The book I had picked out had the title, “The History of Magic in Goldeen” as I was now intrigued by the unknown of this world rather than general knowledge and history, which I could easily figure out over time. Magic was not something I was knowledgeable in so starting off here would be beneficial early on if I am to figure out what to do next.

I walked over to one of the unoccupied lounge chairs making sure to sit away from anyone else so as to not be disturbed.

Not many people were in the library as of present which I had noticed prior to sitting down; the few librarians, a couple browsing the shelves, and about four or five others reading separately. It was still quite early in the day, the clock in the library displaying around 8:30 in the morning when I came in.

Yet still, I don’t know the day, the month, or the year. I should ask someone but that might arise too much attention and suspicion of myself as someone not from here, I’d like to be as anonymous as possible until I start my rise to success.

I picked up the book to read and started to swiftly absorb the information from the pages, stopping once in a while to reflect on what I had read hoping to understand the contents of the book.

In the book, there was a lot I didn’t understand relating to things such as sociology, politics, cultures, different eras and even a few things on gods, but I only skimmed over those. I just wanted a basic understanding of this magical power at this stage. A few important points I had come across was that magic was natural to this world, being known and used from the beginning of existence here and that it seemed to be taught in the most prestigious schools to those of high class and prestige.

“If it’s being taught to this so-called high class, why would it be a crime… Even punished by death?” Was this town or city of Leode not part of this so-called high class? Would that place Caius was saying be part of this class? Goldeen was is?

I continued to read on, hoping to find an answer to my question. The book explained that the use of magic was highly regulated and controlled by the government and the churches. Those who were not part of the privileged class were not allowed to use magic, but there was no explanation as to why that was.

I read on, learning more about the history of magic and how it had been used for both good and evil throughout the ages, but it was rather vague and read as if someone was uninformed. The book detailed the rise and fall of powerful magic users before the rise of the current governing powers, the different creatures that used to exist in this world, and the various forms of magic that could be wielded using verbal incantations.

Flicking through, there were many pages missing that looked to have been ripped out rather than having fallen out from old age and poor care. How could you do such a thing to something as precious as a book?

A few pages and notes were written in some foreign languages as well—nothing of the world I once knew—so trying to fully understand everything was impossible at this stage. I would have to figure out how to decipher it or learn it in some way eventually since it might help me understand how I got here.

As I read, I couldn't help but feel a sense of awe at the depth of knowledge contained within the book. But obviously, my number one question was still left unsolved which was why I came here. I knew it would likely take some time, but I hope not too long.

About an hour longer into my reading session, I put the book down to reflect on what I had read but noticed someone across the room from me, someone I hadn’t seen enter the building earlier or even sit down. Usually, I would notice this as I had been taking note of those entering and leaving whilst I had been reading and figured there were around twenty-four people still in the building.

I couldn’t see his face as he was covering himself by reading a newspaper, he was wearing all black clothes that I could see and drinking something with a mug to his side on a table.

After I noticed the mysterious figure, a soft voice came from my right. “Welcome sir, would you like one of our complementary coffees or teas?”

Stolen content warning: this tale belongs on Royal Road. Report any occurrences elsewhere.

I turned to see one of the librarians standing near and greeting me. She was wearing thinly framed glasses and had copper-coloured hair, much like myself although hers was a tad lighter. There still wasn’t a nametag on her blouse, I don’t think nametags will be commonplace for workers here.

“I’ll have whatever the man over there is having, thanks...” I replied.

I looked over to the figure but he had gone from my sight.

“In fact, I’ll just have a tea.” I restated to the librarian, she then left quietly to get it for me. I haven’t had anything to eat or drink since before I studied back at my school's library in my world so I’m glad the drinks here are complementary.

I was about to get back to reading when I caught sight of a familiar face coming into the library, that scruffy-haired pickpocket from earlier and of course he had to spot me too. I guess it’s good that he’s here so I can get my things back, but unfortunately, I have to see him again.

“Hey there!” Caius tried to whisper but was still loud enough for me to hear as he waved in my direction. All I did was look over my shoulder at him, glaring daggers but not moving an inch.

He walked over to me and tossed my wallet and pin back, as I dropped my book into my lap to catch it.

“There wasn’t any money in it anyways, and here’s your pin back too. Consider yourself lucky this time heh.” He cheekily smiled at me. “What are you doing here? Reading anything interesting?” Caius added as he signalled at my book in my lap with just a glance.

How did I really know if there wasn’t anything in it, he could’ve taken everything and just lied for all I know. “What’s it to you?” I said in a slightly aggressive tone.

Caius looked over the cover of what I had been reading and jolted as if he had seen a ghost. “Ohh, you do know that’s illegal right? Don’t want to end up like those criminals earlier.”

I brushed him off, “Yes yes I know. Anyway, I think I’m finished here.” I could at least learn about what I’m getting myself into, and magic isn’t something from my world. How could I not be curious?

“Already? But I just got here.”

I got up and went to go put my book back although scruffy was still following me. Can’t he just leave me alone? I’d much prefer it that way.

Standing by the shelf I put the book back and another stranger's voice had to pipe up.

“The History of Magic in Goldeen, 1432. A rather old book you’ve got there.”

“Excuse me?” I replied. I knew what I was holding, I didn’t need a lecture from someone else.

“That book is almost 400 years old, it’s quite outdated material. If you’re just reading some history then don’t mind me. But If you’re looking for some more recent information, you’ll find more of the newer books on the second floor.” The stranger stated, clearly seeing my annoyed face. “Sorry, I was just trying to help.”

Another nuisance, really? I’ve already had trouble with the first person I met, and now a second?

“The name’s Zhiff by the way, it’s just uncommon to see someone else from the capital down here in Leode.” He was wearing a black silk gown and a crescent moon-shaped pendant around his neck, something much nicer than what other people around were wearing.

I gazed at him with irritable eyes. “No, there’s no need to worry, I was just leaving,” I replied.

“That's ok.” Zhiff pointed to Caius behind me, “Is he with you?” Clearly, he was trying to tag along for no real reason.

“Not in the slightest,” I responded looking back at Caius’s still chirpy grin.

“Zhiff, we’re leaving.”

The voice that came from across the room was cold yet soft and gentle, like a caring older man who had already experienced life.

“Don’t ruin my day off again.” he continued on.

I looked over at the voice and it was the same mysterious person from before, he was wearing a similar cloak to Zhiff, Yet I still couldn’t see his face as he was facing the library entrance looking to leave.

“Yes, father” replied Zhiff respectfully as he left the bookshelf without continuing our short conversation. They both then walked out of the library and into the distance still without showing his face to me.

Father? Was he a disciple or pastor at a church I wonder and the mystery man, he would have to be a priest or someone higher up. That was a bit of an interesting encounter, and he assumed I was from the capital? If only he knew I had no idea what he was on about.

“That was intriguing wasn’t it?” Caius chipped in.

“Shut up,” I replied as we both walked out of the library and back into the cool morning streets.