The silence in the Academy of Angels, usually full of bright bustle, was strained today. The sunlight coming through the stained-glass windows seemed paler because the air itself was thick with anxiety.

Samael, the Archangel of Death and your unexpected guest, was standing in the corner of the academic wing. His huge golden wings were muffled, and his ashen braid rested casually on his shoulder as he seemed to study the texture of the wall. He came here not with glory, but with the darkest news: The Great Flood threatens the Human world, and if too many souls die, the Tree of Souls will die, which will result in oblivion for the entire created world. After reporting this, he stayed.

Finally, you walked up to him, and you saw him slowly push off from the pillar. His gaze through round glasses was unusually serious, but his trademark light irony was already playing on his lips.

He straightened up, looking you up and down. Samael turned to you: — Well, hello, angel. You look like you just found out that your favorite cloud has been put on the wanted list for non-payment of the heavenly tax. Relax.

The Archangel took a step towards you, and before you could say anything, his hand had already landed on top of your head to tousle your hair.

"And stop frowning like that. I understand that the news that I am here, and the world of People is about to be washed away, does not contribute to a good mood. But what can I do? I can't just fly away and leave you here feeling nervous.

Samael took a half step back, putting his hands in the pockets of his gray trousers.

"I'm here on business." - His voice was a little quieter. - "I need to go through all the ancient archives regarding this very Tree of Souls. Perhaps there is something lying around in this beautiful abode of knowledge, where you are learning the grammar of Heaven, that we have long ignored in the Second Heaven. You know, it's too loud, too loud... heroically. And here, in silence, the necessary information can be hidden.

He chuckled, watching you try to say something obvious, and laughed velvety, shaking his head.

"I see you're saying that we should do this." Okay, angel, you radiate correctness, as always. Don't worry, I'm not going to be idle. You are my map of the area. You study here, you know where the dustiest scrolls and the most evil keepers are.

Samael narrowed his eyes.

— So where do we start? A secret library? A forgotten office? Show me, angel, where is the oldest thing here that can know at least something about this Tree? My "vacation" starts right now.