Lira Delacour!?

As Ryūken checked on the injured woman, a mysterious window suddenly materialized before him, its translucent surface displaying information that left him both astonished and intrigued.

{Name: Lira Delacour}

{Origin: Avaloria}

The words shimmered with an otherworldly glow, and he couldn't help but wonder about the significance of this revelation. As Ryūken examined the glowing window that displayed Lira's name and origin, he couldn't shake the feeling that it was a complete invasion of privacy. The sudden and seemingly intrusive revelation left him with a sense of unease as if the library's digital realm held the power to expose the most intimate details of its visitors.

"I can't help but feel like this is a bit too... revealing," he muttered to himself, his brow furrowed in contemplation.

With a sigh of resignation and concern for the unconscious Lira, Ryūken gently lifted her into his arms. He surveyed the library's dimly lit interior, searching for a suitable place to lay her down where she could rest and recover.

After a brief exploration, he spotted a cozy alcove nestled amidst the shelves of ancient tomes. It seemed like a quiet and sheltered spot, away from the prying eyes of any potential visitors to the library. Carefully, he carried Lira to the alcove and gently laid her down on a comfortable, worn-out couch that had clearly seen many readers over the years.

With a sense of gentle care, Ryūken removed his suit jacket and carefully draped it over Lira, ensuring she would be more comfortable as she rested. He tucked it around her, making sure she was well-covered and warm.

As he gazed down at her peaceful form, he couldn't help but wonder about the trials and secrets that had brought her to this library. The storm outside raged on, its thunderous presence a fitting backdrop to the mysteries that continued to unravel within the library's hallowed walls.

With Lira now resting comfortably, Ryūken settled into a nearby chair, his thoughts filled with questions and a determination to uncover the truth hidden within the library's digital realm and the enigmatic woman who had become a part of his unexpected journey.

As Ryūken sat in the dimly lit library, his eyes alternating between the enigmatic digital realm and the peaceful form of Lira resting under his suit jacket, he couldn't help but let his thoughts wander into the realm of theory and reflection.

"This situation is beyond surreal," he mused aloud, his voice a whisper in the quietude of the library. "A sentient digital library, a woman from a mystical realm, and the feeling that this place holds answers to questions I haven't even thought to ask."

He leaned back in his chair, staring at the luminous window that had displayed Lira's information and the digital messages that seemed to hover in the air.

"What is the library's purpose"

The storm outside continued its relentless downpour, adding to the sense of isolation and intrigue that permeated the library's atmosphere.

As Ryūken continued to ponder the mysteries surrounding Lira and the library, his gaze once again settled on the window displaying her origin: Avaloria. The name struck him as something straight out of a fantasy story, and he couldn't help but comment on it.

"Avaloria," he mused to himself, a hint of amusement in his voice. "It does sound like the setting of a grand fantasy epic, doesn't it? A realm of magic, prophecies, and hidden wonders."

The juxtaposition of this fantastical name with the very real and tangible presence of Lira and the library added another layer of intrigue to the enigma that had become his life. The boundaries between fiction and reality continued to blur, leaving Ryūken with a sense of awe and curiosity that drove him deeper into the mysteries of the library and the woman who had entered it injured and in need of answers.

Time passed slowly in the quiet sanctuary of the library. Rain continued to pelt against the windows, creating a rhythmic backdrop to the mysteries that unfolded within its walls.

In the cozy alcove, where Ryūken had carefully placed her, Lira stirred. Her eyelids fluttered open, and she slowly became aware of her surroundings. Beneath the suit jacket that covered her, she felt warm and safe. As her senses fully awakened, she realized she was not alone. Ryūken sat nearby, his gaze fixed in the air.

With a soft groan, Lira shifted into a sitting position, her gaze moving from the library to the man before her. She was still cautious, her memories of their earlier encounter fresh in her mind. However, the passing moments had given her a chance to gather her thoughts and consider her next move in this intricate dance of knowledge and intrigue.

Upon hearing Lira's voice, Ryūken turned his attention to her with a warm and genuine smile. He was relieved that she had awakened, and a sense of gratitude washed over him for her return to consciousness.

"I'm glad you're awake," he said, his tone gentle and welcoming.

Lira's fear and uncertainty still weighed heavily on her, and she couldn't shake the residual effects of Ryūken's earlier menacing aura. She wrapped her arms around herself in a self-soothing gesture, as if trying to shield herself from the unease that had settled in her mind.

Ryūken, seeing her distress, decided to give her some space and time to regain her composure. He remained seated nearby, his gaze filled with understanding and empathy, ready to listen when she was ready to share her thoughts and concerns. Ryūken couldn't help but feel a sense of confusion as he observed Lira's fearful and guarded demeanor. He had genuinely tried to reassure her.

As he sat nearby, he pondered the reasons behind her fear and reluctance to trust him.

As Ryūken was about to speak, the library's massive front door creaked open, revealing a group of heavily cloaked individuals. The cloaked figures that had entered the library were a haunting sight, their appearance carefully designed to evoke an aura of menace and intimidation. Their cloaks were dark as night, made of thick, heavy fabric that shrouded their bodies entirely.

Each cloak was hooded, casting deep shadows over their faces, rendering their features hidden and indistinguishable. The hoods were pulled low, concealing their eyes and creating an eerie, hollow effect. No glimpses of skin or hair were visible; they were like specters emerging from the depths of darkness.

The figures moved with a deliberate and synchronized grace, their steps measured and silent. Gloved hands emerged from the folds of their cloaks, wrapped tightly around objects that remained concealed from view.

Ryūken couldn't help but reflect on the unexpected arrival of the cloaked group, and he muttered to himself, "I really wasn't expecting guests like these."

He observed their secretive and somewhat menacing appearance, noting the resemblance they bore to the villains often depicted in manga and manhwa stories he had read in the past. While Ryūken noted the menacing appearance of the cloaked figures, Lira's reaction was distinct. Fear gripped her heart as she considered how these mysterious individuals had managed to track her down to the library.

Her thoughts raced, and her mind was filled with questions. How had they found her? What did they want from her? The pursuit by the Obsidian Circle and her fugitive status had left her accustomed to danger, but this encounter had taken an unexpected and unsettling turn.

Ryūken turned to Lira and spoke softly. "Stay here, I'll go and see what they want."

He approached the counter where the cloaked figures had gathered, the hooded figures casting eerie shadows in the dimly lit library.

Ryūken, standing behind the counter, greeted the cloaked figures with a polite but guarded demeanor. "Welcome," he began, "Is there anything I can help you with?"

The cloaked figures remained silent for a moment, and then one of them produced a tattered poster from beneath their cloak. The image on the poster left Ryūken stunned.

The wanted poster displayed a striking image of Lira, capturing her distinctive blue eyes and short, ebony hair. Beneath her portrait, bold letters declared:

WANTED

Name: Lira Delacour

Reward: 100,000 Gold Crowns

The substantial reward offered for information leading to her capture was a staggering sum, enough to entice even the most reluctant informant. The figures surrounding the counter remained silent, their intentions shrouded in mystery, as they awaited Ryūken's response.

"NANI!?"

End of Chapter 3