I found a path from the Old Tree that leads to the Umbral Mound. When I raised the Camera Obscura to uncover whatever was hidden within, I was assaulted by countless masses of vengeful energy, as well as hands grasping for rescue.
Luckily, some quick shooting on my part allowed me to emerge unscathed. While I never doubted Dr. Asou and his work, the encounter definitively proved to me that the Camera Obscura well and truly does capture the impossible and unthinkable. After all, despite my complete lack of spiritual perception powers I was still able to capture those spirits with the camera, clear as day.
Further investigation into the camera has also yielded yet another major discovery.
The camera's internals contain an apparatus that bends specific kinds of light. This is what focuses the camera's power such that it can capture invisible things on film. If I were to hazard a guess, I would say it's likely a safety mechanism intended to prevent users from directly viewing things that they absolutely shouldn't. That is to say, Hell itself.
Does the mere sight of Hell really pose such a tremendous danger that it merits such precautions?
At any rate, removing this safety mechanism from the camera reveals a hidden mirror that reflects the camera's subject. This part is referred to in writings as the "Holy Mirror." Its small, simple design suggests it is perhaps a prototype, one that Dr. Asou was possibly trying to allow the camera to ward off vengeful spirits from Hell by capturing the energy of Hell and reflecting their visage back at them.
Taking inspiration from ancient myths, I'll refer to such Hell-repellence as "Hell Exorcisms."
For now, though, the time isn't right to remove the safety mechanism. The power to exorcise Hell itself makes for a reassuring trump card. But all of the evidence surrounding its concealment points to the unimaginable dangers it must pose.
Only if I find myself up against a denizen of Hell, or needing to view the Gate to Hell, shall I remove the limiter, lest I unleash havoc.
Holy Mirror Memo
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 This page contains spoilers for a recent release. |
Holy Mirror Memo | |
| |
| Kanji | 覚書・射影機の御神鏡⛓ おぼえがき・しゃえいきのごしんきょう |
| Game | Crimson Butterfly Remake |
| Author | Seijiro Makabe |
| Chapter | Chapter 8: The Waning Moon |
| Located at | Umbral Mound |
| Obtained | |
| Description | A memo outlining the capabilities of the Holy Mirror hidden inside of the Camera Obscura, particularly its Hell Exorcisms. |
| Related Notes | |
朽木の奥から、この「陰塚」に通じる道があっ
た。
「陰塚」に隠されたものを暴ければと射影機を構
えると、
数多の怨嗟と助けを求める手が私を襲った。
とっさに撮影することで事なきを得た。
麻生博士を疑っていたわけではないが、ありえな
いものを写す射影機の力は本物だ。
私は霊を感じる力はないが射影機を通して霊を
はっきり捉えることができたのだ。
射影機を調べていると、大きな発見があった。
内部に特定の光をゆがめる装置があり、見えない
ものを捉える力を制限しているのだ。
これはおそらく、見てはならないもの、黄泉を直視
しないための安全装置なのだろう。
黄泉を見ることは、それほどまでに危険なものな
のか。
また、この装置を外すと隠された鏡が撮影対象を
反射するようになっている。
御神鏡と記された鏡が小さく簡素なものであるこ
とから、試験段階のものだろうが、もしかしたら
麻生博士は、黄泉を捉え黄泉から現れたものの
怨念を反射し、撃退する機能付けようとしてい
たのではないだろうか。
黄泉の力を跳ね返すその機能を、いにしえの神
話を元に「黄泉祓い」と呼ぶことにする。
今はまだ、この安全装置を外すときではない。
黄泉を祓う光が機能すれば心強いが、念入りに
封印された形跡を見ると、その危険性は想像を超
えるものだと窺える。
もし黄泉から現れたものと対峙し、そして黄泉の
門を覗くときには、覚悟をもってこの制限を取り去
るとしよう。