Chapter 344 Inside The Library
Lucy retrieved her lock-picking tools from her robe, each instrument meticulously crafted for this precise task.
Her deft fingers moved with the grace of a talented dancer as she expertly manipulated the pins within the lock, applying just the right amount of pressure. Each click echoed like a symphony, signifying progress in their daring quest.
"Just a little! Normally, I would have kicked the door, but we can't make any sounds," She said and looked at her other team members.
Minutes passed in tense anticipation until, with a final, satisfying click, the lock yielded to Lucy's skill. The doors swung open, revealing the treasure trove of knowledge that lay within the library's hallowed halls.
Velian turned to his companions, a triumphant smile curling his lips.
"We've made it without alerting anyone," she declared, her voice laced with a mix of awe and excitement. "Now, let us find the answers we seek and bring an end to the chaos that has plagued our land."
With a renewed sense of purpose, the girls stepped into the library, their footsteps muffled by the rich, ornate carpets that lined the floor. Tall bookshelves stretched toward the vaulted ceiling, housing ancient tomes and fragile scrolls, their spines adorned with faded gold lettering. Dust particles danced in the air, stirred by the soft breeze that followed the girls into the chamber.
Velian's keen eyes scanned the vast expanse of knowledge, seeking any clue that might unravel the enigma they were facing. He led his companions deeper into the heart of the library, their footsteps echoing in the vast silence. Rays of moonlight filtered through the stained glass windows, casting ethereal patterns on the rows of shelves.
The girls split into pairs, their determination unwavering. Lucy and the other succubus girls ventured down one aisle, their eyes tracing the faded titles, while Velian and his mother, a skilled mage named Daphnia, delved into another.
"Search do everything that looks interesting and secret, make sure you keep and tight eye on the door," Before they divided into groups, Velian ordered.
Velian's fingers brushed delicately over the spines of ancient books, feeling the weight of history in his grasp. His heart raced with anticipation as he whispered to Daphnia,
"We must search for any mention of secret societies or hidden agendas. There must be a trail leading to the mastermind behind all of this chaos."
Daphnia nodded, her round eyes sparkling with curiosity. "Indeed, Velian. Let us hope that the answers lie within these hallowed pages."
Meanwhile, Lucy and the other girls discovered a section dedicated to maps and schematics. Lucy's eyes lit up as she examined a particularly intricate map of the castle, complete with hidden passages and secret chambers. With a knowing smile, she shared her findings with Velian.
"This looks interesting, make sure you keep a record of this, and others continue searching," Velian said pointing at a random girl.
She bowed her ad and took the papers she brought and started copying all the important maps.
"Lucy, come with me, I found something interesting," Velian said and grabbed her leaving the other girls to search the library.
"Looks at this!" Inside the library was another door, that looked extremely similar to the entrance and above it, there was a sign which indicated prohibiting the entrance.
"No entrance! Only registered personals," Daphnia muttered what was written on it, while Lucy went straight to lock picking knowing that, behind this door might be the secret they were searching for.
"This lock!" Suddenly Lucy backed down with her face showing a frustrated look.
"It has a magical signal to it, I'm pretty sure as soon as I break this, whoever put this magic lock will get the alert,"
She said causing Daphnia to use her own mana to try something without going too overboard.
"It is not just an alert, this has an explosion spell imbued into it," Her words were cut short, as they heard something unexpected.
The distant sound of approaching footsteps broke the silence. The guards, alerted by the commotion caused by their earlier eliminations, were closing in on their position. Time was running out, and the girls knew they had to be swift.
Velian called his companions together, his voice filled with urgency.
"The guards draw near. We must gather what information we can and make our escape. We have come too far to be caught now."
"I'm going to fully break this door, then I will leave the investigation to you two, once we enter the library, we don't need to be sneaky," Vekian knew this was a huge risk he was taking, but right now he didn't find anything else he can do.
"Veli! That's dangerous, there might be parasites," Daphnia said her heart troubled but, Velian quickly asked her to follow his orders.
"Mother! Only I can face them, you know I have the power to do that, believe me, I will make it happen, so help me," Having no choice and hearing Velian's confident words, even though troubled Daphnia decided to go along with his plans.
Lucy's eyes met Velian's, a mixture of worry and trust evident in her gaze.
"Remember, Lord Velian, we are a team. We will meet you outside once we find what we're looking for. Stay safe."
Velian smiled a blend of determination and confidence shining through. "Have no fear, girls. I am not so easily defeated. Now, hide behind me and brace yourselves."
Positioning themselves behind Velian, Daphnia and Lucy prepared for the impending action. Velian took a deep breath, drawing strength from the depths of his being. With a swift motion, he unleashed a powerful kick, sending the door hurtling inward with a thunderous crash.
A deafening explosion erupted from within the room, a result of a concealed trap triggered by the forceful entry. Velian's well-honed instincts had saved his companions from harm as they found shelter behind his sturdy form.
Smoke billowed out from the now-breached door, momentarily obscuring their vision. As the dust settled, the trio assessed the aftermath of their daring gambit. The room lay in disarray, scattered debris testament to the power of the explosion they had narrowly avoided.
Undeterred, Velian's eyes narrowed, determination burning brightly.
"No time to waste. Mother, and Lucy, enter the room and find what we seek. I will ensure no one interrupts us."
Daphnia and Lucy nodded in unison, their trust in Velian unshaken. With a quick squeeze of his hand, they darted into the room, their footsteps swift and agile. The search for crucial evidence began in earnest as they combed through the scattered remnants, their trained eyes scanning for any hidden truths.