Actions on Both Sides

"Angel passed on the Goddess's Sword's message, letting me know this is most likely a 'trial' for me. But who says a trial can't be life-threatening?"

Klein muttered inwardly, stroking the amethyst pendant in his hand. The smooth, warm feel of the crystal and gold chain, polished by frequent handling, gradually soothed his anxiety.

"Fortunately, Angel has already left Backlund. Even if something goes wrong, she won't be caught up in it. I should still have two chances to 'resurrect.' If it comes to that, I hope they don't burn my corpse...

"If everything goes smoothly, by this time tomorrow, we'll be celebrating our respective 'victories' together. She'll have successfully dealt with the exposed 'mirror people,' and I'll have obtained my ticket to the high sequences..."

Klein, who had bestowed the Paper Doll Angel's blessing on Angel only half an hour earlier, made a few self-deprecating remarks, returned to the bedside, and drew the mysterious symbol for summoning Arrodes on a mirror he had prepared long ago.

There was no wait at all. As though it had been lurking inside the mirror all along, a force sent silver radiance flowing across its surface, and Loenese words sprang out one after another:

"Great Master, your faithful and humble servant Arrodes is at your service anytime, anywhere!"

No matter how many times I see it, this overwhelming bootlicking always makes me uncomfortable... Klein calmly watched the words in the mirror, then spoke after a moment:

"Do you know where the Antigonus Family Notebook is behind the Chanis Gate beneath Saint Samuel Cathedral?"

Only now, just before taking action, did Klein prepare to confirm this most crucial detail, so that he could complete the theft as quickly as possible once he entered the Chanis Gate.

He had refrained from asking beforehand because he