Make Dark Fantasy Great Again

-Wrong!!! My power is not something like black magic! -You know this better than anyone! -He is a deceiver!!! Do not be deceived by that ominous and sinister soul!!! -Snap out of it!!! You're the only one who can pull your comrades out of the swamp of confusion and deception!!! -Hey friend, it's time for us to step up. You're not planning to just stand by and watch that dark mage play tricks on your friends, are you? It was like a dry wind flowing between tree branches. The fragment of Domination. Its will brushed past the crowd of Ash Group members and appealed to them. It tried to move them as it pleased with its dominating aura to deal with that 'danger'. Some members had already been eroded deep in their inner selves by that dominating aura. The fragments could read the depths from deep within their targets' inner selves and whisper to them. It was no different from their own inner voice. """He is our enemy!!!""" """He's trying to cause confusion among us with wicked schemes.""" """We must stop him.""" The members' eyes became hazy. "Enemy..." "Wicked schemes..." """Yes!!!""" """He plans to steal our swords from us!!!""" """To drive us apart!!!""" "Right... no... that can't happen..." "This sword..." """It's the sword that Ash bestowed upon us!!!""" "It's the sword that Ash bestowed upon us..." "We must repay Ash with this sword..." "We can't lose this power like this..." ... ... ... "But why?" She was someone who received Domination's influence relatively weakly. She murmured in anguish. "Why does he want to take our swords away from us...?" """Because this sword bestowed by Ash has tremendous power!!!""" "Right... this sword is incredible..." "I've never seen such a sword in my life..." It was an undeniable fact. The Ash Group members were each skilled individuals who had reached their own level of mastery and possessed broad knowledge. They had encountered countless treasures until now. From famous swords that could cut anything, to ego swords with mysterious powers. Even counting all those numerous experiences- This kind of sword was a first until now. A mysterious treasure that seemed to be born and exist for its owner? The Ash Group members couldn't help but be amazed when they realized the true nature of those swords. The Sword of Potential. The Sword of Wisdom. The Sword of Desire. The Sword of Vitality. What those swords could give was exactly what they themselves needed. Beyond listening to their owner's words, they had the mystical quality of completely understanding their desires! It was shameful as those who served Ash, but they could willingly sacrifice their lives for those swords. Thus, those swords were supreme treasures that anyone would covet without fail. Therefore. Anyone could covet those swords- And anyone could become an enemy trying to steal those swords. Domination's will rooted in desire influences even thought, establishing itself as if it were truth. As long as they desired those swords- Every being in this world could become their enemy. Having reached this point, they were destined to be swayed by Domination's will. And so now. Domination's will spoke. That he is trying to covet the sword! "...But he's already the master of a sacred sword?" No treasure could compare to these swords! Except for sacred swords. Even while being led by Domination's will, they unconsciously asked themselves. Would the master of a sacred sword also covet these swords? The answer came immediately. Well. Why would he? If it were the other way around, maybe. "In the first place, there's no way that noble sacred sword would allow its owner to use other swords-" Even the members whose eyes had become hazy nodded at the woman's words. "Right..." "What sacred sword would... allow a hero to use other swords..." "There's no way such a sacred sword without principles or pride would exist..." At that moment. There were gazes directed steadily at the Sacred Sword of Advancement. They were the gazes of Ash Group member Danil and the Star of Defying Heaven, Arisha. What. Why. What. Jallak awkwardly avoided their gazes. He was a sword, but anyway. """Snap out of it!!!""" It was a voice trying to straighten out the chaotic atmosphere. Domination's will worked even more strongly within them. """Remember that his aura amplified by the sword carried the aura of black magic!!!""" """Dark mage!!! That's his true identity!!!""" "...But he's a hero?" Even the members whose eyes had become hazy nodded at the woman's words. "Right..." "What sacred sword would... serve a dark mage as master..." "That's not a Sacred Sword anymore... it's a Magic Sword..." At that moment. There were gazes directed steadily at the Sacred Sword of Advancement. They were the gazes of Ash Group member Danil and the Star of Defying Heaven, Arisha. Stop. The sacred sword pleaded. """Foolish!!!""" """Then you're saying the sword is the cause!?!""" """The sword that Ash bestowed upon us!?!""" Domination's will stimulated the fanatics' mad faith. "...Well, that's more believable than the hero actually being a dark mage-" "Even Ash... can't always be right..." "You all, what kind of blasphemous words are those...!!! Though they do make sense..." The fanatics regained their reason in a limited way. They were fanatics blinded by faith- But they weren't empty-headed ignoramuses, were they? "...Huh? Why did I-" "For a moment... I thought the hero might really be a dark mage..." "I feel strange... This isn't like me... There's no way I would have such foolish thoughts...!!!" Light began to return one by one to the hazy pupils. """What the hell is this!!!""" Domination's will shouted in frustration and disbelief. Having to convince them that the master of a sacred sword was actually a dark mage. Moreover, it wasn't even deception to escape the situation. If it had intended to deceive them, it wouldn't have told such a ridiculous story about the hero's identity being a dark mage. So it was maddening. Why on earth is this the literal truth!? """You!!! Reveal your identity!!! You are not a hero!!!""" Light began to return to the hazy pupils one by one. The desperate fragment brought out its last resort. Selection and concentration. It gave up on hosts who received Domination's influence weakly. Instead, it concentrated on hosts who received Domination's influence strongly. """Surely, he's a dark mage impersonating a hero!!!""" "Zenon!?" "Pfister, this is just...!!!" Thus, some fanatics began moving as a single collective. "He's showing his true colors! Everyone stand back!!!" Following Hero Risir's instructions, the fanatics retreated from the collective. Thus the group collapsed, and only nine fanatics remained there. """Whatever trick you used, you won't be able to deceive us with such shallow deception!!! We will definitely tear off your mask!!!""" Domination's collective pressed the hero. The original purpose of taking control of the entire Ash Group without them knowing had already fallen through- At the very least, it intended to expose that detestable dark mage's identity and drag the situation into chaos. If his identity was revealed and proved that it wasn't wrong, its domination over the hosts would become more solid, and acquiring additional hosts would also be possible! -Damn it! These things are troublesome in this way!!! Perplexity was evident in the shouting sacred sword's voice. The Magic Sword collective. Looking at their combat power alone, they weren't particularly threatening. They were, after all, only a part of the group in this place, and that included Risir and the Star of Defying Heaven. In case of a clash, it was clear which side would remain standing. That was why. They couldn't rashly lay hands on them. Those who had now become part of Domination were faithful members respected within the group. That's why they were more deeply fascinated by the swords bestowed by Ash, and thus became more deeply dominated. "Danil. Can I perhaps expect a pleasant twist where each of those guys is blinded by greed and deserves to die?" "Lady Arisha, please don't say such things...!!! They are people who have spent their lives in devotion with complete faith in Ash!!! The current Ifrien exists entirely thanks to them!!!" "It would have been better if I hadn't said anything. Having to subdue those things without a single injury-" -They're essentially hostages!!! As Jallak said, each of them could be considered hostages of the Magic Sword. Casualties would be inevitable in a direct confrontation. Therefore, it had to be a last resort. That was the reason for the strange sight of that combative descendant of giants stepping backward. 'Damn it, how should we-' Danil's thoughts accelerated in the tense situation. It was a desperate but ultimately meaningless attempt. Danil had carried out numerous missions as an elite of the group- But even he had no experience dealing with Magic Swords. An incomprehensible enemy. The fanatic could understand neither its methods nor its purpose. Eventually, he had to make a decision. "If we try to subdue them rashly, they might attempt suicide! Right now, retreating is-" Just as everyone was retreating and a retreat order was about to be given. "Hero, sir!?" Risir stepped forward. "You say I'm a dark mage?" """Yes!!! We clearly felt the aura of black magic within you!!! We don't know how you put on the skin of a hero, but-""" "How about now?" Risir radiated light. It was divinity. "Oh, as expected...!!!" The Ash Group members nodded as if it was obvious. A hero wielding the power of black magic. Did that even make sense? That divine power, which could never coexist with black magic, perfectly proved the hero's 'innocence'. """W-what- what did you do!!!""" Of course, from Domination's perspective, it was enough to drive one mad. Domination was certainly unrelated to the power of black magic. However, that thing claiming to be a hero was definitely wielding divine power. Then where on earth did his black magic come from!? Risir didn't play along with Domination's confusion. Instead, he silently emphasized his innocence. By repeatedly manifesting divinity. Risir sparkled. "Ah...!" "What is this-" Like a mischievous prank by a brother who barged into a room, the flickering light before their eyes brought light back to several hosts' pupils. They felt uncomfortable with their situation of interrogating the hero while consumed by Domination's will. The hero glows, so he's not a dark mage. That chain of logic came across so intensely that it could even push away Domination's will. """S-stop...!!!""" Domination's collective that had been advancing without hesitation came to a halt. Furthermore, it stepped backward. The emotions that others had felt toward Magic Swords, it was now experiencing exactly the same. It was natural. Risir had already experienced Magic Swords several times and understood their methods and nature- But Domination did not. """Ah, my- my...!!!""" My hosts. Those it had worked hard to gather were diminishing before its eyes. The remaining hosts shook their heads in unison. Any more would be dangerous. If it lost any more hosts- If it lost power- There might be setbacks to the plan. Domination had to make a decision. """...!!!""" The hosts all collapsed to the floor and began writhing. Domination had withdrawn power from the hosts. However, that act was like harvesting unripe fruit. "Gasp...! Gasp...!!! "P-painful-" "I can't feel any strength in my body-...!" Since the hosts who should have obediently given up their power struggled. The harvest was incomplete. The hosts who should have given up all their power and become empty shells were completely alive and feeling the terror of death. Domination felt deflated and even disgusted- But now was not the time to leisurely indulge in sentiments. 'While they're in confusion-' Domination tried to buy time while others were restless about the condition of the released hosts. With their comrades' power almost completely lost and hovering between life and death, they surely couldn't move rashly. "Everyone calm down!!! They were dominated by Magic Swords, so being in that condition is as good as being safe!!!" Then the hero shouted. Those dominated by Magic Swords usually meet an end of 'transformation'. In that sense, their condition of merely being 'injured' could be considered the best outcome. "Right now, let's chase after it!!!" Four fragments that had been at the scene. Except for the one bound by Risir's hands, the rest were crawling along the floor, sneakily trying to escape. """T-this is like a nightmare...!!!""" At this point, Domination had only one thought. The plan didn't matter anymore. First, it had to escape from that thing! The swords flew through the air. Risir and other pursuers chased after them. *** [Title: Wait, wtf it's not over with just one sword?] Content: Sword of Power< How many more of these asshole swords are there? When are we gonna catch these bitches one by one, damn it -: Don't worry about that Once you catch one, the rest will be taken care of automatically -[OP] : Oh shit, really? If I destroy the Sword of Power, a chain quest pops up and the game breaks? -: What? Did I say something like that? -: Now they're even interpreting... -: Hey, this is problematic Please follow proper procedures Get excited first, then when we tell you the facts, feel shitty about it then -[OP] : Can someone link me the quest summary post -: Oh oh, that guy's going somewhere else to read guides -: Someone quickly spoil it before it's too late -: When Sword of Power dies Domination feels threatened and starts struggling desperately That's when [Magic Sword: Sheath] appears -[OP] : Sheath? -: Yeah, the Night of the Sword's body sealed in Ifrien Originally you need all three Magic Swords to resurrect completely Domination feels threatened and just casts 4-drone But that thing Is fucking strong with just Domination alone It's basically Ifrien regional boss level How about it Has your curiosity been satisfied? -[OP] : Curiosity my ass. It's a quest that hasn't even started yet -: It's been resolved ㅠㅠㅠㅠ -: I was curious about the reaction when getting spoiled, thank you -: Ah, those people's curiosity -[OP] : Aha~ *** Risir chased after the Magic Swords crossing through the air together with the Ash Group members. "There's such a place in Ash's residence...!?" When they arrived at the location, the Ash Group members couldn't hide their shock. Ominous traces were rampant in one of the rooms of that underground prison that existed to confine sinners appointed by Ash. Domination. It was an altar that it had secretly prepared using its hosts. At its center, a sword was embedded. The Sword of Domination. It had originally been acting on instinct, having lost its ego due to the seal. But perhaps thanks to the intense contact with the hero. It had now regained consciousness. Its true reason for existence and purpose. Now the mysterious ritual it had unconsciously prepared driven by instinct had become its sole purpose in life. Even if it failed, it absolutely had to attempt it. This was the only opportunity. The fragments of Domination that had been cutting through the air were absorbed into the main body. Then, that colorless sword began to emit an ominous light. Along with the magic circle drawn around it. A warning of intuition. The descendant of giants immediately stepped forward to try to destroy the site of that ritual. Just as that massive fist was about to destroy the altar. Thud! The ground shook. A knight of darkness that literally overturned the earth and appeared immediately sent the giant's massive body flying. It was the exercise of pure power without any technique or intelligence. Nevertheless, it was when everyone was trembling before that overwhelming power. -Ah... Sheath... You should rightfully accept us...!!! Domination murmured in an ecstatic voice. Then, the knight of darkness- That sheath began to move to accept the Magic Sword. It knelt following that attraction. Like a knight taking an oath. Willingly offering itself to the other party. Thus the sheath stood before the Magic Sword. The situation Domination had so longed for unfolded. -Kyaaaaaaaak!!! But Domination began to go mad. -What!!! What the hell is it again!!! That sheath had approached not it, but the hero. "..." Risir, who was wary of it, was equally confused. At that moment. Risir lifted his cloak as if remembering something. Two hidden Magic Swords revealed themselves. "..." The knight of darkness bowed its head. "Aha!" Risir understood. "...Hero, sir?" The Ash Group members didn't understand. They requested an explanation from the hero. "It's simple!" The hero began speaking with great excitement. Calling the subduing of that mighty knight of darkness simple! The fanatics' pupils seemed to be dyed with clear light even in the darkness of the underground prison. "How on earth-" They listened attentively to the hero's words with anticipation. What kind of mysterious ability and strategy did he use to subdue the knight of darkness! "I have one more!" One sword. And two swords. A calculation that could be done even for someone lacking in intelligence. "...More what?" It was too simple to be properly understood.