(Monster Eater)
(Episode 9: G'hram, the Cursed Blade)
My sword!
Oh my...
I've used this sword for a long time. It was inevitable.
It couldn't handle the amount of mana particles you infused.
A weapon is as important as the life to an adventurer.
I understand you're upset.
Let's end the testing for today.
At least the sword didn't break during the battle.
That's fortunate.
Anyway,
let me harvest its meat first.
Okay.
The advanced species of Miasma Rat, the King Plague Rat,
is a tough opponent.
But not tough enough against our teamwork.
Yeah.
Kill him...
What's wrong?
Nothing.
I Just thought I heard something over there.
Hey... were there stairs here before?
Is it a hidden passage?
Let's go check it out.
This doesn't look like a trap.
What's inside? Treasure?
It looks like a strong sword.
This sword is emanating mana.
It will definitely go for a good price.
Mana...
Could it be some kind of cursed sword?
Rigurdo, don't be such a downer.
Think about it.
Lately, there's been no sign of the Miasma Scavenger.
Life is hard now that we've lost the easy way to make money.
This must be a reward for our hard work.
Y... you're right.
We've been exploring the maze this late.
We deserve some kind of reward.
By the way, I heard that Miasma Scavenger
has been with a stunning elf girl.
He's getting pretty cocky.
Next time we see him, let's have him know his place.
Kill him...
The sword breaking is frustrating.
But this might be a chance to get a new weapon.
But with the way you use it,
the weapon has to be strong enough to withstand the mana particles you infuse.
I actually have a lead on that.
I'll consult with the weapons shop owner I know.
A sword I forged shattered like this...
Brute force alone shouldn't cause this.
Rudd...
What did you pour into this sword?
How will you explain this?
The truth.
I've known Master Doyem for a long time.
He isn't one to leak a customer's secrets.
Besides...
If I don't be honest with him, he can't make the weapon I want.
Gaining mana particles by devouring monsters...
No wonder your power has grown so dramatically, Rudd.
You could tell?
How many years have I looked after you?
I could tell at a glance.
You seem pretty calm about it.
It doesn't matter to me what people eat.
Compared to that,
I'm more shocked that a sword I forged broke.
Even though Rudd has gotten stronger,
the sword shouldn't have broken if he used it normally.
A sword that can withstand infused mana particles...
Even I haven't forged a weapon like that.
I'll need to do some researching. It'll probably take quite some time.
I see.
It was a cheeky request to begin with.
Any materials you need?
A few high-quality magic stones would be very helpful.
Well, I happen to have some here.
General Lizard, Baphomet,
and Minotaur's magic stones.
You really have gotten much stronger.
I'm happy to hear you say that.
If I need other materials, I'll ask you for help.
Use this sword for now.
Thanks a lot.
Whatever you do,
don't infuse it with mana particles!
If you break this sword too,
I'll make sure you pay for it.
You won't be able to use mana particles for a while.
Yeah.
The sword breaking is one thing,
but losing my weapon outright in battle
would be a much bigger issue.
Master Doyem can get scary when it comes to weapons.
Yeah.
A craftsman like him is precious. Try not to anger him.
I didn't mean to make him angry.
The sword breaking was an accident.
Although a lot happened,
I was still happy to meet your friend.
Sorry that I don't have many friends.
Hey, it seems like you're having fun.
Let us join in, Miasma Scavenger.
It's you guys again...
If you have any complaints,
then settle it over drinks like proper adventurers!
Hey... Llond?
Did you sneak off to drink?
Wait, Llond...
Didn't you sell that sword?
Kill him...
Shut up!
Magnus?
It seems like we can't settle this just by drinking.
What on earth are you doing here?
Throw him out!
Sir.
Excuse me.
I'm going to break down this wall.
What's wrong with that guy?
Kill...
Elysia, did you hold back just now?
I wasn't using my full strength.
But that should have been enough to put down an ordinary adventurer.
I'll kill you!
This looks like trouble.
Anyone with healing magic, go treat the wounded!
Rudd, dodge to the side!
I'm going all out this time.
That sword absorbed my attack?
That sword...
Rudd, be careful!
That's a Cursed Sword!
Hey...
That sword gets stronger after absorbing magic.
Too heavy...
That crimson tentacle-like thing
is sealing the wound.
If I use magic to support,
it might just get absorbed by that sword again.
If I want to help Rudd,
I need to find its weakness
and finish it in one strike.
Please, don't kill him!
We did terrible things to Rudd.
But for someone useless like me,
Magnus and Llond are all I have.
I'm begging you.
Spare his life.
Geez, you're really putting me on the spot here.
But I'll try my best.
- I'll kill you... - I'm going to try "Substitute".
- I'll kill you... - Leave it to me for now.
Got it.
When I used "Substitute" on Elysia,
it took about ten seconds.
The problem is how to keep him subdued while the curse is being lifted.
Rudd!
His attacks are strong.
But if I can suppress this sword,
it won't be able to absorb magic.
"Wisdom of Earth"!
If the problem lies in the curse,
I should be able to restore him like I did with Elysia before.
Skill:
"Substitute".