Chapter 249: Eternal Library

In the heart of the capital city lies the National Library.

This facility houses all kinds of books from the Slayers Kingdom and is divided into several sections, with the general section widely used by commoners.

While borrowing books is strictly prohibited... as long as you follow the rules, you can access most of the books for reading.

The issue arises with books that cannot be accessed without special permission.

There are books that only nobles can read, books restricted to high-ranking nobles, and books that only the royal family can read.

And beyond the section where such books are kept, there lies something even more mysterious.

Eternal Library

It is said that this place holds all the information in the world, located deep within the dungeon beneath the National Library.

Only those granted special permission by the king are allowed to set foot there, and even for those with permission, reaching it is a extremely difficult task.

In some cases, this dungeon was even more difficult than defeating the Demon Lord.

"...So, we're going to enter that dungeon now. Are you ready?"

"Of course, Zenon-sama."

At the entrance of the 'Eternal Library' in the National Library's lowest level, Aeris was the first to nod in response to my question.

"My heart is always with you, Zenon-sama. Please give me any orders you wish."

Aeris said with a gentle smile of a saintly mother.

Despite the intense panting from last night and using her melon-like chest, her expression was so pure that it was hard to believe the words of a woman who had done such things.

"Hmph..."

Next, Ciel snorted.

It was probably due to an unexpected encounter in the bath early in the morning.

Her face was incredibly displeased, and she never tried to meet my eyes.

Nevertheless, she must not have any complaints since she had come this far.

Because the life of the man she loves is at stake, she must face any danger.

"This is the 'Eternal Library'... Finally, I have managed to come here."

Staring at the entrance of the 'Eternal Library' with a tense expression is Princess Electra.

She volunteered to join my party to enter this place, and she seems to have no objections, of course.

She tightly grips her staff with a determined expression.

"It seems fine... Well then, let's confirm."

We're in the underground of the National Library, even further underground.

In a room hidden from all but a few individuals, I place my hand on the door.

The door is adorned with a magic circle-like pattern in a pale blue light. This is the entrance to the 'Eternal Library.'

"Once you enter this door, you are already inside a dungeon. And... once you enter, you cannot come out until you reach the deepest part."

That is the nature of this dungeon.

To enter the 'Eternal Library,' one need the king's permission.

And once they're inside, they can't leave without clearing the dungeon.

In a game, they could just press the reset button, but in reality, it's either clear or die.

It's like a gamble with no second chances.

"Of course, I've brought plenty of items in case of unexpected accidents. Not just healing items, but also food and a tent."

I raised my magic bag.

Inside the bag with unlimited storage space are items to deal with any situation.

But even with all the preparation, death is still a possibility in the dungeon.

"Still... there's no guarantee of coming out once you go in. If you want to go back, this is your last chance. Are you really okay with going in?"

"Enough talk, let's just go already."

Without missing a beat, Ciel interjected.

"I've heard many times that it's a dangerous place! I know you're cautious, so let's go in quickly!"

"Yes, as Ciel-san says. I also have an important reason to be here."

Electra also follows Ciel.

"I'm actually excited that my long-cherished wish is finally coming true. Please don't make me wait any longer."

"...These young ladies are quite daring."

Looking at Aeris last, a clear and transparent smile returns.

It seems too late now. I shrugged my shoulders and opened my hands.

"Alright. Then let's go in as you wish."

And... there was a door with a magic circle drawn on it, and I grabbed the doorknob.

The 'Eternal Library' consists of a total of 1024 rooms, and as soon as you open the door, you are teleported to one of them.

Inside the room, there were various incidents prepared, such as monsters, traps, treasures, and puzzles, all of which must be overcome to move to the next room.

"In some rooms, death is inevitable... well, it's only a 1 in 1024 chance."

Surely, there's no way I'd draw such a place.

With a wry smile, I... pulled the doorknob and swung the door open.

"Huh?"

"AAAAAAAAAAAAH!!"

The next moment, we were thrown into the air.

Being pulled by gravity towards the ground... no, towards the sea.

"Seriously?"

"ROOOOARRRR!"

And... in the vast sea below, a giant sea dragon was eagerly awaiting its prey to fall.

Among the 1024 rooms in the 'Eternal Library', it seemed I had drawn the biggest and worst room of all.

It appears we've stumbled upon the 'Leviathan's Room', a place that's fatal for first-timers.