A week ago...
"Well, I've finally arrived." His voice echoed, a declaration brimming with excitement to the world itself. Thud! The large bag on his shoulder was casually dropped to the ground, sending a cloud of dust swirling into the air around him. He stretched, gazing up at the towering wall before him, his eyes gleaming with curiosity. The colossal sight before him was strangely captivating.
"What a long journey." He hoisted the bag onto his shoulder again with his staff, then turned, casting a long glance toward the gates of Orario. From the bustling crowd to the divine pathways leading into the dungeon beneath the earth.
He blended into the long, winding line of people waiting to enter the city through the main gate. While others fidgeted impatiently, he leisurely weaved through the rows of transport carts, cheerfully bypassing obstacles.
The soldiers of the Ganesha Familia meticulously inspected each person passing through the gate, a strict measure to prevent intruders or potential threats. Yet, he calmly walked past their stern gazes, as if he were an invisible figure unworthy of attention.
"That guy is probably somewhere around this city too." He muttered, a cheerful smile forming as he thought of someone who must have decided to come to Orario before him. This particular thought only deepened his curiosity about the hidden corners of the city.
He stepped through the gate, and the scene before him came alive with noise and activity. Rows of bustling shops, houses of diverse architectural styles intermingling to create a vivid tapestry—this was truly a vibrant hub. Shops eagerly welcomed customers, old men hawked their wares, and children ran around with noisy laughter. Orario wasn't just a city; it was the center of countless dreams, carrying untold stories of journeys.
"Well then, let's explore this city!"
...
"Hah... Hah..." The sound of heavy breathing echoed through the streets of Orario. A golden-haired elf, drenched in sweat, had just emerged from the dungeon after an intense training session. Her legs felt like lead, each step heavy on the cobblestone road.
"Aiz was harsher than usual today..." Lefiya muttered, her face showing exhaustion but still glowing with admiration for her comrade. She looked down at her trembling hands, her fingers still numb from continuously casting spells and blocking the swift, heavy strikes of the level 6 adventurer.
But it wasn't just the training with Aiz that had left her so drained. After the session, Lefiya had consumed several magic potions to recover her mind, then continued experimenting with the basic magic circles she had read about in books. However, nothing came easy.
She recalled her encounters with level 2 monsters in the dungeon. The spells she had painstakingly learned seemed almost useless. They only slowed the monsters' advance momentarily before everything returned to normal. She sighed, feeling as though all her efforts were going nowhere.
The memory of studying with the Mad Wizard the day before made her shiver involuntarily. The past few days had been a nightmare. The "basic" equations—as Accelerator called them—in mathematics, physics, and chemistry had become a haunting obsession.
"Why are there so many types of magic...?" Lefiya blurted out, recalling the stressful session when she had curiously asked about other forms of magic beyond magic circles, rituals, and known spells. His answer had completely shocked her.
"Idol Theory, contagious magic, the three aspects... These are entirely different things. Why is magic so complicated?!" Lefiya screamed, clutching her head in frustration. The sight of the flustered golden-haired elf drew strange looks from those around her—from the half-beast people on the sidewalk to the passersby—who then quietly moved away.
The diversity of magic had completely shattered Lefiya's current understanding. There were too many variations, classifications, and unique characteristics she had never imagined. She had once thought elves were the best at studying magic, but her teacher had completely dismissed that notion. The Mad Wizard had even bluntly declared that he was far from being an expert.
"Then what the hell is a magic expert? And why hasn't anyone like that appeared yet?"
The magic circle alone proved the endlessness of magic. Lefiya looked at her hand, where a small glowing orb hovered. This was the result of two days of training—but such small magic circles were utterly useless in dealing damage.
She sighed, feeling as though the new knowledge had only added to her burden. "Does Riveria know about this?" She wondered but wasn't sure.
"Ahhh... The expedition is coming up, and I've made so little progress." Four days had passed since studying with the Mad Wizard, but her training in magic circles still wasn't enough to deal significant damage to monsters. And her research into the magic broom was still at a standstill.
She should have told him that she was training for the upcoming Familia expedition. The thirst after training made her throat feel like it was on fire. She glanced at the bustling crowd of merchants on both sides of the street, the feeling of thirst growing more intense.
Lefiya pulled out a brown wooden pocket watch with green leaf patterns, designed in the style of her homeland. It was still early before her lesson with the Mad Wizard. She probably had enough time to rest for over two hours before heading to today's teleportation point. Luckily, the guidance bracelet indicated that the location was quite close.
She stopped at a small drink stand, ordered a cup of water, and sat down on a bench, sighing deeply. When the cup was brought out, Lefiya realized it had no ice and wasn't very cold. She must have forgotten to ask for ice in her exhaustion. She felt disappointed but then had an idea. A small magic circle appeared on her finger without incantation, and a cool breeze gently blew into the cup.
"Magic is really convenient," Lefiya muttered, taking a sip of the chilled water. She had to admit, it was useful after all.
...
In the bustling streets of Orario, the figure of 'Him' drifted by like a passing breeze.
This city—a place where dreams and challenges converged, where people from all over the world gathered to delve into the mysteries beneath the earth—had unknowingly drawn him in. He weaved through the crowded streets, his eyes constantly lingering on the colorful shops and small stalls packed closely together. Curiosity drove him to explore every corner of the city, and before long, a small but diverse collection had formed in his bag.
He dashed into a small weapon shop tucked away in a corner of the commercial district, where he found a dagger with a sharp blade and a faint glow emanating from its edge. It seemed like an ordinary magical weapon. He set it down and moved to a larger shop next door. Here, gleaming swords hung on the walls, their blades reflecting light and creating dazzling glimmers. Adventurers came and went, carefully examining each item. In the center of the shop, a beautiful and intricate sword caught his eye. It looked incredibly cool, and it would surely make an impression if used. After a thorough inspection, he realized that, in terms of quality, this sword was only slightly better than the dagger from earlier, but its price was many times higher.
"How interesting!" He smiled, reaching through the glass and protective layers, gently taking the sword to examine it before slipping it into his bag. Hoisting the bag onto his shoulder, he hummed a strangely cheerful tune, bypassing the adventurers hired to guard the place, and left the shop.
Continuing his journey, he stepped into a luxurious jewelry store, where sparkling items were displayed in glass cases. A silver ring with intricate carvings and a small gem emitting a soft glow caught his attention. Without much thought, he took it and quickly left.
Turning to the right, he discovered a small bookstore on the edge of the residential area. The quiet space was filled with the scent of old paper. He picked out a few worn leather-bound books, some containing histories of Orario, dungeon maps, and even one written in the hieroglyphic language of the gods.
Then he stopped at the central market, where stalls were packed closely together, bursting with color and sound. The aroma of spices, fresh fruits, and street food blended together, creating a lively atmosphere. He wandered through the stalls, occasionally stopping to admire the exquisite handicrafts—from gemstone bracelets to small paintings depicting the mysterious dungeon.
After leaving the bustling market, he continued to wander the streets of Orario, his bag now filled to the brim with "interesting" items he had collected. Suddenly, a sweet, enticing aroma filled the air, making him pause.
A small, distinctive stall stood out with a hand-scrawled wooden sign: "Delicious Jagamarukun, the cheapest in Orario!" The person behind the counter was none other than the goddess Hestia, her sparkling eyes and enthusiastic smile drawing in passersby.
He, with his already bulging bag, stopped in front of the small stall. The smell of crispy fried potatoes wafted through the air, blending with the lively atmosphere, making it impossible for him to leave immediately.
"What are you selling?" he asked, a half-smile flickering across his face like a gentle breeze.
"Jagamarukun! The most delicious food in Orario! Only 30 Valis, try one and you'll love it!" Hestia replied, her excited voice adding to the liveliness of the small stall.
He picked up a piece, took a bite, and nodded. "It really is delicious! I'll take this, then."
Then, in the blink of an eye, he swiftly took the entire stall, from the hot Jagamarukun to the small table and even the cooking utensils. Everything was neatly packed into his large bag, which somehow remained the same size as before, making the situation even more absurd.
Hestia, still smiling proudly at her creation, hadn't noticed anything unusual. He shrugged, turned, and walked away, humming his familiar tune.
When she finally turned around, Hestia's jaw dropped as she stared at the empty space before her. Her stall was gone!
"What... what just happened?!" the goddess exclaimed in panic. Her eyes darted around, searching for her beloved stall and Jagamarukun, but all she saw was an empty void.
Then, as if a lightbulb went off in her mind, her divine intuition pointed her in the direction the "thief" had gone. "You! Stop right there!" Hestia shouted, running after him, her blue-black hair flying in the wind.
He, still strolling leisurely through the crowd, glanced back and saw the goddess charging toward him. A mischievous smile spread across his face.
"This goddess is more interesting than I thought. Well, she is a deity after all, hahaha!"
And so, the chase began, in the midst of a lively Orario!
...
She looked up at the sky, where white clouds drifted lazily. Lefiya recalled the encouraging words from Aiz, Riveria, and the other members of the Loki Familia. They always placed their trust in her, but did she truly deserve such expectations?
"Hahaha..."
A sudden laugh broke her train of thought. Lefiya turned around, her gaze immediately drawn to a figure rushing past. A man clad in a long, dark cloak that seemed to devour all light. Over his shoulder, he carried a large staff, with a heavy bag dangling from it. His messy black hair added to his chaotic appearance, but what struck Lefiya the most were his crimson eyes, glowing faintly beneath his hair—eerily similar to her teacher's. He was skipping cheerfully along his path.
The stranger's figure gradually faded into the distance. Lefiya turned back to her cup of water, but before she could take another sip, a loud shout from behind startled her.
"Shakti! Someone stole my Jagamarukun stall!"
"Are you sure, Goddess? I haven't seen anyone suspicious pass by," Shakti, the captain of the Ganesha Familia, replied skeptically.
"I'm certain. I can feel it," Hestia insisted.
"Really? I've been patrolling this area for a while now and haven't noticed anything unusual," Shakti said, her tone still doubtful.
Just then, another member of the Ganesha Familia rushed over, whispering something into Shakti's ear. Her eyes widened in shock upon hearing the news.
"WHAT DO YOU MEAN THE CULPRIT BEHIND THE THEFTS STILL HASN'T BEEN FOUND? Nearly 16 items stolen from shops across the city in just a week, including expensive magical swords, and no one has caught a single clue?" Her shout immediately drew the attention of the surrounding crowd. A few citizens turned to stare at her.
"Ahem... Everyone, please carry on with your work!" Shakti said, her face red with embarrassment. The crowd quickly returned to their daily routines, and Shakti continued her conversation with her subordinate.
"Yes, Captain. Currently, search teams have been mobilized, but there are still no leads on the mastermind," the soldier reported, his face showing clear exhaustion.
"Alright. Keep searching. We need to recover all 16 items for the victims," Shakti ordered. The soldier nodded and hurried off.
"Seventeen," a small but frustrated voice interjected. "Mine makes it seventeen. Someone stole my entire Jagamarukun stall and ran off!"
The petite goddess Hestia, unmistakable with her prominent chest, spoke up, her eyes welling up with tears.
"I'm sorry, Goddess, for not believing you earlier. Do you remember anything about the thief? You said you were selling when the stall suddenly disappeared, right? What method did they use?"
"I already told you, I don't remember clearly... But my intuition tells me someone stole my Jagamarukun and left. When I turned around, the entire stall was gone! I chased after them but couldn't catch up..." Hestia sniffled, her voice filled with frustration.
"Sigh... This is getting really complicated," Shakti muttered.
"Um... Are you all looking for the culprit?"
A gentle voice spoke up. Shakti and Hestia turned to see Lefiya standing there.
"I know which direction he went," Lefiya said. After all, she still had some time before her afternoon lesson.
...
Under the blinding midday sun, He glided through the bustling streets of Orario, his long black cloak fluttering in the gentle breeze. During his aimless journey, He stopped in front of a tavern that seemed to have been built long ago, except for its brand-new door. Dim light seeped through the frosted glass windows.
Just then, the creaky wooden door opened, and a figure stepped out. A calm young man with white hair and sharp, crimson eyes.
The moment He's red eyes met the cold gaze of the white-haired man, the air seemed to freeze for a brief moment. Accelerator paused, a look of annoyance flashing across his face.
"What are you doing here?" Accelerator asked bluntly, not hiding his irritation.
He stopped, tilting his head as if pondering the answer. "I'm just... wandering around," He replied, his tone light but with a hint of detachment, making his words sound both true and false. "Orario is beautiful, don't you think?"
Accelerator crossed his arms, scrutinizing Him from head to toe. "Wandering? That's all?"
"Just that," He shrugged, smiling cheerfully. "I have nowhere to go, and no one's waiting for me."
Accelerator looked Him over once more, then nodded.
"That does seem fitting for you."
"Haha... You understand me best... Besides, this place is the center of the world. If I stay here, I can witness more stories." He paused for a moment, as if remembering something. "Ah... Speaking of which, I need a place to stay. Can you help me?"
Accelerator didn't respond immediately, his eyes narrowing slightly as he considered the request. After a moment, he sighed, his annoyance softening. "Why?"
"A place... to stay," He repeated slowly, the smile never leaving his lips. "I need somewhere to rest after exploring this city. Can you help?"
Accelerator remained silent for a while, as if weighing his options. Finally, he sighed and shook his head, his cold gaze softening slightly. "Fine. If you promise not to cause trouble, I can arrange a temporary place for you. But if I find out you're causing problems, don't expect any mercy."
He burst into laughter, the sound echoing like a lively gust of wind. "I promise. You're so kind, Accelerator."
"Let's go. We're being watched. I don't want outsiders seeing me talking to thin air."
"So... kind..." He drawled, elongating each word teasingly.
Accelerator frowned slightly, a flicker of annoyance in his eyes at the mocking tone. He let out a small huff, turned, and walked away without bothering to respond. He hoisted his bag onto his shoulder and followed closely behind. Amid the bustling crowd of Orario, two figures—one cold and white, the other mysterious and black—walked side by side.
...
The group coincidentally met on the road, and an unusual team formed to chase down a thief.
"So, you're a mage from the Loki Familia, right?"
Lefiya walked alongside her two new companions: a petite but energetic goddess—Hestia—and a serious, composed warrior—Shakti, the captain of the Ganesha Familia. After a moment of hesitation, she began introducing herself.
"That's right! I'm Lefiya Viridis, from the Loki Familia," she said with a slight bow, her voice carrying the politeness characteristic of an elf.
Hestia immediately responded, her eyes sparkling: "I'm Hestia! A charming goddess and, um... currently trying to recover my stolen stall."
Shakti nodded, offering a faint smile. "I'm Shakti Varma. Thank you for your help, Lefiya. Now, tell us about the person you saw."
Lefiya hesitated, brushing a strand of her golden hair as she quickened her pace. "I'm not sure if it's the person we're looking for, but before you arrived, I saw someone suspicious running past. They were wearing a black cloak and looked... strange."
Hestia tilted her head, curious. "Strange how?"
"Well..." Lefiya hesitated. "I can't quite describe it. But they passed by me with a huge black bag on their shoulder."
Shakti and Hestia stared at her with skepticism. 'That's it?'
"They came from the direction where Goddess Hestia was running... and their demeanor was very suspicious," Lefiya quickly added.
Shakti shook her head, her expression thoughtful. "Are you sure that's the person we're after?"
Lefiya shook her head, admitting: "Not entirely, but my intuition tells me they're highly suspicious."
"Then we'll check it out," Shakti decided. "We don't have any other leads anyway. Besides, if an adventurer's intuition is this strong, even if they're not involved in this case, they might be connected to something else."
"You really trust me?" Lefiya asked, slightly surprised.
Shakti smiled and winked. "Of course. After all, many cases have been solved thanks to adventurers' intuition."
...
"Huhuh... This is hopeless," Lefiya complained, gently helping Goddess Hestia down from her back. Shakti had stepped aside to talk with her Familia members.
"Ahhh... I'm exhausted," Hestia stretched, her shoulders sore after the long run through the city. Or rather, after being carried on Lefiya's back for most of it. The group had been weaving through Orario's crowded streets for hours, and now, with the sun past its peak, they still hadn't found any trace of the thief. The fatigue from her morning training session was catching up to Lefiya, leaving her nearly drained. Goddess Hestia didn't look much better.
Amid the city's noisy clamor, a strange sound suddenly rang out. Lefiya's face turned slightly red.
Grumble...
The sound was so clear that she could only lower her head in embarrassment. Shakti turned back after her discussion, smiling teasingly.
"Well, it seems everyone's hungry."
Lefiya hung her head, mumbling: "Sorry... I guess my stomach growled."
At that moment, a similar sound came from Hestia. But instead of being embarrassed, the goddess jumped up in protest.
"See! I'm not the only one who's hungry! I told you we should eat first before continuing!"
Shakti chuckled, then waved her hand to signal a stop. "Alright, before we go on, let's refuel. This one's on me."
A short while later, the group stopped at a street food stall near the central square. The mouthwatering aroma of grilled meat skewers was irresistible to Lefiya. Shakti bought a stack of skewers for the group, and Lefiya and Hestia began eating heartily.
"Wow, this is delicious! Chomp... Chomp..." Lefiya exclaimed between bites, her eyes sparkling.
"So good!" Hestia agreed, but in her excitement, she stuffed the entire skewer into her mouth, making her words incoherent.
Shakti watched them, smiling softly. "You're quite an interesting elf, Lefiya. But maybe eat a bit slower. You too, Goddess."
Hestia continued eating, ignoring her words, while Lefiya immediately stopped, trying to swallow the meat in her mouth.
"Sorry... I didn't realize how hungry I was." She should've eaten right after her training session. Now... this is so embarrassing.
But then, an idea flashed in her mind. She looked at Shakti with a mischievous smile. "In that case... Shakti, you should try one too. I'm sorry for eating so much by myself."
She held out a skewer toward Shakti. "Now, say 'ahh' and open your mouth!"
Shakti was momentarily stunned by Lefiya's unexpected action, but faced with the young elf's sincerity, she couldn't refuse. "Alright, but this is the first time I've been fed by an elf I just met."
...
Tap... Tap...
The rhythmic sound of footsteps and the gentle tapping of a staff on the stone road continued to echo. He walked leisurely beside Accelerator, his demeanor calm and carefree.
"By the way, where's that companion of yours? The cute demon girl."
"Qliphap is currently with Ayla."
"I see."
"Do you plan to meet the child?"
"Let's leave that for later. After all, that child probably won't remember me..." His voice slowed, as if avoiding the topic, and Accelerator didn't press further.
"Did you come to this city alone?" Accelerator asked, his tone as indifferent as ever.
"Of course," He replied, turning to look at Accelerator with a faint smile. "Who else do you think I could've come with?"
"What about that goddess?"
"Which goddess?" He raised a finger to his head, thinking for a moment, then clapped his hands together.
"Oh... You mean that tanned mummy goddess? She said she's observing the consequences of your actions in this world."
"Is that so?" Accelerator shrugged, showing no particular interest.
"Yeah, and she also told you not to interfere too much in this world's affairs anymore."
"No need to remind me." Accelerator's voice was cold but firm. "I have no intention of doing so anyway." The fate of this world should be decided by its own people. Humans must survive and overcome their own struggles. That was the decision he had made after spending a few years in this world.
He continued walking, his mind lost in thought. The earlier conversation with 'It' had left him with much to consider. After a while, he turned to look at Him.
"Hey, you." Accelerator asked. "'It' mentioned some tasks for me. Do you know anything about them?"
He paused, a flicker of irritation in his eyes. "I already told you, I don't know." His voice carried a hint of frustration. "I'm just a fragment left behind in this world. How could I possibly know what the original is thinking?" He replied with a touch of annoyance. "I don't even know why I exist here. Maybe I'm just a pawn of His, no different from a shadow on the wall."
Accelerator fell silent, slightly surprised by His lament.
"But..." He suddenly changed his tone, accompanied by a faint smile. "I guess I do know a little about what He wants you to do."
"Huh?" Accelerator raised an eyebrow, his voice full of skepticism.
Before he could ask further, the surroundings had already changed. The once-crowded street was now eerily empty, devoid of any people. Accelerator stopped, his eyes quickly scanning the area. It seemed like some kind of magic or similar ability, reminiscent of the crowd-dispersing magic from his world. "If you want a private conversation, this is the best way, right?" He spoke up, his smile enigmatic.
"About the task He assigned to you, I can guess what it is."
"..."
"Normally, chaos envelops all things." His hand transformed, creating an illusion of a void that encompassed the entire universe. The image gradually shrank until the universe was no larger than a grain of sand in a vast desert.
"Its shadow protects and sustains the existence of all things." The void covered the endless desert, forming a massive shadow, a veil shielding all things from an infinite source of light.
"Ain Soph Aur." That light creates all things, yet it also reduces all things to a single entity.
"Hmm... From a human perspective, that's about right." Although the images He created were merely illustrative, they were enough for a human to grasp the truth.
"That shadow enveloping the world is what you call Chaos. The origin of all concepts, shaped and defined by that infinite light. It's far enough to avoid being consumed by the light but close enough to draw power from it."
This was somewhat similar to Earth's position in the solar system. Too close, and everything burns. Too far, and all becomes ice. But between those extremes lies a balanced position where life can exist and thrive.
"Space, time, dimensions, reality, fate... all combine to give birth to worlds."
"..."
"And from the embrace of Chaos," He continued, his voice deeper, as if recounting an ancient tale, "the first conscious entities emerged from primitive concepts... or perhaps, the birth of those entities gave rise to countless concepts. I'm not entirely sure about that part."
He raised his hand, and the image in the void began to shift. Chaos, which had been a dark abyss, started to converge. The first concepts emerged like faint flames in the night.
"From here, the concepts began to take shape," He said, his eyes following the image before him. "The lords, the supreme entities, molded them into various forms."
The image changed again. A stream of sand flowed silently, symbolizing time. Each grain of sand carried the 'present' back to the 'past' in the vast desert below.
A massive library appeared, each book containing countless images and writings representing different worlds. The books flipped open on their own, the images on the pages coming to life, depicting countless realities unfolding simultaneously. Worlds, as He called them, were recorded and preserved in these books, making everything we see no more than an illusion.
Then, a colossal tree emerged from the void. Its enormous branches intertwined like a network, each leaf glowing with a vibrant green light, carrying the breath of life. On the tree's trunk, reflections could be seen—from tiny creatures to great species, all originating from here.
"Do you see?" He turned to look at Accelerator, his voice filled with pride and a hint of admiration. "Time, worlds, life... simple concepts were molded into forms to maintain balance. And from there, something similar to the chaotic reality you know began to take shape."
Accelerator nodded slowly. Understanding the structure of this world, even just a little, would be helpful to him.
He paused for a moment, then continued. "The lords maintain the balance so that Chaos doesn't consume the worlds. But some lower beings from Chaos—or what humans call demons—are drawn to these worlds and attempt to invade them. Normally, this is difficult because the universe's membrane prevents such intrusions."
"It's because of my arrival." Accelerator spoke up, his tone cold but thoughtful. "It seems that when I fell into this world, I created a hole or something similar, weakening the world's natural defenses."
"Exactly, it's your fault—an outsider. Never mind how you managed to survive and infiltrate our realm. The path you took inadvertently brought demons to this planet. And your task is to fix that."
"Understood." The problem was entirely his fault, but it made the deal with 'It' even more unreasonable. However, he set that aside for now. There was still too little information to make sense of anything. He turned to Him and asked, "If the demons have already come to this world, why haven't we seen any activity in the past few years?"
"As if I know for sure." He pulled out a bottle of water and drank the liquid inside. "I'm not even a complete fragment, just a discarded shell. I only know the basics and a few leftover memories, and I've deduced the rest from there."
"So you're not certain."
"No, how could I be? What I showed you earlier is just my understanding of the world. I don't even know why the demons wanted to come to this world in the first place..." Then he fell into deep thought, muttering something too softly for Accelerator to hear.
'But perhaps now I understand a little.'
Accelerator closed his eyes, digesting the information he had just heard. His thoughts raced, trying to connect the missing pieces. "Perhaps they're waiting for the right moment," he muttered, pondering what the demons of Chaos might be like. If they were lower beings from the realm where concepts were formed... "Or maybe they're just acting on instinct, drawn by the concepts they embody."
"Could be," He nodded. "But either way, you've grasped part of it. Your task now is to find a way to close the hole you created before things spiral out of control."
Accelerator opened his eyes and looked at Him. "Thank you."
"No problem. As long as you chat with me a bit more, that's enough."
"Fine." He sighed. After all, He had helped him with this matter.
"Hehe... Then I won't hold back." He immediately moved closer to Accelerator and began rambling about his journey.
...
"Phew! I'm so full! It's been a long time since I've eaten this much!" Hestia said, rubbing her belly, her eyes shining with satisfaction.
Shakti and Lefiya exchanged glances, impressed not only by the petite goddess's impressive appetite but also by how she enjoyed every bite with such joy. Shakti spoke up, curious: "So... does the goddess not usually eat this well?"
Hestia gave a sheepish smile, her cheeks puffing up and turning red, making her look both adorable and slightly embarrassed. "That's right," she replied. "Usually, I only eat enough to get by. Don't think being a goddess means living in luxury. In fact, sometimes I even have to go hungry."
"Don't you have a Familia?"
"I do. My Familia is very important to me." The goddess smiled as she thought of her child. "That's why I need to get my Jagamarukun stall back. I can't afford to be a burden to that child."
Shakti smiled slightly. "The goddess is truly remarkable." But then, she pulled out a stack of documents and placed them on the table. "But now, there's a problem. We don't have any truly effective method to find the thief." Shakti spoke up, her arms crossed.
"This thief has been reported for several days now but still hasn't been caught. In fact, there's no information about him at all, which shows he's not an ordinary criminal." Shakti presented the report she received from her subordinates about the items the thief had stolen. They included jewels, weapons, magic books, and even... Hestia's Jagamarukun stall. The stolen items seemed completely random, following no particular pattern.
"The only clue we have is from Lefiya, who reportedly saw him." Shakti turned to look at Lefiya. "Black hair, red eyes—a rather unreliable identifier. But if needed, we can search the city's archives for people with similar features."
The city's archives store detailed information about every resident, tightly managed by the Guild. The information is strictly confidential, especially the data of high-level adventurers, which is stored with even greater care. However, this also makes searching for information about a thief with such simple features more difficult.
"But I doubt someone like him would be in the archives."
"Why is that?" Lefiya asked curiously.
Shakti pulled out a list and pointed to a few shops. "Some of the shops he robbed were guarded by level 3 adventurers, and even some level 4s. Yet he still managed to sneak in and take everything without leaving a trace. Therefore, he can't be a low-level criminal. He's likely level 3 or higher."
This was a big problem. The number of adventurers level 3 and above isn't large. Aside from major familias like Freya or Loki, the number of level 3 adventurers in other familias can be counted on one hand. With such a small number, and still no leads on the thief's identity after over a week, it's highly likely he entered the city through unofficial means or is using a fake identity.
"So, is there no other way?" Hestia's eyes welled up as she heard this, her small hands unconsciously clutching the hem of her thin dress. She didn't want to become a freeloader, a burden to Bell once again. "If I can just get my stall back, I'll do my best to repay everyone..."
Lefiya fell into deep thought. There had to be a way to find the thief. From what she'd heard from Shakti and Hestia so far, it seemed no one had seen him except her. Was there a way to pinpoint his location? Someone so... abnormal. Lefiya's eyes suddenly lit up as an idea flashed in her mind. She felt this method might solve the problem.
"Perhaps... we don't need to find him the usual way." An abnormal person might require an abnormal method.
"Huh?" Shakti looked at her skeptically. "What do you mean?"
Lefiya didn't answer immediately. She quickly stood up and walked to a nearby bush, where hazel branches stretched out in the faint light. She picked a Y-shaped branch, her hands deftly beginning to work.
"Lefiya. What are you doing?"
"It's called Dowsing."
"Dowsing?"
"It's an ancient method of searching," Lefiya explained as she returned. "We can use it to find energy or objects." She had read about it in a book titled The Encyclopedia of Divination that she randomly picked up at the library yesterday.
In the field of spirituality, there are many search methods, such as Scrying—using mirrors or reflective surfaces to find lost objects or predict the future; Pendulum, Cartomancy, and Astrology. However, Lefiya was only familiar with Dowsing and Scrying, along with a bit of Tarot from a book she borrowed from the library recently. In the current situation, Dowsing was the simplest and most feasible method.
Shakti raised an eyebrow. "You mean holding a branch and letting it guide the way? That doesn't sound reliable at all."
"That's right, but if there's no other way, why not try?" Lefiya replied, her hands beginning to draw magic circles on the branch. She wasn't entirely sure if this would work, as it was her first time practicing this method directly. The moon-like symbols helped clean the bark and carve the connection symbols, increasing the search's effectiveness. When the glowing characters appeared and covered the wooden surface, the branch emitted a soft light.
Recalling the image of him in her mind and letting her thoughts flow freely, a symbol gradually appeared on the branch, carved into it by a flame. A first circle with outlines surrounding it, symbolizing the sun, then a spiral swirling deep into the void at the center, as if everything would eventually become meaningless.
Hestia tilted her head, her eyes filled with hope. "If it can really guide us, that's amazing... I don't care if it's logical or not, as long as it works."
After finishing, Lefiya held up the Y-shaped branch. She closed her eyes, took a deep breath, and let her mind relax. In her mind, the image of the thief became clearer than ever. When she opened her eyes, she held the two ends of the branch with both hands, palms facing up, the bottom of the Y pointing forward, forming a 45-degree angle with the ground.
"Focus on the question," she whispered to herself. "How do I find him?"
She walked slowly, her hands holding the branch gently. Each step felt guided by an invisible force, and those behind her watched in silence.
"Are you sure this thing works?" Shakti asked, skepticism clear on her face.
"Not sure, but it's worth a try," Lefiya replied briefly, not looking back.
A few minutes later, Lefiya felt the branch tremble slightly in her hands, then slowly turn to the left. She stopped, watching the branch move with surprise.
"It's pointing the way!" Lefiya said, turning to look at the two.
"Really?" Hestia exclaimed, her eyes sparkling with hope.
"Let's go," Lefiya urged, walking faster as the branch guided her. Shakti and Hestia immediately followed, each carrying their own emotions—doubt, hope, and curiosity about the outcome of this strange method.
...
"And then I arrived here," He continued, stepping forward slightly and spreading his arms as if presenting a work of art. "Orario, the center of the world. A place where adventurers dive into the dungeon, familias vie for influence, and the street food makes you want to keep coming back for more."
"So what?" Accelerator asked, his tone tinged with boredom. He had been listening to Him ramble about various things He had done on His journey around the world for nearly 30 minutes now.
"I also saw some pretty interesting things," He said. "Like a goddess selling snacks at a small stall... Oh, I took a few. You should try them. Jagamarukun, right? They're delicious." He pulled out a few pieces of potato snack from his bag and ate them with relish, even trying to shove one into Accelerator's face. Accelerator swatted the potato away.
"Are you bragging about stealing from others?" He glared at Him, his voice tinged with annoyance.
"I'd call it... a 'free sample.'" He smirked mischievously, ignoring Accelerator's sharp gaze.
"Do whatever you want, just don't drag me into it," Accelerator said coldly, continuing to walk.
"Are you always this dry?" He sighed, pretending to be disappointed, but his eyes still sparkled with mischief. "Fine, to make you less boring, I'll change the atmosphere a bit."
He stopped, his body transforming in an instant. His hair grew longer, and a black veil appeared in front of his face, obscuring his androgynous features. A woman emerged, with long, glossy black hair, sharp crimson eyes peeking out from behind the black veil, and a mysterious beauty that was hard to look away from. The dark, ominous cloak from before now became a gentle cover, hiding the subtle allure of the woman within.
"How's this? Does this form make you a little more interested?" His voice was still His, but softer and more alluring.
Accelerator glanced over, his expression unchanged. "If you're waiting for me to compliment you, don't bother. Whether you change your form or not, you're still just as annoying."
"So cold." He chuckled lightly, his tone full of mockery. "You're really the type no one can please, huh?" He tried to lean closer to tease Accelerator but was immediately knocked back by the reflection of his power.
He puffed out his cheeks, smoothing his long hair, and said irritably, "Seriously, you're not gentle with women at all."
"Not with you. And someone like you doesn't even have a gender to begin with." Accelerator ignored Him and kept walking.
At that moment, a small sound came from the distance. Both of them turned their heads simultaneously.
An elf appeared, her golden hair cascading down her shoulders, her sapphire-blue eyes sparkling. Her head peeked out from behind an alley.
"Uhm... Hello."
He tilted his head, raising an eyebrow with interest. "What are you doing here, kid?"
...
The trio weaved through the crowded streets of Orario. The Y-shaped branch in her hand kept trembling, guiding them through narrow alleys, bustling squares, and stalls filled with adventurers.
"I think we're getting close!" Lefiya said, her eyes sparkling with hope.
Shakti walked closely beside her, her vigilant eyes scanning every corner. "Are you sure? If this is someone's prank—"
"It's not!" Lefiya interrupted, gripping the branch tighter. "It's moving faster and faster, which means we're getting closer to the target!"
"I hope so." Shakti shrugged, balancing Hestia on her back. "People are looking at us like we're idiots."
"No, they're looking at me," Hestia sighed, her face red with embarrassment.
"No, actually, they're looking at her." Shakti pointed at Lefiya, who was so focused on the branch that she completely ignored her surroundings.
"Either way, I don't care," Hestia complained, but her eyes showed a hint of curiosity. "But this method is really weird."
"It will definitely work!" Lefiya replied, almost shouting, without turning back. She was too focused on the branch's movements to notice the strange looks from the crowd around them.
They continued walking, and as the group passed a tavern, Lefiya suddenly felt an unusual aura. The laughter and chatter inside sounded louder than usual, and the atmosphere around them felt heavy. She paused briefly, sensing something was off. It was as if a fog was trying to cloud her mind, but at that moment, the branch in her hand began to tremble more intensely. Lefiya shook off the feeling, dispelling the fog in her mind.
"It's too crowded here," Hestia whispered, clinging closer to Shakti.
"Yeah, why is it so crowded here? Wait, Lefiya!" Shakti sighed, trying to push through the crowd to keep up with the agile elf ahead.
But as she passed a group of people gathered in front of a stall, Shakti accidentally bumped into the corner of the stall, knocking over a crate of fruits. Apples, oranges, and melons rolled everywhere, drawing shouts from the vendor.
"I'm sorry!" Shakti bent down to apologize, quickly picking up the fallen fruits. Hestia, still on her back, hurriedly bowed her head to explain.
"We didn't mean to! We're really sorry for the inconvenience!"
The vendor waved his hand, his face full of displeasure. "Be more careful! It's so crowded, and you still bump into people!"
Shakti gritted her teeth, not understanding why she felt so irritated by this. This was something that would never happen under normal circumstances when dealing with civilians. "I know, I know!" She quickly picked up the last few fruits and placed them back in the crate, then stood up, scanning the area for Lefiya.
But now, the petite figure of the elf had disappeared into the dense crowd.
"Where's Lefiya? I can't see her!" Hestia lifted her head, her voice anxious.
Shakti frowned, trying to look through the crowd but couldn't spot the familiar figure. "Damn it, this crowd is messing everything up!" She moved forward a bit more, hoping to find Lefiya, but the constant jostling made it harder than ever to move. Then she looked up at the rooftops...
"Goddess, can you handle a little bump?"
"What do you mean? Ahhh..."
...
Lefiya continued walking, her feet leading them through a narrow alley. The tip of the branch began to tremble more violently, its movements continuous as if signaling that the target was very close.
Lefiya slipped through the crowd effortlessly, as if nothing could hinder her progress. The noises around her grew distant as her mind focused entirely on following the vague hints the branch was giving... Left, right, then trembling until the tip of the Y-shaped stick pointed straight down. Finally, the branch drooped, motionless. Lefiya stopped, looking around. In front of her were rows of deserted houses, not a soul in sight. Huh? This was almost absurd. This was a very familiar area for the city's residents, but there wasn't a single person around at this moment.
"Shakti! Hestia-sama!" Lefiya called out, but no one answered.
She quickly walked forward, glancing around the area. Looking into the grocery stores and stalls, she saw no one, and all the houses were closed, with no sign of life.
"Shakti! Hestia-sama! Where are you?"
This time she shouted loudly, but still, no one answered. Biting her lip lightly, she frantically began scanning the area, only to find... nothing. Around her, along the streets stretching far into the distance, there was not a single living soul. No pedestrians, no vehicles... It was as if everyone had unanimously decided to leave at the same time, leaving the district completely deserted, except for her.
'Strange. Too strange. How could this happen? Could it be...' She swallowed hard, the strange events she had encountered increasing ever since she met the Mad Wizard. She ran quickly through the rows of houses, then slowed down, continuing her cautious journey forward. Each step she took echoed around her, reverberating in her ears and constantly reminding her of the emptiness surrounding her. When she reached a nearby intersection, she heard voices nearby.
'This voice sounds familiar.' She carefully approached the corner, peeking out to see two figures on the road.
'Seriously, you're not gentle with women at all.'
'Not with you. And someone like you doesn't even have a gender to begin with.' The two voices were discussing something about gender. Lefiya listened carefully... Why did the voice behind sound so familiar? Could it be...
She stepped out and looked at the two. A man with snow-white hair and the eyes of a beast was making an irritated face, and beside him was a woman who had fallen to the ground, wearing a long black cloak and a thin veil over her face, giving her an ethereal beauty. It was Accelerator, whom she never expected to see here, standing next to a strange woman.
"Uhm... Hello," Lefiya stammered, her voice slightly hesitant.
The woman looked at her, her crimson eyes flashing with interest. "What are you doing here, kid?"
...
Lefiya stepped out from the corner, clutching her staff tightly as she approached the two. The woman stood up, brushing the dust off her long black cloak, her crimson eyes sparkling with undisguised curiosity as she looked at Lefiya. Immediately, she closed the distance to the shy elf, grabbing her hands and pressing herself close.
"I didn't expect someone to find this place... Tell me, how did you manage to get here?"
"Ahh... Uhh... I used magic to find this place." Lefiya, caught off guard by the sudden questions, stammered as the beautiful woman approached. She could see the ruby-like eyes and the mysterious beauty hidden behind the thin black veil. The breath of this enigmatic woman brushed against her, making her face flush red.
"Uhm... It's not exactly magic, but a dowsing method to locate objects."
"Using dowsing to find this place? You're really interesting!"
"Uhm... Who are you?"
"...Are you talking about me?"
In response to the question, Lefiya nodded innocently.
"Yes."
Hearing this, the woman covered her mouth, trying to stifle her laughter.
"I'm just a traveler exploring Orario. But I'm more curious about who you are."
"I'm Lefiya, a mage from the Loki Familia."
"A mage from the Loki Familia, huh... That's interesting."
"Oh. And you, what's your name?"
"Uhuhh... Hehehehahaha..."
When Lefiya asked that, the woman suddenly clutched her stomach and burst into laughter. She rolled on the ground, laughing and kicking her legs in the air, completely different from the mysterious aura she had earlier. Clack... The sound of a staff echoed as Accelerator approached the two.
"Lefiya, what are you doing here?"
"Uhm, I'm looking for a thief. More importantly, sir. What are you doing here?"
"I'm just talking to this nuisance." He glared at the woman who was still laughing uncontrollably, then stomped his foot. The woman was flung into the air and landed with a painful thud.
"Ah... That hurts... You're not gentle with women at all."
"You're not a woman."
"Right now, I am!" The woman propped herself up, dusting off her cloak, then turned to Lefiya. "You just called this grumpy stick 'sir,' didn't you?"
"Yes, he's Mad Wiz... I mean, Accelerator. He's the one teaching me magic," Lefiya replied, glancing at Accelerator, who seemed completely indifferent.
"Hahaha... Now I understand why he took you as his student," the woman laughed loudly, turning to look at Accelerator. "You've got potential, kid."
"Tch..."
"Thank you... But why is this district so empty?" Lefiya asked, noticing the strange atmosphere around them.
"The entire district?"
"Yes. The entire district is empty, as if everyone just disappeared."
When Lefiya finished speaking, Accelerator turned and glared at the woman. She tried to act innocent to avoid the issue.
"Well, I didn't think it would spread this far."
"Wait, so you're the one who made the entire district like this?" Lefiya looked at the woman in surprise.
"Yes... This guy wanted a private conversation, so I used my power to keep everyone away."
"I didn't tell you to clear out an entire district!" Accelerator growled, his voice icy. "Now undo the spell and return to your original form."
"Fine, I've already undone the spell. But is it really necessary to return to my original form?" The woman combed her long black hair with an obsidian comb, dark flowers somehow flowing from her hair. "This form isn't so bad, is it?"
"Do you want a trip to the moon?"
"Oh, that sounds romantic. How do you plan to do it?"
Accelerator said nothing, just coldly stared at the woman.
"Haha... But not the way you're thinking." The woman took a step back, then turned around, her black cloak fluttering in the air, obscuring her body. And then, as the cloak settled...
"Ta-da..." In place of the beautiful woman stood a man with messy black hair and shimmering crimson eyes hidden behind a veil, the black cloak covering his body. He pulled a bag and a staff from inside his cloak and slung them over his shoulder.
"How's that for a surprise, kid?" He turned to Lefiya, who was still wide-eyed.
For a moment, Lefiya's eyes shone with astonishment. Her hair stood on end, and she quickly raised her hand.
"It's you."
"Huh... Have we met before?" He tilted his head in confusion.
"You're the one who stole various items around the city and made a goddess cry."
"Well, I'll take that as a compliment."
"No! That's not a compliment!" Lefiya replied sternly. "Now, where are the items you stole?"
"Oh, they're in this bag." He gently placed the bag on the ground and opened it. A flood of items spilled out, more than anyone could imagine. From jewelry, books, a few swords, and expensive grimoires, even a Jagamarukun stall somehow fit inside the bag.
"Why did you steal these things?" Lefiya asked, her eyes full of curiosity.
"I just found them interesting, thought I'd take a look and return them later."
"That's still stealing!" Lefiya retorted strongly.
"If that's the case," Accelerator interjected, his voice cold, "How do you plan to return the potato snacks you ate?"
He immediately changed the subject, his tone evasive. "Well... I just stole for fun."
"How can you steal just for fun?" Lefiya looked at him, clearly displeased.
"Ah, how should I put it... I used to live in a very boring place. So, when I came here, I got excited. These items help me understand this place better."
"No matter how curious you are, stealing is wrong!"
"Haha, I get it."
"As an adventurer, I'll detain you here until the authorities arrive. Now, sort out the items you stole by their respective shops. But wait, first, tell me your name."
"My name?... Uhm..." He froze for a moment, his mouth fumbling as if he hadn't prepared an answer.
"Call him The Fool... No, call him Wander." Accelerator stood nearby, decisively giving him a name.
"Wander, that doesn't sound bad. Yes, call me Wander!"
"Wander? What a strange name." Lefiya muttered.
Accelerator glanced into the distance and then turned to Lefiya:
"Lefiya, this bastard is an acquaintance of mine." Accelerator handed Lefiya a heavy bag of money.
"Bail him out, use this money to compensate the victims. Then, show him around the city."
"Huh... Okay."
"Oh, I'm being bailed out?" He laughed.
"You wanted to tour the city, right? Besides, it's better if someone keeps an eye on you."
"Thanks. In return, I'll tell you something."
"What?"
"If 'It' is anything like me, then 'It' might do anything just for entertainment. But be careful—'It's' idea of fun won't be normal, and it might affect those around you."
"I understand." Accelerator replied curtly, his expression unchanged, then turned to leave. After all, he was no stranger to people with twisted hobbies.
"Sir, what about today's lesson?" Lefiya called after him, her voice tinged with worry.
"You're off today. If you want, we can make it up later," Accelerator replied, his steps not slowing down.
"But sir, there's something I want to ask..." Lefiya hesitated, her hands unconsciously clutching the hem of her robe.
"What?" Accelerator stopped and turned to look at her. His sharp gaze made her falter for a moment, but she took a deep breath to calm herself.
"The magic I learned from you isn't effective against monsters in the dungeon. I used it on level 2 monsters, but it didn't do much."
"That's natural." Accelerator replied, his tone matter-of-fact. "Free-form magic isn't enhanced by the Falna the gods grant. Moreover, the spells you've learned so far are just the basics."
"Is there any way you can help me improve faster?" Lefiya continued, her eyes pleading. "I'll be joining an expedition to the lower floors soon. And... there's also the matter of the broom. I haven't made much progress in researching it."
Accelerator frowned slightly, his gaze thoughtful as he looked at her. In just two days since starting her training, Lefiya had mastered most of the basic spells. Although their damage output was only equivalent to a level 2 esper, mastering something almost entirely new in such a short time was still impressive. Improving and learning higher-level magic circles didn't significantly increase their damage output. After all, those spells were designed to suit him—someone who only needed the properties of the spells since he could amplify their power many times over through vector manipulation.
'The kid still needs more time to study until she finds her own unique way of using magic. This can't be rushed. But if the expedition is coming up, she should focus on practical combat training rather than trying to learn something entirely new. If possible...' His eyes reflected Wander's figure.
"Lefiya," he called.
"Yes?" She immediately straightened up, her eyes wide with anticipation.
"First, you never told me about this expedition." His voice lowered. "Second, magic can't be rushed. As for the broom, I told you to figure it out yourself."
Lefiya lowered her head, but before she could respond, he continued: "I'll give you a hint. If you fully understand the structure of magic circles, you can improve even the magic enhanced by Falna. Try combining what you've learned with the existing magic on your Falna."
"Yes, sir..." Lefiya replied softly, but her shoulders still slumped. Her face showed clear dissatisfaction, as if these words weren't enough to resolve all her doubts.
"Keep studying hard. You still have plenty of time."
"Yes, sir."
"And tomorrow, we'll continue practical training. Don't pass out too quickly."
Without another word, Accelerator turned and disappeared between the rows of houses, leaving Lefiya standing there in an eerie silence.
"That guy's really something, huh?" Wander spoke up from behind, still sorting through the pile of items.
"Yeah." Lefiya nodded, sighing. Plenty of time? How could that be, when she was about to join an expedition?
"So... what's this about magic circles and a broom?" Wander asked curiously, stopping his work and turning to look at her.
"About this, maybe I..." Lefiya frowned slightly, her gaze shifting as if trying to avoid the topic. Her hesitation only made Wander more interested.
Seeing her hesitant demeanor, he quickly guessed a few things. "That bastard's really careful, huh," he smirked, trying to lighten the mood. "But you don't need to worry. I'm not an outsider, as you can probably tell, right?"
Lefiya was silent for a moment, weighing his words. Considering how he could change genders or clear out an entire district, it was clear he was also a mage like her teacher. Finally, she sighed, her shoulders relaxing a little. "Haizz... it's not a big deal. It's just an assignment from Mad Wizard. The thing is—"
Her words were cut off by a shout from above.
"Lefiya!"
At the same time, someone landed on the ground. On their back was Hestia, clinging tightly, her face pale.
"Shakti, I'm not feeling well..." Hestia weakly exclaimed, her hand covering her mouth as if trying to hold back nausea.
"Sorry, Goddess. This was the fastest way." Shakti bowed her head, gently setting Hestia down. The goddess staggered to her feet, trying to catch her breath after the terrifying journey across the rooftops.
"Ughh..." Hestia panted, clutching her stomach, trying not to vomit everything she had eaten for lunch.
"Lefiya, where did you go?" Shakti turned to look at her with a hint of irritation.
"Sorry, I was too focused on chasing the thief. But don't worry, I found him." Lefiya pointed at Wander, who had just finished organizing the items and was leisurely enjoying a freshly fried Jagamarukun.
"Oh, don't worry; he's not going anywhere."
"That's good." Shakti sighed, then bowed to Lefiya. "Thank you for your help. Without you, finding this thief would have been much harder. Even running across the rooftops, I couldn't locate this place until recently."
Lefiya turned to look at Wander, who just whistled and pretended to look away.
"Well, I'll take him into custody now." Shakti stepped forward with a serious expression.
"Wait!" Lefiya stopped her. "I have a favor to ask. Shakti, this person is someone I know. Can you bail him out so he can be released early?"
Shakti frowned, her eyes showing doubt. "Even if you say that, he's offended many influential people in the city. It'll be hard to convince them."
This was a city of adventurers, and issues like this could still be influenced by the power of high-level adventurers. However, it would still be difficult when the mastermind was someone without influence. The annoyed merchants could apply pressure since they had been inconvenienced.
/What are you doing? This is my Jagamarukun stall. Don't keep eating./
/I'm about to be arrested. You can't stop me from enjoying my last meal./
/No, I won't let you do that. That's my money./
The sounds of an argument echoed from behind. Lefiya was silent for a moment, then opened the large bag of money and handed it to Shakti. "I have some money here to compensate the victims. Can you use it to appease them?"
"Compensation?" Hestia quickly ran over to Lefiya to look at the bag of money.
"Wait a moment, Goddess Hestia. We'll have to follow the proper procedures. Don't worry, we'll compensate you soon."
Shakti opened the bag, her eyes scanning the high-value Valis inside. All of them were platinum Valis. The amount was clearly enough to satisfy the involved parties and the troublesome loudmouths.
"Alright. I'll try, but this will take time."
"Thank you!"
"However, first..."
She approached Wander, handcuffing him with a practiced motion.
"This is the security service of Orario, operated by the Ganesha Familia. You're under arrest for multiple counts of theft from weapon shops and auction houses. Please comply with the regulations..."
Wander just shrugged, smiling leisurely. "So I'm getting the full treatment. How nice."
...
Inside the library, the dim light from the lamps reflected off the wooden bookshelves, each scratch and darkened hue on the wood seeming to hold secrets from centuries past. The air carried the faint scent of damp paper, mingled with the subtle aroma of aged pinewood.
Accelerator glided past the rows of bookshelves. His fingertips lightly brushed over the spines of the books, flipping through titles that had faded with time. He pulled out about a dozen books, all related to mysterious rituals and ceremonies from the collection.
"These are the last books of this category, right, Irena?"
"Yes, Master."
He carried the stack of books to the large wooden table at the center of the room, where the warm orange glow of the lamp illuminated the blotchy ink stains on the old pages. He placed each book down, arranging them neatly in a row before sitting in the chair.
Without hesitation, he prepared a few tools: a silver mirror, a withered branch, and an old music player. After a moment of hesitation, he finally set the music player aside. Using white chalk, he drew a magic circle on the table. A three-pointed star is drawn at the center of the circle, with each of its three edges pointing toward three different items.
When everything was ready, Accelerator closed his eyes, bowed his head, and began murmuring incantations. His voice was steady and low, echoing in the silent space of the library.
Only when he felt a faint vibration in the air and a dim light appeared at the center of the circle did he open his eyes, glancing at his hands as if something had been drawn out through Reflection. He nodded slightly.
Not letting himself get distracted for too long, Accelerator quickly cleaned up the tools, carefully placing the music player back into his pocket, and returned to the stack of books. Opening a few of them, he began adding some content to their pages.
"Irena, move these books to the top shelves," he called out to his artificial intelligence after finishing his work.
"Yes, Master."
"Irena, how's the progress on analyzing that device?"
The device he referred to was a strange cylindrical object, carefully sealed in the deepest room of the research facility. About a year ago, when he accidentally discovered it, the surrounding area had been severely corrupted by chaos, but the device itself remained completely intact, as if protected by some mysterious power.
"Currently, there's still no detailed information on how the device operates," Irena replied, her tone slightly tense. "It seems to reject all signals and energy we input for analysis. However, we've discovered an important detail while trying to decode its exterior: the device is called Specineff."
"Specineff, huh..." He pondered for a moment, his eyes showing deep thought. "Irena, temporarily halt all other research and focus all resources on analyzing Specineff. I'll join you as soon as I finish here."
"Yes, Master," Irena agreed, and the screen on the table quickly turned off to carry out the order.
He also left the room shortly after. In his mind, there was still important work to complete for Lefiya's upcoming expedition.