"So, what exactly is the nature of this test?"
"...For now, please follow me."
Vampire Eudite began to walk, and I followed obediently behind her.
"By the way, what is your name?"
"It's Kiska."
"Kiska? Now that I think about it, you already knew my name quite well, didn't you?"
"Um, well, I’d heard rumors that a vampire made this dungeon their lair..."
"I see. Well, I have lived here for a very long time. I suppose it isn't surprising for such rumors to exist."
In truth, I’d learned her name from Ageha during my countless Time Leaps, but I chose to keep that to myself.
"Kiska, did you use a Teleportation Circle to reach this place?"
"Yes, I did."
"And you are aware that there were three of them?"
"I am."
"That will make this explanation brief, then. This dungeon has a rather unique layout. The route changes depending on which Teleportation Circle you use, and once you have stepped onto one, you cannot access the others."
It was exactly as she said. The path changed drastically based on the choice of circle.
The First Route held the Sealed Ageha. The Second Route held Vampire Eudite. And the Third Route held the Parasitic Sword: Puppeteer.
"However, by using a certain secret method, one can travel between these different routes."
Eudite placed her hand against the wall.
At first glance, it looked like an ordinary, featureless surface, but it must have been a hidden switch. When she pressed it, a section of the wall receded. A new corridor appeared in its wake.
I never realized there was a Hidden Passage here...
Following the passage, we eventually emerged onto a different path. We walked for a while longer until a familiar sight came into view.
"The Parasitic Sword: Puppeteer. If you can learn to control this blade, I will consider you to have passed the test."
"Control it...?"
Wait, that didn't make any sense. I had used that sword more times than I could count, and I’d never once been in control.
"This sword is of a most troublesome nature. It parasites its host and grows stronger with every monster or human slain, eventually consuming their very consciousness. To be honest, it attacks indiscriminately, and I have long wished to be rid of it. However, since it parasites anyone who touches it, I cannot easily move it myself."
"So... what do you want me to do?"
"Allow yourself to be parasited by this sword. Then, overcome its influence and bend it to your will."
"Is that even possible?"
"You will almost certainly fail," she said, her expression entirely nonchalant. "But regardless, I shall instruct you."
She spoke as if it were a simple lesson, but I didn't have the slightest confidence that I could actually master it.
"Have you lost your nerve? How unfortunate. However, you have no choice in the matter. If you refuse, I shall kill you right here and now."
It seemed I was backed into a corner.
"No, I'll do it. Just tell me how."
"Kihishi! It seems you’ve steeled your resolve. As for the method... first, do not take the hilt. Grasp the sword by the tip of the blade."
"Understood."
I did as I was told and gripped the tip.
"Ugh...!"
Intense pain immediately shot through my body. However, it was duller than the agony of grabbing the hilt. This, I could endure.
"And now? What next?"
"Swallow it."
"...What?"
"Tilt your head back and carefully slide the blade, tip first, down your throat."
"Wait, if I do that, won't I die?"
"The chances are quite high, yes. But once in a very long while, someone succeeds."
"I... see."
My response came as a weary sigh. I supposed there was no turning back now.
Steeling my resolve, I shoved the Puppeteer into the back of my throat.
In the next instant, my consciousness plunged into darkness.