295th Episode
“…The Sacred Sword did not react to me.”
Anthonyus reiterated this fact to Ray for confirmation.
After ascending to the position of High Templar, Anthonyus had followed tradition and once again attempted to grasp the Sacred Sword.
However, Anthonyus did not expect even a little that the Sacred Sword would respond, and indeed, it did not react to him.
Ray, understanding what Anthonyus was asking, responded briefly.
“Yeah. I know it well.”
A trade concept could be established because there was something Anthonyus could not do but Ray could.
Ray held the highest authority over the Sacred Sword—not only could he draw and use it, but he could also delegate or assign his rights to others.
Of course, this power couldn’t be handed out indiscriminately.
But as a High Templar, Anthonyus was certainly a qualified candidate.
The authority Ray transferred to Anthonyus would remain even after Ray’s death.
Without intervention from someone with equal authority to Ray, forcibly taking the Sacred Sword from Anthonyus would be impossible.
Anthonyus gazed at Ray, who still appeared calm, and corrected his twisted posture.
Anthonyus didn’t press further on whether Ray truly had the ability to hand over the Sacred Sword.
After all, it wasn’t something that could be immediately verified, and Ray’s explanation was convincing enough.
While Anthonyus distrusted humans in general, he did not deny that Ray’s existence transcended ordinary reasoning.
If Ray couldn’t draw the Sacred Sword, then who else could prove worthy of being its master?
In that regard, Ray’s proposal didn’t seem entirely far-fetched.
What Anthonyus needed to confirm now was something else.
“Is this deal approved by His Majesty the Emperor?”
“No way.”
Ray smirked.
The emergence of new power wouldn’t be welcomed by existing authorities.
Anthonyus, as a Templar, had a sturdy body built for longevity, normal talent, and now some renown.
With the addition of the Sacred Sword, no one could easily keep Anthonyus below them.
If Anthonyus became the master of the Sacred Sword and supported radical and sensitive issues like the complete independence of the Holy Order, the royal family would find the situation extremely troublesome.
Thus, the royal court would never want Anthonyus to become the sword’s owner.
Likewise, the Church wouldn’t exactly welcome Anthonyus gaining control of the Sacred Sword either.
The Church had already struggled to control Anthonyus in the past.
Anthonyus had always been somewhat of an outsider within the Church, and they weren’t pleased about his rising fame over the last few months.
Now, if Anthonyus, who was already difficult to control, were to gain the Sacred Sword…
At that point, the higher-ups in the Church would have to completely give up on controlling Anthonyus.
“They’ll outwardly welcome and try to sway the new master of the Sacred Sword, but internally, things will be different.”
Ray brushed back his hair with a mocking smile.
“This is a deal that won’t be welcomed by anyone. If discovered, they’ll try to stop it. That’s why this deal… should just be between you and me.”
“…So you’re saying I should take on the role of being disliked.”
“You’re used to being disliked anyway, right? You don’t care.”
Ray asked seriously, then shrugged nonchalantly.
“If you become the master of the Sacred Sword… the higher-ups in the Church might try to push their greed through your sister’s mouth. They may use her words to push certain agendas and manipulate you.”
“…”
“In any case, Anthonyus, I believe you can distinguish what your sister truly desires.”
“…”
Anthonyus did not answer Ray’s question.
He couldn’t definitively say what political stance or aspirations his sister held.
From long ago, his sister had disliked conflict and disputes.
It was part of her nature, and even when placed in harsh environments, her character hadn’t changed.
Furthermore… regardless of her opinions, escalating internal conflicts within the Empire would inevitably harm her.
That much was clearly true, according to Ray.
Anthonyus, reflecting on the past and present, slowly spoke.
“Do you think I can perform the role of mediator?”
“A powerless individual has clear limits to their real authority. But if you have the symbolic status of being the Sacred Sword’s master… do you really need a faction backing you? Especially within the Church?”
With such unmatched symbolism and strength, Anthonyus could ascend to the Paladin’s seat and wield significant influence.
Who could possibly stop that flow?
“The moment you become the master of the Sacred Sword, the Paladin’s position will practically be yours.”
“…”
Anthonyus did not refute Ray’s claim.
As the conversation seemed to conclude, Ray stood up.
“Can I assume you’re accepting this deal?”
“…”
“If there’s anything to prepare before we act, make sure you’re ready beforehand.”
“But… how exactly do you plan to hand the Sacred Sword over to me? What’s the timing?”
“I’ll just make it so you can pull it out. Go there and try pulling—it’ll come out. But starting something right now doesn’t seem wise…”
An opportunity to maximize Anthonyus’ presence akin to a mythic scene would be ideal.
Even if no such chance came in the future, drawing the sword immediately wouldn’t be a wise decision.
“It’d be better to build more achievements and raise your reputation before pulling the sword. Once you do, you’ll face all sorts of pressure and checks, so it’s best to solidify your foundation beforehand.”
All valid points.
Ray finished what amounted to turning the Empire and the Church upside down with apparent ease and simplicity.
Anthonyus felt a strong sense of curiosity looking at Ray’s calm demeanor.
Ray had poured out information and stories that could cause great trouble if leaked.
This was an extremely risky gamble from Ray’s perspective.
Even though Anthonyus was currently aligned with Ray, after obtaining the Sacred Sword, there was always the possibility of betrayal.
Despite this, Ray remained composed throughout, offering no caution to Anthonyus.
“…Ray.”
“Yeah, anything else you’re curious about?”
“Do you trust me?”
“Hmm… I trust the path your life has taken so far.”
Ray repeated what he’d heard from Ernst with a smirk.
“I don’t have much time left. Obsessing over perfection will leave me unable to do anything.”
That was Ray’s self-reprimand.
Thinking he couldn’t achieve perfect happiness, love, or family, he had distanced himself awkwardly and ultimately wasted time, hurting those he loved.
“So I’m trying to do what I can and have faith.”
“…”
“Anthonyus, I trust you. I believe you’ll fulfill the role I ask of you.”
“…”
After pondering Ray’s words, Anthonyus slightly nodded and stood up.
“By the way… what do you plan to do about your bloodline issue?”
“I won’t go straight to the Church. There’s time, and there are political considerations.”
Simply put, he planned to delay.
This was a decision made after considering Ernst’s advice.
If he rushed to the Church’s call, the Emperor’s mood would undoubtedly sour.
So, he intended to first visit the World Tree and postpone the Church’s invitation.
“If my relationship with the Church gets too strained and our aunt doesn’t receive proper treatment… could you help her later, after I draw the Sacred Sword? Surely you can grant me this favor?”
“Sure, that shouldn’t be a problem.”
“Ah… good. I think we’ve covered everything. Thanks for coming so far. Take care going home.”
“Understood. May El-Lam’s blessing accompany you on your journey.”
“Nope, don’t worry about that. It’s already overwhelming.”
Ray waved off the blessing.
*
“That brat has returned as the Empire’s hero!”
Zeppelin stepped outside the workshop, smiling brightly as he greeted Ray.
Ray grinned and asked,
“Why so few words?”
“…”
Zeppelin looked displeased.
Ray chuckled as he entered the workshop with Zeppelin.
First, Ray handed over the Omega Series to Zeppelin.
While examining the condition of Zeppelin’s Omega Series, Ray asked whom he had cut down with it.
Without hesitation, Ray told the story of Benedict.
“Hmm…”
Zeppelin showed a slightly unsatisfied expression after hearing Ray’s tale.
The fallen Kingdom’s First Sword—certainly an impressive opponent, but it fell short of Zeppelin’s expectations.
Had Zeppelin known Benedict barely touched the Transcendent realm, his opinion might have shifted, but Ray had described him merely as a madman.
“Disappointing. Below expectations.”
Zeppelin said this outright.
Knowing Zeppelin’s personality well, Ray simply nodded with a smile.
If Zeppelin hadn’t been so twisted, he wouldn’t have given away that expensive sword during their first meeting.
“I’ll aim for something greater next time. But, can I still use this one?”
“The initial design cracked beautifully. The sword’s performance hasn’t dropped.”
“Well, it seems fine to use for now.”
“The durability is holding up. You can probably use it one more time. After that, it’ll likely break.”
After the inspection, Zeppelin returned the sword.
Later, Ray discussed artifacts with Zeppelin before stepping outside the workshop.
Their appointment time was almost up, and familiar faces could be seen in the distance.
Ray bid farewell to Zeppelin.
“I’ll look for someone worthy to adorn this sword with a grand name.”
“Don’t get your hopes up.”
Though Zeppelin claimed dissatisfaction with the Omega Series Ray possessed, it was undoubtedly one of his greatest masterpieces.
Zeppelin went back inside the workshop, reminding Ray not to disappoint him.
Ray turned toward Johanna and Delun.
Delun immediately shouted “Brother!” in excitement, while Johanna was still contemplating how to greet him.
Suddenly, the stationary Ray started running.
Before Delun and Johanna could react to this unexpected movement, Ray reached Johanna, grabbed her waist, and pulled her into a tight embrace.
Startled, Johanna flailed.
“Hey! Hey! What is this!”
“Long time no see.”
“Let go of me and talk properly!”
As Johanna squirmed, Ray caught a whiff of her ticklish perfume and momentarily narrowed his eyes.
“You don’t seem to have gained weight, but maybe it’s the increased muscle mass? You’ve gotten heavier since I last saw you.”
“You always say weird things to me!”
Johanna, annoyed, pounded Ray’s abdomen with her knees, and Ray chuckled as he held onto her tightly.
(End of Contact)
