Realm of Myths and Legends

Chapter 1264: There Is No Turning Back

"I don’t believe that you’re telling me all of this for the sole purpose of catching me up on the internal affairs of the Formation Master Guild. What is it that you want from me?" Izroth inquired with a sharp gaze.

"We have a common enemy—the Duvelle family. If we do not have to be wary of them and their ties to the Apothecary Guild, it will allow the Head’s faction to take a more bold approach. If all goes as planned, we can strike a devastating blow to the Enrhivers family and weaken their influence in the Formation Master Guild. Once that happens, we will make sure that they can never regain their footing and deal with them in one fell swoop." Arden stated as he balled his hand into a fist.

"That sounds like a good set of circumstances—for the Formation Master Guild, that is. So far, I fail to see how it benefits me or the Apothecary Guild. Surely, you don’t expect me to move solely for the benefit of the Formation Master Guild?" Izroth replied casually.

"It is true that there is not much that we can do on our end when it comes to dealing with the Duvelle family, but if they were one entity, the Enrhivers family would be considered their ears. The Formation Master Guild has set up magic formations spread all throughout Danaharpe City. Of course, this also includes the magic formations within the profession guilds. For a skilled Formation Master, it would not be too difficult to hide a magic formation that makes it easy to gather information. Do you understand where I’m going with this?" Arden said with a meaningful gaze.

’With that kind of information at their disposal, it would only be a matter of careful planning to have nobles and profession masters alike join their side. It’s no wonder the Duvelle family has managed to climb in power so rapidly and sink their claws so thoroughly into the Apothecary Guild. Still, that leaves an even bigger question unanswered.’

"Since you are aware of what they’ve done, I assume the Head of the Formation Master Guild also knows of their actions. No, whether they know or not is unimportant. If it’s found out that the members of the Formation Master Guild have been spying on nobles and other profession guilds, it will not end at the Enrhivers family alone being implicated. The entire Formation Master Guild risks being uprooted from Danaharpe City." Izroth stated.

"It is as you said. Even if we reveal the truth to everyone, we will also be implicated. In the eyes of outsiders, there will see no difference between the Enrhivers family and the Formation Master Guild. It is, in all sense of the phrase, a last resort. Needless to say, we do not wish for things to reach that point." Arden responded with a small sigh.

"Telling me a secret like this—are you not afraid that I will expose the Formation Master Guild?" Izroth asked.

"I have lived for more than 80 years. In that time, I have come to understand what lies in the heart of a person. I do not believe you to be the type of person who would do such a thing without proper provocation. That being said, despite my trust in my own understanding of others, it also has to do with the fact that the die have already been cast. There is no turning back for myself or the Head’s faction." Arden explained.

Izroth sat silent for a moment. Then, out of nowhere, a carefree smile appeared on his face.

"Alright, I will help you and the Head’s faction. Once I finish my business here, I will send word to the Apothecary Guild. I can’t make any promises about what their reaction will be; however, it does not matter. Even if the Apothecary Guild refuses to make a move, I will not allow the Duvelle family to do as they please any longer." Izroth said with a cold gaze.

’While I don’t have all the proof yet, it’s almost certain that the Duvelle family is working with the League of the Eidolon in the shadows. As long as I can prove it, even their status as nobles won’t be able to protect them. I’m still waiting for Yi Ying to report back again. Still, I’m not the type to rely solely on others. I’ll have to prepare a few things on my end.’

...

A few moments later...

After Izroth agreed to assist Arden, the two wasted no time going over the core details of what needed to be done on both sides. However, they did not go too far into the small details. After all, the path they had to take would depend on how the Apothecary Guild responded to the situation.

Once their conversation came to an end, Arden personally guided Izroth to the Formation Master Guild’s library.

As the two arrived before the library’s entrance, a silver badge with strange markings etched onto its surface appeared on Arden’s hands.

Arden handed the silver badge to Izroth and said, "This will allow you access up to the fifth layer of our library. If you try to go any further than that, you will be stopped by the magic formation that protects the higher layers. While they are not lethal, any unauthorized access attempt will result in you being automatically removed from the library." Arden explained.

He then continued, "You are free to read and copy down any material as you see fit; however, removing anything from the library is not allowed under any circumstances. Of course, damaging anything is also not allowed. Though both are quite hard to do unless it is intentional, so there is no need to be too concerned about it. Under normal circumstances, there is no limit to the amount of time one may spend in the library, but the situation in the Formation Master Guild will soon become turbulent and unstable. Once that happens, no outsiders will be allowed to set foot into the Formation Master Guild building. Therefore, you will have two hours at most to find whatever you are searching for."

"I understand. I won’t stick around any longer than necessary." Izroth said calmly.

Arden gave a small nod and said, "When you’re finished, just place the badge against your chest. I have altered it to transport you directly outside of the Formation Master Guild building. You will have to excuse my manners. As much as I would like to see you off, I am afraid I will soon have my hands full."

"This is more than enough. Then, I won’t hold you up any longer. I will finish up here quickly and then do what needs to be done as we’ve discussed." Izroth said as he cupped his hand into his fist.

"I look forward to a positive response. If you need to contact me, you can just tap the badge three times with your finger. I will answer right away. Apothecary Izroth, the fate of the Formation Master Guild may very well rest in your hands. Once again, I offer you my gratitude." Arden stated politely.

After Arden gave his farewell, he swiftly took his leave.

Izroth looked down at the silver badge in his hands before he set his gaze on the library’s entrance.

’Shall I get started?’

The next moment, Izroth walked through the doors of the Formation Master Guild’s library.

...

’Oh? This sensation... A spatial magic formation? No, this level of complex and intertwining mana, there are several spatial magic formations in play here. To create an isolated space this large and intricate—as expected of the Formation Master Guild.’

When Izroth stepped through the library’s doors, he felt as if he shifted to a completely different place.

Izroth was greeted by ten of rows of tall bookshelves filled to the brim with books. There were also things like scrolls, orbs and various other items that were capable of storing information.

"I already expected it since he spoke about it on the way to the library, but... Seeing a profession guild’s library so empty is a new sight. The magic formations in place here would probably make the old man I met back at the Amaharpe Palace Library jealous." Izroth said to himself as he walked over to the nearest bookshelf.

Rather than floors, the Formation Master Guild’s library was divided into layers. Visually, it was no different than a normal library with multiple floors.

As for why Izroth could not see anyone in the library, it had to do with one of the magic formations in place.

According to Arden, it was a pinnacle-ranked magic formation that delicately split layered space into separate phases. In other words, the library was currently filled with Formation Masters; however, since everyone was in a different phase, their paths would never cross.

Of course, it was possible for individuals to enter the same phase if they chose to do so. But, having it set up in such a way allowed for others to remain undisturbed in their research and studying.