Prelude to Despair

Teresa swung her sword. When she did, the sound of shattering glass filled the air. The result of her swing striking with enough force to break the space around her.

Mana swirled in a chaotic flux as another energy mixed in, destabilizing the surroundings. And for a split second, Teresa thought she could see the starry expanse beyond. But then the world snapped back into place.

When it did, Teresa stared at the sword in her right hand. "...You dumb selfless hero."

A glowing emerald sword that looked to be made of pure crystal. One filled with an unfathomable amount of energy and power.

But not mana.

That was something Teresa had figured out since using the blade more. Instead of mana, the sword had a crazily unstable energy that threw everything around into chaos when she pulled it out. Something that quickly degraded mana and potentially even divine power.

At least, that was what Ian and Muto said after she asked them to examine it while Jihu was asleep.

Teresa lifted her sword up to the sky and stared through it.

Around the blade, it was a pure blue. Peaceful and ordinary. But through the blade it was dark. An ominous shade of green with murky shadows.

Even so, that sight didn't bother her.

"Jihu... Were you that worried about me?"

She knew it now. He didn't make a big deal about it, but the sword he gave her was a terrifying relic that could defeat an Army Commander on its own.

Unlike most magical weapons, the sword didn't draw on the user's energy. Instead, it had a core of its own, constantly drawing energy from the surroundings. Light, heat, sound, mana... Before Ian left, he had explained that it was a crazy weapon that embodied alchemy in a pure form. And Muto said that it was something that made their efforts developing rudium seem like child's play.

"A sword that carries the will of its previous wielder along with that person's skills... was it?" Teresa lowered the sword and recalled Muto's words.

*It's a ridiculous creation. Did that man take inspiration from rudium...? Instead of a sword, that's more of an extension of Jihu himself. And as long as it approves of who's wielding it, that person should be able to do the same things as him... Well, up until he stopped wielding it.*

She tightened her grip on the sword and then stared off into the distance.

The Haramark Castle courtyard.

While everyone else was out celebrating the defeat of the Parasite invasion and Jihu's miraculous result, Teresa was staying inside, quietly training.

Because she remembered it.

How Jihu's body laid lifelessly on the bed after the strongest possible healing spells were cast by Lady Yuhui. How Miss Maria constantly cast her own spells to try and stabilize his body after the first few elixirs Ian and Muto derived failed. How even Lady Gula had said that Jihu's survival was something she couldn't determine... and that if he died, no amount of contribution points could ever bring him back into Paradise.

Teresa grit her teeth and then swung her blade. As she did, energy spun back from the sword, resonating with her mana. And when it did, she felt a surge of power and understanding fill her body.

If she moved her legs like this. If she held her arm a bit lower and loosened her shoulders...

As if Jihu was there telling her, she found herself slowly removing the flaws in her fighting skills and going beyond it. Like how he forcibly strengthened her body and magic, his sword was smoothing out the rough fighting techniques she learned through life and death combat into a proper art- No, a realm of its own.

She could sense it. Her eyes that let her see the 'truth' in people's words were mixing with the abilities Jihu left in his sword, slowly assimilating them as her own powers. And in time-

"Hard at work, I see." A collected and cool voice. A young man's.

Teresa lowered her sword and then looked over.

A young man with flowing green hair and bright eyes. Fairly handsome and emitting a powerful magical aura... Muto Arbor, the former Delphinion Mage and current leader of Haramark's Magitek research institute, as well as bearing the title of Royal Archmagus.

He pushed himself off the wall he was leaning on and then glanced at the sword Teresa held. "Have there been any problems with that?"

Teresa picked up a towel from the ground and then wiped her forehead. After that, she shook her head and said, "None." She stared at the sword and let out a bitter smile. "Jihu... really wanted to protect me, it looks like."

"Considering how heavily unstable and dominating that sword's energy is... He must. If it was anyone else attempting to use that sword, I fear that they would have been devoured."

Teresa let out a dry laugh. "Well. It seems like I'm the only one Jihu doesn't want to devour then."

That selfless selfish guy... Even after he recovered, the first thing he did was head home while leaving a note about saying that he didn't want to cause Teresa any trouble. That since the Parasite Queen thought he was dead or at the least neutralized, it would be best to let everyone enjoy a time of peace and breathe for once.

"...Stupid guy." Teresa fiddled with her pink diamond bracelet and said, "What kind of hero runs off when his princess is waiting for him?"

Muto laughed. "Well, a true hero is hard to pin down. Don't you think so, Princess?"

"Hmph." Teresa lowered her hand and said, "He still could have said goodbye before he left."

Muto raised an eyebrow. "My. Perhaps Don Cinzia was correct. Jihu appears to have quite the effect on woman who fell in love with him... Could it be an innate ability? Some sort of charm that draws out the best and suppresses the worst?"

Teresa clicked her tongue and said, "What are you even doing here, Mister Muto? Didn't you say you wanted to spend more time researching the battlefield?"

Muto nodded. "I did, and I have. That's why I've returned." He waved his hand, conjuring a pair of metal chairs and a simple table.

Teresa walked over to the table and pulled a chair out before sitting down.

Muto pulled the chair on the other side and sat down as well. When he did, he said, "I already gave a report to your father, but I thought I should inform you as well since Arden Valley is under your supervision."

Teresa nodded. "I'm listening."

"First of all... Congratulations." Muto smiled and said, "As you dreamed, Arden Valley has now become an impenetrable fortress and a near impregnable wall against Parasite invasions. You have achieved a feat that even the mighty Empire failed to do with its countless millenia of magical research."

Teresa let out a dry laugh. "Thank you... But none of that is my own effort. After all, you're not talking about what we installed, are you?"

Muto shrugged and said, "If the one you love helps you to fulfill your dreams, is it not the same result?"

"Hah..." Teresa sighed and muttered, "It is, but..." She fidgeted with her pink diamond bracelet again and then shook her head. "I wish that person would stop risking his life each time to do it."

That part of Jihu was what drew her in. Throwing his life on the line in the very beginning to save Arden Valley. Rushing into the Parasites' breeding facility to save her. And now this...

Each time, he made it out alive. Each time, he pulled off a miracle and became her hero. Just like the fairytales she read and dreamed about, she became the pure maiden who was always whisked away from danger by a knight in shining armor.

Like that, her every dream came true.

But...

"But I want to help him too, Mister Muto."

The archmagus sighed and ran a hand through his green hair. "Yes. I suppose it is a bit dissatisfying having that man give us the solution each time... But then Princess." Muto smiled and said, "We simply have to make use of what he gave us." He held up his hand and moved his fingers, causing miniature spheres of shimmering magic formations to appear on each one. "Even if we are not the ones who found the path, if he paved it for us, we should at least see it through to the end. No?"

Teresa laughed and said, "You've been spending too much time with Ian, Mister Muto."

"Bah." Muto waved his hand, causing the formations to disappear. "Don't remind me of that perverted bastard. He was immature enough when I first met him. Now that he became younger, he's even worse."

Teresa grinned, and then her face turned serious. She placed her arms on the table and laced her fingers together. "I appreciate you cheering me up, Mister Muto... But what did you find? Since you mentioned Arden Valley becoming impregnable... is it to the level of Tigol Fortress?"

"Mm." Muto shook his head. "I do not know. At the least, I have never been to the Federation's fortress to compare. However..." He stuck up three fingers. "There are three layers of defense there that I am certain do not exist anywhere else in the world."

Teresa nodded and then shifted her gaze into the distance. There, a titanic sword loomed in the distance, piercing Arden Valley and the mountain range like a mountain in itself. "The first is that, I presume?"

"Yes." Muto glanced at the sword in the distance and said, "That blade acts in unison with the field of blades Jihu created to form an Evil-Nullification area." He chuckled and said, "That crazy bastard also managed to mix in Sword Qi along with the remnant divine energy from that slain Army Commander. While dormant now... I am sure we will see quite the sight should the Parasite Queen attempt another invasion."

It was something to be happy about. But hearing it only made Teresa feel guilty.

Even as his very being was burnt away, he still thought that far ahead... To his last breath, he was still thinking about how to protect the place she held dear.

That...

Teresa took a deep breath to calm herself and said, "And the other two layers?"

Muto nodded. "The next is the rudium. Because of Jihu's actions, while Ian and I used it as planned, it managed to go relatively unnoticed. From all that I have heard going around, the people and the Earthlings seem to believe we simply developed a Parasite control spell." He laughed and said, "While not incorrect... The fact that so few know the truth means that we still retain it as a trump card."

Teresa hummed and said, "And is development going well in the other areas regarding that?"

She seemed to recall Muto and Ian discussing some other research avenues along those lines...

"Mm. For now, it is mostly theoretical." Muto snapped his fingers again, causing glowing magical formations to overlay his body. When he did, a pure and calming aura emanated from him. The opposite of the malevolent and corrosive air the Parasites emitted.

Teresa's eyes widened. "That...?"

"Ian and I were inspired by Jihu's actions and managed to develop something useful... but so far, only I can utilize it properly." He snapped his fingers again, causing the formations to vanish. After that, he let out a sigh and said, "To think that this old researcher would be capable of walking out in the battlefield by applying his research... The world truly takes some interesting turns."

Teresa shook her head and said, "You aren't quite so old anymore though, are you Mister Muto?" She let out a sly smile and placed her head on her laced fingers. "I think I remember seeing quite a few fair maidens eyeing you during the celebrations."

"Bah." Muto waved his hand and said, "I have no interest in little girls like those. Let that perverted lecher deal with them."

Teresa laughed and said, "Even so, you should think about marrying, Mister Muto. It would be a shame to not have an heir to your research and magic, don't you think?"

Muto hesitated and then shook his head. "It is fine. Compared to Jihu's own advances, my work is trifling."

Teresa frowned. "...That might be true. But you shouldn't discredit your own abilities. After all, Jihu is someone that even Lady Gula said she could not read."

"But he is still human." Muto sighed. "That is the damnable part. Human, and yet possessing such insight... Just what kind of life has he led to achieve such a thing? Even myself..." He paused and shook his head. "No. There is no point in a flame comparing itself to the sun." He looked back at Teresa and said, "In any case, the last protection upon Arden Valley is the harmony between what Jihu laid out and our own developments. While unintentional... at least, I presume so as Jihu would have utilized it otherwise. But while unintentional, our rudium network and his blades have had a synergistic effect. It will take some time to fully assess, but I am certain that they have changed to draw in some of the characteristics in the blades Jihu left behind. Enough to where people with enough mana could use the rudium to replicate at least a storm of Sword Qi."

Teresa's eyes narrowed. "Does anyone else know about this?"

That was dangerous. If word got out...

Muto shook his head. "There is no need to worry. I agree that it is dangerous if it could get into the wrong hands... but that 'if' is an impossibility. To begin with, Jihu's 'will' is stronger than even that remnant dark god's in the original rudium I created." He chuckled and said, "If anything, we might gain a few useful pawns if any nefarious soul attempts to use them for ill will Which was why I was concerned about that sword." He looked back at the blade Teresa kept on her waist and said, "...It seems as if Jihu truly cares about you. Even now, I can feel that sword trying to draw in my mana."

Teresa frowned and placed her hand on the sword's hilt.

Like Muto said, she could feel a strong force drawing things in. Like standing in the midst of a whirlpool or being caught in a hurricane.

But the moment she placed her hand on the sword, it quelled. Instead of drawing things in, the energy in the sword sent it to her, a gentle pulse that warmed her body.

Muto clicked his tongue. "I suppose that is the one fault I have in that young man. To run around giving such extravagant gifts... Does he intend to become another emperor? Even that old bastard did not have so many talented beauties scrambling to catch his eye."

Teresa laughed. "Well... Jihu is incredible after all."

"And that is his weakness as well as his strength. If-"

A faint ripple. Space distorting just the slightest.

Muto's eyes widened and he quickly stood up. At the same time, countless formations blazed into existence, wreathing his body.

And then a white blade wreathed in crimson lightning slashed his neck.

A burst of light. Muto flew through the air, crashing into the stone walls of the castle. At the same time, alarms began blaring, a flurry of activity starting as the palace guards detected the intruder.

"Hoh?" The intruder glanced towards Muto and then looked at his sword. "That should have been enough to cut down even that tough Star of Pride... Did some strong guys finally pop up in Paradise while I was gone?"

A nonchalant and arrogant voice. Loosely similar to Jihu's, but different.

And one that Teresa recognized.

A man with cracked plate mail armor. Long black hair that rose up in spikes from the mana emanating from his body. And a glowing white sword he rested on his left shoulder that looked similar to the one Jihu wielded in that last battle.

But it wasn't him. Instead... That cocky smile and lecherous gaze. The one that had been eyeing her up the entire time when he walked in with Sinyoung's directors in the past to 'negotiate' with Haramark...

"Sung Shihyun."

Sung Shihyun laughed and said, "I'm honored! I thought you'd only have that Jihu guy in your eyes, but to think that you'd even remember my name when we only met once."

Teresa stood up and grabbed her sword, growling. "How could I forget the asshole who sat down in my father's chair during our welcoming banquet and ate everything in front of him without batting an eye?"

Sung Shihyun laughed and tapped his sword against his shoulders a few time. "Yeah... for a third rate kingdom, you guys had pretty good food. Oh yeah, that parfait thing was pretty good too." He licked his lips and said, "Teresa Hussey, right?" He stepped forward and started scanning Teresa's body, as if mentally undressing her. After that, he grinned and said, "I've been wondering since then... Does your 'honey' taste as sweet as your dessert?"

Teresa shuddered.

Even so, she didn't let down her guard.

Sung Shihyun... He had vanished without a trace. Enough to where Sinyoung couldn't even find him despite their resources. Then, for him to show up out of the blue like this...

"...Have you gone insane? No, did you get jealous that there was a person out there stealing your fame?"

That was the only explanation.

That man hadn't responded to any of the offers Sinyoung threw out, even when they tried bending over backwards. But he had been vain. At least, Teresa thought so after that terrible first impression.

So to hear about another young man who traced his steps, but had taken a step further... And one who was celebrated instead of being cursed out like he had been...

Sung Shihyun's grin faded. At the same time, his dark eyes flashed with crimson light. "...I was just going to have some fun with you. But just for that, I'm going to make it so that you won't even be able to think of anything except fucking me, oh sweet Prin-"

A burst of magical energy.

Sung Shihyun's eye twitched and he stepped to the side. His body turned hazy, [Ethereal Shift] activating to send him away...

Or at least, that's what should have happened. But-

"What the hell?"

Sung Shihyun's body forcibly snapped back in place. Right after that, a bolt of emerald lightning struck him.

"Hmph." Muto's voice echoed in the courtyard.

Teresa glanced towards him and laughed. "You scared me for a bit there, Mister Muto. I thought your old bones might have broken from that attack."

"Thank you for the vote of confidence, Princess. But while I may be an old man, this body is in the prime of its youth." He rolled his neck and held out his right hand.

Magical formations formed, tracing out a staff with a glowing violet gem set at the top.

Muto grabbed the staff, causing the formations to vanish, and then looked towards Sung Shihyun. As he did, he said, "So this man is the one whose name I have been hearing tossed around with Jihu's." Tilting his head, he muttered, "Decent energy, and I see traces of divinity... but still far from his level."

Cold laughter echoed through the courtyard. At the same time, wind swirled. Sung Shihyun lowered his sword, turning around to glare at Muto. "I'll kill you first." He stepped forward, body turning hazy again. But before he took another step, Sung Shihyun's eyes widened and he forcibly stepped to the side.

The moment he did, Teresa appeared where he stood, her sword piercing through where Sung Shihyun's heart would be. Seeing that she missed, she clicked her tongue and said, "Damn. Guess he's not a complete idiot."

Muto walked over to Teresa's side. As he did, he waved his right hand, causing a giant formation to cover the castle courtyard.

Sung Shihyun's eyes widened for a moment and then narrowed. At the same time, the casual sword stance he took vanished and he carefully raised his blade. Glancing at Muto, he said, "Who the fuck are you? Even Philip Muller isn't capable of locking down space like this."

"Bah. That young man?" Muto shook his head. "A whippersnapper who has yet to experience the sky beyond the well." He tapped his staff against the ground, causing phantom blades to shimmer into existence behind him.

Teresa glanced over and smiled. "I thought you said you were still assessing that thing's use?"

"I am. And what better way to test it then against someone who is similar to that crazy bastard?"

Sung Shihyun growled. At the same time, the corrosive crimson energy around him flared. "Don't fucking underestimate me!"

It was different. But the presence he emitted was the same.

Muto's expression shifted and he narrowed his eyes. "This aura..."

Teresa's smile vanished and she narrowed her eyes as well. "So that's where you went to, huh? You fucking bastard got sick of Sinyoung and became the Parasite Queen's dog instead."

Sung Shihyun's eyes flashed crimson and he held out his hand towards Teresa.

Muto's eyes widened and he swept his staff out, conjuring magical formations.

But it was too slow.

Crimson light emanating pure lust enveloped Teresa.

Sung Shihyun grinned and he said, "You're mine! Like this, no woman can-"

A flash of emerald light. At the same time, space shattered, three slashes cutting towards Sung Shihyun's neck.

Blood sprayed and Sung Shihyun leapt backwards. Clutching his bleeding neck, he stared at Teresa, disbelief in his eyes. "What the fuck?!"

Teresa growled and pointed her sword at Sung Shihyun. "You fucking piece of shit. Only Jihu gets to make me feel like that."

Muto laughed. Looking at Sung Shihyun and Teresa, he stepped back and said, "I suppose I should leave him to you then, Princess?"

Teresa didn't even notice him. Instead, she stepped forward, glaring at Sung Shihyun's crotch. "I'm going to cut your dick off and feed it to you, you fucking perverted ass traitorous- Argh, I can't even think because of how pissed I am! I was already in a bad mood because my hubbie left me alone while taking Flonnie, and now some asshole shows up saying how he's going to turn me into a cum dumpster... Fucking die."

A thin flash of emerald light. Teresa's sword, cutting through the air.

It didn't reach Sung Shihyun. The blade was too far to hit him.

But he didn't stand there. Ignoring his bleeding neck, he quickly brought up his sword to parry.

Sparks flew into the air, along with the sound of clashing steel.

Sung Shihyun's eyes widened and he shook his head. "No. No fucking way." He narrowed his eyes and held out his hands again. "Fucking be mine, Bitch!"

The crimson light enveloped Teresa again. But the moment it did, emerald light flashed, ripping the crimson light to shreds. And when that happened, Teresa growled. "GO FUCK YOURSELF!"

She kicked off against the ground and slashed her sword at Sung Shihyun's neck.

But instead of blocking that, he brought his sword down.

Sparks flew again, just in front of his crotch.

Sung Shihyun cursed and said, "That Parasite Queen fucking lied to me! She said that I could dominate any woman with Vulgar Chastity's powers!"

Teresa swung her sword again and said, "Fucking asshole! What kind of woman would let a dick like you dominate her?! Especially when you're a two-bit half-rate copy of my Jihu?!"

"STOP FUCKING COMPARING ME TO HIM!"

"THEN FUCK OFF ALREADY!"

"BITCH!"

"ASSHOLE!"

"FUCKING WHORE!"

"I WISH! JIHU WON'T EVEN LOOK AT ME LIKE THAT!"

Muto yawned and then conjured a chair to sit down. After that, he waved his staff and materialized a thick leather-bound tome. "Since my help is unneeded, I suppose I should get some work done. What did Ian mention about the human soul again...? Something about mana serving as the fundamental core...?"