When Ren brought the request form to the counter, the receptionist spoke up immediately.
"The client has noted that they wish to interview any applicant first."
As if on cue, the door to the room opened. In a stroke of perfect timing, Ragna stepped inside, still wearing his guise as the Bag Traveler. Before noticing Ren at the counter, Ragna glanced at the request board on the wall. He realized his own posting was gone.
"Well now. To think someone would actually be interested in a request like that. They must be quite the eccentric—"
Then his eyes fell on Ren. His lips, visible beneath the deep shadow of his hood, curled into a delighted smile.
"As luck would have it, the client has just arrived," the receptionist said.
She was about to suggest they hold the interview right there, but Ragna moved first. He strode over to Ren’s side and slammed his hand down onto the request form sitting on the counter.
"An interview is unnecessary. I’m hiring this boy."
"Are you certain, sir?" the receptionist asked, startled.
"We’re old acquaintances. It’s better this way. I’d been hesitant to ask him directly for various reasons, but this worked out perfectly."
We’ll talk details elsewhere, he added, before leading the way out of the Guild.
Once they were a safe distance from the building, Ragna spoke again.
"I did consider asking you directly, Ren, but you’re still a student. I held back out of concern that I might be overstepping by calling on you too often for my own convenience."
However, seeing Ren in that restricted room, interested in an Emblem-bearing request, had overridden his restraint. He didn't even ask how Ren had gained access; he likely already knew the circumstances.
"Did my search for a specific item catch your eye? Or did you just take the job because you saw my name on the form?"
"Both, honestly."
It wasn't a lie. In truth, Lutreche’s advice had played a major role, but Ren decided to keep that detail to himself for now.
Ragna, clearly in high spirits, continued. "And why do you think I’m hunting for a Holy Relic?"
"I doubt it’s just for the sake of adventure. If that were all, I think you’d be out there searching alone. Is there some other reason?"
"Indeed. Do you remember that orphanage in the Old City?"
The Jeno Orphanage—the mysterious building where the locks had surrendered the moment Ren touched them. It was the place where they had discovered the correspondence between the director, Jeno, and the adventurer Cecil Ashton. It was also where Ren had found a certain painting.
"I remember. Did you find something else there?"
"Yes. The investigation has continued since our last visit."
Ragna reached into his breast pocket and produced a small key. It was a rod-shaped object that shimmered with a brilliant blue light, like a sapphire or a shard of pure crystal. However, the bow of the key was badly chipped and shattered, marring its beauty.
"This was found in the director’s room. It’s not an ordinary key; it’s a Magic Tool."
"Which means it won't work properly as long as it's broken?"
"As always, your quick intuition is a blessing."
Amused by Ragna’s typical bluntness, Ren listened quietly, his interest fully piqued. They turned into a quiet side alley, where Ragna set his massive bag onto the cobblestones. With a snap of his fingers, the bag’s mouth opened on its own. He pulled out a weathered paper envelope and showed Ren the aged parchment inside.
"Are you familiar with the Legendary Bard Muedi?"
"She was a figure from the era of the Seven Heroes, wasn't she?"
The songs she had composed while traveling the world were still performed today. Not only were they masterpieces of music, but Muedi’s songs were literal magic. They could heal the weary, inspire the brave, or even sap the strength of monsters.
"What does she have to do with this?"
"The fact that the key was in that orphanage suggests there was some connection between her and Cecil Ashton. I believe there may be records hidden in her hideout. I intend to find it."
"So, that’s the key to Muedi's Hideout."
"Precisely. I don't yet understand why the key was left at the Jeno Orphanage, but the fact that it was found at all is significant."
"I see why you need it fixed, then. But can't you just ignore the key and break down the door? It’s just a hideout; I feel like that would be forgivable under the circumstances."
"Good grief, Ren. You still favor such... valiantly wild methods. I admire that about you, in the right time and place, but..." Ragna shook his head. "It won't work this time. Look at this."
He brought the broken sapphire key close to the blank parchment. For a fleeting second, the map emitted a faint, pulsing glow. Ragna explained that the parchment was the map itself.
"The key isn't just for a door. It’s meant to activate a corresponding Magic Tool."
"...And the paired Magic Tool is this map."
However, the map had only flickered; it hadn't revealed a location. Ren could only just barely make out the ghost of a terrain line.
"I'm sure you realize the problem now. Even if I wanted to break down the door, I have no idea where the door is. We haven't even reached that stage yet."
"And so, you’re looking for the materials to repair the key..."
"Exactly. But this key was crafted from a gemstone blessed by the Water Goddess. It can only be repaired with a material of equal quality. This is why anything involving Holy Relics is such a headache."
In short, he needed an item related to the Water Goddess. The Elfen Church likely had several such relics in their treasury, but they weren't the type to sell their holy artifacts. Ren understood the difficulty, but it was certainly a tall order.
"Even for an Emblem-bearing request, I'm not surprised you haven't found a taker."
"You certainly have a way of contradicting yourself. You say that even though you were the one to accept it."
"That’s different. If your name hadn't been on it, I might have felt otherwise."
And, of course, there was Lutreche’s nudge. Ragna explained that he had phrased the request as simple assistance because he had intended to do most of the heavy lifting himself. Ren gave a strained smile, but he didn't think the situation was hopeless. An item from his knowledge of the game had surfaced in his mind.
"Actually, I might have a lead on that."
"Oh?"
Ragna pulled back his hood, revealing his handsome, refined Shelgardian features.
"Are you familiar with the temple in Windea, the Place Where Water and Wind Sleep?" Ren asked.
"Yes. The place where the spring fills only once every few centuries."
During those rare times, water would flow throughout Windea, transforming the landscape into something breathtaking. In the game, Vane had been empowered by that spring water, cementing his status as the Hero's descendant in the eyes of the world.
"The phenomenon might be caused by the Ring of the Water Goddess, which is said to be hidden there. The legend says the ring only reveals itself when it's filled with mana."
"..."
"—Er... well..."
Seeing Ragna staring at him with a blank expression, Ren began to backpedal. He waved his hands around in a rare display of flustered panic.
"I just happened to look it up because I was curious! I was just theorizing... fantasizing that it might be something like that...!"
"..."
"Um... could you please say something?"
"Ah, no, forgive me. I was just considering pulling you close and giving you a kiss on the cheek for that information."
"No, I’m good, thanks."
Ragna laughed playfully. "It is true that such a legend exists. That a ring like the one you described is tucked away somewhere in Windea."
The Ring of the Water Goddess. It was a rare accessory that boosted Water Magic, but its description had always been followed by a cryptic hint about a 'hidden power.'
"And they say the ring is invisible to the human eye unless it is brimming with mana."
"Y-yes! I remember hearing that part too!"
"Hmm. This might be a lead worth following. It wouldn't be a bad idea to investigate once spring arrives."
"Wait, I thought you’d want to go right now, Ragna-san."
"It’s impossible in this season. To reach the heights of Windea, one must either trek overland or anchor a Magic Ship to a cliffside."
At this time of year, Windea was choked with wind and water mana. The gales were ferocious, and when the moisture mixed in, it created magical blizzards of lethal cold. Whether by land or sky, the climate was far too dangerous to navigate.
"I have other duties to attend to for now, so I can't leave immediately. Besides, your winter break is almost over. Spring would be the wisest choice."
"True."
Ragna packed his tools back into his bag, shouldered the heavy weight, and adjusted his hood with a renewed energy in his voice. "The only issue is that no one knows exactly when the spring will fill."
Ren knew this was the year, but he couldn't explain that. For most, it would be a gamble, but for a man like Ragna—the literal personification of intellectual curiosity—it was a minor concern. Besides, if they went now, the ring wouldn't be there anyway.
"Even if we find it, I should probably refrain from taking the ring. I’m hesitant to remove something I haven't studied in its natural state."
"I'm surprised you didn't say you'd take it 'for the sake of research.'"
"Let me rephrase. It’s not that I’m hesitant—it’s that Holy Relics are a nightmare to handle. I’d rather not be burdened by them if I can help it."
Ren remembered now; Ragna was famously cynical toward the gods. He had said something very similar when they first met at the Ministry of Mysteries.
"Well, could we just 'borrow' some of the Water Goddess's mana to fix the key?"
"I'll make preparations on my end to see if that's possible." Ragna paused. "Or, if the power of the Water Goddess still lingers in the Divine Statue of Roses Kaitas, that might serve as well."
"Can't you go there as a researcher?"
"I tried. But the Elfen Church hates us researchers with a passion. My department's request for intervention was flatly denied."
"...Oh."
Ren thought of Chronoa. She had visited Roses Kaitas several times; perhaps he could consult her. The conversation about work wound down, shifting into casual talk.
"I didn't realize you were in the capital, though."
"I was doing some shopping while I was here to post the request. I might stop by to see Radius if the mood strikes me."
As they talked, Ren realized something. He wouldn't be the only one heading for Windea in the spring.
Vane and his group will be there too.
Ren didn't know how their paths would cross in this timeline, but he was certain they would.
"Also, I’m sorry to ask this after accepting the job, but is it alright if I tell Licia and the others about the details? If I just disappear, they’ll worry."
"I don't mind if it's your close friends. Use your own judgment."
"Got it."
A sudden gust of winter wind bit into Ren’s cheek.
And then—
The world blurred. It was a sensation Ren had experienced several times now—the sudden, violent flickering of his vision. Another Ren Ashton was standing in this same back alley, talking to another Ragna.
The distant chatter of people on the main street drifted into the alley.
'I heard that Ren Ashton was just some knight's brat serving the Clausels.'
'He’s the worst kind of criminal. Not only did he murder the noble girl who took him in, but he even killed that Chronoa Highland. I hope they catch him and execute him soon.'
Hearing the whispers, the other Ragna spoke to the other Ren.
'Listen only to my voice. Do you understand?'
The other Ren Ashton’s expression remained unreadable. They continued their conversation in the shadows.
'Did you manage to meet Edgar?'
'Yes. We’re operating separately for now.'
From the context, Ren realized this was a scene following the dream he’d had in Eupeheim.
'Hoh... I’m honestly surprised you’re actually alive. And what about the descendants of the Seven Heroes?'
'I imagine they’re tracking the Demon King Cult by now.'
'Very well. And what will you do, Ren?'
The other Ren Ashton looked up at the sky, hesitating for only a moment.
'I’ll help Vane and the others if I have to. But more than that, I’m concerned about that woman’s movements.'
Ragna’s eyes widened in shock. He regained his composure and spoke with stern concern.
'Don't. She’s dangerous. I’ve traveled the world and seen many monsters, but she is in a league of her own.'
'I know. But I can't just ignore her.'
The other Ren Ashton pulled on a robe and drew the hood deep over his face. Even though he was a notorious criminal whose name would be etched into the dark history of Leomel, he showed no fear as he prepared to walk through the heart of the capital.
'Are you insane? You might not walk away from that encounter with your life.'
'It’s a bit late for that.'
A faint, fleeting smile—the last remnant of his youth—flickered across his face. In the next heartbeat, his expression hardened into something far too old for his years.
'—I stopped fearing death a long time ago.'
He said it with absolute finality.
The vision vanished like a mirage.
Ren wasn't sure if "returning to the real world" was the right way to describe it, but those words echoed in his mind. Ragna looked at him, his brow furrowed with uncharacteristic worry.
"What is it? You went pale all of a sudden. Are you feeling ill?"
"...No, I'm fine."
"If you have a fever, see a doctor immediately."
"Ahaha... right. I'll do that."
The winter wind brushed against Ren’s cheek once more, bringing him back to the cold reality of the present.