The Conjurer of the Academy

Chapter 77

An artifact exhibition known only to a select few. In reality, the exhibition serves merely as a pretext; its true nature is more akin to an auction house for wealthy elites.

“Just a bunch of boring junk.”

Among the attendees, Ise-ah stood out. Her black dress elegantly accentuated her curves, and each accessory she wore exuded sophistication.

“Hello, Miss. It’s been a while. You’ve become even more beautiful since I last saw you.”

“Is the Chairman doing well?”

For many attendees, Ise-ah’s presence was more valuable than the artifacts. Several impeccably dressed individuals approached her, eager to strike up a conversation.

“Yes, yes~ He’s doing just fine.”

Ise-ah gave nonchalant responses each time.Though she wanted to ignore them entirely, Ise-ah knew that each person could one day become a useful pawn, so she couldn’t dismiss them completely.

One might think this mindset is twisted, but—

“If I may, Miss, I have something to discuss regarding distribution costs. Perhaps we could talk privately…”

“Now, now, cutting in line, are we? Miss, our workshop has acquired some useful magical tools…”

After all, they also viewed Ise-ah as a means to an end.

‘Disgusting old men.’

She knew that getting along with these types was necessary. But no matter how hard she tried, smiling in front of them was impossible.

“I’m sorry, but I’d like to focus on the exhibition right now. Could you come back later?”

Each time she said that, the people who approached her turned red and backed away.

She felt no guilt whatsoever. That’s because today, Ise-ah had a goal she absolutely had to achieve.

‘I must get it.’

In the center of the hall, people gathered around a grand display. As Ise-ah approached, those who recognized her naturally made way for her.

“This is it.”

It was the first time Ise-ah showed any sign of awe since she entered the exhibition hall. Through the glass case, she saw the artifact—a massive greatsword. This very item was the real reason she had come to the exhibition today.

[The Sword of Lee Do-hak]

The sword belonged to Lee Do-hak, the founder and first principal of Babel.

Artifacts are not limited to objects from myths. Nowadays, even the weapons of legendary figures are often treated as artifacts.

“It’s the genuine artifact, right?”

When Ise-ah sharply inquired, the curator standing next to the display nodded.

“Yes, that’s correct. It has been verified as the only genuine piece among the relics discovered that belonged to Lee Do-hak.”

Lee Do-hak, heralded as humanity’s final stronghold, had vanished without a trace not long before the completion of Babel’s construction.

Since he disappeared clad in his favorite armor and sword, there was nothing left that could be considered his legacy.

‘Until now, that is.’

If the curator was telling the truth, then this greatsword was the only genuine relic left behind by the vanished Lee Do-hak. It simply couldn’t be compared to any other artifact on display.

“First, obtain the most precious item available.”

Ise-ah had an imperative reason to secure this sword. A reason she couldn’t possibly forsake.

“When does the auction start—”

“Hey, isn’t that a student over there?”

“Looks like a student from Babel. Come to think of it, didn’t Miss Ise-ah also enroll at Babel recently?”

“Is he perhaps a friend of Miss Ise-ah?”

The murmuring crowd cut off Ise-ah mid-sentence. Instinctively, she turned her head toward the commotion.

“Ugh.”

She grimaced reflexively.

A lanky male student with a weary look in his eyes stood out among the crowd dressed in suits and dresses, wearing nothing but a beige school uniform.

“What is he doing here…?”

There was no mistaking that irritating face.

“Move out of the way.”

Ise-ah pushed through the crowd. She probably didn’t realize it, but at that moment, the Sword of Lee Do-hak no longer held her attention.

* * *

With a grand welcome, I entered the exhibition. My task was simple.

“Another fake here, and that one’s fake too.”

I just needed to walk around and observe the exhibition. Especially on the floor where the Sword of Lee Do-hak was displayed, it would have a double effect.

“Isn’t that a student?”

“How did a student get in here?”

How did I get in? By walking in on my own two feet, of course.

‘Wearing a school uniform sure makes me popular.’

Drawing attention here is not particularly difficult. Among people eager to flaunt their status, simply wearing a school uniform can attract quite a bit of attention.

“Hey, what are you doing here!”

As expected, the effect was perfect.

Far off in the crowd, Ise-ah pushed her way towards me, her steps brisk despite her dress and high heels.

“What am I doing? Just checking out the artifacts.”

Just as I anticipated, Ise-ah arrived, looking furious. I glanced at her briefly and then turned my attention back to the display. My nonchalant attitude seemed to irritate her even more, and she began to stomp her foot.

“No, I mean, how did a commoner like you even get into a place like this?”

“How did I get in? I walked right in. And how can you be so sure I’m a commoner? I could be a secret millionaire for all you know.”

“Nonsense.”

“True enough.”

I waved her off dismissively.

“Anyway, I’m just here for the exhibition, so why don’t you back off?”

“No, get out immediately. You’re going to get me lumped in with you. Should I call security?”

“Call security?”

Is this supposed to be a threat?

A threat only works on someone who has something to lose. I do have things to lose, but compared to you, Ise-ah, it’s practically nothing. Let me show you what real blackmail looks like.

“If you call security, I’ll shout here that we’re dating.”

“You’re insane.”

“Not as much as you.”

The threat seemed to work, as Ise-ah hesitated. If I get kicked out, it’s no big deal, but if she spends all day explaining my outburst, it’s a hassle for her.

“However you got in, just quietly enjoy the exhibition and leave. Don’t even think about trying to talk to me.”

“You speak too harshly to a friend.”

I added another line with feigned annoyance.

“You came here to buy the Sword of Lee Do-hak on display over there, didn’t you?”

“Mind your own business. It has nothing to do with you.”

“Are you sure about that?”

I cast the bait I had prepared—a very enticing bait that Ise-ah couldn’t resist biting.

“Why would you buy such a shoddy replica?”

“What?”

True to form, Ise-ah took the bait at the mention of the word “replica.” It made her stop in her tracks.

“Why are you getting so worked up? Surely you don’t think all of these are genuine artifacts?”

“What do you know about the value of these artifacts?”

Ise-ah’s expression twisted in irritation. If there was one thing she could not stand, it was others passing judgment on the value of artifacts.

‘I probably know far more than you do.’

Out of the hundred artifacts present here, not a single one is genuine. They are all convincing fakes.

“For example, this dagger here.”

I curved my index finger and gently tapped on the glass case. Inside was a rusted and chipped dagger.

[Ali Baba and the Forty Daggers]

One of the forty daggers supposedly used by Ali Baba and the Forty Thieves. It is said that swinging one of these daggers could create a sandstorm right from the bare ground.

Most of the original daggers have been lost, and only a very few are said to still exist.

‘They really did a sloppy job making this one.’

Of course, the so-called genuine dagger displayed here is fake. Most would assume it’s real simply because it’s showcased in such a seemingly reputable place.

Additionally, buyers are often interested in the item’s value, so the knowledge needed to differentiate a real artifact from a fake is usually lacking. That goes for Ise-ah as well.

“There’s no engraving on the hilt.”

“Engraving? What kind of nonsense—”

“Think about it.”

I pressed my index finger against my temple, encouraging her to think.

“It was used by a band of forty thieves. Surely, they wouldn’t all be using identical daggers.”

“It’s not like a band of thieves needs to be as uniform as an army.”

“That’s true. But to prevent their weapons from getting mixed up or lost in battle, they’d have some sort of mark, right?”

Considering the thieves would have been as active as soldiers on a battlefield, significant mix-ups and losses of weapons likely occurred.

They would have needed a way to identify their own weapons, and given the band’s nature, individual styles would have taken a backseat to uniform markings, especially since dog tags weren’t a thing back then. The only conclusion is clear.

“Every one of the daggers from the thieves would have had a mark scratched onto the hilt with a knife. This one doesn’t have that.”

That’s why I considered this dagger to be a fake.

Of course, I didn’t just infer this from zero knowledge. It’s more like having an answer sheet and deriving the explanation to match it.

[Ali Baba and the Forty Daggers]

– Rank: B+

– Each dagger given to the band of thieves had its own unique engraving on the hilt.

Recalling information about the artifacts wasn’t difficult. Ali Baba’s dagger is an artifact you could definitely obtain if you successfully completed all the events in the Geology Club’s desert expedition.

Since the catalog information couldn’t be wrong, I had essentially reviewed the answer sheet in advance.

“You could become a novelist.”

Of course, Ise-ah wasn’t going to take my words seriously; she responded with nothing but sarcasm.

“It’s like saying, ‘Those grapes must be sour,’ right? Showing off just because you’ll never be able to touch them with your abilities.”

“Interesting.”

She was so stubborn that even when I tried to help, it felt like talking to a wall. Then again, I might have reacted the same way in the opposite situation.

“Think about it.”

So, I decided to give Ise-ah a bit more of a clue.

“Did you research who organized today’s exhibition? Did you thoroughly review how each artifact was verified?”

“That’s…”

I watched Ise-ah’s reaction closely.

Given her inability to respond directly, the answer was clear.

“You probably heard that the Sword of Lee Do-hak is going up for auction and prepared without any time to think it through. You must have a compelling reason to acquire it.”

Under normal circumstances, Ise-ah would have thoroughly investigated everything—from the exhibition and auction details to the dealer in charge. But this time was different.

‘Succession issues.’

The chairman of Seonjin Networks—Ise-ah’s father—insists on a merit-based succession system. As part of that, he presented a trial to his underage children:

Secondly, they must be recognized as friends by those deemed most valuable.

In short, it’s about bringing in the most precious items and the most talented individuals.

Ise-ah was well aware that her personality had its flaws when it came to making friends. That’s why she was desperate to bid on Lee Do-hak’s sword to make up for that shortcoming.

‘If Lee Do-hak’s legacy had truly been discovered, it would have already made headlines in the media.’

The issue is, even if this sword is genuine, its origin is unclear.

“Who do you think has the power to create such convincing replicas of artifacts, host large-scale exhibitions, and draw in prominent political figures?”

“…”

Ise-ah bit her lip.

Whether she genuinely dismissed my perspective as nothing more than sour grapes or found a hint of truth in my words, I couldn’t be sure.

But as I anticipated,

“It’s none of your business.”

Ise-ah dismissed my advice.