Chapter 9: The Cursed Sword Unleashed

The scene opens with the protagonist attempting to destroy the goddess-bestowed ring with the dark powers of the Demon King’s sword.

Frustratingly, despite the sword’s ominous might, the ring remains untouched.

His curiosity piqued, he ponders the implications if only one return ring exists, imagining a chaotic battle among his companions for the chance to use it.

However, his primary aim remains unfulfilled.

When he confronts the dark elf, Kramuthua, imprisoned and bound by multiple enchantments, she mocks his efforts, unaware of his deeper intentions.

He thrusts the sword into her, aiming to reclaim the blade’s full power by reabsorbing its spirit within.

Despite her resistance and mocking laughter, Kramuthua is gradually forced back into the sword, relinquishing her physical form.

As her essence is absorbed, the weapon glows with a sinister intensity.

Now infused with her power, the sword’s sentience awakens, issuing curses and warnings, promising that he too will one day be consumed by the sword.

Unfazed, he considers the sword’s predictions before being interrupted by the sudden arrival of soldiers drawn by the commotion.

Guards stationed outside burst into the room, shocked at the scene.

“U-Undertaker, sir…?”

Sensing their confusion, I quickly reassured them, “Just to clear up any misunderstandings, I haven’t been overtaken by the sword.”

I flung the cursed sword against the wall.

[Aaaagh!!]

The sword, Kramuthua, let out a scream, and the soldiers looked even more horrified.

It’s understandable—they likely have no idea what’s going on. After all, the sword’s wielder is bound to it within a meter’s distance.

But the magic sword can only possess someone native to this world; it can’t dominate a warrior from another world like me.

“S-so you just… unleashed the sword’s seal?”

“Yes. I fused it back with its spirit, which had been separated.”

“Why… why would you do something like that!?”

“To identify anyone carrying the Demon King’s energy.”

At the mention of the Demon King, their faces instantly hardened.

“By wielding this sword, I can trace and eradicate any remnants of his power. And when it’s all over, I’ll throw this cursed blade into lava or destroy it for good.”

[Stop! What are you plotting!?]

“You don’t need to know that.”

I kicked the sword back into my hand, gripping it once again.

“Try not to look so desperate—I’ve got some old companions to meet.”

[You’re not seriously planning to find other lieutenants…?]

“Exactly. That way, I can track down the remnants of the Demon King’s power.”

[Haha… Do you even realize that could actually help resurrect the Demon King?]

Just what I was hoping for. Only the Demon King’s strength can bring down a hero.

“Undertaker, you’re really not… possessed by the sword or aiming to revive the Demon King, are you?”

“I’ve lost hundreds of comrades to the Demon King. I’m not reviving him; I’m using this blade as a clue to prevent such a scheme from happening. As for everyone else…”

Just then—

BOOM!

A deafening explosion rocked the entire island, nearly knocking me off my feet.

The prison began collapsing, trapping the guards beneath the crumbling ceiling.

In the blink of an eye, the guards were crushed under the debris, with no chance for me to save them.

“Tsk…!”

[What the—!? What’s happening!? Why are we under attack!? Could it be the Demon King’s forces, risen again!?]

“Shut up!”

I barked at Kramuthua, dodging the falling debris and racing through the hallway to escape.

“May the goddess guide you…”

I muttered a prayer for the fallen as I dashed out of the collapsing dungeon.

Outside, I was met with utter chaos—explosions of mana, devastation everywhere.

“Unbelievable. A full-scale assault…”

A warship approached, firing magical cannons, aiming to obliterate this storm-ravaged island.

The blinding beams headed straight for us, with deadly accuracy that was clearly intended to target me.

As the island shook violently, it became clear that they were trying to sink the entire place—or perhaps drown me, sword and all, into the ocean.

In the distance, I saw the one responsible for the magical bombardment.

“A Grade-1++ buffalo, huh.”

It was none other than Admut, the Tower Master—a self-proclaimed “Grand Sorcerer” and one of the three strongest fighters smitten by the mysterious Femme Fatale.

Though blessed with divine protection, if I were trapped underwater for eternity, it would be the same as being dead.

[What’s going on?! A mutiny?!]

“None of your business. And explaining it to you would be a pain.”

Ignoring Kramuthua’s obnoxious cackling, I steadied my energy and gathered power in my legs.

“If the Tower Master is here, then she must be watching too.”

She wouldn’t have come herself, of course. She never took the frontlines, even against the Demon King’s army.

If she managed to break free from the grip of the Holy Church, it wouldn’t be to come here herself.

Well then.

“Time to crush this buffalo first.”

With a powerful leap, I sprinted across the surface of the ocean, pushing mana through my feet to propel me forward, running over the waves toward the ship.

CRASH!

An icy spear flew past, grazing my side and spreading a cold sting over me.

Figures. They’ve studied countless ways to subdue a hero, even without directly harming one.

But those methods won’t work anymore.

Not with me, anyway.

Finally, with one last bound, I landed on the deck, charging directly at the horrified Tower Master and bringing my sword down on his head.

CLANG!

I didn’t slash—I slammed the flat of the sword downwards. Despite his mana shield, Admut dropped to one knee under the force of my blow.

“Ugh…! You… you traitor to humankind! You actually released the curse of that sword!”

I raised an eyebrow. “Oh, you better hurry to your dear Femme Fatale and see if she’s… you know, carrying the Demon King’s child or not.”

“Shut up!”

Admut thrust his hand toward me, casting layer upon layer of curses aimed to paralyze even a hero.

But.

“You buffalo.”

WHAM!

I cut him off with a kick to the jaw, sending him sprawling across the deck, and deflected his curse with the magic sword.

“Is a mere sixth-circle mage blind to reality? Didn’t you notice that everyone above you is dead?”

“Ugh…!”

“Listen, even as a reserve hero, I’m still leagues stronger than someone like you.”

I raised the cursed sword high.

“Sure, even a third-rate could look like the strongest if everyone else is gone—especially a wimp who’s never even kissed his beloved Femme Fatale.”

“Shut up…! She is—!”

“Funny. I hooked up with Min Sena three times already.”

Admut’s eyes trembled furiously at that.