Chapter 66

The Hobgoblin extermination was successfully completed.

"Already, already, I can't do it anymore…"

"I thought I died ten times…"

There were no seriously injured members of the investigation team.

However, it seemed to be a battle that had taken a considerable toll on them.

"I feel like I've fought enough Goblins for a lifetime… I don't want to see any Goblins for a while."

"Hobgoblins are one of the humanoid monsters, so I don't really want to cut them down…"

"They're better than Gnomes. Once, I left them alone and they burned the carriage. There's no more dangerous monster than that."

Everyone squatted on the floor, comforting each other.

"What a bunch of wimps. Abel, is this acceptable?"

Eberheid dragged a Hobgoblin's arm and came towards me.

Behind him, two members of the investigation team were carrying the Hobgoblins.

"Don't worry, I've paralyzed them with magic. They won't be able to move for two full days."

"Thank you very much."

Three Hobgoblins were lined up in front of me.

I thought about flipping them over to avoid eye contact, but I couldn't lift them with my strength.

I looked at the investigation team members for help, but they tilted their heads.

I was too embarrassed to say it out loud, so I decided to proceed as is.

"Ah!? What are you going to do with these here? Hey, Abel, are you listening!?"

Mia grabbed my shoulder and shook me.

"…Let me confirm this as well. What specific purpose do you intend to use the Goblins for?"

The seal on the Griffin statue can be undone by reversing the steps taken when it was cast.

Frankly, it's quite troublesome.

However, of course, there is preparation involved, so even considering the analysis, it is far more difficult to cast it.

"…I believe that to properly unseal this Griffin statue, it is necessary to use the unique magic of a monster."

"That is likely correct. The problem is, which monster and where it is located."

"I appreciate your insight. I have an idea of what kind of magic is needed and what kind of monster possesses it. However, I can't narrow it down…"

"…That is the crux of the matter. It could take years to identify and bring the monster here. Moreover, there are multiple layers of seals. It's possible that similar mechanisms are still in place. I doubt I have enough time left in my life to accomplish this."

Eberheid slumped his shoulders.

"Besides, the seal was cast nearly two thousand years ago. There's a possibility that the correct monster has gone extinct."

"…Even if it has evolved and changed, it should still be usable as a substitute."

As he said this, Eberheid bit his lip.

He must understand this as well.

"Could it be that a rare monster was used from the beginning? Given the malicious nature of the person who set up this trap, they would likely go to such lengths. I would do the same."

"Are you saying it's impossible? When I tried to unseal the entrance to the ruins, I was laughed at. Sometimes, I even received direct insults from low-quality individuals. But in the end, I managed to unseal the entrance and secure the lord's cooperation. I can't give up here…"

"No, I was thinking of using the Hobgoblins for live magic manipulation to convert their magic."

"Hmm?"

"Fortunately, the original caster seems to have used a Goblin-type monster. With some adjustments, we might be able to force the magic in and unseal it."

This kind of seal requires careful application.

By gradually altering the properties of the Goblins and pushing through when we get a reaction, there should be a chance.

It's a bit forceful, but it's worth a try.

"Ah, I see. For that purpose… Indeed, it might not be impossible. I have basic magical catalysts on hand. If we need more obscure ones, we can go back to the carriage."

"If the remaining seals are of a similar type, we might be able to clear them all at once."

"The goal is in sight. Finally, finally, I will reach Zesum's…"

Eberheid swallowed hard and touched the Griffin statue.

"I am grateful, Abel."

"No, no, it was only because of this note that I came up with the idea. Besides, there's no guarantee of success. This is just the beginning."

"…Mia, I didn't quite understand, but what exactly are you going to do? Hey? Are you planning something dangerous?"

Mia pulled on my sleeve, looking anxious.

"Just a bit of live magic manipulation on the Goblins. We'll alter their properties while they're alive to produce the magic we need."

I took out a wooden knife and waved it vertically.

It didn't make any sound.

"Alright."

I looked down at the Hobgoblin.

The Hobgoblin's face seemed to be contorted with fear.

"You're definitely planning something dangerous, right!? Where do you intend to cut with that knife!?"

"If you're squeamish about Goblins, it's better not to watch. Ah, Mr. Eberheid, do you have any magic stones? I think we need a decent one."

"I have the highest quality ones. There are also a couple of royal-grade ones."

"Really!? I only needed a mid-grade one… Wow, they're really royal-grade. I've never seen one before. Can I touch it? I promise I won't steal it!"

"It's fine."

I tentatively touched the royal-grade magic stone and slowly lifted it.

It's hard to say, but if I had to estimate, it should be worth around 10 million G.

"Wow, you managed to get this! What are you going to use it for? Wow, I'm glad I came! What a treat! I'm glad I'm alive! It feels different! That's impossible!"

"These are magic stones that Mr. Eberheid gathered by selling all his assets for the investigation of the ruins. However, about half were purchased with the lord's investment."

The investigation team member explained.

I see, so he received support in this area as well.

…But even to unseal the ruins, was it really necessary to gather such expensive magic stones in such large numbers?

Certainly, there might be situations where they are needed, but the cost is significant.

Surely, it would have been better to buy them when needed…

As I tilted my head, I noticed a slight tension in Eberheid's eyelids.

He was trying to maintain a poker face, but there was a hint of discomfort around his eyes.

I often heard Jizel say, "You can tell by looking at Brother's expression!"

I was desperately trying to figure out how to hide it.

That's why I could tell.

This person is definitely trying to maintain a calm demeanor.

Could it be that he just wanted the magic stones when he applied to the lord?