Adam pondered the question but couldn't grasp what the bear was trying to achieve. He simply shook his head.

—Maybe you could find a way to verify the information...— The bear calmly responded —Do you have any ideas on how to do that?

—No. The eyeless old man won't tell me the content of the books...— Adam replied bitterly, not wanting to end up like his professor —Do you know how I could check it without reading it?

—You have two copies of each book: an infinite one in the cave and an original one— the bear said in a gruff voice —Don't think about it too much now, but when you grow up and decide to stop being a hero, the idea will come to you.

Adam didn't reply, not understanding what the bear meant, and before he could ask anything, the bear interrupted.

—While the eyeless old man won't tell you the book's content...— the bear calmly continued —If he'll value you more than a Toy Maker, he will tell you that it is a cursed book and not a magical one. But he won't do it: he'll try to kill you. That's the ultimate purpose of any information: to remind you of your place in the world.

—You could be lying to me too, and the effects might not be as you say— Adam responded, contemplating why the bear wanted to turn him against the eyeless old man.

—You're right...— the bear replied with an ironic smile —You just have to ask your godfather and you'll know the truth.

Enjoying this book? Seek out the original to ensure the author gets credit.

—But my godfather is a liar— Adam replied with even more doubts.

The boy had realized that long ago: his godfather was a horrible person, and today only confirmed his suspicions. What kind of inhuman monster would send a 15-year-old to skin someone just to get little books? Most likely, the bomb in his head was a lie too.

—No doubt...— the little bear said —So find your own truth: learn about the Toy Makers.

—Where do I find information about the creatures of the library?— Adam asked. If he couldn't trust the old man or his godfather, whom could he trust? —Then how do I discover the book's effect?

—I have no idea; I doubt a bookshelf would hold that information— the bear said in his gruff voice —As for the other question, I've already answered it. If you don't understand, then find a way to learn without reading it. You're still far from obtaining the black robe, and you wouldn't even comprehend that cursed book. What matters is that you remember you're merely a tool for others, and others should be tools for you, kid.

Adam opened the book to check the language, and indeed, it was in an unknown language, so he couldn't understand anything. The language wasn't like that of the black book; it was more similar to that of the middle floors, leading Adam to think it might be the language of these lower floors.

—Don't worry too much and return to the cave. You've secured the little books, kid— the bear commented, observing Adam open the book —As for the rest: Goodbye, Adam, we'll probably never see each other again. I truly hope things work out as you planned, although it won't change anything since this library is dying...

With that, the bear swam away through the ground. Adam watched as he left and assumed the bear would look for the mushrooms once the sheep finished inspecting the suitcase.

The boy looked around, remembering he was on a floor full of lunatics, so with what little strength he had left, Adam ran towards the stairs, then slowly ascended until he reached the cave.