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Chapter 459. The Cracked Blade

— The sun was blazing down.

Reflected on the crystal-clear lake surface were the blue sky and white clouds!

“Yahhoo!”

I was gliding across the lake, riding a small boat with a triangular sail, splashing white waves everywhere.

“I can’t believe you’re a beginner! I can’t let you win!”

Arthur, who was racing alongside me on his sailboat, laughed cheerfully with his flowing blonde hair.

“Well, of course! I’ve done this before!”

Man, this is so much fun! It’s totally exciting! … But when was that “before”? Oh well.

“Alright, let’s race to that cape over there!”

I adjusted the sail to accelerate as Arthur captured the wind as well.

“Sure thing! I’ll take you on!”

Meanwhile, Bishop Lexar and the young Vampire Hunters were laughing and watching us while enjoying a barbecue on the beach—

“Damn it! I lost!”

Returning from the cape, I stomped the ground in frustration as I landed on the sandy beach.

The young Vampire Hunters, all rosy-faced from drinking while barbecuing, pointed at me and laughed loudly.

“Hahaha, experience is everything!”

As Arthur pulled up his sailboat, he beamed with pride.

“According to our deal, I get a drink from Alex now!”

“Oh, we’re drinking?”

“Sounds good! I was just thinking we were running low on booze!”

“It’s on Alex!”

Following Arthur’s words, the Vampire Hunters cheered and began bickering.

“Hey! I never said I’d buy drinks for you guys!”

“Alright, let’s go, everyone. The ancient texts say, ‘Never let a Vampire escape without free booze.'”

Bishop Lexar said this seriously, with arms crossed.

“I’ve never heard that one before!”

I protested dramatically, but it fell on deaf ears.

And just like that, we moved on to the bar for a second party. While I lamented, “My wallet’s going to be empty!” I was still having a blast.

Buying drinks for everyone wasn’t really a problem…

“This is a specialty of this town!”

“Oh, really?”

On the way to the bar, I glanced into a souvenir shop, and Arthur presented me with something that looked like a strange pair of glasses.

The lenses were pitch black as if they dyed the darkness itself.

“You wear these in the dazzling summer sun. They’re called ‘sunglasses’ but around here, people mainly call them ‘Graf’s glasses.'”

“Let me try!”

I quickly put them on.

…Wait, I can barely see anything! When I looked up at the sky, the tilting sun shone dimly, looking like the moon!

“Whoa, I can see the sun so clearly! But everything else looks dark like night!”

I shouted with excitement.

“…”

No response.

“…Arthur?”

Something felt off, so I looked down.

— There was a battlefield.

Night. The moonlight illuminated a hill piled high with countless corpses. The ground was muddy with blood, as if it had been drenched from a torrential downpour.

Silver flashes.

“DieEEE!!”

A young Vampire Hunter with a holy sword charged at me.

His face was stained crimson with blood, radiating hostility and murderous intent—

Before I knew it, I was gripping a sword staff, deflecting that holy blade,

And then I—

Pierced him with the tip—

…No.

No, no!!

“[Lightning Strike!]”

Bishop Lexar, having lost both arms, bit into my neck.

Then he exploded outwards, as if peeling from the inside.

“Gahhhh!!”

The flesh tinged with holy silver blood burned my entire body.

“[Absolute Defense Zone!]”

Silver chains ensnared me further.

“Die, Demon Lord’s Prince!!”

Arthur, lifting a shining blade, approached with a determined look.

“Receive your punishment—!”

Somehow, I managed to deflect that slashing attack with Adamas—

But Arthur’s youthful face twisted with wrinkles—

Yet his glaring, vengeful eyes showed no sign of dulling—

This wasn’t how it was supposed to be,

Not like this…!!

“Ugh… Waaaaaaahhh—!!!”

I swung the sword staff—

…

Before I knew it, I found myself alone, walking through the wilderness.

There was a jingling sound. The chains clung to me. Heavy. Hot. Painful.

At the end of the chains was Arthur’s wrinkled arm.

Grinding into the earth, he was trying to stop my steps.

“You traitor…”

“How dare you kill me…”

“Why are you living so freely…”

Mixed in with the sound of the dry wind were such voices.

Red sand swirled. A smell like rusted iron. Blood. Stuck blood. This, crimson wasteland, was entirely stained with blood…

It was cold.

The chains that wrapped around me were burning hot, yet my body was progressively getting colder.

Jingle, jingle. The chains grew heavier…

“Die.”

“Die already.”

“Go to hell, traitor.”

Black shadows circled around me.

I couldn’t see their faces. I didn’t want to.

Because I knew.

It was painful.

Moving forward was exhausting. I just wanted to fall down.

But… I couldn’t stop.

Far, far away, at the edge of the horizon,

A faint… glimmer could be seen.

I began walking to grasp that light.

There was no way I could stop here.

I couldn’t afford to stop…!

“Die.”

“Die too.”

“Die like us.”

The shadows kept closing in. Those voices felt too familiar.

They were humans, elves, and demons.

I didn’t want to hear them… but I couldn’t block my ears while gripping my sword.

It hurt… it was painful…

It was cold…

It was dark.

The light was disappearing.

My feet wouldn’t move.

…Move already.

I can’t stop.

I won’t…

Move… move…

…

No good.

It’s getting darker and darker.

…I’ve tried my best.

If this doesn’t work, well…

Maybe it’s fine…

“That cannot be.”

Suddenly, a slender brown arm grabbed me firmly by the nape.

“That cannot be. It’s not your time yet!”

Eyes filled with chaotic colors peered at me,

“Alexander. You still cannot fall!”

They stared at me.

“[Prohibition of Coma]—now, stand up.”

— My Contractor.

†††

I took a deep breath.

Like someone who was drowning being pulled out from the bottom.

The night sky, the moon, and—three faces peering at me with concern rushed into my view.

Leila, with tears in her eyes.

Barbara, half-translucent with an anguished expression.

And Ant, quietly, painfully, lovingly—looking at me.

“…Where is this?”

I was surprised by how hoarse my voice sounded.

“This is an uninhabited island to the south of Aulitos Lake.”

Leila answered in a trembling voice. “I’m so glad you woke up!”

Apparently, I was laid out on the sandy beach.

If I can see the moon…

It hasn’t been that long since… since then…

My entire body felt heavy and cold, yet my torso was painfully hot. When I shifted my gaze, it became clear that the silver chains were still wrapped around me.

They were searing me. In response, Bon-Dage was faintly glowing.

If it wasn’t for Liliana’s blessing, this would have hurt much more…

…I keep being saved. Thank you…

“I made it seem like I was flying east for a moment to avoid being seen and came down here. With you unconscious, we couldn’t approach any human settlements. Especially at this time of night.”

Ant spoke flatly.

“And, well, you understand your condition—it’s very bad. The cursed chain is tormenting you, but you need to do something about the poison; otherwise, you might breathe your last before the poison clears.”

“…What do you mean by ‘do something’…?”

There’s no one in the area I can use teleportation spells on…

“I can become the target for the teleportation spell,”

Leila said, placing a hand on her chest.

Her voice, now strong, was oddly different from the one filled with tears before.

“I can handle some holy silver burns and poison symptoms. If I transform back into my dragon form, I can use self-reinforcement magic to heal quickly. We are much stronger against poison than common creatures.”

“I could take that role too, but if I revert to my demon form, how much it would affect me is still uncertain, and how long it would take to heal is unknown. For the poison, Leila is the proper choice. Of course, if things grow dire, I will take my turn.”

…They must have discussed this while I was unconscious.

They probably excluded the option of coming down to talk to me for ethical reasons and to consider my resistance… I could easily imagine that Ant pushed for this.

Given that Leila can use light attribute self-healing magic, she was the best choice as a substitute for the injuries or poison symptoms. But since she needs to revert to her dragon form, they chose an uninhabited island for my safety…

An island near the center of the lake would be easier to spot from above while seldom visited by people.

But…

“Is there no way to stop the progression of the poison using forbidden magic?”

“Depending on whether we can identify what substances the poison contains and how they affect which organs, we might attain some efficacy.”

Ant responded, frowning at my suggestion.

“Do you have any idea what that poison might be? Do you know of any poisons used by Vampire Hunters?”

“No… I don’t have a clue. I’ve never heard of Vampire Hunters using poisons.”

Vampires generally aren’t affected by poison, anyway.

“I picked up some knowledge about nocturnal elf pharmacology but not in detail—”

And then I realized it.

…Nocturnal Elves.

“Hmmm. One among you, then. An expert.”

Ant directed his gaze toward the pendant hidden beneath my clothing, narrowing his eyes.

“We could wake her up and consult her. She might know how to identify the poison or ways to neutralize it.”

“…That’s true.”

If I went to catch a suitable human to treat Virosa and encountered a strong hero, who hurt me and I had to flee— that’d make a great excuse.

Damn it… who would’ve thought this would happen…

“……”

As I pondered, I felt so sleepy.

Being drawn into an incredibly deep slumber.

It felt as if the pain was being stretched to its limits, gradually thinning out.

Oddly comfortable…

“This is bad. Regardless of whether we call Virosa or not, we must deal with the teleportation spell first and foremost.”

Ant shook me urgently. I woke up.

“Alex. Do it swiftly; I’m fine.”

“…Sorry, Leila…”

“Don’t apologize.”

As she held my hand, Leila smiled painfully. Her hand was warm.

“If it had come to this, I should have intervened sooner…”

Leila’s words were like blood oozing out.

“My power was useless against the barrier… but once it was lifted, I could have ambushed you from the sky at any time.”

But—

“I hesitated. I thought if I intervened, it might lead to irreparable consequences… And I thought maybe it could still work out. That thought held me back…”

…I couldn’t find the words to respond.

After all, I had been thinking the same.

“I hesitated because I recognized the faces. I tried to optimistically think it would work out. But ultimately, if it led to this end… if I had been able to decide sooner… you would not have suffered like this.”

Leila bit her lips until she drew blood.

But it was unwarranted for her to blame herself.

“It’s my fault.”

After all, every decision was mine.

“…So don’t blame yourself, Leila.”

“Alex, that’s a bad habit of yours.”

Leila gently placed her hand on my cheek.

“This is also my decision.”

— So, I’ll bear that responsibility as well.

“……”

We looked at each other with indescribably bitter expressions.

But then Ant slapped the tops of our heads.

“Enough of the self-pity.”

With an exasperated expression, Ant said.

“Focus on the teleportation spell.”

…That’s true. Leila and I exchanged resigned smiles.

“— Thank you, Leila.”

I stopped apologizing and voiced my gratitude.

“That’s fine.”

Leila smiled.

— I’m sorry.

I entwined her with the dark magic.

“[Teleport!]”

My body became light. The numbness and nausea faded away.

On the contrary, Leila, who grimaced and covered her mouth, hurriedly distanced herself from me, swaying.

Her form—the silver dragon, woven in the moonlight.

“[I will burn this into your eyes as the embodiment of light!]”

Roaring into the night sky, Leila’s voice became metallic as her eyes began to radiate a rainbow of colors. Her scales sparkled, shining like a blazing sun at noon. It activated her regeneration and neutralized the poison’s effects—

But still, she stood out way too much. At this hour, I’d say it would only be possible if we were on a deserted island.

Even now, from afar, it might look like a strange phenomenon from the ships.

“…..Phew. It looks like we’ll manage.”

After taking a breath, Leila looked down at me in her dragon form.

“I killed many people.”

The sudden statement pierced right through my heart like an icy blade.

“I’ll surely kill as many as I need for Alex. And I won’t regret it. I won’t ask for forgiveness. I’ll live arrogantly and selfishly like a dragon… But,”

Illuminated by the darkness were her large golden eyes, gleaming.

“People surely won’t forgive me for that… If a day comes for me to face judgment—”

Leila let out a thin breath.

Her breath scorched me.

“— Please, kill me with your own hands.”

Leila leaned her head against mine.

—or rather, rested her neck upon me…

She asked me to sever her head.

— Like her father.

“If it’s your hands, I will accept it. So, Alex, please don’t die before me…”

— Until death, I shall remain with you—

Even without the 【Kizuna】, her voice reverberated within me.

“…… I understand.”

I placed my hand on Leila’s dragon face and nodded firmly.

“I promise.”

Honestly, I didn’t want this. If I die, I want Leila to live on.

But to voice that here would be dishonorable.

I dragged her into this mess. She had resolved herself.

Then I too must show my resolve.

Until Leila herself says she’s against it…

We go together, even if our destination is hell…

…Damn it, I can’t die that easily.

And besides, for now, I must continue to pass the poison symptoms onto Leila to stay alive. What a cruel irony this is…!

“…Heh.”

Ant smirked. As if to say, “There’s no easy way for you.”

“Hehe…”

Leila was laughing too, almost playfully teasing me.

I was at a loss for what to do, just petting Leila’s scales and horns endlessly.

…By the way, I recalled something unpleasant from “cutting off heads.”

“Speaking of which, where’s Adamas?”

I sat up and began feeling around my waist while asking.

Last I remember, I wrapped the bone handle around my arm so I wouldn’t drop it when leaving the battlefield…

“Oh!…?”

Ant, Leila, and Barbara exchanged awkward glances at my question.

Wait, what’s with that reaction?

Did I drop it while flying or something!?

“Adamas… is, um, well, over there…”

Barbara pointed awkwardly behind me.

When I hastily turned around, I saw Adamas sheathed and leaning against a nearby large rock.

What the heck! It’s right here! Don’t scare me like that!!

“You had a rough time too, Adamas.”

As I reached out and pulled it closer, I spoke.

…Well, this is my fault that it had such a rough time. Describing it as some unfortunate accident would definitely anger Adamas…

“I used it all up again, and you haven’t taken care of it…?”

The instant I grasped the handle—

I was struck by an undeniable sense of discomfort.

“…Adamas?”

It felt strange. Even in a dormant state…

When held, I would typically feel the breath or presence of Adamas—

But now it felt like—like it was simply—

Just a block of metal…!

“Hey… Adamas…?”

Tentatively, I drew the sword from its sheath—

“……”

I was left speechless.

The unyielding holy sword that had never received a single scratch even after clashing with the Demon Lord…

Now bore a crack running clearly through its blade!

“Adamas…”

No response.

Eventually, I finally realized.

It wasn’t merely dormant. It had truly lost its essence.

Its power as a holy sword had completely dissipated.

 

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