The central outer district was already settling into its morning rhythm.
The same older souls moved toward the archives and clinics, maintaining the same quiet, unhurried pace as yesterday.
But Bruce noticed something different.
As they walked, he caught sight of the tracker in the dark gray coat following them at a careful distance.
The man was good—good enough that Bruce had to deliberately search for him to confirm his presence. Without Caelen's warning and the party's shared vigilance, Bruce might have overlooked him entirely.
The Library's low, broad building soon came into view.
Bruce slowed slightly as they approached the entrance.
The green-sashed B-rank soul who had admitted them yesterday was still stationed there. The soul looked up and nodded when they approached.
"Sponsored party. Returning."
"Returning."
"Seal still valid."
"Still valid."
"Then in you go. Same portal, same rules."
They passed through.
Bruce glanced back once before entering the main hall.
