Clementine and I were huddled beside each other, sifting through piles of gold coins. Coins, which were quite unusual. On one side, a depiction of an intertwined tree, and on the other, a profile of a woman's face. Indecipherable characters adorned its border, written in a lost language of Yggdrasil, most likely.
Climb dismissed the peculiar currency as 'worthless' and directed us to search for other items instead, like magical-protection gear. While gold wasn't the top of his priority list, Clementine felt otherwise. She decided to stuff her pockets full of whatever she could get her hands on, coins included.
Melting them down into gold bars would ensure turning a profit on the market. Still, Clementine ignored the troubles its poor value-to-weight ratio would bring. An enchanted artefact would be a much more sensible thing to scour for, but it seemed the allure of glittering gold had blinded her.
I looked off to the other side of the room. Climb was angrily wading through mounds of gold in search of treasure, Zesshi trailed uninterestedly behind.
"Climb is quite the smooth talker, isn't he?" I spoke offhandedly. Clementine's hands stopped momentarily before continuing to pile riches into her pocket.
"Whatever you say, little Princess," she looked towards Climb. "It's a dangerous thing, relying on words… We were lucky with Zesshi. If she was a different kind of person, things could have turned out quite differently."
I waved off her pessimism.
"Don't forget, we planned for many different scenarios. The 'luck' you speak of is simply that the Zesshi we ended up with was not that kind of person."
"…"
Clementine and I stayed quiet as the sound of jingling metal filled the air. The footsteps of two others could be heard in the distance when I noticed that Clementine's hands had stopped moving.
"You know, little Princess, I've never seen Climb lose before."
Clementine stared at me. Her eyes were sharp and bore meaning. My hands slowed as I tried to infer the meaning of her words.
"Climb has never lost before," she repeated. "On any mission, not even once. Whenever he was on the brink of destruction, he somehow managed to turn the situation around…"
She trailed off, but I heard her warning loud and clear.
Those dramatic turnabout victories will come to haunt him.
Today was a perfect example of that, I suppose. The interaction with Zesshi today will leave only ecstatic recollections, and those moments of dread he undoubtedly experienced would fall by the wayside.
Climb had only accumulated memories of 'winning', such that when he does lose, the proceeding fallout will be ineffable… That was her warning.
Maybe for someone else, her warnings would make sense; somebody blessed by the heavens and granted an unending streak of fortune should inevitably expect it to end.
Though, I couldn't help but feel she was insulting our efforts.
While many are unaware of their limitations, Climb is acutely aware of them. All his victories are worked for; there is no time to bask in former glories or indulge in laziness and complacency.
There was a time and place for that, but not now… Not yet.
I glared at the woman beside me.
"Pretentious psychology is not something to be concerned with," I spat. "Do not think my Climb is bound by such petty thinking, Clementine."
"Ah, is that so?" She shrugged with a lilt. "One cannot win forever, little Princess; please, do get back to me once the trend fails."
"…"
I could tell from her tone that she wasn't plotting anything insidious. It was a warning with Climb's wellbeing in mind, after all; their relationship spanned early into our capture.
After going undefeated for two years, it was understandable that she wanted to see him lose, and her smile indicated she would thoroughly enjoy the show once it started.
However, what disconcerted me the most was how she acted like she knew something I didn't.
"…I will keep your words in mind, Clementine."
Begrudgingly, I accepted her warning and received a quiet hum in response. And like our conversation never happened, she began lining her pockets with gold once again.
Ah, where was it… where was it…?
I've been circling this damned treasury for over an hour now, and I still haven't found it. Surrounded on all fours by pristine white walls, I felt like I was in a psychiatric ward.
And appropriately, I felt like I was going insane.
With each item I overturned to find nothing, I felt motivation leaving me. Did it even exist? Was it just a figment of my imagination?
Like a madman, I searched high, and I searched low. Seeing that it wasn't on the surface, I asked Zesshi to sweep the ground in an attempt to reveal the bottom layer. Reluctantly complying, she swung her scythe, and an arc of hypersonic air raced across the room.
The room rocked, and any loose riches were flung high into the air. It rained coins for a good while afterwards.
Mind you, it wasn't the pleasant kind of 'revelling-in-wealth' type of shower. No, those bloody coins were solid gold… They hurt if they landed on your head. Zesshi was unbothered, but Clementine had to grab a shield to protect herself and Renner.
I decided that Zesshi's brute strength was poorly suited for utility. I attempted to find my prize [Wave Function Collapse], but that came up short.
Thus, we settled on doing things the old-fashioned way: By hand.
I really needed a magic user in my party. Maybe a spell like [Locate Object] existed—unbelievably helpful in this situation. We also had little protection against magical-oriented opponents, so a safeguard would be appreciated.
Speaking of potential candidates, I doubt I could convince Fluder. He was only swayed by magic, and I had no specific knowledge of the arts. And with his attachments to Jircniv, he'd stay in Baharuth for sure.
The second candidate, Evileye…
…
Hold on. I might have messed up Blue Roses by obtaining Kilineiram. Scratch that; I definitely did. How was I supposed to find that damned loner now? This… was going to be a problem.
Argh.
The best I can settle for right now is some magic-negating equipment. I've already told the three to keep an eye out for those. Zesshi didn't pay attention, Clementine did her own thing, and it appeared only Renner heeded my suggestion.
Par for the course.
The previously organised treasury was now a mess by any standard, no thanks to Zesshi's show of strength. I couldn't help but think she used that amount of force on purpose.
I looked over my shoulder to her, trying to confirm once again.
"Zesshi, are you sure she came here?"
"Child, I know what I saw. An old hag frequently visits the vault to deposit her dress. As far as I know, she is barred from wearing it unless a mission requires it. You recently returned from a mission; what you're looking for is in here."
The World Item.
Downfall of Castle and Country.
I must have it.
A World Item negates effects from others, an invaluable quality in itself. Additionally, its ability to control any entity, bypassing any immunity, gave me too much to fantasise about.
The first time seeing Kaire wear that outfit was almost enough for me to defect immediately. I was stopped by a very disheartening line of reasoning at that moment. One, I was surrounded by the Slane Theocracy's elite. Two, Renner was still a hostage. And three, supposing I made it past the others, Kaire would control me as soon as I made a move.
So, that route was closed off from me. And instead, here I was, in the treasury.
Searching… endlessly.
I wanted to tear my hair out; we were operating on a limited timeframe. When the sun comes up, and they discover our house is empty, a search party would be dispatched immediately. Considering this was the most valuable room in the Theocracy, it was a reasonable assumption they'd come here first.
I wanted to avoid conflict at any cost.
Worst comes to worst, Zesshi levels the city, assuming she'd even agree to it. And if she did, the destruction would attract too many eyes and throw things too far off course.
But such a sacrifice was acceptable for a World Item, wasn't it?
…
Don't think about it.
Just search.
Three Hours Later
I was inspecting a glimmering gemstone. I turned it in my hand, precise cuts refracting light perfectly. Climb believed they were called 'data crystals'.
The one I held was one of many I had gathered, practically identical to the rest. As far as I could tell, visibly, there was no way of telling them apart.
Though currently functionally useless, Climb said they might hold worth if we spent long enough investigating. He made sure to emphasise 'might'. I could be hauling back worthless rocks for all I knew, but something about them intrigued me.
Data Crystals.
What a fascinating name.
Just as I placed one into my rucksack, a sound reached my ears.
"UUUUOOOOOOOOOHHHHHHHHH!"
A deafening cry.
My head snapped to the source, startled by the noise. Clementine rose to her feet, and I did the same.
"What is he up to now? Tsk."
Clementine never ceased to complain about anything.
She kicked a goblet over as she began heading towards Climb, who appeared to be… on his knees…? I must admit, I haven't seen him act this way before.
I tentatively followed Clementine, who approached the two.
What I saw was no illusion. Climb sat in the middle of the treasury on his knees, his arms splayed outward in an almost reverential position. It was a strange sight.
He wasn't the religious type…
As I neared, a clearer picture was painted before me.
Climb's attention was directed towards a sole item before him, encircled by all sorts of trinkets, scrolls and gold. Hidden beneath the sparkling riches, a small patch had been uncovered; delicate, white silk shimmered beneath.
They were… robes?
For him to react in such a way… this object contained power that beggars belief.
Zesshi stood close by. Her scythe rested calmly in her palm, but I noted that she kept a firm grip on the weapon. She was weary. She knew of its importance but was similarly unaware of its abilities.
Climb began breaking into hysterical laughter and brought his hand to his forehead.
"Ahahahaha! It was here! She wasn't lying! Haaaah, that saves a real headache…"
Clementine glanced at me as if to say, 'Look, another turnaround victory. And very dramatic, at that.' I could already hear her voice dripping with smugness.
…
Hmph.
His mind is still high from the euphoria; it will subside. There was nothing to be concerned about… This mental state is to be expected and is not a problem.
Climb was wholly justified in acting and thinking the way he does; unique.
Stepping toward my partner and wrapping my arms around his shoulders, I leaned in and whispered in his ear.
"This is what we came here for?"
Torn from his reverie, Climb jolted and stared at me wide-eyed. He quickly tamed his mad laughter. Though, he couldn't wipe the grin off his face.
"Indeed, Renner," he pulled the robes from underneath the pile, revealing what appeared to be a dress. It was decorated with an ornamental dragon along its entire length. "This thing turns our two years wasted into two years' worth."
I tilted my head at the expression. My lips drew into a thin line at his declaration. I'm sure he used that when he talked about Zesshi.
This piece of clothing was equal to Zesshi in importance?
I looked at the woman in question. I supposed talking about the garment's power was not suitable with these two around.
I best avoid the subject.
"It is quite the pretty dress," I nodded.
"Mhm…" It seemed he got the message, and the room drifted into silence. Restarting the conversation, Climb clapped once, rubbing his hands together. "Well, I've got what I came for. Everybody grab whatever else catches your fancy, and we'll be off."
"A single gemstone I have is already enough to retire on. Now imagine a bag full of them~" Clementine preened.
"There is nothing here for me," Zesshi affirmed.
"I've already acquired everything I need," I presented Climb with my thumb to express approval. It was a very convenient gesture. Really, how many meanings could one digit hold?
Climb looked at the three of us with a careful eye.
"…Okay? I suppose we're heading off right now, then."
Kilineiram Abilities:
[Dark Attribute Affinity] (Passive) – Grants the user resistance to dark and negative attributes. Grants the user immunity to all of Kilineiram's adverse status effects
[Strength Enhancement] (Passive) – While equipped, Kilineiram grants the user heightened physical strength
[Dark Energy Release I, II, III] – Imbues the blade with increased weapon sharpness and speed. Effect increases with rank
[Dark Energy Release IV] – Generates a zone of darkness that strips opponents of their five senses
[Dark Energy Release V] – In listed order, has a chance to inflict fear, confusion, and insanity statuses to opponents with increasing proximity
AN: And so, the great Slane Theocracy heist is complete. For those interested, here's the haul:
Clementine:
500+ Yggdrasil Gold (F)
50+ Gemstones (D)
20x Assorted Decorative Items (D)
1x Daghdha's Treasure Sword (B)
Est. Value: Two million USD
Est. Weight: 25kg
Value/Weight Ratio: 80,000:1
Zesshi Zetsumei:
1x Modified Schoolgirl Outfit (B)
1x War Scythe (S)
Est. Value: Fifty million USD
Est. Weight: 100kg
Value/Weight Ratio: 500,000:1
Renner:
1x Yggdrasil Gold (F)
10x Yggdrasil Lore Books (D)
5x Data Crystals (C)
5x Magic Scrolls (B)
20x Minor Healing Potions (B)
1x Summon Crystal (A)
1kg Apoithakarah Ore (A)
1kg Star Silver Ore (A)
2x Magic Wand (A)
Est. Value: Five trillion USD
Est. Weight: 10kg
Value/Weight Ratio: 500,000,000:1
Climb:
5x Ring of Sustenance (C)
1x Downfall of Castle and Country (SSS)
1x Zesshi Zetsumei (SSS)
Est. Value: Incalculable
Est. Weight: (Creep.)
Value/Weight Ratio:
AN: We reach the conclusion of the Theocracy arc. A relatively short arc, but will have significant ramifications for the future. Almost finished with the entire backlog, so updates will come slower now.