☀️ Arselia and Akonia

Without you, Alex and Heroist would have been in trouble, or at least would have progressed very slowly. But Frag made a mistake not joining you; it would have been more fun and perhaps easier with four of you. But in general, I'm glad to see Frag in Carneol too; he's doing well with you guys.

I didn't go because I assessed my character's abilities as being closer to the Carneol style than to the trio's. I don't think I would have been particularly successful in the south; I would have just sat there not knowing what to do. In Margel, I sometimes find it difficult to keep up with Carneol, but I try my best when I can. I won't argue that there's a lot to do here.

On the way back after the conversation with Erefir, somewhere near Carneol, Garret says to her:
-- Yes, I was actually expecting some other topics; it felt like everything was too... They haven't seen any action. Mr. Zaum is a romantic, though, and I respect that. And, by the way, you surprised me, Garret the crossbowman, talking so confidently about curses and black magic, as if it were your own experience, or at least something you've witnessed firsthand.

— I understand your interest, boss, but I don't have those abilities.
Garret glanced around and, making sure there were no clerics or guards nearby, continued.
— I know a few things, yes, but "curses" and "black magic" aren't very accurate terms. It's... mm, a spiritual thing, basically. Traditions that don't work in this land.
He paused for a moment, letting the revelation sink in.
— And you know what, friend... A Sanctuary of Kamimori is currently being built outside the city. It's a completely different culture, even opposite in some ways, but I've seen with my own eyes what its traditions are capable of. At first, I thought the same about witchcraft and sorcery, until I talked to someone. When the Sanctuary is finished, let's go there together; I'll introduce you to the priestess, Aiyano. She once helped Carneol a lot; thanks to her spiritual strength and ritual practices, we were able to succeed in a rather difficult situation. If you understand the specifics of her culture, you'll easily understand mine.
Meanwhile, they reached Carneol. Asterisk paused for a moment, letting Erefir go ahead, and glanced at the windows of the headquarters with a somber look.
"What's the point of this? It's as if I were a priest, and Asterisk's faith isn't local and doesn't imply spreading it. All memories are destined to disappear with me..."