Chapter 152
Chapter 152
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Translator: Vine
Chapter: 152
Chapter Title: Preparations (2)
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Though heavy white snow was falling, no one thought of resting. The academy was the students’ home. The fact that the Demon King’s Army might attack this very place filled everyone with indignation.
If it were an expedition to a faraway land, the situation might be different, but this was their home ground, and they felt they had nothing to fear.
What a disgrace it would be to be pushed back on their own turf. If they failed to repel the Demon King’s Army, they wouldn’t be able to face anyone, including the alumni who had already graduated.
Not just the students, but the faculty as well, all united with one heart and did their best. Needless to say, my companions and I were doing even more, not less. Among them, Esterize’s efforts were particularly outstanding.
“Let’s spar again today.”
“…”
She gazed at me with unwavering eyes. It seemed she recognized me as her rival, but the reality was quite different. I was only managing to hold on because these were practice spars; if we were to fight for real, the outcome would be obvious.
After all, I was the classic type who was strong against the weak and weak against the strong. While I had secured my current skills through various buffs, my essence was that of a modern-day commoner.
In contrast, our princess was a natural-born talent with far more experience wielding a sword. A girl who spared no effort, embracing the mission of rebuilding her kingdom. It wasn't just about skill; there was likely an immense difference in our mental fortitude.
My ‘Contempt for the Weak’ wouldn’t even activate, so how could I possibly win? Just having my bread-and-butter skill sealed away would drastically reduce my combat power.
Well, it wasn't as if there were no way to surpass her. If I monopolized all the experience points by landing every last hit from now on, I could become stronger than anyone else, but I wasn't too keen on that method.
If I became that strong, I'd have to handle everything myself. How could I possibly bear that burden?
To defeat the final boss, balance was paramount. It was far easier for everyone to grow together rather than funneling everything into one person.
It was the plan I had been reviewing all along. The most ideal picture was to have Esterize and Aruru on the front lines while I gave orders from the rear.
Sacrificing (?) my favorite character was truly heartbreaking, but for the peace of this world, I had no choice but to endure it…
“Oh, right. While meditating this morning, I suddenly had an epiphany about the Holy Sword’s properties.”
“…You did?”
“Yes. Would it be all right if I experimented a little?”
“…”
It seemed she had not only reached a state of wielding the Holy Sword at will but had also unlocked its special skills. Indeed, she wasn't chosen as a Hero for nothing.
As I thought, I wasn't wrong. Soon, with her terrifying growth, she'll handle my share of the work too, right?
As if to thwart my delusion, Esterize moved at high speed. A relentless thrust, just like always. That was how the spar began.
I faced the might of the Holy Sword with my exclusive weapon—an unparalleled masterpiece imbued with the soul of the Dwarf Chieftain.
It couldn't possibly surpass the Holy Sword, but its basic performance wasn't far off. In some aspects, one might even say it was better, befitting a weapon made just for this body.
A clash of pushing and pulling. We lost track of time as we crossed swords. At first, I hesitated to use powerful techniques, but against Esterize, there was no need for that. I was already outmatched; what room did I have to hold back?
It would be foolish not to know my place. No, beyond that, my survival instincts were starting to kick in. The spar was becoming more and more like a real battle. A single mistake could lead to a serious injury.
Even if something went wrong, I could just get treated by Luciel, but I wanted to avoid that situation if possible. Aside from the pain, this body needed to project an image of perfection.
“Hmm, I think I’ve got the hang of it now.”
She smiled brightly, as if thanking me for my help. Seeing that made all the effort feel worthwhile. I was completely drained, but I feigned composure. I couldn't show a pathetic side in front of my favorite character, could I? I'd rather bite my tongue than collapse ungracefully.
“How was it this time?”
“As always, there’s nothing to criticize. I’m starting to feel the strain…”
The feedback we exchanged after a spar. I subtly revealed my true feelings. Can’t you go a little easier on me? It’s not like I’m about to die, but this is pretty overwhelming.
Was it because our bond was still lacking? Our princess, far from understanding my feelings, let out a strange scoff, as if to say, ‘Don't be ridiculous.’
“Hey, what are you talking about? I know everything. You’re holding back, aren’t you?”
“—??”
“I know your potential better than anyone. It doesn’t feel bad to be acknowledged by you, but you don’t have to go that far.”
Huh? I think your faith is seriously misplaced. If I were to make a huge mistake and end up trolling, would your trust in me come crashing down? If my true nature were revealed, would your faith turn to contempt, earning me icy glares? The mere thought is horrifying!
“Anyway… is that all for today?”
“Yes. I’ve sorted things out. I’m going to try practicing on my own for a while.”
I nodded without thinking. Once you reach S-rank, the efficiency of general training and sparring tends to drop.
One must find their own path through meditation or other methods. I couldn't be certain, but I suspected she was on the verge of an awakening.
As I sat on the floor rehydrating, Esterize quietly approached and took the spot next to me. Unlike usual, she seemed to have something on her mind. Sure enough, she moved her lips as if to whisper.
“You know, you seem intent on leaving the Holy Sword with me…”
“…”
“I don’t mind, but are you really okay with that?”
Two Heroes, but only one Holy Sword. Ultimately, the one who wielded the sword would receive the most attention. She seemed to feel sorry for taking that glory from me.
Of course, it was a needless worry. As long as the Demon King’s Army was dealt with, it didn't matter who used it. While I wasn't unqualified, she was undoubtedly a much better fit.
“Of course. As you know, I have my own weapon.”
The masterpiece of the Dwarf Chieftain. Although it was the sword that had pierced this body in the original story, I had mostly shaken off that lingering discomfort.
If its performance were lacking, that would be one thing, but as a weapon made for me, it was more than satisfactory when I used it myself.
“If we’re talking efficiency, that’s the right call.”
“Hmm…”
She seemed to reluctantly accept it. But a moment later, she looked at me directly, as if she had made up her mind about something.
“I’ve been thinking about it all this time… and I agree with you. I think I should be the one to wield the Holy Sword.”
Did she have her own reasons? Her attitude was quite firm. Ah! She's finally given up her overestimation of me and accepted reality…
“From now on, the Demon King’s Army will relentlessly target us Heroes. And they’ll focus their efforts on the one using the Holy Sword.”
“—??”
“I will take on their evil clutches.”
“—!!”
Just as she said, the Hero of the Holy Sword would draw all the aggro. It was no different from volunteering for a sacrifice.
I mentally shook my head. Whoa, wait a minute… this makes me look like the bad guy, doesn't it? I didn't calculate this far!
…But as I tried to claim it was unfair, I couldn't deny a pang of guilt. I quietly took in Esterize’s face. Far from being weak, she was the most talented prodigy in this world, but still, she was a young girl in her prime.
Regret washed over me belatedly. Though I was equipped with the modern values of gender equality, I couldn't shake the feeling that I was doing something terrible to a girl.
My conscience pricked at me, whether I acknowledged it or not. Moreover, she was my favorite character. Am I actually a pretty rotten person?
My mental state wavered slightly, but my thoughts remained the same. If I were to define myself in this world, I was merely an outsider who had suddenly possessed Jace's body…
I would do my best in my own way, but it seemed right for a guaranteed figure and resident of this world to be the one to defeat the Demon King.
“To be honest, there’s a bit of personal ambition involved too.”
“…Ambition?”
“The larger my role, the more influence I’ll have when it comes to rebuilding the kingdom. Considering that, I should accept this great opportunity… your consideration.”
Wow! Our princess has changed!
She's shaken off her pitiful act and is finally looking out for her own interests. I wanted to be happy about that, but… no matter how I looked at it, it just sounded like something she added on.
It was likely an attempt to ease my worries, thinking it might change my uncomfortable feelings. Objectively, everything she said was right, but I couldn't just let it pass.
“I’m not saying I’m entrusting it to you completely. Depending on the situation, I’ll have to use the Holy Sword. When that time comes…”
“Yes. I know that much.”
A strategic choice, or when she was unable to move, I would have to step up. Such cases would be rare, but in any case, a moment would come when I too would have to act like a Hero.
“You’re as reliable as ever. Thank you.”
She delivered her heartfelt words with a refreshing smile. I might not be the only person she could trust… but it seemed my existence was close to it.
Setting aside the pressure, it was gratifying enough to make my shoulders swell with pride. Just when I thought everything was settled, Esterize did something unexpected without a second thought.
“…”
Instead of leaving, she leaned her head against me. It wasn't a particularly grand gesture, but it created a scene that made me tense for various reasons.
Huh? She’s coming on this strong all of a sudden? You have to give me at least a little buildup so I can react! Just before my mind reflexively conjured a strange fantasy, I heard a plaintive voice.
“I’m… actually… scared.”
A faint tremor. For a moment, I couldn't believe my ears. There's no way she'd be afraid of anything. That's not your character at all, is it?
The charm of our princess was her bravery and confidence, which surpassed everyone else's. Didn't she overcome every adversity with an unshakeable conviction?
I calmly continued my train of thought. Unlike in the original story, things might be a bit different here, where it had all become reality… My very existence was a variable, so a slight deviation was rather natural.
I wasn't sure what it was, but I needed to listen to her story and comfort her. Perhaps that was my true role.
“…What exactly do you mean by ‘scared’?”
“Um, a sense of anxiety about whether I can properly fulfill my duty as a Hero?”
Her voice, which had been downcast, returned to normal, as if she were hiding her true feelings. This left me no choice but to press on.
“Anything else?”
“…”
“Just let it all out.”
After a long hesitation, she painstakingly opened her mouth.
“Not my own death, but the death of my comrades… That’s what I’m afraid of.”
Death. The word made the atmosphere incredibly heavy. War was no joke. In an all-out war with the Demon King's Army, about half would not return, and that included the Hero and their companions.
That's what she seemed to think… but this time was completely different. The stage was set for us to take down the Demon King, so as long as we didn't do anything foolish, things were projected to go very smoothly.
We might face crises, but a truly terrible situation was unlikely. The only problem was unforeseen variables, but since I knew the entire strategy, I wasn't too worried.
On the other hand, I understood the anxiety Esterize felt. From her perspective, not knowing anything, she would worry about every little thing. As time went on, the burden would surely morph into crushing pressure.
“What about yourself?”
“I’m fine with that.”
She showed an attitude of being completely unfazed. I see, she wasn't afraid of the fight itself. It was just the worst-case scenario—that her close companions might come to harm in the process—that she feared.
In any case, it was a needless worry. As long as I was here, nothing would happen. As I was choosing my words to comfort her, Esterize quietly murmured.
“I want to protect you… no, everyone.”
“…”
For a moment, my mind went blank. It seemed her focus was more on me than the broader category of "comrades"... It's just my imagination, right?
“It’ll be hard to do it alone. That’s why my desire to rely on you is growing.”
She closed the distance as if asking me to accept her heart. If I just let her be, it felt like she would fall into my arms.
Without thinking, I placed a hand on her shoulder, as if to embrace her. Her flinching reaction stimulated me, but I barely managed to hold onto my senses.
“…I understand everything. If you’re okay with me, you can rely on me as much as you want.”
“Mhm, thank you…”
“…”
“…”
An awkward stalemate descended. For a while, we shared that sensation. What should I do? This is pure torture. For some reason, I could taste a hint of sweetness, but that only made it more maddening!
Well, what could I do? Heroes have to rely on each other. It's possible for camaraderie to be a little excessive, right? And so, I turned away from reality. For now, it would probably be fine.