Sunlight streamed in as I yawned through my daily Treasure Weapon polishing. The weather outside was nice, but I had no intention of going out. By nature, I was an indoor person. Left to my own devices, I could hole up in the Clan Master's office for days on end.
While barricaded at the top of the Clan House, my only connection to the outside world was Eva. Whether I had need of her or not, she showed up every day — actually, she had business with me every single day. Business in the name of reports. I mostly tuned her out, but that never seemed to bother the ever-reliable Eva.
Today too, Eva delivered the newspaper along with a report on the state of the Imperial Capital.
"It seems the Empire is taking the Astrology Academy's prophecy quite seriously. With the Sword Saint incident on top of that, they've been conducting rather aggressive investigations."
"Hmm, sounds dangerous. The Imperial Capital's been way too chaotic lately."
"............"
Eva stared at me in silence. Well, okay, maybe I'd made a few mistakes... but if the Sword Saint hadn't sent that weird thing in the first place, yesterday's incident never would have happened— As for how everything traced back to Elisa, I'd just turn a blind eye. If I pointed that out and she stopped bringing me Treasure Weapons, that would be a shame. I mean, she brings me so many things that finding one cursed object in the mix wasn't exactly unexpected.
In the end, Citry still hadn't returned even after a full night.
She should have noticed the switch in her canteen's contents right away, so she was probably busy with something else. Top-tier Hunters were always in demand, and as a general rule, the only one with nothing to do inside the Mourning Specter was me.
To me — deep in energy-saving mode — said Eva, one of those busy people herself.
"Apparently there's a huge commotion at the Church as well."
"I didn't do anything!"
"............Really?"
"............"
Eva fixed me with a flat stare. It seemed she already knew I was responsible for yesterday's ruckus at the Magic Academy.
I didn't do it. I really didn't, right?
For starters, I had almost no connection with the Church. The only link was Anthem being a member there.
In this world, there were many beings called gods, but the "God of Complete Light" — the supreme deity worshipped by the Church of Radiant Light, to which Anthem belonged — was one of the most famous gods in the world, and the source of holy-element magic: the art of healing.
Generally speaking, when one said "Healer," it referred to someone who worshipped this god and borrowed his power. Among Treasure Hunters, there were many followers as well. Every member of the Black Gold Cross possessed healing power, and apart from Marietta the Mage, they were all devotees. Those who held the title of "Holy Knight" were almost universally believers too.
Being a major metropolis, the Imperial Capital naturally housed an enormous Church of Radiant Light, but at the same time, the Church had a tendency not to get too involved with outsiders.
One could join if desired, but they weren't aggressive about recruitment — according to Anthem, this was because the power of the "God of Complete Light" was not infinite.
Apparently, as more followers joined and more people borrowed the god's power, the power granted to each individual weakened. This was supposedly one of the Church's highest secrets, but what a harsh reality. And yet, the fact that despite being such a passive organization the Church had followers worldwide only proved how useful the Light God's power truly was.
When I'd visited the Church to meet Anthem, he'd even scowled at me brazenly for it. I'm Anthem's close friend, mind you! Close friend! And Lucia's brother, for that matter.
I thought for a moment, furrowing my brow.
"............Could it be that I actually did something?"
"............Even if you ask me... do you have any idea what it might be?"
"No, not at all. But I didn't have any idea during the Sword Saint incident or the 'Black World Tree' one either..."
"............"
No... thinking back on it, I really hadn't done anything. Unlike Riesz or Luke, Anthem wasn't the type to drag me along, so I hadn't been anywhere near the Church recently.
Nodding to myself with satisfaction at my own slothfulness, Eva let out a soft sigh.
"............Well, the Church of Radiant Light does specialize in matters related to curses... They also reportedly helped construct the barriers surrounding the Imperial Capital."
"That explains why Anthem's been so busy... He should be here soon, though."
I checked the time. These days I had a different escort each day, and today was Anthem's turn.
Well, he was a Holy Knight who enjoyed immense popularity at the Church in the Imperial Capital. His following was so great it probably even rivaled Lucia's — to the point where he'd been rewarded with Treasure Weapon-grade armor.
With the Astrology Divination Academy's nuisance of a prophecy causing a massive uproar, he might not be able to get away... I hadn't had many chances to talk with Anthem properly lately, and I was feeling like having a conversation, but if he showed up, I'd tell him not to worry — I wasn't going outside today anyway.
The newspaper also covered the tragedy at the Magic Academy, but barely touched on the cause. It seemed Sage and the others had decided to keep the truth under wraps.
Finding the report stating that no casualties had occurred, I felt a renewed sense of relief — and that was when the Resonance Stone I'd tossed on the desk began to vibrate.
I felt like it had been vibrating every day lately... I didn't want to answer, but with Eva right in front of me, I had no choice but to pull it out.
Activating it while leaving it on the desk, the stone stopped moving abruptly. After a moment of silence, a voice like something forced through clenched teeth spoke.
"......I'll kill you."
"............You've got the wrong person."
"I'll KILL you!! I told you to stop with the curses and cause some other kind of incident instead!! I said don't cause ANY incidents! At this point, the curse would have been preferable!"
The furious shout was so vivid it felt like it had been fired off right in front of my face. Thank goodness I hadn't held it to my ear.
The voltage was clearly through the roof, but I needed to know what happened before I could do anything about it.
"............For the record, I am, in fact... Lucia's brother?"
"I trust you're aware that a major commotion is currently underway at the Primus Mage Science Academy, revolving around a certain potion?"
"............Franz's place is collecting every problem in the capital, isn't it?"
And the fact that he was contacting me personally — could he possibly be a fan of mine?
As I groaned in exasperation, Franz spoke rapidly, clearly at his wit's end.
"I'll kill you. Just moments ago, one of our Alchemists leaked the information — without that, we never would have noticed! The potion your Alchemist brought in! Thirty knights from the Third Knights who stormed in to suppress the situation were wiped out in an instant — by a paralytic gas! Get here now, I've had enough of cleaning up after you! This time — this time, I'm going to hear a proper explanation!"
............I see. What can I even say to that...
I took a deep breath to calm myself, then spoke cautiously.
"............But that potion... it's probably just strawberry milk."
"What!?"
The potion our Alchemist had brought in...
How should I put this... I could name the manufacturer and everything. I couldn't fathom how a single bottle of strawberry milk could cause such a commotion.
Judging from Franz's account, it seemed Citry had somehow carried it back to her old workplace without realizing it wasn't a potion.
Could you please notice these things sooner!
"Don't talk nonsense! Get to the front of the Magic Academy right now!"
"No... it's not nonsense. I'm the one who put it in the canteen, and she took it."
"!? ............!???"
With a violent crashing sound, the Resonance Stone went silent.
Looking up, I saw Eva with her cheek twitching, trembling as she stared at me. No — this isn't what it looks like.
This time it really wasn't my fault. If anything, I should be praised.
If a counterfeit could cause this much chaos, imagine what would have happened if it had been the real thing...
"He said the curse would've been preferable... haha."
What exactly was I supposed to do? All I did was throw away a potion and fill the canteen with strawberry milk!
............Yeah, yeah. I'd gone and done something unnecessary. I'd wanted to compare them and couldn't help myself — I just didn't expect Citry to show up at that exact moment.
But there was still time. Once those slightly unhinged Alchemists realized their misunderstanding, they'd surely calm down.
Even if the potion had been genuinely dangerous, their reaction still seemed off. Better not to get too involved — even a wise man keeps his distance from danger.
I crossed my legs in my chair and flashed Eva a hard-boiled smile.
"............Eva, I'm leaving the rest to you."
"!? L-Leaving what to me!? Don't leave this to me!"
Eva's eyes went wide as she hurried over in a panic. Wow — the first time Eva's ever told me *not* to leave things to her. That's rare!
Just then, heavy footsteps sounded and the door was pounded with loud knocks.
When I called out, the door opened, and Anthem ducked to enter.
"Ah, Anthem. It's been a while. You're late."
"My apologies... sorry about that."
His muffled voice came from beneath the lowered helm.
Oh — Anthem actually spoke. That was rare too. Eva's eyes went wide.
He'd always been a man of few words. And a gentleman to boot.
Anthem's physique was inhumanly massive, but the Clan Master's office had been designed from the construction phase with his ever-growing body in mind.
Well, he couldn't fit into my private quarters, but that couldn't be helped. If only he could shrink using his armor's power and squeeze in...
Anthem stood before me with the heavy, lumbering movements of a great magical beast. He moved slowly on purpose — anything too vigorous would break things.
Standing there, he was as imposing as ever. Even Eva, who'd known him for years, seemed somewhat intimidated by that towering presence.
I settled deeper into my chair and spoke to my party colleague and childhood friend, who had come to escort me despite his busy schedule.
"The Church is dealing with a lot of trouble related to cursed objects, right? Sorry to drag you here, but if you're busy, don't worry — I'm not going outside today anyway."
Besides, whether Anthem was here or not, I wasn't going out!
"............No."
Anthem said just one word, then sat down on the floor. The ground shook slightly from that alone.
He didn't seem to have his weapon and shield today, but even so, against any ordinary opponent, he'd finish them with a single bare-handed strike. In a battle royale within the Mourning Specter, he'd probably be the last one standing.
If he'd actually participated in the Martial Emperor Festival, he could well have won it.
"Just relax."
"Mm."
Anthem nodded slightly, then went perfectly still. Once he stopped moving, he didn't look like a person anymore — just a large object.
Was he... relaxed? Well, if he was fine with it, then so was I.
Eva seemed uncertain about how to entertain such a rare guest. Her earlier confusion had vanished like magic. That too was a testament to his charisma.
Gentle and strong. If he'd had the hot-headed temperament of Riesz and the others, things would have been quite the handful — the world was well-made where it mattered.
I stood up, grabbed the metal-polishing spray and a mop, and approached Anthem.
I'd just finished polishing the Treasure Weapons and was at loose ends — might as well polish his armor.
Spraying onto that wall-like back, Anthem tilted his head to look at me and spoke in a muffled voice.
"............No."
"Don't be modest."
"............No—"
Treasure Weapon armor was resistant to dirt and polishing didn't change much, but it was better than not doing it at all.
As I scrubbed away with the mop without hesitation, Anthem gave up and stopped moving once more.
§ By the time I'd finished polishing every inch of his armor, the sun had set and my body was aching all over.
I had a decent collection, but Anthem's armor was about the only thing where maintenance alone counted as good exercise. (Strictly speaking, his armor wasn't part of my collection.)
"So, 'The Wail of Marin,' huh? A cursed object the Church had sealed away."
"............Mm."
Anthem nodded gravely. It seemed Eva's rumor about the Church's big operation was indeed true.
Anthem was a man of few words, but he didn't dislike conversation. While polishing his armor, I managed to piece together the situation.
Apparently, the Church was currently conducting a purification operation on the cursed objects in its possession, and Anthem had been mobilized for it as well.
The power granted by the God of Complete Light was not limited to healing. Sealing arts and barrier arts fell under his domain as well.
For a long time, the Imperial Capital's Church of Radiant Light had possessed several powerful cursed objects kept under strict seal.
Sealed cursed objects might seem harmless, but sealing arts were imperfect. Cracks could develop over time, and though rare, seals could sometimes break spontaneously. There had been instances of major damage caused by exactly that.
These cursed objects had been stored without issue until now, but Zebuldia — desperately searching for the cause of the Astrology Academy's prophecy — would naturally set its sights on them.
And after discussions between the Empire and the Church hierarchy, it was decided that among all the seals, the purification of the most powerful cursed object — "The Wail of Marin" — would be carried out.
The logic was straightforward: better to unseal and purify it under full preparedness than to have the seal fail suddenly and potentially destroy the country. A reverse way of thinking.
It was said that the time was approaching for the seals to be redone after so many years, but the Church was certainly making a bold move.
"Is that... safe?"
"............Hmm?"
Anthem tilted his head. Purifying cursed objects was all well and good, but I wished he wouldn't forget that the Anthem participating in the operation was a member of our party.
He was sturdy and mild-mannered, but it wasn't as if he felt nothing. I couldn't help but confirm in a hard-boiled manner.
"Should I help out?"
"No."
Rejected... Riesz and Luke would've jumped at the offer. But that was what made him who he was!
Well, well — Anthem would surely be fine. If needed, we could bring along Ark, Sven, or even Lucia. The Church might object to outsiders participating, but safety came first.
"By the way, what exactly is 'The Wail of Marin'? What kind of cursed object is it specifically?"
"............"
My collection included several Treasure Weapons that might prove useful in such a situation — but I probably shouldn't offer any.
This thing had been sealed in the Church for years. It was so terrifying that it was selected for purification because if the seal broke carelessly, it could destroy the Imperial Capital.
Sealing as a method was typically employed against uncontrollable entities. "The Wail of Marin" must have been similarly uncontrollable — the Church's forces back then couldn't purify it and had no choice but to seal it away.
The Church of Radiant Light had been a major power since ancient times. Just from what I'd heard, it reeked of danger. If difficulty were expressed as a Level, it would probably be 8 or higher.
If I messed something up here, this time it really might be irreversible. I'd been nothing but trouble for Anthem, and while I wanted to show him I could be useful for once— Then Anthem nodded deeply and spoke in a single breath.
"'The Wail of Marin' is the highest-rank cursed object that had been sealed in the Church even before the Imperial Capital was established at this location. It is a wretched curse weapon born from the vengeful spirit of a woman named Marin who met a tragic death, further tampered with by a dark mage. For the Church of Radiant Light, it had been a long-standing source of headaches — so much so that when the prophecy from the Astrology Academy came in, it was the first thing mentioned. The Empire's offer was a godsend. Purifying it under the full backing of a great nation — there could be no better opportunity. There is nothing for you to worry about."
I see... that sounded seriously dangerous. To think such a dangerous artifact was sealed in a church in the very city I lived in. Living in a major capital really gave one pause.
"............How much damage has that weapon caused until now?"
"............Mm."
"Actually, isn't that definitely what the Astrology Academy predicted? They said a country would be destroyed... There can't be anything more dangerous than that, right?"
When told of a curse capable of destroying a nation, it being the first thing that came to mind meant it had caused serious damage. Terrifying.
I wanted to run if I could, but I couldn't very well abandon Anthem and flee.
Anthem was silent for a while, but eventually he slowly shook his head, then raised his arm and held up two fingers.
"............Second place? There's something even worse?"
"Mm."
I was so glad I hadn't become a Holy Knight. Having to face something that terrifying... Well, it wasn't that I chose not to become one — I simply couldn't.
"Let's think positive. At least it's not number one."
"............Mm."
As I forced a smile and clapped him on the shoulder encouragingly, Anthem let out a deep sigh and nodded.
At that moment, the door burst open without a knock and Citry stumbled in.
Citry was in a sorry state, evident at a glance. There didn't seem to be any major wounds, but her hair and clothes were disheveled, and she was clutching her left arm with her right hand, clearly in pain.
She tottered into the room and let out a voice that was half-whining, half-sulking.
"Big brotherrrrrr!"
"Mm."
At the sight of her brother, Citry's somewhat fragile expression stiffened.
"What happened?"
"............N-nothing."
Citry straightened up, stood firmly, and gave a small cough. She released her arm and patted down her robe. Perhaps a bit embarrassed, the tips of her ears were red.
She seemed fine, which was the important thing. No visible injuries, and mentally she appeared alright.
Well, even if she wasn't fine, Anthem could heal her — but what had she been planning to do by playing hurt?
Glancing nervously at her brother, Citry approached and looked up at me with an expression designed to stir one's guilt.
"Because of your scheme, Krai, the Primus Mage Science Academy has been shut down for the foreseeable future. Most of the upper management has been arrested... My reputation has hit rock bottom. I have no choice but to stay by your si— your side! For the time being!"
"............I-see."
It wasn't really a scheme of mine, and it sounded like things had gotten far worse than expected, but beyond "the capital is safer now," I couldn't muster any other reaction.
It must have been hell. I was truly sorry about her credibility taking a hit, but she seemed awfully chipper about it... There were limits to finding enjoyment in everything, weren't there?
Even in his sister's predicament, Anthem showed no trace of panic. Riesz and Citry were both good people, but each had such a strong personality that I could only imagine Anthem's burdens. The fact that he was so tolerant was very likely influenced by having two sisters.
As proof — here I was, the sister with no flaws, and I looked like *this*.
Whether she was embarrassed at having her act seen through, Citry looked like a borrowed cat. Normally she'd be the type to work herself up into a hugging frenzy — but with a complicated expression, she glanced at her brother, blinked, and then produced a small box from inside her robe.
Inside was an old cross pendant. A tarnished silver cross on a gold chain. At its center sat a deep crimson gemstone. Slightly dirty, but if one wanted to buy it, it would command a considerable price.
I held the pendant up to the light. It didn't seem to be a Treasure Weapon, but when I peered carefully into the deep crimson gemstone, I could see strange characters engraved within. Citry explained.
"My master gave it to me just before being arrested. She said it's a sacred amulet passed down since ancient times. If you keep it close to your body, the spirits of the departed will protect you..."
"I see... the spirits of the departed will protect you. That's exactly what Anthem needs right now."
Citry's master had ultimately not been protected and was arrested, though... Would this actually work?
Well, crosses were symbols of the "sacred" that those in divine service favored carrying. It was practically an item tailor-made for Anthem, who was about to embark on a cursed object purification mission.
Surely better than nothing. Could it be that fate had stirred up all this chaos just for this?
............That was far too troublesome.
"............Mm."
Anthem groaned in a suppressed voice. I unfastened the chain and draped the pendant around Anthem's neck.