Chapter 240 - Politics
Later in the evening, following their exploration of the Astral Sanctum and its hidden dungeon, Scarlett found herself in the communal space of their accommodations, joined by her party. They were seated around a secluded low table, the others engaged in heated conversation. Allyssa and Rosa, in particular, seemed keen on interrogating Fynn about the events in the Sanctum, while Scarlett's attention was focused on the object in her hand.
[Orrery of Dissonant Convergence (Unique)]
{Crafted through ancient artifice long since forgotten, this mysterious device resonates with hidden energies beyond the veil of the mundane world}
Since neither Gaspar nor any of the other wizards had seemed to even notice its existence, she had ended up keeping the artifact for herself in order to figure out what it was.
Its mechanism was still a mystery to her. The encased metal globe at its center didn’t seem to have a clear function, but the two pointers on its outer bezel were intriguing. When she aligned the longer pointer towards nothing in particular, the shorter pointer remained mostly static. However, pointing the longer one in towards Shin or Allyssa caused the shorter pointer to pivot and shake slightly, giving a similar reaction as with Gaspar.
Directing it at Fynn, though, caused the shorter pointer to move almost twice as much. Even more noticeable was its reaction to Rosa, where it shot to 180 degrees around the face and trembled intensely.
These responses had been consistent over several tests now, creating a clear pattern. Its meaning and significance was something Scarlett was still piecing together.
While she couldn’t be sure yet…
She turned the Orrery towards herself, and the short pointer spun all the way around back to its starting point, vibrating uncontrollably as if struggling to maintain position.
She had some inklings.
Her thoughts were interrupted by Rosa’s voice. “What’s got you wearing your thinking hat with such a serious face?”
Scarlett shifted her attention to the bard, who seemed to have momentarily left the questioning of Fynn to Allyssa to observe her with curious eyes.