When I Tried Strengthening 【Rusted Sword】, It Evolved Into An Overpowered Magic Sword
Vol. 1 - Ch. 4 - The First Battle

Three days had passed since Ruby had left our village. 

Since she's been gone, it seems that my world has also grown quieter. 

I never realized before how lonely it was to wake up in the morning by myself. I always thought someone waking me up was quite meddlesome and even annoying, but somehow I was missing the light nagging of someone else beside me.

To be honest, I wasn't feeling down just because Ruby was gone. There were other people, people my age who were also recruited to become adventurers after the sacred ceremony. They have also left the village as soon as they could. Perhaps that's why the whole village feels quieter now. 

I slowly woke up and proceeded downstairs. The sight of my mom cleaning the house greeted me. She perked up when she heard my footsteps and tossed me a gentle smile, "Oh, good morning, Rust!"

"Oh, good morning, Mom."

After our small exchange, I spun on my heels and headed straight to the kitchen. 

As I walked, I tried my best to stay out of my mom's cleaning as best as I could. I then took out a glass and filled it with water. I carried my drink as I headed to the dining table and tried to wash away the sleepiness that still lingered in my body with the coolness of my drink. I instantly felt refreshed.

While sipping from my glass, I absentmindedly watched my mother as she swept the floors.

Come to think of it, I wonder what my mom truly thought about the results of my blessing ceremony? When I told her that I had been blessed with an F-rank sacred weapon, she just answered; "I see."

Other than that, she said nothing, and she never even tried to bring it up during our conversations.

I wonder if she could tell from the expression on my face and the tone of my voice that when I first told her the news that I was deeply depressed by it?

I tried to hide my feelings as best as I could, but it seems as though my mom still noticed them.

I was pulled out of my reverie when I heard my mother speaking to me, "There's something I've been meaning to talk about with you, Rust," she started, "...I've noticed that you've been holed up in your room a lot lately, are you okay?"

The sudden question made me flinch, "Huh? Uh... yeah. I'm fine, mom." 

Now that my mom said it, I wondered if I was really spending most of my time in my room. Have I never really gone out ever since that day I had my sacred ceremony? However, just thinking about the growing list of things I needed to do or could do outside of my covers just made me lose even more energy to do anything at all. My mother seemed to sense that I was trying to conjure up an excuse for her so before I could, she spoke up first, "I guess you still miss Ruby?"

Her sudden remark caught me off-guard, I began feeling melancholic at the mention of my oldest friend, "Ruby...well yeah, I've been with her for as long as I can remember, so maybe I miss her a little bit. But that's not why I've been holed up in my room."

I began to reason but my mother gave me a look of disbelief, "I know you're sad that your beloved friend Ruby left, but you should get some more time under the sun."

"She is not my beloved!" I denied even as I felt my cheeks heating up.

It's true that I miss Ruby, but that's not the reason why I've been holed up.

I've actually spent my alone time just thinking about my life and what I wanted to do. 

The fact is, my dream is still the same. Despite what happened, I still aimed to become an adventurer in the future. Still, I wasn't naïve enough to think that such a dream wasn't going to be hard to achieve. I did, after all, receive an F-ranked sacred weapon. I know I need to think carefully about what I should do in order to reach my goal. Besides, there was something else I needed to do first.

"Oh, by the way, Mom..."

"Hmm? What is it?"

"I'm thinking of getting a job in the village soon, do you know of any openings I could check out?"

It has always been customary that those who received their blessing ceremony were recognized as adults. Therefore, they also became eligible to work, and I felt like I needed to carry my weight and contribute to our household, especially because my father was no longer with us. He died of an illness even before I had any consciousness. So my mother ended up raising me by herself. I knew, the sooner I get a job, the better it will be for our family.

Even though I plan on getting a job, it still doesn't mean I'm giving up my dreams of becoming an adventurer. It just means it's going to be hard for me, still my determination will not waver.  As I was strengthening my resolve and planning my next courses of action, my mother said something unexpected, "Well, getting a job is not an option for you!"

 I gave my mom a confused look, "Huh?"

"Because, Rust, you want to be an adventurer, don't you?"

"Ah, right! I mean, yes, but..."

"That's right! Don't you already have something to do, Rust? You don't have time to spare for work, do you?"

I was dumbfounded by what my mother said. She said it so surely, as if there was no other reality for me than that. She expected me to train. I should be training.

I know that sacred weapons can be strengthened by defeating monsters. According to one theory, fighting monsters with the weapon you were blessed with by the gods can make it stronger. To be honest, I don't know if that theory is true or not, but I've seen adventurers increase the level of their sacred weapons by battling with monsters.

Since I had been given the lowest-ranked sacred weapon, I had to experience more battles than anyone else to become stronger.

My mother is right, if I don't train during the time I'm working, then I will never be able to achieve my dream of becoming an adventurer. That's why I've been holed up in my room thinking about it. I wanted to find a way to balance work and training. I've been asking myself, if my mom will allow me to prioritize my training over my work? Will she be giving me a chance to prove myself? I struggled with these thoughts over these past few days. 

My mother was giving me the greenlight, but is it really alright for me to do that? 

She then gave me one last push, "I've made you a lunch box, so take it and do your best out there."

My mom's unconditional support made the back of my eyes feel hot, "Mother..."

I figured that no one would support me and they would think that there was no chance for me at all.

Even with E-ranked sacred weapons, one would still have a hard time fighting demons. What more with trying to be a hero with a sword like this is, it really is a pipe dream.

But thanks to my mom, my heart was spared more heartaches. I quickly put the lunch she prepared in my cloth bag, carried the 'Rusted Sword' on my back, and put my shoes on. Just as I was about to step out of our door, I turned to look at my mom and said, "Thanks, Mom. I'll get going then!"

She smiled at me and replied, "Yeah, go get 'em!"

After we said our goodbyes I ran out of our house and sped across the streets. 

I felt a little better knowing that there were people who expected a lot from me. I was thankful to Mom, because of her undying support and I was also grateful for Ruby who promised that she would wait for me at the top.

I've certainly been blessed to have them in my life, even though I wasn't blessed with a high ranking weapon.

My cheeks reddened with happiness, and I kept running.

Eventually, I was able to leave the village's premises and finally made it into a nearby forest. 

I stepped into the 'Whispering Forest'. The forest trees around me started swaying against the passing wind, and the soft cool breeze left behind a rustling sound that resembled that of faint whisperings. Its smooth vibrations grew more melodious as more leaves fluttered and rubbed against each other. 

I've been told since I was a little kid to stay away from the depths of this forest because it was dangerous here. They used to tell us children that monsters permeated the woods, and in particular, a monster called 'Treant' was infamous in the area. It was a tree-like monster that attacked people as soon as it saw them. It was also often said that they used vines that stretched out like arms to wrap around people and sucked out their vitality.

Apparently, human vitality is their favorite food, because it gives them the best type of 'nutrition'.

It sounds like a terrifying creature, but I've read it doesn't actually have great fighting abilities. It also falls under the class of weak kind of monster because it doesn't have any special attacks and only attacks with wooden vines that extend like two arms.

I figured they would be the perfect opponent for me to practice with.

So I proceeded to the depths of the Whispering Forest. As I stepped deeper into the woods, I quickly spotted what I was looking for!

"There you are." I whispered to myself as I saw a Treant

They indeed roamed in the forest, and they moved their thick roots around like legs. Thankfully, there seemed to be only just one of them. However, the sight of the monster made me break out in a cold sweat. 

I shook my head and tried to dismiss those thoughts. 

This wasn't the time for me to be afraid!

I tightened my grip on the Rusted sword that was still hanging from my back. I then quickly pulled it out of its sheath, without a second thought. I also gave one last glance at the details of my sacred weapon; 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.

Again, it still had no magic, no skills, no benefits. It's just a 'Rusted Sword'.

I decided that even though it's not the most reliable weapon in the world, it'll do, for now.

Maybe it's not completely useless, after all, it did have one 'Attack Power'. 

The monsters have a hard skin called 'Magic Armor', it's because of it that ordinary weapons can't hurt them, but the 'attack power' which is often found in sacred weapons, can penetrate through the magical armor.

In other words, even this 'Rusted Sword' with an attack power of one, is still capable of defeating monsters.

I let out a nervous breath and tried to calm my erratic heartbeat, "It's all good, you can do this..."

I told myself that and squeezed the hilt of my sword tightly, making sure my grip on it was stable. Just then, the Treant noticed me and moved towards me, using its roots as its feet. It produced a hissing sound!

'Gigigi!'

"Here it comes..." I whispered and braced myself to meet its attack.

The Treant waved wooden vines which resembled its arms and swung it like a whip. I quickly ducked in order to avoid it. As soon as I did that, I continued charging forward until the Treant's defenseless body was in front of me. So I swung my sword at it with all of my might.

"Hah!"

With my rusted sword, I slashed the Treant's body!

No, perhaps it would be more correct to say that I slapped it with my sword rather than slashed.

'BOOM!' there was a sound that sounded very much not like a slash, and the Treant bent back slightly, and let out another hissing sound.

My eyes widened as realization dawned on me, it works! My sacred weapon really works!

Although it didn't decapitate it, there was still a bit of damage done at the area struck by the 'Rusted Sword'. Despite its looks, it cannot be denied that it is still a sacred weapon and has offensive powers.

I straightened my back and prepared for the next attack, I was slowly gaining confidence, 'I can win this, in some way'.

As I found hope and a chance for victory I began to secretly rejoice. The Trent swung its wooden vines again. I absentmindedly wondered if he got angry because he got hit. Its attack on me was quicker than its last blow and this time it was speeding at me and aiming at my lower extremities, much lower than the last time so I couldn't avoid it by crouching down.

"Damn it!" I exclaimed as the vine snapped at me like a whip, I knew I couldn't block it with my sword and so I was struck by it.

The forceful motion blew me away, and my back collided against a large tree behind me because I couldn't brace myself, "Ow!"

I couldn't help but gasp for air, as I felt like I just hurled my lungs.

It hurts a lot. Really, a lot! There didn't seem like there was a single spot in my body where I didn't ache in pain. I gritted my teeth as I tried to stay focused. I almost got knocked out with just one hit!

This is the first time I've experienced the stress and rush of being on the verge of death. I finally knew what it felt like to be on the battlefield!

Even though Treants were considered a weak class, it's still a monster.

Since I don't have any 'benefits' from my sword, my current physical abilities were no different than those of an ordinary and poor twelve-year-old boy.

Having no 'benefit' is certainly a handicap.

Most sacred weapons had a special power in them called 'Benefit'.

Benefits refer to the increases in muscle strength and endurance of those who possess it, and it allows the most skillful of adventurers to achieve superhuman movements. Oftentimes, people have considered having 'benefits' was far more important than having 'magic' or 'skills'.

I've heard that the general average of 'benefits' in sacred weapons was one hundred points, and for D ranked sacred weapons, benefits would range between ten to twenty points. Even 'benefits' derived from low ranked sacred weapons was enough to give its bearer extraordinary physical abilities, and when the number exceeds three hundred points, its wielder is said to gain powers beyond human comprehension.

That's what my sword completely lacks. It had zero 'benefits'. Neither did it  have any attack power.

For 'attack powers', the general average is around one hundred points. Moreover, it is said that if it reaches beyond three hundred points, it can defeat most monsters, and if it is over five hundred points, then such a sacred weapon will go down in history as a legendary one.

Okay, let me pull out an example so that I can better explain the concept of 'benefits' and 'attack powers', for reference, let's use the sacred weapon of a Red Village Guard, who used to be a mid-level adventurer. His weapon had the following properties; Name: Heavy Bone Hand axe; Rank: C; Level: 20; Attack Power: 150; Benefit: Strength +170, Endurance: 120, Agility +80, Magic +0, Vitality +150, Skill: Muscle Strengthening; Durability value: 200/200.

I had asked him about the properties of the sacred weapon before out of curiosity, and he was kind enough to tell me about it.

It seems that with properties like that of his sacred weapon, one can become a respectable adventurer.

Based on history and the stories of our ancestors, the highest level of attack power reached over six hundred points, and up until this date, it's still the biggest attack power from a sacred weapon ever recorded. The legendary weapon's name was the 'Heavenly Holy Sword'.

Anyway, what I really mean to say by bringing 'properties', 'benefits' and 'attack powers' is that, I began to understand just how weak my sacred weapon actually is. I mean I knew it was already weak, but perhaps I didn't realize just how hard it would be to actually fight with it, especially without even a single benefit!

I gritted my teeth, regardless of my reality, I still have to fight with it. Frankly, I had no choice but to overcome my enemy with it.

I straightened my shoulders and adjusted my grip on my rusted sword.

Standing in front of me was the Treant, it stretched out its vines and started to tangle my limbs with it. I quickly ran and hid behind a large tree. One of its vines hooked itself onto a branch and wrapped around it tightly. I saw our close proximity as a chance for me to attack it at close range, "All right!"

I slipped to the side and pivoted towards it, I then slammed my rusty sword against its defenseless back. The Treant screamed. 

I struck again! 

Blow after blow, until I deliver three large slams and fanatically slashed at its exposed flesh. The monster continued to cry out in agony, "Oraaaaaaaa!"

With all my remaining power, I swung my sword at Treant's back. My hands were about to go numb, before I finally noticed a change in its demeanor. It let out a familiar hiss, "Gigi...!"

The Treant staggered slowly and collapsed to the ground, its body visibly weakened and its movements became sparse. For a few seconds I could hear its faint struggling until it became completely quiet.

I remained glued to my spot as I waited for any remaining signs of life or movements of retaliation from the Treant. However, none came. Just then, its whole body was covered by a sliver of light and then slowly disappeared.

"I...won?"

I stared at the empty ground where the Treant was once at, and glanced around the area, wondering if perhaps it was still around and hidden somewhere. But as seconds ticked by, I became more convinced that it was truly gone.

I've heard stories about this phenomenon wherein monsters would cease to exist. 

They said what happens during this process is that the monster's vitality would be depleted, which would in turn convert their corporeal forms into light that would slowly fade away and disappear. When that happens, it is proof that a monster or demon has been defeated. 

This meant that I had beaten Treant. With the weakest sacred weapon; the 'Rusted Sword'!

I let out a large sigh of relief, "I'm so tired!"

I could feel relief washing away the adrenaline that once flooded my veins. My  muscles started to relax and I felt weak on the knees. I sat down on the ground because I felt like I was on the verge of collapsing.

I took out a small water bottle from the cloth bag that was wrapped around my waist and drank some water. I instantly felt refreshed. I then took in the air around me.

As I predicted, fighting monsters is pretty draining.

I can't stop thinking that if only my weapon had an attack power, I would have a reasonable chance when it comes to fighting monsters. Alas, since my sacred weapon doesn't even have that, I'm left to struggle against a single Treant. As I am now, I know I won't be able to pass the adventurer's exams which are rumored to be quite hard. However, there may still be some chance for me to grow stronger. If I work hard and steadily defeat the monsters, perhaps I can make the 'Rusted Sword' stronger little by little.

Speaking of my sword, I wonder if I was able to raise the level of my sacred weapon?

So I looked at the properties of sacred weapon once more; 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: 6/10.

"Geez! The durability value is still this low!"

I can't help but shout in frustration.

I was vaguely aware that my level hadn't increased, but I didn't expect that my endurance value would decrease by almost half.

This would mean that I would only be able to fight against one more monster. I guess this means I better go to the temple after I kill the next Treant and replenish my weapon's endurance.

The temple is where one can restore the durability value of the sacred weapon. One can also repair sacred weapons that have been broken due to a total loss of durability. They say that by placing a sacred weapon, or part of a sacred weapon, on the altar and praying, the gods will restore it to its original state.

If a sacred weapon is completely shattered, all the features of the sacred weapon will also be gone. This means, one's attack powers, benefits, magic, and skills will all cease to function, making it impossible for one to fight the monsters. Therefore, it is better to fix it before it totally breaks.

At this rate, I'll probably be visiting the temple a lot in the future.

Going back and forth to the temple may not be very efficient either, after all, fighting with this weak sword is pretty ridiculous. It is so weak in the first place that it seems it is perpetually on the verge of disintegrating. Still, that doesn't mean it's completely trash, I can still fight with it.

That's right! There are definitely ways for me to become stronger.

Even my mom is supporting me, so I should take time and train some more to get stronger, even if my progress is slow. Besides, life in general is a constant struggle and everything is just a trial which I should overcome if I want to get the life I've always dreamed of. I glanced at my sword which was firmly tucked inside my right hand's palm. I tightened my hold on it and renewed my determination. I reminded myself that I can still become an adventurer.

I continued to spend most of my days hunting Treant deep in the forest.

Whether or not it was raining, I would still take the lunch prepared by my mother and my 'Rusted Sword' and go to the Whispering Forest.

Admittedly, there were days where I would return home crying because I had been beaten down on many occasions, and there were days when my durability value had been completely depleted and instances wherein sacred weapons had been broken.

Still, no matter the hardships, I pressed on and continued with my training.

I kept pushing myself to work hard, not just for my sake but for others...

I have to become an adventurer.

I have to reach the dream that I've always wanted. 

I have to live up to Mom's expectations. 

I have to catch up with Ruby.

I kept repeating these mantras and stuck to my routine of training. I just kept focused on my goals and before I knew it, three years had passed.

Somehow both a lot and little happened within that period.

For one, I'm still struggling with hunting down a single Treant, and my strength hasn't changed much.

-To be continued.

Search the lightnovelworld.cc website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.