Make Dark Fantasy Great Again

Chapter 89 'What should I do now?' Now that all situations had been resolved amicably, Risir had one lingering anxiety. It was the fact that all of this was built upon a flimsy stopgap measure he had improvised on the spot. Either way, the fact that Rodan was the actual owner of Blue Lotus remained unchanged. And as long as the Ego Sword was in his hands, there was no telling when trouble might arise and the truth would be revealed. 'What if Rodan realizes the truth?' He had felt the terror of death even when Rodan merely pretended to draw his sword- If that human disaster truly lost his mind, death would be a foregone conclusion. Therefore, Risir was devising a plan to completely end his anxiety. A way to fully transfer the rights to Blue Lotus, which had already been attributed to him. -This sword has been attributed to me, you know? -Oh, then it's yours now. Unfortunately, it wasn't something that could be resolved so simply. Blue Lotus was a famous sword imbued with magical power. Moreover, it was a beloved sword that served as a symbol of the Outer Sword and contained memories with his master. Even if Rodan believed that his master's ego within the sword had disappeared, the sword's value wouldn't completely vanish. Rather, he might feel even more attached to it as his master's last remaining trace. 'Ugh... how on earth can I...' And so, Risir was inwardly agonizing as he looked at the fallen Blue Lotus. "..." Rodan approached the fallen Blue Lotus and picked it up. "Risir." He then carefully placed Blue Lotus in its sheath and offered it to Risir. The meaning behind his action was clear. "Rodan?" Rodan nodded in response instead of speaking. "How can I take this..." Risir trailed off in bewilderment... outwardly, that is. 'Oh, how sweet this is.' Things were working out this well? Risir barely managed to suppress the corners of his mouth from twitching upward. Separately, he felt an uncomfortable doubt. Even if the situation was flowing favorably, there had to be limits. Before rejoicing, he first needed to understand Rodan's intentions. At Risir's gaze, Rodan nodded in understanding. Then he spoke with a bitter smile. "Master would probably have wanted it this way too." His grip tightened on Blue Lotus, but he deliberately relaxed his hold. "Ah..." Only then could Risir understand Rodan's actions. Naturally, Rodan was attached to Blue Lotus. So much so that he would never want to give it to anyone else. Yet he was giving up Blue Lotus because his master's presence occupied an even larger part of his heart. Rodan could no longer hear his master's voice or feel her presence. Therefore, he could only guess and judge alone. What would Master have done? What would have happened if Master were here? In other words, the transfer of Blue Lotus could be said to be the will of his master existing within him, not Rodan's own will. -This fool... what swordsman in the world would give such a famous sword to another... rather, it would be proper duty for a swordsman to shed blood trying to seize it... "..." Risir thought to himself. He didn't know what kind of person that master was, but surely she must have been a truly excellent person. "Don't you think so too?" In any case, there was no reason not to play along when the other party was setting up the stage. How could he lead this situation in a desirable direction? After a moment's thought, Risir opened his mouth. "I don't know her as well as you do. The only experience I shared with her was that brief conversation. Even then, most of that short conversation was about you." "..." Risir clearly saw it. Rodan's lips, which had been strangely protruding, retreating. The corners of his mouth twitching. As expected, Rodan seemed to be feeling considerable jealousy about the interest his 'master' had shown in him. 'Why didn't she tell me directly instead of speaking through that guy's mouth? That's probably what he's thinking.' Risir felt the need to resolve that jealousy. And for good reason- Looking back at what had just happened, and digging deeper, there were more than a few strange aspects. Dissatisfaction was bound to breed suspicion. Right now Rodan was giving up his beloved sword to follow his master's will, but if dissatisfaction led him to reconsider the events? It would only be a matter of time before the spark of suspicion became a conflagration. Therefore- "What did Master... say about me?" Risir decided to satisfy Rodan. No one would bother to dig up satisfying experiences and raise suspicions about them one by one. "She spoke about you..." Risir chuckled softly. To anyone watching, it was clearly the expression of someone recalling a doting guardian making a fool of himself. "She talked endlessly about how different you are from 'us.'" "Us?" "Yes. Your master spoke that way, referring to herself and me." "..." Risir wasn't lying. He had merely added techniques like changing his tone. Through this, the human scum who had spewed curses when ger disciple wasn't around became a stern but affectionate true master who showed her doting side when her disciple wasn't present. This process was repeated several times- "..." As it progressed, Rodan's expression gradually relaxed. The Swordmaster who had reluctantly given up his sword was no longer there. What remained was just one man who was so happy he didn't know what to do with himself. 'This should be... enough.' Now for the finishing touch. Risir brought out the words he had prepared. "Seeing her talk about you, I suddenly thought to myself. I too, would like to be that way to someone..." Risir trailed off as if lacking confidence. His resolution to never lie, right to the very end, had been maintained. What kind of bastard is this... The killer who had been watching the entire process from the Inner World was fed up. This mild-looking youngster was no different from a corrupt high-ranking priest who deceived not only gods but even himself. "Risir." Rodan grasped Risir's shoulder. It was unmistakably the face of someone who had been praised by a superior and was now acting important in front of a subordinate. "You too can surely become like that." "Do you think so?" "Yes. If not, why would she have bothered to borrow your body?" Rodan offered Blue Lotus once more. Unlike before, his gesture filled with pleasant emotions was very light. "Risir. Please accept this sword." This was not purely an act of following his master's will. His willing attitude contained clear personal intention. The Swordmaster had decided to pass his sword to the lovely young man who shared the same master. "...I understand. I will strive not to become someone shameful to her and to you." At the sight of him accepting the sword and nodding solemnly, the smile on the Swordmaster's lips deepened. There was no room for other interpretations now. It was unmistakably the face of someone looking at a lovely junior. Rodan firmly grasped both of Risir's shoulders. His single eye looking at him was filled with overflowing affection. "Risir. Do you know this? You might not realize it, but she only ever showed me an endlessly strict demeanor. Perhaps worried I might become arrogant, she never gave me even the smallest word of acknowledgment in my presence. She never even called me her disciple. In that regard, couldn't you be called a better man than me? Since you've actually heard her call you her disciple." Rodan took something from his pocket and handed it to Risir. It was a notebook worn from much handling. "This is...?" "It's where I've written down the movements and principles that form the foundation of my swordsmanship, approached from a surface perspective. You could call it traces of my struggle to gain enlightenment. Since it's served its purpose for me now, I'll give it to you. I can't guarantee it, but it might be of help to you." "...!" Risir's eyes widened greatly. 'He's talking about it like it's some miscellaneous item, but this is essentially a manual containing a Swordmaster's teachings. And there's only one copy in existence—' Having originally been from a swordsmanship family, Risir knew the value of what Rodan was casually handing over. If he had shown that manual to his past self, he would have gone completely mad with desire. Probably not just bastards, but even other knights would have reacted the same way. It was a treasure more than sufficient to drive swordsmen out of their minds. Right now, if he threw that into Bendel and declared 'kill each other from now on,' wouldn't only one knight remain? "Since you're giving it to me, I'll gratefully accept it!" Risir thought as he took the manual. 'But if I read this, how does the lineage work out? I'd be both a disciple of Rodan's master and Rodan's disciple. At the same time, since I'm impersonating Rodan's master, I'd also become Rodan's master...' Risir stopped thinking as his brain began to tangle. "Hahaha! Such magnanimity befitting your character. Yes! A man like you should be that way! I like that about you! Right, since you'll accept it gratefully— Hey Pyeon. If there's anything suitable for this fellow, pick out something appropriate." Rodan casually tossed a pouch onto the desk. And before leaving the shop, he spoke to Risir. "Risir. It was good to meet you. From now on, I intend to take time to organize the enlightenment I've gained. The first part of that process will be looking back on the path I've walked so far. In that sense, I want to express my gratitude to you once more. Risir. If you hadn't stopped the cultists' plan, if you hadn't persuaded me there, I would have crossed a river of no return. I wouldn't have had the face to meet Master. Please also convey my thanks and apologies to your friends. Normally I should visit them directly, but—" Rodan let out an awkward laugh. "It's not something I'm used to, you see." "..." Risir also responded with laughter. It made sense. If he came barging in to apologize, they would be terrified rather than pleased. Of course, if they saw his current state, they might think differently. "So, Risir. Let's meet again when the opportunity arises. Under better circumstances than this time." The Swordmaster departed. At the same time, someone was approaching Risir with frightening momentum. The dwarf young lady Pyeon. The owner of the weapon shop moved her small body with large strides and came right up to Risir. 'A chance to give my weapons to the genius swordsman who was recognized by the Outer Sword and received his Ego Sword!!!' Big brother! She shouted energetically. She looked up at the human man before her with sparkling eyes. "You heard the Outer Sword, right? If there's anything you want, don't be shy and tell me! Look around all you want!" "..." Risir looked around the shop interior, still bewildered. 'Please, please!!!' Pyeon prayed earnestly. Please, let him show interest in the weapons she had made. "Um, by any chance—" "Oh, yes! Is there anything you want!?" "Do you happen to handle magic staffs and such?" "?" *** Afterward, Risir immediately returned to City Councilor Ran's mansion to report on the situation. "Risir!" Ran and the three big shots hurriedly ran out to greet him. "Are you okay!? That crazy bastard didn't pull any shit, did he!?" Shakan and the others looked at Risir as if seeing a ghost. Swordmaster Outer Sword. The one who had been dragged away by that maniac had returned looking perfectly fine. That sight was beyond what words like "amazing" could express. "Huh...?" At that moment, their gazes turned toward Risir's waist. A sword that hadn't been there before was hanging at his waist. As far as they knew, Risir was a mage. But why suddenly a sword? Moreover, it was a sword with an extraordinarily impressive appearance. The sheath with blue flower patterns elegantly embossed on it could be considered a work of art in itself. "...Wait." In an instant, they recalled the name of a certain sword. Blue Lotus. The name of the beloved sword that symbolized the 'Outer' of Swordmaster Outer Sword. "Don't tell me that sword... is Blue Lotus...?" "Oh, you recognize it?" "...!" The young mage who had been dragged away by the Swordmaster had returned. Carrying the beloved sword that was like the Swordmaster's very life. "Everyone?" City Councilor Ran and the three big shots. Even the butler and servants who had been keeping watch nearby. They unconsciously stepped back from the young mage.