Derrick was playing with a glass of wine in his hand, savoring its taste. Of course, he couldn't realistically get drunk, but he enjoyed the custom.
In front of him was Brigand, also enjoying the flavorful beverage. They were both in the lounge in which they had previously negotiated their agreement.
"I understand that you don't have a lot of time, so I already made arrangements for tomorrow. I have to say that your request made me call in quite a few favors hahaha"
The burly man laughed and grimaced, making Derrick feel bad. He realized the magnitude of even allowing access to such a spell.
"I hope the favor you ask of me will be able to repay you. I wouldn't like to feel indebted at the end of our arrangement"
"I'll keep it for a rainy day, don't worry... As for how tomorrow will go, we'll have to go to the City Hall and be inspected. Don't bring your armor, or you'll be under heavy suspicions and most-likely interrogated. I told them that I was bringing a scholar to study the mechanisms behind the spell. I don't know how you'll use the information, but be aware that you'll be put on a list afterward. It's to keep track of any individual who could possibly replicate it and endanger the sovereignty of the Empire"
Derrick nodded through the rundown and tried to wrap his brain around how he'd avoid any fallout.
Right now, he was weaker than an ant when compared to the behemoth Krakow represented, so he still had to thread carefully.
In the end, he decided he would have to go in 'dry', as he would be instantly flagged and under surveillance if his attempt to hide his identity was revealed.
The possible gains meant it was time to test his luck.
***
The City Hall was located at the very center of Terra, and it was a sight to behold.
It was approximately 300 meters tall and was built with the finest materials. The giant slabs of white marble didn't have any defects and when the sun shone on them, the reflection's intensity didn't diminish at all.
It was the beacon of the city.
As soon as Derrick and Brigand entered, they were met by a platoon of elite soldiers wearing steel armors. Their auras overwhelmed the currently 'weak' Derrick, and he had to say he was impressed.
He had guessed he couldn't use his appraisal skill, since there were probably countermeasures in place. The fact that he also didn't know the strength of his system heavily limited his options.
A simple City Capital was as strong as he expected. He couldn't wait to see the higher echelons.
In charge of the group was a young man as tall as Derrick. However, his appearance was simply horrendous. His entire face was riddled with scars that had caused deformities. He was, in the shortest of terms, disfigured.
While controlling his facial expressions, the necromancer walked forward before respectfully bowing. The ugly man seemed to appreciate the gesture.
"Welcome to Terra's City Hall. I'm Wilko Oswell, and I'm in charge of the division regarding the Discovery Spell"
After exchanging their greetings, they started walking.
"As you all know, these types of spells are jewels and are heavily protected by Empires. They are, after all, what keeps the economy going. We rarely, if ever, allow visitors, but when we heard that the respected Lancaster merchant had a Scholar friend who wanted to study them, we were pleased. If you do not mind me asking, in what magical field do you study?"
Derrick could see the sharp gaze underneath all the scarred tissue. Wilko was obviously trying to find any irregularities.
However, Derrick wasn't stupid. He had come prepared.
"It might surprise you, but I study armor compositions. I figured that a spell that could identify various minerals might be able to advance my research and allow me to reach the next level"
Wilko was indeed surprised. That particular field already had many scholars, and they were important to any Empire, as soldiers with better weapons and armors would exponentially increase its military might.
"Interesting... Then I hope that your findings are bountiful, and that you'll serve Our Emperor with everything you'll learn"
Derrick sneered inwardly. He would be serving something to that Emperor, alright.
They had been walking for a solid five minutes and had seen many departments already. It was a testament to how huge the place really was. The platoon continued and arrived in front of a large steel door, located at the extreme opposite of the entrance.
Wilko placed his hand on it and runes started appearing on the door. They were unintelligible and shone brightly, to the point where Derrick had to turn away.
After a loud creaking sound, it made way.
"This is a magical vault. It only opens to someone who has been authorized"
Wilko looked proud of the mechanism and its imposing nature. Derrick, on the other hand, was filled with interest and couldn't help but wonder about its cost.
It reminded him of the magical doors at the Slave Market, which frustrated him quite a bit. Questions that would be unanswered... again.
Before going forward, Derrick and Brigand were patted down. He had obviously followed Brigand's advice, deciding to only wear his black cloak.
When the soldier's searched him, he was surprised to find out that Derrick was ripped. He clearly wasn't the ordinary run-of-the-mill scholar.
After being cleared, they entered a brightly lit room of small dimensions. It had no decor, with the only furniture present being a small table.
What caught Derrick's attention was the scroll that was disposed on it.
"You'll have an hour to study it, so use your time wisely. We've already noted your identities in our registry. If you have any questions, I'll gladly answer them"
Wilko finished his speech and retreated to a corner of the room.
Derrick was brimming with excitement. This was the moment that would anchor is status as a ruler.
While sitting at the table, he observed the scroll and... couldn't understand a thing.
"System, please tell me you can copy this skill?"
[Affirmative. However, the complexity is too high, meaning that only partial copying is possible. Would you like to proceed?]
It was an unexpected setback, but it was still an enormous outcome.
Since everything happened in his consciousness, no external magic should be able to detect the process.
It was time to gamble.
"Yes"
[The task will last 45 minutes]
Derrick held his breath and continued to fake his interest in the scroll. Even if he was completely oblivious, he still had to act the part.
After seeing that nothing was happening, he relaxed. Next to him was Brigand, who seemed clueless as well.
"Sir Oswell, you were right. This level of complexity is unprecedented. It is very regretful that I only have an hour with such a masterpiece. The Empire is truly blessed to possess this treasure"
Flattery was one of the ways to avoid raising suspicions, and Derrick would be the most shameless fellow in the room if he had to.
And apparently, it worked.
"I'm glad you recognize the genius behind it. Not everyone can appreciate it"
The farce went on for the full hour before the duo finally left the City Hall.
During the way out, Derrick had been seen smiling like an idiot, with his escorts associating his behavior with the fact that he had been given a rare opportunity.
However, the only thing that Derrick had on his mind was the spell's description.
[Discovery - Partial]
[Grade : Rare - Upgradable]
[Nature : Utility]
[Description : Allows its caster to find a particular resource in a radius of 10 kilometers (The radius will increase if the spell is upgraded)]
The mini-heist had been successful, with its ramifications shaking the entire continent...
***
In a small room, Wilko happily made his report. He rarely had visitors, and the ones he had today had been delightful.
After hearing the account, the man's striking blue eyes were filled with disdain. How could mere frogs at the bottom of a well understand magic of this level? They had given up a huge fortune to marginally increase their knowledge.
Nobody on this land could rival the Krakow Empire, or so he thought...