Cursed Flower - The Hunt Begins

There are two ways to kill Ekibyou no Hokosha. The first is by stabbing its heart, while the second is by destroying its Ethereal Seed. The first method is more commonly used because it's easier, while the second is very difficult and even considered a wasteful act, given that the Ethereal Seed is extremely valuable. And only artifact holders can do it.

However, even artifact holders will face great difficulty in targeting it directly, especially since the crystal has extraordinary hardness. The higher the level of the monster's curse, the harder it is to destroy the Ethereal Seed.

"ROoooaaarrrrr!"

A loud roar echoed from Ekibyou no Hokosha's body, shaking the ground around us. The three of us quickly surrounded the monster. Joshua and I were in the front, while Arion took the rear position to provide support.

"I'll support you from behind. So, don't worry, just focus on attacking," said Arion firmly.

"Alright! Let's attack it, Eira," shouted Joshua, his eyes shining with enthusiasm.

I nodded in agreement, then ran after Joshua, tightening my grip on my sword. My breath was heavy, but my focus remained fixed on the weak point we were aiming for.

The monster growled again, its body moving wildly before suddenly releasing large tendrils that shot towards us, attacking with surprising speed. However, before the tendrils could reach us, a barrage of magic bullets from Arion's direction hit them one by one, burning them into ashes.

Blaam, blaam! The explosion of energy echoed in the air, followed by the cracking sound of the severed tendrils.

At least we didn't have to worry about sudden attacks from those tendrils as long as Arion supported us.

The monster didn't stop there; it spread petals formed from its blood, directing them toward the two of us.

Those petals were as sharp as needles as they came at us.

"Joshua, it's time to attack from the left, I'll divert its attention from the right!" I shouted, while dodging the black petals shooting from the monster's body.

Joshua dashed to the left at high speed, his sword glowing. We worked in sync, every movement like a language understood without the need for words. I attacked the monster's body from the right side, while Joshua sought an opening to pierce its heart.

Not wasting the opportunity, Arion shot directly at the part where the monster's Ethereal Seed was located, causing it to scream in pain.

KIIiiieeekk!

"Now, Joshua!" I yelled.

Joshua leaped, directing his sword with full strength at the exposed weak point. The blue light from Joshua's sword grew even brighter, casting interwoven shadows around the writhing monster. In an instant, the tip of his sword pierced right through the heart hidden beneath its thick skin.

Panicked, the monster focused its petal attack on Joshua.

"Hansha!"

I activated my stigma to reflect the monster's attack.

Krraak!

A cracking sound was heard as the monster's heart began to rip from the strike. The monster let out a roar that echoed, rumbling the ground around us.

The monster began to retreat, its massive body slowly losing its strength. The tendrils that once writhed lethally now fell limp, sprawling across the ground like wilting plants.

"Is it done?"

I asked, approaching Joshua while inspecting the monster's corpse, which lay lifeless before us. The sharp scent of blood still filled the air, mingling with the smell of the earth shaken by the recent battle.

Joshua, who was still panting after the final strike, merely nodded slowly as he wiped the blood off his sword. However, before he could rest, Arion's firm voice rang out again.

"Joshua, quickly take the Ethereal Seed. We can't take the risk of it rising again."

Joshua nodded quickly at Arion's instruction, then moved towards the monster's body. Carefully, he set his sword aside and reached for the crystal—the Ethereal Seed—that shone faintly from within the monster's eye. Within a few moments, his hand managed to grasp the precious object, pulling it out with some effort.

The crystal shone with a dark purple hue, glowing with a mysterious aura. Its color wasn't too deep, indicating that the curse was still in its early stages. There was something terrifying, yet mesmerizing about the glimmer emanating from within.

"Well done"

Arion praised, then took a small pouch made of thick fabric and stored it carefully. After ensuring the pouch was securely closed, he walked towards me with calm steps, a small smile appearing at the corner of his lips.

"Thank you for your help, Miss Eira."

Arion looked at me for a moment, his face serious but showing sincere gratitude.

I frowned, feeling strange hearing those words from him. Hmm? This guy is thanking... me? Me? 

After throwing the monster at me? I muttered inwardly, unable to suppress the lingering irritation from the earlier incident.

I took a deep breath, then put on a blank face.

"Well, no need to thank me. My services aren't free, you can pay me later."

I crossed my arms over my chest, trying to maintain some composure, though inwardly I was still a bit annoyed.

Arion and Joshua just stood there in silence, seemingly not expecting my response to be like that. There was a bit of surprise on their faces, and I felt a small sense of satisfaction in my heart seeing their expressions.

After a few moments, Arion broke the silence.

"By the way, Miss Eira, are you a Finire?" he asked, his gaze shifting as if trying to read me deeper.

I looked back at him, keeping a blank expression.

"Yes." I answered briefly.

Arion looked at me intently.

"If that's the case, may I see your Insignia?" he asked, his voice full of emphasis.

"...."

"...."

I suddenly fell silent, avoiding his gaze.

"...I don't have it... I mean, I haven't made one yet,"

I finally replied, a little quietly and somewhat reluctant, clasping my index fingers together. Honestly, the Insignia was something I should have as official proof.

"As a Finire, it is only natural to register with the Kingdom and have an Insignia as official proof. If you do not possess one, we will have to consider you a terrorist and apprehend you."