Make Dark Fantasy Great Again

Chapter 243 "Perhaps... is his mind still being devoured by the Magic Sword?" Swordmaster Junggeom muttered. It was his own attempt at a joke, but he thought it wouldn't be strange at all if his joke became reality. Junggeom and his companions looked at the problematic man. Then, the rampage that the Magic Sword had caused just moments before vividly came to mind. That rampage of power where all sorts of strange forces had swirled in a vortex. The man had been none other than the Magic Sword's host, at the very center of that rampage. Overload. They clearly remembered that condition being mentioned from the man's lips. Right after being released from the Magic Sword, he had diagnosed his own condition of bleeding from every opening in his face as Overload. 'At least it's not Overload...' Shuon's group could be certain. If he were experiencing Overload, he wouldn't be standing upright on his two feet but would be dying by the moment. However, that sight of him freely bleeding! Looking at that alone, even if it wasn't as bad as Overload, it seemed fair to consider it a sufficiently serious condition. And for good reason. It was right after the Magic Sword had borrowed his body to commit such tremendous acts. "Risir, that was your name, wasn't it...? Are you really alright?" Broken Glass Shuon. Her characteristic narrow eyes opened slightly, revealing dark brown pupils. Those sharp eyes, in stark contrast to when they were narrowed, were directed at Risir. They contained both suspicion and concern toward their target. Based on the clues given so far- Risir's behavior of showing interest in possessing the Magic Sword was clearly strange. 'The Magic Sword's power might have affected the host's mind...' Their gaze turned to the Magic Sword once again. Thump! Thump! They reminded themselves that nothing was truly over until everything was finished. "I feel somewhat fatigued, but it's at a level I can sufficiently endure. Thank you for your concern." Risir responded to Shuon's question with a polite smile. It was a response that lacked nothing in inspiring trust and goodwill from the other party, but the sense of unease felt by Shuon's group only grew stronger. 'Somewhat fatigued but at a level he can sufficiently endure? That?' Broken Glass. The prophet Shuon. She was in a position where she wandered across the continent with her companions to prevent the future of 'destruction' that she foresaw. The knowledge and experience that she and her companions had accumulated while traveling across the continent was perfectly described as vast. Even so, they had never once seen anything like this before. "Ah, excuse me." Swish swish. A person who acted nonchalantly while bleeding from every opening in his face. He leisurely wiped away the blood that had begun flowing again with a handkerchief. "..." "..." "..." Risir didn't know. The fact that his nonchalant behavior meant to reassure Shuon's group looked even more like he was dominated by the Magic Sword than when he was actually being devoured by it. "...Everyone?" Risir had to endure considerable hardship to prove his innocence. *** "Leave it at that. I understand what you're worried about, but there's no need to worry about that man. As you can see, he was born with quite a unique Constitution. I, Karoer, will guarantee that much." Shuon's group's anxiety toward Risir only ended after Karoer guaranteed him with her own name on the line. Risir, who had tried so hard to persuade them that his mouth went dry, felt considerable injustice. 'They barely listened to what I was saying.' Separately, he had no complaints. He too knew what it meant for a High Elf who was an elder of Illatdein and Guardian of the World Tree to guarantee a mere human. Now was the time to be proud of receiving such trust from the great Karoer. "Let's move to another place." Afterward, Karoer looked around and spoke. The place where the series of events had unfolded was a secluded clearing on the Green Magic Tower grounds that had become Risir's dedicated space, and the commotion was drawing people together. "Risir!" Ratsil, who had arrived just in time, approached Risir in surprise. "What happened!? There was such a tremendous commotion here just now!? Fire, Sand Storm, swarms of insects flying around, just, just just, just just just!!! Don't tell me Risir did that!? No, that's not it! Risir, are you okay!? Huh, blood on your face!? Are you okay!? That thing just now, did Risir stop it!? Did you do it or stop it!? Isn't this the important thing right now!? First-" Ratsil exclaimed, "Wisdom of the Watcher!" and began pulling out various medicines from her pouch, slathering them on Risir or forcing them down his throat. "This too, this too, this too, this too-" "Ughhhhh-" Risir, who had even endured the Magic Sword's domination, became incapacitated. Surprisingly, it was effective. Thanks to Ratsil, Risir regained his vitality and set out to move locations with Karoer and Shuon's group. "But, that thing-" Shuon's group's gaze turned toward the Magic Sword lying on the ground. Thump! Thump! Even now, long after the Magic Sword had been abandoned, no one still dared to touch it. "..." Just then, someone among Shuon's group silently stepped forward. It was a calm-looking woman with short hair wearing glasses. It was Shelloa, the Hero of Sealing. "Hero!?" At Shuon's words, Risir was startled and stared at her waist. There was definitely a sword of extraordinary appearance hanging at her waist. Shelloa approached the Magic Sword and drew her sword. The amethyst-like patterns carved into the blade glowed, emitting a sacred light. "Leroun." The master of sealing called the Sacred Sword in a calm tone. The Sacred Sword, befitting its master's disposition, responded not with words but with a reaction of power. Hmmmmm- Purple light emerged from the Sacred Sword. It began floating around the Magic Sword, leaving afterimages. A moment later, geometric patterns appeared above the Magic Sword. "..." As the master of sealing gestured, those purple threads fell and entangled the Magic Sword. Thump-...! The Magic Sword's pulsing stopped in an unnatural state. "Good heavens, Shelloa. Don't tell me you sealed the Magic Sword?" An elderly woman among Shuon's group asked in great surprise. It was High Priest Horna. The master of sealing made a strange gesture that was unclear whether she was shaking or nodding her head. "It won't last long. However, it should be sufficient for transporting the Magic Sword right now." Shelloa bent down to pick up the Magic Sword, then pushed up her glasses. Her pale blue eyes, quiet like a river, gazed at Risir. "..." Eventually, she silently moved the hand holding the Magic Sword. It meant asking if he would carry it instead. 'Is it because I was claiming ownership?' When Risir politely declined, Shelloa turned her head without regret. She said. "Let's move." *** "Is the Star of the Garden unable to attend this gathering?" "She's temporarily away." "I see." Afterward, Risir moved with Shuon's group, following Karoer. It was Karoer's mansion located in the Illatdein residential area. "Lord Karoer, aren't you taking them to the Teal Palace?" "We cannot carelessly let such outsiders into the Teal Palace." "Ah, I see." Even though they're heroes, they're being treated as mere outsiders. Risir realized anew how unusual his case of 'knowing the Princess' had been. "Please prepare to receive guests." "Understood." Karoer gave instructions to a servant and then guided them to a spacious reception room. "Risir, I'll sit next to you!?" "You say that about 30 seconds after sitting down when our eyes meet." They sat in a row around the desk placed in the center of the reception room. In the case of the Hero of Sealing and Swordmaster Junggeom, they stood side by side next to where the Magic Sword was propped against the wall. "Oh right, we haven't introduced ourselves yet." The narrow-eyed woman rose from her seat and bowed politely. She looked at Karoer and Risir and began introducing herself and her companions. A prophet praised by the name Broken Glass. A swordsman who held the name Junggeom as a Swordmaster. A High Priest of the Religious Order. A former Red Tower Master. And finally, the Hero of Sealing. 'What is this?' Risir couldn't help but be shocked by the composition that was not just luxurious but excessive. To think that such big figures, who would normally be difficult to encounter individually, had formed a group. 'If such guests had come to Bendel, the city would have not just been turned upside down but done handstands.' So much so that they probably couldn't even use the grand title of 'Hero Party' for fear of putting the cart before the horse. 'To think she's acting as the focal point among such big figures...' As Risir confirmed those members, his attention naturally focused on one place. The narrow-eyed woman who was acting as the focal point among such tremendous figures- It was the prophet Shuon. "..." When their eyes met, she responded with a small smile. Then, she continued the conversation while facing Karoer. "Shall we organize the situation once more? Karoer. As I already mentioned, my visit to this city was because I glimpsed a future of 'destruction' related to the Magic Sword." "Then, it could be said that your purpose has already been achieved." Karoer spoke while glancing toward the Magic Sword. Then Shuon smiled bitterly. "I wonder." "Is there something else?" "Aren't there still matters that need to be discussed?" The former Red Tower Master, Red Sky. An elderly man who had grown his reddish-brown beard stylishly spoke up. "Matters that still need to be discussed?" "The Magic Sword." Swordmaster Junggeom- A middle-aged man with a disheveled beard, or one that was poorly shaved, pointed to the Magic Sword and spoke. "Do you happen to know anything about why this Magic Sword was found in Illatdein?" The High Priest- The kindly-looking elderly woman asked Karoer. Karoer thought for a moment and then spoke. "Lunadien might know something. Separately, what story do you want to tell?" It was the prophet Shuon who accepted Karoer's pressing gaze. "It's nothing else but to ensure the proper disposal of the Magic Sword. If you don't know any proper means or methods to handle the Magic Sword, we can't just leave that Magic Sword abandoned in Illatdein and go." "In other words, you would take charge of handling that Magic Sword instead?" Shuon nodded confidently. Karoer couldn't scold such an attitude as presumptuous. Surely they might be capable of handling even problems that would be difficult for an entire city to take on. "And, though it's awkward to call it compensation— we'd like to make a few requests of Illatdein." "Since it's handling nothing less than the Magic Sword, it would be proper to receive compensation." When that stubborn High Elf readily agreed, they were both flustered and delighted. "However." But then, Karoer's additional words. "Entrusting the disposal of the Magic Sword to you would be impossible." "...Why is that?" "Because the Magic Sword's original discoverer desires its ownership." Creak. Everyone's gaze in the room turned to stare at one man. Risir felt uncomfortable with those stares and turned his head to the side. -Is the Magic Sword really that incredible!? Then Ratsil, who had pushed her face close, asked with an excited expression. The superhumans present didn't miss that voice. "How about reconsidering? That power might not be as convenient as you think." Junggeom's gaze as he spoke was filled with sincere concern. The expressions of the others weren't much different. They were still worried about the young man who had become the Magic Sword's host. Yes, host. The Magic Sword doesn't have masters or anything like that. The fate of those entangled with it was only to be manipulated by the Magic Sword and ultimately become its tool. It was a fact proven by history. They couldn't just stand by and watch a man with mental strength strong enough to overcome the Magic Sword's domination make the wrong choice and face destruction. "The Magic Sword probably wasn't in a complete state right now. Your ability to escape the Magic Sword's domination might have been thanks to that. There's no guarantee the next time will be like now." "..." "Above all, that tremendous power. That Power That Defies Logic—do you think you can fully control it?" Black Flames. Sand Storm. The Swarm of Insects curse. They spoke while recalling that strange Vortex of Power. "The Magic Sword's power..." In contrast, Risir was thinking of the Magic Sword's convenient domination ability. Eventually, he spoke confidently to them. "Then, if I demonstrate it in front of all of you, there wouldn't be a problem, would there?" "..." At that spirited answer, some showed bewilderment, some burst into derisive laughter, and some burst into laughter saying it was amusing. The atmosphere became strange. In such an atmosphere, Karoer spoke. "For now, everyone must be tired in various ways, so let's take a moment to rest and then organize our discussion again. You all because of travel fatigue, and Risir because of the Magic Sword. Isn't that right?" The situation was eventually settled for now. They each received guest rooms in the mansion and took time to rest there. *** Risir. How long had he been resting in his room? A guest came to his room. "Do you have a moment?" "You are..." Swordmaster Junggeom. That man came to Risir and casually brought up a topic. "Come to think of it, I don't think I asked this. Do you happen to know how to handle a sword?" Instead of answering, Risir responded with Blue Breath. Then, a pleasant smile appeared on Junggeom's face. "A fellow swordsman? Then we should understand each other somewhat." Junggeom pointed to the greatsword strapped to his back as he spoke. "How about it, could I ask for a match?" "...!" A sudden opportunity to spar with a Swordmaster. Risir was delighted and immediately accepted his proposal. *** Risir. How long had he been resting in his room after finishing his match with Junggeom? A guest came to his room. "Could you spare some time?" "You are..." It was the former Red Tower Master, Red Sky. "I have something I'd like to discuss with you regarding the Magic Sword. How much do you understand about magic?" Instead of answering, Risir created a Whirlwind of wind above his palm. Then, an interesting smile appeared on Red Sky's face. "A fellow scholar?" *** High Priest Horna came to visit. A familiar conversation. This time too, instead of answering, Risir responded with the power of Divinity. "Remarkable. I never expected that you too would be a follower of Divinity who follows the lord god. Then-" *** That night, Shuon's group held another meeting. It was to discuss a certain spirited man who coveted the Magic Sword. Once again. Previously, they had already held one discussion about whether it would be alright to entrust the Magic Sword to the man. The reason they had taken time to visit him was also because of that. "Well, he seemed like a decent fellow?" Junggeom, leaning back in his chair, said with a laugh. Something good must have happened, as he was quite drunk. "I agree with that part as well." Red Sky responded while stroking his mustache- "A young man born with an impeccable character." The High Priest agreed with a smile. "However." Then, Junggeom, who had turned serious, added. Junggeom recalled the time he had spent with Risir. Although he hadn't been able to have a proper match with him due to concerns about aftereffects from the Magic Sword's domination— It was time enough to infer his skills through his insight, breathing, posture, and such. Junggeom confirmed that Risir possessed tremendous qualities as a Swordsman that didn't match his age. Ah! So this was why that Elf favored him! He naturally felt such an impression. However. "He's still insufficient to bear such a tremendous... Fate as the Magic Sword." That Magic Sword was something that even Junggeom, a Swordmaster, would find difficult to handle easily. In that regard, Junggeom judged that entrusting the Magic Sword to Risir would be extremely dangerous. Red Sky and the High Priest also nodded in agreement. "I agree. Outstanding magical achievements for his age, but-" That Magic Sword was something that even Red Sky, an Archmage, would find difficult to handle. In that regard, Red Sky judged that entrusting the Magic Sword to Risir would be extremely dangerous. "A young man with infinite potential as a Priest, but..." That Magic Sword was something that even a High Priest would find difficult to handle. In that regard, the High Priest judged that entrusting the Magic Sword to Risir would be extremely dangerous. Thus. """Huh?""" Each of them, who had been discussing what they had seen and felt regarding the man's qualities, felt something was off. "Mage? Priest?" "Swordsman? Priest? "Swordsman? Mage?" They looked at each other wondering what the others were talking about.