The Library of Fate's air was cool and dry, carrying the faint scent of dust and ink, as if every book had been opened just moments ago and carefully shut again. Shelves rose in long, orderly lines that the people who lived here walked past every day without counting, without wondering where they truly ended.
The light from the small, hidden sources inside the shelves made a person's shadows linger naturally, making the library's towering figure and its aisles continue to no end.
Inside one of its chambers, Leonhart devised a meeting involving his group and told them everything he had collected from Aron.
It had been an hour since the gathering started, and someone amongst the group strongly disagreed on what Leonhart was planning.
"No! We should stay here!"
The principal of Hansok University Denmark, or he used to be, had a great reaction that produced various reactions from others.
Denmark, as if realizing that he had overreacted, tried to calm down and tried to mention things logically.
"I mean, let's get the situation straight. The middle part of the library is infested with monsters. We don't even know if that was the way to get out of here. And you're planning on clearing it so that we can get out of here?"
Leonhart gathered everyone here for a reason, and that reason is related to finishing the crisis as fast as possible.
The Library of Fate isn't something that should be their 'end'; rather, it is an obstacle that should be accomplished, hence it is called a crisis.
The people staying inside as its residents shouldn't be considered as an 'end', which is what Caelix, Aron, and other librarians had done due to their own circumstances.
Even though it is only a hunch for now, Leonhart's gut feeling is telling him that staying in the Library wouldn't do them any good, adding the fact that the author's words, Amira Sinclair, always come to his mind.
"I know we have a lot of worries right now, but I'll take charge of this situation. I just need people who will join me to clear the middle part of the library, somehow find its exit, and finish this crisis."
Leonhart voiced out confidently, not daring to look weak in front of them.
But who was he anyway?
The Library had promised them protection from the monsters of the fall, yet a man younger than all of them was finding a way to leave the shelter, an infrastructure that had been doing its job for 2 days.
They were able to sleep without any worries and ate meals without risking their lives as the librarians were doing their job.
Why even fight the monsters if they were given a choice of not worrying about them?
Obviously, most of the people in the group were hesitant.
The only people who were at least considering Leonhart's offer were Yuri, Mark, and Aldi. The other Holders and the rest seem to have already made a decision.
That's why Leonhart had to bring a fatal card to the table to make some of them consider his idea.
"Do some people here forget already that they have families outside?"
The mood around the room grew heavy.
"Did you already think that they are dead because you saw how devastating those monsters were? What if they are alive and they are only waiting for you to come rescue them?"
Leonhart understood the gravity of using people's loved ones, and in this situation, he used it for a better cause that could change the stance of those not motivated to be motivated.
That was the only thing he needed before Yuri, Mark, and Aldi, who were hesitant earlier, got fully on board with Leonhart's idea.
Some others who were on the other side were in the process of considering it, but the majority are still not convinced.
They are probably people who haven't had families or loved ones to return to. Or probably just selfish humans who always thought of themselves, and as long as they are safe, nothing else matters.
'Eleven people. Including my grandparents, we're thirteen.' Leonhart mused inwardly, admiring the fact that this number of people are considering the idea of leaving the place.
Because of this, Leonhart will have a chance to ask Aron to provide assistance. If he can pull it off, he might gather a few strong librarians who can be with them once they are on their journey.
All that's left is to convince the oldest librarian.
Leonhart thought he needed a very good wordplay when talking to Aron, only because that particular librarian had a different wavelength than the rest of the people dwelling inside the Library.
It was only their first meeting yesterday, but Leonahart evaluated him on that great importance.
"Sure. I'll hand you a dozen librarians and even add Caelix there to ensure your top safety. I wish you well on your journey, Leonhart."
After the meeting with the rest of his group, Leonhart was lucky enough to find Aron in one of the hallways, since he was catering to the guests who needed assistance.
Leonhart told him about his plan to venture towards the deeper part of the library, and Aron, without even needing much thinking, agreed right away.
"You seemed very determined about it. There's nothing I could do to stop you. I just wanted to say that be careful out there. You never know what might happen." Aron added before ending his agreement by saying. "Good luck, I genuinely wish you well."
'That easy?'
Leonhart was flabbergasted at how smoothly things were moving, but he didn't have time to dwell on it since he had more important things to tend to.
It was supposed to go as planned as from start to end, it was smooth sailing. However, someone didn't seem to like his idea.
In preparation for their journey, someone barged their way into their room, immediately coming towards Leonhart.
"No."
Caelix, who's in her usual disposition, calmly refused the idea as she added. "I've tried many times and failed many times. And what's even wrong with staying here, kid?"
Everything went well yesterday and today, until the very last minute, when Caelix, who was supposed to be their vanguard on their journey, opposed the notion of clearing the middle part of the library at the very last minute.