The Great One!

The woman, her tone now more relaxed, smiled as she explained her reason for seeking refuge in the library.

"I sought shelter here because it was raining cats and dogs outside," she confessed a hint of amusement in her eyes. "I had no idea I would stumble upon you, the Great One, amidst this unexpected downpour."

Ryūken couldn't help but chuckle at the irony.

"Well, I'm glad you found shelter here, even if it was by chance."

Ryūken couldn't help but notice the state of the woman's appearance as he observed her more closely. Her clothes were indeed soaked through, clinging to her form, and he couldn't ignore the slight tatters and dirt smudges that hinted at a recent struggle or journey.

"Looks like you've been through quite an ordeal," he remarked, concern evident in his voice as he gestured to her wet and slightly torn clothing. "Were you caught in some kind of trouble out there in the rain?"

As Ryūken continued to observe her and made his remark about her ordeal, the woman couldn't help but feel a flicker of surprise. Her guard went up a notch, and a subtle tension settled in her posture. How had he seen through her so quickly? Her instincts told her that Ryūken might be more perceptive or dangerous than he appeared.

She nodded in response to his comment but chose her words carefully. "Indeed, it has been a challenging journey," she replied, trying to keep her tone neutral. Her gaze remained fixed on him, assessing and cautious.

The library's mysteries and the enigmatic encounter with this man had taken on an even more complex and uncertain dimension. She couldn't shake the feeling that there was more to Ryūken than met the eye, and the storm outside seemed to pale in comparison to the uncertainty of this situation.

Surprised by the woman's guarded response, Ryūken also felt a sense of relief that the conversation was continuing. He decided to approach her with genuine curiosity and politeness.

"I hope you don't mind me asking, but what kind of challenges have you faced on your journey?" he inquired gently, his voice laced with genuine concern. "It seems like you've been through quite a lot, and I'm here to help if I can."

The woman, though still skeptical of Ryūken's intentions, decided to respond cautiously. She chose her words carefully, not revealing too much too soon.

"I appreciate your offer," she began, her tone measured. "My journey has taken me through realms and challenges that defy explanation. I seek answers and knowledge, but I must also be vigilant in whom I trust."

Ryūken nodded in understanding, respecting her need for caution. The library's mysteries and their shared encounter were weaving a complex tapestry, one that held more questions than answers. He remained patient, ready to assist in whatever way he could as the storm raged outside.

Sensing the need to ease the tension in the library, Ryūken decided to break away from their conversation momentarily. He rose from his seat and began to explore the dimly lit aisles, searching for something that might help soothe the mood.

As he ventured deeper into the library's labyrinthine shelves, he sought out a book of stories or poetry, something that could offer a moment of solace and distraction from the enigmatic circumstances that had brought them together. His fingers brushed along the dusty spines, each one holding the promise of a different world and a different tale.

After a short while, he returned to where the woman stood, a book in hand. As Ryūken approached her, the woman's instincts kicked into high gear. Her guard went up, and she couldn't ignore the feeling of impending danger. She reached for the dagger concealed beneath her tattered cloak, her hand gripping the hilt with a readiness for whatever might come next.

Despite Ryūken's friendly demeanor and the book he held out as a gesture of goodwill, the woman remained vigilant, her gaze locked on him with unwavering intensity. The library, the storm outside, and their mysterious encounter had left her with a sense of caution she couldn't ignore.

"I thought this might lighten the mood a bit," he said with a friendly smile, offering her the book. "It's a collection of poems and stories from various realms. Sometimes, a good story can be a comforting companion."

The woman cautiously accepted the book from Ryūken, her grip on the hilt of her dagger not loosening. Her eyes remained fixed on him, her wariness evident as she took the offered tome.

"Thank you," she said, her voice a mixture of gratitude and vigilance. She didn't let her guard down, even for a moment, as the library's mysteries continued to unfold around them.

Ryūken, sensing the woman's cautious demeanor, felt compelled to make amends for the lack of hospitality in the library. He realized that he had yet to fully grasp the extent of his surroundings.

"I apologize for the oversight," he said sincerely, his voice tinged with regret. "I'm still getting accustomed to this place myself. I wish I had something to offer to make you feel more welcome, like fresh towels or a warm cup of tea."

Despite the unusual circumstances, he was determined to extend a hand of kindness to their unexpected guest, eager to learn more about her and the enigmatic journey that had brought her to the library.

The woman's skepticism deepened as she heard Ryūken's words. She couldn't help but entertain the thought that he might have been living in this place for a long time, despite his claims of being unfamiliar with it. Suspicion crept into her mind, and she considered the possibility that he was a fraud, someone who had merely taken shelter in the library.

Her grip on the dagger's hilt didn't waver, and she regarded Ryūken with a watchful gaze, silently weighing his intentions and trying to discern the truth behind his words. The library's mysteries had cast a shadow of doubt over their encounter, and she was determined to uncover the secrets that lay hidden within its walls.

As suspicion continued to gnaw at her, the woman saw this situation as an opportunity rather than a threat. If Ryūken was indeed a fraud or an intruder in the library, it presented a chance to take advantage of the situation.

Her mind raced with possibilities, and she contemplated a plan to steal valuable items and possibly injure Ryūken to ensure her own safety. The library's mysteries and the storm outside had created an environment where anything seemed possible, and she was ready to seize the moment to her advantage.

Ryūken, curious about the ongoing storm, made his way to the front door of the library. As he opened it slightly to peer outside, he commented with a chuckle, "It looks like the rain is still pouring down. I hope it doesn't turn into a full-fledged flood."

He glanced back over his shoulder, intending to share the weather update with the woman, only to find her standing close behind him. Her eyes widened in fear as she gazed upon him, her breath catching in her throat.

Ryūken's smile, which had been friendly a moment ago, now transformed into something entirely different. It was a smile that sent shivers down her spine, an aura that seemed to radiate menace and power.

The woman's legs quivered with fear, and she took a step back, her heart pounding in her chest. In that moment, she felt as if she were in the presence of a god of destruction, a force beyond her comprehension.

Concern etched across Ryūken's face as he observed the woman's fearful reaction. He stepped away from the door and approached her.

"Hey, are you alright?" he asked genuine worry in his voice.

As the woman struggled to find her words, still in a state of shock from the menacing aura she had perceived from Ryūken, she began to describe him as the most powerful threat she had ever encountered. Her voice quivered, and her sentences were fragmented, conveying her overwhelming fear.

Before Ryūken could respond, the woman's eyes rolled back, and her body went limp. She fainted, collapsing to the floor in a state of unconsciousness, overwhelmed by the sheer intensity of the moment.

Ryūken, now deeply concerned for her well-being, rushed to her side,

"Hey!"

He knelt beside her, gently checking her pulse.

End of Chapter 2…