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.

the thoughts I was having, standing next to me, the guard

facility are made of Rhimestone, ensuring some solid safety. This way, our researchers can conduct

"Rhimestone?"

brow in mild

incredibly

was also

finger across the wall, the guard

of Rhimestone. Because of it, we don't have to worry about the facility if the artifacts ever do malfunction. The walls over here can withstand the full-blown attack of

be stupid if they didn't do

responded, trying my best to memorize the layout

place might turn out to be more useful

from the other

probably make up for the sudden time

no longer a matter of greed. This place

the mana fluctuations

"Yea."

case, no. Everything in this

towards the corner of the room, where a

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

inside? Do they have a chance to flee? I assume this must happen in a matter of

"They'll be sealed inside, and probably die. We don't want to take any risks. For better

the guard's eyes as he looked

if they do end up surviving, the system will deactivate as soon

"...I see."

quite ruthless of

make sure the threat would not go outside of the room,

about what happened to the people

ready to sacrifice their own, after

be a pity to lose

was actually quite useful to

that I had previously envisioned became much

to the next

out to me, moving towards

one last glance at the facility,

"Yes."