Chapter 1990: Chapter 1990

Jenkins glanced furtively down both sides of the corridor. Once he was sure no one was around, he whispered:

"There are reports that the Difference Engine underground has nearly broken its seal by fusing with the Mechanical Heart. Since the Mechanical Heart and the Ocean Heart have the potential to merge, I was wondering... is it possible to locate the Mechanical Heart using the principle of like-devouring-like?"

"Oh, that's quite a clever idea. I once had a research project on locating numbered items using the principle of like-devouring-like. That was... well, it's certainly feasible, but that's all it is—a possibility."

"That's fine. I'm willing to bet on even the slightest possibility. You don't need to worry about funding... just go directly to Jessica for the money. I've given her authority over the kingdom's finances, including the royal family's private assets."

"You really do trust Miss Windsor, don't you? But this research will take a significant amount of time."

"Time? That's not a problem. Just do it. Besides protecting Jessica, you don't seem to have anything else taking up your time, do you?"

"Of course I do. Have you forgotten your own commission?"

"Didn't you commission me and my friends to research the 'Reverse-Fated Ritual'?"

"The Reverse-Fated... Oh, right. That's true. There's been so much going on lately, I'd almost forgotten. So, has there been any progress?"

"Of course there has."

"It's fine, this can take time... What did you say?"

Magic Miss had once complained that this would be a long and complicated task. She had promised that she and her friends—fellow members of her order—would study it diligently, but she had also told Jenkins to prepare for the possibility of no results at all.

But apparently, the skill and luck of this group of researchers were far better than Magic Miss's conservative estimate. Their research into the ritual and the black tower had yielded a massive breakthrough—the biggest one Jenkins had received to date:

"We've discovered that the black tower exhibits a very unique spatial reaction. Connecting this with the recent abnormal spatial zones appearing around Nolan, we investigated from that angle and finally determined that each of the seven floors of the tower that have appeared so far contains a special space. Furthermore, the spatial fluctuations and the spirit feedback are extremely similar to those of a Mysterious Realm... Why aren't you the least bit surprised?"

"Surprised? I already knew about the Mysterious Realms. Are you saying the black tower is one enormous Mysterious Realm?"

"No. I'm saying that each floor contains an enormous Mysterious Realm."

"One on each floor? You mean there are nine interconnected Mysterious Realms?"

"Yes, and they aren't independent Realms. As you may know, Mysterious Realms are essentially unique spatial fragments. Different Realms remain separate, accessible only through specific entrances and exits. But the spatial reaction inside this tower is different. The seven floors that have appeared so far are not completely independent; at the very least, there is a clear connection between adjacent levels."

"Sorry, what does that mean exactly?"

Magic Miss didn't answer right away, as if trying to find the right way to put it:

"In other words, if you consider the tower one giant Mysterious Realm, then this Realm is composed of several smaller-scale Mysterious Realms. I know it sounds incredible, but we actually have proof."

"Proof? Magic Miss, my admiration for you is beyond words."

"No need to praise me... If you can't express it, you can always write me a letter. Ahem, anyway, we have two pieces of evidence. First."

She held up one finger:

"There's definitely a reason for the emergence of spatially anomalous zones near Nolan. We've discovered that those torn spaces appeared as a ripple effect. Based on some very complex theories and calculations, we found that all the spatial tears converge on the tower. It's the changes in the space within the tower that are causing these anomalous locations to appear in different areas of Nolan.

If you're interested, I can give you the report, but it's extremely... complex. You'd be better off having a professional explain it to you."

"That's fine. I have a professional on my side."

He was referring to the machine underground.

"The second piece of evidence. Do you know the truth about Mysterious Realms?" Thıs content belongs to n0velfire.net

"I do. They aren't spaces that appear out of thin air. They come from..."

"No need to say it out loud. As long as you know. We don't know the whole truth about Mysterious Realms, but we at least know they aren't naturally occurring spaces. So, since the tower contains multiple layers of them, those Realms must have a source. It's impossible for the Difference Engine to have created them from nothing."

"Yes, of course. So, you've found the original locations of those Mysterious Realms? If we can really find where they came from, we might be able to find information about them."

"Don't get so excited. Relax. All of this is just speculation for now. Our opponent has been extremely cautious. The Mysterious Realms it forcibly pulled here were definitely not originally located in Nolan. It was worried about being discovered by the Church."

"So, some of the Mysterious Realms outside of Nolan must have had problems?"

"That's our theory. Through certain methods, we've roughly identified the regions. There are nine points in total, but the workload for a detailed, in-depth investigation is too much for us to handle. That part is up to you."

"Could you compile this information into a separate report? I'll have the Church look into it. Isn't that what the Church is for, after all?"

"We might have some differing opinions on the Church's reason for existing... but that's not important. In any case, my side has done everything we can. Without being able to directly access the tower, this is as far as our research can go."

she said, then sighed with a smile.

"This is probably the most difficult commission I've taken on in years. I think getting this far can already be considered a success. I hope you're satisfied."

"Of course I'm satisfied. Thank you so much for your help."

With that, he gave a theatrical wave of his hand and a slight bow.

"Just remember to repay us. I'll be charging a very high price this time."

The woman was always so direct. She laughed, then asked another question:

"Also, our order plans to help you in the final negotiation. Has the time been set yet?"

"This Friday. It's been decided. The venue is still being chosen, but it will most likely be in the Evergreen Forest, though another location within the city is possible. The matter is still under discussion, but we'll have an answer soon. After all, it's already Tuesday."

Hearing this, Magic Miss nodded.

"Then, may I ask—in the end, who will emerge victorious from the negotiation?"