Chapter 480: The Wielder of the Holy Sword

I immediately had the researchers go call Sophia-sama and the others. They were undoubtedly worried. While waiting for everyone to arrive, I called out to Nero and Lionel, who were standing outside the door.

“I kept you waiting. I don’t know how much you heard, but it went well.”

“I heard something about repairing something. I’m glad to hear it went well.”

“Knowing you, Julius-sama, I wasn’t particularly worried, but I was just about to stop you.”

Lionel glanced out the window. The sun had already set. I hadn’t noticed at all. That’s how focused everyone had been. Judging from the fact that neither of them tried to flatter me by saying, “That’s not true,” they must have really been planning to stop me. I feel full of guilt.

“Julius, looks like everything went well. I can tell just by looking at your face.”

“Good work. Let’s take a bath together tonight. I’ll help you wash the fatigue away.”

“Th-thank you very much…”

Yeah, there’s no way I can refuse that. I can practically see an aura saying as much. They probably want to hear the full story too.

From behind Alex-niisan and Sister-in-law Daniela, Sophia-sama and Erwin-sama arrived. Both of them must have been working— they were out of breath.

“Julius-sama, thank you for your hard work. We’re grateful. The researcher who came to get us was quite excited, but everything was repaired without issue, correct?”

“Yes. With the help of the researchers, the repairs were successfully completed.”

I made sure to emphasize the part about “the researchers.” It wouldn’t be good if I took all the credit for myself. I need accomplices to share in the consequences of our ‘incident.’ Whether the researchers were lucky or unlucky will remain an eternal mystery.

The two of them seemed fidgety, as if curious about what lay beyond the door. Since it was already late, I had considered waiting until tomorrow to unveil it. But seeing their expressions, I figured it would be better to show it to them today and explain how to use it. I invited the four of them into the workshop.

“This is the holy sword, Gatekeeper, fully restored.”

“This is…”

“It’s even more beautiful than the last time I saw it.”

“So this is the true form of the holy sword.”

“Julius-sama, may I hold it?”

Erwin-sama seemed especially intrigued. Of course— last time, he fought using the sword when it was only partially functional. It’s only natural he’d be curious about what the true holy sword is like.

When I nodded, he slowly picked it up and raised it to the sky. In response, the sword gleamed.

“Julius, what was that light just now?”

“Most likely, the sword has chosen Erwin-sama as its wielder. I’ve heard that holy swords choose their bearers. It didn’t shine like that when I held it.”

“I’ve been chosen by the holy sword…”

Ah, Erwin-sama looks like he’s about to cry. Losing to the Bone Dragon must’ve been a deep humiliation. Maybe he even thought of just giving up altogether. But Sophia-sama was waiting for him. That must’ve been what kept him going.

At this rate, there’s no doubt he’ll head out for a rematch. We’ll need to make sure he can actually win this time.

“I’ll teach Erwin-sama and Sophia-sama how to use the holy sword Gatekeeper. As for Alex-niisan and Sister-in-law Daniela, since you are from another country, I’m afraid I can’t share this knowledge with you…”

“That’s quite all right. Should we step outside?”

“No, it’s fine.”

I took Erwin-sama and Sophia-sama to a corner of the room and explained the safety lock mechanism located at the joint between the grip and the guard. As expected, neither of them knew about it. They were surprised when I explained that turning the ring would unleash the sword’s true power.

“So that was the proper way to use it.”

“Yes. But I don’t think it would’ve activated in its previous state. The sword’s enchantment had been lost.”

“This black line here—is that it?”

“Yes. I rewrote it with the researchers. I can’t say it will last forever, but it should remain stable for some time.”

Just to be safe, I added a warning. Nothing can retain its form forever. In the vast flow of time, everything returns to nothing. That’s the law of nature. Only the gods can defy it.

“I’ll keep that in mind.”

“With this, will we be able to defeat the Bone Dragon?”

“The possibility is certainly there, but… I believe we’ll need one more thing.”

“And that would be?”

Sophia-sama and Erwin-sama looked at me with eyes full of hope. If it’s a mutual kill, they can definitely take the Bone Dragon down. But if Erwin-sama is to survive, one more thing is absolutely necessary.

“Armor. Special armor that can withstand the Bone Dragon’s attacks.”

“Special armor… Yes, that would be reassuring if we had it, but…”

“Does such armor exist?”

“It does. Or rather, I can make it. There’s a special coating agent, and if we apply it, the armor Erwin-sama wears will be transformed into legendary armor.”

Gulp. The two of them swallowed hard at the same time. They must be thinking they’ve just heard something unbelievable— that I can create legendary armor so easily. And they must also have realized there’s something they need to do to obtain that “legendary armor.”

“I understand. I won’t speak of this to anyone.”

“Nor will I. I swear it on Sophia-sama and this holy sword.”

“Then it’s settled. Now we just need Alex-niisan’s approval.”

He definitely won’t say no. Just in case, I brought a bit of Mira’s fur with me. With that, I can make the “sacred coating agent” even here on the spot.

The secret discussion over, we returned to Alex-niisan and Sister-in-law Daniela. They were still smiling, but clearly curious. They were glancing back and forth between me and Sophia-sama.

“Alex, I have a favor to ask.”

“What is it?”

Sophia-sama drove the researchers out of the room, then repeated to Alex-niisan what she and I had just discussed.