(Author: Okay, I managed to fix the problem with the post so I went ahead and added Chapter 12 back on to here.)

“Let’s go!” (Kris)

Trapped in the Abyss King’s tomb, Kris made the first move and charged towards the stone golem. He brandished a throwing knife in his working right hand.

Despite its low effect against armored opponents, it was the only offensive weapon available after the loss of his sword.

When he was at a suitable distance, he leapt high into the air and threw the knife at the golem. Its trajectory was aimed at the glowing red visor of the golem’s faceplate, the only weak spot he could think of.

With amazing speed incomprehensible from its large size, the golem moved its arm to block the knife.

Colliding with the golem’s arm caused the knife to shatter completely and the golem extended the same arm to intercept Kris in mid-air.

However, the golem unknowingly reacted exactly as Kris had predicted, and a faint smile could be seen on his face as the stone fist raced towards him.

Right before the punch could connect, Kris grabbed onto the fist and used his own hand as a support before somersaulting and landing on the golem’s forearm.

He then proceeded to run down the length of the golem’s arm while drawing another knife from his thigh.

The golem realized swinging its arm would not stop the hero in time so it tried grabbing Kris with its other hand before he could reach its head. Kris foresaw that movement and jumped onto the opposite arm.

With its movements limited, Kris aimed at its single red eye and released the knife.

I’ve got you!

Kris showed a satisfactory smile as he assured himself of his impending victory.

However, it was immediately replaced with an expression of disbelief.

Without its arms, Kris believed it had no way to defend against a close-quarter attack, but he was wrong.

Just before impact, the golem moved its head in a flash and the knife collided with the top of its stone helmet. Once again, the knife broke apart and the pieces scattered across the tomb’s floor.

After his attempt failed, Kris landed on the floor and immediately withdrew to his starting point.

This guy...is smarter than it looks...

This was his only thought before falling to one knee while grasping his left side in pain.

*cough**cough**cough*

It seemed his latest movements had greatly agitated his internal wounds and he broke into a coughing fit. When he removed his hand from his mouth, it was stained with blood.

The healing potion he took earlier had already mended some of his broken bones, but it could not completely dull the pain.

“Damn*cough*...still pretty painful huh*cough*...this is going to be a rough fight…” (Kris)

Kris gritted his teeth, enduring the urge to pass out. He couldn’t take a rest with a dangerous enemy right in front of him. There was no way of knowing if the golem would attack him while he was unconscious.

When Kris looked back at his opponent, it had already moved into its original position.

However, the red eye focused solely on Kris convinced him that it would not let him repeat that previous maneuver.

If Kris had any chance of winning, it depended on his ability to catch the golem off guard in order to utilize his high-powered magic attack.

However, the problem he faced did not lie solely with creating an opportunity to use his attack. It also relied on his fast reflexes due to the nature of his attack's power source.

Once all of his mana collects in his hand, it becomes extremely unstable and if not released within a short while, it could detonate in his hand.

Coupled with the severe after-effects on his body, this attack was a true double-edged sword.

In addition, Kris did not know for sure if the golem would stand quietly while he prepared the attack.

If the golem foresaw the damage his attack would cause if unleashed, it may attack him out of spite.

Even so, it's all I've got left...without the tracker, I don't know if the others are near my location so I can't rely on backup...hmph, they may even think I'm already dead...

Kris recalled the tracker not only displays one's location, but their condition as well. With his destroyed, the trackers used by his companions must be showing his status as deceased.

This day keeps on getting better and better...

Kris sneered at his current dilemma.

Unsure of how his opponent would react, Kris hesitantly stood up and started channeling mana to his right hand, but suddenly stopped.

Wait! I almost forgot!

Instantly cancelling the mana flowing to his hand, Kris rummaged through his pack. He stopped once he found a certain item.

It was a ball-shaped pouch roughly the size of his palm.

A smoke bomb.

Kris had neglected to use it up until now because it was not usually used for offense. Its primary use as a distraction caused Kris to forget to include it in his arsenal.

Though he did not know the composition of the materials inside, Kris knew from experience that upon impact, the components within mix together and form a large cloud of smoke instantly.

Since Kris did not have the use of both hands, this was extremely convenient to him. It did not require much effort to deploy and it gave him another means to prepare for his attack.

“Alright...one more time!” (Kris)

Kris began running with his body as close to the ground to reduce air resistance.

About midway to the golem, Kris lobbed the smoke bomb at the enemy.

The golem automatically extended its arm and caught the bomb in its massive fist. The moment the bomb collapsed on itself, smoke dispersed immediately and clouded the entire figure of the golem in white smoke.

Before the golem had even reacted to the bomb, Kris had already begun channeling his mana. Green light shined from his fist as he closed the gap to the golem.

Under the cover of the smoke cloud, Kris leapt into the air.

The smoke dissipated enough so that the golem could make out the shape of a Human’s fist glowing with green light approaching its single red eye, but it was too late to dodge it.

“TAKE THIISSSS!” (Kris)

Kris’s shout was drowned out by the immense shockwave that resounded when his fist impacted with the golem’s visor. Green light blinded Kris as all of his stored mana transmitted itself directly into the unprotected eye.

Kris landed on the floor and retreated a few steps before analyzing the effects of his attack.

The golem stood motionless with a large amount of smoke centered around the place where its eye should be.

However, after only a few seconds, the golem tilted backwards and fell to the floor with a loud crash that shook the entire room.

“Hah...hah...finally…killed it…” (Kris)

Despite panting heavily, Kris still managed to show off a fearless smile.

"How foolish." (-)

“Wha!?” (Kris)

Startled, Kris turned to the direction of the unidentified voice. His eyes rested on the blood red sword mounted on the large sarcophagus.

Only now did Kris realize he had landed within arm’s length of the stone casket after escaping the falling stone giant.

At first glance, the sword appeared to be exactly the same as when he had originally discovered it, but on closer inspection, the symbols etched into the blade were glowing red.

"You mortals are always so quick to believe you have defeated your foe. It is rather pathetic." (Sword)

The symbols flickered for every word that was spoken.

Astonished, Kris found himself unable to retort to the sword's criticism.

Though the fact that a sword could speak was a shock by itself, Kris felt he had heard that same voice talk to him before.

Finally realizing why the voice sounded so familiar, his whole body froze.

He heard that same voice whispering in his head, tempting him to take the sword.

This same voice had also reverberated throughout the labyrinth, giving a final warning to Kris and his party right before the ceiling above them cracked and collapsed on them.

There was no longer any doubt to where the mysterious voice originated from.

After gaining his composure, Kris somehow calmed down enough to converse with the strange weapon.

"Um...just what are you...? Are you...the Abyss King?" (Kris)

With the last question, Kris did not hide his hostility and glared at the potential enemy.

However, the sword continued as if it neither heard nor cared about Kris's change in tone.

"Nonsense. I am merely a servant of Abyss King-sama. I am called Stryfe." (Stryfe)

“‘sama’?” (Kris)

Kris parroted the word he had no recollection of.

"Ah, I had forgotten. This way of speaking does not exist in this world. Well, it does not matter. You do not need to concern yourself with something so trivial...you have more important problems to worry about." (Stryfe)

“What do you mean?” (Kris)

As soon as Kris asked the sword called Stryfe, what seemed like the sound of gears grinding could be heard from behind.

Kris slowly turned his head to where the golem had collapsed.

The upper body of the golem had lifted off the floor and was now in a sitting position.

No longer covered in smoke, the single red eye glared at Kris with murderous intent.

All around its body, engraved symbols similar to those on the sword glowed with crimson light that brightened the dark room.

Bending its knees so that the soles of its feet touched the ground, it then rose off the floor using only the strength of its legs until it was standing yet again.

“...Impossible...” (Kris)

With his mouth agape, Kris stared at the resurrected golem, his face distorted in fear and disbelief.

"Did you think it would be that easy to destroy one of my lord’s prized possessions? As I said before, very foolish indeed." (Stryfe)

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The sword continued to ridicule the dumbfounded Kris who could not take his eyes off of the seemingly undamaged golem.

Contrary to his astonished face, his mind fell into chaos as he tried to comprehend the scene he was witnessing.

What do I do...what do I do...what do I do...

Kris no longer had the strength to fight anymore.

He had to lean against the sarcophagus just to keep himself upright. His right hand wouldn’t stop shaking, making it impossible to throw his remaining knives accurately. The entirety of his left side felt like it was on fire.

As the disparity of the situation overwhelmed his head, a single thought surfaced that surprisingly put his troubled mind at ease.

I wonder...if this is how Yuki felt when she....well, I guess I’ll be seeing her soon enough.

Realizing his situation was hopeless, Kris steeled himself in preparation for his imminent demise.

Just then-

"Would you like some assistance Hero-san?" (Stryfe)

An unlikely question reached Kris’s ears.

“...huh?”

Shocked once more, Kris could only return a feeble reply.

"Did you not hear me? I am offering to assist you in order to defeat that golem." (Stryfe)

Since the talking sword repeated its question, Kris confirmed he had not misheard it.

However, this served to bring him back to his senses, and he replied with a voice full of caution.

“...Why would you want to help me? Aren’t we enemies?...Or is there some other motive?” (Kris)

"Well, I have no reason to confess my intentions to you. I merely observed you are in dire need of a means to defeat that guardian...and I am the answer you are looking for, Hero-san." (Stryfe)

“...How can I believe you with such a vague response?” (Kris)

"If you would like proof, I can tell you one detail: the golem cannot be destroyed by any weapon other than myself." (Stryfe)

“Why is that?” (Kris)

"You have already observed the red symbols on its body, correct? Did you not notice there are similar markings on myself? The runes on its body act as a barrier that will completely deflect any and all kinds of attacks. That is why neither your mithril-iron sword nor your special attack could inflict damage upon it." (Stryfe)

Kris was taken aback by the sword’s revelation. However, it was the only explanation for the unimaginable toughness of the golem’s armor.

But still, this doesn’t seem like an act of goodwill...

Kris couldn’t simply take the sword because it had given him valuable information. This could be another trap meant to draw in an injured and exhausted hero by offering them a way to claim victory.

As such, Kris hesitated in grasping the blood-red sword.

Seeing Kris’s indecision, Stryfe let out a sigh before speaking.

"It does not matter to me whether you believe me or not, but it is the truth that I am the only weapon that can destroy the golem. If you waste any more time, you will most assuredly die a pitiful death." (Stryfe)

“...Do I have any guarantee this isn’t a trick?” (Kris)

"No." (Stryfe)

“Then-” (Kris)

"However…" (Stryfe)

As Kris was about to refuse, Stryfe interrupted him before continuing.

"In the event that you do not use me, and perish as a result, I will simply persuade one of your allies to wield me." (Stryfe)

“!!?” (Kris)

"I have no doubt at least one of your companions is strong enough to reach this tomb. Once they fight the golem and realize the futility of battling it without me, they will have no choice but to ask for my aid." (Stryfe)

“My friends would never fall for your tricks!” (Kris)

"Really? Can Hero-san guarantee with absolute confidence your companions will not be blinded by hatred once they discover the golem killed you, and then disregard any hesitation is using me so that they can have vengeance?" (Stryfe)

“.....” (Kris)

Kris gnashed his teeth as he could not find any room to argue with Stryfe’s words.

Damn it, I can’t say with certainty that my friends won’t become enraged. Particularly Eliza, she may take the sword without thinking and release something terrible...or worse. I can’t let that happen!

As if reading his thoughts, Stryfe provoked Kris even further.

"If you want to save your friends from any future harm, simply take me and strike down the golem." (Stryfe)

“.....” (Kris)

"What will it be? Will Hero-san chose to fight? Or will you let your friends fight for you?" (Stryfe)

“...I...I…” (Kris)

"Choose quickly. The golem has already begun to move." (Stryfe)

Right as those words were spoken, the golem began walking towards Kris, its footsteps shaking the ground as it approached.

Kris alternated his gaze between the the sword and the golem. Then, he clenched his teeth before exclaiming-

“DON’T FUCK WITH ME!!!” (Kris)

Grabbing the crimson sword violently, Kris brandished it towards the advancing golem. Seeing that display, the golem stopped in its tracks.

Oh wow...

Suddenly, a strange vigor flowed throughout himself. Strength that had been lost immediately returned to his body and his previously drained mana was replenished instantly.

No...not just my strength...my body...doesn't hurt...

Before he realized it, his left hand had unconsciously clasped onto the sword's hilt below his right hand.

Kris removed his hand from the sword and flexed it back and forth. Not a single bone or muscle gave any indication of being horribly mangled less than an hour ago. It had been completely restored to its original condition.

Similarly, he patted the left side of his torso and became astonished at how his injuries had been completely healed.

While Kris stared intently at his healthy arm, he became vaguely aware of a slight red aura being emitted from his whole arm.

After a quick examination, he found his entire body covered with the same red aura. The area that had the thickest aura was the hand that currently held the intelligent sword.

Somehow, Kris was able to understand that this aura represented mana overflowing from his body. This kind of phenomenon only occures when a person's mana capacity exceeds the level of being contained within the body and releases itself in a visible form.

This is...more mana than I have ever had in my entire life…

Kris was awestruck by the amount of mana he now possessed. However, he glanced back at the golem in a panic, but his worries were unneeded.

The golem had not taken advantage of its distracted enemy, which greatly confused Kris considering he was currently standing beside the resting place of its master.

On the contrary, it seemed to be on the defensive since it had taken a stance that allowed it to prepare for any attack.

With disbelief visible on his face, Kris glanced down at the sword he wielded.

"...Does it fear this sword that much?" (Kris)

"That is understandable. I am the only weapon capable of destroying it." (Stryfe)

Stryfe answered Kris's question swiftly.

Upon hearing the sword's reply, Kris showed an uncharacteristically sadistic smile.

He was not aware his eyes had changed to a crimson color identical to the aura enveloping himself. His hair had also turned snow white.

"That's good to hear. I was hoping to repay it for all of the pain it had done to me." (Kris)

"That is correct. With me, you do not have to cower before its might. Now, it is a mere toy in the face of the power you possess." (Stryfe)

"Yeah...it deserves to be destroyed." (Kris)

"Yes! Yes! Destroy it! Use me as your instrument for vengeance! Do not leave a single trace of its existence in this world!" (Stryfe)

"YES!!!" (Kris)

Kris took a few steps toward the golem, a savage grin spreading over his face. The golem retreated a few steps and raised its arms in front to protect its head.

"That's not going to work!!!" (Kris)

Kris quickened his pace before leaping into the air. A red afterglow was all that remained of his image that moved faster than the naked eye could follow.

Grasping the glowing crimson sword with both hands over his head, plummeted towards the golem as it extended its hands to meet Kris's attack.

Right before impact, the sword shined brilliantly with immense magical power. For Kris, time appeared to stop and he could perceive just how powerful his attack would be.

After what seemed like an eternity, the two opponents clashed.

Mana scattered in all directions as the two imposing forces collided, continuously pressing each other for the slightest weakness, until -

*SHATTER*

- the magical barrier surrounding the golem shattered completely.

Now unopposed, the crimson sword cleaved through both of the golem's arms, leaving the head defenseless. In the same manner, Kris sliced through the head, destroying the eye, and continued down the center of the golem until passing through the groin area.

The severed arms crashed onto the ground and with its body completely bisected, the two halves of the once proud guardian followed soon after. The entire tomb shook from the aftershock before returning to silence.