Some people shyly looked away; some had a sudden realization followed by keen interest; others showed greedy eyes, but could only keep a low profile among the crowd.
"I'm going, an Intermediate Magic Creature."
"Wow, a Stigma certification by the bishop, must be a Princess from some Great Noble family."
"That snake skin is worth a fortune..."
Anyway, the Hero who peacefully lined up was slightly nervous as he awaited his turn.
Once most people were in their places, the Ceremony of Unsheathing the Sword began simply.
The Hero also saw the main character of this ceremony in full.
The unimpressive Holy Sword, stuck atop a reef on the lakeshore, while the buildings of the Warrior Guild were shaped in an 'L', enclosing the area.
There were no man-made protections around the Holy Sword; even the path leading to the reef was mucky lakebed. Only on a slightly distant shore, safe from tidal submersion, stood a small altar.
A Mage on standby started chanting a Spell Chant, creating a stone path from the muddy lakebed that could accommodate two people passing through.
"Time limit is one minute; if you can't pull it out, hurry down!"
A spokesperson from the Warrior Guild announced loudly.
Then the first challenger stepped up, rubbing his hands eagerly.
"Why don't they just use Magic to melt the rocks around the Holy Sword?" asked a Little Girl in the spectator stands.
"Hehe, that area around the sword has Magic Resistance."
A white-robed, long-bearded Mage kindly answered.
"Besides, for the people of this town, pulling the sword is more of a ceremony; most people don't really think about actually pulling it out."
The Little Girl nodded thoughtfully.
There are similar ceremonies within the army at the Border.
But aside from the Church's people who can enhance themselves through prayer, most ceremonies are practically ineffective.
However, for soldiers who may die on the battlefield at any time, these ceremonies are often indispensable and sacred.
They provide a sort of spiritual strength, precisely what the Church focuses on: the Power of the Soul.
Perhaps for this town, the Sword-Pulling Ceremony by Lake Holy Sword also means the same, embodying gratitude toward the natural lake and a challenge, necessitating an honorable conduct.
At the moment, the first challenger had his hands on the sword.
[Holy Sword attribute Extreme Failure!]
1. The challenger collapsed with fatigue ♛
2. The lake surface froze
3. Hehe, cute little girl...(?)
9. The tide suddenly rose!
10. Critical Success/Extreme Failure
"Haaaaaaa!!!" was the initial roar of the challenger, mighty and vigorous, full of determination and courage.
"Uuuiii..." was the sound the challenger made after holding the sword handle for about [51] seconds, weak and soft as a newborn lamb.
Many in the queue burst into laughter.
"Hurry, let's move to the next one! It shouldn't need someone to carry you down, right?" mocked someone familiar with the challenger.
"Damn it..." the challenger reluctantly let go of the sword handle.
Seeing the pitiful state of the challenger, both the queued-up Heroes and the Little Girl in the stands widened their eyes.
"It's just pulling a sword, is it that tiring?"
The Hero couldn't help but wonder.
"Hehe, little girl, this must be your first time in our town."
The man standing behind the Hero chuckled with ill intentions.
"This Holy Sword drains the challenger's physical strength, though it's not deadly. But little girl, you better be careful, otherwise you might end up embarrassed if someone has to carry you down, touching where they shouldn't - don't say I didn't warn you."
Hearing the implicit meaning in the man's words, the Hero turned to give him a glare, and the Gleaming Scale Serpent almost directly flashed its fangs.
"Oh come on, I was just giving a friendly reminder."
The man quickly moved to a later position in the line, drawing annoyed looks from others.
"Out of the line there!"
But before he could catch his breath, a roaring voice of the Cruising Bishop, as if exploding close by, shocked the man nearly causing him to collapse on the ground.
"Daring to harass others during a sacred ceremony, you are desecrating the Holy Sword! You're disqualified from participation!"
"Oh, maybe that's a bit much..." the Hero, startled by the shout, quickly gestured with his hand.
"Since the lady says so... get back to the end of the line!"
Although there was a good distance, the response from Bishop You was as clear as if he stood just in front of them.
Watching the man scurry away to the remote end of the line, the Hero was somewhat amazed.
Delivering words directly to someone's ears from a afar - father was also capable of such feats.
This peculiar Bishop, truly a Legendary Professional.
[Lake Holy Sword Challenge: A Test of Stamina]
Collapsed from exhaustion? Then it's time for a big meal!
The surrounding snack vendors are all ready!
If there are a lot of foods you want to try, you can fully eat your fill before challenging again! After challenging, go eat again!
It seems that the Holy Sword not only purified the lake, but also boosted the economic prosperity of the town.