Chapter 29

"Each of the 13 items is a magical artifact. Take a good look."

Al said this without hesitation, undeterred by Fitz's attitude.

"Which of these is a magical artifact?"

What Fitz pointed to was, at first glance, just a leather pouch worn at the waist. But to Al, it was a magical artifact that emitted a particularly strong blue light. Al couldn't understand why it wasn't a magical artifact. The argument continued for a while, and a few people came out of the mansion.

"Fitz, what's all the noise about?"

The one who spoke was an elderly man, dressed in a calm, high-quality dark blue robe, standing about 160 cm tall, with a gentle expression.

"Sir Eric, I apologize. This person insists that this is a magical artifact."

Since he was called Sir Eric, he must be the person in charge of this mission. He cast a magic detection spell on the spot and looked at the pouch Fitz had pointed to again, tilting his head.

"Why do you say this is a magical artifact?"

Eric took the item from Fitz, held it in his hand, and quietly asked Al.

"Can I prove it? It might break, though..."

Fitz protested, telling Al to show some manners, but Eric raised his hand to stop him and handed the pouch to Al.

"Go ahead."

Al took the pouch, sat down, and took a small knife-like object from his waist pouch, starting to unravel the thread that bound the back of the pouch.

"From the structure, it's probably... around here... somewhere..."

"What are you doing?"

Fitz muttered irritably, but he didn't interfere because Eric was there, and he watched Al closely. After a while, the thread was unraveled, and the hard leather that went through the belt was peeled off halfway. When Al peeled it off, a metal plate densely inscribed with complex circles, symbols, and letters, similar to a spell book, was revealed inside.

"What is this?"

"It's a magical inscription for a magical artifact. I need to investigate further to determine what effect it has. Here you go."

Al said this and returned the pouch to Eric. Eric looked at the metal plate with great interest.

"Fitz, what do you think? As soon as he peeled the leather, I could see a bluish light. And this is indeed a magic circuit."

"Yes, I can see it too now. What is this...?"

A magic circuit is a combination of magical symbols used in the creation of magical artifacts, inscribed using special techniques. The two of them examined it for a while, but eventually decided it wasn't immediately clear. They then instructed another servant to investigate the source of the item and turned to Al.

"Fitz, what about him?"

"He was recommended by the Adventurer's Guild today as a trainee for the caravan guard. We were checking his proficiency with magic."

"My name is Al."

Hearing the conversation, Al hurriedly stood up and bowed politely. Eric nodded calmly in response.

"I see, Al. The phenomenon you demonstrated is very interesting. A magical artifact placed in a sturdy box may not be detectable by a magic detection spell from the outside. The current situation seems similar. However, in such cases, the magical artifact cannot be used unless it is taken out of the box. But you found the magical artifact sewn into the back of the pouch without removing it."

Al tilted his head and shook it slightly. He understood what Eric was saying, but he had no idea what the cause was. Perhaps it was because he used an enhanced perception spell. However, he didn't think that a spell used by a magician with many apprentices would have such a significant difference in effect.

"I see, you don't know either. Let's investigate this magical artifact for now."

"Sir Eric, he also said that the magic detection spell reacted to magical artifacts that had run out of magic power."

Fitz, tilting his head, handed two spherical objects to Eric. These were the two items that Al had classified as magical artifacts but that Fitz's magic detection spell had not detected. Eric cast the magic detection spell again, took one of the items Fitz had handed him, and examined it for a while.

"Fitz, it is a well-established fact that a magic detection spell does not react to magical artifacts that have run out of magic power. Indeed, my magic detection spell does not react to it either."

"See? In that case..."

Fitz was about to continue smugly, but Eric shook his head.

"You shouldn't dismiss it so easily. This test is to determine how much ability you have and what role you can perform. We are short of hands, and it would be better to confirm in actual work. Do you have a recommendation from the Adventurer's Guild?"

"Yes, I do. It's from Quinta, and my trustworthiness is rated A."

Hearing this, Eric smiled and turned to Al.

"Al, don't take it personally. Fitz is just very dedicated to the caravan guard. He wants to know your spell proficiency to assign roles efficiently. Recently, there have been many thieves trying to infiltrate the guards, though I don't think there are any thieves who can use magic."

Al thought there were thieves who could use magic, but he nodded in agreement without saying anything. Eric looked at Fitz, who nodded in response.

"Fitz seems to have decided to hire you. The next guard job is in three days. The caravan will travel to the border villages over about two weeks, but the order and route are kept secret for anti-thief measures. The reward for a two-week job as a trainee magician, including meals, is 30 silver coins. I know it's a low reward for a magician, but you need to have at least five successful missions as a trainee to be officially hired. There may be bonuses if you repel an attack, and there may be special requests during the journey. What do you think? Will you take it?"

Thirty silver coins for two weeks was an amount he could earn in about two days with Orson. Considering his recent earnings, it seemed low, but it wasn't a bad amount when he thought about the savings on meals and lodging. Compared to his earnings in the capital, it was a much better amount. The possibility of bonuses was also attractive.

"I understand. I would be honored to accept."

Al's answer made Eric nod calmly.

"Ask Fitz for the details. If I have any further questions about the magic detection spell, I'll contact you. Thank you."

Al nodded and replied enthusiastically, "I'll do my best."

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