What the hell?!

The single-edged sword trembled on its own.

Jung Yu-shin threw the single-edged sword aside and shot up from his seat.

"What, what the hell is this?!"

Thump-thump.

His heart pounded rapidly.

He was so startled that even the lingering fatigue vanished completely.

Was this what it felt like to witness a household appliance you'd been using just fine suddenly muttering to itself in the middle of the night?

What is it?

A single-edged sword shouldn't normally tremble on its own.

He remained silent for a while, observing the red single-edged sword.

"..."

No way.

A single thought flashed through his mind, and goosebumps prickled all over him.

'Did I kill too many people, and now a vengeful spirit has attached itself?'

What if the salty liquid seeping from the blade was actually the tears of the deceased, their souls trapped beneath the sword?

"...That makes sense."

It was a plausible theory.

I'd cut down well over sixty people with this single-edged sword alone.

They were all scum who deserved to die. They were scoundrels who engaged in all sorts of garbage behavior, so I had no regrets.

Still, they were already dead, weren't they?

Even if they fought each other to the death in this life, I couldn't find a reason for them to be hostile even after death.

Hesitantly, he opened his mouth.

"To the vengeful spirits who died unjustly, I apologize. There was no personal animosity."

At that, the single-edged sword shivered. The hilt vibrated intensely, as if urging him to grab it.

"Are you telling me to grab the sword?"

Fwip.

'That's weirdly lively.'

He carefully grasped the hilt.

At that very moment.

'Heh heh. This body...'

A low, husky female voice echoed in his mind.

"Gasp!!!"

Jung Yu-shin dropped the single-edged sword in shock.

Thud.

"Are you crazy?! You should signal before you barge in like that!"

Shock aside, his mana was drained right out of him.

He immediately corrected his thinking.

This wasn't a spirit that had recently attached itself.

It was an older, unknown entity.

Jung Yu-shin gritted his teeth.

'Aldin, you crazy bastard.'

What grudge could he possibly hold to hand over a demon-possessed sword with the intent to drown someone?

His head was throbbing.

He felt he needed to go confront him first thing tomorrow morning.

Jung Yu-shin took deep breaths for a while to calm himself.

'Hoo. No, that's not right.'

Aldin had definitely said.

That he didn't really know what functions this single-edged sword had.

And.

If this thing was a demon, there was no need to wait until morning.

He had Sacred Weapon, after all.

A magic that was half physical and half divine should be able to exorcise a demon.

Jung Yu-shin glared at the single-edged sword and began chanting.

[Sacred Weapon]

He didn't imagine a separate weapon.

He formed a sword seal with his index and middle fingers, layering mana onto it.

Burning golden flames gathered on his fingers, flickering quietly.

"Hoo."

Taking a deep breath.

He slowly swept across the surface of the single-edged sword.

'Hmph!'

The sword blade flinched and trembled.

A smile flickered across Jung Yu-shin's lips.

'Good.'

It was working.

"You must be a demon with many regrets."

"..."

There was no answer. Only sticky liquid seeped from the blade.

He gently stroked the blade with his finger, then slightly curled it.

Tock!

When he flicked it, the blade began to whine.

'W-wait!'

That female voice echoed in his mind again.

The low, husky voice seemed to tickle his brain.

Jung Yu-shin frowned.

He had never cut a woman with this single-edged sword.

'I'm sure of it. It's an old demon.'

"Where did you come from? No. I don't want to hear it. There's no compromising with demons."

Based on his experience in the Forest Zone, these things specialized in deception. It meant they were evil spirits trying to trick people for their own gain.

"Get out of this single-edged sword."

'Listen to me!'

The woman's urgent voice was heard.

Jung Yu-shin ignored her completely and flicked his finger again.

Ting!

'Hmph!'

"Get out!"

'I... I'm going! Whoooooosh!!!'

"Go!"

Ting!

As he flicked his fingers multiple times, more and more liquid seeped from the blade.

'W-wait?! There?!'

"Is this the weak spot?"

The hilt of the sword.

He tapped the part corresponding to the handguard on a double-edged sword.

He had identified the weak spot.

Gathering strength in his curled fingers, he delivered one final flick.

"Go!"

Thwack!

'Nnngh?! I... I'm going! Whoooooosh!!!'

The woman's single cry echoed in his mind.

The single-edged sword trembled briefly, then became still.

"Is it over?"

'♥'

No sound could be heard.

Jung Yu-shin quietly looked down at the single-edged sword.

Even after about 30 minutes, there was no sign of activity from the single-edged sword.

He returned the single-edged sword to its sheath, leaned it against the edge of the bed, and collapsed onto it.

The demon had drained his mana bit by bit, leaving him completely exhausted.

He closed his eyes.

'Crazy Labyrinth City. I can't let my guard down.'

Darkness fell.

* * *

After the quiet dawn passed, as the stinging summer sunlight streamed through the window.

Jung Yu-shin opened his eyes.

Knock, knock.

Someone was knocking on the door.

He got up from the bed, sat on the edge, and rubbed his dry face.

'I'm tired.'

"Who is it?"

"It's Edel."

"It's Luna!"

Jung Yu-shin smiled faintly.

"Come in."

Creeeak.

The door opened, and Edel and Luna entered the room.

"Ska oppa!"

Luna, wagging her yellow tail, rushed into Jung Yu-shin's arms and hugged him tightly.

A soft, pleasant scent came from Luna.

Jung Yu-shin raised his hand and stroked Luna's head.

Thank goodness.

'She hasn't lost her smile.'

But clinging so closely and sniffing around... isn't that a bit much?

Is this how beastmen normally are?

"Lu, Luna! What kind of ill-mannered behavior is that towards our benefactor?!"

Edel tried to stop Luna, looking flustered.

"No. Please leave her be."

Jung Yu-shin wrapped Luna snugly in the blanket, held her, and sat on the edge of the bed.

"Huh?"

Luna, poking just her head out like a caterpillar, stared blankly up at Jung Yu-shin's face.

Regardless, Jung Yu-shin looked up at Edel and spoke.

"The thugs who were harassing the shop? I dealt with them all last night. You probably won't have to worry about this anymore."

Edel bowed deeply towards Jung Yu-shin.

"Ska-nim, thank you. I've become indebted to you once again."

"Indebted? Please don't say such things."

Jung Yu-shin replied while holding Luna.

"Still, I want to repay you. Is there... is there something you want?"

Edel's face flushed slightly.

Jung Yu-shin paused in thought, still holding Luna.

Repayment.

'That's not what I wanted.'

My actions weren't motivated by wanting a reward. I simply acted because I wanted to protect the smiles of those around me.

Seeing Luna get hit was a major reason; my anger flared up.

Even thinking back on it, I felt like I killed those bastards too easily.

Showing my methods and strength to the people of the Eastern District while killing those thugs left a particularly bitter taste in my mouth.

Of course, I didn't regret it at all when it came to saving an acquaintance.

I just meant it was a waste to reveal my abilities to potential enemies and scum I had to kill.

"Oppa! Then how about sleeping in our mom's arms?"

Sleeping in someone's arms?

Jung Yu-shin's mouth fell slightly open.

"Lu, Luna!"

"Mom's chest is soft and fluffy, so it feels good!"

Luna said, her eyes sparkling brightly.

"..."

No. That's... a bit much.

Edel's body, which had been afflicted with a deadly illness, gradually recovered, regaining its original form.

Her voluptuous figure, unbecoming of a widow.

Despite that, she had a slender waist and a delicate neck.

Adding to that, her incredibly large breasts, combined with Edel's quiet and elegant demeanor, exuded a subtle allure.

"..."

Jung Yu-shin and Edel exchanged glances before looking away.

"Ahem! We seem to have strayed from the topic, but I must decline your offer of repayment. I am satisfied just purchasing quality potions."

Luna puffed out her cheeks, looking disgruntled.

"Hmph. Ska oppa, you'll regret this!"

Jung Yu-shin nodded inwardly.

'Yeah. I think I probably will.'

Just then.

Knock, knock.

Someone knocked on the door. Jung Yu-shin turned his head and looked at the door.

'So many visitors today.'

"Who is it?"

"It's Snub Nose."

"Come in."

The boar beastman entered.

Snub Nose bowed his head upon seeing Luna and Edel in the room.

"Uncle!"

Luna squirmed out of Jung Yu-shin's arms and quickly ran to hug Snub Nose.

"Oof!"

A fatherly smile spread across Snub Nose's face.

Seeing his warm, contented smile, like a friendly uncle, made him chuckle for no reason.

"Luna, how about sleeping in our mom's arms?"

Luna asked, wagging her tail.

"Of course. Ska-nim fought incredibly well."

"Wow! I want to hear about it!"

"Of course. I'll tell you all about it later."

"Luna, let's step outside."

"Okay! Got it!"

Luna ran back and hugged Jung Yu-shin tightly again.

"Ska oppa, thank you!"

Jung Yu-shin stroked Luna's head. Her small, cute fox ears twitched.

"Don't mention it."

As long as he could protect their smiles until he returned home, that was enough.

"Edel-nim, the pharmacy has been cleaned thoroughly. You can go back and rest comfortably."

Edel nodded at Snub Nose's words.

"Thank you. I don't know how I can ever repay you for always helping like this."

Snub Nose smiled.

"You don't need to worry about it. I do this because I enjoy it."

Edel and Luna bowed and left the room.

Creeeak.

Thump.

The door closed, leaving only Jung Yu-shin and Snub Nose in the room.

"The payment?"

"You mean Edel-nim's pharmacy? I put a good amount of money under the counter."

"Good. Well done."

Snub Nose held out a large pouch.

"This is the proceeds from selling the high-grade magic stones. Aldin-nim took about 30%."

Jung Yu-shin took the pouch.

"It's heavy."

"The sales amount was around 100 Gold Coins."

Jung Yu-shin's eyes widened.

"Ten times the price of a high-grade magic stone?"

"Yes. 30 out of the 100 Gold Coins went to him as a commission, so that leaves 70 Gold Coins."

"Is our boss Aldin a bit short on cash?"

Snub Nose scratched his head.

"Consignment sales commissions are usually around that much."

"I see."

Jung Yu-shin placed the pouch of gold coins on the bed.

'I've made it.'

With this much money in hand, I won't have to worry about finances for a while.

"Snub Nose, I have a favor to ask."

"Yes. Please tell me."

"Is there a place that sells high-quality equipment, like armor and weapons?"

"What kind exactly are you referring to?"

Jung Yu-shin explained what happened in the Forest Zone.

"You know, equipment that won't break even if hit by a Troll."

Snub Nose tilted his head, then spoke.

"It seems to be a matter of materials. Making equipment with decent ores should work. Though it might be a bit pricey."

"How much would that cost?"

"The cost for equipment for typical intermediate explorers averages around 50 Gold Coins."

"Damn."

Jung Yu-shin's jaw dropped.

Equipment is just a money pit, huh.

"Are you intending to purchase some?"

"Let's talk about it later. I need to discuss it with Karin."

"Understood."

Jung Yu-shin stopped Snub Nose, who was about to leave.

"Wait."

"Yes."

"Does this red single-edged sword perhaps have any hidden secrets?"

"Uh... yes?"

Snub Nose froze stiff.

"Last night, this thing spoke to me! It's definitely a demon."

"S-so what did you do?"

"I exorcised it."

Snub Nose's eyes widened at Jung Yu-shin's words.

"What?! How?"

"I flicked the blade with Sacred Weapon, and it went somewhere."

"Ah..."

Snub Nose, mouth agape, nodded.

"I've heard Aldin-nim's sword has several peculiar functions. While it may be surprising, I'm confident it won't harm the user. Still, I will report this to Aldin-nim first."

"Really?"

Jung Yu-shin stroked his chin, tilting his head.

The woman with the low, husky voice who laughed eerily wasn't a demon?

"Whatever it was, tell him I took care of it, so he doesn't need to worry too much."

"...Yes. I'll pass on that message too."

Snub Nose bowed his head and left the room.

Jung Yu-shin remained sitting on the edge of the bed, his gaze fixed on the red single-edged sword.

It didn't tremble like last night, nor did it ooze liquid.

If not for its overwhelming cutting power and light weight, he would have discarded this single-edged sword immediately.

"Yeah. Who else would use a weapon like this if not me?"

As he reached out and fiddled with the single-edged sword.

Clack.

The door opened, and Karin walked in.

She was dressed in a white sleeveless undershirt and slim-fit cotton pants.

It was the outfit Karin often wore while working.

"Ska, time to eat."

"Okay."

Jung Yu-shin got up, sheathed the single-edged sword at his waist, and looked up at Karin.

"Karin."

"What?"

"Thanks."

Karin's face flushed slightly.

"What? Why are you acting like that?"

"You protected the inn while I was gone. Stick out your belly. I'll give you a kiss."

"Hmph!"

Karin exhaled sharply.

"D-don't tease me!"

Karin quickly turned away. Her tail was wagging rapidly side to side.

'She's embarrassed.'

He followed Karin downstairs to the first floor and sat at the counter.

Breakfast was black bread, roasted whole potatoes, and Salisbury steak generously topped with cheese.

Karin rested her chin on her hand and watched Jung Yu-shin eat.

"You dealt with those drug dealers and made money too. What are your plans now?"

"What else?"

Jung Yu-shin smiled and continued.

"We have to go to the Labyrinth."

'Prepare thoroughly. I won't get screwed over this time.'

Jung Yu-shin's eyes shone intensely.