The Second Son of The Marquis Runs Away from Home ~ Lacking Talent, He Abandons Everything and Becomes an Adventurer ~ - 42

Chapter 42: The Worst Magical Artifact

“The worst magical artifact…?”

“That helmet, even though it was a mess, had ‘lines’ and magical stones. However, there were no inscribed symbols on the magical stones.”

“What does that mean?”

Philia drew in the air, creating a complex diagram with threads intertwined around a central point.

“At first glance, it looks like a chaotic mess, but the ‘lines’ themselves serve as symbols. It seems they activate by connecting with a person’s ‘lines.’ Keep in mind, this is just what we’ve been able to analyze so far. In reality, it’s dozens of times more complex than this.”

“I see…”

The diagram Philia had drawn was a complex creation that made my head hurt just looking at it. Compared to this, the symbols I could draw were like child’s scribbles.

“From what we’ve been able to decipher and infer from Fullod’s condition… this seems to be a spell that transforms the person who wears it into the physical body of the monster that served as the source for the magical stones.”

“The monster’s body… Was it a Grindel?”

“Exactly. As expected of a Silver-ranked adventurer.”

I stared at the floating diagram in amazement. Aria, too, seemed to understand how dangerous this discovery was.

The fact that a single piece of equipment could create something so powerful as to easily defeat trained knights made one wonder how many would seek such power, especially if it came at the cost of a single life.

“Given the sophistication of the confiscated magical artifacts and the technology they are using, it’s unlikely they can create something of this level so easily. However, they are a more dangerous threat than I had initially anticipated.”

Victoria muttered this, then turned her gaze toward Aria while continuing.

“And undoubtedly, their reach extends to the Launas Theocracy.”

“…!?”

Aria, upon hearing these words, stood up instinctively. Victoria explained while looking at Aria and me.

“We don’t know their exact goal, but they are after Rare Drops. Since they couldn’t obtain the Justilian of this country, their next targets are likely the Theocracy’s Holy Staff and Holy Sword.”

“That’s…!?”

“…Here’s the thing, Aria, and Berg. I have a request for you.”

Victoria said this and looked at us with a resolute gaze.

“I want you two to protect Serena, who is in the Launas Theocracy.”

“What!?”

“In light of recent events, it’s more important to prevent them from obtaining Rare Drops than to worry about discord with the Launas Theocracy. Moreover, it’s more likely that their connections extend to the upper echelons of that country. However, we can’t afford to divert individuals, including titled knights, for this task.”

That was undoubtedly true. While we had managed to handle the recent attack, rebuilding the shaken Empire would require more manpower than we could spare.

“Berg, I want to ask you formally as well… Please lend your strength to Aria in my stead.”

“Please, Berg, help Aria…”

“Sister…”

Victoria and Philia said this while bowing their heads. They were no longer the Emperor of the Empire or a magician but appeared as Aria’s sisters.

“…Understood. I’ll do what I can.”

I replied, and Philia let out a sigh of relief. Victoria, with a solemn expression, continued.

“I appreciate it. And while this isn’t a reward for agreeing to our request, there is something I want to give you, Berg.”

With this preamble, Victoria uttered something astonishing.

“Berg, under the name of the Emperor of the Mildrea Empire, I want to grant you a title.”