—Is there any difference with the previous ascent?—Adam asked as he submerged even deeper into the magical water.

—Practically speaking: no , but politically speaking: yes — replied the old eyeless bookshelf. It seemed like his anger had dissipated while waiting for Adam to heal —Each ascent is a strategic weapon bestowed upon all the bookshelves. If they wanted to achieve something significant, it's now or never for all of them.

—Why is now better than before?— Adam asked, seizing the opportunity as the old bookshelf finally started divulging information, although it usually meant that it wanted something in return.

—The more weaponry, the more casualties there will be in a war...— the bookshelf responded thoughtfully, looking at the boy with closed eyes under the water —But the more weaponry, the more possibilities as well...

Seeing that Adam was still pondering the matter with his eyes closed, the eyeless bookshelf decided to add:

—Now, all the bookshelves have two heavy weapons, and their budget for all the plans during the ascent they have contemplated for years was only enough for one. That means they can squander resources to achieve what they've been seeking in this war.

Understanding the situation, Adam opened his eyes and looked up at the bookshelf hanging from the ceiling. Calmly, he said:

Unauthorized duplication: this tale has been taken without consent. Report sightings.

—So, I suppose you were happy not because of the magical book, but because the five little books are now worth much more.

—For the two of us, the little books are worth much more...— the eyeless bookshelf replied with a gruff voice —I will try to help you deliver the little books in the next few days. The sooner you complete this mission, the better; the times ahead are not favorable for your kind.

—In the next few days? Don't you mean in a few years?— Adam responded with some annoyance. He had encountered his fair share of disappointments due to the issue of relative times.

—Yes, the little books will need at least two more years— the eyeless bookshelf replied —In dark times, the little books acquire increasingly interesting pastimes.

—I don't find these times so dark...— Adam retorted, closing his eyes again to relax in the magical water.

—You are at the climax, at the pinnacle of your kind— the eyeless bookshelf commented with concern —Of course, it's not dark; it's golden in your times.

—But I don't find these times so golden either...— Adam said, thinking about the lunatics on the 5th floor. For him, it was a pity they were abandoned in such a cruel way —By the way, can the bookshelves bestow ascents?

—No, logically, it's impossible,— replied the eyeless bookshelf —It wouldn't make sense either.

—But the baron was the one who gave the ascent to Cesar— Adam mentioned, doubting the number 00008.

—That's delicate and costly information: you should keep it to yourself— said the eyeless bookshelf, searching his mind for a way to give a similar response —It could be for him, but the conditions must be beastly. How did he do it? Tell me the details, young man.