CH 289.1

It was the case during the Supreme Martial Arts Festival, but Barrier Magic is powerful, so it requires time and preparation before it can be erected. Multiple priests use several rare catalysts and use them during a long period of time. They are doing precision work requiring a combination of several people of average skills rather than one excellent individual. In areas like this, Hunters are not as good as priests.

Preparations made by the priests of the “Light Spirit (Korei) Church” were steadily progressing.

The 『Multi-Layer Barrier Magic Circle』 used in this operation is said to be a state-of-the-art technique that greatly improves the performance of Barrier Magic Circle by constructing them in three dimensions whereas they were originally drawn on a flat surface.

For that reason, it seems that the construction requires more catalyst, time, and technology than a normal magic circle, but I don’t think we need to worry about those points this time.

I know a lot about Relics, but not so much about curses. That is why the church’s explanation was very interesting to me.

For example, I learned for the first time that powerful curses can not only drive their target mad but can also materialize.

This time, the strategy is very simple. Release 『Marin’s Wails』 seal inside the Multi-Layered Magic Circle, and while the materialization of the curse is bound by the Magic Barrier and spells, Anthem and his group of priests will completely annihilate the target with their holy techniques. This operation is possible only because purification technology has developed and because they have prepared enough force to overwhelm the cursed item.

When I was observing the ceremony site with a vainly knowing face, the additional force of knights that Franz-san had called up entered through the huge gate.

Moreover, they weren’t ordinary knights armed with swords and shields. They were wearing silvery-white armor and were carrying a large arsenal of firearms in their hands.

It is smaller than the one carried by the Wolf Knights in the 【White Wolf’s Den】, but its elongated turret gives a somewhat advanced impression.

There were… 25 of them. While the priests were rustling about the strange knights, Franz-san glanced at me and made a badass smile.

“Kukuku…… It is an experimental unit using a money-eating weapon that ejects about fifty silver bullets per second, especially processed to repel demonic properties. When Primus Academy of Magic Sciences developed it, I thought it was a foolish thing to do as it uses a huge amount of money, but you never know what might come in handy! With this, there will be no more curses, 《Infinite Variety (Senpen Banka)》.” (Franz)

“………… Yowaningen, you didn’t do anything to Franz while I wasn’t looking, did you? Desu.” (Kruz)

“Humans are truly barbaric…… To think they will create such a tactless unit.” (Lapis)

A round that will scatter silver bullets… What the hell, Empire……

Firearms are not very popular weapons. The reason is simple: Monsters and Phantoms will not stop moving after several bullets are fired at them.

If that’s the case, it would be faster and stronger for a Hunter enhanced with Mana Material to hit them, and in the first place, bullets fired with gunpowder would be too slow for Hunters and powerful magic beasts. In addition, they can run out of ammunition, so it is unavoidable that it is not widely used.

In addition, when you talk about silver bullets, it is a weapon that really seems to cost a lot of money.

However, it may indeed be effective against an opponent that does not have a thick skin like the one a magical beast has.

Lapis’s expression is unusually openly displeased. Firearms are probably not very desirable for Spirit People, who often use bows and arrows to hunt.

For some reason, Franz-san’s confident instructions led to the deployment of the knights. They split into two groups, moving without a single awkward movement, and formed a line outside the Multi-Layer Barrier Magic Circle.

He is going to split into two squads and set up a crossfire. His killing intent is too damn high.

The strategy meeting went back and forth, and finally, Franz’s opinion was accepted. It is also due to the fact that they are an official Knight Order, but it is also thanks to Gark-san who supported his opinion.

I have no idea why he is so motivated when the main actors of this operation are supposed to be the “Light Spirit (Korei)” Church’s priest.

“………… It is because Leader says things he shouldn’t.” (Lucia)

“The opponent being what it is, you can never be too prepared.” (Ark)

Ark says this to Lucia who is sighing. My sense of security is shooting through the roof.

“*Unun* Yeah, yeah, it is as Ark said. Preparation won’t be wasted.” (Cry)

“…………” (Ark)

I cross my arms and nod in agreement, and everyone around me quiets down. I wish they would stop acting weird every time I say something……

Then, a priest came from the church building, accompanied by several priests and Anthem.

When you look at it this way, Anthem really stands out. The ground shakes just by him walking.

When the priest comes close to Franz-san in a straight line, the priests who followed behind him place a large box in front of him.

I took a step back thinking that there was the cursed item inside, but that doesn’t seem to be the case.

“Originally, I had no plans to use it, but――It is a Relic that was sleeping in the church’s treasury. This should be able to relieve some of “Commander Franz’s (Franz-Dancho)” concerns.” (Priest)

The priest opened the box while putting his finger in front of his lips and talking solemnly.

My eyes widened at the sight of the thing that was inside. A sigh of admiration naturally escaped my lips.

“This is…………!” (Cry)

What was inside was――A shining rainbow-colored chain. It is about as thick as a thumb but long enough to completely fill up the box.

Chain-type Relics are one of the most varied types of Relics. I have several in my collection, and they vary in abilities, but if he brings it out now, I am sure it is for this――–.

“『Shield Breath (Pillar of Light)』 is its name………… A chain woven with light that can penetrate even insubstantial opponents. It is a special item among the Relics possessed by the “Light Spirit (Korei)” Church that captures its target.” (Priest)

“Heh………… It is rare to find a chain that will properly capture its opponent.” (Cry)

“!?” (Priest)

I am saying this because a lot of chain Relics are a joke…… There are so many different kinds that it is rare to find a useful one. The 『Dog Chain』 I have also chases and binds its opponent to catch them, but it is a pitiful dog that can be removed or broken if the opponent has a little bit of strength.

Well, it is still a lot better than the 『Cat Chain』 that will not chase after its opponent……

I shake my head and touch the chain. When I pick it up, it is thin but heavy. It is indeed metal, yet it is as smooth to the touch as silk.  That alone made it clear that this Relic was something that could not be reproduced in modern times.

But boy, it sure is a long chain.