Case 113: South Zircon Conquest – Against the blade of annihilation.

Case 113: South Zircon Conquest – Against the blade of annihilation.

The situation has derailed.

I don't know what he just did, but that glowing blade... isn't good news.

After easily cutting down a dozen of the Backrooms' natives, Kyomu slowly but firmly takes a step forward, his ominous sword trailing on the ground.

''Did you know?''

The gloomy swordsman calmly opens his mouth as he walks.

''Long, long before the world came to be what we know of it today—eons before the first life form had even dreamt of being manifested... there was a god.''''A being shaped by a pure desire for annihilation.''''They longed for the universe's obliteration. They longed for the cease of everything in existence.''''Only because they loved all existence.''''What they longed for... was an unowned, unending—a dream of eternity.''''In their words, only through annihilation should we reach eternity. Only then should we find eternal peace.''''Open your eyes... and witness.''''The Blade of Nihility.''

I am caught in a daze.

Through those words, I finally understand.

The sensation that I am feeling right now... is primal fear. Fear for something I absolutely cannot overcome—death. Beyond that sword, a terrible aura awaits.

It seems as though everything in the world would cease to exist the moment they touch that white haze.

I want it.

I want that sword.

I want that power.

Without a single sign, the world around me slows down. I myself am not sure whether this is natural or not—just, the desire to claim that mesmerizing power dominates my psyche.

The next moment, a myriad of magic is shot at Kyomu. Spells that not even the sturdiest barrier can withstand easily. They are coming for him in every direction.

————————!!!

Yet, with the blade that signifies annihilation, he easily cuts through them all. Even magic, when it comes into contact with that haze, hurries to disappear as if scared.

''Those eyes... you are a true monarch, I see.''

The swordsman utters, his hollow eyes seemingly piercing my mask.

''However, everything is powerless before true annihilation.''

I can hear my heart beating loudly. Each second passes, and the tingling of my hand only gets worse. I am... excited. The mere sight of that blade harboring death causes a dopamine rush for me.

Undeterred, my mouth forms a grin under the mask.

''Do not forget... you are in my domain.''

''!!''

The instance I shoot myself forward, Kyomu hurries to swing his sword, yet what he doesn't expect is... for the floor beneath his feet to distort.

His blade cuts the air, forming a clean curve as I dig into his side.

KENG—!

However, even with that surprise, he is still able to spin around and deflect my sword clad in freezing ice. The ice of absolute zero, one that I have pride in, easily dissipates once in contact with the white haze.

For the first time, a genuine expression of surprise covers Minamoto no Kyomu's face as he snaps his head to the side. Following the slightly hushed voice, a gloved hand has found its way onto the swordsman's shoulder.

''Ugh...!''

Not even a second later, the mighty man collapses helplessly.

As his body loses its strength, the sword in his hand slowly slips out.

But I know for a fact—it isn't the end.

I take a wide step forward, thrusting my densely infused sword toward his neck. Not betraying my expectations, Kyomu musters a final burst of strength and slams his left palm into his chest.

Accompanied by a dull 'thud,' a white aura gently spreads across his body, and before I know it, his Blade of Nihility is coming my way again, albeit with a fainter hue.

''...''

''...''

Since he stops it mid-air, am I correct to assume that it is over?

Even though our swords are mere centimeters away from each other's throats, I have many methods to escape, so this is not necessarily me risking my life.

After a long silence, the dangerous aura dwelling in Minamoto no Kyomu's sword finally ceases.

''Impressive.''

A comment sounding as though genuinely appreciative.

''I admit defeat.''

Sheathing his katana, the swordsman of annihilation neatly gets on his knees and raises his hands. On his face... is a strange look of satisfaction.

[Follower request sent]

[Kyomu has become your follower]

[A territorial skill has been detected from the entity: Kyomu]

[Automatically merge Kyomu's territory(s) with the user's territory]

[Automatically transfer Kyomu's follower ownerships to the user]

[Title: 'Queen of South Zircon' acquired]

...Hm? He doesn't have any followers...?

''...''

Whatever.

''Whew...''

As the tension eases, I let out an audible sigh and stare blankly at the flickering lights on the ceiling. Thankfully... it turns out quite well.