Demon King: Hero, don’t run away!

Arriving at the western gate of the All Things Library, after paying the Detention Fee, Yang Yu and his companions passed through the towering walls, walked along the long path, and entered the city area of the All Things Library.

Unlike the previous visit, the streets were a bit less lively, more deserted.

Many shops hung white banners, as if mourning something.

Even the floating airships that typically displayed advertisements were draped with white cloths, slowly flying across the sky.

In such an atmosphere, Yang Yu quickly linked it to the information that the All Things Library had sent personnel to aid the Trent Republic, realizing what was going on.

”Don’t ask. And don’t speak carelessly.”

With a reminder, Yang Yu led his companions towards the second towering wall of the All Things Library.

The first tall wall only required a sufficient Detention Fee to pass through, but the second tall wall needed a Library membership to enter.

To move freely, when Yang Yu and his companions left the All Things Library, they canceled their Library membership along the way.

For Yang Yu and his companions, re-entering wasn’t difficult.

Last time, when Yang Yu brought Bai Jin to the All Things Library for further study, the Library waived their exams, allowing them to become temporary members directly.

However, this temporary membership became invalid once Yang Yu and his companions left the All Things Library again.

To regain it, they needed someone’s help.

Yang Yu asked Bai Jin to reconnect with Tico via the Crystal Ball.

A large blue Mage hat soon appeared on the Crystal Ball, under which was a finely dressed slender girl, her silver-white long hair resting casually on her shoulders, with a faint touch of sorrow in her otherwise listless expression.

Seeing Bai Jin appear in the Crystal Ball, Tico forced a smile:

”Long time no see.

Bai Jin, what brings you here?”

Before Bai Jin could respond, Yang Yu squeezed into the Crystal Ball’s view to greet her:

”Long time no see, Tico.

The rescue team sent to aid the Trent Republic is back... right?

I can roughly understand why you are sad.

The Demon Clan is our common enemy, and I have some matters I wish to discuss directly with the Elder Council.

To resolve the Demon King’s invasion.

We’re at the west gate, could you notify the Elder Council for us and guide us into the All Things Library?”

After taking a few deep breaths to calm her emotions, Tico gently replied ”Okay,” and then cut off the connection.

Yang Yu did not have Bai Jin contact Tico again and just waited quietly on the spot.

About twenty minutes later, Tico appeared in their view.

Tico was known as a once-in-a-century genius of the All Things Library, not just evident in her data panel but also in her control over Magic.

Using Flying Magic, Tico’s landing was flawless, with not a bit of Magic Power wasted.

Tico held the edge of her oversized Mage hat, which completely shielded her face, and, being considerably taller than she was on her first visit to the All Things Library, Yang Yu couldn’t see any expression on Tico from above.

”The Elder Council has agreed to meet with you, come with me,” Tico said.

”Thanks, Tico.”

Without saying much, Yang Yu led his companions into the All Things Library to meet the elders in the conference room.

Upon teleporting to the Elder Council’s site, Yang Yu and his companions met Baronaco Xilo.

Even after two to three years, Baronaco Xilo showed no signs of aging, looking about thirty, wearing a large purple Mage hat, with dark blue hair curling up at the ends to form a hook, her purple-red long skirt slightly split on one side, revealing a touch of white.

A name tag pinned to her chest unlike those of the Advanced Members, had a blooming cherry blossom, each petal of the cherry blossom in different colors: pink, white, red, blue, and orange, arranged clockwise from the top.

Below the name tag, there was a white cloth strip about half a palm wide.

Baronaco seemed surprised to see Yang Yu and his group, ”I didn’t expect to see you here...”

Halfway through her words, Baronaco suddenly realized something:

”I see, your arrival prompted the hasty meeting...

I have heard about your capture of the Snow Woman of the Four Heavenly Kings. I admire your strategy and courage.

Visiting the hall of treasures without a purpose, I can mostly guess your reason for coming here.

Not only me, but others should have realized it too.

... This period is disadvantageous for you.”

After speaking, Baronaco glanced at Tico who had followed along without explaining further and stepped into the Array to head to the Elder Council.

”I’ll escort you this far! If you need any help, come find me after everything is over.” Tico said, pressing her blue Mage hat lower as she quickly walked past Yang Yu.

Yang Yu turned and grabbed Tico’s shoulder,

”Tico, although I roughly understand what happened, I’m not sure of the specifics.

I want to tell you...

This is the brutality of war.

You might have heard that I’ve intervened in wars between two countries and witnessed a lot of the cruelty of Death...”

Yang Yu could feel Tico’s small shoulders slightly trembling.

”If it’s so cruel...

Why is there still war?

Even now, many are fighting on the frontline, risking their lives in battle.

Why must there be fighting, leading to life or death situations?

I once thought war was far away, that the All Things Library would always remain neutral, never caught up in various disputes.

In Latis’s tales, war was depicted as something glorious. I even fantasized about manipulating the elements in a war...

But...

Why...”

Tico’s voice, trying to sound strong, began to choke.

Yang Yu was about to answer Tico’s question when Qiuye stepped forward to Tico, embraced her:

”Because we have no choice.

Everyone has their Persistence and ideals.

And everyone’s Persistence and ideals may unintentionally harm others.

The peace I envision is where everyone steps back a bit when encountering each other’s Persistence and ideals, making compromises to avoid hurting one another.

Knowing it will harm others yet persisting in one’s beliefs and ideals recklessly may lead to conflict.

I believe that when you are harmed, endless tolerance will only encourage the other party to take advantage, strengthening their belief they are right.

Taking up arms and rising to fight back is not a shameful act.

I don’t know why the Demon Clan attacked, but their actions have devastated this world.

Those who stand out do so to prevent what they value from being harmed.”

Tico remained silent, seemingly enduring something desperately, tears welling in her eyes.

Yang Yu slowly moved his hand away from Tico’s shoulder.

Having experienced similar situations, Qiuye was better suited to comfort Tico than he was.