Dark Fantasy Normalized – Chapter 90

Risir, who had been drawn to the Exiled Sword Master.

He returned, holding the Blue Lotus, renowned as the Exiled Sword’s Named Sword.

There was no need to question the origin of that Blue Lotus.

Nonetheless, Shakan deliberately asked on behalf of the group.

“That Blue Lotus… is it perhaps the Exiled Sword’s Blue Lotus?”

Why, there’s no rule that the Blue Lotus could only exist in one copy in the world.

To assert without any evidence that ‘the Blue Lotus is actually several’ seemed utterly ridiculous—

Yet, the claim that ‘Risir is holding the Exiled Sword’s Blue Lotus!’ was far more plausible.

Isn’t that how stories go?

“Oh, this? I found it on the floor, and it happened to have the Blue Lotus pattern, so I decided to call it the Blue Lotus.”

They were prepared to fully accept even such nonsensical words from Risir.

“Oh, so there are multiple Blue Lotuses?”

“…”

However, Risir’s naive answer effectively restricted their audacious imaginations.

It seemed they had no choice but to acknowledge it.

The Blue Lotus he held was indeed the Exiled Sword’s Named Sword.

“How…?”

The fiery expression of the Flame Mage, which usually revealed his personality, was nowhere to be seen.

The disciple of the Red Mage Tower spoke with an unprecedentedly anxious yet gentle face.

“Why do you have the Exiled Sword’s Named Sword… no, why are you holding it…?”

“?”

Suddenly, what’s with the formal speech?

Risir thought maybe he misheard—he focused on Balrod’s question.

“…ha.”

As he gazed at the Blue Lotus, a chuckle burst forth.

“Actually, the Blue Lotus is an Ego Sword. The friend in need that the Exiled Sword mentioned was the ego within the Ego Sword, and the Exiled Sword regarded that ego as a master. The moment I took up the sword, that master spoke to me and said, ‘Be my companion.’ She was actually a Murderous Fiend, and somehow came to be bound to me, allowing me to wield her power, so I impersonated the Exiled Sword’s master… Ah. No, that won’t do.”

He realized he couldn’t possibly convey that otherworldly sequence of events in a coherent manner.

Thus, Risir took the best course of action available in the current situation.

“I solved the problem and received it as a token of gratitude.”

Risir provided a vague answer with a meaningful smile.

In this case, insufficient communication could lead to misunderstandings—

‘It should be fine.’

Risir thought that it wouldn’t matter much.

After all, wasn’t he the hero who dealt with the natural disaster called the Exiled Sword?

Even if they misunderstood, he believed they’d eventually reach a positive conclusion.

“…I see!”

“…If that’s what you say.”

“…Ah, understood.”

In truth, they accepted Risir’s actions with a positive attitude.

However.

There were a few aspects Risir had overlooked.

The first was the weight that the name ‘Exiled Sword’ carried in their minds, unaware of Rodan’s changed appearance.

‘That rascal just gifted his Named Sword as a token of gratitude. Ridiculous…’

And the second was—

‘Could it be that he defeated the Exiled Sword…!? Just as he handled the demons!?’

The weight of the name ‘Risir’ in their minds.

Risir was oblivious.

He didn’t know how exaggerated his presence was in their eyes.

Thus, Risir left the judgments to them.

They naturally reached the conclusion that ‘Risir must have soaked the Exiled Sword and seized his Named Sword!’

Of course, they weren’t completely certain yet.

It was true that Risir had repeatedly committed acts that defied common sense.

However, ‘Defeating the Exiled Sword and stealing his Named Sword’ was an entirely different matter.

What was needed was not luck or tricks but absolute power.

For a young Mage like Risir to possess that level of power was nearly impossible.

No.

It wasn’t nearly impossible; it was outright impossible.

They wondered if Risir might be trying to deceive them.

His magical power, which harmonized beautifully with his own energy, did not allow others to easily gauge its extent.

Understanding the vision while simultaneously achieving the realm of 6th Rank and mastering ‘Adeptness’ was evidence of that.

He had reached the 6th Rank at his age.

That alone was a remarkable feat, but—

‘Well, 6th Rank isn’t that big of a deal.’

With the course of events, they somewhat understood the implications of the word ‘Risir.’

Achieving the 6th Rank when one would be considered a genius if merely reaching the 5th?

They thought it was entirely plausible for Risir.

But beyond that?

‘No matter who he is…’

That was something hard for them to accept, even now.

While a precise assessment might be impossible, they were able to get a rough understanding.

They concluded that Risir’s magical power didn’t match up to theirs, determining his level to be halfway through the 6th Rank.

‘Is there a chance he’s merely pretending to be at the 6th Rank to deceive us…?’

Suppressing the absurd thoughts that came to mind, they considered.

‘Perhaps it really was the case that the Exiled Sword momentarily lost his senses and gifted him the Named Sword.’

That was ultimately the conclusion they reached.

“That Exiled Sword went and gifted his Named Sword… what on earth did you do?”

It was at that moment the distance between Risir and them seemed to close once more.

*

[Experience is being distributed]

[Experience already belongs to you]

[Therefore, the distribution target is limited]

[Experience distribution target: Self]

*

With a surge.

A small cough.

Blood began to flow from Risir’s mouth.

Then from his nostrils, eye sockets, and ear canals—

All the major openings on his face began to pour forth blood simultaneously.

“R-Risir!?”

“Are you okay!?”

“You—”

Everyone present, taken aback by the unexpected turn, rushed to check his condition.

However, there was one person who calmly tried to soothe them all.

“Oh, everyone. Calm down, please. This happens sometimes; you needn’t worry about it.”

It was Risir.

He spoke as if it were no big deal—

…while he was pouring blood from all his major openings.

‘Did just what happened with Rodan get treated as normal? It hurts like hell; my mana and lifespan must have expanded a lot too. Great. If only the pain wasn’t beyond bearable. Let’s just keep my expression in check so that people don’t freak out.’

He had no idea.

‘…Am I really acting normal like this?’

The unshakeable demeanor he maintained to avoid alarming others was, ironically, what shocked them the most.

Struggling to manage the overwhelming pain, he began to collect himself.

“…!”

The eyes of the three powerful figures widened with all their might.

“Oi… I’m not misinterpreting this, right…?”

At Shakan’s words, they stared blankly at one another.

Risir.

Suddenly, his magical power was expanding.

As if he had consumed an elixir or something.

‘We were just having a conversation…?’

The first to recover from the shock was Shakan.

…to prepare himself for yet another shock.

“Wait, that’s the Blue Breath…?”

Shakan was the first to comprehend the actions Risir was taking with a warrior’s gaze.

And he spread the confusion further.

“Blue Breath…? Shakan, did you just say Blue Breath?”

“Right now, Risir… is seemingly controlling mana overload with Blue Breath…?”

“…But he’s a Mage, isn’t he?”

“Exactly. Wasn’t he a Mage?”

“…?”

“…”

Silence reigned in the surroundings.

“Oh, this is fine. Everyone, I apologize, but I feel like I’m about to lose consciousness, so please take care of the rest.”

With that, Risir really fell down right there.

An all-too-familiar occurence.

That added credibility to the claim he had just made.

They immediately rushed to check Risir’s condition—

‘…Surely, he must’ve seized that from the Exiled Sword.’

Despite their thoughts, their feelings were drifting further away from Risir.

And thus.

The moment the young Mage transformed into an object of awe in front of the powerful and influential.

*

“Lord Risir, you’ve regained consciousness!”

Risir woke up in the most luxurious guest room of Ran’s mansion.

The waiting councilman, Ran, welcomed him immediately.

“How is your health…?”

Seeing Ran’s somewhat awkward expression, Risir’s features grew complex.

“Is there some problem…?”

“Should I call it a problem…?”

Why the extreme politeness?

Risir contemplated the difference in status between himself and the councilman.

The head and powerful figure of a distinguished family in Bondales, Councilman Ran.

And he himself, a beloved illegitimate child of a prestigious family and an honorary Mage of the Mage Tower.

‘Shouldn’t I be the one who should be called ‘lord’?’

Pushing aside the trivial question, Risir focused on Ran’s eyes.

Despite coming away with a windfall, the greatest significance of this event was showing a good image to Ran, the authority of the city.

His interest could expand Risir’s influence, which was previously limited to the Mage Tower, to the entire city.

Who knew, this might even pave the way for him to enter the city’s noble society.

A higher social standing, income, environment, and normalization.

With stars in his eyes filled with anticipation, Risir spoke.

“I was merely curious. No, perhaps I should say I’m sorry. I just wanted to ensure I didn’t tie up the busy schedule of you, the esteemed councilman…”

As Risir acted like a polite young noble, Ran’s unnatural demeanor corrected itself instantly.

She returned to the dignified appearance of a councilman, adorned with a relaxed smile.

“Wasteful? I’ll claim there’s nothing more important to me right now.”

She wasn’t lying.

The intense performance Risir displayed through the Blue Lotus?

It left a strong and indelible impression on all who were present.

Ran had also been there.

‘This young Mage really… took that Exiled Sword’s sword…’

What Risir did not notice was the fact that Ran, with her sophisticated political sensibility, invariably handled the city’s nobles and merchants as if they were her toys.

She was supremely nervous about the situation, ensuring she would secure the maximum compensation from such an exceptionally difficult negotiation partner.

Also, if she were to dare demand, she could extract even more.

In fact, Ran was worried something like that might happen.

“Now that you mention it, I’m unsure how to respond.”

But contrary to those worries, Risir’s demeanor was exceedingly reasonable and polite.

‘But I can’t let my guard down…’

Ran struggled to maintain a natural smile.

Then she glanced around the room.

As if to guide Risir’s gaze.

With intent, when Risir looked around the room, she spoke.

“Tell me, do you like the room? It’s our largest guest room at the Phelos residence. It’s only used when visiting noble guests from other regions.”

“I feel a guilt for being in such a room; other than that, I believe it’s the best I could get. It’s a wonderful place.”

“Oh, I’m the one who offered you this room, and now I feel awfully undeserving. Thank you for saying that, Risir. May I call you that?”

“Of course, Councilman.”

“Thank you. And if I may return the gesture—while it might sound strange to say, feel free to call me Ran.”

“If I’m too informal, I might end up making you uncomfortable. In that case, I’ll accept your kindness and refer to you as Miss Ran.”

“That’s okay too, Risir. You’ve just regained consciousness, so I thought we could cut straight to the point; is that alright?”

“Of course.”

With that, the atmosphere around Ran suddenly shifted.

In a formal yet polite demeanor befitting a councilman, she continued.

“Your performance in the recent event was quite impressive. Without you, Bondales and its citizens might have faced significant trouble. I would like to extend my gratitude on behalf of Bondales. I’ll guarantee you a deserved reward and service in my name and the name of Phelos.”

“Wow. Just hearing it makes my heart flutter. I usually don’t hold expectations, but as expected, Councilman, you’re remarkable.”

“…”

At Risir’s flippant remarks, Ran secretly covered her mouth, her smile betraying the corners of her lips.

His extraordinary capabilities.

His polished manner of speaking.

Ran truly believed he had to be the offspring of a highly respected noble family.

Yet strangely, she felt none of the unique frivolity or arrogance often characteristic of other young nobles.

Even though his skill surpassed them all by a long shot.

With every passing moment, the councilman’s gaze towards the young Mage grew more curious.

“You’ll need to meet those expectations. I’ll do my utmost to resolve the incident swiftly and ensure your promised reward is delivered. So, Risir, would it be alright for you to stay at our Phelos residence until everything is resolved? It won’t take long.”

“Understood.”

Hearing the response Ran had wished to hear, she left the room with a light step.

Afterward, alone in the room, Risir rose from the bed and began to survey his surroundings.

Then, a voice reached him.

“Are you really okay!? To be held captive in this den of beastly humans!”

The source was the gray crystal ball sitting on the table.

“If I leave right now, I doubt I’ll find a better dwelling than this one,” Risir replied.

“Wait! Upon second glance, this is quite an excellent place! I didn’t expect these human beings to have such an aesthetic sense! It’s worth viewing more than once!”

“Oh ho.”

Risir chuckled at the ridiculous demon before him.

Just moments before, Ran had mentioned the sealing stone of Dangalion, expressing her intent to transfer ownership after the matter was resolved.

Including the other sealing stone obtained after taking down Dranoff.

Risir found himself in a position where he could practically be considered the true owner of Dangalion.

With that thought, Risir felt a slight dilemma.

Should he be happy about this?

‘Well, since they are technically a ranked demon, carrying them around might prove useful one day.’

In any case.

From here on out, it was time for business.

Risir approached the Blue Lotus, carefully stored in one corner, and raised it.

“Hey.”

But the party in question remained silent, unresponsive.

Risir had no choice but to close his eyes and delve into the inner world.

*

“Huh?”

The moment Risir entered the inner world.

The short-haired Murderous Fiend rushed at him, as if she had been waiting for this moment.

Without hesitation, Klana plunged a sword into Risir’s solar plexus.

Gotcha!

A fleeting glow crossed her face.

“…!”

Before she confirmed the sword meeting Risir turned to dust.

“Wow, that illusion was a bit too intense.”

Taking advantage of Klana’s moment of shock, Risir tried to overpower her.

Klana responded with a scoff.

In the eyes of the Murderous Fiend, Risir’s movements were so mundane it made her sigh, yet so slow it was laughable.

“…!?”

Because of those very movements, Klana got caught.

After a brief struggle, she found her arms pinned down by Risir, lying flat on the ground.

“What the hell… what the hell!!!!!”

She roared, thrashing like a beast tangled in a net.

If it were reality, her strength could have easily bounced Risir off.

Yet, now she squirmed only below him, stuck.

“What on earth is this!!!”

“‘Master’. Your greeting seems a bit intense. Or is this your way of doing things, dear Apprentice? I already worry about your future.”

“Shut up! Who the hell says you’re my master!”

“Oh, my. Did you not say when you made me your friend, ‘Be my apprentice!’?”

“You crazy…!!!”

Had Risir sensed a hint of being regarded as a master, she would have played along gladly for her own benefit.

However, the weight of his words.

And that relaxed smile.

He wouldn’t misinterpret their relationship at all.

The moment she shows emotional vulnerability was something she could never allow.

Having toyed with countless quarry before, the Murderous Fiend understood.

In their relationship, she truly was at a disadvantage.

“In that aspect, dear ‘Master’. Show me that sword of yours.”

“…”

Klana’s body created a subtle movement.

“Oh?”

Risir couldn’t help but marvel at that strange motion.

Just a moment before, her fist, which had been trapped beneath him, was now launched towards his face.

It was a true sneak attack from nowhere.

-Bonk.

Had the sound effect not seemed so ridiculous, that might have been the case.

Risir promptly caught Klana’s fist and placed it atop her body, then gently patted it.

“Ugh— uuuugh—”

The Murderous Fiend’s face flushed bright red from shame.

“Master— ah, wait. I still don’t know your name. What is it?”

“You lowly insect don’t deserve to know my name! I am Klana!”

“Klana. That’s a name, huh.”

“Ahhhhh!”

Furious, Klana bit her tongue in rage.

-Bite.

Only a cute sound escaped without resistance.

“Klana. My name is Risir.”

“Shut up!!! I don’t care about your name!”

“What was my name again?”

“Risir!”

“I’m not sure if it’s alright to say this, but Klana. Your words and actions don’t quite align, do they?”

“Just… just shut your mouth… please…!!! Before I kill you!!!”

Klana leaned forward, staring at him with bloodshot eyes.

The earnest intention of the Murderous Fiend, the Blue Lotus’s sincerity, bore down.

It was a form of formless violence that could make even the Sword Master tremble.

Yet, against that formless violence, Risir merely laughed softly.

Mimicking her, bringing their foreheads together.

“Is that so? In that case, let’s stop chatting and get to it.”

“…!”

Klana instinctively pulled back her face.

At the same time, the world flipped upside down.

She found herself facing Risir, now armed with a wooden sword.

“…Haha!!!”

Klana burst out laughing as if she had lost her mind.

Then exuding an air of exhaustion, she casually demonstrated her light moves, as if to say, “Eat this and pass out.”

And then it happened.