Drawing Closer

"What a fine young man..." The military Saint in the Golden Mask offered his praise, then turned to Archbishop Horamick with a smile. "What do you think, Archbishop?"

They had discussed it beforehand, but they were borrowing a Grade 2 Sealed Artifact. He still had to ask, if only as a gesture of respect.

Horamick Haydn instinctively drew a Triangular Sacred Emblem over his chest and said kindly, "The Lord will bless you, child."

He then glanced at Ikanser, signaling for him to briefly explain how to use "2-111."

Catching the hint, Ikanser gave Cons a pitying look and forced a smile.

"As an MI9 officer, you must have heard of Sealed Artifacts. You should also know they all have certain negative effects.

"Arrodes' side effect is that after answering your question, he'll ask you one in return of equal value. If you can't answer, he'll punish you. Of course, sometimes he'll ask you to do something instead... But trust me, accepting the punishment is your best choice."

I see. This mirror must ask such difficult questions that most people can't answer them. That's why they fear its punishment...

But I've made up my mind. I won't be afraid of the pain its punishment brings. Those questions don't matter much to me.

With that thought, Cons' gaze grew firmer. He went around the long table and took two steps forward, studying the silver mirror closely with some curiosity. Apart from its strange patterns and two eye-like decorations, he saw nothing unusual about the living Sealed Artifact. He looked up and asked solemnly, "Your Excellency Ikanser, please tell me how to use him."

"There's nothing complicated about it. Stroke his surface three times, then ask him your question respectfully. Also, other people must be watching throughout the process. If you're alone,