Make Dark Fantasy Great Again

Chapter 129 Belota reached a new enlightenment through the kind teachings of the Great Noble and the Archmage. "What, what is this all about!" When someone becomes too flustered, they can lose their temper. And this was happening in front of a Great Noble and an Archmage no less. Belota had spent the past few days conducting investigations alongside Palag and Dray. Though it was a short period, Dray and Palag were individuals who could leave a sufficient impression within that brief time. From what she had personally experienced, they were individuals who deserved respect commensurate with their reputation. Dray's character and dignity embraced the investigation team members who came from different backgrounds and affiliations. Beneath the brief opinions that Palag would occasionally express with indifference lay profound magical knowledge whose depths could not be fathomed. Belota's standards for judging people had risen from being with the chosen individual known as a Hero, but these two were individuals who exceeded even those high standards. Belota respected the two of them. To the extent that when they offered advice regarding the Hero, she would gladly listen to that counsel. However, right now she couldn't bring herself to do so. She couldn't understand why those two were spouting such nonsense- Nor did she know how to respond to that nonsense. "So, what you're trying to tell me is!? That you glimpsed multiple demons in that person Risir's Mental Image world!? Does that even make sense!? To begin with, how did you even peek into someone else's Mental Image!?" It wasn't without reason that Belota dismissed their story as nonsense. Their tale was full of holes. Right away, they said they had seen demon 'plural' in Risir's Mental Image world. It was truly an absurd story, but let's assume that Risir really did harbor demon 'plural' in his Inner World as they claimed. In that case, would Risir have meekly shown his Mental Image to others? Mental Images cannot be carelessly peeked into. When the subject is defensive, that difficulty doubles. Would a Demon Follower whose Mental Image had been invaded by demons carelessly show his Mental Image to others? Not likely. He would rather choose suicide. Therefore, stealing a glimpse into a Demon Follower's Inner World was realistically impossible. Belota pointed out that flaw first. "We recovered an item called the Mirror of the Inner Side from a cultist High Priest. We used that to peek into Risir's Mental Image." Dray refuted that point without batting an eye. Belota was dumbfounded. 'Are you kidding me!?' Items that contain power beyond the realm of common sense, going beyond simply harboring magical power, are defined by the name 'Relic.' The Mirror of the Inner Side that Dray mentioned was clearly an item that belonged in the category of Relics. And he claimed to have conveniently obtained such a Relic. Moreover, from a demon's apostle—a being so formidable that even the chosen Hero would find it difficult to face. There was a limit to how grandiose a story could be. If such a story had come from the mouth of an ordinary person, Belota would have gladly scoffed at it. Huh? But these weren't ordinary people—they were a Great Noble and an Archmage, weren't they? Because these two were telling the story, it sounded plausible? Thus, such an unrealistic tale became reality. Belota felt wronged by that irrationality for a moment, but immediately collected herself and continued the conversation. Besides, there were more than enough points to criticize in their story anyway. "Demons are greedy beings!!! They would never tolerate their followers serving multiple demons! It's impossible for multiple demons to coexist within one human's Mental Image world! To begin with, that's not something a human can endure! Their mind would collapse!" "Ah, it's not particularly about serving them or anything like that. He's just... storing them in his Inner World." "???" Storing? Belota grimaced and repeated the word. Surely the word 'storing' wasn't meant to be used in this context? 'Does he think the Inner World is some kind of convenient pocket!? To begin with, what is he storing? Demons?' Belota finally lost her bearings completely. Since she couldn't even follow the conversation, it was impossible to feel flustered or raise questions. She just blinked her eyes and looked at the two with an expression that showed she had no idea what was going on. "..." "..." Dray and Palag looked at such a Belota with satisfied smiles. 'What's with those expressions?' To Belota, who couldn't collect her wits, the two decided to show kindness. "Risir." Dray called to Risir who was over there, explained the whole situation to him, and then said. "So, could you show that to Belota?" Hah. Risir let out a hollow laugh while scratching the back of his head. "Yes, well. There's no reason why not. It's not that impressive anyway." Risir put on a Spirit summoning show with an air of nonchalance. Also, in the process, Belota learned the names of the other two spirits as well. Clana. Belota knew nothing about that girl spirit with navy blue short hair. However, the fireball named Dangaleon. "Burning Black Fire Dangaleon..." "Wench!!! Are your eyes knothole!!! Look at this dazzling form!!! How does this look like Black Fire to you!!!" By now, Belota's suspicion had become certainty. Without doubt, the true identity of those spirits was demons. And- "..." So what? -They're demons, so what about it. The situation seemed to be aggressively interrogating her. "Sir Dray... Sir Palag... I’ve said it multiple times... those spirits are demons." "Thanks, that cleared up the question." Look at this. Thanks to that, Belota was left alone to agonize in solitude. 'Why do demons follow humans...' 'Why are demons in a human's Mental Image world...' 'To begin with, how are demons in the Mental Image world...' Huh? Huh? Huh? Bewildered sounds kept escaping from Belota's mouth as she pondered. It was then. "Risir!" From the direction where Risir had left Verdandes, the pure white woman who was his companion shouted. "This child's condition is strange!" "...!" Had what was bound to come finally arrived!? Risir's group hurriedly approached Verdandes. Belota hastily followed behind them. "Ver!?" The sand girl spirit. Her body began to emit light. The luminous phenomenon that had started at a gentle level gradually intensified until it scattered a Flash that was difficult to look at directly. While everyone covered their eyes with their hands, only Belota stared straight at the girl spirit. Spirit, no. So as not to miss the changes happening to the demon Verdandes. So that she could respond to the worst-case scenario. Thus, Belota watched clearly with her own eyes the terrifying transformation that occurred to the demon Verdandes. "!!!" The girl spirit's eyebrows, which had been soft like down, became thicker. The fierceness emanating from that spirited expression rose to the next level. "..." That's it? After absorbing the Faceless One's Fluid? The luminescence stopped. Risir, who had covered his eyes with his hands, checked the baby spirit's appearance and then focused his eyes intently. "Verdande...ssi- uh!? What!? Why does she suddenly seem more spirited?" "No!!!" The baby spirit spoke spiritedly to her confused master. "I am Verdande..." One syllable squeezed out while trembling her small body. "Su!!!" The baby spirit declared while raising both arms with all her might. "Gasp...!" Risir was overwhelmed by that majestic spectacle. "Risir, what's going on!" "Why are you so surprised!?" Finally, Dray and Palag showed bewilderment. Belota also showed bewilderment in turn. 'The fact that this man is shaken is more surprising than the fact that the spirits he handles are actually demons? Why?' And Belota was even more flustered by Risir's words that followed. "Our Ver has... advanced to a higher level...!" "You mean... the demon has grown closer to its original rank...?!" "That's wonderful!!!" "Huh!? Lord Palag? What do you mean it’s a good-" "Ah! She's become one step closer to being an adult!" "No, Lord Dray! An adult!!! That's a demo—" Belota was one step away from going insane, but Dray and Palag paid no mind. They just looked at the baby spirit with pleased smiles. Risir also smiled warmly while patting the baby spirit's head. "!!!" The baby spirit basked in their congratulations with both hands placed on her hips. It was truly a dignified sight. "...Heh." A bitter laugh like a death rattle. With that as her last act, Belota no longer raised questions with them. "Tsk tsk." Only one person, the pure white girl, looked at her with pity. *** "The Faceless One's Fluid has been safely destroyed." "My goodness, you mean that!? How, what happened!?" "Anyway, it's been destroyed." "?" "Oh, it’s all for your sake, so don’t pry too much! Palag and Dray have said they’ll remember your efforts, so just take it as that!" "No, Belota!!! Explain in detail—" Right after the incident, the investigation team members showed great interest in the solution process of the problem that had been suddenly resolved, but Belota, who had been entrusted as investigation team leader, decided to leave their curiosity unattended for protective reasons. Thus, the investigation team that had completed their mission through remarkable achievements was disbanded with great success. "So now, is it completely over? That tiresome Face Thief case?" Risir, who had followed them around with Fienne and observed the situation, said. To that, Fienne gave a meaningful smile. "Not yet." "My goodness, what else is left?" "The most important thing remains." "Sharing the joy of victory with Fienne?" "Tell me what you did this time." "Uh... I caught the Face Thief?" "More precisely." "Huh? Well... I caught the Face Thief who murdered the Hero?" "Exactly." Tap. Tap. Fienne's slender, long fingers tapped Risir's waist. The sword hanging at his waist. "Tell me. What is a Hero?" "Uh... someone chosen by a Sacred Sword?" "Then the Face Thief essentially killed the Master of Sacred Sword?" "That's right?" "Then what happened to that Sacred Sword?" "Huh?" "Hero Belen who was killed by the Face Thief. The fifth Sacred Sword he possessed, the 'Sword of Advancement.' After the Face Thief killed the Hero, do you think he left it lying there?" "No. Having gone to the trouble of killing a Hero, he wouldn't have left such an incredible trophy behind. Maybe that was even the reason he killed the Hero in the first place." "That's right. As you said, the Face Thief didn't leave the Sacred Sword lying there. He took it." "Ah, don't tell me the remaining task is—finding that Sacred Sword?" "You don't need to worry about that. The Special Forces already found and secured the Sacred Sword." "For its new master," Fienne added meaningfully. "A new master...?" "The Sword of Advancement lost its master and is looking for a new one. At this point, who would be the most suitable person for that new role?" "Fienne? Because you're the prettiest in the world?" "Sigh." "Or surely you're not thinking of saying Mr. Risir?" "That's right. You're not great enough to become a Master of Sacred Sword and inherit the First Hero's grand Will. But the Special Forces seem to think differently." "What on earth did they say..." "You're the person who contributed most to subjugating the Hero's killer. At the same time, you're also the person who contributed most to reclaiming the Sacred Sword. The Special Forces claim that if there's anyone who should take the Sacred Sword Trial first, it must be you." "..." It was when Risir's expression became complicated. "Risir." Special Forces Vice Captain Mangnus, who had come immediately upon hearing that Risir had awakened. He approached and spoke. "Are you feeling alright?" "Ah, yes. As you can see, I'm fine." "That's fortunate. There's a lot I want to discuss with you. Quite a lot, but right now I think I need to bring up this topic first." "Ah, you can skip it. I already conveyed it." Mangnus, who had exchanged glances with Fienne once, continued the conversation. "Is that so? You've gone to trouble. Then Risir, if you're alright with it, let's depart immediately." Hero Jane. Master of the sixth Sacred Sword. That was the name mentioned from Mangnus's mouth. "He's waiting for his turn after you." Soon, Belota, who had been standing apart, approached. She looked back and forth between Mangnus and Risir, then opened wide her eyes that had been steeped in fatigue. "Su, surely... the person who will take the trial before Jane is..." Belota briefly lost her balance and staggered. *** When Risir arrived at the VIP Room of Gus's Mansion following Mangnus, there were those who welcomed him. "Risir. You came." First, Special Forces Captain Tua. And- "Oh, that person is the one—" The young man who had been sitting across from Tua. He immediately stood up and approached Risir. He was a young man with a cheerful impression. He readily extended his hand to Risir. "I've heard so much about you since coming here, and finally we meet like this. Nice to meet you. I'm Jane." "Ah, I'm Risir." Risir also readily grasped that hand. "Mm!" Jane put strength into that clasped hand. As if trying to gauge Risir through it. Soon, he drew a bright smile and said. "Do you think I'm greedy?" "Pardon?" "Already having a Sacred Sword, yet trying to claim another Sacred Sword." "Well, I don't really know much about this sort of thing." "..." Jane stared at Risir intently. Soon, hearty laughter burst from his mouth. "Hahahaha!!! What's this, why are you so carefree? Are you really someone about to take a Sacred Sword Trial?" "To be honest, it doesn't feel real. I'm still bewildered. Honestly, I don't even think I'll be chosen." It was the moment when Jane was about to burst into laughter again at Risir's answer. -That's a good mindset. A woman's voice interjected between them. It was an arrogant voice as if speaking from above, but the direction the voice came from was actually below. Risir directed his gaze downward. The source of the voice was none other than the sword Jane wore at his waist. The ornate decorations with a red motif were reminiscent of roses. -Risir, was it? As you said, that thing will choose Jane. Jane is the man I chose. So I'll tell you in advance. Don't be too attached to the results. "Elisia...!" Jane, the owner, showed embarrassment at his sword's attitude of looking down on the other party as if it were natural. "Sorry. As you can see, it's a sword with quite a unique personality... Sometimes it commits discourtesy to others like this. Please don't take it to heart, this one didn't say it with malice either." He smiled bitterly toward Risir while bowing his head. "Jane!" Then, a sharp voice from behind. A sharp-featured female elf approached Jane and scolded him in a small whisper. It was Camilla, a member of Hero Jane's party. "How many times have I told you! Don't bow your head carelessly to others in public! You're a Hero! You're a Master of Sacred Sword! Even Great Nobles can't treat you carelessly—" "Still, this is something we did wrong, isn't it?" "Argh...!" Camilla made a sound of frustration. She spoke to Tua as if shaking it off. "Now that everyone's here, how about we start?" "..." Tua directed her gaze toward Risir. When he nodded, she placed the cloth-wrapped 'Sword of Advancement' on the desk. -You! Instead of standing there dumbfounded, why don't you come quickly? Jane is a busy person! Do you know how long we've been tied up waiting for you!? The Sacred Sword named Elisia urged Risir on. Jane apologetically bowing his head with his expression. Camilla looking displeased at such a Jane. Risir smiled bitterly at that party and then approached the Sword of Advancement. He had expected something grand since it was called a Sacred Sword Trial, but it was surprisingly simple. It was the moment Risir placed his hand on the Sword of Advancement. -What is this!!! A horrified voice. Risir panicked and pulled his hand away. Then after gauging the atmosphere around him, he placed his hand on it once more. -What on earth is this!!! Then again, another horrified voice. "..." Risir withdrew his hand from the Sword of Advancement and fell into contemplation. 'This means it doesn't like me, right?' Then, Camilla quickly led Jane's hand and approached the Sword of Advancement. It was the moment when Jane, as if pushed from behind, placed his hand on the Sword of Advancement. -Oh, yes. This is it! The Sword of Advancement spoke in a satisfied voice. The starkly contrasting reactions blatantly hinted at the result. The Sword of Advancement. That Sacred Sword had judged Jane to be superior Hero material. It was the moment when Camilla and Elisia were about to show satisfaction at the predicted result. -A person needs to have rough edges like this to be worth cultivating! That friend from earlier really lacked humanity— "?" -No, wait. This is troubling. Have my standards risen in the meantime? This one is too rough even for rough edges... No, is it because I'm comparing with that friend from just now? "...?" Camilla's expression crumpled at that meaningful statement. -Jallak!!! What are you saying!!! Rough edges!? Sacred Sword Elisia interrogated the Sword of Advancement. "Ah..." Belota, who had been watching the entire scene from a step back, dry-washed her face, thinking that what was bound to come had come.