The trio stepped out of the house early in the morning, each full of energy as they made their way through the lively city.

Above them, tiny dragons and griffins glided effortlessly through the sky, their wings slicing through the air, separating the high-profile celebrities and VIPs from the masses below. On the streets, everyday workers filled the roads, navigating the cobbled pathways on horseback, raptors, or in sleek, modern cars. The vibrant mix of the worlds—one above and two below—created a striking contrast, a living tapestry of urban life.

Lucifer's eyes swept the surroundings with calculated precision, his mind already working to avoid the looming possibility of a third encounter with the orc. Every corner, every passing figure, was scrutinized for any signs of movement that might lead to an unfortunate repeat of their previous exchanges.

The first objective they came across was a charming restaurant, its entrance framed by warm, inviting lights. The rich aromas of freshly baked bread, sizzling meats, and brewed coffee spilled out from within, mingling with the air and promising a sensory experience that was nothing short of indulgent. The soft clink of cutlery and murmur of relaxed conversation added to the atmosphere, creating a sense of calm that would draw anyone in.

However, after the hearty feast they’d just enjoyed? The temptation of another meal was a distant memory. The idea of stepping into such a place, with its abundance of smells and its lavish offerings, felt more than overkill. With a shared glance, they quickened their pace, eager to escape the allure of excess and continue on their path.

The next landmark on their way was the city's main park, a stark contrast to the quiet plaza they had just passed through. Gone were the crumbling stone fountains and the hum of outdated vending machines. This place was alive, vibrant, and full of energy. Birds flitted through the branches of towering trees, their songs adding a cheerful soundtrack to the scene. In the center of the park, a lively cascade of water tumbled down into a sparkling pool, its soft rush of water mingling with the joyful laughter of children splashing and playing nearby.

The paths were lined with benches, strategically placed just out of the reach of the water’s mist, offering a comfortable haven for parents, couples, and those rare individuals who, lost in thought, found solace in the peaceful surroundings. It was the perfect blend of nature, play, and contemplation—a place where time seemed to slow, and the world outside could be momentarily forgotten.

On one of the park benches, a striking figure sat motionless, a figure that seemed to blend seamlessly with her surroundings yet also stood out with an almost ethereal presence. An angelic girl with flowing white hair, her features soft and delicate, wore an expression of quiet concentration. Her makeup was immaculate, the artistry of it rivaling that of a painting, as flawless as her porcelain skin.

She was the perfect fusion of the modern and the timeless, her clothing a delicate mix of contemporary style and classical elegance, a delicate balance of what was and what could be. Yet, despite her serene exterior, her attention was fixed entirely on her smartphone, her gaze unwavering, as though she were completely absorbed by the glowing screen before her.

Her focus was so intense, so all-consuming, that one might have mistaken her for a moth charmed by the flickering light of a campfire’s flame.

Their goal, however, was clear: THE LIBRARY! No time for sightseeing!

Though the park's lively atmosphere was tempting and the allure of the city; charming, they pressed on, driven by their singular purpose. Not to mention, Lucifer’s own unique… quirky agenda. He had plans to set in motion this time!

This tale has been unlawfully lifted from Royal Road; report any instances of this story if found elsewhere.

No distractions allowed!

No distractions, yes, but just as they made their way, the ultimate masterpiece of the morning was about to be unveiled. The clock struck the 10th hour—its chime resounding through the city like a trumpet heralding the beginning of the busiest part of the day.

The Busy Hour: the grand interlude of the day, when the world seemed to shift into a whirlwind. Manners? Out the window. Harpies, angels, and mechanized beings—riders on pegasi and pterodactyls—took to the skies in a flurry of wings and metal. Their destination? Restaurants, cafés, and hidden spots where they could steal a moment of respite, their well-deserved 30 minutes of peace amid the chaos.

The air was alive with movement, as everyone fought to claim their slice of tranquility in the middle of the storm. For a fleeting moment, the summer sun was dimmed, as if it had been called off entirely, its rays no longer reaching the grounds.

Needless to say, the shift in the sky had thrown off their pace, slowing their steps as they marveled at the unexpected change. By the time they finally arrived at the library, the clock had already ticked past the eleventh hour: when the event usually ends and the sun resumes its default schedule.

But they reached it nonetheless—better late than never. Before them loomed the library: a sprawling, two-story structure of imposing size, its stone façade casting a deep, refreshing shadow over the trio. It stood like a monument to knowledge, offering a rare and welcome escape from the embrace of the summer heat.

They made their way toward the section that piqued their interest the most—the tech aisle.

As they pushed through the revolving doors, a soft, mechanical hum accompanied their entry. They grabbed flyers from a nearby stand, each one detailing the layout of the place along with essential information.

In this section, they could rent PCs at a bargain price, so Kai, with a request sent to an attentive librarian, settled into a terminal. The agent provided him with all the necessary tools, and soon, he was absorbed in the glow of the screen.

Meanwhile, Lucifer and Ryna wandered through the aisles of books, both at ease in this familiar environment. The scent of paper and ink filled the air as they sifted through the shelves, picking up volumes that piqued their interest—Lucifer scanning the titles with a spark in his eyes, while Ryna, with a quiet curiosity, turned each page with a soft reverence.

The room—aside from the computerized corners—was a vast sea of bookshelves, each one towering high and filled to the brim with rare works and ancient tomes. The air was thick with the weight of knowledge, countless tomes whispering untold stories, secret histories, and the forgotten wisdom of humanity. Lucifer drifted through the endless expanse of the library, his fingers grazing their spines as he wandered from one end of the room to the other.

Then it happened...

A novel?

It was bound in rich, red leather, its cover gleaming with intricate gold accents, caught his eye.

He was looking at it as if he were an angel gazing into her phone—a mix of awe, intrigue, and an obvious touch of obsession.

It was an invitation, one he couldn’t resist. And just like the lure of a phone screen, it demanded his full attention!

With deliberate care, Lucifer opened the book, and the faint rustle of ancient pages filled the silence. The pages, yellowed with age but carefully preserved, seemed to call to him, urging him to delve deeper. His eyes scanned the first few lines, the text written in a language that was both familiar and foreign, as if it had existed outside the boundaries of time.

For a moment, he forgot where he was, as if the world outside the library no longer mattered.

Unable to resist, he carried it to the corner of the room where his ally was reading about the Ruinous Dungeons. However, he never raised his gaze, devouring all its contents with absolutely no hesitation!

Luke’s destination was illuminated by the computer’s screen, which was displaying a message that both the system and the assistant had confirmed: No one had ever made it past level 49. The Guardian of the 50th floor wasn't just awake—its power was overwhelming, and it was fiercely aggressive.

Information of grave importance about the form and abilities of this monster were to be shared, but… it did not really matter to Lucifer, who had once destroyed an entire universe—though, admittedly, not by intention.

The man couldn’t help himself, his mind reeling from the incredible contents of the novel.

He HAD to share it with his, now tech-savvy, comrade.

image [https://i.imgur.com/En118Nd.png]