Today, on the eve of the festival, the rituals that had been ongoing for several days finally concluded, marking the ability to deploy the barrier.
As the rituals neared their end, the tension within the association was palpable, more so than usual.
I couldn't afford to let my guard down until the very end as I continued my role as a guard.
Determined to stay vigilant, I kept a watchful eye on High Priest Cieltia.
After all, I was convinced that the prophecy would inevitably come true.
So, when it happened, I could respond immediately.
Someone entered the association.
However, given the policy to allow villagers to observe the rituals, the doors were periodically opened, so someone entering wasn't necessarily unusual.
What was strange was their attire.
They wore a mask on their face.
The mask was white, decorated elaborately around the eyes. Presumably, it was the type of mask used in a masquerade. Additionally, they were draped in a black cloak, making it impossible to discern their physique.
Due to this, it was unclear whether the person behind the mask was male or female, and their age or any other details remained a mystery.
Feeling suspicious, I stood up.
"Hey, you there! Unauthorized personnel are prohibited from entering further!"
I tried to stop the masked individual who was heading towards the platform where the priests were.
The masked figure turned towards me. With their expression hidden, I couldn't discern their thoughts. Ready to move at any moment, I grasped the hilt of my sword when the masked person made a sudden movement.
Instantly, black mist enveloped the entire association. As visibility disappeared, a memory resurfaced. A revenant posing as Namia had done the same thing in my house. Back then, the revenant had released black mist, disappearing from my sight.
Could it be that the masked individual in front of me was the revenant posing as Namia?
However, before thinking about that, there was something I had to do. First, I needed to protect High Priest Cieltia.
Swiftly, I jumped in front of her and drew my sword. Even though I couldn't see anything due to the mist, I remembered Cieltia's position.
A metallic sound echoed.
The masked person attacked Cieltia with a dagger. I was able to block the attack with my sword.
We clashed swords a few more times. In the unseen battle, I was at a disadvantage, but I managed to handle it somehow.
"I will dispel the mist using light!"
Cieltia's voice came from behind. I nodded in silence, wondering if such a thing was possible.
"Flash of Light!"
Simultaneously with that voice, a burst of light was released. Gradually, the mist cleared. When visibility returned, the masked person was no longer there.
"The Holy Grail is missing!?"
Someone's cry echoed.
Indeed, the Holy Grail that was placed in the center was gone.
Simultaneously, I noticed that the door leading outside was wide open.
The Holy Grail had been stolen.
Realizing this, I hurriedly rushed outside. It was already dark, and a light rain was falling.
"Damn it."
I looked left and right, but there was no sign of anyone carrying the Holy Grail.
"Kiska, please calm down. With my abilities, I can pinpoint the location of the Holy Grail no matter how far it has moved. So, let's search for it together."
"But I can't let Cieltia be in any more danger."
"Thank you for your concern. However, among those present, I hold the highest rank and responsibility. I can't just sit quietly here."
"I see, in that case."
I sensed a strong determination in Cieltia's eyes. No matter what I said, she wouldn't change her mind. So, I agreed.
Then, I had Cieltia determine the location of the Holy Grail. It seemed to be moving at an alarming speed towards the outskirts of the village. We needed a horse to catch up.
Despite the light rain, riding in the rain was not something I was accustomed to, but there was no time to waste. We put on rain gear, borrowed a horse, and Cieltia rode behind me.
Since it was night, Cieltia used magic to illuminate our path as we moved forward in the rain.
◆
After several hours, we finally caught up with the masked individual.
"We've cornered you at last. Don't think you can escape any further."
In the background, there was a waterfall, making it difficult to advance any further. Perhaps because of this, the masked individual seemed to give up on running and showed no signs of movement.
"Why did you flee to such a remote mountain? What's your intention?"
While surveying the surroundings, I questioned the masked person. Due to the relentless pursuit, I had lost track of where I was. In this state, I was anxious about whether I could make it back to the village.
The masked person showed no intention of engaging in conversation, maintaining complete silence.
"Hey, give that back."
I pointed to the Holy Grail the masked person was holding.
Even then, they remained silent.
It seemed like we might need to forcibly take it back.
Thinking so, I gripped the sheath of the "Blazing Sword." At that moment—
"Kiska, be careful!"
I heard Cieltia's shout.
Simultaneously, the masked person lunged at me with a dagger.
I quickly drew my sword to defend against the attack.
It's okay. I can handle this level of attack.
The masked person's attacks were swift and troublesome, but recalling the formidable enemies I had faced before, this level of attack was nothing.
Just as I thought that, the masked person made a gesture. Suddenly, black mist emanated from their entire body.
Another blinding technique.
I had already witnessed a similar scene at the association. Therefore, there was no need to fear.
Moreover, releasing the black mist created a significant opening. Calmly, I swung my sword to the side and slashed at the masked person's body.
"Huh?"
I muttered as something felt off.
The reason being, there was no resistance.
If I inflicted a wound, normally, there would be screams, rendering the opponent unable to move properly. However, the masked individual covered the wound with a black shadow and continued attacking me without any hindrance. A delayed reaction to the unexpected attack.
A swooshing sound echoed.
I thought, "Damn it." The masked person had inflicted a deep cut on my side.
As a result, my body no longer obeyed me. My vision blurred, and my steps became unsteady.
"Kiska! Are you okay!?"
I heard Cieltia's scream.
Seeing that, she rushed toward me.
I tried to shout, "Don't come," but my mouth wouldn't cooperate.
Then, the masked person turned toward Cieltia, attempting to leap at her. This was bad; at this rate, Cieltia might be killed.
"Flash of Light!"
Saying so, Cieltia emitted a dazzling light.
Perhaps because of that, the masked person seemed to stagger or take a half step back. This was a chance!
Thinking so, I somehow managed to move my legs, thrusting my sword into its back. However, since it could still move even with injuries, I fell backward, covering and restraining them.
While maintaining my posture, I continued thrusting the sword into the back of the masked person.
The masked person rattled and resisted, but a few tens of seconds later, they stopped moving.
It seemed like I successfully attacked vital points and caused them to die.
"Kiska, are you okay?"
"Yeah, somehow."
I replied loud enough to reassure Cieltia even a little.
"I will apply healing magic right away."
Saying so, Cieltia examined my condition.
In the midst of that, I was curious about the identity of the masked person. In the end, why did they wear a mask?
So, I casually removed the mask.
"――――Agh!!"
I gasped. I had found out.
The identity was neither surprising nor unexpected.
I probably expected it, and that expectation turned out to be entirely correct.
Beneath the mask was Namia.
No, not really. It was not Namia but a Revenant, an undead, taking on Namia's appearance.
Even though I should have known, my emotions couldn't catch up.
Just now, I might have killed Namia.
Such thoughts raced through my mind, regretting that I couldn't save Namia. Furthermore, the pain inflicted by the Revenant added to my misery.
"Ugh…!"
Before I realized it, I was vomiting. It felt like my stomach turned upside down, and vomit flowed back into my throat.
"Kiska, are you okay!?"
Before I could respond to that voice, I lost consciousness.