"I've missed you too, Ambrosius. You're still as boisterous as ever," Daof said with a smile, gesturing towards the wooden dragon's head.

"May I be of assistance? I'm well - acquainted with most of the materials here, which could spare you a great deal of time."

"Thank you, yet I believe I'm quite capable of managing on my own."

Having spoken thus, Daof proceeded deeper into the premises.

The royal library was not only adorned with a grand and resplendent aesthetic but also boasted an expansive expanse. Each bookshelf towered like a formidable city wall.

Within, there were several fleeting silhouettes, all belonging to individuals of exalted status. Otherwise, they would not have been granted the privilege to enter this sanctum.

Those who recognized Daof's identity approached him with expressions of great delight to offer their greetings.

Daof would respond with an amiable smile, concluding each conversation after a brief exchange of words.

In a library of such magnitude, there were, of course, corresponding retrieval methods. Although Daof had not visited for an extended period, he remained well - versed in them.

He promptly located the section where the desired materials were housed, brandished his magic staff, and extracted a profusion of tomes from the shelves, commencing his search on the spot.

As time steadily passed, figures occasionally flitted nearby, yet none dared to disturb the venerable mage, who was deeply engrossed in his task.

Even after perusing all the materials, Daof had yet to uncover the information he sought.

He then shifted to another area, retrieved relevant volumes, and once again began to pore over them on the spot.

After countless such attempts, his efforts still proved fruitless.

Nevertheless, Daof had no intention of ceasing his endeavors.

The royal library boasted an inner chamber accessible only to those of even higher rank.

Fortuitously, he possessed the requisite credentials.

Daof continued his stride, making his way towards the inner sanctum.

An ancient and imposing pair of double - doors stood serenely at the heart of the library.

This was the sole passageway to the inner chamber.

It was rumored that a certain senior mage during the reign of the first king of the Zeon Kingdom had personally crafted this door, endowing it with the most formidable defensive capabilities within the kingdom at present.

The moment Daof approached the door, it slowly swung open.

In an instant, Daof's eligibility was acknowledged, a testament to the remarkable efficacy of the door before him.

There was no possibility of imposture, for the detection magic embedded within could expose any guise.

Daof stepped inside, and the door closed automatically behind him.

The space of the inner chamber was considerably more compact than the outer area, yet the materials stored therein were of incalculable value.

Daof wasted no time in extraneous actions, commencing his search for what he needed, much as he had done outside.

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After another indeterminate span of time, even after Daof had scoured all the books that might potentially document a situation akin to Glen's, he remained empty - handed.

"It appears Glen's case is unprecedented. This indeed poses a conundrum," Daof remarked, using his staff to nudge aside the various scattered materials and tomes surrounding him. Rising to his feet, he was immediately assailed by a dull ache in his lower back.

He massaged it with his hand. "I wonder what the hour is?"

"It is already noon of the following day," a hoarse, aged voice suddenly sounded from the side.

Daof turned his head and immediately bowed deeply. "Your Majesty the King."

Not far from Daof's side, there was a flight of steps upon which sat an elderly man attired in a blue - and - yellow robe, intently engrossed in a book at that moment.

This was the King of the Zeon Kingdom, King Mekelido.

The king, at this moment, was not garbed in his regal robes nor adorned with his crown. He was dressed in his everyday attire, engrossed in reading.

He was of a lean and gaunt stature, his hair completely white, devoid of a beard, and his eyes were sharp. At first glance, he appeared as a stern and unyielding elder.

"Upon entering, I noticed you looking rather forlorn, rummaging through things. I surmise you've encountered a matter of some significance, Daof. I recall you as a man of great equanimity, and you seldom grace these halls," the king said, gently closing the book and fixing his gaze upon Daof with a meticulous tone.

"Indeed, I've come across a perplexing issue, and I hoped to find some answers here," Daof replied, straightening himself.

"Have you found any?" the king inquired impassively.

"Alas, I have not," Daof responded, shaking his head.

"You will. I have faith in your acumen," the king said, seemingly indifferent to the specific nature of the problem Daof faced.

He rose to his feet, using his hand to support his knee, replaced the book in his hand on the shelf, and continued, "Have you heard of the events that transpired a few days ago?"

"Certainly, it would be difficult not to take notice," Daof said, leaning on his staff as he followed the king.

"A level - seven werewolf. Had it not been Fitt who attested to it personally, I would never have believed it. Werewolves are no longer the insignificant entities we once dismissed them as," the king said, extracting another book with a red cover, without sparing a glance at the person behind him.

Daof sighed inwardly. He was fairly certain that it was Glen. The newly - recruited apprentice was far too extraordinary, defying explanation by any known knowledge.

He did not neglect to respond to the king's words.

"I believe it may well be an isolated incident. Future werewolves likely will not exhibit such an aberration."

"That's far from certain, Daof," the king said, flipping through the pages of the book, his tone tinged with a hint of melancholy.

"Your Majesty, even if a second level - seven werewolf were to emerge, our kingdom is well - equipped to handle the situation. There is no need for excessive concern."

There were forces within the Zeon Kingdom that exceeded level - seven, though they were not easily mobilized.

The king merely nodded in response.

For a moment, both men fell into a contemplative silence, the only sound being the gentle rustling of the king turning the pages.

Daof observed that the king was perusing the secret history records of the preceding centuries, which set his mind to speculating.

From their earlier exchange, he had discerned that the king was not overly preoccupied with the so - called level - seven werewolf. He was merely engaging in casual conversation.

What the king truly cared about remained unspoken, perhaps related to the book he was currently reading.

Just as Daof was beginning to gain some insights, the king spoke again.

"Daof, why do you think those demons are so intent on conquering our world?"

"They covet the allure of our world. Here, the air is purer, the resources more abundant, and the magic power more concentrated."

What Daof said echoed the near - universal consensus across the continent regarding the reasons for the demons' invasion.

"Yet, some demons are unable to endure in this realm for an extended period and are better suited to the lower planes. What could be the cause of this?"

The king closed the book once more and turned to face Daof.

After a moment of silence, Daof replied, "As you've pointed out, Your Majesty, it is only some of them."

In truth, Daof understood the king's underlying meaning. The king simply suspected that there were other motives behind the demons' invasion of the upper realm.

Nonetheless, he remained inclined towards his previous explanation, given the multitude of supporting reasons.

"Indeed, I hope I'm overthinking..." the king said, suddenly offering a faint smile.

He then changed the subject. "It has been quite some time since you last visited the royal capital. Coincidentally, in a few days, it will be the birthday of one of my sons. I would be delighted if you could attend."

Daof, however, shook his head. "I must humbly apologize, Your Majesty. I have recently taken on a new apprentice, and due to certain exceptional circumstances, I must hasten back to complete his instruction. Thus, I regret that I cannot attend the birthday celebration."

"That is most regrettable. I had hoped you could impart some of your wisdom to my children regarding magic," the king said, a note of disappointment in his voice.