Chapter 101
Chapter 101
-----------------------------------------------------------------
Translator: penny
Chapter: 100
Chapter Title: Demon Sword Forte (2) - Quest
-----------------------------------------------------------------
The Crown Prince said,
"This clone's conditions are trickier than usual."
The first condition.
A minimum martial prowess of 6th rank or higher.
"This alone is no small feat. Without any special external factors, purely through combat specialization, the peak one can reach is the upper echelons of 5th rank. Ernst the Librarian wielded 6th-rank power, but that was only possible because he met several stringent conditions."
The existence of a workshop that could be modified and synchronized over a long period. A main body with civilian-level combat ability. The enemy charging straight into the workshop.
Only after fulfilling all those did Ernst manage to demonstrate 6th-rank power.
Had Ernst lacked sufficient time to modify the library, or had Eris not bought him time until they reached it, he would've been defeated without ever getting a chance to show that strength.
And such instability is a clear disqualification for a bodyguard.
The second condition.
Suitable appearance and identity for a bodyguard.
"Even if there's a clone that can freely wield 6th-rank power, whether it can stay constantly by the protectee's side is another matter entirely. Even posing as a student to stick close, external factors might force you apart."
Staying 'constantly' by someone's side is tough without their consent.
Just look at any novel—protectees ditching their guards out of frustration and getting into dire straits is commonplace. No reason the descendant of a hero would be any different.
Even if the protectee cooperates, 24/7 close protection without the Skypiercing Academy's cooperation is impossible. And sneaking in secretly makes getting their cooperation even less likely.
In short, the new clone must always stick by the protectee's side without seeming unnatural to outsiders in appearance or identity.
Thoroughly convoluted conditions.
A conundrum that makes you wonder if fulfilling them all is even possible.
Thus, the Crown Prince declared,
"—Just don't be human."
By forgoing active behavior and purely enhancing the protectee as a weapon, it could stably wield 6th-rank power.
Not being human means no issues with the academy's inspections, and as a weapon, staying by their side constantly looks perfectly normal.
In other words, become a sword, and everything's solved!
Listening to the Crown Prince's spirited speech from the side, Lucidra thought,
'What kind of dogshit—no, that's an insult to dogs.'
Wasn't this supposed to be about pondering what kind of clone to make?
How did discussing clones suddenly lead to 'no choice, sword it is!'?
It didn't make sense on multiple levels, but there was nothing to be done.
That was the Crown Prince for you.
The problem was,
"If, just if we make that contract, could I maybe coast through the academy?"
《……》
This protectee seemed no pushover either.
Grabbing the popcorn and drinks the Crown Prince had provided, Lucidra slipped into spectator mode from the shadows.
Let's talk common sense for a moment.
What would a rational person do if a talking sword appeared, proposing a contract, offering power, warning of danger without it?
They'd be suspicious, generally.
Fearful, or shocked enough to call for help.
The sword's very existence and words are suspicious as hell.
In that regard, Pina Valestia was anything but ordinary.
She wasn't immune to fear or doubt.
But,
'...Huh, is this a chance?'
Listening to a mysterious demon sword(?) is 'potentially risky.'
But bombing the Skypiercing Academy entrance exam is 'definitely disastrous.'
Especially since she knew exactly how her dad would react.
「Ah! To let my one and only daughter end up like this—I'm a failure as a father!」
「How can I discuss national affairs when I can't even raise one daughter properly! I've negotiated with His Majesty for a leave of absence, so from now on, I'll devote myself entirely to you, Pina!」
「Strict diet control! No sweets on the table! No midnight snacks! No sleeping in! Steady stamina training! Morning reveille followed by roadwork every day! Fear not, my daughter! I'll mold you into a proper warrior worthy of the Valestia name!」
'Kyahaaaaah!!'
Pina screamed internally.
Just imagining it made her limbs tremble and her stomach churn.
For an introverted homebody like Pina who loved rolling around in her room, one-on-one training with her hyper-extroverted, sweat-and-army-stink-emitting dad was hell on earth.
Misreading her paling face, the demon sword calmly opened its (nonexistent) mouth.
《I know what you're thinking... You must find me suspicious and terrifying. But girl... I speak no lies... So...》
"Um, excuse me, Demon Sword sir? I don't really care about that."
《...Hm?》
"If, just if we make that contract, could I maybe coast through the academy?"
《……》
The demon sword fell silent for a moment.
Meanwhile, Pina had crawled across the bed toward it.
Her shadowed eyes, faintly bloodshot, lips quivering—it evoked an addict jonesing for a fix, with a touch of exaggeration.
"I-I don't want much! Just a bit above average! Grades that won't get me praised but won't get me scolded either when I bring home the report card!"
If the sword had eyes, they'd surely be swimming in contemplation.
After a brief pause, it replied.
《Of course it's possible... Girl, contract with me, and 1st place would be no issue...》
"Ah, that's fine, but I'd prefer just a bit above middle."
Pina drew a firm line with surprising resolve.
Hoo, the sword felt intrigued.
《Why...? Does the top spot mean nothing unless earned through true skill...?》
Pina shook her head firmly.
And said,
"If I score too high, they might make me freshman rep and drag me onstage in the auditorium!"
Absolutely not, she insisted, crossing her index fingers into an X for emphasis.
《Hm...》
The sword had plenty to say, but no reason to refuse her willing contract.
Quietly shelving his prepared "28 Reasons to Contract with This Demon Sword Right Now," he spoke.
《Very well... I am the Demon Sword Forte... Contractor, I shall become your strength and protect you from all evils...》
"Pina Valestia! Nice to meet you! Oh, um, one question okay?"
《Ask away...》
"Why do you drag out the ends of your sentences like that? It's not annoying or anything, just bugs me a bit."
《...I'll watch it from now on.》
Demon Sword Forte.
Hero's descendant Pina.
Contract complete.
What image comes to mind for a place called the "Gateway to the Skies"?
A grand temple of white stone? The peak of an endless mountain? A lofty tower swirling with mystical mana?
Those imagining such grandeur will be disappointed—the Gate to the Skies is far plainer.
Just a vast plain. And at its center, a shabby wooden staff stuck in the ground.
Visitors without prior knowledge glance around uneasily, wondering if they've come to the right place. Only upon seeing others waiting do they stay, half-doubting.
Hundreds linger on the plain, but unless they arrived together, they rarely speak. Not mere shyness, but fundamental wariness.
It can't be helped.
Everyone here is a potential rival.
Some may become long-term comrades, but only after passing the entrance exam.
No overt hostility toward future acquaintances, but no friendliness now either.
In this awkward atmosphere, Pina Valestia quietly pouted.
'My stomach hurts...'
No outright yelling or curses.
But the sidelong glances and prickly vibes were burden enough.
Small comfort: she wasn't totally alone in this uncomfortable space.
Muttering softly so no one nearby heard,
"Demon Sword sir, Demon Sword sir."
《What? Something to say?》
A voice speaking directly in her mind.
Not the distant tone from their first meeting, but warmer—Pina giggled.
Suspicious as the sword was, it respected her words.
"Do you know much about the entrance exam, Demon Sword sir?"
Pina and Forte hadn't talked much yet.
They'd met just days before the exam, and public scrutiny limited their time.
《Not a complete novice.》
"Then do you know the exam contents? No one at home would tell me."
Her family rejected special admission offers.
No leaking exam details or prep cheats. Pina's knowledge was mostly rumors.
People die during exams, or of 100 admits, fewer than 50 graduate—stuff like that.
《I know to some extent. But no point telling you yet.》
"Why?"
《Details change based on the examiner.》
The moment Pina opened her mouth for specifics,
"Huh? Look over there!"
"Those rumors were true!"
"It's huge."
Murmurs rose. A shadow loomed overhead.
Pina blankly looked up. Something descending from the sky entered her view.
A massive island parting the clouds, slowly lowering.
"Whoa..."
Such immense scale disrupts distance and speed perception.
The island descended swiftly, but ground-dwellers barely registered it.
Quick thinkers fled the plain's edge fearing being crushed—unnecessarily.
The floating island halted at a distance, not touching down fully.
Relieved at dodging squid-paste fate, people wondered,
"But how do we get up there?"
"Jump? Ladder? Hook and climb?"
"Don't be ridiculous. It's already dozens of stories high."
As if responding, the central wooden staff twitched.
Like a creature rapidly growing, it swelled into a towering spire, gripping the island's underside firmly.
As if linking skies and earth.
The impromptu tower had an open entrance sans door. Some candidates strode toward it without hesitation—clearly pre-informed.
Latecomers hurried after, fearing to lag. Pina cautiously followed.
The instant she crossed the threshold into the tower,
Tower Climb
📍 Clear Condition: Reach the Floating Island
⏰ Time Limit: 3 days
🎁 Reward: Proof of Passing Skypiercing Academy 1st Entrance Exam
⚠️ Special Note: No preemptive strikes inside the tower. Violation returns you to the 1st floor
Suddenly, a semi-transparent, square glass-like panel floated before Pina's eyes.
Not just her—other candidates blinked in confusion or swiped at the air.
Then Forte's voice came.
《Looks like the quest popped up. Keep an eye on that transparent panel from now on. You'll see it plenty during academy life.》
5th rank equates to a domain.
6th rank to a nation.
And 7th rank, transcendent... covers part of the world.
The law left by the "Skypiercing Sage": "May rewards always match effort."
In a certain Crown Prince's style, the world of quests and rewards revealed its glimpse.