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The room trembled.
A soft vibration traveled up through the floorboards. Dust hung in the air, suspended like it had forgotten which way was down.
Celine stumbled and grabbed the nearest wall. Velgrin's eyes went wide. "What is—"
The chandelier stopped swinging.
Broken furniture began to shift. Wood splinters crawled back together with small clicking sounds. Shattered glass reassembled itself mid-air. Blood stains on the walls darkened, then vanished as if scrubbed away by invisible hands.
The walls straightened. Cracks sealed. Paint looked fresh again. Within seconds, the whole first floor looked brand new.
But it didn't stop there.
The house groaned. Deep and low, like something ancient waking from a long sleep. The sound came from everywhere at once, resonating through the structure itself.
Levi narrowed his eyes. System, what are you doing?
SYSTEM:
Anchoring Protocol initiated. Converting structure into Front Store of the Library of Noctis. Estimated transformation time: 17 seconds.
The walls began to shift again. Not rebuild. Shift. Like something beneath the wood and stone was rearranging its bones, snapping joints back into place in ways they were never meant to move.
The blood vanished first, evaporating in spirals of black mist. The ruined doors slammed shut on their own. Windows melted and reshaped, turning into flawless panes of darkened glass that seemed older than the building itself.
Then the house collapsed.
It didn't explode or crumble. It folded inward silently, like a stage curtain being drawn in reverse. Beams pulled in. Walls shrank. A black sphere formed at the center, pulsing with voidlight, before slowly unfolding again, blooming into a new shape.
Celine grabbed Velgrin's arm. "Master Velgrin, what's happening?"
Velgrin said nothing. He just stared.
When the transformation ended, they were no longer looking at a ruined Victorian manor.
Before them stood a three-story bookstore.
The building looked Victorian in style, with tall arched windows and elaborate woodwork, but something about it felt wrong. The architecture was too perfect. Too timeless. The windows were made of stained black glass that showed no reflection. The double doors were carved from wood so dark it seemed to absorb light, with brass handles shaped like snarling wolves. Engraved vines curled up the doorframe, thorns twisting in arcane symbols no one alive could decipher.
A cold breeze blew from under the door.
The wooden sign hanging above the entry read:
Library of Noctis – Front Branch
Knowledge Is the Gateway. Beware What You Seek.
The lettering shimmered with a subtle glow, only visible when you weren't looking directly at it.
The building radiated something oppressive. Not malicious exactly, but ancient. Intelligent. Watching.
Even Velgrin took a half-step back.
Levi stared at the transformation for a long moment. Then his eye twitched.
System.
SYSTEM:
Yes, Host?
What the actual fuck is this?
SYSTEM:
This is the Front Store of the Library of Noctis. Fully operational. Aesthetically optimized.
Aesthetically optimized? It looks like Dracula's personal bookstore. Who designed this, a demon with a Pinterest addiction?
SYSTEM:
The design is intentional. Aesthetic chosen to deter ordinary humans. Only those drawn by the Library's resonance will be able to approach.
Yeah, because nothing says "come read a book" like snarling wolf door handles and windows that look like they're going to eat my soul.
SYSTEM:
If you wanted foot traffic, you should have opened a bakery.
Stop saying that! And why do the windows look like they're breathing?
SYSTEM:
The windows are not breathing. They are responding to ambient mana fluctuations.
They look like they're breathing.
SYSTEM:
Cosmetic similarity does not equal functional reality.
That's what every horror movie says right before something terrible happens.
SYSTEM:
This is not a horror movie. This is your permanent residence.
Levi rubbed his face. That's worse. That's so much worse.
The glass windows shifted slightly, revealing hints of flickering candlelight and endless rows of shadowed bookshelves beyond.
Velgrin stepped forward slowly. His eyes scanned every inch of the new structure. He walked closer, reaching out one hand but stopping just short of touching the door. His fingers trembled slightly.
He glanced sideways toward Levi. "You're truly extraordinary, Mr. Levi."
Levi didn't respond. He kept staring at the door. The wolves' eyes glinted as if acknowledging him.
I fucking hate you system.
SYSTEM:
Noted. This complaint has been logged in your permanent record under 'Recurring Grievances: Volume 47.'
There are forty-seven volumes?
SYSTEM:
Forty eight as of three seconds ago.
SYSTEM:
Transformation complete. This location is now an active Front Store of the Library of Noctis. Patron entry protocols will apply.
Another notification appeared.
SYSTEM UPDATE:
Front Store successfully anchored. From now on, this building will serve as Host's permanent residence.
Floor 1: Mock bookstore with operational desk and concealed access to the true Library.
Floor 2: Counseling chamber modeled after a modern therapist's office.
Floor 3: Living quarters, fully furnished. Total size: 150 square meters.
Additional feature: Three humanoid golems assigned to maintenance, upkeep, and assistance. Voice-activated.
Wait. You gave me a therapist's office?
SYSTEM:
Affirmative. Based on analysis of Host's previous occupation and skill set.
So you do want me to be a therapist again.
SYSTEM:
Host possesses relevant experience in trauma management. It would be wasteful not to utilize these skills.
I quit that job for a reason.
SYSTEM:
And yet here you are, counseling a fire wizard and a traumatized princess.
Levi paused. That's... actually a fair point.
SYSTEM:
I am always fair. And always correct.
You're never correct. You're just an AI asshole.
SYSTEM:
From this point onward, Host may summon any known patron even outside their designated return time if you detect unresolved trauma. Successfully assisting them through counseling will yield bonus EXP.
So I'm a therapist and a librarian now.
SYSTEM:
Correct. You are a multidisciplinary professional.
I'm an overworked slave.
SYSTEM:
Also correct.
Levi ran a hand down his face and exhaled. "Well, at least I don't have to build furniture."
SYSTEM:
Correct. All furniture has been provided. Including a bed with appropriate lumbar support.
That's surprisingly considerate.
SYSTEM:
Dead librarians are unproductive librarians.
And we're back to normal.
He turned his gaze back to the bookstore. Velgrin stepped up beside him, still looking around in wonder. "So this is your Front Store."
Levi shrugged. "Yeah. Found it sooner than expected." He glanced at Velgrin.
"Change of plans. I'll be staying here from now on."
Velgrin nodded. "Yes, Mr. Levi."
Levi cleared his throat. "Hey, Velgrin."
"Yes, Mr. Levi?"
"From now on, even when it's not your time to return to the Library proper, you can still visit me here. If you need guidance. Advice. Anything. You just can't access the main library"
Velgrin blinked. "Truly?"
"You won't be able to enter the Library itself," Levi clarified, "but the front store is open to you. I'll be here."
Velgrin smiled so hard it looked like his face might break. "Then I'll visit often, Mr. Levi."
Before Levi could respond, another voice joined in.
"Grandmaster," Celine called out gently, stepping forward.
"What about taking me as your disciple?"
Levi looked at her. She still exhausted, but standing tall. Her violet eyes didn't waver.
He paused.
"Today, rest. Heal your wounds fully. If you still feel the same when you're whole, come back. Then we'll talk."
Her eyes widened. "Yes, Grandmaster!"
Levi raised a brow. "Just call me Mr. Levi."
"Yes, Master Levi."
His eyebrow twitched.
Close enough, I guess.
He ran a hand through his hair and waved lazily.
"Well, that's it for today. I need sleep. You two are dismissed."
Velgrin gave a respectful nod.
Celine hesitated but bowed deeply once more.
"Thank you, Master Levi."
Levi turned and walked up the front steps. The double doors opened without a sound, admitting him into shadows.
As the doors closed behind him with a soft thud, Velgrin turned to Celine. The warmth in his smile vanished. His eyes sharpened.
"Student Celine," he said. His voice was suddenly different.
Celine stiffened.
"I will heal your wounds, but understand this." He took a step closer.
"You must never mention Mr. Levi's existence to anyone. Not your instructors. Not the academy. Not your family. Not even His Majesty the King."
His tone was sharp.
"If word of him spreads..." Velgrin's voice dropped, and his eyes began to glow faintly.
"I will personally walk into the royal palace, tear the gates off their hinges, and silence anyone responsible. Including you. Do you understand?"
Celine could feel it authority and killing intent.
Velgrin, the smiling kind grandpa, was gone. Replaced by the Sixth Circle spellcaster of legend. The man who had once buried an entire army in molten rock during the Battle of Calderon.
Even her father, King William III, spoke of Velgrin with careful tones.
"Yes, Master Velgrin," she whispered.
Velgrin raised one hand. Gentle golden light enveloped her body. The bruises faded. Cuts sealed. The soreness in her ribs vanished.
When he finished, Celine's body felt whole again, but her thoughts were a storm.
Still, she hesitated. "Master Velgrin..."
"Yes?"
"Who exactly is Master Levi?"
Velgrin paused. For the briefest moment, his eyes darkened. Then he answered. "He is a savior. A protector. And a punisher of those who seek forbidden knowledge."
Celine swallowed hard.
Velgrin continued.
"From what he told you, it's clear you're destined to become one of us. So let me give you this advice." His gaze held hers.
"Do not break the rules of the Library. Do not disrespect its Librarian. If you do..."
His voice grew cold.
"If Mr. Levi judges you unworthy, then I assure you a fate far worse than death awaits."
He said no more. But the image that lingered in his mind, the Death Knight consuming a patron whole then vomiting forth a new one, still chilled him.
Velgrin exhaled. His tone softened.
"Return to the academy. Train. Heal. And when the time comes, return."
He gave her a final nod. Then with a twist of his hand and a burst of flame, Velgrin vanished in a ring of red light, leaving only embers behind.
Celine stood there, alone in the alleyway beneath the shadow of the Library of Noctis.
The flickering windows above her pulsed like watchful eyes.
She stared at the double doors. Not afraid. But aware.
This place was no ordinary bookstore. That man was no ordinary warrior.
He had shown her death, rebirth, and power all in one night.
And in her heart, Celine von Revola swore she would return. She would enter the Library. She would prove herself worthy.
No matter what it took.