Year 471 of the New Era Calendar, March 7.
Southern Continent, Time Seal Maintenance Authority Headquarters, sixth floor of the library. A solemn, indifferent voice rang out from the relief guard at the main doors:
"Name?"
"Yuan Cheng."
"Age?"
"Twenty-nine."
"Gender?"
"Male."
Once the customary verification was complete, the dust-sealed doors slowly opened before the returning man, revealing the vast space within. Towering bookshelves were packed with ancient tomes, like a place where history slept. A solemn air washed over him.
At the very back, Saint, who had been napping in a recliner before the enormous floor-to-ceiling window, turned around and looked over. "It's only been a little over two months. You're back already?"
"Because the work was finished."
Yuan Cheng turned and glared at the doors behind him, complaining helplessly. "Why do I have to go through such a weird process every time I come in, Teacher? It's so embarrassing."
"Probably to honor our predecessors. The old ways must not be changed. You'll get used to it."
Saint grinned. He was already several centuries old, yet the face that looked even younger than Yuan Cheng's remained just as flippant, leaving Yuan Cheng increasingly helpless.
Ah, here it went again. That bizarre sense of humor...
At times like this, he could not keep making small talk. Otherwise, before he knew it, the entire afternoon would be gone. More importantly, he had brought crucial news.
His expression turned grave as he prepared to speak, only to hear his teacher ask, "The mediation succeeded?"
Yuan Cheng froze.
"You knew, Teacher?"
"Who told you to walk in with that goofy grin on your face? It wasn't hard to guess." Saint smiled. "The result was good, I assume?"
"The Southern Continent Alliance and the New Era Allied Nations have signed a peace agreement."
Yuan