Chapter 63

"This is it. This stone statue is likely enhancing the effectiveness of the sealing center. It can be considered one of the core components of the magical array."

Eberheid pointed ahead with his finger.

Two stone statues of griffins stood on either side of a large door.

When I set up a barrier, I place the artifacts at the four corners, similar to this.

In detail, it is a different type, but the principle is the same.

Basically, they need to be placed at the boundary, so there is room for external interference.

The door leads to the center.

If the seal weakens, this door will open, allowing entry into the depths of the Zesum ruins.

"Is it a quadruple-layered barrier?"

A multi-layered barrier.

It is a structure where multiple barriers are assembled like a puzzle to protect one barrier with another.

It is not a complete covering of one barrier but rather a partial overlap of different properties.

It requires careful calculation of mutual interference, and the knowledge required for formation and dissolution increases exponentially with each additional layer.

However, I had heard from the clan leader that even a double-layered barrier is almost non-existent.

A quadruple-layered barrier seemed like a fairy tale, but with Elven technology, it might be possible.

"No, my assessment is that it's a fake. One of them did not show any magical interference with the others. It should be a triple-layered barrier."

"I feel relieved to hear that."

"... For now, though. It was a bit too obvious. It could be the real deal disguised as a fake... or it could have another role while appearing to be a fake."

"I see, as expected of Master."

"Stop calling me Master. You would have figured this out with time, given your level."

"No, I only have theoretical knowledge from books and almost no practical experience."

Elves are truly amazing.

Living for a long time means they have accumulated a lot of training and practical experience.

Incidentally, Weygner occasionally made complaints, but he fell silent halfway through and now seems eager to leave.

"Since we were shown this first, should we start here?"

Of course, the basic approach is to start with the outermost barrier.

There is an option to brute-force it, but...

"Based on my assessment. Shall we go around once?"

"Yes, please."

We moved through the ruins again.

On the way, I checked the notes Eberheid had given me.

They were thoroughly researched, something that couldn't be done in a year or two.

"You were the one who解除 the barrier of the Zesum ruins, Mr. Eberheid, right?"

"Yes, that's right. After years of solo investigation, I finally managed to解除 the outer barrier. However, I feared my lifespan would run out before I could解除 the inner barriers. So, I reported my progress to the lord and requested assistance."

"I see..."

"But the one sent was that useless fellow."

Eberheid looked at Weygner with disdain.

Weygner seemed to want to retort but held back at the last moment.

"But thanks to that, the rumor spread, and you came. I never thought such a magician would be among the rough crowd. The world is full of surprises."

"Thank you..."

Being praised so directly made me a bit uncomfortable.

Eberheid acted as if he was just stating the facts, which made it even more so.

"But didn't you consider that the lord might take a share if you consulted him?"

"..."

Eberheid fell silent and glanced at the investigation team.

It must have been a difficult thing to say in front of the lord's men.

"I just want to uncover the secrets here. I didn't desire wealth or fame. I simply want to know what path my ancestors took. I can give the treasure to the lord."

"I see..."

...I felt small.

Eberheid probably thought I was a俗物野郎 because of that question.

I had thought the lord hired Eberheid, an Elf, but it was the other way around.

Eberheid is a descendant of Zesum and was investigating the ancestral ruins. The lord just piggybacked on his efforts.

I flipped through the notes.

Of course, as a descendant of Zesum, he could conduct such extensive research alone.

Eberheid's gaze fell on the notes in my hands.

"Hm, that section has a lot of omissions. I'll need to explain a bit..."

"No, it's fine. I can understand the flow. It's similar to how I take notes."

"That's excellent. If you have any questions, don't hesitate to ask."

"I like reading this kind of thing. I prefer it over neatly summarized material because I can see the focus and direction. If I need to stop and think, is that okay?"

"... Hmph, do as you please."

While walking and observing the walls, I noticed one of the investigation team members looking exasperated, listening to our conversation.

Maizen also looked sleepy.

To non-magicians, it must have been a boring discussion.

I thought that, but Weygner also had a deadpan look.

He was absentmindedly playing with his sparse hair. That won't make it grow.

You should participate more in the conversation. What are you here for?

I noticed Mea walking with a sad expression, unable to join our conversation about the ruins' magical array.

I was considering whether to say something when our eyes met.

"Ah! Abel, that..."

"Your page has a writing error."

Eberheid spoke over Mea's words.

"It's about the conversion of magical power to disrupt the array, as mentioned later... Little girl, did you say something?"

"..., N-no... Mea's issue isn't important, so it's fine."

...Mea then retreated.

"Alright. If it's not important, we can do it later. Abel, we need to see the prerequisites mentioned later to continue the discussion..."

"Hey, Mea. Did you have something to say..."

"Hey Abel, are you listening? Flip the page faster."

Before I could finish, Eberheid interrupted.

"A, y-yes."

Intimidated by Eberheid's gaze, I flipped the page.

This old man is really scary.