Small flakes of snow drifted silently onto the main road on a winter afternoon.
Ren stepped off at one of the stations along the thoroughfare to shop for notebooks and other supplies after school. As he emerged from the shop with his purchases, a white puff of breath escaped his lips into the chilly air.
While he was readjusting his muffler, he heard the familiar voices of his classmates.
"Oh, if it isn't Ashton!"
Kaito called out first. He, Wayne, and Charlotte were all standing there, wearing heavy coats over their school uniforms.
"Are you all out for a stroll too, Kaito-senpai?" Ren asked.
"Yeah. We all happened to run into each other, so we were just talking about grabbing some food while we're at it."
"That's the plan," Wayne added. "Would you like to join us, Ren?"
"Sure, I'd love to."
Ren accepted the invitation and joined their circle. They began walking together, scouting for a suitable restaurant.
"Hey, Ren," Wayne said, his tone casual as always. "About winter break—if you're free, why don't you come to Kaito-senpai's territory with us?"
"Oh, isn't there a Hero Faction party or something scheduled?"
"Yeah, that’s right. But aside from the official gathering, I thought it would be fun if we could all enjoy the break together."
It wasn't just Wayne; the other two seemed to have something on their minds as well. They likely still felt a lingering sense of guilt over the incident involving Viscount Given. Even if that had been the result of the Viscount's lone madness, Kaito and Charlotte felt they couldn't simply ignore it, given that their families were the pillars of the Hero Faction.
Ren didn't address the past directly, choosing instead to speak with consideration for their feelings.
"I’ll probably be busy studying or training. I might even head out on a hunt with Lady Estel."
"Wait, isn't she the Director of the Lion Holy Chancel...?" Wayne asked, reflexively surprised by the name.
Kaito, who had also been listening, looked equally stunned, but he spoke up with newfound conviction.
"Wayne! We can't afford to fall behind either!"
Perhaps it was Ren's imagination, but Wayne’s features seemed to have grown somewhat more resolute lately. Ren looked at him and smiled.
"I'm rooting for you."
"Thanks. I'll do my best," Wayne replied with a happy grin.
Then, Ren offered a sudden word of advice.
"Also... be careful of the Demon King Cult."
He planned to offer more specific warnings through Estel and the others later. He didn't know if the same battles from the game would break out in this timeline, but he felt he should convey what he could. The event to obtain Hero Equipment was technically a sub-event, but he wanted to do whatever he could to ensure his friends' safety.
"It'll be fine," Kaito said confidently. "The forces of our Heroic Ducal Houses will be gathered, and all the heads of our families will be there too."
"I know that, but..."
"Don't worry! You're strong, Ashton, but we can hold our own too, you know?"
Ren offered a wry smile, choosing his words carefully. Perhaps it was because he knew that even if a battle occurred, they were far more capable than their game counterparts. Wayne, seeing Ren's smile, looked down at his own hand and fell silent for a few seconds.
"Wayne?" Ren called out.
"Sorry," Wayne said, laughing. "It's just... lately, I feel like I'm about to grasp something. When I wake up, or before I go to sleep, or even suddenly like just now... I don't really understand it, but I feel like I can become much stronger than I am now."
"Hahaha! What's that supposed to mean!" Kaito laughed.
"It's only natural for Kaito-senpai to laugh... but it really feels that way."
"It's mean of you to laugh, Kaito," Charlotte teased. "There, there, Wayne-kun. Your kind and beautiful Sharo-senpai will give you some headpats."
"Sha—Sharo-senpai!?" Wayne stammered.
Ren smiled at their camaraderie. The change manifesting in Wayne was likely because he was drawing closer to his awakening as the descendant of Hero Ruin.
However, in this world, Ulysses wasn't an enemy, and Asval could no longer be resurrected. Ren wondered where Wayne would find the trigger for his awakening. Despite the uncertainty, Ren had a premonition that Wayne would reach that milestone sooner or later.
Even if the scenario changes, some things remain the same.
He had experienced that truth many times already. The descendants of the Seven Heroes were the natural counterparts to the Demon King Cult. Now that a piece of Hero Equipment had been recovered, they were destined to follow in their ancestors' footsteps. Ren silently wished for their success.
Winter twilight arrives early. By the time Ren parted ways with his friends several dozen minutes later, the sky was already beginning to turn.
At that same moment, a cry of joy erupted from a soot-covered workshop in the Blacksmith District.
"Hell yeah!"
Werlich, the master of the workshop, had just finished listening to Ren's report on the Dragon Vein Reactor. The dwarf blacksmith threw up his sturdy arms in triumph.
"This is plenty! Once I get the materials we talked about, I can finally move to a trial run! It won't be long until the Lemuria is back in action!"
"Then I'll leave the reactor in your care, Werlich-san," Ren said.
"You bet! Just wait until you're standing on the deck of a massive ship!"
Estel had also stopped by Werlich's workshop that day to have her sword, Black Prowess, sharpened. She was sitting in a chair next to Ren. She lifted a giant mug and drained it in a single long gulp. She finished the alcohol as easily as if it were water, then immediately poured a second glass from a barrel at her feet, draining that one just as quickly.
Ren, struck by a moment of bewildered silence, asked a simple question.
"What you're drinking... that is alcohol, not fruit juice, right?"
"Indeed. It is the pride of the Drake Region," Estel replied.
"The Boss is incredible," Werlich added. "Even us dwarves are known for our drinking, but gulping down Drake liquor like that usually burns your throat."
"I've been drinking it since before I can remember. It's a Drake pastime."
Ren had a sudden thought. "How does that work in terms of Imperial Law?"
"......I wonder," Estel said, looking away.
"Please don't play dumb so obviously."
While they spoke, Estel poured a fourth glass. She looked at Ren with a bit of hesitation, but then shrugged it off and kept drinking.
"...It was a long time ago. Let's just say the statute of limitations has passed," she muttered.
"I suppose so," Ren replied.
Estel lowered her voice, showing no signs of being drunk. "Ahem. I hear the ship you two were talking about is a famous one. Ren, why not suggest building a magic ship landing in Clausel?"
"No, no, that would cost far too much money."
"Hmm... maintenance is expensive, but building a new one is the real hurdle. From what I've heard of Viscount Clausel, he'd likely decline even if House Ignat offered to foot the bill."
"As you suspected, that’s exactly what happened."
"I thought as much. But what a waste. It must be a magnificent vessel." Estel drained another glass. Ren found himself wondering how her slender frame could hold so much liquid.
"The mystery of a Sword Saint..." he whispered.
"Hmm? What about a Sword Saint?"
"I just suddenly thought about how amazing you are."
"You'll likely reach the rank yourself before long, Ren. No need to be so formal." Estel grew cheerful as she poured her fifth glass. "There are various schools of swordsmanship, but it's often said that a Strong Sword User needs a specific life-altering trigger to reach the rank of Sword Saint. I believe I've mentioned this before."
Estel had reached the rank when she was pushed into a desperate corner while protecting her subordinates. In her struggle to ensure their survival, she had evolved. Ren had heard that story from her before the Roses Kaitas incident.
"By my assessment, your skill is already at the Sword Saint-class. You're just slightly lacking in certain technical Arts and the formal recognition that comes with them. Once you officially cross that threshold, your power will transform entirely."
"So I'm basically just half-baked right now?"
"Exactly! You're a work in progress! Hahahaha!"
"...You sure are enjoying this."
It wasn't a laughing matter to Ren, but he felt more at ease when she acted this way.
"As I told you before, our essence is 'Star-Slayer, Gaze upon the Black,'" Estel said. "The Lion King sang those words on the battlefield for a reason. Even the stars, which were thought to be magic, leave only a dark sky once they are slain. That darkness itself is the essence of the Strong Sword."
Scholars interpreted this to mean that the Lion King crushed every magical defense on the battlefield. The darkness of a starless sky was the ultimate proof of victory.
"So, continuing to fight is the only shortcut?" Ren asked.
"Yes. So keep swinging your sword."
"...But you know," Ren added thoughtfully, "I think it would feel better to look up at a sky full of stars, personally."
Estel went quiet for a moment. Then she drained her mug and laughed louder than before.
"Ahahaha! Yes, that's certainly true!" She threw an arm around Ren's shoulder.
"Whoa! You're surprisingly strong!"
"Don't be like that! You've got guts to say something like that to the Director of the Lion Holy Chancel! Very well! Winter break starts soon! This winter, I shall personally look after both you and Lithia!"
Estel immediately began detailing their schedule. "Training. And perhaps a long trip on the magic ship like before."
"Does that mean you'll be training us every day?"
"Not every day. You'll have your winter break assignments," she denied firmly.
"You're actually quite strict about academics."
"Of course. Swinging a sword without doing what must be done won't benefit your future. You'll struggle later in life if you rely on muscle alone. That's from my own experience," Estel said with a self-deprecating smile.
Werlich crossed his arms. "Boss, wouldn't the story be different if Ren becomes a Sword King?"
"True! If he reaches that level, he can probably manage through sheer brawn!"
"Please don't encourage that," Ren sighed. He didn't want to neglect his studies. "Changing the subject, Lady Estel, do you know about the Hero Faction's party?"
"Yes, I've been briefed."
"Is Leomel doing anything officially as a nation?"
"You mean the Imperial Family celebrating the discovery of Hero Equipment?"
"Something like that. Or establishing a new holiday."
"Nothing of the sort. Guests will be visiting from abroad, but it's a private function hosted by the Heroic Ducal Houses. The state isn't involved beyond the Second Prince visiting House Leonall to offer personal congratulations."
The Imperial Family had to attend such things to maintain appearances. Since the Seven Heroes were universal figures who saved the world, the celebration transcended factional politics.
"Why do you ask?"
"I have a feeling the Demon King Cult might make a move," Ren said.
"We've already anticipated that. The Heroic Ducal Houses have contacted the capital. Those cultists have been targeting Leomel for a long time; they won't pass up an opportunity to strike at the legacy of the Seven Heroes."
However, the ceremony was necessary for the morale of the people. In these uncertain times, the discovery of the shield was a beacon of hope.
"The power of the Seven Heroes must be a nuisance to them."
"Heh, I'm sure they're dying to destroy it. But we're prepared."
Since the Second Prince was attending as the Emperor's representative, many Knights of the Lion Holy Chancel were being mobilized, and several escort ships were being prepared.
The Strong Sword Users, who were often positioned as enemies in the game, would also be providing security. Ren knew their strength well; there was far more security here than in the game's original event. He suspected the monsters might be annihilated before they could even reach the party.
Still, he remained cautious.
"The Leonall territory is abundant in water. If the cult attacks, they might use aquatic monsters."
"It's true that the water sources there are vital. The area provides irrigation for much of the surrounding land. Aquatic monsters would be easy for them to employ."
Estel assured him that countermeasures were in place. She mentioned specific regions they were watching, and Ren realized the military had already analyzed the most likely movement routes. There was truly nothing more for him to add.
"We're also guarding against the contamination of the water supply," Estel said.
She listed several monsters they were looking for, one of which was the exact boss from the game's event battle.
"If we move, it'll be to strike first," Estel added. "Most of the Heroic Ducal Houses intend to attack before they can be hit. Managing those territories is a hassle, but His Highness is being particularly thorough. He's consulting with House Ignat to capture any cultists who show their faces. The Lion Holy Chancel is moving in secret too—but keep that to yourself."
"I see... so that's the plan." Ren was relieved to see how much more effective the cooperation between the factions was compared to the game.
"The Heroic Ducal Houses will have heavy escorts. There's no need for you to worry."
◇ ◇ ◇ ◇
The next morning, Ren was outside the Lion Holy Chancel with Fiona.
"It's rare to see you here so early, Fiona-sama."
"I woke up earlier than usual. I thought if I caught you here, we could walk to the Academy together."
"I'm sorry, though. This is completely out of your way."
"N-No! I wouldn't mind doing this every day if it meant walking with you...!" Fiona whispered the last part so softly that Ren didn't catch it. She gave him a shy, happy smile.
"Oh, that's right! Winter break is almost here!" she said, watching the snow fall.
"Lady Estel invited me for training, so I think I'll be busy with that every day."
"Fufu, that sounds like you, Ren-kun." Fiona started to look a bit dejected, wanting to ask for some of his time but hesitating.
However, Ren spoke up before she could lose heart.
"Actually, I'm a bit worried about the exams afterward. If you're free, I'd really appreciate it if you could tutor me sometime during the break—"
"L-Leave it to me!" Fiona blurted out instantly. Her cheeks were flushed, though likely not from the cold. She smiled, her earlier sadness replaced by pure joy. "I'll help you for as long as you need, whenever you like."
"But won't you be busy in Eupeheim?"
"Well... I have to go home for a few days, but I'm free any other time!"
As they walked, Ren asked about the city. "How have the waterways been since the incident?"
"The problems in the city have been fixed. But they're conducting a follow-up investigation on the water veins outside the city just to be safe."
Lithia emerged from the Lion Holy Chancel a few minutes later, having finished her morning routine. The three of them walked to school together, bracing against the cold wind that whipped at their hair and coats.
"It really is freezing today..." Lithia muttered.
"They say this year is particularly harsh because of the winds from the Glacier Crossing," Fiona explained.
"I see... no wonder it feels colder than last year."
Ren listened to them talk, realizing how the world's larger events like the Glacier Crossing affected even the local weather.
Winter break officially began that afternoon. Following the morning homeroom, a general assembly was held in the Great Auditorium. The session ended with a speech from Director Chronoa.
"Everyone, stay safe and have a wonderful winter break!"
The students erupted in cheers. Many of the Academy facilities, including the library, would remain open on a limited schedule.
After the assembly, the Executive Committee gathered in a small room at the back of the library.
"...I'm exhausted," Radius said, yawning. He had dark circles under his eyes.
While Lithia and Fiona were surprised by his haggard appearance, Ren was used to seeing the Prince like this lately.
"Still busy with that work?" Ren asked.
"Yes. I'll be back in the air in two hours. I have to meet family members who don't live in the capital. They're all troublesome people, but there are matters that must be settled."
"His Highness's schedule is packed minute by minute, nya~" Mirei Archeise teased. The former student council president was always at Radius's side, supporting his work.
"Radius, are you sure you're okay?" Lithia asked.
"If you're asking if I'm physically well, the answer is no. But the work must be done. I'll just keep gulping down potions."
"D-Don't push yourself too hard."
"I'll be fine. I'm treating it like a taste test for the Arnevelde Merchant Guild's new products. They don't taste that bad." Radius stood up and yawned again before leaving with Mirei.
Before they vanished, Ren called out. "Lady Estel is training me; are you sure you don't want to come along?"
"I have too much administrative work to catch up on. Estel rarely takes a break, so use this time to make her rest a little. I hope you three have a productive break."
Ren nodded with a wry smile as the overworked Prince departed.
"What should we do?" Lithia asked.
"Why don't we do a bit of our holiday homework before we head home?" Fiona suggested.
Ren and Lithia agreed. Since it was the start of the break, they decided to take a small detour and enjoy the capital's winter atmosphere on the way back.
◇ ◇ ◇ ◇
A few days later, Estel's magic ship was soaring through the winter sky.
The bridge was a rugged, metallic room. Werlich was at the helm, humming happily as he steered. A large window provided a clear view of the snowy world below.
"Lithia, you're heading back to Clausel next week, right?" Estel asked.
"Yes. It's been a while since I've been home, and there's a lot of work waiting for me."
"Acting as a representative has its limits. It's good that you're going. Ren, will you be going too?"
"I'm staying in Erendil. Lord Lezard has some business for me to look after here and in the capital." Ren had helped during the Great Clock Tower repairs, and this was an extension of those duties.
"In that case, Lithia, take my adjunct with you," Estel said.
"To Clausel? Are you sure?"
"Yes. You know the woman who's always running around after me. She's a workaholic who never takes time off, so I'm ordering her to take a vacation in Clausel. She'll act as your escort."
The female knight in question was a Swordmaster-class warrior. Having Estel's trusted aide as an escort was a massive security boost. Lithia and Ren had no reason to refuse, and Lezard would certainly appreciate the gesture.
"I was told to rest by the Prince, so it's only fair I make my subordinates rest too," Estel added, looking out the window. "We'll be at the hunting grounds in thirty minutes. We'll start by tracking the monsters on the request list."
"Understood," Ren said. "Lithia, shall we get ready?"
The two went down to the living quarters. The rooms were small, but warm and woody. The blizzard outside reminded Ren of the harsh winters in his home village.
When they met in the hallway after changing, Lithia noticed Ren's sword.
"Are you only using the Mithril Magic Sword today?"
"For pure skill training, the Mithril blade is the best. I'll summon the others if I absolutely need them."
"With Lady Estel here, I doubt you'll need them," Lithia joked.
They stopped at a window to watch the storm. "We're staying overnight on the ship today," Ren noted.
"I'm looking forward to it. It’s my first time."
Because it was a Drake ship, it could moor almost anywhere. As they reached a snow-covered mountain, Ren wondered how they would anchor the vessel on such a steep slope.
They stepped onto the deck, the wind stinging their cheeks.
"How are we anchoring?" Ren asked.
"Don't worry about it. Just stand back," Estel said. She picked up a massive metallic stake, as long as three men and as thick as a log, and hoisted it onto her shoulder.
"Wait, you're just going to..."
"I'm just going to thrust it into the mountainside, Ren. What else?" Estel ignored his bewildered look, braced herself, and threw the stake with all her might.
The stake cut through the wind and slammed into the mountain with such force that it slightly altered the terrain. A chain of mana, glowing red in the blizzard, extended from the stake and locked into the magic ship's hull.
"See?" Estel grinned.
Ren and Lithia could only laugh at her sheer, overwhelming power.
After the day's training, Ren took a shower and sat on his sofa, thinking about the "trigger" he needed to reach the rank of Sword Saint.
"I still have no idea," he muttered.
Today's hunt had been intense. The monsters in this region were much stronger than those near the capital, and fighting in a blizzard was excellent practice. He checked his progress on his bracelet.
- Magic Sword Summoning Arts (Level 6: 2676 / 6500)
His mastery was growing at an incredible rate compared to his early days. He suspected his Great Tree Magic Sword would level up by tomorrow.
He closed his eyes, recalling his battle with the Sword Demon. He thought about the specific Arts he had unlocked since then, trying to find the missing piece of his evolution.
The next morning, the weather cleared slightly. With better visibility, hunting became easier, and as he expected, his Great Tree Magic Sword reached its next level.
◇ ◇ ◇ ◇
Between training sessions, Ren spent time studying. He met Fiona at the Academy library to work on their holiday assignments. The date of the Hero Faction party was approaching, as was the day Lithia would leave for Clausel.
"I'll be returning to Eupeheim soon," Fiona said. She was wearing her reading glasses, looking especially studious and lovely. "You both have busy schedules too, right?"
"I'll be helping with work and training with Lady Estel," Ren said.
"I'm heading back to Clausel the day after Ren leaves for his next trip," Lithia added. "It's my first trip home in ages, so I'm really excited!"
The days of winter break flew by. On the morning Lithia was set to depart, she met Ren in front of the mansion.
"It's been so long since we've been apart for three whole weeks," she said softly.
"Has it really been that long?"
"I think the last time was when you went to the capital alone for the first time."
"That was years ago..."
"Fufu, you're right. No wonder I feel a bit lonely."
Ren felt the same. He had wanted to visit his parents in the village, but it was too far to travel in the winter; he had sent a long letter with a messenger instead.
"Don't do anything reckless while I'm gone," Ren said.
"You're one to talk! You worry about me, but I'm just as worried about you. You're far more dangerous than I am."
"Wait, me? More dangerous?"
"Yes! You attract trouble like a magnet. Don't look away!"
"It's... just a figure of speech, surely."
Lithia pouted playfully, then gave him a warm smile. "I'll do my best at home, so you be careful too, Ren."
Ren saw her off and then headed to the Hanging Garden to join Werlich and Estel.
"Why does Werlich-san always do the piloting?" Ren asked as they prepared for takeoff.
"Because the Boss asked me to. It's a special favor," the dwarf replied. He was an expert pilot, holding all the necessary military certifications despite being a blacksmith by trade.
"I'm looking forward to the day you and Lithia reunite," Estel said as the ship rose into the sky. "Maybe by then, you'll finally be a Sword Saint."
"I hope so," Ren said, yawning. He watched the clouds gather outside, preparing for another winter storm.
◇ ◇ ◇ ◇
High above Leomel, the Leonall family's massive magic ship was making its way toward their territory.
"This is bad..." Kaito muttered, his body tense.
"What's wrong?" Wayne asked.
"The party is so close, and I'm starting to stiffen up. I can't even enjoy the view with this blizzard."
"Everyone is excited, Kaito-senpai. They see the discovery of the shield as a sign that the spirit of the Seven Heroes is still with us."
They walked toward the central hall of the ship. It was a grand space, decorated with crimson carpets and luxury furniture, looking more like a palace than a vessel. Charlotte and Nemu were already there, relaxing on the sofas.
Charlotte laughed when she saw Kaito's face. "It's rare to see you this nervous."
"Is that a crime!?"
"Not at all. But you should be proud. You're the one who found it."
"Exactly!" Nemu added. "Kaito-kun, you should be more dignified!"
Sarah, the daughter of House Riohard, nodded. "I'm not saying you should be arrogant, but you could at least look like you're in control."
The Silver King Shield Airia had been found in their era for a reason. Realizing the weight of the legacy he now carried, Kaito took a deep breath, and the tension finally began to fade from his face.