Basement
Upon arriving at the guild headquarters, the guildmaster led me to the basement. Beyond the heavy iron door lay a dim, damp space. There, the time transfer device—a distillation of Atlantis civilization's technology—stood silently. Its intricate machinery pulsed like a giant heart.
“...This is... the time transfer device...” The Guildmaster's voice carried unmistakable astonishment and awe.
I examined the device closely, comparing it to the blueprints. Complex wiring, glowing crystals, and at its core, a vessel prepared to receive the blood of the Sage. Various magical barriers surrounded the device, their intricacy overwhelming.
“Mitam... Are you ready?” The Guildmaster asked, his expression tense.
I took a deep breath and answered calmly. “Yes. I am fully prepared. However...”
I paused slightly, pointing at the glass vial containing the sage's blood. "This sage's blood... The quantity is insufficient. It may affect the accuracy of the time transfer and our control over the destination timeline. It's highly likely we'll only be able to perform a short-duration, pinpoint transfer."
The Guildmaster took my words seriously. “...That's... dangerous. If we don't know where the Librarian and Historian are, a short transfer means we probably won't find them... What if something unexpected happens at the destination...?”
His anxiety was a legitimate concern. Time transfer is an extremely dangerous act. There is no guarantee of success. Yet I did not waver. I believed it was worth taking this risk to save the Librarian and the Historian, and to unravel the mysteries of the Atlantis civilization.
"Even so, I will proceed. From the Librarian's final footage, I've pinpointed the location where they are most likely being held captive. Using the time transfer device to go directly there is the best course of action. The success rate is low, but there's no other way."
I met the Guildmaster's gaze, my resolve set. His eyes swirled with complex emotions—my determination mingled with his own unease.
“...Understood. Mitam. I trust you. But if... something happens...”
His words trailed off. Yet his feelings came through loud and clear. He supported my decision, yet carried immense unease.
I poured the glass vial of the Sage's blood into the center of the time transfer device. The crimson liquid was sucked into the intricate mechanisms within. The entire device began to emit a faint glow.
“...Begin.” With my words, the time transfer device initiated its activation.
Translated with DeepL.com (free version)
