Make Dark Fantasy Great Again

Chapter 252 "That's foolish." Someone's carelessly uttered remark represented their entire mindset. The Hero. The great hero's altruistic actions as if he would save the entire world. To his companions, it had now gone beyond familiar to endearing. When the Hero would say "I suddenly want to help others-", his companions would respond "Oh, of course you would-" and simply follow along. This time, the Hero's actions could be considered particularly unusual even taking that into account. "So, is this it? Because someone who might carry on your will might appear to replace you when you might die someday, you're going to prepare a gift for that person?" The woman speaking in an irritated voice didn't understand what she was saying herself. That was right. She didn't understand what the Hero was trying to do in the first place. The other companions also began adding their comments one by one. "How should I put it... Sometimes when I see you do things like this, I feel something beyond respect." "That's tremendous. So now you're going to embrace even figures from the future and past? My, this is what a Hero is. You have to be at this level for Sacred Swords to line up like eager young ladies." "Hmm. I understand. Haven't I said it repeatedly? That we can enjoy the present is all thanks to the care of our ancestral gods. Not that so-called main god whose face and dwelling we don't even know." "Kudalak. Please, whether you're spouting nonsense or committing blasphemy, could you do just one at a time? My disillusionment with you is about to exceed its critical point. *cough*!" "S-Saint...! Please calm down-" "Right. Calm down, little one. With that frail body of yours, you can't even get properly angry." And as always, their strong-willed conversation smoothly went off track. Leaving behind his companions who had pushed him to the background, the Hero simply continued his work silently. "Hero." The only one still showing interest in the Hero's actions was the fairy sitting on his shoulder. "So, what are you thinking of leaving behind? To that someone who might become your Descendant of the Hero-" In fact, the fairy was the same as the companions. She also didn't find the Hero's actions particularly pleasant. His attitude of taking his eventual demise for granted and assuming as a matter of course that someone would appear to replace him. However, for now, curiosity came first. The Hero. What exactly could this great hero's gift prepared for the future be? To the fairy's question, the Hero created his characteristic gentle smile. "Teaching..." The fairy summarized the Hero's words like that. *** -Stop, stop!!! -Kyaaaaaaah!!! Backflowing Swamp Astrog. The fairy Shuyen. Their screams overlapped. The vines of light created by the Sacred Sword. Their power constricting the filth giant grew stronger and stronger. It was proof that the giant's strength was gradually weakening. Soon, Astrog's roar ceased. -It hurts, it hurts so much!!! It's hot!!! Now all that came from the giant's mouth was the fairy's pained moaning. -Y-you all...! She appears to be in pain!? Wind Feather expressed concern toward Risir and the Sacred Sword. It thought that Astrog had been destroyed and the fairy left alone was writhing in pain. -R-Risir!? If that's the case- Jallak also joined the cloak's concern. The Revival of Backflowing Swamp Astrog was accomplished by borrowing the fairy's aura. Even if the giant's form remained for now, they didn't know what effect it might have on the fairy if pushed to the limit. Their concern was very reasonable. It was perhaps the best judgment they could make in a situation where they knew nothing about the power of light overwhelming the giant. -P-please stop...! If this continues, I- I...! The fairy's pained moaning urged their judgment. -You there! -Risir! "..." Risir gritted his teeth. Crackle- His skin was bursting and cracking everywhere, spewing blood. It was the backlash from applying the Power of Advancement to its extreme limit and transcending his own limits. Right now, the cloak and sword's suggestion came very sweetly to Risir. If it were up to his heart alone, he wanted to stop using his power immediately. He wanted to escape from the extreme backlash and that pain. 'Damn it. Why isn't blood coming from my face like usual-' He wanted to escape from the anxiety that he might go wrong somehow. In such circumstances, the two's remarks that timely provided justification couldn't help but sound tempting. "No!!!" Even so, it was ultimately the cry that burst from his lips. Risir recalled it. The fairy's aura from before the great evil's Revival. That aura, pure as clear dew, was truly the fairy's true form and essence. "If everything is truly over... If the Spirit has regained her original aura- there's no way she would suffer from that power!!!" -Reckless...! How can you be certain of that!? Wind Feather was horrified. Even water drops that gently embrace tender sprouts could become a tsunami that topples mountains when gathered in abundance. That's what power is like. No matter how gentle and friendly a power might be, when it becomes massive, it inevitably carries destructiveness. Risir's explosive power now manifesting through the Sacred Sword! Wind Feather thought. Even the holy power that heals others, if it reached that level, wouldn't it have the power to harm the target? To the doubt raised like that, the man answers. "Damn it, I don't know!!!" -...!!! "But even so, things somehow work out in the end!!!" -Wh-what is this...!? It was a completely groundless statement. Looking at the content alone, it seemed as if its purpose was to instill distrust rather than faith. But strangely, Wind Feather felt unwavering, firm confidence in the man's statement. To have absolute confidence in a power he himself doesn't fully understand- How on earth should he respond? Wind Feather couldn't even dare to try. Like that, Wind Feather ended up helplessly swept along. By that feeling- that somehow things would work out even though he didn't know what it was! -Urgh...! I don't know anymore either- is it really okay to do this!? -You!!! That's exactly it! -Jallak!? What are you suddenly saying again-...!? Wind Feather's confusion was compounded by the Sacred Sword's voice expressing solidarity. Like that, feeling their complete trust(?), Risir began drawing out all his remaining strength to repay them. A fierce cry as if drawing out the strength of his entire body! The Sacred Sword raised its voice as if resonating with its master. Hummmmmmm- Now the Sacred Sword's form was like a sun rising at night. The interior of the vast cavern was completely filled with light. That radiance didn't even allow the faintest shadow. -Kyaaaaaaah!!! The fairy's scream became even sharper. -Ah, ahhh- ahhhhh...!!! In between, the giant's precarious moaning as if collapsing overlapped. It was at that moment when the giant was writhing in pain. Clang! A clear sound like countless glass beads colliding and scattering filled the space. Along with fragments of light as clear as that sound- -This is...! At that wondrous sight, not only Wind Feather but even the Sacred Sword was momentarily speechless. Countless fragments of light floating in the air. They were individual broken water droplets. The filth that originally formed the giant's body- It had become clear enough to contain light completely. Those water droplets scattered in all directions didn't fall straight to the ground but maintained their positions in mid-air. Scattering the light carefully preserved within the droplets- Soon, they realized why the droplets had scattered. The filth giant. It had collapsed, unable to withstand the restraint of the light vines. The light vines that had lost their target of restraint gathered in one place. Like that, the vines intertwined with each other to form a thick trunk- The power of light that had lost its destination naturally expanded. Like that, branches and leaves of light were created above the trunk. -World Tree... Wind Feather and the Sacred Sword unconsciously murmured as they saw the majestic and sacred form of the light tree. How could the aura of a mere human, not even an Elf, hold the Mental Image of the World Tree- Wind Feather and the Sacred Sword had no way of knowing the reason. Thud thud- Then, the light droplets that had been gathered around the tree like fireflies fell. "...!" Risir didn't miss the small figure mixed among them. Flutter! Risir leaped while brandishing Wind Feather. His hand gently caught the falling fairy's body. In mid-air, the man and fairy's gazes met. The man looked at his Sacred Sword as if remembering something, then created a mischievous smile. "Right. Like you said, it would have been a disaster without the Sacred Sword, wouldn't it?" "..." The fairy was momentarily dazed. Soon she burst into a chuckle. It was a pleasant smile she hadn't been able to make even once since parting with 'that person'. *** ▷Fate 70: Descendant of the Hero - Has been deactivated. Perks will be granted accordingly. *** -I express my gratitude to you once again. With respect! Without you, my master's companion would have faced irreversible consequences! Wind Feather- That cloak suddenly faced Risir and created a right angle. It looked exactly like an invisible human wearing a cloak and bowing their head. Risir created his characteristic mischievous smile. "Please convey your thanks to Jallak instead of me." -To Jallak...?" "I wouldn't have been able to drive away that giant with my power alone. Sometimes it's such an absurd power that I wonder what it is, but at the same time it's quite a limited power. Normally, I wouldn't have been able to exert full power against a giant whose foundation lies in a Spirit." -Then... "It's thanks to Jallak adding special properties to my power with his hidden ability." -My goodness. Jallak! Have you been hiding such an ability all this time!? Hmm. The Sacred Sword of Advancement Jallak made a meaningful sound of contemplation. No matter how I think about it, I don't have such an ability- No matter how I think about it, it seems like Risir's ability- Instead of speaking honestly, let's just stay quiet. Risir might be right, after all? And most importantly- Risir is showing interest in me, isn't he? It could be called a single word that efficiently condensed such a lengthy meaning. "Risir." Then, the fairy approached Risir. Now that small being didn't look down at Risir from a high place. She came close to his face and looked directly at her counterpart. "I'll apologize for my rudeness until now. I had no right to evaluate you, the Master of Sacred Sword." "No, that's not right. Aren't you still a companion of the Hero? I think you have more than enough right to do so." "..." The fairy's stiff expression naturally softened at that mischievous atmosphere. "And you absolutely must have that right." "Hmm?" Risir pointed to Wind Feather. He was intoxicated right now. With the joy of victory? No. Wind Feather. The pleasure that mysterious treasure brought- That feeling vulgarly called the 'high'! "That way, you could legally transfer the Hero's legacy to me with proper authority, couldn't you?" "..." The fairy, who had been dazed for a moment, burst out laughing. The fairy looked at the man with interest. That unpretentious atmosphere. She had thought he wouldn't pay much attention to things like the Hero's legacy or honor, but he was apparently an unavoidable person too. 'Well.' The fairy nodded. The Hero's legacy. To inherit it was essentially the same as succeeding the will of that great hero. It was an honor that no one in the world could refuse. "That item- you seem to like it quite a bit?" The fairy spoke in a somewhat mischievous tone. She was quite curious about how that earnest-looking man would express such grand ambition. "Yes! I felt it clearly while using that power just now!" "What did you feel?" The fairy was already holding back laughter. Because she could easily predict what he would say. He would probably mention something like 'the Hero's will'. Like that, he would show strong will toward the position of the Hero's successor. Like a young human, he was full of vigor and ambition. The fairy discovered human aspects in him who had only seemed incomprehensible until now and felt intimacy- "The fact that with this, the effectiveness of Assassination Sword Techniques would greatly increase!" "?" -? What. What kind of sword? At the words mentioned from the mouth of the hero who had been proudly displaying his majesty as the Master of Sacred Sword without reservation, not only the Hero's companion but even the legacy couldn't help but be bewildered. Regardless, Risir continued his story in high excitement. "Freedom of movement regardless of terrain!!! That's exactly what I thought. Ah! Even a Swordmaster couldn't react to this-" Slash. Risir made a playful sound while gesturing across his throat. The fairy and cloak gradually became mentally confused. -J-Jallak...? Your master- his condition looks a bit strange... Could this be some kind of side effect of power? Assassination sword techniques... There's no way you, a Sacred Sword, would tolerate such devious tricks- -Argh!!! The Sacred Sword cried out in horror and cut off the cloak's words. -Don't say such dangerous things when you don't even know properly!!! -Jallak? "What...?" The fairy and cloak were flustered by his serious and angry appearance. -Risir!!! Don't mind what they say!!! I feel alive when you perform Assassination Sword Techniques with me!!! Sacred Sword. What was he saying? Shuyen's mouth fell wide open. Wind Feather also gaped in shock. It was a cloak, but anyway. -While we're on the subject, I was so happy when you used me for Swordsmanship practice back then-... The Sacred Sword's shy confession continued. The fairy and cloak could only stare blankly in bewilderment. *** "Risir, I have something to tell you." Due to Risir's affinity that transcended species, the fairy Shuyen's manner of speaking gradually became natural. Risir kept looking at Wind Feather while listening to the Sacred Sword's shy confession. The fairy spoke to him. "I'm sorry to disappoint you, but actually that person- the First Hero's Legacy isn't Wind Feather." "What?" "While calling it the Hero's legacy isn't wrong since it's something the Hero left behind- there's something else that person truly wanted to pass down to his successor." "Another legacy..." Disappointment briefly appeared on Risir's face, but the curiosity that followed swallowed that disappointment. "What is it? That other legacy-" "Teaching." "Teaching, you say...?" The fairy answered with action instead. She generated tremendous aura with a small gesture. Soon, that aura formed a dimensional gate. "...!" In an instant, Risir's eyes widened greatly. 'Could it be that the Hero- the First Hero will personally step forward and give me teaching!?' Wind Feather was no longer in his consideration. A meeting with the greatest hero in history. Risir soon realized his heart was beating fiercely. Pleased with that reaction, the fairy smiled and said. "How about it. Are you ready?" "W-wait a moment!" "Hm?" "My companions- could I perhaps share that opportunity with my companions!?" "...Companions? You have companions? Then why did you come here alone?" "Uh... because you only brought me?" "...Huh? Come to think of it, how did you enter here alone?" Huh? Eh? What? The man's incomprehensibility, which had been hidden by the gentle atmosphere, struck the fairy again. The fairy kept tilting her head as if broken. "No, seriously, how did you come in alone!?" *** Risir's proposal was not accepted. The fairy Shuyen. What she, the Hero's companion, acknowledged was Risir, not his entire party. Risir had no choice but to enter the dimensional gate she had created alone. The moment he stepped beyond the dimensional gate- "Oh..." The world surrounding Risir completely changed. "This place is..." He looked around. Sunlight that had gained color through stained glass painted the space in various hues. That scene gave an impression of majesty rather than being flashy and ostentatious. At its center stood a delicately carved massive stone statue. "You've come." "...!" As Risir was observing the stone statue, it was a calm voice coming from behind. "Do you recognize her?" And the fairy's voice coming from his shoulder. "She's the woman who was called the Saint, as our party's Priest." "...!" The Saint. The great Priest who lived in the same era as the Hero and purified the world. At the encounter with that historical great hero rivaling the Hero, Risir felt terrible unreality. The Saint looked at the flustered Risir and spoke calmly. "First, let me heal those wounds." Risir was paying the full price for pushing the Power of Advancement to its extreme limit. A type of Overload he had never experienced before. It brought terrible pain and fatigue to Risir. By continuing to act instead of resting, his condition grew increasingly serious. The cracking of his skin. The bleeding that had barely stopped resumed again. Risir suddenly began spewing blood from his entire body. "Entrust your body to my aura." The Saint showed no panic at all seeing Risir like that. As if such wounds were nothing to her. It was then that ripples formed in the Saint's lake-like calm eyes. It was because all of Risir's wounds and weakened aura suddenly recovered. The Saint's hands, which had been about to perform a 'miracle', floated awkwardly in the air. *** ▷Fate 70: Descendant of the Hero - Has been deactivated. Perks will be granted accordingly. [Level has increased!] *** The current situation. Risir faced a hero from the distant past according to the Hero's arrangement. In other words, he had essentially encountered a sudden anomaly. The fairy felt discomfort about this. "Please calm down. I'll explain." Why are you the one doing the calming.