Chapter 252: Song of the Ghost (2)
TL/Editor: Raei
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Maximin watched, mouth agape, as Theo extracted 'that.'
A mix of emotions swirled in Maximin's widened eyes.
'To pull out that thing, which I had sealed with the magic chains bestowed by the Pope...'
First was shock.
'A thing that could restrain even mid-level demons... Was my sealing ability this pathetic? Retiring... Did it actually extend my life? I wouldn't have survived with such skill.'
Second was despair.
'Still, it's fortunate that Theo was the one who pulled it out.'
Third was relief.
'But is it alright for him to hold that thing for so long? It must be causing him immense mental pain.'
Last was worry.
Maximin had once used 'that' himself.
When in contact with 'that,' he constantly heard a bizarre, disjointed, eerie voice.
Cut... Bleed... Stab... Grab... Behind...
It felt like an electric shock zapping through every blood vessel in his body.
Instinctively, he felt that holding onto it any longer would spell disaster, so he avoided contact as much as possible.
The longest he had ever been in contact with it was three minutes.
However, Theo seemed to have been in contact with 'that' for at least three minutes, likely even more.
He hadn't moved an inch, staying still right where he was...
Maximin's eyes trembled.
'Could it be that he's lost consciousness while standing...!'
Maximin hurried over to Theo.
"Theo, are you alright?"
"Yes, I'm fine."
Theo replied calmly, just as he was before.
Maximin asked again.
"Are you being attacked mentally? Hearing weird noises?"
Theo glanced at 'that,' which he was holding.
"It talks quite a bit. Rather than being attacked, it's more like my mind is all over the place. But I can handle it."
"Is that so..."
Maximin closed his mouth.
'Has Theo been chosen by 'that'?'
Within the Chalon family, the record for the longest time someone had made direct contact with 'that' was three minutes, a record set by Maximin himself.
He had tried to endure longer, but the feeling of his mind deteriorating forced him to give up.
Yet, Theo still held 'that' without a change in his expression.
No matter how strong his mental fortitude was, such a performance was impossible.
Then, the words Theo had said came back to him.
It wants me right now. It said the chains binding it are irrelevant.
"..."
Could it really be?
Someone who wasn't even a member of the Chalon family, chosen by the family's divine artifact.
Anyway, Theo's acquisition of 'that' today would change the continent's landscape.
That thing is more than capable of doing so.
-Observer's Eye (Passive) [View Details]
-Weapon Expert (Passive) [View Details]
-Sword Expert (Passive) [View Details]
But the main character of the game, Neike, also had this trait and still couldn't communicate with Nay, so this trait wasn't the cause.
'Then, is it because of [Twisted Noble's Dignity]?'
Nay's voice is young, but her way of speaking is old-fashioned.
It's a way of speaking that even grandmothers on their last legs today wouldn't use.
When asked about her identity, she said she couldn't remember... but Nay was likely of noble blood before she got trapped in the [Demon Sword].
And the twisted nobility within me, Theo, might consider not listening to her voice as unbecoming of nobility...
'That's too far-fetched.'
I clicked my tongue and erased that hypothesis from my mind.
'Let's just focus on the present.'
Even if it meant suffering from mental contamination, it was an item I needed to get.
Since I had received permission from its original owner, Maximin, my only task was to make the most of the [Demon Sword].
I spoke up.
"Lady Nay. As you might have heard, I need to become stronger quickly. I'd like your advice."
Nay, still incessantly praising the world, answered.
If you don't mind any means, there are plenty of ways to become stronger. So many that they're uncountable. But I've seen too many of those who became strong in such ways meet miserable ends. I don't remember exactly when, but it reminds me of a comrade who turned his back on the entire continent. He was a knight of the empire's imperial family and was about my age...
Nay was about to (though it's doubtful she has one) flip the switch on her motor mouth again.
I immediately cut her off.
"As long as I'm alive in about 3 and a half years, that's all that matters. I don't care about the cost. As long as I can become stronger in a short period."
Hmm. Then, I must properly assess your current skills. Since it seems you cannot use magic, show me your martial arts and swordsmanship first.
How did she know I lacked mana?
"How did you know I lack mana?"
It's obvious at a glance. I felt it the moment you held me. Plus, I knew what bloodline you're from. My boy, you're a Descendant of a Hero.
"That's correct. I'm of the Waldeurk bloodline."
Oh ho. Waldeurk... That sounds like a name I've heard before. Ah... now my memory is slowly starting to return. First, show me the swordsmanship you can perform while holding me. Ah, it's better if the form is similar to the sword you usually use.
Simultaneously with her words, the [Demon Sword]'s form changed.
The transformed shape was identical to the [Elemental Sword] in terms of blade thickness, length, and weight.
'that's indeed a mythic-grade artifact.'
I immediately gripped the [Demon Sword] and began to swing it.
Every sword technique I had seen with my eyes and learned with my body was displayed from the tip of the sword.
"Sigh."
After about 10 minutes of intensely concentrating and swinging the sword, my body was drenched in sweat.
'That should be good enough.'
A sense of fulfillment rose within me.
"That's it, Lady Nay."
However,
To be honest, it was very poor. With that level, you wouldn't defeat even a low-level demon.
Nay's assessment was harsh.
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