episode_0012

000

I had prided myself on working several times harder than ordinary people.

To break the arrogant attitude of the academy’s old men who didn’t recognize a magician family hiding in the countryside and selling herbs.

To restore the glory of the prestigious academy that my grandfather had built.

Laila Flameworth was willing to give everything she had.

To do so, she needed achievements. Research. Papers. New magic. Discovery of alchemy recipes. Analysis of magical phenomena. Human experimentation. Verification of monster adaptation abilities. Summoning demons.

Before being a magician or researcher, she proved her worth by walking a tightrope of human ethics.

In the process, people she could call friends were sacrificed.

But there was no time to grieve over those sacrifices.

[The academy is renewed day by day.]

New students. New knowledge. New learning. New discoveries.

This, which should naturally occur, is twisted by the obsession that it must be at the forefront of the world. It rotted the depths of the prestigious academy from the inside.

`The Council of 12 Elders` `The Executive Branch` `The Black Covenant`

Beings that are symbolic of the academy’s corruption.

Laila hated them. She loathed them.

But when she came to her senses, she discovered that the rope she was on was also rotten.

Looking back, the blood of everything she had sacrificed so far had soaked into the rope. She was standing on the verge of it breaking.

She would fall. She would fail. Her heart and mind would die.

Being the top student of the academy was just a hollow title. In the end, it only told how inhumanly twisted this person was for the sake of magical development.

She stopped visiting her grandfather’s grave. Because she didn’t know what face to make.

But the academy didn’t care about that. Laila was recommended as a member of the next Council of 12.

The path to the darkest place. She was clearly trying to climb to that position to change the academy. Because the darkness visible from the outside was so bright.

And now. What about looking inside?

Laila Flameworth was wise. Therefore, she acted. She had no choice but to act. Because she had no right to refuse.

Whose fault was it?

Only ridicule echoed within her.

When all that remained around her was darkness, and even the rope that supported her feet became invisible, a small light flew to her.

It was such a tempting light.

Adventure. Friendship. Companionship. Trust. Love. Sense of accomplishment.

It was too much for her. The light was slowly drying her up, granting her a little respite.

It was her job to erase that light with her own hands.

When she reached out to break the light, there was darkness that sprang out like thorns to stop her.

Laila hated that darkness. She loathed it. Why, while being in the same darkness as her, could it exist within the cluster of light?

If so, it was something to be eliminated.

Chestnuts cannot be eaten with their burrs, and puffer fish cannot be cooked with their poison.

It was the same principle. It should have been.

001

Underground of the mansion dominated by silence. A girl lying prostrate with her head to the ground beyond the bars of the prison.

Feeling pain as if her soul was screaming. As if her head was trampled by a boot. She remained motionless, stopped.

How much time had passed?

10 seconds? 30 seconds? Or, 1 minute?

Eventually, despairing as all of her was pierced by hateful thorns. Laila Flameworth collapsed here.

Kleon watches the scene. Then, without saying anything, he threw the necklace he was holding over the bars where Laila was.

“I hate you. Laila Flameworth. From the beginning.”

Kleon speaks quietly. Laila’s eyes widen as she sees the jewels falling to the ground and breaking.

“I hated you even more knowing your past. I don’t feel sorry for you. You are different from Kuon and Sasha. You are an evildoer like me.”

The blades of words are stuck in Laila’s chest. As he said, his voice was unchanged from before, a cold tone.

“I won’t make you mine. You are not worth it. Therefore. I will not forgive you either.”

At the same time, a ‘clanging’ sound.

The sound of the iron bars opening, screaming strangely because they were not oiled.

Laila looked up at Kleon. And Kuon with a sad face next to him.

“But even so. Kuon still thinks of you as a companion. It is Kuon’s mercy that keeps you alive.”

“…Ugh…!”

Kuon walks into the prison. A cluster of light gathers in her hand and heals Laila.

That warmth was the same as what she felt from the light she thought she didn’t deserve.

“Then use your life for Kuon.”

Laila, distorting her face like a child and shedding tears. She slowly stands up with a trembling body and lets out a sad voice.

“Kuon’s decision to save you might put her in danger later.”

Kuon quietly hugged Laila’s shoulders. Laila couldn’t even think of touching Kuon. She could only sob powerlessly.

“Aaaaaaaah…!”

Since the death of her grandfather, Laila. Cried aloud for the first time.

It was the tears that a 16-year-old girl lacked.

“If that time comes. I will also take responsibility. The responsibility of letting you go.”

002

Kleon quietly climbs the stairs leading to the underground prison and returns to the mansion on the ground.

While walking, there was a voice coming from the sword.

[Is this as planned too?]

Galatea’s voice seemed a little colder than usual. Kleon guessed the reason for it.

“…No.”

And quietly admits his weakness. It was an unnecessary part for him as a demonic swordsman.

[Did Kuon get to you and you lost your venom? Kleon. You can’t do what you want like that.]

“What I have to do doesn’t change. I will take revenge on Albein. And inflict regret and pain on him.”

[Is that as a avenger? Or as a old comrade?]

“Don’t worry, Galatea. You are the only comrade I have.”

A moment of silence. Instantly, Kleon’s shadow flickers. And Galatea appears from the magic sword.

She quickly pushes Kleon against the wall of the stairs and kisses his lips.

As if filling something that was missing.

A long kiss.

As the oxygen entering the lungs becomes insufficient. Just when his mind started to go blank, Galatea took her face away.

A face slightly loosened by the pleasure gained from the kiss. Dazed eyes. Flushed cheeks. Glossy lips.

Every time she overlaps her body with her master, Galatea was gaining something more than pleasure.

It was a confirmation. Even if they are not connected by magical power. Knowing this man who has been with her for the longest time.

That even if he has dark emotions, there is a light that does not disappear inside.

“Hehe….”

Kleon was not flustered by Galatea’s sudden action. He quietly looked down at her as she finished her actions.

A satisfied smile. Her appearance was that of an adult woman, but with the face of a girl in love.

She imprints her existence on the body of the being she reveres, pouring out all of herself.

Then Galatea went back into the magic sword.

[Well. It’s okay if you know. I know best that you are a soft human.]

To think that he even had to entertain his magic sword. Kleon sighed and started climbing the stairs again.

003

“Mr. Kleon!”

When he finished climbing the stairs, Sasha was waiting above.

She must have been walking around restlessly. There was sweat beading on her forehead.

As Kleon approached Sasha, Sasha ‘thud!’ and hugged Kleon’s body.

“… …”

When Kleon stopped for a moment at her sudden action. Sasha also remained silent for a moment before blushing and falling away.

“S, sorry! I did that without realizing it!”

Why, why did I do that? Sasha fans her face while saying the same words.

Kleon saw through his magical vision that the pattern on her shoulder was completely manifested.

Was it because of that influence? Sasha’s gaze towards Kleon was a little more watery than before.

Kleon knows the identity of these eyes. Sometimes, it was similar to the gaze Kuon sent to Albein.

It was a bit complicated for Kleon to receive such a gaze from a child who was five years younger than him.

He recalled Galatea’s actions a while ago. He turned his head away slightly out of guilt.

“Kleon… Mr.?”

“Ah, ah. Laila and Kuon are still underground. They will be up soon.”

Did she find Kleon a little strange? Kleon understood the intention of Sasha’s question and answered her.

Then Sasha smiled bitterly, as if relieved.

“Sorry. I ended up telling Laila…”

“No, it’s okay. I know you are worried about Kuon.”

Sasha blushes once again at Kleon’s words. An awkward silence comes again.

Perhaps to break the awkward atmosphere. Sasha took something out of the small bag hanging on her waist.

A black jewel box. Sealed with a lock, it was what Gala had taken as her reward.

Kleon’s eyes also changed when he saw the box.

“What is this?”

“Gala asked me to give it to Kleon…”

[The contents inside are what I told you about before]

Kleon quietly accepted the box. Even when looking inside with magical vision, the inside is still not visible.

Seeing Kleon like that, Sasha hesitated and opened her mouth.

“Um, are you and Gala friends too…? As expected?”

“As expected?”

“Yes, yes… When Gala talked about Kleon, she looked like she was talking about a friend she had known for a long time…”

[… …]

Kleon closed his mouth for a moment at those words. It would be easy to deny it, but since Kleon hated lying, he nodded here.

“Ah, we know each other. From a long time ago.”

“I, I see~”

She tries not to show it, but it was visible that her cheeks were puffed up a little.

What was she dissatisfied with…? Kleon didn’t know, but Galatea’s laughter was heard.

“Kleon? Ah, Sasha. I told you to wait in the lobby.”

A voice interrupts the two. It was Kuon’s voice, walking up with Laila’s hand behind her.

Laila was not saying anything, with her head down.

“B, but. I was worried about Laila.”

Sasha answered Kuon, stammering. Then, Kuon showed a gentle smile.

“Don’t worry about Laila. She’s just tired in many ways.”

She said that and stroked Laila’s shoulder. Laila mumbles in a voice that seems to be fading away.

“Sorry.”

“Ah, no! I should be the one apologizing instead!”

Sasha jumped and waved her hands at Laila’s apology. But Laila didn’t say anything more. She was led by Kuon and came to Sasha’s face.

“… … What happened downstairs? Perhaps, Mr. Kleon used brainwashing magic…”

“No.”

Kleon refutes Sasha’s words. And starts walking towards the lobby.

“Kleon. Now it’s Albein, right?”

Kuon quietly says behind Kleon. There was no need to explain what it was.

When Albein’s name came up, Laila and Sasha also ‘flinch’.

Kleon stopped for a moment and looked back at Kuon. There was some resolve in Kuon’s eyes.

“Yeah. There’s something to prepare for him.”

“…I understand. I’ll follow you. But promise me.”

Kuon grabbed Kleon’s hand and spoke with a quiet but firm will.

“…Don’t kill him.”

“I’ll try.”

004

Everyone headed to the mansion’s drawing room. The midday sun coming in through the large window made them realize that early spring was still spring. It was shining a warm light.

All around were high-end furniture. Kleon was acting as if he were the owner. Originally, it was just what was left because the humans who lived there before had disappeared without a trace. Kleon sits at the head of the large and luxurious table, although it was old.

Sasha on his left. On his right, Kuon and Laila sit side by side. Kleon then places the jewel box he received from Sasha on the desk.

“…Ah. This is…”

Laila reacted without realizing it when she saw it. Kleon turned his gaze to her.

Then, Laila shrinks back, “Eeek…!”

“Kleon.”

“No, that was just a reflex…”

Kleon replied as if he was being unfairly accused by Kuon’s voice, as if Kleon was being bad.

Apparently, Kleon looks like `an extremely ruthless man who is always ready to kill her` to Laila right now.

“So, what is this anyway?”

It seemed that Sasha couldn’t hide her curiosity either. She looked at the box curiously and raised her hand.

Kleon received Sasha’s question and honestly told what he knew.

“It’s the legacy of Count Gortian.”

“Gold Mine Lord…”

Laila reflexively utters the knowledge she knows.

The head of the noble family who ruled this area in the past. A person who accumulated wealth by enslaving dwarves and obtaining numerous gold and jewels.

And the original owner of the mansion where they are gathered. The abandoned mine that Albein and his party were looking for was also one of Gortian’s possessions during his lifetime.

But the disaster caused by his limitless greed engulfed both the enslaved dwarves and the Count’s family. They disappeared into that disaster.

Kleon takes out a small key from his pocket. The size was just right for the jewel box.

“Could it be that that’s the key to this box?”

“Yeah. I found it while cleaning this mansion. A gargoyle was guarding it.”

Kleon answered Kuon’s question with a light heart.

“Gargoyle!?”

Laila shouts. Everyone’s gaze focused on her.

Then, Laila bows her head again.

Gargoyles are stone statues made with ancient technology. Excellent magic resistance and vitality that lasts even if the caster dies. But modern technology does not exist to recreate it.

As a scholar, her instincts scream in her heart that she wants to see even a destroyed gargoyle.

Kleon quietly inserts the key into the box and turns it. Then, with a ‘click’ sound, the box opened.

Inside was a small bead wrapped in something like a bandage.

The box was opened, and the form of magical power was not visible. It was just like a jewel.

But Laila’s eyes widened a little when she saw the bandage.

“──Sealing tape…”

“It seems so. It’s a suitable item for sealing for a long time, gradually removing the magical power of what’s inside.”

Kleon said that and started removing the sealing tape attached to the bead. No special process was required.

Already, both the tape and the bead. Had lost all magical power.

As Kleon tore off the obstructive tape, Laila made an ‘ah’ sound and hesitated as if trying to grab Kleon’s hand.

“Why, why Laila?”

“T, the sealing tape is also an irreproducible magical tool… If there was even a sample…”

“…Haa.”

Kuon sighs at Laila’s words. And quietly looks at Kleon.

Then, as if there was no other choice, Kleon carefully removes the remaining tape without saying anything.

As Laila calms down as if relieved by that. Eventually, the bead that was surrounded inside reveals its appearance.

It looks like a perfect sphere. The color is gray. It didn’t seem to have any special patterns or magical treatment inside.

But everyone here falls silent at the lonely energy felt from the sphere.

Why?

“In the end. What is this?”

As Kuon looked at the sphere and spoke, Kleon answered.

“It’s the core of a sword.”

“…A sword? Are you talking about the sword in demonic sword or holy sword?”

Sasha tilted her head as Kleon nodded.

Swords are usually made of iron and steel. Was such a bead inside?

Albein’s holy sword too. Kleon’s demonic sword also has some fancy decorations. But this sphere was not visible.

“To be exact, it’s the core of a dead holy sword.”

At those words, Laila’s eyes widened and she reached out her hand towards the sphere.

Kleon quickly closes the box so that her hand doesn’t reach it.

When Laila’s hand goes through the air, Kleon’s eyes turn to Laila again. Laila clings to Kuon and shrinks back.

“Kleon.”

“No, so… The pace is off.”

Kleon, as if he had a headache, put the sphere back on the desk and continued the story.

“After Gortian obtained wealth, what he wanted was power. Not just a small amount, but a huge power that could affect the entire country.”

Gortian, who had the best wealth of the time, had neither sword talent nor magic talent. Therefore, he wanted powerful soldiers or weapons.

There, he set his sights on the legendary `Holy Sword`, which was said to bestow powerful power on its owner.

Even at that time, heroes existed. They were active in various parts of the continent, and the legends of the heroes were all passed down with the holy sword.

Gortian focused on that. He was not chosen by the holy sword, but if so, he could make someone else’s holy sword his own.

So at that time. He lured the hero of the holy sword who appeared in his village to his mansion.

Flattering compliments and luxurious meals. The boy did not suspect anything and simply mistook it for goodwill and kindness, becoming a victim of the Count.

He was paralyzed with poisoned food, his limbs were cut off, and only his life was maintained so that he would not die. From then on, he snatched the holy sword.

What was the result?

The moment the holy sword was held in Gortian’s hand, it turned against him. Disappointment and anger at the human who was causing so much pain to its owner.

Originally, the holy sword, which moves by positive emotions. Turned into a demonic sword due to deep despair.

The demonic sword quickly dominated the body of Gortian, who held it in his hand. And made him wield himself against his family and the dwarves.

Numerous blood flowed through the territory. It was another holy sword hero who defeated Gortian, who had turned into a demon. By that time, the boy had already lost his life.

The hero allowed the sword, which had lost its owner and was in despair, to rest in eternal peace. When the sword broke, the core containing the soul of the sword fell out from within.

He sealed it. And divided it into a key and a box and stored them in a place out of reach of people.

And, in order not to spread fear of the holy sword. Gortian and his family were said to have been killed by a demon released from the ruins. He passed down the story.

It was discovered in the hero’s manual, which was stored with the key.

Galatea seemed to know about the existence of the core, but she did not know the details.

“A holy sword turns into a demonic sword… It’s the first time I’ve heard of this phenomenon.”

Laila muttered and looked at Kleon. Her curiosity about the phenomenon seemed to be greater than her fear of him.

Kleon stared at Laila and handed her the box containing the sphere.

“…Huh?”

“My demonic sword says… If you use some of the functions in the core. You can neutralize the power of the holy sword.”

The core of the sword is the corpse of the holy sword. Its very existence is like a symbol of death to other holy swords.

“Then, can we stop Mr. Albein’s holy sword?”

Kleon nodded at Sasha’s question.

“But as you can see… This core’s functions are completely stopped. It must be because the sealing tape slowly took away its magical power.”

“I can’t feel any magical power inside. It’s completely empty.”

Laila picked up the sphere and said.

“Laila. You can fix it, right?”

“Huh?”

At Kleon’s words, Laila looks back at him with an unbelievable expression.

What did he just say?

He’s going to entrust this to her?

“What did you think I kept you alive for? If it’s just because of Kuon’s mercy, how soft am I?”

At Kleon’s words, Kuon made an ‘Hmm…’ sound and looked at Laila.

Laila shook her head with a trembling hand, clenching her fist ‘tightly’.

“I, it’s impossible… Both holy swords and demonic swords. They are the epitome of ancient technology that can no longer be restored… They are thousands of years older than gargoyles…”

“It’s your academy’s job to research those things.”

Laila closed her mouth for a moment at Kleon’s words. What will happen if she fails? Maybe she can get Kleon’s forgiveness with this opportunity?

As tens of thousands of thoughts filled her head. The previous wisdom did not return.

Kleon, who was looking at Laila, opened his mouth again.

“What are you going to do. Laila Flameworth. Are you going to end up being pessimistic about yourself again, saying there’s no choice? The top student of the academy is nothing special.”

Provocation close to abusive language.

Sasha and Kuon were also surprised and looked back at Kleon.

Then Laila stiffened for a moment. Soon, the light of magical power returns to her droopy red hair.

“I, I’ll do it… I’ll do it! I can just do it!”

Kwaang! The flames of the soul soaring.

She, who was trembling in fear until just now, kicks off the sofa and table and stands up.

The table was overturned due to the impact of how vigorously she stood up.

In those eyes, there was anger, shame, or fear. Emotions that did not suit her still existed.

But at the same time. Her intellectual brilliance was fueling, burning the unknown expectations of ‘curiosity’ that she had long forgotten.

“Be prepared, Kleon! If I really restore this perfectly. I’ll even neutralize the power of your demonic sword.”

She said that and pointed her finger at Kleon. Kuon and Sasha were a little embarrassed by the force and looked at Laila.

“Put the table back and sit down.”

“Ah, yes.”

At Kleon’s words with veins on his forehead at the overturned table, Laila shrinks back again.