The Box from Six Months Ago

In the dim underground passage, the Saint seemed to absorb what little light there was. Everything in Angel's sight darkened, and fear and dread rose unbidden in her heart, as though she faced something unknown.

Worried that this High Sequence Beyonder might attack before understanding the situation, Angel immediately showed him the Hidden Holy Emblem on her wrist.

But Archbishop Anthony merely glanced at it with his deep-set eyes, nodded, and said:

"Come with me."

It's as if he already knew I was coming... Angel lowered the emblem and followed the Archbishop in silence. They passed through a hidden door and went farther underground. Along the way, they encountered a cleric concealed in the shadow of a corner. He showed no surprise at seeing Anthony with an outsider. He merely traced the Crimson Moon over his chest in greeting.

After returning the gesture, Angel entered a spacious office with the Archbishop. Only a few candles were lit, leaving the room gloomy. The shelves on either side were packed with church scriptures and theological works accumulated over a thousand years, filling the air with the distinctive smell of old books. The desk at the far end was comparatively tidy. A wooden box sat on it, its shadow shifting in the candlelight.

"Your Excellency Goddess Shadow, I thought you would come as soon as the Mirror Person matter was resolved. I didn't expect to wait until now."

Stopping beside the desk, the Archbishop turned toward Angel and spoke in a low voice.

If Will Auceptin hadn't suggested it, I wouldn't have come to see you at all. You're an Archbishop of at least Sequence 4, and quite possibly Sequence 3... Angel grumbled inwardly, though she smiled as she replied:

"I'll be going to Trier in Intis soon to continue investigating the root