Chapter 654: The Main Library [Part 2]
Through the translucent flooring of the levels above, he could see flashes of activity- floating platforms gliding between shelves, students suspended in mid-air as they consulted high-reaching archives, and flickering golden orbs that seemed to act as guides.
"The second floor," the librarian continued, leading him past a central circular atrium, "...covers ten floors that are called subfloors, extending up until the twelfth floor.
"It is dedicated to advanced research-alchemy, soul-tech theory, and the study of rifts. It's a restricted area, accessible only to those with the proper clearance."
Northern glanced at the grand spiral staircase that twisted its way upward through the atrium like a helix of light and steel.
He could feel the faint hum of soul essence emanating from it.
The steps themselves glowed faintly, as if reacting to those who ascended them. Along the handrails were engravings of symbols that pulsed gently, as though alive, like those he had observed in the wooden city-only these were carved on metals.
"And the third floor?" Northern asked, his voice steady but curious.
The librarian paused, a flicker of something-hesitation, perhaps-crossing his expression. He drew a breath and spoke:
"The third floor is the Archive of the Stars. It houses the most ancient and powerful texts in existence, including records of the constellations and their associated churches."
His voice dropped slightly, becoming almost reverent.
"Few are granted access, as the knowledge there is said to hold the power to alter the course of the world, very positively or negatively."
Northern's eyes narrowed slightly, the mention of the constellations piquing his interest. A small smile crossed his face before he asked, "The first floor is just one floor, the second floor is ten floors, and the third floor is one floor too?"
"The third floor to all the topmost floors are all ten subfloors each."
Northern raised a brow. "I find it baffling that a floor dedicated to history only has one floor, while the others have ten each."
'I had thought that the academy was going to be a repository specially for history, but this is disappointing,' Northern thought, his eyes reflecting slight disappointment.
The librarian chuckled, his eyes concealing something.
Usually, no student would notice. But Northern wasn't just a chronic observer; he could also peer into one's soul for the truth of their emotion.
Although it was not as vivid as an actual ability personalized for it, deceit didn't exactly work with him.
'He's definitely hiding something.'
If Northern was right, this would mean there was more to history than the public was being shown, and the academy was probably hiding it.
This speculation had a terrifying potential to make things much more interesting for Northern.
The librarian's voice continued, nonetheless:
"The fourth and fifth floors are dedicated to the academy's faculty. They contain research chambers, private collections, and rare manuscripts. Beyond that..."
The librarian gave a wry smile.
"Even I don't know what lies on the uppermost floors. It's said they're reserved for the Head Librarian and a select few."
On the floor, a glowing pathway occasionally appeared beneath their feet, guiding visitors to specific sections of the library.
Northern briefly wondered if the pathway reacted to intent or if it was tied to some form of authorization.
They reached a corner of the first floor where a series of alcoves were embedded into the walls.
Each alcove contained a translucent pedestal holding a single book or artifact. The librarian stopped before one of them, gesturing to an ancient tome encased in shimmering energy. "These," he explained, "are artifacts from the Age of Constellations. Each one carries immense historical significance of the constellations. Students are allowed to study them under supervision, but only after proving their worth."
Northern frowned at the alcove the man stood in front of and shifted his gaze to the librarian. "I'm sorry... the Age of Constellations?"
He had read several history books and heard of several ages, but he had never heard of 'the Age of Constellations.'
"Oh... it's not strange that you do not know about the Age of Constellations," the man said, releasing a charming smile. "Several people don't. So, I get that look of surprise almost every time."
He took a moment to breathe before continuing:
"The Age of Constellations, in simple words, I'd describe it as the age before drifters."
Northern's eyes widened.
"What?"
'There's a thing like that?!' His mind trembled in cold shock.
Northern leaned slightly closer to the pedestal, his eyes scanning the flowing script on the book's cover. It seemed to ripple and shift, the words refusing to settle into a language he could fully comprehend.
It was nothing like he had ever seen, not even like the runic words he was studying in Sura's
rift!
The librarian cleared his throat, drawing Northern's attention back.
"You can learn more about it, but you have to be permitted to touch those."
He smiled and continued walking.
"Now," he said, adjusting his glasses, "you mentioned you were here to see the Head Librarian?"
"Yes," Northern replied, his tone clipped. "I was told to collect the key and location."
"Sent... sent by whom exactly?" the librarian asked with a sharp gaze lusting to rip Northern's
soul out.
"Professor Heimburger."
"Professor Heimburger?!" The librarian repeated, his mouth almost dropping to the ground.
A second later, he readjusted his composure, shifting his glasses slightly as he nodded. "You'll find the Head Librarian on the second floor. She oversees all administrative matters related to the library, including office allocations."
Northern inclined his head in acknowledgment.
"Thank you for the tour," he said, his tone carrying little warmth.
The librarian chuckled softly.
"You'll find this library has far more to offer than mere books, young man. Take the time to
explore. You may discover things you never expected."
Northern didn't respond, already heading toward the glowing staircase that spiraled upward
to the second floor.
His mind, however, was already racing.
This library, with its vast knowledge and hidden secrets, so far surpassed his expectations in
leaps and bounds.
What interested him the most were the pages of history that must have been taken away from
the public eye.
Northern was sure they existed.
'Every library always has those, right? All I have to do is search for it!'
He finally stopped in front of an opaque glass door, brandishing a clean ashen tag that read:
HEAD LIBRARIAN.
He knocked on the door twice and peacefully waited for the person to respond.
After a couple of beats, the door opened soundlessly, revealing a young lady that made
Northern's eyes slowly widen.
'It's about time I met you.'