Priest Augustus placed a black suitcase on the tea table. After opening it, Shade found a silver metal thorn crown nestled in the depression of its soft cushion lining.
Calling it a crown was a bit of an exaggeration. It was really just a circular band wrapped in metal thorns. Its workmanship was rather exquisite, though the silver metal was densely covered in reddish-brown rust that also resembled bloodstains. This Thorn Ring did not look as though it had been made this week, but rather as if it had been dug out last week.
But Shade did not underestimate the item. The dense Miracle Element revealed the essence of an Alchemy Item—indeed, it was a powerful Divine Art Item. Of the Divine Art Items he had encountered, the only one stronger than this was the Sun Holy Emblem Saint Nun Perry had left behind in Randall River Valley. That emblem now belonged to Iluna.
"I call this item Angel's Crown of Thorns. Its use is very simple."
As he spoke, the Old Priest picked up the ring and placed it above his head. Rather than falling, it floated over him, and the silver metal began to emit a sacred white radiance.
Behind Priest Augustus, the phantom of enormous scorched wings flashed past. Both Shade and Little Mia, crouching on the windowsill, were greatly shocked.
"Its effect is simple as well—sanctification. In other words, it temporarily grants you the virtual identity of an Angel. Oh, don't look at me so shocked. This isn't a mortal creating an Angel. It's false, unreal, virtual."
The Priest emphasized this, then pointed at the ring and had Shade examine its details carefully.
"Look, I used it for less than two seconds, and cracks have already appeared. Its effective duration depends on the intensity of your