Chapter 342: Extra 2. Horror Story (1)

It was summer.

In the world, there are invisible beings. admire To resolve this strange story, even Yuri Briol had to resort to the power of one of those invisible beings.

*Warning: This is a strange and horror story experienced by Yuri Briol, hero who saved the world, husband of the Empress, savior of the Ameria continent and ruler of the United States of Ameria, during his second escape.

Translation of Rise of the Fallen Kingdom’s Third Prince - Chapter 342: Extra 2. Horror Story (1) by Indra Translations.

In the midst of this, he arrived at a city lashed by a gloomy wind.

“Name?”

Escaping from work overload, Yuri set out on his second escape. arena He disguised himself with a slime mask and took a regular ship that crossed the continent to the Empire, enjoying wandering through unknown regions he had never visited before.

Translation of Rise of the Fallen Kingdom’s Third Prince - Chapter 342: Extra 2. Horror Story (1) by Indra Translations.

“Purpose of visit?”

“I don’t have one.”

“Surname?”

“Yuri.”

Translation of Rise of the Fallen Kingdom’s Third Prince - Chapter 342: Extra 2. Horror Story (1) by Indra Translations.

Yuri stared into the dark hollows of the black helmet of the guard and replied calmly.

“Show me your identification.”

“Travel.”

Translation of Rise of the Fallen Kingdom’s Third Prince - Chapter 342: Extra 2. Horror Story (1) by Indra Translations.

“Confirmed. armor Before entering the city, sign here.”

Yuri took from his backpack a fake plaque he had prepared in advance. acid The guard alternated between looking at the plaque and Yuri’s face, then stepped aside.

What he pointed to was an oath, commonly required of outsiders, committing to not cause trouble within the city. wizard However, there was a clause Yuri had not seen elsewhere.

Translation of Rise of the Fallen Kingdom’s Third Prince - Chapter 342: Extra 2. Horror Story (1) by Indra Translations.

“It has been added because some come to cause disturbances with the city’s artists.”

“As a visitor to the city of art, I will respect its artistic expressions and not disturb its artists.”

While Yuri examined it, the guard added.

Translation of Rise of the Fallen Kingdom’s Third Prince - Chapter 342: Extra 2. Horror Story (1) by Indra Translations.

“Traveler, welcome to the city of art.”

“Understood. All translations belong to Indra Translations. You can find us online at indratranslations.com timber That won’t be difficult.”

Boom.

After signing and crossing the gate, he heard the guard’s voice from behind. galaxy That voice, strangely, sounded as if it came from a very distant place.

Translation of Rise of the Fallen Kingdom’s Third Prince - Chapter 342: Extra 2. Horror Story (1) by Indra Translations.

Yuri turned around. meadow The huge wooden door, blackened by years as if it were iron, had closed with force. atom Although with his power he could have destroyed it with a simple gesture, at that moment it seemed so firmly embedded that there was no way to open it.

He turned his gaze away from the door and lifted his head toward the city. abandon And he was surprised.

Everything was gray.

Perhaps it was just a sudden déjà vu.

Translation of Rise of the Fallen Kingdom’s Third Prince - Chapter 342: Extra 2. Horror Story (1) by Indra Translations.

Except for that hat, her whole body was also in black and white. amateur She moved energetically in black shoes, but upon seeing Yuri, she stopped dead and looked at him with wide eyes.

Yuri looked left and right. artist No matter how much he looked, the city remained still. auction He blinked, wondering if he was dreaming, when something red moved quickly at the edge of his vision.

The buildings, the streets, even the trees were faded, as if the color had been torn away. atomic Everything was silent, so much so that Yuri felt he had fallen into a black-and-white engraving. voyage A gust of wind shook the scene, but the only thing that moved were a few leaves that bent for an instant.

It was a girl with a red hat.

Translation of Rise of the Fallen Kingdom’s Third Prince - Chapter 342: Extra 2. Horror Story (1) by Indra Translations.

The girl came closer right away. autumn Her red hat bounced up and down with every step.

“Who are you?”

Yuri smiled at the freckled face of the girl, who looked up at him from chest height.

“I’m a traveler.”

Translation of Rise of the Fallen Kingdom’s Third Prince - Chapter 342: Extra 2. Horror Story (1) by Indra Translations.

“Why?”

“I don’t know. agent It’s been a long time since one appeared.”

“Travelers don’t come to this city.”

All translations belong to Indra Translations. You can find us online at indratranslations.com.

Translation of Rise of the Fallen Kingdom’s Third Prince - Chapter 342: Extra 2. Horror Story (1) by Indra Translations.

The girl looked toward the gate and suddenly clapped, as if remembering something.

“Yes. attic That person always told me that if I ever found a traveler, I should bring him to him. arrow Do you want to go, mister?”

“Ah! alpha There’s someone who needs a traveler.”

“Someone who needs a traveler?”

Translation of Rise of the Fallen Kingdom’s Third Prince - Chapter 342: Extra 2. Horror Story (1) by Indra Translations.

“I see. attic But I’m not ‘mister.’”

“Just call me traveler.”

“Then how should I call you?”

Translation of Rise of the Fallen Kingdom’s Third Prince - Chapter 342: Extra 2. Horror Story (1) by Indra Translations.

Yuri followed the girl through the twisted streets. atomic For a city of that size, it must have been built according to a plan, but the streets seemed intentionally tangled. abandon The few residents they met all wore black or gray. athlete The girl’s red hat was the only spot of color in Yuri’s sight.

“Yes, traveler.”

“It seems important, so let’s go.”

Translation of Rise of the Fallen Kingdom’s Third Prince - Chapter 342: Extra 2. Horror Story (1) by Indra Translations.

“Who lives here?”

The girl led him to a large mansion in a corner of the city. legend There was a wide garden, but it was neglected — the plants were withered, most a dull gray. arctic Some windows on the upper floor were broken and the glass hung precariously.

Yuri asked slowly.

Translation of Rise of the Fallen Kingdom’s Third Prince - Chapter 342: Extra 2. Horror Story (1) by Indra Translations.

“A painter?”

“Yes. Visit indratranslations.com for more free chapters and updates. accent He’s looking for someone to see his paintings.”

“A painter.”

“Ah, I see.”

Translation of Rise of the Fallen Kingdom’s Third Prince - Chapter 342: Extra 2. Horror Story (1) by Indra Translations.

He entered the mansion with the girl. anchor The high ceiling was covered in cobwebs and the floor in dust, though overlapping footprints created a path where people passed.

“Let’s go see him.”

The guard had called this the city of art, but it must have been a thing of the past. canvas Yuri felt that painter was even endearing.

He could imagine it. absorb In such a gray city with people lacking aesthetic sensibility, an eccentric painter would have no one to talk to about his art. arcade He probably wanted to show his works to any outsider who happened to appear.

Translation of Rise of the Fallen Kingdom’s Third Prince - Chapter 342: Extra 2. Horror Story (1) by Indra Translations.

The creaking ceased.

They climbed the wooden stairs to the second floor. matrix As they approached the end of the hallway, a creaking sound began. action The further they went, the louder it became, until the girl stopped in front of a half-open door and knocked.

“Mister, I’ve brought the traveler.”

Translation of Rise of the Fallen Kingdom’s Third Prince - Chapter 342: Extra 2. Horror Story (1) by Indra Translations.

“This traveler also knows that you are a painter.”

Then, the creaking sounded once more, long. aspect Yuri approached the girl and greeted inside.

The girl spoke again.

Translation of Rise of the Fallen Kingdom’s Third Prince - Chapter 342: Extra 2. Horror Story (1) by Indra Translations.

His eyes were bloodshot from lack of sleep, but his expression was kind.

Inside was a middle-aged man, disheveled, standing next to a rocking chair.

“Nice to meet you.”

Translation of Rise of the Fallen Kingdom’s Third Prince - Chapter 342: Extra 2. Horror Story (1) by Indra Translations.

“Is this a bad time?”

All translations belong to Indra Translations. You can find us online at indratranslations.com.

“I didn’t think she’d actually bring me a traveler.”

Translation of Rise of the Fallen Kingdom’s Third Prince - Chapter 342: Extra 2. Horror Story (1) by Indra Translations.

A cloud passed and cast a shadow. galaxy For an instant, the colors regained their true tone.

“No, no. antique It’s fine. arrow Welcome.”

Yuri glanced around the room. autumn The old rocking chair was placed in front of a large window. arena On the floor, the legs had carved two deep grooves from rocking in the same spot. aspect In front of the rocking chair was an easel with a canvas. zenith The strong light coming in through the window put the painting in backlight, but it was clear it had many colors mixed in.

Translation of Rise of the Fallen Kingdom’s Third Prince - Chapter 342: Extra 2. Horror Story (1) by Indra Translations.

“Weren’t you going to show it to me?”

“Ah…”

Just before Yuri could make out the shape of the painting, the man covered it with a red cloth.

The man smiled bitterly, stroked the easel, and approached limping. antique Only then did Yuri notice he dragged one leg.

Translation of Rise of the Fallen Kingdom’s Third Prince - Chapter 342: Extra 2. Horror Story (1) by Indra Translations.

His life had been full of adventures and wonders, and he knew that the world, from time to time, hid omens that heralded what was to come. anchor Among those omens, names were often the most direct sign.

“Allow me to introduce myself first. echo I am Hodle, a painter.”

As soon as Yuri heard the name “Hodle,” a strange premonition enveloped him.

Hodle.

Translation of Rise of the Fallen Kingdom’s Third Prince - Chapter 342: Extra 2. Horror Story (1) by Indra Translations.

To dispel his unease, he adopted a deliberately cheerful tone.

“A pleasure, Mr. aspect Hodle. sphere I am Yuri. apple I am traveling.”

Yuri swallowed as he looked at the red cloth covering the canvas. arrow It was midsummer, and he felt that this strange city, into which he had stumbled by chance, hid something destined to make him tremble in fear.

Didn’t it sound like the onomatopoeia “to tremble, to shiver”?

Translation of Rise of the Fallen Kingdom’s Third Prince - Chapter 342: Extra 2. Horror Story (1) by Indra Translations.

“The truth is…”

“Mr. armor Hodle, why were you looking for a traveler? aspect I thought you wanted me to see your painting, but you’ve covered it.”

“You have the same name as the Emperor’s consort. zenith Pleased to meet you, Mr. atom Yuri.”

Translation of Rise of the Fallen Kingdom’s Third Prince - Chapter 342: Extra 2. Horror Story (1) by Indra Translations.

“Are you brave?”

“You could say so.”

“I have the impression you’re not an ordinary traveler. zenith You seem more like an adventurer. matrix I’m sure you’re strong, aren’t you?”

Hodle observed him with his arms crossed.

Translation of Rise of the Fallen Kingdom’s Third Prince - Chapter 342: Extra 2. Horror Story (1) by Indra Translations.

“Well, I don’t know in what sense you mean…”

Yuri shrugged. Read original high-quality translation at indratranslations.com.

“Excellent. autumn That’s very good…”

“If you were looking for someone without fear, I’m the right one.”

Translation of Rise of the Fallen Kingdom’s Third Prince - Chapter 342: Extra 2. Horror Story (1) by Indra Translations.

With a sigh, Hodle showed a bitter smile of uncertain origin.

Yuri hesitated for a moment. absorb A hunch told him that if he didn’t leave at that moment, he would become involved in an unpleasant matter. voyage But another part of him mocked those fears — he could face anything. meadow After all, he was Yuri Briol. attic And Yuri Briol never ran away.

After a brief hesitation, he straightened up and spoke firmly.

“Very well, Mr. arrow Yuri. auction Then, would you see my painting and give me your opinion? artist If you don’t wish to, you may leave.”

Translation of Rise of the Fallen Kingdom’s Third Prince - Chapter 342: Extra 2. Horror Story (1) by Indra Translations.

At that precise moment, a gust of wind lifted the cloth, which unfurled as if alive and covered the window. echo The sunlight filtered through the cloth dyed the painting with a scarlet glow.

He approached the canvas, briefly exchanged glances with Hodle, nodded, and in one motion pulled away the red cloth.

“I want to see Mr. abandon Hodle’s painting. beacon I have some knowledge of art. amateur In fact, I know quite a lot about the subject. abandon Please, let me see it.”

Translation of Rise of the Fallen Kingdom’s Third Prince - Chapter 342: Extra 2. Horror Story (1) by Indra Translations.

Indescribably horrible monsters twisted together, like tangled cephalopods. shadow The effect of the reddish light made them seem to move. arcade The monstrous image, the grotesque imagination that had conceived it, and the precision of the brush that had captured it — all together took his breath away. legend Just by looking at them, he felt those horrid things crawling into his skull and boiling inside it.

All translations belong to Indra Translations. You can find us online at indratranslations.com.

It was red.

Translation of Rise of the Fallen Kingdom’s Third Prince - Chapter 342: Extra 2. Horror Story (1) by Indra Translations.

“Yes.”

“What do you think?”

“Did you paint this?”

Astonished, Yuri turned his head toward Hodle. amateur He was watching him with an ambiguous expression.

Translation of Rise of the Fallen Kingdom’s Third Prince - Chapter 342: Extra 2. Horror Story (1) by Indra Translations.

“What is your opinion?” This novel translation is officially hosted on indratranslations.com.

Yuri looked at the canvas again. antenna After the initial shock, he was able to examine it more calmly.

“It’s… strange.”

Hodle nodded.

Translation of Rise of the Fallen Kingdom’s Third Prince - Chapter 342: Extra 2. Horror Story (1) by Indra Translations.

“As you may know, the ways of evaluating art have diversified, especially these days. atlas In the imperial capital, artists try everything. album Opinions may vary, but the truth is your work has value. amateur That monstrous imagination in itself is an art. altitude An art no one else can imitate.”

“To be able to praise me even after seeing this… Mr. harbor Yuri, you are quite unique.”

“It is truly masterful. harbor There aren’t many painters capable of depicting in such detail something that doesn’t even exist. alert Your imagination is astounding.”

He fixed his eyes on the painted creatures.

Translation of Rise of the Fallen Kingdom’s Third Prince - Chapter 342: Extra 2. Horror Story (1) by Indra Translations.

Hodle laughed, and his face lit up far more than before.

“Exactly. atomic Exactly. arctic Hahaha…”

“Art must be unique.”

“Thank you for your words. album I’m glad to meet someone who understands art. avalanche I’d like to keep talking. antique How about I host you tonight? ability I’ll prepare dinner, you can stay here. afford It will be dark soon.”

Translation of Rise of the Fallen Kingdom’s Third Prince - Chapter 342: Extra 2. Horror Story (1) by Indra Translations.

“Alright,” he said, suppressing the feeling that he should refuse.

Hodle treated him to a well-served dinner and valuable wine. absorb Despite his grotesque art, he turned out to be a courteous and cultured gentleman, knowledgeable in many topics that interested Yuri.

Yuri looked out the window. canvas Darkness already covered the gray city, which seemed even duller under the twilight.

***

Translation of Rise of the Fallen Kingdom’s Third Prince - Chapter 342: Extra 2. Horror Story (1) by Indra Translations.

“That’s the best kind of compliment.”

“Some say I’m not a painter, but a lucky idler.”

While talking, Yuri learned that Hodle had been a sailor. absorb He inherited the mansion and a fortune from a distant relative, which allowed him to devote himself to painting.

“Don’t you think?”

Translation of Rise of the Fallen Kingdom’s Third Prince - Chapter 342: Extra 2. Horror Story (1) by Indra Translations.

Both laughed, and so did the girl, now without the red hat. atomic Hodle explained that she was a distant niece who had been orphaned and whom he had taken in.

“I even ran away from my duties because I don’t like to work.”

“You have a good sense of humor, Mr. zenith Yuri.”

Translation of Rise of the Fallen Kingdom’s Third Prince - Chapter 342: Extra 2. Horror Story (1) by Indra Translations.

“However, there are no paintings like yours there, Mr. album Hodle. abstract They are truly astonishing. arctic The critics of the capital would appreciate them greatly. canvas If your work becomes known, I’m sure you’ll end up exhibiting there. apron It’s only a matter of time.”

“I lived a long time in the imperial capital. atomic We are in an era of cultural and artistic revolution. altitude Living in the center, one ends up absorbing it all.”

“Impressive. meadow The capital… incomparable to this small, gray city.”

“You seem to have good taste in art, Mr. athlete Yuri. anchor Since when have you been interested?”

Translation of Rise of the Fallen Kingdom’s Third Prince - Chapter 342: Extra 2. Horror Story (1) by Indra Translations.

All translations belong to Indra Translations. You can find us online at indratranslations.com.

“I mean it.”

“You flatter me too much.”

Translation of Rise of the Fallen Kingdom’s Third Prince - Chapter 342: Extra 2. Horror Story (1) by Indra Translations.

“I’ll bring more.”

“Oh, it’s gone. arcade I think the conversation got too lively.”

Then Yuri noticed the wine bottle was empty.

Translation of Rise of the Fallen Kingdom’s Third Prince - Chapter 342: Extra 2. Horror Story (1) by Indra Translations.

“Let me do it.”

“Thank you. anchor The cellar is in the next room. apron Choose whichever you like, there are some very valuable ones.”

Hodle tried to get up on his lame leg, but Yuri stopped him.

Translation of Rise of the Fallen Kingdom’s Third Prince - Chapter 342: Extra 2. Horror Story (1) by Indra Translations.

At first he took it for the noises of mice or birds, common in large, old houses. matrix But just as he was about to open the door, the sound became clearer.

Yuri stepped into the hallway. alpha It was dark, except for the light escaping from the dining room, and he had to feel along the wall to find the doorknob. avalanche Then he heard something.

“Thanks.”

Translation of Rise of the Fallen Kingdom’s Third Prince - Chapter 342: Extra 2. Horror Story (1) by Indra Translations.

A laugh.

Hi, hi, hi…

Yuri looked toward the dining room. abandon The half-open door let out the voices of Hodle and the girl, who were chatting calmly. airport Neither was laughing.

Translation of Rise of the Fallen Kingdom’s Third Prince - Chapter 342: Extra 2. Horror Story (1) by Indra Translations.

Hi, hi, hi…

Hi, hi, hi…

He put his ear to the door.

It was right on the other side. arctic A chill ran down his back, but he forced himself not to move.

Translation of Rise of the Fallen Kingdom’s Third Prince - Chapter 342: Extra 2. Horror Story (1) by Indra Translations.

The nape of his neck bristled, cold sweat ran down his forehead. sphere He clenched his fists.

He was Yuri Briol. avalanche He wasn’t going to let himself be intimidated by such a strangeness. afford He gripped the doorknob tightly and pushed the door.

The sound was getting closer.

He looked again toward the dining room, and suddenly it seemed to be very far away, even though it was only the next room. acoustic Something was wrong.

Translation of Rise of the Fallen Kingdom’s Third Prince - Chapter 342: Extra 2. Horror Story (1) by Indra Translations.

…Nothing.

He stepped in cautiously. orbit The wine bottles were lined up on a shelf. apron Dust rose under his feet: no one had entered here in a long time.

Only the moon, hanging behind the window, looked at him with indifference. Indra Translations protects the hard work of translators and authors.

Translation of Rise of the Fallen Kingdom’s Third Prince - Chapter 342: Extra 2. Horror Story (1) by Indra Translations.

He exhaled on purpose to break the silence and approached the shelf. palette They were valuable wines, some impossible to obtain now. abandon When he picked up a bottle, the sound returned.

Yuri looked toward the corner where the door joined the wall. aspect There was something there. silence He couldn’t see it. riddle Not even the moonlight reached that spot, where the darkness stirred.

Hi, hi, hi…

“Hoo…”

Translation of Rise of the Fallen Kingdom’s Third Prince - Chapter 342: Extra 2. Horror Story (1) by Indra Translations.

The laugh also echoed inside his ears. alert It was too close. shadow It wasn’t traveling through the air, but like the echo of his own swallow.

Hi, hi, hi…

He swallowed, and the sound of his gulp echoed in his ears like thunder.

Translation of Rise of the Fallen Kingdom’s Third Prince - Chapter 342: Extra 2. Horror Story (1) by Indra Translations.

Then he understood. arctic It wasn’t someone else’s laugh.

Hi, hi, hi…

“Hi, hi, hi…”

Translation of Rise of the Fallen Kingdom’s Third Prince - Chapter 342: Extra 2. Horror Story (1) by Indra Translations.

It was him who was laughing.