Chapter 699

Chapter 699: A Return to the Library

"That was great," Vereesa lightly tapped her forehead and said, "I couldn’t believe I had overlooked this. However, I think only Kirin Tor Mages studying demons or Black Magic can apply for permission to enter that area. Amy, were you interested?"

Amy explained, "When I returned from Nethergarde, I thought about helping Jesse restore his reputation, so I wrote a lot based on my experiences fighting demons there and used those records to apply for access to that area. But now it wasn’t needed anymore. I knew back then that Jesse didn’t need my help and would prove everything on his own."

"Thank you for still thinking about me, Amy," Jesse said.

"Your words are enough," Amy smiled and said, "Now it seems my efforts weren’t wasted, right? But for magical tracking, I need a magical item linked to the target. Can I know that person’s name?"

"It’s Dar’Khan Drathir," Vereesa responded.

"I’ve heard of him. If I remember right, he’s a high-ranking Magus. Are you planning to…"

"Tracking a Magus is indeed risky," Vereesa explained, "so Jesse planned to trace the Sunwell’s marks instead."

"Now I get it," Amy replied.

"Amy, can you go to the Grand Library tonight?" Jesse asked. Amy said, "I can."

"Then I’ll head to the embassy district to borrow a Sunwell Aquarius," Vereesa stated.

"A Sunwell Aquarius?!" Amy exclaimed, "I thought you meant for me to use your own energy…"

Vereesa shook her head and said, "Even though I grew up in Quel’Thalas, as a Farstrider, my Sunwell aura is much weaker than a Magus’s. If I tried tracking in that library full of Quel’dorai using my energy, it would be way harder. Dar’Khan outranks most Magi; he’s been to the Sunwell Plateau, so his energy feels more distinct. Alright, I’m off to the embassy district to ask. You two wait at the Grand Library’s entrance."

"Are you sure it’s that easy to borrow?" Jesse asked.

Vereesa replied, "Magus living long-term in Dalaran likely have one."

"Then we’re counting on you, Vereesa," Jesse said.

That evening, the sky darkened bit by bit. Luckily, Dalaran’s Grand Library stayed open past midnight, and more elves came and went at night than by day.

Jesse couldn’t help wondering what Dar’Khan was reading inside. He guessed a few things, with Necromancy being the top suspect.

When he’d skimmed books earlier, he noticed the Council of Tirisfal was keen on necromantic powers. Many demons had wielded Necromancy in Azeroth, even as it grew in Dalaran.

Thinking this, he felt he might track Kel’Thuzad through Dar’Khan.

Before full dark, Vereesa hurried over. She pulled them to a quiet corner and drew a plain-looking bottle from her cloak, unsealing it.

The half-filled water sloshed, releasing such strong energy that Jesse felt dizzy.

He recalled that time in Dalaran when he first drank from a Sunwell Aquarius Vereesa gave him—he’d sensed nothing odd then. Maybe battling Teron Gorefiend had numbed him, or his Arcane sensitivity had sharpened since.

"Take this, Amy," Vereesa said.

Amy rubbed her fingers as she took the bottle. Jesse could tell she was nearly sweating in the cold. "This thing’s crushing me," the mage said.

"Same here, but you must memorize its power here, Amy," Vereesa said. "Use the method from my scroll. I can’t let you carry it into the library openly—it’d stand out too much among mages and draw trouble."

"I know," Amy said, holding the Sunwell Aquarius to her face. She shut her eyes, lips moving silently in a spell. After a moment, she gasped, "Seal it fast, Vereesa."

The ranger quickly capped the bottle. All three sighed in relief.

She scanned the area, confirmed no onlookers, then slipped the bottle into her bag, whispering, "This is precious. I barely borrowed it and must return it now. Amy, it’s your turn to shine."

Entering the Grand Library, Jesse had been guided by guards last time. A week later, he was lost, but Amy knew the way well.

She briskly led him forward. The section guard checked their rings and waved them through.

Amy showed a heavy, ornate gold ring etched with runes, its violet gem pulsing with arcane energy.

She clearly didn’t wear it daily, only for access.

Amy eyed Jesse’s silver Kirin Tor trust ring and asked in the hall, "Didn’t Master Antonidas want you in the Kirin Tor?"

"What?" Jesse asked.

"This ring’s for Kirin Tor outsiders they trust," Amy explained.

"Probably my poor Arcane talent," Jesse said, touching his ring. "I don’t fit here, Amy. You know that."

"Jesse… that test meant little. Truth is, not all Kirin Tor have talent—I learned that after joining," Amy said near tall shelves. "I can’t see why someone who fought Deathwing with magic isn’t in the Kirin Tor. Maybe Master Antonidas has his reasons."

"But this isn’t the place for that. Keep watch, Jesse. I don’t want anyone spotting me while I track magic…"