The place called “Warrior’s Hill” in the game was, to put it simply, a location prepared for Sylvie’s event. Nothing else happens there, so if you don’t get the chance to recruit Sylvie, it’s definitely a place that will make you wonder “?”

There were several event-specific locations in the game. However, normally, such places should only become accessible once the event is triggered, but perhaps due to forgetting flag management or something, you can enter even if Sylvie isn’t in your party. Of course, there’s no point in entering, as there isn’t a single item there.

Well, now that I knew the duel location, I began acting alone. Sylvie’s revenge target always hangs out in a certain tavern. I headed straight there and entered the establishment.

I looked around the interior… and spotted him at the far end. I went straight over and spoke to him.

“…Excuse me, do you have a moment?”

The man turned his face towards me. He held a glass, but I didn’t smell any alcohol at all. Was he drinking water?

The moment our eyes met, I sensed an indescribable atmosphere. He was rampaging due to the sword’s magic power, and a glimpse of that was evident in his presence.

However, he seemed to retain enough reason to act normally, and although the look he gave me had the sharpness characteristic of a mercenary, there was nothing particularly strange about him.

As I waited for his words, the other person, with a somewhat suspicious gaze, opened his mouth.

“Who are you?”

“I’m a Human who has some business with you.”

The other person had his sword leaning against the wall, so he wouldn’t attack immediately. The man remained silent for a while, then replied, “I don’t mind,” and gestured me to an empty seat in front of him.

I took a seat and first confirmed his name.

“You are… Jeruga Furgate, right?”

“Correct. Knowing my name, do you have a grudge against me?”

“Not me, but another Human.”

“Bring them here. I’ll turn the tables on them.”

He declared this, but I still couldn’t sense an aura as if he were enchanted by the sword—should I call him a rational killer? He was supposed to be aware of what he was doing and believe that retribution would come eventually.

“From your demeanor, it seems you understand what you are doing.”

“Yes, that’s right.”

Gelga replied readily. I sighed dramatically and said,

“Why, if you understand it, do you not stop?”

“Because this one craves blood.”

He grabbed the bagged sword leaning against the wall with his left hand and showed it to me. The eyes he showed me then seemed to gleam somewhat.

“It speaks to me. It asks for blood.”

“…Is that all?”

“Yes, that’s all.”

—He could truly be described as a person enchanted by the sword, who dedicated his life to it.

This was the flow of conversation that occurred in the game. However, facing him like this, I also realized something. He spoke about swords with such delight, exuding an atmosphere almost like a child going out to play, which some people might find unsettling.

But… that’s when I noticed. The passion he had for swords, which seemed almost pure… his eyes, which continued to kill people, also harbored madness.

It seemed like he would attack if I said anything wrong, but at least he wasn’t showing any hostility towards me, which was a relief… At this point, I got to the main topic.

“There’s someone who really wants to meet you. They’ll be waiting south of here at ‘Warrior’s Hill’ tonight.”

“What a fitting place.”

Gelga, who had given his thoughts, drained the contents of his glass and replied.

“Understood. I will follow those words and accept. Those humans… they’re probably your companions or something, but tell them to prepare themselves and wait.”

After saying that, he stood up and left the shop. I remained seated for a while, staring at the shop door he had exited.

Eventually, I sighed and stood up.

“He’s definitely coming.”

The die had been cast. Now it was just a matter of how far Sylvie would go.

Sofia and the others should be arranging lodging. I need to report that Gelga has started moving.

I left the shop and was about to walk away—just then, I noticed Sylvie standing beside the shop.

Surprised, before I could speak, a question came from Sylvie.

“He seemed to have left a while ago, did you settle things?”

“…Even if your identity isn’t exposed to him, you’re being too bold.”

After I gave my opinion, Sylvie shrugged.

“It’s fine. It’s my choice.”

“Were you planning to fight him if he went wild here?”

“Yes.”

Sylvie answered honestly. I wanted to tell her to stop, but considering her reasons for fighting, I thought it would be difficult to persuade her.

“…It seems he doesn’t do anything flashy within the town.”

“I see.”

“However, when he spoke about swords, he looked eerily gleeful. At some point, his sanity might just snap, leading to a tragedy.”

“I see… There’s no doubt he’s someone we can’t just leave alone.”

There was a hint of darkness in her voice… It’s difficult to suppress emotions when facing the object of one’s revenge, isn’t it?

“Sylvie, the fight is tonight… are you mentally prepared?”

“I’m fine, Ruon.”

Sylvie’s expression remained stern as she nodded—but I replied, “I see,” and decided to move on with the conversation.

“Then let’s rest until night… to the meeting place with Sofia and the others.”

“Alright.”

—After that, we walked in silence. I wondered if I should say something, but in the end, I didn’t say anything at all until we met up with Sofia and the others. We then went into the inn.

Even with Kuuza and Sofia, Sylvie seemed hesitant to speak, and the atmosphere was a bit heavy even during dinner. Just when I thought this would be difficult to resolve,

“Ruon, can I talk to you for a moment?”

—After dinner, once Sofia and Kuuza had left their seats, she said.

“We’ve strategized against his attacks. The question now is whether I can deliver a fatal blow to him myself.”

“If you show your usual sword technique, it should be more than enough.”

Sylvie replied, “I see,” to my statement, but she seemed to be deep in thought.

“What’s wrong?”

“……What about the technique I showed you, Ruon?”

She was probably referring to ‘One Instant.’ I recalled the technique I had experienced and said,

If the technique succeeds, it can deliver a fatal blow… but it’s still under development and has big openings. Isn’t it too difficult to aim and unleash it?

I don’t know if I’ll use it. But I just thought there might be a possibility if it comes down to the final moment.

I see… Sylvie.

What is it?

When she asked back, I hesitated about what to say. It would be strange to say “Don’t overdo it” or “Good luck” now.

…No, it’s nothing.

What’s wrong? Are you nervous, like it’s your own business?

…Maybe so. Sofia and Kuuza might feel that way.

I see.

Sylvie gave a wry smile.

So, as comrades, you’re worried about this whole thing?

Of course.

…When I was training my sword skills alone, I never imagined it would come to this.

You mean, being worried about by someone?

Yes.

Sylvie nodded and—in a complete turnaround from earlier—showed a confident smile.

Ruon, I’m not going there to be killed either. I’m going to win.

Seeing that expression—I, too, nodded.

Alright. Sylvie, I wish you good luck.

Alright.

Sylvie’s expression, as she replied, had returned to its usual self at the very end.