Chapter 582: Possible Tragedy

I came here today because I wanted to tell the both of you about something

What is it?

Rather than trying to pry into Rhyns ident.i.ty, Fran decided to listen to her first. There was something about the serious expression that Rhyn wore that made it difficult for her to say no.

Through water, I can see the cause and effect of the past. And from the vision of the past, I can know the future

The future?

Yes. There is no such thing as a fixed destiny in this world. But there is an outcome called the future, which is likely to come if we do nothing

Rhyn seemed to have some kind of psychometric ability. Since she could predict the future, she must have been able to a.n.a.lyze the past in great detail. Moreover, it seemed that she could also predict the future by performing calculations based on past information.

Maybe it was because of that ability that she found out I was not just a simple sword. If she could see Frans past, then, of course, she could see me in her past too.

Of course, this is not a sure thing. Its just that, as it is now, theres a high probability that it will come

So what does that mean?

Theres a tragedy coming for the both of you

Tragedy?

Yeah. Youve saved my life before, and I wanted to return that favor

Before? What are you trying to say since a while ago?

Im sorry. If I interfere too much, the future I see might change into something completely different. But Im really worried about you guys Sword-san. To avoid this tragedy, youd need to be ready

Rhyns eyes definitely focused on me.

You must havent noticed, the changes in yourself

What do you mean?

Id been completely exposed. There was no point in hiding it any longer. I was worried about the tragedy that was coming to Fran too.

You are, becoming a sword

Becoming? Im already a sword, arent I?

The body is. But not the inside. Youre still a person inside

Aah, so that was what she meant. Im a former human being, so it couldnt be helped.

However, youre becoming less and less of a person. The change is accelerating, from a human spirit to a spirit worthy of the sword

Is that bad?

In the past, you hesitated in a situation where you would have stopped Fran. Nowadays, you are taking a step back and looking at Fran from behind

Well, that is

No, definitely not. You acted like a guardian before. But now, you act like a sword, just like what any sword does

Well, its because Im a sword, right?

And youre starting to feel more comfortable by thinking that way

No I-Im!

I tried to argue with Rhyn and was surprised at how weak my words sounded. What was it? I tried to shout, No! Im not just a sword! but failed.

You must havent noticed the change in Fran too

What?

Was she frustrated because she couldnt freely move her body? Did you really think that was the case?

What do you mean? When I looked at Fran, she laid her ears flat and turned her head down with an indescribable look on her face. She looked apologetic, sad, lonely, and a mixture of other emotions.

Im sorry

Why are you apologizing?

I had noticed that Master was a little strange. But I was afraid to tell you

Fran

The uneasiness I was having was making her irritated and agitated? Because of me?

You are indeed a sword. But youre also a person. Dont forget that

Right after she told us that, Rhyns body started to fade.

W-wait!

Youre her master, arent you? Dont just be a mere bystander. Keep your mind strong. You are Frans teacher

Rhyn! Wait! Please tell me more about it!

It was no good. She had said all she wanted to say and disappeared.

Fran, can you sense Rhyns presence?

She is gone

I see

But, I was becoming a sword? How did that lead to tragedy?

Master

What is it?

I prefer Master to remain as my master

Fran

There was a definite sadness in Frans voice. Her eyelashes trembled, and her eyes moistened slightly.

Fran pulled me out of the scabbard and hugged me tightly. I could feel Frans warmth and the beating of her heart.

There are many swords. But Master is my only master

Im

Fran was afraid. She was afraid I would turn into a sword. She even shed tears for me.

I was terrified at that moment.

Even though Fran had done so much for me, I wasnt afraid of the fact that I was becoming more like a sword. If it had been me when I first met Fran, I would have definitely felt sorry and scared.

As Rhyn had said, I was on the verge of becoming a sword. The moment I became very aware of this, I was. .h.i.t by a terrible chill.

Guh

Master!?

It was the first time I felt this way since I became a sword. The next moment, I felt my body tremble with an unfamiliar urge that took over my mind. No, I dont have a body to tremble though

Gha

!

Then, I suddenly realized that I had a strong fear of becoming a sword.

This is.

! Master!

I became blind and couldnt see my surroundings. I couldnt even hear Frans voice anymore. However, the moment I heard the sorrowful call, I was able to rapidly regain my composure.

Fran?

Master! Are you okay?

A-aah, yes, Im okay. Im totally fine. Sorry, I was just a little distraught Hey, have I been acting weird lately?

Just a little. But it is really just a little

So, it was only a little, huh? Apparently, that was why she couldnt bring herself to say it. But Fran was clearly relieved.

Fran

Nn?

Im still myself. Im Frans master

Nn

Just what am I supposed to do? Rhyn told me to be strong-minded. I guess that means we can still do something about it.

Ill do my best

Nn!