Year 2107. All books have been destroyed—every story, myth, and piece of literature lost.
Everything has been destroyed for reasons I don't understand. Government works in a mysterious way and we have limited amount of knowledge to go on to study in the school and college. We have high-tech screens that are used for studying is school and and on the surface, books seem unnecessary. There is something more that I don't know. Even what they teaches us at school has limitations. As if they are not teaching us everything and a some or important part is missing or lost somewhere.
Science and technology are emphasized, and we are supposed to improve society—but still, something is missing.
But one thing that bothers me is that no one seems concerned about this, as if they don't know anything at all. Someone said it's the government controlling us, and I believe them. You might ask how I know all this—well, I'll tell you, but keep it a secret, alright?
Mrs. Elma told me. She's a precious old lady who works in our school canteen. She is incredibly old—over a hundred years, according to the stories I've heard. She told me about the world before I was born, about the times when books and stories still existed, knowledge that no one else remembers. She planted a seed of doubt about this world in me. Why did she choose to tell me? "You are special," she said. I still don't understand what she meant, but I know I can't ignore what she taught me. But she passed away not so long ago, leaving me alone to uncover the mysteries. I had no clue where to go but fate has guided me to the right path.
One rainy morning, I was walking to school, umbrella in hand. I was up early, and almost no one was around. The streets were empty, with only a few cars passing by. As I was about to cross a lane in the park section of the city, I saw something strange—something I shouldn't have seen. A paper plane… made of real paper? In these days? Impossible. I rubbed my eyes with the back of my hand, but it was real. My heart raced with astonishment.
Without thinking, I left my path and followed the paper plane as it drifted through the air. Its trail led me into a forest. I wasn't afraid at all—I was ecstatic. I ran, smiling with joy, savoring every moment of this unexpected adventure. Soon, a strange building appeared in view. It was wooden, covered with moss, and looked as if it had been abandoned for years. I glanced up, but the paper plane was gone.
Clueless but curious, I peeked through a broken window. The inside was completely dark. Gathering my courage, I reached for the door. As soon as my hand touched it, the door suddenly swung open, and I was pulled inside.
As I was pulled inside, a flash of light blinded me. Slowly, I opened my eyes and found myself in a different dimension. Bookshelves stretched endlessly, some books floating around as if alive. My heart raced with excitement and disbelief.
Two boys appeared. One stood close, slim and handsome, wearing glasses, his face showing an annoyed frown. The other sat at a distance, absorbed in a book.
"Agh… we have to explain everything to her, George," the boy with glasses muttered.
"Mhm… I think she'll understand. Don't worry," George replied with a soft smile.
"Sam? George?" I muttered. "What's going on here?"
"We are the Librarians," Sam said, adjusting his glasses. "And we'll explain everything."
I nodded, timidly listening as Sam spoke.
"This place is called a library," he began. "It's hidden in a 3D space pocket, undetected by the government. It's not exactly like the traditional libraries Mrs. Elma told you about, but many books were preserved here before the government destroyed them. You'll find works by writers such as Dostoevsky, Camus, Kafka, Tolstoy, Dazai, Sylvia Plath, and countless others. Our goal is to free humanity from the shackle of ignorance."
"And who we are…" Sam paused, and George stood beside him. Together, they said, "We are the Librarians, fighting to restore knowledge to the world."
I couldn't help but laugh at the dramatic phrasing.
"Hey, don't laugh at us!" Sam said, frowning.
"I know… our motto is kind of lame," George admitted, smiling.
I took a deep breath. "So… this is everything?"
"Yes. And we want you to join us," Sam said. "Become a Librarian and help fight the regime, restoring education to its former glory. Will you?"
I gulped, torn between fear and excitement. But deep down, I knew my answer.
"Yes," I said, my voice steady. "I, Elena will be a Librarian."
They smiled with relief. "Welcome to the team, Elena," they said warmly.