Joan and Amarok reached a huge building. It was like a tower that spiraled upward. The familiar emerald blue luster mark of the Alden Academy buildings was still present, giving it an air of power.

The duo entered the library. It was full of books carefully arranged on shelves. The library had five levels. Amarok stood rooted on the first level, unsure of where to start.

If he asked for help, he could perhaps find what he needed faster. But if he did that, he would have to disclose his curse. He wasn't stupid; if Neo had kept it secret all these years, it wasn't without reason. The world knew they were all dead if he reappeared out of a sudden. He was unsure of what might happen.

Yet on the other hand, he was disheartened just looking at the quantity of books. It would require an eternity to sift through everything.

"Shocked? Alden Academy has the biggest and most ancient library of the entire lower Elysium. Some books have even been moved to other places as the towns developed," Joan said with pride. That was also why many noble families, even in other big cities, would sometimes send their offspring to study at Alden Academy.

"I need things related to curses," he said with a low voice. "Curses? What do you want that for?" Joan was baffled; he didn't expect Amarok to ask that. Casting his gaze on Amarok's demeanor, he said, "I think we can find something on the fourth floor," he said and led the way.

Amarok heaved a sigh of relief, staring at Joan's back. The duo went on a round platform at the end of the first floor.

It was circular and bloomed to life. Runes hummed to life and slowly levitated them to the fourth floor.

The duo began searching together. Time trickled by. Amarok and Joan would sometimes chat about Alden and sometimes quietly search.

"Thank you for your help," Amarok said with a depressing smile. He sat on the library ground with his back to the shelves. Few books could be seen laying. Some opened, some closed. Some upside down.

"Sorry I couldn't help much," Joan smiled bitterly. "It's fine... I think these characters I have seen them somewhere," Amarok jolted up. He crawled to the book and picked it up.

Joan came closer in curiosity. Amarok stared intensely, trying to find out where. Suddenly a bubble lightened in his hand. "In the tomb. I think it's about the Lurkthralids," he said.

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Joan's face flashed as he took the book out of Amarok's hands. Then he began reading the recite. "It speaks about the tears of life. This recite steps several years ago," he said.

A man who was traveling the world alone. Rejected by everyone because of his curse. Each time he got closer to someone, his body would eat their vital energy, and they would die. Chased by the sacred protectors, he fled and lived in hiding and isolation. A faithful day he happened to find a little girl who was at the verge of death. To his surprise, she didn't die staying near him but instead looked even more healthy. He brought her home and spent several years together. On her 18th birthday, she was fated to live. The man was sad but at the same time grateful he had spent the memorable moment of his long life.

She was sad and cried out. When her tears fell on the man, his curse vanished, and she left. The girl he had saved that day was a Lurkthralid. The man was delighted and tried to return to civilization but was met with a grim end. The world still thought of him as dangerous, and he wanted revenge. The Saint protector assembled people to slay him. His blood fell into the ocean, his hatred for humanity causing the water to turn blood red. Hence creating the blood river of Elysium.

"What a story," Amarok gasped. His heart was aching; he felt like it was being squeezed. So was this how cursed people were treated? His blood was boiling with anger.

"Are you okay? Don't be too sad. It's just a tale written by an old drunkard who wanted some fame," Joan said as he saw Amarok's reaction.

"Does that mean the Lurkthralids' tears of life can't heal a curse?" Amarok's heart sank, his hopes crushed.

"I have no idea. Even if it could, no Lurkthralids exist anymore; they had all been decimated during the great dawn of lower Elysium," Joan continued.

Amarok wanted to know why, but his head was spinning with all sorts of thoughts. He had felt hope when he read about the tears of life. But reality had harshly claimed it back.

"Enough history for today; let's leave this place," Joan added.

Just as they were about to leave, Agris came forward. Amarok's eyes trailed on the figure. Agris had a smile as he approached, his demeanor looking more sharp and imposing. He wore an elegant blue-white robe.

"I heard a lot of rumors about you recently, but never about you being this studious. Looks like they are all false," he said.

Amarok cast his gaze outside; it looked like the night had fallen. "Well, rumors are just rumors," Amarok said in a neutral tone. He didn't hate Agris but didn't like him either.

"Would you like to come with me to the Feast of Pillars?" he asked with a genuine smile. Amarok frowned.

"I don't intend to work for you," he said, locking eyes with Agris. "Well, it's okay. If you change your mind, you can come find me," Agris added, casting a gaze at Amarok before turning to leave.

"Don't mind him. He always thinks he can get everything he wants just because he is the City Lord's son," Joan said, arching his brows. Agris hadn't even bothered looking at him. How arrogant.

"See you tomorrow," Amarok nodded and waved at Joan, returning to the soothing garden outside of town. It was already late.

Neo was resting, and Wisdom was waiting for him. Amarok blinked; Wisdom had started gaining some size. Wisdom jumped on him, and Amarok caught the chubby figure with a smile. Seeing him had instantly lightened his mood.