episode_0086

As the little one with black hair swung the sword,

A new path emerged there.

Simply, the blue flame advancing steadfastly ahead consumed everything in its way.

Creating a new path of their own.

“These academy students nowadays all seem to have this as a basic skill… I’ve heard about this black-haired little one from Valter, but I never expected this level…”

Balkan gazed fixedly at where Bern wielded the sword.

“No matter how much power of the Dark Sword he borrowed… This is truly… unbelievable.”

Balkan himself was a safe distance away from Bern, but

Everything around Bern was either burning or melting away.

It was almost a disaster.

“…Wait, kid..! Sword! Get away from the sword!”

The Gluttony Blade, among the Dark Swords, belonged to the weakest category in terms of penalties.

However, like all Dark Swords, the Gluttony Blade followed the law of equivalent exchange.

In other words, the more you raise the power of the Dark Sword, the greater the price you have to pay.

The spectacle created by the little one just now was far from ordinary.

Having unleashed such power, the little one must pay a hefty price to the Dark Sword.

But there were no items around the little one for the Dark Sword to consume.

So, what the Dark Sword could consume was…

Only the little one nearby.

However, contrary to my expectations, the Dark Sword did not consume anything.

With a strange sound, the howling Dark Sword made no noise at all.

The Dark Sword, like a contented puppy, made a ‘woong’ sound and quietly returned to its scabbard.

“What… What is this… Kid, how did you do that? Gluttony didn’t consume anything… There has never been a case like this before…”

“Perhaps it absorbed my magic power. It seems satisfied with that.”

“What?”

“It seems to have absorbed my magic power. Probably feeling full from that.”

“Unbelievable. Kid, are you so eager to be devoured? Even if so, giving your magic power to the Dark Sword!! What’s the point of risking being devoured yourself along with your magic power!”

“….”

At that, the little one with black hair remained silent, simply bowing their head deeply.

‘…Still, they seem to know how dangerous their actions were.’

“Ha. Truly, what a funny fellow you’ve become. Well then, kid. Take that sword.”

“…Really, is that okay?”

“To fully unleash its power, a sword must find a suitable master. Since you and that sword seem to be a perfect match, it should work well together.”

“Thank you for the praise.”

“Hehe, indeed an amusing kid.”

“But can I use a sword entrusted to me by someone else?”

“As I said earlier, you can’t return it to that person now. So, gather materials with that Dark Sword. Then, forge the sword you desire.”

“Thank you, Balkan.”

····

“Kid, before you go. Take this too.”

As I was about to leave the workshop, Balkan stopped me and handed me something.

“What’s this?”

A pure white sword, contrasting with the Dark Sword Gluttony… Not bad.

-Shrrung

I drew the sword from its scabbard and examined it closely.

From the hilt to the blade, the pure white sword gleamed brightly in every part.

If there ever was a sword that suited the name “Pure White,” this might be it, shining so brightly.

“Even at first glance, it looks quite impressive. Why are you giving this to me?”

With a hint of doubt, I looked at Balkan.

He let out a deep sigh and continued, “It’s a spare sword. You can’t always rely on using only Dark Swords. While it may have better durability than the longsword you used before, don’t overuse it.”

“Why are you going to such lengths for me?

“Just an investment. Investment. Seems like that guy will become a big shot in a few years. It’s like investing in advance.”

Investment, they say…

I appreciate them thinking highly of me, but it’ll still be at least a year before the fate of this world is decided.

Still, good things are good.

“Is that so… Well then, I’ll graciously accept.”

“By the way, kid.”

“Why?”

“Do you have a master?”

“A master? What kind of master are you talking about?”

“Don’t have one? Alright then. Just asked out of curiosity.”

“Well, if I gather the materials, I’ll drop by again next time.”

“Alright. It’s getting dark, so hurry back home.”

And with that, I left Balkan’s workshop.

····

Today was a lucky day.

Just dropped by to get a new sword.

Ended up building rapport with Balkan and unexpectedly got my hands on a Dark Sword and a spare sword.

“Now, all that’s left is to buy a pot to plant Mandragora seeds on the way to the club room.”

So here I am, walking down a dimly lit alley as night falls.

I hear sounds of a scuffle nearby.

– Let go! Drop it! You guys!

– Whoa whoa, calm down.

Who’s fighting?

Well, this area is known for its poor security even among the outskirts.

It’s none of my business.

So, I could just ignore it and walk past.

“But maybe I should check it out anyway.”

I cautiously approached the source of the noise, keeping low.

There, I could see two men forcing a woman into a dead-end alley.

“What’s going on here?”

“You paid not long ago! Why are you doing this?! We agreed not to interfere if you paid on time!! So, let her go!”

“That might be difficult. The boss said he needs money urgently~.”

“So what, do you want to try working underground too? I’ll find you a spot, you just need to show up…”

“Nonsense! Many who followed that advice never returned. Do you think I’d listen to you?!”

-Smack!

As the woman raised her voice, the man with yellow hair blocking her path slapped her cheek.

Seemingly accustomed to it now, she just glared at him, offering no resistance.

-Thud!

Having been slapped, she stumbled against the wall.

“Hah, a penniless woman raising her voice. Because I speak to you kindly, do you think you’re someone special?”

“Hey hey, that’s enough. If you get hurt, it’ll be troublesome.”

“Her clothes are just dirty. Why does the boss want to bring in such a sharp-tongued woman?”

“The beastfolk are in demand for various reasons. Besides, she has to listen to the boss because of her younger brother.”

“Tsk, why does she get involved with that crazy person, causing herself and us trouble. Useless. Useless.”

‘….’

Seeing someone being beaten without any resistance, helplessly taking the hits.

It somehow reminds me of myself not long ago.

Powerless, just… unable to resist.

It feels like I’m staring at that guy.

It doesn’t sit well with me.

But if I were to intervene here, nothing would change.

From their conversation so far, that girl is probably related to some kind of gang boss in the underground city.

So, even if I deal with those two guys.

Ultimately, nothing will change.

To solve the fundamental issue, I need to handle that guy in the underground city.

Interfering unnecessarily might only make things harder for her.

So, I watch over the girl from a distance.

Spitting at the face of the guy who had hit her cheek, I shouted.

“No matter how broke, miserable, and screwed up I am. I won’t do as you say, you bastard~.”

“Hey, hold it! I told you to hold it!”

“Sigh, fine. I, being merciful, should hold back. But my fist can’t seem to hold back.”

-Thud!

-Thud!

A dreadful sound echoes through the alley.

“….”

Normally, I would have just passed by.

Why can’t I just pass by this time?

Because of my lack of strength, lack of money.

Seeing myself helplessly taking hits, unable to even resist, it resonated with me.

I was just a little angry.

Why is my body acting on its own?

Just before a man who looked like a thug could land his punch on her face, I caught his fist.

“What’s this black-haired one doing here all of a sudden?”

“….”

Am I knocked out from the shock?

Regardless, the injuries are severe. Her delicate face now sports a deep bruise.

But the bruise wasn’t the issue.

Her body was distressingly emaciated. Severely injured.

It was hard to find an undamaged spot on her arms and legs.

Her ears and tail, akin to a merfolk’s lifeline, hung limp and powerless.

“….”

I don’t know this girl’s name.

I don’t know who she is, how she survived.

But seeing her helplessly taking hits, I couldn’t just stand by. No, I didn’t want to see that.

So, this is just because I feel bad.

This is definitely not an action done for her sake.

Just self-satisfaction.

“By the way, buddy. If you’re just passing by, keep your mouth shut. Don’t make me angry for no reason. Or maybe… are you acquainted with this woman?”

I gently lay the fallen girl on the ground, covering her with a coat from my inventory.

“There’s a saying among adults. Don’t hit people, even with flowers.”

“Why the hell are you suddenly butting in? Shut the h···!”

-Crunch!

I landed a solid punch on the guy’s face, devoid of any magical power, causing his yellow-haired head to contort strangely as blood gushed out.

“Cough, ack!! My nose, my nose!!”

“If you’re going to punch someone, you should be prepared to get punched back. Be ready for retaliation.”