Hunter of the Evernight
Chapter 348: Thought Space

Chapter 348: Thought Space

An attempt to decipher the strange symbols etched on the gold plates of the Rubik’s cube left Alex disoriented causing him to tear his gaze away, barely keeping back the nausea erupting within.

Any further and he would have experienced a terrible migraine.

Massaging his temple, he pondered his next course of action though considering the circumstances, there was little that could be done.

Alex once again focused his attention on the Rubik’s cube, his guts telling him that whatever he was there for, the cube held the answer.

So seeing as trying to understand the strange symbols only made matters worse, he opted for a different approach.

Taking a deep breath, he approached while preparing to act at a moment’s notice if anything untoward were to occur.

Thankfully, nothing did as he inched closer and as he got within arm’s length, Alex had to reevaluate his perception of the cube.

It was undoubtedly large, giving off an imposing aura that felt almost... divine.

"Is this a god?... Or perhaps an aspect of one?" He couldn’t help but wonder as he subconsciously reached out and touched the surface.

Then it hit him.

It felt like his brain was being supercharged with information, his neurons sparking to life as his eyes turned white and as a strange series of 0’s and 1’s flashed in his mind, Alex blacked out once again.

***

When he opened his eyes, Alex was once again in the Headmaster’s office with Roland seated across from him, his eyes trained on his figure.

"You..."

"How was it?"

"... What was that?" Alex inquired as rubbed the side of his head.

"Some mystical enthusiasts call it Thought Space, we scholars refer to it as the Records."

"And the cube?"

"That is the Hexad, the pantheon of gods we TruthSeekers acknowledge."

"Gods?"

"Indeed, each edge represents a god, making for a total of six." Putting his hands up, Roland listed. "Arithmetics, Alchemy, Physics, Geography, Humanities and... Literary arts."

"I see... wait, you say acknowledge?"

"Indeed, we worship no god. However, the Hexad serves as a good way to shield our minds from too much knowledge at a time, allowing us to slowly unravel the mysteries that abound in our world." Roland explained with Alex nodding.

It did indeed make sense.

Wasn’t that a means by which humans coped with what they couldn’t understand?

Just call it the workings of a god and it would immediately make sense.

However, that didn’t explain a couple of things, like... "Why did you send me there?"

"I didn’t. The Orb did."

"... I don’t understand," Alex remarked, feeling rather bitter considering this was the first time he could hardly follow what was being said.

It was a great experience of course but then again... he shouldn’t be this slow.

Perhaps this was the difference between talking to a layman and a learned scholar, especially considering the latter dabbled not just in the natural, but also the supernatural.

Seeing Alex so lost, Roland could hardly suppress the amusement he felt as he explained. "The Orb doesn’t just send anyone to the Records. Some have been rejected while attempting to access that dimension. The fact that you were sent in means that you are worthy of attempting to chase knowledge."

"... I see. So what now?... I don’t think I learned anything in the few minutes..."

"Seconds, actually. Time flows differently over there."

"... What do I do now?" Alex inquired, having accepted that perhaps some things were better left unknown.

Roland pulled out a parchment and placed it before Alex while the maid placed a bottle of ink and a quill next to the parchment.

Glancing at the maid, then Roland, back to the maid before finally glancing at the parchment, Alex reached out and took the quill, dabbing its tip with some ink before inquiring. "What should I write?"

"Close your eyes and write the first word that comes to mind. The Hexad helps one to better understand their subject inclination. It’s not a perfect way but it is correct 75% of the time."

"... I see." Nodding, Alex closed his eyes before proceeding to write the first word that came to his mind.

It was quick and by the time he opened his eyes, the answer was written boldly in his handwriting.

"Alchemy," Roland muttered softly, his gaze flitting between the parchment and Alex.

Filled with intrigue, he remarked. "Professor Albus also had a similar inclination. A coincidence, perhaps?"

"... Perhaps," Alex replied, his brows furrowed in thought.

"Alright then, I shall be expecting a thesis topic from you before next weekend, Mr. Fitzgerald. Do not disappoint."

"Mn."

***

The ride back to his apartment was made in silence with the maid only speaking once the carriage got to its destination.

Alex gave a perfunctory thanks as he stepped down before heading into the building.

It was a small place capable of containing a little over 30 people with one room, a kitchen, a bathroom, and a basement.

Exhausted after the rather long day he had, Alex didn’t even have the chance to make dinner as he collapsed on his bed and slept off almost immediately, his faint snores disrupting the silence of the night.

Alone at first, it didn’t take long before a pair of illusory eyes appeared in a dark corner, regarding his figure for a moment before disappearing as quickly as it came.

***

Meanwhile, outside the school premises, Professor Albus sat in a cold cell with the light of the Nighteye serving as the only source of light.

His expression downcast, he found himself reminiscing on his past and how he had gotten himself into his current predicament.

It was pathetic, to say the least.

The man who had never focused on anything apart from his work, was now willing to give anything to save her... just to see her smile again.

Chuckling self-deprecatingly, Albus slowly got to his feet before making his way to the tiny window through which the rays of the Nighteye could get into his tiny cage.

He let out a sigh as the thought of suicide crossed his mind.

If he couldn’t save her, he could at least join her, yes?

However, hardly had the thought settled in his mind when a dull thud echoed somewhere down the hall.