When I Tried Strengthening 【Rusted Sword】, It Evolved Into An Overpowered Magic Sword

Chapter 43 Property

“Get back!”

By the time the wolf-like monster came into clear view, Dia was already standing in front of us. The savage face of the wolf and Dia’s back appeared in my vision almost simultaneously. Then, Dia’s shield collided with the wolf, producing a sharp ‘clang!’. I couldn’t help but be impressed by Dia’s quick reflexes once again. Gem, too, seemed impressed, her eyes widening in admiration.

(This isn’t the time to be standing around in awe!)

Though a bit late, I fully drew the Rusted Sword I had partially unsheathed earlier. The blade, covered in rust, was exposed. Gem, watching from the side, looked intrigued, her eyes widening again in fascination. It was clear she was curious about what I intended to do with such a seemingly low-performance artifact.

“…”

For a moment, I hesitated. Would showing “that” without any warning scare Gem away? Honestly, my artifact isn’t something to flaunt. Showing it to someone unfamiliar could startle or even frighten them, given its appearance is more akin to a demon’s artifact.

But I had no other way to fight, so I reluctantly decided to use its power. Besides, I trusted that Gem would be able to handle it.

(…Evolution)

In an instant, the rust fell away from the Rusted Sword, revealing a sinister black blade. At the same time, a dark aura enveloped my body, making me feel lighter. It was proof that the artifact’s power had been activated within me.

“Whoa!”

This time, Gem clearly expressed her amazement. Spurred on by her exclamation, I stepped forward. Passing by Dia, I rapidly closed the distance between myself and the wolf, which had kept a slight distance from us.

“Graar!”

The black wolf, attempting to counterattack, lunged at me with its mouth wide open, revealing glistening, saliva-covered fangs. Without hesitation, I swung my beloved sword and…

“Hah!”

…sliced the wolf cleanly in half with one stroke. The wolf’s body fell to the ground in two pieces, then quickly disintegrated into particles of light, leaving a momentary silence.

When I turned around, I saw Dia smiling with relief and Gem staring at the Cursed Magic Sword with intense curiosity. It seemed she wasn’t frightened; rather, she looked excited. Finally, I raised my sword and resumed my introduction of the artifact.

“Um, this is my artifact.”

The sword had transformed from a rusty blade into a jet-black sword. Gem’s face lit up with genuine excitement as she approached.

“Wow! That’s so cool! The artifact changed form! Let me see, let me see!”

“Wait, Gem-san, it’s dangerous with the blade out!”

“Is it the effect of a skill? It feels much stronger, but it’s different from enchantment magic, right? Will it return to normal after a while? And doesn’t Rust-kun’s presence feel a bit different too?”

“Uh, let’s all just calm down for a moment!”

Gem, full of curiosity, continued to touch the double-edged sword in its unsheathed state. I really wished she’d stop because it’s dangerous—she could cut her hand.

I stepped away from Gem to calm down a bit. Then, after taking a moment, I resumed explaining my artifact.

“My artifact is called the Rusted Sword. When I use a skill, it transforms into this form. This artifact is called the Cursed Magic Sword.”

“I see, I see. So the Rusted Sword, and this one is the Cursed Magic Sword. It’s not an enchantment magic, right?”

“That’s right. It changes due to a skill called ‘Evolution,’ so it’s not an enchantment magic. When you look at the properties, you’ll see the artifact itself has changed…”

“Hmm, interesting…”

Gem stared intently at the Cursed Magic Sword. Feeling slightly embarrassed, I turned my face away from her gaze. Even though she was only looking at the artifact, it felt like she was looking straight at me.

“Hey, do you mind if I see the properties of that artifact?”

“Sure, I don’t mind…”

Just like Dia earlier, I handed over my artifact to Gem when she asked to see its properties. I couldn’t keep the Cursed Magic Sword out for too long because it would continuously drain my stamina. So I couldn’t be too leisurely about it. However, Gem quickly checked the artifact’s properties and was astounded.

Name: Cursed Magic Sword

Rank: S

Level:

Attack Power: 500

Blessings: Strength +500, Endurance +500, Agility +500, Magic +500, Vitality +500

Magic: Black Flame Hellflare, Dark Thunder Cry

Skills: Sacred Treasure Synthesis

Durability: 500/500

“Wow! Attack power 500!? And all the blessings are 500 too—what kind of artifact is this!?”

“Well, uh… I’m not entirely sure myself.”

Despite being my own artifact, I don’t fully understand it. Why is it so powerful? Why does it look like this? There are still many things I can’t explain.

“When I leveled up the Rusted Sword to level 10, a skill called ‘Evolution’ suddenly appeared. That’s how it transformed into this form…”

“So, until then, you fought with the rusty sword?”

“Yes. It was only after I could summon this artifact that I started to fight properly… But this artifact seems to be cursed. It drains my stamina while equipped, so it’s still inconvenient.”

“Really? Even now?”

“…Yeah, it’s pretty tough.”

Hearing that, Gem promptly returned the artifact to me. I immediately reverted the Cursed Magic Sword back to the Rusted Sword and sheathed it on my back. As the blessings left my body, a heavy fatigue set in, but I was free from the curse’s drain, and the exhaustion vanished. I felt relieved.

After taking a deep breath, I resumed speaking.

“I have no idea why it’s cursed or why it shows an unfamiliar rank and no level. It’s all a mystery to me…”

“So, even the owner, Rust-kun, doesn’t know much about this artifact.”

“Yes, that’s right…”

I nodded awkwardly, lacking confidence. The artifact on my back was truly full of mysteries, even to me. Why did a skill like “Evolution” appear? Why was there a “curse” that tormented its wielder?

It could be dismissed as just being a peculiar artifact with such abilities, but I felt there was some special meaning behind it all. Though, that’s just a hunch.

Gem, seeming to digest everything I’d said, nodded thoughtfully.

“It certainly seems like a mysterious artifact. I’ve never heard of an artifact that drains its wielder’s stamina. And its appearance is quite unique. But, I think I can explain the ‘level’ part.”

“Huh?”

The level? What does she mean?

As I wondered, Gem pointed at the Rusted Sword—more precisely, its evolved form, the Cursed Magic Sword—with her right index finger and spoke with a hint of pride.

“I think your artifact has reached its limit line.”