Chapter 286: Ruinous Conversation

Chapter 286: Ruinous Conversation

Mao and Ling seem unhurried now, as the cart cruises through the cathedral halls within shockingly clear water.

But something doesnt seem right.

I cant help but notice that we arent heading back through the open doors we came through. Instead, we seem to head deeper through the structure, through a back passageway that leads back out of this building.

why is it taking such a roundabout way out of here?

I know the shadowy water creatures are around, but could they actually be a threat? Or could there be another reason for the strange path of this vehicle

Either way, this doesnt seem to be the place and time to use my abilities to investigate an obviously strange situation, as the two beside me are acting completely normal.

Just the level of sensing Im using now tells me that this is one of those situations where more knowledge could cause many more headaches.

While in a bubble covered cart. In a high-pressure underwater environment.

I could definitely keep us alive; it would NOT be a pleasant experience for them. Id be fine, though, with my body.

But maybe they have their own ways of surviving this, considering their strange situation with their twin pair. No need for us to test it and our relationship, though, to find out.

This scenic route is certainly educational, as I can see the murals of the landscape this building hailed from. Flat plains with rolling hills. Plentiful grasses and fantastical creatures. Stereotypical kings, queens, and sages.

Reminds me a lot of a medieval Europe.

Wait a second. Some of these seem a little too close to the magical fantasy themes.

Does that mean this civilization used mana?

The thought of that made me stop the cart, with Mao and Ling looking at me curiously.

Ive never seen something like this before. Do you mind if I stay here for a bit?

Both of them get strangely excited about me showing interest in this. In different ways.

Y-Yes! Of course. Let us know if you need anything, as we know this area pretty well. We will respect your privacy and keep any research you do here confidential, unless you ask us to do otherwise. As per the normal librarian guidelines.

Ling practically yelps out the words before turning red and quiet.

Considering how close to home this lead is and the sheer coincidence that that they chose this place as one to check some books at it feels extraordinarily suspicious.

I immediately use a higher-level scan on this situation.

But the answer is simple.

I feel like more questions were raised rather than answered here.

Either way, Ive found what I wanted here.

Sorry for the wait. I think Ive explored enough of here. This is a truly remarkable space, having so many ancient ruins here.

To my surprise, Mao is the one that seems most engaged by my statement.

Right? Seeing all the different ancient cultures and learning their history, seeing their rise and fall, and holding the proof of their existence in my hands theres nothing else like it.

At her words, Ling seems to hold a soft smile towards her sister. This mustnt be the first time shes transitioned into a passion rant on this subject. Hence her next words.

Now, now, sister. We dont want to bore him with other information.

But I love passion rants

Actually, I enjoy hearing about peoples passions and learning more about them. And since we will be in this cart for a bit, I think we have a bit of time.

Which prompts the biggest look of betrayal Ive ever seen from Ling. To where I question my decision.

But its far too late for that, as conversely, I can practically see hearts in the eyes of Mao.

She actually grasps my hands.

Really?!!

Y-yeah.

Too late now.

And thats how for the next twenty minutes, as we moved towards the transition area to the outer court, that I learned more of the history of the exact culture I spent all this time studying. But with nothing really new learned, as my scan and fantasy had already filled in the gaps for me. Just without references to mana, more information on the hierarchal structure and theories on how there were likely controls on the population to prevent qi practice.

Still pretty interesting stuff.

So, I nodded my head and listened all the way through. All the way through, Ling gave off looks like she was dying.

I found this much more hilarious than I should have.

But all good things end, as found ourselves at a massive silo that plummeted deeper into dark open waters. She falls silent and even Ling focuses in.

Whatever this is, is not a joking thing.

The transition to the protected outer court section of this underwater area.