🍁Nine Ancient Obelisks

While still at a reasonable distance from the women, Erika quietly whispered to the mushroom, "Jack, look around more carefully. Maybe you'll notice something unusual and/or interesting."

Then she approached closer.
"Good evening," Erika greeted.
"Is this thing still proving difficult to understand and reveal its 'secret'? Or is there any progress?"

- Nope. It's best not to get your hopes up about it. - Etto replied. - This... As we agreed, are we on a "you" or "you" basis? I've already forgotten. This thing has been here longer than we have...
- "You," hmm. - The second woman smiled. - That brings back memories.
- What kind?
- That's the name of one of the test... I mean, a volunteer who agreed to help me advance science. As a result of one of the experiments, she grew horns and her ears became like a boar's, and she was so upset that we haven't seen each other since.