Free Web NovelChapter 502: Chapter 246: Elf Detection Institute
"Why was the Elf Detection Institute abandoned, and why was it deserted? Why are there remnants of raw stone?" Ye Mingqiu turned back to ask.
In general, when there are items of such important value as raw stones, any faction that obtains them will exert every effort to possess them. The fact that the Elf Detection Institute, which stored raw stones, was abandoned definitely indicates a special reason.
"Don’t know, it all happened a long, long time ago. With today’s archives, where can we find things from that far back?"
Adira shrugged his hands helplessly but continued to add, "However, there are indeed some brief stories in history. After the Elf Monarch entered the Elf Detection Institute, he soon went insane and committed many foolish acts, leading to chaos within the elf race."
"It was a very serious turmoil that directly led to the dramatic decline of the elf race’s power... you should know that, right? Once upon a time, the elves had a glorious history during ancient times. After that upheaval, the elves went into decline."
"Later, the Elf Detection Institute was abandoned. It’s said there was some ominous entity, but that was long ago. With time’s erosion, what ominous presence can last that long? Moreover, the environment around the Elf Detection Institute is quite normal, without any pollution, so venturing there now shouldn’t be dangerous."
"Hmm."
Ye Mingqiu responded casually.
From a rational perspective, Adira’s thinking and analysis are correct. However, the anomaly within the Elf Detection Institute is real and implies some hidden curse.
But it doesn’t matter, he has the Eye of Omaragon to absorb the curse power, and his own abnormal status resistance is high enough, so he’s not afraid of such things.
However...
"I’ll tell you in advance; I’ve sensed some anomalies from the Elf Detection Institute’s direction. You’d best not follow me, because if there’s danger, I won’t take care of you." Ye Mingqiu said.
"Is there really an anomaly?"
Adira suddenly became excited, a thrilled smile appearing on his face, "If we can see an anomaly from ancient times persisting till now, it’s worth the risk even if it means death! Who wouldn’t go for that!"
Modus remained unchanged in expression and said, "I am a hero, my power can restrain all evils, no need to worry about my safety."
"Hmm."
Ye Mingqiu gave him a deep look, recalling the hero he saw previously in Elydenis. That fellow challenged the Ancient God but was deemed alive and tortured by spiritual corruption, eventually becoming the Ancient God’s minion.
This means that although a hero’s abnormal status resistance is high and does indeed restrain evils, if the opponent’s values are high enough, the restraint is ineffective.
The current distance is quite far, so Ye Mingqiu cannot specifically sense the anomaly intensity inside the Elf Detection Institute. And he’s said his warning once, which is enough; he’s not here to play babysitter.
....
Soon, at the Elf Observatory
Though it appears small outwardly, the interior space is exceedingly spacious, as if employing some special spatial extension technique.
Years have left a heavy deposit of dust here, shattered crystal instruments and collapsed relief stone columns silently speak of past glories and present desolation, a stagnant scent permeates the air.
’The curse’s aura has grown denser.’
Ye Mingqiu lowered his gaze, his facial expression showing no change. Though the curse aura here had intensified somewhat, it posed no threat, merely making the curse’s presence evident to those with weaker perception.
More importantly, as the curse became richer and more apparent here, he gradually recognized a particular trait within the curse similar to that of the Eye of Omaragon.
Like... a curse originating from Ancient God.
’The curse’s source is not simple.’
Yet, it is not a big problem; no matter how strong the curse source is, it is not as strong as the curse here—contacting simply requires more caution.
’Let’s absorb it first.’
Ye Mingqiu wandered casually through dust-laden corridors and halls, his fingers occasionally brushing against cold walls or some peculiar metal fittings, sensing the flow of history.
Meanwhile, the ring on his hand slowly opened its eye; the Eye of Omaragon quietly swallowed the curse, the ring’s single eye seemed to flash with a wary expression but quickly dissipated.
Evidently, the Eye of Omaragon also detected a hint of anomaly, but it deemed the anomaly not as dangerous as imagined, hence relaxed again.
Elsewhere, Adira was drawn to a room resembling an archive. As a minstrel, he enjoyed looking for stories to peruse.
He cautiously brushed away the dust accumulated on the stone pedestal, revealing ancient text inscribed in Elven Language beneath.
Proficient in Ancient Elven Language, he excitedly deciphered history’s veil, reciting softly:
"We obtained divine favor from beyond the stars in the Meteorite Crater; its color as ink, its substance pure, containing mighty power, far surpassing earthly knowledge... named ’Black Oil,’ civilization’s wheel accelerated swiftly..."
The text recorded the early history of ancient elf scholars discovering and utilizing Black Oil, a substance bringing incredible energy and technological advancements.
"...yet, over long years, we gradually perceived within ’Black Oil’ an alien essence... seeming to be surrounded by potential curses, intangible and formless, hard to eradicate... though with minimal effect, insufficient to unsettle its benefits..."
"...until the ’Eternal Dreamer’ appeared... colleagues in long-term contact with the core sample fell into an endless dream of madness, unable to be awakened... scholars zealously researched, even the monarch frequently visited."
