40 The Library of Massalia (1/2)
”I understand, Mistress, it will be done. If they truly exist, Kardel will find the truth and hunt them down. As for our side, the production of some basic alloys composed of that strange iron has already started. But even with the help of master Agnil, we still don't have the knowledge to do anything more advanced. Does anyone else managed to survive the travel?”
After thinking about it, Leilade remembered that only one weapon master survived and another engineer. Alas, the two of them were in the most critical state and it won't be some fruits filled with magic that will heal their injuries. Traveling to the Soul of Vault inside her, she checked one more time the state of everyone. Thankfully, there were no changes in the dormant souls and the rate of their decay was still manageable. She spared a bit of her weak reserves to stabilize the two spirits sought by Malakov and also the chief Lucius. If he was seeing the numerous vegetables in the canteen, maybe he will be able to raise their output.
”Yes, but they won't be able to help any of us before sometimes. Unless some stupid humans appeared near you and you captured them?”
”Unfortunately no, there were two magicians that came from the direction you left, but because of the numerous living beings nearby, I didn't attack them. They were quite weak but would still be able to fight for a few seconds, provoking an unwanted ruckus. As for the rest, it appears that they only sent some elites. The external operations had to be canceled and I only let my undead work inside the mountain.”
”Good, don't be found. Especially if those races are present. Contact me in a week if there are no changes.”
”Yes, Empress.”
The communication was canceled and soon, the atmosphere inside the small room turned normal again. Since she was the one that casted the spell, she couldn't conceal all the traces left by it and had to resort to those magical protections. After everything that happened, however, she felt no distortion inside the Academy and absolutely no reaction whatsoever. Feeling a bit relieved, she left her room and climb down the stairs to enter the canteen once more.
Unlike the early morning, nearly everyone was present at this hour of the day. She could see countless students wearing their uniforms and even some mages. Many groups were happily chatting and eating, including Jorien, Owen and Leodagan and the two lovebirds. Her huge portion of food still draw a few stares but it was not the same amount than when she ate five times the amount of food a normal human takes. She found an empty table and quickly finished eating before leaving the building.
Right now, they had the entire afternoon for themselves and the most important thing to do would be to find the library. Since she had absolutely no idea where that room was, she had to resort to returning to the other building where they were having their courses. In the hall that was a little deserted since everyone was eating, she finally found a map. On it was described each floor and it didn't take her long to notice the enormous room that was going underground.
It was the biggest of the entire Academy, at least two times the size of the canteen and it descended in the ground. With their proficiency at utilizing magic, they probably had no problem dealing with the humidity and the temperature that an underground room would have. Turning around to walk toward her destination, she passed by two older students each carrying a book in their hands. Hearing their discussion, she heard them talking about the new students and some lecherous comments on the princess. They were already imagining her at the age of her sister and apparently since they met the latter, they were hoping for the best. Since it was in one of the farthest locations of the building, she followed them steadily.
At first, the two young men didn't notice her but it was near impossible for a normal human to not feel a presence following him for a long period of time. Right before the three arrived in front of the library, one of the two older students turned around and looked at Leilade.
”Ok, listen boy … eh … boy? Girl?” He looked at his friend that was also slightly perplexed. Leilade was still dressed as a boy but her face was also quite feminine. However, it was not impossible to not be able to distinguish the sex of a child at her age. They couldn't help but feel a bit embarrassed at their initial mistake.