18. The Road Not Taken (4)

• Hello? Jihu-ya?

“Oh, do you have some time right now? There’s something I want to talk about. If it’s hard for you to come out, I can go to your place. I’m on the eastern outskirts of the residential area right now.”

• No, I’ll go there! Wait a minute!

Ttuu- ttuu-.

The repetitive mechanical sound signaling the end of the call rang in my ear.

I was a little surprised that she answered as soon as I called, as if she had been waiting for my call.

Could it be that Ryu-sin-ssi also had something to say to me?

Come to think of it, I think she said last time that she had something serious to talk about…

Anyway, she said she’s coming this way, so I should sit down somewhere and wait.

There were benches installed densely along the perimeter road that surrounded the outskirts of the residential area, so I was able to easily find a bench in a reasonably conspicuous location.

While I was combining Ray’s remarks with the contents of the original work that I knew and organizing them on my phone, I felt a presence in the distance.

I looked up and saw Ryu-sin-ssi waving her hand and walking towards me.

“I was wondering where to start looking since you said the east side, but I can see you right away.”

“Oh, you’re here early.”

I shoved the phone I was holding into my pocket and moved to the side so Ryu-sin-ssi could sit down.

It’s a bit strange to see two burly men sitting side by side on a bench… but still, there’s no better place to have a quiet conversation.

“I thought about it after the call, but didn’t you say you had something to tell me in a text message last time?”

“Ah, that… Can I talk first then?”

I have plenty of time anyway, so I don’t mind that much.

When I nodded, Ryu-sin-ssi carefully took out the sword sheath she was wearing on her waist and placed it on her lap.

It was a sword sheath densely carved with geometric patterns.

Ryu-sin-ssi tapped the sword sheath, which consisted of simple patterns without unnecessary decorations like jewels, and started talking.

“Um… I’m only telling you this, but I accidentally got this sword during the last archaeological club field trip. Judging from the magic power I feel, it’s likely to be an artifact. But, if it’s an artifact, it should have at least one ability, but it doesn’t react at all.”

I was puzzled by Ryu-sin-ssi’s words that she couldn’t draw out the power contained in the artifact.

Wasn’t the artifact itself originally made so that any Awakened person could use it…?

“So, do you happen to know how to properly use an artifact? If you tell me, I’ll grant you any one request, so please let me know.”

“Why are you asking me that…? Ah.”

Ryu-sin-ssi’s gaze was directed at my wrist.

I don’t think I’ve ever shown it during the practical skill evaluation.

It seemed that Ryu-sin-ssi had already noticed the Critical Shield.

But just because I have an artifact doesn’t mean I know how to draw out the power contained in the artifact…

In the first place, both the Critical Shield and Little Pixie that I obtained were structured so that I could use them naturally as soon as I obtained them, so I didn’t understand why she couldn’t use the ability.

“I do have one, but I could use it as soon as I got it?”

“Really? Hmm… Why is mine like this…?”

You used it just fine in the original work, so why is it like that now?

“First of all, give it to me once, just in case.”

I decided to hold the sword once to get a feel for the structure by channeling some magic power into it.

The moment I received the sword from Ryu-sin-ssi,

“What the fuck is wrong with this thing.”

Suddenly, the sword began to shine dazzlingly.

* * *

“I was surprised all of a sudden.”

Fortunately, the artifact didn’t have a master registration function, so I was able to return the still-shining sword to Ryu-sin-ssi.

Ryu-sin-ssi, who received the sword, also had a very embarrassed expression.

“Um… In conclusion, it’s a good thing, so it’s okay, right…?”

I cautiously spoke to her, but her eyes were still fixed on the shining sword.

No, what the hell is that sword that makes people so embarrassed…

Following Ha-yul-ie, I almost NTR’d even the sword.

“…Anyway, thank you, Jihu-ya.”

“Oh… What are you thanking me for? I just held it once.”

In order to break this awkward atmosphere, I tried to change the subject somehow, but suddenly the light from the sword went out. Pik

“…”

That sword is definitely listening to our conversation.

If not, there’s no way the light would go out at such a perfect timing.

When I tried holding the sword again from Ryu-sin-ssi as a test, a subtle light flowed out just fine this time as well.

What exactly is the difference between me and Ryu-sin-ssi that the reaction is so drastically different?

Could it be that the artifact’s creator is Bicorn?

Maybe it’s a slutty sword that lends its power to people who have lost their virginity, but coldly rejects virgins…

Imagining the sword’s spirit (pretty, a virgin but promiscuous) saying, ‘I can’t be satisfied unless it’s an experienced, skilled stud♡’ makes me a little horny.

“Jihu-ya, have you ever learned swordsmanship…?”

“No. I don’t think it’s that kind of thing.”

My guess was already leaning towards the sword being a slut.

Ryu-sin-ssi, who had all of her relationships with the original heroines stolen by me, is not the type to interact deeply with other women, and I don’t know if she’s even kissed yet, let alone had sex.

As I gently turned the handle and pondered deeply, the light emitted by the sword gradually intensified.

Reacting to such a simple touch… Isn’t it a perverted sword that pretends to be strong but actually cums more easily than anyone else~?

A scene that makes me want to say that.

Looking at it, I feel like an idea might come to mind.

Wasn’t it a problem that could be solved if you had amazing technique even if you were a virgin?

“Ryu-sin-a, don’t think I’m crazy and listen to me seriously. This sword seems to have a tendency to be picky about people, so if you gently stroke it while turning the handle around like this… it might not even notice that the person has changed.”

“Um… I’ll try it. Like, this?”

Ryu-sin-ssi awkwardly grabs the handle and strokes it… Describing this would only make me feel dirty, so pass.

Anyway, after several attempts under my guidance, the sword finally began to emit a faint light at Ryu-sin-ssi’s touch.

Saying no with her mouth, but her body is honestly emitting light more than anyone else~ A perverted sword that faintly climaxes just by being touched!

I wanted to say that to the sword, but I barely stopped myself because I thought Ryu-sin-ssi would look at me strangely if I said that.

“…It actually works.”

“I think the light will get stronger as you get used to your touch, so keep up the good work.”

“Thank you… Ah, you said you had something to say too! What is it?”

We’re finally getting to the main point.

Originally, I would have continued the conversation by gently coaxing Ryu-sin-ssi to persuade her, but since I had promised to grant her request, there was no need to beat around the bush.

“Are you free next Sunday? Let’s do something together.”

“I’m okay on Sunday… What is it?”

“There’s a new transfer student named Ray, right? I heard from her…”

I told Ryu-sin-ssi everything, including Ray’s identity, Xian’s condition, and her declaration of war, mixing in some lies.

Ryu-sin-ssi is not the type to spread such things to others, but since Ray has her privacy, it’s right to hide sensitive parts.

For example, the violence Ray suffered from her sisters, or something like that, which is extremely personal.

“Of course I have to go. You said next Sunday, right? I’ll practice even harder from today. I’ll make sure I can handle this sword properly by Sunday.”

Ryu-sin-ssi, who heard my words, held the sword in her hand tightly with a serious expression.

The sword, which had been acting up until just now, was now quietly emitting a subtle light, and it seems that the appearance of the real protagonist is gradually showing.

“I’ll keep adding to the specific plan and tell you, so let’s call it a day here. Thanks for your hard work.”

“Yeah, you too. Go in carefully.”

It was only when Ryu-sin-ssi was completely out of sight that I let out a sigh of relief.

Phew, operation successful.

I was a little hungry because I had talked so much, so I stopped by a nearby street vendor and bought some snacks.

A few roasted potatoes and oden soup.

When I picked up a potato with a toothpick and put it in my mouth, the fluffy texture and savory taste spread softly in my mouth.

The oden soup, which I drank because I was thirsty from eating, also had a salty taste and a subtle sweetness of vegetable broth that created a fantastic harmony.

“Wow… This place is doing good business.”

It was a combination of food that you would only see at a rest stop, but it was so delicious that I couldn’t help but nod.

Snacks are best bought from street vendors after all.

As I slowly walked home while satisfying my hunger, I saw someone standing in front of my house.

It was blurry from a distance, so it wasn’t easy to see, but I could immediately tell who it was because of her strong features.

Flowing silver hair, small height, expressionless face.

…I thought she had been deliberately avoiding me all this time, but why did she suddenly appear?

As I got closer, her transparent eyes quietly stared at me.

“…Seo Ju-ha?”

“It’s been a while, Jihu-ya.”

Seo Ju-ha pulled me into the shadows.