Chapter 158: The Festival of Swords (1)

Chapter 158: The Festival of Swords (1)

“It’s for the Sword Saint Zafiz.”

“Huh? Zaifa?”

Ronan’s eyes widened. The unexpected visitor left him perplexed. Simultaneously, he felt like he knew why the boy had crawled all the way to the Festival of Swords.

‘If it’s for Zaifa, it makes sense.’

Zaifa was known to roam the continent under the Emperor’s orders. The only thing that’d guarantee her staying in one palace for a certain period of time would be the Festival of Swords. The boy nodded.

“Yes, my master wanted to present it to Miss Zaifa with great reverence. He hopes Miss Zaifa will use it during this Festival of Swords, so...”

It seemed the person he referred to as his master had a deep connection with Zaifa. Considering Zaifa’s reputation as the greatest swordmaster in history, it would be strange if there weren’t admirers. Ronan suddenly recalled Zaifa’s usual sword, the Crescent Moon Blade, and tapped his chin with his finger.

“I see... But isn’t it too small for Zaifa?”

Although it was a reasonably large longsword, it was still based on human standards. After two years without seeing each other, Ronan felt Zafia had grown even more. He worried that when Zaifa wielded it, it might look like a toy. The boy chuckled meaningfully and nodded.

“Hehe... it might seem that way, but that’s not the case. This sword has a special ability.”

“An ability? Does it sing when you touch it?”

“I’m sorry, but I can’t go into details. My master told me to only show it directly to Miss Zaifa after meeting her.”

The boy stated firmly. Ronan had thought he was just a shy brat, but surprisingly he had a sharp side too. Ronan decided not to press further. He wasn’t particularly curious.

‘This bastard...’

However, he couldn’t help but feel a bit annoyed by the swollen face. Observing the exposed flesh through torn clothes and the flowing blood, Ronan sighed and took out a potion bottle from his pouch.

“Alright, then show me the wounds.”

“Wh-What? Is that a potion?! It’s okay! I really...”

“I have a habit where I hit people who make me say the same thing three times. Until they wet themselves.”

“Uhh...!”

The boy sealed his lips. Ronan, with an indifferent expression, started applying the potion with his fingers. Varen’s special potion quickly healed the wounds. While examining the wound on his shoulder, Ronan noticed something.

‘Hmm?’

He realized that the boy’s injuries were superficial. There were no broken bones, and nothing seemed internally damaged. Considering the size of the rookie hunters, he had received very minor injuries.

“For someone who got beaten by those bulky bastards, your injuries are very minimal. I guess you’ve been beaten a lot?”

“Ahaha... yes. I managed to take the hits with some skill. My master is a rough person by nature, you see.”

“But to even beat up a brat like you, that’s quite a ruthless master. It’s done.”

Ronan finished the treatment by rubbing the potion on the boy’s cheek. As the bruising faded and the swelling subsided, a rather smooth face emerged. His appearance, delicate like a girl, was quite distinct from that of a typical swordsman.

‘Gray hair and brown eyes, what an interesting combination.’

His gray-white hair resembled snow dusted with ash. The boy, now free of wounds and pain, widened his eyes in amazement. As if experiencing a miracle, he began to touch his face.

“Th-this is incredible... It doesn’t hurt at all now.”

“Awesome, right? The person who made that potion is no ordinary individual.”

“Th-thank you. I’m truly grateful. This kindness...”

“Enough. Just finish your delivery.”

Ronan waved his hand as if he was annoyed.It wasn’t something I had hoped for in the first place. The boy, bowing respectfully, quickly started gathering his belongings. Observing this, Ronan raised an eyebrow.

“Are you leaving now?”

“Yes! If I walk diligently from now on, I should arrive by tomorrow evening. I need to finish my duties quickly and return.”

“You can join us if you want. I can ensure your safety.”

“Thank you very much, but I’ll gratefully accept your kind intentions. I don’t want to bother you anymore. I will never forget this.”

The boy once again expressed his gratitude, bowing his head. Though a bit uneasy, Ronan couldn’t forcibly detain someone who insisted on leaving. Scratching his head, Ronan asked.

“Everyone has worked hard. You’ve arrived precisely on time.”

The air was fresh. The dawn, ripening into morning, still held a dark blue hue. Ronan raised the corner of his mouth as he saw the twinkling lights beyond the field.

“At last.”

It was Dran Parzan, one of the four villages existing in Parzan. It was also a place where every swordsman who wanted to participate in the Festival of Swords had to stop by. Ronan’s gaze shifted to the back of the village.

“Is there a shrine at the top?”

“Yes. It’s a place only those who have passed the ritual can go. It’s been a while since I’ve seen it, and it feels refreshing.”

“It’s ridiculously high.”

Ronan chuckled. Behind Dran Parzan, a giant mountain rose. With a gentle slope, the mountain seemed like a cornerstone supporting the sky.

Perhaps due to the high altitude, Dran Parzan’s appearance was bluish, as if it were draped in a blue veil. The head of the mountain was stained pure white with perpetual snow.

‘Come to think of it, those guys...’

Suddenly, Ronan realized that numerous people were crossing the field. At least fifty were visible to the eye. As if bound by a promise, they were all moving towards Dran Parzan.

Some carried torches, others used the fading stars as makeshift lanterns. Though their appearances varied, they all shared one thing in common – each had a sword at their side.

“Shall we go too?”

It was a solemn procession, much like pilgrims. After exchanging a few words of encouragement, the three set off in the direction the others were heading.

When they arrived at the village, the surroundings were already brightened. People who appeared to be guides were directing the participants. Suddenly, the guide who crossed paths with Navirose gasped.

“Thank you for your efforts in coming here. If you plan to participate in the Festival of Swords, please proceed to the plaza immediately.”

By the time they reached the village, the surroundings were already bright. People who appeared to be guides were instructing the participants..

“Thank you for your efforts in coming... Ugh! Miss Navirose?!”

“It’s been a while. I’m pretty sure it was around four years ago.”

“Thank you for remembering me. It’s an honor. I guided you back then too. Let me escort you to the Supervisory Committee headquarters.”

“No, there’s no need for that. I came as a participant this time.”

“...What?”

The guide’s eyes widened. Ronan and Shullifen were equally puzzled. Navirose turned around from the guide who seemed like he wanted to say something and walked away. Ronan, who was dazed, quickly caught up with her.

“What? Even someone the Instructor can participate?”

“As long as one doesn’t make a mistake that violates the regulations, there shouldn’t be a problem. Is there a law that says people like me can’t search for the Holy Sword?”

“That’s true, but it’s unexpected. There is sparring between participants during the filtering process, right?”

“Probably, since it’s a consciousness-based ritual.”

“I feel sorry for the person who’ll have to face the Instructor. That’s too much”

Ronan shook his head. He had no idea what kind of test it would be, but this was no different than a massacre. Following the instructions of the guide, they headed towards the plaza. Ronan’s eyes widened.

“This is...”

People were crowded together in a place similar in size to Philleon’s plaza. Looking around, Ronan chuckled at the sight. There were a lot more people gathered than expected.

“Is this everyone that made it through the filtering process?”

“...It’s an unusually large number. They even moved the event date forward. What happened?”

Navirose also seemed puzzled. Moreover, people continued to gather. Ronan turned to the two and spoke.

“It seems like it’ll take a bit before it starts. I’ll go take a look around and come back. I’m getting sore from trying to stay still.”

“Go ahead.”

Navirose muttered. Ronan, stretching, moved his feet. Their auras were so powerful that there was no need to worry about losing each other.

About five minutes had passed as he wandered around. Then, an unfamiliar voice came from behind.

“Who might this be, isn’t it the hero who brought spring back to the continent?”