Gather Divine Coins and Gacha! - Chapter 115

 "Nice of you to come."

Early January, in the heart of winter.

Just as there was barely a month left of city life, Zighardt requested a meeting with Seriana.

The matter at hand? A request to use the holy statue.

Despite it being months since he collected all ten pieces, it seems that old man hasn't spun the gacha yet.

"...What's with that outfit?"

Accompanied by Fiora, but her attire...

Last time she came, it was formal wear, but this time it's ceremonial attire. It's flashy.

Fiora, well, she's always flashy, but I'm just here as usual.

"Isn't it obvious?"

...Obvious about what?

Thinking so, I glance at Fiora, who begins to explain with a sigh.

"I asked him why he insisted on wearing this outfit. And the delay was because of tailoring it... Sorry, okay?"

"Of course. For a sacred ritual using holy coins, one must dress accordingly. Understand?"

"I don't get it."

Did I just upset her?

"Well, forget it. Sera, please bring the holy statue."

Seriana seems a bit taken aback too.

"Sure thing."

Heading to the bedroom, then entering the "hideout," she brings out the holy statue displayed inside.

Though I know the purpose, I can't help but think it would be enough to just take it out. But apparently, the gesture of bringing it specifically adds to its significance.

Seems foolish... I thought, but looking at Zighardt, he doesn't seem entirely displeased, so maybe this was the right call.

"Well then, let's begin."

With that, Zighardt kneels before the statue placed on the desk, clasping the holy coins in both hands, murmuring something as he offers his prayers.

Alex seems to sense something significant, staring intently at Zighardt, while the other three seem somewhat distant.

As for me... I was planning to do something after this, but what should I do?

"Hm?"

Seems like he's about to offer the prayers, having finished his own. With his head bowed, he extends both hands toward the statue.

...He looks incredibly serious.

Enveloped in light, the holy coins vanish from his hands.

There's probably a drumroll going on in his head... it's taking quite a while.

"Wha-a-a-at?!"

Just when I thought he'd been frozen in prayer for about a minute, he suddenly lets out a scream, or whatever it is, I can't tell.

Well... it must have been a miss. He's slumped over in disappointment.

As I continue watching, something like a rope appears above Zighardt's bowed head, then falls onto it.

"What's that?"

Some kind of material, but a rope?

"It's magic thread. By embroidering specific patterns on fabric, it can confer certain effects."

Instead of the still motionless Zighardt, Fiora, who had taken the object from above his head, explained.

"Do you remember the curtains in my room in Zelkis? Those were embroidered with magic thread to make them fireproof."

Seriana chimed in next.

"Oh, I see."

Thinking about her room in the capital, the curtains were fully embroidered. Come to think of it, the curtains in this room only had plant patterns at the hem, and I thought it was just a design, but maybe there was a purpose to it.

Putting that aside...

"Zig-san, are you okay?"

No response, not even a twitch.

Well, it was probably his first time, and despite his determination, it didn't quite work out...

"Don't just keep slumping there. Stand up."

No response to the call, but perhaps fed up, Fiora tugged at his collar and forced him to stand.

...She's strong.

"Serah, you're up next, right? Go ahead and do it."

"Yeah."

But after that display... it feels a bit awkward.

But I'll do it.

"Mmmmm..."

Usually, I have enough confidence in my determination alone, but since I've been ignoring the etiquette, this time I'll try to be solemn like Zighardt.

Although you can't see because my head is bowed, you can tell the holy coins have disappeared from my hand.

And then, a drumroll echoes in my mind.

Here we go!

This time, it's gotta be a projectile!

Give me a long-range attack!

"Huuh!"

With a burst of determination, I focus on the words floating in my head.

[Fierce Horn Blast]

...Oh... like a sonic weapon?