"Looks like I found the right person. Professor Manning is reliable."
Seeing Professor Heink's expression, Shade knew his wait had finally paid off.
"No, sorry, I don't recognize this symbol."
Professor Heink said this. Aside from the abnormal expression when he saw the symbol unprepared, there was no sign that he was lying.
"That's a shame."
Shade nodded and put the notebook away, then reached into his pocket and took out an envelope.
"One hundred pounds."
It was nearly a quarter of his savings.
"What does that mean?"
The professor asked in surprise. Shade stopped beating around the bush and spoke plainly.
"Professor, I'm looking for the Hermit Order."
"Oh, no, no, I don't know anything about any Hermit Order. Young man, you really have the wrong person."
He rose as he spoke, intending to leave. Shade did not stop him, merely saying quietly:
"Ancient winds can blow from distant epochs to the present. An organization hidden within lost history naturally would not reveal its identity lightly. But Professor, I heard that so long as it does not conflict with the Hermit Order's goals, they are very willing to trade with strangers, spreading their knowledge in exchange for payment. Has the Hermit Order's way of doing things changed after all these years?"
Professor Heink ignored him and walked straight toward the study door.
Shade sat at the desk with his back to him.
"Professor, I'm not the only one looking for the Hermit Order. The Hermit Order also needs the information in my hands. I don't know whether you can contact those Ring Arcanists—"
Contacting this organization would certainly expose his identity, and Shade had already prepared himself for that. But he was not worried. On one hand, they surely feared exposure even more. If Shade needed to run, he