"Haha, there wasn't much I could do about that; I just recently returned. My lifelong passion has been the exploration of ruins, and a few days ago we discovered the world's largest ancient ruins, 'Soma.'"
Kagali was at the top of her field in the exploration sector. Before Yuuki established the Freedom Association, she had been utterly captivated by ruins, exploring them day and night. Yet because she didn't participate in an adventurer's group—the core feature of the Freedom Association—her name wasn't widely known. Regardless, her skill was exceptional, which caught Yuuki's attention and led him to recruit her personally.
Fighting wasn't the only purpose of the Freedom Association—a sentiment Yuuki himself believed in. That was why Kagali, an expert archaeologist, was appointed to the honorable position of deputy. And with Yuuki's support, Kagali had made a breakthrough achievement: the discovery of the ancient ruins of "Soma."
With this outstanding feat under her belt, Kagali's reputation was elevated. Even those who had claimed she gained her position only through personal ties to Yuuki now acknowledged and revered her as deputy grandmaster.
"We discovered the ruins, but we still have a lot left to explore. We were only able to make a full map of the top floor; many of its riddles remain yet to be solved."
"But that's the job of the exploration adventurers. If they have Kagali's map, even they could explore without problems," Yuuki commented.
Instead of leaving it all to one accomplished explorer, it seemed they were mobilizing people to start excavating. Since it would also help nurture young rookies, it was a smart move—two birds with one stone.
Kagali then took up the job of training exploration adventurers of at least rank B at the Freedom Association's Ingracia headquarters.
The pay was quite high, and some of the income earned from selling what was found in the ruins went straight into her pockets. Considering that the transactions went through the guild, the profits they reaped couldn't be underestimated.
"I see. Ruins seem to be quite profitable," I said calmly, my arms crossed. My tone carried the weight of authority—it wasn't mere curiosity; I was assessing.
"That's right. Although in my case I'm not in it for the money, it's more of a hobby. Occasionally, I put the things I find up for auction to top off the activity funds."
She spoke with ease, but I could tell from her eyes—she'd invested everything in this passion.
"Yes, yes… talking about ruins," I muttered thoughtfully. Then my gaze sharpened.
"I have something I want to ask. Who owns the ruins? Does the country they're in manage it?"
"Uh-um, that's a bit complicated. Take, for instance, the ancient ruins of 'Soma'; they're under the administration of the Freedom Association. That's because their location is a bit of a gray area, found in the region far west of the Western Nations in the desert known as 'Barren Lands.'"
"Strictly speaking," she continued, "the Barren Lands are close to Demon Lord Draguel's territory. Everyone fears it, and that fear dissuades any attempts to rule over it. So, no one currently claims ownership of the ruins."
"I see…" My expression hardened. "Then it is necessary to carefully consider how to manage such a place."
Yuuki noticed the shift in my tone. "Huh? Is there something bothering you, Atem-sama?" he asked.
The thing on my mind was the ruins under Clayman's castle. Likely magical artifacts and forgotten knowledge were buried there. By my estimation, exploring it would yield not only wealth—but power.
But that wasn't what truly concerned me. What mattered was rightful ownership. And the second issue—the kind of people such a place could attract. Greedy, reckless, power-hungry. If left unchecked, scavengers and outlaws would swarm like vultures.
The temptation of ancient treasure was undeniable. But I would not allow history to be defiled for profit. Ruins held stories, truths of civilizations long past. If touched carelessly, knowledge could be lost forever. That was my greatest concern.
I didn't intend to hide the ruins, so I decided to discuss the matter openly with Yuuki and Kagali. It seemed fate aligned that I would meet an exploration specialist at this time.
"The truth is," I said, my voice dropping lower, firmer, "I found ruins in Clayman's base."
"What? Is that true?!"
The moment those words left my mouth, Kagali's sharp stare cut through the air like a blade. The pressure she exuded was intense—but it didn't shake me. Her force met mine, but I stood unwavering.
"Clayman had accumulated an immense fortune," I continued evenly, "and he also handed weapons and shields with magical effects to his subordinates. So I was wondering if he was making use of the things he found in those ruins, but—"
"—But?" she pressed.
I paused for a moment, letting the weight of my words settle. Then I spoke with firm conviction.
"It may be rude to say this to people who make a living with ruin exploration, but I refuse to tear apart the ruins merely for a chance at treasure. What kind of life and culture did the residents have—and what ultimately led to their downfall—these are the truths I want to uncover. I intend to show respect to those who came before."
It wasn't a speech; it was a decree. Even as I acknowledged the value of treasure, history held more power than gold.
Kagali and Yuuki both went quiet for a moment.
"Hmm, surprisingly, you're quite the romanticist, Atem-sama…" Yuuki said finally, smiling slightly.
"'Surprisingly'? I've always respected what came before us. Knowledge is power," I answered without hesitation, my gaze unwavering.
"Haha. Hearing that, I guess you're right. If it weren't for that romantic spirit, you wouldn't have built Eterna the way you did," Yuuki admitted with a wry grin.
Kagali, too, was nodding, deep in thought. The dangerous edge in her eyes faded, replaced by a clear, analytical light.
"I see… I haven't really thought about it that way before. But I understand. I also want to avoid any reckless destruction. I'll make sure to properly educate the research group before dispatching them to Soma."
My ideals might have seemed romantic, but they were backed by resolve. She understood that.
She was capable—and that was exactly the kind of person I needed.
"In regard to Clayman's territory," I said, folding my arms again, "it is currently under my sole authority. Later, it will be merged with Milim's territory, but for now, we're the ones managing it. Even Clayman, with all his cruelty, seemed to understand the value of the ruins. I won't be the one to let it fall to ruin. That's why I'll get Milim on board. We'll preserve it properly."
"Huh-hmm, so Atem-sama won't be the one to continue managing it?" Yuuki asked.
"It would be difficult," I replied plainly. "It's adjacent to the Eastern Empire. Defending that perimeter would be an unnecessary burden, and I have no intention of wasting forces there. But…" My voice dropped, serious and commanding, "…I will make sure no one defiles it."
Clayman's territory had always been the buffer zone with the Eastern Empire. A narrow, treacherous road known as the Valley of Death wound its way through jagged black mountains. It was a rough, unpaved route that—if you managed to survive the monsters lurking in the shadows—would grant direct passage between Clayman's lands and the Empire.
And yet… traces of movement had been found. Clayman's subordinates had used that path before. Which meant only one thing: the Empire may have been in quiet collaboration with him.
If that was the case, they might mobilize their forces the moment they sensed weakness.
I narrowed my eyes at the thought. "The Empire's hands were deeper in this than they let on," I murmured quietly, my voice carrying a cold edge.
Even if I wanted to station troops there, we simply didn't have the manpower. Managing the entire Eterna domain was already demanding enough. If I could hand Clayman's territory over to Milim, it would fall to her to respond if—or when—the Empire decided to make its move.
"Then, does it mean that we need Demon Lord Milim's permission to explore the ruins?" Kagali asked carefully.
"That would be the case," I replied, firm and straightforward.
"Is that so… You've intrigued me with those ruins. Can't we somehow take a look?" she said with a spark of curiosity, though hesitation shadowed her tone.
"I doubt she would turn us down," I said calmly, "but she would, without question, insist on coming along."
"That would be…"
Her voice trailed off. It was no surprise—Milim was notorious for her… enthusiastic tendencies. The idea of exploring fragile ruins with a being known for turning a simple outing into an accidental disaster was not exactly comforting.
Kagali already looked dejected, but I wasn't about to let the conversation end there.
"I intended to investigate them sooner or later anyway," I said, straightening my posture slightly. My gaze was steady, my tone decisive. "And I'd feel reassured if a professional like you were to accompany me. Consider this fate. I would like to formally request an investigation from the Freedom Association—with proper remuneration."
Kagali lifted her head at that. Yuuki's brows arched slightly as well.
"In other words, the rights to the things found in the ruins will belong to Atem-sama?" Yuuki asked.
I shook my head. "No. That needs to be discussed. I have my own museum. My interest lies in preserving and displaying the history—not plundering it. But since it's Milim's territory, we must speak with her first. A decision can't be made now."
"I see," Kagali said, folding her arms, thoughtful. "Regardless, you'll still be doing your own investigations, correct?"
"That's right."
"So, I'd be happy to accept your offer if I didn't have to worry about the funding. If you could handle negotiations with Demon Lord Milim on our behalf, I'd be more than willing to accept."
Her response confirmed what I suspected. Kagali wasn't driven by greed. She was a scholar at heart—someone who sought knowledge, not coin. That suited me well.
"Then it's decided," I said. "I'll take care of convincing Milim. You'll organize the exploration team. I trust your expertise."
Kagali's eyes lit up with confidence and a hint of excitement. "Yes! Please leave that request to our Freedom Association!"
"I'll be expecting results," I said with quiet authority.
"Then along with taking care of things while Yuuki-sama is out, I will finish up the preparation for the exploration," she declared.
The situation had taken a sharp turn, but it was in our favor. The conversation had derailed from its original purpose—inviting Yuuki to the Founding Festival—but this was far from a loss.
"Then I'll let you handle everything, Kagali," I said. "I'm sorry that you can't enjoy the festival with us."
She laughed softly, though her resolve didn't waver. "Hahaha, it's all right. Then, Yuuki-sama, please have a great time."
"Yup, I'll leave the rest to you!" Yuuki said cheerfully.
After our brief parting, Yuuki and I stepped out of the Freedom Association headquarters.
Things had turned out better than expected. An unexpected ally would be spearheading the exploration of the ruins. Before, I had been struggling to decide who to bring. But now—with a professional like Kagali leading the effort—I could already envision a thorough and disciplined expedition.
As I walked alongside Yuuki, my mind was already working.
After the Founding Festival and a short rest, I'll see those ruins myself. There's something buried beneath Clayman's legacy… and I intend to uncover it.
I glanced at the horizon, my expression calm but sharp.
Whatever secrets those ruins held, they would be revealed on my terms.