Chapter 61

"It seems like things are getting a bit rough. The atmosphere suggests that it’s about to wrap up."

The investigation team might abandon their investigation and just set up a watch, right?

They were talking about having to start over with gathering personnel.

If it’s going to take that long, they probably won’t allocate resources for it.

If the entire team leaves, we can enter the ruins freely.

"Hmm... But, the people from the investigation team don’t seem to have anything unusual. Maybe there’s nothing inside?"

"Maybe they couldn’t get to where there was something."

I remember, there’s supposed to be a treasure called the 'God's Arrow.'

It’s a common theory that treasures are hidden deep within ruins.

The reason no one could enter the Zeshum ruins for so long was that no one could break the seal on the entrance.

Most likely, there are similar mechanisms inside the ruins as well.

"But, if that’s the case, wouldn’t it be pointless for Meara and the others to go in?"

"But you see, since we’re here, I thought it would be nice to take a quick look inside as a memento. I’d like to examine the magical runes on the walls of the ruins more closely... The writing is different because it’s from a different race and era, but the basic principles are the same... If I can find something similar to the basic magical runes I know, I might be able to do a simple analysis. I’m a bit curious about which type of magical runes the ancient elves used..."

"O-oh, I see... I’m interested too, yeah."

Meara awkwardly nodded in agreement.

No, no, I tend to get excited when it comes to my favorite subjects.

"Hey, Meara, is Abel always like this? Could it be that something bad is in the food I brought...?"

"...This is his normal state. Translated, it means 'I’m having fun right now.' He’s been like this since we met, so it’s fine."

Maizen and Meara were whispering to each other.

You don’t have to say it like that...

I immediately gripped my staff and got off the carriage.

Just then, the old elf, Eberheid, who had been shouting earlier, happened to be passing by our carriage.

Eberheid stopped and turned to look at me.

"Lord Eberheid, you’ve finally stopped! ...I know this might not be the right way to say it... but for the sake of appearances, and to show respect to the lord, could you please continue the investigation for three more days?

Lord Weygner has contributed to the lord in many ways. Even if you were displeased with something... please, just a little longer... We have several weeks' worth of supplies, and there are also travel expenses to consider... It might upset the lord if you leave so soon."

One of the investigation team members started to persuade Eberheid.

"Hmph! After all that, you expect me to cooperate just because you’re bowing now..."

"That’s useless. I can’t waste time for the likes of Weygner."

"Wh-what!?"

Weygner, in a fit of anger, turned red and held his head.

A few more strands of hair fell from his balding head.

The investigation team hurriedly stopped Weygner as he tried to lunge at Eberheid.

"...But, I can think about it a bit more before leaving."

"Lord Eberheid, what do you mean by that..."

The intimidating old elf walked towards me.

W-what? Is he mistaken?

When I moved to the right, Eberheid’s eyes followed me.

He’s definitely coming towards me.

Maizen jumped off the carriage and stood in front of me.

"What is it? Does this E-rank adventurer have something to say..."

"Get out of the way."

Eberheid pushed Maizen aside forcefully.

"Are you Maaren? I heard your clan was long extinct, but was that a rumor?"

This old man is tall.

190... that might be an exaggeration, but he’s definitely over 180 cm.

I can’t help but look up when he stands close.

When I took a step back, Eberheid took two steps forward.

He’s too close, too close.

"Y-yes..."

"Where did you get that staff? Answer me."

Eberheid asked in a domineering tone.

"This is my own creation..."

I made this small staff from the leftover wood when I carved the World Tree’s artifact.

"Hmm... A homemade one, I see. Let me see it."

He reached out, and I instinctively hid it behind my back.

I worked hard on this staff. I can’t just hand it over to a stranger who demands it.

"That’s quite a high-magic wood as a base. It’s impressive that you managed to process it so cleanly. However, this type of staff is usually designed for high efficiency in magic, but yours seems to prioritize magic control and spirit summoning. Is that not so?"

This guy can tell all that just from a quick look.

Living for centuries does have its advantages.

"Why did you deviate from the norm?"

"I’ve never felt a lack of instantaneous power with my magic. I only nearly ran out of magic in my childhood. I thought it would be more beneficial to improve precision and specialize in experimentation rather than practical use for my future."

"Hmm, quite the confident one. Like a fog that doesn’t know the sea. But, you seem more capable than Weygner. You want to enter the ruins, right? Follow me. If you prove useful, I’ll negotiate with the lord on your behalf for a reward. I won’t treat you unfairly."

That’s exactly what I wanted.

The Zeshum ruins were built by elves.

I don’t have the confidence to analyze them alone, but it would be reassuring to have an elf who has lived for centuries to guide me.

While I might get a smaller share of the reward, it’s reassuring not to have to worry about being targeted for acting on my own.

Plus, if things go well, even if we don’t find anything, I might still get a reward for contributing to the investigation.

"To kick this Weygner out and bring in such a brat! How much more do you plan to mock me!?"

"Please, calm down, Lord Weygner! Lord Eberheid has finally agreed to stay here!"

The investigation team tried to calm Weygner, who was shouting and turning red again.

"Fine! Do as you please. But if we don’t achieve anything, I will advise the lord to kick out that elf!"

Weygner glared at Eberheid, who looked at him with disdain before quickly losing interest and turning back to me.

"Then, I’ll count on you. Young mage of Maaren."