Chapter 90: Eccentric

After being dragged away by Riven Blade, Risir returned clutching Blue Lotus, the fabled sword cherished by the swordmaster. Its origin was self-evident, needing no further explanation.

Even so, Shakan deliberately inquired on behalf of the group.

“That Blue Lotus…is it Riven Blade’s?”

After all, there was no rule saying only one Blue Lotus could exist.

It was admittedly far-fetched to insist, without any evidence, that “there are actually several Blue Lotuses!” But it still sounded more reasonable than claiming, “Risir is holding Riven Blade’s Blue Lotus.”

Isn’t that how most stories go?

“Ah, this? I found it on the ground. It bore a blue lotus engraving, so I named it Blue Lotus.”

They were ready to accept anything Risir said, even if he were to offer such an absurd tale.

“Oh, so there are multiple Blue Lotuses?”

“…”

But Risir’s innocent answer curbed their wild imaginations, leaving them no choice but to admit the truth: the Blue Lotus in his hand was indeed Riven Blade’s fabled sword.

Valrod was shocked.

“How…”

The Red Tower Lord’s disciple revealed none of the burning temper for which he was known. He spoke with an uncharacteristically unstable yet meek expression.

“Risir…I mean, sir. Why do you possess Riven Blade’s cherished sword…?”

“?”

Why the sudden honorifics?

Risir assumed he must have misheard and focused on Valrod’s question. But as he gazed at Blue Lotus, a hollow laugh escaped his lips.

“Actually, Blue Lotus turned out to be an ego sword. The friend who Riven Blade said needed help was the soul within the sword, who also happened to be Riven Blade’s master.”

When I took up the sword, his master started talking to me, suggesting we “join forces”. But she turned out to be a murderous fiend, and somehow she ended up bound to me. I could handle her power, so I pretended to be Riven Blade’s master and…

Oh, this isn’t going to work.

He simply had no confidence in organizing and conveying that alien situation in a way that could be understood. So, Risir took the best course of action available.

“I solved a problem and received it as a reward.”

He vaguely brushed it off with a meaningful smile.

The lack of sufficient communication could lead to misunderstandings, but…

It’ll be fine.

Risir believed he didn’t need to be overly concerned. After all, he was the “village hero” who had dealt with the natural disaster called Riven Blade, wasn’t he?

He had faith that even if they misunderstood, they would eventually reach a positive conclusion.

“…I see!”

“…If you say so.”

“…Ah, I understand.”

And as he thought, they accepted Risir’s explanation with a positive attitude.

However, there were a few aspects he had overlooked.

The first was the weight that the name “Riven Blade” held within them, as they were unaware of the change Rodan went through.

That mad dog gifted his cherished sword as a reward? That makes no sense…

And the second was—

It can’t be that he took down Riven Blade…?! Like he dealt with the devils?!

The weight that the name “Risir” held within them. He had no idea how oversized his presence had become in their minds.

This was the result of leaving the judgment to them. Naturally, they came to the conclusion: “Risir defeated Riven Blade and claimed his treasured sword!”

Of course, it wasn’t yet a matter of certainty. Risir had certainly defied common sense time and again, but taking down the Riven Blade and stealing his sword was something else entirely.

That kind of feat didn’t call for luck or a clever shortcut. It demanded absolute power—something a young mage like Risir could hardly be expected to possess.

In truth, it was flat-out impossible. Even so, they attempted to gauge Risir’s magic power, just in case. But his mana, so seamlessly intertwined with his own aura, resisted easy measurement.

It was clear proof that he had grasped the arcane and forged a power uniquely his own by reaching the 6th rank.

Reaching the 6th rank at his age was impressive enough on its own, but…

Well, that’s not really surprising.

Through the events leading up to this point, they had come to partially understand the weight carried by Risir’s name. Reaching the 6th rank at an age when most would be hailed as geniuses for merely attaining the 5th?

That much, they believed was possible—for Risir, at least. But anything beyond that?

Surely, not even he could be capable of that…

Despite all they had witnessed, even they found it difficult to accept.

Though an accurate assessment was impossible, they could form a rough understanding. Based on the fact that Risir’s magic power fell short of theirs, they concluded that his rank was somewhere in the mid-6th.

Could it be that he’s pretending to be 6th rank to deceive us…?

They tried to dismiss the absurd thought that surfaced in their minds. Only Risir could inspire such doubts.

In the end, this was the conclusion they arrived at.

Perhaps, Riven Blade really lost his mind for a moment and gifted him his sword.

“For Riven Blade, of all people, to gift his cherished sword…What in the world did you do?”

But just as the distance between them and Risir was about to return to normal…

A strange sensation rose within him, and Risir let out a small cough.

Blood trickled from his mouth, then flowed from his nostrils, eyes, and ears—pouring from every opening on his face all at once.

“R-Risir?!”

“Are you alright?!”

“You—”

Caught completely off guard, the others were horrified as they moved to check on him.

But someone calmly reassured them.

“Ah, everyone, please calm down. This happens sometimes, so you don’t need to worry.”

It was Risir himself, speaking as if it were nothing serious…all the while blood streamed from his face.

Did the events with Rodan count as normalization?

Seeing how this hurts like hell, my magic power and lifespan should be shooting up again. Very nice…apart from the mind-numbing pain, anyway.

Just gotta keep a straight face so these folks don’t freak out.

What he didn’t realize was that his calm facade, intended to minimize their shock, was actually maximizing it.

…How can he be so calm looking like that?

Barely enduring the excruciating pain, he began to regulate his breathing.

“…!”

The three powerful figures became round-eyed.

“H-hey…I-I’m not sensing things wrong, am I…?”

At Shakan’s words, they stared blankly at each other.

Risir’s magic power surged suddenly—growing rapidly, as if he had just consumed an elixir.

Even though we were only having a talk…?

Shakan was the first to snap out of the shock…only to be hit with another.

“Wait, is that…Blue Breath…?”

With the keen eye of a warrior, Shakan was the first to recognize what Risir was doing.

She spread the confusion.

“Blue Breath…? Shakan, did you just say Blue Breath?”

“Risir…seems to be using Blue Breath…to control the mana overload…?”

“…But isn’t he a mage?”

“…My point exactly. Wasn’t he a mage?”

“…?”

“…”

Silence enveloped the surroundings.

“Ah, it’s okay. Everyone, I’m sorry, but I think I’m about to black out, so please take care of things.”

With that said, Risir really crumpled on the spot. It was a familiar, occasional occurrence.

His collapse only added weight to the words he had just spoken. They quickly moved closer to check on his condition, but…

…Maybe he really did snatch it from Riven Blade.

While their bodies moved toward him, their minds, on the other hand, drifted further and further from Risir.

In that moment, the fledgling mage transformed into an object of awe for this group of powerful figures.

“Lord Risir, you’ve awakened!”

Risir came to his senses in a bed within the most luxurious guest room in Councilor Lan’s manor.

Lan, who had been waiting by the bedside, immediately greeted him.

“How are you feeling, if I may ask…?”

Seeing the councilor looking somewhat haggard, Risir’s expression grew complicated.

“Ah, is there some problem?”

“I’m not sure if I could call it that…”

Why the extreme honorifics?

Risir considered the difference in status between himself and the councilor.

City Councilor Lan was the head of a prestigious, long-standing family in Bondalles and a person of power.

He was the bastard child of a long-standing family in Hayeren and an honorary mage of the Gray Tower.

Shouldn’t I be the one paying her respect?

In any case, Risir brushed aside the trivial thought and met Lan’s steady gaze.

Though he had reaped some unexpected side benefits, the true significance of all that happened lay in the favorable impression he made on Lan—a prominent figure whose influence resonated throughout the city.

Her interest in him would surely extend his sway beyond the confines of the Gray Tower and across the entire city. Perhaps this incident might even serve as his entry into Bondalles’ noble society, ushering in elevated status, increased income, an enhanced environment, and opportunities for normalization.

Risir’s eyes sparkled with anticipation.

“I was merely curious. No, perhaps I should say apologetic. I worried that I might have held you up with a trivial matter when you’re such a busy person, Councilor…”

As Risir responded with the politeness of a young nobleman, Lan’s unnatural demeanor quickly faded. She regained her composure as a dignified councilor and flashed a relaxed smile.

“Trivial…matter? I assure you, right now, I doubt there is anything more important to me than you.”

It wasn’t an empty compliment.

The powerful display(?) Risir had put on with Blue Lotus had left a lasting, unforgettable impression on everyone present. Lan was no exception.

Did this young mage truly…take Riven Blade’s sword…?

Councilor Lan was a master at navigating the city’s nobles and merchants, using her sharp political sense to handle them with ease. She was an incredibly difficult person to negotiate with.

What Risir didn’t know was that, beneath her composed exterior, Lan was in a state of extreme tension—one that meant he had already secured the maximum reward from her. Moreover, he didn’t realize that he could extort(?) even more if he simply asked.

In truth, Lan was concerned such a situation might arise.

“I’m humbled to hear such praise.”

But contrary to her worries, Risir was entirely sensible and polite.

Still, I mustn’t let my guard down…

Lan forced a natural smile and glanced around the room, as if guiding Risir’s gaze.

Following her cue, Risir looked around, and she spoke.

“How is it? Do you like the room? It’s the largest guest room in the Pelroth estate. It’s reserved only for high nobles from other regions when they visit.”

“Except for the guilt I feel, wondering if I deserve such a room—yes, I don’t think it could be better than this. It’s a truly wonderful place.”

“My, I’m the one who offered the room, yet I feel rather honored. Thank you for saying so…Risir. May I call you that?”

“Of course, Councilor.”

“Thank you. It might sound strange to call it a token of gratitude, but Risir, feel free to call me Lan.”

“I tend to feel uneasy when things become too familiar, you know. In that case, I’ll accept your kindness and simply call you Miss Lan.”

“That’s fine too. You must be a bit disoriented after just waking up, so I’ll get straight to the point, if that’s all right?”

“Of course.”

With that said, Lan’s demeanor shifted abruptly. She resumed speaking with the assured tone befitting a councilor—assertive yet courteous.

“Your exploits in this matter were remarkable. I was deeply impressed. Had it not been for you, Bondalles and its citizens would have suffered a grave misfortune. On behalf of the city, I wish to express my gratitude. I pledge, on both my name and that of Pelroth, that you will receive the proper treatment and reward you deserve.”

“Whew, just hearing that makes my heart flutter. I’m not usually one to get my hopes up, but you truly are different, Councilor.”

“…”

At the young mage’s teasing remark, Lan subtly covered her mouth, concealing the curl of her lips.

Given his extraordinary talent and refined demeanor, Lan was convinced he was the scion of a highly esteemed noble family. Yet, curiously, he showed none of the impulsiveness or arrogance typical of other young nobles, even though his abilities far surpassed theirs.

The councilor’s gaze grew increasingly intrigued as she observed the young mage.

“I must do my best to live up to your expectations. I’ll resolve this matter as quickly as possible and keep my promise to you. So, Risir, if you don’t mind, could you stay within the estate until everything is settled? It won’t take long.”

“Very well.”

Hearing the answer she had hoped for, Lan left the room with light steps.

Now that he was alone, Risir got out of bed and looked around.

Suddenly, a voice spoke to him.

-Master! Are you truly alright?! I cannot believe you are detained in a cattle shed belonging to those human bastards!

The voice was coming from the gray crystal orb resting on the bedside table.

“Even if I left right now, I doubt I could find a better place than this.”

-Wait! Looking again, this is quite a splendid place! To think those little humans possessed such aesthetic sense! It makes me see them in a new light!

“Ha ha.”

Risir walked over to the table, gazing down at the ridiculous devil.

In their earlier conversation, Lan had mentioned Dan’Galeon’s sealing stone and stated that she would transfer its ownership to him once everything was resolved. She also planned to give him the other sealing soul obtained from defeating Dranoff.

In effect, Risir could be regarded as the devil’s master(?).

This stirred a small worry within him. Was he supposed to be pleased about it?

Well, it’s high up in the ranks, at least. I’m sure it’ll prove useful to have around eventually.

In any case, the real business was just beginning.

Risir approached Blue Lotus, which was carefully stored in a corner of the room, and drew it from its scabbard.

“Hey.”

No matter how many times he called out, no response came.

With no other choice, Risir closed his eyes and delved into his inner world.

“Huh?”

The moment Risir stepped into his inner world, the short-haired killer lunged at him with explosive speed, as if she had been waiting for this exact moment.

Clana drove her sword into his solar plexus without hesitation.

I did it!

A fleeting look of triumph lit up her face—until she saw her blade disintegrate into dust upon contact with Risir.

She was shocked.

“Quite the intense welcome.”

Risir used her moment of confusion to counter and subdue her.

Clana reacted with a sneer. To her, Risir’s movements were so slow and predictable that she could yawn.

And yet, to her surprise, she was caught.

After a brief struggle, Clana found herself pinned to the ground, her arms seized by Risir.

“You fucking…fuck!!!!”

She roared in anger, thrashing like a wild beast ensnared in a net.

In the material world, she would have had the strength to throw Risir off with ease. But here, she could only struggle, helplessly overpowered.

“What the hell is this?!”

“Your way of welcoming is a tad intense, Master. Or is this just your teaching style? As your unworthy disciple, I’m already worried about my future.”

“Shut your mouth! Who said I’m your master?!”

“Aw, why are you being like this? Aren’t you the one who invited me to become your disciple, Master?”

“You’re insane…!!!”

If Risir had shown even a shred of reverence toward her as a master, Clana would have exploited it without hesitation.

But his sarcastic tone and relaxed smile made it clear—he would never misunderstand their relationship, nor would he ever let his emotional guard down around her.

From her experience of toying with countless prey, the murderous fiend realized she was entirely at a disadvantage against him.

“So, Master, do give me some lessons on the sword.”

“…”

The killer’s body shifted slightly.

“Oh?”

Risir marveled at the mysterious movement. Before he knew it, Clana’s arms were free from his grip, and her fist was already flying toward his face—a perfect surprise attack.

Tap.

At least, it would have been an attack if not for the pitiful sound of impact.

Risir took her fist, pushed it back on her chest, and gave it a light pat, as if to remind her to play nice.

“Urgh…Grrrr…”

Clana’s face flushed red with humiliation.

“Master—oh, wait. Come to think of it, I don’t even know your name yet. What is it?”

“I have no name to give to a worm like you! I am Clana!”

“Clana? I see.”

“Arghhh!!!”

Consumed by frustration, she bit her tongue in anger.

Chomp.

But even then, only a cute sound escaped her lips.

“Clana, my name is Risir.”

“Shut it! I don’t give a rat’s ass about your name!”

“What’s my name again?”

“Risir!”

“I’m not sure if I should be saying this, but Clana…isn’t there a huge disconnect between your words and actions?”

“Please…please just shut your mouth…Please…!!! Before I murder you!!!”

Clana leaned forward, glaring at him with bloodshot eyes.

Blue Lotus’ full-blown murderous intent was an intangible force so overwhelming that even the greatest swordmasters of her time had trembled in its presence.

And yet, Risir simply smiled, leaning in until their foreheads touched.

“Is that so? Then let’s skip the small talk and get started.”

“…!”

Clana instinctively recoiled. At the same time, the world flipped upside down.

Suddenly, she found herself standing opposite Risir, holding a wooden sword.

“…Ha, hahaha!”

Clana burst into laughter, as if she had lost her mind.

Exhaustion was evident on her face as she demonstrated a simple movement, hoping it would get him off her back.

And then—

A sudden, inexplicable sensation washed over her—a feeling that could very well be described as happiness.

Clana was so thrown off that her knees gave way.

“?????”

Pure confusion spread across her face, her cheeks faintly flushed.