While I expected something along those lines, Odar and Harsh looked absolutely stunned. I guess it was the first time that they were arrested, not the other way around.

People who came to get us were also not very comfortable in this circumstance either. They were, after all, asked to essentially arrest their own boss. Thanks to that, after a few awkward looks, they did not bind either of us nor did they strip us from our belongings, instead just led us towards the, very familiar to me after all those visits, dungeon.

Understanding the uniqueness of this situation, most of us went with it without an issue. Only person that required convincing was the kid. He did hasten his movements when he noticed that I started to move with the guards carrying his book though.

We were put each in a different room, or cell rather, and were told to wait for further instructions. When the person escorting me was about to leave, he hesitated for a second, most likely thinking of searching me, but decided against it for some reason and without a word closed the door behind him.

Having a minute to myself, I opened the book once more, just to make sure if I did not miss anything last time. Even though it was slightly more worn and greener, most likely thanks to the monster’s ichor and the overall dirt of battle, the contents were exact as I remembered. Same mumbled text, continuing on repeat through the pages. I started flipping through, and sure enough, whenever I looked, it was the same thing over and over. If I didn’t know what that was, I’d most likely say that it’s some weird mantra, but nope. It was just pointless.

There was nothing left but to wait.

I sat there, expecting for someone to show up after a few minutes or so, but I am pretty sure that I sat there for at least half an hour and still there was no sign of anybody. Bored out of my mind, I was flipping through the pages just to kill time, gazing past the same sentences over and over again. I finally had to stop, reaching the end of the book, and as I was to flip it back over to do it yet again, something caught my attention - the back of the book was a lot thicker than the front. At first, I did not think much about it, thinking that it was just the design choice and slammed the book close. That’s when I felt something strange.

The back cover was thick, right, but it was a lot heavier than it should. Comparing it to the front, it was maybe three times its weight, but it was not even twice as thick. Intrigued, I turned to the last page, checking if maybe there was at least something different written there, but no luck. I wanted to inspect the back cover more carefully, but the cell was not the best place to do that - it was dark, and I was not going to gamble and use magic. Who knows how the guards would react, especially after the attack.

Speaking of, as I was considering how to not make myself even more enemies and cause even more misunderstandings, someone appeared at the cell door and unlocked it.

It was one of the guards that led me here in the first place. Without a word, he gestured for me to leave and pointed me towards the cell on the other edge of the corridor - the larger one where not so long ago I met with the king.

Everyone was already inside. King, Odar, For, Harsh. Even the kid was there. As soon as I entered the room Odar promptly sent away the guard who let me out of the cell.

-I am sorry for locking you in for that long - started Axelrod. - I wanted to get down here as soon as possible, but the aftermath of the attack was more hectic than I expected.

No one even dared to complain and everyone just listened intently.

-So. As you all might have guessed, we have a problem. Or even a couple of them. First off, the attackers. Do any of you have any idea who we are dealing with?

-I am not sure if we should talk about this with outsiders - muttered Odar quietly.

He was clearly meaning me and the kid. I was about to say something, but the king was quicker than me.

-Ah yes, outsiders. Very well, if you think that is not safe, then let’s leave that for later. I am also yet unsure how we should treat our “guests” yet… - he said, gazing at me with interest.

-Okay then, let’s stop beating around the bush - stood up Harsh, looking directly at me. - What the hell is that?

He was pointing towards the book that I still had with me.

-I am curious as well - stated the king. - And if I am correct, that’s your’s, right, boy?

Felix, quiet until now, jumped and yelped when heard his name.

-I think I have a vague idea sir - spoke up Odar, looking at the kid.

-Go on.

-When I came back to the capital, I was informed that my presence was requested to inspect some kind of artifact that I apparently said was interesting.

-You said that was interesting…?

-That’s what caught my attention too - he nodded. - I rarely get interested in such things, and for some kind of item like that just to waltz right into my hands, it felt… suspicious. That is until I saw who was that.

-You know this child then?

-Sort of. I met him once, when I was visiting a certain town and indeed I said that that book of his was of interest to me. I was in a rush, so I told him that I am from the capital. I never expected that he’s going to come here, alone to boot. If you recall, Your Majesty, I mentioned it briefly to you once.

-Really?

-Yes. You told me to keep an eye for void artifacts. Well, this thing has no magic whatsoever, which I found a bit intriguing, but that’s not exactly…

-Yes… I remember now…

He looked interested.

-The book. May I? - he pointed right at me.

-It’s not like I am the owner… - I shrugged and handed over the tome.

He quickly opened it and started reading.

The longer he was reading, the more furled his brow became, to the point where it looked like he just had a massive headache.

-Is everything alright, My Lord? - asked Harsh, noticing his frustration.

-Are you sure that it’s the same item we used to ward off that monster? - he turned directly to me.

-Yes. A bit of an unusual read, right?

-You can read this? - suddenly jumped For, quiet until now.

-Silence! - snapped at her Harsh. - You are in the presence of the king and you will only speak when told to!

That was a bit rough.

-Harsh.

The name itself made him shut up.

-That is a good question though. Can you read those words? - continued the king as if nothing had just happened.

-Yes.

-Interesting… So, what is your opinion on this artifact, mr. Mor?

For a second, I started considering how much I should tell them. But, in light of the recent events, I felt like cooperation was my best bet.

-If I may be honest, it’s hardly an artifact. The contents of the book are completely useless and carry no magical power.

-And what, a piece of paper just warded off spells of such a large magnitude that they overpowered a head of Red Mages… and you, who are arguably more powerful than her, if I am to believe Odar...

Ah. So he did come and snitch on me.

-You overestimate me.

-I do not. I have seen many people and many magics, but yours is something else… Hell, if I was to compare your strength…

He stopped short and changed the subject.

-In any case, how then would you explain the strange anti-magic properties that this item possesses if not for some kind of spell?

-That is a good question… I asked that myself a few times when I was waiting for your summons and I have an idea.

-Please, enlighten us - said mockingly Harsh from the other edge of the room.

-Don’t you all think that’s weird that this book is so well made, yet it is not symmetrical? - I asked the room, ignoring the remark.

-Symmetrical? - the king raised his brow, getting a closer look at the book. - Not particularly. A lot of books nowadays are hand-made and have some kind of defect…

He raised the book in front of his eyes, eying it carefully.

-But I suppose you are right, it isn’t. What of it?

-Hand made you say? I mean, sure, it might be, but to me it feels like it’s been done on purpose. Before I was fetched, I was about to get to it, but would you mind inspecting the back cover?

-It’s… heavy… - he noticed after a moment, weighing the book in his hands. - What does…

His eyes suddenly opened wide. - Odar, dagger.

He quickly grabbed a blade handed to him and before any of us was able to react, he started cutting open the cover of the book, separating it from the rest.

As he picked it up, it was even more obvious - there was something hidden in the cover of the book. It had to be carefully stuck in place though, since it wasn’t making any noise, even when shaken.

Back on the edge of the room, Felix finally noticed what happened to his prized possession and slumped on the ground in disbelief.

-Don’t worry, you will be paid handsomely for this. And if my hunch is right, you might even get something more… - said Axelrod, waving him off.

He did not answer, instead just started weeping quietly on the floor.

I noticed Harsh rolling his eyes and For looking at him with sadness.

-In any case…

He picked up the dagger again, and now started carefully trying to cut open the remains of the book, splitting it open, layer after layer.

Suddenly, his eyes widened in disbelief and he picked up the pace, ripping through the paper with visibly less care.

-Your Majesty? - Odar noticed the sudden shift as well and stepped closer, looking at the remains of the book.

He stopped.

-Huh. Now I understand…

Axelrod, looking at whatever he found, had a mixed expression on his face. Something between excitement and fear if I was to guess.

-So I was right, something was in there - I said and without waiting for the answer, I approached, looking at what he uncovered, followed by everyone else in the room, even including the kid, still weeping though.

For a good second I thought I was seeing things, to the point where I had to rub my eyes multiple times and I even pinched myself, just to be sure.

On the desk, right in front of the king, there was a large, black, rectangular box. A bit scratched, but still in a decent condition - a portable hard drive.

I guess it made sense - the book did have some kind of anti-magic field around it, I just never expected for it to be from a piece of technology.

Not only I was stunned by this finding. The kid, For and Harsh looked moderately curious, they seemed like they had no idea what they were looking at. What was more interesting though, the king and Odar looked more concerned and excited than confused, which seemed… odd.

For a good while I felt disappointed. Since I arrived here and realized that this is indeed a different world, I low key was hoping for technology to not be advanced. So far, my wish was granted, that is until that moment.

-Is there any representative of Insight in the city? - asked the king, still looking at the drive. - Anyone?

-I am afraid not sir - shook his head Odar. - Recently their followers have been migrating out and with them every single high ranked priest. As long as that is going on, the highest we can get is most likely just some nun caring for children that stayed behind.

-Damn it… And I was hoping to get this over quickly…

-Your Majesty, if I may… - said Harsh, still looking confused. - But what are we dealing with? What is this exactly?

That question suddenly woke him up. Till now, he seemed lost in thoughts and looked like he forgot who was also in the room. He quickly scanned every face in the chamber and stood up.

-This is something that does not belong to us, nor should it be here. It’s good that you found it… Felix, was it? - he turned to the kid, who looked at him frightened.

-Does that mean…

-No, no, you are fine - the king smiled. - It’s good that you managed to bring it to us. The best case scenario in fact. Harsh. Make sure he is rewarded for his service. Gold, books, anything he feels like he needs, he is to be given. This - he pointed at the desk - is a very precious item, one of a few that I have been looking for for a long time. Sadly, I am not able to publicly announce that, I hope you understand.

He stood up and put his arm on the kid's shoulder.

-I also would request for you to not speak about this item or, in a matter of fact, anything that you have seen so far here, to anyone besides people present in this room - And grabbing Harsh’s shoulder with his other arm added - that includes you too.

I shuddered, feeling a hint of mana flow through the three of them.

-Sir.

-Now take him and go. I still need to think a few things over.

He waved his hand, dismissing everyone.

For was about to follow them, but was stopped by Odar. He looked outside and closed the door after the footsteps of Harsh disappeared behind the corner.

-I think we are clear.

-Good - he sat back down, looking at me directly. - Let’s get down to the real problem then. Who in the hell are you, Mor?

-Excuse me?

-You heard me. Who are you?

-I think I don’t understand? Have I done something wrong?

-No. Quite opposite in fact. Everything you do seems… just too good to be true.

He scratched his chin and was drilling me with his eyes.

-I understand, there are wandering sages. Sometimes there just happen to be people who know a lot about magic that decide that traveling is their calling and want to explore the world, feeling brave. Bah, I was one of them for a while.

-So what…

-But that time has long passed. Nowadays, the best you get is a wandering minstrel, and even then, their knowledge is shallow and they tend to keep to cities. So I am asking again. Who are you?

I sighed, tired.

-I thought we already went through this…

-Me too. I was giving you the benefit of the doubt and just let you go, but after today's show, I can not in my right mind do that. Spells as powerful, if not even stronger than those of a guild master, mana capacity on par with me, and if that was not enough - he pointed at the item laying on the desk in front of him - knowledge about this? I am sorry, but it’s unheard of.

Shit, so I also had to be wary of that?

-The expression on your face tells me that you are hiding something. The deal is off - he said in a rough tone. - Earlier, you probably would be able to convince me, but now I can not be satisfied with some second-hand declaration of your…

He did not finish, just gestured towards For.

-So, how will it be?

I finally had to realize that my plan failed. Well, most of it.

Resigned, I sat on the free piece of a bench nearby, sighing.

-Fine. What do you want to know?

That caught the attention of For. Until now, she was just standing there, half listening.

-Let’s get the hard part through first.

He extended his hand and was about to reach to touch me, before he hesitated.

-If you want to cast the truth spell again, don’t bother. I will just not talk instead of lying. And I am pretty sure that the spell is still having the effect on me, I wouldn’t be so complacent and agreeing otherwise.

-I noticed - he nodded, but cast the spell anyway. - Let us start then. What religion do you follow?

That question caught me off guard.

-Of all things you could’ve asked me, you are choosing this? - I asked him with disbelief.

-Question as good as any other.

-Don’t think so, but sure.

-So?

-The reply is: none. I have heard of religions of this region and I do not intend to follow either.

-Hm. I guess that works. Let’s continue then. Do you know what that is? - he pointed to the item on the desk.

-Ah yes, the elephant in the room.

-Ele…

-Just a saying. Yes, I know. But I can’t help but wonder, do you know?

-Don’t try my patience - said from the side Odar, listening intently to my questioning. - You are talking to the king.

-I am aware. Yet I am still asking. I can ask you, if you want, since you also seem to know what this is.

He looked at the king questioningly.

-Indulge him. Not like he can just pretend that he knew the answer all along when you tell him. Not with me around.

-It’s an artifact from an old era - he finally replied after a long while of silence. - We call them void artifacts. They have the power to disrupt most kinds of magic. The believers of Insight are known to collect them.

-Well, you are half right.

-Excuse me?

-You are right that it can disrupt magic. It’s not an artifact per say, but I guess that is close enough for you. It is a piece of technology.

That sentence surprised everyone in the room, especially the king. He knew that I was still under his spell and I was not lying.

-An anti-magic technology? Something like that exists? - perked up suddenly For.

-Nah, it's not like that. Anti-magic is just a side effect.

-What do you mean?

-This tech, or rather all advanced technology that I can think of, is just incompatible with magic. Whenever you find one, the other is suppressed. With varying strength. That’s why I was surprised to see it here, in the middle of a magical city, or, if what that kid was saying is true, in some “dragon’s hoard”. Weren’t you surprised too?

-Yes… but for a different reason - the king nodded after a second of thought. - Do you know about the Insight and its followers?

-Yes, I thought we were over this already, but what…

It clicked.