Then, Nathan again asked Infori to focus and explain what an artifact was. "Okay, okay. Focus, I want you to explain what an artifact is in detail."
The silent Infori regained consciousness and finally focused on what he was about to say.
"Oh, right. Anyway, an artifact is an object used as a medium to store energy or magic within it, acting as an intermediary so that each race can use magic efficiently," he said, then he gave a simple concept. "Well, simply put, an artifact is a tool that helps each race use magic."
"Wait, why use an intermediary? Why don't you use the magic within yourselves? Like the magic you've already learned?" Nathan asked, completely ignorant of artifacts, making Infori even more skeptical.
"You really are someone who just emerged from a cave, aren't you?" Infori said sarcastically. "Unfortunately, your question will never be answered. Even if you ask the experts, they'll probably think you're weird."
"...?!" Nathan understood what Infori was saying, but he was a little surprised after hearing her final explanation. He then wondered. (So, does that mean there's no such thing as "Mana" in this world? I'll try asking that.)
"Then, if every race uses an artifact to cast magic, is there a limit to its use?"
"A limit, huh..." Infori said, pausing briefly before speaking again. "Do you remember what I said back then? When my Aegis Voltara bracelet artifact couldn't be used."
"Yes, you said it took about three seconds for your artifact to be used again, right?"
"That's right. Just like other artifacts, each artifact takes a different amount of time depending on the type," Infori replied, confirming Nathan's words.
"I see." Nathan finally understood. Infori then walked towards the path leading to the plaza, Nathan following closely behind. But Nathan's mind still wanted to know more. "Does that mean there are many types of artifacts?"
Hearing that question made Infori very curious. (Who exactly is this person...? Why doesn't he even know the basics of artifacts...?)
"Yes. Artifacts come in several types, from the lowest to the highest. Starting from the lowest, there are Ordinary (Tier-C) artifacts, then Unordinary (Tier-B), Medium (Tier-A), and the highest are Rare artifacts, also known as Saga," Infori answered Nathan's question as they continued their way to the center of the plaza.
"I see." Nathan now understood the artifact system in the world.
"Okay. Even though I don't know who you are, we're civilians, right? Let's go to the plaza to get safe and rest. I'm so tired," Infori said, raising his arms and stretching his muscles.
"Yeah."
The two of them still decided to go to the plaza together, since they were civilians who had simply been swept away by this dangerous current.
At the intersection, Infori saw Flynn, who was already waiting for him on the path to the plaza.
"Hey, Flynn!" Infori called out.
Flynn, realizing his presence, immediately smiled in relief, and Infori and Nathan ran towards him. During this time, they chatted briefly, Nathan introducing himself to Flynn, and Flynn also treating him as just another civilian, nothing special.
They then decided to head to the plaza.
⟨⟩ ⟨⟩ ⟨⟩
— 3 Emi 418 HC (Horizon Calendar)
The straight path of Storm Road was still slightly dark, but also slightly brighter due to the sun beginning to rise and illuminate the world. Infori, Flynn, and a new acquaintance they had just met—Nathan—traveled along the path.
Suddenly, Infori's footsteps stopped while the others continued walking. Infori then looked up, staring at the sky, still dark, but with the beginnings of sunlight illuminating the darkness.
He recalled the dream he had seen earlier.
(I don't know why I still question that dream...)
Infori began to wonder what it meant, and why the dream was so different from the reality that followed. His face seemed to ask himself, "Why is it different? What should it be like?"
On the other hand, Flynn and Nathan, confused, looked back and saw Infori stop suddenly. A surprised Flynn asked him, "What's wrong with you? Did you forget to bring something?"
Suddenly called out, Infori quickly turned to look at them.
"Eh, ah, hm... No. It's nothing."
"You wouldn't just stop in the middle of the road for no reason, would you? So, what's wrong?" Nathan asked. "Or maybe you're tired? We've only walked a few meters."
"Ah, no, no. I'm fine. And I'm definitely not tired at all," Infori replied. He then resumed walking, assuring them that he was fine. "Okay, okay. I'm fine. Let's continue on our way, we're still a long way from our destination."
"Heh..."
Flynn and Nathan, surprised by this, simply agreed and began to walk forward again.
"..."
But before they had even taken two steps, they were shocked to see Infori stop in front of them again and freeze, as if transfixed by something.
"?!"
This made them wonder and bewildered by Infori's strange behavior.
"Hey, what else is going on?" Flynn asked.
"Are you forgetting something?" Nathan did as well.
Infari didn't immediately reply; he looked down, specifically at a dagger still lying on the floor, untouched and unnoticed—yes, the Blades of Mirage.
Because Infori didn't answer, they immediately stepped forward and tried to determine what their friend was seeing.
That's when Flynn and Nathan were shocked to see the dagger, "?!"
"That's…" Nathan whispered.
Then, Infori said calmly, "So it's still here, and no one even noticed it was here…"
Without further ado, Flynn immediately asked Infori to clarify the dagger and confirm the story Infori had told him earlier.
"Is this the rare artifact, the dagger you were talking about that flew from Awania Sudo and emitted an aura that enveloped the entire city after being held, Infori?"
"Yes." Infori replied, briefly but precisely, "This is the artifact. It's also the artifact that saved my life and this man's yesterday when they were thrown into the sky."
"Then are you going to try to retrieve it?" Flynn asked.
Infori paused for a moment, his gaze unwavering, unsure of his own choice.
(Retrieving it would certainly send the artifact flying again, but leaving it here is quite risky...!)
That's why he didn't want to take the risk.
(Then...!)
He warned Flynn and Nathan to be prepared if the dagger emitted waves in all directions again.
"Prepare yourselves."
Flynn and Nathan steadied themselves, preparing for the risks they would face.
Meanwhile, Infori finally mustered the courage to step forward and slowly approached the dagger, his right hand gripping the hilt.
His body bent slightly as he caught his breath.
"..."
With swiftness, he picked up the dagger and held its hilt.
And—
Nothing happened.
For the first time, the Blades of Mirage didn't emit a massive aura and energy into the surroundings; in fact, the dagger didn't emit a single aura at all.
This shocked Infori greatly.
"...?!"
Flynn and Nathan were also confused by this.
"...?"
Then, Infori straightened up again. He looked down at the Blades of Mirage he was holding and raised them.
"What's happening? Why isn't there any aura at all?"
A calm breeze then blew from in front of him, gently moving the cloth and his hair, which also moved casually.
WOOSH
"...?"