Angel made no attempt to conceal anything as he fashioned the tabletop, because strictly speaking, this did not count as alchemy. He was merely using thermal fusion to shape it, and it was only a simple lectern—something any wizard could make.
As for inscribing magic patterns, there was even less need to hide it. After all, it was a technique with encryption built into it.
While Angel worked away with great fervor, everyone else was occupied with thoughts of their own.
The one with the fewest distractions was probably Kael. He wandered through the underground church on his own. His identity as a traveler of ruins would not vanish simply because this place carried the flavor of everyday life. Setting aside any possible magical energy arrays, the underground church itself bore many ancient traces worth studying.
Dox, meanwhile, lounged against the second-floor railing, one foot swinging leisurely in the air. He held a flask of Blackberry wine, drinking as he watched Angel on the dais. He seemed free of thought, but the ever-shifting calculations in his eyes revealed that his restless mind had long since run off who knew where.
Wai sat on a bench below the dais, apparently bowing his head in silent prayer. In truth, through the connection of their bloodline, he was quietly conversing with Black Earl in his mind.
"My lord..." After addressing him respectfully, Wai paused, seemingly searching for the right words. "I... is the place we are exploring this time truly related to our Noah Clan?"
A cold snort echoed through Wai's thoughts. "You think you can hide your thoughts from me? What you truly want to ask is what exactly I saw on that tabletop just now, isn't it?"
Wai replied somewhat timidly, "I was worried it might be a secret, so I