Chapter 3: Sword and Magic Sword (2)

The Heavenly Demon Cult’s grandmaster, one of the Seven Demons, known as Sword Demon, or Yunmyeong.

If one were to describe his life in a single word, perhaps there’s a term more fitting than “Sword Demon.”

Raised by a single mother, he was given the name Yunmyeong, meaning “to become famous.”

Carve your name into the clouds.

Though his mother’s wishes are now unknown, he fulfilled her hopes by becoming renowned.

Grandmaster of the Heavenly Demon Cult, the despair of all swordsmen, the public enemy, Sword Demon.

Whatever he became, he etched his title into the heavens.

Yet even he yearned for something more.

A void in his heart that could not be filled.

A life spent training with the sword and defeating formidable foes.

But at the end, only emptiness awaited.

Thus, he honed himself as a swordsman even further.

Living as a swordsman his entire life, he developed an inevitable desire—for a sword.

A cheap blade feels different from a legendary one from the moment it’s held.

Having swung swords his whole life, he could keenly sense that difference.

In that regard, the swords crafted by the cult’s “Haunted Blacksmith” were all masterpieces among masterpieces.

The day he received his first legendary sword from him, Yunmyeong was astounded.

To think such a sword could exist in this world.

He had believed it impossible to wield a finer blade.

But that belief shattered completely the moment he held the demonic sword.

Clank

“This heavy yet comfortable sensation—truly, as the blacksmith said, an immortal masterpiece surpassing legendary swords!”

In that moment of heightened anticipation, the demonic sword’s red eye darted around before fixing on Sword Demon.

[Are you the one? My new master.]

Though he knew it could speak, seeing it for the first time startled Sword Demon, and he swallowed hard.

‘Indeed, no ordinary aura! Just its gaze feels so menacing…!’

He recalled the blacksmith’s final words.

—It will try to erode your mind. So, break its will.

Breaking another’s will was familiar to Sword Demon.

He summoned his inner demonic energy and spoke with fierce authority toward the sword.

“Yes, I am now your master. Obey me henceforth.”

Having long reigned as a powerhouse in the hierarchical Heavenly Demon Cult, his first words were commanding.

In his experience, nothing was more effective than overwhelming pressure when dealing with defiance.

But the demonic sword scoffed at his words.

[Heh heh. My master, huh? Every fool who’s wielded me said something similar. Want to know what happened to those idiots?]

In a grotesque voice, neither male nor female, the sword whispered to Sword Demon.

[They all lost their will and had their bodies taken by me.]

“Don’t compare me to those pathetic fools.”

Yunmyeong’s eyes gleamed sharply as he spoke firmly, and the sword fell silent briefly before responding with satisfaction.

[Ho, you’ve got quite the vessel. Alright, I’ll admit it. You’re different from the others I’ve met. Let’s see how long you last.]

“You’d better abandon any thoughts of taking my body.”

[Heh, anyone can talk big at first. I look forward to hearing your screams soon enough.]

“Sorry, but your expectations won’t be met.”

From their first clash, Yunmyeong sensed the sword was no pushover.

Yet his lips curled upward, as despite its prickly attitude, the sword’s appearance and overwhelming aura were extraordinary.

‘With this sword, I can surpass Ghost Demon and become the strongest among the Seven Demons!’

Though the Seven Demons have no official hierarchy, everyone implicitly gauges their peers’ strength.

Sword Demon was considered among the strongest, but he paled compared to Ghost Demon, whose power was nearly otherworldly.

Rumors claimed Ghost Demon rivaled even the Heavenly Demon himself.

Thus, Yunmyeong was effectively second-best.

He firmly believed that defeating Ghost Demon would fill the unexplainable void within him, fueling his hunger for power.

To him, this demonic sword was both a golden opportunity and a critical test.

“Demonic sword, what is your name?”

A being of this caliber likely had a name, and as expected, the sword answered in a chilling voice.

[Soul-Severing Blade. Remember it well, for it’s the name of the one who’ll take your body.]

“I see. I am Yunmyeong.”

He smirked, mimicking the sword’s tone.

“The man who’ll defeat you and claim immense power.”

Pleased by his resolute will, Soul-Severing Blade let out an eerie laugh.

[Let’s see how long that resolve lasts.]

—

The day after Yunmyeong received the sword, he visited the Haunted Blacksmith’s forge to craft a scabbard for Soul-Severing Blade.

He flung open the door and spoke to the blacksmith, engrossed in his work.

“I’m keeping that sword you gave me safe.”

“Are you alright? It’s no ordinary thing…”

“Don’t worry. I’m no ordinary man either, am I?”

“Still…”

“I came because I need a scabbard to hold it.”

“A scabbard…”

The blacksmith pondered briefly before shaking his head.

“There’s no scabbard suited for that thing.”

“Hmm? What do you mean? Can’t you just make one?”

Yunmyeong tilted his head, and the blacksmith explained.

“For an ordinary sword, sure. But that thing has a consciousness. And a nasty temper, at that. Imagine trying to confine it.”

“True, it’d resist fiercely.”

“If it were just talk, that’d be fine, but its overwhelming aura would likely damage or destroy any scabbard in no time.”

“Then how do I manage it? Its unique appearance will draw unwanted attention.”

After deep thought, the blacksmith suggested an idea.

“How about wrapping it in bandages or cloth?”

“Hmm?”

“One thing I realized after making it is that it doesn’t need special care. Just infusing it with energy should allow it to maintain itself.”

“Makes sense for a sword with consciousness.”

For a moment, the blacksmith’s expression seemed to say, ‘You actually believe that?’ but Yunmyeong dismissed it as his imagination and let it pass.

“Ahem. Anyway, for upkeep, use lightweight cloth or bandages—materials that are easy to acquire and replace.”

“Right, if they get damaged, I can just get new ones.”

Nodding as he processed the advice, Yunmyeong turned to leave the forge.

“Thanks for the advice. It’ll help me tame that thing.”

As he opened the door to leave, the blacksmith left a cryptic remark.

“Are you sure you’ll be fine? One side will surely crumble.”

“Hmm.”

One side will crumble.

Yunmyeong glanced back, his eyes filled with steely resolve.

“I’m not swayed by petty emotions. That’s what it means to be a swordsman—and it’s the life I’ve lived.”

“Very well, then I’m reassured. Please, overcome its wicked will and become the true master of the demonic sword.”

“Of course.”

With that, Sword Demon swept his robe stylishly and left the forge.

—

Watching Sword Demon’s dashing exit, I let out a sigh of relief.

“Phew, looks like he’s deeply invested too.”

Overattachment isn’t great for mental health, but with Sword Demon’s ironclad willpower, it shouldn’t be an issue.

“He’ll handle it well. Guess I can go all out then?”

A demonic sword typically tests its master’s caliber and presents trials suited to their level.

In that regard, Sword Demon was a top-tier master.

His unyielding will shone through, no matter how treacherous the path.

‘Truly worthy of a Seven Demon, huh? Against such resolve, holding back would be disrespectful.’

I began scripting the trials to come.

Most importantly, the exit must be timed perfectly.

Parting is inevitable from the moment of meeting.

But how you part can leave a lasting impression.

Alone in the forge, the blacksmith let out an eerie chuckle.

“Sword Demon, let’s test that will of yours…!”