Rajan's grief-stricken howl thundered throughout the arena, awakening the dazed onlookers to the oddity of this scene. The G.o.d Executing Immortal Sword had chosen a new master. A new G.o.d of War had appeared. But in the following second, the sword left its chosen to fawn on the master of diabolism.

　　For the knowledgeable - Night included - such a baffling occurrence required an immediate explanation. Otherwise, their common sense wouldn't survive it!

　　Alas, as Konrad raised his hand, the sword didn't seem intent on explaining its reasoning. Without a sound, it dropped in his palm. Tightening his grip around the handle, Konrad rested his sword against his shoulder and cast an amused gaze at the aggrieved Rajan.

　　"What did you answer?"

　　Konrad leisurely asked.

　　"To Kill!"

　　Rajan directly replied, unable to see the problem in the words. But hearing this, Konrad couldn't prevent a snicker from escaping his lips.

　　"Apologies but that is my answer, not yours. For the truly chosen, all answers are correct. It is your will not your words that determines whether the sword approves of you, or not."

　　Konrad began, causing Rajan's eyes to widen in disbelief.

　　"You mean to say…"

　　"Indeed, if the sword disapproves of you, persist. Stay true to your will, to your core aspiration, and exterminate any sliver of doubt in yourself. Only then are you qualified to wield it. In the past, I didn't delude myself into thinking I brandished the blade for some vain heroism.

　　I picked the sword to kill. That was all."

　　As those words echoed, Rajan finally realized his flaws. No wonders the sword first said "Insufficient." The first answer wasn't "Incorrect," but from the moment he wavered and opted for something else, he'd already failed. But why then did the sword still accept to lend him its aid?

　　As if seeing through his thoughts, Konrad pursued.

　　"Of course, the quality of your answer only determines how much of its strength the sword will lend you. As for becoming its Master, that...is impossible. Whether you choose to imitate my answer or persist in your own, obtaining its a.s.sistance is as far as it goes. After all, the sword is bound to me in blood and soul.