CHAPTER 192: ARTIFACTS OF DETECTION

The next day, Gerhard Goldenheim and Aint Armian entered the city hall together with the priests of the Dragon Faith Order.

In the spacious grand banquet hall of the city hall, numerous people were waiting to be examined.

Whether because Wienderk’s soldiers had tracked entry records and brought in more people, the number that was supposed to be five hundred had grown to nearly six hundred.

And it would probably keep growing.

"From now on, we will search for magic. We ask for your active cooperation."

Nine priests, excluding the cardinal, simultaneously took out artifacts.

They were artifacts that detected magic dwelling in mana, extremely familiar to Gerhard Goldenheim.

The priests began examining people one by one, starting from the outer areas.

Gerhard Goldenheim leaned against the railing on the second floor of the hall with Aint Armian, looking down below.

"What do you think? Can you sense any magic?"

"I’ll try to find some."

"Good."

Aint Armian began concentrating, and Gerhard Goldenheim quietly stroked the wooden pendant around his neck while thinking about what was to come.

Just then, someone approached him.

"Greetings, Prince Gerhard Goldenheim."

"Count Daniel? You were here too?"

The man with subtle blonde hair was Count Daniel Cool.

His territory had fertile land with high rice and barley production, and he had developed the distillery industry, making whiskey and various other alcoholic beverages his specialties.

A wealthy noble who operated a trading company using his specialties.

He was also a customer who used the Golden Turtle Company’s distribution network.

"But you seem a bit different."

"Do I? I’ve been expanding my business significantly lately, so I’ve had a lot on my mind and lost some weight."

His face, which had been a bit chubby before, had returned to a normal appearance. The atmosphere was also a bit different, but it seemed to be because his impression had changed.

"I never expected even you, Prince, to be caught up here. Well, since it’s related to evil ones, there would be no exceptions."

Regret flickered in the count’s black eyes.

"I came up here with joy because I was able to supply alcohol for this Continental Academic Conference, but I didn’t expect to suffer such misfortune."

"Isn’t it true that big risks accompany big profits?"

"That’s also true. But for evil ones to assassinate nobles. How horrible this is. I never thought I’d see such a thing in my lifetime."

Sigh, he let out a breath.

"They were quiet for a thousand years, but why did this have to happen during my lifetime?"

It was exactly what Gerhard Goldenheim was thinking.

There had been a thousand years. During that time, demons and evil ones had been quiet.

Their presence had become so faint as to disappear, being regarded only as legends, and most humans didn’t even know magic was magic.

But why did they have to invade the world again and not leave him alone during this era when Gerhard Goldenheim was living?

The more he thought about it, the more furious he became. He just wanted to quietly make money and manipulate the world.

"But who is this person?"

The count’s gaze fixed on Aint Armian, who was searching for magic. Aint Armian was concentrating and didn’t notice his gaze.

"Ah, this is Aint Armian."

"Aint... Armian, you say? The one I know of...?"

"That’s right. He’s my junior."

"Why is Aint Armian here... could it be?"

"Yes, what you’re guessing is correct."

To search for evil ones together with the Dragon Faith Order.

"I think I read in documents that Armian’s power can instinctively find magic. Is that true?"

"Well, I’m not sure about that either."

"To be able to see Armian’s power. This is an honor. Being caught up like this doesn’t seem regrettable."

"There’s nothing particularly special about it."

"How can there be nothing special about those called the adversaries of demons?"

Count Daniel smiled faintly.

"So Prince Aint Armian is finding evil ones now? Can he sense magic even from far away?"

Gerhard Goldenheim answered reluctantly to his unusually sparkling eyes.

"Well, as I said, I don’t..."

Just then, Aint Armian opened his eyes.

"I found them."

"Really?"

"Yes, fortunately it seems I’ve earned the right to dance on the stage you set up, senior."

"Oh, you really found evil ones? Much faster than the Dragon Faith Order. Truly Armian indeed. How..."

"Count Daniel. I’m truly sorry, but could we two have a conversation for a moment?"

"...Ah, of course."

The count, who had been silent for a moment at the blatant dismissal, forced a smile.

"I got too excited. It’s my first time seeing Armian’s power, so that must be why. Please understand."

"I understand."

"Yes, Prince. Then let’s meet again next time."

The count went downstairs.

"Aint Armian, did you really find them?"

"Yes."

Gerhard Goldenheim tried to suppress his rising excitement.

He had thought Aint Armian would be able to find even well-hidden magic, but he didn’t know direct contact or Gardner wouldn’t be necessary.

It was unexpected but a pleasant surprise.

"I wouldn’t have been able to sense it before, but maybe because my level has risen, I can feel magic more clearly. It’s thanks to the Itarium you gave me. Thank you."

It was good news. Both that Aint Armian had become stronger and that Aint Armian felt a bit more indebted to him.

"Who are they?"

"That person and those two over there..."

Aint Armian pointed to three people in total. One was dressed as an ordinary farmer, and the other two were merchants.

"Are those three the end?"

"For now, yes, but there might be others hiding better. What should we do, senior?"

"What do you mean what should we do? We can’t just leave what we worked hard to find."

The three Aint Armian pointed to were relatively in the center, and the priests were examining from the outer areas.

It would take time for the priests to reach those three.

Gerhard Goldenheim wanted to make the first move, but it wouldn’t be right to step forward recklessly.

He couldn’t earn their hatred by reversing the host-guest relationship in something led by the Dragon Faith Order.

So amicable agreement was necessary.

"Wait here."

Gerhard Goldenheim approached Cardinal Gailan, who was looking down from the opposite side of the second floor.

"Aint Armian has found evil ones."

"...Who are they?"

The cardinal’s face hardened coldly, but.

"I can’t just tell you..."

Conversely, Gerhard Goldenheim’s face was calm.

"How about making a deal with me? As always."

==

"Agreement reached. Take them all down. In a way that makes it clear to everyone else that those vermin are evil ones."

Thud-

Aint Armian jumped down below with determination, remembering Gerhard Goldenheim’s request. In an instant, all eyes in the hall focused on him.

’This is somewhat embarrassing.’

Get used to it. This is just hundreds. In the future, hundreds of thousands, millions, tens of millions of people will be looking at you.

’Yes.’

Aint Armian took a deep breath and walked among the people as calmly as possible.

"What? Who is that?"

"What’s he doing?"

"I think I’ve seen him somewhere."

People were wary of Aint Armian but couldn’t stop him.

Because of the strange atmosphere, and because the priests of the Dragon Faith Order, who were leading the current situation, remained still.

Meanwhile, Aint Armian stopped walking.

"Wh, what?"

The man standing in front of him was a bit flustered.

’What would be the best way to do this?’

Actions rather than words. In times like this, just showing is certain.

Rather than just saying you found them with Armian’s power, if you annihilate evil ones with your power, they can’t help but believe.

Gerhard Goldenheim had said the same. Show them in a way everyone can be certain of.

No need to draw a sword or threaten with intimidation.

Make everyone clearly realize why Armian is called the natural enemy of demons.

Aint Armian manifested his aura to create a small sphere.

Even with just that, the man in front hesitated.

And the sphere began to emit light. A power that was naturally antagonistic to magic by itself.

"What is that... ugh?"

The man’s face contorted.

If it had been the previous Aint Armian, he never could have imagined such a thing, but the current Aint Armian was different.

He had met Gardner and learned true vision swordsmanship, consumed numerous elixirs, and through countless real battles had even defeated demons.

For this level of evil one, just shining light was enough.

Like insects dying just by approaching a campfire.

"Hey, what is this... huh?"

"Sm, smoke from his body...?"

"Grrrragh...!"

The man’s screams grew louder.

Ominous smoke pouring from his entire body. People who had been about to confront Aint Armian could only swallow their breath watching that sight.

"...Magic?"

"Is that really magic?"

Those gathered here weren’t fools.

Though they had never seen magic directly in their lives, they knew that in the current situation, if that ominous smoke wasn’t magic, there was no explanation.

"Wait, then that power that annihilates magic is..."

"Could it be?"

And that immediately reminded them of the power of a certain family that was absolutely antagonistic to magic.

And at that moment.

"Graaaah!"

The man, unable to bear it any longer, threw off his mask. As tremendous force swept the surroundings, people rolled on the floor from the sudden shockwave.

And they realized more clearly.

"It’s really magic!"

"There were evil ones hiding!"

The man covered in unpleasant magic extended his claws like a beast. Leaving black scars in the air, he reached toward Aint Armian.

"Everyone take cover!"

"Stop, you filthy evil one!"

The priests of the Dragon Faith Order, who had already agreed, remained still, but the Wienderk knights positioned everywhere didn’t.

They urgently drew their weapons and rushed over, but Aint Armian was one step faster.

Clang-

The sword that had appeared in his hand naturally deflected the claws.

Light aura blazed brilliantly, asserting its presence before everyone.

Slash-

The evil one’s body was split in half instantly. Like an insect that had gotten too close to a campfire, the magic covering the evil one began evaporating rapidly.

"Graaaaaaah!"

Immediately after, the evil one’s body began swelling.

Damn it, it’s self-destruction!

If it explodes here, the damage won’t be small! We have to stop it!

Aint Armian urgently tried to swing his sword again.

At that moment.

Rumble-

A dome of rock enveloped the evil one.

—!

The building shook briefly, but that was all - there was no damage.

"Pathetic."

Gerhard Goldenheim lightly dusted off his hands.

"How is their pattern always the same?"

Do they know nothing but self-destruction?

Foolish evil ones.

Quiet stillness lingered. Everyone’s gaze was focused on Aint Armian and the evil one he had caught.

And Gerhard Goldenheim.

"Aint Armian."

Breaking the silence, he announced to everyone.

That what they were thinking was correct.

That the person before their eyes was a descendant of Armian.

"Do your job."

"Yes, senior."

"Damn it!"

"No! I can’t die!"

The other evil ones rushed desperately.

But Aint Armian didn’t miss them. Passing by the Wienderk knights who were confused by the sudden situation, he recalled his conversation with Gerhard Goldenheim.

"Handle it as flashily as possible, as sacredly as possible."

"This is the first official meeting between evil ones and Armian in a thousand years. At the point when evil ones begin to run rampant, the appearance of light that overwhelms them is by no means trivial."

"Remember. It must be flashy."

He raised his sword and concentrated his aura.

’I can’t use anything too strong.’

If he did, most of the people in the banquet hall would die or be injured. But there was a technique that was flashy as Gerhard Goldenheim said.

Though for evil ones, it wouldn’t be just flashy.

Brushing past Gardner’s sneer.

Aint Armian swung his sword.

The tangible aura that extended greatly was shaped into one form.

A bird of light with two pairs of wings and one head.

Its size wasn’t very large. It didn’t roar like the real thing, and it was simply shaped externally with no particular destructive power.

But that was enough.

"...Saint Bird."

"A, a bird of light...!"

Through Armian’s symbol, Aint Armian’s appearance was clearly imprinted on everyone present.

——!

"Graaaah...!"

"My power...! My power...!"

Because even just the light rays emitted by the bird had a lethal effect on evil ones.

When the Saint Bird fulfilled its calling and disappeared.

There were no more fugitives. Only vermin writhing on the floor, spewing black smoke from their entire bodies.

’Excellent.’

To create the Saint Bird, which is the symbol of Armian’s appearance. Was it Gardner’s advice?

The corner of Gerhard Goldenheim’s mouth curled up.

’Since the product is good, there’s no need to complicate the promotion. This is enough.’

It was worth negotiating with the Dragon Faith Order.

’In exchange, I agreed to reveal secrets about Andromalius, but honestly, that’s also beneficial for me.’

Even if things flowed according to the prophecy book, demons would be summoned and the world would realize this wasn’t simply a problem of evil ones.

What should have been revealed originally was delayed because Gerhard Goldenheim changed the future, so it was something that had to be revealed anyway.

’It’s like breaking my promise with the headmaster...’

Originally, it was about delaying the announcement timing to prevent excessive chaos, not keeping it secret forever.

The corner of Gerhard Goldenheim’s mouth curled up as he checked the scene once more.