Ishura (異修羅)

The True Demon King has died.

The enemy of the world, that filled the horizon with fear,

was defeated by an unknown Hero.

To this day, powerful beings still walk the world in great numbers.

Unable to be subdued with ordinary strength,

these demons are known as shura.

And so, the people seek a True Hero, one who will bring peace to the world.

It is now time for such a champion to be chosen.

ISHURA

Episode 14 Linaris the Obsidian

Former New Principality of Lithia

Lithia may have fallen,

but a lot of her children still walk free.

Smart money says Aureatia has a big problem with that.

Ogre Zizma the Miasma

So I'm guessing you're not just here on a social call, huh, Kuuro?

I don't plan to be here long.

Just long enough to make sure everyone's adapting well to the new order.

And you think they'll listen to you

'cause you're one of us?

Is it true some Lithian soldiers

made for the Old Kingdom after the Great Fire?

You're the one with Clairvoyance, kid, you tell me.

What's the problem?

Why is a former Obsidian Eye asking for intel?

You some kinda detective now?

Word is, they had help.

Somebody with ties to the Old Kingdom.

Sound familiar?

Know any Lithians with those kinds of connections?

Whoever they are, they're a real idiot.

Sure, they both hate Aureatia,

but that's where the similarities end.

The Old Kingdom is just that.

They don't tolerate non-minians the way we do.

Wonder why someone would go risking their life like that.

What reward is worth that kinda trouble?

You hear Lana the Moon Tempest is dead?

Found her on the edge of town, in a sorry state.

Gave her a proper burial.

But imagine my surprise when I found out she was working for Aureatia.

How quickly we throw away our ideals.

Being an Obsidian Eye was supposed to mean something.

That's why I signed up.

Fought tooth and nail for a world where people like me could live freely.

Was all of that for nothing?

We lost, plain and simple.

No use dwelling on the past, now, is there?

I'm done with that life.

Done with the killing.

The bloodshed.

I don't care about ideologies or ideals.

I just... wanna live my life in peace.

With all the bodies you've dropped,

I'd say it's a bit late for that, wouldn't you?

You're going straight to hell, kid.

It was you who helped those soldiers, wasn't it?

Now I see...

You thought the poison would affect me faster

because of my smaller stature.

Sure took you long enough to notice.

You're losing your Clairvoyance, aren't you?

What was that?

- -

Say that again.

Tell me more about my Clairvoyance.

Don't get so mad.

I know damn well I can't beat you.

Even I'm not that full of myself.

What is the Old Kingdom planning?

And why do I have this feeling

that everything we know is about to fall to ruin?

Well, they didn't tell me anything.

I'm just a man-eating ogre after all.

Why would they trust me?

Can't argue with that, can I, Zizma?

- - Still, the old Kuuro...

would have taken you out the moment you released the poison.

If anyone ever finds out that my Clairvoyance is slipping away,

I'll end up just like Zizma.

Hmm?

Kuuro!

Are you done with the job Ms. Elea gave you?

You were visiting with an old friend, weren't you?

I'm not sure it's fair to call him a friend.

How shall I repay you for keeping watch?

Hmm...

Oh! I want some fruits!

Is that really all you want?

I envy you.

Hmm? Why's that?

Don't worry about it. It's not important.

What?

11 days until calamity arrives

Itarky Highlands City

We need someone to confirm the whereabouts of any residents

who've recently returned to Itarky.

That's the job, take it or leave it.

Minia Shirok the Sextant

Easy enough.

Oh, wow.

What a huge mansion.

Huh.

I-Is it abandoned?

- -

Hi! I, um...

I'm here on behalf of the Council of Lords!

I'm conducting a census.

I see. Well, I appreciate your hard work.

It's nice to meet you.

My name is Linaris.

Do you mind if I ask your name?

Uh, sure. My name is Shirok the Sextant.

So, do you live here all by yourself? Or...

Forgive me, Shirok.

I can't help but notice you're injured.

Huh?

Uh...

Oh. Weird.

I didn't realize.

Please. Allow me to treat you inside.

I would hate to think you were harmed by one of my roses.

Really, it's the least I can do.

I... I really shouldn't, uh...

I insist.

Accept my offer and allow me to tend to your wounds.

Hmm?

Are you all right, Master Shirok?

Yes! I'm fine!

You've been very kind.

Excuse me while I prepare some hospitality.

You'll have to forgive me.

This mansion has no servants.

So you live here alone then?

My father is here too.

Anyway, I'll be right back.

By all means, make yourself at home.

Come on, Shirok. Get a grip, will you?

You barely know a thing about this girl.

If you don't mind my asking, how recently did you return to Itarky?

I got back around the same time as everyone else.

A little after the True Demon King was defeated.

I was so sure I would die in battle.

But somehow I survived.

Not many did.

You must have felt awfully lonely.

I know just how lucky I am.

But saying it feels a bit disrespectful to all the victims, don't you think?

Perhaps.

I guess my point was that I can relate.

How so?

My family.

It might not look it,

but we lost a great deal at the hands of the True Demon King.

The truth is,

my father's the only family I have left.

May I ask your father's name, Linaris?

Obsidian.

His name is Rehart the Obsidian.

As in the Obsidian Eyes?

I'm sorry, is something the matter?

Uh, no. I-Is that really his name?

It is, I promise.

There would be no sense in me lying to you.

Okay, my turn.

Tell me, why is it that you're conducting this census?

Um...

It was something to do

with the literate nobles creating a registry, I think?

In that case, would it be all right if I asked a favor of you, Shirok?

Sure. I... I don't see why not.

If it's true that there are nobles in the city who can read,

take this,

and see that it reaches them safely.

I'll see what I can do.

Though I'll warn you, depending on how it's written,

they may or may not be able to translate it.

Yes. That's more than reasonable.

All the same, try your best, won't you?

- For me? -

- - Absolutely!

I'll... I'll bring it back right away.

Will I... see you again?

If you'd like to, then yes.

You know, I'm rather embarrassed to admit this.

- But you see, I've been so lonely here. -

And it's been so very long.

As long as it's written in noble script,

I should be able to identify the lineage and decipher it.