CHAPTER 138.

Demonic Sword Droz’gad was… amazing.

[Relic Grade ⁠— Demonic Sword Droz’gad ⁠— Ancient Quality

This sword was forged at the hands of master smiths of the Republic of Mercenaries, and has reached the highest form of craftsmanship in the world. Due to its demonic nature, this sword has been noticed by one of the Demon Gods and named in its wishes, turning it into a divine artifact of demonic origins. This sword bears the enchantments of:

Unbreakable: Droz’gad cannot be broken by the limits of mortals.

Blood Enhancement: Droz’gad’s edge grows exponentially sharper the more blood it sheds and absorbs. The blood will drain over time.

Resource Drinker: Droz’gad can consume any resource, enhancing its efficiency or power by 20%, however the resource must be immediately expended upon consumption.

All⁠-seeing Eyes: Curse of Foresight: At the cost of making yourself more predictable you may glean milliseconds into the future.

All-mighty Edge: Curse of Sundering: At the cost of suffering half of the attack’s damage your attacks are thrice as likely to tear open targets.

All-protective Demon: Curse of Deflection: At the cost of being able to deflect any attack once a week, you’re twice as more vulnerable to all sources of damage.]

Sure, to the normal person all of the drawbacks were daunting, but given she was a Cursebearer, it was well⁠— they didn’t really exist. The sword was straight up just broken. And sure, in many ways it was better than Cursewelder, but the thing with Cursewelder was…

It can absorb other swords.

Cursewelder was, for all means and purposes, more like a sheathe to combine things more than an actual sword, and that’s where its power lied. So rather than saying that the demonic sword excited her, the idea of absorbing it excited her. Because it was, again, ridiculously powerful.

All-seeing, and all-mighty, talk about playing god. The curses themselves weren’t surprising, but their power was. She could sense them, they weren’t normal, in fact, they were far from it. And there was also the fact that the sword was unbreakable.

Of course, it kind of implied it could be broken, but from what she understood unless she was in Ill’hine it just wasn’t happening.

So strong…

Amber admired the sword, it was beautiful. Twisted but beautiful. Each of its mana stones had red veins coming from it, and running across the blade. Whose metal was black. It looked like a demonic apparition; a pretty one.

She, of course, barely understood how it had become a divine artifact. Or well a demonic divine artifact. Sure, the sword did have a grand total of three Demonic Mana Stones, and its craftsmanship was amazing but at same time…

Didn't gods need to be the ones making the item?

Well, she didn't know if she wanted a demon god made item. If she looted it from killing a demon maybe it was fine, but getting it as some sort of reward from demons would be wrong.

Thankfully the Demonic Sword Droz’gad wasn’t any of that. She had already planned to make a sword with the stones, and just because a Demon God decided it was an awesome sword it didn't mean anything. After all, it’s effects were fucking amazing, and the sword was hers, not something that belonged to some god.

The more she thought about it, the more excited she felt to wield it, and finally she reached for it as the people in the surroundings observed. And as she gripped it, it felt just right. It was light even, she made sure to savior the sword as she lifted it, much to everyone’s gasps.

“That sword is…”

“It must be from the demons!”

“But would our hero work with them?!”

Its appearance was certainly controversial, but she didn’t care too much. Instead, she focused on its lightness and feeling, before finally taking out Cursewelder.

I may use Droz’gad a lot in battle, though. It just felt that good to wield. Though that was a thought for later. Now, was time to absorb it.

She channeled her mana as the sword began to disintegrate, and along with it came a notification.

[ Three out of five swords have been absorbed.

Cursewelder has absorbed the Demonic Sword Droz’gad and now has the following abilities…

Cursewelder now wields…]

It was a large notification given all of the effects Droz’gad had, unlike other swords Cursewelder didn’t need to discard anything. And that wasn’t all.

Amber grinned feeling Cursewelder shift within her grip, its blade becoming black as the three Demonic Mana Stones grew close to each other at the base of its length. And the sword also instantly became lighter.

The extent of the physical changes ended there, but given Cursewelder had a myriad of physical effects filling its length already, it simply made it cooler. It was now a half-black, half-glowing-orange sword covered in purple flames with red pearls at its base. That said, Amber kept the flames part off when out of battle.

She grinned and stowed it away, as Thorn smiled.

“Is it to your liking, Amber?”

She smiled. “It’s fucking amazing, so yes.”

Then she turned towards the nervous smiths as she did a small bow to them.

“Thank you for making this for me.”

At that, they all paused but nodded in acknowledgement. Some looked happy while others looked relieved. Amber then turned around and while normally she wasn’t particularly extroverted, she decided to join in the festivities celebrating her heroic act of really wanting to test her Essence skill.

Frei also requested to see the sword, and even her eyes widened seeing what it could do.

It was a great fucking start to the day.

* * *

Remmel closed his eyes as people celebrated.

Amber was growing more powerful and while that would’ve made him happy in the past, right now it simply made him upset. After all, he was now right under her thumb; he was now her minion. And he fucking hated it. He only served himself, and himself only; he had his own goals and aspirations, and she was getting in the damn way.

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How was he meant to take over the Obsidian Rose when he had to treat Amber ‘fairly’? He had been more than fair, giving her all those perks and special treatment, but apparently direct access to him wasn’t enough.

Now, he had to go above and beyond to make it up to her, and he was stuck until then. His eyes locked onto Amber, not showing any emotion.

You think I didn’t pay attention to your demands, but I did. Don’t think you can just one up me like this.

Regardless of her advancement, he still remained superior to her. He was, after all, wiser, more experienced, and also had more trump cards than her. He had seen her battle against the demon, and while it was certainly impressive, it wasn’t anything he considered insurmountable.

Amber smiled at him and he gave her a half smile.

Just you wait.

Remmel was keenly aware that Amber regarded him as a threat, and that wasn’t wrong. But in the end, all he could do now was wait. She might have been amazing, but she also greatly underestimated him. And that was going to be her downfall.

* * *

Aveline admired Amber, she wished to be that strong, to be that independent, to know what she wanted. Amber was amazing in all aspects to her, meanwhile she was… lost.

She looked over at Remmel who was definitely plotting something; she just had a keen sense for these situations. Then she looked over at Amber who was having the time of her life, she was laughing, and even drinking alcohol as well as eating everything she could get her hands on. Most of the food was supplied by Remmel and Frei, which was great because otherwise she would’ve felt concerned about the food shortage.

Aveline finally turned to Frei who was happily chatting with the wizened mage, Thorn. And finally, there was herself, alone and having food quietly.

In the end, she didn’t know what to do. Following Remmel, as grateful as she was, kept on seeming like a worse idea by the second. He had saved her, but after the rose-tinted glasses came off, after Amber intervened, it just… well it wasn’t the same. Remmel was a douchebag through and through, he exploited her and used her as a tool, and maybe she would’ve been okay with that in the past.

But now, seeing Amber, seeing her achievements, knowing her. It made her want more.

She wanted to be more.

Aveline didn’t know if she wanted to be just like Amber; fighting wasn’t her thing after all. But she did know she wanted to make decisions for herself, and not take whatever was most comfortable. Whether that involved working with Remmel, following after Amber, or choosing her own path, remained to be seen.

But she was aware that the status quo she was experiencing wasn’t something that could be maintained.

Aveline sighed, and looked over at Amber. In the end, the person she repudiated at the start ended up being her inspiration.

How ironic. She chuckled. She remembered Amber’s battle against the demon, it was a terrifying feat. Maybe fighting isn’t so bad.

Aveline closed her eyes before deciding to join in the party and once more to befriend Amber; though this time it was different. It wasn’t because she wanted some sort of vindication or selfish fulfillment, but because Amber was just that damn awesome.

Everyone was praising her right now, and honestly, Aveline saw no problem with joining in. That said, she was a lot more subtle, the last thing she wanted was for Amber to think she was just paying lip service.

And to her surprise, Amber accepted her with open arms and even praised her performance on their suicidal mission, needless to say it made her happy.

For the first time in a long while, Aveline felt happy and it was all thanks to a certain crazy woman she admired.

* * *

Amber had always avoided alcohol, though today she figured why not. She was a superhuman, it wasn’t like she could get wasted⁠, and indeed she couldn’t. So she just enjoyed partaking in the communal activity and talking with various mercenaries about their exploits. That said, the alcohol tasted like shit. And for good reason given its alcohol percentage was way higher than anything that existed on Earth.

But either way, she enjoyed herself and even worked with Frei on the bone carving project while people watched. Some didn’t seem to understand and found it cool, though the mercenaries were appalled at the concept. Especially the mages that understood what it represented; because unlike the prim and proper researches of the academy, they had real experience and understood the pain that Frei had experienced.

Of course, Amber did try it briefly and she actually shed a tear and squeaked but it was definitely bearable. Albeit barely. That experience is what made her charge ahead with the project of enhancing her body.

It was a great day, one that eventually ended when the rest of the mercenaries passed out from alcohol consumption.

Amber frowned. “Seriously?”

Frei chuckled. “Most people can’t heal themselves.”

“Guess so.” Amber sighed.

She looked over at Frei who had been drinking the entire time, she looked the same as ever; aside from the fact that she reeked of alcohol, which also applied to her. But both of them were still in all their senses.

“How do you even heal? You know, since the System calls you the reaper.”

At that Frei paused mid sip. “How did you figure out it was System related?”

“Legacy Branch Advancement,” Amber answered simply.

“Ah.”

At this point, the rambunctious atmosphere had completely died down, and in fact they were practically alone; well Aveline was present too, albeit barely conscious with her head lying on the table. She seemed happy.

Frei looked down. “Well, I guess it doesn’t matter if I tell you, huh?”

“Will it help me kill you?” She raised her brow.

The elf paused before breaking out into a grin. “Probably.”

“Huh.”

“Anyway, to explain my Legacy Branch is unique, I am the Reaper, and well in simple terms I can take life from others,” she said shrugging. “Like the plants on the ground or even the microorganisms, which is enough to stave off the alcohol.”

“Does that mean you can regenerate from having your head cut off?” Amber raised her brow. “Like me?”

Frei laughed before turning serious.

“No.”

“I see.”

Still, I didn’t even know Legacy Branches could be unique. Perhaps it was obvious thinking about it, but suddenly the concept enticed her.

“Do you think I can get a unique Legacy Branch?” Then she frowned. “Wait, is there a Special Legacy Branch Advancement?”

“Yes and yes,” Frei said. “Though the special advancement is even harder to get for the Legacy Branch so don’t expect it any time soon.”

At that the elf craned her head.

“That said, I wonder how insane the requirements will be for you. Given how extraordinary you are already.”

“Ah…”

That was certainly something to think about.

“Guess I’ll figure it out.”

“Hmhm…” Frei took a sip. “I envy you.”

“Because of my connections?” Amber raised her brow.

“Nope, even if you didn’t have that, I’d still envy you,” Frei said getting up. “Not only do you know what you want to do with your life, you’re also the most extraordinary person I’ve ever met; that’s enviable.”

Amber blinked.

“Oh, thank you.”

Frei grinned. “And luckily for me, I get to be your most loyal hound.”

“Not funny.”

The elf laughed and waved.

“I’m off to bed, see ya.”

With that, she teleported and Amber was left alone. She took a sip of alcohol before spitting it out, it seriously tasted bad. A sigh left her and she stood up from the bar she had been sitting on, it was deadly quiet now.

“Guess I should sleep.”

“Or you could hear me out,” Remmel said from behind.

Amber turned only to see him sitting on the counter, and a sigh left her. She had noticed his gaze earlier after all.

“I’ve come with a proposal.”

“You just want to get out of the contract, what is it?” Amber asked, annoyed.

He smiled. “Then I’ll get straight to the point, as atonement for my actions, how about I fix your problem with the Sacred Forest.”

Amber raised her brow. “And how will you do that?”

“I’ll get you pardoned by the government⁠—”

“No,” Amber interrupted, making him pause. “I’ll deal with it myself. Last thing I want is for you to mess something up without me knowing.”

“Have it your way then.” Remmel snorted, throwing two envelopes at her. “Here is your dumb information.”

“Thanks.”

And a moment later, he disappeared, vanishing away. Amber turned to the two envelopes on the ground and smiled.

Demon summonings and information about the chained Primordial Spirit.

Things were about to get interesting given she had a map of the tower where it resided now.

Exciting.

* * *

The next day, Amber and company departed from the village of Froststone with a new destination in mind.

And back in the Sacred Forest, Asil from the Dazdril family and Maxwell the researcher were called into a meeting with the parliament.

One to determine the possible exile of involved parties with Arkara’s Thief.