“There’s an old saying.”
There are two things that can devour an abyss. One is a bigger abyss.
And the other –
“Is a flame that can light up the whole world.”
Bernard, who’d lost one of his arms, spoke thus, leaning on his Thunderbolt Sword like a staff.
“What’re you going on about all of a sudden?”
I came to see how things were going.
But as soon as I arrived, he started spouting something odd.
Those deep eyes, as if glistening with some deep sense of duty, were quite burdensome.
“Callius. Become a flame.”
“So. What is this out of the blue?”
Cheok.
Bernard handed over the Thunderbolt Sword – Rakan that he’d been carrying.
“I saw a spark in you.”
Did you read some weird book recently or something?
You’re just keeping on talking about fires.
Callius looked at Bernard and the Thunderbolt Sword alternately with a frown on his face.
“A small spark that will protect the North and the great Carpe Kingdom. Although small now, you will one day become a great blaze that will cover the continent.”
So.
“Take this sword. It’s not a vision sword, but it’s at the very edge of entering that rank, so it’ll be useful in the future.”
“No way. Have you been drinking?”
“You’ll probably say that you don’t need it. I already know that you’ll reject me because I only have one arm left. But take it. This is…”
“Thank you.”
Tak.
Callius grabbed the Blue Thunderbolt Sword.
But Bernard’s hand holding the sword did not let go for some reason.
“I’m not finished yet.”
“It’s superfluous. Just give it to me.”
“You’ll refuse… won’t you?”
“Why would I refuse something I’m given?”
This is the sword I’ve been coveting and waiting for, for so many years.
Why would I be willing to give it up?
“I only have one arm left, if I don’t even have my Thunderbolt Sword, how am I supposed to live!”
Callius’ eyes turned cold.
“What do you mean?”
“You should reject it for a while worrying about me and then reluctantly agree! That should cement my prestige!”
“What the hell.”
What’s going on in that head of yours?
Callius relinquished his hold on the Thunderbolt Sword.
Bernard, who clutching it with his remaining left arm, coughed in embarrassment.
“Hmm. This Thunderbolt Sword. My best friend, Rakan, once fell into a crisis. After a bloody battle that ended with his self-sacrifice, he became a carcass according to his own will.”
Pilgrims, before their succession ceremony –
All of them sign one pledge.
That their own souls shall not ascend into the arms of God, but remain behind a while for the sake of the Church.
They pledge that they shall have no objection to becoming a carcass after their deaths.
A ‘Mortal Vow.’
The Thunderbolt Sword had also been made the same way.
“The enemy was strong. One who’d ruled the northern countryside. It was so strong, that the fight went on for three days and three nights…. In the end, we won, but a lot of blood was shed.”
Of course, Callius knew the details.
Thunderbolt Sword – Rakan.
The existence of the man called Rakan, and the background behind Bernard acquiring his moniker, the Blue Thunderbolt, Callius knew it all.
A group of pilgrims who’d been dispatched to the North.
Bernard and Rakan being the best of them.
The strongest, and the most faithful among the pilgrims.
But a sudden crisis called for a sacrifice.
By the time Bernard arrived, the situation was already hopeless, and Rakan became a carcass sword as he had hoped.
“I took revenge with this Rakan by my side. A victory after fighting for three days and three nights. The king of the demonic beasts that made the North tremble… I remember being so scared at the time.”
“How long do I have to listen to this?”
As the story stretched longer and longer, Callius couldn’t help but interject with a bored tone.
Bernard’s eyes stung him with a sharp glare, but then softened.
“Will you continue carrying the will of my friend, Rakan?”
“Yes.”
Tas. The gazes of Bernard and Callius, who each held one end of the sword, intersected.
And soon –
“…”
“…”
Shake, shake.
The struggle began.
“Can’t you just give it to me?”
“My warrior’s blood is boiling. I think I can still use it…”
“Don’t bullshit.”
“What bullshit! I’m still alright! I wake up full of energy every morning!”
With a, kwang!
Callius, who had seized it by force, hurriedly hung the Thunderbolt Sword at his waist.
“Energy my foot.”
“Ah…”
Did I lose my sword? Bernard looked at the Thunderbolt Sword with sad eyes.
Conversely, Callius patted the sword with a reassured face.
“Actually, I have another reason for entrusting you with Rakan.”
“What’s that?”
“The beast that killed my friend, Rakan. Its cubs are still alive.”
“…?”
That was then.
[Epic Quest]
[Seed of the Aftermath]
Grade: A+