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Translated By Arcane Translations
Translator: FusionX
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After finishing our lunch with the simple yet delicious, top-quality lunch boxes made by the Academy’s chef…
I took out desserts and distributed them to everyone as a palate cleanser.
Of course, with the Soul Purification Pill, an instant, perfect, full-body cleanser, there was no real need for dessert.
Nevertheless, the reason I took out desserts, not elixirs, was…
“Wow! Ice cream!”
…because As wanted to eat ice cream.
“Heehee, it’s delicious!”
As, eating gelato with a mini spoon, one spoonful at a time, with her adorably small hands, sparkled her eyes like stars and smiled brightly, looking truly happy.
“Ah, so cute!”
Asuka, who had been sitting next to her, watching quietly and with a warm smile, couldn’t hold back her feelings any longer and exclaimed.
“Haha, as Asuka-nim said, she’s a very cute Hero.”
“I agree. Don’t you think so too, Lee Seo-yeon?”
“…Yeah.”
Noah, Arthur, and even Lee Seo-yeon.
They all looked at As with warm smiles, as if sharing Asuka’s feelings.
But not everyone in the inn shared the same feelings, the same reaction.
– …Human emotions are truly incomprehensible. Just eating food, and they make such a fuss, calling it cute.
It was Sacred, As’s holy sword.
“…I find you incomprehensible.”
I said, stabbing the mini spoon I was holding into the gelato.
“You can just think to yourself.”
I turned my head.
“So why are you bothering to come next to me and say such things?”
I asked, looking at Sacred, the small sword the size of a paring knife, which was floating next to me, not behind As as usual.
At my question, Sacred’s blade, which had been facing As, turned to face me.
– I’m not saying this to be understood. I’m just saying it because one of the two people who can hear me is preoccupied with food. So, don’t mind me and just continue eating.
“……”
Hmm… was yesterday’s discipline not enough?
‘Her politeness has reset in just one day.’
But well…
She wasn’t as arrogant as when we first met.
And the absurd, nonsensical behavior directed at As had been corrected, so…
‘I’ll let it slide this time.’
I decided to overlook it.
“Okay, since you told me not to mind you, I won’t.”
So, I said I would ignore Sacred, as she had requested.
– Ah…
A disappointed voice came from Sacred.
Of course.
There was no way she would come next to me and complain for no reason.
‘Don’t mind me, my foot.’
I chuckled and turned my head back to the gelato. And I pulled out the spoon I had stabbed into it and took a spoonful of ice cream.
And as the sweet and cool sensation went down my throat…
“Since you’re here, tell me what kind of trial you gave As today.”
I asked about today’s trial she had given the Hero, As.
Sacred replied in a reluctant voice, as if she had been asked an unwelcome question.
– …I did as you said.
“So, what trial?”
– ….
Clearly and concisely, not vaguely.
At my implied question, Sacred’s words trailed off.
‘Look at this.’
Suddenly silent?
Did she disobey my warning and give As another unreasonable trial?
If that was really the case…
‘…I’d have to repeat what I did yesterday.’
And even more intensely.
To the point where she wouldn’t dare disobey my warnings or act arrogantly again.
As I thought that, I activated my inventory.
The moment I reached inside to retrieve Astra…
– N-no! It’s not what you think!
As if realizing what I was about to do…
Sacred, who had been delaying her answer, panicked and stopped my actions.
“Really? Then why are you hesitating?”
– Well… that is…
Seriously, what was it?
Even after seeing where my hand was going, and even after panicking, she was still hesitating?
I glared at Sacred with growing suspicion.
“You better tell me the truth.”
Otherwise.
“I’ll put you in a small box with Astra.”
– Gasp…!
Of course, since I needed Sacred’s power to enter the Death Fog or destroy the Demon King’s immortality, I couldn’t keep her locked up for long.
But it was fine.
It wouldn’t take long to subdue that arrogant holy sword.
One hour.
Assuming I rode a golem at full speed.
The estimated time of arrival at the Death Fog in the North.
That was enough.
Because?
‘One minute.’
It only took one minute.
For the holy sword, who considered herself noble and looked down on everything except the rules, to beg for her life and promise to do as I wished.
But not ten minutes, not thirty minutes, but one hour?
Putting her in a box with Astra for that long?
It could break her ego, her sword spirit, beyond just subduing her.
But so what?
What did I care?
‘Maybe that would be better.’
It was a weapon that even looked down on its own master.
So, even if the sword lost its ego…
Even if she could no longer receive trials and strengthen her body…
It might actually be better for As.
Of course, setting aside her personality and looking only at the weapon’s performance…
Five times a day.
A body that grew stronger just by overcoming the trials given by the holy sword, like daily quests.
And the weapon’s rank increasing whenever the trial gauge, obtained by overcoming trials, filled up.
If this world was a game…
And if I was still a player…
It was an excellent weapon, a must-have.
But the place I was in now, although an alternate world, was still reality.
For a seven-year-old child, whose values hadn’t been fully formed yet…
The holy sword, Sacred, wasn’t a good weapon.
And furthermore…
‘Would the rules really stay still?’
I was suspicious.
The holy sword, Sacred.
A sacred artifact created by the rules of this world.
Thus, a weapon closely connected to the rules.
No, perhaps even more than connected, they might be linked.
Would such a weapon truly exert its power even in another world?
And the plan I had devised.
Bringing As to the outside world, the world I lived in.
Could I guarantee it wouldn’t interfere with that plan?
So.
‘Should I get rid of it?’
Like a rabbit dying after the hounds are no longer needed.
It was an act I didn’t like at all.
But Sacred was a potential obstacle that could turn into an enemy at any moment, enough to make me consider such a thought.
No matter how helpful it was to As, I wasn’t kind enough to leave a potential obstacle to my plans alone.
Moreover, it was a being that had given me an unpleasant feeling from the first meeting.
If I had liked it from the beginning, if I had thought, ‘Hey, not bad…’…
No, even if I hadn’t liked it, if it had been kind to As, a child…
Even if it posed a potential risk to my plans, I would have looked for other methods instead of considering such an unpleasant thought.
Perhaps because I had been thinking too deeply…
– …You’re not… thinking something scary… are you?
…Sacred, as if sensing something akin to killing intent from me, asked in a frightened voice.
“……”
But I didn’t answer.
I just silently ate the ice cream.
One spoonful.
– Really… you’re not, right?
Two spoonfuls.
– …Hey, are you listening?
I could feel Sacred’s anxiety growing with each spoonful of ice cream I ate.
When I had eaten a considerable amount of gelato…
Clack.
…I placed the mini spoon I was holding on the table.
And I turned my head to look at Sacred.
Tremble, tremble.
Sacred, now unable to speak and just trembling.
Perhaps because of her small size, she looked like a small animal terrified out of its wits.
I sighed deeply at her appearance.
‘…I was overthinking it.’
Yes, it hadn’t happened yet.
There was no need to worry about an uncertain future.
So, I would give her a chance.
I pushed aside the unpleasant thought and…
With that in mind, I withdrew my hand from the inventory. And softening my narrowed eyes, I spoke to Sacred.
“Sacred.”
– Y-yes?
“This is your last chance.”
– ….
As if understanding what I meant…
Sacred’s blade, which had been trembling like an aspen leaf, stopped abruptly.
And after a moment of silently staring at me…
– …Okay. I’ll tell you.
She said in a resigned voice, descending from the air and stabbing her tip into the table.
– This is the trial I gave the Hero today.
As Sacred spoke, light emanated from the jewel embedded in the center of her blade. And the light gathered, forming five small, adorable figures.
The figures all resembled As.
But their actions were all different.
To explain the meaning of the figures, starting from the top…
1. Wake up and stretch.
2. Eat breakfast, lunch, and dinner.
3. Take a nap.
4. Have a snack.
5. Sleep with the holy sword.
…they were…
What? There was nothing wrong with them?
No, rather, they were healthy and beneficial trials for As, perfectly suited for her.
But why?
Why did she hesitate to tell me?
I couldn’t help but chuckle in disbelief.
Perhaps sensing my question from my reaction, Sacred immediately explained the reason.
– …I was wondering if this was really okay. Honestly, isn’t it? Trials like waking up properly in the morning, eating three meals a day, taking a nap, and having a snack… what kind of trials are these? It’s just a normal daily routine for a spoiled human child. Don’t you think?
“Yes, that’s what I wanted. For As to sleep well, eat well, and smile.”
At my words, Sacred floated up again.
And she looked at me and asked in a puzzled voice,
– But… if it’s like this, the power gained from overcoming the trials will be negligible.
“So?”
– …Huh?
“What does that matter?”
– Did you hear what I said? By giving her such easy, everyday trials, my power will increase, but the Hero’s power will remain almost the same. She might not be able to use me properly in the future.
“Yes, that’s probably true. But do we need to worry about that now?”
– Huh? …What do you mean?
“Hey, tell me honestly. Do you know how old As is right now?”
– …Why are you suddenly bringing up a human’s lifespan?
“Just answer my question. Do you know or not?”
– Seven years old… I believe.
Yes, she knew.
“As you said, As is seven years old right now.”
– …So? What does that have to do with the trials?
…She still didn’t understand even after I explained it like this.
Indeed.
Sacred, this holy sword.
She wasn’t interested in As, or rather, humans in general.
“Sigh.”
I sighed briefly and picked up the mini spoon I had placed on the table.
And tap, I tapped Sacred’s blade and continued,
“You don’t know this because you’re ignorant, but seven is the age when a child should be feeling safe and secure under their parents’ care. But the damn rules of this world have burdened As’s life with the shackles of being a Hero. Do you really think that’s right?”
– I’m telling you this because you seem to be the one who doesn’t understand, but the Hero is the most glorious position bestowed by God…
“Ha, glorious position?”
Did she really mean that?
“Hey, look at As.”
At my words, Sacred turned her blade to look at As.
I continued,
“Do you feel anything from that appearance?”
– ….
No response.
She just stared at As.
But only for a moment.
– …Well, I don’t know.
She answered that she didn’t know, as if nothing came to mind even after thinking about it.
Well, I hadn’t expected much.
Since she wasn’t interested in humans, I figured she wouldn’t understand.
So, I specifically…
“As is happy right now. Not because of the Hero’s glory you mentioned, but because of the small joys of everyday life, like eating sweet and delicious things.”
…explained the emotions As must be feeling right now.
– …Small joys of everyday life.
Did she feel something from my words?
Sacred muttered softly and looked at As once more.
“As, would you like more ice cream?”
“Gasp! Really? Yes, please!”
“Here you go.”
“Wow! Thank you!”
As’s face bloomed with a bright smile.
She looked truly happy, even though she was just eating ice cream.
The dejected, tearful appearance I had seen yesterday was nowhere to be seen.
“Glory is only an honor for those who seek it. It’s not necessary for a young child… no, for someone who finds happiness in such small things.”
– ….
“So, maintain the current difficulty of the trials.”
– …Until when?
“Well, until her body and mind have matured to some extent?”
– Please give me a specific standard.
“A specific standard…”
How should I explain it?
I tapped my fingers on the table, thinking hard.
And after a moment…
I voiced the thought that came to mind.
“When As feels the need for power. You can adjust the difficulty of the trials from then on.”
Of course, I would prevent such a situation from happening, prevent As from ever having to say she needed power.
That’s what we, the adults, were there for.
– When she feels the need for power… okay, I understand. I’ll do as you say.
“Good.”
Please do that.
So that I wouldn’t have to consider getting rid of you.
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Sacred returned to the Hero.
Perhaps deeply affected by her promise with me, she just floated silently behind As, without saying a word.
“Lee Yu-jin, is your conversation with that holy sword over?”
As expected.
They had been listening.
‘Well.’
We were the only ones in the inn, so they must have heard everything.
I tossed the empty ice cream container into the open inventory beside me and answered Arthur’s question.
“Yeah, it’s over. I got her promise too.”
“Promise… I can’t hear the holy sword, so I don’t know exactly what it is, but considering what you said, it must be something beneficial to As.”
I nodded at Arthur’s words. And then, I spoke to Terra, who was wiping As’s messy mouth with a handkerchief.
‘Terra, could you go upstairs with As for a moment? I need to talk about something the rules shouldn’t hear.’
[Yes, I understand. But before that, Master.]
‘Hmm? What?’
[Shouldn’t you ask As first? We can’t tell her everything about the plan because the rules might notice, but we can ask her if she wants to come with us.]
‘…You’re right. Terra, you’re right.’
I had only been thinking about how the rules shouldn’t know about my plan…
I hadn’t thought about asking As if she wanted to come with us.
The most important thing in the plan was As’s opinion.
‘And I was lecturing Sacred… I’m no different.’
I sighed briefly, chastising myself for my shortcomings. And as Terra suggested…
“As, did you enjoy the ice cream?”
“Yes! It was delicious!”
“Really? I’m glad you enjoyed it. Tell me anytime if you want to eat it again, okay?”
“Gasp! Really?”
“Of course.”
“Kyaa! I love it!”
“…So, As,”
Click-
I stood up.
And approaching As, I knelt on one knee before her and asked for her opinion about accompanying us.
“Do you want to stay with us from now on?”
“…Stay with you from now on?”
“Yes, from now on.”
“…Why?”
“Because I want you to be happy. And because I want to give you what you deserve.”
Words that would sound arrogant to anyone in the outside world, in the modern era, words that would make them ask, “Are you a pushover?”
I knew.
That what I was saying sounded arrogant.
There were countless people starving to death.
Many people, regardless of age, died without receiving salvation.
That was true in this world, as well as the outside world, the modern era.
And I was saying I wanted her to be happy?
That I wanted to give her what she deserved?
Some might say,
“Aren’t you saying that for your own selfish satisfaction? Are you truly doing it for that child? If so, shouldn’t you be taking care of other people as well, not just that child?”
Yes, they were right.
A hero was someone who saved others.
It was right to save everyone, not just one person.
But.
I didn’t think that way.
A hero was also a person.
I couldn’t save everyone I couldn’t see.
So, I would strive to save those I could see.
Those whose voices I could hear.
Those within my reach.
That was the value of a hero I believed in and embraced.
So, As.
“Will you come with us?”
In this rotten world.
I would save you from the absurdity that only forced unreasonable things upon you.
Slide.
I extended my hand.
“……”
As stared at me, blinking her large eyes.
And not long after…
“Yes!”
She smiled brightly and jumped into my arms.
I smiled and hugged As.
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“Snore…”
“Kyaa! She’s so cute even when she’s sleeping!”
“Asuka-nim, please be quiet. You might wake As up if you shout like that.”
“Ah… I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to shout…”
Asuka, startled by Terra’s warning, covered her mouth with both hands. Terra was stroking As’s hair as she lay asleep on her lap.
I chuckled and looked forward.
And I looked at the purple fog, the Death Fog, drawing closer through the windshield of the car.
*We’ll arrive in about five minutes.*
Should I review the plan in the meantime?
But honestly… there wasn’t much of a plan.
1. Arrive at the Death Fog.
2. Use Sacred’s ability to fulfill the entry condition for the fog.
3. Have As, Asuka, and Terra wait outside the fog, carry Sacred with Astra, and enter the fog.
4. If I encounter any hostile creatures, eliminate them. And if I find the Demon King, use Sacred’s ability to destroy his immortality and then eliminate him.
And.
‘M-my master slumbers within the giant tree, the World Tree, inside the Death Fog. But do you really think you can reach there? Through those abhorrent creatures? I think it’s impossible… n-no! I misspoke! So please put that weapon away!’
The giant tree the Pig King mentioned.
I would make the Dragon come out of the World Tree.
How?
[Lævateinn (S)][1]
By burning it.
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Elden Ring players