Another world, Celeste

Chapter 37, pt 3

"A terrible premonition is coming," Hovel mutters when his stomach churns unpleasantly for no reason.

Then, facing an unmarked wall, Hovel skilfully arranges the magi formula in the form of a key and inserts it into an unmarked spot on the mine vault's wall. Less than a second later, a part of the wall pulls down and a surge of immense pressure flows out of the room, rendering the dwarf motionless. Hovel instantly recognises the familiarity of the immense pressure and shifts his gaze inside despite the heaviness of his body. Standing in the middle of the room is another dwarf completely absorbed in observing the content inside a box with his hands resting on the head of a war hammer.

Hovel takes a deep breath before gathering all his strength to open his mouth.

"...Chief."

Upon being called, Chief taps his hand and the immense pressure emanating from the war hammer retracts into the room but it does not completely vanish. Hovel dares not to approach Chief without permission and remains by the entrance.

"Five minutes," says Chief without looking back.

"With cooperation from the Guild Masters and Sir Ronald, we discovered who are the most likely suspects with ties to hire a blast maker. Unfortunately, we are still unable to determine who amongst them is the blast maker. The earth-attribute mage must be wearing a magi item to conceal their mana," Hovel reports the result of his investigation from the information Iris found in the forest.

Chief simply nod, indicating that he is listening.

Hovel continues with his report. "For now, their movements are being monitored while Sir Ronald and the guards are covertly searching the town for any signs that more blast mechanisms might be hidden. Thus far, there is none."

"Have a priest with a light-attribute accompany them in their search, caution's sake," Chief interrupts as his gaze never leaves the box containing the Monster Taming Collar. "You may mention my name to young Hans."

"Yes, Chief."

Outwardly, Hovel looks composed but he is perturbed that a blast maker is somehow dealing with black mana and thought, "This is beyond my capability as a manager."

"You may request assistance from Iris. However, I advise that you do it properly," Chief permits with emphasis on that last part. "Whether she helps or not is entirely her choice."

Whether Chief is aware of his subordinate's dilemma or not, it provides Hovel with some relief. Iris' ability in tracking the blast maker has been a significant development for their investigation. None of the people leading the investigations would have expected the blast maker would be this close, particularly the Guild Master of the adventurers.

"I will be travelling west to conduct my own investigation. Hovel, I shall leave the matter here entirely to you and young Hans."

Hovel is greatly surprised by this sudden news. The west is widely known for its untracked treacherous mountains that no sane person dares to go to. Furthermore, beyond the mountains are inhabited by a calamity-class species. Perhaps this is the reason why Hovel had that terrible premonition from earlier.

"May I know when will you be leaving?" Hovel enquires.

"Nay, I shall depart when there are many eyes watching."

Hovel catches on to the intention of the chieftain instantly.

"Go now."

Chief ends it here.

Hovel bumps his fist on his chest and lowers his head in respect before turning around to leave.

Under the enveloping darkness of the alley with only the moon as the source of light, Hovel formulates a plan with several contingencies which requires the involvement of several notable individuals. He also needs to send an emergency message to the mountain of Chief's indefinite return.

Hovel then sighs in dismay.

"Oh goddess, why is there always trouble whenever I leave the mountain?"

Apart from the black bear sleeping by the mine vault's entrance, there is no answer to Hovel's muttering.