The Soldier and The Novelist

The Hand That Grips the Sword

“City…?”

Hugh’s face, repeating the word, was mixed with astonishment and confusion. Gold also let out a small whistle in admiration.

“That’s certainly a bit strange,” I said, resting my elbows on the table and clasping my hands in front of my mouth, waiting for the novelist to continue.

“It’s strange, isn’t it? Why would there be a city on the side of such a deserted mountain that isn’t even on a map? No matter how much historical research I do, no matter what literature I read, there’s no record of people living there. In other words, it’s a mystery city that hasn’t yet come to the forefront of history.”

The novelist’s tone was heated. Even as she spoke, she couldn’t hide her excitement about the content. “Furthermore, according to the man’s story, the buildings in that city were made with highly advanced technology. Do you know about water-resistant calcium concrete?”

Only Hugh nodded at the question. “I believe it’s the material technology that’s also used in the central terminal of Ixlaha. It was proposed as a technical system in 1756, but it only began to be put into practical use globally in the last few years…”

The novelist snapped his fingers, indicating that he was correct.

“Surprisingly, all of the buildings were made using that technology. And based on the degree of deterioration of the buildings and the growth of the plants that sprouted from the gaps, it seems that the city had been extinct for nearly ten years. In other words, this civilization was using water-resistant calcium even a decade ago, at the very least.”

“What the hell…” Hugh was stunned and opened his mouth in disbelief. The novelist seemed somewhat satisfied with his reaction. A question mark hung over my and Gold’s heads. Seeing us like that, Hugh spoke up.

“Anyway, it’s an incredible scientific technology even compared to modern times. However, the fact that it existed in such a remote place like that…”

“Yeah, if that’s true, it’s beyond strange. Even the soldier couldn’t believe his eyes.”

“Is there no possibility that his story was just a tall tale, miss writer?” Gold asked with a malicious smile.

The novelist replied with a wry smile. “Unfortunately, that possibility cannot be denied. The man apparently brought out various things that could serve as evidence from that ruin, but they were all confiscated by the Yunaria government and subjected to censorship. In cases like this, the chances of them returning to his possession are hopeless.”

“Which means…” Hugh lowered his head in thought before raising it again. “If everything in that story is true, then the Holy See should now be aware of the existence of that city.”

The novelist nodded. “Depending on the evidence they confiscated, most likely. Sooner or later, the government will undoubtedly organize a reconnaissance team for investigation.”

I involuntarily rose from my chair. “So people will enter that mountain?”

“Eventually,” the novelist answered, her voice tinged with bitterness. She released her arms, which were crossed in front of her chest, as if shaking them off.

“But I want to climb that mountain before that happens,” she said, placing both hands on the round table once more.

“If the Holy See intervenes, it’s almost certain that ordinary people won’t be able to enter that area. The existence of that city and its mystery won’t be revealed to the public until their investigation is over. I can’t wait for that,” she continued, her tone strong with determination.

“Invincible monsters, advanced technology, the reason why that city was born, and why it perished. Everything is strange, everything is mysterious, and nothing can be explained.

But…” The novelist eventually opened her arms, as if looking up at the sky. “Don’t you feel like there’s an incredible story waiting for us there?”

With an innocent and curious expression, her eyes sparkled a dazzling chestnut color. Her cheeks were slightly flushed, and her lips curved gently with anticipation. Her expression was that of a teenage girl in love.

It was hard to believe that this was the same person who had looked at me with cold eyes yesterday.

Hugh interrupted her and chuckled. “Sorry, but I think I understand why I’m so fascinated by your writing. Your passion for creation is on a completely different level than us mere mortals. What draws me to your work is your sincere dedication. I have great respect for you, Professor Forester.”

“I’m just a poor novelist,” she replied with a wry smile. “I can’t create a complete fiction. All I can do is gently awaken the story that lies dormant within.”

Gold laughed next. “Hahaha! In other words, you want to go to that mountain because you want to write a story about it. Simple and straightforward, I like it.”

The novelist’s expression brightened at his words. But then Gold made a sarcastic gesture with both hands. “However, as I said before, I have a prior engagement that I can’t break. Sorry.”

The novelist’s expression tightened, and her gaze turned to me. Gold grinned and asked, “So what will you do, Professor Forester? Should I ask again? Will you cancel the request?”

The novelist stared at me in silence, and her eyes no longer held the contempt that they did just a moment before. Instead, they conveyed a sense of deep contemplation and distress.

We were about to set off to the mountain, where the invincible monster lived, a mercenary who had fought it before, and yesterday’s incident. Should I follow my own will or should I restrain my emotions with reason?

I stared back at her in silence.

Soon, the novelist closed her eyes and took a deep breath. After exhaling a deep breath, she slowly opened her eyelids.

“Mercenary… Sword, was it?”

For the first time, she uttered my name, and I nodded in response.

“Ah.”

“…I withdraw my previous statement and make the request again.”

And with a slightly dissatisfied expression on her face, she extended her right hand towards me. “Will you escort me to the ruined city on the mid-slope of Evilshaw Mountain?”

I stood up from my chair. My answer was already decided.

…Ever since the invincible monster of Evilshaw appeared before me.

My right hand gripped her slender, white hand that was extended towards me.

“Yes, I will accept.”

◆

And so began the journey of the mercenary and the novelist.