The ceiling that Kraush had become all too familiar with recently came into view. It was the ceiling of the quarters used by the Blue Sea Knights in Halgram. Staring blankly at it, Kraush slowly sat up, only to feel a throbbing pain throughout his body. The aftermath of wielding Annihilation Erosion. It was the price paid for his last moment of greed, and honestly, given his current state, he had no room for complaints.
I wanted to see how far I could push it against one of the Ten Great Lords.
Despite Adolf holding back, Kraush had managed to inflict a wound on hima burn, no less, on the master of flame magic. Kraush clenched his fist, feeling the performance boost from his newly acquired Lunar Body. Yet he faced another problem, one concerning his sword.
My sword couldnt withstand Annihilation Erosion.
The intense heat and power of Annihilation Erosion were more than his sword could bear. This was a significant issue. No matter how strong he became, he couldnt fight without a weapon.
I need a sword. One with good durability.
Crossing his arms, Kraush pondered. Then, something came to mind.
Rain Thunder Prime.
One of the worlds top ten heavenly swords, said to contain the power of thunder and rain. Kraush remembered its existence distinctly. And it might just be the perfect sword for his current situation.
The problem is its current owner.
With a look of indecision, Kraush thought about the owner of Rain Thunder Prime, who would still be alive at this time.
What are you pondering about so deeply?
Crimson Garden, in her crow form, perched atop the bed. Pushing thoughts of swords aside, Kraush decided to ask about something else first.
Crim, hows Aslan?
Hes settled his matters with the elder, and it seems hes talked about the Lunar Body as well. The elder, perhaps owing to his own misdeeds, has decided to actively support the boy.
This was somewhat relieving news.
It looks like Aslan is on his way to becoming a spirit mage now.
Didnt I tell you about what happens to humans who contract with spirits?
Kraush, who knew all too well about the chaos brought by the first spirit mage, looked towards Crimson Garden.
This time, I am here.
Himself having received immortality from Crimson Garden, Kraush stated that any issues could be resolved by him.
Crimson Garden looked at Kraush with a faintly open eye, then chuckled dryly.
You think you can surpass me with that level of growth? From what I see, you wont manage it even by the end of your life.
A cheeky retort. Nevertheless, Kraush understood her remark wasnt pure mockery. The bond between Kraush and Crimson Garden was deepening. She might even find herself wishing, when the end comes, that her cruel immortality hadnt been passed to Kraush. She was a being of deep affection, after all.
Crim, we have a contractual relationship.
So, Kraush felt compelled to clarify.
You gave me immortality, and in exchange, I grow strong for taking it from youquite a straightforward transaction.
Both of them should remember that fact.
Who said otherwise?
Crimson Garden fluttered down from the bed with a flirtatious tease, indicating she was well aware.
Seeing her response, Kraush allowed himself a wry laugh. He had wronged Crimson Garden, albeit unintentionally. Still, the sentiment of her looking out for him was appreciated somewhere.
Well, the next destination would be Demonic Bastion, then.
Even he had to admit he got around quite efficiently, and with that, Kraush rose from the bed. Ready to settle a meal and acquire something from the magical city of Halgram before setting off. This would undoubtedly cost him a hefty sum of money, but that didnt matter.
If the Balheims need to pay, so be it.
Crim, I suppose its time for a new weapon, huh?
As Crimson Garden unfurled her wings with a show-off attitude, Kraush knew she was fast on the uptake.
I have one in mind for you.
But Kraush blinked in surprise at her words.
A contact of mine, quite the expert in weapon-making, has something suitable for you.
Uh, Crim.
Appreciative that Crimson Garden would procure a weapon for him, Kraush chuckled awkwardly, having already decided on where to obtain his sword.
Crimson Garden paused at that, then slowly folded her wings, glaring at Kraush.
Temporary. Who said you should stick to one sword for life? Ridiculous.
With an indignant flutter of her wings, Crimson Garden shot out through the window.
Watching her go, Kraush couldnt help but let out a laugh.
Crimson Garden, too, was not one for upfront honesty.
Thud
As the carriage slowed, Kraush looked out the window to see a village sprawled as if climbing a mountain. Demonic Bastion, a masterpiece forged by a mad weapons engineer who devoted his life to creating weapons capable of contending with world erosion. And this city, Lavala, thrived on the byproducts of Demonic Bastion. This was precisely where Kraush had come to find a weapon.
As he entered Lavala, armed figures were visible everywhere, all challengers of Demonic Bastion, comprising the citys fabric. The Bastion itself mined resources and synthesized countless byproducts internally. The challengers aimed for these byproducts, valuable and sought after in the market. And the deeper one ventured into Demonic Bastion, the better the quality of the byproducts.
Though their efforts only go as far as the eighth floor.
Kraushs interest wasnt in byproducts like those. It was the sword Rain Thunder Prime, retrieved from Demonic Bastion by the third Balheim, Belorkin. One of the ten heavenly swords, Rain Thunder Prime was acquired purely by chance. Naturally, it no longer belonged to Belorkin, now in the hands of a wandering ghost within the Bastion.
How ironic.
Knowing what Belorkin had done with Rain Thunder Prime, Kraush smirked. Fueled by confidence from the sword, Belorkins rampage and tyranny escalated, and ultimately, he turned the sword on Charlotte. Unable to overcome his hubris, he followed her into the Golden Realm, leading to his demise.
Kraush wasnt privy to the specifics of that time; his face was scorched by Ignis, leaving him unconscious until the saintess could aid him. All he knew was that afterward, he heard Belorkin died in the Golden Realm, and Charlotte had brought back his body.
Later, Rain Thunder Prime left Belorkins dead hand and returned to Charlotte. Kraush was well aware of the might the sword displayed in Charlottes grip. But this time, it wouldnt end up in Charlottes hand.
Its going to be mine.
And to claim it, Kraush had to slay the current owner of Rain Thunder Prime.
In the history of Demonic Bastion, it was the human who had slain the most.
The ghost of Demonic Bastion.
The name was Nakcheon.