Chapter 3080 To Ears or Not to Ears (Part 2)

Chapter 3080 To Ears or Not to Ears (Part 2)

Permanent arrays became much less effective if their owner was away for an extended period of time. Their imprint would start to fade and without the owner's instructions, a skilled intruder could bide their time studying the arrays and take them down one at a time.

The solution to this problem was to share the control over the arrays like the nobles did in the Kingdom, pass it to a trusted individual like Scarlett had done to Kalla back when she left to chase after Balkor, or a signet ring.

Red mana crystals could accept more than one energy signature but their charge would only last for so long. The signet ring meant that Barham didn't trust his apprentices not to shut down the arrays and kill him if he shared control or give him control over his mansion back once he returned.

Lith knew that a signet ring was a Forgemaster's last resort and so did Strider.

'A red crystal also holds a limited amount of world energy. Once it runs out, the signet ring will become useless.' The Zouwu thought. 'It means that Barham planned to return in a few weeks tops.

'No Dragon, lesser or not, would leave his hoard unattended for long.'

Awakened could recharge crystals below the green, but this was an enchanted item. Pumping mana into it would have diluted the control spell and shortened its duration. Get latest novel chapters on novelbjn(.)c/om

"If Master Barham's life were in danger, he would have asked me for help." Tanat said.

"Or maybe, he asked you for help and you ignored it." Strider replied. "After all, if he were to 'mysteriously disappear', you would inherit Barham's house, legacy, and most importantly, his treasures."

He waved at the piles of riches that decorated the place as though pieces of furniture. Wyverns were the closest thing to Dragons among their Lesser kin and often tried to make their lairs resemble a Wyrm's.

The internal structure of the mansion was paved in gold-veined white marble, with enchanted paintings projecting the feats of the Neth bloodline hung to the walls and frescoes made of precious gems decorating the ceiling.

Unlike Dragons, Wyverns rarely appreciated the artistic value of their treasures, focusing solely on their power and monetary value. It was the reason the lair of a Wyvern usually looked like out of a cautionary tale about greed.

The place was shiny and opulent, but without one shred of taste.

'What a poser!' Solus thought in outrage. 'Disciple my sweet ass. Mom would never craft something so tacky. I bet this Barham never met my mother and he painted the Ears as only a Wyvern can envision them.'

'That or your mother shapeshifted the Ears with every apprentice to hide its real form. It's what I'd do. This way, once I gifted them to someone worthy of them, no one else in the group would know.'

'Damn if I hate your paranoia.' Solus replied. 'Especially when it makes sense.'

"If you want your father back, you'd better stop obstructing our investigation and start collaborating." Strider was unaware of their dilemma and questioned Tanat's words, making the Wyvern step back like he had been slapped.

"Don't underestimate the Hand of Fate. According to our sources, you know more than you are telling us. Your father is not the only Forgemaster who has disappeared. If we are right and he has been lured into a trap, your comfortable days in the mansion are over."

Strider's accusations were just a ploy to force Tanat to see past his overinflated ego and make the Wyvern understand that his interests and those of the Council aligned.

'I can't force Tanat to help us but I can trick him into believing it's his best option.' The Zouwu inwardly grinned while watching the Wyvern's expression shift from outrage, to worry, and into reluctant submission.

"I would love to help the Hand of Fate." Tanat lied through his fangs while wearing his best smile. "But I have no idea where my father has gone. He never tells me about important clients because he's afraid I might steal them from him once I'm done with my apprenticeship."

That was true and the Zouwu nodded for him to continue.

"Also, I didn't lie before. This trip was planned and carefully organized. My Father was contacted by the client over two weeks ago through some back channels." Tanat noticed Strider opening his mouth and anticipated his question.

"No, I don't know who the middleman was or what channel they used for communicating. As I said, my father gatekeeps his network."

"There was anything particular in his behavior when he left?" Ryka asked. "Did he bring something unusual with him?"

Tanat pondered long and hard to remember the details of the day Barham had left the house.

The young Wyvern had been so happy at the idea of becoming the temporary lord of the house and hold absolute authority over his siblings that he had barely paid any attention to his father's departure.