Chapter 189 42.4 - Trip

Chapter 189 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.Continue reading on N0 VêLbIn

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.

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.