[Crisis: The Library That Predicts You
[The Library That Predicts You will begin in 3 minutes in Earth's Time]
[Time: 3.00]
[2.59…]
"I'll have to remind everyone again that we don't know exactly what we're going to see inside this library."
Detective Yuri, who was acting as a leader in the group, calmly said before adding. "That's why we stick to each of your roles. We help each other so that nobody dies. Let's move to the next crisis and finish this goddamn game fast."
[2:30]
Everyone tensed up as the timer on each of their holographic screens slowly decreased, almost acting like a ticking time bomb waiting to explode.
[2:00]
"Stick to me," Leonhart spoke calmly to his grandparents.
There was a tense atmosphere between Leonhart and Lloyd, but they still stood close to each other.
Once he assuredly talked to his grandparents staying behind him, Leonhart began using his ability Time Exchange.
'In exchange for a minute of my memory when I was 7 years old eating ice cream, I will return in time a minute after I die.'
Leonhart could feel the memory of the particular day he had eaten ice cream at seven years old fading from his memory. Leonhart concluded that the time exchange had already succeeded; however, no apparent physical changes appeared in him.
But it had been like that since the first crisis.
Leonhart also understands that what is coming outside is unknown once the timer is reduced to zero, which is why a bit of preparation is needed
Leonhart had to set the conditions beforehand, as he would not be able to fulfill the time slip if he were just killed right away.
'Is this how dad is doing this? He's time is slipping in exchange for his memory.' Leonhart mused inwardly before smiling slightly. 'Heh, we're different though. I can still 'remember' it because I have my mom's ability.'
The ability to record.
Even though Leonhart knew that particular day of eating ice cream was gone, the Record can be used as an alternative memory since it's something he had when he was a kid.
Even the day he was born, which his memory doesn't possess, is there in the Record, being stored quietly.
However, that's just that.
Leonhart can't use the memory inside the Record as a way to barter with Time Exchange. He tried using the same memory he exchanged to return to the day before the Fall to Time Exchange right now, but it doesn't work.
-Only owned time may be offered. Only time may be received.
That was an important description of his ability.
Outside factors don't work with Time Exchange.
'Oh well, I have less than 21 years' worth of memory to exchange. Using many exchange rights now should not hurt me.' Leonhart mused inwardly before his focus returned to reality.
[0:05]
[…]
[0:01]
Once the timer hit all zeroes, the safe zone opened itself.
Like opening a gift wrap, the walls broke into each section. It didn't drop towards them as it safely landed on the side, leaving the group unharmed.
"Get ready!"
Everyone raised their weapons to defend themselves, ready to challenge the monsters that might pop up any second.
However, the group was only met with silence… and an individual standing a few meters away from them.
"Hello there."
Their defenses tightened up as their hostility was pointed at the unknown individual who seemed to greet them after the safe zone vanished.
The individual tried to calm down the agitated group as she introduced herself.
"Welcome, guests. I'm Caelix, a librarian for the great Library of Fate. I will be your guide."
Caelix has a soft, unassuming presence. She has gentle features, such as a small nose, a soft jawline, and a constant, almost-smile, never fully formed unless she really exaggerates it.
As a librarian that she herself described, she wore simple, loose librarian robes in soft parchment-beige, trimmed with faint gray stitching. The fabric hangs lightly, with long sleeves that partially cover the hands.
Around her waist, there was a worn book chain that held keys, bookmarks, and even index slips.
Lastly, a book was pressed lightly on her chest, and she carried it carefully.
"I'm sure everyone here is confused. Fret not, anyone who came here felt the same way. Even I had that reaction." Caelix calmly stated. "But the Library protected everyone here. It has become a safe haven for people attacked by The Fall."
Upon hearing those words coming out of Caelix's mouth, Leonhart retorted evenly. "Safe haven from the fall? What do you mean by that?"
Caelix calmly looked towards Leonhart and replied. "It's in your best interest if you follow me towards the Library. In that way, we will be protected by the Library from the Fall."
Leonhart pointed his weapon at Caelix and immediately replied. "There's no need to do that. Why would we follow a stranger like you? Besides, I'm only asking one thing. Is that a hard question at all?"
Caelix didn't refute right away. Instead, she calmly assesses Leonhart briefly before replying to satiate his curiosity.
"It's really just what I said. The library acts as a wall and shield that protects us from the monsters." Caelix paused. "Other guests from your world will also go to the Library. It's important for us, guides or librarians, whichever you prefer, to bring you there."
Caelix let out a sigh before adding. "If you don't believe me, just turn around and see it for yourself."
Rustle—!
Suddenly, Leonhart felt his sleeves being tugged by the side and glanced behind only to see both of his grandparents staring at the back.
"L-Leon… I think we should follow what that young woman is saying…"
Leonhart slowly turned, his eyes widening as he stared at something behind them.
That 'something' was a huge wall.
'W-what the fuck…'
Behind them was a huge wall that was so big it stretched up to the sky like a dome. However, the wall wasn't the surprising part.
What was behind it was the real problem.
The monsters from the Hansok University were there, aggressively pounding and trying to sneak their way inside the invisible wall that separated them. The number of monsters was endless, covering even the roof of the dome.
Hence, it was nothing but almost pitch black skies.
"So, you ready to die?"