As the first rays of morning light seeped through the window, Nate stirred from his restless slumber. He slowly blinked open, the sunlight catching his eyes and transforming them momentarily into a captivating shade of purple before they settled back into their usual dark grey. As the weight of his dreams clung to him like a shroud. The room felt both familiar and alien, the remnants of the nightmare's grip refusing to let go. Despite the morning light that streamed in through the window, casting a hopeful glow, Nate's heart remained shrouded in the darkness of his memories.
Nate got up from the bed, each step with deliberate effort. The tear that had formed at the corner of his eye was a testament to the turmoil within, a tear brushed aside as if it were inconsequential.
He turned his gaze toward the window, where the morning sun crept over the horizon, infusing the world with a golden radiance that breathed life into everything it touched. Yet, amidst this tapestry of beauty, Nate's attention was not held by the waving forest or the dancing sunlight. Instead, his eyes locked onto his own reflection, a visage staring back at As Nate navigated through the quiet house, a realization struck—its occupants were still enveloped in slumber. 'They must still be asleep,' he thought, glancing at the closed doors. 'Well, maybe not all of them.' His keen nose caught a tantalizing aroma wafting from outside, a scent that defied the barriers of walls and windows.
With each step he took, the brisk morning air brushed against his skin, a refreshing reminder of the new day dawning. The world had fully roused from its night's rest, awash in the golden embrace of sunlight. As if drawn by an invisible thread, his steps led him toward the heartwarming scent—a delicious promise of breakfast in the making.
Kun, wholly absorbed in her culinary symphony, moved around the outdoor kitchen with a graceful fluidity. The orchestra of sizzling sounds and fragrant herbs created an intoxicating melody that enveloped the space. Kun, immersed in her morning ritual of preparing breakfast, looked up from her task as Nate's presence approached. A knowing smile graced her lips as their gazes met.
"Good morning, Nate," she greeted, her tone warm and welcoming.
Nate responded with a nod and a quiet, "Morning, Kun."
Kun's smile remained, undeterred by his succinct response. "Did you sleep well?" she asked, seamlessly picking up the conversation as if it hadn't skipped a beat.
Nate's composed expression held a hint of ease. "Surprisingly well. It's a peaceful place."
Kun's smile held a touch of pride as if the tranquility of their surroundings was a gift she was pleased to offer. "I'm glad to hear that. Breakfast will be ready soon if you're hungry."
"Thank you," Nate acknowledged with a slight inclination of his head. "Actually, I was considering exploring the town. I wanted to check out the library you mentioned yesterday."
Kun's eyes reflected her curiosity and concern. "It might be difficult, Nate, since you're not an adventurer or guild member like I mentioned. Are you sure you don't want Robert to inform his acquaintances first?" Her voice carried a mixture of genuine care and practicality.
Nate's demeanor remained unfazed, his confidence unwavering. "I'd like to give it a shot myself. I have a feeling there might be a way around it."
Kun's lips curved into a supportive smile, her respect for his determination evident. However, her worry still lingered. "Well, just be careful, Nate. If you run into any trouble, just say you know Robert, okay? The townspeople can be a little difficult sometimes, but they are still good people."
"Don't worry, I won't run into any trouble." Nate's small smile formed at the corner of his lips. She knew firsthand that Nate was truly formidable, but her concern remained endearing.
Kun's worry eased as she chuckled softly. Her gaze held a mix of sadness and a touch of nostalgia. "You remind me of someone I used to know."
Nate's curiosity was piqued. "Someone from your past?"
Kun's wistful smile hinted at a tale yet untold. "Perhaps a story for another time."
Nate then left the house and the busy Kun to walk downhill toward the heart of the town. As he walked, Nate's thoughts drifted to the conversation he had with Kun. Her words about someone from her past had stirred his curiosity, but he respected her wish to keep that story for another time. After all, he had his own secrets and burdens to bear.
'Wait, I don't know the way to the library.' Nate remembered. He came to a halt, looking around for any signposts or directions that might lead him to his destination.
Nate soon found himself in the bustling morning marketplace, the aroma of freshly baked goods mingling with the chatter of vendors and customers. The air was filled with the vibrant energy of a town amid its daily routine. He observed the colorful array of stalls, each offering a diverse selection of goods, from vibrant fabrics to aromatic spices. The sunlight danced upon the vibrant canopies, casting a warm glow over the lively scene.
The aroma of freshly brewed tea wafted from a nearby stall, accompanied by the melodious hum of conversation. Local farmers and merchants shared their wares, engaging in friendly banter with passersby. Nate couldn't help but be drawn into the welcoming atmosphere, even as an outsider.
'I won't be able to imagine this much different kind of goods even back in my kingdom,' Nate thought. He came to a halt, momentarily distracted by the bustling scenes around him. Vendors hawked their wares with vigor, displaying goods that would have been unimaginable in his time—a testament to the progress the world had made since his kingdom's existence.
Just as Nate was about to give up, his attention was drawn to a narrow alleyway that veered off the main street. There, he spotted a faded wooden signpost with words he could not read crudely painted on it. However, there was a book sign above it, indicating that it might be the library. A feeling of relief washed over him, and he began to make his way toward the indicated path.
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The alleyway was quieter than the bustling main street, with fewer people passing through. Nate's steps echoed softly against the cobblestone pavement as he followed the faintly marked path. Tall buildings flanked him on either side, casting shadows that contrasted with the bright sunlight outside. The air felt cooler here, shielded from the full intensity of the morning sun.
As he walked deeper into the alley, Nate's curiosity grew, and his anticipation heightened. He turned a corner, and suddenly, the alleyway opened up into a small square. Before him stood a building that seemed to defy any architectural reference he had known—a structure that blended hints of antiquity with an enigmatic design that transcended the known eras.
The library, with its fusion of architectural elements from an array of ages, was an unexpected sight. Its polished glass windows reflected the surrounding scenery and the ornate entranceway seemed to invite passersby into a world of knowledge. However, Nate would soon find out, that would not be the case. Nate's gaze swept over the details—an amalgamation of styles that left him intrigued and slightly perplexed.
Drawing closer, Nate approached the entrance, the anticipation of stepping into a realm of wisdom building within him. Yet, just as he was poised to cross the threshold, a figure materialized in his path, halting his progress.
Tall and well-built, exuding a commanding presence that seemed to fill the space around him. His eyes, a deep and determined shade of blue, held a hidden intensity, hinting at a reservoir of thoughts and experiences. Tousled strands of dark hair framed his face, often bound back for practicality's sake, as if taming restless energy. His attire was a testament to functionality, designed to weather the challenges of an adventurer's journey. Yet, what caught Nate's attention was the pendant hanging from the figure's neck an emblem with the symbol of flame.
"The library access is only allowed to adventures and guild members. I presume you are neither of them, right?" the figure spoke.
Nate had to look up at the figure due to his more diminutive stature. The realization struck him that this person was indeed one of the adventurers from the group he had observed at the guild the previous day. A wry thought flitted across Nate's mind. 'Well, there goes my hope for an easy entrance. Guess I'll have to get used to navigating with my powers sealed.' He couldn't help but let out a quiet sigh, maintaining his calm demeanor despite the unexpected situation. 'Of course, fate would have me bump into him here. Based on what I've seen, he's probably one of the tougher ones among them. Guess I'll just have to play stupid.'
"Oh, I thought the library might be able to offer something for a kid like me," Nate replied with a casual shrug, his tone carrying a hint of innocence. He met the figure's gaze with a relaxed posture, a flicker of curiosity dancing in his eyes.
"Listen, kid. If you need help, you should head to the guild. You can even ask one of the guards to take you there if you don't want to go alone," the figure advised. After a thoughtful pause and a closer look at Nate, he added, "Weren't you the one who was with Robert yesterday at the guild?"
He met the figure's gaze with a determined look in his eyes. "I appreciate the suggestion, but I'm curious about this place. I believe knowledge shouldn't be restricted based on who you are." Nate replied, completely ignoring the question.
The figure's lips twitched an almost imperceptible reaction. "You're an idealist, aren't you? In this world, things don't always work that way. If you're really looking for answers, go to the guild." Nate's patience was starting to wear thin, but he maintained his composure. "I understand your point, but not all knowledge should be hidden away. It's a shame that people have to be adventurers or guild members just to access it." The figure's gaze hardened, his determination matching Nate's. "You can argue all you want, kid. But the rules are the rules. They are made to protect us. This isn't a place for idle curiosity."
Nate's frustration grew, his voice tinged with a touch of irritation. "I'm not just idly curious. I have my reasons, even if you don't believe me."
The figure's stern expression didn't waver. "Reasons or not, it doesn't change anything. The library is for those who have proven themselves. Besides, I am doing you a favor. Normally, an outsider has no place in this town. But You are only a kid, you can still join the guild and become one of us."
Nate clenched his fists momentarily, his determination unwavering. "And what if I wanted to prove myself?" The figure's eyes narrowed, his gaze unyielding. "It's not as simple as that. This isn't a playground for kids." Their standoff continued the tension thickening between them. Nate's resolve remained unshaken, his desire to access the library's knowledge burning within him.
Nate's eyes started to glow a faint purple hue unintentionally. Noticing this, something shifted in the figure's demeanor. A spark of recognition flitted across his eyes, and his stance subtly changed.
"Look, kid, I—" The figure's words were abruptly cut off as a sudden gust of wind swept past him. To his astonishment, Nate had vanished from where he had been standing. His eyes widened in disbelief as he quickly turned around, only to find Nate calmly stepping inside the library as if he had all the time in the world.
"What kind of speed!" the figure muttered under his breath, his surprise evident in his tone.
[Warning: Atwon energy is radiating from behind the user.]
'What the—' Before Nate could fully process the warning from the system, a faint, glowing, blue, transparent layer enveloped him in an oval shape. He instinctively attempted to dodge, but his efforts were in vain as the layer seemed as impenetrable as solid metal. Frustration welled up within him as he cast a quick glance back at the figure who had used this ability.