Chapter 152


    After seeing the mysterious holy relic in Seols hands, Karen and Karuna recalled apletely forgotten memory.


    It was a memory from the distant past, from when they first entered Montra''s secret storage room.


    * * *


    ...And for that reason, we will be having an excursion.


    Do apprentice knights normally have an excursion to the imperial familys secret storage?


    A good question, Karuna. This is an opportunity youve received because Karen, your older sister, incessantly begged him. Do you understand the situation now?


    I do, Sir Lain. Karen has caused another incident.


    Hahaha Well, Jin is the type to listen to any request


    Still, she shouldnt have done that.


    Mmm


    While Lain scratched his nose, Karen spoke up, addressing both the storage keeper and Lain.


    Whats that over there?! Where did you get that? asked Karen.


    Thats um hm its definitely looted goods, but where did we get this?


    ...Its alright. I stopped wanting to hear after you said looted goods.


    "It would be stranger if everything flowing into an Empire thisrge were ordinary. I don''t know much about them either, except for a select few. Dont tell me did you expect me to describe them kindly to you, Karen?


    No! I didnt expect anything at all because Lain isnt kind!


    I like your honesty. All knights should be like that. Now, what are you supposed to do when a senior knightpliments you?


    <em>ck!</em>


    Karen quickly put her heels together.


    Ah! Thank you!


    Get rid of the Ah!.


    Thank you!


    Nice, okay. Im teaching you this now for when you officially be a knightter, alright? Its all for your sake.


    What a boomer


    What did you say?


    Its nothing!


    The group entered deeper into the secret storage.


    With a mischievous look, the young Karen then directed a question to Lain.


    So what are the select few that you know?


    Hm Dont be curious about it.


    But I am curious, though? Im so curious I cant stand it~


    Urgh


    Even though we came all this way? Even though Id probably beg Jin again if we go back like this?


    ......


    "Then we''d have toe back again, wouldn''t we? And you''d have toe back with us too, Lain~"


    Fine, I guess there wouldnt be any issues if I showed you. Open the inner door.


    Thats..


    Quickly. Nothing will happen.


    I understand, Sir Lain.


    <em>Rumble rumble</em>


    <em>Hummmmmm</em>


    Karen marveled as the countless mechanics, traps, and spells installed in the secret storage activated.


    Woah


    Its shiny, right?


    Yeah, its shiny like your head, Lain.


    You little! My hairline just took a slight retreat, alright? Its not that bad yet!


    ...I thought you were a knight who didnt know the word retreat?


    ...There is nothing shameful about a strategic retreat. Regardless, dont touch anything. Observe with your eyes only.


    With only the four of them in the massive treasure room, young Karuna and Karen were overwhelmed by its grandeur.


    After quietly observing for a while, Karuna eventually stopped in front of a certain item.


    Excuse me Sir Lain?


    We should head back soon now hm? Ah, Karuna. What is it?


    Over here, its about this


    Uh Ah Ah! Thats not something you should be looking at!


    Lain quickly tried to use his body to hide the item from Karunas eyes.


    And obviously, that caught the eyes of Karen, the supreme viin.


    Woah! You must have found something fun, Karuna!


    Argh! Go away!


    What is it? What is it? Why are you acting like this? Is it something embarrassing? Is it a naked statue of youuuu?ughed Karen.


    You brat! Why would there even be something like that?!


    What is it then? Show me, argh G-Get out of the way


    Argh! Dont bite me! Fine, okay! Ill show you! Ill show you, okay?!


    Only Jin could have known the depth of humiliation endured by Sir Lain, the Sun Knight and captain of the guardians, at the hands of Karen.


    As Lain stepped back, he revealed three white spheres behind his back.


    And surprisingly, they were all the same size and shape.


    Woah are these jewels?


    ...Theyre not.


    Do you know what these are then, Lain? You didnt know what anything else was.


    Of course, I know. Any guardian would know what these are.


    What is it then? What is it, huh? Tell me!


    Are you curious too, Karuna?


    ...Yes.


    Alright! So, from this point on, well be


    Lain began by exining the orbs origins.


    Karen and Karuna, after hearing the exnation, had questions.


    So youre saying these are the weapons for the imperial familys guardians? asked Karuna.


    Precisely. Montra spared no expense in creating this through alchemy.


    Then is your weapon made from this too, Lain?


    Of course. Theres an annoying process called session, though. Regardless, all of the guardians have a weapon made from this pearl.


    This is a pearl? So it is a jewel then.


    Huh? Uh well, I guess it is when you look at it that way. But is it really a big deal?


    Its pretty.


    Hm Hmmm


    However, Karen, sensing something strange, asked Lain a question.


    "So why is this rotting away in some dingy storage room?"


    You brat I bet youre the only person in the world who would describe Montras secret storage room as a dingy storage room. And you dont have to worry. These extras were onlypleted recently.


    Extras?


    "Basically, we''ll fall back on these if the next guardians can''t handle the current guardians'' weapons."


    ...I see.


    Montras imperial family had a total of eight guardians.


    This fact has never changed.


    Why? Do you want it?ughed Lain.


    What? N-No. Im not even a guardian. Why would I?


    Its written all over your face, though.


    Dont look at me!


    "Haha... If you want something, just put in the effort to get it. Who knows... maybe you two will be the ones wielding two of the three pearls."


    As Lain encouraged her, young Karen gave him a look.


    ...Do you really think itll happen?


    "Who knows, but one thing I''m certain of is, if you don''t put in the effort, that day will nevere."


    Okay! Then lets train when we get back!


    An excellent idea! Now, lets get into the horse stance until we get back!


    Right now?


    Have you given up already?!


    No! Lets do it! Arghhhh!


    Keep going! Do it, so you won''t have to apologize to tomorrows you!


    Sorry! Im sorry, tomorrows me! I give up!


    Oh no! When I transcended space-time to peek at tomorrows you, she rejected your apology! I guess theres no other choice. Keep going!


    * * *


    Seol blinked a couple times.


    So this is that pearl?


    Yeah, Im telling you, its that. Right, Karuna?


    Yes, it''s likely that same pearl, Master.


    But How did it end up here? said Karen before turning around to give Chameli a stern look.


    Chameli spoke rapidly in shock.


    Th-the Holy Nation of Varanoa dedicates significant effort into the discovery and acquisition of holy relics. This is something that we, the Nevenian parish, acquired.


    And where did you get this?


    "There are too many routes to pinpoint the origin urately."


    Tch I bet it was a tomb raider.


    "That''s... probably the case. Most of the holy relics we''ve acquired were obtained that way.


    Seol quickly whispered something to Karen.


    Is it valuable?


    "I can guarantee you that every holy relic she has onbined right now wouldntpare to this. Even in Montra, where we piled up treasures like mountains, this pearl had special treatment."


    Then we should take this.


    As the two whispered to each other, Markon and Frannan approached them.


    It looks like the two of you are having quite an interesting conversation. Mind if we join?


    Hm


    Dont worry too much. We arent interested in the item. We just want to know in case it could assist us with our research.


    Seol hesitated for a second, recalling how Frannan hade all this way to assist him. Then, he began to exin about the pearl.


    Do you really expect me to believe that? That this was an item used by an ancient empire?


    Werent you the one who asked me?


    Hm then Im sure you also know how to use this, right?


    Karen, could you exin it to him?


    Karen began to exin it like it was nothing special.


    The person has to take on a trial from the pearl called session. Its important because the shape and power of the weapon change based on the sessors will.


    Hm thats quite interesting. And how strong is it?


    "I''m not sure what I could say about that. It doese with special powers, but it was unique for each guardian.


    I see is that so? Hey, Mareko.


    Its Markon.


    "Regardless, if you''re the holy relic keeper of such arge branch you must also be able to analyze holy powers, right?"


    I am, but Ive already tried and failed.


    Haha thats because you didnt have me.


    Do you have experience in this field as well?


    Of course. There was nothing I didnt try to raise my skills.


    "Then... then this could lead to some amazing discussions. You''ve ignited a fire within me as well."


    Frannan turned to Seol.


    Hey, Ill be borrowing your item for a bit. Thats fine, right?


    Seol casually opened his hand, allowing Frannan to take the pearl. Frannan smirked seeing that, and grabbed it.


    Take some days to rest and repair your equipment. If this pearl really is as amazing as I think it is there might be hope for you to wield Agony.


    I look forward to it.


    Seol gave a small bow before leaving. Chameli quickly hurried after Seol, stopping him before he fully left the branch.


    "Snowman, I want to thank you once more. Because of you, we''ve managed to solve an issue that would have been impossible with our parishs efforts alone. Though I''m uncertain if the pearl suffices as a reward, please understand that our gratitude toward you is genuine."


    ...Okay.


    And on that note would it be alright if we continue to message you through our brother, JewelryKang?


    Yeah, thats fine.


    Chamelis expression noticeably brightened as she had a huge smile stered on her face.


    Thank you so much! I will make sure that your stay here isfortable!


    Ah, okay


    Seol still wasnt used to such hospitality. After all, he was the type who believed everything came with a price.


    She might ask something annoying from me in the future Regardless, lets do maintenance now.


    <em>Creak</em>


    Seol, after entering the amodation Chameli prepared for him, listened to the rest of Karens story.


    As he was listening, he asked her a question.


    So, youre saying two of those pearls ended up bing your swords?


    Yeah, exactly.


    Hm


    I was only able to remember it now. The Red Lotus Sword and the Moonlight Sword were both made from that pearl.


    Karen and Karunas swords had been a mystery until now.


    Not only were the powers within it mysterious, but Seol also found it strange that despite being forged intopletely new swords, they retained their original powers.


    Well I dont need to hear more to know that its an incredible holy relic.


    Because the swords had been reborn, as if they had souls of their own, Seol couldnt help but be intrigued by the newly acquired pearl.


    Seol pulled out a bottle from his inventory to look at Agony.


    He wondered what he had to do to rein in this evil spirit. Surprisingly, the answer came much sooner than expected.


    * * *


    After exactly three days, Frannan called for Seol.


    You were right.


    What?


    "We''ve finished analyzing it, and we''ve concluded that the pearl does, in fact, possess that power. To think this holy relic grants the sessor a power that best suits them... I still can''t believe it."


    Hahaha! Montras alchemy does seem like miracles at times, yeah.


    Frannanughed along as well as Markon continued.


    "If you''re interested in uncovering the truth behind the pearl''s powers, it could take us years. Would you like us to do that?"


    Of course not.


    Frannan nodded.


    "I agree. If this were mine, I''d spend every day researching it, but... ultimately, this item belongs to you. It should work in your favor."


    ...Yes.


    "Now, there are four ways for you to wield Agony."


    ...That many?


    Have I finally shown off my prowess as an Aspect Magician? But more importantly I dont think weve agreed to a reward for my assistance.


    Thats


    "And in these situations, its much faster if I just tell you what I want first. Somethings been annoying me recently, and I would like for you to help me take care of it."


    What is it?


    Well, its just some minor problems surrounding the magic towers


    Even though Im an outsider? Is it really okay for me toe along?


    Thats something for me to decide. So, what do you think?


    Seol thought for a second before nodding.


    Okay, Ill do it.


    "Alright, then let me exin how wed cook that monster in your inventory. You can pick whichever option you like the most after hearing them all.


    Frannan then began his exnation.


    The first option, wed lower its intelligence.


    ...Its intelligence?


    "Yeah, that little rascal has been sneakily corrupting its wielder to take their lives. An awful thing, really."


    <em>[No, I havent. I didnt, though? I never did that.]</em>


    Frannan read Agonys expression before continuing.


    Once we reduce its intelligence, it would be nothing more than a strong fool. And those are always easy to handle.


    Are there any side effects?


    It would be too stupid to use all of its powers.


    ......


    Second option, wed restrain it and forcibly take away its powers bit by bit.


    There are issues with this option too, right?


    Every option has issues. After all, this little shit is an issue.


    Thats reasonable.


    Regardless, even though we could safely take its powers after restraining it, theres a chance that its powers could never recover. And if that happens, it would just be a one-time use item.


    <em>Gulp</em>


    Are you scared?


    What?


    I thought I heard you gulp just now.


    That wasnt me.


    It was the sound of Agony gulping.


    <em>[H-Human! If you try to restrain me, Ill just kill myself! And if that happens, it wont go ording to your ns!]</em>


    Frannan and Seol ignored Agony.


    Third option, we melt it with the pearls powers.


    <em>[You demons!]</em>


    - Agonys reunion with its long-lost master.


    - Im sorry, demon We humans are sorry


    "However, if we do that, the processing would make it weaker than its original state."


    "Judging by how all the options so far only involve wielding a portion of Agony..."


    Yeah, thest option is a bit different. Fourth option! Well stuff it into the pearl.


    ...What? Is that really possible?


    It is. After all, the most efficient method to purify a demonic spirit has always been to use a holy relic.


    Would we be using the pearls powers to melt Agony for this method too?


    No, wed just be messing with its discernment between good and evil a little.


    What?


    "It doesnt know how to be good because it was born in evil. Wed simply be tinkering with the moralpass in its head so that it does good from time to time and engages in evil less frequently."


    Theoretically, thats perfect.


    Frannanughed.


    "I''ve always been theoretically perfect. Ive just failed in application. Now, do you need time to make a decision?"


    [[Frannan has asked you for your preferred method to make Agony submit to you. Which option do you choose?]


    1. Lower Agonys intelligence.


    2. Restrain Agony and slowly sap away its powers.


    3. [Required: Adequate Holy Relic] Melt Agony to turn it into pure strength.


    4. [Required: Adequate Holy Relic] Tinker with Agonys moralpass.]


    Its fine, Ive already made my decision.


    Haha so, your decision?


    Seol replied, causing Frannan tough.


    "Oho