Chapter 183: The Beauty of the Quetzal

"I understand."

Nodding, Yuki was grateful for Est's honesty. Being able to share her situation, as well as the side effects, showed that she didn't want to harm him; instead, she wanted to protect him.

[That's why, Master, we should end this contract and...]

"No."

Hearing Est's words with deep sadness, Yuki didn't let her finish.

[Huh?]

"I am aware of the risk of wielding you, but that's not enough for me to give you up, Est."

Yuki was right. He would be a fool to give up a sword with such power, even if it endangered his life.

So what?

Zafkiel was the same, and he didn't receive any warnings like Est did. But despite that, Yuki refused to stop using his power.

Zafkiel was born with him, so they were one.

And even though Est was different, Yuki refused to let her go.

[Master! I will end up killing you! My curse will eventually consume you!]

"I know, but Est... What kind of person would I be if I gave up on my companion for this?"

Shaking his head, Yuki continued.

"Will you consume me? So what? I have an angel that is much more dangerous than you... Will you kill me? What's the big deal? Everyone dies someday, and if the day to die comes, I want to die in the arms of those who matter to me... Do you want to end the contract? I refuse! I'm not a wretch who would be scared of death and abandon my companion."

[...]

Est was in shock. Yuki's words made her heart beat very fast.

"So don't worry; I'm not that weak... I still can't die... No, I'm not allowed to die!"

Remembering the faces of the people who still awaited him, as well as the people who trusted him, Yuki clenched his fists. He wouldn't fall, not until his adventure was over.

[You will regret it...]

"I won't. I will never regret having you by my side."

[You will suffer...]

"And what's wrong with that? Those who don't know pain can't move forward."

[If you continue, you will fall.]

"Then I'll just have to get up! And keep walking!"

[I...]

With trembling lips, Est couldn't stay calm. After all, each of Yuki's words made her soul tremble, and, on the contrary, her soul shone even more brightly.

"Est, I don't know what you've been through, but you can't stay trapped in the past. You need to lift your head and face life."

Staring intensely at the sword in his hand, Yuki recalled the times he fell when he was still on Earth. Being an assassin wasn't easy. The number of people he had to kill, as well as the weight on his conscience, was high. But even if he fell, he got up, refusing to be defeated by life.

"I'm not asking you to forget everything you've been through. No one can forget memories that have marked their life. But I ask you to use those memories and move forward... To continue your path! I want you to live and never regret your choices..."

Gently caressing his sword, Yuki brought it to his face, all while smiling tenderly.

"After all, the beautiful Quetzal must free itself from the cage that is the past and fly with strength toward the future... Est, the world must see the beauty of the Quetzal."

(Author's Note: In case you didn't know, the Quetzal is the most beautiful bird in the world.)

With her heart beating strongly, tears filled Est's eyes as she stared at Yuki.

[Can I... stay? Can I keep walking?]

"Of course, everyone in this life has the right to move forward. No, everyone must move forward at some point, and you are no exception."

[Master...]

Looking at him with teary eyes, several memories flashed in Est's mind.

She remembered the adventures she had with her first master, as well as the hero who defeated the Demon King. She had blamed herself for her master's death, but only now did she remember her last words.

("Est... You know something? I never wanted to be the Holy Queen, but now I'm very happy to be, as I was able to meet my friend.")

("Master...")

Looking at her dying and pale-faced master, tears rolled down Est's cheeks.

("So don't be sad, Est... This is not your fault. I chose to walk this path; this is my choice, so you shouldn't blame yourself... And keep walking.")

("Master!")

Saying these last words, a gentle smile formed on her former master's face, at the same time that her time ran out.

Taking her master's body, Est cried and screamed in despair. The connection she had with her master was cut, and the curse consumed her, ending her life.

Since then, Est felt a great guilt inside her. After all, if it weren't for her, her master would still be alive.

She was very young, with a life ahead of her. However, her curse was something her master couldn't resist, no matter how strong she was.

Est was a poison that hurt and killed her master as time passed.

She knew it very well, so she sealed herself in the ruins, hoping never to wake up.

But here she is now, being wielded again.

"Besides, what man would be willing to let go of such a beautiful lady?"

With those last words, he brought his cheeks to the blade and gently caressed it.

Needless to say, Est's heart pounded heavily at that, and at the same time, a huge weight lifted off her shoulders, and several tears rolled down.

"So, I'll say it formally... Terminus Est, are you willing to be my companion and follow me on this adventure until my soul disappears from this infinite universe?"

[... Yes... I accept, Master.]

Responding instantly, a smile formed on her expressionless face, and even though Yuki couldn't see it, he gently stroked her hilt.

Marking the beginning of their adventure.

---

(Strong)

On the other hand, Ais, this was her only thought when she saw Yuki swinging his sword. At the same time, she felt perplexed.

Although she knew that a thousand years ago, before the gods descended, the inhabitants of this world made contracts with spirits to fight monsters, giving them abilities and powers.

She had never seen such an unusual contract or seen a spirit become a sword.

But for better or for worse, Ais discovered something important.

And that is, Yuki was a swordsman, and a very good one at that. From the moment he wielded his sword, his aura changed, and his eyes became sharp.

"You shouldn't be surprised; if you set your mind to it, you can become very strong."

Gently caressing her sword, Yuki smiled.

"Really? Can I become that strong?"

"Of course, but... Do you have the determination to be?"

Staring into those monochromatic eyes, Ais was speechless. She wanted to be strong, much stronger, but she also understood that nothing in this world comes for free.

"Yes, I want to be strong... So, I'll offer my sword... Please, teach me."

Bowing again, this was the fourth time Ais lowered her head. She was the Sword Princess, and she had her own pride, but that didn't stop her from pursuing strength.

"All right, I'll train you."

However, unlike the other times, this time, there was no rejection.

---

TN: UmU give powerstones for est cuz she cute