Chapter 98

William and Dann learned a lot from their mistakes or adventures, and living and feeling the world before they were even teenagers came with many drastic sides. Outside gave that to them regardless of what occurred ten years ago, until they finally earned what they had to do: find safety in the Federation's camp and overlook what was behind them in many ways possible.

After coming to Roshwell, living stabilized and William found some peace in farming and waiting for... what? Endless peace, a chance, or place in some military because what was dwelling in in his hand? William was never supposed to be any farmer, or... anything like that.

Walkers who would be fitting for farming positions were already rare as they were, and even then, what might be fitting for them might be just being a Walker. It was about a growth factor, and no one was certain what an early Walker might be like after a single Rank-up, let alone further down the unknown path.

Their powers were much more useful depending on some specifics, yet some matters made even Assembly pondering, and organizations worrisome. Plant, soil, earth, water, or life-based Walkers were suitable for farming, yet some things were more adequate for regular people. That was a critical point that humanity comprehended years ago, so that left some Walkers speechless.

Alas, people were more common than Walkers, and most people understood that.

William's crimson colorations intrigued some folks, yet he always rejected any offers, even if they were good, and presented no small chances, or conditions.

Part of his refusal was his unwillingness to leave Outside with Dann, while the major factor was his Emblem. Lastly, his position as someone worthy and clean came off as lacking guts, strength, and confidence. It was never like that, but he didn't know what to do until it was too damn late that even Dann thought it was time for a change.

Doubt and anxiety never left, even though they could if he knew some truths, met Luke or Mi-Yung earlier, or felt the knowledge of good Walkers and teachers.

He could've left years ago and become someone else than this... husk with lost memories that had no faces, loud voices, or noises that something tricked him and drowned him.

He could've forced his ass to the Federation. He believed that some offers or negotiations were great, yet it was still a what-if scenario. He didn't like to guess and take possibilities for himself. It was too expensive for him and not usual.

As he reminded himself of no wrongdoings, he lied and assured himself by taking deep breaths that ended up with scratches around his exposed Emblem.

“No loss... There is no real loss. There is nothing. Really nothing more to this time. Dann said it; it is time to leave and make trouble somewhere else. I am Walker, he said. I have to make an example, he urged.” William mumbled and left the corner of this shelf.

He bumbled to some youth right away because he was far too quick when he finally wanted to leave.

The youth ended up falling and cursing on the floor, which was surprising because he was taller and bigger than William.

“Oh, sor...”

“The fuck you say? Learn to walk, moron. What is wrong with you?” the youth complained and quickly hid some books that fell on the floor. His weirdly angled blond brows moved in a frown, giving his sharp eyes distinct fury and face. Like his tone, he was fierce yet his face was still young and kind of stunning. His blond hair had a neat haircut, and many would consider him royally attractive.

He spoke through arrogance or stupidity, though William couldn't see the difference between that. He still apologized and offered a hand because that's what Miss Anderson pushed into his sorry mind behind Dann's back.

The youth refused it by cursing and punching his hand away. “Fucking hell! Get lost you cheap bastard. If I see you again, I will kick you out of this floor. Wait... No. I will kick you for real and you won't survive it. Seriously... fucking morons. Why do they keep this floor open for this lot.”

“Oh,” William felt like his hand itched and fingers tensed as he hid his Emblem. He gulped his willingness to do some regrets and apologized for the third time.

It did something despite not doing enough.

The youth got up by himself after hiding his books aside and cursing this cheap bastard for the seventh time. Then, he sized William, who was smaller than him and his clothes were excuses for materials. Just how did this wretched kid push him to the floor? The youth couldn't see it and showed it on his face by frowning. His brows moved, giving his face yet another strange look. At that point, William wasn't sure where he should be looking or going.

“What are you glaring at, eh?” the youth said and poked William's chest. “Wanna beg for clothes or what? How did you even get here? Is there a lack of security or do you want to waste time in a better place than some streets? Fucking homeless refugees. You should get lost or go to the east where you belong.”

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William didn't reply. He sized this asshat and saw his clothing like his face. He was well-off and his position must be extraordinary from the looks alone. His clothes were nothing in comparison to his or even Ellie's. It had an expensive style made of many small details and great textures and quality. From stitching, fabric, and overall outfit, he was like a different world from William.

“From... that door,” William said at last, pointing to the entrance and exit door. “It was open, you see.” He almost showed his card but the youth laughed at his face first.

“Good. Good. You are a clown as well. Shocking. Fine. Get lost or I will change your mind.”

William walked aside after the youth gestured to get lost. William was thinking that this silly mistake was resolved.

It wasn't. The youth moved his legs and arms to give William some lesson, but the moment his legs moved, and a smirk spread on his face, he tripped on nothing instead, falling face down to a distant shelve.

William didn't see it because he wanted to genuinely leave and let this idiot behind him. The corner was close, so he left like a ghost.

“What the...” The youth faced the ground and swore something hit his legs and pushed him aside. What? Where? His anger increased but William was already gone.

Looking around, there was nothing and no one. No crimson moved tonight. It was a genuine shame to a person hiding between dimensions and realms.

***

William sighed around the corner, hearing more curses and some books falling. “Wow. What a brat,” he recalled and clutched his fists. Then, he glanced around and wondered if he should leave or not. He didn't, since he wanted to look at that borrowing corner. It was close to the entrance, so that was convenient.

Walking there, he noticed many kinds of selected works from this floor. Some had some borrowing prices, others were part of the passes that could take one book for free per week for a week. From Ellie's work, he could take anything for free with his card. He quickly noticed how this worked with each selectable book having a special indicator. He figured it must be some science thing, so he didn't dwell on it too much.

Then, he noticed one having nothing, for it was quite a messy book with filth and problems just from its look. He picked it up, fearful that it would fall apart from this simple touch. It didn't. Then, William noticed the name of this book.

[Diary of a Mad Scientist]

Diary? Can I... take it? Well, not like someone cared about it, so why not? William assumed, opening the first few pages for a peak, and got very interested. It seemed handwritten and dates described stuff not that far behind the Dawn. He took this one alone and left.

Walking out of the culture floor was surprisingly easy, yet heavy on his steps. William didn't want to leave his curiosity behind, and even when he noticed the stairs to the next section, he could only sigh. That youth made it easier to leave because of an unfortunate incident followed by banging sounds.

These books and... well, the upper floors would wait for tomorrow. Ellie promised him that, followed by talks about Emblem Academy. That alone was enough motivation to change his mind and forgot about that asshat.

Instead of any second guesses, William returned to the ground floor, descending many spiraling staircases right before the huge open room that was the entrance to this library. The view didn't scare him, even though this could be the biggest room he had ever seen.

The railing was safe, the stairs were wide and sturdy, and his mind was busy like his legs. Down on the first floor, he noticed many people even when the time wasn't that young. Many people were still around the first floor, or offices right across the entrance. Most people were leaving the library for a better tomorrow, but a surprising amount of people were still around and even walked inside.

There was plenty of time to visit the library after any working shifts even if the Federation had a lot of busy people. This library had enough workplaces and offers to make it open at all times. No knowledge or learning could sleep. Both for people and Walkers, this idea satisfied most expectations and needs. Normal working-class citizens tried to get a few hours into learning new things out of the first couple of floors. Even a small difference would do a lot since education wasn't the greatest in today's age.

Still, even with this level of education, it was miles beyond what was Outside. William had seen the worst of that place, so he wondered if there might be some hidden poison about this paradise. He remembered many stories of how people were sick of the Federation. They created rumors, hate, and propaganda about how fake and bad it was. People described it with all sorts of stories that came out of spite, so learning the truth wasn't that easy.

Yet when one knew about Divisions, or met some Walkers from the Federation, or saw official camps, things were different than some stories of unfortunate outsiders, or some groups who despised the Federation.

Perhaps that youth was part of some gang? William briefly thought of it but soon shook his head. It was wrong because of those clothes alone. But that face and words were really strange, making that youth sound like a hooligan. Frowning as he walked, he shook his head in an attempt to forget that person. He had seen his book covers. They were about some fairies and curious stories.

Seeing so many people around the library reminded William of camps. Only idiots would lose out on refusing knowledge. Even a couple of hours would do a lot before a new day.

William looked around and cherished this moment with bitterness and life that might overturn, crack, and become weird very soon. Well, too bad for him. It was already weird. For a while, it will follow the same trend, before turning into something very few could guess or imagine.

Unbeknown to him, the majority of younger people who spend the majority of their time here were either rich, had great families or connections, held some luck or sponsors, or were desperate for their future.

Not many would waste the entire day in this place for nothing, regardless if one was poor or a Walker. The background was the major factor, while many families wanted their kids to be more than stable. They had to get rich, provide, and clutch this future. Many refugees were strict with their children about education and jobs.

Unfortunately, this didn't include a refugee like William. He had no parents. He had no obligation. He was willing because he wanted this for himself.

Ellie was a very different example, even though she was a bright, clever, and brilliant girl. She grew up in a nice world without dangers, and her calling was this library since she was very little. Her parents wanted the best for her since she was young and that idea slowly spiraled out of control. Ellie enrolled in her dream plan regardless of anything and became an intern. Then, an employee without any hesitation, even if her parents hoped for something better or more useful.