12
Ep 12
Like any veteran player, I had a preferred sword.
A great sword depends on the skill of its wielder—
But the finest ones go further.
They choose their master.
The Demonic Cult was essentially the final area of the story.
Almost like a DLC.
Naturally—
The equipment there was on a completely different level.
Weapons of past Heavenly Demons.
Legendary manuals gathered from across Murim.
Everything important was stored here.
The Demonic Vault.
The Blood Moon Repository.
The Heavenly Demon Tomb.
The Demonic Vault—
Contained the finest blades.
Swords with strange temperaments.
Some rejected anyone without demonic energy.
Some craved blood.
But—
If they accepted you—
Their power was unmatched.
‘In the game, this was determined by traits… here, it’ll probably depend on compatibility.’
One sword came to mind.
A black blade.
Long.
It absorbed vitality, demonic energy, and inner power—
Making them its own.
Especially effective against poison users.
It could steal resistance.
Still—
It wasn’t widely used late-game.
Because—
If you got hit, you were done anyway.
Better to strike harder than rely on recovery.
Even so—
It was still useful.
“…The question is whether it will accept me.”
“…”
“You look uneasy.”
Ma Noe spoke.
“Well, many leave empty-handed.”
He read me easily.
“You’re bold enough to claim the Sword Empress… yet hesitant here.”
“….”
“But no one who enters is rejected without reason. A sword chooses its master.”
“…What does that have to do with—”
“Don’t worry. Someone who chooses such a partner… will be chosen in return.”
What kind of logic is that?
He smirked.
“By my judgment… you suit the Blood Demon Sword.”
“…What?”
“There was once a Little Heavenly Demon… consumed by blood.”
“…You mean…?”
“Heh. You understand.”
“…What are you implying?”
“Fate.”
“….”
“…Not you.”
“…Then?”
“Someone close to you may become like that.”
“….”
“…And to stop it—you may have to become the same.”
…That better not mean Cheon Hyerin.
“…We’re here.”
We arrived.
The Demonic Vault.
A massive black gate stood before us.
It seemed to swallow light itself.
Guards stood at attention.
“Ma Noe.”
“I’m here for a sword.”
The gate opened immediately.
“And… the Sword Empress is waiting inside.”
Of course she is.
“….”
I stepped forward.
“Go ahead. I’ll leave you two alone.”
He stepped back.
…That’s not what this is.
Really.
///
The door opened.
Inside—
A vast, dark space.
Cold air.
Endless ceiling.
Weapons lined the walls.
Each labeled.
Some legendary.
“…So this is it.”
At the end—
She stood.
“Yujin… you’re late.”
“…You were waiting?”
“Ah—no. I just arrived.”
That was a lie.
She walked closer.
Closer than before.
“…You’re close.”
“…It’s because of you. After what you said yesterday…”
“…?”
“…Just accept it.”
She was serious.
No teasing.
What did I even do?
She walked ahead.
But—
Kept pausing.
Glancing back.
Clearly flustered.
“…I can’t focus like this.”
“…Is it because of yesterday?”
“…!”
She froze.
Still facing away.
I stepped closer.
Lightly tapped her cheek.
“….”
“Cheon Hyerin.”
“….”
No one else was here.
“…Since it’s just us… this is fine, right?”
“…!!”
Her eyes widened.
Her shoulders trembled.
“…Was it the hand yesterday?”
She looked down.
“…Yujin…”
“…What?”
“…Don’t… go too far.”
“…?”
“…It’s… more embarrassing than I expected.”
“….”
“…I’m not used to this.”
…So she plans to attack instead?
She hesitated.
Then—
“…Am I… bothering you?”
“…What?”
“…I feel like I’ve been taken by you… but you keep pulling me further.”
“….”
That’s not wrong.
But saying that would get me killed.
“…Would being disliked by someone you care about be worse?”
“….”
“….”
“…You came here… for me?”
“…Yes.”
“…!! I… understand.”
She covered her face.
Blushing.
“…Sorry. I misunderstood.”
“…?”
“…You made this time for us.”
“No, that’s not—”
“…Yesterday stayed with me.”
Not what I meant.
But I went along with it.
“…Your ears are red.”
“…Ah.”
She realized.
Flustered.
“…That’s unfair.”
“….”
“…I was worried.”
“…!!!!!!!”
She struggled to breathe.
“…Stop… it’s embarrassing.”
Then—
She grabbed my hand tightly.
And pulled me deeper inside.
“…Can you let go?”
“…No.”
“…Why?”
“…I can’t live without you now.”
…Shouldn’t I be picking a sword right now?