"The gray Energy that was just attacking must have been emitted by that machine."
"What’s so special about compared to the rest of you?" Alka asked, looking at the image on the device in his hand.
Chadite glanced at him. "It must be because you possess the Treasure." He then pointed to the image on the display, where a gray beam was striking the Treasure, which glowed with blue light.
From this image, the problem was clear.
Jason watched the display and couldn’t help but ask, "So, does this machine only attack people who possess Treasures, or does it prioritize them?"
This question was important. The two possibilities were entirely different concepts.
"It probably only attacks those with Treasures," Alka replied. "Otherwise, when the gray Energy passed by you, you wouldn’t have been unaffected."
Everyone nodded in agreent. That was indeed the case.
Previously, when the gray Energy had spewed from the pit below, it had completely ignored them, having no effect whatsoever. Except on Alka.
Alka looked at the display and continued, "So, because the machine is attacking the Treasure, it’s keeping it in a stimulated state. And the Treasure remaining in this stimulated state has led to the current situation. We’ve all witnessed it. The Extre Cold Triangle Zone is likely trapped in this perpetual cold for this very reason."
It was just like the Realm of Pitch Darkness, which had been transford by a Treasure’s energy eruption. After their experience in the Realm of Pitch Darkness, they had no doubt about a Treasure’s ability to alter its surroundings.
"So, we need to find a way to shut down that machine," Alka stated. "Otherwise, we won’t be able to get near the constantly stimulated Treasure."
Just looking at it, one could feel a bone-chilling cold, let alone approach it.
Hearing Alka, Chadite furrowed his brow. He looked at the display and asked, "The question is, how do we shut that machine down?"
On the display, the circular machine had a large, damaged opening, through which they could see its interior.
Perhaps we can destroy it directly through there? Alka wondered.
At that mont, Lucilia, perched on his shoulder, suddenly spoke up. "Aren’t these the ruins of Ancient Bahamut? Those circular patterns are totems they frequently used."
Hearing this, Alka turned to look at her. He hadn’t expected Lucilia to recognize the na, let alone know it referred to ancient ruins.
Lucilia, seeming to sense their unfamiliarity, began to explain. "That was an ancient kingdom. I thought evidence of it only existed where I’m from. I didn’t expect to find its ruins here too. It’s so old, it’s impossible to say how long ago this power existed. Those ochre, circular lines are their totems. You can see them on many of their machines and buildings."
Alka thought, So the Sea of Beings has them too? Remnants of this ancient power exist there as well. He recalled the difficulty of obtaining the Ancient Guard. The term ’Anti-God’ brought to mind the Divine War ntioned in the records from the Archbishop—a conflict from an unknown, distant past. These are most likely relics from a power of that unknown era.
"You just need to say the shutdown command in the Wark Language, and it should turn off," Lucilia continued.
Her words implied the machine was voice-activated.
After speaking, Lucilia jumped down from Alka’s shoulder. Looking at the tunnel leading below, she said, "I’ll go down. I can speak using this doll."
Everyone looked at Lucilia. They were sowhat concerned. Lucilia was a Soul Body, and she hadn’t possessed any special powers when she was alive.
Alka looked at Lucilia, considered for a mont, then nodded. "Alright, but be careful. I’ll prepare so protective asures for you."
He knew letting Lucilia go down could be dangerous. The cold below was far more intense than above, and it was uncertain how long the others could endure it, even with their resistance. Lucilia’s doll body, however, offered much better protection against the cold than their own bodies, though so preparations were still necessary. He had to ensure Lucilia’s safety. Moreover, Alka knew better than anyone that the only real danger below was the extre cold.
With that said, his right hand was enveloped by the Hand of Precision, and he began to work on the doll. He inserted a Gemstone that emitted heat—a type of Magic Material—into the doll. Then he took out a prototype Magic Mirror. It was remarkably sturdy and discreet. Even if Magic Power was infused into it, one wouldn’t perceive its special nature unless the soul within wished it. Alka attached it to the doll’s leg with a silk thread.
"The Gemstone inside the doll will help you resist the cold below," Alka instructed. "And this Magic Mirror will protect your soul. If you’re attacked or find yourself in danger, get inside it imdiately."
Hearing Alka’s instructions, Lucilia nodded. "No problem. Don’t worry."
Once everything was ready, Lucilia, holding Julia’s ribbon, was slowly lowered down into the pit. The others could only monitor Lucilia’s status through the display.
The mont Lucilia descended into the pit using the ribbon, she felt an overwhelming coldness wash over her. She was in a doll’s body, yet she could feel the cold. This ant the coldness in the cavern was so intense it could affect one’s very soul.
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