Clop, clop

Theo headed to the Chalon family's treasure vault along with Maximin.

'It seems the Chalon family's treasure vault is underground, as expected.'

It was the same as in the game.

While descending the stairs, which had magic lamps attached to the walls here and there, Maximin asked,

"Theo, I didn't know you were so filled with a thirst for knowledge."

"An unending desire for knowledge is what truly allows a person to grow, don't you think, Lord Demon Hunter. It's also something that Lord Odius once said."

"I thought since you brought other people along, we would all be viewing the treasure vault together."

"There's something I want to see by myself."

"That sounds good. What is it?"

"It wouldn't be fun if I told you upfront. Guessing what it might be is part of the fun."

"Hahahaha. Alright, I'll try to guess."

As Theo and Maximin chatted away, they eventually arrived in front of the treasure vault.

"Welcome, Lord of the House!"

The treasure vault's custodian, who had been sitting down, sprang up and bowed to Maximin.

Maximin nodded in response.

"So, everything's alright?"

"Yes, nothing to report! Is this the young master who's here to visit the treasure vault?"

"Yes, that's right. We'll see it now."

"Understood!"

The custodian took out a key from his pocket, unlocked the treasure vault door, and pushed it open.

Creeeak

The door to the treasure vault opened with a heavy sound.

Maximin said,

"Let's go in."

"Understood."

Theo followed Maximin into the treasure vault.

I looked around the interior of the treasure vault with a calm gaze.

A variety of artifacts worthy of the greatest heroes were carefully stored here.

Weapons in their weapon racks, armors on their stands, and accessories in their designated spots everything was organized by category, making it easy to scan the interior quickly.

Hmm. Not much different from the game.

The interior of the Chalon Family's treasure vault was not much different from what I had seen in the game.

Artifacts that were missing here and there were likely borrowed by someone.

Maximin, standing by my side, said,

"Theo, you're quite remarkable in a way. Facing so many treasures, yet you're unfazed."

"Heart hot, head cold. It's an adage I always practice."

"Indeed, fitting of someone from the Hero Department. So, what do you think of the Chalon family's treasure vault?"

Maximin asked, looking expectant.

...Well, compared to the Waldeurk family's treasure vault, it's nothing special.

That's regarding 'this treasure vault' I'm in right now.

I bluntly stated,

"To be honest, it's nothing special."

"......Is that so"

I interrupted Maximin and continued,

"You wouldn't say this is all there is stored here, would you, Lord Demon Hunter?"

"......What do you mean by that."

Maximin's expression changed drastically.

The friendly and kind face was gone.

This is intense.

But I still need to say what needs to be said.

I didn't come all this way to the Chalon family just to see such common artifacts.

"There are, in total, two places called 'treasure vaults' in the Waldeurk family. And even if one is considered part of the family, most are unaware of the existence of the vault where the 'true' treasures are stored."

"......"

"I thought that if the Waldeurk family had such an arrangement, perhaps the Chalon family might have something similar, Lord Demon Hunter."

Saying so, I calmly looked at Maximin.

After a while, Maximin spoke.

"Thats right. Families that are called influential powers on the continent tend to manage two types of treasure vaults. One is the commonly known treasure vault. Even the collateral family members are allowed access. And the other, as you say, houses the 'true' treasures. Only with the head's permission can one enter."

"It just so happens that I'm standing before the head of the great Chalon family."

"......Hahahaha. What a funny joke. I don't know exactly what 'true' treasures lie sleeping in the Waldeurk family."

Maximin paused for a moment before continuing.

"However, the 'true' treasures lying dormant in the Chalon family must never leave. It's not because you're an outsider, Theo. Even merely viewing them could be dangerous, let alone using them."

"Please allow me at least a glance. Seeing such items might bring about unexpected enlightenment."

"......It cannot be done."

I silently looked at Maximin as he shook his head.

'Is that so?'

The game features myth-grade artifacts described as more precious than entire countries.

The performance of these myth-grade artifacts is overwhelming, each capable of altering the course of a massive war.

Among them, one is stored in the Chalon family's 'true' treasure vault.

Though it's called a treasure vault, the place located at the deepest part of Chalon Castle is more like a facility for isolating and storing dangerous artifacts.

But having come this far, I cannot back down.

I absolutely need that item.

'No choice then.'

I'll have to open up about some of my secrets to persuade him.

Having organized my thoughts, I began to speak.

"......Lord Maximin."

If its not allowed, its not allowed, no matter how casually you call me.

"The continent is currently under a great threat. Personally, I believe it's in the most dangerous state since the [Mass Demon Extermination] incident that happened over 200 years ago."

"......Go on."

I had succeeded in piquing Maximin's curiosity.

"You must be aware of the recent invasion at the Elinia Academy. It's about the people behind that."

......Then, I push forward.

"I have been investigating the people behind it with the help of sponsors."

And so, I began to tell Maximin my story.

Keeping the fact that I was a possessed individual a secret, I mixed truth and lies appropriately.

In a plausible manner.

Theo's story came to an end.

Maximin fell into thought for a moment.

'It's highly likely that the group Theo is investigating is [Turning White].'

[Turning White].

A group that is currently being investigated by Captain Smith and numerous other high-level personnel.

A mysterious group that enticed his son, Markvern, to make a contract with a demon.

The more they investigated, the more daunting the group's immense power became.

"......"

Maximin gave a look to the boy who expressed a desire to 'wipe them all out' standing before him.

'I thought he was a safety-first type...... Maybe not. It's confusing.'

It seemed sincere.

Especially since the boy also revealed his own major weakness, suggesting that 'the head of the Waldeurk family might have been bought by them.'

Maximin said,

"So, Theo. To summarize your words, you're saying you would pay any price to confront them, even if it means looking at the object in the Chalon family's true treasure vault and losing your mind in the process?"

The boy answered immediately.

"Yes, that's correct, Lord Maximin."

The boy's eyes were resolute.

With a voice that did not tremble in the slightest, the boy continued,

"Moreover, it's not certain that one would go mad, is it? I simply have to overcome and move on. If there's even a slight chance, I believe it must be done."

"......Is that so."

Murmuring this, Maximin quickly turned his back on Theo.

Despite the situation where his father was bought by a force that is evil itself, he had a proactive attitude about doing what he needs to do.

Seeing his calm demeanor, Maximin felt a pang in his heart for some reason.

Regaining his composure, Maximin looked at Theo and said,

"Alright. I'll show you the true treasure vault of the Chalon family."

"Thank you, Lord Maximin."

"But, make me a promise. Whatever you see there, you must not speak of it to anyone. As far as anyone is concerned, you've never been there."

"Of course."

"Before we go, put on all these psychic protection artifacts over there. They'll protect your mind, albeit weakly, from the items resting there."

"Understood."

Theo immediately put on all the psychic protection artifacts that Maximin pointed to.

"All equipped."

"......Then let's go immediately."

Theo followed Maximin down the stairs.

Plod, plod

Unlike before, where magic lamps were attached to the walls, the surroundings were now completely dark.

The entire space was filled with a sinister aura.

After continuously descending the stairs for more than 10 minutes,

"We've arrived."

The two arrived in front of the true treasure vault of the Chalon family.

Maximin said,

"......Let's go in."

Maximin pushed open the door of the treasure vault, filled with all sorts of magical inscriptions.

Unlike the general treasure vault, the number of artifacts in the true treasure vault was limited.

There were only five, and each artifact was sealed and bound with magical chains.

However, the presence of each artifact surpassed all the artifacts combined in the general treasure vault.

Theo's gaze was fixed on one in the center, towering.

It was a sword, nobly bound in the tangled chains.

"......Ah."

A divine object that burns all evil.

A myth-grade artifact not called by its true name, but referred to as 'that.'

It was the [Demon Sword].