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“An ancient site?”

“And the Dark Mage? Wasn’t he here?”

“I kept watch for about an hour, but no one came out. But that doesn’t mean the Dark Mage isn’t here.”

The safest way to confirm this would be to monitor the site from here for a few days. However, staying here for too long would be difficult.

They were low on supplies, so the longer they delayed, the tougher the journey back would be.

Therefore, Ian asked for their opinions.

“Let’s go in.”

“Let’s head back.”

Mael was in favor, while Mari opposed. As expected of siblings, they glared at each other.

“Are you suggesting we return empty-handed after coming this far?”

“Empty-handed? Those who discover ancient sites are rewarded for their efforts. It’s not a small sum. With that alone, we could live comfortably for several months. Going back from here doesn’t mean our efforts were in vain.”

“When compared to artifacts and experience, it’s just pocket change.”

Even a mediocre artifact could be worth thousands of gold coins. Proper artifacts, on the other hand, could reach astronomical values.

Mael’s claim of it being “pocket change” was quite reasonable.

Ian watched their argument with interest.

“So, you’re willing to risk your lives for a possibly valuable artifact? Mael, have you forgotten? Our original goal was to find out what’s in the direction indicated by the pocket watch. Since we’ve discovered an ancient site, let’s be satisfied and head back. There’s no need for us to take unnecessary risks.”

“…Isn’t it too wasteful to pass up this opportunity? Who knows when we’ll get another chance to explore an undiscovered, uncharted ancient site.”

“I agree. It’s a rare opportunity, and I’m tempted as well. If the site were on the surface, I would say let’s go in. But it’s underground. We don’t know what dangers lie ahead. The Dark Mage aside, what if there are traps? We’ve successfully completed our mission so far. Is it worth risking everything at the last moment?”

“Mari, finishing this would mean a perfect conclusion.”

“Do you know what that kind of attitude is called? Being blinded by greed. If there were an imminent danger of humanity’s extinction inside, and we were heroes who needed to resolve it urgently, we’d have no choice but to go in. But that’s not the case, is it?”

“……”

“The most important factor is our team members. They’re just in formation. Of course, they know basic first aid and can perform ranged attacks. But they’re not specialized, so it’ll be hard for them to perform effectively in certain situations. Don’t you think?”

Mari’s points were all valid.

When voices were raised, Ian intended to mediate before emotions got hurt, but it wasn’t necessary.

Mael had been unilaterally outvoted.

Ian clapped his hands to get their attention.

“Sorry, but…”

“Huh?”

“Regardless of the decision, I’m planning to go inside.”

Mari frowned.

“Then why did you ask for opinions?”

“I was curious about what you both thought. But it seems we have no choice but to go in. It’s risky, but I believe it’s manageable based on the assessment.”

“…It seems like a poor choice.”

It was a look that required explanation. The Red Spear Knights, who had been silently listening from behind, would likely have mixed opinions as well.

Although they were all wearing the same armor and helmets, their personalities and dispositions were as varied as their appearances.

Some might prioritize safety above all else.

“No, there are at least five of them.”

Five out of twenty isn’t a small number. They could leave those behind and have the rest enter.

But Ian didn’t want to do that, so he slowly began to speak.

“To be honest, we need to go in there.”

“Because of the artifact?”

“Artifact? It would be nice if there were one. But we’re going to get something much more significant than that.”

“…What is it?”

Mari, showing interest, prompted Ian to continue with a grin.

“Traits. Specifically, combat-related ones.”

These traits refer to innate qualities, talents, or special abilities. Developing them requires overcoming extreme challenges or achieving significant accomplishments. It’s easier than reaching for the stars but still not something you can obtain with just mediocre effort.

Moreover, unless it’s something glaringly obvious like ‘Magic Eye,’ ‘Colored Mana,’ or ‘Madness,’ there’s no objective way to confirm which traits one possesses. You can only guess and infer.

Nonetheless, one thing is certain.

Even the smallest traits, when accumulated, have a positive impact.

Especially for combat-related traits, they’re worth risking one’s life for as a knight.

Even though the expression of the armored knights couldn’t be read, their desire was palpable. It was time to drive the point home.

“This will be granted to everyone who enters, not just one person.”

Mari’s eyes widened with interest.

“Are you sure?”

“High probability.”

“What about the risks?”

“Relatively low. The ancient site is a temple of the Elyar civilization. They valued strength and valor, emphasizing fair combat and despising deceitful tactics. Because of this, they had powers to neutralize traps, anticipate ambushes, and mitigate curses. Their temple is one of the buildings that applied these powers.”

In short,

“So, traps and ambushes inside the temple won’t function as intended.”

“But what if there’s a Dark Mage inside? If their level is higher than ours or if there are more of them?”

“Mari, you’re overly cautious. It’s not a bad trait, but if you analyze everything to that extent, our options will be limited. Sometimes, we need to be bold. Of course, we should be prepared for contingencies.”

Ian took out a scroll from his backpack.

“Emergency Rescue Request. I’m going to use this.”

It’s a family heirloom that, when used, summons a Level 6 knight from the family’s headquarters. Of course, it won’t teleport them here, so it will take days to arrive, possibly more. But if they are alive by then, they will be rescued; if not, vengeance will be exacted.

“If you still can’t trust me, I can’t do much more. Stay here.”

“…Who would say that?”

Ian smiled and infused mana into the scroll.

The complex characters inscribed on the paper began to glow and transform into a new form. Then, like a beam of light, it shot upward and disappeared from view.

“Now, let’s get something good as a memento.”

No extra preparation was needed. They had rested here while Ian led the exploration, and their gear was minimal, so there was nothing else to pack.

After checking their equipment and advising on what to be cautious of inside the site, they set off.

The entrance to the site was half-collapsed. It wasn’t deliberately destroyed but seemed to have deteriorated over time due to the elements.

However, the rubble didn’t obstruct their entry.

Ian took the lead. Swallowing nervously, someone followed behind. Ignoring this, Ian knelt on one knee at the entrance and scanned the area.

‘Someone has been coming and going here.’

There were traces of regular visits.

‘…Eight people?’

There are actually a few more than that. Ian frowned as he examined the scattered footprints.

‘It doesn’t look like they’re recent.’

If they were from a mercenary group that was already dead, it wouldn’t be a problem. However, if they belong to a Dark Mage residing inside, it would be a bit troublesome.

‘No, even if they are here, there shouldn’t be any skilled ones.’

If there were, they would have set up a barrier to prevent the site from being discovered. But there are no signs of any magic.

Ian cast a light into the air. Although he knew that light reveals the position to others, adding a light wouldn’t change much in a situation where even sounds from footsteps and armor couldn’t be hidden.

“We’re going in.”

“Sir, wouldn’t it be better if we lead the way?”

“No. I’ll take the lead. If you’re really worried, just have two of you follow a step or two behind.”

Knowing that he wouldn’t be persuaded, Mael sighed and called out to his men.

“Drig, Nickel.”

Seeing the two shield-bearing knights position themselves next to him, Ian stepped onto the stairs and descended.

With each step, a mystical energy enveloped his feet and seeped into his body.

Accepting it calmly rather than resisting, his spatial awareness began to expand slowly.

It was unfamiliar.

Even without seeing, he could distinctly sense what was around him.

This was the power that the ancient Elyar warriors, the masters of this site, possessed.

‘I’m certain. This site is a temple. And it’s still functional…!’

Ian’s lips curled into a smile. With this, performing ceremonies should be no problem.

“Huh?”

“What, what is this?”

The two knights following behind, along with the others, were surprised. Their reactions were exactly as Ian had expected, and it made him smile.

“How does it feel?”

Ian turned to look at them. The knights appeared stunned, and Mael, who was leading them, asked on behalf of the group.

“What is this sensation? It seems like it’s not just me feeling it.”

“Third Eye. It’s more commonly known as ‘Spiritual Sight.’ You must have heard of it before. Although it’s not a complete version. It’s merely a temporary blessing granted by the temple to visitors. Think of it as a trial version.”

“…It’s not a complete version?”

“It only allows you to distinguish objects within a few steps. Of course, if you get used to it, you might be able to dodge arrows or blades coming from blind spots, but the real thing is much more impressive.”

Mari tilted her head.

“How so?”

“It doesn’t just stop at recognizing a larger space; it also helps maintain calmness during combat and find defensive and breakthrough points. I’ve heard that it’s not certain, but it’s not a lie either. And this will be a very valuable experience for you.”

Like a frog in a well seeing the world outside. Those who gain Spiritual Sight expand their world and can see more and further.

“But you said it’s temporary. It will disappear once we go outside.”

“Instead, that sensation will remain with you. Don’t overthink it. It’s okay to forget about it. What’s important is that this experience has opened a path for you. If you can step onto that path for any reason, gaining Spiritual Sight won’t be a big deal. So, you’re really lucky. This opportunity isn’t something you can buy with a fortune.”

Elyar ruins are still occasionally discovered.

But among them, only a few temples grant the blessing of Spiritual Sight, and even fewer still function as intended.

‘It’s nice to experience such gains with regression.’

I wish such luck had followed me before I regressed.

Swallowing his bitterness, Ian looked back at the knights. They were visibly excited after hearing about Spiritual Sight.

After waiting a bit for them to calm down, he led the way again.

—

As they descended over a hundred stairs, they were greeted by a solidly closed door. Ian approached it.

He examined it closely with his eyes, but there were no signs of traps or magic.

“Open the door.”

At his command, two knights stepped forward and pushed the door open with their shoulders. They held their shields up in anticipation of any attacks that might come from inside.

Creeeak…!

As the door opened with a heavy noise, a strong wind surged out from within.

Ian frowned. The dark magical energy carried by the wind was something he hadn’t sensed at the entrance to the ruins.

The light from the flame he had conjured illuminated the pitch-black darkness.

What they saw were countless piles of bones stacked along the walls and crude weapons scattered around.

———-