With the sacred sword in hand, I stood in the training grounds, swinging the sword.
*Goo*
A shockwave erupted, and the earth split open.
“This is…”
My power has definitely increased.
After being at death’s door and coming back, it seems there has been a change in my abilities.
“I see. It seems I have advanced to a new stage after all.”
“Eh…?”
I felt a voice near me.
But there was no one around me.
“Can you hear my voice, Hero Sion…?”
Once again, I heard the voice.
“Could it be…?”
Suddenly, I understood.
“The sacred sword…?”
In the next moment, a light emanating from the sacred sword formed the silhouette of a person.
“You are…”
His appearance was that of a young man in his mid-twenties.
A face so perfect that exuded a certain coldness.
He was a young man with silver hair, blue eyes, and tall stature wrapped in a white cloak.”
“It is the first time we meet in this way, Master. I am the one residing in Faryaleida.”
He introduced himself.
“Does that mean you are the spirit of the sacred sword…?”
“Hmm. It’s not entirely accurate, but something similar, perhaps.”
He nodded.
“Then, calling you the sacred sword… might sound strange. Since you are called Faryaleida… Can I call you Faria?”
“If you wish.”
As he spoke, a slight smile appeared on his lips.
“Oh, is something bothering you?”
“No, I originally don’t have a name. Faryaleida is the actual name of the sacred sword. I have no identity of my own.”
The young man stated.
“When you called me, I felt something special. Having a name… is quite comforting.”
“Haha. Then, I’ll call you Faria from now on.”
“Yes, call me as you wish. Feel free to do so.”
The expression that seemed so cold softened slightly — now he appeared much kinder than before.
“The fact that you can hear my voice and manifest my form means that the sacred sword has advanced to a new stage. It is proof that your power as a hero is increasing.”
“My power is increasing…”
I murmured, echoing Faria’s explanation.
Indeed, my power has increased significantly.
Since that “suicidal act” from which I miraculously survived.”
“Hmm… it could be that the near-death experience is the cause. Or perhaps…”
Faria looked at me.
“You may have truly died once.”
“Eh?”
“By gaining a new life, one obtains a new power; since ancient times, many heroes have gone through that.”
“A new power, huh?”
I looked up at the sky as I murmured.
I have been training hard to defeat the Demon King.
I have been honing this power while fighting.
But…
Now that I have obtained this new power, how should I use it?
“What’s wrong, Master?”
Faria tilted his head in puzzlement.
“You don’t seem very happy about this.”
“Eh?”
“Increasing your strength means that fulfilling your duty as a hero will be easier, isn’t it?”
Faria stared at me.
“Isn’t your goal to defeat the Demon King, Master?”
“…!”
I was speechless.
Defeating the Demon King.
Just hearing those words made me tremble.
Killing Vilarzord…
In the past, I would have considered that my duty.
But now, in my current situation…
I can’t do it.
I can’t face Vilarzord.
I simply can’t bear to even think about it.”
