Chapter 243 - The Veiled Library
Scarlett and her companions found themselves in a dimly lit underground chamber, its age-old stone walls sporadically illuminated by glowing green crystals, painting everything in hues of ghostly jade.
It was eerily silent here, broken only by the soft echoes of their footsteps. Statues of ancient Zuver lined the walls, their impassive stone faces eternally watching. At the center of the chamber stood rows of bookshelves, obscured by a dark, purplish fog that seemed almost sentient, hinting at hidden knowledge.
Given this place’s importance, it was smaller than expected. It reminded Scarlett of the more basic Zuverian ruins she had explored in the empire, rather than the grandiose architecture typical of the Rising Isle.
“Uh, where are we?” Allyssa asked in a low whisper.
“In the Veiled Library,” Yamina replied. “It’s one of the Rising Isle’s most hidden sanctuaries, home to perhaps the world’s most extensive collection of rare arcane lore and esoteric texts.”
“Oh…” Allyssa glanced at Scarlett, a hint of concern flickering in her eyes. “And we’ve just slipped in?”
“It would be best not to dwell on the particulars,” Scarlett said, dismissing the girl’s worries about their unofficial entry. It was possible—perhaps even likely—that she would have gained access through official channels eventually, but the opportunity presented by Yamina had been too good to pass up. There was an artifact that she wanted here. Not one that she needed, but it would be good to get her hands on it if possible, and she doubted the Isle would willingly part with it if they knew of its existence.
Yamina, though, seemed different.
Scarlett’s eyes dropped briefly to the [Orrery of Dissonant Convergence] on her wrist, then moved to the wizard. Even with it aimed at Yamina, it didn’t show more of a reaction than it had before.
Since its presence went unnoticed by most, she’d decided to wear it to better get a grasp of its exact purpose.
“I assume we can explore the collection freely?” she asked, gesturing towards the stone shelves.
“Feel free,” Yamina replied, her robe sleeves flowing as she motioned with her hand. “I won’t stop you.”