Wizard: I Add Points and Hunt Monsters

At the end of the long flight of stairs, by the entrance to the main building, maids in slightly loose-fitting black servant uniforms bowed their heads respectfully as the group approached.

Collins stepped forward with a stern expression and gestured for the guards to open the large, gold-trimmed doors. "Distinguished guests, this way, please."

Lisi strode casually through the doors, while Marco’s gaze lingered on the maids for a moment before he followed.

[You are targeted by the killing intent of Modest Benavides. Evaluation: If he dares show his face, don’t hesitate. Put a bullet in him. Reward: Survival Points +1.]

Huh?

Wei’en noticed the prompt just as he stepped through the doors. He paused for a beat, then continued forward, his expression unchanged.

’Anyone I could kill with a single shot wouldn’t be able to get near me in the first place. Lisi could handle them with one finger.’

He wasn’t worried in the slightest.

"A Scorpion?"

Just after passing through the foyer, Marco’s eyes were drawn to a skull mounted on the wall of the main hall.

"Investigator Marco has a discerning eye. That is indeed the skull of an infamous Scorpion from the Cordo Sea, one of Young Master Ramiro’s recent trophies." 𝚏𝕣𝐞𝗲𝐰𝕖𝐛𝐧𝕠𝕧𝚎𝚕.𝐜𝚘𝗺

Collins beamed, his eyes narrowing as if he were the one who had hunted the Scorpion.

Marco sneered. "It’s only twenty years old."

"Er," Collins pursed his lips as if to offer a rebuttal, but ultimately held his tongue.

"Please follow me. The Guardian Divine Statue is located near Mister Sayam’s living quarters, behind the side hall."

Wei’en’s gaze lingered on the enormous Scorpion skull for a few moments.

True to its name,

the Scorpion’s single, sharp horn was as tall as a man and pointed straight at them. Its maw was filled with razor-sharp fangs, suggesting an astonishing bite force.

’It seems that Young Master Ramiro is unexpectedly powerful.’

Wei’en then began to survey the room’s decor.

Ever since entering, he had noticed the interior decor was both rugged and opulent. The skeletons of marine creatures were displayed everywhere, alongside deep-sea corals and pearls.

A massive nautical chart was painted across the ceiling, its rough lines delineating the borders between continents and oceans.

He even found the markings for the Cordo Sea and Caster City State on it.

The surrounding walls were covered with paintings of various marine subjects: huge, menacing octopuses; terrifying Sea Snakes; and all manner of sailing ships...

As they ventured deeper inside, the skeletons of various fish and Sea Monsters became even more numerous, mounted on the walls to serve as sconces for candles.

"One can tell you’re fond of seafaring adventures."

Lisi glanced around and asked coolly, "Did that Ramiro fellow bring these back as well?"

"Most of them, yes. A small part belongs to Mister Sayam’s personal collection."

After that, the group fell silent, following Collins toward the rear of the estate.

Collins carried a lantern, its dim, yellow light stretching their shadows long. Clearly, a house this large had its drawbacks; not every room could get sunlight.

[You have entered a repository of an unknown entity’s faith. As your Spirit level is over 30, you have successfully resisted the corrosion of the Power of Storm Faith. Evaluation: Howling gales and torrential rain, a roiling, jade-green sea. Something to that effect. Special Reward: Survival Points +3, Spirit Level +1.]

’The Power of Storm Faith...’

Wei’en merely glanced at the notification, not paying it much mind.

’This is solid proof. The Ceres Clan are devout followers of the Storm Church.’

[You have entered a repository of faith for the Lord of Dawn, Orpheus. As your Spirit level is over 40, you have successfully resisted the corrosion of the Power of Dawn Faith. Evaluation: Where there is light, there is Dawn, and vice versa. Special Reward: Survival Points +5, Spirit Level +1.]

’A repository of Dawn Faith??’

Wei’en glanced around. ’They keep a faith-gathering totem for the Lord of Dawn here, too?’

Before he could spot anything, another message materialized on his panel.

[You have made contact with the Power of Dawn Faith again. Orpheus’s attention toward you +1. Current Rank: 9889. Evaluation: The Lord of Dawn, what a busy little bee. Special Reward: Origin +1.]

’Not this again—’

Wei’en grimaced. ’So just coming into contact with the Power of Dawn Faith increases His attention on me, huh?’

’Doesn’t He have anything better to do?’

’Besides, if I remember correctly, my rank has even dropped.’

’Last time I checked, I was ranked 9789.’

’A busy little bee... Does the panel mean the Lord of Dawn is constantly spreading His faith and taking notice of new people?’

’If so, He really is diligent.’

’Still, this is a good thing. A higher rank clearly comes with no benefits.’

Before long, Collins stopped before a wooden door. "This is the place. The Guardian Divine Statue of the great Ceres Clan is kept here."

Lisi scanned the surroundings. "Here? No guards?"

"No. This is part of Mister Sayam’s personal quarters. Aside from family members, no one may enter without express permission."

Wei’en asked, "Then is the passageway we came through the only way in?"

"Yes, Investigator Wei’en."

Collins pointed to a nearby hallway. "That way leads to the basement, which has no outside exit."

With that, he took out a key, unlocked the door, and said, "Please, step inside."

The four of them filed in, surveying the small room.

The room’s furnishings were simple, consisting only of a table holding a white candle and a raised platform that was clearly some kind of altar.

A few portraits hung on the surrounding walls, the subjects all bearing the distinct features of the Oldes Race.