Little by little, everyone began to recover. Robin and Shoun sat with them while this was happening.
—I guess it's time for you to explain what this place is... I didn't ask before, but what is it? Could it be a dimension similar to the demon world? Is there ash everywhere usually?
—This place is special. Normally, it's a replica of the city, which is why we call it the mirror world. Though beyond New Caven, we don't know if it's the same. I'll explain the rest when we can get to the base.
—Base?
After a while, Deuz and Kaze finally regained most of their energy. Robin took back the glasses they had lent and disassembled them with a simple touch, storing each piece haphazardly in their bag. Without making them wait any longer, the masked man opened the door to the base. Most of them entered without hesitation, though Robin was left marveling, analyzing every corner of the base.
—How is this possible? It seems this place has spatial manipulation technology, far beyond what any of the races currently possess. I wonder, who created this marvel?
—We don't know. Liam refuses to answer that question.
—Liam?
—Greetings, Administrator, Secondary Administrator, residents, and guest— greeted the artificial intelligence in its usual robotic voice. Robin's eyes lit up, and they began asking many questions about Liam.
—An artificial intelligence? Who programmed it? How intelligent is it? What can it do?
—Robin, maybe we should focus on what's important first?— Shoun asked with a serious expression. Robin adopted a similar demeanor, and everyone sat at the dining table. Despite being tired from the battle, they believed it was better to address what was about to happen—So, before I explain our whole situation, I'd like to know how you ended up here.
—Well, there are two answers to that question. The first is the simplest: I saw Sein appearing near a tree. He said you were in danger, and I offered to help.
—Isn't that a bit too convenient?— asked the boy with the beret after taking a sip of coffee.
—It is, which is why I said there are two answers. The second one explains that. Essentially, it's also Sein's fault. A couple of days ago, I had a text conversation with Sein. I asked him how many points he had, since I assumed he'd have almost as many as Shoun—around 100. But it turns out he said he had about 70— To confirm his words, Robin showed the conversation with Sein on his phone. Hearing this, Shoun facepalmed, Deuz let out a small sigh at his companion's stupidity, and Kaze simply shook his head. Even the masked man realized the problem, but Sein remained oblivious.
—I don't get it. What's wrong with my answer?
—Basically, both of you registered as adventurers on the same day. It was expected that your ascension would be close to each other since you should've killed the same things. Sure, there could be a difference of a few points, but not 30. That made me suspect something was off with your case— With Robin's explanation, Sein finally realized his mistake, shrinking back and apologizing to Shoun, who was glaring at him sternly—Adding to that, your ascension was quite fast. It's not unheard of, and considering your talent, it was reasonable. But combined with Sein's inconsistency, it seemed odd. So, I decided to have your movements monitored. When my colleagues informed me that you two were with Deuz and a masked stranger who was also an apprentice walking near Founder's Plaza, I had to come check it out myself. That's when everything happened.
—So, in summary, it's all Sein's fault— declared the masked man, causing the little one to lower his gaze and apologize again.
—With all that said, I think you owe me an explanation.
—Haah, I guess. It all started a little over a month ago. I was in a park and met Kaze— Shoun pointed to the masked man. Robin recognized him and gestured for Shoun to continue—He has a special ability that allows him to travel to this world. We call it the mirror world because, aside from certain exceptions like the City of Ash, it's practically identical in appearance to New Caven, as we already told you. Kaze is an amnesiac. One day, he woke up in the middle of the forest, killed a Vestige, and became a Codex bearer. From that moment on, he ascended and dedicated himself to exploring this place until I arrived here. Actually, Kaze isn't his name; it's his title. His real name is unknown, even to the Codex.
—Hmmm, I see. I assume that, due to all these abnormalities, Kaze shouldn't be registered in the system... which means he's essentially a criminal— The crime wasn't becoming a Codex bearer; it was not registering as one under the law.
—Exactly. But he has no identification documents. It's likely that the guild... or even the government would take advantage of him in an unhealthy way. Even you can't deny that, in this particular case, it's the most probable outcome.
—I wasn't planning to deny it. Please continue.
—Well, all this without considering the possibility that the mirror world is the motherland of the Vestiges. From what little you've seen, even you could've come to that conclusion, considering your intelligence.
—I thought about it but didn't mention it, as I figured you, knowing more about this place, would bring it up eventually.
—There's not much to say. This world is still a mystery to us. We haven't found definitive proof that this is indeed where the Vestiges come from, but there's also nothing to prove the contrary. Let's say we're at a stalemate regarding that. In any case, to leave this place, you need to earn a "visa," which is a trial similar to an ascension, except this time, the strength of all participants is combined to create a Vestige that they can kill together. That's what you and Sein will have to do to leave here.
—Hey! Why do I have to be the one to help Robin leave!?
—Because it's your fault they're here. Besides, the rest of us are too tired to do it in a few hours. I'm guessing you need to report back soon, right, Robin?
—Correct. In any case, we have a couple of hours before it's necessary, so we have time. I'm curious, aside from you and Kaze, how did these two end up here?
—About that... I needed an alibi for my ascension. I thought about becoming an adventurer, but I'd need a partner, and Kaze wasn't an option. So, I asked Sein for help, and he agreed.
—...That was irresponsible.
—Don't remind me. But he had the right to do it, and he's still in one piece. As for Deuz, he, like me, was a stowaway. Except instead of skating around, he was stalking like a creep.
—What's it to you if my ability works like that?
—In any case, the four of us formed a team. We come here on weekends and hunt Vestiges. Aside from Kaze, there's nothing illegal... What are you going to do about it, Robin?
—Well... it's like with your apprentice ability. Not reporting it would get my head rolling on the pavement. The difference is, in this case, there's no way to hide it 100% safely. The problem is more about whether I want to do it...— At that last sentence, everyone tensed up. Cold sweat ran down their faces, but finally, it was broken by Robin's laughter—Hahaha! You should've seen your faces... Relax, I won't tell anyone about this.
—Really?
—Really. As you said, there's nothing illegal here except Kaze. But even I'm aware that if his existence becomes known, what awaits him won't be pretty. So, I can turn a blind eye, but on one condition.
—...What is it?— Shoun almost expected Robin to blackmail them for money, but he knew their recruiter wasn't particularly interested in that. So, he had a dark premonition about the request.
—I want to join you.
—What!? Why?
—Out of curiosity. If you've read certain entries in your Codex, you should've found things about a hidden history, unknown to any of the three races—the history of the ancients— At the mention of that ancient civilization, Shoun couldn't help but swallow hard—Heh, seems like your reaction confirms I'm right. Adding to that, this ancient world holds things as interesting as the City of Ash, which makes me think it's the key to solving key mysteries in history. Like, where do the Vestiges come from? How are they born? Where does the Codex come from? How did the demon realm separate from our world?
—Wait, what do you mean the demon realm separated from our world?— Sein interrupted curiously.
—According to legends, all the nations of each race were once connected. They lived in the same world and coexisted in peace or war depending on the era. But then an event occurred that separated that piece of land and turned it into a separate dimension. This isn't a confirmed fact, but I'm inclined to believe this legend, especially considering this mirror world. So, as long as you can come here, I'd like to be here too. Thanks to solving all these mysteries, my career as a scientist will take off!
—You talk as if we'll have to stop coming at some point. Why?— Deuz asked perceptively, causing Robin to look at him strangely.
—Because you'll be discovered if you become anything more than Dominators. Isn't that obvious?
—What!?— Most of the people at the table were shocked by this revelation. It was Sein who finally asked—Why!? As long as we don't make a mistake, it shouldn't be a problem!
—...You're supposed to be adventurers. You should know that in the immediate outskirts, there's nothing above the Forsaken. All brutes and higher are quickly cleared out. The only real option is to join one of the two factions to keep ascending. Sure, you could go beyond the immediate outskirts, but for a measly rank 3, that would definitely be a death sentence. How come none of you realized this? Have you even left the city once?— The looks on their faces revealed that neither Sein nor Shoun had ever truly used their adventurer titles, which this time didn't provoke laughter from Robin—You guys are unbelievable... But back to the topic, if you don't want to be discovered, the only one who can keep ascending is Kaze. The rest of you are limited by your identities. What you do with this information is up to you. If you need more advice, I'm available Monday to Friday from 9 to 3.
Everyone ignored Robin's joke due to the weight of the situation. They all wanted to grow stronger without relying on an organization, but the weight of reality crushed them like a hammer.
—(...I don't want to be alone in this place again)— Kaze thought with great sadness. He didn't want to stop hunting Vestiges with his friends. The mere idea of not being able to rely on them filled him with a deep sense of emptiness.
—Haah... We can't solve this problem right now. I suggest we take it easy and review today's gains— suggested the boy with the beret. With little enthusiasm, everyone nodded.
—Oh, right. What were you doing facing an alpha brute? I don't think your S-grade ability has gone to your head— At that moment, Shoun explained the base's mission system and their reason for traveling to the City of Ash—I see... This place intrigues me a lot. Hurry up, Sein, and take out the documents!
—Of course!— With renewed energy and pride, Sein pulled the folder with the documents from inside his shirt. The outer cover was clearly wrinkled and stained with sweat, but the documents inside seemed to be intact.
—...You'd better hope this thing can still be handed over to Liam— With disgust, Shoun took the folder with tweezers and opened it to reveal the mystery hidden within the City of Ash.