Sword and reminiscence (5)

Some time passed after negotiations with the parties involved, I came out of the headquarters and walked slowly to breathe fresh air.

Under the countless stars above the distant night sky, I just stared blankly at him.

The gentle wind swirled and blew my hair causing my bangs to fly to the side.

While I just walked lightly without fixing my messy bangs even though I realized it from the start.

*Step. Step. Step..

Not long after, my steps stopped at a place that was a large natural body of water, surrounded by land and that was a lake, then I turned my gaze, and found a large rock at the edge.

Standing right in front of the rock, after that I slowly lowered my body and leaned against the rock. Close your eyes while supporting your head with both palms facing backwards, while thinking.

'Is this going to be okay?'

As I was contemplating just now, suddenly thought of the problem from what he just said during the negotiations.

Back to the bleak past then back again to the present. I have learned a lot of knowledge and wisdom from my experience during the war. Whether it's good or bad, I don't care to find out, the important thing is that it can be useful for myself.

Believe it or not that during the war, believing what the enemy says is reckless and stupid for a soldier; even more so, he is now in the position of commander, where the lives of his subordinates are at stake in this battle.

It feels like this heart is burdened with anxiety about the decision I made.

If my decision is wrong, I am ready to die to save my comrades who are involved in my foolish actions.

While making a complicated face, my ears caught footsteps from a distance. If guessed logically, that step only numbered less than two people, meaning that my senses only caught a single presence.

"Come out, it looks like you have something you want to talk to me about."

After saying that in a light tone, a bulging shadow slowly moved closer to me.

Fair skin and long golden blonde hair that I used to see every day.

A face that looks soft and her eyes are covered by white bandages.

A body wrapped in a white robe with gold ornaments down to the toes.

It's the Witch of Light, Aindrila.

Turning my gaze to see her walking awkwardly. I just stared at Aindrila with a confused expression.

As if she was embarrassed, Aindrila was momentarily at a loss for words. Then she straightened up and walked rhythmically towards me.

The white robe fluttered due to the night wind, to the extent that the skirt underneath was also exposed.

A few seconds passed, and a black shadow covered my face, I saw Aindrila's nervous face.

'She's not as usual, as if there's something she wants to say to me.'

I thought with a complicated expression, looking at this nervous woman in front of me. Excuse me, please don't stay silent, please say something!

Fifty seconds later, my prayer was smoothly answered.

"W-what a coincidence, legaloth…."

The silence vanished after Aindrila uttered the first word. The lips that had been tightly closed turned into a sound.

Be it coincidence or fate, I quickly interrupted her awkward words.

"Aindrila."

"Yes?"

"Come here."

"Sorry?"

I said while patting the empty spot next to me. Aindrila's head went blank, and soon she quickly realized what I meant.

She hurriedly sat beside me while being polite.

"Excuse me…"

I pretended as if nothing happened. Then glanced at Aindrila's eyes which were covered in white bandages.

'Seriously? Is her long-lived person still acting awkward to me? Even though we've been fighting together all this time.'

The difference in our ages is about five hundred years. This means that she is a thousand years old, whereas I have stepped half her age.

A long time passed and until the Seed showed signs of efficacy after eating the World Tree's seed, it showed its effects from the start.

There were times, when my underlings gave their opinions on my outer appearance, saying that I was 37 years old…even though they knew that I was a long-lived fossil creature unlike them.

On the other hand, about Aindrila—some say she is like a goddess, and the atmosphere around her is always warm.

Making up my mind, I started a conversation with Aindrila.

"Ahem, You know. This is probably the day I have the worst regret in my entire life, however–"

"Wrong."

It was a sudden word cutter. I thought she would be confused by the sudden story, but she quickly understood half of my words.

I could feel the seriousness in her eyes, even though they were covered in white bandages.

I swallowed hard like I just made a mistake I shouldn't have made.

Aindrila's cheeks puffed up like a balloon, hard to believe the old lady beside me was acting like that.

It was like looking at two slightly childish old creatures.

"No matter what decision you make, we will always respect it. Even if it's a reckless decision..."

"..."

"...no matter what happens, we all must advance. No matter what happens, we always wait for your orders. We shouldn't stay in the safe zone, there are times when we have to step out and walk into the red zone. So..."

Gazing at the shining stars in the sky, she turned her gaze towards me.

"...please give us an order."

It ends with a firm tone of voice and I can feel her momentum changing instantly.

"Aindrila…"

"Yes!"

"...I'll bet those lines are from old man Janson."

"Ugh..."

Of course, there was no way those brilliant lines would come to Aindrila's mind. She was the one who usually cheered up with cheerful words.

Aindrila groaned in front of me as if my guess was right.

"Hah...he's complaining because he couldn't break through the walls of the GrandMaster-Stage. Sometimes he babbles words of wisdom even when he's drunk."

I didn't answer, instead, I responded with a bitter smile.

'Old man Janson is like that these days.'

Even though I'm older than Old Man Janson, I still call him 'Old Man', because it suits his appearance.

"So how are you?"

I asked Aindrila about what she has been working on lately.

"I'm currently working on a new magic spell."

"As expected…"

Exactly the personality of Aindrila, who was called a magic spell maniac.

It was a bit of fun talking to her, so I started asking friendly questions.

Immersed in the quiet and peaceful darkness, we chatted with each other about what happened earlier.

Realize it or not, I feel the corners of my mouth go up in an instant.

It was not a light smile, but a bitter smile.

—|—

*TEEEEETTTT!!!!!

The sound of the war bugle is so long that it can be heard by millions of troops on the battlefield.

That sound faithfully conveys my order, as commander, to signal the troops I lead.

"Attack!!"

As well as sirens to signal the start of the war.

"Aaah!!"

"Whoa—!!"

Quite a strange combination considering that humans and gods work together against the domination of the Titans.

Wrapping mana on their legs then running full of tension.

Then, the army of gods deliberately emitted a golden aura that became their symbol of pride.

Thousands of sword masters of mankind, simultaneously pour aura into their respective blades.

It gushed and soared to the ceiling, which seemed to overlap with the appearance of massive military aggression.

*BAM! BAM!

*BOOM—!

That also applies to archmages and other support-type troops.

*THUD. THUD. THUD.

The opening of the last war to peace.

The solution to ending itself, in the end, remains the same, paying for the lifeblood of living beings.

It doesn't matter if it's a human or a god.

[You weak human bastard!]

– Oooooorrrr!!!

The Titans also did not want to be outdone, they seemed confident about deploying their reliable fighters at the start of this important war.

Anyone who saw it was hard to believe the current human race had managed to survive this far.

It is also our pride.

But—

In the end the war was prolonged, taking about 166 years.

It's hard enough.

Nonetheless, our side managed to gain victory over the Titans' defeat and managed to banish them from this world.

Above all, neither party benefits. Instead, losses befell both parties, be they humans or gods.

Six hundred and sixty-six years have passed since humanity decided to join the war for world peace.

Determination of the day when all war conflicts are over and all races in the world can be relieved and happy.

Of course, the parties that contributed the most were the heroes as the main characters at that time.

In addition, the greatest talent that came from a weak race, humans.

"Wooo!!! We are free...!!!"

"Ha ha ha…!"

Under their pennants and flags of pride. Cheers after cheers almost filled the continent that was still intact to live on.

In contrast to those who smile happily on the outside, the fact is that in their deepest hearts, they still bear the pain of losing the person they love.

They couldn't forget in such a short time. So, as time goes by, they believe this trauma will soon disappear in their dreams.

I know what they need right now.

The only thing they need right now is 'Time'.

The war is over.

The world that is churning with scary fires begins to be extinguished with a revolution.

"Our hero has returned!"

"Thank you...thank you..."

"Salute to the warriors!"

Taking light steps and waving my arms in response to their cheers.

Within a few meters, I raised my head and looked ahead.

I saw a figure holding a crown and a sword in both hands.

*TOK. TOK. TOK.

Stepping closer while hearing the sound of boots clicking.

"Congratulations on the win."

"Yes."

I replied nonchalantly while making eye contact with the Divine Being, the Goddess.

Seeing that, she just smiled bitterly and motioned for me to start her coronation.

I slowly approached and knelt while lowering my head, in a perfectly bent back position.

With that, something started to annoy me.

"Humanity's War Commander, Legaloth. Come here…"

A clear sound like gently flowing water rang throughout the ears of those present on the coronation grounds.

I could feel all the eyes that were here begin to gather at me.

The hatred, humiliation, warmth, and joy, that I felt from the thousands of eyes that had gathered to stare at me started to feel intense.

Most of the gazes from the gods carried a negative reek, on the other hand, my comrades' gazes were full of joy, and I don't know why.

While the coronation continues, which begins with the handing over of the crown over my head. Next, the Goddess brandished a sword and placed it on the side of my shoulder.

"With this, Legaloth as the new god representing humanity has been decided to be named…"

From the path of the weakest ascends to the path of divinity.

Maybe I'm the only human who managed to step on the final stage, which is the God-Stage.

Giving the name of a god title will usually be seen historically as the achievements they have made.

For example, the God of Plants is the representative of the elven race, and also the God of Metallurgy and Steel is the guardian of the dwarves.

They were both people who stepped on the highest level in their respective skills. What's more, they had already received recognition for their skills and no one doubted it.

Thinking about that, I have also guessed a suitable title name for me.

Slowly I watched the seductive red lips of the Goddess who was about to speak.

"...Sword God! The one who reached the peak with his sword skills alone."

""Commander! Commander!""

"Our God, Sword God!!!"

Along with that announcement, cheers and shouts of joy accompanied him around me.

Thus, I became a divine Being.

As their god. As the Sword God.

Deciding to give them their delusional hopes come true.

I think the decision I made in the past was right.

It was so proper, that even when I became immortal, I just observed the development of the world where humans gradually developed and began to worship me.

But the peace that has been fought for all this time is crumbling after 250 years have passed.

Where is the malice and racism of the divine creatures that have been harboured in such a way, they finally spit it out.

That turned around and led to the unwanted term 'War'.

Not! This is not war. The most appropriate word is slaughter.

Those whom we thought were just plain bored, in reality, were secretly developing killing tools.

As if among them, some are not happy with my existence.

Betrayal.

Though not all gods express displeasure towards me.

Some of them secretly form groups and plan assassination schemes.

As if this was their intention from the start.

So was the tense situation I had when I was standing at the top of the mountain.

"What does all this mean?"

I asked coldly while staring intently at the perpetrators who were surrounding me.

I observed one by one while maintaining a cool demeanour.

Their identities were five Great Elder Dragons and seven other mid-low class Gods.

""...""

"..."

As if there was nothing to talk about. They instantaneously prepared to attack me while letting the killing intent overwhelm them.

Their burning eyes reflected that the plan had gone their way.

Several minutes later, their momentum gradually increased and increased.

The environment at the top of the mountain, which was generally cold, was gradually increasing beyond its limits, not know what caused it.

Finally, one of them stepped forward and spoke up.

"Human! I do not accept you as part of our faction, even though you have stepped on the path of divinity."

I saw the person suspected of being the ringleader, babbling incoherently with his index finger pointing at me.

I briefly saw his appearance.

Blonde hair with a little splash of yellow light on it, eyes that were all white with no pupils. Likewise, his muscular body with a sleeveless white cloth shirt.

I've been indifferent to the names of the gods in the Hall of the Gods all this time, regretting not knowing their names.

I asked coldly.

"Then why did you slaughter all the humans who worshipped me?"

Hearing that, the Blonde God sneered with an angry face.

"All the people who worship you are too many for us to have no chance to build our churches…!"

When I was about to reply to his words, I suddenly felt a dangerous energy behind me.

As if knowing, I lightly twisted my neck and dodged it.

'Tsk. There is no hope for these rascals.'

Kicking my tongue while rolling my eyes, I said a little louder.

"Looks like you guys crossed the line...sigh. Alright, I accept your intentions."

After knowing there was no room for compromise, I quickly stretched my hand in the air and summoned the darling sword.

A point of light appeared from above the sky, it fell towards me at high speed.

Soon the dot drew near and revealed its appearance.

The blade is black with a hilt that follows the colour of the metal. It gave off white sparks that were engraved in zigzags, running from the tip of the blade to the bottom of the hilt.

And gradually approaching.

*WOOSH—!

I casually caught my sword and parried four fireball attacks aimed at me.

*Kroas!

*BANG! BANG! BANG! BANG!

It was very hot for the inexperienced, certainly not for me. And forced me to increase the Aura Blade's output.

*SLASH—!

I started slashing at the fireball that was believed to be dragon breath, with the 50-meter-long Aura Blade. A gaudy sight that towered high and flaunted a golden aura of the majesty on the mountaintop.

It was then.

Immediately feeling something unpleasant, I frowned.

*PA!

Kicking off the ground and then jump high while increasing my sense of detection and catching odd objects.

'Surely that god bastard is up to something.'

Honestly, that's suspect. It's the same with one dragon that disappeared out of nowhere.

'Well, let's destroy this place.'

Making up my mind, I readied my stance, as another four Great Elder Dragons flew over to me.

Inhaling while tightening the hilt, I railed inwardly.

「Unit of step Third – Grand Order Swordsmanship 」

In an instant the Aura blade gradually dissipated, instead, blue flames began to bloom all over the sharp blade of the sword.

Pure mana energy overflowed my entire body.

It was at that moment that I swung my sword.

"———"

*Explosion-!!!

Rumbling sounds like a sign of disaster.

A sword technique of high-level swordsmanship that reached the pinnacle.

It was that sword skill that was most suitable for the current situation. After all, I aimed to force them out.

But at that time—

*Gruuhz!!

The beautiful mountain peak was split in two in an instant.

Winds of dirt and dust blew and the silent lava started to howl as if it was angry.

Dozens of tree roots were cut off from their habitat, looking miserable.

–Arrrgggghhh!!

'Found.'

As my senses caught a scream of pain, I without hesitation kicked the ground.

It didn't take long to reach the source of the sound. I saw several prominent shadows that were covering her face with her hands.

Turning my wrist which was still holding the sword, I slashed horizontally.

「The second step of the waterfall – Aegir Ocean Swordsmanship」

I didn't hesitate to perform lethal sword skills to kill them. No matter how Transcendent they were, with the divinity realm above them, killing them was possible.

*SLASH—!

Put one foot on the ground, then do a spinning attack. Exactly what I predicted, the attack landed on six gods, causing the deepest cuts to their chests.

"Kuargh!"

"Keuk…!"

"Cough!"

Pieces of their body models bounced off in all directions.

Even if they were still able to get up, in a matter of seconds they would understand that the terrifying slash I showed them, was the pivotal point where Mana Heart stood still.

It was the act of preventing the opponent from manifesting their magical energy, or you could say killing them with one direct hit.

Killing six divine creature in one hit at a time!

Realizing half of my mana was drained, I quickly invoked the Presence-Depleting Breathing Technique, to evade the remaining enemy's detection.

Suddenly-

A hand stretched out without me noticing, right behind me. It was fast enough to trick the senses of detection.

*Woosh—

And at that time, a palm that was emitting a disgusting aura pierced through my left chest, exposing the perpetrator's hand.

*Prick!

"Keuk! Aaaaa….!!"

My pupils shrank and suddenly shook as my instincts sounded that it wasn't an ordinary attack.

Of course, for a being who stepped on the god-stage, such an injury would only be a trifling matter. Because every Transcendence obtains the blessing of regeneration, even if the limbs are cut off.

But there are times when the regeneration ability stops, unless it's a cursed attack.

Made me spontaneously railed in my heart.

'Shit, I was careless! Heh, it can't be helped...'

Take a deep breath and then draw concentration on one important point of the brain.

*CWING!

For a moment my eyes shone bright yellowish gold and a mixture of white. It melts and forces pressing to get it out. What I did was pour out the Divine Power that was within me.

"Uoowww—!"

*SPARKLING! SPARKLING!

The blonde-haired God Accomplice Leader opened his eyes wide, as if surprised by what I wanted to do right now.

"Keuh! Cough!...stop you bastard–"

Just before he finished his words, a beam of light that came from me illuminated the mountain that split, shattered, not a single bit remained.

Even when my vision was blurry, I caught a glimpse of a golden yellow light rushing this way.

– Legaloth!

Seeing that, an exclamation of "Ah" came out of my mouth. I don't know why I tried to send word for word until it reached her.

"Please, please…. Grant me this one wish, Ain–"

By the time the last words had not been finished, my vision went black and the entire scene collapsed.』

... ... ...

"Ahh…!"

O'Connor opened his eyes to glare at the air, until the corners of his eyes slit blood-red fluid.

Cold sweat drenched his back, so that both palms unconsciously gripped hard on the stone floor of the altar.

He thoughtlessly drained a sweat and as fast as lightning lifted his upper body, then held his head with both hands.

'What's that…?'

He wondered if it was a dream or not. So he was also curious as to why he was still able to maintain his sanity while witnessing that scene.

And just then—

A blue hologram appeared in the air, right in front of him.

[Congratulation! You solved the Sixth Mystery.]

[Compensation for your glorious achievement will be recorded in the system history.]

[You obtained 4+ Skill Points as a reward.]

[You acquired the new Trait 'Mighty Mind' .]

[You acquired the new Trait 'Sword God Memory Composition' .]

"Arrhhhhgg...!"

By the time one last system message appeared, pain shot through O'Connor, specifically inside his head, and it was the brain!

A screen like a cinema screen appeared as consciousness was momentarily shaken. That shows the billions of emotions, sadness, suffering, joy, that radiate in that picture.

"Keuh… that hurts..uh!"

Tears fell from his eyes and he desperately searched for a way to endure this hell.

Biting his tongue until blood seeped out. Even with that, the pain never stopped.

'I want to die.'

A wish appeared in his mind.

Death.

Even if his revenge didn't materialize, he could at least stop this suffering.

'Not! I will last… one minute.'

However, tenacity was against it. Deep down, he wanted to live at least this time.

One minute lasts, and it keeps on repeating even more times.

Because the series of incidents, incidents and battles that entered filled his head, making his stomach feel sick and his head ached.

"Cough!"

A blood clot the size of a tennis ball he spat out. However, just as his mental strength was drained away, a blue hologram board was triggered.

[Trait 'Mighty Mind' is triggered automatically.]

The blurry vision turned slightly clearer. The throbbing pain that had been in his head suddenly subsided as if something was pressing down on it.

O'Connor took the opportunity to at least think while controlling his sanity.

"Cough! It definitely wasn't a dream…"

'What was displayed was clearly someone's memories, and that person was the Sword God, Legaloth. Maybe the Mystery this time aims to reveal the bad side from the human point of view at that time. But….'

Inhaling calms the beating of the heart as mental strength is drained away, leaving no energy for thinking. O'Connor quickly became aware of his frail body and thoughtlessly opened the status window.

His index finger pointed at the [Vitality] stats, then invested three of the four skill points he had just acquired.

[Your Vitality has increased +]

[Your Vitality has increased +]

[Your Vitality has increased +]

This was the third time he had felt the sensation of a gentle breeze swirling within him.

Closed his eyes then opened them then muttered to himself while looking at the status window.

"Memory of the sword god?"

His eyes focused on a single text on the Traits Icon.

________________

[Status]

—Name : O'Connor de Carpe

—Age : 16 years old

—Gender: Male

—Profession: None

—Title: Son of the Carpe Family

[Statistics]

[Strength : 4] [Agility : 7] [Vitality : 6] [Mana : 0]

—Stat points you have : 1

[ Traits and abilities ]

—Unique Ability : None

—Skill : [Eye Of Gluttony (SS)]

—Transient Skills : [Understand at a Glance(A+)] [Silk Wind(F)]

—Traits : [Calamity Grade Gluttony] [Coward] [Weak] [Sword God Memory Composition] [Mighty Mind]

_____

The two Traits O'Connor had just acquired caught attention, while he was calming himself down. Especially the Trait [Sword God Memory Composition], where he gained insight into this world.

'...this!?'

As he closed his eyes again to digest what Legaloth's memory meant. He was suddenly taken aback and subconsciously rubbed his eyes.

"It can't be that this also gives insight into swordsmanship as well, right?"

Once again O'Connor couldn't believe it and looked at the Trait's details.

_____________

[Sword God Memory Composition]

—Type : Traits.

—Details : The trait transferred to the user, makes the user share sorrows and joys with "Him". The user also inherits the fighting techniques and fighting experience of the Mighty Sword as well as Omniscient Sword, Sword God, Legaloth.

_________________

O'Connor held his throbbing temples and realized something.

Something he should not ignore!

"I now know the identity of this place…sigh, This is probably the place where the Sword God's Tomb is buried. And I just found it."

Unexpectedly he didn't know whether to be pleased or bewildered by this good fortune.

'Then what the hell did the Giant Bear's Identity lead me to this place? Could this possibly be related to the title of 'Ancestral Beings' that I saw while peeking at the status of the being? However, "he" was still twenty-seven years old! ...And, is it possible for a not-so-powerful being like him to survive in this dangerous world?'

Complicated puzzles made his head that still hurt even more dizzy. He wondered what this was how a five star detective felt when he tricked them. Maybe it's karma for something O'Connor did when he was a Swindler in a past life.

'I'm not even a professional-grade deduction detective, but I did impersonate their assistant once.'

O'Connor shook his head and cleared out the entire array of ideas that had been in his mind.

But that was then.

Unexpectedly, the whole room suddenly shook.

*Rumble!

It darkened O'Connor's face and revealed his gloom.

'Perhaps this mysterious place was designed to self-destruct once someone touches the altar.'

O'Connor also noticed that the bookshelves were empty and thousands of books had gone missing, clearly there before.

"This is probably your job…."

Turning my gaze to the skeletal corpse who was robed in white, and her golden-blond hair was still glistening.

"... Aindrila."

For a moment my heart felt tight, I don't know why I saw someone's dead skull that was overlapping with Legaloth's memories.