Chapter 6 (2/2)

「Excalibur doesn’t exist, but it’s a legend that everyone is aware of. In truth, the 『fantasy weapon Excalibur』 is a figment of reality. It is like the saying, “what came first the chicken or the eggs? (元○玉)”」

「Chicken, egg…… what does that mean?」

「Oh, you don’t know, ahahah.」

Upon recalling their age difference, she made a stiff smile.

She and Souji aren’t from the same generation. Souji is from a generation where it is common for a child to use the internet.

「Anyhow, a person’s fantasy weapon will differ between individuals. For that reason, the weapon isn’ t always the same as the legend they are from. The effect of each person’s 『personal weapon』 will depend on the individual’s imagination.」

In the year 2031 A.D. there are probably merely a few people who known the original legend of King Authur’ Excalibur.

Most of the people probably know about the sword from video games or anime.

And thus, to excite and satisfy their audience, as a result of modern media and filter, it then became a 『invincible and famous sword』.

Tendouji Ayato’s 『beam emitting, Excalibur』 is a modern interpretation of the original.

「So, in other words, it is an imitation?」

「That rather a bit harsh to say. If there was never an original how could it be a fake? Are you aware of the big change made from the cla.s.sic King Authur legend? You see, the person known as the knight, Lancelot of the Lake (騎士ランスロット), didn’t exist in the original story.」

「Ah, I think I remember reading about that before.」

He recalls reading an article on the internet about legends & folklores from the computer at his school’s library. (T/N: this sentence alone has raised many potential plot holes, Author-san)

「I think it was something about the 10th century?」

「During the 10th century, the story of King Arthur was rewritten by Chrétien de Troyes (クレティアン・ド・トロワ). However, most of the modern day character’s are based on Thomas Malory’s (トマス・マロリー), 15th century, 『The Death of Authur』. Nowadays, people prefer a strong and beautiful “mary-sue” type of character. In modern writing, the 『greatest character is the lead』.」

Compared to the original: King Authur and Gawain play less of a role in the story, Guinevere’s betrayal (NTR) had caused the collapse of the round table, and the villain never received a proper punishment.

These events never happened in the original story. The modern day re-telling has the worst characters; it’s 「f.u.c.king bullc.r.a.p!」 and should be thrown away.

「I may as well say this, but the Arthurian romance (アーサー王物語) version is derivative from the original work. The detestable character, Lancelot, is also in Malory’s version of the story.」

「Is that so.」

Souji had read Sutcliff’s version of King Arthur so he doesn’t hold any hate for the modern stuff. However, in the world exists a sinful mania.

「Nowdays, there are few people who don’t know of Lancelot. After the postscript, fantasy was overwritten by fiction and as a result, a character like Lancelot became popular.」

「…………」

「Do you understand? Much like Lancelot, this is Tendouji Ayato-kun’s holy sword, his version of the 『the best and strongest Excalibur』. Whether it is genuine or fake doesn’t matter.」

From the beginning, Ayato’s sword is an original created from his imagination based on the warped idea of the Excalibur’s popularity and strength. There isn’t much left to say about the topic.

Although Souji still felt a lingering sense of fear, there was nothing he could do about it.

「In other words, fantasy weapons will take the form of the wielder’s imagination.」

Does Souji understand now? ――Kyouko tilts her lovely head, but Souji had yet to nod in response.

「Sensei, how do fantasy weapon’s exist?」

The first question was a good one; the second is more philosophical.

With a stern expression on her face, Kyouko gives him a reply.

「A fantasy weapon is created by a 『phantom child’s』 spirit. They are able to bring forth a ma.s.sive amount of energy…… 『the reason question is how is a phantom child able to do this?』. The thing is, no one has been able to come up with an answer.」

「Is it dangerous?」

Kyouko had a feeling that Souji would ask this question.

And thus, she tells him the answer she had prepared.

「It is dangerous. But, humankind has no choice but to use them regardless.」

「…………」

Although there is no data to support her claim, Kyouko had given her honest opinion. Her action is quite unbelievable.

To stop him from worrying, even more, Kyouko’s eye hint to Souji 「to not pry anymore and to not ask the reason why」.

「There are a lot of unknown points about phantom children. Although there are some known facts here and there, we don’t completely understand it. For example, gravity is something we don’t fully understand.」

「Gravity?」

「Yeah, things such as what causes the force of gravity, and what not. How is it we can stand on Earth, or how is it generated and transmitted. Even to this day, no one knows for sure how it works.」

Gravity is theorized to be transmitted by 『Graviton particles』, which hasn’t yet been discovered.

「Despite there being many mysteries about gravity, humans have used their understanding of the law of gravity and found methods to handle it. Likewise, we have found a way to use fantasy weapons and phantom armor.」

And thus, she more or less told him about the phantom child. Whether or not it was helpful is another matter.

「Are you afraid? I don’t mine discharging you from A.C.E. I don’t know the details, but A.C.E. won’t force members to fight with fantasy weapons against their will.」

It is possible that there could be an effects that might influence the nature/ heart of the phantom child.

So to not lost his way, Souji shakes his head in an attempt to strengthen his resolve.

「I don’t quite understand, but I won’t run away.」

「Oh, I’m glad.」

While she pats the top of Souji’s head, Kyouko shows a genuine smile.

「Oh, about our conversation, please keep the contents of our discussion a secret for the other students, okay.」

「Yes.」

Souji nods and once again shows a smile. The beautiful nurse exits the room.

As he watches her leave, Souji feels a slight sense of regret.

「What is suppose to happen now?」

Souji continues to wait in the school’s infirmary. He questions to himself as to whether his medical treatment is complete, or if he is free to leave.

For the ever so diligent Souji, this is yet another thing for him to ponder.

<script>