London, Clock Tower.
In a grand hall at Clock Tower headquarters, Gigilmal, Lord of the Curse Department, opened his previously narrowed eyes and glanced at the clock hanging in the hall.
It was noon... Time was up!
"Since everyone has arrived," Gigilmal said, picking up a document from the podium. A strange smile suddenly appeared at the corner of his lips.
"Then the public hearing concerning the so-called Holy Grail Ceremony of Japan's Fuyuki and the Gate of the Root shall now begin."
The Gate of the Root!?
"Lord Gigilmal..."
The moment he heard the word "Root," an elderly, white-haired Curse Department lecturer below stood up in agitation, as though he were about to demand an explanation at once.
"Sit down."
"..."
Under the sharp gaze of Lorelei Bartholomello, Lord of the Department of Politics and Law, the elderly lecturer froze, swallowing the words he had been about to say.
Even the magi in the hall, who had been stirred up by the words "Gate of the Root," calmed down.
Casting a disdainful glance over the many magi below, Lorelei said, "Gigilmal, continue."
Gigilmal nodded. Only after taking a pair of glasses from his pocket and putting them on did he look at the document he had placed back on the podium.
"Three days ago, the Department of Politics and Law received an observation report transmitted by the Bureau of Arcane Judgement - Callion Observatory. The report was dated February 6, 2004."
"I will briefly read it aloud to everyone below."
Seemingly enjoying the feeling of having all eyes on him, Gigilmal smiled and said, "February 6, 2004. Location: Callion Observatory. Observer: Brooks King Leonard."
"21:00 PM. A slight fluctuation was detected in the Vortex of the Root, coordinates 364.15.951."
"Yes. After discussion among the observers, this fluctuation was suspected