The Antiquities Protection Association

Sifa studied the old man beside him for a moment, then tapped the bar. "I need a quiet room."

"The card room isn't in use tonight," Sanchi said softly.

Sifa stood and turned to the old man. "Mind if we move somewhere else?"

The old man drained his glass and put on his hat. "Lead the way."

Once they reached the tavern's card room, Sifa shut the door and got straight to the point. "Are you the one selling Ghost Scream?"

"That's right. I've owned it for some time. Even setting aside its three Beyonder Abilities, its one-of-a-kind design fascinated me for ages."

The old man took off his coat and hat, standing unguarded beneath Sifa's gaze.

Sifa pulled out a chair and sat down. "If you like it so much, why sell it? And at such a low price?"

The old man smiled. "Before I answer that, allow me to introduce myself."

"I'm Osvid Kevin, a committee member of the Antiquities Protection Association. Our association collects and protects antiquities."

The old man who called himself Osvid Kevin spread his hands. "We have members across the Southern and Northern Continents. We even have branches and workstations in the Rorsted Archipelago and the Gargas Islands."

"By gathering ancient records from different regions, studying local legends, and piecing them together with history, we've discovered quite a few ancient ruins and recovered valuable antiquities from them."

"We recover them, and we protect them. That was why our association was founded, and we've held to it ever since."

After a pause, Osvid smiled. "Mind if I smoke?"

"Go ahead."

The old man took out an elegant metal case and opened it, revealing a row of cigars. He glanced at Sifa. "Would you like one?"

Sifa shook his head. "I don't smoke. It would cloud