The fourth day of the Grand Festival in Nyvaris dawned with a crisp chill and clear skies. After the excitement of the magical duels the day before, a new energy swept through the city—the Sword Duels were about to begin.
From early morning, lines of spectators queued up to get seats in the grand coliseum. Floating projections shimmered to life all over the city again, preparing to broadcast the battles. Vendors rolled in carts of warm bread, sizzling skewers, and hot cider. The bells rang once, twice, then thrice.
And the tournament began.
Contestants from all walks of life stepped into the ring. Some wore enchanted armor, others plain robes with their swords shining at their hips. Among them stood Hakuro, the aged yet sharp master swordsman. Though elderly in appearance, his movements were fluid and his eyes, razor-sharp.
Another figure caught the attention of the crowd: a woman in a dark combat kimono, her long black hair tied back neatly, and her face covered by a silver oni mask. Her aura was calm—yet daunting. She gave no name, but the registry simply read:
"Shizu."
The whispers started immediately.
"Shizu... That's not a local name, isn't that the flame hero?."
"Did you see the way she moved in her last duel? Like a breeze cutting steel..."
"She beat Lord Rendor of the southern sword school in two strikes!"
High above, in the nobles' box, Varvatos, Elmesia, and Velzard observed in curiosity.
Elmesia: "That woman... her style is unlike anything I've seen."
Varvatos (narrowing his eyes): "It's not just her style. That mask... it's not ornamental. It's magical. Sealing something—no, suppressing something... Something unstable."
As the preliminary matches concluded, only two remained—Hakuro and Shizu.
The arena fell silent as both stepped forward. The air seemed to tighten as their auras met. Hakuro gave a respectful bow.
Hakuro: "It is an honor to cross blades with someone of your caliber."
Shizu returned the bow silently. Her blade shimmered in the sunlight.
The moment the gong sounded, they vanished—reappearing mid-air with their swords clashing in a burst of shockwave. Sparks flew as the blades collided, and then again, and again.
Hakuro spun low, his blade whispering through the air with a clean arc. Shizu countered with a reverse grip parry, then launched a quick series of thrusts with pinpoint accuracy. Her footwork was surgical, weaving past Hakuro's feints.
The crowd gasped.
"She's matching Hakuro blow for blow...!"
"Wait—did she just disarm a spin feint? That's a legendary Tempest maneuver!"
Up above, Leon leaned forward slightly, interested. Even Guy Crimson, who rarely showed much emotion during events, narrowed his gaze.
Guy: "She's not just good. She's taught by someone... ancient."
As the fight escalated, Hakuro released a Sword Intent Aura, forming a blade of energy that extended from his katana. Shizu's mask flickered, and her own blade began to glow—a deep red flame, unstable but powerful.
Hakuro: "That flame... it doesn't belong to you, does it?"
Shizu said nothing. With one final charge, they crossed blades in the center of the arena. A flash of light—then silence.
When the dust cleared, both were kneeling. Shizu's blade had shattered. Hakuro's arm was trembling.
Hakuro (smiling faintly): "You nearly had me."
He had won—but just barely.
Later that evening, the city had returned to its lively charm. Restaurants were packed, lanterns glowed in the alleys, and laughter filled the air. At a quiet outdoor ramen shop near one of the city's grand bridges, Rimuru sat waiting for his meal. He wore simple robes and a light cloak, observing the sky idly.
The seat across from him creaked gently as Shizu sat down, still masked.
Rimuru: "You were amazing today."
Shizu glanced his way but said nothing.
Rimuru: "Hakuro doesn't get serious often. When he does, you know you've impressed him. And that final move? You almost had him."
A small chuckle escaped from behind her mask.
Shizu: "I did my best. He's a true master."
A moment of silence followed. Rimuru tilted his head.
Rimuru: "Shizu... That's a Japanese name, isn't it?"
She stiffened slightly.
Rimuru: "You're Japanese, right? Reincarnated?"
Her eyes widened behind the mask.
Rimuru (smiling): "I am too. I died in Japan… and woke up here."
Shizu slowly removed her mask. Her face was youthful, though her eyes bore the weight of experience.
Shizu: "My name is Shizue Izawa. I was summoned to this world during World War II by a Demon Lord... Leon Cromwell."
Rimuru's face darkened with realization.
Rimuru: "Leon...?"
Shizu nodded.
Shizu: "He used me. He forced Ifrit into my body... a flame spirit. I became his weapon."
She clenched her hands.
Shizu: "But I escaped. I've been wandering ever since. Teaching where I could. Fighting when I must."
Rimuru listened carefully, nodding slowly. His tone turned gentle.
Rimuru: "You've endured a lot. But I don't think your journey ends here."
They sat in silence for a moment longer before their food arrived—steaming bowls of spicy miso ramen.
Shizu (smiling softly): "It's been a long time since I shared a meal with someone from my world."
Rimuru (grinning): "Then let's make it a good one."
She hesitated, then looked at him, her eyes pleading behind the mask.
Shizu: "...There are children. Summoned children. Just like me. Their bodies won't last. If nothing is done, they'll die."
Rimuru leaned in closer, his tone serious but gentle.
Rimuru: "Then we'll do something. I know someone who can help. We'll save them."
Shizu: "You… you'd help me?"
Rimuru: "Of course. You're not alone anymore. Also, Leon… he's here in Nyvaris. I know how to reach him."
Shizu's eyes widened behind her mask.
Shizu: "You know how to find Leon? I've been searching for a way, but..."
Rimuru: "Worry not. I said I know someone who can help us. Trust me."
Shizu: "...I don't know how to thank you."
Before she could finish her thought, she gasped and clutched her chest.
Shizu: "Ngh...!"
Her breathing quickened. Her aura flared erratically, fire leaking from her body like uncontrolled steam.
Rimuru: "Shizu?! What's happening?!"
Shizu: "I… I can't stay here. I don't want to hurt anyone. I have to go—!"
Suddenly, a shift in space. A gentle distortion. A presence descended like a shadow made of light. Behind her, Varvatos appeared, hand calmly resting on her shoulder. Instantly, Shizu's fiery aura stabilized. Her breathing steadied.
Varvatos: "It's alright now."
Even Rimuru flinched at the sudden arrival.
Rimuru: "V-Varvatos?! You—how did you—?"
Varvatos: "Meet me at the palace, Rimuru."
With a soft shimmer, Varvatos and Shizu vanished.
The halls of the palace shimmered with ethereal light. Rimuru entered quickly, guided by a knight. Inside a chamber, Shizu lay on a velvet bed, her breathing soft and steady. Elmesia and Velzard stood nearby.
Rimuru: "What happened? Is she alright?"
Varvatos stood at the center, his eyes glowing faintly.
Varvatos: "She has a powerful fire spirit bound within her. One that's been trying to take control. Ifrit."
Rimuru: "Can you help her?"
Varvatos (smiling slightly): "Calm down, Rimuru. Have you forgotten who I am?"
He stepped forward and gently placed his hand on Shizu's chest. A pulse of divine energy rippled through the room. Flames flickered to life in midair, swirling in a chaotic storm before coalescing into a form.
Ifrit.
The fire spirit appeared—powerful, radiant, but clearly confused and frightened. He looked at Varvatos and dropped to one knee instantly.
Ifrit: "Y-You're… not mortal. What… what are you?"
Varvatos: "I am Varvatos. And you have been causing too much chaos."
He raised his hand, and Ifrit flinched.
Varvatos: "You will return to Shizu. But you will no longer fight her. You will merge and become one. Stabilized. Balanced. No more rage. No more chaos. Understood?"
Ifrit (trembling): "Y-Yes, my lord… As you wish."
With reverence, Ifrit turned and returned into Shizu's body. A gentle glow enveloped her. Her breathing steadied, and after a moment—her eyes opened.
Shizu: "...Where… am I?"
Rimuru rushed forward and hugged her.
Rimuru: "You're safe! You're going to be okay now!"
Shizu gasped, overwhelmed. Her tears flowed freely.
Shizu: "I… I don't feel pain anymore. It's... gone…"
Varvatos: "Ifrit has merged with you. You are now one being. Balanced and whole. There will be no more conflict inside you."
Shizu sat up, still stunned, wiping tears away.
Shizu: "Thank you… thank you… I don't know how to—"
Varvatos: "No need."
Velzard and Elmesia approached.
Velzard: "So what about Leon Cromwell?"
Varvatos didn't answer. He simply snapped his fingers.
In an instant, Leon appeared, confused and holding a dessert fork.
Leon: "...What… What is the meaning of this?!"
He looked around, eyes narrowing when he saw Shizu.
Leon: "You…"
Varvatos: "Leon Cromwell. I do not enjoy meddling in the affairs of mortals. But your actions have crossed the line."
Leon straightened, trying to regain composure, though sweat beaded at his forehead.
Leon: "...So this is about her."
Varvatos: "It is about her. And the children. No more summoning, Leon. You've caused enough suffering. The one you seek… she will find you. But you will not sacrifice others for your obsession."
Leon's eyes widened.
Leon: "How do you—"
Varvatos (sharply): "I know everything. Now…?"
Leon turned to Shizu, guilt heavy in his expression.
Leon: "...I'm sorry, Shizu."
Varvatos snapped his fingers again, and Leon vanished.
Silence followed. Then Shizu, trembling, smiled for the first time in years.
Shizu: "Thank you… all of you… I never thought I'd be free of this."
Rimuru: "You're not just free. You've got allies now. Friends."