TL: Alice Granville has been changed to Elise Granville due to similar name coming up later (fixed in previous chapters as well)

"Sorry, I don't know you."

"Y-you bastard!!!"

Kazin's waist bent backward as he screamed.

'No matter who that man is... it's a crisis.'

For Siegfreid, overcoming the crisis was more important than figuring out Kazin's identity.

"Si-Sieg!"

From afar, Elise's voice could be heard. Despite her encouragement, Siegfreid could not move.

The only thing he could move was the hand gripping his sword. Even that hand could only tremble slightly.

'Is this how it ends?'

If he had a proper unique skill, or even if he could use some basic magic, he might have been able to use a spell through his moving mouth.

He could have found some way to use it.

But Siegfreid couldn't do that.

His lack of talent meant all he could do was move his body to the limit.

With his movements blocked, he could do nothing.

'After all, for someone without talent like me.'

Kazin, with eyes filled with rage, slowly approached him.

"...Slowly...

I'll give you slow pain… khehehe."

Kazin approached, licking the knife that had wounded Siegfreid.

'...Is this it?'

As he felt his limits and was about to give up, a man's voice called his name.

"Senior Siegfreid!"

It was Ken Feinstein, shouting into the crowd.

"What's important is an unwavering spirit!!"

Ken's shout was directed at Siegfreid, whose back seemed to have accepted defeat.

Hearing that voice, Siegfreid recalled.

The black sword in his hand. The words Ken had said when he handed it over.

"If something happens, channel your mana into this sword. It will surely help!"

Ken had promised to become his mentor if he won with the sword's help. And Siegfreid had resolved to win with his own strength.

So, Siegfreid had yet to use the power of the black sword.

'Channelling mana...'

Determined once more, Siegfreid poured his mana into the sword with his clumsy skills.

Then, the black gem embedded near the hilt of the sword began to shine.

And the hidden runes also started to glow.

"W-what? How are you using magic!"

Kazin, approaching, began to be wary of Siegfreid's sudden change.

The mana flowing into the sword from Siegfreid's hand was transformed by the runes' magic formula and injected into the black mana stone.

'...My body.'

Around the gem, a translucent black aura began to flow out.

'It's moving!'

Siegfreid, who had been rigid, adjusted his stance.

"H-how can you!"

With Kazin's scream, cheers erupted from the audience.

In response to Kazin's scream, Siegfreid raised his sword and silently answered.

"I don’t know."

Then, in an instant, his figure sprang forward, leaving a black trail with an explosive sound.

Boom!

"Kuh!"

Siegfreid's sword clashed with Kazin’s sword.

"You think you can win just because you broke the curse, you talentless fool!!"

Kazin, who had distanced himself from the approaching Siegfreid, shouted as he extended his hand.

"Arcus Oculus!"

He chanted the activation phrase for ice magic. Soon, sharp icicles formed around Kazin's hand and shot forward like bullets.

'I’ll dodge them all.'

Siegfreid, adjusting his stance, stopped as he felt a vibration from the sword.

As if telling him not to avoid it.

The black sword seemed to convey its will to Siegfreid.

Guided by the sword, Siegfreid traced a black trajectory through the hail of icicles.

"H-how is this possible!"

Kazin's face hardened at the unbelievable sight.

The black sword wielded by Siegfreid absorbed the icicles, which transformed into mana and was absorbed into the sword.

"Indeed, this is a convenient sword."

Satisfied with the sword's performance, Siegfreid smiled and prepared his finishing move.

"Excellent, Ken Feinstein."

With a swift draw, Siegfreid’s final strike shattered Kazin’s scarecrow doll.

"Winner! Siegfreid Gardner!"

Thus, Siegfreid claimed victory.

"Wow, that's an amazing sword.

...Is that a black mana stone?

...An absorption stone?"

Mary, watching Siegfreid's victory, immediately recognized the sword's identity.

Yes, the black sword given to Siegfreid was embedded with a black mana stone known as an absorption stone. It absorbs mana and transmits it to the user.

Additionally, it used black steel and ebony wood, which are known for their high mana absorption and amplification effects.

Combining these materials to create the sword and inscribing runes that decompose and absorb magic and then enhance the user's physical abilities was a good idea.

'It's a sword that suits Siegfreid, who is weak against magic.'

Although it's my creation, I'm satisfied with the result. It feels fulfilling.

'Although in the game it's mainly used for armour.'

Absorption stones and black steel are suited for armour due to their characteristics, primarily used for magical defence.

But I always thought it would be perfect for a sword for Siegfreid.

Seeing that idea realized in reality is quite satisfying.

"Oh, the victory speech is about to start. It’s good that the person Ken is cheering for won."

Mary seemed to be enjoying it, even though she was worried it might be boring.

[Now, let’s hear from the winner, Siegfreid Gardner.]

The voice echoed through the stadium via a magic tool.

Siegfreid, receiving the tool, was fortunately following the expected script.

Siegfreid, having won, would conclude his victory speech by sending his regards to Alice, adding a touching end to the story.

The illustration of Siegfreid's proud expression and Elise, tearfully emotional, was one of my favourite scenes.

'Well, now that the desired result has been achieved, let’s enjoy the touching event from the game.'

Siegfreid stood still, holding the magic tool and lost in thought. I eagerly focused on his upcoming speech.

Siegfreid, having decided what to say, began to speak.

[...This victory is not solely mine.]

His voice resonated through the stadium.

And Siegfreid raised his head, looking toward the audience.

I tried to follow his gaze, wondering if he was looking at Elise, but—

'...Huh?'

It felt like he was looking at me.

...Was it just my feeling?

He continued speaking.

[This victory goes to Ken Feinstein, the academy junior who made this sword.]

Siegfreid’s words deviated from what I remembered.

The crowd erupted in cheers and applause.

"That sword was made by Ken?"

Mary, surprised, asked from beside me.

'...And what about Elise?'

As someone cheering for the Siegfreid-Elise couple, I was disappointed.

"Who’s Ken Feinstein?"

"I don’t know, just a junior, apparently."

I also felt a bit uncomfortable with my name spreading.

"Thanks to you, I was able to win. Thank you."

After the competition ended, at the academy with the setting sun.

Siegfreid, whom I met again, conveyed his gratitude.

"I just made the weapon. It was your skill that won it."

Ken’s words were sincere. Honestly, without Kazin’s hidden trump card, Siegfreid would have likely won instantly.

"No."

But Siegfreid shook his head at Ken’s words.

"I felt painfully aware of the gap between my lack of talent and those who have it during this tournament."

The gap that he believed could be overcome with effort was instead felt as an insurmountable wall during the tournament.

He then drew the black sword from his waist.

"But this sword filled that gap."

His strong and sharp eyes looked at Ken.

"If I had unleashed great magic, I wouldn’t have said this.

But this sword... it felt like it recognized my efforts."

Had Siegfreid defeated his opponent with overwhelming magic, it would not have been his power.

It would have been the sword's power.

But the black sword Ken gave him merely filled the unfairness of his lack of talent.

The victory achieved through his own efforts was what Siegfreid valued.

"So, I felt you recognizing me through this sword."

Siegfreid sincerely thanked Ken.

"Here, in this place, I swear to this sword and to you."

Siegfreid vowed to Ken.

"I will help you no matter what. And with this sword you gave me, I will protect you and my loved ones."

Thus, Siegfreid made his promise to Ken.

Hearing that promise, Ken felt.

"...It's a bit embarrassing."

Ken scratched his head, feeling shy.

'Anyway, now I can receive help!'

Ken smiled at the satisfactory result.

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