Wednesday 29 April 2015

Konjiki no Moji Tsukai - Chapter 93: New Word Magic Ability...and Title

Ok. So...sorry about the delay. It's been a little...hectic over here.

We've had publisized constructive criticism, new members joined, an informative discussion with our 'senpais' and, well, RL.

This is going to be a long spiel so...scroll down if you just want to read the chapter.

First things first, please welcome Pummels and Loliquent to the 'team'. *Applause*
While they've done chapters before, this is the first time that we've worked together, thus, the delay.

With that said, this open trans has been very enlightening. I have roughly gauged the skill levels of our 'new recruits'. I won't be specific, but they're better than I expected.

Now, I have been swamped by RL obigations and have thus decided to stop editing for a while. I will still translate from time to time, however, I will not be doing editing as it takes up too much of my time.

While unfortunate, editing (to me at least) has started to take its toll. I've started to look at it as an obligation as opposed to something fun to do on the side. Therefore, I'm taking a hiatus from editing. NB and Dal will (hopefully) take on my duties.

Now, I'm not sure what our take is with recruiting editors. I'm pretty sure NB has received applications before, but...no idea what happened to them.

In my opinion, we are looking for an editor that has a good grasp of the English Language. I would also prefer it if the Editor was able to translate, even if a bit. Ideally, we would get someone who is good at Jap to edit, just to make sure the TL matches the RAW.

Also, Proof Reading and Editing are different. Proof Reading scans the TL for glaring consistency/grammatical issues. Editing ensures that the quality of the trans is consistent (I could probably do better on this account. My rough edits are essentially Proof Reading).

Now then. This chapter. Does Hiiro seem more OP? Probably...

Pummel's Chapter 92 is almost finished and will be posted soon (I'm pretty sure). Yorai's already down 94. He's just waiting for us slackers...(sorry, Yorai-sama)

By the way, Loli had sort of a...'field day' with this chapter. You'll see why.

Oh, I'll also be implementing the following stats below for every trans from now on (beccause some people seem to not understand that each TL has a different format).

Ok. Spiel over. Chapter Start

Chapter Stats:


Open Trans Contributers:
  • Pummels ~ 25%
  • LoliQ ~Dere Mode~(?) ~ 37.5 %
  • XCrossJ (Finally, I get to TL…) ~ 37.5 %

Editors:

  • XJ (or not…)
  • Dal

Perspective: Third
Tense: Past
Format: XCrossJ


Edit 1 (29/04/2015): Fixed Error (Credit to Commentor: Zworden)
Edit 2 (29/04/2015): Fixed Note 11. (Brought to attention by Commentor: Adahn)
Edit 3 (30/04/2015): Fixed Errors (Credit to Commentor: Adahn, Charles the Reader)
Edit 3 (30/04/2015): Fixed Errors (many minor grammar edits spotted by me.)

Chapter 93: A New Word Magic Ability….and Title.


A variety of large and small rocks were lying around. Despite calling them small, they were still about the size of a person, the larger ones being close to ten meters tall.  Counting through them one by one would be an endless job, yet, the desert monster was lying somewhere among them.


Hiiro: (《Boulder desert》, huh… It’s exactly like that.)


While endless number of rocks kept appearing in the distance, Hiiro was thinking of the battle strategy.

Hiiro: (First, we need to find the monster itself… however, before that-)

Hiiro noticed that he had leveled up after he won the fight against Camus. Because of this, he was currently wondering about whether his 《Word Magic》 had gained a new ability.


Hiiro Okamura

Level 81

HP 1720/1725
MP 3000/3000

EXP 600976
NEXT 21707

ATX 504 (566)
DEF 405 (420)
AGL 637 (639)
HIT 356 (364)
INT 555 (559)


《Magic Attribute》 None

《Magic》 Word Magic ( | One Word Chain (Unlocked) | Air Writing (Unlocked) | Parallel Writing (Unlocked) | Two Word Chain (Unlocked) | Simultaneous Invocation (Unlocked) | Invocation Management (Unlocked) | Three Word Chain (Unlocked) |)

《Titles》 Innocent Bystander | World Traveller | Word Master | Awakened One | Ripper | The One Who Imagines | Killer of the Unique | Gourmet Bastard | One Who Follows His Own Path | Friend of the Fairies | Mikazuki’s Owner | Monster Slayer | Wanderer | Lightning Speed | Sage | Little Girl Killer(1) | One Who is Skilled in Magic |(2)


And so, as per expectations, Hiiro had gained new abilities. Hiiro chuckled to himself as he had determined that fighting Camus was the right choice.

However, there was a title that caught his attention. Putting aside the last one for the moment, the title 《Little Girl Killer》 was a bit concerning. For some reason, Hiiro felt irritated(3) about those words. It was Hiiro’s nature to confirm something that bothered him. And yet, at the same time, Hiiro felt that he would regret confirming the meaning behind those words.

Even so, he, almost unconsciously, clicked the words 《Little Girl Killer》with his finger.


《Little Girl Killer》(4)

You seem to be an existence that are blessed by, and attracts, little girls(5). In the eyes of little girls, your charm has suddenly increased(6). This is surely because you are also a Loli--(7)


With a snap, Hiiro canceled the explanation interface.

Hiiro was troubled. What is this? He thought that god was teasing him or something(8). If that really turned out to be the case, he swore in his mind to inflict punishment upon them with the word 「Curse」 | 『呪』.

However, as he had previously thought , Hiiro was now regretting confirming the title(9).

Hiiro sighed heavily. After he escaped from reality for a short period of time, he finally proceeded to address the main topic. Hiiro forcefully persuaded himself that this next part would be very enjoyable for him. Following this, the newly added 《Three-Word Chain》 of 《Word Magic》was clicked.


《Three-Word Chain》 MP Consumption: 600

It was now possible to write and connect three words. Similar to the two word skill, the effective range, influence, and versatility of the spell improves, although the effect duration still depends on the words written. When this ability has been unlocked, the restrictions placed on two word spells are lifted. Up until now, if you were to use a two word spell, the words installed using the 《Invocation Management》 skill would lose all of it’s effect. However, this restriction was now released. Instead, this limitation now applies to three word spells. Additionally, the abilities of 《Simultaneous Invocation》 & 《Invocation Management》 now apply to two word spells. However, the installation limit of setting 5 words doesn’t change for 《Invocation Management》. Furthermore, in regards to the 《Simultaneous Invocation》, please exercise caution for there are certain words that cannot be used.

Basically, the restrictions of the 《Two-Word Chain》 skill are now applied onto the 《Three-Word Chain》 skill. However, if the process of writing the words was interrupted, the 《Rebound》 would decrease all of his status fields by 30%. Furthermore, Hiiro would be rendered unable to use magic, as well as being inflicted with a random Abnormal Status Effect. The Abnormal Statuses that may be inflicted include: Severe Pain, Paralysis, Sleep, Blindness, and Confusion. This Abnormal Condition would last for duration of 1 hour, while the reduction in stats and inability to utilise Magic would last for a period of 6 hours.


This 《Rebound》 was quite typical, or so Hiiro had thought. He would be subjected to risk even if he attempted to use it. It wasn’t as if his status would simply be reduced, nor would he be rendered unable to use magic. The problem was the ‘Abnormal Condition’. In particular, the confusion and severe pain caused would leave him at a disastrously high risk for a 1 hour period.


Hiiro: (No, the possibility of it being paralysis or sleep exists, but...blindness....haa, no matter what it is, it’d probably mean certain death if I got it in the middle of a fight.)


Although he could probably endure pain, it was undeniably certain that his movements would be hindered. Even after the the affliction had dissipated, Hiiro would most likely be left fatigued and vulnerable. Either way, the necessity for Hiiro to experiment and experience this at least once remained. Rather than having a unknown abnormality, it would be more easier to prepare if he knew what the disorder was. That way, he would somewhat be able to calm his uncertainties.


Hiiro: (Even so, I’m grateful for the fact that I can now install two word spells.)


With this, Hiiro was now able to implement a large array of tactics, allowing him to display even further cheat-like behaviour. Furthermore, his installed words had expanded to encompass 《Multiple Words》. In other words, apart from the one word spell, the continuous writing skill had now become available to Hiiro.

Up until now, whenever Hiiro attempted to use a two word spell, he could not use any other words. No, although he could activate and use other words, the effects of the two word spell would be cancelled. However, this limitation had now been lifted.

Now, if, for example, he were to use the word 「Flight」 | 『飛翔』 to fly, he would still be able to activate words such as 「Explosion」 | 『爆』 or 「Speed」『速』. However, as there seemed to be words that would not have this ability, there was a necessity for Hiiro to perform many experiments.

However, the limitations of this seemed to be naturally obvious to Hiiro. If he were to approach an enemy using the word 「Transparent」|『透明』 before casting the spell 「Sleep」 | 『寝』, then he would be so invincible, it would simply be ridiculous. Of course, if his target was one of the magically sensitive 『Evila』, then they might be able to somehow deal with Hiiro’s tactic. Nevertheless, Hiiro deemed it to be too unfair.


Hiiro: (Kuku(10), this is really a Unique Cheat, huh.)


Even with such a restriction applied, Hiiro couldn’t help but involuntarily grin at the tremendous versatility of his own magic. Although there were many methods of execution that would deliver a harsh 《Rebound》 should they be improperly handled, as long as one cautiously used it, the effects that it supplies are quite significant.

Yet, there was an important point that needed careful attention. This point addressed MP Consumption. The new title that Hiiro had just obtained, the one called 《One who is Skilled in Magic》, seemed to apply adjustments to his MP. Even though it appeared to further increase his MP, even after he had levelled up, Hiiro could still not afford to use his 《Word Magic》 frequently.

The reason for this was because, from the very beginning, 《Word Magic’s》 MP consumption was significantly high. Even though he possessed several MP recovery items, it Hiiro would still be required to create time to be able use them during combat...


Hiiro: (Wait, I guess I could use the word 「Protect」 | 『防』 while taking the recovery items...)


Such issue was easily resolved. Yet, even so, the fact that Hiiro had a large MP Consumption Rate would not change. If he wasn’t constantly paying attention, there was always the possibility of Hiiro having a depleted MP gauge when he let his guard down. As it seemed that there might not be enough MP to utilise during important times, it may prove fatal in this world.

Furthermore, although this time he was now able to cast three word spells, the MP consumed was 600. No matter how one thought about it, it could not be considered normal. If Hiiro were to use 《Air Writing》 in conjunction with this skill, the MP cost would be 600 + 100 = 700 MP. This meant that he could only use this combination of skills 4 times if his MP was completely full.


Hiiro: (I guess this is what they call the price of power(11), huh.)


As Hiiro had a limited supply of MP recovery agents, he determined that he must make effective use of them. Even so, it would not change the fact that his ability was a cheat.


Hiiro: (Now then….this time, I guess I’ll be experimenting against the Desert Monster, huh….)


As Hiiro’s party arrived at the 《Boulder Desert》 area, they stopped as they arranged themselves, seemingly without spirit.


Camus:「Everyone… move as planned.」


The 『Ashura Tribe』 nodded at Camus’ order and moved out from that spot. They swiftly headed to their positions. The only ones that remained were Hiiro, Liliyn, Silva, Shamoe, Camus and Sivan. Only these six.

They surveyed the desert, yet, the desert monster could not be be seen. It may be hiding among the large boulders. Meanwhile, Liliyn called out to Hiiro.


Liliyn:「 Oi(12), kozou(13). Are you planning on slaying the monster? 」

Hiiro:「 No, I’m merely assisting them.」

Liliyn:「Then, that fellow will deal the finishing blow…huh? 」


As she spoke those words, she turned her glance towards Camus.


Hiiro:「That’s right.  This is the 『Ashura Tribe’s』 problem. Then this problem, should be resolved by the 『Ashura Tribe’s』 Chief himself. 」

Liliyn:「Hou(14). But can that guy really kill it? Even though his father is dead, from what we’ve heard, it appears to have taken on his father’s appearance.」

Hiiro:「 It seems so. 」

Liliyn:「 But this fellow values the tribe above all else. Wouldn’t it be quite a difficult opponent for him? 」

Hiiro:「 … Who knows. However, this would be the so-called turning point 」

Liliyn:「 The turning point? 」


She knitted her eyebrows as she looked up at Hiiro.


Hiiro:「 Aa(15). If he turned away here, that means he would continue to live while being unable to kill his father 」

Liliyn:「 However, in that scenario, the tribe would spend everyday frightened by the monster. If they allowed the monster to run wild again, it was possible that they would be annihilated 」

Hiiro:「 Aa. If they choose to fight now, it will no longer be possible for them to turn back. Though I asked those fellows, it seems the barrier is made of that guy’s father’s life. Seems to be already reaching its limit. If we provoke the monster this time, even if they ran away, it would be sure to follow in pursuit. 」


If that were to happen, their oasis would be found, placing the tribe in danger. The children would also be helplessly killed.


Hiiro:「 Even if you advance by one step from here, the only road left to you is to defeat the monster. If they moved back from here, they would only gain a brief period of peace. However, even if they did advance, the only options left before them would be whether they defeat the monster or not.」

Liliyn:「 So it’s either Heaven or Hell...huh? 」

Hiiro:「 So it seems….. apparently that guy’s already made his choice. 」


Upon seeing Camus’ eyes, there was no hesitation present. Hiiro slowly approached him.


Hiiro:「 It seems like you’ve got your resolve, huh? 」

Camus:「Nn(16)… I have. I….will defeat it. 」

Jin-u:「 Chief, even though I’m inferior, I shall also assist you! 」


Camus nodded slightly in response to Jin-u’s words as he stared ahead.


Camus:「 ….Let’s go! 」

Notes:

(Disclaimer: I am describing the terms used above as best as I can describe them. You’re probably better off checking with Google. With that said, please don’t quote me as I am not a professional.)

  1. ^ TL Notes:
    • LQ: Little Girl Killer? Loli Killer? I’m ur worst nightmare! I’m Loliquent!
    • XJ: Lol. Loli, watch out. I think he’s coming to get you.
  2. ^ E Notes:
    • Dal: Tempted to make a stat growth chart for each character.
    • XJ: Why not? Do it if you want to.
  3. ^ TL Notes:
    • LQ: WHY?! You should be proud of it!!! Kuso...what a waste...if u don’t accept such once in a lifetime blessing.
    • XJ: Calm down. Just calm down.
  4. ^ TL Notes:
    • LQ: I don’t know why, but I like this title haha
    • XJ: Put it in your about page. It’d be pretty hilarious if people thought a loli was conquering lolis.
  5. ^ TL Notes:
    • LQ: How envious! Ufufufu!
    • XJ: Down, LoliQ. Down.
  6. ^ TL LQ: Nandato?! I want this!
  7. ^ TL LQ: It should be ‘Lolicon’ but Hiiro cut it off. I was tempted to write Loliquent, haha. (Paraphrased by XJ)
  8. ^ TL LQ: They are not teasing you but blessing you! Argh…
  9. ^ TL LQ: Ah...I suddenly lost motivation all of a sudden haha
  10. ^ TL Notes
    • XJ: ...he’s turning into Liliyn...
    • LQ: Agreed haha
  11. ^ TL Note: Clunky trans, I know. The RAW is Bannousa no tsuke | 万能さのツケ. My interpretation is Bannousa (almighty) no (indicates possession) tsuke (price). Any suggestions/corrections welcome.
  12. ^ Oi: ‘Hey’
  13. ^ Kozou: Informal/Rude way of addressing a younger male. Often thought of as an Archaic expression. Alt Trans: Boy | Brat | Lad
  14. ^ Hou: A Japanese expression denoting interest. Think ‘Hmm~’.
  15. ^ Aa: An expression of affirmation often used by, but not exclusive to, masculine, dominant people. Think ‘yeah’ or ‘uh-huh’.
  16. ^ Nn: A Japanese expression denoting affirmation (in this context).

Sub Notes

XJ: What's the difference between Loli Mode and Dere Mode? Actually, are you, like, a Lolidere? Like a Tsundere but Loli?
LQ: Loli ~dere~ haha
XJ: Right...

54 comments:

  1. Thanks for this chapter and welcome Loliquent and Pummel and thanks for helping them to bring us more chapters :)

    ReplyDelete
  2. He seriously have that title?

    ReplyDelete
  3. 11. Law of equivalent exchange.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Sorry, is that a serious suggestion? Or just a comment? If the latter, I concur.

      Delete
    2. Just a comment.

      Delete
  4. Hiiro:「 Even if you advance by one step from here, the only road left to you is to defeat the monster. If they moved back from here, they would only gain a brief period of peace. However, even if they did advance, the only options left before them would be whether they defeat it the monster or not.」

    defeat it the monster

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thanks. Even though we get this proof read, mistakes are bound to slip through the cracks. Not good, I know. Thanks anyway. I'll edit it.

      Delete
    2. no prob, I once tried to translate before, I know it was hard (well for me it is, the english wording)
      keep up the good work tho haha

      Delete
  5. I suspect he got the title cause lilyn, holder of " little girl " title , fell for him. So it is not necessarily actual little girls but those who hold the title of "little girl" . I wonder what would happen if he meet rarashik again. I suspect rarashik and lilyn know each other.

    Meeting fairy pheom would be awkward and embarrassing to him since he know they can see the title.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I think that those who are, indeed, 'little girls' should already have the title of 'little girl' (I say should because it's not absolute).
      With concerns to Rarashik, I could say more, but...I'll let it lie. I don't want to spoil.
      And yeah. Anyone would be embarassed with a title like that (well, except LoliQ).

      Delete
    2. Can titles be removed though? If she has litlle girl title she would remain as such if titles were permanent.

      Delete
    3. Never mind. I remember Arnold's titles.

      Delete
  6. Speaking of titles, he should check Camus titles in case he gain a title that only a certain demographics would like. Funny for most.

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    Replies
    1. Camus title(lol): "man who swing that way" or "Hideyoshi" or "Trap wannabe" or "BL material"

      Delete
    2. Pretty sure Hiiro already checked Camus' titles. I think it was in Chapter 88?

      Delete
    3. That is before the battle. It might added something after that.

      Delete
  7. About 11, wouldn't it be fine if you just changed omnipotence to power? It would be closer in meaning, since great ability usually implies power, although not necessarily the ability to do anything, like omnipotence, and there are also the expressions power comes at a price/the price of power, so it would fit in nicely.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Sorry. This is my fault. I accidentally stated that bannousa meant 'great ability'. It actually has a meaning closer to almighty/versatile/omnipotent. Here: http://ejje.weblio.jp/content/%E4%B8%87%E8%83%BD
      The reason I have not used power is because that generally implies some sort of strength, while Hiiro is talking about his power's usefulness (at least, in my interpretation).
      Thanks for the suggestion though.

      Delete
    2. Hm, this does make power a less than ideal translation, but I still think it works out better than omnipotence for English speaking audiences, at least until something better comes along. I think omnipotence might be a better fit for those who know of the Japanese idiom, but otherwise, by definition, omnipotence makes people think of not just power, but of limitless power.

      From my point of view, Hiiro always acknowledged that his ability was powerful, constantly referring to it as a cheat. What he wants to point out though, is that as his versatility/power increase by being able to chain more kanji (and with Hiiro's ability versatility equals power), the more the price increases, which means that no matter how powerful he gets, there will always be limits to what he can or can't do.

      Of course this is all from my perspective, but then again it's all I can do, so I thought I'd offer some food for thought.

      Delete
    3. Point taken. Perhaps I'll use power for now and explain the discrepency. Thanks.

      Delete
  8. So where can I find Pummel's site/blog?

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Well, it's on the KnW page. If you clicked 'pummel' in the 'team members', it would have taken you to their site. But...here:
      https://pummels.wordpress.com/

      Delete
  9. Thank you very much for the translation, translator! Many thanks towards the Author!

    ReplyDelete
  10. Thanks for the new chapter!
    I was busting a gut when I read the description of Hiiro's new title of [Little Girl Killer]. :D

    ReplyDelete
  11. Under Hiiro's stats, are there supposed to be two HIT stats?

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  12. I still can't stop imagining that Camus is a girl...

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  13. Thank you for the chapter XCrossJ
    ...aghh.. now i cant stop thinking of Camus X Hiro because of the BL comment and (mostly) from Brandon Heat comment

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  14. I would have preferred "Loli Slayer" but this kind of work too

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    Replies
    1. Loli Slayer.. Loli Killer.. I was tempted to translate it to that actually hehe

      Delete
  15. I guess he should avoid meeting and impressing little boys else you know what will happen.

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  16. confirmed Hiiro is a lolicon lol

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  17. Replies
    1. Oho! You love lolis too? Well then, if that is true.. Loli's zuutto daisuki~ ! haha

      Welcome to our world comrade?! (*with open arms)

      Ufufufufu!

      Delete
  18. So lemme just quickly throw out a fellow writers observation... The chance Camus is a girl (loli) is high.

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  19. How come Hiiro is Level 81 and has 600976 EXP while Silva is still Level 80 while having more EXP(604441) than Hiiro ?

    ReplyDelete
  20. For #11 you could always go with the good old Spiderman quote "With great power comes great responsibility" as well as add a ", ka?" to make it sound more Hiiro-esque. I'd leave it as ",ka?" and add a footnote noting that it means ", huh?" in English.

    @ Ahmed Maher : In certain games the quality of the character also impacts their growth potential. (e.g. Hero's level up earlier, have a higher level cap etc.) Also, Pokémon generally have different XP thresholds (although it usually means more powerful Pokémon need more XP to level up).

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. For your suggestion to use the spider man quote, please refer to my discussion with Adahn above.

      The reason why I have not used -ka at the end is mainly for consistency. Also, I see no reason why I should change 'huh' with 'ka' as many seem to be able to make the connection with its Japanese counterpart. I also feel that it doesn't really add anything 'expression wise'. However, I may or may not implement your suggestion in the future.

      Delete
  21. I saw a comment on Elysion, that he not planing on translating KnW cp95 anymore...
    so who will translate it?
    will it be left untranslated?
    just asking.. sorry if I'm wrong..

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I'd prefer if these questions either came up in the FAQ or Progress Report...
      Regardless, I'll answer.
      It seems that LoliQ has decided to take it up. They TL fast, but the quality control with their work is often quite extensive so expect a delay?

      Delete
    2. ah.. sorry about that, I'll do it next time...(I'll post it on progress report next time I've this kind question)
      to be honest I don't really mind a delay... thank you for your answer, just for reading my comment, no just for noticing me... it made me happy...
      happy to know KnW will be still alive

      Delete
    3. No worries. KnW will still be continuing. It's just, we've taken some damage on all sides. We need time before our [Crippled] status effect wears off...

      Delete
  22. Killer is too unambiguous, and isn't really used to mean anything but killing things. Instead of [Little Girl Killer] shouldn't it be [Loli Slayer]?

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Hmm...I agree with you. However, that is the literal translation of the raw.
      RAW: 幼女キらー
      幼女 means little girl. If it was loli, the author would have used katakana 'ロリ'.
      キらー is literally 'Killer'. Not much else to interpret. I could use 'slayer', but then I'd be changing the original and, well...
      Please keep in mind that this author's naming sense is...peculiar.

      Delete
    2. Loli Slayer! Loli Slayer! Ah.. I'm getting out of hand again...

      Delete
  23. What a joke if Camus is a "she".. (that's explain for the title..) O.O

    ReplyDelete