What I don't get is how this test is meant to gauge loyalty?
The whole time, my companions can just sit back and watch.
How is that a test of loyalty?
Unless they're not allowed to intervene in some way?
Or expected to.
But even so. I won't need it.
"I'm ready."
The queen nods and gestures for me to step outside.
The elves follow me, and they take up positions on either side of the garden, lining the stone walls.
I step forward, and the moment I cross the threshold, the sword begins to glow.
It's not burning or anything, but it's definitely glowing.
...Ominous.
I'm not intimidated, but it's quite showy for a sword.
But.
If I can take it and remain standing, then that's a good start.
So I approach the pedestal, and the elves all watch me with a mix of awe and horror.
It's like they know I'm about to do something amazing.
Amazingly stupid.
"Master, please don't!"
No, no, no. I don't need you chiming in right now.
The sword is literally right in front of me.
It's a matter of just reaching out and taking it.
There's no way for me to fail.
I grip the handle and yank the sword free from the pedestal.
The instant the sword is removed, the ground beneath my feet explodes in a burst of white light.
It's almost blinding, and it sends me flying backwards.
The sword is still clutched in my hand.
It's not burning me.
It's not doing anything, really.
Aside from exploding the ground.
...So it's a trap.
And the elves are waiting for me to die.
Well.
They're not getting their wish.
I slowly rise to my feet, the sword still gripped in my hand.
...There's a very large creature standing where the sword once leaned.
"I tried to warn you, Master, it has a summoning trap...!"
I don't need you chiding me right now, miss...blueberry yogurt, or whatever.
The creature is enormous, with horns curling back from its head, and wings sprouting from its back. Its skin is dark gray, and its eyes are a burning red.
It roars, and the ground trembles beneath its feet.
Well.
This is a battle, then.
Is it as strong as the demon king...?
"Of course not, Master! But it's much more powerful than your previous enemies!"
That's a shame.
I was hoping for a real challenge.
I raise the sword and charge at the creature.
It swings its arm, and I duck, sliding underneath it and slashing at its leg.
The sword bites deep into its flesh, and the creature cries out in pain.
...Nice. It's got some heft to it. And it leaves black flames licking at the wound.
This thing must have some kind of curse on it.
Maybe that's why it's such a trap.
I leap up and swing the sword again, this time aiming for the creature's throat.
It jerks back, narrowly avoiding the blow, and its eyes narrow.
It roars, and a wave of heat rushes over me.
My clothes are scorched, and my hair is singed.
But other than that, I'm unharmed.
That was a fire attack. Apparently it's not enough to breach that annoying defense I have.
But.
There's no reason to believe that's its best.
It's a boss monster, after all.
And it's a test.
Somehow, it's supposed to prove I can handle the demon king. And I refuse to entertain the idea that he's weak.
No.
I'll show them what I can do.
The creature's eyes flash, and a bolt of lightning strikes the ground near me.
I feel a tingle in my body, but that's all.
No damage.
I grin.
"Master, you're doing wonderfully! But be careful! The sword's curse is getting stronger, and the creature is getting desperate!"
Curse....?
This sword is cursed?
Then...
Why aren't I feeling anything?
Why isn't the sword burning me?
The creature's eyes flash, and it lets out a roar.
A blast of energy rips through the air, and the ground is torn apart beneath me.
It's a shockwave.
It's...
A lot.
It's not a threat, though.
Not even close.
The creature staggers, its eyes flashing, and it raises its hands.
The air shimmers, and a wall of darkness appears between us.
It's...a shield.
"Master, it's casting a defensive spell! Be careful!"
That's fine.
I just have to keep pushing.
I charge towards the creature, and it swipes at me with its clawed hands.
I duck, and its hand slams into the ground nearby.
Its fingers dig into the earth, and it roars.
This is an endurance battle.
Not a power struggle.
And I'm not sure which is the real test here.
But.
It's not really important.
I'm not going to lose.
I slam the sword into the creature's stomach, and the blade sinks deep into its flesh.
The creature shudders, and its eyes flash.
It's not going to give up.
And neither will I.
I raise the sword again, and a bolt of lightning crashes into the sky above.
The air crackles with energy, and a blast of heat washes over me.
It's not deterred at all by my lack of reaction so far.
Well.
That's fine.
It just means the fight's gotten a little more interesting.
"Master, I have to remind you that the sword's curse is growing stronger! Please be careful!"
I still don't know what he curse is.
Hopefully it's just...not relevant to this specific fight. Not that I'd mind the extra challenge.
I charge towards the creature again, and it slams its hands together.
The air shimmers, and a bolt of energy flies towards me.
It's another shockwave.
"Master, this is dangerous! Please, retreat and-"
Shut up.
It's not a threat.
Not.
Close.
I swing the sword again, and the blade collides with the shockwave.
It explodes in a burst of energy, and the force knocks the creature back.
Myself as well, though not as far.
The creature staggers, and I take advantage of its momentary weakness, driving the sword into its neck.
The blade bites deep, and the creature shudders.
Its eyes flash, and it reaches out, grabbing the sword and yanking it free.
I stumble backwards, and the creature lunges towards me.
It's still alive.
Good.
I want a real challenge.
"Master, please be careful! The curse is going to activate soon, and it's likely to be a disaster!"
I still don't know what this damn curse even is.
But I don't have time to ask.