Chapter 183: Undersea Ruins (1)

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“……There’s a ruin beneath the sea of Althausen?”

Maximilian, who had just come outside to enjoy the sea and fill his stomach, widened his eyes at the sudden news.

The other cadets shook their heads in response to his gaze, as if asking whether they had known.

“It’s understandable that you don’t know. I found it while going through some ancient texts. I’m not even sure it’s accurate. It just suddenly came to mind.”

“A ruin in a place where there’s nothing but sea…….”

At Laysis’ remark, Maximilian’s eyes sparkled.

Althausen was known for its sea, but conversely, that was all it had.

Once the seasonal peak passed, visitors dwindled drastically.

Of course, some came to see the sea year-round, but Althausen’s challenge was its heavy dependence on seasonal tourism.

‘If a ruin were to be discovered there…….’

An undersea ruin.

Just the phrase was enough to stir excitement.

Even discovering just one authentic artifact could turn the area into a tourist spot like the Territory of Tohochu.

Since it was an undersea ruin, it could easily be marketed alongside the sea.

“Sounds good. Carl, what do you think? Is it promising?”

“I can’t say for sure either. I think I may have passed by it once, but it’s not really my area of expertise.”

“Then it’s unrelated to Ancient Heroes?”

“They say it’s closer to a god than a hero. Isn’t that right?”

“Y-Yeah, that’s right.”

Laysis nodded in response to Carl’s question.

In truth, Laysis didn’t know much either.

He was only attempting to excavate the undersea ruin at the request of Carl and Queen.

“It’d be nice if it were real, hmm.”

After a brief moment of thought, Maximilian looked up at Carl and Laysis.

“I’d like to start excavating right away, but I need permission from my father, the Lord. Especially since the Empire strictly manages sites related to ruins.”

“That’s only natural.”

“Of course.”

Carl and Laysis looked as though they had expected as much.

As long as it was reported to the Empire, excavating a ruin was not illegal.

That was why the Bayern Academy’s Ancient Ruins Exploration Club could explore undiscovered sites.

If the location truly held historical value, rewards and academic recognition from the Empire would follow.

However, if the site were damaged during excavation, one could face penalties, so usually people submitted a report to the Empire once they had sufficient evidence.

Even so, the rewards were generous, and they could still claim credit for the excavation afterward.

‘But this one is the Temple of Kylos.’

Since it wasn’t related to Ancient Heroes, the Empire likely wouldn’t pay much attention.

Fortunately, events unfolded as expected afterward.

“We’ve received a reply. They said it’s fine to proceed with the excavation under our supervision.”

At the Viscount of Althausen’s words, Maximilian nodded.

“Thank you, Father.”

“It’s only natural to do so. Still, are you sure you won’t need any help from us?”

“The excavation assistance will be provided by the Madeira Trading House. They’re working with Carl.”

“The terms they proposed are acceptable, but…….”

The Viscount of Althausen looked at Carl with a troubled expression.

Carl didn’t want anyone else interfering in the excavation.

The cadets and the NOX operatives disguised as members of the Madeira Trading House.

Even with a small group, the excavation would be sufficient, so there was no issue.

‘In the end, I’ll be the one fighting Kylos alone.’

Back at the Territory of Tohochu, he had been overwhelmed and only managed to overcome things within the Space of Mental Imagery, but now he was confident he held the advantage.

Experience had become a critical factor.

“Hmm.”

In fact, for the Viscount of Althausen, it was an offer he had no reason to refuse.

All excavation costs would be covered by the Madeira Trading House, and all future profits would go to the territory.

It was a situation where they’d issue a permit and enjoy benefits without any expense.

Even if the ruin turned out to be nothing, the territory wouldn’t suffer a loss.

‘But the Trading House wouldn’t move without gaining something in return.’

The Viscount of Althausen scrutinized Carl carefully.

He knew that the Madeira Trading House was closely tied to the Leipzig Family.

The store selling the now-popular Mana Beads in the Imperial Capital was the Madeira Trading House, and its connection with the Leipzig Family had come to light.

“And this…….”

Carl, hoping to seal the deal, handed a small box to the Viscount of Althausen.

Curious, the Viscount accepted it and saw small orbs inside.

‘Even a bribe?’

The Viscount gave a bitter smile.

There was no need to go this far, and yet they even offered gifts.

There was no way he could refuse.

“Let’s make one thing clear. If any responsibility arises…….”

“The Madeira Trading House and I will take full responsibility.”

“Understood. Then I grant permission.”

“Thank you.”

Carl bowed his head.

Truthfully, getting the Viscount’s approval had been an unnecessary hassle.

He could have secretly sent NOX to investigate the ruins without informing the cadets.

But this was Maximilian’s father, and he figured it would be a good opportunity for the cadets to gain experience.

After all, raising the cadets through hands-on operations was part of Carl’s long-term plan.

“What do we need to prepare?”

“Madeira Trading House will take care of all the preparations. All we need to do is focus on arming ourselves.”

“Nice, I like how simple that is.”

“The excavation starts tomorrow. So let’s rest just for today.”

“We’re already acquiring artifacts related to Divinity.”

At Carl’s words, Queen nodded in reply.

Queen had not returned to the capital after delivering her report.

In truth, since Carl was here, she could have left things in his hands and gone back to focus on NOX’s operations.

But Queen subtly implied she wanted to remain at Carl’s side, making excuses to linger.

‘She probably needs a break, too.’

Carl allowed it.

If he sent her back now, she’d be buried in NOX’s work again.

It was better to offer rest, even like this.

Originally, Jane, who managed the Madeira Trading House, was supposed to take on the role, but when Queen, NOX’s second-in-command, stepped forward, Jane reluctantly yielded.

“You’ve made all the preparations thoroughly, I hope?”

“You don’t need to worry.”

Queen nodded and smiled.

They were currently appearing as members of the Madeira Trading House, officially participating in the excavation under the territory’s supervision.

As such, they were neither masked nor dressed like NOX operatives, instead wearing the attire of trading house staff.

They also selected members with gentle or ordinary appearances so as not to intimidate the cadets.

But all of them were at least Black Label-level elites.

Queen even wanted to summon the other executives while she was at it, but Carl stopped her, saying it would be excessive.

While Queen was away, the other executives needed to remain in the capital to respond to any unexpected developments.

“Carl!”

“You left early to make preparations?”

“Oh, and that lady is…….”

Carl had left the manor early in the morning to prepare with the Madeira Trading House.

The cadets had arrived at the designated time and location as scheduled.

They had known they would be working with people from the Madeira Trading House, but when they saw the beautiful woman at Carl’s side, they all widened their eyes.

“Nice to meet you. I’m Mireille of Madeira.”

Queen lightly lifted the hem of her dress and greeted them.

Everyone blinked in surprise at her grace, which was unlike any ordinary staff member, and turned their eyes to Carl.

“Miss Mireille is a noble from a foreign country.”

“Ah, I see.”

“That explains it.”

Only then did the cadets understand.

Natural elegance like that wasn’t something easily learned.

“……”

Laysis, who had already met her before, remained silent, subtly glancing at her, while Yuria activated her Magic Eye and looked toward the Madeira Trading House side with interest.

‘They’re all formidable.’

Since these were NOX operatives disguised as Madeira Trading House employees, Yuria had already guessed.

One staff member alone was at least mid-tier Expert, and the woman called Queen might even be stronger than Yuria herself.

‘They’re even more powerful than I expected.’

Yuria touched her lips and revised her assessment of NOX upward.

She had anticipated that Carl’s organization, built beneath the surface, would have significant strength, but this was beyond expectations.

This was a sudden excavation plan, so it was unlikely they had dispatched their top elites.

‘They really are a select few elites.’

While Yuria was quietly observing them, Maximilian raised his hand and asked,

“The ruin was said to be by the cliff connected to the sea, right?”

“That’s correct. Let’s move out immediately.”

The Viscount of Althausen and other investigators had already visited the site the previous day to obtain permission from the Empire.

But since the cadets had been resting in preparation for the excavation, this was their first visit.

Swoosh.

Following the path extending from the beach, the sandy shore ended and steep cliffs gradually came into view.

A display of jagged cliffs shaped by relentless waves over the years.

Althausen was known not only for its beach but also for its dramatic cliff landscapes.

Carl headed toward one of the most perilous cliffs, known as “Pakurum.”

“If we go down from here, there should be a hole halfway down the cliff. Everyone, go inside through there.”

“Then we’ll go in first. We’ll mark the path, so don’t worry.”

Whoosh.

Queen and the Madeira Trading House staff leapt down the cliff.

Watching their light and agile movements, the cadets finally realized these employees were no ordinary people and murmured in awe.

“We’ve brought some of the most exceptional staff from the Trading House. You never know what might happen in a ruin. They’re likely stronger than most mercenaries or adventurers.”

“Well, as long as Carl is here, we’ll be fine.”

Maximilian grinned.

They had already experienced Carl’s strength once before.

Even if something happened, as long as Carl was there, there was little to worry about.

The employees of the Madeira Trading House were just a bonus.

“Everyone, tie the rope around your waist.”

At Carl’s command, the cadets secured ropes around their waists.

It was insurance, in case someone slipped and fell from the cliff.

From Laysis at the front to Maximilian at the end.

With Yuria and Pozers’ flight magic, safety was mostly assured, but they still took precautions just in case.

“Let’s go.”

The cadets carefully descended the cliff and began entering the undersea ruin.

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