Volume 1 - CH 17

Basically, whoever destroys the other's sacred weapon is the winner.

On the other hand, whoever's sacred weapon is destroyed, is the loser.

When that happens, not only will the benefits one receives from the sacred weapon disappear, but one will also be unable to use one's skills and magic, and ultimately the blessing is lost; the sacred weapon becomes akin to a piece of junk. Therefore, by destroying the opponent's sacred weapon, one would have completely incapacitated them.

That is most definitely the way a 'PvP' match is done.

That is why I asked Diamond about Amethyst's sacred weapon; now I know her sacred weapon is a purple bracelet worn on her right wrist and that it was called the Lilac Bracelet.

"As predicted, it is a catalyst type of sacred weapon." 

When one wears a catalyst sacred weapon, the wearer gains the ability to use high levels of magic.  What sets this type of weapon apart from others is the fact that one can use a high level of magic more freely; like Amethyst, who is able to release lightning from the palm of her hand. Furthermore, catalyst weapons are also considered far ranged weapons and could cause massive areas of damage.

Although I say this, it does not mean that catalyst weapons are better than other weapons in every aspect. On the downside, compared to other weapons, catalyst weapons are by far more fragile. The durability number of catalyst weapons is at most a 'two-digit' value.

Therefore, if one manages to get close and is successful in attacking, then one can easily destroy a catalyst weapon.

Once I am able to destroy the weapon, then she won't be able to use her lightning magic. When that happens, she'll be completely incapacitated, and we can defeat her. Another option is, we can just wait until her magic powers ran out. But that option is rather far-fetched because we don't have the luxury of time to wait for it.

I had to remind myself that I was running out of time and I should stop my whining, so I pulled out my rusted sword from the scabbard that was dangling on my back and gripped it tightly.

Amethyst watched me as I did so, and in an instant, her eyes widened. She then burst into laughter, "Hahaha!  There's no way that dirty sword of yours could actually be your sacred weapon!"

'Indeed, it didn't look great, but it was still my sacred weapon...'; I very much wanted to reply like that, but I was building up my resolve and was waiting for an opportunity to make my attack.

"As I expected, you're the same kind of incompetent trash as Diamond.  To show you both that I am still nice, I'll do you both a favor and just smash both of you right now.  I'll start by proving to you that you aren't strong enough, and that you won't be employed as an adventurer."

Amethyst continued to charge at us in a tirade of purple lightning attacks that relentlessly came at us. All the while Diamond continued to hold her ground and captured each attack with her indestructible large shield. She was working hard to protect the both of us, especially me.

However, as Amethyst's offenses grew stronger, stray electric shocks that came out of her purple lightning were beginning to hurt Diamond. I could see her flinch more and weakened before them as seconds ticked by. 

Although she had the high durability skill, still, continuously stopping the magical attacks was taking its toll on her. In addition to her current plight, given that Amethyst's magic was lightning, it was harder for Diamond to avoid those wisps of lightning.  It was clear we were at a disadvantage.

We had to get out of this deadlock situation quickly!

I glanced down at the rusted sword which I held in my right hand. As I did so, I recalled that in the last battle I was able to hold on to my sword's magical form for two minutes. My condition at the present was not good, I was physically exhausted so most likely, the amount of time I could use the sword's magic would be short. I probably got a good minute...no!

If I'm lucky, at most, I could only use it for thirty seconds.

That means, I don't have much time to spare.

To make matters worse, I wasn't used to having my insides gnawed on by using the sword's power. I was overwhelmed with tiredness comparable to the feeling of being forced to do a full on sprint. Far from pleasant, it was a pain so bad that it would lead to my consciousness taking a huge hit, and I would ultimately end up fainting.

Honestly, to me, our present situation is pretty scary.

However, Diamond had made up her mind, so I resolved myself to do the same. It didn't matter to me even if this curse tried to eat me from the inside out.

Therefore, as for now, lend me your power Cursed Demon Sword!

"Evolve!" After I quietly said that, the rusted sword's blade began to turn to a deep black shade. Then the rust that was covering the blade up until the hilt crumbled away. Thereafter, the sword's true form was revealed. 

From the tip of the blade to the pommel, the sword was covered in pitch black.  It was a form that emitted a sinister aura; [Name: Cursed Demon Sword; Rank: S; Level: unknown; Attack Power: 500; Benefits: Strength +500 Endurance +500 Agility +500 Magic +500 Vitality +500; Magic: Black Hellfire; Skill: Sacred Weapon Synthesis; Endurance value: 500/500].

Instantly, my body lightened and it felt as though I grew some wings. My field of vision also widened while my reflexes were sharpened. The benefits from the sacred weapon, like goosebumps, ran across the entire expanse of my entire body. The feeling of getting stronger sunk deeper into my skin.

And then, in the blink of an eye, deciding I should finish this match, I flew out from behind Diamond.

As I ran I ran towards Amethyst and the other 2 girls, they looked at my weapon, and displayed dumbfounded expressions.

"W-What is that!?" The collective gasps of surprise from Amethyst and her friends were due to the mysterious phenomenon of the weapon changing. Furthermore, this weapon looked like a weapon a monster would have, so their surprise was only natural.

It was clear the shock made Amethyst's party lose their bearings, and so with as much speed as I could manage, I ran at them.

"Dammit, 'Lilac'!" Because she didn't want her opponents getting close, Amethyst shot more purple lightning in our direction.

While dodging her attacks, I continued to charge forward. Thanks to the benefits from the cursed demon sword, my vitality had reached a higher level. In addition, my defensive instincts were further refined.  This gave me the potential to react against the lightning which was coming at me super quickly.

If I avoid the lightning even by just a little bit, then perhaps I can blow her back with my sword.

"What are you doing!?"

In a split second, I had settled in front of Amethyst, and the three girls changed their battle formation, "Spinel, Lapis!  I'm depending on you!"

"Leave it to us!" One of the twins responded and Amethyst withdrew her right hand and took a step back.  As her replacement, the sickle wielding girls came out in front of her.

The two took their large sickles off of their backs. Then, in order to protect Amethyst, they joined their 2 sickles together, "Enchant, Blood Moon." One of them said, then the other one added, "Enchant, Blue Moon." 

In the red haired girl's sickle, flame waves emerged, and in the blue haired girl's sickle, ice magic was emitted.

I sensed a lot of power coming from the pair. It was most likely that they possessed C-rank weapons. Still their level was rather high. Merging two weapons like the ones they had together allowed for even more enchantment to take place. Normally, this was a defensive attack, still I don't think an A-ranked weapon could break through it.

But, if it's my cursed demon sword...

Grasping my sword tightly with both hands, I raised it up and swung it downward, "Haaaaaaaaaaaa!!!"

In order to intercept my attack, the two sisters swung their sickles at me.

There is only one of me, and I only have one weapon, therefore I might seem to be at a disadvantage.  

Anyone who would see us now would think that the girls would be the victor.

However, the instant when our weapons met each other, the red and blue sickles, like pieces of hard candy; easily shattered like falling glass.

-To be continued.