The creature lashes out, its claws raking across my face.
I jerk back, but there's no pain.
Just the feeling of cold air rushing over my face.
The creature's eyes widen, and it stumbles back, clutching its hand.
...Ah.
Right.
Ultimate defense or whatever.
"Absolute Defense, master!"
That really puts a damper on any kind of challenge or thrill there could have been with this fight. But I'm not crazy enough to say I wish I'd just gotten my face clawed up, either.
I raise the sword and slam it into the creature's neck.
The blade sinks deep, and the creature shudders.
It's still not done.
It's still not giving up.
"Master, please stop! The curse is about to-"
The creature's eyes flash, and a blast of energy ripples out from its body.
I feel a wave of heat wash over me, and my clothes are scorched.
But.
I'm unharmed.
And the sword remains in my hand.
The creature's eyes narrow, and it lunges towards me.
Its clawed hand rakes across my chest, and my shirt is torn.
No blood.
Not even a scratch.
The creature's eyes widen, and it stumbles back.
It really doesn't get it. But I can't blame it.
Who would expect to go up against such an unfair fight?
"Master, please be careful! The curse-"
It's almost like there's a curse on the blade.
But that couldn't be.
The annoying voice in my head has only said that fifteen times now.
I roll my shoulders and charge towards the creature.
It slashes at me, its claws digging into my shoulder.
But.
Nothing.
Not a mark.
Not a scratch.
It seems to be better at hurting itself than me. But then again, I'm struggling to do much damage to it, either, since it activated its defensive magic.
So I guess it's better at hurting it than either of us right now.
Still, this is an endurance battle, and I'm not giving up.
The creature's eyes flash, and it slams its hands together.
Another wave of heat washes over me, and my clothes are scorched.
No pain.
Not even a twinge.
I shouldn't be surprised by it, but. It's jarring every time.
"Hey, it's about time we finish this, right?"
I grin.
"Of course, Master!"
The creature staggers, and its eyes narrow.
It's desperate.
So am I. I hate stalemate battles like this.
It's not a challenge.
But it's still a test.
So I need to figure out how to end this.
The creature's eyes flash, and it lashes out, its claws digging into my arm.
I grab its arm.
...I'm not really sure if this is going to work, honestly, and I'm not sure if I want it to. But if brute force isn't working then...
I can at least try it.
Even if it's only a murmur. Just in case I'm wrong.
"Fire."
A burst of flame erupts from my hand, and the creature's arm is engulfed.
It jerks back, screaming in pain, and it staggers.
"Yeah, that got through to you, didn't it?"
When this blade manages to cut the beast it always leaves burning fire behind for a bit.
It's an obvious hint, if I've ever seen one. Obvious enough that if the annoying voice in my head weren't obsessed with some curse she'd definitely have told it to me before I could figure it out myself.
The creature's eyes flash, and a wave of darkness rushes towards me.
It's a last ditch effort, clearly.
And.
It's not going to be enough.
I raise the sword and slam it down.
The creature's head falls to the ground.
And its body collapses.
For a moment, everything is silent.
Then, the elves burst into cheers.
"You did it, Master! Even with the terrible curse!"
Curse-
What terrible curse? I didn't notice anything-!
"The curse. Master, your clothes have all burned away and stolen your modesty!"
...
What?
"You've been fighting nude, Master! That's the curse of the Sword of the Demon King!"
...Oh.
The hell kind of curse is THAT?!
"It's not just a curse, Master, it's a terrible side effect of using the blade. Anyone who touches it or is near it when someone else uses it will have their clothing destroyed and themselves exposed to the elements! It's a powerful curse, and-"
"Shut up."
I can't even think of a way to deal with this.
Not a single way.
"Master, I'm sorry, I should have explained the curse better, but you didn't want me to interfere in the fight, and-"
"Why the hell is the demon king a pervert? Isn't he supposed to be an evil overlord or something?"
"The demon king was said to be a monster in his own right, but he was also known for his eccentric tastes and preferences. Swordfighting in the nude-"
"That's. Stupid. That's stupid."
"Master, you have nothing to be ashamed of. You look very good without-"
"Stop it."
"I'm sorry, Master, I-"
"Stop talking."
...The voice actually listens for once.
But the reprieve is barely a moment before the voice of the elf queen. Who certainly knew the effect of the curse. Speaks up behind me. "You have passed the test."
Great.
Fantastic.
Can we get the hell out of here already?
I sigh. "Are you gonna replace my clothes?"
...Those weren't exactly sentimental clothes, but they were what I appeared in this world with. And now they're gone.
The queen looks me up and down and smirks. "I don't think you need them."
Wow.
How incredibly unhelpful.
And also not funny.
"You didn't warn me about that part."
She rolls her shoulders. "What would be the point of dressing you in something else if you'd only die?"
So the whole time I've been fighting this monster, she was just watching and laughing at my nakedness.
How great.
I don't have anything to say to that.
So instead, I just glare.
She smiles, and a group of elves comes forward, carrying a set of robes and armor.
"These are enchanted. You won't lose them so easily."
Well.
That's not exactly a guarantee, but it's better than nothing.
I accept the clothes and armor and quickly dress.
It's not ideal, but it's better than staying naked. And the faster I'm dressed, the faster I can be done with this damn side quest