Mateo didn't know any better than anyone else. He was not an academic, only knew what he did for survival, there were people much smarter and making more money to solve the problem. He was just here to do his rounds and keep people from being stupid(er than him). "It would make sense. Would also explain why magical means to remove it might not work." Teo wasn't even sure that many attempts had been made. So far he'd only really seen people studying it, attempting to understand its source or fuel.

Eying the mist again, Mateo stuck out a hand again, fingertips hovering just a few inches beyond the edge of the mist. "Benign items don't seem to have an impact." He mused, still staring at the mist intently. He wondered just what it would feel like. He flexed his fingers, cracking his knuckles on reflex before dropping his hand again. "I wish we knew what was going on inside." That would make a big difference.