Make Dark Fantasy Great Again

Chapter 241 For the moment, he was surprised. If one were to ask whether he was surprised or not, Risir was clearly in a state of surprise. The spectacle that the sword had shown. That power. It had far exceeded his original expectations. 'To think that a sword itself would possess such power... No matter how I look at it, it has surpassed the category of a tool. Is a Magic Sword something of a different nature from ordinary ego swords?' However, separate from that- The moment Risir witnessed the sword's power, he completely lost all interest in it. As for this particular matter, one could say it was as expected. The Magic Swordsmanship that the Magic Sword spoke of was vastly different from the 'Magic Swordsmanship' that he himself pursued. The reason Risir had taken interest in the sword that looked ominous even at first glance was his expectation that it might help him achieve his Magic Swordsmanship. Moreover, even if the sword actually did help achieve Magic Swordsmanship, he had no intention of carelessly taking it. 'Aren't there more than just one or two people around me who nearly had their lives ruined by picking up the wrong things?' Even if it completely fulfilled his desires, he would only consider it at best! In such circumstances, it couldn't even fulfill those desires? There was no room for deliberation. Risir eliminated all possibilities of becoming the Magic Sword's master. Thus, his concerns entered a new phase. 'So then, this Magic Sword. What should I do with it?' Risir thought to himself. This Magic Sword. If he just left it here because he didn't like it, it would surely cause trouble, and serious trouble at that. Just now, hadn't it attacked the Green Magic Tower master to show off its power? Even the nature of that power. 'It kept calling people beasts, and truly turned people into beasts...' He pondered. What would be the best course of action he could take at this point? For now- 'Dangaleon. Do you happen to know anything about this sword?' -Of course!!! My name is the Radiant Flame that Illuminates the Unknown Abyss for a reason!!! I knew for certain after seeing that power just now! That thing is a 'beast'! 'A beast?' -Night of the Sword! It's one of the Three Great Magic Swords that contain its will! 'What the...' Risir was so appalled that he let out a bitter laugh. 'Night again? Isn't my life getting too dark?' It was just recently that he had encountered Forest and Deception and nearly died, and now he was making contact with another 'Night'. 'Did meeting with the Grand Master open up that path for me? Or is there some curse on this Illatdein?' The only consoling point was that the Magic Sword didn't seem to be a complete form of 'Night.' 'Dangaleon. The Three Great Magic Swords containing Night's will means that there need to be two more like that before it becomes an existence worthy of Night's name, right?' —That's right!!! Unless all the fragments come together as one, that thing is ultimately nothing more than a specter that has lost its original existence!!! Risir nodded at Dangaleon's words. Following the Spirit's(?) advice, he decided to focus on the fact that it wasn't in complete form rather than being intimidated by Night's name for now. 'Since this Magic Sword suddenly appeared before my eyes, it wouldn't be strange if that Night of the Sword appeared and caused chaos at any time. So—' Risir decided to 'deal with' the Magic Sword. If he took it and brought it to the Elf elder or the Green Magic Tower master, they would surely provide appropriate countermeasures! 'Now, the problem is how to transport this Magic Sword—' Risir looked at that dark-colored sword stuck upside down in the ground. The very sword that had just been boasting terrible power in the form of a black woman. 'Is it safe to grab that? Can it even be pulled out in the first place? Dangaleon. What usually happens when you grab that thing?' -That inanimate bastard actually wields humans like tools!!! Just as barbarians infuse their power into swords, that thing also infuses its power into humans! '...So you're saying the moment I grab that thing, I'm the one who gets grabbed instead?' Risir was disgusted as he recalled the humans who had become beasts. From what the Magic Sword said, it seemed like it would give him the power to command those beasts- But in his view, it was ultimately the same thing either way. 'Huh, wait a minute?' Just then. Risir's eyes widened greatly. The images of certain objects came to mind. Objects containing powerful aura. The sight of humans who couldn't handle that power and were being controlled by it. 'The moment I grab the Magic Sword, I'm the one who gets grabbed instead...' Perhaps. He might be able to neutralize that Magic Sword more easily than expected. Just as Risir was organizing the thoughts that had come to mind. -Swordsman... I... seem to have overestimated you... The Magic Sword that had been silent opened its mouth again. -Seeing how you fear this power... you're still one who hasn't become a complete beast... The Magic Sword concluded that this was the reason Risir had been able to escape the temptation of Magic Swordsmanship. That he was now afraid of becoming the Magic Sword's master. -Since it has come to this, I suppose it can't be helped... I'll have to... waste some of my power... Thump! Thump! The Magic Sword suddenly began to pulse. The vibrations created by that pulsing slowly spread throughout the entire area. At the same time, Risir felt as if the space available to him was narrowing. It was like being forced into a mold. That oppressive feeling compelled action. Before he knew it, Risir was approaching the Magic Sword and trying to grasp it. It was a different kind of restraining force from Mental Interference. Should he call it literally being manipulated? 'Damn it, is this going to be okay!?' Risir suddenly felt doubt about his plan. If the Magic Sword's domination was achieved through this unknown restraining force rather than Mental Interference, the danger of his plan relying on the 'Power of Purification' would increase exponentially. -Master!!! Just then. Dangaleon shouted. -Do not doubt Master's Divine Authority!!! Master's Divine Authority is not something that can be denied by a mere trifle like this!!! 'Dangaleon!? Divine Authority, do you know exactly what my ability is!?' —I don't know the details, but I believe it's an absolute power anyway! '...!' It was truly groundless encouragement. However, that encouragement fulfilled its role in its own way. 'Right. In a situation where there are no other options, it might be better to believe so groundlessly like that rather than doubt myself...!?' Risir surrendered his body to that restraining force that was moving him. 'This really feels like being grasped and manipulated by someone else's hand?' With that impression as his last. Risir's hand finally touched the Magic Sword's hilt. Griiip. Power entered his grip regardless of his will. Risir's eyes stared at that dark-colored blade. The blade slowly being pulled from the ground. -Beast... now you are mine... The Magic Sword's blade began to emit an ominous dark light. That light clung directly to Risir's body, forming the shape of armor. The dark flow that gradually wrapped around him starting from the tips of his limbs finally became a helmet that completely covered his face. Thus, Risir was completely consumed by the Magic Sword's aura. -Kaak... Kaak... Kaak... The Power of Purification flows through my body, cleansing the corruption that seeks to take hold. The Magic Swordsman. That beast under the Magic Sword's control let out pathetic breaths. It cried out while spitting saliva and tears. -Let's go... beast... first we must escape this detestable City of Elves... The Magic Sword's voice became the beast's will and moved that body. Clank. Thus a foot stepped forward. One step. One step. Another step. And that was the end. -... Starting with an unnatural hesitation, that movement came to a halt. -This is... The Magic Sword could clearly feel it. That sense of discomfort that had come to the body that was now under its control. Trickle. Something flowed from the eyes and mouth. Not only that, but from the nose and ears as well. *** At the same time, Karoer. She was acting to resolve the considerable disturbance that had occurred in Illatdein. It was due to a group of different races that had appeared at Illatdein's Main Gate. Humans. Dwarves. Even 'that race.' That group composed of various races caused quite a commotion by going through the legitimate entry procedures at the main gate. Karoer immediately had someone guide them to her. This was because the Observers who had been tracking them from the forest had already completed their report regarding their identities. "Broken Glass Shuon. What brings you to Illatdein?" Karoer was clearly wary of the person sitting across from her. Broken Glass Shuon. She was someone who occasionally glimpsed the future, and the futures she glimpsed were generally unpleasant ones, just like her name suggested. "Fracture. I arrived at your city following that crack. To give you a warning." Those gently closed eyes looked as if they were squinting. Could she even see ahead with her eyes like that? It was an impression that made the other party have such thoughts- Karoer, facing her, felt as if she herself had been stripped naked. She was truly a woman who possessed a mysterious atmosphere. A female dwarf who assisted Shuon arranged the bangs that covered her face from beside her. "..." Karoer confirmed the members of the group, including that dwarf. Broken Glass attracted numerous followers due to the nature of her ability. The followers were generally heroes who sought to correct ominous futures through her ability. Heroes. Swordmasters. Even Archmages. Karoer put that military force comparable to a legion behind her and turned her gaze back to Broken Glass. "Broken Glass. You must know as well. We of Illatdein do not listen to outside voices." "..." Just as heavy silence began to seep out from among the group. "However." Karoer added. "That's something that can be decided after hearing the story." Surprise appeared on Broken Glass's face. She had never imagined that Karoer, the elder of the elves and Guardian of the World Tree, would show such a flexible response. What kind of change of heart had there been? Shuon put such questions aside and spoke to Karoer. "Right now. There should be a human staying in Illatdein." "..." Human. When that word was mentioned, clear emotions appeared on the aloof elf's face. Curiosity. And worry. "That human is in danger." "..." However, at those following words, the elf burst into a bitter laugh. That derisive laughter wouldn't be strange at all when combined with the typical arrogance of elves. One person from the group was about to rise from their seat in anger, but Broken Glass raised her hand to stop him. "My warning doesn't seem to be welcome." "...No, it's somewhat different from that." "Then...?" "..." A moment of silence. Karoer stared at Broken Glass's squinting eyes with a meaningful look and said. "I express my gratitude for the warning." "Then...!" "However. Separate from that, I would like you to leave Illatdein immediately. Illatdein does not need your help." "...Why?" "Because I cannot picture the possibility of the future you claim to have seen being realized." "Are you... doubting my ability?" Karoer seemed to ponder something deeply, then once again burst into the same bitter laugh as before. "Perhaps your prophetic ability might be wrong this time." "You’re being insufferably stubborn." A man with a great sword on his back kicked away his seat and stood up. "Hey, Elf. We don't have time for this. Even at this very moment, that thing—the 'Magic Sword'—might be devouring that poor human." "Magic Sword?" The Elf elder reacted to that word. "Why is a fragment of Night of the Sword in Illatdein?" "How would I know. What's certain is. The moment that Magic Sword gets a proper body and is unleashed, the consequences won't be Illatdein's alone to bear." "..." "I know that what happens to one human is none of your noble concern, but think about it once. If this goes wrong, what kind of aftermath will hit this lush green city." The elf fell into anguish. They thought that mentioning the city's crisis had finally moved the elf's heart. It wasn't entirely wrong speculation. Right now, the Elf elder was certainly worried about the city's safety. "Risir..." Because his safety was no different from the city's safety. "I'll guide you." No matter how much she thought about it, she couldn't imagine it. But just in case. The Elf elder guided their group with a face where two thoughts coexisted. *** "Ha! What, how so? That Shuon's prophecy might be wrong this time?" Broken Glass's companion spat out with a bitter laugh. -Kaak... Kaak... Kaak... What greeted them upon arriving at the location was the worst-case scenario they had been worried about— The very future they had warned the Elf elder about. Night of the Sword. That Magic Sword had grasped a new human and revealed itself to the world once again. They felt a crushing sense of despair. The Magic Sword. It never let go of the 'human' it had grasped until it was broken beyond repair. "How on earth... do we separate that thing...?" To someone's cautiously spoken words, a dry answer came back. "Impossible. Once synchronized with the Magic Sword, the only way to save the host is to completely destroy that flesh. Even more so in the case of such a powerless host with no strength to resist." "Oh no, is there no choice?" Thus. It was when Broken Glass's followers were gathering their resolve to destroy that Magic Sword's host. "Wait, hold on!" Elf elder Karoer stopped them. They were briefly surprised that a High Elf would worry about the safety of a mere human— Tsk. Someone clicked their tongue in frustration. "Didn't you hear what we said!? Give up! It's already too late once synchronized with the Magic Sword to that degree! The Magic Sword won't let go of that thing until the host is completely broken and no longer usable!" "Trust us! This is the path for his sake! He's still alive! His body and mind are vividly alive and connected to the Magic Sword! Even at this very moment, he must be suffering as he's manipulated by the Magic Sword's tyrannical power! We must save him as quickly as possible!" -Kaaaaaaak— Kaaaaaaak...!!! Just then, the Magic Swordsman cried out in agony. As if responding to their words. Viscous liquid flowed through the gaps in the helmet. His entire body convulsed as he writhed in pain. "Karoer..." Broken Glass appealed while looking at the Magic Swordsman's state. "He's suffering so much like that. If you truly care for him, please—" "..." "...Karoer?" Just then. Broken Glass detected something strange about Karoer. It wasn't an expression of worry, nor one of anguish over an acquaintance's destruction. "Ha." As expected. Karoer, who had been uncertain until now, finally burst into a bitter laugh. Once again, viscous liquid flowed through the gaps in the helmet. The bright red liquid—it was blood. -Heuurggh...! Heuurggh...!!! It looked as if he was suffering from some abomination that wouldn't fall from his hand. The Magic Swordsman. He was now suffering from something grasped in his hand that wouldn't let go. More precisely, from the power it was wielding. Whoosh! Black Flames bloom around the Magic Swordsman. A Gale whirls. At the same time, the Magic Swordsman's body accelerates. Risir. He was now defying the Magic Sword's control and displaying 'Magic Swordsmanship.' Using the Magic Sword's power that he had temporarily accepted into his body. For instance- Risir willingly let himself be grasped by the Magic Sword's grip. -Let... go...!!! Let go, I say...!!! You lowly beast...!!! Thus he became a Magic Sword that destroys the one who grasps it. He became the Magic Sword's Magic Sword.