The team followed the guide through the charming streets of Sioux, eventually arriving at the research site where Mr. Jones awaited them. The researcher, a middle-aged man with graying hair and a gentle smile, greeted everyone warmly.
“Welcome, students of the Arcadia Hunter Academy! I am Roman Jones, and I am delighted to have you here.” He extended his hand, shaking hands with Maya and the rest of the team.
Maya returned his greeting. “Thank you for having us, Mr. Jones. We are very much looking forward to exploring this historical site and learning more about your research. I’ve heard a lot about you from my father.”
After exchanging a few pleasantries, Maya turned to the other members of the team.
“This is Professor Roman Jones, one of the rare experts in historical research and artifacts. His research is crucial to unraveling the historical mysteries of Sioux Bridge’s past,” Maya explained, with a tone of sincere respect.
Roman Jones nodded modestly. “I’m just passionate about what I do. Now, shall we begin our exploration?”
Roman Jones was a rather important figure in this field, but he seemed to have temporarily put aside his work for this team.
The team eagerly followed Mr. Jones as he led them through various parts of the research site.
“You may not have seen artifacts like these. These are special relics used by the residents here before the Nexus Fusion, untouched by mana to this day.”
“Not affected by mana? Does that mean this artifact is different from what we use now?” one of the students asked curiously.
“Indeed. From the moment mana entered our world, life changed dramatically. The biggest changes can be observed in living beings, and we have gradually adapted to these changes, but even non-living things have been affected to varying degrees,” Jones explained.
“Ah…” The students realized.
“And the purpose of our research into these artifacts is to use them as a reference point for change, to explore what things were like before mana entered this world,” Jones continued.
As the team walked past one exhibit after another, Jones revealed the city's historical narrative, explaining the significance of each artifact.
“When we examine these artifacts, we are uncovering untouched states of life before mana's influence. As you see Sioux today, it was once a thriving city without mana. The artifacts here predate the Nexus Fusion, a time when magic had not yet become an indispensable part of our world,” Mr. Jones explained, his eyes gleaming with passion.
He led the team to an area displaying a map of Sioux, with intricate markings. “These ancient relics not only bear witness to the city’s history, but they also retain traces of an era when mana was not a deciding force. We speculate that potential mana may have existed in our world long before the Nexus Fusion.”
A student asked, “So, are you suggesting that mana already existed in our world before the mana Nexus Fusion?”
Mr. Jones nodded. “It’s a very intriguing possibility. These relics and artifacts are like a window into an era when magic was not commonplace. If our theory holds true, it will reshape our understanding of the nature of the world.”
As they explored further, Mr. Jones elaborated on the complex connection between ancient relics and the potential existence of mana.
He pointed out markings, symbols, and structures that suggested mana existed before it surged into the world, while the architecture of the ancient relics themselves almost contradicted the notion of a non-magical world.
“Even from a physicist’s perspective, moving these stones or excavating so many tunnels in such an ancient era is itself contradictory to the flow of time,” Jones said, pointing to a massive relic made of pure steel.
“……”
Although the students had seen many tall buildings, seeing such ancient architecture was definitely a different experience.
“There is one more thing that proves our theory.” Just then, Jones stopped and raised his hand.
“I don’t know if any of you have noticed, but the mana in this place is a little different.”
Jones reached out and summoned magic from the air, a flame dancing in his palm. But instead of the usual orange or red, it constantly shifted colors from azure to emerald green to violet.
“I’m not very good at flame manipulation myself, but you can all see that this is a peculiar display of this place. Unlike the mana we are used to in our daily lives, the mana in these ancient relics has a unique nature in its essence.”
Jones explained, the multicolored flames reflecting in his eyes. As the team watched in amazement, he continued.
“These unique mana fluctuations coincide with our theory, proving that Sioux Bridge may have possessed a different kind of magical energy before the Nexus Fusion. The artifacts and the air here seem to echo the remnants of that era, when magic was diverse and unpredictable.”
All the students were amazed by the results Jones demonstrated, and these unique mana characteristics further deepened the mystery of the ancient relics.
“This is also why this city remains untouched by the outside world and retains its uniqueness,” Maya concluded. “It preserves a legacy until we can unravel the connections within.”
Hearing this, Jones smiled. “Exactly.”
Clap!
With a clap of his hands, he regained everyone’s attention.
“Alright, enough explanation, I know you all want to see the wonders of Sioux with your own eyes.” He said with a kind laugh, “Now, I believe it’s time for you to explore it yourselves. While we won’t be delving deeply today, simply strolling through this city is a historical experience.”
He pointed to the cityscape in the distance, where ancient buildings and cobblestone streets whispered tales of the past.
“Feel free to explore, ask questions, and immerse yourselves in the history in every corner of this place. Pay attention to the subtle nuances of the architecture, the remnants of a once thriving society.”
Maya nodded and clapped her hands. “Alright, everyone! Let’s split up, but remember to stay in the designated areas and enjoy the experience. If you have any questions, feel free to ask. We will gather here in the evening, and I will contact you in case of an emergency.”
Following Maya’s instructions, the team members dispersed and began to explore every corner of the city, immersing themselves in this extraordinary historical atmosphere.
......
After everyone dispersed, Morse also left the research site.
‘This is very different from the game, is it because I came too early?’
Although the city itself possessed unique value and tradition, the scene Morse saw in the game was vastly different from the city he saw before his eyes.
‘What changed this city?’
He delved into his memories, trying to find a possible reason, but ultimately came up empty.
‘I’ll take a look later.’
“Interesting, isn’t it?” Sylvie’s voice interrupted his thoughts.
She had naturally walked up to Morse after everyone had dispersed, and he didn’t mind her approach. After all, if she didn’t come to him, he would have been observing her from afar to ensure he was prepared for what was about to happen.
“Yeah, it’s interesting,” Morse replied, his gaze sweeping over the ancient buildings again. “This place has a unique charm; it's holding onto stories that have been forgotten by time.”
They had been walking for a while, talking with the local residents. These people seemed genuine, kind, and liked to chat, most of them with smiles on their faces.
Sylvie nodded in agreement. “It’s like a living history book, every corner whispering stories of the past. I wonder what the people who lived here were like, and what their lives were like. Even the locals say they know little about the past, they are just trying to maintain the traditions that were left to them.”
“Hmm…” Morse recalled his time on Earth and those movies that told stories of the past, shaking his head. “Their lives must have been very different from ours.”
“Maybe so, but nowadays, everyone is trapped in the same world. I think time changes everything.”
“Time changes everything? I don’t think so.”
“Why?”
“In the end, humanity has never really changed. Greed, arrogance… they remain constant.”
“Then what has changed?”
“If time has changed anything, it's the accumulation of knowledge and experience. We learn from the past, invent new things, but in the end, we still make the same mistakes.”
“I don’t think so,” Sylvie said, looking at the sky. “I believe everyone has the potential to change.”
Morse pondered Sylvie’s words, his gaze lingering on the surrounding ancient buildings. A purple light flashed in his eyes as he gathered mana there. “Expecting people to change can be a painful experience. Most of the time, they don’t.”
Sylvie looked at him, her expression thoughtful. “But isn’t it better to give them a chance? Change is a gradual process, sometimes all it takes is a little trigger to make it happen. Even the worst people can become kind after changing their minds.”
At this moment, the two walked into a small alley, and the surroundings became somewhat desolate. Sylvie subconsciously followed Morse, talking to him, not even noticing that they had come to such a deserted place.
Morse raised his head, his gaze passing over Sylvie, sensing a faint dark mana coming from there.
“No, it’s not like that. Actions always have consequences, it’s best to strangle a snake before it grows up and bites you.”
Whoosh!
Immediately afterward, a strand of mana converged into a point and shot swiftly toward their backs.
Clang!
The blade of the dagger accurately struck the strand of mana, deflecting it.
