Elysia’s eyes widened.
“A sword, but anyway…”
“–About abbreviating the Holy Sword’s trial…?”
The statement was one that dismissed the pride of the Holy Sword itself in an abbreviated manner.
“What are you saying, Jalk, right now?”
“I’m making adjustments so there won’t be any issues with tomorrow’s investiture ceremony! It seems like this matter is of great importance to that boy!”
“No, Jalk…! How thoughtful you can be!!!”
“—Is your heart moved!?”
“Not at all! Since you’re considering the circumstances, I’ll gladly participate with a willing heart!”
“Hahaha! What a flexible friend! The more I see, the more I like you!”
“—…?”
“—…?”
“—…?”
Does this flow of conversation even make sense?
The hero. The Holy Sword. The elf.
They glanced at each other.
Then, their gazes fell toward Belotta, who was some distance away.
“…”
Belotta averted her eyes.
“???”
Why is she avoiding our gaze?
It’s not a difficult question, right?
Our guy isn’t someone like that!
As their confusion grew heavier with each passing moment, at that precise instant–
“Then, when shall we begin?”
“When would you say!”
“Anyway, it would be best to start right now, while we’re all gathered here.”
“An excellent idea!”
“—Wait! …Jalk!!! What do you mean by this?”
Could this be about the Holy Sword’s trial?
It mustn’t be…
But you can never be too sure.
Elysia quickly made her judgment and hastily intervened, but nevertheless, it was too late.
“—I, Jalk, the Sword of Advancement, ask thee! Are you prepared to demonstrate your worth? If so, declare your intentions along with your true name!”
Jalk solemnly announced the commencement of the trial through the prescribed words.
Kiaaaaah!!!
Elysia let out a scream.
“Jane…!”
“Yes—”
Jane stepped forward, steadying herself, leaving the distraught Elysia behind.
Now that it had come to this, she was resolved to pass Jalk’s trial no matter what.
“Jane! I will prove my worth!”
“Rishe. I’m ready.”
“Good! If you’re ready, grab hold of me!”
Jane gripped the Sword of Advancement even faster than Rishe did.
“Jane, I ask thee this—what is a sword to you?”
“…”
The moment the question was thrown at her, a great ripple stirred within Jane’s inner self.
What is a sword?
Of course, given that this was the Holy Sword’s trial, the very first question was incredibly challenging.
Jane was lost deep in contemplation, closing her eyes and diving deep into herself as she questioned herself.
What is a sword to me?
Why do I wield a sword, and what do I hope to obtain at the end?
It took quite some time for Jane to open her eyes again.
Her pupils were trembling slightly.
Because she could not fully trust that the answer obtained through repeated self-reflection was the right one.
Still, she gathered her resolve and spoke.
“Righteousness and ideal. A struggle to never lose oneself.”
Jane tightened her grip on the sword.
Though her pupils still trembled, her gaze was steady, pointed unwaveringly straight ahead.
The hero understood how immature she was and therefore how weak, yet understood how upright she was because of knowing her weakness.
Jane tightened her grip on the sword yet again.
The imagery encapsulated within her swordsmanship began to unfold through the Sword of Advancement.
“Hnnnng!”
Jalk groaned deeply.
“Indeed, I sense it clearly! The imagery you harbor within your sword! To have such profound contemplation at your young age—I now understand why the composed Elysia chose you!”
Nearby, Towah and Magnus, observing all of this, looked at Jane with glowing eyes.
The earnestness of the young swordsman in handling the sword resonated with them.
It was certainly uncertain.
But it was without a doubt upright.
They were confident of one thing.
In the not-so-distant future, Jane would undoubtedly clear away all uncertainties and face her perfect sword.
Where that sword would point at that time is something no one could know.
For a swordsman’s fate can easily change with just a drop of blood and a tear.
Therefore, those who know swords do not recklessly expect or believe.
Still.
There was something about that young swordsman that gave rise to expectations.
That was the reason why the Sword of Purpose chose him as a hero.
That was the reason why his companions followed him.
The presence of the young swordsman stood out clearly in the space.
He lacked nothing to be called a hero, and he lacked nothing to be called the master of a Holy Sword.
“…”
At that moment.
Jane looked down at the Sword of Advancement in her hand.
It felt as though she wasn’t holding the sword but rather that the sword was holding her.
A familiar sensation to one chosen as the master of a Holy Sword.
The Sword of Advancement, Jalk, was evaluating her.
Much like how a swordsman swings the sword they like.
‘Good.’
Though arriving at the point of the trial was still bewildering, it was fine.
The idealistic hero smiled confidently.
He had the confidence to lead to the best outcome in any situation.
He smiled with great ease on his face and handed Jalk, the Sword of Advancement, to Rishe.
“Rishe! What is a sword to you?”
The question was quickly posed, and a reply was swiftly returned.
Rishe tightened his grip on the sword.
The imagery of his swordsmanship unfolded through the Sword of Advancement.
“A technique to harm people.”
His answer, delivered without a hint of hesitation and almost appearing indifferent, contrasted sharply with Jane’s response, which had been carefully considered down to the last word.
Camilla and Elysia were momentarily shocked.
What kind of hero candidate would say such a thing in a discussion about swords?
Their conviction only strengthened.
Indeed, it seemed the suitable master for the Sword of Advancement had been destined.
That was-
“Wow! Incredible! Rishe!!! Incredible!!”
“…”
“Jalk! That’s enough!”
Elysia cried out, leaving Camilla, who had lost her senses, behind.
“Incredible? You’re telling me that shallow belief which has no reflection at all!?”
“No! It’s not shallow!”
“Yes, it’s impossible to get any shallower! This is the kind of thought an outlaw would have!”
“That’s exactly the point!”
“What?”
“The sword Rishe wields is a Saber Strike, something suited for a Saliungeui, existing solely to covet blood! Rishe has a perfect grasp of the essence of the sword he handles!”
“… A Saber Strike? Did you really just say Saber Strike? Are you going to make someone who handles a Saber Strike the master of a Holy Sword?”
“As you said, this boy isn’t ‘handled’ by the Saber Strike—he doesn’t get swayed or dominated by it.”
“What are you saying?”
“He’s a fascinating character, isn’t he? Walking the righteous path while wielding a Saber Strike—completely the opposite of those who walk the righteous path while knowing nothing about their own sword!”
“… Jalk! Isn’t your taste closer to the latter? How can you—someone wielding a Saber Strike walking the righteous path—”
“Ellyshia.”
At that moment, Jane stopped her.
“Thank you, but I don’t mind. I don’t want to be chosen that way.”
“Jane…”
Even amidst this, Jane was smiling.
With a very amiable smile.
“Jalk, surely this isn’t the end, right!?”
“Of course not! How can a trial proceed without proof!”
The Sword of Advancement slipped out of Rishe’s grasp.
It floated in midair, emitting golden flashes.
When the flashes subsided, translucent golden Mana Barriers were formed in front of both Rishe and Jane.
“What is a limit?”
“It’s a wall, and a pedestal for advancement!”
Jane scrutinized the golden barrier before him carefully.
“This is…”
“This barrier was created based on your own limitations.”
Elysia began the explanation to ease the tension.
“What does that mean?”
“A structure that can absolutely not be destroyed with just your current strength. So, what should you do?”
“Power of Advancement.”
Jane muttered this, having heard about the Sword of Advancement from Elysia before.
“Yes. This trial will confirm how well you can use the Power of Advancement.”
“Exactly what Elysia said! This barrier is something you can’t destroy with just the power you currently possess! If you wish to prove your value, advance! Break through your limitations and shatter this wall!”
Jane extended his hand to touch the barrier. It was a type of authority. It would never crumble for someone who had not surpassed their limits.
“That’s absurd.”
Elysia, interpreting Jane’s behavior somehow, complained as though speaking on his behalf.
“Originally, this trial should have been carried out over a long period. Only then would there have been enough time to understand the Power of Advancement.”
“…”
Listening silently to Elysia, Jane’s tone grew more agitated.
“What does Jalk even want to do? What’s the meaning of this trial? What can possibly be overcome, proven, or obtained in this absurdly short amount of time?”
“Ellyshia.”
“No! This time, I must have my say… I can’t hold back any longer. What kind of whim is this? Conducting the Holy Sword Trial this way is not only an insult to you but to me as well.”
“It’s fine.”
“No! It’s not fine at all! To be clear, backing down here isn’t being kind or generous; it’s just foolish!”
“I understand. I have no intention of backing down either.”
“…”
Elysia realized a bit too late the expression on Jane’s face from within the realm of the mind.
His eyes, steadily fixed forward, were growing sharper with each passing moment.
“He can do it. He’ll make it happen.”
It wasn’t the face of a carefree young man who would easily concede or compromise.
The hero of ideals.
He muttered to himself as though pushing himself forward.
There was not a trace of doubt in his voice.
“—That’s right, you can do it.”
Jane approached the Sword of Advancement without hesitation.
Just as their conversation ended, Jalk who had been waiting to deliver his prepared line, intended to do so next.
Since this trial could not proceed without the Sword of Advancement, each had been allotted one attempt in turn, ‘a single strike.’
If they’re ready, he should grab hold of the sword.
Just as the trial was about to begin in earnest—
“Hmph.”
It was a composed breath.
With that, Rishe took a step forward.
Next, the sound of the sword leaving its sheath, followed by the sound of the blade slicing through the air, resonated one after the other.
Jane. Elysia.
Their gazes, which had been focused on Jalk, turned toward the source of the noise.
Rishe. His sword had already swung.
The translucent golden Mana Barrier, split in half, was gradually losing its form.
Rishe looked at the sight, nodding slightly.
“The Power of Advancement… was that its name?”
No.
He was jumping to conclusions.
“…?”
The strength behind Jane’s and Elysia’s gaze increased sharply.
Unconsciously, they both confirmed the sword in Rishe’s hand.
It wasn’t the Sword of Advancement.
Of course not.
It was right there in front of them.
Look at this.
They redirected their gaze to the Sword of Advancement, which was still in its original position.
So, what is this then?
‘What did he understand?’
Jane and Elysia grew serious.
At that moment—
They recalled abnormal behaviors from Jalk that they had observed previously.
Could it be that Jalk had foreseen all this—
“Eh?”
Jalk let out a dazed sound.
“?”
“?!”
Jane and Elysia similarly became dazed just then.
