Hajime and the others moved straight to the oasis.
Unchanging, the oasis was beautifully glittering, reflecting the sunlight, and it did not seem to contain any poison.
However...
"...Nn?"
"...Hajime?"
Frowning, Hajime stared at a spot inside the oasis. Noticing his change, Yue tilted her head and asked Hajime with a doubtful expression.
"Well, that, my Magic Eye was reacting to something just now... Lord, to what length has the survey team examined it?"
"... I am certain it was the substances inside the oasis and the river flowing from it. They also investigated the substance in various wells and the underground river. The water's substance was just as you heard from my son, but no abnormality was found in the underground river. Moreover, the range of examination was only several tens of meters from the oasis. The bottom of the oasis itself hadn't been examined."
"Had an artifact sunk into the oasis?"
"? No, I don't think so. Although the guards and the management of the oasis used an artifact, it was set up above the ground... It is a barrier-type artifact, so it shouldn't be able to pollute the oasis. As for the proof, the oasis had never been polluted before."
The artifact Randzi spoke about was called "Cutter of What Intended," and it was actually the dome of light protecting Ancadi. It was a useful barrier that prevented sand from entering while allowing the necessity such as air and moisture to pass through, but the things capable of passing could also be decided by the setter. In addition, it was not just a simple barrier since it also had detecting function, and what was detected could also be set. By setting it in default, it was possible to detect whether one's soul was affected by a magic of dark element.
In other words, if it was set to "those who have malicious intent towards the oasis," the person who set it, Randzi, would know if the "Cutter of What Intended" was reacting to something. However, the Lord himself didn't know whether there was a hidden requirement. Incidentally, up until now, a lot of people had been going in and out during the examination while the guards had been off-duty due to the oasis being polluted already.
"...Hee~. Then, I wonder what's with that."
Having the oasis of Dukedom of Ancadi polluted, the appearance of Randzi clenching his fists in bitterness made one think he was indeed Viz's father. Looking at Randzi with narrowed eyes, Hajime laughed while understanding Randzi had misunderstood his words. Hajime's Magic Eye was certainly seen "something" releasing magic power in the bottom of the center of the oasis.
The thing that shouldn't be there made Randzi and the others agitated. Coming near the oasis, Hajime took out a 500ml pet bottle-shaped metal object from "Treasure Box" and supplied it with magic power. Next, he casually threw it into the oasis.
Trotting, Hajime moved away from the oasis and stood next to Yue. Though everyone wore doubtful expressions, Hajime didn't say anything. Following that, Randzi finally came to ask Hajime. And at that moment,