"Of course not!"
The professor even raised a hand, emphasizing his conviction. "That's absolutely impossible. While much of pre-Epoch history has been lost, I can tell you with absolute certainty that the 15th Epoch could not have lasted for two thousand years."
Seeing his firm tone and that he wasn't joking, Jenkins took a long, deep breath, his brow furrowing.
"Where on earth did I go that night?"
He didn't dare tell anyone what he had experienced. Although the event was unrepeatable, aning no one would suspect anything special about him even if he made sothing up, it was still related to his soul leaving his body. It was better to be cautious. Jenkins had also considered acquiring another B-04-3-5011, the Magical Conch, or a similar special item with the sa function.
But numbered items like that, with clear effects and few side effects, wouldn't cost less than twenty thousand pounds, and he didn't have the connections to find one anyway.
"Well then, do you know where the Shadow Kingdom is?"
he asked again.
"I've never heard of it... I can go back and look through so materials. But don't get your hopes up. As far as I can recall, I've never heard of such a place na."
Jenkins nodded. It was normal that the professor hadn't heard of it. He had already searched through a great deal of information himself, but not even the Secret Trace Library had any records of such things. He now suspected that the Shadow Kingdom he had visited was, like the Magma Hells or the Sea of Eternal Damnation, an alternate world parallel to the material one.
Professor Burns actually knew a few things about the Star Spirits, although Jenkins had already learned so details from Miss Audrey. Still, facts coming from the mouth of a history professor were different from those of a diviner.
According to Professor Burns, the existence of Star Spirits was well-docunted in history and legends, especially in genuine occult texts, so there was a trail to follow. The earliest record of Star Spirits ca from a ritual docunt inscribed on tree bark, a relic from the Fourth Epoch. That docunt described a particularly bloody sacrificial ritual where at least three thousand people were buried alive, all for the purpose of praying for rain.
The civilization of the Fourth Epoch was not yet fully developed; in Jenkins's view, it was the most primitive form of a slave society.
Although the records of Star Spirits began with sothing so grueso, the beings themselves were extrely gentle by nature. They were higher beings than humans and most supernatural creatures, born without the concept of death.
Star Spirits lived perennially in the Astral Plane, purifying their spiritual bodies through contact with the stars. Occasionally, they would manifest in the material world and spend so ti living as humans. Of course, just as Miss Audrey had said, the Star Spirits never interfered with the course of human history. They were more like observers, simply watching.
Because of this need to observe, they often appeared during major historical events, playing the roles of supporting characters. So, perhaps an insignificant na ntioned in so forgotten corner of a history book was actually the incarnation of a Star Spirit.
The night had grown late, and Jenkins bid the professor farewell before climbing back into his carriage. Having learned his lesson from last week's nocturnal wanderings, he resisted the urge to roam the city again, especially since Chocolate was now ho alone.
The carriage dropped Jenkins at the corner of St. George Street. The entire street was dimly lit, with only the gas lamp of his neighbor, the widowed Mrs. Margaret, still burning.
He had only taken a couple of steps, fumbling in his pocket for his keys, when he heard the sound of beating wings overhead.
Looking up, he saw a crow fly in from the distant horizon and land on a fence just a few steps ahead. It preened its feathers with its beak, its scarlet eyes fixing on Jenkins.
"I had a feeling I forgot sothing."
He muttered to himself, "Beryl's crow. It did disappear afterward."
He stopped in his tracks. Since he was in his Jenkins form, he didn't summon the Twin Demons. Instead, his right hand moved toward the pistol hidden at his waist.
"Mr. Williatte."
The voice ca from the crow, and it was strikingly familiar.
"Beryl?"
In an instant, all sorts of theories flooded his mind—feigned death, possession, and more. A night breeze rustled the last remaining leaves on his neighbor's small tree. Through the thin mist, Jenkins prepared to draw his pistol.
"Mr. Williatte, no, I am not Beryl. I am using the voice of my forr master, but I am not him."
It certainly wasn't Beryl, but it was definitely no ordinary crow. The bird itself emitted a faint white spiritual aura. This wasn't a Bestowal, but rather a special creature capable of accumulating spirit, just like Chocolate.
"The contract I signed with Mr. Beryl stipulated that after his death, I must deliver his belongings to his murderer in order to truly gain my freedom."
Having said that, and seeing Jenkins still standing cautiously in place, it suddenly opened its beak and shot a thin dart straight at his forehead.
With a crisp tallic clang, the dart was blocked by a golden, book-shaped barrier. The crow looked back in surprise, and through the hazy mist, it saw a short woman with her hands outstretched, casting a divine spell.
It flapped its wings, trying to take flight, but Jenkins's fist had already shot out. The crow was sent flying, landing at Miss Miller's feet, where it tumbled a few tis and then lay still. One of its wings and half its body were encased in ice. Miss Miller gave it a kick to confirm it was really dead.
Although Jenkins's Frost Punch had never permanently closed the eyes of any creature before, that was because his previous opponents had all been high-level Enchanters. Against a small crow, he finally understood the true effect of his ability.
He gave Miss Miller a slight nod, and a black shadow shot out from behind her. It first knocked the frozen crow aside, then leaped into Jenkins's arms.
"It was that thing's sudden squawk that made realize you were back."
Miss Miller reached out to pet Chocolate, but just like with everyone else, the cat dodged away.
She didn't press the matter, instead standing aside and watching as Jenkins picked up the crow.
Miss Miller had co by because her night class was canceled, and she had hoped to discuss so mathematical problems with Jenkins afterward. She had arrived at his doorstep half an hour ago and, finding him not at ho, was about to leave and try another ti. But then, to her surprise, Chocolate had sauntered out of the house and begun owing at her in the yard, paws flailing.
Miss Miller had been chard by the cute cat, which was why she hadn't left yet.
Reviews
All reviews (0)