Awareness returned. Rena blinked. Her breath began to steady, and she realized—what she had been doing. Her body tensed slightly. Her hands, which had been gripping Hero Claire tightly… began to loosen.
Slowly, Rena released her embrace. The distance between them opened again. Not far, but enough to make the air feel different. Rena lowered her head slightly. Her hair covered part of her face, hiding an expression that wasn't yet fully calm.
Her voice was soft, almost inaudible, as she tucked both hands into her large robe pockets.
…sorry, Hero Claire.
I think I got a little too emotional…
Claire didn't answer immediately. She just stood there, not stepping back, not stepping closer. Her gaze fell on Rena—not cold as usual, but also not gentle. More like… understanding.
Rena took a slow breath, no longer trembling like before, but still feeling the lingering warmth of that embrace. A feeling hard to describe, yet warm…
Then, seeing Rena still trying to recover, Hero Claire shifted her attention and began to enjoy the scenery around them.
The sky above slowly changed. The warm evening light began to fade, replaced by a gradient of orange turning to purple. Building shadows stretched, and the night breeze began to replace the remaining heat of the day.
Her gaze now turned toward the horizon, as if waiting for no one, yet still… not leaving.
Beside her, Rena still stood. Her breath was much calmer now. Her heartbeat had stabilized. Slowly, she lifted her head. Her eyes followed Claire's direction—the sky.
For a while, there was no conversation. Only the sound of the wind, and the changing colors of the sky slowly sinking into night.
Claire crossed her arms casually. Without turning to Rena, she finally spoke.
If you're calm now, let's continue, Rena…
Her tone was back to normal—serious like other heroes, but not cold.
Rena didn't answer immediately. But this time, she didn't hesitate. Her answer was soft, but clear.
Alright… Hero Claire, I'm ready for another task!…
Night began to fall. And under the slowly darkening sky, the two stood side by side—not too close, not too far, but close enough to step in the same direction.
With squinting eyes and her cheeks lifted, Hero Claire looked at Rena, and a large bow appeared in her right hand.
No, Rena… you won't get any more tasks, because you're no longer being punished.
Then, with sharp eyes looking toward the outskirts of the city, the large bow in her right hand glowed brightly.
We're going on an adventure!!
Tonight!!
Hearing that, Rena quickly prepared, stuffing all her belongings—even her backpack—into the plastic bag Hero Claire had given her, then tucked the plastic bag into the right pocket of her large robe.
Suddenly, Rena paused for a moment after packing everything. Then, with her cheeks lifted, she looked at Hero Claire.
Well then, Hero Claire…
It seems my equipment will be lacking if it's not complete, right??
Because the Headmaster taught me that if you want to go on an adventure!!
Hearing that, Hero Claire just smiled in return, shifting her gaze to Rena, and thought to herself.
Ah… those words…
Anna… I promise I will protect your student with all my strength!!!
Quickly, Rena turned around, her attention directed toward the city center, and she ran with all her might, shouting.
Hero Claire!!
I promise that whatever I do on our adventure won't become a burden to you!!!
Squinting her eyes, Hero Claire waved her hand and said loudly.
Then I'll wait for you, Rena, at the city gate on the outskirts!!!
Don't take too long!!
And so, Rena ran away from the outskirts, and as she ran, she remembered that important piece of equipment.
Yes… a sword.
A sword. But… not an ordinary sword. Its size was enormous—almost as tall as Rena herself. The blade was wide and thick, far from the sleek impression of a katana. The metal looked heavy, with a slightly rough surface, as if made to withstand hard impacts, not for beauty. The tip remained sharp—enough to pierce if necessary. But clearly, its main focus was slashing, power, and reach.
The ornaments along the blade looked foreign, patterns that weren't entirely realistic. Those lines weren't just decoration… but seemed to lock something inside.
The sword felt… "silent." It didn't emit a strong mana aura. And as Rena remembered, unlike the golden sword at the Headmaster's right waist that required mana flow to be useful.
Finally, Rena arrived at the Headmaster's house and went to the Headmaster's weapon room.
The sword was displayed neatly, elegantly, right in the center of the Headmaster's weapon room, because of how large it was.
Seeing the sword, Rena recalled the Headmaster's words about this contract sword.
The Headmaster had begun explaining, crossing her arms.
Most weapons in this school require mana to be used optimally.
She looked at Rena.
And that's not your strength.
Rena approached slowly. Her eyes never left the sword.
Then the Headmaster continued.
This sword is different. It doesn't require a large mana flow. It won't 'betray you' when your mana runs out.
She paused for a moment.
…but.
Her tone changed slightly.
This sword won't help at all if the user is weak.
The Headmaster said,
This sword focuses on reach, power, and battlefield control. Not speed. Not magic.
She looked deeper into Rena.
If you can master it… you won't need to chase other people's fighting styles. Including mine.
She lifted the sword again, more firmly this time. No hesitation.
…I will use this.
When the time comes.
And now, the present moment was right in front of her. The sword was displayed neatly in the Headmaster's weapon room.
Rena stood right in front of the sword. Her hand slowly reached out. When her fingers touched the hilt, she could immediately feel its weight. Not ordinary weight, but the weight of a bound contract… real, tied to the Headmaster, like holding something that demanded responsibility if transferred to another.
She gripped it tighter, then lifted it with both hands. Her movement wasn't fast, but… steady. The sword rose.
She tried swinging it slightly. Whoosh. The air felt split—not because of magic, but because of pure weight and power. The sword wasn't fast, but every movement… had impact.
And with that, Rena closed her eyes, as if she could sense the Headmaster watching without comment.
Headmaster…
I believe… this is the time!…
The time when I can use this sword…
Suddenly, Rena opened her eyes sharply, looking intensely at the large sword she was holding with both hands, and said with sparkling eyes and lifted cheeks.
So…
Give me your blessing!!
Headmaster!!!
Suddenly—
her fingers touching the hilt, Rena felt the sword become lighter, as if the sword was accepting her.
Even though Rena herself was doubtful because there was no magical glow like what was explained at magic school about contract weapons.
Still hesitant,
Rena tried swinging it again. Whoosh. The air felt split—not because of magic, but because of pure weight and power. Even though the attack looked heavy, Rena felt nothing. And sure enough… this time, Rena could swing it faster, with the same impact. Every sword movement… had enormous impact, even making the entire Headmaster's house shake violently, yet it didn't collapse at all.
And with sharp eyes and a tensed jaw, Rena stepped out of the Headmaster's house, then turned around right in front of it, pulling out the plastic bag and taking the love letter that she now held in her right hand, while her left hand tucked the sword into the plastic bag.
Then Rena knelt down hard and shouted loudly.
Wait for me, my secret admirer, and also you, Headmaster!!!
I'm coming!!!