Episode 80. The Future of the Black Tower (4)
“Kuje and I will be in the warehouse.”
“Troublesome things… . Do them moderately and choose quickly.”
After visiting Yorick’s mansion, Rubin went back down to the base warehouse. Killian had told him to pick out the weapon he liked today, but he didn’t know that.
“Your Majesty, please take a look at this.”
Kuze found a dagger with a reddish tint. It was shaped like a spear blade, and had a hole near the handle that was big enough to fit a finger. It was a weapon commonly called a ‘kunai’.
“It would be perfect for Tina.”
“Isn’t it a little small? I was thinking it might be good to use as a dagger.”
As Kuze had feared, the length of the blade was only about the palm of his hand. It was on the smaller side even for a kunai.
However, the value that Rubin recognized was different. The red glow meant that it was made of ‘red ore’. ‘Red ore’, which was only mined in the northern part of the continent, was considered the highest grade weapon material.
“Small peppers are spicy. Keep them.”
A moment later, Rubin placed another dagger on Kuze’s hand. It was also as small as the palm of his hand.
“Is this also Tina’s?”
“Yeah, if you give me just one, I’ll be upset.”
“It’s a karambit.”
A dagger that curves inward like an eagle’s talon. It is short and has a low center of gravity, so it is a weapon that can produce several times more power with less force, whether held in the opposite or the right grip.
Besides, there was a definite reason why Tina would like it more than anything else.
“Oh, it’s a piece of jewellery. I’m sure Tina would drool over it.”
“Yeah. Because she’s a blood descendant. Well, I don’t think Tina will ever use it herself.”
Although it wasn’t made of as good a material as a kunai, the blade was engraved with a blue gem. It sparkled so much that it was more like an accessory than a weapon, but Tina would naturally prefer this.
About an hour later.
This time, Kuze found a weapon that suited him. It was a curved sword made of the same red ore. Unlike regular curved swords, it was smelted into a double-edged shape.
“Parpan?”
The name ‘Parpan’ was engraved on the blade of the sword. It was probably the blacksmith’s seal or the name of the sword’s previous owner. Kuze decided to continue using the name ‘Parpan’.
Rubin was also satisfied as he watched Kuze swinging his Parfan with a satisfied expression on his face.
Whether it was Kuze or Tina, there was no weapon that could be used right away. They were not famous Noble Phantasms, but they were perfect for temporary use until I could get a proper weapon.
Now it’s Rubin’s turn. He goes deeper into the warehouse.
‘I did find out where Glayton’s bracelet was, though.’
He had not yet obtained it. There was no guarantee that he would ever obtain it. Depending on the situation, he might have to take it or fight for it. Rubin also needed a weapon that could be used immediately.
‘Is this the end?’
Thud thud.
The sound of footsteps echoes back along the wall. Before I knew it, I had reached the deepest part of the warehouse. In the corner of the warehouse, a fairly large box caught my eye.
I pulled out the box. It wouldn’t open completely because of the half-broken magic lock. I had no choice but to put my hand in and grasp the daggers one by one.
“… … !”
Oh. Rubin flinched without realizing it.
It was cold. An extreme cold that could be mistaken for heat instantly enveloped my entire body. As I was waving my hands to find the source of the cold, I found another box.
‘A box within a box?’
I was barely able to get it out from under the pile of daggers that were hiding it. When I opened the box, another box came out. And again, the cold air gushed out.
‘no way…….’
“Your Majesty, are you okay?”
Kuze was approaching with a worried expression on his face. I was so absorbed in the cold that I didn’t even realize who was approaching me.
“This little brat finally found it?”
Killian was there too. I could tell what he was thinking behind that strange smile.
“I was supposed to go to Siren.”
That must have been it.
Rubin also remembered it clearly. The dagger that was in his mother’s hand before his return. It was a legendary Noble Phantasm, one of his mother’s two famous swords.
Sword name, ‘Blood Frost.’
This dagger, which freezes everything it touches, was not even fully tamed by the Siren before her return, who had surpassed the 7-star level.
“I want to try writing it properly at least once.”
It was only once, but I clearly remembered the Siren’s grumbling from the past. There must be a stronger power hidden there.
‘If I had known that power… maybe I could have changed the outcome.’
On the day of the decisive battle, Rubin tightly closed his eyes as the scene from that day came to mind.
In an instant, the blood-red frost’s chill spread again. With a much more gentle momentum than before. Killian noticed this and began to whine.
“Does he like you too?”
“… … ”
Can I have it? Rubin pondered.
It’s not a matter of permission from the head of the household. Even if this goes back to the mother, the future won’t change. It’ll just repeat itself.
But I felt like I could definitely figure out a way. No, I had to figure it out. That was why I returned.
“I’ll do this.”
“I expected it, kid. There’s nothing you can’t take from this warehouse anyway. It’s a privilege of the Roinen bloodline. However… … .”
Killian sat down on the floor, a distance away from Rubin. He placed a vial of Oakum right in front of him, and his sword was drawn next to it. He spoke meaningfully.
“It’s not something you can just have if you want it.”
“… … ?”
“I have to pass the test.”
“What does that mean?”
Killian snickered as Kuze intervened, not understanding.
“Are your ears blocked? There are things in this world that you want but cannot have. It’s independent of your will.”
“So now, you’re saying you’re going to test Master Rubin? To see if he can take that weapon?”
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The test in the Assassination Sword School meant proving one’s skills. And in the current situation, that meant a ‘duel’.
“… Please step back, Young Master.”
Before he knew it, Kuze was holding the ‘Parpan’. Even though he was a legendary vassal, he had to use the weapon he had just obtained. It was because he thought he had to protect Rubin.
but.
“Idiot.”
Killian shook his head and tsk tsk.
“It’s not me, it’s the sword that’s going to test Rubin, you idiot.”
The sword is being tested? To find its master? Kuze’s momentum has subsided a little.
“…Does that mean there is magic inside the weapon?”
“If that were the case, it would be easier. There is a way to destroy magic. But that’s not it. What should I say? A kind of… pure love of a fool trying to test the person he will spend the rest of his life with?”
“What are you talking about?”
“I’m talking about the soul that resides in the weapon, Kuze.”
When Rubin interjected and explained, Killian’s eyes widened, as if asking how he knew that.
“… You’re quite smart, kid. You’re much better than that idiot. Who would call you the son of a siren?”
The soul-infused weapons, the ‘Soul Weapons’, are not numerous across the continent. They are that rare and powerful. They are much more powerful than the commonly referred to ‘Noble Phantasms’. This is why they are also called ‘God’s Weapons’ or ‘Ancient Dragon’s Weapons’.
However, as it had great power, it also had great risk. It was not something that just anyone could handle. Rubin didn’t know the details, but he thought that the ‘test’ that Killian had mentioned might have originated from the ‘soul’ that was contained within it.
By the way, I never imagined that my mother’s blood-red frost was a soul weapon.
“So, what are you going to do? Think carefully, kid. That’s not a toy.”
Killian warned, his face deadly serious.
“It’s not like the old stories you see in books. Even if you’re a Roinen, you’ll be thrown out in no time… .”
“I’m doing it.”
“… What are you doing? Right now?”
To be exact, the test had already begun the moment I put my hand into this dagger box. The coldness I felt at first was proof of that.
“Your Majesty! Take that hand away right now!”
“It’s okay, Kuze. Stay right there.”
Unlike the restless Kuze, Killian looked interested. How can he be so calm in a situation where he could die at any moment? Even though he’s a little kid?
I acknowledge Rubin’s boldness, but whether it is arrogance or recklessness, it will be the dagger, not Killian, that will decide.
‘Is it already frozen?’
Rubin’s face quickly turned pale. Killian frowned. He held on tightly to Kuze, who seemed ready to rush in at any moment. Once the test has begun, no one can stop it.
“If you need some Oakum, just tell me, kid. I’ll warm you up. And if you really can’t stand it anymore, just tell me. I’ll break your arm.”
“What? What are you talking about!”
“Shut up, idiot. That’s how you survive.”
Killian thought back to all the fools who had tried to become the master of Blood Frost. Whether they knew it or not, whether they were newbies or veterans, their fate was the same: frozen solid, then broken into pieces of frozen meat.
But if you can finally pass the test of the sword… … .
Well, no one knows. Just like the book of old tales says, maybe he will gain the power of the Elder Dragon. In any case, that one guess alone was worth risking his life or arm for.
“If by any chance I happen to break your arm, don’t blame me. Just think of it as a blessing in disguise, losing an arm is all it takes.”
Killian added as if making excuses. He pretended to be indifferent on the outside, but he had no choice but to admit that he had been complacent. It was obvious that he had been wrong in managing the valuables that should have gone to the head of the household with the other weapons.
Although she wasn’t the kind of siren who would blame herself for losing her son’s arm, she didn’t feel any less uneasy about it either. If he was the son of a siren, he was worth protecting, no matter the reason.
A few minutes passed. Rubin’s face became increasingly pale. He was so pale that you’d think he was a corpse.
“Hey. Are you okay? Speak to me.”
Finally, Killian stepped forward. There was no response. Rubin just knelt on one knee and looked down at the box. Killian slowly approached and drew his sword.
“… … .”
Breaking an arm from a body that is completely frozen is never an easy task. It will require quick and precise swordsmanship.
Killian activated the ring that had been dormant inside him. The solid ring of the 6th level melted like snow, and soon the dark smoke began to circulate throughout his body.
“What are you doing?”
There’s no way Kuze wouldn’t feel it. Killian glared at him, raising one hand to stop him.
“Get out of here. Unless you want to be branded as the Roynenser who killed the master. Rubin, answer me. If you can hear me, nod your head.”
“… … .”
Still silent. Killian bit his lips as if he had made up his mind. And then he was about to take a step forward.
“It’s okay. Stay still.”
It was Rubin’s voice, full of strength. Then Rubin’s darkness erupted in a chaotic manner. His pale complexion remained, but he definitely felt alive.
“You little punk, are you really going to start now? You said you were going to start earlier, but you were just joking?”
He had seen countless fools who had taken the Bloody Frost Test. He knew full well that no one could come to life during a test.
Now that Rubin had his sword, Killian thought, the blood frost would start freezing Rubin from now on.
but.
“…after.”
Rubin’s stiff body began to relax. His pale complexion, like a corpse, quickly began to regain its vitality. The thick smoke was quickly driving away the ominous cold air.
and.
Killian’s delicate gaze detected the hot breath rising from deep within Rubin’s body.
“no way.”
“It’s over.”
“…It’s over?”
Killian’s face still looks dazed. It seems he is slow in understanding the situation. To ease his burden, Rubin quickly pulled his hand out of the box.
The ‘Blood Frost’, known as the Soul Weapon, the Weapon of Gods and Dragons, which had frozen countless fools, was held in his hand, emitting a cold light.
The cold air that was running wild has now calmed down. It must be Rubin who is ‘controlling’ it.
“You’ll tell your mother well, right?”
Killian couldn’t close his gaping mouth as he watched Rubin joking with an indifferent expression.
