Eugene left the classroom heading toward the academy library, a massive building adorned with books and gilded edges, its entrance a wooden brown door. He walked with calm steps, yet his mind was wandering through the nightmare he had seen.
Upon reaching the library's open door after the students before him had entered, he stepped inside and immediately felt a strange chill fill the place. "Why is it so cold in here?"
He continued, glancing left and right, searching for the Book of Primitive Resources. The library was vast, the books diverse. After seven minutes, while staring at a giant bat statue, he collided with something.
"Y-you? Look, why are you standing in the middle of the path?" Eugene's tone was filled with pain from the collision and frustration at the person standing in his way.
A calm, soft voice responded: "Sorry, I was a little lost in thought."
Eugene raised his eyes to see a blonde-haired young man with yellow eyes, wearing a white shirt and brown pants, extending his hand to help him up. Eugene grabbed his hand and stood.
"Aren't you from the new batch?" the boy asked with a slight smile.
"Yes, I am," Eugene replied, scratching his head.
The blonde smiled faintly. "Sorry, I didn't introduce myself. My name is Fred, a second-year student."
Eugene said, "I'm Noah Eugene, but everyone calls me Eugene."
Fred's eyes widened in surprise, and before he could speak…
Eugene said, with a tired tone, "Yes, I'm Eugene, the survivor of the Eliso incident." His voice carried fatigue from lack of sleep and irritation from the collision.
Fred continued: "Looks like you're annoyed with me because I didn't notice you coming."
Eugene replied: "No, I was preoccupied, and I needed to watch the path."
"Well, aren't you looking for the Book of Primitive Resources?"
Eugene looked surprised—how did he know what he wanted? Yet internally he thought, Of course, he's a second-year student; he came for the same book last year.
"Yes, I'm looking for it. Do you know where it is?"
Fred pointed to the second floor: "You'll find it there."
Eugene looked up: "You mean I have to go all the way there?! Anyway, thanks."
"Eugene!" a voice called from behind. Eugene and Fred turned to see Rin approaching with Rem, carrying two copies of the Primitive Resources books.
Rin said: "Why are you late? I thought something happened to you!"
Rem looked at Fred: "Aren't you a second-year student? What are you doing here?"
Fred replied kindly: "I was looking for a copy of Zen's memoirs."
Rin was surprised: "And why are you looking for Zen's memoirs?"
Eugene asked with curiosity: "Who's Zen?"
Rem looked at Eugene: "Strange! Even though you're Rin's brother, you don't know anything!"
Eugene muttered softly: "Do you think I'm a bookworm like you two?"
Rin's voice was calm but sharp: "Are you saying I'm a bookworm?"
Fred chuckled lightly at Eugene's remark, then said: "Zen is one of the most important figures of the Fourth Era."
Eugene looked puzzled, as if Fred were speaking another language: "Era? I really don't know what that is!"
"Haha, being a bookworm is better than being ignorant!" Fred looked at Rin, who laughed arrogantly.
Fred continued: "An era is a term used for a specific period in world history—not just Monian—it's divided into four eras, and we are currently in the Fifth Era. Zen, as I said, is one of the most important figures of the Fourth Era, but there isn't much information about him; in fact, most of it is hidden by governments and organizations."
Rem asked: "And why do you want this book?"
Fred looked at her: "Powerful farmers, before they die, create places where they hide all their valuable and non-valuable possessions, known as 'heritages.' I want Zen's memoirs to find his heritage."
Eugene yawned loudly: "Okay, continue your conversation. I'm going to sleep."
He moved toward the exit.
"Eugene, catch!" Eugene turned to see a book flying toward him. He caught it and looked at Rin with surprise and a little annoyance.
"Why are you throwing books at me?"
Rin said: "Look at the title."
Eugene flipped the book and read the title: Primitive Resources. He remembered he had forgotten to bring the book.
Rin said: "Since you were late, I got a copy for you and one for me because I knew you might not find it."
Eugene smiled happily: "Thanks, brother."
Rin returned the same smile: "You're welcome."
Eugene turned and left the library, the sun nearing the horizon and the wind tussling his hair.
He headed toward the apartment he shared with Rin inside the academy, walking while admiring the cherry and lotus trees, the sounds of waterfalls, the clean grounds, and the sounds from other students' apartments—some laughing, some watching a movie, some talking to friends, or training.
Eugene felt as if he were in a vast mansion. He continued until reaching the apartment.
He opened the door and pressed a button on the gray wall; lights turned on, revealing the furniture. The rooms were brown—large living room ahead, bedrooms on the left, a kitchen on one side, and a bathroom on the other, filled with the scent of roses.
He placed the book down, took off his academy uniform, and threw himself onto his bed—a large, soft white bed perfectly matching the wall.
"This bed is really soft…"
Eugene's eyes gradually closed until he sank into a deep sleep.
End of Chapter Four