Dangerous Mystery Relic

It cannot be recorded, nor can it be read. This is the grotesque nature of mystery.

The act of recording itself is an excellent carrier for mysterious filth, and it brings about consequences that cannot be managed. The world spontaneously rejects the erosion of distortion and filth, and under the interference of the world, the act of recording infinitely approaches failure.

But this is actually a form of luck, the luck of mortals. Once it unfortunately succeeds, or if one manages to bypass the world's interference to complete a record by other means, that is when the true tragedy begins.

This signifies the birth of a mystery document. Unless the author's soul is powerful enough to contend with the mysterious filth they have recorded, their soul will be thoroughly eroded by the filth, ushering in the most bizarre of deaths.

Reading is the same.

Therefore, in the world of occultism, the records left behind often consist only of a name and a few fragmented words. Transmitting specific details by word of mouth is the most common method, and even though filth can still quietly spread through language, it remains the least dangerous approach.

Just as Professor Green was doing at this moment.

"These all belong to forbidden knowledge, representing the origin and truth of the world. Understanding it itself is a sin. The more you know, the closer you get to death and madness. Therefore, those of us who study these things, unless it is a subject we are currently researching, try to avoid learning about other people's projects, especially dangerous ones."

"So that mirror is related to your research?"

"Absolutely not." Lynch was nearly choked to death by Professor Green again. "However, my authority also includes copying, so I specifically looked into this mystery relic."

Although he did not know which fallen god this professor was a soul manifestation of, seeing his behavior just moments ago like a human printer, Lynch still nodded.

"But for you, if it is not necessary, try not to delve into it. If you do learn something, forget it as quickly as possible. That is the secret to living a long life."

"Unfortunately, it is necessary for me, and very much so." Lynch sighed and explained, "I..."

"Stop... I do not want to know." Professor Green struggled to maintain his politeness. "You obtained Olei's approval, so I will tell you. As for what you intend to do once you know, please do not tell me. Thank you."

It seems this is how professionals handle mystery. Lynch's view of Professor Green changed significantly, and he felt the man did not seem so crazy after all. "I understand, please continue."

"This mystery relic first appeared in the middle of the Second Age, but it has never been very active. Most of the time it has remained in a lost state. As far as I can trace, there is a history of it surfacing three times, and each time it brought about a massive catastrophe."

"A mirror that can copy?" Lynch found it hard to imagine. "How could it cause a catastrophe?"

"I am only speculating based on records of certain phenomena; I cannot guarantee absolute accuracy." Professor Green took a deep breath and explained, "The mirror should be quite useful. The holder can copy anything they wish to copy, without limitations."

"Hiss, can gold be copied at will too?"

"You have no ambition. The first thing you think of is merely gold."

"What else is there?"

"Beautiful women, of course. Golden hair, blue eyes, young and beautiful women. You see one you like and copy her immediately. Isn't that more ambitious than copying gold?"

Lynch was about to nod, but suddenly realized something was wrong. He glanced at the noble lady who was wearing a knowing smile and immediately shook his head vigorously.

Professor Green rubbed his nose with regret and said sullenly, "In short, it is said that it can copy anything, even living beings. The copied beings are puppets without consciousness, but they obey the owner of the mystery relic completely."

"And the mystery relic itself?"

"Only the mystery relic cannot be copied, because the essence of a mystery relic is the manifestation of memories, and you cannot copy a memory."

"That is still quite impressive." Lynch sighed. "If the holder wishes, they could even copy an army that does not fear death."

"Of course, and they could arm them to the teeth as well." Professor Green smiled. "That is why I said it is very useful. Anyone who obtains it finds it difficult not to be captivated by it. Such high-risk mystery relics are often very attractive."

Lynch frowned and thought for a moment before asking, "Something so useful cannot be used casually, right? So, what is the cost?"

Professor Green revealed a mocking smile. "The flesh and soul of living beings. The holder can use the mirror to absorb the flesh and soul of living beings. The mystery relic judges this itself; the holder simply needs to use the mystery relic to absorb enough flesh and soul after the copying is complete."

Lynch gasped. It was actually a deferred payment? This was simply tempting the holder to use it. "What if they fail to absorb enough flesh?"

Professor Green's smile turned sinister, and his voice carried a bone-chilling coldness. "The mystery relic goes into an uncontrolled state."

Lynch could not help but shudder, feeling a chill run down his spine. He pressed, "What happens then?"

"The mystery relic will, based on the flesh it previously absorbed, uncontrollably copy countless insane replicas while simultaneously devouring all flesh and soul within its range. The range will continue to expand as time passes until the mystery relic is contained once again."

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?"

"I do not know. This information is only what I have inferred from historical records and archaeological documents; it cannot be that accurate. However, according to the rules of danger rating, if the scope of influence can only affect one city, it is rated at most as a fourth-grade destruction grade. To be rated as a manifestation grade, it must at least reach the level of destroying a nation. Those three catastrophes in history did indeed lead to the destruction of nations."

Lynch felt a sense of horror just listening to the professor's account. This thing was truly too dangerous; it was well-deserving of being a manifestation grade mystery relic.

The effects were quite tempting, and it was difficult for anyone who obtained it to control themselves and not use it. Once they started, it was unlikely they would be able to stop. The final result would be that they, along with everyone else, would be devoured by the mystery relic.

Was this the kind of dangerous object Princess Chloe and the people behind her were looking for? Were they truly insane?

"Where is this thing now?" Lynch thought for a moment and then asked, "Is there any record of it?"

"Since the end of the Third Age, this mystery relic has not appeared again. I suspect it was destroyed by someone."

"Hm? Destroyed?" Lynch looked at the cane in his hand, the Blood's Temptation. "Are mystery relics not indestructible?"

"They cannot be destroyed by conventional methods, but if one uses a higher-level mystery to collide with it, there is a chance it can be destroyed." Professor Green made a colliding motion with his fists and then opened one hand. "A shattered mystery relic will not disappear forever, but will instead re-condense. Perhaps it takes a few days, perhaps hundreds or thousands of years, but in short, it will reappear. As for its specific location, no one knows."

"Then how can one find it?" Hearing Lynch's question, Professor Green looked at him with a very strange expression, as if he were looking at a serial killer. Lynch hurriedly explained, "Do not misunderstand. I only ask because I am worried someone might dig this thing up. I heard a legend that there is a gem that can locate it."

"There are indeed similar claims, but there are many such stories, and they are all fabricated by people; there is no credibility to them at all."

Although Green said this, Lynch and Miss Valente exchanged another look, both seeing the unease in each other's eyes.

There are many things... that one dares not disbelieve. The item connected to the lost Flaming Red Lips is actually this dangerous.

What should he do? For a moment, Lynch felt somewhat at a loss.

No, it is better to believe it exists. The safest thing is to first keep the Flaming Red Lips in his own hands; only then can he hold the initiative.

It seems he will have to go meet that princess again in the near future.