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Verdan replied, “You’re sharp. I was originally going to ask Dior, but if you’re willing to step in, I’d appreciate it.”

Verdan rifled through some documents on the desk, eventually pulling one out and handing it to Dior, who was standing nearby holding a box of snacks. Dior took the paper with a reluctant expression and, after sitting down, glared at Ian before waving the paper around.

“Do you want me to bring it over? You should come and get it while I’m asking nicely.”

“How hard can it be to bring it over?”

“Yeah, what’s so hard about getting off your high horse and coming over?”

Ian, noticing that Dior wasn’t going to budge, got up and took the paper. He glanced at it to see what it was about.

“Hmm?”

It was a report stating that insects had started swarming in the logging area to the northeast and were eating away at the trees that had been painstakingly cut down.

“Insects?”

“Yes. The damage is minor for now, but if it continues to accumulate, it could become a serious problem.”

“Isn’t it just an ordinary logging area?”

“No, it’s a special logging area. As you know, this land was once seized by invaders from the outer sea and later reclaimed. During that time, a thick concentration of mana seeped deeply into the soil. You’ve probably heard about it—some plants have mutated into new species due to the mana’s influence.”

Ian nodded. He had not only heard about it but had also seen it many times.

“Most of these mutations are harmful to humans, but there are a few that are beneficial.”

“And the trees harvested from this logging area fall into the beneficial category?”

“Exactly. The paper made from those trees is of exceptionally high quality, perfect for creating magical books and scrolls. It’s so valuable that we’re currently supplying it to the Magic Tower at a very high price. The top-tier scrolls and the highest-grade magical books produced in the last few decades have all used paper from that logging area. It’s no exaggeration to say that this is a major source of our family’s income.”

“…But I’m not sure there’s much I can do about it.”

“That’s true. Whether it’s you, Dior, or even me, we’re knights, not pest control. However, I’m sending you there to show the world that the Verdan family is keeping a close watch on this logging area.”

“Are others coming as well?”

“Yes, the Magic Tower is sending people too. That’s why I’m assigning you to accompany their investigator. You don’t actually have to do anything—just be present. I’ll also assign guards to you.”

“Alright, what’s the schedule?”

“You’ll depart tomorrow at 3 PM. I’ll reserve a warp gate for you. Go to the station and travel to the city of ‘Vallar.’ The guards and the investigator will be waiting for you there. Make sure you’re on time.”

When Ian indicated his willingness to accept, Verdan opened a drawer, rummaged around for a while, and then threw something towards Ian.

It spun through the air like a boomerang. Ian watched it as it landed gently on the table in front of him. It was a sealed envelope.

“What’s this?”

He hastily broke the wax seal, revealing a black card with gold trim inside. When Ian noticed the emblem of the Golden Magic Tower embossed in the top left corner, his eyes widened. It was a card issued only to the highest echelon of the wealthy.

“You’re giving this to me?”

“It was made in your name from the beginning.”

Upon closer inspection, Ian saw that his name, “Ian Verdan,” was elegantly engraved on the card.

“When?”

“Dior and I received ours when we came of age. Yours was put on hold due to… certain circumstances.”

“Then why have you been holding onto it?”

“The family head entrusted it to me, telling me to give it to you when the time was right. Use it to purchase your equipment. But be careful not to spend recklessly, or it could be confiscated. And remember, under no circumstances are you to transfer it to anyone else. Not that a proxy could use it anyway.”

Ian stared at the black card in disbelief. To think he’d end up with a card that was only rumored about! With this card, he wouldn’t need to worry about the cost of anything he wished to buy. It would be accurate to say he could purchase anything that was for sale.

“Since you’re not familiar with the geography of Ruse, I’ll have someone accompany you,” Verdan offered.

“No, that’s fine. I plan to explore on my own to get familiar with the area.”

In truth, Ian was already familiar with the area from his previous mercenary days, though he hadn’t visited the main family’s estate during that time.

Verdan furrowed his brow slightly. “It could be dangerous.”

“Who do you think I am? I can take care of myself, and nothing should happen right in the heart of the Berger estate. It’s an unnecessary worry.”

“…Alright, you have a point. Then go ahead.”

Ian tucked the card into his pocket. “I’ll be going now.”

“Already leaving?”

“It’s getting late, and I’m quite tired.”

“Well, if that’s the case, then I suppose there’s no helping it. After you register as a mercenary tomorrow, come find me right away. You don’t need to return to Rampas tonight. There are plenty of empty rooms here, so you can stay the night.”

Ian nodded, and Verdan called someone’s name. Moments later, a man entered through the door.

“Show Ian to a room and take care of his needs.”

“Yes, this way please.”

“Then I’ll be on my way as well.”

Dior, who had also been packing up the snack box, attempted to follow, but Verdan did not allow it.

“Dior, stay behind. I have something else to discuss.”

“Oh, I don’t like it….”

Despite his reluctance, Dior remained as Ian bid his farewells and left the room.

* * *

After enjoying Verdan’s hospitality and staying in the manor, Ian ventured out around lunchtime.

As one of the most developed cities in the eastern part of the El Carda Empire, it was bustling with people. Despite the crowd, there were no instances of rudeness or pushing; even mercenaries with rough appearances stepped aside for Ian.

Although he had no guards, the flame emblem on his clothes served as a deterrent.

Smiling wryly at the reminder of his family’s status, Ian made his way confidently.

He was headed toward the street where blacksmiths and armories were clustered. The sound of metal clanging could be heard frequently, confirming he was heading in the right direction.

Ian glanced around, searching for a specific workshop.

‘It should be around here somewhere.’

Though he was unsure, it was a well-known and large establishment, so he didn’t need to stop and ask anyone. After walking a little further, he turned a corner and spotted it immediately.

The Seventh Demioum.

This workshop, operated by the “Inoria Foundation,” which was renowned not just in the Empire but across the continent, was named the Seventh as it was the seventh established by the foundation.

People generally referred to it simply as Demioum. It was so exclusive that entry was restricted to anyone not part of their circle, and armored guards stood watch at the entrance.

Ian approached the workshop. Although he felt the gaze of the guards, they did not stop him.

As he opened the door and entered, the sight of a clean and spacious interior greeted him. Various types of armaments were on display, and a few customers were browsing while staff members attended to them.

Ian made eye contact with a middle-aged man at the counter, who was dressed in a suit and standing with a straight posture.

“…….”

Estevan turned his attention to the customer standing at the entrance. He noted the flame emblem on the clothes.

That symbol indicated affiliation with the Berger family. Given the black hair, it was evident that this person was related to the family by blood.

Though still young, this person had the right to be here. Estevan approached Ian and spoke.

“Welcome to the Seventh Demium, esteemed customer. I am Estevan, the manager of the workshop, known as the Crown of Victory. May I ask your name?”

“Ian Berger.”

“…Ah.”

It was a name he must have heard often.

Estevan nodded.

“I’ll refer to you as Young Master Ian. Since this is your first visit, may I assist you?”

“Would that be alright?”

“Of course. It’s my role. Please, this way.”

Ian followed Estevan slowly.

“Is there a specific weapon you are looking for?”

As Estevan turned to ask, Ian nodded and mentioned his requirements.

“I need a weapon that won’t break or dull and will protect me in any situation.”

“…Unfortunately, such a weapon does not exist. All weapons are consumable. Without proper maintenance, they rust. Over time, they become dull and eventually break. Even artifacts imbued with special powers are subject to the same issues.”

“I understand. But surely there are exceptions in this world. Just as the sun and moon protect us from darkness, sunlight in the form of gold protects us as ‘Inoria,’ and moonlight in the form of a blade protects us as ‘Elysium.\'”

“…….”

There was no reaction. Estevan remained silent, staring intently.

It wasn’t a look of disbelief. Instead, it seemed like he wanted to ask how Ian knew about these things.

But Estevan was a professional. He soon relaxed his rigid expression.

“So, you are looking for a custom-made item. Please follow me.”

Ian followed Estevan into the deeper part of the workshop.

They walked down a windowless corridor lined with unknown statues.

Each step felt disorienting.

Ian had walked this corridor before with a hero, but he hadn’t experienced these symptoms back then.

‘They’ve set up a barrier.’

The flow of magical energy was subtly twisted.

Though not an expert in magic, Ian suspected that the statues, which he initially thought were just decorative, were actually part of the barrier’s structure.

Estevan glanced back briefly, and Ian feigned indifference.

At the end of the corridor, a door appeared that was not visible from a distance. Upon entering, a knight in armor sat in a chair.

Whether asleep or if there was no one inside the armor, the knight didn’t move at all. In the center of the room was a staircase leading downwards.

The best place to hide treasures is underground, and it seemed these people followed that principle.

Ian descended the stairs. There were weapons on display. Though fewer in number compared to the upstairs, each piece had a deep magical aura and unique designs.

Ian’s gaze was drawn to a longsword displayed closest to him.

It emitted a significant aura that seemed extraordinary.

“This sword you’re looking at is named ‘Demite.’ It features several intertwined spells, resulting in unusually high durability and the ability to significantly reduce the opponent’s recovery rate when it causes damage. It would be particularly effective against opponents with high regeneration abilities.”

“And this one?”

“That is a dagger obtained from the Karam Empire. It’s called ‘Baekokru,’ and it comes in a set of five. It has a modest appearance fitting its unadorned design, and its effects are rather simple: enhanced power and speed when thrown, and it returns to the owner after being thrown. Even just this makes it worthy of being called an artifact.”

Ian examined several more weapons, and Estevan provided detailed explanations. Among them were items with magical properties but not true artifacts.

After looking around, Ian tilted his head. He knew there was more downstairs, so why wasn’t he being shown?

It seemed Estevan was blocking the stairs leading further down.

“Is it not possible to go to the lower floors?”

Although the items here were satisfactory, they did not meet Ian’s expectations for artifacts.

“That would be difficult.”

Estevan’s firm refusal made Ian nod. It was likely because he wasn’t a hero, so access was restricted. It seemed that way.

As Ian considered choosing from the items available here, Estevan unexpectedly said:

“Unfortunately, you will also not be able to purchase items on this floor.”

“What do you mean? I’m sure I spoke the password correctly.”

Estevan nodded.

“Indeed, you did. That’s what’s puzzling. The password you mentioned is known and used only by heroes.”

“…….”

“If you had used a common password, I would have assumed it was obtained from my father. However, since you used a password known only to heroes… the situation is a bit different. I would like to ask how you know it, but I doubt you would answer freely. And, considering you are a member of the Berger family, it would be awkward to detain you for questioning.”

Ian took Estevan’s sharp gaze calmly. Although he felt a pang of guilt, he could not respond as Estevan suggested.

“It would have been better if you hadn’t brought me here at all.”

“It could have been done that way, but it’s clear that you have connections with heroes. Considering your status as a member of the Berger family here in Lus, I thought it appropriate to at least show you around. It doesn’t cost anything.”

“…So, does that mean you might be willing to sell me items from here if certain conditions are met?”

“Yes. As long as you meet the conditions, it is certainly possible.”

“And what are these conditions?”

“There are three conditions. You need only fulfill one of them to proceed.”

Ian sighed.

“Let me hear them.”

——–