Chapter 14: A Blade's Whisper and the Gift of Purification

The cave was silent, save for the rhythmic rise and fall of my breath. I leaned against the damp stone wall, my body aching from the battle I had barely survived. My fingers instinctively curled around the hilt of the red katana resting beside me. The weight of it felt solid, reassuring—a prize hard-won.

The monster's corpse still smoldered in the distance, its grotesque form slowly fading into nothing. And then—

A soft glow flickered near the remains.

I narrowed my eyes, pushing myself upright. Hidden behind the rubble, a small stone pedestal revealed itself, as though waiting for me to notice. Resting atop it was a delicate glass vial filled with a translucent, silver liquid.

I stepped closer, my heartbeat quickening.

"Is that what I think it is?"

I picked up the vial, and the system immediately responded.

---

[You have obtained "Purification Potion."]

Grade: High-Tier

Effect: Removes bodily impurities, expands mana vessels, and strengthens internal mana flow.

---

A slow grin spread across my face.

This wasn't just good—it was invaluable. In the game, this potion had been nearly impossible to obtain, locked behind arduous quests and obscure requirements. Even the protagonist had never acquired one. And yet, here it was, sitting in my palm like a gift from the gods.

"Well, well," I muttered. "Guess I got lucky."

Without hesitation, I popped the vial open and drank.

A mistake.

The moment the liquid hit my tongue, a searing heat spread through my body like wildfire. I gasped, my knees hitting the cold stone floor. My vision blurred as my mana vessels flared, expanding under the purging force of the potion. My muscles tensed, every fiber of my being trembling under the violent purification.

I gritted my teeth. "Shit…!"

A sickening crack echoed through my body as something shifted within me. My breathing came ragged, but gradually, the pain lessened. The burning gave way to clarity, as though a fog had been lifted from my core.

---

[Status Updated!]

Mana Vessels Expanded: +20%

Mana Circulation Efficiency: +30%

Overall Physical Fortitude: Increased

---

I exhaled sharply, flexing my fingers. My mana felt different—freer, more responsive. The sluggishness I had struggled with before was gone.

"This… This is incredible."

I clenched and unclenched my fists, feeling a newfound lightness in my body. The difference was undeniable. If this was what one potion could do, then…

A chuckle echoed through the cave.

A voice.

I froze.

Slowly, my gaze drifted toward the red katana resting against the cave wall.

"About time you noticed me, boy."

I stiffened, my fingers twitching toward the blade. "Who's there?"

Silence.

Then, amusement laced the next words.

"What else did you expect from a blade forged in war and tempered in blood?"

I inhaled deeply, then exhaled. Right. A talking sword. Sure. Why not?

"You've got a name?" I asked, picking up the katana.

A faint hum resonated from the blade.

"Kurenai."

I ran my fingers along the weapon's hilt, feeling the intricate carvings beneath my touch. "You're sentient?"

"That's one way to put it. Let's just say I've seen far more battles than you can even imagine, and I don't intend to be wielded by a fool."

I snorted. "That so? Seems like you don't have much of a choice."

Another chuckle. "You're bold, I'll give you that. But don't get ahead of yourself. You barely scratched the surface of my power."

I narrowed my eyes. "What do you mean?"

"The technique you glimpsed earlier—the Crimson Moon Strike—is only the first step. There are five forms in total, each one building upon the last. Unlocking them won't be easy."

I frowned. "And what happens if I do master them?"

The blade pulsed faintly, as if pleased by the question.

"Then you might actually be worth wielding me."

I clicked my tongue. "You've got a lot of attitude for a sword."

"And you've got a long way to go before you impress me."

The challenge in its tone was unmistakable.

I exhaled slowly, then smirked. "Guess we'll see about that."

For a moment, the cave was silent. Then, the sword let out an amused hum.

"Try not to die too quickly, boy. I'd rather not go back to collecting dust."

I let out a long breath as I exited the cave, the crisp mountain air washing over me. I had come here seeking a hidden cheat, and I had found more than I ever expected.

A legendary weapon. A voice in my head. A skill so powerful it could change my fate.

I smirked. "Looks like things are finally starting to get interesting."

With renewed determination, I set my sights on the road ahead.