Published at 26th of December 2025 7:42 am

Chapter 510: To Proceed Further, You Must Agree to the Terms and Conditions

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Excuse me. I found a spot on the floor thats glowing.

After my unexpected encounter with Ruka, I hurried back to inform Zurich of what Id discovered. When I spoke to him, he was still examining fragments of something with an intense focus. Raising his head, he looked at me with a puzzled expression.

A glowing floor? Are you saying theres a surface made of some material that reflects light?

No, not quite like that Would you mind taking a look? I dont know how long itll stay glowing.

Hm Very well, lets go see it.

I couldnt outright tell him it was a teleportation circleI wasnt sure if that kind of knowledge was common among regular adventurers in this world. For now, I had to describe it vaguely.

Thankfully, Zurich seemed intrigued enough by my explanation, so we all gathered and returned to the spot I had mentioned.

As expected, the glowing floornow clearly identifiable as a teleportation circlewas still there, shimmering brightly. Upon seeing it, Zurich looked astonished, his whiskers practically standing on end.

Chuwa!? W-what is this? Ed-kun, what exactly did you do!?

I didnt do anything. It just lit up when I happened to pass by.

Hm? A mechanism that only activates when someone approaches But why didnt it react to the adventurers who surely passed here countless times before? Then again, maybe it requires other conditions Mmm, intriguing!

Zurich crouched to the ground, studying the glowing teleportation circle intently. I stayed alert, ready to grab him if he looked like he might step into it prematurely, but thankfully, he didnt make any careless moves.

These ancient characters Difficult to read from this position Nyamcket! Carry me and hover me just above the glowing floor!

Nyaa, got it, Sensei!

Be careful, alright? Neither of us must touch that glowing area!

I know, I know, Sensei. You worry too much, nya.

Nyamcket lifted Zurich, holding him so that his head was positioned against her stomach while she leaned toward the glowing circle. In this position, the two awkwardly shuffled around the circle, painstakingly taking nearly an hour to complete a full lap.

When Zurich was finally lowered back to the ground, he began explaining to the group.

Ive figured it out at last! That glowing floor appears to be a transport mechanisma workers access route to the genuine Dashiketama Ruins.

A workers access route? And what do you mean by genuine?

Tia tilted her head at his explanation, prompting Zurich to continue while nodding sagely.

Allow me to explain. Surrounding that glowing floor are inscriptions in the language of the ancient Elartoria civilization, the same civilization believed to have built these ruins. The inscriptions provide information about the destination of this so-called Transfer Circle Naramusra and the rules for its use.

Specifically, the inscriptions indicate that the circle leads to an entrance to Dashiketama that was still under construction at the time. If the destination is obstructed by foreign objects, the circle temporarily deactivates and requires the removal of the objects in collaboration with staff on the Dashiketama side before it can be reactivated.

It also specifies that usage of the circle requires prior authorization from a supervisor, that its magical circuits must be turned off after use to conserve resources, and that the union isnt responsible for damages caused by unauthorized use. Theres even a note stating that the repair costs for negligent damage will be deducted from the users salary.

Uh That just got really mundane all of a sudden

Chu-chu-chu, thats true, but its to be expected. Even extraordinary structures like this one were built by people. No matter how grand it may bewhether its the [Seat of the Gods Dashiketama] or anything elseits only natural that laborers and materials were involved in its construction.

The existence of an entrance for workers suggests that this isnt the actual Dashiketama Ruins, but rather a facility where construction workers once waited or stayed.

Come to think of it, there are over thirty identical rooms scattered throughout this ruin. I always found that odd. But if this was a temporary lodging for workers, it makes perfect sense now. In fact, its possible that historical records misinterpreted the name of this site. What was once described as the [Seat of the Gods, Dashiketama: Temporary Lodgings for Construction Workers, Reuesranokuto] may have lost its latter half due to incomplete documentation, leading to the current misunderstanding.

I see, Tia said, nodding thoughtfully.

Nyaa, Senseis insight is really sharp today!

Naturally! My observational skills are simply on a different level than yours! Zurich puffed out his chest, clearly pleased with himself.

But then, as if to shatter his image of caution, he casually stepped onto the glowing teleportation circle.

Uh, hey!?

Startled, I reached out to stop him, but it was too late. Zurich was already standing in the circle.

However Nothing happened.

Wait, what?

Did you see that? This so-called teleportation circle requires the user to agree to its terms before it activates. In other words, theres no danger of accidental activation if someone unintentionally steps on it. Even someone as careless as Nyamcket is safe!

Nyaa, thats rude, Sensei! Im not that careless, nya!

At Nyamukets protest, Zurichs eyes widened, and he pointed an accusatory finger at her.

How many times have you failed because you got distracted by something scurrying in front of you!? Do you deny it!?

Nyaa Thats just instinct for catfolk. I cant help it, nya.

And does that same instinct excuse you for grabbing my tail in your sleep?

Nyaa Sorry, nya.

Hmph. As long as youre reflecting on your actions, thats fine. Now, the real question is whether we should use this glowing floor to reach the genuine Dashiketama Ruins.

Wait, what!?

Having finished their playful argument, Zurich turned to ask the question without much deliberation.

This was a convenient development for me, but I couldnt hide my surprise.

Are you sure? Theres no guarantee well be able to come back quickly, and we dont even know if the destination is safe.

Chu-chu-chu, your concerns are valid. But notice how the glow of the floor is already dimming. According to the inscriptions, the circle consumes stored mana, which appears to be running low. We dont even know if well be able to replenish its energyonce it stops working, we may lose our chance to ever reach the genuine Dashiketama Ruins.

As for confirming the safety of the destination Since the inscriptions mention needing verbal approval for activation, someone has to go and find out. Naturally, that responsibility falls to me. If there are further ancient inscriptions at the destination, Im the only one here who can read them.

Thats undeniable

Even if Zurich wasnt a combatant, his reasoning made sense.

After hearing his determination, my answer could only be one thing.

Got it. In that case, well go with you.

Are you sure? As you said, theres no guarantee of safety.

Of course! Its our job to protect you from danger, isnt it, Tia?

Absolutely! With Ed and me, theres nothing to worry about!

Chu-chu-chu Excellent. Then the four of us shall venture into the unknown and uncover the true Dashiketama Ruins!

Yeah!

Right!

Nyaa!

With everyone exchanging determined nods, we stepped onto the glowing floor together.

Alright, here we go I accept, Aura! Zurich declared.

With his words,the light enveloped us, and we were transported to an uncharted place.

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