After gaining the dark guild's trust, Elysian and Astra walked the twisting streets of the capital back toward their quarters. He had successfully established himself within the guild, and with access to its secrets, his plans were accelerating. This world's knowledge gaps, especially in forbidden arts, would allow him to reintroduce lost magic on his own terms.
The following morning, as dawn's light broke through the curtains, Astra was already awake, standing by his bedside. She'd begun to adopt the habits of an attentive partner, watching over him as he rested.
"Master, the guild leader mentioned their archives. Shall we examine them today?" she inquired, her tone calm but eager.
Elysian nodded, stretching slightly. "Indeed. The archives likely contain remnants of lost magic, and I suspect they might hold records of the Demon Lord's time."
Aria's voice chimed in his mind, reminding him, "Master, the dark guild's motives remain unclear. While you've shown dominance, caution is still advised."
With his cloak over his shoulders, Elysian and Astra set out for the guild's hidden archives. Upon arrival, the guild leader greeted them, leading them into the depths of their stronghold. They traversed dimly lit corridors until reaching a heavily enchanted door guarded by two sentries.
The guild leader gestured for Elysian to step forward. "Our archives hold ancient tomes, lost spells, and knowledge that dates back to the Era of the Demon Lord. With your skills, you may even decipher what we could not."
As Elysian and Astra entered, they were struck by the room's grandeur. Rows of bookshelves stretched high, containing scrolls, potions, and artifacts, all bearing the dark symbols of forbidden magic. Elysian sensed the weight of history within the room; it was a treasure trove, filled with relics of power long forgotten by the world.
Astra's eyes sparkled as she examined the items lining the shelves. "Master, it's incredible… So much knowledge from another age."
Elysian carefully selected a tome, its cover worn with age. He began flipping through it, immediately recognizing the spellwork and symbols from his time as the game's top player. The text detailed powerful, ancient spells that could only be controlled by someone of his expertise.
Astra watched closely, and Elysian took the opportunity to explain the intricacies of these spells. He noticed her attentive gaze, her thirst for knowledge matching his own. This was more than he had anticipated; Astra's understanding had surpassed any homunculus he had ever encountered.
"Master," Astra said softly, "it is an honor to learn these things from you."
Elysian smiled, placing a hand on her shoulder. "You're more than a creation, Astra. Together, we'll reshape this world."
Hours passed as they combed through the guild's records, collecting valuable information. Elysian found several texts about the Demon Lord, hidden artifacts, and hints of powerful, lost weapons. One particular entry mentioned an ancient relic that had been crafted to channel the power of the Demon Lord himself—a weapon capable of suppressing entire armies with ease.
As he absorbed each piece of information, Aria helped catalog it, suggesting which artifacts might be useful for specific spells or combat strategies. His options were multiplying, and he could feel the weight of his growing influence pressing down on him.
Elysian gathered a few select scrolls, preparing to leave the archives, when the guild leader appeared at the entrance. "I trust you found something of value?" he asked, his tone respectful but still wary.
Elysian met his gaze steadily. "Indeed. I'll make good use of this knowledge, as I'm sure you will as well."
The leader nodded, his expression carefully neutral. "Then I hope our alliance will prove mutually beneficial."
As Elysian and Astra made their way back through the city, he considered the secrets he had uncovered. With the guild's support and access to forbidden knowledge, he was building a foundation upon which to reshape this world.
When they reached their quarters, Elysian reviewed the information with Astra, sharing his thoughts on each spell and artifact. Astra listened intently, offering her insights, her intelligence continuing to impress him.
As they prepared for their next steps, Elysian felt the power of the Dark Era swelling within him. His journey was just beginning, and with allies like Astra and resources like the dark guild, he was ready to face any challenge that lay ahead.