Musou Slime 82

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82. Be Myself [SIDE - Irena]

Within me, flames are burning.

They blaze bright red, still swaying within my heart.

The flames, fueled by my emotions, give rise to smoke-named ideals, driving me forward today.

How much time has passed? Before I knew it, the sun had risen, and any sense of time had long disappeared.

I lock myself away in the workshop, tirelessly forging swords. That's my role.

What does it mean to be myself? I always ponder this while crafting swords. With every swing of the hammer, I question myself repeatedly.

Sometimes, I get scared. I wonder if I lack something essential. As I continue to move my hands, I feel like I might realize I'm nothing.

My hands tremble. Honestly, I want to abandon my tools and run away even now.

I've become lost. I'm scared. I can't believe in anything anymore.

But Arx said something.

[I want to compete with Irena's sword. So, I want you to do as you like, Irena.]

It was the first time. Someone needed me.

Someone believed in me. Despite my cowardice and insecurity, despite my façade of confidence.

It made me happy. My heart warmed.

At that moment, the flickering flame in my heart grew larger.

Let's believe it once more. In myself. Because of who I am.

The flames drive me forward. As if to say, "Is this your limit?" As if questioning, "Is this all you are?"

In response to the flames, I swing the hammer again. Without even understanding why.

I discard reasoning. All I have is the fuel of these emotions. I forge my sword with the aspiration to be the best in the world.

Be myself. I didn't realize it before, but now it's clear.

It's――this 'flame'.

The ever-changing yet fundamentally simple.

A light guiding me when I'm lost in darkness. A spark that reigns no matter how many times it's extinguished.

True strength that I, who knows weakness, can create.

These emotions, now――in this single stroke!

The moment the hammer and the sword clashed. My vision gets enveloped in light.

The sword before me emits a rainbow of brilliance. Its silver blade gets adorned with a beautiful aurora-like glow.

"—It's done!"

I quickly embraced the sword. The tournament time has probably long passed.

As I was about to leave the workshop, I heard someone opening the shop door and entering.

"—Arx?"

"Oh, there you are. That's Irena over there."

No, it's different. Three intimidating men entered. They wore an oppressive aura and smirked when they saw me.

"W-What do you guys want!?"

"Whatever. Let's chat here for a bit instead of worrying about that. Shall we?"

"Oh, she does have a sword! Barry was right!"

Their goal is me. They were probably hired to detain me from returning to the venue.

"We don't want to resort to violence, so why not just hand over that sword and have a little chat here?"

"N-No!"

"Hey, don't be unreasonable. It's not like going now would make any difference. Let's wait here, okay?"

It might be true. I had been so absorbed in making the sword that I forgot about the tournament.

But—I don't want to betray Arx's trust!

"Uwaaaah!"

"Oops!"

I tried to break through the front, but my arm was easily caught, stopping me.

"Let go!"

"That's not happening. Now, release your grip on that sword!"

The man tried to pull the sword away. I resisted desperately.

"You stubborn girl! If you don't let go now—"

"If you don't let go now, you'll experience a little pain."

In an instant, a third voice struck my eardrums. A clear, bell-like female voice. Standing behind the men was—a black-haired shinobi.

"When did you—Gah!"

The shinobi lightly struck their necks three times with her hand, causing the men to immediately lose consciousness and collapse.

"Shinobi-oneesan! Thanks for saving me!"

"I'm not Shinobi. If I could be of assistance, I'm honored."

The shinobi placed a hoop-covered slime at her feet and gestured for me to dive in. It's the one Alcus used.

"I have a lot to explain, but let's head to the venue."

The shinobi pushed her hair back and said calmly.

"The final match has begun. It's time for the answers."