CH 287.2

“………… Right now, we will have to focus all our efforts on the church case. In the unlikely event that the curse goes out of control, there will be more victims than ever before………… No, even ordinary people will be victims of it.” (Franz)

The 『Marin’s Wails』 is the biggest and worst curse currently known to exist.

The curse, produced by the abominable technology of an ancient Magi, took the life of everything within a kilometer radius and even finally took the life of the Magi who created it. That thing is most likely the subject of the prophecy from the Divination Institute.

However, it had been a long time since the curse rampaged. 『Curses』 that are activated by strong feelings tend to weaken with the passage of time, and the church’s purification and barrier techniques are more advanced than in the past.

According to the story of the “Light Spirit (Korei)” Church, the purification plan for Marin’s Wails seems to have been progressing little by little toward the coming day when the sealing technique would deteriorate. Making the purification earlier just made things speed up a little. If Zebrudia fully cooperates, failure is impossible.

“We have obtained the cooperation of various organizations. We have also contacted Ark Rodan. 《Unshakeable Permeance (Fudo Fuhen)》 will also be there, so we are ready to go.” (Subordinate)

《Unshakeable Permeance (Fudo Fuhen)》. The strongest Paladin of the church in the Imperial Capital. Although he is not from a noble family and has never been a member of a knighthood school, he was asked to join a Knight Order as a special exception.

It is said that this man, who possessed both high combat ability and healing power, was a gem comparable to Ark Rodan.

In addition, he is also a member of 《Strange Grief (Nageki no Borei)》. Come to think of it, Ark Rodin is also a member of 《First Step (Hajimari no Ashiato)》.

“……………… What is going on with that guy’s connections?” (Franz)

Were they blessed or did they grow because they got involved with that man and were involved with those 『Infinite Trials (Sen no Shiren)』――.

I shake my head and shake off such a trivial question. Either way, it doesn’t change what I have to do.

I just have to extinguish the sparks that might fall on the Empire’s prosperity.

§　§　§

Before the curse purification operation began, the road to the church was restricted.

The operation does not seem to have been made public to the citizens, but everyone is looking at the knights at the checkpoint with anxious faces, perhaps because of the incidents that have occurred in a row for a while now.

Although still a distance away, the building of the “Light Spirit (Korei)” Church in Zebrudia is second only to the Imperial Castle in size. I could clearly see it even from a distance.

Unlike the Imperial Castle, which embodies quality and robustness, the numerous white spires protruding from the building and the symbolic sun-like markings on the spires are extremely sophisticated and fun to look at.

I talk to Anthem who leisurely walks in the middle of the road.

“It has been kind of a long time since I have been to church.” (Cry)

“………… Umu.” (Anthem)

Anthem is probably the most famous person among the Paladin belonging to the Church in Zebrudia.

There are many reasons for this, including his high certification Level as a Hunter, his powerful healing powers, his good personality, and of course, let’s not forget his size.

And unlike Liz and Sytry, he does not have a bad reputation. He does not go on a rampage like Liz, nor does he occasionally mess up like Sytry, and he boasts a stability that lives up to his Alias, 《Unshakeable Permeance (Fudo Fuhen)》.

I am very thankful that when I am near him, no one looks at me. Even lightning won’t strike me, so I wonder if this is what they mean when they say, “A big tree gives shade to a small tree”.

Apparently, just as Anthem had said, they are cooperating with the country and have mobilized a considerable number of people. On the way to the church, there were not only knights and priests but even Hunters.

During that time with the 《Sword Saint (Kensei)》 and that time in the Magic Academy, troubles occur suddenly. That has caused such a fuss, but if they are so perfectly prepared, no matter what happens, they will probably be able to handle it.

Besides, what’s more, this time――I am here.

I breathed a sigh of relief at them being more fully prepared than I had imagined and enthusiastically tapped Anthem’s pillar-like leg.

“Well, this time I will do what I can! There is nothing I can do tho’!” (Cry)

“………………………… Uuuumu.” (Anthem)

Normally, I would never have followed him to a curse purification ceremony, but this time was special.

Even I am learning and moreover, Anthem will be there too. Let’s take one bullet for this straightforward best friend of mine.

Plus, if something happened, they might not complain if I am present on the scene.