Liang En's reputation at the archaeological site on Crete was not only because he was the discoverer but also because he had taken the time to write a paper on how to translate Linear Script B during that period.
With this knowledge in his mind, he quickly wrote a very good paper and pointed out the direction for the translation of this script.
Because of this, even though Liang En hadn't been to the archaeological site during this time, his prestige there remained high, so it was not difficult for him to introduce some qualified people to visit.
Although it was a relatively simple task for Liang En, it left a favor to others, as such matters would be difficult to achieve without a familiar guide.
After two days of discussions and information exchange, the gathering reached its most critical part: the item exchange meeting, or simply, an auction.
However, unlike ordinary auctions, the internal auction of the Golden Dawn was much more amicable. Bidding would stop once the price approached the real value limit of the item, after which a few people would discuss and decide its ownership.
Liang En had planned to buy some items, but unfortunately, after looking around, he did not find what he needed. Thus, apart from purchasing a set of books on Tarot published in the 19th century by the Golden Dawn, he bought nothing else.
The auction lasted an entire day. Although most of the items were not very expensive, there were many small and various items. Liang En even saw a polished turtle shell and three matching copper coins.
After the auction ended, everyone first had dinner together, then the leader of the Golden Dawn, referred to as Ipssisimas, took the stage to summarize the event.
Of course, this summary was not merely a recap. Besides summarizing the event, he also announced a surprise that Liang En found rather astonishing.
"——Over the next month, organizations like ours will organize a competition across all of Europe. The content of the competition is to find an artifact or relic related to legend——"
"Is this type of competition a common event for our society?" Liang En asked Nelson in a low voice at this time, "It sounds like something out of a movie or a game."
"No, not at all, at least not since my father's generation," Nelson shook his head. "But we indeed have many contacts with similar organizations across the European continent, so it's not strange for us to hold such an event."
As they were speaking, the Golden Dawn leader finished explaining the competition's content, which was essentially a simple treasure hunt with specific requirements.
The most important requirement was that any relics or items found must be obtained through legal means; any use of illegal methods would result in immediate disqualification without room for negotiation.
The second key point was that one must search on their own; others could only assist, strictly forbidding the hiring of professionals to help in the search.
After all, the competition was to test everyone's skills and luck, not their ability to hire better personnel. If hiring was allowed, then the competition would lose its original purpose.
The final key point was that the evaluation of these items would not be solely from a historical perspective but from a combination of history and legend.
For example, if the relic discovered by Liang En on Crete had been found during this competition, it would have perfectly met the evaluation criteria and could have even secured the championship.
"——I believe that in this competition, we of the Golden Dawn should demonstrate our long-standing historical significance to others, lest we be forgotten by them," the leader said.
As one of the most renowned magical societies in Europe, the Golden Dawn naturally did not want to appear inferior on this occasion, so everyone was not only expected to participate but also to win impressively.
Of course, such support was not just lip service; the leader also stated that the Golden Dawn would provide full support to those participating in this event.
This support included financial, legal, and manpower assistance, ensuring that those willing to compete could focus all their energy on finding their targets.
However, possibly because most people were busy with their own affairs and couldn't spare the time, in the end, only the young duo, Liang En and Nelson, accepted the task.
Next was a time for communication, and Nelson stated that he intended to search for Blackbeard's sunken ship, so he would be sailing to the Caribbean and the United States to conduct his search.
As for Liang En, his target was still in Greece, as he believed it was an opportune moment to excavate another ancient site there.
"Very well, I hope you find what you're looking for," the society's head said, "If there's anything you need help with, feel free to ask, and the society should be able to assist you somewhat."
Considering the capabilities within the Golden Dawn organization, Liang En believed they could receive sufficient help throughout Europe, which would obviously be beneficial for their next steps.
Naturally, since it
was a competition, there were prizes involved, and the prize for this trans-European competition involving several organizations was naturally extraordinary.
"The first prize is a 3,200-acre estate in Scotland, complete with buildings and the rights to fish in the river that runs through the forest, hunt in the woods, and mine on the land," Charles, the president of the Golden Dawn, announced the prize.
"The society will handle all matters related to the prize's taxes and transfer, with all associated costs paid by the society as our support for this event."
For organizations like this, reputation was far more important than money. Thus, at this time, they displayed the depth a century-old organization should have, planning to fully support Liang En and Nelson in winning this competition.
With the backing of the century-old Golden Dawn, Liang En and his team were ready very quickly. After returning to Ireland for a week, Liang En quickly set off with Joan of Arc and Fan Meng.
Also departing was Pierce, mainly because there was an antique fair in Athens, so he planned to bring the items he and Liang En had prepared to make a name for themselves at this antique fair and elevate the level of their shop.
"Don't worry, if I'm free, I will definitely come to Athens to support you," Liang En said to Pierce at the airport, "After all, I also own part of the shop, so I will definitely do my best to help."
"That's good, just don't forget," Pierce patted Liang En's arm and said, "This fair is one of the most famous antique fairs of the year, so you better not stand me up."
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