Chapter 59: History
Upon the elongated desk, a pool of fragmented scrolls lay before the gaze of two Scarlet Robes and one aspiring Red Robe. These scrolls appeared weathered, with jagged, moldy edges along the leather, and scattered patches of decay dispersed throughout, rendering most of the inscriptions blurred and indistinct.
However, Panini was acutely aware that the antiquity of these leather scrolls surpassed their appearance; their preservation to this day without complete decay suggested they were likely enchanted with specialized leather magic.
"Our task is to decipher the records inscribed upon these artifacts," Lijita handed a fragment, preserved beneath a pane of glass, to Panini. "Do not underestimate them."
"Ah, written in the language of sorcery..." Panini observed the parchment, furrowing his brow in contemplation. Moments ago, he had been perplexed why the two Scarlet Robes hadn't utilized spells like "Comprehend Languages" for translation. However, upon seeing the arcane script on the parchment, he understood the reason.
The language of sorcery served as a codification of magical power; reciting this language invoked and controlled magical energies. It was not merely a language but rather a motion in accordance with the rules of the multiverse. Practitioners from different eras and civilizations encoded this language into script, facilitating magical research and preserving information with a degree of secrecy.
Such script could not be deciphered through spells like "Comprehend Languages" but could be decoded by contemporaneous mages through their knowledge of magical arts. Note that it must be contemporaneous mages.
The magical rules of the multiverse are in a perpetual state of flux, a fluctuation stemming from the movement and growth of the multiverse itself. Consequently, even the Goddess of Magic cannot fully grasp them. As a manifestation of magical principles, the magical web is also in constant flux. Hence, ancient magic is ephemeral. Attempting to guide modern spells with archaic incantations typically results in misfortune...
However, some high-quality magical creations maintain a stable connection to magical energy. Their internal coding adjusts with changes in magical rules. Thus, adventurers need not worry about ancient artifacts malfunctioning—unless, of course, the materials have deteriorated or they are shoddily made.
Yet, this fact also renders ancient magical languages exceptionally difficult to decipher. Within the same era, there may exist several scripts for a single magical language. For example, there are the ancient Elven tongues, Imaskari scripts, Netherese dialects, and many more. Moreover, due to geographical differences, each magical language has various subtypes. Some nefarious individuals even employ cryptic codes to protect the content of magical writings, further complicating matters for later archaeologists.
In summary, deciphering ancient magical texts is a daunting task indeed.
"Yes, the records of the Imaskari language in the database are not very comprehensive... We've just managed to glean some insights. It seems to be a historical account encoded with magic. However, only half of it is legible; the latter portion is too damaged, and the writing is sloppy," sighed Hughes, rubbing his bald head.
"This section describes how a group of enemy forces tracked the noble mage who recorded these scrolls to the location of this... ruin. In order to leave a message for reinforcements and comrades, he documented this piece..." Panini furrowed his brow as he inspected several pages of such scrolls, then remarked, "It appears he did not wait for the arrival of reinforcements."
"Wait, do you possess knowledge of the Imaskari magical language?" Hughes observed Panini's adept and natural reading skills, unaided by any reference material, with a faint expression of surprise.
"Well, these records were rather hastily made, so although they appear sloppy, they were not concealed with any cryptic codes. Otherwise, I wouldn't be able to decipher them," Panini shrugged in response to the two formally attired Red Robes' astonished expressions. "I've studied some of it back at the academy."
Of course, this was pure nonsense. Without the gifts from the artificer, he wouldn't have recognized the characters of this arcane script in his next life.
Both Hughes and Lijita shared a moment of peculiarity. Understanding an ancient magical language wasn't an outlandish feat, but it certainly required a considerable amount of time. In a Red Robes society that prized practicality, mages willing to devote themselves to such studies were exceedingly rare.
"Oh, should I commend the harmonious atmosphere of your academy, or perhaps remark on your leisure, for you have the time to delve into such seemingly inconsequential matters?" Lijita furrowed her brow momentarily but quickly relaxed. "Nevertheless, it's always good news. Thanks to you, our task might conclude sooner."
"Is that so? I am honored," Panini replied with a smile.
"These are the sections yet to be deciphered. See if you can expedite their resolution." Sensing the glimmer of hope for a quicker rest, Hughes pushed a few of the most tattered scrolls toward Panini. Nodding in acknowledgment, Panini carefully scrutinized them. "They speak of a group of traitors who opened... um, the Imperial temporal gate in the Astral Plane... releasing those extraplanar monsters, possibly referring to the deities of Mulhorand... Why does this legend sound so familiar?"
Panini's brow furrowed gradually as he spoke. Some whispers regarding the history of the Red Robes' order seemed to suggest its origins in the Imaskari Empire. According to these rumors, during a political struggle before the empire's collapse, they met defeat and subsequently aligned themselves with Mulhorand, indirectly contributing to Imaskar's demise.
Many sources seem to tacitly support this hypothesis. However, within the order of mages, many members scoff at such assertions, as the title "traitor" is universally scorned in any organized society.
Another influential theory posits that the Red Robes' order originated from a faction of Mulhorandi people who were particularly interested in magic. However, this explanation is equally flawed—since the era when reliable historical records of the Red Robes' order began, up until the time they parted ways with the Mulhorandi Empire, there have been clear distinctions in their modus operandi.
Despotism, violence, terror, and the oppressive system of slavery—all seem to be inherited directly from the later stages of the Imaskari Empire's colonial policies.
Hughes raised an eyebrow. "Oh! A momentous historical discovery. It seems some of the scholars who supported the Mulhorandi faction can now hold their tongues."
"I find it rather mundane. Discussing history is tiresome, isn't it? Betrayal is hardly novel for the order of mages. What's next?" Lijita turned to Panini. "Do we have any more sensational information to uncover?"
In truth, due to some unsavory incidents in the Red Robes' historical record, history was not a focal point of study. Thus, the attitude towards many excavated documents was quite casual. Sometimes, they were merely searching for clues to ancient artifacts, with only minimal effort invested.
Hence, the department dedicated to historical inquiry holds a rather modest position within the Mage Guild.
Panini surmised that the two Red Robes seated across, assigned here for historical research, must feel rather despondent. Once officially elevated to the rank of Red Robe, most would assume pivotal roles in political or arcane studies. Consequently, historical research and archaeology find themselves relegated to the back benches.
Contemplating this, he found both these Red Robes quite intriguing.
From their previous conversation, one could discern the casual demeanor of Hughes Trophidi, a non-conformist amidst the Red Robes. His placement in this unconventional role seemed rather understandable.
As for Lijita, initially perceived as a novice soothsayer, Panini's impression shifted upon hearing Hughes's remarks. Faced with this female Red Robe, he felt an odd sense of discord.
Could this serene and tranquil female mage truly be a peculiar and murderous individual?
While such characters were not unheard of within the Mage Guild, Panini couldn't shake off his feeling of unease. Something about the situation didn't quite sit right with him.
Nevertheless, these matters were ultimately of no concern to him. Panini merely indulged in a brief moment of idle speculation before lowering his head once more to decipher the pictographs on the parchment:
"Next, he said... um, they fought desperately to reclaim the energy converter stolen by the traitors—yes, it seems this device is a crucial component of the sealed planar portal, drawing upon various energies from the planes to power the seal... They were about to return the device to its original location... then the enemy arrived... they cast some sort of spell... and then... and then."
"And what about after that?" Panini's voice trailed off, joined by inquiries from Lijita and Hughes.
"There's nothing more." Panini uttered these words with a strange sensation, fleeting yet palpable. He then gestured towards the final parchment. "The account ends here; the subsequent script is too haphazard, compounded by the decay of the parchment. I am powerless to proceed."
"Well, I suppose that concludes our task," Lijita sighed, gathering the parchments. "Judging from history, it seems they ultimately failed in their mission, and Imaskar met its demise."
"Heh, you must be Sean. Would you be interested in joining us here after promotion? The work is rather leisurely," Hughes Trophidi's eyes shifted, suddenly smiling at Panini. "We're in need of someone like you, skilled in deciphering magical languages."
"Don't talk nonsense, lazybones," Lijita retorted bluntly to Hughes. "What's so appealing about the work here?"
"What's not appealing about it?" Hughes suddenly stood up excitedly. "The work is leisurely and peaceful, free from any burdens of responsibility or the constant threat of betrayal. I truly can't comprehend why some people refuse to enjoy a comfortable life and instead choose to endure hardship and suffering."
These words fell upon Panini's ears, resonating deeply within him. In the past, he might have found a kindred spirit in such sentiments. However, now Panini had resolved to embark on efforts toward the noble aspiration of "changing the world," thus rejecting any passive inclination towards seclusion.
For Panini, the pursuit of greater power and higher authority was the inevitable path to achieving his goals. He had resolved not to retreat any longer. Therefore, although Hughes' words sounded pleasant to Panini, they no longer resonated with him.
"Oh... passively evading reality. Let us not forget, we are Red Robes, my dear colleague," Lijita raised an eyebrow, and Panini was surprised to find that the female mage seemed dissatisfied with the current situation. But why would she appear in this desolate department?
"Let's drop this topic," Hughes shook his head, turning to Panini. "So, tell me, are you here for certification? Who are you looking for? The chief or the deputy?"
"Well... I'm actually a bit puzzled," Panini pondered for a moment, feeling that the relationship had warmed slightly, and he seemed able to ask questions to dispel his doubts. "Why would a mage like myself come to the Department of Prophecy for certification?"
"You don't know yet?" Hughes and Lijita exchanged astonished glances, then turned to Panini, mirroring the same reaction as Jasdithraeusia. "Your mentor hasn't told you anything?"
"That's right," Panini nodded. "I lack understanding of the promotion procedures."
"You really need to be enlightened," Lijita sighed. "Hughes, you're always helpful, so why don't you explain the reasons to this future colleague? I'll go organize the data."
With a pile of documents in hand, the female Red Robe departed, leaving Hughes to slap his forehead before turning to Panini. "My dear junior, do you really know nothing?"
Panini nodded in silence.
"Never mind, your mentor is truly irresponsible. Although these words should technically be kept confidential for non-official Red Robes, some information should be appropriately disclosed to prospective Red Robes... Let me put it this way, the reason you are here for certification..." Hughes carefully chose his words. "Actually, for us Red Robes, factions are not the primary distinguishing factor."
"Factions are not the primary distinguishing factor?" Panini was speechless for a moment. This statement truly overturned his perception of the Mage Guild because the education he received at the academy was centered around factions. The growth of a Red Robe should be closely related to the school to which they belong. But now, someone was telling him that factions were not the primary distinguishing factor?
This sounded rather awkward, but since Panini had felt that the organization of the Red Robes was peculiar since being brought here, he refrained from expressing any opinion and could only ask, "Why is that?"
"...Well, Sean, let me ask you this: who has been ruling Sael since the fall of the Imaskan Empire to the present day?"
Panini furrowed his brow, beginning to recall this history. "After the destruction of Imaska... it should be the lords dispatched by Mulhorand. Around the year 1000, it was the rebellion led by the lord of Seld and some wizards, who were also the initial founders of the Mage Guild... Then came the Battle of the Orc Gate... the main god of Mulhorand was killed, and the influence in Sael began to weaken. Then, with the covert assistance of some Mulhorand nobles, Sael was reclaimed, only to immediately have differences with Mulhorand... Next came the Battle of Sazahah Province. Wait, are you suggesting..."
Panini was in the midst of recollection when suddenly his eyes lit up. "Are the Mulhorandi nobles who supported the Mage Guild's independence war still in existence?"
"You are truly astute," Hughes admired, casting a glance at Panini. "To tell you the truth, in present-day Sael, although the Red Robes are wielders of power, not all authority is held by the Mage Guild."
He observed Panini's pensive expression and continued, "Those six noble families have always been the controllers of Sael."
"That's not right," Panini suddenly furrowed his brow. "Why do most of the Saelians I've encountered not perceive the existence of these six families? Almost everyone believes they have vanished."
"They have never disappeared," Hughes's expression suddenly turned serious. He pointed to his own chest, then to Panini. "They are among us."
He looked at Panini's increasingly perplexed expression and continued, "Since the rebellion in the north four hundred years ago, every official mage of the Red Robes has been a member of those six noble families."
"No way," Panini was momentarily shocked, staring at Hughes incredulously. "But I am of common birth."
"Do not fret, you have already been accredited by Lady Gestriria—she is the esteemed elder of House Vlaras. With her endorsement, their family will soon select a daughter to marry you, thus formally inducting you into the nobility of Sael." Hughes chuckled slightly, his tone laced with irony. "Congratulations are in order indeed. It is no small feat to distinguish oneself from such a vast multitude of apprentices. Recognition from the six noble houses is not easily attained. These families have limited slots each year to absorb new blood, and the unfortunate apprentices who are culled by their mentors in the lower academies every year should give you pause for thought. Hahaha!"
Panini Sean could no longer discern Hughes Trophidie's incessant prattling, only able to sit woodenly on the stool, his mind in utter turmoil.