928: The Reliable Two, Asleep

What was all that Wolfking Blade Fenrir stuff about?

Oh that I know you got a huge boost, but I never expected thatd cause some kinda half-a.s.sed renaming sequence. It really caught us off-guard too.

Affirmative. The suspension of the renaming process generated a great deal of energy with no outlet, a portion of which almost escaped our control.

I see. So I almost got renamed, but it got canceled at the last minute?

Wolfking Blade Fenrir It almost sounds like the name of a divine sword.

My body was made out of a failed divine sword. With Fenrir and Announcer-sans abilities added to the mix, I could see myself attaining powers close to the level of a divine sword.

But before the battle, they said my mind wouldnt withstand the process. It seems to me theres more to it than just a temporary name change.

Its a possibility for the future. One of the futures that youor rather, wemight reach.

You mean I could become a divine sword?

Yeah, a blade containing my power. The Wolfking Blade, Fenrir.

You dont sound very enthusiastic about that?

Like I said before, the current you wouldnt be able to withstand fusing with me. And if you were able to withstand it, thatd mean youre no longer yourself.

Y-You mean I would have to turn into a sword completely? Like the version of me that Rhyn showed us?

Exactly. Thats why you taking the name of the Wolfking Blade is an outcome we cant accept.

I see

So if I wanted to become a divine sword, Id need to turn into a sword completely. But at the same time, I wont be myself anymore. Sure, itll make me stronger, but Id be making Fran sad.

No. Theres no way thats happening.

Then what about the Evil Wolf Blade or the Blade of Blind Knowledge?

Those are separate possibilities from the Wolfking Blade. The Evil Wolf Blade, a sword drawing on the power of individual Fenrir, after his corruption with evil energy. The Blade of Blind Knowledge, a false divine sword created by unifying the remnants of two divine swords that have already been long lost. Both were displayed as possible outcomes.

In other words, you might have become those too.

They didnt sound too bad to me, but Fenrirs tone suggested otherwise. He continued the explanation with a bitter tone in his voice.

Your vessel was originally a divine sword, and its ability to manipulate the divine attribute puts it pretty close already. So if you get a boost of power, youd meet the conditions for renaming. That said, youd probably end up not reaching the level of divine sword, so youd get renamed as a psuedo divine sword.

However, if the name of the individual Master is changed, even temporarily, the main personality will be adjusted to individual Fenrir or temporary name Announcer-san.

In that case, well have nothing holding back the Evil G.o.d Fragment. Thats why we had to prevent the renaming.

Im still not too sure how this whole naming system works. I know that when the G.o.ds approve of something, that something naturally gets a name, just like Frans equipment.

The name change usually happens on its own, but I guess thats different in my case. Thanks to Announcer-san and Fenrir, it seems we can intervene in the naming process.

So they decided it would be too dangerous to accept the renaming, and refused it on my behalf.

Basically, youre saying that its not a good idea to change my name so easily?

Exactly. Just keep being Master and grow stronger in your own way.

Affirmative. This is also the wish of individual Fran.

Not to be smug, but Announcer-san is probably right.

If I were to become a divine sword at the price of becoming machine-like, Fran would say that she doesnt want a divine sword. Im sure of it.

Woops. Its about time to go.

Beginning temporary period of dormancy.

Well, I guess this is goodbye for a while.

Please take care of individual Fran in the meanwhile.

Send my regards to Fran!

And then, I felt their presence fading away. Completely losing the boosting effect must be what put them to sleep.

Ill be separated from my dependable companions for a few days or even weeks. Thats no different than when I first arrived in this world, but its strangely unnerving. I guess thats how much I relied on the two.

If I screw up while theyre gone, theyll be p.i.s.sed when they get back. I have to keep things together.

Urus.h.i.+ must have sensed the change in my line of thought. He looked at me with sleepy eyes.

Woof?

So it seems like I wont be falling asleep. Leave Fran to me.

Woof!

You did a really good job this time too. Its because you went with Sophie that we were able to get her full support. Thats not a front and center role, but it was truly a fine play.

Woof!

I know, I know. When you wake up, youre in for a treat. So get some rest now.

Woof woof!

Urus.h.i.+ wagged his tail happily, sniffed Fran lightly, and sank into the shadows.

After Urus.h.i.+ disappeared, Zefmate, who was standing next to him, let out a grunt.

Mrgh. No, I cant allow myself to sleep yet

Zefmate stood in front of Mea, trying to fight off his drowsiness. I guess hes trying to act as her guard until the situation calms down a little.

Theres a pretty big difference between Urus.h.i.+, who knew of my existence, and Zefmate, who didnt. Id love to tell him that he can rest since Ill handle the watch, but thats not really possible.

But then, the G.o.ddess of salvation appeared before us. Ehh actually, shes not kind enough to be called a G.o.ddess. On second thought, the G.o.ddesses of this world are pretty d.a.m.n harsh, so maybe G.o.ddess would be correct after all.

Zefmate, explain yourself.

Quina-sama

You certainly look exhausted. The lady tends to be rather careful despite her appearances, and yet shes fallen asleep at a place like this

Meas maid, Quina, had entered the room. Shes as expressionless as ever.

We fought off a horde of antidemons. Then with the help of the saintess

Zefmate tried to explain, but his sluggish speech made him impossible to understand. Quina realized that rather quickly, and gave up on talking to him.

Instead, she turned my way.

Quina, let Zefmate rest while I explain everything.

Master-san, I hoped you might say that. Please explain every detail of this matter down to the letter.

Please be gentle.

If Im subject to Quinas interrogation, I think Id spill the beans on anything. Ugh, Im getting chills Im not supposed to be capable of feeling!

Zefmate, Ill take care of the rest. You get some sleep.

Under stood

Zefmate barely managed to nod at Quinas words, before walking unsteadily to the corner of the room and collapsing. It seems he didnt have the composure to worry about the blunder of sleeping in the same room as his master, Mea.

Zzzz

The sleeping breaths of the five were the only things that could be heard in the room. It was strangely quiet outside, so maybe the townspeople were trying not to disturb us.

No, actually it seems many of them had fallen asleep too. The only ones capable of moving were those with higher base mana, since that reduced the burden on themselves.

So? How did this situation come about?

Man, where do I start

From the beginning, if possible.

Okay. Ill try to be brief, but Ill start from the beginning.

We have plenty of time, after all.