Chapter 129: The New Master of the Holy Sword

Verlotta, through the kind guidance of the Archmage and the high noble, arrived at a new realization.

“What… what the hell is going on?!”

Turns out, when someone is too confused, they get angry.

Even if it means losing their temper in front of an Archmage and a high noble.

Over the past few days, Verlotta had been conducting investigations alongside Pallarg and Drey.

Though it was a short time, both Drey and Pallarg had made an overwhelming impression.

She felt that they were people worthy of the respect their reputations demanded.

Drey’s poise and grace managed to harmonize the investigation team despite everyone coming from different backgrounds.

And Pallarg—while his remarks were brief and aloof—possessed a depth of magical knowledge that was practically unfathomable.

Even Verlotta, whose standards for people had risen after working alongside the Hero, found that these two more than met her expectations.

She respected them deeply.

So much so that, if they gave advice regarding the Hero, she would gladly listen.

But right now, she just couldn’t.

She had no idea why these two were spouting such nonsense.

Or how she was supposed to respond to it.

“So, let me get this straight! You’re saying you saw multiple devils in this Risir guy’s Spiritual World!? Are you hearing yourselves!? And anyway, how did you even see someone else’s Spiritual World!?”

Verlotta wasn’t calling their words nonsense for no reason.

There were gaping holes in their logic.

They said they saw devils—plural—in Risir’s Spiritual World.

As outrageous as that sounds, let’s humor them for a second and assume Risir really was hosting multiple devils inside him.

Even in that case, would he really let others peer into his own Spiritual World?

A Spiritual World isn’t something one can view so easily.

Especially if the subject is defensive, it becomes virtually impossible.

A devil worshiper whose mind is being invaded by devils?

Letting someone look into their Spiritual World freely?

As if.

They’d sooner kill themselves.

In other words, it’s just not realistic to think they could have peeked into a devil worshiper’s Spiritual World.

Verlotta pointed that flaw out first.

“We retrieved a mirror from a high priestess of a cult. Something called the Mirror of Reflection. We used that to view Risir’s Spiritual World.”

Drey answered casually.

Verlotta was floored.

Are you kidding me!?

Artifacts, objects with not just magical properties but power beyond normal comprehension, were known as “relics.”

The mirror Drey mentioned clearly fell under that category.

And apparently, they just happened to get their hands on such a relic.

From a devil worshiper no less, someone even the Hero would struggle to fight.

Seriously?

If some random person had said this, Verlotta would’ve burst out laughing.

But, it wasn’t some random person.

It was a high noble and an Archmage.

Coming from them… it almost sounded believable.

The absurdity briefly made Verlotta feel a pang of injustice.

But she quickly gathered herself.

There were still plenty of things wrong with what they were saying.

“Devils are greedy beings! They’d never allow their follower to serve multiple devils! There’s no way more than one devil could exist in a single human’s Spiritual World! A human couldn’t withstand it! Their mind would shatter!”

“Oh, it’s not like he’s serving them or anything. He’s just… storing them in there.”

“???”

Storing?

Verlotta frowned.

That word… that’s not how it’s supposed to be used here, right?

Does he think a Spiritual World is some sort of storage pouch? And what is he even storing? devils?

She was officially lost.

She couldn’t even follow the conversation anymore, questioning it was no longer possible.

All she could do was blink blankly and stare at the two.

“…”

“…”

Drey and Pallarg looked back at her with pleased smiles.

What’s with that expression!?

Seeing Verlotta completely overwhelmed, they decided to be kind.

“Risir.”

Drey called out to the boy in the distance and, after a quick explanation, said.

“So, could you show her?”

Heh.

Risir let out an awkward laugh and scratched his head.

“Sure. Not like it’s anything grand.”

With a casual air, Risir began his elemental showcase.

And in the process—

Verlotta learned the names of two other “elementals.”

Clana.

A blue-haired, short-bob girl elemental she didn’t recognize.

And then—

A flaming mass called Dan’Galeon.

“The Scorching Black Flame, Dan’Galeon…”

“You wretched girl! Are your eyes made of tree knots!? Look at this radiant form! What part of this looks black to you!?”

Now Verlotta’s suspicions had solidified into conviction.

No doubt about it.

These “elementals” were devils.

And yet—

“…”

So?

What, they’re devils. Now what?

The entire situation seemed to mock her concerns.

“Sir Drey… Lord Pallarg… As I’ve said multiple times, those elementals… they’re devils.”

“Thank you. That clears up a lot.”

See?

Now Verlotta stood in lonely, quiet despair.

Why would a devil follow a human…

Why would a devil reside in a human’s Spiritual World…

How would a devil even enter one in the first place…

Eh?

Eh??

Eh???

Those were the only sounds coming out of Verlotta’s mouth now.

It was then—

“Risir!”

From the direction of Verdandes, a white-haired woman from Risir’s group called out.

“Something’s wrong with her!”

“…!”

It’s finally happening!?

Risir’s group rushed toward Verdandes in panic.

Verlotta hurriedly followed.

“Ver!?”

The sand girl elemental…

Her body was glowing.

It started faint, but soon the radiance grew so intense that it became painful to look at.

While everyone shielded their eyes,

Verlotta alone kept her gaze locked on the girl elemental.

Elemental— No.

The Devil, Verdandes.

She would not miss the transformation.

She needed to be prepared, for the worst-case scenario.

And so, Verlotta watched with wide eyes.

The dreadful change that unfolded in devil Verdandes.

“!!!”

The fluffy little girl elemental’s eyebrows grew darker.

Her previously brave expression gained a new level of intensity.

“…”

That’s it?

She absorbed the Residue of the Faceless One and… that’s all?

The glow faded.

Risir lowered his hand and looked at his little elemental with sharpened eyes.

“Verdande…ssiu!? What the? Why does she look even braver than before!?”

“No!”

The little elemental declared boldly to her confused master.

“I am Verdande…”

Her tiny body trembled as she squeezed out the final syllable—

“Ssuya!!!”

With all her might, she raised both arms and proclaimed it.

“Guh…!”

Risir was overwhelmed by the majesty of it all.

“Risir, what’s going on!?”

“Why are you so shocked!?”

Finally,  Drey and Pallarg were taken aback.

Verlotta was too.

But not for the same reason.

You’re more surprised that he’s reacting emotionally than the fact that he’s harboring devils!?

Why!?

Then came Risir’s next words, and Verlotta lost it.

“Our Ver has… ascended. She’s reached a higher level!”

“You mean… the devil has grown closer to its original rank?!”

“Well, that’s great news!!!”

“Excuse me!? Lord Pallarg!? Great news!?”

“Ah! So she’s one step closer to adulthood!”

“No, Sir Drey! Adulthood!? That’s a de—”

Verlotta was on the verge of losing her mind.

But Drey and Pallarg didn’t even seem to notice.

They simply smiled fondly at the little elemental.

Risir patted her head with a beaming smile.

“!!!”

The little elemental stood with hands on her hips, soaking in their praise.

She looked absolutely dignified.

“…Hehe… hehehe…”

A soft, dying chuckle slipped from Verlotta’s lips.

And with that, she stopped questioning them.

“Tsk tsk.”

Only one person—the white-haired girl—looked at her with pity.

The Residue of the Faceless One was successfully destroyed.

“My goodness, is that what you mean!? How—what happened!?”

“It was destroyed. That’s all.”

“?”

“Look, it was all for your sake, so don’t pry too much! Lord Pallarg and Sir Drey said they’d remember your efforts, so just take it that way!”

“Wait, Verlotta! Please, explain in more detail—!”

Right after the incident, the investigators showed great interest in the resolution of the mystery that had been abruptly solved.

However, Verlotta, now in charge as the investigation leader, decided to leave their curiosity unanswered, for their own protection.

And so, the investigation squad, having miraculously completed their mission, was disbanded with great success.

“So… is it really over now? That damned Face Thief incident?”

Risir, who had been following them with Fienne, spoke up.

To that, Fienne smiled meaningfully.

“Not yet.”

“Oh no. What’s left now?”

“The most important part.”

“Sharing a victory hug with Fienne?”

“Tell me. What exactly did you do this time?”

“Uh… I captured the Face Thief?”

“More precisely.”

“Hmm? I guess… I captured the Face Thief who killed the Hero?”

“Exactly that.”

Tap.

Tap.

Fienne’s long, slender fingers tapped Risir’s waist.

The sword hanging at his hip.

“Tell me. What is a Hero?”

“Uh… someone chosen by the Holy Sword?”

“In that case, the Face Thief essentially killed the owner of the Holy Sword, didn’t he?”

“Seems like it?”

“Then what happened to that sword?”

“Huh?”

“The Hero was slain by the Face Thief. What do you think happened to the fifth Holy Sword, Sword of Enhancement, that he owned? Did the thief just leave it there after killing him?”

“No. If he went through the trouble of killing the Hero, he wouldn’t have just left such a great prize behind. Maybe that was even the reason he killed him in the first place.”

“Exactly. Just as you said, the Face Thief didn’t leave the sword. He took it.”

“Oh, don’t tell me what’s left to do is retrieving that sword?”

“No need to worry about that. The Knight Order already recovered the sword and have it in storage.”

For a new owner.

Fienne added, with significance.

“A new owner…?”

“The Sword of Enhancement lost its owner and is now looking for a new one. At this moment, who do you think is the most suitable candidate?”

“Fienne? Because you’re the most beautiful person in the world?”

“Ugh.”

“Wait, don’t tell me… you’re going to say me?”

“Right. You’re definitely not someone worthy to inherit the great will of the First Hero and become a new Holy Sword bearer. But… the Knight Order seem to think differently.”

“What exactly did they say…”

“You’re the one who contributed most in the subjugation of the Hero Slayer. And also the one who played the biggest part in retrieving the Holy Sword. Therefore, they insist, if anyone is to be tested by the sword first, it should be you.”

“…”

Risir’s expression turned complicated.

“Risir.”

It was Magnus, deputy commander of the Knight Order, who had rushed over upon hearing Risir had awoken.

He approached and spoke.

“How’s your condition?”

“Oh, as you can see, I’m fine.”

“That’s good to hear. There’s a lot I want to discuss with you—truly, a lot—but for now, this takes priority.”

“No need to go through it again. I already explained everything.”

Exchanging a brief glance with Fienne, Magnus continued.

“I see? Thank you for your help. Then, Risir, if you’re ready, let’s depart.”

The Hero Jane.

The sixth Holy Sword’s bearer.

His name came from Magnus’s lips.

“He’s waiting for his turn—after you.”

Soon after, Verlotta approached.

She looked between Magnus and Risir, then opened her tired eyes wide.

“D-Don’t tell me… the one being tested before Jane is…”

Verlotta staggered, losing her balance.

When Risir arrived at the guest hall of the Goose’s mansion with Magnus, a few people greeted him.

“Risir. You’re here.”

First was Tua, the Knight Order commander.

And—

“Oh! So that’s the guy—”

A young man seated opposite Tua stood and approached Risir.

He had a bright, cheerful impression.

He extended a hand without hesitation.

“I’ve heard so much about you since I arrived here. Finally meeting you like this! Pleasure. I’m Jane.”

“Ah, Risir.”

Risir also took his hand without hesitation.

“Mhm!”

Jane gripped it firmly.

As if trying to gauge Risir through it.

Eventually, he smiled brightly and said,

“Do I seem greedy to you?”

“Pardon?”

“I already have a Holy Sword, and now I’m going after another.”

“Well… I don’t really know much about this whole thing.”

“…”

Jane stared silently at Risir.

Then suddenly burst into laughter.

“Ahahahaha! What’s with that attitude? Are you really someone aiming to wield a Holy Sword?”

“To be honest, it still doesn’t feel real. I’m completely out of sorts. Honestly, I don’t even think I’ll be chosen.”

Just as Jane was about to laugh again at Risir’s response—

– That’s a good mindset.

A woman’s voice interjected between them.

A haughty voice, as if looking down on them, but the voice came from below.

Risir glanced down.

The voice’s source was none other than the sword at Jane’s hip.

Its ornate red detailing resembled a rose.

– Risir, was it? Just as you said, the sword will choose Jane. Because he’s the one I chose. So let me say this upfront. Don’t get too attached to the result.

“Elysia…!”

At the sword’s obvious disdain, Jane scratched his head awkwardly.

“Sorry. As you can see, this sword’s got a rather… colorful personality. Sometimes it ends up offending people without meaning to. Please don’t take it personally, it wasn’t out of malice.”

He gave Risir a sheepish smile and bowed his head.

“Jane!”

A sharp voice called out from behind.

A stern-looking elven woman approached and whispered harshly.

It was Camilla, from Jane’s party.

“How many times do I have to tell you not to bow to people in public! You’re a Hero! The bearer of a Holy Sword! Even the high nobles can’t treat you lightly—!”

“But… this time we were clearly in the wrong, weren’t we?”

“Ugh…!”

Camilla let out a frustrated sound.

She then turned to Tua and said curtly.

“Everyone’s here. Let’s begin already.”

“…”

Tua looked at Risir.

When he nodded, she placed the Sword of Enhancement, wrapped in cloth, on the table.

– You! Don’t just stand there gawking—hurry up! Jane’s a busy man! Do you know how long he’s been stuck waiting because of you!?

The sword named Elysia barked at Risir.

Jane bowed apologetically.

Camilla frowned in disapproval.

Risir, watching the odd trio, gave a bitter smile and stepped toward the Sword of Enhancement.

He had expected something grand for a “Holy Sword trial,” but it seemed fairly simple.

The moment he touched the Sword of Enhancement—

– What is this!?

A shocked voice rang out.

The voice was tinted with fear.

Risir flinched and pulled his hand back.

Glancing around, he cautiously reached out again.

– What on earth is this!?

Again, the voice shouted in alarm.

“…”

Risir removed his hand and furrowed his brows.

Yeah… this sword definitely doesn’t like me.

Just then—

Camilla swiftly pulled Jane over and made him place his hand on the sword.

The moment Jane did so—

– Oh, yes. This is it!

The sword spoke in a deeply satisfied tone.

The contrast was stark.

The result was obvious.

The Sword of Enhancement had judged Jane to be the more fitting Hero.

As Camilla and Elysia prepared to express their satisfaction—

– A person needs some rough edges to be interesting after all! That guy from earlier… he was rather inhuman—

“?”

– No, wait. Now I’m conflicted. Maybe I’ve developed a more refined taste. But this one have so many flaws… Or maybe… I’m just comparing it to the previous guy?

“…?”

Camilla’s expression darkened at those ominous words.

– Zarak!!! What are you talking about!? Rough edges!? Flaws!?

Elysia berated the Sword of Enhancement.

“…Ah.”

From a step back, Verlotta, watching the entire exchange, dryly rubbed her face.

It had finally begun.