EP.53 15-1. May All Your Worries Turn into a Downpour
It felt as though about a month had passed.
“Now, I believe you’re well-prepared, boy.”
“Yes, Heavenly Demon.”
I had mastered the four basic stances of the Magnolia Sword Art. Though I hadn’t reached the level of employing its techniques like Heavenly Demon or wiping out an entire forest in one go, I had achieved a degree of proficiency in utilizing internal energy.
“The stage of the Heart Sword. Let us begin immediately.”
With her black hanbok fluttering in the breeze, White Magnolia approached me, speaking in a calm tone. I was keenly aware that I had been missing for quite some time. If I delayed any longer, the others would surely begin to worry.
“boy, are you familiar with lodestone?”
“…Are you referring to a magnet?”
Leaning against a wooden pillar, I listened attentively to Heavenly Demon’s words. She had mentioned that meditating while receiving the energy of wood (mok) would be beneficial.
“Indeed, a miraculous mineral capable of attracting iron. I derived my insights from it.”
I was unsure what the Heart Sword truly entailed, but then she suddenly brought up magnets. I tilted my head, puzzled.
“Just as the magnet attracts iron, I thought that perhaps human hearts could draw each other closer.”
“…I’m not sure I follow.”
“To escape the fog of ignorance cast by the Head, one must find direction. And the easiest way to do so is by relying on someone outside.”
‘Like a compass,’ I thought.
If such a method were possible, it could neutralize the disorienting and oppressive powers of the Demon Lord. I nodded in agreement.
“The Heart Sword is a state where one’s heart and sword become one, boy.”
As she spoke, White Magnolia drew her sword from her waist. It was an ordinary black blade.
“It is the act of embedding one’s inner essence into the sword to deliver a cut. However…”
The sword itself seemed unremarkable apart from its black hue. I wondered idly what she intended to show me with such a blade.
“…All that remained for me was time. Wouldn’t that be too simple?”
White Magnolia closed her eyes gently, her expression tinged with sorrow. I knew she had been trapped here for a long time due to the Head’s ignorance.
“Even if the magnolia blooms grow withered, I shall not forget you.”
As soon as she recited this phrase, an astonishing sight unfolded before my eyes.
Thud.
A sound echoed as a sword fell from the sky, landing precisely at White Magnolia’s feet. It was a white blade, the complete opposite of the black one she held moments earlier.
“Where did this sword suddenly come from?”
“It is simple. One forges the sword from within their own heart and manifests it. This is a weapon capable of opposing the Demon Lord. Doesn’t it seem familiar to you?”
“Does this mean… The emphasis on willpower was all for this?”
As I stared at White Magnolia in stunned disbelief, Heavenly Demon, perceiving my bewilderment, chuckled slyly from beneath her helm.
“Kuhuhu! Yes, it is a ‘fake holy sword,’ boy!”
“How is this even possible?”
“The notion that only a sword forged by a god can vanquish the Demon Lord is utterly absurd upon reflection!”
White Magnolia burst into laughter. Indeed, this weapon could easily be mistaken for a divine artifact. The blade bore intricate magnolia patterns.
“This can harm the Demon Lord?”
“Exactly. The human heart is the most vital and powerful force. What would those who belittle human creations as mere trifles know?”
A faint azure wave shimmered along the blade. Was this sword, born from my heart, influenced by my thoughts of Dennis? Now, it all made sense.
“Imagine the one and only sword within your heart and use it to cleave through the Demon Lord’s power, boy.”
“And that requires thinking of someone else while doing so…?”
“Only then can you produce a blade that will neither break nor falter against the Demon Lord. It is the only weapon to sever this corrupt world, unique to you.”
Indeed, ranked second among the Ten Greats. Such greatness was befitting of Heavenly Demon. I couldn’t help but feel a sense of awe. While others risked their lives to obtain a holy sword, I was being taught to create an artificial one.
“Incredible. I could never have come up with such an idea….”
“Currently, you’re wielding an iron sword or borrowing another’s holy blade, much like when we first met. How foolish you’ve been.”
“…”
“The Heart Sword will guide you, allowing you to cut through the Demon Lord’s powers.”
Heavenly Demon sighed deeply, then addressed me with a commanding tone, her voice as sharp as the brown-scaled dragon she resembled.
“Now that the inner demons of your heart have receded, forge your very own Heart Sword, boy.”
She gestured for me to close my eyes and meditate. A sword that connects hearts… What remained in my heart now?
Ah, the Nameless Saintess.
I recalled memories of long ago.
***
[The Duke’s Husband: Hey, what’s with your Saintess fetish?]
[Pure Love Dark Knight: Why, you jealous sugar baby?]
[The Duke’s Husband: Are you going to follow the Saintess route in this sequel too?]
[The Duke’s Husband: Seriously, man. Try some other route for once.]
[The Duke’s Husband: Just not the Northern Grand Duchess route.]
On the day I got pulled into this game, such conversations were exchanged in our guild chat.
“The Northern Grand Duchess isn’t even on my radar.”
I paused mid-sip of an energy drink. Since this guy knew I was a die-hard player who only pursued the Saintess route, I supposed he had the right to say such things.
“…I’ll do what I want, you idiot.”
As I typed out my retort, my eyes caught sight of a horrifying combination of words.
[NTRGoldenKnight: Agreed. They added harem and NTR routes. Try those instead.]
Damn it. Who the hell invited a guy like that into the guild?
The can in my hand crumpled under the pressure of my grip.
[Pure Love Dark Knight: “Yup~ This time too, I’ll crush the Demon Lord, rise to fame, and live happily ever after with the Saintess~”]
I struggled to suppress the anger boiling within me. No matter how infuriating it was, I had to hold back just this once. After all, a new route like that had been added to Dark Heart.
“Ugh, this is disgusting.”