Things aren't looking too well.

Despite my advisor's best attempts, the Temple of Knowledge has denied my requests to access their Archives. Their reason? Simply put, the information I need is considered "highly sensitive" and perusing it requires direct permission from either the Chief Librarian or the Imperial Archmage.

Fuck, I'm exhausted.

It's been weeks. Weeks of waiting, weeks of anxiety and dread. I know I should have anticipated all this, but with my thesis on the line, I was willing to cling onto any sliver of hope that I'd get my way.

Now I might have to change my subject altogether.

Jacques says I need not worry — there are plenty other sources for my research — but I just know this was my best shot at getting actual primary sources onDaevite religious practices.

Ah, screw this.

How come an institution that claims to be the champion of knowledge and education prohibits people from accessing said knowledge? First the godsdamn Foundation, now the Empire. Seems no matter who's in charge, we can't get a fucking break.

Fuck them, and fuck their censorship.

I gotta figure out just how I'm gonna explain this to Jacques without looking like an idiot: I tried my luck in the Wanderers' Library today, with no results.

It wasn't that they didn't have anything on the Daevites; failing to find info in the physical and metaphysical manifestation of info itself would have been humiliating. On the contrary, there were far too many sources: when the Librarians returned with my requested documentation, they almost entombed me in books, scrolls and clay tablets. Apparently, the Davites have existed in practically every universe with an iteration of Earth, and all the sources I had been provided reached far and wide across the Multiverse.

Guess I should have been more specific about which version I was interested in.

Regardless, with my deadlines looming, I have no time for sorting infinite documentation about infinite versions of my subject of study, so I bailed before the Library could bury me beneath another motherload worth of books.

Well, now this is goodbye to my project. I wonder if I'll have better luck studying theOrtothans…

After careful consideration, I've decided to accept Z's offer.

I know, I know. Trusting strangers on the internet is not advisable in this or any galaxy, but what options do I have? My time is running out and I need to turn in an advance very soon.

So, given that this Z person already knows my plight and probably has Deer's address too…

Fuck it. I got nothing to lose.

Worst thing that could happen is this guy sending me trash… or using me to commit tax fraud… or identity theft…

Oh shit, it's here!

Z's first package came in the mail today: a crate filled to the brim with yellowed papyruses in ancient Egyptian and a few clay tablets in Minoan. Seems like an attempt by priests of Ra and Minoan sorcerers to understand the religious beliefs of the then-expanding Daevite Empire.

If this is just the start, then Z really is living up to their promise! And to think I almost believed they might be a murderer!

Heh, let's hope they never find out about that last part.

Gods, I can't even think clearly! My project has finally got a breathing chance! Hell, abreathing chance? By the time I'm done, I might finally have the guts and grit to apply to the Imperial Academy of Higher Arcana! Doctorate, here I come!

I wish I could thank Z beyond a few words, but I don't want press on this. They were very clear with the whole anonymity thing; I don't want to lose my source for… well, all my sources haha.

In the meantime, I best get to reading. Z was even kind enough to include a few annotations of their own!

Jacques was quite impressed with how much progress I've made in so little time. "See? I told you you'd find a way to get your sources." If only they knew…

Z's assistance has been invaluable to me. Last week's batch of documents includeddeclassified SCP Foundation files!

Can't say I'm not proud of myself, though. I really did almost give up back then, but now I'm well on-track to owning this thing! Z and I even chatted a bit about my academic aspirations. They claimed that, if my work is good enough, they will put in their word with the Dean of the Academy himself!

One thing, though.

Last night, while I was reading one of the latest scrolls Z sent me, I got this massive headache that wouldn't go away. Campus doctor found nothing odd and gave me a few aspirins. Maybe she's right and I'm putting in too much work in too little time. Should I take a break? Just a day of rest might suffice…

Z sent me pictures of a few Daevite artifacts currently in the Empire's possession. It isn't as exciting as examining them myself, but this will have to do. I find it incredible just how many of the culture's practices were inscribed not only in written record, but as pictorical depictions in their pottery and art.

And to think I almost missed out on this because of the Empire's nonsense.

Today I studied a stone tablet much older than any of the other sources I have consulted so far. If I understand correctly, it depicts a sacrifice to the eldritch deity known as the Scarlet King, whose figure is carved at the center of the tablet, surrounded by other idols and a group of dancing supplicants. This would confirm, along with the other rituals I've encountered through my research, that our universe is one of the few iterations in the Multiverse where the cult of the Scarlet King was widespread through the Daevite Empire, and that Daeva matriarchs often served as high priestesses.

Now this is what I call a breakthrough. With this tablet, I can date the worship of some Daevite deities further back in time than is traditionally thought to have started!

I will ask Z to confirm where this tablet was excavated from. Perhaps they can provide me with more pieces like this one?

Well, that's odd.

There seems to be blood on some parts of the carving.

It doesn't look ancient.

I'm starting to get a bit curious about Z. Maybe a bit too curious.

Can't really be blamed, can I? After all, my mysterious benefactor has made themself… well… mysterious. What they've let me glimpse of their persona, occupation and overall field of study tells me next to nothing. All I know is that, prior to getting involved with the Empire, they studied or otherwise held a position at theInternational Center for the Study of Unified Thaumaturgy, and that they currently reside on Idhai.

I can't take my mind off the blood on the tablet. Either someone cut themselves while packaging it, or it's been recently used. But for what? The tablet has no magical properties of its own; it's merely a record for a specific ceremony.

Unless…

Whatever the Empire is doing with artifacts like this behind closed doors, I sure don't want any part in it.

I wonder if Z knows what's going on.

Holy shit, they're coming here!

Ok, ok, I can handle this. It's just… man, I don't know what I'm gonna say, what I'm gonna tell them. To finally meet my sponsor, the person behind all this…!

Should I treat them to dinner? They might not want to go to a restaurant; not discreet enough. Coffee, maybe? Shit, I hope their offer for recommendation is genuine. I need to ready my mind for that.

I'm starting to think that mentioning the blood might be a bad idea.

Headache's back, worse than before.

Called my doctor today. I hope they give me a more accurate diagnose this time, or at least stronger meds.

Fuck, I can barely write, much less focus on my research.

I swear, if this keeps me from finally meeting with Z, I will eat my shoe.

I met Z at a small café near the edge of Three Ports.I must say I was expecting someone taller.

We sat down to talk, and they delivered the final batch of documents: a single, small package that nonetheless weighs quite a bit. They instructed me not to open it until I was back at campus, so I obliged.

Our chat was quite productive. Not only was I reassured of my potential for joining the Imperial Academy, but Z revealed a few more details about their person. They spent an entire year as an exchange student atAlexylva University; many of their current projects were directly influenced by their time there. They also said that I need not worry about returning the materials they had provided me with; someone would come pick them up with the same discretion with which they were delivered.

As the evening began to dwindle into night, they took their leave, claiming they were headed for Eurtec next, off to pick up some materials from a contact at Prometheus Consolidated. We shook hands, and they asked to be kept informed about my thesis. I thanked them for everything and went on my way.

I opened the package as soon as I got to my room, and was surprised to find a leatherbound volume titled "A Chronicle of the Daevas." No author is listed, but a small note written by Z claims that this tome is a record of Daevite history, from the formation as a people to their fall at the hands of the Adytites.

It's a bit odd that they've given me this so late in my thesis' development, but I'm thankful nonetheless. Perhaps I can add a chapter on how the religious beliefs of the Daevites influenced their anomalous biowarfare techniques? C'mon, who doesn't like the idea ofweaponized mutant trees?

"A Chronicle of the Daevas" has proven to be far more than promised. Not only is it a very detailed record of Daevite history, but a compendium of myths, ceremonies, spells and rituals, as well as their applications and religious significance.

Again, why did Z think it better to give me this book last? I could have saved some time by just referring to this source rather than translating some of the other texts and artifacts they procured me.

But I can't be picky, can I? Z probably spent a lot of time and went through a lot of trouble to get me all this. Maybe they had more trouble getting this one out of the Archives?

Best keep at it, hah. I honestly can't believe how fascinated I am by this book. It's so engrossing, so captivating. I almost didn't sleep last night and I've only covered about a third of its length! I almost feel glued to it. Whomever was the chronicler for this book, they sure knew how to tell a story.

Done.

I've finished the book, and I feel like I now have all I need to deliver an impeccable thesis. It's a shame I can't directly thank Z for all their help, but I guess they'd prefer I just stick to the plan and apply for the Academy next year, once my work here is over.

This whole experience has left me a bit weary (and my headaches have returned in intervals), but it will all be worth it when my career takes off.

It's strange, really. I almost wish there was even more to the history of the Daevites. Then I could probably become an authority on the subject.

Maybe I should re-read the book?

I feel like I'm being watched.

The moment I stepped outside my dorm room this morning, I noticed something was off.

A weird sensation at the back of my head kept me looking over my shoulder every time I heard (or thought to have heard) steps behind me. I didn't catch anyone looking at me, or following me, but the feeling has not gone away.

Gods, this stress thing is really getting out of hand. After I turn in my thesis, I'll probably take a long overdue trip to California. Everyone can use a little sunlight every now and then.

Sun and relaxation…

Yeah.

It's gone. All of it.

The materials, the texts, the tablets…

I left for about half an hour for breakfast, and when I returned, everything Z sent me had vanished. All except the book.

There's no evidence of a break-in. No locks picked, no black-suited spooks skulking around, nothing.

Gotta assume this is Z's doing. After all, why would they take it all and leave only "A Chronicle of the Daevas"?

Yeah, no doubt this ishis their doing. I mean, who else could it be? UIU? Empire? Foundation?

Fuck, Z. You could have at least left a note.

Talked to Jacques today; they seemed to notice my unease, but I can't really tell them what's been happening without revealing my dealings with Z, can I?

Speaking of Z, I tried thanking them for picking up the materials, but I haven't really been able to reach them. They usually respond to my e-mails within a day of it being sent, but I figure they're busy with their travelling and all.

Damn.

I gotta stay calm. Can't have Jacques worrying too much. No questions asked is the best way to go around this, I think.

I had a strangedream.

In it, I stood at the edge of a black forest, a thick fog smothering everything in sight. Over my head, a strange aster reigned alone, sickly and green. Voices came from somewhere beyond the woods, laughing and beckoning, but they were quickly drowned by the sound of an incoming train.

As I tried heading towards the source of the commotion, I felt myself beginning to wake up, but not before I caught a figure watching me, shrouded in darkness and mist.

It looked like Z.

I decided to make a short visit to the Wanderers' Library. There was not much to do on campus anyways; maybe, I thought, this would help clear my mind.

I was wrong.

As I walked among the shelves, past the patrons who prowled in search of knowledge, I felt them: eyes fixed on me, following my every step, peering, judging. Up from the Rafters, in the corner of my eye, behind every bookshelf and archway, they looked on.

It didn't matter how deep I ventured into the stacks, how far away from the Main Hall my feet took me. I felt like every being, every creature, every thing on the Library stared at me. Several times I turned to face them, only to find them averting their sight, but as I again went on my way, the sensation returned, stronger than before.

I can't go back. Not now.

It is as if the Library has become one great eye, unblinking.

That dream again, clearer.

The forest.

The train.

TheGreen Moon.

Z is coming here.

He's coming.

Jacques called. Asked what I'm up to, how I've been.

But what do they care. All they care for is staring, judging. They all do.

Thesis was turned in weeks ago. Why have I not heard about it? My work, my effort.

They say it's still being reviewed. Reviewed. Judged, criticized, attacked. Shredded.

No.

It's MY work.MINE.

What does Jacques know?

What do any of them know?

I'll show them. Show them all.

They are listening. Always.

From behind my locked door.

at every turn.

every moment of every day, they prowl, searching, finding.

I know they're there.
Can't fool me.
None of you can.

None.

I see you.

I see what you truly are.

I see it now, why they stare, why they follow.

My work. They envy it, my brilliance.

That is why they've done this to me, this injustice. I know it. I KNOW IT!

Jacques and Patrick and Miriam and ALL OF THEM

I can hear them mocking me, see their sneering faces, their plotting eyes, conspiring to take what is mine, to steal from me

take

take my work for themselves, my knowledge, all that I have achieved for myself

I am the one who deserves praise! I AM!

i am

The Dream.

It beckons.

Like drums on the horizon, like smoke signals at night.

I will answer, my hands digging into cold, wet earth.

Beyond the black woods.

I will.

thereisalightandthelightisblindingandthelightiscoldandthelightisgodlyandIstandbeforeitreadydevoutblessedtoserveittopleaseittopraiseit
mygreatnessisitsgreatnessandIknowittobepreciousandbeautifulandterriblecruelRIGHTEOUS

foreverforeverforeverforeverforverforeverfoverforevereverforever
foreverforeverforeerforeverforeverforeverforeverforeverforeverforeverforeverforeverfoeverforeverforeveroreverforeveoreverforeve
foreverforeverforeverforeverforevrforeverforeverfoverforeverforeverforeverforeverforeverforever

The light is hungry
And I must feed it

The corpse of Adrián Rodríguez was found in the Theurgy Department, following complaints of an upsetting, sulfur-like smell emanating from within the building. The body, which forensics determined had expired a few hours prior to being found, was covered in numerous incisions which appeared to be ritualistic in nature. Cause of death was inconclusive, given that Rodríguez had not bled out nor suffered any major injuries.

The bodies of Jacques Horowitz, Allan Jameson, Patrick Blaise, Miriam Núñez, Danielle Vega and Theodore Elam were arranged along the circumference of what specialists described as a Daevite sigil employed for human sacrifice. All victims had their eyes, ears, tongues and lips removed, said body parts piled up on a crude altar fashioned at the center of the sigil. Despite these mutilations, forensics determined that the cause of death was exsanguination: the victims' throats and wrists were slit open, their blood likewise unnaturally pooled at the center of the ritual circle.

Given the strange circumstances of the crime and of Rodríguez's demise, it is currently believed that he was not in control of his actions, nor did he act alone. The individual known as "Z" is currently a suspect because of the materials he provided to Rodríguez and his presumed intent of returning to Deer College to meet with the now-deceased student. The UIU's Department of Paranalytics is also currently petitioning the Temple of Knowledge to grant them access to the list of persons who consulted or took literature pertaining to Daevite culture from the Sacred Library's Archives. Given the anomalous and often cognitohazardous nature of this civilization's artifacts and documents, it is now believed that Z deliberately instigated Rodríguez's paranoid and violent behavior, culminating in the events of 19/12/29.

The purpose of these actions, both Rodrígez's and Z's, is unclear.



ADDENDUM: BY ORDER OF THE IMMORTAL EMPIRE'S MINISTRY OF JUSTICE, ALL EVIDENCE IS TO BE RELINQUISHED TO IMPERIAL INQUISITOR NOROL-GHAI. THE UNITED STATES' UNUSUAL INCIDENTS UNIT IS TO DISCONTINUE ANY ONGOING INVESTIGATIONS INTO THE CASE.

I know you're upset, El, but what else can we do? We have our orders; it'd be wise not to defy the Empire.

I'm sorry. If only you knew how deep this shit goes.