In just a few moments, Stobel's figure had become even more blurred—everything around him had become more blurred, like a mist in the morning light, rapidly dissipating.

Ed quickly drew simple patterns on the paper, writing Lockburg and the Archmage's Tower, marking the altar in the center of Lockburg and a big question mark in the center of the Archmage's Tower.

He looked up and was pleased to see Stobel's thoughtful eyes...... But maybe it was just his delusion, because Stobel was almost completely gone.

But before disappearing, he nodded to Ed, as if he understood something.

In the blink of an eye, the Archmage Tower was finally gone—along with all the people in it. Ed stood blankly on top of the clearing, looking around blankly, and then looked down at his ink-stained fingers, and couldn't help but smile bitterly.

He sincerely hoped that the reminder he had given to Stallbel would be useful, and for a short time, he could only think of that. But on second thought, Stobel should have known the similarities between the two places before he did...... After all, the map of Lockburg is no secret.

Only now, no matter what happens on the other side, he is powerless...... Everything can only be done on Stobel himself.

He should probably say "good luck" to him.

.

Stobel stared at where Ed had disappeared. Of course he knew the similarities between Lockburg and the Archmage Tower—he probably knew more about that castle than anyone else, but the Archmage Tower...... He probably doesn't know as much as he thinks he does.

The gray-blue robe came into view. The mage looked up and saw Fernand's face with suppressed anger. They didn't have a bad relationship, but as the library's administrator, Fernand had the right to be angry at Stobel's blatant violation of the rules.

“...... I accept any punishment. "But not now." ”

Fernand was silent for a moment, then waved his hand at the mage behind him.

You'd better remember that. He said.

Stobel smiled: "Even if I don't remember, you won't forget, right?"

Fernand snorted, and there was a slight smile in his eyes.

"What are your plans?" he asked.

He doesn't take part in the power struggle within the Archmage's Tower - he's happy with his position. But that doesn't mean that he is inexplicably transferred to another dimension like this, and he can not care about it.

No one likes to be faced with such an unwarranted disaster in ignorance, and the guys who caused this situation clearly don't care about his feelings...... He's fed up with this kind of hubris.

"You know this place better than I do. Stobel pondered, "If two intersecting lines are pulled out between the four towers...... The center will be somewhere in the library. ”

Fernand was a little puzzled: "...... Isn't that what everyone can see?"

Stobel smiled wryly and let out a long sigh.

Maybe that's why...... They don't see what really matters.

.

In the center of the library hall there is a circular area, slightly sunken, like an indoor square, outside this area, countless bookshelves stretch out neatly, as if the light from the rising sun, and in the middle of this area, on the low stone platform, a huge crystal ball is half suspended.

It's not purely ornamental. During the day it absorbs the sunlight that pours in from the skylight at the top, and at night it rises like another round of the sun, casting a bright and soft glow in every corner of the hall.

It's a miracle for ordinary people...... But it's actually a very simple spell.

This thing is for lighting – its usefulness is so obvious that everyone rightfully thinks so, unconsciously ignoring many things.

And at this moment, looking at his own shadow cast on the crystal ball, Stobel was ashamed of his stupidity.

"Don't tell me you want to smash it. Fernand said warily.

- If only it were that simple.

Stobel narrowed his eyes, scrutinizing the crystal ball he had never actually looked at seriously. It was still daytime, and even though the sky above them was already dark, the crystal ball had not yet risen.

It hung quietly and half-hung here, looking even a little gray, as if there was a faint smoke filling it, far from being as clear and transparent as usual...... Anyway, is it really "crystal clear"? Stormel can't remember it at all, and Fernand isn't much better than him.

After a brief moment of embarrassment, Fernand sent for a skinny little trainee mage.

"He's usually in charge of cleaning the area, including the crystal ball. He said.

If something was wrong, this humble little mage would probably be able to spot it faster than they did.

The trainee mage was a little nervous, but calm, and under the gaze of the two archmages who he usually could only bow quickly and not even have the possibility of saying a word, he only hesitated for a moment before pointing out the difference he saw.

"This crystal ball," he said, "could not have seen its own shadow from its surface before. ”

It absorbs and emits light...... But it doesn't reflect.

"Mirror......" Stobel muttered.

He and Fernand looked at each other, and they both thought of a possibility almost at the same time.

“...... It's good," Fernan said, "at least you don't have to actually smash it." ”

He seemed genuinely glad he was there, and Stobel couldn't help but shake his head and smile.

"Do you want to come along?" he asked.

Fernand shrugged helplessly as he looked back at the mages around him who didn't dare to get too close, didn't want to get too far away, and huddled in a circle to probe their brains.

"I'd better watch these chicks. "If you need help...... Someone better suited than me. ”

.

There are infinite worlds in infinite space and time, large or small, which are just born one moment or destroyed the next. There are very few beings who can freely traverse through it, and at this moment, a world that has appeared quietly has not yet been discovered.

It's so small, it's as small as the fine foam left between the gravel when the waves crash onto the beach, fragile and inconspicuous, and disappear in an instant.

But for those who are in it, it's already staggering...... and even unspeakable fear.

Stormbell unconsciously clenched his cane, not daring to take a single step. The ground under his feet was as smooth as a mirror, clearly reflecting his figure, but like a breeze on the surface of the water, rippling in circles from time to time. The golden light shimmered in it, like the sun shining on the lake in the early morning.

It's water......

For some reason, he thought, he wasn't surprised.

.