Flash!
The moment the radiance collided with Adonis’ sword, a tremendous burst of light erupted as if it were spewing out all the swallowed light.
Boom!!
Thud— Thud-thud-.
An ear-splitting explosion.
Unable to withstand the force, pieces of the ceiling slowly began to fall.
Needless to say, Adonis was unharmed.
‘Recently increased stats notwithstanding… they aren’t enough to reach Adonis.’
After all, Adonis is a nine-star knight.
As if to prove it, as the dust settled, Adonis’ figure began to emerge bit by bit.
Not a scratch or a speck of dust on him.
Only the multicolored flames I had shot were still swirling around him.
“…”
Was it because of the power of ‘One Flash,’ or because he had witnessed the secret technique of the Lester family, or was it because I could use them myself?
Adonis’ face was filled with shock.
‘Well, it’s all three.’
Unlike the intentionally missed ‘Sky Splitter,’ I had launched ‘One Flash’ directly at Adonis.
It was an act that could be called an ‘attack.’
Why attack Adonis?
I knew that Adonis, being a nine-star knight, would not die from my attack.
‘This is precisely the strategy to win over Adonis.’
To put it precisely, it could be called the ‘strategy to win Adonis’ heart.’
Adonis, in truth, is not a young child but an elderly man.
Knowing that his death was not far off, Adonis was searching for a child to entrust Victoria, and furthermore, a child to serve the Empire.
To cultivate his successor—that was Adonis’ purpose.
‘In simple terms, he’s looking for a promising youngster.’
That’s why I attacked.
A child who boldly attacks a hero.
There could be no more promising child in this world.
“How could you use ‘One Flash’…!”
Of course, there was one small problem.
Ostensibly, the Lester family had instigated a rebellion.
And I used the sword technique of that family right in front of Adonis, the Emperor’s sword?
I would have no excuses if I were to be beheaded immediately.
Yet, I boldly used ‘One Flash’ for a reason.
‘When the Lester family fell, Adonis was in the Holy Kingdom.’
Meaning, Adonis had no involvement in that affair.
His family, the Cassel family, might have been involved, but given Adonis’ nature and wisdom, it’s likely he would have argued to delay the punishment of the traitors.
It’s not speculation. In the game, when playing a character whose main skill is swordsmanship, activating a hidden piece during a conversation with Adonis.
‘The Lester family’s ‘One Flash’ was splendid. I wished to see that beautiful strike once again, though it might be difficult now…’
With those words, he would upgrade the skill level of my swordsmanship.
Even reminiscing about the Lester family and increasing the skill level?
It implies that Adonis holds considerable goodwill toward the Lester family.
“Speak now! Or I shall force you to speak!”
His agitation was understandable, having used a move he thought he’d never see again.
“Keke, it’s embarrassing to say this myself… but I am a genius, you know.”
“…A genius?”
“That’s right. I can replicate any technique just by seeing it once.”
“That’s preposterous…”
“For your information, this is something even Master Caron has acknowledged, so you can verify it if you wish. Or, Adonis, you could test it yourself right now?”
I provocatively nudged my Sacred Sword toward Adonis.
My plan was as follows:
‘The moment Adonis uses a secret technique…’
I would use the Lester family’s second secret technique, ‘Moon Shadow,’ to deflect Adonis’ attack.
Then, replicate the used secret technique with ‘Divine Imitation’ and strike once more.
‘There could be no better counterattack than this.’
After the gathering was over, I had asked Luna to copy ‘Moon Shadow.’
Just when I was about to give Adonis another shock.
Pssh…
“…?”
The sound of a candle being snuffed out followed, and the multicolored flames blazing on the blade lost their light and disappeared.
All that remained in my hand was an old sword hilt.
The duration had ended.
I knew 180 seconds was short, but this was unbelievably brief.
‘No, not now! Hang in there a little longer! Curse this parrot-like thing!’
Fizz-!
Just as I was tapping the sword hilt, a significant static charge sparked from the Sacred Sword.
Agh!
The shock was enough to make my body tremble.
But I couldn’t make a sound.
Adonis was staring at me with piercing eyes right in front of me.
‘He might think the Sacred Sword is rejecting me.’
I desperately endured the pain and racked my brain.
Although the Sacred Sword had lost its power, in this situation, it was practically irrelevant.
‘I have already proven that I am an ally and the rightful wielder of the Sacred Sword.’
All that remained was to demonstrate the ‘credentials of a skilled person’ as Adonis had put it.
I didn’t need the Sacred Sword for that.
I could imitate Adonis’ secret techniques with just a twig.
As I gauged the timing to use ‘Moon Shadow,’ Adonis spoke.
“No, that’s enough. I’ve seen sufficient skill.”
“Keke, is that so? How about that? Would you say I’m skilled enough to wield the Sacred Sword?”
“No, you are still far lacking.”
Hmm… That’s true.
Adonis’ standard was at least the realm of a seven-star.
Thanks to the ‘Divine Imitation’ skill, ‘Sky Splitter’ and ‘One Flash’ receive an A-grade evaluation, but they are not quite at that level.
Each of his attacks would match the power of my current ‘Sky Splitter.’
‘Maybe if my stats were 2-300 points higher…’
The fact is, I don’t measure up to Adonis’ standards right now.
Nothing can be done. Given the situation, I have to play up my specs.
“Keke, to tell you the truth, I was third in the entrance exam.”
“An average achievement. I was always first.”
“Right after entering, I discovered and defeated a Demon’s Shard that appeared to be a prototype of Erosion.”
“I think I was fifteen when I fought and defeated ten eight-grade demons.”
“I was also the first student to receive a commendation before the midterms!”
“Does the timing matter? I remember when my room was so full of awards I had to burn some.”
“…”
Right, so your specs are better than mine? Much better.
A real monster, indeed. But even Adonis hasn’t had this experience.
“Despite appearances, I’ve fought a fourth-grade demon.”
“…You mean you fought a superior demon and survived?”
“Keke, that’s right. I faced off against the demon Bineus who attacked the academy, and thanks to me, my fellow students were safe.”
“The more you talk, the more doubts arise.”
“Excuse me?”
“There has never been a demon attack on the academy before. Did they appear because you were here?”
Truth is, I was there when Rodelin landed the final blow on the Demon’s Shard.
And it was I who led Rodelin to where the Demon’s Shard was.
So it is true that it happened because of me.
“Hmm… Hmmmm…”
Adonis’ gaze stabbed at me piercingly. I wonder if Rezé felt like this?
It was a tricky situation. And, as usual, when things get tough.
Changing the subject is the best tactic.
“It’s not so important. Even if I’m a bit lacking, isn’t it more important that the Sacred Sword has accepted me?”
“Ho, you have a knack for changing the subject. You’ve done this a lot, haven’t you?”
Hmm, even this approach isn’t working. I underestimated Adonis too much.
‘I should have planned assuming he was on Caron’s level…’
In the game, it’s impossible to be hostile towards Adonis, who is essentially a softie.
That was my mistake, underestimating him.
I should have thoroughly considered Adonis’ life experiences and wisdom.
“Indeed, as you say, being recognized by the Sacred Sword… that is more important than anything.”
But.
“The Sacred Sword is more than just an important object. And you, being as clever as you are, must understand the consequences of losing such an item better than anyone else, right?”
His tone was like that of a grandfather persuading a young child.
As if he was saying that the toy in hand was dangerous and he would return it later.
I almost unconsciously handed the Sacred Sword over to Adonis.
‘No. Don’t stop thinking. Think, think more!’
It wasn’t just stubbornness. Every hidden piece had a breakthrough, a route that only offered gains.
So there must be such a path now.
One that not only saves my life and clears the sixth quest.
‘But also a way to keep the Sacred Sword.’
Ching!
A puzzle named Adonis began to form in my mind.
An old man, who prefers bold children over smart ones, who likes candy.
A person of wisdom rather than knowledge, wise.
And.
‘A seeker of romance.’
Someone who understands the harsh realities of the world better than anyone.
Someone who, within his reach, secretly offers help.
Even if it’s a fleeting encounter, he helps so that the person can chase their dreams.
Then, I remembered what I needed to say.
“I’m sorry, but I can’t hand over a friend.”
“…A friend?”
“Yes, this contains… the soul of my dear friend.”
I looked down at the handle of the Sacred Sword left in my hand.
A purposely sad smile was an added touch.
“Aren’t you curious how I obtained the Sacred Sword?”
I slowly explained everything to Adonis.
The parrot, the jester, Luterus, the Demon’s Shard, the Sacred Sword losing its power.
The sacrifice of the parrot.
The statues of Luterus and the parrot erected.
The attack by the demon Bineus and how the Sacred Sword, Artana, regained its power once again.
“I see. The sacrifice of two heroes… That’s quite remarkable.”
“Yes. In fact, I still cry every night… Sob!”
Crackle-!
Static sparked again from the Sacred Sword.
Ah! This damn parrot, really!
I clenched my teeth and endured the pain, and a single tear naturally fell.
Perhaps he had not expected me to cry. Adonis looked noticeably flustered.
“I’m sorry to have brought up those painful memories.”
“Keke, it’s okay. The parrot is always with me. Always!”
I emphasized that point forcefully.
Maybe that influenced him; Adonis let out a small laugh.
“It can’t be helped. One cannot simply take away a friend.”
“Does that mean…”
“Yes, I recognize your ownership of the Sacred Sword. You will be under my protection for the time being, though.”
That meant I had managed to keep the Sacred Sword.
Now all that was left was to prove I was not an enemy and complete the sixth quest.
“Keke, have all your suspicions about me been resolved?”
“Suspicions? Any such thoughts disappeared the moment you took up the Sacred Sword.”
“Really?”
“Someone who can wield the Sacred Sword cannot be evil. I’ve known you were an ally for quite some time.”
So everything since I faced him with the Sacred Sword was a test?
Whether it’s Caron, Lucia, or Adonis.
It seems there isn’t a single normal person in this world.
“Well, I meant it when I said I would keep the Sacred Sword safe until you grew up.”
Hmm, so that was a hidden piece intended to take the Sacred Sword away?
Thinking about it again, it really is a lousy hidden piece.
“Of course, you’re still young, and even if you’re good now, you might harbor evil intentions later… But it doesn’t matter. The Sacred Sword will punish you then.”
Does that mean I’ll burn to death if I harbor evil intentions?
But that won’t happen. We’re friends… no, best buddies.
‘Right, parrot?’
…
Hmm, it seems our little bird has fallen into a deep sleep.
Let’s move on. The static from the parrot made me cry, and Adonis was completely fooled by it.
[You have met the condition.]
[Prove You Are Not an Enemy (1/1)]
An information window popped up before my eyes.
With that, all conditions for the sixth quest were met.
‘When will the quest be tallied? After parting with Adonis?’
Just then, Adonis approached me.
“Indeed, you’ve worked hard. I think you deserve to learn one of my techniques as a reward.”
This was one of the rewards, and the very reason this quest felt forced.
‘One suitable skill among those Adonis possesses.’
It seemed he was about to offer that reward.
It was only natural that I… no, my eyes sparkled with anticipation.
“Let’s see… what would be fitting? Thunder Dragon Strike? Lightning Strike? No, Gae Bolg might be a good choice too.”
All of them were impressive skills. Moreover, the most flamboyant and powerful—the electric skills!
I would have been happy with any of them.
“Right, you said you could learn anything by watching. Then it should definitely be Gae Bolg…”
Gae Bolg! That absolutely broken skill right here for the taking!
I was dazzled by the thought.
“No, wait.”
“?”
“Given your excellent reflexes… this technique will suit you best.”
“Really?”
[‘Adonis Style Counter (S)’ skill acquired.]
[Adonis Style Counter : S]
A technique realized by Adonis during his training.
When the ‘Sword Defense’ skill is activated, there is a 100% chance that ‘Adonis Style Counter’ will activate.
Damn it.
I couldn’t help but curse.
A counter-attack skill was annoying enough, but only when ‘Sword Defense’ is activated?
Would this even trigger once before the game ends?
‘This is such crap! Give me back my Gae Bolg!’
I wanted to ask for a different skill.
But Adonis had already begun demonstrating.
“Try attacking me.”
He beckoned with his hand, taunting me.
I swung my fist at him—towards Adonis, who had offered and then denied me my beloved Gae Bolg!
Just as my fist was about to reach Adonis’ face.
He subtly turned his neck and dodged, his right hand moving like lightning.
Flash!
Adonis’ palm stopped right in front of me.
The blast of air whipped my hair around, and at the same time.
Boom!!
Lightning shot out behind me, and the walls of the sparring hall crumbled down.
Adonis smiled slyly and said.
“How’s that? Easy, right?”
…Easy, really?
–TL Notes–
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