(Author’s note: Hello everyone! Thanks for checking out my series! The original chapter was kinda long so I split it into 2. Chapter 17 will be posted right after and I've already started Ch 18. Also, I had to change the font of Stryfe's text so that it doesn't mess with the post.

P.S. The events from now on take place right after Eliza and Sylvia had defeated the Basilisk's first body (*spoilers for people reading ahead*) Enjoy!)

Kris was standing in a daze within the Abyss King’s tomb, tightly grasping the glowing red sword with both hands.

The remains of the vanquished Stone Golem sizzled and crumbled away, leaving behind a large pile of dust and sand as a remainder of the fallen enemy.

Kris remained motionless for some time until his eyes that had turned red finally changed back to blue and regained their focus.

“What...happened?” (Kris)

His eyes darted from side to side, frantically searching for something before resting on the scattered remains that lay before him.

“Is that...but how…?” (Kris)

Kris was having trouble forming words as his thought process struggled to make sense of the current situation.

The last thing I remember is feeling helpless in front of that golem and then grabbing the talking sword...then everything after that is hazy...like I was in a dream…

Kris brought the sword close to his face while rubbing his temples.

“Hey...Stryfe, right? Did you do that to the Golem?” (Kris)

Kris asked the sentient sword who replied immediately.

“No, you were the one who defeated it, and spectacularly so I might add.” (Stryfe)

“Thanks, I guess, but...why can’t I remember it clearly?” (Kris)

“Using my power for the first time is the most probable cause. For someone with low magical affinity like you, suddenly having a surge of mana flow into you can put stress on your body and mind.” (Stryfe)

Well, it's true that kind of power was probably more than I could handle.

Though Kris had not yet decided whether the sentient weapon was an ally or enemy, for some reason he sensed Stryfe held no ill will towards him.

However, he couldn’t shake the feeling that something had changed in him.

But...it also felt like I had become an entirely different person as soon as I touched this sword...though that feeling is gone now.

Giving up on trying to explain previous circumstances, Kris instead gazed at the strange sword, which had a shape he felt somehow familiar with.

Suddenly, the curved blade and unique shape of the handguard overlapped with a weapon he had often seen being used by a comrade of the past.

“I think I remember now...are you by chance a ‘katana’?” (Kris)

To Kris’s question, Stryfe responded with a delighted tone.

“Yes indeed! I’m impressed you have that kind of knowledge.” (Stryfe)

But how is that possible? I’ve never seen a katana being used by anyone else, other than...Yuki.

Perhaps sensing Kris’s confusion, Stryfe continued talking.

“I can tell you’re confused by this, and I’m sure you have many questions, but those will have to wait. Your friends are in danger.” (Stryfe)

After mentioning his comrades, all thoughts related to questioning Stryfe on his origins instantly vanished.

“What!? My friends!? How do you know that!? What have you done!?” (Kris)

Kris immediately barraged Stryfe with inquiries, believing the talking sword had done something to bring harm to his comrades.

However, Stryfe shot down any accusations when it replied.

“Don’t misunderstand. Though I am linked to this labyrinth, I do not have control over its functions or its inhabitants. I can only observe what transpires within its walls.” (Stryfe)

Kris opened his mouth to retort, but Stryfe did not give him the chance to speak as he explained the dilemma Kris’s companions were facing.

“Currently, you’re friends are in battle with the Basilisk Queen, the same foe you crossed paths with earlier." (Stryfe)

“The Basilisk!? She’s a Queen!?” (Kris)

Kris’s head went blank for moment, but he was able bring his emotions under control through sheer willpower.

“What’s their condition?” (Kris)

"The Drake woman received a mortal wound from her and is being treated by the Elf mage. The White Wolf girl and Dwarf warrior have engaged the Queen in combat as well, but they are severely outmatched. If the situation stays as is, they will all die. That I am sure of." (Stryfe)

“Sylvia’s hurt!? Damn it! I should be there!” (Kris)

Kris slammed his hand on the sarcophagus, creating a large crack in its structure.

"Calm down, Hero-san. Do not let your emotions get the better of you now, or your friends will die. You are their leader, are you not? So act like it!" (Stryfe)

Stryfe’s words of reason managed to cool down the infuriated Kris.

He took a deep breath to calm his anxiousness before speaking again.

“...Where are they now?” (Kris)

"They are located approximately 10 meters above us, in a large hall near the cavern you had fallen into earlier." (Stryfe)

“How long would it take to get there?” (Kris)

"Not long. With my power, it would take mere moments." (Stryfe)

“Then let’s--” (Kris)

"However, I can not leave this tomb at this present time." (Stryfe)

Kris was confused by the sword’s statement.

“‘At this present time’? What does that imply? Is there a condition in order to leave?” (Kris)

"Yes….you must make a contract with me. That is the reason I invited you all here in the first place." (Stryfe)

“...What do you mean ‘invited’? We were summoned here to slay the Abyss King before he can revive again.” (Kris)

"Ufufufufu. Is that what you think? Well, let me tell you the truth, Hero-san." (Stryfe)

Stryfe let out a strange laugh as he told Kris the secret of the labyrinth.

"The Abyss King has never once been in this labyrinth since it’s creation more than 400 years ago." (Stryfe)

“............” (Kris)

………………………………………………………..….huh.

After hearing those shocking words, all of his thoughts froze and Kris could only stare blankly at the sentient sword in his hand.

Finally, he spoke.

“....You’re lying.” (Kris)

"Ufufufufu. Am I? How are you so sure, Hero-san?" (Stryfe)

“We received an oracle that the Abyss King’s life force was gathering in the tomb again and we were sent to disperse it using Lily’s Purification spell before he could awaken.” (Kris)

"And where is this revival taking place?" (Stryfe)

“In that...sarcophagus...” (Kris)

Kris turned his gaze to the supposed resting place of the Abyss King.

"...Well, why don’t you open it to find out for yourself?" (Stryfe)

Kris only gave a questioning glare to the intelligent sword as his response.

"It’s the only way you’ll know for sure right? Otherwise you will be constantly asking yourself whether I’m telling the truth or not. Though it may not be of any comfort coming from me, I give my word there will be no repercussions for opening the sarcophagus." (Stryfe)

Even with Stryfe’s reassurance, Kris did not know what choice he should make.

However, the distressing statements spoken by the sword left him in a standstill.

...I don’t want to believe what he’s saying....but it’s true I need to confirm if his claims are legit. If what we were led to believe is wrong, the rest of the world needs to know.

After making his decision, Kris directed a question to Stryfe while looking at the oversized casket.

“So how do I open it?” (Kris)

"Ufufu, just slice it apart of course." (Stryfe)

“...Doesn’t that seem overly violent?” (Kris)

"You came here to kill him anyways, correct? What’s the point of being gentle now?" (Stryfe)

“You’ve got a point...well, here goes nothing…” (Kris)

Kris raised Stryfe above his head and delivered a vertical strike to the casket in front of him.

*CRUMBLE*

The bisected sarcophagus broke apart after losing its support, revealing the contents inside.

There’s...nothing…

Though Kris had been informed of this beforehand, the realization that the Abyss King was not located within this labyrinth hit Kris like an invisible wall.

His sense of balance began to falter and he needed to lean on the destroyed casket in order to remain upright.

If he’s not here, then we...that means we...came here for...

“....nothing....” (Kris)

That was the only word Kris could speak at the moment.

Though all he wanted to do was escape from reality, his current partner wouldn’t let him.

"I understand you’re in a precarious state right now, but you need to pull yourself together. Did you forget your friends are in danger? Or does Hero-san no longer care?" (Stryfe)

“...My...friends..?” (Kris)

The faces of his fellow Saviors that supported him as he lead them through one of the most dangerous places in the world flashed across his mind.

The proud and skillful White Wolf girl who at times clung to him like a puppy seeking affection.

The quiet and powerful Drake Princess who showed him a wonderful smile under a full moon.

The wise and beautiful Elf mage who advised him on how to be a good leader and guided him through hell incarnate.

The reliable and humorous Dwarf warrior who watched his back and kept him laughing during dark times.

These four important friends were now in danger...and he had the chance to save them.

Naturally, there was only one choice he could make.

“...What do I need to do to make a contract with you?” (Kris)

Though Stryfe did not show a visible expression, Kris was sure he had a smug look on his face, like everything had gone according to his plan.

"You must establish a perfect Link between us in order to fulfill the requirements of the contract." (Stryfe)

“And how do I do that?” (Kris)

"Do not worry, I will start the process. All I need is your consent and we will begin. However, once the trial starts, I won’t be able to stop it no matter what happens to you." (Stryfe)

“So what happens after the trial is over?” (Kris)

"If you succeed, you will gain complete control over my power. If you fail, your soul will be corrupted and you will become a fearsome monster that will kill everything standing against you, even your friends and loved ones." (Stryfe)

“Really? Have you seen that happen before?” (Kris)

"...Yes. A long time ago." (Stryfe)

Stryfe’s voice trailed off by the end of his sentence, but he immediately cleared his non-existent throat and continued his explanation.

"Now, in order to succeed, all you have to do is prove your will is strong enough to force the raging energy within me to submit to your rule." (Stryfe)

Kris was about to retort to the simplicity of this trial, but Stryfe interjected as if he knew what the swordsman’s response would be.

"But be warned! Believe me when I say that you will experience the most excruciating pain you will ever feel from now to the end of your days. If you are not strong enough, your consciousness will be torn asunder and you will cease to exist as a Human being." (Stryfe)

In spite of Stryfe’s terrifying outcome should he lose, the resolute expression on Kris’s face did not waver as he replied.

“That’s okay...I’ve felt worse.” (Kris)

"Hmph, we shall see. Now, do I have your consent to begin?" (Stryfe)

“Yes, you may begin.” (Kris)

"Very well. Brace yourself...and good luck, Hero-san." (Stryfe)

“Thank you Stryfe.” (Kris)

Kris gave one last smile to the sentient sword in his hands before closing his eyes, silently preparing himself to face whatever trial he was about to undergo.

"Now...begin!" (Stryfe)

“...!!!?” (Kris)

As soon as Stryfe spoke those words, Kris’s body was racked by a pain so intense and unbearable that his scream did not make a sound and he collapsed to the floor.

The curved red sword glowed brightly as Kris’s sight darkened until he passed out.