[Title: Seriously, this kid has an awful temperament keit keit keit]
Content: Hey kid keit keit keit
In a fair world, there should be give and take, right keit keit keit
After much effort to meet your request, you don’t even take a breath and immediately make the next plea keit keit keit
Do you happen to be the type that when gathered with folks for Chinese food, you clear the sweet and sour pork first? keit keit keit
Now it’s my turn, damn keit keit keit
-: I destroyed the city for you, extracting the loot is necessary…
-: You met that request?
-: How, damn it? keit keit keit keit keit keit keit keit
-[Writer] : Whaaat?
Looking to see if there’s any request, so I’ve been looping save and reload, trying to repeatedly fulfill the godly requests but then suddenly it breaks?
-: Oh my god, I’m so curious now.
-: Share the inventory and character specs.
-[Writer] : But, damn it, was this even designed to be broken?
The request is just absurdly nonsensical?
And it’s not a one-time request either.
-: That method will absolutely fail to break it, for sure.
-: This is the straightforward way.
The family that once ruled over the ruined city.
Among those who died from the left-hand curse, there was one survivor.
He was a bastard, cast out by the family, and lived outside on his own.
Bring his descendant, and when you give 1-star, they’ll break from cognitive dissonance.
That’s when you destroy it.
-[Writer] : But damn it, what about the request I’ve already fulfilled?
-: That’s why we’re asking how you even fulfilled it, keit keit keit keit keit keit keit
-: But why is the one arm so powerful when it’s just dangling there?
If you find and connect the rest of the body parts, it would become a real Exodia, huh.
-: It’s because it’s been given a ridiculous amount of strength after endlessly granting wishes and accepting requests for a very long time.
-[Writer] : Ah, it’s like the soup of pig’s feet, I get it now.
-: Metaphor, damn it.
-: Exactly what have you understood?
***
A pillar that effortlessly connects heaven and earth.
A celestial sword that became renowned through a thousand battles, a hundred trials, and etched its name in glory with ten feats.
A bottomless bag overflowing endlessly with gold.
A vast bolt of silk that can cover the world and still have some left.
An exalted existence so divine that rulers themselves would kneel and reverence it.
The prose was like a line straight from a myth—unbelievably surreal.
They were thoroughly lost.
What in the world could this enigmatic “asking left hand” possibly desire?
It was beyond any measure of comprehension.
How could they possibly be expected to meet these demands?
The hero and the holy sword.
Even their lofty and revered names held no weight here in this place.
Their suspicions were proven correct.
The penance for the destruction of the city was something they could never pay.
Nevertheless, why was it then…
All the requests made by the asking left hand had somehow been fulfilled, leaving it now with but a single, final request.
In bewilderment, the room fell silent.
The asking left hand proclaimed its ultimate request.
– Bring me someone who possesses untainted, pure energy, yet still wields the essence of black magic!
Was it paranoia or mere imagination?
The tone of the asking left hand seemed resolute, yet spiteful.
Most significantly, the figurative, almost poetic diction had now turned brutally direct.
It felt like a strong defiance to not fall victim again this time.
At any rate.
The final request from the asking left hand had been uttered.
The atmosphere, which had briefly lightened due to the unexpected event (?), was again engulfed in tension.
All eyes focused on a single man.
Rishe.
Would he somehow manage, just as he inexplicably fulfilled the previous requests of the asking left hand?
“…”
Rishe’s arm, which had shot up countless times before, remained still.
This time, it would not rise again.
Rishe briefly deliberated and then shook his head.
“…”
Though they knew they shouldn’t have, an inexplicable sense of relief washed over everyone present.
A moment later.
The asking left hand spoke.
– Three days. I shall grant you three days.
Everyone present was marked with a black dot on their necks.
It was a verdict and a curse in one.
When they realized the marks on each other’s necks, their expressions turned complicated.
Three days.
An inadequate amount of time to fulfill the impossible request, and yet compared to the immediate pressing situation before, it indeed felt like a generous reprieve.
All of this was thanks to him.
Felix’s group exchanged glances and nodded.
There was no lingering doubt now.
The peculiar hero, Jane.
They now understood why Jane had spoken highly of Rishe.
They now understood why the Sword of Ascent had chosen Rishe over Jane.
Their gazes once again focused on Rishe.
“Hmm…?”
They realized the difference.
Rishe.
He alone bore no mark on his neck.
They did not find it particularly strange.
Rishe had fulfilled most of the requests single-handedly.
They assumed the asking left hand treated Rishe exceptionally, raising no questions.
– Three days… ?
“?”
However, the asking left hand seemed unusual.
It trembled on the desk and feebly signaled toward Rishe.
– Three days…!
The asking left hand convulsed and shivered uncontrollably.
As if squeezing out every last bit of its strength.
“Yes. Three days.”
Rishe calmly answered.
No mark appeared on his neck.
“…”
The asking left hand grew limp and powerless.
“…”
Special treatment.
Perhaps it was true?
They decided to set aside unnecessary doubts for the time being.
There were more pressing matters at hand after all.
“Phew…”
As the immediate crisis abated, sighs of relief echoed throughout the area.
“Rishe!”
Felix was the first to act.
He approached Rishe and firmly gripped his shoulder.
“Thank you! Because of you, we avoided the absolute worst situation! If it weren’t for you, if something had happened to Tila… I… I…”
Next, Tila, Felix’s fellow companion, approached Rishe. Her stern personality was evident in her expression as she briefly examined him.
“Thank you.”
She deeply bowed her head to Rishe.
“If it weren’t for you, I… no, our entire party would’ve been thrown into a dire predicament.”
Tila’s words cast a shadow over Felix’s expression, and his usual carefree smile disappeared completely.
“Crap… I’m sorry. For dragging you guys into something this sordid.”
“…”
Jane tried to conjure her characteristic flawless smile but only managed an awkward smirk due to the tension.
Saying it’s fine wouldn’t be appropriate.
The situation was far from favorable.
Everyone had endured a harrowing experience due to the artifact Felix so benevolently shared, and that wasn’t all—
“To someone who wields the power of black magic with pure, unblemished energy…
“Does something like that really exist in this world?”
Camilla, Jane’s elven companion, muttered under her breath.
At her words, everyone’s expressions twisted into grimaces.
Could they really find such an absurd existence within three days and bring it before the左手 that asks for it?
“Hmm…”
Even the abnormal hero, who knew not how to doubt himself, could not rashly discuss the possibility.
They could find no words to console Felix.
It was only natural, with his own party members now in danger. Even his current restraint from speaking was an impressive feat.
As the somber expressions of Felix and his companions deepened, a voice suddenly cut through the air.
“Let’s think positively.”
The wandering gazes of the group, momentarily adrift, refocused on the man who spoke.
“If this issue is resolved without incident, it will be because we’re all here together. Felix, it’s fortunate. You didn’t end up misusing this artifact.”
“…!”
The Sword of Advancement no longer emitted its radiant light. Yet, the gleam in their eyes as they regarded Rishe grew brighter.
“Hmph.”
Jane chuckled.
“Rishe, if you keep saying things like that, what does that make me?”
Then, she approached Felix and patted his shoulder.
“Felix, I’m sorry for showing you such an embarrassing side. You proposed this with good intentions, and I accepted it readily without hesitation—”
“—No. This is undoubtedly my fault. For something as ancient and sacred as this, I should have taken greater precaution. I was arrogant, blinded by greed.”
“Fira, are you feeling alright?”
“Yes. Thanks to Mr. Rishe, it seems the restriction imposed by the左手 has significantly eased.”
“Still, let’s check just to be sure. Belotta?”
“Alright.”
Gradually, the ominous atmosphere that had weighed them down dissipated.
At that moment, Felix let out a bitter smile.
“Jane, you know? At first, I thought you had relinquished the Sword of Advancement to Rishe.”
“What? That’s—”
“You’re the kind of person who could do something like that. Besides, in my eyes, you seemed too inadequate. But, I’ll admit it. I was wrong. You were right.”
Felix glanced at Rishe with another smile before tapping Jane’s shoulder.
“You knew, didn’t you? That Rishe possessed such an incredible skill.”
“…”
“Exactly what was that thing you just did? How did you manage it?”
“…”
“?”
Jane’s eyes trembled.
If she was trying to say something like, “I don’t know,” or “I’m scared,” it might have been a misunderstanding.
Felix turned to Camilla.
“…”
Camilla averted her gaze.
Felix then looked at Belotta.
“…”
Belotta also looked away.
“…?”
Felix tilted his head.
Ah, was he referring to that thing just now?
How exactly had it all unfolded?
After confirming Rishe’s abilities during the Holy Sword’s trial, Jane’s group had expected a clear explanation—yet they responded in a way that contradicted expectations.
Having no other choice, Felix decided to directly ask Rishe.
How had he satisfied the왼손?
What trick had he used?
“Black Magic…”
But Rishe was already deep in thought, pondering ways to fulfill the왼손’s demands.
…
Their party’s eyes widened in admiration. Here was a man who could move forward without faltering, even in such a situation.
“It’s not right to give up with only three days left, nor to relax despite having three days.”
In their eyes, Rishe’s figure was like a beacon.
“Fohena!”
With all his strength, Felix summoned the power of Insight.
—…!
Within her inner world, the girl’s resolve intensified as she had already been searching for a solution.
Black Magic.
The force of impurity contaminates everything it touches.
An entity that wields such energy could never maintain purity.
Undoubtedly, this went against all reason.
—I don’t know…!
Fohena thought.
Could it be that the왼손 had set an “impossible” demand this time, rather than something “near impossible”?
“Fohena doesn’t know either…”
It was undeniable that Fohena possessed the most extensive knowledge of anyone present.
Perhaps more than the combined knowledge of everyone else.
Yet, not even Fohena could provide any tangible answers.
“…”
In normal circumstances, they would have despaired at this revelation.
However—
“…”
Rishe.
He was still deep in thought amidst all this, refusing to give up.
“…”
At last, Felix and Jane exchanged a slight nod of acknowledgment.
“Jane, do you have any ideas? Is there anyone we could ask for help around here—”
The Insightful Hero Felix, leaving his pride behind, spoke.
“…Frozen Breath and the Talent Collector.”
In response came Belotta, the scholar of Jane’s party.
“They might know something…!”
Opinions quickly converged.
They sprang into action.
To seek aid from the two individuals residing at Guse Manor.
“Rishe?”
Only one person.
Rishe remained in place.
“Do you not want to come with us?”
“Huh? Oh, I’ll… stay here and see if I can find my own solution.”
“…”
They didn’t press further.
They simply nodded in complete trust.
Ultimately, only Rishe was left alone.
And then, as if conversing with someone, he muttered:
“The stains on other people’s swords… They were perfectly fine for my power. Is it because of a magical contract? If so, then there might not be any shortcuts…”
Rishe addressed the Holy Sword Zalk, as if responding to it.
—Rishe! How could you possibly deceive it again this time?! If there’s anything I can do to help, tell me! I, Zalk, will offer my help, even if it means expending my very existence!
Zalk’s voice carried traces of concern and an overwhelming hope.
To deceive.
That’s what Zalk had thought.
Just like everyone else, he too believed that Rishe had used some extraordinary method to deceive the왼손.
But Zalk’s essence was entirely under Rishe’s control. Unlike other Holy Swords that understood every aspect of their master, Zalk knew nothing about Rishe.
—No!? Who are you?
It happened suddenly…!
Thus, Jalk immediately tensed up and entered a defensive stance in shock.
A gray-white flame spirit had appeared without warning.
-Clearly, I didn’t sense anything… Rishe! Snap out of it! This isn’t the time to be thinking! What’s this suspicious thing-…
“Ahhh, it’s fine, Jalk. No need to be on guard. I summoned you here.”
-WHAT!?
-You insolent piece of weaponry!!! How dare you utter the name of Cziel with such disrespect!?
-WHAT!? Cziel…!?
While Jalk was struggling to understand the situation,
Rishe addressed the gray-white flame spirit, Dhangealion.
“Dhangealion.”
-Master Cziel!!! Speak your command!!! This Dhangealion is ready to interpret even your whispers!!!
“Back then, you mentioned wanting to train and hone your power, right?”
-MASTER CZEIL!? You don’t mean…!!!
KAAAAAAAAAAHHH!!!
What unimaginable bliss!!!
This Dhangealion!!! Even if I were to be utterly destroyed now, I would have no regrets!!!
The gray-white flame roared violently.
-What, what is this thing!? What the hell is going on…!?
The Holy Sword could only helplessly watch the chaos unfold.
***
Meanwhile.
The two hero parties had arrived at the VIP room of Guse Manor and were meeting the two figures.
The noble and the great mage.
The talent collector and Frozen Breath.
Due to their fortuitous conversation in the manor, the two heroes were quickly ushered into their company.
Felix explained their predicament to the pair.
“Rishe is with us as well?”
This was the aspect the two immediately seized upon from the detailed account.
With a shrug, Drey said,
“Well, then there’s no need to worry, right? While we’re fumbling around, he’ll likely resolve everything anyway.”
Palrag stroked his scruffy beard and nodded.
By the demeanor of these two, Felix’s group felt reassured about their decision to seek immediate help.
Indeed, they were exceptional individuals, wielding the same kind of special prowess as a hero without needing the Holy Sword.
Their confident and composed presence was palpable. If they had been present on the scene before, wouldn’t they have shown the same?
With renewed hope, Felix continued.
“As you said, Rishe has already given us incredible aid.”
Of course.
That’s what we expected, they nodded approvingly.
“But, even he seems to have reached a limit. The cunning tricks he used to fulfill all other demands failed on this last one.”
HOLY SHIT.
Drey and Palrag shot to their feet.
“Certainly, this must mean even Rishe couldn’t touch the situation!?”
The great mage stared wide-eyed in utter shock.
‘Suddenly…?’
The serene presence the two had displayed moments ago had vanished without a trace.
“This isn’t the time to stand around!”
“We must act immediately!”
Though perplexed by the two’s reaction, Felix’s group secretly felt relieved.
The great noble and the great mage’s response, though different in manner, seemed to promise their full support.
“You two! Instead of that, shouldn’t we bring Fohena – the Blade of Insight – into this conversation!?”
Just as they attempted to join the conversation,
“Uh, hold on a moment, Felix…?”
Jane stared blankly at Felix.
“Jane, you…?”
Felix mirrored her expression.
The cursed brand and judgment mark on their left hands.
The black spots etched into their necks had somehow vanished.
In an instant, the hero party jumped to their feet.
They hastily ran off somewhere.
“…”
“…”
Drey and Palrag exchanged glances before swiftly following after them.
***
“Rishe!?”
“Ahhh, you arrived.”
Upon reaching the location, Felix’s group first breathed a sigh of relief seeing Rishe unharmed.
“Uh…? Wait, Felix, that-”
“…?!”
Following Tila’s pointed finger, the group gasped.
Above the table rested the Mark of Inquiry.
Completely devoid of its foreboding energy and form, it had become nothing more than a dry, lifeless husk.
Felix’s group immediately understood the situation.
“Rishe! By god, you’ve done it again! You’ve found a way to deceive it!!!”
-What an incredible feat…!
The hero of insight’s eyes sparkled as he approached Rishe.
In the end, Rishe had been right all along.
The unreasonable demands of the Mark of Inquiry were not an unsolvable puzzle but one with a hidden answer.
Rishe knew it.
He knew the answer to the puzzle that allowed him to deceive the Mark of Inquiry.
“…”
Rishe offered a faint smile.
What exactly had transpired in such a short span of time?
Fatigue was evident in his expression.
“How did you do it!? How did you deceive it!?”
The hero of the extraordinary approached and questioned him next.
Rishe replied with visible relief.
“By chance, one of my colleagues is a demon, so I was able to learn black magic.”
“So that’s it! One of your colleagues is a demon…”
?
Something in Rishe’s words made the others feel off.
