Hunter Academy: Revenge of the Weakest novel Chapter 189

Chapter 189 Chapter 42.4 - Trip

The group followed the guide through the charming streets of Western Uxbridge, eventually arriving at the research site where Mister Jones awaited them. The researcher, a middle-aged man with a mane of graying hair, greeted them with a warm smile.

"Welcome, Cadets of the Arcadia Hunter Academy! I'm Roman Jones, and it's a pleasure to have you here." He extended a hand, shaking hands with Maya and the rest of the group.

Maya reciprocated the gesture. "Thank you for having us, Mister Jones. We're excited to explore the historical site and learn more about your research. I heard a lot of things about you from my father."

"Ah….Mister Evergreen talked about me? It is quite an honor."

"Of course he did. He always mentions how diligent you are.

"Thank you. I will make sure to pay him a visit later."

"It would be good; I am sure he will welcome you."

"Ahahaha…."

After they had exchanged a bunch of greetings, Maya turned her attention to her fellow members.

"For those who don't know, this is Professor Roman Jones. He is one of the rare experts in the field of historical research and artifacts. His contributions have been pivotal in uncovering the mysteries of Western Uxbridge's past," Maya explained, her voice carrying a tone of genuine respect.

Roman Jones modestly nodded, "I'm just passionate about what I do. Now, shall we begin our exploration?"

Even though Roman Jones was a fairly important figure in this field, he seemed to open up for a short time for the sake of the group.

The group eagerly followed Mister Jones as he guided them through the various sections of the research site.

"You might not be able to see this in your lifetime. This is a special artifact that was used by the inhabitants of this place before the day of Nexus Convergence. It contains no changes made by mana."

"No changes made by mana? Does that mean this artifact is different from what we have been using?"

"This is indeed the case. From the moment mana entered our world, life took a huge change. The biggest change can be observed from the living beings as we all adapt to it, but even those who are not living are subjected to these changes."

"Ah…."

"And, the reason why we are working on these artifacts is to take their state as a reference point for many changes and observe how it was before the mana came to this world.

He provided insights into the significance of each artifact, unraveling tales of the city's history as they moved from one display to another.

"As we examine these artifacts, we uncover the untouched state of life before the influence of mana. Western Uxbridge, as you see it today, was once a thriving city without the pervasive energy we now know as mana. The artifacts here predate the day of Nexus Convergence, an era when magic wasn't an integral part of our existence," Mister Jones explained, his eyes gleaming with passion.

He led the group to a section displaying a map of Western Uxbridge with intricate markings. "These ancient ruins not only hold the city's history but also carry traces of an age where mana wasn't a defining force. We theorize that our world might have had latent mana long before the Nexus Convergence event."

One of the students asked, "So, you're suggesting that mana existed in our world even before the Nexus Convergence?"

Mister Jones nodded, "It's a fascinating possibility. These ruins and artifacts are like windows to a time when magic wasn't commonplace. If our theory holds, it could reshape our understanding of the very fabric of our world."

As they explored further, Mister Jones elaborated on the intricate connections between the ancient ruins and the potential existence of latent mana.

He pointed out markings, symbols, and structures that hinted at a magical influence preceding the day when mana flooded the world, and the buildings of the ancient ruins themselves were practically against the idea of a non-magical world.

"Even from the perspective of a physician, the idea of moving all these blocks or digging this amount of tunnels in such ancient times itself is contradictory to the flow of time."

Just as he said, he pointed to the huge ruins made of only steel.

"….."

Though the students all had their fair share of high buildings, seeing such an old one was definitely a different experience.

"However, there is one other aspect that supports our theory." At that moment, Jones stopped and raised his hand.

"I don't know if some of you have noticed, but the mana in this place is slightly different."

Jones extended his hand, and as if conjuring magic from the very air, a flicker of flame danced into existence in his palm.

The flames, however, were not the typical orange or red hues associated with fire. Instead, they swirled with an ethereal display of colors—shifting seamlessly from azure to emerald, then to amethyst.

"I myself am not that proficient in fire manipulation, but even then, you can see the result with your eyes alone. This is a small demonstration of the peculiar mana in this location. Unlike the mana we are accustomed to in our daily lives, the mana in these ancient ruins carries a distinct vibrancy and variance in its essence."

Jones explained the multicolored flames reflecting in his eyes. As the group watched in awe, he continued, "These unique mana fluctuations coincide with our theory that this city might have housed a different kind of magical energy before the Nexus Convergence. The artifacts and the very air in Western Uxbridge seem to echo the remnants of an era where magic manifested in diverse and unpredictable ways."

All of the students looked and watched in awe as he displayed the results. The notion that the mana here had its own unique characteristics heightened the mystery surrounding the ancient ruins.

"This is also the reason why this city is still not touched by the outside world and has preserved its uniqueness up to this point."