Chapter 598: Mayor Mansion
Agamenon, Zalasar, Hadriana, and the twins—Titus and Crixus—advanced alongside the Sky Seed Depravitas, their eyes keen and their postures alert as they arrived at a massive plaza. Surrounded by wide, empty streets, this plaza served as a central junction from which numerous roads branched off into various quarters.
Yet, as they scanned the area, small frowns appeared on their faces. They spotted a plethora of large, imposing buildings. Any of these structures could be warehouses where valuable treasures were once stored—or they could be nothing but lavish private residences. While it was true that the homes of high-ranking officials or powerful masters might yield wealth, such riches would pale in comparison to what might be found in an armory or other official strongholds.
To complicate matters, no one could be certain which buildings were worth investigating. Neither Agamenon nor his companions could read the ancient inscriptions etched onto the stone walls, so the signs around them meant little.
"Let’s split up around this area and check these buildings one by one," Agamenon declared decisively, refusing to allow indecision to linger. "Zalasar will come with me. The rest of you can organize yourselves however you prefer. We’ll meet back here in one hour, then move on as a group."
It was a straightforward plan. Since they did not intend to leave the plaza’s general vicinity, there seemed minimal risk in dividing their forces for a short time. If anyone encountered a real threat, a quick signal would bring help. As for any treasure recovered, it was tacitly understood that whoever found it kept it—no one was willing to share something they got without help.
A shared gleam of determination lit the eyes of the group. They all nodded in agreement and immediately dispersed. Agamenon headed off with Zalasar, while Hadriana and the twins stuck together, presumably to combine their skills.
Meanwhile, Vlad, Jormungandr, Ouroboros, and Fafnir remained a tight-knit unit. They began moving toward the southern side of the plaza. Ordinarily, more individuals meant having to split the spoils among more people, so a large group was not wise. However, no one questioned the Depravitas’ choice to stay together. It was neither Agamenon’s place nor anyone else’s to dictate how another group should conduct itself.
Once they were out of sight of the others, broad smiles spread across the faces of the Sky Seed Depravitas. Agamenon’s decision to explore different targets suited them perfectly because—unlike Agamenon and the others—the Depravitas could read the local signs and inscriptions. Their A.I. Chips had already deciphered the Dino People’s language and imprinted it in their minds.
After about five minutes, they arrived at a major crossroads. The team halted briefly, exchanging glances and silent nods as they decided how to divide their efforts for maximum gain. Vlad and Jormungandr headed left, following signs that indicated a "Mayoral Mansion," while Fafnir and Ouroboros followed the markers to what was labeled the "City Hall."
The Depravitas reasoned that government buildings—such as a mayoral residence or an official administrative hall—might not contain quite the same store of armaments as a full-fledged armory. However, they were still likely to house valuable artifacts. Often, civilizations paraded their power and influence through displays of wealth. It was a calculated gamble that made more sense than wandering blindly through unknown structures.
Vlad and Jormungandr proceeded with haste, covering ground in about fifteen minutes until they reached a massive edifice, nearly fifteen meters tall and stretching for about five hundred meters in width. This colossal structure exuded an air of opulence and authority, its ornate facade accentuated by two golden statues standing guard at the entrance.