Chapter 54

"I never thought Rodney would be in league with the monastery."

The monastery is dedicated to Luluye, the goddess of darkness, who is the polar opposite of Flodia, the goddess of light. They repel each other, and it’s impossible for them to cooperate... I think so too.

...This seems to be deeper than I thought.

The 'Lament of Luluye' inscribed on Roy's back is something I’ve seen before in the game. It was an instant death attack used by the boss, Luluye, in the dungeon 'Eternal Monastery.'

"Hey, why are you still alive?"

"You’re quite honest, aren’t you..."

"Ah... I’m sorry. But, that curse..."

"Yes. It’s a magic circle with an instant death effect."

I nod in agreement. The battle with Luluye was quite challenging in the game. Just knowing the strategies and gimmicks wasn’t enough; you needed the right equipment, a fair amount of recovery items, and, of course, considerable player skill.

...But let’s put that aside for now.

"This mark of the Lament is only half."

"Half? Oh, I see, the magic circle is incomplete."

When I replied, Roy nodded. So, the curse was attempted but failed... I tilted my head, and Roy explained.

"This curse was originally intended for the Pope. I used an item to take on half of it."

"Split the curse...?"

I didn’t know such a thing was possible. Perhaps it’s a skill of a unique class like the 'Pope' that I’m not aware of. Of course, it could also be done with a rare item.

"By splitting it, neither I nor the Pope died."

"I see."

So, Tithia also has half of the Lament’s curse...? Roy is putting his clothes back on, but his breathing seems labored.

...Now that I think about it, Tithia also seemed to be having trouble breathing even after she recovered. It must have been because of the curse, not because she was in a tense situation or something like that. Even if I knew it was a curse, there wasn’t much I could do at that moment...

The curse can only be removed by a skill, but that skill can only be used by the awakened class 'Archbishop' of the 'Healer' class. However, there are many unknown skills for unique classes, so it’s not certain that only an 'Archbishop' can do it.

The curse is likely set to activate when the incomplete magic circle is completed. If so, we can delay its activation until we can remove the curse.

"I think the recipe for the 'Delay Potion' is... 'Silent Flower,' 'Holy Water,' and 'Star Mana Potion.'"

I can provide the 'Holy Water,' and the 'Star Mana Potion' can be bought from a shop. I’m not sure if the 'Silent Flower' is available, but fortunately, I know how to get it, so we can go and get it ourselves.

We might not have much time left. We need to deal with the curse first.

While I was thinking, Roy looked at me with a surprised expression.

"Sharon, do you think this curse can be removed?"

"It hasn’t been removed before because of the instant death effect, but I don’t think it’s impossible. However, it can’t be done immediately. So, let’s first confirm the current situation and delay the curse’s progression."

If there’s an 'Archbishop' among Roy’s companions, they can use the skill to remove the curse. But from the current situation, it doesn’t seem like we can count on much help from his companions.

When I mentioned the 'Archbishop,' Roy shook his head.

"Most of those with the Pope are paladins. I’m a 'Healer,' so I can’t remove the curse with a skill... I don’t even know how many 'Archbishops' have that skill."

"Then, let’s delay the curse’s progression as planned."

"Please."

Roy nodded, and I nodded back in agreement.

"However, how do you plan to delay the curse’s progression?"

"An 'Alchemist' can make a recovery potion for that. Let’s gather the materials and go."

We can’t afford to waste time; every moment counts. I don’t want to see someone I know die from a curse.

But Roy stopped me.

"Sharon!"

"We have to hurry, or he’ll die!"

"I know! But we need to find the Pope first—"

"—Oh.”

Right, I forgot. I was so focused on the curse that I forgot Roy was most concerned about Tithia and was searching for her.

"Actually, I’m protecting Tithia."

"………………What?"

For the first time, Roy’s usually composed face seemed to falter. He looked around, as if trying to understand the meaning of my words.

"What?"

"I’m protecting Tithia."

When I said it more clearly, Roy froze for a few seconds before looking at me. His eyes, which are often closed, are a beautiful amethyst purple.

"Thank you, Sharon. I can’t thank you enough."

"You’re welcome."

I told him that Tithia is currently with Tarte in Snowtia. Snowtia is located in the opposite direction from Luluye’s monastery, so it was a good decision. Of course, there might be people like Rodney around, but...

"Let’s go to Snowtia immediately."

"Let’s do that."

I returned to Snowtia with Roy.