In Dein's hands, a whirlwind of sparks slowly formed into something that resembled a sword.
Watching it, Dein smiled. After all, he has a lot of expectations for this memory he got for killing Lei, because this will be his one and only weapon for until he got lucky again and received another one from the Spell.
Furthermore, Dein already has an idea of what kind of weapon it'll probably be. The same blackened wooden sword Clay's echo once used to behead the priestess of the sun, Gi.
Dein's smile widened, turning into a grin in excitement. Before the sword could fully manifest itself. Dein decided to give the runes a read first.
Memory: [Wood O'courage]
Memory Rank: Awakened
Memory Tier: I
Memory Type: Weapon
Memory Description: [When Sun destroyed Hope's kingdom, everything burned. Reduced to ashes. And yet, in the kingdom that should have been drowning in flame, a single branch from an unknown tree managed to escape. Thinking of it as a sign, the followers of Sun fashioned it into a sword, becoming a memento to honor the sun and their immortal guardian Sevirax. Only for it to be taken by one of the Sun's priestess to a place where a tiny spark of the Sun's mighty flame fell.]
'Huh?'
Dein contemplated the description for a moment. There is a lot there he doesn't understand but the description itself already gives Dein enough idea of the sword's origin.
From what he could understand, it seems that in the history of dream realm, there was once a kingdom ruled by someone or something named Hope. And the sun destroyed it. By that, of course, the Spell probably meant the Sun god. One of the six gods.
It seems that people then are delusional enough to believe a wood that escaped destruction is sign from their god. The description also gives light on what the Sacred Flame that the tribe worshiped is. A tiny spark of a god's power it seems. That said, what surprised Dein more was the mention of the immortal guardian.
'Sevirax… does that mean that being still lives today?'
There's a chance, but probably not. And if it does then it's probably an undying nightmare creature now. Terrorizing the dream realm.
[L-let's hope we don't meet anyone like that on winter solstice, okay?]
Dein chuckled at Scaredy's whimpering while the sword finally materialized itself on his hand. And when it did, his eyes widened in disbelief.
"Oh come on Spell! This again?"
He complained. In his hand, a burned wood that barely resembled a sword lay. It's quite long but not all sharp. Like an unfinished product. It doesn't resemble the one used by Lei in the slightest.
The sword had a short crossguard and a grip as long as Dein's whole forearm. It does have a pommel but the blade itself is the problem. It's completely round. Like a long cylindrical wood that ends with a sharp point.
If Dein were to describe this 'weapon' then its like someone picked up a charcoal and fashioned it to resemble a sword but got bored along the way and decided not to make the blade anymore.
Though the handle does look similar to the one Lei had. Although a bit odd.
Looking at the unassuming blade. Dein sighed, resigning from his frustration as he tried to swing the blade downwards.
"Let's see how your little prank hold itself up, Spell…"
But just as he said, Dein couldn't help but smile. Yes, the sword may seem odd and the blade is just problematic. In fact, there is no blade at all! But the moment Dein swung the sword, he felt a newfound confidence bloom in him.
It's as if he could do anything with this blade. Like everything and anything he face will not be a challenge!
It was then that he understood why it's called [Wood O'courage].
It's because its wielder can never feel fear.
*****
A few hours later. Dein found himself inside a clean room. In front of him, an Awakened female ask him questions as she type continuesly on her government communicator. Recording Dein's every answer.
After she type something. She looked at Dein again and asked with a smile.
"So, Mr.Dein of the Hearth. Would you like to share with me what your aspect does?"
Dein stared at her seriously. He contemplated for how to answer her since Dein haven't really explored what his aspect ability is. And based on the description, its probably a utility one as well, though he can't be sure since it required defeating an opponent.
After a while of silence. Dein decided to give a straightforward answer.
"I… actually don't know yet. The description only said it can steal a fragment of the soul of the things I defeated"
He said. Slightly unsure if that's the right decision. After all, Dein really, really wants to make this peoples know that he's capable and not some coward who did nothing but hide in his first nightmare for two whole years!
Because of Caster, Dein now has to reclaim his dignity from those idiots who made fun of him earlier. But that said… it's not like he could lie either.
If he does and told them his ability could make him turn into a giant or something, then he would be in trouble if the instructor forced him to show this ability in training. And he's a Legacy too, lying will be a taint to his honor!
So, Dein has no choice but to tell the truth and nothing but the truth.
He can only hope that the instructor would still think his ability is pretty cool and not think any less of him.
But to his dismay, the instructor said.
"I see, so your aspect ability allows you to extract soul shards with much efficiency?"
Dein was stunned for a bit before embarrassedly scratching the side of his face.
"Y-yeah… I, I think so?"
'Dammit! I hoped she wouldn't understand it!'
But she did, how stupid! Now everyone would really think he hid for two whole years because of his stupid aspect! At least, this woman will think that. There's no way, he'll allow them to display his information for everyone to see after all.
Dein gritted his teeth.
In the end, Dein decided to say everything there is to know about his aspect ability and two attributes. Of course, he hid the fact about his four souls and innate ability as well as about [Looming Fate]. After all, Freya seems to be cautious to people knowing he has four souls. What more if they found out he can create more?
And so, everything went exactly as Scaredy begged it to be.
[D-don't worry, like I said it'll be much better if people think we're weak. I mean, we are weak, so…]
Dein clicked his tongue, shutting him up.
"Who said I wanted to be weak!"
But Dein suddenly paused. Realizing what he had done. He turned and looked around the park he's currently walking, on his way to his dormitory. Luckily no one was around so Dein continued.
"Being known as weak isn't good at all. I am a Legacy, I bear the honor of my whole Clan on my shoulder. Being weak is just not an option when I'm supposed to be one of the future guardians of humanity."
Dein sighed, stopping on track to look at the moon rising from the early night. He gripped his hand tighter as a grim expression dawned on his face.
"I… want to be strong too."
The three in Dein's mind turned silent when they heard that.