Chapter 120

“This isn’t going to let go of my hand anytime soon! Put it down right now!!”

To properly explain why the Payload was flapping its arms in such a chaotic manner, it would be right to start from the moment I escaped the oddly twisted space created by the Weaponless.

After expressing satisfaction at seeing the pristine white ceiling of the hospital room without any distortions, free from the awkwardness of that twisted space, I attempted to rise from the bed, reaching out with my hand for support. It was then that my gaze fell upon the Weaponless lying on the bed, sheathed.

Unlike the foreboding feeling I had when Dominus wielded it, spreading black hostility, the Weaponless, uncharged with any energy, was an excellent sword comparable to famous blades like Ascalon, Kalarvorg, and Payload.

Its appearance, so plain it hardly reminded one of a demon sword, confidently displayed the essence of a sword without being overly ostentatious. Its sheath perfectly preserved this restrained elegance.

The Weaponless felt just as exquisite as when I first experienced the sensation of holding Payload, even though it didn’t radiate any aura.

Unlike Payload, which made me feel my hand lengthened when held, the Weaponless naturally fit into my grasp, evoking the same sense.

It’s said that a good tool doesn’t show off its quality but enhances the user’s ability. This thought came to mind when holding both Payload and Weaponless.

The Weaponless not only felt great in the hand but also had a well-balanced center of gravity, making the grip feel even more natural.

This made me unconsciously want to try wielding it in swordplay.

Even after this much experience, Weaponless was already outstanding, but thinking about the upcoming challenges, there were other things to verify.

“I need to pull it out and see.”

Muttering to myself, I examined the blade hidden by the sheath. The sword slid smoothly out without the usual metallic sound, indicating a perfect fit between the blade and sheath.

The edge of the blade, without needing further refinement, was superbly sharp, yet not excessively so.

It cut precisely what needed cutting, leaving the rest untouched, embodying the perfect balance and control of a true sword.

I was certain; despite being a demon sword with a dangerous aura that even Payload couldn’t match, the Weaponless was an excellent sword when not charged with energy.

Though enough for a temporary substitute for Payload, I wasn’t entirely confident in my ability to handle it fully.

“Huuuuh—”

I exhaled deeply, drawing mana into my heart and dantian. Recalling how I had managed overwhelming hostility despite my less-than-perfect condition earlier, I refined the hostility gathered in my heart and dantian.

Even though I adjusted the output, the refined hostility overflowed in abundance. I could project it with just my will, without embedding it into the Weaponless.

Despite no obvious physical issues, the continuous surge of hostility was perplexing. However, thinking of the immense power I gained to face formidable enemies while rescuing Asulin, I dismissed the unease.

“Wait a little longer, Asulin.”

As I earnestly wished for her safety, the purified hostility circulated through my body, stabilizing.

I was ready. Ready to test if I could fully control the Weaponless.

A simple test, really. Would the Weaponless release any energy when infused with my hostility?

Would it emit the murky, indescribable aura Dominus had unleashed, or the clear, distinct energy like Payload?

Before I could confirm with my eyes, the door burst open.

“Overflowing power, huh? See, if you rest quietly, both your body and spirit benefit…!!”

Payload, who had entered with a cheerful tone, quickly turned hostile.

“Why are you holding that?! Drop it immediately!!”

The test to see if I could handle the Weaponless was interrupted before it could be completed.

…

Wow, scary.

No joke.

Stopping the commotion, I faced Payload, who looked like he wanted to tear apart the Weaponless with just his gaze.

“Ugh…”

Though different from Payload, Kalardvorg watched the Weaponless with keen interest.

The two transformed swords, with their icy, sharp gazes, made the Weaponless seem truly menacing.

Seeing them, one might understand why the expression “they can pierce through with a look” exists.

…But, wasn’t I in danger too, holding the Weaponless?

“You!!”

“…Why?”

Indeed, Payload’s menacing glare, now directed at me, sounded ominous.

If he couldn’t break the Weaponless, would he destroy me? Or would he attack me as if he had seen everything?

These thoughts flashed through my mind, but Payload spoke differently.

“I don’t care why that abomination is in your hands. It’s obvious this crazy woman tried to cling to your power.”

Payload’s calm voice shattered my expectations.

Seeing him accept another sword, especially one he disliked, in the hands of someone else, I almost nodded reflexively.

“Perfect.”

Payload suddenly spoke in an excited tone.

“If this worthless Dominus can’t hold onto it, destroying it now would cut his strength. Let’s crush it…hehe.”

Seeing him speak of destruction, I thought:

‘He’s losing it.’

Reflecting on the cold anger expressed so calmly, I momentarily lost my composure.

“Don’t worry. Just put down the abomination, and I’ll take care of the rest. We must destroy it! Destroy those demon swords that only care about blood and ensnare people!!”

Payload, losing his cool, unleashed a ferocious glare.

“Your sister is overflowing with energy. I’m tired and can’t do that anymore…”

“Are you calling me old?!”

“Oops.”

…

In the midst of this chaos, mediating between Payload and Kalardvorg was an added task.

Trying to stop him, Payload lunged at me and the Weaponless aggressively.

Despite his refined appearance, he had attacked me fiercely and without mercy, testing if I was worthy of handling the Weaponless.

Realizing how difficult it was to reason with him when he was this agitated, I wished I could slap my forehead.

However, the Weaponless reacted to Payload’s hostility.

“Really, wanting to sleep peacefully, and you won’t let me. Quiet down, country bumpkin.”

Suddenly appearing in human form, Payload sharply rebuked.

“What? Country bumpkin?! You must have planned to break me!”

“Hahaha! What? Me break? Can a country bumpkin say such things without ever breaking a dragon scale?!”

“…Until one of us breaks today, we fight.”

The two transformed swords, now in human form, fiercely exchanged blows, each aiming to strike with deadly precision.

Even an outsider could tell the impact would be fatal.

“…Ah.”

Kalardvorg’s ominous voice echoed in my ears, realizing the severity of the situation.

What did I do?

I positioned myself between the overlapping trajectories of their punches.

Tch! Tch!

With both palms spread wide, I barely caught their punches.

“Ugh?!” / “Ah?!”

Ignoring their surprised exclamations, I released the hostility I had prepared into them.

“…?!” / “…?!”

Without warning, the two figures convulsed like freshly caught fish, then returned to their original forms, silent.

Exhausted from managing the troublesome swords, I found some relief seeing the two swords glowing brightly and vividly.