It could neither be recorded nor read; such was the insidious nature of mystery.
The act of recording itself was a potent carrier of mysterious filth, bringing about uncontrollable consequences.
The world spontaneously resisted the erosion of distortion and filth, causing any attempt to record it to approach absolute failure under the world's interference.
Yet this was actually a stroke of luck—a blessing for mortals. If one were unfortunate enough to succeed, or somehow bypassed the world's interference to complete the recording, that would mark the true beginning of tragedy.
That would signify the creation of a mystery document. Unless the author's soul was powerful enough to withstand the mysterious filth recorded within, their soul would be utterly eroded by that filth, leading to the most bizarre death imaginable.
Reading was no different.
Therefore, in the world of the occult, records usually consisted of nothing more than a name and a few scattered words. Spreading specific details through word of mouth was the most common method; even though filth could still quietly spread through spoken language, it remained the least dangerous way.
Just as Professor Green was doing right now.
“These all belong to forbidden knowledge, representing the origin and truth of the world. To comprehend it is a sin in itself. The more you know, the closer you creep toward death and madness. That's why people like us avoid looking into other people's projects as much as possible unless it's a subject we're personally researching—especially the dangerous ones.”
“So that mirror is related to your research?”
“Not in the slightest.” Lynch was nearly choked by Professor Green’s bluntness once again. “However, my authority also includes the ability of copying, so I made a point to learn about this mystery relic.”
Although he didn't know which fallen god's Soul Severer the professor was, Lynch still nodded, recalling how the man had functioned like a human printer just moments ago.
“But as for you two, unless it's absolutely necessary, try not to look into it too deeply. And if you do learn anything, try to forget it as best you can. That's the secret to a long life.”
“Unfortunately, it is necessary for me—extremely necessary,” Lynch sighed, explaining, “I...”
“Shut... I don't want to know.” Professor Green worked hard to maintain his politeness. “You have Olei's approval, so I'll tell you. As for what you plan to do after knowing, please do not tell me under any circumstances. Thank you.”
It seemed this was how professionals truly dealt with mystery. Lynch’s opinion of Professor Green improved considerably, feeling that the old man wasn't as utterly unhinged as he had appeared. “I understand. Please continue.”
“This mystery relic first appeared in the mid-Second Age, but it wasn't very active, remaining lost for most of history. From what I can find, there are three recorded instances of it surfacing, and each time brought immense catastrophe.”
“A mirror that copies things?” Lynch found it somewhat hard to imagine. “How could that bring about a catastrophe?”
“I am merely deducing based on records of various phenomena, so I cannot guarantee absolute accuracy.” Professor Green took a deep breath and explained, “The mirror is presumably very easy to use. Its holder can copy anything they wish, without restriction.”
“Hss... Even gold can be copied at will?”
“How lacking in ambition. The very first thing you think of is merely gold.”
“What else, then?”
“Beautiful women, of course! Young, gorgeous women with blonde hair and blue eyes—the moment you see one you like, you copy her right away! Isn't that far higher ambition than copying gold?”
Lynch was just about to nod when he realized something was wrong. Glancing at the young noblewoman, who was watching him with a half-smile, he immediately shook his head vigorously.
Rubbing his nose in disappointment, Professor Green said sullenly, “In any case, it is said that it can copy anything, even living beings. The copied beings are mindless puppets, but they obey the relic's owner completely.”
“What about mystery relics?”
“Only mystery relics cannot be copied, because the essence of a mystery relic is the manifestation of a memory. You cannot copy a memory.”
“That's still incredible,” Lynch sighed. “If the holder wished, they could even copy an army that fears not death.”
“Of course, and they could fully equip them as well.” Professor Green smiled. “That's why I said it is immensely useful. Anyone who gets their hands on it would find it hard not to be enthralled by it. These high-risk mystery relics are often extraordinarily alluring.”
Lynch frowned, thought for a moment, and asked, “An item this useful couldn't possibly be used without consequence. So, what is the price?”
Professor Green let out a derisive smile. “The flesh, blood, and souls of living beings. The holder can use the mirror to absorb the flesh, blood, and souls of living creatures. The relic makes its own judgment—the holder simply needs to let the relic absorb enough flesh, blood, and souls after completing a copy.”
Lynch gasped. It was actually a deferred payment system, which was practically enticing the holder to use it. “What happens if it fails to absorb enough flesh and blood?”
Professor Green’s smile turned eerie, and a bone-chilling cold crept into his voice. “The mystery relic enters an uncontrolled state.”
Lynch involuntarily shuddered, feeling a chill run down his spine. He pressed, “What would happen then?”
“Based on the flesh and blood it previously absorbed, the mystery relic will uncontrollably spawn countless insane copies while ravenously devouring all flesh, blood, and souls within range. The radius will continuously expand over time until the relic is contained once more.”
Lynch and Miss Valente exchanged a look, both of their faces turning pale. Miss Valente bit her lip and asked, “How large is the range, roughly?”
“I don't know. These details are merely deductions I made from historical records and archaeological literature; they cannot be that precise. However, according to the rules of threat classification, if the area of effect could only affect a single city, it would be rated rank four annihilation grade at most. To be classified as manifestation grade, it must reach a level capable of destroying entire nations. And indeed, those three historical catastrophes all resulted in the destruction of nations.”
Just listening to the professor's account sent a chill down Lynch's spine. This thing was far too dangerous; it truly lived up to its status as a manifestation grade mystery relic.
The effect was immensely tempting. Anyone who acquired it would find it nearly impossible to refrain from using it, and once started, it was unlikely they could ever stop. The ultimate outcome would be both oneself and everyone else being devoured by the relic.
Was Princess Chloe and the people behind her looking for something this dangerous? Were they completely insane?
“Where is this thing now?” Lynch thought for a moment before pressing further. “Are there any records?”
“It hasn't appeared since the end of the Third Age. I suspect it was destroyed by someone.”
“Hmm? Destroyed?” Lynch glanced at the cane in his hand, Blood's Temptation. “Aren't mystery relics indestructible?”
“They cannot be destroyed by conventional means, but if collided with a higher order of mystery, there is a chance to shatter them.” Professor Green made a bumping motion with his fists, then opened one of them. “A shattered mystery relic won't vanish forever either; it will reform eventually. It might take a few days, or perhaps hundreds or thousands of years, but it will always reappear. As for its exact location, no one knows.”
“Then how can one find it?” Hearing Lynch's question, Professor Green looked at him with an extremely odd expression, as if looking at a homicidal maniac. Lynch quickly explained, “Don't misunderstand. I'm only asking because I'm worried someone else might dig it up. I heard a legend that a certain gem could locate it.”
“There are indeed similar claims, but there are many such stories, all made up by people without a shred of credibility.”
Despite Green saying so, Lynch and Miss Valente exchanged another glance, both seeing the unease in each other's eyes.
Some things... one couldn't afford not to believe. The object connected to the missing Flaming Red Lips was actually this dangerous.
What should they do? For a moment, Lynch felt somewhat at a loss.
No, it was better to err on the side of caution. The safest course was to get Flaming Red Lips under his control first, securing the upper hand.
It seemed he would need to meet that princess again in the near future.
Rate on N.U.
