Swords and Secrets

—!

Huh!? What was that!? Something just zipped right past us!

...*panting*... You two — please, stop that thing! I promise I'll make it worth your while!

(Wasn't that Vesna's sword...? We should catch up and find out what's going on.)

...Gotcha!

Oh! What are you two doing here...?

Wait... That's your sword! No wonder it looked so familiar!

Hold on! This isn't what it looks like. I may have created the little troublemaker, but getting it to listen to me is another matter entirely.

See? It's already trying to sneak away.

—!

Oh, no you don't. You're staying right there.

...!

Whew, what a day! You two must be exhausted as well, so why don't we leave things here for now? I'll have the missing items returned and your reward delivered later! Right, then! See you around. Bye-bye!

Wait!

Yeah! You can't just run off when we still have no idea what's going on!

Why did your sword suddenly start moving on its own?

Uh...

And why did it start stealing things?

Well...

An incident involving the Commander of the Druzhna...

All right, all right! No need for the interrogation. I'll talk! Heh, with skills like yours, I'm sure the Druzhna's interrogation division could find a place for you...

Anyway, this part shouldn't come as too much of a surprise. The Ruler of Life's power has an effect on my creations, imbuing each of them with a certain degree of... "spiritual power."

"Spiritual power"? Huh, honestly, that sounds a bit mystical for Snezhnaya...

Funny you say that because, a few days ago, I was at a rare book dealer and was able to score — ahem — acquire an ancient manuscript from Liyue.

It spoke of people in ancient times who cultivated both body and mind until they attained power comparable to that of the adepti.

Some could even command flying swords, nurture sword spirits, and vanquish monsters and evil beings. Throughout ancient Liyue, they were known as...

Sword Immortals!

And you thought... since you have a flying sword already, and are basically a different kind of immortal, you would just... copy whatever that suspicious old book told you to do, and it would work?

Hehehe, you've got me all figured out! But just imagine, a whole group of sword spirits at my beck and call... I'd never need to find other people to play games with me!

You don't need to explain the rest.

Ahem... It wasn't nearly that serious! There was just a teeny-tiny surplus of spiritual power... Teeny-tiny!

Then, before I knew it, every last sword spirit had flown the coop. One of them even made off with the second half of my copy of the Ancient Sword Esoterica!

Ancient Sword Esoterica? Honestly, that name's a little much...

For the past two days, there have been rumors of a tiny flying thief that appears and vanishes without a trace, snatching up every glittering gem and precious trinket it can find... The moment I heard, I knew one of my sword spirits had to be behind it.

So that explains everything... But why not send the Druzhna to round them up?

Because that isn't what the Druzhna is for. We're an elite force under Her Majesty's command.

...You were hoping to clean this up quietly before anyone found out you caused it, weren't you?

Well... that may have been one consideration... But there's no use dwelling on that now! With you two here, I've suddenly got three times the manpower!

Hold on. When exactly did we agree to help?

Don't be like that! Whenever humans run into trouble, they turn to adventurers. It's only natural, isn't it? Besides, my collection is extensive enough that I'm sure I can offer you a reward you'll be more than happy with.

So, that settles it! Meet me at the Druzhna garrison tomorrow, and we'll work out how to capture the remaining sword spirits. Be sure to show up! I'd rather not have to come looking for you.

Guess the decision's been made for us...

Couldn't get a word in to object if we tried...

Having the Commander of the Druzhna come after us in person is probably more trouble than it's worth, huh...

Fine! We'll go tomorrow and hear how she plans to track down the rest of those... sword spirits, or whatever they're called!

"...Spirit, roam the eight reaches! Mind's eye, survey the four quarters! Let all that lies hidden come forth... Reveal yourself!"

...

Hm? I'm using "divine sense" to search for the sword spirits. It's a technique from the Ancient Sword Esoterica.

Sword Immortals can extend their senses across an entire area and uncover every hidden trace in an instant... Hehe, that would sure come in handy during my Druzhna duties, let me tell you.

Ooh, and for "taking out the trash." It'd save me a whole lot of nagging from Danica, that's for sure.

Uh... By "taking out the trash," you mean what Paimon thinks you mean, right?

Hm? What else would I mean?

You know what? Never mind... Paimon's probably better off not asking. So you managed to cultivate it then? This "divine sense" thing?

Well... The important thing is, I've more or less pinpointed where the next sword spirit is. I also modified one of my collectibles into a "Divine Sense Compass." Here, take it.

Whoa, it's actually pointing somewhere! You really did manage to develop a "divine sense" then!

How exactly does this compass work?

Oh, the principle is very simple. First, I use elemental energy to sense the sword spirit's approximate location... Then I use elemental energy to bend the needle to point in that direction.

...

...

So... this has absolutely nothing to do with "divine sense" at all!?

Nope. I tried the book's method several times, but it just didn't work. My own power turned out to be much better at sensing the sword spirits.

But, by the time I realized that, I'd already finished making the compass. It would be a shame if it never got the chance to be useful, wouldn't it?

Since this is a team effort, I'll give you the honor of holding onto it!

Fine... But if there was never any "divine sense," then what was all that "Spirit, roam the eight reaches" stuff about?

Oh, that was just for effect. It sounded impressive, so I thought I'd recite it. Liyue incantations are quite the mouthful, though. I had to practice that one several times! Would you like to give it a try?

Absolutely not!

...Hahaha! Success! At last, I've done it!

Whoa! D—Did that sword just talk!?

What an absurd question! I was born a true sword spirit. Speech is but the simplest of feats for one such as I! Now then, who are you ordinary mortals supposed to—

M—Master!?

Born a true sword spirit, were you? Then what does that make me? A pebble on the side of the road?

Curses... You tracked me down so quickly... Don't get too pleased with yourself, V—Vesna!

I have mastered the supreme art of potioncraft! I gathered rare treasures from across the land and spent three days and three nights refining them into an immortal elixir unlike anything this world has ever seen!

Hold on... Is that the elixir from the Ancient Sword Esoterica? The one the ancient people of Liyue used to achieve the impossible? You actually managed to make it?

Hmph! A single sip is all it will take! I shall transcend my mortal limits, attain power beyond imagination, and unleash a strike that not even ten of you could withstand!

...Uh-huh. And how exactly are you supposed to take a sip when you don't even have a mouth?

Hahaha! Why, that is the simplest part! All I have to do is—

...

I completely forgot about that part!

You broke its fighting spirit, Paimon! Nicely done!

Huh? Paimon did what!?

Take this!

No...!

For a sword that talked such a big game, it sure went down like a chump...

That's the cruel reality of immortal cultivation. Or so the ancient texts claim. Cold and ruthless as a Snezhnayan snowstorm, it's a world where the strong devour the weak...

One false move, and you lose everything. The person who defeats you not only gets to claim your life, but also anything you leave behind.

Like this cauldron?

Exactly! Which means it's time to enjoy the spoils of victory. Now then, who wants the first taste?

Uh... definitely not Paimon. That looks like a stomachache waiting to happen...

Aw, don't start sounding like Danica. If you spend your whole life worrying about what might happen, you'll miss out on all the fun! Here, I'll go first.

...

S—So, uh... feel any stronger?

Mmm... Nope. It's sweet, though.

...Hahaha! Success! At last, I've done it!

Whoa! Did that sword just talk? ...Wait a second.

What an absurd question! I was born a true sword spirit. Speech is but the simplest of feats for one such as I! Now then, who are you ordinary mortals supposed to—

M—Master!?

Curses... You tracked me down so quickly... Don't get too pleased with yourself, V—Vesna!

Yep, that sounds familiar... Do all sword spirits share the same monologue, or what?

Don't tell Paimon you're another "Master of Potions." Before you get any ideas, just a friendly reminder — swords don't have mouths.

Hmph! That fool and I have nothing in common. It squanders its time seeking power through pills and elixirs, no matter how often I tell it that borrowed strength is no strength at all! The body must be forged! Tempered! Pushed beyond its limits! That is the only path worthy of reaching the heavens!

That is why I walk the path of the Master of Body!

Although... I will admit the rare treasures we stole together proved rather useful. I used them to create a soul-cleansing elixir capable of washing the marrow and remaking the body from within! All I have to do is immerse myself in it...

Hmm... Well, that explains the string of strange herb thefts the other day. So you were behind them.

You know I had to pay for those and apologize on your behalf. That's enough to make someone very angry...

You... I... I don't care! I'm going in!

Just wait until I emerge from this cauldron...!

...

Hehe. Looks like we're on the same page... Let's do it.

W—Wait... What are you two planning!?

You wanna stay in this cauldron so bad? Fine, we'll even give you a hand!

The lid's on.

Ooh, great idea!

Wait... Wait!

"...With the brush, the paths of yin and yang are traced. With ink, the eight directions are brought to heel..."

"...The sigil takes form, and ghosts and gods retreat! The art awakens, and all evil cowers before it!"

Mm... Yes. Magnificent! A sigil worthy of the highest praise! In ancient times, mortals painted images of the gods to ward off evil. Today, I shall create a sigil of my own to drive away misfortune.

Once my Sword Sigil is complete, ghosts will tremble and demons will flee! And best of all, one glance at it should make Master think twice before troubling the great Master of Sigils again! Hahahahaha!

...So which "master" are we dealing with this time?

Oh? Look who's curious now!

Huh? That voice... Master's here! This is bad. My Sword Sigil is not yet complete... A strategic retreat is in order!

By my command — vanish!

Hm? It concealed its presence... Interesting...

Oh, a portrait? Huh, doesn't it kinda look like...

(Hehe... So they recognize the face. Perfect. Run while you still can!)

(This is my finest work, after all, a likeness etched deep into the memories of sword spirits and Master alike...)

(The one person Vesna fears more than anyone!)

...Hmph. It thinks a cheap little trick like this can scare me? How insulting.

Hand me that brush! I'll show it what a truly terrifying makeover looks like.

Give it glasses.

Ta-da! Now that's what I call a masterpiece!

My guess is that the sword spirit lurking nearby is what the book calls a "Master of Sigils" — a being that channels its power through sigils and paintings.

That does sound kind of familiar... Paimon remembers meeting people with some pretty unusual painting abilities before... But this painting doesn't seem magical at all.

I don't sense any energy coming from it...

Magic or no magic, a few well-placed scribbles were enough to deal with it. Problem solved! Now, let's move on to the other sigils!

You're sure that wasn't just an excuse to draw a silly face on it...?

...

Ugh... That accursed Vesna!

She ruined it... My Sword Sigil! After all the days I spent painting it!

How could she not be terrified? Even I can barely look at it without shuddering!

Oh... Unless it simply wasn't finished yet. Of course, that must be it! She didn't change that much, so there's still time to save it...

I'll deepen the colors, add a few highlights, refine the details...

Hellooo?

Wah...!

A Snezhnayan painter once told me that artists stop noticing the world around them when they're absorbed in their work. Looks like sword spirits are no different.

You're back...!?

No, no... I'm hopelessly outnumbered! By my command — vanish!

...

...Vanish! Vanish! Why won't I vanish!?

Don't waste your breath. While I was doodling, I emptied an entire tube of superglue onto your painting.

Y—You defiled a work of art! Divine punishment will surely befall you!

I'd worry about your own punishment first, Master of Sigils.

VESNAAA!!

Whew... That puts us past the halfway point, hehe. So far, so good!

Now Paimon's getting even more curious about whoever wrote that ancient book of yours.

We know quite a few of Liyue's adepti...

Let's see... Xiao wouldn't have the time, and the dates rule out Zibai. Maybe it was Madame Ping? Moon Carver? Mountain Shaper...?

So where did you actually find this ancient book?

Uh... I bought it from a rare book seller. They were having a clearance sale, and it was practically being given away.

...You bought it on clearance?

I could tell there was something special about it. It carried the faintest trace of mystical power, and the paper alone was clearly of exceptional quality...

Naturally, I didn't ask about its origins right away. I slipped it in among a few ordinary books and bought the whole pile before the seller realized what he had.

...You sound way too happy about that. It's not like you couldn't afford to pay full price.

Finding something worthy of collecting is great. Getting it for a bargain makes it even better! Now that you mention it, though, I suppose I should find out where the book actually came from...

I should know more by tomorrow. Let's meet again then. It's a promise!

"Flesh may fail and blood run cold, but steel shall rise where mortals falter."

"Of all the myriad paths, only one holds the true key — the art mortals call technology!"

The Master of Artifacts, at your service!

...Are we even talking about cultivation anymore!?

...Are we even talking about cultivation anymore!?

Hah! Why should cultivation be shackled by convention? If talismanic concoctions and medicinal elixirs can pave the way to transcendence, then steel and iron may likewise be refined into artifacts.

With this mechanical body, I shall defeat Master and prove that the other sword spirits remain confined to an age long past!

The theory is sound. Now, let battle provide the proof!

Sounds good to me. After indulging everyone's little performances these past few days, it's about time we settled things the straightforward way!

How could this be...? I was meant to carry the wisdom of the past into the future... And yet here I stand... defeated.

Consider yourself lucky you faced me instead of that cat creature — or, um, girl that works under Arlecchino. You probably would've gone down even faster against her.

I understand now... All things beneath the heavens have that which sustains them and that which overcomes them... In the end, it was I who failed to account for the greater whole...

Whew... Good thing we stopped it in time.

If that thing had reached the city, we'd have had a Fatui machine rampaging through the streets in broad daylight. Not exactly a good look for any of us.

Come to think of it, though, plenty of adepti are good with mechanisms.

So maybe your secret manual was written by one of them?

Ah... about that. I did look into it, but the trail didn't lead very far.

Apparently, Yae Publishing House was clearing out some of its stock, so the book seller bought up a whole bunch at once. He never even checked them individually.

He didn't even think to look through what he was buying!?

Guess we have no leads then...

...Well, there might be one. I vaguely remember the author leaving a note somewhere in the second half of the book.

Ooh, that sounds important! What did it say?

I don't remember... To be honest, I never took a close look at it. I only skimmed a few pages before buying the book.

Haha... Once I finally started reading the first half, I kinda just... created the sword spirits as I went...

Then one of them made off with the entire second half, so...

So the author's identity will have to remain a mystery for now...

Hehe. Just give it another day or two. Once all the sword spirits have been captured, we'll have those missing pages back!

And then we'll finally get our answer!

...Have you heard the rumors about that strange shadow people keep seeing around the theater?

Lately, whenever I rehearse onstage, I can feel someone watching from the corner of the room... But the moment I turn around...

No one's there!

Perhaps no one was there to begin with.

Honestly, you're no fun! I have a much more romantic theory! It could be the ghost of some lovestruck fan haunting the theater...

Waiting until you look away... only to appear right behind you!

Hi~

Eek—!

Hm? Oh, did I startle you? I suppose sneaking up behind you in the middle of a ghost story was poor timing. Sorry.

Don't pretend that wasn't deliberate! I didn't even hear you walk over here!

That's because I didn't walk. I flew.

(Yeah... That definitely wasn't an accident...)

It's been a while, Vesna.

It has. Did I hear you mention something about a "ghost" haunting the theater? Could you tell me more?

I could. Though I'm rather curious as to why the commander of the Druzhna is so interested in a ghost story.

Hmm... Fine. I suppose I can tell the two of you. We're close to resolving the matter anyway...

Ah, so that's why the "ghost" felt so peculiar! It wasn't a ghost at all. It was one of your sword spirits!

...Hardly the romantic explanation you were hoping for.

So someone really was watching Vodyanitsa... and that someone was a sword spirit hiding somewhere in the theater?

Huh, if it's like the others we've met, does that mean its area of cultivation is... music?

Quite possibly. Great heroes in stories always seem to arrive with a song on their lips and an instrument in hand. Hehe... And don't we have two perfect examples standing right here?

From your description, this sword spirit seems far more cautious than the others. It likely won't reveal itself so easily.

Yeah... The only times I sensed its "gaze" were while I was performing.

Hm, perhaps that's the reason it decided to hide out in the theater to begin with... to observe our performances.

I'm not quite sure how that relates to its cultivation, but our next rehearsal may provide an opportunity to locate it.

We appreciate the help.

Think nothing of it. From what you've told us, the previous sword spirits were all rather... troublesome in their own ways.

The one hiding here hasn't done any harm so far, but I'd rather find it now than wait until something happens.

Sounds like a plan. I'll prepare for the search. Guess this means I get a front-row seat to watch you rehearse, huh!

Hey! Don't forget why we're here!

♪~

Oh oh, it's starting! Vodyanitsa's singing... I haven't heard her perform in ages. She sounds every bit as lovely as I remember!

Uh... We're here for something else, remember?

Don't worry, I haven't forgotten. "Let all that lies hidden come forth... Reveal yourself!"

This little thing is the sword spirit? Aw, it's even cuter than I imagined.

Huh, it doesn't seem like much of a talker. It kinda reminds Paimon of the one we met on the first day...

...

Except that one was a thief. This one has behaved impeccably during its time here. It hasn't been a disturbance to us or the audience.

Right... And if it truly aspired to become some sort of "Master of Sound," surely it would have shown some interest in the instruments stored backstage. But it hasn't.

Perhaps it really did come here just to watch us perform?

...

...Alright, alright. Don't give it too much credit. Its motivations don't really matter. It needs to be refined in the end, just like the others.

Perhaps, for now, all it wants is to watch a few performances. But once it accumulates as much spiritual power as the others did...

...There's no telling whether it will become just as reckless — blind to everything around it. Desire, when left unchecked, has a way of growing beyond one's control.

(..."Desire, when left unchecked"?)

I'm the one who created it. It's only right that I see this through to the end.

...

What the—

"Cold light cuts through endless night! Sword intent soars to heaven's height! Should all beneath the skies bar my way — my blade will sweep them all astray!"

"If fate dares deny my vow, I'll carve a brand-new path — right now!"

Hyah!

...?

H—Hold on...

Which sword spirit are you supposed to be? The ones that escaped back then were all much smaller than you...

...

Hmph! Mortal eyes are so limited in their sight! Can you not see? My cultivation has finally borne fruit! I'm nothing like the tiny sword spirit I was back then!

Ah, you're the one who stole the second half of my book. Good. Saves me the trouble of hunting you down.

Vesna! How many of my brethren have you refined away these past few days!? There can be no peace between us now! My blade will settle this grudge once and for all!

Uh, Boss... Are you sure you want to fight her here?

Yeah, think this through, Boss! You kinda spent most of your spiritual power on that entrance just now...

...?

...Vesna! This is a theater, not a battle arena!

If the facilities get damaged, is the Druznha prepared to foot the bill?

(Hmm... That's not even the biggest problem. If a fight breaks out here, it won't be easy to keep things under control.)

Ahem, I said my blade will settle this once and for all... at a proper venue! The sages of old knew that a true master must choose a battlefield worthy of their blade! Why, the heroes of legend fought beneath towering glaciers and atop magnificent palaces...

Exactly, Boss! Only a battlefield worthy of a true master like you will do!

Th—That's right! It's not because we're scared!

...Yeah, no. We're not fighting on top of Zapolyarny Palace.

...Ahem, fine! Beneath the glaciers it shall be! If you want the other half of your book back, Vesna, meet me upon the freezing river, and there, we shall settle this in battle!

As surely as the snowy mountains stand and the frozen waters lie still — our paths will cross again!

So this is the last sword spirit? Just our luck... This one looks way tougher than the others.

Look on the bright side. At least this is the last one. We finish this, and the whole headache is finally over.

...The Druzhna already have more than enough fires to put out. I can't afford to waste much more time dealing with these minor nuisances.

Ah... So that's why we haven't seen much of you lately.

You used to attend every new production. Always in the front row.

Believe me, I miss those days too! Baking something sweet, taking a long bath, indulging in some hobbies, then coming here to see what new opera was playing...

...Kinda seems like you already spend most of your time searching for something to amuse yourself. Are you saying you used to be even more extreme?

Hehe. Can you blame me? Given the choice, who wouldn't want to drift through life like the wind, free to follow wherever their heart takes them?

This is definitely the place, right? Paimon doesn't see any sword spirit around here.

Maybe it lost its nerve and ran off!

I wouldn't count on it. This spirit isn't one to give up so easily. This is where the Divine Sense Compass is pointing, so this is where it should be.

(Vesna's talking like she knows this sword spirit personally...)

Exactly! A cultivator who flees from battle may as well abandon the path altogether!

Huh? That's not the sword spirit's voice! Wait, you're the little sidekick from yesterday!

Hmph. You understand nothing of the Boss's teachings. A mediocre swordsman fights with steel, aiming each strike at mere flesh and bone...

But a true master commands the strength of heroes united in a righteous cause! The brave lead the charge, the mighty become the blade, and a hundred warriors answer the call to defend all beneath the heavens! Of all the paths of cultivation, the Master of Arms embodies that the most!

That's an awful lot of fancy philosophy for what sounds like "making your underlings fight for you."

Careful. I can sense the sword spirit's power within her... She must have been given a portion of its strength... No wonder the compass led us to you.

You're not wrong... When roadside robbery was our only means of survival, the Boss took us in and granted us extraordinary power!

Now witness my specialty — unrivaled speed!

Watch out! ...Wait, she's running away!?

Trying to lure me into giving chase? Interesting... Very well. I'll play along!

*panting*

What's wrong? Can't run any farther?

Hmph... That was just to wear you down... Now! Come on out!

Hahaha! I've been waiting for you!

Huh? They actually set up an ambush?

All warfare is based on deception! Such is the way of the Master of Arms!

You know what? You're right. Which means... it's time for my ambushers to reveal themselves.

What!?

Must we call ourselves "ambushers"? Couldn't we be a "support squad" or something...?

Doesn't change the fact that we helped stage an ambush.

Wha—... When did you...?

Hehe! After tracking down so many sword spirits, sensing your spiritual power is practically second nature to me.

Shoot... Divine sense! She actually managed to cultivate it!

Uh... sure. Let's go with that.

Hehe, that's right! I had this entire operation figured out from the very start...

Excellent. Then bring this farce to an end immediately, and do not create any more work for me.

Danica!? Uh, how did you find us...? I made sure our paths wouldn't cross!

She followed Vodyanitsa and me here.

You have disappeared for hours at a time, several days in a row. Given your position, it would have been negligent of me not to notice.

What, did you think I was plotting against Her Majesty?

Plotting? No. Doing something that's an embarrassment to Her Majesty? Very much so.

Hey!

...What are we supposed to do now?

M—Maybe we can slip away while they're distracted...

See to it that you thoroughly tidy up this mess... unless you intend to further disgrace the Druzhna and Her Majesty.

Alright, alright. You two, don't even think about going anywhere. Let's finish this quickly.

Gah... Curse it all!

Is this... the end?

(All we ever wanted was a future where fae wouldn't have to waylay travelers just to survive... Is our dream truly going to end here...?)

(I still remember that day... when the Boss descended before us like a savior from the heavens...)

...Hey! This is no time to start reminiscing!

Boss!

So, you've finally decided to show yourself?

A Master of Arms does not stand idle while their followers are in danger.

Had you shown yourself sooner, they might not have taken such a beating. Well? Are you ready to face me yourself?

...Disciple Two, Disciple Three. You guarded my path until the very end. For all that you have endured... you have my gratitude.

No one can remain together forever. It is time for us to go our separate ways.

B—Boss...? But... But we can still fight!

"Near and far, become as one! Fold the earth and span the distance! By my command — carry them away!"

No, no! Please! Don't leave us behind!

*panting*

Well. You've got more heart than I gave you credit for.

*panting*... The path of cultivation begins with the heart. You understood that much... That is why you allowed me to finish the spell.

I knew exactly who I was letting escape. Those two had only been bandits for a few days before someone set them straight, so they haven't done enough to earn much of a record.

That was your doing, wasn't it? You kept them in line. Still, if they cause trouble again, I won't be so lenient.

Now then, let's settle this between the two of us.

Hmph... Just as I had hoped.

Allow me to demonstrate the ultimate strategy...

The ultimate strategy...!?

The greatest strategy of all — making a strategic retreat!

Hey!

*panting*...

They followed me all the way out here... My disciples should be well clear by now...

Disciple Four... It is a pity I never got to see you awaken...

Never got to see the day you became our sworn sibling...

...!

...Disciple Four?

Boss! Boss!

Disciple Two? Disciple Three? ...You fools. Couldn't you tell I was trying to lead them away from you!?

But you spent so much spiritual power sending us to safety...

B—Boss... You can't hold out much longer!

We swore an oath! We may not have been born on the same day, but we will die on the same day!

Enough of that nonsense! You two are going to live! That is an order! Do you understand me?

There are still so many of our kind out there... waiting for you to save them...

...We may not have...

Disciple Four...? What are you doing?

My spiritual power... it's returning. Are you giving me your power!?

...been born...

Stop! Your mind has not even fully awakened! If you keep this up, you'll—

...on the same day...

Stop this!!!

...Is it just Paimon, or are we starting to look like the bad guys here?

Loyal bandits are still bandits. As commander of the Druzhna, I've witnessed scenes like this many times before.

But you haven't. So from here on out, I'll play the villain.

*sob*... Disciple Four...

So? How does defeat feel? That dream of yours was never as simple as you believed.

You...! Boss, go! Now!

Everything we hoped for... We're leaving it in your hands, Boss!

Oh, spare me. We've already gone through this chase twice, and I have no intention of doing it a third time. Now...

"To me, sword!"

Disciple Four!!!

Wait! Disciple Four's body and spirit are already fading! Isn't that enough? If you insist on refining each one of us, then take me first!

..."Rise."

...*sword spirit noise*?

...*sword spirit noise*!

Why... Why are you...?

I've been running around reclaiming the sword spirits because unchecked desires and misguided wishes have a way of ending in disaster.

A fondness for gemstones turns into theft and plunder. A love of toys gives rise to a machine no one can control...

And "guiding every fae in the world onto the right path"? You'll need far more than a gang of misfits to make a dream that grand come true.

You... How could you possibly know that? Unless...?

Still, now that the bonds you've formed have begun to shape your choices...

I'm willing to give you another chance to learn more about the world.

Report to the Druzhna garrison and study the history of the fae, as well as the world as it stands today. After all, how can you know where to go without understanding where you came from?

Oh, and one more thing. In return, I'll be taking back the half of the secret manual you stole.

...Understood. It's hidden just outside Morepesok. Disciple Four can lead you to it.

Aww... Everyone gets a happy ending. How lovely!

...At least the aftermath should be considerably easier to manage this time.

Your assistance kept the situation from escalating any further. You have my thanks.

No need to thank us. A sword spirit had infiltrated the theater, after all. Resolving the matter quickly was clearly in everyone's best interest.

If you really want to thank us, you should come to the theater more often once things settle down!

I'm certain Vesna will see to that.

Then I'll hold you to it! See you at the theater!

Now then... Was there anything else you wished to ask?

...You are remarkably perceptive. The Vila forge their magical weapons by merging elemental energy with their own consciousness.

In that sense, each of Vesna's sword spirits embodies a wish she carries within herself.

She usually keeps much of her true nature in check so that she may set a proper example for the Druzhna. That is why the connection was not immediately obvious...

You're saying the Vesna we know... is the toned-down version!?

Hmph... Carefree and headstrong as she remains, she has mellowed considerably since completing her training.

She is still relatively young for a fae, after all. Back then, she was forever declaring, "I'll guide every fae who has lost their way back onto the right path!"

She really used to be like that...?

In time, she came to understand that a nation cannot endure without firm laws, nor an army without clear rewards and punishments. Only then did she begin to grasp the weight of that wish.

"The deepest wishes are not meant to be laid bare, but engraved upon the heart." ...Those were our teacher's words.

...But that is enough reminiscing. The Volkodlak and the sword spirits still require our attention. Until we meet again, Traveler, Paimon.

Hmm? Took you long enough. I was just about to go find you.

So you were waiting for us?

Hehe, of course! We did promise to solve the mystery of this book together, remember?

That's why I haven't even opened it yet. Discovering something for the first time is much more fun when you get to share it with friends!

Still, I didn't expect you to take this long. Danica didn't decide to talk your ear off about a bunch of useless stuff, did she?

N—No...

Really? Hmph... Well, never mind, then.

A single wish is only one facet of a soul — it can never represent the whole.

What makes each soul unique is its ability to understand and master the many wishes within it.

...?

Is that why you're willing to take those two in?

Take them in? Hardly. They'll be staying by my side until I've had time to properly evaluate them... Is that understood, recruits?

*sword spirit noise*!

Alright! Let's see how the Sword Immortals in this secret manual trained their sword spirits!

Oh! You said the author left a note at the very end, right? Let's read that first!

To skip ahead somewhat, the author and collaborator have reached a serious disagreement over how the Ancient Sword Esoterica should proceed.

The collaborator in charge of research maintains that a tale tracing the footsteps of Liyue's adepti ought to remain consistent with the tone of conventions established in the existing texts.

Rare treasures must remain rare, and neither the ranks of the adepti nor the hierarchy of their art should be altered without due cause. The author, however, remained adamant...

"If we follow that line of thinking, mortals will be able to attain enlightenment and nothing more! They'll never achieve immortality!"

"Readers need some impossibly powerful hidden art to rely on, and a suitably lofty goal to keep them invested! Besides, I am the one holding the pen!"

...Thus, the dispute between the advocate of textual fidelity and the advocate of narrative necessity — that is to say, the author — remains unresolved.

Furthermore, the project bears a certain resemblance to Legend of the Shattered Halberd, and revisions to Flowers for Princess Fischl are still outstanding...

Fortunately, the draft of this work of fiction has circulated only within Yae Publishing House and has not yet entered print. Shelving it at this stage should pose no significant difficulty.

— Mr. Nine

Fiction!?

...Gotcha!

Oh! What are you two doing here...?

Wait... That's your sword! No wonder it looked so familiar!