Our gazes meet.
The guildmaster's gaze meets mine. Silence weighs down the dilapidated laboratory space even more heavily. In the dust-filled air, fragments swirl chaotically within my mind: the mysteries of Atlantis civilization, the gateway to another dimension, and distortions in the timeline... The Infinite Book feels heavy in my hands, as if sensing its own weight.
“...Well then, what shall we do?” The Guildmaster's voice was quiet, yet contained unwavering resolve. His words sounded like a question, yet they also seemed to already hold a hidden determination.
I slowly rose to my feet and picked up a single parchment from among the scattered books. Unlike the others, it had been preserved beautifully. Touching it gently with my fingertips, I felt a faint warmth. The parchment bore intricate diagrams, geometric patterns intertwined with unfamiliar characters.
“Is this... Atlantean script...?” The Guildmaster approached and peered at the parchment. Even with his depth of knowledge, deciphering these characters seemed no easy task.
“Probably... yes.” I brought the parchment closer to the Infinite Book. Instantly, a page of the Infinite Book turned, revealing a diagram identical to the parchment, accompanied by a detailed explanation. The Infinite Book reacted swiftly, as if it had been waiting for this parchment's information.
According to the explanation, this diagram was part of the blueprint for a “time transfer device” used by the Atlanteans. The ritual to open a portal to another dimension seemed closely linked to this device. However, the description ended abruptly regarding how to activate it and its dangers, leaving the details unknown.
“A time transfer device...?” The Guildmaster gasped. “If this truly works... it's far too dangerous...”
I agreed with his words. Distorting the timeline could lead to unimaginable consequences. Yet, this device might hold the key to the disappearances of the Librarian and the historian. There was no doubt the masked descendants of Atlantis sought this very device.
Based on the fragmented information recorded in the Infinite Book, I began to deduce the necessary steps for activating the device. Complex mathematical formulas, materials from specific monsters, and most crucially, playing a portion of the “Words of Creation.”
In the silence, the Guildmaster and I each pondered our thoughts. Should we proceed down this dangerous path, or turn back now? This decision would determine our fate, and the future of this world.
Translated with DeepL.com (free version)
