Report
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HELHEIM SCANS
[Translator - Kiteretsu]
[Proofreader - Kyros]
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Chapter 134
“Let me ask your opinion directly.”
Ian leaned forward slightly and responded slowly.
“Well, I am interested, but—”
“But?”
“Do you expect me to confirm my participation without any information?”
At the very least, it was crucial to identify the era in which the ruin was created.
If it were from the Era of Eyarr, there wouldn’t be much to worry about. Those ancient warriors were simple-minded fools who only understood battle.
There were no traps to speak of, as they prioritized honorable combat above all else.
If it were a ruin from the Teramin Era, that would be more troublesome. It was a period when they started delving seriously into mysteries, including magic.
The Rogolrod Era emphasized ruggedness and practicality. Traps from this era were straightforward but highly effective. The level of danger increases in reverse chronological order.
Estevan smiled amicably.
“Do you think I’d ask you to join blindly? My aim is to achieve maximum efficiency with minimal investment, not to waste resources recklessly.”
“In that case, I’d like to know the era and scale of the ruins first….”
“That’s something better discussed in a more formal setting, don’t you think? After all, there are ears listening here.”
“These people are fine. They won’t go running their mouths. But if you insist—”
Ian activated his magic. A transparent barrier enveloped the two of them at that moment.
Estevan’s eyes flickered with intrigue.
“You’re capable of using this?”
“It’s only fitting to use such a skill when having confidential conversations, wouldn’t you agree?”
“Impressive. I didn’t expect you to have reached Youngwi (a high magical state) already.”
“That assumption is incorrect. I haven’t reached Youngwi yet.”
“Then how are you able to use this?”
“It’s thanks to Gailgron, who generously taught me during his precious time. Without him, it wouldn’t have been possible.”
Ian subtly bragged about his connection with the hero.
If he met Gailgron again, perhaps he could learn swordsmanship from him. But the chance encounters were rare, and chasing after him would be ridiculous.
“Ho… this isn’t something one can use with just a bit of training. You must have some talent. Very well, since you’ve gone this far, I trust no one else will overhear us.”
Though someone skilled in lip-reading might deduce parts of the conversation, especially since Midnight had tendencies like an information guild. Anyone working there would likely be trained in such skills.
Perhaps sensing Estevan’s unease, Victor stood up, brushing his knees. He walked over to the display area with Wellington, signaling for the two to converse freely.
Seeing this, Estevan gave a wry smile.
“It would have been nice if they’d stepped away earlier. Now I feel like the bad guy.”
“I hate to say it, but you are quite particular.”
“With information brokers, one must be particular. That man is a bartender at Midnight, isn’t he?”
“How did you know that?”
“Why wouldn’t I? Did you think I wouldn’t notice? I work for the Inoria Foundation, after all. Someone as dedicated as me, working for the heroes at Rus’s Demiium Workshop, isn’t ordinary. While it feels awkward to say it myself, I am quite capable. The foundation trusts me, and I’ve proven myself enough to oversee the eastern territories of the El Carda Empire. However, this situation was a misstep. Coincidences aside, I didn’t anticipate that man and you, young master, would contact Wellington before us.”
Ian let out a bitter smile.
Had they delayed finding Wellington even slightly, they wouldn’t have been able to secure the contract. A mere platinum coin wasn’t enough to compete against the Inoria Foundation.
“Well, let’s get to the main point. If you accept the foundation’s request, you will be exploring ruins created at the turning point between the Teramin and Rogolrod eras.”
“A turning point, huh… Hmm.”
Ian let out a deep hum. It wasn’t particularly good news.
The difficulty might decrease if it's ambiguous and balanced, but more often, it tends to increase.
It’s not without reason that the Inoria Foundation’s affiliated mercenary corps failed in their expedition.
“This will be difficult.”
“Likely so. The mercenary corps we dispatched this time had successfully explored five ruins prior, and they were skilled enough to seal a Grade 3 Outer Gate without any casualties. They were composed of seasoned veterans with an average Level 4.5, possessing extensive combat experience and highly refined abilities. They were quite the valuable assets.”
“What was the composition of the corps?”
“Three vanguard, two middle guard, and four rear guard members. Warriors, archers, mages, priests—balanced across different roles. Of course, a certified treasure hunter accompanied them as well.”
“Were there any Awakened among them?”
“No, there weren’t. However, two of them—no, one in particular—was close to achieving awakening. You might have heard of him: Chapellin. He was a skilled scout, proficient with both a bow and a dagger.”
Chapellin. That was a name worth remembering.
“That doesn’t sound like a weak force. In fact, it seems quite strong. And yet they failed? That suggests it’s not just an ordinary abandoned fortress. The fact that such skilled mercenaries failed to send even a single message before losing contact…”
Ian trailed off, observing Estevan’s expression.
This couldn’t simply be a common ruin. It might have a labyrinthine structure or be occupied by a powerful beast.
Still, such factors should have been manageable unless someone made a critical error.
Ian tapped his finger lightly on the armrest of the chair as he thought.
“Is this the site of a Rift?”
“…Yes, it is.”
Estevan didn’t bother asking how Ian had deduced that. He simply nodded calmly.
“In that case, it might be difficult for me to handle alone.”
“I wouldn’t recklessly ask you to explore it solo. I’ve hired four highly skilled individuals to accompany you. Rest assured, they aren’t just anyone. These are people truly worthy of your trust. You might even recognize their names.”
“How many did you gather?”
“Four. First, there’s Gawain from the Order of the Azure Bloom.”
…What?
Ian, who had been lounging in a relaxed manner, blinked in surprise.
“Who did you say?”
Gawain? From the Order of the Azure Bloom?
Estevan continued speaking.
“Then there’s Diem, a Level 5 marksman, and Lise, a Level 5 priest. Both are mercenaries, and there’s a persistent rumor that they’re a couple, though they deny it. Lastly, Audrey, a mage from the Green Magic Tower.”
“Ha.”
These were all very familiar names. Gawain was the knight who had stood alongside him in battle against the Black Dragon on the Gehiel Plains. Diem, Lise, and Audrey had fought with him in a bloody battle against the Crimson Claws while exploring the Rogolrod ruins.
Although the shield-bearing warrior Grio, who had served as the vanguard, was missing, it was unexpected that all four were individuals Ian already knew.
Ian realized that Estevan bringing this request to him was no mere coincidence.
“…Were you planning to seek me out even if we hadn’t met here?”
“Yes, that’s correct. When we mentioned needing a treasure hunter for the ruins, Audrey highly recommended you. Everyone gathered also spoke highly of you. Gawain, in particular, was very enthusiastic.”
“Oh. I didn’t expect even the team to be prepared in advance.”
“It’s not just the team. The Foundation has also prepared all the exploration supplies. All that’s left is for you to set out.”
Thorough indeed. That left only one thing to discuss.
“What about the reward?”
“You won’t be disappointed. Upon accepting the request, you’ll be given 50 gold coins upfront. If the exploration is successful, additional compensation will be provided based on the value of the artifacts recovered. Each of you may choose one artifact from the ruins—except for one specific item.”
"One item?"
Estevan hesitated briefly before responding. However, it was a situation that demanded explanation.
"The Angel's Key."
Ian had heard of it. Angels do not exist in this world, yet their existence is widely acknowledged.
Those with white wings are said to vanquish evil and protect virtue.
The Inoria Foundation, it seems, had indeed been collecting relics connected to such beings.
"The relic known by that name is non-negotiable. It’s the primary objective for the Foundation’s exploration of this site."
"Does it actually take the form of a key? If so, it might be difficult to locate…."
"You don’t need to worry about that. Though it’s referred to as a key, it’s actually in the shape of a spear. You’ll recognize it immediately. It won’t leave any doubt in your mind—'this must be the Angel's Key.' Also, if you uncover any traces of the mercenary group or manage to rescue survivors, you’ll be rewarded with additional gold."
"Hmm."
Ian mulled over Estevan's explanation.
He was curious about the power the Angel's relic might hold.
Rumors abounded, but he’d never seen one himself. There had to be a reason behind the name "key."
"Could they have a way to track it?"
If the Foundation was actively pursuing the relic, it was likely they had some means of locating it. At the very least, the item obtained from this exploration would have to be handed over without issue.
"Not bad."
This was a chance to verify the power of the Angel's relic firsthand.
Still, the promise of additional rewards felt somewhat illusory. Relics were exceedingly rare, so there was no guarantee anything besides the Angel's Key would be found.
With skilled companions to rely on, Ian thought this might also give him access to secret shops like those run by the Demium Workshop.
"Will you accept the commission?"
"…I will."
Estevan smiled and extended his hand for a handshake, which Ian returned.
"Now that a rising hero like you has agreed to join, I can rest easy. The others are currently enjoying drinks at the Inoria Foundation's dining hall. How about it? If you haven’t eaten yet, would you like to join me there?"
Ian nodded and stood up from his seat.
From a nearby display, Wellington and Victor, who had been quietly conversing, turned their attention to him.
Ian approached them. Wellington lowered his head respectfully.
"Thank you for placing your trust in me, Young Master. I, Wellington Winters, may not speak for my entire family, but I will never forget this debt. I’ll rise from this setback and ensure that I bring you immense wealth as repayment. Please, trust me and wait."
"Even if you fail…."
"No! I will succeed. Failure is no longer an option. As you suggested, I’ll grow my store here while entrusting the merchant guild to capable hands. Within six months, I’ll deliver results worthy of your trust."
Though Wellington’s gaze still carried traces of anxiety, it was clear he was determined to overcome it.
Ian grinned and lightly patted Wellington’s shoulder in encouragement. It wasn’t exactly the proper thing to do to an elder, but the gesture was enough to convey his faith.
"Wellington."
"Yes, Young Master?"
"I have a bit of luck on my side."
"…What?"
"It’s true. Personally, I don’t think I’m particularly lucky, but everyone around me says I am. If others call you unlucky or worse… well, I’ve chosen you now. Your fortune is bound to turn. I’ll look forward to the next time we meet."
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HELHEIM SCANS
[Translator - Kiteretsu]
[Proofreader - Kyros]
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