The Crystalline Hand (13)

Perhaps it was a strange coincidence, or perhaps the sudden South Sea storm had been an abnormal phenomenon caused by changes in the ruins to begin with.

After Ian and the others returned to Harrison Port, the torrential rain gradually subsided.

The curtain of rain thinned, and the thick, dense clouds slowly parted, revealing sunlight behind them, bright as gold.

When everyone saw shafts of light descending from the skies over the South Sea onto the blue waters, they finally recalled with some realization that it was still noon. The sunless gloom of the past several days had made it impossible for them to accurately gauge the time.

After disembarking, Ian was immediately pulled to the White Folk's Elder Hall by Elder Pude.

In theory, Ian, who had just returned from the Labyrinth, ought to have undergone questioning by the Nineteenth Legion immediately. After all, this involved a Great Labyrinth of that level; if nothing else, he certainly had to sign a confidentiality agreement.

But a system of government like the Empire meant that "in theory" was basically impossible, while "exceptions" were everywhere.

Not to mention that Master Gose had specifically instructed them not to disturb the young man. They could hardly be bothered to make trouble for themselves...

Even if some stickler insisted on asking about the situation—

In theory, Ian was a registered official Ascender, First Energy Level, assigned under Viscount Grant, Governor of Harrison Port in the Southern Ridge. He was the "City Hall's Dedicated Appraiser" and "Harrison Port's Official Alchemist," a gifted psychic, and had a local White Folk chamber of commerce under his name. He was a genuine local power.

For someone of his standing, an official of at least commanding rank needed to personally oversee the inquiry, and tea, pastries, and incense had to