Reborn as a Succubus: Time To Live My Best Life!-Chapter 315: The Artifact, Part Eleven

"I don't understand," Raven repeated, staring at the bronze disc with narrowed eyes. "This object... shares memories?"

Javir sighed, carefully replacing the glass case over the artifact. She'd spent the last twenty minutes trying to explain the situation to Raven, who looked as confused as her typically expressionless face could manage.

"Not exactly," Javir said. "It creates a connection. When you touch someone, you experience a random memory from their perspective."

"That seems..." Raven paused, searching for the right word. "Invasive."

"That's putting it mildly," Javir agreed. "It was designed that way. The Memory Snare was a weapon, created during the Human Rebellion as a way to spy on nim."

Raven tilted her head slightly.

"How do I know if it's working?"

Javir couldn't help but smile. Of course Raven would need proof rather than taking her word for it.

"Well, you'll find out the next time you touch someone." She glanced at the time crystal on her desk. "Speaking of which, I need to find Melisa. She's showing her sister around campus today, and I should warn her about our... new development."

As they exited Javir's office, Raven stayed unnervingly close, her eyes fixed on Javir's face.

"Does it hurt?" she asked abruptly.

"Does what hurt?"

"Seeing other people's memories."

Javir considered the question.

"Well... physically, no. But I suppose you could make an argument that it hurts emotionally? I mean, people's private moments should remain private."

Raven nodded thoughtfully, then asked in the same flat tone:

"What's the probability I'll see sexual memories if I touch someone?"

Javir nearly tripped over her own feet.

"I—What?"

"Melisa explained that nim need regular sexual contact to survive. Kitsune engage in sexual activity frequently as well, as it energizes them. Statistically speaking, if memories are random, and a significant portion of people's memorable experiences are sexual in nature, then—"

"Yes, yes, I get the point," Javir cut her off, her cheeks burning. "Look, just... try not to touch anyone for now, alright? At least until we figure out how to fix this."

"Understood," Raven said. "I'll make a list of questions about this phenomenon to ask Melisa later."

[Gods help us all.]

---

{Melisa}

"So the disc is called the Memory Snare?" Melisa asked, leaning against one of the library's massive bookshelves. Hazel was a few tables away, happily engrossed in a beginner's spellcasting book that Ms. Milly had recommended.

The old librarian nodded, her weathered hands sorting through index cards with practiced efficiency.

"That's what they called it, yes. Nasty piece of work, if you ask me."

"And it was used against nim during the Rebellion?" Melisa pressed, keeping her voice low.

"Among other things," Ms. Milly replied cryptically. "The humans of that era were... resourceful in their quest for freedom. Many things we'd consider unconscionable today were standard practice then."

Melisa frowned.

"If it was such a powerful weapon, why hide it away?"

Ms. Milly paused her sorting, fixing Melisa with those ancient eyes.

"Because, child, some victories leave a bitter taste. Some weapons, once used, make you question whether you deserved to win at all." She resumed her work. "Besides, after the Rebellion succeeded, there was no need for such... methods. The nim were already subjugated."

The word hit Melisa like a slap.

[Subjugated. Right.]

She pushed the thought away. This wasn't the time to revisit those issues.

"Ms. Milly, you knew about the disc all along, didn't you? Did you think I was going to find it?"

The old woman's lips quirked into a small smile.

"I've been the keeper of this library for longer than you might guess, Miss Blackflame. Very little happens here without my knowledge."

"Then why didn't you warn me?"

"Would you have listened?" Ms. Milly countered. "Or would discovering the truth yourself make a more lasting impression?"

Before Melisa could answer, a familiar voice caught her attention.

"There you are!"

She turned to see Javir approaching, with Raven trailing silently behind her.

[Oh no,] Melisa thought. [Raven's eyes look even deader than usual.]

"Professor Folden," Ms. Milly greeted with a respectful nod. "I was just discussing literary history with your student."

Javir's expression made it clear she didn't believe that for a second.

"Melisa, we need to talk," she said. "Privately."

"Is something wrong?" Hazel piped up, suddenly appearing at Melisa's side, her tiny hand clutching the spellbook to her chest.

Javir's stern expression softened at the sight of the young nim.

"Nothing to worry about, little one. Just academy business." She glanced around. "Perhaps we could use one of the private study rooms?"

Ms. Milly produced a key from her sleeve with surprising dexterity.

"Room three is available. Do try not to make a mess."

As they filed toward the back of the library, Melisa placed a reassuring hand on Hazel's shoulder.

"Why don't you keep reading while I talk with my professor? I'll be right back."

"Can't I come too?" Hazel pouted. "I won't tell anyone about your secret disc thing."

Melisa froze, while Javir made a choking sound.

"How do you know about—" Melisa began.

"I heard you and Ms. Milly talk about it," Hazel said casually. "You're loud."

[... Fair enough.]

"Fine," Melisa sighed. "You can come. But you have to promise to stay quiet."

Hazel mimicked locking her lips and throwing away the key.

Once they were inside the study room—a small, cozy space lined with bookshelves and furnished with a round table and comfortable chairs—Javir got straight to the point.

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"We have a new problem," she said, nodding toward Raven. "She touched the disc."

"I touched the disc," Raven confirmed unnecessarily. "Javir says it will make me see other people's memories. I haven't tested it yet."

"That's... not good," Melisa said, then caught herself. "I mean, not that I don't trust you, Raven, but this whole memory-sharing thing is kind of a huge invasion of privacy."

"I agree," Raven said. "It's unethical. But potentially useful."

Melisa stared at her.

"Useful how, exactly?"

"Information gathering. Strategic advantage. Blackmail potential. Sexual research."

Javir and Melisa both stared at her. Raven blinked. Melisa covered Hazel's ears.

"... What?"

"Hm?" Raven tilted her head. "I've been meaning to improve my skills when it comes to-"

"And this is why we're concerned," Javir cut in. "The Memory Snare was designed as a weapon, and it's all too easy to use it as such, understand? Anyway, I believe I've found a solution. According to my research, the Memory Snare can be deactivated if all affected parties touch it simultaneously during a simple ritual."

"Define 'simple,'" Melisa said warily.

"Nothing dramatic. We just need to acknowledge the memories we've seen and, essentially, agree to close the connection."

"So we all touch the disc at the same time and say 'I saw some stuff I shouldn't have, my bad'?" Melisa clarified.

"More or less," Javir nodded. "Though with a bit more formality."

"When can we do it?"

"That's the issue. I need to confirm a few details first, and we need everyone who's been affected. That means you, me, Jaylin, and now Raven."

Melisa groaned.

"Heh, don't worry, I'll explain all of this to her," Javir said. "I'm meeting with her tomorrow afternoon to discuss her project with you. I'll tell her about my progress then."

"Our project!" Melisa slapped her forehead. "I completely forgot. She's going to murder me."

"I won't let her murder you," Raven said with absolute seriousness. "That would be against academy rules."

A knock at the door interrupted their conversation. Javir opened it to reveal Isabella, who bounced into the room with her usual exuberance.

"Heyaaa! There you all are! I've been looking everywhere! Gods, you know how tough it is to find some good c-" Her eyes landed on Hazel, and her face lit up. "Oh my goddess, Hazel's here!?"

Before anyone could stop her, Isabella had scooped Hazel up in a hug, twirling her around. Hazel threw her arms and legs out like a superhero.

"Isabella!" Melisa interrupted. "Put her down, you're going to make her dizzy!"

"Ugh, fine! I guess we hate fun around here," Isabella complied, but kept an arm around Hazel's shoulders. "So what's with the secret meeting? Planning something fun? Ooh, is it for the spring festival? Please tell me we're doing that couples' costume contest thing! I already have ideas!"

Javir cleared her throat.

"Actually, Miss Summer, we were discussing a private matter. Perhaps you could show young Miss Blackflame around the courtyard while we finish up?"

Isabella's tail drooped in disappointment, but she recovered quickly.

"Fine, be all mysterious. Come on, tiny Blackflame, I'll show you where all the cool students hang out!"

"Don't," Melisa warned as Isabella led Hazel toward the door. "Don't show her anything... inappropriate."

"Me? Inappropriate?" Isabella gasped in mock offense. "I would never!"

The moment the door closed behind them, Javir collapsed into a chair.

"That was close. The last thing we need is Isabella finding out about the Memory Snare. Can you imagine?"

Melisa could, all too clearly. Isabella would probably touch every person in the academy just to collect juicy gossip.

"So, what's our next move?" she asked.

"I'll confirm the ritual details tonight," Javir said. "Tomorrow, I'll speak with Jaylin. If all goes well, we can perform the ritual tomorrow evening."

"And until then?" Raven asked.

"Until then," Javir sighed, "continue to try not to touch anyone."

Raven nodded solemnly.

"I will do my best. Though I admit, I am... curious."

"Don't be," Melisa advised.

As they left the study room, Melisa's thoughts drifted to all the memories she'd accidentally witnessed over the past few days.

Part of her couldn't help wondering if she could, like Raven wanted to, use the Memory Snare somehow. There certainly were people in the city in need of help. She couldn't deny that much.

For now, though, she had more immediate concerns... Like rescuing her sister from whatever "cool" places Isabella was showing her.

[Please don't be the secret make-out spot behind the dining hall,] Melisa prayed as she hurried after them. [Please, please, please...]