Chapter 58: The Godslayer Sword and a Hidden Curse

Eve Wells observed the young woman, who swelled with pride. She sensed the subtle undercurrent of melancholy whenever Anna spoke of the curse.

Yet, when Anna recounted her ancestor’s god-slaying feat, not only did she glow with pride, but a fierce, eager battle spirit ignited within her.

Unable to help herself, Eve Wells asked with a curious tilt of her head: “Anna, didn’t you say your ancestor failed to slay the god? Why do you seem so pleased about it then?”

“Could it be that the outcome of that god-slaying battle long ago…”

Eve Wells trailed off, patiently awaiting Anna’s continuation.

Anna smiled, nodding her head. Instead of revealing the outcome directly, she posed a question in return: “Luosha, have you ever heard the legend of the Godslayer Sword?”

The Godslayer Sword?

Catching onto the crucial words, Eve Wells’s eyes widened dramatically.

‘No way! They couldn’t have actually killed a god, could they!’

Anna was truly a masterful storyteller, her cliffhangers leaving Eve Wells itching with anticipation.

Fortunately, Eve Wells didn’t have to wait for the next update. After biting off the last bit of grass from her skewer, Anna began to recount the story she knew, chewing thoughtfully.

“Legend has it that it was forged by Jean, the greatest blacksmith master of his time, using Molten Nirvana Steel and extraterrestrial meteoric iron as its primary materials.”

“Master Jean’s original intention was to create the ultimate offensive artifact, one capable of piercing the defenses of the Parangshini Shield, which had been crafted by his own master, the former blacksmith master, Gilman.”

“Thus, initially, the Godslayer Sword wasn’t called by that name. Instead, it was known as Surtur’s Sword, famed for its ability to breach any defense save for the Parangshini Shield.”

“My ancestor, with their unparalleled mastery in swordsmanship, acquired this blade. Many years later, they wielded it to challenge the Goddess of the High Heavens, who at that time commanded the authority of [Freedom].”

“Although my ancestor perished in that god-slaying battle, they successfully dealt a critical blow to the Goddess of the High Heavens, laying the groundwork for victory in that great war. This also proved that Surtur’s Sword was truly a weapon capable of harming a deity!”

“From then on, Surtur’s Sword earned the title of the Godslayer Sword!”

Anna trembled with excitement, her eyes alight with a mixture of fascination and yearning for the divine artifact. It was as if merely touching the blade would be enough to fulfill her life’s purpose.

‘But with the curse on her… if Anna truly touched the Godslayer Sword, wouldn’t the divine artifact shatter?’

Eve Wells mused.

Anna hadn’t finished her tale. She continued, her voice still brimming with excitement: “However, the blade truly earned the name Godslayer Sword over a thousand years ago, when someone wielded it to kill the Goddess of the Forest! They successfully brought about the downfall of a deity!”

As Anna’s words left her lips, Eve Wells noticed Yulim Wilivia, who had been warming herself by the fire, suddenly shiver and lower her head in dismay.

However, even though she noticed, Eve Wells had no energy to focus on Yulim Wilivia’s changing emotions at that moment.

The information Anna had just revealed was simply too astounding!

Initially, Eve Wells had assumed the Godslayer Sword’s legacy was a continuous one, where others would immediately take up the mantle after Anna’s ancestor failed, collectively wearing down the deity.

Yet, the truth was far more dramatic: Anna’s ancestor had initiated the assault, severely crippling the god before retreating, their mission accomplished.

It was a pity, according to Anna, that the final blow wasn’t struck by the Godslayer Sword itself. But what did that matter?

Its wielder had delivered the highest, most crucial damage throughout the entire battle!

And that wasn’t all. The Godslayer Sword eventually achieved its ultimate desire, claiming the life of another deity and officially earning its legendary status!

Undeniably, the Godslayer Sword’s two major achievements were absolutely formidable. However, the more impressive the Godslayer Sword became, the more formidable the other divine artifact, the Parangshini Shield – whose name Eve Wells was hearing for the second time – appeared!

‘A defense that even a god-slaying sword couldn’t pierce? Just how impenetrable must that be!’

Eve Wells thought of her own coffin, a fresh wave of curiosity washing over her. ‘I wonder which has stronger defenses, my novice village coffin or the Parangshini Shield?’

Such thoughts, however, could only remain in her mind. Divine artifacts were hardly easy to encounter.

Moreover, both were defensive items; their power could only be tested by external attacks. Yet, if even the strongest attack couldn’t breach their defenses, how could one determine a victor?

Anna set down her empty skewer, leaning back as she propped herself up with her hands on her crossed thighs. She gazed towards the distant forest, her eyes filled with a wistful anticipation. “I heard that the Godslayer Sword is still embedded deep within the Elven Forest, left behind in the place where the Goddess of the Forest perished.”

“If only I could, I’d truly love to see that sword up close…”

The young woman’s voice carried a blend of longing and melancholy. After all, that sword had once been considered a family heirloom of the Tiabruns family. However, due to the family’s curse, it was likely lost to them forever.

“No… you mustn’t go there!”

Just then, a small voice suddenly cut through the air, drawing the attention of both Eve Wells and Anna.

It was Yulim Wilivia. She had abruptly risen from the ground. Despite being observed by both of them, the timid, socially anxious girl looked at Anna with an unyielding gaze.

“That place… it has become a cursed land…”

“Anyone who goes there will be afflicted by a god’s curse…”

Anna blinked innocently, then waved her hand with a lighthearted laugh. “Well, well~ even if there’s a curse, what of it? I already have one, so another won’t make much difference, will it~?”

Hearing this, Eve Wells immediately gave Anna a thumbs-up. ‘Only you, Anna! Most people say ‘many skills don’t weigh you down,’ but for you, it’s ‘many curses don’t weigh you down,’ isn’t it?’

Still, it had to be said, Anna’s open-minded and optimistic attitude was truly uncommon.

However, the more Anna spoke this way, the more anxious Yulim Wilivia became. She was so distressed that tears welled in her eyes, as she shook her head repeatedly.

“Truly… you truly mustn’t go there…”

Observing Yulim Wilivia’s desperate state, Eve Wells stroked her chin. A disturbing thought surfaced in her mind, prompting her to ask quickly: “Yulim Wilivia, you’re so against Anna going there… could it be that you’ve already been there and been cursed yourself?”

Yulim Wilivia turned her head to look at Eve Wells, a flicker of surprise and unease in her eyes. Ultimately, she lowered her gaze and nodded her head.

Anna’s smile faded. “Ah? How come I’ve never heard you, Yulim Wilivia, mention having a curse?”

But swiftly, Anna scratched her head, muttering: “Wait, Yulim Wilivia, you hardly ever speak anyway…”

Eve Wells couldn’t shake the feeling that Anna’s head-scratching posture resembled a certain meme: ‘My head itches, I feel like I’m growing a brain.jpg’.

Anna then pressed further: “What kind of curse did you receive, Yulim Wilivia? You don’t seem to have any abnormalities normally.”

Yulim Wilivia drew her neck back, not daring to speak. She merely stole a glance at Eve Wells.

Eve Wells instantly understood her thoughts and quickly raised a hand in assurance: “Don’t worry, we’re sworn sisters, family! I, Luosha, will guard the secret of your curses for life; I’ll never reveal it to anyone!”