When I Tried Strengthening 【Rusted Sword】, It Evolved Into An Overpowered Magic Sword
Vol. 1 - Ch. 3 - The Rusted Sword

'Pffft!'

Someone broke into a boisterous laughter, it was so loud and incessant that soon, other also joined in as well. It sounded like they would die if they don't let the air out of their chest.

"Ha-ha-ha! What's with that last one! He brought out a filthy and tattered sword! It's the worst F-ranked sacred weapon I've ever seen in my life! Ouch, my stomach hurts!"

Helio's laughter was the instigator, and it made the people around me chuckle a little too.

I couldn't blame anyone for laughing. After all, there were so many good weapons that came out today, there were even a lot of high quality ones, because of this, people's expectations were already high even when it came to my turn. However, instead of expanding the collection of high ranked weapons, I pulled out a rotting sword. 

No wonder they found the situation comical.

Truthfully, if I wasn't the one who got this weapon, I too might have found it funny.

But there was no denying the fact that it was me who pulled out this sword. I was clearly the one who got it, and of course, I couldn't be dismissive and just 'laugh' it off.

I casted my eyes back down at the sacred weapon I have been blessed with and visibly winced, 'Name: Rusted Sword; Rank: F; Level: 1; Attack Power: 1; Benefit: Strength +0, Endurance +0, Agility +0, Magic +0, Vitality +0; Skills: None; Durability value: 10/10.'

The blade was covered in rust, and it was aged and discolored from its tip up to its hilt. It didn't look like a sword which can be used to slay monsters. Rather, it didn't resemble a sword at all! It looked more like a scrap of garbage. To be honest, I don't think a junk shop with even take it.

I'd sooner believe this was pulled out of a dumpster than it being a sacred weapon. Even without knowing of its properties, it would be clear to anyone who sees it that it is an F-ranked weapon; the weakest class of all the sacred weapons.

It didn't even have a single drop of 'magic' in it, and it certainly can't give me any 'skills'. I didn't even receive a single 'benefit' from this weapon, all of it is zero.

There was absolutely no way I would get stronger with a sword like this! 

The people in the temple began whispering to themselves, and though I couldn't hear them clearly I knew they were discussing me. I bit my bottom lip in frustration. I don't need anyone else telling me about my current situation! I can see it clearly with my own eyes. 

I know that my blessing ceremony is a complete failure!

"Oh, my God, I've laughed so much. Thanks for that awesome comeback, Rust. Let's go home, guys!"

As soon as Helio-kun said that to his posse, the crowd also started to disperse until not a single body was left in the temple, except for me. 

 As expected, no adventurer came up to talk to me.

I was left all alone. No one cared about me at all, "Tsk!"

Without a second thought, I turned on my heels and started running away. I could hear the sword clatter behind me as I dragged myself out of there.

"Hey, Rust!" I saw Ruby up ahead. It seemed as though she was just arriving back from her meeting with Hero Pearl. She was walking towards the temple when I bumped into her. But I didn't stop to greet her. Instead, I quickened my pace and sped past her.

I ran past the entire village. 

I continued running as fast as I could until my feet carried me deep into the forest. 

I had no point of destination and it didn't matter to me where I was. I just wanted to get away from everybody, and so I just focused on quickening my steps in hopes that I could escape the disappointment that welled up inside my heart. 

'Fuck, fuck, fuck!'

I wanted to be an adventurer. 

I wanted to be a hero too! 

However, it now seems like that will never happen. I'm not even being unnecessarily dramatic, the sword in my hand weighs heavy with the truth. It is enough proof for me that, that dream of mine was no longer possible.

I've never heard of anyone becoming an adventurer after receiving an F-rank sacred weapon.

Even E-ranked sacred weapons weren't considered strong enough to use and fight against demons with. Trying to be a hero with a sword like this is a... pipe dream.

It seemed as though I was destined to remain at the sidelines for the rest of my life.

I came to a halt when I reached what seemed to be the middle of the forest. 

By then, I was struggling to breath and I could feel my lungs working overtime to pump oxygen in my blood. I could also feel myself slightly tremble with fatigue. I let out sharp breaths, "Haha... haha... haha!"

I finally let myself collapsed onto the forest grounds, and for what seemed like an eternity, I just knelt there with nothing but my thoughts to accompany me. I only began to stir when I noticed darkness settling around me. As I lifted my gaze, my eyes chanced upon the figure of a woman.

I unconsciously gasped as she stepped closer towards me. She had shining white hair that extended down to her waist. Her skin was clear, pure and white as that of a priceless pear. Furthermore, she had a beautiful face.

'It's Hero Pearl,' I thought to myself.

I saw that she was standing next to a horse that was tied up to one of the trees in the forest. She also looked like she was ready to mount it and break out into a gallop at any second. I was puzzled by her presence, especially when I knew that she had just found a potential new talent; Ruby. 

I expected that after meeting with my childhood friend, she and her company would prepare to head back to the capital. Therefore, I wondered what she was doing here instead.

We were both standing in the middle of the forest just awkwardly staring at each other in silence. When my eyes met hers, I felt a sudden urge inside me which prompted me to say something.

'Please take care of Ruby', I should probably tell her something like that. While I was engrossed on thinking about what I should say to her, she crossed over to my side and started speaking first, "You're Ruby Blood's childhood friend, I presume."

My eyes widened in surprised, "How do you know who I am?"

"While she and I were discussing about her potential recruitment to our party, she told me the you and her had made a vow to become adventurers together. She asked us if we could recruit you as well into our party."

I couldn't help but let out a sigh as I thought of my red headed friend, "Ruby..."

I didn't think she'd actually ask Hero Pearl a big favor such as this!

It was true that we both promised we'd become adventurers together but she did not have to be so considerate and ask to bring me into her future party, and be with her. Especially now that I have been given the lowest graded sacred weapon, even for the F-class, she's far too generous.

Thinking about my sacred weapon made me feel even more depressed. However, before I could further recoil at the memories of today, I saw Hero Pearl stir up in front of me, opened her mouth and spoke, "Truthfully, I would have considered granting her request depending on the outcome of the ceremony, but as we've seen, I don't think there's more for me to think about. You aren't fit to join us."

Her bluntness rendered me speechless, "Eh?"

"You won't be an adventurer. If you force yourself to fight, you will surely fall prey to demons and monsters." The Hero looked at the rusty sword in my right hand as she spoke frankly to me.

I already know that what she was telling me was the truth. Regardless, when my favorite adventurer said that to me, I felt crushed, and there was a massive blow to my ego. Just when I thought I could no longer sink further below, this happened.

As I wallowed in self-pity, Hero Pearl continued talking, "Due to your relationship as childhood friends, Ruby Blood will probably try to talk to you and give you some encouragement. However, I think it's crueler to let you get your hopes up. Therefore, on behalf of Ruby Blood, I must tell you; it is better for you to give up gracefully on this dream. Don't lose hope just because you can't be an adventurer, there are plenty of other paths for you to take."

I could only remain silent as she walked all over my dreams and the remains of my self-confidence.

She's definitely right, though.

I can't be an adventurer this way. 

I'll have to find another way to become one.

I also know that if I force myself to fight, I'll just be cannon fodder and die a dog's death.

Furthermore, she's also right about her assumption that Ruby would try to encourage me, so I know she'll never tell me that I should give up on my dream. That's why Hero Pearl was here and talking to me, on Ruby's behalf. She was telling me the things she knew my friend would be too afraid to say to my face. Even if it sounded harsh.

Before Hero Pearl pulled on the reigns of her horse and left the forest, she reminded me once more, "You can't be an adventurer." 

After she said this she galloped away from the forest and left me behind. 

I was once again standing alone in the forest, defenseless and powerless.

Eventually, I heard a familiar voice growing more pronounced and coming up at me, "Oh, Rust!"

It was Ruby's voice.

I casted my eyes sideways and saw her running towards me, and her long and thick red hair was swaying against the wind.

When she finally arrived beside me she gave me an anxious look before speaking, "I was so worried about you! I wondered where you went. What are you doing here?"

I decided I'm not going to say anything to her. I'm not going to tell her that I have met Hero Pearl here and that I also had a talk with her. Most importantly, I won't tell her what she told me.

Seeing that I was resolutely keeping my silence, Ruby apprehensively asked, "What kind of sacred weapon did you receive? I wasn't there at the time, so I didn't see the last ceremony. What does it look like?"

I felt like it would be more helpful and she'll understand better if she just sees it with her own eyes, than hear my explanation, and so I raised the battered sword I was holding and told her in a slugging voice, "It's an F-ranked sacred weapon. It has skills, no magic, no benefits, nothing. It's just a rusted sword." It is what it is Ruby.

"I, I see..."

The atmosphere between us became even more awkward now that she's seen it.

The difference between us became even more pronounced. It's just like what I said prior to the ceremony; Ruby is an A grader and I'm an F.

She's the strongest and I'm the weakest.

Ruby was recruited by the strongest adventurers, while I didn't catch anyone's attention.

Even though I promised to be an adventurer with her, my reality and current situation is really pathetic and is way behind her.

When I remained silent and unable to say anything, Ruby said something I really didn't want to hear, "I'm sorry about the result of the ceremony, Rust. But that doesn't mean you can't become an adventurer. Hang in there, and I'm sure you'll become an adventurer! I know you're full of determination, and what's more, I'll even help... you!"

'Help me? You're going to help me become an adventurer? Does that mean you're willing to spend your time training with me until I become strong enough to be an adventurer?  What are you going to do about the invitation you received from hero Pearl?' I wanted to spat those questions at her but I know it's useless, since it's obvious to me how Ruby would have answered.

Ruby, who is kind and caring, would certainly refuse to be recruited for my sake.

Even though she was recruited by the most promising party, she's the type to prioritize her friends. I can't do that to her. I can't be the one who's going to hold her back and for as long as I was alive, I'm not going to let her waste her life and potential for my sake. She's not going to give up her future for my sake.

I took a deep breath and faced her intently, "Go ahead, and wait for me."

"What?"

"I wasn't recruited by any party, but I'm sure I'll get stronger and pass the adventurer's exam on my own. One day, I'll gather enough companions to beat even the hero party, and I'll catch up with you Ruby. So, you can go ahead and wait for me."

She stared at me with glistening eyes, "Rust..."

'I don't want you to worry about me. I want you to go ahead. I'll be fine on my own. Most of all, please don't make me feel even more embarrassed of myself. I have a little pride, too. More importantly I haven't given up.' I wanted to tell her these, but I felt even these words weren't enough to really express what I was feeling inside. Therefore, I let my eyes do the pleading to her and hoped that she'd understand my true meaning.

Helio-kun laughed at me, the Hero told me I could never reach my dreams, while Ruby showed concern for me.

Despite everything, I still haven't given up hope in becoming an adventurer.

Rather than feel even more depressed by these events, I suddenly felt a slow burning fire rise up inside of me. 

No matter how long it takes, I will become an adventurer ... and a hero.

"Ru-, if Rust says so, ... then yeah, I'll go ahead and wait for you. Just promise me you'd do your best to become an adventurer too. You'll have to catch up to me. This is our next promise!"

"Yeah, it's a promise."

Though I wasn't able to fulfill our promise to become adventurers together, I had hopes for our new promise.

I'm sure I'll catch up to Ruby.

The next day, Ruby left the Red Village to become the adventurer she always wanted to be. 

-To be continued.

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