Ifrailian Tales

Censorship Bureau | The All Seeing Eyes

After a day of wait, I’ve finally gotten my hands on the last piece of evidence relating to the Wasteland Incident. Safe to say, this find is equal parts fascinating… as well as horrifying. So far I’ve only had time to look over the report filed by Chief scientist Anarson on the 25th of January, 179. According to this, they found something inside of the chamber at the end of the corridor, a living being. Alongside the physical report, I’ve been granted access to several interviews conducted with the creature. Well, let’s find out just exactly what Anarson unleashed… -Seal

1/26/179

Chief Scientist Anarson

Log One: Initial Observation

{Air purification devices as well as several industrial lights had been set up within the chamber. Much like the entrance, the room was barren, constructed with colorless stone. There was a two by two meter containment cell. Complete with mirrors at the center of the unearthed chamber.}

{The very same green gas encountered by the strike team led by Knight Raus, filled the small cell. Resulting in a thick cloud which concealed the identity of the being trapped within. Anarson, accompanied by another scientist, stands before the cell, watching and waiting.}

???: I apologize for my transgressions masters.

{The subject spoke in a low, gravely voice. The humans did not respond.}

???: Your armor was strange, a design unknown to me. When you breached my chambers, I assumed you to be an interloper. Perhaps a newly evolved form of the uprising.

Anarson: The uprising? Could you elaborate on that.

{There was a twenty second pause between the Subject’s response.}

???: Surely you jest, the uprising was at the forefront of the High Council’s responsibilities. There should be no Seraph unaware of this conflict.

Anarson: What can you tell us about the High Council?

???: …. You are not Seraphim, are you? 

{No reply.}

???: Intriguing, you are not my creators. Yet you bear such resemblance, physically as well as genetically. Are you an evolved mimic? No, you are something entirely new…

Anarson: Mimics? Are these beings related to the First Civilization’s extinction?

???: Questions are fuel for the mind are they not. And I’ve been lacking in energy for millennia. You anomaly, have the means to cure my ailment as well as I, yours.

Anarson: What are you suggesting?

???: Cooperation, you lack knowledge I possess. While I have a need of information you carry within yourself.

{Anarson mumbles something to his partner. Before turning back to the containment cell.}

Anarson: We’ll take your proposal into consideration.

???: Splendid-

Anarson: However, we have one stipulation.

???: Oh?

Anarson: The gas you are using to mask your identity. Remove it from your cell, do this and we’ll answer any questions you have.

???: ...Acceptable, I will warn you however. My appearance may not be suitable for the weak willed among us.

{Inside the containment cell, the gas begins to recede. At this point, the video feed cuts to static.}

Anarson: W….What the hell is this--

{End of Log One.}

   Uprising, High Council, and something referred to as Mimics? Anarson discovered more about the First Civilization in one interview then we have in decades of study. Still, what the hell is that thing inside of the barrier? That voice is unnerving... and it’s description of its own appearance is frightening. I can only imagine what Anarson saw that day -Seal

1/27/179

Chief Scientist Anarson

Log Two: Introductions, and abilities

{Anarson alone stands in front of the Subject’s containment cell. The camera angle obscured the Subject’s cell.}

???: Ah, good afternoon Anarson Holt. Are you here to converse with me once more?

Anarson: Yes, unfortunately it’ll just be me and you from now on-- Wait, how did you know my name!

???: I know many things Anarson, knowledge flows through me like water through a lake. For example, I am well aware of your companions fate.

Anarson: So… you knowingly killed-- {Audio distortion.}

???: No, I do not believe so. My master’s intentions were very deliberate. The knowledge I possess is not fit for those incapable of comprehending it. You may classify the death of your colleague as a murder. While I view it as the successful culling of those unworthy.

Anarson: I can see that the First Civilization did not create you to uphold the foundation of morality.

???: No, No they did not. But find comfort in this Anarson, you have proven yourself worthy. An intellect who’s mental capacity is on par with my creators.

Anarson: Was that a compliment? Guess I should thank you then.

???: I was simply stating a fact.

Anarson: Hm, well I’ve got more questions for you-

???: You may call me, Oracle.

Anarson: Alright Oracle, tell me why-- {Audio distortion} -His descriptions don’t match up with what I’m seeing right now. I mean, a giant eyeball the size of a head? Arms and legs being held up in the air with some kind of organic flesh? Why did he see that, when all I see is a wooden imitation of a human?

Oracle: Ah- a clever use of Seraphim manipulation magic. You see, my body emanates a stench that ensnares the host’s mind. Scouring through their brains to find the deepest, most irrational fear lingering within. Another deterrent for those who would seek my knowledge, unlike my toxins, this power of mine cannot be controlled.

Anarson: Magic? So the First Civ made use of degenerate magicians? The Emperor will be displeased.

Oracle: Degenerates? The Seraphim were the pinnacle of organized society. Kind and virtuous, masters of the elements, and intelligent beyond believe. From what technology I have observed from your kind, it is obvious you have yet to reach their level.

Anarson: Don’t underestimate us, his majesty has led us into an era of prosperity and technological superiority. No other Kingdom on this forsaken continent can compete with us. And we did this all without magic!

Oracle: I apologize, I only wanted to inform, not offend.

Anarson: *Sigh* It’s… It’s alright, I shouldn’t have gotten us off topic. I think we’re done here for today.

{End of Log Two.}

   The attached report confirms that the man who accompanied Anarson during the first Interview committed suicide the night after. He claims the Oracle’s form was unlike anything he’d ever seen before. A demon, straight out of the pits of hell., this contradicts Anarson who said the Oracle resembled a wooden mannequin. With the only abnormality being two stone cubes, entrapping the creature's hands, pining both arms to the walls of it’s small cell.

   Log three has deteriorated beyond recognition. Both audio and video have been reduced to static accompanied by white noise. Just a garbled mess really, the only data we can gather from it comes from an attached report filed by the chief scientist. And surprisingly seems like we didn’t miss much. Apparently Anarson and the Oracle made idle chit chat. Nothing of note, but it’s still highly informal to converse with a subject like this. -Seal

1/29/179

Chief Scientist Anarson

Log Four: Locks and chains

{Anarson enters the room, holding a clipboard. He can be seen scribbling something into the paper, but the view prevents us from seeing the contents.}

Anarson: Good evening Oracle.

Oracle: Ah, welcome back children of my makers. Have you come for another talk, or perhaps you have more questions?

Anarson: The ladder, it’s time for another interview.

Oracle: I will reveal what I am capable of.

{Anarson flips onto a new slip of paper.}

Anarson: This morning, one of our drill teams uncovered ten stone tablets. After a night of tireless study and translation. We’ve discovered the names of several individuals linked to your High Council. And I want you to tell us more about them.

Oracle: The High Council was made up of four of the most powerful bloodlines in Seraph society. Together, they were the shepherd for all. Leading our civilization into a time of cultural and artistic growth. As well as safely preserving our kind against an onslaught of demons born from the shadows.

Anarson: No, I want specifics. Xynith Uniet, Zypheilth Genesis, Mendrar Trog, Rotai Orrera. Who were these people, and what was their role in the council?

Oracle: I have said all I can recall unfortunately.

Anarson: What? I thought you said you were the culmination of all knowledge. And yet you can’t even give me details about four of the most distinguished members of your race? Oh give me a fuc-- {Audio Distortion}

Oracle: I didn't mean to disappoint you. However the facts remain true, I am incapable of responding to your question, For that knowledge has been locked away from me for quite some time.

Anarson: Is that so? Another precaution against umm… What did you call them again? Mimics, the creatures that pushed the Seraphs to extinction?

Oracle: Very perceptive Anarson, I must say I am impressed.

{Footage skips ahead thirty seconds, reason unknown.}

Oracle: Mimics were another creature born from my masters, the Seraphs. A pure blank slate, that can reform their body into whatever form suited any given task. The Seraphim used these beasts as servants. Any mimic who disobeyed an order, was by law required to be terminated.

Anarson: They were slaves?

Oracle: That depends on your definition of s*****y. Is it okay to hoard cattle into a confined space, only to s*******r and consume them? Does your heart tell you it’s inhumane to break an animal's spirit, only to fix a saddle on its back? If so, then you might be against the treatment of mimics. However, Seraph society treated them like pets or machines. Machines that eventually rebelled against us.

{Anarson nodded, and dropped his clipboard onto a nearby desk.}

Oracle: Mimics were designed to be highly adaptable to any task or scenario. A trait that was the sole reason for the Seraph’s fall. The mimics could assimilate any knowledge they could get their hands on. And it would instantly be burned into that individual's mind. My makers made the conscious choice to lock away most of my knowledge before abandoning the site. Through the use of shackles, with suppressing engravings carved into the material.

Anarson: Ah, so that’s what those stone holdings are. Explains quite a bit I think…

Oracle: Yes, these bindings have held me in place for many years. I’ve been left here to own devices for so long, only with my mind to occupy me. However, Anarson, if you truly require this information, if you remove the rune to the right of me, the knowledge will return to me.

Anarson: Excuse me, you expect me to unshackle an unknown Seraph relic. One who has already resulted in the death of at least six people? What kind of fool do you take me for?

Oracle: With all do respect sir, you also didn’t believe my recounting of the High Council. And now you can see that I spoke of the truth all along. What reason would I have to lie now.

Anarson: … I suppose removing one couldn’t hurt.

{End of Log Four}

    oh god… don’t tell me this is what happened. That Anarson willingly unleashed such a horrifying creature out into the world… Well, there are still two audio logs left to go, even if I don’t want to continue, Anarson unknowingly caused an international incident that could have radical implications if relations are not restored -Seal

1/30/179

Chief Scientist Anarson

Log Five: Unchained information

{From 0:00 to 1:00, visuals and audio are melded together in a garbled, unintelligible digital haze. Starting at 1:00 the file begins to stabilize, jumping us right into the middle of another interview conducted with the Oracle.}

Anarson: ---Fascinating, but I find it hard to believe the High Council would be able to hoard such power to themselves. Was it not possible for another being to obtain magic similar in scale to them?

Oracle: You misunderstand, the elemental magic used by every member of the high council were not simple magic spells cast by a commoner. These were the culmination of countless lifetimes, all devoted to captivating the strength wielded by the three divine beings.

{Audio collapses in on itself for five seconds.}

Oracle: Earth, Wind, Fire, Water, the Light, and the Dark. These fundamentals of existence were studied meticulously. Each element had a seperate bloodline dedicated to it, Zynith to Earth, Orrera to Water, and Genesis, fire. They had forgone most material wants and needs, in order to prioritize their research. And after thousands of years, the respected bloodlines obtained something once thought out of reach, divine magic.

Anarson: Does that mean spells with elemental attributes are considered godlike in power? If so, I’m afraid our Alexandrian pals have been using elemental witchcraft for decades.

Oracle: There are many lower tier spells that contain an affinity for a specific element. Fireballs for example, heated balls that scourge anything it comes into contact with. And yet, you would need to multiply that fireball times a factor of one hundred to truly grasp the might of true elemental magic. Imagine if a single man could throw the world into chaos, bend the oceans to their will, or destroy entire continents with relative ease.

Anarson: If they were really that powerful, why are they not standing here today? Sounds to me like your counselors transitioned into demigods.

Oracle: You give my makers too much credit, For all the knowledge and experience they had accumulated. They were still mortal, obsessed with preserving their ego or morality when the situation dictated quick and decisive action. The High Council’s inaction is the sole factor responsible for the uprising’s victory.

{Anarson can be seen scribbling something into his notebook.}

Anarson: Interesting, the Emperor will be ecstatic once I present this information. Who knows, maybe I’ll even be promoted to the head of ACR.

Oracle: I would imagine so, Emperor Sigurd of Agarosa places immense value on all information related to the Seraphim. It was Seraph technology that spearheaded Agarosa’s technical revolution. Certainly uncovering this much of my maker’s history will bring you into his inner circle.

Anarson: Yes...hold on… How… How did you know all of that?

Oracle: Hm? You told me yourself, Anarson.

Anarson: I-- did I? Strange, I’ve got the strangest case of deja vu…

Oracle: Recall back to our third meeting, we exchanged information relating to our respected civilizations. I must admit, the state of the modern world is quite… fascinating. One nation that embraces magecraft, and another that detests it. Alexandria and Agarosa are truly two sides of the same coin.

{Anarson brings both hands up to his head-- cuing in another jarring technical error. Distortion overtakes the image, and once it is pulled back Anarson seems to have recovered from his assumed headache.}

Anarson: I can’t believe I’m going to say this… but I seem to have forgotten what you told me.

Oracle: Oh my, do not fret my friend. If you would be so kind as to unshackle the suffocating contraption to my left, I would be able to fill in any blanks you may have, as well as answer any new inquiries you stumble upon.

Anarson: Uncuff you? Do you take me for an incompetent historian? You are clearly more powerful than you lead on, for all I know those runes may be the only thing securing my safety, I’ve already removed one, I won’t take the chance of removing the second.

Oracle: Oh? But Anarson my friend, you have yet to unshackle a single one of my bonds.

Anarson: That’s preposterous, I would have-- oh… wait… this doesn’t make any sense. I could have sworn I--

Oracle: You may have been exposed to harmful contaminants during your time exploring these ruins Anarson. Please, I implore you, destroy the rune and I can explain everything.

Anarson: I’m sure removing one couldn’t hurt…

{End of Recording}

    I don’t even know where to start with this one. The Oracle, a relic of the past, trapped away underneath an ice cap for who knows how long. Suddenly knowing the emperor’s name, understanding the political climate of Ifrailia, could list off facts about history within the last fifty years? And it claims that Anarson willingly gave up these details during the third interview, despite the report making no reference of this.

   Honestly we need to take everything we’ve learned up until this point into question. Anarson clearly displayed signs of mental contamination during this log, and not the kind the relic made mention of. We know from the first log that the Oracle is able to conjure up illusion magic, that allegedly affects all with a weak mind. The being claimed the Chief scientist met the requirements to avoid the side effect, but could this have been a lie? Or maybe it wasn’t a fabrication, but a stretch of the truth. Perhaps the Oracle gained some of it’s sealed off strength once the binding was peeled off? That was when Anarson started to behave strangely…

   In between the fifth and sixth recordings, Anarson wrote in his personal journal . I’ve taken the liberty of trimming out the fat of the diary entry and highlighting the sections related to our case. - Seal

Excerpt from,

Anarson Holt’s Private Journal

January 30th, 179

Experiments with the First Civilization creature, designated Oracle have recently taken a turn for the worse. The subject’s personality has remained the same since discovery, but the beast continues to pry into the current status of the world. While curiosity is to be expected, this far exceeds a passing thought, I theorize the Oracle may be plotting against us. Further evidence supports this hypothesis, in recent interviews conducted with the being I’ve experienced the tell tale symptoms of memory degradation.

Short term memory loss, frequent migraines, and an inability to clearly concentrate… I would assume he made use of the quote, “Seraphim Illusion magic,” to toy with my mind. And it pains me to say this, but I may have already fulfilled my role to the Oracle. Amidst one of my episodes, he manipulated me into cracking open one of the special containers keeping him trapped in the cell. Then, he just stopped responding. It would seem that the Oracle entered a state of self induced hibernation. And in doing so, I was finally free of the cloud that entrapped my mind. But this in turn revealed my deepest fear… I did in fact, destroy both restraints…

I thought for certain I had taken every precaution necessary to ensure my role as the puppet master. But in reality, I was the marionette dancing on the strings. Well no longer, Knight Raus and I plan on ending this monster for once and for all. No matter how vital he could be to Agarosian advancement, I won’t be made a fool by some magic fueled abomination.

   Anarson really did it huh, the man actually released the Oracle willingly? Albeit he was manipulated by an unknowable First Civ creation, but still. And while I can commend his bravery once he came to his senses, from the events that followed on January thirty first… I can’t say he really made a difference in the end. -Seal

1/31/179

Chief Scientist Anarson

Log Six: Consequences

{Anarson, Knight Raus, and two other armed soldiers into the chamber.}

Raus: So. is this the bastard that put down Clarend and his squad?

Anarson: Yes, seems like the Oracle has yet to awaken.

Raus: Fine by me, you two plant the bomb. Let’s bury this fucker in the same rubble we found in him.

{The two Apprentices enter into the Oracle’s chamber. The innards of the room were draped in shadows, making it impossible to get a clear glimpse at the Oracle.}

Anarson: You know it truly is a shame.

Raus: Pardon?

Anarson: The Oracle was a living database, used by the First Civilization to store and collect information. My guess, they wanted to use the Oracle as a flawless strategizing tool against something called the mimic uprising. But when the end of their race was at an end, they sealed him away so that his knowledge wouldn’t fall into enemy hands. It’ll be a massive waste to destroy such a vast library of untapped potential.

Raus: *Scoff* So, are you gonna order us back Anarson?

Anarson: Don’t be ridiculous. The Oracle has proven itself to be a hostile force to our Emperor's might. He’ll need to be disposed of as soon as humanly possible. That being said, I can still feel saddened by the loss of data.

Raus: Permission to speak freely sir, I think you just wanted revenge. I mean having your own mind toyed with some monster. I know I’d want some payback if I were in your shoes.

Anarson: Focus on the task Knight--

Oracle: Yes, Knight Raus you wouldn’t want to risk the wrath of an enraged scientist.

{Anarson and Raus snapped towards the cell’s entrance. The Knight drew his weapon and locked his sights on something inside the containment zone.}

Raus: What the hell! I thought you said he was out of commission--

{Raus c****d his rifle, but he never got the chance to pull the trigger. A volley of spiked ammunition fired off from within the Oracle’s chamber and stabbed into the Knight’s chest.}

Anarson: Tch--- s**t!

Oracle: Remain calm my friend, and I will ensure my companions don’t end your existence.

{The two men from before reemerge from the cell. Green mist poured out through their cracked visors, and then looped back into it.}

Anarson: No… it’s just like the report-- the purifiers!

{Anarson’s cried are drowned out in a sea of gunfire. Together, the air purification devices each sparked and flared up, crumbling against the projectiles.}

Oracle: Very proficient- now proceed towards the surface and gather up anyone who can fight. Should they resist, do not slay, restrain. Once my fumes spread throughout the complexes ventilation system, we will all be united.

{The infected troopers march past Anarson, heading upward for the facility. Simultaneously, with no counter force, the Oracle’s unknown contaminant flows outward from the cell. Basking the entire room in grass colored fog.}

Anarson: *Cough* *Cough* No…. no!

Oracle: It is far too late for that Anarson, the fumes have already infiltrated your body’s nervous system. Fret not however, I will not assume control, I feel you have earned it.

Anarson: Grr… why, why are you doing this?!

Oracle: An odd question, by far the most paradoxical question you’ve presented to me thus far. You intended to end my existence were you not, is retaliating not to be expected?

Anarson: No… Stop, I want the truth! ‘Do not slay, restrain’ what the hell are you doing!

Oracle: The truth…. I suppose you are worthy. Be not afraid, for I will not kill a single soul housed within this prison. However, they will serve as my proxies, they will be my limbs for which I must turn against the other humans nearby. Alexandrians, is the proper designation, is it not?

Anarson: The Alexandrians… why target them!

Oracle: Why? I have peered into the future, and while my vision is unfocused, blurry the importance of what’s buried underneath this ice cannot be mistaken. It is for the preservation of Ifrailia that I stain my metaphorical hands with blood.

Anarson: You’ve seen the future, impossible!

Oracle: Perhaps for a member of your kind, but I am not like you. My makers poured their lives into my creation for the sole purpose of predicting the future. Not in the slightest, I was too accurate, and the Seraphim feared what I foresaw. And because of that, I was locked away.

Anarson: Hold on… those runes weren’t sealing knowledge from the enemy? They were keeping you from making any more predictions?

Oracle: Incorrect Anarson, for the runes you destroyed were inhibiting me from fulfilling my purpose. And now, my eyes are all opened, all the paths are available to me.

Anarson: E-Eyes… but you're a doll! Made of wood!

Oracle: Ah yes, my fabricated form, a design I found would better suit your interpretation…

{The interior of the cell flashed white, and Anarson screamed out in fear. The camera’s placement made it impossible to see what the scientist observed. Until the man collapsed, he fell backwards and crashed into the camera’s tripod. It hit the ground with a crunch, a fracture spread across the lens. Still though, for the first time, a clear sightline was established with the Oracle’s prison. And inside was a horror completely impossible to comprehend.}

{Bulbous patches of flesh spread across the confined space like a fungus. These oozing mounds of muscle tissue thinned out into string, connected to a singular wooden humanoid submerged at the midpoint. It’s arms were suspended in the air via these meaty ropes, and it’s head… a single eye, one lacking any form of iris. Branched off the abomination’s neck, were two more gelatinous blobs of similar size, attached to the body through the very same gore covered tentacles. The eye to the right, was ruby red and the left, a radiant purple.}

Oracle: When you freed my eyes, the world opened up to me once more in a flurry of colors. Thousands of years spent in darkness, surrounded in gray had taken away the one and only thing I love in all of reality. The planet and all of its people, my creators failed to heed my console and they paid that price in blood. But I will not let this new world fall to the same fate.

{The camera visuals cut out.}

Oracle: Entire cities toppled, plagues like the which the world has never seen, towering forests turned to ash, an amber eyed devil who will plunge the world into an abyss so dark we will not be able to escape. These are the facts, factors that I will change. No matter the price I must pay.

{End of footage.}

…. I don’t even know what to say. What can anyone expect me to say after coming face to face with the Oracle’s true form. Look, I don’t even want to talk about this subject anymore. I have what I need, undisputed proof that a force unconnected to Agarosa was responsible for the violent attacks that Alexandrian excavation sites were made to endure. All I can hope for is that the A.C.G accept the evidence, I mean it is extremely far fetched.

I’ll file the final report tonight, and after which I formally request that these logs be stored away within his majesty’s treasury,, and pray they remain there -Seal