The Author's POV

341 Taking the initiative [1]

Halting his steps in front of a large metallic door, the guard paused for a moment.

Placing his small blue hand by the side of the door, the metallic structure rumbled and slowly opened up.

Rumble-

Once the door was halfway open, the guard started talking.

"This over here is the artifact testing area. As you're probably aware, this place is dedicated to testing artifacts and their power."

"Oh? I've heard of this place."

Walking into the room, I pretended to be unamused by what I saw.

In truth, I was beyond shocked. With all sorts of complex machinery around the room, duergars could be seen testing all sorts of artifacts.

BANG-

Covered in sophisticated equipment, the duergars tested weird-looking artifacts against some sort of odd machinery. Displayed on the machine was all sorts of data which other duergars looked at by the side, taking notes on their holographic- looking devices.

Some of the artifacts were so powerful that I could sense the mana in the air convering towards it.

Keeping a straight face had never been more difficult for me.

'...I wonder if I can steal them.'

I thought to myself.

Oddly enough, that was the first thing I thought as I looked at the artifacts. I couldn't be blamed though.

Each one of the artifacts present would sell for astronomical prices back in the human domain.

To be honest, the probability of me being able to steal them was low, but a man could dream, right?

'Mhm... Actually, it's not impossible for me to steal them...'

A wild thought suddenly entered my mind.

If everything proceeded as planned, then, perhaps, I may be able to take some of the stuff here.

I was having, standing next to me, the guard patted the side of the

Rhimestone, ensuring some solid safety. This way, our researchers can conduct experiments

"Rhimestone?"

my brow

Rhimestone was an incredibly sturdy rock that could withstand

also

the wall, the guard

Because of it, we don't have to worry about the facility if the artifacts ever do malfunction. The walls

stupid if they didn't do this

trying my best to memorize the layout of the

place might turn out to

isolated from the other

I could probably make up for the sudden

was no longer a matter of greed. This place could be instrumental to

Are you asking whether the mana fluctuations and

"Yea."

this place is completely isolated. Take a look over

the corner of the room, where a lone

the mana density in the room. When the mana density reaches a certain level, it will trigger a defensive

they have a chance to

inside, and probably die. We don't want to take any risks. For better or worse,

eyes as he looked at the researchers in front of

as soon as it judges

"...I see."

ruthless of

would not go outside of the room, they were prepared to have anyone inside

people

sacrifice

to lose so many

actually quite useful

had previously envisioned

go to

me, moving towards the door

one last glance at

"Yes."