“A Sword’s Funeral, huh…”
The local sword god of the Academy put his hand under his scrubby chin, still being buried in the deep pit Violet have put him here from the violent forces of their spar.
"Yeah, I am curious about it ever since, the first time I heard you speak of such ceremony in class. I want to hear more about it."
“So you want me to teach you about it huh...sure. It’s essentially a very simple thing though.”
Digging himself out of the hole, he grabbed onto the badly-beaten wooden sword he use to practice with her.
“A Sword's Funeral is literally a funeral for the sword. A ceremony to send a sword to its end, the proper way a sword should end."
“Concise, Direct, and Sharp. To swiftly bade goodbye, no more and no less.”
Checking on the condition of the sword, his lazy azure eyes look deeply into the sword he held.
"Hm...so you only need to say a few words as you do it?"
“Well, not exactly…”
Then, instantly turning sharp, he swung the sword violently, cutting a massive group of trees in the large forest they practiced in, and dug deep into the Academy's local mountain.
The sword then completely vanished from his right hand.
“For a Sword’s Funeral, even a word is too much.”
Dusting off the dust in his hand, he then find a tree to lie down on, and took out his alcohol keg from who-know-where again, sitting lazily. Seeing how he do it also, Violet nodded in understanding
"Ahh, I understand. I will make sure to train how to do this properly, in case I would need to do it in the future."
“You, training how to do that huh...That would be very hard for you to do, I’m afraid.”
“Why not? Given enough time in the time chamber, I’m sure I can do it after a million years or so, at least…”
“Yeah, that’s the first problem: You tend to go way overboard. Who the heck would go repeatedly to listen and learn carefully from someone they already beat since Day 1, for example?”
“But Master, you have so much knowledge and wisdom I could learn from…”
“Immediately calling them Master after that, is another… I don’t know if it’s talent, your lack of common sense, or some deep-seated goal you have for yourself, but you tend to put way too much effort into things." Taking another swig, he ruminate to her concisely "For something that needs to be as simple and clear cut as this, your perfectionist tendency will inevitably make this whole thing complicated, and it inevitably will go wrong. Heck, I wouldn't be surprised if the sword you intended to perform this rite for will just turn into a Divine Sword instead or something…"
Speaking some strangely prescient words, he drinks all of the alcohol in the keg, looking as if he is ready to sleep. Meanwhile, still standing properly, Violet finds herself thinking deeply.
“Is that so…”
"Not that it's in any way a bad thing, by the way. Both conveniently getting a powerful sword with literally a touch, and being thoughtful in everything you do...But, if you want to learn this ceremony in earnest, first you have to learn how to not take yourself too earnestly.”
"Learn how to relax, let go, and laze around. Just like me.”
Finally, he went on to take a nap, snoring loudly like a hog. Immediately imitating that, Violet also found the nearest tree, take a nap, and snore like a dragon.
Annoyed by that, he immediately woke up and scold her.
"Oi, what do I say about taking things too far? At this rate, just us fighting til we're dropped would bring marginally more result…"
“Then let do so, Master. I still can fight for eons.”
"No thank you, fighting against you make my body sore over. I'm too tired for this…"
“Oh? Not even when I bring a Dragon’s Wife for you?”
“Now you’re talking! Give me that, and I will fight like a million men!”
Then, after involuntary digging himself a new crater 10 times in a roll, the local sword god decided to call it quits for the day.
----------------------------------------
(To think his word became true today...as expected of Master’s wisdom. Hope he rests in peace)
Looking at the sword in front of her, shining brightly against the sun itself, she can only marvel at her Master's words in her memory.
By the way, he is okay, and still is his usual lazing self with a proper home in the countryside. Rose really just meant to wish him good health.
[The Enlightened Sword
Type: Weapon
Rank: EX (Growth)
Attack: STR * Blade Element Affinity
Durability: 10,000/10,000, Self-repair even when hit 0
Requirement: Roadside Rose
Description: The sword has unfortunately lost it shape over the millennia of battling wear and tear, and getting eaten up from the inside.
It used to think that, without a shape, it has no purpose, without purpose it can’t exist.
But, the Blade Beyond Blade shows this blade otherwise.
It shows that, even when you lose your form, you can still keep your purpose and existence. Moreover, by freeing itself from the confinement of form, it can fulfil its function and purpose better than before, and attain a higher form of existence.
Receiving this enlightenment, this reborn sword now dedicated itself to the new master who taught it this lesson.
Effect:
*Has an Ego, which can move and fight independently in service of its user. Return back to hand when called, no matter the distance.
*The sword can transform itself to suit the need of it user. The free-formed blade can also be enhanced and gain additional effect by any sort of energy pour into it.
*When Soulbounded: Permanently increase all stat by 10%.
*Self-Learned Skill: Devouring Blade.
Status: Soulbound, Dedicated.]
“So, let me get this straight: You accidentally ascended this sword when you were doing the ceremony, and now it instantly Soulbounded to you??" (Headmaster)
“Exactly, it was my mistake that thing have turned out like this, due to me spending too long and too elaborate performing the ceremony. As such, it ends up attaining enlightenment, and upgrading itself into this…" (Rose)
“And now, even if I want to return this sword back, I really can’t…”
Seeing the newly-acquired sword swiftly wrapping its blade around her hand, not wanting to be let go, Rose look back at the Headmaster with a slightly resigned look.
Scratching his head looking at all of this, the Headmaster has no choice but to take it as fact.
“Yeah, looking at this, I can’t do anything about it either. I feel like if I were to handle it improperly, I would get viciously hacked to pieces.” (Headmaster)
“That is surely the case.” (Rose)
“No sort of denial there, huh...” (Headmaster)
Noticing Rose looking subtly guilty about this, Headmaster immediately waves his hand away.
"Oh yeah, you definitely can keep it, by the way. The sword is fully yours." (Headmaster)
“! Not like I will give it back, but...is it okay for you?” (Rose)
“Ho, so you know how to be greedy as well...And of course it is fine. In the first place, without you, this sword would have forever been lost in the annals of history, without any of us being able to notice. Only you are the one who actually sees it for what it is, and saves it (even if it's apparently by accident)." (Headmaster)
“Honestly...in place of our kingdoms, we have to thank you."
Suddenly, in a flash, the Headmaster hugged both of them tightly within his muscle-bound hands, face streaming with manly tears.
“(sniff) Truly, THANK YOU VERY MUCH FOR SAVING SUCH A MONUMENTAL HERO IN OUR KINGDOMMMMM." (Headmaster)
“I will accept your thanks.”(Rose)
Mike Stärke, the current Headmaster of Tutoria’s Training Dojo.
Secretly, he is a huge otaku for heroes and heroic tales, and as such is extremely happy that he can meet a hero from ancient times.
Annoyed by the sudden hug, the sword immediately transformed its blade, scratching him up like a cat.
After a while, Rose managed to calm it down, before talking to the Headmaster again
"So, we can take a spot right now, right? I keep asking that for a while now." (Rose)
“Of course! In fact, you have earned yourself a favor from me! If you need any help, just ask!” (Headmaster)
Fully scratched up from head to toe, the Headmaster stands proudly with a smile, beating his chest loudly with his fist.
And as such, the quest is over.
[Self-made Quest: A Sword’s Funeral → A Sword’s Ascension (Rank EX). Completed!]
[Completion Rank: EX]
[Calculating result...]
The tale has been stolen; if detected on Amazon, report the violation.
[EXP gained: 50,000,000*100 (Overlevel bonus)= 5,000,000,000 EXP!]
[You have gained +20 points in all stat]
[You have maxed out favorability with Mike Stärke, the 100th Headmaster of Tutoria's Training Dojo. You now have full access to all the facilities within Tutoria's Training Dojo]
[In the future, you have gained access to 1 unconditional favor from him.]
[Your favorability with Tutori Justicia, The Sword Empress has risen to 70%. You now have access to Tutoria's royal armory]
[You have now been invited for an audience with the Empress, at an unspecified date in the future. You can bring your companion.]
[You have contributed greatly to the history of Tutoria! The affinity of Tutoria toward you has risen to 50%!. In the future, all service costs of Tutoria is reduced by 25%]
Unlike last time, this quest’s reward content is quite brief, though it isn’t as if the content within isn’t substantial, if not even more.
In the first place, the sword itself is the reward, gained after you're supposed to perform a chain of quests in search of a way to fully restore it to health, before either earning its qualification or returning it back to the Empress.
Instead, Rose just straight up skips all of that, and ends up with a better sword than what she's supposed to receive.
That in itself has its own consequence.
[You have created a self-made Quest of Rank EX on your own. You have earned the title [Myth Starter]]
[You have completed a self-made Quest of Rank EX on your own. You have earned the title [Complete the Myth]]
[The title have combined with each other, as you have created and completed a self-made Rank EX Quest on your own. The title has been changed to [Self-Made Mythos]]
[Your story has overturned the fate of a major figure in history! You have earned the title [Overturning Myth]]
[You have carved yourself into the story of the world. A certain fairy is interested…]
[You have earned the title: [Interest of a Fairy]]
([Interest of a Fairy] huh...interesting)
Keeping the mystery of the title to herself, she kept looking at the list of notifications that keep getting longer and longer.
[Your affinity with the blade has reached an incomparable level…]
[You have earned yourself the qualification to become a [Sword God]. Will you accept?]
[…]
[You have automatically denied becoming a [Sword God]. As a result, your affinity with the blade is capped at 1000%.]
[The Blade Element deeply respected you, for a blade can only worship a higher blade.]
[You have earned the title [Ruler of Blades]]
[!!!You have earned yourself the attention of a certain blade from the far end of eternity.]
[A Quest is generated.]
[Trial of the Endless Blade
Rank: EX
Description: The Endless Blade wanted you to be its Master, but you must prove your qualification to wield it. First, you must find its exact location within the far end of eternity.
Conditions: Finding the location of the Endless Blade (0/1)
Reward: EXP, advance to the next step of the quest]
(Proving my qualification? If it wanted to be in my hand, shouldn't it come for me first?)
Thinking about something ridiculous, suddenly she gained more notifications.
[“Make sense”]
[!!!A certain blade from the far end of eternity agrees with your assessment]
[The content of the quest is changed]
[Yearning of the Endless Blade
Rank: EX (F)
Description: The Endless Blade agrees with your assessment, and as such you have proven your qualification. Yearning for you, the Endless Blade will personally come from the far end of eternity into your possession.
Conditions: Waiting for the Endless Blade (0/1)
Reward: EXP, Endless Blade]
[“Meanwhile, please receive this”]
[You have earned the title [Master of the Endless Blade]]
(Huh, the blade comes to me instead, how convenient. I even earn a title as well…)
(Speaking of, would earning a title without doing anything consider normal?)
Of course it isn’t.
Not to mention, the content she has accessed isn’t supposed to even be known to the player at all, until at least a decade later, at the minimum.
To actually obtained the centerpiece of that content itself, something even Laplace judged to be impossible for any player to obtain, is another thing.
But thanks to her, a certain sword that can be considered one of the Last Boss of the universe has fallen into her lap, seemingly without her needing to do anything. Among many things.
As such, another title is generated for her.
Though it is emotionless, somehow you can feel a sort of awe behind it.
[You have achieved what is considered [Impossible to Achieve]. Beyond the bounds of common sense, you have achieved something unthinkable.]
[You have earned the title [Impossible Achiever]. You’re the first one to obtain it.]
[A certain fairy becomes deeply interested in your tale.]
[The title [Interest of a Fairy] has changed into [Obsession of a Fairy]]
[...]
[Since the achievement is impossible to obtain, this achievement can’t be recorded down into the local Hall of Fame.]
[Please wait for quite a while, until a suitable place can be made to house your achievement.]
[Estimated time: Until you have personally obtained the Endless Blade.]
[Since you have not been recorded down into the local Hall of Fame, your achievement can’t be announced to the world, until at a later date.]
[We’re hoping for your understanding.]
(??)
A bit confused by the apology, Rose has no choice but to slightly tilt her head, wondering if she perhaps doing something wrong…
Completely oblivious to the fact of what she actually has done...Or rather, how big of an impact that would be in the far future.
For now, the immediate impact is that Laplace has to hide this information away from the Head Chief, until the appropriate date.
Otherwise, the medication he would furiously ingest, would exceed the overdose limit by at least 2 times.
----------------------------------------
“Since we have already picked a spot, I will soon be returning. Training our foundation is always essential." (Rose)
“Hahaha, you said it! Shame that I can't personally watch your absurd training, but I need to keep watch of these chicks." (Headmaster)
“We should be staying in here for quite a while, so you should get more chance next time.” (Rose)
“Is that so? Can't wait then! Just from the look of it, your companion has also made a mess of things outside there..." (Headmaster)
After Rose finished reading all of her notifications, she put her newly-acquired sword into her inventory and bade goodbye to the Headmaster. As she walked out, she've taken notice of the peanut gallery's whisper.
“(That literal world-cutting swing...are you sure she is a Level 1 newbie and not a smurf account of a boss?)" (Peanut 1)
“(Hey, that’s why she’s an Irregular...From the spectacle standpoint she would be a B to an A, but from the achievement standpoint she would solidly be an S, maybe above)” (Peanut 2)
“(What about the beauty standpoint though? A beautiful shrine maiden, donned in a simple attire, as she performs the funeral of the sword that turns into its ascension…)" (Peanut 3)
“(Even the way her cool exterior reveals a pink color when she “mistaken” her way into an even more ridiculous feat...it’s like watching a lone flower bloom through the spring snow. Definitely S tier)” (Peanut 4)
"Oi, stop dawdling around and continued your training! You still have 2 hours left!" (Headmaster)
(That reminds me) (Rose)
As she looks at the peanut gallery commenting upon her performance, while being chased around by Headmaster, she is reminded to look at the new skill she has obtained, along with the notifications.
[Sword’s Funeral
Rank: -
Type: Active
Description: Create an absolutely powerful attack, by sacrificing the sword to its essence. A ritual made to end the life of a sword cleanly, by cutting all ties to the world.
Effect:
*Initiate the skill by consuming the durabilities of a sword-type weapon and converting it into an attack. Skill’s damage is equal to (Sword's ATK)*(Durability consumed)*User's Blade Element Affinity.
*The skill's rank depends on the rank of the weapon itself, its history, and the value one places upon the blade. The higher the ranking, the more powerful and unique the skill become.]
[Sword’s Ascension
Rank: EX
Type: Active
Description: The ritual to ascend the blade to a new height. Can only be obtained by one who deeply follows the path of the blade to the extremity.
Effect:
*Ascend the ranking of a sword-type weapon. The success rate, and the rank the sword can achieve, depend on the sword itself, the user's ability, as well as environmental factors to determine the type of ascension.
*If the ascension failed, the durability of the weapon is reduced to 0.]
[You have created a new Rank EX sword technique. You have earned the title [Extremity of the Blade]]
[You have earned a Grandmaster achievement at such a young age! You have earned the title [Genius Beyond The Age]]
(So since I perform the ceremony that turns halfway through, the system ends up registering both skills as valid…)
Meanwhile, the attack she made on the dummy is registered as a normal attack, so it has not been made into a skill. Instead, Enlightened Blade has learned from her technique and created the Devouring Blade skill for itself.
(Well, might as well take this as a reminder to not make this mistake again...I should be able to perform a proper Sword's Funeral next time, without needing to use quite a bit of Conceptualization like this time...)
Determine to perform something that wouldn't become a reality anytime soon, she then comes out of the dojo, and meet up with Marigold, who just finished setting up the Rank EX Dummy, before running toward her.
“Big Sis, you’ve done asking for a spot already?” (Marigold)
“Hm, and I even get many things along with it." (Rose)
“I can tell...you better tell me all about it, after we’re done for the day!” (Marigold)
“And I can tell that you have done some wonderful thing back there as well.” (Rose)
Glancing at the shining dummy standing proud against the setting sun, under the incredulous eyes of many as they glance back and forth, she gently pats Mari's head, as she melts into a smile.
"You're also better tell me all about what happened today as well, okay?" (Rose)
“Um!” (Marigold)
“Now, all we have to do is wait for Dragon to come back…” (Rose)
“Ah, I can see her over there! Welcome back, Dra-kun!” (Marigold)
“Kyu (Not like I ever leave, lol.)” (Dragon)
With a cheeky tone, Dragon wave back at them with her tail…
While being surrounded by the embrace of multiple maidens, each wearing gorgeous and revealing clothes.
And at the background, a burly man with a handsome face is stuck kneeling on the ground.
“Oh? Who’s your friend there, Dra-kun?” (Marigold)
“And what’s with him, I may ask?” (Rose)
“Kyu (Surprise? Well, let me tell you…)” (Dragon)
Asking casually like usual, Dragon then began to tell the story of her little excursion...
----------------------------------------
Titles:
[Self-Made Mythos
Rank: EX
Requirement: Create and complete a self-made Rank EX quest.
Description: The special title for one who personally carves themselves into the story of the world through their own strength.
Effect:
* +100% EXP gained from missions
* You can gain additional rewards for completing a quest, the reward depends on your rank of completion.
* You can create your own [Myth].]
[Overturning Fate
Rank: EX
Requirement: Greatly change the predestined fate.
Description: The special title reserved for the one who overturns fate, and changes destiny with their own hand.
Effect:
* Deal 100% more damage against [Mythical] creature and object.
* You can change fate slightly.]
[Obsession of a Fairy
Rank: A
Description: A fairy is obsessed with your story. Hence, you will feel their watch often.
Effect:
* Increased favorability with the Fairy race.
* You gain more power when performing a Quest.
* You could gain more rewards after finishing a Quest.]
[Ruler of Blade
Rank: EX
Description: The title's reserved only for the one who controls all blades, and of whom is worshiped by the blade
Effect:
* You can use and control all Blade-type weapons (except soulbounded weapons)
* +100% damage when using Blade-type weapons.
* +20% all stat when using Blade-type weapons.]
[Extremity of the Blade
Rank: EX
Requirement: Create a Rank EX sword technique.
Description: The title's reserved for the one who reaches the extreme of the path of swords.
Effect:
* +10% STR and +10% DEX
* +100 STR and +100 DEX
* Every swordsman will recognize your strength.]
[Genius Beyond the Age
Rank: EX
Requirement: Obtain a Grandmaster-level achievement at level 1.
Description: The title reserved for the prodigy blessed by the universe
Effect:
* +10% All Stat
* +100 All Stat
* Increase status gain bonuses by +100% (status gain by skill, ability, and title does not count)
* Unlocking skill and ability cap when maxed out.]
[Master of the Endless Blade
Rank: F (Growth)
Description: The title of the true master of the Endless Blade.
Effect:
*+10% All Stat]
[Impossible Achiever
Rank: Incalculable
Description: The title for one who achieves the impossible.
Effect:
* You can change fate greatly.
* Impossible events will occur in your favor more often.]
Skills & Abilities:
[Devouring Blade
Rank: EX
Type: Active (toggle)
Description: Performing a cut that eats through the body of its target, devouring the target whole.
Effect:
*When activated, any attack made will also inflict Devouring status effect. The effect will grow in severity over time, the speed depending on the strength of the attack.]