I opened the heavy doors of that grand library, looking around all of the spines of the books containing the same set of words.
'A guide to survive The Apocalypse'
I picked one up and shuffled through its pages, feeling the smooth texture underneath my fingertips.
It changed!
I realized after reading a few lines. I've read the same story countless times until I almost memorized each line by heart!
There's no way I wouldn't realize something so obvious.
Moreover, only a few parts changed, it was like the culprit didn't want me to realize—leeching off of the original author's hard work.
This put an angry frown on my face. I put the book back into its place and continued exploring the place.
It wasn't long before I reached a small opening, it was hidden pretty well but I speculated that this was the center of the library.
For, there was a table with scattered papers, fountain pens and empty ink pots.
Sitting at that work desk, was a young woman with short hair and narrow eyes.
She looked straight at me and smiled:
"We finally meet. How has your journey been so far?"
"Quite pleasant." I spoke in a sarcastic tone. "That's actually what I wanted to ask you too—Miss Plagiarist."
The Plagiarist smirked in a cocky way.
I wanted nothing more than to wipe that smirk off her face.
~End of Volume 3 Plagiarist~
***
Huh?! This is where it ends?? Really?!!!
Amansies was in shock. She never expected this strong of a cliffhanger. It was like the author was deliberately letting her hang off of a literal cliff!
How despicable!
She wanted to get up from the desk immediately and search for the next volume, but the place was so huge it would take ages!
For some reason, this specific book series wasn't placed all in one shelf. Searching for each volume felt like a treasure hunt!
She approached the librarian again and asked quietly, almost in a whisper—as to not disturb the peacefulness.
"Uhmm. Hello again? May I ask where the 4th volume of Reader's Point of View is?"
The librarian looked up, their face showing extreme displeasure of being bothered so many times already.
With a sigh, the librarian answered. "Only three volumes have been released so far. The next one is said to be released in mid autumn."
You have to be kidding me!
She wanted to say something to the poor worker, but was interrupted by a loud ring.
It was the bell that marked the end of today's morning lectures.
Amanises had been so engrossed in those three books that she completely lost track of time!
Goddammit! She lamented her own carelessness. Evelyn was supposed to be a history lover, not a thrill enjoyer!
Well, it was already too late to change anything.
Amansies picked up her purse and left the library, silently bidding farewell to the librarian.
Before leaving, she threw a glance at the schedules displayed on a wall near the stairs.
She saw that history lecturer Azik Eggers didn't even have classes today!
Fortunately, he did have some the following days, most of them during morning time.
I'll make sure to cross paths with him tomorrow, I can't have myself stalling too much!
She made a mental note and left the university.
Along the way, students leaving and entering greeted her with nods and pleasantries. Due to Evelyn's looks and Amanises's constant poker face—she was mistaken for a teacher.
***
The woman decided to return to the Spirit Domain only after getting herself something to eat.
The idea was to grab a bite, meaning something light and perhaps sweet.
However, things turned out differently.
Man am I full! She rubbed her belly with satisfaction.
She stopped at a restaurant. It wasn't so fancy, mostly for the working class, with cheap food and below average service.
But, as a hungry philosopher would say—the service can close my eyes as long as the food opens them again!
This should count as breakfast, lunch and dinner! She stared at the mountain of plates, comically being held together by a couple of waiters.
She felt far too lazy and almost sleepy to get up. Amanises simply desired nothing more than to roll over and fall into slumber on that greasy table.
Sadly, for a lady like her that would be far above improper. It was akin to witnessing an elegant swan acting like a piglet!
She forced herself to her feet, feeling the food set itself in her stomach and left after paying the heavy bill.
Spending so much pinched her conscience a little, but it seemed worth it.
While walking along the sidewalks, her brows creased in a frown.
It's not even evening yet, why should I hurry to that dark place?
Amanises delayed her leave for the Spirit Domain, opting to take a walk to help with digestion.
The streets were as busy as always, the shouts of vendors assaulted her ears like a tin bell rung too close.
She only became slightly more irritated when a flyer distributor shoved one straight in her face.
"Vote for the new House of Commons member. Make sure to make the right choice!"
The flyer contained details of a campaign, unfunny quotes and empty promises.
She threw it in a nearby bin not even two meters away after it was given.
***
Amanises spent a little more time in the city, enjoying her walk.
By evening, she returned to the Spirit Domain.
Passing through the wooden wall, she stepped along the long dark corridor, absentmindedly till she reached the spacious rotunda.
On the armchairs positioned in an almost semi-circle near the doors, she noticed an old man. He had round glasses and soft features, his eyes were dark red but still focused.
Amanises immediately recalled his name, or rather nickname—Old Neil.
Everyone she talked to only spoke of his nickname to the point that Amanises started to believe that it was his actual name.
The old man noticed her from far away, waving slightly with his hand before making a gesture, signaling her to come closer.
"Well hello there young lad! Must be new here right?"
"Ah yes!" Amanises gave her signature short bow by lifting up the corners of her skirt. "Evelyn Dusk, pleased to meet you."
Before the old man could continue she raised her head and continued talking.
"I came here from Backlund as you might already be aware. I'd like to ask, sir. Do you remember a young man named Theodore?"
Old Neil rubbed his chin and then chuckled. "Oh how could I forget that little boy! I taught him everything he knows!"
"Really? Aren't you both from different branches?"
"Well, we are. But, I would sometimes visit Backlund and teach that rascal some knowledge. He was just an informant at first! I still remember his sudden decision to drink the Savant potion! The boy was getting his brain overclocked with information!"
Amanises was thoughtful all of a sudden. It was the first time she heard any sort of backstory regarding her teacher Theodore.
"Was he really that thirsty for knowledge?"
"Hehe! Indeed! The young lad would pester me everyday to tell him something new! I swore that he would make a great member of the Machinery Hivemind!"
He's right. Even his pathway could get him into the church!
Sadly, it's already too late. If he were to be caught being a member of a secret organization, Theodore would be blasted to death!
Amanises was very aware of the Machinery Hivemind's way of handling things.
"Well, enough gossiping behind people's backs. What was your last lesson with him?"
"It was a mysticism ritual, he taught me Praying to Oneself."
"Ahh that's such a useful ritual for those like us. But when you reach Sequence 7, you could also pray to the Leader. Most opt to use a deity as the ritual mentioned earlier doesn't always have the best results."
"He already mentioned that, quite a few times actually."
Old Neil chuckled. "Cautious boy, what can I say!
"Hmm. Did you try to complete the ritual?"
Amanises remembered her 'failed' attempt. It technically pointed to the river itself, but for Amanises it was still incredibly useful.
If I didn't do that attempt I probably wouldn't have guessed that I can draw some power from that river, nor would I have realized that it's not a nightmare at all!
"It was successful, first try!"
"My my! A mysticism genius, aren't we? A shame you chose the Sleepless pathway, Seer would've been much more suitable for you!"
"Seer? Aren't you a Mystery Pryer? Why wouldn't you say your pathway would be more suitable for me?"
Old Neil's expression suddenly darkened. "This pathway comes with its own danger, my lady. Seer is probably one of the best pathways for cautious people. Especially us Arcanists.
"Since the Leader is an angel of this pathway it makes advancement and acting easier."
"What about Sleepless?" She inquired. There wasn't any known god for this specific pathway and she was curious if there would be any trouble going forward.
"That I do not know, sadly. But I have heard some rumors that they don't have it easy either. But, it is a well rounded pathway with both physical and spiritual enhancements. If you have good backing and a strong will, everything is fine."
"I see, thank you for your insight, sir." Amanises was glad that it was not going to be as difficult as other pathways. She didn't want to lament her decision so soon.
Old Neil however, inquired about her eagerness to advance. "You're already planning for the future so early? Are you that driven to be stronger?"
"I want to become as strong as I can be."
The old man's expression nearly became envious, but he was still as gentle as ever. It was clear this was only a jest.
"Oh, how I wish I didn't waste my younger years! I could've been so much stronger by now." His eyes lowered in murmur. "My friends would've been alive too..."
"No matter how strong one gets, life always has a way of doubling down. If you were stronger, your problems would also follow the same prospect!
"Fate is always fair in its infairness!" She lectured.
"Already talking about the wonders of fate! I'm saying, you would've made a wonderful Seer!"
Old Neil clapped his hands really loudly.
"Well let's stop with the chit chat. You said the last one was praying to oneself right? This time let's learn about the Soul itself."
He got up from his soft armchair. "But first, let's find a more suitable place! Come with me to my Alchemy room!" He made a gesture for her to follow.
The Soul? Now that would be interesting! Amanises was suddenly hit with a strong thirst for knowledge. She truly understood Theodore's!
***
Countless spirits drifting in the silent everflowing waters.
Some would suddenly spring back to life, their eyes focusing and limbs moving with purpose again, only to be siphoned it not a moment later.
That was the nature of The River of Souls. An endless current of silence and tranquility.
Along the sky of said river, countless stars would blink in and out of existence, failing to peer into the incredible layer of Concealment, cast out of the wondrous Darkness.
Along those currents a decayed soul continued its never-ending pace.
It wore a blood-stained black Armour, bronze skin, dark hair and a tiny mole under His right ear that was almost impossible to notice.