(Author’s rant: Happy New Year everyone! Hope you had a good holiday! I apologize for a lack of updates. Between spending time with my family and getting over being sick, I did not have time to write anything...but fear not! I’m back in action! Part 2 starts now!)

In a large forest far away from the entrance to the labyrinth, the World Tree, the tallest tree that has ever existed rose high into the night sky.

Though the sun has long since disappeared from view and the moon has risen to take its rightful place in the night, the loud and joyful noises coming from Celestial’s capital city of Druein would make a passerby think otherwise.

Numerous dwellings that surround this humongous fern remained in a state of uproar.

Overcrowded shops and taverns gave this city the appearance of a lively town bustling with energy even after the sun has set.

Of course, the cause for this celebration can not be understated.

The Abyss King has been slain once again, freeing this world from the fear of another brutal war against his terrifying might.

The Five Saviors returned two nights ago and gave the joyus news once they arrived.

As soon as the rest of the nations of the continent learned the news, the entire world unanimously cheered in victory.

On this second night after the Saviors’ return, the Elves are still astir as their jubilee continued into the later hours before twilight.

These Five Saviors, the new heroes of the world, were given a wondrous ceremony that lasted almost two days, and now they await the arrival of the leaders of their respectful nations so as to tell their adventurous and perilous tale firsthand.

After the long feast, the Saviors retreated into their quarters in order to prepare themselves for the meetings with their superiors.

However, while most of the Saviors had already drifted off into the land of dreams, one man could not find the call to sleep anytime soon.

He is Kristoff Arondight, the Human Savior famous as the brave hero who defeated the Abyss King single-handly

Even though Kris should be the most elated seeing as how he will be remembered as the slayer of the most terrifying evil this world has ever known, he can find no sense of happiness in this occasion.

While everyone was rejoicing the defeat of the Abyss King, only this man knew the real truth.

The Abyss King was never inside the labyrinth.

Though this important matter should be revealed to the public immediately, Kris was asked to keep this fact a secret by his partner, the mysterious sentient sword called Stryfe.

Therefore, Kris lied to everyone by saying he had dispersed the Abyss King’s life force by using the powers of a unique red sword he had acquired in a (false) treasure room.

He somehow managed to dispel any accusations toward his alibi for the time being, but in return for their trust, he agreed to relay his encounter with the Abyss King in full once the leaders of the world had assembled.

Thus, once the final members of the Blacksmith Elders arrive from Gimlee the next day, all five nations will be in attendance.

With the conference in which he must tell his story to his superiors looming over him, Kris could not find the urge to rest, and so he now stands in front of the open window of his room.

The sounds of parties that have yet to die down softly reverberate throughout his room, despite his current location being the top floor of a large dormitory owned by the government.

The room itself was the penthouse of the building, with a very spacious room that Kris was unaccustomed to.

The only activity that crossed his mind was to simply gaze at the moon that had ascended into the night sky.

Taking a deep breath, he called out into the darkness.

“Stryfe.” (Kris)

Hearing his master’s summons, the sentient sword that resided within the Savior’s arm responded immediately.

“What is your will, my master?” (Stryfe)

Kris would normally have joked about his partner’s overly formal reply, but he did not care about such a trivial matter at the moment.

“Did you forget the promise we made? In return for secrecy, you agreed to explain all of the circumstances I’ve experienced once we arrived at Druein.” (Kris)

He looked down at the hand that had three gold rings on its fingers, as well as the symbol 王 engraved on his palm before continuing.

“It’s been more than two days since we left the labyrinth. I think I’ve waited long enough. Tell me everything you know.” (Kris)

Kris gave his command in a tone that left no room for argument.

I have to tell my story of what happened inside the labyrinth tomorrow, but I need to know if the truth is worth hiding from my king, as well as the other national leaders.

Perhaps Stryfe could sense the turmoil within his master for he replied apologetically.

“Forgive me for asking you to withhold such vital information, but I assure you it is for the best. The forces at work here are more powerful than you could imagine.” (Stryfe)

There was a short pause before Stryfe spoke again.

“Before I start, I must warn you. This information will shatter whatever grasp of reality you currently have. Once you know the truth, there will be no going back to the way of life you had before. Everything will change starting now.” (Stryfe)

To his partner’s extreme premonition, Kris took a deep breath and responded in a resolute voice.

“I’m ready. I must know, for better or for worse.” (Kris)

“Very well. However, I also ask that you hold your questions until after I finish.” (Stryfe)

“Understood.” (Kris)

“Thank you. Now, I would first like for you to close your eyes. It will be easier to explain my story once you do so.” (Stryfe)

Though Kris wanted to retort, he did not feel like stalling this important conversation any longer, and so he closed his eyes.

Suddenly, the atmosphere around him changed in an instant, and when he opened his eyes, he was in a familiar black room.

“This is...from that time.” (Kris)

Kris found himself in the same blacked-out room where he was confronted by an apparition resembling himself, as well as what he believed to be the spirit of his fallen companion Yuki.

“Ah, I thought I would be more compelling if we talked face-to-face.” (Stryfe)

Kris turned around in a flash in response to the words originating from behind.

From the darkness of the room, a boy at the prime of his youth appeared.

Fiery crimson hair seemed to flicker atop his head, and a pair of equally burning scarlet eyes stared at Kris from behind a black mask that covered his face.

His adolescent body was shrouded by a black mantle that gave the appearance that it was made by the darkness itself.

“...Is that you Stryfe?” (Kris)

The boy nodded to his question.

His avatar is a kid?...His voice also sounds much younger than it normally does...

“Then, who was it that I--” (Kris)

Before Kris could finish his inquiry, the personification of Stryfe raised his hand to cut him off.

“Please honor my request and hold your questions until the end.” (Stryfe)

Kris furrowed his eyebrows, but he nodded in understandment.

Stryfe bowed his head to show his gratitude as he began telling his tale.

“In order for you to truly understand how serious this matter is, I shall begin by stating the most important fact.” (Stryfe)

Stryfe stared directly into his master’s eyes as he spoke the most shocking words Kris had ever heard.

“The Abyss King...is not real.” (Stryfe)

“!!?” (Kris)

All kinds of emotions flooded his face as Kris was taken aback by that statement, but he remained silent and awaited his partner’s explanation.

Stryfe gave his master a few moments to calm down before continuing.

“To be more precise, the belief that the Abyss King is an actual living entity is false. The truth is that the Abyss King is merely a persona fabricated by my former master.” (Stryfe)

His voice became depressed once he mentioned his previous owner, and although the mask denied Kris from seeing his face, he could tell his partner had a sullen expression underneath.

“Unfortunately, the majority of my memories of him have been lost due to the passage of time inside the tomb, including his name, but…” (Stryfe)

Though his words trailed off after revealing the fact that he did not even remember the identity of his former master, Stryfe started speaking in a somewhat triumphant tone.

“I do know that he it was he who united the various Demon tribes and formed the nation you know as Astral while under the alias of the Abyss King.” (Stryfe)

“....” (Kris)

Kris rested his chin on his hand as his mind struggled to process the words that contradicted everything he had been taught up till now.

However, all of his thoughts circled around one crucial factor.

“...And how was he able to do that?” (Kris)

He couldn’t help but voice the one thing that troubled him the most.

“He was a Human, right? How did a Human have the power to subjugate every Demon tribe?” (Kris)

To Kris’s question, Stryfe closed his eyes, pondering on how to answer.

When he finally reopened his eyes, they seemed to focus on Kris’s right hand.

“He was from another world.” (Stryfe)

“...Another world?” (Kris)

Kris repeated those words in a confused voice.

“Ahh. It is a world that is similar to yours, but also very different in some aspects.” (Stryfe)

Stryfe turned his head and looked off into the distance, as if reminiscing on the past.

“From what I can remember, he told me his world did not believe in the existence of magic, but instead had developed technology far beyond what this world has achieved.” (Stryfe)

Kris was sure Stryfe was smiling under that mask, but he kept quiet.

“He said his home country was called Japan. Though it was an island nation much smaller than the more powerful countries at the time, it had just entered into a time of peace after centuries of internal conflict and wars with foreigners. He told me how he was on his way home from school when a light suddenly appeared beneath him, and when he came to, he was in a forest populated by trees with black bark and scarlet leaves.” (Stryfe)

“...The Forest of Midnight…” (Kris)

“Correct...Though unfortunately, my memories after that are vague, including the origins of how I was made, as well as the circumstances of why I was locked away inside that labyrinth. All I know is that he was my creator. He had a power that no one could comprehend. Before he died, he passed his powers onto me. It is this same power that you currently wield, though much of it is suppressed to prevent it from going out of control.” (Stryfe)

“I see.” (Kris)

Kris nodded his head while his hand continued to hold his chin.

He had remained in that same posture for quite some time, absorbing the information he heard without interrupting Stryfe’s lecture.

Stryfe tilted his head to show his confusion.

“...You’re unusually calm. I had expected you to have a minor breakdown.” (Stryfe)

Kris let out a strained laugh before he replied.

“Oh, I’m going to have a major freakout later, but for now I’m trying to remain as rational as I can. If I go crazy now, it won’t help anyone.” (Kris)

“Ufufu. You’re a very weird Human.” (Stryfe)

“Coming from a talking sword, I’ll take that as a compliment.” (Kris)

They both chuckled from that exchange.

As Stryfe was about to continue, Kris spoke first.

“...Hold on. There’s something that I want to clarify first.” (Kris)

“Very well.” (Stryfe)

“You say that the Abyss King is a persona created by your former master...but that doesn’t change the fact that he was the Abyss King. He’s responsible for all of the horrible acts that happened 500 years ago.” (Kris)

Hostility leaked from his voice as he recounted the events that will forever be etched into the annals of history.

“His army marched into my home country, killing hundreds, thousands of innocent people, most of whom were slain by his hand. Then he invaded Sphinx and repeated his crimes. People still fear him, even after 500 years have passed since his death.” (Kris)

“.....” (Stryfe)

When Stryfe didn’t respond, Kris became even more enraged.

“You won’t deny his actions? Or even defend him!? He’s your creator!” (Kris)

“What is there to deny or defend? I am the weapon he used to commit those acts, afterall. Those people died because of me.” (Stryfe)

Those words only caused Kris to sneer in anger, and he turned his back to the boy before speaking again.

“That sounds like you’re taking the blame for the crimes of a man who had the audacity to send his monsters to wipe out an entire species only because he saw them as a potential threat.” (Kris)

The face of his comrade Eliza, the only known survivor of the White Wolf tribe that was annihilated by the Basilisks 500 years prior, flashed in his mind.

“Are you really going to stand behind such a person?” (Kris)

“...If there’s one thing I’ve learned after my interactions with Humans, it's that not a single one of you can be called perfect. He was my creator. I owe him my life. Whatever crimes or atrocities he’s accused of, I cannot simply turn my back to it for I am just as much at fault as he is.” (Stryfe)

“Hah...there’s no point in arguing with a sword is there?” (Kris)

It’s not exactly blind loyalty…I think Stryfe just doesn’t have a clear view of right and wrong...weapons don’t normally have a consciousness afterall...

A wry smile appeared on his face as the reality of wielding such a terrifying sword finally set in.

“...And what does that make me?” (Kris)

He looked down at his hand and rubbed the symbol that was engraved on his palm.

“Now that I’m your new master, does that make me the new Abyss King?” (Kris)

“No...not quite.” (Stryfe)

Kris shook his head while rubbing his temples after hearing that vague reply.

“What is that supposed to...you know, on second thought, I’d rather not approach that topic right now. I don’t think my heart can take the strain.” (Kris)

Sighing from mental exhaustion, he changed the subject to another worry occupying his mind.

“...Leaving that aside, what did you mean when you said there are other forces at work?” (Kris)

“...Though I have no memory of how I was created, I do know that I am not the only one of my kind.” (Stryfe)

“Are you saying there other sentient weapons like you? That there are other people with power like me?” (Kris)

“Ahh, but I do not know how many. However, I do know that they had considerable political influence back when my creator was alive, and I have no doubt they continue to control the actions of government to this day.” (Stryfe)

“You make it sound like they’re immortal.” (Kris)

“It is not an exaggeration to say they are the closest to being an immortal as one could ever hope to reach.” (Stryfe)

“...They’re that strong, huh.” (Kris)

“Indeed. That is why I did not want to involve your comrades prematurely. At least not until you heard the truth from me first and then decide what course of action you wanted to take.” (Stryfe)

“Hehe. You’re pretty compassionate for a sword.” (Kris)

“Ufufufu. Only to those I deem worthy of my respect. I consider my master’s comrades to be my comrades as well. Thus, I must now ask what you will do now that you know what really happened?” (Stryfe)

Kris turned his body to face Stryfe as he spoke.

“...I honestly don’t know what I should do. This situation has become a lot more complicated than I had ever imagined. I can’t make a decision until I speak with the national leaders. That being said, I won’t disclose what we’ve been talking about. If there are people like me backing the leaders of the world, it would be best to keep them in the dark for as long as possible.” (Kris)

“I fear it is already too late to feign ignorance at this point. I am sure our opponents have already been informed of my awakening. While I do agree to be secretive about how knowledgeable you are, I also advise you to remain vigilant.” (Stryfe)

“Will you be able to identify if someone has another sentient sword like you?” (Kris)

“That I am not too sure of myself, but I believe they will not openly attack you. From what I have gathered, they must be taking extreme measures to have been able to keep their existence a secret from the world for the past five centuries, if not longer than that. To expose themselves now would only be detrimental to their future activities.” (Stryfe)

“Hmm, that makes sense. So we just have to be ready for whatever we may face tomorrow, right?” (Kris)

“Correct. Of course, it goes without saying I will do my utmost to insure you are informed of any discrepancies and alert you to danger should it arise.” (Stryfe)

“I appreciate it, Stryfe. Now, could we please return to the real world? I don’t think I’ll have a problem falling asleep after suffering all of this mental trauma.” (Kris)

He rubbed his eyes tiredly to show his exhaustion.

Stryfe only nodded once, and immediately the black room dissipated to reveal the familiar surroundings of the penthouse suite.

His avatar disappeared as well and Kris was left alone in the spacious room once again.

He strolled over to the large bed and crawled under the sheets.

...Should I involve my comrades? Or should I fight this battle alone?...It’s not my place to make their decisions for them, but the state of this world is very different than we were led to believe. I made the choice to accept this power so that I could protect those who are important to me, and I will not waver in that regard.

Closing his eyes, Kris steeled himself for the coming storm before his consciousness drifted off into the land of dreams.