"Creed Mountain Order?" Garran asked over the phone, curiosity slipping into his voice. "What business do you have there?"
"I need to take care of something," Lucas replied casually. "So what do you say, Uncle Garran? Will you come with me?"
A soft chuckle came from the other end. "Your safety is my responsibility, young master. Of course I'll accompany you."
"Good," Lucas said. "Pick me up from school."
"Understood. Stay where you are."
The call ended.
Lucas slipped his phone back into his pocket and scanned the school grounds before sitting down on a quiet bench near the edge of campus.
Originally, he had planned to gather materials to suppress the side effects of Sofia's special physique. But after his encounter with Sullen, that plan no longer felt sufficient.
The gap between them was simply too large.
Relying on talent alone, or even on his knowledge of the original storyline, was no longer enough.
Leon already had powerful allies. And as time passed, those allies would only become more troublesome.
If Lucas had arrived in this world earlier, dealing with Leon would have been far easier.
Now, it had been nearly four months since Leon discovered the existence of the woman inside the jade. From that moment on, Leon's life as the so-called protagonist had truly begun.
Luck seemed to follow him wherever he went.
Opportunities fell into his lap one after another, yet people continued to underestimate him all the same.
From what Lucas remembered of the original plot, Leon's future supporters were already taking shape. The Crowford family. The Wang family. And if Leon had entered the ruins within Blackbell Forest, he would have encountered an elder from the Creed Mountain Order. Whether that elder was named Bennet or someone else, Lucas could not be certain.
Either way, Leon's network was steadily expanding.
The sound of an engine broke Lucas out of his thoughts.
A sleek black sedan rolled into the school grounds.
Lucas stood immediately.
The window slid down, revealing Garran's familiar face. "Get in, young master."
Lucas nodded and took the passenger seat.
Garran didn't drive off right away. Instead, he turned toward him. "What exactly is your objective at the Creed Mountain Order?"
Lucas leaned back slightly, a faint grin appearing on his lips. "I'm after a technique scroll."
Garran raised an eyebrow. "A technique? Our family already possesses countless powerful methods. Why seek one from the Creed Mountain Order?"
"Because this one exists only there," Lucas replied calmly.
Garran frowned. "Even so, they won't easily hand over their techniques to outsiders. Even with our family's influence, it won't be simple."
"I know," Lucas said evenly. "That's why I intend to trade."
Garran's expression sharpened. "You're aware of the family rules. You cannot exchange our techniques, no matter how valuable theirs may be."
Lucas waved his hand dismissively. "Relax. It's not a family technique."
He smiled. "First, we're heading to Stonegate City. To the Grand Stonegate Library."
"The Stonegate Library?" Garran looked puzzled. "Isn't it just a library?"
"It has a complicated past," Lucas replied. "Before it became a library, it was an order. One that was annihilated three centuries ago."
Garran fell silent. He had no idea how Lucas knew such details.
After a brief pause, he nodded. "Very well. Let's go."
The engine roared to life as Garran pressed the accelerator, and the car sped toward Stonegate City.
---
Nearly two hours later, they arrived.
Stonegate City stretched endlessly across the horizon, nearly three times the size of Lutherville. It was widely known as the City of Orders.
The Creed Mountain Order. Six Gates. Black Tiger Hall. Many powerful factions maintained a strong presence here.
As a result, magus were everywhere. People in traditional robes walked openly through the streets, and the city itself felt calmer and more restrained than other bustling urban centers.
Eventually, the car stopped in front of a massive building, its entrance crowded with people coming and going.
Lucas stepped out and looked up.
"The Grand Stonegate Library," he said, a faint smile touching his lips.
There was much to be gained here. Techniques. Knowledge. And, if his memory was correct, someone important.
"Let's go inside, Uncle Garran."
Garran nodded and followed him in.
---
The moment they entered, a quiet elegance enveloped them. White marble floors reflected soft light, while towering bookshelves lined the walls, stretching upward beyond sight.
Despite the number of visitors, the atmosphere remained calm and orderly.
Lucas headed straight for the upper levels.
The third floor.
That was where Leon had discovered a hidden technique in the original storyline.
Though that technique was powerful, Lucas's true objective lay elsewhere.
Halfway up the stairs, Garran spoke. "Young master, I'll look around on my own for a while. Is that alright?"
"That's fine," Lucas replied. "Enjoy yourself."
Garran nodded and walked off, leaving Lucas alone.
Lucas continued upward.
He had just reached the second floor, only one level away from his destination, when he suddenly stopped.
His gaze locked onto a familiar figure.
A girl about his age stood nearby, wearing glasses and still dressed in her school uniform.
Lucas narrowed his eyes slightly.
He recognized her.