“Please, scold her more. This child has always had sticky fingers,” Marde said. “Apparently,” Nick said. “Sun Knights have a right to collect evidence. I’m sure you’ve taken measures to prevent anyone from finding out you manage this place, Samurialie,” Alice said. “Are you implying that wine is a bribe? Well, I’m going to get the food. You can get whatever mischief you want out of your system in the meantime,” the mistress said, leaving for the kitchen with a shrug. “Do you two know her?” Nick asked. “Her name is Samurialie. She’s an expert at barrier magic who helped us strategize against the Sword of Tasuki without detection from his eyes and ears. She helped with Karan’s work, too,” Alice said. “Really?” said Nick, surprised. “She just looks like a successful proprietress to me…” Alice smiled with relief. “You look good, Nick. I’m glad to see you’ve recovered.” “…Yeah, I’m fine,” Nick said with a troubled expression. “Are you not feeling well?” Alice asked. “No, I feel perfectly normal. That’s what scares me.” “Huh? Why?” Alice cocked her head at his vague answer. “I should be way more tired after using Union for that long. Honestly, I think I should’ve died or been bedridden for weeks.” “I think that has something to do with the Colosseum of Carnage,” Marde said. “What do you mean?” asked Nick. “That place was originally built to serve as a trial to guide people toward Awakening. If fighting within it trained your soul to withstand advanced magic, that would explain why you didn’t suffer the usual repercussions. The reason Union exhausts you in the first place is because of the friction from being forcibly raised to a higher soul level,” Marde explained. “You sure are knowledgeable, Teach,” Nick said. “…You remember calling me that?” Marde asked, joy on her face. “Yeah. You were searching for me, weren’t you? You…and Alice…protected me. I’m sorry for forgetting you.” “Don’t worry. As a knight, I’d much rather victims forget such traumatic incidents,” Alice said. Nick had slept for days after returning from the Colosseum of Carnage. His physical exhaustion and depleted mana weren’t the only reasons for that; he’d also had to process Argus’s death. He had resolved his business with Combat Masters but suffered a massive loss in the process and needed a long break to mentally recover. He’d gained something during that break. “I remembered some things as I spent time in bed,” Nick said. That something was his memories. “…Is that so?” Marde asked. “But I don’t know if these memories are true or not. My mom and dad never told me exactly who you were. I definitely never knew you had a grand nickname like the Credit Queen.” He remembered Marde and the fact that his parents had worked for her. Nick had spoken to her many times himself, as well. “You must have had a vague idea. I’m sure you overheard some of our conversations,” Marde said. Nick nodded. “The Dineez Adventurers Credit Union. My parents’ job as traveling merchants was a front… Or I guess they just happened to sell loans and insurance in addition to goods like cloth and oil.” “They also worked as resignation agents,” Marde said. “What? Why would they…? Oh, the Sword of Tasuki.” “Exactly. They also occasionally helped members of long-lived species who were forced into ancient slave-like contracts to work as vassals or guards for nobles and royals. They did so by either checking ancient law or using spells to release people from their curse or contract.” “So…did they approach Argus because they wanted to help him?” Nick asked. “Their goal was to weaken the Sword of Tasuki. But Richard and Robin were persistent with their negotiations, and I think they eventually formed a friendship,” Marde said. “…I think I remember pieces of those conversations. My parents would make it sound like small talk—they’d mention the economy, the weather, and other things—and give him life advice, while they were actually exchanging information and negotiating.” “Oh?” “Argus would say things like, ‘My boss has been a real tyrant lately.’ My dad would act like he was talking about dragon racing and go, ‘You need to time your spurt carefully.’ Or he’d bring up tales of great adventurers and heroes and say, ‘That’s what makes a true man,’ ‘It’s not winning or losing that makes an adventurer; it’s having the courage to face your true foe,’ and ‘A man speaks with actions, not words.’ Oh, I wonder if Argus was so obsessed with being an adventurer because of my dad.” “Richard was the type of man to tell a joke with a straight face. He seemed like an easygoing and refined traveling man, but he could be a real smooth talker. There were times when it was hard to tell if he was being serious or not,” Marde said with a wistful smile. “…Argus was looking for a way to cut ties with the Sword of Tasuki, but he wavered, too. I remember some of his conversations with my parents. Yeah, it…it felt like my parents were advising him.” Nick closed his eyes and pictured his parents as he remembered them. He put himself in this seat in the past and delved deep into his memories for pieces of the conversation they’d had here in this restaurant. “I think…Argus said he was unsure if he should continue working for his current employer or find a new job. My dad pushed him to leave, saying that starting a new job was one of life’s great adventures. But Argus’s expression grew gradually darker as they spoke. He realized that parting ways with the Sword of Tasuki might not be for the best.” “…Yes.” “The contract didn’t just bind Argus to the Sword of Tasuki; it also bound the Sword of Tasuki to Argus. They kept a close eye on each other to make sure they didn’t break the rules. Argus was right to worry; when the contract was severed, it unleashed the Sword of Tasuki’s full power.” “If Richard and Robin had returned with that information, we would have been able to form a plan to thwart the Sword of Tasuki’s underground operations. But alas, it was not to be. Why were they killed? Did Argus think your parents would betray him?” Nick frowned and put a hand on his chin. “…I think it was just a coincidence,” he said. “…Oh?” “Our carriage was attacked by a band of thieves. They were all failed adventures with clumsy group tactics, but they weren’t unskilled fighters. They were typical of adventurers: dumb and strong. If the Sword of Tasuki hadn’t lent them a hand, they probably would’ve been arrested by the Sun Knights or ended up in the Garbage Heap before long.” “Did you look into them?” Alice asked. “Yeah. But you probably know more than me.” Alice’s expression darkened. She was the one who’d investigated the scene of Nick’s parents’ deaths. Since it had occurred within her jurisdiction as a Sun Knight, she should have been able to reach the scene before anyone else and arrest the bandits, but she held an elite position among the Sun Knights. Much of her time was taken up by meeting with superiors and Teran nobles for meetings or social gatherings, and she’d missed a clumsy thief attack she would have been able to prevent if she had been on the street. “…Yeah, I remember them well,” Alice said. “I’m not criticizing you. You saved my life, after all. I…feel bad for forgetting you, too,” Nick said, looking away in embarrassment. “Hmm-hmm, it’s okay. Would you like me to pamper you like I did then?” Alice asked. “Hell no. I’m not a kid. Anyway, back to the incident.” “Why do you think it was a coincidence?” “There were some adventurers and thugs who Argus had warned us not to mess with. He said they had the backing of gangsters, or something like that, but some of them showed no such signs, so it was unclear why he was cautious of them. I think they were strong, but they didn’t look noteworthy in any way.” “Did they have a boss who stayed behind the scenes? Like the Sword of Tasuki?” Alice asked. “Yeah. I think he told us to stay out of trouble so he could avoid killing fellow demon-god worshippers… But he also told us that things happen. He said that if someone picks a fight with us, or if there’s a reason we can’t avoid it, then…” Nick’s voice grew quiet. “We should kill them without hesitation.” His tone was dark, and Alice and Marde hung on every word. “He definitely said that to us. He also told us to leave the cleanup to him. Fortunately, that never happened, but he was serious about it.” “So let me get this straight. Argus told your parents to kill any demon-god worshippers they came into conflict with so they couldn’t cause any more trouble, and that he would handle the cleanup, like when he killed the bandits who attacked your parents. Is that right?” Alice asked. Nick nodded. But Marde raised an objection. “Does that not seem strange? Wouldn’t the Sword of Tasuki find out about it if one demon-god worshipper killed another? It would make much more sense for him to want them to reconcile.” “No… I don’t think he cared, actually. It probably wasn’t uncommon for demon-god worshippers who resorted to thievery to get killed before the Sword of Tasuki gave them any orders. He probably factored some loss into his calculations. It’s also possible Argus killed followers as an example to maintain order,” Nick said. Alice nodded her agreement. “That’s my take on it,” continued Nick. “That was also the only time he ever slaughtered an entire band of thieves. We encountered many thieves during my time in Combat Masters, but he always just incapacitated them and left them to the Sun Knights. So…I think the thieves who attacked us might have been demon-god worshippers.” Marde looked convinced. “I see.” “Karan and Diamond should be able to confirm that for you. They performed extensive research to identify demon-god worshippers while working to defeat the Sword of Tasuki,” Alice told him. “I’ll leave that to you; I don’t really care,” Nick said with an annoyed shrug. “Anyway, Argus killed them all under the pretext of preventing future trouble…but I think he actually did it to cover up the truth that he was negotiating with the Dineez Adventurers Credit Union. The carelessness of the robbery attempt allowed him to give the Sword of Tasuki the excuse that he was purging troublemakers. The Sword of Tasuki was probably grateful.” “So he used that to increase his standing with the Sword of Tasuki,” Alice said. “Yeah. And even if he’d spared my mom and dad, someone would have discovered their identities through their interactions with Argus. They had no way out; if Argus hadn’t killed them then, the Sword of Tasuki would have discovered them and subjected them to a much worse fate.” Nick let out a sigh of resignation. “But in the end, those circumstances had nothing to do with you,” said Alice. “You have every right to be angry at Argus for killing your parents and at everyone else who put you in that situation.” “Trust me, I know. I do resent them, now as much as ever… But it does make me think.” “About what?” Alice asked. “What was that old bastard thinking? What did he want?” “Nick…” “I wanted an answer that would satisfy me. Why the hell did he raise me after killing my parents? I wanna know why he killed Olivia, too. She was his martial arts master. And why did she die to protect me? Not being able to ask him those questions pisses me off. How dare he die on me like that?” Nick spat angrily. He then realized how dark the mood had gotten, and he changed the topic. “Oh, it’s not that serious. Forget about it. It’s not like my life depends on knowing.” “That pain is important, Nick,” Marde said. “It might be. But I’m truly happy to have met you again, Teach. That’s important to me, too… I can tell you’re still worried about me. Thank you,” Nick said, making Marde blush. “B-but I went years without doing anything to help you,” she protested. “You continued negotiating with Argus and watched over me to make sure I was safe. I have no reason to be bitter toward you.” “Yes, but—” “I’m sure my parents were well aware of the risks they were taking working for you, too. That’s no different from an adventurer knowing they could be killed by a monster at any time. If they died protecting me…then I’m proud of the way they went out. What about you?” “I’ve hired many people over the centuries. However, traveling with the two of them, and with you, was particularly fun. This victory we just achieved would not have been possible if they had not taken every measure to ensure both my and your survival. I, too, think of them with pride.” “Glad to hear it.” Nick’s lighthearted words made Marde smile. “Finding satisfying answers to life’s questions is not easy. Many die without ever obtaining them… That’s true of most people, actually. Now that the battle is over, you have all the time in the world to think.” “Yeah… Wait, hold on. We can’t start thinking like this is all over.” “Really? And why is that?” “The demon god is resurrecting. This war’s only getting started.” Nick felt a flare of anxiety as he said that. He could feel a new—and final—battle coming. “Oh, you want to help fight the demon god? That would be greatly appreciated,” Alice said happily. “We would welcome your help. Discuss with your party about whether you want to fight on the front lines or join the rear guard. I have connections who can place you wherever you want,” Marde said, also smiling. “Wait, President,” Alice interjected. “Nick was one of the biggest contributors to the Sword of Tasuki’s defeat, and he’s a temporary employee of the Sun Knights. We need him stationed here.” “I don’t know about that.” Nick’s confusion deepened as he watched the two of them amicably argue over where he should be placed. “Hold on. You’re…making it sound as if you don’t care whether or not I fight the demon god. Why?” “You were the one who said you don’t care about the demon god, remember?” Alice said. “…I did say that, didn’t I?” Nick said, grimacing. “Defeating the demon god will require a full-scale war anyway. An army will be composed of people from many different countries, not just the Holy Kingdom of Dineez. This will not be a conflict that can be solved with individual heroics,” Marde said. “Really?” “You can volunteer to enlist in the army, of course. Your accomplishments—as well as those of your fellow Survivors and the Solo Diner—speak for themselves. More importantly, you all are among the strongest fighters in the holy kingdom, even in comparison to its knights and S-rank adventurers. Making it through the Colosseum of Carnage, withstanding the Sword of Tasuki’s vicious assault, and defeating him prove your tremendous growth. However, the risk of death will still be high. Even more so than in the Colosseum of Carnage.” “…Well, that’s ominous,” Nick said, frowning. “It will be a battle—no, a war—so intense that the surrounding land and its many labyrinths will be scorched black. That alone is inevitable. I wonder just how high the number of casualties will climb.” “Will the angels cause that destruction?” Nick asked. “The angels’ arrival would mean the possibility of the continent being destroyed without a trace. This won’t be nearly so bad,” Marde said. “…And you’re telling me it’s okay to withdraw from the fighting and consider myself lucky?” Nick responded clear annoyance. Marde and Alice nodded, their expressions serious. “You have that right,” Marde told him. “Yeah. That’s a holy right that no one will take from you. You’ve already contributed greatly to the Demon God War by delivering the first blow,” Alice said. “I ‘contributed to the war’…? I was just fighting for myself,” Nick said bitterly. He opened the curtain and looked out the window. The world was returning to normal. Street vendors hawked their wares, and adventurers and merchants passed by. The peaceful sight made it hard to imagine this could all be scorched earth in a few short months. “Those words will do nothing to diminish the value of your fight and your victory,” Marde told him. “You should not be so quick to give up that right. I want you to make your decision after giving it serious thought and discussing it with your friends.” “Hey,” Nick said. “Good morning,” Tiana said. “Long time no see,” Zem said. “Fwah… I’m tired.” Karan yawned. “Come on, why the long faces? You all saved Labyrinth City—you should carry yourselves with pride!” Bond told them. The five Survivors had just gathered for the first time after their extended break. They were sitting at a table at the edge of the Fishermen Adventurers Guild. This was a frequent meeting place for them and one they felt a strange nostalgia for. They’d shared many idle conversations, chatted about their hobbies, split up rewards, and discussed their adventures here. “This feels…kind of awkward,” Nick said. The others stared at him for a moment and then unleashed on him. “That’s your fault!” Tiana snapped. “You brought this on yourself, Nick,” Zem chastised him. “Yeah. You ran off and dragged Zem and Bond along with you,” Karan piled on. “I thought I was going to die a hundred different times, you fool!” Bond shouted. They continued to complain, getting increasingly worked up in the process. They told him about the difficulty of what they’d gone through and all the times they’d thought they were going to die, their frustration toward their leader boiling like a pot of Labyrinth Chicken. “A-all right, all right! I messed up! I apologized, didn’t I?!” Nick said. “Do you actually feel sorry?” Tiana asked. “…I won’t do it again. Sorry,” Nick apologized, bowing meekly. “Geez. You’d better not. I don’t know if we’d make it through another experience like that,” Tiana said. “Yeah. It’s a miracle we survived…,” Nick admitted. “Actually, I probably shouldn’t use that word. People died to save us.” “…Yeah,” Tiana said. “Are you okay, Tiana?” Nick asked, concerned. Tiana looked surprised. “Huh? Oh, you don’t have to worry about me. I kinda broke down in the labyrinth…but I just got irritated when I thought about it more.” “What do you mean?” Nick stared at her with a confused look. Tiana clenched her trembling fists as she continued. “Instructor Bellocchio was waiting eagerly for a chance to use Dead Man’s Balloon. Do you know why?” “To defeat the Sword of Tasuki, no?” Bond said. “That’s just the way it worked out. He wanted to use it out of pure curiosity. He had a bad habit of putting the cart before the horse. So you don’t have to be overly grateful to him. He left a heck of a lot of work for me to take care of, too. There’s still so much left to do… Oh, is it all right if I smoke?” Tiana asked. Karan nodded, and Tiana stuffed a leaf into her pipe and lit it. The purple smoke she puffed out seemed like a manifestation of her fatigue. “You look exhausted,” Nick said. “I’ve been spending a lot of time with Havok and some of Instructor Bellocchio’s other apprentices at the Thunderbolt Corporation. They’ve told me a lot about him that I didn’t know, and let me tell you, he was more messed up than I thought. It’s felt like…going to a class reunion and complaining about a terrible teacher, even though none of us went to the same school,” Tiana said with a chuckle. She was currently something of a temporary employee at the Thunderbolt Corporation. Havok, the company president, had been Bellocchio’s first ally and, apparently, also an apprentice. “Instructor Bellocchio was an eccentric and daring man, and Havok was the person who always cleaned up his messes. Things were awkward between me and her at first because of the siege…but we hit it off once we started talking. Then, while sorting through Instructor Bellocchio’s belongings and meeting with the Sun Knights to figure out what to do with the Dead Man’s Balloon members, we…uncovered a lot of unresolved tasks and magic items that need to be sealed away,” Tiana explained. “What do you mean by that?” asked Nick. “He tried to make a magic sword for destroying holy swords, but it didn’t work because it drained a lethal amount of mana from the user… We also found a bomb he made to destroy souls trapped within a holy sword, but the blast range was way too wide and powerful and would kill everything within range. That’s only the tip of the iceberg. We were able to dispose of about a third of the dangerous items we found.” “A weapon that can destroy a holy sword is an invention on the level of the ancient civilization. The man’s genius is undeniable,” Bond said, sounding astonished. “Exactly. Looking at it gave me a headache. Still…” “Yeah?” Nick pressed. Tiana smiled. “It’s been kinda fun, too.” “You’re an adventurer to the core,” Nick said with a smile. “Oh, shut up.” Tiana was able to look ahead despite her grief. Nick admired her strength. “Anyway…you seem busy, Zem,” Nick said. “There are still many people who are displaced from their homes. It’s a difficult situation,” Zem said with a shrug. His eyes were tired, but he seemed fulfilled. “Sounds fun.” “This might be inappropriate of me to say, but I am actually kind of enjoying myself. I helped the people of the Garbage Heap build an emergency shelter and distribute food. I know I won’t have time for such activities once the Demon God War begins in earnest, however.” Zem had become a leader for an ad hoc neighborhood council made up of people who had lost their homes, couldn’t evacuate Labyrinth City, or lived in the Garbage Heap. He’d come to the position naturally as he healed people in the hostess clubs he frequented and helped prepare food. Now, defeating the Sword of Tasuki and bringing about a temporary peace had elevated him to something of a figurehead for the neighborhood council. Many people listened to Zem not just because of his good looks, but for his indiscriminate compassion and undeniable bravery. “I enjoy working as an adventurer, too, but it feels nice to be doing priestly work again. It may be more than I deserve, though, considering I was excommunicated.” “You’re putting official priests to shame, man. Most of them would never touch the places where you’re working. You’re a wonderful priest.” “I have become…quite popular at bars recently as a result. I cannot call myself a ‘wonderful priest’ when I know of my own depravity,” Zem said with a malicious smile, and Nick laughed. The others chuckled, more than familiar with Zem’s bad habits. “…Zem, I have something for you,” Karan said, cryptically changing the topic once their laughter had died down. “Really? What is it?” Zem asked. “Umm, you don’t have to accept this, but…” Karan put something on the table. It was a medal. A pen was carved into it to represent Medora, the god that valued knowledge. This was proof of identification allowed only to priests of the Medora sect. “Oh my… This is a high priest medal,” Zem said, his expression darkening. Nick and the other Survivors knew Zem’s history well. During his days as an official priest, his imminent promotion to high priesthood had earned him the jealousy of his colleagues. He’d then been falsely accused by a little girl, and although she was the direct cause of his suffering, Zem guessed his fellow priests had encouraged her. “Karan, what are you thinking?” Nick admonished her. “I—I know. I wasn’t sure if this was something I could turn down by myself, though,” Karan said dejectedly, feeling Nick’s anger. “It’s okay. I have mixed feelings about this, but I understand why it’s happening,” Zem said. “They said they want to make you a high priest for this area in recognition of your accomplishments, but…I doubt that’s their true motivation,” said Karan. “The sanctuary cannot allow an excommunicated priest to sully its honor by stealing the work of its official priests… However, they also know that it would be hard to find a priest who can do the job I am performing here with the city in this state. A number of priests fled Labyrinth City to save themselves, so it will be difficult for the sanctuary to regain trust. It likely saw promoting me to high priesthood as its only option.” “I think you’re right, honestly,” agreed Karan. “I still have doubts, though. There must be criticism of this decision, considering the circumstances that led to my dismissal.” “About that…,” began Karan. “I was told that the leaders of the Sanctuary of Medora reached out to Rhodian, but they said they had some trouble.” “Rhodian?” Nick repeated. “That’s the town where I worked as a priest,” Zem said. “Hmm… So what happened?” Nick asked. “They wouldn’t hand over Zem’s records when asked for them,” explained Karan. “The sanctuary’s leaders pressed multiple times, and they eventually received a communication saying Rhodian’s chief priest was sick and that his response would be delayed. They suspect the trial was so sloppy that there’s no proper documentation.” “…Huh.” “They said the Rhodian chief priest’s lack of a response meant they could push through the issuance of your medal without a problem. I’m sure you can hear a more detailed explanation at the Sanctuary of Medora.” “…This is getting interesting,” Zem said. His dangerous smile gave the others chills. “Are you really okay with this, Zem?” Nick asked. His concern was clear in his voice. “Don’t worry. I am not going to do anything rash for the sake of revenge. I value my current life too much. But I would rather have answers than live in ignorance,” Zem said. “Then you’ll accept it?” Karan asked. “I may as well. What’s the harm? If accepting this medal makes things difficult for me, I can just get excommunicated again.” The others laughed, surprised by his mischievous attitude. “We could all learn from your boldness,” Bond said. “You can say that again. I’m no match for you.” Nick laughed, raising his hands in surrender. “You’re amazing, Zem,” Karan said. “Not as amazing as you, Karan,” Nick replied, unable to hide his surprise as he looked at her. She wasn’t wearing her sunglasses, but she was still in the white suit that made her look like a skilled saleswoman or an entertainment producer. It looked perfectly natural on her. “Y-you think so?” Karan asked. “Oh, Diamond picked out these clothes. I’m not sure if they suit me.” “You look great. You carry yourself with more confidence, too,” Nick said. “Th-thanks.” Karan looked away and shyly fiddled with her hair. Nick continued without noticing. “People who wear those kinds of clothes on the regular tend to overwork themselves, though… Are you taking time to rest?” “I can’t tell if that was a compliment or not,” Karan said. “…It was.” “You’re lying. I can tell.” “Th-that’s not the point. I wouldn’t have had to word it that way if I could tell you were resting. You’re not taking any time for yourself, are you?” Karan’s grimace spoke volumes. “It’s not my fault. I have way too much on my plate right now. My boss ordered me to rent horses and dragons because he wants to move Labyrinth City’s civic facilities within half a year, and Diamond suddenly wants to hold an outdoor charity concert. I’m convinced they think there are three me’s to do all this work.” “I’m confused. Are you a bureaucrat or an idol producer? And how did you end up working for Diamond in the first place? I’ve only heard bits and pieces,” Nick said. “Oh, well…” Karan nodded and began talking. They all listened with great interest. Tiana had heard some of it, but she had been too busy to ask for the whole story and ended up listening with the same rapture as the others. “It all started when I woke up after being cursed, and Diamond asked me if I wanted to be her wielder.” Karan explained everything in order. How she took up Diamond—the Sword of Resonance—to conquer her curse and get back on her feet. How Hector had taught her the basics of detective work. How she’d received an official government post, giving her a high social standing in Labyrinth City. And finally, how she’d found the Dineez Adventurers Credit Union while searching for clues to oppose Dead Man’s Balloon and the Sword of Tasuki, and saved Tiana in the nick of time. Her story was very atypical of adventurers, but it was an adventure all the same. Anyone who heard it would have been touched by her bravery and pride as she fought to recover what was stolen from her, and they would even found parts of it humorous. They would struggle to believe that anyone could actually be that heroic. But Nick and the others knew better. That hero was right in front of them. “Wh-why are you crying? There’s no reason for that,” Karan said, noticing the tears streaking down Nick’s face. “Oh, uh… Sorry. I’m really sorry,” he said. “If you say this was all your fault, I’ll punch you.” Karan crossed her arms and snorted with displeasure. “I know. Sorry… I mean, good job. You’re amazing, Karan.” Those words caused something to crack within Karan—both her armor and her shackles. Karan had grown to trust Nick after joining the Survivors. She sometimes doubted his decision-making. It was also her job to safeguard their money and make sure no one stole or embezzled from them. But even so, she only ever spoke her mind as a party member and friend, and she had almost never doubted Nick’s aptitude for being their leader. Nick urged her to think for herself so she could become independent and avoid being deceived again. She had listened to that advice, and she’d become a good adventurer. However, it wasn’t until she had been split up from the Survivors, willingly taken up the Sword of Resonance, and obtained the bombastic title of Chief Karan Tsubaki of the Teran Lord Manor Ancient Culture Preservation Department’s Disaster Investigation Office that she felt the overwhelming loneliness of great responsibility. She didn’t know who she should doubt and who she should believe; what to learn from and what to watch; who she should listen to and who to ignore; what goals to lead her subordinates toward. Her holy sword’s kind words and her subordinates’ sympathy did nothing to cure her of that loneliness. So Karan had armored herself with everything she’d learned since joining the Survivors. She asked herself: What would Nick think in this situation? What would Tiana say? How would Zem listen? What would Bond observe? She wasn’t always able to imitate them. After all, she was influenced not just by the fundamental training she had received from her party members but also by the specialized training she’d been given by Diamond and Hector. Her honest nature affected her decision-making as well, and she surpassed her party members when it came to listening to people, determining whether someone was being authentic, and persuading them to do something. Even so, Karan relied on her armor and wished for the presence of her party members. She constantly wondered if they would have handled things better than her, and if they would have been able to navigate the lies and mysteries of the world to solve the problems that weighed on her so heavily. Those doubts tormented her even after they’d defeated the Sword of Tasuki, but Nick’s words had finally left her feeling satisfied. She didn’t know if she’d done the best that anyone could have. But she’d absolutely done the best that she could have. “Yeah… I did work hard, didn’t I? I missed you all so much, but…I really did my best!” Karan cried for a little while, and the other Survivors kindly watched over her. When Karan calmed down, Tiana timidly spoke up. “By the way, has the curse been cured?” she asked. “Yeah. My strength has been returning. I’m wearing this suit as a uniform, but I don’t really need it anymore,” Karan said. “Really? Good… I’m so glad.” “Wait, if you’re wearing those clothes…does that mean Diamond’s here?” asked Nick. “Of course not. Do you really think she could go this long without talking?” said Karan said. “Good point.” Karan’s white suit was half cognition armor created from the wearer’s imagination and mana—just like the armor that was created when the Survivors used Union—and half fabric that existed in this world. The threads were extracted from mystic moth cocoons and imbued with the Sword of Resonance’s mana to give them a variety of magical properties. The support feature that compensated for Karan’s physical weakness worked even when she was separated from Diamond. “Diamond’s still working super hard. She’s a real workaholic. She needs a rest as much as anyone, though, given how hard she fought,” Karan said. “Hmm…” Zem put a hand on his chin in thought. “Is something bothering you, Zem?” Karan asked. “…Have you been feeling okay since the battle, Bond?” he asked. “Whuh? M-me? Why do you ask?” Bond said, surprised by the question. “We used you for way too long. I’m worried about you,” Zem replied, giving Nick a somewhat critical look. “I’m sorry about that, too,” Nick said. “How long did we use Union again? I can’t remember…” “…One hundred and five hours, forty-three minutes, and ten seconds. That is a new record for me,” Bond said. ““O-one hundred and five hours?!”” Tiana and Karan exclaimed in shock. “In fact, that is likely a world record for how long anyone has cast Union, excluding any combination accidents or deaths,” Bond said. “Man, I can’t believe we survived…,” remarked Nick. “I lived it, yet that is still surprising to hear,” Zem added. Nick and Zem had truly fought for that long, but in the moment, it had felt even longer. Nick thought it was a miracle they’d survived. “…We’re going to the hospital,” Tiana said. “Huh? No, I’m fine, really,” Nick assured them. “Zem examined me and didn’t find anything wrong. I was also told that the Colosseum of Carnage elevates your soul level and reduces strain from using advanced magic—or something like that.” “That experience must have changed you somehow, right? It might have been for the better, but if anything’s changed about you, we should find out what,” Tiana insisted. Nick had no arguments. “What do you think, Bond?” “…I doubt you fully Awakened, but you may have Awakened by ten to twenty percent. That should not have harmed your body or mind in any way. S-rank adventurers like Fifs likely always exist in that state. You’ve probably seen one or two people during your time as an adventurer who seem an obvious cut above the rest.” “Yeah, definitely,” Nick responded. He could think of way more people than that who he couldn’t believe were human. “You should be in perfect health… In fact, I would surmise you are stronger than before. But the logical course of action would be checking for issues just to be safe,” agreed Bond. “Got it. Zem and I should get checked out, then… Oh, and Leon, too, I guess. What’s he up to anyway?” “He’s in the hospital. He wore himself out evolving,” Karan said. “The Sword of Evolution needed maintenance, too. It sounds like he’ll be fixed, though.” “Ahh… They really pushed themselves,” Nick said. “There is no need for concern. The Sword of Evolution’s self-preservation function is far superior to that of the other holy swords. If anything, we should be on guard for any foul schemes he might be concocting,” Bond said. “What about you?” Nick asked. “H-how dare you! I am not a schemer!” Bond huffed. “No, not that. I’m asking about your health. Relax, man,” Nick said. “I-I’m perfectly fine. I have always put health and safety first! I do not have to rely on the likes of doctors,” Bond said. “That’s true. Didn’t you say that holy swords are half immortal?” Nick asked, suspicious of Bond’s behavior. He didn’t remember him ever expressing a dislike for doctors. “I see what’s happening. Bond, you’ve been ignoring Diamond’s summons. She said she wants to check to see if anything’s wrong. You should go see her,” Karan said. “Grk!” “It sounds like you and Diamond have a complicated history,” Karan continued. “But that battle was hard on you, too, so you should really let her examine you. She’s done a lot for you, like getting you citizenship to prevent the Adventurers Guild from treating you as property.” “I-I’m not scared of her or anything. But I guess I should listen, if only this once.” Nick smiled as he watched Bond behaving like a child. All the holy swords, including Bond, were eccentric, and the only ones Bond could speak openly with as allies were Diamond and the Sword of Might. He wanted them to get along. “Anyway, now that we’ve caught up…let’s get down to business,” Nick said. “What do you mean?” Tiana asked. “We need to discuss our plans. It sounds like this city is gonna become a battleground for the Demon God War. The government wouldn’t be making plans to move the city facilities otherwise,” Nick said. “That much is clear…,” Zem agreed. “There’s no normal adventurer work right now. The days of carefree labyrinth trips and bounty hunting are over for now.” “Yeah. The government is requisitioning adventurers and Sun Knights for a new royal order of knights that will fight in the Demon God War. The order is officially only taking volunteers, but joining is essentially mandatory,” Karan explained. “But the Survivors are an exception,” Nick said. “Huh? What do you mean by that?” Tiana asked. “I was told that we don’t have to enlist for the Demon God War because of our accomplishments defeating the Sword of Tasuki.” “What else would we do? Go hide in the countryside?” Tiana asked sarcastically. Nick gave them a serious nod. “That’s one option. We could also ask for a position where we won’t have to fight.” “I doubt that’s being offered to us out of generosity,” said Tiana. “This just reeks of people not wanting us to steal any more of the spotlight. I can’t believe anyone would think that way with humanity on the brink of extinction… Though I guess the greater the stakes, the greater the chance for glory.” Nick shrugged. “There probably are a bunch of people who don’t wanna be shown up by small-time adventurers, but I bet they’d still give us hell after the war if we didn’t enlist. Well, I suppose it beats coming back to find no one left alive.” They all knew that the demon god’s arrival could mean extinction for mankind. There was no questioning that. “…I wonder if I’d still be able to gamble if the country and the continent are destroyed,” Tiana mused. “Of course you would. You could draw a line in the dirt and bet on who can flick a pebble closer to it,” Nick said. “That’s the most boring thing I’ve ever heard,” Tiana said. She took her pipe out of her mouth and exhaled smoke. “Will there still be food?” asked Karan. “Even if humanity wins, there’ll probably be way fewer restaurants and bars,” replied Nick. “Trade routes are gonna be ruined, making it impossible to import ingredients from distant lands.” “Aww, man… That’s no fun,” Karan complained. “What about nice restaurants where beautiful women serve the guests?” Zem asked. “Those’ll probably survive…,” Nick conceded. “But if civilization is destroyed, wooing women is gonna become essential for mankind’s survival, not just a hobby.” “Oh dear. That is not my strong suit. I have no desire to get married,” Zem said, shrugging in surrender. The four of them laughed, astounded by how casually they were discussing the end of the world. Bond, however, didn’t crack a smile. “Anyway, let’s really think about this. Should we enlist in the Demon God War or not?” Nick asked. “I am opposed to it,” Bond answered immediately. “Huh? What?” Nick said, caught off guard. “…I said I’m opposed. Trust me, no one wants to be the hero who fights the demon god. Put it out of your minds. You barely survived the last battle; don’t throw your lives away now.” “Hold on. Haven’t you always preached to me about working hard to become a hero who can defeat the demon god?” Nick asked. “And you have only ever responded with indifference. The closest thing to a commitment you ever gave me was, ‘I’ll do it if it’s possible.’ Not once have you seriously considered fighting the demon god!” “I never said I wouldn’t do it.” “You might as well have!” “Sure, but… Anyone would agree that defeating the demon god is the greatest honor an adventurer could achieve. Isn’t that something you want?” “It is my mission, but that does not mean I want it,” Bond retorted, shaking his head emphatically. Nick looked at him with surprise. Bond’s eyes were completely serious. “You all saw the Sword of Tasuki. He was devoted to his mission. That’s exactly why he turned out the way he did,” said Bond. “Didn’t you say his limiters were removed?” asked Nick. “Even that was done to accomplish his mission. He did not mutate. And…he was trying, in his own way, to prevent humanity’s extinction.” Nick’s expression turned troubled. He had no desire to defend the Sword of Tasuki, given the hardships he’d put them through. “Oh, do not misunderstand me. I am not defending his methods,” said Bond. “However, it is an undeniable fact that humanity will meet its ruin within the next ten thousand years if no one Awakens.” “Ah. Well, I think we can afford to be patient with that one,” Nick responded. “As for the Sword of Might and the Sword of Distortion—Olivia and Diamond—I am sure you don’t need an explanation. They both gave up on their mission at some point and mutated. The Sword of Evolution could be next.” “…Are you saying you’re giving up on your mission, too?” Nick asked hesitantly. “I don’t know,” admitted Bond. “Whatever happens, happens.” “Sure, but…you don’t wanna mutate by accident. That’s a matter of life and death for you. You could end up as weird as Diamond,” Nick said. For a holy sword, abandoning one’s mission meant giving up their immortality. A destroyed holy sword could be restored with perfect accuracy based on blueprints contained within their core, but a mutation meant they had deviated from that original design. “My father…was a sage of the Teran Magic Weapons Factory named Ines. I used to be so loyal to the mission he had given me. I dreamed of one day saving the world in the hands of a hero. I devoted my life to that purpose and thought anything else would be a waste. And then…” Bond trailed off. “…You were sealed away by the Adventurers Guild,” Nick finished for him. “That was a logical decision, though. The holy sword mission was based on the values of the country and civilization the factory existed in. It does not respect modern people. If I was in charge of the guild, I might have pushed for myself to be sealed away or even destroyed.” “…I can’t see you turning out like the Sword of Tasuki,” Nick said. “I’m not afraid of that. Just disappointed.” “About what?” “The sages that gave the holy swords our mission had a grand, far-reaching view, but I now find it lacking. They cared not for the changing of times or human lives. They were innocent and frivolous to a sinful degree, and ignorant of the weight of saving the world.” Bond’s voice shook as he spoke, but his words resounded with dignity. “Many people have fallen in their despair, just as many have fallen protecting their apprentices and people they loved like their own children. Who can guarantee that you all won’t be next?” “…No one’s gonna guarantee that. People are more likely to ask us for help and put us in harm’s way, given the reputation we’ve made for ourselves,” Nick said. “But we did what we needed to. We delayed the demon god’s resurrection by close to a year. We’ve done enough. You can stop now and be lauded as heroes who saved the world.” Bond’s words made sense. But the others couldn’t bring themselves to agree. “Well, I won’t force you to fight. What do you want to do, Bond?” Nick asked. “Good question…,” pondered the holy sword. “I would like to write a book.” “A book? You wanna be an author?” Nick asked. “Yes. I am quite fond of adventure stories. I would like to quit being a sword who makes people fight and instead write stories in which no one dies.” “So you wanna be like Olivia?” “Heavens no. She spreads lies and passes them off as truth, while I will clearly present my work as fiction.” Bond’s dream was simple and refreshing, but something about his tone suggested he didn’t think he would ever achieve it. Hearing that, Zem came to a realization. “…Bond,” he said, “I don’t think you will want to hear this, but I must say it.” “Wh-what?” Bond responded. “You believe that we are going to die or come to ruin in some fashion. However, you are not coming to the conclusion you normally would. Either that, or you’re hiding it.” “What conclusion? I—I have no idea what you mean.” “If I was in your position, I would say it clearly: ‘You have no chance of defeating the demon god.’ I would bring evidence to prove it, and use that as a weapon to argue us down,” Zem said, and Bond grimaced. Nick and Tiana couldn’t follow what Zem was suggesting. It was too unrealistic for them, and they were both too experienced and knowledgeable—Nick from his long career as an adventurer and Tiana from her studies of magic and world affairs—to notice it. Karan figured it out before them. “Oh… Are you saying we can win? That we can defeat the demon god?” “Wait, what?!” Nick exclaimed. “You’re kidding!” Tiana shouted. They were both shocked. Bond crossed his arms and cursed. “…You’ve let that witch influence you, Karan. It’s truly deplorable. You cheated on me, too, by taking up another holy sword while being one of my wielders!” “Oh, is that considered cheating? How scandalous.” “Zem, please don’t treat that like it’s juicy gossip…,” Tiana chastised him. “So how do we win exactly?” Bond answered grudgingly. “With Union.” “That’s what we always do,” Nick said. “Yes, but you have performed Union with only two people. With four…we would have a real chance.” The others were shocked by his words, but they made sense. Any chance of victory Bond could provide would have to involve Union. “Bond. You saw how strong the Sword of Tasuki, Argus, and the demon god’s egg were. Are you saying you still think we can win?” Karan asked. Bond snorted as if unimpressed. “Hypothetically speaking, you all would be more than strong enough. This was only ever just a theory, but now that you have all sharpened your soul levels in the Colosseum of Carnage…the impossible just became possible.” Bond’s words filled the party with hope. His expression remained dark, however. “…You would lose a lot, though. It would not be surprising if you died from the strain of the four-person Union. Either that or turned into something dangerous.” “What do you mean by that?” Nick asked. “The likeliest outcome is that I will be unable to manage all four of your minds at once, resulting in you all going crazy. That could backfire horribly if you become a threat to our side. Then everything will come down to the gods’ angels and the final battle. The trumpets will sound for us in the end,” Bond said, his tone suggesting that this was the future he expected to come to pass. “…Bond, I can tell you’ve thought this through, but have you discussed it with anyone else?” Nick asked. “Are Diamond or Marde involved?” “No. I made the calculations and arrived at this conclusion myself,” Bond said. “Why not bring them in? They could help make the plan safer.” “Perhaps. But the upside of my plan is too great to let safety concerns get in the way. Anyone I share it with will decide that it is worth any risk. We’ll be forced into the Demon God War whether we like it or not.” “I kinda feel like we did that to ourselves.” “Oh, what does it matter?!” Bond fumed. They were discussing a plan that would literally affect the fate of the world, and they were still behaving like carefree adventurers arguing over which labyrinth they should explore or what they should do that day. Nick wouldn’t trade that for anything. “The Sword of Tasuki is most at fault here. Marde, Argus, and Diamond are next for failing to stop him. We’re victims here!” argued Bond. “That is why I am telling you that you don’t have to participate in this war! You got a little stronger, and now suddenly you want to be a hero? How embarrassing. You’re like a snot-nosed brat who dreams of being an adventurer!” “You’re the one who always goaded me on to become a hero,” Nick said. “The same goes for you, Karan.” “You’re supposed to shrug that off and say it’s not realistic. You pretend to lack ambition, but I know you lust after S rank as much as any other adventurer,” Karan said bitingly. “Geez. Way to hit me where it hurts,” Nick said. They all laughed, and Bond blushed slightly. “…I think I know what you’re afraid of losing, Bond. It’s these casual conversations we have at the guild. It’s the adventures we go on together and the meals we eat on the way home,” Nick said. “…Yes, I suppose it is.” “I don’t wanna lose that, either. I think we make a good party. We’ve accomplished some damn big things for a group that wound up together by accident.” “Those accomplishments were kinda by accident, too,” Tiana said cynically. “And what is the problem with that? I spare no thought for tomorrow. Adventurers are free spirits who let life take them where it will. It is not uncommon for tomorrow to leave you feeling weather-beaten and defeated,” Zem said with equal parts optimism and pessimism. On a normal day, this was when the party would depart for a labyrinth. That was what Bond had grown accustomed to since joining the Survivors. “…But once the demon god starts wreaking havoc, we won’t be able to go on any carefree adventures,” Nick said. He leaned back in his chair and looked out the window. He saw a street brimming with quiet determination and despair. Most people knew the demon god was resurrecting; that truth wasn’t hard to accept after the appearance of the Colosseum of Carnage and the onset of the Stampede. The people who’d always intended to flee were doing so. Those who had nowhere to go or wanted to stay were mostly back to their ordinary lives. Public order had temporarily worsened due to the influx of adventurers and mercenaries, but Labyrinth City had accepted them and integrated them, and a new normal had been created. New hostess clubs had been built, which were split into two extremes: either quiet places of despair where people gathered to wait for the end, or rowdy places for people who hadn’t given up and wanted to fight. Bright-eyed rookies had stopped showing up at the Adventurers Guild branches, resulting in them being populated by nothing but experienced adventurers. The only newcomers were grizzled mercenaries and soldiers looking for a new job, all of whom had a dangerous look in their eyes. The city was evolving in preparation for the war. “I understand that we have no choice…but it’s hard going into battle being wielded by someone I know could die. It makes me detest myself as a sword,” Bond said. “Yeah. Holy swords don’t have it any better than adventurers, do they?” Nick said comfortingly. After a short silence, Bond looked them each in the eyes, as if he’d made up his mind about something. “…I want you to contact Marde, Diamond, and the Thunderbolt Corporation.” Starmine Hall had undergone yet another transformation. It had begun as a magnificent concert venue, known for possessing the best lighting, acoustics, and air-conditioning in the country, where guests were offered comfort and an escape from their daily lives. Then it became a fortress. Tiana had taken command to withstand Dead Man Balloon’s vicious assault and had used the building materials left in the warehouses of the surrounding buildings and halls to build bulwarks, watchtowers, and falling rock traps. The adventurers who’d held the fort were proud of what they had accomplished and called Tiana the “Siege Defense Princess” and the “Lady of the Iron Wall.” When she heard this, Tiana called them all “idiots.” And now, it had become a command center. Teran’s top minds had gathered here to use it as the strategic headquarters for the Demon God War. A wide variety of people now filled its halls—including civil officials from the Teran Lord Manor, researchers and sages from famous magic laboratories, and commanders from the Order of the Sun Knights—and debates raged throughout. “Good lord, it’s gotten loud in here,” Tiana muttered as they walked down a hallway, still acting as if she owned the place. “I went back and forth on whether I should offer them Starmine Hall. I’m a holy sword, though, which means I’d regret it if I didn’t. I guess I think of it like a tax,” Diamond explained. She was using her physical human body rather than her projection. “That was generous of you,” Nick said. “I’m gonna make sure I’m paid for this, of course,” Diamond assured them. “I wanna build big concert venues in other towns, too.” “You don’t miss a trick, do you…?” Nick asked, and Diamond smiled maliciously. The group followed Diamond until they reached the same sword storage room she had led them to last time. She seemed to be using this as a private space away from the researchers and bureaucrats who were making a racket upstairs. “Hey, guys. It’s been a while… Or it feels like it anyway,” Alice said. “I’m relieved to see you all in good health,” Marde said. The two of them had arrived first. The other person in the room was someone Nick had never met. “I’ve heard about you from Tiana. She said you helped our president in his final moments,” the woman said. “You’re Havok from the Thunderbolt Corporation? I’m Nick of the Survivors.” Nick and Havok shook hands. She had an energetic personality, but Nick was relieved to see that Tiana’s claim that Havoc was much more normal than Bellocchio seemed to be true. “Before we get down to business… Karan, how have you been feeling since the Sword of Tasuki’s defeat?” Diamond asked. “Good. My strength is returning,” Karan answered. “Oh yeah, are you not gonna use your Sword of Resonance form?” Nick asked. Karan hadn’t carried the Sword of Resonance ever since returning from the Colosseum of Carnage. That made Nick wonder if Karan was no longer Diamond’s wielder. “I’ll stay by your side forever if you become an idol, Karan,” Diamond said. “No chance,” Karan said, shaking her head. “See? She dumped me,” Diamond said with an exaggerated shrug. “There’s no way you actually expected me to drop everything and become an idol,” Karan said. “Yeah, I guess not.” “I’d rather you help a girl who wants to be an idol and is working hard toward that dream. I’m sure she’d be able to achieve much greater things than me.” “…What a shame. That humility is exactly what makes a good hero or idol. You’ve seen the evil and impurity of this world, yet you still believe there’s good and beauty in it as well,” Diamond said, sounding a little sad. She quickly gathered herself and smiled cheerfully. “Anyway, you said you had something to talk about? Go ahead!” “I am the one who has something to discuss,” Bond said seriously, speaking up for the first time. He detailed the four-person Union he’d brought up the other day. Bond talked about the quantity of mana and level of physical strength he assumed they would need to fight the demon god, the necessary rituals and preparations, and the likelihood of his plan succeeding. Diamond and Marde were initially dubious, but their expressions gradually darkened as he spoke. He answered their questions clearly, as if he’d anticipated each one. “Hmm… I understand. You want to use what we’ve learned from the Sword of Tasuki and the Sword of Evolution to complete yourself as the Sword of Bonds,” Havok said. Bond nodded. “Precisely. Compared to the other holy swords, I am unstable and unfinished. You could even say I was made with this concept in mind, but without full clarity on how to achieve it. I have never once been able to produce the results that my forgers envisioned.” “You’ve only ever achieved three people once, and it was with triplets, right?” Nick remembered. “That’s not surprising. Performing Union with two people is already very advanced magic. I’m not even sure there were people back in the ancient civilization who could manage three or four,” Diamond said. “There were. I know it. I was forged for that purpose, after all,” Bond said. “You really believe in Father and the others, don’t you?” “I have full faith in their technology. Although I have developed mixed feelings about them otherwise.” “…Good,” Diamond said, looking relieved. “By ‘Father,’ do you mean the sage who forged the holy swords?” Nick asked. “Yeah,” Diamond replied. “He and the others were the smartest people in the country, but they were just bureaucrats and researchers. They loved us like their own children… Whether or not the task they gave each holy sword was just, however, is another matter.” Each holy sword was built with a theme—or task—in mind. Diamond and Olivia had abandoned theirs, the Sword of Evolution had deviated from his, and the Sword of Tasuki had gone berserk while staying true to his. Diamond was asking where Bond was with his theme. “I hate it. I want nothing to do with it. I have experienced true freedom since being released from the Labyrinth of Bonds. I helped temporarily prevent the demon god’s resurrection, too. I’ve done my duty.” “…Yeah. You’re right,” Diamond agreed. “You—as well as your party members—already saved the world.” “But unfortunately, I thought of this plan,” Bond said. He sighed heavily. “…The Sword of Evolution’s ability to create a vessel of flesh. The Sword of Tasuki’s ability to preserve and control souls without degrading them. The Sword of Resonance’s ability to reach souls with her voice and help them regain their sense of self. The Sword of Might’s ability to bring about balance between the body and soul. And the adventurers who have used me countless times. If all these things come together, my plan is theoretically possible.” “Huh? Me too?!” the Sword of Might exclaimed from within Nick’s pocket. “Whoa, you’re awake?” Nick asked. “I woke up yesterday. I didn’t know when would be a good time for me to speak up… It sounded like you all were having a very serious conversation…” The Sword of Might—who’d lost their memories and abilities as Olivia—had been heavily exhausted from training Nick, Zem, and Leon, and from the battle with Argus. Exposure to the demon god’s mana had then sent her into a dormant state as they’d fled the Colosseum of Carnage. “You’re surprisingly shy… You should’ve said something,” Nick said. “S-sorry. Anyway, this plan…” “It’s all true. However, making it a reality will require vast funds and mana, along with the cooperation of all living holy swords. I can’t do it alone,” Bond said. “I won’t cooperate if you intend to die for this mission,” responded Diamond. “Even if it’s the only way to save the world. I’m an idol first and foremost, and I’ve made training younger idols my mission. To me, saving the world is nothing more than a means to that end.” “I am of the same mind,” agreed Bond. “All I want is to be able to go on adventures, eat delicious food, and write about my experiences. That is true happiness. I have accumulated a sizable number of pictures and videos of the Survivors, too. I would like your help in publishing them.” “Oooh, that’s a great idea!” exclaimed Diamond. “I wanna make a theme song, too!” “Well, it sounds like this matter is settled. I assume nobody else has any objections,” Bond asked, glancing at Alice and Marde. “As long as you, Nick, and everyone else came to this decision together, I’ve got no objections,” Alice said. “I just want you all to return home safely. That is the desire of those who have sacrificed themselves already,” Marde said. “What makes you think we intend to get ourselves killed? We’re not that desperate,” Bond said, offended. “What about you, Sword of Might?” “…Umm, can I say something first?” the holy sword asked hesitantly. “Wh-what?” Bond asked, surprised. There was a strange intensity to the Sword of Might’s voice despite her timid attitude. “Nick is my current wielder.” “Y-yes. He is.” “That means he has a duty to teach those who wish to commit themselves to martial arts. Other holy swords have no right to get in the way of that.” An awkward silence befell the room. No one had expected her to say that. “…I had no idea you were so possessive,” Nick said. “I’m not happy with you, either, Nick! You just used me up and kicked me to the curb! Have you had your fill of me already? Was I just some plaything to you?!” the Sword of Might said. “Hey, did you try to word that as terribly as possible?!” Nick asked. “Y-you deserve it! It’s only been a month since I was activated! I don’t want you to die so soon after you barely made it through that battle! That victory was nothing short of a miracle!” “You’re starting to sound like Olivia.” “There you go again, talking about someone else! You don’t care about me at all!” The Sword of Might began to sob openly. The others looked at Nick, urging him to do something. “Y-you’re right. I have been kind of cold toward you. I’m sorry.” The Sword of Might sniffled. “Will you take better care of me? Will you start talking to me?” “Sure. I’d be happy to.” “You can’t do that if you go and get yourself killed,” the Sword of Might said. “That’s not gonna happen. We came here to discuss how to make sure we win and survive. Isn’t that where the conversation was going?” Nick asked, looking to the others to back him up. Diamond had been watching all of this with amusement, and she cleared her throat. “Well, I won’t say there’s no danger. This mission will be so difficult, you won’t be able to measure it on the Adventurers Guild scale. But we’ve gathered all the most powerful assets we have, and you’re one of them.” “Oh… Well, I never said I don’t want to participate,” responded the Sword of Might. “You’ll need to if you want to protect your wielder…,” said Diamond. “We holy swords have it rough. We can help our wielders fight, but we can’t ask them to back down for our sake. It’s our job to give them strength. If you get in their way, they’ll end your contract and fight without you.” “Yeah… I know. I may be a replica, but I’m still a holy sword,” the Sword of Might said, reluctantly backing down. She showed no sign of objecting further, likely realizing there was nothing she could do to stop this plan. “Nick can be insensitive sometimes, so make sure to give him a piece of your mind every now and then,” Karan said teasingly. “Oh, shut up,” Nick grumbled, but Karan’s comment relaxed the room. “Anyway, sounds like we’ve got a plan. We’re gonna fight the demon god, and we’re gonna win.” The others nodded resolutely. “So while you guys are working with Bond…what should we do?” “Good question. You all can…” Diamond trailed off, her expression going rigid. Seeing her strange reaction, Nick gulped. “We just went to hell and back. I’m ready for anything, no matter how difficult.” “No, that’s not it,” she said. “Huh? Whaddaya want us to do, then?” “…Nothing,” Diamond said. “Huh?” Diamond gave him a blank look. “I don’t think we’ll need you for half a year.”
Chapter 100
55 min read