“The Blade of Homura lays down a fire curse. Burns its targets to ash. Packs a punch. Demons are weak to fire, so that’s a plus for exorcism.”

So, tell me, Ikaku Akamuro. That’s got to be unbearably hot, right?

“Already solved that problem.”

It doesn't have a guard. Swing it around and your hand will slip. You’ll cut your own fingers off.

A solid point. A thousand years as a sword gives you an eye for detail.

“Yeah, you’ve got a point. I’ll get used to it.”

Argh… Then… it has to be dual-wielding.

Ashbrand’s voice is sharp. Dual-wielding is the only way! The Demon Sword of Smoke and the Magic Sword of Flame, united at last!

“I’m not trained for it. Request denied.”

Hey! You should have kept up with your training!

“Alright, you’re fired. I’ll store you in the Akachi Clan vault.”

Wait, wait, wait! I'm sorry! You're pissed, aren't you? About that night, how I gassed out on you! I wanted to push harder, but I have my limits! Axey, back me up!

Ehhh… Axey sounds less than thrilled.

Please, I’m begging you! You can’t be okay with this, can you? This newcomer, this Demon-born weapon, this so-called Blade of Homura…You and I, we’re natural magic tools. That thing is a newborn with no history. It lacks the dignity to be Ikaku Akamuro’s weapon, don’t you think?

Now that you mention it… I’m a thousand years old and you’re nine hundred. So that thing is, like, zero. It’s beneath us. Besides, that Homura thing tried to kill my Ikaku. What’s its deal, trying to get all cozy now? The nerve. Does it want to die?

So Axey is an elitist about seniority. Figures.

“Dignity’s one thing. I use what works. The Blade of Homura passed its interview.”

Then let's settle this fair and square! A test of strength! Mana output!

“A test of mana, huh?”

You use us to break a Demon’s guard, right? So the feel of the impact has to be important. And just like I gassed out, maybe this Blade of Homura is all flash and no substance. It might burn out quick. It’s only zero years old, after all.

A surprisingly sharp point.

“You’re right. Good time to test the three of you. Max output, stamina. I’ll decide who gets cut after.”

Yeah, yeah! Great idea! Grandma, I did it! I convinced him! Aren’t I amazing?

You’ve been a great help, little one. By the way, did you notice he said ‘three of you’?

Huh? Three? Wait… I-Ikaku, don’t tell me I’m on the termination list, too?! You’re kidding me! We went through hell and back together! Didn’t we?!

I carry the weapons to find Takumi.

“—and that’s the situation. Can you run some performance tests?”

“I don’t mind, but… Hmph. I never dreamed of meeting a mortal who can tame three magical tools. I have to tip my hat to your capacity, and your knack for forging these bonds.”

Takumi chuckles, eyeing each tool.

His gaze moves from the Blade of Homura, to the Axe of Price, then lands on Ashbrand.

His expression freezes.

“…So this is that infamous Demon sword.”

“It claims to be.”

A great Demon sword, if you please.

“Hoh.”

With a sharp look, Takumi begins preparing for the test. The weapons grow visibly tense, glancing at each other.

If I lose, I’m fired… If I lose, I’m fired… Ikaku will abandon me…!

I’m the thousand-year-old model. Logically, I should win. It’s fine. I’m fine… Gods, I’m getting anxious…! A-aah! I am a great Demon sword. I am strong. I am cool!

I watch the fifteen minutes of controlled chaos. Slashing different materials. Getting hit with a strange hammer.

When it’s over, the results are clear.

Mana Power Rankings:1st: Ashbrand2nd: Axe of Price3rd: Blade of Homura

Endurance:1st: Ashbrand2nd: Axe of Price3rd: Blade of Homura

Peak Instantaneous Power:1st: Blade of Homura2nd: Ashbrand3rd: Axe of Price

Their unique abilities are apples and oranges. No point ranking them.

I’m a little surprised Ashbrand’s scores are so high.

Look, look! Ikaku, my numbers were amazing!

“Incredible. You really are an amazing Demon sword.”

Wha—?! Ikaku is… praising me?! Heh heh. He praised me! Hee hee!

I turn back to Takumi. “Thanks for the test. Sorry about the racket from the tools.”

“Don’t worry about it. It’s rare to see tools with this much personality. It was an interesting show.”

As I’m about to leave, he calls out, stopping me.

Facing the blazing furnace, his broad back is still turned. “You should be careful.”

“What do you mean?”

“I’m talking about Ashbrand. You don’t know what you’re holding.”

“…And you do?”

“In Japan, we have a traditional sword ranking system—the Tōken Kaii. A four-tiered system for masterwork blades: Wazamono, Ryō Wazamono, Ō Wazamono, and Saijō Ō Wazamono.Even back then, we knew that swords forged by masters who poured their souls into their work could become imbued with mana. Or sometimes, strange circumstances would grant a normal sword magical power. This system was a way to value them.The first certifications were in the late Heian period, ranking a total of one hundred eighty-seven blades. The system continued through the ages, with standards changing.Every time a blade broke, was lost, or a new one was made, certifications were carried out. The last group to establish the Tōken Kaii… was the Imperial Exorcist Corps.”

The Imperial Exorcist Corps. An exorcist organization under the Imperial Army during the Great War.

It went private after the war, when the military was dismantled.

That guild is still around today.

“Forty-three blades were certified in the 1940s. Three Saijō Ō Wazamono, eight Ō Wazamono, twelve Ryō Wazamono, and twenty Wazamono.Ikaku Akamuro, the Ashbrand in your hand was one of those Saijō Ō Wazamono, the highest tier. Not only that, it’s a blade that’s been recognized as a Saijō Ō Wazamono in every past certification.It is the Demon sword of Demon swords. The magic sword of magic swords. Its place among the blades of this world is on another level.”

I look down at the sheathed Ashbrand. I don’t have to draw it to picture the priestess inside, looking smug.

“Be very careful. Don’t let it consume you.”

“Consumed… I don’t think that’ll be a problem.”

Heh. Better watch yourself. Let your guard down, and I just might eat you alive.

I rap my knuckles on the sheath. A small yelp echoes from inside, and the sword goes quiet.

For now, no one gets fired. They all have their uses.

That afternoon, I get ready to leave the Akachi estate. Time to take Lady Ayano back to Coral Eldarian.

She was there the night it burned. Maybe she’ll remember something.

If you find any errors ( broken links, non-standard content, etc.. ), Please let us know < report chapter > so we can fix it as soon as possible.