The Second Son of The Marquis Runs Away from Home ~ Lacking Talent, He Abandons Everything and Becomes an Adventurer ~ - 69

Chapter 69: What Was Sealed

The next day, as soon as the sun rose, we began our investigation.

Hinowa and Serena started copying the clay tablets and murals, while Rakul and Amelie worked on taking out and arranging the contents of the boxes.

Most of the items were ritual tools, but among them were rare weapons crafted in ancient times. Many of them were exceptional catalysts for magic.

“Still, this is quite a large amount. Considering the size of the room, it’s surprising that so many magical tools are preserved in perfect condition.”

“Is that such a big deal?”

“In ruins, yes. Unlike dungeons, places like this usually degrade over time once there’s no one left to manage them. Even if items are strictly stored, exposure to the elements over long periods leads to deterioration.”

In ruins that haven’t turned into dungeons, weapons and tools found are usually degraded. Even magical tools, despite being crafted or enchanted, don’t last forever and are often looted by grave robbers.

The items in this space, however, were preserved meticulously. The texts were recorded on more durable clay or stone tablets instead of paper. The magical tools were tightly packed to prevent decay. It was clear that these weren’t meant to be casually used—they were stored with extraordinary care.

When I explained this to Rakul, he tilted his head thoughtfully.

“Doesn’t that just mean these things were really important? If faith was central to their culture, they would handle ritual tools with extreme caution.”

“I think so too, but if that’s the case, why were Zanma and Kamtsuhi not hidden here?”

“Oh…”

In reality, Kamtsuhi had already been stolen once by Fifth. If such extreme precautions were taken to keep these items hidden, it would have been safer to store Kamtsuhi here. So, why wasn’t that the case?

As I pondered this, I completed my share of the work and continued exploring. In the back of the room, there was a small altar with a black stone placed on it. Curious, I approached, and suddenly, I felt warmth in my chest.

Reaching into my chest pocket, I found that the heat was coming from the small dagger I carried. The dagger appeared to be reacting to the black stone, which began emitting a faint glow.

“Belk-san, that’s…”

“This dagger has been passed down through my family for generations…”

The others noticed my reaction and gathered around me. Serena and Hinowa stared at the stone, swallowing nervously.

“This stone… I didn’t feel anything earlier, but now I sense an immense power.”

“Yes… I can tell it’s sealing something incredibly strong.”

Hearing their words, I carefully examined the altar. Carved into the base of the stone were words. I crouched down to read them.

“…‘When the world connects with Yomi and the God of Yomi descends, the boundary shall be scorched by the eight thunders that burn even gods. The thunder gods shall shine only upon vessels strong enough to hold the eight thunders.’”

“Can you read it?”

“Not exactly… but I kind of understand.”

I wasn’t fluent in ancient Hizuchi, but for some reason, these words were clear to me. And I instinctively knew what I had to do.

“Everyone, step back… Serena, set up a barrier.”

After instructing them, I drew the dagger. Gripping it in a reverse hold, I struck the black stone on the altar with all my strength.

The blade sank deep into the stone. Cracks spread rapidly, and lightning surged from the stone, filling the room…