The Academy of Astrology and Mysticism is one of the official institutions that exist in the Empire.

In Zebrudia, there are other institutions such as the Relic Research Institute, which conducts research on mana materials such as treasure halls and phantoms, and the Academy of Magical Sciences, which oversees magic and the technology that uses it, but the Academy of Astrology and Mysteries is known as an institution that is different from these authoritative institutions.

The Academy of Astrology and Mysteries has jurisdiction over all mysteries not covered by the Academy of Magical Sciences or the Relic Research Institute.
It is one of the oldest institutions in Zebrudia, but also one of the smallest.

Although the institution covers all kinds of mysteries on its face, its main research is, as the name suggests, divination - the art of knowing the future and fate in advance.

Although there have been many studies on the prediction of disasters in various parts of the world, most of the techniques still depend on the individual's talent, and there is no clear theory as in the case of witchcraft.
Most of astrology does not consume magic power, unlike magic. Many people who claim to be astrologers predict the future based on their personal abilities and senses, which cannot be judged just by looking from the outside. Therefore, many of them are bogus.

There are many people who profess that all astrology is false and that there is no way to know the future. The reason why the Astrological Institute is so small in scale in spite of its long history is probably because it studies and manages things that are very difficult to evaluate.

Of course, the astrologers and researchers in the Astrological Institute are examined from various angles and certified as genuine. The reason why the institution still exists, albeit on a small scale, is because the technology under its jurisdiction is too difficult for Zebuldia to ignore.
However, there was no doubt that the Academy of Astrology and Mysticism was regarded as a kind of heresy among the Imperial institutions. The members of the Academy were all eccentric.


'Prediction of disaster, ............, at a time when we're busy with this anti-fox operation--'

You can't ignore the warnings of the Astrological Institute because their predictions are never wrong. ...... They also control True Tears.

In the event that you've got any questions regarding where and the best way to get in touch with us, we'll be happy to assist you.

The work of the Astrological Institute consists of researching mystical technology and sharing information obtained through divination. Of these, the sharing of predictions has a special significance within the Empire.

The Astrological Institute rarely publishes predictions. Recently, it could not foresee the assassination attempt on the Emperor, the war between the Abyssal Fire and the Tower of Akasha, or the activation of the Key of the Earth.

But to put it another way--events that could be foreseen would occur one hundred percent of the time.
In Zebrudia, when a prediction is issued by the House of Astrology, all the nobles must prepare as one.

So Franz frowned and sighed.

'However, if the prediction is 'there is a black shadow covering the imperial capital', then we don't know anything. ......'

'Judging from the image, it doesn't seem to be a natural disaster. ......'

The predictions given by astrologers are not always specific. Most astrologers do not see images, but they get the future from some abstract images.
But even so, this prediction was too vague.

Franz also agreed with the Third Commander's words.

'If it's a natural disaster, it won't stay in the Imperial City. There's little chance of a plague spreading.

This prediction told us almost nothing, but it was the only one with a limited scope. The Imperial Capital.
If there was a major earthquake or some other event that would affect the rest of the city, there would be no such prediction, and if there was an epidemic, there would be some sort of warning.

Besides, in the first place--the Thousand Transformations is on the move.
I'm not sure what to make of it, but I'm sure it's something to do with the Astrological Institute's predictions, but even that man can't manage a natural disaster on his own.

Unaware of Franz's thoughts, the Third Knight Commander gave a small snort and said.


'Is there a possibility that you are suggesting that the organization is sabotaging the interior of the Imperial Capital?'

'............ No, it's impossible. The Astrological Institute has never foreseen the activities of a criminal organization, and the scale is different. Besides, if the information from the collaborators is true, the foxes have withdrawn from the Imperial City.''

'I see. ......'


Besides, in the first place, I said that I don't have time to worry about the fox.
The man was a bit of a jerk, but the only thing he was abhorrent about was his extraordinary insight, which even Franz, the absolute anti-Senka, had to admit.

But no matter how good he was, he could not rely on one individual over and over again. That would have been an abdication of his duty as an Imperial nobleman.
Franz's duty was to protect the Empire, and if he alone was no match for the divine power of the "Thousand Transformations," then he would have to surpass it with his abilities as an organization. We can't afford to be surprised again and again.


However, that man - to receive the prediction before Franz, does he have a strong connection to the Astrological Institute? Or - is it possible that the man's ability itself is similar to that of an astrologer?
Come to think of it, that man's eccentricity is very similar to that of the astrologers who are so profligate. There's nothing sacred about him, though.


'I've ordered the Knights to strengthen their patrols of the Imperial City. But we don't have enough manpower. We need to narrow down the timing and content of the patrols...'

The third knight commander looked as if he was biting down on a bitter bug.
In the past few months, there have been a series of incidents in the Imperial Capital, starting with the war between the Akasha Tower and the Demon Staff, and ending with the attack of the Crimson Dragon. It's not just a matter of getting rid of them. Repelling the attack is not a solution. It was the fault of the Order when it was attacked.

The third knight commander is also a man known for his bravery, but his face showed clear signs of fatigue. His gray hair seemed to be growing.


It's not a good idea to borrow too many people .................., but the regular members are not enough to help. . I'm not sure what to make of that.

The strongest swordsman in the Zebrudia Empire, Thorn Lowell, is a close friend of the Empire.
He has sent people to train with the Knights many times, and the Knights have a number of students. He was once notorious for many things, but now he has matured as a person, and there is not a single Imperial nobleman who does not approve of him.

Then, at the sound of a knock, the men who had been sent out to investigate returned.

'Commander, I've gathered past examples from the Astrological Institute and the Imperial Library.

'Well done. If only the astrologers at the astrological academy could have made more detailed predictions, we wouldn't have to go through all this trouble...''

There are no incompetents in the Knights of Zebuldia. Under His Majesty the Emperor, who respects quality and hard work, we have been improving our efficiency for generations.
The Astrological Institute perceives the future with vague visions, but all past predictions and actual incidents have been compiled. If there are similar cases, the contents of this prediction can be analogized.

If you don't know, there is a way to find out. This is the strength of our history as a nation that even a "thousand changes" cannot achieve.

When I prompted him, his subordinate began to report in a clerical tone.

'I'll compile the details for you later, but it seems that in the past, there was a prediction of the Black Shadow in another country, though not in Zebrudia. At that time, an extremely powerful curse was released over a wide area, resulting in tens of thousands of casualties.

A curse. Tens of thousands of casualties. Franz's eyes widened at the unexpected word.

He ruminated on the words in his head. If you look closely, you can see the slightest hint of doubt on the faces of the men who reported it.

The Third Knight Commander frowned, but then said in a snarling voice.

'This is an emergency ............ situation, and before you say it, it's hard to believe. I don't think it's possible for a spell to kill that many people, human or demon.

Franz agrees with you.
Witchcraft is a type of magic that is triggered by strong emotions. It is known to work mainly on people and other living things, and is a fearsome art that is sometimes used for assassination, but it is not suitable for killing large numbers of people.

However, it is not suitable for killing large numbers of people. The key to harming people with witchcraft is a strong feeling of resentment. In order to kill tens of thousands of people, you need to have a comparable amount of resentment, which is not possible for even the most talented spellcaster.
Above all, if you want to kill a large number of people, there is a much quicker way than witchcraft.

'What has the country done?

'............ They've uncovered the tomb of an ancient sorcerer.'

'The grudge of the dead. Well, I guess that's about it. ......'

It used to be common to hear of people being cursed to death as a result of uncovering a sorcerer's tomb. Though the grudge of the living is mitigated by the passage of time, the curse left by the dead does not fade and often becomes powerful.



But this has nothing to do with this prediction. The vandalism of sorcerers' graves has long been a taboo, and above all, the graves of powerful sorcerers who could leave such strong curses have been exposed long ago. At least, there is none left in the country.

The Third Knight Commander stood up. Franz followed suit.

'Just to be sure, I'll investigate if there are any signs of the curse. Please proceed to check if there are any other similar predictions due to other causes.

'If there's anything else, contact us as well. Let's send someone from the Zeroth Order as well, I'm sure His Majesty would like that.

I shook hands firmly with the Third Knight Commander.

There's much to consider. It may seem impossible at first glance, but if the curse is really advancing to the point of killing tens of thousands of people, then we must stop it at all costs.
Contact the Academy of Magical Sciences and discuss countermeasures-- have the Astrological Institute hurry to analyze the details, and inform the Emperor.

We should also check with the Senmonkas just in case. They may be fooled again, but that's the time. For the sake of the Empire, I'll hold out with a smile.














'Commander Franz, it seems that the students of the Sword Saint are possessed by the curse of the demon sword and are on a rampage.

'What do you mean ......?















I guess peace is best. Thinking about it, it's probably been a while since Lucia and I had a relaxing time together.
I'm usually free, but my good sister is busy with other things.

I stopped eating and looked at Lucia in front of me.

'I have a feeling that something good will happen today.

'Brother .................., did I ever do what I said I was going to do?


Lucia's expression was still sullen as ever, and she spoke coldly.