The plans had been going haywire. Either the First or Second Unique Reception would stop them dead in their tracks. Albion was unsure of how many days had passed. His mind was still trying to recover from the losses. The Blue Reverberation had slashed him down five times, instantly. Even with Bloodbath to grant the stagger, the staggers didn't last long enough to grant a buff.

The other one they faced was The Red Mist. Her blade was powerful, even beating her had brought the 2nd part of it. Which was the manifestation of EGO that would tear them down with a single strike. Not even the pillars were enough since she would just slice it wide open.

The Purple Tear played on both Red Mist and Blue Reverberation's style. An offence and defensive fighter, the team fared better against her but lost as a result of her fast reflexes and instantly breaking through their attacks.

Another battle was against the Claw, tearing through Albion first with one hit. It was the speed that had torn the formation apart, but the immense pain by the Claws attacks, latching his claws on Albion. Teleporting him to the other floors before ripping Albion in half.

The many options had them outclassed at every turn, Albion could barely figure out the strategies he needed to increase their survivability. Olivier was the most experienced in combat, while Yan's strength is better than the others. Even surpassing Albion. Albion tried to carry Yan's blade, barely able to lift it off the ground. Ryn was a ranged combatant and she could increase the survivability for the others.

Albion was gritting his teeth because of the insanity that was this place, but this time. He was going to make it right, by hook and by crook. Even then, Yan, Ryn and Olivier were not frustrated but Albion was. Crafting more armor, and more defenses.

Albion's victory was against the Puppets which were walking corpses of humans that were being controlled by red thread that bothered him. This place, whatever the origins was cruel and it was dangerous to say the least. It was only one victory and even then it was against a group known as Axe Gang. Their pages gave Albion a higher chance to cause bleed damage which persists over time. Even then, it was not going to be easy.

They were nowhere near the Third Unique Reception. Frustrating Albion as he went to empower his equipment, this time. His charges were full and he wasn't going to waste time this time.

"Let's go." They entered the First Unique Reception. Against... The Blue Reverberation again, closing in the gap between them. This time, Albion injected mana to his body.

"Fervent Beats. Learning." Stealing a move from The Blue Reverberation as he activated 'Graze the grass' to close in the gap. They clashed blades while Albion.

"Yan!" Yan used his distorted blade to crash down repeatedly while Albion's bio scythes would slice the legs. Inhibiting movement against the Blue Reverberation while Yan unleashed the blade to crash down 4 times. Albion used the pillar to box he Blue Reverberation in place as Ryn and Olivier went over to strike the Blue Reverberation multiple times. Readying a pair of short swords as he used 'Feral Knives' Unleashing a frenzy of blades that struck Argalia repeatedly while Olivier would use Impugnatio Ultima to deliver the finishing blow. Even then the Blue Reverberation fought back to push them away.

Albion took the chance to used Lock to prevent any of his skills from activating. Supplementing the attacks of the assistant librarians with his shockwave.

The Blue Reverberation was defeated, at least. One solid tactic had made its appearance. It wasn't perfect but... At least it worked. Will it work the second time? Albion was feeling the uncertainty as they stepped out of the light. Fervent Beats and Learning wore off.

The Blue Reverberation's page acquired.

You have acquired the Blue Reverberation's, Argalia scythe.

Passives granted.

The Blue Reverberation(Skill) Takes no damage from ranged skills. Nuovo Fabric Lessens damage from attacks by 25% each. Resonance. Leaves a Vibration on enemy. If enemy has 8 Vibration. Able to use combat skill : Crescendo which has damage up to 500%. Ensemble Maestro. Being a Maestro increases power of those part of his 'Ensemble'.

Increases team combat damage 50% + Synergy.

If Blue Reverberation Ensemble member.

Increase attacks by 75%.

Increase speed by 50%

Decrease cost of attacks.

That was just the first fight, at least one tactic worked but the second fight would be the determinant. Whether they will reset or whether they will continue onwards. They were back on the Fourth Path, this time taking a short cigarette break as Olivier made a few cups of coffee. The atmosphere was tense but some confidence had returned after beating the Blue Reverberation. The one that stopped them dead in their tracks in repeated combat attempts. There was some solace there, some reprieve of the lost confidence Albion had but he had to use quite a bit of his charge. What remained was just another 50.

Finishing up their break without a word, they entered the second light.

This time, it was up against The Red Mist. Another contender that had cut him down earlier. The red haired lady with scars on her face, wielding a sword that had eyes.

"We got lucky. It's one we fought before." Ryn said as she went on ahead, firing her guns at the Red Mist. Followed by Yan and Olivier going in with a full assault.

"Albion! Focus on keeping her close to us!" Olivier shouted, as the Red Mist moved around trying to get out of the attack range. Only to have Ryn's gunfire stop her from moving to the back. Albion would unleash pillars to block her path around. Stopping the Red Mist from moving behind,Albion used Concentrated Fire to keep the Red Mist to an angle where Olivier and Yan would have the advantage of relentless assaults. Yan's great sword and Olivier's spear synergized with each other greatly. The heavy attacks by Yan with that great sword and Olivier's spears combined with his augury kick that added to the speed would push the Red Mist into a corner, even for a brief moment.

Albion's fire with the submachine gun felt good with the minimal recoil striking Red Mist's body. Yan and Olivier leaped back by Albion's side as they see the shift. The Red Mist's face was covered by a black helmet and she had changed into another outfit.

Albion readied Argalia's scythe, using the 'Graze the Grass' to get close. Closing the gap as he swung the scythe down, followed by the bio scythes joining the attacks.Three strikes had Red Mist being staggered.

"Fervent Beats. Learning." Breaking through Red Mist's guard, Albion swung the scythe repeatedly. Increasing the vibrations stack upon the Red Mist.

"Now!" Olivier and Yan went in with Impugnatio Ultima and Sword of Volition. Fast strikes combined with intensified attack power. Pushing the Red Mist back as Albion readied Argalia's attack. 'Crescendo' Unleashing a fury of fast swings that cut the Red Mist back. Ryn went over with her punches to push the Red Mist back.

"Fall back!" They leaped back as the stagger wore off, where Albion created dozens of pillars in front of them. Blocking the next attack. A single swing was enough to break through the many pillars. He still had a few more minutes before Fervent Beats's negative effect would kick in and his stacks for Urging was at 200. Stacking with the attacks of the other Librarians. The pillars fell as Albion used 'Chain' and Yan used 'Lock' to increase the efficiency of the ability to bind the Red Mist from continuing the fight. She can't swing her weapon, so Albion went for the head. Decapitating the Red Mist in one swing.

That was the 2nd Fight sorted out, at least none of them fell.

"We got lucky this time. How many runs was that?" Albion asked as they were brought back to the 4th Path's bridge. Lying on the floor he was spent, Fervent Beats had worn off.

"72. 4 runs each day. 18 days passed. Do you want to go into the next one?"

Albion shook his head. Looking at the Red Mist page he acquired.

Red Mist Page. The former name of the Patron Librarian Geburah of Language.

Kali.

You cannot equip this page until a certain requirement is met.

Condition: Find a Black Wolf.

Passives gained from existing pages have been unlocked.

The Strongest. Push your limits.

Increases your strength to that of an S-Rank Hunter. Myo's Prowess Gain advantage over enemies that are slower.

Increases bleed chance and stacks charges upon hit. Talent Tenacity(Nikolai's page ability changed) Tenacity of a commander in battle. Your attacks inspire your team by increasing their strength. Survivor. Survival in any combat situation. This activates when HP is reduced to a certain percentage. Currently set at 15%. When activated, increases speed and bloodlust.

Albion looked at what he had. This would increase survivability but it took a lot to get here. 1.5 years have passed from his world, maybe another few more years.

"We should rest. Have a meal before we continue. The last fight will be difficult." Yan said where Olivier nodded in agreement while Ryn was already walking to the lobby. Albion followed them.

"So we conquered Red Mist and Blue Reverberation. It's ironic considering they were our run killers. So what changed?" Ryn popped the question.

"I was also wondering about that." Yan joined the conversation when Olivier silenced them both as they see a pop up menu.

This was adjusted due to the tenacity of the soon to be Library Director, Albion who had been facing a tenacious combat set.

He had been wanting a rematch against the three of them and the library responded.

You three have been awakened because of your compatibility.

ANd yes, Olivier.

Your hunch is correct. You will be facing Roland and two other individuals.

This Library, is similar to the one that turned you all into books but also different.

The phantoms are soulless puppets that fight but some battles will involve you fighting the actual individuals.

This will allow the soon to be Library Director, Albion to gain the original Patron Librarian.

It is the same Roland you know.

When this is done, he will be able to head out back to his world.

You all will go with him.

He will need support.

He has been chained by the guilt of being weak and unable to help others.

Albion moved over to the showers. To clean himself up.

No. I am not Angela.

To be more precise I am the part of her that has merged with the light.

The other Library that turned you to books is in your world.

This world itself has different rules and because a certain few beings decided to grant this opportunity to those who deserve it.

This library exists in a plane between existence and non-existence.

From this point on. Since the two battles had been executed flawlessly.

He will be informed about keeping the scenario to its normal state.

Do note, that you will be facing Roland as the Black Silence.

The other one is Argalia, the Blue Reverberation in his distorted form.

The last one. Is someone you know as well, Olivier.

If you fail the fight, you will merely be required to enter it again. There is no need for the changes.

"Are you sure this is difficult? He seems to be breezing against all of this." Ryn spoke up, she was skeptical to this particular part of the system pop up.

That is a testament to his tenacity.

As an F-Rank. He is considered the garbage of the entire Hunter's kind.

But it was his wits and tenacity that got him to fight well.

As an F-Rank he had taken down an orc chieftain solo in desperate fights.

Always breaking a limb or a bone.

In one fight, he had both arms broken and bit a knife to slit the throat of an elven mage.

In another battle, he held out on his own for two months in a D-Ranked dungeon that had turned into a C-Rank.

He made traps, he made makeshift weapons. Seizing whatever items he could use to fight against the enemies that were chasing him.

There is a reason to why he was given the nickname. Lynx but only those who've seen it will call him that.

Those that see him as nothing but fodder. Will not call him Lynx but as Albion.

If he was put in your world. It would be possible for him to rise the ranks and become a Grade 1 or perhaps a Colour Fixer.

Olivier, do you agree with this assessment?

"Depending on the office. The right office will make him powerful, the wrong ones will lead him down the path he's on now but in short. Yes, I agree. He fights as tenacious as other Fixers. Ryn?"

"Combat junkies."

"I believe he doesn't fight for the thrill but rather for survival." Yan remarked as they headed to join Albion by the table. Seeing the plate being a nice combination of battered fish with cheese sauce, fried chicken fillets and a nice medium rare steak glazed with mushroom sauce. For drinks, the drink of the day was a special fruit punch.

"Thanks for the meal." Albion said as he continued to eat while Yan, Olivier and Ryn were thinking about what to say to him.

"Hey, Albion."

"Hm?" Albion turned to Olivier who chuckled at the sight of Albion's messy mouth, with sauce dripping on his chin. Yan took a napkin to wipe it for him.

"Thanks Yan. Sorry. I'm just trying to enjoy this food. It's just so delicious!" Yan, Olivier and Ryn smiled. Perhaps they realize that at the end of the day, Albion was still the youngest among them. Eating their meals with joy as they awaited for the next fight. Chatting away about things they were curious about.

What were Hunters? Was there a need for energy? Did they have Wings? Learning about the peacefulness of the world in Albion's place had them all wanting to go there and see. The peacefulness only had been changed when the Dungeons started appearing 10 years ago. Albion was a child when he saw the chaos occur, losing his family in the process. He managed to save a few people by chance but not his younger sister.

"So if we were to go there... What can we do?"

"Be Hunters, I guess? It's the fastest way to earn money and with your skills. It's a lot different." Albion said as he went on to explain. Even F-Ranks can make a lot of money. 5 thousand for scraps in dungeons or any resources. Getting paid to kill monsters from a dungeon also helps with some payment but the main money maker was the body parts of the creatures. Albion put most of his money into the orphanage and not on equipment.

"Would there be a need to explain about who we are?" Yan asked, perhaps he was excited about the prospect of going to a world that was free from the Prescript. A peaceful world where no such rules existed.

"No. There's been cases of people being trapped in dungeons and don't come out later." Albion said which surprised the others.

"That's convenient." Olivier remarked as he finished his meal.

"It is, because most of those ones turn out to be stronger than their Rank suggests. Some made covenants with gods to be their apostles on earth." Albion said as the others nodded.

"Shall we?" Ryn suggested as they cleaned up, now moving over to the last golden light. The Unique Reception, stepping in to find themselves on a cracked land, seeing four figures before them. The black haired Roland with the suit and gloves, a platinum haired woman in business wear with the black gloves, Argalia with his scythe and the last person. Who they seem to be talking to. She had black hair but had Angelica's eyes, wearing a blue suit in tune with Argalia's colour. A blue cloak with golden trims.

"Roland!" Roland turned to Olivier.

"So. Our roles have been reversed? It seems I got an invitation here, Olivier."

"Ah, Olivier! It's nice to see you!" Angelica greeted with a wave.

"Who's that?" Albion was the first to ask.

"Apparently... She's... Our daughter?" Roland asked.

"Uncle Olivier!" The girl ran over to hug Olivier.

"Whoa. You're pretty friendly." Olivier said clearly he was surprised as much as Roland, Angelica and Argalia were.

"Blue Sicko over there's been confused. According to our daughter, Roelica we're not fixers. But we died because of a war. Not a Smoke War but a war between superheroes and villains. She's currently called the Azure Silence." Roland said.

Roelica let go of Oliver, trotting back to her parent's side.

"Well, I was hoping you'd have our hair, instead of the brute's hair but... At least it's a lot like ours in the silkiness."

"Hey! Don't call dad a brute!" Roelica kicked her uncle's leg which Argalia couldn't dodge.

"You might be losing your touch, brother." Argalia was massaging his shin, it seemed like whatever Roelica did, it hurt him. A lot. He was mumbling away his thoughts.

"No. Uncle's strong but I found these gloves and the scythe but Grandma Iori taught me how to kick a person that moves too fast!"

"Iori?" Roland raised an eyebrow to that answer.

"Grandma's a dimensional traveler, remember? So she goes through dimensions and the dimension that we were in was one where Fixers didn't exist. When you both died, Uncle Argalia and Uncle Olivier helped me to train. So I got mom's gloves, dad's mask, Uncle Argalia's Scythe and Uncle Olivier's trigrams. I was able to beat you after 5 years." Roelica said with a smile, proudly showing her father's perception blocking mask and the gloves. Along with the Geon Trigram and wielding Argalia's scythe. Even showing the headpiece that Argalia wears sticking by her right ear instead of her left. Contrasting her uncle.

"But... I know that dad lost me and mom to that Pianist. In my world he appeared, and when I wore the mask and gloves. I heard everything. Then seeing dad cry because of it... It made me angry enough to beat it alone. Although it did kill uncle Argalia and Uncle Olivier because they protected me from it. But it became my EGO." Where they see a piano form in front of Roelica that was pure white and they see a skeleton of a figure in a suit. Six arms just like the original Pianist Distortion. Turning over to Roland and Angelica, hugging them both.

"It's nice.. To see you both even if you don't remember me." Roland and Angelica were flustered but they hugged Roelica tightly.

"Thank you for being born, sweetie." Angelica said as tears fell from her eyes.

"Maybe I'll be a better dad now, okay?" Roland and Angelica let go as they pat their daughter's head.

"But we're here as guests. So we will have to do the reception." Roland said as he readied Durandal while Angelica prepared her mace and axe. Argalia readied his scythe, while Roelica readied her trigram, wielding a combat spear in one hand and durandal in the other.

"Wow, one handing durandal? It's a heavy sword, Roelica." Roland said.

"Yep! Grandma said that I inherited uncle's Argalia's strength to use them. Besides, I got more weapons than you two." They watched Roelica switch out from an assault rifle, to a gatling gun, to a halberd, to a pair of tomahawks, and finally ending it with the bladed gauntlets.

"The suit's made form Nuovo Fabric. The kind of thing Uncle Argalia wears."

"Right... When he went insane." Argalia whistled away his thoughts.

"A happy family, I'm happy for you Roland. Even if I said it before. I'm so-"

"That's that and this is this." The four people in front of him said in unison with smiles. Olivier chuckled and nodding back to them. They cut him off with the same phrase that Angelica said. Despite that, the family of four smiled with weapons in hand. A delightful reunion about to turn asunder because of a fight.

"The First and Second Black Silence. The Blue Reverberation in his true powers and the Azure Silence. This'll be a doozy."

Assistant Librarian Ryn has been powered up for this fight.

Olivier has been powered up for this fight.

Yan is able to use his distorting hands to aid in combat.

Prepare for combat!