The Perilous River of Time

The bonfire at the center of town had died down; a thrilling and harrowing day had finally drawn to a close.

The mystery incident was smoothly resolved, and the small town returned to its normal, peaceful life.

How could that be? That was never how mystery incidents worked.

Occult connections were naturally not so easily severed. In reality, what the model house cut off was merely the direct influence the color exerted on the outside world—namely, the light connecting all living beings, interrupting its ongoing sway. Thus, with the connecting beams gone, the subconscious refusal to leave town was undone. Yet the connections that had already formed and the devastation already wrought still remained, exacting a heavy toll.

The incident concluded with five entire families wiped out, twenty-six dead, fifteen driven into madness with no telling when they would regain sanity, and the cattle herds completely decimated. As for whether the town could ever recover in the future... without assistance from the Rhine City government, it would be almost impossible. And with City Hall eyeing the surrounding land, the chances of them lending a hand were slim to none. This town with its long history would likely soon be washed away in the sands of time.

Moreover, the end of the mystery incident was merely the beginning. For these townsfolk who had experienced mystery contact, their chances of encountering occult events in the generations to come would skyrocket. How many could live out their natural lifespans remained entirely unknown.

Such was the standard outcome of an occult event; there was no room for wishful thinking.

Still, Lynch and Officer Natalie wouldn't tell the townsfolk any of this. Sometimes, ignorance truly was a blessing.

Though the townsfolk profusely offered their gratitude and begged them to stay, the two did not want to linger for even a minute longer. Cradling the dangerous toy house, they drove their carriage through the night straight toward the Milt residence.

Indeed, they would rather lodge at the home of cultists than remain in that town. Neither of them liked the place; rescuing the survivors on their way out had already been the extent of their kindness.

Lynch would spend the night at the cultists' house, while Officer Natalie drove back to Rhine City that very night. Carrying such a bizarre object directly into Rhine City was practically a terrorist act; Officer Natalie needed to inform the Watchers first so they could dispatch specialists to meet them.

Since the Milt residence sat on the outskirts of town, it remained untouched by the incident. To their surprise, even past one in the morning, a few lamps still burned inside the mansion. The moment they knocked, the loyal old butler ushered them into the courtyard. Ms. Skye Milt had not gone to bed yet either—supposedly suffering from the universal ailment of most scholars: staying up late and sleeping in late.

This made Lynch feel an instant sense of kinship.

Even Officer Natalie was invited inside. According to the old butler, after the two had spared no effort to resolve the Milt family's crisis, failing to thank them in person immediately would be utterly ill-mannered.

Late as the hour was, the pale Ms. Skye looked as energetic as ever. She sat waiting in that peculiar parlor for their arrival. The moment she saw the two, a smile broke across her face. Rising, she pinched her skirts and curtsied. “Thank you both for helping the Milt family resolve our crisis. My brother and I are profoundly grateful. As it is inconvenient for my brother to come outside, I shall express his gratitude on his behalf.”

Tsk, people with time abilities have it so easy. I haven't even said a word, and you already know. I'm not jealous at all. Truly, not in the slightest.

Reluctantly recounting the day's events, Lynch watched as Ms. Skye's eyes widened in astonishment. Only when he finished did she sigh with emotion: “So it was a Color Out of Space. No wonder those cattle acted so strangely.”

“The Color Out of Space?”

“Yes, a heteromorph from beyond the stars. Its juvenile form has physical substance and burrows into the earth, causing vegetation to grow uncontrollably under its influence. Its adult form turns into a mass of color that bursts from the ground, immune to physical harm, vulnerable only to intense light. The adult suppresses the instincts of all prey within range, preventing them from leaving, and slowly absorbs their vitality while corrupting human minds with filth. Once it has accumulated enough vitality to reach full maturity, it returns to the heavens beyond. It is an exceedingly troublesome entity, virtually impossible to deal with. To think you managed to handle it with such a method... you truly live up to your reputation, Mr. Lynch Levive.”

Lynch and Officer Natalie exchanged a look, lingering fear still gripping their hearts. Had Lynch not possessed the accrued insight of several millennia from his homeland and a nimble mind, they might not have made it out this time.

“Phew, this thing really is dangerous. So how do we dispose of it?”

“I don't know. A heteromorph this rare is something I've only ever heard of. I have no idea where the mayor managed to get his hands on a juvenile Color Out of Space. You'd better ask the Watchers; they have more experience.”

Lynch cautiously set the model house aside. Confirming no light leaked out, he finally let out an exhale. “Alright, let's talk about the Light of Miracles. I've fulfilled my promise. Are you willing to share the information on the Light of Miracles now?”

“My brother and I hid the Light of Miracles in an exceptionally safe place. Aside from us, no one can find it.” Without calling for a servant, Ms. Skye poured black tea for the two herself, speaking earnestly, “If you truly desire it, I can assist you, but you must retrieve it yourselves.”

“Where is it?”

“Possess the Silver Key and cross through the Silver Gate, and you shall be granted an audience with the Ancient One. The Light of Miracles rests at the feet of the Lord. Or rather, the Light of Miracles across almost every point in time—past, present, and future—resides at his feet. Seek an audience with the Sovereign; as long as you gain his approval, you may take the Light of Miracles.”

Are you kidding me?

Setting aside what all those terms even mean, you want me to go see an evil god? And the Lord of a Billion Radiance at that? An entity that could end me with a single stray glance, and you want me to meet him face-to-face? Just tell me you want me dead.

Just as tempestuous waves churned within Lynch's heart, a gentle female voice rang out in the nick of time:

【No need to worry, Lynch. The Ancient One is not the Lord of a Billion Radiance himself. He is relatively safe and comparatively gentle—at least far gentler than the Swelling Daughter. As long as you don't actively seek death, your life won't be in danger.】

Hmm... then there's still room for discussion.

Lynch pondered for a moment before inquiring, “Explain in detail. What are all those things you mentioned, and what is the deal with the Ancient One?”

“The Ancient One exists in the past, present, and future—all-knowing, all-seeing, and omnipotent. He traverses the River of Time, and behind the Silver Gate within the River of Time lies his dwelling. Only those who carry the Silver Key can pass through the Silver Gate. The Ancient One waits behind that gate from beginning to end, across every single moment.”

Ms. Skye opened her hand. Floating above her palm was an object that Lynch could clearly see yet could not comprehend—all that appeared was a constantly distorting mass of light.

“This is the Silver Key, though it belongs to me. I can guide you to find your own Silver Key, and I can help you cross the River of Time to stand before the Silver Gate. As for whether you can obtain the Ancient One's approval and permission to take the Light of Miracles, that will depend entirely on you. However, I must warn you: the River of Time is extraordinarily dangerous. If you are not prepared to die, I do not recommend entering.”

“What kind of danger?”

“The River of Time is inhabited by the Hounds of Tindalos—the very creatures that killed Howard. It is difficult to describe what they are; they cannot even be classified as mystery heteromorphs. They dwell within the corners of time, guarding time and its secrets. Once anyone attempts to disclose the secrets of time, they appear in the mortal world to slaughter the leaker. And if anyone peeks into the River of Time or attempts to cross it, once discovered, they will be marked and pursued relentlessly without end.

“They possess no concept of death, so their hunt is eternal until the target perishes. Numbers also hold no meaning for them; endless hordes of hounds dwell within the River of Time. Once they lock onto a target, they will endlessly seep into the mortal world from around the victim, leaping to their side through any ‘angle’ of less than one hundred and twenty degrees.”

Hiss. Lynch surveyed the bizarre furnishings around the room, realizing this entire building had been custom-built specifically to ward off the hounds.

“Heh, indeed. Anyone who tampers with time will inevitably be branded by the hounds, and my brother and I are no exception. I am somewhat better off—with fewer brands, I can still conceal myself through certain means and avoid detection by the hounds for brief periods. That is why I can occasionally receive outside visitors. But my brother bears far too many brands. He cannot conceal himself at all; the moment any angle exists near him, countless hounds will hunt him down. That is why he never steps outside.”

“Is that why you can't help us retrieve the Light of Miracles?”

“Yes. The hounds are too troublesome. We will not lightly step into the River of Time now, so everything rests on your own shoulders.”

“Then won't we be targeted by the hounds if we go in?”

“Not necessarily, but the probability is high. That is why I urged you to consider it carefully,” Ms. Skye said. “How about this: I'll give you some time to think it over. In the meantime, I also need to research where your Silver Key is. Whenever you make up your mind, you are welcome to visit me anytime.”