Volume 9 Chapter 18 Investigation Preparation
"Al, what are you thinking about?"
After Guildmaster Levy and Ruella left, Al was trying to examine the borrowed magic tool when Barbara spoke to him.
"Huh? Yeah. Well, I didn't expect it to be this big and heavy."
The security magic tool in Al's hands, 'Detect Invisible', 'Detect Illusion', and 'Detect Magic', was a half-spherical disk about 30cm (� 11.8 in) in diameter. It weighed around 2kg (� 4.4 lbs).
"I heard that the ones found in ancient ruins are smaller. But with current technology, this is the best they can do. Still, it costs about a hundred gold coins each."
"This costs a hundred gold coins...?"
Al was surprised and stared at the magic tool. The top of the half-sphere was shiny deep navy metal, hiding the magic circuit. It looked designed to be invisible from the surface. Lara had been teaching Al about magic tools for months, and he got good at reading magic circuits. He wanted to examine it more closely when he had time.
"Does this show direction and distance? Can you tell which one it reacted to?"
While talking, Al decided to ask Barbara for help. Eric had used the 'Detect Invisible' spell before to find a thief using 'Conceal.' It showed a rough idea of direction and distance, so they could use 'Dispel Magic.'
"With this device, the direction shines. Transparent things shine red, 'Illusion' shines blue, and magic shines green. You can tell the distance by how bright the light is. There are multiple devices in the mansion, so each person can match the direction with a map. By combining that info, you can find the target."
I see. When Al tried the contract ring before, he thought it only showed the direction of the paired ring, but it might also change brightness when you move away. He couldn�t test it much since he gave it to Joanna, but he needs to investigate more. This magic tool works within 50m (� 164 ft), so the ring might have a range too. Eric mentioned it wasn�t set up at town entrances because it was expensive and could be stolen, but that might not be the only reason. Needing someone to check could make installation harder. While Al was thinking, Barbara asked more questions.
"So, what are you going to do? Just waiting around won't be enough to stop it, I think. But you must have thought of something to have that kind of conversation, right? Since Al said that, I stopped saying more. I think Guildmaster Levy felt that vibe and asked Al to help with my investigation."
So that's why Barbara, who was so insistent about the attack, backed down so easily. He has really earned some trust.
"I just wanted to know how many of those magicians, or magic tools, they have. If I use it near their hideout, they might do something. But with something this big, I was thinking about how to carry it around."
"Oh, I see. Carrying that magic tool... That could provoke them. If they do something, we can fight back to protect ourselves."
Al shrugged lightly at Barbara's reaction. She always had such extreme ideas.
"Honestly, it would be great if I could use 'Detect Magic' myself, but I can't manage that right now. That said, I won't be going right away, okay? I have other preparations to make, and I need to check how to use this magic tool. The earliest would be tomorrow night."
"Not today, but tomorrow night?"
"Yeah, are you thinking of coming along?"
"Of course. Besides, if it's just you, you won't be able to handle it if they show up, right?"
Barbara looked happy. She didn't plan to make a big deal out of it, but maybe she was feeling a lot of pent-up frustration? But that's good. Al was worried about how much he could do alone.
"Alright. Since you're offering, I'll let you help. Since you suggested the attack, you must have the plans for that place, right?"
"Is it the Sunny Holiday Inn? I have a rough idea."
As expected, she works fast. Maybe she found the builders or some former employees.
"Also, one more thing. Can you bring the person who used the magic tool I borrowed here for security, along with Ms. Barbara, tomorrow night?"
"Ah, there are a few people, but I haven't told the others yet... Should we ask Reginald to do it? Of course, he did this kind of thing when he was just starting out, and he should be good at it. He's pretty skilled at various things. ...Oh!"
As she said this, Barbara seemed to realize something.
"I got it. We'll do the opposite of what we did during security."
As expected, Barbara understood quickly. Al thought he could only track the number of people and magic tools, but if he can do more, that would be ideal. He nodded at Barbara. During security, they placed the magic tool in a fixed spot to check targets based on direction, distance, and room layout.
By carrying the tool around, they should be able to check the magician's room and any magic tools in the (Sunny Holiday) inn. However, since the effective range is about 50m (� 164ft) for both sides, they could also be detected. Even if they disguise themselves as a light magic tool, they can only do it once or twice. It would be great if it works out.
"That sounds good. We can monitor the number of people coming and going, but investigating those things is tricky. However, it might take a little getting used to. I'll practice a bit with Reginald. Tomorrow night, right?"
* * *
The next day, when Al returned to the (Red-Faced Sheep) inn at the scheduled time, Barbara and Reginald were already there, having a meal in the dining hall. Al also asked Iris for dinner and took a seat with the two of them.
"You're early."
"Ah, I heard from Barbara that the food here is delicious. Since we're going to eat anyway, we decided to wait for Al while eating here."
Reginald was happily eating the signature dish of Mr. Russ, the cream stew made with mane rabbit. Al had eaten it before too. He remembered liking the spicy taste of the golden frill leafy vegetable that was cooked together with it.
"The food here is really good, right? I heard it's tough to get the vegetables. Some of them even come from Milton,"
Al replied proudly.
"That's nice! I come here sometimes too. The daily specials keep it interesting. So, is everything ready on your end, Al?" Barbara asked.
Al nodded a little, looking unsure.
"I think I need a bit more practice, but I'll manage..."
Actually, while waiting to meet up, Al practiced the 'Spasm' spell he learned against goblins. He worked on stopping their attacks when they tried to claw at him. At first, he often failed, but he started to succeed. He thought he might have pushed himself too hard, but with Patricia and the others as possible targets of attack magic, he needed to get it right.
Thanks to the big-mouthed lizard leather armor he made earlier, he hadn't gotten seriously hurt, but without it, he would have been covered in wounds by now.
That said, he still didn't know how much faster a human magician's spell casting was compared to a goblin's attack. However, it was clear that he could see a chance to stop the spells, so he wasn't completely helpless.
However, because of the spy trouble in the Tempest Kingdom, the 'Telepathy' spell that was almost ready to use and the 'Fly' spell are both on hold. Al wants to wrap this up quickly.
"Well then, shall we go after we eat?"
"Yes, let's do our best."
The 3 of them enjoyed a delicious dinner and headed towards the Sunny Holiday Inn.
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