Before the official match between the Tower and the Sun Fire Knights, Reiji was planning to visit Felix and the others at the Mind Collection's base within the city

He wanted to know more about the Tower's Sentient Arcana, the Chalice.

​​

He doesn't know its name but the Collection should have information about it considering how wary they are.

He believed that there's a secret behind their vigilance and there should've been some previous encounters or history that made them like this... It is something he wanted to find out before completing Yui and Odette's request...

"Master, where are we going this time?"

Rufus asked after he changed to formal clothes. He removed his Arcanist Robe as Reiji doesn't want to attract much attention when visiting such a hideout.

'Use the Sense Link...'

"Oop--"

'Sorry, Master...'

'It's fine... Anyway, I'm not sure as well. Ruthren will guide us and I don't think that a Tower's Arcanist will be appreciated in that place so you have to wear your normal clothes for now...'

'I understand, Master Reiji.'

Reiji decided to bring Rufus in case he needed to use Take Over. After all, Ruthren's life is still in danger and he can't use that skill just to anyone.

On the other hand, Rufus was a bit disappointed since he won't be able to train this morning... The fight against the Sun Fire Knights will happen soon, and he felt that he's still lacking if he fought against them now.

He already learned about their Hazy Flash Steps and other signature battle style and there was no way for him to win unless his master would help him.

However, he didn't want to be a burden and wanted to at least accomplish something...

'Haa~ Their arrival here is too early... If they gave me a couple of months, I might have the confidence to face them with my sword...' Rufus thought after recalling the skill of his Elite Gram Sword called Illusory Blade.

Once he reached a satisfactory level in the art of the sword, he's sure that once he used the Arcane Magic, he would be able to give a good fight against the trained Knights.

It didn't take long before they arrived in front of an old mansion... It's not as extravagant as the Eastwood Mansion where he met Fern and the other two blessed Arcana.

However, he can feel that this place is quite unusual... He couldn't point it out but this just made him realize the reason behind it...

'It must be the Mystical Energy...'

He then activated his Level 1 Mystical Energy Manipulation using his Mental Strength...

He's right! Offensive energy suddenly assaulted Reiji's mind.

Not only he detected the presence of it, but felt its aura as well!

He also realized that he could somehow collapse its concentration and create problems to the protection array around the mansion.

'Hmph!'

Finally, he's no longer a helpless Arcana against the Mystical Energy...

Of course, he doesn't have plans to mess with it.

It was already enough for him to understand the reason behind its threatening aura.

'Both of you will stay here… I'll enter alone.' Reiji instructed the two.

'Yes, Master…'

'Very well… Stay within the vicinity of this mansion… There's someone watching us.'

'Huh? Where are they?' Rufus was clueless as he can't feel anyone watching them… He can see that there are people in the streets but for some reason, they aren't taking a look at the old mansion with growing vines…

'Just stay where you are. I'm still not sure if they are guards of this mansion or people sent to hunt Ruthren… I'll be back quickly.'

'I understand, Master. Be careful.'

Rufus said as he remained standing outside the mansion.

Then, the shinai suddenly vanished from his back…

It must've entered the Mansion by now. The young man was very curious about his master's dealings but he felt that it was already fine to be included in such secretive missions like this.

He felt that he was already getting close to the Sentient Arcana.

He looked in his surroundings but still didn't find anything suspicious. He glanced at Ruthren who remained vigilant but decided not to ask him…

He looks to be a difficult person so he decided to stay silent for now and wait for his master.

***

Reiji used his max level Stealth and arrived in front of the protective array. He didn't use his Traceless ability as they might think that he's really trying to sneak in…

'Stop right there! Who are you? Do you know this place?'

The deep voice sounded like it came from an adult man and it was also intimidating…

Reiji smirked, in his imagination, after hearing him.

As expected, after touching the Mystical Energy, the Sentient Arcana within the mansion immediately connected to him. It happened so fast so it feels like they were already watching them before he even got closer.

'I'm Reiji. Friends with Felix, Yerin, and Jaymie… They should be there, correct?'

'I see… I heard a lot about you. You can get inside—Oh, you can also remove your stealth after entering the array.'

'Alright. I will, thanks!'

After finding out his identity, the Arcana now sounded friendly to him.

It seems that Felix and the others made a good impression here.

'Reiji! It has been a while! We thought that you've forgotten about us!'

Felix, the Kris Sword, greeted after seeing Reiji enter the mansion.

The Arcana was followed by two beautiful Necklaces as they similarly greeted him.

'How's the Arcanist Tower?'

'Did you find an impressive Arcanist to wield you?'

Yerin and Jaymie asked.

Reiji also noticed two more floating Sentient Arcana. They are perhaps the official members of the Mind Collection.

He saw an exquisite folding fan that is designed with precious jewels. It looks like it was something that high-ranking nobles would use to show off their status.

The other one was a floating sword—No, a scabbard?

Reiji was a bit confused… Was the sword invisible? Is there really someone who summoned a scabbard during their bestowal ceremony?

Nevertheless, it must have its reasons. Even if it's just a scabbard, it might have Arcane Magic to create an energy sword or something for his wielder.

They introduced themselves as Rory and Gate… Rory has a feminine voice and she's acting as the manager of this base.

The scabbard Gate, on the other hand, was the one who stopped him a while ago… They seemed to be very friendly as they let the four of them catch up.

Reiji chatted with them for a while and they went to a room where the three Arcana are currently staying at.

Reiji shared his story of finding talented Arcanists within the Tower and shared with them about the existence of Revolver.

The three found it very interesting since they have never seen a Gun-Type Arcana before.

Based on their reactions, it seemed to be genuine. It only proves that they are not reincarnated like him or perhaps they were just good at hiding it.

Nevertheless, he asked about the main reason for coming.

'What's with the tower? Why do we have to be careful in that place?'

Reiji inquired.

'Mhmm… Let me explain the things we've found out.' Yerin, the Gold Chain-Link Necklace, replied.

'First, the Tower seems to have taken a lot of Sentient Arcana and they have never come out. Of course, this has happened more than 10 years ago, but the Mind Collection still remembers it clearly as many of their outstanding members were part of the missing…'

'That's right, there were also times that they were actively looking for a Sentient Arcana but stopped after a couple of years. They perhaps failed in this or they have succeeded. The Collection doesn't know. However, after their operation, the Tower grew stronger and created powerful Arrays that could cover the whole city and top-secret facilities that could help the Arcanists improve faster.' Jaymie added.

Reiji was only listening silently as he waited for them to continue.

'Aside from this, the members of the Tower were also seen dealing with the Cursed Arcana instead of eradicating or sealing them. It appears that they have formed a relationship that would benefit them both… As for its specificities, even the Collection was unaware.'

As they continued explaining, Reiji realized how troublesome this tower is. Especially after he recalls what the Chalice did after Rufus and the others entered its chamber.

***

After discussing these things, Reiji was reminded about the people watching them outside.

He then found out that they weren't part of the Mind Collection…

It means that they are being targeted… They were perhaps sent to hunt Ruthren so they have to deal with it.

'Mhmm… I guess I can use my Marker again…'

Reiji immediately connected to Rufus with his Sense Link and as he was about to remind them about his plans, Rufus called out.

'Master! It's so hard to connect with you…. Urgh! Never mind... Ruthren is in trouble… Please help us!'