However, the price of obtaining power through it was equally severe.
The Ebony Blade carried a curse. It corroded the wielder's mind, amplifying the deepest desires for death and slaughter hidden within their heart.
From that bloodlust, the sword would draw strength—then feed that power back to its bearer.
In fact, only those whose hearts contained a naturally violent and bloodthirsty nature could truly gain the Ebony Blade's recognition and unleash its full might.
In other words—
It was a true double-edged sword, with strengths as remarkable as its flaws.
"Leave it to me, Dane. You're already my friend."
Leon patted Dane Whitman's shoulder and agreed without hesitation.
"That's wonderful."
"Thank you, Leon."
The thought of finally freeing himself from a family curse that had plagued his lineage for centuries left Dane visibly excited. Even the disappointment of losing Sersi to Leon felt much lighter now.
Once the problem of the Ebony Blade was solved, a brand-new life would begin for him.
"Lunch is ready, gentlemen."
Sersi and Sprite emerged from the kitchen, each carrying plates of steak. After setting four servings on the table, Sersi looked at Leon with slight embarrassment.
"Sorry, Leon. I didn't prepare ingredients in advance. This is all we had at home."
"No, Sersi. Anything you cook is perfect. It smells wonderful."
Leon wrapped an arm around her waist and placed a light kiss on her soft lips.
"And besides," he whispered near her ear, "last night I already had the most sumptuous dinner in the world. Thank you for the hospitality."
Neither Sprite nor Dane heard the whisper.
Sprite clicked her tongue quietly in a mixture of envy and jealousy.
Dane scratched his head awkwardly.
Only Sersi heard him—her cheeks flushing as she nodded shyly.
"Alright, let's eat."
Leon sat down at the table like the head of the household and gestured for everyone to begin.
After the meal, Leon didn't hide anything. He explained that he planned to visit Dane Whitman's home to examine the Whitman family's ancestral sword.
"A cursed sword that corrupts the mind?"
Sersi looked at Leon with concern.
"I'm coming with you."
"Darling, this isn't child's play. The Ebony Blade carries serious risks. I can't put you in danger."
"No, Leon."
Sersi shook her head firmly.
After glancing at Dane, she took Leon's hand and pulled him into the bedroom—the same room where the two of them had spent the entire night together.
Left outside, Dane Whitman and Sprite stared at each other.
Sprite spoke first.
"No need to look at me like that. I'm going too."
Dane shrugged.
"Alright. I'm with Leon on this one."
Inside the bedroom, still faintly scented from the night before.
Leon and Sersi sat together on the bed.
Sersi raised her palm. Golden cosmic patterns—symbols of Eternal power—appeared across her skin.
With a light flick of her finger, she pointed toward the semi-transparent plastic desk lamp beside the bed.
In an instant, the plastic shell transmuted into solid metal.
"What's this?"
Leon raised an eyebrow in convincing surprise. With his controlled rationality—enhanced by immunity to mental influence—his acting was flawless.
At this moment, Sersi's affection for him had already reached 99.
Just like the jump between 89 and 90, the step from 99 to 100 was another threshold.
But that final step… could wait.
"Leon, I don't want to deceive you."
Sersi looked slightly guilty for not revealing the truth earlier. She took Leon's hand and pressed it gently against her cheek, rubbing against it affectionately.
Then she explained:
"We are Eternals, from the world of Olympia. Over seven thousand years ago, we arrived on Earth aboard the starship Domo to protect humanity from the Deviants."
"Deviants?"
"Yes. They were far stronger than humans—apex predators of the biological chain. But don't worry. We eliminated them more than fifteen centuries ago."
"You have other companions?"
"Yes. Sprite is one of them. The others are living quietly around the world. After we completed our mission of destroying the Deviants, we went our separate ways to live our own lives."
"If you possess this kind of power," Leon asked, "why didn't anyone see you during the Battle of New York? There's nothing about you in recorded history."
"Of course there isn't," Sersi replied with a faint smile.
"Because early human history was first recorded under our guidance."
"Okay."
"I understand."
Leon nodded thoughtfully.
"So when you said last night that you were completely powerless in my arms… that was all an act?"
"No."
Sersi slipped into Leon's embrace, straddling his lap. Her cheek pressed against his broad chest.
"Leon… you're stronger than I ever imagined. Even stronger than Ikaris, the most powerful warrior among the Eternals."
"Actually, Leon, I—"
Leon stopped her mid-sentence by kissing her.
A long, lingering kiss.
Only after a couple of minutes did he pull away.
"No matter what you were in the past," Leon said softly, "the one I love is the person you are now. I accept all of you."
"Thank you, Leon."
At that moment, Sersi's affection finally reached 100.
Among all of Leon's relationships, the speed of this increase ranked among the fastest.
Sometimes when overwhelming stats met someone hopelessly devoted to love…
The result was inevitable.
Imagine someone who had held onto romantic devotion for over five thousand years.
Terrifying, right?
After their heartfelt exchange, Leon agreed to let Sersi and Sprite accompany him to Dane Whitman's home to see the Ebony Blade.
Since Leon had already agreed, Dane—being the one who made the request—naturally had no objections.
…
Dane Whitman's Residence
Dane lived in a rustic countryside villa.
Despite being close to the city, the surroundings were incredibly quiet.
It was the perfect place for a semi-reclusive lifestyle—similar to Hawkeye's rural hideout.
"Beautiful~"
Passing through the villa gate, Leon couldn't help but whistle in appreciation.
"Thank you."
"You're welcome to visit anytime, Leon."
"I'll definitely take you up on that."
As they approached the main building of the villa, Leon began hearing faint whispers—something indescribable murmuring near his ears.
He glanced at Sersi and Sprite.
Both women looked completely normal.
Their mental resilience clearly far exceeded that of ordinary people.
After all, Dane Whitman had once said it took him more than a decade to get used to the distant mental corrosion caused by the Ebony Blade.
It was also why he had developed the habit of staying out all night—often spending evenings drinking or dancing in bars just to escape its influence.
◇ BONUS & SUPPORT ◇
◇ 1 bonus chapter for every 10 reviews — drop a comment!
◇ 1 bonus chapter for every 100 Power Stones.
◇ Read 70 + chapters ahead on P@treon → patreon.com/Sagamaster789