Academy's Second Seat [part 2 Complete]

Chapter 260: Family Head Contest (4)

Ian surveyed his surroundings.

This place was quite far from the capital, closer, in fact, to lands held by the rebels.

"Commander, there's nothing here!"

"Then let's go further down."

Rugged terrain and dense underbrush made the eastern part of the empire, known for its harsh landscape, even more forbidding, seemingly uninhabitable.

That made it an ideal location for a hideout.

"How far do you intend to go..."

"Ugh... I'm soaked through."

The soldiers grumbled as they searched the area, where a misstep could send one tumbling down a cliff, making it dangerous. With the thick underbrush, it was hard to see where the cliffs were.

Continuing to clear the brush and push forward, it was understandable that the soldiers were complaining.

Ian watched the soldiers for a while before speaking up.

"Let's take a break. But don't let your guard down even while resting."

"Oh! Finally..."

"Thank you!"

The soldiers brightened at Ian's words. For those who had traversed the harsh terrain, this rest was like nectar.

While the soldiers rested, Ian looked around, deep in thought.

'Is this really the right place...'

Research facilities for magic engineering are usually built in accessible locations because the things produced through magic engineering differ from regular magical tools.

Research on regular magical tools is based on deep studies of magic, whereas magic engineering focuses on mass production and efficiency.

Therefore, a typical magic engineering lab is attached to a factory, and having access to transportation is crucial for distribution.

This place was the most likely candidate among those Astina had predicted.

Although it was speculated that it could be within a territory held by the rebels, since Ian couldn't enter rebel-held lands, he had no choice but to hope this was the place.

Rustle─

Then, Ian heard the sound of brushing grass behind him.

Without missing a beat, he quickly turned and reached out his hand, thinking it was an enemy.

He was about to use magic but stopped upon seeing the person's face.

"...Rudy Astria?"

"...Huh?"

Rudy, too, was about to cast a spell but stopped upon recognizing Ian.

"...What are you doing here?"

"Why are you here?"

The two stared blankly at each other before sighing.

It had to be the same reason that brought both of them, who were supposed to be in the capital, to this place.

"Mana stones?"

"Yes, exactly."

"Did Astina tell you?"

"No, I asked Rie for information."

"Why?"

"The recent incident and Aryandor's bridge."

"The bridge?"

"Aryandor's bridge, isn't it made with magic engineering? So..."

"...No need to say more."