、極めつけはポセイドンクラーケンだ。普通に8レベルぐらい上がることをしてきたな。スキル階くらい先に進むだろう。これで第2職のレベル上限の30が見えてきた。初期職の時のように最大までレベルを上げれば第3職になれるのだろうか? 第3職になったプレイヤーから話を聞く機会があれば手っ取り早いが、自分で見つけるのもそれはそれで正しい気もする。うーん、とりあえず8レベル分の強化ポイント『80』を射程に振っておこう。これで素の射程は300メートルになった。装備とスキルを合わせると......490メートルかな。【弓術VI】の効果で弓を装備している時、攻撃+60、射程+60になっている。そこに『風雲弓』の80と『雲穿の弓懸』の50を合わせると......うん合ってるな。暗算が苦手なもんでやってるうちにどんどん足が進み、気づいたら目的地に着いてしまった。マップを見ると俺の現在地と洞窟の絵が被っている。間違いなくここが『鏡石の洞窟』だ。「綺麗と言うか......まぶしくてたまらんな」洞窟のいたるところに存在している鏡のようにピカピカの石のせいで、光が乱反射している。油断すると目に光が直撃する......! 「サングラスでも持ってくるべきだったなぁ......」サングラスが装備として存在するのかは知らない。でも、冒険に便利なものなら世界観にそぐわなくても用意しておくNSOなら普通にありそうだ。釣りに使った竿も妙にリアルだったし。「......敵のお出ましか」ボロボロのローブが青白い光と共に宙に浮いている。確かあいつはホロウゴーストだったな。ゴースト系と聞くと物理攻撃が通らない気がするが、ホロウゴーストはローブが本体なので普通に物理攻撃も通る。とはいえ、ひらひらの浮く布を矢で貫くのは結構難しい。端っこに当てると突き刺さらず布がひるがえるだけだ。「バーニングアロー!」なんか久しぶりだな【バーニングアロー】。海の中や雨の中では使いようがなかったからな......。今から存分に頑張ってもらおう。キリリリリ......シュボッ! バァンッ! ひらひら舞う敵に爆風をお見舞いしていく。本体が軽いので爆風もダメージを受け流されている気がする。しかし、炎は効く。ホロウゴーストはローブに引火した火が全体に回って消滅した。「一体倒すのに時間がかかったせいで、囲まれちゃったな」周囲には複数のホロウゴースト。【バーニングアロー】で一体ずつ処理してる間に何体かには接近されてしまいそうだ。ここはあのスキルを設置して近寄れないようにする。「海弓術型...... ......何も出ない。あ、そうか......ここ海じゃないんだ。うーむ、すべてのスキルが強力で個性的な分、使う場所を選ぶのが本当にもったいないな海弓術。自由自在に海を作り出せればいいのだろうけど、そんなこと......出来るな。「ガー坊! オーシャンスフィアだ!」「ガー! ガー!」ガー坊の周りに球体状の海が発生する。俺はその中に飛び込み、スキルを発動する。出た......! 球体の海の中をクラゲが泳ぐ。ガー坊は球体内にクラゲを抱えたままホロウゴーストの群れに突進。ローブが本体であるこいつらに水分は天敵だ。水を吸って重くなったホロウゴーストは【オーシャンスフィア】に巻き込まれ脱出不能。クラゲの触手に絡まって毒状態になっていく。ガー坊はすべての敵をスフィア内に巻き込んだ後に【赤い流星】を発動。ホロウゴーストの群れを全滅させた。こうなると、海弓術のグロウカードはガー坊が装備するべきだよな。確かプレイヤーとユニゾンで共通した装備がいくつかあったはず。グロウカードがそこに含まれるなら、〈海弓術型〉はガー坊に預けよう。「よし、装備できるみたいだ......!」海の仙人から貰ったものを、その海のモンスターであり魚のガー坊が受け継ぐ。なんか感動的なような......そうでないような? もしまた水中の冒険になったら俺が装備する場合もある。そこは柔軟に対応しよう。装備は付け外せるんだ。さて、洞窟を奥に進もう。洞窟も行った場所が自動でマッピングされていく。これは全部歩き回って埋めたくなる。ところどころツルツルした場所で転びながらも、俺は洞窟の探索を続けた。あまり広くないようだし、地下に向けて伸びているわけでもない。もしかして......キラキラしてるからスクショ映えするスポットとして配置されてるのか? 過去にオープンワールドゲームでは、景色がいいだけのポイントをあえて配置してることもあった。ここがそうだという可能性も......ありそうだ。洞窟のマッピングは綺麗に終わってしまった。通路も全部歩き、探し忘れはない。隠し通路がないかと壁を触るが、わかりはしない。とぼとぼと来た道を引き返すしかない。「......お、ここから入り口が見えるんだな」洞窟内は複雑な構造ではないし、非常に平坦だったため、奥からでも入り口から射し込む光が見える。ここから【ワープアロー】を撃てば、一瞬で外だな。ちょっとガッカリしていた俺は、そこまで大した距離でもないのに移動に【ワープアロー】を使った。その時、射線上に新たなモンスターが現れた。見た目はホロウゴーストと変わらないが、その中心に楕円形の大きな鏡を抱えている。【ワープアロー】はその鏡の中にぽちゃんと吸い込まれた。まるで水中に落ちるように......。「飛び道具吸収系か......。再使用までは3分待たないといけないし、それなら歩いた方が早いな......。ガー坊、あいつを仕留め......」ふっと景色が変わる。赤と白が目立つどこかメルヘンチックな光景が周囲に広がる。今の感覚は......【ワープアロー】のワープ効果が発動した時のものだ。でも、【ワープアロー】は鏡に吸い込まれて無効化されたはず......。「まさか......ここは鏡の中か?」	Of course, I would head to the Mirrorstone Cave on foot. It was very convenient to be able to look at the map while walking. Not only was my destination indicated on it, but so was the direction that I was facing. And so there was no way that I could get lost. As I walked leisurely and with nothing to worry about, I recalled something that was important. What is...going on with my level, anyway? I quickly opened up my status window in order to check. I was Level before going to the sea, but now it has gone up to ...! So it went up levels... Besides that, my skill ‘Bow Arts V’ was now ‘Bow Arts VI.’ Well, perhaps it wasn’t really a surprise. I had fought a lot of monsters during my Sea Bow Arts training, and I even fought against Garbow before he joined me. And Garbow is a very rare monster. So I would have gained a lot of experience from it. On top of that, we had gotten through the underwater temple, and even fought the Poseidon Kraken. Yes, all of that stuff would have resulted in me gaining levels. And my skills would also advance one step. Now the level max of the 2nd job didn’t seem too far away. If I raise it to the highest level, will I be able to get to 3rd, just like how it was with my beginner job? It would be easiest if I had an opportunity to talk to players who were on their 3rd job, but it also felt right to just find out myself. Hmm. In any case, I had 80 strengthening points from those 8 levels, and so I would put them into Range. Now my base Range is 300 meters. Combined with my equipment and skills...it was around 480 meters. When equipping the bow while ‘Bow Arts VI’ is active, I had Attack +60 and Range +60. Then there was Windcloud Bow’s 80 and Cloudpiercer Archer’s Glove’s 50... Yes, the numbers were right. I didn’t like making calculations, but it helped me walk faster, and I reached my destination in no time. When I looked at the map, I could see that my current location was on top of my destination. There was no doubt about it. This was the ‘Mirrorstone Cave.’ “It’s pretty...and just very shiny.” There were stones everywhere that reflected the light, just like mirrors. And if you weren’t careful, the light would hit you directly in the eye...! “Maybe I should have brought a pair of sunglasses...” Though, I didn’t know if sunglasses existed as equipment here. However, NSO had plenty of items that didn’t fit the aesthetic of the world, but were still useful. And so they probably did have them. Even the fishing rod I had used was rather realistic. “...And now the enemy has come to greet us.” A tattered robe was floating in the air with a pale light. I believed they were called Hollow Ghosts. When you think of ghost-type monsters, you assume that physical attacks won’t work on them. But with Hollow Ghosts, the robes were their main body, and so you could hit them with ordinary attacks. That being said, it would be difficult to hit flowing cloth with an arrow. If you just hit the edge, it would push the cloth away without piercing it. “Burning Arrow!” I hadn’t used Burning Arrow in awhile. It was because it had no use in the sea or the rain... And so it would make up for that lost time now. Kiririri... Shubo! Bang! An explosive wind greeted the enemy that floated in the air. But as it was light, I had a feeling that it was being pushed instead of damaged. However, the fire was effective. The fire spread through the robes of the Hollow Ghost, and it disappeared. “But it took so long to take down one, that I’m now surrounded.” There were several Hollow Ghosts around me now. If I continue to deal with them one at a time with Burning Arrow, a few of them will get close to me. And so I used a certain skill in order to prevent them from getting closer. “Seabow Arts – Form Two...Jellyfish!” ...Nothing happened. Oh, right... This isn’t the sea. Hmmm. While all of the skills were powerful and unique, the bad thing about the Seabow Arts was that they were limited in terms of location. If only I could create a sea at will. But such a thing isn’t...it is possible. “Garbow! Ocean Sphere!” “Gar! Gar!” And like that, a sphere of sea water appeared around Garbow. I dove inside and then activated the skill. It came out...! A jellyfish was swimming inside of the sphere of water. While it was still inside, Garbow charged into the group of Hollow Ghosts. As the robes were their bodies, they did not like moisture. Once they had absorbed the water and become heavy, the Hollow Ghosts were stuck to Ocean Sphere and could not escape. And then the Jellyfish’s tentacles wrapped around them and poisoned them. Once Garbow had all of the enemies inside of the sphere. I activated Red Meteor. And the entire group of Hollow Ghosts were wiped out. It would probably be best to have Garbow equip the Seabow Arts Grow Card. There was some equipment that players and Unisons had in common. And if the Grow Card was one of them, then I would have Garbow carry ‘Seabow Art – Form Seven.’ “Alright, you can equip it...!” I took the thing that the sea sage had given me, and then gave it to Garbow, who was a sea monster and a fish. It was rather moving... Or maybe not? But if we ever went adventuring in the water again, I might have to equip it. I would keep things flexible in that regard. Equipment could be changed easily. Now, time to go farther into the cave. The map would automatically fill-in for any area that you had been to. This made me want to walk around until the whole map was completed. There were several places that were so slippery that I fell. Still, I continued to explore the cave. It wasn’t too big, nor did it extend far underground. Perhaps...it was only created as a spot to take screenshots, because it was so shiny and pretty? In other open worlds games that I played, there were areas that had no function outside of providing a nice view. It was possible that this was such a place... Eventually, my map was neatly finished. I walked through all of the paths and missed nothing. I even touched the walls, wondering if there were hidden doors. But there was no way to tell. And so I had no choice but to head back. “...Oh, I can see the entrance from here.” The layout of the cave was not particularly complicated, and it was mostly flat. So even from the back, I could see the light shining in from the entrance. If I shot Warp Arrow from here, I could go outside in a second. While I was feeling a little disappointed, I used Warp Arrow to bridge the gap that wasn’t even that far. Just then, a new monster appeared in the line of fire. It looked just like a Hollow Ghost, but it was holding a large oval-shaped mirror in its center. And my Warp Arrow was sucked right into the mirror. As if it was falling into water... “So it absorbs projectiles... I’ll have to wait for 3 minutes before I can use it again. So it will be faster if I just walk... Garbow. Go and kill that...” Suddenly, the scenery around me changed. I was in a fairy tale-like world with lots of white and red. And the sensation just now... It meant that the warp effect had been activated. But I thought the Warp Arrow had been absorbed and nullified by the mirror... “Could it be...that I’m inside of the mirror?”	{ "source": "manual-fanfic", "missed_lines": 0, "inserted_lines_src": 0, "inserted_lines_trg": 1 }
聴衆:「アップルパイ」もちろんアップルパイですよねどうして分かるのでしょうか? データがあるからですスーパーの売上げを考えてみましょう 30cmの冷凍パイの売上げについてですアップルパイが断トツ1位です売上げの大部分がアップルパイですところがスーパーが小さな 11cmセンチのパイを売り始めると突然アップルパイは 4、5番目に転落しまいましたなぜでしょうか? 何が起こったのでしょうか? 考えてみてください 30cmのパイを買う時は家族全員の希望に沿うパイを選びますアップルパイは家族の第二希望なのですでも個人用の11cmのパイを買う時は自分が欲しいパイを買います自分の第一希望を買えるのですデータがたくさんあるとデータが少ない時には分からなかったことが分かってくるのですつまりより多くのデータがあると多くが見えるだけでなく見ていたことからも多くが分かるのですデータが多いほど新しいことが分かってきますより良い見方や違う見方ができるようになりますこの例で分かることは「アメリカで人気のパイはアップルパイではない」ということです皆さんは「ビッグデータ」という言葉をお聞きになられたことがあるでしょうもしかしたら耳にタコがでくるくらいお聞きになっているかもしれませんビッグデータは誇大宣伝されている部分もあり非常に残念なことですなぜならビッグデータは社会の進歩に欠かせない非常に重要なツールだからです昔は少ないデータから世界を理解しようと考えてきました現在は以前では考えられなかった程の大量のデータがあるのです大量のデータがあるとデータ量が少なかった時に不可能だったことが根本的に可能になるということが分かってきましたビッグデータは重要で新しいものですビックデータについて考えてみると地球規模の課題について- 食糧問題や医療の供給エネルギーや電力の供給などに対処する唯一の方法であり地球温暖化の影響でカリカリに焼けることがないようにデータを効率的に使うことが必要なのですビッグデータの新しいモノとは何で重大事とは何でしょうか? その問いに答えるために情報がどのようなもので過去には物理的にどう映っていたのかを考えてみましょう 1908年クレタ島で考古学者が粘土の円盤を発見しました 4.000年前の紀元前2,000年のものですこの円盤には文字が書かれていますが実質的には解読できません完全に謎なのですが 4,000年前の情報がどんなものだったのかを言いたいのですこれが社会が情報を保管して伝えたやり方ですさて社会はそれほど進歩しませんでした今でもディスクに情報を保管していますでも以前よりもずっと大量の情報を保管できるのです検索やコピーもより簡単です共有や処理もより簡単です情報を収集する時かつては想像だにしなかった情報の再利用もできるのですこの点においてデータは固定的なモノから流動的なモノへ変化のない静的なモノから変わりやすくダイナミックスなモノへと変化しているのですいうなれば情報には流動性がありますクレタ島で発見された 4,000年前の円盤は重く情報はたくさん書かれていませんし書き変えることはできないのです対照的にエドワード・スノーデンがアメリカの国家安全保障局から持ち出したファイルはすべて指の爪サイズの USBに保存でき光速で共有できるのですデータは膨れ上がっていますさて今日の世界に大量のデータがあるのは常時情報を集めているモノを収集しているからです別の理由は常に情報を含みつつもデータ形式にレンダレングされていないものを集めているからですそしてデータに置き換えます例として場所について考えてみましょうマーティン・ルターを例に挙げます 1,500年代にマーティン・ルターの居場所を知りたいのなら常に彼の後をついて行き羽ペンとインク入れを持ち運び居場所を記録しなければなりませんでも今日ではどうでしょうか電気通信業者のデータペースにより居場所が分かります常にあなたの居場所に関する情報を記録するスプレッドシートやデータベースへの登録などがあります携帯電話を持っているなら GPS機能があります GPS機能のない機種でもあなたの情報を記録できるのですつまり場所はデータ化されるのです別の例として姿勢について考えてみましょう今皆さん全員座っておられますがあなたの座り方あなたの座り方あなたの座り方全て異なります足の長さや背中や背中の曲線などが違います今皆さんが座られている椅子に 100個のセンサーを付けるならあなた独自の座り方の特徴を指ではないですが指紋のように分類できるのですこれで何ができるのでしょうか? 東京の研究者はこれを車の盗難防止装置として使えると考えています運転席に車泥棒が座るという発想により防犯につなげようとしています認証されていないドライバーが運転席に座ると「自分は認証されたドライバーである」と伝えるためにダッシュボードにパスワードを入力しないとエンジンが始動しないかもしれません素晴らしいですねヨーロッパで全ての車がこの技術を搭載するとどうなるのでしょうか? その時何ができるのでしょうか? おそらくデータを収集すると車の事故が次の5秒で起こることをピタリと言い当てることができるかもしれませんそしてドライバーの疲労をデータ化し車がドライバーの姿勢が悪くなってきたと感じたら自動的に内部アラームを設定しますハンドルを振動させたり「起きてください道路にもっと注意を向けましょう」と言葉で教えてくれます暮らしの様々な側面をデータ化すると私たちのできることを分類できますつまりビックデータの価値とは何でしょうか? 考えてみてくださいあなたはより多くの情報を持っており以前にはできなかったことができるのですこのコンセプトが生じる最も印象的な領域の1つが機械学習の領域です機械学習とは人口知能に含まれコンピュータ・サイエンスの1つですその概念はコンピュータに何をするかを教える代わりに単純に問題となるデータを投げるとコンピュータが独自に解明してくれるのですその起源を辿ると分かりやすいでしょう 1950年代アーサー・サミュエルという IBMのコンピュータ科学者はチェッカーが好きでしたコンピュータ・プログラムを書き彼はコンピュータと対戦しました彼は対戦して勝ちました彼は対戦して勝ちました彼は対戦して勝ちましたコンピュータが正式なルールしか知らなかったからですアーサー・サミュエルはすごいことを知っていました彼は戦略を知っていました彼はサブプログラムを作成してバックグラウンドで走らせましたサブプログラムは一手ごとにその盤面の配置から勝つ確率と負ける確率を記録したのです彼はコンピュータと対戦して勝ちました彼はコンピュータと対戦して勝ちました彼はコンピュータと対戦して勝ちましたそしてアーサー・サミュエルはコンピュータ自体がゲームをするようにしましたコンピュータは独自にゲームをしより多くのデータを集めましたより多くのデータを集めると予測の精度も上がりますそしてアーサー・サミュエルはコンピュータの所へ戻り対戦して負けました彼は対戦して負けました彼は対戦して負けましたアーサー・サミュエルは教えたタスクで彼の能力を凌ぐコンピュータを作りあげました機械学習という発想はどこにでもあります自動運転車はどのように作られたと思いますか? ソフトウェアに全道路法規を記入するとより豊かな社会なのでしょうか? いいえ記憶装置は安価? いいえアルゴリズムがより速い? いいえプロセッサがより良い? いいえそれらはすべて重要ですがそれが理由ではありません問題の性質を変えているからです私たちの言わんとすることを- 例えば「自動車の周辺には多くの情報があり皆さんはそれを理解しています信号機についても理解しています信号機は赤で青ではないので停止する必要があり前進できません」ということを問題の性質を変えてしまいました機械学習は私たちがネット上で行う多くの事の根底となっています例えば検索エンジン Amazonのパーソナライズ・アルゴリズム自動翻訳音声認識などです最近研究者は生検やガンの生検について研究しており細胞が実際ガンに冒されているかどうかを調べるためにデータや生存率を使ってコンピュータに特定させようとしています案の定データを入力すると機会学習のアルゴリズム経由でコンピュータは12個の兆候を特定することで乳ガン細胞の生検結果はガンであるとビタリと予測します問題は医学文献が 9個しか兆候を知らなかったことです特性のうち 3個は探す必要がないものでしたがコンピュータは見つけましたさてビックデータにも負の側面があります私たちの暮らしを向上させますが意識しなければならない問題もあります最初の問題は『マイノリティ・リポート』のように警察が目的のためにビックデータを使って予測に基づいて罰するかもしれないということですさて予測警備とかアルゴリズム的犯罪学という用語です例えば過去の犯罪がどこで起こったかというデータがたくさんあるとパトロールすべき所が分かるという考え方ですその通りですがもちろん問題もあります場所のデータだけで止まらず個人レベルにまで下りていってしまうことです個人の高校の成績証明書のデータを使うのはどうでしょうか? 失業しているのかどうか信用情報ネットサーフィンの行動パターン夜更かしするのかどうかなどを使うかもしれません Fitbit による生化学情報を得れば使用者が積極的な考え方をしていることさえ分かります私たちの行動を予測し得るアルゴリズムがあり実際に私たちが行動する前に責任を負うことになるかもしれませんスモールデータの時代ではプライバシーが中心的な課題でしたがビックデータの時代では課題は自由意思や道徳基準の選択人間の決断力や行為主体性などを保護することですビックデータに職を奪われるという別の問題もありますビックデータやアルゴリズムは 20世紀に工場の自動化や組立ラインがブルーカラーに対抗したように 21世紀にはホワイトカラーや専門職に対抗することになるでしょう顕微鏡を使ってガン生検を調べてガンであるかどうかを決める検査技師について考えてみましょうその検査技師は大学教育を受けました不動産物件を買ったり投票したり社会への出資者でもありますそして検査技師の仕事とは同じような専門職の一群と同様に同じような専門職の一群と同様に仕事内容が根本的に変わったり完全に無くなったりします短い一時的な混乱の後長年に渡ってテクノロジーが仕事を作ってきたことについて考えてください私たちが暮らす枠組み産業革命-は真実でまさに起こったことですしかしその分析で忘れていることがありますそれはなくなり二度と戻ってこなかった職種があるということです産業革命はあまり有難くないものでしたあなたが馬であればですから注意深くビックデータを取扱い私たちのニーズ非常に人間的なニーズのために調整していく必要があります私たちはこの技術の召使ではなく所有者にならなければなりませんビックデータの時代は始まったばかりなので正直言って今集められた全データに私たちはあまりうまく対処できていません国家安全保障局だけの問題ではありません企業も多くのデータを集め乱用していますうまく使えるようになるには時間がかかります原始人と火が直面していた課題にちょっと似ていますこれはツールですが注意しないと私たちを焼いてしまうツールなのですビックデータは生き方や働き方や考え方を変えていくことでしょう私たちのキャリアを管理して満足して希望が持て幸福で健康な暮らしに導くことでしょうしかし過去に情報技術でよくあったように物理的なものであるT- 技術やハードウェアに目が行きがちになります明確でない部分があるもののいくつかの点においてかなり重要である I- 情報に再び着目する必要があります世界や私たちの居場所を理解するために時代を超えた冒険の一端として集めた情報から人間性がついに学べるのですそのことがビックデータが重大事な理由なのです	Audience: Apple. Kenneth Cukier: Apple. Of course it is. How do we know it? Because of data. You look at supermarket sales. You look at supermarket sales of 30-centimeter pies that are frozen, and apple wins, no contest. The majority of the sales are apple. But then supermarkets started selling smaller, 11-centimeter pies, and suddenly, apple fell to fourth or fifth place. Why? What happened? Okay, think about it. When you buy a 30-centimeter pie, the whole family has to agree, and apple is everyone's second favorite. But when you buy an individual 11-centimeter pie, you can buy the one that you want. You can get your first choice. You have more data. You can see something that you couldn't see when you only had smaller amounts of it. Now, the point here is that more data doesn't just let us see more, more of the same thing we were looking at. More data allows us to see new. It allows us to see better. It allows us to see different. In this case, it allows us to see what America's favorite pie is: not apple. Now, you probably all have heard the term big data. In fact, you're probably sick of hearing the term big data. It is true that there is a lot of hype around the term, and that is very unfortunate, because big data is an extremely important tool by which society is going to advance. In the past, we used to look at small data to try to understand the world, and now we have a lot more of it, more than we ever could before. What we find is that when we have a large body of data, we can fundamentally do things that we couldn't do when we only had smaller amounts. Big data is important, and big data is new, and when you think about it, with its global challenges — to feed people, supply them with medical care, supply them with energy, electricity, and to make sure they're not burnt to a crisp because of global warming — is because of the effective use of data. So what is new about big data? What is the big deal? Well, to answer that question, let's think about what information looked like, physically looked like in the past. In 1908, on the island of Crete, archaeologists discovered a clay disc. They dated it from 2000 B.C., so it's 4,000 years old. Now, there's inscriptions on this disc, but we actually don't know what it means. It's a complete mystery, but the point is that this is what information used to look like 4,000 years ago. This is how society stored and transmitted information. Now, society hasn't advanced all that much. We still store information on discs, but now we can store a lot more information, more than ever before. Searching it is easier. Copying it easier. Sharing it is easier. Processing it is easier. And what we can do is we can reuse this information for uses that we never even imagined when we first collected the data. In this respect, the data has gone from a stock to a flow, from something that is stationary and static to something that is fluid and dynamic. There is, if you will, a liquidity to information. The disc that was discovered off of Crete that's 4,000 years old, is heavy, it doesn't store a lot of information, and that information is unchangeable. By contrast, all of the files that Edward Snowden took from the National Security Agency in the United States fits on a memory stick the size of a fingernail, and it can be shared at the speed of light. More data. More. Now, one reason why we have so much data in the world today is we are collecting things that we've always collected information on, but another reason why is we're taking things that have always been informational but have never been rendered into a data format and we are putting it into data. Think, for example, the question of location. Take, for example, Martin Luther. If we wanted to know in the 1500s where Martin Luther was, we would have to follow him at all times, maybe with a feathery quill and an inkwell, and record it, but now think about what it looks like today. You know that somewhere, probably in a telecommunications carrier's database, there is a spreadsheet or at least a database entry that records your information of where you've been at all times. If you have a cell phone, and that cell phone has GPS, but even if it doesn't have GPS, it can record your information. In this respect, location has been datafied. Now think, for example, of the issue of posture, the way that you are all sitting right now, the way that you sit, the way that you sit, the way that you sit. It's all different, and it's a function of your leg length and your back and the contours of your back, and if I were to put sensors, maybe 100 sensors into all of your chairs right now, sort of like a fingerprint, but it's not your finger. So what could we do with this? Researchers in Tokyo are using it as a potential anti-theft device in cars. The idea is that the carjacker sits behind the wheel, tries to stream off, but the car recognizes that a non-approved driver is behind the wheel, and maybe the engine just stops, unless you type in a password into the dashboard to say, "Hey, I have authorization to drive." Great. What if every single car in Europe had this technology in it? What could we do then? Maybe, if we aggregated the data, that best predict that a car accident is going to take place in the next five seconds. And then what we will have datafied is driver fatigue, and the service would be when the car senses that the person slumps into that position, automatically knows, hey, set an internal alarm that would vibrate the steering wheel, honk inside to say, "Hey, wake up, pay more attention to the road." These are the sorts of things we can do when we datafy more aspects of our lives. So what is the value of big data? Well, think about it. You have more information. You can do things that you couldn't do before. One of the most impressive areas is in the area of machine learning. Machine learning is a branch of artificial intelligence, which itself is a branch of computer science. The general idea is that instead of instructing a computer what do do, we are going to simply throw data at the problem and tell the computer to figure it out for itself. And it will help you understand it by seeing its origins. In the 1950s, a computer scientist at IBM named Arthur Samuel liked to play checkers, so he wrote a computer program so he could play against the computer. He played. He won. He played. He won. He played. He won, because the computer only knew what a legal move was. Arthur Samuel knew something else. Arthur Samuel knew strategy. So he wrote a small sub-program alongside it operating in the background, and all it did was score the probability that a given board configuration would likely lead to a winning board versus a losing board after every move. He plays the computer. He wins. He plays the computer. He wins. He plays the computer. He wins. And then Arthur Samuel leaves the computer to play itself. It plays itself. It collects more data. It collects more data. It increases the accuracy of its prediction. And then Arthur Samuel goes back to the computer and he plays it, and he loses, and he plays it, and he loses, and he plays it, and he loses, and Arthur Samuel has created a machine that surpasses his ability in a task that he taught it. And this idea of machine learning is going everywhere. How do you think we have self-driving cars? Are we any better off as a society enshrining all the rules of the road into software? No. Memory is cheaper. No. Algorithms are faster. No. Processors are better. No. All of those things matter, but that's not why. It's because we changed the nature of the problem. to one in which we say, "Here's a lot of data around the vehicle. You figure it out. You figure it out that that is a traffic light, that that traffic light is red and not green, that that means that you need to stop and not go forward." Machine learning is at the basis of many of the things that we do online: search engines, Amazon's personalization algorithm, computer translation, voice recognition systems. Researchers recently have looked at the question of biopsies, cancerous biopsies, and they've asked the computer to identify by looking at the data and survival rates to determine whether cells are actually cancerous or not, and sure enough, when you throw the data at it, through a machine-learning algorithm, the machine was able to identify the 12 telltale signs that best predict that this biopsy of the breast cancer cells are indeed cancerous. The problem: The medical literature only knew nine of them. Three of the traits were ones that people didn't need to look for, but that the machine spotted. Now, there are dark sides to big data as well. It will improve our lives, but there are problems that we need to be conscious of, and the first one is the idea that we may be punished for predictions, that the police may use big data for their purposes, a little bit like "Minority Report." Now, it's a term called predictive policing, or algorithmic criminology, and the idea is that if we take a lot of data, for example where past crimes have been, we know where to send the patrols. That makes sense, but the problem, of course, is that it's not simply going to stop on location data, it's going to go down to the level of the individual. Why don't we use data about the person's high school transcript? Maybe we should use the fact that they're unemployed or not, their credit score, their web-surfing behavior, whether they're up late at night. Their Fitbit, when it's able to identify biochemistries, will show that they have aggressive thoughts. We may have algorithms that are likely to predict what we are about to do, and we may be held accountable before we've actually acted. Privacy was the central challenge in a small data era. In the big data age, the challenge will be safeguarding free will, moral choice, human volition, human agency. Big data is going to steal our jobs. Big data and algorithms are going to challenge white collar, professional knowledge work in the 21st century in the same way that factory automation and the assembly line challenged blue collar labor in the 20th century. Think about a lab technician who is looking through a microscope at a cancer biopsy and determining whether it's cancerous or not. The person went to university. The person buys property. He or she votes. He or she is a stakeholder in society. And that person's job, as well as an entire fleet of professionals like that person, is going to find that their jobs are radically changed or actually completely eliminated. Now, we like to think that technology creates jobs over a period of time after a short, temporary period of dislocation, and that is true for the frame of reference with which we all live, the Industrial Revolution, because that's precisely what happened. But we forget something in that analysis: There are some categories of jobs that simply get eliminated and never come back. The Industrial Revolution wasn't very good if you were a horse. So we're going to need to be careful and take big data and adjust it for our needs, our very human needs. We have to be the master of this technology, not its servant. We are just at the outset of the big data era, and honestly, we are not very good at handling all the data that we can now collect. It's not just a problem for the National Security Agency. Businesses collect lots of data, and they misuse it too, and we need to get better at this, and this will take time. It's a little bit like the challenge that was faced by primitive man and fire. This is a tool, but this is a tool that, unless we're careful, will burn us. Big data is going to transform how we live, how we work and how we think. It is going to help us manage our careers and lead lives of satisfaction and hope and happiness and health, but in the past, we've often looked at information technology and our eyes have only seen the T, the technology, the hardware, because that's what was physical. We now need to recast our gaze at the I, the information, which is less apparent, but in some ways a lot more important. Humanity can finally learn from the information that it can collect, as part of our timeless quest to understand the world and our place in it, and that's why big data is a big deal.	{ "source": "iwslt2017", "missed_lines": null, "inserted_lines_src": null, "inserted_lines_trg": null }
暗闇の中、静かに佇む人影がある。そこは幾本もの太い柱と大理石のような滑らかさを感じさせる石造りの大きな空間で、どこか神殿のようなその光が、闇を切り裂いて一本の道のように部屋の奥へと伸び、佇む人影の背を照らしている。その背中に、ふと新たな影が重なった。細身のシルエットは女性のもので、躊躇いがちにかけられた声音も透き通るような美しいものだった。佇む人影――ハジメは、その自分の名を呼ぶ声に、少しだけ振り返った。「香織。もう、採取は終わったのか?」「うん。羅針盤のおかげで直ぐに、ね。魔物も......やっぱり使徒のスペックは反則だよね」かつてクラスメイト達と【オルクス大迷宮】の表層を苦労して攻略していたときのことを思い出したのか、香織は苦笑いを浮かべる。そして、雰囲気を壊さないよう気を遣うようにしずしずと広間へと入ってきた。「......ここが、ユエと出会った場所なんだね」そう呟いてハジメの隣に立った香織は、ハジメが視線を向けていたもの――半ば溶けたように崩れた鉱物の塊だった。ハジメは静かに頷く。その瞳は、深い森の中にある泉の如く澄んでいて静謐さを湛えている。憤怒や憎悪といった負の感情が飽和した虚無的な瞳とは正反対の、愛しさや切なさが飽和したかのような眼差しだった。「最初に見たときはホラーかと思ったよ。真っ暗な闇の中で、紅い瞳が金糸で出来た柳の奥から覗いている......そんな感じでさ。ユエが助けを求める声をかけて来たときも、俺、扉を閉めようとしたんだぞ? こいつ、絶対ヤバイ奴だ、って思ってさ」「ふふ。確かに、こんな奈落の底にただの女の子がいるなんて思わないよね」「だろ? 特にあのときは、生き残ること以外なんの興味も持てない心境だったからな。今、思い返しても、よく助けようとしたなぁって思うよ」ハジメの物言いに、くすりと笑みを零す香織。ハジメも懐かしむように目を細めながら小さな笑みを浮かべる。「それが今じゃ、我を失うくらい特別な女の子だもんね。人生、なにがどうなるか分からないって、つくづく思うよ」言葉が途切れては僅かに瞑目する。ハジメは最愛の恋人を想って、香織は「必ず、取り戻そうね」「ああ。必ず取り戻す」ハジメと香織は顔を見合わせて不敵な笑みを浮かべあった。が、直後、言い忘れていたとでも言うように、ハジメはハッとしたような表情になって口を開いた。「あ、でも、香織は地上班の方に残ってくれな?」「へ? どうし......あぁ、もしかして、機能停止のこと?」「ああ。一応、対策用のアーティファクトは用意するけどな、流石にエヒトを前にしてどれだけ効力を発揮するかは分からない。なにせ、大元は奴の制作だからな、その体」香織は渋い表情になる。確かに、使徒の体はエヒト側で制作されたものであり、魔王城でエヒトがやった機能停止を完全に防げるかは微妙なところだ。かと言って元の体に戻ってしまっては大幅な戦闘能力のダウンになってしまう。なので、地上で侵攻してくる使徒達に対応する役目が最善なのだ。ただ、香織だってユエを助けに行きたいわけで、理屈では残るべきだと分かっていても感情は中々納得してくれない。「むぅ」と唇を尖らせる香織に、ハジメは肩を竦めながら言い聞かせるように言葉をかけた。「そんな顔するな。ユエを取り戻しても、他の連中が死に絶えていたら、俺はともかく、香織達には堪え難いだろう? オルクスの深部に匿うつもりではあるけど、ミュウとレミアも地上に残るんだ。一度、人質として有効だと証明しちまった以上、いざってときに守ってくれる奴が必要だ」「......はぁ、しょうがないね。歯痒いけど、足手まといにはなりたくないし。それに死んで欲しくない人達も沢山いるから......うん、わかったよ。ハジメくん達が帰ってくる場所は私が守るよ。ミュウちゃんにもレミアさんにも手出しはさせない。あと、愛ちゃん先生とリリィも、ね! ねっ!」「なぜ、二人を強調する......」ジト目をして頬を膨らませる香織に、苦笑いするハジメ。そんなハジメに、プイッとそっぽを向きながら香織が拗ねたような声音を響かせる。「〝愛子、リリィ、頼む〟とかなんとか言っちゃってたくせに。ハジメくんの女たらし」「いや、あれは空気を読んで......」「クラスの他の子達も、何人か熱い視線を送ってたよ。ドン・ファンとかカサノヴァとか、もうあながち否定できないと思うな。ユエが戻って来たら言いつけてやる。私だって、まだただの〝大切〟止まりなのに、次から次へと......うぅ、不動のユエが羨ましいよ」「......」わざとらしくいじける香織に、ハジメはポリポリと頬を掻いた。それは、香織の言動に呆れたとかそういうことではなく、その言葉の一部を否定する気持ちが自然と湧き上がったからだ。ハジメは、目の前にあるユエを封印していた魔力を通しづらい鉱石の前にしゃがみ込み、手をかざしながら香織に語りかけた。「あのときの拳。中々効いたぞ。まさに目の覚める一撃だった」「へ? ......あっ、あれは、えっと、痛かった、よね? 割と全力でやっちゃったし......」唐突な話題転換に一瞬目を丸くする香織だったが、それが謁見の間で暴走したハジメを殴り飛ばしたときのことだと気が付くと、どこかバツの悪そうな顔になって視線を逸らした。ハジメは、かつて、苦労してユエの封印を解いたときとは比べ物にならないほど鮮やかで洗練された魔力を、意外なほどあっさりと封印石へと浸透させていく。この鉱石をこの場所に放置したのは、魔力の浸透率が異常に悪い上に弾き返してしまうこの鉱石を、〝宝物庫〟に入れることに不安があったからだ。当時は予備も作成手段もない一品物の超貴重品だったので、出し入れの際、魔力を使用する〝宝物庫〟が壊れるのではと危惧し、実験的な扱いは避けたかったのである。また、単純にハジメの技量的に扱いきれなかったというのもあるし、口には出さなかったがなんとなくユエも嫌そうだったというのもある。その封印石を変形させブロックに分けながら、ハジメは、チラチラと視線を寄越してくる香織に言葉を続けた。「そりゃもう、文字通り芯まで響いたよ。最低に格好悪いってのも、こうグサリと来たな」「あ~、うぅ~。え、えっとね......その......」香織は、変な唸り声を上げてオロオロし出す。「これが他の奴なら、そうはいかなかっただろうけどな」「え?」「香織と同じことをして、俺の深いところまで響かせることが出来るのは、まぁ、後はシアとティオくらいだって話だ」「......もう〝ただの大切〟とは言えないかもなぁ」ブロックに切り分けた封印石を、オルクスに来てから作り直した新しい〝宝物庫〟に仕舞いながら独白のように呟くハジメに、香織は大きく目を見開いた。ハジメは、おもむろに立ち上がると香織に視線を合わせた。鋭さの欠けた、優しげな雰囲気を纏う瞳に自分が映り込んでいるのを見て、香織の心臓がトクンと跳ねた。「ありがとう、香織。想い続けてくれて。......奴と殺り合う前に、それだけは言っておきたかった」「......止めてよ。そんなの、なんだか遺言みたいで不吉だよ」苦笑いを浮かべるハジメに、香織はふるふると首を振る。「ううん、こっちこそありがとう。嬉しいよ。......ふふ、ユエが帰って来たら言ってあげなきゃ。ハジメくんがデレたって。取り敢えず、シアのポジションには手をかけたぞって」「くくっ、そしたら、また意地悪されるぞ? ユエは、なんだかんだで香織とじゃれるのが好きだからな」「うっ、あれって絶対、私の反応を楽しんでるよね。思い出したら腹が立って来たよ。ハジメくん達が向こうに乗り込んでいる間に、お返しプランを考えておかないと」「倍返しされるオチが見えるようだ」「もうっ、ハジメくんも楽しんでるでしょ!」ムキーと歯を剥く香織に、クツクツと笑いながらハジメは肩を竦めた。そして、二人同時に口を閉じて、無性にユエに会いたいという気持ちを共感し合う。ハジメは、改めて香織と微笑み合うと、最後の封印石に手をかけた。そして、次々とブロック状にして〝宝物庫〟に収納していく。と、そのとき、封印石が置かれていた場所の床になにやら紋様が刻まれていることに気がついた。「......これは」「どうしたの、ハジメくん。......紋様? これってヴァンドゥル・シュネーのものじゃ......」しゃがみ込んで、封印石の下の床に刻まれていた紋様に指を這わせていたハジメの背後から覗き込んだ香織が、見覚えのある紋様に首を傾げながら呟く。ハジメは無言で頷くと、真剣な表情のまま〝宝物庫〟から【氷雪洞窟】攻略の証である水滴型のペンダントを取り出した。キィイイイイイそんな甲高い音を立てて、共鳴するようにペンダントと床の紋様が震え出した。ハジメの掌の上に置かれたペンダントは、そのまま床の紋様へと引き寄せられるようにずりずりと動き出す。薄暗くて分かりにくかったが、よく見れば床の紋様の中央には、ちょうどペンダントがはまりそうな小さな穴が空いていた。ハジメと香織は顔を見合わせると同時に頷いた。ハジメは、ペンダントをその窪みへとはめ込む。直後、床の紋様に光が奔ったかと思うと、金属同士が擦れるような音を立てて紋様の描かれた床の周囲がせり出てきた。直センチ程の円柱形の石柱だ。それは、しゃがむハジメの目線くらいまで上がってくるとピタリと動きを止めた。そして、ハジメの眼前で側面をパカリと開いた。「......こんな仕掛けがあったなんてな。【氷雪洞窟】を攻略した奴だけが開けられる仕掛け、か」「それ、なんだろうね。ユエを封印していたブロックの下にあったってことは、なにかユエに関係しているものって気がするけど......」石柱の中には透明度の高い、一見するとダイヤモンドのようにも見えるピンボールくらいの大きさの鉱石が安置されていた。それを掌に乗せてマジマジと見つめるハジメの隣から、香織が推測を呟く。そして、その推測が正しかったことは直ぐに証明された。「......これオスカー達が使っていたのと同じタイプの映像記録用のアーティファクトみたいだな」「それって......こんな場所に、そんなものを残す人なんて一人しか思いつかないよね」「取り敢えず、起動させてみるか」ハジメは、白い水晶に魔力を流し込んだ。直後、暗い封印の部屋を白の混じった黄金の光が満たした。そして、目を細めるハジメと香織の前で、映像記録を残した者の語りが始まった。それは、深い深い愛と、慈しみ、そして途轍もない覚悟と懺悔に満ちたもの。そして、聞く者の魂をどうしようもなく震えさせるほど、温かく優しい、切なる願いだった。白金の光が収まり、十分程の映像記録がフッと消えた後には、表現の難しい、されど決して嫌なもののない余韻がハジメと香織を満たした。香織は、拭うことも忘れてするりするりと綺麗な涙を流している。「......ユエに見せてあげなきゃ」「そうだな。これは、ユエが見なきゃならないものだ。......香織、お前が預かっていてくれ。向こうじゃ、なにがあるか分からないしな」「......うん。わかったよ」ハジメの手から渡されたダイヤモンドの輝きを持つ鉱石を、香織は、宝物を扱うようにそっと受け取る。「にしても、封印石の特性に関する詳細がわかったのは僥倖だったな。道理で〝鉱物系鑑定〟だけじゃ正体を掴みきれないわけだ。まぁ、サソリモドキを相手にした時点で気が付くべきだったと言えば、それまでだが......」「ある意味、サイボーグ? みたいなものだね」「ああ。おかげで、色々と制作意欲が湧いてきた。ミュウ達も待っているだろうし、さっさと戻ってアーティファクトを量産するか」「アーティファクトの量産......すごい言葉だね」若干引き攣ったような笑みを浮かべる香織に肩を竦めて、ハジメは、もう一度、ユエとの始まりの場所に視線を巡らせた。そして、一拍の瞑目の後、改めた決意を背にくるりと踵を返した。その後を、香織がしずしずと付いて行く。二人が振り返らず部屋から出た後、封印の部屋は再び闇に閉ざされた。しかし、そこには、全てを呑み込みそうな冷たい闇だけではなく、どこか包み込むような優しさが漂っているようだった。「あっ、パパ! 香織お姉ちゃんお帰りなさいなの!」「ただいま、ミュウ」「ミュウちゃん、ただいま」オスカーの住処に戻ったハジメと香織を、ミュウの元気な声と満開の笑顔が出迎えた。岩壁を掘って作られた石灰色の建物のエントランスをステテテテーと駆けてくる愛娘を、ハジメは応急的に作った義手で軽々と抱き上げた。途端、嬉しそうにハジメの首筋へ腕を回し、これでもかと抱きつくミュウ。そこへ、ダイニングのある部屋からパタパタと履物を鳴らしつつ、フリフリの純白エプロンをフリフリさせ、手にはお玉を持つという完璧装備でレミアが出迎えに現れた。「あなた、香織さん、お帰りなさい。ご飯にしますか? お風呂にしますか? それとも......母娘にしますか?」「ちょっ、レミアさん! そんなお約束いりませんからっ! っていうか、今、母娘って言いませんでした!? 自分の娘になにをさせる気ですかっ!」「あらあら、香織さんったら、一家団欒でもしますか? という意味ですよ? うふふ、なにを想像されたのかしら?」「っ!? レ、レミアさん!」「あなた、それとも香織さんにしますか?」「ふぇ!? わ、私? って違います! からかわないで下さい!」香織がむきぃ! と猫のように毛を逆立てても「あらあら、うふふ」と可愛いものを見るような眼差しを向けるだけのレミア。ユエしかり、レミアしかり、どうやら香織は、年上の女性から可愛がられる質らしい。ハジメは、香織の肩をポンポンと叩いてなだめながら、レミアに視線を向ける。「それくらいにしてやってくれ。見ているのは楽しいけど、今は、余り時間もないしな。直ぐに工房に入る。悪いが食事はそっちで取らせてもらうよ」「わかりました。では、運んでおきますね。あ、それと、王女殿下と雫さんから連絡がありました。どうにかなりそうとのことです。愛子さんの......〝豊穣の女神〟の演説が、かなり効果的とのことですよ。人員が急速に増えているので、アーティファクトの制作を急いで欲しいと」「そうか。了解した。慣れないことさせて悪いな」「そんなこと......少しでもあなたの役に立てるなら、これほど嬉しいことはありません。恩返しという意味でも、旦那様を支える妻としても......」「いや、妻じゃないからな?」「いや、あらあら、じゃなくてだな」「いや、うん、まぁ、いいや」無敵のほんわか笑顔で全てを包み込んでしまいそうなレミアに、ハジメが折れる。ハジメは、名残惜しそうなミュウの頭を一撫でしながらレミアに預け、工房へ向かって歩き出した。現在、ハジメ達のいる場所――【オルクス大迷宮】の深部、オスカー・オルクスの隠れ家には、ハジメと香織、そしてミュウとレミアだけがいる。魔王城の謁見の間での話し合いの後、取り敢えず、魔王城に乗り込む前に地中へ転送しておいた貴重品を回収に行ったハジメ達は、そこで無事に回収できたゲートキーを使って世界各地へと散らばっていった。もちろん、ゲートホールが設置されていない場所への連絡には直接出向かなければならないので、移動用のアーティファクトが必要になる。ティオにしても、竜人族の里へ身一つで行くなら、帰る時はゲートを使えばいいが行きの片道だけでも数日は確実にかかってしまうので、高速飛行を可能にするアーティファクトが必要だった。なので、攻略の証を使い、【ライセン大峡谷】にあるショートカットからオスカーの隠れ家に入ったハジメは、工房に残っていた材料で、優先的に小型版飛行アーティファクト〝ミク・フェルニル〟を作成した。これは、言ってみればスカイボードである。サーフィンのボードのような形状で、空気抵抗などを空間魔法で軽減し、重力魔法で空を飛ぶ。操作はもちろん感応石だ。抵抗がないに等しく、使用者の肉体的負担も極めて小さいので、時キロメートルは軽く出るという代物だ。即席なので魔力消費が大きいという欠点はあるものの、ティオは言わずもがな、クラスメイトの魔力量は誰も彼も基準を大きく逸脱するレベルで保有しているので、片道くらいならどうにでもなる。これにより、ハジメの扇動で魂に火をくべられたクラスメイト達が世界に散らばり、ゲートホールを通じて世界が急速に繋がり始めていた。王都の郊外には、既にかなりの戦力が集まり始めており、野村健太郎を筆頭に土系統の適性のある者達や職人連中が急速に簡易的な防衛陣地を構築しているところだった。ここでも、ハジメが優先的に作ったアーティファクトが彼等の力を何倍にも跳ね上げており、作業を超効率化している。ここまでで約一日。世界の終わりが始まるまで残り二日。優先的なアーティファクトの作成を終えたハジメは、応急的な義手と宝物庫、そして簡単な武器を作成し、香織を伴って素材集めに懐かしき奈落へと再び足を踏み入れた。隠れ家の扉を出た途端、香織に反応してヒュドラが出現するというイベントもあったりしたが、そこは成長した化け物と神の使徒というチートタッグなので、色々と余裕であった。その後、ハジメは、奈落を知らない香織に〝導越の羅針盤〟を持たせて必要な素材集めを手伝ってもらい、自らも記憶にある素材の場所へ、アリを踏み潰すが如く魔物達を蹂躙しながら駆け回った。そして、十二分に素材を集めたハジメは、かつてユエが封印されていた場所へ、なんとなく足を運んだのだ。ユエに会いたいという気持ちが、時間がないと分かっていながら自然と足を向かわせた。同じく素材を集め終わった香織が、羅針盤でハジメの居場所を確かめ、そして、あの映像記録用アーティファクトと、そこに込められた想いを知るに至ったというわけである。ちなみに、香織に頼んで〝神結晶〟も羅針盤で探索してもらったのだが......生憎、〝神水〟を滴らせるほど年月を経て凝縮されたものは発見できなかった。伝承にしか残っていないような物質なので、仕方ないと言えば仕方ない。小さな結晶を幾つか見つけただけでも僥倖だったと思うべきだろう。「さて、それじゃあ香織、協力頼んだ」「うん、任せて」工房に辿り着いたハジメは、部屋の中央に円柱形の水晶柱のようなものを錬成しながら、香織に呼びかけた。これから行うのは、時間がないという問題を解決とまではいかずともある程度解消するための手立て。このために、ハジメは再生魔法を最も得意とする香織を助手に選んだのだ。「いくよ! ――〝刹破〟」香織が気合の掛け声と共に、その白菫色の魔力を迸らせる。合わせて、ハジメが紅い魔力を唸らせながら、香織の行使する術を生成魔法によって水晶柱へと付与していく。再生魔法〝刹破〟――時間を引き伸ばす魔法だ。再生魔法の真髄は、時に干渉できる魔法であるという点にある。ただ、処理能力や魔力量の観点から、人に扱える範囲が〝再現〟――傷を負っていない健全な状態のときに戻したり、過去の一時を映し出したりといった行為に留まる為、実質的に〝再生〟魔法と名付けられているだけである。逆に言えば、人間的限界を超えていて、かつ、熟練度が増し、その真髄に近づければ、〝再生〟に限らず時に干渉することが理論上は可能になる。そして、再生魔法に適性があり、ずっと使い続けて習熟し、人の身を超えた肉体的スペックを持つ今の香織なら、そこへ手をかけることは可能だった。香織の魔力が周囲の時に干渉し始め、ふわりふわりと舞っていた長い銀髪が徐々にその動きを緩やかなものに変えていく。心なし、工房全体が色褪せたようにも見えた。「っ――ハ、ジメくん」「OKだ、香織。よくやった」途端、部屋を満たしていた白菫の魔力が空気に溶け込むように霧散した。香織は、膝に両手をつきながら肩で息をしている。僅かな時間で、相当な魔力を消費したようだ。「はぁはぁ、ど、どうだった?」「......流石だな。およそ十倍といったところだ。これでかなり余裕が出来たよ」淡い光を放つ水晶柱を真剣な眼差しで見つめていたハジメは、頬を綻ばせると、称賛混じりの言葉を香織に贈った。香織もまた、安堵したように胸を撫で下ろし笑みを見せる。「......それは止めておいた方がいい気がするよ。単純に〝アワークリスタル〟とかでいいんじゃないかな?」「......ロマンがねぇな」「もうっ、そんなのどうでもいいじゃない。さ、早くお仕事お仕事! 雑用は私達がやるから頑張って!」「......わかったよ」不満気な表情でアワークリスタル(仮)を起動させるハジメ。途端、先程と同じく、僅かに工房内が色褪せる。これで、工房内限定ではあるが、時間が十倍に引き伸ばされた。工房内の一時間は、外ではたっただ。その間、地上で活動しているリリアーナ達との連絡やアーティファクトの受け渡しなどはレミアが(ハウリア同様に、レミアが扱える魔力貯蔵型ゲートが設置してある)、足りなくなるであろう素材の採取は香織が行う。ハジメは雑用の一切を彼女達に任せて、工房から外へ、作製したアーティファクトを吐き出し続ければいいというわけだ。万単位で兵器を用意するハジメは、まさに人間武器庫と言っていいだろう。ハジメは、〝宝物庫II〟から大量の素材を取り出した。あらゆる種類の鉱石に、魔物の爪、牙、骨などが広い工房を一瞬で埋め尽くす。「さて、やるか」そんな呟きと同時に、ハジメが手をかざす。直後、工房内を紅が染め上げた。どこまでも透き通った鮮やかな紅色は、まるで工房そのものをレッドスピネルの如き宝石に変えてしまったかのようだ。ある意味、宝石の内側に迷い込んだかのような不思議で心に迫る光景である。その証拠に、工房の中にいる香織、ミュウ、レミアは、ハジメを中心に放たれる光に心奪われたような表情で眺めている。香織達が呆けている間にも、ハジメの〝鉱物分離〟は必要な素材だけをより分け純粋な鉱石を作り出し、〝生成魔法〟が必要な魔法を付与して、〝精密錬成〟が職人も真っ青な精巧さを実現し、かつ〝高速錬成〟がそれだけの精密さにもかかわらず、完全完璧な部材をビデオの早送りのように量産していく。そして、それをハジメが手ずから組立て、ものの数秒で出来上がった完成品を床に安置した。次いで、ハジメがその完成品、否、正確には完成品が置かれた床に手をかざすと、これまた精緻な魔法陣が完成品を中心にして床に刻まれた。すると、周囲に散らばっていた部材が一人でに動き出し完成品と全く同じものを自動的に量産していく。それだけではなく、部材そのものも山積みとなった素材から勝手に抽出、融合を繰り返して量産されていった。ハジメは、それを確認すると、次のアーティファクトの作製に入った。既に紅い光を放ち続ける魔法陣も、勝手に出来上がっていくガトリングガンの山も意識していない様子で、弾丸の生産に入っている。その弾丸も、同じように一発目は手ずから作り出し、それを床に刻んだ魔法陣の上に置くと勝手に量産されていき、ハジメは、また次のアーティファクトの作製に入る。その視線も意識も既にガトリングガンとその弾丸にはない。錬成の派生技能――材料さえあれば全く同じものを魔法陣もイメージ補完もなく作成できる〝複製錬成〟と、刻んだ魔法陣に込めた魔力が尽きるまで術者が離れても勝手に錬成し続ける〝自動錬成〟によるものだ。部屋を満たす紅い魔力の流れと、ハジメの周囲に展開された魔法陣の紅い煌き......それらに囲まれながら、瞑想でもしているかのように目を細め、両手を指揮者のように振るい、冗談のように強力なアーティファクトを生み出していく姿は、まさに御伽噺の中の魔法使いのようだ。夢のない言い方をするなら一人生産工場とも言える。香織達が呆然としている間に、刻まれた魔法陣からアーティファクトが溢れかえり始めた。レミアが、量産速度より、運び出す方が確実に遅いと頬を引き攣らせる。明らかに、レミアとミュウだけでどうにか出来る量ではない。もっとも、そんなことは最初から承知の上。故に、ハジメは、運び手の錬成に入った。頭の中で思い描いたイメージを眼前の虚空に投影し、それに手を這わせながら更にイメージを固めていく。すると、素材の山を掻き分けるようにして胸元に紅宝玉を埋め込んだ人型が出現した。足元は蜘蛛のように多脚となっており、上半身も阿修羅像のように腕が六本も付いている。更に、蜘蛛の下半身に当たる部分は箱型となっていて、見るからに運搬用のゴーレムだと分かった。それをもう一体作り出したところで、ハジメが口を開いた。「レミア、ミュウ。このゴーレムを操って運搬を頼む。ゲートから王国の方へ転送してくれ」そう言って、ハジメは、二人に指輪を渡した。ゴーレムを操る為の感応石が付いた指輪だ。魔力のない二人でも使えるように、魔力を貯蔵する機能が組み込まれている他、更に進化した機能が備わっている。「この二体のゴーレムは、俺が精製した魔石と魔物の素材を融合させたものだから、半分くらいは魔物だ。だから、その感応石で動きを強制することも出来るけど、言葉で命じて動かすことも出来る。その指輪を持っている者の命令を聞くようにしてあるから」そう、言ってみれば、このゴーレムは機械と生物を融合させた生体兵器のようなものであり、指輪はコントローラーかつ優先命令権を示すものなのだ。と言っても、明確な自我があるわけではないので、きちんとした命令がない限り、自分で判断して動くということはない。よくRPGに出てくるリビングナイトやリビングソードといったモンスターと言えば想像がし易いかもしれない。生成魔法と変成魔法の複合技である。相変わらず、変成魔法自体の適性はそれほど高くないハジメだったが、生成魔法をメインに変成魔法を付与する方法を取れば十分に使える。というよりも、生物には体内金属があるので、生成魔法との複合魔法として使えば、むしろ変成魔法の副次効果により錬成技術は大幅に向上した。これにより、一つ、切り札を思いついたくらいなのだ。ユエを封印していた封印石やサソリモドキも、基本的には同じ技術によるものだ。もっとも、あれらは術者の適性故に、変成魔法の比重が大きかった。魔力を弾く特殊な鉱石で出来ていたというのもあるが、半分以上は生物であることもハジメの錬成が効きにくかった理由である。ハジメの説明が難しかったようで「んにゅ?」と首を傾げるミュウに、「パパがペットをプレゼントしてくれたのよ」と、レミアが、ちょっとどうかと思う説明をする。取り敢えず、なんでも言うことを聞くペットをプレゼントされたのだと理解したミュウは、大喜びでハジメに抱きつき、そして、「パパのお手伝いするの!」と張り切って生体ゴーレム〝べるちゃん〟を操り出した。正式名が〝べるふぇごーる〟なので〝べるちゃん〟らしい。ミュウの命名だとは思えないネーミングセンスである。有名の大罪の悪魔と被っているのは偶然だと思いたい。ちなみに、レミアが自分の生体ゴーレムのネーミングもミュウにお願いしたところ、愛らしすぎる笑顔で「あすもでうす!」と名付けた。悩むことすらなく即答である。なにかおかしなものに憑かれていないことを祈るばかりだ。この後、ありとあらゆる兵器を量産し、それをレミアとミュウが搬送、ゲートを通して王国のリリアーナ達の元へ転送し、材料が足りなくなってくれば香織が迷宮へと潜ってチート性能と羅針盤で掻き集め......ということがしばらく続いた。次から次へと送り届けられる大量かつ規格外のアーティファクトに、アワークリスタルのことを知らない王国側の人々は盛大に頬を引き攣らせていたり、〝自動錬成〟が唸りを上げる横で一時の一家団欒(食事)を楽しみつつも、香織がレミアに可愛がられて涙目になったり、色々あったものの概ね順調に生産は進んだ。ハジメ自身も、新たなアーティファクトを作製したり、従来の武器を更に強化したり、確実に装備を充実させていった。そして、エヒトに対する切り札も...... そうこうしている内に、遂に、各地に散っていたシア達からも続々と連絡が入ってきた。どうやら彼女達も順調に事を進めているらしい。ハジメは、シア達に送るアーティファクトを手に、オスカーの隠れ家に迎える準備をするのだった。おまけかつて、ユエに大人の階段を強制的に登らされた豪勢な風呂場で、湯けむりに紛れるハジメの姿があった。心地良い湯船に体を程よくリラックスさせながらも、以前のように弛緩しきるということはない。それは、消費した魔力の回復に努めているということや、決戦を控えているからというのもあるし、なにより、愛しい恋人がいないからだ。遠くをみるような眼差しは、奈落を貫き、天も越えて、見えないはずのユエを見つめていた。その瞳が、切なげに細められたとき、不意に、風呂場に幼い声が響いた。「パパぁーー!」いつもの可愛らしい足音を立てながらすっぽんぽんで元気に駆けて来るミュウに、ハジメは小さく笑みを浮かべる。そして、ぴょんとハジメに向かって飛び込んで来たミュウの体を危なげなく受け止めた。「こら。危ないだろ、ミュウ」「えへへ~、ごめんなさい、パパ」一応、軽く叱るものの、ミュウはハジメに抱きつくのに忙しく余り反省した様子は見られない。しょうがないやつだと、目を細めながら、ミュウが熱がらないようにゆっくり湯船に浸かり直した。ミュウが「ふにゅ~」と声を漏らしながら気持ちよさそうに目をトロンとさせる。その愛らしすぎる姿に、ハジメは父性をビンビンに刺激された。ゆっくりと梳くようにミュウの綺麗なエメラルドグリーンの髪を撫でる。更に蕩けるミュウ。タレミュウである。そんなミュウの姿に、先程まで感じていた寂寥感が少し癒されるのを感じるハジメ。それでも自然と、眼差しは天を仰ぎ見てしまう突然、ミュウが静かな、されど力強く確信に満ちた言葉を響かせた。首を傾げて視線を戻すハジメに、ミュウは、魔王城の時と同じように確信と、力強さに満ちた声音で言葉を紡いだ。「ミュウ......」「だって、パパがむかえに行くから。ミュウのときといっしょなの。だから、ユエお姉ちゃんも帰ってこれるの」それは、あるいはもう確信というよりも、既に決まった未来を語るかのよう。幼子であれば、慕っていた姉がいなくなれば、もう少し気落ちするものなのだろうが......どうやらミュウは、自分がさらわれたときと重ねることで、より強い確信を得ているようだった。すなわち、ハジメは必ず、ユエを取り戻す、と。同時に、きっとユエに対しても絶大な信頼と、絶対に大丈夫だという確信を得ているのだろう。ユエお姉ちゃんは、必ず帰ってくる、と。だから、こんなところで気落ちなどしていられない。ハジメ達を見てきたミュウにとって、自分は出来ないことばかりの無力な存在だという意識がある。だが、それがどうしたと吹き飛ばせるだけのものを培って来た。故に、〝今の自分が出来ること〟をするのだ。何もできないなら、せめて、できる人達が元気でいられますようにと、まず自分が元気を振りまくのだ。確信と信頼を、これでもかと寄せるのだ。そんな、目の前でニコニコと笑いながら、「大丈夫!」と伝えるミュウに、ハジメは頬を緩める。魔王の城で、暴走する自分の前に立ち塞がったミュウを「自分より強い」と評したハジメだったが、改めて、その言葉は実に正しいと思った。自分より、余程、ユエの強さと、望むべき未来を信じている、と。「......そうだな。直ぐに連れて帰るよ。そしたら、今度はユエも一緒に、三人で風呂に入ろうか」ミュウが茶目っ気を出して、ユエの返事を真似する。それが可笑しくて、可愛らしくて、ハジメはミュウの頭をこれでもかと撫で撫でする。そうして、ここにいないユエを想って胸に感じていた苦しいものを、吐息と共に湯船へと溶かし出し、本当の意味で体から力を抜いていった。と、そこで、ハジメはふと気がついた。ミュウはレミアや香織と入る予定だったのでは? と。そのミュウが、ここにいるということは、つまり...... 「あらあら、あなたったら、ミュウにあまあまですね。うふふ」「ハ、ハジメくん。お、お邪魔します」小さなタオルで申し訳程度に体を隠しただけのレミアと香織が湯けむりの向こう側から姿を現した。レミアは堂々と、香織は恥じらいに頬を染めながら。細身でありながらどこか肉感的なレミアの肢体は、未亡人故か、得も言われぬ色気を纏っており、香織の白磁のような体も黄金比で形作られた芸術品のような美しさがあった。二人とも凄まじいまでの魅力を放っている。レミアは右に、香織は左に、それぞれ体を密着させながら湯船に浸かった。「お前等な......」ユエがいないときになにしてくれてんだ、と流石に文句を言おうとしたハジメに、レミアは慈しむような眼差しを返した。「一人になって落ち着いてしまうと、痛みを思い出してしまうのではないかと......お邪魔でしたら、直ぐに出ます」「痛みって......」「心の痛みは、意志や体の強さに関係ありませんから。〝今ここにいない〟それだけで痛いのではありませんか?」「......レミア」どうやら、ユエを想って切なさを感じていたのを見抜かれていたようだ。思わず、目をパチクリとさせるハジメに、反対側の香織が優しい声音で語りかける。「こういうときは、誰かといるべきだよ。私のときは雫ちゃんがいてくれたし......ユエの代わりにはなれないけど、少しでも支えになりたい。それが出来ないと、ユエが帰って来たとき馬鹿にされちゃうよ」くすりと笑いながら、ただ傍にいると伝える香織。経験からくる言葉は重い。ハジメがいなくなった日々の中で、それでも折れずにいられたのは、親友がずっと傍で寄り添っていてくれたからだ。だから、〝自分も〟と、そんな想いが自然と伝わる。ハジメは。二人に、いや、もしかしたらミュウも含めて三人に気を遣われたのだと察し、小さく笑みを零した。「......ありがとな。しゃんとしねぇと、俺の方こそあいつに馬鹿にされちまうな」「ユエに限って、それはないと思うけどなぁ」「うふふ。ユエさんは、ハジメさんに夢中ですものね」三人でハジメにべったりのユエを思い出し、くすくすと笑い合う。ハジメが、自分の胸元で「むにゃむにゃ」し始めたミュウに視線を落とした。どうやら気持ち良すぎてオネムになってきたようだ。寝入ってしまう前に、体を洗って出るべきだろう。レミアと香織は、そんなハジメの心情を的確に察知したようだ。口を開きかけた香織の機先を制するようにレミアがにこやかに告げる。「では、ハジメさん。前をお流ししますね」「いや、背中なんて別に......今、前って言わなかったか?」微妙に定番の言葉と違うことに気がついて頬を引き攣らせながら尋ねるハジメに、レミアはやはりにこやかに告げる。「はい、きっと香織さんが背中を流したいだろうと思ったので、私は、あなたの前を流させていただこうかと」「ちょっ、レミアさん!? なに言い出すの!? ま、前って......そんな......ダ、ダメだよ!」「あらあら、では、香織さんが前をお願いしますね?」「わ、私!? 私が、ハジメくんの前を、前を......」香織の視線が、ミュウの影になって見えないハジメの股間に吸い寄せられる。そして、爆発でもしたように顔を真っ赤に染め上げた。「アホか、お前等。させるわけないだろうが」「まぁ、私達でダメとなると......では、ミュウが前を......」「ハジメくん!? ダメだよ、そんなの! ミュウちゃんになんてことさせる気なの!」「しかし、デリケートな場所ですし......ここは私が隣でレクチャーをする必要がありますね。母娘で頑張ってご奉仕させて頂きますね」「させない! させないよ! レミアさん! ハジメくんをそんなアブノーマルな道に進ませたりはしない!」「まぁ。では、誰がハジメさんの前を流すのですか?」「そ、それは......」「香織さん、ではこうしましょう。三人で前を」「ハッ、その手が......って違うよ!」ハジメは思った。香織......不憫な、と。そして、ユエにしろ、レミアにしろ、チャンスさえあれば必ず年上の女性に弄られる香織に、地球にいた頃とのギャップを感じて何とも微妙な表情をする。同時に、「ユエが戻ってきたら......香織の不憫度は二倍、か」「んみゅ?」二人を置いて湯船から上がり、ミュウの髪を洗ってやりながら呟いたハジメ。ユエを取り返したら、もう少し香織に優しくしてやろうと哀れみに満ちた眼差しを、未だレミアに弄られている香織へチラリと向けるそんなハジメに、ミュウはキョトンと首を傾げるのだった。	Inside the darkness, there was a silhouette standing quietly. The place was a large space made from stone that felt smooth like marble with several thick pillars inside. It had a solemn atmosphere like a shrine somewhere. For a light source, there was only the faint glimmer from the green light stone that shone through the door of the room before this place. That light cut through the dark and stretched into the room like a single path, illuminating the back of the standing silhouette. Suddenly, a new shadow piled up on that back. The slender silhouette came from a female, a voice that was clear and beautiful even while it sounded hesitant it called to the back. The standing silhouette――Hajime turned around just a little toward that voice which called his name. “Kaori. The harvesting is over already?” “Yes. It’s quick thanks to the compass, see. The monsters too...as expected, it’s cheating with the spec of the apostle, isn’t it?” Kaori showed a wry smile, perhaps from recalling the time of hardship when she was exploring the surface level of the Orcus Great Labyrinth with her classmates. And then, in consideration so that she wouldn’t break the atmosphere, she entered into the hall quietly. “...This place is, where you met with Yue, isn’t it?” Kaori whispered that while standing beside Hajime. The place Hajime’s gaze was fixed at was――a half melted broken lump of mineral. Hajime quietly nodded. His eyes were clear like a spring deep inside a forest filled to the brim with tranquility. It was the exact opposite of the empty eyes saturated with negative emotions of fury and hatred before. His gaze now was saturated with affection and pain. “When I saw her for the first time, I thought it was a horror scene. Inside pitch black darkness, crimson eyes were peeking out from behind a weeping willow made of gold threads...something like that. Even when Yue called with a voice asking for help, I tried to close the door, you know? This fellow is absolutely a no-good person. That was what I thought.” “Fufu. Certainly, it’s unthinkable that in the depth of the abyss like this place there would be something like a normal girl.” “Right? Especially at that time. My mental state held no interest for anything other than survival. Now, when I recall that time, I’m thinking, really, why did I help her, huh?” Kaori let out a chuckle at the way Hajime talked. Hajime too squinted nostalgically while making a fond smile. “And now that girl is someone special that can make me go mad. Really, this thoroughly teaches me that we won’t know how life will it turned out in the future.” Their words cut off, both of them closed their eyes for a bit. Hajime thought about his beloved lover. Kaori thought about her love rival (close friend). And then, almost at the same time, their eyes opened quietly. A flame of resolve was dwelling there. “We will surely take her back, won’t we?” “Yeah. We will take her back for sure.” Hajime and Kaori looked at each other’s face and both of them made fearless smiles. But right after that, as though there was something he forgot to say, Hajime’s face went ‘hah’ and he opened his mouth. “Ah, but Kaori, you will remain behind with the surface group at the fight, okay?” “Eh? Why...aa, by any chance, is it about this body stopped functioning?” “Yeah. For the time being, I prepared an artifact for countermeasure, but as expected in front of Ehito, I don’t know how much effect it will have. After all, originally that body is that guy’s creation.” Kaori’s expression turned bitter. Indeed, the apostle body was something created by Ehito’s side. At the devil king castle, Ehito stopped Kaori’s body from functioning. It was doubtful whether they could completely defend against that. On the other hand, if Kaori returned to her original body, it would be a great decrease in her battle strength. And so, the role of dealing with the apostles that would come invading the surface was best for Kaori. However, even Kaori wanted to go to save Yue. Even though she understood that logically she should stay behind, emotionally she was unable to really accept it. “Muu” Kaori pouted her lips, to that Hajime shrugged while giving her words to persuade her. “Don’t make that face. Even if we take back Yue, if the others ended up dead, putting me aside, it will be hard to endure for Kaori and others, right? Also about Myuu and Remia, the plan is for them to remain here in the surface hiding at the deepest part of Orcus. It had been proved once that they are effective as a hostage, so it is necessary for someone to protect them here just in case.” “...Haa, it can’t be helped, isn’t it? It’s vexing, but I don’t want to become a burden. Besides, there are also a lot of people I don’t want to die so...yep, I understand. I will protect the place where Hajime-kun and the others will go home too. I also won’t let anyone lay their hand on Myuu-chan and Remia-san. Also, Ai-chan-sensei and Lily too, right!? Right-!?” “Why are you emphasizing those two...” Hajime smiled wryly at Kaori who was staring fixedly with puffed up cheeks. To such a Hajime, Kaori turned her face aside with a huff and let out a sulking voice. “‘Aiko, Lily, please’ Even though you said something like that. Hajime-kun is a womanizer.” “No, that’s because I read the mood...” “The other classmates too, several of them were sending you feverish gazes, you know? Saying something like Don Juan or Casanova, I think that even if Hajime-kun is called that, you really cannot deny it, I’ll tattle at Yue when she returns. Even though, I too am still stopping at an ‘important’ stage, but other girls one after another...uu, Yue whose position is immovable is enviable.” “...” Kaori was acting with timidity that seemed forced. Hajime scratched his cheek seeing that. That wasn’t because he was exasperated with Kaori’s attitude, it was because a feeling that denied a part of her words was naturally welling up in him. Hajime crouched down in front of the mineral that sealed Yue before, the mineral which had the property where it was difficult for magic power to flow in it. He lifted his hand while addressing Kaori. “The punch at that time. That was quite effective you know. That attack really opened my eyes.” “He? ...Ah, that’s, err, it hurt, wasn’t it? I did that quite with my full power...” Kaori’s eyes turned round for a moment from the sudden change of topic, but when she noticed that Hajime was talking about her punch when he was running wild in the audience hall, her expression turned awkward and she averted her gaze. Hajime used his refined magic power which shined vividly incomparable with the time when he undid the seal of Yue with difficulty. This time the sealing stone was permeated by his magic power unexpectedly easily. This mineral left behind in this place was because of its abnormally bad rate of magic power permeation. On top of that, it even repelled back magic power. It caused him to be uneasy whether it could be put inside the ‘Treasure Warehouse’. At that time, the treasure warehouse was a super important item without replacement and he didn’t know the way to manufacture it, so Hajime had apprehension that the ‘Treasure Warehouse’ might break because it used magic power when taking in and out items. That was why Hajime wanted to avoid actually storing this mineral into the treasure warehouse. There was also how Yue seemed to detest this mineral stone even though she didn’t say it out loud. While transforming that sealing stone into blocks, Hajime continued his words towards Kaori who kept sending him glances. “Yeah, that punch, it literally reverberated until my core. Even what you said that I’m the worst and uncool, those words stabbed deeply.” “Aa, uuu. E, err...that...” Kaori raised a strange moan and looked all shook up. “If it was another person doing that, then it wouldn’t affect me like that at all though.” “Eh?” “Those who can do the same thing like Kaori and make it reverberate until deep inside me, well, I guess there are only Shia and Tio left.” “...Perhaps I cannot say anymore that you are just ‘merely important’ for me I guess.” The sealing stone that was carved apart into blocks was stored into the new ‘Treasure Warehouse’ that Hajime recreated after coming to Orcus. While doing that, Hajime was murmuring as though talking to himself, causing Kaori’s eyes to open wide. Hajime suddenly stood up and his gaze met with Kaori. Those eyes lacked sharpness, instead they were clad in a gentle atmosphere. Kaori’s heart leaped from looking at herself who was reflected there. “Thank you, Kaori. For continuing to think about me. ...I wanted to say just that before killing that guy.” “...Stop it. Something like that, it sounded like last will for some reason, that’s ominous.” Kaori shook her head left and right toward Hajime who was smiling wryly. “No, me too, thank you. I’m happy. ...Fufu, I have to say this to Yue when she comes back. Hajime-kun is going dere. Anyway, I finally got Shia’s position, I’ll say that to her.” “Kuku, if you do that you will get bullied again, you know? After all, for some reason Yue likes to be playful with Kaori.” “Uu, that’s, she absolutely enjoyed my reaction to that, didn’t she? It feels irritating when I remember it. While Hajime-kun and the others ride into the other side, I must think of a payback present.” “Now I can imagine the outcome where you get paid back twice for that.” “Geez-, Hajime-kun is also enjoying it!” Hajime chuckled while shrugging at Kaori who bared her teeth in irritation. And then, both of them closed their mouths at the same time. They sympathized with each other over their feelings that wanted to meet Yue very much. Hajime once again smiled with Kaori and lifted his hand at the last sealing stone. And then, he turned the stone into block shape one after another stored them inside the ‘Treasure Warehouse’. And at that time, they noticed that on the floor where the sealing stone was left there was some kind of pattern carved there. “...This is.” “What’s the matter Hajime-kun? ...Pattern? Isn’t this Vandour Shune’s crest...” Kaori peeked from behind Hajime who was crouching and traced the pattern carved on the floor below the sealing stone with his finger, she then tilted her head at the familiar pattern and murmured. Hajime nodded wordlessly and then took out from the ‘Treasure Warehouse’ the tear shaped pendant that was the proof of having conquered the Ice and Snow Cavern. kiiiiiiiii Such shrill voice sounded out, in resonance the pendant and the pattern on the floor shook. The pendant that was put on Hajime’s palm moved bit by bit as though it was dragged toward the pattern on the floor. It was hard to see because it was dark, but looking carefully at the center of the pattern on the floor, there was a small hole open where it seemed the pendant could be fit there. Hajime and Kaori looked at each other and nodded at the same time. Hajime inserted the pendant into that cavity. Immediately after, light ran through the pattern on the floor, then a sound of metals scraping against each other rose and the surrounding pattern rose up. It was a round stone pillar with a diameter around thirty centimeters. When the pillar rose until the height about Hajime’s eye, it stopped still. And then, before Hajime’s eyes, its side opened up. “...So there is this kind of mechanism. A mechanism that can be opened only by someone who has conquered Ice and Snow Cavern huh.” “That, what is it? It was under the block that sealed Yue, I have the feeling that it’s related to Yue somehow but...” At the center of the stone pillar there was a mineral stone as big as a pinball with high transparency, in a glance it looked like a diamond. Hajime put it on his palm and stared it fixedly, from his side Kaori murmured her conjecture. And then, it was soon proved that her conjecture was correct. “...Looks like this is the same type of image recording artifact that was used by Oscar and others.” “That’s...someone who left behind that kind of thing in this kind of place, I can only think of one person.” “Anyway, let’s try activating it.” Hajime poured magic power into the white crystal. Right after that, the dark sealing room was filled with golden light mixed with white. And then, in front of Hajime and Kaori who narrowed their eyes, the talk of the person who left behind the image recording began. That talk, was filled with very deep love and affection, and then also tremendous resolve and repentance. And then, in it was an earnest wish, so warm and gentle that it would shake the soul of the person hearing it no matter what. The white golden light settled, the recording of about ten minutes vanished with a whiff, then a lingering emotion that was hard to express, yet by no mean it was something unpleasant, filled Hajime and Kaori. Kaori was shedding beautiful tears that trickled smoothly which she forgot to even wipe. “...We have to show it to Yue.” “Yeah. This is something that Yue has to see no matter what...Kaori, I’ll entrust this to you. We don’t know what’s going to happen on the other side, after all.” “...Yes. I got it.” The mineral with the radiance of a diamond that Hajime’s hand handed over was accepted by Kaori as though she was handling a treasure. “Nevertheless, it’s lucky that I understood the detail regarding the special trait of the sealing stone. Indeed, with just ‘Mineral Appraisal’ there is no way I will be able to grasp its true character. Well, though if I was told that I should notice it while facing that scorpion imitation, that much is...” “In a sense, it’s cyborg? Something like that, isn’t it?” “Yeah. Thanks to that, an urge to create various things is welling up in me. Myuu and Remia are also waiting right now. Let’s quickly return and mass produces the artifacts.” “Mass producing artifact...what amazing words.” Shrugging at Kaori whose face was somewhat convulsing, Hajime once more ran his gaze through the place that was his beginning with Yue. And then, after closing his eyes for a beat, he turned on his heel with resolve on his back once more. After that, Kaori quietly followed after him. Without looking back, the two of them exited the room, then the sealing room was shut in darkness. However, inside there wasn’t just cold darkness that swallowed everything, it felt like there was kindness drifting there too. “Ah, papa! Kaori-oneechan. Welcome back nano!” “We are home, Myuu.” “Myuu-chan, we are home.” Hajime and Kaori who returned to Oscar’s residence were welcomed by Myuu’s energetic voice and fully bloomed smile. The entrance of the lime colored building made from digging into the rock wall was crossed through by the beloved daughter with rapid footsteps Myuu instantly circled her hands on Hajime’s neck happily and hugged tightly. There, from the dining room a clapping sound of footwear approached, and then wearing a pure white and frilly apron with the frills fluttering and ladle on hand, the perfectly equipped Remia appeared to welcome them. “Dear, Kaori-san, welcome home. Will you have dinner? Or will you take a bath? Or else...will you have mother and daughter?” “Wai-, Remia-san! That kind of cliché is unnecessary-! Or rather, just now didn’t you say mother and daughter!? Just what are you planning to make your daughter do-!” “My my, sheesh Kaori-san, what about doing a happy family get together? That’s what I meant you know? Ufufu, I wonder what are you imagining?” “-!? Re, Remia-san!” “Dear, or else will you have Kaori-san?” “Fue!? M, me? Wait that’s not it! Please don’t make fun of me!” Kaori went ‘mukii!’ with her hair standing on end like a cat while Remia was only watching her with a gaze as though she was looking at something cute while going “My my, ufufu”. Before it was Yue, now it was Remia. It appeared that Kaori had the quality where she would be teased by older females. Hajime patted Kaori’s shoulder to soothe her while directing his gaze at Remia. “Stop it with that much. Watching it is fun, but right now there is not really much time. I’ll enter the workshop soon. My bad but I’ll take my meal over there.” “Understood. Then I’ll bring it over there. Ah, also, there were contacts from her highness and Shizuku-san. It seems they will be able to manage it somehow. The speech of Aiko-san...the ‘Goddess of Harvest’ was quite effective. The number of people are increasing rapidly, so they said that they want the artifact’s production to hurry.” “I see. Roger. Sorry to make you do something you are not used to.” “Such a thing...if I can be useful for you even just for a bit, then there is nothing happier for me. Whether it’s for returning your kindness, and also as a wife supporting her husband...” “No, you aren’t a wife, okay?” “No, don’t go ‘my my’ here.” “No, hm, well, doesn’t matter.” Hajime folded against Remia who enveloped everything with a matchless warm smile. Hajime caressed the head of Myuu who was reluctant to part while entrusting her to Remia, then he walked out toward the workshop. Currently, the place where Hajime and others were at――the depth of the Orcus Great Labyrinth, in the hideout of Oscar Orcus, there were only Hajime and Kaori, and then Myuu and Remia there. After the conversation at the audience hall in the devil king castle, first of all Hajime and others went to retrieve the valuables that Hajime transferred underground before they went to the devil king castle, then they used the gate key that they safely retrieved and everyone scattered to all over the world. Of course, they had to directly go toward the place that didn’t have a gate hole installed, so transportation artifacts would be needed. Even Tio, if she was going to the village of dragon race, when it was time to come back from there she could just use a gate, but just going there would certainly take a few days so there was a necessity for an artifact that could fly at high speed. And so, using the proof of conquest, Hajime entered Oscar’s hideout from the shortcut in Raisen Grand Canyon, and with the material left in the workshop he prioritized creating mini version flight artifact ‘Mic Fernir’. In a manner of speaking this artifact was a skyboard. With a shape like a surfing board, it reduced things like air resistance with space magic and flew in the sky using gravity magic. The control was of course using sympathy stone. With the air resistance equal to nothing, the burden to the user’s body was extremely small, so it could easily give out a speed of five hundred kilometers per hour. It was an improvised item so there was a flaw that the magic power consumption was large but, even leaving out Tio, all the classmates possessed magic power amount in the level that largely deviated from the standard so if it was just for the departing trip then they would be able to manage it somehow. With that, the classmates whose soul was lit in fire by Hajime’s incitement scattered all over the world, and then through the gate hole, the world was rapidly beginning to be connected. At the outskirt of the kingdom capital, quite a battle force had already begun to gather, with Nomura Kentarou in the lead, the people and workers with earth element aptitude were rapidly constructing simple defensive encampment. Hajime prioritized to create artifact for this aspect too that raised up their strength several times over, super optimizing their work. It took about one day until that point. Two days remaining until the end of the world began. Hajime who finished producing the prioritized artifacts then created an emergency artificial arm and treasure warehouse, and also simple weapons, accompanied by Kaori he then stepped his foot once more into the nostalgic abyss to gather material. There was also the event where the moment they got out of the hideout’s door, a hydra manifested in reaction to Kaori, but the two who were there was a tag of a grown monster and god apostle, so they had quite a leeway. After that, Hajime got Kaori to carry the ‘Compass of Guidance’ because she didn’t know anything about the abyss and had her help him in the gathering of necessary material, he too also went to the place for material that he remembered and ran around while trampling the monsters as though stepping over ants. And then, Hajime who had gathered enough material somehow carried his feet toward the place where Yue was once sealed. His feeling that wanted to meet Yue naturally directed his feet there even while understanding that there was no time. Kaori who similarly finished gathering material ascertained Hajime’s whereabouts using the compass, and then there they reached that recording artifact and the feeling that was put into it. By the way, Hajime also asked Kaori to search for ‘God Crystal’ using the compass but...unfortunately, she was unable to discover one that had been compressed through many years and months until it could trickle ‘God Water’. It was a substance that was left only in legend, so it really couldn’t be helped. Perhaps just by being able to discover several small crystals should be thought as fortunate. “Now then, well Kaori, I’ll rely on your cooperation.” “Yep, leave it to me.” Hajime who arrived in the workshop transmuted a round crystal pillar in the center of the room while calling Kaori. What they would perform from here was a method to resolve to a certain degree of their problem with the lack of time even if they couldn’t fully resolve it. It was for this that Hajime chose Kaori as a helper because she was the one most skilled with regeneration magic. “Here I go! ――’Temple Rend’.” Together with a voice of fighting spirit, Kaori’s whitely violet magic power surged. In addition, Hajime roared his crimson magic power while enchanting the technique that Kaori used into the crystal pillar using creation magic. Regeneration magic ‘Temple Rend’――it was a magic to stretch the time. The essence of regeneration magic was in the point that it was a magic that could interfere with time. However, from the viewpoint of the throughput and magic power amount, the extent human could handle this magic was only ‘regeneration’――to return the state of the target into the healthy state where they didn’t bore any wound, because such way of using it essentially only stopped at an act of projecting a moment of the past, it was named as ‘regeneration’ magic. Saying it in reverse, if someone could surpass the limit of human, furthermore if they increased their proficiency in this magic and approached that essence, it would be theoretically possibly to not be limited with ‘regeneration’ and became able to interfere with time. And then, if it was the current Kaori who had aptitude with regeneration magic, who had continuously used this magic all this time and became skilled, and in possession of a body that surpassed human body, it was possible for her to lay her hand on that area. Kaori’s magic power began to interfere with the time of the surrounding, her long silver hair that was dancing gently was gradually changing into gentle motion. Somehow, it looked like the whole workshop was growing dull in color. “――Ha, Hajime-kun.” “It’s all ok Kaori. You did well.” Immediately the whitish violet magic power filling the room dispersed as though melting into the air. Kaori put her hands on her knees while breathing hard. It appeared that she consumed quite a lot of magic power in just a short time. “Haa, haa, ho, how is it?” “...As expected. It’s about ten times increment. With this, I’ll have some leeway.” Hajime who was staring with a serious gaze at the crystal pillar which was emitting faint light loosened up his face and gave Kaori words mixed with praise. Kaori too also showed a smile while caressing her chest in relieve. “...I have the feeling that it’s better to stop that. Isn’t it fine to simply name it ‘Hour Crystal’?” “...You have no romance.” “Geez-, something like that doesn’t matter. Now, quickly go to work, work! We will take care of the chores so work hard!” “...I got it okay.” Hajime activated the hour crystal (temp) with a dissatisfied expression. Immediately, the same like before inside the workshop grew slightly dull in color. With this, the time was stretched ten times longer though it was limited inside the workshop. An hour inside the workshop was just six minutes outside. During that time, matters like contacting Liliana and others who were working on the surface ground and the sending of the artifacts were done by Remia (similar like with Hauria, Hajime had installed a gate with magic power storage that Remia could operate), while Kaori was carrying out the collection of material that ran out. Hajime left all the chores to them and he just needed to continue to spit out the created artifacts from the workshop to outside. Hajime who was preparing weapons in the unit of tens of thousands really could be said as a human armory. Hajime took out a large amount of material from the ‘Treasure Warehouse II’. Every kind of mineral, monster fang, claw, bone, etc. was instantly filling to the brim inside the spacious workshop. “Now then, let’s do this.” Hajime lifted his hand at the same time with that murmur. Right after that, inside the workshop was dyed with crimson. It was as though the vivid crimson color that permeated everywhere was changing the workshop itself into a gem that was like a red spinel. In a sense, the scenery pressured on the heart miraculously as though they were being lost inside a gem. As the proof of that, Kaori, Myuu, and Remia who were inside the workshop were staring at the light that was emitted with Hajime in the center with an expression as though their heart was stolen. Even while Kaori and others were in a daze, Hajime’s ‘Mineral Separation’ sifted through only the needed material and created pure ore, then ‘Creation Magic’ enchanted the ore with necessary magic, ‘Precise Transmutation’ realized elaborate transformation that would make any craftsman go blue in face. Moreover, ‘High-Speed Transmutation’ did mass production that produced flawless and complete components regardless of how complicated it was. And then those components were personally assembled by Hajime and a completed product was finished in just a few seconds which then was put on the floor. Next Hajime held his hand over that completed product, no, more accurately he held his hand over the floor where the completed product was put, with that he engraved a detailed magic circle on the floor with the completed product on the center. As the result, the materials scattered on the surrounding automatically moved and mass produced things that were exactly the same with the completed product. Not just that, the components themselves were mass produced with the mountain of material automatically extracting themselves and repeated the fusion. Hajime confirmed the process and then he entered the creation of the next artifacts. He was already ignoring the magic circle that continued to emit crimson light and the mountain of Gatling gun that was completed automatically and moved to produce the bullets. Those bullets too, Hajime personally created the first one and then he put it on the magic circle he engraved on the floor and the bullet was automatically mass produced, and then Hajime entered the creation of the next artifact again. His gaze was already not looking at the Gatling gun and bullet anymore. Derivative skill of transmutation――as long as the material was available then it was possible to create exactly the same thing without the magic circle or image supplementation, this was the ‘Duplication Transmutation’, and then the ‘Automatic Transmutation’, until the magic power filled into the engraved magic circle ran out, even when the caster went away it would automatically continue to create. The stream of crimson magic power filling the room and the crimson radiance of the magic circle deployed at Hajime’s surrounding...while being surrounded by those, Hajime narrowed his eyes as though he was meditating and waved his hands like a conductor, his figure that created powerful artifacts easily like a joke was exactly like the magician inside a fairy tale. If it had to be said in a realistic way then it could be said that it was a solitary production factory. While Kaori and others were in a daze, artifacts began to overflow from the engraved magic circle. Remia’s cheeks were cramped from being convinced that she would be slower in carrying out the artifacts than the speed of the production like this. The amount was obviously something that couldn’t be handled with just Myuu and Remia. Although such thing was already known from the beginning. Therefore, Hajime entered the transmutation of the transport method. He projected the image he drew inside his head into the empty air before his eyes, and then he further hardened the image while his hand crawled there. The result, a humanoid figure appeared pushing through the mountain of material with crimson jewel buried on its chest. Its lower body was multi-legged like a spider, the upper body had six arms attached like an Ashura statue. Further, the lower body that was connected to the spider legs were box shaped, at a glance it could be understood that it was a transport golem. And then after creating one more of the golem, Hajime opened his mouth. “Remia, Myuu. I’ll ask you to control this golem and transport the artifacts. Send it from the gate to the kingdom.” Saying that, Hajime handed the two of them two rings. The rings had sympathy stone attached to control the golem. So that even the two who didn’t have magic power can use it, Hajime put a function to store magic power and also an ability for the golem to further evolve. “These two golems are created from the fusion of magic stone that I refined and monster material, they are a half monster. That’s why, it’s possible to force them to move with that sympathy stone, but it can also move by receiving a vocal order. I made them so they will listen to the command of the person holding that ring.” Yes, so to speak these golems were something like a living weapon that was the fusion of machine and living thing, the ring was something to control them and also to show the authority to command. Having said that, they didn’t have a clear ego of self so as long as there was no clear order, they wouldn’t make their own judgment and moved by themselves. Perhaps it would be easier to imagine if it was said that they were like monster Living Knight or Living Sword that often appeared in RPG. It was a combination skill of creation magic and metamorphosis magic. As always, Hajime didn’t have that high of an aptitude in metamorphosis magic, but by using a method where he used the creation magic as the main and enchanted metamorphosis magic using his skill, then he could use it well enough. Or rather, even living thing had metal element inside their body, so if metamorphosis magic was used with creation magic as fusion magic, then the transmutation technique could advance drastically using the side effect of the metamorphosis magic. Using this Hajime hit upon an idea of a trump card. The sealing stone that sealed Yue and the scorpion imitation were basically also created by the same technique. Although because of the aptitude of the caster, the component of metamorphosis magic had greater weight in those two. The sealing stone was also created from special ore that deflected magic, but the reason it was hard for Hajime’s transmutation to affect it was because the majority of the stone was living thing. Myuu was tilting her head “Nnyu?” at Hajime’s difficult explanation, so Remia explained, “Papa is giving a present of pet to Myuu.” Although that explanation was a little bit problematic. Anyway, Myuu who comprehended everything that was said to mean that she was presented with a pet, embraced Hajime in great joy, and then “Myuu will help papa nano!” Myuu manipulated the living golem ‘Bel-chan’ in high spirit. It seemed the formal name was ‘Belfegor’ which was shortened as ‘Bel-chan’. The one naming it was Myuu. It was a naming sense that was unthinkable coming from a four-year-old. Hajime wanted to think that it was a coincidence that the name was similar to the name of a famous devil of the seven deadly sins. (TN: The name should be Belphegor, but here the name is turned cuter somewhat.) By the way, Remia also asked Myuu for the naming of her golem, and then with a smiling face that was too lovely Myuu named it “Asmodeusu!” It was an immediate reply without any pondering whatsoever. Hajime could only pray that the golem wasn’t being possessed by something strange. After that, Hajime mass produced every kind of weapon, Remia and Myuu transported those and sent them through the gate to Liliana and others in the kingdom, if the material became insufficient Kaori would dive into the labyrinth and gathered it up with her cheat ability and the compass...such process was continuing for a while. A lot of outrageous artifacts that were sent to them one after another caused the people at the kingdom capital who didn’t know about the hour crystal to have a cramped face. Hajime and others enjoyed a happy family get together (meal) for a short time with the ‘Automatic Transmutation’ buzzing on the side with Kaori getting teary eyed from Remia’s teasing, although various things happened but in general the production progressed favorably. Hajime himself also created new artifacts, he further strengthened his weapons even more than before, completing his equipment with certainty. And then, the trump card against Ehito too... While those were happening, finally contacts from Shia and others who scattered to many places were also coming. It appeared they too were advancing the matters favorably. With artifacts that he would send to Shia and others in hand, Hajime prepared to welcome them in the hideout of Oscar. Omake In the luxurious bathroom where he was once forcefully made to climb the stair of adulthood by Yue, there was the figure of Hajime between the steams. Even while relaxing his body properly in the pleasant bathtub, it was impossible for him to relax like before. That was because of his effort to recover the magic power that he consumed and also the preparation for the decisive battle, and most of all, it was because his dear lover wasn’t there. His gaze that was looking at far away pierced the abyss, passed even the sky, and stared at Yue who he shouldn’t be able to see. Those eyes, when they were narrowed painfully, suddenly, a young voice resounded in the bathroom. “Papaaa――!” Looking at Myuu who energetically rushed at him stark naked with her usual cute footsteps, Hajime floated a small smile. he safely caught Myuu’s body that leaped at him. “Oy. That’s dangerous Myuu.” “Ehehee, sorry papa.” Although he lightly scolded her for the moment, Myuu was busily hugging Hajime and no sign of repentance could really be seen from her. Hajime looked fondly at her thinking ‘what a hopeless girl’ while slowly submerging her into the bathtub so that Myuu wouldn’t feel too hot. Myuu leaked out “funyuu” voice while her eyes drooped pleasantly. That excessively cute figure stimulated Hajime’s fatherhood strongly. He slowly combed Myuu’s beautiful emerald green hair. Myuu melted even further. Now she was a droopy Myuu. That figure of Myuu made Hajime felt healed a bit from the loneliness that he felt just now. Even so his gaze naturally looked up to the sky Suddenly, Myuu said out calm yet powerfully certain words. To Hajime who tilted his head and returned his gaze to her, Myuu with a conviction that was the same like the time at the devil king castle formed her words with a voice filled with strength. “Myuu...” “Because, papa will go to meet her. It’s the same like what happened with Myuu before nano. That’s why, Yue-oneechan will be able to come back too nano.” Those words, rather than conviction Myuu talked like it was something decided already. For a little girl, if the big sister that she idolized was gone then usually she would be a bit more down but...it seemed Myuu overlapped what happened right now with the time when she was kidnapped and through that obtained an even stronger conviction. Namely, that Hajime would surely take back Yue. At the same time, Myuu also obtained the conviction that Yue was absolutely fine which surely came from her enormous faith to Yue. That, Yue-oneechan will surely come home. That was why, in this kind of time she couldn’t feel down or anything. For Myuu who had watched Hajime and others until now, she had the awareness that she was a powerless existence that couldn’t do anything. But, on the other hand, she also had cultivated a spirit twice of that awareness that could let her say ‘so what’ and blew it away. Therefore, she carried out ‘thing that her current self could do’. If she was unable to do anything, then at the very least she had to be able to cheer up the people who could do it, so first she herself would spread out liveliness. Her conviction and faith, she brought it to those people with all she had. Looking at such Myuu, who was smiling wide in front of his eyes conveying to him “It’s fine!”, Hajime loosened up his face. At the devil king castle, Hajime claimed that Myuu who was standing in the way of the rampaging him was “Stronger than himself”, but now once again he thought that those words were actually correct. More than himself, she was believing in Yue’s strength, and in the future that she wished for. “...You’re right. I’ll bring her back soon. After that, next time, let’s enter the bath together with Yue, the three of us.” Myuu let out her playfulness and imitated Yue’s reply. That was cute and lovely, making Hajime caressed Myuu’s head even more. Like that, the painful thing in his chest from thinking of Yue who was not here melted out into the bathtub together with his sigh, now his body really relaxed in the true meaning. But, there Hajime suddenly noticed. Wasn’t Myuu planned to enter with Remia and Kaori? For that Myuu to be here, in other words... “My my, dear, you are really sweet to Myuu, aren’t you? Ufufu.” “Ha, Hajime-kun. E, excuse me for disturbing.” Remia and Kaori who only hid their body with small towels apologetically revealed themselves from the other side of the steam. Remia was acting brazenly while Kaori was blushing in shame. Remia’s body that looked voluminous somehow despite its slenderness was clad in indescribable sex appeal, perhaps because she was a widow. While Kaori’s body that was like white porcelain and had the beauty of a work of art which was molded in the golden ratio. Both of them were giving off tremendous charm. Remia was at the right, and Kaori was at the left, each of them glued their body to him while soaking in the bathtub. “You guys...” ‘What are you two doing while Yue is not here’, as expected Hajime was going to complain like that, but Remia returned an affectionate gaze at him before he could say it. “I was thinking that if you calmed down by yourself, won’t you recall the pain instead...if we are a nuisance, then we will get out immediately.” “Pain you say...” “The pain of the heart has no relation with the strength of body or will after all. ‘She is not here right now’, doesn’t it feel painful just from that?” “...Remia.” It seemed he was seen through that he would feel pain from thinking of Yue. Hajime reflexively blinked, and then Kaori talked to him from the opposite side with a gentle tone. “In this kind of time, someone should be there with you. When it was me who felt like that, there was Shizuku-chan who stayed with me...I won’t be able to become Yue’s replacement but, I want to become your support even for just a little. If I cannot do that, then when Yue comes back she will make fun of me.” Kaori merely conveyed that she was at his side while chuckling. The words that came from her personal experience were heavy. During the days when Hajime was gone, Kaori didn’t break even then was because her best friend nestled close at her side through all that time for her. That was why, the feeling of ‘I too know what you feel’ was naturally conveyed to Hajime from her. Hajime sensed that he was given consideration by the two, no, by the three including Myuu too, he leaked out a small smile. “...Thanks. If I don’t get myself in shape, then it will be me who will get made fun by her, huh.” “I don’t think that will happen when it’s Yue though.” “Ufufu. Yue-san is really engrossed with Hajime-san, isn’t she.” The three remembered Yue who clung closely at Hajime and chuckled at each other. Hajime dropped his gaze at Myuu on his chest who began to go “munya munya”. It seemed she felt too pleasant and became sleepy. Before she fell asleep, she should wash her body first. Remia and Kaori accurately guessed that thinking of Hajime. Beating Kaori to the punch whose mouth was opening, Remia told Hajime with a smile. “Then, Hajime-san. I’ll wash your front now.” “No, I don’t need my back wa-...right now, you didn’t just say the front, right?” Hajime asked while his cheeks were cramping from noticing the words that were bizarrely different from the standard, and as expected there, Remia was answering with a smile. “Yes, I thought that surely Kaori-san will wish to wash your back, so I wonder if I can wash your front instead.” “Wai-, Remia-san!? What are you saying!? The, the front is...that’s...no, no good!” “My my, then, Kaori-san will be the one to wash the front?” “M, me!? I, Hajime-kun’s front, the front...” Kaori’s gaze was absorbed onto Hajime’s crotch that was not visible below Myuu’s shadow. And then, her face blushed crimson explosively. “Are you two idiots. There is no way I’ll let you two do that.” “My, if the two of us are no good then.....so, Myuu will be the one...” “Hajime-kun!? That’s no good, something like that! What are you planning to make Myuu-chan do!” “However, that place is delicate...I will need to be at her side here to give her a lecture. Mother and daughter will work hard to give service here.” “I won’t let that happen! I won’t let that happen no matter what! Remia-san! I won’t let Hajime-kun progress through that kind of abnormal path!” “My. Then, who will be the one to wash Hajime-san’s front?” “Tha, that’s...” “Kaori-san, then let’s do it like this. The three of us together.” “Hah, that way is...wait, that’s wrong!” Hajime thought. ‘Kaori...how pitiful’, like that. And then, whether it was Yue or Remia, Kaori who was played by older female as long as there was a chance caused Hajime to make a really complicated face from the gap of Kaori of now and of before when they were still on earth. At the same time... “When Yue comes back...Kaori’s hardship will be doubled, huh.” “Nmyu?” Leaving aside the two, Hajime rose from the bathtub and he whispered while washing Myuu’s hair. When they took back Yue, he would be a little gentler to Kaori. Hajime sent glances at Kaori who was still being teased by Remia with a gaze filled with such pity. Looking at such a Hajime, Myuu tilted her head in puzzlement.	{ "source": "manual-fanfic", "missed_lines": 15, "inserted_lines_src": 4, "inserted_lines_trg": 5 }
ジャズも好きだしファンクもヒップホップポップスも R&Bもラテンも演奏するアフリカ音楽もこの最高のリズムはクレセントシティの伝統的パレードセカンド・ラインからいろんなリズムに共通していることそれは数学「数楽リズム」と呼ぶんだ僕の後に続いて数楽リズム ―数楽リズム数楽リズム ―数楽リズム数楽、数楽 ―数楽、数楽数楽リズム ―数楽リズムいいねこうしたリズムはすべて 4拍子でありながら 3で割れるんだどういうこと? 3は魔法の数 3はいかした数で 3はヒップホップみたいなものでも 3で割り切れるってどういうこと? しかも 4拍子? こんな風に考えてみて音楽の単位がドルだとする 1ドルは 25セント硬貨4枚と同じだねだから音楽は4分の4拍子で 4つの音からなるこれをどうやって割るのか? 思い浮かべてほしいのは 3ドル分の25セント硬貨 4拍のグループが3つできるねそれを数えてみよう 1、2、3、4 1、2、3、4 1、2、3、4 一緒に 1、2、3、4 1、2、3、4 1、2、3、4 どうリズムを感じたかな? 4拍のグループ 3つを入れ替えて 3拍のグループ 4つにしてみよう聞いてみて 1、2、3、4 1、2、3、4 1、2、3、4 一緒に 1、2、3、4 1、2、3、4 皆で 1、2、3、4 1、2、3、4 1、2、3、4 いいねほらセカンド・ラインだろ 1、2、3、4 1、2、3、4 1、2、3、4 1、2、3、4 1、2、3、4 1、2、3、4 1、2、3、4 1、2、3、4 よしこれこそ数楽リズムなんださあ一緒に数楽リズム ―数楽リズム数楽リズム ―数楽リズム数楽、数楽 ―数楽、数楽数楽リズム ―数楽リズムスイング・ビートに乗ってもう一度 1、2、1、2 1、2、3、4 そういいね 1、2、3 1、2、3 1、2、3 1、2、3 セカンド・ラインのビートとスイング・ビートを組み合せようするとこんな感じだねうん数楽リズム ―数楽リズム数楽リズム ―数楽リズム数楽、数楽 ―数楽、数楽数楽リズム ―数楽リズムヒップホップだ 3拍のグループを速いテンポですると 3連音符になるんだ 3連音符一緒に 3連音符 3連音符、3連音符これまで聞いたリズムをすべてまとめるとこんな風になるよ数楽リズム	I like to play jazz, a little funk, and hip hop, a little pop, a little R&B, a little Latin, African. And this groove right here, comes from the Crescent City, the old second line. Now, one thing all those rhythms have in common is math, and I call it a-rhythm-etic. Can you repeat after me? A-rhythm-etic. Audience: A-rhythm-etic. Clayton Cameron: A-rhythm-etic. Audience: A-rhythm-etic. CC: A-rhythm-etic. Audience: A-rhythm-etic. CC: Yeah. Now all those styles of rhythm are all counted in four and then subdivided by three. What? Yeah. Three is a magic number. Three is a groovin' number. Three is a hip-hop kind of number. But what does subdividing by three mean? And counting off by four? Well, look, think of it this way. A measure of music as a dollar. Now a dollar has four quarters, right? And so does a 4/4 measure of music. It has four quarter notes. Now, how do you subdivide? Now let's envision this: three dollars' worth of quarters. You would have three groups of four, and you would count it, a-one-two-three-four, one-two-three-four, one-two-three-four. Together. All: A-one-two-three-four, one-two-three-four, one-two-three-four. CC: Okay, now you feel that? Now let's take those three groups of four and make them four groups of three. And listen to this. A-one-two-three-four, one-two-three-four, one-two-three-four, with me. One-two-three-four, one-two-three, come on, y'all! All: One-two-three-four, one-two-three-four, one-two-three-four, ah. CC: There you go. All right, second line. One-two-three-four, one-two-three. One-two-three-four, one-two-three. One-two-three-four, one-two-three. One-two-three-four, one-two-three. Yeah. Now, that's what I call a-rhythm-etic. Can you say it? A-rhythm-etic. Audience: A-rhythm-etic. CC: A-rhythm-etic. Audience: A-rhythm-etic. CC: A-rhythm a-rhythm. Audience: A-rhythm a-rhythm. CC: A-rhythm-etic. Audience: A-rhythm-etic. CC: Yeah. Now pick the swing beat, and do the same thing. One, two, one, two, a-one-two-three-four. Yeah. Mm. One-two-three, one-two-three, one-two-three, one-two-three. Whoo. So I want to take the second line beat and the swing beat and put them together, and it sounds something like this. Aha. A-rhythm-etic. Audience: A-rhythm-etic. CC: A-rhythm-etic. Audience: A-rhythm-etic. CC: A-rhythm a-rhythm. Audience: A-rhythm a-rhythm. CC: A-rhythm-etic. Audience: A-rhythm-etic. CC: Yeah. Hip-hop. Now it's using a faster group of three we call a triplet. Triplet-triplet. Say it with me. All: Triplet-triplet. CC: Triplet-triplet. Triplet-triplet. CC: So I'll take all the rhythms that you heard earlier, we'll put them together, and they sound like this. A-rhythm-etic.	{ "source": "iwslt2017", "missed_lines": null, "inserted_lines_src": null, "inserted_lines_trg": null }
カファルの呼ぶ名に、ルシェラは始めて『意味』を見た。 ――『ルジャの娘、我らが愛し子、天地片なる者よ!』―― が気にならなかったのは、ルシェラが元々人間であったからだろう。ドラゴンの言葉は多層的に、多次元的に意味を含む。今、カファルは、本当の意味を含めて『ルシェラ』を呼んだ。『ルシェラ』という名前に、本来そういう意味があるということではなく、名前に添加された ――今までママは、敢えてこの名前から『意味』を抜いて、わたしを呼んでた。分かっている。それはカファルの気遣いだ。あるいは、青の群れへの警戒か。直接はルシェラと関係ない、ルシェラを拾った時点で既に死んでいたルジャのことなど......その因縁など背負わせるべきではないとの間に生まれた卵ではなく、カファルの一存で拾われた子なのだから。だがそれも今更な話だ。 ――どう足掻いてもついて回る因縁なら、わたしが決着を付ける。ボロボロの身体に力が満ちる。ルシェラは、カファルから名前を貰ったとき、少女の姿となり、人を超えた力を手に入れた。大いなる循環の一部にルシェラは繋がった。 ――深く、青い!! ぽつり。晴れ渡っていた空はようよう暗くなり、分厚く重ねた毛布のような雲が、空を覆い始めていた。クグセ山は水が豊かな山だ。多くの雨を受け、それを川と為している。ルシェラが溶岩石の剣を振ると、飛沫が弾けた。『あれは!』竜巻のように渦を巻き、指向性を持って、一つの流れを形成する雨が降りてくる。ルシェラは走った。まだまだ雨は地面を軽く湿らせている程度だったが、足下では水たまりを踏んだように水が弾けた。シュレイは炎を纏う。渦巻く炎の障壁が立ちはだかる。 ――......破れる! 剣が重い。天を引きずるように、ルシェラは走った。手にするのはただの溶岩石の剣では、もはや、ない。カファルの体長ほどにも至ろうかという、天より落ちる巨大水流が渦巻く、暴嵐の剣である! 「りゃあああああああっ!!」身体を丸ごと回転させるようにして、ルシェラはその剣を、一閃! 爆発的な水音の後に、そして、静寂。シュレイの張っていた炎の障壁は打ち払われ、人型をした彼の胸部は裂かれていた。背後の岩壁にすら高水圧の傷跡が深く大きく一直線に刻まれ、そぼ濡れている。『ルシェラに、こんな力があったなんて......』濡れ鼠になった赤の竜王は、静かに笑って膝をついた。雨上がりの空を、翼竜が二頭、飛んでいた。片方の背中には、赤と青、二人分の人影。『お前が納得する結果になってくれて、まあ、よかったわい』シュレイは自らが飼い慣らした『変異体』を手繰りつつ、意地悪く笑って言った。既に胸の傷は塞がっている。仮の肉体をいくら傷付けられようと、それを補修する力が残っている限り何ほどのこともないのだ。『あんなものを見せられては納得するしかあるまい! さては初めからこのつもりだったな、赤の』『フハハハ、さて何の事やら』シュレイは呵々(かか)と笑う。ルシェラが、カファルの名付けによって『ドラゴンの娘』と定義され変質したなら、その名を元々持っていた仔の父の性質も受け継いでいると考えるのは自然だった。ところが当のルシェラに会ってみれば、水の力を感じない。その理由は、カファルが彼女を呼ぶのを聞いてすぐに分かった。何故かとは問うまでもない。不器用な娘の考える事など、海千山千の老竜にはお見通しだ。それでルシェラがいきなりあれだけの力を使えたのは、実際のところ、予想以上ではあった。これまでに積み上げてきた修練の成果なのだろうか。これでシルニル海の群れの協力は取り付けた。人とドラゴンが地上の支配権を賭けて殺し合う、悲惨な『人竜戦争』の再来だけは避けなければならない。逆に人族も、長期的視点から最もドラゴンに打撃を与えられる戦法を取るようになった......何十万の犠牲を出そうとも、未熟なドラゴンの仔や卵を絶対に殺すべく攻撃を仕掛けてきたのだ。双方が数を減らし疲弊しきったことで、土地を巡って争う必要が無くなり、人竜戦争は終戦の協定も何も無くただ終わった。あの戦いを繰り返さないというのは、今のところ人とドラゴンの共通の目標だ。だから人族はドラゴンの群れを狙うことを厳に戒め、ドラゴンも群れとして人族と戦うことはしない。に対してできるのは、ほんの少しの贈り物だけ。後は、上手くやってくれることを祈るしかない。義理の孫『全く。人間などに懐かれて喜んでいるようではベルマールの竜王も随分と丸くなったものだ』青の貴公子は苦い口調で毒づいた。『お前こそ、己が何者か明かせば良かったのではないか? 青の。意趣返しとばかりにシュレイは、最後までルシェラに対して名を名乗りもしなかった同乗者を、ちくりと咎める。『『おじいちゃん』と呼んでもらえたかも知れんぞ』『なっ......!』青の貴公子は......シルニルの青竜王・トグルは、突然槍でも呑まされたかのように驚き戸惑った表情で絶句した。『......全く! お前は何百年経っても食えん奴よ!』『わはははははは!!』誤魔化す調子で青の竜王はそっぽを向き、赤の竜王は大笑する。朗々として陽気な咆哮は地平まで響き、夕焼けの前兆に向かって飛ぶ鳥たちを脅かした。	For the first time, Lucella understood the meaning behind Kafal’s call of her name. —“Daughter of Luja, our beloved child, the fragment of heaven and earth!”— nature of that name didn’t concern her much, likely because Lucella had originally been human. Dragon’s words carried a multitude of layered meanings, spanning across various dimensions. Now, Kafal addressed her as “Lucella” with the word’s true meaning. It wasn’t that the name “Lucella” inherently possessed that meaning, but rather that a dragon’s name encompassed the intended nuances behind it too. —Until now Mom had intentionally omitted that “nuance” from the name when referring to me. She understood it. That was Kafal’s consideration for her. And perhaps it was the wariness towards the Blue group. She judged that Lucella shouldn’t be burdened with the destiny concerning Luja, who was not directly related to her and had already died by the time Kafal picked her up. Lucella was not born from an egg between the two dragons, but rather taken in by Kafal’s sole discretion. However, such consideration was no longer relevant now. —If this is the destiny that would follow me everywhere no matter how I try to shake it off, then I’ll settle it here and now. I... made up my mind to be a dragon’s daughter! Strength surged through Lucella’s worn-out body. When Lucella received her name from Kafal, she took on the form of a young girl and gained powers surpassing those of a mere human. Now, a comparable transformation was on the verge of occurring once more. Power surging through the world formed a link with her. She connected to one part of the vast cycle. Flowing in, flowing out. It surpassed the mighty power of surging flames... —Deep, deep, blue!! Drip. A raindrop brushed against Lucella’s nose. The once clear sky darkened, and thick, layered clouds akin to a heavy blanket began to spread across the heavens. A deep, rumbling noise reverberated in her ears. Mount Kuguse was known for its abundant waters, receiving ample rainfall that transformed into rivers. Now, somewhere, those rivers surged with increased force, threatening to overflow. She had a peculiar sensation, as if her arms were on the verge of bursting. As Lucella swung her sword made of lava rock, droplets scattered and burst in all directions. “That...!” The blue dragon incarnations were fully aware of this anomaly. Strange rain started to fall from the dense rain clouds. Twisting like a tornado, it took on a directed flow, creating a unified stream of rain. Lucella sprinted forward. Although the rain had barely dampened the ground, each step caused water to erupt like splashing into puddles. Shurei was enveloped in flames, creating a swirling wall of fire. —...I can break through! Her sword felt heavy. Lucella ran, seemingly dragging the heavens with her. No longer a mere sword made of lava rock, what she wielded now was a tempestuous blade, a torrential storm weapon swirling with a colossal water current, capable of rivaling the length of Kafal’s body as it cascaded from the heavens! “Ryaaaaaaaaahhhhh!!” With her entire body spinning, Lucella swung the sword. After the resounding explosion of water, silence followed. Shurei’s flaming barrier was swept away, and his humanoid chest was torn apart. Deep and wide lines were carved in a straight line on the rock wall behind him, dripping wet from the high-pressure water. “To think that Lucella possessed such power...” The Red Dragon King, now soaked to the skin, chuckled softly and kneeled down. Two pterosaurs soared through the sky after the rain had ceased. On the back of one of them, there were the figures of a red and blue silhouette. “I am glad that it was an outcome that you could accept,” Shurei spoke with a mischievous grin while holding the reins of the Variant that he had tamed himself. The wound on his chest had already closed. As long as he had the power to repair his temporary physical body, no amount of damage could truly faze him. The Blue nobleman riding beside him let out a sigh, wearing an expression of being outdone. “After witnessing something like that, I have no choice but to accept it!” “You must have planned this from the beginning, Red.” “Hahaha, now what could you possibly be referring to?” Shurei answered with a burst of laughter. If Lucella underwent a transformation defined as “Dragon’s Daughter” through Kafal’s naming, it would be natural to assume that she might also inherit the characteristics of the father who was the original bearer of that name. However, upon meeting Lucella in person, it was evident that she did not possess the power of water. The reason became clear as soon as Kafal called her by name. It turned out that Kafal had only given her half of the name “Lucella.” There was no need to question why. The wise old dragon could see through the thoughts of his inexperienced daughter. And so, he gave her a gentle nudge. But frankly, it was beyond his expectations that Lucella had displayed that level of power just with that. Perhaps it was thanks to her training until now. She proved her power to be worthy of the dragon’s name. It was a fortunate turn of events, as it saved him the trouble of convincing the blue dragons, at least for now. With the cooperation of the Sylnir Sea Group secured, the fate of their mission now rested solely with Kafal. They were unable to meddle in the conflicts between humans as a group. The harrowing specter of another devastating “Human-Dragon War,” where humans and dragons slaughtered each other to claim dominion over the land, had to be avoided at all costs. After over a hundred years of relentless warfare, the human population had been decimated to less than half its former numbers. In turn, humans had adopted tactics that could inflict lasting damage on dragons, targeting their vulnerable young and eggs, no matter the cost of countless lives. Both sides had suffered tremendous losses and were left drained. The need to fight over land had dissipated, and the Human-Dragon War had ended abruptly, without any formal peace agreement. Preventing the repetition of such a conflict remained the shared objective for humans and dragons, at least for the time being. Therefore, the humans were strictly admonished against targeting dragon groups, and the dragons, as a group, vowed not to engage in warfare against the humans. Only dragons at least temporarily separated from their groups could participate in human conflicts. Shurei could offer his daughter only a small token of support. Beyond that, he could only pray that she would handle the situation adeptly. ...Along with his granddaughter-in-law. “Good grief. It seems that the Dragon King of Belmar has mellowed quite a bit to feel attachment and joy toward humans,” the Blue nobleman’s words dripped with bitterness as he spoke candidly. Their closeness allowed for such unreserved conversations. “Perhaps you, too, should have revealed your true identity, Blue. You persist in disguising yourself as someone younger.” As if to retaliate, Shurei rebuked his companion, who didn’t reveal his identity to Lucella until the end. “Perhaps she would have called you ‘Grandpa.’” “Wha...!” The Blue nobleman... The Blue Dragon King of Sylnir, lost his words with a shocked expression as if he swallowed a spear. “...Good grief! You remain shrewd no matter how many hundreds of years pass!” “Wahahahaha!!” The Blue Dragon King turned the other way to hide his expression, while the Red Dragon King burst into laughter. With a resounding and cheerful roar, reaching all the way to the horizon, the dragons disturbed the birds flying towards the evening sky.	{ "source": "manual-fanfic", "missed_lines": 1, "inserted_lines_src": 27, "inserted_lines_trg": 6 }
「痛ぇ、何が起きた...?」俺は周囲を見渡す。場所は変わらない。さっきまで俺がいた大学の空き教室だ。けれど何かがおかしい。全体的に暗い気がする。それにこの時間なら大学の何処に居てもそれなりに周囲から人の声や物音が聞こえてくるはずなのに何の音もしない。『素養のある人間の魔王化・スキル配備・運命の不確定化・各種法則の調整完了しました。只今より各魔王様に対してのチュートリアルを開始します。』頭の中に先程までの幼女ボイスとは全く違う機械的な音声が流れてくる。『初めに、私は魔王様方へのチュートリアルをするために産み出された存在で以後は「ヘルプ君」とお呼びください。』ヘルプ君ね...。できれば元に戻る方法とか教えてほしいものなんだけど...、『では、魔王化についての説明をさせていただきます。魔王化は私の主が素養のある人間から無作為に選択した方々に施されたもので、解除の方法はありません。お諦めください。 ...。悪い冗談だと思いたいけど事実なんだろうなぁー既に人間だったころの名前とか思い出せないし。まず魔王になった方々には必ず与えられのスキルがあります。』こうなれば出た所勝負だ。とりあえず聞けるだけ話は聞くとしよう。 ≫です。このスキルは初回発動時は自分を中心に発動し、半径5km内を迷宮化します。2回目以降に発動した場合は自らの作ったダンジョンの構造を変化させることができます。ダンジョン作成の詳しいイロハについてはチュートリアル終了後に各自で私にお聞きください。なお、此方で魔王化に伴い初回発動は既にさせていただきました。それに伴い迷宮内にいた人間は全て迷宮外に出され、迷宮と外の間には一年間維持される結界を張らせていただきました。これにより迷宮内外への移動が不可能になっています。』なるほど、周囲から音がしなかったのはこれが原因か。というか結界ってまるでファンタジーだな。いや既にこの状況そのものがファンタジーか。『二つ目は≪ このスキルは魔王様方に忠実な魔性。所謂モンスターを生み出すスキルです。現段階では各魔王様の特性に合わせた一種類の魔性しか生み出すことが出来ませんが各種条件を満たすことにより生み出すことが出来る魔性の種類は増えます。詳しいことはチュートリアル終了後に私にお聞きください。そして、これら二つのスキルに加えて各魔王様方に一つずつ固有のスキルが与えられています。なお、まだチュートリアルの途中なので、グダり防止のためいずれのスキルも使えませんのでご注意を、』あー、うん。やっぱり使おうとした奴いるのね。気持ちは分かるけどさ。『では続きましてステータスの説明に移らさせていただきます。『ステータスオープン』と仰ってください。』ステータスがあるのか、これだとファンタジーというよりRPGだな。と、説明に遅れないようにしないとな、「『ステータスオープン』」 ----------------- Name:蝕む黒霧の王 Race:蝕む黒霧の王 Class:魔王 Level:1 MP:1850/1850 SP:1750/1750 Status 筋力 40 器用 55 敏捷 55 感知 45 知力 60 精神 70 幸運 8 Skill ≪迷宮創生≫≪魔性創生≫≪蝕む黒の霧≫ Title ≪蝕む黒霧の王≫ ----------------- うーん。基準は分からないけどステータスが高い気がする。あと、幸運が低い気がする。『まだ、ステータスを開いておられない魔王様もいらっしゃるようですが、時間短縮のため説明を進めさせていただきます。まずNameはそのまま貴方の名前です。なお、人間の頃の名前は既に失われておりますのでご了承を。Raceは種族です。見てわかるように人間以外のものになっています。それが今の貴方方の正体です。続けてClassについてですがこれは所謂職業というものです。ただし、魔王の場合は魔王で固定となっており、職業効果で本来の値からHP,MP,SPは十倍、幸運以外のステータスになっています。また先程上げたスキルも職業効果の一種であり、これら以外にも様々な恩恵と制約が与えられています。 HPやMPについては説明不要ですね。HPが0になったら死ぬ。MPが0になれば気絶する。とても単純な仕様です。SPというのはスタミナの事でして、こちらも0になれば気絶します。それぞれの詳しい仕様は各自で聞いてください。なお、平均的な一般人はHP,MP,SPが40。他のステータスは10となっています。』とんでもない補正がかかるんだな。さすがは魔王。というか、俺の幸運は一般人より下なのか。まあ魔王にされた時点で運がないのには納得もするけど。それにHPとかが一般人の十倍どころじゃない値になっているのは...他のステータスが上がっているせいか? 後、ヘルプ君の口調が段々とおざなりになってきている気が...?いや、主があの幼女ボイスなのを考えれば納得するけど『Skillは先ほど説明したとおりです。固有スキルに関しては各自で把握してくださいませ。Titleは称号の事です。今までどのような特別なことをやってきたかを表すだけの欄なので特に気にしなくてもよろしいでしょう。なお、Skillに関しては各項目に触れれば詳細が表示されますのでご安心を。』なるほどなるほど、ならチュートリアルが終わり次第まずはスキルを確認するべきだな。恐らくは俺にとって...、というか魔王という存在にとっては最後の命綱になるかもしれないものだろうし。『最後に魔王である貴方方にはこれから一年をかけて自らの迷宮を作っていただくことになるのですが、一年経った後はどうぞご自由にご行動くださいませ。』ん?どういう事だ? 『世界を滅ぼすも、人間を支配するも、そして我が主の楔から逃れ復讐するも全て貴方達の自由という事です。それでは全ての皆様方。これにてチュートリアルを終了いたします。これからの魔王生をどうぞご自由にご堪能くださいませ。』	—————– “Ouch, what the hell happened...?” I took a gander at my surroundings, but my location hasn’t shifted. It was the same unoccupied classroom at the university where I was a while ago. However, something was amiss. The overall atmosphere was dismal. Furthermore, it was realistic to anticipate people’s voices and noises to be picked up from the surroundings at this time of day, regardless of where I was in the university, yet there was none. [The Demon King’s metamorphosis, the deployment of skills, the transformation of the indeterminate’s destiny, and the modification of various laws have all been finalized. The tutorial for each Demon King will commence now.] A mechanical voice, utterly distinct from the young girl’s voice that had emerged earlier, flowed in my head. [Please refer to me as Help-kun from now on as I have been created to conduct tutorials for the Demon King.] Help-kun... If possible, I would like you to enlighten me on how to return to my original state... [Now, allow me to explain the transformation of becoming a Demon King. My master administers the Demon King metamorphosis to a random selection of people who have the potential to become Demon Kings, and there is no way to reverse it. Please give up. Moreover, I do not know why you have the ability to become a Demon King. Thus, any queries you may have about this subject will be fruitless.] I would rather believe it was a bad joke, but this was the truth as of nowー After all, I already had no recollection of my name from my previous existence as a human. [Now, let me explain the effects of becoming a Demon King. First, there are two skills that are invariably granted to those who become Demon Kings.] In this case, I would have to play by the rule. I will listen to what I can in the meantime. [The first is ≪Dungeon Create≫. This skill, when activated for the first time, is focused on you and generates a labyrinth within a radius of km, and when activated for the second and subsequent times, it allows you to alter the structure of the dungeon you have created. For further details on how to create a dungeon, please inquire after the tutorial. Furthermore, following your transformation into a Demon King, the first activation has already been performed. Consequently, those who have been inside the labyrinth have all been ejected from it, and a barrier has been imposed between the labyrinth and the outside world that will last for a year. As a result, entering and exiting the labyrinth is now impossible.] So that’s why there haven’t been any sounds in the area. A barrier, after all, is a fantasy, right? No, this circumstance itself is already a fantasy. [The second is ≪Monster Create≫. This is a skill to conjure up so-called monsters that are devoted to the demon kings. At this stage, only one type of monster can be created for each demon king, but by fulfilling various conditions, the types of monsters that can be created will be increased. For further details, please inquire with me after the tutorial. Aside from these two skills, each Demon King possesses a unique skill. Please note that since the tutorial is still in progress, you will not be permitted to utilize any of these skills in order to prevent any complications.] I had a feeling someone would try to use it, thus I can understand Help-kun’s feelings. [Now, we will proceed to the explanation of the status. Please say ‘Status Open’.] There is a status? This is more of a role-playing game than a fantasy. Guess I ought to catch up on the explanations. “Status Open.” —————– Name: King of the Devouring Black Mist Class: Demon King Level: HP: /00 MP: 1850/1850 SP: 1750/1750 Status Strength 40 Dexterity 55 Agility 55 Perception 45 Intellect 60 Spirit 70 Luck 8 Skill ≪Dungeon Create≫, ≪Monster Create≫, ≪Devouring Black Mist≫ Title ≪King of the Devouring Black Mist≫ Mmm. I feel that my status has been boosted, despite the fact that I have no idea what the requirements are. Also, I have a feeling that my luck is low. [It seems that some of you Demon Kings have not opened your status yet, but to save time, I’ll proceed with the explanation. First and foremost, ‘Name’ is your name as it is. Please note that your former name as a human has already been erased. ‘Race’ is just that: race. As you can see, you have changed into something that is different from a human being. That is the identity of the present you. As for ‘Class’, it is the so-called ‘Occupation’. However, in the role of a Demon King, you are fixed as a Demon King, and your HP, MP, and SP are increased by 10 times from the original value as a result of your occupation, and your status apart from luck is increased by 5 times. The skills mentioned above represent a type of occupational effect, and various other benefits and restrictions are also imparted. As for HP and MP, I don’t need to explain them; if your HP reaches 0, you die; if your MP reaches 0, you faint. It is a very simple concept. SP refers to stamina, and if this also reaches 0, you will pass out. For further details on each of these specifications, please ask for detailed specifications of each on your own. An average person has 40 HP, MP, and SP, and 10 in the other stats.] As one would expect from the Demon King, that was an astounding correction. Or it could signify that my luck wasn’t as decent as other individuals. It was reasonable that my luck wasn’t high after being transformed into a Demon King. Besides, my HP was not ten times higher than the average person’s... was it because my other stats have gone up? I also have a feeling that Help-kun’s tone of voice was steadily growing more and more laconic...? It made sense, given that his master retained that little girl’s voice. [Skill is as I explained earlier. Please grasp it by yourself as far as your unique skills are concerned. A title is exactly what it says on the tin. Since this field only denotes what remarkable things you have accomplished so far, there is no need to be bothered with the title. In addition, you can check the details of the Skill column by touching them.] So, once the tutorial was finished, the initial step should be to review the skills. This may be my final lifeline... or rather, my last lifeline as an existence of a Demon King. [Finally, you, the Demon King, will have one year from now to create your own labyrinth, but after a year has passed, please feel free to do as you please.] Hmm? What exactly does that imply? [It is up to you to either destroy the world, dominate humankind, or escape from my master’s grasp and exact vengeance. Well then, all of you, this is the end of the tutorial. You are now free to indulge yourselves in the life of a Demon King.]	{ "source": "manual-fanfic", "missed_lines": 0, "inserted_lines_src": 7, "inserted_lines_trg": 3 }
ライエルはともかく、フィーナに会える貴重であり、最近ではコルティナとも会える日でもある。冒険に明け暮れる俺としては、心身ともに癒される、貴重な日でもあった。「なぜ、いる?」「開口一番失礼ですね! フィーナさんもそう思いませんか? 思いますよね?」「あ、はい。ニコルさんとは仲良しデスヨ?」俺の挑発的な疑問の声に、あっさりと噛み付いてきた破戒神ユーリだったが、フィーナにたしなめられてあっさりと手の平を返す。ライエルとマリアとコルティナがそれともう一人...... 「で、なぜ、いる? そ「失敬じゃな。昔の仲間と旧交を温めに訪れたというのに」居間の片隅にある揺り椅子に身を委ね、夢の世界に片足突っ込みかけていたマクスウェルに、俺は疑問の視線を向けた。しかし、揺り椅子に乗って子供を見守りつつうたた寝するとか、最近急速に老け込んでないか。そんな調子で、レティーナは大丈夫なんだろうな? 「若い許嫁ができたんだから、そっちの世話をしときなさいって」「最近は冒険に精を出しておってな。マテウスとサリヴァンを付けておるので、問題はあるまいて」「普通、婚約者が男と出掛けるとかしたら、心配するものでしょ?」「ふふん、ここは大人の寛容さを見せるところじゃな。それに常にべったり張り付いておるばかりが、愛情表現とは言えんよ」「言ってくれるわね」そんなマクスウェルの言葉に反対の声を上げたのが、コルティナだ。「まったく、その辺にしておいてくれんかの。ワシもここ最近疲れが溜まっておるんじゃ」「疲れ? ああ、メトセラ領の......」「それだけでなく、レメク公爵家もな。大物貴族が減った分、その後釜に座ろうとする連中が増えてのぅ」「大変ね。あ、そうだ。ならレティーナちゃんを後に据えればどう?」「む? レティーナ嬢を?」「ほら、マクスウェル。あんたは一応王族の血を引いてるわけだから、公爵の資格はあるわけでしょ?」「元公爵じゃがな」俺たちと組む前のマクスウェルは、王族の血を引いていたため公爵家の当主でもあった。それどころか王位を継いでいた時期すらある。冒険を終えてラウムに戻ったものの、一度家を捨てた身の上のため、公爵位に返り咲きはしなかったが、それでも血縁という事実は歴然としてある。それを推し進めるために、一代前のレティーナを新たな公爵に据えるというのは、悪い手ではない。唐突に公爵家が出来上がるより、レティーナとマクスウェルの婚姻によりヨーウィ侯爵家とマクスウェルの血筋を融合させ、新たな公爵家を生み出す方がよほど周囲の反対は少ないだろう。実質的にはヨーウィ家のになる。「確かに、ヨーウィ家はゴブリン襲撃の際には積極的に動いておったし、その貢献を認めるという形にすれば、反対も少ないか?」「でしょ? それにヨーウィ侯爵なら、人格に問題はないし」「レティーナちゃんを心配して、密偵をメトセラに送り込んでいたんでしょ? なら能力面も悪くないわね」あの一件でヨーウィ侯爵が民衆の保護に動いてくれたおかげで、貴族への風当たりはかなり緩和されている。その提案を聞き、マクスウェルはヒゲをしごいて思案していた。「フム、悪くはない......のぅ」小さく絞り出すような声。それを聞きつけて甲高い声が割り込んできた。「あーやだやだ。フィーナちゃんはあんな生臭い世界に首突っ込んじゃダメでしゅよー?」「あーい」「生臭いってなんだ。そもそもなんでいるのか、聞いてないよ?」「わたしはフィーナちゃんの家庭教師なんですよ。尊敬してください」「尊敬はしないでもないが、余計なことを教え――」「なんでみんな、そう疑り深いんですか!?」こう見えて一応、魔法の中興の祖とも呼ばれる破戒神だけあって、彼女の知識は深い。それに彼女にはいろいろと世話になっている事情もあった。その技術の高さには、確かに尊敬すべき部分は多々あった。問題はそれを吹っ飛ばすような、破天荒な性格である。疑われるのも、むべなるかな。「ほら、フィーナちゃんは薬学のギフトがあったでしょう?」「あなた方の人脈では、薬学に特化した人はいません。だからわたしが教えているんですよ」「そりゃありがたいが......」確かにマクスウェルやコルティナは深い知識量を誇るが、薬学が専門というわけではない。専門知識があるというのなら、こちらからもお願いしたいくらいではある。珍しく険しい目をして中空を睨み、その後こちらに向けて謝罪の言葉を口にした。「すみません、どうやら急用ができたみたいなので、帰らせてもらいます」「えっ!? あの、何か気に障ることでも?」「いえいえ、マリアさん。そういうことではなく、本当に急用なんです。誠にすみませんが、フィーナちゃんへの教育は少し中断させていただきますね」「え、はい」少々モヤッとしたものが残るが、彼女が唐突に現れたり消えたりするのはいつものことなので、気にしないでおくことにした。	That day, I was returning home to the northern village. It was an important day. Lyell aside, I could meet Fina, and lately, even Cortina. Cortina was still forbidden from meeting Reid, so I couldn’t show up in front of her with my previous form, but I was still excited that I could meet her. This was a day when I could heal my mind and body after continuously exposing them to danger. And yet... “What are you doing here?” “You’re being rude from the get-go huh! You agree too, right, Fina? Right?” “Ah, okay. Nicole and I are besties, you know?” God of Destruction Yuuri snapped back at my provocation, but she raised her hands in defeat once Fina rebuked her. As expected of Fina. Even gods dance on top of her palm. Lyell, Maria, and Cortina were relaxing in the living room, while God of Destruction and the Carbuncle were looking after Fina. Those were the first words that left my mouth when I saw that scene. There was one more person, though... “And, what are you “So rude. I came to renew my friendship with my old comrades.” I directed a questioning gaze at Maxwell, who was sitting on a rocking chair while having one foot in the dream world. He opened his eyes in reaction to my question and objected back. Still, dozing off while looking over a child from the rocking chair made me feel like he’s been rapidly aging as of late. Was Letina doing alright with him in that state? “You got yourself a young wife, so go pay attention to her.” “She’s been working hard on her adventures lately. Mateus and Sullivan are with her, so there are no problems.” “Wouldn’t you normally worry if your fiancee goes out with other men?” “Ohoho, this is where I have to show the open-mindedness of an adult. Not to mention, clinging to each other all the time is not an expression of love.” “You sure can say that.” Cortina retorted to his claim. But I suppose men and women had different ideas about such things. The two started a lively verbal quarrel, and Maxwell’s old act from before disappeared without a trace. “Could you leave it at that already? I have started to grow weary as of late.” “Weary? Oh, you mean the Methuselah domain matter...” “Not only that, but also about the Lamech duke household. With big nobles disappearing, people aiming for their seats increased too.” “That sounds tough. Ah, right. Why not appoint Letina as one later?” “Hmm? Letina?” “Hey, Maxwell! You’re still a royalty descendant, so you should have qualifications to become a duke, right?” “Well, I am a former duke.” Before he joined us, Maxwell was the head of a duke household since he was a royalty descendant. Not just that, he had even succeeded the throne at one point. However, with the world in danger, he had to give up on his household to challenge the Evil Dragon. Though he returned to Raum after the adventure, he couldn’t come back as a duke, having given up on it once, but his bloodline was still evident to anyone. Now that Maxwell was marrying, a child between him and Letina would have qualifications to succeed the duke peerage. It wouldn’t be a bad move to appoint the previous generation, that is, Letina, as a duke now to forge the path ahead for that. Instead of a sudden new duke household appearing, it would cause fewer objections if it was created through the fusion of Marquis Yowi household and Maxwell’s bloodline through marriage. It would substantially become an elevation of the Yowi household. “Certainly, the Yowi household was proactive during the goblin raid, so if we use that contribution there should be few objections, wouldn’t there?” “Right? Plus Marquis Yowi has no problems with his personality.” “He even sent spies to Methuselah when he was worried for his daughter, so even his ability isn’t bad.” Maria also joined in to approve of it after Cortina. Thanks to the fact that Marquis Yowi acted to protect the people during that incident, criticism towards the nobles was reduced quite a bit. Hearing of that suggestion, Maxwell rubbed his beard and pondered. “Hmm... that doesn’t sound so bad...” He squeezed out a small mutter. Hearing our talks, a high-pitched voice butted in. “That’s a no-no. Fina, you shouldn’t get involved in that kind of fishy society.” “Okaay!” “What do you mean fishy? In the first place, I still haven’t heard why you’re here.” “I am Fina’s home tutor. Give me due respect. “It’s not that I don’t respect you, but don’t teach her bad—” “Why is everyone so distrustful of me?!” Despite how she looked, she was still the God of Destruction, one of the ancestors of magic, so she was actually very knowledgeable. And I actually owed quite a lot to her. I did respect her in some aspects when it came to her skill. The problem was her unprecedented personality that blew all my respect away. I shouldn’t be blamed for doubting her. “Look, Fina has Pharmacy Gift now right?” “Well, yeah.” “And you people have no one specializing in pharmacy among your connections. So I am the one teaching her.” “Well thanks for that, but...” Maxwell and Cortina were very knowledgeable, but they were no alchemy specialists. If she had the knowledge of a specialist, I should be the one to ask her to do it. But this goddess’s personality was... As I was contemplating it, the person in question stood up. She glared at the empty space with an unusual stern look, then turned towards me and apologized. “I’m sorry, something urgent came up so I’m heading back.” “Huuh?! Did we hurt your feelings or something?” “No, no, miss Maria. It’s nothing like that. This is really an emergency. I’m sorry, but I have to put Fina’s education on hold for now.” The moment she said it, she disappeared from the place. I didn’t know what she sensed, but she was in a hurry. I felt some doubts, but it was normal for her to come and go without a warning, so I decided not to mind it.	{ "source": "manual-fanfic", "missed_lines": 2, "inserted_lines_src": 15, "inserted_lines_trg": 1 }
大学へと最初の1歩を踏み出したときの興奮を覚えている方々もいるでしょう現在在学中で今この瞬間もその興奮を感じている方もいるかもしれません大学には多少の欠点もあります学費が高く若者に借金を残すことですしかし全体としてとても良い進路です若者達は誇りと素晴らしい友人― そして多くの知識を持って大学を卒業しますそして何よりも重要なことに入学前よりもよいチャンスが労働市場で与えられます今日皆さんにお話したいのは米国で子供から大人への旅路を監督する 2つ目の組織についてですそれは「刑務所」です若者はこの旅で教師の代わりに保護監察官に出会います彼らは授業の代わりに公判に向かいます 1年目に留学する代わりに州の刑務所へ行きます彼らが20代で出所するとビジネスや英文学の学位ではなく前科がついてきますこの施設にも多額の費用がかかりニュージャージーの刑務所に若者を1人送るのに年間4万ドルもかかりますしかしここでは納税者が費用を負担し子供達に与えられるのは冷たい独房です日常生活に戻り就職しようとしても永久に消えることのない記録が残ります米国ではこの旅路を辿る子供が年々増えかつてないほどの数に達していますこれは過去40年間に受刑率が700%も増加したからですスライドを1枚用意しましたこれですこれが米国の受刑率で人口10万人あたり716人ですこれはOECDの国々ですさらに刑務所に送られるのは貧しい子供たち― アフリカ系アメリカ人やラテン系の子供達が多く成功しようとする若者とアメリカンドリームの実現との間に刑務所が立ちはだかります実際の問題はもっとひどく― なぜなら貧しい子供達を刑務所に送るだけでなく子供達に訴訟費用を負担させ保護観察や仮釈放による制限を加え低いレベルの保証しか与えません私たちは彼らに社会復帰施設で暮らしたり自宅軟禁することを求めまた有色人種の貧しいコミュニティに警察の手が入りつつあることをうまく乗り越えるよう求めていますしかしその理由は公共の安全を増進するためでなく検挙率を上げ街の財源を潤すためなのですこれが歴史的な処罰の手法の隠された側面です若者はいつ呼び止められて調べを受け逮捕されるかわからないと脅えていました街中だけでなく家の中でも学校でも職場でもですこのもうひとつの大人への道に興味を持ったのは2000年代初頭に私がペンシルバニア大学の学生であったときです大学は昔からのアフリカ系アメリカ人の居住地の中にありますそのため 2つの交わることのない旅が同時に起こっているのです― この優秀な私立大学に通う子供達がいる一方で大学の近所の子供達は何人かは大学に行けますが多くは刑務所に送られています大学2年生の時私は大学から10分のところに住む高校生の女の子の家庭教師を始めました間もなくして彼女のいとこが少年院から家に帰ってきました彼は15歳で高校1年生でした私は彼やその友達彼の家族と知り合いになりそして私は大学の卒業論文で彼の人生について書いてもいいかと尋ねましたこの卒業論文はプリンストン大学で博士論文になり今は本になっています大学2年目の終わりまでに私は大学の近所に引っ越しそこで次の6年間を過ごすことになります若者が成人するまでにどのような経験をするか理解するためですその地域に引っ越した週に 7歳と5歳の男の子が追いかけっこをして年上の少年が年下の子を追いかけるのを見ました年上の子は警察役でした警察は年下の子を捕まえた時その子を地面に押し付け想像上の手錠をかけるとその子のポケットから 25セント硬貨を取り上げて「これは没収する」と言ったのです年上の子はもう1人にドラッグは持っていないか保証人はいるかと尋ねましたこのゲームは何度も繰り返され時に子供達は逃げるのをあきらめ手を上げて地面に腹ばいになったり壁にぴったり体をつけることもありました子供達はお互いに大声で「お前を留置所送りにしてやる捕まえたら二度と家には戻れないぞ!」と叫びます 6歳の子供が他の子供のズボンを下ろし体腔検査をしようとするのを見たこともありますその地区に住んだ最初の18ヶ月私は警察と近所の人々の接触を目撃するたびに書き留めましたその結果最初の18ヶ月間警察が歩行者や車に乗っている人を呼び止めたり身体検査を行ったり名前を照合したり人々を通りで追いかけたり人々を尋問のために連行したり逮捕したりするのを 5日間の例外を除き毎日見ました 52回も警察がドアを壊して人々を家の中まで追いかけたり在宅中の人を逮捕するのを見ました最初の1年半で14回も― 私は警察が若者を殴り、首を絞め、蹴り、踏みつけ、叩くのを見ました逮捕した後にです徐々に私は2人の兄弟を知るようになりましたチャックとティムです出会ったときチャックは18歳で高校3年生でしたバスケットボールチームでプレーしていて成績は「可」と「良」ばかりでした彼の弟ティムは10歳でしたティムはチャックが大好きでいつもついて回っていましたチャックをメンターとして慕っていました 2人は母親と祖父と一緒に芝生の前庭と裏口のある 2階建ての家に住んでいました母親は少年達が成長する間ずっと中毒に悩まされていました彼女は実際のところ長い間職につけませんでした家族を支えているのは祖父の年金でしたが成長期の男の子2人の食べ物や服― 学校用品を買うには十分ではありませんでした家族は本当に困窮していました私たちが会った時にチャックは高校3年生で 18歳になったばかりでしたその冬校庭である子供がチャックの母親を「売女」と呼びましたチャックがその子の顔を雪に押し付けたので学校警察は彼を加重暴行罪で告訴しましたその子は翌日には回復しました何よりも傷付けられたのは彼のプライドであったことでしょうしかしチャックは18歳であったためこの加重暴行罪によってフィラデルフィアの北東の国道沿いの成人用の郡刑務所に送られました彼の経済状態では保釈金が支払えず一方で公判は彼の高校3年生の大部分延々と続きました季節の終わりが近づき最終的にこの暴行訴訟の裁判官はほとんどの請求を却下しチャックは帰宅しましたたった数百ドルの裁判費用のみが彼に課されましたティムはその日とても幸せでした翌秋チャックは高校3年生を再履修しようとしましたが学校の事務員が言うには彼は19歳なので再履修には年を取りすぎているということでしたその後その暴行訴訟の裁判官は彼に対して逮捕令状を発行しましたなぜなら彼は裁判の後数週間で期限を迎えた― 225ドルの裁判費用が支払えなかったからですそして彼は逃走中の高校中退者となりましたティムの最初の逮捕はその年の暮れ 11歳になった時でしたチャックは逮捕状を退けることに成功し計画に沿って裁判費用を支払っておりガールフレンドの車でティムを学校に送っているところでした警察官が彼らを呼びとめデータベースと照合したところその車がカリフォルニアで盗まれたものと判明したのですその車がいつどこで盗まれたかなどチャックには見当もつきませんでした彼のガールフレンドのおじがフィラデルフィア北東の中古車オークションで買ったものだったのですチャックとティムはカリフォルニアまではおろか隣接する3州の外にも出たことがありませんでしたそれでもその管轄区域の警察はチャックを盗品受領の罪で逮捕しましたそしてその数日後青少年担当の裁判官は 11歳のティムを盗品を受け取った共犯者として告発し彼は3年間の保護観察期間に付されました保護観察処分の期間中チャックは小さな弟を座らせ彼に警察から逃げるにはどうしたらよいのか教え始めたのです彼らは共用の狭い路地を臨める裏口に隣り合って座りチャックはティムに覆面パトカーの見分け方や深夜の警察の急襲から逃げる方法やどこにどのように隠れるかを教えたのです皆さん少し想像してみてくださいもし子供達が刑務所ではなく大学に行く地区にチャックとティムが住んでいたらその生活はどんなものであったでしょうチャックとティムが住んでいたらその生活はどんなものであったでしょう幸いにも私が育ったような地域です皆さんはこう言うかもしれませんでもチャックとティムみたいな子供達は犯罪を犯しているじゃないの! 刑務所に行かなくっていいって言うの? 逮捕を恐れて生きていく必要はないって言うの? 私の答えはノーですその必要はないのです恵まれた若者が罰を受けずに済むのと同じことをしているのならなおのことその必要はありませんもしチャックが私の高校に通っていれば校庭での喧嘩はその場で終わったでしょう校庭の喧嘩としてです加重暴行罪の訴訟になることなどありません私が一緒に大学に通った子供のうち犯罪歴のある人は1人もいませんただの1人もですでももし警察が授業に来た学生達を呼び止めてドラッグを持っていないか調べたら何人くらい捕まるか想像できますか? もしくは真夜中のコンパに警察が乗り込んだら? 皆さんはこう言うかもしれませんでもこの高い服役率によって犯罪率が多少は低くなっているのでは? 犯罪は減っていますこれは良いことです本当によいことです犯罪は減っています 1990年代と2000年代を通じて急激に減っていますしかし全米科学アカデミーにより昨年招集された学識委員会によれば歴史的に高い服役率と低い犯罪率とはほとんど関係がないとのことです刑務所に送られる若者の数とは関係なく犯罪率は上がったり下がっています私たちは正義をとても狭く考えがちです善と悪無罪と有罪不公平なのは不当に有罪判決が行われていることですもし皆さんが自分したことを有罪とするなら自分も罰を受けるべきです世の中には潔白な人と罪深い人がいて被害者と加害者がいますおそらく我々はもう少し広く考えられるのではないでしょうか現在私たちは最も恵まれない地域で生活している子供達― 家族の資源が最も少なく国内で最もひどい学校に通っており労働市場で最も差別的な扱いを受け暴力が日常的な問題である地域に住んでいる― そんな子供達に我々は最も細い線の上を歩くように求めていますつまり間違ったことは何もするなということですなぜ私たちはこれらの困難に直面している子供達に手を差し伸べないのでしょうか? なぜ私たちは手錠と懲役と逃亡者の生活しか与えないのでしょう? もっと良い方法が考えられませんか? 懲罰よりも更生や予防市民としての受け入れを優先する刑事司法制度を考えることはできませんか? (拍手) 刑事司法制度は米国が直面してきた有色人種の貧困層排斥の伝統を認めながらもこれらの排斥を推進することも永続させることもしていませんそしてついに黒人の若者を一斉検挙する敵として扱うのではなく彼らを信頼するような刑事司法制度がまとめられています嬉しいことにこれは現実に起こっています数年前ミシェル・アレクサンダーが『The New Jim Crow』という本を書きアメリカ人に初めて服役率を歴史的に重要な公民権問題として認識させたのですオバマ大統領と法務長官エリック・ホルダーは判決手続きの改革を積極的に進めて服役率の人種間不平等に対処する必要性に取り組んでいます私たちは呼び止めて行う所持品検査が公民権の侵害として放棄されることを目の当たりにしつつありますまた都市や国家がマリファナの所持を犯罪とみなさなくなりつつありますニューヨークやニュージャージーカリフォルニアは受刑者の数を減らし刑務所を閉鎖する一方犯罪数も大きな減少を見せていますテキサス州もこの取り組みを開始し刑務所を閉鎖し教育に投資をしていますこの奇妙な連立は右派と左派両方から成り過去の受刑者と財政規律論者公民権活動家と自由主義者無防備な黒人のティーンエイジャーに対する警察の暴力に反対して路上に出る若者などが参加しより年配で裕福な人々もまた― 聴衆の皆様の中にもいることでしょう― 大金を服役削減運動に投じています大きく分断された連邦議会において刑事司法制度改革の取り組みは右派と左派の双方が共に取り組める唯一の活動なのです私は生きているうちにこの政治的な瞬間を目にすると思いませんでした歴史的に高い服役率の原因と結果について書くために疲れ知らずに働き続けてきた多くの人々は生きているうちにこの瞬間を見ることはないと考えていたのではないでしょうか今私たちが考えるべきなのは「そのために何ができるのか?」「どれくらい変えられるのか?」ということです私は最後に若い人達― 大学に通う若者達と刑務所に入らないようにあるいは刑務所を出て家に帰ろうと苦闘している若者達に呼びかけたいと思います大人へと続く2つの道は天と地ほど分かれているように見えますがこの2つの組織に属する若者は 1つの共通点を持っていることを私たち大人に伝えてくれますどちらも現在の刑事司法制度を改革するリーダーになれるということです若者たちは常に平等な権利への闘争― より多くの人達に尊厳と自由に戦う機会を与える闘争のリーダーでした大転換の可能性のある時代に成人する今の若者世代のミッションは膨大な数の人々を投獄するのをやめ正義に重きを置く― 新たな刑事司法制度を作ることなのですありがとう	Some of you may remember the excitement that you felt when you first set off for college. Some of you may be in college right now and you're feeling this excitement at this very moment. College has some shortcomings. It's expensive; it leaves young people in debt. But all in all, it's a pretty good path. Young people emerge from college with pride and with great friends and with a lot of knowledge about the world. And perhaps most importantly, a better chance in the labor market than they had before they got there. Today I want to talk about the second institution overseeing the journey from childhood to adulthood in the United States. And that institution is prison. Young people on this journey are meeting with probation officers instead of with teachers. They're going to court dates instead of to class. Their junior year abroad is instead a trip to a state correctional facility. And they're emerging from their 20s not with degrees in business and English, but with criminal records. This institution is also costing us a lot, about 40,000 dollars a year to send a young person to prison in New Jersey. But here, taxpayers are footing the bill and what kids are getting is a cold prison cell and a permanent mark against them when they come home and apply for work. There are more and more kids on this journey to adulthood than ever before in the United States and that's because in the past 40 years, our incarceration rate has grown by 700 percent. I have one slide for this talk. Here it is. Here's our incarceration rate, about 716 people per 100,000 in the population. Here's the OECD countries. What's more, it's poor kids that we're sending to prison, too many drawn from African-American and Latino communities so that prison now stands firmly between the young people trying to make it and the fulfillment of the American Dream. The problem's actually a bit worse than this 'cause we're not just sending poor kids to prison, we're saddling poor kids with court fees, with probation and parole restrictions, with low-level warrants, we're asking them to live in halfway houses and on house arrest, and we're asking them to negotiate a police force that is entering poor communities of color, not for the purposes of promoting public safety, but to make arrest counts, to line city coffers. This is the hidden underside to our historic experiment in punishment: young people worried that at any moment, they will be stopped, searched and seized. Not just in the streets, but in their homes, at school and at work. I got interested in this other path to adulthood when I was myself a college student attending the University of Pennsylvania in the early 2000s. Penn sits within a historic African-American neighborhood. So you've got these two parallel journeys going on simultaneously: the kids attending this elite, private university, and the kids from the adjacent neighborhood, some of whom are making it to college, and many of whom are being shipped to prison. In my sophomore year, I started tutoring a young woman who was in high school who lived about 10 minutes away from the university. Soon, her cousin came home from a juvenile detention center. He was 15, a freshman in high school. I began to get to know him and his friends and family, and I asked him what he thought about me writing about his life for my senior thesis in college. This senior thesis became a dissertation at Princeton and now a book. By the end of my sophomore year, I moved into the neighborhood and I spent the next six years trying to understand what young people were facing as they came of age. The first week I spent in this neighborhood, I saw two boys, five and seven years old, play this game of chase, where the older boy ran after the other boy. He played the cop. When the cop caught up to the younger boy, he pushed him down, handcuffed him with imaginary handcuffs, took a quarter out of the other child's pocket, saying, "I'm seizing that." He asked the child if he was carrying any drugs or if he had a warrant. Many times, I saw this game repeated, sometimes children would simply give up running, and stick their bodies flat against the ground with their hands above their heads, or flat up against a wall. Children would yell at each other, "I'm going to lock you up, I'm going to lock you up and you're never coming home!" Once I saw a six-year-old child pull another child's pants down and try to do a cavity search. In the first 18 months that I lived in this neighborhood, I wrote down every time I saw any contact between police and people that were my neighbors. So in the first 18 months, I watched the police stop pedestrians or people in cars, search people, run people's names, chase people through the streets, pull people in for questioning, or make an arrest every single day, with five exceptions. Fifty-two times, I watched the police break down doors, chase people through houses or make an arrest of someone in their home. Fourteen times in this first year and a half, I watched the police punch, choke, kick, stomp on or beat young men after they had caught them. Bit by bit, I got to know two brothers, Chuck and Tim. Chuck was 18 when we met, a senior in high school. He was playing on the basketball team and making C's and B's. His younger brother, Tim, was 10. And Tim loved Chuck; he followed him around a lot, looked to Chuck to be a mentor. They lived with their mom and grandfather in a two-story row home with a front lawn and a back porch. Their mom was struggling with addiction all while the boys were growing up. She never really was able to hold down a job for very long. It was their grandfather's pension that supported the family, not really enough to pay for food and clothes and school supplies for growing boys. The family was really struggling. So when we met, Chuck was a senior in high school. He had just turned 18. That winter, a kid in the schoolyard called Chuck's mom a crack whore. Chuck pushed the kid's face into the snow and the school cops charged him with aggravated assault. The other kid was fine the next day, I think it was his pride that was injured more than anything. But anyway, since Chuck was 18, this agg. assault case sent him to adult county jail on State Road in northeast Philadelphia, where he sat, unable to pay the bail -- he couldn't afford it -- while the trial dates dragged on and on and on through almost his entire senior year. Finally, near the end of this season, the judge on this assault case threw out most of the charges and Chuck came home with only a few hundred dollars' worth of court fees hanging over his head. Tim was pretty happy that day. The next fall, Chuck tried to re-enroll as a senior, but the school secretary told him that he was then 19 and too old to be readmitted. Then the judge on his assault case issued him a warrant for his arrest because he couldn't pay the 225 dollars in court fees that came due a few weeks after the case ended. Then he was a high school dropout living on the run. Tim's first arrest came later that year after he turned 11. Chuck had managed to get his warrant lifted and he was on a payment plan for the court fees and he was driving Tim to school in his girlfriend's car. So a cop pulls them over, runs the car, and the car comes up as stolen in California. Chuck had no idea where in the history of this car it had been stolen. His girlfriend's uncle bought it from a used car auction in northeast Philly. Chuck and Tim had never been outside of the tri-state, let alone to California. But anyway, the cops down at the precinct charged Chuck with receiving stolen property. And then a juvenile judge, a few days later, charged Tim, age 11, with accessory to receiving a stolen property and then he was placed on three years of probation. With this probation sentence hanging over his head, Chuck sat his little brother down and began teaching him how to run from the police. They would sit side by side on their back porch looking out into the shared alleyway and Chuck would coach Tim how to spot undercover cars, how to negotiate a late-night police raid, how and where to hide. I want you to imagine for a second what Chuck and Tim's lives would be like if they were living in a neighborhood where kids were going to college, not prison. A neighborhood like the one I got to grow up in. Okay, you might say. But Chuck and Tim, kids like them, they're committing crimes! Don't they deserve to be in prison? Don't they deserve to be living in fear of arrest? Well, my answer would be no. They don't. And certainly not for the same things that other young people with more privilege are doing with impunity. If Chuck had gone to my high school, that schoolyard fight would have ended there, as a schoolyard fight. It never would have become an aggravated assault case. Not a single kid that I went to college with has a criminal record right now. Not a single one. But can you imagine how many might have if the police had stopped those kids and searched their pockets for drugs as they walked to class? Or had raided their frat parties in the middle of the night? Okay, you might say. But doesn't this high incarceration rate partly account for our really low crime rate? Crime is down. That's a good thing. Totally, that is a good thing. Crime is down. It dropped precipitously in the '90s and through the 2000s. But according to a committee of academics convened by the National Academy of Sciences last year, the relationship between our historically high incarceration rates and our low crime rate is pretty shaky. It turns out that the crime rate goes up and down irrespective of how many young people we send to prison. We tend to think about justice in a pretty narrow way: good and bad, innocent and guilty. Injustice is about being wrongfully convicted. So if you're convicted of something you did do, you should be punished for it. There are innocent and guilty people, there are victims and there are perpetrators. Maybe we could think a little bit more broadly than that. Right now, we're asking kids who live in the most disadvantaged neighborhoods, who have the least amount of family resources, who are attending the country's worst schools, who are facing the toughest time in the labor market, who are living in neighborhoods where violence is an everyday problem, we're asking these kids to walk the thinnest possible line -- to basically never do anything wrong. Why are we not providing support to young kids facing these challenges? Why are we offering only handcuffs, jail time and this fugitive existence? Can we imagine something better? Can we imagine a criminal justice system that prioritizes recovery, prevention, civic inclusion, rather than punishment? A criminal justice system that acknowledges the legacy of exclusion that poor people of color in the U.S. have faced and that does not promote and perpetuate those exclusions. And finally, a criminal justice system that believes in black young people, rather than treating black young people as the enemy to be rounded up. The good news is that we already are. A few years ago, Michelle Alexander wrote "The New Jim Crow," which got Americans to see incarceration as a civil rights issue of historic proportions in a way they had not seen it before. President Obama and Attorney General Eric Holder have come out very strongly on sentencing reform, on the need to address racial disparity in incarceration. We're seeing states throw out Stop and Frisk as the civil rights violation that it is. We're seeing cities and states decriminalize possession of marijuana. New York, New Jersey and California have been dropping their prison populations, closing prisons, while also seeing a big drop in crime. Texas has gotten into the game now, also closing prisons, investing in education. This curious coalition is building from the right and the left, made up of former prisoners and fiscal conservatives, of civil rights activists and libertarians, of young people taking to the streets to protest police violence and older, wealthier people -- some of you are here in the audience -- pumping big money into decarceration initiatives In a deeply divided Congress, the work of reforming our criminal justice system is just about the only thing that the right and the left are coming together on. I did not think I would see this political moment in my lifetime. I think many of the people who have been working tirelessly to write about the causes and consequences of our historically high incarceration rates did not think we would see this moment in our lifetime. The question for us now is, how much can we make of it? How much can we change? I want to end with a call to young people, the young people attending college and the young people struggling to stay out of prison or to make it through prison and return home. It may seem like these paths to adulthood are worlds apart, but the young people participating in these two institutions they have one thing in common: Both can be leaders in the work of reforming our criminal justice system. Young people have always been leaders in the fight for equal rights, the fight for more people to be granted dignity and a fighting chance at freedom. The mission for the generation of young people coming of age in this, a sea-change moment, potentially, is to end mass incarceration and build a new criminal justice system, emphasis on the word justice. Thanks.	{ "source": "iwslt2017", "missed_lines": null, "inserted_lines_src": null, "inserted_lines_trg": null }
どうする? このままべべの奴を倒せたとしても現状、カミーラの掌の上だ。俺が打開策を模索していると、雷と炎の突風が巻き起こり、べべを取り巻いてた軍団員が根こそぎ消滅した。この威力、術式......。「お前ら......」隊員であるヴェーラとリリスがそこにいた。「巨大な魔力を追ってきてみれば、こんな所にいたのね、レペス。死んでれば良かったのに......」「ヴェーラ、やめておけ。気にくわないが、仕事を優先させる。レペス、この大量の魔族の死体、あいつの仕業か?」「あぁ、その通りだ。伝説の魔族カミーラが復活したみたいだ」「まじでか!」リリスとヴェーラは驚愕している。そんなことがあるのかと疑問の顔をしていだが、カミーラの巨大な魔力と威圧を前に納得の雰囲気だ。「よく来た。気にくわんが、お前達の査問は取り下げてやってもいい」「はぁ~助けてやったのに、その物言い。本当にムカつくわね」「ヴェーラ、こいつの性格はわかっているじゃないか。私も気にくわないが、ここはレペスと協力しよう」「わかっているわ。こいつは性格はともかく腕だしね」「ふん、話し合いは終わったか。終わったなら俺の指示に従ってもらう」「それでレペス、この現状説明してくれる?」「カミーラの言で魔族達と戦闘していた。『この円の中で殺しあえ。残ったほうを部下にしてやる』と、なんともありがたい話さ」「ちっ、遊ばれてるな。ムカつく」「レペス、もちろんこのまま言いなりになってるわけじゃないんでしょ」「無論、なんとか勝機を見出して離脱するつもりだ」「そうね。戦っても無駄死にしそうだし、私もそれがベストと思う」「よし、アレクのもとに一旦引き対策をねる。お前ら気合入れろ!」「了解。逃げるのはしゃくだが、しょうがない」カミーラは、突然現れたヴェーラ達を興味深げに見つめている。まるで珍しいおもちゃがまた増えたみたいな様子だ。「ほぉ、格下の魔族相手とはいえなかなかの攻撃だったぞ。カミーラがヴェーラ達にもこのバカげた殺し合いの参加を強要している。いかにも楽しげな様子だ。よし、カミーラは油断している。リリスやヴェーラがいれば、この現状を打破できそうだ。「ヴェーラ、リリス突破口を開くぞ」「それじゃあ行くぞ。いちにの――さん!」俺の合図を手始めに、リリス、ヴェーラ、俺でベベとカミーラにフルパワーで技を連発する。最大連撃!」最大連撃!」俺達三人は、魔力の続く限り全力で奥義を放ち続ける。途中、気を失いそうになりながらも、ひたすら放つ。技の余波でもくもくと土煙が上がる。そして、土煙が霧散――へっ、もしかして倒せたと思うのは希望的すぎるか。「はぁ、はぁ、はぁ。ま、まったく化け物が......」「人間、威力はともかくなかなかの覇気だったぞ!」だ。カミーラの体を覆う魔力の濃密さが実感される。あれを突破できる攻撃を俺は想像できない。せめてベベの野郎ぐらいは片付いたか? 「はぁ、はぁ、はぁ。むちゃくちゃしよるのぉ、この人間は!」どうやらべべは、全力でをはっていたようだ。ちっ、生存していたか......。ただ、カミーラと違って少なからずダメージを負っている。数発はべべのだが、決死の攻撃も魔族共は両者健在であった。これでは、円の外に駆け出す隙などあろうはずがない。俺も詰んだな。いや、リリス、ヴェーラにあの手を使えば俺だけでも行けるか......魔族撲滅のためにも俺は生きねばならん。隊員達の犠牲を覚悟する。「あがぁ!」突如、ヴェーラの苦悶の声が聞こえた。何が起きた? 苦悶の声が聞こえた方角を見る。「な!? 新手だと!」そこには老紳士風の男が、ヴェーラの腹に拳を突き立てている光景が見えた。「カミーラ様、お待たせしました!」「おぉ、ニールゼンか。それでお姉様は......」「はっ、ティレア様のご指示によりカミーラ様のもとへ集結するようにと。ティレア様はご用事があり、後程来られるそうです」「そうか。ところでニールゼン、お前達は何故木の杭を持っておるのだ?」で敵を撃ち滅ぼせ!』と、おかげで我らはずいぶんと修行できました」「さすがはお姉様。このような状況でも近衛隊総員のレベルアップをお考えであったとは」突然、現れた木の杭を持った集団......。その姿は滑稽ではあるが、並々ならぬ力を持っている。話から想像するにカミーラの部下らしいな。さすがはカミーラ直属の部下だ。一人一人が、べべとは比べ物にならない力を持ってやがる。特に、ヴェーラに拳を突き入れている男は別格だ。迂闊に近づけば、俺もヴェーラの二の舞いになる。俺の戦士としてのカンが冷徹にそう告げた。もう、時間がない。アレをやる。俺は、ひそかにヴェーラに向けて術式を唱えた。「うぅ、な、何これ?」俺が仕込んでいた術式が発動し、ヴェーラの体が光り始める。メンバーの最終魔法であり、自身の魔力を暴走させ、大爆発を起こさせる。本来であれば、自爆用。ただし、俺の合図でも発動できるように術式を改造して埋め込んでいた。何かと不平不満を謳うヴェーラ達に反乱防止の意味で備え付けておいたのだ。ふっ。存外に役に立った。「ちくしょう! ヴェーラ、死ぬな」「リリス、ヴェーラは負傷して戦闘は不可能。「だ、だけどよ!」「い、いいのよ、リリス......しょうがない」「ヴェーラ、なんで!」「......はぁ、はぁ、レペス、あなたのその」「なんだ?」ヴェーラめ、俺の仕業と気づいたか。ばれたらリリスが騒がしいだろうな。面倒事になりそうならリリスも発動させるしかない。だが、逃走の囮としてまだリリスは生かしておきたい。「いえ、もういいわ。はぁ、はぁ、ど、どちらにしろ......誰かが犠牲にならないとい......けなかった。この隙にに......げて、リリス」術式は起動しており止めるのは不可能である。もうヴェーラは助からない。ならばヴェーラの犠牲を無駄にせず、生き残ることこそ戦士の務めだ。リリスもそれがわかっているのだろう。しぶしぶながらも離脱の決意を固めているようだ。「ニールゼン注意しろ。そやつ自爆するようだぞ」「はっ。すぐにでもひっぺが――」「そ、そうはさ、させないわよ。さ、最後の悪あがきぐらい......さ、させなさい」「くっ、小娘が!」「は、離さない......わ、あなた達、皆、み、道連......れ」「ちっ、隊員カミーラ様を守れぇえ!」ニールゼンが、ヴェーラを抱えるようにして爆発の衝撃を外に出さないようにしている。他の軍団員達もカミーラの壁となるために移動しているようだ。の爆発が、カミーラに届くのが速い。「さよな......ら......リリス」ヴェーラの魔力が極限まで暴走し、周囲を巻き込む大爆発が起きた。轟音が大地を巡り、爆風ですべてを吹き飛ばすかの勢いだ。これならさしもの化け物達でもただではすむまい。なっ!? これほどの爆発直後であるというのに、カミーラは普段と変わらぬ平静そのものの顔付きであった。爆発の中心にいたニールゼンでさえ多少、手傷を負った程度である。「ふぅ、驚かせおって。カミーラ様ご無事ですか!」「心配ない。この程度の衝撃では、我の障壁を超えられぬ」で時は稼げた。俺は、その間に編み込んでいた転移魔法を発動させる。無理やり短時間で編みこんだ術式。それに秘薬を使った副作用と度重なる戦いの負傷で倒れる寸前である。だが、休んでもいられない。どうやらカミーラの奴、追手を差し向けてきたようだ。俺の術式を辿ってきたのか、俺の魔力の波動を覚えたのか、正確にひたひたと追手が来ている。もう一度、転移をするか? いや、もう魔力はすっからかんだ。無理やり術式を使うと意識が飛ぶ。下手をすれば死ぬだろう。ここはどこだ? とりあえずランダムに転移したから見当もつかない。自身の残っていた魔力量からいってそれほど遠くには転移していないはずなんだが......。早くアレクに報告せねば! はぁ、はぁ、だめだ。もう追手が......。仕方がない。もう一度転移しよう。血が逆流するような痛みに耐えながら、転移魔法を発動させる。「うぁああ! びっくらこいた。いきなり人が降ってきたよ」転移した途端、すっとんきょうな女の声が聞こえた。はぁ、はぁ、どうやらここは敵地ではないらしい。少女の声? どこかの避難地区に転移したか、良かった。「俺は王家の役人だ。はぁ、はぁ、すぐにでも本部と連絡を取りたい」「そうなんですか――ってうわっ! よく見ると血まみれじゃないですか! 大丈夫ですか?」「そ、そんなこと言われても......あぁ、ジェシカちゃんが気絶しちゃったから、ここって場所がよくわからないんだよね」なっ!? ここは避難地区ではないのか? そうか、こいつらは逃げ遅れた避難民なんだな。眼前には魔法学園の生徒とみられる少女と、その少女をおぶっている金髪の少女がいた。「はぁ、はぁ。お、お前達、治安部隊の指示で避難地区には行かなかったのか?」「いや、そうしたかったんですが、色々事情がありまして。今もそこに行こうとしていたんですが、どうやら道に迷ったみたいなんです」なんと間抜けな奴らだ。こういう秩序を乱す奴は、斬り殺したくなる。特に、魔法学園の生徒のくせに気絶している女が許せん! 弱兵がいるだけで国家は腐敗していく。思わず剣の柄に手をかける......いや、待て。今は天下の一大事でそれどころではない。早くカミーラという人類の危機を本部に伝えねばならないのだ。「お、女、誰か役人を呼んできてくれ」「わ、わかりました。早く助けが必要ですよね。誰かいないか周囲を捜してみます。え~と大通りに出るにはどうすればいいんだろう?」くっ。こんなバカそうな女に任せて大丈夫か。だが、他に頼る者もいない。「はぁ、はぁ、早くしろ。治安部隊でも警護隊でもいい。はぁ、はぁ、できるだけ上の者に伝えろ」所属の身分証を女に渡す。この庶民の言だけでは、役人共が不審がって動かない可能性がある。機密文書だが、王宮文字で書かれている。バカそうなこいつには、読めまい。上の役人にそれを渡すように指示をだした。「至急救護してくれる人を呼んできます。え~とデガラピアのレペスさんですね。あれ、なんか聞いたことあるな」なっ!? 王宮文字が読めるのか。ただの庶民とあなどりすぎた。平民に機密文書を見られてしまった。こんな庶民にどうこうできるとは思わんが、組織のためにこいつを消しておく必要もあるかもしれん。「お、女、はぁ、はぁ、名前と住所は?」「えっ!? ティレアですけど住所って......あ!? 別に褒章なんていらないですよ。困ったときはお互い様です。こんなことぐらいでお礼なんてもらえませんよ」どうやら住所を聞いたのは、後で褒章をもらえるためと思ったらしい。バカか! 国民なら国家に奉仕してしかるべきだろうが。さらに「はぁ、はぁ、いいから住所を......むっ!?」振りきれなかったか。魔族の気配を感じた。助けを待っている余裕はない。「はぁ、はぁ。娘、もう呼びに行くのはいい。い、今、俺は魔族に追われている。はぁ、はぁ、お、俺は殺されるわけにはいかん。て、手を貸せ!」「えぇ、まじですか! ど、どうしよう? また戦闘だよ。ク、クカノミ準備」「はぁ、はぁ、はぁ。な、何をごちゃごちゃ――だめだ。追手が早い。娘、もうすぐ傍まで来ている。肩を貸せ。やり過ごすぞ」少女を促し近くにあった廃屋に入ると、そこで俺の意識はとぎれてしまった。	What do I do? At this rate, even if I beat Bebe, I’ll still be dancing on the palm of Camilla’s hand. While I was groping for a way to turn this situation around, A maelstrom of lightning and flame surged, completely destroying the vampires surrounding Bebe. This power, and technique... “You guys...” They were rebels and revolters, but at the moment there was nobody I wanted more as reinforcements. Standing there before my eyes were the Decarabia members Vera and Lyris. “We noticed some huuge mana so we came running, but to think that you’d be here, Lepes. Why couldn’t you just die...” “Vera, stop. I hate ‘im, but work comes first. Lepes. That mountain of demon corpses. Is it that thing’s work?” “Yeah. Exactly that. Apparently the legendary demon Camilla has revived.” “Serious!?” Lyris and Vera were stunned. From their expressions it seems that they were having trouble believing it, but before Camilla’s pressure and gargantuan mana, there was nothing to do except believe it. “You two are just in time. It irks me, but I don’t mind withdrawing the inquiry on your earlier conduct.” “Hahh~ Even though we came to save you, look at that tone of yours. You reaaally piss me off, you know.” “Vera, we know his personality. I hate ‘im too, but for now, we need to work with him.” “I know that already. Leaving his personality aside, his strength is the real deal, after all.” “Hmph. Are you two done talking? If you are, then I’ll have you follow my instructions.” “So Lepes, mind explaining this to us?” “At Camilla’s word, I fought with the demons. She gave the fantastic idea, ‘You lot kill each other in this ring. I’ll accept the survivors as subordinates.’” “Tsk. She’s playing with us. Annoying.” “Lepes, you deffs aren’t just going to listen to her, right?” “Of course I’ve been looking for a way to escape.” “Yeah, thought so. Even if we fought with her, we’d just diee right? I think running is the best choice too.” “Alright. Then the plan is to escape to where Alec is. You two, prepare yourselves.” “Roger. Annoying that we have to run. But no choice, huh.” Camilla watched the newcomers with great interest. It was as though the number of funny toys had increased. “Ohh? They might have been lower ranked demons, but that was still quite an attack. Members of Decarabia. You have come just in time. You will join in as well.” Camilla was forcing these two into this stupid battle royale as well. There was no way to describe her expression except entertained. Alright, she’s definitely got her guard down. As long as Lyris and Vera are here, we can turn this around. “Vera, Lyris, we’re breaking through.” “Then let’s go. One, two―THREE!” At my signal, Lyris, Vera and I threw technique after technique at Camilla and Bebe at full power. “Greatest Chained Thunder Sky!” “Greatest Chained Fire Land!” The three of us continued to fire ultimate skills with all our strength. Along the way it felt like I was going to collapse, but I single-mindedly fired them. Aftershocks from the techniques caused dust clouds to rise into the air. And then, the clouds dispersed― Heh. Was I too wishful in thinking that we might have beat them? Standing there where the clouds cleared was the monster, looking the same as ever. “Hahh, hahh, hahh. W-, What a monster...” “Human. I can’t say much about the strength, but your willpower was quite something!” Apparently all of my attacks had been stopped by Camilla’s barrier. What an incredibly strong Shield. I was painfully aware just how thick the mana around her was. I can’t even imagine an attack that could break through it. Did I at least get that damned Bebe? “Hahh, hahh, hahh. You’re craazy, you stupid human!” Apparently Bebe had been using a Shield with all his might. Tsk, so he’s still alive... Unlike Camilla, however, he received some serious damage. It looks like using my skill repeatedly was enough to break through his Shield. But even after trying our best, there are still two demons here. There won’t be any way for us to escape like this. I’m at a loss. No, wait, if I use that on Lyris and Vera, then perhaps I alone might be able to escape... For the sake of exterminating the demons, I need to survive. I’m resolved to sacrifice my team if need be. “ARGHH-!” Suddenly, I heard Vera’s agonized voice. What happened? I looked in the direction of her cry. “Wha-!? Newcomers!?” Standing there was a gentlemanly old man, his fist stabbed right into Vera’s stomach. “Lady Camilla, we have kept you waiting!” “Oohh, Nielsen. Then, elder sister is...” “Milady. By Lady Tilea’s request, we have come to rendezvous with you. Lady Tilea was busy, and so she will be coming at a later point.” “I see. By the way, Nielsen, why are you holding stakes?” “This too, was by Lady Tilea’s command. ‘Use this handicap (stake) and destroy the enemy!’ she said. Thanks to that, we’ve managed to find quite the training out of this.” “As expected of elder sister. To think that even in a situation like this, she was still thinking about how to comprehensively level up all the members of our Household Guard.” Some stake-holding group suddenly appeared... They looked ridiculous, but every one of them possessed incredible power. From what I heard, they were apparently Camilla’s subordinates. As expected of her direct subordinates. Every one of them was incomparable to Bebe. In particular, the man who pierced Vera with his fist was on another level. If I carelessly approach them, I’ll end up just like Vera. That was what my warrior’s intuition calmly told me. There’s no time anymore. I’ll use that. I quietly began chanting in Vera’s direction. “Uu, w-, what is this?” The magic equation I had hidden inside her activated, and Vera’s whole body began to shine. Lyris was raising a fuss, but it was too late. Megamega is a spell that serves as the final resort for any Decarabia member. It causes their mana to run wild, and results in a massive explosion. Suicide Bombing Magic is the final solution for cases when we run into enemies above our ability to handle, and its strength goes beyond the natural magical abilities of the user. Normally, it’s something you activate yourself. But I secretly remodeled them so that I can activate them as well. I had done so in order to guard against revolt, because of their discontent and grumbling. Hmph. It became unexpectedly useful. “F̲u̲c̲k̲! Vera, don’t die on me.” “Lyris, with her injuries, she can’t fight. For the sake of the organization, Vera is prepared to die. Don’t waste her death.” “B-, But...!” “I-, It’s fine, Lyris... Can’t be helped.” “Why, Vera!?” “...Hahh, hahh, Lepes. You...” “What?” Damned Vera. So she noticed it was me. If it gets out, I’ll bet that Lyris will make a fuss. If things look like they’ll get annoying, I’ll have to activate Lyris’ as well. But I’d prefer to keep her alive as a distraction while I escape. “No. It doesn’t, matter now. Hahh, hahh, a-, at any rate... somebody needed to sac... sacrifice themselves. While there’s a chance... run, Lyris.” It’s impossible to stop it once the magic equation is activated. It’s impossible to save Vera anymore. In that case, it’s her duty as a warrior to survive, and not put Vera’s sacrifice to waste. Lyris understands this as well. Although she looked reluctant, it seems that she had made up her mind. “Be careful, Nielsen. It looks like that girl is going to explode herself.” “Yes, Milady. Then I shall immediately―” “I-, I won’t, let you. A-, At least let me struggle... uselessly, a bit, more.” “Kuh-! This girl!” “I-, I won’t let... go, a-, and, I’m taking you, with... me.” “Tsk. Everyone, protect Lady Camillaaaa!” Nielsen hugged Vera to try and contain the blast. The other members moved to form a wall around Camilla. But they were too slow. The blast would get to Camilla first. “Good... bye... Lyris...” Vera’s mana rampaged to the limit, and a massive explosion engulfed the area. The roar shook the earth, and it felt like the shock wave would blow everything away. With this, even those monsters wouldn’t get away unscathed. Wha-!? Even though she took such an explosion directly, Camilla was standing there looking unruffled as usual. Even Nielsen in the center of the explosion had been wounded. “Hmph, surprising me like that. Lady Camilla, are you all right!?” “No problems. An attack of that level would not even pass my barrier.” As you’d expect, I was shaken. But calm down, me. I need to somehow get away. I bought some time with Megamega. I activated the teleportation magic that I had created during that time. The magic equation was one that I had forcefully created in little time. I was about to collapse due to the side effects of the drug, as well as the repeated battles. But I can’t rest here. Apparently Camilla sent pursuers. I don’t know if she read my equation, or if she remembered the wavelength of my mana, but pursuers were definitely arriving. Should I teleport again? No, my mana is completely dry. Trying to form another spell would send me unconscious. At worst, I’d die on the spot. Where is this? My teleportation spell had been random, so I haven’t the faintest idea. Considering how little mana I had left, it can’t have sent me very far but... I need to report to Alec immediately! Hahh, hahh, I can’t. The pursuers are already... Can’t be helped. One more teleport. While bearing with a pain that felt like my blood was running backwards, I activated another teleportation magic. “UWAHHH! That was scary. Why did a person fall out of nowhere?” The moment I teleported, I heard the voice of a hysterical woman. Hahh, hahh, it looks like this isn’t enemy ground. A girl’s voice? Did I make it to one of the evacuation spots? Thank god. “I’m a subordinate of the royal family. Hahh, hahh, I wish to immediately contact headquarters.” “I see― wha-, uwah! Looking carefully, you’re completely covered in blood! Are you okay?” “E-, Even if you tell me that... Aahh, and it looks like Jessica is unconscious, so I don’t even know where we are.” Wha-!? This wasn’t an evacuation spot? I see. So these two were late evacuees. The one in front of my eyes seemed to be a student of the Magic Academy, while the one carrying her was a blonde girl. “Hahh, hahh, y-, you two, didn’t you follow the Public Safety Force’s instructions to evacuate?” “Well, I really wanted to, but there were some circumstances, you see. I was actually trying to head there now, but it looks like I got lost.” What absolute fools. Fools who destroy the order like this make me want to cut them down myself. In particular, fainting even though she’s a student at the Magic Academy? Unforgivable! Just having weaklings in the country causes it to rot. I unconsciously moved my hand to the sword... No, wait. Right now, there’s something that affects the whole world. This isn’t the time for that. I need to quickly let headquarters know about the threat, Camilla. “W-, Woman, please call some official.” “I-, I understand. We need to quickly find you help, right? I’ll go see if anybody is around. Umm~ I wonder how I can find the main street?” Kuh-! Can I really leave this to such a stupid-looking woman? But there’s nobody else I can rely on. “Hahh, hahh, hurry. The Public Safety Force, the defense squad, anybody will do. Hahh, hahh, and tell somebody as high up as possible.” After saying that, I handed over the Decarabia proof of identity that the King granted me. Since she’s a commoner, there’s the chance that the higher ups will be suspicious of her, and won’t let her act. What I gave her was a confidential document, but it’s written in the letters of the royal palace. Considering how stupid she seems, she won’t be able to read it. I instructed her to give it to somebody high up. “I’ll go find somebody to save you. Umm~ Let’s see. So you’re Lepes of ‘Decarabia’ is it. Hm? I think I’ve heard that somewhere before.” Wha-!? She can read the letters of the palace? I looked down on her too much because she was a commoner. I let a commoner see a confidential document. I don’t think a commoner would be able to do much, but for the sake of the organization, I may need to erase her. “W-, Woman, hahh, hahh, what is your name, and residence?” “Eh-!? I’m Tilea but, my residence...? Ah-!? I don’t need a medal or anything. We should help each other in times of need. I can’t accept your thanks for something so small.” When she heard me ask for her address, apparently she thought it was to give her a medal later. Is she an idiot! As a citizen of this country, it should be obvious to serve the country. And not only that, it’s suspicious that she’s heard of Decarabia. When in doubt, kill the accused. I can’t let her live. “Hahh, hahh, enough, just tell me... Mu-!?” So I couldn’t shake them off. I felt the presence of demons. There won’t be time to wait for help. They’re coming. It’s not good. I can’t use teleport again. I can’t run stably either. It feels like I’m grasping at straws. I’ll have this stupid-looking woman help me escape. “Hahh, hahh, girl, forget about help. R-, Right now, demons are pursuing me. Hahh, hahh, I-, I cannot be killed. L-, Lend me a hand!” “Eehh? Seriously!? W-, What should I do? It’s going to turn into a battle again. G-, Gotta prepare the laminariales.” “Hahh, hahh, hahh. W-, What are you ranting about― It’s no good. The pursuers are fast. They’ll be here any minute, girl. Lend me a hand. We’ll let them pass.” At my urging, the girl brought me into a ruin, and at that point, I lost consciousness.	{ "source": "manual-fanfic", "missed_lines": 10, "inserted_lines_src": 38, "inserted_lines_trg": 3 }
「じゃ、街に向かいながらお互い自己紹介と行こうか」「あっ、はい」俺は少女を地面に降ろすと遠くに見えている街に向かって歩き出す。「俺の名前はパンプキンって言うんだが君は?」「私はリオと言います。先程は助けていただいてありがとうございます」「そ、そうなんですか?」少女改めリオが俺の方に顔を向けて礼を言うが、俺としては助けてもらった恩をこの後色々な形で返してもらう気満々なのでそうそつなく返しておく。まあ、そんな俺の言葉にリオは微妙な顔をしているが気にしないでおく。打算も無しに助けるほど俺はお人よしじゃないしなー「えーと、それでパンプキンさんは......」リオが言い淀みつつ俺に対して色々と訊きたそうにしている。まあ、色々と訊きたいことは有るよな。俺ってばこの見た目だし。ただ、変な所に突っ込まれても困るしここは誤魔化すか、押し切るか......ふむ。押し切るか。「俺は旅の見習い魔法使いなんだよ」「ただ、旅の途中で妙な魔獣に遭遇して変な魔法を掛けられてこんな姿に変わってしまったんだ。姿を変えられてからはそれはそれは大変だった。人間だった頃とは身体の使い勝手がまるで違っていて最初は立つこともままならなかったし、苦労して覚えた魔法や道具の知識は失い、挙句の果てに放り出されたのは凶暴な魔獣が跋扈する樹海のど真ん中!それでも必死の思いでこの身体での戦い方を学び、魔獣と勘違いして襲ってくる人間たちから逃げ、やっとの思いで生活を安定させていったのさ!」「............」「大変だった。本当に大変だった。生活が安定するまでは何度も命の危機は覚えたし、実際死ぬ寸前まで追い詰められたことだってあった。だが諦めなければ何とかなる!そうして生活を安定させた俺はついに呪いを解くために動き出し、そのとして俺が住んでいる場所から最も近い街に向かう事にしたわけだ。が、そこで俺は思った。ただ街に行っても魔獣と見なされて攻撃されるのではないかと。そう思わせるだけの物が俺の中には森の中の生活で出会った人間たちの反応から産まれていた。だがそこでこうも思った。と、ここまでを全て一息で言い切る。ふぅ。人間の身体だったら絶対に途中で息切れを起こしていたな。こういう時は本当にこの身体のありがたみを実感するな。話の中に時々嘘が織り交ぜられている?HAHAHA!一体何の事かな?これは人間関係を円滑に進めるために使う方便の一種さ! で、俺の話を聞いたリオはと言うと...... 「わ、分かりました!私精一杯助けていただいた恩を返させていただきます!大丈夫です!絶対に堂々とパンプキンさんがクヌキハッピィの街中を歩けるようにしてみせます!!」若干俺も引くレベルで涙を流して気合を入れていた。ああうん。こりゃあその内真実を話してやらんと拙いかもしれん。「そ、それにしてもあの町はクヌキハッピィと言うんだな」俺は微妙に空気が痛くなってきたので話題を変えることを試み、だいぶ近くになってきた街の方を指差す。と言うか、この距離にまで近づいて分かったんだが街の周囲にも普通に畑とかがあるんだな。「あ、はい。クヌキ伯爵領の中心地である街でクヌキハッピィと言います。首都であるセンコノトからは遠いですけど、全ての冒険者にとって憧れであるリーンの森近くで最も大きい街だけあって賑わいがありますよ」「へぇー、そりゃあ楽しみだ」リオの言葉に俺は内心テンションが上がってくる。それだけの街なら羊皮紙もインクもきちんとした物がありそうだし、『陰落ち』に関する情報も断片的なものぐらいなら見つかるかもしれない。「あ、見えてきましたね。アレがクヌキハッピィの大門です」「へぇ」そう言ってリオが石造りの城壁に備え付けられた巨大な鉄製の門を指差す。鉄の門も城壁も込められている魔力の量は非常に微量なようだが、まあ、あれだけの質量になればよほど大出力の魔法でなければ壊せないだろうし関係ないか。「おっ!リオか!よく無事だったな!」と、門の下に居た明らかに兵士ですと言わんばかりの格好をした人がリオを見つけた所で声をかけてきたため、俺とリオはそちらに向かう。「いやー、馬鹿な冒険者が巨大なハンティングビーの巣を刺激したって聞いて不安でしょうがなかったんだが無事でよかったよ」「ははは......本当の事を言えば結構危なかったんですけどこちらの方......パンプキンさんに助けてもらうことで難を逃れられました」「どうも。パンプキンって言います」「ああ、それはありがたい。私からも礼を言わせてもらうよ。私の名前はゴヘイ。このクヌキハッピィの門衛だ」リオが門衛さん改めゴヘイさんに俺の事を紹介したため、俺もそれに応えて挨拶する。何となくだがいい感じの雰囲気と魔力を持っている人だな。「で、パンプキンさんは......」「あー、街に入るのを希望しているんですが、多少訳ありなんです」と言うわけで先程リオに言ったのと似たような事を言ったついでに俺の頭が被り物ではなく本物だという事も伝えておく。そしたら、「大変だったんだなぁ......ああそう言う事ならリオ。お前がしっかりと命の恩人をサポートしてやるんだぞ!」「勿論です!!」ゴヘイさんもリオと同じような事を言い出しました。ああうん。半ば騙している側が言うのもアレなんだがこの都市の守りとか大丈夫なのか? 「じゃ、とりあえず仮の通行許可証を発行するからお金は......」って、やるべき事はきちんとやるのか。ちょっと安心だな。ただお金は...... 「あー、リオ。後で返すから今は頼んでいいか?」「あいよ。それじゃあ改めて言わせてもらおう」「「クヌキハッピィにようこそ!」」と言うわけでリオにお金を借りて通行許可証を発行してもらい、俺はクヌキハッピィの中に入った。	“Well, shall we introduce ourselves to each other as we head into town?” “Ah, yes.” After setting the girl down on the ground, Pumpkin started walking towards the town that was visible in the distance. “My name is Pumpkin, and yours?” “I am Rio. Thank you for saving my life earlier.” “I-Is that so?” The girl, Rio, turned her face towards Pumpkin and expressed her appreciation, but since Pumpkin was expecting her to return the favor in various ways after this, he replied without hesitation. Although Rio made a subtle face at his words, Pumpkin didn’t pay attention to it. I am not so benevolent as to save her without any calculation... “Uh, so Pumpkin-san, you’re...” Rio seemed to want to ask him a lot of questions but was at a loss for words. Well, I suppose you have a lot of questions to ask. Given my appearance, it goes without saying. But I don’t want to end up in a weird corner, so I’m going to have to either cover it up or force my way out of it... hmm. Looks like I have to force my way out of it. “I’m a traveling apprentice sorcerer.” “But on my journey, I encountered a strange magical beast that cast a bizarre spell on me and transformed me into this. After being transformed, things were very rough. Initially, I couldn’t even stand up because my body was so different from when I was human, I lost the knowledge of magic and tools that I had acquired through painstaking efforts, and to top it off, I was hurled into the middle of the sea of trees where ferocious magic beasts roamed! I ultimately stabilized my life, but not before I frantically learned how to fight with this body and escaped from the humans who mistakenly assaulted me for a magical beast!” “...” “It was tough. It was truly grueling. Until my lifestyle stabilized, I feared for my life many times; in fact, there were times when I was on the verge of death. But as long as I don’t give up, things will work out. Having stabilized my life in this way, I finally set out to break the curse, and as a first step, I decided to head for the nearest town from where I resided. But then a thought crossed my mind. Even if I simply went to the town, I would be regarded as a magical beast and will be attacked. The reactions of the people I met during my life in the forest convinced me that this was the case. I then reasoned, ‘If only there is an intermediary from my own race, then it won’t affect me at all.’ Right, that’s why I saved you. I need you to negotiate with them so that they won’t attack me when I go to town. That’s the greatest repayment of favor you can give me!” All of this was said in one go. Phew. If I had a human body, I would have definitely run out of breath halfway through. At times like this, I really feel grateful for my body. You’re arguing that my narrative occasionally contains fabrications? Hahaha! What in the world are you pointing to? This is the kind of tactic people use to facilitate relationships! So, after hearing his story, Rio said... “I-I understand! I will do my best to return the favor you have done for me! Don’t worry! I will make sure that Pumpkin-san will be able to walk the whole town of Kunukihappy with dignity!!” Even Pumpkin was somewhat teary-eyed and hyped up at a level that made him pull back. Oh yeah. I have to disclose the truth to her one of these days. “E-Even so, that town is called Kunukihappy, isn’t it?” Since the atmosphere was getting slightly uncomfortable, Pumpkin made an effort to shift the subject and pointed towards the town, which was drawing much closer to them. Or rather, it turned out that when they went closer to this distance, the town’s surroundings included regular fields and such. “Ah, yes. It is called Kunukihappy, the center of Count Kunuki’s territory. It is far from Senkonoto, the capital, but it is the largest town near Lean Forest, which is a dream come true for all adventurers, and it is very bustling.” “Oh, that’s something to look forward to.” Rio’s words lifted his spirits inside. If the town was that large, it was likely to have decent parchment and ink, and there might be at least a fragment of information about “Kage-Ochi” that was available. “Ah, I can see it now. That is the large front gate of Kunukihappy.” “Heh.” Saying so, Rio pointed to a massive iron gate attached to the stone castle wall. Both the iron gate and the wall seemed to contain incredibly minimal magic power, but considering their size and the fact that only magic with very high output can penetrate them, it was not a matter of concern. “Oh! Rio! Thank God you’re alright!” A man who was at the bottom part of the gate, plainly dressed as a soldier, called out to her when he found Rio, so they headed that way. “When I heard that some foolish adventurers had provoked a nest of giant Hunting Bees, I was worried, but I’m glad to know that you’re safe and sound.” “Well, to tell you the truth... I was in quite a bit of danger, but with the help of... Pumpkin-san here, I was spared the difficulty.” “Hello. My name is Pumpkin.” “Oh, that’s very kind of you. I would like to thank you as well. My name is Gohei. I’m the gatekeeper of this Kunukihappy.” Gohey, the gatekeeper, was introduced to Pumpkin by Rio, and he greeted him in return. Somehow, he had a pleasant atmosphere and magic power. “So, Pumpkin-san is...” “Ah, I’m hoping to enter the town, but there’s more or less a reason behind it.” Pumpkin, therefore, said something similar to what he had just mentioned to Rio, along with the fact that his head was real, not a headgear. Then... “I’m sorry you’ve been through so much... Oh, in that case, Rio. Make sure you support the person who saved your life!” “Of course!!” Gohey also said the same thing as Rio. Ah yes. Even though I was half-deceiving him, believing a stranger’s words that easily, is this town’s defense going to be okay? “Then, I’ll issue a temporary permit for now, and the money is...” So you’re going to carry out your duties well? That’s a bit of a relief. But on my part, money is... “Uh, Rio. I’ll pay you back later, can I request the money from you now?” “Okay. Then let us say it again.” [[Welcome to Kunukihappy!]] Having done so, Pumpkin entered Kunukihappy after borrowing money from Rio with a pass issued.	{ "source": "manual-fanfic", "missed_lines": 4, "inserted_lines_src": 1, "inserted_lines_trg": 0 }
真剣な目でじっちゃんはそう語る。話し合ったところで国王陛下にじっちゃんの声が届くのだろうか。母親の言いなりになってじっちゃんをこんな風にしたあの国王に今更何が出来る。「エイベルを入手よりも......、あの霧の壁の魔法を解いて貰おうか」「国王を説得できるの?」「あいつの考えていることは大体分かるからな。なんとかしよう」僕の言葉にじっちゃんは即答する。じっちゃんがなんとかすると言ったら絶対になんとかなりそうな気がする。彼がいたら何も怖くない。デューク、じっちゃん、そしてアリシア、彼らが味方なら何も怖くない。世界を敵にまわしても勝てるような気がする。「ジル、デュークに伝えてくれ、この村を出るの間後だ」「分かった。......でも、どうして?」「まだ少しやるべきことが残っている」「じゃあ、一週間後にまた来る」僕がそう言うと、じっちゃんは静かに頷く。そして、そのまま僕は貧困村をあとにした。学園の人気のない中庭でデュークとヘンリと僕が集まる。「デューク、じっちゃんは村を出るよ」「そうか」デュークはホッとした様子で少し嬉しそうにそう呟いた。彼はじっちゃんのことをずっと気に掛けていたことが分かる。「......じっちゃんって誰だ?」ヘンリはそう言って首を傾げる。彼はずっとアリシアの味方だけど、僕達と彼との持っている情報の差は凄い。さっき、デュークが実は記憶喪失じゃないって言ったら、腰を抜かすぐらい驚いていたし......。デュークがアリシアに溺れていることなんて誰もが知っているから、自ら好きな女を国外追放にするなんて誰も思わない。つくづく彼には敵わないなと実感させられる。「じっちゃんは貧困村のじっちゃんだよ」「俺の伯父だな」「......はい?」ヘンリは僕らの言葉に目を丸くする。どうやら理解が追い付いていないみたいだ。「だから、貧困村の」「ちょ、ちょっと待て。え? これは俺の脳が悪いのか?」「元国王の嫡子、第一王子だ。俺の父親は妾の子だからな」「俺、そんな情報全く知らない。つか、え? は? 貧困村? ん?」ヘンリが急に馬鹿になる。「知っている人間はほとんどいないからな」「待て待て待て、詳しく丁寧に教えろ。俺はお前らと違って普通の脳みそなんだ。今の俺はデュークが記憶喪失の演技をずっとしていたことに腰を抜かしたばっかりなんだ」片手で頭を抱えながらヘンリはそう言った。 ......そりゃそうなるか。デュークは割と説明を省くからね。デュークは少し考えた後に、分かりやすく全部説明する。じっちゃんが貧困村に飛ばされた経緯を分かりやすく簡潔に話していく。デュークの話を聞いているうちに、ヘンリの顔色が変わるのが分かった。デュークは淡々と話すが、内容はかなり重い。「そんなことが......」全ての話を聞き終えると、ヘンリは特に何も言わずにただ静かに考え込んだ。「今は昔の話に気を落としている場合じゃない。今、何をするか考えるぞ」「あ、ああ、そうだな」ヘンリはまだ少し戸惑いながらもそう返事した。「で、何を具体的にすればいいの?」「伯父上はいつ頃、貧困村を出る?」「一週間後」「じゃあ、それまでにリズをどうにかしないとな」「リズをつるし上げるのッ!? そういうの大好き!」突然甘い匂いと共に、ピンク頭の女が目の前に現れる。メルが嬉しそうに笑っている。 ......本当にいきなり現れるな。「聞いてくれる~? 私が主に頼まれていた件について」最後に少し声を落とし、真剣な目でメルはそう言った。	Gramps stated as much, his face solemn. I wondered if His Majesty the King would listen to Gramps’ opinion if they talked. What could that king do now that he made Gramps like this at the behest of his mother? “Rather than getting Abel...let’s get him to break the spell behind that wall of fog.” “Can you convince the king?” “I know what he’s thinking. I’ll see what I can do.” Gramps quickly answered. I felt certain that if Gramps said he’d take care of it, I’d be able to handle it. I wouldn’t be afraid of anything if he was around. If Duke, Gramps, and Alicia were on my side, I wouldn’t be afraid of anything. I felt like I could win even if the whole world became my enemy. “Gilles, tell Duke that we are leaving this village in a week.” “Ok. But why?” “I still have a few things left to do.” “Well, I’ll be back in a week.” When I said this, Gramps nodded quietly. I then departed from the impoverished village. Duke, Henry, and I gather in the school’s deserted courtyard. “Duke, Gramps is leaving the village.” “I see.” Duke looked relieved and muttered a little happily. I could tell that he had been concerned about Gramps for a long time. “...Who’s Gramps?” Henry tilted his head in puzzlement. He had always been on Alicia’s side, but he didn’t have nearly as much information as we did. Earlier, when I told him that Duke was not actually suffering from amnesia, he was surprised enough to sit up and stare.... Everyone knew that Duke loved Alicia so much that no one would think that he would deport the woman he loved on his own. It really made me realize that I am no match for him. “Gramps is the Gramps of the impoverished village.” “And my uncle.” “...What?” Henry widened his eyes at our words. He didn’t seem to understand what we were saying. “So, about the impoverished village.” “Wait, wait a minute. What? Is my brain not working properly?” “He was the first prince, a legitimate son of the former king. My father was the son of a concubine.” “I don’t know anything about this. What? Eh? The impoverished village? Hmm?” Henry suddenly turned into an idiot. “Because very few people know about it.” “Wait, wait, wait, give me the specifics, in depth and in detail. I have a normal brain, unlike you guys. I still haven’t gotten over the fact that Duke has been acting like he has amnesia this whole time.” Henry said as he held his head in one hand. While explaining, Duke often omits many things. Duke thought for a moment before explaining everything in detail, including how Gramps was sent to the impoverished village. I could see Henry’s color changing as he listened to Duke’s story. Although Duke spoke nonchalantly, the content was quite heavy. “How could such a thing...” After hearing the whole story, Henry said nothing in particular, just quietly thought about it. “Now is not the time to get distracted by old stories. Let’s think about what we’re going to do now.” “Uh, yeah, sure.” Henry replied, still a little confused. “So, what exactly do I need to do?” “When will Uncle leave the impoverished village?” “In a week.” “I see, we’ll have to do something about Liz by then.” “You’re going to drag Liz away? I like that!” Suddenly, with a sweet smell, a woman with pink hair appeared in front of us. Mel was smiling with delight. ...She really comes out of nowhere, you know? “Will you listen to my report~? It’s about what my Lord asked me to do.” Finally, Mel lowered her voice a little and said with solemn eyes.	{ "source": "manual-fanfic", "missed_lines": 0, "inserted_lines_src": 1, "inserted_lines_trg": 0 }
我々は超常現象や疑似科学に関する主張そして反主流派やカルト団体その他の科学疑似科学非科学安っぽい科学ヴードゥー科学病的科学不道徳な科学非科学古くからある世迷言における主張を解明しています最近になって人類が火星に行くまで我々はそこにたくさんのものがあることを知りませんでした我々のことを否定的な意味を持つ言葉で真実を暴くものと呼ぶ人もいますしかし考えても見てください世の中にはたくさんのでたらめがありますだから我々はまるで警官隊の中に混ざるペテンの一団のようにその嘘を暴き出すのです私たちは悪者であるラルフ・ネーダーのように間違ったことを正しいことに訂正しようとしています間違ったことの例をあげてみましょう私は今日これを持ってきましたこれは我々にエヌビーシーデータラインが試験的にくださったものですバージニア州西部にあるくクオダコーポレーションが製造しましたこの商品は, クオダ2000ダウザーロッドと呼ばれています 900ドルで高校の管理者に販売されていましたラジオシャックアンテナがついたプラスチックのかたまりですこれはありとあらゆるものを探すことができますが私が今持っているこれは生徒のロッカーの中にあるマリファナを探し出すために作られましたどのようにしてこれを使うか廊下を歩いていきどれか特定のロッカーに反応しアンテナが傾くかどうか確認し傾いたロッカーを確認しますこんな感じで使いますお見せしましょうどうやら右寄りのバイアスがかかっているようですねではもう一度これが科学です我々はこれからコントロールされた実験をお見せしますこれは絶対こちら側に傾きますよほらポケットの中を空にしたいですか空にしていただけますかここで疑問が一つ湧き上がってきます本当にこれで生徒のロッカーの中のマリファナを見つけ出せるかそうですロッカーを大量に開けれ見つけ出せるでしょうしかし科学的には見つけ出したものたちだけでなく, 見つけ出せなかった失敗にも注目し続けなければなりません. それが今日私がみなさんにお話するキーポイントです心霊学占星学タロットカード占いなどがどのように実践されるのかについてお話します人間は成功は覚えていますが失敗は忘れてしまいます科学ではすべてのデータベースを管理し成功率がすべての症例の中で際立つものであるのかどうかあるいは偶然なのかどうかを見極める必要がありますそして今回我々は実際に計測してみました我々は不透明な箱を2つ用意しました 1つには合法のTHCマリファナがもう1つには何も入っていませんこの結果50%の確率でマリファナを確立できそれはコインをはじいてでる確率とまったく同じということですこれは我々が何をやっているかをしめすちょっとした面白い例です「スケプティク」は季刊誌です今回は未来の知性というようにそれぞれがある特定のテーマを扱っています人類は将来賢くなるのかそれともだめになるのかこれに関しては私のしている職業上個人的な意見がありますが実際人間は賢くなっていくということがわかっています 10年ごとにIQが3上がっていますなかなか興味深いことです科学的に見れば懐疑論はましてや科学でさえものではありません科学と宗教は共存しうるのかそれはつまり科学と配管工事は共存できるのかというのと同じことですこれなの2つの異なるもの科学というのはものではありませんそれは動作です科学とはものに対する考え方のことですすべての現象に対して自然な説明を探し出すための方法なのですつまり私が言いたいことは地球外知的生命や多次元的な生き物の果てしなく長距離にわたる移動によってカンザスのパッカーブラッシュにあるボブの農園に残されたミステリーサークルは我々のウェブサイトであるskeptics.comを広めるためだったでしょうか? それとも「スケプティック」の読者がフォトショップを使って作ったのでしょうか? すべての事例において我々はこれを確認しなくてはなりませんさらに説明が必要になってくるのは私たちは何かが非現実的であると言う前にそれがこの世の中に存在しないということを確認しなければなりませんつまりアーノルドは政治の場に復帰するために地球圏外からの助けを借りたということでしょうかそれとも「ワールドウィークリーニュース」が情報をでっちあげたのでしょうかさらに同じ類の内容がシドニーハリスの漫画の中にも素敵に表現されています背中を向けている人たちに向かって「それから奇跡が起きるよここではもっとありのままでいなくちゃ」と言っていますこの1枚のスライドはインテリジェントデザインに関する議論を完全に取り除いていますこのスライドはここに書いてあることそのものを示しているのです奇跡が起きると言うことができますしかしこれは何も説明してはいません何の情報も提供してはいないのです何の根拠もないですしね創造説論者に関する議論はここまでとしますそれとは対照的に科学者たちはときどき言葉を言語的な埋め合わせの場所として暗いエネルギーや暗い問題などそんな感じにそれがなんなのかがわかるまで放っておきますこれは科学の因果関係を示す連鎖の始まりです創造説論者にとって一連の議論はここで終わりとなりますではもう一度この質問をしてみましょういったいなんだろう UFOは地球外の乗り物なのかあるいは単なる認識の間違なのかさらにはフェイクという可能性もありますねこれはパサデナを見下ろすカリフォルニアのアトランタにある私の自宅で撮影されたUFOの写真ですビューイックのホイールキャップに見えませんかそうですこれはまさにビューイックのホイールキャップですフォトショップなしでも大丈夫ハイテクナ道具もいりませんパソコンだっていらないのですこれはコダックのインスタントカメラで撮りましたホイールキャップをレンズの外側で持っていてくれる人さえいればいいのですカメラの準備ができましたほら写真ができましたこの手のもののほとんどはフェイクか絵である可能性があるいは本物である可能性もありますがむしろこれらのうちのすべてはミステリーサークルのように偽物である可能性が高いですさらに深刻に言えばどの分野の科学においても私たちはデータと理論のバランスを探していますガリレオの場合でいけば彼が望遠鏡を土星に向けるときまず初めに惑星の環があるという理論はありませんでしたそして2つめに彼のデータは粒状性であいまいで彼は自分が何を見ているのか見分けることができませんでしたですから彼は「私は最も遠い惑星は3つの本体があることを観察した」そしてこれが彼の記録を締めくくりました惑星の環の理論がなく粒状性のデータがあったとしたら正しい理論を立てることはできませんこれは1655年まで解明されませんでしたこれを解明したのは人々が土星に何が起こっているかを解明するときの全ての間違いが記されたクリスティアーン・ホイヘンスの本でしたこれはホイヘンスが2つのことに気が付くまでずっと続きました彼は惑星の環と太陽系の仕組みに関するまともな理論を立てていましたそれから彼はよりより望遠鏡を持ちケプラーの法則通りに地球が土星よりも早く動いているということを見られるくらいより鮮明なデータも持っていて私たちはそのことを知りました私たちはそれぞれの天使がそれぞれの天使の輪を持っているのを知っていますそしてこれは実際に本当だということがわかります理論を立てることの問題はあなたが立てた理論に感覚的バイアスがかかっているかもしれないということですですから人々が奇妙なものを信じ込んでしまう理由を説明することに関する問題の1つは私たちは非常にシンプルなところに持っているということですより深刻なものについてみていきますたとえば私たちが顔を見つけてしまう傾向ですこれは1976年の火星の表面にある顔でそのころNASAがそのエリアの写真を撮る計画がありましたなぜなら人々はその顔が火星人によって作られた記念碑のような建築だと考えていたからですこれは2001年のクローズアップ版です目を細めてよく見てもその顔を見ることができますそして目を細めているときにあなたがしていることはきれいな粒子からきめの粗い写真への変換ですそれによってあなたの中での写真の画質を下げているのですもし仮に私がここに何が見えるかを言わなかったとしても顔が見えるでしょうなぜなら私たちは進化によって顔を認識してしまうように方向づけられているからです私たちにとって社会的に顔は大切ですそしてもちろん笑顔もですどのような種類の顔も簡単に見分けることができます火星の表面に笑顔が見えますよねもし宇宙飛行士たちがカエルだったとしたら彼らにはカーミットに見えるでしょうカーミットに見えますか? 小さなカエルの足が見えますではもし地学者が象だったとしたら? 宗教的図像学です 1996年にテネシー州のあるパン職人によって発見されました彼はマザーテレサの弁護士から排除命令を受けるまで 5つのバケツをつかってパンを修道女に見せました通りの向こうかあるいはここから見るとこちら側にグアダルーペの聖母とワトソンビルの聖母が見えます樹皮は特にすばらしいですなぜなら樹皮はざらざらしていて枝も多く白黒の斑点がありパターンを見出すことができるからです人間はパターンを探してしまう生き物ですサンパウロにあるガラスの窓に聖母マリアを見ることができますさてここで私が実際にラスベガスのカジノで手にしたチーズサンドウィッチの表面に現れた聖母マリアの姿を見てみましょうもちろんこれはアメリカ製ですこのカジノは$28,500をeBayにチーズサンドウィッチ代として支払いましたしかし実際誰が聖母マリアに似ているのでしょうか? これは1940代のようなひだ状の唇らしきものを持っていますフロリダ州クリアウォーターの聖母マリアです私は実際にこれを見に行きましたそこにはたくさんの人々がいて車いすに乗った人や松葉づえをついた人など信心深い人々がいました私たちはそこに赴き調べましたサイズを説明しましょうドーキンズと私と偉大なるランディですこの二つのとなりに何千万ものろうそくがこの聖母マリアに向けてともされましたそれから私たちはそこで何が起きているのかをみるために裏側へまわりましたそしてそこにはスプリンクラーのヘッドとヤシの木があることがわかりましたその影響が出ていたのです裏面にある聖母マリアです消えかかってきていますが私が思うに1つの建造物につき1つの奇跡しか起こらないのだと思いますこれは本当にマリアの奇跡なのかあるいはマーガリンの奇跡なのかそれではまた別の音声による錯覚の例を紹介して終わりにしたいと思います映画「サイレントノイズ」ですマイケル・キートン主演の死者が私たちに話しかけてくるという内容の映画です死者に話しかけるというのはここでは大きな問題ではありません誰もができるんですからすぐにわかりますよ返事をするために自分も死んでいくんです難しいですねこの場合ではおそらくこれらのメッセージは電子的な現象の中に隠れています私はこれを ReverseSpeech.com というウェブページからダウンロードしましたこれが最も有名な電子的現象のうちのひとつの通常再生ですとても有名な歌の通常再生ですちょっと一日中聞いていられそうだなそれでは逆再生してみますそこに隠されたメッセージがわかるかどうか聞いてみましょうなにが聞こえましたか? 聴衆: 悪魔マイケル・シャーマー: 悪魔? そうです少なくとも私たちは悪魔という言葉を聞き取りましたそれでは私はあなたがたの聴覚に関連する脳に何が聞こえてくるはずか前もって伝えたうえでもう一度聞いてみましょうそこに何があるのか前もって知らされているときあなたがたはそれを逃しませんでは最後に前向きで素敵なちょっとしたお話をして終わりにしましょうスケプティクスは非営利教育団体です私たちは常に人々がするちょっとしたいいことを探していますイギリスにあるポップシンガーがいますイギリスで最も人気のある歌手と一人でケイティ・ムルアと言います彼女はとても美しい歌を書きましたその曲は2005年にトップファイブに入りました「北京の900万台の自転車」という歌です彼女がいかに恋人を愛しているかそれを9万台の自転車と比較したラブソングですというのも彼女はイギリスのノラ・ジョーンズ的な存在ですからここにある歌の一節があります ♫私たちは危機から12万光年も離れたところにいるの♫ ♫想像だけどね♫ ♫誰もそれが本当だとは言わないわ♫ ♫それでも私はこれからずっとあなたのそばにいつもいるの♫ 素敵でしょう少なくとも彼女はこれを身近にしましたアメリカでなら「私たちは危機から6千光年も離れたところにいるの」になるでしょうね私の友人のサイモン・シンは微粒子物理学者から科学の教育者になり「ビッグバン」などを執筆しました彼は手にしたすべてのチャンスを優れた科学を奨励するために使いましたそして彼はガーディアン紙にケイティの歌に関する論評を書きましたその中で彼は私たちは宇宙の果てからどのくらいの時間と距離が離れているのか正確に知っているといいましたそれは12..ではなくて13.7千光年でそれは予想ではありません私たちは精密なエラーバーの範囲内で分かっているのですですからこれが完全な真実とは言えなくても真実に限りなく近いと言うことはできます彼にとって名誉なことにケイティはこの論評が発行されてから彼に電話をかけましたそして彼女はこう言いました「私はとても恥ずかしいです私は宇宙飛行士クラブのメンバーだったのですからもっとしっかりと知っておくべきでした」そして彼女はこの歌を再編集しましたということで最後に新しいバージョンをお聞かせして終わりにしましょう ♫私たちは観測できる宇宙の端から♫ ♫13.7億光年のところにいるの♫ ♫精密なエラーバーと手に入る情報によって計測された♫ ♫信頼できる数字なのよ♫ ♫私はこれからあなたとずっとに一緒にいると予測するわ♫ とっても素敵でしょう	We investigate claims of the paranormal, pseudo-science, fringe groups and cults, and claims of all kinds between, science and pseudo-science and non-science and junk science, voodoo science, pathological science, bad science, non-science, and plain old non-sense. And unless you've been on Mars recently, you know there's a lot of that out there. Some people call us debunkers, which is kind of a negative term. But let's face it, there's a lot of bunk. We are like the bunko squads of the police departments out there -- well, we're sort of like the Ralph Naders of bad ideas, trying to replace bad ideas with good ideas. I'll show you an example of a bad idea. I brought this with me, this was given to us by NBC Dateline to test. It's produced by the Quadro Corporation of West Virginia. It's called the Quadro 2000 Dowser Rod. This was being sold to high-school administrators for $900 apiece. It's a piece of plastic with a Radio Shack antenna attached to it. You could dowse for all sorts of things, but this particular one was built to dowse for marijuana in students' lockers. So the way it works is you go down the hallway, and you see if it tilts toward a particular locker, and then you open the locker. So it looks something like this. I'll show you. Well, it has kind of a right-leaning bias. Well, this is science, so we'll do a controlled experiment. It'll go this way for sure. Sir, do you want to empty your pockets, please, sir? So the question was, can it actually find marijuana in students' lockers? And the answer is, if you open enough of them, yes. But in science, we have to keep track of the misses, not just the hits. And that's probably the key lesson to my short talk here: This is how psychics work, astrologers, tarot card readers and so on. People remember the hits and forget the misses. In science, we keep the whole database, and look to see if the number of hits somehow stands out from the total number you'd expect by chance. In this case, we tested it. We had two opaque boxes: one with government-approved THC marijuana, and one with nothing. And it got it 50 percent of the time -- which is exactly what you'd expect with a coin-flip model. So that's just a fun little example here of the sorts of things we do. "Skeptic" is the quarterly publication. Each one has a particular theme. This one is on the future of intelligence. Are people getting smarter or dumber? I have an opinion of this myself because of the business I'm in, but in fact, people, it turns out, are getting smarter. Three IQ points per 10 years, going up. Sort of an interesting thing. With science, don't think of skepticism as a thing, or science as a thing. Are science and religion compatible? It's like, are science and plumbing compatible? They're just two different things. Science is not a thing. It's a verb. It's a way of thinking about things. It's a way of looking for natural explanations for all phenomena. I mean, what's more likely: that extraterrestrial intelligences or multi-dimensional beings travel across vast distances of interstellar space to leave a crop circle in Farmer Bob's field in Puckerbrush, Kansas to promote skeptic.com, our web page? Or is it more likely that a reader of "Skeptic" did this with Photoshop? And in all cases we have to ask -- What's the more likely explanation? Before we say something is out of this world, we should first make sure that it's not in this world. What's more likely: that Arnold had extraterrestrial help in his run for the governorship, or that the "World Weekly News" makes stuff up? The same theme is expressed nicely here in this Sidney Harris cartoon. For those of you in the back, it says here: "Then a miracle occurs. I think you need to be more explicit here in step two." This single slide completely dismantles the intelligent design arguments. There's nothing more to it than that. You can say a miracle occurs, it's just that it doesn't explain anything or offer anything. There's nothing to test. It's the end of the conversation for intelligent design creationists. And it's true, scientists sometimes throw terms out as linguistic place fillers -- dark energy or dark matter, something like that -- until we figure out what it is, we'll call it this. It's the beginning of the causal chain for science. For intelligent design creationists, it's the end of the chain. So again, we can ask this: what's more likely? Are UFOs alien spaceships, or perceptual cognitive mistakes, or even fakes? This is a UFO shot from my house in Altadena, California, looking down over Pasadena. And if it looks a lot like a Buick hubcap, it's because it is. You don't even need Photoshop or high-tech equipment, you don't need computers. This was shot with a throwaway Kodak Instamatic camera. You just have somebody off on the side with a hubcap ready to go. Camera's ready -- that's it. So, although it's possible that most of these things are fake or illusions or so on, and that some of them are real, it's more likely that all of them are fake, like the crop circles. On a more serious note, in all of science we're looking for a balance between data and theory. In the case of Galileo, he had two problems when he turned his telescope to Saturn. First of all, there was no theory of planetary rings. Second of all, his data was grainy and fuzzy, and he couldn't quite make out what he was looking at. So he wrote that he had seen -- "I have observed that the furthest planet has three bodies." And this is what he ended up concluding that he saw. So without a theory of planetary rings and with only grainy data, you can't have a good theory. It wasn't solved until 1655. This is Christiaan Huygens's book that catalogs all the mistakes people made trying to figure out what was going on with Saturn. It wasn't till Huygens had two things: He had a good theory of planetary rings and how the solar system operated, and he had better telescopic, more fine-grain data in which he could figure out that as the Earth is going around faster -- according to Kepler's Laws -- than Saturn, then we catch up with it. And we see the angles of the rings at different angles, there. And that, in fact, turns out to be true. The problem with having a theory is that it may be loaded with cognitive biases. So one of the problems of explaining why people believe weird things is that we have things, on a simple level, and then I'll go to more serious ones. Like, we have a tendency to see faces. This is the face on Mars. In 1976, where there was a whole movement to get NASA to photograph that area because people thought this was monumental architecture made by Martians. Here's the close-up of it from 2001. If you squint, you can still see the face. And when you're squinting, you're turning that from fine-grain to coarse-grain, so you're reducing the quality of your data. And if I didn't tell you what to look for, you'd still see the face, because we're programmed by evolution to see faces. Faces are important for us socially. And of course, happy faces, faces of all kinds are easy to see. You see the happy face on Mars, there. If astronomers were frogs, perhaps they'd see Kermit the Frog. Do you see him there? Little froggy legs. Or if geologists were elephants? Religious iconography. Discovered by a Tennessee baker in 1996. He charged five bucks a head to come see the nun bun till he got a cease-and-desist from Mother Teresa's lawyer. Here's Our Lady of Guadalupe and Our Lady of Watsonville, just down the street, or is it up the street from here? Tree bark is particularly good because it's nice and grainy, branchy, black-and-white splotchy and you can get the pattern-seeking -- humans are pattern-seeking animals. Here's the Virgin Mary on the side of a glass window in Sao Paulo. Here's when the Virgin Mary made her appearance on a cheese sandwich -- which I got to actually hold in a Las Vegas casino -- of course, this being America. This casino paid $28,500 on eBay for the cheese sandwich. But who does it really look like? The Virgin Mary? It has that sort of puckered lips, 1940s-era look. Virgin Mary in Clearwater, Florida. I actually went to see this one. There was a lot of people there. The faithful come in their wheelchairs and crutches, and so on. We went down and investigated. Just to give you a size, that's Dawkins, me and The Amazing Randi, next to this two, two and a half story-sized image. All these candles, thousands of candles people had lit in tribute to this. So we walked around the backside, to see what was going on. It turns out wherever there's a sprinkler head and a palm tree, you get the effect. Here's the Virgin Mary on the backside, which they started to wipe off. I guess you can only have one miracle per building. So is it really a miracle of Mary, or is it a miracle of Marge? And now I'm going to finish up with another example of this, with auditory illusions. There's this film, "White Noise," with Michael Keaton, about the dead talking back to us. By the way, the whole business of talking to the dead is not that big a deal. Anybody can do it, turns out. It's getting the dead to talk back that's the really hard part. In this case, supposedly, these messages are hidden in electronic phenomena. There's a ReverseSpeech.com web page where I downloaded this stuff. This is the most famous one of all of these. Here's the forward version of the very famous song. There's still time to change the road you're on. All right, here it is backwards, and see if you can hear the hidden messages that are supposedly in there. Satan! What did you get? Audience: Satan! Satan. OK, at least we got "Satan". Now, I'll prime the auditory part of your brain to tell you what you're supposed to hear, and then hear it again. You can't miss it when I tell you what's there. I'm going to just end with a positive, nice little story. The Skeptics is a nonprofit educational organization. We're always looking for little good things that people do. And in England, there's a pop singer. One of the top popular singers in England today, Katie Melua. And she wrote a beautiful song. It was in the top five in 2005, called, "Nine Million Bicycles in Beijing." It's a love story -- she's sort of the Norah Jones of the UK -- about how she much loves her guy, and compared to nine million bicycles, and so forth. And she has this one passage here. We are 12 billion light-years from the edge That's a guess, No one can ever say it's true, But I know that I will always be with you. Michael Shermer: Well, that's nice. At least she got it close. In America it'd be, "We're 6,000 light years from the edge." But my friend, Simon Singh, the particle physicist now turned science educator, who wrote the book "The Big Bang," and so on, uses every chance he gets to promote good science. And so he wrote an op-ed piece in "The Guardian" about Katie's song, in which he said, well, we know exactly how far from the edge. You know, it's 13.7 billion light years, and it's not a guess. We know within precise error bars how close it is. So we can say, although not absolutely true, it's pretty close to being true. And, to his credit, Katie called him up after this op-ed piece came out, and said, "I'm so embarrassed. I was in the astronomy club. I should've known better." And she re-cut the song. So I will end with the new version. We are 13.7 billion light years from the edge of the observable universe. That's a good estimate with well-defined error bars. And with the available information, I predict that I will always be with you. How cool is that?	{ "source": "iwslt2017", "missed_lines": null, "inserted_lines_src": null, "inserted_lines_trg": null }
俺がゴブリン討伐クエを選んだ理由はいくつかある。、依頼元の村が貧しいためだろう。とても報酬が安い。、ゴブリンは人間の小児ぐらいの強さしかない弱い魔物だ。だが、群れになると厄介だ。舐めたら新人冒険者など簡単に死ぬ。数はそれだけで脅威となる。実際、ゴブリン討伐で命を落とす新人は珍しくはない。、そしてこれが一番重要なのだが、村への被害は無視できない。ゴブリンは家畜を盗み、畑を荒らす。そして最後には人までさらうようになる。農村にとっては大きな脅威だ。そこまで考えて、特に厄介そうなゴブリン退治クエを受注することを決める。俺が受付で引き受ける旨を伝えると、受付嬢が心配そうに言う。「ソロですか?」「はい。その予定です」「新人さんがソロでゴブリン退治というのは危険ですよ?」「それは知っていますが、大丈夫です」引き留められた。俺の真のランクはSだ。魔法を使わなくてもゴブリン程度には充分勝てる。だが、表向きは新人の戦士ソロによるゴブリン退治だ。自殺行為に見えるのだろう。受付嬢が引き留めるのは純粋なる良心からだろう。リスクをきちんと説明できる受付は貴重である。ゴランの指導の成果だろうか。受付嬢と話し合っていると、後ろから声をかけられた。「俺たちと一緒に行くかい?」「君たちは?」「俺たちもFランク冒険者なんだ。魔法使いと弓スカウト。前衛が足りてないんだよ」「あなたは戦士なのでしょう? 一緒に行きましょう」声をかけてきたのは若い男の冒険者二人組だ。それを聞いていた受付嬢も、「それがいいですよ! 絶対それがいいです!」強く勧めてくる。ソロでなければ生還率は跳ね上がるのだ。本当はソロがよかった。だが、受付嬢を説得する自信がない。それにFランク冒険者ということは、彼らも新人だ。新人育成も先達の役目。断るべきではないだろう。「じゃあ、一緒に行こうか。よろしく頼む」「俺はアリオ。ファイアーボールが使える」「俺はジョッシュです。弓なら任せてください」「俺はロックだ。剣を使う」実際に剣を使うので嘘ではない。俺の冒険者カードも、第二職業の方の戦士だけ表示されるようになっている。アリオとジョッシュの二人と一緒に王都を出た。門のところで衛兵にお礼を言う。衛兵たちは半裸の俺に服をくれた。「この前はありがとうございました」「いやいや。かまわんさ。それより知り合いには会えたようだな」俺の服装を見て、衛兵たちは笑顔になった。「はい。おかげさまで」「冒険に出かけるのか?」「はい、ゴブリン退治です」「そうか、気をつけろよ」再度お礼を言ってから、門を出た。そしてゴブリン被害の出た村へと向かう。道中、俺は二人に尋ねた。「二人とも随分と若いんだな」「そうか? 俺たちは、もう18だぞ。ロックもそう変わらないだろ?」そんなわけはない。 30歳で次元の狭間に行った。それから10年戦った。だから40歳ということになる。だが、正直に言うと40歳のFランク冒険者ということになって怪しまれる。「いや、アリオたちよりも、もう少し......いや、だいぶ上だ」「そうか。若く見えるんだな」「はい、若く見えます」アリオたちはお世辞がうまいらしい。いや、ゴランたちが俺が若返ったと言っていた。ドレインタッチの効果だろうか。やはり、ドレインタッチ美容法で金儲けできるかもしれない。そんなことを考えながら歩いていく。アリオたちとの会話の中で、出身地の話になった。アリオとジョッシュは田舎から出て来たばかりなのだという。田舎では魔獣退治やゴブリン退治などをしていたらしい。「ゴブリン退治は得意なんだ。だからロックも大船に乗ったつもりでいいぞ」「それは頼もしい」「ゴブリン退治は面倒だが、農村にとっては脅威だからな」「ロックさんも農村が心配で、ひきうけたのでしょう?」「まあ、そうだ」俺がそう答えると、アリオたちは笑顔になる。「そうだと思ったんだ。ゴブリン退治なんて新人でもやりたがらないからな」農村を心配している者同士ということで、意気投合することができた。アリオは明るいお調子者。ジョッシュは真面目で無口な青年の様だ。 1日以上歩いて依頼元の村につく。到着時刻はちょうど昼頃。途中の野宿も久しぶりで楽しいぐらいだった。村人から被害の状態や、ゴブリンがやってくる方向などを聞く。「牛が盗まれまして......」「大体、西の方の柵が壊されていることが多いです」「先日は、羊を......」かなり被害が大きいようだ。だからこそ、冒険者ギルドに依頼を出したのだろう。「となると、巣穴は向こうの方だな」「ああ」「規模的にはゴブリン十匹ってところですね」「そうだな」アリオとジョッシュの判断はそう間違ってないと思う。だから何も言わない。だが、少しゴブリンの規模を読み間違っている気もする。牛や羊を頻繁に盗むような群れはかなり大きいはずだ。十匹どころではないと考えるのが自然だ。それでも俺がいれば危険はない。アリオたちは危なくなれば助けてやればいいだろう。俺たち三人パーティーは、ゴブリンの巣穴があるらしい方向へと歩いて行った。	There were several reasons that I chose the goblin hunting quest. The first was that it was a poor village who put out the request. And so the reward was very small. The second was that goblins were monsters who were about as weak human children. However, they could be troublesome as a group. A new Adventurer might easily die if they underestimated them. That is how much of a threat their large numbers could be. Indeed, it was not unusual for new Adventurers to die by goblins. The third and most important reason was that I could not ignore the damage to the village. Goblins stole their livestock and ruined their fields. And in the end, they would even start to abduct people. They were a big threat to a farming village. And so with all of this in mind, I decided to accept the goblin hunting quest. When I told the lady at the counter about my intention, she replied with a worried voice. “Will you be going solo?” “Yes. That’s the plan.” “Don’t you know that it is incredibly dangerous for a newcomer to go hunting solo?” “I do know that. But I will be fine.” She tried to stop me. My real rank was S. I could easily win against goblins even without using magic. However, on the surface, I was a newcomer Warrior who was going goblin hunting alone. It looked like suicide to her. And so she was only trying to stop me out of pure kindness. It was important to have people at the front desk who could explain the risks to you. Goran had taught them well. As I was talking to her, someone called me from behind me. “Why don’t you come with us?” “Who are you?” “We’re F Rank Adventurers too. A Sorcerer and Archer Scout. But we need someone for the vanguard.” You’re a Warrior, aren’t you? Let’s go together.” It was a pair of young male Adventurers who called to me. Hearing this, the girl at the desk chimed in. “That is a great idea! You should join them!” She said strongly. Survival rates were much higher if you weren’t alone. To be honest, I wanted to go alone. However, I wasn’t confident that I would be able to convince her. Besides, they were F Rank Adventurers, which meant that they were new. It was my job to teach them. I didn’t think it would be right to reject them. “Alright, let’s go together then.” “I’m Ario. I can use fireballs.” “I’m Josh. Leave the archery to me.” “I am Locke. I use the sword.” It wasn’t a lie, as I was actually going to be using it. Even my Adventurer’s card only had Warrior, which was my second job, displayed on it. And so I left the royal capital with Ario and Josh. I thanked the guards when we reached the gate. They had given me clothes when I was half naked. “Thank you for helping me back then.” “No, no. We don’t mind. And it seems that you’ve made some friends.” The guards looked at my clothes and smiled. “Yes. Thanks to you.” “And so you’re going out on an adventure?” “Yes, to hunt goblins.” “I see. Be careful out there.” I thanked them again before leaving through the gate. And then we set out for the village that was being attacked. On the way, I asked the other two. “You two seem quite young?” “Really? I’m already . You’re not much older, are you Locke?” “Uh...” Not exactly. I went to the place between dimensions when I was . And then I fought for years. So that meant that I was . But being honest and saying that I’m a 40-year-old, F Rank Adventurer would just make them suspicious. “No, I’m a little...um, quite a bit older than you two.” “I see. But you look quite young.” “Yes, you look young.” They were good at flattering people. Actually, Goran did say that I looked younger. Maybe it was an effect of Drain Touch after all. I really should consider making money off it as a beauty treatment. I thought about such things as we walked. While I talked with Ario and Josh, we moved on to birthplaces. Both of them had only just come out of the countryside. They had been hunting goblins and other monsters back home. “We’re good at killing goblins. So you can depend on us, Locke.” “That’s comforting.” “Hunting goblins is annoying, but they are a big threat to farming villages.” “You accepted the quest because you were worried about them too, right Locke?” “Well, yes.” I answered, and they smiled. “That’s what I thought. Most newcomers don’t want to hunt goblins.” As we were all people who were worried about the farming village, we got along well. Ario was a cheerful person who easily got carried away. Josh was serious and did not talk much. It took over a day of walking to reach the village. It was just past midday when we arrived. It had been so long since I last camped outside, and so it was quite fun. We then asked the villagers about the damage done and the direction that the goblins came from. “They stole our cows...” “Most of the time, they break the fences on the west side.” Yesterday, my sheep...” It seemed that the damage was quite bad. That was why they had made a request at the guild. “So I guess their nest must be over there.” “Yes.” “As far as scale, there must be at least ten of them.” Ario and Josh’s conclusion was mostly correct. And so I stayed silent. But I did think they misread the number a little. A pack that could steal cows and sheep so frequently must be larger. It was more natural to think that there were more than 10. Still, it would not be dangerous as long as I was there. I could just help them if things turned sour. And so our party of three headed in the direction where the goblin nest would be.	{ "source": "manual-fanfic", "missed_lines": 1, "inserted_lines_src": 1, "inserted_lines_trg": 2 }
近辺の魔物は実際、あであらかた討伐できていたらしい。周りを見渡す余裕が出てきて、ようやく状況を確認することができた。思いがけないヨルンヴェルナの態度に、シェイラも相当動揺していたらしい。魔物に塗り潰されていた広い平原は、動くものが少なくなったためか幾分見晴らしがよくなっていた。はるか後方に、クローシェザードとレイディルーンの姿が見える。遠目で見る限り無事なようで、シェイラは安堵の息をついた。その時ヨルンヴェルナが、僅かに身じろぎする。彼はゆっくりと顔を上げ、上体を離す。泣いた様子はないものの、まだ子犬のように情けない顔をしていた。「もう、大丈夫ですか?」「うん......ごめんね。気が動転したみたいだ。風を起こしたのは君だと頭では理解できているのに、魔物ごと巻き込まれるところを見たら、心臓が止まりそうになった」やけに素直だしいつもの軽口もないため、調子が狂って仕方ない。シェイラは苦笑すると、少し乱暴にヨルンヴェルナの髪をかき混ぜた。この柔らかい毛質が、実は結構好きだったりする。「落ち着いたなら聞いてください。僕は、絶対に戦場で死んだりしません」笑みを不敵なものに変えると、ヨルンヴェルナは意表を突かれたように目を丸くした。「そりゃこの先、大怪我することはあるかもしれません。でも、死なない。それだけは約束できます。そして絶対に、ここへ帰ってくる」シェイラは、剣を構え直す。ミミズのような魔物が飛び出してきたので素早く切り伏せた。刃に付いた血を一振りで拭い、ヨルンヴェルナを振り返る。「だって、せっかく大切な人を護っても、死んじゃったら勿体ないでしょ?」「君らしい考え方だ」「そっちこそ意外でしたよ。ヨルンヴェルナ先生って、周りの人間がどうなろうと知ったこっちゃないんだと思ってました。身近な人に死んでほしくないなんて、ちょっと子どもみたい」「僕も、そう、思っていたのだけれどね」静かに呟くと、ヨルンヴェルナはシェイラの頬に手を伸ばした。その手が、触れるか触れないかのところで止まる。空気をなぞるように慎重に、触れた途端に消えてしまうのではと恐れるように。ヨルンヴェルナは、空気に溶けそうな儚い笑みでシェイラを見つめていた。「......君は、怖いね」「え?」「君はとても、怖い人だ」まるで自分自身に言い聞かせるような口振りに、シェイラは憤慨した。魔物だらけの状況で会話に付き合うこの優しさが、彼には見えていないのか。「失礼な言い草ですね。せっかく慰めてあげたのに......っと、後ろ危ない」ヨルンヴェルナの背後に迫るねずみの魔物を退治すると、シェイラは頭を切り替えた。「さぁ、あと一息ですよ。小型の魔物ばかりですけど、油断しないで頑張りましょう」ヨルンヴェルナも気を取り直して周囲の魔物達に目を向け始めた。クローシェザード達も戦い続けていたので、どんどん数を減らしていく。広範囲攻撃魔道具は既に尽きたようだが、ヨルンヴェルナの魔力はまだまだ衰えを見せていない。何時間も攻撃魔法を打ち続けているというのに、やはり学生とは格が違う。なのに攻撃の合間に、ヘラヘラと笑いながらくだらないことを言い出すのだ。「フフ。クローシェザード達に、さっきのやり取り見られちゃったかなぁ。その時は正直に打ち明けてみる? 僕達、そういう関係になりましたって」「何ですか、そういう関係って」急に調子を取り戻したヨルンヴェルナの冗談に、シェイラは呆れて半眼になる。彼が楽しそうにしているということは、大概ろくでもない意味だ。真面目に取り合っても仕方ない。魔物を倒しつつ、クローシェザード達とようやく合流する。レイディルーンといたこともあって共かすり傷一つない。「すみません、陣形を乱しました」「いい。それより、怪我はないか?」「はい! 先生達もご無事で何よりです!」言葉少なに互いの無事を確認し合い、最後の力を絞りきる戦いが始まる。手が足りなかったためか、レイディルーンも剣を握って応戦しているでかかれば、小型の魔物の集団など強敵ではなかった。クローシェザードの剣が魔物を切り裂けば、取りこぼした数匹に向けてヨルンヴェルナが氷の魔法を放つ。レイディルーンが風の魔法を炸裂させ、一気に数を削る。おびただしい屍の山に足を取られそうになりながら、誰もが必死に戦い続けた。あと少し、あとほんのもう少し。もはや終わりは見えている。疲労はほとんど限界にきていたが、希望があるから体を動かせた。「とりあえず、帰ったら休みたい......」無意識に溢していた呟きを、クローシェザードが聞き咎めた。「面倒だろうが、先に食事を済ませた方がいいぞ。ずっと寝ていたいにもかかわらず、空腹で起きることになる」経験者は語る、という奴なのだろうか。彼の言葉には物凄い実感が込められていた。ヨルンヴェルナがおかしそうに笑う。「クローシェザードは普段から働きすぎだからねぇ。こういう時、溜まっていた分を取り戻すように、丸一日以上目を覚まさなかったりするんだ」「へぇ。意外と寝汚い......」「何か言ったか?」鋭く問い返すクローシェザードの目を決して見ないようにしていたシェイラの隣で、レイディルーンが呆れて嘆息する。「人のことが言えるのか、ヨルンヴェルナ? お前だって研究の合間に、寝溜めと言いながらいつまでも寝こけているくせに」目に見えて動いている魔物の数が減っていく中、確かに全員の気が少し緩んでいた。そんな時だった。虫の知らせでもないが、シェイラがふと、空を見上げたのは。愛用している細身の長剣を、ドスリと地面に取り落とした。「あれは......」言葉を失って立ち尽くすシェイラに気付いた者から、その視線の先を追いかけ始める。上空にポツリと浮かぶ黒い影。到底鳥には見えない、その威容。「――――ドラゴン」呟くクローシェザードの声音は、ひどく掠れたものだった。ドラゴン。有翼種。体長は小さなものだートル、大きいものだメートル以上のものが確認されているらしい。獰猛で、魔物の中でも最強と言われている。今上空を飛んでいるドラゴンの、正確な体長は分からない。けれど、十メートルはゆうに越えているように見えた。まだ遥か遠くにいるものの、接近するのは時間の問題だろう。その目的地となっているのは――――言うまでもない。さすがに空の敵には、クローシェザードの魔法剣も届かない。彼は歯痒そうに顔を歪めた。魔物と戦う準備が万全だったなら攻撃方法の一つもあっただろうが、もちろんそんな用意はない。レイディルーンが魔力を振り絞り、得意の風魔法を編み出す。シェイラも目の当たりにしたことがある、あの竜巻だ。けれどやはり、翼のある魔物に対して有効とは言えない。ドラゴンは風を読み、巧みにすり抜けてしまう。クローシェザードとヨルンヴェルナも魔法を打っているが、なかなか命中しなかった。「――――光の精霊よ!」数本のみ残っていた矢をつがえ、シェイラは弓を引き絞った。光の速さで飛んでいった矢は見事に的中し、巨大な翼を貫通する。ドラゴンは僅かにバランスを崩したけれど、魔法のような威力はないためすぐに立て直してしまう。せめてこちらに注意を引き付けられればと、挑発のように鼻先を狙う。今度は外したものの、ドラゴンは煩わしげにシェイラを見下ろした。鋭い眼光に萎縮したものの、一瞬で興味がなくなったように視線が外れた。やはり目と鼻の先に極上の魔素が集まっているとあっては、気を逸らすこともできないようだ。ドラゴンは既に、鋭い爪や牙を視認できる距離にまで来ている。薄い皮膜の翼の向こうに、夕焼けに染まる橙色の空が透けて見えた。このままでは上空を、やすやすとすり抜けていかれる。今までの苦労を水泡に帰すように。シェイラの脳裏に絵本の一場面がよぎった。ドラゴンの吐く炎に焼き尽くされる街。滅びる王国。 ――どうすれば......。なす術のないことへの焦燥。絶望感。誰か、誰でもいいから何とかして。助けて。 ――神様......! ――――その時、起死回生の奇策が浮かんだ。	It seemed that the demons in the vicinity had, in fact, been mostly defeated by her attacks. Sheila finally had enough time to look around and see what was going on. She was in turmoil by Jornwerner’s unexpected attitude. The wide plain that had been covered with demons was now somewhat more visible, probably because there were fewer moving objects. Far behind them, she could see the figures of Clauschezade and Leidyrune. They appeared to be safe from a distance, and Sheila breathed a sigh of relief. At that moment, Jornwerner stirred slightly from her shoulder. He slowly looked up and let go of her upper body. He didn’t look like he had cried, but he still looked as pitiful as a wet puppy in the rain. “Are you all right now?” “Yeah.... Sorry, I guess I got upset. I knew in my head that you were the one who created the wind, but when I saw your figure get caught up with the demons, my heart almost stopped.” He was being awfully honest and without his usual flippant tone, so she couldn’t help but softened up. Sheila laughed and ruffled Jornwerner’s hair a little roughly. She actually quite liked the soft texture of his hair. “If you’ve calmed down, listen to me. I will never let myself die on the battlefield.” She smiled boldly, and Jornwerner’s eyes widened as if he had been taken by surprise. “Well, I might get seriously injured in the future. But I won’t die. I can promise you that. I will definitely come back.” Sheila readied her sword again. A worm-like demon jumped at her and she quickly cut it down. She wiped the blood from her blade with one swing and looked back at Jornwerner. “After all, if you go to great lengths to protect someone important to you, it would be a shame if you yourself died, right?” “That’s your way of thinking, huh?” “That was surprising, though. I thought Jornwerner-sensei didn’t care what happened to the people around him. It was a bit innocent of you not to want those close to you to die.” “I.... thought so, too.” Muttering quietly, Jornwerner reached for Sheila’s cheek. His hand stopped just short of touching. Carefully, as if tracing the air, as if afraid that as soon as he touched her, she would disappear. Jornwerner looked at Sheila with a fleeting smile that seemed to melt into the air. “.... You’re quite scary.” “Eh?” “You’re a very, very scary person.” Sheila was indignant at his words. Did he not see her kindness to engage in a conversation in a situation when they were surrounded by demons? “That’s rude. Even though I went to the trouble of comforting you.... Watch out, behind you!” After eliminating the rat demon that was approaching behind Jornwerner, Sheila got herself ready again. “Alright, just a little more! There are only small demons left, but let’s stay on our toes and do our best.” Jornwerner also regained his composure and began to look at the surrounding demons. Clauschezade and Leidyrune were also continuing to fight, and the numbers around them were dwindling rapidly. The wide-range attack magic tools seemed to have already been exhausted, but Jornwerner’s magic power hadn’t yet shown any sign of waning. Even though he had been casting offensive magic for hours, he was still different from a student. And yet, in between attacks, he would laugh and say silly things. “Hmph. I wonder if Clauschezade and Leidyrune saw our exchange earlier. Would you like to be honest about it then? I’ll tell them that we’re in that kind of relationship.” “What do you mean by ‘in that kind of relationship’?” Sheila’s eyes squinted in dismay at Jornwerner’s joke, which suddenly sprung up again. The fact that he was making jokes again meant that he was back to his usual teasing self. There was no point in taking him seriously. While defeating the demons, they both finally met up with Clauschezade and Leidyrune. With Leidyrune with him, neither of them had a scratch on them. “I’m sorry, I messed up the formation.” “That’s all right. Anyway, are you hurt?” “Yes, I’m fine! I’m glad you’re all safe, too!” After confirming each other’s safety with a few words, the final battle began. Perhaps because they didn’t have enough hands, Leidyrune was also fighting with a sword in hand. With the four of them fighting together, a group of small demons wasn’t their match. Clauschezade’s sword sliced through the demons, and Jornwerner fired ice magic at the few that were left behind. Leidyrune also cast his wind magic, cutting down their numbers in one fell swoop. Everyone continued to fight desperately, almost getting caught in the heap of corpses. They were almost done, just a little more. The end was already in sight. Their fatigue had almost reached its limit, but hope kept their bodies moving. “Geez, I just want to rest when I get home....” Clauschezade overheard the unconscious murmur. “Even though it’s a hassle, you should eat first. Even if you’d rather sleep, you’ll wake up hungry all night.” He was probably speaking from experience. His words were filled of his real feelings. Jornwerner laughed, finding it amusing. “Clauschezade usually works too much. At times like that, he sometimes doesn’t wake up for a whole day to make up for the lost time.” “Heh~ He’s surprisingly a deep sleeper....” “Did you say something?” Leidyrune sighed in exasperation next to Sheila, who was trying not to look into Claushezade’s eyes as he sharply questioned her back. “You can’t speak for others, can you, Jornwerner? Even you’re sleep deprived because of your studies.” With the number of demons visibly moving decreasing, everyone was a bit relaxed. However, Sheila suddenly looked up at the sky. She dropped her beloved sword to the ground with a thud. “That’s....” Those who noticed Sheila standing there speechless began to follow her gaze. A black shadow was floating in the sky. A seemingly majestic figure that, by any means, wasn’t a bird at all. “――Dragon.” Clauschezade’s voice was terribly grave as he muttered. Dragon. A winged species. The smallest of them was known to be meters long, and the largest more than meters long. They were ferocious and were said to be the strongest of all demons. They didn’t know the exact length of the dragon flying in the sky right now. However, it looked to be well over meters long. Although still far away, it would only be a matter of time before it got closer. It went without saying that――the Kingdom of Steitz was the destination. Naturally, Clauschezade’s magic sword couldn’t reach the enemy in the sky. His face contorted complicatedly. If he had been fully prepared to fight demons, especially a dragon, he would have found a way to attack it, but he wasn’t prepared for that. Leidyrune wielded his magical power and weaved his signature wind magic. Sheila had seen that tornado before. However, it was still not effective against winged demons. The dragon could feel the change in the wind and skillfully slipped through. Clauschezade and Jornwerner were also casting several spells, but they weren’t causing enough damage. “――O Spirit of Light!” Sheila grabbed the few arrows she had left and drew her bow. The arrow flew at the speed of light, hit the target perfectly, and successfully pierced its huge wings. The dragon lost its balance slightly but quickly recovered as her attack wasn’t as powerful as magic. Hoping to at least draw its attention to her, she aimed at its snout as if to provoke it. This time she missed, but the dragon looked down at Sheila annoyed. The sharp look in its eyes made her shiver, but in an instant, its gaze fell away as if it had lost interest in her. It seemed that the dragon couldn’t be distracted by the presence of the finest magical elements gathered right in front of its eyes and nose. The dragon had already come within sight with its sharp claws and fangs. Beyond the thin skin of its wings, Sheila could see the orange sky tinted with the setting sun. At this rate, it would easily slip through the sky above them. All the hard work they had done up to this point will be lost. A scene from a picture book flashed through Sheila’s mind. A city burned to the ground by the flames of a dragon’s breath. A kingdom dying. ‘What should I do....?’ The frustration of being helpless. A sense of hopelessness. Somebody, anybody, please do something. Help. ‘Please God....!’ ――At that moment, a brilliant plan came to mind.	{ "source": "manual-fanfic", "missed_lines": 1, "inserted_lines_src": 0, "inserted_lines_trg": 0 }
科学のカリキュラムで創造説? 序論この論文は進行中の創造説科学にたいする公開論争、しばしば論理の混乱が目立つ(あるいはそれが特徴とさえなっている)論争を明瞭にしようとする試みなんだ。この論戦は相反する目的で議論されており、一般に(しばしば辛辣な皮肉を混ぜこんだ)見かけ倒しの考察であり、あらゆる陣営からの参戦者でますます盛んになっているようなんだ。この混乱は大部分、あらゆる見解の狂信者が直接に主張されている以上のものを含んだ問題から意見を引き出そうとして利用する意図的な不明瞭化、修辞的なごまかし、屁理屈に根差しているのは間違いない。だけど、混乱の多くは、用語法のその分野特有の不正確さ、それに合理的議論、特に科学的議論の基本原則が正真正銘の理解できてないことからも、生じているんだ。中心となる論争そのものは、ダーウィンの進化説と聖書の創造説のどちらが正しいかの衝突、つまりは、真理を認識するために設定した基準によっかかった、これからもずっと答えることのできないような問題だって、しょっちゅう誤って伝えられている。でも、実際のところ、論議が行われている通常の討議の場というのは、直接的な社会的帰結を伴うようなもっと特定の問題に関わっている。その問題っていうのは、ぼくらの学校の科学のクラスで科学のカリキュラムの正規の一部として(いうならば、ダーウィン理論と同じ時間を当てて)、創造説科学を教えるのかって問題だ。この論文は後の問題に焦点を絞り、次のような解答を提案する。すなわち、創造説科学の創造説は科学のカリキュラムで教えるべきではない。それは、創造説が真実ではないからではなく、それが科学ではないからだ。この解答は、注意しておいて欲しいのだが、聖書の創造説を学校のカリキュラムの別のところで教えるべきかどうかという問題は、未決のままにしている。上に述べた解答にいたる議論の概略を述べる過程で、いうなれば、なにか明晰さが確立され、そうすることで、結論に同意しない人たちが、この論文から、少なくとも、問題についても、それにこの問題についての論争がいつもきまりきって破壊工作を受けてしまうその筋道のいくつかについても、明確な理解を引き出して欲しいと期待している。いくつかの用語法論争に貢献する(あるいは他の人々の立場を理解する)本質的な第一歩というのは、彼らの重要用語(この論争ではたいていひどく不正確だ)で彼らが何を意味しているか明確に理解することだ。したがって、この論文の残りの部分を明快にするため、議論の基礎となる言葉で何を意味しているのか、できるだけはっきりと定義しておこう。進化論とは、その根本となる生物学的意味では、単に動植物の形態がそれとは著しく異なった形態から発展することを意味している (例えば鳥類が爬虫類から発展したり、人類が高等な類人猿から発展したり)。この用語はこの過程がどういうふうに起こるかってことについては何も主張していない。この単純な定義は、(どうであれ、それが起こったという)出来事だけを言っているんだ。したがって、(指摘しておくと)ダーウィン主義者でなくたって進化論者であること(つまり進化を信じるってことだけど)はできる (歴史を調べるとそういう人たちの例はいくつも見つかる)。この論文にこの後の部分を理解するには、読者は(いつも、特に科学者がそうしてるみたいに)進化論とダーウィン主義という二つの用語を直接ごちゃ混ぜにしてはならない。この二つの用語は別々のものを定義しているんだ。進化論に反対する学説は種の固定論という。この学説は(動物でも植物でも)種は固定していて、安定していて、永続的だって主張している。同じ種の中でも個体間にはある程度変異があり(明白な事実だ)、ある種は明らかに別の種ととても似ている(例えば犬と狼)。しかしこの学説にしたがえば、種はお互いに独立して出現したことになる。その上、この学説は、どうやってこういう種が出現したってことの説明はなにもしない。この二つの間には、たくさんの中間的な立場がある。いわゆる限定進化論は、ある種はそれに近縁の種から生じたが、こういう種分化の形態は限られたものだと主張する。それで、例えば、魚類の異なる種は進化によって一つ以上の魚類の共通祖先から発展してきたのかもしれないとする。けれど限定進化論はある大きな群から別の群が(例えば魚類から鳥類が)進化する可能性は否定するんだ。この論文で(それに一般でも)使われる創造説というのは、種の発展や植物と動物の多様性は創世記に書かれたとおり、神による種の創造として起こったという信念のことを言う。だから、創造説は種の固定説(進化なし)という学説を信奉し、生命の多様性を別々の神に創造の御業がなされたことで説明する。創世記の説明を(特に創造の段階の順序と時間まで)文字通りの真実だと信じる創造説論者は、原理主義者と呼ばれることが多い。その他のさまざまな創造説論者が創世記が真実だと信じているが、この説明を寓意的に読んでいる (例えば、創世記の説明の各一日は本当の一日ではなく、創造の格段階はとても長い期間続いたんだとかね)。創造説科学(たいていは創造説と交換可能に使われる用語だ)は、創造説を信じることが科学的立場であって、したがって現代の進化理論に置き換わる科学的な選択肢とみるべきだという主張を伴った創造説の信奉のことを言う。だから、創造説科学者でない(すなわち、創世記の説明が科学的立場だと主張しない)創造説論者(つまり創世記の説明を信じている人)ってのが存在しうる。ダーウィン主義という用語(重ねて言うが、この論文で使われるかぎりで)は、チャールズ・ダーウィンが展開し、進化論を支持し、(自然選択かその他のメカニズムによって)どんなふうに進化が起こったかの説明を提案してきた現代の生物学者によって多くの修正を受けてきた理論のことを言う。ダーウィン主義をその他の進化理論を分けている重要な要素は次のものだ。ダーウィン理論は進化のメカニズムの中心には、なんの知的目的意識のないランダムで機械的過程があると主張する (これについては後でもっと述べる)。動物や植物のこのランダムな変異は、個々の動植物に、その種の他の個体よりもよい生をまっとうできるような利点をもたらすことがある。長い期間たつと、こうした累積した有利な変異は、古い種からの新しい種の創造に導くような重大な変化をもたらすだろう。最後に、この論争で決定的に重要な用語は、科学という言葉だ。この複雑な問題についての長い議論に加わらなくても、一方で同時に科学の正確な定義というのは議論の余地の多い問題だと分かっているので、科学とは観測によって公けにかつ繰り返し検証できる予測を生み出す物理的モデルや理論を使って自然現象を説明する方法である、と提唱しておこう (どうか注意しておいてもらいたのだが、ここでは、予測が基いている現実の過程を観測することにではなく、予測の結果を観測することに、力点が置かれているのだ)。このようなモデルや理論は、物理的(例えば、運動中の物質や力、衝突、物理的反作用)で合理的(できれば数学的)でなくてはならない。非自然的な力や魔法、形而上的因子、物理法則の規則的作用の何か説明のつかない変化、神的干渉などに訴えかけるとたちまち、科学者であることを止めることになる。進化論の強い論証上述の定義の基礎の上に、進化論の科学的妥当性の強い論証を行うことが可能になる。次の事実を考えてみよう。このすべてが、科学の確立した手法によって、反証できないほど確かなものとなっている。植物界にも動物界にも多くの変種がいる。動植物のある種は、他の種よりもっと複雑な有機構造を持っている。あらゆる生物は少なくとも一つの生きた親から生じる。 (つまり生命は非生命から自然発生することはない。) もっとも単純な形態の動植物が地球上に現れたのは、より複雑な形態のものよりずっと以前である (このことは化石の地質学的連続から確かめられている)。上の主張が科学的に妥当ならば(この言葉には注意しておいて欲しいのだが)、複雑な生命形態はあまり複雑でない生命形態からどうにかして出現したにちがいないという明白な結論以外に、ぼくたちがたどり着ける合理的な結論は存在しない。言い換えると、複雑な動物は(もはやあまり似ていない)あまり複雑でない動物から進化したんだ。この結論を受け入れるのを拒否するのは、合理的でも科学的でもない。結論を受け入れるのを拒否するのは自由だけど、それが科学的で合理的な手続きだって主張するのはそうじゃない。もちろん、上に述べた主張の一つでも誤っていれば、この進化論の強い論証はたちまち崩れてしまう。それで、(この論文で定義したような)科学的理論としての進化論の妥当性を拒絶する人たちに挑むことは、はっきりしている。この三つの主張のうちどれが間違っているのか、って聞くことだ。最初のものは自明に正しい。二番目のものは(フランケンシュタインのようなフィクションを除けば)いままで誤りであったためしはない。そして三番目のものも、地質学的記録の化石の連続を観察すれば、直ちに確かめることができる (例えば、グランドキャニオンの地層やその他の化石層が検証に使える)。生命の起源についての問題が持ち上がるのは、この論証にとってはどうだっていいことだ (これは、もし機械的な原因の連鎖を過去へとたどっていけば、非機械的な出発点、つまり科学的説明の範囲外のなにかが論理的に必要になるってことを指摘する最初の原因の議論だ)。過程の起源の説明といったものは、科学の埒外にある (科学者がそのことに興味をもたないのはそのためなんだ)。それに、どんな場合でも、地球上に一旦成立した生命の継続的発展とは何の関係もないことだ。上で概略を述べた進化論の論証にたいして反進化論者が呈示する通俗的な解答は、グランドキャニオンのような地質学的地形は、数日のうちに神の介入によって創造されたもので、したがって高いところの地層にある化石も低い地層の化石と同時に創られたのではないと推論する権利を誰も持ってはいないという議論です。これは、もちろん、真実なのかもしれない。けれど、こういう主張は、既知の物理的過程ではなく、超自然的な形而上的な介入やらなにかよくわからない(既知の物理法則に反する)物理過程に訴えかけていて、科学的ではない。進化論の強い論証を取り扱うのに(上に述べたような)限定進化論に訴えても、同じ困難に陥る。例えば魚類のような大きな群の内部では進化論を容認すると、化石記録の物質的証拠については説明できるだろう。けれど一つの群から次の群(例えば、魚類から爬虫類への)進化を否定すると、では爬虫類は何から生じたのかという問題を未解決のままにする。爬虫類は神が特別に魚類より後に創造したと主張すると、これはまた、なんの予測も生まない非科学的理由に訴えかけることなんだ。反進化論者にほぼ共通する反応実際上も、理解できる理由からも、こうした進化論の敵対者が、上記の論証に直接(進化論が基づいている三つの主張のうちの一つを論破しようと)取り組むことはまれだ。そのかわりに、そのほとんど全精力をダーウィン理論のありそうな、あるいは事実に則した難点に集中するんだ。創造説科学を促進するために捧げられた多くのインターネットのページを調べる人は誰でも、ほとんどすべての記事が、創世記の科学的真理を確証したり、(上でやった)進化論の強い確証に挑戦するのではなくて、ダーウィン理論の限界にぼくらの注意を向ける試みだってことが、ただちによく分るだろう。さて、こういう限界の多くは重要なのかもしれないが、こんなふうにしてそれに注意を惹きつけるのは、創造説の大義にはあまり有利ではない(もう納得させられたり、基礎的議論の論理不足が気にならない人を除けばだけど)。どうしてこういう攻撃が(修辞的効果はあるものの)論理的に説得性がないのはなぜか、概観しておこう。第一に、気づかれたダーウィン理論の欠陥というのが、上に概略を述べた進化論の強い論証にはまるで害を及ぼさないんだ。この論証は、だれもダーウィン理論(これは進化論の妥当性を証明しようとする試みではなくて、どうやって進化が起るのかを説明しようとする試みなんだ)を聞いたことがなくても、同じように強い。たとえダーウィン理論が進化過程のメカニズムについて完全に間違っているという絶対拒否できない証拠があったって、進化論の論証はこれまでどおり強いままだ。もし進化論の概念そのものの信用を傷付けたければ、説明のためにダーウィン理論の特定の論点を引っぱるっていうのは、大いに注意をそらそうって代物だ。第二には、進化過程の説明としてダーウィン理論を信用しないということは、なにか他の対抗している種の理論にたいして、特別の支持をなんら与えるものではない。もちろん創造説にたいしてだってそうだ。支持してるって思うのは、虚偽の両刀論法っていう基本的な論理の誤りの明白な実例なんだ。それでこの論理の誤りは、創造説科学論者が、自分たちの理論を提言するのにもっともよく使う修辞的策略なんだ。その事例は次のようなものだ。種の発展の説明は、創世記の説とダーウィンの説の二つだけしかありえない。しかしダーウィン説にはいくつもの難点がある。だから、創世記の説は正しい(あるいは望ましい、もしくは同程度に我が派は注目されるに値する)。ここでは誤りは明かだ。最初の主張が間違っているのははっきりしている。だって、種がどのように形成されたかを説明する物語は文字通り何百とあるんだから。実際どの文化も固有の物語を発展させてきた。それに科学自体の範囲内でも、いくつもの理論が競い合ってきたんだ。どれか特定の一つを放棄したり信じないってことが、残りんどれかに特に特権を与えることにはならない (それは、殺人事件で二十人の同等に疑わしい容疑者がいるとして、そのうち一人が犯罪を犯すことができなかったと証明することで、残り十九人の特定の一人が犯人だって結論が出せないのと同じことだ)。科学的主張の本質とその主張についての意見の相違上に述べた論理上の問題に加えて、ダーウィン理論に反対する創造説科学の立場の多くが、科学的探究の本質についての一般的な無知を(ときには極めて巧妙に)利用している。その途中で、ダーウィンを攻撃する人たちは、科学が何かってこと(あるいは科学がどう実行されるかってこと)を(故意にしろそうでないにしろ)理解できてないことを暴露するだけなく、しばらくの間自分たちの好ましい理論を埋没させる原理をいやいやながら呼び出してくる。例えば、進化論は作用中のところを観察できないので、だからそれは妥当な科学的理論ではない、なぜなら、あらゆる科学的理論は(そう言われているのだが)研究中の過程についての直接的な観察によって確証されなければならないのだから、という主張がよくなされる。もちろんこれは事実ではない。多くの科学的な仮説モデルは、単純には直接観察できないんだ (例えば、分子の相互作用とか宇宙の辺縁の拡大だとか)。多くの科学的手続きの本質は、物理的現象の仮説モデルに基づく予測(モデルが説明しようと設計された事実性について直接的な観測に基づく証拠はなくてもよい)を作り、次に予測を検証することなんだ。科学的といわれる過程を特徴づけるのは、予測がなにか数量化可能な方法で、だれにでも、繰り返し、公開でチェックできるということだ。科学の作業の大部分は、こうした予測の検証を実施し、次に理論的モデルの諸側面を確証し、誤差や偏差や矛盾等々を発見することだ。そういう手続きによって、進化論は明かに科学的なんだ。なぜなら、化石を産出する地層の詳細な研究のどれもが、事実上、理論の検証となっているからね。もしだれかが最古の岩石層に複雑な生命形態を発見すれば、そういう発見はその予測と完全に矛盾するから、進化論は困難に陥いる。こういう観察がいままで決して起らなかったという事実が、理論の妥当性にたいする最良の証明を与えてくれているんだ。創造説科学論者の種の想像についての説明にたいするもっとも重大な反論の一つは、ちゃんと言うと、次の点なんだ。神が世界とそのうちにある万物をどのように創造されたかという物語は、けっして観察できない(この点では、それは進化論よりもずっと大きな欠点がある)だけでなく、創世記の物語は、それがまったく科学的な妥当性を持っていない(つまり、もしあらゆる種が同時に形成されたのなら、化石を産出する地層のどの層にもあらゆる型の種が見つかるはずだ)ということを繰り返し偽ってきたもの以外には、実質上、検証可能な予測をなにも生み出していない。同じようにして、ダーウィン理論の難点を指摘することが、自動的にその理論を信用に値しないものにするわけではない。科学者自身はこの理論の詳細を絶えず議論してきた。この理論の範囲内のあらゆる事柄(変異率、他の変異要因と比較した自然選択の重要性、遺伝的浮動、中間型の欠如、関わる時間の長さ、等々といった)にたいしては、対抗する解釈があるんだ。創造説科学論者は、多くの時間をダーウィン理論の問題点を指摘することに費やしているけど、科学的理論がなんでも誰もが納得するように説明できなきゃ、理論の予測のどれかが疑わしけりゃ、変則的なものがあったら、理論全体が間違ってるにちがいない、と思ってるみたいな時がある。でも科学の進め方ってのはそうじゃないんだ。なにか興味をひく科学的理論はいつだって、科学者たちが議論する問題点を抱えている。科学者たちは、理論の基礎的仮定は承認しているようだけど、細部の多くについては意見が異り、基本モデルとの本質的調整を議論しているんだ。今日、生物学者たちの仲間内ほど誠実なところはないのだが、生物学者のほとんどが説明のための基本的枠組としてダーウィン理論を承認しているけれど、たいていこの枠組内の特定の細部や問題点については、極めて熱心な論争を行っているんだ。実際、理論がこうした議論を生むのをやめ、細部のすべてが皆が納得するまでやりつくされると、たちまち科学者は理論についての興味を失う傾向がある (というのは、研究すべき面白い問題が差出されなくなるからね)。科学的探究の領域は、そこで、そっくりそのまま技術者に引き渡され、科学者たちはもっと問題に満ちた領域へと移っていくんだ。付け加えておくと、理論が完全に説明できないか、あるいは理論が予測したものと明かに矛盾する自然現象があったとしても、理論が他の領域ではその説明に役立つ価値を保持したままだということも、よくあることなんだ。ニュートン理論は、例えば、素粒子の段階では成り立たない。だけど、そのことは、その理論がまだ妥当する領域でもそれを放棄するっていうことじゃない。ぼくらが人間を宇宙に送り出すときには、ぼらはまだニュートンの方程式を使っている。ダーウィンその人の時代には、三つの大きな科学的反論があったことは、思い出す価値があるだろう。第一には、遷移型、つまり種の間の中間的化石の欠落。第二には、ダーウィンの遺伝の理論(二つの親からの素材が「混ぜ合わせる」という概念はダーウィン理論を数学的に不可能にした)。第三には、見積られた地球の年齢(高名な物理学者によれば、地球の冷えていく熱はダーウィン理論が正しいとするほどには、地球が古くはないだろうということを示していた)。後の二つの反論はその後の発見(メンデルの遺伝子と放射能)によって片付けられたし、最初の反論は何千もの遷移型の発見(だれもが納得するには十分な数ではないにしろ)によって対処された。ダーウィンの理論は科学的に不可能だと論じたがる人たちは、こうした初期の重大な反論という歴史を熟考するのが好きなのかもしれない。要点は、ダーウィン理論が問題を生じていて、多くの反論に答えるのに難儀していて、ある観察結果には(少くとも今のところは)説明できていないことを、だれも否定できないってことだ。そうしたことを指摘するのは、今でも執拗に答を求めている重要な科学的問題を思い出させるものとして貴重だし、また何人かも科学教師にはそのしばしば薄れてしまう信念に歯止めをかけるには役に立つ挑戦ではあるだろう。継続中の議論にたいして創造説科学論者がなした最大の貢献は、こうした問題点に繰り返し注意を向けさせ、おおくの科学教師の自己満足した思い込みにショックを与えたことだ。しかし、こうした問題が必ずしも理論の資格剥奪にはならないし、それに創造説を科学理論としてもっと信用のおけるものにするようなことは何も付け加えていないのも確かなことなんだ。創世記の寓意的解釈創造説論者の中には、創世記は文字通りの種の創造の説明ではなくて、神の創造の手の下で生物が地球上に出現してきたいくつかの段階の寓意的記述だって認める人もいる。この主張が言うところでは、連続の順は化石の証拠と対応する。ただ単純に創世記の一日は、もっと長い期間だと読みかえればよいのだ。ある種から別の種への進化は存在しない。神は単にあらゆる種を別々の時期に創造したのだ。こんな論議を呼ぶ動きは、当然にも原理主義者の見解(創世記は文字通りの説明だ)を破壊し、動物や植物の型の系列を、一度の創造の御業というより、何百万年にもわたる漸進的なもの(科学的証拠が示すように)と見ることを可能にする。しかしこの戦法は、創造説の科学的地位を改善すものはなにもない。なぜかと言うと、説明上の原因として、非物理的な神的介入に訴えかける必要があり、きちんと検証可能な予測の形成を促進するものは何もないからだ。事実の説明のための理論的枠組みを調整することは、科学では標準的な作業だけど、理論は無限に調整可能なわけではない。もし創世記の説明が、科学がなにを発見しようと(神の超自然的力に訴えて)それに合うように寓意的に解釈したり寓意的に解釈しなおしたりできるのなら、理論は科学的には空虚なものになる。なぜなら、創意に富む寓意というものはなんだって説明できるからだ。 (非科学的というマルクス主義理論やフロイド理論への標準的な批判) 創世記を寓意的に解釈することは、新しい発見の物質的、物理的な(つまり科学的な)説明(どんな科学的理論の標準的必要条件だ)にはなんの手助けにもならない。新しい種が発見されたとき、創世記が説明の方法として差出すものといえば、神がご自身の目的のためにその場所、その時代に、その種を創られたというだけなんだ。科学的観点からいうと、こうした説明には重要な内容がなにもない(つまり、科学的説明にはなにも差出さないし、検証すべき予測をなにも生み出さない)。進化論は、その反対に、この新しい種とこれまで知られている他の種とをつなぐ物質的変化の語られる歴史を跡づける(あるいは組み立てる)よう、ぼくらに促し、そうやって、その種の存在についての物質的説明を与えるが、これは観察で検証できる予測にたいする基礎となるものなのだ。知的設計論創造説科学論者がダーウィン理論に反対して起した議論で、最も古く、長く続き、興味深い議論に、いわゆる設計論、現代風の名前でいえば、知的設計論がある。簡単に言うと。この主張は、ある器官(目がその好例だ)の桁はずれの複雑さは、たくさんの小さな無作為の変化、それはどれも生存に有利なために選択されたのだが、単にその結果として生じてくることはありえない、と言うのだ (例えば、目の一パーセントの使用となんなのだろうか)。この反論に結びついているのは、小さな無作為の突然変異が偶然に目と同じような複雑なものを生みだすことを期待するのは、長い期間があるとしても、(タイプライタのキーを打つよう訓練した猿がシェークスピアの台詞を作るのを期待すのと同じように)統計的に不可能だという、もしかすると損害を与える主張だ。目のような非常に複雑な器官の存在と多くの器官構造が神経、骨格、筋肉、血管等々の様々なシステムと複雑に結合している(そのどれか一つの要素に重大で無作為の変化が起ると有機体全体が悪いほうへ影響される)という事実によって、(多くの生物学者を含む)人々が、そうした驚くべき器官を創造した神的な設計者、至高の知性、神を存在を推論してきた。こうしたうまく機能する器官のこういう驚くほど込み入った設計をほかにどうやって説明できるだろうか。そして、こうした器官が有効に機能していることから、人は神の慈愛を推論している(それに多くの思想家が推論してきた)。神はその被造物の助けとしてこのような構造物を設計したいうんだ。設計論は科学史でも現在の議論でもとても重要な概念なんだ。なぜなら、この概念はそれを引き合いに出す人に(目の構造のような)科学的事実と(至高の設計者としての神にような)神的存在とを結びつけることを可能にするからだ。事実、この議論は長い間、ロバート・ボイルやアイザック・ニュートンのような敬虔な宗教的人間が、科学の研究が宗教への大きな貢献なのだと主張する最も説得力のある方法だった。常識のレベルでも、知的設計論はもっともらしく聞こえる。動物の器官のシステムの完全な複雑さを理解しようとしはじめているなら、なおさらなんだ。どんなに時間があるとしたって、一連の無作為な変異がそういう複雑な器官を生み出すということを認めるのは難しい。しかし(二百年以上も前にイマヌエル・カントが指摘したように)人は物理的証拠を基礎にして(神のような)非物理的存在についてなにか確実なことを結論づけることはできないという理由から、設計論は全く論理的に避けがたいものではない。このことは(卑小な現代的例を使えば)見知らぬ人の性格については、そのクレジット・カードの数字を基に確実な結論を出すようなものなのだ。無作為な変異が人間の目のようなものを生み出すことができると認めるのが困難だとしても、そういう構造の複雑さは、形而上的事物についての結論を出す十分な理由ではないんだ。とはいうものの、日常の多くの科学的活動がある人たちには宗教的あるいは霊的な洞察をもたることは認めなくてはならない。多くの偉大な近代の物理学者が深い神秘的ないし宗教的感受性を持っており、その科学的研究で明らかにした素晴しく雄弁で複雑な設計の中に信仰の飛躍の励みを見てきたのは、おそらく偶然ではない。しかし、こうした神秘的な経験は、信仰の飛躍が科学的設計から論理的でやむにやまれず生じたり、その妥当性がそういう設計の存在によって論理的に確証されるという必要はないのだ。有神論的進化論もちろん、知的設計論の基本原理が種の創造についての創世記の説明に特に特権を与えるわけでない。というのは設計論は簡単に進化論と折り合いがつくからだ。しなければならないのは、神を(神がぼくらに明かにしようがすまいが)その目的にしたがって進化を導く力として見ることだけだ。その意味では、進化論は有神論、つまり神の信仰と完全に両立する。ダーウィン主義の無作為性、つまり知的設計のそれと分る欠如というのは、単に明かに、我ら人間の神の目的を知る能力がないことの働き(あるいはその説明に役立つ価値のためにぼくらが採用した都合のよいモデル)なのだと論じるにまで至りさえするだろう。しかし、人がもはや科学者であることを止める地点では、人は物理的モデル、予測、観察可能な検証等々の世界から神の目的の領域へと移る瞬間から、人は科学の外部へと出るんだ。科学は明白に物理的過程という観点から物理的領域を理解する方法に限定しており、したがって、当然ながら神については何も明かにしないのだ。科学と宗教の折り合い上に述べた段落では、この論文のキーポイント、つまり神の信仰は非物理的ないし形而上的な力を信じることに基づき、それにたいし、科学は自然の物理的過程の観点での物理的出来事の説明に限定されるという点を強調してきた。だから、世界と世界のなかでのぼくらの立場を理解するこの二つの形式は、根本的に両立しないように見えるかもしれない。このことは、科学と宗教、あるいはダーウィン生物学と創造説とが絶対折り合わないことを意味しているのだろうか。簡単に答えれば、ノーでありイエスでもある。ノーだというのは、上に述べたように、説明の二つの形式は妥当な理由とみなすもので根本的に異っているからだ。イエスというのは、科学と宗教のどちらも知識の補完的形式として共有された理解に到達できる異る方法であるからだ。例えば、特権的な説明は実のところ、創世記の説であり、その説が、いわば正しいのであるが、同時に科学を有用ないし興味深い思考実験、真実だからでなく、なにかしら人間の目的(想像力を満足させたり、生活上のある問題を扱うのを助けるといった)に役立つから追い求める別の説明を提供するなにかだとして受け入れるという見解を採用することもできるんだ。ここではゲームという類比が役に立つ。言うまでもなく、ぼくが熱烈な原理主義者であり、かつサッカー選手であることはできる。ぼくがサッカーをやるとき、あるルールがぼくの行動を規定していて、ぼくが何をでき、何をできないかを教えてくれ、ぼくのサッカーを評価する(ルールブックが進め方の典拠なんだ)。そして、ぼくはこのゲームをいろんな風に、鍛練のため、気晴らしのため、(もしとても上手なら)稼ぎのために、利用できる。しかし、ぼくがサッカーを真理と取り違えることは絶対にない。サッカーは、いろんな理由でぼくがやっているゲームなのだ。もしゲームが、なにかぼくの信仰に違反することを求めるなら(例えば、日曜日に試合するとか)、ぼくは自分の優先順位がどこにあるか知っている。科学にたいするこういう態度は、論理的に一貫しており、実際、コペルニクス(彼はカトリック僧であった)やデカルト、その他数しれぬ敬虔なキリスト教徒でもあった優れた科学者の間ではごく普通のものだ。彼らは唯物論的仮説を呈示したが、興味深い有用な思考実験としてであって、事物の真実としてではなかったんだ。同じ思考形態の拡張によって、ダーウィン理論の心臓部にある無作為性(創造の目的という観念によって生物が駆り立てられ形造られて欲しい人にとっては困難の源泉)を、興味深い仮説か一時的仮象として、事物の真理に対応しているわけではないが、限定された状態にある人間の精神が自然についての有用な歴史的理解を構成するためには受け入れるしかないなにかとして、ぼくは容認することができる。もう一つの選択として、もちろん、ダーウィン的科学と宗教的信念との折り合いをつけたい人は、宗教的信念をダーウィン理論のもとに包摂して、宗教的信念を生存のメカニズムとして片付けたがるかもしれない。宗教的信仰は生存のための闘争では(困難な時期に希望を与え、他の人が生き残れないところで生存可能にしてくれて)大きな強みとなる(と論じることもできるわけだ)のだから、ダーウィン理論の無神論的含みを認めるのを拒否するのは、理論の点で完全に理にかなっている(宗教的信念に向う傾向のようなものが遺伝的な形質だと認めるなら、なおさらそうだ)。こうしてダーウィン理論を受け入れることの広まっている拒絶についてのダーウィン側のもっともらしい説明がある。こういう立場が科学者を宗教的な精神的枠組へと向うよう勧めることはあまりない(と思える)が、一方では、宗教的信念にもっと寛容にし、筋金入りのダーウィン主義者が創造論者の前で時にみせる挫折感の伴った激昂や嘲笑をあまりみせないようにする。しかし、どちらの場合も、宗教と科学の区別は明確だ。ぼくらは、どちらかを優先できるし、世界を知る方法の二つの独立した側面として見ることもできるけれど、それを似たような活動として同一視することはできない。なぜなら、物を知る方法として、それらは異った経験領域に焦点をあてており、異った規則で処理されているからだ。こう主張することは、ぼくらの経験を理解する方法としてどちらか一方が優れているとか、どちらか一方が事物の真理(それが正確にはなにを意味するにしろ)により接近できるとか、断言しているわけでない。しかし、これは、二つの活動がどちらか一方に特有な同じ記述ラベルにいっしょに属することはないと主張しているのであって、いうなれば、サッカーとテニスという二つの異なるゲームは、サッカーかテニスのどちらかとして適切に記述できるという以上のことは、主張できない。サッカーにはルールがあって、サッカー選手はそのルールに従わなくてはならない。テニスでも同様なんだ。サッカー競技場にテニス・ラケットを持ち込み、点を入れるためにサッカー・ゴールにテニス・ボールを打ち込む権利を要求する人は、ゲームの得点を失なうだろうし、同じように、テニスの試合でネット越しにボールを蹴ったりヘッディングする権利を要求する人は、テニスの試合の点を失うことになる。科学の授業で創世記を教えろという創造説科学論者の要求は、それとなんの違いもない。なぜ科学ではないものを科学の授業で教えなくてはならないのだろうか。最終の考察をいくつか上の議論は種の起源についての創造説とかダーウィン説の真実や価値の相対的評価を定めようとそてきたわけでもないし、あるいは学校のカリキュラムに創世記の創造説を含めるべきか締め出すべきかということのもつ重要性についてのものでもない。序論で説明たように、最初から、創造説は科学のカリキュラムにふさわしくない(ドイツ語の強動詞がフランス語の授業にふさわしくないのと同じだ)と主張することが主眼点だった。学校の生徒が、創世記だとか、ダーウィン理論の中のもっと明白な論点だとかについて、たまたま知りえたこと以上のものを理解することだ、とても重要だという理由については、いろいろと考え出すことができる。しかし創世記はなにか非科学の授業(比較宗教学とか重要な著作だとか)がふさわしいのであって、ダーウィン理論の扱いの本質的部分のようない科学の授業というわけではない。そしてダーウィン理論はダーウィン主義についての科学的討論という文脈に含まれるよう配慮されるだろう(そして配慮されるべきなんだ)。もし創造説論者の意図がぼくらの学校で創造についての聖書の説明により広く、より忠実に精通することを奨励することにあるのなら、彼らなぜ科学のカリキュラムという風車に突進しつづけるのか、不思議なんだ。創世記の説は科学ではないのに、科学ではないからこそ価値があるのに、それをなぜ科学として売り込もうとするのか。創世記の説がほんとうは何であるのか、人を魅了する非常に重要な文化的な物語であり、多くの人のために彼らの宗教的世界理解の中心に立つものであるのだということに、焦点を絞って、人々を説得しようとなぜしないのだろうか。おそらく、こういう疑問の答というのは、ぼくらの公的学校制度が宗教的教義を教えることを締め出している事実をどうにかしようということにあるんだ。それで、創世記をどこかのカリキュラムに入れようとすれば、科学のカリキュラムの中に偽装してこっそりと持ち込むしかないのだ。しかし、ぼくらが(ちゃんと賢明にも)科学のカリキュラムは科学だけに関わって、それ以外は関係しないのだと主張しているかぎり、この作戦は決してうまくいかない。	Creationism in the Science Curriculum? Introduction This essay is an attempt to clarify the ongoing public debates over Creation Science, disputes frequently (or even characteristically) notable for the logical confusion, arguing at cross purposes, and generally shoddy thinking (often laced with vitriol) which they seem to encourage from participants in all camps. Much of this confusion undoubtedly stems from deliberate obfuscation, rhetorical skullduggery, and chop logic which partisans of all views use to advance their opinions over issues in which a great deal more than the immediate claims are involved. But much of the confusion emerges also from the endemic imprecision in the terminology and a genuine failure to understand some basic principles of reasonable argument, especially scientific argument. The central debate itself is frequently misrepresented as a conflict about whether Darwin's account of evolution or the Biblical account of creation is true—a question which is impossible to answer once and for all, depending, as it does, on the criteria we establish for recognizing truth. In fact, however, the usual forum in which the argument takes place concerns itself with a much more specific question with immediate social consequences: Should Creation Science be taught in the science classes of our schools as a regular part of the science curriculum (given, as it were, equal time with Darwinian theories)? This essay focuses upon the latter question and proposes the following answer: No, Creationism or Creation Science should not be taught in the science curriculum, not because it isn't true but because it isn't science. This answer, one should note, leaves open the question of whether or not the Biblical account of creation should be taught elsewhere in the school curriculum. In the process of outlining an argument for the above answer, this paper hopes to establish, as I say, some clarity, so that those who do not agree with the conclusions will at least take away from the paper a clearer understanding of the problem and of some of the ways in which debates on this issue are routinely sabotaged. Some Terminology The first essential step in framing any contribution to the debate (or in understanding other people's positions) is to understand clearly what they mean by the key terms (imprecision is often rampant here). So, by way of clarifying the rest of this essay, let me define as explicitly as I can what I mean by the words fundamental to the arguments. Evolution in its root biological sense means simply the development of forms of animal and plant life out of forms significantly different from them (e.g., birds from reptiles, human beings from higher apes). It makes no claims about how this process occurs. This simple definition refers only to the event (however it occurs). Hence (as I shall point out) one can be an evolutionist (i.e., believe in evolution) without being a Darwinian (history provides many examples of such people). To understand what follows in this paper, readers should not immediately conflate the two terms evolution and Darwinism (as is routinely done, especially by scientists): the two terms define separate things. The doctrine opposite to evolution is called Fixity of Species. It maintains that species (animal and plant types) are fixed, stable, and permanent. There may be some variation from one individual to another within the same species (an obvious fact), and some species are clearly quite similar to others (e.g., dogs and wolves). But under this doctrine, species arise independently of one another. Again, this doctrine carries with it no single explanation of how these species arose— In between these two there are a number of intermediate positions, what I call Limited Evolution, the claim that some species arise out of species closely related to them, but that such a form of speciation is limited. So, for example, different species of fish may have developed by evolution out of one or more common fish ancestors. However, Limited Evolution would deny the possibility of evolution from one major group to another (e.g., from fish to birds). Creationism, as used in this essay (and generally), refers to the belief that the development of species, the variety of plants and animals, occurred as described in the Book of Genesis, as a special creation by God. Hence, Creationism holds to the doctrine of Fixity of Species (no evolution) and accounts for the variety of life by invoking separate divine acts of creation. Those Creationists who hold to the literal truth of the Genesis account (especially to the order and time of the stages of creation) are often called Fundamentalists. Various other Creationists maintain the truth of the Genesis account but read that account allegorically (e.g., each day in the Genesis account is not really a day but a stage of creation lasting a very long time). Creation Science (a term frequently used interchangeably with Creationism) refers to a faith in Creationism, together with a claim that this belief has scientific status and hence should be seen as a scientific alternative to modern evolutionary theories. Thus, it is possible to be a Creationist (i.e., believe in the Genesis account) without being a Creation Scientist (i.e., without claiming scientific status for that account). The term Darwinism (again, as used in this essay) refers to a theory developed by Charles Darwin and much modified by modern biologists which endorses evolution and which provides an account of how evolution occurs (through Natural Selection and other mechanisms). The key element of Darwinism that separates it from other evolutionary theories is this: Darwinian theory maintains that at the heart of the mechanism of evolution lies a random mechanical process, without any intelligent sense of purpose (more about that later). These random variations in animals and plants will sometimes provide the individual plant or animal an advantage which will enable it to complete better than other members of its species. Over time such cumulative advantageous variations will bring about significant changes which will lead to the creation of a new species out of the old one. Finally, a crucial term in this debate is the word science. Without going into a long discussion of this complex issue, while at the same time acknowledging that a precise definition of science is a contentious question, let me propose that science is a way of explaining natural phenomena with physical models and theories which generate predictions which can be tested publicly and repeatedly by observation (please note here the emphasis on observing the results of the predictions, not on observing the actual process upon which the prediction is based). Such models and theories must be physical (e.g., matter in motion, forces, collisions, physical reactions) and rational (preferably mathematical). As soon as one appeals to non-natural forces, magic, metaphysical factors, some inexplicable change in the regular working of the laws of physics, divine intervention, and so on, one is ceasing to be a scientist. The Strong Case for Evolution On the basis of the above definitions, it is possible to make a very strong case for the scientific validity of evolution. Consider the following facts, all of which have been confirmed overwhelmingly by the established processes of science: 1. There is enormous variety in the plant and animal kingdoms. Some species of plants and animals have much more complex organic structures than other species. 2. All living things must come from at least one living parent (i.e., life does not arise spontaneously out of non-life). 3. The simplest forms of plant and animal life were on earth long before the more complex forms (as confirmed by the geological succession of fossils). If (please note this word) the above statements are scientifically valid, then there is no reasonable conclusion one can reach other than the obvious one: the complex forms of life must have somehow arisen from the less complex forms of life. In other words, the complex animals evolved out of the less complex animals (which are no longer very much like them). To refuse to accept this conclusion is unreasonable and unscientific. One is at liberty to refuse to accept the conclusion, of course, but not to claim that that is a rational scientific procedure. Of course, if one of the above claims is wrong, then this strong case for evolution collapses immediately. So the challenge to those who would dismiss the validity of evolution (as defined in this essay) as a scientific theory is clear: Which of those three claims is false? The first one is self-evidently true. The second has never been falsified (except in fiction like Frankenstein). And the third has been repeatedly confirmed every time anyone observes the succession of fossils in the geological record (e.g., the layers of the Grand Canyon or any other fossilized strata available for inspection). It makes no difference to this case to raise some question about the origin of life (the First Cause argument which indicates that if we trace the chain of mechanical causes back in time we logically require a non-mechanical starting point, something beyond scientific explanation). That sort of explanation for the origin of the process lies outside of science (which is why scientists are not interested in it) and, in any case, it has nothing to do with the continuing development of life once established on earth. One popular answer to the case for evolution sketched out above proposed by anti-evolutionists is the argument that geological features like the Grand Canyon were created by divine intervention in a matter of days, so that we have no right to infer that the fossils in the higher layers were not also created at the same time as those in the lower layers. That, of course, may be true, but such a claim, which appeals to miraculous metaphysical intervention or some unspecified physical process (in violation of the known laws of physics) rather than to known physical processes, is not scientific. Dealing with the strong case for evolution with an appeal to Limited Evolution (as defined above) runs into the same difficulties. To concede evolution within major groups, like, say, fish, may account for material evidence in the fossil record. But to deny evolution from one group to the next (say, from fish to reptiles) leaves open the question: Where then did the reptiles come from? To affirm that they were specially created by God after the fish is, once again, an appeal to non-scientific reasons which generate no predictions. The Anti-Evolutionist's Most Common Response In practice, and for understandable reasons, those hostile to evolution rarely tackle the above case directly (by seeking to disprove one of the three claims upon which it rests). Instead they focus almost all their energies into pointing out potential and real difficulties in Darwinian theory. Anyone who consults the many Internet pages devoted to advancing Creation Science will quickly enough realize that the major thrust of almost every article is not an attempt to establish the scientific truth of Genesis or to challenge the strong case for evolution (made above), but to direct our attention to limitations in Darwinian theory. Now, many of these limitations may be substantial, but calling attention to them in this way does little to advance the cause of Creationism (except among those who are already persuaded or who do not attend to the logical deficiencies of the basic argument). Let me outline why such attacks (though often rhetorically effective) are logically unpersuasive. Firstly, any perceived deficiency in Darwinian theory does no harm whatsoever to the case for evolution outlined above. That case would be equally strong if no one had ever heard of Darwinian theory (which is an attempt, not to prove the validity of evolutionary theory, but to account for how evolution proceeds). Even if there were absolutely compelling evidence that Darwinian theory was totally wrong about the mechanisms of the evolutionary process, the case for evolution would remain as strong as ever. If one wants to discredit the very concept of evolution, then calling particular issues in Darwinian theory to account is a gigantic red herring. Secondly, discrediting Darwinian theory as an explanation for the evolutionary process provides no special support for any other rival theory of species, certainly not for Creationism. The idea that it does is a clear case of a basic logical flaw called False Dilemma. And this logical flaw is the most frequent rhetorical ploy used by Creation Scientists to advance their theories. Their case goes something like this: 1. There are only two possible explanations for the development of species, the Genesis account and the Darwinian account. 2. But there are many, many difficulties with the Darwinian account. 3. Therefore the Genesis account must be correct (or preferable or equally deserving of attention in our schools). The flaw here is obvious. The first claim is manifestly false, since there are literally hundreds of narrative accounts of how species came to be formed. Virtually every culture has developed its own, and within science itself there have been competing theories. Discarding or discrediting any particular one does not especially privilege any of the others (just as, if we have twenty equally good suspects in a murder case, proving that one of them could not have done the crime doesn't enable us to state conclusively that a particular one of the remaining nineteen did). The Nature of Scientific Claims and Disagreements About Those Claims In addition to the logical problems mentioned above, a good deal of Creation Science's case against Darwinian theory exploits (sometimes very skillfully) a general ignorance about the nature of scientific enquiry. In the process, those attacking Darwin not only reveal their failure (deliberate or otherwise) to understand what science is (or how science is carried out) but also unwittingly invoke principles which would sink their own preferred theory in a minute. For instance, the case is often made that since evolution cannot be observed in action, it is therefore not a valid scientific theory, for all scientific theories (so it is alleged) have to be confirmed by direct observation of the process under investigation. Of course, this is not the case. Many scientific hypothetical models simply cannot be observed directly (e.g., molecular interactions, expansion at the edge of the universe, and so on). The essence of many scientific procedures is making predictions based on a hypothetical model of a physical phenomenon (without having direct observational evidence of the reality which that model is designed to explain) and then testing the prediction. What characterizes such a process as scientific is that the prediction can be repeatedly and publicly checked by anyone in some quantifiable manner. Most of the work of science consists of carrying out such tests of predictions and then confirming aspects of the theoretical model or discovering errors, anomalies, inconsistencies, and so on. By that procedure, evolution is clearly scientific, since every detailed study of fossilized strata is, in effect, a test of the theory. If someone were to locate a complex life form in the very oldest rock levels, evolutionary theory would be in difficulty, since such a finding would flatly contradict its predictions. The fact that such an observation has never occurred provides some of the best evidence for the validity of the theory. One of the gravest scientific objections to the Creation Scientist's account of the creation of species is precisely this point. Not only can the story of how God created the world and everything in it never be observed (in that respect it is even more deficient than the theory of evolution), but the Genesis narrative generates virtually no testable predictions, other than one which has been so repeatedly falsified that it has no scientific validity whatsoever (namely, that if all the species were formed at the same time, we should find all types at all levels of the fossilized strata). In the same way, pointing out difficulties with Darwinian theory does not automatically discredit the theory. Scientists themselves argue all the time about details of the theory— there are rival interpretations for all sorts of things within it (like the rate of change, the importance of natural selection in comparison with other agents of change, like genetic drift, the lack of intermediate types, the lengths of time involved, and so on). Creation Scientists who spend so much time pointing out problems with Darwinian theory sometimes seem to assume that if a scientific theory cannot explain everything to everyone's satisfaction, if some of the predictions of the theory are questionable, if anomalies exist, then the total theory must be incorrect. But that is not how science proceeds. Scientific theories of any interest always contain problems which scientists argue about. They may accept the basic assumptions of the theory but disagree about many of the details and discuss essential adjustments to the basic model. Nowhere is that more true today than among biologists—almost all of whom accept Darwinian theory as the basic explanatory framework but who have often very fierce disputes about particular details and problems within that framework. In fact, once a theory ceases to generate these sorts of arguments, once all the details get worked out to everyone's satisfaction, then scientists tend to lose interest in the theory (for it presents no interesting problems to investigate). That area of scientific enquiry is then handed over in its entirety to the technicians, and the scientists move on to more problematic areas. In addition, even if there are natural phenomena which a theory cannot explain fully or which apparently contradict what that theory predicts, often the theory will be retained for its explanatory value in other areas. Newton's theories do not hold, for example, at the level of atomic particles. But that does not mean we discard his theories in those areas where they are still valid. When we send men and women out into space, we still use Newton's equations. It may be worth remembering that in Darwin's own day there were three major scientific objections to his theory. The first was the lack of transitional types, fossils intermediate between species. The second was Darwin's theory of inheritance (the concept of "blending" of material from the two parents made Darwin's theory mathematically impossible). And the third was the estimated age of the earth (according to the most eminent physicists the decreasing heat of the earth indicated that it could not possibly be old enough for Darwin's theory to be correct). The second two objections were taken care of by future discoveries (Mendelian genetics and radioactivity), and the first objection has been partially dealt with by the discovery of thousands of transitional types (even if the number is not enough to satisfy everyone). Those who like to argue that Darwin's theory is scientifically impossible might like to consider the history of these first serious objections. The point is that no one can deny that Darwinian theory generates problems, has difficulty answering many objections, and cannot account for certain observations (at least not yet). To point these things out is a valuable reminder of some important scientific questions still urgently requiring answers and might well be a useful challenge to some science teachers to curb their frequently reductive confidence. The greatest contribution Creation scientists make to the ongoing arguments is to call attention repeatedly to these problems and to give a jolt to the complacent assumptions of many science teachers. However, such issues do not necessarily disqualify the theory—and they certainly add nothing to make Creationism more credible as a scientific theory. Allegorizing Genesis Some Creationists concede that Genesis is not a literal account of the creation of species but an allegorical depiction of the stages through which life appeared on earth under the creative hand of God. The sequence, so the claim goes, corresponds with the fossil evidence. We simply have to read the days of Genesis as much more extensive time periods. There is no evolution of one species into another. God simply created all the species at different times. Such an argumentative move naturally destroys the fundamentalists' position (that Genesis is a literal account) and permits us to see the succession of animal and plant types as a gradual matter over many millions of years (as the scientific evidence suggests), rather than as one creative act. But the tactic does nothing to improve the scientific status of creationism, since it still requires an appeal to non-physical divine interventions as an explanatory cause and does nothing to encourage the formation of precisely testable predictions. Adjusting a theoretical framework to account for the facts is a standard practice in science, but a theory is not infinitely adjustable. If the Genesis account can be allegorized and re-allegorized to fit whatever science turns up (by appealing to the miraculous powers of God), then the theory is scientifically empty, because inventive allegory can account for anything (a standard criticism of Marxist and Freudian theories as unscientific). Allegorizing Genesis provides no help in arriving a material, physical (i.e., scientific) explanation for new discoveries (a standard requirement for any scientific theory). If some new species is discovered, all Genesis has to offer by way of an explanation is that God created it in that place at that time for His own purposes. From a scientific point of view, such an explanation is empty of significant content (i.e., it offers nothing by way of a scientific explanation and generates no predictions to test). Evolution, by contrast, encourages us to trace (or construct) a narrative history of material change which links this new species with other known species, thus providing a material explanation for its existence, which becomes the basis for certain predictions which we can test with our observations. The Argument from Intelligent Design One of the oldest, most persistent, and most interesting arguments raised by Creation Scientists against Darwinian theory is the so-called Design Argument or, to use its modern name, the Argument from Intelligent Design. Simply put, this claim states that the enormous complexity of some organs (the human eye is a favorite example) simply could not have arisen as the result of a large number of small random changes, each one selected for its survival advantage (What would be the use, for example, of one percent of the eye?). Allied to this objection is the potentially damaging claim that expecting small random mutations to produce something as complex as an eye by chance, even given a long length of time, is statistically impossible (rather like expecting monkeys trained to hit typewriter keys to produce a speech from Shakespeare). The existence of very complex organs like the eye and the fact that many organic structures are a complex interlocking of different systems of nerves, bones, muscles, blood vessels, and so on (in which a significant random change in any one element would affect the entire organism for the worse) have led people (including many biologists) to infer the existence of a divine designer, a supreme intelligence, God, who created such marvelous organs. How else are we to account for such astonishingly complicated design of such a well-functioning organ? And from the effective functioning of such organs one might further infer (and many thinkers have inferred) the benevolence of God, who designs such structures for the assistance of His created beings. The Design Argument is a very important concept both in the History of Science and in the present arguments because it enables the person who invokes it to link scientific fact (like the structure of the eye) with divine presence (God as the supreme designer). In fact, this argument was for a long time one of the most persuasive ways devoutly religious men, like Robert Boyle or Isaac Newton, urged that the study of science was a great service to religion. At the level of common sense, too, the Argument from Intelligent Design sounds plausible, especially if we undertake to understand the full complexity of an organic system in an animal. It is hard to accept that that could have been produced by a series of random changes, no matter how much time is involved. The Design Argument, however, is not logically compelling simply because (as Immanuel Kant pointed out over two hundred years ago), one cannot conclude anything firm about non-physical beings (like God) on the basis of physical evidence. This would be (to use a trivial modern example) rather like making firm conclusions about a stranger's character on the basis of the numbers in his credit card. Even if we have trouble accepting the fact that random changes could produce something like the human eye, the complexity of that structure is not a sufficient reason for making conclusions about metaphysical things. That said, one has to concede that many scientific activities routinely lead some people to religious or spiritual insight. It's probably no accident that many great modern physicists have had profoundly mystical or religious sensibilities and have seen in the wonderfully eloquent and complex designs revealed by their scientific investigations encouragements for a leap of faith. But such mystical experience requires that leap of faith—it does not arise logically and compellingly out of the scientific design, nor is its validity logically confirmed by the existence of such design. Theistic Evolution Of course, the basic principles of the Argument from Intelligent Design do not specially privilege the Genesis account of the creation of species. For the Design Argument can easily be reconciled with evolution. All we have to do is see God as the force guiding evolution according to His purposes (which He may or may not have made known to us). In that sense, evolution is quite compatible with Theism—a faith in God. One might even go to the extent of arguing that the randomness in Darwinism—the perceived lack of any intelligent design—is simply apparent, a function of our human inability to know God's purposes (or a convenient model we adopt for its explanatory value). However, at that point one is no longer being a scientist, since the moment one moves from the world of physical models, predictions, observable testing, and so on, into the realm of God's purposes one is moving outside of science, which explicitly confines itself to a way of understanding the physical realm in terms of physical processes and which, therefore, by definition, has nothing to reveal to us about God. Reconciling Science and Religion The above paragraphs have been stressing the key point in this paper: a faith in God is based upon a belief in non-physical or metaphysical powers; whereas, science limits itself to explanations of physical events in terms of natural physical processes. Hence, it would seem, the two forms of understanding the world and our place in it are fundamentally incompatible. Does this mean that there is no way we can reconcile science and religion or Darwinian biology with Creationism? The short answer is no and yes. No, because, as mentioned above, the two forms of explanation are radically different in what counts as a valid reason. Yes, because there are different ways in which we might arrive at a shared understanding of both science and religion as complementary forms of knowledge. For example, it is possible to adopt the view that the privileged explanation is, indeed, the account in Genesis, that that account is, as it were, the truth and, at the same time, to accept science as a useful or interesting thought experiment, something that provides a different account which we pursue, not because it is true, but because it serves some human purpose (satisfying our imaginations, helping us to deal with certain problems in life). Here the analogy of a game might help. Obviously I can be a devout Fundamentalist and a soccer player. When I play soccer, certain rules define my activities, tell me what I can and cannot do, and evaluate my success (the rule book is my authority for how to proceed). And I can use this game in all sorts of ways—for exercise, recreation, or (if I am very good) profit. But at no time do I mistake soccer for the truth: it is a game I play for various reasons. If the game demands that I do something which violates my faith (e.g., play on Sunday), then I know where my priority lies. This stance towards science is logically consistent and, indeed, quite common among prominent scientists who were also devout Christians like Copernicus (who was Catholic monk), Descartes, and countless others --who presented their materialistic hypotheses as interesting and useful thought experiments, not as the truth of things. By an extension of the same form of thinking, I could accept the randomness at the heart of Darwinian theory (the source of so much difficulty for anyone who wants life driven and shaped by a sense of creative purpose) as either an interesting hypothesis or as a temporary appearance, something which does not correspond with the truth of things, but which is something the human mind in its limited condition must accept in order to construct a useful historical understanding of nature. Alternatively, of course, someone who wishes to reconcile Darwinian science and religious belief might want to subsume the religious belief under Darwinian theory and explain it away as a survival mechanism. Since a religious faith (one could argue) is a great asset in the struggle for life (giving hope in hard times, enabling a person to survive where another might fail), then the refusal to accept the atheistic implications of Darwinian theory is perfectly understandable in terms of that theory (especially if we accept that something like a predisposition to religious belief is a heritable trait). There is thus a plausible Darwinian explanation for the widespread refusal to accept Darwinian theory. While such a stance would hardly (one would think) encourage the scientist to a religious frame of mind, it might well make him more tolerant of religious belief and less inclined to the sort of frustrated irritation and ridicule which hard-core Darwinists sometimes manifest in the face of Creationism. In either case, however, the separation between religion and science is clear. We can give one precedence over the other, or we can see them as two separate aspects of the way we know the world, but we cannot identify them as comparable activities, because as ways of knowing they focus on different areas of experience and proceed by different rules. To assert this is not to declare one method superior to the other as a way of understanding our experience or to assess one or the other as closer to the truth of things (whatever that means exactly). But it is to assert that the two activities do not belong together under the same descriptive label unique to one of them, any more that we can assert that two different games, say, soccer and tennis, can both be adequately described either as soccer or tennis. Soccer has rules; to be a soccer player is to follow those rules. Ditto for tennis. Someone who demands the right to bring a tennis racquet onto the soccer pitch and to hit a tennis ball into the soccer goal in order to score would be missing the point of the game—just as someone who demands the right in a tennis match to kick or head the ball over the net would be missing the point of the tennis game. The demand of Creation Scientists to teach Genesis in science classes is no different. Why should something which is not science be taught in a science class? Some Final Thoughts None of the above argument seeks to establish any relative evaluation of the truth or the value of the Creationist account or the Darwinian account of the origin of species, nor about the importance of having the Genesis account of creation included in or barred from the school curriculum. From the start, as I explained in the Introduction, the point has been to insist that Creationism does not belong in the science curriculum (any more than German strong verbs belong in French class). I can think of all sorts of reasons why it might be really important for school students to have a more than passing acquaintance with the Book of Genesis and with some of the more obvious points of argument within Darwinian theory. But the former belongs in some non-scientific class (Comparative Religion, Great Books), not as an essential part of the treatment of the latter in science class. And the latter can be taken care of (and should be taken care of) within the context of the scientific debates about Darwinism. If the aim of Creationists is to encourage a wider and closer familiarity with the Biblical accounts of creation in our schools, one wonders why they keep tilting at the windmill of the science curriculum. Why try to sell the Genesis account as science when it so obviously is not—when it is valuable precisely because it is not science? Why not try to persuade people by focusing on what the Genesis account really is: a fascinating and enormously important cultural story, which for many stands at the centre of their religious understanding of the world? Perhaps the answer to these questions has something to do with the fact that our public school system bars the teaching of religious doctrines, so that if Genesis is to get into the curriculum anywhere it will have to be disguised and smuggled into the science curriculum. But that tactic will never work, so long as we insist (reasonably enough) that the science curriculum should concern itself with science and nothing else.	{ "source": "mutiyama", "missed_lines": null, "inserted_lines_src": null, "inserted_lines_trg": null }
10数年前洞窟に興味を持ってから私は研究の方向を洞窟に変えました毎日の研究はとても楽しくとても驚くような仕事ができました地球上で最も過酷と言われる洞窟にも行き生命の危険も感じましたしかし洞窟はどれも非常に魅力的で信じられない程の生物学的神秘がありまるで地球上とは思えない程です生物学鉱物学地質微生物学本来の目的を探究する他に私たちは研究成果を他の惑星の生命の探索に活用しています特に火星や木星の小さな衛星で氷で覆われたエウロパに注目しておりそしておそらく将来は我々の太陽系外も対象になります私が情熱を注いでいるのは月や火星他の太陽系惑星における人類の未来です今は人類が太陽系全体の文明や生命に目を向ける時代ですそしてこれらの調査結果は地球上の生命を他の惑星に送り込めるか送り込むべきか思案させるのです特に火星は注目に値します私が学会で話さないのはどのようにして現在に至りなぜ普通の仕事をせずにこの研究をしているかですそれはもちろんソ連のせいです 1950年代半ば私はまだ小さな子供でしたソ連は大胆にもスプートニクという初歩的な小さな衛星を打ち上げましたそれを目の当たりにした西側諸国は大いに狼狽しそして莫大な額の資金が科学の振興と子供たちの数学教育に注ぎ込まれました私は他の同僚と同じようにその時代の産物なのです私たちは本当に焚き付けられましたまた再現できれば素晴らしいと思いますもちろん成長するのを拒んだり日常は大人のふりもできます実際そのように振る舞っていますそれでも他の人の意見ばかり気にせず童心を忘れないようにすることはとても大事なことです他の要素として私の価値基準は単純に生命が存在することは存在しないことよりも良く存在自体に価値があるのですこのような姿勢はこの会場にいる皆さんにも共通するものだと思いますもちろん私は火星にとても関心がありますバイキング着陸船が火星に降り立ったのは私が学部生の頃のことです火星は空に浮かんでいるほんの小さな天体でしかなく点にしか見えなかったのがスクリーン上に初めて描写されるおぼろげな映像を通して現実の景色となったのです火星の景色は目標にもなり私の人生を変えました私が大学院生の時同僚師友人であるアメリカ大気研究センターのスティーブ・シュナイダー博士は地球変動を研究していました私たちはガイア理論の役割について多くの論文を執筆しました私たちはガイア理論の役割について多くの論文を執筆しました地球を個別の存在として見なすべき科学的論拠を検証しましたその後派生した研究の中には核戦争がもたらす環境破壊があります素晴らしい研究やぞっとする研究ですしかし研究のおかげで地球を棲み家でなく一つの惑星として見ることを学びました生命を育む地球の惑星としての特性を考察するうえで素晴らしい発想の転換を得ることができました私にはこれらは歴史の転換点に見えます私たちは母星を離れて太陽系とその彼方に出発する準備を始めようとしているのです火星の話に戻りましょう火星で生命の発見はどの位困難か? 地球上ですらお互いを探すのはとても困難です他の惑星で生命を見つけるのは簡単な仕事ではありません検討には多くの時間を費やします発見できるかどうかは宇宙に生命がいる可能性をどう考えるか次第でしょう私が考えるのは生命は長年にわたり物質が高度に進化した自然な結果だということですビッグバンから始まり水素が生まれヘリウムさらに複雑な物質が生まれ惑星が誕生します生命も同様に惑星の現象の一つだと私は考えますこの15年間で我々は太陽系以外でも多くの惑星を発見してきましたそして昨月数週間前のことですが地球と同程度の大きさの惑星が見つかりました非常に驚くべきニュースでした私が言う最初の大胆な予測はこの宇宙には生命があふれているのです生命を維持できそうな惑星系では至る所で生命を発見できるでしょうそのような惑星系は普通にありますでは火星に生命はいるでしょうか? もし10数年前に誰かが私に火星に生命がある可能性を尋ねたら数%と答えたことでしょうそれでも当時としては無謀な意見でした私は以前NASAの職員に火星に生命があると考える地球上唯一の人間だと皮肉っぽく紹介されましたその職員は亡くなりましたが私は健在です自分の反対者より長生きすることはある意味名誉なことですねしかしこの10数年で状況が大きく変わりました理由は新しい情報を入手したからです 1997年のパスファインダー計画と現在まさに火星で活動中の火星探査車計画そして欧州宇宙機関のマーズ・エクスプレスから様々な驚くべきことを学びました火星には地表下に氷があります水がある場所では地球に似た生命がいる可能性が高いです地表は堆積した岩で覆われています太古の海底に到達した着陸船がありますそこには「ブルーベリー」と呼ぶ奇妙な構造がありその小さな岩の塊は私の研究室で生物的に作成するのと似ていますあらゆる発見を考慮すると生命存在の可能性はかつてない程高まっています火星で過去に生命が存在した確率は 25%〜50%程度と私は考えていますとても大胆な見解です生命はいます探すべきです探すべきは地下ですこれはいわば宇宙生物学のゲームですどうすれば地球外生命を解明できるのでしょうか探索の計画は? 生命の発見をいかに認識できるのか? 大型で判り易い生命なら既に発見したはずですがそうはいきません大型で判り易い生命なら既に発見したはずですがそうはいきませんつまり判り難いのです重要なことは発見した際にいかに守り汚染を防ぐのかさらに重要なことは私たちの唯一の母星である地球を地球外生命から守りながら研究を継続できるか? 発見が困難な理由は何でしょうか? 非常に微小だからです微小物の研究は常に困難です非常に微小だからです微小物の研究は常に困難です最新の機器を用いてさらに深くより小さい物質も調査できる今日でも困難です生命は隠れているはずですもし誰かが目立った存在ならば格好の獲物になってしまうでしょうつまり生物界における捕食者と獲物の関係はどこの生態系でも通用する普遍的な仕組みなのです化学的成分や大きさ等の根本的な性質は全く異なることでしょうではどの位小さいのでしょうかウイルス位? もっと小さい? 最大のバクテリアよりは大きい? 生物の活動速度は? 地中で調査する生物は大変ゆっくり成長しますもし私が誰かの歯をガーゼで拭いそれをペトリ皿に入れたとします 4−5時間経てば細菌の成長を観察できます私たちが研究する生物は数ヶ月数年の期間を経てようやく数ヶ月数年の期間を経てようやく成長を観察できますこれらの生物は成長が遅いのですしかし根本的な問題は私たちの経験が浅いため発想を変えて今ある知識を捨てない限り何をどう探せばよいか見当つかないことです発想の視点が全てです今お話した私自身の経験から地球を一つの惑星として考えるようになりましたこれは私の研究において非常に重要な点です飛行機でよくする遊びです機内から窓の外を眺めると地平線が見えますねそして頭を横に倒すと地球が私たちの母星ではなく一つの惑星のような感覚になります簡単な遊びで窓際に座るといつもしていますこれを研究にも応用しましたここは最も過酷な洞窟の一つメキシコタバスコ州のヴィラ・ルース洞窟で洞窟内は硫酸が充満しています火山やこの洞窟を形成する炭酸塩のミネラル分である石膏の分解により大量の硫化水素が洞窟内に流入し非常に過酷な環境です防護服と防護マスクは欠かせません 30ppmの硫化水素でも死に至りますがここでは数百ppmを超えます一酸化炭素等の有毒ガスもあり非常に危険な環境ですこの極端な物理的化学的環境で育つ生命は生物学的にとても特殊です実はここは生命と無縁ではありませんここは私たちが発見した中で最も豊かな洞窟の一つで生命で溢れていました地球上のへき地が興味深い理由の一つは他の惑星で遭遇する平均的環境を再現していると思えるからですこのようにして私たちは想像力をかき立て将来の発見に備えるのですこの洞窟には多様な生命があり今日紹介するのはほんの一部だけですここで最も有名な生物は「スノティテス」と呼ばれますまるで風邪をひいた2歳児の鼻から流れ出るものと同じですこの物体は実際に硫酸を作り出すバクテリアにより生成され pH0に近い状態で生息しますまるで蓄電池の鉛酸ですあらゆる生物がこの洞窟に適応しています実際この洞窟には生物のエネルギーに満ち溢れておりたくさんの洞窟魚もいます現住民のソケ族は年に二回イースターと聖週間にこの魚を収穫しています洞窟では非常に稀です他に研究したことがある洞窟では― ニューメキシコ州カールズバッド近郊にあるレチュギヤ洞窟は世界で最も有名な洞窟の一つです長さは180Kmあり開口部がない手つかずの空間です生物学地質微生物学のいわば巨大な研究室です洞窟内の大半はこの赤い物質で覆われており非常に大きな石膏の水晶が吊り下がっているのが見えますこれらは生物学的に生成されたもので微生物が岩盤を捕食した結果です岩盤から鉄とマンガンの成分を取り出し酸化させます岩盤から鉄とマンガンの成分を取り出し酸化させますその際非常に微量なエネルギーを発生しますその微量なエネルギーがこの微生物の糧となっているのです面白いことにこの微生物はウランやクロム等毒性の金属も同様に消費しますこのような微生物は生物学的修復を確立する明らかな基盤です研究室に持ち帰ったこれらの微生物をペトリ皿で培養し洞窟にあるのと全く同じ生体鉱物を生成させようとしていますこれらが微生物たちが岩盤に残した印です火山活動の副産物である溶岩洞の玄武岩の壁面が銀ピンク赤金色等に美しく輝く膜で完全に覆われているのを数多く発見していますこれらはバクテリアが作った鉱床なのです中央に見える画像はこのバクテリアの培養液の電子顕微鏡写真です興味深いのはこれらのバクテリアは放線菌群に属しており私たちが抗生物質を作る際に使う菌種と同じです地球の地下は生命の多様性に満ちていますこれらの微生物は地表から隔絶されているため非常に多くの新しい混合物がありますこの分野を医薬や工業化学へ応用するのは全く手付かずの状況ですが地球上の他の生物多様性よりも大きな可能性があります溶岩洞について話します地球の洞窟の生物はお話しました火星や月にも似たような構造が非常に多くあります見てみましょう左の写真は最近のシチリア島のエトナ火山が噴火した際に溶岩洞が形成される様子を示していますここに空洞ができ生物が発生するのです火星の至る所にも溶岩洞があり私たちは今それらを分類中です火星には同様な種類の興味深い洞窟が多くありますこれらの調査対象の地下環境に到達するための機器を現在開発中です容易なことではありません這って進んだり登ったりロープを使ったりと到達するには様々な複雑な人間の動きが要求されますこの動作をロボットにどう仕込むかが問題ですロボットを使う理由は何か? 有人計画よりも前からロボットを火星に送って探査をするからですそして既に話したとおり火星で発見するであろう貴重な生命を汚染したくありません対象を汚染することなく調査するには媒介を使うのが最善ですこの場合にはロボットが媒介になり発見できた生命を保護しながら私たちの研究の下準備を実際にすることになります今回は計画の全てはお話しませんが私たちは現在様々な研究グループと共同で数件のロボット開発計画に携わっています本日特にお話したいのは写真上部の機器ですこれは超小型の飛跳ねるロボット群です私はMITロボティックス研究所のドヴォースキー教授と共同開発しています人工筋肉を付けた豆のような小さくて飛跳ねるロボットを考案しましたドヴォースキー研究室の専門はEPAM つまり人工筋肉ですこれで飛跳ねることができます昆虫の群れを真似てお互いに連携しながら群れで行動しますそして何より非常に多くの個体を作れます一度に千個を送ることができ左上の画像にあるように千個を貨物室に収めて現在の火星探査計画でも使用していますたくさんの個体を失っても構いません千個も送ることができれば 90%を失っても計画は遂行できますそして探索したい場所の非常に困難な環境でも柔軟に対応できます最後に私たちの洞窟での研究の延長線として他の惑星の洞窟と移住の可能性をお話したいと思いますだいぶ前に気付いたのですが洞窟には人類や他の生物が棲み家に利用するのに適した条件が揃っています将来の月や火星の探査を考える時その条件を考慮すべき段階に来ているでしょう私たちはちょうど NIAC の第2期研究を完了しましたその中で月や火星の溶岩洞で人間が生活するのに必要不可欠な技術は何かを研究しました結果は非常に単純で短い項目で比較的従来の技術で対応しうる内容です例えば洞窟の内部の対応して自在に脹らむことができる裏地膜であったり複雑な形状に合わせてエアロックを作ったり内部固有の物質を利用して呼吸する空気を生成する技術等です将来火星の溶岩洞を活用するのは現実的です私たちは今洞窟を科学や娯楽で使用していますしかし将来地球外洞窟は居住地や科学目的で活用されるでしょうさて火星の生命の可能性について現状の私の意見ではおそらく存在したことがあった確立は50%と見ます火星の生命と地球の生命には何らかの関連があるという仮説が議論を呼んでいます火星からの隕石が地球に到達して二つの惑星間で物質の交換があることが既に判明しています最大の関心事の一つはもし火星の地下で私たちが望むとおりに生命を発見したらそれは「第二の生命の誕生」なのか? 地球で生命が誕生し火星に移住したのかそれとも火星から地球にやってきたのか? これは非常に心躍る話題です今後50年に渡りより多くの火星探査計画を通してこの問いの答えが明らかになるでしょうご清聴ありがとうございました	Until about a dozen years ago, when I was really captured by caves, and I really re-focused most of my research in that direction. So I have a really cool day job-- I get to do some really amazing stuff. I work in some of the most extreme cave environments on the planet. Many of them are trying to kill us from the minute we go into them, but nevertheless, they're absolutely gripping, and contain unbelievable biological wonders that are very, very different from those that we have on the planet. Apart from the intrinsic value of the biology and mineralogy and geo-microbiology that we do there, we're also using these as templates for figuring out how to go look for life on other planets. Particularly Mars, but also Europa, the small, icy moon around Jupiter. And perhaps, someday, far beyond our solar system itself. I'm very passionately interested in the human future, on the Moon and Mars particularly, and elsewhere in the solar system. to a solar system-going civilization and species. And, as an outgrowth of all of this then, think about transporting Earth-type life to other planets. Notably Mars, as a first example. Something I never talk about in scientific meetings is how I actually got to this state and why I do the work that I do. Why don't I have a normal job, a sensible job? And then of course, I blame the Soviet Union. Because in the mid-1950s, when I was a tiny child, they had the audacity to launch a very primitive little satellite called Sputnik, which sent the Western world into a hysterical tailspin. And a tremendous amount of money went into the funding of science and mathematics skills for kids. And I'm a product of that generation, like so many other of my peers. It really caught hold of us, and caught fire, and it would be lovely if we could reproduce that again now. Of course, refusing to grow up -- -- even though I impersonate a grown-up in daily life, but I do a fairly good job of that -- but really retaining that childlike quality of not caring what other people think about what you're interested in, is really critical. The next element is the fact that I have applied a value judgment and my value judgment is that the presence of life is better than no life. And so, life is more valuable than no life. And so I think that that holds together a great deal of the work that people in this audience approach. I'm very interested in Mars, of course, and that was a product of my being a young undergraduate when the Viking Landers landed on Mars. And that took what had been a tiny little astronomical object in the sky, that you would see as a dot, and turned it completely into a landscape, as that very first primitive picture came rastering across the screen. And when it became a landscape, it also became a destination, and altered, really, the course of my life. In my graduate years I worked with my colleague and mentor and friend, Steve Schneider, at the National Center for Atmospheric Research, working on global change issues. We've written a number of things on the role of Gaia hypothesis -- whether or not you could consider Earth as a single entity in any meaningful scientific sense, and then, as an outgrowth of that, I worked on the environmental consequences of nuclear war. So, wonderful things and grim things. But what it taught me was to look at Earth as a planet with external eyes, not just as our home. And that is a wonderful stepping away in perspective, our planet behaves, as a planet, and with the life that's on it. And all of this seems to me to be a salient point in history. We're getting ready to begin to go through the process of leaving our planet of origin and out into the wider solar system and beyond. So, back to Mars. How hard is it going to be to find life on Mars? Well, sometimes it's really very hard for us to find each other, even on this planet. So, finding life on another planet is a non-trivial occupation and we spend a lot of time trying to think about that. Whether or not you think it's likely to be successful the chances of life in the universe. I think, myself, that life is a natural outgrowth of the increasing complexification of matter over time. So, you start with the Big Bang and you get hydrogen, and then you get helium, and then you get more complicated stuff, and you get planets forming -- and life is a common, planetary-based phenomenon, in my view. Certainly, in the last 15 years, we've seen increasing numbers of planets outside of our solar system being confirmed, and just last month, a couple of weeks ago, a planet in the size-class of Earth has actually been found. And so this is very exciting news. So, my first bold prediction is that, is that in the universe, life is going to be everywhere. It's going to be everywhere we look -- where there are planetary systems that can possibly support it. And those planetary systems are going to be very common. So, what about life on Mars? Well, if somebody had asked me about a dozen years ago what I thought the chances of life on Mars would be, I would've probably said, a couple of percent. And even that was considered outrageous at the time. I was once sneeringly introduced by a former NASA official, as the only person on the planet who still thought there was life on Mars. Of course, that official is now dead, and I'm not, so there's a certain amount of glory in outliving your adversaries. But things have changed greatly over the last dozen years. And the reason that they have changed is because we now have new information. The amazing Pathfinder mission that went in '97, and the MER Rover missions that are on Mars as we speak now and the European Space Agency's Mars Express, has taught us a number of amazing things. There is sub-surface ice on that planet. And so where there is water, there is a very high chance of our kind of life. There's clearly sedimentary rocks all over the place – one of the landers is sitting in the middle of an ancient seabed, and there are these amazing structures called blueberries, which are these little, rocky concretions that we are busy making biologically in my lab right now. So, with all of these things put together, I think that the chances of life are much greater than I would've ever thought. I think that the chance of life having arisen on Mars, sometime in its past, is maybe one in four to maybe even half and half. So this is a very bold statement. I think it's there, and I think we need to go look for it, and I think it's underground. So the game's afoot, and this is the game that we play in astro-biology. How do you try to get a handle on extraterrestrial life? How do you plan to look for it? How do you know it when you find it? Because if it's big and obvious, we would've already found it -- it would've already bitten us on the foot, and it hasn't. So, we know that it's probably quite cryptic. Very critically, how do we protect it, if we find it, and not contaminate it? And also, even perhaps more critically, because this is the only home planet we have, how do we protect us from it, while we study it? So why might it be hard to find? Well, it's probably microscopic, and it's never easy to study microscopic things, although the amazing tools that we now have to do that allow us to study things in much greater depth, at much smaller scales than ever before. But it's probably hiding, because if you are out and other things might want to eat you, or consume you. And so, there's a game of predator-prey that's going to be, essentially, universal, really, in any kind of biological system. It also may be very, very different in its fundamental properties – its chemistry, or its size. We say small, but what does that mean? Is it virus-sized? Is it smaller than that? Is it bigger than the biggest bacterium? We don't know. And speed of activity, which is something that we face in our work with sub-surface organisms, because they grow very, very slowly. If I were to take a swab off your teeth and plate it on a Petri plate, within about four or five hours, I would have to see growth. But the organisms that we work with, from the sub-surface of Earth, very often it's months -- and in many cases, years -- before we see any growth whatsoever. So they are, intrinsically, a slower life-form. But the real issue is that we are guided by our limited experience, and until we can think out of the box of our cranium and what we know, then we can't recognize what to look for, or how to plan for it. So, perspective is everything and, because of the history that I've just briefly talked to you about, I have learned to think about Earth as an extraterrestrial planet. And this has been invaluable in our approach to try to study these things. This is my favorite game on airplanes: where you're in an airplane and you look out the window, you see the horizon. I always turn my head on the side, and that simple change makes me go from seeing this planet as home, to seeing it as a planet. It's a very simple trick, and I never fail to do it when I'm sitting in a window seat. Well, this is what we apply to our work. This shows one of the most extreme caves that we work in. This is Cueva de Villa Luz in Tabasco, in Mexico, and this cave is saturated with sulfuric acid. There is tremendous amounts of hydrogen sulfide coming into this cave from volcanic sources and from the breakdown of evaporite -- minerals below the carbonates in which this cave is formed -- and it is a completely hostile environment for us. We have to go in with protective suits and breathing gear, and 30 parts per million of H2S will kill you. This is regularly several hundred parts per million. So, it's a very hazardous environment, with CO as well, and many other gases. These extreme physical and chemical parameters make the biology that grows in these places very special. Because contrary to what you might think, this is not devoid of life. This is one of the richest caves It's bursting with life. The extremes on Earth are interesting in their own right, but one of the reasons that we're interested in them is because they represent, really, the average conditions that we may expect on other planets. So, this is part of the ability that we have, to try to stretch our imagination, in terms of what we may find in the future. There's so much life in this cave, and I can't even begin to scratch the surface of it with you. But one of the most famous objects out of this are what we call Snottites, for obvious reasons. This stuff looks like what comes out of your two-year-old's nose when he has a cold. And this is produced by bacteria who are actually making more sulfuric acid, and living at pHs right around zero. And so, this stuff is like battery acid. And yet, everything in this cave has adapted to it. In fact, there's so much energy available for biology in this cave, that there's actually a huge number of cavefish. And the local Zoque Indians harvest this twice a year, as part of their Easter week celebration and Holy Week celebration. This is very unusual for caves. In some of the other amazing caves that we work in -- this is in Lechuguilla cave in New Mexico near Carlsbad, and this is one of the most famous caves in the world. It's 115 miles of mapped passage, it's pristine, it has no natural opening and it's a gigantic biological, geo-microbiological laboratory. In this cave, great areas are covered by this reddish material that you see here, and also these enormous crystals of selenite that you can see dangling down. This stuff is produced biologically. This is the breakdown product of the bedrock, that organisms are busy munching their way through. They take iron and manganese minerals within the bedrock and they oxidize them. And every time they do that, they get a tiny little packet of energy. And that tiny little packet of energy is what they use, then, to run their life processes. Interestingly enough, they also do this with uranium and chromium, and various other toxic metals. And so, the obvious avenue for bio-remediation comes from organisms like this. These organisms we now bring into the lab, and you can see some of them growing on Petri plates, and get them to reproduce the precise biominerals that we find on the walls of these caves. So, these are signals that they leave in the rock record. Well, even in basalt surfaces in lava-tube caves, which are a by-product of volcanic activity, we find these walls totally covered, in many cases, by these beautiful, glistening silver walls, or shiny pink or shiny red or shiny gold. And these are mineral deposits that are also made by bacteria. And you can see in these central images here, scanning electron micrographs of some of these guys -- these are gardens of these bacteria. One of the interesting things about these particular guys is that they're in the actinomycete and streptomycete groups of the bacteria, which is where we get most of our antibiotics. The sub-surface of Earth contains a vast biodiversity. And these organisms, because they're very separate from the surface, make a vast array of novel compounds. And so, the potential for exploiting this for pharmaceutical and industrial chemical uses is completely untapped, but probably exceeds most of the rest of the biodiversity of the planet. So, lava-tube caves-- I've just told you about organisms that live here on this planet. We know that on Mars and the Moon there are tons of these structures. We can see them. On the left you can see a lava tube forming at a recent eruption -- Mount Etna in Sicily -- and this is the way these tubes form. And when they hollow out, then they become habitats for organisms. These are all over the planet Mars, and we're busy cataloguing them now. And so, there's very interesting cave real estate In order to access these sub-surface environments that we're interested in, we're very interested in developing the tools to do this. You know, it's not easy to get into these caves. It requires crawling, climbing, rope-work, technical rope-work and many other complex human motions in order to access these. We face the problem of, how can we do this robotically? Why would we want to do it robotically? Well, we're going to be sending robotic missions to Mars long in advance of human missions. And then, secondly, getting back to that earlier point that I made about the preciousness of any life that we may find on Mars, we don't want to contaminate it. And one of the best ways to study something without contaminating it is to have an intermediary. And in this case, we're imagining intermediary robotic devices that can actually do some of that front-end work for us, to protect any potential life that we find. I'm not going to go through all of these projects now, but we're involved in about half-a-dozen robotic development projects, in collaboration with a number of different groups. I want to talk specifically about the array that you see on the top. These are hopping microbot swarms. I'm working on this with the Field and Space Robotics Laboratory and my friend Steve Dubowsky at MIT, and we have come up with the idea of having little, jumping bean-like robots that are propelled by artificial muscle, which is one of the Dubowsky Lab's specialties -- are the EPAMs, or artificial muscles. And these allow them to hop. They behave with a swarm behavior, where they relate to each other, modeled after insect swarm behavior, and they could be made very numerous. And so, one can send a thousand of them, as you can see in this upper left-hand picture, a thousand of them could fit into the payload bay that was used for one of the current MER Rovers. And these little guys -- you could lose many of them. If you send a thousand of them, you could probably get rid of 90 percent of them and still have a mission. And so, that allows you the flexibility to go into very challenging terrain and actually make your way where you want to go. about caves and the human expansion beyond Earth as a natural outgrowth of the work that we do in caves. It occurred to us a number of years ago that caves have many properties that people have used and other organisms have used as habitat in the past. And perhaps it's time we started to explore those, in the context of future Mars and the Moon exploration. So, we have just finished a NASA Institute for Advanced Concepts Phase II study, looking at the irreducible set of technologies that you would need in order to actually allow people to inhabit lava tubes on the Moon or Mars. It turns out to be a fairly simple and small list, in the relatively primitive technology direction. So, we're talking about things like inflatable liners that can conform to the complex topological shape on the inside of a cave, foamed-in-place airlocks to deal with this complex topology, various ways of getting breathing gases made from the intrinsic materials of these bodies. And the future is there for us to use these lava-tube caves on Mars. And right now we're in caves, and we're doing science and recreation, but I think in the future we'll be using them for habitat and science on these other bodies. Now, my view of what the current status of potential life on Mars is that it's probably been on the planet, maybe one in two chances. there is life on Mars that is related to life on Earth has now been very muddied, because we now know, from Mars meteorites that have made it to Earth, that there's material that can be exchanged between those two planets. One of the burning questions, of course, is if we go there and find life in the sub-surface, as I fully expect that we will, is that a second genesis of life? Did life start here and was it transported there? Did it start there and get transported here? This will be a fascinating puzzle as we go into the next half-century, and where I expect that we will have more and more Mars missions to answer these questions. Thank you.	{ "source": "iwslt2017", "missed_lines": null, "inserted_lines_src": null, "inserted_lines_trg": null }
米国の上院において、移民に関する討論が始まっている。この討論においては、いくつかの提案が取り上げられることになる。その中には（既に下院が承認した）米国－メキシコ国境に沿う壁の建設費を提供し、米国への無許可の入国を重罪と位置づけることになる、疎ましい議案も含まれている。	A debate on immigration is beginning in the United States Senate, which will take up several proposals. These include a hateful bill – which the House of Representatives has already approved – that provides for the construction of a wall along the US-Mexican border and makes unauthorized entry into the US a felony.	{ "source": "news_commentary", "missed_lines": null, "inserted_lines_src": null, "inserted_lines_trg": null }
「ああ、ここに来る途中で受け取った。クレアが無事なのはわかったが、どうせ途中まで来ていたしな。それに、久しぶりに娘の顔を見るのも悪くないとな、馬を飛ばして来たぞ」「お父様......」エッケンハルトさんはクレアさんが無事な事は知っていたようだ。それにしても、これだけ子煩悩そうな姿を見せられたら、娘が嫁に行く事になるお見合い話とか持って来そうにないのに、何故なんだろうか? 「それで、見慣れない人もいるようだが?」「あぁ、タクミさんです。お父様」「旦那様、クレアお嬢様を助けて下さった方です」おっと、話が俺の事になったようだ。俺はクレアさんの後ろか前に出て一礼する。礼は見様見真似だからちゃんと出来てるか不安だったが、緊張感が無くなったとはいえ、それを気にしてる余裕は無い。レオはライラさんに撫でれられてまだ後ろにいる。「初めまして、広岡巧と申します。タクミとお呼び下さい」「おお、おぬしがタクミ殿か。クレアを助けてくれた事、礼を言うぞ。話はセバスチャンからの報せで聞いている」どうやらセバスチャンさんは、エッケンハルトさんに送っ目の報せで俺の事も伝えていたようだ。エッケンハルトさんは無精髭を周りに生やしてる口で笑いながら、俺の横に移動し肩を叩いて来た。バシバシと音が響くくらいの強さで、俺がクレアさんを助けた事を喜んでるのは伝わって来るんだが、結構痛い。「タクミ殿は中々の男のようだな。私がこうして叩いても動揺しないとは」「いえ......あの......はぁ」いや、貴方が叩いてる肩が痛くて身動きが取れないだけなんですが......。その前に人の肩を叩いて反応を試すとかしないで欲しい......それでどんな人間かわかるのかどうか俺にはわからないけど......。「お父様、タクミさんが痛がっています」「おっと、すまない。やりすぎたか」「いえ、大丈夫です」クレアさんが注意してくれてようやく叩くのを止めてくれた。 ......赤くなってないかな......今日風呂に入ったら確かめてみよう。「ワフ」俺が叩かれるのを見たからか、それともエッケンハルトさんに自分も何か主張をしたかったのか、後ろでライラさんに撫でられていたレオが俺とエッケンハルトさんの間に割って入る。レオの体に押された形になったエッケンハルトさんは、少し面食らったような様子だったが、間に入って来たのがレオとわかって驚きの表情で見る。「これは......シルバーフェンリルなのか......?」「そうです、お父様」俺の代わりにエッケンハルトさんの疑問にクレアさんが答える。これはセバスチャンさんからの報せに無かったのか、エッケンハルトさんは驚きつつ腰が引けてる。そりゃ、レオの巨体がいきなり目の前に来たら驚くし怖いよな。しかも、エッケンハルトさんはリーベルト家の当主様だ、クレアさんの話ではシルバーフェンリルの事を詳しく知っていてもおかしくないだろう。「シルバーフェンリルが何故ここに......しかし......人を襲わないのか?」「ワフ!」エッケンハルトさんの言葉にレオが返事をするように鳴いたが、それを聞いて体がビクッと跳ねてる。初めてレオとこの屋敷に来た時のゲルダさんと反応が似てる......恐る恐るという感じだな。「旦那様、レオ様はタクミ様の従魔で、人を襲う事はありません。もちろんタクミ様に害を成す事があればその限りでは無いでしょうが」「ワフワフ」セバスチャンさんがエッケンハルトさんに説明して、それにレオが頷いている。 ......従魔というより相棒という感覚なんだけどな。昨日のクレアさんとシェリーの時のような従魔契約とかはしてないわけだし。「そ、そうか......しかしシルバーフェンリルが人間に従うとはなぁ......」「それに関しては私達も驚きました。詳しい話はまた後にしましょう。ここで立ったままと言うのも......」「そうだな......それなら客間で話を聞こう。私の書斎ではこのシルバーフェンリル......レオ様と言ったか......の体の大きさでは狭いだろう」「わかりました。すぐに準備させます」セバスチャンさんの返答と同時に、何人かの使用人が玄関ホールから離れて行った。その中にはライラさんやゲルダさんもいたが、きっと客間の用意やお茶の用意をするんだろう。「それで......レオ様は後で聞くとして......クレア、その足元にいるのもまさか......」「ええ、こちらはフェンリルです。私の従魔になったんですよ。シェリー、挨拶を」「キャゥ!」「シェリーもレオ様も可愛いんですよ!」エッケンハルトさんはクレアさんの足元でお座りをしていたシェリーに気付いたようだ。まぁ、中型犬の大きさで普通はいない場所に見慣れないものがいるのだから気付くのも当然か。クレアさんがお座りをしているシェリーを抱き上げてエッケンハルトさんに紹介。シェリーも礼儀正しい......かはわからないが、自己紹介するように一鳴き、ティルラちゃんはエッケンハルトさんにレオとシェリーの売り込みだ。「従魔......いつの間にそんな事に......これもタクミ殿と関係が?」「ええ。タクミ様のおかげで助かりましたし、このフェンリル、シェリーも命を救われました」「そうか......色々と話す事が多そうだな」シェリーには、大きさからなのかあまり気後れしていない様子のエッケンハルトさん、まぁ娘のクレアさんが抱いてるのが大きな理由かもしれないが。それでもまだレオの大きさからか、シルバーフェンリルへの恐怖からなのか、レオに視線を向ける時は恐る恐るという感じだ。レオはそんなに怖い奴じゃないんだけどなぁ......初対面だから仕方ないか。ゲルダさんの時のように少しづつ慣れて行ってもらおう。「旦那様、客間の用意が整ったようでございます」「わかった。積もる話もあるからな、まずは客間に移動しよう。......お前達、ご苦労だった。しっかり休め」エッケンハルトさんは一緒に屋敷へと来た護衛と思われる3人に声を掛けると、3人は敬礼をしてメイドさん達がいる方へ向かう。多分、どこかの部屋で休むんだろう、エッケンハルトさんは馬を飛ばして来たと言っていたから、ここまで大変だったのかもしれないな。	“Yes, I received it on my way here. But even if I knew that Claire was safe, I had still traveled all this way. Besides, I thought it would be nice to see my daughters again. And so I rode as fast as I could!” “Father...” So Mr. Ekenhart knew that Ms. Claire was fine. Still, after seeing how much of a doting parent he was, I would have thought that he’d be against sending his daughters off to be married. I wonder what the reason was? “And I see we have someone new here?” “Ah, this is Mr. Takumi, father.” “Your Grace, he is the one who helped Lady Claire.” Oh, the conversation had shifted to me. And so I took a step forward and bowed. I was just imitating the way I had seen others bow, and so I wasn’t sure if I was doing it correctly. I was no longer nervous, but that didn’t help things much right now. As for Leo, she remained in the back and was being petted by Ms. Lyra. “It’s an honor to meet you. I am Takumi Hirooka. Please call just me Takumi.” “Ah, so you are Takumi. You have my gratitude for helping Claire. Sebastian told me all about you in his report.” Apparently, Sebastian had included information about me in his second message to Mr. Ekenhart. Mr. Ekenhart now laughed as he moved next to me and patted me on the shoulder. In fact, he was really just slapping me. And though I understood that he was happy that his daughter was safe, it actually kind of hurt. “You must be quite a man then. You haven’t even flinched while I’ve been hitting your shoulder.” “Um...well...uh...” No, it was that the pain of it was keeping me in place... Also, testing a person by hitting their shoulders and seeing their reaction... I wish he would stop. Besides, what exactly did that say about a person anyway...? “Father. Mr. Takumi looks like he’s in pain.” “Ah, forgive me. I might have gone too far.” “No, I’m fine.” He finally stopped when Ms. Claire warned him. ...I hope that I’m not bruised... I’ll have to check it when I take a bath later. “Wuff.” Perhaps it was because she had witnessed this, or perhaps she just wanted Mr. Ekenhart’s attention, but Leo suddenly moved away from Ms. Lyra, and stood between the duke and I. Mr. Ekenhart looked surprised at being pushed back, and then he realized what he was looking at and his face turned to that of surprise. “That...is that a Silver Fenrir...?” “It is, father.” Ms. Claire answered his question for me. Sebastian might not have added this bit of information to his report then. Because Mr. Ekenhart was clearly stunned. Well, who wouldn’t be with something as big as Leo right in front of them. Not only that, but as the head of the Liebert family, he must know more about Silver Fenrirs than most. “Why is a Silver Fenrir here... And...does it not attack people?” “Wuff!” Leo barked as if in answer to his words. But this just caused the duke to jump. His reaction reminded me of Ms. Gelda when we first came here... He was very hesitant. “Your Grace, the great Leo is Mr. Takumi’s familiar, would never harm anyone. At least, unless something is trying to harm Mr. Takumi.” “Wuff-wuff.” As Sebastian explained this to Mr. Ekenhart, Leo nodded with agreement. ...Though, I saw her as a buddy, not a familiar. It’s not as if we had a contract like Ms. Claire and Sherry. “I-I see... Still, a Silver Fenrir that obeys a human...” “We were also astonished by this. But perhaps that can be discussed later. It would not be good to continue to stand here...” “Indeed... Then we must go to the drawing room. As my study is not big enough to accommodate this Silver Fenrir...er, the great Leo, is it?” “Very well. I will have the drawing room prepared immediately.” Answered Sebastian, and he and a few servants left the entrance hall. Ms. Lyra and Ms. Gelda were with him. I suppose they were going to prepare the tea. “Now then...while I will learn about the great Leo later... Claire, what is that thing at your feet...” “Yes, this is a fenrir. And she is my familiar now. Say hello, Sherry.” “Kyau!” “Sherry and Leo are so cute!” Mr. Ekenhart had noticed Sherry, who was sitting at Ms. Claire’s feet. Well, she was about as big as a medium-sized dog, but clearly not one. Ms. Claire scooped up the sitting fenrir and introduced her to Mr. Ekenhart. Sherry sure was polite...I think. But she did bark once. In the meantime, Tilura was boasting about Leo and Sherry to her father. “A familiar...when did this... Is this also related to Mr. Takumi?” “Yes. Not only did Mr. Takumi save me, but he also saved Sherry.” “I see... It looks like we will have a lot to discuss.” Maybe it was because Sherry wasn’t very large, but Mr. Ekenhart didn’t look too timid around her. Perhaps the fact that she was being carried by Ms. Claire had something to do with it. As for Leo, he still looked nervous whenever he glanced towards her. Was it her size or was it because she was a Silver Fenrir? Leo really wasn’t scary at all... But it was his first time seeing her, and so it couldn’t be helped. We would just have to go slowly, like we did with Ms. Gelda. “Your Grace, the drawing room is ready for you.” “Good. Let’s go then, as there is much to talk about. ...You three. Good work. You can go and rest now.” “Yes, Your Grace!” Mr. Ekenhart dismissed the three guards who had come to the mansion with him. They bowed and headed in the direction of the other maids. They were probably going to some resting room. Mr. Ekenhart had said that he rode here as fast as he could, so it must have been very tiring.	{ "source": "manual-fanfic", "missed_lines": 0, "inserted_lines_src": 2, "inserted_lines_trg": 0 }
兵士の訓練があんなにハードなものだと思わなかった。しかも隊長、私に対してなかなかにスパルタなんだもの。なんとか全部こなせたけど、ラストにほぼ全力ロ走れって言われた時は、ちょっと諦めそうになった。なけなしの体力で走り切ったけど、これから毎日あの訓練があると思うと......。私が幼い頃していた鍛錬もなかなかのものだと思っていたけど、それとは比べ物にならない。やっぱり、王子直属の隊は特別なのかしら。私はすやすやと気持ちよく眠っているライの隣に横たわる。黒くふさふさした毛並みが気持ちいい。これなら今日はぐっすりと眠れそうだわ。 ......そう言えば、昔魔法でライオンに変身しようと思っていた時期あったわね。あの時は魔法のスランプで、なかなか上手く使いこなせなかったのよね。思い出を懐かしんでいる場合じゃないわ。昔のことを思い出して記憶に浸るのなんて死ぬ十分前で充分よ。私はそんなことを思いながら瞼を閉じる。「おやすみ、ライ」小さくそう呟き、ライの隣でぐっすりと眠りについた。チュンチュンとさえずる小鳥の音で目が覚める。目を開けると、容赦なく、朝日が目に入ってくる。目を全開に出来ないまま、私は着替えて、ライを起こさないように小屋の外に出る。 ......まるで漫画みたいな朝の目覚め方ね。訓練までまだ時間がある。「あの塔に行きたいわね」そう言いながらいつの間にか私は塔の方へと足を進めていた。私の行動が王子の思い通りってところが気に食わないけど、気になるのは気になるままで終わらしたくないもの。ずっとモヤモヤしておくなんて悪女の性格に合わないわ。「思っていたよりも遠いわね、あの塔」高いから王宮の中のどこにいても分かるし、目立っているが、いざ行くとなるとそれなりに距離がある。朝早くから使用人たちが忙しく働いている。流石大国って言うべきなのかしら。使用人のこのテキパキとした行動と、人数の多さといったら......、いや、でも私、デューク様の家の朝の状態なんて知らないから一概には言えないわね。私は塔を前にして足を止める。「たっっっか」誰もが最初に出る言葉はきっとこの言葉だと思う。あまりの高さに首を痛めそうだわ。塔の中に入り、小さくため息をつく。この世界に来て初めて思うわ、エレベーターが欲しいって。塔を上るのも鍛錬の一つだと思わないとやっていられないわ。上までずっと螺旋状に階段が続いている。目的地に辿り着くには、朝からかなりの運動をしろってことだ。「ここまで来たんだもの。上るしかないわ」私はそう言って一歩踏み出した。ずっと同じ光景が続き、ずっと階段を上り続けているが、全くゴールが見えない。かなり上ったはずなのに......。私はちらりと下を見る。地面からかなり離れていることを確認する。進んではいるが、全く上に着く気がしないわ。まるで私を来させないよう......、来させないようにしているんだわ。「この塔、魔法が使われているわ」私は小さくそう呟いた。	I didn’t think that soldier training was that hard. Moreover, the captain was very spartan with me. I managed to do everything, but I almost gave up when I was told to run the last kilometers as fast as I could. I ran with what strength I had left, but when I thought that I would have to go through that training every day from now on.... I thought that the training I had done when I was a child was quite good, but it was nothing compared to this. I wonder if the corps directly under the prince was truly special. I lay down next to Rai, who was sleeping peacefully. His black, fluffy fur is so soft and comfortable. I think I’ll be able to get a good night’s sleep today. Come to think of it, there was a time when I wanted to magically transform myself into a Lion. I was in a magical slump at the time and couldn’t quite get it right. This wasn’t the time to be nostalgic about memories, though. It was enough to remember the past and dwell on those memories before I died. I closed my eyelids with that thought. “Good night, Rai.” I mumbled a few words and drifted off to sleep next to Rai. I woke up to the sound of birds chirping. The morning sun was relentless when I opened my eyes. Unable to open my eyes fully, I got dressed and went outside the hut so as not to wake Rai. ...it was sort of like waking up in the morning, almost like in a manga. There was still some time left before training. “I wish I could go to that tower.” Before I knew it, I was making my way towards the tower. I didn’t like that I was doing exactly what the prince wanted, but I didn’t want it to keep bothering me. Leaving things to mope around forever wouldn’t be in character for villainess. “It’s more distant than I thought it would be, that tower.” It was the tallest, so no matter where you were in the royal palace, it was visible and conspicuous; but, when I decided to go there, it was quite a distance away. The servants were busy working from early in the morning. This was a country of great power, in my opinion. The servants seemed to be so quick and efficient, and there were so many of them... Well, I didn’t know anything about the state of Duke’s house in the morning, so I can’t comment on the state of this house. I stopped in front of the tower. “So high!” I bet that would be the first word that would come out of anyone’s mouth. I could hurt my neck because of how high it was. I entered the tower and let out a small sigh. For the first time since I came to this world, I felt the need for an elevator. I have to train myself to go up the tower. There was a spiral staircase all the way to the top. It would mean a lot of exercise in the morning to get to where he wants me to go. “I’ve come this far. I have to go up.” I took a step forward, thinking so. The same scene kept repeating itself all the way up the stairs, but I still couldn’t see the end goal. I should have gone up quite a bit.... I glanced down. I could tell that I was quite a ways off the ground. I continued up the stairs for a long time, but still couldn’t see where they were leading to. It was as if something was trying to keep me from reaching it. “This tower, it’s enchanted.” I muttered to myself in a small voice.	{ "source": "manual-fanfic", "missed_lines": 0, "inserted_lines_src": 1, "inserted_lines_trg": 0 }
あまり酷い怪我をされても治癒室の者に迷惑だろうということで、攻撃は寸止め、峰打ちにとどめ、出血は最小限に抑える。戦意喪失した場合は『参った』と宣言すること。宣言した者に対し、更に攻撃を加えた場合はその者が失格になること。クローシェザードは分かりやすくルールを説明していく。「対戦の順番は、丸印の下に記入されている通りだ。人数が多いため、一度に20試合を行う。審判生生の生徒達で手分けするように。君達は何度も試合を経験しているから、審判をやったこともあるだろう。下級生も他人事だと思わず、今後のためにやり方をよく見ておくように。それから、一試合の制限時間は30分とする。それまでに決着がつかなかった場合は命中率などを加味した判定になる。――――ここまでで質問のある者」クローシェザードの説明に、サッと手を上げたのはレイディルーンだった。「審判役を生徒が務めることに異論はありません。ですが、庶民を使うのは問題があると思います。もし判定を不服に思った貴族に圧力をかけられれば、庶民は逆らえないと思います」一番に圧力をかけそうな顔をして、意外と公正な発言をすることにシェイラは驚きを隠せなかった。平民を軽んじてはいるものの、騎士としての誇りに身分は関係ないと言ったところか。「もしも審判に圧力をかけた場合、その者は即刻敗北とする。審判をする生徒は、圧力をかけられたと思った時点で私に申告するように。もちろん私も試合を見て回るので、不正を行う現場に行き合ったら、試合を中断させよう」「我々は、集団生活をしています。これから先の学園生活のために、圧力があると申告できない生徒が出てくるかもしれません」レイディルーンが食い下がる。しばらく彼をじっと見つめていたかと思うと、クローシェザードはニヤリと笑った。あの、一癖ありそうな悪辣な笑みだ。「確かにその可能性はある。けれど君達は、騎士を志す者だ。騎士道の精神は理解しているものと思っている。我々が成すべきは、己の誇りに恥じない戦いをすること。そうではないか?」何人もの生徒がハッとして背筋を伸ばす。騎士とは、ただ戦う術を持った者ではない。その行い全てが高潔で在らねばならず、それが集約されるからこそ、誇りを胸に戦いに赴けるのだ。生徒達の目の色が変わった。コディに至っては目に涙さえ溜まっている。シェイラだけは、ものすごく微妙な気持ちでそれを眺めていた。彼が巧みな話術で不正を未然に防いだことに、一体何人が気付いただろうか。気付いたとしても、クローシェザードの崇高な信念という奴に感動して言葉もないのかもしれない。おそらくこの教官は今現在、内心ほくそ笑んでいることだろうに。「他に質問のある者は?」今度はシェイラが挙手をした。若干嫌そうにクローシェザードが発言を許可する。「お昼休憩は、いつになりますか?」なぜか全員が一気に脱力した。クローシェザードは、『ホラやっぱり』と言わんばかりに首を振っていた。「大事なことです!腹ごなしにかかる時間も考えないといけませんから!」シェイラが正当性を主張しても、目の色を変える者は誰一人としていなかった。「昼休憩は寮の食堂が開く11時から間だ。試合でいうと、合と第五試合の間になる」「分かりました。ありがとうございます」シェイラは第二試合と第六試合、最後の合なので、余裕を持って腹ごなしをすればいつも通り食べても大丈夫そうだ。満足げに笑うシェイラを、コディとゼクスが呆れて見下ろしていた。「はい!」「............シェイラ⋅ダナウ」「応援はしてもいいですか?騒いではいけないですか?」今度の質問は問題なかったようで、クローシェザードは頷いた。「真っ当な質問もできるようだな。どんな状況でも戦える術を身に付けなければならないため、外野の声に集中できないというのは言い訳にならない。よって応援は許可する」「これ以上の質問はないようだな。――――ではこれより、実力テストを開始する。第一試合に出場する者は、指定されたフィールドに移動しなさい」クローシェザードが手を打つと、全員が一斉に動き出す。「確かコディは第一試合からだよね。応援に行ってもいい?」「もちろんだよ。ありがとう、頑張るよ」コディはしっかり頷き返してくれた。今朝までの緊張で参っていた姿は、欠片も見受けられなかった。ゼクスは見たい試合があるということで、別行動になった。コディの相手は同級生だった。一緒に学んでいる平民の一人、バート⋅レストン。特待生だけあって、ゼクスと並んで技量が目立つ少年だった。二人が向き合って定位置につく。しばらくすると、拡声の魔道具を手にしたクローシェザードの声が、一帯に響き渡った。「第一試合――――――開始!」二人は同時に後方へ飛んだ。似たような形の剣を構える。長さはバートの剣の方があるため、間合いでは有利か。けれどシェイラがそう考えたのも一瞬だった。コディが何やら呪文を唱えると、バートに向かって雷が落ちたのだ。「そうか。魔法があるから、剣の間合いなんて関係ないんだ......」授業では剣の練習しかしていなかったので、魔術をどんなふうに戦いに組み込むのか知らなかった。ましてや、試合形式での打ち合いも初めて見る。シェイラは想像以上の戦闘に目を輝かせた。コディが連続で雷を落とす。バートは避けるので精一杯で前に出られない。その表情にはやや焦りが見える。雷魔法を連発していたから、避けさえすればいいとバートは少し油断していたようだ。避け続けていた彼が、ガクリとバランスを崩した。「何!?」バートの顔に驚愕が広がる。彼の足元には、いつの間にか深い穴が開いていた。そういえば、バートは避けるのに集中していたから気付いていなかったが、コディは雷魔法を使う傍ら一度だけ地面に触れていた。あれで、地面を操ったのだろうか。雷魔法でバートを攻撃していると見せかけて、その実誘導していたのか。相手が体勢を崩した好機を見逃すほど間抜けじゃない。コディがすかさず間合いを詰めた。「ハァッ!!」バートも片膝が地面に着いた形で何とか応戦する。けれど形勢の不利を立て直せず、遂に首筋に剣先を突き付けられた。「............参った」荒い息の合間に、バートが敗北を宣言した。魔法に翻弄され続けたため、額にも汗がにじんでいた。コディは一つ息をつき、バートに手を差し出した。その手を取ってバートが立ち上がる。比較的運動量の少なかったコディが、疲れの見えない足取りでシェイラに近付いてきた。「コディ、やったね!」「うん。何とか勝てたってところだけどね」「そんなことないよ!見入っちゃって応援なんか忘れてたくらい!」「そーだそーだ。謙遜されると敗けた俺が惨めだろーが」コディの後に続いて、バートも場外に出てきた。「バートもお疲れさま!いい試合だったよ、カッコよかった!」「ソッコーで敗けたけどな」「それでもスゴかったよ!授業の時も思ってたけど、バートの剣はスゴく速いよね!それにあの体勢で、あそこまでの剣さばきができるなんて信じられなかった!」いかに格好よかったかを一生懸命説明すると、本気が伝わったのか、バートは満更でもなさそうにはにかんだ。「まぁ、いい勉強になったよ。魔法が使えるってだけなら、そんな驚異じゃないんだよなー。ちゃんとお前みたいに戦術に組み込むから、強いんだ」バートがコディの肩を叩いた。コディは嬉しそうだけれど、曖昧な笑みを浮かべた。「僕は魔力が少ないから、こうやって戦うしかないってだけだよ。魔力が多ければ、もっと圧倒的なんだから」そう言ってコディが視線を向けたのは、レイディルーンの戦いだった。フィールドを覆うような竜巻を前に、対戦相手が尻餅をついて降参するところだった。「......ありゃ、規格外だろー。それに大魔法だと、それだけ呪文が長くなるんだろ?詠唱時間を与えた相手も悪いって」バートも頬を掻きながら、何とも言えない表情だ。あんな強そうな人が最後の相手か、と真剣に眺めていたシェイラだったが、すぐに我に返った。「あ。審判のやり方も覚えなきゃいけなかったんだ。しまったな、次こそ真剣に観察しなきゃ」声援さえ忘れてしまうシェイラの頼りない決意に、コディは苦笑した。「それより、君はすぐ試合だろ。そろそろ時間になるから早く行った方がいい。僕も試合がないから、応援に行くよ」「じゃあ俺もー」「ありがとう。コディ、バート!」シェイラは笑顔で指定されたフィールドへと走り出した。 ◇ ◆ ◇ シェイラがフィールドに向かうと、既に前の試合は終わっていて、定位置に男が立っていた。高い位置で結ばれた黒髪が風に揺れている。切れ長の黒い瞳が大人びた印象で、スラリと背が高い。最上級生というだけあって、既に少年というよりは青年といった感じだ。彼が一人目の対戦相手、セイリュウ⋅ミフネだろう。シェイラに気付くと、セイリュウは綺麗な礼をした。平民だと聞いていたが、所作が洗練されている。 ――そういえばゼクスも、コディ以外の貴族の前では別人みたいだったな。相手によって顔を使い分けるゼクスと違い、セイリュウは誰に対しても礼儀を欠かさない男なのだろう。シェイラも慌てて定位置につき、礼を返した。ふと、彼の手に握られた剣に視線が吸い寄せられる。見たことのない片刃の剣だった。頼りないほど細い刀身。だが揺らめくように走る刃紋は鈍い青に輝いていて、切れ味のよさが窺える。柄には握りやすいように糸が巻き付けられていて、とても装飾的だ。黒く艶のある鞘も、凝った鍔も珍しい。じっと見つめていたら、いつの間にか時間が経っていたらしい。稽古場がしんと静まり、クローシェザードが魔道具を握る。シェイラは剣を構えた。	Although there was healing magic, since it would be a nuisance to those in the healing room if the students were injured too badly, the attacks that they could do were limited, and the bleeding should be kept to a minimum. If a fighter lost the will to fight, he must declare, “I give up.” Any further attacks on the declared opponent will result in disqualification of the attacker. Claushezade explained the rules in simple terms. “The order of the matches is as indicated under the circles. Due to the large number of players, matches will be played at a time. Referees should be split between the sixth graders and the fifth graders. Since you guys have experienced the match, you probably have also acted as a referee. Underclassmen, don’t think of it as other people’s affairs, you should take a good look at how to do it for the future. Also, the time limit for each match is minutes. If the match is not decided by then, the judges will take into account the hit ratio and other factors. Any questions?” It was Leidyrune who quickly raised his hand in response to Claushezade’s explanation. “I have no objection to students serving as referees. However, I think there is a problem with using commoners. If they are pressured by the nobles who are dissatisfied with the decision, I don’t think they will be able to resist.” Sheila couldn’t hide her surprise at the surprisingly fair remarks. Though he despised the commoner, he said that his pride as a knight had nothing to do with his status. “If a student pressures a referee, they will be declared defeated immediately. Students who are referees are to report to me the moment they feel pressured. Of course, I will be watching the matches, so if I come across a situation where someone is cheating, I will stop the match.” “We live together. For the sake of their future school life, some students may not be able to declare under pressure.” Leidyrune persisted. After staring at him for a moment, Claushezade grinned. It was a vicious grin, probably a habit of his. “It’s certainly possible. But you all are aspiring knights. I assume you understand the spirit of chivalry. What we should do is fight the battles we are proud of. Is that not so?” Several students huffed and straightened their backs. A knight wasn’t just someone who knew how to fight. All of their actions must be virtuous, and it was precisely because of this that they were able to go into battle with pride. The students’ eyes suddenly turned red. Even Cody had tears in his eyes. Sheila was the only one who looked at them with a very subtle feeling. How many of them would have noticed that he had prevented the cheating with his clever storytelling? Even if they had noticed, they might have been so moved by Claushezade’s noble conviction that they had no words. Perhaps this instructor was gloating inwardly right now. “Any other questions?” This time, Sheila raised her hand. Claushezade, looking slightly reluctant, allowed her to speak. “When is the lunch break?” For some reason, everyone deflated at once. Claushezade shook his head as if to say, ‘I knew it.’ “It’s important! We have to consider the time it will take to stomach it!” Even after Sheila’s justification, not a single person blinked their eyes. “Lunch break is two hours after the dorm cafeteria opens at :. In terms of games, that would be between the fourth and fifth games.” “I understand. Thank you.” Sheila had three games, the 2nd, 6th, and 9th games, so if she had enough time, she could eat as usual. Cody and Zechs looked down at Sheila, who was smiling with satisfaction, in dismay. “Yes!” “.... Sheila Danau.” “Can I cheer for support? Can I make a noise?” This time the question seemed to be fine, so Claushezade nodded. “It seems that you can also ask a serious question. Since we must learn to fight in any situation, there is no excuse for not being able to concentrate. Therefore, I permit cheering.” “It looks like there are no more questions. Then, we will now begin the competency test. All contestants for the first game, please move to your assigned field.” When Claushezade motioned, everyone moved in unison. “If I remember right, Cody will be starting in the first match. Can I go cheer for you?” “Of course. Thanks for that, I’ll do my best.” Cody nodded back firmly. There was no sign of the nervousness that had been present until this morning. Zechs had a match he wanted to watch, so they separated. Cody’s opponent was a classmate. Bert Reston, one of the commoners studying with him. He was also a special student, whose skills stood out alongside Zechs. The two men faced each other and took their positions. After a few moments, the voice of Claushezade, who was holding a magic tool in his hand, echoed throughout the area. “First match―― Start!” They flew backward at the same time. They held up similarly shaped swords. Bert’s sword was longer, so he had the advantage in the match. But Sheila’s thoughts were short-lived. Cody cast some kind of spell, and a bolt of lightning struck Bert. “I see. With magic, the distance between the swords doesn’t matter....” Since she had only practiced with swords in class, she had no idea how to incorporate magic into a fight. Not to mention, this was the first time she had ever seen such a match. Sheila’s eyes lit up as she saw more combat than she had ever imagined. Cody continuously shot lightning. Bert was too busy avoiding them to move forward. His expression showed some impatience. Since Cody was firing lightning magic in rapid succession, Bert was a bit careless, thinking that all he had to do was avoid it. As he continued to dodge, he lost his balance with a jerk. “What?!” A look of astonishment spread across Bert’s face. A deep hole had opened up at his feet before he knew it. Come to think of it, Cody touched the ground once while using lightning magic, though Bert was so focused on avoiding the lightning that he didn’t notice. Did he manipulate the ground with that? Was he actually guiding Bert while pretending to attack him with lightning magic? He wasn’t so dumb as to miss an opportunity when his opponent was out of position. Cody quickly closed the gap. “Hahhh!!” Bert also managed to fight back with one knee on the ground. However, he was unable to recover from his disadvantage, and finally, the tip of a sword was pointed at his neck. “.... I give up!” In between heavy breathing, Bert declared his defeat. Sweat was beading on his forehead as well, as he continued to be at the mercy of magic. Cody took a deep breath and held out his hand to Bert, who took his hand and stood up. He then approached Sheila with a gait that showed no signs of fatigue. “Cody, you did it!” “Yes. Somehow, I managed to win.” “That’s not true! I was so caught up in watching the match that I forgot to cheer!” “That’s right, that’s right! I’ll feel miserable if you’re so modest.” Bert followed Cody out of the field. “Good job, Bert! It was a great game, very cool!” “I lost in a heartbeat, though.” “Still, it was awesome! I thought so too in class, but Bert’s sword is so fast! And I couldn’t believe you could wield a sword that well from that position!” When Sheila tried her best to explain how cool it was, Bert seemed to get the message that she was serious, and he beamed. “Well, it’s been a good learning experience. If it’s just that you can use magic, then it’s not that amazing. I’m strong because I properly incorporate it into my tactics like you.” Bert patted Cody on the shoulder. Cody smiled a happy but vague smile. “I don’t have much magical power, so I have no choice but to fight like this. It would be much more overwhelming if I had more magic power.” With that said, Cody turned his gaze to the battle of Leidyrune. The opponent was about to fall and surrender in front of the tornado that seemed to cover the field. “.... It’s amazing, isn’t it? Besides, if it’s a grand magic, the spells will be that much longer. It’s the other side’s fault for giving the opponent so much time to chant.” Bert scratched his cheek and looked inexpressible. Sheila was looking at Leidyrune seriously, wondering if such a strong man was her last opponent, but she soon returned to her senses. “Oh! I also had to learn how to referee. Oh no, next time I’ll have to observe more seriously.” Cody laughed at Sheila’s unreliable determination. “Rather than that, you’re going to have a match soon. It’s almost time to go, so you’d better get going. I don’t have a game either, so I’ll be there to cheer you on.” “Me too.” “Thanks, Cody, Bert!” Sheila smiled and ran to her assigned field. ◇ ◆ ◇ When Sheila headed onto the field, the previous match had already ended, and a man was standing in place. His black hair, tied high, swayed in the wind. His slanted black eyes gave him a mature impression, and he was tall and slender. As an upperclassman, he already looked more like a young man than a boy. He must be her first opponent, Seiryuu Mifune. When he noticed Sheila, he bowed gracefully. She had heard that he was a commoner, but his manners were refined. Come to think of it, Zechs was also like a different person in front of all the aristrocats except Cody. Unlike Zechs, who used different faces depending on who he was talking to, Seiryuu was a man who never failed to be polite to anyone. Sheila also hurriedly got into position and returned the courtesy. Suddenly, her gaze was drawn to the sword in his hand. It was a single-edged sword she had never seen before. The blade was unreliably thin. However, the shimmering blade pattern shone with a dull blue color, indicating that it was sharp. The handle was very decorative, with threads wrapped around it for easy gripping. The black, shiny scabbard and the elaborate crossguard were both unusual. She stared at them for a long time, and before she knew it, time had passed. The practice hall was quiet, and Claushezade held the magic tool in his hand. Sheila readied her sword.	{ "source": "manual-fanfic", "missed_lines": 3, "inserted_lines_src": 1, "inserted_lines_trg": 0 }
さて、今回俺が作った第5階層だが、ぶっちゃけると山である。ただし中身は縦横無尽に洞窟が掘られ、山全体にいつも通りに霧(視界制限20m)をかけてある。設置場所?もちろん地上にドンと置きましたとも。そこで暮らしている人間の迷惑なぞ全く考えておりませんよ。だって魔王だし。で、今までのダンジョンとの繋がりに関しては第3階層に流れている川の上流から行けるように繋げてある。つまり、第3階層に入った後上流に向かって進めば第5階層に、下流に向かって進めば第2階層に繋がるわけだ。それで、第5階層最大の特徴は俺の今までのダンジョンと違い入場制限をかけていないところにある。というか、地上にある上に壁とかを設置してないから誰でも自由に出入りが出来るようになっている。で、おまけに後述する装置を配置して、ランダムに洞窟の構造を変化させたり、モンスターを発生させるようにしてある。つまり、誰でも入れる代わりに入る度に地形が変わったり、突然乱し蜻蛉やクエレブレに遭遇することもあるデンジャーゾーンになっているのである。ちなみに作成直後に侵入した人間の感想がこちら「へへへ。フォッグだらけでらくしょ...ぬわぁー!」「巨大蛇が出たぞー!ギャアアアアア!」「ちょ!?攻撃するたびに防御力アップとかふざけ...あべし!」「ゲームバランス狂ってんだろうがあああぁぁぁぁ............」とまあ、細かいところはいろいろ違うが大体の感想はこんなところだな。ちなみに上記のPTの場合、フォッグを倒しまくって調子に乗っているところにクエレブレがポップして4人中3人が死亡。1人が運良く逃げることができた。他にも霧で視界が悪いところにいきなり立坑があって落下死したり、洞窟構造の関係で有毒ガスがたまっている場所に踏み込んで酸欠で逝ったりと、俺の意図しないところでこの階層の殺意は高いものになっております。で、こんな不○議のダンジョン的なものを作り上げることが出来る装置がこちら・迷宮混沌組換装置迷宮内の指定エリアの構造を魔王が予め指定した範囲でランダムに組み替える装置。なお、組み換えのタイミングは24h~1yの間で設定可能。罠も指定範囲で自動設置される。 ※組み換え後の迷宮はどこの通路もきちんと外に通じるようになっている。創生コスト:指定範囲により変化発動コストにつきMP10(魔源装置設置を推奨) 創生前提条件:魔王のレベルが5以上・魔性混沌創生装置迷宮内の指定エリア内のどこかに予め登録した種類の魔性をランダムに召喚する装置。発生させる間隔は10s~1yの間で設定可能。魔性創生コストは別途消費のため、予め魔源装置の設置を推奨。 ※魔性は未命令状態で生まれるので注意。創生コスト:一機につきMP,SP各500 発動コスト:創生する魔性のコストと同じ設置前提条件:魔王のレベルが5以上・魔源装置-HP(MP,SP) HP,MP,SPのいずれかを一定量まで蓄えることが出来る石。蓄えているものによって色が変わり、HPは赤色、MPは緑色、SPは青色をしている。蓄えたHP,MP,SPは特定の装置にセット・またはスキル使用時に握りつぶす(1つのスキルにつき1個まで)ようにすることで使用できる。蓄えている量が多ければ大きい程石のサイズは大きくなる。なお、石と言っているが石は石でも見た目としては宝石である。創生コスト:蓄える予定のHP,MP,SP×2 どれもとても便利でございます。というか、これってアレだよな。階層の数が多くなって管理しきれなくなった魔王がダンジョン管理を楽にできるようにするためのツールだよな。便利だから別にいいけど。さて、次は新しく生み出せるようになったモンスターについてだな。まあ、代表的なところだとこんな感じだ。・濃霧蚊体長2m程の虫系蚊型魔性。霧蚊の上位種。聞いた人間の精神を興奮状態に持っていく羽音をさせながら接近し、すれ違いざまに鎌状の口で切りつけつつ相手の血を吸い、吸いきれなかった血は霧にして反撃を防ぐ。たまに血を吸った際に衰弱の状態異常を与える。召喚コスト:HP,MP各500 泥魔法士身長1.7m程の魔法生物系人型魔性。泥戦士とは別方向で泥人形の上位種。泥人形に魔法を使えるだけの知能と魔力を与えて作られた魔性。与えられた命令に忠実に従うだけでなく、ある程度ならば自主的に行動を行うこともある。コアを破壊されない限り自動回復していく。使用スキル≪ 召喚コスト:MP300 うん。普通に使える子たちばっかだね。濃霧蚊は第1階層でソロで運用していて、泥魔法士は第2階層で泥兵士、泥人形とPTを組ませる形で運用してある。でまあ、最近のダンジョン運営は第3階層に関しては時々乱し蜻蛉も出してはいるけど、基本的には第5階層と同じでフリーに近いものになっていて、第2階層に入ったら容赦なく殺りに行くようになってる。うん。実を言うとこうして解説している間に一般人の有志によるPTが一組第2階層に入って、そのPTが泥兵士の部隊と遭遇、殲滅されてる。ああでも、女の子を一人捕虜にしたみたいだな。え?この国の魔王と人間は協力関係にあるんじゃないかって?そんなの上の一部だけですよ。下は例え俺たち魔王が弱い魔性を外に出しているおかげで飢えを凌げていることに気付いたって、それ以上に人攫いや集落を襲ったりもしているから恩よりも怨の感情の方が強いのですよ。おかげで時折だけどこうやってガチで攻略しようとしている人間も来てくれるのです。いやー、いい刺激ですわ。と、折角捕まえたわけだし、とっとと会って気に入ったら眷属化しておくか。ちなみに霧人の男女比は俺の趣味によって今のところは1:4である。	Now, the fifth level I designed this time was, to put it candidly, a mountain. However, the interior was a mountain with caves excavated in all directions, shrouded in mist (visibility limited to meters) as usual. As for the installation site? Of course, it was set up on the ground. I paid no regard to the inconvenience for the people who live there. After all, I was the Demon King. And, as far as the dungeon was concerned, it has been connected to the dungeon by the upper stream of the river running on the third level. That was, if you progressed upstream after entering the third level, you will be sent to the fifth level, whereas if you advanced downstream, you will be directed to the second level. The fifth level’s most prominent feature was that, unlike my previous dungeons, it did not have any admission limitations. Or to put it another way, because the location was on the ground and had no walls, anyone can easily enter and depart. Furthermore, the devices that I shall discuss later were used to alter the cave’s structure at random and summon monsters. In other words, instead of allowing anybody to access the cave, it had turned into a danger zone where the topography varied with each entry and someone might stumble across Disarray Devil’s Darning Needle or Cuélebre. Here are some remarks from humans that invaded the site immediately after it was created for your information: “Heeeeee. There are Fogs everywhere... noooooo!” “There’s a giant serpent out thereー! Gaaaaaaaah!” “Wait!? Whenever we attack, the defense power rises... abeshi [i] !” “The game balance is out of order ahhhhhhh...” Well, although there were many different details, these were their general impressions. Incidentally, in the above party scenarios, three out of the four of them were out of breath after killing all the Fogs with the Cuélebre showing up, and one of them was lucky enough to escape. In other incidents, where visibility was impeded owing to the mist, victims died abruptly after falling down a shaft or succumbing to a lack of oxygen after wandering into an area where toxic gases were accumulating due to the cave’s structure. The killing intent in this level was incredibly high, regardless of the fact that I didn’t design it that way. So, here was a device that can construct such a dungeon of wonders. ・Labyrinth Chaos Recombination Device This was a device that randomly reconfigured the structure of a designated area in the labyrinth within a range specified in advance by the Demon King. In addition, the timing of the recombination can be set between hours~ year. Traps were setup automatically within the designated range as well. ※Every passageway in the labyrinth is properly connected to the outside after recombination. Creation cost: varied depending on the designated area. Activation cost: MP per activation (installation of a magic source device is recommended). Prerequisite for creation: The level of the Demon King is or higher. ・Demon Chaos Creation Device This device randomly summoned demons of pre-registered types somewhere within a designated area in the labyrinth. The interval of summoning can be set between 10s~1y. Since the cost of generating demons will be separately expended, it would be recommended to install a magic source device beforehand. ※Please note that the demons are generated in a not commanded state. Creation cost: 500 MP and SP each per unit. Activation cost: Equal to the cost of the demon to be created. Prerequisite for installation: The level of the Demon King is 5 or higher. ・Magic Source Device – HP (MP, SP) A stone that stores a certain amount of HP, MP, or SP for the user. Its hue varies according to what is inside, with red representing HP, green representing MP, and blue representing SP. The HP, MP, and SP that have been stored can be used by setting them in a specified device or by grasping them when a skill is called upon (up to one per skill). As the amount of stored HP, MP, and SP accumulated, the size of the stone will increase. Moreover, despite being called a stone, the stone has the appearance of a gemstone. Creation cost: HP, MP, SP x 2 All of these are very convenient. Or rather, these are the things, you know. They are tools to assist the Demon Kings to manage their dungeons smoothly when the number of levels becomes unmanageable. It’s convenient, so I don’t mind. Moving on to the new monsters that can be produced, these were some of the most typical ones. ・Dense Mist Mosquito A 2-meter-long, insect-like, mosquito-type demon. It is a higher species of Mist Mosquito. While emitting a buzzing sound that can induce a state of agitation in the minds of those who hear it. While passing by each other, it sucks the blood of the opponent as it slices at them with its sickle-shaped mouth, turning the unabsorbed blood into mist to prevent counterattacks. It occasionally inflicts a debilitating condition when it sucks blood. Summoning cost: 500 HP and MP per unit. ・Mud Magician A magical humanoid demon with a height of roughly 1.7 meters. It is a more advanced Mud Puppet with a distinct style than the Mud Warrior. This is a magical creature made by imbuing a Mud Puppet with intellect and magical power so that it can cast magic. Not only did it faithfully comply with the commands given to it, but it may also perform actions voluntarily to a certain extent. Unless the core is destroyed, it will automatically recover. Skills Employed: ≪Mudbolt≫ ≪Mud Barrier≫. Summoning cost: MP300 Yeah. They are all normal, usable kids. I have been running the Dense Mist Mosquito as a solo demon on the first level, and the Mud Magician as a party with the Mud Soldier and Mud Puppet on the second level. And well, recently, the dungeon management occasionally released Disarray Devil’s Darning Needle on the third level, but it was basically the same as the fifth level, almost a dead end for those who showed up, and when someone entered the second level, they were going to be ruthlessly slain. Yeah. To tell the truth, while I was explaining this, a party consisting of volunteers from the civilian population had entered the second level and encountered a unit of Mud Soldiers, and they were eradicated. Ah, but it seemed they captured one girl as a prisoner. Huh? You’re asking that aren’t the Demon Kings and humans in this country in a cooperative relationship? This is merely the case with the higher-ups. The lower part of the population is aware of the fact that we Demon Kings are keeping the weak demons out so that they can overcome their starvation. More than that, we have kidnapped people and assaulted villages, so the feeling of animosity is more assertive than that of gratitude. Humans that were determined to attack in this way show up from time as a consequence of this. Well, it is a pleasant stimulus. Since a girl has been captured, I should meet her as soon as possible, and if she piqued my interest, I will transform her into my kin. By the way, the male-to-female ratio of the Kirijin was currently 1:4, depending on my taste.	{ "source": "manual-fanfic", "missed_lines": 2, "inserted_lines_src": 2, "inserted_lines_trg": 3 }
俺はエリックに尋ねる。「怪しい貴族とかはいるのか?」「悪事を働いていそうなのはいるぞ。だが、ご禁制のハムにまで手を出す奴の見当はつかぬ」「そうだよな」魔神の召喚や神の加護を破る方法は人族全体の脅威だ。貴族間の政局争いは、人族社会が存在してこそ意味がある。昏き者どもが支配する世界において人族の王の地位に何の価値があろうか。「何らかの理由で脅されている、もしくは操られているといった可能性も捨てきれぬ」「ふむ。厄介だな」「そうであれば、如何なる人格者も疑ってかからねばならぬ」「そうか。では、先入観にとらわれずに調べることにしよう」そして、エリックが思い出したように言う。「諜報機関に協力を頼みたいときは、ゴランを経由してくれ」「直接じゃないほうがいいのか?」「誰が調べているか、敵に知られないほうがいいかもしれぬからな」「了解した」「そして、ロックは報告することがなくても、毎日のように来てくれ」「お、おう。わかった」エリックの熱意が伝わってくる。それだけ、この事件に真剣なのだろう。「エリック、俺もできる限りのことをするが、いまカビーノを取り調べている地区長は立派な人物に見えたぞ」「そうか。それはいい知らせだ」「上層部に妨害されるかもしれない。何かされないようにしてくれないか?」「カビーノを口封じしようとするものもいるかもしれない。地区長が狙われるかもしれない」「そうなればまずいな。捜査は致命的に遅れてしまう。すぐに手配しよう」それから、改めて首飾りの使い方を聞いた。首飾りは、勅令を口頭で伝える際に用いられるものだという。当たり前だが、通常、勅令は書面にて伝えられる。だが、書面にする時間が無い緊急時もある。その時のために用意されているのだ。クーデターにより国王が王宮から避難した際などに使われることを想定しているらしい。だから、貴族や公職にあるものならば見ればわかるとのことだ。「クーデターって......、それこそ、クーデターを起こした側の手に落ちたらまずいんじゃないのか?」「だからこそ、ただの道具ではなく、魔道具なのだ。王が直接、承認を与えると色が変わるようになっておる」「なるほど。だが、王がつかまって、承認を与えるように脅されたらどうなるんだ?」「そんな事態になったら、首飾りがあろうがなかろうが同じことだ。脅して書面の勅令を出させればいいだろう」あくまでも王が捕縛されておらず、だが書面での勅令を出せない時のためのものらしい。その後、俺たちは王宮を後にした。王宮側の扉は大きな絵を貼って隠すようだ。ベタな隠し方だが、むき出しよりはいい。俺は通路を移動しながら、魔力回路を伸ばしていく。王宮側の扉にかけた魔法の鍵から、俺の屋敷側の鍵につなげるためだ。そうすれば、屋敷側の扉もエリックたちが開けられるようにできる。帰り道を歩きながらルッチラが言う。「ロックさん。屋敷側の通路への入り口も魔法で隠したほうがいいですよね」「そうだな。少し考えてみよう」屋敷側から秘密通路への入り方はこうだ。屋敷の書庫にある隠し扉を通って、秘密の部屋に入る。その後、秘密の部屋から、秘密通路へと移動する。「まず表側の書庫の隠し扉に魔法をかけるべきだな」「大切でありますね」「二か所目の入り口、部屋から通路へも隠し扉を取り付けといたほうがいいな」「確かに」「本当はルッチラとかシアも入れるようにしたいのだがな」「機密ですから、やめておいた方がいいでありますよ」「エリックに頼めば許可が下りそうな気もするがな」必要があれば、ルッチラやシアも開けられるようにしてもらおう。「あたしよりもモートン卿やセルリスさんのほうが開けられたほうがいいでありますよ」「あー確かに。ゴランは通れた方がいいかもな。あとでエリックに聞いておこう」ゆっくり歩いても、すぐに屋敷の秘密の部屋に到着できる。本当に近いのだ。「一応、石材で扉を作るか」壁のものとそっくりの石材で、扉を作っていく。それに魔法をかけて、魔力回路を接続した。隠ぺいの魔法もかけていく。これで、余程の高位魔導士でもなければ、扉に気づくこともできまい。「ロックさん。次は書庫から秘密の部屋に入る扉ですね!」ルッチラはどこか楽しそうだ。隠し扉がわくわく要素なのだろう。書庫から秘密の部屋に入る隠し扉にも魔法をかける。隠ぺいと強化をかけていく。「魔法で鍵もかけたいな。秘密の部屋から書庫に戻るのは素通しでもよいが、その逆はそうはいくまい」「そうでありますね」「部屋にはシアやルッチラ、セルリスにミルカも入れるようにしたいな」もし、屋敷が何者かに襲撃された際、逃げ込む先が欲しいのだ。「ガルヴとゲルベルガさまも入れるようにしたいところだ」シアが駆けだす。「あたしがセルリスさんとミルカちゃんを呼んでくるでありますよ」その間に、ルッチラとゲルベルガ、ガルヴの認証を済ませておく。「ルッチラは手のひらを、ゲルベルガさまは、足でいいぞ」「わかりました!」扉の下の方にゲルベルガは足を付けた。「ガルヴは......鼻でもいいぞ」「がうがう!」「前足がいいのか」鼻の方が便利な気がするのだが、足がいいらしい。ガルヴは前足を扉につけて、認証を済ませる。「一応鼻でも開けられるようにしといたからな」それが終わったころシアが戻ってきた。「セルリスさんとミルカちゃんをつれてきたであります!」「おう、ごくろうさ......ま?」シアの後ろには見たことのない美少女がいた。	I asked Eric, “Are there any nobles who you suspect?” “There are some who seem very likely to be committing crimes. But I don’t know that they would be so horrible as to be involved in forbidden ham.” “Of course.” The summoning of devils and the breaking of divine barriers was a threat to all mankind. The power struggle between nobles would have no meaning without human society. What worth would kingship have in a world that was ruled by the dark ones? “There is a possibility that they could be threatened or controlled by someone else.” “Hmm. That would be most troublesome.” “If that was the case, then we cannot be suspicious based off a person’s character alone.” “Indeed. We must investigate without any bias.” And then Eric said as if suddenly remembering, “If you want the help of the intelligence organization, do it through Goran.” “And not directly?” “I think it would be better if the enemy did not know who was investigating.” “I understand.” “And Locke. Even if you don’t have anything to report, please visit every day.” “Ah, yes. Alright.” I could see how passionate Eric was. This matter was very serious to him. “Eric, I will do everything that I am able. But the district manager who is interrogating Kabino right now seemed like a very good man to me.” “I see. That is good to hear.” “But someone might try to interfere again. Could you not protect him in some way?” “And they may try to keep Kabino quiet. Perhaps they will attack the district manager.” “That would be terrible. It would delay the investigation greatly. I will make arrangements at once.” After that, I asked him how I was to use the necklace. The necklace was used when delivering the king’s orders orally. As normally, such things were written on paper. But there were times when it is an emergency and the necklace must be used instead. It was usually expected to be used in the event of a possible coup, and the king had to escape from the palace. And so all of the nobles and officials knew what it was. “A coup... In that case, it would be very bad for this to fall into the hands of those who want to start a coup, wouldn’t it?” “That is why it is not just any tool, but a magic tool. It is made so that it will change color with the king’s direct approval.” “I see. But what if the king was captured and forced to give his approval?” “If that happened, it would hardly matter if the necklace was used or not. They could just as easily force the king to write a letter.” It was strictly for such an event where the king was not captured but did not have enough time to send a letter. After that, we left the palace. In the palace, Eric said that he would cover the door with a large painting. It was a very cliche method, but better than nothing. I created a magic circuit through the tunnel as we moved. This was to connect the magic lock in the palace to the door in the mansion. That way, Eric would be able to open the mansion door as well. As we walked back home, Luchila said, “Mister Locke. Shouldn’t you also hide the mansion’s door with magic?” “Yes. I will have to think of something.” The entrance to the secret passage in the mansion was like this: You went through a hidden door in the library to find a secret room. And from the secret room, you could reach the secret passage. “The first thing to do would be to cast a spell on the hidden door in the library.” “That’s the most important one.” “And I should probably put a hidden door in the passage where it connects to the room.” “Yes.” “I would actually prefer to make it so that Luchila and Shia could use it.” “It is a top secret, so that might not be a good idea.” “I think Eric would allow it if I asked him.” If it became necessary, I would make it so that Luchila and Shia could open it too. “I think it would be better to allow Lord Morton and Serulis to open it.” Said Shia. “Ah, that’s true. Goran should be able to go through. I will talk to Eric about it later.” Even though we were walking slowly, we arrived in the secret room in no time. It was very close. “I guess I’ll make a door with the materials for now.” The door was made of a material that looked just like the walls. I cast a spell on it and connected the magic circuits. And then I cast a spell of concealment. Now, only the most advanced of Sorcerers would be able to tell that there was a door here. “That’s it then.” “Mister Locke. Next is the door in the library!” Luchila seemed to be enjoying this. There was something exciting about hidden doors. And so I cast a spell on the hidden door in the library as well. Concealment magic and strengthening magic as well. “I would like to lock it with magic as well. It would be fine to come out from the secret room and into the library without anything, but the reverse would not be good.” “And I would want Shia, Luchila, Serulis, and Milka to be able to get inside as well.” It would be a good place to hide if the mansion was under attack. “And Grulf and Gerberga should be able to enter as well.” Shia ran forward. “I will go and call Miss Serulis and Milka.” While we were waiting, I had the door authenticate Luchila, Gerberga, and Grulf. “Luchila, use your palm. Gerberga can use his foot.” “Okay!” Gerberga put his foot on the bottom of the door. “Grulf...can use his nose.” “You would rather use your front paw?” “Groof!” I thought that his nose would be easier, but he apparently preferred to use his paw. Grulf put his paw on the door and it was recorded. “I made it so that it will also open with your nose, just in case.” After we were done, Shia returned. “I have brought Miss Serulis and Milka with me!” “Ah, thank you...?” There was a pretty girl behind Shia who we had never seen before.	{ "source": "manual-fanfic", "missed_lines": 11, "inserted_lines_src": 2, "inserted_lines_trg": 2 }
レミリアさんが剣を突きつけてくる。黒光りする切れ味の良さそうな剣だ。名剣といっていいだろう。ん!? その名剣、よく見ると血がついているぞ。わぁい♪ きっと魔族を血祭りにしたときの血だね。今度は、俺の血も追加されるかも......。自分の想像に血の気が引く。やばい、やばい。レミリアさんから無言の怒りが伝わってくるよ。こ、怖い、どうしよう? どうすればこの事態を解決できる? そういえば、以前もセクハラまがいの真似をしてレミリアさんに斬られそうになったんだ。レミリアさん「次は命が無いぞ!」とか言ってたっけ? あわわわ、今度目だよ。まずい、まずい! よ、よし、とりあえず小動物の目をしてレミリアさんの同情を誘ってみるか? 「きゅーん! きゅーん!」なんの鳴き声か自分でもわからないが、とにかく憐みを誘うように頑張ってみた。だが、レミリアさんに剣の柄から手を放さない。だ、だめだ。レミリアさん、よほどご立腹みたいだよ。「あ、あのですね......」「なんだ? 遺言でも残したいのか!」だぁ~取りつく島もない。え~と、え~と俺は脳をフル回転させる。あれでもない、これでもない......。そ、そうだ! よく考えたら、レミリアさんを裸にするちゃんとした理由があったじゃないか! パニックになって忘れていたよ。そう、レミリアさんに傷跡が残っていないかチェックしていたんだ。まぁ、邪な気持ちがなかったって言えば嘘になるけど。心配だったのは確かだ、うんうん。「あ、あのレミリアさんを裸にした理由はですね、傷がちゃんと治っているか確かめてたからなんですよ」「傷?」おっ! レミリアさんから怒りの表情が薄れた。それに剣の柄から手を放してくれたよ。をかけたんですけど、完全に治っているか心配になって、つい......」「確かに治っている。あれほどの手傷を負っていたにもかかわらず......ティレアお前が治してくれたのか?」「いえ、治療魔法をかけたのは私の妹です」「そうか。傷も完全に塞がっている。優秀な妹だな」「はい、自慢の妹です」「うむ、これだけの才、治安部隊にスカウトしたいくらいだ」「そんなにすごいんですか!」「あぁ、完璧な治療だ。並の治療士では真似できぬ。このまま研鑚を積めば、大僧正になるのも夢ではないぞ」やっぱりティムってすごいんだ! 王家最高峰に位置するレミリアさんが太鼓判を押したんだよ。「レミリアさんにそう言って頂けるなんて、妹も喜ぶと思います」「その妹はどこにいる? それにここは......」「妹とは別行動です。私はレミリアさんを本陣に連れていく途中でした」「なるほど、それで移動中にお前は、妹の治療が完全だったか気になり傷跡を確認していたんだな」「は、はい......そ、そう、そうなんですよ! まさにその通りなんです!」「ふぅ~まったくそれならそうと先に言え! あやうく命の恩人の縁者を殺すところだったぞ」しょえ――っ! 危なかった。あやうくおバカな行為で死ぬところだった。取りあえず俺の死亡フラグは避けられたみたい。後は、オルに死亡フラグが立っていないか、さりげなく聞いてみよう。「ところでレミリアさん、あんな大怪我していったい何があったんですか?」「魔族にしてやられた。情けないが、とてつもない強敵で成す術がなかった」あぁ、レミリアさんが沈んでいる。この敗戦がよほどショックだったのだろう。でも、あれだけの魔族を相手したのだから倒されるのはしょうがないと思う。街の住人の吸血鬼化。それに数百ぐらいいたんじゃないかな魔族の奴ら。それを治安部隊が全て制圧したんだよ。相当な疲労があったにちがいない。隊長であるレミリアさんなんか誰よりも戦闘漬けだっただろうしね。実際、吸血鬼の数も激減しているし、この推測は当たっていると思う。俺も魔族を数人、親衛隊もおそらく何人か倒しているだろうが、ほとんどレミリアさん達の助けにはならなかっただろう。レミリアさんの疲労は限界を超えていたはずだ。「レミリアさん、あまり落ち込まないでください。しょうがないですよ。あれだけの人数の魔族と戦ったんですから」「ティレアよ、我ら治安部隊に負けは許されない。何せ我らの負けは、国家の負けにつながるのだ。特に、その長である私はどんな言い訳があろうとも許されることではない」「で、でも、レミリアさん達の奮闘のおかげで魔族が退いたんです。王都が守られたんですよ。それは誇ってもいいと思います」「ティレア、感謝する。死んでいった部下達もその言葉で救われる」レミリアさんがそう感謝の言葉を述べた。おぉ、なんて素敵な表情だ。そう、気高いだ。そんな表情を見せてくれる。やばい惚れ直した。うっとりとレミリアさんを見つめる......ってぼーっとしている場合じゃない。オルだよ、オルのことを聞かないと! 「あの、それでレミリアさんを襲った魔族っていうのは......」「恐ろしい敵だ。部下達も全員殺され、防戦一方だった」「あぁ、今まで出会ったことがない強敵だった」こ、怖い。やっぱり魔族は怖いよ。S級の冒険者でかつ勇者の末裔であるレミリアさんにここまで言わせるなんて......。知識チートできなかったらと思うとぞっとする。「その魔族にやられて倒されていたんですね?」「あぁ、不覚にも我が奥義を返され、囚われの身となったのだ......ん? そういえばティレア、私を治療した時、近くに魔族はいなかったのか?」「いえ、いませんでした」「そうか。では奴らは何故私を放置した? 解せぬ。私を縄で縛っておきながらいったい......」「あ、あの~レミリアさんってもしかして倒される時に意識はあったんですか?」「大ダメージを受けたせいで意識は朦朧としていたが、覚えている」がぼっ! それじゃあレミリアさん、きっとオルの顔を覚えているよ。これは最悪の展開だ。あぁ、オルの奴、まったくなんてことしてくれたんだよ! あと、レミリアさんは縄で縛られ何故、放置されたか疑問に思っているようだが、俺はわかる。レミリアさんの話を聞くに真相はこうだ。まず、レミリアさん達治安部隊は最強魔族と交戦した。だが、奮闘空しくレミリアさん以外は死亡。レミリアさんも大怪我を負い倒れてしまう。倒れたレミリアさんを見た最強魔族はレミリアさんを殺したと思い、そのまま去っていった。だが、レミリアさんは重傷を負いながらも意識はかろうじてあった状態だ。『へいへい俺達、泣く子も黙る邪神軍だぜ、やっほーっ! この杭サイコぉー!』『本当ですね、オル隊長。俺達が魔族をやっつけられるなんて......もしかして俺達ってすごい? すごい?』『バカ野郎! すごいに決まっているだろう。俺達は、なんでもできる! 俺達は邪神軍、何しても許されるはずさぁ!』こんな感じでハイテンションだったのだろう。多分、このパニックで恐怖を通り越してハイになっていたにちがいない。ジェシカちゃんを襲おうともしていたし、人間の生存本能がむき出しになっていたんだろうね。そんな状況であの有名なレミリアさんを発見したもんなら......。『おいおいおい、あそこに倒れているのってあのレミリアじゃねぇ?』『あぁ、間違いねぇよ。あのレミリアだよ。勇者のま・つ・え・い。どうする? どうする? やっちまう? むいちまう?』『バカ野郎! まずは縛っちまうにきまってるだろ!』『さすがはオル隊長、いきなり緊縛プレイですか! そこに痺れる、憧れルゥ!』こんなところかな。あいつらの行動なんて容易に想像できる。あの有名なレミリアさんを捕らえられるってバカ騒ぎしていたのだろう。レミリアさんの話を聞くにが来て縄をかけたとは言っていない。きっと意識が混濁していたせいでオル達第三者の介入に気づかず、そのまま魔族に縄をかけられたと勘違いしているみたいだ。これ、まずくね? 多分レミリアさん、オル達の顔を覚えているよ。もう一度、オル達を見たらきっと縄をかけた犯人だと気づく。さらに言えば、オル達の行為は魔族の仲間と勘違いされる可能性大だ。あわわわ、これはオル達、レミリアさんに絶対に会わせられないぞ。「と、とりあえず、無事で何よりです。詮索は後にしましょう」「し、しかし、やはりどうにも解せぬ。奴らが殺さずにただ解放するとは......」「多分、そいつらはレミリアさんを殺したと思ったから去ったんですよ」「いや、奴らは私に縄をかけた。私が生存していることは百も承知のはず」はは、それはですね、縄をかけたのが第三者だからですよ。「ま、まぁ、いいじゃないですか! 助かったんだし。奴らにも何か理由があったんですよ」「そうだな。その辺はおいおい調査しよう」「はい、それが良いと思います」達の尻拭いで寿命が縮まったよ。「それとだ、お前達姉妹には後で礼をさせてもらう」「そんなお礼だなんて......当然のことをしたまでですよ」「いや、命の恩人だ。礼をさせてくれ」「それじゃあ、後で妹のティムにお礼を言っておいてください。きっと喜びます」「あぁ、そうする。それと会った時にどんな礼がいいか希望を聞いておこう」「ありがとうございます」「後、ティレア、お前にも礼がしたい」「へっ!? 私にもですか!」おぉ、まさかの提案にドキリとする。「あぁ、さっき心配してくれたお前に対し、無礼な振る舞いをしたお詫びもある。それに、今までの情報協力も地味に助かっていたのだ」「そ、そうですか。でも、いきなり言われても......」「遠慮するな。何をしてほしい? 言ってみろ!」ど、どうする? やはり、結婚してくださいかな? でも、ちょいといきなりすぎるか。ただでさえ種族だけでなく性別の壁まであるのだ。そこは慎重になったほうが良い。それじゃあ、一晩共にしてくださいとか? これもまずいな。レミリアさん、貞淑そうだから婚前交渉なんて迫ったら怒るのは間違いない。う~ん、だめだ。頭がぐるぐる回る。何言っていいかわからない。考えれば考えるほど、迷路にはまっているようだ。もうここは直球で勝負するか! 「レミリアさん、お礼はなんでもいいんですか?」「あぁ、それが常識的な範囲である限り配慮しよう」よし。俺は息をふぅっと吐き、呼吸を整える。そして......。「レミリアさん、好きです。付き合ってください!」告白してみたった。レミリアさんは目を点にしている。よっぽど意外な言葉だったのか。だが、言葉の意味を理解したのか、顔を真っ赤にする。「な、な、な、何を言うか! そ、それは求婚しているのか? 本気か? 冗談じゃ――」「冗談じゃありません。本気です!」俺は真剣な目つきでレミリアさんを見つめる。レミリアさんも徐々に冷静さを取り戻したのか、落ち着いた声で諭す。「ティレア、私はエルフでしかも女なんだぞ」「もちろん、知ってます。何か問題でも?」「あ、あのな十分に問題あると思うが......」「愛さえあれば乗り切れます」「と、とにかくそれは無理だ」がくりと肩をおとす。ふ、振られた。まじ告白だったのに......。「あぁ本気なのに......レミリアさんは、たかが性別とか種族で差別するんですね」「ティレア、性別うんぬんは置いとくとして、私は私より弱い者を連れ合いには認めぬ。私が欲しければ、私との勝負に勝つ必要があるぞ」な、なんて時代がかった決まりを......。それとレミリアさん、また剣の柄を握るのはやめてくれ! 「どうしたティレア、その気なら勝負してやっても構わんが?」「ちょ......待って。レミリアさん、素人相手にいくらなんでも無茶苦茶です」「ふふん、なら諦めろ!」レミリアさんが勝ち誇ったような顔をする。まるでその程度の思いで私を口説くなと言っているようだ。むかっ! ちょっと頭にきたぞ。「なんか納得できません。その理屈だと力が強ければ、性格最悪でもいいってなりますよ」「武の頂きにいる者は、そんな心を持っていない。健全なる身体には、健全なる魂がやどるのだ」「いやいや、それはおかしいです。それならさっき負けたって言ってた魔族に求婚されたら承諾しちゃうんですか?」「むむ! ティレアは口がまわるな。私はそういう輩をあまり好ましく思わん」「うぅ、それじゃあ口でなく本気を見せます。ただそれは戦いではありません」「武でなく何で示す?」「それは料理です」「はっ!? 料理だと! たかが料理を――」「たかが料理じゃありません! 料理は私が本気でやっていることです。いくらレミリアさんでも料理をバカにすることは許しません!」俺はレミリアさんに詰め寄る。料理は親から教えてもらった大事な財産だ。それを侮辱するのは、父さんや母さんへの侮辱に繋がる。こればかりは引けない。いくらまた剣で脅されようとも引くわけにはいかない。料理は俺のアイデンティティーだからだ。「悪かった」レミリアさんが深々と頭を下げる。「えっ!?」「お前の本気をバカにした。申し訳ない。心から謝罪する」「あ、いや、そんな......」レミリアさんの真摯な眼差しに動揺する。「私も自分の武をバカにされたら傷つく。お前にとっての武は料理なんだな」「はい、料理は尊敬する両親に教わりました。だから料理は私の誇りなんです」「そうか......私は誇りある者が嫌いではない」あ、あれ? なんか料理をバカにされて熱くなったけど、そのおかげでレミリアさんから信頼されたっぽいぞ。「あ、あのそれってどういう......?」「ティレア、お前とは付き合えない」「は、はい」「だが、お前とは友人になってもいい」え!? え!? え!? なんということでしょう! レミリアさんのはにかんだ笑顔。俺だけに向けられたものと思ってもいいよね? ふふ、来たぁあ――っ! 来たよ! これ! フラグ立っちゃいました! うんうん、まずは友人からがセオリーだもんね。「はい、私もレミリアさんと友人になりたいです」俺はレミリアさんに手を出し、固く握手を交わす。レミリアさんも笑顔で握りかえしてくれる。レミリアさんも新しい友人ができたことを喜んでいるようだ。俺も実に嬉しい。うふふ、そう友情は愛情に変わることもあるんですよ。「あ、それとだ。ティレアは王都に住む予定なのだな」「それでは引き続き情報提供をお願いできるか?」「いいですよ。王都で料理店を開くつもりです。何か情報を見つけたら教えます」「助かる。では、もしオルティッシオという名を聞いたら教えてくれ」「......は、はい?」「オルティッシオだ。私を襲った奴らが呼んでいた。頼んだぞ」というか、奴らが俺の仲間だって知れたらレミリアさんどうするかな? うふふ、そう友情は憎しみに変わることもあるんだよ。	Remilia thrust her sword at me. It was a black, lustrous, sharp-looking sword. Probably a famous sword. Mn!? Looking carefully, that famous sword had blood on it. Yay ♪ That’s definitely the blood from slaughtering demons. Maybe my blood will add to it now... My own imagination caused me to pale. Oh crap, oh crap. I can totally feel her silent anger. I-, I’m scared. What should I do? How do I get out of this situation? Speaking of which, last time I sexually harassed her, Remilia almost cut me. Didn’t she say “The next time will cost you your life!” or something? Awawawa, but this makes the second time. This is bad, so bad! A-, Alright, for now shall I try making eyes like a small animal to try and appeal to her sympathy? I tried making teary and fearful eyes. Then I started making animal cries too. “Kyuun! Kyuun!” I don’t even know myself what sort of animal this is supposed to be, but the point is I tried my best to invite sympathy. But Remilia didn’t remove her hand from her sword. I-, It’s not good. Remilia seems to be really mad. “U-, Umm, you know...” “What? Leaving your last words or something!” Dahh~ She’s completely unapproachable. Ummmm, ummmm... I wracked my brains to their limit. This won’t do... That won’t do either... I-, I know! Thinking about it carefully, I actually did have a reason to strip her! It’s just that I panicked and forgot. That’s right. I was checking to see if she had any wounds left. Well, it’d be a lie if I said I didn’t have ulterior motives though. Still, I really was worried for her, yep, yep. “U-, Umm, about the reason I stripped you, you see, the truth is that I was checking to see if you had any wounds left after we healed you.” “Wounds?” Oh! The anger in her eyes faded. And she even moved her hand away. “You were heavily injured. You were treated with Heal, but I was worried about whether we missed anything, so I just...” “I certainly am healed. Even though I was that heavily injured... Tilea, was it you who did this?” “No, the one who used healing magic was my little sister.” “I see. All the wounds are completely healed too. Quite a talented sister you have.” “Yes. She is my pride.” “Umu. With this talent, I’d even want to scout her for the Public Safety Force.” “Is it that amazing!?” “Indeed. A complete heal. Impossible for your normal healer. If she continues to study, even becoming a high priest wouldn’t be a dream, you know.” I knew Timu was amazing! Even Remilia, who’s considered the top by the Royal Family, endorsed her. “I think my sister would be very happy to hear you say that, Remilia.” “Where’s that sister now? And this place is...” “We’re moving separately. I was actually on the way to bring you to Headquarters.” “I see. And then on the way, you were wondering whether your sister’s healing was perfect or not, and checked me for wounds.” “Y-, Yes... T-, That-, That’s exactly it! Exactly, exactly it!” “Huu~ Honestly, say that earlier then! I very nearly killed my savior’s relative, you know.” SHOWEHHHHHH! That was close. I almost died from stupidity again. Anyway, it looks like I’ve avoided my death flag for now. All that’s left is to subtly find out if Orty’s tripped a death flag. “By the way, Remilia. What happened to injure you so heavily?” “I was done in by demons. It’s pathetic, but they were incredibly strong, and I had no way to deal with them.” Aahh, Remilia is depressed now. She must be quite shocked about her defeat. But with that many demons, I don’t think it could be helped that she was defeated. The people in this city were turned into vampires. There might have been hundreds, even. And all of them were defeated by the Public Safety Force, you know. That definitely wore them down. And their leader, Remilia, was doubtless in the heat of things. The number of vampires really has decreased, so I think my guess is correct. Me and the Praetorian Guard defeated a few too, but just those few definitely weren’t enough to help Remilia. She’s definitely on the brink of exhaustion now. “Remilia, please don’t be so down. It couldn’t be helped. You fought with so many demons after all.” “Tilea. The Public Safety Force cannot be defeated. After all, our defeat is the defeat of the nation. In particular, I, as the head, cannot be forgiven, no matter what excuses I may have.” “B-, But thanks to the effort of everyone at the Public Safety Force, the demons were forced to retreat. You protected the Capital, Remilia. I think you can be proud of that.” “Tilea, I appreciate this. My fallen subordinates will surely be saved by those words.” Remilia thanked me for it. Oohh, what a wonderful expression. Yeah, noble. Her expression was noble. I think I just fell in love with her again. I stared at Remilia in a daze... Wai-, this isn’t the time to be spacing out. Orty! I need to ask about Orty! “Um, about the demon that attacked you, Remilia...” “A terrifying enemy. My subordinates were completely massacred. It was a one-sided battle.” “Indeed. He was a stronger foe than any I have met.” S-, So scary. Demons really are so scary. Even Remilia, a Hero’s descendant and an S-ranked adventurer is saying this... Once I considered what would’ve happened without my knowledge cheat, I shuddered. “So you were defeated by that demon, and then you collapsed?” “Indeed. It shames me to say that my secret technique was overturned, and I became captive... Mn? Speaking of which, when you healed me, Tilea, did you guys find any demons nearby?” “No, not at all.” “I see. Then why did they leave me? I cannot understand. They bound me, but then...” “U-, Umm~ Remilia, could it be that you were conscious when you collapsed?” “Because of my injuries, my consciousness was hazy, but yes, I do remember.” GABOH-! Then she definitely remembers Orty’s face. This is the worst possible development. Aahh, Orty you idiot, what the hell have you done! Also, Remilia seemed to be confused about why she was just left there after being captured, but I know the truth. After considering what she told me, this is what actually happened. First, Remilia and her men were fighting with the strongest demon. But despite their efforts, everybody other than Remilia died. Remilia also suffered heavy injuries, and collapsed. The strongest demon thought that Remilia was dead, and left her. But despite her injuries, she was still barely conscious. 『Hey, hey, we’re tha Evil God Army that makes even crying babies shut up! Yahooo! This stake is tha besttt!』『It truly is, Captain Orty. To think that we would be able to defeat demons with this... Could it be that we’re amazing? Totally amazing?』『Dumbass! Of course we’re f̲u̲c̲k̲i̲n̲g amazing. There’s nothing we can’t do! We’re the Evil God Army! We’re allowed to do whatever we want!』 That’s probably how they were. They went so far past fear that they instead ended up on a weird high. After all, they even tried to attack Jessica, and their survival instincts were at their peaks. Then if in that situation, they spotted the famous Remilia... 『Oi oi oi, ain’t that the famous Remilia lying over there?』『Yeah, that’s defs her. It’s that Remilia. A Heeerooo’s descendanttt. Whatta we do? Should we do it? Should we strip her?』『Dumbass! First we gotta tie her up, of course!』『As expected of Captain Orty! Jumping straight into the bondage! I admire that part of you!』 Something like that? I can easily picture them doing that. I bet they were messing around and caught the famous Remilia. She never mentioned a third party coming. I’m sure because of her condition, she didn’t notice a third party come in, and simply assumed that it was the demons that tied her up. Isn’t this pretty bad? She probably remembers their faces. If she sees them again, she’ll definitely realize that they’re the criminals that tied her up. And extrapolating further, there’s a huge possibility that she’ll mistake them for the allies of the demons. Awawawawa, then we definitely can’t let Remilia meet Orty and the others. “A-, At any rate, the most important thing is your safety. Why not leave the investigation for later?” “H-, However, I truly cannot understand it. For them to simply leave me without killing me is...” “They certainly believed you to be dead, and left as a result.” “No, they tied me up. They knew full well that I was alive. Haha, of course. Because the one who tied you up was a third party. It was Orty and the others. But I can’t say that, definitely not. “W-, Well, isn’t that fine! After all, you’re alive. I’m sure they had their own reasons.” “True. I can gradually investigate this point.” “Yes. I think that would be good.” Phew, are we safe for now? My lifespan just shortened trying to clean up after them. “That reminds me, I must thank you sisters later.” “Thank? No, please... We only did what was natural.” “No, you saved me. Please let me thank you.” “Then in that case, please thank my sister Timu later. I’m sure she’ll be overjoyed.” “Yeah, I’ll do that. When I meet her, I’ll ask what she wants as thanks.” “Thank you very much.” “Also, Tilea. I want to thank you as well.” “Heh-!? Me!?” What a shocking proposal. “Indeed. It’s a way of apologizing for my earlier rudeness, even though you were worried about me. Not only that, but your information helped me very much.” “I-, Is that so? But, even if you suddenly say that...” “Don’t be shy. What do you want? Try saying it!” I guess, something like ‘Please marry me’? But that might be a bit sudden. There’s already the race difference to think of, to say nothing of the gender barrier. It would be better to be prudent here. Well then, something like ‘Please spend a night with me’? This is bad too, huh. Remilia seems the chaste type, so if I solicited her for premarital sex, she’d definitely get mad. Hmm~ It’s no good. My head is spinning. I don’t know what to say. The more I think about it, the more confused I’m getting. Let’s just go with a straight ball! “Remilia, is anything fine?” “Yeah. Although I’ll ask you to keep it within the bounds of common sense.” Alright. I took in a deep breath, and then exhaled to calm myself. And then... “I love you, Remilia. Please go out with me!” I tried confessing. Remilia’s eyes turned into dots. Maybe it was really unexpected. But perhaps she understood what I was saying, because her face turned bright red. “W-, Wh-Wh-What are you saying! I-, Is that a proposal? Are you serious? A joke―” “I am not joking. I’m serious!” I gazed at her with an earnest expression. Perhaps because her calm was slowly returning, she warned me in a calm voice. “Tilea, not only am I an elf, I am also a woman, you know.” “Yes, of course I know. Is there some problem?” “Y-, You know, I would think there are plenty of problems with that, but...” “As long as there is love, one can overcome any and all barriers.” “A-, Anyway, it’s impossible.” My shoulders dropped in gloom. I-, I was rejected. Even though I seriously confessed... “Aahh, even though I was serious... Remilia, in the end you were the type of person who would discriminate just because of sex and race, weren’t you.” “Tilea, leaving stuff like sex aside, I will not marry anybody weaker than myself. If you desire me, then you’ll need to defeat me in battle first.” What a dated proposal technique... And Remilia, please stop gripping your sword again! “What’s wrong, Tilea? If you wish, I don’t mind dueling you.” “Wha-... Wait. Remilia, that’s really too much against an unarmed novice.” “Huhu, then give up!” Remilia made a triumphant expression. As though just that much was enough to have me stand down. Hmph! I’m a little annoyed now. “I’m finding it difficult to accept that. If strength was all you required, then by that logic, even somebody with a terrible personality would be fine.” “Those who stand at the pinnacle of the martial path do not have such personalities. A healthy body begets a healthy soul.” “No, no, that’s certainly strange. In that case, if the demon who beat you earlier went and proposed to you, would you accept?” “Mumu! Tilea, you have quite the silver tongue. I don’t really like people like that.” “Uu, then instead of talking, I’ll show you that I’m serious. Only, it won’t be in a fight.” “If not with martial strength, then with what?” “With cooking.” “Hah-!? Cooking!? With mere cooking, you―” “There is nothing mere about it! I’m really trying my best with cooking. Even if it’s you, Remilia, I won’t forgive you if you disparage cooking!” I drew near Remilia. Cooking is a precious treasure that I learnt from my parents. Insulting it is like insulting Mum or Dad. This is the only thing I won’t yield for. Even if you threaten me with a sword, I won’t. Cooking is my identity. “I’m sorry.” Remilia bowed deeply to me. “Eh-!?” “I made fun of your earnestness. My apologies. I’m sincerely sorry.” “Ah-, no-, umm...” Remilia’s serious gaze shook me up. “If somebody made fun of my martial arts, I would be hurt. Cooking is the same thing for you, isn’t it.” “Yes. I learnt my cooking from my respected parents. So cooking is my pride.” “I see... I don’t hate people with pride.” H-, Huh? I got mad because she made fun of cooking, but thanks to that, for some reason she’s all respect-ey with me now. “U-, Umm, what do you...?” “Tilea, I can’t date you.” “Y-, Yes.” “But, I could become friends with you.” Eh!? Eh!? Eh!? Oh my goodness! Remilia gave a shy smile. Can I think of this as a smile for me alone? Huhu, IT’S HEEEEERE! IT’S TOTALLY HERE! THIS! I TOTALLY RAISED A FLAG! “Yes. I would also like to become your friend, Remilia.” I took her hand, and firmly shook it. She grasped my hand back with a smile. It looks like she was happy about making a new friend. I was really happy as well. Uhuhu, sometimes friendship turns into love, you know. “Ah-, also. Tilea, you’ve plans to move to the Capital, don’t you.” “Then may I continue to rely on you for information?” “Yes, of course. I plan on opening a restaurant here in the Capital. If I hear anything, I will definitely let you know.” “That really helps. In that case, if you hear the name Ortissio, please let me know.” “...S-, Sorry?” “Ortissio. That’s the name of the one that attacked me. I’m counting on you.” What should I do? Or rather, I wonder what she’d do if she found out that those guys are my companions. Uhuhu, sometimes friendship turns into hatred too.	{ "source": "manual-fanfic", "missed_lines": 3, "inserted_lines_src": 11, "inserted_lines_trg": 5 }
どの作品も具体化の途中で今も直感を頼りに手さぐりで制作していますこれから説明したいのは作品を通して私達が探っている — 体験についてです 1つ目の作品『インペリアル・モノクローム』です観客は何も知らずに部屋へ入ってきて壁にでたらめに配置された — パネルを目にしますところがパネルはすぐに観客の存在に気づいたかのようにあたふたしながら左右対称に整列します両方の状態のスケッチです一方はバラバラ一方は完ぺきな秩序です面白いのはわずかな変化だけでどちらの状態にもなることですここで連想されるのは全く違う2つの絵画様式です 1つは15世紀の祭壇画 ― もう1つは100年ほど前のマレーヴィチの抽象絵画ですスケール感がわかるようにビデオを用意しました大きなパネルの高さは約2m — 一番小さいのはA4サイズです観客が展示室に入るとパネルはあっという間に整列します観客がその場にしばらくいると観客の存在にパネルが慣れてきてどれもだらしなく緩んできますでも人の気配や動きを感じたとたんにまたサッと整列しますまるで観客がパネルに緊張感を与えているようですあるいは反対にパネルがあまりにも条件づけられた動きにこだわるせいで観客に暴君役を押し付けているようにも見えますこれに続いてもっとこぢんまりとした作品 ― 『ハンドヘルド』を制作しました観客が目にするのは壁に貼ってある1枚の紙ですが近づいていくと A4かレターサイズの白い紙の両端を 2つの小さな手が支えているのが見えます 2つの小さな手が支えているのが見えます細心の注意を払って小さな木片から彫り出したように見えますまた観客は作品全体がわずかに動いていることに気づきますまるで2つの手が紙を動かさないようにずっと支えていて紙を動かさないようにずっと支えていてついに耐えきれなくなったようにも見えますこの不安定な動きは手持ちカメラを通して見た映像が不安定なのととてもよく似ています 2つの映像を見比べてください 1つは固定カメラ ― もう1つは手持ちカメラで撮りましたお気づきだと思いますが映像が不安定だと撮影者の主観的な視点が表れてくるのですそこで私達はカメラを通さず紙自体が不安定に動くようにしましたビデオをご覧ください反対の手は想像してくださいこれによって恥ずかしがる様子を表現しようとしていますまるで両腕をいっぱいに広げた小人が巨大な紙の背後にいるみたいですこの動きは緊張度も表しています見ている人の役に立とうと目の前の観客にこの紙をそっと見せようとしているのです次は『おとり』ですこちらは模型ですが私と同じ位の背丈です体は丸く2本の腕と頭に見える長いアンテナがありますこのオブジェの唯一の狙いは人の注意をひくことですだから観客が通りかかると体を左右に揺らしますそしてその人が近づくにつれてますます激しく腕を振りますこれは初回の動作テストです体と腕が一緒に動くようになりオブジェが全身を使って必死にアピールしているように見えますでも一度注意をひいてしまったらもう興味を失って別の人を探しますこれが完成した『おとり』の外観ですまるで大量生産された製品のようです工場から出荷される — 掃除機や洗濯機みたいです私達はいつも個人の領域を起点に制作しています私達はいつも個人の領域を起点に制作していますですから消費者向けのデザインのせいでオブジェが個性を失い一見人との間に距離ができる点を気に入っていますこれには少し悪意があります注意を払うべきものから私達の目を逸らせようとするからです一方で多くの助けを必要とする存在でもあります次の作品はオブジェであり楽器でもありますこの円形劇場の大きさは舞台の上から見たお客さんのサイズに合わせています私が立っている場所からだと皆さんはこの位のサイズです私の視野一杯に観衆が広がっています席には996体の人形が腰掛けます人形はそれぞれが意志をもって拍手する仕組みになっていますつまり拍手をするかどうか — いつ拍手するか — 強さや長さはどうするか — 周りに合わせるのか自分が影響を与えるのか — 新たな拍手に参加するかはそれぞれが自分で決定します見に来た人が観衆の前に出ると反応が返ってきます拍手はまばらな時も大きい時もありますがその後は何も起きません見に来た人がステージを去る時観衆は再び反応します数人がパラパラと拍手するだけの時もあれば盛大な拍手喝采の時もありますそして私達は観衆全体をオブジェや生き物として見る事になりますまた観衆は音楽的な要素も持つようになります楽器というわけです作品を見る人はとても複雑で多様で微妙な音のパターンを引き出せますでも観衆から思い通りの反応を引き出す事はできないので評価される感覚や気まぐれな感じ — そして不安がつきまといます魅力的でありながら罠のようでもあります頭が2つに割れて両手になるイメージにはワクワクしますこれが完成イメージですまるで左脳と右脳がぶつかり合うことで二重性と緊張関係を理解しているようですこれがプロトタイプです早く996体に囲まれてみたいものですさて次が最後の作品『フレーム・ランナー』です発想のきっかけは窓でしたこれはスタジオにある実際の窓ですご覧の通り幅の違う — 3種類の木枠で出来ていますこの窓と同じ構造に基づいてオリジナルの枠を作り部屋に吊るして両側から見えるようにしましたこの枠の中には小さな人形の一族が住んでいますこの一族にもサイズが3種類あって 1つの平面上なのに遠近感や風景を表すようです人形はそれぞれフレーム上を行き来することができ中間に隠れる事ができますとても堅固なフレームとは対照的に人形はドタバタ喜劇風のコミカルな動きを目指しました人形つかいが手に持って操っているような動きです私達が気に入ったのはこんなアイデアです人形達は何も気にせず心配もなくのんきにスキップしていますでも観客の気配を感じたとたん — 一番近くの壁に隠れてしまうのですこの作品には矛盾があります人形たちは牢獄のような頑丈な枠に囚われていますがそこは砦でもあるのです枠があるおかげで心配もなく純粋に外の世界を忘れていられるからですまるで生き物のようですがその性質は特殊な機構で表現しています幸運にも試作段階でチューリッヒ工科大学の協力を得られましたアニメを見て彼らが機構を作り頭が上下する動きと前後移動を組み合わせてちょこまかした動きができましたとても小さくて手のひらにのる程ですとても小さくて手のひらにのる程ですアトリエで実際に動くところを見た時は興奮しましたこれがその様子ですどうもありがとう	Since we are still realizing these works, we are largely working within the realm of intuition and mystery, still. So I'm going to try and describe some of the experiences that we're looking for through each of the works. So the first work is called the Imperial Monochromes. A viewer sort of unsuspectingly walks into the room, and catches a glimpse of these panels in a messy composition on the wall. Within seconds, as if the panels have noticed the presence of the viewer, they appear to panic and sort of get into a strict symmetry. So this is the sketch of the two states. One is total chaos. The other is absolute order. And we were interested in seeing how little change it takes to move from one state to the other state. This also reminded us of two very different pictorial traditions. One is the altar tablets of the 15th century, and the other is about 100 years ago, Malevich's abstract compositions. So I'm just going to take you to a video. To give you a sense of scale, the largest panel is about two meters high. That's about this much. And the smallest one is an A4. So a viewer enters the space, And after a while, if the viewer continues to remain in the space, the panels will sort of become immune to the presence of the viewer and become lax and autonomous again, until they sort of sense a presence in the room or a movement, when they will again snap to attention. So here it appears as if it's the viewer that's sort of instigating the sense of order among the panels, but it could also be the other way around, that the panels are so stuck within their preconditioned behaviors that they sort of thrust the viewer with the role of a tyrant. So this brings me to a quieter, small work called Handheld. The viewer sees a piece of paper that's mounted on the far end of the wall, but when you go closer, you see that it's a blank A4, or a letter-sized piece of paper, that's held on either side by two small hands that appear to be carved with a great deal of attention and care from a small block of wood. The viewer also sees that this entire sculpture is sort of moving very slightly, as if these two hands are trying to hold the paper very still for a long period of time, and somehow are not managing to. So this instability in the movement very closely resembles the unsteady nature of images seen through a handheld camera. So here I'm going to show you two tandem clips. One is through a still camera and the other is through a handheld camera. And you immediately see how the unsteady nature of the video suggests the presence of an observer and a subjective point of view. So we've just removed the camera and transferred that movement onto the panel. So here's a video. You have to imagine the other hand. It's not there yet. But to us, we're sort of trying to evoke a self-effacing gesture, as if there's a little person with outstretched arms behind this enormous piece of paper. That sort of likens it to the amount of strain to be at the service of the observer and present this piece of paper very delicately to the viewer in front of them. The next work is Decoy. This is a cardboard model, so the object is about as tall as I am. It has a rounded body, two arms, and a very tall, head-like antenna, and its sole purpose is to attract attention towards itself. So when a viewer passes by, it sort of tilts from side to side, and moves its arms more and more frantically as the person gets closer. So here is the first test scenario. You see the two movements integrated, and the object seems to be employing its entire being in this expression of desperation. But the idea is that once it's got the person's attention, it's no longer interested, and it looks for the next person whose attention to get. So this is the final fabricated body of the Decoy. It appears to be mass-manufactured like it came out of a factory like vacuum cleaners and washing machines. Because we are always working from a very personal space, we like how this consumer aesthetic sort of depersonalizes the object and gives us a bit of distance in its appearance, at least. And so to us this is a kind of sinister being which is trying to distract you from the things that actually need your attention, but it could also be a figure that needs a lot of help. The next work is an object, that's also a kind of sound instrument. In the shape of an amphitheater that's scaled to the size of an audience as perceived from somebody from the stage. So from where I'm standing, each of you appears to be this big, and the audience sort of takes the entire Seated in this audience are 996 small figures. They're mechanically enabled to clap of their own free will. This means that each of them can decide if and when they want to clap, how hard, for how long, how they want to be influenced by those around them or influence others, and if they want to contribute to innovation. So when the viewer steps in front of the audience, there will be a response. It could be a few claps or a strong applause, and then nothing happens until the viewer leaves the stage, and again the audience will respond. It could be anything from a few feeble claps from members in the audience, or it could be a very loud ovation. So to us, I think we're really looking at an audience as its own object or its own organism that's also got a sort of musical-like quality to it, an instrument. So the viewer can play it by eliciting quite complex and varied, nuanced musical or sound patterns, but cannot really provoke the audience into any particular kind of response. So there's a sense of judgment and capriciousness and uneasiness involved. It also has an alluring and trap-like quality to it. So here if you see we're quite excited about the image of the head splitting to form the two hands. So here's a small visual animation, as if the two sides of the brain are sort of clashing against each other to kind of make sense of the duality and the tension. And here is a prototype. So we can't wait to be engulfed by 996 of them. Okay, this is the last work. It's called the Framerunners. It comes out of the idea of a window. This is an actual window in our studio, and as you can see, it's made up of three different thicknesses of wooden sections. So we used the same window vocabulary to construct our own frame or grid that's suspended in the room and that can be viewed from two sides. This grid is inhabited by a tribe of small figures. They're also made up of three different sizes, as if to suggest a kind of perspective or landscape on the single plain. Each of these figures can also run backward and forward in the track and hide behind two adjacent tracks. So in contrast to this very tight grid, we wanted to give these figures a very comical and slapstick-like quality, as if a puppeteer has taken them and physically animated them down the path. So we like the idea of these figures sort of skipping along like they're oblivious and carefree and happy-go-lucky and content, until they sort of sense a movement from the viewer and they will hide behind the fastest wall. So to us, this work also presents its own contradiction. These figures are sort of entrapped within this very strong grid, which is like a prison, but also a fortress, because it allows them to be oblivious and naive and carefree and quite oblivious of the external world. So all these real life qualities that I talk about are sort of translated to a very specific technical configuration, and we were very lucky to collaborate with ETH Zurich to develop the first prototype. So you see they extracted the motion cogs from our animations and created a wiggle that integrated the head-bobbing movement and the back-and-forth movement. So it's really quite small. You can see it can fit into the palm of my hand. So imagine our excitement when we saw it really working in the studio, and here it is. Thank you.	{ "source": "iwslt2017", "missed_lines": null, "inserted_lines_src": null, "inserted_lines_trg": null }
世界中で民主主義が徐々に広まっている。中東からラテンアメリカそしてアジアまで、多くの独裁主義国がより民主的で信頼性のある政府形態へ向けて段階的措置を講じており、自立した有効に機能する民主主義を確立している国もある。米国行政は自国の影響下にある多くの開発国で、政治の自由を強化する決意を固めており、民主主義の拡張は、事実アメリカ外交政策の金字塔となっている。	From the Middle East to Latin America and Asia, many autocracies are taking gradual steps towards more democratic and accountable forms of government, or have become fully-fledged and well functioning democracies. The US administration is determined to consolidate political freedoms in many developing countries under its sphere of influence; indeed, expansion of democracy has become a cornerstone of American foreign policy.	{ "source": "news_commentary", "missed_lines": null, "inserted_lines_src": null, "inserted_lines_trg": null }
事実、サウジアラビアも人事不省の状態にあり、その根幹である政治も病み、衰弱しているように見える。国は革新的な改革か、停滞と衰退の持続かという、2 つの選択肢に迫られている。	Indeed, Saudi Arabia seems trapped in a state of suspended animation, its body politic sick and infirm. The country is caught between two choices: progressive reform or continuing paralysis and decay.	{ "source": "news_commentary", "missed_lines": null, "inserted_lines_src": null, "inserted_lines_trg": null }
広い部屋に動く敵影がなくなって、シアがほっと息を吐く。『ひとまず、終わりでありますかね?』『そうね、何もできなかったわ』「がう」セルリスは魔装機械と昏竜を倒すことに貢献できなかったと反省しているのかもしれない。ガルヴも少しへこんでいるように見える。とりあえず頭をわしわししておいた。そうしながら、俺は皆に語り掛ける。『随分と息の合った攻撃だったな』『ああ、ボスとやらがこちらの動きを把握して仕掛けて来たのだろう』『魔力探知というやつか。こっちの動きがバレバレというのは気持ちが悪いな』エリックとゴランは顔をしかめる。「さて、そろそろボス部屋だな。剥ぎ取りは後でいいだろう」「ああ、ボスを倒してゆっくりやればいいってもんだ」そうゴランが言って踏み出したとき、「まだ会ってもいないのに、もう我を倒した後の話か?」天井近くから男の声がした。「随分と余裕ではないか? 非力な人族とは思えぬ傲慢さだな」俺やエリック、ゴランを含めて全員が慌てて上を見る。気配すらしなかった。魔力探知にも引っかかっていなかったのだ。だが、天井近くに、確かに男は浮いていた。「そうか。魔導士いたのか。いや一頭と一人か」俺たちを見下ろしながら、男は顎に手を当て考えている。「完璧な作戦だと思ったんだがな。ここまで強力な魔導士がいるとは思わなかった」そう言うとにこりと笑って、男はゆっくりと床へと降りてくる。男は銀色の髪に整った顔。黒ずくめの上等な服を着ている。腰には立派な剣を提げていた。恐らく魔法剣士なのだろう。男に向かって、エリックが聖剣の切っ先を向ける。「お前は一体何者だ?」「散々こちらを魔法で覗き見ていたんだ。知っているはずだろう?」その男は俺とケーテを交互に見ながら笑顔で言った。魔導士が俺とケーテだとわかっているのだ。戦闘を見ていたのだろうしばれるのは当然だ。とはいえ魔装機械と昏き竜の同時攻撃は俺の魔法なしでは切り抜けられなかった。俺は余裕を見せるために笑顔で男に語り掛ける。「この屋敷の頭目だな。そっちも随分と覗き見てくれていたじゃないか」「屋敷の主としては、招かれざる客の動向を調べるのは当然だろう?」そのときケーテがぽつりとつぶやいた。「......我の魔力探知では、ボスは動いていないのである」確かに俺の魔法探知と魔力探査でも、相変わらずボスは同じ部屋にいる。とはいえ、先ほどとは確かに反応の質が違う。その差はごくごくわずかだ。「ああ、そうか。まだ目くらましのダミーを仕掛けたままだったな」男がそういうと、ボス部屋の魔力反応が消失した。「......なんだと?」ケーテが驚愕のあまりその巨体をぶるりと震わせた。ボス部屋の魔力反応の質ががわずかに変わったことに、ケーテは気づいていないのだ。「ケーテ落ち着け」「とても落ち着いていられないのである!」俺も魔力探知と魔力探査にかかっているボスの気配が変化したことにすぐに気づけなかった。激しく戦闘していたとはいえ油断と言えるだろう。反省しなければなるまい。とはいえ、そんな反省は後ですればいい。今はうろたえるべき時ではない。だが、ケーテは微妙に震えながら言う。「き、消えたのである」「言いたいことはわかるが、落ち着け」ケーテが驚愕に打ち震えれば、エリックとゴランはともかく、シアとセルリスは怯えてしまう。「......我はダミーに過ぎないものをボスだと思ってずっと探知していたのであるか......」だが、ケーテは驚愕を隠そうともしない。時には演技力も必要なのだ。強敵を相手にするのならば、特にそうだ。驚愕するケーテをみて満足そうに男がうなずく。「まったくもってご苦労なことだ」「我を欺き続けるなど......。そのようなことが可能なはずがないのである!」「それを可能にするほど、我とそなたらの魔導士としての力量に差があるということだ」そういって、男はさわやかに笑った。「なんだと......我の魔法が......」ケーテが衝撃を受け、それを見たシアたちが不安そうな表情になる。超一流の魔導士であるケーテを容易にだますほどの魔導士となると、どれほど強いのか。シアとセルリスはそう考えているのに違いない。エリックとゴランは慌ててはいない。やはりシアたちと戦闘経験の量が違うのだ。ケーテはとても強力で、超が何度もつくほどの一流の魔導士だ。だが戦闘経験は俺たちと比ればだいぶ少ない。特に生まれつきの強者であるケーテは、戦闘時の駆け引きなどになじみがないのだろう。ここは先輩として、ケーテ、シア、セルリスを落ち着かせなければなるまい。だから俺は男に向かって笑顔で語り掛ける。「そこのヴァンパイア。焦るのはわかるが、冗談は大概にしておけ」「はぁ?」笑顔だった男は俺を見て、一瞬だけ眉をひそめた。	Shia sighed with relief when there were no more moving enemies in the large room. ‘I suppose that’s it for now?’ ‘Yes. But I wasn’t able to do anything.’ “Groof.” Serulis seemed sad that she hadn’t been able to help destroy the magic machines or kill the evil dragons. Grulf also looked a little sad. And so I patted him on the head. And then I said to the others, ‘That was some impressive teamwork back there.’ ‘Aye. That boss must have known we were coming and planned this attack.’ ‘Magic Detection, eh? It’s creepy that it knows our every move.’ Eric and Goran scowled. “Now, we’re close to the boss room. We can skin these guys later.” “Aye. We’ll take our time once the boss is dead.” Just as Goran said this and took a step forward, “You’re talking about the future when you haven’t even met me yet?” A man’s voice boomed from the ceiling. “You are awfully confident in yourselves. Suh surprising arrogance from powerless humans.” All of us looked up frantically. I hadn’t detected any presence at all. He had bypassed Magic Detection. However, there was definitely someone floating up there in the air. “I see. So there were two Sorcerers. Well, a human and an animal.” He said thoughtfully with a hand on his chin as he looked down at us. “I had thought my plan was perfect. But I didn’t expect such a strong Sorcerer to be here.” The man said with a smile. Then he slowly descended to the floor. He had silver hair and a handsome face. His clothes were black and elegant. A fancy sword was attached to his belt. He was likely a magical warrior. Eric pointed the tip of his holy blade at the man. “Who are you?” “Shouldn’t you know? You two have been spying on me a great deal.” He said with a laugh as he gave me and Kathe a knowing look. He knew it was us. Well, it would be quite obvious if he saw us fighting. But there was no way to survive the last battle without using a lot of magic. I put on a confident grin and talked to the man. “So, you must be the leader here. And it seems like you’ve been watching us a lot as well.” “Why shouldn’t I? As the master of this mansion, it is my duty to see that my guests have a good time.” Then Kathe muttered. “...According to my Magic Detection, the boss hasn’t moved.” It was the same with mine as well. It was still in the boss room. That being said, it did seem different from before. But just barely. “Ah, I see. I left the dummy there.” The man said. And then suddenly, the presence in the boss room disappeared. “...What?” Kathe was so shocked that her giant body shook. She hadn’t noticed that the presence had been slightly different from before. “Kathe, calm down.” “How can I be calm!” I hadn’t been able to notice it either, even while I was using Magic Detection and Magic Exploration. While we had been fighting desperately, it still meant I had let my guard down. I would have to be more careful. Of course, it wasn’t something to worry about right now. This was not the time. However, Kathe was still shaking. “It-it disappeared.” “I know what you’re trying to say. But calm down.” Kathe’s shock would start to affect Shia and Serulis if it didn’t stop. “...So, I was detecting a dummy all of this time. And thought it was the boss...” Kathe wasn’t even trying to hide it. Sometimes, it was important to hide your emotions. Especially when up against a strong enemy. The man looked at how shaken Kathe was and smiled with satisfaction. “Oh, that must be rough for you.” “To be fooled like that... It should not have been possible!” “And yet it is. That just means there is an immense difference in ability between us.” The man said with a laugh. “What...my magic is...” Kathe was stunned. Shia looked at her with a worried expression. Kathe was a first-rate Sorcerer and yet, she was easily fooled. How strong was this man? That’s what was likely in the minds of Shia and Serulis. But Eric and Goran seemed calm. They just had so much more experience in battle. Kathe was strong and very powerful. But she didn’t have as much experience as us. Besides, as someone who was born with her strength, Kathe didn’t know much about battle tactics. As a veteran, I had to help Kathe, Shia, and Serulis calm down here. And so I looked towards the man and smiled. “Hey, vampire. I know that you’re worried, but enough with the jokes.” “Oh?” He saw my smile, and for an instant, his eyebrows narrowed.	{ "source": "manual-fanfic", "missed_lines": 3, "inserted_lines_src": 1, "inserted_lines_trg": 0 }
まずアルジャジーラの番組『リスニング・ポスト』をご覧くださいノルウェーというのは比較的ニュースに乏しい国です先週の選挙でもあまりドラマはありませんでしたあまりドラマがないのがノルウェーのメディアの特徴です数年前ノルウェーの公共放送NRKが 7時間の列車の旅をライブ放送することにしましたレールを走る列車の映像を 7時間ひたすら流し続けるんですが視聴率調査によると百万以上のノルウェー人のお気に召したようですあらゆるテレビの常識を覆す新しい種類のリアリティ番組の出現ですストーリーも台本もなければドラマもクライマックスもないこれは『スローテレビ』と呼ばれていますこの2ヶ月ノルウェーの人達は沿岸を行く船の旅を見続けていますしかも沿岸部は霧が多いんです NRKの経営陣は全国的な編み物の夕べの放送を検討しています一見すると退屈そうですが実際退屈なんですしかしこのテレビの実験の何かがノルウェーの人々の心を掴んだようですそれでリスニング・ポストのマルセラ・ピザーロ記者をオスロに派遣してそれが何なのか探ることにしましたただ忠告しておきますが視聴者によっては放送映像に失望を感じるかもしれませんこの後アルジャジーラは 8分間の映像でノルウェーの変なテレビ番組のことを伝えましたアルジャジーラもCNNもこれを不思議がっています始まりは2009年のことです同僚が良いアイデアを思いつきましたその場所は昼食の席でした 1940年のドイツによるノルウェー侵攻の日の — 経過をたどるラジオ番組を作ったらどうか? それが起きたのとちょうど同じ時間に放送するんです面白いアイデアでしたが侵攻の日まで 2週間しかありませんでしたそれでまさに進行中の出来事を伝える番組として他にどんなものが考えられるか議論しました何かすごーく時間のかかるものがいいです誰かが鉄道というのを思いつきましたその年はちょうどベルゲン線の百周年でした西ノルウェーから東ノルウェーに行く鉄道でかかる時間は 40年前とまったく同じ 7時間ですそれでオスロの編成責任者を捕まえてベルゲン線のドキュメンタリーをノーカットで作りたいと言いましたすると「どれくらいの長さになる予定?」と聞きますすると「どれくらいの長さになる予定?」と聞きます私たちは「ノーカットで」と言い「だから番組の長さは?」そんなやり取りを繰り返しました幸い彼らは笑って快くOKを出してくれましたそれで私たちは 9月のある晴れた日に 7時間4分の番組を撮り始めました実際には最後の駅の信号機故障のため 7時間14分になりました 4台のカメラを持ち込んで 3台は外の美しい自然を撮しそれから乗客の話や情報も伝えました間もなくハウガスタル駅に到着しますそれだけですがトンネルが160もあるのでその間に記録映像を流しました食事を消化している間にちょっとナンパします目的地に着く前の最後の下りですミェルフェル駅を通過します新たなトンネルです私たちは思いましたいい番組ができたノルウェーにいる2千人の鉄道マニアにはウケるだろう 2009年の11月に放映しましたが私たちが思っていたよりはるかに魅力的だったようですこれは通常の金曜日におけるノルウェーの5大チャンネルです NRK2が右端にありますがベルゲン線の番組を流した時にどうなったかというと 120万人のノルウェー人がこの番組を見たんですもう1つ面白いのは NRKのメインチャンネルでニュースキャスターが「ちなみに第2チャンネルでは列車がミルダル駅に着くところです」と言ったところ何十万という人がこらちの列車に飛びついたことですこれはまたソーシャルメディアという面でも大成功でした何千というフェイスブックやツイッターのユーザーが番組を見ながらまるでいっしょの列車に乗っているかのように互いに話しているのは素晴らしいものでしたこれは特に私の好きなやつです 76歳のお年寄りなんですが番組を最後までずっと見ていて終着駅に着いたところで席を立ち荷物を手に取ってそれからカーテンレールに頭をぶつけてはじめて自分のいるのが列車の中じゃないことに気付いたそうですだからとても力強く生き生きとした番組だったわけです金曜日の夜の436分間ですその夜にツイートが来ました「436分でやめてしまうなんて臆病じゃない? ノルウェーを象徴する旅を 8,040分使って放送することだってできるのに?」沿岸フェリーのフッティルーテンはベルゲンからキルケネスまで 3千キロの海岸線を端から端まで繋ぎ 120年の興味深い歴史があり沿岸地域の生活に深く結びついてきましたそれでベルゲン線の番組のほんの1週間後にフッティルーテン社に電話して次の番組の準備に取りかかりました今回は少し違ったことをしたいと思いましたベルゲン線は録画番組でした編集室に集まってこの映像を見ていましたある記者とオール駅で会った時のものです彼には電話をして番組の話をしていましたそれで彼は駅に来て写真を撮りこちらのカメラに手を振ったわけですそれで思ったんです我々が列車に乗っていることをもっと多くの人が知っていたら? たくさんの人がやって来たのでは? どうな風になっただろう? それで次の番組は生でやることに決めたんですフィヨルドの上と画面上に同時にいるこういう絵が欲しかったんです NRKのカメラが船に乗るのは始めてのことではありませんこれは1964年のもので当時は技術責任者もスーツにネクタイ姿でした NRKは装置一式を船に積み込んで岸から200メートルのところで中継していました機械室で技師と話したり甲板では素晴らしい余興をしていました船でやるのは初めてではありませんがこれは5日半ぶっ続けの生中継です助けが欲しいと思いましたそれで視聴者に質問しました何を見たいか? 何を映して欲しいか? どんな風にして欲しいか? ウェブサイトはあった方が良いか? そこで何を提供すべきか? それで視聴者から色々意見をもらい番組を作る上で大変参考になりました 2011年6月にフッティルーテンの船に 23名のスタッフが乗り込み出航しましたこの旅で強く記憶に残ったものが色々ありましたがそれはみんな人ですたとえばこの人はトロムソ大学の研究部門のトップですそれから服をお見せしますがこれもまた強く記憶に残るものでエリック・ハンソンという男が着ていたものですあるいは我々の番組をしっかり引きつけたこの2人や旅路に現れた何千という人々が番組を作り上げたんです彼らがストーリーを作ったんですこの少年はカールという中学3年生です「明日は学校に少し遅れる」と書いてあります朝8時に学校に行かなければならないところを 9時に行ったんですが先生に叱られませんでした先生も番組を見ていたからですどうやって制作したかですが船の会議室をテレビの調整室に改造しました全部自分たちでやり 11台のカメラを持ち込みましたこれはその1台で私が2月にスケッチしたものですこのスケッチを元に NRKの専門家が素晴らしいものを拵えてくれました創意工夫が込められていますこれで上下させますこれは今やノルウェーで最も重要なドリルです船からの素晴らしいライブ映像を撮る 11台のカメラのうちの1台 — 船首カメラの上下を制御します 8本のワイヤーでカメラを支えています私は別のカメラを担当していますそれぞれの状況でカメラを使い分けるんですこれは別のカメラで通常スポーツ中継に使われるものです何百メートルも離れた人のクローズアップを撮ることができますこんな風に多くの人があの人大丈夫かと電話してきました彼なら大丈夫です問題ありません行く先々で手を振る人々をカメラに収めることができました何千という人々ですみんな携帯を手にしていました彼らにカメラを向けると「パパ映ってる!」というメッセージを受け取って手を振るわけです 5日半に渡る手を振る人々の映像ですすごい喜びようです愛する人々に温かいメッセージを送れるのが嬉しいんですソーシャルメディアの上でも大成功でした最後の日にノルウェーの女王陛下が登場した時にはツイッターは負荷に耐えきれませんでしたインターネット上ではこの週に148カ国に向けて百年分以上のストリームを流しましたこのウェブサイトは今も見ることができ実際永久に見ることができますフッティルーテンはユネスコのノルウェー・ドキュメンタリーに選ばれたからですまた最長のドキュメンタリー番組としてギネスブックにも載りましたありがとうございます長い番組です首相のように一部だけ見た人もいればもっと長く見た人もいます「私は5日間ベッドを使っていない」とあります彼は82歳で眠れなかったそうです何か起きるかもしれないと番組を見続けたんですたぶん何も起きなかったと思いますがこれは航海中の視聴者数です有名なトロル・フィヨルドとその翌日にNRK2史上最高を記録した地点が分かるかと思います 2011年6月におけるノルウェー主要局の視聴者数はこんな感じですテレビプロデューサーとしてフッティルーテンが最高になったのは嬉しい限りです 320万人のノルウェー人がこの番組を見たんです人口が500万人しかいない国でですフッティルーテンの乗客ですら番組を見ていました 90度横を向いて窓の外を見る代わりにテレビを見ることを選んだんですこの奇妙なテレビ番組を通して音楽や自然や人々の姿とともに私たちはみんなの居間の一部になることができました「スローテレビ」は話題の言葉になって私たちは他に何がスローテレビにできるか探し始めました鉄道やフッティルーテンのような何か時間のかかるものを対象にしてもいいし何か対象を選んでそれを長くしてもいいこれは最近のプロジェクトで覗き見ショーですテレビで14時間にわたってバードウォッチングをしたんですインターネットでは 87日間やりました 18時間かけて鮭釣りのライブ中継をやりました最初の魚が釣れるまで 3時間かかったのですごくスローな番組になりました美しいテレマルク運河を行く 12時間の船旅もやりました鉄道旅行をもう一度北部鉄道でやりました視聴者に四季を経験してもらうためにこれは録画を使いました次のプロジェクトはノルウェー国外からの関心を引くことになりましたこれはコメディ・セントラルの『コルベア・リポート』ですノルウェーで非常に人気の番組が私の目にとまりました『全国暖炉の夕べ』ですどういう内容かというと防寒具を身にまとった人々が森でおしゃべりしながら薪割りしそれから8時間にわたって暖炉の火を撮し続けるんですこれはノルウェーの他局の番組を圧倒しました『ペンキが乾くのを見よう』や『素晴らしき氷河レース』ですノルウェー国民の 20%近くが見たそうです 20%ですよ! 暖炉の火や薪割りが興味深いものになるなら編み物はどうでしょう? 私たちの次のプロジェクトでは 8時間以上を使って羊からセーターに至るまでの過程をライブで放送しました ABCで番組をやっているジミー・キンメルはこれが気に入ったようです番組に出ている人ですら居眠りしてるよしかも編み手たちは世界記録を破れもしませんでした失敗でしたがノルウェーの古い諺に言うように勝ち負けは問題ではないんです死は万人に訪れるんだから何事も問題ではありませんまさにその通りではなぜこの番組が際立っているのでしょう? 他のテレビ番組とはまったく違っています私たちは今まさに進行中の旅に視聴者を連れて行き視聴者は自分が本当にその場にいるように感じます列車の中や船の上に居て一緒に編み物をしているように感じますなぜそう感じるかというとタイムラインを編集していないからだと思います時間を編集しないというのは重要なことですまた私たちがスローテレビを人々が関われるものにしているのも重要なことだと思いますこれは我々の文化に根付いたことですこれは去年の夏に 7週間かけて沿岸を航海した時のもので計画や調整しなければならないことはたくさんありましたこれは去年の夏の 150人分の作業計画ですしかしさらに重要なのは我々が何を計画しなかったかです何が起きるかは計画しませんただカメラを持って行くだけですスポーツの試合のようなものです人を集めて何が起きるか見るのですこれはフッティルーテンの進行表です 134時間の番組に対してたった1頁ですベルゲンを出る時点ではそれ以上のことは決まってなかったのです私たちは視聴者が自分でストーリーを作るに任せました例を挙げましょうこれは去年の夏のものでテレビプロデューサーとして見た時これはいい絵になっていると思いますがこの辺で画面を切り替えたいと思いますしかしこれはスローテレビなので映し続けなければならず胃が痛くなってきますそれでもさらに続けますこれくらい長く映し続けていると牛がいるのに気付いた人もいると思います旗があるのに気付いた人もいるでしょうそして疑問に思い始めます飼い主は家にいるのかな? 出かけてるのかしら? 牛がさまよってるけど大丈夫? あの牛いったいどこへ行くんだ? つまりこのように長く映し続けていると 10分間映していましたが — 見ている人は頭の中でストーリーを作り始めるんですそれがスローテレビですスローテレビはテレビでストーリーを語る 1つの良い方法だと思います私たちはそう頻繁にではなく年に1回か2回これを続けていこうと思っています特別な出来事という感覚を保つためですそして私たちが良いスローテレビのアイデアだと考えているのは「そんなのテレビ番組にできないよ」と誰もが言うようなアイデアですみんなが笑み浮かべるならそれはスローテレビの良いアイデアかもしれません何にせよ少し奇妙なくらいの時にこそ人生は面白いものになるんですありがとうございました	Richard Gizbert: Norway is a country that gets relatively little media coverage. Even the elections this past week passed without much drama. And that's the Norwegian media in a nutshell: not much drama. A few years back, Norway's public TV channel NRK decided to broadcast live coverage of a seven-hour train ride -- seven hours of simple footage, a train rolling down the tracks. Norwegians, more than a million of them according to the ratings, loved it. A new kind of reality TV show was born, and it goes against all the rules of TV engagement. There is no story line, no script, no drama, no climax, and it's called Slow TV. For the past two months, Norwegians have been watching a cruise ship's journey up the coast, and there's a lot of fog on that coast. Executives at Norway's National Broadcasting Service are now considering broadcasting a night of knitting nationwide. On the surface, it sounds boring, because it is, but something about this TV experiment has gripped Norwegians. So we sent the Listening Post's Marcela Pizarro to Oslo to find out what it is, but first a warning: Viewers may find some of the images in the following report disappointing. Thomas Hellum: And then follows an eight-minute story on Al Jazeera about some strange TV programs in little Norway. Al Jazeera. CNN. How did we get there? We have to go back to 2009, when one of my colleagues got a great idea. Where do you get your ideas? In the lunchroom. marking the day of the German invasion of Norway in 1940. We tell the story at the exact time during the night. Wow. Brilliant idea, except this was just a couple of weeks before the invasion day. So we sat in our lunchroom and discussed what other stories can you tell as they evolve? What other things take a really long time? So one of us came up with a train. The Bergen Railway had its 100-year anniversary that year It goes from western Norway to eastern Norway, and it takes exactly the same time as it did 40 years ago, over seven hours. So we caught our commissioning editors in Oslo, and we said, we want to make a documentary about the Bergen Railway, and we want to make it in full length, "Yes, but how long will the program be?" "Oh," we said, "full length." "Yes, but we mean the program." And back and forth. Luckily for us, they met us with laughter, very, very good laughter, so one bright day in September, we started a program that we thought should be seven hours and four minutes. Actually, it turned out to be seven hours and 14 minutes due to a signal failure at the last station. We had four cameras, three of them pointing out to the beautiful nature. Some talking to the guests, some information. Train announcement: We will arrive at Haugastøl Station. TH: And that's about it, but of course, also the 160 tunnels gave us the opportunity to do some archives. Narrator [in Norwegian]: Then a bit of flirting while the food is digested. The last downhill stretch before we reach our destination. We pass Mjølfjell Station. Then a new tunnel. TH: And now we thought, yes, we have a brilliant program. It will fit for the 2,000 train spotters in Norway. We brought it on air in November 2009. But no, this was far more attractive. This is the five biggest TV channels in Norway on a normal Friday, and if you look at NRK2 over here, look what happened when they put on the Bergen Railway show: 1.2 million Norwegians watched part of this program. And another funny thing: When the host on our main channel, after they have got news for you, she said, "And on our second channel, the train has now nearly reached Myrdal station." Thousands of people just jumped on the train on our second channel like this. This was also a huge success in terms of social media. It was so nice to see all the thousands of Facebook and Twitter users discussing the same view, talking to each other as if they were on the same train together. And especially, I like this one. It's a 76-year-old man. He's watched all the program, and at the end station, he rises up to pick up what he thinks is his luggage, and his head hit the curtain rod, and he realized he is in his own living room. So that's strong and living TV. Four hundred and thirty-six minute by minute on a Friday night, and during that first night, the first Twitter message came: Why be a chicken? Why stop at 436 when you can expand that and do the iconic journey in Norway, the coastal ship journey Hurtigruten from Bergen to Kirkenes, almost 3,000 kilometers, covering most of our coast. It has 120-year-old, very interesting history, and literally takes part in life and death along the coast. So just a week after the Bergen Railway, we called the Hurtigruten company and we started planning for our next show. We wanted to do something different. The Bergen Railway was a recorded program. So when we sat in our editing room, we watched this picture -- it's all Ål Station -- we saw this journalist. We had called him, we had spoken to him, and when we left the station, he took this picture of us and he waved to the camera, and we thought, what if more people knew that we were on board that train? Would more people show up? What would it look like? So we decided our next project, it should be live. We wanted this picture of us on the fjord and on the screen at the same time. So this is not the first time NRK had been on board a ship. This is back in 1964, when the technical managers have suits and ties and NRK rolled all its equipment on board a ship, and 200 meters out of the shore, transmitting the signal back, and in the machine room, they talked to the machine guy, and on the deck, they have splendid entertainment. So being on a ship, it's not the first time. But five and a half days in a row, and live, we wanted some help. And we asked our viewers out there, what do you want to see? What do you want us to film? How do you want this to look? Do you want us to make a website? What do you want on it? And we got some answers from you out there, and it helped us a very lot to build the program. So in June 2011, 23 of us went on board the Hurtigruten coastal ship and we set off. I have some really strong memories from that week, and it's all about people. This guy, for instance, he's head of research at the University in Tromsø And I will show you a piece of cloth, this one. It's the other strong memory. It belongs to a guy called Erik Hansen. And it's people like those two who took a firm grip of our program, and together with thousands of others along the route, they made the program what it became. They made all the stories. This is Karl. He's in the ninth grade. It says, "I will be a little late for school tomorrow." He was supposed to be in the school at 8 a.m. He came at 9 a.m., and he didn't get a note from his teacher, because the teacher had watched the program. How did we do this? Yes, we took a conference room on board the Hurtigruten. We turned it into a complete TV control room. We made it all work, of course, and then we took along 11 cameras. This is one of them. This is my sketch from February, and when you give this sketch to professional people in the Norwegian broadcasting company NRK, you get some cool stuff back. And with some very creative solutions. Narrator [in Norwegian]: Run it up and down. This is Norway's most important drill right now. It regulates the height of a bow camera in NRK's live production, one of 11 that capture great shots from the MS Nord-Norge. Eight wires keep the camera stable. Cameraman: I work on different camera solutions. They're just tools used in a different context. TH: Another camera is this one. It's normally used for sports. It made it possible for us to take close-up pictures of people 100 kilomteres away, like this one. People called us and asked, how is this man doing? He's doing fine. Everything went well. We also could take pictures of people waving at us, people along the route, thousands of them, and they all had a phone in their hand. And when you take a picture of them, and they get the message, "Now we are on TV, dad," they start waving back. This was waving TV for five and a half days, and people get so extremely happy when they can send a warm message to their loved ones. It was also a great success on social media. On the last day, we met Her Majesty the Queen of Norway, and Twitter couldn't quite handle it. And we also, on the web, during this week we streamed more than 100 years of video to 148 nations, and the websites are still there and they will be forever, actually, because Hurtigruten was selected to be part of the Norwegian UNESCO list of documents, and it's also in the Guinness Book of Records as the longest documentary ever. Thank you. But it's a long program, so some watched part of it, like the Prime Minister. Some watched a little bit more. It says, "I haven't used my bed for five days." And he's 82 years old, and he hardly slept. He kept watching because something might happen, though it probably won't. This is the number of viewers along the route. You can see the famous Trollfjord and a day after, all-time high for NRK2. If you see the four biggest channels in Norway during June 2011, they will look like this, and as a TV producer, it's a pleasure to put Hurtigruten on top of it. It looks like this: 3.2 million Norwegians watched part of this program, and we are only five million here. Even the passengers on board the Hurtigruten coastal ship -- -- they chose to watched the telly instead of turning 90 degrees and watching out the window. with this strange TV program, with music, nature, people. And Slow TV was now a buzzword, and we started looking for other things we could make Slow TV about. So we could either take something long and make it a topic, like with the railway and the Hurtigruten, or we could take a topic and make it long. This is the last project. It's the peep show. It's 14 hours of birdwatching on a TV screen, actually 87 days on the web. We have made 18 hours of live salmon fishing. It actually took three hours before we got the first fish, and that's quite slow. We have made 12 hours of boat ride into the beautiful Telemark Canal, and we have made another train ride with the northern railway, and because this we couldn't do live, we did it in four seasons just to give the viewer another experience on the way. So our next project got us some attention outside Norway. This is from the Colbert Report on Comedy Central. Stephen Colbert: I've got my eye on a wildly popular program from Norway called "National Firewood Night," which consisted of mostly people in parkas chatting and chopping in the woods, and then eight hours of a fire burning in a fireplace. It destroyed the other top Norwegian shows, like "So You Think You Can Watch Paint Dry" and "The Amazing Glacier Race." And get this, almost 20 percent of the Norwegian population tuned in, 20 percent. TH: So, when wood fire and wood chopping can be that interesting, why not knitting? So on our next project, we used more than eight hours to go live from a sheep to a sweater, and Jimmy Kimmel in the ABC show, he liked that. Jimmy Kimmel: Even the people on the show are falling asleep, and after all that, the knitters actually failed to break the world record. They did not succeed, but remember the old Norwegian saying, it's not whether you win or lose that counts. In fact, nothing counts, and death is coming for us all. TH: Exactly. So why does this stand out? This is so completely different to other TV programming. We take the viewer on a journey that happens right now in real time, and the viewer gets the feeling of actually being there, actually being on the train, on the boat, and knitting together with others, and the reason I think why they're doing that is because we don't edit the timeline. It's important that we don't edit the timeline, and it's also important that what we make Slow TV about is something that we all can relate to, that the viewer can relate to, and that somehow has a root in our culture. This is a picture from last summer when we traveled the coast again for seven weeks. And of course this is a lot of planning, this is a lot of logistics. So this is the working plan for 150 people last summer, but more important is what you don't plan. You don't plan what's going to happen. You have to just take your cameras with you. It's like a sports event. You rig them and you see what's happening. So this is actually the whole running order for Hurtigruten, 134 hours, just written on one page. We didn't know anything more when we left Bergen. So you have to let the viewers make the stories themselves, and I'll give you an example of that. This is from last summer, and as a TV producer, it's a nice picture, but now you can cut to the next one. But this is Slow TV, so you have to keep this picture until it really starts hurting your stomach, and then you keep it a little bit longer, and when you keep it that long, I'm sure some of you now have noticed the cow. Some of you have seen the flag. Some of you start wondering, is the farmer at home? Has he left? Is he watching the cow? And where is that cow going? So my point is, the longer you keep a picture like this, and we kept it for 10 minutes, you start making the stories in your own head. That's Slow TV. So we think that Slow TV is one nice way of telling a TV story, and we think that we can continue doing it, not too often, once or twice a year, so we keep the feeling of an event, and we also think that the good Slow TV idea, that's the idea when people say, "Oh no, you can't put that on TV." When people smile, it might be a very good slow idea, so after all, life is best when it's a bit strange. Thank you.	{ "source": "iwslt2017", "missed_lines": null, "inserted_lines_src": null, "inserted_lines_trg": null }
よく見てみると、彼の頭がい骨はアクリルガラスのドームに付け替えられていますこうすることで脳の動きが観察できますし、光でコントロールすることもできます。まさしくこれが私がやっていること... 光でマインドコントロールすることです。しかし世界征服を望むこの双子の兄弟と違って、私の野望は邪悪なものではありません。脳をコントロールすることによってどのように動くかを理解するのです。ちょっと待てよ、とあなたは言うかもしれません理解することもしないで、どのようにコントロールするのか? 客車を馬の前に置くようなものではないか? 多くの神経学者はこの考えに賛成しており、理解するためには、詳細な観察と分析が必要と考えている。彼らは、「もしニューロンの活動を記録できれば、脳を理解できるだろう」と言っている。しかし、その意味を少し考えてください。もし全ての細胞が何をしているかを常に計測できたとしても、そのパターンが何であるかを導き出さなければならない。それはとても難しくパターンを理解できたとしても、私たちの脳への理解と同じくらいのものでしょう。脳の活動がどんなものかご覧に入れましょう。このシミュレーションでは、一つの黒い点が一つの神経細胞です。黒い点は、細胞が電気信号を発生させるときのみ見えます。ここには1万個のニューロンがあります。それは、大体1%くらいゴキブリの脳の。皆さんの脳はこれの約1億倍複雑です。このようなパターンは、あなたにも言えることです、あなたの知覚だったり、感情、記憶将来の展望がこれらのパターンなのです。しかしパターンの解読方法を知らないがためにこれらが保存されている場所を私たちは知りえません。脳が使っている暗号を私たちは知りません。前進するためには、暗号を解読しなければなりません。どうやって? 暗号解読のエキスパートは、こう言います暗号の中のパターンを見つけるためには、それらを使ってみて、組みなおすことが大切だ、と。ここでも同じことが言えます。このようなパターンに隠されている情報を解読するためには、見ているだけではだめで、組みなおさなければいけない。別の言葉で言うとニューロンの活動を記録する代わりに、制御しなければならない。必ずしも全てのニューロンを制御する必要はない。少しでいい。ターゲットは絞れるだけ絞ったほうがいいです。今お見せするのは、どのようにターゲットを絞ったかです。私は壮大なことより現実的なことを好むので、神経系統を制御することで瞬く間に全ての謎が明らかになるとは言いません。それでも私たちは多くを学ぶことができます。介入が大きな影響力を持っていると気づいたのはもちろん私が最初ではありません。神経系の機能に対するさまざまな試みは古くから有名です。少なくとも200年さかのぼって、ガルバーニの有名な実験は 18世紀以前の話です。ガルバーニは蛙の腰神経を電極につなげることで脚がケイレンすることを示したのです。この実験は最初でもっとも基本的な神経コードの大事な部分、情報は電気信号によって伝えられているということを明らかにしました。ガルバーニのとった方法、電極で神経系を明らかにしようというのは今日でも先端をいっています、様々な欠点があるにもかかわらず。ワイヤを脳に挿すのはどう見ても残酷です。動き回る動物にやるのは困難ですし、同時に挿せるワイヤの数も限られてきます。 20世紀も終わりのころ、私はこう考えました。もしこのロジックを逆にしてみたらどうだろう、と。脳の一部にワイヤを挿す代わりに、脳自体を作ってしまおう、ある数の神経細胞をフラッシュのような拡散する刺激を受けたときに反応するように。この試みはまさしくフラッシュのように様々な障害を取り払ってくれました。一つ目は、ワイヤがないために脳を侵さないこと。二つ目は、ラジオのブロードキャスト放送のように一度に多くのものとコミュニケーションができること。どこに受信者がいるか分からなくても大丈夫です。そして、受信者が動いても大丈夫、ちょうど車のステレオと同じように。さらなる長所として、 DNAに組み込まれているものから受信機を作れることが明らかになりました。つまり、DNAで正しく構成されている神経細胞であれば、受信機を自発的に生成し、私たちが制御することができます。このシンプルさに秘められた美しさを理解していただけると幸いです。ハイテクな機械は何もありません、生態が生物学で明らかになっただけです。それでは、この奇跡的な受信機を間近で見てみましょう。これらの紫色のニューロンに近づいていくと、細胞膜が微小な穴で覆われているのが見えます。このような穴が電流を伝え、神経系統の全てのコミュニケーションの鍵となっています。しかし、これらの穴は特別なものです。これらはあなたの目と同じように、光の受容体と対になっていて、光が受容体に当たると穴が開き電流が伝えられ、ニューロンが電気信号を発信します。光で活性化するニューロンはDNAに組み込まれているため、奇跡的な精度を導き出せます。なぜなら、私たちの体の各細胞は同じ遺伝情報を持っていますが、細胞によって活性化している箇所が違うために起こります。これを利用して、あるニューロンだけを光で活性化するようにして、他のものはしないようにできます。この漫画では、左上の青みがかった白い細胞は光に反応しません。なぜなら光で活性化する穴が欠如しているからです。この試みは成功し、直接脳に人工的な文字を書くこともできます。この例では、それぞれの電気信号やその跡の偏差はちょっとした光が引き起こしています。この方法は、動いたり行動している動物にも効果的です。これは、ある意味ガルバーニの実験を光(レーザー)で行った最初の実験といえます。これは6、7年前に私のところの大学院生であったスザーナ・リナによって行われました。スザーナは左側のミバエの脳を 20万個の細胞のうち2個だけが光に反応するように遺伝子操作で作りかえました。これらがあの馴染み深い叩こうとするときにあなたをイライラさせる原因となっている細胞達です。これらがハエの反射運動を引き起こし、私たちが身構えたときには飛びさってしまうように仕向けているのです。この実験では、フラッシュが同じ現象を引き起こしています。飛び跳ねて羽を広げ、それをふるわせていますが、ガラスの板に挟まれているために実際には飛び立てません。ハエが光を見ているためにこの現象が起こっているわけではないと証明するために、スザーナはシンプルですがとても有効な実験手段をとりました。ハエの頭を落としてしまうのです。頭がない状態でもおよそ1日は生きることができます。大したことはできませんが。ただ動き回って、過剰に身繕いをします。首が落ちた後に残ったのは"見え"だけのようです。 (笑い) いずれにせよお見せするとおり、スザーナはハエの脊髄神経から飛行を司っている部分を制御することに成功し、頭がないハエを実際に飛ばしてみせたのです。遠くに行けないのは当然ですが。最初の一歩を私たちが始めたことにより、光遺伝子学の分野が急成長しました。今では数百の研究所がこの実験方法を採用しています。ガルバーニやスザーナが動物のケイレンや飛行などの最初の成功を収めてから長い道を歩んできました。彼らの心理学に対して少し難解な方法でアプローチしてみましょう。この最後の例でお見せするのはよく耳にする質問である人生とは次になすべきことを常に決め続けさせられた選択の積み重ねである、というものからです。私たちはこういったプレッシャーに対して脳を使って対処します。この脳の中で決定の鍵を握るところを私はアクターと呼んでいます。アクターはその時に私たちが置かれている状況や環境を基にした行動を可能にします。自分の行動が環境や状況を変えて、さらにそれらがフィードバックされ、行動が決定されるというループができます。この神経生物学の議論を抽象的なモデルに当てはめてみましょう。私たちお得意のミバエを使い、一次元の世界を作ってみました。この垂直に立っている二列のケースそれぞれには一匹ずつハエが入っています。それぞれの部屋の右半分と左半分はそれぞれ別の匂いで満たされています。そしてハエが行ったり来たりするのを監視カメラが見ています。これが監視カメラがとらえた映像です。ハエは部屋の真ん中に来たとき、違う匂いの狭間で決断をしなければなりません。向きを変えて今来た道を戻り同じ匂いに留まるか、真ん中を越えて新しいものに挑むか。この決定はアクターが作り出した行動方針に従います。このハエのような知的生物の行動方針は明文化されているものではなく、経験から学習し変化していくものです。この適応性を私たちのモデルに取り入れるときにはアクターとは異なるグループの細胞、「クリティック」というアクターがした選択に対してフィードバックをするものが脳内にあると仮定しています。あなたは途絶えることのないこの内なる声、まるで脳内の教会を思い浮かべることができるでしょう、もしあなたが私と同じオーストリア人か、フロイト派の超自我、もしくはユダヤ人であればお母さんを想像してください。クリティックが私たちの知性の鍵となっていることは明らかです。そこで私たちはハエの脳でクリティックの役目を果たしている細胞を特定しようとしました。実験方法は単純です。光でクリティックの細胞を遠隔制御して活性化することができれば、人為的にアクターの行動方針を変えることができるはずと考えたのです。言い換えると、ハエは自分がした間違いから学習しているはずですが、実際には経験していないのです。私たちは光で制御できる細胞を無規則で脳にちりばめたハエを育てました。これらのハエを使い、選択をさせました。 2つの選択肢から1つ、どちらかの匂いを選ぶと、このケースではオレンジ色ではなく青色の方です、光をつけます、光で活性化する細胞の中にクリティックが含まれていれば、こん介入行動によって行動方針が変わるはずです。ハエは光で刺激を受けた方の匂いを避けるはずです。例を2つ紹介します。 2系統のハエを比べています、いずれも光で制御できる細胞がおよそ100個脳内にあります。右と左に緑色に見えるものです。これらのグループに共通しているのは、いずれも神経伝達物質ドーパミンを生成することです。しかしドーパミンを生成するニューロンの性質は右と左で明らかに大きく異なります。光でこれら100個かそこらの細胞を活性化することで二種類のハエの間には劇的な違いがうまれます。右側のハエの行動を最初に見ると、ハエが部屋の真ん中、二つの匂いが混じっているところにたどり着くと、今までと同じようにまっすぐ進みます。行動は全く変わりません。しかし、左側のハエは全く違う行動をとります。真ん中までくると立ち止まり、あたかも周りの環境を探り出すかのように綿密に匂いを分析し、そして振り返ります。これらの結果はアクターが作った行動方針が部屋の右半分に満たされている匂いを避けるように仕向けているからです。左側のハエではクリティックが機能しており、ドーパミンが生成したニューロンにクリティックが含まれているはずですが、右側のハエのドーパミンが生成したニューロンには含まれていないということです。幾多のこのような実験を繰り返し、クリティックの所在を 12個までに絞り込みました。これらの12個の細胞、緑色のところは、出力情報を脳機構のキノコ体と呼ばれるところ、この灰色のところ、に送ります。理論的なモデルから脳機構の中でクリティックの出力を受けるのはアクターと分かっているので、この分析が示すところはキノコ体は行動の選択に何かしら関係があるということです。キノコ体について分かっていることを考えると完全に筋が通ります。実際、あまりにも綺麗に筋が通っているので、電気回路でハエの行動を模倣するおもちゃを作ることができます。この電気回路のおもちゃはキノコ体のニューロンは板の真ん中に垂直な青色LEDのかたまりで表されています。これらのLEDはセンサーにつながっており空気中の匂い分子の存在を感知します。それぞれの匂いはそれぞれ違うパターンのセンサーを活性化させそれはキノコ体の中のそれぞれ異なる匂い検知器官を活性化させます。ハエの操縦席ではアクターというパイロットがどの匂いがあるのかをどの青色LEDが光っているかを見ることで認識することができます。アクターが個の情報を基に何をするかは行動方針によって変わり、匂い検知器官とハエの回避行動を起こしている伝達細胞の結びつきの強さがその方針のより所になっています。もし結びつきが弱ければ伝達細胞は動かず、ハエはそのまま直進します。結びつきが強ければ伝達細胞が動き、ハエは今来た道を戻ります。次のような状況を考えてみましょう。伝達細胞が動かないまままっすぐ進むと、痛みを伴う結果が待っている、例えば叩かれるような。このような状況では、クリティックは行動方針を変えるようアクターに働きかけると予想しました。この状況をフラッシュをたくことで人為的に作り出しました。そしてこれは現在活性化している匂い検知器官と伝達細胞の結びつきを強める結果となりました。つまり次にハエが同じ匂いと出くわしたとき、結びつきは伝達器官を動かし、回避行動をとります。私はあなたのことを知りませんが、心理学の抽象的な概念が消え失せ、精神を実態的、機能的に理解することがとても楽しいことを発見しました。たとえハエの精神だとしても。これはよいニュースの一つです。もう一つのよいニュースは、少なくとも科学者にとっては、まだまだ未知の領域があるということです。前述した実験で、クリティックの所在はつかめましたが、クリティックがどのように動いているかはまだ分かりません。考えてみると、先生やお母さんの助言無しでは自分の間違いに気づくことはとても難しいことです。コンピュータサイエンスや人工知能の中にはこれらの解決策の糸口がありますが、生物同士の接触から生じる知的行動に関しては、何一つ証明ができていません。それらが解決されるのもそう遠くないと思っています。ありがとう	If you look very carefully, you see that his skull has been replaced with a transparent Plexiglas dome so that the workings of his brain can be observed and also controlled with light. That's exactly what I do -- optical mind control. But in contrast to my evil twin who lusts after world domination, my motives are not sinister. I control the brain in order to understand how it works. Now wait a minute, you may say, how can you go straight to controlling the brain without understanding it first? Isn't that putting the cart before the horse? Many neuroscientists agree with this view and think that understanding will come from more detailed observation and analysis. They say, "If we could record the activity of our neurons, we would understand the brain." But think for a moment what that means. Even if we could measure what every cell is doing at all times, we would still have to make sense of the recorded activity patterns, and that's so difficult, chances are we'll understand these patterns just as little as the brains that produce them. Take a look at what brain activity might look like. In this simulation, each black dot is one nerve cell. The dot is visible whenever a cell fires an electrical impulse. There's 10,000 neurons here. So you're looking at roughly one percent of the brain of a cockroach. Your brains are about 100 million times more complicated. Somewhere, in a pattern like this, is you, your perceptions, your emotions, your memories, your plans for the future. But we don't know where, since we don't know how to read the pattern. We don't understand the code used by the brain. To make progress, we need to break the code. But how? An experienced code-breaker will tell you that in order to figure out what the symbols in a code mean, it's essential to be able to play with them, to rearrange them at will. So in this situation too, to decode the information contained in patterns like this, watching alone won't do. We need to rearrange the pattern. In other words, instead of recording the activity of neurons, we need to control it. It's not essential that we can control the activity of all neurons in the brain, just some. The more targeted our interventions, the better. And I'll show you in a moment how we can achieve the necessary precision. And since I'm realistic, rather than grandiose, I don't claim that the ability to control the function of the nervous system will at once unravel all its mysteries. But we'll certainly learn a lot. Now, I'm by no means the first person to realize how powerful a tool intervention is. The history of attempts to tinker with the function of the nervous system is long and illustrious. It dates back at least 200 years, to Galvani's famous experiments in the late 18th century and beyond. Galvani showed that a frog's legs twitched when he connected the lumbar nerve to a source of electrical current. This experiment revealed the first, and perhaps most fundamental, nugget of the neural code: that information is written in the form of electrical impulses. Galvani's approach of probing the nervous system with electrodes has remained state-of-the-art until today, despite a number of drawbacks. Sticking wires into the brain is obviously rather crude. It's hard to do in animals that run around, and there is a physical limit to the number of wires that can be inserted simultaneously. So around the turn of the last century, I started to think, "Wouldn't it be wonderful if one could take this logic and turn it upside down?" So instead of inserting a wire into one spot of the brain, re-engineer the brain itself so that some of its neural elements become responsive to diffusely broadcast signals such as a flash of light. Such an approach would literally, in a flash of light, overcome many of the obstacles to discovery. First, it's clearly a non-invasive, wireless form of communication. And second, just as in a radio broadcast, you can communicate with many receivers at once. You don't need to know where these receivers are, and it doesn't matter if these receivers move -- just think of the stereo in your car. It gets even better, for it turns out that we can fabricate the receivers out of materials that are encoded in DNA. So each nerve cell with the right genetic makeup will spontaneously produce a receiver that allows us to control its function. I hope you'll appreciate the beautiful simplicity of this concept. There's no high-tech gizmos here, just biology revealed through biology. Now let's take a look at these miraculous receivers up close. As we zoom in on one of these purple neurons, we see that its outer membrane is studded with microscopic pores. Pores like these conduct electrical current and are responsible for all the communication in the nervous system. But these pores here are special. They are coupled to light receptors similar to the ones in your eyes. Whenever a flash of light hits the receptor, the pore opens, an electrical current is switched on, and the neuron fires electrical impulses. Because the light-activated pore is encoded in DNA, we can achieve incredible precision. This is because, although each cell in our bodies contains the same set of genes, different mixes of genes get turned on and off in different cells. You can exploit this to make sure that only some neurons contain our light-activated pore and others don't. So in this cartoon, the bluish white cell in the upper-left corner does not respond to light because it lacks the light-activated pore. The approach works so well that we can write purely artificial messages directly to the brain. In this example, each electrical impulse, each deflection on the trace, is caused by a brief pulse of light. And the approach, of course, also works in moving, behaving animals. This is the first ever such experiment, sort of the optical equivalent of Galvani's. It was done six or seven years ago by my then graduate student, Susana Lima. Susana had engineered the fruit fly on the left so that just two out of the 200,000 cells in its brain expressed the light-activated pore. You're familiar with these cells because they are the ones that frustrate you when you try to swat the fly. They trained the escape reflex that makes the fly jump into the air and fly away whenever you move your hand in position. And you can see here that the flash of light has exactly the same effect. The animal jumps, it spreads its wings, it vibrates them, but it can't actually take off because the fly is sandwiched between two glass plates. Now to make sure that this was no reaction of the fly to a flash it could see, Susana did a simple but brutally effective experiment. She cut the heads off of her flies. These headless bodies can live for about a day, but they don't do much. They just stand around and groom excessively. So it seems that the only trait that survives decapitation is vanity. Anyway, as you'll see in a moment, Susana was able to turn on the flight motor of what's the equivalent of the spinal cord of these flies and get some of the headless bodies to actually take off and fly away. They didn't get very far, obviously. Since we took these first steps, the field of optogenetics has exploded. And there are now hundreds of labs using these approaches. And we've come a long way since Galvani's and Susana's first successes in making animals twitch or jump. We can now actually interfere with their psychology in rather profound ways, as I'll show you in my last example, which is directed at a familiar question. Life is a string of choices creating a constant pressure to decide what to do next. We cope with this pressure by having brains, and within our brains, decision-making centers that I've called here the "Actor." The Actor implements a policy that takes into account the state of the environment and the context in which we operate. Our actions change the environment, or context, and these changes are then fed back into the decision loop. Now to put some neurobiological meat on this abstract model, we constructed a simple one-dimensional world for our favorite subject, fruit flies. Each chamber in these two vertical stacks contains one fly. The left and the right halves of the chamber are filled with two different odors, and a security camera watches as the flies pace up and down between them. Here's some such CCTV footage. Whenever a fly reaches the midpoint of the chamber where the two odor streams meet, it has to make a decision. It has to decide whether to turn around and stay in the same odor, or whether to cross the midline and try something new. These decisions are clearly a reflection of the Actor's policy. Now for an intelligent being like our fly, this policy is not written in stone but rather changes as the animal learns from experience. of adaptive intelligence into our model contains not only an Actor, but a different group of cells, a "Critic," that provides a running commentary on the Actor's choices. You can think of this nagging inner voice as sort of the brain's equivalent of the Catholic Church, if you're an Austrian like me, or the super-ego, if you're Freudian, or your mother, if you're Jewish. the Critic is a key ingredient in what makes us intelligent. So we set out to identify the cells in the fly's brain that played the role of the Critic. And the logic of our experiment was simple. We thought if we could use our optical remote control to activate the cells of the Critic, we should be able, artificially, to nag the Actor into changing its policy. In other words, the fly should learn from mistakes that it thought it had made but, in reality, it had not made. So we bred flies whose brains were more or less randomly peppered with cells that were light addressable. And then we took these flies and allowed them to make choices. And whenever they made one of the two choices, chose one odor, in this case the blue one over the orange one, we switched on the lights. If the Critic was among the optically activated cells, the result of this intervention should be a change in policy. The fly should learn to avoid the optically reinforced odor. Here's what happened in two instances: We're comparing two strains of flies, each of them having about 100 light-addressable cells in their brains, shown here in green on the left and on the right. What's common among these groups of cells is that they all produce the neurotransmitter dopamine. But the identities of the individual dopamine-producing neurons are clearly largely different on the left and on the right. Optically activating these hundred or so cells into two strains of flies has dramatically different consequences. If you look first at the behavior of the fly on the right, you can see that whenever it reaches the midpoint of the chamber where the two odors meet, it marches straight through, as it did before. Its behavior is completely unchanged. But the behavior of the fly on the left is very different. Whenever it comes up to the midpoint, it pauses, as if it was sniffing out its environment, and then it turns around. This means that the policy that the Actor implements now includes an instruction to avoid the odor that's in the right half of the chamber. This means that the Critic must have spoken in that animal, and that the Critic must be contained among the dopamine-producing neurons on the left, but not among the dopamine producing neurons on the right. Through many such experiments, we were able to narrow down the identity of the Critic to just 12 cells. These 12 cells, as shown here in green, send the output to a brain structure called the "mushroom body," which is shown here in gray. We know from our formal model that the brain structure at the receiving end of the Critic's commentary is the Actor. So this anatomy suggests that the mushroom bodies have something to do with action choice. Based on everything we know about the mushroom bodies, this makes perfect sense. In fact, it makes so much sense that we can construct an electronic toy circuit that simulates the behavior of the fly. In this electronic toy circuit, the mushroom body neurons are symbolized by the vertical bank of blue LEDs in the center of the board. These LED's are wired to sensors that detect the presence of odorous molecules in the air. Each odor activates a different combination of sensors, which in turn activates a different odor detector in the mushroom body. So the pilot in the cockpit of the fly, the Actor, can tell which odor is present simply by looking at which of the blue LEDs lights up. What the Actor does with this information depends on its policy, which is stored in the strengths of the connection, between the odor detectors and the motors that power the fly's evasive actions. If the connection is weak, the motors will stay off and the fly will continue straight on its course. If the connection is strong, the motors will turn on and the fly will initiate a turn. Now consider a situation in which the motors stay off, the fly continues on its path and it suffers some painful consequence such as getting zapped. In a situation like this, we would expect the Critic to speak up and to tell the Actor to change its policy. We have created such a situation, artificially, by turning on the critic with a flash of light. That caused a strengthening of the connections between the currently active odor detector and the motors. So the next time the fly finds itself facing the same odor again, the connection is strong enough to turn on the motors and to trigger an evasive maneuver. I don't know about you, but I find it exhilarating to see how vague psychological notions evaporate and give rise to a physical, mechanistic understanding of the mind, even if it's the mind of the fly. This is one piece of good news. The other piece of good news, for a scientist at least, is that much remains to be discovered. In the experiments I told you about, we have lifted the identity of the Critic, how the Critic does its job. Come to think of it, knowing when you're wrong without a teacher, or your mother, telling you, is a very hard problem. There are some ideas in computer science and in artificial intelligence as to how this might be done, but we still haven't solved a single example of how intelligent behavior springs from the physical interactions in living matter. I think we'll get there in the not too distant future. Thank you.	{ "source": "iwslt2017", "missed_lines": null, "inserted_lines_src": null, "inserted_lines_trg": null }
その日、僕は灌漑工事の現場を視察に出かけた。「ピカール、工事の進捗状況はどうだ?」「素晴らしい進み具合でございます。カルロ様の指示が非常に効果を上げております」ピカールがうやうやしく頭を下げてくれた。よしよし、工事は順調のようだな。ピカールが言う「僕の指示」というのは大き。は最初に指示した、秀吉のパクリの班分け競争。「お前らいいか、ほかの班に負けるんじゃねえぞっ!かあちゃんに美味い飯食わしてやるんだろ!」「おう、ぜってえ負けねえぞお!」気合いを入れる大声が現場に響いている。工事に駆り出された農民たちは賞金欲しさに必死で競争しているらしい。これは思惑通り。もう一つは土性魔法の工事への導入。土魔法を使える魔法使いを優遇して集め、彼らを重機代わりに工事に使った。かつて例がない試みだったそうだけど、これが大当たり。下手なブルドーザーやショベルカーより使える。なんせ土の塊を思い通りに動かせるからね。土魔法を使える魔法使いの人数が少ないのと初級魔法中心だから複雑な事は出来ないのが問題だけど、これにより飛躍的に効率が上がった。「みんな気を付けてね、そこ爆破行くよ!3、2、1......」どおぉぉぉぉぉぉん! 爆音とともに土砂が吹き飛ぶ。猫耳娘のクノップにもダイナイマイト代わりに結構手伝ってもらってる。もう一つは人。ロゼアが紹介してくれた人物、それが良かった。その人物の名はナルス。カルロの主に外交と用兵面を支える軍師として小説に登場していた人物で、僕が探していた一人だった。ロゼアの口からその名前が出た時、僕があまりにビックリしたのでロゼアに笑われてしまったくらいだ。僕はロゼアに紹介状を書いてもらって、さっそく自分の足でナルスに会いに行った。「わざわざカルロ様にご足労頂くとは申し訳ありませんね」「ロゼアから非常に優秀な人物がいると聞いてな、いてもたっても居られずに押しかけてしまった。すまない」「まあ正直読書の最中ではありましたが、ご領主ともあればお会いしないわけにもいきませんから。で、本日はどんなご用事ですか?」うーん、反応がそっけない。でも紹介してくれた人物の名がナルスだって聞いた時から、これは覚悟してた。なんせナルスは頭が切れるが学者肌で、カルロにも好きなことを言うキャラクター。変人で天の邪鬼で口が悪いのが特徴だからね。「単刀直入に言おう。ナルス、この辺境領のために力を貸してほしい。迷惑かも知れないが」「はっきり言って迷惑ですね。そもそも力を貸せ、と言われても何のことだか」まあそうだよな。こっちはナルスの事は知ってるけど、ナルスは僕の事は知らない訳だし。うーん、どう攻めようか。「軍師として俺の力になって欲しい。この辺境領をより豊かにするためナルスの力を――」そこまで言ったところで、僕の目は壁の棚に釘付けになった。そこには木彫りの人形がいくつも置いてある。戦士、魔法使い、メイド、騎士、ナースなど全て女の子。それぞれ15センチくらいの大きさだ。それもただの人形というだけではない。一つ一つが精巧に出来ているだけでなく様々なポーズを取っていた。戦士は剣を振り上げ、魔法使いは杖を掲げて呪文を詠唱し、メイドはほうきで掃いている。しかもそれぞれが丁寧に色塗りされているんだ。「こ、これは......」僕は無意識に立ち上がり、気付かないうちにその棚を覗き込んでいた。間違いない、これはフィギュアだ。スケールで言えば1/10か。もちろん木製の手彫りだから、スカルピーやエポキシで造るものほど緻密ではない。でも作者の熱意は十分伝わってくる。「これは誰が?」「私が作ったものです。興味がおありですか?」「ああ。良く出来ている。惜しむらくは目だな。目に力があればもっと生き生きとしてくるだろう」そうだ、目だ。やはりフィギュアにおいて目は重要なポイントだ。デカールがない以上、作者の技量で大きな差が出る。ナルスの作った人形は木製としては非常に良く出来ていたが、人形っぽい目で感情がこもってなかった。「なんですか?このナルスの作った人形にケチを付けられるのですか?」「いや、ケチを付けている訳ではない。だが俺はこれよりもっとこのフィ......人形の出来に合った目の描き方があるという事を知っているだけだ」「ほほう、これは聞き捨てならないことを。いきなり押しかけてきたかと思えばこのナルスよりも良い目が描けるなどと、フン」ナルスは鼻で笑ったかと思うと、僕に挑戦的な目を向けてきた。「そこまでおっしゃっるなら見せて頂きましょうか。ここにちょうどこれから彩色をしようとしていた人形があります。これに目を描いて頂きましょう」しまった、怒らせてしまったか。説得に来たというのに怒らせてしまっては元も子もない。でも僕だってかつてモデラーを目指したことのある人間として、フィギュアを愛する人間として、譲れないものがある。「いいだろう、描こうじゃないか」「ではこうしましょう、このナルスを納得させられなければ直ちにお帰りください。その代わりもしこのナルスが納得したなら、あなたの言うことを何でも聞きましょう」「ああ、それで構わない」「よろしいのですか?このナルスが内心納得してもそう正直に言わないのではないかと思わないのですか?」僕は少し息を吸い込み、ナルスの目を見つめて言った。「そんな心配はしていない。このフィ......人形を見れば分かる。これほど人形を愛している人間が、そんなつまらぬ策を弄するわけがない」そんな僕をナルスも真っ直ぐな目で見つめ返してきた。「いいでしょう。ではお願いします」ナルスが取りだしたのはまだ色の塗られていない少女のフィギュアだった。少女は顔を少し上に上げ、軽やかに舞っている。少女の手の表情、軽やかにステップを踏む足、回転して広がるスカートのひだ、流れる長い髪。どれもが極めて繊細で、しかも生き生きしている。僕は筆を取った。木に色を塗るなんて小学校の図画工作でやって以来だ。これがどんな塗料なのかもわからない。僕は慎重に、まずは木切れに試し書きをしてみた。いける。これなら何とかなる。僕は息を止め、本番に取りかかった。ナルスも息を飲んで見つめているようだ。イメージは決まっている。これはフェリシアだ。フェリシアが僕のために踊ってくれた時の生き生きとした目。それを思い出しながら、僕は集中して一気に書き上げた。「なんと、これは......」出来上がった人形を見て、ナルスは呆然としている。「どうだ、ナルス。俺はこの方がナルスの作る人形にふさわしい目だと思うが」「驚きました。目が変わるだけでこれだけ生き生きとした表情が生まれるとは......」ナルスは僕の目を再び見つめた。「このナルス、感服いたしました。しかし、もう一つだけお聞かせください。戦で兵を動かすに当たり、最も重要なこととはなんでしょうか?」「簡単な質問だな、それは兵站だ。兵を飢えさせる者に主君たる資格はない」「そうですか」これは作品中でナルスが口癖のように言っている言葉だから、僕には簡単すぎる質問だ。これもあのアニメの受け売りだっていうのは秘密。ナルスは目を閉じてしばらく考えたのち、ゆっくりと目を開けた。「もし兵力や気合い、目的などとお答えになれば、このナルス、形だけお仕えしようと思いました。なかなか補給の重要性を理解して頂ける方は少ないですからね」そう言うと、ナルスは僕の前にひざまずいた。「このナルス、カルロ様にお仕えさせていただきましょう。非才の身ですが、存分にお使いください」こうして軍師ナルスは僕の仲間になった。ナルスは外交や軍事だけでなく、土木工事にもその才を発揮した。ナルスの書いた精密な設計図のお陰で、灌漑工事の効率は劇的に向上した。こうして工事は極めて順調に進んでいる。ちなみにナルスにはバルハート城の設計も頼んである。あとはもう一つ。フェリシアのフィギュア製作だ。ナルスを密かに小鹿亭に連れて行き、フェリシアに会わせた。案の定、フェリシアが歌い踊る姿はナルスの制作意欲を痛く刺激したようだ。色塗りは僕がやることになっている。ああ、出来上がりが待ち遠しいったらありゃしないよ。え、何がって? そりゃあフィ......灌漑工事に決まってるでしょ(汗)。	On that day I went to inspect the irrigation construction site. “Pikaru, how’s the construction’s progress?” “It’s progressing splendidly. Carlo-sama’s instructions were very effective.” Pikaru lowered his head respectfully. Good, good, looks like the construction is progressing favourably. ”My instructions” that Pikaru mentioned were roughly three. The first instruction was to divide them into groups and make them compete, inspired by Hideyoshi. “You guys aren’t going to lose to the other groups! You want to let your mothers eat something delicious, don’t you?!” “Yeah, we absolutely won’t lose!” A loud motivating voice echoed through the scene. The farmers participating in the construction seemed to desperately compete against each other to get the prize money. This is all going according to my expectations. Another instruction was the use of earth magic in the construction. We gathered prestigious magicians that could use earth magic and used them instead of heavy machinery. I hear this was an unprecedented endeavour but it was a huge hit. They are more usable than those imprecise bulldozers and shovel cars. They could move around the soil just like they intended. It’s a problem that they can’t do too complicated things because there were only a few earth magicians and most of them here used beginner class magic but this drastically increased our efficiency. “Everyone, be careful, we are going to blast that spot! , , ......” Boooooooom! Earth and sand vanish with an explosion. I had Knopf provide us with plenty of substitute dynamite. Another instruction was about a certain person. It’s the person Rozea wanted to introduce to me, that was good. (TN: It’s not Felica. It’s not Crescent Moon it is~~~) That person’s name was Nals. (TN: Some duuuuude~) He’s one of the people I was looking for, he was a tactician appearing in my novel who supported Carlo in diplomacy and military affairs. When that name left Rozea’s mouth I was so surprised she started laughing at me. I had Rozea write a letter of introduction and then I immediately went to meet Nals on foot. “I’m sorry for having caused you trouble in expressly coming here, Carlo-sama.” “When I heard from Rozea there’s such an excellent person here I immediately rushed over. I’m intruding on you. Sorry.” “Honestly I was in the midst of reading but one can’t meet the feudal lord every day. So, what kind of business do you have with me today?” Mmm, his reaction is brusque. But since I heard the person being introduced was called Nals I was prepared. Nals is a sharp-minded person in scholar skin and also a character who liked Carlo. He was a weird person blessed with a sharp tongue. “Let’s not beat around the bush. I want you to lend me your power for this border territory, Nals. Although it may be annoying” “To be honest, it is annoying. And even if I lend you my power what would you make me do?” Well, that’s right. Even though I know about Nals he doesn’t know about me. Mmm, how should I do this? “I want you to lend me your strength as a tactician. To make this border territory even wealthier Nals’ power is- -” I got until there when my eyes got stuck on a shelf at the wall. Some wooden dolls were placed on it. A soldier, a magician, a maid, a knight, a nurse, all of them were girls. Their size was around centimetres each. (TN: Figurines~ so the Tactician has a hobby of making figurine~. You’ll get along well, I guess?) They weren’t just dolls either. Not only were they elaborately made but they also struck various poses. The soldier raised her sword, the magician raised her wand and chanted an aria and the maid swept with her broom. Besides, each one is carefully painted. “T, this is......” I unconsciously stood up and stared into that shelf before I noticed it. No doubt, those are figurines. Is the scale /? Of course, because it is a wooden hand-carving it is not as precise as Sculpey and epoxy. (TN: Sculpting material. For the ones interested Sculpey and epoxy ) But it’s enough to convey the creator’s enthusiasm. “Who made this?” “I made it. Are you interested?” “Yeah. It’s well made. Unfortunately, it’s the eyes, huh? If the eyes had more power to them they would seem livelier.” That’s right, the eyes. After all the eyes are an important point on a figurine. Since there are no decals it makes a big difference and all depends on the creator’s ability. (TN: Decalcomania ) The dolls Nals made were well done for wooden ones but their eyes were so doll-like because the emotions didn’t reach them. “What? Are you calling the dolls this Nals made cheap?” “No, I don’t call them cheap. But I think this needs more fee......I just know of a better way to draw the doll’s eyes to make it match them.” “Hohou, I can’t ignore this. To think you’d suddenly brag that you can draw the eyes better than this Nals, hmpf.” Nals snorted and I think he looked at me challengingly. “How about you show me, huh? Here’s a doll I was planning to paint just now. I’ll have you draw the eyes on it.” Oops, did I anger him? If I anger you even though I came here to get you to help me I get absolutely nothing out of it. But there are also some things I can’t give up on as a person who loves figurines, a person who once aimed to be a modeller. “Fine, I’ll draw them” “Then, let’s do it like this, if you can’t convince this Nals you’ll immediately return. On the other hand, if you can persuade this Nals I will listen to anything you have to say.” “Yeah, I don’t mind.” “Are you sure? Don’t you think this Nals might not tell the truth even if I am convinced inwardly?” I breathed in, stared into Nals’ eyes and said: “I’m not worried about that. This fee......You’ll understand it when you look at the doll. There is no way for a man who loves these dolls to use such daunting measures.” Nals looked back at me with a straight gaze. “Fine. Then go for it.” What Nals took out was the figurine of a girl yet to be painted. The girl slightly lifted her face and was dancing lightly. The girl’s expression of her hands, her feet taking light steps, the spreading of her skirt’s folds, long flowing hair. Everything is extremely delicate and yet lively. I took the brush. I didn’t paint wood since elementary school. I don’t have any idea what this paint is either. I carefully tried to draw on a piece of wood first. Good. If it’s like that I can do something. I held my breath and started working. Nals seemed to also hold his breath and watched me. I decided on the image. This is Felicia. (TN: Geh, you mention her even here?) Felicia’s lively eyes when she danced for me. While remembering that scene I concentrated and drew it in one stroke. “What the, that is......” After he saw the completed doll Nals was stunned. “How is it, Nals? I think those eyes are appropriate for the dolls Nals makes.” “I was surprised. To think that just changing the eyes gives birth to such a lively expression......” Nals looked into my eyes again. “This Nals admired it. But please tell me one more thing. What’s the most important thing when moving soldiers in battle?” (TN: Talk about a quick subject change) “That’s a simple question, it’s logistics. Those who let soldiers starve don’t have any qualification as the lord.” “Is that so?” This was too easy a question for me as Nals uses this like a favourite phrase in my work. It’s a secret that this is second-hand information from an anime. After Nals closed his eyes and thought for a while he slowly opened them again. “This Nals thought about serving you even if you just answered with military power or spirit. There are only few who understand the importance of logistics.” After he said that Nals kneeled before me. (TN: Ding! Nals has entered the party) “This Nals will serve Carol-sama. Although my body is weak, please make full use of it.” Like this, the tactician became my comrade. Nals didn’t only demonstrate his talent in diplomacy and military affairs but also public work. Due to Nals’ precisely drawn out plan the irrigation construction efficiency dramatically increased. Like this, the construction progressed extremely smoothly. By the way, I also asked Nals for the design of Balhart castle. On another note. There’s a Felicia figurine production going on. I secretly took Nals to the Fawn Pavilion and let him meet Felicia. Sure enough, the figure of Felicia singing and dancing seemed to have stimulated his desire to produce as expected. (TN: You just wanted Felicia figurines, didn’t you?) I’m doing the colouring. Aah, I can’t wait to see the finished product. Eh, what was that? That’s fee......I mean, let’s settle on the irrigation construction (sweat). (TN:	{ "source": "manual-fanfic", "missed_lines": 0, "inserted_lines_src": 0, "inserted_lines_trg": 0 }
今日は音楽と機械装置そして人生について話したいと思います具体的には巨大で複雑な装置をミュージックビデオのために作る過程で学んだ事についてこちらを見てピンと来る人もいるかと思いますがこれは僕らが作ったビデオのオープニングです最後にこのビデオもお見せしますがその前にこの話がどう始まったのかを少しお話ししましょう僕らが最初にOK Goと会ったとき -- この曲の名前は "This Too Shall Pass"といいますが -- かなり盛り上がりましたというのも彼らが自分たちと一緒に踊れるような装置の制作に興味を示していたからですこれにはとてもワクワクしましただってほら彼らは機械と踊る分野では既に有名でしたからねこちらのビデオ "Here It Goes Again" は YouTubeで5000万回以上視聴されて 4人がランニングマシンの上でダンスしてるのを定点カメラで撮っているだけですがハマりやすいし素晴らしいビデオです僕らのテンションも上がりましたまず彼らの求める方向性について話し合い何がやりたいのかを聞いてみるとルーブゴールドバーグマシン的なものを作りたいとご存じない方に説明しますとルーブゴールドバーグマシンというのは入り組んだ装置と言いますか信じられないほど緻密に設計された仕組みで比較的簡単な作業を達成させる装置ですそのアイデアで盛り上がってどんな形にするのかあれこれ話し合い必須条件をまとめて行きましたルーブゴールドバーグマシンと言うのは作るには制約もありますが同時に選択肢も無限だからですこれをミュージックビデオとして表現できるのか確認する意味もありました必要事項を見て行きましょう「十戒」です簡単なものから順に: 1番目は魔法は使わない事画面上で起こる全てが一般的な視聴者に簡単に理解してもらう必要がありますなので僕の母親に理解できないような事はビデオには使えないという事です 2. 装置に彼らを組み込む事とはいっても彼らが装置を操るのではなく装置が彼らに何かしら働きかけると言う事 3. 装置の動きが曲のフィーリングに従う事つまり曲がグッと盛り上がってきたら装置の動きもそれに合わせてより壮大に展開して行く 4. スペースを最大限に使う事僕らが使ったのは100m四方の倉庫でしたがフロアが1階と2階に別れていて搬入口もありました床には巨大な穴も空いていて実際にそこにカメラとカメラマンをおろして撮影しました 5. 「ずぶ濡れ」にもなりたいというので喜んで引き受けました 6. 装置自体が曲を再生するようにする事装置を作動させある程度の距離を移動してその途中で何かしら iPodやテープデッキか何かを再生させて曲と装置が同調し続けるようにします同調といえば装置とリズムを同調させておいて特定のビートも刻ませたいと言われました了解 8. 時間通りに終わらせる事つまり作動時間にズレは許されないという事なのに彼らは特定の箇所で音楽を止めて装置の生の音を使って曲の一部分を弾きたいとも言ってきたそれでもまだ足りないのか既にここまで複雑な工程を「一発撮り」で撮りたいって言うんだ (拍手) ありがとうでは少し数字でこのプロセスを振り返ってみようこの装置は89の異なる工程で構成されていて 85本のテイクを一応満足いくレベルでカメラに収められましたがその85テイクのうち実際に完走したのはたったの3回 2台のピアノとテレビは10台壊したかなホームセンターには優に100回以上足を運びハイヒールの片っぽを無くしました僕らのエンジニアの一人ヘザー=ナイトが洒落た夕食から戻ってきて -- ハイヒールをこの装置の制作に取りかかるので -- 道具の山と一緒に置いておいたところ別のエンジニアが何かに使えると考えオシャレな引き金として使われてしまいましたこれは実際にビデオにも出てきますそんなわけでここから何を学んだでしょうか? この装置を作り上げていくつかの事を少し客観的に振り返ってみたところ小さいものは厄介だと気づきました木製の溝にのった小さな玉などはとても繊細で湿気や気温小さい埃などの影響を受けて溝から外れたり正確な角度にしないと上手く転がらないとかでもボーリングの球ならどこでも大丈夫気温が何度であろうと行く手に何があったとしても大体行くべきところに行くんです小さいものが厄介だといっても始めなければ終わらない訳ですからとにかくそれに集中して取り組まなければなりません厄介であってもそこが必要不可欠でもあるのですまた設計ほど重要なものはありません設計図: クソ面倒くさい事が盛りだくさん多くの時間を考える事に費やしいくつか実際に作りました「どんな戦術も眼前の敵には無力だ」とは言ったもので僕らの眼前の敵は「物理」でしたそれもかなり意地悪なねタイミングや見栄えなどの理由から装置を取り替えたりするのはざらでしたなので設計も重要ですが柔軟性も必要ですこれらはみんな最終的にボツになったアイデアですまた毎回確実に動くような信頼性が高いものを最後に持ってくる事も重要です「小さいものは厄介だ」と言ったように最初に出てくるレゴの車は終盤に本物の車になって再登場するんですが大きい車は毎回問題なく作動するんです逆に小さい車は道から外れたりしてそっちの方が大変最後にレゴがひっくり返ったからって始めっからやり直すなんてご免でしょ? だからそういうものは最初に持ってくると失敗したとしてもやり直しがきくんです時に人生は厳しい今回僕らもその厳しさを十分味わいました数ヶ月の間この寒くて狭い倉庫で過ごしましたがその全てが終わった時の驚くほどの達成感といったら大切なのはそれが良い結果であっても悪い結果であっても「これもまた過ぎ行くだろう」ということですどうもありがとうございました (拍手) ではお待たせしました問題のミュージックビデオです我らがOK Goですみなさんこんにちは OK Goです何をしてるのかって? グラミー賞を囲んで飲んでるだけさもうちょっと上手くできると思うんだけど... OK Goですこんな分厚い百科事典を読んで一日過ごした事ある? というかなんだこれ... ごめんごめんもう一回やらせて百科事典より意味不明なものないかな? ティムの日時計帽子! 新しくなったワルツタワーもうご覧になりましたか? ごめんもう一回やろうキミたち! 皆さんこんにちは OK Goです僕らの新しいビデオ "This Too Shall Pass" ですまだもうちょっと上手くできると思うんだけど今ので良かったじゃん ♫ いつまでそうやっているつもりだい? ♫ ♫ そんなに引きずるほど抱え込んで ♫ ♫ でも引きずるほどのものがない身なら ♫ ♫ 死にものぐるいで走る用意をしといた方がいいよ ♫ ♫ 朝が来たら ♫ ♫ 朝が来たら ♫ ♫ 子供達の踊りを止めたいなんて ♫ ♫ どういうことだい? ♫ ♫ 自分は散々踊ってたくせに ♫ ♫ いくら君の頭が固く膝も曲がらないからって ♫ ♫ 子供達に八つ当たりはよしなよ ♫ ♫ 朝が来たら ♫ ♫ 朝が来たら ♫ ♫ 朝が来たら ♫ ♫ 朝が来たら ♫ ♫ 朝が来たら ♫ ♫ 朝が来たら ♫ ♫ クヨクヨするなよ ♫ ♫ これもまた過ぎ行くことなのさ ♫ ♫ クヨクヨするなよ ♫ ♫ これもまた過ぎ行くことなのさ ♫ ♫ いつまでそうやっているつもりだい? ♫ ♫ いつまでも落ち込むわけにはいかないのさ ♫ ♫ クヨクヨするなよ ♫ ♫ これもまた過ぎ行くことなのさ ♫ ♫ 朝が来たら ♫ ♫ 朝が来たら ♫ ♫ 朝が来たら ♫ ♫ 朝が来たら ♫	music, machines and life. Or, more specifically, what we learned from the creation of a very large and complicated machine for a music video. Some of you may recognize this image. This is the opening frame of the video that we created. We'll be showing the video at the end, but before we do, I want to talk a little bit about what it is that they wanted. Now, when we first started talking to OK Go -- the name of the song is "This Too Shall Pass" -- we were really excited because they expressed interest in building a machine that they could dance with. And we were very excited about this because, of course, they have a history of dancing with machines. They're responsible for this video, "Here It Goes Again." 50-million-plus views on YouTube. Four guys dancing on treadmills, no cuts, just a static camera. A fantastically viral and wonderful video. So we were really excited about working with them. And we sort of started talking about what it is that they wanted. And they explained that they wanted kind of a Rube Goldberg machine. Now, for those of you who don't know, a Rube Goldberg machine is a complicated contraption, an incredibly over-engineered piece of machinery that accomplishes a relatively simple task. So we were excited by this idea, and we started talking about exactly what it would look like. And we came up with some parameters, because, you know, building a Rube Goldberg machine has limitations, but it also is pretty wide open. And we wanted to make sure that we did something that would work for a music video. So we came up with a list of requirements, the "10 commandments," and they were, in order of ascending difficulty: The first is "No magic." Everything that happened on screen had to be very easily understood by a typical viewer. The rule of thumb was that, if my mother couldn't understand it, then we couldn't use it in the video. They wanted band integration, that is, the machine acting upon the band members, specifically not the other way around. They wanted the machine action to follow the song feeling. So as the song picks up emotion, so should the machine get grander in its process. They wanted us to make use of the space. So we have this 10,000-square-foot warehouse we were using, divided between two floors. It included an exterior loading dock. We used all of that, including a giant hole in the floor that we actually descended the camera and cameraman through. They wanted it messy, and we were happy to oblige. The machine itself would start the music. So the machine would get started, it would travel some distance, reacting along the way, hit play on an iPod or a tape deck or something that would start playback. And the machine would maintain synchronization throughout. And speaking of synchronization, they wanted it to sync to the rhythm and to hit specific beats along the way. Okay. They wanted it to end precisely on time. Okay, so now the start to finish timing has to be perfect. And they wanted the music to drop out at a certain point in the video and actual live audio from the machine to play part of the song. And as if that wasn't enough, all of these incredibly complicating things, right, they wanted it in one shot. Okay. So, just some statistics about what we went through in the process. The machine itself has 89 distinct interactions. It took us 85 takes to get it on film to our satisfaction. Of those 85 takes, only three actually successfully completed their run. We destroyed two pianos and 10 televisions in the process. We went to Home Depot well over a hundred times. And we lost one high-heeled shoe when one of our engineers, Heather Knight, left her high-heeled shoe -- after a nice dinner, and returned back to the build -- and left it in a pile of stuff. And another engineer thought, "Well, that would be a really good thing to use" and ended up using it as a really nice trigger. And it's actually in the machine. So what did we learn from all of this? Well, having completed this, we have the opportunity to step back and reflect And we learned that small stuff stinks. Little balls in wooden tracks are really susceptible to humidity and temperature and a little bit of dust, and they fall out of the tracks, the exact angles makes it hard to get right. And yet, a bowling ball will always follow the same path. It doesn't matter what temperature it is, doesn't matter what's in its way; it will pretty much get where it needs to go. But as much as the small stuff stinks, we needed somewhere to start, so that we would have somewhere to go. And so you have to start with it. You have to focus on it. Small stuff stinks, but, of course, it's essential, right? What else? Planning is incredibly important. You know, we spent a lot of time ideating and even building some of these things. It's been said that, "No battle plan survives contact with the enemy." I think our enemy was physics -- and she's a cruel mistress. Often, we had to pull things out as a result because of timing or aesthetics or whatever. And so while planning is important, so is flexibility. These are all things that ended up not making it into the final machine. So also, put reliable stuff last, the stuff that's going to run every time. Again, small to large is relevant here. The little Lego car in the beginning of the video references the big, real car near the end of the video. The big, real car works every time; there's no problem about it. The little one had a tendency to try to run off the track and that's a problem. But you don't want to have to reset the whole machine because the Lego car at the end doesn't work, right. So you put that up front so that, if it fails, at least you know you don't have to reset the whole thing. Life can be messy. There were incredibly difficult moments in the building of this thing. Months were spent in this tiny, cold warehouse. And the wonderful elation that we had when we finally completed it. So it's important to remember that whether it's good or it's bad, "This Too Shall Pass." Thank you very much. And now to introduce their music video, we have OK Go. OK Go: An introduction. Hello TEDxUSC. We are OK Go. What are we doing? Oh, just hanging out with our Grammy. What what! It think we can do better than this. Hello TEDxUSC. We are OK Go. Have you read the "Natural Curiosity Cabinet?" I mean, "Curiosity" -- excuse me. Let me start again. We need some more ridiculous things besides "The Cabinet of Natural Curiosities." Tim's sundial hat. Have you seen the new work they've done to the Waltz Towers? Sorry, start again. Dogs. Hello, TEDxUSC. We are OK Go, and this our new video, "This Too Shall Pass." [unclear] Kay, we can still do one better I think, yeah. That one's pretty good. It's getting better. ♫ You know you can't keep letting it get you down ♫ ♫ And you can't keep dragging that dead weight around ♫ ♫ If there ain't all that much to lug around ♫ ♫ Better run like hell when you hit the ground ♫ ♫ When the morning comes ♫ ♫ When the morning comes ♫ ♫ You can't stop these kids from dancing ♫ ♫ Why would you want to? ♫ ♫ Especially when you're already getting yours ♫ ♫ Cuz if your mind don't move and your knees don't bend ♫ ♫ Well don't go blaming the kids again ♫ ♫ When the morning comes ♫ ♫ When the morning comes ♫ ♫ When the morning comes ♫ ♫ When the morning comes ♫ ♫ When the morning comes ♫ ♫ When the morning comes ♫ ♫ Let it go ♫ ♫ This too shall pass ♫ ♫ Let it go ♫ ♫ This too shall pass ♫ ♫ You know you can't keep letting it get you down ♫ ♫ No, you can't keep letting it get you down ♫ ♫ Let it go ♫ ♫ This too shall pass ♫ ♫ When the morning comes ♫ ♫ When the morning comes ♫ ♫ When the morning comes ♫ ♫ When the morning comes ♫	{ "source": "iwslt2017", "missed_lines": null, "inserted_lines_src": null, "inserted_lines_trg": null }
この感情の衝突は、イスラムの問題において激化している。特にアラブ世界では、イスラムは、自らを新しい不公平な国際的システムの一番の敗者で、最悪の被害者であるとみなす人々が感じる屈辱のカルチャーに支配されている。その観点からは、イスラエル・パレスチナ紛争は典型例といえる。それはすでに執念の戦いになっている。	In the Arab world, in particular, Islam is dominated by a culture of humiliation felt by the people and nations that consider themselves the main losers, the worst victims, of a new and unjust international system. From that standpoint, the Israel-Palestine conflict is exemplary.	{ "source": "news_commentary", "missed_lines": null, "inserted_lines_src": null, "inserted_lines_trg": null }
旧ケニア・トゥルカナ湖アフリカ大陸の大地溝帯にある湖で、その面積は6405km2。つまりは琵琶湖の約10倍に及ぶ世界最大のアルカリ湖である。「はぁ......はぁ......」そしてそんな場所の湖畔をイチコは走っていた。「くっ!」イチコの今の走りはマラソンのように長距離を自分のペースで移動することを目的したものではなく、その走りは何かからの攻撃を避けて逃げるための走りであり、所々に≪形無き王の剣・弱≫による転移も含まれている。そしてイチコが転移した瞬間に先程までイチコが立っていた場所に火柱が上がる。「はぁはぁ......あれなんだというのですか......いえ、正体は分かってますね。あれは......」転移した先の物陰で呼吸を整えつつイチコは敵の姿を確認する。敵の姿は体高20m程の鋼鉄製の巨人。というか、ぶっちゃけ、「ロボットですね。」そうですね。いい加減現実を認めましょう。あれはロボットです。それも戦闘用で人間とかが乗り込めそうなロボットです。武装はミサイルやビームカノン。背中には飛行ユニット。攻撃の射程は100mは確実に超え、情報を共有しているのか一体が敵を発見すると一斉にこちらに向かってきます。あの体躯や素材からして耐久力も相当なものになるでしょう。ただ、種別に関しては私はそちら方面には詳しくないので分かりません。何となく国民的ロボアニメ関係のものではない気がしますが。「それにしても何故トゥルカナ湖でロボなのでしょうか。関連性がまるで見えません。」私は上空で旋回する巨大ロボ群を観察しながらこの地からいち早く離れられる道を捜します。「あの道が良さそうですね。」そして私は一本の道に駆け込みました。 ------------------ トゥルカナ湖を治める魔王の支配領域と外との境目。私の背後ではその魔王のダンジョンである黄金色の板が空中に浮いて発光しています。そして、「そう。甘くはない。という事ですか。」今、私の前には2体のロボットが立っています。片方は全身白で背中に大量の砲撃武器を背負った女性型のロボット。もう片方は全身黒で剣(と言っても持っている存在が大きいので人間から見れば巨大剣の分類ですが。)を両手に持つと同時に予備の剣を腰に何本も提げた男性型のロボットです。彼らには私を逃がす気は無いらしく、既に臨戦態勢を整えています。「分かりました。そちらがその気ならば押し通るだけの話です!」私は右手に普段使っているものよりも遥かに長い剣を作り出して駆け出します。私が駆け出し黒いロボットに近づいたところで、黒いロボットが右手の剣を振り下ろします。私はそれを右に跳んで避けますが、剣が地面に触れた瞬間その黒いロボットの見た目から予想できる通り爆風と大量の土煙が起こり、私は空中に舞い上げられます。そして、私が空中に飛ばされて身動きできなくなったところに白いロボットが背中から無数のミサイルを発射してきます。恐らくは追尾機能があるのでしょう。そのミサイルは全て私目がけて飛んできます。「舐めないでください。」しかし私は長さ2cm程の刃をいくつも左の掌の中に作り出し、ミサイルが25m以内、つまりは≪形無き王の剣・弱≫の射程圏内に入った瞬間にそのミサイルの先端に食い込むように刃を転移して誤爆させます。と、黒いロボットが今度は左手の剣を横に薙いで私を真にしようとします。どうやら二段構えの攻撃だったようですね。ですが、見えてさえいれば問題ありません。攻撃が当たる直前に私は少しだけ今の位置より上の位置に転移することによりその攻撃も避けます。さすがにこの連携が両方とも避けられるのは想定外だったのか二体のロボットが驚いたような表情を見せた......気がします。うう、金属製の顔なので表情が読み取れません。と、反撃もしなければいけませんね。「今度はこちらの番です。≪首切り≫!」私は黒いロボットの眼前に転移し、その頭を叩き潰すように巨大な剣を生み出し、生み出した直後にその剣を横へ振って黒いロボットの頭を刎ね飛ばします。「!!?」が、さすがはロボットと言うべきでしょうか。頭を刎ねられても多少驚いただけで平然と黒いロボットは私に向けて剣を振り回してきます。そして黒いロボットの攻撃と攻撃の間に有る隙間を縫うように白いロボットも背中の武器の先をこちらに向けてビーム?を撃ってきます。その攻撃に対して私は転移とステップを織り交ぜて避けていき、避けている間に集めた金属で作った剣を黒いロボットの関節部を狙って飛ばしていきます。「損傷甚大。機能停止シマス。」そして、突き刺さった剣が20本を超えたころ、黒いロボットが前のめりに倒れます。黒いロボットが倒れたのを受けて白いロボットが飛行ユニットを吹かして上空に逃げます。恐らくは圧倒的なアウトレンジからの一方的に飽和爆撃をする作戦に切り替えたようですね。「ですが甘いです。」私は黒いロボットの体を素材に一本の剣を作り上げます。それは黒いロボットの持っていた剣をさらに巨大化したもの。巨大ロボットどころかビルでも一刀で切れそうな剣。私はそれを≪キーンエッジ≫と≪ヂュラブルエッジ≫で強化した後、≪形無き王の剣・弱≫を連続使用し、上空に逃げた白いロボットの背中にまで移動。「行きます!」そして巨大剣を横に一閃して白いロボットを腰から上下に切り分け、そのダメージによって体内の機関の何かに引火したのでしょうか、白いロボットが爆発します。私はその爆発を巨大剣の後ろに転移することによって防ぎ、強度を保ったまま極限にまで薄く軽くした剣を生み出してパラシュート代わりにして地上へと移動します。「ふう。何とかなりましたね。」パラシュート剣を作ってゆっくりと降下している最中、私は地平線に太陽が沈んでいくのを見ました。そして、遠くの方から星の城が近づいてくるのが...... 「っつ!≪形無き王の剣・弱≫!!」私は急いで地上まで連続転移して身を隠す場所を探します。そして隠れられる場所を見つけて不意に頭上を見たら......、私がさっきまでい場所を何百と言う魔性が猛スピードで通り過ぎていました。おまけに筋骨隆々な悪魔の様な魔性も来ています。もし逃げるのが遅れていたならば......考えたくありません。ひとまず敵が去るのを待って私はさらに北へと向かいました。	At the former Lake Turkana, situated in Kenya. This lake was located in the Great Rift Valley of Africa and had an area of km. That was to say, it was the largest alkaline lake in the world, about times the size of Lake Biwa. “Hah... hah...” And Ichiko was running along the lakeside of such a place. “Damn!” Ichiko’s present speed was not that of a marathoner advancing at her own pace over a long distance, but rather that of someone fleeing from an attack. Here and there, her ≪Sword of the Formless King・Weak≫ was also utilized for teleportation. At the point when Ichiko was teleported, a pillar of fire erupted at the place where she was standing. “Haa haa... what exactly is that... no, I know their true identity. That is...” While regulating her respiration under the shadows of her new position, Ichiko confirmed the enemy’s appearance. The foe was a steel giant that towered roughly 0 meters in height. Or, to put it bluntly, “It’s a robot.” ————– Indeed. For goodness sake, I should just acknowledge reality. That is a robot. A robot for combat use, and one that a human or someone could ride in. It was armed with missiles and beam cannons. On its back was a flying unit. The range of its attack was definitely over 100 meters, and when one of them spotted an adversary, whether they were exchanging information or not, they charged towards the target in tandem. Considering its physique and materials, its durability must be quite extraordinary. However, concerning the classification, I was not familiar with it, therefore, I had no notion. But somehow, I didn’t have a feeling that it was related to the national robot animation. “Even so, why is there a robot at Lake Turkana? I don’t see the relevance at all.” As I observed the giant robots circling above me, I searched for a way to swiftly depart from this place. “That path looks like a good one.” I then rushed to one of the paths. This was the border between the territory under the reign of the Demon King who ruled over Lake Turkana and the outside world. Behind me, the golden slab which was the dungeon of that Demon King floated in the air emitting luminescence. And... “Right. I guess this means they’re not so naive.” In front of me now stood two robots. On one side was a full-body white female robot with enormous artillery weapons on her back. The other was a black-clad male robot with a sword in each hand (albeit it is categorized as a gigantic sword from a human perspective owing to its sheer size) and many spare swords at his waist. They showed no signs of letting me go and were already poised for combat. “I understand. If you are so bent on doing this, I’ll just force my way through!” I produced a sword in my right hand that was much wider than I normally would wield, and began to dash out. As I rushed, approaching the black robot, he swung the sword in his right hand at me. I leaped to the right to avoid it, but as expected from the black robot’s appearance, the moment the sword impacted the ground, a blast and a massive cloud of dust and smoke erupted, propelling me flying into the air. When I was knocked into the air and rendered immobile, the white robot launched barrages of missiles at me from her back. These missiles were most likely equipped with a tracking system. All of them were aimed specifically at me. “Please don’t underestimate me.” However, since the missiles were within 25 meters, in other words, the instant they entered the range of the ≪Sword of the Formless King・Weak≫, I teleported the blades to engage the tips of the missiles and cause them to misfire. The black robot then proceeded to cleave me in half, slashing me horizontally with his left-hand sword. Apparently, this was a two-stage attack. But it posed no problem as long as I can see it. Right before the attack struck, I evaded it by teleporting to a position slightly upper than where I was now. As predicted, it may have been unforeseeable that I would avoid this coordination, so the two robots exhibited a shocked expression... I assumed. Ugh, I can’t decipher their expressions because of their metallic features. And I must counterattack too. “Now it’s my turn. ≪Decapitation≫!” I teleported myself to the black robot’s front and generated a massive sword to smash his head, then swung the sword to the side and beheaded the black robot’s head. “!!?” But, ultimately, a robot was a robot. Even after having his head severed off, the black robot was only mildly startled and unaffectedly brandished his sword at me. And as if to punctuate the interval between the black robot’s attacks, even the white robot turned the tip of the weapon on her back towards me and delivered a beam attack? I directed a sword fashioned from the metal I had amassed at the joints of the black robot, sending it hurtling towards the target, while evading the onslaught with a mixture of transitions and maneuvers. “Damage sustained is severe. Function will be deactivated.” The black robot slumped down when the number of swords penetrating it surpassed 20. With the black robot down, the white robot took flight and whizzed up into the sky. From an overpowering out-of-range position, the robot was likely to have switched to a one-sided saturation bombing strategy. “But that is naive.” Taking the black robot’s body as a material, I created a sword. It was a more immense version of the black robot’s sword. Not only the giant robot, but even a building can be torn apart with a single cut. After reinforcing it with ≪Keen Edge≫ and ≪Durable Edge≫, I continuously employed ≪Sword of the Formless King・Weak≫ and moved to the back of the white robot that had fled into the sky above me. “Here it comes!” With a strike of my gigantic sword, I split the white robot from the waist up and down, and the white robot burst into flames as if something in her internal system had been detonated by the damage. When the explosion occurred, I blocked it by teleporting behind the colossal sword, creating an incredibly thin and light sword while preserving its power, and descending to the ground using it as a parachute. “Phew. I guess that worked out somehow.” In the midst of making the parachute sword and descending slowly, I could catch a glimpse of the sun setting on the horizon. Then I saw the Star Castle drawing closer in the distance... “! ≪Sword of the Formless King・Weak≫!!” I hastily performed continuous teleportation to the ground and searched for a place to hide. And after I had discovered a hiding area and abruptly glanced above my head... Hundreds of demons were passing by at breakneck speed where I was just a moment ago. On top of that, muscular demonic beings were also present. If I had been too late to escape... I don’t even want to ponder on it. For the time being, I would wait for the hostiles to leave before heading further north.	{ "source": "manual-fanfic", "missed_lines": 2, "inserted_lines_src": 2, "inserted_lines_trg": 5 }
1月に出版されますので、皆さん3冊まとめ買いして下さいただ... 自分の本が出るのはうれしいし母親も喜ぶと思いますけどみんなの幸せのー話ではありません。ですから、今日は代わりに過去20年間で、他の誰よりもアメリカ人の幸福に貢献した人のお話をします私にとってヒーローである人その男性の名前はハワードモスコウィツパスタソースの改革をした事で有名ですハワードは背が低く、ぽっちゃりしていて 60代で、大きな眼鏡をして、白髪頭もはげて来ていますがとても元気でバイタリティーに溢れていますオウムを飼っていてオペラが好きで中世歴史のマニアでもありますそんな彼の仕事は心理物理学者心理物理学が何なのか全然知らないのですが過去に一度、2年程つき合った彼女も心理物理学の博士号の勉強していましたこのことは2人の関係について何かを物語っているかもしれません心理物理学とは物事を量ること、と理解しています量ることにハワードは強い関心がありますハーバード大学の博士号を取った後ニューヨークのホワイトプレインズで小さなコンサル会社を始めました 70年代のことになりますが最初のクライアントの一つはペプシでしたペプシがハワードの所にやって来て「新しい人工香味料を使ってダイエットペプシを作りたいのだがどれだけ人工香味料を入れれば完璧なダイエットペプシになるか調べたい」と一見単純な質問のように聞こえますハワードもそう思っていました「8~12%の間で考えている」とペプシは言いました「8%以下だと、甘さが足りないし 12%以上だと、甘過ぎる 8~12%の間で一番美味しくなるのはどこかを知りたい」そんなの簡単だと思われるでしょう? 大量にペプシを用意して、甘さを変えて行きます 8.1%、8.2%、8.3%から始めて 12%まで用意して、大勢の人に試飲してもらう結果をグラフにして一番人気のある濃度を見つける。とても簡単ですハワードがその実験をして、結果をグラフにしましたしかし想像したような釣鐘曲線になりませんグラフは無意味滅茶苦茶、てんでバラバラなのです食品の試験を仕事にしている人たちはデータが滅茶苦茶でもうろたえないでしょうコーラの好みは単純じゃないってことだ、とかどっかでミスったのかも、と思いもっともらしい答えを出そうじゃないか、と言って真ん中の10%を選ぶでしょうでも、ハワードは納得しませんハワードの知的な基準が高くこんな結果では満足出来ませんでしたなぜこうなったのか、と長年悩まされ何が悪いのかと何度も考えましたダイエットペプシの実験結果が支離滅裂なんだろう? ある日、ホワイトプレインズの食堂にいてネスカフェの仕事について考えていた時まるで電撃が走る様に答えを思いついたのですダイエットペプシのデータを分析した時間違ったものを探していた、ということです完璧なペプシを探していたのですが本当は完璧なペプシ”達”を探すべきだったのですこれはすごい発見なのです食品科学業界における大発見の一つです皆に教えてやろうと全国のカンファレンスに出かけそして講演で語りました「完璧なペプシを探していたのが間違いだった探すべきは完璧なペプシ達だ」聴衆はきょとんとし「何言ってるんだ?クレージーだ」相手にされませんその後クライアントもいなくなったのですが、ハワード執着は終わりませんいつまでもずっとその話ばかりをしました彼の好きな諺は「菜っ葉に住む虫には菜っ葉が全世界」これがハワードの菜っ葉なのです取り憑かれていましたそして遂に突破口を見つけました。ヴラシックピクルス社です「モスコウィッツさん、えーっと、モスコウィッツ博士... 完璧なピクルスを作りたいのですが」と聞かれ「完璧なピクルスなどありません。あるのは完璧なピクルス達です」と答えますそして調査して伝えました。「通常のピクルスを改良するだけではなく辛口のピクルスも作る必要があります」それがピリっとしたピクルスの始まります次のクライアントはキャンベルスープでした今回はさらに重要でしたというのも、これでハワードが有名になったからです 80年代、キャンベルの商品プレーゴはライバル社のラグーに負けていました 70〜80年代は圧倒的にラグーが売れていましたご興味があるかどうか分かりませんが時間はあるかなまあ、単刀直入に言うとプレーゴはラグーより質の高いトマトソースなのですトマトペーストの質、スパイスの調合パスタとの絡み具合等、どれをとっても優れています 70年代にあったラグーとプレーゴの有名な実験でお皿にもられたパスタに各ソースをかけますラグーは底に落ちますが、プレーゴはパスタの上にちゃんと乗りますこれは付着性といいますとにかく、付着性に優れておりトマトペーストの品質もいいのに、プレーゴは苦戦していましたそこでハワードに助けを求めた訳です商品を見てハワードは言いました「これじゃあダメです」そして、「私ならこうする」と言いキャンベルのキッチンで 45種類ものパスタソースを作りましたトマトソースの種類で思いつく全てです甘さ、ガーリックの強さ、酸味、トマト味パスタソース業界の私のお気に入りの言葉 — 固まり入り思いつく限りのバリエーションを全て作りましたそしてそれを引っさげ、全国を駆け回りますニューヨーク、シカゴ、ジャクソンビルロサンゼルスなど。そしてホールに人を山ほど集めて 2時間の試食で 10種類のパスタソースを食べてもらいました種類の違うソースをかけたパスタを小皿に10個です試食後、各パスタに0から100までの点数をつけてもらいますパスタソースはどんなに美味しかったかこれを何ヶ月も繰り返した後膨大なデータを持ち帰りましたアメリカ人がどんなパスタソースが好きか、というデータそして分析しました一番人気のあるパスタソースを探したのでしょうか? 違います! ハワードは一番人気、というものを信じませんその代わりに、データを見ていくつかのグループに分けてみよう、と提案しました何か特徴的なグループが見つかるかやってみよう、とパスタソースのデータをよく見て解析してみるとアメリカ人は大きく分けて3つのグループに分かれますシンプルなパスタソースが好きなグループスパイシーなパスタソースが好きなグループトマトが固まりで入ったパスタソースが好きなグループですこの3つの中でも特に重要なのが3番目ですこの実験が行われた1980年初期にはスーパーに行っても固まり入りのパスタソースは売られていなかったからですプレーゴは尋ねました「アメリカ人の3分の1は固まり入りのパスタソースを望んでいるのにどこも作ってないと言うのか?」ハワードは「そうだ」とプレーゴがその後パスタソースをすっかり作り変え固まり入りのソースを売り出した途端にこの国のパスタソース業界のトップになりましたその後の10年間で6億ドルを生み出したのは固まり入りのパスタソースだったのですハワードの業績を見た業界の人々は「オーマイゴッド!俺たちは間違っていた!」と言った訳ですそういう成り行きから、7種類のビネガーや 14種類のマスタード、71種類のオリーブオイルなどが出来たのですその後、ラグーもハワードに仕事を依頼しましたハワードは同様の実験をラグー社でも行いました今日の大きなスーパーにラグーのパスタソースが何種類あるか... 想像がつきますか?36種類です! 6つのシリーズがあって、チーズ味、ライト、ロバストリッチ&ハーティー、トラディショナル、固まり入りガーデン風ハワードの業績です。彼からアメリカ人みんなへの贈り物ですどうしてこれが重要なのでしょう? 実は非常に重要なのです。説明しますねハワードは食品業界の考え方を根本的に変えたのですどうすれば人は喜ぶのかについてかつての食品業界の第一の前提は人々が何を食べたいか知りたれば彼らに聞け、というものでしたずーっと何年もラグーとプレーゴは色々な人を招いて、フォーカスグループを催して尋ねました「どんなパスタソースが好きですか?好きなパスタソースを教えて下さい」長年、20〜30年もの間数々のフォーカスグループの中で誰一人として“固まりの入ったソース”とは言いませんでした 3分の1の人は、心の奥底では望んでいたはずなのに何が欲しいか分かってないのです! 「舌が欲しいものを頭は知らない」とハワードはよく言います不思議ですよね望みや好みを理解する上で重要な第一歩は心の奥底で望むものを私たちは必ずしも説明できないのだと認識することです例えば、この部屋の皆さんにどういうコーヒーが好きか聞いたとしますきっとみんな「濃くて豊かで深いローストのコーヒー」と言います聞かれた場合に皆が必ず口を揃えて答えます濃くて、豊かで、深いロースト! 濃くて、豊かで、深いローストのコーヒーが本当に好きな人は何%でしょう? ハワードによると、25~27%ということです殆どの人は、ミルクの入った味の薄いコーヒーが好きなのですでも、聞かれた時に絶対に言いませんよね? 「ミルクの入った味の薄いコーヒーが好き」これが、ハワードの一番の業績ですハワードの2番目の業績ですがこれもとても重要なんです「水平的なセグメンテーション」の重要さに気づかせてくれたことどうして大切なのでしょう? ハワード以前の食品業界はこんな考え方でした 80年代初期に皆が熱中していたもの、それはマスタードでした特にグレープーポンの話に夢中でした昔はフレンチとグルデンしかありませんでした黄色いマスタードです黄色いマスタードシード、ターメリック、パプリカ。それがマスタードでしたそこへグレープーポンの“ディジョン”が現れました茶色のマスタードシード、白ワイン、鼻にツンとくる辛みずっと繊細な香り。そしてどうしたのでしょう? エナメルのレーベル付きの小さなガラスの瓶に入れたのですフランス製に見えますが、実際はカリフォルニアで作っています 8オンス瓶を、フレンチやグルデンみたいに1ドル50セントではなく 4ドルという値段で売り出したのですそしてあのコマーシャル ― ロールスロイスでグレープーポンを― 食べていると、もう1台近づいて来て言うのです「グレープーポンを分けてもらえないか?」この後グレープーポンの売り上げが急上昇しますマスタード業界のトップ! 他の人が学んだレッスンというのは人々をハッピーにするやり方でしたみんなが憧れる高級品を提供するということです今現在好きだと思っている物を、実は好きではないかもと思わせることマスタード界のピラミッドの頂点に立つということより良いマスタード!より高級なマスタード! 洗練され、文化と意味を感じさせるマスタードハワードはこれに対して「間違っている!」と言ったのですマスタード界のピラミッドはないんだ、とトマトソースと同様に、マスタードも水平レベルにあるんだ、といいマスタードも悪いマスタードもない完璧なマスタードも不完全なマスタードもない異なる人の好みに合った異なるマスタードがあるだけだ彼は、好みの味についての考え方を民主化したのですハワードモスコウィッツに感謝すべきですハワードの3つ目の業績が一番大切かも知れませんプラトニックな料理の観念に立ち向かった事ですどういう意味かと言いますと長年、食品業界では完璧な料理を作る方法は1つしかない、と思われていましたシェパニースに行って、レッドテールの刺身を出されたとしましょうローストされたパンプキンシードと、何かの煮詰めソース煮詰めソースに5種類もないですよね? 固まり入りの煮詰めソースになさいますか、それとも...などとは聞かれませんシェパニースのシェフが作った煮詰めソースを出さますよねそのシェフにはレッドテールの刺身に対する理想像があるからですこれはこうあるべきだそして彼女は毎回そのように作りますもし反論しようものなら「あなたが間違っている。このレストランの最高の味なのよ」と言われるでしょう食品業界も同じ考え方でしたトマトソースに1つの理想像を持っているのですそれはどこから来たのでしょう?イタリアですイタリアのトマトソースはどうでしょう?水っぽいですね伝統的なトマトソースは水っぽかったのです 1970年代のホンモノのトマトソースはイタリア系のトマトソースでした。初期のラグーですね固まりは入っていません水っぽく、パスタにかけると全部底に溜まってしまう様なソースどうしてそういうソースに執着していたんでしょう? 人々をハッピーにするには本場のトマトソースが必要そう思い込んでいたんです本場のトマトソースを提供すれば皆喜ぶだろうと思っていたのですそれが最大多数を喜ばせる方法だとそう思った理由は何かと言うと料理界の人々は普遍性を求めていたのですみんなを喜ばす1つの方法を探していたのです彼らが普遍性のアイデアに執着するのももっともで 19世紀から20世紀の殆どの時代科学は普遍性に執着していたからです心理学者、医学者、経済学者は皆揃って私たちの行動を支配する法則に関心を持っていましたしかしそれも変わりましたここ10、15年の科学の最大の変化は何でしょう? 普遍性を追求するのではなく、多様性を理解するということです医学分野では、癌の仕組みよりも他の人の癌と自分の癌がどう違うのかという方が重要です私の癌はあなたの癌とは違っています遺伝学が人間の多様性の研究への扉を開いたのですハワードモスコウィッツが行ったのもこれと同じトマトソース業界の改革でした彼に心から感謝したいと思います多様性についてもう一つ例をあげましょうハワードはこれで納得せず、そこから更に掘り下げたのです食べ物の普遍的原則を求めるのは間違っているだけではなく、害にすらなるのですハワードはコーヒーを例に挙げました彼はコーヒーについてはネスカフェとずいぶん仕事しましたから私がコーヒーのブランドを作るように依頼されたとしましょうコーヒーの種類、入れ方など...全員の好みに合うコーヒーですそのコーヒーに評価を付けてもらうと平均点は100点満点で60点くらいになるでしょうしかし、もしいくつかのグループに分けても良いのなら 3つか4つのコーヒーグループですねそして、各グループの好みにあわせてコーヒーを作ったとします評価は60点から75~78点に上がるでしょう 60点と78点のコーヒーの違いは身震いする程まずいコーヒーとため息が出る程ハッピーなコーヒー程大きいのですこれがハワードモスコウィッツの最も素晴らしい教訓です人類の多様性を受け入れる事によって本当の幸せを見つけられるのですありがとうございました	and I realized that although my new book makes me happy, and I think would make my mother happy, it's not really about happiness. So I decided instead, I would talk about someone who I think has done as much to make Americans happy a man who is a great personal hero of mine: someone by the name of Howard Moskowitz, who is most famous for reinventing spaghetti sauce. Howard's about this high, and he's round, and he's in his 60s, and he has big huge glasses and thinning gray hair, and he has a kind of wonderful exuberance and vitality, and he has a parrot, and he loves the opera, and he's a great aficionado of medieval history. And by profession, he's a psychophysicist. Now, I should tell you that I have no idea what psychophysics is, although at some point in my life, I dated a girl for two years who was getting her doctorate in psychophysics. Which should tell you something about that relationship. As far as I know, psychophysics is about measuring things. And Howard is very interested in measuring things. And he graduated with his doctorate from Harvard, and he set up a little consulting shop in White Plains, New York. And one of his first clients was Pepsi. This is many years ago, back in the early 70s. And Pepsi came to Howard and they said, "You know, there's this new thing called aspartame, and we would like to make Diet Pepsi. We'd like you to figure out how much aspartame we should put in each can of Diet Pepsi in order to have the perfect drink." Now that sounds like an incredibly straightforward question to answer, and that's what Howard thought. Because Pepsi told him, "We're working with a band between eight and 12 percent. Anything below eight percent sweetness is not sweet enough; anything above 12 percent sweetness is too sweet. We want to know: what's the sweet spot between 8 and 12?" Now, if I gave you this problem to do, you would all say, it's very simple. What we do is you make up a big experimental batch of Pepsi, at every degree of sweetness -- eight percent, 8.1, 8.2, 8.3, all the way up to 12 -- and we try this out with thousands of people, and we plot the results on a curve, and we take the most popular concentration, right? Really simple. Howard does the experiment, and he gets the data back, and he plots it on a curve, and all of a sudden he realizes it's not a nice bell curve. In fact, the data doesn't make any sense. It's a mess. It's all over the place. Now, most people in that business, in the world of testing food and such, are not dismayed when the data comes back a mess. They think, "Well, you know, figuring out what people think about cola's not that easy." "You know, maybe we made an error somewhere along the way." "You know, let's just make an educated guess," and they simply point and they go for 10 percent, right in the middle. Howard is not so easily placated. Howard is a man of a certain degree of intellectual standards. And this was not good enough for him, and this question bedeviled him for years. And he would think it through and say, "What was wrong? Why could we not make sense of this experiment with Diet Pepsi?" And one day, he was sitting in a diner in White Plains, about to go trying to dream up some work for Nescafé. And suddenly, like a bolt of lightning, the answer came to him. And that is, that when they analyzed the Diet Pepsi data, they were asking the wrong question. They were looking for the perfect Pepsi, and they should have been looking for the perfect Pepsis. Trust me. This was an enormous revelation. This was one of the most brilliant breakthroughs in all of food science. Howard immediately went on the road, and he would go to conferences around the country, and he would stand up and say, "You had been looking for the perfect Pepsi. You're wrong. You should be looking for the perfect Pepsis." And people would look at him blankly and say, "What are you talking about? Craziness." And they would say, "Move! Next!" Tried to get business, nobody would hire him -- he was obsessed, though, and he talked about it and talked about it. Howard loves the Yiddish expression "To a worm in horseradish, the world is horseradish." This was his horseradish. He was obsessed with it! And finally, he had a breakthrough. Vlasic Pickles came to him, and they said, "Doctor Moskowitz, we want to make the perfect pickle." And he said, "There is no perfect pickle; there are only perfect pickles." And he came back to them and he said, "You don't just need to improve your regular; you need to create zesty." And that's where we got zesty pickles. Then the next person came to him: Campbell's Soup. And this was even more important. In fact, Campbell's Soup is where Howard made his reputation. Campbell's made Prego, and Prego, in the early 80s, was struggling next to Ragù, which was the dominant spaghetti sauce of the 70s and 80s. In the industry -- I don't know whether you care about this, or how much time I have to go into this. But it was, technically speaking -- this is an aside -- Prego is a better tomato sauce than Ragù. The quality of the tomato paste is much better; the spice mix is far superior; it adheres to the pasta in a much more pleasing way. In fact, they would do the famous bowl test back in the 70s with Ragù and Prego. You'd have a plate of spaghetti, and you would pour it on, right? That's called "adherence." And, anyway, despite the fact that they were far superior in adherence, and the quality of their tomato paste, Prego was struggling. So they came to Howard, and they said, fix us. And Howard looked at their product line, and he said, what you have is a dead tomato society. So he said, this is what I want to do. And he got together with the Campbell's soup kitchen, and he made 45 varieties of spaghetti sauce. And he varied them according to every conceivable way that you can vary tomato sauce: by sweetness, by level of garlic, by visible solids -- my favorite term in the spaghetti sauce business. Every conceivable way you can vary spaghetti sauce, he varied spaghetti sauce. And then he took this whole raft of 45 spaghetti sauces, and he went on the road. He went to New York, to Chicago, he went to Jacksonville, to Los Angeles. And he brought in people by the truckload into big halls. And he sat them down for two hours, and over the course of that two hours, he gave them ten bowls. Ten small bowls of pasta, with a different spaghetti sauce on each one. And after they ate each bowl, they had to rate, from 0 to 100, how good they thought the spaghetti sauce was. At the end of that process, after doing it for months and months, he had a mountain of data about how the American people feel about spaghetti sauce. And then he analyzed the data. Did he look for the most popular variety of spaghetti sauce? No! Howard doesn't believe that there is such a thing. Instead, he looked at the data, and he said, let's see if we can group all these different data points into clusters. Let's see if they congregate around certain ideas. And sure enough, if you sit down, and you analyze all this data on spaghetti sauce, you realize that all Americans fall into one of three groups. There are people who like their spaghetti sauce plain; there are people who like their spaghetti sauce spicy; and there are people who like it extra chunky. And of those three facts, the third one was the most significant, because at the time, in the early 1980s, if you went to a supermarket, you would not find extra-chunky spaghetti sauce. And Prego turned to Howard, and they said, "You're telling me that one third of Americans crave extra-chunky spaghetti sauce and yet no one is servicing their needs?" And he said "Yes!" And Prego then went back, and completely reformulated their spaghetti sauce, and came out with a line of extra chunky that immediately and completely took over the spaghetti sauce business in this country. And over the next 10 years, they made 600 million dollars off their line of extra-chunky sauces. Everyone else in the industry looked at what Howard had done, and they said, "Oh my god! We've been thinking all wrong!" And that's when you started to get seven different kinds of vinegar, and 14 different kinds of mustard, and 71 different kinds of olive oil. And then eventually even Ragù hired Howard, and Howard did the exact same thing for Ragù that he did for Prego. And today, if you go to a really good supermarket, do you know how many Ragùs there are? 36! In six varieties: Cheese, Light, Robusto, Rich & Hearty, Old World Traditional -- That's Howard's doing. That is Howard's gift to the American people. Now why is that important? It is, in fact, enormously important. I'll explain to you why. What Howard did is he fundamentally changed the way the food industry thinks about making you happy. Assumption number one in the food industry used to be that the way to find out what people want to eat, what will make people happy, is to ask them. And for years and years and years, Ragù and Prego would have focus groups, and they would sit you down, and they would say, "What do you want in a spaghetti sauce? Tell us what you want in a spaghetti sauce." And for all those years -- 20, 30 years -- through all those focus group sessions, no one ever said they wanted extra-chunky. Even though at least a third of them, deep in their hearts, actually did. People don't know what they want! As Howard loves to say, "The mind knows not what the tongue wants." It's a mystery! And a critically important step in understanding our own desires and tastes is to realize that we cannot always explain what we want, deep down. If I asked all of you, for example, in this room, what you want in a coffee, Every one of you would say, "I want a dark, rich, hearty roast." It's what people always say when you ask them. "What do you like?" "Dark, rich, hearty roast!" What percentage of you actually like a dark, rich, hearty roast? According to Howard, somewhere between 25 and 27 percent of you. Most of you like milky, weak coffee. But you will never, ever say to someone who asks you what you want that "I want a milky, weak coffee." So that's number one thing that Howard did. Number two thing that Howard did is he made us realize -- it's another very critical point -- he made us realize the importance of what he likes to call "horizontal segmentation." Why is this critical? Because this is the way the food industry thought before Howard. What were they obsessed with in the early 80s? They were obsessed with mustard. In particular, they were obsessed with the story of Grey Poupon. Used to be, there were two mustards: French's and Gulden's. What were they? Yellow mustard. What's in it? Yellow mustard seeds, turmeric, and paprika. That was mustard. Grey Poupon came along, with a Dijon. Much more volatile brown mustard seed, some white wine, a nose hit, much more delicate aromatics. And what do they do? They put it in a little tiny glass jar, with a wonderful enameled label on it, made it look French, even though it's made in Oxnard, California. And instead of charging a dollar fifty for the eight-ounce bottle, the way that French's and Gulden's did, they decided to charge four dollars. And they had those ads. With the guy in the Rolls Royce, eating the Grey Poupon. Another pulls up, and says, "Do you have any Grey Poupon?" And the whole thing, after they did that, Grey Poupon takes off! Takes over the mustard business! And everyone's take-home lesson from that was that the way to make people happy is to give them something that is more expensive, something to aspire to. It's to make them turn their back on what they think they like now, and reach out for something higher up the mustard hierarchy. A better mustard! A more expensive mustard! A mustard of more sophistication and culture and meaning. And Howard looked to that and said, "That's wrong!" Mustard does not exist on a hierarchy. Mustard exists, just like tomato sauce, on a horizontal plane. There is no good mustard or bad mustard. There is no perfect mustard or imperfect mustard. There are only different kinds of mustards that suit different kinds of people. He fundamentally democratized the way we think about taste. And for that, as well, we owe Howard Moskowitz a huge vote of thanks. Third thing that Howard did, and perhaps the most important, is Howard confronted the notion of the Platonic dish. What do I mean by that? For the longest time in the food industry, there was a sense that there was one way, a perfect way, to make a dish. You go to Chez Panisse, they give you the red-tail sashimi with roasted pumpkin seeds in a something something reduction. They don't give you five options on the reduction. They don't say, "Do you want the extra-chunky reduction, or ...?" No! You just get the reduction. Why? Because the chef at Chez Panisse has a Platonic notion about red-tail sashimi. "This is the way it ought to be." And she serves it that way time and time again, and if you quarrel with her, she will say, "You know what? You're wrong! This is the best way it ought to be in this restaurant." Now that same idea fueled the commercial food industry as well. They had a Platonic notion of what tomato sauce was. And where did that come from? It came from Italy. Italian tomato sauce is what? It's blended; it's thin. The culture of tomato sauce was thin. When we talked about "authentic tomato sauce" in the 1970s, we talked about Italian tomato sauce, we talked about the earliest Ragùs, which had no visible solids, right? Which were thin, you just put a little bit and it sunk down to the bottom of the pasta. That's what it was. And why were we attached to that? Because we thought that what it took to make people happy was to provide them with the most culturally authentic tomato sauce, A. And B, we thought that if we gave them the culturally authentic tomato sauce, then they would embrace it. And that's what would please the maximum number of people. In other words, people in the cooking world were looking for cooking universals. They were looking for one way to treat all of us. And it's good reason for them to be obsessed with the idea of universals, through the 19th century and much of the 20th, was obsessed with universals. Psychologists, medical scientists, economists were all interested in finding out the rules that govern the way all of us behave. But that changed, right? What is the great revolution in science of the last 10, 15 years? It is the movement from the search for universals to the understanding of variability. Now in medical science, we don't want to know, necessarily, just how cancer works, we want to know how your cancer is different from my cancer. I guess my cancer different from your cancer. Genetics has opened the door to the study of human variability. What Howard Moskowitz was doing was saying, "This same revolution needs to happen in the world of tomato sauce." And for that, we owe him a great vote of thanks. I'll give you one last illustration of variability, and that is -- oh, I'm sorry. Howard not only believed that, but he took it a second step, which was to say that when we pursue universal principles in food, we aren't just making an error; we are actually doing ourselves a massive disservice. And the example he used was coffee. And coffee is something he did a lot of work with, with Nescafé. If I were to ask all of you to try and come up with a brand of coffee -- a type of coffee, a brew -- that made all of you happy, and then I asked you to rate that coffee, the average score in this room for coffee would be about 60 on a scale of 0 to 100. If, however, you allowed me to break you into coffee clusters, maybe three or four coffee clusters, and I could make coffee just for each of those individual clusters, your scores would go from 60 to 75 or 78. The difference between coffee at 60 and coffee at 78 is a difference between coffee that makes you wince, and coffee that makes you deliriously happy. That is the final, and I think most beautiful lesson, of Howard Moskowitz: that in embracing the diversity of human beings, we will find a surer way to true happiness. Thank you.	{ "source": "iwslt2017", "missed_lines": null, "inserted_lines_src": null, "inserted_lines_trg": null }
柔軟を終えると、陣形の作り方の講義が始まった。「まずは最も基本的な陣形、鷹の陣を教える。敵に対して翼を広げたように布陣する方法だ。敵軍が進軍してきた場合、左右の翼を動かして包囲することができる。それゆえ、両端は機動力の高い者を、中心には攻撃に持ちこたえる防御力の高い者を据えるの的だ」宙に浮かんだ大きな板の上に、赤い駒が並べられる。魔道具の一種なのだろうか、クローシェザードの説明と同時に駒が勝手に動いて、下向きの矢印のような形を描いていた。説明を終えると、彼の指示に従って防御の魔法に長けた者が中央に選出されていく。シェイラは機動力を認められ、左翼の一員になった。両隣は知らない上級生で、こちらを冷たく見下ろしていた。「有事の際は、このメンバーで事に当たる可能性もある。授業だからと気を緩めずしっかりと配置を頭に叩き込め。布陣が正常に機能するためには、一人ひとりの意識が重要になってくる。己の役割、周りとの連携を常に忘れぬようにしなさい」 ――周りとの連携か......何か気が遠くなりそうな話だな。まず友好を深めるところから始めなければ、連携など夢のまた夢だ。そう感じるのはシェイラだけだろうか。「次に、剣の陣を教える。中央が前方に突き出た形の陣。戦端が狭くなっており、特攻で相手を一気に突き崩すような超攻撃型の布陣だ。兵が密集していることから、消耗戦に強いという長所もある。一方で側面や後方からの攻撃に弱い」先ほどと同じ板が現れ、駒が動き始める。駒は剣のように、細長い陣形へと変化していった。「この布陣の場合、突破力の高い者を先頭に据える。これは魔力の強いレイディルーン⋅セントリクスがいいだろう。そして彼を補助する者をすぐ後ろに配置する。魔力的な補助ができる者と、魔術が無効化した場合に備えて剣術に特化した者。リグレス⋅オルブラントとシェイラ⋅ダナウがいいだろう」クローシェザードの言葉に、生徒達がざわりとさざめいた。鷹の陣はともかく、剣の陣は少数の精鋭しか選ばれなかった。そこに平民のシェイラが選ばれたことに、他の生徒達は驚愕を隠せないようだった。ただ驚くだけで終わらず、怒りや嫉妬に駆られ激しい視線をぶつける者もいる。「名前を呼ばれた者は前へ出るように」「――――はいっ」レイディルーンとリグレスと目が合った。表情に変化はないものの、それぞれの瞳には案じるような色が見受けられる。シェイラはこっそりと頷き返した。それから、全員の立ち位置の確認をしていくクローシェザードをちらりと見上げた。彼はいつもと変わらない。あくまで公平な教師といった態度だ。一体何を考えてシェイラを抜擢したのだろうか。陣形が組み終わり、全体の動きを確認した。レイディルーンを先頭にすると、全員が一糸乱れぬ完璧な動きを見せる。補助のリグレスが前に出る時も、同じように問題はなかった。けれどシェイラが前に立つと、どうしようもなく隊列が乱れてしまう。ほとんどの生徒は感情と実習は別と割り切って真面目に取り組んでいるが、ごく一部の生徒があからさまに連携を守らない。それは下級貴族に多いように思った。食事会の時のゼクスの忠告が頭をよぎる。充実した授業になればいいと思っていたけれど、これはしばらく先が思いやられそうだ。朝に抱いていたやる気や期待が脆くも崩れ去っていく気がして、シェイラはため息を圧し殺した。 ◇ ◆ ◇ レイディルーンやリグレスに実力を認めてもらっているためか、表立って酷いことをされたりはしなかった。けれど日常のあらゆるところに、嫌がらせは散りばめられている。朝目覚めると部屋の前に蛇の死骸が置いてあったり。ロッカーの中が水浸しになっていて、稽古着がずぶ濡れで着られなかったり。教科書が忽然と紛失していたこともあった。フェリクスにお願いして新品の物を買い直してもらったが、平民のシェイラには心苦しいことだった。それからは私物の管理に気を遣っているので、物に対する嫌がらせはなくなったが、今度はシェイラ自身が攻撃対象になった。廊下をすれ違い様、肩がぶつかったり。足を引っ掛けられたり。しかしこの程度はシェイラが難なくかわしてしまうので、仕掛ける側を余計煽ってしまったらしい。放課後、久しぶりに図書館へ向かおうと一人で中庭を突っ切っていると、何もない空からザブンと水が落ちてきたのだ。これもやはり咄嗟に避けたため、肩が僅かに濡れる程度で済んだ。しかし相手も火がついたのか、立て続けに水を仕掛けてくる。おそらく水魔法だろうが、流石に避けきれる範囲ではなかった。その内の一つに着弾し、見事全身濡れ鼠になってしまった。最近は成績が落ち着いていたので、ヨルンヴェルナとの補習が連日ではなくなっていた。それがこんなトラブルに発展してしまうなんて、考えもしなかった。 ――参ったなぁ。ブレザーが被害に遭わなかったことは本当によかったけど、稽古着だって替えは一着しかないのに......。とりあえず、常時胸当てを装備していて正解だった。おかげで稽古着が透けてもさらしを巻いていることに気付かれずに済む。シェイラは雫が滴り落ちる前髪を払い、服の裾をぎゅっと絞った。嫌がらせが成功したからか、物陰から満足げな表情の生徒が進み出た。授業で足を引っ張った一人だ。「いい様だな。みすぼらしい格好だ」ふんぞり返ってせせら笑うのは、金髪の貴族的な少年。意地悪げに吊り上がった瞳が蔑みを込めてシェイラを見下ろしていた。「貴様は特別コースに、いや、この学院に相応しくない。これ以上辛い目に遭いたくなければ、さっさとシュタイツ学院から出ていくことだな」「.....................」これ以上、ということは、シェイラが受けてきた行為を把握しているということ。今までの嫌がらせの内、全てとは言い切れないが、幾つかには関わっていると自白したようなものだった。元々の大雑把な性格のおかげで大して気にせず過ごせているが、目の前に犯人がいるというのは何とも複雑な気持ちになる。「あー......、えっと、すいません。お名前を窺ってもいいですか?」同学年でないことは確かだが、見覚えがないため何年生かも分からない。相手の燗に触らないよう、シェイラは怖々と口を開いた。しかし気遣いも虚しく、少年の神経質そうな柳眉が跳ね上がった。「私を知らないとは、やはり庶民出身は学がないな。私はディリアム⋅イシュメール!イシュメール伯爵家の嫡男、つまり後継者だ!」腰に手を当てて高らかに名乗るディリアムの声が、ひと気のない中庭に寒々しくこだまする。そこそこ整った顔には、『さぁ存分に崇め奉れ』とハッキリ書いてあるようにさえ見えた。何ともツッコミたい衝動に駆られるが、ここは流すのが正解なのだろう。シェイラは何事もなかったかのようにコクリと頷いた。「では、ディリアム先輩。こういうイタズラは、着替えを取りに行くのが面倒だから、やらないでもらえると嬉しいのですが」ディリアムはとても嬉しそうに、意地悪そうに笑った。「なぜ私が庶民の願いを聞き入れると思う?」「そうですよね............」思った通りの答えが返ってきただけなので、落胆したりはしなかった。頼んで聞き入れてくれるようなら、まず嫌がらせをしないだろう。彼らはシェイラの存在自体を認めていない。嫌がらせをなくしたいなら、どうにかして認めてもらう他ないのだ。「――――分かりました。時期的に服もすぐ乾くだろうし、やめてほしいという言葉は取り下げます。ディリアム先輩も忘れてください。失礼します」折り目正しく礼を取ってその場を辞そうとしたシェイラだったが、なぜかディリアムに引き留められた。「いや、ちょっと待て、貴様」振り向くと、彼は心底驚いたような顔をしていた。「何ですか?」「貴様、もう少しこう、怯えるとか、傷付いて泣くとか、それらしい反応はできないのか!」「............できないのか、と言われても、」なぜこんな会話を、被害者と加害者の間で繰り広げているのか。どちらかといえばその方が疑問だった。そんな理不尽なことで怒られても。シェイラは気が遠くなりそうな心地でディリアムを見つめた。	After finishing the exercises, a lecture on how to make a formation began. “First, I will teach you the most basic formation, the hawk formation, in which you form a line of battle with the wings outstretched against the enemy. If the enemy forces advance, you can surround them by moving the left and right wings. Therefore, it is common practice to place highly mobile soldiers at both ends and defensive soldiers in the center who can hold their own against an attack.” Red pieces were lined up on a large board floating in the air. The pieces, perhaps a kind of magical tool, moved on their own at the same time as Claushezade explained, drawing a downward arrow-like shape. After he finished explaining, those skilled in defensive magic were elected to the center according to his instructions. Sheila was recognized for her mobility and became a member of the left wing. On either side of her were upperclassmen, who she didn’t recognize, who were looking down at her coldly. “In the event of an emergency, there is a possibility that this team will be involved. Don’t relax just because it is a class, but make sure that you have the arrangement firmly in mind. In order for the lineup to function properly, the awareness of each and every one of you will be crucial. Always remember your role and how to cooperate with those around you.” Cooperation with those around you, huh.... That’ll be difficult. If they didn’t start by deepening their friendship, cooperation was just a pipe dream. Was Sheila the only one who felt that way? “Next, I will teach you the sword formation. The center of the formation protrudes forward. The battlefield will be narrowed, but it is an aggressive attack formation that will break down the opponent in one fell swoop with a kamikaze-style attack The same board as before appeared and the pieces began to move. The pieces transformed into a long, thin formation, like a sword. “In the case of this line-up, the person with the highest breakthrough power is placed at the front. That would be Leidyrune Centrix, who has strong magical power. After that, someone who can assist him should be placed right behind him. One who can assist him magically and one who specializes in swordsmanship in case the other person’s magic is disabled. Regress Olbrandt and Sheila Danau would be good.” The students murmured at Claushezade’s words. Aside from the hawk formation, only a few elite students were chosen for the sword team. The fact that Sheila, a commoner, was chosen for it was a surprise to the other students. They weren’t only surprised, but some of them were also furious and jealous, and looked at her intensely. “Those whose names were called, please step forward.” “――Yes!” Sheila met eyes with Leidyrune and Regress. Although there was no change in their expressions, a concerned look could be seen in each of their eyes. Sheila nodded back at them stealthily. Then she glanced up at Claushezade, who was checking everyone’s position. He was the same as always, still acting like an impartial teacher. What in the world was he thinking when he selected Sheila? After the formation was finished, Claushezade checked the overall movement. With Leidyrune in the lead, everyone moved flawlessly without any disturbance. When the auxiliary Regress went forward, there was no problem as well. However, when Sheila stood in front, the formation was inexplicably disorganized. Most of the students were taking it seriously, separating the practical training from their emotions, but a small percentage of the students were blatantly not cooperating. That seemed to be the case with many of the lower-class nobles. Zechs’ advice at the dinner party came to mind. She was hoping for a smooth class, but that was going to be a while in the future. Sheila suppressed her sigh as she felt her motivation and expectations for the morning crumbled. ◇ ◆ ◇ Sheila wasn’t subjected to any outwardly harsh treatment, perhaps because she was recognized for her abilities by Leidyrune and Regress. However, harassment still happened in every part of her daily life. When she woke up in the morning, she found a dead snake in front of her room. The inside of her locker was also soaked with water, so she couldn’t put on her training clothes because they were soaking wet. There were times when her textbooks were suddenly lost. She asked Felix to buy new ones for her, but it was a very unpleasant experience for Sheila. Since then, she had been careful to keep track of her personal belongings, so the harassment of her things had ceased, but now Sheila herself had become the target of attacks. She would pass other people in the hallway, and their shoulders would bump into her or they would try to make her slip. However, Sheila was able to dodge these attacks without difficulty, which seemed to have aggravated the aggressors even more. After school, when she was crossing the courtyard alone to go to the library for the first time in a while, water suddenly fell from the sky. She dodged this one as quickly as she could, so she only got her shoulder slightly wet. However, the other party, too, seemed to have caught on to her ability, and they continuously poured water on her. It was probably water magic, so it wasn’t something that could be avoided. One of them hit her, and she became like a wet rat. Recently, her grades had settled down, so her supplementary lessons with Jornwerner were no longer daily. She had never thought that it would turn into such a trouble. I’m in trouble.... Thank goodness my blazer didn’t suffer any damage, but even my training clothes only have one spare left.... At any rate, it was a good decision to equip herself with a breastplate at all times. Thanks to that, even if her training clothes became transparent, no one would notice that she was wearing a chest binder. Sheila brushed off her bangs, which were dripping with drops, and squeezed the hem of her clothes. Perhaps because the harassment was successful, a student with a satisfied expression stepped forward from the shadows. He was one of those who had obstructed the class. “You’re looking a little shabby.” The one who smirked at her was an aristocratic boy with blonde hair. Eyes that were spitefully raised were looking down at Sheila with contempt. “You don’t deserve to be in the special course, or even in this academy. If you don’t want to suffer any more hardship, get the hell out of Steitz Academy.” “....” Any more than that meant that he was aware of the actions that Sheila had been subjected to. It was like a confession that he was involved in some, if not all, of the harassment she had been subjected to. Thanks to her naturally rough nature, she didn’t care too much about it, but the fact that the culprit was right in front of her made her feel complicated. “Ah.... um, I’m sorry, may I ask your name?” She was sure they weren’t in the same grade, but she didn’t know what grade they were in because she didn’t recognize them. Sheila timidly opened her mouth so as not to offend the other party. However, her concern was in vain, as the boy’s willowy eyebrows shot up. “If you don’t know me, you’re an uneducated commoner. I am Dilliam Ishmer! The eldest son of Count Ishmer, in other words, the successor!” Dilliam’s voice echoed coldly in the deserted courtyard, as he announced himself in a high voice with his hands on his hips. His well-groomed face seemed to say, “Worship me to the fullest.” Sheila nodded her head as if nothing had happened. “Well then, Dilliam-senpai. I would appreciate it if you wouldn’t do these pranks, because it’s a hassle to go get a change of clothes.” Dilliam looked delighted and laughed maliciously. “What makes you think I would listen to the wishes of a commoner?” “That’s true....” Sheila wasn’t discouraged, because the answer was just what she expected. If she asked that and they listened, they wouldn’t harass her in the first place. They didn’t even acknowledge Sheila’s existence. If she wanted to stop the harassment, she had to get them to admit it somehow. “――I understand. The clothes will dry quickly, so I take back my request to stop. Please forget about it, Dilliam-senpai. Excuse me.” Sheila bowed politely and was about to leave, but for some reason, Dilliam held her back. “No, wait a minute, you!” When she turned around, he looked genuinely surprised. “What is it?” “You, can’t you react a little more, like being frightened or crying when you’re hurt?!” “It’s not that I couldn’t, but if you ask like that....” Why was this kind of conversation going on between the victim and the perpetrator? If anything, that was the question. She didn’t want to get angry at such unreasonable things. Sheila stared at Dilliam uncomfortably.	{ "source": "manual-fanfic", "missed_lines": 0, "inserted_lines_src": 1, "inserted_lines_trg": 1 }
僕の研究やこれまでの成果をご存知の方々にはちょっと驚きの内容かもしれません僕は今までいくつかの大きな問題― テロ核テロ対策や保健やガンの診断・治療といった問題を解決すべく取り組んできましたでもこれらの問題を考え始めて気づいたんです今我々が直面している最大の問題― こうした個々の問題が行きつく先はエネルギーであり電気つまり電子の流れですそこで僕はこの問題を解決しようと決めたのですこれは皆さんが期待しているものとはおそらく違うでしょう僕がここで核融合について話すと思っているでしょうから核融合に人生を捧げてきましたからねでも今日の話はですね― ― でも今日の話は核分裂についてです古くからある技術を極めて 21世紀に持ち込むのですまず核分裂の仕組みについて少し紹介します原子力発電所には水の入った大きな加圧容器と燃料棒がありこの燃料棒はジルコニウムで被覆された小さな二酸化ウラン燃料ペレットからなります核分裂反応は適切なレベルで制御維持されています核分裂反応によって水が熱され水が蒸気に変わり蒸気がタービンを回すことで電気を得られるのです 100年も前からこの方法―蒸気タービン発電で電力を作ってきました原子力は水を熱する方法を大きく進化させはしましたが水を熱して蒸気に変えそれでタービンを回すところは同じですそこで思ったのですこれが一番いいやり方なのか? 核分裂は枯れた技術になったのか? それともまだ何か革新できることが残っているのか? そこで僕は世界を変える― 大きな可能性があることを思いつきましたこれです小型モジュール式原子炉ですあちらの図に示したような原子炉ほど大きくありませんでも 50~100メガワットという大きな電力を作れますこれはそう平均的な家庭で 2万5千から10万世帯分の電力ですこの原子炉が魅力的なのは工場で作れることですこれらモジュール式原子炉は基本的に組立ラインで作れ世界中どこへでも運べ設置さえすれば発電ができますちょうどこの部分が原子炉でここが重要なのですが地下に埋められていますテロ対策に通じている人なら地下に埋めることがどれだけ核拡散防止や警備の上で素晴らしいことか言うまでもないでしょう原子炉内には融解塩がありトリウムの信奉者には大変うれしいことですがこの種の原子炉はトリウムの燃料サイクルによる増殖と燃焼つまりウラン233に適していますでも燃料についてはあまり心配していませんこの原子炉に使える燃料は― 大好物の燃料は核爆弾コアを希釈したものです高濃度ウランと兵器級プルトニウムを希釈したものですこうすると核兵器には使えませんがこの原子炉には最適です古い核兵器は大きな問題でこうしたものが溜まっています冷戦時代この核兵器を大量に作りました当時は大事なことでしたがもはやそんなものは要りませんそもそもこんな廃棄物をどうしろと言うのでしょう核兵器が大量にあるのです安全に保管するわけですが燃やして使い切れたらよいですよねこの原子炉はそれができますこれは融解塩炉で炉心があり熱交換器でホットなつまり放射性の塩からコールドなつまり放射能のない塩に熱を移します温度は高いけれど放射能のない塩ですこの設計を本当に面白くするのは熱交換器で気体への熱交換を行いますさてさきほど電力は全てまあ太陽光発電を除けば蒸気を熱してタービンを回すことで作られると言いました実はこれはそれほど効率はよくないんです図のような原子力発電でも大体 30~35%の効率なんですこの数字は炉が出力する熱エネルギーと実際に発電できる電力の割合で熱効率が悪いのはこれらの炉が低温で稼働しているからです炉の温度はせいぜい摂氏200~300度くらいなんですでも新しい炉は摂氏600~700度で稼働します温度を高くすればより高い熱効率を得られますそしてこの炉は水を使わず超臨界のCO2やヘリウムといった気体を使いそれでタービンを回すのですこれはブレイトンサイクルと言います電気を作る熱力学のサイクルで熱効率はほぼ50% 45%~50%の効率になります素晴らしいと思うのは炉心がかなりコンパクトなことです融解塩炉はもともと小さなものですがさらにすごいのは核分裂させたウランからより多くの電気を生み出せることですおまけに燃焼してなくなるこの燃焼度はかなり高いです同じ量の燃料でもこの炉ならより多くの割合が使えるのですこうした今までの原子力発電の問題点はジルコニウムで被覆された燃料棒があり中に二酸化ウランの燃料ペレットがあることです二酸化ウランはセラミックでセラミックの中のものは放出されにくいのですするとキセノンピットという現象が起きます核分裂生成物の中には中性子を好むものもあります飛び回って― この反応を起こしている中性子を捉えてしまうのです中性子が食われてしまうことや被覆材もそれほど長持ちしないことからも燃料補給なしに稼働できるのはせいぜい 18ヶ月といったところです新しい原子炉は燃料補給なしで 30年も稼働できるこれは僕は本当に素晴らしいことだと思うんです密封されたシステムということですから燃料を補給しなくて良いので密封できます核拡散の危険もなく炉心から核物質や放射性物質が外に漏れることもないのです安全の問題に戻りましょうフクシマ事故のあと誰もが原子力の安全性見直しを迫られました僕が原子炉を設計するときに考えたことの一つはそのままでも本質的に安全であることでしたから僕がこの原子炉に大いに期待しているのは主に二つの理由からですまず高圧下で稼働しないこと加圧水型炉沸騰水型原子炉といったこれまでの原子炉は非常に高温の水を高圧下で使いますすなわち事故が起こったときもしステンレス鋼圧力容器が破損したら冷却剤が炉心から流れ出すのです新しい原子炉はほぼ大気圧で稼働しますから事故のときにも核分裂の生成物が炉の外に出ることはありませんさらに高温で稼働し燃料も融解されているのでメルト・ダウンも起こりません原子炉が許容範囲を超えたりフクシマのように電力供給が断たれたりしたときは排出タンクがあります燃料は液体で冷却剤と一緒になっているので炉心を流し出して臨界以下の条件に落とせます基本的には反応炉の下にある中性子吸収剤の入ったタンクに落とすのですこれは本当に重要なことです核反応を止められるのですから古いタイプの原子炉ではそれができないのですさっき言った通り燃料はジルコニウム燃料棒内のセラミックでこの原子炉で事故が起こったときフクシマや ―その前のスリー・マイル島の事故では解明するまでに時間がかかりましたが― 燃料棒のジルコニウム被覆は高圧の水や蒸気に酸化環境でさらされたとき水素を発生します水素は爆発する可能性があり核分裂の生成物を放出することになります新しい原子炉の炉心には圧力は加わっていないので化学的な反応は起こらず中の核分裂の生成物が炉の外に出ることもないのです事故が起こったとしてもまあ原子炉はダメになるかもしれないそれは電力会社には気の毒だけどでも多くの土地を汚染することはないんです僕は思うんです核融合が実用化されるにはあと20年ぐらいかかるでしょう新しい原子炉がその間のエネルギー源としてカーボンフリーの電気を提供するでしょうカーボンフリーの電気です素晴らしい技術ですよ何と言っても気候変動を阻止するだけでなくイノベーションなんですからこれは発展途上国に電力を提供する方法でもあります工場で作れる上に安いですから世界中の好きなところに設置できますもしかすると他のことにも使えます子どもの頃僕は宇宙に夢中でした原子核科学にも夢中でしたよそれなりにでもその前は宇宙だったんです本当に大好きで宇宙飛行士になりロケットを設計するそれでずっと胸を躍らせていました僕はここに戻ってきたんだなと思います小型原子炉をロケットに積めば 50~100メガワットの電力を供給できるわけですからこれはロケット設計者の夢異星への移住も夢じゃない 50~100メガワットの電力で行きたいところに行けるだけでなく着いてからも電力があるのですロケット設計にソーラーパネルや燃料電池を使えば数ワット数キロワットが出せますそれはたくさんの電力ですでもここで話しているのは 100メガワットすごい電力ですよ火星の街に電力供給できるしそこのロケットにも供給できますだから― 僕は原子力に情熱を捧げると同時にロケットへの情熱も燃やせればと思っていますみんな言うでしょう「この放射性物質を宇宙に飛ばして事故があったらどうするの?」でももう我々はずっとプルトニウム電池を使っています火星探査機キュリオシティは皆さん大好きですけどそこにはプルトニウム電池が搭載されていてプルトニウム-238が使われていますでもそのプルトニウムよりも融解塩炉の低濃度ウラン燃料の方が比放射能は低くその影響は無視できる程度ですこの炉を稼働させるのは宇宙に出てからで発射時には核分裂反応は起きていないからです僕は本当に張り切っています僕が設計したこの原子炉はエネルギーの革新的な供給源となり様々な素晴らしい科学活動に使えると思うからです僕はもう準備万端です僕は 5月に高校を卒業して― (拍手)- 僕は 5月に高校を卒業して起業をすると決めました僕が開発したこれらの技術貨物コンテナの革新的な検知器そして― 医療用アイソトープの生産システムを商業化するのですでもコイツもやりたくて今まで一緒に仕事をする機会のあった大変素晴らしい人たちを集めて徐々にチームを作ってきました本当に実現できると思っています僕は思うのですが技術を見てこれは天然ガスと同じかそれよりも安く 30年もの間燃料補給は不要ですこれは発展途上国にとって大きなメリットになります科学者としてはおかしいですが一つ哲学的なことを言って終わりにしたいと思いますでも原子力を使って他の星に飛んでいくのはこれはとても詩的なところがあると思うんです宇宙の星は巨大な融合炉ですから空に浮かぶ巨大な原子炉です今日お話ししている僕のエネルギー源も元々は核反応から由来して食物の化学エネルギーに変換されたものですから核分裂の技術を極め将来の革新的エネルギー源とすることはやっぱり詩的なんだと思いますありがとうございました	And this may be a little bit of a surprise to many of you who know my research and what I've done well. I've really tried to solve some big problems: counterterrorism, nuclear terrorism, and health care and diagnosing and treating cancer, but I started thinking about all these problems, and I realized that the really biggest problem we face, what all these other problems come down to, is energy, is electricity, the flow of electrons. And I decided that I was going to set out to try to solve this problem. And this probably is not what you're expecting. You're probably expecting me to come up here and talk about fusion, because that's what I've done most of my life. But this is actually a talk about, okay -- — but this is actually a talk about fission. It's about perfecting something old, and bringing something old into the 21st century. Let's talk a little bit about how nuclear fission works. In a nuclear power plant, you have a big pot of water that's under high pressure, and you have some fuel rods, and these fuel rods are encased in zirconium, and they're little pellets of uranium dioxide fuel, and a fission reaction is controlled and maintained at a proper level, and that reaction heats up water, the water turns to steam, steam turns the turbine, and you produce electricity from it. This is the same way we've been producing electricity, the steam turbine idea, for 100 years, and nuclear was a really big advancement in a way to heat the water, but you still boil water and that turns to steam and turns the turbine. And I thought, you know, is this the best way to do it? Is fission kind of played out, or is there something left to innovate here? And I realized that I had hit upon something that I think has this huge potential to change the world. And this is what it is. This is a small modular reactor. So it's not as big as the reactor you see in the diagram here. This is between 50 and 100 megawatts. But that's a ton of power. That's between, say at an average use, that's maybe 25,000 to 100,000 homes could run off that. Now the really interesting thing about these reactors is they're built in a factory. So they're modular reactors that are built essentially on an assembly line, and they're trucked anywhere in the world, you plop them down, and they produce electricity. This region right here is the reactor. And this is buried below ground, which is really important. For someone who's done a lot of counterterrorism work, I can't extol to you how great having something buried below the ground is for proliferation and security concerns. And inside this reactor is a molten salt, so anybody who's a fan of thorium, they're going to be really excited about this, because these reactors happen to be really good at breeding and burning the thorium fuel cycle, uranium-233. But I'm not really concerned about the fuel. You can run these off -- they're really hungry, they really like down-blended weapons pits, so that's highly enriched uranium and weapons-grade plutonium that's been down-blended. It's made into a grade where it's not usable for a nuclear weapon, but they love this stuff. And we have a lot of it sitting around, because this is a big problem. You know, in the Cold War, we built up this huge arsenal and we don't need them anymore, and what are we doing with all the waste, essentially? What are we doing with all the pits of those nuclear weapons? Well, we're securing them, and it would be great if we could burn them, eat them up, and this reactor loves this stuff. So it's a molten salt reactor. It has a core, and it has a heat exchanger from the hot salt, the radioactive salt, to a cold salt which isn't radioactive. It's still thermally hot but it's not radioactive. to what makes this design really, really interesting, and that's a heat exchanger to a gas. So going back to what I was saying before about all power being produced -- well, other than photovoltaic -- being produced by this boiling of steam and turning a turbine, that's actually not that efficient, and in fact, in a nuclear power plant like this, it's only roughly 30 to 35 percent efficient. That's how much thermal energy the reactor's putting out to how much electricity it's producing. And the reason the efficiencies are so low is these reactors operate at pretty low temperature. They operate anywhere from, you know, maybe 200 to 300 degrees Celsius. And these reactors run at 600 to 700 degrees Celsius, which means the higher the temperature you go to, thermodynamics tells you that you will have higher efficiencies. And this reactor doesn't use water. It uses gas, so supercritical CO2 or helium, and that goes into a turbine, and this is called the Brayton cycle. This is the thermodynamic cycle that produces electricity, and this makes this almost 50 percent efficient, between 45 and 50 percent efficiency. And I'm really excited about this, because it's a very compact core. Molten salt reactors are very compact by nature, but what's also great is you get a lot more electricity out for how much uranium you're fissioning, not to mention the fact that these burn up. Their burn-up is much higher. So for a given amount of fuel you put in the reactor, a lot more of it's being used. And the problem with a traditional nuclear power plant like this is, you've got these rods that are clad in zirconium, and inside them are uranium dioxide fuel pellets. Well, uranium dioxide's a ceramic, and ceramic doesn't like releasing what's inside of it. So you have what's called the xenon pit, and so some of these fission products love neutrons. They love the neutrons that are going on and helping this reaction take place. And they eat them up, which means that, combined with the fact that the cladding doesn't last very long, you can only run one of these reactors for roughly, say, 18 months without refueling it. So these reactors run for 30 years without refueling, which is, in my opinion, very, very amazing, because it means it's a sealed system. No refueling means you can seal them up and they're not going to be a proliferation risk, either nuclear material or radiological material proliferated from their cores. But let's go back to safety, because everybody after Fukushima had to reassess the safety of nuclear, and one of the things when I set out to design a power reactor was it had to be passively and intrinsically safe, and I'm really excited about this reactor for essentially two reasons. One, it doesn't operate at high pressure. So traditional reactors like a pressurized water reactor or boiling water reactor, they're very, very hot water at very high pressures, and this means, essentially, in the event of an accident, if you had any kind of breach of this stainless steel pressure vessel, the coolant would leave the core. These reactors operate at essentially atmospheric pressure, so there's no inclination for the fission products to leave the reactor in the event of an accident. Also, they operate at high temperatures, and the fuel is molten, so they can't melt down, but in the event that the reactor ever went out of tolerances, or you lost off-site power in the case of something like Fukushima, there's a dump tank. Because your fuel is liquid, and it's combined with your coolant, you could actually just drain the core into what's called a sub-critical setting, basically a tank underneath the reactor that has some neutrons absorbers. And this is really important, because the reaction stops. In this kind of reactor, you can't do that. The fuel, like I said, is ceramic inside zirconium fuel rods, and in the event of an accident in one of these type of reactors, Fukushima and Three Mile Island -- looking back at Three Mile Island, we didn't really see this for a while — but these zirconium claddings on these fuel rods, what happens is, when they see high pressure water, steam, in an oxidizing environment, they'll actually produce hydrogen, and that hydrogen has this explosive capability to release fission products. So the core of this reactor, since it's not under pressure and it doesn't have this chemical reactivity, means that there's no inclination for the fission products to leave this reactor. So even in the event of an accident, yeah, the reactor may be toast, which is, you know, sorry for the power company, but we're not going to contaminate large quantities of land. So I really think that in the, say, 20 years it's going to take us to get fusion and make fusion a reality, this could be the source of energy that provides carbon-free electricity. Carbon-free electricity. And it's an amazing technology because not only does it combat climate change, but it's an innovation. It's a way to bring power to the developing world, because it's produced in a factory and it's cheap. You can put them anywhere in the world you want to. And maybe something else. As a kid, I was obsessed with space. Well, I was obsessed with nuclear science too, to a point, but before that I was obsessed with space, and I was really excited about, you know, being an astronaut and designing rockets, which was something that was always exciting to me. But I think I get to come back to this, because imagine having a compact reactor in a rocket that produces 50 to 100 megawatts. That is the rocket designer's dream. That's someone who is designing a habitat on another planet's dream. Not only do you have 50 to 100 megawatts to power whatever you want to provide propulsion to get you there, but you have power once you get there. You know, rocket designers who use solar panels or fuel cells, I mean a few watts or kilowatts -- wow, that's a lot of power. I mean, now we're talking about 100 megawatts. That's a ton of power. That could power a Martian community. That could power a rocket there. And so I hope that maybe I'll have an opportunity to kind of explore my rocketry passion at the same time that I explore my nuclear passion. And people say, "Oh, well, you've launched this thing, and it's radioactive, into space, and what about accidents?" But we launch plutonium batteries all the time. Everybody was really excited about Curiosity, and that had this big plutonium battery on board that has plutonium-238, which actually has a higher specific activity than the low-enriched uranium fuel of these molten salt reactors, which means that the effects would be negligible, because you launch it cold, and when it gets into space is where you actually activate this reactor. So I'm really excited. I think that I've designed this reactor here that can be an innovative source of energy, provide power for all kinds of neat scientific applications, and I'm really prepared to do this. I graduated high school in May, and -- — I graduated high school in May, and I decided that I was going to start up a company to commercialize these technologies that I've developed, these revolutionary detectors for scanning cargo containers and these systems to produce medical isotopes, but I want to do this, and I've slowly been building up a team of some of the most incredible people I've ever had the chance to work with, and I'm really prepared to make this a reality. And I think, I think, that looking at the technology, this will be cheaper than or the same price as natural gas, and you don't have to refuel it for 30 years, which is an advantage for the developing world. And I'll just say one more maybe philosophical thing to end with, which is weird for a scientist. about using nuclear power to propel us to the stars, because the stars are giant fusion reactors. They're giant nuclear cauldrons in the sky. The energy that I'm able to talk to you today, while it was converted to chemical energy in my food, originally came from a nuclear reaction, and so there's something poetic about, in my opinion, and using it as a future source of innovative energy. So thank you guys.	{ "source": "iwslt2017", "missed_lines": null, "inserted_lines_src": null, "inserted_lines_trg": null }
英語の勉強を始めたのが約1年前です通常はフランス語です。教育はフランス語で受けたので、英語はフランス語なまりです生まれたのはコンゴ西部のこの辺りですキサンガニ大学に通いました大学卒業後、この地域のイトュリの森に行きましたこれまでの経歴をお話しします 14歳の時から、叔父の家で育ちました父は兵士で叔父は猟師で、密漁をしていました 14歳から17歳までの間で叔父たちを助けて象牙の角や肉を収集しました叔父たちが森で殺したり、密漁したり、狩猟したものは何でもマーケットで売るため都市へ持って行きましたところが最終的に、私もその仕事に関わるようになりました私は17歳か20歳の時、密漁を始めました勉強を続けるためでした大学に行きたかったのですが、父は貧しく、叔父もそうでした・・・そのような理由からです 3,4年大学に行きました医者になるため、生物医科学へ3回申しこみましたが入学できませんでした私は自分の銘は、生物学へ入学することでしたできないことはないと思いました私の家族は貧しく、住んでいる地域では良い医療が受けられません家族を救うためにも医者になりたかったのです 3回の入学申請、つまり3年が過ぎ、月日が経っていました大変だ、諦めたくないと思いましたそこで、熱帯生態学と植物学を勉強し卒業すると、インターンシップでイトュリの森に行きましたここでは、自分がやっていることに本当に情熱を傾けましたこのようにみなさんの前にいる今まで、情熱を傾け、植物と野生生物の保護をしていますイトュリの森が保護森として作られた時そこには動物達がいて、植物がありました訓練センターが建設されコンゴ人科学者のスタッフとアメリカ人科学者がいましたオカピ野生生物保護区は、多くの- おそらく最も多くのゾウを保護しています現在、その数はコンゴで最大ですチンパンジーもいます。オカピ野生生物保護区と名付けたのはオカピが美しいからですこれは、野生のキリンですよくご存じだと思いますこれはサバンナのキリンです進化し、このような森のキリンとなり今は、コンゴにしか生息していませんまた、美しい霊長類もいます 13種です。アフリカの1つの地域としては最も生物多様性に富んでいますこの中に、イトュリの森がありますこれまでに、植物約1,300種が知られています私は1995年、野生動物保護協会に入会し、ここで働いていますしかし、1991年、学生として働いたのが最初です実は大学で、教育助手に任命されました優秀な成績で卒業したからですが給与が非常に少なく、その仕事が好きではありませんでしたそこで、訓練センターと研究センターで働きたいと思いましたモブツ・セセ・セコの独裁が終わりほとんどの方がよくご存じと思いますが、生活が非常に困難となりましたこれまでやってきた仕事を継続することは極めて困難となりましたカビラがコンゴ解放運動を開始するとモブツ派の兵士が後退し始めました彼らは東部から西部へと移動し始めましたオカピ野生生物保護区はここです道路がゴマのこのあたりからこのあたりへ続いていますこのため、彼らはオカピ野生生物保護区を通って移動しましたコンゴは、世界で最も豊かな保護区を5つ保有しておりオカピ野生生物保護区もその一つです兵士たちは、オカピ野生生物保護区へ逃走しましたがその途中、なんでも強奪しました拷問、戦い。何ということでしょうか。信じられないでしょう誰でもどこへ行くべきか探し、途方にくれました私たちにとって、本当に早すぎることで、最初のことでした戦争や銃という言葉を耳にしました 1963年の反乱を経験した人々でさえ国の独立後、目の前で起きていたことが信じられませんでした彼らは人々を殺し、やりたい放題でした権力を持っていたからですでは、だれが実行してたのでしょうか? 小さな子どもたち。子供の兵士ですでも、何歳かと尋ねることはできません。銃を持っていたのですからしかし、私は西部から来て、東部で働いていましたその時は、スワヒリ語は話しませんでした彼らがやって来て、何でも強奪しましたリンガラ語は話せません。モブツの言葉だからです兵士はリンガラ語を話しました私も彼と出身が同じ地域でした私の友達は、標的となるのでみんなが移動しようとしていましたでも私は東部には行きませんでした。スワヒリ語を知らなかったからです私はそこにとどまりました。もし移動すれば、殺されたでしょう自分の故郷には帰れませんでした。1,000キロ以上も遠いのです彼らが全て強奪した後も、そこに留まりましたそして、植物の研究をし 4,500種の小さい植物標本集を作成しました植物を採取し、乾燥し、まとめましたそして、フォルダーで標本を作りました目的。それは、農業用、医薬品など、科学のためですまた、植物相の研究、森林の変化についての研究のためですこれは移動する人々で、ピグミーですこれは頭の良い人、勤勉な人、ピグミーです私は彼らと10年間一緒に働きました彼らは、兵士達と共にゾウを密漁するため森に行きました彼はピグミーですから、森でゾウをどうやって探せばいいか知っています彼はヒョウから襲われたので、彼らは彼を森に置き去りにしましたそして、私のところにやって来て、彼を助けたいと言ったので私は抗生物質を渡しました結核の治療に使うものです運良く、彼は助かりましたこれは、戦争の言葉ですどこでも、鉱物は常に採取され、動物が殺され、木が伐採されますここで重要なことはみなさんは、携帯電話をお持ちだと思いますが、鉱物が多くの人を殺しています 500万人のコンゴ人が、コルトンと言われるコロンボ・タンタライトのために亡くなりました携帯電話の製造に使われるものですコンゴ中にありますが、このあたりで採掘されています利益の大きなビジネスの戦争です最初の戦争で私が行ったのは、全てを失った後私は何かを守らなくてはならなかった。私自身、私の生活、スタッフの命でさえも新しい自動車エンジンを埋めて、守ったのです道具の一部は彼らが持って行きましたキャノピーに乗せて、守りました。彼は植物は採取しませんでしたが、私たちの道具をキャノピーに乗せて守りました。残された物は、彼らはそれらの物を破壊し、焼き払いたかったようです彼らは学校にいかなかったので、それが何なのかわからなかった私は梱包しましたこれが私です。急いでウガンダに向かうところです 4,000の標本を守ろうとしました他の人々と一緒に、バイクや自転車に積んで運んでいますそれがうまくいった後マケレレ大学標本室で4,000の標本を保管しました紛争後は、家に持ちかえることができましたそのため、研究を継続することができたのです次の紛争が予想外に勃発しました私たちは友達と一緒に座ってサッカーを観戦していましたそして、ワールドスペースラジオで好きな音楽を聞いていましたその時、紛争が勃発したのですとても悲惨でした再び東部から、紛争が始まり急激に進展していると聞きました今度は、カビラが変わってモブツと同じことをするだろと思いました保護地も反逆者たちの標的でした 3つの勢力と2つの民兵組織が同じ地域で活動し天然資源を求めて争っていましたうまくいくわけががありません彼らは全てを破壊しました密漁です。何ということでしょうか影響力のある男たちです直接会って話すことが必要です保護地に対する規制は? 公園の規制は? 彼らがやっていることはやってはいけないことですそこで私たちは彼らに会いに行きましたコルトンの採取、金鉱山です彼らと話しを始め、私たちは保護された地域にいるのだと説得しました規制はあります特に伐採、採掘、横領は禁止ですしかし、彼らはこう言いました。「お前たち死にかけている兵士たちは重要でないのか保護している動物が最も重要だと言うのか? そうは思っていません運動を進めるために、実施しなければならないのです私は言いました。「ここでは絶対にしないように。」彼らと話を始め、交渉しました標本を守り、私たちのものを守ろうとしましたそして1,500人の村を守ろうとしましたずっと続けましたそれを実施し、彼らと交渉しました時々、会議もしましたそして、彼らはジャンピエール・ベンバや、ンブサ・ニヤムウィシ、カビラと話しました。私もここにいます時々、私の言葉リンガラ語で話しましたまた、どんな戦略を進めているか、何を計画しているか聞きました彼らは時々ヘリコプターで銃弾などを供給しました私にそれを運び、数えるように言いましたまた、どこから来て、どこへなど私が持っていたのは、衛星電話とコンピュータ、プラスチック製のソーラー・パネルで、森に隠していたものです毎日、会合で妥協案を探りました私は短い電子メールを送信しましたアドレス帳に何人載っていたか分かりません紛争の進捗状況や彼らが何を計画しているか伝えました彼らは、私たちが朝、何をしたか疑い始めましたその後、BBC,RFIのニュースで伝えられたのです何かが起きているかもしれませんある日、会合に出かけました (拍手) すみませんある日、最高司令官に会いに行きました彼も私と同じイリジウムの携帯電話を持っていました彼は私に「使い方が分かるかね?」と聞きました私は、「見たことがありませんだから分かりません」と言いました自分のものはポケットに入れていましたが彼らが私を本当に信頼するチャンスでしたしかし、信用せず、私を見ようとしませんでした私は怖くなり会合を終えると、森にそれを返しに行きましたそしてニュースで伝えたり国連、ユネスコ、ニューヨークの自分たちの組織に毎日レポートを送りましたそして、何が起きているのかを伝えました彼らはプレッシャーを受け、そこを去り、その領域を解放したのです他に方法がなかったのです彼らが何をしようと、そのことは同時に知れ渡りました 2つの暴動によって、動物園の動物全てが殺されましたそこにいた14匹のオカビの1匹は妊娠していました争いの間、激しい戦争の1週間後、その地で戦い私たちは勝利し、最初のオカピが生まれましたこれがそれを思い出させてくれるズボンとシャツですこれは現地の人ではなく、反逆者です彼らは今、喜んでニュースを送っています闘争の際にも、オカピを守っていました私たちが、オカピーを殺したニュースを流したからです密漁のニュースを流したからです 1週間後、そのオカピの誕生日を祝いました彼らは動物園からちょうど50メートルの所でゾウを殺しましたオカピが生まれた場所です私はとても頭にきて彼らは解剖しようとしましたが、反対しましたそれは報告するまでです。その後、最高司令官にい会いました成功でしたゾウは腐敗し、彼らは牙を取ろうとしていましたその後、私たちは紛争状態になり再建しなければなりませんでしたお金は少し持っていました。150ドルを給与としてもらっていました植物標本の修正に半分を使いました植物を育てるための良いインフラがなかったからです野生生物保護協会は植物を扱っています私はこれを70ドルで始めました行き先々で募金を募ったのですあちこち行く機会がありましたアフリカの植物の標本集はがあるところはどこでもです彼らも少し支援してくれ、私がこれを建設しました現在、若いコンゴ人の訓練の場所ですここで行う専門のひとつは地球温暖化が生物多様性に与える影響を追跡するデザインですイトュリの森は、炭素を取り込む役割がありますこれは、私たちが40ヘクタールの土地で実施する研究ですここでは、木とつる状の植物に1cmの札を付け追跡調査します現在、15年のデータがありますこれで、森がどのように炭素削減に貢献しているかわかりますこれは、とても困難なことですとても厄介な話ですどこから、どこまで話せば良いか分かりません思いついたのですが一番いいタイトルはこれです。これまでに考えつきませんでした「銃の言葉」が良いでしょうあなたがたはどこにいるのでしょう? ここから再建、アフリカの再建についてお話します銃産業は再建のツールでしょうか?または、ゲームでしょうか? 私たちは戦争をゲームのように考えていますサッカーやフットボールのように誰でも楽しいですが、何が起きているかが分かりますダルフールで起きていることがわかるでしょう大変なことだですルワンダの戦争な何だったでしょうか? 銃の言葉のためです誰もグーグルを責められないでしょう良いことをやっているからですアルカイダのような人々が連携のためにグーグルを使ったとしてもです数百万人が良いことに使っていますでも、銃産業ではどうなのでしょうか? ありがとうございました。 (拍手) クリス・アンダーソン:どうもありがとうございましたちょっと待っていてください素晴らしい話でしたここにおられる多くの方も同じ疑問だと思います私たちはどう支援すれば良いのでしょうか? コルネイユ・イワンゴ :とても困りましたねちょっと戸惑っています私たちへの支援ですが、人々は時々何も知らずに行動します私自身もそうでした若い時、もしゾウが殺され、私が生物多様性を破壊していることを知っていればそうはしなかったでしょうみなさんの多くがアフリカの能力についてお分かりだと思いますわずかの子供しか学校に行っていません多くの人が流行病で亡くなっています HIV、マラリア、貧困で学校に行けませんあなた方は、生産能力の増強を支援できます私のように何人の人がアメリカに行き、修士号をとれるでしょうか? そして、現在、私は博士号を取るためオランダにいますしかし、多くはお金がないのです大学にも行けません学士号を取ることもできません若い人々の生産能力はよりよい世代を生み出しますひいては、アフリカのよりよい未来となりますアンダーソン:どうもありがとうございました	I speak French and I grew up with French, so my English is Franglais. I'm born in the Western Congo, in an area around here, and then went to university in Kisangani. And after I finished, I went to this area, the Ituri Forest. But what I've been doing -- when I was about 14, I grew in my uncle's house. And my father was a soldier, and my uncle was a fisherman and also a poacher. What I've been doing from 14 to 17 was, I was assisting them collecting ivory tusk, meat and whatever they were killing, poaching, hunting in the forest, bring it in the main city to get access to the market. But finally, I got myself involved. Around 17 to 20 years, I became, myself, a poacher. And I wanted to do it, because -- I believed -- to continue my studies. I wanted to go to university, but my father was poor, my uncle even. So, I did it. And for three to four years, I went to university. For three times, I applied to biomedical science, to be a doctor. I didn't succeed. I was having my inscriptions, my admission to biology. And I said, "No way, I'm not doing it. My family's poor, my area don't have better health care. I want to be a doctor to serve them." Three times, that means three years, and I start getting old. I say, "Oh, no, I continue." So, I did tropical ecology and plant botany. When I finished, I went to the Ituri Forest for my internship. It's where I really getting passion with what I'm doing right up to now -- I'm standing in front of you -- doing botany and wildlife conservation. That time the Ituri Forest was created as a forest reserve with some animals and also plants. And the training center there was built around the scientific Congolese staff and some American scientists also. So, the Okapi Faunal Reserve protects number -- I think that is the largest number of elephants we have right now in protected areas in Congo. It has also chimpanzees. And it has been named Okapi Faunal Reserve because of this beautiful creature. That is a forest giraffe. I think you guys know it quite well. Here we have savanna giraffes, but through evolution we have this forest giraffe that lives only in Congo. It has also some beautiful primates. Thirteen species -- highest diversity we can find in one single area in Africa. And it has the Ituri Forest itself -- about 1,300 species of plants, so far known. I joined the Wildlife Conservation Society, working there, in 1995, but I started working with them as a student in 1991. I was appointed as a teaching assistant at my university because I accomplished with honor. But I didn't like the way -- the instruction I got was very poor. And I wanted to be formed to a training center and a research center. With the end of the dictatorship regime of Mobutu Sese Seko, that most of you know, life became very, very difficult. And the work we have been doing was completely difficult to do and to achieve it. When Kabila started his movement to liberate Congo, so Mobutu soldiers started moving and retreated. So they started fleeing from the east to the west. And the Okapi Faunal Reserve is there, so there was a road from Goma, somewhere here, and coming like this. So they might go through, pass through the Okapi Faunal Reserve. Congo has five of the world's richest sites of protected area, and the Okapi Faunal Reserve is one of them. So soldier was fleeing in the Okapi Faunal Reserve. On their way, they looted everything. Torture, wars -- oh, my God, you can't believe. Every person was looking his way -- where to go, we don't know. And it was for us, the young, the first time really we hear the language of war, of guns. And even people who faced the rebellion of 1963, after our independence, they didn't believe what was happening. They were killing people. They were doing whatever they want because they have power. Who have been doing that? Young children. Child soldiers. You can't ask him how old he is because he has guns. But I was from the west, working in the east. I even [at] that time was not speaking Swahili. And when they came, they looted everything. You can't speak Lingala because Lingala was from Mobutu, and everyone speaking Lingala is soldier. And I was from the same area to him. All my friends said, we are leaving because we are a target. But I'm not going to the east, because I don't know Swahili. I stay. If I go, I will be killed. I can't go back to my area -- it's more than 1,000 kilometers [away]. I stayed after they looted everything. We have been doing research on botany, and we have a small herbarium of 4,500 sheets of plants. We cut, we dry and we packed them, we mounted them on a folder. Purpose: so that we start them for agriculture, for medicine, for whatever, and for science, for the study of the flora and the change of the forest. That is people moving around, that's even Pygmies. And this is a bright guy, hard-working person, and Pygmy. I've been working with him about 10 years. And with soldiers, they went to the forest for poaching elephants. Because he's Pygmy, he knows how to track elephants in the forest. He has been attacked by a leopard and they abandon him in the forest. They came to told me, I have to save him. And what I did, I gave him just antibiotics that we care for tuberculosis. And fortunately, I saved his life. And that was the language of the war. Everywhere there has been constant extraction of mineral, killing animals, the logging timbers and so on. And what of important things -- I think all of you here have a cell phone. That mineral has killed a lot: five millions of Congolese have gone because of this Colombo-Tantalite -- they call it Coltan -- that they use it to make cell phones and it has been in that area, all over in Congo. Extraction, and good, big business of the war. And what I did for the first war, after we have lost everything, I have to save something, even myself, my life and life of the staff. I buried some of our new vehicle engines, I buried it to save it. And some of equipment went with them, on the top of the canopy, to save it. He's not collecting plants, he's going to save our equipment on the canopy. And with the material that's left -- because they wanted to destroy it, to burn it, they didn't understand it, they didn't go to school -- I packed it. And that is me, going to, hurrying to Uganda, to try to save that 4,000 material, with people carrying them on the bikes, bicycles. And after that, we succeeded. I housed that 4,000 material at the herbarium of Makerere University. And after the war, I have been able to bring it back home, so that we continue our studies. The second war came while we didn't expect it. With friends, we had been sitting and watching match football, and having some good music with WorldSpace radio, when it started, I think. So, it was so bad. We heard that now from the east again the war started, and it's going fast. This time I think Kabila will go in place of, as he did with Mobutu. And the reserve was a target to the rebels. Three different movements and two militia acting in the same area and competing for natural resources. And there was no way to work. They destroy everything. Poaching -- oh, no way. And that's the powerful men. We have to meet and to talk to them. What's the regulation of the reserve and what is the regulation of the parks? And they can't do what they are doing. So we went to meet them. That is Coltan extraction, gold mining. So, we started talking with them, convincing them that we are in a protected area. There are regulations that it's prohibited to do logging, mining and poaching, specifically. But they said, "You guys, you think that soldiers who are dying are not important, and your animals you are protecting are most important. We don't think so. We have to do it, because to let our movement advance." I say, "No way, you are not going to do it here." We started talking with them and I was negotiating. Tried to protect our equipment, tried to protect our staff and the villages of about 1,500 people. And we continued. But I was doing that, negotiating with them. Sometimes we are having meeting and they are talking with Jean-Pierre Bemba, with Mbusa Nyamwisi, with Kabila, and I'm there. Sometimes, they talk to my own language, that is, Lingala. I hear it and what strategy they are doing, what they are planning. Sometimes, they are having a helicopter to supply them with ammunition and so on. They used me to carry that, and I was doing counting, what comes from where, and where, and where. I had only this equipment -- my satellite phone, my computer and a plastic solar panel -- that I hide it in the forest. And every time, daily, after we have meeting, what compromise we have, whatever, I go, I write a short email, send it. I don't know how many people I had on my address. I sent the message: what is going about the progress of the war and what they are planning to do. They started suspecting that what we do on the morning, and the afternoon, it's on the news, BBC, RFI. Something might be going on. And one day, we went for a meeting. Sorry. One day, we went to meet the Chief Commander. He had the same iridium cell phone like me. And he asked me, "Do you know how to use this?" I said, "I have never seen it. I don't know." And I had mine on my pocket. So, it was a chance that they trusted me a lot. They didn't -- they was not looking on me. So I was scared. And when we finished the meeting, I went to return it in the forest. And I was sending news, doing whatever, reporting daily to the U.N., to UNESCO, to our institution in New York, what have been going. And for that, they have been having big pressure to leave, to free the area. Because there was no way -- whatever they do, it's known the same time. During the first two rebellions, they killed all animals in the zoo. We have a zoo of 14 Okapis, and one of them was pregnant. And during the war, after a week of heavy war, fighting in the area, we succeeded: we had the first Okapi. This is the only trouser and shirt remind me of this. This is not local population, this is rebels. They are now happy sending the news that they have protected the Okapi with the war, because we sent the news that they are killing and poaching everywhere. After a week, we celebrated the birthday of that Okapi, they killed an elephant, just 50 meters to the area where the zoo, where Okapi was born. And I was mad. I oppose it -- that they are now going to dissect it, until I do my report and then I see the Chief Commander. And I succeeded. The elephant just decayed and they just got the tusks. What we are doing after that -- that was the situation of the war -- we have to rebuild. I had some money. I was paid 150 dollars. I devoted half of it to rebuild the herbarium, because we didn't have good infrastructure to start plants. Wildlife Conservation Society more dealing with plants. I started this with 70 dollars, and start fundraising money to where I've been going. I had opportunity to go all over, where herbarium for my African material is. And they supported me a bit, and I built this. Now, it's doing work to train young Congolese. And also, what one of the speciality we are doing, my design is tracking the global warming effect on biodiversity, and what the impacts of the Ituri Forest is playing to uptake carbon. This is one of the studies we are doing on a 40-hectare plot, where we have tagged trees and lianas from one centimeters, and we are tracking them. We have now data of about 15 years, to see how that forest is contributing to the carbon reductions. And that is -- I think it's difficult for me. This is a very embarrassing talk, I know. I don't know where to start, where to finish it. When I was thinking to come here, what best title I wanted to say to my talk, I didn't find this. But now I think that I would have titled it, "The Language of Guns." Where are you people? Now we are talking about reconstitution, rebuild Africa. But is gun industries a tool to rebuild, or is it a game? I think we see the war like a game -- like soccer, football. Everybody is happy, but see what it's doing, see what is going in Darfur. Now we say, oh, my God. See what the wars in Rwanda. That's because of the language of guns. I don't think that someone may blame Google, because it's doing the right things, even if people like Al-Qaeda are using Google to connect between them. But it's serving millions for the best. But what is doing with gun industries? Thank you. Chris Anderson: Thank you, thank you. Just wait over there. It's an amazing story. I suspect a lot of people here have the same question I have. How can we help you? Corneille Ewango: That's really embarrassing questions. I think that now I feel nervous. And I think, helping us, people are acting sometimes by ignorance. I did it myself. If I know when I was young, that [by] killing an elephant, I'm destroying biodiversity, I would not have done it. Many, many of you have seen the talents of Africans, but there are few who are going to school. Many are dying because of all those kind of pandemics, HIV, malaria, poverty, not going to school. What you can assist us, it's by building capacities. How many have got opportunity like me to go to U.S., do a master's? And go -- now, I'm in the Netherlands to do a Ph.D. But many of them are just here, because they don't have money. And they can't go even to university. They can't even attain the bachelor's degree. Building capacities for the young generation is going to make a better generation and a better future tomorrow for Africa. CA: Thank you, thank you.	{ "source": "iwslt2017", "missed_lines": null, "inserted_lines_src": null, "inserted_lines_trg": null }
どうしよう、何も手掛かりが見付からない。マファール塔をあらかた探し回った俺達だったが、ものの見事に何も発見出来ずにいた。もしかしたくらい書置きか何かを残しておいてくれてるかな、と思っていたのだが本当に何もない。しかしこうなると本当に分からん。俺とディーナが初めて出会ったのは間違いなくここだ。この場所に何もないとすると、何処を探せばいいのだ。「おいマファール、本当に何も心当たりはないのか?」「困った事にない。どうしたものかな」「よくは分からんが、そのディーナとかいう奴は女神のアバターなのだろう? 「そう言われてもな......」ベネトが考察してくれているが、分からないものは本当に分からないのだ。実際俺の記憶の中でと言われても、俺が覚えている限りで最初にディーナと会ったのがここである。その前まで遡ってしまえば、それはもうルファスではなく『俺』だ。ゲーム画面でアロヴィナスを見て、そしてこの世界に導かれて......。「あ」思わず声が出た。いや、まて。まてよ? そうだ、俺が最初にディーナを見たのはこの世界ではない。向こうの世界......地球の日本、ルファスとなる前の『俺』の自室だ。パソコンの画面の前だ。そこで俺はマファール塔のオブジェとしてディーナを設置した。そういう事なのか? つまりは、このミズガルズではなく地球にいると? もしそうだとすると、確かに俺以外では絶対に気付けない場所だ。「すまん、一つだけあった」「ほう、何処だ?」「異世界だ」「は?」ベネトが『こいつ何言ってるんだ』という顔になるが俺だって確信を持っているわけではない。だがマファール塔をこれだけ探しても見付からない以上、もうそこしか思い当たらないのだ。そう、ディーナは地球にいる。日本の......恐らくは『俺』が住んでいた家か、あるいはその近くに。そして俺はそこへ行く手段を既に持っているのだ。エクスゲートならば時空を超えて、向こうへ渡る事すら出来るはずだ。実際、瀬衣少年はそれで召喚されている。むしろもっと早くにやるべきだったのだろう。俺のルーツを探るという意味でも、一度は向こうに渡るべきだった。だがそうしなかったのは多分、俺自身がそれを拒否していたからだ。真実を知る事を、きっと俺が誰よりも恐れていた。「こことは異なるもう一つの『地球』という世界がある。「異世界か......ふむ、なかなか面白そうだ。少しは骨のある奴もいるかもしれん」「いや、いない。頼むから向こうでは暴れてくれるなよ」ベネトが好戦的に笑うが、俺はそれを諫めた。彼女には悪いが、向こうの世界にベネトと戦えるような奴など絶対にいない。地球人の肉体的な戦闘力は驚く程に脆弱だ。それは進んだ文明と便利な生活でよく聞くだろう。昔の人間と現代の人間を比較すれば体力や腕力に差が生じていると。温度調整が出来る快適な生活空間。移動は自転車やバス、電車。スポーツに精でも出していない限り、家から一日中出ない事すら珍しくはない。それは平和の証であり、このミズガルズよりも進歩しているからこそ出来る事だ。世界一の大国であり、世界最強の軍隊を抱えるアメリカが『ピザは野菜だ』とかどんでもない事を主張する肥満体国なのは余りに有名だ。だが当然ながらそれでは身体能力は嘆かわしい程に落ちる。このミズガルズの人々と比較しての話ではない。同じ地球人同士で比較しても昔の人間に劣ると言っているのだ。後、ピザは野菜じゃない。憶測でしかないが、向こうの世界王者と呼ばれるような者ですらこちらではレベルにして5すら超えていまい。聞いた話によると、地球の人間は骨の構造上500kgより重い物を持ち上げる事は出来ないらしい。対し、こちらは滅茶苦茶だ。レベルさえ上げればどんな重い物でも持ち上がる。俺も全力でやった事はないが、少なくとも竜王を片手で投げ飛ばすくらいの事は出来たので相当おかしい。それと危惧すべきは物理的な法則だろう。このミズガルズでは女神がクビにでもしたのか物理法則さんが全然仕事をしていない。俺やベネトがミズガルズを一秒で一周出来てしまうような速度で駆けまわっても大丈夫だが、こんな事を地球でやれば間違いなく大惨事だろう。最悪それだけで生物が全滅する。向こうでは戦いなど絶対にしてはならないし、仮にやるとしてもかなり加減をしなくては非常に不味い事になる。長くなったが、要するに向こうでベネトが暴れると地球がヤバイ。最悪、地球を通り越して宇宙がヤバイ。「一応聞くが、付いてくるのか?」「そのつもりだ」「ならば向こうでは頼むから大人しくしていてくれ。そして間違ってもミズガルズと同じ感覚で動かない事だ」「どういう事だ?」俺にはここと向こう、両方の知識がある。だから向こうで俺達が本気で動く事そのものがヤバイと理解出来る。だがベネトにはこちらの知識しかない。つまり彼女にとっては自分が本気で走っても世界は大丈夫というのが常識なのだ。まずはそれを訂正しておかなければ怖すぎて向こうへ行けない。だから俺はその場でグラップラーのスキルの一つである『シャインブロウ』を適当な方向へと発射した。このスキルは絶対命中スキルの一つで、名前の通り光の速度で拳を打つ事で回避をさせずに絶対当てるというものである。また、この光速というのは絶対的なものではなく相対的なものであり、例えば俺が体感時間を圧縮して光速の一割程の速度の世界でこれを打ったならば、このシャインブロウは“俺から見て光速になる”。つまり実際には光速を遥かに超える速度の拳打となるわけだ。その一撃で前方の大地が巨大なスプーンで削ったように抉れて地平線の果てまで続く線を刻んだが、それだけだ。世界そのものは全くの無事である。「簡単に言うと、向こうの世界でこれをやれば世界が滅びる」「......まあ、貴様が全力で星を殴ればあるいはそうなるかもな」「そうではない。何処に撃っても人――というよりは人並の質量の物体が光速を超えた時点でアウトだ。「......どれだけ脆いんだ、その世界。当ててもいないパンチで滅ぶとか有り得んだろう」ベネトナシュが呆れたように言うが、多分おかしいのは向こうではなく俺達の方だ。この出鱈目な世界だったから、俺やベネトは全力で戦う事が出来たのだ。そうでなければ今頃は、強すぎる力をどうにかして自分達で封印する事になっていただろう。むしろ気を付けなくてはならないのは、意図せずしてそこに住む者達を殺傷してしまわないようにする事だ。冗談抜きで肩がぶつかっただけで相手が死にかねないからな......。向こうの人間にとって俺やベネトは例えるならば無敵スターの効果が消えない赤い帽子の配管工みたいなもんだ。「そういうわけで、保険としてこれを装備して貰うぞ。余も同じ物を付ける」俺はエクスゲートで塔から腕輪を取り出してベネトへと放り、同じ物を自分の腕にも付けた。イベント参加者のみに配られた限定装備品『インフィニティ』。その効果はスキル使用時のSP消費が全て1になるというもので、無限とはいわないが殆ど無消費同然にスキルを乱発可能になるという壊れ装備だ。ただしデメリットが凄まじく、これを装備すると全ステータスが10%にまでダウンする。だから戦闘における実用性は低く、主な使い方としては戦闘前の準備の時だけこれを装備してスキルを重ね掛けし、戦闘前に装備を変えるといったところだろう。だがそんな面倒な事をするくらいなら普通にスキルを使って回復した方が速いので節約でもしていない限りはあまり出番がない。とりあえずこれで俺達のステータスも大にまで落ちるし、多分今な程度ともいい勝負になるはずだ。ま、それでも負けはしないだろうがな。「それと......服装も向こうに合わせるか」今の俺達の恰好は向こうではコスプレ同然だ。なので向こうに合わせた服も作っておいた方がいいだろう。俺とベネトは一度アルゴー船へと戻り、そこで服を作って着替えた。装備効果が失われるのが少し痛いが、流石に日本の町中をドレスで徘徊するわけにもいかない。メグレズから貰った方の服もやはりファンタジーなデザインなので向こうには合わない。その点ベネトなんかは結構向こうでもありそうなカッターシャツとスカートなので案外溶け込むかもしれないが、一応変えておいた方がいいだろう。「変わったデザインの服だな」鏡で自分の恰好を確認しながら、なかなか向こうの衣装っぽくなった事に僅かな満足感を感じる。俺の服装は上が赤いパーカーで、下はジーンズだ。ちなみにパーカーは前にポケットが付いているタイプにしている。ダサいとか言ってはいけない。このダサさがいいのだ。それに実にラフで動きやすい。というか普段のドレスが動きにくすぎる。装備効果が強力なのと、単純に頑丈なので着ているが、あの恰好だと蹴り技とか出しにくくて仕方ないんだ。髪はポニテにし、伊達眼鏡はない。向こうで俺の顔知ってる奴なんかいないだろうしな。ベネトは普段とそんなに変わらない白のカッターシャツと黒いスカート。その下にはタイツ。いや、こいつ短いスカートでも平気で蹴りとか出すからさ......やっぱ心配になるわけよ。その上から黒いロングコート、という服装だ。「さて、では始めるか」俺はアルゴー船の甲板に出て右手に魔力、左手に天力を溜める。そを組み合わせて反発させ、その反作用で空間に穴を穿つ。すると俺達の前に人が通れる程度の大きさのエクスゲートが完成した。普段はこれを通って同じミズガルズの中を行き来するわけだが、今回は違う。深く深く、ミズガルズという世界......いや、宇宙に穴を開けてこの世界そのものから脱出するのだ。宇宙そのものを隔てた向こう側。そこに地球は存在している。座標は測るまでもない。何故ならこのミズガルズがある場所もまた太陽系。太陽があり、月があり、そして火星や水星がある。つまり――同座標なのだ。このミズガルズと全く同じ場所に地球は存在している。正確にいうならばミズガルズの裏側、というべきだろうか。どちらが表でどちらが裏なのかは分からんが、つまり宇宙さえ超えてしまえばそこはもう地球という事になる。そして俺がこんな、本来知らないはずの事を知っているのは......やはりあいつが俺の中に情報を残していたという事なのだろう。「いくぞベネト」俺はベネトへと手を出し、彼女はきょとんとした顔になった。「......何だ、その手は」「いいから取れ。エクスゲートは相手の同意が必要だ。「............」ベネトは渋々といった様子で俺の手の上に自らの手を乗せ、そっぽを向いた。そんなに嫌か、俺と手を繋ぐの。まあ今更言及はすまい。元々こいつは俺に敵対的だったし、むしろこれでも歩み寄ってくれているのだろう。アルゴー船の乗組員達の「お気をつけて」という声を背に、俺はベネトの手を引いてエクスゲートへと飛び込み、世界の内側へと突入した。普段の移動では絶対に有り得ないほどに深く、深く。物理的な移動では決して届かない空間の境目を通る事で、この世界に満ちている魔力と天力の存在をこの上なく実感出来る。恐らく本来は何もなかっただろう空間に魔力が満ちて物質を創造し、それを天力が補助して実体化させている。俺達では絶対に出来ない魔力と天力の複合による、『無から有を創り出す』神技。なるほど。魔力も天力も結局は同じ力だったってわけか。ただ、創世の力をプラスとマイナスで二つに分けただけ。魔力は存在しない物を創り出す力で天力は既に存在している物を強化する力とずっと言われていたが、真実はそうではない。魔力は無から有を作る術で、天力はその有を強化して永久的に留める力だった。ミズガルズはその二つの力で構成されていた。だから無理矢理天力と魔力を組み合わせるとその部分だけ世界を構成している力が弾け、穴が開いてしまう。データの上書きのようなものだ。既にそこに同じ物があるのに全く同じデータを持ってくれば上書きが発生するだろう。その上書きする瞬間、前のデータは新しいデータに潰されて消える。無論すぐに新しいデータがそこに居座るわけだが、その瞬間一時的に何もない空間が生まれてしまう。エクスゲートとは要するに世界の一部を上書きして、その上書きが終わるまでの僅かな間に生じた空白を通り道とする術だったのだ。つまり俺達が暮らしていた世界......否、宇宙そのものがアロヴィナスの魔法だった。だが分からないのは、何故そこに暮らす生物を魔法で創っていないのか、という事だ。世界そのものが魔法でも、そこに住む俺達は魔法ではなく実体だ。無論魔法から生み出されたわけでもない。そうでなければ今頃、俺はとっくに消されている。無論マナの影響は受けているし変異もしているが......魔神族とはやはり違う。つまりアロヴィナスは魔力と天力で世界を創造し、そこに態々実体を持つ生物を住ませた事になる。そして更に憶測になるが、その生物は恐らく地球から持ってきたのだろう。だから地球とミズガルズとで不自然なまでに生態系が似通っているのだ。何故だ? 宇宙すらも創世出来る力がありながら命は創り出せなかったとでも言うのか? 魔神族のような不完全な人形しか創り出せなかったから、本物の命を外から持ってきたと? 「どうした、マファール」「いや、何でもない」俺は今、恐ろしい想像をしている。当たっていて欲しくない考えだ。だが嫌な考えほどよく当たるもので、多分合っているのだろうなという嫌な確信も俺の中にはあった。 ――アロヴィナス......あいつ、本当は創造神なんかじゃ無いんじゃないか? むしろ真実は、その逆なんじゃないのか、と。そう思い、俺は冷や汗を流した。	What should I do? I can’t find any clues whatsoever. We searched every nook and cranny of Mafahl Tower, however, we spectacularly found nothing. I thought that there would at least be a single note left somewhere, but there really was absolutely nothing. Now that it had gotten to this, I really had no clue. Without a doubt, the first location where I had met Dina was here. So if there’s nothing in this place, where am I supposed to look? “Oi, Mafahl. Are you sure you don’t have any ideas?” “Unfortunately, I really don’t. What a problem it’s turned out to be.” “I’m not sure about the details, but, isn’t that one called Dina supposed to be the Goddess’s avatar? In that case, couldn’t she have used some kind of memory manipulation technique to convey and leave a message that only you could understand? If that wasn’t the case, she wouldn’t have specifically added ‘that is within your memory’.” “Hmm, even if you tell me that...” Benet suggested a consideration on the matter, however, I really did not know what I did not know. Even if I was told that it was within my memory, the very first location that I could recall where I met Dina was, without a doubt, the very place that we were in. If I were to go back any further in time, I would no longer be Ruphas, but be “me” (ore). I first saw the figure of Alovenus in the game on my screen, then I was led to this world, and... “Oh.” A voice leaked out of me without me meaning to. Wait, hang on. Just wait a minute...!? That’s right. The very first location where I met Dina wasn’t in this world. It was in the other world... It was on Earth, in Japan. In “my” (ore) own room before I became Ruphas. Right in front of my computer’s screen. At that time, I set Dina as an object within the Mafahl Tower. Was that what she meant? In other words, that she was not in Midgard, but on the Earth? If that was truly the case, indeed, it would absolutely be a location where no one other than me would notice. “Sorry, I just thought of one.” “Hou? Where is it?” “It’s in another world.” “Huh?” There was an expression that said “What the hell is she saying?” written all over Benet’s face. Furthermore, even on my own end, I did not say it with much conviction. Nonetheless, factoring in that we could not find her anywhere even after thoroughly searching the Mafahl Tower, that was the only place I could think of. Exactly, Dina had to be on Earth. She was in Japan and... in all likelihood, at the house that “I” (ore) was previously living in. Even if she was not there specifically, she should be somewhere nearby. Additionally, I also had a method of reaching that place. If I used X-Gate, it should be possible to bypass the space-time continuum and pass over to the other side. In reality, the young boy Sei had already been summoned here through that method. If anything, perhaps I should have done this sooner. Even if just to investigate my background from the roots, I should have crossed over to the other side at least once. And the reason behind why I had not done that yet could probably be attributed to the fact that I myself had not wanted to unveil the truth. In all likelihood, I was fearful of learning the truth more than anyone else. “There’s another world independent of this world that is called ‘Earth’. If Dina were to be somewhere, that’s most likely where she is.” “Another world, huh... Good, this sounds fairly interesting. There might be some individuals with decent backbones over there.” “No, there isn’t. I’m begging you not to go berserk over there.” Benet laughed belligerently as if she was ready for a fight, but I remonstrated her. Although I did feel bad for her, there was absolutely no one in the other world who would be able to fight against Benet. The physical capabilities of the people on Earth were shockingly frail. It was because they had evolved and adapted to living in a progressively advanced civilization with convenient lifestyles. You might have often heard this line before. That, if one were to compare a human being of the past and a human being from modern times, it would give rise to a difference in strength and stamina. People now lived in comfortable living spaces where one could adjust the room temperature. Their modes of transportation were bicycles, buses and trains. Not only that, it was not even rare for there to be people who did not leave their houses all day long unless they suddenly gained the motivation to exercise. These were the signs of peace and prosperity made possible only because Earth had advanced beyond Midgard. Even the greatest nation in the world, America, which boasted the strongest military force was more famous for asserting ridiculous things such as “Pizzas are vegetables!” and undergoing an obesity crisis. As such, it was only natural that the physical capabilities of the people on Earth had dropped to a deplorable state. They were simply incomparable to the people in Midgard. Even when human warriors were compared to each other, the modern counterparts fell short of the warriors of the past. Also, pizzas are not vegetables. Although this was purely my speculation, even the so-called world champion in that world would not surpass level in this world. From what I’ve heard in the past, the bones of human beings on Earth were structured in such a way that it would be impossible for them to lift anything weighing over kg. In contrast, this world was just a mess. As long as an individual raised their level, they would be able to lift anything regardless of the weight. Whilst I had never exerted my full strength, at the very least, I had enough arm strength to throw the Dragon King away with a single hand, so I was substantially weird myself. The misgiving in all of this was most likely the laws of physics. In Midgard, perhaps because the Goddess fired the laws of the physics-san or whatever, it was not doing its job at all. Even if Benet or I were to go at a speed fast enough to lap around Midgard in a single second, everything would most likely remain fine. However, if such a thing were to be attempted on Earth, there would no doubt be a major catastrophe. In the worst-case scenario, that alone would be enough to erase all life on Earth. Once we crossed over to that world, battles had to be absolutely avoided. For argument’s sake, even if we were to engage in a battle, if we did not substantially hold back, it would result in an extremely bad situation. Although this exposition had gotten quite long, in summary, if Benet were to rampage in that world, Earth would be in danger. In the worst-case scenario, let alone Earth, that whole universe would be in danger. “I’m going to ask just in case, but are you planning to come along?” “That’s my intention.” “In that case, I’m going to request that you stay calm and collected. And whatever you do, don’t move around as you do in Midgard, even if it’s by mistake.” “What do you mean?” I had knowledge about both worlds. As such, I could understand how dangerous and horrible of an idea it would be for us to move around with all our might. On the other hand, Benet only had knowledge of this world. In other words, her common sense told her that the world would still be perfectly fine even if she ran around seriously. If I did not revise her understanding of that first, I would be too fearful to take her over to the other side. As such, I casually activated one of the grappler’s skills, [Shine Blow], and fired it in a random direction at that moment. This skill was one of the available skills that had an absolute accuracy effect. Just as the name of the skill would suggest, the fist was struck out at light speed, thereby giving no room for the enemy to avoid the attack and allowing the user to absolutely hit the enemy. Furthermore, the speed of light was not absolute, but instead relative. For example, if I were to compress time and use the skill in a world where the speed of light was about %, Shine Blow would be activated at “the speed of light as I perceived it”. In other words, the fist would be thrown at a speed far faster than the actual speed of light. From that random shot that I had fired, the ground in front of me got scraped away to the horizon as if it was scooped up by a spoon, but that was all there was to it. The world itself around us was still perfectly fine. “Putting things simply, if an attack like that was fired on the other side, the world would perish.” “... Well, I mean, if you punched the planet with all your might, I suppose it’d end up like that.” “That’s not what I’m saying. It doesn’t matter where you shoot it, a person will... or more like, the moment anything with sufficient mass passes the speed of light, it’ll all be over. Sure, the part about shockwaves being created due to something moving is also the same in this world, but the scale at which it happens is completely different. Let alone the speed of light, you have to understand that just by passing the speed of sound, there could be a major disaster. Furthermore, there’s a theory that not only the planet but the whole universe could perish if something were to travel faster than the speed of light. Although I’m not too sure about the details.” “...... How fragile can that world be? What is even up with the world perishing from a punch that doesn’t even hit?” Although Benetnash replied as such whilst sounding exasperated, the one which was strange was not the other side but the world that we were in. It was only because the world we were in was so nonsensical that people like me and Benet were able to fight to our fullest extent. Should that not have been the case, we would most likely have had to seal our own powers which had become overly powerful. If anything, the part which we needed to pay attention to was making sure that we did not unintentionally kill off the people living in that world. Without it coming across as some kind of a joke, the people in that world could very well end up dead just from our shoulders bumping into them... For the human beings in that world, Benet and I were like a certain plumber with a red hat with an invincible star buff which lasted for an indefinite amount of time. “So yeah, as insurance, I need you to wear this. I’ll also put the same thing on.” I activated X-Gate and connected it to Mafahl Tower. I then took out two bracelets, throwing one to Benet and putting the other one on my arm. It was a limited equipment called [Infinity], which was distributed only to players who had participated in a special event. It was a broken piece of equipment whereby the effect of the item was to make all the skills used by the wearer cost only SP. Although it would not be infinite uses, since the skills cost practically nothing, the wearer became able to use skills for effectively no cost, thereby allowing them to fire skills off continuously. However, the corresponding demerit was quite detrimental. When the bracelet was equipped, every status was reduced to 0% of the original value. As a consequence, the practical use of the bracelet in actual combat was low. The only usage of this bracelet was to equip it during preparation for a battle to spam-cast skills and buffs then change equipment right before the actual combat began. However, rather than taking such troublesome steps, as it was faster to use skills normally and recover by using items, there was no practical use for the bracelet unless the individual wanted to save items. In either event, our status was now down to triple digits. If it was now, perhaps even the Seven Luminaries would be able to put up a good fight. “Also... let’s match our clothing to what’s on the other side as well.” Our current appearances would be equivalent to cosplaying if we went to the other side now. As was the case, it was probably better that I crafted some clothing which would match the people on the other side. Benet and I returned to the Argo and got changed after I crafted a new set of clothing. Although it was a bit painful to have to lose the beneficial effects of the equipment that we were currently wearing, as expected, it would be problematic to be wandering around the middle of a Japanese city in a fancy dress. Even the clothing that I had received from Megrez gave off a fantasy design, therefore, it was not very suitable for the other side. On this specific point, the dress shirt and skirt that Benet was wearing might have possibly been viable for use, however, I decided to have her change just in case. “These clothes have quite a weird design, huh?” Looking at my own reflection in the mirror, I was feeling satisfied now that I looked like the people on the other side. My getup consisted of a red hoodie and a pair of jeans. By the way, the hoodie that I was wearing was the type with a pocket in the front. Don’t say that it looks lame. It’s the lameness that makes it good. Additionally, it was nice for moving around casually. Or rather, the dress that I was usually wearing was just too hard to move around in. Due to the beneficial effect that it gave and its durability, I still wore it. However, with that dress on, it was really hard to use a kicking technique. My hair was tied up in a ponytail and I no longer wore a fake pair of glasses. After all, I doubted that there was anyone who knew my face on that side. Benet did not look very different from how she usually looked with a white dress shirt and a black skirt. She now wore tights underneath the skirt. Well, she nonchalantly kicked around even with a short skirt on, after all... it was something that I needed to worry about, you know? And lastly, on top, she wore a long black coat. That was the summary of her getup. “Now then, shall we begin?” I got up onto the deck of the Argo and gathered arcane power in my right hand and divine power in my left hand. I then mashed the two powers together to make them repel each other. The resulting reaction bore a hole in the space-time continuum. And lo and behold, in front of me, an X-Gate big enough to allow people to pass through was completed. Typically, we would use this skill to go from one place to another within Midgard, but this time would be different. Deeper and deeper, a hole was dug into the world known as Midgard... no, a hole was opened in the very universe itself and eventually broke through the world itself. It was on the other side of a completely separate universe. That was where the Earth existed. There was no need to figure out the coordinates. After all, the place where this Midgard existed was also the Solar System. There was the Sun, the Moon, the planet Venus, the planet Mars and others. In other words... it had the same coordinates. The Earth existed in exactly the same place as Midgard. If I were to be more specific, I should say, it was on the opposite side of Midgard. I did not know which side was heads and which side was tails, but long story short, the Earth could be reached as long as I could cross over the dimension and or universe. And the reason behind why I knew about all of this information, which I normally should not have been aware of... was most likely because she had left this information in me. “Let’s go, Benet.” I stuck my hand out to Benet and she stared at it in puzzlement. “... What’s that hand for?” “Doesn’t matter, just take it. X-Gate requires the consent of the other party. If you reject the transfer halfway through, you’ll end up in a boundary between the two worlds. So if you reject it at this point, I’ll judge that it’s impossible to take you along, and I’ll go alone.” “............” Benet placed her hand on top of mine whilst looking reluctant to do so, and then quickly turned her head away. Do you really hate holding hands with me that much? Well, whatever, I was not going to mention anything at this point. I mean, after all, she was someone who was originally hostile towards me, so if anything, her taking my hand must mean that she was trying to be amicable with me. Whilst being sent off by the Argo’s crew who were telling us to take care, I pulled Benet’s hand along and leapt into the X-Gate, heading to the opposite side of the world. We travelled far, far deeper than we would ordinarily ever have gone. By travelling in the boundary of space that one would never be able to reach by physical means, we were able to experience the existence of arcane power and divine power which overflowed the world in a way that would not be possible otherwise. In all likelihood, in an originally empty space, arcane power overflowed to materialise substances. Those substances were then likely enhanced by divine power, turning into real tangible objects. It was a godly technique of “creating something from nothing” through the act of combining arcane power and divine power in a way that was impossible for us to achieve. I see. So it turns out arcane power and divine power are actually the same form of power. It was nothing more than dividing the power of creation into plus and minus. It was said throughout Midgard that arcane power was the power to materialise something that did not exist and divine power was the power to enhance something that already existed. But the truth was different. It turned out arcane power was the power to create something from nothing and divine power was the power to strengthen that something so that it would remain as that something permanently. Midgard was composed and held together by those two powers. That was why, when one forcibly mashed the divine and arcane power together, it would repel the power which held the world together in that specific area, causing a hole to form. As a simple explanation, it was something like overwriting data which already existed. If there was data which already existed in that place and the exact same data was brought on top of it, the data would be overwritten. At the moment the overwriting happened, the previous data would be squashed by the new data and disappear. Needless to say, although the new data would take root in that location, at the very moment the process took place, there was a temporary state where nothing existed. So in summary, X-Gate was something like overwriting a part of the world and utilising a blank state which was given birth until the moment the overwriting was completed to create a shortcut. In other words, the world that we were inhabiting until now... correction, the whole universe itself was Alovenus’s arcane magic. What I could not understand was why the living creatures within it were also not created by her arcane magic. Although the whole world itself was made out of her arcane magic, the people living within it were substantive. Needless to say, we were also not given birth by arcane magic. After all, if that was not the case, I would have long been erased by her. Of course, I was under the influence of mana and had even been mutated due to it... but we were still different from the demon race. In other words, it meant that Alovenus created a world through her arcane and divine magic and allowed real living creatures with actual substance to inhabit it. And although this was just my speculation, those living creatures were brought over from Earth. That was why there was a strange sense of congruity in the ecosystem between Earth and Midgard to an unnatural extent. But why was it like that? Could it possibly be that she did not have the power to create life even though she had sufficient power to even create a universe itself? Could it possibly be that she brought over real life from outside because she could only create incomplete dolls like the demons? “What’s wrong, Mafahl?” “No, nothing.” Just then, I was imagining something truly terrifying. It was a line of thinking that I hoped would not be correct. At the same time, there was a bitter feeling within myself. The more one hated the idea, the more often it came into fruition. And I was most likely spot on. – Alovenus... Could it be that she’s actually not the Creation Goddess? Could it be that the truth is just the opposite? Whilst thinking like that, I started to break out into a cold sweat.	{ "source": "manual-fanfic", "missed_lines": 2, "inserted_lines_src": 11, "inserted_lines_trg": 0 }

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