—How did you even get the book, anyway?— the old eyeless man asked suspiciously —I can see your robes are covered in blood, but you still claim to be a hero...
—That's what I wanted to talk to you about...— Adam replied, following his godfather's instructions: The boy exaggerated the story to make it sound like he was a true hero who had just defeated a dragon, not a poor child who wet himself in a room while being kidnapped by a bookshelf.
The eyeless man listened attentively, especially when it came to the part about the magical books. At that point, he stopped Adam and commented:
—First and foremost, the old man from the other bookshelf didn't give you a magical book. Bookshelves can't just take magical books from librarians or creatures so easily; there are usually complicated conditions to fulfill. For instance, living in my magical cave. Although negotiation is possible, that's not the case here, since the bookshelve killed the creature...
—Is this cave magical?— Adam interrupted, having lived in this cave for a long time and never finding it particularly special.
—There's infinite food, the water in the lake heals wounds and washes clothes— the old man replied angrily, displeased with the interruption —So, it's magical, kid! But as I was saying, the important thing is that you don't owe a magical book to anyone. The book belonged to the Actorino. He's dead now, and it's yours until you use it and it disappears!
—Couldn't the bookshelf keep it? What happens if it does?— Adam asked, looking at his black book.
—Nothing happens, but the book only has one use; it's relatively useless or of little value— the eyeless man replied with much annoyance —And since it's useless, it won't help you gain my contacts: the other bookshelf was just trying to deceive me!
—But now you have one that lasts forever...— Adam said, recalling the effects of this cave.
—How naive you are, boy...— the eyeless man responded with great disdain —He doesn't know I have this cave. Therefore, that magical book doesn't exist! We'll negotiate for another magical book, but it's better if you help me find some little books on the floor below; otherwise, you might end up dead.
Stolen content warning: this tale belongs on Royal Road. Report any occurrences elsewhere.
—But didn't you know some bears?— Adam asked with much doubt, not liking the idea of exploring the floor filled with lunatics and outcasts.
—You're crazy, kid!!— the eyeless man shouted, almost deafening Adam —The bears helped me become who I am now; they're worth more than your life and the lives of all the slaves on the wooden floors! You'll find other little books I don't know about and that seem trustworthy, or you'll die trying!!
Adam nodded fearfully; he had never seen the old man so upset. He took out his godfather's note and asked him about the plan.
His godfather replied: 'Oh, Adam, your innocence never ceases to disappoint me... What do you get for helping in this exchange? Do you think your life is worth more than a magical book for the eyeless man or some little books for the other bookshelf? When you get the little books, we'll negotiate with the eyeless man for something in return, otherwise, neither of the bookshelves will get anything.'
Adam confirmed to his godfather that he understood his message, and his godfather continued writing: 'Don't mention it to the eyeless man until you get the little books. Lastly, don't ask him about the bears again; no bookshelf likes to talk about their trusted little books.'
The conversation went on for a bit longer, and Adam noticed that his godfather was quite excited about him finding a role in the war and, above all, about him finding another magical book, so Adam thought it must be pretty valuable.
After finishing the conversation with his godfather, Adam asked:
—How do I find free little books that no bookshelf is using?
—It won't be easy, as the little books on the lower floors are very old...— the eyeless man said cautiously —All the little books on the lower floors have trusted bookshelves, so the key will be finding little books tired of collecting dust. Generally, the little books on the lower floors are bored of doing nothing. Nevertheless, convincing them will be complicated...
—How do I persuade them to help me? I have nothing to offer...— Adam asked, not liking the idea of having to wander through those lunatic-filled corridors looking for something so small for so long —Do I have to start gathering dust like a madman?
—No, of course not. Remember, you're just an intermediary— the eyeless man responded —Just bring me the offers. I'll make the final decision. Trust me, good little books are very greedy and expensive. But if the white wooden bookshelf has something to offer, persuading them won't be that difficult.