Lost Sword story · Main story, Part 1
Chapter 3: Black Forest
4 scenes, 275 lines
1. Black Forest Entrance
32 lines
Damnit, there's too many of 'em!
If they can capture the Princess, it's all over. Hence why they seem to be giving all they have.
Bahaha, what will running away change?! You are surrounded!
We've nearly reached the Black Forest!
Don't tell me you intend to step foot in the Black Forest!
What's it to you?!
Sorry, not interested in dying.
You really should leave the Princess here. She will surely meet her demise in the forest.
I'll even let you live as well. You amuse me.
Shut up!
Ethan! Ahead!
Gah, run!
Halt!
Shall we give chase?
No. The job is taken care of. Report it.
Tsk, shame about that Sweetie. See you in the next life.
Whew, we just barely managed.
Yeah, we got no one else chasing us now.
It is good that we escaped them, but I am truly afraid we may perish here...
Wow, I actually feel more in danger now.
Can we eat these spiders?
We didn't get to pack any food since we were rushing to escape.
E-Excuse me? Of course you can't eat these spiders!
Ethan... That is over the line...
Me thinks the boy has an eye for delicacies! It's quite tasty.
N-Nooo!!! I would never!!!
2. Black Forest Center
20 linesPhew... I thought I was done for this time.
Ugh... We're losing a lot of time.
But you found it, Ethan! The Cave of Trials... This must be the entrance.
The forest is so dark not even sunlight can enter it.
And yet, an even darker place now awaits us.
Morgana gave a nod as she looked upon the entrance to the cave, gaping wide like the mouth of a monster.
This is the right place, indeed.
So now what do we do?
Go straight inside.
We've come this far. We gotta go in, right?
Consider another route.
Is this really the only way?
Of course. If we want to reach the western shore from here, we must pass through the cave.
Tsk, all right, we already took care of the Spider Queen! What could be worse than that?
A-Are you certain...? I fear there could be worse... Must we go in?
We'll be fine. If you're scared, just hold Elizabeth's hand.
Touch the Princess?!
B-Bedi is not a little girl, Ethan!
Y-Your Highness... I would not be opposed... if you held my hand...
All right! Get ready!
3. Cave of Trials 3F
74 linesA spine-chilling sensation rippled through me.
How much time has passed? How far have we walked?
I forced myself to bear the anxiety and pushed myself forward.
This'll be a good spot to rest.
Ohh... Quite nice, yes.
Bedi and I shall unpack.
Oof...!
.......
Don't do it...
Come on... Don't punch the fairy...!
Forget it. I'll do it myself.
With a bit of effort, I managed to fix up a spot worthy of relaxation.
Whew... That'll do it, yeah?
So, Cave of Trials, huh? I had no idea it was this wide open inside.
It is a place for trials. Hence the name.
Ever since the ancient times, many mages came here to receive the title of sage.
Oh... But Morgana?
Yes?
I thought you were gonna pass out. How're you just calmly sitting by the fire?
Let's just say the fire reinvigorated me.
Silver tongue.
I took out the dried-to-death bread and the leather water canteen.
If people in my world knew this kind of bread existed, the Consumer Protection Bureau would have a field day.
I suppose I should at least be happy it isn't moldy.
After having my fill of stale bread, I looked around and saw Morgana and Bedivere out like a light and snoring.
Only Elizabeth remained sitting, her eyes on the flame, yet lost in thought.
You not tired?
Sorry? Ah... I should get some sleep, yes.
Yeah, it'll be hard on you if you don't. Go on, I'll stand watch for you.
Um... Ethan?
Huh?
Why is it you toil away so?
What? The night watch?
I am grateful to you... is all...
Ah!
I-I didn't mean for it to sound serious! Forget I said anything!
Huh?
Perhaps it's the bonfire smoke, but Elizabeth whispering her thanks looks strangely beautiful.
You don't need to thank me, you know. I also need to find it to get back to my own world.
Either way...
Whatever your reasons may be, your aid shall never be forgotten.
I know not what I would have done without you... My way forward was black as pitch.
I read many books at the royal library, I refined my skills with a sword...
And yet, once outside the palace, none of that mattered.
That's not true.
Yes?
You persevered through adversity, never buckled. I wouldn't have made it this far without you either.
Ethan...
Just don't blame yourself.
...
Thank you...
I suppose I exhausted myself rushing out into the world seeking revenge for my father. I am so tired...
The flame shines brilliantly in her eyes. She truly is beautiful.
I-It's getting late. We should sleep!
O-Of course!
I had to say something, lest she heard my heart pounding like a drum.
That was close.
I went to check on Elizabeth at the spot where she lied down and breathed a sigh of relief.
Looking at her back as she drifted to sleep, I was bombarded with thoughts.
I offered her advice, pretending like I know the answers, but really, I'm the most clueless here.
My parents spent money they didn't have to educate me and worked to the bone to provide for me, and I repaid them by being a brat.
I spent years at home just playing games.
I had just started to come to my senses... Just started to really pay them back... And then I ended up here.
I miss Mom's face. Especially today. But I need to keep it together.
Once I find the Holy Sword, I get to go home.
Elizabeth extended her thanks after a bit of relaxing next to the campfire. I relieved her concerns, but what right do I have to do so when I'm the lost one here?
4. Cave of Trials 5F
149 linesWhew, we did it.
Is it over? Was fighting that golem the trial?
No, the barrier blocking the exit is still up.
Your Highness, something is written on the exit!
It happened as fast as lightning.
Watch out, Elizabeth!
Ugh!
Ethan!
............
Is this... what dying feels like...?
........................................
I...
I loved video games ever since I was a little kid.
I didn't care what genre. I kept on playing until I became the best.
However...
My family was poor. My parents sacrificed everything for me. I couldn't just stay addicted to games forever and forget them.
I had no other skills, so it was inevitable I suppose that I got involved with games professionally.
"Unfortunately, we won't be able to move forward with your application at this time."
I took the game I made with my heart and soul for an interview.
I had so much fun while developing it, but to be rejected like that, I felt like I'd lost everything.
I dragged my body out of the interview like a lifeless corpse and...
That's right... The girl from the intersection...
Whoa!
I squinted at a flash of blinding light filling my vision.
Where...?
Goodness, Cheol, are you awake?
Mom?
The shock from the unknown slowly left me as I realized where I was.
A hospital. From the modern life I'd nearly forgotten.
Was all that... Was I dreaming?
[Doctor's Office]
I guess I got in an accident while walking in a daze from failing my interview.
But what about Britannia? Did I just dream it?
What about Elizabeth, Bedivere, Morgana...? Were they just figments of my imagination?
That vivid of a delusion is possible with enough traumatic shock.
But doctor, it felt so real... I really thought I was living in that world!
Yes, as do all people in your situation, but you just got in an accident, nothing more.
There's no way... It wasn't for a short time. I was there for days! How could it all be fake?
You gotta give me more than that, Doc. Have I really been lying in a hospital bed this whole time?
(Haaa, sure talks a lot for a fat pig.)
Yes?
Ahem, yes, you've just been here, as you say... Nurse?
Wait, you said something else...
No, no I didn't. Nurse, could you move this patient to his room?
Huh? Do I have auditory hallucinations now too?
No, not a chance. I'm not the one with the problem...
There are too many holes in this story. If, by chance, this was all happening in that cave...!
Here we go...
Oberon, you piece of sh*t.
Sorry? What did you call me?
Oberon. The Fairy Queen. A motherly figure. I'm already being treated like a nutcase so...
I said, "Oberon, you piece of sh*t."
Sir, have you perhaps taken the wrong medication?
His words are calm, but I see his true feelings in his face.
You're not a doctor, are you? And this isn't a hospital, is it?
It's all an illusion of your making... What did you do to me?
.......
Nurse!
All the pieces came together.
This illusionary space was a threat. I bolted on instinct out the office door.
That's right. It's all just fairy magic making me think it's a hospital. I'm still in the cave! Snap out of it!
There he is!
Excuse me, Sir!
If they catch me, I'm done for. I may never be able to return to my senses again.
Cheol!
Mom?
My mom was blocking my way, which made me notice how real she looked. I almost forgot she was an illusion.
Sorry, Mom, I need to run away. This isn't real!
Stop it, Cheol! Is your Mommy fake too?!
Uh...
You're just in shock, Sweetie.. Try to relax and come with me.
Mom!
It's okay if you don't get a job right away... You can keep staying with us until you get on your feet...
Mom...
Your dad also got a part-time job handing out flyers. You don't have to overdo it, Honey. We'll do what we can...
I know that none of this is real...
But...
I can't live my life like that forever!
I've been unemployed for 3 years now! And you think I don't know you paid my college and academy tuitions by taking out loans?!
Cheol...
I know you're sacrificing for me. And I'm really sorry, Mom. When I come back, I'll make it up to you somehow.
I was suddenly speaking how I really felt.
Probably from the regret of all the years I wasted away, forcing my parents to work harder.
Hey, for all I know, this could be reality. It might all have been my imagination.
But if it is all real, do I leave my poor parents behind to go back?
I was looking for the Holy Sword in order to get back home.
I need to make money.
If there's any reason I should go back... then...
Wouldn't it be better just to stay here?
Thank you for saying that... So stop running and come stay with me and your father, okay?
.......
Elizabeth's face came to mind.
And then Bedivere's, Morgana's, Merlin's, and everyone else's.
If I don't go back now... If I don't find the sword... they'll all die.
You hear me, Cheol? It's dangerous there. I never want to see my baby get hurt...
Dangerous? Is she talking about Britannia? Why???
I knew it. This isn't real.
I'll come back, Mom, I promise, but not now.
If I don't save them, I'll never live it down for the rest of my life.
Even if it kills me... I have to...
I know I keep blabbing to my illusion Mom, but it's still the truth.
Surprisingly, my mom slowly grabbed my hand. I didn't expect a response.
Mom?
All right, Sweetie... If that's what you want...
I trust my baby. I know your father's proud of you too...
Thanks, Mom...
There!!!
I'll be back. Just wait a little longer!
I felt much better running away this time.
'Cause I thought I could return to them?
Catch me if you can!
I raced to the end of the hall and shouted as I threw myself out the open window.
And then.
-aaan!
........
Ethan!
Nngh... Where am I...?
Hic... I feared... I feared you would never wake again.... Hic...!
Aw, come on now. I'm the Swordbringer... Agh!
Oh thank heavens, hic!
Don't worry, Elizabeth... I'm back... Don't cry.
All right...
He woke up!!!
Phew, then he passed the trial.
Trial?
The golem attacked you, but you didn't get harmed. I thought that moment was the trial of the cave.
Then did I really pass?
Yes, with that as proof.
Is that...?
The Holy Sword's scabbard. Caliburn.
It is because of this scabbard the magic in the cave could be maintained.
The Holy Sword's scabbard?
Ye who possess it shan't be harmed. That's what the runes say.
Then it's a holy relic.
You sacrificing yourself to save Elizabeth meant you passed the trial. It was unexpected you weren't waking up, however.
Thank the heavens you did. I don't know what we would have done if you hadn't... Hic...
I came back when I decided to save them.
Man... I got tested twice...
Oh, the exit opened!
Yes, the barrier is gone now. Let us leave this place.
Yeah, let's get outta here.
Yes, Ethan...
I can hear the voice of my mom from the dream...
I have to get back home. I'm finding that sword!
I thought we had won when we beat the golem at the exit to the Cave of Trials, but that wasn't the real test. I passed out when the golem hit me. When I opened my eyes in a modern hospital, the doctor said Britannia and Elizabeth were all figments of my imagination, but that was the real illusion. Still, the reason I had to be there was to meet my mom. She may have been fake, but I felt so much better anyway. I'd been missing her it hurt. The second I committed myself to saving everyone, I returned here. Elizabeth and Bedivere cried when they saw me wake up, and Morgana said I passed the trial. I swear I will find the Holy Sword. I won't leave my parents behind like a loser. I promise I will make it back.