The Second Son of The Marquis Runs Away from Home ~ Lacking Talent, He Abandons Everything and Becomes an Adventurer ~ - 19

Chapter 19: Unattainable

The moment I severed the claws, the magic that had enveloped my sword and body dissipated.

The recoil from that all-out strike, given with all my might and soul, mercilessly tortured my body. I felt like I might lose consciousness.

(No… not yet…)

While I managed to hold onto my consciousness despite the pain, my body refused to move. I thought I would collapse onto the ground, but instead, I found myself embraced by something soft, enveloped in a comforting warmth.

“Really, a young girl like you shouldn’t hurt herself like this,” a voice remarked.

As I realized that I was being held in Ruskdite’s arms, I tried to break free, but my body wouldn’t respond. Then, a warm light covered my entire body, and my wounds began to heal gradually.

“I must admit, I thought my claws were far stronger and sharper than the average human’s sword, but…”

“…But I couldn’t reach you.”

I was released from the embrace, but even though my wounds had healed, I still felt drained of the energy and magic I had used. I felt like I might collapse at any moment.

“Yes, in conclusion, I cannot yield to you.”

“!”

“But it’s true that you aroused me.”

At those words, I lifted my head. Ruskdite gazed at me with a seductive smile.

“Your determination, the shining will in your eyes, your willingness to achieve your goals even if it means burning yourself out… I got quite excited.”

“Excited…”

“That’s why I can’t yield to you just yet, but what if we make a contract?”

“…Contract?”

“Yes, if you agree, I’ll become your weapon in exchange for you fulfilling my wishes. It’s not a bad deal, don’t you think?”

I carefully considered Ruskdite’s proposal, feeling that I still lacked sufficient information. After a moment, I asked,

“…What are the conditions?”

“Well, there are three. First, you must become stronger. Right now, you’re not strong enough to be considered worthy of a contract. Become strong enough over time.”

Ruskdite broke one of her raised fingers as she spoke.

“Second, your heart mustn’t break. If I deem that the source of my arousal has been extinguished, the contract will end. So, don’t break.”

Saying this, she broke another finger. Then, with a mischievous smile, she mentioned the final condition.

“The last one is…”

—

“…Alright, I agree to the contract.”

“Good choice. Now, shall I call him back?”

“…Yes! What about Belk?”

As soon as I remembered that Belk was fighting the Balrog…

Something massive fell from the ceiling with a thunderous crash as it hit the ground, shaking the space.

What had fallen was a gigantic sword, almost three meters long, a deep black greatsword that had impaled the Balrog through the skull. It had severed the demon’s life.

A young man descended from the fallen Balrog. As he gripped the hilt, the enormous sword transformed into a regular-sized blade in an instant.

“My apologies. It gave me a bit of trouble,” he said.

I was taken aback as I looked at Belk, who had descended from the collapsing Balrog’s body.

“Kuhahaha! To think you not only survived a battle with the Balrog but defeated it! When was the last time my heart danced like this!?”

Ruskdite burst into laughter and then turned to me, wearing a cheerful expression different from before.

“By the way, I realized I never asked for your name, even though you’re my contract holder. What’s your name?”

“…Arselia, for now, just call me Aria.”

“I see… Very well, Aria. From now on, I’ll follow the contract and become your blade.”

With those words, Ruskdite transformed into flames once again, gathering into a single longsword. It was an enchanting blade with a hilt adorned with a crimson ruby, its golden edge framing the blade beautifully. The guard, shaped like wings, radiated a dazzling splendor.

I reached out for the handle of the longsword, guided by an unexplainable urge. As I gripped it and raised it, the blade sparkled with a crimson light.

“I am Ruskdite, born from the flames of desire. Keep arousing me, and entertain me.”

“…Yes, from now on, please.”

Tears naturally flowed as I finally obtained this power…