The Mirror's Questions

Ace Snake looked at the kindly old man leading the Machinery Hivemind into the workshop and frowned.

"Horamick, what are you doing here? Come to laugh at us Mandated Punishers?"

Horamick Haydn was not only the head of the Church of the God of Steam and Machinery's Backlund Diocese and a member of the Council of the Divine, but also a scientist renowned throughout the North Continent and an honorary professor of physics at Backlund University.

From Ace's tone, it was clear that the Spellsinger of God knew the Church of Steam's Archbishop well, and that they were on good terms personally.

Horamick heard the hostility in Ace's voice and smiled calmly. "Strictly speaking, this is Machinery Hivemind territory. Investigating it is part of our duty..." He glanced at the handsome military man on the other side and continued, "Don't worry. We're only here to help, not to fight over '1-025.'"

Ace Snake's expression eased somewhat. After a moment's thought, he asked tentatively, "Has the Machinery Hivemind found any new leads?"

"Not yet... But we brought a Sealed Artifact that can provide some." Horamick turned with his hands resting naturally at his sides and said to the stern-faced man behind him, "Ikanser, bring '2-111' over."

"Yes, Your Excellency." The man named Ikanser answered respectfully, then stepped forward carrying a silver mirror.

Everyone's gaze immediately settled on the mirror.

An eye-shaped ornament sat on either side. Set with black gemstones, they looked deep and mesmerizing.

"Only a Grade 2 Sealed Artifact?" Ace Snake was visibly disappointed.

Horamick merely smiled and gestured for Ikanser to demonstrate its function.

Ikanser, whose brown hair was thick, unruly, and stubbornly tousled, gritted his teeth. He stroked the silver mirror's surface three times with his right hand, took a deep breath, and asked in a low