As the expedition continued everyone was less worried and fearful, thinking the only danger that lurked within had already been delt with by Aron. Even if it hadn't they now at least felt whatever it was they would encounter it would be around the same level hence manageable.
Neither Aron nor Lady Rose tried to dispel this mentality of theirs. Lady Rose simply didn't care whereas Aron thought they'd be more useful going forward if they maintained ignorance about the overall situation.
Time passed and it began drawing closer to morning, they found it amazing that they needed to walk so long and still hadn't reached the supposed city's end.
Just how large was it? How much longer did they need to be down there? These questions began to surface in some of the individuals minds but none spoke up.
Instead the conversation remained rather positive, those familiar with each other talked on various odd topics casually while they walked.
Even Aron and Juliet who had been walking in silence began a conversation, with Juliet being the instigator.
"That creature you found… don't you think it resembles those things we encountered in that cave during the Journey?" She suddenly asked while keeping her gaze forward.
Aron then turned in her direction for a moment before giving a short nod. "The thought had crossed my mind, though it wasn't as big of an oddity as those things that even the arch mage couldn't clearly explain."
"A blessing of the old era she said." Juliet added as if mocking her explanation on the matter. The cave they had encountered during the Journey was one of many things in Pesia people could not explain.
Their history was veiled in mystery, tiering systems odd and inaccurate, languages few and primitive, cultural diversity and religion near none existent, an entire continent no nation dared to visit… these and many more elements concerning Pesia had Aron consider it to be lacking in many ways.
The only real thing of interest he could gain in this place was knowledge concerning the supposed old era, he had no choice but to put ridding himself of Luna mana to the back of his mind. Staying longer than necessary in a world that wouldn't provide him any growth was beyond pointless and wasteful to him.
"I wonder what "blessings" we may find here then." He replied also in a tone lacking enthusiasm or energy making it seem like he was also commenting mockingly, but that was far from the case.
"You know far more than you let on, you and I are similar in that regard. In fact, I think you and I are similar in many more ways…" Juliet replied while showing a small smile, it was by no means a gentle one however. Behind those eyes of hers was a sense of superiority that very few individuals in Pesia displayed.
The type of eyes one who holds no immediate fear possesses, individuals with such a gaze could only ever be beings with twisted views and outlooks on the world and life… a far cry from the normal and bordering close to insanity.
Not counting himself, the only other individual with such a strong self presence was his father. This trait wasn't a physical one but mental, as even a weak individual could possess it and a strong one could lack it.
'I find it hard to believe Pesia produced someone like her.' Aron thought as he gave no reply to her suggestive words.
Her and Lady Rose remained enigma's he couldn't fully understand, at the very least they didn't feel like they belong in Pesia. Evanora was the same but he now had more clarity on her case.
He wasn't so interested as to actively look for information on any of them or investigate but he did take note of anything he felt was convenient. If the opportunity presented itself while he was in search for his own matters then he could casually piece together what he had learned thus far like in Evanora's case.
….
Conversation since then slowly began to die down, not because people lacked topics to speak off but rather because the scenery of the ruin had began to change.
In the far distance a very large palace like building could be seen. Just like the rest of what they had encountered it was very damaged and was in a deteriorating state, however it stood out most because it still had some illuminating crystals present at certain places around it.
This gave light to the majority of it's outer area, it was like a spotlight in the darkness which made everyone feel like they had reached their goal.
But some of the people present wouldn't be so quick and naive as to rush towards it without asking questions they felt were necessary.
The first to do so was Anastasia who looked around for a moment before crossing her arms and speaking. "Why is that the only building still possessing illuminating crystals? If this ruin is as old as we think then the crystals should have long lost their properties and deteriorated into colored rock." She explained rather well and caused everyone to look at the building with vigilance now.
"True, the only explanation would be that the Aethelians placed them there… however they only discovered this place roughly two years ago and began an expedition this year. With that in mind those crystals look well passed the age of fifty years and are near expiration too." Lady Rose came to a halt up front and added on Anastasia's words as she too found it odd that the place was still lit.
The obvious conclusion was the one brought up by Evanora surprisingly enough. "Evanora thinks someone stayed behind there after everyone left." She revealed nonchalantly causing odd glances to be cast towards her.
"And what makes you think that?" Lady Rose, not want to trust intuition outright asked her what lead to that thought process and received an answer almost immediately from the aloof Evanora. "Evanora was also left alone in a village, she also kept her home lit even when no one was around… that way people could do she's there and visit."
Her response wasn't what Lady Rose was expecting and although she didn't speak in a tone carrying sadness, some did feel pity towards her. Lady Rose however didn't and just nodded, it was far too late to give pity to someone like Evanora who had reached a point that she could bring up a rather pitiful past without feeling any emotion from it.
"Whatever the case, we won't know until we at least scout it out, no?" Juliet not being one for caution immediately brought up a suggestion of them taking the offensive basically.
Whatever the dangers or troubles ahead, they wouldn't truly know unless they had someone see and experience directly. Her words were actually true but no one wanted to immediately bring up the most dangerous option even if it was the most ideal, a common trait for most intelligent creatures with a sense of fear.
"Let's get to it then, no sense lingering around." Aron walked from the rear of the now disbanded formation, ready to walk into the building without fussing.
"You're volunteering?" Anastasia asked in a doubtful tone, she didn't believe he would risk his life. To her surprise Aron shook his head. "I'm saying we should start exploring it now, those who don't wish to can just stay here I suppose. Don't expect to receive much though…" Aron trailed off as he began walking towards the building alone, soon followed by Evanora, Jagu, Lady Rose, Jin and then Juliet in that order.
His words basically meant if they weren't willing to accept the risks then they wouldn't gain much despite coming so far, he was banking on their sense of greed… and it worked.
Brutas was the first to fall for this and began following them then soon the other aristocrats did the same along with their hired individuals. This left Sharla, Mirai and Lucas still at pause before Mirai took the first step forward. "We should go to, it's safer to be with them than alone." She suggested before walking off, Sharla hesitated for a moment as she looked at Aron's back with a great sense of doubt before eventually following too.
As they began to climb up the building's steps leading up to the entrance they all maintained vigilance. Much of the building's decor was in shambles but right at it's front stood something that caught Aron's eye.
It was a statue of sorts hosting five figures, four of them damaged beyond recognition. Aron's gaze only stayed on them for a moment before he looked at the bronze like plank at the base of it which housed some writings.
'It's in olden Langerin… they are names.' He thought before crouching down to rub the dust off so he could read it more clearly. 'From left to right, Jekir Franz, Amol Schwaz, Frank Samburg, Kolt Luthberg and Johan Jansen…' Aron paused at the end before narrowing his eyes at the plank as something clicked. 'J.J, this is likely the owner of the journal.'
"Found something?" Lady Rose came from behind him and asked curiously but he shook his head while standing up. "I'm not sure maybe the names carry some revelance, have you heard of any of these figures?" Aron asked after repeating the names aloud but before she could answer Sebastian burst into the conversation with quite the energy.
"Yes! These are all geniuses!… or we'll I at least assume so since three of them are. Kolt Luthberg or K.L is known for being the creator of airships mainly among other mana devices, some of his articles were found in the first ruins discovered along with said airships! A-nd here." Sebastian paused while frantically pointing to other name.
"This gentleman, Frank Samburg is the one behind many of the glyphs and runic patterns used till today. I can't imagine how much of a genius they had to be to think of all these. Then last but lost you have Amol Schwaz, the forefather of mana application, most of his works found are theoretical but they hold numerous possibilities if we ever reach that point." Sebastian explained while trying to catch his breath every now and then.
What he had just revealed wasn't public knowledge, said articles he spoke of had been discovered in bunkers by his family specifically who hadn't given credit to the originator of their advancements. These didn't shock the other aristocrats as they to did the same but they couldn't help but all think this was idiotic on his part.
His passion far surpassed his common sense at this point and only few could understand this thought. Aside from the aristocrats everyone looked casual about the matter, not really caring for what was said… with the exception of Aron.
Now more than ever he was sure that these advancements came from another world altogether. Their level of intelligence was too far ahead for them to be considered just mere geniuses of Pesia. Furthermore it was already known to Aron that they somehow traveled to Limbo at will, something difficult to accomplish at least at his level.
'I'm sure of it now, this place houses the way for me to return to Limbo.'
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