13
Ep 13
“This is the place.”
Among the extraordinary weapons, a few felt familiar.
The Gluttonous Blade, which tore flesh and drained blood.
The Wind Demon Sword, which rode the wind to slice enemies apart.
Even legendary weapons from the game.
Drawn by instinct, I walked deeper inside.
As I approached—
A sword hummed faintly, as if calling out to be held.
A black blade.
A distinctive guard.
A hilt that seemed to swallow light.
“…As expected.”
The Black Blade.
Just as I reached for it—
Cheon Hyerin spoke.
“That sword is not a good choice.”
“…Why?”
“…It is a cursed blade.”
“A cursed blade?”
“The kind that tempts its wielder… and takes over their body.”
“…I don’t feel anything.”
“…What?”
I shrugged.
Then casually swung it.
Nothing happened.
In the game, there were swords like this.
Powerful—
But dangerous.
“…But I’m fine?”
In fact—
The blade’s dark glow faded slightly.
“…That’s impossible. Do you hear anything? Any whispers?”
“No.”
“…Strange. I’ll have to ask Ma Noe.”
I sheathed it.
“…Are we leaving?”
“…No. Let’s stay a little longer. Just the two of us.”
“….”
That was way too obvious.
Still—
She allowed me to pick another sword.
As I walked—
I glanced at her flushed ears.
“…You just wanted to be with me, didn’t you?”
“…Y-you—!”
She immediately reacted.
“…No?”
“…Even if we’re alone… don’t say things like that so openly… you should learn some restraint…!”
///
Cheon Hyerin stayed close beside him as they left.
She couldn’t help it.
Being near him—
Felt comfortable.
“….”
“Oh? A cursed blade.”
Ma Noe examined it.
“…It takes control of the mind.”
“….”
But—
Something felt off.
“…Interesting.”
He smiled.
“…Your will is too strong. It couldn’t even enter.”
“…What does that mean?”
“…It means… your heart is already full.”
“….”
“…So full that even this blade cannot affect you.”
“…!!!!”
Her heart pounded.
“…Then…?”
“…You are completely devoted to something else.”
“…!!!!!!!”
Her breath caught.
“…Such blades submit only to those filled with deep attachment… loyalty… or ambition.”
“….”
Yujin’s reaction—
Said everything.
“…You truly…”
Her thoughts raced.
He noticed her smallest changes.
Her appearance.
Her feelings.
Always watching her.
“…So that’s why…”
Even the cursed blade gave up.
Her heart ached.
“…Ah…”
She couldn’t look at him.
Her chest burned.
She realized it—
She had fallen deeply.
“…I must stay composed…”
But—
She couldn’t.
“…Ma Noe.”
“Yes.”
“Leave us.”
“Of course.”
Silence fell.
She held his arm tightly.
Like it was something precious.
“….”
She couldn’t even lift her head.
“…I want to talk… about us.”
“…We should.”
Her face flushed.
“…Then… we…”
“…Until we grow stronger… let’s keep meeting like this.”
“…!! Yes… that’s enough… more would be… difficult…”
Her heart pounded.
Faster.
Stronger.
“…He’s… fine.”
She stepped closer.
Even closer.
She didn’t mind anymore.
///
She held his hand tightly.
“…This isn’t right.”
If she had known—
She would have left that cursed blade behind.
“…How did it come to this…”