“So, what exactly happened?” [Daniel]
An old man with gray hair combed to the back and red eyes asked as he stood at the door of a dark room with no furniture.
“What do you mean, Lord Daniel?” [Evelyn]
The blonde-haired and red-eyed woman inside the room answered as she busily drew on the floor with something that looked like a white chalk. A stack of papers was lying in a corner with her latest magic formation drawn on them.
“You know what I mean, Evelyn. Why did the son of the Thorne family go home with a handprint on his cheek?” [Daniel]
Daniel Redheart, who was wearing a black robe with white linings, replied calmly to Evelyn who didn’t look at him once and continued to draw a magic circle.
“That man deserved it. He tried to rip the rose off of my chest, saying that I shouldn’t keep wearing something that looks like the crest of my father’s clan.” [Evelyn]
Without stopping her work, Evelyn put a hand on her chest with a furious expression. A red rose was there, decorating her simple black dress that revealed her shoulders. Roses weren’t banned in the kingdom, but their popularity declined because it reminded people of the traitor.
Evelyn, who was the one that gave the finishing blow and averted the crisis, always wore a red rose which she claimed was a trophy. At first, it was a reminder to never love someone again. But, once she found out the truth, it reminded her of her loved one and she cherished it once again.
The son of the Thorne family, Edward Thorne, tried to take it off her because of what they were discussing. He also wanted to use it as an excuse to bridge the physical gap between them. Unfortunately for him, that was the last straw for Evelyn and she slapped the curly, black-haired man as hard as she could. Thankfully, after a bit of acting that involved crocodile tears, Edward left the mansion while feeling deeply guilty for suddenly trying to touch an innocent maiden’s chest.
The vampire woman bit her lower lip as she thought back on the conversation that she had with him which led to his action. Whenever she closed her eyes, she could vividly remember it: the time when Ryner betrayed her.
Five hundred years ago, inside her mansion, just as Evelyn was hurriedly getting ready to leave with an anxious look on her face, he appeared. It was the dead of the night and the two of them were inside the hallway. There was no one else but them. The servants that should be buzzing about because of the news were nowhere to be seen.
“Ryner! You’re safe!” [Evelyn]
That was the first thing she said with a relieved and happy voice when she saw that dhampir with the white, right eye. As she ran towards him, she noticed the bloody sword in his hand that was hidden from her view by his crimson red cape. His white work shirt that peeked out from his black vest also had some bloodstains. Judging that he must have fought his way to her, Evelyn put her guard up. More enemies might show up.
“We need to hurry. It won’t be long before the guards come here to look for you.” [Evelyn]
She spoke in a cool and collected tone while making sure that there were no signs of intruders around them.
“The whole country has gone mad. Everyone thinks that you murdered the peace envoy of Ceithon and a manhunt is underway. They even said that you attacked Lord Daniel and killed the Minister of the Right!” [Evelyn]
She couldn’t believe it. Although there were a lot of people that looked down on him because he was a dhampir and because of his usual behavior, her father had managed to earn respect thanks to his many achievements. He had been nothing but beneficial to the kingdom and now everyone was blaming him for a crime that he didn’t commit.
The man that raised her would never put others at risk for no reason. So, there was no way he would invite a war for no reason. She believed that somebody must have framed him and she had to help him clear his name.
“We can’t stay here. Let’s go, Ryner. Let’s escape together.” [Evelyn]
Evelyn said as she prepared herself to fight against her fellow countrymen. No matter who the opponent was, she would protect Ryner. That was all that mattered. But, even though they were short on time, the man she loved didn’t move an inch and only stood in front of her without saying a word.
“Ryner?” [Evelyn]
She worriedly called out to him and put a hand on his chest. It was then that she noticed…
His sleepy-looking face was expressionless.
STAB
“… Huh?” [Evelyn]
A dull feeling ran through her. Evelyn looked down and couldn’t believe her eyes. A sword stabbed her in the stomach. One couldn’t see the injury well because of her black dress, but her blood was flowing down the blade of the sword… Of Ryner’s sword.
“Wha-*cough*” [Evelyn]
She coughed up blood and fell forward as her father pulled out his weapon from her body. Her strength left her. Her blood oozed out and stained the floor red, but, despite her serious injury, she couldn’t feel any pain at all. This cruel reality was simply impossible for her.
“(No way…)” [Evelyn]
She laid there with a shocked look on her face.
“(No way… No way…)” [Evelyn]
She didn’t believe it. She couldn’t believe.
“(No way no way no way!)” [Evelyn]
There was no way that the man that gave her warmth and saved her heart would ever do this to her.
“(No way no way no way no way no way!)” [Evelyn]
“R-Ry… Ner…” [Evelyn]
She muttered in a barely audible voice and forced herself to look up. There, standing in front of her and looking down on her with a cold expression, Ryner said one thing before turning around.
“Now, all loose ends have been dealt with.” [Ryner]
He slowly walked away with the bloody sword in his hand. Evelyn could only powerlessly watch as she laid in a puddle of her own blood.
“R-Ryner.” [Evelyn]
“(Wait! Don’t go!)” [Evelyn]
She stretched her trembling hand out and weakly called his name.
“Ryner!” [Evelyn]
“(Please! Don’t leave me!)” [Evelyn]
She endured the intense pain that attacked her and called out louder as tears spilled from her eyes.
“Ryyyneeeeer!!!” [Evelyn]
“(Take me with you!)” [Evelyn]
She sorrowfully cried out and tried to reach him, but his back kept getting farther away from her.
“UWAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAA!!!” [Evelyn]
On that day, she was abandoned by someone she loved a second time.
On that day, her heart ached more than when she got stabbed by a sword.
On that day, she swore vengeance and closed her heart forever.
Or at least, that was how it was supposed to happen.
“Evelyn? Is everything alright?” [Daniel]
Daniel asked from the door and Evelyn snapped out of her reverie when she heard his voice.
“Yes, I am fine.” [Evelyn]
She then noticed that her hand stopped moving and focused on finishing the magic circle. Seeing her hard at work, the old man that looked after her at her father’s request sighed and crossed his arms behind his back.
“Well, in that case, I won’t say anything else. If he deserved it, then he deserved it. Just remember to be more careful in the future. If you cause too much trouble, you won’t be able to freely work on this anymore.” [Daniel]
“I understand. I’m sorry for causing you trouble.” [Evelyn]
Daniel warned her casually. From his tone of voice, he wasn’t mad at her at all. But, since she caused a commotion, he had to deal with it. Evelyn apologized while applying the finishing touches on the magic formation and then dropped the chalk. She took a deep breath, touched the edge of the magic circle with her hand and chanted a spell. The lines that she drew began to glow blue in response.
Daniel smiled wryly and turned around to leave, not wanting to disturb her anymore. At that moment, a flash of light illuminated the room for an instant. Then, a soft voice tinged with disbelief was heard.
“… I did it.” [Evelyn]
Hearing this, the old vampire quickly turned around and went inside the room. Looking at the center of the magic circle that had nothing at the start, he saw a single red rose that was lying in the center. It looked like it was plucked from the earth with its roots intact.
Daniel’s eyes opened wide at this scene. Evelyn, who was on her knees, stared with an incredulous expression. All those years of hard work finally bore fruit and the proof was right before her eyes. Her body was faintly trembling from excitement and a look of joy spread across her face. A smile slowly emerged as the reality sunk in and she shouted out in celebration.
“I did it!!!” [Evelyn]
----------------------------------------
Inside the audience room, Ryner was standing before King Charles, who was sitting on his throne, and his nobles that served as advisors on top of the set of stairs. Besides the guards standing by the walls, there were three other people in that vast room. Standing behind Ryner were two men in armor: Cain and a pink-haired man in his thirties with dark brown eyes.
“(Are they related?)” [Ryner]
Ryner thought in his head since the two men had the same eyes and the same nose. Putting that guess aside, he looked in front of him for the third person that he never saw before. At the bottom of the stairs stood a wrinkly, bearded old man dressed in religious, white vestments. He was bald with blue eyes and gently smiled at Ryner. Around his neck was a silver necklace of a sword with two wings.
“Welcome, Ryner. Since time is precious for all of us, I shall get straight to the point. We would like you to show us the magic sword that you used in your fight against that monster in the ruin.” [Charles]
The king gave him a quick greeting and went straight to business. Expecting a request like this to happen after nearly losing his rifle, Ryner simply tilted his head.
“Why the sword specifically? Also, why is there a priest here?” [Ryner]
“We would like to verify something about that Artifact. He is a bishop and he is here to help us. Bishop Nicholas, if you will.” [Charles]
“Hoho, my name is Nicholas Pietred. It is nice to meet you, young man.” [Nicholas]
The old man said as he rubbed his long beard with his wrinkly hand and slowly made his way towards Ryner with small steps. His voice was raspy, but friendly. Sensing no malice and deciding to go along with the flow to see why someone like a bishop was interested in his Artifact, Ryner conjured up the entrance to his pocket dimension. Bluish rings of different size appeared in front of his hand and formed a circle which made Nicholas raise his eyebrows with surprise. Putting his hand inside, he pulled out his holy sword, the White Wing, and held it horizontally with both hands.
“Now then, let’s see…” [Nicholas]
The bishop finally made it in front of Ryner and carefully observed the Artifact. His eyes contained a bit of excitement and it grew as he kept scrutinizing the weapon.
“T-this is…!” [Nicholas]
His gaze had vigor that one wouldn’t expect from his age and his hands were trembling as he brought them closer to the sword. But, he stopped himself from touching it and repeatedly looked at every part.
“My son… Where did you get this?” [Nicholas]
“Well, when I suddenly woke up in this world, I could use the ability that you saw a while back to store away different items. It’s something like a portable storage house and when I checked inside, this sword was already in there.” [Ryner]
“I-is it true? Such a thing…?” [Nicholas]
“Yes, I swear I’m not lying.” [Ryner]
“(I’m just not telling the whole truth.)” [Ryner]
Ryner nodded with serious eyes to the question that the bishop asked with a surprised expression. He didn’t feel guilty at all since technically, everything he said wasn’t a lie.
Believing that earnest face, Nicholas brought his attention to the White Wing again. From the blade, to the blue gem, to the winged guard and to the handle… He made absolutely sure that its appearance corresponded with what was passed down in his religion and what he saw many times on the tablets.
“There is no mistake, your majesty. The appearance matches the legend.” [Nicholas]
“Are you certain?” [Charles]
Murmurs spread among the nobles and King Charles tightly gripped the armrests of his throne as he leaned forward. He had sent a messenger to ask for someone to verify his suspicions about a certain Artifact that they revered. They were skeptic at first, but since it was the king, they had agreed to send a bishop that was familiar with the legends. To hear that his thoughts were true quicken his heartbeat. After all, this would mean that they found it.
“Yes, there’s no doubt! This is the true sacred sword! The Holy Wings!” [Nicholas]
Everyone became restless inside the audience room. The guards standing by the walls looked at each other and at the Artifact, the nobles exclaimed their surprise and delight, the two knights behind Ryner blinked repeatedly with awe-filled expressions and the frail, old bishop looked like he was going to start jumping around in joy.
One person stood still with his eyebrow twitching and with a big question in his head.
“(Putting the name aside, this Heaven’s Blade is known by the church? How the hell is that possible?!)” [Ryner]
“Silence please.” [Charles]
After the king, who had restrained his excitement, ordered in a strong voice while raising his hand, the buzzing died down and everyone focused on the sword again.
“Say, do you mind explaining what’s going on?” [Ryner]
Hiding his unrest, Ryner asked the bishop with his usual sleepy expression to which the old man happily nodded.
“Yes, yes, of course! My son, what you hold in your hands isn’t any ordinary Artifact! It is THE legendary Artifact! The one we have been searching for since the church of the Hero’s Faith was founded!” [Nicholas]
Unauthorized reproduction: this story has been taken without approval. Report sightings.
Nicholas talked with much zeal, happy to tell this young man about his religion and spread its beliefs. He had been told beforehand that the one that had the Holy Wings was an otherworlder and that he might be ignorant of the church, of what he had in his possession.
“It is the Holy Wings!” [Nicholas]
“(No, it’s not…)” [Ryner]
“The true weapon of the chosen hero summoned by the kingdom!” [Nicholas]
“(Like hell I’ll give it to that brat…)” [Ryner]
“The true, sacred sword given to us by the gods to fight the forces of evil!” [Nicholas]
“(…)” [Ryner]
Ryner couldn’t help but retort to everything the bishop was saying in his head. However, towards the end, he couldn’t think of anything because of how ridiculous the old man’s claims were. This was what he tried to avoid as someone who could live in different worlds. Bringing foreign knowledge and technology could greatly affect all of the countries around the globe. The consequences could be good or simply catastrophic.
The weapons that he made to fight Alice were now called Artifacts and they were highly sought after. This affected society since people dived into the ruins to find these powerful weapons that were worth a fortune. Then again, it wasn’t all that bad. It wasn’t like he gave a nuclear bomb to civilizations that were still throwing rocks at each other.
But, he didn’t expect that some people would form a religion because of him.
“Sooo, how do you know for sure that this is the Holy Wings?” [Ryner]
Ryner said as he looked at the king and the bishop alternatively.
“I have heard of its abilities when I came here! This can create a shining blade of light that cuts down all foes and a powerful barrier that protects against all attacks! Furthermore, its appearance is just like what I have seen many times! This sacred Artifact is exactly like what the tablets depicted!” [Nicholas]
King Charles kept silent and let Nicholas do the talking. He spoke excitedly and explained his reasoning, but Ryner still didn’t understand how he knew about the White Wing’s abilities and its appearance. He frowned when he heard that tablets in this world showed his Heaven’s Blade.
“Tablets?” [Ryner]
He asked while tilting his head and the old bishop pointed at his sword.
“There are ancient carvings on the walls on the fifth floor of the ruin that depict the Holy Wings! It shows a hero wielding a winged sword and battling terrifying monsters to save the innocents! It was on this same floor that we found the sacred sword! We have carefully retrieved them and placed them in our main church for safekeeping. Although there are copies made by merchants, but I can show you the originals if you ever decide to come visit us!” [Nicholas]
“(… Ah.)” [Ryner]
Ryner suddenly remembered these so-called carvings and wanted to slap himself in the face. Years ago, before his fight with Alice using his fortress, he had finished deploying his forces and waited for her to give the ok. They had set up rules for their fights much like a game, though what was at stake was no laughing matter. As such, it was similar to chess. A game of chess couldn’t begin if both sides didn’t set up their pieces. So, while waiting on the fifth floor, he became nostalgic as he stared at the Elite type Raptor that wielded the White Wing prototype. As such, he began to draw on the wall with his finger which carved up the rock.
The subject of his drawing was the same reason why he chose to try to replicate the White Wing and not any other Heaven’s Blades.
“(I drew Adelina when she was fighting against a bunch of Ko’rosork to protect some citizens.)” [Ryner]
He remembered the face of the original wielder of the White Wing. He remembered the gentle but fierce woman that was one of his rare friends.
“The Holy Wings was shown to be able to create a blade of light that could reach the heavens and a holy barrier that could ward off all evil! The sacred sword possessed one of these two abilities and given how it was found on the same floor, we believed that it would guide us to the true sacred sword, the Holy Wings!” [Nicholas]
“(How the hell did you guys interpret my doodles to come to that conclusion?!)” [Ryner]
Ryner was taken aback with how conveniently they were interpreting things to create their religion. The frail, old man was completely lively as if he had become young again and looked at Ryner in the eyes.
“Please, although I understand that it is much to ask for a warrior, but please give us the Holy Wings! It is an object of worship and without it the hero will not be able to repel the forces of evil that were prophesized to fall upon us like a calamity!” [Nicholas]
The conversation finally reached this unwanted point and everyone was impatiently waiting for his reply. The king was especially staring at him suspiciously as he prepared himself to destroy any tricks Ryner might come up with like last time when they asked for the rifle.
Given the atmosphere, he would look like a bad guy if he refused this believer’s request outright not to mention that the bishop probably won’t back down so easily. Since he planned on using their wonderful library for a while longer, he needed to exercise some tact. Taking into account Nicholas’ personality, he quickly came up with a plan and decided to use one of those generic settings associated with holy swords that he had seen many times.
“I understand your request and just to confirm, the one that shall wield this sword will be the hero Ryan who is in possession of the sacred sword, correct?” [Ryner]
“Why, yes, of course.” [Nicholas]
To Ryner’s serious question, Nicholas answered with a puzzled look as he wondered why he suddenly brought it up.
“(First, set up an established fact.)” [Ryner]
“Thank you. Next, I must warn you that this sword is a bit dangerous because it chooses its master.” [Ryner]
“What?! The Holy Wings can choose its master?!” [Nicholas]
The room was astir when they heard this new information. Their eyes that were gazing at the Artifact with curiosity were now tinged with caution as they believed that it was alive.
“(Next, shock the audience.)” [Ryner]
“Correct. For example… Cain, hold this.” [Ryner]
“Huh?” [Cain]
Ryner continued talking calmly and turned to Cain who was behind him. He then shoved to his chest the sword with the tip pointing downward and the old knight instinctively grabbed it with a bewildered expression.
The moment when Ryner let go of the handle, the White Wing let out a flash of light and Cain was suddenly blown away a few meters as if a car had hit him. Before the tip of the sword touched the ground, Ryner caught it and turned towards the bishop.
“This kind of thing happened countless times when others tried to take it from me.” [Ryner]
His voice broke the stalemate and everyone that froze in place with shocked expressions came back to their senses.
“Fath-Knight Commander!” [Knight]
“(Oh, so they are related.)” [Ryner]
While Ryner casually thought so in his mind, a commotion broke out as everyone talked loudly and expressed their opinions on what they just witnessed. The other knight standing behind Ryner quickly ran towards Cain who was picking himself off the ground. Besides being shaken up, he had no visible injuries on him.
Ryner had made sure to dial down the power output so that the old knight wouldn’t get injured. Ignoring the loud chatter that the dumbstruck king didn’t repress, he talked to the bishop that had his mouth wide open from what he just saw from up close.
“(Then, before they gather their wits, add in some lies and control the conversation.)” [Ryner]
“As you can see, it is very dangerous to give this sword to anyone. I don’t know what the exact qualifications are, but most likely, it evaluates your strength of heart such as your resolve and only those it deems worthy can hold it. That is why I suggest that we shouldn’t let anyone touch it for their own safety until the hero Ryan gets here and undergoes its test.” [Ryner]
“Th-that is…” [Nicholas]
The room gradually became silent again when Ryner began speaking and they attentively listened to his every word.
“Do you not believe that a weapon meant to protect us from evil shouldn’t be hurting innocent people, whether it’d be accidentally or not?” [Ryner]
“W-well, yes. You are right.” [Nicholas]
Ryner raised his index finger and spoke clearly for all to hear.
“In that case, the best solution to prevent unwanted accidents would be for me to hold on to it. This way, I, who had been acknowledged by the Holy Wings, can keep it stored away with my special ability. No one will be able to get their hands on it.” [Ryner]
“Th-that may be-” [Nicholas]
“Furthermore, if you’re worried that I will misuse it for my own gain, there is nothing to fear. Like I just said, although I am no hero, I was acknowledged by the Holy Wings. You’ve seen me hold it this whole time. My words may be doubted, but having been chosen as its wielder, does the true sacred sword that is meant to destroy evil not vouching for my character?” [Ryner]
“You-you’re right! The Holy Wings of the chosen hero can reject the unworthy ones, but it doesn’t reject your touch! In that case, you have been chosen as someone worthy of its greatness!” [Nicholas]
Lead by Ryner, the stupefied bishop finally noticed this crucial fact and his voice was heard by everyone present. They opened their eyes wide and looked at each other. From what the bishop of the Hero’s Faith said, this man that didn’t show enough respect when talking to the king would have the qualifications to be a hero. He could be the hero that the church preached about, the hero that would save the world from a great calamity.
“Unfortunately, as you may have heard, the group of heroes just returned from the ruin after surviving a life-and-death experience and they are currently resting. Calling Ryan here when he is in the middle of recuperating would be horrible of us, don’t you think? Also, I will be staying here for a while, so we can at least wait for a few days.” [Ryner]
“Hmm, what you say certainly makes sense. It would be better for our young hero to rest before taking the test. Very well, we should postpone this matter for a later date. Besides, it would be better for me to go back and report this right away. Everyone will want to know that the Holy Wings has been found and see the moment when our hero is deemed worthy! You majesty, will it be alright for me to come again another time?” [Nicholas]
“Oh um… Right, of course. Then, we shall wait until our heroes are back on their feet.” [Charles]
With Charles’ approval who fumbled his words at the beginning, the matter was decided and Ryner exited the audience room along with Bishop Nicholas who kept telling him about the Hero’s Faith.
Once they were gone, the king heavily sighed and his shoulders dropped down a little. He had no way of knowing if that man was lying or not, but he had seen for himself that the Artifact certainly rejected his trusted knight. As such, he couldn’t let Ryan who was depressed touch it until he got back on his feet. Otherwise, the sword might reject him and that would affect his reputation which meant it would affect the kingdom’s political influence.
For now, Charles decided to switch gears and looked at the Knight Commander that was standing before him next to his son. He had to settle another matter that he decided on after discussing it with the nobles around him. Since he forgot to tell Ryner about this, he chose to pass the job onto his trusted knight.
“Knight Commander Cain.” [Charles]
“Yes, your majesty.” [Cain]
The old man kneeled down along with the other pink-haired knight.
“When you find Ryner, tell him that he doesn’t need to train the heroes anymore and I won’t rescind his reward. Once more, you will be training them in magic.” [Charles]
“I understand, but is that all right?” [Cain]
Cain respectfully asked without looking up. The heroes were severely lacking in military training and he believed that Ryner’s training was exactly what they needed.
“Yes. Right now, what they need is not combat skills, but magical power. They will not be able to handle the demon threat by learning how to punch. You should know that.” [Charles]
“… By your will.” [Cain]
The loyal knight accepted the king’s order and left with his son.
“Alan.” [Cain]
“Yes, fath-*cough* excuse me, Knight Commander.” [Alan]
Once they were in the hallway, Cain called out to Alan who coughed to cover up his mistake.
“Now that you’ve met him, what do you think?” [Cain]
“To be honest, he didn’t look extraordinary at all which makes it scarier if he did defeat a monster that you were no match against. The next time I see him, I’ll have to thank him for bringing the Knight Commander back alive.” [Alan]
“Haha, you don’t need to worry too much. He doesn’t seem used to getting thanked. But, what you said is true. It certainly would be scary to have him as an enemy.” [Cain]
The two talked about the man that actually had the Holy Wings all along while walking and wondered what other secrets he might be hiding. Also, the discovery of the legendary Artifact would certainly cause a wave of commotion in the Elea kingdom and around the world. Furthermore, if the young hero Ryan had it by his side, then he might just find it in him to fight once again.
It was a day that would be marked in history. However, no one knew that Ryner had no intention of letting Ryan pass the so-called “Holy Wings’ test”. Only the worthy ones could wield the Heaven’s Blades and he was the one to decide.
On a side note, after agonizing over the fact that a religion was born because of his drawings, Ryner quickly got over it thanks to a simple but very important fact.
“(Oh well, at least I didn’t destroy the world.)” [Ryner]