"This…" Stiyl's expression alternated between pale and grim. He was fundamentally a fire magician. Although he had some knowledge of other systems, it was only superficial at best.
"I can't do anything about this..."
"Well… I can't help much either," Kanzaki Kaori said with a troubled expression. She specialized in sword-drawing techniques and the idol-based magic of the Amakusa-Style Remix of Church, and had very limited knowledge outside of that field.
"It seems most magicians are specialists in a single discipline. Even though I am classified as a Saint, I do not actually possess magical knowledge," Arata said as he looked at the two of them.
"That old hag will never agree to remove Index's collar, damn it!" Stiyl growled, baring his teeth like an enraged beast.
"Now that we understand the mechanism, things become far more manageable," Kanzaki Kaori said, suddenly recalling something, her expression easing slightly.
"Don't forget Index's identity. As long as we understand how to break the collar's spell, we can resolve this. There is still a month before the collar activates. We need to act quickly."
"Yes."
"A collar…" Index pressed her lips together. At the mention of it, she frowned faintly and spoke in a subdued tone.
"It is a contractual spell developed in the 18th century by a magician affiliated with the Church of Necessary Evil. It was created by studying Hebrew magical scripts and combining them with regional rune systems. Originally, it functioned as a restraint mechanism to prevent immoral magicians from leaking secrets."
Though she felt deep sorrow that the Church she considered her home had placed such a spell on her, as the bearer of the Index Librorum Prohibitorum containing 103,000 grimoires, she accepted it as a necessity.
"There are 5,263 known methods to break the curse. Among them, the purification mantra recorded in the Buddhist scripture 'Du'an Jing' is the simplest. One must string Bodhi tree seeds into a necklace and place it around the cursed individual's neck, then activate the purification effect through chanting to dispel the spell."
"What cannot be achieved through Cross-based or Rune-based systems can often be resolved through Eastern techniques such as Taoism or Buddhism. The Amakusa Cross Cult excels in utilizing idol theory to replicate external magical systems. Leave it to me." Kanzaki Kaori said firmly, exhaling in relief as a confident smile appeared on her face.
"This would place too much burden on you. Although I lack magical knowledge, I possess something that should be capable of destroying the collar."
Arata shook his head, and a dagger bent into three segmented sections appeared in his hand.
Kanzaki Kaori and Stiyl were both startled by its sudden appearance.
"This is a magical item!"
"Hm… Is this truly a magical item? What an unusual construct. It does not resemble alchemical creations from the Zurich School, nor does it match Taoist ritual implements, nor Solomon-style artifacts. It has some resemblance to Greek constructs, yet its structure is completely different. I have never seen anything like this."
Index leaned forward curiously, blinking her large eyes as she examined it. Her voice was filled with genuine confusion.
Kanzaki Kaori and Stiyl were both stunned. Even Index, who possessed 103,000 grimoires, had never encountered anything like this.
"This was a gift from a friend from my homeland. It is called 'Rule breaker.' Its function is to nullify all magical effects, including any spell below the level of angel-class magic," Arata said with absolute confidence.
"You're not exaggerating, are you? A spiritual item with that level of power?" Stiyl said skeptically, narrowing his eyes.
There had been precedents. In the previous century, an ultimate anti-magic artifact known as Imagine Breaker had existed, created from the right hand of a certain Christian Saint. It was said to be capable of negating even divine miracles. Unfortunately, it was destroyed in a great war not long after its emergence. However, it was believed that its power had not vanished and would manifest again.
"Kanzaki, all you need to do is let the blade come into contact with the collar. The rest is up to you," Arata said calmly as he handed the dagger to Kanzaki Kaori.
"Can you guarantee that it will destroy the spell without putting Index in danger?" Kanzaki Kaori asked cautiously as she held the item.
"I do not make claims without certainty," Arata replied, meeting her gaze directly.
"...Understood. I trust you." Kanzaki Kaori nodded after a brief hesitation.
"It would be inappropriate to perform this here. Let's move outside Academy City," Arata said. Performing such an act within the city would undoubtedly attract unwanted attention.
This was also an opportunity to解除 the Stigmata and determine what form of power had been obtained.
"Alright." Kanzaki Kaori agreed.
"Extend your hand. I will place a spatial marker on it. Otherwise, I cannot transport you."
Knowing that Arata possessed teleportation abilities, Kanzaki Kaori extended her hand. Arata gently took it.
Her skin was incredibly smooth and soft. It was impossible to tell that this was the hand of someone who had mastered sword-drawing techniques to perfection. There was not even the slightest trace of injury.
A Saint's body possessed abnormal regenerative capabilities.
In the next instant, the four of them appeared in the outskirts of what had once been Tokyo. They hailed a taxi and began traveling toward Tokyo Bay.
"The contrast between outside and Academy City is immense. Now that I think about it, this is my first time coming outside during the day," Arata said as he looked out the window.
Compared to the advanced technology of Academy City, this place felt as though it lagged decades behind.
"This is my first time riding in a car. It feels very uncomfortable," Index said with a slight pout, clearly displeased.
"Everyone, we are approaching Tokyo Bay. I hope you enjoy your trip," the taxi driver said politely.
Although their clothing appeared unusual, it did not attract much attention. Thanks to the influence of anime and manga culture, it was not uncommon in Tokyo to see young people dressed in eccentric outfits, often referred to as cosplay.
"Thank you for your kindness," Arata said with a smile as he paid the fare. Upon accessing his storage, he discovered various currencies from around the world. While useless within Academy City, they were perfectly valid outside and could even be used through ATMs.
Tokyo Bay was bustling at this time, but they avoided the crowded areas. The group quickly made their way to a secluded stretch of beach.
"Index, are you ready?" Arata asked, his heartbeat accelerating slightly.
"Yes. I'm ready, Arata." Index lowered her head gently. "Thank you, Arata. We have only known each other for two days, yet you have already done so much for me. I don't know how to properly repay you."
"Now is not the time for that. If you wish to thank me, do so after the collar is removed," Arata said with a gentle smile.
"Enough talking. Open your mouth. Kanzaki, proceed," Arata said as he stepped back.
"Ah" Index obediently opened her mouth.
Kanzaki Kaori carefully inserted the blade of the "Rule Breaker" into Index's mouth, her movements precise and cautious as the tip slowly approached the rune emitting a sinister aura.
The moment the blade made contact, the dagger emitted a faint, ghostly blue light.
Click, click
...
Re@d adv@nce ch@pters on p@t
guilt_free_daoist
Jo!n d!sc0rd I!nk in synops!s.
GIVE ME YOU POWER STONES.