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Chapter 73: Awakening Thoughts, A Glimpse of the Abyss

～Zen’s Perspective～

My name is Suigetsu Zen.

An S-rank solo adventurer who goes by the name of “Zen”.

My homeland is an island country in the north, Bukyo Kingdom. In the Sphin continent, it may be more common to call it “Wano Kingdom”.

In that kingdom, I was born into the Suigetsu family, a noble family of swordsmen.

In Bukyo, it is common for children and women to be fond of martial arts, and the idea that “all citizens are warriors” is prevalent.

There is a great variety of weapons, such as swords, greatswords, daggers, katana, bows, spears, and halberds.

In addition, there are many who prefer close combat without using weapons.

Born in such a kingdom of warriors, I too had a strong admiration for strength without exception.

Until I reached the age of 14, I studied hard at the Suigetsu family’s kendo dojo, and by the time I was fully proficient in the Suigetsu style of swordsmanship, I had grown to the point of earning the title of Sword King.

I take pride in my ability to stand out from the crowd in my age group.

But there are many who are stronger than me.

I knew that all of my masters and assistant instructors at other dojos had the same level of strength as me.

And on my 14th birthday, my father, the head of the Suigetsu family and also my master who taught me the sword, asked me a question and ordered me to a specific training.

「Zen… What is your sword for?」

「It is for the advancement of the Suigetsu family and the Suigetsu school of swordsmanship.」

「Your swordsmanship is for the development of this family and for the school of swordsmanship?」

「Yes, that’s right.」

「I see… In that case, Zen, as the head of the Suigetsu family, I will give you your final training.

For the next 6 years starting from tomorrow, aim to be the strongest in the Arto Kingdom by your 20th birthday.

And constantly think about what is the purpose of your sword.

If you don’t understand that, your strength will stop there… Be diligent.」

At first, I didn’t understand what he was saying.

Does it mean that my strength won’t grow any further in this house? Or is it that he wanted me to prove that the Suigetsu style is the strongest?

In the Bukyo Kingdom, orders from masters are absolute.

I left for Arto Kingdom the very next day and arrived in Alraine a month later.

I immediately went to the Adventurer’s Guild and completed the procedures to move my location to Alraine.

When I turned 12, I was registered as an adventurer in Bukyo, and by the time I arrived at Alraine, I was already C-ranked, so I continued to enthusiastically complete quests.

This is in order to win the Ranking Battle, which will prove the strongest person in the Arto Kingdom both in name and reality.

However, even after several years of trying, I was still unable to become number one.

There was only one swordsman whom I couldn’t win against. It was Bride of the Blazing Flames.

Last year, I ended up getting seriously injured. I don’t even know what it is that I’m lacking.

Moreover, there’s only one year left until the deadline for the promise I made with my master.

Unless I win the ranking battle this year and prove that the Suigetsu style is the strongest, I won’t be able to face my master.

(I have to win this year. Bride is the sole enemy.)

And then, in the semi-finals…a match that greatly changed my values began.

(Is this clan called Star Supremacy hail from Bukyo? They’re all dressed in kimonos. …Well, fine. I will just defeat them all as I have before.)

The vanguard was a beastfolk girl named Kinu.

However, the air surrounding her was contrary to her appearance. To think that such guys were still in this country…

But they’re probably no match for me with all my might.

「You’re called Kinu, right? Unfortunately, I can’t hold back. I will have to hurt you. Forgive me.」

「Nn. I’m not good at holding back either. I’ll be giving it my all.」

「…Come to think of it, is your General, Aun, someone who comes from the Bukyo Kingdom? You guys’ clothes remind me of my kingdom.」

「I have nothing to tell you about Aun. If you want to know… ask Aun directly.」

I had the upper hand right at the start of the match. But I couldn’t land any significant attacks.

The opponent’s close combat skills cannot be said to be high. However, what was noteworthy was her sense. She used her skills to avoid fatal injuries.

In addition, her close-quarters combat skills improved remarkably during the match.

Even if I kept my distance, the power of my opponent’s long-range magic was in a different league, and it offsets my magic, which should be advantageous in terms of attributes.

(This match needs to be settled in a short period of time. I have no choice but to go all out and finish this.)

I activated my trump card, [Strong Arm], and launched a fierce attack.

I was starting to damage the opponent. However, I still couldn’t cut her down.

Furthermore, even though I aimed to accumulate damage on her with Bubble Bomb, completely beyond my expectations, she had even learned recovery magic.

「To think you could even use recovery magic… This is going to take everything I have, it seems.」

「Then, this time I’ll go all out. But be sure to endure it. I want to fight even more… Light and Fire Life.」

I couldn’t hide my astonishment. I finally understood it at that point.

(This little girl is stronger than me…)

「…Kuh! Am I facing a monster…」

Seven Swords made of crimson flames came at me. I managed to deal with the first four attacks.

After having my weapon repelled by the power of the first four attacks, I was assailed by a fierce consecutive attack and began losing consciousness.

The last sight I saw as I slowly fell was a storm of violently swirling flames.

And a “fluffy golden tail” that shone under the sunlight.

Before I knew it, the match was over and I was carried out of the ring.

(I see now… I lost.)

◇ ◇ ◇ ◇

Two weeks have passed since the ranking battle ended.

As a result, I was 3rd, but due to the disbanding of Daytona, I moved up to 2nd in the ranking.

That’s the same position as before.

However, the summit I have to aim for now felt even more distant than before.

(My strength is still lacking… But I learned in that semi-final that I can grow much stronger.)

As I looked up at the ceiling of the inn and thought back on the semi-final match, a strange smile appeared on my face.

A beastfolk girl clad in a light red glowing aura…

A speed that you wouldn’t imagine from her gentle atmosphere.

A ferocious chain of attacks unleashed with explosive firepower.

A fluffy tail…

…………No, the fluffiness doesn’t matter.

Overwhelming destructive power that could be fatal with each blow.

Eyes with a gentle yet strong will.

And most importantly, the golden fluffy tail…

Huh? No……

T-Think about the match!

Silk-like smooth fur.

Casually moving beast ears.

Fluffy tail!

That’s when I realized.

(…I think I have been misunderstanding something until now…)

My head was clearing up.

It was as if the vague and unclear thoughts that had been stuck in my mind since I left Bukyo suddenly cleared up.

(This is what my master wanted to convey.)

When I closed my eyes, the words my master spoke to me five years ago came to mind.

『Zen… What is your sword for?』

So that’s what the question was about back then…

「Master, my sword, my martial arts, my righteousness… is for the fluffiness!!」

At the age of 19, a young man opened a new door and peered into the abyss, with a burning flame-like determination dwelling in his eyes.

And then, he obtained a skill that would change his future destiny.

【Skill】Summon Four Spirit Beasts: Summon spirit beasts of the same level as yourself (MP consumption per summon: 150)