Make Dark Fantasy Great Again

Chapter 90 Risir had been dragged away by the Swordmaster Outer Sword. He returned carrying the Blue Lotus, famous as the Outer Sword's beloved sword. The origin of that Blue Lotus was obviously clear without question. Nevertheless, Shakan deliberately asked on behalf of the group. "That Blue Lotus... could it be the Outer Sword's Blue Lotus?" After all, there was no law saying there could only be one Blue Lotus in this world. Claiming without any basis that 'there are actually multiple Blue Lotus swords!' would be quite forced, but- It was more realistic than the claim that 'Risir is holding the Outer Sword's Blue Lotus!' What story wouldn't be like that? -Oh, this? I picked it up off the ground and it happened to have a blue lotus pattern carved on it, so I decided to call it Blue Lotus. They were prepared to actively accept such nonsensical stories from Risir. "Ah, so there are multiple swords called Blue Lotus?" "..." However, Risir's innocent answer thoroughly restricted their audacious imagination. It seemed they had no choice but to acknowledge it. The Blue Lotus he was holding was indeed the Outer Sword's beloved sword. "How..." There wasn't even a trace of the fiery expression that would reveal the flame mage's temperament. The Red Tower Master's disciple spoke with an unprecedentedly unstable and meek face. "Why are you... no, why are you holding the Outer Sword's beloved sword..." "?" Suddenly using formal speech? Risir figured he must have misheard and focused on Valrod's question. "...Ha." Looking at the Blue Lotus like that, a bitter laugh escaped him. 'Actually, the Blue Lotus was an Ego Sword. The friend who needed help that the Outer Sword mentioned was the ego inside the Ego Sword, and the Outer Sword was serving that ego as his master. The moment I grasped the sword, that master spoke to me and suggested "become my disciple!" She was actually a killer, somehow became bound to me, I could handle that power, and so I impersonated the Outer Sword's master... Ah. This won't work.' He had no confidence in organizing and conveying that otherworldly sequence of events in a comprehensible way. Therefore, Risir took the best action he could in the current situation. "I solved a problem and received it as a token of gratitude." Risir glossed over it appropriately with a meaningful smile. In this case, insufficient communication could lead to misunderstanding, but- 'It'll be fine.' Risir thought it would work out without much concern. After all, wasn't he the village hero who had dealt with the natural disaster called the Outer Sword? Even if there were misunderstandings, he believed they would ultimately reach a positive conclusion. "...I see!" "...If you say so." "...Ah, I understand." Indeed, they accepted Risir's actions with a positive attitude. However, there were several things Risir had overlooked. The first was the weight that the name Outer Sword carried among them, who didn't know about Rodan's changed state. 'That scoundrel gave his beloved sword as a token of gratitude? Ridiculous...' And the second was- 'Could it be that he dealt with the Outer Sword...!? Like he dealt with the demons!?' It was the weight that the name Risir carried among them. Risir didn't know how exaggerated his existence had become in their minds. Thus, when Risir left the judgment to them, They naturally reached the conclusion that 'Risir defeated the Outer Sword and seized his beloved sword!' Of course, it wasn't yet at the stage of certainty. It was true that Risir had repeatedly committed acts that defied common sense. However, 'defeating the Outer Sword and taking his beloved sword' was on a different level. What was needed wasn't luck or tricks, but absolute power. For a young mage like Risir to possess that level of power was nearly impossible. No. It wasn't nearly impossible—it was impossible. Just in case, they tried to gauge Risir's magical power. That magical power, perfectly assimilated with his own energy, didn't easily allow others to gauge it. It was proof that he had understood the arcane while simultaneously reaching the 6th Rank and mastering the power of 'individualization.' To reach the 6th Rank at his age. That alone was a formidable feat, but- 'Well, 6th Rank is nothing much.' They had come to partially understand the meaning of the word 'Risir' through a series of situations. Reaching the 6th Rank when peers would be called geniuses just for reaching the 5th Rank? They thought it was entirely possible for Risir. But beyond that? 'Even so...' It was difficult for even them to accept. Though precise measurement was impossible, rough assessment was possible. Based on the fact that Risir's magical power didn't reach their level, they concluded his rank to be mid-6th Rank. 'Could he possibly be acting like he's 6th Rank to deceive us...' They tried hard to ignore the absurd fantasy that came to mind because it was him. 'Maybe the Outer Sword really lost his mind for a moment and gave him his beloved sword as a gift.' This was the conclusion they ultimately reached. "The Outer Sword giving away his beloved sword as a gift... what on earth did you do?" It was the moment when the distance between them and Risir was about to close. *** [Experience points are being distributed] [These are experience points already bound to you] [Therefore, distribution targets are limited] [Experience point distribution target: Self] *** A surge. A small cough. Blood flowed from Risir's mouth. Then from his nostrils, eyes, ears— All the major openings on his face began pouring blood simultaneously. "Ri, Risir!?" "Are you alright!?" "You—" Everyone present was shocked by the unexpected situation and tried to check his condition. There was someone who calmly reassured them. "Ah, everyone. Please calm down. This happens sometimes, so you don't need to worry." It was Risir. He spoke as if it was nothing... while blood poured from every opening on his face. 'Was what happened with Rodan just now treated as normalization? It's painfully excruciating, but my magical power and lifespan must have increased tremendously again. Good. Except for the mind-numbing pain. Let me just manage my expression well so people don't get alarmed.' He didn't know. '...He's acting calm in that state?' The fact that acting composed to keep people from being alarmed was actually alarming them the most. He barely overcame the mind-numbing pain and began to regulate his breathing. "...!" At that sight, the three powerhouses' eyes widened as much as possible. "H-hey... I'm not sensing this wrong, am I...?" At Shakan's words, they looked at each other in bewilderment. Risir. His magical power was suddenly expanding. Rapidly, as if he had consumed an elixir. 'We were just having a conversation...?' Shakan was the first to recover from the shock... only to accept another shock. "Wait, is that Blue Breath...?" Shakan was the first to discern what Risir was doing with a warrior's eyes. And spread that confusion. "Blue Breath...? Shakan, did you just say Blue Breath?" "Right now Risir... seems to be controlling mana overload with Blue Breath...?" "...But isn't he a mage?" "...That's what I'm saying. Wasn't he a mage?" "...?" "..." Silence fell around them. "Ah, that's enough. Everyone, I'm sorry but I think I'm about to lose consciousness, so I'll leave the rest to you." Eventually, Risir left those words and really did collapse on the spot with a thud. It was a familiar occurrence that happened sometimes. It was a sight that added credibility to what Risir had just said. They immediately approached to check Risir's condition, but- '...As expected, he might have extorted it from the Outer Sword.' Their hearts, unlike their bodies, were drifting endlessly away from Risir. It was the moment when a novice mage was reborn as an object of awe to powerhouses and authorities. *** "Lord Risir, you've regained consciousness!" Risir regained consciousness in the bed of the most luxurious guest room in Ran's mansion. City Councilor Ran, who had been waiting beside the bed, immediately welcomed him. "How are you feeling..." Risir's expression became complicated at the city councilor's somewhat respectful demeanor. "Oh, is there some problem?" "Should I call it a problem..." Why the extreme honorifics? Risir thought about the difference in status between himself and the city councilor. City Councilor Ran, the family head of Bondaless's prestigious noble house and a person of power. Himself, Hayeren's long-standing bastard and an Honorary Mage of the Magic Tower. 'Shouldn't I be the one calling her "Lord"?' Risir put aside such trivial questions and gazed into Ran's eyes. Though he had gained unexpected side benefits, the greatest significance of this incident was showing a good impression to Ran, a powerful figure in the city. The attention of the city councilor, who wielded strong influence throughout the city, would expand his own influence, which was limited to the Magic Tower, to the entire city. Perhaps this incident would lead to his entry into the city's noble society. Better status, income, environment, and normalization. Risir spoke with eyes bright with anticipation. "I was just curious. Or rather, should I say I'm sorry? I was wondering if I've tied up the busy city councilor's feet with trivial matters..." When Risir acted as a well-mannered young noble, Ran's unnatural attitude was immediately corrected. She returned to her dignified city councilor demeanor and wore a relaxed smile. "Trivial matters? I can assure you, there's nothing more important to me right now than you." It wasn't empty words. The intense performance Risir had displayed through the Blue Lotus had left an indelible strong impression on everyone present. Ran had also been there. 'Did this young mage really take that Outer Sword's sword...' Risir didn't know. City Councilor Ran, who controlled the city's nobles and merchants at will with her mature political sense, was inwardly in a state of extreme tension. Thanks to this, he was guaranteed maximum compensation from her, who was an extremely difficult negotiating partner. ...Furthermore, the fact that he could extract even more if he just demanded it. In fact, Ran was worried that such a situation might arise. "You saying that makes me feel embarrassed." But contrary to her worries, Risir's attitude was extremely reasonable and polite. 'Still, I mustn't let my guard down...' Ran forced a natural smile. Then she looked around the room. As if guiding Risir's gaze. When Risir looked around the room as intended, she spoke. "How is it? Do you like the room? It's the largest guest room in our Pelros family. It's a room used only when great nobles from other regions visit." "Except for the guilt of wondering if I should be using such a room— yes, I don't think it could be better than this. It's a truly wonderful place." "Well, I'm the one who provided the room, but I feel honored instead. Thank you for saying that. Risir. May I call you that?" "Of course, City Councilor." "Thank you, as a return— though it might sound strange, Risir, you can also call me Ran comfortably." "I tend to feel uncomfortable when I'm too casual. Then I'll accept your kindness and call you Ms. Ran comfortably." "That's fine too. Risir. You've just regained consciousness and must be confused, so I'd like to get straight to the point. Is that alright?" "Of course." Using that as a signal, Ran's atmosphere completely changed. She continued speaking with a dignified yet polite attitude befitting a city councilor. "Your performance in this incident was very impressive. Without you, Bondaless and its citizens would have suffered greatly. On this point, I want to express gratitude on behalf of Bondaless. I promise, on the name of myself and Pelros, appropriate treatment and rewards." "Wow. Just hearing that makes my heart flutter. I usually don't get my hopes up, but City Councilor, you truly are different." "..." At the young mage's playful words, Ran subtly covered her mouth, hiding the movement of her lips. That extraordinary ability. That refined behavior. Ran was certain he must be the son of a prestigious noble family. Yet strangely, she couldn't feel any of the characteristic rashness or arrogance felt from other young nobles. Even though his abilities were incomparable to theirs. The city councilor's eyes viewing the young mage became increasingly intrigued. "I'll have to work hard to meet your expectations. To conclude the case as quickly as possible and deliver what I promised. So, Risir. If it's alright, could you stay at our Pelros mansion until everything is resolved? It won't take long." "Understood." Having heard the answer she wanted from Risir, Ran left the room with light steps. Afterward, left alone in the room, Risir got up from the bed and looked around. Then a voice was heard. -Master! Are you really alright! To be detained in a space like a barn belonging to these humans! The source was a gray crystal orb placed on the table. "Even if I left here right now, I couldn't find better accommodations than this, could I?" -Wait! Looking again, it's quite a splendid place! To think these humans had such aesthetic sense! It's worth a second look! "Hehe." Risir approached the table and looked at the unfunny demon. In the conversation just now, Ran had mentioned Dangaleon's sealing stone and expressed her intention to transfer ownership after the case was resolved. Plus another sealing stone obtained from defeating Dranoff. Risir had become someone who could be considered the practical owner of Dangaleon. This made Risir feel a small concern. Should he be happy about this? 'Well, it's still a demon of some rank. If I keep it around, there'll probably come a day when it's helpful.' In any case, this was the main point from now on. Risir approached the Blue Lotus carefully stored in one corner of the room and drew it. "Hey." No matter how much he called, the party in question wouldn't answer. Risir had no choice but to close his eyes and enter the inner world. *** "Huh?" It was the moment Risir entered the inner world. The short-haired killer rushed at him with explosive movement as if she had been waiting only for this moment. Clana, who had pounced on Risir, thrust her sword into his solar plexus without hesitation. Got him! Color momentarily returned to her face. "...!" Until she confirmed that the sword that touched Risir crumbled into dust and scattered. "That's quite an intense welcome." Risir tried to take advantage of Clana's confusion to subdue her instead. Clana responded with mockery. In the killer's eyes, Risir's movements were monotonous and slow enough to make her sigh. "...!?" With such movements, Clana ended up being caught. After a brief scuffle, Clana found herself pinned to the ground with her arms held by Risir. "Damn it... damn it!!!!!" She thrashed and roared like a beast caught in a net. If this were reality, it would have been enough force to throw Risir's body off, but now she could only struggle while pinned to the ground. "What the hell is this!!!" "'Master.' Your welcome greeting is a bit intense. Or is this your way? This inadequate disciple is already worried about the future." "Shut up! Who said I was your master!" "Oh my, why are you like this? Weren't you the one who told me to become your disciple, 'Master'?" "You crazy bastard...!!!" If she had felt any reverence for a master from Risir, she would have gladly played along to exploit it. But that meaningful tone. And that relaxed smile. He would never misunderstand his relationship with her. The moment when he would show her an emotional opening would never come. The killer who had toyed with countless prey until now could tell. In the relationship with him, she was thoroughly in the position of being played. "In that sense, 'Master.' Please teach me about swordsmanship." "..." The killer's body created a small flow. "Oh?" Risir exclaimed in admiration at that mysterious movement. Clana's fist, which had been pinned down with her arms held by him just moments before, was already thrust toward his face. It was truly an unexpected strike. -A light tap. If the sound effect hadn't been like that, it surely would have been so. Risir caught Clana's fist and placed it on top of her body, then tap tap- He lightly tapped it as if telling her to take good care of it. "Uuugh— uuuugh—" The killer's face flushed red with humiliation. "Master— ah, that's not right. Come to think of it, I haven't heard your name yet. You. What's your name?" "I have no name to tell a vermin like you! I am Clana!" "Clana. So that was your name." "Aaaaaahhh!!!" The killer bit her own tongue in frustration. -A cute sound. Only an undeniably cute sound effect leaked out. "Clana. My name is Risir." "Shut up!!! I'm not curious about your name!" “What’s my name?” "Risir!" "I don't know if I should say this, but Clana. Aren't your words and actions too different?" "Please... please shut that mouth... please...!!! Before I kill you!!!" Clana thrust her face forward and glared with bloodshot eyes. The sincere killing intent of the killer Blue Lotus. It was an intangible violence that had made even the Swordmasters of the era tremble. Against such intangible violence, her opponent just smiled foolishly. With his face thrust forward, foreheads touching. "Is that so? Then let's end the small talk here and get started." "...!" Clana unconsciously pulled her face back. Simultaneously, the world turned upside down. Before she knew it, she was facing Risir with a wooden sword in hand. "...Ha, hahahaha!!!" Clana burst into laughter as if she had lost her mind. Soon, with exhaustion clearly written all over her face, she demonstrated a light sword technique with the attitude of 'take this and get lost.' It was then. *** [Affinity is increasing] [7%] *** A mysterious sensation that suddenly rushed in. At that sensation, which could be called happiness, Clana collapsed. "?????" Pure bewilderment appeared on her face. Her cheeks were slightly flushed.