Make Dark Fantasy Great Again

Chapter 138 "Wait. Something's fishy here." Risir narrowed his eyes as he looked at the Asking Left Hand. "Fishy?" Jane, who had been standing awkwardly frozen with his Sacred Sword pointed at the Asking Left Hand, listened seriously to Risir's words. "This thing was acting all brazen even when threatened with a Sacred Sword, but suddenly, for no reason at all, it changes its attitude like that. Don't you think it has some ulterior motive?" The Asking Left Hand. It was a cursed object that had driven countless people to ruin. In fact, the Hero Party had nearly met their doom because of it. Risir did not easily lower his guard and suspicion toward it. To such a Risir, Felix spoke cautiously. "From what I can see, it seems to be because of that thing." "What?" Risir belatedly looked at his own Flame and said. "Come on. That can't be it. Didn't Lord Palag just say? That thing is like a golem, so it absolutely never acts outside its rules. Would it suddenly change its attitude just because of this kind of threat? In fact, it didn't even flinch when threatened with a Sacred Sword, did it? Though it doesn't have eyes since it's a hand. Hahaha." The last joke was terrible enough to warrant glares if it hadn't come from Risir, but the rest of his words struck a chord with them. I'm a Hero... I'm a Sacred Sword... I'm a former Tower Master... Risir's statement was one that restored the dignity of those whose pride had been damaged by the Asking Left Hand's sudden behavior. -Exactly! That makes sense! Just like Risir said, it didn't yield even to the threat of a Sacred Sword!? "Well said, Risir. That thing isn't some kind fairy that grants people's wishes, but a cursed object that spreads ruin. No amount of caution is excessive." "Then, as Risir says, shall we continue listening to what that thing has to say? Felix, would that be alright? Even if you can't make demands of that thing." "If you stupidly rush in headfirst after suffering like that, it's not brave but foolish. Risir is right. That thing must have some scheme." They enthusiastically agreed with Risir's opinion. "Oh..." Risir was moved. To receive such fervent trust without cost(?)! Nod. Nod! Trust exchanged without words! With their full support behind him, Risir set out to interrogate the Asking Left Hand. "This isn't a demand. I'm asking you." -Speak. "What's the reason? Why are you suddenly changing your stance and saying you'll grant our demands?" -I don't know what you're talking about. I never said such a thing. There it is! They inwardly cheered as the Asking Left Hand immediately played dumb when confronted with an iron wall of suspicion. Risir was right. They had almost been deceived by it and made another mistake. Escaping the crisis of having their pride hurt by blatant discrimination was a bonus. Yes. A bonus indeed. They showed even more enthusiastic support for Risir, feeling satisfied. You're doing well! Press it even harder! Nod. Nod! Risir spoke to the Asking Left Hand, wanting to meet their expectations. "No. You definitely said it. That you would absolutely never grant demands unless we paid a price. But then, you suddenly changed your attitude and said you'd grant our demands. Tell me the reason. If you don't give me a satisfactory answer, I'll destroy you after this question." -I never said I would grant your demands. I only said I would grant your demands alone. "Huh?" Was this wordplay? Risir wasn't soft enough to simply accept the cursed object's favor. He persistently doubted it. "Why would you only grant my demands? Don't tell me it's because I'm the one who fulfilled your demand?" -No. Fulfilling demands actually only harms me. I suffered severe damage because of you. "Then why?" -Because I fear you. A calm opinion spoken in an inorganic tone. Risir's reaction was unfavorable. 'Whether it's destroyed by a Sacred Sword or destroyed by me, getting destroyed is the same either way, isn't it?' Moreover, according to Palag, it was a type of golem. What golem would abandon its behavioral principles out of fear? He naturally didn't believe the Asking Left Hand's words and judged that it was trying to deceive them. Risir looked at his companions. Surely they too had reached a simple conclusion. Sure enough. Their expressions were resolute. Palag spoke. "Risir. Did you hear that?" "Yes. I heard it. Ridicu-" "It seems believable." "?" Could it be senility? Risir briefly harbored a very disrespectful thought about the Archmage. "Believe it? You mean that thing?" "Yes. Listening to it speak, it seems to possess both intuitive judgment and situational understanding. It must be an object made from materials, yet... I can't even fathom how many years it's been accumulating power. It's definitely a Spirit Creature." "..." Did this person hear the same conversation as me? Risir looked around at the others' reactions in confusion. They all had convinced faces. Reactions suggesting it would be safe to make demands of the Asking Left Hand. "No way..." Risir looked at them as if they were strange people. "..." They were dumbfounded. *** Anyway. Once the atmosphere settled, Risir began in that manner. "Even if that thing has submitted to us, is it right to carelessly make demands of it? Looking at how the thing operates, making reckless demands seems like a perfect way to ruin one's life." Everyone agreed with Risir's words. It was a cursed object that spread ruin. Just because you made a moderate demand of it didn't mean it would be fulfilled in a truly moderate manner. "We must avoid using that cursed object carelessly until we understand its exact nature. Pochena, do you know anything about it?" -No. Sacred Sword Pochena answered Felix's question immediately. -Currently, I know virtually nothing about that thing. "I'll say it in advance - I'm the same." "Me too." "The literature we read... well, we suffered that fate precisely because of it, so it's better not to trust it too much." Pochena. Palag. Belota. Tila. The intellectuals present expressed their difficulties one after another. They all said in unison that it would take considerable time to discover the exact nature of the Asking Left Hand and use it properly. -For reference, let me tell you. It was then that the Asking Left Hand interjected. -I am the source of curses. All demands and prices that go through me take the form of curses. To give you an example - in the past, someone demanded eternal life from me. He became a walking corpse, spending eternity in a state neither dead nor alive. If you intend to demand something from me, keep that in mind and use it to discharge your malice and hostility. Even a chef explaining cuisine to honored guests wouldn't be that courteous. It was an explanation that naturally evoked such thoughts. Palag asked with a bewildered mind. "Do you normally give such detailed advance notice like that?" -The ruin of contractors is the source of my power. When they are ruined, the power they possessed becomes mine. Therefore, I deceive contractors so they cannot understand the nature of my power and the essence of contracts as much as possible. "But this time is an exception?" The Asking Left Hand pointed at Risir with its index finger. -It's to prevent you from blaming me later. "I see. Well done, Risir. If it weren't for you, it would have taken us enormous time to fully understand that cursed object." "?" He didn't do anything though. Risir awkwardly accepted their respectful gazes. "An object that casts curses while claiming to grant wishes. I had already vaguely noticed, but it was more sinister than expected, wasn't it?" Dray looked at the Asking Left Hand with interested, gleaming eyes. Then Palag looked at Felix and said. "You did well to find and bring such an object." Felix smiled bitterly. Palag's words continued. "It's fortunate that Risir happened to be nearby. We almost had a big problem." "I agree. If Risir hadn't been nearby, we would have..." You're talking about a person like some kind of emergency medicine. Setting aside Risir's complaints, Felix began talking with his companions. Eventually, he spoke to Risir. "Risir. I've been thinking, and it seems right that you should have this object." My. Dray looked at Risir with envy from the side. The Asking Left Hand was a dangerous cursed object, but also a powerful Relic. Its value was difficult to price. "Considering your performance in this matter, and more importantly, you would be able to use this object without side effects." Felix’s decision was reasonable, yet bold. Having personally experienced the relic’s power, it wasn’t easy to relinquish ownership so decisively. Everyone present respected Felix’s judgment and turned their congratulatory gazes toward Risir. "..." Risir seemed to fall into brief contemplation, then eventually spoke to Felix. "Come to think of it, what kind of demand were you planning to make of this Asking Left Hand?" "Ah, that's-" Felix continued speaking only after exchanging glances with his companion Tila. "Actually, we're currently being tracked." "Tracked?" "Yes." Felix showed the Sacred Sword Pochena at his waist. "By someone targeting this Sacred Sword." No way. Being a Hero is totally an extreme occupation. How do you deal with that? Risir looked at Dray and Palag with that expression, recalling the previous Face Thief incident. Dray smiled bitterly and said. "Actually, that's closer to the fate of one who possesses treasure rather than the burden of being a Hero. Treasures with continent-wide fame like Sacred Swords are rare." "Whoever’s after the sacred sword must be no ordinary person." Felix nodded seriously at Palag's words. Sacred Swords were treasures that, despite their reputation, had extremely few who targeted them. This was because the cost-benefit ratio didn't work out. First, facing a Hero who wielded the power of a mighty Sacred Sword was no easy task- More importantly, Sacred Swords weren't objects you could steal just by stealing them. Sacred Swords choose their masters. Even if you managed to take a Sacred Sword from a Hero, it would be meaningless if the Sacred Sword didn't acknowledge you as its new master. That Face Thief had also targeted the Hero's face and power, not the Sacred Sword itself. 'A madman even worse than the Face Thief?' Risir became serious as well and listened attentively to Felix's words. "That's right. We don't know their identity, but they're tracking us with mysterious abilities." "Mysterious abilities?" Palag asked back. "A Shaman who helped us said so. That someone is stealing peeks at our Fate." "Stealing peeks at... Fate?" "Yes. They seem to be tracking our movements through that. For now, we've taken measures with the Shaman's help, so the tracking has been slowed, but the Shaman said that since it's such a mysterious and powerful force, we won't be able to escape from it completely." Felix looked at the Asking Left Hand. "We were thinking of using the Asking Left Hand's help to interfere with or escape their tracking. But who would have thought it would turn out like this." "Hmm... May I take a look?" Felix's eyes widened at Palag's suggestion. Help from an Archmage. "Please, I ask for your help." Palag extended his hand toward Felix. A mist of cold air that bloomed from his fingertips carefully enveloped the Hero. "As you said. An unidentified Aura is lingering around you." Palag's expression gradually distorted. "What an unreasonable power this is. Not only can I not remove the Aura, but I cannot fathom its nature, its source, or anything about it." Everyone showed shock. And the expressions of Felix's party, the ones directly involved, became noticeably dark. A power that even an Archmage couldn't fathom. The former Tower Master of the Blue Magic Tower. If they couldn't get help from Archmage Frozen Breath, where on earth should they seek help? It was then. Risir approached Felix and extended his arm toward him. "Lord Palag. How is it? The Aura. Is it still there?" "Hmm? Yes, it is, but?" "Ah. Unfortunately, it doesn't seem to be Black Magic." Unfortunately? Felix's pupils shook. 'Risir, do you perhaps hold a grudge against me?' Risir left Felix behind and looked somewhere else. "Then, shall we try using that thing?" His fingertip pointed toward the Asking Left Hand. He was saying he would willingly share the Relic's power for others. Without a moment's hesitation. It was an act worthy of respect, but their reactions were quite subtle. "Risir. The idea is good, but isn't it too dangerous?" Jane smiled bitterly as he spoke to Risir. Then Sacred Sword Elisia spoke. -Risir. You just heard what that cursed object said, didn't you? That the power contained within it is a Curse. If you try to remove the Aura attached to Felix with that power, who knows what consequences it might bring. "That's not it." -What? "What I mean is. Let's try cursing the owner of that Aura with that thing." "..." Two Heroes. Two Sacred Swords. Their companions. Everyone doubted their own ears. They never expected to hear from a Sacred Sword's master the suggestion of using a cursed object to curse someone. It was an absolutely impossible idea for the noble Heroes. "A curse..." Felix fell into anguish. -Felix... Then, Pochena expressed concern toward her master. If a Hero carelessly handled the power of curses and his Pure Energy became contaminated, there would be no greater disaster. Above all, using the Impure Power of curses would tarnish the noble name of Hero. Practicality or honor. His pride as a Hero put him to the test. "..." -Jane. You're not thinking strange thoughts, are you!? Jane and Elisia also showed similar reactions nearby. "..." Risir watched the two Heroes carefully, then spoke. "Don't worry. Anyway, I'm the only one who can make demands of this Asking Left Hand." Risir approached the Asking Left Hand. "Risir!?" "Wait!" Felix and Jane were horrified. -You can't, Risir...! -Hey Jallak! Shouldn't you stop him!? The two Sacred Swords also panicked and called out to their master. -Risir, you can't!!! The power of curses! I cannot acknowledge someone who handles such Impure Power as my master!!! "Really? Then what can I do." -Thank you for understanding! "Find a new master. Conveniently, there are two excellent Heroes right here." It wasn't a threat. Risir truly considered Jane and Felix more suitable as masters of the Sword of Advancement than himself. -...Come to think of it, it probably doesn't matter. What's important in the end is a noble heart that cares for others! At the Sacred Sword's flexible statement, the other Sacred Swords were shocked. -Jallak, you-... -Are you serious...? Jallak turned his head away to avoid their gazes. He was a sword, but he avoided them anyway. "Really? Well, it all depends on how you use it." Having received the Sacred Sword's full consent, Risir made things clear before cursing someone. "Felix. Are you certain that tracker is your enemy?" "I'm certain." The hostility and malice contained within. Felix could feel it clearly. Risir approached the Asking Left Hand and spoke. "I demand." -Speak. "Before that, let me ask. If I tell you to remove the Aura attached to Felix's party, how would you handle it?" -I will curse the owner of that Aura. "The effects of that curse won't reach us, will they?" -That's correct. Risir nodded with satisfaction. "Got it. Then" -I will carry it out. The Asking Left Hand began to writhe and convulse. A powerful Aura began to swirl around it. "Everyone step back!" Everyone, including Palag who cried out urgently, hastily stepped back. Even knowing the Aura wasn't directed at them, it was so ominous. Eventually, that Aura was sucked back into the Asking Left Hand. Having stopped its convulsions, the Asking Left Hand spoke. -It has been carried out. "..." Palag looked at Felix intently. Risir asked. "Lord Palag. How is it? Has the Aura disappeared!?" "...No. It's only somewhat weakened. It's still clearly there." "Does that mean... the owner of the Aura withstood the Asking Left Hand's curse?" Even if its power had weakened from not receiving payment, still. Those who knew the Asking Left Hand's power from personal experience showed shock. -My goodness. If even that can't solve it, what on earth should we do...? It was when Elisia turned pale, representing the feelings of both Hero parties. "I demand." Risir spoke to the Asking Left Hand. *** A woman's body shook like a leaf. She exhaled labored breaths as if about to collapse, struggling to catch her breath. "Hey, are you alright?" The woman's companion asked her in a rough tone. The woman gritted her teeth. Complex emotions dominated her. Among those emotions, the largest portion was none other than anger. However, that anger was soon overlaid with other emotions. "I'm fine. Compared to the bastard who did this." "What do you mean?" "Not just once, but multiple times. To use the power of curses in such a crude manner..." She made a smile filled with malice. "He must be paying the price... right now, dying in an unimaginably terrible way..." *** "Lord Palag. How is it?" "...Still! It's still there! It's there, but...!" "Is that so? Then- I demand." -Stop! Payment comes first! "I demand." -At this rate, my power will-... "It's fine. There's no need to spare it when using it for good." Was it alright to do this? They momentarily felt pity for the cursed object that had tried to bring them to ruin.