∗ ∗ ∗
“You’ve brought back quite a portentous souvenir.”
I had brought the medal with me as Fresco had said, and immediately presented it to Katarina. Her reaction had been to clutch her forehead with a troubled expression.
This item really was problematic. But it made me all the more curious.
“Is it really that bad? I’ve never seen this crest before.”
Katarina gave a deep nod, then hesitated for a moment. She was probably contemplating whether it would be prudent to tell me. But ultimately, she made up her mind and explained. “I’m certain you haven’t. This is the personal crest of the leader of Midrogue’s mage’s guild.”
That makes sense, I thought. If a monster had it, there could be all kinds of issues.
At the same time, I found it strange. Why had we found an item belonging to a person with such status?
I asked honestly, “It belongs to the mage’s guild leader? But why would a skeleton have something like that?”
Katarina shook her head. “I shudder to think of it, but the only natural conclusion is that the skeletons have something to do with him.”
I could tell that much. The problem was, what exactly was the relationship between them? Judging by Katarina’s behavior, it must have been something adverse.
Going by this assumption, I spoke, looking closely to catch her reaction. “You mean the skeletons are...”
Katarina nodded. “I believe it must be the case. I am not well-versed in magic, but...Master Noah, are you aware that there are multiple ways to produce undead beings such as skeletons?”
Magic was often studied by nobles, but the curriculum varied by country and family. It was basically compulsory for the Olipiages. As one could tell from my father and brother’s talent, we were a magic-focused family. Other families which focused more on military or civic matters wouldn’t have been as knowledgeable. Katarina’s family was likely this sort. Besides, being the age she was, she might just not have learned about it yet.
“Of course I’m aware. They’re produced either by the natural solidification of mana, or by mana concentrating due to a corpse’s lasting hatred.”
Those were the two main types, but these weren’t what Katarina wanted to know about. As could be expected, after nodding, she pressed me for more. “I’ve heard that those are the conditions by which they’re naturally produced. I believe there’s one other method, though?”
I had fully intended to tell her, so I affirmed what she said and answered. “Yes. There are monsters that can be artificially produced by magic. Skeletons are one of this sort. Of course, if summoning arts are used, that’s another thing...”
Summoning arts were a kind of magic that could call forth various kinds of monsters. Through the use of magic circles or offerings, one could even call forth a being far beyond the scope of one’s own power. However, it was extremely dangerous by nature, and legend had it that failed rites had ruined entire countries before. There existed powerful monsters which were not to be trifled with for any reason, and it was said that they originated from the foolish summoning rites conducted by these countries, called here from other worlds. It was a cautionary lesson in recognizing human boundaries.
While she hadn’t known all of that, Katarina at least seemed to understand the challenges of summoning arts. “But I’ve heard that summoning magic is exceedingly difficult?”
“That it is. It’s not something just any inept mage could easily accomplish. But artificially producing skeletons is also...”
“Difficult?”
Exactly. Magic could produce skeletons, but it wasn’t easy. If it were, everyone would be doing it. You could basically create an infinite army. Even if you couldn’t control them, you could continuously summon them within an enemy nation and deal massive damage. But almost nobody had actually pulled that off.
That “almost” was the kicker, though...
In any case, I told Katarina, “Yes, both practically and ethically. Artificially producing undead beings falls under the category of necromancy, which is forbidden in most countries.”
That was a fact. The Church of Astral in particular had strict prohibitions on necromancy. Wherever the faith was strongest, necromancy was abhorred even more. Regardless of the Church’s influence, necromancy was strongly despised because it manipulated people’s souls. That was why many countries, including this one, had banned it.
And yet...
Katarina’s eyes were downcast. “But someone who has broken the taboo is here in this very city...”