Chapter 97

"Shiraha will become a malevolent spirit...?"

I've seen creatures born from magic orbs turn into malevolent spirits, like apes and teropes.

However, Shiraha and malevolent spirits don't seem to connect, and Rio furrowed his brow.

Churas explained in order.

"Creatures like me and my daughter, born from magic orbs, were initially composed of magic. This is why we are highly sensitive to magic. However, they are also prone to deteriorate into divine or malevolent spirits easily."

"Wait. The reason they turn into malevolent spirits rather than evil beasts is because their bodies are made of magic?"

Generally, animals become evil or divine beasts. A good example is the saintified Galdrat, and apes being processed as evil beasts is also due to this.

Churas scratched his ear with his hind leg.

"Originally, malevolent and divine spirits arise from the malevolent and divine auras present in the atmosphere, and evil and divine beasts also deteriorate due to these auras. This is based on my research."

"Is this the first I'm hearing of it? If it's true, isn't it a great discovery?"

In places rich in divine aura, it would be easy to become a saint or create a divine spirit like Sufan.

If misused, it would be possible to create divine and malevolent artifacts freely.

However, it's not that simple.

"Both divine and malevolent auras are invisible. They are even harder to sense than magic, and even beings with high sensitivity like us can only detect them when they take the form of malevolent or divine spirits."

"Then, it's not certain that Shiraha will become a malevolent spirit, right?"

"I don't know of any examples of divine spirits, but there is an example of a malevolent spirit: the evil god Kazha."

Kazha, the malevolent spirit that destroyed the small country of Shubet, is a well-known name, just like the Night Stalker. The danger it poses, which can destroy a country, is incomparable to the Night Stalker.

"It seems that the evil god Kazha is a failed creation of Rynin Dia."

"Is it a creature born from a magic orb?"

"Yes. It also has the same human form as the girl here. One of the reasons I wanted to talk to you and Shiraha is because of the evil god Kazha."

Churas looked straight into Rio and Shiraha's eyes and spoke seriously.

"I want to infiltrate the former Shubet and investigate the facility where the evil god Kazha was created. I will serve as the guide. Can you help me?"

Rio had a troubled look on his face at Churas' proposal.

He wants to investigate Rynin Dia's facility. It's directly related to the magic orb investigation commissioned by Rasmor Roz.

Most importantly, it deeply concerns Shiraha. Investigating the evil god Kazha might prevent Shiraha from becoming a malevolent spirit.

As Churas said, Rio and Shiraha can no longer escape the turmoil surrounding the magic orbs. Information has been passed to Rynin Dia through Muzé, and they have been targeted.

However, the former Shubet is within the domain of the evil god Kazha. It is a dangerous area teeming with numerous malevolent spirits and evil beasts, as well as unknown animals and malevolent spirits created by magic orbs.

Rio looked at Shiraha.

Using the malevolent sword Night Stalker, they wouldn't be seen at night. However, he was still unsure if they could reach their destination.

"...Insufficient combat strength."

Shiraha said, preempting Rio's thoughts.

Churas nodded, as if he had expected this answer.

"That's likely. However, the time I have left is short. I have no choice but to rely on the power of the malevolent sword Night Stalker and you two."

"Time left?"

Rio was puzzled by the mention of time left, but Shiraha seemed to have realized the reason.

"Because you've lived for twenty years and are becoming a malevolent spirit?"

Startled, Rio looked at Churas.

Churas narrowed his eyes in a troubled manner and meowed affirmatively.

"Indeed. Malevolent spirits and evil beasts have specific impulses. The same applies to divine spirits and divine beasts."

After this preface, Churas mentioned his own impulse.

"Sometimes I feel a strong urge to steal. Due to my appearance, I'm not usually chased for minor thefts, but I don't want to cause trouble. I want to take action before I completely turn into a malevolent spirit."

Rio observed Churas and remembered the story he heard in Sufan.

"Righteous thief cat?"

"Yes. I was called that for a while, though I was driven out of Sufan. Also, to alert you to the attack, I stole a knife from Rynin Dia."

Indeed, during the attack on the inn, a cat that looked like Churas dropped a knife from the roof. Thanks to that, Rio noticed the attack early and managed to escape with Shiraha.

"Thank you for that."

"It was nothing. A small favor."

Churas laughed, waving his left front paw in the air, seeming very relaxed. It was hard to believe he was turning into a malevolent spirit.

While he wanted to help Churas, the lack of combat strength was still a concern.

However, given that Churas had little time left, this might be the last chance to investigate Rynin Dia's facility.

"Should we ask the town guards for help?"

"Given that the town is full of spies, and maintaining the town's security is a priority, I doubt they would help."

"Then, should we ask Lady Rasmor for reinforcements?"

"Since there was a white-masked knight, it could become a political issue."

"Ugh..."

Shiraha's point made Rio hesitate. Then, Shiraha made a suggestion.

"Maybe the Hornedra Familia, who are enemies of Rynin Dia, would help."

"They're targeting us, so it's uncertain if they would cooperate."

He remembered the predatory gaze of the evil person Conrads. Even if their purpose was unclear, they were definitely planning to use Rio.

Seeing Rio's hesitation, Churas spoke up.

"No, it might not be a bad idea. The Hornedra Familia has the extermination of the evil god Kazha as one of their goals. After all, Kazha destroyed their homeland."

The core of the Hornedra Familia is made up of refugees from the small country of Shubet. Even though it happened seventy years ago, they must still harbor resentment towards the evil god Kazha, who caused their displacement.

"If they understand that investigating Rynin Dia's facility could lead to clues for the extermination of the evil god Kazha, they might help."

At the very least, it would provide a bargaining chip. There is a risk that Churas' safety could also be targeted, but it's a necessary step.

Rio thought it over.

After all, they are dealing with a well-known underground organization. It wouldn't take long for them to trace back to Rio's origins. If he returned to his village, they might come after him, and there's a risk they could take his parents and the village as hostages.

Given this, it's not a bad option to use the current bargaining chip to learn their intentions and plan accordingly.

It's a dangerous bridge to cross, and there are many things to consider, such as the choice of negotiation venue. But it's time to make a decision.

Rio nodded resolutely to Churas.

"I'll propose the negotiation. If it doesn't work, I'll consider other methods."