Chapter 130: The Holy Sword’s Trial (1)

[Title: What level do you need to use this Holy Sword?]

Content: The Sword of Enhancement I found after killing the Face Thief that time…

I’m in the level 60s, but I still can’t activate it. Even after hitting 70 and coming back, I still can’t pull it out.

What the hell, you sassy thing. I told you I’m the one who killed your former owner, the Face Thief, right?

I’m the one who killed the Hero Slayer, okay?

Your owner’s second evolution? That’s me!

So why won’t you come out for me?

-: Wait, so when a hero evolves, they become a Hero Slayer? That sounds weird…

-: So this is why Ash never evolved Pikachu. Makes sense now.

-: Just in case, should we evolve one more time? To Hero Slayer-Slayer-Slayer.

-: But don’t you have to kill yourself to evolve like that?

-: The way to evolve into your final form is to kill yourself? Kinda badass, not gonna lie.

-: So that’s why Hitler in the end—

-: Hey hey hey, stop right there.

-: Then shall we just go find another Hero Slayer to take down?

-: For god’s sake, let the hero rest!

-: What is this, an evolution stone?

-: Alive, they save the world. Dead, they become upgrade materials… Heroes really are fully recyclable, huh.

-: What do you guys think heroes are, seriously?

-[OP]: They’re sword stands, that’s what.

-[OP]: Come on, I’m stronger than your old master, open up your sheath already.

-: But the Sword of Enhancement doesn’t pick its owner by strength, right?

-[OP]: Then what the hell does it pick them by, if not strength?

Low-level scrubs calling themselves heroes… just go farm or something.

-: Sir, just hearing you talk, it’s clear the Sword of Enhancement wins already.

-: Honestly, that kind of hero might be what fits this game best.

-: Every Holy Sword has different criteria for choosing a master.

Apparently, the Sword of Enhancement goes off “potential” as its setting.

So potential is what matters~

-[OP]: Potential?

-: Your stats compared to your level. Basically, if your stats are about +5 levels ahead of your actual level, you can talk with the Sword of Enhancement. If it’s +10, it’ll go, “Did you come alone?” and if it’s +20, you pass the Sword’s Trial and it goes full, “Whimper… Master!” Once you’re +30 levels, it breaks from cognitive dissonance.

-[OP]: What the hell—+30? What did they do, cook hot pot with every elemental in the continent?

-: Someone found out during a brief bug.

-[OP]: There’s a bug that boosts your stats?

-: Nope, level down bug.

-[OP]: What the hell, even the bugs are messed up in this game.

-Zarak! That’s ridiculous! You’re saying Jane has more flaws than that guy?

The Holy Sword Elysia openly denied Zarak’s claim.

She knew Zarak’s taste (???) and how well her master Jane fit that taste.

-I know exactly what you value in a master! Capacity! Innate potential! Jane has it all! Even those awful high elementals show him affection! Do you have any idea how rare it is for a human to be adored by higher elementals? Since that guy, no one else has ever had that kind of charm!

The Elf Camilla nodded emphatically, reinforcing Elysia’s point.

She then looked at Verlotta, the party scholar.

She sought confirmation.

“…”

Yet Verlotta avoided her gaze.

“?”

Unlike the others, she had seen far too much out in the field.

-Urrgh!! I know, I know! Elysia! I know this Jane is an impressive man!!!

-Then why the hesitation!?

-Aaagh, I’m torn!!! That shocking impact ruined my senses!!! I’ve become a body that can no longer be satisfied with normal stimuli!!!

-Cut the nonsense and make a choice already!

-Kugh. Hey, my friend! Jane, was it!? Grip me harder! Make it so I can’t think of anything else!!!

Zarak shouted to the hero Jane, who was gripping the sword.

-Hmm.

-Hmm!

-HMMM!!!

The Holy Sword let out a contented hum, clearly enjoying the touch.

Everyone watched the scene in fascination.

Except Risir.

What the hell… Is it feeling something? Does the sword actually feel… pleasure?

How long did that strange state last?

-Aaah, yes. That’s it!!! Now I’m feeling it! Was it me who was off all along!? Amazing! What a vessel! So much potential!

The Sword of Enhancement in Jane’s hand trembled like it was overwhelmed with pleasure.

-How did you mold such a great vessel at that age!? You remind me of my old friend Vellen!!! No, wait, scratch that!!! You might be even more fun to raise than Vellen!!!

The sword’s effusive praise blew away the earlier complaints, and Elysia cheered in delight.

-That’s it! Zarak! I knew there was a misunderstanding. I know the wielder I choose will be a great suit with you.

Just then, as Elysia was scrambling to fix the situation—

“You’re Zarak, right?”

-That’s right! Elysia’s master! I am Zarak! The Sword of Enhancement!

“Nice to meet you, Zarak. I’m Jane, Elysia’s friend and wielder of the Sword of Ideals. If you don’t mind, I’d like to ask you something.”

-Speak!

“You just said I have more flaws compared to Risir, didn’t you?”

“Wait, Jane!?”

Camilla and Elysia were about to protest, but froze upon seeing Jane’s face.

That mix of indignation and excitement—

Jane was frustrated about being underestimated, but also thrilled for a chance to prove himself.

Wielder of the Sword of Ideals.

Jane, chosen by Elysia, was that kind of man.

“So you’re saying he’s more fit to be your new master than me?”

-I’m still thinking!

“What’s making you hesitate?”

-As I said, you’ve got more rough edges than him! Which makes you a fun master to train! On the other hand, that guy has no edges, so no fun to train! So I’m torn, should I follow my personal joy or my duty as a Holy Sword!?

“In that case, I recommend myself.”

-You’re telling me to prioritize your fun over my sacred duty!?

“No.”

-Hmm!?

“If what truly brings you joy is watching your master grow, then I can guarantee this.”

Jane confidently pointed to himself.

“I will be the most boring man you’ve ever met.”

-Ha ha ha! What a bold one! No wonder Elysia likes you!

“Let me be clear, Zarak. Choose me. I’m the one who deserves to be your master.”

Jane’s confident words carried a certain magic.

And rightly so.

He was speaking to a Holy Sword.

A relic left behind by the greatest hero in history.

More than raising their wielder’s caliber, these swords added weight to their very fate.

Everyone dreamed of being chosen by a Holy Sword, and they were willing to risk anything to earn that chance.

Most people would grovel before such a sword.

But who could be as composed as Jane in front of one?

Who could be as dignified?

Before long, not just his party but also Magnus and Tua were looking at Jane with wonder in their eyes.

-Interesting! Then how about this! Jane! Risir! You’ll both take my trial at the same time!

Camilla silently cheered at that.

She knew just how picky Holy Swords were.

According to Jane, even Elysia took more than two weeks to fully recognize him as her master through trial.

But now, Zarak was offering a trial right on the spot?

Such privilege was only granted to those who had fully captured the sword’s heart.

Camilla saw it as proof that Jane had done just that.

“That sounds fun.”

Jane was thinking the same.

He smirked and turned to Risir.

“Risir, how about it?”

It was a rhetorical question.

No one would turn down a Holy Sword’s trial—

“A trial? Hmm… is there some formal process for that?”

“…?”

Jane blinked, dumbfounded by Risir’s lukewarm response.

He wasn’t worried about the trial’s content, he just found the whole idea a hassle.

A chance to qualify for a Holy Sword, and this is the attitude?

“…What? Is there a problem?”

“It’s just… I have something important tomorrow.”

“Something more important than the trial of a Holy Sword…?”

“Yes, I suppose so? It’s a bit embarrassing to say, but tomorrow… there’s an award ceremony in Bondalles.”

“…And?”

“I’m going to be granted a new title.”

“Do you get what I’m saying?”, Risir looked at Jane like that.

“…”

No?

I don’t get it at all.

What the hell are you talking about?

Jane looked like he couldn’t believe his ears.

Is he seriously saying that receiving some city title is more important than the trial of a Holy Sword?

“You’ve got to be kidding me…”

Jane, Camilla, and even Elysia were speechless.

-Zarak. You just said Jane has more flaws than this guy?

Elysia said bluntly to Zarak.

She thought it was already over.

Holy Swords are filled with pride in their own existence.

To be offered a chance to take their trial and treat it like a chore?

No way Zarak would take that lying down.

-What!? A city title award ceremony!? Are you seriously saying you can’t take my trial because of that!?

Of course not.

Zarak shouted in disbelief.

The Holy Sword’s trial.

A solemn ritual to determine who is worthy to wield it.

If someone unworthy got hold of the First Hero’s legacy, it’d be a catastrophe.

Thus, the trial was a grueling, extended ordeal designed to push candidates to their limits.

And this guy is brushing it off for some award ceremony?

The next step was obvious.

Zarak declared,

-Well then, it can’t be helped!

-Hmph. I didn’t want Jane to be chosen this way, but—

-I’ll make the trial a shortened version!

-?

-So there won’t be any disruption to your precious award ceremony! Just participate already!!!

-…?