Chapter 395: Sword of Light

"Is this the 'Sword of Light'?"

I approach the object resting on its pedestal.

Behind it, a massive painting covers the entire wall.

A striking young man wielding a radiant sword.

In front of him, the Disney Villains cower in fear.

Below the painting, the title is scrawled in bold letters:

'Violent Content'

as stated.

I don't know whether this was a random scribble or part of some deliberate staging.

"Still, I wonder—what other tricks does Reika have up her sleeve?"

A quiet question slips out.

"Well now, who knows? Maybe that was all the girls were meant to be."

"Huh? Really?"

"It probably just means they weren't much of a threat."

"Underestimating enemy strength is dangerous, you know."

They must be aware of my level, at the very least.

Since Reika-san initiated the confrontation, she should have prepared an appropriate strategy.

After thinking it through, the most plausible method I could come up with was... the existence of a traitor.

But judging by Nanami-san's demeanor, it doesn't seem like that's the case at all.

Then what is it?

I can't think of any other way for someone stronger than me to catch me off guard.

Touching the hilt of the "Sword of Light," as expected, an announcement echoed through the "Magic Mirror."

"Indeed. To remain unswayed by that gem, you must possess a truly strong heart.

Yet! You must already realize this now!

Justice and evil are two sides of the same coin—separated by a mere thread!

...Even so, will you still draw that sword?"

I, "Even so, I'll..." then yank the "Sword of Light" free.

At the same time, the embedded decorations appeared to glow brightly, sparkling with light.

Then, to our astonishment, a grand spectacle unfolded right before our eyes.

The entire wall, once covered in paintings, vanished, and in its place appeared a single "magical mirror."

Projected onto a 3D display, it shifted and merged like milk blending with coffee, gradually transforming—until it became a massive, monstrous creature.

Created using the latest computer graphics, this creature, also known as Chernobog, is the "King of the Dead."

Sitting arrogantly upon his throne, the creature is nothing short of a demon.

With dark skin and golden eyes gleaming fiercely, this monster, unlike the previously depicted villainous characters filled with humanity, exuded an absolute evil without a trace of mercy.

"Hehehehe. That's right, righteous one."

"Ugh... I mean, yeah..."

"Ultimately, words from the weak carry no meaning."

"Guess so."

"After all, in this world, only the victors decide what is good and evil...!"

"Ah... So that's how you wrap up the story, huh?"

"Come on! The final duel! WOOOOOOOOOOO!"

"Alright, let's do this!"

I raise my "Sword of Light" in sync with the footage, bringing it down upon the "King of the Dead."

To my surprise, the monster is clearly being sliced apart in the direction I swing the blade.

"Whoa! This is impressively done!"

Completely captivated, I swing the sword back and forth several times, and before I know it, the "King of the Dead" is reduced to pieces.

Finally, the creature lets out a terrible, agonized scream.

"Gyaaaaaahhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh!"

"Ah, 'Nameless'-chan, I found the staff entrance!"

Overlapped with Nanami's matter-of-fact report.

She pointed toward a metal door near the room's entrance.

"...Wait, seriously?"

I felt a sudden chill, as if doused with cold water—probably because I'd been so immersed.

"Yeah, it was cleverly hidden in a blind spot."

"Ooh, great!"

I set aside the "Sword of Light" and turn my back on the dying monster's image.

"Ultimately, history repeats itself...

But remember, you righteous ones.

Even villains like us have humanity..."

Come to think of it, hadn't Nanami mentioned this beforehand?

The passage leading to Reika's room is closer to the throne of the "King of the Dead."

The attraction was surprisingly well done, so I was almost forgetting about it.

"By the way, Nanami-san—Suzuri-san—"

"What is it?" "Yes?"

"From here on, I'll be moving forward alone."

The two exchanged slightly puzzled expressions,

"But there might still be an 'enemy' waiting somewhere."

"I know. The 'enemy' is right beside us. No doubt about it."

"Wha—?"

Suzuri-san, sensing something, quickly scanned her surroundings, then finally raised a question mark above her head.

"Where is it?"

"Well, I'm afraid I can't say exactly... yet..."

At that moment, my cheeks turned red.

After all, I'd only realized the danger—almost entirely because of my own reckless actions.

"What... wait—!?"

That was when she finally noticed the anomaly.

Suzuri's eyes widen in shock.

"Mr. Anonymous... your hand... um..."

"Yeah, yikes, yikes."

My hands were now completely discolored, a sickly purple as if dipped in paint.