Episode 155: Creepy prophecy
A prophecy was being made deep within the Holy Grineer Magia Cathedral.
Today's Mikohime is a girl who cannot speak. She is unable to put into words the future she perceives through her vision, and instead expresses it by drawing pictures.
In front of her sitting on a chair are many brushes, various colors of ink, and many sheets of paper. And on three of the sheets of paper, the pictures were already completed. What she is currently painting is a large number of corpses. No, not only this paper, but all the pictures she had already finished are covered in corpses.
"Looks like a corpse again."
The door opened and one of the bishops entered.
The current generation of divine children take time to prophesy, so the bishops come to see the prophecies in their free time while doing their own jobs. Another bishop, who was accompanying him, answered, as one or more bishops and priests are always present.
"That seems like it. That's indescribably bad..."
"But it's incomprehensible. There's no damage again."
"Hmm. There's no blood, no wounds, nothing drawn. But there's only a dead body."
"It's creepy. This picture makes me feel like my soul is leaving."
There is no blood or wounds depicted. Even so, the reason why the fallen humans are described as corpses is because something like a soul is coming out of the fallen humans. Something that looked like a soul looked like it was groaning in pain. Compared to the tortured soul, the corpse is sleeping peacefully.
"It seems that the Kingdom of Armando is in danger of extinction."
"There's no doubt about that. A corpse that the Mikohime can't draw. However, I feel like it's different from a war or a monster attack. I wonder what will happen..."
"This is the drawback of prophecies. We rarely know anything concrete."
"Normally, we would send Holy Knights to investigate and get to the bottom of the situation...but will we be able to do it in time this time?"
"I hear that the Holy Knights have already been destroyed in Melgate Cathedral in the Kingdom of Armando. It seems that a dark organization called the Moonlight Society is working behind the scenes. That is probably the most suspicious thing at the moment."
“Who should we send from here?”
"This is truly a disaster. This is a case where we should send an S-rank holy knight."
“Who would be better?”
"What about Floria? She's the 'Celestial Eye'."
"With her magic equipment, I can see what's going on from a distance."
"I like it"
The current demon religion only has three awakened magicians.
Celstar Altrain from ``Seal'' and Galan Regaldo from ``Floating Castle'' were killed by Hades. Aroma Fidea of the Sea of Trees risked her life to seal away the Scarlet King.
The few awakened magicians are busy flying around the continent to defeat brutal monsters. If you decide to move it, you will need to be very careful. If someone were to move carelessly and die due to some mistake, it would be a terrible situation.
In that respect, Floria Rayburn, who was given the double name ``Celestial Eye'', is just right.
She has ultra-long range attacks that can cross borders, making her suitable for investigating dangerous places.
"Let's make a proposal at tonight's meeting."
"That's right. Now, let's take turns guarding the Mikohime."
"I beg to you"
When you foresee destruction, there are always monsters there. But that kind of prophecy always involves blood. The destruction without any bloodshed was truly eerie.
◆◆◆
Shu and Iris returned to Mullite Hotel and were analyzing the magic stone and magic circle they had obtained. Especially in order to disassemble the magic circle that produces magic stones into its elements and obtain its mechanism.
"Shu-san, it's a function that automatically forms a magic circle. If you use this, wouldn't it be possible to project the magic circle that a magician has unconsciously formed inside his or her body?"
"I see. Then we might be able to take out the time magic from Iris' magical armor. The time magic we stole earlier has poor cost performance. Besides, it takes time to activate it and requires preparation. To be honest, you can't use it in battle like Iris. Na”
“The spatial magic that Shu-san is having trouble with may also be completed.”
“If only there was a magician who interfered with space.”
"Ah, that's right."
"Maybe you should ask 'Takame' about that. He probably knows about magicians who can interfere with space...or rather, we need to develop that technology before then."
The more you analyze it, the more you realize how amazing this technology is.
From Shu's point of view, magic stones are completely unnecessary, and he doesn't have much interest in them. However, he realized that the mechanism that creates this magic stone could be used in a variety of ways.
It was a result of following Iris's intuition, but it turned out to be for the better.
"Also, Iris. This magic stone is made of mercury."
“Is it mercury?”
"Ah. I didn't notice it because it was solidified. I found out right away when I used analysis magic."
“That’s why it was heavier than it looked.”
"Mercury is mixed with magic power. And isn't the fluidity of mercury assisting in the automatic generation of magic circles? Honestly, I don't really understand why it's solidified."
However, this gives credibility to the story that the Grand Duke is behind the Gekkokai.
Mercury is a very expensive substance, and furthermore, it is a substance that cannot be purchased by the average person due to transportation issues. However, if you have a sponsor called the Grand Duke, you can get it without any problem. That too in large quantities.
"The Philosopher's Stone...I think he was just called the Philosopher."
"You're the wise man. Would you like to look into it?"
"That's good too."
It was all good until he wanted the Philosopher's Stone and formed a cooperative relationship with Sage Geist, the founder of the Moonlight Society. However, this is a unilateral threat. I don't think Geist told me everything honestly. Humans are greedy, cunning, and shallow creatures. When faced with death, a fool seeks life, but a wise man seeks profit.
Geist is a smart person.
If necessary, he will put his own life on the line.
It's a decision I make because I know that when I die, I die. When you think that you are going to die no matter how you think about it, a wise man is the one who comes up with the best way to survive and the best way to make the most profit. In this case, the priority should be to complete the Philosopher's Stone by using the demon tag called Hades Arclight.
In other words, Geist believes that anything is possible as long as he completes the Philosopher's Stone.
"...That's right. Iris, tonight we're going to the Grand Duke's mansion. He seems to be his sponsor. He must know a lot of interesting stories."
"If it's infiltration, it's up to you!"
Since she became proficient in using the time-stopping magic armor, Iris has often taken part in Shu's assassinations. Who can defend against death magic that stops time? ``Shinigami'' is becoming more and more like that.
The only recourse for the targeted person is to accumulate more money and force the assassination request to be withdrawn.
``Shinigami'' is a name that represents the embodiment of irrationality.
“It might be interesting to join them and try to make the Gekkokai an organization on par with the Demon Sect.”
“Is that possible?”
"Ah, it'll be quick if we ask 'Takame' to manipulate the information. Then we can assassinate the troublesome people... Within ten years, the Gekkokai will become a major organization."
From the perspective of the Armand Kingdom, this is a nightmare plan.
No, it might be a nightmare even for the Gekkokai.
Unless someone appears to stop the Hades and the Witch, it will never end in a dream.
◆◆◆
In the Kingdom of Armand, the independent royal family becomes the Grand Duke family. Balgate, the older brother of the current king, is also a person with the position and role of a grand duke.
His job is to maintain the royal capital's water supply. He is also in charge of managing the old city area, but he has no intention of taking that seriously. He is connected to the Gekkokai, which is lurking in the old city area, and is plotting a plan.
"Doctor, can you hear me?"
“Bulgate? I can hear it.''
"The plan is in full swing. However, the Holy Grineer has decided to intervene. If you get in the way, we will drive you back."
“It’s not necessary.”
"Huh? But"
``It's not necessary. I gained a new collaborator. The intervention of the Holy Grineer is not a problem.''
Balgate can't believe his ears.
The fact that the Holy Grineer intervened means that the demon religion has become serious. There is even a possibility that the plan will be detected through prophecy, or that holy knights equipped with powerful magic equipment will be sent as reinforcements. That is a very deadly situation. All plans could fall apart.
"If it's what you say, then there's no doubt about it. However, I'd like you to explain the reason enough to convince me."
“Okay.”
"No, it's not necessary. I'll explain it myself."
"What! Who is he!?"
A sudden unknown voice.
Even so, Balgate is a former member of the royal family, and the mansion is heavily guarded. He also takes measures against assassins. Of course, there was no way there could be an intruder, but even if there was an intruder, there would have been a commotion.
Balgate timidly turns towards the door.
There was a man with eyes reminiscent of death and a beautiful woman.
"Let me introduce myself. I am Dark King Arclight. I have decided to cooperate with Geist."
“It’s Iris Silverbullet!”
"What! You idiot..."
"I'm used to seeing that kind of surprise."
Shu makes a deliberate gesture that says, ``Oh no!''. It's a complete provocation.
Even amidst such excitement, Balgate quickly regained his composure.
"...I understand. Why doesn't the teacher revise the plan?"
“We will proceed as planned. It seems that Hades will wipe out all those who get in my way.''
"That's how it is. Don't worry."
From Valgate's point of view, there is nothing reassuring.
However, here there is no other option than to nod vertically. It was a foolish act to displease the Hades. Judging by his ability to invade without causing any trouble, he has proven that he is a helpless opponent in Balgate.
His true feelings were that he wanted to go home right away.
(Damn, why... the teacher is using such a dangerous object...)
I felt a sharp pain in my stomach, and my legs, hidden behind my desk, trembled unconsciously.
"Then we don't need to worry about the sacred Grineer."
"That's how it is. We proceed with the plan. Everything will be accomplished in a few days.''
"Yes...yeah, yes."
And then I remember.
As long as the Philosopher's Stone is completed, there is no need to worry.
“Then wait your time.”
"Yes. I'm looking forward to it. Sensei, I hope you don't disappoint."
``I'll start finishing tonight. We will keep in close contact until the time comes.''
"yes"
Communication with the intruder was interrupted.
After the communication ended, Balgate asked the intruders.
"...Aren't you guys going home?"
"Ah. I have something to do for you. I'm going to ask you to show me your plans. Just tell me. As long as Geist is here, I don't need you anymore..." I'll keep it
"I see. Let's tell you everything."
Valgate had no choice.
In fact, the plan has reached its final stage. It is true that there is no need for Balgate's backing. Even if Hades kills Balgate, no one will suffer any loss.
It was a complete threat, but I had no choice but to give in.
There was no way he could do something so terrifying as to call for help.
"However, there's no need to talk about it. I'll do this. It's something I've been meaning to get rid of. I want you to read it here and get rid of it."
Balgate takes out a locked box from his desk, opens it, and takes out a bundle of papers. Shu, who approached with Iris, took it and immediately read it. The language system has changed little by little over the past hundred years, and Shu is also relearning the language to match the times.
"...Huh. Interesting."
"That is right?"
"Ah. You have quite good sense, don't you? I want to see more of this."
After Shu finished reading the document, he used magic to burn it down.
"My business is over. Iris."
"Yes"
Then Hades and the Witch disappear.
From Balgate's point of view, it was like a storm.
(A few days... In a few days, I will become the true king)
The threat of death known as Hades is fickle.
If he is a collaborator of Geist, who is a teacher and sage, he can be trusted even if he cannot be trusted. Since that Hades said he would lend his strength, it seemed impossible for him to fail.
Compared to the humiliation of losing the throne to my younger brother, borrowing the help of a monster is nothing.
There was a flame of ambition in his eyes.
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