Something like an entrance appeared.
Seeing her, I hesitated for a moment but quickly stepped inside. The entrance was dimly lit by magical light stones. The interior was entirely made of rock, with vines and plants growing in some spots, along with wooden structures carved into the walls.
It looked like something between a dungeon and a hideout.
Seeing the notification, I felt curious about the question mark at the end. It seemed odd and this made me stay alert.
I kept walking. The silence was eerie, the lighting was low, and the passageway was narrow, making the whole place slightly unsettling.
Luckily, I had my two companions with me. Levi, in particular, was incredibly helpful.
His small body, similar to a Wisp, glowed with a soft blue light, aiding me in observing my surroundings and moving more easily.
"Levi, help me identify any unusual mana signatures or possible traps." I commanded while sending out my mana sense, carefully scanning the area.
"Understood."
The moment I took a step forward, a strong sense of danger washed over me. Marfim quickly swung her tail, blocking a fireball from hitting me.
Looking ahead, I saw two books floating in the air.
Both had an antique design and seemed to be using some form of levitation magic. Moreover, they were capable of casting spells.
...
Protector Book - Level 26 (Fire Element)
Description: A unique type of book created as a golem to defend against intruders. It can perform magical attacks.
...
Protector Book - Level 27 (Wind Element)
Description: A unique type of book created as a golem to defend against intruders. It can perform magical attacks.
....
Following the first book's attack, the second launched a sharp wind blade at me. This time, however, my wand was already in motion, summoning a water barrier in front of us, shielding me from harm.
I didn't stop there. My left hand conjured a sphere of darkness and hurled it at one of the books.
The book reacted in time, countering my attack with its own spell. However, that only made me smile. With a graceful motion, I conjured numerous magical arrows in the air. And with a dazzling display, the arrows rained down, easily destroying the books.
"Weak resistance and low intelligence. I suppose that's expected of golems. I thought these would be different since they're free-moving, but not by much. Maybe it's due to their level."
I murmured to myself as I continued forward.
This time, I used my racial ability and magic to envelop myself in a layer of water, creating a protective shield. Maintaining it was effortless, thanks to Levi's assistance.
While not as effective as a proper skill or spell with a direct defensive effect, it was still useful. A mist began forming around me, moving in sync with my steps.
As I advanced, I encountered more of the same floating books. However, this time, I was able to detect the traces of magic within them.
Defeating them was no challenge—their combat capabilities were limited to casting the occasional spell or unleashing raw mana attacks. With Marfim assisting me, dealing with them became simple.
.....
Eventually, we found a new area.
This place looked like a mix between a library and a laboratory. Papers and various objects were scattered everywhere.
At the center of the room, I saw a man. He wore slightly worn-out clothes and a pair of cracked glasses. He seemed deeply engrossed in his work, writing something as he studied ancient records.
"Yes!! The way the Magapi race used language is fascinating! Somehow, they were able to perceive the uniqueness of magic and runes even without formal knowledge. The legend must be true—they were a race created by the universe itself to bring beauty and unravel the mysteries of magic!"
"A… such a pity that some of those selfish gods and goddesses were so determined to eradicate them."
The man—who I assumed to be the missing writer—seemed to be lamenting the past as he continued his research.
"My work will be magnificent and flawless! Even if it's not as perfect as the innate abilities of that race, it will still be extraordinary!"
"Cough, cough."
I cleared my throat to get his attention, which seemed to work.
"Ah!! Who's there?!"
Startled, he stumbled backward and accidentally pressed something.
Immediately, four books—larger and more refined than the previous ones—began floating.
One was red, another blue, one green, and the last brown.
Each book began charging a condensed elemental attack.
The red book conjured a massive fireball. The blue one formed a concentrated water arrow. The green book created an immense wind blade, sharp and deadly. The brown book summoned a giant hammer of earth and mud, heavy and ready to crush anything in its path.
"Don't move! These aren't basic spells! Even if you survive a hit, the damage will be severe!"
He warned me, sounding both threatening and concerned at the same time.
I raised my hands in a harmless gesture, though I had already sent a silent command to Marfim.
"Sir, I assume you are the writer, Lupin. I came here to help you."
I spoke as calmly as possible.
"Help me? With my research?"
His question left me momentarily speechless. But more than that, it set off alarms in my mind. The environment around me seemed to grow clearer.
"I received a quest from the Adventurer's Guild. They informed me that you had been kidnapped."
"Kidnapped? Me?! This is my hideout! I spent countless resources making sure it remained secure and that my research stayed secret! Who issued that quest?!"
He looked utterly confused, and I suddenly felt an intense headache creeping in.
"Apparently, your son."
His eyes widened in shock.
"I… I never had a son!! I have dedicated my body and soul to writing and studying language—especially the legacy left behind by my deceased friend!"
The situation had just taken a turn for the bizarre. Before I could process it, a loud explosion shattered the tense silence.
BOOM!
Something—or someone—had begun attacking the hideout from the outside.
At the same time, a system notification reached my ears.
"Oh… seriously?"
I sighed, feeling a bit exhausted.
I glanced at the quest description, which now displayed new information and objectives.