"Now then," Tet announced as he entered the room, drawing the attention of everyone present. The massive owl moved to the coffee table, lifting one taloned foot to reveal a silver anklet adorned with red and green gemstones. As the gems emitted a soft glow, items began to materialize, such as single rolled-up scrolls, a neat stack of books, and a particularly ancient-looking, double-rolled parchment.
"This is the early design patent for the Martial Dolls," Tet said, his talon gently tapping the aged scroll. "These are the basic spellcraft manuals," he continued, motioning toward the stack of books. "And finally, these scrolls contain foundational martial enhancements and scribe crafts available within the archives."
Cynthia assessed the collection with a discerning eye. With a subtle gesture, she signaled Opal, who stepped forward and held her storage ring over the table. A faint glow enveloped the items, and they vanished into the ring's spatial space.
"Thank you, Tet. I will make good use of these resources," Cynthia said, offering a nod of appreciation.
"I am always happy to be of service, Councilwoman," Tet replied. His keen gaze caught the shift in Cynthia's focus, and he turned to see what had captivated her. "Ah, I see the Councilwoman has an eye for Mystic Paintings," he remarked, his voice carrying a hint of amusement.
The painting in question hung on the wall, depicting a fearsome creature soaring through a stormy sky. Its serpentine body coiled gracefully among dark clouds, obsidian-black scales catching flashes of lightning. Gold arcane markings glowed softly along its form, lending a mystical aura. The creature's regal head, adorned with sharp, horn-like crests, gazed forward with amber eyes. Ethereal fins trailed behind, leaving a shimmering path through the darkened heavens. The painting's tempestuous backdrop, rendered in deep indigos and violets, amplified the creature's majesty and menace.
"My curiosity is piqued," Cynthia admitted. "What exactly is it?"
"A Sky Leviathan," Tet responded, "and this painting was created by A warlock called Leonardo da Vinci. He claimed to have witnessed such a sight. Considering how rare it is for someone to survive an encounter with a Leviathan, much less immortalize it in art, his achievement is nothing short of extraordinary."
"Indeed," Cynthia mused, stepping closer to examine the painting's intricate details. "Yet, there's something... alive about it. It feels as if the painting itself breathes."
"Well observed," Tet said, joining her at the painting. "It is, after all, a Mystic Painting. They are exceedingly rare. Unless one resides in Lumenoth, encountering such a piece is almost unheard of."
"Does that mean all paintings of this caliber are housed in Lumenoth?" Cynthia asked, her curiosity deepening.
"All but one," Tet confirmed. "Ironically, the sole exception is a more polished and refined version of this very painting. Da Vinci gifted it to the Zhou Emperor to commemorate a thousand years of prosperity for his nation around two hundred years ago."
"I see. So, the decision to keep these treasures in Lumenoth was it deliberate?"
"Precisely. The artists who create Mystic Paintings chose to keep them within the city, and none have opposed this decision," Tet explained, his tone solemn.
Cynthia absorbed this information thoughtfully. "I understand. In any case, I bid you farewell for now. Your assistance is deeply appreciated."
"It was this venerable one's pleasure, Councilwoman," Tet said with a dignified bow.
After leaving the library, Cynthia descended the grand staircase to the library's entrance. "Raha," she called out. Moments later, the carriage appeared, gliding smoothly to a halt before her. Opal opened the door, and she and Jennifer followed Cynthia inside. Once they were settled, Cynthia gave her command. "To the World Teleportation Center."
"Understood," the carriage replied as it set into motion.
Cynthia turned to Jennifer, her gaze steady. "Ensure you collect everything from the lab. Leave nothing behind."
"Understood, Young Miss," Jennifer responded.
"Give me your hand," Cynthia instructed, extending her own. Jennifer obeyed, and a soft glow enveloped their joined hands. A gray-hued sigil, shaped like a key, appeared on the back of Jennifer's hand.
"With this mark, simply place your hand on the door, and it will grant you access to the lab," Cynthia explained as the carriage slowed to a stop.
"We have arrived," Opal announced, stepping out to hold the door open.
"Go quickly. I will be waiting," Cynthia said to Jennifer, who exited with a respectful nod.
"I shall return, Young Miss," Jennifer replied before disappearing into the building. Opal re-entered the carriage, closing the door behind her as they moved off.
As the carriage wound through the city streets, Cynthia's attention was caught by an unusual structure protruding from a nearby building. "Raha, where are we?"
"We are passing Councilman Kepler's Department of Study," the carriage answered.
"And what is that object sticking out of the building? Do you know its purpose?" Cynthia asked.
"I believe it is called a telescope," Raha replied. "While I am not entirely certain of its function, I have heard through passing conversations that it allows one to see far into the distant sky."
"A telescope..." Cynthia repeated, her interest evident. "I will need to return another time to learn more."
"Whenever you are ready. Councilwoman. Simply call, and I shall come," Raha assured her.
Cynthia leaned back into her seat, her mind already turning with possibilities, her gaze still fixed on the enigmatic device that promised a glimpse into the vast, uncharted heavens.