The Empty Mirror
Chapter 51: Report
Continuation of the report...
Observations:
1. The ignis, christened as Ghostfire, shrouds itself in invisibility before profane eyes; those lacking the required affinity are not graced with the sight of its radiance. For witnesses of the spontaneous ignition, the heinous crime unfolded before their eyes, yet not the perpetrator, as the fire hid from their view. It was only when the authorities of the Plague cordoned off the area that the fire revealed its presence to them as well. Our agents forged a fleeting alliance with the ecclesiastical authorities of the Plague, and thus, we work on this enigma with divergent interests. Only the [REDACTED] are blessed with the vision of G837-2.
2. The fire refuses to submit to conventional manipulation; it does not extinguish like its mundane counterpart, nor does it flare up through known artifices. It remains in a constant flicker, an ethereal flame to our eyes. Our only containment tactic has been the use of vacuum tubes to confine it and conduct experiments, although these have yielded disheartening results. Ghostfire, later, extinguished itself without any stimulus, as if its intrinsic lustre had faded; that fact is still under investigation.
3. G837-2 has been classified as an anomaly, as we are impeded from categorising it as an object due to our ignorance regarding whether it can be utilised, either for benign or malign purposes. We are completely unaware of its properties, and it lacks the characteristics that would define a conscious and sentient entity. It does not seem to possess life in itself, thus we are compelled to denominate it as an eccentricity, given its properties and the devastating effect it exerts when generating combustion within the human body, as well as in the selection of its victims.
Speculations:
1. Artificial Creation: According to this hypothesis, Ghostfire could be the result of failed experiments or dark rituals carried out by powerful witches in times past. It is suggested that these witches attempted to manipulate and dominate elemental energies or supernatural forces in order to achieve some specific goal, such as gaining power or forbidden knowledge. However, something catastrophically went wrong during these experiments, and the result was the engendering of G837-2. Instead of controlling the energy or entity they sought to invoke, the witches unleashed an uncontrollable and chaotic force that now manifests as an anomaly in our domain.
It is speculated that G837-2, slipping through the fingers of its creators, has acquired autonomy, transforming into a capricious entity with unpredictable properties and behaviours. Its ethereal essence and its ability to provoke spontaneous combustions could be the result of the influence of sin energies released in the failed experiment. Furthermore, this theory suggests the possibility that G837-2 is intrinsically linked to the original intention of its forgers. It could be that its primary purpose was to serve as a tool of power or as a devastating weapon, and now, free from constraints, it seeks to fulfill that function autonomously.
2. Manifestation of Residual Energy: According to these conjectures, Ghostfire could be the manifestation of residual energy left behind by traumatic or tragic events that occurred in times past. It is postulated that certain events imbued with intense emotions, such as brutal murders, bloody battles, or dark rituals, not to mention the licentiousness of [REDACTED], could have left a lasting imprint on the magical residue of the city. This residual energy condenses over time, forming a kind of "scar" in reality that manifests in the form of G837-2. This fire, in such a case, would act as a supernatural echo of the violence or tragedy that occurred at the site where it appears.
It is suspected that this residual energy could be imbued with the emotions and intentions of those involved in the original event. As a result, G837-2 could exhibit behaviours and patterns that reflect the circumstances and nature of the tragedy that spawned it. Furthermore, this theory suggests that Ghostfire could harbour a subconscious or instinctive purpose related to the primordial event. It may crave to reproduce the tragedy in some way, or it could act as a warning or danger signal for those who venture near the location where the original event occurred.
To investigate this theory, it would be necessary to meticulously examine the history and circumstances of the events linked to the manifestation of Ghostfire. Researchers should look for patterns among the types of events that trigger the appearance of the fire, as well as its behaviours once it materialises. Additionally, it would be crucial to explore methods to dissipate or neutralise the residual energy that fuels G837-2, if such a thing is possible.
3. Incorporeal Entity: This theory postulates that Ghostfire could be a form of elemental or spiritual entity devoid of a physical body. According to this hypothesis, G837-2 is not merely a manifestation of energy or a simple natural phenomenon, but it possesses some form of consciousness or its own will, albeit rudimentary. It is speculated that Ghostfire could have been engendered by magical or natural forces as an independent entity, endowed with its own objectives or motivations. Unlike other theories suggesting that the fire is the product of past events or natural phenomena, this conjecture hints that G837-2 exists as a living and conscious entity from its inception.
However, this entity may lack the consciousness and wisdom that we associate with living beings, as its elemental or spiritual nature could fundamentally differ from that of humans or other forms of conscious life. Instead of harbouring conscious desires or intentions, Ghostfire could act according to its instincts or its original magical programming. Furthermore, it is speculated that G837-2 could have the ability to influence its environment in ways that transcend the simple generation of spontaneous combustions. It may be capable of manipulating emotions, influencing people's thoughts, or even engaging in some form of communication with those capable of perceiving it.
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Investigating this theory would require a multidisciplinary approach that blends magic, parapsychology, and biology, in order to unravel the inherent mysteries of incorporeal entities. Researchers could try methods to establish communication with Ghostfire or to unravel its motivations and origins on a deeper level. Additionally, plans to contact progressive churches for collaborative alliances are in place.
4. Forgotten Curse: The theory outlines the premise that G837-2 is the sequel to an ancestral curse or an act of black magic that has endured over the centuries. According to this hypothesis, the origin of Ghostfire dates back to ancient times, when a powerful figure or group of witches unleashed a magical calamity as an act of revenge or as a means to gain power.
The legend tells that centuries ago, in times of intrigues and rivalries between churches, a dark wizard, consumed by anger and thirst for revenge, invoked a terrible curse upon those who dared defy his authority. This curse, taking the form of an invisible and devouring fire, was conceived to pursue the descendants of his enemies, consuming their bodies and souls in endless agony. As centuries passed, the history of the curse faded into the shadows of legend, relegated to oblivion by generations who preferred not to recall the horrors of the past. However, G837-2 persisted, resurfacing in later epochs to claim new victims, thus perpetuating its legacy of terror and destruction.
Scholars of the esoteric speculate that the curse may have been fueled by the hatred and despair of those who succumbed to its wrath, nourishing its power over the years. It is rumored that Ghostfire seeks revenge against those who maintain ties with the original enemies of the wizard, and its manifestation is intertwined with current conflicts and rivalries. In this theory, G837-2 not only represents a palpable threat but also a gloomy reminder of past sins and the aftermath of limitless ambition and darkness in the human heart. Its origin blurred in the mists of time adds a nuance of mystery and fatality to its essence, making its study and containment even more daunting for those who face it, supposedly as proposed in the theory of artificial creation and manifestation of residual energy.
Ongoing research: The Geom chief in charge of eccentricity proposes a feasible suspension; his verdict suggests that Ghostfire could be the modus operandi of a [REDACTED], so we have focused on supporting such a theory, although we have not yet unraveled whether the fire itself is the instrument or if it is invoked by some artifact. However, we posit an even more bleak hypothesis: G837-2 could be the prowess of a [REDACTED]. If this assertion proves true, the prowess at play and our forces, as well as those of the Plague, are in a considerable predicament, given its danger and how it operates. If this assumption turns out to be correct, we are still debating whether we should deploy the most capable troops for the case and leave the resolution in higher hands. In the event that it is confirmed to be a [REDACTED], we fail to clearly discern the method used to select its victims, as it does not seem to follow a discernible pattern of attack.
First, it was Pierce Boddy, a tycoon owner of mining industries, and then, weeks later, a prostitute from a brothel. However, while these individuals may be the protagonists of the tragedy, we are still investigating whether the target of the attack was directed towards any of their companions. We wonder if it was an assault against the prostitutes who accompanied him or the young people who participated in his orgy, and in this context, Pierce got involved along with the others. But we still do not fully understand the situation. The same goes for Lynn Emily; we are not sure if the attack, if it was the work of a [REDACTED], was directed towards Lynn or, alternatively, towards the man who hired her for his services.
Less is said about the latter, as he was simply a doctor with a good job from Bafranbu. His mortal remains were found at the scene. If we consider that the main victims were the central axis, Pierce and Lynn, there does not seem to be a connection between them. Both characters did not know each other nor were they involved in any altercation that could have caused their deaths, and much less Lynn. Therefore, despite everything, we cannot affirm with certainty if it is a crime perpetrated by a [REDACTED] that does not follow the rules.
Preliminary Conclusions: After exhaustive research and analysis of the data collected to date, the following preliminary conclusions have been formulated regarding the anomaly known as Ghostfire. This phenomenon exhibits properties and behaviours that defy the natural and magical laws known to date. Its invisibility to those without affinity for magic and its inability to be manipulated conventionally suggest a unique and puzzling anomalous nature.
Although several theories have been outlined about the origin of Ghostfire, none have been conclusively confirmed. Speculations range from its artificial creation through failed experiments to the manifestation of residual energy left by traumatic events of the past. However, the possibility that it is the ability of a [REDACTED] raises additional concern given its potential danger. Although the exact purpose of G837-2 and the motivations behind its actions have not yet been determined with certainty, an apparent pattern has been perceived in the selected victims. However, the lack of a clear pattern in the selection of main victims suggests additional complexity in the investigation.
Given Ghostfire's ability to cause spontaneous combustions and its possible connection to a [REDACTED] or a [REDACTED], it is considered to represent a significant potential risk to public safety and the magical stability of the region. Based on these preliminary conclusions, further research and coordination between competent authorities and magic experts are recommended to properly address this anomaly and mitigate any threat it may pose to society.
Note from the Chief Geom Investigator: In my capacity as Chief Investigator in charge of the study on the anomaly dubbed "Ghostfire," I wish to underscore the magnitude of the situation and the urgent imperative in our response. To date, we have faced an enigma that challenges our conventional understandings of magic and anomaly. The preliminary conclusions clearly point to G837-2 as a potentially catastrophic threat to the security and stability of our society. Its anomalous nature, its possible connection to a [REDACTED] or a [REDACTED], and the absence of a defined pattern in the selection of victims demand immediate and concerted action.
It is imperative to intensify our efforts in research, coordination, and containment to effectively address this threat. Close collaboration is needed between local authorities, magic experts, and institutions specializing in anomalies to develop containment and neutralization strategies. We cannot underestimate the seriousness of this situation or postpone our response. Time and organization are at stake, and the destructive potential of G837-2 must not be underestimated. I urge all involved to redouble their efforts and work together to confront this threat with determination and diligence.
[DISCRETION]
The intercepted report, quasi-exclusively infused with the unavoidable voluptuousness of secrecy, shines with the mysterious aura of the forbidden. Thirty-three percent of its content is confined behind the curtains of clandestinity, shrouded in the seductive veil of mystery, whispering promises of knowledge restricted only to the august Geom chiefs. Only those enlightened by the sacred flame of privilege will be able to unravel the enigmas that lie beyond the thresholds of the permitted.
[CONFIDENTIAL]