“Very well,” he replied. His monotone intonation didn’t inspire confidence, but Rishia should have his back. She had done little but make her silly exclamations since our arrival, but she had actually been recently selected as one of the seven star heroes and could also initiate her awakened state on command. She had a strength that transcended just levels, and she was also a very trustworthy individual.

“We’re getting off topic here. L’Arc, about those bandages—you’ve been cursed too?” I asked, checking on his condition. Seeing as he was still wearing the bandages even after having healing magic applied, I guessed the injuries had been caused by a curse or something similar and so the healing was delayed.

“That’s right. The injuries the ones who stole my vassal weapon gave me aren’t healing especially well,” he replied.

“Liberation Heal X.” I extended my arm toward L’Arc and incanted some magic. He made a soft exclamation in surprise as healing magic was applied. I focused on the spots wrapped in bandages. The X-class magic could even heal curses. The only issue was that it took a little time.

“Of course, Naofumi has the ability to lift curses with his healing magic. He healed me too,” Ethnobalt chimed in. This was how I had healed him.

“Where did the ‘X’ come from?” Raphtalia asked.

“The staff power-up method allows you to spend points to boost the effects of skills and abilities. I put some into magic and gained access to the X. It’s the spell I mentioned when I told you about how we defeated Takt,” I explained.

“I see. That’s quite incredible. I can see the curse fading even as I watch,” Raphtalia replied.

“Even so, it seems to be rooted pretty deep. It’s going to need multiple treatments to fully heal up,” I said. After we worked out it had curse-healing properties, I had tried it on Motoyasu too, but it had done nothing at all to him. I wondered what was going on there.

Itsuki, meanwhile, was probably easier to handle in his current state, so I hadn’t even tried it on him. I didn’t need him to start frothing at the mouth about justice and have us end up on opposite sides again. Maybe I’d be able to get through to him this time, but he wasn’t causing any trouble at the moment. He was fine for now. If he got badly injured, of course I’d use it.

“Wow, I feel so much better! I think I’m seeing the light at the end of this tunnel, thanks to you, Naofumi!” L’Arc enthused. He swung his arms around, proving how improved his condition was, a grin on his face. “Not sure how to thank you!”