Emperor's Reckoning



Lyon and his companions found themselves in an open field, surrounded by vast stretches of untouched wilderness. There was no sign of civilization, no trace of life as far as the eye could see. The meadow they stood in was bathed in soft, golden sunlight, and a gentle breeze rustled the tall grasses.

Lyon held the tome in his hand, its ancient pages seemingly brimming with secrets. The weight of it was both tangible and metaphorical, a symbol of the risks they had taken and the mysteries that lay ahead.

Cecile chimed, "Are you sure you want to meet him? The last time I remember, things were not going well for you two."

Lyon glanced at Cecile, his expression a mix of determination and caution. He knew that meeting with his old acquaintance wouldn't be without its challenges, but he also believed that it was a necessary step in uncovering the mysteries surrounding the tome.

"I'm aware of the risks," Lyon replied, his voice steady. "But it's alright, we never got along from the start."

Karina's curiosity was palpable as she looked at Kesya, waiting for an explanation. Kesya offered a knowing smile before she began to shed light on the enigmatic figure they were about to encounter.

"We're going to meet someone Lyon knew from his past," Kesya explained. "An old acquaintance, but not in the friendliest sense. This person has a history with Lyon, and it's a complicated one. We're hoping to get information about the tome, its significance, and maybe some insights into our current situation."

Karina nodded, absorbing the information. She knew better than to press for more details if Lyon and the others weren't offering them freely. The weight of the quest they were on was immense, and everyone seemed to have their own share of history and secrets.

"I understand," Karina replied, her gaze still curious but respectful of their boundaries. "Let's proceed, then. If it helps us on this journey, I'm in."

Lyon glanced at Karina with appreciation for her understanding, thankful for her willingness to embrace the challenges they faced. "However, I don't think he would welcome anyone but me."

He looked at the tome and with a thought, it floated in the air right in front of him. "The surrounding energy is not mana or anti-mana. This is the pure energy from the Mortal World, Ley. The same energy that charged the dimension gate between the continents of the Mortal World."

"W-Wait, continents?" Karina furrowed her brows before she remembered the ancient mole rat back in the jungle. "The Mortal World is... was.. one?"

"Yup," Kesya nodded. "And after we uncover the history, boy was it a mess."

The four mythical beasts hovered around Lyon with Rui standing on top of his head. "This is quite a fortuitous encounter, what is this owl tome do?"

"It will summon a famed library that everyone wanted to enter, three people from Nostria were lucky enough to enter the place without this tome," Lyon smiled as the three faces of distinctive old men appeared in his mind.

"The traveling library?!" Karina exclaimed. "This tome summons it?"

"The owl is the symbol of knowledge," said Selena. "Thus, a befitting tome for..."

The tome glowed brilliantly, pulsating with an otherworldly energy. The intricate symbols on its pages seemed to come alive, dancing in a mesmerizing pattern. The air crackled with anticipation, and before them materialized a floating double door. It hung in the air, adorned with enigmatic symbols and an aura of ancient knowledge.

Lyon looked at the door, recognizing it as the gateway to the realm he sought. He took a deep breath, steadying himself for what lay beyond. The significance of this moment wasn't lost on him—it was a pivotal step in their quest for answers and solutions.

Pure Ley energy swirled around Lyon, lifting him into the air and carrying him to the same height as the giant double door. The energy was a vibrant dance, an ethereal embrace that held him aloft. He was drawn towards the door, the Ley recognizing his intent and aiding his passage.

As the double doors swung open, a glimpse of the fabled library came into view. However, it was not the majestic scene he had imagined. Instead, chaos greeted him. The library was in disarray, far from a serene and organized place.

An invisible barrier abruptly blocked the path of the four mythical beasts, their forms shimmering as they tried to push through. A voice, firm and resonant, echoed through the air, carrying a hint of humor, "No ghosts allowed."

Before they could react or understand the cryptic words, Lyon felt an irresistible force tug at him. He was pulled away from the doorway and into the heart of the library. The invisible hands of magic enveloped him, drawing him in like a moth to a flame. The colossal double doors closed with a heavy thud, sealing him within.

Outside the library, Shen, Rui, Bapho, and Sun felt a surge of frustration and anger. The sudden barrier had caught them off guard, and they could feel the ire building within them. Each of them was pulsing with energy, their forms quivering with a mixture of confusion and rage.

The sudden transition left Lyon momentarily disoriented. He found himself standing amidst towering bookshelves that seemed to reach the very skies. The scent of ancient parchment hung in the air, a familiar and comforting aroma. Despite the chaos and disarray, there was an undeniable sense of magic and history within these walls.

A dense mist materialized in front of Lyon, its form gradually coalescing to reveal the figure of a dashing old man. His visage was a mix of experience and wisdom, etched with the marks of countless years and adventures. A sense of ancient power radiated from him, casting a subtle aura that hinted at the immense depth of his knowledge.

The old man's eyes bore into Lyon, scrutinizing him with a discerning gaze. The lines on his forehead creased as if in disbelief and a flicker of surprise crossed his face.

Lyon crossed his arms and smirked confidently. "Long time no see, father," he replied, his voice laced with a hint of defiance.