CH 238.2

“Come to think of it, I hear they are planning to compete in the Supreme Martial Arts Festival――” (Gaff)

“It’s the basic to have people on the inside, but to sneak them into the Supreme Martial Arts Festival, how long have they been planning this――” (Gaff right-hand man)

It is a frightening story. Even Gaff, a reasonably high-ranking member, had never heard that 《Thousand Swords (Senken)》 and 《Torch Knights (Touka Kish-Dan)》 are comrades.

But they have made a move on this mission. Trust can easily be broken, and it is no exaggeration to say that this is our only chance. Failure is absolutely unacceptable.

And then my subordinate, who had been in charge of the communication, came running in.

“Gaff, I just got a call from the headquarters. They want to know what happened to the object for Plan A.” (Gaff subordinate)

Gaff frowned at the unexpected call.

Plan A rests all on the power of a certain item. It was an item that had been securely stored in an imperial museum, and its seizure was also Phase 1 of the plan.

“That object……? We should have already informed them of the success of that mission…… I already gave it to the Boss. The information is quite delayed……” (Gaff)

The “Fox (Kitsune)”, whose origins come from an intelligence agency, puts a lot of effort into information. Leaving aside if it was only a few hours, it is unusual for information to be delayed by a few days.

It’s not as if the Boss forgot to tell them――.

§　§　§

Luke gritted his teeth hard and said with a frustrated look on his face.

“I can’t…… Cry. No matter how many times I try――I can’t charge it.” (Luke)

What was held out to me was a sword-type Relic engraved with a suspicious-looking pattern that was given to me by the Fox Mask Fan Club.

Luke is a genuine swordsman. Although he is a swordsman, it does not mean that he has zero Magic power.

He has experienced the complete collection of my sword-type Relics. And unlike me, he is not dependent on Lucia, so he has enough Magic power to charge most of the sword-type Relic.

No, even if he didn’t have enough at that time, he would train and get it. That is who the man called Luke Sykol is.

I take the sword he offered and lightly look through it.

As it is shorter than most swords, this sword would be extremely difficult for swordsmen to use if they use it as their main weapon.

The 『Key of the Earth』.

If it is the same Relic as the one that was almost stolen from the museum, it would seem that the power that this Relic possesses is unknown.

The reason why it is recognized as a National Treasure is because there has been no similar Relic before, plus the fact that it was found in a high-level Treasure Shrine.

Basically, the power of a Relic is proportional to the concentration of Mana Material――To the level of the Treasure Shrine. Most Treasure Hunters don’t want a Relic with unknown effects, so Relics are often bought by museums for similar reasons.

“………… The Key of the Earth, the Key of the Earth…… Right?” (Cry)

However, a name is a way to summarize the object. There must be a reason for an object to be given a name like this when its abilities are unknown.

The newspaper didn’t have any detailed information, but my blood as a Relic enthusiast was boiling.

The blade, which was so straight that it makes it seem that it is a display model, possesses a mysterious feeling in its own way.

Luke clenched his fist and shouted as if to declare something.

“Kuh………… To think I can handle a sword satisfactorily, I am still immature. I didn’t train enough! But there’s no one left to cut!” (Luke)

“No, it is a key. So, it is not a sword.” (Cry)

“!?” (Luke)

Luke looked like a pigeon hit by a peashooter.

I got a small note from Touka that you and Liz were on a rampage. The tournament is about to start, so please be quiet.

I straightened my posture, made eye contact with Luke, and with a serious expression on my face, I said something plausible but random.

“Luke, do you know what you need for a key? Sometimes the answer is simpler than you think.” (Cry)

He is a top-notch swordsman and better than me in almost every way except common sense, but when it comes to Relic knowledge, I am better than him.

Luke pondered for a bit and said with confidence.

“What do you need for a key………… Is it a keyhole?” (Luke)

“…………” (Cry)

He said what I was going to say.

I sighed deeply and tried to play it cool.

“In other words…… This is… Right. This is the key to the future! If it gets into the wrong hands, it’s going to be very bad.” (Cry)

“Whu…… What!? Wrong hands!? What are the wrong hands!?” (Luke)

“Of course, they are…… Like…… You know? ………… Yes, enemies of the world.” (Cry)

“Enemies…… Of the world!? Where are they!? I can cut them down, right!?” (Luke)

Why do you look so happy…… It was just some random bullshit. I am just saying random things that you might like.

It will be problematic if Luke becomes serious because I said too many random things. How do I answer him……?

I worried for a while and answered fearfully.

“Well, that’s………… Something like a natural disaster or something.” (Cry)

“Natural…… Disasters, huuuuh……” (Luke)

“………… However, the strongest swordsman can also cut disasters!” (Cry)

“!!” (Luke)

Being disappointed then being relieved, your expression sure is busy, Luke.

I was entrusted with this Relic because of a misunderstanding. I will have to return it before I leave this city.

But since I have taken the trouble to keep this Relic, I would like to try various things out at least once, even if I have to return it.

I yawned a little and silently placed the Key to the Earth in front of Lucia.