Above The Sky
Chapter 360 - 360 332 Patrick's Relics 23

360: Chapter 332 Patrick’s Relics (2/3) 360: Chapter 332 Patrick’s Relics (2/3) The nobleman in his middle years let out a cry of alarm, as he violently stood up, his expression turning particularly unsightly, “How can this be?!”

It was not out of jealousy.

To be honest, Viscount Grant believed that he understood the concept of a Labyrinth Master slightly better than the average adventurer.

These people, or Magical Beasts, although they possessed great control over the Labyrinth, could suffer intensely if they failed to properly maintain it.

From mental stimulation to withdrawal reactions, and even sleepwalking control issues could arise.

The larger the Labyrinth, the greater the constraints on the Labyrinth Master.

Sometimes, there would be cases where Magical Beasts and adventurers that became Labyrinth Masters were completely brainwashed by the Labyrinth itself, turning into the Labyrinth’s own defense mechanisms.

At that point, it would be more accurate to call them a slave of the Labyrinth rather than its so-called Master, much like a worker bee in a beehive, exhausting all its power and life to maintain the hive itself.

But at least a beehive has many worker bees, while a Labyrinth only has one Master!

If we look at the South Sea Great Labyrinth, without the Second Energy Level, Ian might not even be able to preserve his own will.

They were also lucky that they had managed to rush out of the Labyrinth under the protection of the White Mist Bishop, otherwise the outcome would be unimaginable.

But what’s most critical is the Labyrinth Master himself.

“How come, I thought the death of that Crystal Dragon was a stroke of good fortune.

Now, if the Imperial Capital sends someone demanding that Ian, as the Labyrinth Master, cooperate with their research on the Labyrinth, what reason could I possibly come up with to refuse?”

At this moment, the Viscount’s expression was extremely somber and grave.

The exposure of the South Sea Great Labyrinth had become inevitable.

Following this, appraisers from the Imperial Labyrinth Management Department would arrive at Harrison Port, tasked with assessing and appraising the Labyrinth before sending out professional explorers for its exploration.

Professional explorers differ from ordinary adventurers in that their job is simply to identify resources and treasures within the Labyrinth, compiling a ‘Strategic Resource Assessment Report’ that would be added to the statistical system.

Ordinary adventurers are merely contracted employees hired by the official and public sectors to excavate the hidden resources within the Labyrinth.

While it might seem that adventurers can amass quite a fortune, they also have to pay taxes and make purchases.

If they indeed wish to earn money, the most convenient method would certainly be to sell the resources from the Labyrinth to official channels—the price paid by officials is sure to be controlled.

Including taxes and surety, it would only be slightly more expensive than if the officials had set up a specialized mining operation.

But this way, there is no need to pay compensation for injuries or ensure the adventurers’ safety.

On ordinary days, they can even make extra money by running an insurance business!

Not to mention the various exploration tool shops established by the local Lords themselves.

A Labyrinth could indeed drive the industrial development of a region, and the involvement of adventurers would lay all gains out in the open.

This arrangement is to prevent local Lords from clandestinely excavating and concealing the actual conditions of the Labyrinth, secretly accumulating wealth and military power, and other such circumstances.

Of course, Viscount Grant wanted to excavate clandestinely, conceal the true situation of the Labyrinth, and secretly accumulate wealth and military power—thus, from the beginning, he had never intended to attract the attention of the Imperial Capital.

Instead, he planned to bribe officials in the Labyrinth Management Department with relationships, asking them to assess the South Sea Labyrinth as a ‘medium-small sized Labyrinth’ and handle an official ‘Labyrinth Excavation Proxy Permit.’

By doing so, he could continue to explore the Great Relic Cluster without drawing attention.

However, due to the changes brought by the Natives and Patrick, the South Sea Great Labyrinth had become an unquestionable reality.

The Labyrinth Management Department would not dare to accept a bribe of this magnitude.

Given these circumstances, Viscount Grant still had other methods—specialized surveyors and adventurers would need time for their work, and he had plenty of ways to make the Labyrinth extremely complex and difficult to explore.

Whether it be logistical or other aspects of foot-dragging, as the local Lord and snakehead, he could make it difficult for everyone to make progress.

Ten years, twenty years wouldn’t be a problem, as long as he wanted, he could even accompany this group of full-time workers dawdling while mobilizing others to explore the ruins ahead of them.

However, if Ian’s identity as the Labyrinth Master were to be revealed, that would be troublesome.

The Labyrinth Management Department’s request for Ian’s assistance in exploration couldn’t be refused, and Els had no intention of rebelling.

“This matter must be concealed.”

With a casual wave of his hand, Ian’s report turned into pulp, a fine mist completely destroying the structure of the paper.

Viscount Grant, originally weary, suddenly became spirited.

He frowned as he looked out the window: “Bishop White Mist, Master Gossay, and Yisen Gard…

To keep this from the Imperial Capital, these people must also be convinced.”

“Aside from Bishop White Mist, the others should not be difficult—but just to be safe, Ian cannot stay in Harrison Port.

Whether it’s being eroded by the Labyrinth or being identified by the people of the Imperial Capital, I cannot accept it.”

“Indeed, I must have him knighted and sent out early to roam; it’s good for him and for me too.”

Resolved, the Viscount slowly settled back into his seat.

Leaning against the chair back, looking up at the ceiling, he couldn’t help but sigh and then said through clenched teeth, “Ah…

Pat, you sure died easy, leaving me all these troubles.”

“I really wish I could have personally hacked you to death with a sword.”

With this thought, the Viscount sensed someone approaching from outside the door.

It was the sound of familiar footsteps.

“My dear, what is it?”

He turned his head toward the door, and upon hearing the voice of the room’s owner, the red-haired Treasurer opened the door.

Lamar had a puzzled expression, but he still approached the Viscount with etiquette and reported, “My Lord, Mr.

Patrick left something for you to see.”

“He had a casket left at the Platinum Iridium Workshop, and Mr.

Patrick had told the workshop staff that if the Origin Quality pattern on the casket’s surface started flickering, they should send the casket to the Viscount’s Mansion for your personal inspection.”

“Although Mr.

Patrick fought with you a few days ago, I thought you would want to see it, so after ensuring there was no danger, I had The Gate Guard accept the casket.”

“Would you like to see it?”

Lamar asked.

“Of course…

as expected, you know me well.

What the hell did that bastard leave me?

He even has the nerve to leave something for me?”

Taking a deep breath, the Viscount stood up.

Aside from indignation, there was a hint of unnoticed sorrow in his tone.

Lamar looked up at the middle-aged man who was no longer young but had lost an old friend.

Compared to more than a decade ago, when he, a native, had rescued him and his people, protecting them behind him with a proud and vigorous spirit…

Viscount Grant had indeed aged.

The wrinkles at the corners of his eyes and his tired demeanor all testified to this fact.

He couldn’t help but sigh softly in his heart, then calmly said.

“Then I will bring it back for you, my Lord.”