Chapter 50: The World as a Crucible, All Things as Fuel
The Stone of Resentment resonated with the Tang Blade (Human Heart); upon the Tang Blade (Human Heart) lay not only the mutable nature of humanity but also the grievances of its wielders. A renowned blade of one generation, a master of one era, a demon blade of another, and a hundred generations of masters to follow.
A famed blade recognizes only one master in its lifetime; once chosen, it will devote itself wholeheartedly to protecting its bearer. A demon blade, however, will acknowledge a hundred generations of masters, with each master serving as nourishment, evolving the blade. But with every act of regicide, the master’s resentment becomes embedded within the demon blade, layer upon layer.
The Tang Blade (Human Heart) had passed through so many hands that none could recall the count. The grievances of its former masters had become almost corporeal upon its surface. It was this near-tangible resentment that caused the Stone of Resentment to resonate. Each generation’s grievances echoed with the stone, and every master received the stone’s power, becoming a blade spirit, though they knew their existence was soon to be entirely merged into the blade.
Yet, what they desired now was revenge—revenge upon the blade spirit of the Tang Blade (Human Heart).
Hundreds of former masters seized the blade spirit, gnawing at it, bit by bit, devouring it. The agony was excruciating, and the spirit screamed, but it was futile. These were the consequences of its own deeds—retribution it must bear.
Within the forge, flames blazed high, and the Tang Blade (Human Heart) began to melt.
Then came the shaping. Shadow Bathed in Sunlight made no alterations; the blade retained its original form. Within the forge, a massive hammer forged from pure energy appeared.
Clang!
The first strike fell, and part of the blade spirit was hammered into the blade.
Clang!
The second strike fell, and almost the entirety of the spirit was forced within.
Clang!
The third strike sounded, and the spirit was wholly embedded in the blade.
Clang!
With the fourth blow, D6 too was hammered into the blade. The blade began to change, but the hammer took no heed and continued its relentless pounding.
Clang!
The fifth strike formed the blade’s embryonic shape, but the forge exploded.
All the flames surged forth, turning the world into fuel.
Shadow Bathed in Sunlight hurriedly told Sadako to retreat into his mental world.
After hearing Shadow Bathed in Sunlight’s explanation, Sadako’s gaze toward him shifted subtly.
Outside, the flames rampaged, consuming every living thing—stone, seawater, soil. There was nothing the forge’s fire could not burn. Catastrophe reigned; all life was reduced to nourishment.
Clang!
In the air, the hammer descended again, driving the essence of the world into the blade.
A blade reforged with the world as its furnace, all things as fuel, and living beings as auxiliary ingredients.
Three days later, the sound of forging ceased. The world lay in ruins, devoid of the slightest trace of life.
On the scorched earth, Shadow Bathed in Sunlight stood before the newly forged blade. Sadako, from within his mental realm, witnessed all that had transpired in her world.
Sometimes, slaughter is a matter of accidental circumstance.
"Do you wish to stay here or leave with me? If you choose to remain, I’ll dissolve the master-servant contract. What do you think—are you tempted?" Shadow Bathed in Sunlight spoke teasingly.
"Forget it. Endless solitude—you’ve experienced it yourself. Worse than death, yet impossible to die," Sadako replied.
"You won’t be as disobedient as the Tang Blade before it was reforged, will you?" Shadow Bathed in Sunlight asked.
"It might have been possible before, but now it’s impossible. To rebel is no different from dying," Sadako answered.
"Very clear! Let’s see what attributes the reforged blade has," said Shadow Bathed in Sunlight, snatching up the blade before him.
"Demon Blade: Hundredfold Resentment
Level: ..."
... Vote and add to favorites! It means so much to me!