The Central Archives loomed ahead. Thankfully the area in front of it that they had to walk through was completely empty. Looked like J-65 was right that his modified tour had meant he would miss running across most of the other students.
Much like many of the buildings he had passed so far, it had towering columns and intricate stonework. In fact, it looked more like a sacred temple than a mere library. As they walked up towards the main entrance, Klarion couldn’t help but stare at the statues that flanked it. On the left side, a human scholar stood tall and regal, holding an open tome in one hand and a quill in the other, their robes carved with intricate patterns that seemed to shift subtly under the evening light. On the right, a lithe elf was depicted bent over a large book, their free hand extended up as though offering knowledge to any that would grasp it.
While the statues were impressive, easily the equal of any that he had heard about on display in the Vatican back on Earth, it was the smaller bas-reliefs in the walls behind them that seized his attention as J-65 moved to lead them inside. They were dense with people of all different races, those he had come to recognize as well as more than a few he had yet to learn about. Every single one was holding a book of some sort, though the poses they took varied. Many were bent over, appearing to study the works they held, while others were engaged in what looked to be vigorous debate.
Before Klarion could get a closer look, he was beyond the entrance and into the Central Archive itself. The moment he stepped through the arched doorway, a cool, dimly lit space enveloped him, and he could almost feel the accumulated weight of centuries of knowledge. Even this close to the entrance, he could pick up the faint smell of old paper and leather mixed with the cool scent of stone. Out of all the buildings he was excited to spend time in this year, the Central Archive was probably the one he most looked forward to. While combat training and magic were undeniably important for him going forward, the idea of being able to immerse himself in the vast wealth of knowledge housed within the Archives resonated with a deeper part of him. Klarion had always loved to read, especially science fiction and fantasy stories, when not trying to study for a degree that didn’t matter anymore.
Perhaps just as important as the books was how Klarion hoped that the Central Archives would offer solace. Its quiet, its books, and its unassuming guardianship of knowledge appealed to his more introverted nature. Among the stacks, he could think, learn, and perhaps briefly escape from what he was already beginning to suspect would be cutthroat competition.
J-65 did not speak as she led him through the entry hall, but Klarion did notice the occasional glance she gave him, even if it was covered up by the mask she wore. He did not want to ask too many questions — especially given her earlier warning that she could not engage in anything that verged on teaching — but there was something about the silence, the way she moved through this space with ease, that told him there might be much more to her than he could discern at first glance.
Finally, they were beyond the entryway and Klarion’s first glimpse of the Central Archives itself was everything he had hoped it would be. The rows of bookshelves stretched in long rows that he could not quite see the end of, and from where he stood, he could see that there were stairways that went up and down to other floors.
J-65 stepped over to a large marble pedestal, upon which lay a glowing orb. She did not touch it, but her presence seemed to prompt the orb to pulse with light, and a map of the Central Archives unfolded in the air before her. The map itself was vast, stretching in all directions, and showed what he thought to be at least eight floors. Sections were marked with labels, which he could not make out without looking at the map closely, and he realized that the layout of the Central Archives was too complex to comprehend in a single glance.
Klarion had been in libraries before, but none of them were as amazing as the one he stood in now. The fact that it was open to him, a first-year student still so raw and uncertain about so many things, felt both exhilarating and disorientating. Leaving J-65 near the orb, he walked deeper into the space, heading over to the nearest shelves. The books on the shelf that was chest height to him were staggering in their variety. Tomes bound in leather or velvet sat next to scrolls tightly wound in protective cases. In tiny writing on a small copper plate on the shelf were the words, Early Imperial History - Wars of the Founding. He reached out and pulled a heavy book from where it sat, its weight heavy in his hands. He had just begun to flip through the pages when he heard a soft voice behind him.
“Can I help you find something?”
Startled, Klarion spun around the face the source of the voice. Standing a few steps away was an old librarian in robes of faded gray, his spectacles perched precariously on the end of his nose. His hands, though bent with age, moved dexterously as he straightened some books on a nearby shelf.
“Sorry,” Klarion said without thinking. He had been so absorbed in looking at the books he hadn’t even realized someone else had been nearby. “I was just looking around. I hadn’t expected the Central Archive to be so vast.”
The librarian smiled kindly, though his eyes twinkled with a knowing amusement. “Ah, yes. The Central Archives have that effect on many. It’s easy to lose oneself here, even if you don’t mean to. Based on your uniform, you are a new student, yes?”
“Yes, I am a first-year student,” Klarion confirmed. “I hope to be spending a lot of time here.”
The librarian’s eyes flickered briefly as if assessing him, lingering on the scars that covered his face. He then motioned to the rows of bookshelves surrounding them. “While you are free to explore, there are important rules as well.”
“Of course. I wouldn’t want to cause any trouble.”
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The librarian gestured for Klarion to follow him back to where J-65 still stood by the orb that was projecting a map of the Central Archive.
“The rules of the Central Archives are simple, but they must be followed by all. First and foremost: no fighting. Ever.”
Klarion raised an eyebrow at that. “Fighting?” he asked, incredulous. “Why would anyone fight in a place like this?”
The librarian chuckled. “You’d be surprised. Young people, especially scions, tend to be a little more… passionate about their studies and the inherent competition of the Imperial Academy. Sometimes tempers flare, and one can forget where they are. So remember this: no fighting in the Central Archives. Not only is it disruptive and will require the Sentinels to step in, but it also puts the books at risk.” The air around him felt heavier all of a sudden. “And I am sure you wouldn’t want to be responsible for damaging them.”
Klarion nodded in response, making a mental note of the rule. Not that it would be hard to follow. His current plans of trying to avoid making enemies lined up with using the Central Archive for reading instead of a place to attempt to attack others. The last thing he would want was to get into trouble here.
The librarian came to a stop next to J-65, who simply stood there silently. “Secondly,” the librarian continued, “no loud noises. The Central Archives are meant to be a place of quiet contemplation. You’ll find that the majority of students that come here do so to study in peace.” He held up a finger. “While you are free to engage in conversation, keep it respectful and at a low volume. Not everyone shares the same interests or the same approach to learning. If unable to control your voice, or if you seek to engage in arguments, you will need to reserve one of the private study rooms.”
Klarion nodded again, understanding the point he was trying to make. It was all about maintaining an atmosphere of focus. He appreciated that the rules weren’t so harsh or unreasonable that no conversation could happen whatsoever, but he still had a feeling that many students would largely avoid engaging in any. Or they would use one of the private study rooms the librarian mentioned.
“And lastly,” the librarian said, his voice taking on a more lighthearted tone, “no eating or drinking. The books are delicate, and you will not want to risk any spills or crumbs finding their way into the pages. Nothing worse than trying to clean up a spill on an ancient scroll while one of the Associate Librarians looms over you. Trust me, you’ll thank me for this one. ”
Klarion awkwardly shifted in place, remembering more than a few of his own books that he had accidentally given coffee stains or opened after weeks of not using them to find exactly the kind of crumbs that the librarian was likely referring to. He would have to make sure not to bring anything with him when he was looking through the stacks.
“I’ll make sure to follow the rules.”
The librarian smiled approvingly. “Good. You’ll be one of the smart ones if you do. The last thing I should mention is that many things will not be immediately accessible to you here. Some knowledge is reserved for students further along in their educational journey, while others require certain requirements to be reached. Don’t let that dissuade you. With proper effort and diligence, you will get access to everything you need in time.”
Klarion pondered the librarian’s words. Given what he seemed to be saying, there likely were year restrictions for each floor displayed on the map the orb was projecting. While a little disappointed that he couldn’t just wander wherever he wanted in the Central Archive, he had to admit that was probably for the best. If things worked anything like some of the games he had played growing up, sprinting to the end-game content would cause only problems. Better to follow the rules.
“I understand. I am sure I’ll find plenty to keep me occupied.”
“I’m sure you will.” The librarian’s voice then took on a tone of admonishment. “But you should also know that the first night at this Imperial Academy isn’t meant to be spent entirely at the Central Archives. There are social events, as you’ve no doubt heard, and you’ll be expected to attend. The social aspect of your education is just as important as the academic one.”
Though he knew the librarian had a point, a knot still formed in Klarion’s stomach. The idea of attending social events, mingling with other noble students, and participating in endless conversations where he might make a mistake with every response did not appeal to him. He had already seen how many of the students had interacted with each other after the ceremony at the Amphitheater of Induction — clustering together based on their race and rank, likely sizing each other up in an attempt to secure alliances or future advantages. It was the kind of behavior that made him more than a little uncomfortable. But that didn’t matter. After his conversation with Hector, it was becoming increasingly clear to him that he could not avoid all the other students. He had gained too much attention, too quickly which, when combined with his rank, meant he was likely on everyone’s radar. While he had been a bit of a loner back in high school on Earth, he did not think he would be able to get away with that approach here at the Imperial equivalent of a finishing school and graduate school combined. If he wanted to get ahead, he would have to figure out some balance between his traditional solo pursuit of learning and the socializing that was integral to success, and survival, at the Imperial Academy.
“I suppose I’ll have to attend, won’t I?” Klarion asked, trying to keep a slight edge of irritation out of his voice.
“Socializing is part of the experience,” the librarian confirmed. “The Central Archives will be here when you are able to return. Just remember, no fighting, no loud noise, and no eating or drinking.” The old man then turned back to his duties.
“Are you ready to leave?”
Klarion turned to J-65 as she asked her question. He wasn’t sure if he was ready to face the social obligations that awaited him outside the Central Archives, but he knew he had already delayed long enough. “Yes, as much as I would like to continue putting it off, I think I’m ready.”
“But you would rather stay here?”
“Of course, I would,” Klarion said, smiling at the tilted mask of J-65. “But the librarian is right. I can’t spend all night with books. As much as I’d prefer it, I have to get used to the social expectations of my rank.”
“Very well. But if you tire of the festivities, I will remain close by to escort you to your residence.”
Klarion offered her a grateful glance. While it had been less than a day, he had already come to appreciate the Sentinel’s help. Too bad her position at the Imperial Academy appeared to preclude her from helping him in a more full-time capacity. Oh well, there was nothing he could do about it for the moment. However, perhaps tonight, he would be able to find some friends who could.
As they emerged back into the soft light of the evening, the pressure of the coming socializing was still there, but his new focus on finding some new friends helped alleviate it to a degree. Besides, if things didn’t work out tonight, J-65 had already indicated she would be nearby whenever he was ready to call it a night.
He shot one final look back at the Central Archives as he followed J-65 to where the other first-year nobility had ended their own tours.