Make Dark Fantasy Great Again

"Risir? Where are you going? There shouldn't be anything there?" "Ah, Ratsil. It's nothing serious. I just have urgent matters to discuss with the Magic Swords, so please don't worry about it." "Ah~ secretly with the Magic Swords... huh?" Risir moving to a secluded part of the camp. Delron tilted his head as he watched his retreating figure. "Is it really nothing serious? Having secret conversations with the Magic Swords?" Not 'Magic Sword' but 'Magic Swords'. A secret meeting with two Magic Swords. Looking at it by itself, it wouldn't be strange if they were plotting to overthrow the city or something. Delron began to worry anew. That is, not about Risir, but about himself. As Risir said, he found himself thinking that the situation of him having secret conversations with two Magic Swords might really be nothing serious. "Hmm..." Where would he be at the end of this journey? Stone Heart suddenly fell into anguish. *** "Now then- Beast. Shall we continue our previous conversation?" Risir placed the dark-colored sword against the tree stump across from him and opened the conversation. "That city- I mean, you feel the aura of the last sword in Ifrien?" -... Perhaps thanks to their repeated joint work(?). Risir had become accustomed to the Magic Sword's aura by now. Thanks to this, it seemed to be clearly visible to his eyes. The figure of a woman who wrapped her long black hair that reached down to her knees around her body like a dress. She was hesitating while embracing her own body. -You must... take into account that I was not in my right mind at the time... "Hmm?" "Your cruel- ... No..." The woman covered her mouth, saying she had made a slip of the tongue. Her eyes trembled with fear. "For some reason you wouldn't know... I was experiencing mental confusion..." The black-haired woman reflected on the situation at that time. It was when Curse attempted a rebellion in the warehouse. At that time. Risir used the small rebellion that Curse had attempted as a reason and sentenced her to joint rest(?). He had wanted to resolve the fatigue and damage accumulated from a series of events with her help. -You damned bastard!!! Cursed bastard!!! Kill me!!! Just kill me instead!!! Whether Beast was relatively vulnerable to pain, or Curse was relatively resistant to pain. Unlike Beast who couldn't resist and helped with Risir's rest, Curse reacted violently until the very end before losing consciousness. Thanks to this, Risir's rest was not fully achieved- And thanks to this, Beast became frightened in advance. -You... I have a story that will pique your interest... If you harm me... you will surely regret it... This was how the current situation came to be. Beast, fearing that the demon's hand that had pushed Curse to the limit might turn to her as well, revealed her cards in advance. -From the city we are approaching... I sense an unusual aura... -As for what kind of aura it is... -Tomorrow... when we get a little closer, I think I'll be able to tell you then... Looking at the results alone, Beast's plan could be considered successful. She was able to avoid the joint 'rest' with Risir that she had so desperately wanted to avoid, right up until this moment of arriving at Ifrien. Of course. It was not peace gained for free. Now it was time to pay that price. "Mental confusion?" "..." If. If Curse had been in the same situation, she would have raised her voice without hesitation. -I was just returning it in kind because I was afraid you'd throw another tantrum at me? -If you're dissatisfied, well, what are you gonna do about it? Go ahead and cut my belly. I was planning to do that anyway, wasn't I? But Beast couldn't do that. She suddenly had such a thought. When he had shown consideration for her and compromised this far, if she showed a rebellious attitude once more- That would clearly be against proper conduct. Of course. If Curse had seen her like this now, she would have said another word. -You stupid bitch!!! -What proper conduct in your situation? Where is your pride?! -And that bastard uses you like a bandage for wiping pus!!! However, Curse was currently unconscious- Beast had no choice but to face the situation alone. That man who had awakened the human emotions of pain and fear in her for the first time in her life. "This... was originally a secret that shouldn't be revealed to you... That's because... I cannot sell part of myself... and I shouldn't sell it either..." "..." "Yes... I know... what you're trying to say... I have already failed to overcome my pure fear... and sold out my sibling Curse... Ah... yes... I have made the same mistake again... How disgusting I am..." Risir was bewildered. He was just sitting quietly and listening, but she was frightened and spilling out all her inner thoughts. As such, Risir was not fully aware. Of how he appeared to her. Or how Beast was feeling about the current situation. That's why...Risir was able to act as he did in the current situation. "By my standards, you simply did the right thing." "The right thing... Nonsense... How can failing to overcome my pain and fear and transferring it to my siblings... be called the right thing..." "Aren't your siblings trying to go down the wrong path?" "The wrong path..." "That's right. Your siblings casually bring destruction to their surroundings. That is certainly wrong, and someone must correct it." Magic Sword. It is a Fragment of Desire created by a great evil at the end of its ruin, seeking a comeback. Magic Swords were born to treat humans completely as tools and to take power. Nothing would be more foolish than forcing human perspectives on them. Indeed, Beast's instincts were crying out. That it was nonsense not worth listening to. That he would never understand her desires and position. "Wrong things..." But now. The Magic Sword was listening to the man's story as if drawn to it. Because his story was defending her own pathetic aspect that was absolutely unacceptable as a Magic Sword. Because that emotion was trapped in various negative feelings, the man's habitual kindness struck her desperately. "Certainly, you are different from us. You have different perspectives and different ways of thinking. From your position, betraying your brothers would absolutely be an impossible thing." "That's right..." "But you did that thing." "That's right..." "Why is that? Just because you were afraid? Probably that's not all there is to it." Actually, that was all there was to it. All her deviations stemmed entirely from her relationship with a man she couldn't handle. But the man didn't know that. Beast knew it, but- Facing such a man, she herself began to get confused. "What do you..." "Perhaps you too were unconsciously aware? That you and your siblings were going down the wrong path. And that it needed to be corrected." "..." Intelligent beings each have different reasons for living, but Magic Swords do not. Those fragments that originated from one great being exist to regain power and return to their original form. It was a fact that could not be emphasized enough and an unchanging truth. The Magic Sword's instinct was constantly crying out and making Beast aware of this. "Then what I did was not betrayal or treachery but..." "...If I had to say, wouldn't it be something like guidance?" "Guidance..." "I have a sibling too, so I know well. If my sister went down the wrong path, I would-... In that sense, I understand your actions." It was nonsense from beginning to end. What bound the Magic Swords together was not the deep, sticky relationship formed by blood ties or anything like that. They were machines. They existed to fulfill their assigned roles, and if they couldn't fulfill those roles, they would willingly destroy each other and take that power. In fact. Curse was constantly watching for that opportunity- And Beast was also aware of this fact. Her hostility toward herself for deviating from the path- "You understand me..." But now she had forgotten everything. Beast couldn't understand. How could the man's meaningless words reach so deep into her heart? It was relief. If things continued like this, the emotion that arose from the expectation that the man might not hurt her anymore! It was a very simple and base emotion. The kind of emotion that would make her writhe in self-loathing if she realized it immediately. In that sense, should it be called fortunate? Beast, dominated by fear of the man, had no leisure to realize such emotions. In the end, she was convinced. "Is that so... What I did was not betrayal but guidance... But... for what..." "Probably for righteous values." "Righteous values..." Beast couldn't understand what righteous values the man was talking about. And understandably so. For her, righteous values meant destroying lives and exploiting their power to regain the main body. "Is that so..." Nevertheless, Beast nodded her head. Behavior through learning. If she acted like this- "Yes, it certainly will be so." Because she thought the man would wear a gentle smile like he was now. The man wearing that smile was less frightening than usual. "I see..." The woman created a smile from relief. *** 'Damn it. This is why Beast-' This was the first thought Curse had when she regained consciousness. 'Using Overload at will while transferring the burden...' She had known from the beginning that he was not an ordinary human. Most humans, far from dominating Magic Swords, would instead be dominated by them and become beasts. Curse thought she fully recognized and was wary of the significance of that man's existence. However. The reality that gradually revealed itself as time passed. By now, Curse had no choice but to change that thinking. 'For now, somehow escaping from that bastard is the top priority.' Curse dreamed of revenge. Until she became an 'Overload companion', that is. It was a terrible humiliation, but Curse decided to face reality. That she was in no position to think of anything other than survival right now. 'Beast-' And so, Curse began to look for her sibling. 'Weak bitch. Even so, how can she be afraid of a mere human?' Her current state was disgustingly unreliable, but- What could be done? The Magic Sword instinct that Curse possessed was strongly insisting that she must not lose that 'component'. Moreover- As they say, even rotten fish is still fish. Even if it had fallen from grace, it was certainly a Magic Sword. 'Even if I recover my strength and attempt to escape- if that stupid bitch lends her power like she did before, everything will come to nothing.' Curse was confident she could handle that human, but she had no confidence in handling both the human and a Magic Sword simultaneously. Therefore, taking her 'sibling' with her on the escape was indispensable. 'Good, now-' Having organized her thoughts this way, Curse proceeded to assess the situation. 'The last time I lost consciousness, I was in the city of those monstrosities. And now-' At that moment. Curse's intense gaze was colored with various emotions. 'This place is...' The Magic Sword's super senses, which had a different structure from ordinary life, detected the massive city around them. A great city built of fire and iron. Originally, Curse remembered that city as such. But now. Within Curse, the city called Ifrien was overlaid with another name. 'Domination, was it in such a place...!' That Magic Sword could clearly feel it. A part of herself sleeping somewhere in the city of fire. Curse immediately concentrated her mind and tried to make contact with it. And thus tried to awaken it from its seal. If she borrowed Domination's power, she could escape that human's grasp together with Beast. 'No, why!?' Such hopes of Curse did not last long. Was it because her power had been exploited by that human? Or perhaps it was because her aura had been contaminated by his aura. Domination. She couldn't fully sense its existence. The great vessel of identity that had bound the Magic Swords together- It felt like ink had been dissolved in those clear waters. 'Damn it, damn it!!! Damn it!!!!! I can't forgive him, that pathetic human bastard!!!' Magic Sword: Domination's mental world There, a woman with a delinquent appearance threw a tantrum in anger. Of course, that was only for a moment. Curse quickly regained her composure and calmly began to assess the situation. 'That bastard, Risir- that human is moving with the pointy-ears now. Their destination- at least it won't be this city. This place is full of elements those pointy-ears would hate.' She was able to check the state of the surrounding area and the camp and reach her own satisfactory conclusion. 'He's planning to enter the city. Naturally, he wouldn't have noticed Domination's existence... If things go well, I might be able to create an opportunity to contact Domination.' The moment she organized her plan like that. Just then, Beast returned to the tent where she was stored. Together with that human- Risir. -Master. When Risir picked up the purple sword, Curse spoke to him. -What are you going to do from now on? "..." Risir focused his gaze and looked at the purple sword. All the curses and profanity that had been spoken in that voice were still fresh in his ears. 'She wouldn't have submitted through Overload treatment(?), would she.' Risir noticed that she had ulterior motives- but that was all. Right now she was merely a sword under his control, and there would be many opportunities to interrogate such a sword in the future. For instance, when she was suffering under the burden of 'Advancement'. "From now on, we will enter Ifrien." -...Are you planning to stay there for a long time? Master. "Unless something unexpected happens, I'll stay until I achieve a certain purpose." -... Curse swallowed her laughter inwardly. How could she not laugh at him speaking so leisurely without knowing what lurked within the city? The situation Curse had been envisioning was becoming clearer. She spoke casually while hiding her expectations. -What is that purpose, Master!? I'll actively help you! "Oh. Would you do that?" -Yes! If it's something I can help you with! Naturally, that purpose was to create an opportunity to contact Domination. If only she could achieve that- 'I'll help you achieve your insignificant purpose. That would be the right calculation.' Thus, Curse waited for the man's words while hiding her true purpose. With the intention of willingly complying with it. "Then, I'll ask you for a favor." -Yes! Just leave it to me! What can I help you with? "I want to find another Magic Sword." -... Beast. This stupid bitch. What the hell did she do this time!? Curse, who understood the situation immediately, felt everything go dark before her eyes. *** The Elf expedition was able to smoothly pass through the city interior with the ceremonial escort of Ifrien's Guard Corps. Risir watched all this alongside Ash Group member Danil. He bowed politely to Danil. "Thank you for your kindness. So, what is it that you want from me?" And immediately got to the point. Because he thought that was proper etiquette. Danil was surprised for a moment. "Would you come with me?" He too immediately got to the point. Because he too thought that was proper etiquette. 'Let's resolve this quickly and begin the Magic Sword investigation.' With such thoughts, Risir followed behind Danil. *** "The Ash said- that when this sword's seal is released, the Hero would be with us." Risir couldn't help but be quite surprised. He had been thinking about Magic Swords all along while accompanying Danil, but wasn't another sword waiting for him at the end? 'Why do I get involved with so many unusual swords?' Putting such idle thoughts aside. 'A sword whose identity cannot be gauged due to a seal-' Considering that the situation was becoming complicated, Risir thought of the Magic Swords he had briefly left with his companions. If they had been there, he could have directly asked about that sword's identity- "..." He clicked his tongue as he looked at the unremarkable scabbard placed on the desk. At that moment. The large woman leaning against the corner of the room bluntly spoke. "You think that kid can draw a sword that even I couldn't draw?" "..." Instead of answering, Danil looked at Risir. Risir carefully picked up the sword, wanting to meet that expectation. -Ahhh, one more sword...!!! Ignoring the groaning coming from his waist. "...!!!" The moment he placed his hand on the sword's hilt. Risir's eyes widened. "This is-" It wasn't magical power. It felt like a test of strength. Pure power was working in opposition, blocking Risir's sword drawing. Sword of Power. That was the name arbitrarily given to that sword. In the sense that only those with extraordinary strength could draw that sword. The Ash said- The Sword of Power must leave its scabbard and find its master. Therefore, the Ash Group sought out various heroes and attempted sword drawing. However, no one had drawn that sword until now. Risir was the same. "Huff-...! Huff-...!" After struggling with the sword for a long time, he shook his head. 'Power of Purification or whatever, that's not the issue-' He judged. That it was physically impossible for him to draw this sword. Risir, hoping against hope, tried as a last resort to pour his aura into the sword with all his might. -Hmm...!!! Then something unexpected happened. Patterns appeared on the previously unremarkable sword and it began to glow. It produced a hum along with a low sound. "Did it work!?" Risir brightened up and once again added strength to his grip. "...!" It still didn't budge at all. -Give up, youngster. This body is not a sword you can draw. The Sword of Power said to such a Risir. Then- -Hey, you big one there! It called to the large woman. -Come here and try to draw me!!! Danil and the woman exchanged glances. Then, the woman seized the sword with her large hands. And- Thump! It felt as if the air was being compressed. The woman's overwhelming spirit condensed in her grip and went straight to the sword. Star of Defying Heaven. That descendant of giants gripped the sword's hilt with all her might. Clank. Finally. With a dull sound like a mountain moving, the sword's main body revealed itself. -Ohhh! You drew me! Excellent! "...!!!" A confident smile appeared on the woman's face. "Hey, Danil." She raised the sword toward the Ash Group member. "Say it again. Something about the Ash, and the Master of Sacred Sword-" -Now, return me to that youngster! "..." The woman's mouth closed. The Star of Defying Heaven, who had suddenly become a bottle opener, contorted her expression greatly.