Valeria locked the heavy oak door of her bedroom. She needed absolute silence. The courtyard below was buzzing with the combined energy of the White Lotus Paladins and the Bear militia. They were preparing for the inevitable next wave of shadow beasts. But wars were not won solely with swords and holy fire. They were won with information.
She sat cross-legged on the plush rug near her fireplace. She took a deep breath and closed her eyes. She focused on the familiar weight of the system interface resting in her mind.
[System Library: Open.]
The transition was instantaneous. The sounds of the manor faded away. The smell of woodsmoke and winter air was replaced by the comforting scent of dry parchment, old leather, and polished mahogany. Valeria opened her eyes inside her mental sanctuary.
The Grand Atrium of the Library usually looked like a pristine cathedral of knowledge. Today it looked like a crime scene.
