The Banished Villainous Noble Son Who Was Used as a Stepping Stone in the Original Work Awakens to Combat and Destroys the Laws of the World - Episode 29: In Search of the Silent Soak Stone

Episode 29: In Search of the Silent Soak Stone

—Morning, at the designated meeting place.

At a spot a little away from the transport gate behind the guild, Lucrane was already there.

Standing upright, he held a stack of documents against his chest.

“Good morning. Alphonse-san, are you ready?”

“No problem. I’m fully prepared.”

“That’s good to hear. …Well then, let’s depart. A carriage has been prepared for today. It’ll take about half a day to reach the Magic Ore layer.”

Saying that, Lucrane headed toward the stables adjacent to the guild.

A two-horse carriage was already prepared. It was quietly waiting. We got on and began our journey.

It was unexpected to see Lucrane handling the reins. But his movements were smooth. He seemed used to this kind of fieldwork.

(…”Horsemanship”, huh.)

Based on game knowledge, Lucrane apparently has the “Horsemanship” skill. It’s possible he gained the technique without the skill—but now wasn’t the time to think about that.

As we traveled, the soft creaking of wheels echoed quietly. And the surrounding scenery gradually turned mountainous.

Scattered large rocks made the place look like a fortress created by nature.

“…Just to confirm. This mission’s main objective is to investigate the Magic Ore layer, correct?”

“Yes, that’s right. Currently, the magical energy reactions at the site have become unstable. The main goal is to determine the cause of that.”

“Unstable, I see… That suggests there may be significant risks at the investigation site.”

“Exactly. The magical responses are stronger and fluctuate more than usual. If we approach carelessly, the environmental changes could pose dangers.”

(…I see, in other words, we don’t know what might happen yet.)

“Therefore, caution is essential during the investigation. Regarding entry into dangerous zones, the decision is left to your judgment in principle.”

“…Understood.”

The time had come to make full use of the tools, supplies, and most of all, my “reading” ability that I had prepared in advance.

Come to think of it, this wasn’t just about combat—this kind of situation was also a test of how useful my skills truly were.

Lucrane continued silently onward. And I followed behind him quietly. I stayed alert to our surroundings.

Eventually, a simple stone hut came into view. Standing in front of it were probably guards from the Principality of Lustea.

“Show your permit.”

Without hesitation, Lucrane pulled a certificate from his coat and handed it over. It was sealed with wax.

“This is a research permit issued by the Principality of Lustea’s Academy.”

After a few seconds of checking, the man nodded silently.

“Confirmed. Proceed with caution.”

It was a short exchange. But it signified that this investigation “crossed into another country’s territory”.

After several hours of travel, the carriage stopped at a flat clearing halfway up the mountain slope.

Several tents and wooden cabins stood there. They formed a temporary base.

A few people—probably researchers from the Academy—could be seen inspecting the rocky terrain with their equipment.

“This is the Academy’s temporary base. From here, we proceed on foot to the main survey site of the Magic Ore layer.”

“Understood.”

As I adjusted my luggage, I took a quick glance around the base.

The lookout placements, tent arrangements, and tool organization—everything was efficient and coordinated.

The Academy’s fieldwork seemed to be highly practical.

(…In this environment, I should be able to naturally come across “Silent Soak Stone”.)

Based on prior memories and intel, I had already formed a plan to locate the Silent Soak Stone at this site.

Now I just had to gather it without missing the opportunity.

And beyond that—was obtaining the “Crystal of Murky Will.”

It was technically a by-product. But it was the most valuable outcome of this mission.

“…Well then, shall we go?”

Nodding to Lucrane’s voice, I followed behind.

Passing through a beast trail between rocky areas behind the base, the air’s temperature subtly changed.

A humid, metallic scent—this was the “presence” unique to a place rich in Magic Ore.

“Up ahead is the central area. Due to crustal shifts, there are reports that Magic Ore is now exposed closer to the surface.”

“What’s the danger level of the area?”

“On the surface, monster activity appears low. However, due to unstable magical reactions, risks can’t be ruled out.”

At that moment, Lucrane suddenly stopped and looked at a rock by his feet.

“That’s ‘Silent Soak Stone’.”

A gray chunk of rock lay at his feet. It definitely had that “dull resonance.”

“You may collect it—it’s considered part of the investigation.”

“…Thank you.”

Internally, I let out a small sigh of relief. With this, the first stage of my goal was complete.

(Silent Soak Stone… Its inherent value is increasing. But it’s still only been used as a material for selling.)

Indeed, picking it up, you could tell it wasn’t just an ordinary rock.

But in the game, it only functioned as a sellable material.

Even if you sold it, it would only get you a few copper coins at most.

It would be a waste to let it rot away unused—but in the Academy, there should be *that person* who would trade it for a Crystal of Murky Will.

(I don’t have a direct connection. But as long as I bring the material and intel, I shouldn’t be turned away. The question is—how do I get access to that person…?)

The only info from the data was that the person was in the research building of the Academy.

In that case, I needed to prepare a way to reach that building—

Just as I was thinking that—

(…The wind stopped?)

For a moment, silence fell. It was as if sound itself had vanished.

And in the next instant, I sensed a faint presence from the rocks behind us.

(Here it comes!)

I immediately reached for my sword. I then scanned the area.

Lucrane noticed as well and began retreating while watching his surroundings.

My “reading” senses—and memories from past battles—were sounding the alarm.

(They’re closing the distance. They’re hiding their form until they reach a deadly range…)

That sense of danger was soon proven right.

From between crumbling rubble, a shadow leapt out.

Blue-gray fur, twin sharp fangs—a beast.

(…Twin Fang Wolf.)

A monster I had once faced to hone my “Swordsmanship” skill.

Given their wide habitat, it wasn’t strange for them to show up here.

It wasn’t just one. A second, a third—more kept appearing. They surrounded us.

(Three at once!)

I wasn’t alone. But as the one who accepted the request, I had a duty to protect Lucrane as well.

“Lucrane-san, get back!”

With that warning, I faced the Twin Fang Wolves head-on.

Original Author’s Comment:

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Thank you very much for reading to the end!!

I’ll be happy if you enjoy the next chapter too!!!

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