The Great Sage Who Did not Remain in Legend - 24.3

“Ugh…”

The sword Mergin revealed was a red-black colored blade. It exuded a heavy, intimidating presence just by looking at it.

“You’re overwhelmed by its presence, right? This is a magic sword, but it’s also called a cursed sword.”

“A cursed sword?”

“Yes, this is the cursed sword Vampire.”

“Vampire? Does it suck blood?”

“Even though it has ‘Vampire’ in its name, it doesn’t suck blood. It’s a magic sword that forcibly absorbs a large amount of the user’s magic power. It has outstanding power, but if you use it, it will probably drain your magic power until you die.”

“W-What…”

“It doesn’t absorb magic power just by holding it, but when used as a magic sword, it quickly drains magic power. People who have wielded it have died one after another, so it was originally thought to be a cursed sword. I was recognized as its owner because I have a lot of magic power, but it was a mistake. I can’t use it properly. However, no one else can use it either. It’s a pitiful sword.”

“Where did you get it…”

“The source is a secret, and I have no intention of passing it on to anyone. This sword has a tremendous presence, but there’s something oddly attractive about it, right? Even if you know it’s dangerous, you’ll want it. It’s like how vampires charm their prey.”

“I-I see. It’s definitely a dangerous sword.”

Mergin channeled some magic power into the cursed sword and slashed a tree at a distance.

Swish

With an upward slash, Rose couldn’t see the sword Mergin drew.

“What just happened…”

Thud

“I cut down that tree. Impressive power, right?”

“Mergin… You said you had no skill with swords…”

“Yes, that was the sword’s power, not mine. That’s how magic swords work. Well, it’s not something to use against people. It can cut through armor or paper equally well.”

“So…”

“Yes, if I used this Vampire sword, people would have no means to defend themselves. It’s terrifying, right?”

“Y-Yes.”

“That’s why I keep this sword sheathed. There are no monsters here that need it, so it’s an unnecessary item. Besides, it’s possible to destroy the royal capital with magic without using a sword.”

“You can use attack magic too?”

“Do you think I can’t?”

“N-No…”

“If this gets out, I might not be able to stay in this country. That’s why I keep it a secret, and I never use attack magic against people. It’s a promise I made with someone.”

“Do you have any intention to serve the country…”

“If I did, I would have gone to make it known a long time ago. I prefer to keep it a secret because I don’t want to be burdened with national duties.”

“I see…”

“So, when I said I wanted to see a map, it wasn’t to cause harm to the country. I just really want to see the geography of this continent. Can you tell ‘second brother’ that? If I decide to see the map, it wouldn’t matter whether I see it or not.”

“What does that mean…”

“You’ll understand when you get back. Now, I wonder if Iris is doing her best…”

Oh no, she’s collapsed already.

“Hey, Iris! Are you okay?”

While talking with Rose, Iris had collapsed from magic exhaustion. Checking her status showed that her remaining magic power was under 10%. She probably couldn’t control the continuous fire.

“She collapsed?”

“She’s fine. It’s just magic exhaustion. She’ll recover by tomorrow.”

Mergin lifted Iris and put her on his back. Noticing her cold body, he put his coat over her and carried her again.