Chapter 260: Blessing (3)

Calamity Beast, Manticore.

A man-eating magical beast, considered one of the most dangerous among all S-rank creatures.

Unlike others that remain confined to dungeons, this one attacks humans without hesitation.

With its grotesque lion-like appearance and human face, one glance is enough to instill fear.

A colossal carnivorous beast embodying humanity’s primal horrors since the dawn of civilization.

Its ferocity and bloodlust terrify even other magical beasts.

It is the embodiment of terror, a beast of the evil god.

Ah, who could stop its hooves?

Only a beast’s heart with unwavering resolve that does not yield to adversity.

Only a strong mind capable of erasing the abyssal fear could put an end to it.

.
.
.

That’s the general image that comes to mind about the manticore. I remember it in such detail because it made a pretty intense first impression. Also, after hunting down the Lich King Draug and the Serpent Basilisk, I started doing my own research.

“Well, I guess it doesn’t matter now.”

I never imagined it would come to me on its own. Finally, a ray of sunshine in my life of pure misfortune.

Ah, this feeling.

‘Yes.’

It’s like when you activate auto-farm and suddenly get a rare drop. In gamer slang, this is what we call a “system gift.”

Interpretations may vary, but from a player’s perspective, it’s always a good thing. In gaming communities, situations like these are described as “the game blessed me.”

I wasn’t exactly a hardcore gamer, so I didn’t experience it often, but that unique euphoria—

‘It’s addictive.’

It always feels like the first time.

“My hands are itching already.”

Lying in bed, I rolled from side to side while admiring my newly reforged Murasame.

The blade’s reflection revealed the dumb grin of its owner—just as wide as the blade itself.

“An A+ grade weapon.”

The reason I was mumbling like a lunatic in my room was simple.

My beloved Murasame, which began as an E-rank knife, had finally climbed to the coveted A+ rank.

Since inheriting the Seven Stars title, I could easily get good quality weapons anytime.

Not just B-grade—A-grade too. Even an S-grade if I wanted.

And yet, I stuck with Murasame. Some might say it’s foolish to take the long road when there’s a shortcut right in front of me. I won’t argue. I’m stubborn and inflexible—I admit it.

But I clung to Murasame for its symbolic value. It’s been my partner since the days I couldn’t even afford a bottle of water.

From those early battles against C-class buffalo monsters—it was always by my side.

My story is etched into this blade barely 30 cm long. We’ve grown together, step by step. That’s why I see it as my other half.

Even if the beginning is humble, the end will be glorious. That phrase—“the late fruit is the sweetest”—was written for the two of us.

And not just Murasame, Eternal Frost has also played its role perfectly.

“My boys.”

That’s how deep the bond between a swordsman and his weapons runs.

They’re tools that have stayed with me on the line between life and death.

And besides that affection, there’s another reason I can’t let her go.

“Status window.”

—Flash.

== ==

【Murasame】

Type: Sashimi

Description: A sword once bathed in dew. (……)

Specs: Blade length – 38 cm, Width – 6 cm

Features: Destructive power (B+ ▶ A+), Range – E (……)

Grade: A+

Special abilities:

1. Power of the Underworld King

2. Petrification Power

3. Power of the Cursed Horn

The beast feared as the embodiment of terror.

It emits a sinister roar that chills the blood.

◈ Effects and Conditions:

: Incapacitates enemies below a certain level with “fear.”

: Power activates only against beings with mana; no target limit.

: Activates when the blade is stabbed into the ground.

: With repeated use, enemies may develop resistance to the effect.

[※ Upon fulfilling certain conditions, the special title 《Catastrophe》 has been obtained.]

== ==

“It’s basically like Conqueror’s Haki, huh?”

Among the three special abilities, this one is by far the most versatile. Just thinking about it made me chuckle.

“What a cocky thing to say… claiming I’ve got three special abilities.”

As I mentioned before, weapons with special abilities are highly valuable regardless of their rank. It was a deliberate decision by the game developers—to prevent players from obsessing only over rarity tiers.

And that decision hit the mark. Special abilities caused a massive craze.

Any weapon with even one of these abilities would sell for a fortune. With two, they were valued at S-rank level. And with three? Most players wouldn’t believe such weapons even existed. Even I, holding it in my hands, sometimes can’t believe it.

To put it into perspective even with just one special ability, if all stats are reinforced with S-rank magic crystals, that weapon would already surpass most legends.

“A myth-tier weapon!”

While we’re at it, let’s take a look at these abilities.

The “Power of the Underworld King,” which revives the dead.

The “Petrification Power,” which turns enemies to stone.

And the “Power of the Cursed Horn,” which emits a fear effect similar to that of high‑rank beasts.

Each one of them alone is already astonishing.

Combined, they’ve created an unstoppable monstrosity—something so colossal it feels like a broken cheat. The only thing that even comes close is Leon’s sword the full version of Balmung.

“It went from an E‑rank weapon to one that can rival Balmung.”

Leon obtained Balmung by being the world’s chosen hero, but I—and my Murasame—climbed up from the very bottom.

This little blade represents my physical and spiritual growth since I arrived in this world. A steel monument guiding my path. It was thanks to those moments of progress that I could leave behind the attachments of my former life.

That’s why.

This moves me so deeply.

If I were on Earth, I’d have taken screenshots and boasted about it all over the forums by now.

But since I’m not, I simply rolled around on my bed hugging Murasame.

After so many misfortunes, I hadn’t smiled like that in ages. I felt happier than even when I inherited the title of Heavenly Sword.

I truly am Korean to the core. The desire for good gear runs stronger in my veins than any hunger for glory. What could be more authentic than that? My sword may be just a sashimi knife, but my bones are forged of onion, garlic, and pepper.

“Well, that sounded a bit odd.”

Anyway—after defeating Fermush, I obtained the sixth fragment, my blessings evolved, I reforged my weapon, and I received a million‑gold reward.

It was effort well spent. I didn’t do it for gain, but I won’t complain about how much I got. For a moment, it even made me forget the darkness hanging over humanity.

“Now then…”

I set Murasame beside my pillow and sat on the edge of the bed. I closed my eyes. Volundr’s final words kept echoing in my head.

—Don’t try to analyze people’s feelings with logic.

He had said it with that stern look, clutching a dented rice‑wine jug. Maybe he lacked moral authority to lecture me—but it still hit home.

I kept repeating it in my mind don’t reason, recognize the heart.

I understood what he meant. My head got it. But in my chest, everything remained still, as if nothing affected me at all.

Why did Ryozo and Abel fight over me? I can guess reasons but I can’t actually feel them. That’s why people call me insensitive.

‘What exactly do they feel for me?’

I ran a hand over my chest. Beneath the hard muscle, there was a hollow. And the closer I got to the source of the “Blessing of the Sword God,” the larger that hole became.

The price of power is losing one’s humanity. Though my “human rank” has risen, only traces of emotion remain. The essential keeps disappearing.

Because of that, I don’t hesitate to cut down my enemies. But I’m also on the brink of ceasing to be human. Volundr’s talk helped me realize how dire my situation is.

‘What am I becoming?’

If I continue like this, how far will I drift from Ryozo, from Abel, from everyone? Will I still be able to call myself human when that time comes?

And worst of all, even now I watch myself as though I were a spectator.

After a long moment, I opened my eyes and shivered. I sensed someone at the window.

“Who is it?”

The window was ajar by barely a hand’s width. A figure in black had landed lightly on the sill, like a cat.

“It’s me, Heavenly Sword.”

“……”

I shot a sidelong glance at the window. The hooded figure began pulling down the mask covering their face.

“Why are you climbing in through there? The door’s wide open.”

I sighed and murmured.

“Knox.”

Chloe’s brother, Knox Auditore, scratched his head as he finished removing the balaclava.

“Would you prefer I knock and come in through the door again?”

I sighed again, then let out a small laugh. He was just like me.

“It’s cold. Close the window and come inside.”

“Yes, sir.”

Anyway, it’s comforting to know I’m not the only one with wounds on my soul.

***

Knox braced himself by bending his right knee and resting his left fist on it. From that posture, he spoke quietly.

“Reporting to the Heavenly Sword.”

Ever since I rose to Seven Stars, Knox has treated me with absolute respect. Though I’ve told him a thousand times that it’s unnecessary, he remains steadfast. In the end, I gave up arguing.

“We have obtained information that one of Lieutenant‑Generals under the Second Body Commander, Kuarne, is sending agents to secretly encourage the formation of new villains.”

“But Auditore already eradicated the Union completely. Are there still remnants?”

“The Union was dismantled without leaving a single member.”

Knox shook his head without looking up.

“It seems Kuarne’s goal isn’t to rebuild an organization like the Union.”

“So he’s forming a temporary force for a specific purpose.”

“Yes. Though the exact objective is still unclear, we have managed to identify when and where they will act. The date is in two days, during the Seven Heroes festival. The likely location the ballroom.”

My expression tightened.

“Are you certain?”

“We are Auditore.”

Knox raised his head. A gleam of blood shone in his eyes.

“We would never dare present false intelligence to you, Heavenly Sword.”

Gradually I relaxed. Then I smiled faintly.

“Sorry. It’s just that the idea of them infiltrating Academy Joaquin again bothers me. It wasn’t distrust of Auditore—don’t take it to heart.”

“Even if the Heavenly Sword doubts us, erasing that doubt would be part of our duty.”

Knox lowered his gaze again. The light in his eyes dimmed to a soft glow.

“Besides, shadows have no hearts. Rest assured.”

“Shadows have no heart.” For someone who’s been reflecting on that very thought, it was a poignant line.

“We will handle it so that it causes you no trouble, Heavenly Sword.”

I remained silent, then Knox spoke calmly.

“Hmm.”

I muttered softly while casting my gaze toward the headboard.

‘Even if we catch one, the others will scatter. Better to let them gather so we can trap them all at once.’

As I watched my peaceful Murasame resting there, I thought.

‘Power of the Horn of Terror, The power reacts to any mana‑bearing creature, with no limit on targets.’

Moments later I turned back to Knox.

“No. Let them act for now. Even if they’re intruders, expelling a guest isn’t polite.”

Then I lifted one corner of my mouth in a grin.

“I want to see their faces. Let’s see how big their guts really are.”