"Where did this 'key' come from? I can sense that it is steeped in ill omen, as though curses cling to it... No, even cursed objects are far brighter than this."
'Witch' Rose shuddered slightly.
"It came from some ruins. After investigating them, I confirmed that those ruins most likely belonged to an ancient sect that had once been glorious—the Ethereal Sect!"
The 'Professor's' voice carried a trace of fervor. "And I once read a paper studying the Ethereal Sect. Its researcher believed that the Ethereal Sect originated directly from the Spirit Realm, and that its source still existed within the Spirit Realm... And that source lies in Diat!"
"Once we find that true source in Diat, I may even be able to prove whether that existence unable to prove its own existence—the Spirit of Void—truly exists. It will be a great discovery that shakes the mystical world!"
Beside them, Aaron almost rolled his eyes again, but he forced himself to hold it back.
Looking at the feverish professor, he finally said, "Even if you prove that hidden existence is real, what meaning would that have?"
"Knowledge! Knowledge and truth are the meaning of everything!" the Professor declared, waving both hands.
"Heh... Green, you don't know this yet. The Professor is a Beyonder of the 'Tower'; he can gain influence by publishing research papers..."
Langley smiled. "Once the Professor proves it and publishes his paper, the ripples and influence it creates will likely be enough for him to advance into a Non-Human Existence..."
"And this old man has always had mental problems. Or rather, all Beyonders have mental problems to some extent... I've always thought he has a 'thirst for knowledge,' obsessively pursuing knowledge and truth," Rose added.
"I don't care about any of that..."
Alexander the chimpanzee pounded his