Chapter 158
Chapter 158
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Translator: Ryuma
Chapter: 158
Chapter Title: Forest of Delusive Dreams (1)
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A moonless night had fallen. Instead of silvery refracted moonlight, only needle-sharp starlight pierced the night sky relentlessly. In the solemn darkness, a massive man with a grave expression held a sword engraved with red letters aloft in both hands.
His heart pounded like war drums. Midnight had finally arrived.
Kadim chanted resolutely.
Woooong—
Crimson mist rose. Dull red afterglow flooded the area. A sacred pressure, as if stepping into a heavenly battlefield, overwhelmed the surroundings.
A resonant echo of will spread clearly. Kadim answered without hesitation.
"Iron Blood Ghost."
[......]
"With the name 'Iron Blood Ghost', I shall reforge this sword anew."
Woooong—!
The scattered energy etched itself into the blade. The hilt trembled as if greedily devouring blood. Once the ritual ended, Kadim decided to test if the desired effect had been granted.
Swaek—Splash! Kwagagak—!
He swung toward a boulder, and the stone crumbled like soft dirt. Not a speck of damage marred the edge. Though the blade quivered in dissatisfaction at not having tasted blood...
It seemed the special effect he'd intended, 'Enhanced Durability', had taken hold perfectly.
The 'Blood Ghost' had powerful special effects, but its core was just an ordinary iron sword, making it fragile. 'Iron Blood Ghost' was the new name forged to remedy that. Now he could slash through tough demon hides without fear of breakage and drink their blood immediately.
'...This should easily qualify as Epic grade.'
As he satisfiedly sheathed the sword, his companions approached from where they'd withdrawn. Duncan, still wearing an expression lingering with awe, spoke up.
"Whoa, it's amazing even seeing it again... From what I could tell, it looked like you performed a ritual to bestow a special name on the weapon... Was I right, my lord?"
"......"
There was no need to hide it anymore. Kadim explained. This ability was The One Who Sharpens Names. It allowed him to inscribe new names onto weapons, granting them special powers. A privilege granted only to the great warrior who carried out Atala's will.
Realizing the truth, Duncan's face filled with even greater wonder. He'd forgotten the fatigue from the grueling march and was busy marveling at yet another miracle.
"Ah, so that's why the throwing axe we got before started spewing lightning and flying back—it was because you sharpened a name onto it!"
"......That's right."
"Huh, then wouldn't it have been better to name that black axe instead? I heard it's already an incredible weapon, and adding a new name would make it even stronger..."
Duncan was pointing at Judgment of Atala.
Kadim furrowed his brow slightly.
He'd considered it himself. In fact, back in his first playthrough, he'd already tried sharpening a new name onto Judgment of Atala.
It had failed. The blessing's energy scattered without inscribing the name on the axe head. Whether due to the black iron's hardness, the weapon already being saturated with special effects, or the name not pleasing the axe— the reason remained unclear.
'...Well, it wasn't that weird of a name.'
Of course, Judgment of Atala was already overwhelmingly powerful even without a new name.
He was only using its basic function of imbuing divine energy so far, but Kadim remembered several advanced techniques. Stages like explosively releasing divine energy, mixing it with other energies, and extreme compression and transformation...
New applications of divine energy, which he'd conveniently dubbed the "Forms."
Thanks to those and the buffs from demon blood, Kadim had become a core fighter in the hero party despite his innate limitations.
He had recreated just the "explosive release" stage similarly when reclaiming divine energy in the arena. But that alone wasn't enough. To face future powerful foes, he needed even more overwhelming "Forms."
So he had to prepare in advance. The knack for finely controlling divine energy's subtleties, a body to endure the doubled side effects, and a mind unshaken by berserk fury.
......His thoughts had wandered. Kadim gathered himself and answered Duncan's question: it wasn't possible.
Duncan nodded ambiguously. His doubts were cleared, but something still felt off. When Kadim probed if he had more to say, Duncan hurriedly spilled his mind.
"Th-then, my lord... Forgive me, but later, if possible... Could you name this sword for me too?"
Duncan hesitantly proffered an ornate scabbard.
The sword he'd taken from the mercenary captain before—its blade invisible, hiding its presence.
It paired well with Duncan's stealth skills, and he was using it effectively. It wasn't a request he couldn't grant. Strengthening the party's firepower was a good thing.
But there was one issue. In this world, moonless cycles were irregular.
They came quickly in spring sometimes, but generally lasted longer than in his old world. He couldn't predict exactly when he could use The One Who Sharpens Names again. Was it worth the opportunity cost of using it on his own weapon instead...?
Kadim stroked his chin. After pondering for a moment, he gave a low reply.
"Until the next moonless night, ambush me anytime. Succeed three times, and I'll grant your request."
"......"
"Without the Shadow Mantle, of course."
Duncan's jaw dropped in dismay.
He eventually mumbled agreement, but couldn't shake the hopelessness. How was he supposed to ambush someone who could spot a flea from afar three times? If you don't want to, just say so... He sighed inwardly.
Yet his eyes held some fighting spirit and confidence.
The days of forced marches had tempered Duncan's inner resolve. Developing such a mindset before great obstacles was a good sign. Like bones breaking to harden stronger, he'd have to shatter that confidence countless times ahead.
Kadim let out a faint smirk and said,
"The night is deep. Rest now. I'll take first watch."
Considering the journey ahead, they definitely needed to conserve stamina. Duncan readily wrapped himself in his blanket. Kadim faced the night sky, sharpening his senses. The scent of the dense forest faintly brushed his nose.
Their destination was near.
By the time the sun hit its zenith today, they'd enter the Great Forest.
*
Benson, a humble mercenary, was a young man starved for love.
Benson had simple dreams. Someday buy a few modest mansions, marry a few beautiful young ladies in the front yard with its humble golden fountain, and every day share simple love with new beauties.
Unfortunately, Benson was far from lucky with women. He had no memory of a beautiful woman ever giving him a warm smile. Except when paying top dollar at brothels.
The cause was obviously himself. Toad-like shabby looks, creepy personality, always broke from chasing skirts... He had nothing to boast as a man.
Even so, rare women showed interest first, but Benson wasn't pleased. A lifetime chasing beauties had raised his standards sky-high. Ah, if only that virgin from last time instead of this wretched wench... Muttering impossible complaints, he was aging into a bachelor when...
One day, he overheard eye-opening talk at a tavern.
'If you can't find a woman to your taste here, why not try seeking elves in the Great Forest?'
"......What?"
'You know, that race said to be stunningly beautiful and eternally youthful. Plenty of big-city tycoons are into elves. Catch one and sell to them for a fortune? And as a bonus, keep the prettiest for yourself...'
'Ugh, nonsense. Where in the world are there elves...'
'No, it's real. Wanderers who've been to the Great Forest say they're really there. All more ecstatic beauties than imagination! And... somehow thriving on grass scraps, their curves are just...'
From that day, Benson revised his dream. Simply catch and sell elves, then in his modest mansion, share simple love with new elves daily. He packed haphazardly and set off for the Great Forest.
What his tavern buddy hadn't mentioned: the road to the Great Forest was brutally perilous. No cities, no garrisons—demons and monsters swarmed everywhere. Without quick feet, Benson would've died dozens of times over.
Still, he didn't resent his friend. Unexpected hardships were part of the journey's thrill, right? All trials for this fated encounter—easy to accept.
He glanced sideways at the woman he'd luckily spotted.
What rare beauty. Jewel-yellow eyes, flowing dark brown hair, and a figure even loose tunic couldn't hide... Hard to find in big cities, no?
The Great Forest was close, but did he need to go? Benson had already revised his dream again. Marry this woman simply, have a few kids humbly.
So he stuck to her from the start, spouting nonsense.
"Ahem, uh, miss. May I ask something? Why's a flower-like beauty like you wandering this dangerous place alone?"
"Ah, heading to the Great Forest? What a coincidence! I'm going there too... It's like we met just to cross paths, right? Heh heh..."
"Well, since it's no ordinary fate... Shall I keep you company on the way, miss?"
"......"
The woman didn't even offer fragmented replies. Such snubs were routine. Benson persisted doggedly.
"What's taking you to the Great Forest? Hunting elves too? Then no need to go—just look in a mirror, heh heh..."
"Knock knock, anyone home? Can't hear me? Hey, miss? When a guy's this witty with compliments, smiling once is basic manners, no?"
"I, man Benson! My pride won't let me back down easy! I won't budge till you smile, so let's see how long you can blow cold wind!"
"......"
Benson flopped onto the road like a beggar. The woman, looking down in contempt, finally spoke.
"......I have companions. Don't bother me— just go."
Her tone was icy, but her voice clear as a blue sky. Benson sprang up, grinning his toadish mouth wide.
"Wow, voice as lovely as your face. But companions? Who with? Other elves gathering here, heh?"
"......My husband. Waiting for him, so quit yapping and leave."
"......"
Any normal person would've given up and gone on their way.
But Benson wasn't normal. Starved lust had half-melted his brain. Real husband or lie? He decided to check.
"Oh, you're married? Sorry! You look younger than most virgins, so I misunderstood big time."
"......"
"But your hubby too much! Leaving such a beauty alone? Man, if she were mine, I'd leap from bed dreaming to rush over..."
Afterward, the woman ignored him completely. No matter how hard Benson's tongue wagged, she just stared down the road.
His toad face twisted in anxiety. Really waiting for a husband? Here? Still dubious... While pondering how to make her talk, he spotted the black bag beside her.
Benson sneered and crept toward it.
"Ahem... Everyone dead? No reply? Guess I can take that bag then? Heh, let's see what's inside..."
"......You'd better not touch that."
Monotonous, yet sharp enough to sever his throat one step closer.
The woman snapped as she adjusted her sleeve. Benson flinched, trembling to a halt. He retreated casually, feigning nonchalance.
"Whoa, scared me? Still alive? Phew, I'm no thief—won't touch owner's stuff. But... What's in the bag making you so jumpy? Pretty lingerie to show hubby?"
"......"
"Heh heh, joke! Got it! So loosen that face? Wrinkles on such smooth skin..."
Against his hopes, she scowled harder. But as time passed, those creases softened into an enigmatic smile. Benson, thinking his sincerity worked, grew bold and kept babbling.
Of course, that was a massive delusion.
"He's finally here."
"......Huh?"
Suddenly, a colossal shadow engulfed from behind.
Benson froze solid. Indescribable pressure crushed his skull. The woman breezed past, snuggling to the shadow, her voice sweet as wildflowers.
"Say hi. This is my husband!"
"......"
Benson forced his stiff neck around. And faced it.
Ferocious armament, and even more ferocious muscles and tattoos blanketing the Atalain.
Sight alone choked his breath.
Is that even human? Barbarian-demon mongrel? Damn, what now? If she spills every sleazy word... Imagination alone made his legs shake, hairs stand.
Humble mercenary Benson revised his dream yet again. Even if limbs shattered, humbly preserve life. He bowed deeply, politely.
"Uh, uh, h-hello, sir..."
And the man suddenly dubbed her husband.
"Waited long, dear? Feels like ages. You been well?"
"......"
Kadim scowled, brow furrowing as if struck by sudden mischief, staring at Ilenia beaming innocently in his arm.