You did?

　It was the brave men who reacted to it.

''Are you an adventurer too?''
In the past, I retired just as soon as I became mayor.

　As you can imagine, I can't be a concurrent member of the team.
　Now I'm in a responsible position, serving my village and my family every day.

He's the most powerful adventurer in Lux Village!　 Until I became the village chief, it was just me and my adventurer, but he was so great that he could take out the Blaze Death Size all by himself!

　Gacita says nonsensically.

"You say that a lot, don't you, Gacita-san?
But as expected, isn't taking out Blaze Death Size solo too much?

　The other Rax Village Guild adventurers who were defeated are getting up in batches.

''Look at this!　These newcomers, who don't know that big brother is still working, are suspicious of him!　It's been a while since you've shown him how awesome your animator is!
'I don't want to,'

　He already has a wife and children.
　I don't want to put myself in danger for the sake of the family I have to provide for.

No, I'd really like to see you join us.

　The one who proceeded to say that was the spearman of the brave party.

''Sesha-san?''
The moment I saw you, I knew there was something unusual about your appearance. I want to see if you have what it takes to be a true test of your abilities.

　A fellow hero with a spear in his hand.
　.........

It can't be helped.

　I took out the Hermes sword that I kept in my pocket.
　Even after retiring from adventuring, you never know when any danger will strike your village.
　That's why I never neglected to prepare for battle.

''Are you sure?　Shouldn't we have something proper, not that kind of self-defense acquisition?

　The Hermes sword in its basal state is shaped like a small knife, so it could be taken as self-defense.

''Don't worry about it, just come at me.
Now....!

　I'm starting to sound a little pompous, don't I?
　Fighting spirit emanates from the spearman's body surface.

''I'm coming!''

　A sharpness like a flash of light snatched at my cheek.

''So this is the thrust of a spear........!

　A weapon that combines the aura properties of slash and sting.
　The furious rush of thrusts does not give it a chance to breathe.

　Just when you think you've thrust, it already pulls, and just when you think you've pulled, it thrusts another.
　And just when you think you've pulled back, you thrust the next one.

''What a gesture!　How could you continue to dodge my stabs to this extent...!''

　Without slowing down Rush's speed, his opponent says

'But such a short gain won't help you fight back!　The space between them is too large, that it is not!

　It's true that if you want to fight back with a knife, you'll have to dodge the spear and hide in your pocket.
　He is not a poor opponent who will allow you to do that.

　The speed and accuracy of his thrusts will always keep the enemy under control and prevent him from stepping inward beyond the tip of the blade.
　This is an opponent with that much skill and spirit.

　The most efficient way to attack this opponent would be to attack from outside the opponent's range.
　The spear, the longest weapon among the many weapons, is my opponent.

　I have a short knife in my hand.
　I'm not even going to dream of being poked from the outside.

　A flash of silvery white light is released from my hand.

"I knew you'd throw it!

　The spearman shouts.

Throwing!　There is no other way to finish me off with that little knife!

　He twisted around to avoid the stabbing line of fire, as if to say, "I've been reading about you.

'So your forte is throwing knives!　Well, it's a formidable weapon with a wide range, but if you can avoid it, that's it!　And then you, unarmed, stand a better chance...?　Huh?
Don't move.

　The blade of the Hermes sword extending from my hand had snatched the spearman's head and passed by it.
　The blade has already extended to a length of more than the total length of the spear.

　The hilt is firmly in my hand.

''You know what I mean?　All I have to do is move this sword to the side and your head will be sliced in rounds like a lemon.
"The blades are stretching...?　What the hell is this weapon...?

　The prediction that we were going to throw a weapon at him was brilliant.
　Normally, that is the most alarming thing to do. Their handling of the situation is also perfect. It was a truly professional move.

　However, the function of this Hermes sword was the only thing that completely exceeded the professional's expectations.
　You could say it was out of my mind.

This is the posthumous work of an enthusiast. The alloy mixed with mithril and various other ingredients reacts to the aura and changes its shape. A knife can grow to the size of a clothesline in an instant.

　The spearman's body is fully stretched out, and he is unlikely to be able to make any spur-of-the-moment movements.
　In contrast, I can swing the blade that passes right next to the opponent's head at any time.



　Graceful.
　That's professional judgment, too.

'Now, when you're ready, let's go back. Take your time and relax while the blacksmiths finish your weapons.
Not yet.

　Huh?
　This time, a brave man advances out.

''The current game, the reason for the victory lies in that mysterious weapon, and we haven't been shown what the village chief is capable of yet. I will have you play one more match.
Who?
Of course, with me.

　The brave man is in motivation mode, drawing his sword.

'Sesha-san's defeat is a defeat. It hurts his pride if it's taken as a talking point. So now I'm going to do it. Brave Radey, I will be your opponent.
What am I willing to do?

　I say, "I'm sorry, but I'm going to get myself killed.
　It's the spirit of an opponent who is likely to slash at me even if I refuse.

''I'm well versed in the properties of that mysterious weapon. Now that Sesha-san has revealed the seed, I will never fall for it.
I don't want you to think of this guy as just a deceitful weapon.

　I feel sorry for the creator.

The intention of the Hermes Blade was to maximize the three aura characteristics of the four aura characteristics of Slash, Sting and Hit in one. This is only possible because it is an alloy that changes shape in response to aura.
'I see, but you can tell that's defective just by listening to it.
What?

　Instantly, I close the gap between the two and the brave man slashes at me.
　I use my Hermes sword in sword form to catch it.

'Aura aptitude is different for each person. Some are good at it, some are bad at it. So grab the right weapon for each of them!

　That's fast as expected.
　I'm going to respond to the dizzying succession of slashes that are coming at me with slashes too.

"So, the hero is good at slashing........
'Yes!　Each adventurer should grab the right weapon for his or her aptitude!　I don't need a weapon for every trait!　That's just poor handiwork!

　I've heard someone say that before.
　But.....

◆.

　A while after the game began.
　In front of me, there was a brave man who was breathing heavily.

''.........Ha, ha......''
What's up?　Have you had enough of the whip form of the Hermes sword?

　He squeezes the metal whip that ripples like a snake.

''I didn't expect........that you would fully use all three characteristics of the Slash and Thrust Strike......?
This guy's creator also took notice of that and gave me this thing. That's why I can't betray this weapon.

　It's a really nasty memento that you left me.
　I'll always have to prove that I'm the master of this masterpiece, because I'll always have to prove that I'm not ashamed of this masterpiece.

''Sincerity to arms........ Splendid.

　The brave man has come to his senses and lowered the sword he was holding.

I'm not sure what to say. It's not to mention the strength. ........Finally, at last, I have found it.
?
Please!　Please join me and accompany me on my journey to defeat the Demon King!
No!

　Well, that's what I was talking about.