XyZaBc1234567890!@#$%^&*()_+-=[]{}|;:,.<>?/~`
The Kingdom of Demisia.
XyZaBc1234567890!@#$%^&*()_+-=[]{}|;:,.<>?/~`
A rigid nation that shuns everything unrelated to martial prowess.
XyZaBc1234567890!@#$%^&*()_+-=[]{}|;:,.<>?/~`
Magic, alchemy, spirit arts, and shamanism were all rejected.
XyZaBc1234567890!@#$%^&*()_+-=[]{}|;:,.<>?/~`
The Oracle’s abilities, though not fully known, involved reading fates and divining fortunes.
XyZaBc1234567890!@#$%^&*()_+-=[]{}|;:,.<>?/~`
Clearly, they had nothing to do with martial skills.
XyZaBc1234567890!@#$%^&*()_+-=[]{}|;:,.<>?/~`
An unwelcome guest.
XyZaBc1234567890!@#$%^&*()_+-=[]{}|;:,.<>?/~`
Receiving hostile glares was expected.
XyZaBc1234567890!@#$%^&*()_+-=[]{}|;:,.<>?/~`
“You’re the culprit.”
XyZaBc1234567890!@#$%^&*()_+-=[]{}|;:,.<>?/~`
“?”
XyZaBc1234567890!@#$%^&*()_+-=[]{}|;:,.<>?/~`
Being branded a criminal the moment they arrived, however, was not.
XyZaBc1234567890!@#$%^&*()_+-=[]{}|;:,.<>?/~`
“What do you mean?”
XyZaBc1234567890!@#$%^&*()_+-=[]{}|;:,.<>?/~`
The Oracle remained unfazed despite the sudden accusation.
XyZaBc1234567890!@#$%^&*()_+-=[]{}|;:,.<>?/~`
Maintaining her usual calm demeanor, she responded coolly.
XyZaBc1234567890!@#$%^&*()_+-=[]{}|;:,.<>?/~`
“I haven’t done anything since arriving in this city.”
XyZaBc1234567890!@#$%^&*()_+-=[]{}|;:,.<>?/~`
“Nothing, you say!”
XyZaBc1234567890!@#$%^&*()_+-=[]{}|;:,.<>?/~`
The guard captain of Balkan scoffed.
XyZaBc1234567890!@#$%^&*()_+-=[]{}|;:,.<>?/~`
His tanned skin and muscular build, clad in plate armor, boasted an imposing presence.
XyZaBc1234567890!@#$%^&*()_+-=[]{}|;:,.<>?/~`
Thud!
XyZaBc1234567890!@#$%^&*()_+-=[]{}|;:,.<>?/~`
He slammed his fist on the table, making it shake violently.
XyZaBc1234567890!@#$%^&*()_+-=[]{}|;:,.<>?/~`
Whoa, is that table not going to break?
XyZaBc1234567890!@#$%^&*()_+-=[]{}|;:,.<>?/~`
“You’ve been reported as the culprit multiple times! Are you saying the righteous citizens of Demisia are lying?”
XyZaBc1234567890!@#$%^&*()_+-=[]{}|;:,.<>?/~`
“It might not be lies, but perhaps a misunderstanding or mistake.”
XyZaBc1234567890!@#$%^&*()_+-=[]{}|;:,.<>?/~`
“You witch, you talk too much.”
XyZaBc1234567890!@#$%^&*()_+-=[]{}|;:,.<>?/~`
What a mess.
XyZaBc1234567890!@#$%^&*()_+-=[]{}|;:,.<>?/~`
It was clear the guard captain had pinned the Oracle as the culprit.
XyZaBc1234567890!@#$%^&*()_+-=[]{}|;:,.<>?/~`
Not actually the culprit?
XyZaBc1234567890!@#$%^&*()_+-=[]{}|;:,.<>?/~`
That didn’t matter.
XyZaBc1234567890!@#$%^&*()_+-=[]{}|;:,.<>?/~`
It was just a matter of throwing one of the despised types into jail.
XyZaBc1234567890!@#$%^&*()_+-=[]{}|;:,.<>?/~`
The problem was on Evan’s side.
XyZaBc1234567890!@#$%^&*()_+-=[]{}|;:,.<>?/~`
His plan to gain the Oracle’s favor was falling apart.
XyZaBc1234567890!@#$%^&*()_+-=[]{}|;:,.<>?/~`
Ugh, I don’t want to do this.
XyZaBc1234567890!@#$%^&*()_+-=[]{}|;:,.<>?/~`
It’s not that I’m scared, but the guard captain looks too menacing.
XyZaBc1234567890!@#$%^&*()_+-=[]{}|;:,.<>?/~`
Kind of like Tyson?
XyZaBc1234567890!@#$%^&*()_+-=[]{}|;:,.<>?/~`
Even without a sword, a single punch could turn Evan into mush.
XyZaBc1234567890!@#$%^&*()_+-=[]{}|;:,.<>?/~`
The Living Golem might prevent that, though.
XyZaBc1234567890!@#$%^&*()_+-=[]{}|;:,.<>?/~`
Hoo, hoo!
XyZaBc1234567890!@#$%^&*()_+-=[]{}|;:,.<>?/~`
I can do this!
XyZaBc1234567890!@#$%^&*()_+-=[]{}|;:,.<>?/~`
Evan tried to reassure himself.
XyZaBc1234567890!@#$%^&*()_+-=[]{}|;:,.<>?/~`
He resented his companions for staying silent behind him, but whatever.
XyZaBc1234567890!@#$%^&*()_+-=[]{}|;:,.<>?/~`
“I’d like a clear explanation of what’s going on.”
XyZaBc1234567890!@#$%^&*()_+-=[]{}|;:,.<>?/~`
Oh, crap.
XyZaBc1234567890!@#$%^&*()_+-=[]{}|;:,.<>?/~`
His face stiffened, and his tone turned rigid.
XyZaBc1234567890!@#$%^&*()_+-=[]{}|;:,.<>?/~`
One slip, and his voice might crack.
XyZaBc1234567890!@#$%^&*()_+-=[]{}|;:,.<>?/~`
He needed to stay composed.
XyZaBc1234567890!@#$%^&*()_+-=[]{}|;:,.<>?/~`
“And you are?”
XyZaBc1234567890!@#$%^&*()_+-=[]{}|;:,.<>?/~`
Only then did the guard captain seem to notice Evan, turning his head.
XyZaBc1234567890!@#$%^&*()_+-=[]{}|;:,.<>?/~`
He didn’t notice until now?
XyZaBc1234567890!@#$%^&*()_+-=[]{}|;:,.<>?/~`
“Are you perhaps an esteemed person?”
XyZaBc1234567890!@#$%^&*()_+-=[]{}|;:,.<>?/~`
His tone suddenly became polite.
XyZaBc1234567890!@#$%^&*()_+-=[]{}|;:,.<>?/~`
Whatever he’d heard, this was better.
XyZaBc1234567890!@#$%^&*()_+-=[]{}|;:,.<>?/~`
At least Evan wouldn’t be ignored or intimidated—er, no, he wouldn’t need to be slightly cautious!
XyZaBc1234567890!@#$%^&*()_+-=[]{}|;:,.<>?/~`
“My name is Evan Alkart.”
XyZaBc1234567890!@#$%^&*()_+-=[]{}|;:,.<>?/~`
Evan spoke with the implied message, “My family is powerful, so don’t mess with me.”
XyZaBc1234567890!@#$%^&*()_+-=[]{}|;:,.<>?/~`
“I came to Balkan for some business. This person is my companion. Please explain exactly what’s happening.”
XyZaBc1234567890!@#$%^&*()_+-=[]{}|;:,.<>?/~`
Hmm, putting a hand on the captain’s shoulder might seem too friendly, right?
XyZaBc1234567890!@#$%^&*()_+-=[]{}|;:,.<>?/~`
“I don’t want my valued companion caught up in unnecessary trouble.”
XyZaBc1234567890!@#$%^&*()_+-=[]{}|;:,.<>?/~`
“Alkart?”
XyZaBc1234567890!@#$%^&*()_+-=[]{}|;:,.<>?/~`
The captain flinched, clearly affected.
XyZaBc1234567890!@#$%^&*()_+-=[]{}|;:,.<>?/~`
A faint trace of fear flickered in his eyes.
XyZaBc1234567890!@#$%^&*()_+-=[]{}|;:,.<>?/~`
Oh, so even the Kingdom of Demisia knows the name?
XyZaBc1234567890!@#$%^&*()_+-=[]{}|;:,.<>?/~`
“Recently, people have been disappearing in Balkan.”
XyZaBc1234567890!@#$%^&*()_+-=[]{}|;:,.<>?/~`
The guard captain scratched his head with a slightly trembling hand, his bald head glinting.
XyZaBc1234567890!@#$%^&*()_+-=[]{}|;:,.<>?/~`
“There have been frequent disappearances lately, so discreet that even honorable warriors can’t track them down. We suspect a mage is behind it.”
XyZaBc1234567890!@#$%^&*()_+-=[]{}|;:,.<>?/~`
“Hmm.”
XyZaBc1234567890!@#$%^&*()_+-=[]{}|;:,.<>?/~`
A disappearance case.
XyZaBc1234567890!@#$%^&*()_+-=[]{}|;:,.<>?/~`
Was there such a thing during this time?
XyZaBc1234567890!@#$%^&*()_+-=[]{}|;:,.<>?/~`
It’s two years and a few months before the main story begins, so it’s hard to know for sure.
XyZaBc1234567890!@#$%^&*()_+-=[]{}|;:,.<>?/~`
What’s certain is…
XyZaBc1234567890!@#$%^&*()_+-=[]{}|;:,.<>?/~`
It’s probably not a big deal.
XyZaBc1234567890!@#$%^&*()_+-=[]{}|;:,.<>?/~`
If the Oracle were the culprit?
XyZaBc1234567890!@#$%^&*()_+-=[]{}|;:,.<>?/~`
She wouldn’t have appeared in the Kingdom of Demisia in the future.
XyZaBc1234567890!@#$%^&*()_+-=[]{}|;:,.<>?/~`
Though unlikely, she did show up in Balkan multiple times.
XyZaBc1234567890!@#$%^&*()_+-=[]{}|;:,.<>?/~`
If she were a criminal, she wouldn’t be allowed in, and the Oracle wasn’t the type to flout such laws.
XyZaBc1234567890!@#$%^&*()_+-=[]{}|;:,.<>?/~`
In other words,
XyZaBc1234567890!@#$%^&*()_+-=[]{}|;:,.<>?/~`
This would resolve itself if left alone.
XyZaBc1234567890!@#$%^&*()_+-=[]{}|;:,.<>?/~`
But…
XyZaBc1234567890!@#$%^&*()_+-=[]{}|;:,.<>?/~`
What if I resolve it first?
XyZaBc1234567890!@#$%^&*()_+-=[]{}|;:,.<>?/~`
Wouldn’t that earn some favor?
XyZaBc1234567890!@#$%^&*()_+-=[]{}|;:,.<>?/~`
“To accuse someone as a culprit without properly verifying the truth doesn’t seem right.”
XyZaBc1234567890!@#$%^&*()_+-=[]{}|;:,.<>?/~`
“You… don’t know who this is? The Oracle of the Starry Sky. A famous witch.”
XyZaBc1234567890!@#$%^&*()_+-=[]{}|;:,.<>?/~`
“She’s not a witch; she’s an Oracle.”
XyZaBc1234567890!@#$%^&*()_+-=[]{}|;:,.<>?/~`
It was something the Oracle often said.
XyZaBc1234567890!@#$%^&*()_+-=[]{}|;:,.<>?/~`
Whenever someone called her a “witch,” she’d kindly correct them, “I’m an Oracle.”
XyZaBc1234567890!@#$%^&*()_+-=[]{}|;:,.<>?/~`
Mimicking her tone perfectly, Evan felt her surprised gaze turn toward him.
XyZaBc1234567890!@#$%^&*()_+-=[]{}|;:,.<>?/~`
“Please explain about the culprit. I’ll resolve it for you.”
XyZaBc1234567890!@#$%^&*()_+-=[]{}|;:,.<>?/~`
Well said.
XyZaBc1234567890!@#$%^&*()_+-=[]{}|;:,.<>?/~`
Phew!
XyZaBc1234567890!@#$%^&*()_+-=[]{}|;:,.<>?/~`
Nice, upper-class man Evan!
XyZaBc1234567890!@#$%^&*()_+-=[]{}|;:,.<>?/~`
This was more than enough to be a true man!
XyZaBc1234567890!@#$%^&*()_+-=[]{}|;:,.<>?/~`
Evan felt proud of himself.
XyZaBc1234567890!@#$%^&*()_+-=[]{}|;:,.<>?/~`
“Wait a moment.”
XyZaBc1234567890!@#$%^&*()_+-=[]{}|;:,.<>?/~`
Whoosh!
XyZaBc1234567890!@#$%^&*()_+-=[]{}|;:,.<>?/~`
The Oracle grabbed Evan’s sleeve.
XyZaBc1234567890!@#$%^&*()_+-=[]{}|;:,.<>?/~`
As if casting a spell, the space around them shimmered slightly, and an opaque barrier formed.
XyZaBc1234567890!@#$%^&*()_+-=[]{}|;:,.<>?/~`
Is that what I think it is?
XyZaBc1234567890!@#$%^&*()_+-=[]{}|;:,.<>?/~`
Fifth-tier magic, [Mirror Distortion].
XyZaBc1234567890!@#$%^&*()_+-=[]{}|;:,.<>?/~`
A spell that conceals appearances and blocks sound.
XyZaBc1234567890!@#$%^&*()_+-=[]{}|;:,.<>?/~`
To think she could cast it so quickly.
XyZaBc1234567890!@#$%^&*()_+-=[]{}|;:,.<>?/~`
It has a short duration, but that didn’t seem to matter.
XyZaBc1234567890!@#$%^&*()_+-=[]{}|;:,.<>?/~`
The Oracle quickly spoke.
XyZaBc1234567890!@#$%^&*()_+-=[]{}|;:,.<>?/~`
What… are you doing?
XyZaBc1234567890!@#$%^&*()_+-=[]{}|;:,.<>?/~`
You seem to have been falsely accused.
XyZaBc1234567890!@#$%^&*()_+-=[]{}|;:,.<>?/~`
Evan replied as calmly as he could.
XyZaBc1234567890!@#$%^&*()_+-=[]{}|;:,.<>?/~`
I’m trying to resolve it. It feels like you got dragged into this because of me.
XyZaBc1234567890!@#$%^&*()_+-=[]{}|;:,.<>?/~`
That’s not true.
XyZaBc1234567890!@#$%^&*()_+-=[]{}|;:,.<>?/~`
If I’ve overstepped, I’ll take back my words now.
XyZaBc1234567890!@#$%^&*()_+-=[]{}|;:,.<>?/~`
The Oracle bit her lip.
XyZaBc1234567890!@#$%^&*()_+-=[]{}|;:,.<>?/~`
It didn’t seem like he’d crossed a line.
XyZaBc1234567890!@#$%^&*()_+-=[]{}|;:,.<>?/~`
Well, of course.
XyZaBc1234567890!@#$%^&*()_+-=[]{}|;:,.<>?/~`
How could he not know her boundaries?
XyZaBc1234567890!@#$%^&*()_+-=[]{}|;:,.<>?/~`
She’s his favorite character, after all.
XyZaBc1234567890!@#$%^&*()_+-=[]{}|;:,.<>?/~`
He’d analyzed her this much.
XyZaBc1234567890!@#$%^&*()_+-=[]{}|;:,.<>?/~`
What do you want?
XyZaBc1234567890!@#$%^&*()_+-=[]{}|;:,.<>?/~`
?
XyZaBc1234567890!@#$%^&*()_+-=[]{}|;:,.<>?/~`
There’s no such thing as a selfless act. Whether it’s personal satisfaction, money, or time, you want something. What do you want?
XyZaBc1234567890!@#$%^&*()_+-=[]{}|;:,.<>?/~`
The Oracle stared intently at Evan.
XyZaBc1234567890!@#$%^&*()_+-=[]{}|;:,.<>?/~`
She might perform acts of kindness without expecting reward, but she always paid a price herself.
XyZaBc1234567890!@#$%^&*()_+-=[]{}|;:,.<>?/~`
Even for small gifts, she’d give something equivalent in return.
XyZaBc1234567890!@#$%^&*()_+-=[]{}|;:,.<>?/~`
A kind of equivalent exchange.
XyZaBc1234567890!@#$%^&*()_+-=[]{}|;:,.<>?/~`
Almost an obsessive compulsion.
XyZaBc1234567890!@#$%^&*()_+-=[]{}|;:,.<>?/~`
What should he say he wants?
XyZaBc1234567890!@#$%^&*()_+-=[]{}|;:,.<>?/~`
She didn’t have anything to offer right now.
XyZaBc1234567890!@#$%^&*()_+-=[]{}|;:,.<>?/~`
Her value lay in the future.
XyZaBc1234567890!@#$%^&*()_+-=[]{}|;:,.<>?/~`
She could read fates to avoid threats or even save lives.
XyZaBc1234567890!@#$%^&*()_+-=[]{}|;:,.<>?/~`
While a saintess heals wounds after they’re inflicted, the Oracle prevents them altogether.
XyZaBc1234567890!@#$%^&*()_+-=[]{}|;:,.<>?/~`
She said Evan’s fate couldn’t be read now.
XyZaBc1234567890!@#$%^&*()_+-=[]{}|;:,.<>?/~`
Wouldn’t that change once the main story begins?
XyZaBc1234567890!@#$%^&*()_+-=[]{}|;:,.<>?/~`
So…
XyZaBc1234567890!@#$%^&*()_+-=[]{}|;:,.<>?/~`
I’d like you to read a fortune for me later.
XyZaBc1234567890!@#$%^&*()_+-=[]{}|;:,.<>?/~`
But…
XyZaBc1234567890!@#$%^&*()_+-=[]{}|;:,.<>?/~`
Not just for me. It could be Lapis, Elder Aegis, Felix, or my family. I’d like you to read the fortune of someone I choose.
XyZaBc1234567890!@#$%^&*()_+-=[]{}|;:,.<>?/~`
The Oracle, caught off guard by Evan’s response, was momentarily speechless.
XyZaBc1234567890!@#$%^&*()_+-=[]{}|;:,.<>?/~`
She stared at him with a complex, subtle gaze before nodding.
XyZaBc1234567890!@#$%^&*()_+-=[]{}|;:,.<>?/~`
Alright.
XyZaBc1234567890!@#$%^&*()_+-=[]{}|;:,.<>?/~`
Contract sealed!
XyZaBc1234567890!@#$%^&*()_+-=[]{}|;:,.<>?/~`
Well done.
XyZaBc1234567890!@#$%^&*()_+-=[]{}|;:,.<>?/~`
Now, isn’t this the mark of a true man?
XyZaBc1234567890!@#$%^&*()_+-=[]{}|;:,.<>?/~`
Evan inwardly marveled at himself.
XyZaBc1234567890!@#$%^&*()_+-=[]{}|;:,.<>?/~`
***
XyZaBc1234567890!@#$%^&*()_+-=[]{}|;:,.<>?/~`
Thankfully, the guard captain didn’t notice the conversation between the Oracle and Evan.
XyZaBc1234567890!@#$%^&*()_+-=[]{}|;:,.<>?/~`
No surprise, given it was fifth-tier magic.
XyZaBc1234567890!@#$%^&*()_+-=[]{}|;:,.<>?/~`
“Are there no suspects at all?”
XyZaBc1234567890!@#$%^&*()_+-=[]{}|;:,.<>?/~`
The guard captain frowned slightly at Evan’s question.
XyZaBc1234567890!@#$%^&*()_+-=[]{}|;:,.<>?/~`
“They say the culprit always wears a black robe.”
XyZaBc1234567890!@#$%^&*()_+-=[]{}|;:,.<>?/~`
He glanced at the Oracle.
XyZaBc1234567890!@#$%^&*()_+-=[]{}|;:,.<>?/~`
Her robe had a slight bluish tint.
XyZaBc1234567890!@#$%^&*()_+-=[]{}|;:,.<>?/~`
The Oracle shook her head.
XyZaBc1234567890!@#$%^&*()_+-=[]{}|;:,.<>?/~`
“It’s not just black. It’s navy…”
XyZaBc1234567890!@#$%^&*()_+-=[]{}|;:,.<>?/~`
“I know.”
XyZaBc1234567890!@#$%^&*()_+-=[]{}|;:,.<>?/~`
Why’s she acting guilty?
XyZaBc1234567890!@#$%^&*()_+-=[]{}|;:,.<>?/~`
“They say there’s a group of ten or more. When they play a flute, children disappear afterward… and their identities can’t be traced.”
XyZaBc1234567890!@#$%^&*()_+-=[]{}|;:,.<>?/~`
A flute-playing man?
XyZaBc1234567890!@#$%^&*()_+-=[]{}|;:,.<>?/~`
Definitely strange.
XyZaBc1234567890!@#$%^&*()_+-=[]{}|;:,.<>?/~`
It doesn’t quite sound like magic.
XyZaBc1234567890!@#$%^&*()_+-=[]{}|;:,.<>?/~`
More like a cult.
XyZaBc1234567890!@#$%^&*()_+-=[]{}|;:,.<>?/~`
“!”
XyZaBc1234567890!@#$%^&*()_+-=[]{}|;:,.<>?/~`
“!”
XyZaBc1234567890!@#$%^&*()_+-=[]{}|;:,.<>?/~`
“I’ve heard reports of traces of human sacrifices or offerings left behind.”
XyZaBc1234567890!@#$%^&*()_+-=[]{}|;:,.<>?/~`
Aegis and Lapis turned their heads.
XyZaBc1234567890!@#$%^&*()_+-=[]{}|;:,.<>?/~`
Aegis reacted to “human sacrifice,”
XyZaBc1234567890!@#$%^&*()_+-=[]{}|;:,.<>?/~`
while Lapis reacted to something tied to those words.
XyZaBc1234567890!@#$%^&*()_+-=[]{}|;:,.<>?/~`
Evan felt the same.
XyZaBc1234567890!@#$%^&*()_+-=[]{}|;:,.<>?/~`
…This isn’t a cult, is it?
XyZaBc1234567890!@#$%^&*()_+-=[]{}|;:,.<>?/~`
Human sacrifices, fugitive criminals, untraceable identities.
XyZaBc1234567890!@#$%^&*()_+-=[]{}|;:,.<>?/~`
In simple terms, foreigners, right?
XyZaBc1234567890!@#$%^&*()_+-=[]{}|;:,.<>?/~`
In this era, there’s no way to track foreign identities.
XyZaBc1234567890!@#$%^&*()_+-=[]{}|;:,.<>?/~`
“Do they say things like, ‘For whom—’ or something?”
XyZaBc1234567890!@#$%^&*()_+-=[]{}|;:,.<>?/~`
“They were reported from a distance, so I don’t know.”
XyZaBc1234567890!@#$%^&*()_+-=[]{}|;:,.<>?/~`
Tch, I think I’m right.
XyZaBc1234567890!@#$%^&*()_+-=[]{}|;:,.<>?/~`
A cult exterminated in the Empire.
XyZaBc1234567890!@#$%^&*()_+-=[]{}|;:,.<>?/~`
Hunted by Arthur, caught by Evan, and now chased by Glory.
XyZaBc1234567890!@#$%^&*()_+-=[]{}|;:,.<>?/~`
It seems the remnants fled here.
XyZaBc1234567890!@#$%^&*()_+-=[]{}|;:,.<>?/~`
Well, where else could they go?
XyZaBc1234567890!@#$%^&*()_+-=[]{}|;:,.<>?/~`
To escape, they’d have to flee to another country.
XyZaBc1234567890!@#$%^&*()_+-=[]{}|;:,.<>?/~`
…A cult? Those pathetic fools in our kingdom?
XyZaBc1234567890!@#$%^&*()_+-=[]{}|;:,.<>?/~`
“They lost a power struggle in the Empire.”
XyZaBc1234567890!@#$%^&*()_+-=[]{}|;:,.<>?/~`
More like they were massacred, but still.
XyZaBc1234567890!@#$%^&*()_+-=[]{}|;:,.<>?/~`
“It seems the remnants fled here.”
XyZaBc1234567890!@#$%^&*()_+-=[]{}|;:,.<>?/~`
“…Those insolent bastards.”
XyZaBc1234567890!@#$%^&*()_+-=[]{}|;:,.<>?/~`
Crunch!
XyZaBc1234567890!@#$%^&*()_+-=[]{}|;:,.<>?/~`
The guard captain clenched his fist, grinding his teeth.
XyZaBc1234567890!@#$%^&*()_+-=[]{}|;:,.<>?/~`
That’s chilling.
XyZaBc1234567890!@#$%^&*()_+-=[]{}|;:,.<>?/~`
“The last report came from the arena.”
XyZaBc1234567890!@#$%^&*()_+-=[]{}|;:,.<>?/~`
The captain, fuming, pulled out a piece of paper and slapped it down.
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“Disappearances have been happening periodically. Mostly gladiators or corpses vanishing from the arena.”
XyZaBc1234567890!@#$%^&*()_+-=[]{}|;:,.<>?/~`
“The arena…”
XyZaBc1234567890!@#$%^&*()_+-=[]{}|;:,.<>?/~`
Felix muttered.
XyZaBc1234567890!@#$%^&*()_+-=[]{}|;:,.<>?/~`
The arena.
XyZaBc1234567890!@#$%^&*()_+-=[]{}|;:,.<>?/~`
A sacred combat ritual held in the colosseum.
XyZaBc1234567890!@#$%^&*()_+-=[]{}|;:,.<>?/~`
To Evan, it was just entertainment or gambling where warriors fought for money.
XyZaBc1234567890!@#$%^&*()_+-=[]{}|;:,.<>?/~`
“Is anything strange circulating in the arena lately?”
XyZaBc1234567890!@#$%^&*()_+-=[]{}|;:,.<>?/~`
“I’ve heard the potion popular among gladiators has changed.”
XyZaBc1234567890!@#$%^&*()_+-=[]{}|;:,.<>?/~`
“Is it red?”
XyZaBc1234567890!@#$%^&*()_+-=[]{}|;:,.<>?/~`
“Correct.”
XyZaBc1234567890!@#$%^&*()_+-=[]{}|;:,.<>?/~`
Got it.
XyZaBc1234567890!@#$%^&*()_+-=[]{}|;:,.<>?/~`
A popular potion.
XyZaBc1234567890!@#$%^&*()_+-=[]{}|;:,.<>?/~`
Probably not a recovery one.
XyZaBc1234567890!@#$%^&*()_+-=[]{}|;:,.<>?/~`
Likely for strength or stamina enhancement.
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For that to improve, it’s one of two things.
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Either a skilled alchemist is involved, or cult-like blood magic is used.
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The latter, probably.
XyZaBc1234567890!@#$%^&*()_+-=[]{}|;:,.<>?/~`
If it were the former, Aegis would’ve reacted by now.
XyZaBc1234567890!@#$%^&*()_+-=[]{}|;:,.<>?/~`
Tch, do I have to go to the colosseum?
XyZaBc1234567890!@#$%^&*()_+-=[]{}|;:,.<>?/~`
That place is kind of scary—er, I mean, it smells bad.
XyZaBc1234567890!@#$%^&*()_+-=[]{}|;:,.<>?/~`
The best option would be to just shut down the arena entirely.
XyZaBc1234567890!@#$%^&*()_+-=[]{}|;:,.<>?/~`
But that could kill innocent people.
XyZaBc1234567890!@#$%^&*()_+-=[]{}|;:,.<>?/~`
I don’t like that.
XyZaBc1234567890!@#$%^&*()_+-=[]{}|;:,.<>?/~`
No matter what, killing innocents is a bit much.
XyZaBc1234567890!@#$%^&*()_+-=[]{}|;:,.<>?/~`
“Let me go.”
XyZaBc1234567890!@#$%^&*()_+-=[]{}|;:,.<>?/~`
At that moment, Felix stepped forward.
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“I’ll enter the arena and investigate.”
XyZaBc1234567890!@#$%^&*()_+-=[]{}|;:,.<>?/~`
“Oh! You’re a warrior.”
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The guard captain’s face lit up as he looked at Felix.
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“Your aura, stance, body… impressive!”
XyZaBc1234567890!@#$%^&*()_+-=[]{}|;:,.<>?/~`
“I’m Felix, son of Elim.”
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Felix bowed politely.
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“I’m walking the path of pilgrimage, aspiring to be a Swordmaster.”
XyZaBc1234567890!@#$%^&*()_+-=[]{}|;:,.<>?/~`
“Remarkable! You look so young…!”
XyZaBc1234567890!@#$%^&*()_+-=[]{}|;:,.<>?/~`
The captain, clearly impressed, slapped Felix’s back heartily.
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He seemed so pleased that he started spilling information unprompted.
XyZaBc1234567890!@#$%^&*()_+-=[]{}|;:,.<>?/~`
“This is a secret, but the top prize for the arena has been updated.”
XyZaBc1234567890!@#$%^&*()_+-=[]{}|;:,.<>?/~`
“Updated?”
XyZaBc1234567890!@#$%^&*()_+-=[]{}|;:,.<>?/~`
“Five of Anakne’s Fountain Pens.”
XyZaBc1234567890!@#$%^&*()_+-=[]{}|;:,.<>?/~`
What?
XyZaBc1234567890!@#$%^&*()_+-=[]{}|;:,.<>?/~`
Evan’s eyes widened slightly.
XyZaBc1234567890!@#$%^&*()_+-=[]{}|;:,.<>?/~`
“They say they were acquired at great expense, though I don’t know their capabilities.”
XyZaBc1234567890!@#$%^&*()_+-=[]{}|;:,.<>?/~`
That’s here?
XyZaBc1234567890!@#$%^&*()_+-=[]{}|;:,.<>?/~`
Anakne’s Fountain Pen.
XyZaBc1234567890!@#$%^&*()_+-=[]{}|;:,.<>?/~`
Crafted by a brilliant mage who, after losing freedom in marriage, created this magical artifact out of a desire for liberty.
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Characterized by slightly worn graphite and an aged casing.
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Its effect—
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“…Teleportation?”
XyZaBc1234567890!@#$%^&*()_+-=[]{}|;:,.<>?/~`
It allows the use of fourth-tier spatial magic, [Blink], for instant teleportation anywhere.
XyZaBc1234567890!@#$%^&*()_+-=[]{}|;:,.<>?/~`
It’s rechargeable, requiring a year to recharge after one use.
XyZaBc1234567890!@#$%^&*()_+-=[]{}|;:,.<>?/~`
Five pens mean five uses.
XyZaBc1234567890!@#$%^&*()_+-=[]{}|;:,.<>?/~`
The Oracle, seemingly aware of the artifact, fell into a quiet pause.
XyZaBc1234567890!@#$%^&*()_+-=[]{}|;:,.<>?/~`
Evan felt its importance too.
XyZaBc1234567890!@#$%^&*()_+-=[]{}|;:,.<>?/~`
…I think I need to get involved.
XyZaBc1234567890!@#$%^&*()_+-=[]{}|;:,.<>?/~`
It’s useful even in the main story.
XyZaBc1234567890!@#$%^&*()_+-=[]{}|;:,.<>?/~`
Mainly as an emergency escape artifact.
XyZaBc1234567890!@#$%^&*()_+-=[]{}|;:,.<>?/~`
Just having one lowers the difficulty of the game slightly!
XyZaBc1234567890!@#$%^&*()_+-=[]{}|;:,.<>?/~`
Of course, he wasn’t planning to fight himself.
XyZaBc1234567890!@#$%^&*()_+-=[]{}|;:,.<>?/~`
That’s a bit scary.
XyZaBc1234567890!@#$%^&*()_+-=[]{}|;:,.<>?/~`
Relying solely on Felix feels risky, though.
XyZaBc1234567890!@#$%^&*()_+-=[]{}|;:,.<>?/~`
In that case…
XyZaBc1234567890!@#$%^&*()_+-=[]{}|;:,.<>?/~`
“No. 5.”
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?
XyZaBc1234567890!@#$%^&*()_+-=[]{}|;:,.<>?/~`
No. 5, quietly tucked in his pocket.
XyZaBc1234567890!@#$%^&*()_+-=[]{}|;:,.<>?/~`
A golem made solely for combat.
XyZaBc1234567890!@#$%^&*()_+-=[]{}|;:,.<>?/~`
Evan whispered softly to the miniaturized golem.
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“Do your best.”
XyZaBc1234567890!@#$%^&*()_+-=[]{}|;:,.<>?/~`
Thump! Thump!
XyZaBc1234567890!@#$%^&*()_+-=[]{}|;:,.<>?/~`
No. 5 pounded its chest as if to say, “Leave it to me.”
XyZaBc1234567890!@#$%^&*()_+-=[]{}|;:,.<>?/~`
***
XyZaBc1234567890!@#$%^&*()_+-=[]{}|;:,.<>?/~`
The Oracle hailed from the Tower of Time and Space.
XyZaBc1234567890!@#$%^&*()_+-=[]{}|;:,.<>?/~`
She was intimately familiar with magic dealing with time and space.
XyZaBc1234567890!@#$%^&*()_+-=[]{}|;:,.<>?/~`
Even more so as one of the few inheritors of celestial magic on the continent.
XyZaBc1234567890!@#$%^&*()_+-=[]{}|;:,.<>?/~`
…Fountain pens, such a valuable item?
XyZaBc1234567890!@#$%^&*()_+-=[]{}|;:,.<>?/~`
An artifact imbued with spatial magic.
XyZaBc1234567890!@#$%^&*()_+-=[]{}|;:,.<>?/~`
Incredibly rare.
XyZaBc1234567890!@#$%^&*()_+-=[]{}|;:,.<>?/~`
Even the black market struggles to procure them.
XyZaBc1234567890!@#$%^&*()_+-=[]{}|;:,.<>?/~`
To think it just happened to show up?
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It feels like someone planned this.
XyZaBc1234567890!@#$%^&*()_+-=[]{}|;:,.<>?/~`
Evan’s reaction was telling.
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He wasn’t surprised.
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As if he knew it would end up here.
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Did he plan all of this?
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Was it because of her recent “witch” state?
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Anxiety and suspicion kept creeping up.
XyZaBc1234567890!@#$%^&*()_+-=[]{}|;:,.<>?/~`
Even Evan’s kindness felt suspect.
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Helping her, participating in the arena—
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What if this was all part of his plan?
XyZaBc1234567890!@#$%^&*()_+-=[]{}|;:,.<>?/~`
What if he was the mastermind pulling the strings?
XyZaBc1234567890!@#$%^&*()_+-=[]{}|;:,.<>?/~`
Her complex, probing gaze lingered on Evan.
XyZaBc1234567890!@#$%^&*()_+-=[]{}|;:,.<>?/~`
She was determined to figure out his intentions.
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Perfect timing— it’s just a coincidence, really. Just pure coincidence
Evan is the mastermind behind luck