Chapter 20

"Understood the gist of the story. Flatche-san spent most of it asleep, so there’s not much to report, huh?"

"Yeah. My bad."

The satisfying clang of my flying kick reverberated as my foot collided with Rex’s armor. Shooting me an exasperated look—What the hell are you doing?—Rex watched as I rubbed my slightly sore leg and rejoined the discussion.

Not that I had much to contribute. I needed to hide the fact that my body originally belonged to that zombie woman.

If my body isn’t mine, then who the hell’s inside it? If someone pressed me on that, I’d slip up immediately. I’m not the type who’s good at lying.

"Then what about that infighting between the zombie demon and the wolf demon you saw? Any clue there?"

"Oh, that I know. From what I caught in fragments, that zombie woman was trying to collude with humans… with us, it seems."

"A demon colluding with humans? Now why the hell would she do that?"

"Zombies are what’s left of the humans they attack. After being trampled by demons, they’re apparently forced to obey the Demon King."

"Huh. So they’re just meekly following orders? Must be some kind of leverage. If it were me, I’d never obey."

Rex seemed convinced by my answer. Being forced to serve the ones who killed you… When you think about it, they’re kinda pitiful.

"—Whoa! That’s huge intel, Flatche-san! Anything else? Did the zombie or the demons say anything more?!"

"Huh?"

Emma-chan latched onto my zombie story with startling intensity. Sure, it was valuable intel about the Demon King’s forces, but was it that important?

"Earlier, the Sword Saint mentioned reports of an exploding zombie archer inside the caves. Combined with your story, we can infer that zombies are being oppressed within the Demon King’s army."

"Wait, that happened?"

"And if they’re not serving willingly, we might be able to turn them to our side. If we play this right, we could gain allies."

"Ohh!"

"Emma-chan, maybe the explosions themselves are the reason they obey? What if they’ve got bombs planted in ‘em or somethin’? ‘Obey or we blow you up’—that kinda threat. If that’s the case, flipping ‘em’s gonna be tough."

"No. Just knowing why they serve the Demon King is enough. If it is bombs, then all we need is a way to disable them."

I see. So if we play our cards right, the zombies could become allies.

…Maybe there really was a future where I could’ve fought side by side with Jarliba. Once you talked to him, he didn’t seem like such a bad guy.

"Sorry, I didn’t get details on how they’re being threatened."

"I see. Then we’ll just have to ask next time."

And with that, my report to Emma and the others was done.

---

Once the volcanic eruption subsided and the shelter opened, we parted ways with Clarise’s group. They were rushing back to report everything to the king.

"Sword Saint, thank you for accepting this request. Once we relay the results to His Majesty, your reward will be paid in full."

"Seriously, you saved my ass. I’d be dead if I were alone. Anyway, take care. Rex, no clue which girl’s your type, but pick one already."

"Bwahahaha! Little sister, I’ll allow this brief runaway stint since you’re with Rex! But no dangerous stunts, got it?"

The three of them packed up in a hurry and left Saikoro almost immediately. With the Demon King’s forces confirmed, the kingdom had to act fast. They had no time to spare.

Meanwhile, we’d completed our job, so all that was left was to leisurely head back to base and collect our pay. Being adventurers really was a cushy gig.

"Gonna miss having Clarise around, huh, Mei?"

"Not at all! If anything, it’s a relief!"

After the generals left, I patted Mei’s slightly downcast head. Those two really were like sisters, for all their bickering.

We could’ve gone back with Clarise’s group, but we decided to do some sightseeing in Saikoro first. We’d been too busy preparing for the job to enjoy it yesterday.

"Anyway, Mei, stock up on decent magic stones while we’re here. They’re cheaper than buying ‘em back home."

"Right. Might as well, since this is the source."

"I’m more into crafts. Glasswork, I think? ‘Beatlo’ or somethin’? Apparently, it’s a local specialty."

The mood was lively now, a stark contrast to yesterday. Though I did notice Mei sneaking occasional worried glances my way.

Honestly, I was kinda hyped too. Exploring new places and experiencing new things—that’s one of life’s greatest joys. The world’s still full of unknowns.

For now, I’d just forget the bad stuff and enjoy myself.

"Mei, what do magic stones even do?"

"They’re power sources for magic circles. Since the circles themselves need to be infused with magic, you need stones or other magic-rich materials to fuel them."

"Huh."

Magic circles, huh. I knew the tech existed, but I’d never seen a mage use one in battle.

Then again, they’re probably not an adventurer’s tool. If they’re stationary, they’re likely used for stuff like city defenses.

"Flatche, anywhere you wanna go?"

"Blacksmiths. Gotta see some swords. It’s a volcanic city—gotta be some ‘blazing swords’ for sale, right?"

"…Doubt they’d sell something like that."

Hmm, really? A sword wreathed in flames—practicality aside, that’d be cool as hell. Pure, unfiltered awesomeness.

"…Nah, they’ve got ‘em."

"Seriously?!"

"For real?!"

Rex pointed toward a blacksmith’s sign with a look that said You didn’t know? No teasing in his tone—he was dead serious. A legendary flaming sword?!

"Alright, let’s hit the blacksmith first! It’s close anyway!"

"I’m kinda curious too. Let’s go see this ‘blazing sword.’"

"Wait, how’d you know about it?"

"…Well, y’see. First day here, I dropped by the smithy. Was a little curious myself."

Even Rex wasn’t immune to the allure of a flaming sword. Can’t blame him—every swordsman’s gotta dream.

"Alright, let’s move! Hold on, flame blade—I’m coming!"

"Flatche, don’t run off! It’s too hot to leave Mei behind!"

"…Man, she’s like a kid."

Unable to contain my excitement, I dashed ahead, leaving Rex and the others behind. I had to see it with my own eyes—as soon as possible.

---

"W-Whoa!!"

"Wow… it’s beautiful…"

Just as Rex had said, the moment we stepped into the blacksmith’s shop, there it was—a single sword, wreathed in roaring flames, standing proudly atop an ornate pedestal.

As I stared at it, eyes sparkling, a middle-aged dwarven man cheerfully called out to us.

"Welcome! That the Mustang Sword you’re eyein’?"

"Mustang Sword? That’s what this flaming blade’s called?"

"Yep! It’s forged with magic stones mined from the volcano, specially treated to wreathe the blade in fire. Don’t worry—the flames die down when sheathed!"

The shopkeeper, a lively dwarf, grinned as he explained. Huh. A friendly dwarf’s kinda rare. Most dwarven adventurers I’ve met were gloomy and brooding.

"W-Whoa!! This is amazing! How much for the Mustang Sword, boss?"

"10,000G. Bit pricey, but it’s a specialty of Saikoro, so cut me some slack!"

Guh… That’s… steep. Well, it is a legendary sword, so I guess it makes sense.

Our reward for this job is pretty hefty. Normally, earning 10,000G would take a year of grinding as an adventurer… but this payout just covers it.

What do I do? S-Should I… buy it?

"Shopkeeper. How long do the flames last? Looks like they’d burn out in half a year."

"Ugh… sharp eye, little lady. Yeah, once the magic stone’s energy runs dry, the flames’ll stop. But no worries! Stock up on stones here, and you can swap ‘em out when they’re spent. I’ll even sell you pre-treated replacement stones cheap as a bundle!"

"Huh? Oh, so the fire dies when the stone’s magic runs out?"

Makes sense. The flames are powered by the stone’s magic, after all.

"Wait, this is just a basic fire spell, isn’t it? There’s literally a beginner-tier magic circle engraved on the hilt."

"Lord Rex. Honestly, if you brought me a sword, I could make one of these…"

…Oh. So it’s that simple. Even Mei could whip one up.

"Tch, you ain’t gettin’ it, little black mage. Sure, you could slap a mid-tier spell on it for flashier flames, but that’d drain the stone in seconds. Plus, gettin’ the fire to wrap around the blade just right ain’t as easy as it looks!"

"…More importantly, why would you want a flaming sword?"

"Isn’t it obvious?"

The shopkeeper sighed, shaking his head like we were hopeless.

"‘Cause it’s cool as hell."

Yeah… no practical use whatsoever, huh?

---

"Man… The hilt’s scalding hot, too. Totally useless in a real fight."

"If it were cheaper, it’d make a fun souvenir. But 10,000G for a gag weapon? Nah."

Dejected, Rex and I left the smithy. After much deliberation, I’d given up on the flaming sword. Even Rex—who probably had money to burn—hesitated at that price.

Sure, it’d be handy for starting campfires without Mei… but that’s not what a sword’s for.

"Welp, let’s go check out magic stones next. If we find good ones, Mei could probably make us a flaming sword, right?"

"I’ve never worked on a sword before, but judging by that one, the structure’s simple enough. Give me some time, and I could manage."

"Nah… It is cool, but still pointless. Wouldn’t feel right turning a sword into a joke like that."

And so, in the volcanic city of Saikoro, I let go of a childhood dream—learning that the weapon I’d once idolized was all flash, no function.

---

"Alright. I think we've done enough sightseeing—time to head back, you lot."

"Yeees, sir."

After leaving the blacksmith, we took our time wandering through the city—checking out the local crafts and famous spots. We made the most of this volcanic town.

It had been a genuinely fun day. But even a mini-vacation after a mission has to end sometime.

With the battles against the Demon King’s Army sure to heat up from here on, it was important to make the most of our limited downtime. Work hard, rest well—keep the line clear between the two.

"Aren’t we staying the night in Saikoro?"

"I'm sorry, but I’m running low on mana. Once I can’t keep the temperature down with magic anymore, this city won’t be very comfortable."

"Yeah, not gonna lie… trying to sleep in this heat sounds like hell."

Mei apologized quietly, rubbing her staff like she was trying to hide behind it. Right. The only reason it’s been cool enough to walk around is because she’s been casting cooling magic the whole time.

She must’ve been maintaining the spell for almost half a day. No wonder she’s nearly tapped out.

"Alright then, everyone get ready to head out. The mission ain’t over until we’re home safe. We never know when we might get ambushed—stay sharp."

"Got it."

He didn’t need to say it. A swordsman lives as if always on the battlefield. If you can’t respond to a surprise attack no matter where or when it comes, then it doesn’t matter how good you are with a blade. You’ll be the first to die.

—Just like I did once.

"All ready to go."

"I'm good as well."

"Let’s move, Rex."

"Alright. Then let’s hit the road."

And so we left the scorching volcanic city behind and returned to our hideout. No doubt, the royal army will keep sending Rex more jobs involving the Demon King’s forces.

Until then, we’ll need to rest up and train hard. I’ve still got to avenge Jariba’s death.

The path back to being a man is as unclear as ever, but I’ve got no shortage of things to do. One step at a time—I’ll take on what’s in front of me. That’s the promise I made to myself.

---

"...You. You’re the Sword Saint, Rex."

It happened just as we were leaving the volcanic city of Saikoro behind. A calm, icy voice rang out, stopping Rex in his tracks.

They appeared beside him without warning, like a ghost—gripping the hilt of the blade at their side.

"Huh? What do you want with me? Challenger or something?"

"No. Rex—I’ve come to kill you."

There was no attempt to hide the bloodlust. Standing there at the city’s exit, they made no move to let us pass—hostility clear in every inch of their stance.

Cloaked head to toe in black, their face was obscured. But from the husky tone of their voice, I could tell they were female. Judging from her height, she didn’t even seem to be an adult yet.

A girl this young, trying to take on Rex with a blade? She doesn’t stand a chance.

"A grudge, huh? Well, you’d have to narrow it down for me—I’ve got too many of those. But if it’s a duel you want, I’ll oblige."

"...Shut up. I don’t care what it is. Just die already."

Rex offered a gentle smile, trying to defuse the situation, but the girl only glared harder in response.

With a sigh, Rex glanced back at us and gestured with his eyes: Stand down.

So he's going to handle this himself. That’s just like him—Rex can’t turn away someone like this.

Well, even from where I’m standing, it’s obvious this girl’s not much of a fighter. She poses no real threat to Rex. In fact—

"...Another girl?"

Mei’s muttered comment was a lot scarier than anything the girl had said. Honestly, Rex really does attract a lot of trouble when it comes to women.

"So? Come at me however you want. I won’t stop you."

"Don’t mock me…!"

Rex smirked, all sarcasm and confidence, clearly trying to provoke her.

The girl flared with rage, drawing her sword with a sharp shing. She tossed off her hood, raised her short sword overhead, and took a sloppy, unsteady stance.

---

—There are two things I’d really like to point out.

First—

"What!? Her sword is engulfed in flames!?"

The girl’s blade, which she’d just drawn, was blazing beautifully with fire.

"Yes! This is the flame of my hatred—burning with my desire to kill you…!"

"Unbelievable!"

No, that’s just a basic flame spell powered by a magic stone. She must’ve bought it at the blacksmith’s earlier. She actually went and bought that ridiculously overpriced novelty weapon.

…Still, Rex playing along and acting all surprised? That’s pretty in character. Meanwhile, Karin’s over there trying not to burst out laughing behind my back.

"Alright then, it’s a duel! I’m Rex—‘Hawkeye’ Rex. A proper duel deserves a proper introduction. What’s your name?"

"I… I don’t have a title! And this isn’t a duel! I’m here for revenge! That’s it!"

And then there’s the second thing I really want to bring up.

I know that girl.

I really know that girl.

What the hell is she doing here? Why is she here, of all people? Why the hell is she picking a fight with Rex?

"My name is Natal!!"

Out from under that oversized hood emerged a clingy little tyrant. A girl I knew far too well—a bossy little sister who’d never quite outgrown her need for her big brother.

"Rex!! I’m here to avenge my brother!!"

Rex stared at me, eyes wide, expression full of horror.

Right, I’d almost forgotten—he did mistake me for Natal, didn’t he?

Tough luck, pal. That’s the real Natal—the idiot who got scammed at the blacksmith and bought that stupid flaming sword.