Chapter 50: The Mystery of Time |
At this moment, Professor Garcia really seemed like he was giving a lecture. Shad thought that perhaps he should adjust the gas light a bit, making the room feel more like a classroom:
"As for the rules of the Time Key, this was mentioned in your 'Fundamentals of Time Travel Theory' course. Also, do not worry about any problems caused by time travel. Our world is not as fragile as you might think, and mortals are not as powerful as they believe. In a world where thoughts can influence matter, the world itself is the most powerful force. Now, please take the key from the basin of water."
With this short explanation, Professor Garcia addressed all of Shad's doubts. It seemed that every student who traveled through time for the first time had similar questions.
"Water basin?"
Shad looked at the glowing basin of water, crouched down, and dipped his hand into the oddly warm water. He then really took out a key.
It was a wooden key, small enough that it was even smaller than Shad's thumb. The key's flat shape was ordinary—one side had teeth, while the other side was very smooth. The surface had an unusually obvious wood grain, and when Shad carefully rubbed it, he discovered a line of tiny text, no larger than a grain of rice, carved into the wood.
Although he had learned a lesson from the "Box of Darkness" last time, this time it was clearly safe. So, Shad once again used his translation talent and interpreted the inscription as:
"The World Tree blesses you in time."
"The World Tree?"
"The academy has many ways of transmitting Relics. The Poet's Manuscripts are the most basic method. The method we're using now, though costly, is safer and allows for the transfer of higher-level objects."
Professor Garcia continued as though giving a lecture:
"The Time Key's grading goes from Poet-grade (Level 5) to Unknown-grade (Level 0), originating from the past god Father of the Infinite Tree. Since this is just for the course, the key provided is a Poet-grade Time Key."
The professor did not use the term "Old Gods," but instead vaguely referred to them as "gods of the past," which caught Shad's attention.
"Do you know anything about this god?"
The professor with pointed ears asked.
"Only the name."
Shad replied.
"Father of the Infinite Tree is a very special deity. What makes it special is that it itself is also the World Tree."
If Professor Garcia had said this before Shad decoded the engraving on the key, Shad’s surprise would have been more genuine.
"As for the World Tree, you don’t need to know much for now. Regarding the use of the key, simply align it with any door’s keyhole, turn it, and push the door open, and you can travel to the corresponding time point in the past. Each key can reveal the corresponding time before it is used. The trick is to place the key under your pillow while you sleep. In your dreams, the Father of the Infinite Tree will leave a message within the key. We then look for major events related to the Old Gods from the corresponding era to determine the key's grade."
"So, which time point does this key correspond to in the Fifth Epoch?"
Shad’s fingers traced the wood grain on the key’s surface.
The chaotic Fourth Epoch was too dangerous, and keys from the first three epochs were strictly prohibited for Warlocks below the Ninth Ring, so this key could only belong to the Fifth Epoch.
"Autumn of the Fifth Epoch, 1068. Each key corresponds to a time point that must be connected to the Old Gods. This is why the History Academy is proficient in Blasphemy elements, as they are the only ones who can safely acquire silver Blasphemy elements without contacting existing Evil Gods."
Shad didn’t think time travel was a safe endeavor.
"We are time travelers, investigators. When traveling to the past, you cannot carry any items with extraordinary power. Even if you want to, anything with such power will drop out of your hands before you step through the 'door'."
Professor Garcia glanced at Shad, and Shad quickly shook his head, signaling that he wasn’t carrying anything. Whether it was the Vampire Ring or the Dice of Fate, they were both in his study.
"When you enter the past, your vision will be clouded by white mist. 'Another me' will also give you hints based on the time and events obtained from the fallen god’s relic key.
During the entire investigation, the white mist will not dissipate. Investigators can only move towards areas without the mist to witness the events. As long as you do not actively interact with the past, no one will notice you. We are investigators, here to witness and record the events of the past and bring them back to fill in the missing history before the epochs."
"Are you saying that we’re actually going to watch realistic operas...?"
Shad gave an example.
"That's a good metaphor."
Professor Garcia finally smiled, though he still looked stern. Despite his appearance, he was a nice person:
"Under extremely rare circumstances, the fallen Father of the Infinite Tree may assign tasks, but the probability is negligible... Well then, Mr. Hamilton, let's begin now."
"Now?"
Shad swallowed nervously and looked at the bedroom door. Mimia, the orange tabby, was probably tired since there had been no scratching sound from the door for a while.
"Do you need to prepare anything? Oh, don’t worry. Every time you open a time portal, you will only remain in the past for a maximum of 3 hours. And when you return to the correct time, you will only reappear three seconds after you left."
"What I mean is... isn’t this a bit hasty? Such matters..."
Shad thought his instructor would provide some systematic training, but he hadn’t expected such a simple introduction.
"Warlocks must rely on themselves, of course, they also rely on 'another me,' but they cannot depend on others. You don’t need paper and pen to record anything; any materials you bring to the past will return to their original form when you come back. Even if you have the ability to interfere with the past, it will only create a small ripple in the flow of time. Do not underestimate time and the world."
"Alright then, Professor Garcia."
Shad stood up, walked to the bedroom door, and let the brass-colored gas light cast its glow on his head and shoulders.
The small key aligned with the keyhole, and to his surprise, it fit perfectly, though they were obviously mismatched.
"Remember, when you turn it, recite the incantation. Any language will work—'The World Tree blesses me in time.'"
"Mr. Hamilton, see you in three seconds. Please relax, the academy has investigated thoroughly. In the autumn of the Fifth Epoch, 1068, nothing dangerous happened. It’s very safe. Please cherish your first time journey—it will be a meaningful and interesting experience."
"Okay, see you in three seconds, Professor Garcia."
With his heart filled with unease, Shad gently turned the wooden key in his hand and muttered,
"May the World Tree bless me in time."
There was a soft click, though it was clearly a sound the bedroom door would never make.
Shad took a deep breath and finally opened the door.
But behind the door, there was no tired orange tabby or bedroom. Instead, wispy white mist was slowly wriggling behind the doorframe. Beyond it, there was a mist-covered gateway.
He swallowed again, hearing Professor Garcia’s encouraging words, and thought about his cat, gathering the courage to step inside.