episode_0071

Since Hermes had stepped forward confidently, I had to do my part.

First, I needed a house.

‘To be more precise, I need things to put in the house.’

But for that, a residence was essential.

And alchemy catalysts, poisons, potions—things to make them.

After buying all that, 30 platinum coins were gone.

‘A real scam.’

It was downright depressing.

Since I went to a place recommended by Vulcan and Hermes, the quality was guaranteed, but…

‘Damn it, my money!!’

I screamed internally, but all that came out were deep sighs.

I knew it was all necessary spending, but it still stung.

‘I saved that money so carefully.’

Still, the fact that the last labyrinth expedition hadn’t been settled yet was some consolation.

‘If things go well, I might even get a full platinum coin.’

Humming to myself, I headed to the adventurer’s guild.

Maybe because it had rained yesterday, or perhaps because many had decided to rest like us—

The place was packed.

And in one corner, I saw people crying.

Hilda was being held by them, and soon they approached me.

“These people came to collect the belongings you brought back, Mr. Yuseong.”

“Ah, the belongings.”

“Th-thank you. Because of you, we could at least hold a funeral.”

My heart grew a little heavier.

After the bereaved family left, I settled the payment with Hilda in the accounting office.

Normally, Hermes would handle this, but today I decided to do it myself.

‘Well, he’s busy, so what can you do.’

Since he’s running around like crazy to replenish the clan’s members, I had to step up.

After heading to the accounting office and finishing the settlement—

“A total of five platinum coins.”

“……Wow.”

I received an enormous sum.

Of course, this wasn’t all mine to keep.

I’d have to split it further, but—

‘Still, my share is the largest.’

The world suddenly seemed more beautiful.

Since Hermes was busy preparing clan members, I had my own preparations to make.

I’d bought a new house, but since I was still in the process of moving, it wasn’t quite ready yet.

So, in the inn room, I sat on the bed and stared at Rishiel.

‘Time to get ready.’

I’ll use anything I can.

That’s my principle.

-……Why are you looking at me like that?’

‘It’s about time. Now that the clan’s formed, I need to expand the party.’

-Are you asking for my recommendation? Sadly, the only one I can recommend here is Sylvanas. Frankly, I don’t even know why that wench is here in the first place.

‘What nonsense.’

-……?

I looked at Rishiel, who kept spouting nonsense, and spoke.

‘I told you. There’s a speed-focused swordsman.’

-……Wait, you. Don’t tell me—

‘It’s about time I returned your body.’

I retrieved Rishiel’s corpse from the hidden space.

The body still held a faint warmth.

‘……Preserved exactly as it was at the moment of death.’

So her skills wouldn’t have deteriorated.

I took out her soul stone—

And embedded it straight into her body.

Her pale skin gradually regained warmth.

I looked around, but Rishiel was nowhere to be seen.

‘This is a bit…….’

It felt lonely.

While Hermes was frantically running around to recruit party members—

I stood there with a blank expression, staring at a man.

“What is it?”

“Don’t look at me like that. Normally, I’d hesitate to do this even if I were paid. Feels like I’m doing charity work here.”

“Charity, my ass. You just can’t do it because of that sword, right?”

“……This is why I hate perceptive brats.”

Listening to Diago’s nonsense, I couldn’t help but sigh.

Why was I even with this guy?

“Is the holy sword still causing trouble?”

“Yeah, it’s whining about wanting to go to you.”

“Why not just hand it over to that so-called genius the Empire’s hiding?”

“Well, I figured it’d quiet down if I did that, but—”

Diago let out a deep sigh before continuing.

“The problem is, that existence said it wanted to see you.”

“Why is that a problem?”

Was their personality as twisted as Veronica’s?

“You don’t know about that existence. Its talent alone is enough to drive any genius to despair.”

“Why would someone like that be interested in me?”

“Because you’re one of the closest candidates to becoming a hero.”

“…….”

Honestly, I couldn’t care less.

The fate of an entire race resting on one person. Veronica had called that person the hero.

‘A being who holds the rise and fall of a race in their hands.’

They were even called the hope of their race.

Humans had always produced saints, but—

While that was a constant, other races didn’t have that luxury.

To put it simply, the Sword Hero. Most of them emerged from orcs, but—

Occasionally, they’d appear among dwarves or elves too.

And sometimes, someone completely unexpected would pop up.

‘But humans usually only produce saints, so…’

This time, things were different.

The Sword Hero.

The Empire’s hidden trump card.

That existence had suddenly appeared.

“To be honest, I’d prefer if you handled this quickly.”

“Handled what?”

“The holy sword choosing you. I think it’d be fine if you became the Rogue Hero, but… That’s just the opinion of an Imperial bureaucrat and a guild member. As a person, I’d rather you not get involved with her… Though maybe you’d be different.”

He’s just rambling to himself at this point.

“I don’t want you getting dragged into this.”

“What the hell is this ‘existence’ you keep talking about? Why is everyone making such a fuss?”

“Genius Slayer. Heard that nickname before?”

“I have.”

“It kills geniuses. Literally. The talent it possesses is so overwhelming that even other geniuses despair. A single glance is enough to master intermediate swordsmanship. The more absurd part? When it spars, it uses swordsmanship perfectly tailored to its opponent.”

“……?”

Wasn’t that something anyone could do?

I mean, even I could pull that off with my Sword Mastery.

“But you’re different. Even among geniuses. You’re the only one who can keep pace with that unreasonable prodigy.”

Diago rarely complimented me.

“That’s what worries me. The Empire poured everything into raising that existence. If it sees you as a threat, who knows what the Empire will do to you.”

“……I’m just a rogue, though.”

“That’s the problem too. The elf tribe’s unique class, the Bow Hero, suddenly appeared out of nowhere.”

“What the hell is this bastard even babbling about now?”

Vulcan butted in.

Diago brightened up at the sight of him.

“Big bro!”

“Who’s your big bro?! And how many times have I told you? You’ve got tunnel vision—stop giving advice to others.”

“But this is important. The Empire’s hidden sword has taken an interest in this guy.”

Vulcan frowned at Diago’s words.

“Ah, that kid, huh? Talent-wise, they’re slightly better than this brat.”

“See? That’s why—”

“Barely.”

Vulcan cut him off.

“And this brat’s a rogue. If he teams up with that kid, the synergy would be insane. The gap between them is razor-thin. A little effort could flip the results.”

“……That much?”

“Haven’t you seen it?”

“Seen what?”

“You’ve got eyes, yet you’re still blind as a bat.”

Vulcan sighed in exasperation.

But there was one thing I was curious about.

“If my swordsmanship talent is comparable, isn’t that a problem?”

“Don’t downplay your own talent. You’re far from ordinary.”

A guy who can wield other races’ swordsmanship could never be normal.

Vulcan muttered under his breath, just loud enough for me to hear.

“Wait, if my swordsmanship is already at that level…?”

“Add everything else, and you might be even beyond that.”

After saying that, Vulcan grabbed me by the collar and yanked me up.

“Anyway, let’s go. Looks like you’ve been slacking on training lately.”

“I’ve been busy with other things…”

“Whatever. Hurry up. Now that you’ve hit Level 4, there’s a lot more to do.”

“How did you know?”

“You come back radiating murderous intent like that, then ask ‘How did you know?’—unbelievable.”

“I just leveled up, so I couldn’t control it well.”

“Unbelievable.”

Vulcan let out a short laugh before dragging me off somewhere.

“So, what title are you going with?”

“Title?”

“Yeah, around Level 4, it’s about time to pick one. I’m pushing for ‘Sword Demon.’”

“……Can you just self-proclaim or push for that?”

“Well, I’m the Sword King.”

So he’s using his authority to force it.

‘Sword Demon, huh.’

Not bad. Better than some weird title.

“Of course, there are plenty who call themselves Sword Demons, so you might need a prefix. How about ‘Self-Proclaimed Sword Demon’?”

“That’s a bit…”

“If you don’t like it, get stronger. Strong enough that the title ‘Sword Demon’ fits you.”

“…….”

“Well, your nickname will probably be ‘Dragon’ anyway.”

“Dragon?”

“Yeah. In the East, they call young talents like you ‘Dragon’ or ‘Phoenix.’ It caught on here too. Now, any standout in their 20s gets called that.”

“What about that ‘Genius Slayer’ guy?”

“Oh? You showing interest is rare.”

Vulcan smirked before spitting it out.

“Heavenly Dragon. That kid’s called that.”

“Heavenly Dragon…”

“I call him a kid, but his talent’s the real deal. Give him ten years, and he might surpass me.”

I looked at Vulcan in surprise.

It was the first time I’d heard him praise someone so openly.

“What about me?”

“Dunno.”

Vulcan made a conflicted face, as if evaluating me.

“Originally, I’d say five years.”

“Originally?”

“Now, I’m not sure. Your growth rate’s absurd.”

“Hoh.”

“Don’t get cocky. We’re almost there, so stay sharp.”

Following Vulcan’s words, I glanced around—the path looked familiar.

When had I been here last?

‘……Feels nostalgic.’

Green Bone Horse.

The names Nation and Viola came to mind.

And at the end of this path was—

‘The Guild Master.’

That existence had been there.

But now, it felt different. Not in a bad way, just—

‘The presence isn’t as overwhelming.’

Instead, another presence stood out.

“Why ‘stay sharp’?”

“There’s someone ahead who wants to see you. Figured it wouldn’t hurt for you to know.”

“Hurt how?”

“Burkhan. Someone on the same level as that guy.”

“An orc candidate for hero…”

“Not an orc this time.”

Click.

As Vulcan opened the door—

A wild scent filled the air.

“Hoh, so you’re the famous one.”

A playful grin, with distinctly non-human features.

Fox ears—the mark of a beastfolk.

Snow-white hair and glowing blue eyes.

“Let’s introduce ourselves first. I am Fenrir’s successor, the sharpest claw of the forest, the bravest wolf, a beastfolk candidate for hero—”

Mid-sentence, the beastfolk froze, staring at me blankly.

“……?”

Why’d they stop?

At my reaction, they flinched, then blushed in embarrassment.

“……P-please call this humble one… Cheong Yurang.”

“……?!?!?!?!?!?!?”

What the hell?