The Hero's Sword Selection Ceremony - Part 1
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"I believe I was the one most deserving of becoming the hero. After all, I possess the legendary ability Limitless Darkness."
Suddenly, the entire room trembled. A powerful presence overwhelmed us, shaking the ground simply by standing. A deep, serious voice called out, "Ronald."
It was the king.
I felt the terrifying aura emanating from him, paralyzing me on the spot. Then, as quickly as it had come, the oppressive pressure subsided. I let out a sigh of relief and continued watching the scene from a distance.
"Ronald, this is not how a prince should behave. You know this better than anyone."
"Father... I-I'm sorry."
"Hah. Hero, I apologize for my son's behavior. He's just tense."
"It's alright, sir. I understand his caution. Trusting someone you've just met is not easy."
"Thank you for your understanding."
The king studied me for a moment before speaking again. "By the way, the Hero's Sword Selection Ceremony will take place in a month. You should train your ability in the meantime. Speaking of which, have you discovered what it is?"
Sinister answered in my place. "He has. It's the rare ability, Catastrophe."
"Oh? That's excellent. This ability will give you an advantage in the ceremony. It's the strongest at all levels, though its drawback is that it's difficult to develop."
I nodded, not quite understanding.
Sinister explained further, "Let me put it this way. If we compare Catastrophe to Limitless Darkness, Catastrophe will be stronger at level one. However, if leveling Catastrophe up to level two takes a week, Limitless Darkness would only take four days. This means that over time, Limitless Darkness will surpass Catastrophe. Do you understand?"
"Ah, yeah... But what are the requirements for leveling up?"
"I don't know either. You'll have to figure that out on your own. Also, each person has unique requirements."
The king continued after Sinister finished speaking. "By the way, we need to find someone to train you."
Ronald immediately stepped forward. "Father, leave that to me!"
"Are you sure? It could be tough."
"I'll do whatever it takes to help the hero win the ceremony."
"Hmm… Alright. Sinister, take them to the training grounds."
A bad feeling crept up inside me. This was going to be painful…
Fortunately, we didn't have to leave the assessment area, as the training grounds were directly connected to it via a magical door that opened as we approached. I had seen something similar in a previous world, but back then, it was technology rather than magic. Its proximity to the assessment area allowed me to avoid running into Ryan.
Upon entering the training grounds, I was genuinely shocked. This time, I wasn't pretending. The sight before me was truly astonishing. The arena had every tool and piece of equipment imaginable. The ground was sandy, kept from spreading throughout the castle by magic, while the white walls were adorned with intricate carvings of a fierce battle between warriors.
Curious, I asked, "Who are these two?"
A voice answered—it was Licia Talia. "The one wielding the black sword is our family's great ancestor, Altherion. Our kingdom was named after him."
"And the other, the one with the crimson sword?"
"One of the ancient Seven Catastrophes—Solarin, the Calamity of the Sun."
"The Calamity of the Sun?"
"A Calamity is a title given to entities or individuals possessing immense power, capable of destroying an entire land."
"So, does that mean King Altherion was also a Calamity?"
King Alexander answered, "No. Defeating a Calamity doesn't mean one has the power to destroy lands. However, Altherion did something different. After his battle with the Calamity of the Sun, he founded this kingdom on the ruins of that fight."
He sighed before continuing, "Alright, Sinister and I will take our leave. Ronald, train the hero well, but don't be too harsh on him."
"Understood."
I wanted to ask the king more about the Calamities and whether Altherion had truly won his battle, but I hesitated. The weight of the moment still lingered.
After the king left, Ronald turned to me. "Thank you."
"For what?"
"Never mind." He then said, "Now, I need to train you. Get ready."
He gestured toward a room in the center of the arena. "We'll be training in there."
As we stepped inside, the room was pitch black and featureless. I examined its details. Simulation Room: capable of replicating any environment with 90% accuracy and withstanding damage equivalent to a high-level mana crystal explosion. I estimated that to be about the same as a fully loaded fuel tanker detonating.
Ronald handed me a sword. "Take this."
I accepted the weapon and got into position.
He attacked first. My sword flew out of my hands from the sheer force of his strike.
"You're weak."
"I don't know how to coat my sword with mana."
"You'll figure it out after a few more hits."
He attacked again. I picked up my sword and dodged his blows over and over. Gradually, I adapted to his attacks and began to sense the flow of mana.
"Hmm. You learn fast," he said with a smirk.
"Of course. If I don't, I'll die."
I coated my sword with mana and struck. Clank!
Our swords clashed repeatedly, faster and faster. I infused my body with mana, growing more adept at using it.
"Good. Now, try blocking this, Hero."
He launched a simple thrust. I dodged it and countered, but suddenly—
Shlick!
Pain shot through my stomach and shoulder. Darkness appeared in front of me, blocking my strike while simultaneously attacking me.
Ronald spoke. "Did you forget that I have an ability?"
I looked at him. "What was that?"
"This is my ability, Limitless Darkness. It allows me to teleport instantly, redirect my attacks, and store my belongings in a separate space. You need to analyze your opponent's ability before charging in. Now get up—this is where the real training begins."
By the end of the session, my body was battered and bruised. I could barely stand.
"Are you alright?" Licia asked.
I replied, "Not in the best condition."
"Here."
She handed me a strange fruit that resembled an apple.
"What is this?"
"Eat it. It will heal your wounds."
I smiled and said, "Thanks." I took a bite.
"Don't get the wrong idea—I just don't want you to die."
Ronald suddenly interjected, "You did well."
"Really?"
"Yeah. Not many can keep up with my swordplay, even without my ability. You have talent. I think you're worthy of the Hero title."
"Thanks for the compliment, but I barely managed to keep up with your ability."
"Speaking of which, you never used yours."
"Yeah… I have no idea how to activate it."
"Alright. Tomorrow, we'll focus on unlocking your ability and learning how to use it."
Suddenly, another person entered the conversation. "It seems you've all gotten along quite well."
He was a thin man with an intellectual face, dressed like Ronald.
Lysia said, "What brings you here, Raphael?"
"I came to see the hero. Is that a problem?"
"Wouldn't it be better to finish your work instead of wandering around?"
"Look who's talking! I've already finished my work, you spoiled brat."
"That's enough!" Ronald shouted in a commanding voice.
They both responded simultaneously, "Sorry."
He might seem the smartest, but he couldn't compare to his brother, Ryan.
"By the way, can I guide the hero to his room?" Raphael asked.
"Why?" Ronald questioned.
"I'd like to talk to him for a bit. I'm the only one who hasn't yet."
While guiding me to my room, he kept rambling about the kingdom, his siblings, and how he ended up with most of the responsibilities while Lysia and Ryan barely received any tasks.
Suddenly, I asked, "Why was I summoned?"
He turned to me in shock. "Didn't my father tell you? You're supposed to save us from evil."
"What is this evil, and what is its nature?"
"A being that seeks to destroy the world. That's what the priests said, including Sinister."
"Why me, specifically?"
"I don't know. Sinister chose you. You should ask him."
"I can't."
"Huh? Why not?"
"I'm a little afraid... Afraid of how others will react when they see my hesitation. I felt like I could trust you, so I asked you."
"You're not the only summoned hero."
"What?"
"There are other heroes you will face in the Hero's Sword Selection Ceremony."
"I was about to ask you about that… Does this mean I'm not forced to be the hero?"
"No, you're not. But we have high hopes for you."
"But this isn't my world, and I barely know you all."
"You can withdraw at any time as long as you don't win the ceremony."
Suddenly, we stopped walking. "Here we are. This is your room."
"Thank you."
"No need to thank me. By the way, if you need anything, you can ask me. Alright, goodnight."
"Goodnight."
I entered the room and lay down on the bed, a smile spreading across my face.
After a while, I contacted Sinister.
— "How did it go?"
— "It worked, sir. The second prince is completely fooled and no longer suspects you."
In the King's Chamber
The room was small but adorned with numerous artifacts and golden relics. Inside were three men: King Alexander, the priest Sinister, and Prince Raphael.
The king asked, "So, how did your meeting go?"
With a confused expression, Raphael replied, "You were right, Father. He's just scared."
Sinister interjected, "May I ask what you're talking about?"
"Raphael suspected that the hero was hiding something."
"Something like what?"
"He said he's used to being summoned."
Sinister was shocked. "U-Used to it?! What do you mean?"
"It was just speculation," Raphael said.
The Next Day
I was back in the training room with Ronald and the Knight Commander, Reinhard Flintstone.
"Now, I will train you on how to use your ability," Ronald said.
I responded, "Understood. But how?"
"It's the same way you use mana, but instead of enveloping your body, you envelop your mind."
"That simple?"
"Yes, but applying it is difficult. First, you need to…"
I tried to focus my mana to cover my mind, but suddenly, I started coughing up blood and collapsed unconscious.
"Hey! I warned you. It's difficult. You should have waited for me to finish explaining!" Ronald scolded.
"Sir, I don't think the cause of the bleeding was failure but mana depletion," Reinhard commented.
"What?"
Suddenly, the ground began to shake. Ronald quickly picked me up and rushed out of the room.
He was shocked by the terrifying scene— the training field was destroyed, and a massive earthquake had shattered the ground. Regaining his composure, he started directing the soldiers.
"Men, ensure you get out of the area! If there's an injured person near you, carry them. If it's a corpse, leave it!" He tossed me toward the knight commander. "Take him out of here."
"What about you, sir?"
"I must save whoever I can. It's my responsibility!"
Using his technique, he began rescuing the remaining soldiers, even as he coughed up blood from overexertion. He didn't stop until he saved everyone he could and became the last survivor to leave.
He collapsed unconscious.
Fortunately, the earthquake was confined to the training grounds, which had completely sunk as if they never existed. The wounded were taken for medical treatment.
While Unconscious
I dreamt of an endless sea of corpses, all staring at me with furious eyes, yearning for my death.
This dream was familiar. I saw it every night.
In the Hospital Room
I woke up in a hospital bed. Looking around, I saw Ronald lying on the bed next to me.
For some reason, I felt concerned.
"Ronald?"
No, I shouldn't worry. In the end, I am the one who will end this world.
"Ronald?"
"Shut up, I'm trying to sleep," he grumbled.
"Are you okay?"
"I was, until I heard your voice."
"What happened?"
"Your power went out of control, and you collapsed from mana depletion."
"Did anyone get hurt?"
"A lot."
I was shocked. "R-Really? How many?"
"Ten dead. Twenty-five severely injured."
Why do I feel this way?
I have destroyed many worlds before. I have killed countless people with my own hands.
Why do I feel guilty now?
"Don't make that pale face. You're making me feel bad."
"I'm sorry."
"It's natural—!?"
"I'm sorry. I'm sorry. I'm sorry. I'm sorry."
"Calm down! It's not entirely your fault. I should have considered the possibility of your power going out of control."
Suddenly, someone else entered the room.
"Has the hero awakened?"
A woman in her 30s walked in. She had black hair and a strong sense of justice.
"I am Mary, the Vice Commander of the Knights. I have come to take the hero to trial for his crime."
Trial?
Ronald remained calm, as if he already knew this was coming.
As for me, I showed no reaction. My face was cold and lifeless.
I glanced at her briefly with emotionless eyes, then looked down.
I was then taken to court to determine my punishment.
The judges were nobles of the kingdom, and the calls for my execution echoed in the hall.
"Silence!" one judge ordered.
Another continued, "The trial of the hero will now begin for all his crimes, including the killing and injury of soldiers, as well as the destruction of the kingdom's property."
"Hero, do you have anything to say in your defense?"
I didn't answer. It was as if I was in another world.
From another corner of the room, a voice spoke—Ronald.
"I object!"
"Why, Prince Firstborn?"
"The hero didn't choose to destroy the training grounds or kill the soldiers. That was my fault. I failed to consider the possibility of his power going out of control. I will take responsibility."
"Sorry, but we cannot take your word as proof. What if he did it on purpose?"
"On purpose? Look at his face. He looks pitiful."
"What if he's just acting?"
Meanwhile, I was lost in thought.
I am the Endscribe. My mission is to destroy worlds, and I have done so hundreds, even thousands of times.
Yet, why do I still feel human emotions?
Suddenly, I spoke.
"I will be the hero…"
"I will win the ceremony, become the hero, and complete the mission."
The king then declared, "I will personally take responsibility for repairing the damage and compensating for the losses."
The judge hesitated, "But, Your Majesty—"
"What's the problem? We summoned him, so we must bear responsibility. Am I wrong?"
"No, you're not."
"Then the matter is settled. However, to prevent further incidents, you will be sent to the kingdom's borders for training."
I replied, "Understood."
After a while, I was transferred to the kingdom's borders. 28 days remained until the Hero's Sword Selection Ceremony.
"Hero, we will begin training now," said Ronald.
I replied, "Now? We just arrived."
Sinister added, "The sooner we start, the higher your chances of winning."
"It seems those words you gave were just illusions," said Licia.
"Why did Licia come with us?" I asked in a frustrated tone.
"The kingdom's borders have the best scenery, so this is basically a vacation for me," she answered.
Ronald said, "Every day is a vacation for you." Then he turned to me, "Now, draw your sword and face me."
"Hah… fine."
The training continued. The first day, the fifth, the tenth, the twenty-first, until the twenty-seventh.
"Clang!" My sword clashed against Ronald's, and we were both pushed back by the shockwave. He launched wind slashes, but I dodged them. His attacks kept flying at me. I cloaked my body in lightning and moved away from the attack path. I canceled the lightning transformation, pulled water into the air, then reactivated the lightning and used the falling water droplets to predict the trajectory of the attacks.
"You've become skilled," Ronald remarked.
I replied, "I have a great teacher."
Gathering all my electrical energy, I launched toward Ronald. He infused his sword with dark energy and charged at me as well. At the moment of impact, a massive explosion occurred, blinding our vision with white light. When it cleared, the result of the battle was revealed—both of our swords were broken. We sat on the ground to rest.
"A draw. You've improved a lot, hero," said Sinister.
"Indeed… but what about my vacation?" Licia added.
I said, "You talk as if you were the one training."
"You destroyed everything; there are no beautiful views left," she complained.
"There you are!" A voice called from a distance. It was Commander Reinhard, accompanied by his deputy, Mary.
"It's been a while. Looks like you've completely changed the terrain," he said.
Sinister asked, "Reinhard, what brings you here?"
"It's been 27 days. Tomorrow is the ceremony."
Ronald said, "It seems we lost track of time."
"I didn't," Licia muttered.
"Alright, everyone, enough wasting time. We need to prepare to head to the arena," Mary instructed.
On the way, Reinhard asked, "By the way, hero, I want to know about your ability."
"My ability?"
"The thing that changed the terrain of this place."
"Well, I can control four elements: wind, water, lightning, and earth. Each element has its own unique use."
"Lightning can be used as a catastrophe, or I can coat my body with it like mana.
Wind can't be used as a catastrophe, but it can be used for attack or defense.
Water can only be used as a catastrophe, but I can release it anywhere.
Earth can also only be used as a catastrophe."
"Hmm… that sounds a bit complicated."
"Unfortunately, I haven't been able to develop it further."
"That's normal. Catastrophe-class abilities are the hardest to develop."
Licia interrupted, "Oh, look!"
It was the massive structure where the Hero's Sword Selection Ceremony would take place. A colossal building resembling a colosseum. They all gazed at its majestic form in awe.
— Lord Endscribe.
— Yes, Sinister?
— Are you nervous?
— A little. I'm nervous about how strong the other End Writers will be.
Seven other heroes had been summoned besides me. In truth, they weren't heroes at all—they were also Endscribe, summoned to different kingdoms apart from Altherion.
I muttered under my breath, "It seems things are going to get difficult from here on out."