Extra in a Romance Fantasy

130 – Intent (10)

“…Hmm.”

The one who had opened the sarcophagus, Kahim, glanced inside, his eyes flashing for a moment before he set the lid down.

Thud—

With a heavy sound, the lid fell to the ground.

And just as Kahim’s hands were finally free and he was about to reach for the sarcophagus…

“Wait a moment.”

A deep voice interrupted, halting his actions.

The owner of that voice was a man clad in brilliant silver armor, undimmed even after traversing a grueling path.

“That seems a bit premature.”

It wasn’t just the silver knight who intervened.

A woman with strikingly long, crimson hair, Bloodflower, did the same.

“…Hah.”

Kahim scoffed at the sight of them.

“Was there ever a time you feared the curse enough to withdraw, and now you come to claim ownership?”

The incredulity was so palpable in his voice that anyone could sense it.

In truth, it was only natural for Kahim to react this way.

As he had said, it was Kahim who had stepped forward to open the sarcophagus when everyone else had shrunk back in fear of the curse.

Yet now, with them trying to impose restrictions on him, it was only reasonable for Kahim to feel incredulous.

However.

“I don’t understand what you’re saying. As I mentioned, I simply didn’t want to desecrate the hero’s tomb with my own hands.”

“Neither did I. There was certainly some resistance.”

The silver knight and Bloodflower denied Kahim’s words without a change in expression.

“…Hah, truly.”

—

At the audacity of it all, Kahim shook his head with a look of disgust.

“If it were a matter of being chosen for a lack of skill and conscience, you’d be among the top three on the continent, not just the top ten.”

With that mocking tone, Kahim shook his head again.

And in that moment.

The air around them suddenly grew heavy.

The cause, without a doubt, was the two who were staring at Kahim.

“Until now, I’ve let your rudeness slide. But there is a limit to that.”

“Your tone is quite arrogant.”

The tone itself was merely calm, devoid of any passion or anger, yet not everything was tranquil.

The subtle pressure that emanated from them swiftly seized the surroundings, crushing the air into a dense weight.

For an ordinary person, even breathing would become a struggle… No, even a seasoned warrior would find their breath quickening under such oppressive heaviness.

It wasn’t genuine; it was merely a subtle display of their presence, yet that alone held a power that overwhelmed the area.

If someone else were facing them now, they would likely realize their rudeness immediately and bow their heads to the ground, begging for forgiveness.

“Hmph.”

Kahim was different.

“Are you trying to intimidate me? But it’s really… lacking.”

Even amidst the suffocating pressure, Kahim remained unperturbed, smiling without a change in his expression.

“Oh.”

“Hmmm…”

At that sight, a flicker of intrigue passed through the eyes of the Silver Knight and the Blood Flower.

“Indeed. I’ve heard your name gaining some renown lately… It seems it’s not just empty fame.”

Harpfelt nodded slowly.

The position of the Ten Blades, and the distant realm of Ideation, are places that most warriors can hardly dare to look up to.

It is a place that only those with innate talent, after grueling training, can barely hope to reach, and it is a realm.

Thus, those who have ascended to that position do not concern themselves much with other warriors.

A wall exists between ordinary warriors and them that can never be crossed.

Rumors of outstanding warriors emerging do not pique their interest either.

They know better than anyone that the chances of such a warrior standing on the same level as them, or appearing before them, are exceedingly slim.

However.

Kahim was different from those warriors who weren’t worth their concern.

—

He was on a different level from those who merely made a name for themselves for a moment and then faded away into nothingness.

Perhaps he was a man who might one day ascend to the Ten Blades.

Such a reputation is not earned without reason.

However.

“Well, as a senior, I suppose it wouldn’t hurt to offer a bit of guidance.”

“You should let them know just how vast the world is, so they don’t end up meeting an untimely end somewhere.”

Even after witnessing their own momentum and seeing Kahim standing firm, there was not a hint of tension on the faces of the Silver Knight and Blood Flower.

They were a bit surprised, but that was about it.

“Ha. If you can, then go ahead and try.”

Yet Kahim was equally unyielding.

Facing the two giants of the Ten Blades, he showed no hesitation or fear, raising his own spirit without retreating.

And in that moment, the energy the three warriors summoned overflowed, filling the surroundings, creating a situation that felt like it could erupt at any moment.

“Calm yourselves.”

A man stepped forward and interjected between them.

“Hmm?”

“And you are?”

Naturally, the trio’s gaze focused on the man.

No, all eyes in the vicinity were drawn to him.

In the midst of countless stares, the man opened his mouth with a gentle smile.

“I am Baran Belort.”

With those words, the atmosphere around them shifted slightly.

Most of the people recognized the man, Baran.

“Indeed, you are the Belort’s…”

“Just as I’ve heard, your skills are quite impressive.”

The Silver Knight and Blood Flower immediately recognized Baran as well.

The Belort family was famous, and Baran himself was renowned.

His reputation had spread beyond the confines of being merely a warrior, reaching various corners of the continent.

“Nice to meet you. Silver Knight, Blood Flower.”

Baran offered a polite greeting to the two of the Ten Blades first.

“It is an honor to meet you like this.”

—

With a greeting that did not deviate even a fraction from etiquette and decorum.

“…Hmm. You’re a friend who knows manners.”

“Not bad. Unlike some others.”

The silver knight and the blood flower, who had been exuding a fierce aura just moments ago, slightly softened their demeanor.

“So, what is your intention in stepping forward?”

The silver knight asked Baran.

“The reason I stepped forward is simply to clarify the priorities…”

“Priorities, you say.”

“Yes. While determining the ownership of the sword is certainly important, isn’t it even more crucial to verify whether that sword is genuine?”

Though still polite and courteous, Baran’s gaze remained unwavering and steady.

“Hmm…”

“That is certainly…”

The silver knight and the blood flower nodded at Baran’s words.

Determining ownership is undoubtedly important.

However, if the sword of a significant hero is not authentic, then everything being done right now could become utterly meaningless.

Thus, Baran’s words were valid.

However, not everyone was in agreement with his statement.

“Who decided that?”

Kahim interrupted, his eyebrows furrowed, breaking the settling atmosphere.

“I opened the chest at the risk of a curse, so that sword is mine.”

With a physique even larger than Baran’s, who was undeniably tall, Kahim exuded a fierce aura, his expression twisted into a menacing scowl, resembling a wild beast as his nickname suggested.

Yet.

Even facing that beastly presence, Baran did not lose his smile.

“Of course, that was a very brave act. However… you do know, don’t you? That if this continues, you won’t come out unscathed.”

“……”

At Baran’s words, Kahim frowned.

He too was aware, deep down.

That there was no chance of victory against the two swords.

Though he had instigated a fight because he was displeased with their attitude, this flow was certainly not favorable for him.

“However, I’m not suggesting we completely disregard your contribution. It’s merely a matter of first determining the authenticity of the sword, and then we can discuss the rest afterward.”

—

“…Tch.”

In the end, it was Kahim who took a step back.

“But how do you plan to determine the authenticity of that sword?”

That was an important question.

It was fine to discuss authenticity, but who exactly could verify and guarantee it?

“You need not worry about that. There is a suitable person for the task.”

At those words, Baran smiled gently and turned his head in one direction.

What he saw there was an elder from the ‘Scholars of Alundel,’ who had been watching the situation from a distance.

“Scholar, do you happen to know much about the Hero’s Sword?”

Baran politely inquired of the elder.

The elder gazed at Baran for a moment before nodding his head.

“…I have a general understanding of the sword. I know all the legends and even the minor rumors surrounding it.”

Indeed, that was a response worthy of a scholar from the ‘Scholars of Alundel.’

At that answer, Baran nodded in satisfaction, smiling.

From that point on, Baran continued to lead the situation.

Following Baran’s guidance, the scholar stood before the stone sarcophagus, while the Silver Knight, Blood Flower, and Kahim took a step back, watching the scene unfold.

“Now, then, let’s begin.”

After saying that, Baran reached into the sarcophagus and lifted the sword straight up.