It took an hour and a half, but they were now there. A few piles of dead Demons lay around its walls but most of the buildings in the vicinity still stood. A few were destroyed, most had holes in some places. But the target of the Demons' attack remained standing still, albeit with a few chips in its walls and a handful of broken doors and collapsed windows. He gulped at the feeling of thick mana that hung over him. His yellow eyes could see how mana flowed towards the library, and he could feel it as it rose from the ground as well. Truly, it was a marvel and a feat that married magic and craftsmanship.

The gates of the library were as tall as three men and a dozen could pass through it at the same time. Stone walls wrapped around it, the entire length of it stood taller than Stefan by at least three feet and a head. The library had a facade made from the same black stone as the dungeon. What stone the library was built from he did not know, only that the stone was older than any of the houses here and even the castle itself. He stretched out his neck to see how large the library was, but he could not see its back end.

"The Academy was larger than this library, but it's impressive nonetheless."

Riel said in awe as she stared at the massive tower and the high roofs of the library.

The library was laid out in a "U" pattern, with only one wing connected to its western face. It stuck out from the middle of the main building, like it was another building that was forcefully pushed into the other one. Robed men roamed around the gardens and the walls. They tended the large shrubs and hedges with their Spells while some did physical work that involved lifting stones or robed... bodies. He looked away at the dozen or so bodies and towards the stone pillars and large windows with glass panes that let in large amounts of light. Sadly, some of the windows were broken. Parts of the walls, intricate outcrops of stone, and extrusions along the pillars and walls were destroyed as well.

"Old Arlukian... An old style of building that stopped snow from piling on the roofs... With large windows meant for lots of light."

Shadows moved beside him as a shape rose from it.

"Many say that it was a style from ages before Arluk. The West Wing is a recent addition; its style is meant to replicate the Old Hall."

Azalia said with a cool tone that would've intoxicated most men who heard it.

"Miss Riel, do you know any Barrier Spells? I fear that the repairs are not yet done and falling debris are a hazard that already claimed two lives."

"I know [Barrier], but that's the only Barrier Spell I can cast confidently."

"That will do. Come, let's not keep the Patron waiting."

"Lead the way, Madame Azalia."

Stefan said as the Shadowmancer smiled at him through her veil of shadows.

She stepped forward, through the arched gates of the library's wall. They were about to follow, but Azalia raised her hand to stop them in their tracks. The two looked at her in slight confusion, the other two noticed it. All along the arch and the ground of the gate were runes, powerful ones that they recognized. Sirius himself knew most of them. The magic in them was weaved seamlessly with one another and formed a powerful warding Spell that would've brought low even an Ogre.

"I have deactivated them. Sirius, you can step forward now."

He blinked at Azalia while she gestured for him to take a step towards her.

"No need to be scared, the runes will not harm you."

Azalia said softly in a soft purr.

He eyed her cautiously. Was this a trick for him to lower his guard for him to step into a trap? Unease and hesitation crept into him. Slowly. He glanced at Stefan as the man took a cautious step forward towards the gates. His feet passed the runes carved into the ground. Nothing. No harm fell on Stefan's shoulders as he passed the gates. Semilia followed quickly as well. She didn't even hesitate at the presence of danger at her feet and simply ignored the runes carved into the frame of the gates and the ground.

Riel patted him on the shoulder to grab his attention. He glanced at the girl at his side. With a little push, Riel nudged him forwards towards Stefan and past the large gates. For a moment, he held his breath. Will he die to the runes? Will it burn him or freeze him right there and then? No. None of that happened. He stumbled forwards but caught himself and he managed to not fall over onto the cold ground. He glared and growled at Riel, but he chose to not dwell on it.

"You're a guest of the Library of Aritruas, the Magus of the Floodwaters. No Mage shall raise a finger to your presence as esteemed guests of the Library's Patron. Now come, he waits for us."

Azalia smiled as she flicked a finger towards him and herself.

"[Greater Barrier]"

"[Barrier]"

Riel followed quickly and cast a barrier on the three of them. Azalia smiled and led the way.

"Pardon us, but the Demons managed to wreak havoc upon our beloved gardens. Our resident Druids and Earth Mages are already fixing the landscape, but we are yet to fully restore the damages to the library. But the Library's beauty shines brightly during the spring! The sunlight and mana during that season make the stone and panes shine brilliantly."

Azalia said as they approached the stairs that led up to the large entrance of the grand building.

"Miss Azalia, if I may ask... This library is old, isn't it? How old is it, exactly?"

"If we are talking about the First Hall, it was built during the first years of Arenhein. No, at the time Arenhein wasn't even called Arenhein for it was just scattered farmsteads around the Aren. I would put its age at around 900 to 1,500 years old. The facade was made during the times when the Black Mage walked amongst the living, but the very building itself was made long before it."

Her words were drowned out by wood scraping against hard stone.

The double doors parted and bared to them the interior of the library. He stood before the stone threshold as he marvelled at the large and spacious interior of the library. The inside of the library was larger compared to the size of the library from the outside, a feat achieved by Spatial Magic no doubt. Vast collections of books stood side by side in the wooden shelves that stood like towers and cliffs in a forest of stone pillars. He looked up not just to see the vaulted ceiling of the library, but also the floating shelves and books. He let out an "Aah" as he watched Mages rise and fall on stone and wooden platforms.

Unlike the dungeon, vast amounts of light kept the interior well lit and bright. Crystals, lamps, candles, and a large amount of natural light that flooded through the windows on the walls and the ceiling made it easy to see and read. Mages moved through the aisles beneath the shelves. Some pushed carts filled with books while others perused through the contents of the shelves. Azalia smiled as she folded her arms.

"Impressive, isn't it?"

"Not as impressive as the library of the Perussian Academy. The Spatial Magic used here only expands the interior by about 5 times its size."

"I've heard. Lho'thrain is also an alumnus of that prestigious academy and a former student and teacher at the university of Arsan. It's his dream to be able to expand this humble library to the same standing as the five great schools of magic."

"That will take a century, at most..."

Riel said as she looked all around her.

"But it's still quite a collection."

"Oi! Sirius!"

Semilia yelled as he ran towards one of the shelves. He approached one of the large cases that held a strange body, one preserved with numerous Preservation Runes. He had seen only a dozen of the creature in his lifetime. Young. It was young when it had died. Its bright green scales and leathery wings were unmistakable. His yellow eyes looked at the sharp tip of its tail and its legs. It ended in sharp talons, ones that could easily carry off a Hobgoblin given enough time. A pair of crimson eyes stared back at him as he looked at the creature's head. They were the eyes of a predator that stood at the top of the food chain.

"I'll be damned... It's a Wyvern. A hatchling?"

Stefan said as he tapped on the glass.

"Yes. One donated to us seven years ago by a party of adventurers. They killed it when they cleared a nest of Wyverns in the Arendine Mountains. The request was of utmost importance since Draukur didn't appreciate his new neighbors."

"Draukur? Sounds Draconic."

Semilia said nonchalantly with a slightly interested tone. Azalia nodded.

"That's because he is a Dragon. Draukur is a True Dragon that lives somewhere in the Arendine Mountains and is considered as someone on the same standing as Lord Arwin and Lord Terius."

"... Oh fucking hells. A True Dragon."

"There's a handful of them in the Empire. A few dead ones as well and a looooot of hidden ones hiding in a cave or abandoned castle. Is Draukur the only True Dragon in this region?"

Azalia shook her head at Stefan's question.

"We know of at least two more, but we are yet to contact them. There are also records of... Dragons and attacks are known to happen but none has occurred in the last 20 years."

"Gods, have mercy. Have you seen a Dragon before, Sirius?"

"Dragon? Oh! Durgao! No, but father seen one. Many years before I was born."

"Probably worked for it or something. Helped fuck over and loot a poor town or village."

The Goblin shrugged at Semilia's words.

"Oekan tribe alone burnt many villages to the east. Too many to count. Many years before I was born, Goblins marched under vile dragon called Vrfa'ang. Father told stories of many burned cities and dead men in melted steel."

Before he could tell her the other stories, Semilia nudged him on the side of his head. He glared at her, but she did not.

"Stop. I'm... not in the mood of hearing such fucking horrible stories."

Semilia glanced at Riel, something that the Goblin noticed. He nodded and shut his mouth.

"You may look through the library's collection later, Sirius. Come, the Patron is patient but Lho'thrain is not."

Azalia said as she gestured for them to follow her through the halls of books and shelves.

"...Not really necessary anymore, but we keep it as a reminder. The towers, walls, and battlements are leftovers from the times when Arenhein's Castle Mottlo was nothing more but a bare hill."

"So this library served as the castle for Arenhein, huh?"

"Not castle. Fortress. As of now, there are around 2,000 people in this building. Back then, there were only a dozen Mages. Still, the large building must've been imposing to those around it since there weren't a lot of houses yet, The yet to be established noble family were not permitted to reside within the library's walls, but our Mages served as both watchmen and soldiers that protected the large town that was to become Arenhein."

Azalia said to Stefan as they climbed the spiral stairs that led to the top of the largest of the tower.

"This tower was built during the time of the Black Mage. The other two were built long ago and served more as defensive structures rather than an extension of the library. It was meant to be a storage place and laboratory for the Patron. Now, it serves as the place where we keep documents and records as well as a place to store specimens."

Azalia said as they passed by the 18th floor filled with cabinets, shelves, and boxes. The Goblin panted and wiped off the sweat on his forehead while Miu silently drank the liquids that dripped near her.

"Y-You have... floating rocks... Why not... Use them?"

"We could, but the winds near the top of the tower make it easy for people to fall. Do not worry, there are only 4 more floors left before we reach the Patron's room."

Riel and Sirius let out groans as they looked up at the remaining set of stairs.

They could glimpse where the flight of stairs ended. There was a spacious room at the top, and they could glimpse trinkets and paintings as well as a set of old armor adorned with marks of ancient battles. Quickly, they ascended the stairs. Azalia's veil and robes fluttered behind her while their cloaks were swept up by the harsh winds that blew into the tower through the small windows beside the stairs. Semilia cussed as she clutched the railings to her left tightly.

After a few more minutes of climbing, they reached the top of the tower and the end of the gruelling set of stairs that led up to it. Azalia stood to the side while Stefan and Semilia hauled themselves onto the last floor of the tower while Sirius and Riel nearly retched on the floor as they crawled onto the cold, hard floors made of fine wood. The two of them wheezed and panted while Semilia produced a canteen of water from beneath her cloak.

Riel took a few sips from it while he gulped it all down to soothe his dry throat. He pulled himself up shakily with the help of the wall and looked around the finely furnished room that lay before him. His cheeks flushed red at the sight of the High-Elf Lho'thrain and an esteemed-looking old man with aged robes staring at him with disdain and amusement respectively. He quickly stood up straight along with Riel. The old man chuckled while Lho'thrain silently fumed and the ends of his long brows curved upwards as his lips curled into a tight frown.

"I have brought them, esteemed Lho'thrain and Grand Merithain."

Azalia spoke with a formal tone and posture as she bowed her head slightly. Lho'thrain nodded while the old man simply smiled.

"Stefan Hendrickson, I welcome you and your party to my humble study. Please, have a seat and hear this old man's questions. Lho'thrain prepared tea for us."

"Gladly."

Stefan smiled curtly as he took the seat across from Meithain and Lho'thrain.

Semilia and Riel sat on either side of him while he sat between Riel and Lho'thrain. The High-Elf scoffed at both Semilia and him as he poured them cups of tea while Azalia leaned against the wall beside the window. Semilia raised a brow at him as he handed her a cup of tea. Stefan thanked Lho'thrain with a nod while Riel and Sirius simply smiled at him in thanks. They all took a sip of the tea while Merithain glanced at his cup. They all recoiled in unison, with only him and Stefan swallowing the liquid in their mouths. Riel spat it out back into the cup while Semilia rushed to the window to spit out at the liquid.

"I told you Lho'thrain brewed tea. I did not say that it was fine or good tea."

"It's Ent's piss! Fuck! I thought you fuckin' High-Elves know how to brew tea from every fuckin' leaf in the world?! The fuck kind of leaf did you use here?! Grass?!"

"Shut your mouth, Low-Elf! You are lucky enough to be here, let alone to be able to act like the uncivilized and detestable Low-Elf that you are!"

"You picking a fight-"

"Semilia! Sit your ass back down and shut the fuck up. If that man blasted you with a [Fireball], I don't think I can fend it off."

Stefan said as he coughed and groaned from the taste of the vile tea.

"True. Lho'thrain here may not possess the same firepower as my friend Drauker, but his aim and precision are impeccable. Although I doubt he'll do that to guests."

The old man said while Azalia let out a chuckle. Lho'thrain snorted as he tossed the contents of the pot out of the window and handed it to the Shadowmancer.

"If I weren't here, you two would be drinking hot water 'til nightfall."

"Thank you, Dear Azalia. The leaves are on the top shelf by the dried lizard skins. And Miss Semilia of the Greanor, please forgive my friend Lho'thrain here for his comments and I hope that you as well could forgive Miss Semilia here for hers, Lho'thrain."

Lho'thrain rolled his eyes as he settled down on his chair. The two growled and glared at one another, but no punches nor sharp remarks were thrown.

The old man relaxed and looked out of the window. His white eyes blankly stared at the passing clouds with a furrowed brow and stoic expression. The four of them made no remarks but they were clearly caught off-guard by the old man's blindness. Sirius gulped as he stared at the ethereal form that sat with them. He was ancient. An aura of great wisdom and vast amounts of knowledge wrapped around him and it showed in how he looked. The old man let out a sigh as he turned his head back towards them.

"Strange things move in our periphery and that eerie melody continues to drown out the tune of the world... Sorry about this old man's musing, but I would like to ask you, Stefan Hendrickson, if you are up for another quest."

"It depends on the request, err-"

"On this occasion, Merithain is fine."

"...S-Sir Merithain. My party is tired and weary from years of travel."

The old man smiled and nodded his head at Stefan's words.

"Of course, of course. But my quest will help you reach the coasts of the empire much faster."

Azalia poured them a cup of her tea while Stefan, Semilia, and Riel eyed one another.

"Will it take us away from Leroun?"

"The contrary, actually. It seems that news about Leroun's and Te'loinn's skirmishes have not reached your ears yet."

"Skirmishes? W-Wait, Leroun and Te'loinn are close allies, aren't they?"

"Until recently..."

Lho'thrain said as he took a sip of the tea.

"Te'loinn's nobility has grown bold ever since the Alsters got into power. Their royal family now hold little power over the kingdom and the Alsters stir not just the wrath of Leroun, but the Free Cities as well."

"So... you want us to depose a noble family?"

"No. We want you to kidnap someone from them."