The next day, under WONDER’s arrangement, Leo took a flight straight to the central city of The Austerreich, Fort Salisbury.
As the plane flew over Fort Salisbury at night, Leo looked down and saw the city lights sparkling like stars, incredibly enchanting.
Soon, the plane landed smoothly at Fort Salisbury International Airport.
Leo followed the crowd off the plane. As soon as he stepped out of the airport, he saw a sign in the crowd that read “Reception for Leo.”
The sign was held by a young Atrarian man who seemed a bit lazy and casual, leaning against a pillar and yawning.
Leo walked up, tapped the sign with his finger, and smiled, “Hey man, fell asleep?”
The man was startled, immediately opened his eyes wide, stood up straight, and looked at Leo warily, “Who are you?”
Leo smiled and extended his hand, “Nice to meet you, I’m the one you’re picking up, Leo.”
“I’m Marshall Malone,” Marshall Malone grinned broadly and shook Leo’s hand. “Let’s go. I’ve been waiting for you for a while. We can talk in the car.”
Leo nodded and followed Marshall Malone to the parking lot, getting into a Mercedes.
As soon as the door closed, Marshall Malone introduced himself, “Buddy, I’m the leader of Action Group One. I’ve been assigned to assist you with your work this time.”
“I know The Austerreich like the back of my hand. Just let me know if you need anything, don’t be shy.”
Leo smiled, “Then why don’t you tell me about The Austerreich and Fort Salisbury while you drive?”
“No problem.” Marshall Malone started the car and drove onto the road. “The Austerreich is a small country in central Europe, covering over 80, 000 square kilometers with a population of over 8 million. It has a long history, rich culture, and a developed economy.”
“As for Fort Salisbury, although it’s just a small town with only 150, 000 people, it’s located in the heart of Europe with a unique geographical advantage.”
“Additionally, it’s a tourist hotspot in Europe and a famous music town.”
“Don’t underestimate this small place; it receives over 7 million tourists annually. It’s bustling every day.”
Listening to Marshall Malone’s introduction, Leo marveled, “I didn’t expect this small place to be so impressive.”
“Of course! This is Mozart’s hometown. Over 400 top cultural events are held here every year. How could it not attract people?”
Leo laughed, “I’ll definitely take a good tour here when I have time. But let’s get down to business. Tell me about the background of the treasure and the current situation.”
“Alright.” Marshall Malone began to speak at length again. “A month ago, a very famous astrologer from The German Reich predicted that a great treasure would emerge near Fort Salisbury.”
“The treasure not only includes immense wealth but also the long-lost sacred relic of Ecclesia, the Lance of Longinus, also known as the sacred gun.”
“Because that astrologer’s predictions are usually very accurate, various Western forces flocked to Fort Salisbury to search for the treasure.”
“I heard that there have been many conflicts behind the scenes recently. However, so far, there has been no trace of the treasure.”
Leo nodded and asked, “What’s the origin of the treasure?”
“There are many rumors. Some believe it’s the treasure of the Habsburg dynasty of The Austerreich from years ago. Others say it’s the treasure from The German Reich’s downfall. But most people think it’s likely The Iron Guard’s treasure.”
“The Iron Guard’s treasure? Is it reliable?”
“It seems quite reliable.” Marshall Malone scratched his head and said word by word, “There is substantial evidence showing that in 1945, on the eve of The Iron Guard’s downfall, to give future generations a chance to rise again and to prevent their immense wealth from falling into Allied hands, The Fuhrer ordered almost all gold, jewels, and art treasures from the national treasury and bank to be secretly hidden.”
“This astonishing wealth is what later generations call The Reich’s Treasure. It’s said that at that time its market value was as high as 700 billion francs, about 200 billion dollars.”
“As for its current value, it’s even harder to estimate. It’s an astronomical figure that would make any country or individual drool and willing to go to any lengths to obtain it.”
“For decades, the Allies, various governments, and numerous treasure hunters have gone to great lengths to find The Reich’s Treasure.”
“It’s said that some people have indeed found parts of the treasure. Although it only accounts for less than ten percent of The Reich’s Treasure, it strongly proves that The Reich’s Treasure does exist; it’s just that the main part hasn’t been discovered yet.”
“The reason this prediction is linked to The Reich’s Treasure is that there is much evidence suggesting that The Iron Guard hid The Reich’s Treasure near Fort Salisbury. Moreover, most of the parts of The Reich’s Treasure that have been found were also not far from Fort Salisbury. That’s why I said this matter seems quite reliable.”
Leo nodded again. “If the prediction is true and it indeed refers to The Reich’s Treasure, then the competition will be fierce.”
Marshall Malone’s face turned serious. “Yes. According to intelligence reports, Ecclesia, The Obsidian Order, United States’ Sea Eagle Organization, Franke’s Blackshirts, Albion’s Knights of the Round Table, The German Reich’s Sword of Frederick… almost all major Western forces are here.”
“I even heard that Orientia’s Sakura Order and Land of the Scepter’s Arian have also secretly joined in.”
Leo laughed. “It’s really lively. Let’s see who will be the final winner.”
As they spoke, the car reached the outskirts of Fort Salisbury. Marshall Malone pointed ahead and said, “We’re here.”
Leo looked up and saw a large European-style house amidst a grove of falling leaves.
The car drove into the yard. Immediately, a young man and woman came out of the house. They looked sharp and capable.
After getting out of the car, Marshall Malone introduced them. “Leo, let me introduce you to my team members: Ripley and Bonnie Hale.”
“Hello, I’m Leo.” Leo extended his hand to both of them.
Ripley and Bonnie Hale smiled and shook hands with Leo.
“Alright, let’s go inside,” Marshall Malone said as he glanced at the increasingly cloudy night sky and shivered in the howling wind. “This damn weather; it looks like it’s going to rain again.”
The four entered the house. The warmth inside felt extremely comfortable.
Like many refined Western homes, there was a fireplace in one corner with lively flames dancing cheerfully.
After sitting on the sofa, Bonnie Hale enthusiastically poured everyone a cup of steaming coffee.
Taking a sip of coffee, Leo felt warmth spread through his body and let out a long breath.
Putting down his coffee cup, Leo steered the conversation back to the treasure. “Do you have any plans for finding the treasure?”