Dark Fantasy Normalized – Chapter 86

Asking the person you were trying to kill for a personal favor.

It took quite a bit of courage.

Ricir was impressed by Rodan’s audacity.

Of course, he didn’t show it on the outside.

Just because the socialite was dead didn’t mean his ignorant brute force was canceled out.

Pointing out that audacity would only provoke a madman endowed with inconceivable power for no good reason.

Rodan’s power was pure, unlike his mind.

In terms of raw magical purity, it was even more pristine than Sir Meltas or any of the other strong individuals he had encountered so far.

In other words, he was among the few who possessed remarkable strength out of all the ‘enemies’ he had met before.

However, when dealing with dark mages, it was impossible to establish supremacy by nature?

In this place, it was just wise to walk in with a low profile.

‘Since I’m close to the socialite, I might as well go meet some demons and get wrapped up in black magic. Not the most social friend, huh.’

Ricir set aside such complaints and pondered.

What was the best choice here?

If I didn’t grant the favor, it seemed likely he’d kick people and throw stones, so first off, let’s assume I have to grant the request.

But even granting the request had its limits.

Ricir checked on his companions’ conditions.

The one in the best shape was Balrod.

He had been caught up in his flame magic, but he scarcely suffered any damage from the ignition.

Instead, maybe because of the impact from Shakan flying in, his once upright posture now seemed slouched.

Next was Shakan.

She didn’t seem to have adequate resistance as a non-fire mage.

Traces of the fire magic lingered all over her body. Her skin was red and swollen, and the tips of her fur on her ears and tail were singed.

The distinct handprint on her neck and the fact she was clutching her stomach in discomfort showed she was worse for wear.

Finally, there was Maldad.

Outwardly, he appeared to be in the most serious condition.

Having been directly hit by the Sword Master’s pebble bombardment, he looked like a rag rag.

To be fair, none of them had injuries that could be considered life-threatening or debilitating enough to leave a permanent impact.

Considering their strength and vitality, with enough rest and care, they were likely to recover fully.

Though being a Sword Master and only using rocks and feet would make Rodan look like he was pampering them.

The issue was that even those not-so-serious injuries were, in essence, ones they shouldn’t have incurred in the first place.

Moreover, had the situation not turned, it would’ve just been a matter of time before the Sword Master drew his sword and stained it with blood.

There were too many grievances to feel good about granting the favor willingly.

Ricir thought he would comply with his request but intended to extract as much compensation as possible in the process.

Of course, negotiations only worked on equal footing.

A deer couldn’t ask a wolf for negotiations.

If Rodan put his mind to it, he could always take their lives in an instant.

At such a juncture, there was no chance of a negotiation occurring.

Ricir was in a position where he had to beg for his life before seeking any profit through the favor.

However—

“Damn it. This is the first time I’ve ever been in such a situation, and I just don’t know what to say. Ricir, didn’t you just say you wanted to help me instead of that socialite?”

Ricir detected a hint of strange allure in Rodan’s seemingly brazen demeanor.

It was subtly different from the reckless attitude he displayed toward the other three.

‘He’s wary of me. Does that come from the anxiety of possibly not receiving help? No. That’s not it.’

In the brief moment, Ricir felt something.

This Rodan fellow wasn’t someone who was anxious about whether or not the other party would grant his request.

He was someone who would whip out a pebble shotgun claiming to know a better way to converse.

But right now, he wasn’t fiddling with pebbles, nor was he reaching for the sword at his waist.

His demeanor.

The once overwhelmingly powerful body was now only being used to alleviate his frustration.

From Rodan’s behavior, Ricir successfully deduced one crucial fact.

‘He’s on guard against my power.’

Humans tend to be cautious of what they do not understand.

In his case, that would be Rodan’s ignorant strength.

And from Rodan’s perspective, it was probably the purification power he possessed.

-Does this ignorant human not even know how to ask for a favor? If you’re unsure how, allow me, Dangalion, servant of Juinni, to teach you. Bow your head and show respect before Juinni’s name!

Dangalion was alluding to the strength that made Maltael anxious.

“If you want me to bow my head, it’d be quicker to do it by power rather than words.”

Rodan couldn’t help but laugh at Dangalion’s statement.

He could have felt angry due to his nature, but he seemed more amused than anything.

Ricir’s thoughts solidified in that reaction.

‘This guy is definitely on guard against my power. Should I say he sees me as an equal opponent?’

Ricir knew how to handle this kind of situation.

They say that a beast shows respect to the strong and not the polite.

If he approached with a subservient attitude just to save his life, it would likely backfire.

Ricir flashed a relaxed smile.

“Though you might already feel this way, you really don’t have to pay too much heed to Dangalion’s words. By the way, how should I address you? I believe it was Rodan? Can I call you that?”

While it sounded polite on the surface, it was largely the same as saying, ‘Do I call you casually?’

Rodan’s eyebrows raised just slightly, which was merely an acknowledgment.

“Yeah, sure, call me however you want. I’ll call you however I want too.”

“Well then, I gladly will. Rodan. Let’s get back to the main point. Clearly, I said I would help you in place of the socialite. But before I do that, may I ask you something?”

Lengthening the conversation.

Rodan thought that wasn’t a good sign and didn’t hide his displeasure.

That alone altered the atmosphere in the room.

Ricir felt the weight on his shoulders while simultaneously feeling his hair stand on end.

The presence of a transcendent being that had reached the eighth level pressed down on him.

‘Whoa, are we opening the lid already?’

It was a moment when the blue breath that had nearly become routine after numerous life-or-death experiences shone through.

Ricir felt the overwhelming pressure but, thanks to his thoroughly controlled breathing, suppressed the expression of his emotions.

Thus, to Rodan’s eyes, he appeared to be a man who easily smiled even in the face of anger.

The responses of the three behind him, who were sharply reacting to Rodan’s wrath, created a stark contrast.

While Rodan took in the sight of Ricir and his party, he nodded.

Indeed, this Ricir was somehow different.

A smirk.

Rodan, as if nothing had happened, relaxed his anger and chuckled lightly.

“What’s on your mind? Ask as much as you want.”

“It’s about your cooperation with Dranoff. For the record, I don’t plan to blame you for this.”

It was clear he wouldn’t budge even if criticized.

“I’m just curious. Dranoff promised to help you, right? So, what did you promise in return? There’s no way someone like Dranoff would just ask for a bodyguard.”

Ricir’s companions, realizing his intention, gasped.

He was probing what Rodan had promised Dranoff in exchange.

He was indirectly asking what Rodan would pay as a price for them.

To think he would dare negotiate with that reckless Sword Master on equal terms.

The three were struck speechless at his boldness.

And were once again shocked by Rodan’s response.

“Hahaha!”

Rodan burst into cheerful laughter.

“What’s this? You were rambling about being rescued from the wicked devil’s clutches, and I thought you were a lost cause. Turns out, you’re sharper than I expected?”

What exactly captured his interest?

Now, in Rodan’s eyes, there was even a hint of goodwill directed towards Ricir.

A strong curiosity, with the urge to show off.

Ricir felt as if a wolf was prowling around him.

“Yeah. I like this more. An exchange. That way, it’s all clear without any baggage, right?”

Rodan pulled a pouch from his robe and threw it to Ricir.

“That’s what Dranoff wanted in return.”

-Ju, Juinni…!

Dangalion exclaimed in horror at that moment.

-I sense a disgusting energy from that pouch!!!

“A disgusting energy?”

What could that be for a demon?

Could it be a sacred artifact or something?

Ricir took out the contents from the pouch to check.

It was a box just perfect for holding a single ring.

He put some strength into his hand, trying to open the box.

*

─────

[Darkness consumes you]

[You resisted]

[‘Trait: ???’s Energy is consuming the darkness]

[The darkness struggles]

─────

*

“Huh?”

It felt strange.

As if something inside was desperately trying to keep the box closed.

“Won’t open?”

“What is this?”

“I was curious as well. I was going to ask after resolving this matter—”

Rodan turned his gaze to the now-cold corpse of Dranoff.

“Either way, it’s definitely a rare item. Since I snuck it out from a great noble’s warehouse.”

“…”

Did something monumental just pass by?

Ricir carefully returned the pouch to his bosom.

He would have to return it to its owners when an opportunity arose.

“Are you satisfied now?”

Rodan urged Ricir with his gaze.

He nodded.

“Really? Then let’s go.”

Rodan guided Ricir toward the place where his friend was in need of help.

*

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[Title: Yo, what’s in this box?]

Content: [Photo]

When I tried to open it, it went [Do you really want to open it?]

So I just left it be.

-: This guy is playing the game really well…

-: Is he a pro gamer?

-: What’s the life sensor really?

-: [Author]: Kkkk.

-[Author]: So what is this?

-: If you open that, there’s a fragment of the Great Demon in there, yeah.

-[Author]: Damn, of course, it would be like that, lol.

-: So what happens if you eat that fragment of the Great Demon?

-: Were you just bragging without knowing what it is?

-[Author]: No, the name itself sounds like garbage…

-: Just at a glance, it seems like you’ll get a notification like [This thing is consuming you] and a timed quest will start, right?

-: Is this guy really a pro gamer?

-: For real, has a ghostlike intuition.

-: If you do as you said, a messy notification will likely pop up along with a timed quest.

-: This is the final quest for the Great Demon, for sure.

-: I think it looks like a piece of Sorodal.

-[Author]: Sorodal?

-: Yeah, the weakest of the Great Demons.

-[Author]: So, can I perhaps clear it now?

-: What’s your level?

-[Author]: 79.

-[Author]: Just roaming to hit level 80.

-: Haha.

-[Author]: Ah, shut up already.

-: To begin with, you need to be at least level 80 to open it, yeah.

*

Ricir reflected on what Rodan had said.

He mentioned needing the help of a Demon Follower.

-She’s in a deep slumber for some reason.

-The expert said only a high-ranking demon can wake her up.

-It’s said her birth is related to demons?

Thus, Ricir accompanied Dangalion to go with Rodan to the place where his friend was.

He had heard Dangalion wasn’t up to the level of Maltael, but possessed a sufficiently high rank as a demon.

With Dangalion’s assistance, it should be possible to help restore her name without much difficulty.

Eventually, they reached their destination.

“Here it is.”

“This is—”

Rodan led Ricir into an upscale weapon shop located in the commercial area of Bondales.

“Yo, I’m back,” Rodan said as he stepped into the store.

Immediately, a small girl stepped out from inside the shop to greet them.

“…Huh?”

Wait a minute.

She wasn’t a little girl.

She looked like a shrunken down adult woman—

‘A Dwarf…?’

Ricir gazed at her in awe, having never seen the race before.

In response, she offered a slightly mischievous smile that made her look innocently charming due to her appearance.

“What’s up, big guy? Is this your first time seeing a Dwarf?”

“Oh, my apologies.”

“Hehe, it’s all good. You look cute, so I’ll let it slide. Plus, since you’re a pal of the Exiled Sword, it’s okay. You don’t look like a sword user, though—what a shame. I wanted to give my sword to someone close to the Exiled Sword.”

She nodded at Rodan’s sign and went inside the shop.

Shortly after, she returned, standing on a chair at the counter.

Then, she placed something on the counter desk.

It was a sword contained within a scabbard.

Ricir couldn’t comprehend what was happening.

“Could it be this friend…?”

“Hey big guy, this isn’t just any sword, it’s an Ego Sword.”

The dwarf girl answered Ricir’s query.

“An Ego Sword?”

“Yup. A sword with a consciousness. It’s super, super, super rare! Even ordinary famous swords wouldn’t stand a chance against it.”

“Ah…”

Only then did Ricir nod slightly.

‘So, it’s the sword version of Duran.’

So this reckless one treasures his friend so much; he really is something.

“How’s it going? Any progress?”

Rodan cautiously asked the dwarf girl while handling the sword.

She shook her head.

“Nope. It still refuses to be pulled from the scabbard. It seems like the only means we discussed before will still be the way.”

“…”

Rodan picked up the sword with a serious expression.

He gripped the scabbard with his left hand and the hilt with his right.

He applied more strength.

The sword didn’t budge.

He murmured with a wistful expression.

“Master…”

“…”

Ricir felt his expression slightly tighten.

A friend, a master, and a Named Sword all rolled into one.

Wasn’t that a bit too convoluted in terms of relationships?

This is how one becomes a reckless idiot who only seeks to resolve things with brute force.

“Hey.”

Rodan showed the sword with a determined face and placed it back on the desk.

It was a desperate expression.

If he couldn’t attain his goal, who knew what sort of catastrophe might unfold?

“…”

Ricir felt his mouth dry as he set down the gray crystal ball beside him.

“Dangalion, I’m counting on you.”

-Understood, Juinni! You lowly creature! I, the magnificent blazing sword Dangalion, respond to your call!

‘Hey now, calling me a lowly creature while referring to your master as majestic—isn’t that quite the contradiction?’

Ricir flinched.

Fortunately, it seemed Rodan was too focused on the sword’s condition to have heard.

His expression was painted with anticipation.

However, that expression slowly hardened.

-Don’t you want me to respond to your call?

Even with Dangalion’s repeated pleas, the sword didn’t budge.

“Rodan, please keep it down inside the shop.”

The dwarf girl said.

Rodan was giving off an intense killing intent that made Ricir’s skin crawl.

Just then, Dangalion spoke up.

-Juinni, why don’t you ask that person to help instead!?

“That person?”

-BERBANDES!

“…”

The lowly desert demon, the mischievous prankster of the hills, Berbandes?

Ricir hesitated but eventually called her out.

“Juinni!!! I was napping!!!”

“Oh dear, you were sleeping through something important. Sorry! I need your help.”

“I’m happy to be awake and see Juinni! Can you help out?”

Berbandes raised her arms energetically.

Ricir patted her head and replied.

“Then, can you wake that sleeping sword?”

“Got it! Sword! Wake up! It’s morning! You can’t sleep forever!!!”

Berbandes clutched the sword and shouted at it.

Still, there was no response.

Rodan’s murderous intent grew even stronger.

Ricir, feeling frustrated, picked up the sword.

At that moment—

“…?”

Ricir felt a peculiar sense of unease.

-At last…! What is your name!?

He heard a woman’s excited voice in his head.

*

[Ego Sword: Blue Lotus is now bound to you]

*

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■Rodan

Level: 70 (68) > 68

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■Ricir

Level: 44 > 52 (44)

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