CHAPTER 156: BAIRAN OSMOND’S SECRET [2]

After all, Altriark had always fought monsters coming from the Tacklakan Desert—it was just a matter of scale.

The high demand for weapons and armor wasn’t unusual.

’Where could it be?’

As Gerhard walked through the market, his gaze naturally turned toward the Bell of Pasa.

On the pristine white bell without a speck of dust, a landscape was embossed.

Mountains, trees, sky, clouds, sun, and the symbol of Armian, the Saint Bird, soaring in that sky.

"The Bell of Pasa seems larger than I’ve heard."

"Yes. It’s 7 meters tall with a diameter of 4 meters. There’s no larger bell in the world."

"Then you must be able to see this bell from anywhere in Artk."

"Actually, no."

Dade shook his head.

"If the bell were positioned higher, that would be true, but this bell has remained in that exact position since a thousand years ago until now. Currently, it’s obscured by buildings, so you can’t see it from far away."

"Buildings?"

"Yes. Because of that, buildings with a view of the Bell of Pasa are highly valued and traded at premium prices."

That meant a wealthy district had formed around the Bell of Pasa. Good information.

"It’s common for real estate prices to rise or fall based on special fixtures or environments."

So I only need to check around the Bell of Pasa, not the entire Artk.

But how?

What do you mean, how?

"Could we possibly stop by the Golden Turtle branch?"

This is exactly what power and money are for.

==

"Found it."

What Gerhard had requested was information on all mansions with a view of the Bell of Pasa from their windows, and data on the people living there.

It didn’t take long to receive the report.

As Dade had said, those houses formed a wealthy district. The Golden Turtle Company always had an impeccable sense for money and kept a constant watch on such areas.

There were about fifty houses with a direct view of the Bell of Pasa. He needed to narrow them down as much as possible.

And Gerhard had a very promising clue.

A golden ashtray embossed with five stars.

It might seem insignificant, but clues usually start from small details.

"Bairan Osmond."

A 40-year-old man. Occupation: mercenary.

He was the leader of the Black Star Mercenary Band, a large group of about 70 mercenaries.

He had made a name for himself in Artk, not only by earning enormous sums from his significant achievements at the barrier over the past few years but also by commissioning a custom-made golden ashtray embossed with stars, according to the records.

"Is he gutsy, or did he think no one would ever find out?"

To think he placed an order with the Golden Turtle.

Actually, the latter was correct. Without the prophecy book, it would never have been an issue.

But it could be a coincidence that he used a similar ashtray. The only way to be sure was to check directly.

"Wooden."

Koong?

Now that they were alone, Wooden had grown to doll size and was eagerly touching various things around the room. He approached Gerhard.

"Your time to shine has finally come."

Koong koong?

"No, you don’t have to destroy everything."

Kuuung.

"Disappointed? As a forest spirit, you should love peace a bit more."

Kuuuung.

"You say it’s a sin not to use such a body?"

Hmm, I can’t help but agree on that point. Gerhard nodded.

"Anyway, your task is simple."

Shrink your body and enter this house.

"Just find the study and check whether there’s a golden ashtray inside. Understand?"

Koong!

Wooden’s size rapidly decreased. About 2cm in total. It was the smallest size Wooden could shrink to.

"Perfect. Stay that size when you become a necklace in the future too."

Kuuuuu!

"Too small and uncomfortable? It’s only a 3cm difference, isn’t it?"

Wooden shook his head again.

How could Gerhard not understand how big a 3cm difference is? Besides, he’d never shrunk to 5cm before, so how would he know?

"Alright."

Gerhard nodded casually and closed his eyes, connecting his mana.

Wooden was a golem that didn’t require linking, but that didn’t mean he lacked linking capabilities.

And right now, Gerhard wanted two things from the link:

To see what Wooden sees, and to hear what Wooden hears.

Gerhard’s vision shifted to that of the tiny 2cm Wooden. Wooden opened the window and went outside.

’Let’s go, Wooden. Don’t let anyone spot you.’

Wooden ran diligently, hiding his body between secluded alleys and bushes, and before long, stood in front of a massive mansion.

He slipped inside by blending in with the servants coming and going.

’Go up, Wooden. Generally, a mansion owner’s study is on the top floor.’

He passed through corridors covered with red carpets and climbed the stairs.

’There, go in there, Wooden.’

The most ornate door at the highest point.

It could be presumed to be the mansion owner’s room. Moreover, after checking with Wooden’s eyes, there was a soundproofing magic circle engraved on it.

’According to the prophecy book, the demonic creature’s voice was loud and clear.’

The fact that there had been no issues meant the soundproofing was thorough. No other magical engravings were visible.

Wooden, who had been hiding his body in a decorative knight’s armor beside the door, slipped inside when a servant opened it.

He hid behind a potted plant right in front of him and sighed with relief.

’Look forward, not at the wall.’

Kuuung.

’Yes, I’ll let you run wild to your heart’s content soon.’

Koong!

When Wooden turned his head, the entire view of the room came into sight.

It was nothing special—just a study. A man was sitting at a desk with his back to the window.

"I have something to report."

"Speak."

The servant bowed his head, and the man responded.

And the moment the next words sprang from the servant’s mouth, a strange sense of déjà vu washed over Gerhard.

"The Academy has brought students to the battlefield under the pretext of gaining practical experience."

His head felt numb. No, it was burning.

"Practical experience?"

A moment so perfect it might never come again.

"Spoiled by peace."

It was a truly exquisite moment.

Gerhard’s face was suffused with ecstasy.