Infinite Mage

Chapter 136: Ancient Ruins (1)

Chapter 136: Ancient Ruins (1)p>Discord: https://dsc.gg/wetried

Chapter 136: Ancient Ruins (1)

"Right. He does look strong for real."

"Exactly."

Shirone and Amy agreed. It wasn't just the tattoos. Their keen senses were picking up on the latent force within the man.

However, Rian thought differently.

"Hmph, just because he's glaring doesn't mean he has any real strength. No need to be scared."

Rian's senses were less sharp than others. That's why he couldn't open a Schema, but Shirone found reassurance in that. In any frightening situation, Rian would steadfastly be their shield.

"Great! Let's start exploring the ruins!"

They passed the toll booth and began their investigation in earnest.

The Kergos Ruins were a temple dedicated to a deity, forming a square structure 2 kilometers in length and width.

Crossing a 200-meter-wide moat via a bridge led to a long gallery, and it was another 500 meters along the pilgrimage route before reaching the central temple.

"Wow, it's really huge. Can you believe this was built thousands of years ago?"

"I heard from people earlier that it's only this visible because it's buried under volcanic ash. In reality, it's several times larger."

Shirone looked down at his feet. Since the volcanic eruption happened 500 years ago, the volcanic ash would be beneath the surface layer.

Amy, who was ahead, turned back and shouted at Shirone.

"Shirone, what are you doing? We need to check out the central temple too."

Shirone didn't respond. He just smiled faintly, deeply engrossed in something.

Amy approached him, puzzled.

"What's wrong? What's happening?"

"Amy, try entering Spirit Zone."

"Spirit Zone? Why all of a sudden?"

Realization dawned on Amy, and she slapped her palm.

"Oh, I see!"

Mages can extend their senses through Spirit Zone. If there was something hidden beneath the ruins, it would surely trigger their Synesthesia.

"Got it. I'll give it a try."

Amy entered Spirit Zone. As she probed the underground with her Synesthesia, her brows gradually furrowed. After about 5 seconds, she seemed to have realized something and released the zone.

"Shirone, this"

"Yeah. Nothing's being detected. There should at least be some bedrock, but there's nothing."

"Could it be because the layer of volcanic ash is too thick? What if we go deeper?"

That was the issue they were stuck on. But after a moment of thought, Shirone had an epiphany.

"Aha, there's a way."

Amy could do it. Her specialty was the Target Form among the Four Way Formation, known for its long range.

The Target Form, also known as the Cross Zone, places the mage at the intersection of two lines, rapidly rotating it to swiftly hit a specific target.

But it didn't end there.

Upon entering the advanced class, Amy specialized her Target Form into Sniper Mode.

Sniper Mode, with a perfectly straight Spirit Zone, places the mage at the end of the zone to enhance range.

This directional zone, despite its slow rotation, can achieve at least four times the range of the Target Form.

Even expanding the zone's radius to just 500 meters makes it surpass 1 kilometer in Target Form. In Sniper Mode, it could hit a target 4 kilometers away.

Amy's basic radius was 68 meters. In Target Form, it reached 143 meters, and in Sniper Mode, it exceeded 500 meters.

"Alright, I'll try."

Amy entered the zone with a Sequence Method. The transformation of the Four Way Formation was swift, and a tilted cross stood erect.

'Sniper Mode!'

"I'm not sure. Asking around seems like best bet, but that's difficult for now. We need to find an interpreter and get permission to enter the native autonomous zone."

"Really? Then, I have an immediate solution. Want to hear it?"

"Yeah, definitely! What is it?"

Rian, not wanting to be the only one embarrassed, grumbled.

"You're not suggesting we dig secretly, are you?"

Tess struggled to contain her anger before continuing.

"Anyway. Here's my idea. While you guys were focused on the ruins, I took a look around. And I noticed something odd."

"Odd? What is it?"

Tess scanned the surroundings.

"Look at the people. Most are tourists, but some aren't. They move in groups, are armed, and seem uninterested in the ruins."

The three looked around. Indeed, there were armed individuals, albeit not many, wandering about.

"Aha! I see!"

"Yes, they're mercenaries. Why would mercenaries roam a tourist spot? Some look quite strong. There must be something in these ruins."

"And the mercenaries know about it?"

"Exactly. Contacting the natives might take time, and they might not talk. But mercenaries are different. Just being here means they know something."

Shirone admired Tess's insight. While others focused on the ruins, she alone observed the external situation.

It made sense, considering Tess's background. The Elzain family had a history of producing commanders and diplomats, but their true power lay elsewhere.

They were spies.

To enemies, they were spies, but the information they sent from infiltrating various countries significantly contributed to the Thormia Kingdom's diplomatic strategies.

'It's definitely a good idea. No, it's the only idea we have right now.'

Shirone decided to go with Tess's strategy.

"So, we just need to tail the mercenaries now?"

"Tail them? Hmm, I'm not so sure. If we get caught by high-level mercenaries, especially those with sensory Schemas, it'll be troublesome. I might manage alone, but..."

"That's a problem. I don't even know how to hide my presence. What should we do then?"

"Hehe, do we really need to go looking for them? There's a place where mercenaries are common, right?"

"Really? Where?"

Tess winked and pointed somewhere.

"Fancy a drink in the afternoon?"

* * *

On the southwest inner wall of the ruins, several shacks made of planks lined up, including restaurants, bars, and provisions stores. While these were modest compared to regular shops, they did much better business.

Despite being inside the ruins and having high prices, people visited for the convenience.

Shirone and his group entered a bar. They wondered who would drink in the middle of the day, but except for two tables, it was fully occupied.

They chose a corner spot. Amy sat next to Shirone, with Rian and Tess across from them.

"Are we drinking?"

"We probably should order something; it is a bar, after all. But let's focus on the snacks. It's better to have our lunch here."

Tess ordered. Traditional Galiant island liquor came with hot noodles and minced meat.

After a skimpy breakfast, the four momentarily paused their conversation to eat.

Then, snickering sounds came from the side. Initially ignoring it, the continuous mocking laughter eventually got on their nerves.

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