Battle War; Magic, Sword and Dragon

Silent Night

Panese City. A city among the mountains with beautiful scenery and became one of the most visited tourist attractions in the imperial region.

But it is wrong to think that all the scenery is the result of nature. 39 years ago, the emperor Sei happened to pass by the area and muttered 'is not this place good for sightseeing?'

With a speech that does not know whether serious or not, the Panese city project began and was finally completed in 3 years. If you look at the scenery, it is hard to believe that all this is man-made.

Unfortunately, for some, the city of Panese is more than a beautiful city. The city was one of the imperial secret facilities that carried out research and protection against several people of important status.

That's why, when Adam went to the city of Panese, it can be guessed that the goal is not to travel, but ask for protection.

Sebas admitted this and for that reason also Riku went to a place that became a refuge. However, he also had to make sure that the mission this time went well.

Thankfully, despite the initial panic that the object of their mission disappeared from the airship, when they found out that Adam had reached Helen and others were relieved.

Although many unexpected events, you could say the mission this time went perfectly.

"Alright, since our mission is complete and going well, we can relax for a few days until the airship towards the capital comes."

A public airship bound for the capital will come in three days. They have time to relax and enjoy the city of Panese.

Not as expected, Guy chose to go alone. It seemed like he already had his own plans when he arrived at Panese city.

Meanwhile, Helen and Milia plan to find an inn. As magic school students, they would get a discount, so they were not so worried about a makeshift budget.

Riku and Lunaris parted ways with Helen and the others. Although they are currently on a mission together, they do not have to get back together.

Helen herself wasn't stupid enough not to know that Riku and Lunaris had more important things to do than travel. In addition, he also realized that the city of Panese seemed more than a tourist city.

Because of her status, she did not want to be so involved, only when she saw Riku's expression after returning from the battle against the wind dragon, she knew that this matter was more serious than she thought.

"Are you sure you don't want to stay at our family's?"

"Thank you for the offer. But the place is too .... how to say it?"

Helen didn't know what to say. When they found out they were going to separate, Riku offered them a place to stay owned by the Kagami family in the city of Panese.

Given the background of the Kagami family, one can guess that the inn was one of the best. Helen felt that if she stayed there, she did not know what to do.

"Then I won't force it. But if you need anything, you can find us there."

Riku then gave a small badge with the symbol of a dragon wrapped around the shield. It was a symbol of the Kagami family.

Large families like Kagami have special badges to identify them. Usually, badges are only given to people of trust because giving badges to people carelessly can contaminate good names if used incorrectly.

Aware of the burden of the badge that Riku gave her, Helen hesitates to accept it, but Riku gives it sincerely. He felt uncomfortable if he refused.

"thank you. I won't disappoint your expectations."

The two groups then separated.

After parting ways, Riku and Lunaris did not go to the inn, but they went to one of the ordinary houses in the middle of the city.

The house is a small bar that is not too crowded. Without a word, Riku gave the Kagami family symbol badge to the bar guard.

The barkeeper simply glanced over without giving any further comment. A moment later, a door opened on the floor. Lunaris and Riku unhesitatingly entered.

They both knew that there was a special facility in Panese city, but this was the first time they entered it. After going down the stairs and through a long hallway, they finally arrived at a spacious room.

The area of the room they saw had an area almost the same as the area of the football field. Given that there is no way there is only that room, it can be guessed if the facility is really spacious. It may even be wider than the city of Panese above the surface.

When they arrived, a man in a lab jacket greeted them.

"Welcome to facility number 32. My name is Gent, one of the researchers at this place. Is it true that you are the young master of the Kagami family?"

"My name is Riku and he's my fiance, Lunaris. We went to this facility because we had business. Can we meet with the authorized person in this facility?"

Gent smiled looking at Riku and Lunaris. After a while, he said :

"I'm sure your arrival is related to the Trident. Chief Queis would be happy to meet you. Let me take you."

They followed Gent from behind. On the way they saw many items resembling weapons in good condition, but some were damaged. All of them have something in common, there are some people who do research on each of those weapons.

They run tests like trying to cut with tools, burn, and even hammer.

"Could all those weapons be Cursed Arm?"

Riku asked out of curiosity. He knew it was a research facility. But what research?

From what he saw, he could sense that it was an unusual weapon from his aura. If magic weapons were ordinary, then the research was a little excessive.

"You can call it that. But in this place we refer to them as Relic, not Cursed Arm."

"Relic?"

Riku knew that the Cursed Arm could be a weapon made in ancient times in war, but it could not be said to be a Relic.

"I'm sorry for being disrespectful, but you don't trust history books too much. There's a lot of things that shouldn't be mentioned to people like us."

Riku did not argue. He knows what Gent wants to say.

"History does mention that Relic is a weapon made in the Paladin war. But have you ever asked how Relic was made? If it can be made, why until now no one can make Relic anymore?"

If you think about it again, everything Gent said made sense.  Weapons used in conflicts in the present day involve more magic weapons with advanced technology than ancient magic technology.

Indeed, magic weapons now have great destructive power, but ancient weapons such as the Cursed Arm have more unique and special abilities. No new technology can replicate that.

Of course the assumption is not so strange because of the prohibition of making Cursed Arm again, but what if in fact, no one can make Cursed Arm in this day and age?

Realizing all this, Riku felt amazed, but at the same time was also worried because of the existence of the Cursed Arm.

"The beginning of the making of Relic until now is still a mystery. Too many clues were lost to the war 400 years ago. It was as if everything was intentionally erased from history. This facility was created to uncover the mystery of all that."

"I didn't expect the empire to aim to recreate the Cur-Relic again."

If true, she'll talk to her brother.

"You're wrong. Our goal in researching Relic is not to create a new Relic, but to examine how we can destroy it."

Riku felt a little guilty for guessing too early.

"..Isn't that enough of the usual way?"

"Relic's manufacturing method is more advanced than current technology. We might be able to create weapons with the same material and composition as Relic, but if asked more easily where to destroy them, so Relic is undoubtedly one of the hardest things to destroy in the world."

They entered a passageway leading to another part of the facility.

"We once managed to destroy one Relic in the form of a small knife, and it could not be called a strong Relic. The effort we put in was too long and wasteful. The cost used was even able to build two new warships. Haha..."

Riku did not know whether to sympathize or feel proud for breaking a small knife.

But if it takes that much cost and time, how to destroy the more powerful Cursed Arm?

"Mr Riku, what do you think distinguishes Relic from magic weapons?"

"There are many, but the striking ones may be their abilities."

"I agree with that, but the most appropriate one is the existence of a soul on Relic, whereas a magic weapon is not. The existence of this 'soul' is also a theory for why Relic is so hard to destroy."

A weapon that has a soul. Relic can be likened to an Arm or Beast which is the embodiment of a witch's soul.

What if Relic is actually an Arm or a Beast?

"I know what you're thinking, but the knowledge we have today is still superficial. And for some reason, if we go deeper, we'll touch the taboo."

Not only did Gent feel it, but Riku felt it too. If all the things about Cursed Arm were removed, there was no reason for them to do so.

"Have you never tried to destroy the 'soul' on that Relic?"

Lunaris who had been silent since then arrived to join the connection.

"Of course we tried it. But there was a kind of defensive mechanic that made it difficult for us to do that. It doesn't mean we failed. It's just that we realized if there's still a little leftover from that 'soul', the 'soul' in Relic will recover. Really, why didn't the emperor give an easy order?"

You look happy, but now you're complaining? It seems like the people here have their own problems.

They then arrived at the place of the head researcher, Queis.

As if they were waiting, they were immediately welcome to enter.

"I'll excuse you. If you need anything, you can call one of the researchers. We all have the same authority and purpose."

Gent left and left the two in the room together with Queis.

Unlike what Riku imagined, Quies looks like a 20-year-old. He must be a genius for being the head researcher at such a young age.

There was nothing striking about him other than his handsome face with dark brown hair.

"Include me, I'm the head researcher at this place, Queis. Nice to meet you, young master Riku. And also young lady Lunaris. "

"It's nice to meet you, Mr. Queis. "

What's he thinking?

Queis himself did not care much about Lunaris' reaction and simply smiled.  It made Riku calm down a bit. It seems that Lunaris is still the same as before, still not easily familiar with people he just met.

"Let's sit down. I only have cheap tea, I hope you're not so disappointed."

"Sorry to trouble."

Riku and Lunaris sat down.

Queis so calmly poured tea on the cup. He was so normal as if he had become his daily habit.

Although it says cheap, but Riku can feel that the tea has a little unique taste that is refreshing and delicious. Lunaris even liked it after sipping a little.

"It's a very unusual taste."

"Haha, only you would make such a comment. Most do not understand the special taste of tea in this place. Don't worry, the tea is made from natural ingredients."

"...."

Riku made no comment. He knew Queis said that to show that he could be trusted. Although in reality, there was a dangerous object or not, it was not important to Riku because his body could process the poison quickly.

Queis seems to have other intentions as well, but Riku chose not to care as if he did not know.

"Previous to apologize for arriving and bothering you. I'm here because I want to know about the 'matter' that just came to this place."

Calling Adam a 'matter' sounds rude, but Riku deliberately called it that because he understood that Adam was now the most valuable material in the facility.

"I understand that. As the leader of this place, I'll give you everything you need."

Riku understood Queis was telling not because he was from the Kagami family, but because of the dagger he had.

Queis has no choice. The dagger made Riku status equal to the emperor. If Queis disrespects Riku, he will get a problem that will not be solved despite risking his life.

But that doesn't mean queis can't lie. It's up to Riku how to dig up as much information as possible.

"If so be it, ..does Adam have time?"

"..."

Queis did not immediately answer and pensive. After a while, he sighed deeply.

"You know that the fate of the child is really unlucky. Asking him if he has time or not seems to say he's going to die. Isn't that a little rough?"

"He didn't?"

"It's not. To be honest, this is the first case in the world. Where a Relic chooses someone to be his container. Like most of the others involved with Relic, their fate is certain to be bad, but we still don't know very well whether young master Adam will have a similar fate."

Hearing that Riku felt a little relieved.

"We checked his whole body. The flow of magic, the pulse of magic, the condition of the body were all normal like any other child, but everything changed as he summoned his Arm. Lord Riku, can you guess the name Arm belongs to master Adam?"

Riku didn't want to answer.

"so. Normally, a magician embodies Arm and Beast with a name that comes from within their soul and mind. This was one of the reasons why Arm and Beast were referred to as the incarnation of the witch's soul, but young master Adam called the name magic which was the name Relic. It is arguably overlapping the soul of a witch with something else. ....Of course it didn't go well."

Queis then shows a Crystal Age and shows it to Riku and Lunaris. That's the data on Adam's body condition.

"Trident is known as one of the strongest Relics, no matter how compatible it is with the body of young master Adam, his small body will not be able to receive such great power. So far he has only had frequent high fevers, but those are early symptoms. If left unchecked, his body would be crushed from the inside."

Although it says about life, but there is no pity or sadness with what happened to Adam.

When he first saw Queis, Riku could tell that the person only cared about his goal. That's why he doesn't care whether Adam will live or die. The most important thing is the results of his research.

People like this are quite troublesome.

"So you want to say that Adam only had two choices?"

Life or death. Riku wanted to hear another option, which is why he was looking for Adam despite the fact that he technically had no relationship with him.

"No. From the beginning, he had only one choice. He should be able to control the Trident's power."

"Why?"

"I didn't say that for no reason. Besides me researching the condition of his body, I also did some research before Mr. Adam got involved. The results were quite surprising. Now I can say that young master Adam is very lucky to have an Arm as strong as the Trident. "

"You gotta be kidding me?"

"Well, we often find witches with the same magic name as legendary creatures or objects. I'm sure you understand that very well. But until now, we still do not know for sure whether the name of the magic is really embodying the legendary creature or object in the form of incarnation magic. Aren't we?"

"..."

In his family, there are some who have the name of magic objects and legendary creatures. But as Queis said, is their form of magic really the same as that of the magical creature?

Until now it is still a mystery that has not been known the truth.

But this made Riku once again think about the legend that exists in this world. Legend is a story in the past with evidence seen in the present day.

Pandora, Byakko, Phoenix, Excaliburn. Those are just a few examples of hundreds, thousands of world-famous legends. But strangely enough, there is no real evidence of their existence.

Instead of legends, is not it more appropriate to be referred to as a myth or a story of writing?

Where did all these stories come from?

What does this have to do with the magic of witches?

"I'm sorry, we're too far off the topic."

Riku. He also understood that this was far from what he wanted.

"Although this is only the initial stage of the examination, but I am sure that the condition of young master Adam will not be in danger anytime soon. His body was currently still adapting to his new strength. If he managed to master his strength, he would become one of the strongest magicians in the empire...  But..."

Queis stopped as if he did not want to say it.

"If he was controlled by his power, he would be one of the great calamities like most cases involving Relic."

Queis nodded confirming what Riku said.

Until now the incident 15 years ago in the capital is still a fresh memory. Where a criminal uses the Cursed Arm to create a labyrinth and flatten an ibutoka within a radius of 15 more kilometers.

If at that time the government was too late to take action, no one can imagine the number of casualties from the incident.

But thanks to the incident there is now an active labyrinth in the middle of the capital for witch training. The government could have destroyed the labyrinth for good, but they got another idea of the incident.

Riku had to admit her brother was indeed amazing.

- After getting what Riku wanted, Riku and Lunaris left. They're heading for the Kagami family's inn.

The sky was getting dark and it was time to rest. Besides, they have no other plans.

Upon arriving at the inn, they were greeted with such respect. The relationship between the two was no longer a secret, so the staff knew that the two would be in one room.

Riku went straight to the bathroom. He was so tired and wanted to rest. But predictably, Lunaris finally followed with the excuse of 'wanting to take a bath together'. Riku is a lucky young man. Real lucky.

Seeing Lunaris' body without a strand of yarn like a newborn and wet makes Riku's fatigue a little less. He had to admit that Lunaris knew very well how to comfort himself.

In the warm bath, Lunaris sat on Riku's lap. He draped Riku's hand on her lovingly.

Riku was so enjoying the peaceful atmosphere. He even closed his eyes as if he did not want time to pass.

"My husband, don't push yourself too much."

"...maybe..."

There's nothing to hide from Lunaris.

Going to the facility to find out Adam's condition is just an impingement. In reality, he didn't even care much about what happened to Adam. He was sympathetic, but only to that extent.

"We're going to find out who's behind all this. If left unchecked, I could feel something bad was about to happen."

"I understand. Anyone who dares to make a dragon like that will get a fair reply."

The anger that Riku felt was also felt by Lunaris.

In the empire there was a rule not to disturb the dragons not only because they would get a reply in the form of anger from the dragons, but because there was a deeper reason than that.

Riku and Lunaris are some people who know the truth behind it all.

But there was another reason why the two of them were so angry.

Normally humans if given a choice between a dragon or a human, they would directly choose a human. But Riku and Lunaris are the opposite.

They will side with the dragon no matter what. It didn't even matter if the dragon was wrong or not.

Tonight is so quiet as to be a sign that something bad is about to happen.