Grand Library of Octagram..

In the night, the library's grandiose castle-like structure was striking.

The towering walls loomed up into the sky, their sharp edges casting ominous shadows in the moonlight. The turrets and spires of the castle-like structure were silhouetted against the starry sky, giving the library an almost magical aura.

The windows were large and arched, and the glass panes gleamed in the moonlight, reflecting the stars like diamonds.

The heavy wooden doors enhanced by magic, adorned with intricate carvings, were closed and locked for the night, keeping the knowledge and treasures of the library safe and secure.

Despite the grandeur of the library's exterior, there was an air of serenity and calmness that surrounded the building.

The night was peaceful, broken only by the occasional rustling of leaves in the wind, a soft lullaby that lulled the library.

The interior of the library was just as grandiose as its exterior. The towering shelves, made of dark, polished wood, stretched up to the high ceiling, which was adorned with intricate paintings of creatures such as dragons, griffons, and others, up to 20 different creatures which each represented the 20 class of Octagram Academy.

The shelves were lined with countless volumes of books, some of which were ancient and bound in leather, while others were more modern and had colorful covers.

At night, the light was switched off, plunging the interior into darkness.

Making the atmosphere quiet and peaceful, with the only sounds being the soft rustling of pages turning and the occasional creaking of chairs.

Despite the library's immense size, it was not intimidating or overwhelming. Rather, it was a welcoming space that encouraged exploration and discovery of new knowledge.

And there, amidst the grandeur of the library, sat the solitary reader, completely absorbed in the world of the written word.

The reader sat all alone, perched upon a table piled high with books that formed a tower, filling the entire surface.

Amidst the stack of books, only one was opened and placed before the diligent reader who had been engrossed in reading till the night hour.

Even at this late hour, the reader's mind remained fixated on the books before her, with the only source of light being a floating flame, adding a magical touch to her surrounding.

The light from the flame cast a yellowish hue on her long red hair, while her fiery red eyes moved calmly from one word to the next as she read.

'I wonder how many books here I have left to read.'

Ember thought to herself as she finished reading the book currently placed before her.

'This one was my 1501st.'

Closing the book, she placed it beside the towering book piles, intending to make a new tower of books.

'This will be a long time to finish all the book here, but..'

She placed a new book before her.

'Now that I got a new trait, my reading speed will be much faster.'

Looking at the book, she noticed the book's title 'With You, Under The Night'.

historical

'...why is there this kind of book here?'

Though she complained, she read it anyway.

As the night wore on, Ember eventually closed the last book she had brought and sat back in her chair, taking a deep breath and relishing in the quiet of the library.

Three hours had passed since then, Ember had finished 100 books in one night. Before, she could only read 10 to 15 books at best.

But since she got the [Fast Reader] trait, her reading speed had increased a ton, making it possible for her to finish 100 books in one night.

'Huaaaa..'

She stretched her body as she yawned, then curled up like a cat.

'So sleepy..'

She was so sleepy that she thought about skipping today's class, which was Combat Training Class.

Then, as she was about to close her eyes. The great door made a creaking sound, making her jolt.

"Ember dear.."

Following the creaking sound, an alluring and caring voice broke the quiet and peaceful night of the library.

"You're sleeping here again?"

Standing at the entrance was an adult woman, resembling Ember in terms of appearance. She just looked like the adult version of Ember.

Rubbing her eyes, Ember got up and stared at the woman. Though her vision was still blurry, she could discern the blurry figure standing at the entrance.

"Grandma?"

Her grandmother, known as the headmaster Nuria, despite having a grandchild already and being in her 60s. She was rather looking young and beautiful.

Nuria approached her granddaughter who was half-conscious in her chair, surrounded by the book piles.

Gently placing her hand on Ember's forehead, Nuria checked her granddaughter's temperature.

"You're not sick, are you dear?"

It was rare for Enhanced to get sick just because they were reading all night, but Nuria couldn't help it. She was afraid. The first-generation hero titled War Goddess was afraid that she would lose yet another of her family members.

Ember shook her head, still feeling groggy from her late-night reading session.

"I'm just a little tired, Grandma. I think I might skip Combat Training Class today."

Nuria sighed, a hint of disappointment and worry in her voice.

"I understand that you love reading since.."

Nuria shook her head.

"I understand that you love reading, Ember, but you can't neglect your other duties. Your combat training is important for your future as a hero."

Ember nodded, knowing that her grandmother was right.

Though Ember knew how eminent her capability as a hero was. She couldn't afford to laze around even though she was already the strongest among her peers.

The world was full of danger. The threat wasn't coming only from the monster in the fields or dungeons, but the villain as well.

"I'll try to make it up, Grandma."

Nuria smiled and ruffled Ember's red hair which had the same color as hers.

ραпdα n?νa| сom "I know you will, dear. Now come on, let's get you to bed."

Ember's cheeks flushed red as she heard that. She wasn't a kid anymore yet her Grandma still treated her like one.

Nuria felt herself warmed, delighted when she saw Ember erect a reaction. It had been a long time since she saw her granddaughter making an expression.

Despite being called like that, Ember neither argued nor retorted.

"Grandma."

Ember clutched Nuria's wrist.

"Yes, dear?"

"The thing that you had asked me for, I think I know who that person is."

Nuria's eyes widened slightly with her mouth hanging open. Before she could say anything, Ember talked first.

"I saw that person sometimes in the city, and just yesterday that I saw him coming out from the Chrysalis guild HQ."

"Chrysalis.. It's Neychta's guild, isn't it?"

Ember nodded.

"Yes—huaaa.."

And yawned again.

"Thank you, Ember. Now, let's get you to bed."

With her grandmother's help, Ember returned all the books she had read to their original place precisely, as if they were never been taken out from their shelves. After that, she gathered her things and headed back to her dormitory with a staggering walk.

Nuria stopped, looking down at Ember who tried to keep her eyes open.

"Looks like you need a piggyback."

Upon hearing that, Ember shook her head and rubbed her eyes.

"N-no, Grandma, I can walk just fine.."

"Are you sure?"

Nuria smiled.

"...yes"

"If you say so, dear."

As they walked through the halls of the library, Ember couldn't help but feel a sense of comfort and belonging.

The library was her sanctuary, a place where she could occupy her mind with books and escape from the bitter memory she couldn't ever forget even if she wanted to.

After all, her [Eidetic Memory] had made her a humanoid codex, a living library, and the embodiment of knowledge. She was almost an Omniscient being.

Her brain recorded everything that she saw through her eyes, what she heard through her ears, and what she experienced throughout her life and body.

And those records of information wouldn't ever be forgotten unless she died.

..

The next morning, Nuria visited the Chrysalis guild HQ.

"Welcome to the Chrysalis guild, Miss Nuria. May I help you today?"

The receptionist greeted Nuria with a smile. There was a hint of respect and excited showed on her face.

"Yes, I'm here to speak with Neychta. Is she available?"

"I'm afraid she's currently in a meeting. Would you like me to schedule an appointment for you?"

"No, that won't be necessary. I'll wait."

The Receptionist guided Nuria to a VIP waiting room.

"Then, you can stay here while you wait."

"Thank you."

But, the receptionist didn't move an inch. Instead, she took out a blue marker and a handkerchief.

"I know this is rude, but I'm your fan War Goddess. May I have your sign?"

Said the receptionist as she handed the marker and handkerchief.

"Gladly."

Nuria smiled as she took the marker and sign her name on the handkerchief.

"Thank you!"

The receptionist walked away happily, her head seemed to grow a flower as she left.

Nuria sat down on the sofa in the VIP waiting room, her eyes scanning the fluffy decoration of the room.

"Did that girl purposely decorate this room like this?"

She couldn't help but feel a sense of humor. Neychta had a reputation for being ruthless and cutthroat, willing to do anything to achieve her goals. But no one knew except a small circle of her friends that she was actually a sweet and lovely girl, sometimes careless and mischievous.

Nuria put aside the image of Neychta in a bunny suit that was projected in her head for the sake of a more objective matter. She needed to know if the person Ember had seen was indeed the one she was looking for.

Finally, after what felt like an eternity, Neychta emerged from the door.

"Granny, what brings you here today?"