... According to , they are special locations that replenish, absorb, and store any reserved [Mana] for . is one of those said landmarks and recently, it was the victim of a semi-biological attack in a form of miasma. We managed to get rid of it through a [Hidden Quest], but we still need to find the culprit behind the attack as part of our promise we made to him.

But now that I think about it, I’m still wondering about the other outside the area where resides. I did call to ask him if it was public knowledge yesterday and Bai Hu said yes and that I should able to learn more from the library. Kazu did say I can just read more in the [Isekai Online Wiki], but since Mom let me take a break from studying for a few hours, I’ve decided to log in and visit the library.

For once, that [Complete the Library Exam Quest] was actually worth completing it as the NPC librarian saw my library card and just pointed me to a geography section while warning me to stay quiet if I don’t want to end up being burned by one of her spells. Once I arrive there, I grab some of the books that are related to the landmarks and stop by the magic section to check for books regarding the [Guardians]. Kazu did a lot of research on his end and since he’s still busy with his studies, I think it’s my turn to contribute to the team. So I sit down at a small desk and start reading the first book I found.

[Mana Landmarks]

[Known as the lifelines of , they are special locations created by the 8th God of the same name where [Mana] are absorbed, replenished, and stored. Originally guarded by the chosen [Messengers of God], the locations are now teeming with monsters who are commanded by the [Mana Guardians], strong and intelligent monsters created by the Gods after the messengers migrated into Volo. True to their titles, they guard the landmarks against ill-minded folks who planned to abuse its power for their selfish goals or the destruction of the world.

While it is still unknown what would happen after its destruction, it was rumored that the Guardians have warned us that the imbalance will occur if one falls and if the rest follow, it could mean Volo’s extinction. There was evidence that it almost fell during the battles of the [Summoned War], but not much is known due to most of the records not being fully recovered yet.]

So it’s still a rumor, huh? Still, Bai Hu’s words ring true to this book. I did hear about the [Summoned War] event from Kazu two days ago, but even if it hasn’t been proven yet, I can imagine the repercussions it will cause to the virtual fantasy world. All the more reason to find the jerk who almost destroyed . Regardless, most of this section has some information I already know, but it seems there’s more to this.

[Originally, the Mana Landmarks were secluded from civilizations with their only connection is with the country where the [Insignis] roams. When the [Flourished Era] began, they slowly lost contact with the rest of the country until they were persuaded to meet with not only the country’s newly-founded government, but the monarchy of kingdoms and countries of [Feles], [Elves], and [Beastfolk] as they organized their very first meeting with the Mana Guardians. This event became known as the [Mana Conference], which is still practiced to this day both as a festival and a political conference with all of the kingdoms and countries.

During the first conference, the Guardians and the leaders not only shared knowledge about the evolving world and the ancient history behind Volo’s creation but learn how sacred the Landmarks are and how it would affect them if they were fallen into the wrong hands. Because of this revelation, they made a symbiotic pact called the [Union Bound]. The Guardians shared their resources with each civilization to help them flourish as long as they promised not to abuse them and the kingdoms and countries all vowed to help them protect the landmarks by creating laws against such abuse and destruction and punishing anyone who dared to oppose them. While the rest of the pact was classified, this became the gateway of Mana knowledge as some of the famous magicians and researchers visit the Guardians and Mana Landmarks to create and discover inventions such as [Magitek], grimoires, and other magical tools.]

The government and monarchy?! Bai Hu didn’t mention that he’s working with them! Then again, they did say most of that [Union Bound] pact’s contents were classified. But still...

I sigh as I turn my attention back to the book. Unfortunately, that’s all that it says about the [Mana Landmarks]. Most of the books from magic and geography seem to have the same information I have already read so far. However, I do find a book that focused on that said topic.

[According to the ancient Insignis records, there were many Mana Landmarks scattered around the world during its creation, along with some other areas created from the monsters’ nest. They were known as the [Dungeons] and unlike the landmarks, any destruction or abuse would only release a few Mana into the air. This theory was later proven after a small raid caused a massive cave-in at the now-abandoned [Shining Shaft]. However, they were protected by the Union Bound act as the said incident caused a small monster rampage in some nearby villages until the Adventurers subdued them.]

I see. So the [Dungeons] also acts as [Mana] storage without depleting them of it around the world.

[While there were reports of about 20-30 landmarks, only eight of them were found. Out of those, four were officially recorded during the first Mana Conference.

is a large rain forest that covers most of the sky with the tower of trees above them located in the west. It is guarded by [Bai Hu], the Thunderous White Tiger.

is a volcanic cave enveloped by pools of lava and magma rocks filled with [Mana Stones] located in the volcanoes in the south. It is guarded by [Suzaku], the Blazing Vermilion Phoenix.

is a taiga enveloped by an eternal winter located in the northern tundras. It is guarded by [Genbu], the Enduring Black Tortoise.

And , a dilapidated temple built by the [Signataria] people teeming with monsters who have made it their homes located in the east. It is guarded by [Seiryuu], the Wise Azure Dragon.]

Okay... So they must be the other Guardians Bai Hu mentioned. I’d expect them to go through that Four Symbols mythology in their lore, but I hadn’t expected the developers to extend them to the locations of the game. If that’s true, then might be located in the west of the world. If only the official site had a full map of it, I could try to pinpoint its exact location. In any case, that’s all I can find about the [Mana Landmarks]. At least, until I notice the last passage.

[While these Mana Guardians were known during the first Mana Conference, there are rumors that a fifth Guardian is present as the leader. But so far, there are no records of it or its Mana Landmark due to its classified nature of the meeting.]

Wait, a fifth Guardian? That must be based on the Yellow Dragon. I wish I can ask Bai Hu about it, but considering how secretive this so-called conference was. I decide against it. For now, my job is done here and I return the books to their proper shelves before I leave the library, now knowing what [Mana Landmarks] are and their roles in this fantasy world.

...

Now that I think about it, maybe I should have waited for Kazu to log back in or buy some paper at the general store to take some notes beforehand. Damn it...