Make Dark Fantasy Great Again

Chapter 127 "Grgh—" Tua, who had been lying on the ground after fulfilling her role, rose from her position. "Urgh—" Mangnus, who had been thrown into the wall, also got back on his feet. "Captain!!!" "Vice Captain Mangnus!" The Special Forces members belatedly came to their senses and approached them. "Captain, are you alright!?" "Yes..." "I'm fine too, so calm down." From the beginning, the two had thrown themselves at the Face Thief with the resolve to create an opportunity for Risir. In other words, with the intention of becoming bait. Having been prepared, they had concentrated all their strength on defense at the right moment, and thanks to that, they were able to protect themselves even from the Face Thief's brutal attack. Their words that they were fine were true. Moreover, thanks to them splendidly fulfilling their duty, the battle had achieved the best possible outcome. They had been able to defeat that terrible monster—the Face Thief—without any casualties. The Special Forces had completed their mission. It was an amazing achievement. "..." "..." Nevertheless, the expressions on Mangnus and Tua's faces were very complicated. "Captain...?" What other problem could be remaining? The Special Forces members looked toward where the two people's gazes were directed. "Ah..." Then, their expressions became similar to those of the two. The Face Thief. The one devoured by the Faceless One's Fluid was truly a monster. Its swollen body seemed to be made not of flesh and muscle, but of pure magical power. That solid body had easily withstood the all-out attacks of Mangnus and Tua. The Special Forces thought to themselves. Could they have defeated it by themselves? Strictly speaking, it wasn't impossible. The Face Thief that had lost its ego was not much different from an excited beast. It was dangerous, but not a mighty existence. As such, defeating it was something fully possible for the Special Forces as well. However- "..." But what about that? The Face Thief. Face, Thief. That brutal mass had been cleanly severed in two. If those two masses were put back together, wouldn't it come alive and move again? The cut surface was so remarkably clean that such thoughts naturally arose. The Special Forces felt awe at the traces left by that miraculous strike. And that awe transformed into very complicated emotions. That strike, which none of the Special Forces could replicate, was the work of neither a knight nor a Sword Master, but a mage belonging to the Gray Magic Tower. Risir. The gaze that reflected the Special Forces members' complicated feelings focused on him. "Captain?" Then, Tua slowly approached Risir and spoke to him. He was crouched in front of the Face Thief's corpse, intently observing something. "Risir, are you alright?" Risir stood up again and faced her. "I seem to have sustained a minor injury due to overexertion, but I'm fine. I'm used to this level. I'll take appropriate measures myself." His breathing was heavy and labored as he spoke. Tua's expression twisted. "No. Tell me your symptoms. I'll call a healer. He's skilled, so he'll surely be helpful." Tua gestured toward the group. Then, a Special Forces member wearing glasses approached with swift movements. "This is Hans. In terms of healing ability alone, he's on par with a decent intermediate healer. In fact, if he hadn't joined the Special Forces, he would have become an excellent healer. Tell him your symptoms. Whatever it is, he'll take better measures than you handling it yourself." "Where are you feeling discomfort?" "I'm really fine though..." When Risir smiled bitterly, Tua spoke with a serious expression. "You are our Special Forces' benefactor... no, hero. Without your help, our Special Forces would have suffered much greater damage while carrying out the mission. The Face Thief. Its abilities exceeded our expectations." Then Hans pushed up his glasses and spoke with a stern face. "Improper treatment by a non-professional could actually worsen the injury. I ask that you please follow my instructions here." The atmosphere between Hans and Tua as they spoke was somewhat tense. They knew how stubborn mages belonging to magic towers could be. They believed their knowledge held absolute superiority. A mage who would say 'Ah, I know that too—' was like a kind of disaster. 'This person is also a mage belonging to a magic tower... It'll be quite troublesome to convince him.' Just as Hans was already feeling overwhelmed. "I understand. Then may I gladly accept your kindness and ask for your help?" "?" Hans's eyes widened at Risir's response. 'Is he really a mage from a magic tower?' To acknowledge and respect that the other person's knowledge was more specialized than his own. This was a rare trait to see in mages from magic towers. -You're a professional healer? So what. What do you want me to do about it. I'm a mage from a magic tower. Having prepared for such otherworldly reactions through previous experience, Hans couldn't hide his bewilderment but turned a favorable gaze toward Risir. "Thank you for your cooperation. Then could you please tell me your symptoms?" He spoke with enthusiasm. It was the captain's order. He was a benefactor who helped the Special Forces. Beyond all that, he genuinely wanted to help this man. "I suppose you could call it a symptom— it's that thing." "That thing?" "Overload." "?" "?" Question marks appeared on the faces of Tua and Hans, who had been seriously listening to Risir's words. "Didn't you say it was a minor injury earlier...?" "Yes. That's right. A minor overload." "..." "..." A minor overload. The combination of those words felt strange to the two. What could be light or heavy about a phenomenon where the body collapses due to the effects of uncontrolled magical power? You're screwed either way. The two suddenly saw Risir's appearance anew. Blood flowing from every opening in his face while breathing heavily. They had thought he was really fine because he was acting nonchalantly, but it turned out he was literally dying in real time just as he appeared. "O-overload...! Risir, are you alright!?" "Yes. I'm fine. I'm used to it." "Used to it...?" "So, Mr. Hans. What should I do?" "No, even if you ask me that..." "Yes?" Risir stared intently at Hans. -Didn't you say to follow your instructions here? It seemed like such a voice could be heard. Hans felt wronged. -Didn't you say it was a minor injury? What madman in the world would call overload a minor injury? Come to think of it, his condition of bleeding from every opening in his face didn't look minor to anyone. His very existence was causing cognitive dissonance in the people around him. "...Hans, he says it's overload, but is it okay to just leave him like that?" Tua asked with an uncertain expression. "...Blood is flowing from every opening in his face... Normally, that would result in disability or death." "But Risir says he's used to it... Ah." Finally, Tua nodded as if she understood. "Wh-what, did you figure something out!?" "Yeah. If it's Risir, that's possible." "...?" That's it? Hans was confused. That steel-like captain was being consumed(?) by Risir. "Risir, you said earlier that you would take appropriate measures— do you have a way to deal with overload?" She even asked with an intrigued expression. Hans was screaming internally in frustration. Unless you carry a priest with you at all times(?), there's no way such a thing could exist. "Ah, yes. Usually I deal with it by controlling the rampaging mana." Control mana that's rampaging enough to cause overload? If you can control it, why does it rampage in the first place? If it's already rampaging, how can you control it? Why does overload happen? Why are eagle beaks yellow? 'Did his magical power suddenly increase or something? As if he unknowingly consumed an elixir?' Then, Risir closed his eyes and began focusing on his breathing. What happened next was truly simple and clear. The rampaging mana gradually stabilized and began assimilating with his body. "Well, I'll be." Tua, with a resigned expression, let out a soulless exclamation from beside him. Hans grabbed his head with both hands. He returned to the group as if fleeing before his constitution could be altered. *** "Phew, it seems to be done." Once Risir had controlled the overload to some extent, Tua brought up the question she had been putting off. "Risir, may I ask you one thing?" "Please speak freely." Before she knew it, the Special Forces members had gathered closer behind her. They waited for Tua's words with tense expressions. "Sword Aura..." Tua spoke that word with a truly complicated expression. "How are you able to wield that power...?" Risir's level is 6th Rank. He is originally a mage. And, and- There would be no end if they examined each point one by one, so Tua had no choice but to ask like that. How did you do it? After much thought, Risir answered. "I have an Ego Sword. It's called Blue Lotus, which I received from someone called the Outer Sword. I believe I can use Sword Aura entirely thanks to that Ego Sword." "...!" The eyes of Tua and the other Special Forces members widened greatly. Sword Master Outer Sword. Blue Lotus, famous as his cherished sword. The story that came from Risir's mouth was more tremendous and shocking than they had imagined. "I see, so it's thanks to the Outer Sword's Ego Sword..." "Certainly, if you borrow the power of such an incredible sword—...!" Tua muttered and Mangnus responded. The other Special Forces members also nodded with faces that said 'I understand!' Except for one person. "...But even if you borrow the power of an Ego Sword, for a 6th Rank mage to... In the first place, you're not even holding that sword right now—" Hans. He revealed his doubts with a puzzled face. It was a very reasonable doubt. That's why it was a problem. "Eek!" Hans was startled when he belatedly felt his colleagues' murderous gazes. Having belatedly caught on, he nodded his head. Thus, Risir's ability to use Sword Aura became attributed to the Ego Sword containing the power of a Sword Master(?). Because it absolutely had to be so. "As expected... so that's how it was..." "No wonder! The Outer Sword's beloved sword!!!" "As expected of Sir Risir!!! To be recognized by that Outer Sword and receive Blue Lotus!!!" The Special Forces members created a cheerful atmosphere with their laughter. Their gazes were somewhat unfocused. -Poor things. Clana muttered as if spitting from within the Inner World. "By the way, everyone. Do you know what this is?" "What are you talking about?" Tua's gaze followed Risir's hand. The Face Thief's corpse. Near it lay a fist-sized fluid mass. Its ominous texture and color were reminiscent of black mercury. "..." Tua stared at it intently and suddenly recalled the Face Thief's final moments. His state of being devoured by something, losing his existence and being manipulated. "Perhaps this might be related to its power." The Face Thief's power was an ability that anyone in this world would covet. Nevertheless, none of the Special Forces members showed desire for that fluid. Was it because their self-control was excellent? No. It was because the aura emanating from that fluid was obviously suspicious at first glance. Blood flowing from the Face Thief's corpse gathered around the fluid and was absorbed by it. Risir tried using the power of Normalization on it, just in case. The fluid did not react. 'So it's not related to Black Magic.' The fruitless observation continued for a moment. "Risir!" "Are you alright!" A short while later, Dray and Palag, who had received the news, arrived at the scene belatedly. "Ah, Lord Palag! You’ve arrived at just the right time!" Risir immediately asked Palag about the fluid. "It seems I’ve arrived at the perfect moment." "Can you tell what it is?" "..." Palag approached right in front of the fluid and looked down at it. He muttered. "What a fearsome thing." "Can you identify it?" At Risir's question, Palag snapped his fingers. Then the Face Thief's corpse immediately froze. Not only the body split in two, but even the blood it had scattered. Thus, the moment the fluid and Face Thief were completely isolated. "...!" Shock appeared simultaneously on the faces of Risir and the Special Forces members. The fluid. Suddenly, vast mana began to be felt from that fist-sized mass. The source of the vast magical power they thought was coming from the Face Thief's corpse was none other than the fluid itself. "It seems that the Face Thief wasn't the owner of this fluid, but rather this fluid was the owner of the Face Thief." "Everyone?" Dray, who had been looking at the fluid with interest, spoke. "If it's alright, may I collect this fluid? I'll pay a fair price." "Don't even think about it, Dray. This isn't something you can handle." "Is it that serious?" "Investigation seems necessary. Everyone, make sure no one approaches this fluid until the investigation is complete." Palag organized the situation efficiently. Risir asked him. "Lord Palag. Does that mean there’s nothing more for me to do now?" "That's right. Why do you ask?" "Because I'd like to collapse soon." "?" "Everyone. I'll leave the rest to you. And if possible, please bring The Saint to me." Risir sat down where he was, leaned back, and lost consciousness. "...Isn't he the one who needs investigating?" Hans said without thinking. Everyone nodded in unison. *** A familiar ceiling. "Don't you get tired of it?" And a familiar situation. Fienne welcomed me as I regained consciousness. "Say something that makes sense. How could I get tired of Fienne's face?" "Seeing you talk nonsense, I guess we can get straight to the point." "Is it okay for us to get used to this process?" "Don't talk about it like it's a shared problem." Three days. According to Fienne, that was how long I had been unconscious. Fienne organized and told me about the events that had occurred during those three days. "First, the date for your position ceremony has been set." "Oh, when is it?" "Tomorrow." "Isn't that too sudden?" "If you had listened to me three days ago instead of losing consciousness, it wouldn't have felt too sudden, would it?" "Ah." "And one more thing. While you were asleep, chaos broke out." Faceless One's Fluid. That was the exact name of the fluid that had emerged from the Face Thief's corpse. According to Fienne, a major uproar had occurred because of that fluid. "Mana Erosion phenomenon...?" "The power contained in the fluid is so strong that it's begun affecting the surrounding environment. The Investigation Team's opinions are sharply divided between 'we should destroy it completely right now' and 'we don't know what consequences rash interference might cause.'" "Oh my..." Just as I was struggling to accept that serious story in my half-awake, dreamy state. "Risir!" Vervande...siu!'s energetic voice could be heard. "You're already awake!!!" "Oh, sorry. Was I not supposed to?" "Useful!!!" "Oh! Useful, useful!" For some reason, she appeared by passing through the room's door. "Vervande...siu! What's this? Where did you go?" (E/N: Those baby sentence are so annoying to translate, I gave up on being fully consistent with them a long time ago but even then it's a pain) "This!" Ver held out her palm. "It looked delicious so I brought it!" On that small palm lay a dark red fluid. Could it be? "Hey, hey...! You, that—" It must be right. The color had changed so I didn't recognize it for a moment, but that fluid seemed to be the Faceless One's Fluid that Fienne had just been talking about. I urgently said to Ver. "Vervande...siu! You can't do that. That's yucky, yucky. It's not for eating." "..." Ver looked at the fluid with a disappointed face. No. "...!" She glared at it. As if having a staring contest with something inside it. I immediately got up and approached Ver. "Risir?" "This. Let's go with Ver and put it back where it belongs." "L-let's go together!" We went with Ver to the original location where the fluid had been placed- That is, the backyard of Gus's Mansion where the Face Thief had fallen. Sure enough, the place was in complete chaos. "What do you mean!? The fluid suddenly disappeared! What, are you saying it moved on its own and went somewhere!? Do you know how dangerous that thing is!?" Several people were busily moving around searching the area, and a tall woman I'd never seen before was in near panic, berating her subordinates. "What do we do? If that thing reacts to external stimuli or the changed environment and causes some abnormal phenomenon—" The woman fidgeted restlessly, biting her nails. Dray and Palag stood beside such a woman. "Oh, Risir!? You're awake? Are you feeling better?" Dray spotted me and brightened up. Palag also noticed me and spoke with a bitter smile. "You must be wondering what all this commotion is about. I'll explain." "Ah, it's fine. I know what's happening." "Hmm? That child is—" When I patted Ver's head standing beside me, attention focused on Ver. On Ver who was glaring at the fluid placed on her palm. "My, my goodness! Why is that there— hey you, it's dangerous!!!" The first to react was the tall woman. She looked at Ver and cried out in shock. "Ri, Risir!!! Quickly, separate your spirit from the fluid!!!" "This is driving me crazy, why is it there!?" Then Dray and Palag showed similar reactions. "Hey, little one! Stay calm! Give that here, here please...!? Sister will give you something better—" The three people approached Ver cautiously with their hands extended, but Ver paid them no mind. "...!!!" Her attention was consistently focused on the fluid throughout. Suddenly, Ver's eyebrows became extremely fierce as she glared at the fluid. Chomp! Ver boldly devoured the fluid. *** Everyone at the scene gasped in unison. The disaster had finally occurred. That young spirit had devoured the Faceless One's Fluid. "Oh no—" Mixed emotions crossed their faces as they looked at the spirit. That young spirit had already crossed a river of no return. The fluid's mighty aura would erode and wither the spirit. What they needed to worry about now wasn't the spirit's safety, but the spirit's condition after being eroded. "!!!" Then, the young spirit who had been chewing raised her eyes wide. Here it comes! They steeled themselves and prepared for what would follow. The young spirit. She raised both arms with all her might and shouted. "It tastes bad!!!" "..." "..." "..." Silence fell over the place. How much time passed like that? "...?" "...?" "...?" Their solemn expressions awkwardly hardened. -That's it? Their expressions seemed to say just that. Eventually, their gazes that had been directed at the spirit turned entirely toward Risir. What is that thing? What are you carrying around?