Make Dark Fantasy Great Again

Rampage. The flow created by the sword leading the situation was perfectly described by such expression. Like an arrow shot forth...Originally, it was intended not to stop until reaching its goal of destruction. Because it knew how to do so. It knew how to dominate. They were already under its domination. In a way, it might have been so from the beginning. They had not discovered the sword. The sword had discovered them. They had not drawn the sword. The sword had made them draw it. Domination was already encompassing them all. Escaping from that flow of domination was absolutely impossible. ...It surely would have been so. -You need to listen more carefully to Risir's words! Even if not as much as Risir, aren't you also great heroes! -Should such people be swayed by a mere tool!!! All things are given value, and when that value exceeds a certain level, it becomes a kind of magical power that attracts people. When treasures blind people's eyes and make them willingly fight amongst themselves, craving the selection of treasures was nothing significant. For instance. The Star of Defying Heaven and the fanatic were naturally accepting the situation of being swayed by the sword. If someone had pointed out their behavior? They would have sneered and let it go in one ear and out the other. Calling the one criticizing them naive youngsters who don't know the ways of the world. However, even such naive words feel quite different when spoken by a Sacred Sword. Because Sacred Swords were prime examples of treasures that bewitch people with their magical power. The actions of the Star of Defying Heaven and fanatics craving the sword's selection- It wouldn't be an exaggeration to say the existence of Sacred Swords lay at their foundation. When being chosen by a Sacred Sword is considered the highest honor- Was clinging to be chosen by a sword really such a shameful thing? 'If you're going to blame me, blame the Hero and the Sacred Sword first!' - Thanks to that defensive barrier protecting them, they could willingly crave the sword's selection. -You, you dare say such things...!!! ...But now, that defensive barrier had collapsed. When the Sacred Sword directly pointed out their behavior, they had no choice but to put the brakes on their actions. The smooth flow of domination was disrupted. The Sword of Power immediately took action to deal with it. -Then your master must also be a fool swayed by a mere tool! -No!!! It's different!!! -Sophistry! Then tell me! What exactly is different!? The Sword of Power was not flustered. The Sacred Sword's interference was certainly flustering, but that interference was truly insignificant. Whatever the Sacred Sword said about itself and the hero to persuade them was nothing but shallow sophistry. And rightfully so. Whatever their current relationship might be, the beginning of that bond must have originated from the Sacred Sword's selection. -If it's truly different, then you should be able to tell exactly how that fellow became a hero- the process as it really was! Staking your power and souls on it! -Ugh...! The Sacred Sword hesitated. The Sword of Power thought it was wavering from having its sophistry exposed and felt satisfied. Such wavering could also be felt from the Star of Defying Heaven and the fanatic. The Sword of Power tried to regain the flow once more- -I begged Risir!!! -? The Sacred Sword's hesitation. It was not wavering from having sophistry exposed or anything like that. It was because of unbearable shame as a great Sacred Sword. Now, the Sacred Sword resolved to willingly endure that shame. -I persistently dissuaded Risir from yielding me to someone else and subtly made him take the Sacred Sword Trial to make him a hero! -Wh-what are you saying...!!! Don't you have any pride as a Sacred Sword!? Such lies- -It's not a lie!!! The Sacred Sword of Advancement radiated brilliance. "Oh, ooh...!" "...!" The fanatic who already served the great divinity called Ash...The Star of Defying Heaven who placed nothing above herself. It was an intense radiance that shook even them. "This is-" They thought that this Sacred Sword might indeed be different. That radiance was more intense than any Sacred Sword's radiance they had ever seen. -I proclaim here!!! I, Jallak! They were witnessing that radiant proclamation with reverent hearts. The Sacred Sword of Advancement. The majestic moment when that great treasure with extraordinary power among Sacred Swords declared its own existence and imprinted it upon the world! -I feel infinite pride in being Risir's most beloved sword! -? "?" Was it just their imagination that the content of the declaration was somewhat strange? Where did it put its great identity as Advancement, proudly displaying some name lineage instead? The Sacred Sword, backed by righteousness, took advantage of the confusion to fulfill its personal desires. Of course, whatever the method, the intention was clearly conveyed. "..." "..." The fanatic and the Star of Defying Heaven. Having experienced untimely cognitive dissonance, they had time to reflect on themselves. Even that young hero was perfectly training(?) the Sacred Sword. But was it right for them to be swayed as they pleased by such a nameless sword? 'Jallak. That just now, that was good.' -Uaaaah!!! Thank you for understanding my sincerity, Risir!!! If you wish, I'll make that declaration as many times as you want!!! I am your most- 'No, not that. That was a bit disgusting.' Risir inwardly praised the Sacred Sword's performance. Thanks to that, the stage was perfectly set. "Everyone. Please listen. Actually, I came to this city- Ifrien to track 'Magic Swords'." "...!" "Magic Sword-" The most evil abomination suddenly mentioned. The tension of the fanatic and the Star of Defying Heaven, which had been slack, immediately tightened. "Kid. You don't mean to say this sword is a Magic Sword, do you?" The Star of Defying Heaven was surprised but seemed even more suspicious. The Sword of Power. That sword certainly possessed extraordinary power, but there was much lacking to definitively call it a Magic Sword. From the depth of its power to its nature. To be honest. The Star of Defying Heaven felt distrust at the man's attitude of casually discussing Magic Swords. The absurd ambition of wanting to achieve something with Magic Swords. Though he had shown extraordinary aspects through the Sacred Sword- She ultimately thought of him as a young man consumed by youthful impetuosity like others his age. "It's still only at the stage of speculation." "Speculation. What's your basis?" "Intuition derived from experience." "...Ha!" The air in the atmosphere vibrated once. The giant woman burst into loud laughter. "Experience! How very reliable!" It was quite a favorable tone for something meant to be sarcastic. The Star of Defying Heaven. Her competitive spirit toward her 'rival' had already disappeared. She was simply looking at the youngster before her eyes as merely cute. Looking back now, she couldn't understand her previous behavior. 'Why did I charge at this little guy like my life depended on it-...' She was definitely not the kind to be affectionate toward others. Nevertheless, the Hero of Advancement was more than worthy of her respect. He possessed something laughable but still worthy of being called spirit, and above all- His appearance was quite handsome and rather cute. 'Why on earth did I...' Looking back, the Sword of Power had been at the beginning of it all. That sword that had been arrogant as if testing and then denying her own strength. When she came to her senses, her inner self was churning uncontrollably. When she came to her senses, she was fanatically obsessed with that sword's selection. "..." The Star of Defying Heaven was late but had no choice but to acknowledge it. The fact that she had been under the domination of that 'Sword of Power's' magical power. However. There was no way to distinguish whether it was the attraction of a treasure or the power of a Magic Sword that dominates people. No. Perhaps it could be distinguished. At least it wasn't a Magic Sword, was it? The Star of Defying Heaven diagnosed her own condition and reached such an assumption. Though she had never actually encountered a Magic Sword, she was well aware of their notoriety- "Then, kid. Am I currently under the domination of a Magic Sword?" The Star of Defying Heaven spoke as if addressing a neighborhood brat. Given the difference in their builds, they really weren't much different from an adult and a child, making that attitude even more pronounced. "I cannot say for certain." "I suppose not." "However. There is one way to make a definitive diagnosis." "Oh. Shall I listen?" An attitude that treated him like a child, just as the term suggested. The Star of Defying Heaven looked down at the man before her with satisfaction. "We can ask another Magic Sword." Thud! The atmosphere of the place vibrated as if the air had exploded. The Star of Defying Heaven. She had burst into the biggest laughter she had ever made. "Yes! That makes sense! What a brilliant plan! A Magic Sword would know another Magic Sword best!!! Look at my mistake! I didn't recognize such an incredible strategist!!!" The Star of Defying Heaven thought. 'What an interesting kid.' Her genuine laughter continued until tears formed at the corners of her eyes. After a moment. She barely calmed herself down and looked down at the man with a sympathetic attitude. Because she thought that spirited cute youngster hero must have had his pride wounded. 'Did I get too carried away-' The Star of Defying Heaven's expression already had a smile that found him cute as she imagined the man's displeased expression. She opened her mouth with the pure intention of apologizing. "...Huh?" Then. The Star of Defying Heaven's playful expression hardened. "..." At her mischievous attitude, the man showed no particular displeasure. He didn't even seem to be trying to maintain composure. He was simply calm. As if such things were familiar to him, he was seriously dealing with her with an attitude of understanding and acceptance. It was a reaction absolutely impossible to expect from an impetuous young child. "..." After saying such an unfunny thing- To show such an utterly serious reaction. She could no longer figure out that 'kid'. The laughter gradually began to disappear from the Star of Defying Heaven's expression as well. Soon, she spoke seriously. "Kid. You're not going to say you don't know how absurd the plan you just mentioned is, are you?" "Of course." "Good. Then tell me once. How you plan to consult another Magic Sword to confirm whether the sword we have is not a Magic Sword. That plan. I'll listen with a serious attitude." It was not an empty promise. The Star of Defying Heaven really intended to genuinely listen to the man's elaborate plan. And she planned to point out one by one the problems of the unrealistic plan that could guarantee nothing regarding timeframe and scale. "First, let me ask - do you know the whereabouts of those Magic Swords?" "Yes." "You must have gotten information from somewhere. Of course. We'll have to see whether that information is accurate. Well then. Tell me where those Magic Swords are located. You're not suggesting we search through all of Ifrien together looking for those Magic Swords, are you?" "Yes, of course." "Good, then tell me." "They're in my room." "?" They moved to Risir's lodgings. "Kid. Are you serious? You're saying there are Magic Swords in your room? If you're joking about something like this, it won't end as a prank?" "Yes, of course." "Good, then tell me. What Magic Swords are in your room?" "The other two." "?" They 'discovered' two Magic Swords. *** The dark-colored sword. The purple sword. Their ominous appearance was undeniable no matter how one tried to deny it. "Good heavens. So those rumors were true-" "What's this, Danil. Don't tell me you knew about this?" "I did hear the 'rumor' that the hero stopped a Magic Swordsman in Tormund. But I never thought that-..." Then. Danil's eyes widened. "H-Hero- what on earth were you thinking bringing Magic Swords to Ifrien-...!" "Well-" Risir's mouth, which had opened to explain, immediately closed. Having barely managed to bring up the topic of Magic Swords by riding the current atmosphere, if he tried to explain everything one by one to make them understand and persuade them, the atmosphere could just fizzle out. Now was the time to push forward firmly. "Please. For now, trust me." Jallak cleverly provided special effects. The radiance emanating from the Sacred Sword added strength to that attitude. "..." The Star of Defying Heaven and the fanatic were speechless in many ways. Risir took advantage of that momentum and picked up the dark-colored sword. "Beast. Is this sword the Magic Sword: Domination that we're looking for?" Risir signaled to the Star of Defying Heaven with his eyes. She brought the Sword of Power close to Beast. 'Foolish creatures...' The Sword of Power inwardly let out a bitter laugh. Though it had temporarily lost its identity as a Magic Sword due to the seal, it could still instinctively feel it. What they wanted would absolutely never happen- -Yes... Beast acknowledged it. -Beast!!! You crazy bitch!!! I told you so clearly before- -You must have heard... Just now Curse tried once again to scheme and draw me in... "Thank you for telling the truth, Beast. I'm greatly relying on you." -Ah... Curse... you must have heard... if you too truly care for him... -This crazy bitch-... The dark sword muttering with an elated voice. Everyone present froze in bewilderment at her appearance. Not only the other swords, but the other people as well. Afterward. Risir consulted Beast more deeply. -Ah... is it really okay to do this... Beast agonized over her Magic Sword instincts, but when Risir persuaded her, she helplessly revealed everything. The Sword of Power. The optimal method of dealing with it that could be inferred from that sword's current state. "Danil. Is this really true?" "Yes?" "Really. Are there multiple swords similar to that- the Sword of Power spread throughout this city?" "..." The fanatic, swept up by that momentum, nodded as if entranced. Originally, the swords discovered by the Ash Group totaled five including the Sword of Power- And those swords were being kept by other members of the Ash Group. "According to her, those are likely fragments originating from the main body of Magic Sword: Domination. We must immediately gather them together and retrieve them." "But-...!" Danil showed reluctance. The Sword of Potential. That was the name mentioned from his mouth. That sword, the first discovered and first drawn among the five swords- Had been confirmed to have the ability to explosively enhance a target's potential, and was already receiving special treatment within the Ash Group. Currently. A Hand of Ash in the same position as Danil was infatuated with that sword. If they tried to forcibly retrieve that sword, friction would be unavoidable. "Are you thinking of showing them the Magic Swords to persuade them...?" "...Beast?" Beast said that, at that level, domination would already have progressed to some degree. If they tried to deny that domination from the outside, it would only cause backlash. -That person probably... might not even know they are under domination... So... we must take time and slowly... collapse the sword's domination... "Collapse the domination?" -Yes... by shaking... their perception and emotions toward the sword... Shake their perception and emotions toward the sword from within. In other words, make them doubt. 'Just like with the Sword of Power just now...' "Hero?" "Sir Danil. Please gather the owners of the swords. If possible, include those who have had contact with those swords as well. I've thought of a good method." *** ▶Equipment: Nameless Sword ▶Information: A sword with unknown mysterious power. [Quest Cleared] [Item status is changing] ['Nameless Sword' > 'Sword of Power'] *** ▶Equipment: Sword of Power ▶Information: Greatly increases the wielder's combat power. A sword that cannot even be moved from its sheath with ordinary strength. Fortunately, the sword is already slightly drawn from its sheath. You think. You might somehow be able to draw it at this level. Who on earth could have drawn such a sword? Whoever it was must surely possess tremendous pride. In their own strength that drew the sword. And-... [Quest Cleared] [Item status is changing] ['Sword of Power' > 'Sword of Potential'] *** ▶Equipment: Sword of Potential ▶Information: Greatly increases the wielder's potential. A sword you took from its previous owner. [Quest Cleared] [Item status is changing] ['Sword of Potential' > 'Sword of ...'] *** ▶Equipment: Sword of ... ▶Information: Greatly increases the wielder's ... A sword that transferred from its previous owner to you. This amazing sword fulfills your wishes. You feel a small uneasiness. Is what's in the box really a gift carefully prepared for you? For that to be true, you and that thing haven't even exchanged a single brief conversation. Suddenly you feel a gaze. That gaze cannot be shaken off. [New trait acquired.] *** [Trait: Sword of ...] You are the Sword of ... ▶Your activated main stats increase. ▶All other stats decrease. *** Ash Group member Phandre. He had been living extremely fulfilling days recently. The reason was thanks to the newly acquired 'Sword of Potential'. That mysterious power that drew out the owner's potential brought Phandre amazing achievements. All of this was the guidance of the great Ash. Achievements that grew day by day following Ash's guidance. Phandre felt emotions filled with the thought of someday dedicating himself to Ash with this. Now, this was why he felt extreme displeasure. "Danil. What on earth are you talking about? The Sword of Potential is actually a sinister Magic Sword?" A sudden assembly. And a sudden claim. Now Phandre and other Ash Group members were looking at the man standing at the center of the place. The so-called Hero of Advancement, whom the Ash had foreseen. He claimed that the swords the Ash Group found in the 'ruins' were actually part of Magic Swords. And now, he stepped forward saying he would prove that fact with the Sword of Potential. "...Please, Phandre. I'm confused too, so questions later-" "..." Why is this guy acting like this again? At the sight of his colleague being more confused than himself, the fanatic focused his attention on the hero. "You heard this sword has the power to draw out a target's potential, but that's actually not true. It's a sword that cleverly hides evil power and uses it to gradually erode its owner." -It's slander!!! He was already arguing with the Sword of Potential. "Is that so? Then how about drawing out my potential as well!" -Gladly!!! The Sword of Potential. It responded to the hero's power and drew out his potential. It measured his existence with the authority of domination and amplified the aura most strongly manifesting in his body at the moment. Thus, aura began to ripple in the Sword of Potential. It seemed as if black flames were flickering. That ominous aura. It was definitely the aura of black magic. The aura of black magic rising from the tip of the hero's sword! Murmur murmur. The place was turned upside down in an instant. "Ma-Magic Sword...!!! It's a Magic Sword!!! The Magic Sword is using black magic power on the hero-" The fanatics were now pointing accusingly at that sword. Phandre was included among them. -W-wait...! Why!? The Sword of Potential- No, the fragment of Domination felt wronged. It had only amplified the hero's aura, so why was there black magic aura!? *** Only Danil and the Star of Defying Heaven, who knew the full story of the incident, were not swept up in the chaos of the place. The Star of Defying Heaven, who had watched the series of events from the side, bent down while suppressing a pleasant laugh. Then, she whispered quietly into Risir's ear. -That's incredible!!! What kind of trick did you use to imitate black magic power!? -It's a simple trick. When it amplified my aura, I secretly drew out black magic power! -Aha! Simpler than I thought-...huh? She raised her body again and fell into thought. Could that really be called a trick?