Chapter 24/25: The Ceremony of Inheritance/ The Eighth Layer

The next day.

After a long soak in the bath and a good night’s sleep to recharge, I made my way to Hooin’s workshop early in the morning. Though to be honest, I was too excited to sleep much.

The deserted mountain path greeted me with trees glistening in the morning dew. The chill in the air hinted at the changing season.

“Good morning!”

“Hmph… You’re late, Satou.“

“It’s only 7 a.m.”

As I entered the workshop, I was greeted by Hooin, clad in his usual jet-black robe.

In his hands were tools of indeterminate use and a tome that looked suspiciously like a grimoire. He seemed even more charged up than usual.

“It is finally complete… my supreme masterpiece… Ku ku ku…”

Hooin muttered under his breath, his hollow expression suggesting he hadn’t slept in days.

Now that I looked closely, the dark circles under his eyes were severe, and his hair was a wild mess. Concerned, I hesitated before speaking.

“Uh, are you okay?”

“Of course. Follow me. In the depths of this workshop lies the twin blades you’ve been eagerly awaiting—the only weapon that can save a world shrouded in darkness…”

I followed behind Hooin in silence, marveling at how deeply he’d immersed himself in his theatrical world. He was at peak performance today—probably riding the high of an all-nighter.

A world shrouded in darkness, huh?

I wondered if Hooin had noticed the abnormalities in the dungeons too. If that were the case, this weapon would undoubtedly prove invaluable.

Inside the workshop, a mysterious object covered in a black cloth rested on a table. That had to be Zwei Rabe.

The thrill of getting a new weapon—how long had it been since I last felt this? I’d been using Rengoku Kirimaru for nearly five years.

“Ku ku ku… Feast your eyes! Behold the blade forged from my very soul!“

With a dramatic flourish, Hooin pulled away the cloth.

Underneath lay a pair of short swords, one jet-black and the other vivid crimson.

The black blade seemed to absorb all light, while the crimson blade radiated an unforgettable brilliance.

This was Zwei Rabe, my new weapon.

Even at a glance, I could tell these twin blades were exceptional.

Their design was surprisingly simple. Apart from their striking colors, the hilts and blades were unadorned. The only notable feature was the small holes etched into the blade’s surface.

“…These are incredible. Thank you, Hooin-san.”

“Hmph, there’s no need for thanks. Just master them—that is all I ask.“

“I will. I promise I’ll make full use of them.”

“I’m counting on you.“

“May I hold them?”

“Of course.”

I carefully picked up Zwei Rabe from its overly elaborate pedestal.

“…Amazing.”

Even though it was my first time holding them, the blades felt as though they’d always been a part of me. I instinctively understood how to wield them to their fullest potential.

“Hahaha! These are my finest creations! No weapon in this world will ever surpass them!“

As dramatic as Hooin’s words were, I couldn’t help but agree. The craftsmanship was exceptional, and my very soul seemed to resonate with the blades.

With these, I’d undoubtedly be able to conquer the Garden of the Gods, no matter how abnormal the dungeon or how strong the monsters within.

“…Thank you, Hooin-san. I’m truly grateful for such a magnificent weapon.”

“I have merely done what I must. You explorers risk your lives daily, always prepared for battle. I respect that about you.”

Hearing those unexpected words from the usually flamboyant Hooin filled me with emotion.

It was clear that, in his own way, Hooin cared deeply about supporting us explorers. I had to live up to his expectations.

Just then, I noticed the sound of approaching footsteps outside the workshop.

“Good morni—huh!? Wait, what?”

“Shion, what’s wrong—wait, Satou-san!?”

It was the Luna Stars duo, Shion and Kanade, who appeared, looking utterly shocked to see me.

“Wh-why is Satou-san here?”

That’s my line—why were they here?

“Hmph… I summoned them. To witness the Ceremony of Inheritance!“

Hooin’s explanation only deepened my confusion. Ceremony of Inheritance?

“Satou, did you bring Rengoku Kirimaru?”

“Yes, as you asked me to yesterday.”

I’d brought it as instructed, but what did that have to do with anything?

…Wait a second. Could it be? Was the Ceremony of Inheritance…?

I glanced at Hooin, who gave me a meaningful look.

Ah, so that’s what this was about.

Having pieced it all together, I turned to face Shion and Kanade.

“Shion, Kanade.”

“Y-Yes!”

“What is it?”

They both seemed startled at being suddenly addressed. I drew Rengoku Kirimaru from my side and held it out to them.

“…I want you two to use this.”

◆　◇　◆

“Eh…？”

The two of them stared blankly at my face, then exchanged glances with each other. Finally, as if understanding the meaning of my words, they began to flail about in a flustered panic.

“D-Does that mean… we can really have Satou-san’s Purgatory Mist-Cutting Blade!?”
“Y-Yeah, that’s what I mean.”

Shion leaned in with an eager question, her sudden approach making me instinctively step back.

“Can I have it too!?”
“Y-Yes…”

Kanade inched closer, her energy so overwhelming that I felt a bit intimidated as I answered.

“We did it…!”

The two of them practically sparkled with joy, their eyes glittering like stars.

Well, of course they’re thrilled. It’s not just any weapon—it’s one crafted by Hooin-san. That’s not something you can easily get your hands on.

“You two really wanted Hooin-san’s weapon that badly, huh…”

I muttered quietly, a sense of pride welling up in me for some reason. Given how they’ve been here a few times already, it was clear they’d had their eyes on it for a while. Knowing Hooin-san’s skills were so highly regarded made me feel oddly proud.

“But wouldn’t it be better to have him craft something new for you? This is just a hand-me-down…”

The weapon had been with me for over five years now. I’d kept it in good condition with regular maintenance, but it wasn’t without some wear and tear.

“Satou-san, are you misunderstanding something?”
“Eh? What do you mean?”
“Fufu.“

For some reason, Shion looked a little dissatisfied, while Kanade smiled faintly. Did I say something weird?

“Satou, these two are—”
“Wait, Hooin-san!”
“S-Sorry.”

Hooin-san, who was about to reveal something, was swiftly silenced by Shion’s sharp glare.

“—Ahem. Anyway, I have deemed these two worthy of inheriting your Purgatory Mist-Cutting Blade. Their feelings are genuine. Satou, do you have any objections?”

“N-Not at all. Of course, if they’re fine with it being a hand-me-down, I’m more than happy to pass it on.”

To be honest, I had no issues at all—if anything, I was thrilled that these two would be using it. But there was one small concern. The Purgatory Mist-Cutting Blade had a rugged, almost brutal design. It might be a bit too intimidating for girls to wield.

Contrary to my worries, Shion and Kanade looked absolutely delighted, their eyes sparkling with excitement.

Gah…! Their smiles are blinding…!
What an overwhelming aura of light…!

Trying my best not to make eye contact, I pulled one of the Purgatory Mist-Cutting Blades out from my pocket and handed it to Shion first.

“Wow…! Thank you so much! I’ll treasure it forever!”

No, seriously, if it gets all beat up, make sure to replace it, okay?
Next, I handed the other blade to Kanade.

“Thank you, Satou-san. …Fufu.“

Kanade gazed at the Purgatory Mist-Cutting Blade with a dreamy expression.
Girls like this sort of thing more than I expected. Now that I think about it, Karen-san’s weapon was also on the cool-and-edgy side.

“Um… Well… I think I should probably head out now… yeah…”

Glance.

Feeling increasingly out of place, I shot a look at Hooin-san, hoping for a lifeline.

Hooin-san seemed to understand, nodding slowly as if to say, “You can pay the commission fee later.” What a lifesaver.

Clapping his hands together, Hooin-san spoke up.

“—With this, the Rite of Inheritance is complete! From now on, Satou and you two are bound by an unbreakable fate!”

U-Unbreakable fate?
Isn’t that a bit much?

I was about to retort, but when I glanced at Shion and Kanade, they were smiling warmly, as if deeply moved.

It was pure coincidence that I met these two.
A little while ago, I never would’ve imagined becoming friends with Shion and Kanade.

But as Hooin-san said, I should cherish this connection.

“Satou-san, are you heading to the Garden of the Gods next?”
“Ah, yeah. That’s the plan.”
“We’re planning to challenge the Phantom Tower.”

Shion’s eyes glimmered with resolve.
The Phantom Tower was one of the few S-rank dungeons in Japan, and clearing it had proven notoriously difficult.

But with Shion, Kanade, and Karen-san working together, I had no doubt they’d succeed.

“…Understood. Be careful, all right?”
“Yes, sir!”

Hooin-san, watching our exchange, nodded in satisfaction.

“Kukuku… You’ll undoubtedly succeed, you three.”

After that, I sent Karen-san an encouraging email. The moment she replied, it turned into a panicked call. When I picked up, she enthusiastically declared, “I’ll do my best!”
I replied, “Good luck,” which seemed to put her in an exceptionally good mood. Relieved, I finally made my way to the Garden of the Gods.

Today, I planned to explore the Eighth Layer.
As I ascended, I made notes on the changes in the monsters appearing on each floor.

The monochrome angel-like monster I encountered last time, I’d named the Gleam Angel.

I’ve only seen it once so far, but I made sure to post detailed information about it on my blog.

Today, I was on high alert, wondering if it might show up again. But until I cleared the Seventh Layer, there was no sign of it.
The overwhelming presence I felt last time was also absent.

Is this what they call the calm before the storm?
I pressed on cautiously, remaining vigilant.

“Still, this weapon is incredible.”

On my way here, I’d taken down several monsters using the Zwei Rabe. It felt like an extension of my arm, better than anything I’d used before.

Its weight and balance were perfectly calculated. Even the holes in the blade seemed to serve a precise purpose.

“Well then… Time to tackle the Eighth Layer.”