Playing the Perfect Fox-Eyed Villain Chapter 56

Episode 56. One Step Forward, One Step Back

“This is… Ah! Is that it?”

As I lightly ran my hand over the pitch-black 'line', I could easily guess what it was.

The mana I have. That is, 'Aura'.

⇒ Acquired a new trait, “Sombra”.

The moment I read the words, the 'string' that had been holding the water bottle disappeared like dust.

“Ugh……!”

After barely catching the falling water bottle, I slowly got up from my seat. I could no longer feel the 'magic' stirring in my danjeon.

'Have you completely absorbed it?'

I don't know. I guess that's what it is, since I can't feel anything. If so, is that 'aura materialization' trait a result of absorbing the soul stone?

“Sombra……, I’ve heard of it.”

The Vybvre Valley, located to the west of the Adratan Empire. It is the name of the Triangle Demon that was active there.

“So this was the demon’s soul.”

As the name 'Sombra' suggests, the ability is to use one's own magic to materialize atmospheric mana and then manipulate it like an arm or leg.

'Objectification… … .'

After realizing the name that Honseok had been holding, I took a deep breath and let the mana flow through my fingertips.

Materialization of aura.

Something that goes against the common sense of this worldview.

No, it's a concept that cannot exist in the original world.

So, although it was difficult to understand what he was saying, the 'line' I saw a little while ago fueled my imagination.

Swish──.

“……It’s surprisingly easy.”

By breaking the stereotype, I was able to form the previously black 'Sombra' again.

▶ Trait, 「 Sombra 」

Grade: Unique

▷ You can materialize mana and aura.

▷ The strength and length of 'Sombra' are proportional to skill level.

▷ This is a trait that has not yet been fully acquired. If you absorb a new soul stone, a strong backlash will occur.

Once I looked at the trait, I imagined myself reaching out and bringing 'Sombra' to a book far away.

That wasn't that difficult.

'It's easy to just bring things.'

Although I can't handle it like an animal yet, the more I use it, the more I start to get a feel for how to handle and use this 'Sombra'.

'then.'

What if we put this on a sword?

It started out of simple curiosity, but I felt somewhat confident.

'The moonstone has good compatibility with my mana, but since it is a gem, its durability is lacking.'

That's why I unconsciously swung the Moon Sword with limited strength. But what if I strengthened my durability through 'Sombra'?

It's definitely possible.

'It's worth a try.'

Thinking like that, I pulled out the sword at my waist and concentrated my mind, and 'Sombra' flowed out through my fingertips.

The moon sword that had been holding a soft light was instantly dyed black as if a shadow was swallowing the moon.

'Not bad.'

I used the <Moonlight Sword>, sending an aura once again to the sword dyed pitch black.

Yeah, yeah──!

Very quietly and surely.

Moonlight Blade began to resonate with Sombra.

“……It’s amazing.”

At that sight, exclamations of admiration escaped my lips without me knowing.

‘Sombra’ was originally a demon ability.

The 'Moonlight Sword' to kill such demons.

When you mix two abilities that don't mix like oil and water, a backlash occurs.

'The process by which two incompatible characteristics repel each other.'

By matching Sombra's resistance, Moonlight Blade was able to further increase its output.

“Can you increase not only durability, but also output? That would be quite useful… Hmm?”

Dismissal──!

The sound of something breaking.

At the same time, as the resonating sound coming from the 'Moon Jang Sword' began to gradually die down, anxiety began to creep in.

"this……."

As the bound Sombra was collected, the Moon Sword was revealed.

“……There’s a crack.”

***

Linne, who had entered one of the best blacksmith shops in the island, the 'Twilight Flame', felt the hot heat on her skin as she headed inside the building.

“Linne!”

As she entered, a woman with long hair pulled back approached her with a welcoming face.

“Is your arm okay? I heard it definitely hurt.”

“Get better soon, Luffy.”

“Really? As expected! Young blood is different.”

Lupina smiling bashfully.

Linne smiled at Lupina's behavior of acting like an adult despite the fact that the age difference was not that big.

“Oh, this is not the time! You came at a good time, Linne! Your sword is the best I’ve ever made!”

The reason Linne came here today is because the sword he was using was broken in a previous fight.

Lupina, with an expression full of joy, grabbed Linne's wrist and hurriedly guided her.

“Now, look. I made it especially light, as requested by Linne.”

A table strewn with drawings and metal pieces. Lupina picked up the scabbard on it and handed it over to Linne.

“It’s definitely light.”

“Right? Since our Linne asked me to do it, I put in some extra effort.”

After thanking Lupina, whose shoulders were raised in pride, Rinne pulled out her sword from its scabbard.

The well-polished blade gleamed like a mirror. It was so carefully polished that a face could be slightly reflected in it.

‘… … a crumpled face.’

Looking at her own face reflected in the sword, Linne smiled bitterly.

A lighter sword than usual.

The reason I ordered this sword was none other than because I accepted the advice of 'Yurien'.

– 'Your mana blood is greater than others.'

Dispersion of mana.

To prevent this, I specially ordered the sword to be made to reduce its weight and focus on mana blood as much as possible.

'Even though he's someone I don't like, he's first-class when it comes to swordsmanship and aura.'

The advice he gave must have been right. Thinking so, Linne turned her gaze back to Lupina.

“How is it? The deadline for the scabbard hasn’t been set yet. Is that okay?”

“It fits my hand perfectly. As expected! It’s worthy of being the next owner of ‘Twilight Flame.’”

“Haha, even if I flatter you like that, you won’t lower the price, right?”

Just as I was about to add that I didn't mean to do that.

“Lupina! Master Luger is calling!”

“Oh, really? Linne, can you wait here for a moment?”

After hearing the urgent words, Lupina asked Linne and quickly left the room.

Looking at her back, Linne turned her gaze back to the sword.

– 'If you approach it with a general concept, there's bound to be a problem. You won't just have to accumulate mana in the 'Opening' blood vessel, but you'll also have to utilize other blood vessels.'

His words kept lingering in my head.

It's a word I have a rough idea of, but I can't understand.

Because of that, Linne could only stamp her feet.

‘… … Does it even make sense to use two major blood vessels in the first place?’

Even though it is widely known common sense.

Also to the professors at Bayer Academy.

Even to his master, ‘Geomseong’.

She had never heard of such an aura operation.

The way 'Yurien' spoke was not a common concept.

'Could it be that you said that to tease me?'

That could be the case.

Enough… … . Why? Because he is ‘Yurien’.

Nevertheless, with both eyes closed, she concentrated all her nerves on using the 'unconventional' method that 'Yurien' had spoken of.

‘… …Because he was the only one who noticed my weakness and gave me advice.’

But I lack knowledge and experience.

If only Yurian could give us some more hints… … .

“No, what on earth are you thinking?”

Are you going to lean on that guy?

Although they share the same goal, Yurian is a difficult man to get along with.

'You must not be weak-hearted. You only get help once… … .'

Rinne opened her closed eyes, shaking off her worries. A familiar figure entered her eyes.

Gray hair that seems to contain both black and white.

A smile that seems to contain emotions.

A man who gave her advice about 'Auror'.

It's 'Yurien'.

‘… …Why here?’

Yurian disappeared from her sight shortly after. Linne began to follow him.

'Put your pride aside.'

It's not shameful to admit your shortcomings and ask for guidance. It's a mature thing to do.

Linne put her sword back in its scabbard and started following Yurian.

As you turn the corner, you will see a door leading out of the 'Twilight Flame' building. Go through it.

"……huh?"

Yurian's appearance disappeared like a mirage.

Linne looked around in confusion because of that.

Surely Yurian must have headed here.

“Oh, where did you… go?”

As the sun began to set and the surroundings began to darken, the lights slowly came on. At the same time, Linne frowned as she heard the faint sound of insects.

‘… … A person who usually appears out of nowhere and pretends to know someone.’

When I try to find it like this, it disappears like a mirage.

***

An intuition that is sharply trained even in normal times.

It goes without saying that this body, which is sensitive to human noise, can easily detect someone following it.

The moment I entered the 'Twilight Flame', I felt Linne following me.

'I hid without realizing it.'

To be honest, I'm a little hesitant about meeting Linne. The reason, of course, is because of the incident that happened at the Academy earlier.

– 'Actually… … I vaguely remember the conversation you and Alphas had.'

Although quite some time has passed since that incident, nothing has been clearly revealed yet.

I can't even be sure whether she knows I'm a member of the 'Dawn Society' or not.

'Besides, isn't this the first time Linne has approached me like this?'

After confirming that she was no longer there, I came down from the roof. Given Rinne's personality, she probably didn't approach me just to pretend to know me.

'I can't think of any reason.'

The only possibility is that he is trying to get me to leave based on the conversation he heard at that time.

In that case, it would be better to come in person.

'Anyway, I don't want to see you for the time being.'

After gathering my thoughts, I walked back to where the 'Ruger Orland' workshop was located.

***

A small personal workshop compared to the title of 'master'.

The eyes of the 'Twilight Flame' staff standing in front of me were filled with fear from the moment they discovered me.

“Oh, come in. Sir Yulian…….”

He was a polite but awkward greeting.

A prior appointment is essential to meet the Empire's greatest craftsman. I sent my servant to tell him in advance the purpose of my visit.

Well, even if you don't make a reservation, you can still visit 'Yurien' with a free pass.

“Is Lord Luger inside?”

The employee who was trembling at my smile swallowed hard and nodded.

“Yes, yes……! But, that…….”

hmm?

I tilted my head slightly and looked at him. It was simply a habit born of curiosity, but a darker color of 'fear' was hovering over the employee's head than before.

I guess he thought I was being offensive.

“S, the passengers haven’t left yet…… I, I’ll go inside and tell you……”

“No, you don’t have to do that.”

As a passenger… … .

Normally, I wouldn't mind waiting, but I didn't really feel like doing that right now.

Now that I know that Linne is here at 'Twilight Flame', I just want to finish this business as quickly as possible.

“Let me go in and talk.”

As I tried to enter with the gentlest smile possible, the employee's face became grave.

Bam!

“……I heard that my son recently joined the Knights Templar!”

As I opened the door to the workshop and stepped inside, I saw a nervous woman raising her voice.

From rings to brooches.

Adorned with all sorts of ornaments, she was looking at Luger with her arms crossed and an arrogant expression.

“All I’m asking for is a single sword. Isn’t that asking for too much?”

“I’m not so idle as to make a sword for a novice who has just become a knight!”

“Hey, what are you talking about…? Watch what you say! A commoner like you, if I ask the royal family for a favor, you could lose your head in an instant!”

The woman's face turned red at Luger's words and she bit her lip.

Then, as if he realized that I had come in, he slowly turned his gaze this way.

“If you were to ask the royal family… what would you say?”