Chapter 66: Unassuming Gift

Zyro anticipated the Broken Sword will hit the kid and get some kind reaction as it supposed to be. Or none at all, as if nothing came in contact with him. Perhaps, the thrown weapon would refuse to touch, somehow block an invisible barrier and drop on the ground.

However, what happened was...

It pass through Pert.

Making Zyro doubt his own eyes.

The damn sword was physical, right? Zyro was sure of it, he had holden it seconds ago!

However, the fact before him was undeniable.

Broken Sword can't touch Pert, breaking logic he knew of.

Then again, by now, Zyro was no stranger to ethereal things. Holograms in Earth are viewed normally as part if technological society. And minutes ago, intangible black smoke invaded his very soul. Those things had similar ethereal nature that the Broken Sword displayed.

After experiencing too many bizarre phenomenon's happening around him. Zyro manage to quickly accept reality and composed himself as if nothing abnormal happened.

Instead of being ignorant and argue that such thing are impossible. Zyro search for possible explanations. Starting with it's origin.

Broken Sword was once a graceful blade belonging to Depter, a mysterious sage sealed within an underground chamber with obscuring magical spell. Because of the blade degraded state, deeming it worthless for further usage. The mage give it to Zyro.

That said, how did Zyro manage to encounter Depter despite the sealing spell effect?

He had concluded that it was because of his [Error] attribute. As an outsider, Zyro existence was different, so as the treatment towards him. Zyro being enable to receive Mark's of life ascension was proof of this.

So his otherworldly existence must have earn him the right to cross the Sage magical barrier.

But how? If he were to guess. His answer will be "limited range". Magic are utilization of language of Gods, therefore, each spells was made of sophisticated wordings written by mana. Same goes for the imprisoning sorcery that caged Depter.

Let's say the sentence used casting the seal are. "You shall not be found by anyone"

As per command, Depter are hidden to everyone. But the word "anyone" was too much of an exaggeration. For it will mean the seal was omnipotent without limit. But it's not, Zyro passing through the seal was proof. Hence, in truth, the word suggesting the seal capacity are lesser. Like, "You shall not be found by this kingdom/continent/world." Meaning, the spell are able to block inhabitants of Foggy Ring, Beast Continent or this entire world from encountering Depter. Zyro, on the other hand came from far, far away. Exceedingly so, he loss track of how many solar systems, or light years he crossed to get here.

However, that didn't solve Broken Sword's intangible anomaly.

'Wait, how did the spell hide that old man?'

Indeed, how? It didn't camouflaged the prison entrance on anyway. Nor actually obstruct people from approaching.

Confused, he asked Pert if he had been to where the sage is sealed. With a tone for idle chatting. He Removed confidential information, such as the veiling sorcery and Depter. Only talking about the small mountain side where he killed the eyeless hound.

Pert reply honestly. Back in the lone scouting days, he passed that place dozens of times, not finding anything notable except for being small clearing full of rubbles.

'I see, Pert didn't notice the hole between those two boulder. Even though I immediately saw it in my first two visit... That's odd, it's similar to how he view the Broken Sword. None-existence.'

At the mention of that last word, realization struck him. Shivers run down his spine, as he retrieve the Broken Sword. For him, the halved weapon react as it supposed to be - Touchable.

For others though, it's not. Same as Depter prison to others.

'Existence.'

That's what the spell is for.

The barrier tempered with state of existence itself. Erasing the cage presence to those within it's capacity. That's why no one could discover the sealed that bound the old Sage.

Existence were a complicated topic, so to further understand what's happening to Depter, the seal and Broken Sword which involved him. He seek Aizra's help, his mental AI does not only have entertainment data's. Aizra's storage stored basic scientific theories created by human researchers, as well. Although, her files didn't possess everything. It atleast have general studies of common things.

Such as general study of existence.

Following his command, Aizra conjured data panels displaying lines of information. It didn't take long for Zyro finished reading it's content and widen his comprehension.

'If I understand correctly, the Depter seal function by degrading existence of everything it covered. The lower the existence, the lower the presence.'

Studying the Broken Sword held in his hand, Zyro think he finally understood why it became ethereal to others.

The sword was the Sage belonging, and had been resting in the spell embrace since Depter was imprisoned. But due to the spell decreasing existence of those inside it, the sword too, was affected after a long period of time being bathed by its magic. When Zyro who's out of the spell range came and took out the bathed item. Effects of the seal still lingered, or permanently changed the Broken Sword state of existence to a lowered degree. To the point other's, like Pert can't see or touch the blade.

'Mystery solved, I guess.'

Piqued by the Broken Sword peculiarity, Zyro view towards it changed. Back then, he considered it nothing but a dull blade made of sturdy material. A sword value depends on it's capability to do its job, which is slicing opponents. However, because of the Broken Sword blunted edge that can't be sharpen by normal means. Aside from being tough, it have no notable quality to brag about. Zyro only keep it as spare weapon when need arise. And even hoped to melt it's durable metal for a new weapon in the future.

But after witnessing it's wonders, Zyro evaluation of the Broken Sword shifted to a higher level. It's invisible body promise potential in battles against unblind enemies, which most are.

However, there's one major problem. The Broken Sword can't be seen or notice, so as touch by others except Zyro.

'And here I was, thinking I obtain a magical item. I did, though. But what's the point of having a sword if it can't harm?!'

True, the ethereal weapon are mystical and all with it existing below mundane realms. However, it's intangible so it can't touch others. We could say a random stick pose more of a threat than Zyro's magical blade.

That said, can't it really effect anyone physically? Well, It could on Zyro and his clothes.

'Wait, maybe it can.'

Broken Sword made in contact with his clothes and Shroud of Night normally, treating them normally, as it's fellow physical items.

'I see now. Because of my garments being attached to me, "the anomaly". In a sense, those too, shared my odd trait that allowed me to bypass the Spell.'

That's why he didn't notice the Broken Sword incorporeal properties earlier. Until now.

Suddenly, a spark of idea downed on his mind.

Moving his gaze focus to the innocent blond kid picking metal scraps off the ground. Zyro hold on the hilt tighten, as he walk behind Pert with silent steps, he use when assassinating. His mind blank, carrying no killing intent nor any kinds of thoughts. Just pure tranquility in mind and body.

Pert, an Alpha didn't even notice his stealthy approach until the panging thrust of Broken Sword pointy edge hit him on the back.

It's nothing but a poke, that Zyro put some strength into to properly access Broken Sword effectiveness when held by his hands.

"Ouch! That hurts Zyro." Pert complain as he immediately look over his shoulders to know the attacker reason.

"Nothing. I'm just checking if your alive." Said Zyro, appearing unsuspicious as if he didn't do anything just now.

His reply and unreasonable pester a moment ago though, earned Pert wierd look.

The kid stare at him for a while, then questioned with a smile.

"You sure your head alright? I have some problems in here too. So, I understand you, don't worry."

An awkward silence hang between them, both wondering who's more nut's in the head. Pert or Zyro? Zyro's mental problem was mainly caused by forceful upload of Aizra into his biological mind. Turning her a Mental AI, also know as artificial mental disease. Pert, on the other hand was caused naturally. So, the kid is a real sociopath but Zyro, is not. Despite being crazier in the head. While Pert had it much lighter, limited only to permanent smile. That didn't falter no matter how grave their situations is.

Feeling the quite awkwardness becoming unbearable. Both come into an voiceless agreement to pretend this didn't happen for it to end.

Zyro simply walk away, while Pert resume what his doing.

As they did, they thought at the same time.

'What a weirdo'

'Weirdo'

The pain brought by cracked ribs remain as torturous as ever. With every movement, new waves of pang coursed through his body. Making Zyro often grit his teeth. However, unlike before, there was a rare delighted smile on his face.

Because this battle bore fruit.

'I hope that old hag won't take this treasure back. A shame, If only he knew what he had given me.'