Chapter 156: The Sword Demonstration
“Ruta, let’s do this.”
Today, we’re testing out the Spirit Sword in the Forest. We can’t really do it too close to town or in areas frequented by Adventurers, so we ride Uma to a suitable spot.
With the weather getting nicer, I’ve had a few outdoor lunches with Ash, combining it with a long ride. I feel like I’ve improved a bit in horseback riding, but I still rely heavily on Ruta.
“You’re still the same, Ruta!”
As Chris pointed out, Ruta senses my presence every time, breaking out of the stable or jumping over the fence before I even finish greeting the receptionist.
I’ve recently added a bit more to Kin for Ruta’s upkeep.
“What a lovely day,” Ash says, looking pleased. His expression doesn’t change much, but it seems he enjoys riding.
We pass by a signal fire tower and a pigeon coop, the ground firm enough for Uma to walk on. It seems this used to be a place where people gathered.
Since we hadn’t decided on a specific destination, we dismounted in a clearing. After a short break, it was time for the demonstration.
“Ruta, there aren’t many Demon Beasts around, but that doesn’t mean there are none, so be careful.”
Ruta snorts lightly, nudging me with his face.
I wipe his sweat, give him some water, and set up some rock salt for electrolyte replenishment.
“You really spoil him,” Dinoss says, sounding exasperated after finishing up with his own horse.
“Indeed. I wouldn’t be surprised if you start making horseshoes soon,” Ash agrees.
“That’s normal, right?”
Ruta wrinkles his upper lip and shows his teeth, looking like he’s smiling in agreement.
“Ah. If he were an ordinary horse, I’d think he smelled funny, but this guy is just completely grinning,” Dean says, half-lidded.
“This is a mutual affection, and that’s wonderful,” Retze says, picking up stones to prepare for the campfire after finishing with his own horse.
“I’m going to gather firewood,” I say, feeling the need to contribute.
“I’ll go fetch some water!”
“Toilet time!”
“Ow…!”
The twins are getting a knuckle sandwich from Tina. They scatter instead of sticking together because it’s bathroom time. Dinoss or Shiva usually accompanies the kids, but the Demon Beasts around here aren’t too strong.
After taking care of my own business, I clear away some grass and thorns with my Ex-Staff while picking up some dry branches. I even grab a bit of dried grass that could serve as kindling.
By the time I return, they were already ready to light the fire. Once enough firewood was gathered, Retze ignited it effortlessly with a spark from his flint. I think it’s amazing how he can create a flame in one go.
Even in the great outdoors, the Butler is elegantly preparing tea. His tools may not be delicate, but he still manages to impress.
I don’t usually drink water straight. I brought a canteen, but it mostly contains low-alcohol beverages.
If we can start a fire, we can have hot water or tea. The tea varies in quality; I still remember the awful herbal tea Retze collected locally that was both minty and earthy—definitely not my favorite. They say it’s good for warming the body, but bad is still bad.
“Alright, let’s get started. Is it okay if I go first?”
After hydrating and resting, Dinoss stands up, and Dean nods eagerly, his eyes sparkling with excitement, which is a bit unsettling, but I’m getting used to it.
The sword is mostly black, with a guard adorned with decorations—the part that resembles the tsuba of a katana is a burnt orange.
Dinoss lightly swings the sword, and flames spill from the blade with each cut through the air.
“Ha!”
It seems Dinoss infused it with magic, and flames leap from his hands to the blade, spreading out in a circular pattern.
“Wow! That’s so cool!”
“That’s flashy!”
“Beautiful!”
Dean, Retze, and Chris each offer their praises in their own words.
“Dad, you’re so cool!”
“Super cool!”
“Cool!”
“Dad is indeed cool,” Dinoss says, shouldering the sword and winking playfully at the kids.
“Oh my, you look so happy. This is how your mother’s sword looks,” Shiva says, swinging her sword in a solo practice while Dinoss shows off.
Shiva’s sword, elegant yet sharp with ice attributes, spills icy powder from its white blade, sparkling in the light.
After infusing it with magic, cold air bursts from the blade, creating thin shards of ice that quickly shatter. The way Shiva smiles sweetly while doing this is something else.
Shiva takes another swing, and the Butler doesn’t demonstrate his sword’s abilities either.
“Note, are you passing too?”
“It’s a Hidden Weapon. It wouldn’t be appropriate to showcase its effects,” the Butler replies smoothly to Dean’s question.
That’s right; Hidden Weapons are meant to keep their abilities concealed. If their existence and effects are known, their value diminishes.
Wait, is Shiva’s other sword also a Hidden Weapon…? It does seem to drain energy, or rather, it works on Wraiths, so instead of stealing life energy, it might be taking away kinetic energy? I’m not sure, but it seems to deal damage to spiritual entities.
As I catch Shiva’s smile while watching the exchange between the Butler and Dean, I find myself looking off into the distance.
“Next, it’s my turn!”
Tina steps into the open area.
“Here I go!”
She raises her Hammer with both hands, and as she swings it down, it grows larger than her small frame. When the head of the Hammer strikes the ground, it creates a dent before returning to its original size.
“Why does it expand? What kind of logic is that?”
“I don’t know!”
“Ha! Hey, manufacturer!”
Dean bursts out laughing after Retze responds.
“I think it’s adorable.”
“I agree!”
Ash and Chris chime in.
“That’s off-topic! Your comments are so off!”
Dean complains loudly.