Chapter 162 – 162 – Uja’s Lighthouse
In the collapsed world, there was a lot of debris that could be used as firewood. However, it is difficult to distinguish which are miscellaneous and which are meaningful relics, so it feels uncomfortable to treat them as firewood indiscriminately.
However, while I was hesitating for a moment, Erina threw expensive-looking things into her fire without hesitation.
Instead of being clueless, I followed his example. The night spent on the streets of the Demon World was chilly, and Florica’s complexion was still pale.
Maintaining the body temperature of our precious colleagues is an urgent priority. This is not the time to choose items worth donating to the museum.
I asked, chopping an elaborately carved wooden statue with an axe.
“Are you okay, Florica?”
“Of course.”
Florica’s smile, sitting by the fire, is faint and thin. However, although he seemed weak, he did not seem anxious for some reason.
When I think about what has changed, I think that the old Florica gave me a somewhat dangerous impression. Like a candle that is easily shaken and seems like it might go out somehow.
Not now. I feel relieved that something solid seems to have taken root beneath Florica’s smile.
“You and I are here. What’s not okay?”
“…Well, if you think about it, there are probably a lot, right? I’m cold, I’m hungry, I’m feeling sick…”
“I said it’s okay.”
Florica, covering her body with a blanket, smiled and said. And she hugged her hiltless sword body tightly as if it were her staff or a doll.
I’m worried that it might get cut, but she seems to value it so I don’t even bother asking her to let it go.
Her blade didn’t even hurt Florica when she had swung it with her bare hand moments earlier in the first place.
It is a fact that I have finally come to know for sure, but Florica did not have her own warrior sword.
The only weapons Florica has used so far are ordinary steel swords and hammers. She often received the warrior swords of the martyred paladins from her order, but she was unable to keep them because they were not hers but a gift from her late father. She only used it on important missions and had to return it right away when she was done.
So, what exactly is that sword that came to Florica in a mysterious way?
“···What on earth happened?”
“Are you sure that is the ‘Lighthouse of Uza’, the sword of Adamantone, Tan Bantai?”
Shin Gyo-ju, who had finished capturing the group that attacked us, approached the fire and asked.
Because Adamantone, who was sitting a little far away, could be seen, he lowered his voice a little.
“Isn’t that white-blue blade, as if imbued with moonlight, different from the one we saw before?”
“But the shape of the blade is the same.”
“Are you sure?”
“…I can’t recognize you. Every time I was threatened by Adamantone, that weapon was hovering near my face. He thought it was a joke and stabbed me in the back with that knife, so I can’t tell you how many times I almost fell off a cliff. “It’s a hassle to even count.”
Garam got up and looked back at Adam Manton, as if he had been agitated by those words, but he quickly shook his head and sat down again.
Adamantone’s face was impossible to look at. I think even a murderer would ask about the story if he had a drooping expression like that.
“···Anyway, it’s Uja’s lighthouse. It was Adamantone’s sword. No, it was the sword Adamantone carried.”
It is a bit ambiguous to call it the ‘Sword of Adamantone’.
When a warrior is born, the gods drop a meteorite. And those who are apt to be ‘blacksmiths of the gods’ who have received a revelation of where the meteorite falls give meteorite iron smelted in the form of a sword to its owner as a gift.
The ceremony of handing over the holy sword is of great significance to the warrior. It is about meeting a lifelong partner who will be with you longer than any family, and your closest comrade in arms who will protect those born as warriors from enemies.
Here’s the problem. The sword forged by the gods’ blacksmith ‘Aetrion’ in the Dragon’s Nest, for which warrior was it made?
It is clear that the Sunstorm family received the sword. But weren’t there two children lying in the Sunstorm family’s cradle at that time?
One is a girl with black hair. One is a blonde boy.
Which of the two was Woo-ja, who was waiting for the lighthouse?
Swordmaster Aetrion was displeased with the holy sword. This is because the owner’s shabby fate was engraved on the surface of the stone. A miserable downfall, a self-inflicted misfortune.
It is sad to say that taking risks out of arrogance or obsession only to end up in loneliness is the fate that meets more warriors and adventurers than you might think.
So Aetrion carved the images of corpse-eating animals on its blade. To the warriors who face a cruel future, I hope that they will be wary of their own bravery and wickedness.
Adamantone did not understand the warning. He couldn’t have engraved something cool like a dragon’s maw or a thunderbolt pattern, all he could do was complain. So, he purposely put on extravagant gold decorations and made it clear that he was planning to pursue a cruel and unfortunate fate.
However, the blade broke and disappeared somewhere and then came back…
“All the gold decorations have fallen off, and the carved images of animals have all melted and faded away. As if they were heated by the radiance that had erupted.”
Shin Gyo-ju, who was staring at his sword closely, shifted his gaze to the sky. Moonlight sways beyond the thick clouds of the high seas.
The moon cannot be brighter than the sun at any moment, but because the sky is dark, the moon’s silhouette can be seen more clearly than the sun.
And even in this world, the colors of the bonfire and the moonlight are romantic.
“···A penny’s worth of light floated by a poor and ignorant person, whose sincerity reached the sky and did not go out, illuminated the entire country.”
“That sounds good.”
When I smiled and nodded, Shin Gyoju opened his eyes and looked at me. I readily confessed my ignorance.
“What do you mean?”
“It’s an old story from the East. I think I finally understand the meaning of the name on that sword. The moon shines kindly even for foolish fools who walk at night to avoid the day. It is a lighthouse that illuminates the darkness for those who desperately seek salvation.”
“Did the swordsmith who made that knife anticipate what would happen today when he made it?”
“The blacksmiths of the gods are people who are deeply involved in the fate of the world. Moreover, since this is a sword made by a dragon, wouldn’t they have insight unique to a long-lived race?”
···Although Aetrion’s appearance is a bit mysterious, I don’t think he is a person with that much insight.
If I had the ability to see until today, I wouldn’t have had my snout exploded after getting hit by Gunther.
“It seems like you are trying to force some meaning to the bright blue glow coming from Florica’s sword?”
I lowered my voice a little because I wanted to say something. The ‘Sword of Florica’. It’s like they’re telling you to listen to Adamantone because they think this is the time.
···Of course, just imagining it makes me feel bad, but I don’t want to get caught up in revenge.
But Garam spoke without mercy.
“Yes, it would be more accurate to call it that paladin’s holy sword. If you look at the way the holy sword has ‘flowered’, it is clear who its original owner was, right?”
“Blooming? What is that? Flowering when you say it has bloomed?”
“It only happens to a very small number of warriors. When the owner demonstrates certain qualifications, the latent power dormant within the holy sword awakens.”
“Potential power? So, something like if you hold the sword and it flashes?”
“Other warriors can emit flashes of light or ignite fire as well. Isilun Sunstorm’s sword also emits a flash of sunlight like a ray of sunlight. My sword, ‘Fang of the Spear Demon’, is filled with cold, tearing flesh, and killing us. “Dad’s knife contains a poison that makes recovery difficult.”
All warrior swords have something in common. Although they appear diverse on the outside, they are all incredibly strong and flexible. If it becomes separated from its owner, it will fatefully return to its owner’s side.
And as Garam just said, it has one or two mysterious functions that are useful in battle, and it is revealed when the warrior instills will into it.
“But with a single blow, the body of a high-ranking demon with the highest rank among monsters, with a radiance so large that it reached the clouds, was torn in two? That is absolutely not an ordinary thing.”
“Then you are sure. In fact, it was not my sword.”
Adamantone muttered as he approached the fire. I tugged on Garam’s collar to avoid giving up his seat.
Adamantone sniffled from the cold and nodded when his eyes met Florica’s. And with a somber expression, he awkwardly rummaged around the campfire.
“The sword that was supposed to be delivered to Sunstorm’s youngest son was delivered to the wrong person in the first place because of the Demon Lord.”
There was silence in an atmosphere where it felt like someone’s life was ruined. I asked hesitantly.
“You can’t be sure it’s not yours, can you?”
“Why?”
“Do you remember fighting in that stormy sea? If it weren’t for your sword, why would it emit light as you told it to?”
“Could it be that the Lighthouse of Uza wanted me dead? Could it be that Cal deliberately wanted to help me as I fought an unwinnable battle against Tomko and your party? If I were drowned in that sea, he could have been freed from my hands. Because it will.”
“The sword would want to dip its wielder? That’s ridiculous-“
“While I was attacking you, Florica snuck into Gunther’s boat and tried to fight him, but fell into the sea. If I had died and fallen into the water, perhaps I could have caught the current and gone to Florica’s side a long time ago. On the beach. “When Florica opened her eyes, fatefully the lighthouse of Uza would have been next to her.”
“… That’s unreasonable. Didn’t it flash when you clashed swords with Uncle Mansell? It was clearly out of respect for your will-“
“Who has the upper part of the knife that was broken and left behind now?”
I have nothing to say.
I didn’t know what to comfort him with, so I kept quiet, and Adamantone nodded and came to a conclusion.
“What had to happen happened. Congratulations, Florica.”
“Thank you. I hope your sword is made somewhere in the world.”
Adamantone smiled and nodded. But that laugh somehow seems like the laugh of a person whose life has come to an end.
A Protestant agent who was scratching his head, confused as to whether he should sympathize with Adamantone with the bags under his eyes, looked behind our campfire and said,
“It may be presumptuous to say this, but it seems like something we can think about later. Wouldn’t it be better to think about what to do with them first?”
The squinty-eyed people flinched. And then he lowers his eyes as if he is being scolded.
They, who were tied like fish to a rope as a reward for attacking us, are the inhabitants of this world who depended on Yagarum’s tyranny.
They are people who would have been a threat to our lives if things had not worked out miraculously thanks to Florica, but their behavior is so shabby that it is difficult to hate them openly.
I glanced at Erina.
“What should I do…?”
“Well, I could just leave it there and try my best with the monsters without Yagarum.”
Most of the residents lowered their heads as if they had made up their minds. Instead, Garam opened his eyes wide and was scared.
Erina smiled bitterly and shook her head.
She said, “As the daughter of a leader who failed to protect those people, she can’t in good conscience just let it go.”
“Are you sure you’re going to take us with you?”
“I’d like to.”
“···There is no need to take risks, my lady. Everyone knows that you have worked hard for the people of Etheria.”
The resident leader looked back, looking more lively than a few hours ago. Among the few unbound were the families of the residents held hostage in Yagarum’s lair.
“Rather, I should say thank you for saving us from that bastard. We will find a way to live separately. Maybe we can entrust ourselves to a high-ranking devil in another region.”
“Kill your slave masters and then leave you to find another slave master? Is there any reason for that? We can take you to a new paradise, and you can help us.”
Shin Gyoju twitched his eyebrows and glared at Erina.
“The promise is different.”
“What’s the difference?”
“I heard they said they would guide us through the gap between dimensions back to our world, but I don’t think they said anything about putting a burden on us. Moving in a land so hostile to us, with this many people behind us? I am leaving my precious daughter and my men behind. “I have no intention of putting you in danger.”
“That’s the problem.”
Erina spoke in a lamentable tone and rummaged through her backpack, pulling out what looked like a broken business card.
“The key to the quick and easy route was lost during the rescue operation of Hero Florica a little while ago.”
“···What do you mean?”
“This is a ‘black card key’ issued only to high-ranking military officials or officials of the presidential palace. The authority to access all facilities in Etheria is engraved on this card. The safest means of transportation in all of Etheria, the ‘Stingray Airship’ ”s dock door can also be opened wide with just this card. It’s much faster than walking, it’s big enough for everyone here, and it has thick, electrified armor plates so flying monsters can’t even touch it.”
“Keep it short.”
“You can fly to the entrance of the dimensional gap opened by Great Elan. If this card is intact. And those people over there will have the equipment and skills necessary to repair the card. It will be a mutually beneficial transaction, so let’s help.”
Shin Gyo-ju, who was blinking in bewilderment, suddenly turned around.
Because the monsters are afraid of the smell of Yagarum’s blood, Shinkyoju, unlike Florika, did not wash the blood off his body. The residents were also frightened by the sight.
“Is it true?”
“Is that so? Don’t you think they would have prepared a Plan B in case Yagarum tries to annihilate you on a whim?”
“···Well, that is…”
The hesitating resident leader was startled by the feel of the sack under his buttocks. And as he fumbled with his sack, his face hardened.
He pulled out what appeared to be a large artifact from his sack. Erina clapped her hands and loved it.
“Look, I have a card key repair kit!”
“···That’s right. We will provide repair equipment. Please take us with you!”
The leader looked into the trembling eyes of the residents and finally made a decision and bowed his head deeply.
Adam Manton nodded his head in approval. But Garam noticed his father’s concern.
Shin Kyouju, with the devil’s blood dried on his face, slowly turned his body to face Erina. Erina smiled and received Shin Gyo-ju’s murderous gaze.
Just when he sensed her ominous air and tried to get between them, the dagger blade that flew out instantly aimed at Erina’s forehead.
Despite this, Erina did not stop smiling.
“Why are you doing this?”
“Are you going to start modifying under my chin? You handed that machine over to them, right?”
“You think they would have nudged something that big, avoiding everyone’s eyes? Is that possible?”
Erina joked.
“If you put just the supplies you need to eat, sleep, wear, and pack in your bag, it’s on the verge of bursting. If you also put a potion and anti-monster artifacts in it, there’s no room for air to get in. Would I have carried equipment the size of a human body like that?”
“If that card key provides safe transportation in the Demon World, then it would be reasonable to have a repair tool. Didn’t she say that she used the shortcut to the Demon World with Thena Everlight?”
“In a world like this, there are a lot of unclaimed items. It’s quicker to pick them up and use them.”
“There are few things in the world as common as coins, but you can’t always pick them up every time you walk down the street. Are repair tools common enough to stand out at your convenience whenever you need them?”
“Black card keys are not common. In our world, card keys are widespread. Even shopping centers and food distribution centers require a citizenship card key to go in and out. Yes, they are common. But what?”
“Then we can just throw them away and pick them up somewhere.”
“But it’s not that common. From my experience, I have to search through the ruins of a city for about ten days, right?”
“A good excuse doesn’t always save a life.”
“Isn’t that because I was less good at making excuses?”
“Do you want to die?”
“Try to kill him.”
Erina lowered her head in front of her, not knowing that she was horrified and wanted to stop her. The blade of her dagger touched Erina’s forehead.
“If you want to rot here for the rest of your life because you don’t know how to get out, then go ahead and do it. I haven’t yet told you where the dimensional gap is or what precautions you should take when crossing over.”
Shin Kyo-ju, who had been looking at Erina for a while with her tired eyes, looked back at her and me, who hesitated and tried to intervene.
Then he sighed and put away her sword.
“If you are willing to risk your life for your people, I will not stop you. But your methods are too bold.”
“You think of it as accumulating good karma. If you help and make a living, it all comes back to you.”
As Florica looked on with a faint smile, Erina stood up, dusting herself off.
She then stretched out her arms, smiled, and shouted to her inhabitants.
“I have good news. It takes us to a better place!”
It would be undesirable to raise your voice at night when you might be attacked by a monster. So at first people were scared.
However, as her children cheered for Erina, soon even her adults started clapping and her eyes turned red.
As she was watching the hope slowly spread, Florica came to her feet and spoke to her.
“It’s like that.”
“What?”
“When I said you shine, I meant something like that.”
As I looked down at her eyes fluttering, Florica grinned and pulled her arms out from under her covers.
And she patted my head as if she had done well.
“You’re like that too.”
It’s a bit awkward because I don’t know exactly what it means to be like that, but I think I get the general idea.
A fire was kept all night for the combatants who were exhausted from dealing with Yagarum, but there was no need to keep the bonfires burning all night. It is enough to spread warmth to the campsite located in the tunnel.
This is because there was no need to turn on the lights for warning purposes. It was bright enough tonight.
The moonlight was shining on the trees.
