The Royal Library and a Verdant Encounter

The Royal Library, situated in the eastern part of the Imperial Capital, served as a gathering point for countless scholars from across the continent. Its unparalleled reputation stemmed from a simple fact: it housed the largest collection of books on the continent, with the vast majority of its volumes accessible to the public.

“It’s truly massive,” Ziyao marveled, her head tilted back as she gazed at the spires that pierced the sky. The Royal Library sprawled across several square kilometers, an intimidating expanse.

Seven towering spires encircled the library, collectively forming a defensive forbidden spell. Its formidable strength was such that it could withstand the assault of even a Sage for an entire day and night. After all, this library safeguarded nearly half of the continent’s arcane texts.

No guards stood at the library’s entrance; the first floor was open to all. Access to the subsequent floors, however, required special authorization. Fortunately, the authority Ziyao possessed granted her unrestricted passage throughout.

“Elena, what a rare sight! What brings you here today?” the administrator on the first floor greeted Elena with a smile. The administrator, adorned with golden spectacles and short, ear-length black hair, exuded an air of intellect. She wore a long, dark green robe, beneath which the graceful curves of her figure were subtly evident.

Another busty one.

“It’s not me who’s visiting, really. I’m just accompanying this young lady,” Elena explained, pulling Ziyao from behind her. “This is Ziyao, a Seven-Star Alchemist.”

The administrator gasped, covering her mouth in surprise. Ziyao’s youthful appearance was indeed quite deceptive. “How truly… accomplished for your age.”

“Not at all,” Ziyao demurred, scratching her head. “You’re quite impressive yourself, Miss Administrator.”

A Hexagram star was pinned to the administrator’s robe, signifying her as a six-star professional.

“I can hardly compare to you,” the administrator replied, shaking her head. “The chasm between each rank is immeasurable. I feel my path drawing to an end, but yours, I imagine, has only just begun.”

Truth be told, Ziyao had not devoted excessive effort to magic. Yet, her magical talent was simply prodigious. With just a glance, she could decipher the intricate structure of any spell and then replicate it, though her innate abilities were primarily limited to water-based magic. Indeed, if she possessed sufficient mana, she might even attempt forbidden spells.

“Ah, if you please, could you tell me where the ‘Continental Anecdotes’ section is?” After exchanging a few pleasantries with the administrator, Ziyao finally revealed the purpose of her visit.

“Continental Anecdotes? That would be in Zone G13. It’s entirely dedicated to them.”

“Understood. I’ll head there now.” Without lingering, Ziyao took small, quick steps and vanished from their sight.

“She’s quite adorable,” the administrator murmured.

Elena nodded in profound agreement. “I always forget she‘s a Seven-Star master.”

“She and Aiya should get along well, don’t you think?”

“Er…” Elena looked a little awkward, remembering the “body scent” incident. “Yes, they should.”

“Your tone seems a bit off,” the administrator remarked, casting a glance at Elena, puzzled by her strange inflection.

“Never mind. I must go,” Elena said, for she had classes today and had no desire to be late. “When she comes out, please tell her I’ve gone to class.”

“No problem.”

“Then, farewell, Isha.”

“Farewell, Elena.”

****

As the two young women bid their affectionate goodbyes at the entrance, Ziyao had already reached the fabled G13 Zone, where all manner of continental rumors were collected. Her objective was to unearth the slightest clue amidst these largely fabricated tales. She knew, of course, that she bore no curse. Yet, her memories insisted that the changes in her body were undeniably problematic.

The entity responsible for all this would never appear in conventional historical records. Such power could only belong to a deity.

Pulling out a copy of A Study of the Divine Era from a bookshelf, Ziyao found an empty seat and settled down. This book delved into matters of an extremely distant past, events that transpired before humanity even emerged.

“Legend has it that the Lord of Radiance and the King of Shadows were once dearest friends. They were born together from the primordial chaos when heaven and earth first unfolded.”

The first story recounted the ancient bond between the God of Light and the Lord of the Abyss, and this particular tale was precisely why the book resided in this section.

No, why would the King of Shadows, driven by love, kill the God of Water? And why was the God of Light so oblivious? Couldn’t they feel their own affections?

Undeniably, this story was exceptionally melodramatic. Both the God of Light and the God of Darkness had fallen in love with the God of Water, who had been born alongside them. However, the God of Light was terribly slow to realize their feelings, only comprehending their love after the God of Water was slain by the God of Darkness.

As for the God of Darkness, it could only be said that something was amiss with their mind. For reasons unknown, they had inexplicably eliminated their beloved ‘god.’ Even more perplexing, after destroying the God of Water, they were deeply sorrowful.

But why did you kill the God of Water then?

The downfall of the God of Water ultimately ignited a great war between Light and Darkness. The outcome was clear: the God of Darkness was defeated and led their followers away from the fertile lands to a desolate, distant realm.

After the divine war concluded, the God of Light vanished from sight. Some whispered that they were tirelessly searching for a way to resurrect their beloved, yet the chasm of life and death was a barrier even powerful deities could not overcome.

“What a peculiar story,” Ziyao mused, closing the book. She felt a need to compose herself.

Just then, an unfamiliar voice reached her ears. “I never imagined anyone would actually read this book.”

Ziyao opened her eyes to see a radiant young woman before her. With long green hair, green eyes, and green attire, the girl was virtually the embodiment of nature.

“You are…”

“You can simply call me Sophia,” the green-clad girl replied.

“Is this book well-known?” Ziyao asked, pointing to the strange volume.

Sophia chuckled softly. “Not exactly famous, but the stories within—how shall I put it—possess a certain degree of credibility, yet they are also very odd.”

This book has credibility? Ziyao’s eyes widened with doubt. The previous story had severely eroded her trust in the book.

“If you truly wish to learn about past anecdotes, I have some recommendations for you.”

“That would be wonderful.”

With Sophia’s assistance, Ziyao returned to her seat, cradling a stack of books whose very titles instilled a sense of trustworthiness. After helping Ziyao select several volumes, Sophia prepared to leave.

“Well then, I shall take my leave. I look forward to our next meeting, Miss Ziyao.”

“Farewell, Miss Sophia.”

After bidding farewell to the enigmatic girl, Ziyao once again immersed herself in the pleasure of reading. Lost in the sea of books, she failed to notice that the wisp of green had not truly departed but lingered nearby.

“Ceres, I can’t believe you actually did it…”