Chapter 3: The Scoundrel and the Thug

The Holy Sword Exia, self-proclaimed “Ultra Hyper Special, the Greatest Holy Sword in the World.”

 The infuriating thing about this sword is that you can’t refute its self-importance because it is, in fact, the greatest holy sword in the world.

Unlike other holy swords blessed by angels or given by lake fairies, Exia was directly forged and bestowed by the Goddess herself. Therefore, if the user’s skill is sufficient, they can wield truly mythic power.

Heavenly Burst: Concentrates sunlight into a massive explosion.

Holy Area: Plants the sword into the ground to sanctify the surrounding area.

Absolute Strike: Integrates light and sword to tear apart space itself with an absolute strike.

These are the main techniques, though there are many more minor ones. During the later stages of his journey, Lier used such strategic ultimate techniques with abandon.

As for the sword’s strength, true to being the world’s greatest holy sword, it can cut through anything. Before meeting Exia, Sien couldn’t even imagine adamantium breaking from physical shock.

However, there is one major issue…

“Her personality is a problem.”

Indeed, that was Exia’s greatest flaw. For a sword of such caliber, its way of speaking was far too frivolous. If it got covered in acid, it would scream as if the sky was falling, and if it hit a rock, it would complain about its blade getting damaged.

At one moment, it would boast about being the world’s greatest holy sword, claiming it could cut through undead with one strike, but when faced with real ghosts, it would panic and demand to flee.

Its level of immaturity was as if it were a pet rather than a sword.

On the other hand, it also had a strange sense of justice, often volunteering for pointless hardships where it could gain no benefit. It would urge the party to take on these challenges, despite not doing any actual work itself.

While Exia and its previous owner, Lier, surprisingly got along well, Sien always found it disagreeable. Thus, throughout the journey, Sien referred to Exia not by its name but as “that annoying sword.”

To shorten further, simply ‘annoying’.

How did Exia feel about this? Exia also disliked Sien equally.

Being meticulous and calculating was fine, as it needed someone who could give sharp criticisms to keep a spirited master in check.

However, Sien often acted inhumanely, focusing solely on rationality.

When faced with a forest rotting due to the Demon King’s curse, he would rather burn it down entirely than take the time to purify it.

To complete a mission, he would seduce a woman, spend the night with her, and then leave without a word.

He wouldn’t hesitate to use threats or torture to gain necessary information.

When comparing the lives of many to a few, he would cut off the few without a second thought.

Of course, Sien didn’t behave this way throughout the journey. He generally respected his companions’ opinions and followed through on tasks even while grumbling.

But this was merely to avoid discord, not a change in his fundamental nature. His final choice, sacrificing himself for the greater good of the four in the Aisenburg Gorge, was a perfectly characteristic decision.

Even though it was later discovered to be a lie, Exia disliked Sien throughout the journey. Furthermore, she was quite temperamental and often clashed with Sien, who disparaged her.

“Ruthless, morally bankrupt demon sword.”

To shorten further, ‘ruthless’.

Their relationship was indeed terrible, almost like that of natural enemies. Nearly half of their everyday conversations during the journey consisted of arguments between Exia and Sien.

Interestingly, this dynamic later inspired creators who popularized the Sien × Exia pairing, but that’s a story for another time.

The important thing is that Sion now has to gain recognition as the new master from Exia—of all people, from that annoying sword.

In this situation, the optimal strategy for Sion was—

“Um, um… Who are you…?”

To act as if she didn’t know the sword at all!

This would prevent the nostalgic talk Sion intended with Exia, but it would allow her to overcome the immediate crisis. And that was all that mattered right now. Stopping the annoying words of this oblivious sword was the top priority.

Sion quickly formulated her plan, looking at the Exia she had drawn with a feigned expression of confusion and anxiety, mixed with a strange excitement at drawing the legendary sword.

An absolutely perfect performance and gesture in her own view.

As for Exia

-“….Infant?”

“How did you know!!!!”

Sion’s face twisted in shock.

“This is impossible! I’ve been deceiving even the perceptive mana users for three years with my acting skills!”

Sion could hardly believe it. How could even Exia, who was among the dullest and most foolish in the hero party, see through her at a glance? How is that even possible?! Her mind was in turmoil, desperately trying to grasp how this was happening.

Meanwhile, Exia responded to her bewilderment surprisingly quickly.

“Really? You’re the new hero~?” Exia drawled mockingly, stretching out the final word. Sion felt a bead of cold sweat trickle down her back.

Exia, with a smirk, started to address the elderly man. “Excuse me, old man. This person isn’t a new hero—”

“Silence!” Sion interjected swiftly. Before Exia could finish her sentence, she cast a silence spell with a quick incantation, sealing her mouth.

“What was that sound from the sword?” the old man wondered aloud.

“It seemed like it was trying to say something…” The crowd murmured amongst themselves, puzzled by the sudden interruption.

Sion, with an anxious expression, cast a telepathic spell.

“Listen, Exia—”

-“What? Why are you suddenly silencing me? And what’s with the strange formality between us? Gross.”

Sion maintained a serious demeanor. “I need you to do me a favor. Since I’m pretending to be the hero, could you please go along with it and help spread the word?”

“Huh? Absolutely not!” Exia retorted with genuine disgust. “Why should I serve you as my master? I don’t want to!”

“You don’t actually have to serve me. Just act like you’re supporting me,” Sion explained.

-“No, even acting is out of the question! Our values are completely at odds!”

Sion sighed deeply, feeling the weight of the situation.

“…Could it really not be done?”

Her words weren’t wrong. If Sion had known that she’d have to carry Exia around for the rest of her life in exchange for the status of being a hero, she would have outright refused without hesitation.

But what’s done is done. The spilled water needs to be cleaned up somehow.

“Anyway, I really don’t want to do this, so please just lift the spell.”

“Exiaaa…”

If only you had woken up when I called you in the first place, this mess wouldn’t have happened…

Suppressing the boiling anger, Sion thought hard. Was there any way to change her mind? She needed to come up with a strategy to persuade the stubborn Exia to accept her as the hero.

‘…..’

After 3 seconds of thought, she spoke.

“Exia… Is that really a wise choice for you?”

-“What? Are you going to start spouting more nonsense?”

“This isn’t nonsense. I’m saying this because I know you well.”

Sion glanced at the surrounding altars.

“Have you enjoyed being stuck here, unable to move, for the past 500 years? I don’t think you have.”

-“Ugh…!”

Exia groaned as if hit right where it hurt.

-“Well, if I switch to deactivation mode…”

“Yes, you might be able to endure the boredom. But that’s all you’ll get, isn’t it?”

“An emotionless life with no stimuli or changes. Even worse, since Lier has died, there’s no one else to move you.”

-“…..”

“Is that life really satisfying for you, Exia? Really? You, who was always so lively and curious in our party?”

-“…..”

The sword fell silent.

The remark was true. Exia had never been content with the life spent enshrined in the temple. Even though she had interacted with pilgrims during the first few years, she had eventually become so bored that she kept herself in a deactivated state for the entire time. For 500 years.

It was hard to believe she didn’t want to leave.

-“But…”

Despite this, Exia was still hesitant. The title of “Hero” was a divine authority bestowed directly by the goddess. Was she really supposed to give it to someone like this scoundrel, Sien?

No, if it were just personal dislike, it would be manageable. She could endure it. But this person was a Demon Lord. How could anyone bestow the title of Hero on a Demon Lord?

-“Well, I….”

“Human mode.”

Sion issued her final ultimatum.

“I’ll cast one of your greatest secrets, Perfect Polymorph, on you. You’ll revert to human form and be able to walk the earth once more.”

-“…..!”

-“Though it won’t be as natural as Lier’s transformation, it will be a close imitation. Especially where it matters most.”

Sion smiled faintly, almost like a devil.

“Don’t you want to taste it again? Strawberry-flavored shaved ice.”

The crowd, still watching, was baffled. They couldn’t understand why the conversation had suddenly stopped, as if time had frozen. (In reality, they were communicating telepathically.)

The elderly priest, who had been kneeling in prayer, also noticed something odd and approached them.

“Is everything alright?”

“….”

Sion quickly turned her head and mentally recited a spell.

Dismiss. Silence dispelled.

“Oh, I’m fine. I think the sword wanted to say something to me…”

“Something it wanted to say…?”

The old man’s gaze turned to Exia. Hadn’t she tried to say something earlier?’

-“….”

Feeling everyone’s gaze, Exia hesitantly spoke.

-“I… I acknowledge this girl as the next generation Hero.”

As the crowd erupted in cheers, Sion privately allowed herself a sinister smile.

“That was easy.”