The Greatswordsman’s Trial

‘I am the Hero. And now, I was facing the predicament of a new member being denied entry…’

“Why, though, esteemed Elf?” Helter slapped his wine flask onto the table, clearly displeased.

“An ordinary person cannot simply embark on a journey with the Great Hero, understand? This path is fraught with peril, and I cannot guarantee your safety!” Key declared, hands on her hips, her posture radiating arrogance.

“Huh? My safety? I can assure you of that myself,” Helter responded without a moment’s hesitation.

“Are you certain, mortal? Though you appear quite imposing, you might just be cannon fodder in a real battle!”

“Hah? What makes you say I’m cannon fodder? While I may not compare to peak-tier experts, I am still confident in my combat abilities!”

“That’s arrogance, mortal!”

“Why must your words be so grating, esteemed Elf?”

At that moment, I could almost visualize the sparks of zzzt-zzzt electricity crackling between their eyes.

‘This… it felt like two tigers vying for the same mountain! Were their personalities simply incompatible?’

After bickering for a good while, Key, perhaps realizing the futility of reasoning with someone as stubbornly straightforward as Helter, finally said, “Alright, if you’re so confident, then prove it! Have a spar with the Great Hero! If you win, I’ll acknowledge you!”

“Key!” I called out to her.

“Don’t interrupt me! This isn’t the time for pleasantries! The harder, the better! Let him face the challenge and retreat!” Key declared, swatting my nose bridge.

“No… Key, how much of my conversation with Helter did you actually hear?”

“From the moment this big oaf said he wanted to join us.”

‘Hmm… it seemed Key had truly been asleep and was oblivious to everything that transpired…’

“Heh heh.” Helter let out a peculiar chuckle. “Esteemed Elf, no offense intended, but I’ve already won.”

“Huh? What? When did this happen?!” Key spun to face me. “You explain yourself! When did you lose?”

“Just a short while after you fell asleep… Helter challenged me, and I lost…”

“But you’re the Hero now, Emily!”

‘Even if I’ve gained the Hero’s body, I’m still just an ordinary assassin…’

“What are you saying?!” Key delivered another sharp tap to my nose bridge, which stung a little. “Stop talking! You mustn’t expose…”

“Helter already knows I’m not the Hero…”

Key froze again. “When did this happen?! What kind of mess did you get into while I was asleep?!”

After a lengthy explanation…

“And that’s how it all transpired…” I finished, leaving Key utterly distressed.

“You… you’re practically forcing me to bring this person into the party!” Key exclaimed. “You can’t guarantee this Helter won’t blab!”

“Hmm… then let him join…”

“No way! Your description of that battle with him was far too vague! Unless I witness his strength myself, I absolutely cannot let him join…” Key’s words trailed off.

Thump. Helter hoisted the greatsword from the corner, resting it on his shoulder.

“Since it’s not yet dark, why don’t we step outside and see if I’m worthy?”

Key slowly turned, and upon seeing the exaggerated greatsword, she froze once more. “A two-handed sword with one hand?! This…”

“What’s wrong? I’m accustomed to wielding it this way.”

‘Key’s reaction was perfectly normal; two-handed greatswords are typically designed to be heavy, and very few humans can wield one with a single hand.’

“What excellent physique! How does your shoulder feel under the pressure? Does the greatsword feel cumbersome at all?”

“Not at all. I’ve used it for so many years, this sword feels like a part of my body.”

“You…” Key slowly edged closer to Helter. “Wow, what a build, what a physique…” She meticulously scrutinized Helter. “How impressive!” A blush crept onto Key’s face.

‘Whoa! What’s gotten into you, Key? Can’t handle such brawny muscles?’

“Such luxuriant chest hair, the scent of a true man…” Key was practically drooling.

‘Hey! What on earth is happening?! Is she repulsed by the smell? It feels like something utterly preposterous is about to unfold!’

“A physique that rivals the Hero’s! Wow!” Key zipped over to Helter’s right arm, rubbing her face back and forth against his bulging bicep. “Wah, wah, wah!”

‘Could it be that Key has a thing for muscle-bound men…? What’s with that ecstatic expression?! Doesn’t she find those muscles uncomfortably hard?’

“Mortal! I have some expectations for you now! Come, let us go outside and witness your swordsmanship!”

‘This crap-elf… just moments ago, she was vehemently against him joining, truly proving the Village Chief’s morning adage—[All living beings are fickle] (He never said that!).’

And so, in the backyard. Helter slowly reached behind him, drawing the greatsword from its sheath. He stood in the center, holding his breath in concentration.

“Be careful with the force of your swing, alright? Don’t demolish my house…” I muttered, pulling a stool over and settling down nearby.

“Hoo.” Helter exhaled deeply.

“Martial Skill—Charged Slash.”

Crimson light coalesced upon the jet-black blade. Then, with a flash of the sword, a resounding boom echoed, and a clear crack rent the ground, accompanied by a tremendous gust of air.

My skirt flew up! Holy crap! I quickly clamped it down, my hair scattering wildly in the wind.

Key, being so small, was directly blown into my chest by the powerful current of air…

“So handsome!”

Upon hearing her words, I was startled. ‘Key, what’s wrong with you, Key? Why are acting like those infatuated maidens in Newbie Village?!’

“How was that?” Helter asked with a grin, sheathing his sword.

“Strong! Though I feel a bit breezy around my lower half…” I said, a hint of helplessness in my voice.

“Astounding! I’ve never seen a mortal wield a greatsword with such speed and power! Sir Helter! Your strength is enough to compete in the Royal Capital’s arena!”

Key praised him loudly.

“Key, Helter is the champion of the fourth arena tournament,” I clarified.

“What did you say?!” Key’s eyes widened in shock, darting aimlessly. “The champion! Wow! I apologize, I was truly disrespectful earlier!”

“It’s alright, many people tend to underestimate me,” Helter said, scratching his head. “Esteemed Elf, may I join the party now?”

“Of course you can! Welcome! A most enthusiastic welcome!”

‘The “Scent of Truth” principle, bah, what principle? What am I even rambling about?’ (Translator’s Note: Likely a reference to the ‘Law of True Fragrance’ / Xiang Dang Dang meme about hypocrisy).

[New companion—the down-and-out Greatswordsman Wolfer Helter has joined the party!]

And so, the adventure of Hero Emily was truly set to begin!

‘Ah… but it’s evening now! There’s no way it can start tonight…’

‘So… the adventure of Hero Emily will begin tomorrow!’