The pure water stretched across this infinite realm, while violet leaves drifted through the air, spreading a sense of submission that seeped into the wandering souls circling the Garden of Wisdom. Radiant light reflected off the still ocean beneath them.
The three continued walking with heavy steps toward their destination. At the same time, Liora's gaze lingered on a grand fountain filled with golden water, where passersby tossed coins, hoping to earn a stroke of good fortune.
Roy pointed his finger toward something specific.
"Do you see that alley? That's the key. It will lead us to the answer."
Liora replied,
"But I see crowds pouring into it."
The White One nodded.
"Of course. It's the main path to the library."
Roy rushed forward.
"Let's go—there's no time to waste."
Liora shouted after him,
"Roy! Wait! Why are you always in such a hurry?"
Roy yelled from ahead,
"Come on! You two are slow!"
As they passed through the alley, Liora bumped into a passerby while running.
"Watch your step, girl!"
She replied, "I'm sorry!"
They spotted the library from afar—a towering spire rising from its golden dome. The entire building was transparent, nestled between two colossal statues bearing the features of Her Royal Highness, Kendra. Moments later, the trio stood before its massive wooden door, adorned with emeralds and agates, carved with symbols in an unknown language.
Liora examined the writing.
"What is this language? What does it mean?"
The White One answered,
"Submission. Wisdom. Balance… every rebel is cursed."
Liora nodded.
"I see… now it makes sense."
Roy added,
"These are the foundations of this world. Whoever breaks them is punished by the very universe."
He pushed the door as if it were weightless despite its frightening size.
Liora widened her eyes.
"How did you do that so easily?"
Roy smiled.
"It only looks heavy. But it's as light as a feather—an old man could move it."
The three entered a library bursting with vitality and ambition. They marveled at its circular design, surrounded by towering bookshelves reaching the ceiling. Each shelf held worlds of knowledge and thought. A spiraling, ornate staircase rose at the center of this vast scholarly hall.
Liora whispered,
"I've visited countless libraries in my travels… but this one surpasses them all."
Roy said,
"Let's head upstairs."
They climbed the wavy staircase, crowded with people ascending and descending. After a few minutes, they reached a door labeled: The Sage's Office.
Roy knocked. A powerful voice from inside echoed,
"Enter."
He opened the door slowly.
The first thing they saw: an elderly man sitting behind his desk. A monocle rested over his left eye. He wore a formal suit, and the walls were lined with glowing aquariums filled with strange fish.
Liora whispered to the White One,
"Who is this ugly old man?"
The White One hissed,
"Fool… he'll hear you."
The Sage spoke,
"Roy! I haven't seen you in ages."
Roy replied with a firm tone,
"I came for one thing. Where is she?"
The Sage fell silent for a moment before speaking.
"I know who you mean. She broke free… but paid dearly. She once radiated majesty—now she's nothing but a Blood Demon."
Roy clenched his jaw.
"She abandoned her main duty—maintaining balance. Worse, she committed a massacre ages ago."
The Sage's voice dimmed with sorrow.
"She was a victim of her own choices. She convinced herself she was merely a tool to be consumed. They say she was the most beautiful of all queens across the ages… her very presence could heal the sick."
Roy's eyes hardened.
"Yet she ended as a demon. The cosmic system cursed her, stripped her brilliance. I'm here for the map of Arthimora."
The Sage raised an eyebrow.
"That land was once vibrant. But when she entered it… it became nothing but a graveyard. Now she rules it with iron and fire. Its people have become slaves."
Roy asked,
"Do you know where Arthimora is?"
The Sage sighed.
"Not precisely. But I believe the map is in the Left Waterfall of Queen Kendra's palace. You must cross the golden bridge that separates the two waterfalls."
Roy nodded.
"We'll do it. I've never visited the left side before."
The Sage warned,
"Be careful. Her influence has reached the left side… she may already control it completely."
Roy's voice grew sharp.
"I must end her once and for all. Her threat is growing "