Chapter 307: Why Is My Time the Only One That’s Messed Up (2)

Epherene, having rushed out of the Ages, stared at the desert floor, blinking in a daze. The landscape before her was indeed astonishing—so breathtaking that it was worth losing oneself in its sight, as though caught within a dream.

"The sand mist is suspended," Epherene muttered in a daze.

Then a dry laugh escaped Epherene as she saw the grains of sand suspended in the air, and understood that the empty space, the stagnant air, the preserved nature, and all these signs clearly pointed to one phenomenon—time had stopped.

"... It should be released soon, shouldn't it?"

I only need to wait a little, right? I don't understand why everything stopped so suddenly, but surely, if this is an accidental time stop, it won't remain frozen forever. It can't be an unplanned spell that powerful,

Epherene thought.

“But...”

What if it doesn’t get released?

Epherene was suddenly afraid because the words of the ancient magic saints—that spontaneity and errors often led to great magic—came to her mind.

... Gulp.

Epherene swallowed, her mouth dry and feeling inexplicably anxious, Epherene unconsciously fumbled in the inner pocket of her robe, and her hand closed around a bundle of documents—Deculein’s exam problems.

"... Y-Yeah. There's plenty of time to study now, which is certainly a good thing."

If it's going to be released soon anyway, then I'll just be getting ahead in the meantime—after all, it will be released soon,

Epherene thought.

"Well... perhaps I should head back down," Epherene muttered, ruffling her hair as she made her way back into the Ages.

The Ages remained frozen, and the motionless faces of Allen, Idnik, and Yulie were eerily frightening.

However...

"Magical errors can be figured out along the way," Epherene said, nodding as if it mattered little.

Tick, tock—

At that moment, a slight vibration emanated from the inner pocket of her robe, startling Epherene and prompting her to quickly reach inside.

Tick, tock—

The time on the wooden pocket watch was flowing.

"You're alive?!"

Tick, tock— Tick, tock—

The wooden second hand and the minute hand moved.

Is it trying to tell me how much time has passed during the world's suspended time? Or...

"... Do you, by any chance, know how to resolve this issue?" Epherene asked.

Tick, tock— Tick, tock—

No answer came from the wooden pocket watch, which only continued its regular ticking.

“Hey.”

Tick, tock— Tick, tock—

Tick, tock— Tick, tock—

“

... Sigh.

”

I mean, at least I’m able to tell the time.

Epherene placed the pocket watch on the table.

Tick, tock— Tick, tock—

"At least I’m with you," Epherene said with a chuckle, speaking to the ticking watch. "Just wait. I’ll study and release it as soon as I can."

Tick, tock—

Epherene was aware of the presence of time energy, a topic on which she had even published a thesis. Thus, the energy inherent in the concept of time could be mana, nature, or perhaps an entirely different force, but in any case, time contained energy.

"It appears to be a problem with time energy, you know~ Three months should be enough to resolve this issue. No, the chances are even higher that it'll resolve itself if we just wait, probably," Epherene muttered, immediately beginning to analyze the phenomenon.

Fortunately, with time halted immediately after the magic manifested, the Ages now provided abundant evidence for thorough analysis and investigation.

𝐟𝗿𝐞𝚎𝚠𝐞𝚋𝕟𝐨𝚟𝐞𝕝.𝕔𝕠𝚖

Tick, tock—

"... Okay, watch, Ticktocky. Steelie has come to a stop."

Tick, tock—

By the ticking pocket watch, Wood Steel stood frozen and it could not resist the flow of time,

Epherene thought.

"I’m glad you’re here, at least," Epherene said, nodding. "Let’s start with Deculein’s exam problems."

As the phenomenon of stopped time was likely to resolve itself, Epherene could dedicate approximately three days to this problem.

“Let’s see...”

Epherene took the exam paper out of the envelope.

[Theoretical Problems for the Supportive Category Mage Selection]

The following spell is a cylindrical magic circle, its design an elaborate connection of numerous three-dimensional circuits.

Let the inner radius of this cylinder be R1 and its outer radius R2.

This cylindrical construct is linked to a mana stone, which holds a mana capacity designated as S and exhibits a resistance value of V. From this mana stone, 97.3195% of its maximally imbued mana is conveyed to a connected sphere.

Assume, for calculation, that atmospheric mana concentration is sufficiently minute to be ignored, and all dispersion effects are similarly absent.

(a) For the region where R1 < R < R2, detail the mana flow within the sphere and provide its corresponding circuit diagram.

(b) Within the region defined by R1 < R < R2, determine the vector of the active spell.

(c) Should the magic circle be dismantled, calculate the precise impact a unit of energy, flowing through the R1 < R < R2 region, would exert upon the world.

(d) In the paradoxical region where R2 < R < R1, detail the complete spell for the manifested three-dimensional figure.

“... What even is this?”

At the sight of the supportive category mage selection problem, an utterance of shock escaped from Epherene’s lips. Her eyes, wide and unblinking, remained locked on the page, faced with a problem of absurd difficulty.

***

... Three months had elapsed, and the proof that this period was indeed three months lay in the wooden pocket watch. Relying on the watch’s natural timekeeping, Epherene marked a stroke on the Ages for each passing twenty-four-hour cycle. Consequently, the time elapsed since time’s cessation was exactly three months.

Tick, tock— Tick, tock—

"... Ticktocky," Epherene muttered, her eyes weary as she stretched out on the floor, staring at her pocket watch.

"It's been three months, and it remains unresolved—!" Epherene barked, her hands tugging at her hair. "I can't figure out either of them."

I understand neither Deculein's selection exam problems nor the time stop phenomenon—I just don’t understand them at all,

Epherene thought.

"

Aargh!

" Epherene yelled, tearing at her hair. "There's no way to solve this!"

The problem was not solved—or rather, it was unsolvable.

"How can I solve this, trapped within this stopped time?" Epherene muttered, a dry laugh escaping her, her appearance resembling that of a mad scientist.

Epherene could not relieve her stress—there were no new novel releases, she couldn’t eat Roahawk, and despite not eating, she felt no hunger. This only deepened the chill within her, stirring eerie thoughts that perhaps she was already dead.

Tick, tock— Tick, tock—

"... Hey, Ticktocky," Epherene called, turning to look at the watch. "What should I do? Am I already dead and a ghost?"

I cast the spell with the best of intentions, but time stopped—and because of that, I alone found myself trapped within it...

Tick, tock— Tick, tock—

Within Ticktocky's tick-tock, Epherene let out a sigh.

“... Why.”

How did it come to this?

"... Was Sylvia, then, correct?"

My talent—the very property of time—could, if I fail to control it, become a disaster not just for myself but for the entire continent. Does that mean that if I were to commit suicide, time would resume its flow?

"But I don't want that," Epherene muttered, lifting her head from the ground to stare at the papers scattered across the floor.

Half of these are Deculein's theories, and the other half are attempts to resolve this phenomenon. The reason I wrote with mana instead of a pencil is that graphite wouldn't stick. Therefore, only I and my mana move in this world.

Of course, I can use physical force to make things move—like turning book pages or similar actions. But once I release that force, everything just stops in place.

"

Oh

... motherfuuu!" Epherene barked, scrambling to her feet and grabbing Deculein's selection exam paper back.

The following spell is a cylindrical magic circle, its design an elaborate linking of numerous three-dimensional circuits.

As Epherene read the first sentence of the exam problem, a particular term, for no apparent reason, snagged her attention.

“... Cylinder?”

A cylinder. Why, of all shapes, a cylinder?

Epherene lifted her eyes and looked at Yulie—or, more precisely, at the time cylinder in which Yulie was contained.

“There’s no way.”

Epherene sprang to her feet and took a seat in the chair.

“There’s no way!”

***

... Another three months had passed, marking a total period of no less than six months.

"I even had the strange thought that the cylinder might be Deculein's hint, but it wasn't," Epherene muttered.

Over the span of six months, Epherene solved Deculein's selection problem, and her frantic efforts meant she had found a solution—at least theoretically—but in the stopped world, mana stones did not function, preventing empirical verification.

"How could the Professor have known this would happen and left a hint, right?"

Meaning, time remained frozen, and Epherene's lonely mind was precarious, for she found the present moment more difficult than the past when she had repeatedly undergone regression without end.

Back then, at least, we all shared a common purpose, but now it's just me—alone. What even is this...

Epherene thought.

"Right, Ticktocky? Answer me."

Tick, tock—

Epherene waited as a reply came from the wooden pocket watch and, comforted by its response, walked from the desert to the Empire.

For the time being, I plan to go to the Empire because I need books, you see. I believe that if I fill my mind with something, I might be able to solve this problem.

"Caasi, I will find that person.”

There is plenty of time. I do not know whether it will be one year or two, but Caasi, I will find that person and study every one of their unpublished theories and books. I will absorb it all into my mind and end this damnable time stop.

“Ticktocky, but...”

Walking through the desert with nothing in her hand, Epherene found that even Deculein's exceptionally brilliant map was useless in the stopped time.

"Is this the right direction?"

That is to say, Epherene crossed the desert with only her two feet to guide her, uncertain if her direction was correct or mistaken.

Tick, tock—

"... Well, even if it's the wrong way, I can just go back and try again."

There’s plenty of time,

Epherene thought.

Epherene moved her legs, mumbling to herself as she walked across the sinking sand dunes, seeking the Empire, uncertain if she would ever reach it.

***

... Epherene wandered the desert for half a year—no less than six months—navigating its rolling dunes.

"

Oh...

it's the Empire," Epherene muttered.

Even at last glimpsing the Empire’s landscape, Epherene felt no joy and was not pleased, for she had only reached its countryside outskirts.

"Ticktocky," Epherene muttered in a daze and let out a dry laugh. "I heard it takes three more months to walk from the Empire's border to Hadecaine."

It's three months on foot, and if we lose our way again, there's no telling what might happen, because the Empire is larger than the desert,

Epherene thought.

“I’m going insane.”

Epherene's mind blurred.

Even if Epherene were to find Caasi's science books, and thereby comprehend the method, returning to the Ages alone would take at least a year.

Of course, Epherene had left behind markers to prevent herself from getting lost. However...

“Let’s go.”

For now, Epherene walked, both realizing how convenient Assistant Professor Allen's talent was and hoping that there would be no more despair beyond this.

"... But it's good to see people, Ticktocky, right?"

At least it’s better to see people, even if only to watch them. There were people in the desert too, but their faces were all twisted in an uncanny way.

"What a nice countryside view."

Epherene smiled at the quintessential rural scene—a man farming, an old man riding an ox along a path, and a child with a runny nose playing here and there—and continued on her way.

Within the stopped world, Epherene’s two feet alone continued to move forward, walking without end...

***

"Finally, Hadecaine," Epherene muttered.

Epherene reached her destination, Hadecaine Castle. It had taken three months, probably, and she had come in search of Hadecaine's publishing company, but now she lacked the strength to even let out a cheer.

"I just need to go to the publishing company... and get Caasi's new release. Ticktocky, just bear with it a little longer."

Tick, tock—

The pocket watch replied, and Epherene continued moving her feet, unaware if this was fortunate, as she felt no weariness, required no food, and needed no sleep. Epherene was a ceaseless engine in the stopped time, and she vaguely surmised that this was due to her own talent.

“Here it is.”

Epherene finally arrived at Hadecaine's publishing company.

"There's probably all sorts of stuff in the basement, you know?" Epherene said, opening the main entrance of the publishing company. "Here, all I need to find is Caasi's new release. There are many other science books too, so let's read them all. Let's study here..."

Epherene entered with her pocket watch while employees inside the publishing company were frozen in position exactly as they worked.Epherene first set down her bundle, which contained Deculein's selection exam problems and her collected hypotheses on time stop—thoughts she had scribbled whenever they arose during her nearly infinite walks.

"Let me see... Ticktocky."

Epherene had no need to search for Caasi’s new release, and she held the pocket watch in her hand, infusing it with some mana.

"Let's just rewind for a moment."

At that moment...

Tick, tock, tick, tock, tick, tock, tick, tock—

Ticktocky ticked ferociously, and for a moment time rewound to the past, during which suddenly voices blossomed and countless footsteps thundered as Epherene stood in a corner, watching the scene.

All I can do is only observe. This scene is merely Ticktocky showing me past moments, sustained by my mana,

Epherene thought.

"It's unfortunate, every time I see it. I can't even touch it, can I?"

Moving hurriedly, the publishing company employees passed through Epherene, completely unaware of her presence or that she was witnessing the past from this future.

“Anyway...”

Epherene closed her eyes and, with her ears open, listened to the voices of this past, almost supernaturally catching the name of a certain person among the numerous conversations flowing to and from.

—

... Caasi has been designated as a forbidden book.

Snap—!

As Epherene snapped her fingers, space halted. The past crumbled, and the world returned to the stopped present.

“There it is.”

An employee of the publishing company, muttering Caasi’s name, had gone to the basement. Epherene followed him down the stairs and approached the bookshelf where Caasi’s manuscript had been placed.

"

Phew

," Epherene murmured upon discovering the original manuscripts there, a sigh of relief escaping her.

Thank goodness. They do keep the forbidden books, after all.

"Three volumes in all."

The forbidden books by Caasi totaled three volumes, titled Theory of Relativity Volume Two, Volume Three, and Volume Four.

Just how important and shocking must a scientific discovery be to lead to a publication in four volumes like this?

"As expected, hope was here."

Even as she spoke of hope, Epherene's expression betrayed no emotion.

Could it be because I have lived alone by myself for nearly two years..? But, well, thanks to Ticktocky, I don't think I've gone insane. If I just return to my normal life, I'll probably recover.

Thinking about how many more years she would have to study here, Epherene grew a little disheartened, yet she pressed on.

Pat, pat—

Epherene brushed the dust from the manuscript.

"Why do mages disregard science?"

These were manuscripts that had never been published as books, yet their worth surpassed the combined value of all the theses that magic professors traditionally submitted to retain their positions.

"Sending even the Purger after me."

Actually, couldn't we just find the Purger and kill them while time is stopped?

"... Dangerous, that idea," Epherene muttered, shaking her head.

But again, I am not a mage who kills people. The Purgers are merely following orders under directives from above...

"Let's just study."

Epherene looked through Caasi’s manuscript and, while sitting on a random box, opened a page.

The moment Epherene's eyes lit up, having found new knowledge and material for study...

Tick, tock— Tick, tock— Tick, tock— Tick, tock—

Without warning, it began to chime loudly, and its second hand rewound erratically.

"

Hmm?

Ticktocky, what are you—”

Thud—

Interrupting Epherene's words, the sound of descending footsteps startled her, prompting her to stand from her place and watch the person coming down the stairs.

Thud—

Thud—

The sound of his dignified, perfectly measured footsteps—each one exuding grace and refinement—was undoubtedly Deculein’s, coming from a past she did not know.

Although Epherene knew she could not influence Deculein, she almost instinctively plastered herself to the wall, watching him from a hidden spot.

—

Lord Yukline, your direct presence was not necessary... Hahaha.

—

Lead on.

—

Yes, sir!

Deculein was with a man who appeared to be the president of the publishing company, who first busied himself by pointing to the bookshelf where Caasi’s manuscript was placed.

—

Here it is, sir. I had prepared to burn it, but since you, Lord Yukline, contacted me without notice... Should I burn it right before your eyes, sir? This is the only original copy.

The president brandished the torch in his hand near the manuscript, and Epherene's expression became, for some reason, rather interesting.

Now that I think about it, why did Deculein leave this original copy?

Epherene thought.

—

No.

Deculein shook his head, a response that was rather surprising for Epherene.

—

Leave it here.

—

Pardon me?

—

Let it be.

Deculein spoke as if it were of no consequence, yet the president's expression was distorted.

—

B-But Lord Yukline, an urgent request for cooperation has been issued by the Floating Island and the Imperial mages.

Epherene had no idea what the urgent request for cooperation meant.

If it is said to be urgent, then it must be really urgent,

Epherene thought.

—

There was a directive to expunge this entire original copy... Should its preservation become known, the Purger might attempt an inspection, sir.

—

It is of no consequence.

Even with the president mentioning the Purger, Deculein's stance was resolute. However, perhaps because his life was at stake, the president found the courage to ask.

—

... Might I, perhaps, dare to ask your reasoning, sir? Forgive my audacity, but this is the first time the Floating Island has sent someone directly that leaves me no recourse but to inquire in this manner...

Deculein silently looked down at the president of the publishing company, who was begging until his hands were sore. Deculein then stood there as if glowering before muttering to himself.

—

Even such a disturbing forbidden book might yet prove useful to a certain individual.

—

... Pardon me? U-Useful, sir?

Although the president appeared confused, Epherene’s eyes widened in certainty and shock as she instinctively covered her mouth.

—

Ask no further questions and you may now make your way upstairs.

—

... Yes, sir.

Then, the president, unable to question further, walked up the stairs, leaving Deculein alone in the basement. Deculein stared at the bookshelf for a moment, steadily observing Caasi's manuscript placed within.

At that moment...

—

... One day, she will come and steal it again on her own.

Deculein chuckled and wore a satisfied smile as if thinking of something, then turned his back and walked up the stairs, his unexpectedly humble appearance piercing Epherene’s heart for some reason.