Although he had long known that Arrodes was an animated Sealed Artifact, it had previously been more like a magic mirror from a fairy tale, usually only exchanging questions and answers. Today was the first time since he had taken charge of this Sealed Artifact that it had struck him with lightning without asking a question.
"Deacon Ikanser, you're just in time. Mr. Edward would like to borrow Arrodes."
Ikanser forced a slight smile. "Sorry, Mr. Edward. Something seems to be wrong with Mr. Arrodes today. It might not be able to answer your questions normally."
"Huh?"
Edward froze and looked at Arrodes, only to see a line of white text appear on it: "I can see where my great master is."
This white text seemed visible only to those it wanted to see it.
"Deacon, my friend has suddenly disappeared. I'm very worried, so I'd still like to try."
"Another disappearance?"
Ikanser muttered, then nodded. "All right, but we need to make sure you'll be safe... If necessary, I'll ask His Excellency the Archbishop to come and take a look."
Edward was someone Archbishop Horamick valued. If Arrodes struck him dead, that would be no laughing matter.
"All right."
The group went to the room where Arrodes was usually kept.
Ikanser placed the mirror on the stand on the table, then said to Edward, "Please be careful."
Edward stepped forward, gently stroked its surface three times with his right hand, and said:
"Respected Arrodes, my question is: where is my friend Detective Sherlock now?"
The surrounding lights suddenly took on a deep quality, as though tinged with the mist after rain, while a strange watery light flickered across the silver mirror's surface.
Ikanser immediately tensed, ready to act at any moment... to save someone.
But the anticipated "madness" did