Chapter 152 Holy Sword
We climbed the stairs that Arnold destroyed with magic, and to our surprise, we reached the top of the tower.
The forest where we got separated was far below us. Although we could hear the sound of the wind blowing, there was no wind at all in this space. Our hair didn't get blown, and we didn't feel even a gentle breeze on our cheeks. It was a mysterious space.
Arnold, who was walking in front, got ready to fight. ―――Right in front of him, there was a huge monster sitting there. It was like the final boss this dungeon.
'I've been waiting for you.'
The monster, with a gentle voice that didn't match its body, welcomed us and bowed its head. Its gentle demeanor made us feel like it was a strong person, and tension ran through our group.
Everyone readied their weapons. I, too, held my crossbow at the back, taking aim at the boss.
It was a big target, so I made sure to take aim carefully, trying to contribute as much as I could.
(This might be the final battle here, and I won't hold back...)
Lukas took the lead, followed by Vake, and then Julius, who took a slightly more defensive stance.
Arnold and Diona provided magic support from the back, and I did the same with my crossbow. Marta stood guard at the front, glaring at the boss.
If I called out Avour's name in my heart, the arrow would be enveloped in a red glow. It was a fire arrow, and it would deal massive damage, so I couldn't miss.
(If Lukas and the others coordination fell apart, that's when...)
I wouldn't get ahead of myself and waited for the right moment.
Lukas struck first, followed by Julius, and then Vake dealt a powerful blow. In between, Arnold and Diona's magic attacked the boss, and in the moment it stumbled, Marta quickly struck its leg with her short sword, making the monster fall to the ground.
I wouldn't let this chance slip away, and Lukas and the others rushed forward. However, as expected of the dungeon's boss, it swung its massive arm while lying down, pushing Lukas and the others back.
Our side's attack finally let up. The monster's resistance weakened, and the vanguard paved the way.
(Now's the time)
I took aim, pulled the trigger of my crossbow, and released the arrow.
The arrow, empowered by Spirit-sama's strength, flew straight towards the monster. Along the way, it ignited with a "Whoosh" sound, enveloped in flames. The flames' intensity was incredible, more like a fireball than a fire arrow.
The timing was tricky, but the target itself was quite large. There was no way I could miss.
"Groaaaah!"
The moment the arrow hit, the monster's body erupted in flames. Without hesitation, Arnold followed up with a fire magic attack, engulfing the monster in flames.
The monster's roar echoed through the air. Just a little more...
The flames' intensity began to subside. Lukas took advantage of the moment, readied his sword, and then ―― with a heroic blow ―― the monster was defeated.
(Yessss, we did it!)
I couldn't help but feel a sense of wonder at how smoothly it all went. Thanks to Lukas's excellent teamwork, we were able to take down the monster without much counterattack.
The monster's body turned to ash and disappeared. Behind the boss's massive body, a hidden altar appeared.
It was likely an altar dedicated to the Spirit. As Lukas slowly approached, the crest engraved on the altar began to shine――
'Th-thank you... for saving me... I'm so grateful...'
A beautiful dragon appeared. This dragon was none other than Ciello-sama, the Sky Spirit.
Despite its majestic appearance, it spoke to the Hero with a hint of embarrassment.
'As a token of gratitude for your help, please... take this...'
A glowing orb appeared above Lukas's head. It slowly descended, and he reached out with both hands to receive it, cradling it in his palms.
From within the light, a beautiful, transparent crystal emerged ―― a Spirit Stone.
(Finally, we've gathered all the Spirit Stones!)
As I watched the exchange between Lukas and Ciello-sama from behind, I struggled to contain my excitement.
The spirit stones are all gathered. Next, it's the holy sword. And if we can get the holy sword, we can finally go to the demon king――
"Where is the holy land where the holy sword is sleeping?"
Lukas asks in a hurry, faster than usual. Ciello-sama, while shrinking back in embarrassment, explains with a big smile.
'Ah, ah, I'll guide you, everyone... so come closer...'
We approach the altar as told. Seeing it up close, Ciello-sama looks like a dragon from a painting, and I'm moved by its magnificent appearance. Despite its dignified appearance, it has a rather gentle personality, which makes me think "cute" and feel sorry for Spirit-sama.
I didn't even notice, but I was laughing all by myself.
Not a single one of my friends got seriously hurt, and we were able to rescue the last Spirit-sama. If we get the holy sword, we can head to the demon king's place. Everything is going smoothly――
'Well, then, let's go...'
Ciello-sama gives a signal with a trembling voice, and my body starts to float. It's a dizzying, weightless feeling. ――It's teleportation magic.
I close my eyes tightly and try to endure the unbearable floating sensation. Although it feels like motion sickness, my feet touch the ground a few seconds later.
I slowly open my eyes. We're in a forest.
"Where is this?"
'The sacred forest... Hero-sama, it's near the village where you were born, Emme Village.'
Near the village where Hero was born, Emme Village――in other words, in the forest near Emme Village. Normally, it's hidden by a barrier, so it's not like the villagers from Emme Village would get lost here, but it feels like an RPG-like development, where we return to the starting village at the end.
(It feels like a typical RPG, doesn't it?)
As I look around――I notice an old, ruined temple welcoming us. The stone temple has moss growing all over it, but it's built quite sturdily, with no visible damage to the walls or pillars.
This place, this temple, is a holy land, and the holy sword is sleeping within.
Ciello-sama walked slowly towards the temple entrance, pointing to the stone pedestal in front of the large door. The pedestal had 5 holes.
'You're going to put the spirit stones in that pedestal...'
As instructed, Lukas inserted the spirit stones. Wind, fire, one skipped and then earth, and finally, the current sky. However, the water spirit stone had to be inserted into the central hole――
"Woof."
The water spirit stone was still embedded in the water spirit's forehead.
Lukas looked at me with a troubled expression. I, too, looked at Ciello-sama with a pleading expression, holding the water spirit.
'Uh, um, put that child on top of the pedestal...'
Ciello-sama hastily replied, and I thanked them, then placed the water spirit on top of the pedestal, following her instructions. It was quite awkward, but I guess it's okay――
Just as I thought that, the spirit stones suddenly shone brightly. And the temple door slowly began to move.
The stone door creaked loudly, "Rumble, rumble!" as it opened, gradually revealing the path to the holy land. Along the way, the water spirit seemed restless, fidgeting about.
I couldn't help but hold the spirit still, and in that position, I gazed at the slowly opening door.
"It's open..."
The stone door fully opened, and the inside of the temple――the holy land――became visible from the pedestal.
――In the center of the holy land, one sword was "enshrined".
In the space surrounded by stone walls, only one sword "existed". There was nothing else. The space was so refined that it seemed as if nothing, not even a speck of dust, was allowed to exist except for the sword.
Because of that, my gaze was drawn to the sword, the only thing existing in that space. The unblemished blade shone like it was radiating light, and the simple hilt accentuated its beauty even more.
It was a beautiful sword. I was mesmerized.
"Is that... the holy sword?"
Lukas muttered, slowly stepping into the holy land. Ciello-sama followed behind him, answering.
'The only one who can wield it... is the Hero-sama, the holy sword that vanquishes darkness.'
Lukas reached out to grab the sword. The others also stepped into the holy land, eager to witness the moment Hero grasped the holy sword.
As for me, I was still hesitant, holding the water spirit who was fidgeting on the pedestal, and watching from a distance without entering the holy land. I was worried that if the water spirit left, the door might close again.
(Finally, the holy sword is in hand)
Lukas grasped the hilt of the holy sword with both hands and closed his eyes. And then ―― he pulled out the sword from the pedestal.
Hero held the holy sword high in his hand. The scene was like a perfect painting, a depiction of Hero and the holy sword as they were meant to be.
For a while, I forgot to breathe, mesmerized by Hero's figure.
(Hero-sama...)
Our friends cheered and rushed towards Hero. He smiled, looking a bit embarrassed, and then ―― I noticed a lone figure standing apart from the group.
Black hair, broad shoulders. That was――
"Laura!"
The water spirit called out my name.
In that instant, I thought "huh?" and the spirit jumped out in front of me. And then ―― a loud explosion rocked my eardrums.
"Wh-What's going on?!"
I crouched down, overwhelmed by the shockwave and gust of wind. I opened my eyes wide to take in the situation as quickly as possible.
The first thing I saw was the water spirit. The spirit had created a barrier just before the explosion, protecting me. If not for this barrier, I would have been blown away by now.
I felt grateful, but frustrated that I couldn't see the situation inside the temple due to the smoke. However, I couldn't move carelessly, and if I called out, I would reveal my location to "whoever caused this explosion". All I could do was wait for the smoke to clear.
(Lukas Everyone...)
My vision slowly cleared. I felt around in my bag to grab my crossbow, ready to take action.
Someone's figure, holding the Holy Sword, appeared beyond the smoke. Could it be Lukas? No, it's not him. That figure is... unthinkable――
"Thank you for guiding me."
The figure, holding the Holy Sword, coldly spat out. It was Arnold.
"A, Arnold...?"
My thoughts stopped for a moment, unable to comprehend.
What's going on? Why does he have the Holy Sword? What's with the guidance? Where's Lukas? Where did others go?
I noticed Arnold's feet, and there was a blond young man lying motionless on the ground.
"Lukas!"
I focused my eyes. Our friends were also lying nearby, defeated.
What's happening? We defeated the monster, obtained the last spirit stone, and were guided to the holy land... and then Lukas finally got the Holy Sword. But then there was an explosion, and Arnold was the only one unharmed, holding the Holy Sword.
From the situation, it's clear that Arnold must have caused the explosion. There's no other explanation. But why did he do it? It must be to steal the Holy Sword from the Hero...
"Laura! Laura!"
The water spirit's shout brought me back to my senses. In that instant, I realized Arnold's "red" eyes were staring at me.
――Red?
No, Arnold's eyes are black, just like Elvira's, a deep, dark black that seems to suck you in. So why are Arnold's sharp eyes, which seem to pierce through me, shining red?
――I remember. Memories of my past life flashed through my mind.
The Arnold in front of me overlapped with the "Last Brave" demon king. His eyes, which glared at me during the final battle, were a deep, fiery red, just like Arnold's now.
"Lies..."
It's a lie. Such a thing can't be true. It's impossible!
My emotions desperately denied it. But my memories and reason continued to suggest the possibility, refusing to look away from the scene before me.
But, that's how it is. There's no way Arnold would do something like betray us. I know him well, and he's not that kind of person. Arnold is someone who would risk his life for his sister and devote his body and soul to supporting the Hero for the sake of this world. And above all, his red eyes are proof of that.
Thud, thud, I hear Arnold's footsteps getting closer. The water spirit lets out a roar as it transforms into a massive beast. Three similar beasts appear out of nowhere, standing beside it. They're probably Wentle-sama, Avour-sama, and Likerland-sama.
I tremble as I hold up my crossbow. Arnold's eyes widen slightly, and then he opens his mouth.
"Long time no see, little girl."
It's an unfamiliar expression. Unfamiliar tone. Unfamiliar voice.
――There's no mistake, he's....
"Demon King...!"
As soon as I call out his name, Arnold――or rather, the Demon King who has taken over his body――smirks with a sly grin.
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