The Second Sword

(Mm-hmm, ahhh... I used magnetism to lift an iron plate, then crushed myself to death with it...)

"You are the sword's master. Since she recognizes you as her master, she will honor your will—the sword is a sword, and first and foremost, a sword is a weapon."

The goddess shook her head and answered Bai Ye's question.

"I understand. Then... how do I get back the second sword? Do I need to go to Terra to find it?" Bai Ye asked, blinking.

Latena shook her head.

"The second sword needs to be forged by you yourself—"

As she spoke, the goddess extended a slender finger and pointed at Bai Ye's body.

"Use your own soul to forge a sword that belongs to you."

Bai Ye lowered his head and looked at his body. He was actually present here in the form of a soul.

"What should I do?" Bai Ye asked softly.

"Cut off your own arm... then forge it into a sword." The goddess spoke those rather terrifying words without changing her expression.

"I understand."

Bai Ye drew Tear of Heaven. Though he was in a soul state, Tear of Heaven remained tangible. Even when Bai Ye appeared here, she had followed him over.

The silver-white blade glinted coldly. Bai Ye turned the tip toward his left arm.

Tear of Heaven let out a soft chime, as though questioning Bai Ye's decision.

"It's fine. Cut it off..."

Though Bai Ye felt somewhat uneasy, he chose to follow his instincts and heed the goddess's advice.

A cold flash passed by. Tear of Heaven's blade fell, severing Bai Ye's left arm cleanly at the shoulder.

"Ghh—" Bai Ye's face went pale. It felt as though his entire being had split apart, with not a single part of him free from pain.