The Otherworld
Breathing in the dim air of the otherworld, I let my thoughts wander. The librarian and historian still tremble with fear. From their words, I understand this space was created by a distortion in the timeline, and that beings—shadows of the Atlantis civilization, perhaps—need the “Words of Creation” and our knowledge to correct the timeline. Before considering an escape, I must first help them calm down.
“Please tell me more. These shadows of the Atlantis civilization... what kind of beings are they?” I ask in a calm voice.
The historian slowly lifts his head and looks at my face. His eyes are still clouded with fear, but he seems to be gradually regaining his composure. “They are... beings far beyond our imagination... transcending time... space... even concepts themselves... like... gods...”
His words trail off. Perhaps fear prevents him from choosing his words. The librarian speaks up, as if to supplement his words. "They are... the remnants... of the Atlantis civilization, I suppose. Atlantis was a great civilization, possessing both advanced science and technology and magic. However, its prosperity did not last long, and it followed the path to ruin. Those who survived became these... shadows."
“Advanced science and technology... and magic?” I asked, intrigued. I had only ever encountered fragmentary information about the Atlantean civilization. From their words, I understood their technology far surpassed anything I could imagine. And that technology must somehow be connected to the distortion of the timeline.
“They may be attempting to alter past events by distorting the timeline. Or... perhaps to change the future... or... to drain power from another timeline...” The historian's voice trembled faintly, as if recounting events from a distant past.
Their explanation provided crucial information, expanding my knowledge. However, unless I devised a way to escape this alternate space, this knowledge would be useless. I recall the blueprints for the time transfer device. Perhaps we could use this device to escape. But activating it required the “blood of the sages.” Even though we already have it, there's no guarantee the device will function in this alternate space. And the shadow of the Atlantis civilization might be monitoring this device. Escape won't be easy.
Silence once again filled this otherworldly space. Only the breathing of the Librarian and the Historian, and the beating of my own heart could be heard. In this dimly lit space, I slowly and carefully began to consider my next move.
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