Chapter 62

※I have revised Abel's tone to be more formal when speaking to Eberhardt.

Eberhardt leads the way as we walk through the interior of the Zesum ruins.

We proceed, looking around, and occasionally stop to examine the magical formulas carved into the walls.

The structure of the sealing formulas carved later is still vaguely discernible, but I have no idea what the formulas carved earlier are for.

I lightly tap the wall of the ruins.

"Eberhardt, what are these ruins made of?"

"They are likely made of special minerals alchemized by my ancestors. The technology of the Heavenly Kingdom, not of this world."

"I see... No wonder. We might not be able to make any progress without starting with the analysis of these minerals."

However, they are protected by a barrier, so it’s not easy to peel them off.

If I were to use magic seriously, I could create a large hole, but it would be difficult to control the power.

There’s a risk of creating a large hole in the wall of the ruins.

I’m hesitant to destroy the ruins.

Moreover, there’s a possibility of being buried alive if I make a mistake.

I have confidence that I can forcibly break a certain level of seal, but I want to keep it as a last resort.

It would be nice if there were even a fragment... It’s too well-preserved to be from 2,000 years ago.

The preservation state is too good. Is this the power of the seal?

If the World Tree were preserved with such a solid barrier... Well, if it were, I wouldn’t have been able to buy it.

"There’s no need for that. We didn’t come here to decipher the ruins’ formulas, but to break the sealing formula."

"That may be so, but it might provide some clues..."

"I have no intention of indulging your personal interests. You are in my employ, Abel."

He’s stubborn and smart.

A troublesome old man.

"You’re a bit unpleasant, aren’t you? You dragged us here almost by force, yet you’re so quick to dismiss us..."

Meara whispers in my ear.

"No, Eberhardt is right. The relationship between the sealing formula and the existing formulas is tenuous. It’s more like the entire ruin is sealed rather than the functions of the formulas being sealed. If we can trace the surface properties of the minerals, that would be sufficient. While it’s a valid approach, there are many other priorities."

It’s a bit disappointing that my suggestion was rejected, but I’m not upset.

There are few people who can discuss magic on equal terms, so I’m actually a bit excited that my attempt was seen through so quickly.

"O-Oh, I see... I’m sorry for butting in."

"Hmm, did you mean to test me?"

Eberhardt interrupts the conversation.

Despite our whispers, it seems our voices grew louder.

This is bad.

Before entering the ruins, Eberhardt was furious with Weygner, saying, "Do not measure me, you fool."

Elves are known for their pride.

My words could be interpreted as looking down on Eberhardt.

We are here in the ruins by Eberhardt’s authority.

If he’s upset, we might be thrown out immediately.

"N-No, that’s not what I meant..."

"Kukuku, you’re quite a bold one, aren’t you, boy?"

Eberhardt says with amusement, covering his mouth and slightly quickening his pace.

...It seems he’s not upset.

I let out a sigh of relief.

"I’ve never seen Eberhardt with such a face. He’s usually so difficult and always seems angry... No, I’m relieved too. I really thought we might be sent back."

One of the survey team members speaks to me.

He was one of the adventurers who tried to stop us from entering the ruins.

Hmm, I think I heard his name...

"Hey! Did I hit a nerve? Are you angry because I hit a nerve?"

"I’ll kill you!"

"Calm down, Allen! The lord anticipated such people!"

"Ah, it’s Allen..."

The one who was furious at being called a male prostitute.

"W-Why are you looking at me with such pity? Is there something on my face?"

"No, you just looked like you were having a tough time..."

"Hahaha, no, no, I often encounter such people. I don’t take it personally."

But you seemed pretty angry...

You said you’d kill him.

"Shall we take a break around here, Eberhardt?"

Weygner, who was walking behind, calls out to Eberhardt.

"You’ve been wandering around without properly examining the formulas. This kind of work requires meticulous comparison. After boasting so much, this is the state you’re in... Oh my..."

Weygner scratches his head and grins.

What is he saying?

Eberhardt narrows his eyes in annoyance and turns back to the front.

"Ha! Haste makes waste, Eberhardt."

"The wall’s sealing formulas are merely to maintain the quality of the effects within the area. There must be a primary formula."

When I interject, Weygner glares at me.

"W-Why can you tell that without even looking properly! You’re just making things up!"

"So far, the sealing formulas here are not much different from those of the Pieg, known for their barriers. The surface is different, but the essence is the same."

"T-That can’t be... But, but..."

"Hmm, well observed. My ancestors who descended to the earth must have interacted with the Pieg. I commend you for recognizing it at first glance."

Eberhardt exclaims in admiration.

Weygner retreats, looking dejected.

"...Don’t get too full of yourself, young man."

He turns back, glaring at me unhappily.

...I’ve caught the attention of a strange person.

"You’re better than I imagined. You’ve been a good find."

Eberhardt says, covering his mouth with his hand.

I can see the corners of his mouth curling up through the gaps in his hand. His smile is terrifying.

"Once the analysis of the sealing formulas progresses, we will return to the city to supplement our knowledge and tools. You should come with us. No, I want your help even after the analysis of the ruins is complete. Be my right-hand man. I promise better treatment than any noble."

...I feel like I’ve caught the attention of another strange person.

He’s making a big offer, but does he really have that much money?

However, working under Eberhardt might not be so bad.

There’s a lot to learn.

Most importantly, we get along well.

"Let me think about it a bit..."

I feel a gaze and turn to see Meara looking at my back with a sad expression.

When our eyes meet, she turns away.

"...I’d prefer to avoid long-term assignments."

Meara’s face lights up.

The pressure I feel is even greater because she doesn’t say it out loud.

She’s usually bright, but she’s not the type to interfere in such situations.

...I need to pay off my debt quickly.

If I keep this up, I’ll start to read Meara’s moods.