The Secret Hidden In The Ariscit Ruins

Travas was traveling in a carriage with a lavish interior.

His destination was the Ariscit Ruins—to obtain the item, the Eye of the Netherworld.

Sitting across from Travas was a young silver-haired woman, Yuri, daughter of Orfred, who ruled over Black Dragon’s Fang. Like her father, she was a young woman with a cold air about her.

Orfred had said things like, “Just because she’s my daughter doesn’t mean you need to coddle her. If she becomes a burden, leave her behind,” but of course Travas had not taken those words literally.

He intended to treat her with great care and courtesy.

He could not afford to scratch a jewel entrusted to him.

What was more, that jewel had emotions and memories—and in the future, there was even a possibility she would become his superior. He could not afford to leave her with a negative impression.

Yuri opened her mouth.

“Travas-sama, may I ask you a question?”

“What is it?”

Travas replied without using polite language. At first, he had tried to speak politely, but Yuri herself had told him, “It would set a bad example for the others. There is no reason for me alone to receive special treatment, so please treat me the same as everyone else.”

(There is a reason for you alone to receive special treatment—but…)

But it was her request. If he ignored it, it would likely leave her with a bad impression.

Yuri opened her mouth.

“The truth is, I do not know much about the Eye of the Netherworld, so could you please tell me about it?”

The Eye of the Netherworld—that was a closely guarded secret known only to a portion of Black Dragon’s Fang’s executives. So it was only natural that Yuri did not know the details.

“The Eye of the Netherworld is a red jewel about the size of a fist, distinguished by a pattern like a pupil in its center. It is said to be overwhelmingly powerful—and to contain the power of the netherworld.”

“The netherworld!”

Yuri caught her breath.

The netherworld was a world not of this one. According to one theory, it was the world of the undead who ruled over the dead. Those undead were said to possess tremendous power.

“…Something like that is in the Ariscit Ruins…!?”

“Yes. It seems to be an artifact created by the ancients. I do not know why they made such a thing, however.”

Travas continued his explanation evenly.

“Black Dragon’s Fang had repeatedly explored the deepest layers of the Ariscit Ruins. We had information that a valuable item was sealed there. What we found was the Eye of the Netherworld—that was three years ago.”

“…Something you found three years ago, and you are only now retrieving it?”

“At the time, we did not have the preparations necessary to retrieve it. Because it was an object far too powerful and dangerous.”

“A dangerous… object…?”

“Yes. More specifically—if it is removed from its pedestal and taken outside, it will absorb the surrounding miasma and open within a few days.”

“Open—? What will open?”

“A gate to the netherworld.”

This time Yuri seemed unable even to speak. Her eyes were wide with shock.

It was a tale from the distant past, but several stories remained in the world claiming that gates to the netherworld had once opened. Every one of them had caused unimaginable damage to the world. It was said that forests had vanished. It was said that people had disappeared from cities—

“It is truly a terrifying thing, but looked at another way, that immeasurable power is something we greatly covet. If we can control that power—it will become a major advantage for us.”

A magic tool incorporating the Eye of the Netherworld. How much power would such a thing possess? As the person in charge of creating magic tools, Travas had spent the past three years in days of planning. At last, the day when it would be realized was approaching.

Travas was not the type to show much emotion, but even so, a feeling of delight rose in his mind.

“But there is no need to worry. After three years of research, I, Travas, have developed the technique necessary to carry it out. Since the outlook for that was established, it was decided that we would retrieve it.”

“…I see.”

As if calming her shaken heart, Yuri spoke quietly.

“There is one thing I would like to confirm—but is it really acceptable for a single clan to decide the handling of such a super-class artifact on its own?”

If a gate were to open in the center of the Imperial Capital, it would be catastrophic.

In the worst case, the Imperial Capital itself might be blown away—

“You are right. Properly speaking, we should consult the Adventurer’s Guild, or perhaps the Empire. That would be the proper course for an imperial citizen.”

Though he said that, Travas shook his head.

“However, that would also mean losing an opportunity. We have obtained a chance to gain power. Boundless power. To use that for the development of Black Dragon’s Fang—that is the proper way for a true clan member to act.”

“…”

Yuri did not respond immediately. A slight hesitation appeared on her beautiful face as she pressed her lips together.

(…She still lacks resolve as a clan member.)

That naivety amused Travas. She would need education. Most likely, that was exactly what Orfred expected of him.

“Do not overthink it, Yuri. Managing a clan is not about ideals, but about war. Black Dragon’s Fang has boasted itself the strongest in the Imperial Capital for nearly thirty years, but that was no easy feat. There are many clans aiming for this seat. We must continue piling up every possible advantage for ourselves—if we neglect that, we lose.”

After saying that, Travas spoke the most powerful words of all to Yuri.

“This is something Lord Orfred, the clan leader—your father—has also approved.”

“…Understood.”

Yuri bit her lip and forced the words out as though pushing them out.

Whew, exhaling softly, Yuri changed the subject.

“Then, does that mean we are heading to the innermost depths of the Ariscit Ruins now? I imagine it is quite deep, but about how many days will the journey take?”

“In no time at all. Naturally, it would be absurd to make repeated round trips every time we conduct an investigation, so we have installed a teleportation circle that goes directly from top to bottom, and from bottom to top.”

“I see.”

At that, Yuri tilted her head.

“Eh, but if that is the case, does that mean someone could use the teleportation circle and reach the innermost depths?”

“Hahaha, sharp as ever.”

He laughed, but Travas shook his head.

“But there is no need for that concern. It is physically concealed, and various magical barriers have been put in place. On top of that, I have stationed my special golems as guards. It is not something ordinary adventurers could break through. Even if someone were fortunate enough to do so, what lies beyond is the deep ruin levels. There are powerful monsters there that even Black Dragon’s Fang’s elite struggle with. They would only end up dead.”

“I see…”

Yuri tilted her head, still seeming somewhat unconvinced.

As if to reassure her, Travas declared clearly and firmly.

“I will guarantee it myself. No outsider will ever reach that place.”

And so, we arrived at the Ariscit Ruins.

They were ruins discovered long ago, and since they were also near the Imperial Capital, they were a popular site. In that sense, they were apparently considered “picked clean” from being so thoroughly explored, but there were still rumors that some hidden treasure might lie in the innermost depths, where many sections remained unexplored.

Standing beside me was a young woman in glasses with a tense expression.

She was dressed in plain work clothes for the sake of fieldwork. She was Fiona, the client for this request. Apparently still a young researcher, she had come here this time to conduct research for a paper she was writing.

I spoke to Fiona.

“Then, shall we go?”

“Y-yes! I look forward to working with you!”

Fiona nodded nervously.

We stepped into the Ariscit Ruins.