It was a question without basis, but somehow, I had a feeling.

A place where you can find [The Lantern of the Guide] in the mansion to get the relic.

Once inside, it was a well-set dining table, and there seemed to be no traps in the mysterious cave…

– Stay quiet. When the time comes, you’ll know, and I’ll hand you a sacred relic without saying a word.

Remembering the days when she used to wander without a sacred relic, and the Guide God who couldn’t stand her grumbling gave her a sharp rebuke.

Did the god foresee this situation from then?

If not, why would she, who had no connection with a sacred relic until now, suddenly have this opportunity?

There was plenty to be suspicious about.

“Um, gulp. I don’t know everything about that Guide God’s intentions.”

Koko, after getting her glare, flinched and made excuses.

“Hmm, really?”

“Really! If I knew, would I be like this? More than that, I’m curious about what kind of sacred relic is at the end of this path.”

Seeing the path gradually widen, the creature flapped its wings urgingly.

As he said, after a short time, a much larger cave appeared.

A space that seemed to fit at least 100 people had moonlight coming in from holes in the ceiling, making it look mysterious and atmospheric.

However, she couldn’t focus on the view because…

Whooosh!

In the center of the cave, a silver light swirled atop a large stone.

“…I have more to ask when I meet the god.”

That familiar sensation and appearance, it was undoubtedly the energy of the Guide God.

Having confirmed the relic was being formed, Rosha approached confidently. The Guide God’s trick was intriguing.

‘Finally, I get to have a sacred relic.’

Although it was practically given by a god, her heart raced with anticipation and satisfaction.

During the 18 years of struggling in another world, she had only seen relics. Of course, this was thrilling.

Moreover, this wasn’t just any relic, but one from the Guide God.

‘If it were a sacred relic created by another god, it would have been a hassle. This is better.’

Relics, made by the power of gods, usually form a connection with the god that created them.

Having already had a connection with the Guide God, Rosha was in a tricky situation.

She avoided it thanks to the Guide God, but there was also a rising tension.

Watching the relic form reminded her of something she’d heard before.

– To have a relic, you must first pass the test of the relic.

– Test?

– Yes. When you touch the relic, it starts. It’s not in reality but takes place in a spiritual world.

The content of the test varies for each relic. She didn’t know what it would be, but she believed she’d pass.

She straightened up, calmed her mind, and waited for the relic to be completed.

Then…

‘…Huh?’

Suddenly, one side of the cave wall seemed to waver like a curtain.

At the same moment, she felt a creeping sensation and a bad premonition. Could that be concealment magic?

Then Koko’s sharp warning echoed.

“Dodge!”

Reacting instinctively, Rosha hurled herself towards where the golden light gathered. Something flashed and shattered the spot she had been.

Boom!

“Wow…”

Isn’t throwing something like that can kill?!

In this world, where magic isn’t yet abundant, the probability was higher for psychic abilities rather than sword energy or magic.

Psychic abilities! She should’ve considered unexpected variables given the difficulty!

‘Of course, nothing ever goes smoothly!’

Hiding behind the large stone where the sacred relic was forming, Rosha peered through the rising smoke at a faint silhouette and whispered rapidly.

“Koko, do you have any of the magic we saved?”

“Eh? Are we going to fight?”

“What are you talking about? We need to get out of here quickly!”

Her ability was neither particularly aggressive nor was she capable of using her main skill, magic, due to the lack of mana. In situations like this, it was best to flee.

If possible, without revealing her identity!

So, the only method she could think of right now was very clear.

“As soon as the relic is complete, I’ll grab it, so can you transform into your main form and transport me home?”

“…How did you know I stored up some mana?”

“You absorbed some from my uncle’s necklace, didn’t you? I saw you gather remnants of magic earlier when you broke the concealment spell. So, you can do it, right?”

It felt like she was pushing him to his limits, but given the circumstances, he’d understand.

After pondering for a moment with triangular eyes, he replied as if he had no choice.

“Ugh, fine. But you’ll owe me for this!”

The moment he began to gather the mana he had stored up, and the light from the relic dimmed almost simultaneously.

From his wings, blue flames erupted.

The previously dark view became instantly brighter as the shadow of the flames danced around. The massive flame wings, which weren’t hot to the touch, folded around her like petals.

“Ha!”

A blue phoenix with striking white feathers on its head – that was his true form.

Once she confirmed he was ready, Rosha quickly grabbed the completed relic without checking what it was.

A blue screen then appeared in front of her.

The trial of the relic will begin in 10 seconds.

Yes, she had known that the time was limited.

At least she was relieved she wouldn’t face a quest failure penalty. Of course, the trial of the relic remained, but at least one hurdle was overcome.

As Rosha, wrapped in the blue flames, sighed in relief, she suddenly felt a presence and looked over.

As the thick smoke finally began to settle, a man was entering from the other end of the cave lit by moonlight.

‘Who is that?’

Black hair, cold purple eyes, and a face so handsome and elegant that once seen, it would never be forgotten.

In that moment, the marble-like purple eyes shifted. She felt his initially relaxed expression change as he assessed the situation.

And then…

‘Did our eyes meet?’

She wasn’t sure, because in the next instant, her vision was engulfed in blue flames.

* * *

“I missed it.”

Watching the massive presence vanish as if it never existed, Froy Echerzen raised an eyebrow in annoyance.

He had rushed here as soon as he heard the prophecy about the appearance of the relic, but he never expected this situation.

‘It’s like the saying: the dog chasing the chicken.’

The woman wrapped in blue flames – avoiding his move and escaping right from under his nose was no ordinary feat.

Froy briefly scanned the cave and rubbed his chin.

Soon, one of his subordinates arrived late and reported the situation.

“There’s no trace of her. I had everyone wait and came up alone… But where’s the relic?”

“Yes.”

The subordinate seemed disappointed.

“We rushed here as soon as the prophecy came, yet we’re late… Was it the imperial family? Or a third party?”

There were voices speculating on who might be behind it, but Froy stayed silent. Fortunately, even without guessing wildly, he had a hunch who it might be.

‘Rare golden hair and a woman of that age…’

Remembering which territory this relic appeared in, he had a pretty good idea. He turned and said:

“I need to stop by Count Aper’s house.”

“Huh? Suddenly?”

“Yes. I want to meet her. Officially.”

Although he missed the relic, he had a feeling that he was about to encounter something even more valuable. However…

Were the eyes of that family originally golden?