Sarwin Tanuki's Arc

Chapter 2 of 3

Sarwin spread his rubbing paper across the inspection bench and studied the faint marks. Learning to read ancient inscriptions was harder than finding them. He picked up a charcoal stick and practiced copying the symbols from a reference book. His paw moved slowly, tracing each line with care. The markings looked simple but held deep meanings he didn't yet understand. Hours passed, but the symbols remained mysteries. Sarwin's eyes burned from staring at the reference book. He needed help from experts who spent their lives studying ancient writing. The next morning, he locked his shop and walked toward the Historical Relics Archive. The building rose before him, its stone walls covered in aged carvings. Inside, rows of shelves held journals, maps, and records from forgotten times. Sarwin approached a research table and opened a thick volume about temple inscriptions. The pages showed detailed drawings with translations underneath. He compared them to his rubbings and found three matching symbols. His tail swished with excitement. Each visit here would teach him more. Understanding the past was just as important as finding it. After three days of research, Sarwin returned to his shop with new knowledge and fresh plans. He carried a stack of copied maps showing temple locations across the region. But first, he needed better security for his growing collection. He ordered a glass display case with reinforced panels to protect his most valuable pieces. The case arrived that afternoon, its surface gleaming with a metallic sheen. Sarwin placed it outside his shop entrance where customers could admire the artifacts safely. Inside the case, he arranged the jade statues and several ancient coins. Now thieves couldn't touch them while customers browsed. His business was taking shape—one careful step at a time. The unbreakable glass case attracted attention from passing shoppers, but Sarwin spotted a problem. His authentication equipment needed power to run properly outside where he examined new finds. He couldn't drag extension cords through the doorway every time he tested an artifact. The solution arrived in a metal generator with detailed designs etched into its casing. Sarwin set it up near the display case and plugged in his testing lamp. The machine hummed to life. Now he could verify treasures before moving them inside permanently. He tested the setup with a bronze mirror from last week's expedition. The lamp showed the mirror's age clearly under bright light. Everything worked. Sarwin had his research tools, his security, and his power source. The foundation was set. His treasure business could grow now, built on careful preparation and knowledge earned one day at a time.