kscans

Chapter 738 - The Magic-Devouring Sakura

One of the two great artisan clans in the virtual world, Mirage Workshop, and its two top members.

The clan master, [Crimson Arm] Enra, and the sub-master, [Pyrotechnist] Kagura, brought it into the world. Information regarding the 'Atiomart that borders on Divine Art'—the [Atiomart -Sakura=Memento-], an extraordinary 'man-made sacred artifact that nears divine creation'—has been completely open to the public since that day.

This includes the utterly ridiculous cost of robbing the user of their time, a penalty that would undoubtedly strike a chord with anyone who has poured a certain amount of passion into Arcadia.

It also includes the numerous, overwhelmingly wicked strengths that more than make up for that cost, as well as the few weaknesses that certainly exist. Everything has been laid bare, clear and correct.

And so, the final verdict given was 'broken'... well, that can't be helped. If used properly, a single weapon can almost completely counter magic, a level of performance that is arguably not permissible for a single piece of gear, whether in PvE or PvP.

Then again, it does have its weaknesses.

For example, the absurdly high activation requirement of 'MID: 1000 or more,' which, when you think about it calmly, is insane and forces the user's stats into a very amusing configuration.

Or the fact that simply activating it isn't enough; it will automatically re-enter hibernation in less than ten seconds.

Or how the special mechanism deployed by devouring mana, the petal blades of [Ouka Ryoran (Chaos Bloom)], naturally have a collision detection with the user, meaning if you use it carelessly, you'll be mercilessly sliced to ribbons by the countless blades you yourself scattered.

And while there's no falsehood in its claim to 'devour all magic,' that doesn't necessarily mean it's 'absolutely invincible against all magic.' So on and so forth... its poor usability is undeniable, to the point where one can easily list its drawbacks.

But well, that's that.

As its direct user, if I were to swallow all its demerits and give an overall assessment... then yes, no matter how I try to justify it, this thing's evaluation can only be one thing.

I have my complaints, but it's 'broken.' Now, go ahead and bloom to your heart's content, you massive problem child.

"[Atiomart -Sakura=Memento-]."

The thin chain unraveled from the head I grasped, and the 'Sakura,' freed from the wall of time along with its color, remembered within its cradle. After a blink, the light of the sacred cherry blossom manifested in my left hand.

It devours magic, using its master's time (life) as sustenance. A numinous two-edged sword that scatters an elegant light, like a shower of petals from a cherry blossom in full bloom, giving no hint of its true nature as some clichéd cursed holy sword.

Its base form is an orthodox, one-handed straight sword that fits comfortably in my hand. The complete lack of weight feels slightly unreliable for a weapon, but if you understand the power it holds, you wouldn't have a single word of complaint.

...Anyway, putting all that aside, there's one mandatory task to take care of immediately.

"Hinayo-san."

"Understood."

Of course, my partner is also well aware of this thing's performance. Thus, her response to my call was immediate. She gazed at the Sakura Memento that had manifested in my hand and snapped her fingers.

In response, a massive explosion of flames erupted directly above us, like a small sun.

"Well then... I shall partake."

Using the complete immunity sustained by [Hellgread Ignis] as a shield, I plunged into the fire without hesitation and swung my sword... or rather, I didn't even need to. The Sakura Sword, which began its 'meal' the moment it touched the flames, devoured them in an instant. As if to say it was satisfied, the brilliance of its blade intensified.

One feast right after waking up. This should last for about thirty seconds. The inconvenience of not being able to pay the upkeep cost with my own MP is no problem at all with a partner by my side, just like this.

Well then,

"Here I come, great seniors!"

"Hah! Bring it on!"

"...!"

Their fighting spirit as our eyes met was magnificent. Which is precisely why I showed no mercy to the legs that kicked off the air.

[Rocket] activated. Rushing flames, raining lightning, pushing winds... I feel like there were all sorts of things obstructing my path, but I broke through them all with the cheat I held out in front of me.

And so, this is the end. The 'Sakura' that had grown more brilliant as it tore through the miracles that stood in its way reached its target, as if tracing the conclusion that many of the spectators had likely imagined in that instant.

"Tch... just as I thought!"

The blade of the Sakura Memento, which I swung without hesitation, was stopped by a barrier of light, just like all the other weapons I had thrown at them. Not surprising at all. Just as I expected.

Unlike me, who knew this Sakura Sword inside and out, they were likely working off an assumption without confirmation. Their eyes met mine—the red one looking half-terrified and half-smug, and the blue one's expressionless face wavering slightly—as they saw their absolute defense line successfully block my killing blow. In that instant...

Another multi-colored barrage of magic bullets. No, not that.

A swarm of brilliant jewels rained down, as if to shove me, right in front of them, away. I reflexively retreated in an emergency evasion—but it seems they have no intention of giving me the leeway to reset.

Thousands of colors, small and large grains, all shapes and sizes. But the great swarm of brilliance, all granted vicious homing capabilities, began to converge on me, the one who had drawn the 'sword,' from all directions.

And against that, the option I can take is...

"You could at least be a little more scared, you know?!"

"We are scared!"

"That's why... we're doing this!"

None other than to flee. That's my only option.

The numinous blade of the Sakura Memento devours all 'magic.' That is no lie.

However, just as it is with people, just as it is with all organisms that have a 'diet,' this wicked 'sakura' also requires time to chew its meals.

To put it simply, earth or ground-attribute magic, which manifests a clear physical form despite being magic, is the Sakura Memento's weak point.

It's a different story for special cases that are half-physical and half-magical, like the 'sand' of Sora's first magic sword from [Cradle of Sword-Craft]. But high-density rocks and minerals require a lag time to be broken down.

Of course, since it's still effective, my overwhelming advantage remains unchanged. However, if my opponents are monsters who can casually unleash this level of astonishing volume with a straight face...

"I'm relieved, but at the same time, give me a break... gah!"

The [Atiomart -Sakura=Memento-] is not some lawless irregularity.

It is, at best, 'a weapon that can resist lawlessness.' And that is where its existence is confined.

---

Of course they wouldn't taunt him if they weren't confident they could handle it.