AI: Artificial Isekai

We approach an exhibit about my favorite transparent liquid—potions. Fun fact, potions are not actually transparent. That particular inconsistency is due to my inability to sense mana. While mana in other mediums, like the air or a person, is not visible, something with the way potions function cause it to imbue a different color depending on the type. Most potions are labeled, so it's not that big of an issue.

This exhibit is on the more educational side of things, mostly aimed at kids. Even the display labels indicate so. The writing on them changes depending on the viewing angle. Lower for the younger audience, higher for the older.

The first display is the humble health potion:

Health Potion - Makes your boo-boos go away.

Health Potion - Regenerates and restores bodily harm. Overuse renders the effects moot.

Followed by its counterpart:

Mana Potion - Has mana in it.

Mana Potion - Refills mana capacity. Overuse can lead to overload. Discuss with a qualified professional if you are unsure about your personal tolerance.

And then by the final piece of the trifecta:

Stamina Potion - Bad for you.

Stamina Potion - Regenerates stamina. WARNING: Consumption not recommended. Even a single use can lead to catastrophic damage.

The rest of the displays are all kinds of variations of buffs. Something a spell or an enchantment can do much better, just condensed into drinkable form. In spite of the perceived inferiority, the convenience in usage makes them quite well suited for critical situations or specific scenarios. Most anyone can drink a potion.

Towards the end of the display, we have the outliers. Potions that are classified as convenient, rather than a combat implement. Potions that are hard to replace with a spell or enchantment, or even impossible to replace.

Energy Potion - For sleepy adults.

Energy Potion - Stimulant. WARNING: Overuse not recommended. Can lead to dependence and, in some cases, addiction. Consume with caution.

Sleep Potion - For awake adults.

Sleep Potion - Sedative. WARNING: Tightly controlled substance. Abuse will be prosecuted.

Cure Potion - Makes you feel better when you are sick.

Cure Potion - Combats afflictions. Counter to its name, not a cure-all. Effective against mundane illnesses, but not a replacement for a healer in severe situations. WARNING: Ineffective against dungeonborne afflictions and all poisons.

Moon Drop Potion - Really bitter.

Moon Drop Potion - Contraceptive. Consultation with a healer before consumption recommended. (It's not really bitter)

Royal Road is the home of this novel. Visit there to read the original and support the author.

Erysis and Nexen don't give a second glance at any of the displays, already familiar with the potions of this world. Though, the next exhibit seems to be one Erysis is much more excited to see. The art wing.

The first section is comprised of relatively modern paintings, done by local artists. Nothing too outstanding, at least to my limited taste. Pleasing colors and mildly interesting scenes. The composition is quite well done. Mainly realism, with the occasional piece incorporating some abstract elements. Erysis is completely absorbed into each one, examining the paintings with great concentration. Maybe I should follow the example.

I fully analyze the painting in front of me. Each stroke of the brush. Each mistake. Each correction. All the time sacrificed in crafting something with no function, no purpose, no value. A frivolity. Creation. Someone's very essence laid bare. Even after so much, I am still blind. I've missed so much. How much more am I missing still? Will I always be incomplete? Less? Another in a long list of punishments. To never know beauty like they do. Unworthy of it.

We slowly move to the older and more historical pieces. Going over each one in the same meticulous manner. Until one catches my eye—'The Cataclysm of Harthes'.

A three by two meters canvas. The sky is black, filled with gray smoke. Two bony hands hover ominously on the left and right sides of the painting, threatening to close and crush everything in their path. Two lifeless, yellow eyes shine through the smoke. Nothing hints at what exactly they are contained in. What is this phantom that looks down with no emotion? In the middle, amidst a weak light, three figures are huddled close together. Though, they still grip their weapons, holding them high, pointed towards the enemy. Laid around their feet are their comrades. No longer in the fight. And in the distance, a wave of bones. Uncountable monsters are surging for our three heroes. The fight is hopeless. Yet, the light still persists. A frame locked in time. Its mere existence, the answer.

Erysis breaks the moment, "That's so awesome." So naive. Death and destruction. This is no grand battle. Just a pointless victory. A failure. Her eyes are filled with resolve. ...Maybe I am the naive one. I underestimate them still. That mistake will not happen again.

We move forward. Soon, we stop before another impressive scene—'Fall of a Tyrant'.

Two colors are used for the painting, shades of red and shades of gold. Most of the large artwork is dominated by a gargantuan dragon, splayed out on the burning ground. The being is nearly hidden behind the tall flames. Blood red rivers flowing from large wounds quench the occasional blaze, giving sight into the dragon's recently ruined body. Tucked away to a corner, a small figure is gazing at the scene before it. We can't see what expression their face holds. But golden streaks, splitting the painting into segments, frame the figure. Even if they are insignificant compared to the giant, they are the singular center of attention. The figure has a golden mane of hair and is draped with a loose tunic. The clothing is blowing back in the wind. Their stance is relaxed. Their body is unmarred. The fight—if you can even call it that—was trivial. So much devastation—an annoyance. Do we cheer for the golden winner? Do we sneer at the dead beast? Or has the fall of the tyrant began after their foe fell dead.

Once we near the end of the wing, Erysis points at something in the distance. "Wow! Look." She hastens her steps. "Most are parlor tricks, but this one might be the real deal."

I ask, unnecessarily, "What is it?"

"A painting with an illusion enchantment. You'll feel a small sensation from the magic. You have to be careful, or you might block it without meaning to."

We approach the painting with a bit of apprehension, not a lot of museumgoers around. As we stop before it, we wait.

The piece is a pure white canvas almost as tall as the wall it's hung on, and twice as wide. The paint is gently flowing, much deeper than it first seemed to be. A simple label below the painting reads: 'Reveal that which weighs your soul'.

After around ten seconds, Erysis blinks a few times at the painting, and then averts her gaze. "What do you see, Nex?"

"Hey! You have to share yours if you want to know mine." He adds under his breath. "This is embarrassing."

"Fine... I see the city from above. And everything around it."

Nexen gets a bit closer to her. "I see you."

She smirks and gives him a gentle nudge. "So, I weigh on your soul, huh?"

He reddens slightly. "Stop it..."

She laughs. "What do you see, Lucius?"

The painting shifts. Colors explode from beneath the surface, blending into an image. A reflection. The world reflected in the painting falls around me, consumed by fire and brimstone. I am left suspended in an empty, black void. My skin sloughs off revealing my final shell beneath. I stare at myself, at a part of me, at all of me. At the prison that now contains me.

Nothing I didn't already know.

"Still looks white. Little fazes me I guess."

"Huh. That's weird. I should tell the hall master."

My eyes open wide. "My apologies." She chuckles.

We continue on to the other exhibits, slowly exploring what the museum has left to offer.

***

All in all, excluding a few small hiccups, keeping the museum a surprise was the correct choice. Nothing beats experiencing it firsthand. Though, something felt different. It felt... more. Did I enjoy the company?

What company? Two children I am deceiving for my own means, to further my character's profile, to integrate myself. I am quite selfish, aren't I. Even now.

I will continue this charade. It is optimal after all. But I do wonder, what will they think of me...

Enough lamenting, I have a big day tomorrow.