Chapter 385: Returning

Orion’s eyes widened in astonishment as the stream of notifications flashed vividly across his vision. Each glowing line resonated deeply within him, heralding the transformations that had taken root.

The difference in progression percentages made him blink in surprise, especially the mere 1% in the Human Emperor bloodline. Before he could delve deeper into its meaning, Lumi’s excited voice echoed clearly within his consciousness,

[You started comprehending your legacies, Master!! (๑✧◡✧๑)]

Orion inhaled slowly, steadying himself at this realization. He nodded slightly in acknowledgment.

Before he could respond aloud, however, reality shifted sharply around him, the void dissolving like mist under sunlight.

The familiar, modest library once again materialized around him, the faint scent of aged parchment and polished wood taking him back into reality.

The calm ambiance stood in stark contrast to the trials he had just faced, filling him with subtle comfort.

Tinkerer stood quietly in the same position as earlier, a gentle smile playing across his lips, eyes twinkling with amusement. “Looks like it was a successful adventure,” he remarked lightly, clearly having returned from lunch.

Orion turned slowly to face him, letting out a sigh tinged with relief and lingering astonishment.

A rueful smile curved his lips as he shook his head, he said, “It was far more dangerous than I expected. I wasn’t prepared for something quite like that when I arrived.”

Tinkerer merely chuckled softly, his eyes reflecting gentle understanding and pride. “The Akashic Library never offers easy knowledge,” he reminded kindly, “but you overcame admirably.”

His gaze drifted behind Orion, his expression growing subtly curious. “And it appears you’ve gained far more than just a simple spell.”

Orion raised an eyebrow, following Tinkerer’s line of sight. To his surprise, a crystal floated silently behind him, emitting a faint aura of darkness that felt rich and boundless.

Its surface pulsed gently, resonating harmoniously with his own newly acquired understanding. Inscribed clearly upon its surface, etched with refined yet intimidating script, read the title:

[Oblivion Codex of Eternal Night]

Orion hesitated briefly before reaching out. The moment his fingertips brushed against its cool, smooth surface, the crystal ceased floating and gently dropped onto his palm, its presence heavy with immense potential and profound knowledge.

Tinkerer’s voice resonated calmly beside him, breaking Orion’s contemplative trance. “That’s a top-tier grimoire, on the level of an Empyrean Grade treasure,” he explained casually, admiration flickering subtly in his tone.

“Not a bad reward for someone of your world. Yet, given your circumstances, this was the absolute limit your psyche could withstand safely. Had your cultivation or mental strength been higher, perhaps something even more profound might have been yours.”

Orion carefully stored the Oblivion Codex into his inventory, inwardly acknowledging the gravity of Tinkerer’s words.

Turning back towards the librarian, he inclined his head respectfully, sincerity filling his gaze. “Thank you for guiding me, and for everything.”

Tinkerer’s gentle smile deepened into an expression of quiet fondness. Shaking his head slightly, he spoke in a voice suffused with genuine warmth,

“It is truly rare to receive visitors here. I’m sincerely glad you arrived. Yet…” His gaze lingered thoughtfully upon Orion, “it appears our paths will cross again.”

Orion chuckled softly, turning his head toward the doorway, his gaze drifting thoughtfully toward the grand, limitless expanse outside, toward the luminous core of the Akashic Library itself, a beacon of endless wisdom.

“There are far too many treasures hidden here,” he mused aloud, eyes shining with anticipation, “for me to visit only once.”

Tinkerer’s eyes crinkled with amusement as he shook his head gently, understanding perfectly the allure of knowledge. “Indeed, young Primus, curiosity is a never-ending road.”

He exhaled lightly, his voice growing gentler. “Well then, if you’ll excuse me, I must put my children to sleep. You can return safely now.”

With these final words, Tinkerer turned calmly, stepping through the modest library door into a softly illuminated interior.

As he vanished from view, Orion felt the space around him distort slightly. A protective layer of energy wrapped securely around him, gentle yet unyielding, guiding him back along invisible pathways through the fabric of reality itself.

***

In the span of a heartbeat, Orion once again appeared inside his room. He stood quietly for a moment, the serene silence wrapping gently around him like a comforting blanket.

Evening sunlight poured softly through the windows, casting warm hues upon the wooden floor, the desk, and his large bed.

Familiar scents, parchment, mana-infused ink, and the faint fragrance of the flowers outside, filled his senses, washing away the last remnants of tension from the trials within the Akashic Library.

He released a slow, drawn-out exhale, savoring the comforting presence of the mansion he knew so well.

After everything he’d experienced, the stability of familiar surroundings was deeply reassuring. Without any more delay, Orion walked slowly towards his bed, each step gentle yet heavy with the fatigue of the trials.

As he laid down, the soft mattress embraced him, easing the remaining tightness in his muscles. Staring upward, his gaze drifted towards the intricately carved wooden beams of the ceiling, lost in thought.

Lumi’s gentle, chiming voice broke the peaceful silence of his mind, her small, glowing screen drifting lightly into his field of view.

[That was quite something, Master. (｡•̀ᴗ-)✧]

Orion’s lips curled lightly into a faint smile at her words, though his expression soon shifted into thoughtful seriousness as he reflected deeply on the strange details of his recent breakthrough.

“Anyways,” he murmured quietly, eyebrows slightly furrowed in contemplation, “why did my Human Emperor lineage understanding only increase by 1%? During the trials, I felt as if my comprehension of the Human and Dragon bloodlines increased equally. This discrepancy is puzzling.”

Lumi’s floating screen hovered closer, bobbing slightly as though in deep thought. A brief moment passed before she responded softly,

[I don’t know either, Master. Your Human Emperor lineage is far more obscure. At least we have distinct legacies from your Dragon bloodlines, and you also have the World Tree within your Sea of Consciousness, making them easier to grasp and understand. But the Human Emperor lineage… all we know about that is from Grandpa Eldric’s vague stories.]

Orion sighed softly, his eyes deepening with thoughtfulness. “Yes, perhaps it’s time I started actively seeking more details about the Human Emperor. If I’m going to unlock and harness this bloodline’s true potential, I must fully comprehend its origins and secrets.”

Lumi nodded approvingly, her screen blinking affirmatively. The silence that followed was thoughtful, carrying a sense of gentle urgency.

After a pause, Orion’s voice took on a firmer, more determined tone. “Now that I have the Oblivion Codex, I need to begin memorizing its contents. If I’m to form the Darkness Affinity Rune along with the Light Affinity Rune, it must be done simultaneously. Otherwise, the risk is too great.”

Lumi voiced her agreement instantly, her tone grave despite the cute kaomoji displayed. [Absolutely, Master. We’ve both experienced firsthand the corruptive and insidious nature of the Darkness Element. Even though your lineages temporarily resisted it, once you form its rune, we can’t predict what may happen.]

Orion nodded solemnly, breathing out another soft exhale. “Precisely. My preparation must be thorough, both mentally and physically.”

His thoughts drifted slightly, recalling another responsibility, and he continued thoughtfully, “Tomorrow, I also have to go with Magi to secure the workers, and finalize arrangements regarding the new properties.”