Chapter 189 Chapter 42.4 - Trip
The group followed the guide through the charming streets of Western Uxbridge, eventually arriving at the research site where Mister Jones awaited them. The researcher, a middle-aged man with a mane of graying hair, greeted them with a warm smile.
"Welcome, Cadets of the Arcadia Hunter Academy! I'm Roman Jones, and it's a pleasure to have you here." He extended a hand, shaking hands with Maya and the rest of the group.
Maya reciprocated the gesture. "Thank you for having us, Mister Jones. We're excited to explore the historical site and learn more about your research. I heard a lot of things about you from my father."
"Ah….Mister Evergreen talked about me? It is quite an honor."
"Of course he did. He always mentions how diligent you are.
"Thank you. I will make sure to pay him a visit later."
"It would be good; I am sure he will welcome you."
"Ahahaha…."
After they had exchanged a bunch of greetings, Maya turned her attention to her fellow members.
"For those who don't know, this is Professor Roman Jones. He is one of the rare experts in the field of historical research and artifacts. His contributions have been pivotal in uncovering the mysteries of Western Uxbridge's past," Maya explained, her voice carrying a tone of genuine respect.
Roman Jones modestly nodded, "I'm just passionate about what I do. Now, shall we begin our exploration?"
Even though Roman Jones was a fairly important figure in this field, he seemed to open up for a short time for the sake of the group.
The group eagerly followed Mister Jones as he guided them through the various sections of the research site.
"You might not be able to see this in your lifetime. This is a special artifact that was used by the inhabitants of this place before the day of Nexus Convergence. It contains no changes made by mana."
"No changes made by mana? Does that mean this artifact is different from what we have been using?"
"This is indeed the case. From the moment mana entered our world, life took a huge change. The biggest change can be observed from the living beings as we all adapt to it, but even those who are not living are subjected to these changes."
"Ah…."
"And, the reason why we are working on these artifacts is to take their state as a reference point for many changes and observe how it was before the mana came to this world.
He provided insights into the significance of each artifact, unraveling tales of the city's history as they moved from one display to another.
"As we examine these artifacts, we uncover the untouched state of life before the influence of mana. Western Uxbridge, as you see it today, was once a thriving city without the pervasive energy we now know as mana. The artifacts here predate the day of Nexus Convergence, an era when magic wasn't an integral part of our existence," Mister Jones explained, his eyes gleaming with passion.
He led the group to a section displaying a map of Western Uxbridge with intricate markings. "These ancient ruins not only hold the city's history but also carry traces of an age where mana wasn't a defining force. We theorize that our world might have had latent mana long before the Nexus Convergence event."
One of the students asked, "So, you're suggesting that mana existed in our world even before the Nexus Convergence?"
Mister Jones nodded, "It's a fascinating possibility. These ruins and artifacts are like windows to a time when magic wasn't commonplace. If our theory holds, it could reshape our understanding of the very fabric of our world."
As they explored further, Mister Jones elaborated on the intricate connections between the ancient ruins and the potential existence of latent mana.
He pointed out markings, symbols, and structures that hinted at a magical influence preceding the day when mana flooded the world, and the buildings of the ancient ruins themselves were practically against the idea of a non-magical world.
"Even from the perspective of a physician, the idea of moving all these blocks or digging this amount of tunnels in such ancient times itself is contradictory to the flow of time."
Just as he said, he pointed to the huge ruins made of only steel.
"….."
Though the students all had their fair share of high buildings, seeing such an old one was definitely a different experience.
"However, there is one other aspect that supports our theory." At that moment, Jones stopped and raised his hand.
"I don't know if some of you have noticed, but the mana in this place is slightly different."
Jones extended his hand, and as if conjuring magic from the very air, a flicker of flame danced into existence in his palm.
The flames, however, were not the typical orange or red hues associated with fire. Instead, they swirled with an ethereal display of colors—shifting seamlessly from azure to emerald, then to amethyst.
"I myself am not that proficient in fire manipulation, but even then, you can see the result with your eyes alone. This is a small demonstration of the peculiar mana in this location. Unlike the mana we are accustomed to in our daily lives, the mana in these ancient ruins carries a distinct vibrancy and variance in its essence."
Jones explained the multicolored flames reflecting in his eyes. As the group watched in awe, he continued, "These unique mana fluctuations coincide with our theory that this city might have housed a different kind of magical energy before the Nexus Convergence. The artifacts and the very air in Western Uxbridge seem to echo the remnants of an era where magic manifested in diverse and unpredictable ways."
All of the students looked and watched in awe as he displayed the results. The notion that the mana here had its own unique characteristics heightened the mystery surrounding the ancient ruins.
"This is also the reason why this city is still not touched by the outside world and has preserved its uniqueness up to this point."
Maya finished his words herself. "To make sure that legacy still exists until you can find a relation."
Hearing this, Jones smiled. "Indeed."
CLAP!
And with a clap, he gathered everyone's attention once again. "Well, I've bored you enough with my theoretical explanations," Jones said with a good-natured chuckle. "Now, I believe it's time for you all to witness the wonders of Western Uxbridge with your own eyes. While we won't delve into the deepest parts of the research site today, wandering through the city itself holds its own historical significance."
He motioned toward the cityscape that lay beyond, ancient structures and cobblestone streets that whispered tales of a bygone era.
"Feel free to explore, ask questions, and immerse yourselves in the history that clings to every corner of this place. Take note of the architectural nuances, the remnants of a society that once thrived here."
Maya, the one who suggested this with her eyes, clapped her hands together. "All right, everyone! Let's spread out, but stay within the designated areas. Enjoy the experience, and if you have any questions, don't hesitate to ask. We will meet around the evening here and make sure that your alerts are on since I will contact you if something necessary comes up."
Just like that, the group dispersed, each member drawn to a different part of the city, eager to explore the different atmosphere that was very hard to come by in their lives.
*****
After everyone dispersed, Astron also made his way out of the research site.
'It is quite different from the game. Is it because, when we come here as a player, it would be later?'
Even though the city itself held its own values and traditions, the things Astron saw in the game were different from how the city looked.
'Something had changed this city.'
He looked into his memory, thinking for possible reasons, but eventually, he couldn't find anything there.
'We will see it for a later time.'
"Interesting, right?"
At that moment, Sylvie's words brought him back to reality. She naturally came to his side after everyone dispersed, and Astron didn't mind the idea either.
After all, if she didn't come to him, he was going to watch her from a distance to make sure he was ready for whatever was about to come.
"Yeah, it's captivating," Astron replied, casting another glance at the ancient architecture around them. "There's a certain charm to this place like it's holding onto stories that time forgot."
They had been walking for a while now, and they asked and conversed with the local people living in this place. They all seemed genuine, good people who liked talking, and most of them had smiles on their faces.
Sylvie nodded in agreement. "It's like a living history book, and each corner whispers tales of the past. I wonder what kind of people lived here and what their lives were like. Even the locals say they don't know much about the people of the past, and they are only trying to preserve the traditions left to them."
"Hmm….." Remembering the times of the Earth and the movies that told about the past, he shook his head. "It must be a lot different than how we lived."
"Different….Yeah, that would probably be. Nowadays, everyone is stuck in the same space. I guess time changes everything."
"Time changes everything; I don't think so."
"Why?"
"Initially, humans never change after all. The greed, the pride…It is all the same."
"What changes then?"
"If one thing changes within the time, it is the accumulation of knowledge and experience. We learn from the past when it comes to inventing new things, but in the end, we make the same mistakes we did."
"I don't think so," Sylvie said as she looked at the sky. "I think everyone can change."
Astron pondered Sylvie's words, his gaze fixed on the ancient structures surrounding them. His eyes shone purple for a second while he drew mana to there. "Expecting people to change can be a painful experience. More often than not, they don't."
Sylvie looked at him, her expression thoughtful. "But isn't it better to give them a chance? People might surprise you. Change is a gradual process, and sometimes, it takes a nudge or an opportunity to make it happen. Even the worst person might become a good one after they change their mind."
At this point, the two were in a slightly desolate place as they entered an alley. Subconsciously, Sylvie followed Astron while talking with him, and she didn't even notice the place they arrived became this desolate.
Astron raised his head and looked over Sylvie, sensing a small dark mana coming from there.
"No, it is not. Actions have consequences, and it is always better to strangle the snake before it can grow to bite you."
SWOOSH!
Following that, a mana converged into a point shot forward behind them.
CLANK!
Only to be deflected by the dagger.
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