Epilogue

"We're here, this is Orent. It's your first time, right?"

I didn't need to be told. Where Shuren is pointing, there are castle gates so high you have to look up, and lively voices can be heard from within.

"Your sister belongs to the Royal Star Vein Research Institute, right? If you go there, you might at least find a lead."

"I've got business over that way, so this is where we part. But if there's anything you don't know, just ask the blue-haired one at the big library in the center. If they give you trouble, just say 'Shuren sent me'! Well then, see ya around!"

With that, Shuren left. A whirlwind of a woman. Before I could even say thank you, she ran off, the short spear on her back swaying. Her long reddish-brown scarf fluttered in the wind.

Looking around again, it's definitely a city. There are so many people. And in the center, there is a particularly tall tower shaped like a star. Is that the rumored Star Ring Tower?

Heading toward the center, I saw a large library. Its ancient exterior and the sheer number of books packed inside like sardines brought a surge of excitement similar to discovering an unknown dungeon.

Peering inside—there she was. Clearly conspicuous light-blue hair. Is that the person Shuren mentioned?

I called out, "Excuse me." The eyes focused on a book as thick as an old dictionary slowly looked up, long eyelashes fluttering.

Elise spoke up timidly.

"Shuren told me... Um, would the research records of the Royal Star Vein Research Institute be kept here...?"

As soon as she heard the name Shuren, Sophia put a hand to her forehead and sighed.

"...They're here. Public research is required to be open to the general public. Foreigners aren't allowed in, but there's a dedicated booth."

"...I'll show you. Follow me."

"Are you an acquaintance of Shuren? ...I see. Well, that sounds like something Shuren would do."

After hearing Elise's story, Sophia looked strangely convinced.

"What are you looking for? You don't look like a researcher."

"...My sister? ...Gracia Bradley."

She rolled the name around in her mouth, pronouncing it as if to confirm. Does she know her?

"You're that person's sister? ...You do look like her. She came here several times to store records."

Sophia pulled a thick book from the shelf as she spoke.

"This is it. I don't know the contents, but she was a dedicated researcher. Taking it out is strictly forbidden, so keep that in mind. No lending either."

Saying only that, Sophia walked away briskly. She must be busy.

Sitting in a chair, Elise opened the book on the desk. The thick book was slightly yellowed, and when opened, a unique scent filled her nostrils.

Author: Gracia Bradley I record my research results here. While not exhaustive, I intend to list them in chronological order as much as possible.

Following that was a long list of dates and titles, along with illustrations and hypotheses, with research results recorded over hundreds of pages in a conversational tone.

As is well known, the Star Veins are the flow of Aether. The remarkable development of cities in recent years is due to the exploitation of these Star Veins as a source of magical energy. But is this finite? The Star Veins have been stable for the past few centuries, but if they are infinite, there must be a source of supply.

(Omitted)

I am currently staying in the Ceres Federation. The flow of the Star Veins here is abnormally thick. A culture of Hero Selection is rooted here; is there some connection?

(Omitted)

I cannot write it here, but a terrifying hypothesis has occurred to me. No, it is likely nothing more than a delusion. If I said such a thing, I would be mocked by the academy. I am heading toward the Nereis Sea next. I hope to learn something there. I pray that the nightmare remains just a nightmare.

The journal ended there. The date was exactly a little over a year ago.