I Returned with the Cheat Holy Sword

About half a day earlier—
[A labyrinth-clearance exam, huh...]
The Holy Sword spoke in a nostalgic tone.

[That was a fun test.]
“...You seriously think this is fun?”
Carlyle replied flatly, scanning over the exam document with an expression of disbelief.

The test required students to reach the center of the academy’s man-made labyrinth, the “Forest of Eternity.”
True to its nature, the labyrinth was filled with various obstacles, but also scattered with useful supplies and hidden treasures.
Whoever reached the central area the fastest would be awarded the highest score.

...Of course.
On the surface, it all sounded straightforward—but that was the trap.
There was no rule anywhere that said you couldn’t interfere with other students.

In other words, they were being told to do whatever it took to move forward, even if that meant fighting whoever they encountered.
Actually, it was practically encouraged. Students would even earn bonus points for subduing others.
The Headmaster wasn’t bluffing when he said this would be a “practical” exam.

Compared to the earlier dungeon simulation, the danger level might be lower—but the way this exam encouraged direct competition between students made it far more vicious.
They had narrowed the participants to mainly first-years, of course, and the test was only open to volunteers. Anyone who applied was presumably confident in their ability.
Which meant Carlyle had to go up against the kind of people who liked that sort of challenge.

[Of course it’s fun.]
And yet, here was someone saying with total conviction that this kind of exam was fun.
The reason?
[You got to beat the hell out of a bunch of stuck-up punks with nothing to back it up. I always hated their faces.]

“…”
[It was so satisfying.]
How did this person end up being the Hero?

It was truly the end of days.
Carlyle sighed as he began walking toward the exam entrance.
Well, either way—

As long as I don’t fail.
Sure, getting first place might make Gray happy—but he had no real desire to try that hard.
And knowing her, she’d just say something like, “Isn’t that obvious for my attendant?” rather than praise him anyway.

Honestly, he’d rather get scolded a little and stay safe...
“...Carlyle?”
“Ah, Vespa.”

Just as that thought crossed his mind, he spotted Vespa standing in front of the forest entrance, also reading the instructions.
And after a brief conversation—
“...Looks like I’m paired with you, Carlyle.”

“…”
Vespa spoke somewhat awkwardly.
Carlyle wasn’t sure why she sounded so hesitant, but still—

“…This is bad.”
In a situation where they were likely to run into other students and potentially fight...
He had been paired with the one person who seemed least suited for combat.

[...Looks like you’ll need to put in some effort.]
“…”
[If you don’t, this could get ugly.]

Hard to argue with that.
***
The actual process of navigating the forest went fairly smoothly.

Partly thanks to the all-purpose Holy Sword. Not only was her ability remarkable, but she also knew exactly which paths to take.
And partly because... Carlyle couldn’t afford to let things not go smoothly—considering who he was with.
“Look, Carlyle! A tin pot! We can cook with this!”

“...Yes. That’s great.”
“I picked up some potatoes and veggies on the way too! Want to try making dinner?”
“Impressive.”

Vespa beamed with innocent delight as she showed him her findings, entirely unaware of how absurdly ill-timed it was to be focusing on that right now.
Carlyle offered a faint smile, suppressing a sigh.
No traps...

There didn’t seem to be any—but he couldn’t let his guard down.
This kind of environment could erupt into a fight at any moment. He couldn’t afford to let someone as gentle as Vespa get dragged into a dangerous mess.
At the very least, he had to prevent her from getting pulled into anything too extreme.

Though we can’t avoid it forever.
Keeping her out of combat completely would be a waste of her potential. Her talents were far too valuable.
[She’ll have to fight eventually.]

The Holy Sword reluctantly agreed.
[But with that personality, I’m not sure she can.]
...No kidding.

It was a legitimate concern.
Before the regression, she had been hardened by terrible experiences, made emotionally numb—but now, she was just a kind person. Carlyle couldn’t even picture her hurting someone.
So—

“I’ll cook dinner! I’ve been practicing a recipe!”
“Then I’ll go gather some firewood, Vespa.”
“Oh, really? Thank you!”

Good.
That felt natural.
Carlyle dusted off his clothes and stood up.

Whistling casually, he headed deeper into the forest, away from Vespa.
Deeper, darker—into the most secluded part of the woods.
“Let’s do it here.”

He spoke aloud in a clearing where he was sure nothing else lurked.
“Whether it’s a negotiation or a fight, let’s get it over with.”
“You knew we were watching?”

“Yes. The stares were a little too hot.”
Especially how they had only been staring at him, not Vespa.
Granted, the Holy Sword had tipped him off.

“Well, I guess I shouldn’t be surprised. You really can’t stick close to the Hero unless you’ve got something special, huh? Carlyle Belfast.”
Two students emerged as if peeling away an invisible curtain from the air itself.
A silent boy in leather armor, wielding twin axes.

And a green-haired girl in a robe and pointed hat.
The real threat was the girl.
Stealth magic. She was a mage.

[For a first-year, her skill’s not bad.]
Carlyle agreed. Anyone who could use magic this fluently was already beyond the average freshman level.
More importantly—

“Have we met before?”
Why was she acting like she knew him?
“No? But you’re pretty famous.”

“Pardon?”
“You’re the only guy who doesn’t scream and run away from the Hero. Never seen anyone else pull that off.”
“…”

Ah.
If that’s what his name recognition came from, then fine. That tracked.
“I’m probably not the only one. There are others who’ve taken notice of you too.”

“...You’re telling me not running from her earns me that kind of respect?”
“Of course. That’s a life-threatening commitment.”
“…”

“The ascetics of the Sand Kingdom train through self-inflicted torture. You seem a little like them. Either way, your mental fortitude’s clearly abnormal.”
“…”
[...Why aren’t you denying it?]

Carlyle ignored the Holy Sword and simply smiled.
The girl tipped her hat and introduced herself.
“Mmh, I’m ⊛ Nоvеlιght ⊛ (Read the full story) Retty Ingram. This guy’s Goriba. My knight.”

“Nice to meet you, Retty Ingram.”
He bowed slightly, and she nodded in return.
Polite. And something about her manner felt… brisk, almost refreshing.

“Ever consider switching families? We’d pay you well. I’ve got a bit of a personal interest in—”
“I’ll pass.”
He cut her off before she could finish.

He’d turned down better offers. The Gray Cardinal had offered him everything, and he still said no.
Besides—
...Wouldn’t she try to kill me just for hearing this?

[More likely, she’d go after Retty instead.]
Even having this conversation was dangerous.
Thank the gods Gray wasn’t here.

“I see. Well, can’t be helped.”
Retty clearly hadn’t expected a yes. She casually pulled out her wand and aimed it at him.
“Don’t think this’ll be easy, Hero’s attendant. Be a good boy and let me cash in those bonus points.”

So it came to this after all.
Carlyle nodded and reached for the Holy Sword.
“You’re not calling your partner? Goriba and I are pretty strong.”

“No need. I’m enough.”
His calm declaration made Retty and Goriba raise their eyebrows—but he meant every word.
Two-on-one, huh…

He studied their posture carefully.
He could handle Vespa’s share too.
It wouldn’t be that hard. He didn’t know how strong these two were—but he was someone who wielded the Hero’s power.

“…You’re awfully confident.”
“I’m not underestimating you. I just don’t want the other one to be forced into fighting.”
“Oh? Is she your girlfriend or something?”

“No. But—”
Carlyle drew the Holy Sword with a quiet smile.
“She’s someone I want to protect.”

He always had.
Vespa was a good person. The kind of person who made you think, I hope she finds happiness.
“…Wait. Not your girlfriend?”

“You don’t need to be in a relationship to feel that way. I just think she’s a good person, that’s all.”
“…Man, you really—”
The expression on Retty’s face clearly said: Think about what you’re saying for a second.

But Carlyle tilted his head, genuinely puzzled. He didn’t see anything strange about it.
It was just the truth. There was nothing problematic in that.
System Message

▶ Subject ‘Vespa Luciana’ is experiencing emotional confusion.
▶ Subject feels her heart flutter at your words!
▶ A new trait has been generated!

[ ♥ Affection 0% → 5% ]
“….”
At least, that’s what he thought—right up until that window popped up in front of him.

Wait.
She was listening?