After the transpired events of yesterday, Karim now look at Jihoon with a stern gaze as if a father is about to scold their child for their mischief. He literally just leave Jihoon to his devise once again for an afternoon, and he managed to somehow stir another drama. At this point, Karim might have to really babysit him like a toddler just to prevent another similar scenario from occurring.
"I cannot fathom how you managed to stir such an uproar in the mere span of an afternoon unfettered from my guidance," Karim began, pinching the bridge of his nose as if to stave off an oncoming headache. "Consorting with the Matriarch's daughter herself? Amidst the cloud above?"
He fixed Jihoon with an exasperated look. "Need I remind you again that the Harpies are Absence's most revered celestial paragons? Alvorna stands to inherit stewardship over their entire civilization once the Matriarch's tenure concludes. And you...you thoughtlessly sought to entangle her in your harmonic dalliances?"
Karim shook his head slowly, sighing. "I've half a mind to rescind my sponsorship and abandon you to fend for yourself amid this burgeoning rage you brought yourself in. The Citadel's elite ministers are no doubt determining which suitable draconian repercussions for such a brazen desecration of their matriarchal heiress."
"Truthfully, I'm beginning to suspect you also possess some latent talent for catalyzing chaos and upheaval no matter where your path leads other than your supreme musical prowess. This latest incident has me questioning whether extending my patronage was wise after all despite all the results you produced."
Honestly, who could blame Karim for being distrustful after this. Imagine your latest talent created a fiasco nearly as soon as they joined, any manager would definitely rightfully angered and that Karim is even here wondering about whether or not he should have abandoned him spoke of how much patience this man has. Jihoon never put too much vouch in luck but he kept using it like he has more than needed for lifetime.
Karim fell silent, allowing the full gravity of the situation to hang heavily between them. While he had taken Jihoon under his wing out of recognized potential, the virtuoso's actions now threatened to undermine everything Karim had so carefully cultivated. One did not simply court a celestial bloodline's heiress on a whim without reaping severe, far-reaching consequences.
"So..." he began, features hardening into stern resolution. "I will ask you plainly. What on Absence compelled you to pursue such inadvisable decision!? Do you even understand the ramification and consequences that you risking us both?"
Jihoon met Karim's stern gaze evenly, unperturbed by the merchant's admonishments. "I knows the full weight this situation carries, make no mistake," he stated, tone resolute. "When Alvorna and I resonated upon the first performance together, I knew the severity already had I failed her instead. So naturally, I go above and beyond".
He shook his head slowly, gathering the formulating thoughts in his mind. "The harmonies between us once struck won't be easily dismantled by fear or restriction so easily. What takes place between the two of us is the reawakening of what's important to us through the medium of music".
Jihoon's expression took on a look of acceptance, even resignation if needed. "I'm prepared to face whatever consequences arise from my actions. If violence is deemed the appropriate response, then so be it. I'll weather that storm just as I've endured every other squall that life has thrown my way."
Karim could only sigh heavily, some of the simmering frustration dissipating from his features. "Thankfully, it seems we've been granted a relatively auspicious resolution, at least for now," he muttered. "The elite ministers of the Citadel convened in that short time and prepared quite the sanctimonious censure for your 'unforgivable indiscretion'...only for Alvorna herself to intercede on your behalf, wandering virtuoso."
The merchant grimaced. "Apparently the wayward daughter outmaneuvered them all, deftly reframing the entire ordeal as a mere 'artistic collaboration' between yourself and her designated ceremonial accompaniment party." Karim waved a dismissive hand.
"While still skirting uncomfortably close to blasphemy in their eyes and belief, Alvorna's account neutered most objections. You avoided any formal punitive sanctions, though I shudder to think how they would have reacted without her mitigating explanation."
Karim fixed Jihoon with a measured look. "For now, the fires seem banked. But only if you maintain a low profile and avoid causing any further controversies with the Harpy upper echelons. Out of sight and mind, and this debacle can be conveniently swept under the proverbial rug before too much longer."
Once again, lady luck smiled at him. If he had a nickel for every time this sudden turn of fortune saved him from the consequences of his actions, he would somehow bootstrap all the previous instance of luck as a twist of fortune and get infinite money that way.
"Your reputation remains unscathed, and my own standing within the merchant councils averts any culpability or fallout. Let's strive to avoid pushing our fortunes any further for the foreseeable future, shall we?" Karim sighed again, sounding immensely relieved.
While the matter of the drama is daftly resolved in a swift manner, he is better off staying away from the limelight for a moment. Lest he wants to incur more wrath than reverence from his audiences in any future performance.
"By the way, how did you get back from the cloud line without any knowledge of wind magic? All alone without her help as the daughter of the Matriarch took her return flight alone.". Karim said as although he quite enough trouble for many years ahead already.
Jihoon took out the plume of feather that Alvorna has given to him. Its lustrous vanilla-color seemingly caught the eyes of many at once.
"Honestly... I really thought that I'm going to be stuck there until the next day if it weren't for this feather's additional feature". Jihoon said as he puts his trust in Karim much like he did with him despite the trouble he incurred.
______-----{////\\\\}-----______
Harpy's Plume
Classification: Talisman Accessory / Mystical Object
Rarity: Heroic
-Capable of manipulating any pre-existing Wind Magic
of Intermediate-class or below around with user's thought.
-Can't conjure Wind Magic by itself.
This item is tracked by Alvorna 'Absence' Lucifera.
The tracker will know its location no matter the distance.
--------____{\\\\////}_____--------
That's what Jihoon's System told him of its description, only to him.
Karim's eyes immediately widened as Jihoon almost casually reveal Alvorna's lustrous plume, the iridescent vanilla feather seeming to shimmer with its own radiance.
"By the heavens, do you have any idea of just how profound and important the gesture that this feather represent!?" He said while holding back his own bewilderment.
Jihoon looked confuse for a moment, thinking it was just Alvorna being courteous of him being her emotional support for a moment. He even knew already that this feather supposedly represent the bond they had with one another but... apparently he is still understating its important by a lot.
"For a Harpy to willfully gift one of their own feathers is tantamount to bestowing a piece of their soul upon the recipient. It's essentially an ultimate act of trust that any of them can do which isn't a lot even in the entirety of Absence's recorded history. Clearly happened but acknowledgedly rare to register as such." The merchant said as he shook his head slowly, feeling the exasperation taking hold the same.
Then with an intense look, Karim immediately added into his words into the conversation.
"Whatever transpired between you and Alvorna, it clearly forged a bond venturing into the territory beyond just acquaintance or even trust. You'd be wise to safeguard that plume with utmost sanctity, Jihoon. Feathers from the celestial lineage aren't mere curiosities to be trifled with."
Jihoon nodded slowly, grasping the importance behind the feather. "I suspected as much, though I'll admit to still underestimating its full magnitude. Rest assured, I'll treat Alvorna's gift with the reverence it deserves."
"You better do so". Karim stated firmly before allowing his features to relax somewhat. "Now that with this awful blunder out of the way, I'm oblieged to hear whatever plan you had next in mind. Originally, I have the idea of getting a transit passage to the coastal area of Calphennis which is far south of Absence but seeing the disruption now, I'm up for a suggestion as long as I keep you under proper supervision.
Jihoon pondered the merchant's words for a moment before reaching his decision. "If I may propose an alternate itinerary? With my schedule unexpectedly cleared, I was considering taking the opportunity to better acclimate myself with Absence's history and culture. Specifically by visiting your Avanthal Central Culture Museum, if it's acceptable?"
Karim arched an appraising brow, stroking his chin thoughtfully. "A prudent inclination, all things considered. Formative exposures to the primoridial lore and heritage underpinning the Harpy would indeed prove enriching. Very well then, I shall defer to your judgment for the moment and arrange for our transit to the museum's Grand Archives."
The merchant leveled a measured look at Jihoon. "Just stay endeavored to remain unobtrusive during our visit, understand? No need to court any further...controversies while immersing yourself in the underlying context behind recent events."
With those parting words of advice, Karim turned to finalize their travel arrangements, leaving Jihoon to contemplate the profound revelations awaiting him. The aftereffects of him entangled with this realm's heiress still linger but a steady yet uneasy equilibrium is already reasserting itself.
For better or worse, it seemed Jihoon's spirit has resonated most transcendently amid the discordant refrains of life itself.
"And here I thought that my Expert-level Musical Prowess is enough but it seems that I really have to use everything in disposal if I wanted to walk the path that I've chosen". Jihoon thought to himself as he could foresee the already difficult road ahead.
Suddenly, great power comes with great consequences and responsibilities. How couldn't he not know this?
...
Few hours later...
Avanthal Central Culture Museum loomed before them. Its monumental size obviously has to be equal to the historical significant residing within it. An imposing edifice made out of ivory marble and neo-classical columns of design made Jihoon couldn't help but instinctively gape at it. Literal city blocks worth of land has been used to accommodate its galleries and archives.
"Quite breathtaking isn't it?" Karim made his remark as he notices Jihoon's awestruck expression. "This repository holds nothing less than the comprehensive recorded heritage of Absence's almost every primordial civilizations of all race. Every relic, every faded fresco and hieroglyphic inscription chronicling many ancestral lineages has been meticulously preserved and safeguarded here."
As they drew closer, Jihoon registered an undeniable sense of familiarity exuding from the merchant. The way Karim's features almost imperceptibly softened while surveying the museum's colonnades and statuary. As if revisiting the sacred sprawls catalyzed a subdued yet profound resonance within him.
Before Jihoon could inquire further, Karim seemed to shake himself from his momentary reverie. "Ah, I'm getting ahead of myself waxing nostalgic. We've much and more to explore awaiting us inside, wandering virtuoso." He gestured towards the main entrance's vaulted archways with an inviting sweep of his arm. "The Avanthal's committed scholars will prove much more suitable docents than this idle merchant here."
Despite the merchant's nonchalant deflections, Jihoon couldn't quite dismiss that fleeting sense that Karim maintained some deeper, intrinsic tie to this place beyond mere appreciation. Yet as they passed beneath the towering oak doors, any opportunities to broach such inquiries evaporated amid the museum's breathtaking grandeur unfurling before them.
The museum is divided into multiple areas and each of them are to display many of the numerous races' history and decoration following the historical motifs of theirs. And many of these areas are sorted reflects upon actual geographical locations of Absence other than the hub, and the entrance of this museum.
The south is the domain of the merfolks, people who reside in the coastal area to the south of Absence. The west is where the fair folks concentrates in their forestry-designed infrastructures, the north is the winter wonderland where icy spirit and beastfolks and the east is where the strange spiritual beings reside or as called the Yokai. And of course, Absence's central area of Avanthal is where the numerous races converged and leading the entirety of Absence as a whole by the celestial beings called the Harpies much like he knew before.
"You know... a lot of these would be unthinkable a few centuries ago before the Great Conclave and its subsequent unification of languages. Where races remain divided and conflicts over misunderstanding were rife". Karim said as his bearing on history seems above average to Jihoon himself.
The South of the museum is dedicated to the southern part of Absence, the coastal area of Calphennis. Where numerous replica models and depictions of Calphennis's underwater cityscape that seamlessly combine what is of modern and classical much like Absence in general. And the depiction of the merfolk is definitely the same as any of modern depiction in his world. People with fish-like lower body.
And of course, within their historical exhibition also contains their works in ancestral dialect. And with his automatic language comprehension, he easily read them which it has also enabled him to bypass the language barrier with Alvorna in the first place when she sung in ancestral Harpy for her own character theme.
"The Little Mermaid... What?" Jihoon said as he reads the assist-translated dialects. And then quickly the information panel underneath which is the translation of ancestral Merfolk to common Absence tongue.
It's nearly a verbatim with the mermaid and the human prince... Except at the very end when the mermaid ultimately make acceptance with this unrequited love between them.
"Bruh...". Jihoon muttered after reading the whole summary.
"Did something caught your attention?" Karim said as he arched an inquisitive brow toward Jihoon.
"It's something similar to what I know in my homeland. The core narrative and development similarly mirror to the classical fairy tale of my place. Except that at the end of my place's version, the mermaid just dissolved into sea foam instead." Jihoon made his remark.
Karim arched an inquisitive eyebrow at Jihoon's musings. "You've encountered an analogous tale from your homeland then? Truly, the universality of certain moralistic fables appears to transcend even the boundaries separated by immeasurable distance." Karim said as he himself couldn't exactly imagine a place so far from Absence that Jihoon hailed from at all. It isn't the entirety of this world but it is the heart and soul of it for a reason.
If you find this story on Amazon, be aware that it has been stolen. Please report the infringement.
Jihoon's gaze remained transfixed on the book's archaic merfolk script. Something about it felt fulfilling and comfortable to find such familiar thing in this strange world that regardless of origin.
"Indeed, while at surface just a children folk story. It has that sort of tragic dignity of unrequited love that has many obsessed with it to create derivative works of it.". Jihoon said as he made his affirmation of the displayed book's details. "Though I must admit, this Calphennic variation deviates somewhat from the human version's deeply melancholic final notes. Rather than resigning herself to oblivion after failing to win the prince's affections, it states the little mermaid ultimately returns to the sea..."
A thoughtful silence lingered between them for a few heartbeats before Karim cleared his throat. "Well, I supposed every great tale deserves to have its variations and reinterpretations filter down through the ages. Civilizations will always find ways to impart their own unique cultural perspectives upon such universal narratives."
The merchant allowed himself a wry smile. "Though personally, I must admit I find this Calphennic rendition's more uplifting ending a rather refreshing change of pace. Our lives as it is already bears enough somber realities as it is to the unrelenting tragedy."
And so both of them continue their exploration of other exhibits around the place. Yet... he couldn't quite shake the feeling that there's something go deeper about the similarity than just mere coincidence. Nothing is what it seems at surface level at all.
At the western exhibit, the ancestral Elven script looks awfully similar to that of his world's Tolkien Elvish. And any evidence for the contrary gets eliminated when he comes across this world's Lord of the Ring written entirely in Elvish. It's like... something is making it explicitly obvious here...
At northern exhibit where the ice feys and beastfolks dwell in majority, the ancestral scripts there look like Norse runes in his world and ancestral ice fey language is written in similar runes although there're distinct differences that he couldn't tell with his subpar etymology. The depiction of them is more of humans with animal traits than actual beasts standing on both legs. The ice fey takes distinctly human appearance as well.
And finally... the eastern exhibit is the worst offender so far with the ancestral Yokai being bastardized of every eastern language in his world mixed together grammatically. It even has its own name called... you could have guessed it... Moonrune. And one of the depictions of them is a large painting depicting a parade of yokais... and its name is... Parade of a Hundred Demons.
Jihoon really almost approaching his wit's end here right now. He had his first suspicion when the Polaris star is similar to one in his world which he can only chalk as coincidence without further investigation. But four times in a row with each exhibit? Something is definitely influencing this world right here.
Then finally... approaching the center of this museum is where the Harpy's exhibit taking place, the reason that he come here in the first place to learn more about the Harpies. Jihoon sat down on a bench because at this point, he felt mentally exhausted from all the overthinking and would sooner just crash into his sleep just for the solace of being unconscious from the headaching implications.
"Hey, wandering virtuoso. You alright?". Karim asked as he finds the expression on Jihoon's face furrowed unsightly.
"It's fine... Just that... having some implicative thoughts that gotten nowhere". Jihoon responded with a tired sigh along the way.
Yet despite all that, he felt like he couldn't ignore them even if he wished. After all, he can't exactly attribute something to utterly abstractive concept that he isn't even sure it is there. At this point, he decided to follow the Occam's Razor, it is always the simplest solution to every question.
This world is just simply like that... After all, he arrived here by recreating the 'Memories of Absence' thus the world he arrived in naturally shaped by the very melody that brought him here.
"Okay... that's enough unnecessary conjectures and philosophical tangents that go nowhere". Jihoon muttered to himself. "I'm straight-up in danger of losing myself to a spiral of baseless speculation if I'm not being careful"
His posture straightened, Jihoon decided to follow the true and tried method of thinking that stops him from having analysis paralysis when he was still in Arisen Studio. The Occam's Razor. That the simplest answer will always be the correct one until any empirical evidence proven otherwise. No fanciful or conspiracy theory until substantial proof shows itself.
"For all I know, these apparent similarities could be little more than the natural linguistic evolutions and cultural diffusions that occur over vast expanses of time and space," he reasoned aloud, only in his mind. "To extrapolate outlandish metaphysical explanations from mere linguistic coincidences would be putting the proverbial cart before the horse."
Given infinity of time, anything given a non-zero chance can and will happen. This includes the development of language and its evolution. There's literally a theorem called infinite monkey typewriter that goes to say it.
"Stupid monkey brain, you almost give me self-inflicted existential crisis". Jihoon cursed himself as he tries to focus on the task at hand. Regaining his pragmatic focus in the tangible reality instead of some cloud-cuckoo-land what-ifs.
"I came here to study the heritage of the Harpies, not untangle the entire tapestry undergirding all of creation," he chided himself wryly. "Best to refocus on that immediate objective and leave the grand unraveling of this reality's mysteries for another day...if such profundities are even meant for minds like mine."
With a shake of his head, Jihoon rose to his feet, feeling emotionally recentered and his mental faculties realigned. The central Harpy exhibit now loomed before him, its radiant archways beckoning with the promise of enlightening discoveries about this world's celestial overseers.
"One step at a time," he told himself firmly. "No more getting distracted by every shiny thought that dances across my mind's eye. There will be time enough to ponder greater contexts and connections later...once I've solidified my foundations here first."
Renewed determination flickered in Jihoon's eyes as he strode onwards into the central exhibit. All the uncertain thoughts before still remain but now with greater control of his mental faculty, he shelved them behind until the farfetched day when a plausible answer making sense all of them.
The Harpy exhibition of the museum's central area soon proved to be an awe-inspiring sight in itself. Arranged like an ascending spiral that climbed higher and higher as history of the Harpies developed. As Jihoon and Karim made their way up, numerous of historical items surround them as they are meticulously preserved by the Harpies themselves.
Each level revealing new fragments of the Harpies' fabled past as they climbed higher. From each fresco and relic displayed, a significant part of the Harpies is staked. Each of the winding path and vibrant murals and artefacts chronicles the celestial lineage's ancient genesis and cultural origin. Finally, at the apex of this exhibition spiral, a mural placed at the very center atop an alter that is unquestionably what Jihoon was looking for.
"Look and behold. The ultimate declaration of the Harpies' reign over the sky. This grand mural's dating back at least 10,000 years into the ancient past of the earliest record of the Harpies". Karim said with a voice of mustered respect but Jihoon for some reason can tell the slight snide layered underneath too low to detect to untrained ears. Apparently, he has his grievance toward the Harpies for reason that he has yet to know.
Below the towering mural itself is an inscription plaque that is the best translation that they managed to perform upon the mural itself since it predates even ancestral languages itself. The plaque reads as follow:
"The Harpies are the existence closest to the heaven, for their unfettered freedom over the sky"
And so despite the mural's importance, there was something amiss that the System has picked up. Then without his input, it automatically scanned the mural itself and not the contents on it. Then instead of the usual description, Jihoon was met with another earth-shattering revelation the fifth time in a single day.
______-----{////\\\\}-----______
One Fifth of the Tower of Babel's Grand Mural
Classification: Mural
A fragmented historical record of the ancient truth involving the Harpies
and their origin. This venerated exhibit merely depicts 1/5th of the original
narrative involved, with many of its contextual details may have been
redacted or outright lost over the millennia.
--------____{\\\\////}_____--------
And suddenly, a wry resigned smile appeared on Jihoon's corner of his mouth. When one is in so much agony that the only appropriate response is to smile through it. As if the universe has a cruel sense of humors to dangle a revelation with a myriad of questions unanswered.
He thought he was getting somewhere in this museum and he was pretty mad... So mad that it displayed as an contradictory emotion as Jihoon gloomed.
"Well, so much for avoiding any more mind-bending revelations today," he muttered under his breath, too low for Karim to discern.
Jihoon took a deep breath, trying to process the revelation about the "Tower of Babel's Grand Mural" in a logical manner. Rather than wildly speculating, he decided to approach the information methodically.
First, he considered the implications of a "Tower of Babel" existing in this world, Absence. In his homeland, the Tower of Babel was a mythical structure linked to the origin of multiple languages and the dispersal of humanity. If a similar construct existed here, it suggested a shared ancient history between Absence and his own world, at least in the mythological realm.
However, the mere existence of such a counterpart did not necessarily imply a direct connection. Myths and legends often arose independently across cultures, shaped by the collective unconscious of humanity. Still, the parallel was striking enough to warrant further contemplation and investigation if possible.
Jihoon reasoned that if the two worlds indeed shared a common origin at some point in the distant past, there must have been a point of divergence that led to their separate developmental paths. Perhaps an event or decision that altered the course of history, gradually shaping the two realms into distinct yet echoing realities.
A hypothesis took form, that this divergence point could have occurred during the mythical era associated with the Tower of Babel, or even earlier into the Genesis since Babel is directly linked into that story. It would also explain why certain mythological elements remained consistent across both worlds, while the actual histories and civilizations evolved independently.
With this rough framework in mind, Jihoon concluded that wild speculation would be unproductive. Instead, he would need to gather more concrete evidence and information to piece together the potential connections and divergences between Absence and his homeworld.
Cautiously, he decided to shelve the matter for the time being, resolving to maintain an open mind and collect data as he continued his journey through Absence. Only through a methodical approach could he hope to unravel the mysteries that seemed to intertwine the two worlds, without falling into the trap of baseless conjecture.
Jihoon took solace in the fact that, even if the origins remained obscure, his current path was clear – to forge ahead, embrace the wonders of Absence, and let the truth reveal itself in due course. With renewed determination, he turned his attention back to the mural, eager to glean whatever insights it could offer about the celestial Harpies and their role in this enigmatic realm. And when he looked at the mural with focused gaze, another System panel popped up.
______-----{////\\\\}-----______
Enter the Tower of Babel?
Difficulty: A+
Y/N
--------____{\\\\////}_____--------
"No! I barely survived a D-ranked Gate as a Hunter. I'm not going to touch it with a half-a-world-length pole even if you ask me politely". Jihoon yelled in his mind seeing the prompt appearing.
Staring at the unexpected system prompt, his brow furrowing as the implications sank in. The system seemed to be presenting him with a potential gateway to delve into the mythical origins tied to the Tower of Babel itself, and not allowing curiosity to remain as such.
As a F-rank Hunter in his world barely surviving a D-rank Gate subjugation, the prospect of undertaking an "A+ Difficulty" dungeon seemed utterly unthinkable. The sheer challenge threatened to obliterate even the most seasoned adventurers, let alone Jihoon in his current state. The dismissive refusal was his initial, obvious instinctive reaction.
But simply dismissing the prompt outright would be a grave disservice to the unanswered questions burning within him. The mere fact that such an option had manifested meant that there existed a path for him, however arduous or unconventional, to rise to the occasion.
A peculiar thought took root. While bridging the gap from a fledgling Hunter to an entity capable of overcoming an A-rank dungeon seemed utterly unthinkable through conventional means in his world. However, this was Absence – a realm where magic and technology intertwined in seamless symbiosis.
The glimmer of possibility flickered in Jihoon's eyes as he considered the unique advantages this mystical metropolis could offer. If anywhere could provide the means to accelerate his growth and transcend his current limitations, it would be here, amidst the convergence of ancient arcane and cutting-edge innovation.
Steeling his resolve, he turned toward Karim with a flame of determination ignited in those eyes.
"Tell me, old friend," he began, his voice steady despite the weight of his intent. "In this realm of wonders, what opportunities exist for one to transcend their current limitations? To elevate their abilities to heights once deemed unattainable?"
Jihoon knew that the road ahead would be treacherous, but he was ready to face it head-on. For the sake of unraveling the enigma that bound Absence and his homeland together, no challenge seemed too great to overcome – not with the right tools and unwavering resolve.
And when that day came, the mythical Tower of Babel would hold no secrets from him.
"What the hell is up with that sudden change of the topic!?" Karim said as Jihoon's sudden change of mind dumbfounded him briefly.
...
Another few hours later...
Both him and Karim left the museum, it is now late-afternoon after their time spent in that museum learning about things in there.
"Well, wandering virtuoso," Karim began, his tone equal parts amused and exasperated, "I daresay we've had our fill of ancestral chronicles and primordial frescoes for one day. Though I must commend your insatiable thirst for knowledge – it would seem you've nearly outpaced even this old merchant's capacity for museum meandering."
Jihoon offered a shameless grin, his stomach punctuating Karim's remark with a rumble. "Heh, you might be right about that. I confess, I may have gotten a bit too absorbed in unraveling Absence's manifold mysteries. It would seem my scholarly fervor momentarily overshadowed more...corporeal needs."
And to think that he hasn't yet cover everything that his museum has to offer. Multiple return trips might be required for further study might be necessitated.
As they were planning of what to do for the evening, Jihoon starts to ponder about the revelation he learned about the grand mural that concerns the Harpies' origin. The fragmented and incomplete nature involving it didn't exactly giving him the peace of mind needed after all.
A part of him wanted to divulge the information that the System granted him, that the mural in reality was just one part of the much larger narrative. But... seeing how there's nothing mentioning the Tower of Babel in the slightest in the museum, he can only assume that this is a lost history that only he who comes from another world knows.
Because of it, there's no way that he could mention something entirely out of nowhere without coming off unhinged.
Karim, ever the perceptive one, seemed to pick up on Jihoon's pensive state. "You've got that look about you, wandering virtuoso," he remarked, arching an inquisitive brow. "Something profound caught in that inquisitive mind of yours, isn't it? Care to share some thoughts?"
Jihoon considered his words carefully, weighing the potential ramifications of revealing his suspicions about the mural's incomplete nature. On one hand, Karim had proven himself a trustworthy ally and guide through the wonders of Absence. Perhaps he could shed light on the matter or offer valuable insights.
"Hey, what do you think about the Harpy exhibit. Especially about the central mural at the apex?". Jihoon asked as he wants to gauge how much this merchant ally of him knows. How much he knows that Jihoon knows that he knows.
Karim's brow furrowed momentarily at Jihoon's inquiry, as if weighing how much to divulge. For a fleeting instant, a guarded look flickered across the merchant's features, belying depths of knowledge he seemed reticent to share.
"The grand mural depicting the Harpies' primordial genesis?" Karim began, his tone deceptively nonchalant. "Why, it's a wondrous artifact, to be sure. A glimpse into the celestial lineage's fabled origins. Though, I must confess, my expertise lies more in the practical matters of trade and negotiation than the interpretive nuances of ancient relics."
A moment of silence persisted between him. Jihoon has enough negotiation with his working clients to know that it means something abnormal.
"Perhaps you've discerned something more profound within that timeworn mural, our wandering virtuoso? Some hidden truth that transcends the curators' official narratives?" A wry smile played upon Karim's lips, one that hinted at a subtle subtext underneath his words.
Jihoon studied the merchant intently, his gaze sharp and appraising. Beneath Karim's feigned ignorance, he detected an unmistakable undercurrent. Of a tacit acknowledgment that the mural's supposed completeness was anything but absolute.
However, instead of outright hostility that should have happened with this kind of story however. Jihoon found himself in a strange sort of solidarity between him and the merchant instead. The understanding that they both harbor the knowledge that there's something beyond the accepted history that is known widely by everyone else in Absence.
"You know, don't you?" Jihoon stated, his voice low and measured.
Karim's expression remained inscrutable, yet there was a subtle shift in his bearing – a nearly imperceptible straightening of his posture, a newfound intensity in his gaze. It was as if Jihoon's words had struck a resonant chord, validating some long-held suspicion or inner knowing.
"I suspected as much," the merchant murmured, his tone taking on a conspiratorial lilt. Unheard to anyone else but Jihoon. "All I can say that my finding wasn't entirely a lonesome effort. Or even mine to begin with"
Leaning in closer, Karim's voice dropped to a hushed whisper. "Tell me, wandering virtuoso, what insights have you gleaned? What truths lurk beneath the veneer of accepted lore?"
Jihoon takes in a deep breath. He couldn't confidently say something that has long forgotten in this world without any concrete evidence to support his claim. But there was something that he can use as his own support.
"Please tell me one thing, is the mural the only oldest thing that is found in this world?". Jihoon said as he is certain that can't be the oldest thing after all. Because in his world, the oldest archeological finding was more than 3 millions years old. 10,000 years was nothing but a heartbeat by comparison.
Karim's silence upon the question was the answer that Jihoon sought.
"Jihoon!" A familar voice comes from the sky above. The winged figure descent upon his location with precision and accuracy.
Alvorna herself has just to come at such an inopportune time after all.